Contact pin for transmitting electrical signals and / or power current

Abstract

Contact pin (1) for transmitting electrical signals and / or power current, comprising at least the following components: - a first contact tip (2) for connecting to a first contact point; - a second contact tip (3) for connecting to a second contact point; and - a connecting section (4) for mechanically and electrically connecting the two contact tips (2,3), wherein the connecting section (4) comprises a mounting section (5) between the contact tips (2,3), wherein the contact pin (1) can be fixed at an installation location by means of the mounting section (5), and wherein the connecting section (4) further comprises a weakening section (6) for tolerance compensation and / or operational load compensation between at least one of the contact tips (2) and the assembly section (5), wherein the weakening section (6) is designed to receive and transmit an insertion force for the respective contact tip (2), and wherein the contact pin (1) is formed in one piece from a sheet metal part, wherein the weakening section (6) is twisted.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a contact pin for transmitting electrical signals and / or power current, and a manufacturing method for a contact pin.

[0002] In the development of power electronics, it is necessary to electrically connect various circuit boards and to connect input / output interfaces (e.g., cable harnesses) to and from the PCBA (printed circuit board assembly). Press-fit connections are preferred for this purpose, their main advantages being their price, lifespan (the so-called FIT rate [failure in time] indicates the reliability of electronic components, specifically how many failures of a component are statistically expected), and small footprint.

[0003] However, because the overall assembly of power electronics components results in cumulative tolerances, conventional press-fit connections often present a significant design challenge. The sometimes very long tolerance chains necessitate the development of complex and costly design concepts.

[0004] From the publications US 2014 / 0 087 592 A1, DE 10 2020 214 948 A1, DE 10 2020 119 282 A1 and EP 1 215 773 A1, contact pins for transmitting electrical signals and / or power current are already known, which have a first contact tip and a second contact tip as well as a connecting section arranged between the contact tips for mechanically and electrically connecting the two contact tips.

[0005] Based on this, the present invention aims to overcome, at least partially, the disadvantages known from the prior art. The features of the invention are defined in the independent claims, for which advantageous embodiments are shown in the dependent claims. The features of the claims can be combined in any technically meaningful way, whereby the explanations in the following description and features from the figures, which comprise supplementary embodiments of the invention, can also be used.

[0006] The invention relates to a contact pin for transmitting electrical signals and / or power current, comprising at least the following components: - a first contact tip for connecting with an initial contact; - a second contact tip for connecting to a second contact point; and - a connecting section for mechanically and electrically connecting the two contact tips, wherein the connecting section comprises a mounting section between the contact tips, wherein the contact pin can be fixed at an installation location by means of the mounting section, and wherein the connecting section further includes a weakening section between at least one of the contact points and the assembly section for tolerance compensation and / or operational load compensation, wherein the weakening section is designed to receive and transmit an insertion force for the respective contact tip, and wherein the contact pin is formed in one piece from a sheet metal part. The weakening section is twisted.

[0007] A twist is a rotation around an axis, creating a helical shape from a flat element. This results in axial flexibility that cannot be achieved along this axis without the twist. Increased tilting flexibility, independent of direction, is also achieved. It should be noted that in one embodiment, the twist is combined with another weakening measure, such as multiple holes, resulting in a double helix (comparable to a DNA strand), and / or with other weakening measures, primarily achieving different orientations of the respective weakenings relative to the contact tip.

[0008] Preferably, the twisting is performed as the final step in processing the weakening section, so that all other manufacturing steps for the weakening section can be carried out on a flat (preferably thin) sheet metal part and are therefore cost-effective. Particularly preferred is the twisting of the weakening section being the very last manufacturing step on the contact pin.

[0009] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, ordinal numbers used in the preceding and following descriptions serve solely for unambiguous differentiation and do not indicate any order or ranking of the components referred to. An ordinal number greater than one does not necessarily imply the presence of another such component.

[0010] The contact pin proposed here is particularly suitable for use in environments with the highest demands on space utilization and, at the same time, high flexibility due to complex component interconnections and thus challenging tolerance chains, and / or in operational situations subject to high continuous stress from vibrations, varying thermal expansion, and sudden loads. With such a contact pin, the aforementioned (e.g., conventional) tasks are accomplished, namely the transmission of power current and / or signals for communication between electronic components.

[0011] Electrical contacting in power electronics, especially using press-fit connections, presents several challenges. One is the aforementioned tolerance compensation and the continuous or sporadic (peak) loads that occur during operation. Furthermore, the insertion forces during assembly must be absorbed by the contact tip to prevent deformation. This requires high mechanical stability of the contact pin. Power dissipation and externally supplied heat also play a significant role throughout the life cycle of this power electronic component.Due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of various materials, as well as vibration loads during operation, especially in mobile applications (such as in a motor vehicle), detrimental mechanical stresses can occur within the rigid contact tips, the contact pins as a whole, or even the circuit board(s). This impairs the service life of the finished product. Furthermore, reliable current flow must be ensured to transmit signals and power current across the contact pin without interference and with minimal power loss.

[0012] It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the contact pin is formed without chips, for example, solely by punching, optionally with embossing. Embossing includes, for example, edging, deep drawing, punching, embossing presses, roll forming, hydroforming, and / or (preferably cold) extrusion. In extrusion, the material is pressed using a die to create a clearly defined shape.

[0013] The first and / or second contact tip are designed for a press-fit connection with a complementary contact receptacle, preferably for a standardized connection. When inserting the respective contact tip, an (axial) insertion force is applied to the contact pin until the contact tip is fully inserted (if necessary, sufficiently) into the complementary contact receptacle, thus creating an electrical connection with a defined (ideally low-resistance) contact area. For most applications, no further measures are necessary to secure this positive connection for operation, but this is not entirely ruled out.

[0014] Press-fit connections, or rather the contact tip designed for them, are frequently used for electrical connections to printed circuit boards. This type of mechanical-electrical contact enables both signal and power transmission. For the mechanical design and construction, the assembly (i.e., press-fit forces and positioning accuracy), durability (fatigue strength), and function (current-carrying capacity) are particularly important. Press-fit forces typically range from 80 N (eighty newtons) to 160 N. The press-fit tolerance zones are usually specified in tenths of a millimeter, for example, 0.3 mm (three-tenths of a millimeter).

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one of the contact tips is designed for a soldered connection (hard or soft solder) and is thus, preferably in addition to a force-fit connection, materially bonded by means of solder. Preferably, any soldered connection provided is not designed for a mechanical connection or is not (or negligibly) mechanically stressed, but (solely) intended for a reliable electrical connection or for increasing the electrical conductivity area.

[0016] In one embodiment, a contact tip is received in a corresponding contact receptacle, by means of which a force-fit contact to the contact tip in question with a sufficiently large electrically conductive contact area is formed via, for example, a leaf spring and / or an undersize.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the contact tips are standardized and can be mechanically and electrically connected to a corresponding (or complementarily shaped) contact receptacle.

[0018] The two contact tips are electrically and mechanically connected by means of a connecting section. This connecting section also serves other purposes. Specifically, it must secure the contact pin in its installed position. For this purpose, the connecting section includes a mounting section. Furthermore, the connecting section must bridge the spatial gap between the first and second contact points.

[0019] Preferably, the mounting section has a shape that enables a positive fit, for example, a projection, a recess, and / or a hole. The connection section is designed such that a minimum cross-section for the desired maximum current density is always maintained in the material of the contact pin.

[0020] The mounting section is located in an area that is not required for electrical contact, tolerance compensation, or operational load balancing. In one embodiment, the mounting section is inserted into a corresponding mounting receptacle, preferably clipped in by friction.

[0021] To compensate for tolerances, i.e., to bridge deviations from a design relative position (whether due to permissible manufacturing deviations and / or permissible assembly deviations), and / or to compensate for operational loads, i.e., to protect (especially a printed circuit board contacted with a contact tip) from mechanical stresses (resulting from vibrations, differential thermal expansion, and / or sudden loads), a weakening section is provided. In this weakening section, the stiffness of the contact pin is reduced by mechanically weakening the material at that point, for example, by reducing its height (parallel to the force required to deform the weakening section).

[0022] It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, a weakening section is provided only at one of the two contact tips, namely at the (first) contact tip for insertion into a contact receptacle of a printed circuit board and not at the other (second) contact tip for insertion into a contact receptacle of a connector. The other (second) contact tip is preferably directly connected to the mounting section and supported by it (without mechanical weakening).

[0023] In the weakened section, flexibility is increased by means of targeted, local weakening of the contact pin. As a result of the increased flexibility, assembly tolerances and operating loads can be compensated for more effectively, especially in cases of misalignment between the corresponding PCB hole and the contact tip. This reduces rejects.

[0024] The increased flexibility of the contact pin also ensures that, even with (usually unavoidable) differences in thermal expansion of the components involved, deformations remain exclusively within the elastic range, thus compensating for mechanical stress. This weakening is designed to ensure that current flow remains unaffected and that the press-fit forces during assembly and external vibration forces during operation can be reliably absorbed. As a result, the contact pin is easy to install and offers high power transmission and fatigue strength.

[0025] Press-fit contact pins are known, for example, from DE 10 2017 004 489 B3 or WO 2020 / 239 666 A1, in which a weakening section with a meandering shape (which can also be described as a zigzag or serpentine shape) is provided, which is simultaneously designed to absorb an (axial) insertion force by forming a defined stop or a defined (small) gap at the outer end of each bend in the meandering shape for a preferably purely elastic load. In one embodiment, a weakening section is designed accordingly. Alternatively or additionally, a weakening section comprises a structure that is sufficiently stiff in the direction of the insertion force to absorb the insertion force, but sufficiently flexible in the direction of any necessary tolerance compensation and / or operational load compensation.No defined stop is necessary; rather, an increased free distance for such a stop only serves to provide protection against plastic deformation and / or fracture. It should be noted that in one embodiment, plastic deformation of the weakened section is permissible or even desirable, so that permanent mechanical stress during operation caused by the elastic deformation of the contact pin is avoided or sufficiently minimized.

[0026] It is further proposed here that the contact pin, as described above and in the embodiments mentioned below, is formed from a sheet metal part, for example, stamped from a (raw) sheet of a sheet metal blank, and the sheet metal blank is then (preferably cold-formed) if necessary. Thus, no material bond or other mechanical connection is provided between the two contact tips.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the contact pin, it is further proposed that at least the weakening section is reshaped by means of embossing.

[0028] In one embodiment, a particularly simple tool is used to create a weakened section, for example an H-shape or meandering shape, preferably a stamping die. Subsequently, a forming process is achieved by embossing, preferably edge forming and extrusion, which corresponds to the desired final shape (preferably without post-processing). A further advantage is that such forming achieves very high dimensional accuracy due to the die, thus enabling tight manufacturing tolerances to be maintained without post-processing.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment of the contact pin, it is proposed that the weakening section comprises at least one hole, preferably the hole being open to the lateral edge.

[0030] In a simple embodiment, one or more holes are provided, thereby allowing for targeted weakening due to the resulting reduction in the cross-sectional area in that region. For example, such a hole is drilled or punched. A hole is not necessarily (circular) round. Alternatively or additionally, a more complex geometry, such as an H-shape, an oval, a rectangle, or a rhombus, is formed.

[0031] In one embodiment, a hole is open to the side, i.e., not only along the axis of an imaginary bore, but also transversely to it, for example, like a lateral indentation or a lateral recess. This primarily reduces the tilting stiffness about a tilting axis parallel to the (previously mentioned) imaginary axis through the hole. In another embodiment, a central hole extends to a lateral edge, thus creating a (potentially complex) meandering structure.

[0032] It should be noted that the manufacturing step of creating a hole does not necessarily determine the final shape of the contact pin. In one embodiment, the hole is plastically deformed by embossing and / or axial upsetting (along the intended insertion direction). A hole that was initially circular then becomes, for example, oval or a gap with a (nearly) uniform distance between two opposing surfaces.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment of the contact pin, it is proposed that the connecting section comprises a positioning section, preferably configured for positive-locking insertion into a casting die. The casting die can be an injection mold. The cast or injected material is typically an electrically non-conductive material.

[0034] A positioning section facilitates easy assembly by simplifying (preferably visual) alignment with the target position. For example, a combination of a recess and a projection is provided, which corresponds to a complementary shape of a receptacle. In one embodiment, such a complementary shape is provided purely visually, for example, by means of a correspondingly marked line. Preferably, the complementary shape of a receptacle is designed for a positive fit and / or a frictional fit.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the contact pin is cast in, wherein the positioning section facilitates correct insertion into a corresponding casting or injection molding die, and preferably alone (i.e. without further measures) together with the complementary positioning receptacle, sufficiently secures the contact pin during the casting process (against floating and / or displacement).

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment of the contact pin, it is further proposed that the connecting section includes a deflection area for offset compensation.

[0037] In some applications, a printed circuit board (PCB) is designed with a predominantly flat or large surface area. To efficiently utilize the available surface area, the electrical contacts are located at the edge of the PCB (i.e., at the outer edge of the relevant area). Simultaneously, a small surface area is often required in the connector area. In other applications, a minimal distance between the individual contacts is required, where the contact pins are often not electrically insulated. This is neither possible nor necessary with a standard connector, as the contact pins in this area are usually electrically insulated from each other by the connector itself. Therefore, an offset between the two contact tips is often necessary.

[0038] It is proposed here that the connecting section between the two contact tips has a deflection area, so that a gap transverse to the insertion direction of the contact tips can be bridged by means of a corresponding deformation. For example, in one embodiment, a deflection area is deformed in a step-like (plastic) manner, so that the contact tips are arranged parallel to each other. In another embodiment, a further step transverse to the first step is provided, so that a distribution of the contact in length and width (e.g., of a printed circuit board) can be achieved.

[0039] Preferably the deflection area is cold formable, and preferably the deflection area is arranged outside a weakening section so that the targeted weakening of the contact pin is reliably not influenced or impaired by the offset compensation.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment of the contact pin, it is proposed that the connecting section includes at least one shoulder for force transmission. where preferably the shoulder is part of the assembly section.

[0041] In one embodiment, a defined force transmission is desired. This can be achieved by means of a shoulder, i.e., a projection (preferably symmetrical to an axis along the insertion direction of the respective contact tip) for a positive-locking transmission of forces. In one embodiment, the shoulder is located immediately adjacent to the respective contact tip, preferably between the respective contact tip and the weakened section.

[0042] In one embodiment, the shoulder or a further shoulder is located adjacent to (originating from) the contact tip in question and upstream of a deflection area, preferably immediately behind a transition into a mounting receptacle for the contact tip in question. In one embodiment, the aforementioned positioning section is simultaneously such a shoulder or comprises at least one such shoulder.

[0043] According to a further aspect, a manufacturing process for a contact pin according to an embodiment as described above is proposed, wherein at least one sheet metal blank is cut from a sheet metal blank, and the sheet metal blank is formed and / or embossed. preferably the sheet metal blank is cut from the sheet metal by means of punching.

[0044] The manufacturing process proposed here can be used to produce a contact pin in an embodiment as described above. It should be noted that such a contact pin can also be produced using other manufacturing processes, but the proposed process is particularly advantageous for large-scale or mass production, especially with regard to costs, achievable production speeds, and the service life of the necessary tools. Furthermore, it should be noted that the manufacturing process proposed here can also be used to produce contact pins other (preferably similar) than those in the embodiment described above.

[0045] First, a sheet metal blank is cut from a (raw) sheet of metal, for example by laser or waterjet cutting, preferably by punching. The resulting sheet metal blank is then formed, preferably by cold forming, for example by bending and / or pressing. In one embodiment, the contour of the sheet metal blank is modified by embossing (preferably before forming). In another embodiment, the forming process includes twisting (preferably only of the weakening section). In another embodiment, only the assembly section is formed, preferably only to compensate for misalignment. In yet another embodiment, only the weakening section is (post-)processed by embossing.

[0046] In one embodiment, at least one of the contact tips is also processed during one of the manufacturing steps. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the contact tips is formed from a previously separate element and connected to the rest of the contact pin (preferably by means of a metallurgical bond, particularly preferably by welding or brazing). Such a separate contact tip is attached before, during, or after completion of the other steps of the (or a suitable) manufacturing process for producing the contact pin. In one embodiment, the previously separate contact tip is further processed during the relevant manufacturing process, for example, by embossing.

[0047] The invention described above is explained in detail below against the relevant technical background with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments. The invention is in no way limited by the purely schematic drawings, although it should be noted that the drawings are not dimensionally accurate and are not suitable for defining size relationships. It is illustrated in Fig. 1: in a spatial view, a contact pin with a deflection area between the two contact tips; Fig. 2: in a spatial view, a section of a connector housing with three contact pins; Fig. 3: a section of a contact pin with a weakening section in a first embodiment; Fig. 4: a section of a contact pin with a weakening section in a second embodiment; Fig. 5: a section of a contact pin with a weakening section in a third embodiment; Fig. 6: a section of a contact pin with a weakening section in a fourth embodiment; Fig. 7: a section of a contact pin with a weakening section in a fifth embodiment; Fig. 8: a section of a contact pin with a weakening section in a seventh embodiment; Fig. 9: a section of a contact pin with a weakening section in an eighth embodiment; and Fig. 10: a section of a contact pin with a weakening section in a sixth embodiment.

[0048] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a contact pin 1 with a deflection area 10 between the two contact tips 2, 3 in a spatial view. Besides representing a possible specific embodiment, this illustration also serves as a positional overview for the following figures, where areas designated as identical are arranged in an embodiment as shown here. However, the following illustrations are not limited to this. All these illustrations show a contact pin 1 formed from a sheet metal part or a sheet metal blank and therefore having a flat and relatively large front surface 16 (formed from the sheet metal surface) and a narrow area at the side edge 8 (exposed when cutting from the sheet metal and primarily defining the shape).

[0049] In the upper left of the illustration, a first contact tip 2 is shown, which is designed for a press-fit connection to a printed circuit board. In the lower right, a second contact tip 3 is shown, integrally connected via the connecting section 4, and is designed for a contact plug. A shoulder 11 is provided directly adjacent to the first contact tip 2. When inserted into the printed circuit board, this shoulder provides feedback that the first contact tip 2 is correctly mounted and, if necessary, must withstand the maximum insertion force. This is followed by a weakening section 6, which is formed here by a reduction in cross-section (reducing the size of the area of ​​the front face 16). Adjoining this, in the direction of the second contact tip 3, is the mounting section 5, which allows the contact pin 1 to be fixed in place (compare, for example, [reference to diagram]). Fig. 2) In the illustrated embodiment, a positioning section 9 is provided as a purely optional feature, here with two lateral recesses in the side edge 8. The contact pin 1 can be inserted precisely into a casting die or injection mold, preferably according to the Poka-Yoke principle, by means of the positioning section 9, so that the orientation of the contact tips 2, 3 cannot be interchanged. Furthermore, a deflection area 10 is provided (independently of the presence of a positioning section 9). This deflection area 10 is here purely optionally deflected solely to bridge a gap between the contact tips 2, 3 in the direction normal to the front face 16 in the area of ​​the contact tips 2, 3, and is plastically deformed. In addition, a (further) shoulder 11 is provided (independently of the presence of a positioning section 9 and a deflection area 10).This shoulder 11 is, however, (purely optional) not for mounting, but for fixing in the mounting holder 13 (compare . Fig. 2) set up.

[0050] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of a connector housing 12 with three contact pins 1 in a spatial view, which, for example, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows how the components are implemented (for example, with a variation according to one of the following figures). Reference is made to the preceding description. Below is side 14 of the circuit board, to which the first contact tips 2 extend (i.e., as shown below), and above is side 15 of the connector, to which the second contact tips 3 extend (i.e., as shown above). It is clearly visible that the contact pins 1, with their mounting section 5 and simultaneously positioning section 9, are received in a mounting recess 13 of the connector housing 12, preferably cast in place. The offset between the contact tips 2 and 3, bridged by the deflection section 10, is also clearly visible here.

[0051] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of the first contact tip 2 of a contact pin 1 with a weakening section 6 in a first embodiment in a spatial view. The contact pin 1 is, for example, as shown in the area not shown. Fig. 1 shown. Reference is made to the preceding description for this or similar features. It should also be noted that the final state shown here is ready for assembly in, for example, a connector housing 12 (as, for example, in Fig. 2 shown), or in an intermediate state and further processing takes place. For example, in the embodiments with the untwisted weakening section 6 (preferably subsequently), these can still be twisted, as for example in Fig. 5 shown.

[0052] Here, in the weakening section 6, two immediately closed, diamond-shaped holes 7 and three holes 7 open towards the lateral edges 8 are provided. The current density remains sufficiently low, and the mechanical weakening is designed such that (preferably plastic) deformation for an angular error about an axis parallel to the plane of the front face 16 is permitted, and an axial insertion force (for example, introduced via the shoulder 11) can be absorbed by the weakening section 6 without (or at least without plastic) deformation.

[0053] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a section of the first contact tip 2 of a contact pin 1 with a weakening section 6 in a second embodiment in a spatial view. Reference is made to the preceding description of the embodiment in Fig. Reference is made to point 3, and only the difference is discussed here. This approach will also be used in the description of the following figures.

[0054] Here, the weakening section 6 (here optionally by 90°) is twisted so that the normal of the front face 16 points forward immediately at the contact tip 2 and upwards behind the twist. This allows for (preferably plastic) deformation to compensate for an angular error around the insertion axis, while simultaneously enabling the weakening section 6 to absorb an axial insertion force (for example, introduced via the shoulder 11) without (or at least without plastic) deformation.

[0055] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a section of the first contact tip 2 of a contact pin 1 with a weakening section 6 in a third embodiment in a spatial view. Here, in addition to a twisting as in Fig. Figure 4 shows several (here, optionally six) immediately closed holes 7. This enhances the properties of the embodiments according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 combined together.

[0056] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a section of the first contact tip 2 of a contact pin 1 with weakening section 6 in a fourth embodiment in a spatial view. Here, as in Fig. 5 Several (here purely optionally two) immediately closed holes 7 are provided, which are, however, formed in an H-shape. In addition to the embodiment according to Fig. 5 firstly, axial softness (relative to the insertion axis) was created to prevent axial misalignment, and secondly, an axial stop was provided to limit axial elastic deformation and to absorb the axial insertion force.

[0057] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a section of the first contact tip 2 of a contact pin 1 with a weakening section 6 in a fifth embodiment, shown in a spatial view. Here, (purely optionally three) H-shaped holes 7 are shown as in Fig. 6 shown provided with the effect described above, but without twisting of the weakening section 6.

[0058] In Fig. Figure 8 shows a section of the first contact tip 2 of a contact pin 1 with a weakening section 6 in a seventh embodiment in a spatial view. Here, (optionally eleven) open holes 7 are formed at the lateral edges 8, resulting in a meandering shape. The holes 7 are narrowly slit-like, so that, as in the embodiment according to Fig. 5 provides, firstly, axial softness (relative to the insertion axis) to accommodate an axial misalignment error, and secondly, an axial stop to limit axial elastic deformation and to absorb the axial insertion force. In one embodiment, the slot-like holes 7 are larger in the axial direction than shown here in the first manufacturing step and are subsequently brought into the final shape shown by means of axial (plastic) deformation.

[0059] In Fig. Figure 9 shows a section of the first contact tip 2 of a contact pin 1 with a weakening section 6 in an eighth embodiment in a spatial view. This embodiment is similar to that shown in Figure 9. Fig. 8 very similar, except that in the central area the holes 7 have a larger extent, so that an effective axial stop is formed only at the lateral edges 8.

[0060] In Fig. Figure 10 shows a section of the first contact tip 2 of a contact pin 1 with a weakening section 6 in a sixth embodiment in a spatial view. This embodiment is also comparable to the one according to Figure 10. Fig. Figure 9 is very similar, except that the holes 7 in the central area are approximately circular. Preferably, a simple (e.g., rectangular) meander shape is first formed (preferably by stamping), and then the shape shown is produced by embossing, for example, by extrusion using a die. Extrusion allows for very precise shaping while simultaneously preventing any impairment of the electrically conductive cross-section (i.e., an influence on the resulting current density).

[0061] The contact pin proposed here is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and can be readily adapted to the required geometries. Reference symbol list 1 contact pin 2 first contact tip 3 second contact tip 4 Connection section 5 Assembly step 6 Weakening section 7 holes 8 side edge 9 Positioning section 10 Deflection range 11 Shoulder 12 connector housings 13 Mounting bracket 14th page of the circuit board 15 Side of the connector 16 Front

Claims

Contact pin (1) for transmitting electrical signals and / or power current, comprising at least the following components: - a first contact tip (2) for connecting to a first contact receptacle; - a second contact tip (3) for connecting to a second contact receptacle;and a connecting section (4) for mechanically and electrically connecting the two contact tips (2, 3), wherein the connecting section (4) comprises a mounting section (5) between the contact tips (2, 3), wherein the contact pin (1) can be fixed at an installation location by means of the mounting section (5), and wherein the connecting section (4) further comprises a weakening section (6) between at least one of the contact tips (2) and the mounting section (5) for tolerance compensation and / or operational load compensation, wherein the weakening section (6) is designed to receive and transmit an insertion force for the respective contact tip (2), and wherein the contact pin (1) is formed in one piece from a sheet, wherein the weakening section (6) is twisted. Contact pin (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least the weakening section (6) is reshaped by means of embossing. Contact pin (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weakening section (6) comprises at least one hole (7), preferably the hole (7) being open to the lateral edge (8). Contact pin (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting section (4) comprises a positioning section (9), wherein preferably the positioning section (9) is configured for form-fitting insertion into a casting die or injection mold. Contact pin (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting section (4) comprises a deflection area (10) for offset compensation. Contact pin (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting section (4) comprises at least one shoulder (11) for force transmission, wherein preferably the shoulder (11) is part of the assembly section (5). Manufacturing method for a contact pin (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sheet metal blank is cut from a sheet metal blank, and the sheet metal blank is formed and / or embossed, wherein preferably the sheet metal blank is cut from the sheet metal by means of punching.

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