Device and method for shaping terminal leads

Abstract

A device for shaping terminal leads is used to bend terminal leads that extend from an electrical component body. The device includes a bearing that is mounted on a shaft. As the shaft is moved in a linear direction relative to the component body, the bearing rolls against the terminal lead to bend the terminal lead toward the component body. Since the bearing does not slide along the terminal lead, damage to the terminal lead is minimized.

1 . A method for shaping at least one terminal lead extending from an electric component body, comprising the acts of: 
 holding the component body stationary;    moving a bending device relative to the component body and rollably along the terminal lead, the bending device causing the terminal lead to bend toward the component body.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the act of: 
 allowing the terminal lead to bend until it is flat against the component body.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising the act of: 
 welding the terminal lead to the terminal body.    
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising the act of: 
 installing the component body in a holder.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the bending device comprises: 
 a shaft; and    a bearing circumscribing the shaft.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the shaft moves a linear direction relative to the component body and the bearing rotates relative to the component body.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein as the shaft moves linearly with respect to the component body, the bearing rolls along the terminal.  
     
     
         8 . An assembly for shaping at least one terminal lead extending from an electrical component body, the device comprising: 
 the electrical component body;    a shaft; and    a bearing circumscribing the shaft, the shaft movable relative to the component body such that the bearing rolls along the component body to bend the lead toward the component body.    
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein as the shaft moves with respect to the component body, the bearing rolls against the terminal.