US3762043A

US3762043A - Method and apparatus for mounting connector clips

Info

Publication number: US3762043A
Application number: US00176921A
Authority: US
Inventors: G Walter
Original assignee: Malco Manufacturing Co Inc
Current assignee: Malco Manufacturing Co Inc
Priority date: 1971-09-01
Filing date: 1971-09-01
Publication date: 1973-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 1990-10-02

Abstract

A method and apparatus for mounting connector clips on a connector assembly of the power plate type. A locator is positioned on the plate in bracketing relationship with the terminal post upon which the clip is to be seated and the plate aperture into which the clip feet are to be inserted. A driver forces the clip onto the post and inserts the clip feet into the aperture, camming the feet toward each other to facilitate such insertion.

Description

United States Patent Walter 1 Oct. 2, 1973 [54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR 3,243,868 4/1966 Anderson et al. 29/629 X MOUNTING CONNECTORCLIPS 3,597,722 8/1971 Walter 339/17 C George Walter, Chicago, 111.

Assignee: Malco Mfg. lnc., Chicago, 111.

Filed: Sept. 1, 1971 Appl. No.: 176,921 A inventor:

US. Cl 29/629, 29/630 A, 29/630 D Int. Cl H02g 15/00 Field of Search 339/17 R, 17 C, 276 T;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 11/1965 Prestige 29/629 X Primary Examiner-Richard J. Herbst Assistant Examiner-James R. Duzan Attorney-James P. Hume et al.

[.57] ABSTRACT A method and apparatus for mounting connector clips on a connector assembly of the power plate type. A 10- cator is positionedon the plate in bracketing relationship with the terminal post upon which the clip is to be seated and the plate aperture into which the clip feet are to be inserted. A driver forces the clip onto the post and inserts the clip feet into the aperture, camming the feet toward each other to facilitate such insertion.

10 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures Pmmm elm sum 3 or 3 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING CONNECTOR CLIPS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention is in the field of electrical hardware. It relates generally to electrical connectors and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for seating electrical connector clips on a terminal plate assembly.

A power plane" approach to current distribution in a plate-type connector assembly has recently been developed. In such an approach, a constant current dwell is established in a voltage plate which overlies and is insulated from a ground plate. Thousands of terminals are conventionally mounted in the ground plate. Connections of one or another construction are employed to electrically connect certain of the terminals to the voltage plate. The present invention is concerned with these connections.

The invention relates specifically to a method of seating a connector clip of the type disclosed in applicants US. Pat. No. 3,496,517 on a terminal pin and into electrical connection with a power plate. The invention also relates specifically to tool arrangements utilized to seat the connector clip.

Consider a power plate assembly wherein the voltage plate overlies the ground plate in sandwiched relationship, and a layer of insulating material is disposed between the plates. The terminals are mounted in insulated relationship in the ground plate and extend through apertures in the voltage plate. In applicants development described in the aforementioned U.S. patent, the voltage plate is connected to selected terminals by connector clips which comprise two generally parallel legs fabricated of resilient, conductive material, joined to each other at at least one corresponding end. The legs resiliently clamp a terminal post. The legs are retained in this relationship on the post by locking feet extending into adjacent apertures in the power plate.

One of these clips is mounted on a prescribed terminal post and into a corresponding power plate aperture by slipping the clip over the post with its legs normally spread to facilitate entry of the post. With the clip positioned immediately adjacent the power plate, the legs are forced together at the locking feet. Thenthe locking feet are inserted into the aperture.

This operation should be performed with precision and care to assure an effective electrical and mechanical connection which will not inadvertently be broken or otherwise deteriorate. When trying to assemble this clip in production using conventional techniques, including pliers and/or probes, poor electrical connections have frequently been obtained. The problem appears to be with the person doing the job. Some workers have more talent for such work than others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of seating electrical connector clips of the aforedescribed type in place of a power plate assembly. It is another object to provide tool arrangements for accomplishing this end.

The foregoing and other objects of the invention are realized in accord with the present invention by providing a method wherein a clip is slipped over a terminal post with its legs norm ally spread sufficiently to prevent binding between the post and the legs. Adjacent to, but

inches) of the aperture into which the feet are to be H seated.

Immediately above the surface of the plate, as the lowermost extremities of the feet are about to enter the corresponding aperture, camming forces on the legs seeking to press them together are released and the legs are permitted to spring apart at the very moment the feet enter the aperture. Continued movement of the clip toward the plate with the feet resiliently urged against the side walls of the aperture performs a wiping or cleaning action on the side walls of the aperture, enhancing the electrical connection between the feet and the power plate. The clip is firmly seated on the plate with its feet in the aperture in this manner.

The tool arrangements embodying features of the invention each include a locator and a driver. In one form of the invention, the locator comprises an elongated, generally rectangular body member fabricated of tool steel and having a plurality of rows of bores formed therethrough for receiving corresponding posts of several rows of terminals seated on a plate assembly. The body member is properly oriented on the plate by its relationship with these terminals. At one end of the body member a mouth formed by jaws nearly encircles the post on which the clip is to be mounted, while the ends of the jaws bracket the aperture into which the feet of the clip are to be inserted. Cam surfaces are formed on the opposed surfaces of the ends of the jaws.

In this one form of tool arrangement, a driver member forces the clip legs between the jaws, onto the cam surfacesrThe driver member moves parallel to the connector post upon which the clip is disposed, forcing the clip before it until the clip is seated against the surface ofthe power plate. The driver member is than withdrawn and the locator member removed. The driver member is guided in its travel by an adjacent terminal post.

In another form of the invention, the locator comprises an L-shaped body member with jaws formed in its base. A half-moon shaped (cross-section) locating pin extends downwardly from the base and is seated in the aperture which is to receive the clip feet. The tool is so designed that when the clip is pressed downwardly between the tool jaws in a manner similar to that aforedescribed in relation to the aforementioned one form of the invention, the locator orientates into perfect alignment with the aperture which is to receive the feet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention, including the steps of the method and the construction and operation of the tool arrangements, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, is illustrated more or less diagrammatically in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a connector clip of the type seated in the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the clip illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the clip illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a plate type connector assembly having a connector clip mounted thereon according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a connector assembly illustrating a locator of a tool arrangement embodying features of the invention in position on the connector assembly for mounting connector clip;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the locator and connector assembly illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged and elevational view of the locator, with the driver of the tool arrangement positioned for operational use in mounting a connector clip;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view, with parts removed, illustrating the internal mechanism of the driver seen in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an end elevational view of the driver, from its clip engagement end;

FIG. 11 is a further enlarged view of the driver and locator cooperating to mount a connector clip on the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the locator in another form of tool arrangement embodying features of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the locator seen in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the locator seen in FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the driver used with the locator seen in FIGS. 12 14 and embodying the other form of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the driver illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the locator illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view illustrating the driver and locator of the other form of tool arrangement cooperating to seat a connector clip on a connector assembly according to the invention; and invention;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a connector assembly with a connector clip mounted according to the invention, the operational position of the locator being illustrated in dotted lines.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector clip 10 shown is formed from a single strip of berylium copper or phosphor bronze by die punching or the like and includes identical, parallel legs 11 joined at a common end by a base section 12. The legs 11 and base section 12 are generally flat, while perpendicularly extending feet 15 depend from the free ends 16 of the legs 11. Formed in opposing relationship on the inner edge 18 of each of the legs 11, intermediate the base section 12 of the clip and the free ends 16, are shallow, semi-rectangular cut-outs 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an electrical connector assembly upon which the clip 10 is to be mounted according to the invention is illustrated generally at 30. The assembly 30 comprises a terminal plate 31, usually fabricated of an aluminum alloy, mounting a plurality of terminals 32 in suitably formed apertures 33 in the plate 31. Overlying the terminal plate 31 and insulated therefrom is a power plate 35 which is also fabricated of an aluminum alloy or other conductive material. The

power plate 35 is connected to a source (not shown) of current and provides a uniform current dwell throughout its extent. The terminal plate 31 and the power plate 35 are insulated from each other by a film 36 of dielectric material, such as an epoxy resin or the like, disposed between them.

Each terminal 32 comprises a terminal pin 40 seated in a bushing 41 extending through an aperture 33. The bushing 41 is fabricated of a dielectric material. Each terminal pin 40 includes a wire-wrap post 45 which extends through the bushing 41. The posts 45 are conventionally either 0.25 or 0.45 inches square (in crosssection) and are adapted to receive and retain wire leads applied by conventional wire-wrapping techniques. In the present illustration, the smaller or miniature" terminals are employed.

The wire-wrap post 45 and corresponding end of each bushing 41 extend through suitably formed apertures 47 in the power plate 35, with the bushing end insulating the post from the plate. Terminal clips 10 ordinarily connect a series of the terminals 32 in one row of a block of terminals to the power plate 35. In mounted relationship, each terminal clip 10 clamps onto a wire-wrap post 45 and, at the same time, wedges into an aperture 48 in the power plate 35. These apertures 48 are identical in dimension and positioning to the apertures 47, but do not receive terminals 32 through them.

Each clip 10 is mounted on the connector assembly 30 according to the method of the invention. Two different tool arrangements, embodying features of different forms of the invention may be employed, however. One such tool arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 6-11, and the other tool arrangement 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 12-19. The tool arrangement 100 is designed for use primarily at the connector house which is assembling the plates and terminals initially; i.e., in original assembly for delivery to a computer manufacturer, for example. The tool arrangement 200, on the other hand, is designed for use primarily in the field; i.e., to mount clips 10 at the manufacturers facilities.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 6 and 7, the tool arrangement 100 includes a clip locator 101, shown positioned on the power plate 35 for mounting a clip 10 (not shown). The locator 101 comprises a body 102 which, in the illustrated construction is fabricated from tool steel in inverted U-shaped configuration so as to have downwardly extending front and back sections 105-106 joined by a bridge section 107. Planar base surface on the front section 105 and corresponding surface 111 on the back section 106 seat flush against the upper surface 113 of the plate 35 with the locator 101 in proper position.

A plurality of vertically extending bores 115 are drilled through the body 102 in the

vertical sections

105 and 106. Six such bores 115 are drilled through the back section 106, while nine bores 115 are drilled through the front section 105. The bores 115 are drilled on centers spaced so that they each receive a terminal post of the connector assembly when the locator 101 is positioned properly for mounting a clip 10. The bores 115 are stepped intermediate their ends, as illustrated, and a short chamfer formed in their lower ends, at the base surfaces 110 and 111. The chamfers facilitate entry of the terminal posts into corresponding bores 115.

In the present illustration, the locator 101 is fabricated for mounting terminal clips alongside an electrical component (not shown) mounted on the assembly 30. Accordingly, the locator 101 is formed with a cut-out 116 between the

sections

105 and 106, and below the bridge section 107. This cut-out 116 is adapted to receive the electrical component (not shown) while the

sections

105 and 106 bracket it and seat on rows of terminal posts 45 extending through the power plate 35 on the opposite sides of the component. This configuration of the locator 101 forms no specific portion of the invention, however, and the locator might take several forms, including that of a simple block with a flat base surface extending along its entire length.

Extending from the front surface 120 of the front body section 105 are clip locating jaws 121 which bracket a generally U-shaped clip mouth 122. Extending vertically through the jaws 121, bracketing the mouth 122, are short terminal post receiving bores 125. The portion of the mouth 122 between the bores 125 is slightly enlarged, as seen in FIG. 6, and adapted to receive the intermediate terminal post 45a extending upwardly through it. It is this terminal post 45a upon which the clip 10 is mounted, according to the invention.

Referring specifically to FIG. 11, the opposed inner surfaces of the clip locating jaws 121 are each machined at an angle of 20 to the vertical so that cam surfaces 127 converge toward each other to a point 0.015 inches from the base surface 110 of the locator body. At this point, the cam surfaces 127 merge into radius surfaces 128 which define an opening of 0.080 inches between them. Extending downwardly from the radius surfaces 128 to the locator body base surface 110, a distance of 0.010 inches, are cam release surfaces 129, diverging at angles of 45 to the vertical.

As has been pointed out, the mouth 122, adjacent its innermost end, is relatively wide. In practice, where the terminals 32 include 0.025 square terminal posts, normally referred to as miniature wire-wrap terminals, the inner end of the mouth is 0.132 inches in width, widening from 0.080 inches between the radius surfaces 128 at the outermost ends of the jaws 121.

The locator 101 is seated on the power plate 35 so that the terminal post 45a upon which the clip 10 is to be mounted extends upwardly through the mouth 122 of the locator, between the jaws 121 and adjacent their innermost ends, in the manner illustrated. The aperture 48 in which the clip feet are to be inserted is, under these circumstances, positioned intermediate the jaws 121, adjacent their outermost ends and in alignment with the cam surface complex 127-129.

To properly seat a clip 10 according to the invention, the clip is first slipped over the terminal post 45a and moved downwardly on the post until it comes to rest on the cam surfaces 127. At this point, the feet 15 of the clip are seated on the cam surfaces 127 while the opposite end of the clip 10 extends over the wider, innermost end of the mouth 122.

At this point, as seen in FIGS. 8-11, a hand tool 135 is employed according to the method of the invention to force the clip 10 downwardly on the cam surfaces 127, toward the radius surfaces 128. Before the legs 11 of the clip are forced past the radius surfaces 128, the feet 15 of the clip enter the aperture 48. Further movement of the clip 10 downwardly, after the legs 11 have passed the radius surfaces 128, permits the legs 11 to expand outwardly, causing the outer edge surfaces of the feet .15 to resiliently engage the sides of the aperture 48. As the clip 10 moves downwardly to the point where its legs 11 are forced against the upper surface 113 of the power plate, the feet 15 scrape and clean the side of the aperture 48, establishing an excellent electrical connection between the clip and the. plate. The locator 101 is removable without the clip legs 11 binding between the jaws 121 because of the diverging cam surface 129 configuration.

The tool comprises a tapered nose 140 having converging side surfaces 141 which terminate in an elongated end surface 142 having a width of 0.070 inches. The taper of the side surfaces 141 is approximately 10 so it readily fits between the locator jaws 121. The nose 140 is suitably mounted in an enlarged handle 145 having a spherical radius end 146 formed thereon.

Extending into the nose 140 of the tool 135 from its end surface 142, and parallel to the axis of the tool, is an elongated terminal post receiving bore 150. The bore is adapted to be seated over the terminal post a.

Mounted in the tool nose 140 immediately adjacent the bore 150, and extending parallel thereto so as to normally protrude outwardly a distance of 0.062 inches from the end surface 142 of the nose, is a spring-loaded pin 155. As best seen in FIG. 9, the spring loaded pin 155 slides in a suitably formed bore and has a head 156 formed thereon. The head 156, seated in a cylinder 157 within the upper end of the nose, is biased toward the surface 142 on the end of the nose by a coil spring 158 in the cylinder 157. The compression force of the spring 158 can be adjusted by adjusting a set screw 159 in the nose, after removing the handle 145.

In mounting the clip 10 according to the invention, the tip 152 on the spring-loaded pin 155 engages the upper surfaces of the legs 11 when the hand tool 135 is slipped downwardly over the terminal post 450. The pin 155 forces the closed end 12 of the clip 10 downwardly in advance of the feet 15, which the end surface 142 subsequently engages and forces downwardly.

The clip is ultimately forced flush against the upper surface 113 of the plate by the tool nose end surface 142, with the pin 155 resiliently being forced upwardly. When the tool is withdrawn, the spring-loaded pin continues momentarily to force the clip 10 downwardly for an instant. This actually makes the clip 10 lie more flush against the power plate surface 113.

A series of clips 10 are mounted in the aforedescribed manner at the connector house before the assembly 30 is shipped to a computer manufacturer or the like, as has been pointed out. Normally, such a plate assembly 30 doesn't require replacement or addition of clips 10 in the field, so to speak. On occasion, however, a clip 10 is replaced or added and, where this is required, a less sophisticated tool arrangement 200 is preferably employed.

The tool arrangement 200, as seen in FIGS. 12-19, includes a generally L-shaped clip locator 201, shown positioned on a power plate 35 for mounting a clip 10. The locator 201 comprises a body member 202 which is fabricated from tool steel so as to have a vertically extending post 205 and a horizontally extending base 206. A planar bottom surface 210 on the base 206 seats flush against the upper surface 113 of the plate 35 with the locator 201 in proper position.

Extending from the front surface 220 of the post 205 are the clip locating jaws 221 which bracket a generally U-shaped clip mouth 222. The construction and arrangement of these jaws 221 and the mouth 222 defined between them is somewhat similar to that described in relationship to the tool arrangement 100. However, there are distinct differences which will be discussed.

Referring specifically to FIG. 18, the opposed inner surfaces of the clip locating jaws 221 are each machined at an angle of 20 to the vertical so that cam surfaces 227 converge toward each other to a point 0.015 inches from the bottom surface 210 of the locator body. At this point, the cam surfaces 227 merge into radius surfaces 228 which define an opening of 0.080 inches between them. Extending downwardly from the radius surfaces 228 to the base bottom surface 210, a distance of 0.010 inches, are cam release surfaces 229, diverging at angles of 45 to the vertical.

To the foregoing extent, the jaws 221 and mouth 222 of the clip locator 201 are similar to the locator 101 hereinbefore described. However, here the similarity ends. The mouth 222 is not enlarged at any point along its length. In addition, extending downwardly from the base surface 210 of the locator 201 is a locator pin 230.

The locator 201 is positioned for mounting a clip 10 on a selected terminal post 45a by inserting the pin 230 into the aperture 48 into which the feet of the clip 10 are to be inserted, with the mouth 222 generally aligned with the corresponding pin 45a. The pin 230 is segmentally cylindrical in cross-sectional configuration, as seen in FIG. 14, being formed on a radius of 0.035 inches. At its widest point, from its outermost surface flat 231, the pin 230 is 0.027 inches thick. It extends downwardly 0.038 inches from the base surface 210 from the tool locator 201.

With the pin 230 inserted in the plate aperture 48 and the wire-wrap post 45a extending upwardly between the locator tool legs 221 adjacent the open end of the mouth 222, the clip is lowered over the post 45a, and the feet 15 seated on the chamfered cam surfaces 227. The locator mouth 222 is, at this point, generally in alignment with the pin 45a.

As seen in FIGS. 14-18, a hand tool 235 is then employed, according to the method of the invention, to force the clip ends 16 downwardly on the cam surfaces 227. The narrow base surface 242 on the tool engages the clip legs 11. The feet 15 ride down the flat surface 231 on the pin 230 and engage angular surfaces 227. Continued forced downward movement of the clip at this point develops pressures on the locator 20 that rotate it and force the locator 201 into precise alignment with the aperture 48 for clip 10 insertion. The legs 11 are compressed, permitting the feet 15 to enter the aperture 48. The legs 1 1 again spread when they pass the radius surfaces 228 and seat in a manner similar to when inserted with the tool 101. The locator 201 is then removed.

While the embodiment described herein is at present considered to be preferred, it is understood that various modifications and improvements may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and improvements as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

l. A method of mounting a connector clip on a plate connector assembly wherein the clip has generally parallel legs adapted to grip a wire-wrap post of the assembly and feet depending from said legs adapted to seat in a power plate aperture adjacent said post, comprising the steps ofz a. driving the clip on said post toward the power plate with the legs bracketing said post until said feet are a predetermined short distance above the power plate,

b. compressing the legs at said feet toward each other so that the legs resiliently grip the post,

0. driving the clip further toward the power plate until the feet enter said aperture, and

d. releasing the legs from their compression so that the feet spring apart to grip the internal walls of the aperture.

2. A method of mounting a connector clip on a plate connector assembly wherein the clip has generally parallel legs adapted to grip a wire-wrap post of the assembly and feet depending from said legs adapted to seat in a power plate aperture adjacent said post, comprising the steps of:

.a. driving the clip on said post toward the power plate with the legs bracketing said post until said feet are a predetermined short distance above the power plate,

b. compressing the legs at said feet toward each other so that the legs resliently grip the post,

c. driving the clip further toward the power plate until the feet enter said aperture,

d. releasing the legs from their compression to the extent that the feet spring apart to grip the internal walls of the aperture immediately after the free ends of the feet enter the aperture, and

e. driving the clip toward the power plate until it is substantially flush therewith while the outer surfaces of the feet scrape against the internal walls of the aperture to establish an excellent electrical connection therebetween.

3. The method of claim 2 further characterized by and including the steps of:

a. gradually compressing said legs and said feet while the clip is driven toward the point where it is a predetermined short distance above the plate, and

b. gradually releasing said legs so they resiliently spring apart as the clip is driven the last predetermined short distance toward the plate.

4. The method of claim 2 further characterized by and including the steps of:

a. releasing driving pressure on said clip after the feet have been seated in said aperture while maintaining resilient force for a predetermined length of time on the legs of the clip adjacent the wire wrap post to assist in maintaining said clip flush against the power plate.

5. A tool arrangement for mounting a connector clip on a plate connector assembly, wherein the clip has generally parallel legs adapted to grip a wire-wrap post in the assembly and feet depending therefrom adapted to seat in a power plate aperture adjacent said post, comprising:

a. locator means having base surface means adapted to seat on a power plate,

b. said locator means having jaws adapted to bracket the aperture into which the feet of the clip are inserted,

c. cam means on the inner surfaces of said jaws in opposing relationship to each other,

d. driver means which move parallel to the post toward said jaws and drive a connector clip toward the power plate with its legs encircling the post until the clip feet engage said cammed surfaces, and

e. said driver means being movable between said jaws to cause said legs to move toward each other and grip the wire-wrap post while the feet are introduced to the aperture in the power plate.

6. The tool arrangement of claim further characterized in that:

a. said cam means include converging cam surfaces in opposed relationship on said jaws,

b. said converging cam surfaces terminating at a predetermined distance from said base surface means of said locator means.

7. The tool arrangement of claim 6 further characterized in that:

a. said cam means include diverging cam surfaces extending between the innermost point of said converging cam surfaces and said base surface means.

8. The tool arrangement of claim 5 further characterized in that:

a. said jaws have terminal post receiving apertures extending therethrough.

9. The tool arrangement of claim 8 further characterized in that:

a. said driver means includes resiliently biased, lostmotion means which engage and urge said clip into flush relationship with the power plate.

10. The tool arrangement of claim 5 further characterized in that:

a. said base surface means has a locating pin depending therefrom,

b. said pin adapted to seat in the aperture in which the clip feet are inserted and having a flat guide surface on one side thereon,

c. said pin having a round surface on the other side thereof whereby downward pressure on clip exerted on said cam means forces said locator means into precise alignment on a centerline common to both the post and the aperture.

a UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 762 43 v Dat d October 2 ,v 1973 GEORGE WALTER Inventor(s) It is 7 certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 41, change "than" to -then-- a Column 3, line 12, change "and" to --end-- v Line 40,' after "and" delete "invention".

Signed and sealed this 19th day of March 197M.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDwARnMQFLE cH R', JR. c. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents PC4050 (10459) I USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 UISL GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 2 l9, O-3-3341 Y)

Claims

1. A method of mounting a connector clip on a plate connector assembly wherein the clip has generally parallel legs adapted to grip a wire-wrap post of the assembly and feet depending from said legs adapted to seat in a power plate aperture adjacent said post, comprising the steps of: a. driving the clip on said post toward the power plate with the legs bracketing said post until said feet are a predetermined short distance above the power plate, b. compressing the legs at said feet toward each other so that the legs resiliently grip the post, c. driving the clip further toward the power plate until the feet enter said aperture, and d. releasing the legs from their compression so that the feet spring apart to grip the internal walls of the aperture.

2. A method of mounting a connector clip on a plate connector assembly wherein the clip has generally parallel legs adapted to grip a wire-wrap post of the assembly and feet depending from said legs adapted to seat in a power plate aperture adjacent said post, comprising the steps of: a. driving the clip on said post toward the power plate with the legs bracketing said post until said feet are a predetermined short distance above the power plate, b. compressing the legs at said feet toward each other so that the legs resliently grip the post, c. driving the clip further toward the power plate until the feet enter said aperture, d. releasing the legs from their compression to the extent that the feet spring apart to grip the internal walls of the aperture immediately after the free ends of the feet enter the aperture, and e. driving the clip toward the power plate until it is substantially flush therewith while the outer surfaces of the feet scrape against the internal walls of the aperture to establish an excellent electrical connection therebetween.

3. The method of claim 2 further characterized by and including the steps of: a. gradually compressing said legs and said feet while the clip is driven toward the point where it is a predetermined short distance above the plate, and b. gradually releasing said legs so they resiliently spring apart as the clip is driven the last predetermined short distance toward the plate.

4. The method of claim 2 further characterized by and including the steps of: a. releasing driving pressure on said clip after the feet have been seated in said aperture while maintaining resilient force for a predetermined length of time on the legs of the clip adjacent the wire wrap post to assist in maintaining said clip flush against the power plate.

5. A tool arrangement for mounting a connector clip on a plate connector assembly, wherein the clip has generally parallel legs adapted to grip a wire-wrap post in the assembly and feet depending therefrom adapted to seat in a power plate aperture adjacent said post, comprising: a. locator means having base surface means adapted to seat on a power plate, b. said locator means having jaws adapted to bracket the aperture into which the feet of the clip are inserted, c. cam means on the inner surfaces of said jaws in opposing relationship to each other, d. driver means which move parallel to the post toward said jaws and drive a connector clip toward the power plate with its legs encircling the post until the clip feet engage said cammed surfaces, and e. said driver means being movable between said jaws to cause said legs to move toward each other and grip the wire-wrap post while the feet are introduced to the aperture in the power plate.

6. The tool arrangement of claim 5 further characterized in that: a. said cam means include converging cam surfaces in opposed relationship on said jaws, b. said converging cam surfaces terminating at a predetermined distance from said base surface means of said locator means.

7. The tool arrangement of claim 6 further characterized in that: a. said cam means include diverging cam surfaces extending between the innermost point of said converging cam surfaces and said base surface means.

8. The tool arrangement of claim 5 further characterized in that: a. said jaws have terminal post receiving apertures extending therethrough.

9. The tool arrangement of claim 8 further characterized in that: a. said driver means includes resiliently biased, lost-motion means which engage and urge said clip into flush relationship with the power plate.

10. The tool arrangement of claim 5 further characterized in that: a. said base surface means has a locating pin depending therefrom, b. said pin adapted to seat in the aperture in which the clip feet are inserted and having a flat guide surface on one side thereon, c. said pin having a round surface on the other side thereof whereby downward pressure on clip exerted on said cam means forces said locator means into precise alignment on a centerline common to both the post and the aperture.