US2280351A - Swaging apparatus - Google Patents

Description

April 2l, 19472." c: 'PENFOLD Erm. 2,280,351

swfAGING APPARATUS Filed Feb. l, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 J CHARLES .s PEN@ l ELMEREJaH/vso INVCNTORS,

` u GEoRGL' H mfzsfvgp c. s. ENFoLD' ErAL l 2,280,351

April 2l, 1942.

, swAGINe APPARATUS l Filed Feb. 1. 1940 ssheetsheet 4 w, m M w w www w s Az um M MLM @AAX @www April 2l, 1942. c. s. PENFOLD ETAL. I 2.280.351

` swAGING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 1, 1940 5 sheets-sheet 5 Fay, f5

CHA/nfs mPEJvfaLp. ELM@ EJHMNINVENTOM GBASOME ,H .B164 LSFOJ'RD Patented Apr. 21, 1942 George H. Brailsford, Bronson, Mich., assigner-s to H. A. Douglas Mfg. Co., Bronson, Mich., a

corporation of1 Michigan Application February 1, 1940, Serial No. 316,720

18 Claims. (Cl. 14o-4:13)` l This invention relates generally *tof swag-ing apparatus and more speciiically to` apparatus or a machine adapted to swage or crimp a` terminal onto a conductor wire..

The apparatus` is` particularly designed to swage on a terminal ofthe` so called snap type, which is` adapted to liet4 intol a receptacle having a detent coopera-ble with a groove orother desirable abutment provided on the terminal, for detachably holding the terminal in relation to the receptacle.

One particular object" of. the invention is toprovide improved `apparatus which will simultaneously swage a terminal onto a conductor wire and onto the insulation. in. such a man-ner that a good electrical and mechanical connection or. bond is established between the, terminal; and conductor without the use of' solder or other means.` l

Another object, consists in providing improved means for efiiciently swaging the terminal, and particularly the means employed for operating said swaging means.

Another object is; to provide means whereby the operation of swaging. maybe conducted more easily and expeditiously than heretofore.`

A further" objectV is' to,` embody new principles of design in the construction of the swaging elements forming part` oi" the apparatus, including means operatively related to the elements whereby to prevent distortion of portions of a terminal during the swaging or crimping operation. A still further object is to provide means whereby the swaging or crimping pressure may bepredetermined or ascertained from time to time. t

Many other objects and advantages oi the invention will` appear after considering the description hereinafter set forth in conjunction with `the drawings annexed hereto'.

` In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side view offthe swaging apparatus, with portions broken away for illustrativeV purposes;

Figure`2 is a top` plan View, with portions bro- ,j,

swagins jaws are moved centripetally or inward- ,7,

ly to swage or crimp at terminal ontoa conductor as depicted inFigurel';

Figure 5 is a, partial vertical section, taken substantiall-y on' line 5-5 of Figure 3, showing` a part of the clutch meansl employed for establishing operative connection between the'driving and thedriven means of the apparatus;

` Figure 6 is a partial section taken substantially on lineV 6 6 of Figure 4, showing other details of theclutch means;

Figure. 7 is a vertical section taken. substantially on line 1 -1 of Figure 6, also showing further details of the clutch; j y

Figure 8 is a sectiontaken substantially online 8.-8 of Figure 4,` showing elements of the machine reciprocatedbythe drivenA means;

Figure 9 is a vertical section taken substantially on line 9 9v of Figure 3 showing a rear view of the swaging means and related structure; l

Figure 1 0 is a front View in elevation of a part of the apparatus; 1 V

Figure 11 is an enlarged section taken substantially on line H-II of Figure 10, showing certain ydetails respecting the structure of the jaws and relatedl parts; f

Figure 12 is a section taken substantially on line I2'-I2 of Figurey 11, showing certain details of the cam structure, and the means for maintaining the jaws in normally retracted positions;

Figure 13 is a partial front view of the swaging means', with a portion of the structure broken away, so as to further show the jaws in said retracted position; f

Figure 14 is a View substantially corresponding toFigure lf3, showing the jaws projected radially inwardly to the fullest extent; in other words to positions same would take provided a terminal is `not inserted for swaging;

Figure 15 is a partial section taken substantially on line l5-I5 of Figure` 13, showing details of a jaw and related structure; Figs. 16, 16a, and 1,61) clearly show top, iront, and side views, respectively, actual size, of a certain swaging jaw;

Figure 17 is an enlarged sectionalI View taken through a part of the swaging means clearly showing the active or operative position of the swaging jaws as applied to a terminal for affixing the latter to a conductor;

Figure 18 is a vertical section taken substantially on line |8-I8 of Figure 17, showing the swaging `jaws in the act of swaging a reduced portion of a terminal, such as the nose onto a wire;

Figure 19 is a section taken substantially on line IB-IQ of Figure 17, showing the act of swaging another portion of the terminal onto a wire, including improved means for preventing undue distortion of the terminal;

Figure 20 is a section taken substantially on line 20-20 of Figure 17, showing the act of swaging or crimping an enlarged portion, such as the skirt, of a terminal onto the insulation of a conductor; and

Figure 21 is a side view of the terminal shown in Figure 17, after same has been secured to the conductor.

The apparatus ormachine, among other things, preferably includes a swaging mechanism f-or attaching a terminal onto a conductor; electric driving means, means driven thereby including a clutch or coupling; a lost-motion resilient connection between the swaging mechanism and the driven meansand means for predetermining the extent or sufficiency of the swaging.

Referring first to Figures 1 through 4, the parts just referred to, are preferably substantially carried by or mounted upon a heavy metal foundation. or mounting plate I as a unit, which may be desirably detachably secured to a suitable support, such as the top of a portable table 2. The table herein shown, is preferably provided with a horizontal shelf 3, from which depends a bracket 4 and a guide member 5. A foot operated treadle 6 is pivotally connected at one end to the lower extremity of bracket 4, and its other end projects through a slot in guide 5 for guidance. As most clearly shownin' Figure 1, a rod I extends through the shelf, and has one end pivotally secured adjacent the center of the treadle 6, and its other end is connected to a turnbuckle 8. rod 9 projects through the mounting plate I and the table top, and its extremities are connected to the turnbuckle, and latch or cam lever IU, respectively. By this arrangement, certain parts are made adjustable, and pressure on the treadle will cause the latch I0 to move downwardly to release the clutch to operate certain mechanisms, which will now be described.

Referring specically to Figures 2 and 3, the numeral generallydesignates driving means in the form of an electric motor, the speed of which is reduced and predetermined, preferably at about 148 R. P. M. The motor is continuously adapted to rotate a drive shaft I2, which, through the intermediation of clutching means generally designated I3, is adapted to drive the driven means generally designated I4. The swaging means ernployed for securing a terminal onto a wire is generally designated I5, and I6 generally designates means providing a lost-motion resilient connection between the driven means and the swaging means. Thus, downward movement of the treadle will throw ,in the clutch I3 to cause the drive shaft torotate the driven means, and the latter to reciprocate the lost-motion means I3, which in turn` operates the swaging means I5. In operation, it is only necessary to thread a terminal on to the bar end of a conductor wire, insert the terminal into the swaging means I5, and then press down on the treadle 6, whereupon the jaws within the swaging means will be moved centripetally to a position substantially corresponding to that shown in Figure 17.

The drive shaft I2 has a driving clutch flange I'I fixed thereto by a spline I8, secured in place by screws I9. The clutch iiange is provided with an annular head having a plurality of radial slots 20, 2|, and 22, clearly shown in Figure 7, which are spaced substantially degrees apart circumferentially in non-intersecting relation with respect to its periphery. The entrance side of each slot is preferably chamfered as indicated at 23 so as to pilot or otherwise assist in guiding a reciprocating key member 24, carried by the clutch, into one of the slots. To assist further in this respect, the entering or operating end of the key is chamfered as indicated at 26 in Figure 6.

A clutch or driven shaft 21 is adapted to be rotated clockwise by the clutch means generally designated I4. A relatively heavy metal bearing member 28, is rmly suitably secured in an upright position to the mounting plate I, and provided with a transverse aperture 29 which receives a bushing 3S, within which rotates the driven shaft 21. One extremity of the shaft 2I has a cylindrical driven clutch element 3| preferably rmly detachably secured thereto by a pin 32, and the other extremity is provided with a relatively heavy metal annular member 33, which is also preferably rmly detachably secured thereto by a pin 34. As shown, a portion of the bushing is disposed between the bearing member 28, and member 33; in other words the arrangement is such that the bushing provides an abutment for member 33, and the member 28 an abutment for element 3| The element 3| and annular member 33 are so connected to the shaft 21 with respect to bearing 28, that there is substantiallyno axial thrust in the aligned connections during the rotation of the shaft.

Considering further, the construction of the clutch means, the driven clutch element 3| is provided with an annular peripheral groove 35, and a radially extending keyway 3B. This keyway 36 also extends longitudinally entirely through the member and intersects the clutch shaft aperture 31 and the annular groove 35, but does not intersect the periphery of the member. Reference to Figures 3 and 4, will indicate that the key 24 is adapted to be slid or reciprocated within the keyway 36 to couple and uncouple the clutch, the key cooperating with one of the radial slots 20 through 22 provided in the head of the clutch flange I1.

A hole 33 extends longitudinally inwardly from the other or front end of the key 24, and within this hole is a cap 39 backedby a helical spring 40. By this arrangement, the cap 39 is urged forwardly to normally continuously engage the bearing member 28, and urge the key rearwardly. The keyy which is provided with a notch 4|, is adapted to be normally held as shown in Figure by means of the latch most clearly shown in Figure 5. The free end of the latch I0 is continuously held in an elevated position within the annular groove 35 of element 3|. When the element 3| is in the inoperative position shown in Figure 3, the latch l0 rests within the notch 4| of the key 24. Thus, assuming the clutch flange |'I is rotating, it will be evident that when the treadle 6 is depressed, the latch Il) will be withdrawn or released from the notch 4|, whereupon the key will be projected by the spring 40 into one of the radial slots 2|) through 22, in which event, the shaft I2 will drive and rotate the clutch shaft 2`I in a clockwise direction, assuming the machine is viewed from the front. Obviously, the driving and the clutch means could be arranged to rotate the shaft in the opposite direction. As shown in Figure 3, the clutch is shown in inoperative position, whereas in Figure 4 the clutch is in operative position with the key 24 in engagement with one of the radial slots.

The latchID, above referred to; operated by the treadle 6, is shown as having one end pivot` ally` connected to an vupstanding bifurcated and' also prevents both the latch and treadle l frombeing depressed toan Vextent farther than is necessary. Thel thickness of thel latch III is substantially uniform throughout its entire length except near its free end, which is upturnedand moreor less pointed. O-ne sid-e of the upturned free end of the latch is preferably provided witha curved or slightly convex bevelled portion 45 anda shoulder 46. The shoulder 46 most clearly shown in Figure 3 is adapted to provide anlabutment, which,` when engaged by the key member 24 acts to maintain the driven elementl 33,' including the lost-motion connection and swaging means `above referred to in predetermined inoperative positions. In other words, when the treadle 6 `is depressed and quicklyreleased,` .the latch I will release the key into the nearestrevolving radial slot to drive the clutch shaftf21 one complete revolution, whereupon, the key` 24 substantiallyengages the shoulder 46 on 'the latch tohold the shaft against further rotation;V Just prior to the completion of this revolutionary movement, the` upturned pointed end of thelatch being pressed upwardly bythe spring 43, gradually enters the notch 4I to gradually withdrawthe key 24 from one of the radial slots,

. andwhen it is actually withdrawn, throwing out the clutch, the shoulder stop 46, which in the meantime has moved into place., is engaged by the key. The arrangement is suchthat av portion of thenotch 4I is at`a1l times presented or open so that the pointed end of the latch may always enter the' notch as the shaft 21 nears the end of its revolution. As clearly 'shown in Figure 6, the

side of the notch adaptedltoengage the bevel 45 is slightly curved or chamferedin order to permit the pointed end of the latch to better enter the notch.` Obviously, thedriven or clutch shaft 21 j can be made torotate continuously without interruptionby holding the treadle down `with the foot. It will also be evident,` that the `revolving radial slot nearest the key 124, when the latch is tripped, `will receive the operating end of the key, and that since the slots" are spaced l120 degrees apart, the key will engage one of the slots at every' third or less than every third of a revolu- Abra'csket member 4`2,`which,member ispreferably receive a roller' 50. Thus, the means generally designated I4 is adapted `to be driven, and in turndrives the lost-.motion connection generally designated I6, which will now be: described.

A relatively heavy metal upstanding plate.. 5I

is preferably rmly secured to the front end of the mounting plate I by screws.' `The front plate 5I is also supported and maintained in place toY some `extent by being secured to the swaging means generally designated I5. As clearly shown in Figures 2, 3, 8, and 9, a pair of parallelupi standing guiding channels 52 are secured. by

screws 53 to the rear side of the front plate 5I opposite the driven means I4. A substantially rectangular'metal block 54 is arranged `for reciprocating movement l between the channels. Two of the opposite sides'of the block are preferablyprovided with vertical grooves which receive tongues provided on the channels 52. Obviously,

`this ltongue and groove arrangement might be reversedQBy` this arrangement the front side of the block `may slidably vengage the rear side of the front plate 5I, and portions, the channels 52 so as to Vprovide a substantial track or Vguideway for the block. I'f` found desirable, the front plate, as shown inFigure 10, may be provided with holes 55 adjacent the upper extremities of the tongue and groove connections so that the latter may be oiled from the outside. The side of `the block 54 opposite the driven means I3 is provided with a transverse horizontal `slot 56 which receives the roller provided on the drive pin 48 leccentrically connected to the i annular member 33;` Thus, rotation of the clutch shaft 21`and elernent 33 will`cause the roller 50 to roll back andforth or slidewlthin the slot 56 to reciprocate the blockr with respect to the channelsv 52.A If found desirable, the block could be the member.` A'pin 48 is adjustably held in this aperture by a set screw 49. Thispim clearly shown in Figures 3, `4, and 9, is eccentrically connected to member 33 with its forward end projecting outwardly from the member whereby to connected tothe swagi-ng means without riding in guiding channels. Moreover, the driven means could be `directly connected to the swaging means, with or without, a resilient lost-.motion connection.` Also',`a'lostmotion connection, other than `one of `the resilient typecould be used to ad vantage.

The block 54 is provided with an upstanding chamber `51,"which is open adjacent its upper extremity and internally threaded. An externally threaded substantially cylindrical bushing 58 threadedly connected tothe upper extremity v ofthe chamber `toclose the same. This bushing is provided with a hole 59 vwhich sliclably receives a rod` 60. The lower extremity of the `rod 6D extends into the chamber 514 and has a circular washer or abutment affixed thereto by any suitable means, such as a'pin 6 I. Interposed between the `inner or bottom end of the bushing 58 and theabutment is an expansible and contractable helical spi-'ing 62 Vwhich normally functions to force the abutment including the rod 6B down wardly, into `engagement with the vbottom of the chamber 51. when the machine is in the inop erative position vshown in Figurey 3:' The vupper end of the bushing `IIl may be enlarged and providedwith a plurality of openings 63 into which a suitable tool may be inserted; whereby the bushing ymay be adjustedV with respect to the block 54 to compress and vmaintain apredetermined `tension or stress upon the spring 62. A nut 64 may be employed for locking the bushing in place after the tensionhas been predeterswaging means generally deSign'atedfIS, through theintermediation of la coupling element 66. The coupling element 66 may be secured to the upper extremity of therod by any suitable means, but as herein shown, the base of the coupling is provided with an aperture, which receives the end of the rod, and the latter is secured in place by means of a pinl clearly shown in Figures 3 and 4. I'he free end of the arm is preferably tapered and provided with an aperture 61. An angle piece 68 is firmly secured to the inner or rear side of the free end of the arm by any suitable means, such as rivets 69, shown in Figure 9. A portion of the piece 68 is arranged in spaced apart relation with respect to the arm so as to provide a bifurcation adapted to receive the upstanding portion 10 of the element 66. The arm 65 and that portion of the angle piece parallel thereto, and' the upstanding portion 10 of the connecting element are each provided with an aperture through which extends a pin 1| for pivotally connecting these parts together. As clearly shown in Figure 91the aperture in the upstanding portion 10 of the element 66, is in the form of a slot 12 within which the pin 1| may ride, so as to allow proper movement of the moving parts without binding. Thus, reciprocating movement of the block 54 will cause movement of the rod 69 and the arm 65, the latter operating'the swaging means which will now be described.

The swaging means includes a pedestal 13 having a base portion 14 suitably secured to the mounting plate I by screws 15. The upper extremity of rthe pedestal 13 isenlarged forming a housing 15, provided with a horizontally arranged transverse opening 11. The upper extremity of the housing 16 is preferably split to provide portions 18 which may be drawn together by a screw 19 to clamp and rmly secure a cylinder within the opening 11. Also assisting to hold the cylinder in place is a key 8| which iits into portions of the cylinder and housing, as clearly shown in Figure 9. The cylinder is provided with a longitudinal aperture 62 which I receives a bolt 83, which acts as a stop to limit the inward movement-of a terminal into the swaging means, as shown in Figure 11. The inner end of the bolt may be provided with a small flared hole to act as a pilot for the nose of the terminal for centering purposes. The bolt 83 is threadedly connected to thecylinder and may be secured in a fixed position by means of a locknut 84.

'The cylinder 80 is preferably provided with an i annular portion 95 which fits into a round aperture 06 provided in the enlarged circular end 81 of the operating arm 65. The front face of the end 81 of the arm is provided with an annular rebate 88, within which is firmly secured a ring or annulus, or more specifically -a tubular cylindrical cam member 89. This annulus or cam member may be secured in place by any suitable means, but as herein shown, a plurality of pins and screws` ,are used, as clearly shown in Figures 9 and 12.' The inner face or periphery of the cam member 89 is provided with a plurality of tangential'cam surfaces 9|, preferablysix in number, terminating in recesses 92.V The outer extremity of the fixed cylinder 80 is also preferi,

ably provided with an integral cylindrical head 93 of a diameter greater than the diameter of the portion 85, and slidably receives a plurality of jawsfthe movement of which is caused by the `carnfsurfaces 9| acting thereupon whenever the operating arm 65 is rotated about the said head of the cylinder.

Referring now to the improved jaw means and the manner in which same are operatively associated with respect to the head 93 and cam member 89, the head is provided with a plurality of radially extending grooves 94, which are preferably spaced 60 degrees apart crcumferentially and intersect the center and periphery of the head. Each groove is preferably undercut to provide a slot 95, clearly shown in Figure 15, so that each groove and each slot 95 together provide a substantially T shaped guideway for each of the jaw members generally designated 96 and |96. As clearly shown in Figures 11), 12, and 15, the head 93 is also provided with a plurality of holes 91 which extend radially inwardly from its periphery. The wall between each hole and slot 95 is provided with a recess 98, clearly shown in Figures 11 and 15. A helical spring 99 is arranged in each of the holes 91. A pin |00 projects transversally from one side o'f each of the jaws 96 and |96, through the recess 98, and into the hole 91. Each spring is placed under compression or tension and engages a pin |00 to urge the jaws 96 and |96 outwardly to the inoperative position, shown in Figure 11, in which position a terminal to be swaged can be inserted into the opening between them.

The jaw members 96 and |96 include improved principles of design and construction over existing jaw constructions, and will now be described.

As viewed in Figure 16, each of the jaws 96 is preferably comprised of two complementary parts Inl and 02. The upper and lower surfaces of these parts are substantially flat and parallel. The upper surface of part |0| is provided with the pin |00, above referred to, and its lower surface has a notch |03, which snugly receives a tenon |04, provided adjacent the upper surface of part |02. The parts are preferably held in assembly by a screw |05. Obviously, the notch and tenon arrangement might be reversed, and if found desirable, the parts may be integrally connected together. Part |0| is provided with a portion |06, and integral lateral portions |01 which project outwardly substantially at right angles therefrom. These portions |06 and |01 slidably cooperate with the radial grooves 94 and slots 95, respectively, provided in the head 93 of the fixed cylinder 80, as clearly shown in Figure 15. The side walls adjacent the inner extremity of part |0| converge or taper at substantially 60 degrees as indicated at |08, and its outer extremity is rounded to present a cam surface |09 adapted to cooperate with o'ne `of the tangential cam surfaces 9|, provided on the annulus or cam member 89. The outer free end of the taper is provided with a pair of spaced apart projections or teeth ||0 and III, the latter of which extends longitudinally a slight distance in advance of tooth ||0. The to'oth ||0 is preferably bevelled inwardly to present a substantially triangular swaging face ||2. The tooth presents a substantially rectangular or square swaging face ||3. Clearance is provided for the inner end of the stop bolt 83, and the teeth as indicated at ||4 and ||5, respectively.

The top and side walls of the front extremity of Ipart |02 are also preferably bevelled at 60 degrees to present a substantially rectangular swaging face ||6. Although it is not absolutely essential, it is to be noted that the swaging faces just referred to, are not what you would exactly call pointed, but are preferably formed slightly |23, as clearly shown in Figures 19 and 21.

blunt. .as mstclearly shownv in Figures A18 tmpl-13h20.. A w i .f

The jaws above described arethose designated 96, of which there are threef` preferably spaced 120 degrees \apart. TheA jaws generally desig- `nated |96 substantially correspond, tojawsi,

except for certain details, and are likewise spaced 120 degrees apart',and are arranged between the jaws 96. In other words, .all :of the jaws are spaced 60 degrees apart,as clearly shown in Figures 12 through 1.4, and 18' through 20. The only material difference `between the jaws `is the fact that the Jaws |9.6,1areeach provided with a projectionlr l presenting a rather i blunt face, which isadapted ton engage or preferably slightly bite into .the exterior.` or `peripheral `surface of (a i terminal, as clearly shown inY Figures 17 .and 19 at approximately the same time that theswagng teeth `arejnearing. their innermost swaging lposiy mechanical vconnection .or `bond .between the ter- .minal andthe wire, .thelatter of which may be oi' the single or stranded type. It is to be particularly notedthat `when the taperedxnose ||8 is properly swaged, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, the swageextends substantially the? full length of the taper. This olfersthe distinctadvantage kof providinga .substantiallyA solid or integralconnection` between `the wire and terminal adjacent 'the extreme free end of the nose, as clearly shown inliigure 18, `whereas farther` back the yportions |20 act to squeezev or compress thewire alesser extent. In other words, the swaging is, more or less pronounced at one point,..and` gradualor tapered therefrom.` Theteetlrll` arepreferably constructed to slightly `reduce the normal outside diameter of the nose, so .that the terr minalicanbe more easily inserted into a receptacle. L ...i

As clearly` shown, vtheterminalfsV H9 is also formed to include a cylindrical or land portion |22, through which the bare end of the wire extends, anda larger cylindrical or skirt portion |23, which receives aPOItion of the insulation |24... The terminal` may .tbe-provided with a detent groove or abutment |25, which is adapted to' cooperate with adetent provided insome desirable form of` a receptacle; Obviously, the terminal may beotherwise constructed,` for the one just described is .but a preferred form.

The teeth provided on the jaws 96 `are so arranged with respect to the teeth |0,that same will swa-ge the cylindrical or land portion |22 oi' theterminaL preferablyat .three places intermediate theabutment |25., and the skirt portion All of the jaws are adapted to :move centripetally simultaneously, and the blunt faces on projections |1 of the jaws `|96 act to engage, and pref.-

`erably slightlybite into the periphery or outer wall of theterminal, preferably at three places, intermediate the teeth whereby' to prevent the material at said intermediate places from becoming distorted, oriotherwise working` out.- wardly,1while the teeth |I| are swaging the: terminal. These projections H1 preferably engage the terminal at or near the close of the swaging operation. Obviously, if found desirable the faces provided on the projections ||1 may be made yslightly concave to betterconne the material.` Although it is not essential, it has been `found advantageous to make the swages caused by teeth more effective and positive than those adjacent the nose. In any event, it is preferable to cause more metal to flow into making the connection caused by teeth The six teeth ||6 provided on the jaws 96 and |96, as clearly shown in Figures 17 and 2|), function to swage, crimp, or otherwise forge portions |20 of the skirt radially inwardly to compress and reduce the cross-sectional size or the insulation |24 and the wire |2|. Such reduction locks an uncompressed portion |21 of the insulation within the connes ofr the skirt, and portions of the insulation are forced outwardly into the six channels |28 formedintermediate` the swaged portions |26. VThe crimping of the skirt primarily acts to prevent twisting and buckling of the concluctoradjacent the skirt, and at the same time alleviates any strain that might be placed on the other swaged connections.

As most clearly shown in Figures 10 and l1, the annulus or cam member 89 projects through and rotates freely within a hole provided in the front plate 5|.` A pilot plate |29 is preferably detachably secured to the head 93 of the cylinder by screws |30. A boss |3| on this plate engages the head `and maintains the remainder of the plate in spaced apart relation to the jaws and the face ci' the part 89 to alleviate, friction. This plate |29 is provided with a dared central hole |32 l through which each terminal is adapted to ,be

`inserted to lguide the terminal `in between the jaws, and engage the stop 83-` so as to properly position the portions of the terminal to be swaged with respect to the various swagingiteeth.

Asmentioned previously, one ,object of the invention is to provide improved `means for swaging a terminal onto arwire. VThe resilient lostmotion connection means` generally designated lI6 is adapted to assist in this respect. As clearly shown, when` a terminal is being swaged, the

`block 54` will move downwardly :at a faster rate i than the free end of theoperating arm of the swaging means, and this is `due to the fact that the spring B2 within the block is slightly compressed.` In other words, a` resilient variable pressure is exerted uponfthe swaging jaws whereby the latter may latterly adjust themi selves with respect to a terminal. Otherwise expressed, the operating arm is operated by resilient means. This lost-motion ,connection functions to gradually ease the jaws into a terminal, and primarily prevents the jaws from moving inwardly beyond the point necessary to provide proper swages.

Heretofore, the tension placed on the spring 62 has been ascertained by making tests until approximately a forty poundpull is required to remove a swaged terminal from a conductor wire. In other words, if the terminal cannot be disconnected `from a conductor after a forty pound pull, it is assumed that the terminal has been properly swaged. Thus, it is evident that no accurate or reliable `means have been provided for maintaining the proper tension on the compensating spring 62 after a test has once been made. In order to provide the machine with accuratek means for maintaining this predetermined tension, the pin 6| securing the abutment to the lower end of the rod 60 is preferably extended through a slot |33 provided in the block 54 and a slot |34 provided in the front plate 5|; and the pin has a pointer |35, as clearlyshown in Figures 3, 4, and 10. This pointer is adapted to cooperate with a suitable dial, preferably provided on the plate to indicate the tension in pounds, as illustrated in Figure 10. The upper full line position of the pointer merely indicates that the swaging means is inoperative to receive a terminal, whereas, in the lower dotted line position the pointer indicates the fact that approximately 150 pounds tension is required to force the jaws 96 and |95 into a terminal to vobtain a proper connection, as shown in Figures 4 and 17. Obviously, a lesser number of swaging jaws may be used, in which less tension will be required.

Accordingly, to maintain the proper tension it is merely necessary to check the clock or register, preferably at regular intervals, and if the pointer fails to register at the 150 mark, showing the proper tension, the bushing 58 may be adjusted to obtain this tension. Although, from a practical standpoint it is advantageous to check the tension during the swaging operation, it is, nevertheless, feasible to provide an arrangement whereby the desired tension may be ascertained while the machine is in an inoperative or other position. Obviously, to increase the tension it is only necessary to screw the bushing farther into the block 54. This increased tension may be necessary when, for example, the diameter of a terminal, the thickness of its wall, or the character of the metal is such that additional tension is required to obtain a proper swaging job. Moreover, if for some reason or other the terminal is of a character that less than 150 pounds tension is required, the bushing 58 may be adjusted to reduce the tension.

Thus, the terminal is simultaneously swaged or crimped at three places, providing a good electrical and mechanical connection.

To operate the machine, assuming the motor is in operation, it is only necessary to apply force to the treadle 6 to throw in the clutch mechanism generally designated I3 to rotate the shaft 21 and annular member 33, whereupon the block 54 is reciprocated in its guideway by means of the pin 48. 'Ihe block 54 moves the crank arm 65 to pivot the circular cam member 89 and cause the jaw elements to move centripetally to swage the terminal disposed between the jaws as illustrated in Figure 11. One trip of the treadle is sufcient to operate the clutch mechanism and cause the swaging jaws to effect the swaging of one terminal, after which the parts including the shaft 21 are automatically returned to positions whereby they may again be operated by the clutch. As set forth above, certain of the swagng jaws act to prevent distortion of the terminal while it is being swaged onto a conductor wire. The compensating spring 62, including other parts, provides a lost motion connection between the crank arm 65 and the block 54 so that a predetermined pressure may be automatically placed upon the terminal while it is being swaged. This compensation has proven desirable because in some instances the resistance encountered by the jaws in swaging the terminal and the conductor wire is slightly greater in a given instance than in another, in which event the jaws will simultaneously move together a less distance to compensate for the greater resistance. Thus, the mechanism automatically compensates for slight variation in the bores of terminals or in the diameter of the conductor wires, and as above described, improved means including a scale are provided whereby the amount of pressure may be denitely ascertained in order that the operator maybe in a position to know whether or not the terminals are being properly swaged to provide a good electrical and mechanical connection.

Having thus described our invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be'made vin the same without departing from the spirit of the invention; and therefore, we do not wish to be understood as limiting ourselves to the exact form, construction, arrangement, and combination of parts, herein shown and described.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: i

1. Apparatus for swaging, including swaging means, driven means, lost-motion means connecting said swaging means and said driven means, means for driving said driven means,.and clutch means arranged in conjunction with said driving and said driven means. c

2. Apparatus for swaging, including, swaging means,.driven means, means providing a resilient connection between said swaging and said driven means, continuously operating driving means, and foot operated clutch means arranged in conjunction with said driving and said driven means.

3. Apparatus for swaging, including swaging means, lost-motion means connected to said swaging means, driven means eccentrically connected to said lost-motion means, and means for driving said driven means as desired.

4. Apparatus for swaging, including swaging means, resilient lost-motion means operatively connected to said swaging means, vdriven means eccentrically connected to said lost-motion means for reciprocating the latter, means for driving said driven means,l and means for controlling the movement of said driven means operatively related thereto.

5. In a machine of the kind described, the combination of radially movable complementary jaws directedy to a common center and in a common plane; a xed cylinder concentric with said jaws; a guide plate fixed to said cylinder and having jaws spaced therefrom, said jaws sliding between said cylinder and said guide plate; an aperture in said guide plate concentric with said center; an annular cam rotatable on said cylinder and having its inner periphery engageable with the outer ends of said jaws; cam surfaces on said periphery engageable .with said outer ends to move the jaws inwardly upon the rotation of the cam in one direction; a spring individual to each jaw for urging the jaw outwardly upon rotation of the cam in an oppositedirection; means for rotating said cam; a rotatable arm; a plunger connected to said arm; a .block closed at one end and open at the other, an adjustable bushing closing said open end and said plunger passing slidable through said bushing; an abutment on said plunger within said block; a coil spring surrounding said plunger between said abutment and said bushing; a means for guiding said block; and means for reciprocating said block with respect to said guiding means to rotate said arm. v

6. In a swaging machine for uniting a metallic terminal upon a conductor wire received therein, the combination of a stationary support, a plurality of pointed jaws directed toward a common center and mounted for radial movement upon said( support, an annulus rotatably mounted uponsaid support andhaving inturned/ A `cam surfaces engaging the outer ends of the jaws to move them `simultaneously towardlsaid center upon the rotationof` the annulus `in one direction, an operating armextending radially I from the annulus, guiding means, a block slid-` able with'respectto said guiding means, means providing a lost-motion resilient connection .be-

tween said arm` and said block, and Vrotatable means eccentrically connected to saidblock for reciprocating said `block with respect to said guiding means whereby to rock said arm.

7l. A machine for alixinga metallic sleeve to metallic conductor means, comprising: supporting meansleaving space for a sleeve having conductor means `positioned therein; a plurality of pointed swaging jaws mounted in said supporting means for relative movement simultaneously against a` plurality of places on ythe sleeve spaced about the periphery of the sleeve, vand operable upon advancement .thereof to drive into the sleeve at those places, `to forge localized sections `of thesleeve ahead of saidjaws, to `produce a force on the underlying metal of .saidsections ylmeans, resilient means under tension for actuating said swaging means, and'clock means for indicating the extent of the tension.

n 12. Apparatus for swaging, including swaging means, rotatable driven means; lost-motion means `connecting said swaging means vand said driven means, `means for driving said driven means, clutch means arranged in conjunction with said driving and said driven means whereby the latter may be rotated one complete revolution whenever the clutch is operated, and clock means for predetermining the extent said swaging means is adapted to swage.

13. Apparatus for swaging, including swaging:

means, means for actuating said swaging means,

resilient connection means providing a conneccausing a flow of ,theinner metal of the sleeve to vent substantial outward ow of the metal atV said intermediate portionsat or nearthe completion of the forging action.

8. Amachine forafxing a metallic sleeve to` metallic conductor means, comprising: supporting means, leaving space for a sleeve having conductonmeans positioned therein; a plurality of pointed swaging jaws mounted in said supporting means for relative' 'movement simultaneously against a plurality of places on the sleeve spaced about ythe periphery of the sleeve; and operable causing a flow of the inner metal of the sleeve to forge the sleeve and said conductor means at the` plane ofisaidsections into a substantially.,

solid crossv section; a plurality of abutment means movable with saidf swaging jaws` adapted to ated by said `driven` means, `means providing a re` Vsilient connection between said-'swagingmeans -andsaid reciprocating" means, meansfor driving `said driven means,` and clutch means for opertion between said swaging means and said actuating means, means for adjusting the tension of said resilient connection means to a predetermined point, and clock means whereby to ascertain the tension whenever the same uctuates with respect-,to said point.

14. Apparatus for swaging, including swaging means, lost-motion means including a resilient element under tension connected to said swaging means, driven means connected to said lost-motion means, means for driving said driven means as desired,` and means for accurately indicating the extent of thevtension on said resilient element.

*15. A swagmg jaw member including a `body portion having latterly extendingl projections extending from the opposite sides of said body portion for cooperation with a slot in a member in which said jaw is adapted to reciprocate, one extremity of said body portion being provided with a rounded `cam surface,V and the opposite exi tremity being pointedand constructed'and arspectto said rst mentioned face.

16, Means for swaging a terminal upon a coni ,upon advancement thereof to"`drive into the i `ductor wire including a jaw comprised of two sleeve at'those places, to forge localized sections of the sleeve ahead of said jaws, to produce a l force `on the underlying metalofsaid sections ranged toprovide a plurality ofteeth, one of said teeth presenting a substantially rectangular swaging face, and another presenting a triangular swaging face arranged at an angle with recomplementary parts interlocked withv each lother to provide a unit, one of said parts having a plurality of spaced apart teeth for swaging portions of the terminal onto the wire, and the other f ing a nose, land, and a skirt portion, the latter atively connecting said drivingand said driven operatively connecting said yswaging means with` said actuating means. l l A. i

11.`Apparatus for swaging, including swaging part having a tooth for swaging a portion of the terminal .onto the insulation.

1'7. Means for swaging a tubular terminal onto an insulated conductor wire; said terminal havof which is adapted to receive the insulation on the conductor; said means including a jaw provided with teeth adapted to simultaneously swage i said nose and said land of said terminal into said conductor Wire, and including a separate jaw inl terlocked with said first jaw having a tooth l adapted to indent said skirt at the same time said nose and said land are swaged.

`18. Means forswaging a tubular terminal onto an insulated conductor wire; said terminal having'a land portion and a skirt portion, the latter of which is adapted to receive the insulation on the conductor; said means including a jaw havn ing a tooth adapted to swage said land of said terminal intosaid conductor wire, and including a separate jaw interlocked with said first jaw having a tooth adapted to indent said skirt at the Sametime said land is swaged.

VCHARLES SQPENFOLD.

. `ELMER. E. JOHNSON.

vGEORGE H. BRAILSFORD.

Images