Contacting element for electrically contacting at least two electrical contact elements, arrangement, and method for contacting electrical contact elements by means of laser beam welding

Abstract

The invention relates to a contacting element (4) for electrically contacting at least two electrical contact elements (2, 3), said contacting element comprising: - a first contacting side (7) for contacting the first electrical contact element (2), - a second contacting side (8) for contacting the second electrical contact element (3), wherein - the first contacting side (7) has a first support region (10) and the second contacting side (8) has a second support region (11), wherein - the first contacting side (7) can be arranged adjacent to a surface (13) of the first electrical contact element (2) by means of the first support region (10), - the second contacting side (8) can be arranged adjacent to a surface (14) of the second electrical contact element (3) by means of the second support region (11), and wherein - the first support region (10) protrudes outward relative to a main extension plane of the first contacting side (7), and the second support region (11) protrudes outward relative to a main extension plane of the second contacting side (8). The invention also relates to an arrangement (1) and to a method.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Contacting element for electrically contacting at least two electrical contact elements, arrangement and method for contacting electrical contact elements by means of laser beam welding

[0003] The invention relates to a contacting element for electrically contacting at least two electrical contact elements. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement with a first and a second electrical contact element, wherein the two electrical contact elements are contacted by means of a corresponding contacting element. The invention also relates to a method for contacting at least two electrical contact elements by means of a laser beam welding method.

[0004] In electronics and power electronics, electrical contacts or contact elements are connected to create an electrical connection. In addition to traditional methods such as pressing, soldering, wire bonding, and gluing, laser welding is now a suitable option, as this process is contactless and can be used with the aid of robotics or automated systems. Furthermore, energy is applied exactly where it is needed, which is playing an increasingly important role in the context of sustainability.

[0005] If, for example, two metallic objects, such as electrical contact elements, are to be joined together using a laser beam welding process, it is essential that they are in direct contact, i.e. that there is a zero gap. The volume of material to be melted should be kept as small as possible in order to minimize thermomechanical stresses, which can lead to cracking and thus damage in components such as semiconductors, coils, or capacitors. The publication DE202016008092U1, for example, deals with electrical connection elements on flat supports and the problem of mechanical stresses caused by different thermal expansion coefficients of the materials, which can lead to cracks or contact failure.For this purpose, a connecting element with a fanned-out structure is proposed, which minimizes mechanical stresses caused by thermal expansion differences.

[0006] There are already numerous methods to enable laser welding of two touching electrical contacts, such as overlap welding, fillet welding, resistance welding, etc.

[0007] The following points should and must be observed.

[0008] The coupling of the laser beam into the material must first be ensured. The wavelength of the laser radiation must be adapted to the material in order to achieve the highest possible light absorption. The higher the reflectivity of the material, for example in the case of copper, the more problematic the coupling of the laser radiation is. With copper, the coupling can be improved at a wavelength of 1.06 pm by applying a thin, less reflective layer or by modifying the surface, for example by tinning or nickel plating. However, this increases the effort and is technically demanding. The roughness of the surface or oxide layers also influence the reflection-absorption behavior of the material.

[0009] Another factor to consider is the melting of the material. In the case of copper, the reflectivity decreases with increasing temperature. As soon as the copper surface melts, many times the laser power is absorbed compared to a bare copper surface at room temperature. If a sufficiently high laser power or laser power density is used, the material is initially heated, which is accompanied by absorption. With increased coupling of the laser beam, a vapor capillary is formed in the melt, a so-called keyhole. This is followed by multiple reflections at the keyhole wall, i.e. the laser beam is completely absorbed. As soon as a keyhole has formed, the entire laser power is suddenly coupled into the workpiece. This is the reason why thermal power welding of pure copper is almost impossible with conventional laser types in the near and far infrared.The process range between "beginning of melting" and "exceeding the threshold intensity for deep welding" is very small. Therefore, the green wavelength is often used, as it has higher absorption, especially for copper.

[0010] Another point to consider is the connection of the contact pieces. Both contact pieces must be in contact during the laser beam welding process and therefore must not have any gap between them. A gap would cause the upper contact partner to melt or lead to excessive laser energy being deposited and then to sudden welding through of the second contact partner. The result is high melt volumes. If these solidify, large tensile stresses arise, which in turn can damage sensitive components, such as silicon devices, for example by causing cracks. For this reason, the two contacts must be pressed together, which is complex because special tools are required.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to improve contacting of electrical contacts by means of a laser beam welding process.

[0012] This object is achieved by a contacting element, an arrangement and a method according to the independent patent claims. Useful further developments emerge from the dependent patent claims. One aspect (first aspect) of the invention relates to a contacting element for electrically contacting at least two electrical contact elements, with

[0013] - a first contacting side for contacting the first electrical contact element,

[0014] - a second contacting side for contacting the second electrical contact element, wherein

[0015] - the first contacting side has at least one first support area and the second contacting side has at least one second support area, wherein

[0016] - the first contacting side can be arranged by means of the first support area on a surface of the first electrical contact element,

[0017] - the second contacting side can be arranged by means of the second support area on a surface of the second electrical contact element, and wherein

[0018] - the first support region projects outwards with respect to a main extension plane of the first contacting side and the second support region projects outwards with respect to a main extension plane of the second contacting side, and wherein a material thickness of the first support region is smaller than a material thickness of the first contacting side and a material thickness of the second support region is smaller than a material thickness of the second contacting side.

[0019] The contacting element according to the invention can advantageously be used for contacting electrical contacts by means of laser beam welding or a laser beam welding process. By means of the contacting element, at least two different electrical contact elements or electrical contacts arranged or positioned at a distance from one another can be electrically contacted, coupled or contacted. In other words, the contacting element can be designed as a contact bridge, contact plate, busbar or another connecting element for current transmission. In particular, the contacting element can be used in the production or manufacture of power electronics parts and / or electronic components.

[0020] The two electrical contact elements or electrical contacts can be contacts of electronic components or electrical components such as semiconductors, coils or capacitors.

[0021] In particular, the electrical contact elements can be arranged within a printed circuit board or an integrated circuit or any other electronic component. For example, the two electrical contacts or electrical contact elements can each be a positive pole or a negative pole, so that an electrical connection can be established between the two contact elements by means of the contacting element.

[0022] Since such electronic components are very sensitive, a low energy input is advantageous when contacting them using laser beam welding in order to avoid causing damage. When welding the contacting element to the contact elements, the respective substance or material should melt slightly. This is achieved in particular by the fact that the contacting element rests on the electrical contact elements and in particular on their surface by means of the contact areas, in particular at specific points. In other words, the contacting element rests on the contact elements exclusively by means of the contact areas.

[0023] A laser beam or laser radiation from a laser beam welding process is introduced or acted on in particular at these contact areas. In this way, conception takes place at these special contact areas or contact points. This results in a further advantage, since these predetermined or specially constructed contact areas ensure precise, in particular exact support of the elements to be fused or joined. By supporting the contacting element on the contact element by means of the contact areas, an essentially exact zero gap can be achieved. In other words, the contacting element lies directly against the contact elements by means of the contact areas, so that in particular the contact areas lie directly on the surface or on the surface of the contact elements or contacts.Thus, a laser beam welding process can be used to make a precise, punctual contact without melting too large a volume of material and without reducing or setting a zero gap between two elements or components to be contacted.

[0024] In order to achieve a zero gap and to ensure that the contacting element rests at a specific point, the support areas are designed such that they protrude toward the respective surface of the contact elements or project outward. Thus, the contacting element rests on these specific or predetermined support areas.

[0025] For example, the contacting element can be designed as a copper plate or as another metallic, electrically conductive plate, sheet, or wire. With the help of the contacting element according to the invention, zero gaps for laser contacting of sensitive components can be easily achieved. Furthermore, low volume melting can be achieved when using laser beam welding, so that less thermomechanical stress occurs in electronic components. Furthermore, a simple and cost-effective production of an upper contact partner ("lead frame") can be carried out. For improved and efficient use of a laser beam welding process for electrical contacting with regard to sensitive electronic components, a low melting volume is advantageous.A laser beam is introduced particularly in the area of ​​the support areas, so that a smaller volume is melted due to the reduced material thickness there in order to create a material-tight connection with the contact elements. In other words, the support areas within the contact element form tapers with a particularly significantly reduced material thickness or wall thickness in order to require less material to be melted or remelted during a laser beam welding process to create a material-tight contact.

[0026] In other words, with the help of the contacting element, the problems of the zero gap and the minimization of the molten material volume can be avoided, so that a laser beam welding process can be used in the production of, in particular, sensitive, electronic components.

[0027] In one embodiment it is provided that the first support region and the second support region are spherically shaped, wherein the first support region is curved towards the first electrical contact element during a contacting process and the second support region is curved towards the second electrical contact element during the contacting process. Due to this curved or bulbous or spherical design of the support regions, the contacting element rests on these spherical designs of the support regions. In other words, a point-like support can be provided so that the welding points can be set in these support regions. In other words again, the first and / or the second support region or further support region can be designed as a bulge, recess, cutout or notch.

[0028] The contact areas are designed in such a way that when contact is made, i.e. when the contacting element is applied or placed or plugged onto the contact elements, they are curved towards the surfaces of the contact elements, i.e. outwards.

[0029] In one embodiment, it is further provided that the first support region and the second support region are pyramid-shaped, with a tip of the pyramid-shaped first support region being directed toward the first electrical contact element during a contacting process, and a tip of the pyramid-shaped second support region being directed toward the second electrical contact element during the contacting process. These pyramid-shaped, i.e., triangular, support regions allow for a punctual and thus direct contact of the contacting element on the contact elements.The pyramid-shaped or triangular design of the support areas is configured such that during a contacting process and thus the attachment of the contacting element to or on the contact elements, the contacting element is connected to the contact elements, in particular exclusively, via the tips of the pyramid-shaped support areas. This creates a zero gap, and laser welding can then be performed at the tip areas.

[0030] In a further exemplary embodiment, the first support region and the second support region are plateau-shaped, with an outer side of the plateau-shaped first support region, which is parallel to the first contacting side, being directed towards the first electrical contact element during a contacting process, and an outer side of the plateau-shaped second support region, which is parallel to the second contacting side, being directed towards the second electrical contact element during a contacting process. In other words, in this embodiment the support regions are designed as an elevation or as a plateau, which is directed towards the surface of the contact elements during contacting or when an electrical connection is established between the contact elements.In particular, when the contacting element makes contact with the contact elements, the contacting element rests against the contact elements, in particular exclusively or only via the outer sides of the plateau-shaped contact areas. This allows a zero gap to be achieved, and for the subsequent laser beam welding for the permanent contact, only a small amount of material can be melted, namely the material in the area of ​​the outer side of the contact areas.

[0031] In one embodiment, the first and second contacting sides each have additional support areas. It is also conceivable for only one of the two contacting sides to have multiple support areas. For stable and long-lasting contact, it is advantageous if both contacting sides are designed identically.

[0032] By introducing or forming a plurality of support areas and thus a plurality of point supports, better electrical contact can be achieved between the contacting element and the contact elements and thus between the contact elements. By having a plurality of support areas or support points, the energy input by means of laser beam welding per support area can be reduced because the energy is distributed here. In this way, the required energy and thus the thermal stress within a respective support area can be reduced or kept low. The number of respective support areas can also be related to a type and / or kind of contact element to be contacted. In this case, a dimension, in particular a size of the contact elements is crucial.The larger and especially the larger the surface of the contact elements, the more contact areas can be provided.

[0033] In one embodiment, the support areas of the two contacting sides are arranged spaced apart from one another. This provides an advantageous arrangement of the multiple support areas, particularly for automation of the production of the support areas, particularly for automated laser beam welding, in order to make production and, in particular, contacting more efficient. The support areas can be evenly distributed next to one another and, in particular, arranged at equal intervals.

[0034] In one embodiment, the contacting element is bent between the first and second contacting sides, taking a bending angle into account. In addition, this bending angle can be adjusted depending on the positioning of the two contact elements. Accordingly, the contacting element, which can be designed as a sheet metal or busbar, for example, can be configured depending on the application. During the manufacture of electronic components, which are arranged, for example, in electronic devices or in integrated circuits, the contact elements can be positioned or arranged differently relative to one another. For example, in order to compensate for a difference in height between the surfaces of the contact elements, the contacting element can be bent rather than planar or flat.This can be taken into account during the manufacture of the contacting element by setting a bending angle. In particular, the contacting element can have a right angle. Thus, the contacting sides can be two parallel, different planes. Furthermore, bending tolerances can be taken into account when setting the bending angle.

[0035] In one embodiment, the support areas are produced using a punching process, a pressing process, or a rolling process. Depending on the requirements and, in particular, the application situation of the contacting element, an appropriate process can be selected. For example, the contacting element can be manufactured together in one process. Thus, for example, the bending angle and the support areas can be manufactured or incorporated simultaneously in one processing step.

[0036] A further aspect (second aspect) relates to an arrangement with a first and a second electrical contact element or electrical contact, wherein the two electrical contact elements are electrically contacted by means of a contacting element according to the previous aspect or an advantageous development thereof.

[0037] Thus, the contacting element explained above according to the first aspect can advantageously be used to electrically contact the electrical contact elements with one another. Thus, the contacting element can be used as a busbar or contact bridge. Furthermore, several such contacting elements can be used to contact the contact elements.

[0038] In one embodiment of the second aspect, it is provided that the first contacting side of the contacting element is coupled to the first contact element by means of the first support region, which at least partially rests on the surface of the first contact element. Furthermore, the second contacting side of the contacting element is coupled to the second contact element by means of the second support region, which at least partially rests on the surface of the second contact element. This thus provides an electrical connection, in particular a fixed one, between the first and the second contact element. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a laser beam welding process. The contact element rests on or against the respective surface of a contact element according to the support regions or exclusively by means of the support regions.In this case, a surface or outer surface of a respective support area can rest directly on the surface of the contact elements, at least partially, in particular completely. Thus, a point-like or planar contact can be established between the support area and the contact elements.

[0039] The arrangement provides in particular an electrical connection with essentially minimal losses and thus an electrical current transmission between the contact elements.

[0040] In one embodiment of the second aspect, it is provided that the first support region is at least partially bonded to the first contact element by means of a laser beam welding process, and the second support region is at least partially bonded to the second contact element by means of the laser beam welding process. Above all, with the aid of a laser unit or a laser, the materials of the contacting element and the contact elements can be melted or fused on the support surfaces or support points, i.e. the support regions which lie on the surface of the contact elements. In other words, an electrical connection and thus a current flow from the contact elements to one another is possible via a bonded connection with the contacting element.The contacting element is connected or coupled to the contact element via the support area. Thus, a current flows through the bonded connection between the contact element and the support area.

[0041] In one embodiment of the second aspect, it is provided that the contacting element is contacted by means of the support areas in a point-like or planar manner or evenly with the two contact elements. The arrangement has the advantage in particular that the contact points between the contacting element, which can be a copper track, for example, and the contact element have no gap and therefore a zero gap. This is achieved in that the contact is made by fusing the material of the support areas with the contact elements. This results in point-like contact which cannot have a zero gap since there is a material connection here, and in that only a few points are melted by means of a laser beam welding process, namely the support areas.

[0042] A further aspect (third aspect) relates to a method for contacting at least two electrical contact elements by means of a laser beam welding process, comprising:

[0043] - Positioning a contacting element according to one of the preceding aspects or an advantageous embodiment thereof such that the first support area of ​​the first contacting side rests on a surface of the first contact element and the second support area of ​​the second contacting side rests on a surface of the second contact element,

[0044] - Partially melting the material of the first and second support areas by the laser beam welding process, wherein the first support area is materially connected to the first contact element and the second support area is materially connected to the second contact element, whereby the first contact element is electrically connected to the second contact element.

[0045] The proposed method enables more efficient contacting of electrical contacts of electrical components. A laser beam welding process is advantageously used for this purpose. With the aid of the laser beam welding process, an electrical connection between two components—in this case, the contacting element with the contact elements—can be realized without contact using a laser beam.

[0046] In particular, the process can be used in the manufacture of electronic components or power electronic components.

[0047] The contacting element according to the first aspect mentioned at the outset can firstly be positioned or placed or attached to the contact elements, for example in a first processing step. Here, the contacting element rests on or against the contact elements by means of the support areas. The material or substance or material of the first and second support areas can then be melted or heated by means of a laser or a laser unit. This can result in a material-to-material connection or a welded connection between the contacting sides of the contacting element and the contact elements, so that a current can flow via the first contact element, via the contacting element to the second contact element or vice versa.

[0048] For example, positioning and melting can be performed using an automated system or device. For this purpose, a contacting system or device can be used as an automatic, electromechanical unit to enable automated contacting of the electrical contact elements.

[0049] In one embodiment of the third aspect, it is provided that energy is introduced with a laser unit in the region in which a respective support area rests against a respective surface of the contact elements in order to melt the material there. This allows a material-to-material connection, i.e., a fused connection, to be realized or produced between the support areas and the contact elements, so that good electrical contact is achieved without a gap and without having to melt a large volume of material.

[0050] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the method and which are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, in accordance with the method, an error message and / or a request to enter user feedback is issued and / or a standard setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0051] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identity are included.

[0052] The invention also includes further developments of the arrangement according to the invention and of the method according to the invention, which have features as already described in connection with the further developments of the contacting element according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the arrangement according to the invention and of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0053] The invention also encompasses combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the components described each represent individual features of the invention that can be viewed independently of one another, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus to be viewed as part of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described exemplary embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0054] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0055] FIG 1 shows a schematic arrangement of contacted contact elements by means of a contacting element;

[0056] FIG 2 shows a further schematic embodiment concerning the contacted contact points or contact elements;

[0057] FIG 3 is a further schematic representation of the arrangement of FIG 1 , wherein the support areas have a plateau shape,

[0058] FIG 4 shows a further embodiment of the arrangement of FIG 1 , in which the support areas are pyramid-shaped; and

[0059] FIG. 5 shows a schematic process for contacting the electrical contact elements. The exemplary embodiments described in more detail below represent preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0061] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary representation of an arrangement 1. The arrangement 1 comprises a first electrical contact element 2 (an electrical contact) and at least one further, in particular different or separate, second electrical contact element 3 from the first contact element 2. The contact elements 2, 3 are electrical contacts, which can be referred to as current or voltage connections.

[0062] In particular, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary lateral view. In order to enable a current flow from the contact element 2 to the contact element 3 or vice versa, a contacting element 4 is provided according to the invention. This contacting element 4 can be an electrical connection for current transmission. In particular, the contacting element 4 can be a wire, a copper sheet, a metallic element, or another electrically conductive element.

[0063] In order to be able to contact or connect the contacting element 4 with the first contact element 2 and the second contact element 3, the latter is specially designed, in particular pre-processed.

[0064] The arrangement 1 can, for example, be part of an electronic component or a power electronic component.

[0065] For example, the contact element 3 can be multi-layered or multi-part, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1. The contact element 2 can, in turn, be formed in one piece.

[0066] For example, the contact element 3 can have a power supply 5 for a particularly sensitive electronic component 6 located underneath. This component 6 can in turn be arranged on a circuit board or an electrical device.

[0067] Advantageously, contacting the contacting element 4 with the contact elements 2, 3 is achieved by means of a selective or individual laser beam welding process. For this purpose, energy can be applied for welding at specifically specified locations, points, or areas of the contacting element 4.

[0068] Two challenges must be overcome here. Firstly, there should be no gap between the areas to be contacted, as this could lead to cracking or damage to the sensitive electronics or components. Secondly, due to the ever smaller dimensions of electronic components, energy input and, in particular, the molten volume should be kept to a minimum. For this purpose, the contacting element 4 has a first contacting side 7 and a second contacting side 8. Viewed in the x-direction, these can be the opposite end sides of the contacting element 4.

[0069] The contact element 2 can be contacted or electrically connected or coupled by means of the first contacting side 7 and the second contacting element 3 can be contacted or electrically connected or coupled by means of the second contacting side 8.

[0070] In order to have to melt a zero gap 9, as shown schematically in FIG. 1, and the smallest possible volume of material, the contacting element 4 has at least two support areas 10, 11. The first support area 10 is part of the first contacting side 7 and the second support area 11 is part of the second contacting side 8. These support areas 10, 11 can be specially designed or formed sub-areas of the contacting sides 7, 8. Above all, the support areas 10, 11 can be used to create a point-like support for the contacting element 4 in relation to the contact elements 2, 3. This offers the advantage that, on the one hand, at the support areas 10, 11, i.e. on support points or support surfaces, there is direct contact with the contact elements 2, 3 and therefore no gap or only a small gap.On the one hand, in these areas, support areas 10, 11, melting of the material there can be realized or carried out by means of a laser unit 12.

[0071] The first support area 10 rests at least partially on a surface 13 of the contact element 2, in particular directly on it. The second support area 11 rests, in particular directly, on or against a surface 14 of the second contact element 3. In these specific areas 10, 11, melting can be induced, for example, using a laser beam to create a material-to-material bond.

[0072] As shown exemplarily in FIG. 1, the support areas 10, 11 protrude outward (in the negative z-direction) relative to a respective main extension plane of the contacting sides 7, 8, or toward the contact element 2, 3. This provides a point-like support for the contacting element 4.

[0073] The support areas 10, 11 can be referred to as tapers in the material thickness of the contacting element 4. This makes it possible to reduce the melting volume, since melting takes place within these tapers by means of the laser unit 12. The tapers proposed for this purpose, i.e. the areas 10, 11, can be point-shaped or linear supports. For example, the first contacting side can have a material thickness D1 and the second contacting side 8 can have a material thickness D2. The two material thicknesses D1, D2 can be the same. Likewise, they can be designed differently depending on the application. In this regard, a material thickness dl of the first support area 10 can be smaller than the material thickness D1.A material thickness d2 of the second support area 11 can in turn be smaller than the material thickness D2, or support surfaces 10, 11 can be produced using punching, pressing, or rolling processes. For example, the material thickness dl, d2 can have a material thickness of approximately 5 pm to 500 pm. This would be the case if sensitive components are also to be connected or welded, since a smaller melting volume should be used here. For non-sensitive contact partners such as substrates or copper lead frames, the thicknesses dl, d2 can also be greater than 500 pm.

[0074] The contacting element 4 can, for example, be referred to as a molded part. This can have an increased bending tolerance while still having at least a zero gap 9.

[0075] As can be seen in FIG 1, the contact elements 2, 3 are at different heights to one another. The contact elements 2, 3 have a height difference h in the z-direction. In order to nevertheless enable efficient contacting, the contacting element 4 can be adapted to suit the user or the situation. For this purpose, the contacting element 4 can be bent, as shown here. For this purpose, the height difference h can be compensated for by taking a bending angle 15 into account. As shown here, the bending angle 15 is essentially 90 degrees, so that a right-angled bend is present here. In other words, the contacting sides 7, 8 are parallel and spaced apart from one another.

[0076] Depending on the application of the arrangement 1, for example, more or fewer such contact areas 10, 11 can be provided. Thus, depending on the extent to which contact is to be made, the contacting sides 7, 8 can have several contact areas. This offers advantages when melting or when establishing the material-to-material connection, as better electrical contact can be achieved and the required heat input and the required melting volume for each point can be kept low. If several contact areas or tapers are located next to one another, contact between all contact areas and the respective contact element 2, 3 can be achieved with a significantly simpler bending device ("bending tool"), as the tapers can be easily deformed. The result can be a good connection to the workpiece or contacting element 4.In addition, by reducing the material thickness, the volume of metal to be melted, such as the volume of copper, can be reduced. This can significantly reduce the stress during the subsequent cooling of the components. Furthermore, if there are multiple support areas per contact side 7, 8, an evenly distributed arrangement, in particular a uniformly arranged side by side, can be implemented, so that an increase in efficiency can be achieved, especially for automated contacting and / or melting.

[0077] In addition to the angled shape of the contacting element 4 shown here, a mutually planar or substantially planar arrangement or positioning of the contact elements 2, 3 can also be provided. This is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2.

[0078] The support areas 10, 11 can be designed in a variety of ways. For example, the support areas 10, 11 can be referred to as material tapers. For example, any desired geometric configuration can be made here. In addition to the spherical shape shown, as can be seen in FIG 1, other geometries are also conceivable, such as a double sphere, a triple sphere, a quadruple sphere or a pyramid geometry. The reason for this is that the tapers in the material thickness can then deform better upon contact and it can therefore be ensured that a zero gap 9 is present. In this case, the laser unit 12 can be controlled accordingly so that the laser can couple into the corresponding position of the support areas 10, 11.

[0079] As shown by way of example in FIG. 1, the support regions 10, 11 have a spherical shape or a spherical geometry. In this case, they are shown in particular as hemispheres, in particular as hollow hemispheres. In other words, at the locations of the support regions 10, 11 in the negative z-direction, the material of the contacting element 4 there is pressed downwards, deformed or punched. Thus, an area 16, 17 (cf. FIG. 2) is free of material. In other words, no material is present in these areas 16, 17. These areas 16, 17 can be referred to as inner areas and have no material at all, but rather air, for example. These areas 16, 17 can extend from one side of the support regions 10, 11, which rest on a respective surface 13, 14, to an upper side 18 (cf.FIG 2) of the contacting element 4, which is located at the top in the positive z-direction. Thus, laser penetration can occur in these free areas 16, 17 from above, i.e., in the negative z-direction.

[0080] In a further embodiment, the first support region 10, 11 can be pyramid-shaped or triangular, as can be seen, for example, in FIG 4. Here, the regions 16, 17 are again filled with air and do not have any material of the contacting element 4. A respective tip of these pyramid-shaped geometries (cf. FIG 4) is arranged in the direction of the contact elements 2, 3. In other words, the tips 19, 20 of the pyramid-shaped support regions 10, 11 point in the negative z-direction towards the contact elements 2, 3 to be contacted. As shown in FIG 1, the spherical support regions 10, 11 are curved in such a way that they are curved in the negative z-direction towards the contact elements 2, 3.

[0081] Another conceivable embodiment of the support areas 10, 11 is the design in a plateau-shaped geometric shape, as shown by way of example in FIG. 3. In other words, the support areas 10, 11 can have an elevation directed towards the contact elements 2, 3. In this case, a respective outer side 21, 22 of the support areas 10, 11 can each bear parallel to the surfaces 13, 14 of the contact elements 2, 3.

[0082] When multiple support areas are arranged, the contacting elements 4 can have a knob-like shape when viewed in the positive z-direction, i.e., viewed from below, since the support areas 10, 11 can represent knobs when viewed from this underside. These knobs, in turn, rest on or against the contact elements 2, 3.

[0083] In FIG 5 an exemplary process of contacting the contact elements 2 , 3 is explained.

[0084] For example, in a preprocessing step S1, the contacting element 4 can be manufactured in one or more processing steps. For this purpose, a sheet metal can be cut or bent accordingly. Parallel to or subsequently, the support areas 10, 11 can be incorporated into the material or into the sheet-like contacting element 4 by means of punching, rolling, or pressing.

[0085] In a subsequent optional step S2, the contacting element 4 can be placed or placed on the contact elements 2, 3, in particular from above. In this case, the contacting element 4 rests on the contact elements 2, 3 by means of the support areas 10, 11. In an optional second step S2, the contacting element 4 can be adapted accordingly depending on the application and in particular depending on the contacting process, so that, for example, the height difference h can be compensated. For this purpose, the contacting element 4 can be bent.

[0086] Subsequently, in an optional step S4, the material in the region of the support areas 10, 11 can be melted. For this purpose, the laser unit 12 can provide a corresponding energy input by means of a laser beam. Through this melting and subsequent cooling, a material-to-material connection can be realized or established, so that the two contact elements 2, 3 are electrically connected via material-to-material connections between the contacting element 4 and the contact elements 2, 3.

[0087] In particular, the described designs can be used to optimize the geometry for laser welding of thermal and electrically conductive connections.

[0088] Reference symbol list

[0089] 1 arrangement

[0090] 2 , 3 first and second electrical contact element

[0091] 4 Contacting element

[0092] 5 Power supply

[0093] 6 electronic component

[0094] 7 , 8 first and second contact side

[0095] 9 Zero gap

[0096] 10 , 11 first and second support area

[0097] 12 Laser unit

[0098] 13 , 14 Surfaces of the contact elements

[0099] 15 bending angles

[0100] 16 , 17 Interior of the support areas

[0101] 18 page

[0102] 19 , 20 peaks

[0103] 21 , 22 Outer sides dl , d2 Material thickness of the support areas

[0104] Dl , D2 Material thickness of the contact side h Height difference

[0105] S 1 to S4 steps

Claims

Patent claims 1. Contacting element (4) for electrically contacting at least two electrical contact elements (2, 3), with - a first contacting side (7) for contacting the first electrical contact element (2), - a second contacting side (8) for contacting the second electrical contact element (3), wherein - the first contacting side (7) has at least one first support area (10) and the second contacting side (8) has at least one second support area (11), wherein - the first contacting side (7) can be arranged by means of the first support area (10) on a surface (13) of the first electrical contact element (4), - the second contacting side (8) can be arranged by means of the second support area (11) on a surface (14) of the second electrical contact element (3), and wherein - the first support region (10) projects outwards with respect to a main extension plane of the first contacting side (7) and the second support region (11) projects outwards with respect to a main extension plane of the second contacting side (8), wherein - a material thickness (dl) of the first support region (10) is smaller than a material thickness (Dl) of the first contacting side (7) and a material thickness (d2) of the second support region (11) is smaller than a material thickness (D2) of the second contacting side (8).

2. Contacting element (4) according to claim 1, wherein the first support region (10) and the second support region (11) are spherically designed, wherein the first support region (10) is curved towards the first electrical contact element (2) during a contacting process and the second support region (11) is curved towards the second electrical contact element (3) during the contacting process.

3. Contacting element (4) according to claim 1, wherein the first support region (10) and the second support region (11) are pyramid-shaped, wherein a tip (19) of the pyramid-shaped first support region (10) is directed towards the first electrical contact element (2) during a contacting process and a tip (20) of the pyramid-shaped second support region (11) is directed towards the second electrical contact element (3) during the contacting process.

4. Contacting element (4) according to claim 1, wherein the first support region (10) and the second support region (11) are plateau-shaped, wherein an outer side (21) of the plateau-shaped first support region (10) parallel to the first contacting side (7) is directed towards the first electrical contact element (2) during a contacting process and an outer side (22) of the plateau-shaped second support region (11) parallel to the second contacting side (11) is directed towards the second electrical contact element (3) during a contacting process.

5. Contacting element (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second contacting sides (7, 8) each have further support areas.

6. Contacting element (4) according to claim 5, wherein the support areas of the two contacting sides (7, 8) are each arranged spaced apart from one another.

7. Contacting element (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contacting element (4) is bent between the first and second contacting sides (7, 8) taking into account a bending angle (15), in particular the bending angle (15) is adjustable depending on a positioning of the two contact elements (2, 3).

8. Contacting element (4) according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the support areas (10, 11) by means of a punching process, a pressing process, or a rolling process.

9. Arrangement (1) with a first and a second electrical contact element (2, 3), wherein the two electrical contact elements (2, 3) are electrically contacted by means of a contacting element (4) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Arrangement (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first contacting side (7) of the contacting element (4) is coupled to the first contact element (2) by means of the first support region (10), which at least partially rests on the surface (13) of the first contact element (2), and the second contacting side (8) of the contacting element (4) is coupled to the second contact element (3) by means of the second support region (11), which at least partially rests on the surface (14) of the second contact element (3).

11. Arrangement (1) according to claim 10, wherein the first support region (10) is at least partially connected to the first contact element (2) by means of a laser beam welding process and the second support region (11) is at least partially connected to the second contact element (3) by means of the laser beam welding process.

12. Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the contacting element (4) is contacted pointwise with the two contact elements (2, 3) by means of the support areas (10, 11).

13. A method for contacting at least two electrical contact elements (2, 3) by means of a laser beam welding process, comprising: - Positioning a contacting element (4) according to one of claims 1 to 9 such that the first support area (10) of the first contacting side (7) on a surface (13) of the first contact element (2) and the second support area (11) of the second contacting side (8) rest on a surface (14) of the second contact element (3), - Partially melting the material of the first and second support areas (10, 11) by the laser beam welding process, wherein the first support area (10) is materially connected to the first contact element (2) and the second support area (11) is materially connected to the second contact element (3), whereby the first contact element (2) is electrically connected to the second contact element (3).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein energy is introduced with a laser unit (12) in the region in which a respective support region (10, 11) rests against a respective surface (13, 14) of the contact elements (2, 3) in order to partially melt the material there.

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