Crimping element and method for producing a crimping element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a crimping element (12) for holding a wire (56) having a nominal diameter of about 0.1 mm or less. The crimping element (12) includes a sheet metal element (10) having a base portion (14) extending in a base plane (62) and a holding portion (16) connected to the base portion (14), wherein the holding portion (16) has a first clamping element (18) and a second clamping element (20), and the second clamping element is spaced apart from the first clamping element (18) by a recess (24) in the holding portion (16), wherein the first clamping element (18) has a first clamping portion (40) connected to the base portion (14) and a second clamping portion (42) connected to the first clamping portion (40), and the first clamping portion (40) and the second clamping portion (42) form a first clamping area (54) for holding the wire (56) between the first clamping portion (40) and the second clamping portion (42), wherein the second clamping element (20) has a third clamping portion (44) connected to the base portion (14) and a fourth clamping portion (46) connected to the third clamping portion (44), and the third clamping portion (44) and the fourth clamping portion (46) form a second clamping area (58) for holding the wire (56) between the third clamping portion (44) and the fourth clamping portion (46), wherein the first clamping portion (40) of the first clamping element (18) extends in a first plane (64) that forms a first angle (74) with the base plane (62) of the base portion (14), and the magnitude of the first angle is in the range of about 0° to about 10°, and wherein the third clamping portion (44) of the second clamping element (20) extends in a second plane (66) that forms a second angle (68) with the first plane (64), and the magnitude of the second angle is in the range of about 1° to about 10°.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a crimping element for holding a wire having a nominal diameter of about 0.1 mm or less. The present invention also relates to a method for producing such a crimping element. Background Art

[0002] In order to obtain compact actuators, shape memory alloy wires are increasingly being used, the shape of which, in particular the length, is changed by heat, and thus thermal (or electrical) energy is converted into mechanical work. Recently, this type of shape memory alloy wire has been used as a valve actuator in smaller, compact valves for filling and / or emptying fluid bladders or fluid chambers in a pneumatic adjustment device of a pneumatically adjustable vehicle seat. In particular in this type of application, the shape memory alloy wires are so-called ultra-fine wires and have a diameter of about 0.1 mm or less. For example, these wires or ultra-fine wires must be electrically and mechanically connected to a printed circuit board in a cost-effective and reliable manner. This is usually done by means of a crimping technique in which the wire is crimped by a crimping element. The material of the crimping element is usually much softer than the material of the wire, and as a result, when the wire is crimped, the crimping element holds the wire by clamping. In this process, the crimping element creates a mechanical and electrical connection, for example, between the wire and the printed circuit board.

[0003] However, it has been shown that in some cases the wire may easily slip out of the crimping element. When the load and temperature of the shape memory alloy wire change, the shape and length of the wire change, and in particular at this time, the wire may be pulled out of the crimping element, and thus the mechanical and electrical connection is interrupted. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a crimping element for holding a wire (ultra-fine wire) having a nominal diameter of about 0.1 mm or less, which also ensures reliable holding of the wire in the case of many changes in the load and temperature of the wire. In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing such a crimping element.

[0005] These objects are achieved by the crimping element according to claim 1 and by the method for producing such a crimping element according to claim 9. Advantageous refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a crimping element for holding a wire (ultra-fine wire) having a nominal diameter of about 0.1 mm or less. In this regard, the crimping element includes a sheet metal element having a base portion extending in a base plane and a holding portion connected to the base portion, wherein the holding portion has a first clamping element and a second clamping element, and the second clamping element is spaced apart from the first clamping element by a recess in the holding portion. In this context, for example, the recess may be a groove-shaped recess extending along a longitudinal extension direction or axis. The first clamping element has a first clamping portion connected to the base portion and a second clamping portion connected to the first clamping portion, and wherein the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion form a first clamping area for holding the wire between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion. The second clamping element has a third clamping portion connected to the base portion and a fourth clamping portion connected to the third clamping portion, and wherein the third clamping portion and the fourth clamping portion form a second clamping area for holding the wire between the third clamping portion and the fourth clamping portion.

[0007] In the crimping element according to the present invention, the first clamping portion of the first clamping element extends in a first plane, and the first plane forms a first angle with the base plane of the base portion, and the magnitude of the first angle is in the range of about 0° to about 10°. Further, in the crimping element according to the present invention, the third clamping portion of the second clamping element extends in a second plane, and the second plane forms a second angle with the first plane of the first clamping element, and the magnitude of the second angle is in the range of about 1° to about 10°. In other words, the second clamping element and the third clamping portion are inclined relative to the first clamping element and the first clamping portion, respectively. This inclined arrangement or the fact that the second plane forms an angle in the range of about 1° to about 10° with the first plane enables the crimping element to twist or shear the wire present in these clamping areas. This shearing results in particularly good clamping of the wire, and as a result, the crimping element can reliably hold the wire even under highly variable loads and temperatures.

[0008] According to another preferred configuration, the magnitude of the second angle formed by the second plane and the first plane is in the range of about 2° to about 3°. In this configuration, the first clamping portion is only slightly inclined relative to the third clamping portion or the third clamping portion is only slightly inclined relative to the first clamping portion, and in this case, the inclination is in the region of the nominal diameter of the wire, and thus, there is particularly good long-term stability when the wire is held.

[0009] In another preferred configuration, the first angle formed by the first plane and the base plane of the base portion is approximately 0°. In other words, in this regard, the first clamping portion extends in the continuation of the base portion. In this configuration, only the third clamping portion is inclined relative to the first clamping portion, or the first clamping portion is inclined relative to the third clamping portion. There is no additional inclination between the first clamping portion and the base portion, and thus, there is no need to additionally bend the crimping element between the base portion and the first clamping portion, so that this type of crimping element can be produced particularly cost-effectively and easily.

[0010] According to another preferred configuration, the second clamping portion and the first clamping portion are bent (or folded) about a first bending axis (or folding axis), and the first bending axis extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the recess. Advantageously, the fourth clamping portion and the third clamping portion are also bent (or folded) about a second bending axis (or folding axis), and the second bending axis extends substantially parallel to the first bending axis. In addition, when the two bending axes largely coincide, the second clamping portion and the fourth clamping portion can be bent simultaneously in the same working step, making it cost-effective.

[0011] In another preferred configuration, the crimping element further has a wire with a nominal diameter of approximately 0.1 mm or less, wherein the wire is arranged in the first clamping region and the second clamping region in such a way that the wire extends in the longitudinal extension direction of the wire in the first clamping region and the second clamping region, and the longitudinal extension direction extends substantially parallel to the first bending axis and parallel to the second bending axis. In this configuration, the wire is clamped particularly uniformly in the first clamping region and the second clamping region because the wire extends substantially parallel to the first bending axis and the second bending axis.

[0012] In another preferred configuration, the holding portion of the sheet metal element has a third clamping element which is spaced apart from the second clamping element by a recess in the holding portion. The additional recess can in turn be a groove-shaped recess extending along an additional longitudinal extension direction or axis. In this configuration, the third clamping element also has a fifth clamping portion connected to the base portion and a sixth clamping portion connected to the fifth clamping portion, wherein the fifth clamping portion and the sixth clamping portion form a third clamping region for holding the wire between the fifth clamping portion and the sixth clamping portion, and wherein the fifth clamping portion of the third clamping element extends in a third plane which substantially coincides with the first plane of the first clamping element. In this configuration, a crimping element with three clamping regions is provided, wherein the first clamping element and the third clamping element, or the first clamping portion and the fifth clamping portion, extend substantially in the same plane, and wherein the second clamping element located between the first clamping element and the third clamping element is inclined relative to the other two clamping elements. This configuration provides a symmetric crimping element in which the wire can be held better because the wire is sheared or twisted respectively between the intermediate clamping element and the outer clamping elements, and as a result, the wire is more reliably prevented from being pulled out of the crimping element. Advantageously, in this configuration, in addition, the magnitude of the second angle is in a range corresponding to only half of the above range, that is to say, the magnitude of the second angle is in the range of approximately 0.5° to approximately 5°, in particular in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 1.5°. This particularly advantageous configuration is based on the idea that in the case of a symmetric configuration of the crimping element, the wire is finally twisted twice, and as a result, an angle of half the inclination each time is sufficient to hold the wire reliably.

[0013] Another preferred configuration of the crimping element according to the invention provides that the base portion also has contact elements which are designed for electrical and mechanical contact with an electrical printed circuit board. For example, these contact elements can be connected to the printed circuit board by soldering. In addition to mechanical holding, these contact elements are also used for electrical contact with the wire, and as a result, in particular in the case of a shape memory alloy wire, the wire can be easily mechanically and electrically attached to the printed circuit board.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a crimping element for holding a wire having a nominal diameter of about 0.1 mm or less, wherein the crimping element has a sheet metal element having a base portion extending in a base plane and a holding portion connected to the base portion, and wherein the holding portion has a first clamping element and a second clamping element, the second clamping element being spaced from the first clamping element by a recess in the holding portion, wherein the first clamping element has a first clamping portion connected to the base portion and a second clamping portion connected to the first clamping portion, and the second clamping element has a third clamping portion connected to the base portion and a fourth clamping portion connected to the third clamping portion, and the method comprises the steps of: bending the second clamping portion about a first bending axis in such a way that the second clamping portion and the first clamping portion form a first clamping region for holding the wire; bending the fourth clamping portion about a second bending axis in such a way that the fourth clamping portion and the third clamping portion form a second clamping region for holding the wire; and tilting the third clamping portion relative to the first clamping portion, or tilting the first clamping portion relative to the third clamping portion, in such a way that the first clamping portion and the third clamping portion form an angle with respect to each other, the magnitude of the angle being in the range of about 1° to about 10°. Tilting the third clamping portion relative to the first clamping portion according to the present invention, or tilting the first clamping portion relative to the third clamping portion according to the present invention, results in the wire arranged in the two clamping regions being twisted or sheared between the two clamping regions, and as a result, the wire can be stably and reliably held by the crimping element.

[0015] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the third clamping portion is tilted relative to the first clamping portion, or the first clamping portion is tilted relative to the third clamping portion, in such a way that the first clamping portion and the third clamping portion form an angle with respect to each other, the magnitude of the angle being in the range of about 2° to 3°. Such an angle range results in the tilting of the clamping portions relative to each other in the region of the nominal diameter of the wire, and as a result, the wire is held particularly reliably and stably in the crimping element.

[0016] In another preferred configuration of the method according to the invention, the third clamping part is tilted relative to the first clamping part or the first clamping part is tilted relative to the third clamping part before the second clamping part is bent about the first bending axis and before the fourth clamping part is bent about the second bending axis. In other words, first, a twist of the wire is generated by tilting the clamping elements relative to each other, wherein the wire is not yet fixed in these clamping areas and can still slip out of these clamping areas. Only when the wire has been twisted or the clamping elements have been tilted relative to each other is the wire finally fixed in the two clamping areas by bending the respective clamping parts. In this preferred configuration, the fatigue strength of the wire held in the crimping element can be increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Additional features and objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by practicing the teachings herein and considering the drawings. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic view of a sheet metal element with three clamping elements for producing an embodiment of a crimping element according to the invention is shown,

[0019] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 A schematic view of a sheet metal element for producing an embodiment of a crimping element according to the invention, wherein the clamping parts of the clamping elements are bent,

[0020] Figure 3 shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic view of a sheet metal element for producing an embodiment of a crimping element according to the invention, wherein two clamping elements are tilted relative to each other,

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic side view of a crimping element not according to the invention is shown,

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic side view of an embodiment of a crimping element according to the invention is shown,

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic side view of another embodiment of a crimping element according to the invention is shown, and

[0024] Figure 7 A schematic side view of another embodiment of a crimping element according to the invention is shown.

[0025] In all the drawings, elements having the same design or function are provided with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] First, refer to Figure 1 , which shows a schematic view of a sheet metal element 10 for producing a crimping element 12. For example, the sheet metal element 10 has a thickness of 0.3 mm or less and has a base portion 14 and a holding portion 16 connected to the base portion 14. In Figure 1 specific examples, the holding portion 16 has two generally parallel grooved recesses that subdivide the holding portion 16 into three spaced-apart clamping elements 18, 20, and 22. Specifically, the first clamping element 18 is spaced from the second clamping element 20 by a first recess 24. The second clamping element 20 is also spaced from the third clamping element 22 via a second recess 26. The recesses 24, 26 are generally grooved recesses, the first recess 24 extending along a first longitudinal extension direction or axis 28, and the second recess 26 extending along a second or another longitudinal extension direction 30 that is generally parallel to and spaced from the first longitudinal extension direction 28. Thus, the two grooved recesses 24, 26 form tabs in the holding portion that ultimately form the clamping elements 18, 20, and 22.

[0027] The clamping elements 18, 20, and 22 can also be bent or folded along a bending axis 32. Thus, for example, the first clamping element 18 can be bent along a first bending axis 34, the second clamping element 20 can be bent along a second bending axis 36, and the third clamping element 22 can be bent along a third bending axis 38. In Figure 1 specific examples, the first bending axis 34 extends generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal extension direction 28 of the first recess 24 and the second longitudinal extension direction 30 of the second recess 26. Similarly, in Figure 1 specific examples, the second bending axis 36 and the third bending axis 38 each extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal extension directions 28, 30 of the two recesses 24, 26. Additionally, in Figure 1 specific examples, the first bending axis 34, the second bending axis 36, and the third bending axis 38 coincide to form a common bending axis 32, but depending on the use case, these bending axes can also extend parallel to each other or inclined relative to each other.

[0028] The first clamping element 18 also has a first clamping portion 40 connected to the base portion 14 and a second clamping portion 42 connected to the first clamping portion 40. The second clamping element 20 has a third clamping portion 44 connected to the base portion 14 and a fourth clamping portion 46 connected to the third clamping portion 44. The third clamping element 22 has a fifth clamping portion 48 connected to the base portion 14 and a sixth clamping portion 50 connected to the fifth clamping portion 48. The respective clamping portions of the respective clamping elements 18, 20, 22 can be folded or bent towards each other along the respective bending axes 34, 36, 38 to form a clamping area for holding a wire, as will be described in connection withFigure 2 and Figure 3 Described in more detail.

[0029] Also like Figure 1 As shown, the base portion 14 has contact elements 52, which are used to make electrical and mechanical contact with an electrical printed circuit board (not shown). Figure 1 In a specific example, for example, the contact element 52 is in the form of a plug-in projection to be inserted into a corresponding opening in the electrical printed circuit board. For example, these plug-in projections can be electrically and mechanically connected to the electrical printed circuit board by welding, by pressing, or by other means known to those skilled in the art.

[0030] Now refer to Figure 2 , the figure shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a sheet metal element 10, in Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, respective clamping sections of respective clamping elements are bent towards each other about respective bending axes.

[0031] Specifically, the second clamping portion 42 and the first clamping portion 40 of the first clamping element 18 are bent toward each other around the first bending axis 34 in such a way that the first clamping portion 40 and the second clamping portion 42 form a first clamping area 54 between the first clamping portion 40 and the second clamping portion 42 for holding the wire 56. Furthermore, the third clamping portion 44 and the fourth clamping portion 46 are bent toward each other around the second bending axis 36 in such a way that the third clamping portion 44 and the fourth clamping portion 46 form a second clamping area 58 between the third clamping portion 44 and the fourth clamping portion 46 for holding the wire 56. Finally, the fifth clamping portion 48 and the sixth clamping portion 50 are bent toward each other around the third bending axis 38 in such a way that the fifth clamping portion 48 and the sixth clamping portion 50 form a third clamping area 60 between the fifth clamping portion 48 and the sixth clamping portion 50 for holding the wire 56.

[0032] exist Figure 2 In a specific example, the wire 56 is an ultra-fine wire with a nominal diameter in the range of about 0.1 mm or less. For example, wires of this type are shape memory alloy wires, which are exposed to very frequently changing loads and temperatures and are used, for example, as actuators for valves in pneumatic adjustment devices to pneumatically adjust the seat contact surface of a vehicle seat.

[0033] Since the bending axes 34, 36, 38 are parallel to or coincide with each other to form a common bending axis 32, and each of the bending axes 34, 36, and 38 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension directions 28, 30 of the two recesses 24, 26, the wire 56 can be arranged in the clamping regions 54, 58, and 60 in such a way that the longitudinal extension direction 61 of the wire 56 extends substantially parallel to the bending axes 34, 36, and 38.

[0034] Reference will now be made to Figure 3 which shows a schematic view of the sheet metal element 10 of Figure 1 and Figure 2 in which two clamping elements or two clamping portions of these respective clamping elements are inclined relative to each other. Figure 3 In

[0035] In the specific example of Figure 3 the third clamping portion 44 of the second clamping element 20 is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the first clamping portion 40 of the first clamping element 18. Similarly, the third clamping portion 44 of the second clamping element 20 is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the fifth clamping portion 48 of the third clamping element 22. However, in contrast, the fifth clamping portion 48 of the third clamping element 22 is not inclined relative to the first clamping portion 40 of the first clamping element 18. This results in the three adjacent clamping elements 18, 20, 22 being arranged substantially symmetrically, and in the case of the specific example of Figure 3 the second clamping element 20 (i.e., the intermediate clamping element) is inclined relative to the two outer clamping elements 18, 22. The intermediate clamping element 20 or the third clamping portion 44 is inclined relative to the first clamping portion 40 and the fifth clamping portion 48, causing the wire 56 to be twisted, so that the wire 56 is held particularly well and reliably in the clamping regions 54, 58, and 60. Therefore, the crimping element 12 is characterized by its particularly reliable and firm holding of the wire 56.

[0036] In order not to finally subject the wire 56 to unnecessary loads or damage when held in the crimping element 12, during the production of the crimping element 12, first, the third clamping portion 44 is inclined relative to the first clamping portion 40, and second, the clamping portions 42, 46, and 50 are bent around the respective bending axes 34, 36, 38. This sequence of processing steps of the sheet metal element 10 ensures that when the third holding portion 44 is inclined or when the second clamping element 20 is inclined, the wire 56 is not yet fully fixed and may therefore slip out before the subsequent steps. Finally, the wire 56 is fixed in its offset final position by bending the clamping portions 42, 46, and 50. This selection or sequence of processing steps of the sheet metal element 10 greatly avoids stretching or shearing of the wire 56 during the inclination, with the result that the wire 56 is less damaged and therefore has higher long-term stability.

[0037] In the following, which will now be referred to Figures 4 to 7 a specific description will be given of tilting the clamping element or clamping part. For illustrative purposes, reference is first made to Figure 4 which shows a side view of a crimping element 200 that is not according to the invention. In the crimping element 200 that is not according to the invention, the clamping parts of the respective clamping elements are not tilted relative to each other. As a result, in Figure 4 only one outer clamping element 202 can be seen, and the additional clamping elements located behind the outer clamping element 202 have the same position in the Figure 4 side view.

[0038] In contrast, Figure 5 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a crimping element 12 according to the invention, in which at least two clamping elements are tilted relative to each other. In the Figure 5 side view, this can be seen from the fact that in the side view of the crimping element 12 the clamping elements 18, 20 or the first clamping part 40 and the third clamping part 44 have different positions.

[0039] In Figure 5 a specific example, the base part 14 extends in a base plane 62. In addition, the first clamping part 40 of the first clamping element 18 extends in a first plane 64. In Figure 5 a specific example, the first plane 64 coincides with the base plane 62, or the first plane 64 and the base plane 62 are parallel to each other. In other words, the first plane 64 and the base plane 62 form a first angle of approximately 0° relative to each other. However, in contrast, in Figure 5 a specific example, the third clamping part 44 of the second clamping element 20 extends in a second plane 66 which forms a non-0° second angle 68 with the first plane 64. In the case of the crimping element 12 according to the invention, the magnitude of the second angle 68 is in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 10°, preferably in the range of approximately 2° to approximately 3°.

[0040] For example, when the wire 56 is at a spacing 70 of the order of approximately 2 mm from the rotational axis 72, a second angle 68 of approximately 9° is obtained, the second clamping element 20 being rotated or tilted by this second angle relative to the first clamping element 80. In addition, for example, the third clamping part 44 is tilted by a thickness of 0.3 mm relative to the first clamping part 40, this thickness corresponding to the material thickness of the sheet metal element 10.

[0041] However, if the third clamping part 44 is tilted less, for example, by only the nominal diameter of the wire 56, the value of the second angle 68 decreases significantly. For example, when the nominal diameter of the wire 56 is 0.076 mm and the third clamping part 44 is tilted relative to the first clamping part 40 by only the nominal diameter, in the case where the order of magnitude of the spacing 70 between the wire 56 and the axis of rotation 72 is approximately 2 mm, the value of the second angle 68 is approximately 2°. Such a small tilt not only reliably holds the wire 56, but also makes the material stress acting on the sheet metal element 10 relatively low when the third clamping part 44 is tilted relative to the first clamping part 40. This improves the long-term stability of the wire 56.

[0042] Reference will now be made to Figure 6 , which shows another embodiment of the crimping element 12 according to the invention. In Figure 6 the exemplary embodiment shown, the same situation also applies, the base part 14 extends in the base plane 62, the first clamping part 40 extends in the first plane 64, and the third clamping part 44 extends in the second plane 66. As in Figure 5 the exemplary embodiment of Figure 6 , in Figure 6 the exemplary embodiment, the first angle between the base plane 62 and the first plane 64 is approximately 0°, and the magnitude of the second angle 68 between the second plane 66 and the first plane 64 is from approximately 1° to approximately 10°, preferably in the range of approximately 2° to approximately 3°. However, in Figure 5 the exemplary embodiment, the second clamping element 20 is tilted clockwise relative to the first clamping element 80, while in Figure 5 and Figure 6 the exemplary embodiment, the second clamping element 20 is tilted counterclockwise relative to the first clamping element 18. However, in both cases, the magnitude of the second angle 68 is in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 10°, preferably in the range of approximately 2° to approximately 3°.

[0043] Reference will now be made to Figure 7 , which shows another embodiment of the crimping element 12 according to the invention. In Figure 7 the exemplary embodiment shown, the same situation also applies, the base part 14 extends in the base plane 62, the first clamping part 40 extends in the first plane 64, and the third clamping part 44 extends in the second plane 60. However, compared with Figure 5 and Figure 6Compared with the exemplary embodiment, the base plane 62 forms a first angle 74 with the first plane 64, and in terms of magnitude, the range of this first angle corresponds to approximately half of the range of the second angle 68. In other words: For example, the first plane 64 of the first clamping part 40 and the second plane 66 of the third clamping part 44 further form a second angle 68. When the magnitude of this second angle is in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 10°, preferably in the range of approximately 2° to approximately 3°, the magnitude of the region of the first angle 74 is in the range of approximately 0.5° to approximately 5°, especially approximately 1° to approximately 1.5°. In addition, in this configuration, when the first clamping part 40 is tilted by the first angle 74 in the first, clockwise direction and the third clamping part 44 is tilted in the counterclockwise direction (as Figure 7 shown by way of example), a symmetric arrangement is provided, and this symmetric arrangement can provide particularly reliable holding of the wire 56. Figure 7 The exemplary embodiment is intended to show that it is entirely possible to tilt the first clamping part 40 relative to the base part 14 and at the same time tilt the third clamping part 44 relative to the first clamping part 40 (and optionally also relative to the base part 14).

[0044] Of course, other embodiments of the crimping element 12 according to the present invention can be envisaged. For example, the fifth clamping part 50 can be made to extend in a third plane that coincides with the first plane 64 of the first clamping part 40. However, it is also conceivable to make the fifth clamping part 50 extend in a third plane that does not coincide with the first plane 64 but forms a predetermined angle with it. In all other respects, it is also conceivable to similarly make the third plane form a (same or different) predetermined angle with the second plane 66.

[0045] By tilting the clamping elements 18, 20, 22 or the clamping parts 40, 44, 48 relative to each other, the crimping element 12 according to the present invention ensures reliable holding of the wire 56 in the clamping regions 54, 58, 60 even under frequent changes in load and temperature. This is particularly advantageous for shape memory alloy wires used as actuators of valves in pneumatic regulating devices, because these wires are exposed to frequent changes in load and temperature.

[0046] Although the crimping element 12 shown in combination with Figures 1 to 7 is in the form of an element composed of three clamping elements 18, 20, 22, it is entirely conceivable that in other embodiments not shown, the crimping element 12 has more or fewer than three, but at least two, clamping elements that are tilted relative to each other. In addition, in other exemplary embodiments of the crimping element 12 not shown, not only can the intermediate clamping element 20 be tilted relative to the two outer clamping elements 18, 22, but it is also conceivable to tilt one (or both) of the outer clamping elements 18, 22 (or separately) relative to the intermediate clamping element 20.

[0047] In all other respects, it should be noted that Figures 1 to 7 is a schematic drawing, and therefore, the specific values of the first angle or the second angle should not be taken from the drawing. Figures 1 to 7 It is only used to illustrate the teachings disclosed in this document.

Claims

1. A crimping element (12) for holding a wire (56) having a nominal diameter of 0.1 mm or less, the crimping element having: - A sheet metal element (10) having a base portion (14) extending in a base plane (62) and a holding portion (16) connected to the base portion (14), wherein, the holding portion (16) has a first clamping element (18) and a second clamping element (20), and the second clamping element is spaced from the first clamping element (18) by a recess (24) in the holding portion (16), wherein the first clamping element (18) has a first clamping portion (40) connected to the base portion (14) and a second clamping portion (42) connected to the first clamping portion (40), and the first clamping portion (40) and the second clamping portion (42) form a first clamping area (54) for holding the wire (56) between the first clamping portion (40) and the second clamping portion (42), wherein the second clamping element (20) has a third clamping portion (44) connected to the base portion (14) and a fourth clamping portion (46) connected to the third clamping portion (44), and the third clamping portion (44) and the fourth clamping portion (46) form a second clamping area (58) for holding the wire (56) between the third clamping portion (44) and the fourth clamping portion (46), wherein the first clamping portion (40) of the first clamping element (18) extends in a first plane (64), and the first plane forms a first angle (74) with the base plane (62) of the base portion (14), and the magnitude of the first angle is in the range of 0° to 10°, and wherein the third clamping portion (44) of the second clamping element (20) extends in a second plane (66), and the second plane forms a second angle (68) with the first plane (64), and the magnitude of the second angle is in the range of 1° to 10°; wherein the second clamping portion (42) and the first clamping portion (40) are bent towards each other about a first bending axis (34); and wherein the fourth clamping portion (46) and the third clamping portion (44) are bent towards each other about a second bending axis (36).

2. The crimping element (12) according to claim 1, wherein, the magnitude of the second angle (68) is in the range of 2° to 3°.

3. The crimping element (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the first angle (74) is 0°.

4. The crimping element (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the first bending axis (34) extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction (28) of the recess (24).

5. The crimping element (12) according to claim 4, wherein, the second bending axis (36) extends substantially parallel to the first bending axis (34).

6. The crimping element (12) according to claim 5, further comprising: - A wire (56) having a nominal diameter of 0.1 mm or less, wherein, The wire (56) is arranged in the first clamping region (54) and the second clamping region (58) in such a way that the wire (56) extends in the longitudinal extension direction (61) of the wire in the first clamping region (54) and the second clamping region (58), and the longitudinal extension direction extends substantially parallel to the first bending axis (34) and substantially parallel to the second bending axis (36).

7. The crimping element (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the holding part (16) has a third clamping element (22), and the third clamping element is spaced apart from the second clamping element (20) by an additional recess (26) in the holding part (16), wherein the third clamping element (22) has a fifth clamping part (48) connected to the base part (14) and a sixth clamping part (50) connected to the fifth clamping part (48), and the fifth clamping part (48) and the sixth clamping part (50) form a third clamping region (60) for holding the wire (56) between the fifth clamping part (48) and the sixth clamping part (50), wherein the fifth clamping part (48) of the third clamping element (22) extends in a third plane, and the third plane substantially coincides with the first plane (64) of the first clamping element.

8. The crimping element (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the base part (14) further has contact elements (52), and these contact elements are designed for electrical and mechanical contact with an electrical printed circuit board.

9. A method for producing a crimping element (12) for holding a wire (56) with a nominal diameter of 0.1 mm or less, wherein, the crimping element (12) has a sheet metal element (10), the sheet metal element has a base part (14) extending in a base plane (62) and a holding part (16) connected to the base part (14), wherein the holding part (16) has a first clamping element (18) and a second clamping element (20), and the second clamping element is spaced apart from the first clamping element (18) by a recess (24) in the holding part (16), wherein the first clamping element (18) has a first clamping part (40) connected to the base part (14) and a second clamping part (42) connected to the first clamping part (40), and the second clamping element (20) has a third clamping part (44) connected to the base part (14) and a fourth clamping part (46) connected to the third clamping part (44), and the method comprises the following steps: - bending the second clamping part (42) around a first bending axis (34) in such a way that the second clamping part (42) and the first clamping part (40) form a first clamping region (54) for holding the wire (56); - Bend the fourth clamping part (46) about a second bending axis (36) in such a way that the fourth clamping part (46) and the third clamping part (44) form a second clamping area (58) for holding the wire (56); and - Tilt the third clamping part (44) relative to the first clamping part (40) or tilt the first clamping part (40) relative to the third clamping part (44) in such a way that the first clamping part (40) and the third clamping part (44) form an angle (68) relative to each other, the magnitude of which is in the range of 1° to 10°.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Tilt the third clamping part (44) relative to the first clamping part (40) or tilt the first clamping part (40) relative to the third clamping part (44) in such a way that the first clamping part (40) and the third clamping part (44) form an angle (68) relative to each other, the magnitude of which is in the range of 2° to 3°.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, Tilt the third clamping part (44) relative to the first clamping part (40) or tilt the first clamping part (40) relative to the third clamping part (44) before the second clamping part (42) is bent about the first bending axis (34) and before the fourth clamping part (46) is bent about the second bending axis (36).

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