Abstract: An electrical connector crimping tool has a head with a stationary anvil and a movable ram. The anvil has two angled contact surfaces for contacting a connector. The ram has a front with a pyramid and angled side portions. The pyramid is suitably sized and shaped such that the angled side portions of the ram can contact the anvil angled contact surfaces to stop forward advancement of the ram without the pyramid contacting the anvil.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus and method for crimping electrical connectors to cables. The apparatus can automatically sense the size of a connector and can automatically determine a minimum acceptable distance of work travel in relation to the size of a connector. The apparatus can crimp articles and control the movement of an indentor by use of a computer. The apparatus can sense predetermined crimping information and at least partially record crimping information. The apparatus can determine the occurrence of a bad crimp. The apparatus can monitor predetermined characteristics of the crimper. The apparatus can sense free travel movement of an indentor and determine appropriate work travel movement of the indentor relative to sensed free travel movement. The apparatus can sense free travel movement of an indentor and compare sensed free travel movement to a stored memory of potential free travel movements and connector sizes.

Abstract: A wire insertion tool for inserting individual wires into an insulation displacement contact of an electrical connector includes a wire insertion head; a palm handle; a wire insertion punch disposed on a forward end of the palm handle; means for mounting the palm handle to the wire insertion head such that the punch can be reciprocated towards and away from the wire insertion head by grasping the palm handle and the finger grip of the wire insertion head; a connector positioning means for positioning a connector opposite the wire insertion punch; and bench mounting means formed along a distal edge of the wire insertion head for engaging a structural feature on a removable bench mounting block secured to a mounting surface to releasably secure the wire insertion tool to the mounting surface for use as a bench mounted tool. A palm button can be removably mounted to the palm handle when the tool is bench mounted to provide a greater handle surface area.

Abstract: A crimp height adjusting mechanism in a machine for crimping terminals onto the ends of conductors of flexible flat cables. The adjusting mechanism is interposed between the movable crimping die and its drive mechanism and effects changes in crimp height by varying its length. The adjusting mechanism utilizes a sliding wedge block that causes a followed member to extend or recede a desired amount. An adjusting screw controls the sliding movement of the wedge so that very precise changes in crimp height can be achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for terminating a wire to a terminal having a metal contact that is partially assembled to an insulating housing. The apparatus includes a stop that abuttingly engages a side of the contact within the interior of the housing. A stripper arm automatically moves the crimped and assembled terminal laterally so that it is clear of the stop arm for easy removal. The crimping and assembly operations are performed in a single cycle of the press ram.

Abstract: The present invention includes a lead sorting module in an automated lead making machine for segregating leads having defective terminations from the other leads. The module includes a lead deflecting door that is moved by an actuator to cause the leads having defective terminations to fall into one tray and the other leads to fall into another tray. The machine includes a crimp quality monitor which determines whether or not a termination is defective and then effects a corresponding control over the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated machine for making electrical leads and for automatically identifying and removing leads having defective terminal attachments. A crimp quality monitor device is used to monitor machine performance and to identify defective terminal attachments as they are made. When such a defective attachment is identified, the monitor generates a signal which causes a gate mechanism to route the defective lead to a particular tray. When a lead having a high quality terminal attachment is detected, the lead is routed to another tray so that the non-defective leads are not commingled with the defective leads.

Abstract: A cable making machine for making and electrically testing a cable assembly is disclosed. The machine includes a test circuit for effecting the electrical tests and probe members for electrically connecting the test circuit to the contacts of the connectors being terminated to the cable. Spring members bias the metal probe members toward the connector contacts. A latch is provided for releasably holding the connectors in position within the machine against the outwardly directed force of the spring biased probe members. A visual indicator is also provided that is indicative that the connector is fully seated within the machine prior to terminating the connector to the cable.

Abstract: A wire transfer device for a harness making machine includes feed tracks (24) which carry a plurality of shuttle members (30). The shuttle members (30) are pushed down the tracks (24), and incrementally push the next shuttle member (30) further down. The shuttles (30) carry the wire for the harness further down the track (24) to further wire processing stations. When the wire shuttles (30) reach the elevator member 28, the shuttle member (30) is lowered to the level of the lower track (22), where it is pushed in the opposite direction via the air cylinder (34). The shuttle members (30) are thus continuously moving in a closed loop to move wires from a pick up position to a further processing station.

Abstract: A tool for crimping a double connection of a connector to a conductor on one hand and to insulation on the other hand comprises a tool head (1) having a frame (3, 4), a pressing jaw axially stationary on the frame and a pressing jaw axially guided on the frame. A drive (2) is provided for the axially guided pressing jaw, the axially stationary pressing jaw having at least two anvil plates (7, 6) provided with working profiles (24, 25) and the axially guided pressing jaw having at least two associated punch plates (32, 29) provided with working profiles (33). The two cover plates (3, 4), which are spaced apart from one another, form the frame and are provided with parallel aligning surfaces (22) for at least one of the punch plates (32) and at least one at the anvil plates (7).

Abstract: An assembly for wiring a terminating tool (6) having wire combs (34,36) comprises a tool mount (164), a bench stand (166) and a clamp (168). The tool mount (164) has a clevis (178) for receiving one end of the tool (6) and a screw (187) for securing the tool (6) to the clevis (178). There depends from the clevis (178) a support leg (170) which is received between side walls (190) of the bench mount (166) which is mounted on the top surface of a work table (210). The clamp (168) has a clamp post (204) which is passed through notches (194) in the walls (190) of the bench mount (166) and through a hole (172) in the support leg (170), so that the tool mount and thus the tool (6) can be rocked about the axis of the clamp post (204). The clamp (168) has a clamp screw (200) which can be tightened against the underside of the work table (210) so that the clamp post (204) urges the bench mount (166) against the top side of the work table (210).

Abstract: Insulation piercing-connector having two parallel spaced cutting tongues each having a tapering introduction hole. A conductor surrounded by insulation is introduced without stripping. After introduction the conductor is clamped to the connector by at least one clamping lip. The clamping lip is provided in the space between the two cutting tongues.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and an apparatus which permit terminal-carrying ends of wire units to be automatically inserted into a connector housing in a reliable manner almost irrespective of the type and size of the terminal elements to be inserted. This is attained by providing a transfer plate which is movable to a position confronting a selected one of a plurality of connector housings set on an assembling table. An assembling head is mounted on the transfer plate movably in vertical directions and also in directions toward and away from the transfer plate. A wire-embracing terminal portion and a wire portion of the wire unit are gripped by means of openable and closable paired terminal gripping pawls and wire gripping pawls which are vertically movably supported on the assembling head. The posture of the terminal element is adjusted by lowering a terminal presser plate which is vertically movably provided between the paired terminal gripping pawls.

Abstract: There is described,a tool (2) for cooperation with wire insertion fingers (37), for terminating electrical wires (W) to wire receiving contacts (8) which project from two opposite sides of an electrical connector (4). The tool (2) comprises a wire comb holder (46) in which are pivotally mounted two parallel wire combs (48). The wire combs (48) having a wire receiving angular position in which wire slots (96) of the combs (48) open way from the comb holder (46), in which position wires (W) are laced into the wire slots (96), and a wire terminating position in which the wire slots (96) of the two combs (48) open towards each other. A connector holder (52) pivoted to one end of the comb holder (46) and containing a connector (4) is moved to a closed position, in the terminating position of the wire combs (48), to insert the contacts (8) of the connector (4) between the teeth of the combs ( 48).

Abstract: The present invention is a method of determining the crimp height of an electrical terminal being crimped to a wire during the production crimping cycle. The method includes collecting a plurality of force and position data element pairs which are measured and sampled during the actual crimping operation. These data element pairs, representing the work curve of the operation and are analyzed to find the position of the ram when the crimping die set just disengages the terminal being crimped. The position of the ram at this point is then translated into the crimp height of the crimped connection. The analysis of the data element pairs includes a filter to remove inconsistent or extraneous data element pairs which could adversely affect the result by indicating an erroneous crimp height.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for inserting into a terminal cavity of a connector housing, a terminal of a wired terminal in which the terminal is connected with an electric wire, comprising: a terminal grip member for gripping the terminal, which includes a pair of guide arms openable and closable in a horizontal plane and a terminal press arm pivotable in a vertical plane; a wire grip member for gripping the electric wire, which includes a chuck retractably advanced along the guide arms between the guide arms, a first drive member for retractably advancing the chuck and a second drive member for opening and closing the chuck such that a state of grip of the terminal by the terminal grip member is cancelled and established by the chuck at a forward end and a rearward end of a stroke of the chuck, respectively; and a robot flange for supporting the terminal grip member and the wire grip member.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding an electrical connector to a connector termination press includes a slotted rotary drum that receives the leading connector from a ribbon of taped connectors carried on a reel, rotates the connector ninety degrees to reorient the connector and places it in a connector positioning track, and a push rod assembly that advances the connector into an aligned position underneath the ram of a connector termination press.

Abstract: Connectors with a barrel-shaped ferrule are produced from an intermediate which is embodied by metallic strip consisting of a plurality of connector blanks linked together by interconnecting means, each blank comprising a first ferrule-forming part and a second tongue-forming part, and including a first zone which comprises all the first parts, and an adjacent second zone which comprises all the second parts and all the interconnecting means, the side edges of neighbouring first parts in the strip being separated by free interspaces and a continuous layer or cover of insulating material being adhesively applied on the first zone, on at least one obverse surface of the strip, so as to extend beyond a terminal edge of the first part, the said layer being within said interspaces cut through and bent so as to form at least one flap sufficiently large to adhere when folded back.

Abstract: A cable connecting machine which includes a base member (1); a first cable retainer (E) provided on said base member for holding a first cable in place; a second cable retainer (F) provided on said base member for holding a second cable on top of said first cable; a pair of cable pressure elements (28, 29) provided on said first cable retainer such that they are vertically adjustable; a lock device (G) provided on said base member for locking said second cable retainer; and an operation mechanism (H) provided on said base member for simultaneously releasing said lock device and said first and second cable retainers.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a cable working tool comprises a tool adapter, an elongated rigid support bar for supporting the tool adapter and first and second clamping members for rigidly holding the support bar. Each of the first and second clamping members has two jaws, at least one of which is moveable, for mounting the first and second members to an object. The apparatus may also be used as a tool itself for moving the end plates of a cable splice enclosure relative to each other to facilitate re-assembly of torque bars onto the end plates after maintenance on a splice has been performed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the determination of the force imposed on a terminal being crimped onto a wire. The crimping mechanism includes a cantilevered member which is deflected an amount that is proportional to the crimping force imposed on the terminal by the crimping bar. The amount of this deflection is sensed by four strain gages which are coupled to the cantilevered member and are electrically interconnected to form a Wheatstone bridge. The output of the Wheatstone bridge is then translated into actual force being imposed upon the terminal.

Abstract: A hand tool for inserting wires into insulation displacement contacts contained within a plastic connector housing is disclosed. An alignment member is provided which has a pair of camming surfaces formed on opposite sides thereof. The alignment member is attached to and moves with the insulation crimping blade and the wire insertion blade during the insertion process. The camming surfaces are arranged to engage the walls of the connector housing on either side of the contact and precisely align the contact with the insertion blade and crimping blade by moving the connector housing as needed just prior to engagement of the insertion blade and crimping blade.

Abstract: An applicator ram (8) driven by a press ram (46) drives an insulation barrel crimping die (10) which is adjustable lengthwise of the rams (8) and a wire barrel crimping die (14) fixed to the applicator ram (8), to crimp electrical terminals (T) to leads (L) in cooperation with an anvil (22). A crimp height adjustment disc (60) is rotatable about a shaft (104) on the applicator ram (8) selectively to interpose first projections (76) on one side of the disc (60) between the press ram (46) and the applicator ram (8) to adjust the shut height of the wire barrel crimping die (14) and selectively to interpose second projections (82) on the other side of the disc (60) between the applicator ram (8) and the insulation barrel crimping die (10) to adjust its shut height.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process are provided for assessing the quality of crimped electrical terminations of a terminal to a wire. The apparatus includes a strain gauge incorporated into a crimp press for measuring the strain generated in the press during each crimping cycle. The strain gauge is operatively connected to a controller which generates appropriate signals in response to strain measurements that are not within an acceptable range. The crimp press may further be operative to selectively adjust the crimp height or the length of the crimp stroke. The adjustment may be operatively connected to the controller, such that the crimp press is self-adjustiong and accommodates the gradual wearing of the crimp tools.

Abstract: An automated machine, such as a cable making machine, for terminating wires to terminals. The machine includes mechanisms for selecting a desired wire type and terminal applicator, and then for automatically setting the applicator to the proper insulation crimp height corresponding to the selected wire type and terminal type combination. The insulation crimp height may then be reset to another value for a subsequently selected different wire type.

Abstract: The invention method and device for the automatic mounting of connector shells (5) and electric conductors (8) discloses that connector shells (5) are put on with the aid of an industrial robot (1) onto the contact parts (8.1, 8.2) of an electric conductor (8). A gripper tool (4) of the industrial robot (1) is capable to grip simultaneously several connector shells (5). Each contact part (8.1, 8.2) of the electric conductor (8) is maintained in rest position by two independently controllable gripper pairs (11.1, 11.2) of a double gripper (11) at the end of a cable-processing line (9), after a centering module (19) has set the desired position of the contact parts (8.1, 8.2). Depending on the intended device, the two contact parts (8.1, 8.

Abstract: A tooling assembly (1) comprises an upper tooling assembly (4) a lower tooling assembly (6) and a base plate (8). The upper tooling assembly (4) is connected to a press ram and the base plate (8) is connected to the press frame. The lower tooling assembly (6) comprises a pivotable wire shearing comb (34) and a stationary wire shearing comb (36). In the use of the tooling, the pivotable wire comb (34) is moved to an open position and a connector (2) having slotted plate contacts (162) projecting from opposite sides of the connector (2) is laid on the fixed comb (36) and the pivotable comb (34) is then pivoted to a closed position. Wires (W) to be terminated, are inserted through slots (82) in the pivotable comb (34) and through slots (100) in the stationary comb (36). The lower tooling assembly (6) is then laid on the base plate (8) with one of the combs ( 34 or 36) uppermost.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) for attaching successive pairs of wires (25) to successive pairs of opposed contacts (20) includes a pair of opposed ram assemblies (54), each provided with a knife blade (56) for ramming a wire against the contact for attachment thereto. Advantageously, the knife blade (56) is provided with a contact protector assembly (64) which serves to straddle the contact during wire attachment to protect the contact against deformation. The attachment apparatus (40) is also provided with a mechanism (88) for attaching each of a pair of strain reliefs (26,28) to the connector following attachment of the wires to the contacts to avoid the need to handle the connector between these two operations and to prevent any stress to the connection between the wire and contact.

Abstract: An applicator die for use with a crimping machine of the type in which a supply of terminals are fed in the form of a terminal strip comprising a carrier band and a plurality of terminals respectively secured at one end thereof to successive points along the band, individual leads are fed to the machine and the machine functions to crimplingly apply a terminal to an end of each lead and sever the terminal from the carrier band. The applicator die includes, a hanger structure extending downwardly along a side edge of the horizontal guide plates to a location below the guide plates, and a feed finger pivotally mounted on the lower end of the hanger structure underneath the guide plates and including a pointed end extending upwardly through a slot in the lower guide plate for engagement with drive holes in the terminal strip.

Abstract: Cable making machine has first and second modules which contain connectors and which are movable along a cable feed path that extends past a connector installing press. Cable is fed by feed rolls to the first module along the feed path. A cable clamp is provided between the modules for pulling cable from a cable source during operation. A deflector is provided for feeding cable in a manner which forms a loop between the first and second modules. The machine is relatively compact and is capable of producing relatively long cable assemblies.

Abstract: A modular press tool is provided for assembling an electrical connector assembly which includes a modular rear housing component and a mateable modular front housing component defining a front-to-rear axis, and for terminating terminals in the connector assembly in response to mating of the housing components in the direction of the axis. The housing components are capable of being in different sizes and termination configurations. The modular press tool includes a base, and an anvil projecting from the base for positioning a rear housing component of the electrical connector assembly. Interchangeable tooling are mountable on the anvil for accommodating modular rear housing components of different sizes and termination configurations. A ram is movably mounted on the base for movement toward and away from the anvil.

Abstract: Electrical connector attachment tooling for attaching an electrical connector to a flat, multiconductor cable includes leaf springs, cam-actuated gripping means for locating and retaining the connector in proper relationship to the cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a Y-shaped wire harness (23) having a pair of wires (2,3) and for orientating the wires (2,3) in a specific orientation. More particularly the apparatus includes jaws (12) for orientating the wires (2,3), an identification member (14) for holding the wires (2,3) in that orientation during termination of one ends thereof and a guide member (18) for receiving and storing the wire harness (23) with the wires (2,3) in the specific orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading respective conductors of a multiconductor cable on corresponding retention channels of a connector half, which includes a connector holder 3, 4 for holding a connector half C1, C2; a conductor guide 1A, 2A provided beside each connector holder; a cable holder 7 movable in a direction perpendicular to the connector holder for holding the multiconductor cable P beside the connector holder; a receiver unit 8 having a receiver slot 9 for receiving the respective conductors one upon another; a transfer unit 11 movable on the receiver unit in a direction perpendicular to the receiver slot and having a transfer channel parallel to the receiver slot for receiving an uppermost conductor; a conductor receiving unit having a receiver channel 14 for receiving the uppermost conductor when the transfer unit is in an advanced position and an escapement slot 15 extending in a direction perpendicular to the receiver slot; a cable stabilizer 11A interlocked to the transfer unit and having a front edge sub

Abstract: The apparatus comprises wire gripper jaws (2, 4), a crimping die (6), a crimping anvil (7) and an insulation stripping unit (8). An insulated wire (W) is inserted between the jaws (2, 4) in an open position, between the die (6) and the anvil (7) and between stripping blades (14) of the stripping unit (8), to engage a wire sensor (26). The jaws (2, 4) then close, the stripper blades (14) close to sever the insulation of the wire (W) and the stripper unit (8) is retracted to strip the end portion (P) of the wire (W). The die (6), and the anvil (7) onto which a terminal (T) has been fed are then simultaneously moved towards each other to crimp the terminal (T) to the stripped wire end portion (P) and the jaws (2, 4) are opened and the die (6) and anvil (7) are moved apart. The wire (W) is then ejected from the jaws (2, 4) by an ejector (28).

Abstract: A device for producing electrically conductive connections between one of a plurality of conductive members with direct contact by crimping. A driven tool head, preferably electrically or pneumatically, has a crimping head with two jaws. The crimping head is supported on a carrier body or is disposed in a housing. A switching or control device, as well as a switch which is actuated by a member can be inserted into the tool head. The switch is supported by the carrier or the housing and is positioned in front of the tool head, with respect to the direction of movement of a member. Such member can be inserted into the tool head and can operate the switch.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes and devices for mechanically crimping terminals on conducting wires and for adjusting with precision the height of crimping. A device according to the invention is of the type in which a terminal is crimped on the end of a conducting wire by means of crimping tools which are fixed on the plates of a press. The mobile plate is displaced vertically thanks to two articulated connecting rods, horizontally displacing the point of articulation by means of a jack. To adjust the height of crimping, the upper articulation is placed on a slide block which is displaced vertically by means of a conical wedge which is displaced horizontally by means of a percussion tool into an opening having an inclined lower edge. One application of this invention is the mechanical crimping of terminals on wires in a work station equipping an automatic wiring machine.

Abstract: A cable connecting tool with a force plug for the mounting/compacting of a flat cable inserted in a plug-type connector. The invention provides a sliding table 4 with a cable-end stop, movable in a first direction from a first position into a second position under the force plug, and stored on a base plate 4; and a press insert 3 with a reception compartment for the plug-type connector, this press insert being movable with the sliding table and also on the sliding table in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and guide slots for the press insert such that it is moved into the second position towards the cable-end stop when the sliding table is moved, whereby a plug-type connector inserted in the reception compartment for the plug-type connector comes in direct contact with the cable-end stop in the second position.

Abstract: A tool for crimping a connector onto a cable includes a crimping device which is mounted on a forward end of an axially movable piston, and a localizing device for detachably holding a cable and a connector in position for coaction with the crimping device while crimping the connector onto the cable. The piston is journalled in a hollow spindle and is driven reciprocatingly at a pre-determined length of stroke by means of a drive mechanism. The tool further has a distance setting means, including an external screw thread on the spindle and a nut surrounding the spindle and engaging the screw thread thereof, for continuous setting of the distance between the crimping device, when the piston is located in its retracted position, and the localizing device.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for comprising connecting elements on electric conductors, which device comprises:a punch-carrying member (4) with a plurality of sets of n punches (4C) movable radially with respect to the electric conductor about which said pin to be crimped is disposed;a first piece (5) mounted on said punch-carrying member and comprising radially movable pushers (5C), said first piece being movable with respect to said punch-carrying member by first actuating means (10), so as to bring the pushers (5C) opposite the chosen set of punches (4C); anda second piece (6) mounted on said first piece (5) and having means (6B) for moving said pushers (5C), representative of the crimping force to be exerted by the punches, said second piece (6) being movable with respect to the first piece and to the punch-carrying member by second actuating means (11), so that the movement means (6B) act on the pushers (5C) which, in their turn, act on the punches (4C) so as to obtain crimping of the element on the electric co

Abstract: The installation comprises a press (2) having a press ram (22) which is driven by a drive electric motor (26), to drive an applicator ram (47) of an electrical terminal applicator (44). A control circuit arrangement (89) controls the drive motor (26) so that the press ram (22) is brought at least substantially to its top-dead-center, home position after each press cycle and also has sensors (140 and 142) for sensing the absence of a terminal (T) from a strip (S) and of terminals (T) fed to the applicator (44), to cause the press ram (22) to carry out an extra cycle to place the next following terminal (T) on the anvil (58) of the applicator (44). The control circuit arrangement (89) controls a lead making machine (114) which includes the applicator (44); and performs various other control functions.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the order of wires in an array of wires being assembled into an electrical harness consisting of an auxiliary gripper 250 for individually gripping the ends of wires projecting from a guide 203A and a crossover gripper 252 for withdrawing a wire from the auxiliary gripper and the guide and locating it in a different wire position in the auxiliary gripper and guide. To allow for changing over wire a second crossover gripper 256 is provided each crossover gripper preferably having an associated tip gripper 254, 258 to guard against wire curl.

Abstract: A jig for assembling a Kellems grip connection on a coaxial cable has a p of spaced members having aligned apertures extending therethrough and means for securing the two members with their apertures in alignment. One of the members is formed by a pair of abutting elements with opposed edges having recesses therein which cooperatively provide the aperture extending therethrough, and these elements also have cooperating elements on their faces which seat the end of the collapsible sleeve of a Kellems grip connector placed therebetween. The members are moved relative to each other to collapse the Kellems grip sleeve and effect its radial expansion to permit the feeding through the sleeve of bundles of reinforcing strands of the cable to a point where they can be looped about the Kellems grip mesh adjacent its connector element.

Abstract: In-line lead making machine (30) has a wire transferring mechanism (18) for shifting the leading end of the wire (11), which extends from a barrel or other endless source (12), from the vicinity of the cutting and stripping blades (21) to a terminating machine (28). The wire (11) is then shifted back to the vicinity of the cutting and stripping blades (21) and fed from the source (12). The wire is then cut to produce the electrical lead (2). During shifting of the wire (11) from the terminating machine (28) to the vicinity of the cutting and stripping blades (21), the transfer mechanism (18) is pivoted upwardly and the wire feeding operation is started during shifting of the transfer mechanism. The wire (11) is thus fed over and above the severing and insulation cutting blades (21) rather than between these blades and the feeding step is started earlier in the cycle than would otherwise be possible.

Abstract: A cable loading machine for connecting a plurality of insulated conductors of a multiconductor cable to terminals of a connector one at a time, which includes a conductor separation unit (D) having a conductor separation assembly (3) with a conductor receptor (6) sufficiently large to receive separated conductors; a conductor pressure unit (L) for applying a pressure on the conductors in the conductor separation assembly in a direction from a conductor inlet (6a) to a conductor outlet (6b); a conductor separation member (14) having a row of teeth with conductor receiving channels (a) therebetween and laterally movable over the conductor outlet for inserting the conductors pushed out of the outlet into the conductor receiving channels one at a time and positioning the inserted conductors on an outlet side of the conductor receiving channels; a probe unit (E) having probing pins (25) for contact with the separated conductors to identify line pairs and line numbers; and a conductor push up unit (F) for pushing u

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing an end of a flat electrical cable for connection to electrical contacts of a connector is disclosed. The apparatus includes a clamp (10) having a movable section (12) for clamping the cable, a positioning device (100) for positioning the clamp section (12) in response to a sensing member (102), conductor aligning comb members (250) and a cutting and bending device (270) for cutting and bending the conductors (1) of the cable.

Abstract: A machine for loading a plurality of conductors of a multiconductor cable on a plurality of contacts or retaining channels of a connector, includes a housing having a plurality of openings on a side of the housing and a plurality of movable units, each movable through each of the openings between two positions; a preparation position where a cable is set on the movable unit and a loading position where respective conductors of the cable are loaded on the connector. Each movable unit includes a base; a connector holder provided on a top of the base to hold the connector; a cable holder provided adjacent the connector holder for holding the multiconductor cable; a conductor receiver provided adjacent the connector holder for receiving the conductors aligned one upon another in a vertical plane parallel to the connector holder; and a conductor carrier movable over the movable unit to carry a conductor from the receiver to each of the contacts or retaining channels for connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to an apparatus for assembling an electrical connector onto two electric wires. The electrical connector is formed from a sheet metal stamping part, having a contact portion and a claw portion, the claw portion having insulation and strand claws, in which two electric lines are each insulated in an end portions, the end portion being arranged adjacent to one another so that the end portions are crimped in the insulation and strand claws. The connectors are arranged in the form of a band in which the connectors are connected together by stamping strips, and the lines are fed adjacent to one another to a crimping tool. The first connector of the band to be crimped and the ends of the lines are positioned under the crimping tool, thereupon--simultaneously during the crimping process--the crimped connector is separated from the band, and the claws of the following connector in the band are opened up.

Abstract: In the wire press-installing apparatus of this invention, the ram is lowered onto the joint block to press wires into rows of receiver terminals that are erected at specified pitches on the joint block of a wiring harness. The joint block is intermittently fed by a distance equal to the pitch of the terminal rows and only the predetermined wires are selectively taken out and seated into the associated rows of receiver terminals. This prevents wrong wires from being seated in unintended terminals or the joint block from being fed by a wrong pitch. The apparatus has a wire misinstallation detection mechanism, which consists of wire guides mounted vertically slidable on the lower front and back side of the vertically movable wire press-installing blade through a resilient member.

Abstract: The method of making a flat wiring harness consists of a pre-shaping process, a shaping process, and a wire bonding process. In the pre-shaping process, the intertwined wires are combed to be smoothed and straightened out and are pushed by a press block into parallelly arranged grooves in a series of longitudinally lined jigs and kept therein by a cover. In the shaping process, the group of wires thus laid in parallel lines in a series of the grooved jigs are shaped into a desired pattern of the flat wiring harness by moving any desired grooved jigs horizontally along guide slots formed in a holder plate, on which the grooved jigs and associated components are mounted. In the bonding process, the shaped flat wire group is applied with adhesive on one side through a screen which is patterned according to the shape of a final flat wiring harness. As the adhesive hardens, the wires are bonded together and a flat wiring harness of a desired two-dimensional shape is obtained.