Conductive contact elements for connectors

Abstract

To provide an electrically conductive contact element that prevents wear damage to contact surfaces.SOLUTION: An electrically conductive contact element 10 for an electrical connector has a contact surface 24 configured to contact a surface of a connecting part of a mating electrical connector. The electrically conductive contact element 10 comprises a body 12 and an electrically conductive material layer 22 made of an electrically conductive material M provided on a first surface 14 of the body 12. The contact surface 24 is formed by a surface 24 of the electrically conductive material layer 22 facing away from the body 12. The first face 14 of the body 12 has at least one depression 16 forming a reservoir 20 filled with the electrically conductive material M.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 an electrical connector comprising such a conductive contact element.

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

Background Art

[0003] Electrical connectors are generally used for signal or power transmission, and for connecting electrical and electronic systems. An electrical connector is provided with a conductive contact element that contacts a contact element of a mating electrical connector when the electrical connector is inserted into the mating electrical connector. The contact element of the connector element is usually formed as a contact pin, and the contact element of the mating connector is usually formed as a contact spring. When the connector and the mating connector are coupled, the contact spring applies an elastic spring force to the contact pin, thereby providing an electrical connection between the contact elements.

[0004] The quality of the electrical connection may be affected by mechanical and / or chemical degradation occurring on the contact surface of the contact element. Each contact surface of the conductive contact element may be coated with a layer of tin, nickel, or an alloy thereof.

[0005] As in automobiles, electrical connectors can be exposed to a wide range of temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and corrosive environments, which can damage the layers covering the contact surfaces. Fretting corrosion is a known form of degradation resulting from a combination of mechanical movement and chemical reactions. Fretting corrosion can occur when the relative motion between mated contact surfaces, which causes fretting wear, combines with corrosion (such as oxidation). Fretting corrosion can lead to the formation of an insulating oxide layer in the contact area, potentially increasing electrical contact resistance. In addition, wear damage, such as abrasion of the contact surfaces of the contact elements, can also increase electrical constriction resistance. Since the performance of an electrical connector is related to the reliability of electrical contact, it is necessary to prevent wear damage to the contact surfaces to avoid malfunctions caused by increased electrical resistance.

[0006] In addition to improving resistance to wear and corrosion, it is necessary to reduce the insertion and removal forces to facilitate the installation and maintenance of electrical connectors. In the prior art, the contact surfaces of connectors are coated with oil or grease to reduce insertion force, surface wear, or fretting corrosion. However, the grease or oil on the contact surfaces is lost during operation. To address this problem associated with the use of grease or oil on the contact surfaces, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0173214(A1) provides a conductive contact element for electrical connectors having a contact surface having a plurality of cavities located below the contact surface in a microstructure, with a lubricant filling and sealing the plurality of cavities. The spatial dimensions of the cavity described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0173214(A1) are in the range of 0.1 to 50 micrometers. The arrangement of the cavity described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0173214(A1) below the contact surface is such that the cavity exit is sufficiently narrow so that it cannot come into contact with the lubricant filling the cavity without providing an opening from the contact surface to the cavity. Fabrication of the microstructure described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0173214(A1) requires the use of lasers, electron beams, or surface treatments such as masking and etching. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved, cost-effective connector contact element that reduces mating force, thereby facilitating connector assembly and maintenance, without requiring the use of lubricants, and is more wear-resistant to reduce contact resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The object of the present invention is realized by a conductive contact element for an electrical connector according to claim 1. The conductive contact element has a contact surface configured to contact the surface of a mating electrical connector that is fitted to mate with the electrical connector. The conductive contact element comprises a body and a layer made of a conductive material provided on a first surface of the body, the contact surface being formed by the surface of the conductive material layer facing away from the body. The first surface of the body includes at least one recess that forms a reservoir filled with the conductive material.

[0009] In at least one recess, the conductive contact element is provided with conductive material filling the reservoir in addition to the conductive material contained in the layer. Thus, at least one recess below the contact surface contains more conductive material than other parts of the conductive contact element, and the first surface of the body is covered by a layer of conductive material. As a result, uneven wear occurs on the contact surface, thereby allowing the presence of conductive material in at least one recess to last longer. Consequently, at least one recess provides a contact area that is protected for a longer period from mechanical wear and corrosion during the lifespan of the conductive contact element. Therefore, compared to known contact elements, resistance to outdoor environments such as corrosive media and electrical concentration resistance in at least one recess is improved over the lifespan 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, connector malfunctions related to the quality of electrical contact. In addition, the presence of conductive material makes it possible to reduce the required mating force due to the mechanical properties of the conductive material, thereby improving the ease of assembly, insertion, and handling of the associated electrical connectors.

[0010] Various advantageous embodiments can further improve the conductive contact element. These embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the conductive material filling the reservoir may be configured to come into contact with the surface of the connection portion of the mating electrical connector.

[0012] Therefore, the storage unit has a direct output section on the contact surface. This makes it possible to directly expose the conductive material to the mating contact surface.

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

[0014] Conductive materials are selected to enable electrical connections between 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 minimum dimension of at least one recess in the plane of the contact surface may be greater than 0.05 mm, and in particular may be between 0.05 mm and 0.06 mm.

[0017] Therefore, considering the dimensions of at least one recess, at least one recess does not form a microstructure on the first surface of the main body. Thus, a process such as metal punching, which is simpler and more cost-effective than the fabrication methods required for forming microstructures, such as lasers, electron beams, or masking and etching, can be used to form recesses on a macroscopic scale.

[0018] The expression "greater than" should be interpreted as "equal to or greater than" (i.e., "greater than or equal to") rather than "strictly greater than."

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

[0020] As described above, considering the dimensions of at least one recess, the at least one recess does not form a microstructure on the first surface of the body. Thus, a process such as metal punching, which is simpler and more cost-effective than the fabrication means required for forming microstructures such as lasers, electron beams or masking and etching, can be used to form recesses on a macroscopic scale.

[0021] In addition, by increasing the size of the reservoir of the conductive material, the maximum depth can be adapted to further and more durably improve the resistance to wear.

[0022] The expression "larger" should be interpreted as "equal to or larger than (i.e., the meaning of 'above')", rather than "strictly larger".

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

[0024] The hemispherical and circular shapes make it possible to avoid the presence of sharp edges and optimize the amount of conductive material filled in the reservoir.

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

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

[0027] By using the adhesive layer, the quality of the electrical contact over time can be further improved.

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

[0029] Therefore, regardless of the presence of an adhesive layer, a sufficient amount of conductive material is filled into the reservoir to provide the technical benefits of improved resistance to wear and corrosion, and reduced electrical concentration resistance and required mating force.

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

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

[0032] The multiple indentations provide redundancy in the improved contact area, thereby enhancing the reliability and durability of electrical contacts between electrical connectors.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first surface of the main body may have at least one curved region that curves in at least one direction, and at least one recess may be located in at least one curved region.

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

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

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

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

[0038] The object of the present invention is further realized by an electrical connector configured to be coupled with a mating electrical connector, which comprises a conductive contact element. The conductive contact element comprises a body having at least a first surface, and a layer (conductive material layer) made of a conductive material provided on the first surface of the body, wherein the first surface of the body comprises at least one recess forming a reservoir filled with the conductive material, and the conductive contact element further comprises a contact surface formed by the surface of the conductive material layer facing away from the body, configured to contact the surface of the mating electrical connector's connection portion.

[0039] In the electrical connector according to the present invention, in at least one recess, the conductive contact element is provided with a conductive material filling the reservoir below the contact surface, in addition to the conductive material contained in the layer. Therefore, in at least one recess, the contact surface made of the conductive material is thicker than the rest of the conductive contact element. As a result, uneven wear occurs on the contact surface, thereby allowing the presence of the conductive material in at least one recess to be maintained for a longer period. Consequently, at least one recess provides a contact area that is protected for a longer period from mechanical wear and corrosion during the lifespan of the conductive contact element of the electrical connector. Thus, compared to known electrical connectors, resistance to outdoor environments such as corrosive media and electrical concentration resistance in at least one recess is improved over the lifespan of the conductive contact element of the electrical connector. This makes it possible to increase the durability of electrical connectors by preventing, or at least delaying, connector malfunctions related to the quality of electrical contact. In addition, the presence of conductive materials makes it possible to reduce the required mating force due to the mechanical properties of the conductive materials, thereby improving the ease of assembly, insertion, and handling of electrical connectors.

[0040] The object of the present invention is also realized by a method for manufacturing a contact surface of a conductive contact element, comprising the steps of a) forming at least one recess on a first surface of the body of the conductive contact element, particularly by metal punching, and then b) providing a layer of conductive material to the first surface, which includes filling at least one recess with conductive material.

[0041] Therefore, the contact surface can be formed using an easy and cost-effective manufacturing process.

[0042] This manufacturing method makes it possible to provide a contact surface in which at least one recess below the contact surface contains more conductive material than the rest of the conductive contact element, and the first surface of the body is covered by a layer of conductive material. As a result, uneven wear occurs on the contact surface, thereby allowing the presence of conductive material in at least one recess to persist for a longer period. Consequently, at least one recess provides a contact area that is protected for a longer period from mechanical wear and corrosion during the lifespan of the conductive contact element. Therefore, compared to known contact elements, resistance to outdoor environments such as corrosive media and electrical concentration resistance in at least one recess is improved over the lifespan 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, connector malfunctions related to the quality of electrical contact. In addition, the presence of conductive material makes it possible to reduce the required mating force due to the mechanical properties of the conductive material, thereby improving the ease of assembly, insertion, and handling of the associated electrical connectors.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the manufacturing method may further include a step of applying an adhesive layer to the contact surface before step b).

[0044] The step of adding an adhesive layer makes it possible to further improve the quality of electrical contacts throughout the entire lifespan of the electrical connector.

[0045] The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein by reference and form part of this specification to illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. These drawings, together with this description, serve to illustrate the principles of the present invention. The drawings are intended merely to illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the present invention may be carried out and used, and should not be construed as limiting the invention to only the embodiments shown and described. Furthermore, several aspects of the embodiments may, individually or in various combinations, form solutions according to the present invention. Thus, the embodiments described below may be considered individually 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 shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a conductive contact element according to the first embodiment of the present invention in its initial stages. [Figure 2] This figure shows the main body of the conductive contact element shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a conductive contact element according to a second embodiment of the present invention in its initial stages. [Figure 4A] This is a top view of a conductive contact element according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in a stage later than the initial stage. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the conductive contact element. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged view of the body of a conductive contact element according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] This figure shows a series of steps for manufacturing a contact surface of a conductive contact element according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] This figure shows a series of steps for manufacturing a contact surface of a conductive contact element according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] This figure shows a series of steps for manufacturing a contact surface of a conductive contact element according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0048] Figures 1 and 2 show partial cross-sectional views of the main body of the conductive contact element 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. While the contact surface is shown in Figure 1, it is omitted in Figure 2 to better illustrate the structure of the main body of the conductive contact element 10. Figures 1 and 2 will be described collectively below.

[0049] A conductive contact element 10 for an electrical connector (not shown) comprises a body 12, particularly a metal body 12. The body 12 is defined by a plurality of surfaces. According to the present invention, a recess 16 is provided on at least one surface 14 of the body 12, which in the example of Figures 1 and 2 extends in a plane (XY). The recess 16 extends in part into the body 12 from an opening 18 in the surface 14 along a direction parallel to axis Z.

[0050] In the 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 particularly fall between 0.05 mm and 0.06 mm.

[0051] The maximum depth L2 of the recess 16 is greater than 0.01 mm. That is, the maximum depth L2 of the recess 16 may be greater than 0.03 mm, more specifically greater than 0.04 mm, and more specifically greater than 0.05 mm.

[0052] The expression "greater than" should be interpreted as "equal to or greater than" (i.e., "greater than or equal to") rather than "strictly greater than."

[0053] In a modified example, the recess 16 may have a groove shape, particularly a rounded groove shape. In another modified example, the opening 18 of the recess 16 may have a shape such as a square, rectangle, ellipse, or triangle.

[0054] The depression 16 forms a storage section 20. Figure 2 shows the empty storage section 20 to better illustrate the structure of the depression 16. As described above and as highlighted in Figure 2, the depression 16 has one open end 18.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1, a layer 22 of conductive material M with a thickness L3 is provided on the surface 14 of the main body 12. The conductive material M is a plating material that can be made from tin, nickel, silver, gold, tin-nickel alloy, tin alloy, or nickel-silver alloy.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the conductive material M layer (conductive material layer) 22 is provided directly on the surface 14.

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

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

[0059] The initial stage is the stage in which the conductive contact element 10 has not yet come into contact with the conductive contact element of the mating connector. Therefore, in the initial stage, there is no mechanical wear, corrosion, abrasion, or any damage that may occur from the mating surface. Thus, in the initial stage, as shown in Figure 1, the contact surface 24 is substantially flat in the plane (XY).

[0060] In the following, elements with the same reference numerals as those already described and shown with respect to Figures 1 and 2 will not necessarily be described in detail again; please refer to the previous descriptions of those reference numerals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0067] Figure 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. Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the conductive contact element 30 shown in Figure 4A. Hereinafter, Figures 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 Figures 1 to 3, they will not necessarily be described in detail again. Please refer to the previous description of the same reference numerals.

[0069] In the wear stage shown in Figures 4A and 4B, a dividing portion 40 has occurred on the contact surface 24 due to mechanical wear and / or chemical wear, whereby 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 Figure 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 back-and-forth movement of the mating contact surface. Depending on the relative movement of the connector and the mating connector, dividing portions 40 of other shapes (not shown) may occur on the contact surface 24.

[0070] According to the present invention, due to the presence of the depression 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 Figures 4A and 4B.

[0071] As shown in Figure 4B, in the wear stage represented by Figures 4A and 4B, the conductive material M having a thickness T3 (T3 < T2) above the deepest point A of the depression 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 for the conductive material M also occurs in the conductive contact element 10 according to the first embodiment. In contrast to the second embodiment, the division portion 40 of the contact surface 24 in the contact element 10 according to the first embodiment directly exposes the surface 14 of the main body 12 due to the absence of an adhesive layer.

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

[0074] The conductive contact element 50 according to the third embodiment has a metal body 52 that extends in a plane (XY) and includes a frame 54 defining a hole 56. Four contact pins 58 extend within the frame 54 across the hole 56. The number of contact pins 58 is not limited. Each contact pin 58 is bent relative to the plane (XY) to provide two slightly curved regions R1 and R2. The number of curved regions is not limited.

[0075] The curved regions R1 and R2 consist of areas of the conductive contact element 50 to which a greater elastic spring force is exerted compared to other parts of the contact pin 58. In the mated state of the connector, the connection portion of the mating connector that applies pressure to the curved regions R1 and R2 is intended to exert an elastic spring force on the curved regions R1 and R2.

[0076] As described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2, the curved regions R1 and R2 are provided with a plurality of recesses 16 formed on the surface 14 of the metal body 52.

[0077] The multiple depressions 16 are separated from each other by a minimum distance d1, where d1 is between 0.10 mm and 0.15 mm. In particular, d1 = 0.125 mm.

[0078] By arranging multiple recesses 16 in the curved regions R1 and R2, it is possible to improve wear resistance in the areas most exposed to mechanical stress and therefore wear.

[0079] The multiple recesses 16 provide redundancy in the improved contact area, thereby enhancing the reliability and durability of electrical contacts between electrical connectors.

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

[0081] In the step shown in Figure 6A, the surface 14 of the metal body 12 on the contact pin 58 is substantially uniform.

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

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

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

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

[0086] 10 Conductive contact element according to the first embodiment 12 Main unit 14 The (first) surface of the main body 16. Indentation 18 Recessed opening 20 Storage section 22 layers 24 Contact surface 30 Conductive contact element according to the second embodiment 32 Adhesive layer 40. Breakdown during the wear stage 42 Grooves during the wear phase 44 Contact area during wear phase 50 Conductive contact element according to the third embodiment 52 Metal body 54 frames 56 holes 58 Contact pins A Deepest area of ​​depression 16 d1 Distance between depressions 16 L1 Diameter of recess 16 L2 Maximum depth of recess 16 Thickness of layer 22 of conductive material M, L3, L3' L4 Adhesive layer 32 thickness 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, 50) for an electrical connector, having a contact surface (24) configured to contact the surface of a mating electrical connector fitted to the electrical connector, The conductive contact elements (10, 50) are - Main unit (12, 52) and - A single conductive material layer (22) made of a conductive material (M) is provided on the first surface (14) of the main body (12, 52), Equipped with, In the conductive contact element (10, 50), the contact surface (24) is formed by the surface (24) of the conductive material layer (22) facing away from the main body (12, 52), The first surface (14) of the main body (12, 52) is provided with a covering region having a plurality of recesses (16) that form a reservoir (20) filled with the conductive material (M), The aforementioned covering region is covered with the conductive material layer (22), The diameter (L1) of the opening (18) of each of the recesses (16, 18) in the plane of the first surface (14) of the main body (12, 52) is 0.05 mm or more. Characterized by, Conductive contact elements (10, 50).

2. The conductive material (M) filling the storage portion (20) is configured to contact the surface of the connection portion of the mating electrical connector. The conductive contact element according to claim 1.

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

4. The diameter (L1) of the opening (18) of each of the recesses (16, 18) in the plane of the first surface (14) of the main body (12, 52) is between 0.05 mm and 0.06 mm. The conductive contact element according to claim 1.

5. The maximum depth (L2) of each of the aforementioned recesses (16) is greater than 0.03 mm. The conductive contact element according to claim 4.

6. Each of the aforementioned recesses (16) has a hemispherical shape, a groove shape, or a rounded groove shape. The conductive contact element according to claim 1.

7. The minimum separation distance (d1) between the recesses (16) is between 0.10 mm and 0.15 mm. The conductive contact element according to claim 1.

8. The first surface (14) of the main body (12) has at least one curved region (R1, R2) that is curved in at least one direction, The recess (16) is located in the at least one curved region (R1, R2), A conductive contact element according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first surface (14) of the main body (12) is provided with a plurality of recesses (16) of different shapes and / or sizes. A conductive contact element according to claim 1 or 3.

10. An electrical connector configured to be coupled with a mating electrical connector, It comprises conductive contact elements (10, 50), and the conductive contact elements (10, 50) are A body (12, 52) having at least a first surface (14), The main body (12, 52) comprises a single conductive material layer (22) made of a conductive material (M) provided on the first surface (14), The first surface (14) of the main body (12, 52) is provided with a covering region having a plurality of recesses (16) that form a reservoir (20) filled with the conductive material, The aforementioned covering region is covered with the conductive material layer (22), and the conductive contact elements (10, 50) are further covered with the conductive material layer (22), The device comprises a contact surface (24) formed by the surface (24) of the conductive material layer (22) made of the conductive material (M), which is configured to contact the surface of the connection portion of the mating electrical connector and faces away from the main body (12, 52), The diameter (L1) of the opening (18) of each of the recesses (16, 18) in the plane of the first surface (14) of the main body (12, 52) is 0.05 mm or more. Electrical connector.

11. A method for manufacturing the contact surface of a conductive contact element, a) The step of forming a plurality of recesses (16) on the first surface (14) of the body (12, 52) of the conductive contact element, and then, b) The step of applying a single conductive material layer (22) of the conductive material (M) to the first surface (14), which includes filling each of the aforementioned depressions (16) with the conductive material (M), Includes, The diameter (L1) of the opening (18) of each of the recesses (16, 18) in the plane of the first surface (14) of the main body (12, 52) is 0.05 mm or more. The first surface (14) of the main body (12, 52) has a covering region in which the recess (16) is provided, which forms a reservoir (20) filled with the conductive material (M), The aforementioned covering region is covered with the conductive material layer (22). method.

12. A conductive contact element (10, 50) for an electrical connector, having a contact surface (24) configured to contact the surface of a mating electrical connector fitted to the electrical connector, The conductive contact elements (10, 50) are - Main unit (12, 52) and - A single conductive material layer (22) made of a conductive material (M) is provided on the first surface (14) of the main body (12, 52), Equipped with, In the conductive contact element (10, 50), the contact surface (24) is formed by the surface (24) of the conductive material layer (22) facing away from the main body (12, 52), The first surface (14) of the main body (12, 52) is provided with a covering region having a plurality of recesses (16) that form a reservoir (20) filled with the conductive material (M), The aforementioned covering region is covered with the conductive material layer (22), The diameter (L1) of the opening (18) of each of the recesses (16, 18) in the plane of the first surface (14) of the main body (12, 52) is 0.05 mm or more. The main body (12, 52) is made of metal, and the conductive material (M) is a plating material made of tin, nickel, tin-nickel alloy, or tin alloy. Characterized by, Conductive contact elements (10, 50).

13. An electrical connector configured to be coupled with a mating electrical connector, The conductive contact elements (10, 50) described in claim 12 are provided, Electrical connector.

14. A method for manufacturing the contact surface (24) of the conductive contact element (10, 50) according to claim 12, a) The step of forming the recess (16) on the first surface (14) of the body (12, 52) of the conductive contact element, and then, b) The step of applying the conductive material layer (22) made of the conductive material (M) to the first surface (14), which includes filling the recess (16) with the conductive material (M). , including, method.

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