Tool, tool set and method for levelling a faulty position on a contact element

Abstract

A tool (10, 60) for correcting a misalignment (α) on a contact element (1), comprising a base body (11, 61), a machining area (12, 62), a first body of revolution (14, 64) arranged in the machining area (12, 62), and formed around a central axis (M) of the tool (10, 60) along a first direction (X), wherein the first body of revolution (14, 64) has at least one circumferential straightening surface (16, 66) for straightening the contact element (1), and the at least one circumferential straightening surface (16, 66) has at least a partially conical shape and / or a non-concentric orientation to the central axis (M) of the tool (10, 60), such that the misalignment (α) on the contact element (1) is brought into engagement with the machining area (12, 62) to a predetermined orientation (α1, α4) can be directed.The present invention further relates to a set of tools (50) and a method for correcting a misalignment (α) on a contact element (1).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a tool, a tool set, and a method for correcting a misalignment on a contact element, in particular on an inner conductor or outer conductor contact or insulator. State of the art

[0002] In the current state of the art, correcting a misalignment on a contact element, such as an inner or outer conductor contact, is carried out by reworking the pre-assembled cables. One example is reworking an already installed wiring harness in the automotive chain. In the current state of the art, reworking is regularly carried out on the line, i.e. at a time when the pre-assembled cable is already installed in the wiring harness or vehicle, for example in a Tier 2, Tier 1 or OEM, using repair pliers. The repair pliers are provided as a set for each connector system in a so-called rework case. During rework on the line, the existing, damaged connector is first disconnected from the cable. A new connector is then assembled to the cable using rework pliers and, optionally, an additional adapter cable is installed.

[0003] The state of the art has at least the following disadvantages. Firstly, reworking requires a long cycle time, i.e., several minutes, on the assembly line for each reworked connector. Secondly, access to a wiring harness in a vehicle is poor, particularly because the free ends are very short. However, state-of-the-art rework pliers require a certain minimum installation space, approximately 15-40 cm, particularly orthogonal to a cable. And after a damaged connector has been severed from a cable, the cable is shorter by the amount of the severed section. In some cases, the cables are then too short to attach the newly assembled connector to the connection point in the vehicle. Description of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0005] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a tool according to claim 1, a tool set according to claim 8, and a method according to claim 11. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the subclaims, the description, and the drawings.

[0006] In particular, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a tool for straightening a misalignment on a contact element, comprising a base body, a processing area which is arranged at one end of the base body and which can be brought into engagement with the contact element along a first direction, a first rotational body which is arranged in the processing area and which is formed around a central axis of the tool along the first direction, wherein the first rotational body has at least one circumferential straightening surface for straightening the contact element, and the at least one circumferential straightening surface has an at least partially conical shape and / or a non-concentric alignment to the central axis of the tool, so that the misalignment on the contact element can be straightened to a predetermined alignment when brought into engagement with the processing area.

[0007] This tool is particularly suitable for correcting misalignment caused by faulty deflection or a lack of concentricity on an inner or outer conductor contact or an insulator on the contact element. The concentricity can refer to a center axis of the contact element and / or the alignment of the inner to outer conductor contact (or insulator). Using this tool, a misalignment can be corrected quickly and easily. The contact element can remain attached to the cable for reworking or correcting the misalignment and does not need to be separated from the cable. The rework can be performed very quickly and without complex tools.This tool also allows for better accessibility due to its smaller installation space, and it is possible to use one tool for several different connector systems, as standards ensure interface compatibility (interface area of ​​the connector system). This tool can preferably be used to correct the following misalignments on a contact element: . The outer conductor contact or catch basket tabs on an outer conductor contact have a diameter that is too small; the outer conductor contact or catch basket tabs on the outer conductor contact have a diameter that is too large; the inner conductor contact or tabs on the inner conductor contact have a diameter that is too small; the inner conductor contact or tabs on the inner conductor contact have a diameter that is too large; the inner conductor contact is not concentric with the insulator or outer conductor contact; or the insulator is not concentric with the outer conductor contact.

[0008] Engaging means bringing the contact element into full engagement until it abuts against at least one stop surface on the tool. The conical shape of the alignment surface means that the alignment surface is arranged on a conical body (as the outer surface) or encloses a conical cavity (as the inner surface). With the conical shape, the distance of the alignment surface from the center axis of the tool changes, in particular, the distance decreases or increases in one direction. Depending on the misalignment, the tool can be used once or with different dimensions in a tool set.

[0009] Preferably, the first rotating body is configured, at least in part, as a hollow cylinder or a cone. Depending on which part of the contact element, i.e., the inner or outer conductor contact or the insulator, is to be straightened, and whether a diameter is to be increased or decreased, the rotating body is configured (at least partially) as a hollow cylinder or a cone.

[0010] Preferably, the processing area has at least one stop surface that prevents further engagement of the contact element and the processing area. The term "further engagement" refers to a continuous movement toward one another along the first direction (plug-in direction).

[0011] Preferably, the at least one circumferential straightening surface is arranged on an inner or outer side of the first rotary body. The direction indication "inner or outer surface" refers to the center axis of the tool. An inner surface is directed toward the center axis. An outer surface is directed away from the center axis of the tool. The straightening surface is selected such that, depending on which part of the contact element, i.e., inner or outer conductor contact or insulator, is to be straightened, and whether a diameter is to be increased or decreased, it has the corresponding effect on the corresponding part or the contact element as a whole.

[0012] Preferably, the at least one circumferential alignment surface can correct the misalignment on the contact element by 15 degrees, more preferably by 10 degrees, and most preferably by 5 degrees. A slight change prevents damage to the material.

[0013] Preferably, the tool, in particular the machining area of ​​the tool, is made of an electrically non-conductive material. During rework, small particles such as chips or flakes may detach from the tool. If these chips were made of an electrically conductive material, they could cause an unwanted short circuit in the contact element. To prevent this, at least the machining area of ​​the tool is made of an electrically non-conductive material.

[0014] Preferably, the tool further comprises at least one second rotating body, which comprises guide surfaces and is arranged in the machining area for guiding the tool during engagement with the contact element. The second rotating body, with the aid of the guide surfaces, ensures correct engagement of the contact element and the tool, thus preventing unwanted misalignment. Furthermore, the second rotating body can ensure at least concentricity of the insulator or between the insulator and the inner conductor contact.

[0015] The above-mentioned problems are furthermore solved in particular by a tool set for correcting a misalignment on a contact element, at least comprising one tool, the tool having a first opening with a first diameter on a side with which the tool can be brought into engagement with the contact element, and a second tool, the second tool having a second opening with a third diameter on the side with which the second tool can be brought into engagement with the contact element, and the third diameter being smaller than the first diameter, and a third tool, the third tool having a third opening with a fifth diameter on the side with which the third tool can be brought into engagement with the contact element, and the fifth diameter being smaller than the third diameter. The tool set has the advantage that a misalignment can be corrected or corrected gently in several small steps.The risk of misuse of the tool set appears very low if the numbered tools are used in sequence. Since the contact elements are at least partially guided, manual influence, for example, in the form of misalignment during use, is also very low. Since the misalignment of the contact element is always corrected only a small amount, i.e., step by step, to a (predetermined) target position, damage to the contact element or the connector element is avoided.

[0016] The tool set preferably further comprises a fourth tool, wherein the fourth tool, on the side with which the fourth tool can be brought into engagement with the contact element, has a fourth opening which leads to a receptacle in the processing area of ​​the fourth tool, wherein the diameter of the receptacle corresponds to the diameter of an inner conductor pin on the contact element, and the receptacle is not aligned concentrically to the central axis of the fourth tool. The fourth tool is in particular designed to restore a missing concentricity of an inner conductor pin. The non-concentric alignment of the receptacle forms (in part of the circumference) a gap between the contact element and the fourth tool in the engaged or plugged state, such that a linear displacement of the contact element transversely to the central axis of the tool is possible.

[0017] Preferably, the tool, the second tool, and the third tool, and in particular the fourth tool, have a common base body. Arranging the three or four tools on a common base body simplifies handling of the tools in practice. This also allows the individual tools to be used more quickly one after the other, which reduces rework time.

[0018] The above-mentioned problems are further solved in particular by a method for correcting a misalignment on a contact element, the method comprising the following steps: providing a tool, engaging the contact element with the machining area of ​​the tool such that the misalignment on the contact element is directed to a predetermined orientation, and then releasing the engagement. The present method essentially carries out the rework on a contact element in one step. By engaging or placing the contact element on the tool, a misalignment on the contact element is corrected quickly and easily. The present method is suitable for correcting an incorrect deflection and / or a lack of concentricity.

[0019] Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of: after the previous method step, providing a second tool, engaging the contact element with the machining area of ​​the second tool so that the predetermined orientation is directed to a second predetermined orientation after the tool has been engaged, and then releasing the engagement, then providing a third tool, engaging the contact element with the machining area of ​​the third tool so that the second predetermined orientation is directed to a third predetermined orientation after the second tool has been engaged, then rotating the contact element and the third tool towards each other, and then releasing the engagement.The sequential application of multiple tools has the advantage that the misalignment is corrected piecemeal, thus preventing major changes, such as bending of the contact element, which could lead to damage. Thus, the present method is more gentle on the contact element. Preferably, the step of rotating the elements relative to each other comprises two rotations or one rotation of 720 degrees.

[0020] The method preferably further comprises the following steps: after the previous method step, providing a fourth tool, determining a difference between the third predetermined alignment and a center axis of the contact element, inserting the inner conductor pin on the contact element into the receptacle on the fourth tool in a directed manner, then linearly displacing the contact element with respect to the fourth tool in the direction of the difference, and then releasing the engagement. The application of the fourth tool is particularly designed to restore or correct a lack of concentricity, for example, of an inner conductor pin.

[0021] The present method, including the use of the fourth tool, makes it possible to achieve greater concentricity in order to make a connector system securely pluggable and, if necessary, to comply with specifications. With the present method, stress on the inner conductor in the axial direction is minimized and increasingly directed towards the bend. The use of the fourth tool is particularly useful for fine adjustment if the previously used tools have not yet achieved satisfactory alignment of an inner conductor pin or if only a slight lack of concentricity is present as a misalignment. The difference is preferably determined by visual assessment. When determining the difference, it is only a matter of the direction of the difference in order to know where the linear displacement must take place. Directed insertion preferably comprises insertion in which the direction of the difference is determined with respect to the fourth tool orthe holder is known so that it is clear in which direction the linear displacement must take place. During the linear displacement, only a small force is preferably applied in order to avoid causing damage to the contact element. A small force simply means a force that is necessary for the linear displacement. The linear displacement preferably comprises a displacement of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, most preferably less than 0.5 mm. The linear displacement (in the radial direction to the center axis of the tool) stops at the most when the outer conductor contact stops on the rotating body. Overbending is prevented.

[0022] The following description of embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying figures. In this figure: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tool; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tool from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a perspective view of an embodiment of a second tool; Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of the second tool from Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5 a perspective view of an embodiment of a third tool; Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view of the third tool from Fig. 5 ; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tool set; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fourth tool; Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth tool from Fig. 8 ; Fig. 10 a view in a first direction (plugging direction) of the fourth tool from Fig. 8; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tool set; Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fifth tool; Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sixth tool; Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a seventh tool; and Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an eighth tool.

[0023] In the following, preferred embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0024] Fig. 1shows an embodiment of a tool 10 for correcting a misalignment α on a contact element 1. The illustrated tool 10 has a base body 11. The base body 11 essentially serves to enable assembly personnel to hold and operate the tool 10 easily. A marking or designation for the tool 10 can be arranged on the base body 11. The base body 11 preferably has an elongated shape that extends along a first direction X, which in particular represents the engagement or plugging direction with a contact element 1.

[0025] At one end of the base body 11 along this first direction X, a processing area 12 is arranged. The processing area 12 can be brought into engagement with the contact element 1 along the first direction X. The processing area 12 has at least one stop surface 18, which prevents further engagement of the contact element 1 and the processing area 12. The stop surface 18 can thereby form a stop for the outer conductor contact 6 (see Fig. 2 ) or the housing 9 (see Fig. 15 ) of the contact element 1 and / or a stop for the inner conductor contact 4 and / or insulator 8 (see Fig. 12 ) of the contact element 1. In particular, the processing area 12 of the tool 10 is formed from an electrically non-conductive material. The material of the processing area 12 can comprise, for example, a plastic or a ceramic.

[0026] A first rotational body 14 is arranged in the machining area 12. The illustrated rotational body 14 is formed around a central axis M of the tool 10 along the first direction X and comprises a hollow cylinder. In alternative embodiments, the rotational body 14 can comprise differently shaped hollow cylinders (see Figs. 3 - 11 , 13 - 15 ) or a cone (see Fig. 12 ). The illustrated first rotational body 14 has at least one circumferential aligning surface 16 for aligning the contact element 1.

[0027] The at least one circumferential alignment surface 16 has a conical shape, at least in sections, and / or a non-concentric alignment with the central axis M of the tool 10. Due to the conical shape and / or the non-concentric alignment, a misalignment α on the contact element 1 can be aligned to a predetermined alignment α1 upon engagement with the machining area 12. The predetermined alignment α1 does not necessarily have to mean a final alignment on the contact element 1, but can merely comprise an intermediate step or an intermediate result.

[0028] The at least one circumferential alignment surface 16 is arranged on an inner or outer side of the first rotational body 14. The alignment depends on which part of the contact element 1 is to be aligned in which direction. Fig. 1 and 2In the illustrated embodiment of a tool 10, the circumferential aligning surface 16 is arranged on the inside of the first rotational body 14 in order to align an inner conductor pin 2 centrally towards the center axis M of the contact element 1. For this purpose, the tool 10 has a first opening 15 with a first diameter D1 on a side with which the tool 10 can be brought into engagement with the contact element 1. The first diameter D1 tapers within the processing area 12 to a second diameter D2, which is smaller than the first diameter D1. The taper can be monotonous or as in Fig. 2shown (two partial areas of the straightening surface 16 with different angles of inclination). The illustrated non-monotonic taper has the advantage that, when the inner conductor pin 2 has been bent back a little in the direction of the central axis M, an angle of an introduced normal force improves and a pitch angle in the rotation body 14 can be increased, whereby a stronger direction or correction is possible. The non-monotonic taper is evident in the illustrated embodiment as an angular jump on the straightening surface 16 or within the rotation body 14. It is important that edges on the straightening surface 16 are avoided, at which the contact element 1 or the inner conductor pin 2 could be damaged. After the contact element 1 and tool 10 have been brought into engagement, the misalignment α on the inner conductor pin 2 is directed towards a predetermined first orientation α1.The orientation A of the inner conductor pin 2 with the predetermined first orientation α1 is, after the use of the tool 10, at least more directed towards the central axis M than with the misalignment α before.

[0029] Fig. 3 and 4show an embodiment of a second tool 20. In the illustrated embodiment of the second tool 20, the circumferential aligning surface 26 is arranged on the inside of the first rotational body 24 in order to align an inner conductor pin 2 centrally towards the center axis M of the contact element 1. The second tool 20 has, on the side with which the second tool 20 can be brought into engagement with the contact element 1, a second opening 25 with a third diameter D3. The third diameter D3 is smaller than the first diameter D1. The third diameter D3 tapers within the processing area 22 of the second tool 20 to a fourth diameter D4, which is smaller than the third diameter D3.Preferably, the third diameter D3 is larger than the second diameter D2 on the tool 10, so that even an inner conductor pin 2 which has been slightly deflected away from the central axis M after use of the tool 10 can be easily engaged with the second tool 20. After the contact element 1 and the second tool 20 have been engaged, the predetermined first orientation α1 on the inner conductor pin 2 is directed towards a predetermined second orientation α2. The orientation A of the inner conductor pin 2 with the predetermined second orientation α2 is directed at least more towards the central axis M after use of the second tool 20 than with the predetermined first orientation α1 before.

[0030] Fig. 5 and 6show an embodiment of a third tool 30. In the illustrated embodiment of the third tool 30, the circumferential aligning surface 36 is arranged on the inside of the first rotational body 34 in order to align an inner conductor pin 2 centrally towards the center axis M of the contact element 1. The third tool 30 has, on the side with which the third tool 30 can be brought into engagement with the contact element 1, a third opening 35 with a fifth diameter D5. The fifth diameter D5 is smaller than the third diameter D3. The fifth diameter D5 tapers within the processing area 32 of the third tool 30 to a sixth diameter D6, which is smaller than the fifth diameter D5.Preferably, the fifth diameter D5 is larger than the fourth diameter D4 on the second tool 20, so that even an inner conductor pin 2 which has been slightly deflected away from the central axis M after use of the second tool 20 can be easily engaged with the third tool 30. After the contact element 1 and the third tool 30 have been engaged, the predetermined second orientation α2 on the inner conductor pin 2 is directed towards a predetermined third orientation α3. The orientation A of the inner conductor pin 2 with the predetermined third orientation α3 is directed at least more towards the central axis M after use of the third tool 30 than with the predetermined second orientation α2 before.

[0031] Fig. 7shows an embodiment of a tool set 50 in which the tool 10, the second tool 20, and the third tool 30 are arranged on a common base body 52. ​​The illustrated tool set 50 is monolithic and made of plastic.

[0032] Figs. 8 - 10show an embodiment of a fourth tool 40. In the illustrated embodiment of the fourth tool 40, the circumferential straightening surface 46 is arranged on the inside of the first rotary body 44. The straightening surface 46 runs, in contrast to the straightening surfaces 16, 26, 36 of the first three tools 10, 20, 30, parallel and concentric to an offset central axis M', i.e. not concentric to the central axis M of the fourth tool 40. The illustrated fourth tool 40 has, on the side with which the fourth tool 40 can be brought into engagement with the contact element 1, a fourth opening 45 which leads to a receptacle 43 in the processing area 42 of the fourth tool 40. The diameter of the receptacle 43 corresponds to the diameter of an inner conductor pin 2 on the contact element 1. The receptacle 43, and thus the straightening surface 46, is not aligned concentrically to the central axis M of the fourth tool 40.The non-concentric arrangement of the alignment surface 46 makes it possible to create a lack of concentricity of the inner conductor pin 2 with respect to the central axis M of the contact element 1 (or also with respect to the outer conductor contact 6). As a result, the inner conductor pin 2 is concentrically aligned with the central axis M of the contact element 2 or also with respect to the outer conductor contact 6.

[0033] Fig. 11 shows another embodiment of a tool set 54, in which the tool 10, the second tool 20, the third tool 30, and the fourth tool 40 are arranged on a common base body 56. The illustrated tool set 54 is monolithic and made of plastic. The individual tools 10, 20, 30, and 40 are labeled on the base body 56 and arranged in the sequence in which they are used in practice.

[0034] Fig. 12shows an embodiment of a fifth tool 60. The fifth tool 60 is designed for the case that the inner conductor contact 4 or tabs on the inner conductor contact 4 have an insufficient (inner) diameter. In order to increase the diameter of the inner conductor contact 4, the rotating body 64 is designed as a cone. The aligning surface 66 is arranged on an outer surface of the rotating body 64. When the contact element 1 is brought into engagement with the fifth tool 60, the aligning surface 66 comes into contact with the contact element 1 or with the inner conductor contact 4 of the contact element 1 with its pointed conical side. Due to the conical shape of the aligning surface 66, which increases its distance from the central axis M of the fifth tool 60 in the first direction X towards the base body 61, the inner diameter of the inner conductor contact 4 is widened or enlarged.During this process, a slight over-pressure is applied, and after the fifth tool 60 is removed, the tabs on the inner conductor contact 4 spring back slightly to ultimately lie at the desired dimension. A predetermined fourth orientation α4 of the inner conductor contact 4 is achieved when the contact element 1 and the fifth tool 60 have been fully engaged, so that the contact element 1 rests against at least one stop surface 68. The contact element 2 and the fifth tool 60 must be engaged along the first direction X up to the stop surface 68 to ensure the success of the rework, i.e. that an angle or diameter correction has been made to the required extent, but that the over-pressure is not excessive. In practice, it would be possible to only allow engagement up to a certain maximum force so that the assembly personnel know that the stop surface 68 has been reached.The same procedure applies to the other tools described here.

[0035] In the Fig. 12In the embodiment shown, the inner conductor contact 4 is directly surrounded by an insulator 8. In order to guide the fifth tool 60 during engagement and to align the inner conductor contact 4 concentrically with the insulator 8, the fifth tool 60 furthermore has a second rotary body 67 in its processing area 62. The second rotary body 67 is designed as a hollow cylinder which surrounds the first rotary body 64. The second rotary body 67 is designed such that it encloses the insulator 8 from the outside. The guide surfaces 69 on the second rotary body 67 run essentially flush with the outer surface of the insulator 8, so that the fifth tool 60 is guided via the second rotary body 67 along the insulator 8 in the first direction X.Due to the fixed concentric alignment of the first and second rotation bodies 64, 67 to each other, the inner conductor contact 4 and the insulator 8 are also concentrically aligned to each other when they are brought into engagement.

[0036] Fig. 13shows an embodiment of a sixth tool 70. The sixth tool 70 is designed for the case that the inner conductor contact 4 or tabs on the inner conductor contact 4 have an inner diameter that is too large. In order to reduce the inner diameter of the inner conductor contact 4, the rotating body 74 is designed as a hollow cylinder. The aligning surface 76 is arranged on an inner surface of the rotating body 74. When the contact element 1 is brought into engagement with the sixth tool 70, the rotating body 74 with the aligning surface 76, with its pointed opening side, slides forward between the inner conductor contact 4 and the insulator 8 on the contact element 1. Due to the conical shape of the aligning surface 76, which reduces its distance from the central axis M of the sixth tool 70 in the first direction X towards the base body 71, the inner diameter of the inner conductor contact 4 is narrowed or reduced.During this process, a slight overpressure is applied, and after the sixth tool 70 is removed, the tabs of the inner conductor contact 4 spring back slightly to ultimately lie at the desired dimension. A predetermined fifth orientation α5 of the inner conductor contact 4 is achieved when the contact element 1 and the sixth tool 70 have been fully engaged, so that the contact element 1 rests against at least one stop surface 78.

[0037] In the Fig. 13In the embodiment shown, the inner conductor contact 4 is directly surrounded by an insulator 8. In order to guide the sixth tool 70 during engagement and to align the inner conductor contact 4 concentrically with the insulator 8, the sixth tool 70 furthermore has a second rotary body 77 in its processing area 72. The second rotary body 77 is designed as a hollow cylinder which surrounds the first rotary body 74. The second rotary body 77 is designed such that it encloses the insulator 8 from the outside. The guide surfaces 79 on the second rotary body 77 run essentially flush with the outer surface of the insulator 8, so that the sixth tool 70 is guided via the second rotary body 77 along the insulator 8 in the first direction X.Due to the fixed concentric alignment of the first and second rotation bodies 74, 77 to each other, the inner conductor contact 4 and the insulator 8 are also concentrically aligned to each other when they are brought into engagement.

[0038] Fig. 14shows an embodiment of a seventh tool 80. The seventh tool 80 is designed for the case where the outer conductor contact 6 or tabs on the outer conductor contact 6 have an inner diameter that is too small. In order to enlarge the inner diameter of the outer conductor contact 6, the rotating body 84 is designed (at least partially) as a hollow cylinder. The aligning surface 86 is arranged on an outer surface of the rotating body 84. When the contact element 1 is brought into engagement with the seventh tool 80, the rotating body 84 with the aligning surface 86, with its pointed opening side at the front, slides between the outer conductor contact 6 and the insulator 8 on the contact element 1. Due to the conical shape of the aligning surface 86, which increases its distance from the central axis M of the seventh tool 80 in the first direction X towards the base body 81, the inner diameter of the outer conductor contact 6 is widened or enlarged.During this process, a slight overpressure is applied, and after the seventh tool 80 is removed, the tabs on the outer conductor contact 6 spring back slightly to ultimately lie within the desired dimension of the collecting basket diameter. A predetermined sixth orientation α6 of the outer conductor contact 6 is achieved when the contact element 1 and the seventh tool 80 have been fully engaged, so that the contact element 1 rests against at least one stop surface 88. Furthermore, the insulator 8 can be at least partially received in the hollow cylinder of the rotary body 84 when the contact element 1 is brought into engagement with the seventh tool 80. The seventh tool 80 can be guided over this receptacle and can align the outer conductor contact 6 concentrically with respect to the insulator 8.

[0039] Fig. 15shows an embodiment of an eighth tool 90. The eighth tool 90 is designed for the case that the outer conductor contact 6 or tabs on the outer conductor contact 6 have an internal diameter that is too large. In order to reduce the internal diameter of the outer conductor contact 6, the rotating body 94 is designed as a hollow cylinder. The aligning surface 96 is arranged on an internal surface of the rotating body 94. When the contact element 1 is brought into engagement with the eighth tool 90, the rotating body 94 with the aligning surface 96, with its pointed opening side at the front, slides between the outer conductor contact 6 and a housing 9 on the contact element 1. Due to the conical shape of the aligning surface 96, which reduces its distance from the central axis M of the eighth tool 90 in the first direction X towards the base body 91, the internal diameter of the outer conductor contact 6 is narrowed or reduced.During this process, a slight overpressure is applied, and after the eighth tool 90 is removed, the tabs of the outer conductor contact 6 spring back slightly to ultimately lie within the specified dimension of the collecting basket diameter. A predetermined seventh orientation α7 of the outer conductor contact 6 is achieved when the contact element 1 and the eighth tool 90 have been fully engaged, so that the contact element 1 rests against at least one stop surface 98.

[0040] In order to guide the eighth tool 90 during engagement and to align the outer conductor contact 6 concentrically with the insulator 8, the eighth tool 90 further comprises a second rotating body 97 in its processing area 92. The second rotating body 97 is designed as a hollow cylinder arranged within the first rotating body 94. The second rotating body 97 is designed to surround the insulator 8 from the outside.

[0041] The guide surfaces 99 on the second rotational body 97 run essentially flush with the outer surface of the insulator 8, so that the eighth tool 90 is guided along the insulator 8 via the second rotational body 97 in the first direction X. Due to the fixed concentric alignment of the first and second rotational bodies 94, 97 to one another, the outer conductor contact 6 and the insulator 8 are also concentrically aligned to one another when they are brought into engagement.

[0042] In all of the described tools 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, the at least one circumferential straightening surface 16, 26, 36, 46, 66, 76, 86, 96 can correct the misalignment α on the contact element 1 by 15 degrees, more preferably by 10 degrees, most preferably by 5 degrees. The smaller the angle by which a mechanical deformation is performed on the contact element 1, the more gentle the deformation is on the material and thus the better for the durability of the contact element 1.

[0043] Preferably, each tool 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90 can mark a reworked contact element 1, for example by a haptic / mechanical or visual marking, such as a color marking and / or a notch.

[0044] An exemplary embodiment of a method for correcting a misalignment α on a contact element 1 is described below. The method comprises the following steps: providing a tool 10, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, engaging the contact element 1 with the respective machining area 12, 42, 62, 72, 82, 92 of the tool 10, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, such that the misalignment α on the contact element 1 is directed to a predetermined orientation α1, α4, α5, α6, α7, and subsequently releasing the engagement. The method just described is particularly suitable for the tool 10, the fourth tool 40, the fifth tool 60, the sixth tool 70, the seventh tool 80, and the eighth tool 90. By engaging and releasing the contact element 1 once with the respective tool, the respective misalignment α on the contact element 1 is corrected, and the contact element 1 or the connector can be used.In particular, this type of rework allows for significantly smaller installation spaces for the (rework) tool compared to conventional repair pliers, for example less than 15cmx15cmx15cm.

[0045] An alternative embodiment is particularly for the tool 10 and is described below.After the above method steps have been carried out, the method further comprises the steps: after the previous method step, providing a second tool 20, engaging the contact element 1 with the machining area 22 of the second tool 20 so that the predetermined orientation α1 is directed to a second predetermined orientation α2 after the tool 10 has been engaged, and then releasing the engagement, then providing a third tool 30, engaging the contact element 1 with the machining area 32 of the third tool 30 so that the second predetermined orientation α2 is directed to a third predetermined orientation α3 after the second tool 20 has been engaged, then rotating the contact element 1 and the third tool 30 towards each other, and then releasing the engagement.The sequential use of tool 10, second tool 20, and third tool 30 enables a piece-by-piece straightening or correction of the misalignment α on contact element 1, in particular a piece-by-piece straightening of inner conductor pin 2 on contact element 1. Rotating contact element 1 and third tool 30 relative to each other helps to reduce unwanted residual stress in contact element 1, in particular in inner conductor pin 2. After these process steps, a contact element 1 is ready for practical use again; however, it may be that contact element 1 is not yet process-reliable, for example because the concentricity is still outside the required specifications.

[0046] If the contact element 1, i.e. the inner conductor pin 2, is still not satisfactorily aligned after the previous steps, the method can further comprise the following steps: After the previous method step, providing a fourth tool 40, determining a difference between the third predetermined alignment α3 and a central axis of the contact element 1, directed insertion of the inner conductor pin 2 on the contact element 1 into the receptacle 43 on the fourth tool 40, then linearly displacing the contact element 1 with respect to the fourth tool 40 in the direction of the difference, and then releasing the engagement. At the latest after these method steps, the inner conductor pin 2 of the contact element 1 is aligned concentrically to the central axis of the contact element 1 and the outer conductor 6 of the contact element 1.In particular, a concentricity of < 0.05 mm diameter is achieved (compared to a concentricity of < 0.20 mm diameter required by specifications and standards). The misalignment α on contact element 1 is corrected, and contact element 1 or the connector can be used (without problems or damage).

[0047] The described process steps can optionally be combined with a test gauge. In this combination, a gauge checks whether a specific defect is present on contact element 1. If a defect is present, the appropriate tool is selected and applied. The gauge then confirms the success of the rework. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0048] 1 Contact element 2 Inner conductor pin 4 Inner conductor 6 Outer conductor 8 Insulator 9 Housing 10 Tool 11 Base body 12 Machining area 14 Rotating body 15 Opening 16 Alignment surface 18 Stop surface 20 Second tool 21 Base body 22 Machining area 24 Rotating body 25 Second opening 26 Alignment surface 28 Stop surface 30 Third tool 31 Base body 32 Machining area 34 Rotating body 35 Third opening 36 Alignment surface 38 Stop surface 40 Fourth tool 41 Base body 42 Machining area 43 Holder 44 Rotating body 45 Fourth opening 46 Alignment surface 48 Stop surface 50 Tool set 52 (common) base body 54 Tool set 56 (common) base body 60 Fifth tool 61Main body 62Machining area 64Rotational body 66Straightening surface 67Second rotational body 68Stop surface 69Guide surface 70Sixth tool 71Main body 72Machining area 74Rotational body 76Straightening surface 77Second rotational body 78Stop surface 79Guide surface 80Seventh tool 81Main body 82Machining area84Rotational body 86Alignment surface 88Stop surface 90Eighth tool 91Main body 92Machining area 94Rotational body 96Alignment surface 97Second rotational body 98Stop surface 99Guide surface Alignment axis αMisalignment α1First alignment α2Second alignment α3Third alignment α4Fourth alignment α5Fifth alignment α6Sixth alignment α7Seventh alignment D1First diameter D2Second diameter D3Third diameter D4Fourth diameter D5Fifth diameter D6Sixth diameter D7Seventh diameter D8Eighth diameter MCenter axis M'Offset center axis XFirst direction YSecond direction ZThird direction

Claims

1. A tool (10, 60) for straightening a misalignment (α) on a contact element (1), comprising: a) a base body (11, 61); b) a machining area (12, 62) which is arranged at one end of the base body (11, 61) and which can be brought into engagement with the contact element (1) along a first direction (X); c) a first rotational body (14, 64) which is arranged in the machining area (12, 62) and which is formed around a central axis (M) of the tool (10, 60) along the first direction (X), wherein d) the first rotational body (14, 64) has at least one circumferential straightening surface (16, 66) for straightening the contact element (1);and e) the at least one circumferential directional surface (16, 66) has an at least partially conical shape and / or a non-concentric alignment to the central axis (M) of the tool (10, 60), so that the misalignment (α) on the contact element (1) can be directed to a predetermined alignment (α1, α4) when brought into engagement with the machining area (12, 62); 2. Tool according to claim 1, wherein the first rotary body (14, 64) is formed at least in sections as a hollow cylinder or a cone.

3. Tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the machining area (12, 62) has at least one stop surface (18, 68) which prevents further engagement of the contact element (1) and the machining area (12, 62).

4. Tool according to one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the at least one circumferential straightening surface (16, 66) is arranged on an inner or outer side of the first rotary body (14, 64).

5. Tool according to one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the at least one circumferential straightening surface (16, 66) can straighten the misalignment (α) on the contact element (1) by 15 degrees, more preferably by 10 degrees, most preferably by 5 degrees.

6. Tool according to one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the tool (10, 60), in particular the machining area (12, 62) of the tool (10, 60), is formed from an electrically non-conductive material.

7. Tool according to one of claims 1 - 6, further comprising at least one second rotary body (67) which comprises guide surfaces (69) and is arranged in the machining area (62) for guiding the tool (60) when bringing it into engagement with the contact element (1).

8. Tool set (50) for correcting a misalignment (α) on a contact element (1), at least comprising: a) a tool (10) according to one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the tool (10) has a first opening (15) with a first diameter (D1) on a side with which the tool (10) can be brought into engagement with the contact element (1); and b) a second tool (20) according to one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the second tool (20) has a second opening (25) with a third diameter (D3) on the side with which the second tool (20) can be brought into engagement with the contact element (1), and the third diameter (D3) is smaller than the first diameter (D1);and c) a third tool (30) according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the third tool (30) has, on the side with which the third tool (30) can be brought into engagement with the contact element (1), a third opening (35) with a fifth diameter (D5), and the fifth diameter (D5) is smaller than the third diameter (D3).; 9. Tool set according to claim 8, further comprising a fourth tool (40) according to one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the fourth tool (40) has, on the side with which the fourth tool (40) can be brought into engagement with the contact element (1), a fourth opening (45) which leads to a receptacle (43) in the processing area (42) of the fourth tool (40), wherein the diameter of the receptacle (43) corresponds to the diameter of an inner conductor pin (2) on the contact element (1), and the receptacle (43) is not aligned concentrically to the central axis (M) of the fourth tool (40).

10. Tool set according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the tool (10), the second tool (20) and the third tool (30), and in particular the fourth tool (40), have a common base body (52, 56).

11. A method for correcting a misalignment (α) on a contact element (1), the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a tool (10) according to one of claims 1 - 7 b) engaging the contact element (1) with the machining area (12) of the tool (10) so that the misalignment (α) on the contact element (1) is corrected to a predetermined orientation (α1), and subsequently c) releasing the engagement.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the steps: d) after the previous method step, providing a second tool (20) according to any one of claims 8-10; e) engaging the contact element (1) with the machining area (22) of the second tool (20) such that the predetermined orientation (α1) is directed to a second predetermined orientation (α2) after the tool (10) has been engaged, and then f) releasing the engagement; then g) providing a third tool (30) according to any one of claims 8-10; h) engaging the contact element (1) with the machining area (32) of the third tool (30) such that the second predetermined orientation (α2) is directed to a third predetermined orientation (α3) after the second tool (20) has been engaged; then i) rotating the contact element (1) and the third tool (30) relative to one another; and then j) releasing the engagement.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the steps: k) after the previous method step, providing a fourth tool (40) according to one of claims 9 or 10; l) determining a difference between the third predetermined orientation (α3) and a center axis of the contact element (1); m) directed insertion of the inner conductor pin (2) on the contact element (1) into the receptacle (43) on the fourth tool (40); then n) linearly displacing the contact element (1) with respect to the fourth tool (40) in the direction of the difference; and then o) releasing the engagement.

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