Abstract: A connector holding device (A) is provided which is adapted to hold a connector (C) having a terminal insertion opening formed on a rear face (40) thereof and a retainer attachment opening (45) formed on an upper or lower face thereof. The connector holding device includes a pivot member (20) having a distal end portion (20b) which is to be engaged with the retainer attachment opening (45) with the connector C being held by a connector holding portion (14). The distal end portion (20b) is formed with an inclined face (22). With the connector (C) being set in position, the inclined face (22) is engaged with the retainer attachment opening (45) in such a manner that the engagement depth gradually becomes greater along a terminal insertion direction.

Abstract: A pallet 71 is provided to array connector housings C side by side in correspondence with the side by side alignment of an aligning unit A in a plurality of rows. A conveying unit 74 includes a plurality of actuators 74a for holding a row of connector housings C arrayed side by side on the pallet 71. Conveyors 74b, 74c and 74d are further provided to carry actuators 74 a integrally to the aligning unit A.In changing the combination of the connector housings to be handled, only the pallet needs to be replaced without necessitating a change in a conveying unit. Accordingly, the conveying unit 74 can be widely used for a variety of connector housings, and labor and time required for replacement can be reduced. Further, installation can be of smaller size compared to the prior art guide member for guiding the connector housings C in sliding contact therewith, leading to a considerable reduction in installation cost.