Ribbon cable connector and method of making terminal connections on a ribbon cable and a tool for carrying out the method

摘要

A tool for applying an elongate connector to a plurality of insulated conductors. The connector includes a base and a cover with the base having a plurality of insulation displacement terminal elements extending toward the cover. The base and cover are joined by interconnection means for holding the connector in an insertion position for receiving the conductors. The base and cover are movable from the insertion position to a connector termination position in which the elements engage the conductors. The tool includes a die for moving the connector to its termination position, holding means for positioning the connector with respect to the die and prime mover means connected to cause the die and a component of the holding means to undergo reciprocal movement relative to one another. The holding means includes stop means positioned to engage the connector when it is in its insertion position. The stop means is spaced from the connector when the connector has been moved to its termination position whereby, prior to termination, the stop means maintains the connector in alignment with the die and, after termination, the connector can be removed from the tool without interference from the stop means.