Contact element and contact system The invention refers to a contact element according to Claim 1 and a contact system according to Claim 19.

A contact element having a contact box and a connecting section is known, the contact box being connected to the connecting section, an internal spring being provided inside the contact box in order to establish an electrical contact with an engagement section of an additional contact element, which engagement section can be introduced into the contact box. The contact box is connected to the connecting section. An electrical line can be fastened to the connecting section.

It is the object of the invention to provide an improved contact element and an improved contact system having such a contact element.

This object is achieved by means of a contact element

according to Claim 1 and by means of a contact system

according to Claim 19. Advantageous embodiments are indicated in the subordinate claims.

It has been recognised that an improved contact element can be provided in that the contact element includes a contact box, the contact box extending in a longitudinal direction of the contact element and at least in sections limiting a receptacle. The contact box includes at least a first box section, a second box section, a third box section and a fourth box section. The second box section and the fourth box section are arranged opposite each other and connect the first box section to the third box section, the second box section and the fourth box section being arranged in an inclined manner with respect to the first box section. The first box section and the third box section are arranged opposite each other, the second box section and the fourth box section being configured in a rigid manner. The first box section and the third box section are at least in sections configured in a spring-elastic manner.

The advantage of this configuration is that a bracing force can be provided by means of the configuration of the first and third box sections in a spring-elastic manner in order to reliably brace an additional contact element, which is introduced into the receptacle, in the receptacle by means of the clamping force provided and to provide a reliable

electrical contact between the additional contact element and the contact box. In another embodiment, the first box section and/or the third box section is/are configured as tension springs.

In another embodiment, the first box section comprises a grid structure and/or a fold.

In another embodiment, the grid structure comprises at least one recess, wherein the recess comprises a recess contour, the recess contour being at least in sections diamond-shaped and/or rectangular and/or square and/or polygonal and/or round and/or elliptical and/or circular and/or slotted.

In another embodiment, the grid structure comprises at least one additional recess and at least one crosspiece. The crosspiece is arranged between the recess and the additional recess.

In another embodiment, the recess and the additional recess have an identical configuration. As a result, the grid structure can have a particularly simple configuration.

In another embodiment, the crosspiece has a planar

configuration. Alternatively, the fold is configured in that the crosspiece comprises a curvature, the curvature having a concave configuration with respect to the receptacle. As a result, the contact element takes up a particularly small amount of installation space.

In another embodiment, the fold is configured in that the crosspiece comprises a first crosspiece section and a second crosspiece section arranged adjacent to the first crosspiece section. The first crosspiece section is arranged in an inclined manner with respect to the second crosspiece

section. The advantage of this configuration is that, when the additional contact element is inserted into the

receptacle, the first crosspiece section is arranged at a reduced angle with respect to the second crosspiece section, and the crosspiece widens in the process and can be

elastically biased.

In another embodiment, the first crosspiece section and the second crosspiece section are configured in a plate-like manner, the first crosspiece section being connected with a fixed end to the second crosspiece section, the first

crosspiece section extending inwardly from the fixed end towards a free end in the direction of the receptacle. As a result, the installation space for the crosspiece can be kept particularly low.

In another embodiment, the second box section comprises at least in sections an embossed structure having a first structure section and at least a second structure section. The first structure section is arranged offset from the second structure section transversely to the longitudinal direction. A first contact for electrically contacting an additional contact element is arranged on a side of the first structure section facing the receptacle.

In another embodiment, the crosspiece is arranged in the longitudinal direction at the level of the first contact. Alternatively, the crosspiece is arranged offset from the first contact in the longitudinal direction.

In another embodiment, a gap is arranged between the first structure section and a region of the second box section, the gap extending in the longitudinal direction.

In another embodiment, the embossed structure comprises a third structure section, the third structure section being connected to the second structure section, the third

structure section comprising a second contact on a side facing the receptacle, the second contact and the first contact being arranged in one contact plane. In another embodiment, the recess and the additional recess are arranged in a plane, the plane being arranged parallel to the contact plane.

In another embodiment, the first box section and the third box section are arranged parallel to each other. Additionally or alternatively, the second box section and the fourth box section are arranged parallel to each other.

In another embodiment, the first box section and the third box section are configured symmetrically to a plane of symmetry arranged between the first box section and the third box section. As a result, a particularly uniform distribution of forces is ensured inside the contact box. In another embodiment, the fourth box section comprises at least in sections an additional embossed structure having a fourth structure section and at least a fifth structure section, the fifth structure section being arranged offset from the fourth structure section transversely to the

longitudinal direction, a third contact being arranged on a side of the fourth structure section facing the receptacle. In another embodiment, the grid structure comprises expanded metal as the material.

It has been recognised that an improved contact system can be provided in that the contact system comprises a contact element, which is configured as described above, and an additional contact element, the additional contact element including an engagement section with a contact surface, the engagement section engaging in the receptacle, the first box section and the third box section providing a clamping force for pressing the second box section and the fourth box section onto the contact surface.

The invention will be explained in greater detail below with reference to figures, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a contact system; Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section through a contact element according to a first embodiment;

Figure 3 shows a sectional view along a sectional plane A-A shown in Figure 2 through the contact element shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a cutout of the longitudinal section shown in Figure 2 through the contact element; Figure 5 shows a plan view of a contact element according to a second embodiment;

Figure 6 shows a sectional view along a sectional plane B-B shown in Figure 5 through the contact element shown in Figure Figure 7 shows a lateral view of a contact element according to a third embodiment;

Figure 8 shows a sectional view along a sectional plane C-C shown in Figure 7 through the contact element shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a lateral view of a contact element according to a fourth embodiment;

Figure 10 shows a sectional view along a sectional plane D-D shown in Figure 9 through the contact element shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a lateral view of a contact element according to a fifth embodiment; and

Figure 12 shows a sectional view along a sectional plane E-E shown in Figure 11 through the contact element shown in

Figure 11.

Reference is made to a coordinate system 5 in the following figures. The coordinate system 5 includes an x-axis, a y-axis and a z-axis. The coordinate system 5 is in this case

configured by way of example as a right-handed system. The x- axis can in this case also be referred to as the longitudinal direction, the y-axis as the transverse direction to the longitudinal direction and the z-direction as the vertical direction. The y-axis and the z-axis are in this case each aligned transversely to the longitudinal direction.

Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a contact system 10. The contact system 10 includes a contact element 15 according to a first embodiment and an additional contact element 20. The contact element 15 can be electrically connected to an electrical conductor 25.

The contact element 15 includes a contact box 30, a

connecting section 35 and preferably a connection section 40. The connection section 40 is provided in the longitudinal direction between the contact box 30 and the connecting section 35. At the connecting section 35, the electrical conductor 25 is connected in an electrically conducting manner to the connecting section 35, preferably by means of a crimp connection. The electrical conductor 25 can also be connected in a different manner to the connecting section 35. Additionally or alternatively to the connecting section 35, an additional contact box can also be provided. It may be noted that the connection section 40 can be dispensed with. The connecting section 35 can in this case be connected directly to the contact box 30. The connection section 40 can also be configured in a different manner to that shown in Figure 1.

The connection section 40 connects the connecting section 35 to the contact box 30. The connection section 40 is in this case, by way of example, flexibly configured in the

transverse direction and/or vertical direction (y-direction and/or z-direction) in the embodiment and reduces a transfer of mechanical deformations and/or vibrations between the connecting section 35 and the contact box 30.

The contact box 30 circumferentially limits a receptacle 45. The receptacle 45 comprises a receptacle opening 150 on a side facing away from the connection section 40. In the assembled condition of the contact system 10, an engagement section 50 of the additional contact element 20 engages in the receptacle 45 by means of the receptacle opening 150. The engagement section 50 circumferentially comprises a contact surface 55. On the inner side, the contact box 30 abuts the contact surface 55 and electrically connects the additional contact element 20 to the contact element 15.

Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section through the contact element 15 shown in Figure 1.

The contact box 30 extends in the longitudinal direction (x- direction) of the contact element 15. The contact box 30 comprises a wall 59. The wall 59 comprises a first box section 60 and a second box section 65. The first box section 60 extends by way of example in an xz-plane. The first box section 60 is connected to the second box section 65. The second box section 65 is aligned perpendicularly to the first box section 60 and extends by way of example in an xy-plane.

The first box section 60 is configured in a spring-elastic manner, preferably as a tension spring. The first box section 60 comprises a grid structure 69. In the embodiment, the grid structure 69 comprises a first recess 70 and preferably at least a second recess 75. By way of example, as shown in

Figure 2, a plurality of recesses 70, 75 can be provided. The number of recesses 70, 75 is not limited in this case. In the case of a particularly compact configuration of the contact box 30, in particular in the longitudinal direction, the grid structure 69 can also include only one of the recesses 70, 75.

The second recess 75 is arranged on a side of the grid structure 69 facing the receptacle opening 150. The

additional second recess 75 is arranged on a side of the grid structure 69 facing the connection section 40. The first recess 70 is arranged in the longitudinal direction between the second recess 75 and the additional second recess 75. The second box section 65 comprises a first embossed

structure 100 and is substantially configured in a rigid and bend-resistant manner. Additionally or alternatively to the first embossed structure 100, the first box section 65 can comprise a bracing.

Figure 3 shows a sectional view along a sectional plane A-A shown in Figure 2 through the contact element 15 shown in Figure 2.

The wall 59 of the contact box 30 comprises a third box section 135 and a fourth box section 140. The third box section 135 is arranged opposite the first box section 60 in the transverse direction. The third box section 135 extends in an xz-plane. The second box section 65 is arranged between the first box section 60 and the third box section 135 and connects the third box section 135 to the first box section 60 on the upper side.

In the embodiment, the first box section 60 and the third box section 135 are arranged parallel to each other. The first box section 60 and the third box section 135 can also be configured in an inclined manner with respect to each other. In particular, the first box section 60 and the third box section 135 can be arranged with respect to each other in such a manner that the receptacle 45 tapers from the

receptacle opening 150 towards the connecting section 35.

The third box section 135 is configured identically to the first box section 60 in the embodiment. The third box section 135 is configured in a spring-elastic manner, preferably as a tension spring. The third box section 135 comprises an additional grid structure 145. The additional grid structure 145 is configured identically to the grid structure 69 of the first box section 60. It is particularly advantageous if the additional grid structure 145 and the grid structure 69 are configured mirror-symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry 155 which is arranged between the first box section 60 and the third box section 135 and which therefore extends in an xz-plane. As a result of the symmetrical configuration of the grid structure 69 and the additional grid structure 145, a uniform loading of the respective grid structure 69, 145 is ensured. The fourth box section 140 is arranged opposite the second box section 65 in the z-direction. In this case, the second box section 65 is arranged above the receptacle 45 and the fourth box section 140 is arranged below the receptacle 45. The fourth box section 140 is arranged in the transverse direction between the first box section 60 and the third box section 135 and connects the first box section 60 to the third box section 135. It is particularly advantageous if the fourth box section 140 comprises a second embossed structure 160. Additionally or alternatively to the second embossed structure 160, the fourth box section 65 can comprise a bracing. The fourth box section 160 is substantially

configured in a rigid and bend-resistant manner.

Figure 4 shows a cutout of the longitudinal section shown in Figure 2 through the contact element 15.

The second recess 75 is open towards the receptacle opening 150. Furthermore, the additional second recess 75 is open towards the connecting section 35.

The first recess 70 comprises a first recess contour 80 and the second recess 75 comprises a second recess contour 85. In the embodiment, the first recess contour 80 and the second recess contour 85 are, by way of example, in sections configured identically. The first recess contour 80 can also be configured differently to the second recess contour 85. In the embodiment, the recess contour 80, 85 is configured by way of example in a diamond shape. Additionally or

alternatively, the recess contour 80, 85 can at least in sections be configured to be rectangular and/or square and/or polygonal and/or round and/or elliptical and/or circular and/or slotted. In the configuration shown in Figure 4, the recess 70, 75 is configured so as to extend completely through the material of the first box section 60. The recess 70, 75 can also be configured as a material tapering in the first box section 60.

The first recess 70 and the second recess 75 are arranged in a common plane 95. The plane 95 is in this case configured as an xy-plane.

Furthermore, the grid structure 69 includes a first

crosspiece 90 and preferably at least a second crosspiece 91. The first crosspiece 90 is arranged between the first recess 70 and the second recess 75. The second crosspiece 91 is arranged offset in the longitudinal direction on a side opposite the second recess 75 between the first recess 70 and the additional second recess 75. In the embodiment, the crosspiece 90, 91 has, by way of example, a planar

configuration. The crosspiece 90, 91 can also be configured in a different manner.

The first crosspiece 90 and the second crosspiece 91 have an hourglass-like configuration as a result of the geometric configuration of the recess 70, 75, the crosspiece 90, 91 being configured to be narrowest in the longitudinal

direction at the level of the plane 95 in which the recess 70, 75 comprises its greatest longitudinal extent.

The first embossed structure 100 includes a first structure section 105, a second structure section 110 and, in addition, optionally, a third structure section 115. The first

structure section 105 and the third structure section 115 are arranged in a common first contact plane 120. The second structure section 110 connects the first structure section 105 to the third structure section 115 and is arranged in the longitudinal direction between the first structure section 105 and the third structure section 115. The second structure section 110 is arranged offset outwardly from the receptacle 45 with respect to the first structure section 105 and the third structure section 115. If the engagement section 50 is inserted into the receptacle 45, the first structure section 105 comprises a first contact 125 with the contact surface 55. The third structure section 115 comprises a second contact 130 with the contact surface 55. The second contact 130 is arranged offset from the first contact 125 in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the first contact 125 and the second contact 130 are, by way of example, arranged in the common first contact plane 120. The first contact plane 120 is arranged, by way of example, parallel to the plane 95.

It is particularly advantageous in this case if the first crosspiece 90 is arranged at the level of the first contact 125 and the second crosspiece 91 is arranged in the

longitudinal direction at the level of the second contact 130.

The second embossed structure 160 comprises a fourth

structure section 165, a fifth structure section 170 and a sixth structure section 175. In the longitudinal direction, the fifth structure section 170 is arranged between the fourth structure section 165 and the sixth structure section 175 and connects the fourth structure section 165 to the sixth structure section 175. In this case, the fourth

structure section 165 is arranged on a side facing away from the connecting section 35, and the sixth structure section

175 is arranged on a side of the fifth structure section 170 facing the connecting section 35. The fifth structure section 170 is recessed with respect to the receptacle 45 in the z- direction and is arranged lower than the fourth structure section 165 and the sixth structure section 175. When the engagement section 50 is inserted, the fourth structure section 165 comprises a third contact 180 at the contact surface 55 on a side of the fourth structure section 165 facing the receptacle 45. When the engagement section 50 is inserted, the fifth structure section 170 is arranged with spacing from the contact surface 55. When the engagement section 50 is inserted into the receptacle 45, the sixth structure section 175 rests on the contact surface 55 and comprises a fourth contact 185. It is particularly

advantageous if the first crosspiece 90 is arranged at the level of the third contact 180 and the second crosspiece 91 is arranged at the level of the fourth contact 185.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the third contact 180 is arranged in the z-direction opposite the first contact 125 and the fourth contact 185 is arranged in the z-direction opposite the second contact 130. As a result, a tilting of the engagement section 50 in the receptacle 45 and a uniform contacting of the engagement section 50 in the receptacle 45 are ensured.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the third contact 180 and the fourth contact 185 are arranged in a common second contact plane 190, the second contact plane 190 preferably being configured as an xy-plane and being arranged parallel to the plane 95 and the first contact plane 120.

If the engagement section 50 is inserted into the receptacle 45, the engagement section 50 presses the first embossed structure 100 and the second embossed structure 160 apart in the z-direction and clamps the first box section 60 and the third box section 135. As a result of this bracing, the first box section 60 and the third box section 135 provide a bracing force F _s . The bracing force F _s is transferred by means of the rigidly configured second and fourth box

sections 65, 140 to the first structure section 105, the third structure section 115, the fourth structure section 165 and the sixth structure section 175 so that the first structure section 105, the third structure section 115, the fourth structure section 165 and the sixth structure section 175 are pressed onto the contact surface 55 of the engagement section 50 and thus a reliable mechanical and electrical contact 125, 130, 180, 185 is ensured between the contact box 30 and the engagement section 50. As a result, additional spring elements inside the contact element 15 for contacting the contact element 15 with the additional contact element 20 can be dispensed with.

In particular, the contact element 15 can thereby be

particularly simply configured and can be manufactured particularly inexpensively. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the grid structure 69, 145 comprises expanded metal so that the contact element 15 is particularly light. Furthermore, the grid structure 69, 145 thereby has a

particularly high strength.

The bracing force F _s can be simply fixed by means of the geometric configuration of the recess contour 80, 85. Thus, for example, a diamond-shaped configuration of the recess contour 80, 85 is particularly suitable for a particularly stiff configuration of the grid structure 69, 145 so that the bracing force F _s is particularly high.

Figure 5 shows a plan view of a contact element 15 according to a second embodiment. The contact element 15 is configured substantially identically to the contact element 15 shown in Figures 1 to 4.

The second box section 65 comprises a first region 195 and a second region 200. The first embossed structure 100 is arranged between the first region 195 and the second region 200 in the y-direction. The first region 195 and the second region 200 are configured in a plate-like manner and

substantially extend in an xy-plane. A first gap 205 is arranged between the first region 195 and the first embossed structure 100, and a second gap 210 is arranged between the first embossed structure 100 and the second region 200. The first gap 205 extends parallel to the second gap 210 in the longitudinal direction.

Furthermore, the first box section 60 comprises a third region 215 and a fourth region 220. The third region 215 adjoins the receptacle opening 150 and is arranged in the longitudinal direction between a first end 225 of the first embossed structure 100 and the receptacle opening 150. The fourth region 220 is arranged in the longitudinal direction between a second end 230 of the first embossed structure 100 and the connection section 40. The first embossed structure 100 is connected to the third region 215 with the first end 225 of the first embossed structure 100, and the first embossed structure 100 is connected to the fourth region 220 with the second end 230 of the first embossed structure 100. As a result, an easy deflection of the first embossed structure 100 can be ensured in the z-direction when the engagement section 50 is inserted into the receptacle 45 and the contact box 30 can generally be configured to be softer than the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 4.

Figure 6 shows a sectional view through the contact element 15 shown in Figure 5 along a sectional plane B-B shown in Figure 5. As a result of the gap 205, 210, the first embossed structure 100 can be arranged over wide regions in the longitudinal direction below the first and second regions 195, 200 so that the receptacle 45 is particularly narrow in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the grid structure 69, 145 is, by way of example, configured with a finer mesh in the embodiment than shown in Figures 1 to 4. As a result, the grid structure 69, 145 is also configured to be softer than in Figures 1 to 4 so that the additional contact element 20 can be inserted into the contact element 15 with a particularly low insertion force into the receptacle 45. Figure 7 shows a lateral view of a contact element 15 according to a third embodiment. The contact element 15 is configured to be substantially identical to the contact elements 15 shown in Figures 1 to 6. Deviating therefrom, the grid structure 69, 145 is configured with a finer mesh than shown in Figures 1 to 4. In addition, the grid structure 69, 145 comprises at least a third recess 235 and at least a fourth recess 240, the fourth recess 240 being arranged below the third recess 235 in the z-direction. The crosspiece 90, 91 extends in each case in the z-direction between the third recess 235 and the fourth recess 240. The third recess 235 and the fourth recess 240 are arranged offset from the first recess 70 and the second recess 75 in the longitudinal direction . The third and fourth recesses 235, 240 are configured

identically to the first recess 70. Furthermore, the recess 70, 75, 235, 240 of the additional grid structure 145 is arranged so as to overlap the respective recess 70, 75, 235, 240 of the grid structure 69 in the longitudinal direction. In this case, overlapping in the longitudinal direction is intended to mean that, in the case of two components, for example the recess 70, 75, 235, 240 of the respective grid structure 69, 145, projecting into a common yz-plane, said components cover one another.

Figure 8 shows a sectional view through the contact element 15 shown in Figure 7 along a sectional plane C-C shown in Figure 7. In addition to the grid structure 69, the first box section 60 comprises a fold 241. In addition to the additional grid structure 145, the third box section 135 further comprises an additional fold 242. In an alternative configuration of the first box section 60 and/or of the additional box section 135, the grid structure 69, 145 is dispensed with and/or the first and/or the third box section 60, 135 exclusively comprise (s) the fold 241, 242.

The fold 241, 242 is, by way of example, configured in that the crosspiece 90, 91 comprises a curvature, the curvature having a concave configuration with respect to the receptacle 45. The advantage of this configuration is that, when the engagement section 50 is inserted into the receptacle 45, the curvature of the crosspiece 90, 91 is reduced and the fold 241, 242 lengthens in the z-direction. As a result, the receptacle 45 can widen particularly broadly in the z- direction and the contact box 30 can be configured in a particularly soft and elastic manner in the vertical

direction .

Alternatively to the configuration shown in Figure 8, the crosspiece 90 can also have a convex configuration with respect to the receptacle 45. However, the advantage of the concave configuration is that, in the case of an arrangement of the contact element 15 in a contact housing, the contact element 15 takes up a particularly small amount of

installation space.

Figure 9 shows a lateral view of a contact element 15 according to a fourth embodiment. The contact element 15 is configured substantially identically to the contact element 15 shown in Figure 7 and 8. Deviating therefrom, the grid structure 69, 145 is configured with a particularly fine mesh, wherein the recess 70, 75, 235, 240 is configured in the form of a gap. As a result, a soft contact box 30 can be provided, particularly in the z-direction. Figure 10 shows a sectional view along a sectional plane D-D shown in Figure 9 through the contact element 15 shown in Figure 9. The fold 241, 242 is configured in that the crosspiece 90, 91 comprises a first crosspiece section 245 and at least a second crosspiece section 250. The first crosspiece section 245 is connected with a fixed end 255 to the second

crosspiece section 250. The crosspiece section 245, 50 extends from the fixed end 255 towards a free end 260 in the direction of the receptacle 45. In this case, the first crosspiece section 245 is arranged in an inclined manner with respect to the second crosspiece section 250, preferably at an obtuse angle.

In the embodiment, the first crosspiece section 245 and the second crosspiece section 250 are, by way of example, configured in a plate-like manner. The first crosspiece section 245 and the second crosspiece section 250 can also each be configured to be curved, preferably configured with a concave or convex curvature.

When the engagement section 50 is inserted into the

receptacle 45, the crosspiece 90, 91 is widened, and an inclination of the first crosspiece section 245 with respect to the second crosspiece section 250 is reduced. The

crosspiece 90, 91 is in this case braced and then provides the clamping force F _s when the engagement section 50 is inserted into the receptacle 45.

The grid structure 69, 145 shown in Figures 9 and 10 can advantageously be configured by means of a stamping and bending method, the respective crosspiece section 245, 250 being capable of being configured particularly simply as reeving by means of a die. Figure 11 shows a lateral view of a contact element 15 according to a fifth embodiment. The contact element 15 is configured substantially identically to the contact elements 15 shown in Figures 1 to 10. Deviating therefrom, the grid structure 69, 145 comprises a particularly thinly configured crosspiece 90, 91 and a particularly high number of recesses 70, 75, 235, 240. In this case, a plane of section (in a longitudinal section) of the crosspiece 90, 91 is smaller than a surface of the recess 70, 75, 235, 240. As a result, the grid structure 69, 145 is particularly elastic in the z- direction .

In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the grid structure 69, 145 comprises expanded metal as the material.

Figure 12 shows a sectional view along a sectional plane E-E shown in Figure 11 through the contact element 15 shown in Figure 11. The crosspiece 90, 91 is arranged obliquely in an inclined manner with respect to the second and fourth box sections 65, 140. In this case, the crosspiece 90, 91 is aligned towards the second box section 65, by way of example, from a contact box exterior 246 towards the receptacle 45. Alternatively, the crosspiece 90, 91 can also be aligned towards the fourth box section 140 from the contact box exterior 245 towards the receptacle 45.

It may be noted that the features of the different

configurations of the contact element 15 shown in Figures 1 to 12 can of course also be combined with each other or individual features can also be dispensed with.

It is particularly advantageous in the case of the

configuration of the contact element 15 shown in Figures 1 to 12 that a characteristic of the first and/or third box sections 60, 135 can be simply adapted by means of a

corresponding constructive configuration of the grid

structure 69, 145. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if, for a stiff characteristic, the recess 70, 75, 235, 240 substantially comprises a maximum perimeter which is located in the region of a material thickness of the first box section 60 and/or of the third box section 135.

Furthermore, it is of course conceivable that the contact element 15 comprises an additional contact box, the

additional contact box being arranged circumferentially on the contact box 30 shown in Figures 1 to 12 and engaging round the contact box 30 circumferentially . In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the additional contact box is configured similarly to the contact box 30 which has the grid structure 69, 145 and which is shown in Figures 1 to 12.

Furthermore, as a result of the provision of the grid

structure 69, 145, the contact element 15 can be produced by means of machines which are already currently used during the manufacture of the contact element 15, wherein following the manufacture of the grid structure 69, 145 the contact box 30 can be bent and welded in an overlapping arrangement, preferably laser-welded or clinched.

Furthermore, the contact element 15 shown in Figures 1 to 12 is particularly light and has a low material consumption during manufacture since it is possible to dispense with an internal spring inside the contact box 30.

Furthermore, the first and/or the third box section 60, 135 can optimally be adapted to a mechanical stress distribution inside the contact box 30 so that a stress distribution inside the contact box 30 is homogenised and a maximum stress for the required clamping force F _s inside the contact box 30 is reduced. As a result, the contact element 15 can also be produced from less spring-tempered special alloys.