Contact element

Abstract

A contact element (1) for establishing electric contact between two contact pieces (K1, K2) comprises a support strip (2), which extends in a longitudinal direction (L) and is designed in such a way that the length of the support strip (2) changes in the longitudinal direction (L) when a force (F) is applied to the support strip (2), as well as a plurality of contact parts (5, 5a, 5b), each of which has a first contact section (6) for contacting one of the two contact pieces (K1, K2), a second contact section (7) for contacting the other one of the two contact pieces (K2, K1), and a fastening section (8) for securing the contact part (5, 5a, 5b) to the support strip (2).

Claims

1. A contact element for establishing electrical contact between two contact pieces, comprising: a carrier strip that extends in a longitudinal direction, wherein the carrier strip is designed in such a way that, when a force is applied to the carrier strip, the length of the carrier strip changes in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of contact parts each having at least one first contact section for making contact with one of the two contact pieces, at least one second contact section for making contact with the other of the two contact pieces, and also having at least one fastening section for fastening the contact part to a fastening spot at the carrier strip.

2. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein a line, in particular a center line, extends centrally through the carrier strip in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the contact parts are situated in relation to the carrier strip in such a way that the contact parts can be pivoted about a pivot line, which pivot line is situated in a manner angularly inclined at an angle of less than 30, in particular substantially parallel, in relation to said line.

3. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the fastening spots of the carrier strip are provided by a plurality of fastening lugs that are spaced at a distance in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction, wherein, when said force is applied to the carrier strip in the longitudinal direction, a relative displacement of the fastening lugs in relation to one another is possible, and wherein the contact parts are fastened to the fastening lug of the carrier strip by means of the fastening section.

4. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the fastening spots of the carrier strip are provided by a plurality of fastening lugs that are spaced at a distance in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction, wherein, when said force is applied to the carrier strip in the longitudinal direction, a relative displacement of the fastening lugs in relation to one another is possible, wherein the contact parts are fastened to the fastening lug of the carrier strip by means of the fastening section and wherein each two fastening lugs that follow one another in the longitudinal direction are connected to one another by means of a web, and wherein the web is preferably angularly inclined at an angle in relation to the longitudinal direction.

5. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the fastening spots of the carrier strip are provided by a plurality of fastening lugs that are spaced at a distance in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction, wherein, when said force is applied to the carrier strip in the longitudinal direction, a relative displacement of the fastening lugs in relation to one another is possible, wherein the contact parts are fastened to the fastening lug of the carrier strip by means of the fastening section and wherein each two fastening lugs that follow one another in the longitudinal direction are connected to one another by means of a web, wherein the web is preferably angularly inclined at an angle in relation to the longitudinal direction, wherein a center line extends centrally through the carrier strip in the longitudinal direction, wherein in each case one first fastening lug is arranged on a first side laterally in relation to the center line and in each case one second fastening lug is arranged on a second side laterally in relation to the center line, and wherein the web in each case connects a first fastening lug and a second fastening lug, and also a further web connects said second fastening lug to a further first fastening lug.

6. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the fastening spots of the carrier strip are provided by a plurality of fastening lugs that are spaced at a distance in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction, wherein, when said force is applied to the carrier strip in the longitudinal direction, a relative displacement of the fastening lugs in relation to one another is possible, wherein the contact parts are fastened to the fastening lug of the carrier strip by means of the fastening section and wherein each two fastening lugs that follow one another in the longitudinal direction are connected to one another by means of a web, wherein the web is angularly inclined at an angle in relation to the longitudinal direction, wherein a center line extends centrally through the carrier strip in the longitudinal direction, wherein in each case one first fastening lug is arranged on a first side laterally in relation to the center line and in each case one second fastening lug is arranged on a second side laterally in relation to the center line, wherein the web in each case connects a first fastening lug and a second fastening lug, and also a further web connects said second fastening lug to a further first fastening lug, and wherein the first contact part that is connected to the first fastening lug is oriented, by way of a first contact section thereof, toward the second contact part that is connected to the second fastening lug and/or the second contact part that is connected to the second fastening lug is oriented, by way of a first contact section thereof, toward the first contact part that is connected to the first fastening lug.

7. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the fastening spots of the carrier strip are provided by a plurality of fastening lugs that are spaced at a distance in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction, wherein, when said force is applied to the carrier strip in the longitudinal direction, a relative displacement of the fastening lugs in relation to one another is possible, wherein the contact parts are fastened to the fastening lug of the carrier strip by means of the fastening section and wherein each two fastening lugs that follow one another in the longitudinal direction are connected to one another by means of a web, wherein the web is preferably angularly inclined at an angle in relation to the longitudinal direction, wherein a center line extends centrally through the carrier strip in the longitudinal direction, wherein in each case one first fastening lug is arranged on a first side laterally in relation to the center line and in each case one second fastening lug is arranged on a second side laterally in relation to the center line, and wherein the web in each case connects a first fastening lug and a second fastening lug, and also a further web connects said second fastening lug to a further first fastening lug, wherein the first contact part that is connected to the first fastening lug is oriented, by way of a first contact section thereof, toward the second contact part that is connected to the second fastening lug and/or the second contact part that is connected to the second fastening lug is oriented, by way of a first contact section thereof, toward the first contact part that is connected to the first fastening lug, and wherein the first contact part, as seen from the first fastening lug, extends in such a way that the first contact section, as seen transverse in relation to the longitudinal direction, extends beyond a second contact part in such a way that, in the event of a contact movement from the side of the second contact part, the first contact part is first contacted by the contact piece.

8. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the fastening spots of the carrier strip are provided by a plurality of fastening lugs that are spaced at a distance in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction, wherein, when said force is applied to the carrier strip in the longitudinal direction, a relative displacement of the fastening lugs in relation to one another is possible, wherein the contact parts are fastened to the fastening lug of the carrier strip by means of the fastening section and wherein each two fastening lugs that follow one another in the longitudinal direction are connected to one another by means of a web, wherein the web is preferably angularly inclined at an angle in relation to the longitudinal direction, wherein a center line extends centrally through the carrier strip in the longitudinal direction, wherein in each case one first fastening lug is arranged on a first side laterally in relation to the center line and in each case one second fastening lug is arranged on a second side laterally in relation to the center line, and wherein the web in each case connects a first fastening lug and a second fastening lug, and also a further web connects said second fastening lug to a further first fastening lug, wherein the first contact part that is connected to the first fastening lug is oriented, by way of a first contact section thereof, toward the second contact part that is connected to the second fastening lug and/or the second contact part that is connected to the second fastening lug is oriented, by way of a first contact section thereof, toward the first contact part that is connected to the first fastening lug, and wherein a second contact part extends into the intermediate space that is situated between two adjacent first contact parts and a first contact part extends into the intermediate space that is situated between two adjacent second contact parts.

9. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the contact parts extend from the respective fastening spot, by way of which the corresponding contact part is connected to the carrier strip, beyond the center line, which extends in the longitudinal direction, and/or wherein contact parts are arranged on either side in relation to the carrier strip, and wherein there is an intermediate space between two contact parts that are arranged adjacent to one another on the same side into which a contact part that is arranged on the other side can protrude.

10. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the webs are designed in a manner bent about a center line that is situated between the fastening spots or fastening lugs, in particular bent in a curved manner and/or bent once and/or bent several times, so that the surface of the fastening spots or fastening lugs, which are arranged on one side of the center line, is situated in a manner inclined at an angle in relation to the surface of the fastening spots or fastening lugs, which are arranged on the other side of the center line.

11. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the first contact section forms a free end with respect to the carrier strip and protrudes away from or sticks out of the carrier strip at least in the non-deflected state, and wherein the free end protrudes through the carrier strip through a recess in the carrier strip in the contact position.

12. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the contact part is designed with a rounded portion in the first contact section, which rounded portion extends around a rounded portion axis that runs parallel to the longitudinal direction, and/or wherein the contact part is designed with a rounded portion in the second contact section, which rounded portion extends around a rounded portion axis that runs parallel to the longitudinal direction.

13. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the cross section of the contact part in the region of the fastening section is larger than the cross section of the contact part in the region of the first contact section.

14. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the cross section of the contact part in the region of the fastening section is larger than the cross section of the contact part in the region of the second contact section, or wherein, as seen in the longitudinal direction, the cross section of the contact part in the region of the fastening section is substantially equal to the cross section in the region of the second contact section.

15. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the second contact section of the contact part is situated in relation to the carrier strip in such a way that the carrier strip is not connected to the contact piece in the contact position.

16. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the contact part is connected to the fastening spot or the fastening lug by means of the fastening section by way of at least one plastically deformable connecting element, in particular to at least one rivet, and wherein the connecting element is formed in one piece with the contact part.

17. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the contact part is connected to the fastening spot or the fastening lug by means of the fastening section by way of at least one plastically deformable connecting element, in particular to at least one rivet, wherein the connecting element is formed in one piece with the contact part and wherein the connecting element or the rivet is composed of an electrically conductive material and is electrically conductively connected to the contact part, and wherein the second contact section can be provided by the connecting element or the rivet.

18. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the contact part is connected to the fastening spot or the fastening lug in the fastening section by way of at least one rivet, and wherein the rivet protrudes through the fastening section and the fastening spot or the fastening lug of the carrier strip.

19. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the contact part is connected to the fastening spot or the fastening lug in the fastening section by way of at least one rivet, wherein the rivet protrudes through the fastening section and the fastening spot or the fastening lug of the carrier strip and wherein the connecting element or the rivet is composed of an electrically conductive material and is electrically conductively connected to the contact part, and wherein the second contact section can be provided by the connecting element or the rivet.

20. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the contact part, by way of the fastening section for fastening to the fastening spot or the fastening lug, at least partially surrounds the fastening spot or the fastening lug.

21. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the contact part, by way of the fastening section for fastening to the fastening spot or the fastening lug, at least partially surrounds the fastening spot or the fastening lug, and wherein an outer edge of the fastening spot or the fastening lug, which outer edge runs parallel in relation to the longitudinal axis, and surfaces of the fastening spot or the fastening lug that adjoin said outer edge are at least partially surrounded or completely surrounded by the contact part.

22. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the contact part, by way of a clip element, is fastened to the fastening spot or to the fastening lug, and wherein the clip element is preferably positioned in the region of a slot which extends into the second contact section.

23. The contact element according to claim 1, wherein the ends of the carrier strip are connected to one another, resulting in a contact element that extends around a center axis, wherein the two ends are preferably connected to one of said contact parts, or wherein the ends are connected to one another by way of a separate element.

24. An arrangement comprising a contact element and also a first contact piece and a second contact piece, wherein the contact element comprises a carrier strip that extends in a longitudinal direction, wherein the carrier strip is designed in such a way that, when a force is applied to the carrier strip, the length of the carrier strip changes in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of contact parts each having at least one first contact section for making contact with one of the two contact pieces, at least one second contact section for making contact with the other of the two contact pieces, and also having at least one fastening section for fastening the contact part to a fastening spot at the carrier strip, and wherein the contact element abuts, by way of first contact sections thereof, against the first contact piece and, by way of the second contact sections, against the second contact piece.

25. The arrangement according to claim 24, wherein the first contact piece is a socket part that extends around a center axis and the second contact piece is a pin part that extends around the center axis, wherein the carrier strip extends around the center axis, and wherein the longitudinal direction is situated transverse in relation to the center axis and extends around said center axis, and/or wherein the contact parts can be brought into contact with the first contact piece by way of the respective first contact sections, and that the contact parts are in contact with the second contact piece by way of the respective second contact sections, wherein the distance between opposing contact sections is increased in the event of a contact movement.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below on the basis of the drawings, which serve merely for explanation and are not to be interpreted as being restrictive. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a contact element and two contact pieces before the contact-making operation;

(3) FIG. 2 shows the view according to FIG. 1 during the contact-making operation;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a carrier strip of the contact element according to FIGS. 1 and 2;

(5) FIG. 4a shows a front view of a contact part according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 4b shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 4a from below;

(7) FIG. 4c shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 4a from the side;

(8) FIG. 4d shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 4a from above;

(9) FIG. 4e shows a perspective view of the contact part according to FIG. 4a from above;

(10) FIG. 4f shows a perspective view of the contact part according to FIG. 4a from below;

(11) FIG. 5a shows a front view of a contact part according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

(12) FIG. 5b shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 5a from below;

(13) FIG. 5c shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 5a from the side;

(14) FIG. 5d shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 5a from above;

(15) FIG. 5e shows a perspective view of the contact part according to FIG. 5a from above;

(16) FIG. 5f shows a perspective view of the contact part according to FIG. 5a from below;

(17) FIG. 6a shows a front view of a contact part according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

(18) FIG. 6b shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 6a from below;

(19) FIG. 6c shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 6a from the side;

(20) FIG. 6d shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 6a from above;

(21) FIG. 6e shows a perspective view of the contact part according to FIG. 6a from above;

(22) FIG. 6f shows a perspective view of the contact part according to FIG. 6a from below;

(23) FIG. 7a shows a front view of a contact part according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

(24) FIG. 7b shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 7a from below;

(25) FIG. 7c shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 7a from the side;

(26) FIG. 7d shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 7a from above;

(27) FIG. 7e shows a perspective view of the contact part according to FIG. 7a from above;

(28) FIG. 7f shows a perspective view of the contact part according to FIG. 7a from below;

(29) FIG. 8a shows a front view of a contact part according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

(30) FIG. 8b shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 8a from below;

(31) FIG. 8c shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 8a from the side;

(32) FIG. 8d shows a view of the contact part according to FIG. 8a from above;

(33) FIG. 8e shows a perspective view of the contact part according to FIG. 8a from above;

(34) FIG. 8f shows a perspective view of the contact part according to FIG. 8a from below;

(35) FIG. 9a shows a schematic view of a contact part according to the invention for arranging in a circumferential groove in a socket;

(36) FIG. 9b shows a view of a detail of FIG. 9a;

(37) FIG. 9c shows a perspective view of a detail of FIG. 9a;

(38) FIG. 10a shows a schematic view of a contact part according to the invention for arranging in a circumferential groove in a pin;

(39) FIG. 10b shows a view of a detail of FIG. 10a; and

(40) FIG. 10c shows a perspective view of a detail of FIG. 10a.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(41) FIGS. 1 and 2 show a schematic illustration of two contact pieces K1, K2 and a contact element 1. In this case, the contact element 1 establishes electrical contact between the first contact piece K1 and the second contact piece K2. To this end, the contact element 1 makes contact with the contact face 18 of the contact piece K1 and with the contact face 19 of the contact piece K2. Due to its resilient properties, which will be described in greater detail in the text that follows, the contact element is always pressed against the two contact faces 18, 19 of the contact pieces K1, K2 in the contact position, as it is shown in FIG. 2.

(42) During the contact-making operation, the first contact piece K1 is displaced relative to the second contact piece K2. The first contact piece K1, by way of the contact face 18, which here is designed with a rounded portion 20 in the front region, then makes contact with the contact element 1. The first contact piece K1 is then further displaced relative to the second contact piece K2, until the contact face 18 is completely connected to the contact element 1. On doing so, the contact position that is shown in FIG. 2 is achieved.

(43) The contact element 1 for establishing electrical contact between the two contact pieces K1, K2 comprises a carrier strip 2 that extends in the longitudinal direction L and a plurality of contact parts 5 that are connected to the carrier strip 2. The carrier strip 2 serves to support the contact parts 5 and not to establish electrical contact, whereas the contact parts 5 are provided for establishing electrical contact. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the longitudinal direction L runs at a right angle in relation to the surface of the drawing sheet. Depending on the installation position of the contact element, the longitudinal direction L can be curved or extend along a straight line. For example, when the contact element 1 is installed into a socket/plug combination, the longitudinal direction L is formed in a circumferential manner about a center axis. During contacting of two contact pieces K1, K2 that are substantially flat, the longitudinal direction L can extend along a straight line.

(44) In FIG. 3, the carrier strip 2, to which the contact parts 5 are fastened, is shown in detail. The carrier strip 2 is designed in such a way that, when a force F is applied to the carrier strip 2 in the longitudinal direction L, said carrier strip is compressed or extended. The carrier strip 2 is therefore designed in a manner such that its length can be changed. The change in the length of the carrier strip 2 is preferably performed in the elastic region. The force F is symbolized as a double-headed arrow in FIG. 3.

(45) In the embodiment shown, the carrier strip 2 comprises a plurality of fastening lugs 3. In this case, the fastening lugs 3, as seen in the longitudinal direction L, are arranged at a distance A in relation to one another. Two rows of fastening lugs 3 are provided in the embodiment shown. One row comprises first fastening lugs 3a that are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction L, and the other row comprises second fastening lugs 3b that are likewise arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction L. The two rows therefore extend in the longitudinal direction L, wherein the rows are at a distance in relation to one another in a transverse direction Q that runs transverse in relation to the longitudinal direction. The distance between the fastening lugs 3 is identical in both rows. However, the first fastening lugs 3a are arranged offset by an offset B in relation to the second fastening lugs 3b in the longitudinal direction L. The offset B can correspond, for example, to half the distance A.

(46) The figures show a symmetrical arrangement of the fastening lugs 3 with respect to the longitudinal direction L. An asymmetrical arrangement is likewise conceivable.

(47) A line M is situated between the row of first fastening lugs 3a and the row of second fastening lugs 3b, which likewise extends in the longitudinal direction L. In this case, the line M can be a center line M. The first fastening lugs 3a and the second fastening lugs 3b are at a transverse distance C in relation to the line M with respect to the transverse direction Q.

(48) The contact parts 5 are fastened to the carrier strip 2 at the fastening lugs 3. If the force F is now applied to the carrier strips, the distance A between the fastening lugs 3 changes and there is therefore also a change in the distance between the contact parts 5.

(49) In the embodiment shown, in each case two fastening lugs 3 which immediately follow one another in the longitudinal direction L are connected to one another by means of a web 4. Here, the web 4 extends in a manner inclined at an angle in relation to the longitudinal direction L. In the embodiment shown, a first web 4a extends from a first fastening lug 3a to a second fastening lug 3b. The web 4 is in each case formed on the inner edges 21 of the respective fastening lug 3a, 3b. In this case, the inner edge 21 is that edge of the fastening lug 3a, 3b which faces the respectively other fastening lug 3b, 3a. A second web 4b extends to a further first fastening lug 3a. In this case, the web 4b extends away from the same inner edge 21 of the second fastening lug 3b on which the first web 4a is formed on. The second web 4b is likewise inclined at an angle in relation to the longitudinal direction L.

(50) In other words: The webs 4a, 4b extend alternately from a fastening lug 3a in the first row to a fastening lug 3b in the second row, and vice versa. Due to such arrangement of the fastening lugs 3a, 3b and of the webs 4a, 4b, a meandering structure of the carrier strip 2 is achieved, which can be easily deformed in respect of its length.

(51) This arrangement of the webs 4 and of the fastening lug 3 is then repeated many times over the longitudinal direction L, so that the actual carrier strip 2, which comprises a plurality of fastening lugs 3 and webs 4, can be provided.

(52) If the force F is now applied in the longitudinal direction, the angle reduces in the event of an extension of the carrier strip and, respectively, the angle increases in the event of a compression of the carrier strip.

(53) FIGS. 4a to 4f show a first embodiment, FIGS. 5a to 5f show a second embodiment, FIGS. 6a to 6f show a third embodiment, FIGS. 7a to 7f show a fourth embodiment, and FIGS. 8a to 8f show a fifth embodiment of a contact element 1 according to the invention.

(54) The individual embodiments will now be explained in greater detail in the text that follows, wherein firstly the features that are the same in all embodiments and then features that are different will be explained.

(55) FIGS. 4a to 8f clearly show that the contact parts 5 are fixedly connected to the fastening lug 3 of the carrier strip 2.

(56) According to all of the embodiments, the contact parts 5 each comprise a first contact section 6 for making contact with one of the two contact pieces K2, K1, a second contact section 7 for making contact with the other of the two contact pieces K2, K1, and also a fastening section 8 for fastening the contact part 5 to a fastening lug 3 of the carrier strip 2.

(57) In all of the embodiments, in each case one first contact part 5a, by way of its fastening section 8, is connected to a first fastening lug 3a. A second contact part 5b, in each case by way of its fastening section 8, is connected to a second fastening lug 3b. The first contact part 5a, which is connected to the first fastening lug 3a, is oriented, by way of its first contact section 6, toward the second contact part 5b, which is connected to the second fastening lug 3b. The first contact section 6 therefore protrudes toward the second contact part 5b. Similarly, the second contact part 5b, which is connected to the second fastening lug 3b, is oriented, by way of its first contact section 6, toward the first contact part 5a, which is connected to the first fastening lug 3a. In this case, the contact parts 5a, 5b are arranged in such a way that the respective first contact sections 6 extend from the fastening lug 3a, 3b beyond the line M that extends centrally between the two fastening sections 3a, 3b in the longitudinal direction L. That is to say, the first contact sections 6 of the respective contact parts are situated at least partially on the other side with respect to the line M.

(58) The contact parts 5, 5a, 5b are situated in relation to the carrier strip 2 in such a way that the contact parts 5, 5a, 5b can be pivoted about a pivot line S that is situated parallel in relation to the line M. This in particular is clearly shown in FIGS. 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a and 8a. The pivot line S is oriented at a right angle in relation to the surface of the drawing sheet here. When contact is made by the first contact piece K1, the contact part 5 is pivoted, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the pivot movement according to arrow S.

(59) In addition to the pivoting movement S, the contact part 5 can also move relative on the contact face 18, 19 of the corresponding contact piece K1, K2 during the pivoting movement about the pivot line S. For this, the contact part 5 moves, together with the second contact section 7, relative to the second contact piece K2. This movement runs transverse to the pivot line S and is provided with reference symbol V.

(60) FIGS. 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a and 8a further clearly show that the first contact part 5a, as seen from its fastening lug 3a, extends in such a way that the first contact section 6, as seen transverse to the longitudinal direction, extends beyond a second contact part 5b. The excess length is indicated by the arrow D. In doing so, the first contact part 5a extends beyond the second contact part 5b in such a way that, in the event of a contact movement from the side of the second contact part 5b, contact is first made with the first contact part 5a by the corresponding contact piece. Looking at FIGS. 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a and 8a, this means, when a contact piece is pushed toward the contact element 1 in the direction of arrow P, the contact piece first comes into contact with the first contact part 5a, before the contact piece comes into contact with the second contact part 5b.

(61) The function of the contact element can be optimized due to the excess. For example, the maximum insertion force can be optimized in respect of the required installation space.

(62) In other words, the first contact section 6 of the first contact part 5a protrudes beyond the top side 22 of the second contact part 5b. It goes without saying that the second contact part 5b is also arranged in this manner. Namely, the first contact section 6 of the second contact part 5b is arranged in such a way that it protrudes beyond the top side 22 of the first contact part 5a, specifically in such a way that, in the event of a contact movement from the side of the first contact part 5a, contact is first made with the second contact part 5b by the contact piece. This movement is symbolized by the arrow P in FIG. 4a.

(63) FIGS. 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a and 8a additionally show that the webs 4 are designed such that they are bent once or bent several times about a line M that is situated between the fastening lugs 3a, 3b, so that the surface 24 of the fastening lugs 3a, which are arranged on one side of the line M, are situated in a manner inclined at an angle in relation to the surface 24 of the fastening lugs 3b that are arranged on the other side of the line M. The bending spot is in each case provided with the reference symbol 23 and the angle between the first fastening lugs 3a and the second fastening lugs 3b is indicated by .

(64) FIGS. 4c, 5c, 6c, 7c and 8c additionally show that in each case one second contact part 5b extends into the intermediate space Z1, Z2 that is situated between two adjacent first contact parts 5a. A first contact part 5a extends between two second contact parts 5b that are arranged adjacent to one another into the intermediate space Z2. An interleaved structure is therefore produced.

(65) In all of the embodiments according to FIGS. 4a to 8f, the first contact section 6 of the contact part 5, 5a, 5b forms a free end 9 that protrudes from the carrier strip 2. The free end 9 is therefore not situated on the carrier strip 2, but rather extends away from the carrier strip 2 from the fastening section 8.

(66) In the deflected state, the free end 9 can protrude through the carrier strip 2 through a recess 35 in the carrier strip 2. The recess 35 is preferably provided by the intermediate region between two webs 4.

(67) The fastening section 8 abuts flat against the carrier strip 2.

(68) Depending on the type of fastening of the contact part 5, 5a, 5b, the second contact section 7 is likewise a free end or abuts on the bottom side 25 of the carrier strip 2. This will be discussed further below in the context of the fastening of the contact parts 5, 5a, 5b.

(69) In the embodiment according to FIGS. 4a to 4f, the second contact section 7 of the contact part 5, 5a, 5b is arranged in relation to the carrier strip 2 in such a way that the carrier strip 2 is not connected to the contact piece K2 in the contact position. The second contact section 7 is designed as a kind of raised portion 29 and is situated at a distance from the bottom side of the carrier strip 2.

(70) In all of the embodiments according to FIGS. 4a to 8f, the contact part 5 is designed with a rounded portion 11 in the first contact section 6. The rounded portion 11 relates, in particular, to the top side 22 of the contact part in the first contact section 6, because the contacting with the respective contact faces K1, K2 is also made by means of the top side 22. Depending on the design, the bottom side 26 of the contact part 5, 5a, 5b can also be rounded. The rounded portion 11 extends around a rounded portion axis R11 with a constant or changing rounded portion radius. The rounded portion axis R11 preferably extends parallel in relation to the longitudinal direction L.

(71) In the embodiments of FIGS. 4a-4f, 5a-5f, 7a-7f and 8a-8f, the second contact section 7 of the contact part 5, 5a, 5b is also designed in a rounded manner with a rounded portion 12. The rounded portion 12 extends around a rounded portion axis R12 with a constant or changing rounded portion radius. The rounded portion axis R12 preferably extends parallel in relation to the longitudinal direction L.

(72) In the third embodiment according to FIGS. 6a-6f, the second contact section 7 is not provided directly by the contact part 5, 5a, 5b, but rather by a rivet 14, this being discussed yet further in the text that follows. In this case, the surface of the rivet 14 is designed with the rounded portion 12.

(73) In the embodiments of FIGS. 4a to 8f, the second contact section 7 is situated in the region of the fastening section 8. That is to say, the second contact section 7 and the fastening section 8 are situated physically close to one another. The contact part 5, 5a, 5b is designed with a rounded portion 12 in the second contact section 7, which rounded portion 12 extends around a rounded portion axis R12 that runs parallel in relation to the longitudinal direction L, wherein the rounded portion axis R12 and the pivot line S run in a substantially collinear manner in relation to one another.

(74) In the embodiments of FIGS. 7a and 8a, the second contact section 7 surrounds the carrier strip in the region of its outer edge 13.

(75) In all of the embodiments, the rounded portion radius R11 of the rounded portion 11 of the first contact section 6 can be different from the rounded portion radius R12 of the rounded portion 12 of the second contact section 7. The rounded portion radii R11, R12 can also be the same.

(76) In all of the embodiments, the cross section of the contact part 5, 5a, 5b in the region of the fastening section 8 is larger than in the region of the first contact section 6. The first contact section 6 is therefore designed in a tapered manner in relation to the fastening section 8. The change in cross section can have different geometries.

(77) In the embodiments of FIGS. 4a-4f and 8a-8f, the cross section of the contact part 5, 5a, 5b as seen in the region of the fastening section 8 is larger than the cross section of the contact part 5, 5a, 5b in the region of the second contact section 7. The second contact section 7 is therefore designed in a tapered manner in relation to the fastening section 8. The change in cross section can have different geometries. However, the degree of taper in the second contact section 7 is preferably smaller than in the first contact section 6.

(78) In the embodiments of FIGS. 5a-5f, 6a-6f and 7a-7f, the cross section of the contact part 5, 5a, 5b in the region of the fastening section 8 is substantially equal to the cross section in the region of the second contact section 7.

(79) In the first embodiment according to FIGS. 4a to 4f, the contact part 5, 5a, 5b is connected to the carrier strip 2 by way of at least one rivet 15. At least one rivet 15 is formed in one piece with the contact part 5, 5a, 5b. The contact part 3 and the rivet 15 therefore form a one-piece structure. The rivet 15 is then plastically deformed in the region of the bottom side 25 of the carrier strip, so that a rivet head 27 is formed, with which rivet head the carrier strip 2 is clamped to the contact part 5, 5a, 5b. The rivet 15 protrudes through the carrier strip 2 through a rivet opening 33. The rivet 15 and also the rivet opening 33 have substantially the same cross section and are here of oval design.

(80) In the shown embodiment according to FIGS. 4a to 4f, four rivets 15 are provided for each contact part 5, 5a, 5b. In other variants of the first embodiment, the number of rivets 15 can also be larger than or less than four.

(81) The rivets 15 according to the first embodiment are preferably produced by a stamping process, wherein a stamping tool plastically deforms the fastening section from the top side 22 and in this way presses out the rivets from the bottom side 26 of the contact element.

(82) The fastening lugs 3 have apertures for receiving the rivets 15. The number of apertures and the position thereof is matched to the number and to the position of the rivets 15. The apertures in the carrier strip are produced, for example, by a punching process.

(83) In the first embodiment, the second contact section 7 has an optional indentation 28 that, as seen centrally through the second contact section 7 and transverse in relation to the longitudinal direction L, extends into the second contact section 7. A defined division of the contact faces can be achieved by way of the indentation 28, as a result of which the contact resistance is definable in a more precise manner.

(84) The contact part 5 further comprises a raised portion 29 in the region of the outer edge 13 of the fastening lug 3. The second contact section 7 then adjoins the raised portion 29. Owing to the raised portion 29, the fastening section 8 is situated in a manner offset to the rear from the contact section 7, so that the fastening lug 3 and the rivet head 27 are likewise offset from the contact section 7 in such a way that they do not have a negative influence on the contacting process.

(85) In the second embodiment according to FIGS. 5a to 5f, the contact part 5, 5a, 5b is connected to the carrier strip 2 by way of at least one rivet 14.

(86) The rivet 14 of this embodiment is designed separately from the contact part 5, 5a, 5b. The rivet 14 is routed through an aperture in the second contact section 8 and through an aperture in the fastening lug 3. The contact part 5, 5a, 5b is clamped to the fastening lug 3 by way of the rivet 14.

(87) In the shown embodiment only one rivet 14 is shown. The provision of several rivets 14, as shown for example in FIG. 4, would also be conceivable.

(88) In the second embodiment, the second contact section 7 adjoins the fastening section 8 opposite the first contact section 6. In this case, the second contact section 7 is designed in a manner bent from the fastening section 8 by means of a bend spot 30 and runs in a manner inclined at an angle in relation to the fastening section.

(89) In this embodiment, the first contact section 6 is designed as a rounded tip with the above-described rounded portion, wherein the tip tapers toward the free end 9.

(90) The fastening by way of the at least one rivet 14 could be assisted by way of a welded or soldered connection, in addition to the mechanical fastening. The rivet 14 could thus be welded or soldered.

(91) In the third embodiment according to FIGS. 6a to 6f, the contact part 5, 5a, 5b is connected to the carrier strip 2 by way of at least one rivet 14.

(92) The rivet 14 of this embodiment is designed separately from the contact part 5, 5a, 5b. The rivet 14 is routed through an aperture in the second contact section 8 and through an aperture in the fastening lug 3. The contact part 5, 5a, 5b is clamped to the fastening lug 3 by way of the rivet 14.

(93) In the embodiment shown, only one rivet 14 is displayed. The provision of several rivets 14, as for example shown in FIG. 4, would also be conceivable.

(94) According to the third embodiment, the rivet 14 is provided from an electrically conductive material, and the rivet head 27 on the bottom side 26 of the carrier strip 2 provides the second contact section. The rivet 14 is in electrical contact with contact part 5, 5a, 5b.

(95) In the embodiment shown, the rivet head 27 protrudes beyond the outer edge 13 of the fastening lug 3, so that good contacting with the contact face of the second contact piece is achieved.

(96) The rivet head 27 has the above-described rounded portion 12.

(97) In a further embodiment, which substantially corresponds to the combination of the first and the third embodiment, the rivet is formed in one piece with the contact part, as in the case of the first embodiment, and the rivet head is then reshaped, according to the third embodiment, so that the rivet head can provide said second contact section. This further embodiment is not illustrated in the figures.

(98) In this embodiment, the first contact section 6 is designed as a rounded tip with the above-described rounded portion, wherein the tip tapers toward the free end 9.

(99) The fastening by way of the at least one rivet 14 could be assisted by way of a welded or soldered connection, in addition to the mechanical fastening. The rivet 14 could therefore be welded or soldered.

(100) In the fourth embodiment according to FIGS. 7a to 7f, the fastening section 8 at least partially surrounds the fastening lug 3. In the embodiment shown, the fastening section 8 surrounds the fastening lug on its top side as well as on its bottom side and the outer edge 13. When the contact part 3 is mounted, the fastening section 8 is plastically reshaped and thereby clamped to the fastening lug. The mechanical clamping can be assisted by an additional soldered or welded connection.

(101) The fastening section preferably substantially completely surrounds the top side resp. the bottom side of the fastening plug. It would also be conceivable that the fastening section only partially surrounds the top side and/or the bottom side.

(102) The clamping can also be called crimping or a crimped connection. In the figures, the crimping is provided with reference symbol 31.

(103) That part of the fastening section 8 that extends around the outer edge 13 at the same time serves as a second contact section 7 and is accordingly designed with a rounded portion 12 on its outer side.

(104) In the fifth embodiment according to FIGS. 8a to 8f, the contact part 5, 5a, 5b is fastened to the fastening lug 3 by way of a clip element 16. In the embodiment shown, the clip element 16 is formed on the fastening lug 3 and extends away from the outer edge 13 of the fastening lug 3 transverse in relation to the longitudinal direction L. The clip element 16 is reshaped and extends to the top side 22 of the contact part 5, 5a, 5b in the region of the fastening section 8 and thereby clamps the contact part 5, 5a, 5b to the fastening lug 3.

(105) As an alternative, the clip element 16 can also be an element that is separate from the contact part or from the fastening lug 3.

(106) The clip element 16 preferably extends through a slot 17 that extends into the second contact section 7. This ensures that the clip element does not have a negative influence on the contacting between the second contact section 7 and the second contact piece K2. In other words, the contact section 7 extends away from the fastening section 8 as a second free end.

(107) The mechanical clamping by the clip elements 16 can be assisted by an additional soldered or welded connection.

(108) FIGS. 9a to 9d show a schematic view of a first installation situation of a contact element 1. In this case, the contact element 1 can be designed in accordance with the present invention, in particular according to the preceding embodiments.

(109) Here, the longitudinal direction of the carrier strip 2 resp. the line M extend around a center axis X. FIGS. 9a to 9d substantially show the installation situation in a socket, wherein the second contact sections 7 are then situated in a groove in a socket.

(110) In particular, FIG. 9c clearly shows that the orientation of the contact parts 5 is in the direction of the center axis X, that is to say transverse in relation to the longitudinal direction of the carrier strip.

(111) FIGS. 10a to 10d show a schematic view of a second installation situation of a contact element 1. In this case, the contact element 1 can be designed in accordance with the present invention, in particular according to the preceding embodiments.

(112) Here, the longitudinal direction of the carrier strip 2 resp. the center line M extend around a center axis X. FIGS. 10a to 10d substantially show the installation situation on the outer side of a plug, wherein the second contact sections 7 are then situated in a groove in a socket.

(113) FIG. 10C in particular clearly shows that the orientation of the contact parts 5 is in the direction of the center axis X, that is to say transverse in relation to the longitudinal direction of the carrier strip.

(114) In the case of both configurations according to FIGS. 9a to 9c and 10a to 10c, the ends 34 of the carrier strip 2 are connected to one another, so that the result is a contact element that extends around a center axis X, wherein the two ends 34 are preferably connected to one of said contact parts 5, 5a, 5b.

(115) TABLE-US-00001 LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 1 Contact element 2 Carrier strip 3, 3a, 3b Fastening lugs 4 Web 5, 5a, 5b Contact part 6 First contact section 7 Second contact section 8 Fastening section 9 Free end 10 Free end 11 Rounded portion 12 Rounded portion 13 Outer edge 14 Rivet 15 integrally formed rivet 16 Clip element 17 Slot 18 Contact face 19 Contact face 20 Rounded portion of the contact face 18 21 Inner edge 22 Top side 23 Bending spot 24 Surface 25 Bottom side 26 Bottom side 27 Rivet head 28 Indentation 29 Raised portion 30 Bend spot 31 Crimping 33 Rivet opening 34 Ends 35 Recess A Distance B Offset C Transverse distance D Excess length L Longitudinal direction Q Transverse axis M Center line P, P Arrow S Pivot line X Center axis Z1 Intermediate space Z2 Intermediate space F Force E Plane R11 Rounded portion axis R12 Rounded portion axis K1 Contact piece K2 Contact piece