Electrically conductive contact element
The contact element design with a bending section on contact arms enhances electrical contact by increasing contact points and optimizing space utilization, improving electrical connections.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STAUBLI ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AG
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing contact elements do not efficiently utilize installation space to provide a sufficient number of contact points, limiting their effectiveness in electrical connections.
A contact element design featuring a base section with contact arms that include a bending section, allowing multiple arms to overlap and increase contact points through a side surface area, which includes a corner region for enhanced electrical contact.
The design enables a higher number of contact points within the same space, facilitating better electrical contact and flexibility in stacking configurations.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025082788_04062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] TITLE
[0002] ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE CONTACT ELEMENT
[0003] TECHNICAL AREA
[0004] The present invention relates to an electrically conductive contact element for electrically contacting an electrically conductive counterpart according to claim 1, an arrangement according to claim 15 and a contact arrangement according to claim 19.
[0005] STATE OF THE ART
[0006] US patent 10,826,215 discloses an electrical contact element in which contact parts with contact arms are stacked on top of each other, thus providing a series of different contact points. The contact points on the contact arms are provided by rounded surface areas on the respective contact arm.
[0007] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the objective of providing a contact element that can be used more advantageously. In particular, it is a particularly preferred objective of the present invention to provide an alternative contact element. In particular, it is a particularly preferred objective of the present invention to provide a contact element that has a larger number of contact areas in the same installation space.
[0009] The subject matter of claim 1 solves these and other problems. Accordingly, an electrically conductive contact element for electrically contacting an electrically conductive counterpart comprises a base section and at least one contact arm projecting from the base section. The contact arm is formed with an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface that connects the upper surface and the lower surface. The at least one contact arm has a first arm section and a second arm section, as well as a bending section located between the two arm sections. The first arm section extends along a first arm axis. The bending section is configured such that the second arm section is bent relative to the first arm section about a bending axis, and that the side surface provides a contact area for electrical contact with said electrically conductive counterpart.
[0010] The contact area is provided by the side surface that connects the upper and lower surfaces of the contact arm. This has the advantage that very good contact can be achieved with very simple elements that are already present on the second contact arm.
[0011] Furthermore, the bending section and the contact area on the side surface make it possible to stack several contact elements on top of each other and to allow the contact arms to overlap at least partially, thus increasing the number of contact points.
[0012] The upper surface and the lower surface extend over the entire length of the contact arm, in particular over the length of the two arm sections, preferably parallel to each other.
[0013] The bent section is produced during a bending process in which the second arm section is bent relative to the first arm section. Specifically, before the forming process, the upper surface essentially defines the upper boundary of the contact arm, and the lower surface essentially defines the lower boundary. In the deformed state, the upper surface lies above the lower surface in the region of the first arm section. In the region of the first arm section, the upper and lower surfaces are preferably designed as flat surfaces. Preferably, the upper and lower surfaces are also designed as flat surfaces in the region of the second arm section.
[0014] The side surface defines the lateral boundary of the contact arm between the upper and lower surfaces. The side surface can have various shapes. For example, it can have flat areas, concave areas, and / or curved areas.
[0015] Preferably, the side surface has a frontal surface section located distal to the base section and two lateral surface sections that are spaced apart from each other.
[0016] The lateral surface sections define the lateral boundaries of the at least one contact arm. The end-face surface section forms an end-face boundary. Preferably, the two lateral surface sections run parallel to each other, and the end-face surface section is perpendicular to the lateral surface sections. In other embodiments, the two lateral surface sections run parallel to each other, and the end-face surface section is inclined or rounded at least in sections relative to the lateral surface sections. In the case of multiple contact arms, two lateral contact sections of two contact arms are positioned opposite each other.
[0017] The end face section can have various forms. For example, the end face section, particularly in its straight state and viewed perpendicular to the top surface, can be perpendicular to the side face sections. However, the end face section can also, particularly in its straight state and viewed perpendicular to the top surface, have the shape of a point or a convex curve. The side surface can, in particular, be composed of several surface sections.
[0018] Preferably, the second arm section is oriented to the first arm section by the design of the bending section in such a way that a corner area between the end-face surface section and one of the aforementioned side surface sections, viewed from the upper surface and in the direction of the surface normal of the upper surface, provides the furthest distanced point of the second arm section, and that the corner area provides the aforementioned contact area.
[0019] The contact area is formed by the corner area, which is created by the end face and the aforementioned side face. Viewed from the base section, the corner area represents a kind of peak. It is the highest point of the second contact section from the base section's perspective. In particular, the corner area forms an end region of the second contact section that resembles a mountain peak.
[0020] This embodiment has the further advantage that a large number of contact points can be provided in a direction transverse to the first arm axis. Preferably, the end-face surface section and the side surface section, which define the corner area, run obliquely to the upper surface and / or the lower surface of the first arm section.
[0021] Preferably, the end-face surface section and the side surface section defining the corner region are inclined at an angle (β, beta) to each other. This angle (β, beta) is preferably between 90° and 150°. In particular, this angle (β, beta) is preferably between 90° and 120°.
[0022] As mentioned above, the shape of the front surface section can vary.
[0023] In a first preferred embodiment, the end-face surface section is designed as a planar surface. Preferably, the surface normal of the planar surface is skew to the surface normals of the upper and lower surfaces.
[0024] In a second preferred embodiment, the end-face surface section is designed as a convexly rounded surface. Preferably, the convexly rounded surface is designed such that, during contact with the electrically conductive counterpart, the electrically conductive counterpart comes into contact with the corner region between the convexly rounded surface and the lateral surface sections. Preferably, the convexly rounded surface extends from one of the lateral surface sections to the other. The convexly rounded surface has surface normals that are skew to the surface normals of the upper and lower surfaces, respectively.Preferably, at each point along the end-face surface section from one of the lateral surface sections to the other of the lateral surface sections, the surface normal to the convex end-face surface section is skew to the surface normals of the upper surfaces or the lower surface.
[0025] In a third preferred variant, the end-face surface section has the shape of a point.
[0026] Preferably, several identically designed contact arms project from the base section at a distance from each other, wherein the first arm sections of the contact arms each run parallel to each other and wherein the contact areas lie on a common straight line.
[0027] A gap exists between two adjacent contact arms. Preferably, the width of the gap between the lateral surface sections of the adjacent contact arms is smaller or larger than the width of the contact arm between its lateral surface sections. Alternatively, the width of the gap can also be equal to the width of the contact arm.
[0028] Preferably, the straight line runs at a distance from the first arm axis when viewed in the direction of the first arm axis and preferably perpendicular to the first arm axis.
[0029] Preferably, the bending axis is inclined at an angle (α, α) to the first arm axis. In one embodiment, the angle (α, α) is not a right angle. In particular, the angle (α, α) is between 5° and 89°, more preferably between 10° and 60°, and most preferably between 15° and 45° or, more preferably, at 42°. In another embodiment, the angle (α, α) is a right angle.
[0030] Preferably, the upper surface of the first arm section runs at an angle (θ, delta) of 60° to 175°, in particular of 75° to 145°, inclined at an angle to the upper surface of the second arm section.
[0031] Preferably, the transition between the upper surface and the side surface is formed at least partially with a rounded edge and / or at least partially as a sharp edge and / or at least partially as a chamfer. Preferably, the transition between the lower surface and the side surface is formed at least partially with a rounded edge and / or at least partially as a sharp edge and / or at least partially as a chamfer.
[0032] It is possible that all three types of transitions – rounding, sharp edges, and chamfers – are present in sections at a single transition. It is also possible that only two or only one of these types is present.
[0033] Preferably, the bending section is designed with a bending radius. This bending radius preferably corresponds essentially to the thickness of the contact arm between the upper and lower surfaces. Preferably, the bending section is designed as a folded section. In this variant, the bending section is without a rounded edge.
[0034] Preferably, the contact area has a surface structure that at least partially provides a sharp-edged area. In one embodiment, the sharp-edged area is provided by a transition from the aforementioned surfaces. In another embodiment, the sharp-edged area is provided by grooves or embossing in the respective surface.
[0035] The sharp-edged area has the advantage that any oxidized layers are broken through during a contact process.
[0036] Preferably, the base section has an upper base surface and a lower base surface which are equidistant from each other as the upper surface and the lower surface of the at least one contact arm.
[0037] Preferably, the base section comprises a mounting section and a connecting section, wherein the at least one contact arm projects from said connecting section. The connecting section can be oriented at an angle upwards or downwards relative to the mounting section. Alternatively, the connecting section can be aligned in a straight line with the mounting section. The angled orientation or the straight orientation allows for the creation of a stack of multiple contact elements, the properties of which can be adapted to the intended application.
[0038] The connecting section is preferably designed so that the contact element can be connected to another contact element in an arrangement of several contact elements.
[0039] The fastening section and the connecting section are particularly preferably designed as flat cuboids.
[0040] Another electrical element, such as a cable, can be connected to the base section, especially the mounting section.
[0041] In one embodiment, the contact area is provided exclusively by the aforementioned end-face surface section.
[0042] In this embodiment, the aforementioned angle of the bending axis to the central axis of the first arm section is preferably 90° and the angle between the first arm section and the second arm section is preferably also 90°.
[0043] An arrangement comprises at least two contact elements. One of the contact elements is a lower contact element, and the other is an upper contact element. In the installed position, the lower contact element lies below the upper contact element. The base section of the upper contact element rests with at least one section on at least one section of the base section of the lower contact element. The contact arms of the upper contact element extend in the same direction as the contact arms of the lower contact element.
[0044] In a particularly preferred variant, three contact elements are stacked on top of each other.
[0045] In one variant, the aforementioned section of the base section is preferably the aforementioned fastening section. The orientation between the fastening section and the connecting section of one contact element differs from the orientation between the fastening section and the connecting section of the other contact element.
[0046] Preferably, the orientations are so different from each other that the contact arms and / or the connecting section of interconnected contact elements do not touch.
[0047] In another variant, the aforementioned section of the base section is preferably the aforementioned fastening section. The orientation between the fastening section and the connecting section of one contact element is the same as the orientation between the fastening section and the connecting section of the other contact element.
[0048] Preferably, the orientations are such that the contact arms and / or the connecting sections of interconnected contact elements touch each other.
[0049] Preferably, the first arm section of the lower contact element is longer than the first arm section of the upper contact element. Preferably, the second arm section of the lower contact element is longer than the second arm section of the upper contact element.
[0050] Preferably, the contact elements are arranged relative to each other such that the first arm sections of the respective contact elements are offset from each other when viewed transversely to their first arm axes. In particular, the first arm sections are offset from each other such that the contact areas of the respective contact arms lie essentially on a straight line, which preferably runs parallel to the first arm axis.
[0051] Preferably, the end-face surface sections of all contact arms of all contact elements run parallel to each other.
[0052] Preferably, the lateral surface sections of all contact arms of all contact elements run parallel to each other.
[0053] In a first variant, the contact area of the upper contact element and the contact area of the lower contact element lie in a common plane, the plane preferably running parallel to the upper surface of the first arm section.
[0054] In a second variant, the contact area of the lower contact element is higher than the contact area of the upper contact element, such that during a contact process the contact arm of the lower contact element is moved elastically to a greater degree than the contact arm of the upper contact element.
[0055] In a third variant, the contact area of the lower contact element is lower than the contact area of the upper contact element, such that during a contact process the contact arm of the upper contact element is moved elastically to a greater degree than the contact arm of the lower contact element.
[0056] A contact arrangement according to a first embodiment comprises an electrically conductive counterpart with a flat contact surface and an electrically conductive contact element according to the above description, wherein the contact area of the contact element can be brought into electrical contact with the contact surface.
[0057] A contact arrangement according to a first embodiment comprises an electrically conductive counterpart with a flat contact surface and an arrangement according to the above description, wherein the contact areas of the contact elements can be brought into electrical contact with the contact surface.
[0058] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.
[0059] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0060] 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:
[0061] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a contact element according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] Fig. 2 shows another perspective view of the contact element according to Figure 1;
[0063] Fig. 3 shows a top view of the contact element according to Figures 1 and 2;
[0064] Fig. 4 is a front view of the contact element according to the preceding figures;
[0065] Fig. 5 shows a side view of the contact element according to the preceding figures;
[0066] Fig. 6 shows a side view of the contact element according to the preceding figures, looking in the direction of arrow VI in Figure 3;
[0067] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a contact element according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0068] Fig. 8 shows a side view of the contact element according to Figure 7 looking in the direction of arrow VIII in Figure 3;
[0069] Fig. 9 shows a side view of a contact element according to the invention with a rounded end face section; and
[0070] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the contact element according to Fig. 9.
[0071] Fig. 11 shows a side view of an arrangement with three according to the invention.
[0072] Contact elements before assembly;
[0073] Fig. 12 shows a sectional view of the arrangement according to Figure 11 in the assembled state;
[0074] Fig. 13 shows a top view of the arrangement according to Figures 11 and 12;
[0075] Fig. 14 shows a first perspective view of the arrangement according to Figures 11 to 13;
[0076] Fig. 15 shows a second perspective view of the arrangement according to Figures 11 and 14;
[0077] Fig. 16 shows a front view of the arrangement according to Figures 11 to 15;
[0078] Fig. 17 shows a view of two arrangements according to Figures 11 to 16 with a counterpart to be contacted; Fig. 18 shows a top view of an arrangement with three contact elements according to the invention in a further embodiment;
[0079] Fig. 19 shows a front view of the arrangement according to Figure 18;
[0080] Fig. 20 shows a detailed view of a contact element according to the invention with sharp edge areas;
[0081] Fig. 21 shows a detailed view of a contact element according to the invention with rounded edge areas; and
[0082] Fig. 22 shows a detailed view of a contact element according to the invention with chamfered edge areas.
[0083] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS
[0084] Figures 1 to 10 show various embodiments of the electrically conductive contact element 1 according to the invention. Identical parts are designated with the same reference numerals. The main difference between the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 6 and the embodiment according to Figures 7 and 8 lies in a different angle θ, delta, as described below. The main difference between the embodiments according to Figures 1 to 8 and the embodiment according to Figures 9 and 10 lies in the shape of the end-face surface section 11. The electrically conductive contact element 1 serves to electrically contact an electrically conductive counterpart 17. The counterpart can, for example, be a busbar.
[0085] The contact element 1 comprises a base section 2 and at least one contact arm 3 projecting from the base section 2. In the illustrated embodiments, several contact arms 3 are arranged side by side. As further described below, the contact arms 3 have a contact area 10 with which the counterpart can be electrically contacted. The base section 2 serves for connection with another electrically conductive element, such as a cable.
[0086] The contact arm 3 has an upper surface 4, a lower surface 5, and a side surface 6. The upper surface 4 and the lower surface 5 are parallel to each other. The upper surface 4 and the lower surface 5 are connected via the side surface 6. The upper surface 4 defines the upper boundary of the contact arm 3, the lower surface 5 defines the lower boundary of the contact arm 3, and the side surface 6 defines the lateral boundary of the contact arm 3.
[0087] The contact arm 3 essentially comprises a first arm section 7, a bending section 9, and a second arm section 8. The bending section 9 lies between the two arm sections 7 and 8.
[0088] The first arm section 7 extends along a first arm axis A1. The first arm section 7 extends directly from the base section 2 and then away from the base section 2. The first arm axis A1 lies centrally between the upper surface 4, the lower surface 5, and the side surface 6. Opposite the base section 2, the bending section 9 adjoins the first arm section 7. The second arm section 8 then adjoins the bending section 9. The second arm section 8 forms the end of the contact arm 3 opposite the base section.
[0089] The bending section 9 is designed such that the second arm section 8 is bent around a bending axis B relative to the first arm section 7. Due to the bending section 9, the side surface 6 assumes a different position in the area of the second arm section 8. Because of the design of the bending section 9, the side surface 6 provides the aforementioned contact area 10 for electrical contact with the electrically conductive counterpart 17.
[0090] The side surface 6 has a front surface section 11 located distal to the base section 2 and two lateral surface sections 12, which are spaced apart from each other. In the embodiments shown, the lateral surface sections 12 run parallel to each other and the front surface section 11 is perpendicular to the two lateral surface sections 12.
[0091] In the illustrated embodiments, the second arm section 7 is oriented relative to the first arm section 6 by the design of the bending section 9 such that a corner region 13 between the end-face surface section 11 and one of the aforementioned lateral surface sections 12 provides the point furthest away from the base section 2 of the second arm section 7. This is measured from the upper surface 4 and in the direction of the surface normal of the upper surface 4. This corner region then provides the aforementioned contact area 10. The distance of the corner region can be clearly seen in Figures 4 to 6 for the first embodiment and in Figure 8 for the second embodiment.
[0092] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the contact area 10 has a surface structure which at least partially provides a sharp-edged area.
[0093] In all illustrated embodiments, the end-face surface section 11 and the side surface section 12, which define the corner region 13, are inclined to the upper surface 4 and / or the lower surface 5 of the first arm section 9. That is, the surface normals of the two surface sections 11, 12 are skew to the surface normals of the upper surfaces 4 and the lower surface 5, respectively.
[0094] In all illustrated embodiments, the end-face surface section 11 and the side surface section 12, which define the corner region 13, are inclined at an angle β, β to each other. The angle β, β is preferably between 90° and 150°, and particularly between 90° and 120°. The angle β, β is shown in Figure 4 as an example for all embodiments.
[0095] As mentioned above, in the embodiments shown in the figures, several identically designed contact arms 3 project from the base section 2 at intervals from one another. The first arm sections 9 of the contact arms 3 are parallel to each other. This means that the first arm axes A1 of the contact arms 3 are also parallel to each other. A gap 21 is present between two adjacent contact arms 3. In the embodiment shown, the width of the gaps 21, viewed transversely to the arm axes A1, is smaller than the width of the contact arms 3. In other embodiments, the width of the gaps 21 can also be equal to or greater than the width of the contact arms 3.
[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact areas 10 of the adjacent contact arms 3 each lie on a common straight line G. The straight line G is shown in Figure 4. In other words, the contact areas 10, viewed from the first arm section 7, are all at the same height.
[0097] In the illustrated embodiments, the bending axis B is inclined at an angle α, α to the first arm axis A1. In the illustrated embodiments, the angle α, α is not a right angle. In particular, the angle α, α lies between 5° and 89°, more specifically between 10° and 60°, more specifically between 15° and 45°, or more specifically at 42°.
[0098] In embodiments where the angle (a, alpha) is not a right angle, the orientation of the second arm section 8 can be described as follows. The second arm section 8 extends along a second arm axis A2. Viewed in the direction of the bending axis B, the second arm axis A2 is at a bending angle α, alpha to the first arm axis A1. This can be seen in Figures 6 and 8. These figures show a side view of the respective contact element 1 in the direction of arrow VI in Figure 3 and arrow VIII in Figure 7, respectively. The bending axis B would run perpendicular to the surface of the drawing sheet. The upper surface 4 of the first arm section 7 and the upper surface 4 of the second arm section 8 are at an angle θ, delta to each other. The angle θ, delta is preferably in the range of 60° to 175°, and particularly from 75° to 145°. Reference is made to Figures 6 and 8.
[0099] In another embodiment not shown, the bending angle a, alpha to the first arm axis A1 is 90°. In this embodiment, an edge between the upper surface 4 and the end-face surface section 11 also runs perpendicular to the first arm axis A1.
[0100] Figure 4 illustrates the further spatial orientation. The second arm axis A2 lies in a projection plane P, which is perpendicular to the first arm axis A1 and at an angle y, gamma to a reference plane R. The reference plane R passes through the first arm axis A1 and is perpendicular to the upper surface 4 in the first arm section 7.
[0101] As can be seen from Figures 6 and 8, the bending section 9 is formed with a bending radius 16.
[0102] It can be seen from all the figures that the base section 2 has an upper base surface 19 and a lower base surface 20, which are at the same distance as the upper surface 4 and the lower surface 5 of the at least one contact arm 3. The base section 2 is cuboid in shape here.
[0103] In Figures 1 to 8, the end-face surface section 11 is designed as a flat surface, and in Figures 9 and 10, the end-face surface section 11 is designed as a convexly rounded surface. In both variants, all other features are preferably designed as described above.
[0104] The end-face surface section 11 according to Figures 1 to 8 is designed as a flat surface. The end-face surface section 11 extends, particularly in the unbent state, at right angles to the upper surface and at right angles to the side surface sections 12.
[0105] The end face surface section 11 according to Figures 9 and 10 has the aforementioned convex curve. The end face surface section 11, particularly in its straight state and viewed perpendicular to the upper surface 4, has the form of a convex curve. Preferably, the convexly curved surface is designed such that, during contact with the electrically conductive counterpart, the electrically conductive counterpart 17 comes into contact with the corner region 13 between the end face surface section 11 and the surface section 12 with the curve 14. The corner region 13 is the point furthest away from the upper surface 4 of the second arm section 7 and in the direction of the surface normal of the upper surface 4. The corner region 13 provides the aforementioned contact area 10.For example, during the contacting process, the electrically conductive counterpart 17 will come into contact with the convexly rounded surface at the contact point designated by reference numeral X. During further feed, contact will then be established between the corner region 13 and the electrically conductive counterpart 17.
[0106] Preferably, the convexly rounded surface extends globally from one of the lateral surface sections 12 to the other lateral surface section 12 around an axis M, which axis M is skew to the surface normals of the upper surfaces 4 and the lower surface 5, respectively. The normal to axis M is skew to the surface normals of the upper surfaces 4 and the lower surface 5, respectively. Preferably, at every point along the end face surface section 11 from one of the lateral surface sections 12 to the other, the surface normal to the convex end face surface section 11 is skew to the surface normals of the upper surfaces 4 and the lower surface 5, respectively.
[0107] Figure 11 shows an exploded view of an arrangement comprising at least two of the contact elements described above. The arrangement shown here has three contact elements 1 stacked on top of each other. Figure 12 shows a sectional view of the assembled arrangement of Figure 11. Figures 13 to 16 show the assembled arrangement with the three contact elements 1. Figure 16 also shows the counterpart 17. One of the contact elements 1 is a lower contact element 1, and another is an upper contact element 1. In the installed position, the lower contact element 1 lies below the upper contact element 1. The base section 2 of the upper contact element 1 rests on the base section 2 of the lower contact element 1. The contact arms 3 of the upper contact element 1 extend in the same direction as the contact arms 3 of the lower contact element 1.
[0108] Figures 11 to 16 show that the arm sections 7, 8 are shaped differently depending on the position of the contact element. This different shaping is such that the contact areas 10 of all contact elements 2 lie in a common plane E, allowing contact with a flat counterpart 17. The plane E typically runs parallel to the upper surface 4.
[0109] Figure 12 further shows that the base section 2 has different sections. The base section 2 of the upper contact element rests with at least one section on at least one section of the base section of the lower contact element.
[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, the base section 2 has a mounting section 23 and a connecting section 24 oriented at an angle to the mounting section 23. The at least one contact arm 3 projects from the connecting section 24. The section over which the contact elements are in contact with each other is provided by the mounting section 23. The angular inclination between the mounting section 23 and the connecting section 24 of one contact element differs from the angular inclination between the mounting section 23 and the connecting section 24 of the other contact element. As can be seen from Figure 10, this prevents the contact elements from touching each other in the area of the connecting sections 24 and in the area of the contact arms 3.
[0111] Figure 12 further shows that the respective contact arms 3, viewed from the respective connecting section 24, have approximately the same length. This means that the contact arms 3 of the different contact elements 1 are essentially the same length in this arrangement. As a result, all contact arms experience the same degree of mechanical stress during contact with their counterparts. The top view in Figure 13 shows that the individual contact elements 1 are arranged such that the first arm sections, viewed transversely to their first arm axes, are offset from one another. The contact arms of different contact elements are offset from one another in a direction transverse to the first arm axes A1. The offset is such that the contact areas of the respective contact arms lie essentially on a straight line H, which preferably runs parallel to the first arm axis A1.
[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, the end-face surface sections 11 of all contact arms 3 of all contact elements are parallel to each other. Furthermore, the lateral surface sections 12 of all contact arms of all contact elements are parallel to each other.
[0113] Figures 20 to 22 show exemplary formations of edges on the second arm section 8.
[0114] In the variant shown in Figure 20, the transition between the upper surface 4 and the side surface 6 has the form of a sharp edge, at least in some sections. Likewise, the transition between the lower surface 5 and the side surface 6 has the form of a sharp edge, at least in some sections.
[0115] In the variant according to Figure 21, the transition between the upper surface 4 and the side surface 6 has a rounded edge 14 at least in some sections. Likewise, the transition between the lower surface 5 and the side surface 6 has a rounded edge 14 at least in some sections. In a lower area towards the first arm section 7, the transitions have a sharp edge.
[0116] In the variant according to Figure 22, the transition between the upper surface 4 and the side surface 6 has a chamfer 22 at least in sections. In a lower area towards the first arm section 7, the transitions have a sharp edge.
[0117] Figures 18 and 19 show a further arrangement with three contact elements 1 according to the invention. In contrast to the preceding figures, the angle α, α in this embodiment is approximately 15°.
[0118] In Figures 20 to 22, the end-face surface section 11 is shown as a flat surface, as described above. However, the end-face surface section 11 can also be designed as a convex curve, as described above.
[0119] REFERENCE MARK LIST
[0120] 1 electrically conductive contact element
[0121] 2 Basic section
[0122] 3 contact arm
[0123] 4 upper surface
[0124] 5 lower surface
[0125] 6 side surface
[0126] 7 first arm section
[0127] 8 second arm section
[0128] 9 bending section
[0129] 10 Contact area
[0130] 11 front surface section
[0131] 12 lateral surface section
[0132] 13 Corner area
[0133] 14 Rounding
[0134] 15 sharp edges
[0135] 16 bending radius
[0136] 17 counterpart
[0137] 18 Contact area
[0138] 19 upper base surface
[0139] 20 lower base area
[0140] 21 Gap
[0141] 22nd phase
[0142] 23 Fastening section
[0143] 24 Connecting section
[0144] A1, A2 arm axes
[0145] B bending axis
[0146] G Straight
[0147] Level E
[0148] M axis
[0149] R Reference plane
[0150] P Projection plane
[0151] IV View arrow a, alpha Angle of the bending axis B ß, beta Angle between front surface section and side surface section y, gamma Angle between A2 and R ö, delta Angle between 4 and 8
[0152] X Contact point
Claims
PATENT CLAIMS 1. Electrically conductive contact element (1) for electrically contacting an electrically conductive counterpart (17), comprising a base section (2) and at least one contact arm (3) projecting from the base section (2) with an upper surface (4), a lower surface (5), and a side surface (6) connecting the upper surface (4) and the lower surface (5), wherein the at least one contact arm (3) has a first arm section (7), a second arm section (8), and a bending section (9) located between the two arm sections (7, 8), wherein the first arm section (7) extends along a first arm axis (A1), and wherein the bending section (9) is configured such that the second arm section (8) is bent around a bending axis (B) relative to the first arm section (7), and the side surface (6) provides a contact area (10) for electrical contact with said electrically conductive counterpart (17).
2. Electrically conductive contact element (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the side surface (6) has a front surface section (11) located distal to the base section (2) and two lateral surface sections (12) which are spaced apart from each other.
3. Electrically conductive contact element (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the second arm section (8) is oriented to the first arm section (7) by the formation of the bending section (9) such that a corner region (13) between the end face surface section (11) and one of the said lateral surface sections (12) provides the furthest spaced point of the second arm section (7) from the upper surface (4) and in the direction of the surface normal of the upper surface (4), and that the corner region (13) provides the said contact region (10).
4. Electrically conductive contact element (1) according to claim 3, wherein characterized in that the end-face surface section (11) and the side surface section (12), which define the corner region (13), extend obliquely to the upper surface (4) and / or to the lower surface (5) of the first arm section (7); and / or in that the end-face surface section (11) and the side surface section (12), which define the corner region (13), extend at an angle (β, β) to each other, wherein the angle (β, β) is preferably between 90° and 150°, in particular between 90° and 120°.
5. Electrically conductive contact element (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the end-face surface section (11) is designed as a flat surface; or that the end-face surface section (11) is designed as a convexly rounded surface; or that the end-face surface section (11) has the shape of a point.
6. Electrically conductive contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several identically designed contact arms (3) project from the base section (2) at a distance from each other, wherein the first arm sections (7) of the contact arms (3) each run parallel to each other and wherein the contact areas (10) lie on a common straight line (G).
7. Electrically conductive contact element (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the straight line (G) is spaced apart from the first arm axis (A1) when viewed in the direction of the first arm axis (A1) and preferably runs at right angles to the first arm axis (A1).
8. Electrically conductive contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bending axis (B) is inclined at an angle (a, alpha) to the first arm axis (A1), wherein the angle (a, alpha) is not a right angle; and / or wherein the angle (a, alpha) is between 5° and 89°, in particular between 10° and 60°, particularly preferably between 15° and 45°; or wherein the angle (a, alpha) is a right angle.
9. Electrically conductive contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper surface (4) of the first arm section (7) runs at an angle (θ, delta) of 60° to 175°, in particular of 75° to 145°, inclined at an angle to the upper surface (4) of the second arm section (8).
10. Electrically conductive contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transition between the upper surface (4) and the side surface (6) is formed at least partially with a rounding (14) and / or at least partially as a sharp edge (15) and / or at least partially as a chamfer (22); and / or that the transition between the lower surface (5) and the side surface (6) is formed at least partially with a rounding (14) and / or at least partially as a sharp edge (15) and / or at least partially as a chamfer (22).
11. Electrically conductive contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bending section (9) is formed with a bending radius (16); or that the bending section is formed as a folded section.
12. Electrically conductive contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact area (10) has a surface structure which at least partially provides a sharp-edged area.
13. Electrically conductive contact element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base section (2) has an upper base surface (19) and a lower base surface (20) which are spaced at the same distance as the upper surface (4) and the lower surface (5) of the at least one contact arm (3); and / or that the base section (2) has a fastening section (23) and a connecting section (24), wherein the at least one contact arm (3) projects from said connecting section (24) and wherein the connecting section (24) is oriented at an angle or in a straight line to the fastening section (23).
14. Electrically conductive contact element (1) according to claim 2 and one of the preceding claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the contact area is provided exclusively by the said end-face surface section.
15. Arrangement comprising at least two contact elements (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the contact elements is a lower contact element and that the other of the contact elements is an upper contact element, wherein, viewed in the installation position, the lower contact element lies below the upper contact element, wherein the base section of the upper contact element lies with at least one section on at least one section of the base section of the lower contact element, and wherein the contact arms of the upper contact element extend in the same direction as the contact arms of the lower contact element.
16. Arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that said section of the base section is provided by said fastening section (23); and that the orientation between the fastening section (23) and the connecting section (24) of one contact element is different from the orientation between the fastening section (23) and the connecting section (24) of the other contact element, wherein the orientations are in particular different such that the contact arms (3) and / or the connecting sections of interconnected contact elements (1) do not touch; or said section of the base section is provided by said fastening section (23);and that the orientation between the fastening section (23) and the connecting section (24) of one contact element is the same as the orientation between the fastening section (23) and the connecting section (24) of the other contact element, wherein the orientations are in particular such that the contact arms (3) and / or the connecting sections of interconnected contact elements (1) touch each other.
17. Arrangement according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, viewed from the connecting section (24), the contact arms (3) of the different contact elements (1) have substantially the same length; and / or that the contact elements (1) are arranged relative to one another such that the first arm sections of the respective contact elements (1), viewed transversely to their first arm axes, are offset from one another, in particular such that the contact areas of the respective contact arms lie substantially on a straight line (H), which preferably runs parallel to the first arm axis (A1); and / or that the end-face surface sections (11) of all contact arms of all contact elements run parallel to each other; and / or that the side surface sections (12) of all contact arms of all contact elements run parallel to each other.
18. Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the contact area (10) of the upper contact element and the contact area (10) of the lower contact element lie in a common plane (E), wherein the plane preferably runs parallel to the upper surface of the first arm section; or that the contact area (10) of the lower contact element is located higher than the contact area of the upper contact element, such that during a contact process the contact arm of the lower contact element is moved elastically to a greater degree than the contact arm of the upper contact element; or that the contact area (10) of the lower contact element is located lower than the contact area of the upper contact element, such that during a contact process the contact arm of the upper contact element is moved elastically to a greater degree than the contact arm of the lower contact element.
19. Contact arrangement comprising an electrically conductive counterpart (17) with a flat contact surface (18), further comprising an electrically conductive contact element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein the contact area (10) of the contact element (1) can be brought into electrical contact with the contact surface (18); or further comprising an arrangement according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the contact areas (10) of the contact elements (1) can be brought into electrical contact with the contact surface (18).