US 12,368,274 B2
Connector processing machine
Kellen Haile, Middletown, PA (US); Sun Kyu Pak, Harrisburg, PA (US); Craig S. Roper, Mount Joy, PA (US); Edward T. Price, III, Mechanicsburg, PA (US); David D. Wiltraut, Palmyra, PA (US); and Swapnilsinh Solanki, Harrisburg, PA (US)
Filed by TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH, Schaffhausen (CH)
Filed on Dec. 19, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/083,882.
Prior Publication US 2024/0204468 A1, Jun. 20, 2024
Int. Cl. H01R 43/16 (2006.01)
CPC H01R 43/16 (2013.01) 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A connector processing machine for processing connector housings of connector assemblies, the connector processing machine comprising:
a platform having a punching zone;
a feeder mechanism coupled to the platform, the feeder mechanism including a housing track for supporting and guiding the connector housings between a loading zone and the punching zone, the feeder mechanism including a feeder rail and a carriage sliding along the feeder rail, the feeder mechanism including a feeder actuator coupled to the carriage to slide the carriage along the feeder rail between a pickup position and a drop off position, the feeder mechanism including a walking beam coupled to the carriage and movable by the carriage between the loading zone and the punching zone, the walking beam including fingers configured to engage the connector housings to advance the connector housings along the housing track from the loading zone to the punching zone; and
a punch assembly coupled to the platform at the punching zone, the punch assembly including a cutter assembly and an actuator operably coupled to the cutter assembly, the cutter assembly being coupled to the walking beam and movable with the walking beam, the cutter assembly including cutters configured to cut housing runners between the connector housings to separate the connector housings from each other.