Electrical contact structure

Abstract

An electrical contact structure (1) comprises at least one cable (2) with a plurality of cable strands (3) and at least one contact surface (4) for electrically contacting the cable (2) with an electrical element, wherein the cable strands (3) are compacted in a compaction area (5) such that the compacted cable strands (3) have a solid structure in the compaction area (5), and wherein the at least one contact surface (4) is located directly or indirectly on said compaction area (5).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical contact structure according to claim 1. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] It is known from the prior art that cable ends can be connected to electrical contact parts. Crimp connections, in which part of a contact part is mechanically deformed, are given as an example. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Based on this prior art, the present invention is based on the objective of providing an electrical contact structure which allows for simple electrical contacting.

[0004] The subject matter of claim 1 solves these and other problems. Accordingly, an electrical contact structure comprises at least one cable with a plurality of cable strands and at least one contact surface for electrically contacting the cable with an electrical element. The cable strands are compacted in a compaction area such that the compacted cable strands have a solid structure in the compaction area. The at least one contact surface is located directly or indirectly on said compaction area.

[0005] The compaction area is created through a compaction process. In this process, the cable strands are subjected to pressure and heat, making them connectable. In a further development, the cable strands can be immersed in a solder bath before being subjected to pressure and heat, so that solder material is present in the area of ​​the cable strands, which is then remelted by the heat.

[0006] The compaction area has the advantage that the corresponding cable section becomes suitable for contacting. Furthermore, it simplifies manufacturing.

[0007] In a first variant, a single contact surface is arranged directly or indirectly at the compaction area, with the compaction area being provided by a cable.

[0008] In a second variant, several contact surfaces are arranged directly or indirectly on the compaction area, with the compaction area being provided by a cable.

[0009] In a third variant, a single contact surface is arranged directly or indirectly at the compaction area, with the compaction area being provided by several cables.

[0010] In a fourth variant, several contact surfaces are arranged directly or indirectly at the compaction area, with the compaction area being provided by several cables.

[0011] The cable preferably includes an electrically insulating cable sheath.

[0012] The electrical element that contacts the at least one contact surface can be an electrically conductive counterpart in a connector. Preferably, at least one spring is provided for contact between the at least one contact surface and the electrical element, which applies a spring force to the electrically conductive element and / or the compacting area. The compacting area and the electrical counterpart are preferably arranged in a common housing. Alternatively, the compacting area and the electrical counterpart are each arranged or mounted in separate housings.

[0013] Preferably, the compaction area is provided as a compact or dimensionally stable body.

[0014] The cable strands are preferably made of copper or a copper alloy.

[0015] In a first preferred embodiment with the direct arrangement of the at least one contact surface, the at least one contact surface is provided by the compaction area formed by the compacted cable strands.

[0016] Preferably, according to the first embodiment, the compaction area has a surface section extending at least partially around the contact surface and a projection extending away from the surface section. The contact surface is arranged on the projection.

[0017] Preferably, the compacting area of ​​the first embodiment has at least one slot-like recess which divides the compacting area into at least two contact arms.

[0018] Preferably, the at least two contact arms extend along an arm axis and can be deflected about a deflection axis lying transversely to the arm axis during a contact process.

[0019] Preferably, the at least two contact arms have spring-like properties.

[0020] Preferably, the at least two contact arms are identical to each other.

[0021] Preferably, the width of the contact arm is several times, in particular by a factor greater than 5, in particular by a factor greater than 10, larger than the width of the recess.

[0022] Preferably, the thickness of the contact arm is substantially equal to the width of the recess; or the thickness of the contact arm is several times greater than the width of the recess, particularly by a factor greater than 2, and especially by a factor greater than 5 or 10. The ratio between the width of the recess and the thickness of the contact arm can depend on the method of manufacturing the recess. If the recess is punched, the width of the recess is preferably equal to the thickness of the contact arm. If the recess is laser-cut, the width of the recess can be smaller than the thickness of the contact arm.

[0023] Preferably, the length of the recess is several times greater, in particular by a factor greater than 20, in particular by a factor greater than 30 or 50, than the width of the recess.

[0024] Preferably, at least one contact surface is arranged on each contact arm.

[0025] Preferably, at least two contact arms have a cranked arm section, wherein the at least one contact surface is arranged on the cranked arm section.

[0026] The bent arm segment is created by deforming the arm segment. The bent arm segment protrudes laterally from the main segment of the arm segment.

[0027] Preferably, the at least two contact arms have at least one projection extending from the contact arm, wherein the at least one contact surface is arranged on the at least one projection.

[0028] Preferably, the compaction area has at least partially the shape of a cuboid or a cylinder, in particular with a circular or rhomboid cross-section.

[0029] In a second and third preferred embodiment with the direct arrangement of the at least one contact surface, the at least one contact surface is provided by the compaction area formed by the compacted cable strands.

[0030] Preferably, according to the second and third embodiments, the compaction area has a surface section extending at least partially around the contact surface and a projection extending away from the surface section. The contact surface is arranged on the projection.

[0031] Preferably, according to the second embodiment, the compaction area has at least partially the shape of a cuboid.

[0032] Preferably, the aforementioned surface area is provided by a side surface of the cuboid, wherein the protrusion with the contact surface stands away from the side surface.

[0033] Preferably, the compaction area according to the third embodiment has a polygonal cross-section, in particular that the polygonal cross-section has a number of corners in the range of three to ten.

[0034] Preferably, the aforementioned surface area is provided by a side surface of the polygon, wherein the protrusion with the contact surface stands away from the side surface.

[0035] In a fourth or fifth preferred embodiment with the indirect arrangement of the at least one contact surface, the at least one contact surface is provided by at least one contact element which is electrically connected to the compaction area formed by the compacted cable strands.

[0036] The contact element is designed separately from the compaction area and can be connected to the compaction area.

[0037] Preferably, the at least one contact element is firmly connected to the compaction area. Preferably, the connection is a mechanically rigid connection.

[0038] For example, the at least one contact element can have a shaft that is driven into the compaction area, either solidly or into an opening in the compaction area. In addition to or as an alternative to the connection via the shaft, it is also conceivable that the at least one contact element is connected to the compaction area by a weld.

[0039] The secure connection can be provided by a form-fit and / or force-fit and / or material-fit connection.

[0040] Preferably, the contact element is made of a material different from the material of the cable strands. The cable strands are preferably made of copper. The contact element is preferably made of a material that oxidizes less quickly than copper, or coated with such a material. Examples of such coatings are given below.

[0041] In the fourth embodiment, the contact element is a contact pin, wherein an end face of the contact pin protrudes from the compaction area and provides the said contact surface.

[0042] Preferably, the contact pin has a shaft section and a flange section adjoining it. The flange section provides the end face with the contact surface.

[0043] Preferably, the shaft section has a conically tapered tip opposite the flange section.

[0044] Preferably, the compacting area has at least one slot-like recess which divides the compacting area into at least two contact arms.

[0045] Preferably, the at least two contact arms extend along an arm axis and can be deflected about a deflection axis lying transversely to the arm axis during a contact process.

[0046] Preferably, the at least two contact arms have spring-like properties.

[0047] Preferably, the at least two contact arms are identical to each other.

[0048] Preferably, the width of the contact arm is several times, in particular by a factor greater than 5, in particular by a factor greater than 10, larger than the width of the recess.

[0049] Preferably, the thickness of the contact arm is substantially equal to the width of the recess; or the thickness of the contact arm is several times greater than the width of the recess, particularly by a factor greater than 2, and especially by a factor greater than 5 or 10. The ratio between the width of the recess and the thickness of the contact arm can depend on the method of manufacturing the recess. If the recess is punched, the width of the recess is preferably equal to the thickness of the contact arm. If the recess is laser-cut, the width of the recess can be smaller than the thickness of the contact arm.

[0050] Preferably, the length of the recess is several times greater, in particular by a factor greater than 20, in particular by a factor greater than 30 or 50, than the width of the recess.

[0051] Preferably, at least one contact element is arranged on each of the contact arms.

[0052] In a fifth embodiment, the at least one contact element is a contact plate which is electrically conductively connected to the compacting area.

[0053] Preferably, several of the aforementioned contact plates are arranged one above the other, with the contact plates being connected to each other and to the compacting area. Preferably, several of the aforementioned contact plates are welded to the compacting area.

[0054] Preferably, at least one of the contact plates has a raised area on which the said contact surface is provided.

[0055] Preferably, the at least one contact plate has at least one slot-like recess which provides at least two contact arms on the contact plate.

[0056] Preferably, the at least two contact arms extend along an arm axis and can be deflected about a deflection axis lying transversely to the arm axis during a contact process.

[0057] Preferably, the at least two contact arms have spring-like properties.

[0058] Preferably, the at least two contact arms are identical to each other.

[0059] Preferably, the width of the contact arm is several times, in particular by a factor greater than 5, in particular by a factor greater than 10, larger than the width of the recess.

[0060] Preferably, the thickness of the contact arm is substantially equal to the width of the recess; or the thickness of the contact arm is several times greater than the width of the recess, particularly by a factor greater than 2, and especially by a factor greater than 5 or 10. The ratio between the width of the recess and the thickness of the contact arm can depend on the method of manufacturing the recess. If the recess is punched, the width of the recess is preferably equal to the thickness of the contact arm. If the recess is laser-cut, the width of the recess can be smaller than the thickness of the contact arm.

[0061] Preferably, the length of the recess is several times greater, in particular by a factor greater than 20, in particular by a factor greater than 30 or 50, than the width of the recess.

[0062] Preferably, at least one contact surface is arranged on each contact arm.

[0063] Further preferred optional features that can be used in all embodiments described above are described below.

[0064] Preferably, the contact surface is provided with a coating. For example, the contact surface can be silver-plated, gold-plated, tin-plated, or nickel-plated. Alloys of these materials can also be used. Other areas of the compaction zone can also be provided with a coating. Preferably, the coating is applied after the compaction process.

[0065] Preferably, the compacting area further comprises at least one spring element which is designed and arranged in such a way that the compacting area has spring-like properties.

[0066] Preferably, the at least one spring element is an integral part of the compacting area. Preferably, at least one spring element is arranged separately from the compacting area.

[0067] The at least one spring element is preferably placed before compaction to the cable strands and is compacted together with the cable strands.

[0068] Preferably, the at least one spring element is provided by at least one spring sheet. Preferably, the at least one spring element is provided by at least one spring wire or spring rod. Preferably, the at least one spring element is provided by at least one spring network formed from several spring wires.

[0069] In a manufacturing process, preferably in a first step the

[0070] A compaction process is performed. In the case of a direct arrangement of the contact surface, the contact surface is formed during the compaction process. In the case of an indirect arrangement of the contact surface, the contact element is connected to the compacted area after the compaction process.

[0071] If the bent arm section or elevation is present, the bent arm section or elevation is provided during the compaction process.

[0072] If the slot-like recess is present, the slot-like recess is preferably provided during the compaction process or formed after the compaction process.

[0073] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted restrictively. The drawings show: Fig. 1a a perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrical contact structure according to the present invention from above; Fig. 1b a perspective view of the first embodiment according to Figure 1a from below; Fig. 1 a side view of the first embodiment according to the preceding Figures 1a and 1bFig. 2 a perspective view of a second embodiment of an electrical contact structure according to the present invention from above; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a third embodiment of an electrical contact structure according to the present invention from above; Fig. 4a a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an electrical contact structure according to the present invention from above; Fig. 4b a perspective view of the first embodiment according to Figure 4a from below; Fig. 5a a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an electrical contact structure according to the present invention from above; Fig. 5b a perspective view of the fifth embodiment according to Figure 5a from below; Fig. 6a a perspective view of a further development of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5b Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a further development of the embodiment. Figures 1 to 5b . DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0075] In the Figures 1a to 5b Various preferred embodiments of an electrical contact structure 1 according to the present invention are shown. Identical or similar parts are each provided with the same reference numerals.

[0076] The electrical contact structure 1 according to all embodiments comprises at least one cable 2 with a plurality of cable strands 3 and at least one contact surface 4 for electrically contacting the cable 2 with an electrical element. The electrical element is a counterpart with which the contact surface is electrically connected, preferably under the influence of a spring force. The cable strands 3 are compacted in a compaction area 5. The compaction is such that the compacted cable strands 3 have a solid structure in the compaction area 5. The at least one contact surface 4 lies directly or indirectly on said compaction area 5. In the embodiments of the Figures 1a to 3 The at least one contact surface 4 is located directly on the compaction area 5. In the embodiments of the Figures 4a to 5b The at least one contact surface 4 is indirectly located at the compaction area 5.

[0077] In the embodiments shown, the compacting area 5 forms the end of the cable 2. However, the compacting area 5 can also be arranged in other areas of the cable 2, so that the compacting area 5 does not form the end of the cable 2.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiments, the cable 2 further comprises a cable sheath 6 which laterally surrounds the cable strands 3. The cable sheath 6 is made of an electrically insulating material. The compaction area 5 is located at an area without a cable sheath 6.

[0079] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the at least one contact surface 4, as mentioned above, is provided directly by the compacting area 5. The compacted cable strands 3 therefore provide the at least one contact surface 4.

[0080] Preferably, the at least one contact surface 4 is part of at least one projection 8. In the first, second, and third embodiments, the projection 8 extends away from a surface section 7 of the compacting area 5, and the contact surface 4 forms the end face of the projection 8. In the first embodiment, the projection 8 is provided by a bend in the compacting area 5. However, the projection 8 can also be provided as a material thickening or as a bump. In the second and third embodiments, the projection 8 protrudes from the surface section 7 as a bump.

[0081] In the first embodiment according to the Figures 1a to 1cThe compacting area has at least one slot-like recess 9. In the illustrated embodiment, several slot-like recesses 9 are arranged parallel to one another. The at least one slot-like recess 9 forms at least two contact arms 10. In the illustrated embodiment, several contact arms 10 are shown. The slot-like recesses 9 extend only over a portion of the compacting area 5, so that another portion of the compacting area 5 does not have a slot-like recess.

[0082] The contact arm 10 extends along an arm axis A. The arm axes A of all contact arms 10 are parallel to each other. During a contact process, the contact arms 10 can be deflected about a deflection axis Z that lies transversely to the arm axis A. The contact arm 10 is designed as a contact arm with a free end.

[0083] Preferably, the at least two contact arms 10 have resilient properties. Preferably, as shown in the figures, the contact arms 10 are each identical to one another.

[0084] In the embodiment shown according to the Figures 1a to 1c Each contact arm 10 has a contact surface 4. In other embodiments, however, more than one contact surface 4 can be arranged per contact arm 10. Preferably, the contact surface 4 is located in the region of the free end or near the free end of the contact arm 10.

[0085] The at least one contact surface 4 is, as mentioned above, arranged on a protrusion. This protrusion is provided by a cranked arm section 11. The at least one contact surface 4 is therefore arranged on the cranked arm section 11. The cranked arm section 11 is deflected with respect to the arm axis A.

[0086] Preferably, the contact arms are dimensioned such that the width B of the contact arm 10 is several times, in particular by a factor greater than 5, and in particular by a factor greater than 10, larger than the width of the recess 9. The thickness D of the contact arm 10 is preferably substantially equal to the width of the recess 9. Alternatively, the thickness D of the contact arm 10 is preferably several times, in particular by a factor greater than 5, and in particular by a factor greater than 10, larger than the width B of the recess 9. The length L of the recess 9 is preferably several times, in particular by a factor greater than 20, and in particular by a factor greater than 30 or 50, larger than the width of the recess 9.

[0087] In the second embodiment according to the Figure 2The compaction area 5 is essentially designed as a cuboid. One side face of the cuboid forms the aforementioned surface section 7. At least one projection 8 extends from surface section 7. Two projections 8 are arranged here. Each of the projections 8 provides a contact surface 4.

[0088] In the third embodiment according to the Figure 3The compacting area 5 has a polygonal cross-section. This polygonal cross-section has eight vertices. In other embodiments, the polygonal cross-section has a number of vertices ranging from three to ten. At least one side face of the compacting area 8 forms the aforementioned surface section 7. At least one projection 8 extends from surface section 7. Several projections 8 are arranged on each side face. Each projection 8 provides a contact surface 4. In the illustrated embodiment, each side face of the polygon has several projections 8. However, it is also conceivable that not all side faces of the polygon have projections 8.

[0089] In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the at least one contact surface 4 is provided indirectly, as mentioned above. For this indirect provision, at least one contact element 12 is provided, which is electrically conductively connected to the compacting area 5. The contact element 12 is designed separately from the compacting area 5 and can be connected to the compacting area 5. The contact element 12 has the at least one contact surface 4.

[0090] In the fourth embodiment according to the Figures 4a and 4b The contact element 12 is a contact pin. The end face 13 of the contact pin protrudes from the compaction area 5 and provides the aforementioned contact surface 4.

[0091] Furthermore, the contact pin has a shaft section 14 and a flange section 15 adjoining it. The flange section 15 provides the end face 13 with the contact surface 4. The shaft section 14 projects into the compaction area 5. The shaft section 14 is preferably driven or pressed directly into the compaction area.

[0092] Compared to the flange section 15, the shaft section 14 has a conically tapered tip 16.

[0093] Preferably, the compacting area 5 has at least one slot-like recess 9 which divides the compacting area 5 into at least two contact arms 10. The contact arms 10 preferably have the same optional properties as the contact arms 10 described above in connection with the first embodiment.

[0094] Particularly preferably, at least one contact element 12 is arranged on each of the contact arms 10.

[0095] In the fifth embodiment according to the Figures 5a and 5b The contact element 12 is a contact plate 17. The at least one contact plate 17 is electrically connected to the compaction area 5.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, several of the aforementioned contact plates 17 are arranged one above the other. The contact plates 17 are connected to each other and to the compacting area 5. At least one of the contact plates 17 has a projection 8 on which the contact surface 4 is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact plate 17 that has the projection is the one that is at the top of the stack of contact plates 17. The contact plates 17 can be connected to each other and to the compacting area 5 by a welding process. Preferably, the at least one contact plate 17 has at least one slot-like recess 9, which divides the compacting area 5 into at least two contact arms 10. The contact arms 10 preferably have the same optional properties as the contact arms 10 described above in connection with the first embodiment.

[0097] In the Figures 6a and 6bTwo variants of a further development of the electrical contact structure of the Figures 1 to 5b As shown, according to the further development, the compacting area 5 further comprises at least one spring element 18. The spring element 18 is designed and arranged such that the compacting area 5 exhibits spring-like properties. The at least one spring element 18 can be optionally arranged in each of the embodiments described herein.

[0098] As in the Figures 6a and 6bThe at least one spring element 18 is shown as an integral part of the compacting area 5. The at least one spring element 18 is substantially completely surrounded by the compacted cable strands 3. Alternatively, the at least one spring element 18 can also be arranged on the surface of the compacting area 5. In this case, the spring element rests on the upper and / or lower side of the compacting area. The at least one spring element 18 is preferably compacted with the cable strands 3 during the compaction process. This results in a sandwich-like structure.

[0099] According to the variant in the Figure 6a The at least one spring element 18 has the form of a spring sheet. Here, several spring sheets are stacked on top of each other at a distance from one another. However, it is also conceivable that only a single spring sheet is arranged.

[0100] According to the variant in the Figure 6bThe at least one spring element 18 has the form of a spring wire or spring rod. Here, several spring wires or spring rods are arranged side by side. However, it is also conceivable that only a single spring wire or spring rod is arranged. Several spring wires can also be provided as a spring mesh.

[0101] The at least one spring element 18 is preferably made of spring steel. It is particularly preferred that the volume of the cable strands 3 is larger in relation to the volume of the spring element 18. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0102] 1 Electrical contact structure 2 Cable 3 Cable strands 4 Contact surface 5 Compaction area 6 Cable sheath 7 Surface section 8 Raised section 9 Slotted recess 10 Contact arms 11 Cranked arm section 12 Contact element 13 End face 14 Shaft section 15 Flange section 16 Tapered tip 17 Contact plate 18 Spring element AArm axis ZDeflection axis BWidth DThickness LLength

Claims

1. Electrical contact structure (1) comprising at least one cable (2) with a plurality of cable strands (3) and at least one contact surface (4) for electrically contacting the cable (2) with an electrical element, wherein the cable strands (3) are compacted in a compaction area (5) such that the compacted cable strands (3) have a solid structure in the compaction area (5), and wherein the at least one contact surface (4) is located directly or indirectly on said compaction area (5).

2. Electrical contact structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that in the direct arrangement of the at least one contact surface (4) the at least one contact surface (4) is provided by the compacting area (5) formed by the compacted cable strands (3).

3. Electrical contact structure (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact thatthe compaction area (5) has a surface section (7) extending at least partially around the contact surface (4) and a raised area (8) extending away from the surface section (7), wherein the said contact surface (4) is arranged on the raised area (8).

4. Electrical contact structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the compacting area (5) has at least one slot-like recess (9) which divides the compacting area (5) into at least two contact arms (10).

5. Electrical contact structure (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that the at least two contact arms (10) extend along an arm axis (A) and are deflectable about a deflection axis (Z) lying transversely to the arm axis (A) during a contact process, and / or that which have at least two contact arms (10) that have spring-like properties; and / or thatthe at least two contact arms (10) are identical to each other; and / or that the width (B) of the contact arm (10) is many times greater, in particular by a factor greater than 5, in particular by a factor greater than 10, than the width of the recess (9); and / or that the thickness (D) of the contact arm (10) is substantially equal to the width of the recess (9); or that the thickness (D) of the contact arm (10) is many times greater than the width of the recess (9), in particular by a factor greater than 2, in particular by a factor greater than 5 or 10; and / or that the length (L) of the recess (9) is many times greater, in particular by a factor greater than 20, in particular by a factor greater than 30 or 50, than the width of the recess (9); and / or that at least one contact surface (4) is arranged on each contact arm (10); and / or thatthe at least two contact arms (10) have a cranked arm section (11), wherein the at least one contact surface (4) is arranged on the cranked arm section (11); and / or that the at least two contact arms (10) having at least one projection extending from the contact arm (10), wherein the at least one contact surface (4) is arranged on the at least one projection; and / or that which at least one contact surface (4) is located in the area of ​​the free end of the contact arm (10).

6. Electrical contact structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the compaction area (5) has at least section by section the shape of a cuboid or a cylinder, in particular with a circular or rhomboid cross-section.

7. Electrical contact structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe compaction area (5) has a polygonal cross-section, in particular that the polygonal cross-section has a number of corners in the range of three to ten.

8. Electrical contact structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that In the indirect arrangement of the at least one contact surface (4), the at least one contact surface (4) is provided by at least one contact element (12) which is electrically connected to the compacting area (5) formed by the compacted cable strands (3).

9. Electrical contact structure (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the at least one contact element (12) is firmly, in particular mechanically firmly, connected to the compacting area (5), wherein the firm connection can preferably be provided by a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or material-fitting connection.

10. Electrical contact structure (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by the fact thatthat at least one contact element (12) is made of a material which is different from the material of the cable strands (3).

11. Electrical contact structure (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by the fact that the contact element (12) is a contact pin, wherein an end face (13) of the contact pin protrudes from the compacting area (5) and provides the said contact surface (4).

12. Electrical contact structure (1) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the contact pin has a shaft section (14) and a flange section (15) adjoining it, the flange section (15) providing the end face (13) with the contact surface (4).

13. Electrical contact structure (1) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the shaft section (14) has a conically tapered tip (16) opposite the flange section (15).

14. Electrical contact structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 13, characterized by the fact thatthe compacting area (5) has at least one slot-like recess (9) which divides the compacting area (5) into at least two contact arms (10).

15. Electrical contact structure according to claim 14, characterized by that the at least two contact arms (10) extend along an arm axis (A) and are deflectable about a deflection axis (Z) lying transversely to the arm axis (A) during a contact process, and / or that which have at least two contact arms (10) that have spring-like properties; and / or that the at least two contact arms (10) are identical to each other; and / or that the width (B) of the contact arm (10) is many times greater, in particular by a factor greater than 5, in particular by a factor greater than 10, than the width of the recess (9); and / or thatthe thickness (D) of the contact arm (10) is substantially equal to the width of the recess (9); or that the thickness (D) of the contact arm (10) is many times greater than the width of the recess (9), in particular by a factor greater than 2, in particular by a factor greater than 5 or 10; and / or that the length (L) of the recess (9) is many times greater, in particular by a factor greater than 20, in particular by a factor greater than 30 or 50, than the width of the recess (9); and / or that at least one contact element (12) is arranged on each of the contact arms (10); and / or that which at least one contact surface (4) is located in the area of ​​the free end of the contact arm (10).

16. Electrical contact structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, characterized by the fact that the at least one contact element (12) is a contact plate (17) which is electrically conductively connected to the compacting area (5).

17. Electrical contact structure (1) according to claim 16, characterized by that several of the aforementioned contact plates (17) are arranged one above the other, the contact plates (17) being connected to each other and to the compacting area; and / or that at least one of the contact plates (17) has a protrusion on which the said contact surface (4) is provided; and / or that the contact plates (17) mentioned above are welded to the compacting area (5).

18. Electrical contact structure (1) according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that the at least one contact plate (17) has at least one slot-like recess (9) which provides at least two contact arms (10) on the contact plate (17).

19. Electrical contact structure (1) according to claim 18, characterized by thatthe at least two contact arms (10) extend along an arm axis (A) and are deflectable about a deflection axis (Z) lying transversely to the arm axis (A) during a contact process, and / or that which have at least two contact arms (10) that have spring-like properties; and / or that the at least two contact arms (10) are identical to each other; and / or that the width (B) of the contact arm (10) is many times greater, in particular by a factor greater than 5, in particular by a factor greater than 10, than the width of the recess (9); and / or that the thickness (D) of the contact arm (10) is substantially equal to the width of the recess (9); or that the thickness (D) of the contact arm (10) is many times greater than the width of the recess (9), in particular by a factor greater than 2, in particular by a factor greater than 5 or 10; and / or thatthe length (L) of the recess (9) is many times greater, in particular by a factor greater than 20, in particular by a factor greater than 30 or 50, than the width of the recess (9); and / or that at least one contact surface (4) is arranged on each contact arm (10); and / or that which at least one contact surface (4) is located in the area of ​​the free end of the contact arm (10).

20. Electrical contact structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the compacting area (5) further comprises at least one spring element (18) which is designed and arranged in such a way that the compacting area (5) has spring properties.

21. Electrical contact structure (1) according to claim 20, characterized by the fact thatthat at least one spring element (18) is an integral part of the compacting area (18); or that the at least one spring element (18) is arranged separately from the compacting area (18) on the compacting area (18).

22. Electrical contact structure (1) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized by that that at least one spring element (18) is provided by at least one spring plate; and / or that that at least one spring element (18) is provided by at least one spring wire or spring rod; and / or that the at least one spring element (18) is provided by at least one spring network formed from several spring wires.

23. Electrical contact structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least the contact surface (4) is provided with a coating, the coating preferably being made of silver, gold, tin, nickel or alloys thereof.

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