METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONNECTING FLAT CABLETO RECIPROCATION TYPE CONNECTOR

摘要

The apparatus (1) automatically terminates the end of a flat flexible cable (2) in a reciprocably actuable low insertion force connector (3) having a dielectric housing (6) with a cable receiving cavity (12) and a terminal member (14) disposed in the cavity. The connector also includes a reciprocating cover (8) having a cable receiving aperture (28) and mounted for reciprocal movement between an open position for receiving the cable (2), and a closed position for terminating the cable within the connector. The apparatus includes an insertion head (50) and an arrangement (4) for automatically positioning the insertion head with respect to the cable receiving aperture (28) of the connector (3). The insertion head further includes a reciprocable cable feeder (60) which inserts the cable end through the aperture (28), and a recicprocable actuator (70) which moves the cover (8) after insertion of the cable end in the connector.