Method of and apparatus for controlling the crimp height of crimped electrical connections

U.S. Patent Number: 5337589

Abstract: The shut height of a crimping die set (9) for crimping an electrical terminal (T) on an anvil (22) to a lead (L) is adjustable stepwise by means of a disc (60) which can be driven by a servo motor (M1) to a plurality of angular positions each setting a theoretical ideal shut height for a particular combination of lead and terminal sizes. Since anvil wear, in particular, and/or minor variations in lead and terminal dimensions can falsify the ideal crimp height set, the actual crimp height achieved, is measured electronically or mechanically, and the height of the anvil (22) is automatically adjusted in accordance with such measurement, by means of a further servo motor (M2) to adjust the shut height of the die set (9) and anvil (22), so that the ideal shut height is achieved.

Inventors: Gloe; Karl-Heinz (Reichelsheim, DE), Gerst; Michael (Worms, DE), Kreuzer; Helmuth (Munster, DE)

Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation (Wilmington, DE)

Application Number: 08/131,271

Issued: 1994-08-16

Expired: 2006-08-16

Classes: 72/9.5 ; 29/753; 72/441; 72/446; 73/866

Field of search: 72/3,12,9,10,19,412,413,441,446,455,21 29/753,705,863 73/866

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