Contact element, method for production thereof, and contact arrangement

Abstract

A contact element (1) for establishing electrical contact between two contact pieces (K1, K2) comprises a carrier strip (2) which extends in a longitudinal direction (L) and has an upper face (3) and a lower face (4), and a plurality of contact parts (5) each having at least one first contact portion (6) with a first contact surface (6a) for contacting one of the two contact pieces (K1, K2), at least one second contact portion (7) with a second contact surface (7a) for contacting the other of the two contact pieces (K1, K2), and at least one fastening portion (8) for fastening the contact part (5) to a fastening point (15) on the carrier strip (2), wherein, during a contact operation, the carrier strip (2) can be elastically deformed from a starting position into a bending position, wherein, in the starting position, the upper face (3) and the lower face (4) each form a straight line in cross-section transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction (L), and wherein the carrier strip (2) can be bent about a bending line (B) in such a way that the upper face (3) and the lower face (4) are curved in the bending position in cross-section transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction (L) (B).

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] CONTACT ELEMENT

[0003] TECHNICAL AREA

[0004] The present invention relates to a contact element for mediating an electrical contact between two contact pieces according to the preamble of claim 1, an arrangement with said contact element according to claim 22 and a method for manufacturing said contact element or another contact element according to claim 25.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Contact elements, which can also be referred to as contact lamellae, are known from the prior art. For example, EP 0 716 474 discloses a contact element comprising a one-piece contact strip extending along a longitudinal direction, with which two opposing contact surfaces can be electrically connected. The contact strip can be easily deformed along its length, making it easy to install.

[0007] From EP 2 115 820 a contact element is known in which the contact parts that establish the electrical contact are attached to a carrier strip.

[0008] From WO 2017 / 202707 a contact element is known in which the contact parts are arranged on a rounded carrier strip, wherein the carrier strip is bent during the contact process in such a way that the curvature of the rounded carrier strip becomes smaller.

[0009] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the objective of providing a contact element that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the contact element should be designed in such a way that the installation space required for the contact element at the respective contact pieces, such as plug pins, socket openings or flat contacts, can be made smaller.

[0011] The contact element according to claim 1 solves these and other problems. Accordingly, a contact element for mediating an electrical contact between two contact pieces comprises a carrier strip extending in a longitudinal direction, having a top and a bottom surface, and a plurality of contact parts. Each contact part comprises at least one first contact section with a first contact surface for contacting one of the two contact pieces, at least one second contact section with a second contact surface for contacting the other of the two contact pieces, and at least one fastening section for fastening the contact part to a fastening point on the carrier strip. During a contact process, the carrier strip is elastically deformable from an initial position to a flexed position. In the initial position, the top and bottom surfaces each form a straight line in cross-section when viewed transversely to the longitudinal direction.Furthermore, the carrier belt is bendable in such a way that the top and bottom surfaces are curved in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when in the bending position.

[0012] The design of the carrier strip offers the advantage that the contact element itself has a low height in its initial position due to the flat carrier strip. This reduces the installation space required for the contact element.

[0013] During the contact process, the carrier strip is bent from its initial position into the bending position. This means that the carrier strip is bent, or rather bendable, during the contact process in such a way that the top and bottom surfaces are curved in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when viewed in the bending position.

[0014] A further advantage arises during the production of the carrier strip. The carrier strip can be manufactured through a stamping process, and its flat design eliminates the need for a separate bending operation. The flat carrier strip is also advantageous for automated manufacturing, as the contact parts can be mounted in a single plane.

[0015] Preferably, the carrier strip is bendable around a bending line extending parallel to the longitudinal direction during the contact process. When the bending position is reached, the top and bottom surfaces are curved around the bending line in cross-section, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. During the contact process, the two contact pieces are displaced relative to each other. The contact elements lie between the two contact pieces in the contact position. As mentioned, the carrier strip is elastically deformed during the contact process. This deformation occurs within the elastic range. The contact elements themselves are not deformed during the contact process, but only change their position and are pressed against the two contact pieces due to the deformation of the carrier strip. The arrangement of the contact elements, which are responsible for the actual electrical contact, allows for a defined electrical contact between the two contact pieces.

[0016] Preferably, a center line extends longitudinally through the carrier strip. The center line is preferably a line located in the middle of the carrier strip. The contact parts are positioned relative to the carrier strip such that they can be pivoted about a pivot line.

[0017] The pivot line is inclined at an angle of less than 30°, and in particular essentially parallel, to the aforementioned center line. The angle is therefore in the range of 0° to 30°. An essentially parallel pivot line is understood to be exactly parallel to, or at a small angle of up to 3° or up to 5° to, the center line.

[0018] The pivot line in question is preferably orthogonal to the insertion direction. This design allows the contact parts to spring back essentially parallel to the insertion direction.

[0019] In other words, the essential orientation of the contact part in a particularly preferred embodiment is preferably transverse to the longitudinal direction. This ensures that, during a contact process, the contact part pivots about the pivot line during a contact movement, which in the installed position is oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0020] By arranging the contact elements in such a way as to allow the described type of pivoting, the contact elements are essentially pivoted in the insertion direction during installation, thus reducing the stress on the carrier strip. Furthermore, the contact element for the plug connection can be dimensioned more easily. In particular, the contact elements can be dimensioned independently of and free from the carrier strip. Preferably, the cross-section of the contact elements can be changed very easily. However, other orientations are also conceivable. As mentioned, the pivot line can also be inclined at an angle to the center line. The angle can be up to 30°. The pivot lines of individual contact elements run parallel to each other but are not collinear.

[0021] In one installation variant, the carrier strip extends around a virtual cylinder with both its top and bottom surfaces in its initial position. In the bending position, the carrier strip is bent outwards from the virtual cylinder or inwards from the virtual cylinder.

[0022] In other words, the cylindrical surface of the virtual cylinder becomes convex when the support strip is bent outwards, and concave when the support strip is bent inwards. The virtual cylinder is preferably a circular cylinder. The virtual cylinder has a surface that preferably extends at a constant distance around the central axis.

[0023] The carrier strip shape from the first installation variant is used for installation in a socket or on a plug. The contact element is preferably placed in a groove in a socket body or in a groove on a plug body.

[0024] In the first installation variant, the center line and preferably also the pivot line extend cylindrically around the central axis. In this context, the expression that the center line and the pivot line are parallel is to be understood as meaning that the cylindrically circumferential line and the cylindrically circumferential pivot line lie in parallel planes that are perpendicular to the central axis.

[0025] In a second installation variant, the carrier strip lies flat in the same plane with both its top and bottom surfaces in the initial position. In this position, the carrier strip is bent away from this plane.

[0026] The top and bottom surfaces lie in the same plane in the initial position, and starting from this initial position, the carrier strip is deformed concavely or convexly out of the plane.

[0027] This form of carrier strip, as described in the second installation variant, is used for a flat contact. The contact element is preferably placed in a groove. Subsequently, further preferred features for the contact element itself are described, independent of the installation variant. This means that the preferred features can be used for both the first and the second installation variants.

[0028] Preferably, in the bending position, a bending line runs parallel to and spaced apart from a center line extending longitudinally and running centrally in the cross-section of the support strip.

[0029] During the contact process, the carrier strip is bent so that it is curved around the specified bend line. The position of the bend line relative to the longitudinal direction can change during the contact process, depending on the progress of the contact.

[0030] Preferably, the carrier strip is laterally bounded by two spaced-apart side surfaces, with the first contact section and the second contact section lying between the two side surfaces.

[0031] Preferably, the carrier tape has one opening per contact part, wherein the contact part extends through said opening such that the first contact surface is on the side of the top of the carrier tape and the second contact surface is on the side of the bottom of the carrier tape.

[0032] This design has the advantage that the contact element itself can be designed with a lower height.

[0033] For the transmission of electric current, the contact element must have a certain volume to achieve the cross-section required for current transmission. By extending the contact element through the carrier strip, a contact element with a smaller height can be created while maintaining the same current transmission properties.

[0034] Preferably, the contact part has a rod-shaped arm section and a head section adjoining the arm section. In a first end region of the arm section, the second contact surface is arranged on the underside and the fastening section on the upper side. In a second end region of the arm section, opposite the first end region, the head section is arranged, with the first contact surface located on the upper side of the head section.

[0035] The first contact section is part of the head section and the second contact section is part of the arm section.

[0036] Preferably, the fastening points of the carrier strip are provided by a plurality of fastening tabs arranged longitudinally at intervals from one another. Each pair of longitudinally successive fastening tabs is connected to each other via a web. The web is inclined at an angle to the longitudinal direction. The aforementioned opening is arranged between two adjacent webs.

[0037] Preferably, the bridge has a curved central section. This central section divides the bridge into two outer bridge sections. The two outer bridge sections are longitudinally offset from each other by the curved central section. The contact part has a recess on both sides in the area of ​​the aforementioned central section.

[0038] The aforementioned indentation is positioned on the contact part in such a way that no collision occurs between the moving contact part and the deforming carrier strip, either in the initial position or in the bent position. The indentation is preferably located on the aforementioned head section. The indentation thus serves as a clearance to prevent a collision with the carrier strip.

[0039] Preferably, the width of the outer web section decreases towards the central section with increasing distance from the fastening tab. This increases stability and strength in the area of ​​the fastening point.

[0040] In one variant, an outer edge of the outer web section, facing away from the opening between two adjacent webs, is inclined at an angle, particularly at a right angle, to the centerline. An inner edge of said outer web section, facing the opening between two adjacent webs, is inclined at an angle to the centerline. The outer web section thus has a width that varies along its length. In another variant, an outer edge of the outer web section, facing away from the opening between two adjacent webs, is inclined at an angle to the centerline. An inner edge of said outer web section, facing the opening between two adjacent webs, is also inclined at an angle to the centerline. In a further development of the second variant, the edges run parallel to each other.In another further development of the second variant, the side edges are inclined at an angle, in particular at right angles, to each other.

[0041] Preferably, the clear width of the opening between two webs molded onto the same mounting tab increases with increasing distance from the mounting tab.

[0042] Preferably, the opening between two webs molded onto the same mounting tab is formed with a concave curve in the area of ​​the mounting tab.

[0043] Preferably, the fastening section has at least one, in particular exactly one, rivet which is integrally formed on the contact part, wherein the rivet preferably has a rectangular, in particular a square, cross-section.

[0044] Preferably, the edges of the cross-section are slightly rounded.

[0045] At the fastening point or on the fastening tab, at least one, preferably exactly one, rivet opening is provided through which the rivet extends.

[0046] The rivet protrudes from the contact part and is integrally formed with it. The rivet is therefore an integral component of the contact part.

[0047] The rivet extends from the underside of the carrier strip through the rivet opening in the carrier strip and is plastically deformed on the top side of the carrier strip.

[0048] In addition to plastic deformation, the connecting element or rivet can also be welded or soldered.

[0049] The rivet has a shank section that extends away from the aforementioned arm section. This shank section has the same thickness as the contact part. The thickness is the dimension of the contact part viewed longitudinally along the carrier strip.

[0050] Preferably, the second contact surface is rounded, with the rounded edge leading into a recess, which recess provides a space for a transition in a groove on one of the contact pieces. The transition projects into the recess, particularly after contact has occurred.

[0051] This has the advantage that contact between the transition and the contact part can be prevented. It is particularly advantageous if only the respective contact surfaces of the contact part and the contact pieces are in contact, and if the contact parts and the contact pieces are shaped in such a way that no further contact points occur between the contact part and the contact piece outside of the aforementioned contact.

[0052] Preferably, the rounded section has a first rounded end at which the second contact surface rests on one of the contact pieces. Furthermore, the rounded section has a second rounded end, with the recess adjoining the second rounded end.

[0053] Preferably, the second contact surface rests on one of the contact pieces in its initial position, with the first rounded end resting on it. During the contact process, the rounded second contact surface rolls along the aforementioned contact piece in the direction of the second rounded end.

[0054] Preferably, the fastening section is arranged opposite the recess. The fastening section is oriented towards the carrier strip, and the recess faces away from the carrier strip. This arrangement of the fastening section opposite the recess, and vice versa, has the advantage that the cross-section of the contact part is not weakened in this area.

[0055] The recess is preferably located on the aforementioned arm section.

[0056] Preferably, the contact part has a convex curve on the side of the second contact surface and at least partially below the first contact surface, with the convex curve extending to a free end of the contact part.

[0057] Preferably, a flat surface section is arranged between the convex curve and the free end.

[0058] Preferably, the contact part, particularly on the side of the second contact section, has a lateral indentation designed to provide a clearance for an adjacent contact part. Preferably, the indentation extends partially into the arm section and partially into the head section. The indentation ensures that when the contact element is used with small connector diameters, no contact occurs between two adjacent contact parts.

[0059] Preferably, the contact parts are manufactured by means of a stamping process. The first contact surface and the second contact surface are provided by the cut surface created during the stamping process.

[0060] The contact parts are stamped from a sheet of metal. The cut surface is the area created by the stamping process. Typically, the cut surface has a smooth cut zone and a fracture zone. Both zones are equally suitable for electrical contact. The cut surface can also be referred to as the stamped surface.

[0061] The aforementioned fastening section or the at least one rivet is also limited by the aforementioned cut surface.

[0062] Manufacturing the contact element via a stamping process and using the cut surface as the contact surface also has the advantage that the contact elements have a thickness that is essentially constant. This allows the number of contact elements to be increased over a given carrier strip length.

[0063] An arrangement comprises a contact element as described above, as well as a first contact piece and a second contact piece. One of the contact pieces has a groove in which the contact element is arranged. The groove has two spaced-apart bearing surfaces on which the contact pieces rest with their second contact surface. A recess is arranged between the bearing surfaces. During the contact process, the contact pieces are moved into the groove and into the recess.

[0064] The contact element is positioned in the groove both before and after the contact process such that the first contact surface is located outside the groove and the second contact surface and the carrier strip are located in the groove.

[0065] The aforementioned depression is preferably located in the center of the groove. At its location, the depression forms the bottom of the groove, with the groove being deeper at the depression than at the two side surfaces.

[0066] The groove and the underside of the contact part, which faces the groove, are preferably designed such that in the contacted state the underside is at a distance from the groove and that the underside is in contact exclusively with the second contact surface of the contact piece with the contact surface in the groove.

[0067] Preferably, the contact parts extend into the recess by at most 25% or 10% of its depth in the initial position. Particularly preferably, the contact parts lie completely outside the recess in the initial position.

[0068] Preferably, the recess is formed by a central surface located between the bearing surfaces and two transition surfaces situated laterally to the central surface, connecting the central surface to the respective bearing surface. The central surface defines the deepest point of the groove. The transition surfaces are inclined at an angle to the central surface and oriented towards the bearing surface.

[0069] Preferably, in the contact position, the aforementioned recess on the contact part lies in the area of ​​the transition between the recess and the bearing surface.

[0070] A method for manufacturing a contact element according to the above description is characterized by the following process steps: In a first step, the contact parts are punched out from a flat sheet metal such that a cut surface is formed on the contact part, extending from the underside to the top side of the sheet metal, the cut surface providing at least the aforementioned contact surfaces and partial surfaces of the mounting section. In a second step, each contact part is connected to a mounting section and then to the carrier strip. The method can also be used to manufacture contact elements of a different design. Accordingly, the method for manufacturing a contact element serves to establish an electrical contact between two contact pieces.The contact element comprises a carrier strip extending in a longitudinal direction with a top and a bottom, and a plurality of contact parts, each with at least one first contact section with a first contact surface for contacting one of the two contact pieces, at least one second contact section with a second contact surface for contacting the other of the two contact pieces, and at least one fastening section for fastening the contact part to a fastening point on the carrier strip, wherein, during a contact process, the carrier strip is elastically deformable from a starting position to a flexed position.The process is characterized by the following steps: In a first step, the contact parts are punched out of a flat sheet metal blank such that a cut surface is formed on the contact part, extending from the underside to the top side of the blank, the cut surface providing at least the aforementioned contact surfaces and partial surfaces of the fastening section. In a second step, each contact part is connected to a fastening section and then to the carrier strip.

[0071] In both methods, the contact parts are positioned relative to the carrier strip such that the contact surfaces are provided by the cut surfaces. These cut surfaces can also be referred to as punched surfaces. Preferably, in the second step, the fastening section is passed through a rivet hole in the carrier strip and then plastically deformed.

[0072] The contact part in the other embodiment may have the features described above as optional.

[0073] The following section describes further optional features for the contact elements described above:

[0074] In one version, contact elements are arranged on both sides of the carrier strip. In another version, contact elements are arranged on only one side of the carrier strip.

[0075] The contact elements are formed separately from the carrier strip and are firmly connected to the carrier strip via the fastening section. The contact element is preferably connected to the carrier strip via a mechanical connection. The contact element can be positively locked, materially locked, and / or force-locked to the carrier strip. The fastening section of the contact element and the carrier strip or the fastening tabs of the carrier strip have corresponding elements that enable the fastening.

[0076] The material of the carrier strip is preferably different from the material of the contact part. The material of the carrier strip preferably exhibits good elastic deformation properties, and the material of the contact part preferably exhibits good electrical conductivity.

[0077] The carrier strip is preferably made of metal, in particular steel, especially spring steel or stainless spring steel. The contact element is preferably made of copper or alloys thereof. Preferably, the contact element is provided with a coating that improves electrical contact, for example, a silver coating.

[0078] Preferably, the carrier strip is produced from a sheet metal strip, which is formed in particular by means of a punching process or laser cutting. However, the sheet metal strip can also be produced in another way.

[0079] Preferably, the carrier strip is formed from a flat strip whose thickness is many times smaller than its width. The cross-section of the flat strip is preferably rectangular.

[0080] The contact element is "mechanically firmly" connected to the carrier tape. The contact element is therefore essentially permanently attached to the carrier tape.

[0081] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0082] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] 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. In the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a first perspective view from above of a preferred embodiment of a contact element according to the invention;

[0084] Fig. 2 shows a second perspective view of the contact element according to Figure 1 from above;

[0085] Fig. 3 shows a third perspective view of the contact element according to Figures 1 and 2 from below;

[0086] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the contact element according to the preceding figures;

[0087] Fig. 5 shows another side view of the contact element after the previous ones.

[0088] Figures;

[0089] Fig. 6 shows a top view of the contact element according to the preceding figures;

[0090] Fig. 7 shows a view of a carrier band of the contact element according to the preceding figures;

[0091] Fig. 8a shows a sectional view through an arrangement with a contact element according to the preceding figures and two contact pieces at the beginning of a contact process;

[0092] Fig. 8b shows a sectional view through the arrangement according to Figure 8a during an advanced stage of the contact process;

[0093] Fig. 8c shows a sectional view through the arrangement according to Figures 8a / 8b at a further advanced stage of the contact process;

[0094] Fig. 8d shows a sectional view through the arrangement according to Figures 8a / 8b / 8c after the contact process has been completed;

[0095] Fig. 9 shows a sectional view through a socket with a contact element according to Figures 1 to 7;

[0096] Fig. 10 shows another sectional view through a socket with a contact element according to Figures 1 to 7;

[0097] Fig. 11 shows a sectional view through a plug with a contact element according to Figures 1 to 7; and

[0098] Fig. 12 shows another sectional view through a plug with a contact element according to Figures 1 to 7.

[0099] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0100] Figures 1 to 7 show various views of a contact element 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The contact element 1 provides an electrical contact between the first contact piece K1 and the second contact piece K2. The contact pieces K1 and K2 are shown in connection with the arrangements according to Figures 8a to 12. To provide the electrical contact, the contact element 1 contacts a contact surface 37 of the first contact piece K1 and a contact surface 38 of the second contact piece K2. Due to its resilient properties, which are described in more detail below, the contact element 1 is always pressed against both contact surfaces 37 and 38 of the contact pieces K1 and K2 in the contact position.

[0101] The preferred contact element 1 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The contact element 1 comprises a carrier strip 2 with a plurality of contact parts 5 attached to the carrier strip 1. The carrier strip 2 serves to support the contact parts 5 and not to facilitate an electrical contact, while the contact parts 5 are arranged to facilitate an electrical contact.

[0102] The carrier strip 2 extends along a longitudinal direction L. The longitudinal direction L is shown accordingly in the figures. A center line M runs through the middle of the carrier strip's cross-section, also extending in the direction of the longitudinal direction L. The carrier strip 2 has a top surface 3 and a bottom surface 4. Furthermore, the carrier strip 2 has two side surfaces 9, which define its lateral boundaries. During contact, the carrier strip 2 can be elastically deformed from an initial position into a flexed position. Once contact has been established, the carrier strip 2 remains in its flexed position.

[0103] Each of the contact parts 5 has a first contact section 6 with a first contact surface 6a, a second contact section 7 with a second contact surface 7a, and a fastening section 8 for fastening the contact part 5 to a fastening point 15 on the carrier strip 2. The first contact surface 6a serves to contact the contact surface 37 of the first contact piece K1, and the second contact surface 7a serves to contact the contact surface 38 of the second contact piece K2.

[0104] The preferred deformation of the carrier strip 2 during the contact process is now described in more detail with reference to Figures 4, 8a to 8d. Figure 4 shows the carrier strip 2 in its initial position. In this position, the top surface 3 and the bottom surface 4 each form a straight line in cross-section, viewed transversely to the longitudinal direction L. The top surface 3 and the bottom surface 4 are essentially parallel to each other. During a contact process, as shown in Figure 8a, the first contact surface 7a of one of the contact parts 5 is contacted by the first contact body K1. The contact part 5 is moved towards the second contact body K2. Simultaneously, the carrier strip 2 is preferably bent around a bending line B, which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The bending line B, as well as the longitudinal direction L and the center line M, are oriented perpendicular to the surface of the drawing sheet in Figures 8a to 8d.The bending line B is shown purely symbolically and in reality lies further away from the carrier strip 2. The bending line B can also shift transversely to the longitudinal direction L or to the center line M during the contact process. Figures 8b and 8c further show that the top surface 3 and the bottom surface 4 are curved as they move into the bending position. As the degree of contact increases, the contact parts 5 are moved further towards the second contact body K2, and the degree of curvature of the carrier strip 2 increases. Finally, Figure 8d shows the complete contact. It can be clearly seen here that the top surface 3 and the bottom surface 4 are curved around the bending line B in the bending position. The top surface 3 and the bottom surface 4 run essentially parallel to each other during the curvature. In the exemplary installation shown, the top surface 3 is concavely rounded, and the bottom surface 4 is convexly rounded.In summary, during the contact process, the carrier strip 2 is transformed from a flat shape in cross-section into a curved shape.

[0105] Depending on the installation, the top surface 3 and the bottom surface 4 are cylindrical or planar.

[0106] Figures 9 and 10 show a cylindrical installation in a socket, and Figures 11 and 12 show a cylindrical installation on a plug. In the cylindrical installation, the carrier strip 2, with its upper surface 3 and its lower surface 4, extends around a virtual cylinder in its initial position. The carrier strip 2 extends around a central axis X of the virtual cylinder. In the bent position, the carrier strip 2 is bent outwards from the virtual cylinder, i.e., away from the central axis X, or inwards from the virtual cylinder, i.e., towards the central axis X.

[0107] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate installation in a plane. For example, in the case of a flat contact.

[0108] As mentioned, the carrier strip 2 is laterally bounded by two spaced-apart side surfaces 9. This can be seen, for example, in Figure 4. The first contact section 6 and the second contact section 7 lie between the two side surfaces 9.

[0109] Figures 8a to 8d and 9 to 12 also show a preferred mounting of the contact element 1 on the contact piece K2. This preferred mounting method can be used in both of the installation variants mentioned above. The contact element 1 is preferably mounted in a groove 32 on the second contact piece K2. The groove 32 has two spaced-apart bearing surfaces 33, on which the contact parts 5 with the second contact surface 7a rest. The bearing surfaces 33 provide the contact surfaces 38 of the second contact piece K2. The groove 32 has a recess 41 between the two bearing surfaces 33. During the contact process, the contact parts 5 are moved into the recess 41, as shown in Figures 8a to 8d. This occurs through contact with the first contact piece K1.

[0110] In the initial position, the contact parts 5 are located completely outside the recess 41 and are then moved from this position into the recess. Preferably, the carrier strip 2 lies completely within the groove 32 in every position. The first contact surfaces 6a of the contact parts 5 are located outside the groove 32, both in the initial position and after electrical contact has been established. In other embodiments, the contact parts 5 may also extend partially into the recess 41.

[0111] In the embodiment shown, the recess 41 is provided by a central surface 34 located between the bearing surfaces 33 and two transition surfaces 35 located laterally to the central surface 34, which connect the central surface 34 to the respective bearing surface 33. The central surface 34 defines the deepest point of the groove 32, and the transition surfaces 35 are inclined at an angle to the central surface 34 and to the bearing surface 33.

[0112] Figures 8a to 8d further show that, in the contact position, a recess 26 adjoins the second contact surface 7a and lies in the area of ​​the transition 36 between the recess 41 and the bearing surface 33. This recess allows the contact parts 5 to penetrate deeper into the recess 41. Further properties of the recess 26 are described in more detail below. With reference to Figures 1 to 7, further preferred features of the contact element 1 are now described in more detail.

[0113] The carrier strip 2 has an opening 10 for each contact part 5. The contact part 5 extends through said opening 10. The extension is such that the first contact surface 6a lies on the upper side 3 of the carrier strip 2 and the second contact surface 7a lies on the lower side 4 of the carrier strip 2. This can be seen, for example, in Figures 4 and 5.

[0114] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact part 5 has a rod-shaped arm section 11 and a head section 12 adjoining the arm section 11. In a first end region 13 of the arm section 11, the second contact surface 6a is arranged on the underside and the fastening section 8 on the upper side. In a second end region 14 of the arm section 11, which is opposite the first end region 13, the head section 12 is arranged. The head section 12 has the first contact surface 6a on its upper side. The head section 12 extends through the opening 10 in the carrier strip 5.

[0115] Figure 7 shows the shape of the carrier strip 2. As mentioned above, the carrier strip 2 has at least one, and in this case exactly one, fastening point 15 for each contact element 5. The fastening points 15 of the carrier strip 2 are provided by a plurality of fastening tabs 16 arranged longitudinally L at a distance A from one another. A row of fastening tabs 16 is arranged on the left side of the carrier strip 2 and a row of fastening tabs 16 on the right side of the carrier strip 2. The fastening tabs 16 on the left and right are each offset from one another, so that a contact element 5 projects from the left side over the carrier strip 2 and an adjacent contact element 5 projects from the right side over the carrier strip 2.

[0116] Two successive mounting tabs 16 in the longitudinal direction L are connected to each other via a web 17. The web 17 extends from a mounting tab 16 on the left side to a mounting tab 16 on the right side. The web 17 is inclined at an angle α to the longitudinal direction L. Depending on the distance between two adjacent contact parts, the angle α is preferably in the range of 10 to 15°. The aforementioned opening 10, through which the contact part 5 extends through the carrier strip 2, lies between two adjacent webs 17.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, the web 17 has a curved central section 18. The central section 18 divides the web 17 into two outer web sections 19. Here, the two outer web sections 19 are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction L by the curved central section 18. This means that the two outer web sections 19 do not run in a straight line, but are rather angled due to the central section 18.

[0118] The contact part 5 has a recess 20 on both sides in the area of ​​the aforementioned central section 18. This recess 20 creates a space between two adjacent contact parts 5 through which the web 17 can extend. This is particularly evident from Figure 6.

[0119] In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the outer web section 19 decreases towards the central section 18 with increasing distance from the mounting tab 16. This increases the width of the opening 10 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. That is to say, the clear width of the opening 10 between two webs 17 formed on the same mounting tab 16 increases with increasing distance from the mounting tab 16.

[0120] In the embodiment shown, an outer side edge 22 of the outer web section 19, which faces away from the opening 10 between two adjacent webs 17, runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L or to the center line M. An inner side edge 23 of said outer web section 19, which faces the opening 10 between two adjacent webs 17, runs at an angle inclined to the longitudinal direction L or to the center line M.

[0121] The opening 10 is formed here between two webs 17 molded onto the same fastening tab 16 in the area of ​​the fastening tab 16 with a concave curve 21.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening section 8 has at least one, and in particular exactly one, rivet 24, which is integrally formed on the contact part 5. The rivet 24 has a rectangular, and in particular a square, cross-section. The fastening tab 16 has a rivet opening 40 through which the rivet 24 extends. The rivet 24 is plastically deformed and thereby connected to the fastening tab 16.

[0123] At the fastening point or on the fastening tab, at least one, preferably exactly one, rivet opening 40 is provided through which the rivet extends.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, the second contact surface 7a is rounded with a radius 25. The radius 25 opens into a recess 26, which provides a clearance for a transition 36 in a groove 32 on one of the contact pieces K1, K2. During the contact process, the second contact section 7 with the second contact surface 7a rolls on the contact surface 38, here on the bearing surface 33, of the second contact piece K2. In the initial position, the radius rests with its first radius end 27 on the aforementioned contact surface 38 or the bearing surface 33, and from this position, the rolling process begins in the direction of the second radius end 28. In other words, the contact parts 5 are arranged such that they can be pivoted about a pivot line S. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot line S runs parallel to the aforementioned center line M.

[0125] Preferably, the fastening section 8 is arranged opposite the recess 26. In other words, the fastening section 8 is located above the recess 26.

[0126] Preferably, the contact part 5 has a convex curve 29 on the side of the second contact surface 7a and at least partially below the first contact surface 6a, the convex curve 29 transitioning to a free end 30 of the contact part 5. The convex curve 29 forms a relief cut during compression into the groove 32. In the illustrated embodiment, a flat surface section 31 is arranged between the convex curve 29 and the free end 30.

[0127] The first contact surface 6a is also formed with a curve 39.

[0128] The contact parts 5 are preferably manufactured by means of a stamping process. The first contact surface 6a and the second contact surface 7a are provided by the cut surface created during the stamping process. The stamping process is explained in more detail with reference to the view of the contact part according to Figure 4. The stamping direction is perpendicular to the surface of the drawing sheet. The contour that laterally surrounds the contact part 5 is the cut surface. Like the two contact surfaces 6a, 7a, the side surfaces of the mounting section 8 are also formed by the cut surface.

[0129] The manufacture of the contact element 1 shown herein, or of any other contact element, is preferably carried out according to the following two steps:

[0130] In a first step, the contact parts 5 are punched out of a flat sheet metal blank such that the aforementioned cut surface is formed on the contact part 5, extending from the underside to the top side of the blank, the cut surface providing at least the aforementioned contact surfaces 6a, 7a and partial surfaces of the fastening section 8. In a second step, each contact part 5 is connected to a fastening section 8 and then to the carrier strip 2. The contact parts 5 are preferably connected to the carrier strip using the rivet described above.

[0131] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0132] 1 contact element

[0133] 2 carrier straps

[0134] 3 Top

[0135] 4 Underside

[0136] 5 Contact part

[0137] 6 first contact section

[0138] 6a first contact surface

[0139] 7 second contact section

[0140] 7a second contact surface

[0141] 8 Mounting section

[0142] 9 side surface

[0143] 10 Breakthrough

[0144] 11 arm section

[0145] 12 Head section

[0146] 13 first end area

[0147] 14 second end area

[0148] 15 Mounting point

[0149] 16 Mounting tab

[0150] 17 Bridge

[0151] 18 Middle section

[0152] 19 outer bridge section

[0153] 20 indentations

[0154] 21 concave rounding

[0155] 22 outer side edge

[0156] 23 inner side edge

[0157] 24 rivets

[0158] 25 rounding

[0159] 26 Exclusion

[0160] 27 first rounding end

[0161] 28 second rounding end

[0162] 29 convex curve

[0163] 30 free end

[0164] 31 flat area section

[0165] 32 grooves 33 bearing surfaces

[0166] 34 Medium area

[0167] 35 Transition area

[0168] 36 Transition 37 Contact surface of K1

[0169] 38 Contact area of ​​K2

[0170] 39 Rounding of 6a

[0171] 40 rivet opening

[0172] 41 Recess 42 Lateral indentation a alpha

[0173] A distance

[0174] B bending line

[0175] L Longitudinal direction M Center line

[0176] K1 first contact piece

[0177] K2 second contact piece

[0178] central axis

Claims

23 PATENT CLAIMS 1. Contact element (1) for mediating an electrical contact between two contact pieces (K1, K2) comprising a carrier strip (2) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) with a top (3) and a bottom (4), and a plurality of contact parts (5) each with at least one first contact section (6) with a first contact surface (6a) for contacting one of the two contact pieces (K1, K2), at least one second contact section (7) with a second contact surface (7a) for contacting the other of the two contact pieces (K2, K1), and with at least one fastening section (8) for fastening the contact part (5) at a fastening point (15) on the carrier strip (2), wherein, during a contact process, the carrier strip (2) is elastically deformable from an initial position to a flexed position, characterized in thatthat the top (3) and the bottom (4) in the initial position each form a straight line in cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction (L) and that the support strip (2) is bendable such that the top (3) and the bottom (4) in the bent position are curved in cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction (L).

2. Contact element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier band (2) extends with its upper side (3) and with its lower side (4) around a virtual cylinder in the initial position, and that in the bending position the carrier band (2) is bent outwards from the virtual cylinder or inwards from the virtual cylinder.

3. Contact element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier band (2) extends in a plane with its upper side (3) and its lower side (4) in the initial position, and that in the bending position the carrier band is bent away from the plane.

4. Contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein characterized in that in the bending position a bending line (B) runs parallel and spaced apart from a center line (M) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and running centrally in the cross-section of the support strip (2).

5. Contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier strip (2) is laterally bounded by two spaced-apart side surfaces (9), wherein the first contact section (6) and the second contact section (7) are located between the two side surfaces (9).

6. Contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier strip (2) has a perforation (10) for each contact part (5), wherein the contact part (5) extends through said perforation (10) such that the first contact surface (6a) is on the side of the top (3) of the carrier strip (2) and that the second contact surface (7a) is on the side of the bottom (4) of the carrier strip (2).

7. Contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact part (5) has a rod-shaped arm section (11) and a head section (12) adjoining the arm section (11), wherein in a first end region (13) of the arm section (11) the second contact surface (7a) is arranged on the underside and the fastening section (8) on the upper side, and wherein in a second end region (14) of the arm section (11), which is opposite the first end region (13), the head section (12) is arranged, wherein the first contact surface (6a) is arranged on the upper side of the head section (12).

8. Contact element (1) according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the fastening points (15) of the carrier strip (2) are provided by a plurality of fastening tabs (16) arranged at a distance (A) from each other in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein two fastening tabs (16) successive in the longitudinal direction (L) are connected to each other via a web (17), wherein the web (17) is inclined at an angle (a) to the longitudinal direction (L), and wherein the opening (10) is arranged between two adjacent webs (17).

9. Contact element (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the web (17) has a curved central section (18) which divides the web into two outer web sections (19), wherein the two outer web sections (19) are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction (L) by the curved central section (18), and wherein the contact part (5) has a recess (20) on both sides in the area of ​​the said central section (18).

10. Contact element (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the width of the outer web section (19) decreases towards the central section (18) with increasing distance from the fastening tab (16).

11. Contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, characterized in that an outer side edge (22) of the outer web section (19), which faces away from the opening (10) between two adjacent webs (17), is inclined at an angle, in particular at right angles, to the center line (M), and that an inner side edge (23) of said outer web section (19), which faces the opening (10) between two adjacent webs (17), is inclined at an angle to the center line (M); or that an outer side edge (22) of the outer web section (19), which faces away from the opening (10) between two adjacent webs (17), runs at an angle to the center line (M), and that an inner side edge (23) of the said outer web section (19), which faces the opening (10) between two adjacent webs (17), runs at an angle, in particular at right angles, to the center line (M).

12. Contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the clear width of the opening (10) between two webs (17) formed on the same mounting tab (16) increases with increasing distance from the mounting tab (16); and / or that the opening (10) between two webs (17) formed on the same mounting tab (16) is formed with a concave rounding (21) in the area of ​​the mounting tab (16).

13. Contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening section (8) has at least one, in particular exactly one, rivet (24) which is integrally formed on the contact part (5), wherein the rivet 26 preferably has a rectangular, in particular a square, cross-section.

14. Contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second contact surface (7a) is formed with a rounded shape (25), wherein the rounded shape (25) opens into a recess (26), which recess (26) provides a clearance for a transition (36) in a groove (32) on one of the contact pieces (K1 , K2).

15. Contact element (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the rounding (25) has a first rounding end (27) with which the second contact surface (7a) rests on one of the contact pieces (K1 , K2) and a second rounding end (28), wherein the recess (26) adjoins the second rounding end (28).

16. Contact element (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the second contact surface (7a) in the initial position rests with the first rounded end (27) on one of the contact pieces (K1 , K2) and during the contact process rolls on the said contact piece (K1 , K2) in the direction of the second rounded end (28).

17. Contact element (1) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the fastening section (8) is arranged opposite the recess (26).

18. Contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact part (5) has a convex rounding (29) on the side of the second contact surface (7a) and at least partially below the first contact surface (6a), wherein the convex rounding (29) transitions to a free end (30) of the contact part (5).

19. Contact element (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that a flat surface section (31) is arranged between the convex rounding (29) and the free end (30).

20. Contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact part (5), in particular on the side of the second contact section (7), has a lateral indentation (42) which is designed in such a way as 27, the indentation (42) provides a clearance for an adjacent contact part (5).

21. Contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact parts (5) are produced by means of a stamping process, wherein the first contact surface (6a) and the second contact surface (7a) are provided by the cut surface created during the stamping process.

22. Arrangement with a contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims as well as a first contact piece (K1) and a second contact piece (K2), wherein one of the contact pieces (K1, K2) has a groove (32) in which the contact element (1) is arranged, wherein the groove (32) has two spaced-apart bearing surfaces (33) on which bearing surfaces (33) the contact parts (5) with the second contact surface (7a) rest, wherein a recess (41) is arranged between the bearing surfaces (33), and wherein during the contact process the contact parts (5) are moved into the recess (41).

23. Arrangement according to claim 22, characterized in that in the initial position the contact parts (5) extend into the recess (41) to a maximum of 25% or 10% of its depth, or that in the initial position the contact parts (5) are completely outside the recess (41); and / or that the recess (41) is provided by a central surface (34) located between the bearing surfaces (33) and two transition surfaces (35) located laterally to the central surface (34), which connect the central surface (34) with the respective bearing surface (33), wherein the central surface (34) defines the deepest point of the groove (32) and wherein the transition surfaces (35) are oriented at an angle to the central surface (34) and to the bearing surface (33).

24. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims with a contact element (1) according to one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that in the contact position the said recess (26) comes to lie in the area of ​​the transition (36) between the recess (41) and the bearing surface (33).

25. Procedure 28 for manufacturing a contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 21 or for manufacturing a contact element (1) for mediating an electrical contact between two contact pieces (K1, K2) comprising a carrier strip (2) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) with a top (3) and a bottom (4), and a plurality of contact parts (5) each with at least one first contact section (6) with a first contact surface (6a) for contacting one of the two contact pieces (K1, K2), at least one second contact section (7) with a second contact surface (7a) for contacting the other of the two contact pieces (K2, K1), and with at least one fastening section (8) for fastening the contact part (5) at a fastening point (15) on the carrier strip (2), wherein, during a contact process, the carrier strip (2) is elastically deformable from an initial position to a flexed position,wherein in a first step the contact parts (5) are punched out from a flat sheet metal such that a cut surface is formed on the contact part (5) which extends from the underside to the top side of the sheet metal, wherein the cut surface provides at least the said contact surfaces (6a, 7a) and partial surfaces of the fastening section (8), wherein in a second step each contact part (5) is connected to a fastening section (8) with the carrier strip (2).

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