Method and apparatus for forming cable harnesses

摘要

A method and apparatus are disclosed in which an elongate strip of multi-conductor flat flexible cable is fed by feeding means along a predetermined path of travel where it intersects with a pair of spaced apart, elongate strips of terminals. The strips of terminals are arranged with the terminals facing in opposite directions and predetermined lengths thereof are fed by feeding means such that the predetermined lengths of the stripes and the flexible cable are in a superposed relation. Rows of terminals are separated from the strips of terminals and fastened by terminal applicator means to the flexible cable in electrical conductive relation to the conductors therein. This procedure is repeated at predetermined, spaced apart locations along the length of the elongate strip of flexible cable to form interconnected cable harnesses of the cable and terminals. Simultaneously therewith, knife means form at least one weakened tear line in the flexible cable between the rows of terminals so that the interconnected cable harnesses are separable when desired to be used.