Tool and method for forming a conduit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tool (1) for forming a conductor (10) comprising at least a first and a second inner conductor contact (11, 12), at least comprising a workpiece carrier (2) that can fix the conductor (10) and position it along a first direction (X) on the tool (1), and which can further displace the conductor (10) transversely to the first direction (X), preferably along a third direction (Z), a spreading mandrel (7) for spreading a distance between the first and second inner conductor contact (11, 12), wherein the spreading mandrel (7) can be displaced transversely to the first direction (X), preferably along the third direction (Z), a first and an opposing second aperture (4, 5) that are spaced apart from each other and form a receptacle (6) between them, and a guide (20) with at least a first and a second opening (21, 22) for receiving the respective first and second inner conductor contact (11, 12).The present invention further relates to a method for forming a conduit (10).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a tool and a method for forming a cable, in particular in automated cable assembly. State of the art

[0002] In cable assembly, i.e., the connection of a cable to a connector component, reliable alignment of the cable's inner conductor contacts is required to attach the connector component to the (partially assembled) cable. The inner conductor contacts are connected to the cable's conductors, preferably crimped to them. After connection or crimping, the inner conductor contacts often exhibit different orientations. For a predefined orientation, the inner conductor contacts must be spread apart at a predetermined angle and / or distance from each other. Typically, the conductors and inner conductor contacts are spread apart into a V-shape. In the prior art, this spreading is generally achieved using an expanding mandrel.

[0003] However, the current state of the art has the disadvantages that, although the conductors or inner conductor contacts are spread apart with a predetermined opening angle, they lie in different planes relative to each other and / or, in addition to spreading, it is also necessary to adjust a predetermined inclination angle of the inner conductor contacts to the central axis of the line. Description of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method with which, in particular in automated cable assembly, the desired shaping of the cables is possible in a simple and reliable manner.

[0005] The aforementioned problem is solved by a tool according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 9. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0006] In particular, the above-mentioned problem is solved by a tool for forming a conductor comprising at least a first and a second inner conductor contact, comprising at least a workpiece carrier that can fix the conductor and position it along a first direction on the tool and further displace the conductor transversely to the first direction, preferably along a third direction, a spreading mandrel for spreading a distance between the first and second inner conductor contact, wherein the spreading mandrel can be displaced transversely to the first direction, preferably along the third direction, a first and an opposing second aperture that are spaced apart from each other and form a receptacle between them, and a guide with at least a first and a second opening for receiving the respective first and second inner conductor contact.

[0007] This tool offers the advantage of reliably deforming and aligning the inner conductor contacts of a cable in a simple manner. In particular, the first and second plates eliminate any misalignment of the inner conductor contacts relative to each other. This correction involves bending or strongly tilting the inner conductor contacts, first in one direction, then in the opposite direction. As a result, the inner conductor contacts lie in a common plane. The expanding mandrel gives the inner conductor contacts a predetermined distance or opening angle from each other. The guide, with its separate openings, gives the inner conductor contacts a final shape that they retain when exiting the guide. This tool is suitable for automated cable assembly.In particular, all movements of the line on the tool can be automated.

[0008] Preferably, the spreading mandrel has at least a partial cylindrical shape with a predetermined diameter in order to spread at least the first and second inner conductor contacts transversely to the first direction, preferably along a second direction. The cylindrical shape prevents damage to the conductor. With the cylindrical shape, it is irrelevant whether the inner conductor contacts are misaligned relative to each other or not; the inner conductor contacts are deformed to the predetermined distance or opening angle relative to each other.

[0009] Preferably, the spreading mandrel has a double wedge shape at its tip for spreading transversely to the first direction, preferably along the second direction, and for movement along the first direction. The double wedge shape extends once as a wedge along the first direction and once as a wedge transversely to the first direction. The wedge is asymmetrically constructed along the first direction and forms a tapered wedge. With the aid of the tapered wedge shape, the wedge easily engages between the two inner conductor contacts, which are essentially closely aligned at their ends facing the conductor, and spreads the inner conductor contacts open. The wedge is symmetrically constructed transversely to the first direction in order to deform or align the first and second inner conductor contacts uniformly.

[0010] Preferably, the expanding mandrel is arranged in a first plane, the first and second apertures in a second plane, and the guide in a third plane, with the first, second, and third planes offset from each other along the first direction. This design allows for easy feeding of the conductor to the individual processing elements of the tool for forming the conductor.

[0011] Preferably, the guide along the first direction is achieved by the recess between the first and second apertures. This arrangement allows for a space-saving design. After the inner conductor contacts have been tilted by the first and second apertures, they can be inserted into the guide with a simple further movement of the conductor along the first direction.

[0012] Preferably, the guide has a taper towards the first and second openings, and these openings are inclined along the first direction. The tapers are essentially circular and lead to the first or second opening. These tapers facilitate the insertion of the inner conductor contacts into the openings in the guide. The inclination of the openings shapes the inner conductor contacts or aligns them at a common third angle relative to the central axis of the conductor. The inner conductor contacts retain this third-angle inclination after exiting the guide.

[0013] Preferably, the workpiece carrier has a first fixing device which, in the closed state, forms a passage for the conductors of the cable and a stop for the ends of the inner conductor contacts. The stop for the ends of the inner conductor contacts provides counter-support, in particular, when the inner conductor contacts are spread open as the cable moves onto the spreading mandrel. The stop, more precisely the rim of the passage, holds the inner conductor contacts in a defined position. This makes the forming process more controlled and stable.

[0014] Preferably, the workpiece carrier has a second fixing device, which is arranged at a distance from the first fixing device and, in the closed position, ensures that the cable is aligned along the first direction. In practice, the cable is often stored compactly, for example, coiled. This compact storage can lead to elastic deformations, such as torsion and displacement, so that the central axis of the cable at the end to be processed is not exactly aligned along the first direction. The second fixing device corrects any misalignments and leads to improved process results.

[0015] The above-mentioned problem is further solved in particular by a method for forming a conductor comprising at least a first and a second inner conductor contact, with a tool for forming the conductor, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps, preferably in the specified order: providing the conductor on a workpiece carrier, feeding the conductor with the aid of the workpiece carrier along a first direction in the direction of the tool, moving a spreading mandrel and / or the conductor transversely to the first direction, preferably along a third direction, so that the spreading mandrel is arranged between the first and second inner conductor contacts in order to spread a gap between the first and second inner conductor contacts transversely to the first and third directions, preferably along a second direction, moving the spreading mandrel and / or the conductor away,so that the expanding mandrel is no longer positioned between the first and second inner conductor contacts, adjusting the conductor along the first direction until the first and second inner conductor contacts are positioned in a recess between a first and a second aperture, and then pressing the first and second inner conductor contacts onto the first aperture and / or pressing the first aperture onto the first and second inner conductor contacts transversely to the first direction, preferably along the third direction, so that the first and second inner conductor contacts are inclined at a first angle to a central axis of the conductor, pressing the first and second inner conductor contacts onto the second aperture opposite the first aperture and / or pressing the second aperture onto the first and second inner conductor contacts, so that the first and second inner conductor contacts are inclined at a second angle to the central axis of the conductor,and inserting the first and second inner conductor contacts into a first and second opening on a guide for aligning the first and second inner conductor contacts, so that the first and second inner conductor contacts, when exiting the guide, are provided in a common plane at a third angle to the central axis of the conductor and at a predetermined distance between the first and second inner conductor contacts.

[0016] The present method has at least the advantage that any misalignments between the first and second inner conductor contacts are eliminated, so that the inner conductor contacts (at the end of the process) have a predetermined shape when exiting the guide. This predetermined shape facilitates the insertion of the inner conductor contacts into a connector component. The consistently predetermined shape of each conductor increases process reliability. All steps of the method are preferably automated.

[0017] Preferably, during the movement of the expanding mandrel and / or the conductor, the first and second inner conductor contacts are freely arranged in space and, in particular, do not rest on a surface. If they were resting on a surface, the misalignment could lead to damage to the surface, or the first and second inner conductor contacts would deform differently relative to the surface when the expanding mandrel is moved. Therefore, the first and second inner conductor contacts are arranged freely in space, allowing them to deform freely until the predetermined (expansion) distance is reached.

[0018] Preferably, the first and second angles are in the range of 0 to 80 degrees, more preferably in the range of 10 to 60 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 30 to 50 degrees. When pressure is applied to the first and second aperture, the first and second inner conductor contacts are significantly inclined. This significant inclination eliminates any misalignment of the first and second inner conductor contacts relative to each other. As a result, the first and second inner conductor contacts lie in a common plane, which facilitates insertion into the guide and ensures uniform forming within the guide.

[0019] Preferably, the third angle is in the range of 0 to 40 degrees, more preferably in the range of 5 to 20 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 10 to 15 degrees. The first and second inner conductor contacts lie in a common plane, and this plane exhibits a (slight) inclination relative to the central axis of the conductor at the third angle. This inclination of the inner conductor contacts facilitates their insertion into a connector component.

[0020] The following description of embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a tool in its starting position; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the embodiment of the workpiece carrier made of Fig. 1Fig. 3 a perspective view of the tool during spreading of the inner conductor contacts; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the tool during pressing the conductor against the spreading mandrel; Fig. 5 a perspective view of the tool during pressing the inner conductor contacts against a first aperture; Fig. 6 a perspective view of the tool during pressing the inner conductor contacts against a second aperture; Fig. 7 a perspective view of the tool before inserting the inner conductor contacts into a guide; and Fig. 8 a perspective view of the tool after the inner conductor contacts have been removed from the guide.

[0021] Preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0022] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a tool 1 for forming a conductor 10. The conductor 10 comprises at least a first and a second inner conductor contact 11, 12. The illustrated inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are crimped to the conductors 13 of the conductor 10. Preferably, the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are untwisted at least in one end section that is to be processed or assembled, wherein the conductor 10 can, for example, comprise a (twisted) two-wire conductor. In alternative embodiments, the conductor 10 can also have more than two conductors or inner conductor (contacts).

[0023] The in Fig. 1The illustrated tool 1 has at least one workpiece carrier 2. The workpiece carrier 2 can fix the conductor 10 and position it along a first direction X on the tool 1. The illustrated workpiece carrier 2 can further displace the conductor 10 transversely to the first direction X, preferably along a third direction Z. This displacement transversely to the first direction X, preferably along the third direction Z, is suitable for pressing the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 against the first and / or second aperture 4, 5. The details are shown in Fig. 2The workpiece carrier 2 shown has a first fixing device 3. The first fixing device 3 can be switched between an open and a closed state. In the open state, a conductor 10 can be inserted into the fixing device 3. In the closed state, the conductor 10 is enclosed by the first fixing device 3, but not secured or clamped. The first fixing device 3 is moved from the open to the closed state, specifically between the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 and the still-sheathed portion of the conductor. In the closed state, the first fixing device 3 forms a passage for conductors 13 of the conductor 10 and a stop for the ends 11a, 12a of the inner conductor contacts 11, 12.In particular, when the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are subjected to a force (component) along the first direction X towards the workpiece carrier 2, the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are stopped at an edge of the passage, which serves as a stop. Furthermore, the illustrated workpiece carrier 2 has a second fixing device 9. The second fixing device 9 is arranged along the conductor 10, away from the inner conductor contacts 11, 12, and spaced apart from the first fixing device 3. The second fixing device 9 can be switched between an open and a closed state. In the open state, a conductor 10 can be inserted. In the closed state, the conductor 10 is enclosed, but not secured or clamped. In the closed state, the alignment of the conductor 10 along the first direction X is ensured.

[0024] The illustrated tool 1 further features a spreading mandrel 7 for spreading a distance A or an opening angle between the first and second inner conductor contact 11, 12 (see. Fig. 4 The spreading mandrel 7 can be displaced transversely to the first direction X, preferably along the third direction Z. Since the conductor 10 can also be displaced along the third direction Z, the conductor 10 can also be positioned against or pressed against a (non-moving) spreading mandrel 7 so that a predetermined distance A between the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 is achieved. The spreading mandrel 7 has at least a section of a cylindrical shape with a predetermined diameter D in order to spread at least the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 transversely to the first direction X, preferably along a second direction Y. The illustrated spreading mandrel 7 has a tip 8 (see figure). Fig. 1) a double wedge shape. The double wedge shape is suitable for spreading transversely to the first direction X, preferably along the second direction Y, and for moving along the first direction X. The movement along the first direction X preferably extends to the root 14 of the conductor 10. The root 14 is the section or point on the conductor 10 where the conductors with the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 begin to lie free (from the sheath of the conductor 10) (see figure). Fig. 2 ).

[0025] Furthermore, the illustrated tool 1 has a first and an opposing second aperture 4, 5, which are spaced apart from each other and form a receptacle 6 between them. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second apertures 4, 5 are two metal sheets with rounded edges so that the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are not damaged when pressed against them. The first and second apertures 4, 5 have a width B between them, which essentially determines the size of the receptacle 6.

[0026] Furthermore, the tool 1 has a guide 20 with at least one first and one second opening 21, 22 for receiving the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the guide 20 is a block of metal or a similarly hard material suitable for forming the inner conductor contacts 11, 12. The first and second openings 21, 22 are preferably formed by bores in the block. The first and second openings 21, 22 have diameters that essentially correspond to the diameters of the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 and allow as little play as possible in order to optimally form the inner conductor contacts 11, 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide 20 is accessible along the first direction X through the receptacle 6 between the first and second apertures 4, 5.The first and second apertures 4, 5 are preferably arranged above and below the guide 20, respectively, so that the apertures 4, 5 do not obstruct the conductor 10 when moving along the first direction X. Furthermore, the guide 20 tapers towards the first and second openings 21, 22, and the first and second openings 21, 22 are inclined along the first direction X. Due to the inclination of the openings 21, 22, the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are automatically adjusted to the inclination upon insertion. When the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 exit the guide 20 or the openings 21, 22, they essentially retain the inclination.

[0027] As in Fig. 8As shown, the spreading mandrel 7 is arranged in a first plane E1, the first and second apertures 4, 5 in a second plane E2, and the guide 20 in a third plane E3. The first, second, and third planes E1, E2, E3 are offset from each other along the first direction X.

[0028] A preferred embodiment of a method for forming a conductor 10 is described below. The conductor 10 comprises at least a first and a second inner conductor contact 11, 12. The forming is preferably carried out with a tool 1 for forming the conductor 10. The preferred method has at least the following steps in the specified order: First, the conductor 10 is provided on a workpiece carrier 2. Preferably, the conductor 10 is clamped to the workpiece carrier 2 with a clamping device, with the end of the conductor 10 to be processed being free. In a preferred embodiment, the conductor 10, in particular the end to be processed, is further fixed by a first and second fixing device 3, 9. Then, the conductor 10 is fed to the workpiece carrier 2 along a first direction X in the direction of the tool 1.The feeding process preferably involves a linear movement by an actuator or similar device (see . ). Fig. 3 ).

[0029] After the introduction, with reference to Fig. 3 , a spreading mandrel 7 and / or the conductor 10 is moved transversely to the first direction X, preferably along a third direction Z, so that the spreading mandrel 7 is positioned between the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 in order to spread a distance or opening angle between the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 transversely to the first and third directions X, Z, preferably along a second direction Y. In the Fig. 3In the preferably illustrated embodiment, the spreading mandrel 7 moves towards the conductor 10 and spreads the inner conductor contacts 11, 12. Preferably, during spreading, the conductor 10 is additionally moved along the first direction X towards the spreading mandrel 7 until the spreading mandrel 7 and the root 14 meet, in order to fully spread the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 or conductors 13 to the predetermined distance A (see figure). Fig. 4 ).

[0030] After the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 have been spread open, the spreading mandrel 7 and / or the conductor 10 are moved away so that the spreading mandrel 7 is no longer positioned between the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12. With reference to Fig. 5 In the preferred embodiment, the expanding mandrel 7 is moved away from the conductor 10. Due to the plastic expansion of the inner conductor contacts 11, 12, these retain the distance A or opening angle to each other achieved by the expanding mandrel. As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4As shown, during the movement of the expanding mandrel 7 and / or the conductor 10, the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are freely arranged in space and, in particular, do not rest (on a support). The conductor 10 and its inner conductor contacts 11, 12 possess inherent rigidity, so that it is easily possible to hold the conductor 10 and the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 freely in space. Due to the double wedge shape of the expanding mandrel 7, the expanding mandrel 7 initially exerts a point-like force on the ends 11a, 12a of the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 facing the conductor 10, spreading the inner conductor contacts 11, 12. Only gradually, as the expanding mandrel 7 penetrates further between the inner conductor contacts 11, 12, are these fully spread open to the predetermined distance A or opening angle. Optionally, during spreading, the line 10 can be moved along the first direction X until the spreading mandrel 7 and the root 14 meet.The spreading of the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 takes place essentially without deformation of the conductor 10 itself.

[0031] After the expanding mandrel 7 has been removed or moved away, the conductor 10 is extended along the first direction X until the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are arranged in a receptacle 6 between a first and a second aperture 4, 5. Preferably, the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are arranged in the region of the root 14 in the second plane E2 of the first and second aperture 4, 5. Deformation of the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 has the greatest effect at the root 14.

[0032] Then, the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are pressed onto the first aperture 4 and / or the first aperture 4 is pressed onto the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 transversely to the first direction X, preferably along the third direction Z, so that the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are inclined at a first angle α relative to a central axis M of the conductor 10 (see figure). Fig. 5 In the preferred embodiment shown, the first and second apertures 4, 5 are fixed, and the conductor 10 is pressed against the apertures 4, 5 by means of the workpiece carrier 2. In an alternative embodiment, the conductor 10 can be fixed, and the apertures 4, 5 are moved towards the conductor 10 to tilt the inner conductor contacts 11, 12. After the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 have been pressed against the first aperture 4 in the embodiment shown, they are, as in Fig. 6As shown, the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are pressed against the second aperture 5. When pressed against the second aperture 5, the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are inclined in the completely opposite direction as when pressed against the first aperture 4. This results in the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 being pressed against the second aperture 5, which is opposite the first aperture 4, and / or the second aperture 5 being pressed against the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12, such that the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are inclined at a second angle β relative to the central axis M of the conductor 10. In particular, the first and second angles α, β are in the range of 0 to 80 degrees, preferably in the range of 10 to 60 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 30 to 50 degrees. In other words, these angles mean that the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are bent relatively sharply away from the central axis M of the conductor 10.By bending the contacts sharply away from each other, even significant or larger misalignments of the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 relative to each other can be compensated for or eliminated. After pressing with or against the first and second apertures 4, 5, the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 lie in a common plane L. The inner conductor contacts 11, 12 retain this common plane L even after being inserted into and removed from the guide 20 (see figure). Fig. 8 ).

[0033] Finally, the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are inserted into a first and second opening 21, 22 on a guide 20 to align the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 (see figure). Fig. 7), so that the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 are provided in a common plane L when exiting the guide 20 with a third angle δ relative to the central axis M of the conductor 10 and a predetermined distance between the first and second inner conductor contacts 11, 12 (see Fig. 8In the preferred embodiment, the direction of inclination of the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 after pressing against the second aperture 5 corresponds to the direction of inclination of the openings 21, 22, so that the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 can be more easily inserted into the openings 21, 22. In particular, the third angle δ is in the range of 0 to 40 degrees, preferably in the range of 5 to 20 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 10 to 15 degrees. Compared to the first and second angles α, β, the third angle δ is only a small inclination, but it is sufficient to simplify or improve (in a subsequent process step) the insertion of the inner conductor contacts 11, 12 into a connector component.

[0034] Finally, the line 10 is moved back to the starting or transport position with the workpiece carrier 2 (see figure). Fig. 8 ) and possibly moved to a subsequent process. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0035] 1 Tool 2 Workpiece carrier 3 First fixing device 4 First aperture 5 Second aperture 6 Holder 7 Expanding mandrel 8 Tip 9 Second fixing device 10 Conductor 11 First inner conductor contact 11a End 12 Second inner conductor contact 12a End 13 Wires 14 Root 20 Guide 21 First opening 22 Second opening α First angle β Second angle δ Third angle A Distance B Width D Diameter E1 First plane E2 Second plane E3 Third plane L Common plane M Center axis X First direction Y Second direction Z Third direction

Claims

1. Tool (1) for forming a conductor (10) comprising at least a first and a second inner conductor contact (11, 12), comprising at least: a. a workpiece carrier (2) that can fix the conductor (10) and feed it along a first direction (X) to the tool (1), and that can further displace the conductor (10) transversely to the first direction (X), preferably along a third direction (Z); b. an expanding mandrel (7) for spreading a gap between the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12), wherein the expanding mandrel (7) can be displaced transversely to the first direction (X), preferably along the third direction (Z); c. a first and an opposing second aperture (4, 5) that are spaced apart from each other and form a receptacle (6) between them; and d. a guide (20) with at least a first and a second opening (21, 22) for receiving the respective first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12).

2. Tool according to claim 1, wherein the spreading mandrel (7) has at least partially a cylindrical shape with a predetermined diameter (D) in order to spread at least the first and second inner conductor contact (11, 12) transversely to the first direction (X), preferably along a second direction (Y).

3. Tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spreading mandrel (7) has a double wedge shape at its tip (8) for spreading transversely to the first direction (X), preferably along the second direction (Y), and for moving along the first direction (X).

4. Tool according to one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the expanding mandrel (7) is arranged in a first plane (E1), the first and second aperture (4, 5) in a second plane (E2) and the guide (20) in a third plane (E3) and the first, second and third planes (E1, E2, E3) are arranged offset from each other along the first direction (X).

5. Tool according to one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the guide (20) along the first direction (X) can be reached through the receptacle (6) between the first and second aperture (4, 5).

6. Tool according to one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the guide (20) has a taper towards the first and second opening (21, 22) and the first and second opening (21, 22) run with an inclination along the first direction (X).

7. Tool according to one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the workpiece carrier (2) has a first fixing device (3) which, in the closed state, forms a passage for conductors (13) of the line (10) and a stop for ends (11a, 12a) of the inner conductor contacts (11, 12).

8. Tool according to claim 7, wherein the workpiece carrier (2) has a second fixing device (9) which is spaced apart from the first fixing device (3) and which, in the closed state, ensures an alignment of the line (10) along the first direction (X).

9. A method for forming a conductor (10) comprising at least a first and a second inner conductor contact (11, 12), with a tool (1) for forming the conductor (10), preferably according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps, preferably in the specified order: a. Providing the conductor (10) on a workpiece carrier (2); b. Feeding the conductor (10) with the aid of the workpiece carrier (2) along a first direction (X) in the direction of the tool (1); c. Moving a spreading mandrel (7) and / or the conductor (10) transversely to the first direction (X), preferably along a third direction (Z), so that the spreading mandrel (7) is positioned between the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12) to spread a gap between the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12) transversely to the first and third directions (X, Z), preferably along a second direction (Y); d.Moving the expanding mandrel (7) and / or the conductor (10) away so that the expanding mandrel (7) is no longer positioned between the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12); e. Adjusting the conductor (10) along the first direction (X) until the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12) are positioned in a receptacle (6) between a first and a second aperture (4, 5), and then pressing the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12) onto the first aperture (4) and / or pressing the first aperture (4) onto the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12) transversely to the first direction (X), preferably along the third direction (Z), so that the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12) are inclined at a first angle (α) relative to a central axis (M) of the conductor (10); f.Pressing the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12) onto the second aperture (5) opposite the first aperture (4) and / or pressing the second aperture (5) onto the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12), such that the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12) are inclined at a second angle (β) to the central axis (M) of the conductor (10); and g. Inserting the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12) into a first and second opening (21, 22) respectively on a guide (20) for aligning the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12), such that when exiting the guide (20) the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12) are provided in a common plane (L) at a third angle (δ) to the central axis (M) of the conductor (10) and at a predetermined distance between the first and second inner conductor contacts (11, 12).

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein in the step of moving the spreading mandrel (7) and / or the conductor (10) the first and second inner conductor contact (11, 12) are arranged freely in space, and in particular do not rest on anything.

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first and second angles (α, β) are in the range of 0 to 80 degrees, preferably in the range of 10 to 60 degrees and most preferably in the range of 30 to 50 degrees.

12. Method according to one of claims 9 - 11, wherein the third angle (δ) is in the range of 0 to 40 degrees, preferably in the range of 5 to 20 degrees and most preferably in the range of 10 to 15 degrees.

Images