Electrically conductive contact element for connector

Abstract

To provide an improved and cost-effective contact element for a connector which can better withstand wear so as to reduce the contact resistance while reducing the mating force to ease the assembly and maintenance of the connector.SOLUTION: An electrically conductive contact element 10 for an electrical connector with a contact surface 24 adapted to be brought into contact with a surface of a connecting part of a mating electrical connector comprises: a body 12; and an electrically conductive material layer 22 made of an electrically conductive material M and provided on a first surface 14 of the body. The contact surface 24 is formed by a contact surface of the electrically conductive material layer facing away from the body. The first surface of the body has at least one depression 16 forming a reservoir 20 filled with the electrically conductive material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conductive contact element for a connector having a contact surface, and to an electrical connector including such a conductive contact element.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a method for making a contact surface of a conductive contact element for an electrical connector. [Background technology]

[0003] Electrical connectors are commonly used for transmitting signals or power and connecting electrical and electronic systems. Electrical connectors are provided with conductive contact elements that make contact with contact elements of a mating electrical connector when the electrical connector is plugged into the mating electrical connector. The contact elements of the connector elements are typically formed as contact pins, and the contact elements of the mating connector are typically formed as contact springs. When the connector and mating connector are mated, the contact springs exert a resilient spring force on the contact pins, thereby providing an electrical connection between the contact elements.

[0004] Mechanical and / or chemical degradation occurring at the contact surfaces of the contact elements may affect the quality of the electrical connection. Each contact surface of the conductive contact elements may be coated with a layer of tin, nickel or an alloy thereof.

[0005] As in automobiles, electrical connectors may be exposed to wide temperature variations, vibrations and corrosive environments, which may cause damage to layers covering the contact surfaces. Degradation caused by a combination of mechanical movement and chemical reactions is known as fretting corrosion. Fretting corrosion may occur when the relative movement between mating contact surfaces causing fretting wear is combined with corrosion (such as oxidation). Fretting corrosion may result in the formation of an insulating oxide layer in the contact area, causing an increase in electrical contact resistance. In addition, wear damage such as abrasion on the contact surfaces of the contact elements may cause an increase in electrical constriction resistance. Since the performance of electrical connectors is related to the reliability of the electrical contact, wear damage on the contact surfaces needs to be prevented in order to avoid operational failures due to increased electrical resistance.

[0006] In addition to improved resistance to wear and corrosion, low insertion and withdrawal forces are required to facilitate the installation and maintenance of electrical connectors. To reduce insertion forces, surface wear or fretting corrosion, contact surfaces of connectors in the prior art are applied with oil or grease. However, contact surfaces that are greased or oiled lose the applied grease or oil during operation. To address this problem associated with the use of grease or oil on contact surfaces, it is known from US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0173214(A1) to provide a conductive contact element for an electrical connector comprising a contact surface having a plurality of cavities arranged in a microstructure below the contact surface, the plurality of cavities being filled and enclosed with a lubricant. The spatial dimensions of the cavities of US 2019 / 0173214(A1) range from 0.1 to 50 micrometers. The location of the cavities of US 2019 / 0173214(A1) below the contact surface is such that the exit of the cavities is narrow enough that the lubricant filling the cavities cannot be contacted without providing an opening from the contact surface to the cavities. Fabrication of the microstructures of US 2019 / 0173214(A1) requires the use of a laser, an electron beam, or a surface treatment such as masking and etching. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved, cost-effective contact element for a connector that can withstand more wear to reduce contact resistance while facilitating connector assembly and maintenance by reducing mating forces, particularly without the need for the use of lubricants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by a conductive contact element for an electrical connector according to claim 1. The conductive contact element has a contact surface adapted to contact a surface of a connection part of a mating electrical connector adapted to mate with the electrical connector. The conductive contact element comprises a body and a layer of conductive material provided on a first side of said body, the contact surface being formed by a side of said layer of conductive material facing away from the body. The first side of the body comprises at least one recess forming a reservoir filled with conductive material.

[0009] In the at least one recess, the conductive contact element is provided with a conductive material filled in the reservoir in addition to the conductive material contained in the layer. Thus, in the at least one recess below the contact surface, there is more conductive material than in the remaining parts of the conductive contact element, and the first surface of the body is covered by the layer of conductive material. As a result, uneven wear of the contact surface occurs, which allows the presence of conductive material to continue longer in the at least one recess. As a result, the at least one recess provides a contact area that is longer protected from mechanical wear and corrosion during the life of the conductive contact element. Thus, with respect to the known contact element, resistance to outdoor environments such as corrosive media and electrical constriction resistance in the at least one recess is improved over the life of the conductive contact element. This makes it possible to increase the durability of electrical connectors equipped with such conductive contact elements by preventing or at least delaying malfunctions of the connectors related to the quality of the electrical contact, and in addition, the presence of the conductive material makes it possible to reduce the mating forces required due to the mechanical properties of the conductive material, thereby improving the ease of assembly, plugging and handling of the associated electrical connectors.

[0010] Further improvements of the conductive contact element can be achieved according to various advantageous embodiments, which are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the conductive material filled in the reservoir may be configured to contact a surface of a mating portion of a mating electrical connector.

[0012] The reservoir thus has a direct output at the contact surface, which allows the conductive material to be directly exposed to the mating contact surface.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the body may be made of metal and the conductive material may be a plated material made of tin, nickel, silver, gold, a tin-nickel alloy, an alloy of tin, or a nickel-silver alloy.

[0014] The conductive material is selected to allow for an electrical connection between the electrical connectors.

[0015] The plating material may be selected based on its resistance to mechanical wear and / or corrosion, as well as its cost and availability.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the smallest dimension of the at least one recess in the plane of the contact surface may be greater than 0.05 mm, in particular comprised between 0.05 mm and 0.06 mm.

[0017] Thus, given the dimensions of the at least one depression, the at least one depression does not form a microstructure in the first surface of the body, thereby allowing processes such as metal stamping to be used to form macroscopic scale depressions, which are simpler and more cost effective than fabrication means required to form microstructures, such as laser, electron beam or masking and etching.

[0018] The term "greater than" should be interpreted as "equal to or greater than (i.e., in the sense of "greater than or equal to")" rather than "strictly greater than."

[0019] According to one embodiment, the maximum depth of the at least one recess may be greater than 0.03 mm, in particular greater than 0.04 mm, more particularly greater than 0.05 mm.

[0020] As noted above, given the dimensions of the at least one depression, the at least one depression does not form a microstructure in the first surface of the body, allowing processes such as metal stamping to be used to form macroscopic depressions, which are simpler and more cost effective than fabrication means required to form microstructures, such as laser, e-beam or masking and etching.

[0021] Additionally, by increasing the size of the reservoir of conductive material, the maximum depth can be tailored to provide greater and longer improved resistance to wear.

[0022] The term "greater than" should be interpreted as "equal to or greater than (i.e., in the sense of "greater than or equal to")" rather than "strictly greater than."

[0023] According to one embodiment, the at least one depression may have a hemispherical or groove shape, in particular a rounded groove shape.

[0024] The hemispherical and circular shapes allow for the avoidance of sharp edges and for optimizing the amount of conductive material filled into the reservoir.

[0025] The groove shape makes it possible to provide a reservoir which can advantageously extend along the direction of back and forth movement of the mating contact surface, for example movement caused by vibration.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the conductive contact element may further comprise an adhesive layer disposed on the first surface of the body and sandwiched between the first surface and the layer of conductive material.

[0027] The use of an adhesion layer can further improve the quality of the electrical contact over time.

[0028] According to one embodiment, in at least one recess, the thickness of the conductive material may be greater than the thickness of the adhesive layer.

[0029] Thus, despite the presence of an adhesive layer, the reservoir is filled with a sufficient amount of conductive material to provide the technical effects of improved resistance to wear and corrosion, reduced electrical constriction resistance and reduced required mating force.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the adhesion layer may be made from nickel, copper or tin.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the conductive contact element may comprise a plurality of recesses, and the minimum separation between the recesses may be comprised between 0.10 mm and 0.15 mm.

[0032] The multiple dimples provide improved contact area redundancy, thereby increasing the reliability and durability of the electrical contact between the electrical connectors.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first surface of the body may comprise at least one curved region that is curved in at least one direction, and the at least one recess may be disposed in the at least one curved region.

[0034] The curved region can provide an area that is more easily deformed under elastic spring force than other areas. By increasing the mechanical contact performance in the curved region, the electrical contact performance can also be improved. Thus, locating at least one recess in the curved region is particularly advantageous.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first surface of the body may comprise a plurality of depressions of different shapes and / or sizes.

[0036] Thus, the design of the recess can be advantageously adapted to the contact area based on the force applied, the size of the contact area with the mating connector, etc.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the conductive contact elements may be included in an electrical connector configured to mate with a mating electrical connector.

[0038] The object of the invention is further achieved by an electrical connector adapted to be mated with a mating electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising a conductive contact element, the conductive contact element comprising a body having at least a first side and a layer of conductive material provided on the first side of the body, the first side of the body comprising at least one recess forming a reservoir filled with conductive material, the conductive contact element further comprising a contact surface configured to contact a connection surface of the mating electrical connector and formed by a surface of the conductive material layer facing away from the body.

[0039] In the electrical connector according to the invention, in at least one recess, the conductive contact element is provided with a conductive material filled in a reservoir below the contact surface in addition to the conductive material contained in the layer. Thus, in the at least one recess, the contact surface made of the conductive material is thicker than in the other parts of the conductive contact element. As a result, an uneven wear of the contact surface occurs, which allows the presence of the conductive material to be maintained longer in the at least one recess. As a result, the at least one recess provides a contact area that is protected longer against mechanical wear and corrosion during the life of the conductive contact element of the electrical connector. Thus, with respect to the known electrical connector, the resistance to outdoor environments such as corrosive media and the electrical constriction resistance in the at least one recess is improved over the life of the conductive contact element of the electrical connector. This allows for increased durability of the electrical connector by preventing or at least delaying connector malfunctions related to the quality of the electrical contact, and also allows for easier assembly, plugging and handling of the electrical connector since the presence of the conductive material allows for reduced mating forces due to the mechanical properties of the conductive material.

[0040] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a method for manufacturing a contact surface of a conductive contact element, comprising the steps of a) forming at least one recess in a first side of a body of the conductive contact element, in particular by metal stamping, and then b) applying a layer of conductive material to the first side, including filling the at least one recess with the conductive material.

[0041] Thus, the contact surfaces can be formed using easy and cost-effective fabrication processes.

[0042] This manufacturing method makes it possible to provide a contact surface in which there is more conductive material in at least one recess below the contact surface than in other parts of the conductive contact element, and in which the first surface of the body is covered by a layer of conductive material. As a result, uneven wear of the contact surface occurs, which allows the presence of conductive material to continue longer in the at least one recess. As a result, the at least one recess provides a contact area that is longer protected from mechanical wear and corrosion during the life of the conductive contact element. Thus, with respect to known contact elements, resistance to outdoor environments such as corrosive media and electrical constriction resistance in the at least one recess is improved over the life of the conductive contact element. This makes it possible to increase the durability of electrical connectors equipped with such conductive contact elements by preventing or at least delaying malfunctions of the connectors related to the quality of the electrical contact, and in addition, the presence of the conductive material makes it possible to reduce the mating forces required due to the mechanical properties of the conductive material, thereby improving the ease of assembly, plugging and handling of the associated electrical connectors.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the manufacturing method may further comprise, prior to step b), the step of applying an adhesion layer to the contact surface.

[0044] The step of adding an adhesive layer can further improve the quality of the electrical contact over the life of the electrical connector.

[0045] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and form a part of this specification to illustrate some embodiments of the present invention. These drawings, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. The drawings are intended merely to illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the present invention can be implemented and used, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention to only the embodiments shown and described. Furthermore, some aspects of the embodiments may form solutions according to the present invention, either individually or in various combinations. Thus, the embodiments described below may be considered either alone or in any combination thereof. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following more detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a conductive contact element according to a first embodiment of the invention at an initial stage. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates a body of the conductive contact element shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a conductive contact element according to a second embodiment of the invention at an initial stage. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a top view of a conductive contact element according to a second embodiment of the invention at a later stage than an initial stage. [Figure 4B] 4B is a cross-sectional view of the conductive contact element shown in FIG. 4A. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a body of a conductive contact element according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] 5A-5D illustrate successive steps of a method for manufacturing a contact surface of a conductive contact element according to a third embodiment of the invention. [Figure 6B] 5A-5D illustrate successive steps of a method for manufacturing a contact surface of a conductive contact element according to a third embodiment of the invention. [Figure 6C] 5A-5D illustrate successive steps of a method for manufacturing a contact surface of a conductive contact element according to a third embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] All the above-described embodiments are not intended as limiting, but serve as examples illustrating the features and advantages of the present invention. It is understood that some or all of the above-described features may be combined in different ways.

[0048] Figures 1 and 2 show partial cross-sectional views of the body of a conductive contact element 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A contact surface is shown in Figure 1, but is omitted in Figure 2 in order to more clearly show the structure of the body of the conductive contact element 10. Figures 1 and 2 will be described together below.

[0049] A conductive contact element 10 for an electrical connector (not shown) comprises a body 12, in particular a metallic body 12. The body 12 is defined by a number of faces. According to the invention, at least one face 14 of the body 12, which in the example of Figures 1 and 2 extends in a plane (XY), is provided with a recess 16. The recess 16 extends from an opening 18 in the face 14 partially into the body 12 along a direction parallel to the axis Z.

[0050] In a first embodiment, the recess 16 has a substantially hemispherical shape. The diameter L1 of the corresponding circular opening 18 may be greater than 0.05 mm and may in particular be comprised between 0.05 mm and 0.06 mm.

[0051] The maximum depth L2 of the recess 16 is greater than 0.01 mm, i.e., the maximum depth L2 of the recess 16 may be greater than 0.03 mm, in particular greater than 0.04 mm, and more particularly greater than 0.05 mm.

[0052] The term "greater than" should be interpreted as "equal to or greater than (i.e., in the sense of "greater than or equal to")" rather than "strictly greater than."

[0053] In a variant, the recess 16 may have a groove shape, in particular a rounded groove shape. In another variant, the opening 18 of the recess 16 may have a square, rectangular, oval, triangular, etc. shape.

[0054] The recess 16 forms a reservoir 20. Figure 2 shows the reservoir 20 empty to better highlight the structure of the recess 16. As noted above and highlighted in Figure 2, the recess 16 has one open end 18.

[0055] 1, a layer 22 of conductive material M having a thickness L3 is provided on surface 14 of body 12. Conductive material M is a plating material that may be made of tin, nickel, silver, gold, a tin-nickel alloy, an alloy of tin, or a nickel-silver alloy.

[0056] In the first embodiment, a layer of conductive material M (conductive material layer) 22 is applied directly to the face 14 .

[0057] A face 24 of the conductive material layer 22 faces away from the body 12 of the conductive contact element 10 and forms a contact surface 24. The contact surface 24 extends substantially in a plane (XY). The contact surface 24 is configured to contact a surface of a mating portion of a mating electrical connector (not shown).

[0058] As shown in the initial stage depicted in FIG. 1, in a first embodiment, a conductive material M of thickness T1 is provided above the deepest point A of the reservoir 20, where T1=L2+L3.

[0059] The initial stage corresponds to a stage where the conductive contact element 10 has not yet come into contact with the conductive contact element of the mating connector. Thus, in the initial stage, there has not yet been any mechanical wear, corrosion, abrasion or any damage that may result from the mating surface. Therefore, in the initial stage, the contact surface 24 is substantially flat in the plane (XY) as shown in FIG.

[0060] In the following, elements having the same reference numbers as those already described and shown with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 will not necessarily be described in detail again, but reference should be made to the previous description of the same reference number.

[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the body of a conductive contact element 30 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Compared to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the adhesive layer 32 is directly applied to the surface 14 of the body 12 and is sandwiched between the surface 14 of the body 12 and the layer 22 of conductive material M.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, adhesive layer 32 is provided with a substantially uniform thickness L4 on surface 14, including surface 14 at recess 16. As shown in FIG.

[0064] In a second embodiment, layer 22 has a thickness L3', where L3'≦L3.

[0065] As shown in the initial stage depicted in FIG. 3, in the second embodiment, a conductive material M of thickness T2 is provided above the deepest point A of the reservoir 20, where T2=L3'+(L2-L4).

[0066] In a variant (not shown), a further layer may be sandwiched between the face 14 of the body 12 and the layer 22 of conductive material M.

[0067] FIG. 4A shows a top view of the conductive contact element 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention at a stage later than the initial stage where mechanical wear and / or chemical wear has occurred. FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the conductive contact element 30 shown in FIG. 4A. Hereinafter, FIGS. 4A and 4B will be described together.

[0068] In the following, for elements having the same reference numerals as those already described and shown with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3, they will not necessarily be described in detail again, and please refer to the previous description of the same reference numerals.

[0069] In the wear stage shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a dividing portion 40 is formed on the contact surface 24 due to mechanical wear and / or chemical wear, and thereby the adhesive layer 32 is exposed. In a later stage (not shown), the adhesive layer 32 may be further removed, thereby exposing the surface 14 of the main body 12. In the example of FIG. 4A, the dividing portion 40 has the shape of a groove 42 extending along the axis X. Such a linear groove shape may occur, for example, due to the forward and backward movement of the mating contact surface. Depending on the relative movement of the connector and the mating connector, a dividing portion 40 of another shape (not shown) may be formed on the contact surface 24.

[0070] According to the present invention, due to the presence of the recess 16 in the main body 12, it is possible to provide a storage portion 20 for the conductive material M such that the contact region 44 of the conductive material M still remains on the contact surface 24 even if there is a dividing portion 40 in the wear stages of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4B, in the wear stage represented by FIGS. 4A and 4B, the conductive material M having a thickness T3 (T3 < T2) above the deepest point A of the recess 16 still remains in the storage portion 20. Therefore, non-uniform wear on the contact surface 24 is realized, thereby making it possible to provide at least one contact region 44 with low electrical contact resistance.

[0072] It should be noted that the same effect of providing a contact area 44 of conductive material M will occur in the conductive contact element 10 according to the first embodiment. In contrast to the second embodiment, the interruption 40 in the contact surface 24 in the contact element 10 according to the first embodiment will directly expose the face 14 of the body 12 due to the absence of an adhesive layer.

[0073] 5 shows an expanded view of a conductive contact element 50 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The conductive material M and optional adhesive layer 32 are not shown in FIG. 5 in order to show the recesses 16 formed in the conductive contact element 50.

[0074] The conductive contact element 50 according to the third embodiment has a metallic body 52 with a frame 54 extending in a plane (XY) and defining a hole 56. Four contact pins 58 extend in the frame 54 across the holes 56. The number of contact pins 58 is not limited. Each contact pin 58 is bent with respect to the plane (XY) such that two slightly curved regions R1 and R2 are provided. The number of curved regions is not limited.

[0075] The curved regions R1, R2 comprise areas of the conductive contact element 50 that are subjected to a greater resilient spring force compared to other portions of the contact pin 58. The resilient spring force is intended to be exerted on the curved regions R1, R2 by the mating portion of the mating connector which applies pressure to the curved regions R1, R2 when the connectors are in a mated state.

[0076] The curved regions R1, R2 are provided with a plurality of recesses 16 formed in the surface 14 of the metal body 52, as previously described with respect to FIGS.

[0077] The recesses 16 are spaced apart from one another by a minimum distance d1, where d1 is comprised between 0.10 mm and 0.15 mm, in particular d1=0.125 mm.

[0078] By arranging a number of recesses 16 in the curved regions R1, R2 it is possible to improve the wear resistance in the regions most exposed to mechanical stresses and therefore to wear.

[0079] The multiple dimples 16 provide improved contact area redundancy, thereby increasing the reliability and durability of the electrical contact between the electrical connectors.

[0080] 6A, 6B and 6C show successive steps of a method for fabricating a contact surface of a conductive contact element 50 according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0081] In the step depicted in FIG. 6A, the surface 14 of the metal body 12 at the contact pin 58 is substantially uniform.

[0082] In the step depicted in Figure 6B, a plurality of dimples 16 are formed by metal stamping in the surface 14 of the metal body 52 at the contact pin 58. In the example of Figure 6A, each dimple 16 has a substantially hemispherical shape. In a variation (not shown), the dimples 16 may have a shape other than a substantially hemispherical shape. In another variation (not shown), the plurality of dimples 16 may include a combination of dimples 16 of different shapes and / or sizes.

[0083] In the final step of the fabrication method, depicted in FIG. 6C, a plating layer 22 of conductive material M having a thickness L5 is provided on surface 14 of metal body 52, thereby covering surface 14 and filling each recess 16 with conductive material M.

[0084] The surface 24 of the plating layer 22 facing away from the body 52 forms the contact surface 24 of the conductive contact element 50 .

[0085] All the above-mentioned embodiments are not intended as limitations, but serve as examples illustrating the features and advantages of the present invention. It should be understood that some or all of the above-mentioned features may be combined in different ways. It should be noted that features described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with another embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10 Conductive contact element according to the first embodiment 12 Main unit 14 Main body (first) surface 16. Depression 18 Hollow opening 20 Storage section 22 layers 24 Contact Surface 30 Conductive contact element according to the second embodiment 32 Adhesive layer 40 Breaking points at wear stage 42 Groove at wear stage 44 Contact area at wear stage 50 Conductive contact element according to a third embodiment 52 Metal body 54 Frames 56 holes 58 Contact pin A Deepest area of ​​depression 16 d1 the separation distance between the recesses 16 L1 Diameter of recess 16 L2 Maximum depth of recess 16 L3, L3': the thickness of the layer 22 of conductive material M L4 Thickness of adhesive layer 32 L5 - thickness of layer 22 of conductive material M M Conductive material T1, T2, T3 Maximum thickness of conductive material M R1, R2 Curved area of ​​contact pin 58

Claims

1. A conductive contact element (10, 30, 50) for an electrical connector, the contact element having a contact surface (24) configured to contact a surface of a mating portion of a mating electrical connector adapted to mate with said electrical connector, The conductive contact elements (10, 30, 50) a body (12, 52), - a conductive material layer (22) made of a conductive material (M) provided on the first surface (14) of said body (12, 52); Equipped with The conductive contact element (10, 30, 50), wherein the contact surface (24) is formed by a surface (24) of the conductive material layer (22) facing away from the body (12, 52), the first surface (14) of the body (12, 52) comprises at least one recess (16) forming a reservoir (20) filled with the conductive material (M); characterized in that Conductive contact elements (10, 30, 50).

2. The conductive material (M) filled in the reservoir (20) is configured to come into contact with a surface of the connecting portion of the mating electrical connector. The conductive contact element of claim 1 .

3. the main body (12, 52) is made of metal, and the conductive material (M) is a plated material made of tin, nickel, silver, gold, a tin-nickel alloy, a tin alloy, or a nickel-silver alloy; The conductive contact element of claim 1 .

4. the diameter (L1) of the opening (18) of the at least one recess (16) in the plane of the first face (14) of the body (12, 52) is comprised between 0.05 mm and 0.06 mm; The conductive contact element of claim 1 .

5. the maximum depth (L2) of said at least one recess (16) is greater than 0.03 mm, in particular greater than 0.04 mm, and more particularly greater than 0.05 mm; The conductive contact element of claim 4 .

6. the at least one depression (16) has a hemispherical or groove shape, in particular a rounded groove shape; The conductive contact element of claim 1 .

7. The device further includes an adhesive layer (32) provided on the first surface (14) of the body (12, 52) and sandwiched between the first surface (14) of the body (12, 52) and the conductive material layer (22) made of the conductive material (M). The conductive contact element of claim 1 .

8. In the at least one recess (16), the thickness (L3') of the conductive material (M) is greater than the thickness (L4) of the adhesive layer (32); The conductive contact element of claim 7 .

9. The adhesive layer (32) is made of nickel, copper or tin. The conductive contact element of claim 7 .

10. a plurality of recesses (16), the minimum separation distance (d1) between said recesses (16) being comprised between 0.10 mm and 0.15 mm; The conductive contact element of claim 1 .

11. The first surface (14) of the body (12) comprises at least one curved region (R1, R2) that is curved in at least one direction; The conductive contact element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said at least one recess (16) is arranged in said at least one curved region (R1, R2).

12. The first surface (14) of the body (12) comprises a plurality of depressions (16) of different shapes and / or sizes.

4. The conductive contact element of claim 1 or 3.

13. An electrical connector configured to mate with a mating electrical connector, A conductive contact element (10, 30, 50) is provided, the conductive contact element (10, 30, 50) comprising: a body (12, 52) having at least a first surface (14); a conductive material layer (22) made of a conductive material (M) provided on the first surface (14) of the body (12, 52); The first surface (14) of the body (12, 52) includes at least one recess (16) forming a reservoir (20) filled with the conductive material, and the conductive contact element (10, 30, 50) further includes: a contact surface (24) configured to contact a surface of a connecting portion of a mating electrical connector and formed by a surface (24) of the conductive material layer (22) made of the conductive material (M) facing away from the body (12, 52); Electrical connector.

14. 1. A method of fabricating a contact surface of a conductive contact element, comprising: a) forming at least one recess (16) in a first surface (14) of the body (12, 52) of said conductive contact element; and then b) applying a layer (22) of conductive material (M) to said first surface (14), including filling said at least one recess (16) with conductive material (M); A method comprising:

15. Before step b), the method further comprises applying an adhesive layer (32) to the first surface (14) of the body (52) of the conductive contact element (30).

15. The method of claim 14.

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