摘要 |
An improved connector feeding apparatus for use with a wire harness-making system is described and includes a series of slots for holding longitudinal trains of connectors, a finger plate positioned above individual connector slots that is driven by a linear drive mechanism in a manner that permits the finger plate to move longitudinally along the trains of connectors. The finger plate includes an associated lift mechanism that can be raised and lower onto a preselected train of connectors and which engages a selected connector at the lowest extent of the lift mechanism. A shuttle is positioned ahead of the connector slots and receives connectors moved therefrom. The shuttle is driven linearly in a direction transverse to the longitudinal movement of the connectors within the connector slots. A connector loading means that ejects the connectors from the shuttle is positioned so it may face the shuttle when being driven alongside of the connector slots.
|