Semi-finished product with window, method of manufacturing an electrical contact element and electrical contact element
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TE CONNECTIVITY GERMANY GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
Smart Images
Figure CN115740744B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a semi-finished product for manufacturing an electrical contact element, and a method for joining a first metal workpiece to a second metal workpiece by laser welding. The invention also relates to an electrical contact element. Background Technology
[0002] Electrical contact elements are known. They are used to establish conductive connections in connectors. Electrical contact elements may include, for example, contact pins or sockets for contact pins. Electrical contact elements typically consist of several parts. This allows individual parts to be manufactured according to desired properties, such as conductivity, corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, or elasticity. In the manufacturing process of an electrical contact element, these two parts are referred to as workpieces. Generally, the two workpieces are manufactured separately to a certain extent and mate or connect at some point in the manufacturing process. The arrangement of the mate or connected or to-be-connected workpieces is called a semi-finished product, regardless of the degree of completion of the individual workpieces. The electrical contact element is then manufactured from the semi-finished product. Depending on the application of the electrical contact element, the two parts of the contact element may need to be electrically and / or mechanically connected to each other. Especially in mass production, such connections can be complex and therefore expensive. Summary of the Invention
[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to simplify the manufacture of electrical contact elements assembled from several components.
[0004] This objective is achieved by a semi-finished product comprising a first metal workpiece and a second metal workpiece, wherein the first workpiece has a front side and a rear side disposed opposite to the front side, and the rear side is arranged closer to the second workpiece, wherein the semi-finished product has at least one window extending through the first workpiece, and the surface of the second workpiece (particularly to be welded by a laser beam) can be accessed from the first workpiece through this window, and wherein the window has a base area that increases in size from the front side of the first workpiece toward the second workpiece. The electrical contact element according to the invention achieves this objective because the electrical contact element is manufactured from the semi-finished product according to the invention and / or using the method according to the invention. The method according to the invention achieves the above objective because at least the first workpiece has a front side and a rear side disposed opposite to the front side, and the rear side is arranged closer to the second workpiece than the front side, wherein at least one laser beam is guided through the window to the second workpiece and reflected from the second workpiece to the rear side of the first workpiece, the window extending at least through the first workpiece.
[0005] The solution according to the invention allows for the rapid and easy joining of two metal workpieces together by laser welding. A laser beam can be guided onto the surface of the second workpiece through a window extending at least through the first workpiece. The laser beam is reflected at this surface and impacts the rear side of the first workpiece. For semi-finished products, this is achieved because the base region of the window facing the second workpiece is larger than the base region of the front side of the first workpiece. Therefore, the surface of the second workpiece accessible through the window can be larger than the base region of the window. The laser beam radiating into the window and reflected at the surface of the second workpiece does not reflect back out of the window but is reflected onto the rear side of the first workpiece. In this region, the two workpieces are heated by the laser beam, allowing them to fuse together at one edge of the window and create a weld point. The solution according to the invention is particularly useful when lateral radiation into the gap between two workpieces is not possible due to the geometry of one or both workpieces. Since the two workpieces are welded together, a prior coating on one or both workpieces can be eliminated. At least in the area where the two workpieces contact, a coating that would otherwise be necessary to ensure a permanent and good electrical connection between the two workpieces and to prevent corrosion can be eliminated. Therefore, manufacturing can be simplified and costs can be reduced.
[0006] The term "window" refers to a channel opening that extends at least through the first workpiece. The channel opening or window may also extend at least partially into the material of the second workpiece. The term "base region" of the window may be used synonymously with the term "window region." The expansion of the base region of the window may be abrupt or continuous. The expansion of the window toward the second workpiece may also be described as the window's inner dimension being larger at a location spaced apart from the front side of the first workpiece than at the front side of the first workpiece. The location spaced apart from the front side is positioned closer to the second workpiece than the front side of the first workpiece, or is located within the second workpiece. When performing the method according to the invention, the two workpieces to be joined together are preferably two workpieces of a semi-finished product according to the invention. In the case of a semi-finished product according to the invention and / or during the implementation of the method according to the invention, the rear side of the first workpiece is preferably adjacent to the second workpiece at least near the window. In the following text, the terms laser beam and laser are used synonymously. The surface of the second workpiece accessible through the window may also be at least partially considered as a reflective surface of the laser beam.
[0007] The solution according to the invention can be further improved through various configurations, which are advantageous in themselves and can be randomly combined. These configurations and their associated advantages will be described below.
[0008] According to a first advantageous configuration of the semi-finished product, at least one light-capturing portion for capturing the laser extends between a boundary surrounding a window and a surface of a second workpiece accessible through the window, the window being located on the front side of the first workpiece. This light-capturing portion, or also referred to as a light-capturing volume, is a volume disposed between two opposing surfaces of the workpiece, in which the laser beam can be captured and absorbed during laser welding. The light-capturing portion is preferably configured such that the laser can be reflected multiple times within the light-capturing portion and between the two workpieces. The light-capturing portion can also accommodate the melt generated by heating the two workpieces. The light-capturing portion is a cavity, which is either part of the channel opening forming the window or part of the window itself. In other words, the window opens into the light-capturing portion disposed between the two workpieces.
[0009] The at least one light-catching portion may form a gap between the two workpieces. The gap may specifically have the shape of a gap or a recess. The light-catching portion may also be described as an undercut in the material of the first workpiece and / or the second workpiece extending from the window. The surface of the rear side of the first workpiece in the region of the light-catching portion is preferably parallel to the plane of the front side of the first workpiece. However, this is not mandatory.
[0010] One of the two workpieces is preferably a sheet metal part, and the other workpiece is a pre-formed contact component for subsequent contact elements. The contact component can be formed, for example, as a pin, flat contact, or spring. The sheet metal part may have been pre-stamped and optionally at least partially pre-formed. This invention allows for the connection of a pre-formed component with a component that has not yet been fully formed into the desired shape. Once the two workpieces have been joined together by laser welding, the component that has not yet been pre-formed or is not yet fully pre-formed can be shaped into the desired form by bending or other metal forming processes.
[0011] As an alternative to the aforementioned connection between preformed and non-preformed components, both workpieces can also be made from sheet metal that is not yet fully preformed, or from other blanks or semi-finished products. Another alternative is that both components are preformed, particularly by stamping and bending, and placed abutting against each other and / or internally within each other, and subsequently joined together by laser welding. In this case, both workpieces are preformed components, particularly those of contact elements.
[0012] To further improve the efficiency of laser welding, at least the surface of the second workpiece that can be accessed through the window can be provided with a surface structure.
[0013] The surface accessible through the window may be provided with, for example, a convex curvature. This can mitigate the tendency to reflect the laser beam into the area between the two workpieces (especially into the light-capturing section). The curvature preferably protrudes with its apex toward the window.
[0014] As an alternative to or addition to the convex bend, the surface of the second workpiece may be provided with a microstructure. The microstructure can be obtained, for example, by embossing, etching, electron beam bombardment, or engraving.
[0015] The surface of the first workpiece defining the light-capturing section is particularly preferably also provided with microstructures. The microstructures can increase absorption at the workpiece surface.
[0016] The window can form a channel for laser welding, extending substantially perpendicular to the surface of a second workpiece accessible through the window. Laser welding can be performed substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of both workpieces. In other words, the laser beam can be guided substantially parallel to the surface normal on the surface of the second workpiece accessible through the window. The laser beam preferably forms an angle of less than 45° with this surface normal.
[0017] The at least one window may have an overall rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, other cross-sections, such as polygonal, circular, elliptical, triangular, slit-shaped, or other cross-sections not currently listed, are also possible.
[0018] The window may have an inner dimension that is only slightly larger than the diameter of the laser beam used for laser welding. For example, the window may have an inner dimension that is less than 1.5 times (preferably less than 1.3 times) the diameter of the laser beam used for laser welding.
[0019] Metal workpieces can be made of different or the same metallic materials. Metallic materials refer to pure metals and alloys of various metals. For example, one workpiece may be made of steel, and the other may be made of copper or a copper-containing alloy.
[0020] This invention also facilitates the joining of workpieces made of metallic materials that are notoriously difficult to electrically connect through purely mechanical contact. One example is aluminum, which loses its surface conductivity due to the formation of an oxide layer. This problem can be avoided by welding two metallic workpieces together, even if one or both are made of aluminum or an aluminum-containing alloy.
[0021] In addition to the advantages mentioned above, at least one window can also be used for quality assurance. Before welding, the window can be used to inspect the exposed surfaces of the second workpiece and / or to inspect the weld joints formed after welding.
[0022] The electrical contact element may include at least one solder joint through which two workpieces of the contact element are connected to each other at the edge of the window in a forward material mating manner. In other words, at least one solder joint can form a material bond between the two workpieces of the contact element at the edge of the window. The at least one solder joint may be positioned, in particular, at the location where the light-catching portion was previously positioned. The material molten in the two workpieces can fill the light-catching portion, eliminating its cavity function. The forward material mating connection between the two workpieces provides good electrical conductivity and high mechanical stability.
[0023] The electrical contact element preferably includes a contact body and at least one contact component. The contact body is formed from a metal sheet by metal forming. The at least one contact component is at least partially arranged within the contact body and is connected to the contact body in a positive material fit manner through at least one solder joint, that is, a material connection is formed between the at least one contact component and the contact body.
[0024] The contact body can be formed, in particular, from the first workpiece in the semi-finished product. The contact body can form a cage for the contact components and, for example, have a supporting function. In addition, the contact body can be provided with connection options for connecting wires, for example, by providing crimping wings.
[0025] The contact component is preferably formed from a second workpiece that is a semi-finished product. The contact component can be, for example, a contact pin, a flat contact, a contact spring for receiving the pin or flat contact, or another component. The contact component can be a part of a contact element that indirectly contacts a mating contact element to establish an electrical connection.
[0026] Alternatively, the contact body can be formed from a second workpiece, and correspondingly, the contact element can be formed from a first workpiece. The corresponding association depends on the geometry of the elements.
[0027] The method according to the invention can be further improved by forming a window in a first workpiece and / or in both the first and second workpieces prior to laser welding. The window can be formed, for example, by stamping or other methods.
[0028] Another method may involve placing two workpieces as preformed components against each other and / or inside each other to form a semi-finished product, and then connecting them to each other by using laser welding to create at least one weld point.
[0029] The window on the front side of the first workpiece preferably has a base region and a surface normal perpendicular to the base surface, wherein the laser beam during laser welding forms an angle of less than 45° with the surface normal. In other words, the laser beam can be guided substantially perpendicular to the base region of the window. Therefore, if the complex structure of the contact element to be produced prevents planar radiation, the two workpieces can also be welded to each other.
[0030] The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and advantageous embodiments. Depending on the characteristics of the apparatus of the invention required for a particular application, the combination of features illustrated by way of example in the embodiments may be supplemented by other features explained above. Attached Figure Description
[0031] If the effect of an individual feature is irrelevant to a specific application, then that feature may be omitted in the described embodiments affected by the above description. The same reference numerals in the figures always refer to elements having the same function and / or the same structure.
[0032] in,
[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electrical contact element is shown by way of example;
[0034] Figure 2 Details of an exemplary semi-finished product for producing electrical contact elements are shown;
[0035] Figure 3 Showing details of the semi-finished product in the window area;
[0036] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 A top view of the window;
[0037] Figure 5 Shown from Figure 3 The window introduced at the welding point;
[0038] Figure 6 The second embodiment of the display window;
[0039] Figure 7 A third embodiment of the display window;
[0040] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 A top view of the window;
[0041] Figure 9 A third embodiment of the semi-finished product is shown; and
[0042] Figure 10 A cross-section through the second embodiment of the semi-finished product is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0043] Figure 1 The electrical contact element 1 is shown schematically in a longitudinal sectional view by way of example only. The electrical contact element consists of two parts: a contact body 3 and a contact member 5 disposed within the contact body 3. The contact member 5 is shown by way of example only as a spring 7, which is used to receive a contact member 9 that mates with the contact element 11. The mate contact element 11 is configured to be complementary (in...) Figure 1 (Indicated by the dashed line) to establish a conductive connection to the contact element 5. Alternatively, the electrical contact element 1 may include a pin, a flat contact, or any other suitable structure that replaces the spring 7.
[0044] The contact body 3 includes crimping wings 13 for connecting the contact element 1 to the wire. Therefore, the contact body 3 is used not only to receive the contact member 5, but also to provide an electrical connection between the wire received in the crimping wings 13 and the contact member 5.
[0045] To create a sufficiently good electrical connection between the contact component 5 and the contact body 3, and to ensure that this connection is additionally permanent and free from corrosion risk, the two parts are connected to each other by at least one solder joint. This will be discussed in detail below.
[0046] Figure 2 Details of semi-finished product 15 are shown in a longitudinal cross-sectional view. Figure 2 The semi-finished product 15 shown can be used to produce electrical contact element 1, which has a structure similar to the reference. Figure 1 Contact element 1 as described.
[0047] The semi-finished product 15 includes a first metal workpiece 17 and a second metal workpiece 19. The first metal workpiece 17 is shown by way of example only, so that it can be formed into a contact body 3 for subsequent contact element 1. The second workpiece 19 is also shown by way of example only, so that it can be formed into a contact member 5 in the form of a spring 7.
[0048] The semi-finished product 15 is characterized in that it has not yet been fully manufactured to form contact element 1. Two parts 17 and 19 are in... Figure 2 The states shown are one inside another, but not yet connected to each other by at least one solder joint.
[0049] As Figure 2 The alternative shape of the semi-finished product 15 shown (in which parts 17 and 19 are substantially pre-formed) can also be imagined, one of the two workpieces, particularly the first workpiece 17, is a sheet metal piece 21 that has not yet been formed into the contact body 3 in the sense of the example described above (in Figure 2 (Indicated by dashed lines). For example, a pre-formed component, particularly contact component 5, can be connected as a second workpiece 19 to a sheet metal part 21 that has not yet been connected by welding. The first workpiece 17 or the sheet metal part 21 can then be formed by metal forming to achieve the desired shape, such as contact body 3.
[0050] In order to connect the two workpieces 17 and 19 by welding, a window 23 is provided, which extends through the first workpiece 17 in the direction of the second workpiece 19 and may extend into the second workpiece 19.
[0051] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A magnified representation of the area marked A. See below for reference. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Window 23 is described.
[0052] The first workpiece 17 has a front side 25 and a rear side 27 disposed opposite to the front side 25. In the semi-finished product 15, the rear side 27 of the first workpiece 17 is arranged closer to the second workpiece 19. The rear side 27 is particularly preferably in contact with the second workpiece 19, at least in the area surrounding the window 23.
[0053] In the context of this description, the term “window” 23 refers to the entire cavity extending from the front side 25 of the first workpiece 17 into the semi-finished product 15.
[0054] The window extends end-to-end through the first workpiece 17. Figure 3 In the example shown, window 23 also extends into the second workpiece 19. Surface 29 of the second workpiece 19 is exposed to the outside through window 23. Surface 29 is accessible from the outside through window 23. Surface 29 is preferably accessible from the outside only through window 23. Surface 29 represents the laser-reflecting surface 31.
[0055] Window 23 has a base region 33. The base region 33 increases toward the second workpiece 19. In other words, the inner dimension 35 of window 23 on the front side 25 is greater than the inner dimension 37 at a point spaced apart from the front side 25.
[0056] Window 23 has a larger inner dimension 37 in the second workpiece 19. In the embodiment shown by way of example, the expansion of the base region 33 occurs abruptly, resulting in an undercut 39 in the second workpiece 19.
[0057] In other words, the gap 43 extends between the boundary 41 of the window 23 surrounding the front side 25 and the surface 29 accessible through the window 23. The gap 43 may also be referred to as a recess or recess.
[0058] The gap 43 can serve as a light-catching section 45 for capturing the laser. The light-catching section 45 provides a cavity in which the laser can be reflected from the surface 29 onto the rear side 27 of the first workpiece 17. In particular, the laser can be reflected multiple times between the surface 29 and the rear side 27. The laser is absorbed, and the materials of both workpieces 17 and 19 melt and bond together. This creates a weld joint.
[0059] Laser beam 47 in Figure 3 The image is shown in dashed lines to illustrate the method according to the invention. It is reflected at surface 29, which acts as a reflective surface 31, onto the rear side 27 of the first workpiece 17, and then reflected again from the rear side 27 back onto surface 29. Further reflection between the two surfaces may then occur.
[0060] A large portion of the radiated energy is absorbed through these multiple reflections. As a result, the materials of both workpieces 17 and 19 heat up and a welded connection is formed.
[0061] The laser beams can be guided sequentially or continuously to different positions on surface 29. Alternatively, several laser beams can be guided simultaneously to different positions on surface 29. However, for clarity, Figure 3 Only one laser beam 47 is shown in the image.
[0062] In order to increase the absorption of laser 47 in the surface of the defined light-catching part 45, the surface 29 and / or the rear side 27 may be structured at least in the region of the light-catching part 45.
[0063] Figure 3 Microstructure 49 is shown. Microstructure 49 can, for example, increase the surface roughness of at least one of workpieces 17 and 19, and thereby improve laser absorption. Microstructure 49 represents one form of surface structure 50.
[0064] The laser beam 47 preferably extends perpendicularly to the gap 43 spanned by the light-catching portion 45. In other words, the laser beam 47 preferably extends substantially parallel to the surface normal 51 of the base region 33. In this sense, substantially parallel means at an angle 53 of less than 45°.
[0065] Figure 4 A top view of the area of window 23 as viewed along the surface normal 51 is shown.
[0066] Window 23 may have an overall rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, other cross-sections, such as polygonal, circular, elliptical, triangular, slit-shaped, or other cross-sections, are also possible.
[0067] When viewed along the surface normal 51, the light-catching part 45 extends behind the material of the first workpiece 17. This is due to Figure 4 The dashed line in the middle represents...
[0068] Figure 5 Shown after laser welding Figure 3 and Figure 4 The window in the middle.
[0069] Now, at least one solder joint 55 is located in the area where the light-capturing unit 45 was previously located. Figure 5 Two solder joints 55 are shown. One or more point solder joints 55 can be formed. Solder joints 55 connected end to end can also be formed, which extend completely or partially around the window 23 along the original light-capturing section 45.
[0070] Solder joint 55 is caused by the melting and subsequent cooling of the materials of the two workpieces 17 and 19. Solder joint 55 forms a permanent electrical and mechanical connection between the two workpieces 17 and 19. Solder joint 55 is located at the edge of window 57.
[0071] Figure 6 A second embodiment of the window 23 according to the invention is shown in a portion of the semi-finished product 15. The following discussion focuses only on aspects related to the above references. Figures 3 to 5 Differences in the described embodiments.
[0072] When viewed in a direction transverse to the surface normal 51, window 23 has a cross-section similar to that described in the preceding embodiments. However, window 23 is only provided in the first workpiece 17 and exposes the surface 29 of the second workpiece 19. In other words, window 23 is formed as a two-stage hole in the first workpiece 17, wherein a first stage with a smaller diameter (corresponding to inner dimension 35) extends from the front side 25 into the workpiece 17, and a second stage extends from the first stage through the rear side 27, wherein the second stage has a larger diameter corresponding to inner dimension 37. In this embodiment, the formation of the recess in the second workpiece 19 can be omitted.
[0073] The following text is for reference only. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Another advantageous embodiment of the window 23 of the semi-finished product 15 is described. Here, for the sake of brevity, only the embodiment related to the reference is discussed. Figures 3 to 5 Differences in the described embodiments.
[0074] Window 23 extends through the first workpiece 17 and into the second workpiece 19, substantially similar to the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that the second workpiece 19 is provided with a structured surface 29 in the form of a convex bend 59. The convex bend 59 represents another form of surface structure 50. The convex bend 50 can be combined with microstructure 49, as shown in reference... Figure 3 As described.
[0075] The convex bend 59 protrudes toward the front side 25 of the first workpiece 17. The convex bend 29 facilitates guiding the laser beam 47 into the light-capturing section 45. The laser beam 47, which has multiple reflections, is... Figure 7 The middle is indicated by a dashed line.
[0076] Figure 9 Another embodiment of the semi-finished product 15 is shown. Window 23 is similar to the reference. Figure 7 The described embodiment. This means that window 23 exposes the surface 29 of the second workpiece 19, which is provided with a surface structure 50 in the form of a convex bend 59.
[0077] Reference Figure 7 The described embodiments, in contrast, wherein Figure 7The second workpiece 19 is provided with a surface structure 50, a light-catching part 45, and an enlarged inner dimension 37. Figure 9 In one embodiment, the workpiece 17 is provided with an enlarged inner dimension 37.
[0078] The convex bend 59 on surface 29 can be achieved by bending or embossing the material of the second workpiece 19 toward the first workpiece 17, at least in the region of window 23. In other words, the second workpiece 19 has embossing 60, thereby forming the convex bend 59. This embossing 60 can, for example, be made of… Figure 9 The punch 62, shown schematically, produces the embossing. The embossing 60 can occur before or after the workpieces 17 and 19 have been positioned relative to each other.
[0079] Another embodiment of semi-finished product 15 is in Figure 10 The cross-section is shown in the middle, 123.
[0080] The semi-finished product 15 includes a first workpiece 17 forming the contact body 3 and a second workpiece 19 forming the contact component 5 into a spring 7. The spring 7 has a plurality of strips 61.
[0081] Contact component 5 can be used to connect to a flat contact, which is contacted by slats 61 when the flat contact is used for subsequent contact element 1. Window 23 extends through the first workpiece 17 and exposes the surfaces 29 of two adjacent slats 61 of the spring 7.
[0082] A light-catching section 45 is formed between the boundary 41 of each slat 61 and the window 22. Two laser beams 47 can be simultaneously emitted into the light-catching section 45 through the window so as to simultaneously weld the two slats 61 to the first workpiece 17.
[0083] As an alternative, the laser beam 47 can also be emitted sequentially through the window 47.
[0084] In order to generate two laser beams 47 for laser welding simultaneously, a single laser beam can be emitted through a bifocal lens and thus split.
[0085] Figure Labels
[0086] 1 Electrical contact element
[0087] 3 Contact Subject
[0088] 5 contact components
[0089] 7 springs
[0090] 9 contact components
[0091] 11 Contact Elements
[0092] 13-Press-on Wing
[0093] 15 Semi-finished products
[0094] 17 First workpiece
[0095] 19 Second workpiece
[0096] 21 sheet metal parts
[0097] 23 windows
[0098] 25 front side
[0099] 27 rear side
[0100] 29 surfaces
[0101] 31 Reflective Surface
[0102] 33 base areas
[0103] 35 inner dimensions
[0104] 37 inner dimensions
[0105] 39 bottom cut
[0106] 41 Boundaries
[0107] 43 gap
[0108] 45 Light Capture Unit
[0109] 47 laser beams
[0110] 49 microstructures
[0111] 50 Surface Structure
[0112] 51 Surface Normal
[0113] 53 angle
[0114] 55 solder joints
[0115] 57 Edge
[0116] 59 Convex Bend
[0117] 60 embossing
[0118] 61 strips
[0119] 62 punch
Claims
1. A semi-finished product (15) for manufacturing an electrical contact element (1), wherein, The semi-finished product (15) comprises a first metal workpiece (17) and a second metal workpiece (19), wherein the first workpiece (17) has a front side (25) and a rear side (27) disposed opposite to the front side (25), and the rear side (27) is arranged closer to the second workpiece (19), wherein the semi-finished product (15) includes at least one window (23), the at least one window (23) extending at least through the first workpiece and into the second workpiece, and the surface (29) of the second workpiece (19) is accessible through the window ( 23) Receiving from the first workpiece (17), wherein the window (23) has a base region (33) that increases from the front side (25) of the first workpiece (17) toward the second workpiece (19), wherein at least the surface (29) of the second workpiece (19) that can be received through the window (23) is provided with a microstructure (49), and the surface (29) that can be received through the window (23) is provided with at least one convex bend (59), the convex bend (59) being combined with the microstructure. One of the first workpiece and the second workpiece is a sheet metal part (21), and the other of the first workpiece and the second workpiece is a contact part (5) of the electrical contact element (1). The sheet-like metal part is formed around the contact component (5).
2. The semi-finished product (15) according to claim 1, wherein, At least one light-capturing part (45) for capturing laser extends between a boundary (41) and the surface (29) of the second workpiece (19), the boundary (41) surrounding the window (23) on the front side (25) of the first workpiece (17), the surface (29) being accessible through the window (23).
3. The semi-finished product (15) according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one light-catching part (45) forms a gap (43) between the two workpieces (17, 19).
4. The semi-finished product (15) according to claim 2, wherein, The surface (29) of the first workpiece (17) that defines the light-capturing part (45) is provided with microstructures (49).
5. An electrical contact element (1) manufactured from a semi-finished product (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. The electrical contact element (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The two workpieces (17, 19) are connected to each other in a positive material fit manner at the edge (57) of the window (23) by at least one weld point (55).
7. The electrical contact element (1) according to claim 5 or 6, comprising a contact body (3) and at least one contact component (5), the contact body (3) being formed from a sheet metal part (21) by metal forming, the at least one contact component (5) being arranged at least partially within the contact body (3) and connected to the contact body (3) in a positive material fit manner by at least one solder joint (55).
8. A method for joining a first metal workpiece (17) to a second metal workpiece (19) by laser welding, wherein, At least the first workpiece (17) has a front side (25) and a rear side (27) disposed opposite to the front side (25), and the rear side (27) is arranged closer to the second workpiece (19) than the front side (25), and wherein at least one laser beam (47) is guided through a window (23) to the second workpiece (19) and reflected from the second workpiece (19) to the rear side (27) of the first workpiece (17), the window (23) extending at least through the first workpiece (17) and into the second workpiece, wherein at least the surface (29) of the second workpiece (19) accessible through the window (23) is provided with a microstructure (49), the surface (29) accessible through the window (23) is provided with at least one convex bend (59), the convex bend (59) combined with the microstructure, One of the first workpiece and the second workpiece is a sheet metal part (21), and the other of the first workpiece and the second workpiece is a preformed contact component for an electrical contact element (1), wherein the preformed contact component is connected to the sheet metal part (21) by laser welding at at least one weld point (55), and the sheet metal part (21) is shaped around the preformed contact component.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The two workpieces (17, 19) are preformed parts, and the two preformed parts are placed against each other or placed in each other to form a semi-finished product (15), and are subsequently connected to each other by laser welding to produce at least one weld point (55).
10. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein, The window (23) on the front side (25) of the first workpiece (17) has a base region (33) and a surface normal (51) perpendicular to the base region (33), wherein an angle (53) of less than 45° is formed between the laser beam (47) and the surface normal (51).