Press and modular press block for electrical connector application tooling

摘要

A modular press block assembly for use in a press tool to mount an electrical connector assembly having a housing and depending terminal pins into a printed circuit board. The modular press block assembly includes a pair of end holders and at least one modular press block positioned between the end holders for engaging the connector assembly and pressing the terminals into the printed circuit board. The invention contemplates a plurality of the modular press blocks of different sizes to form a set thereof for accommodating a plurality of different sizes of connector assemblies. Complementary interengaging keys are provided between the end holders and the modular press blocks and between the press blocks themselves to define proper positioning of the press blocks between the end holders and to maintain that positioning when the end holders are held against the sides of the press block. Spacer blocks also can be used between adjacent press blocks. Tie rods span the end holders to hold the end holders against the sides of the outermost press blocks. The tie rods are located outside the bounds of the press blocks whereby the press blocks can be located between the end holders without removing the tie rods.