Socket connector and method for making same

摘要

A socket connector includes a base housing defining cavities, and contact elements positioned in the cavities. Each cavity has a first channel extending in a given direction and a second channel oblique with respect to and in communication with the first channel. Each contact element includes a retention section retained in the cavity and oblique with respect to the given direction. The contact element has a cantilever beam somewhat compliant with the given direction. A pin leg of an electronic package is initially received in the second channel of the cavity and movable in the given direction toward and biasingly engaging the cantilever beam. The contact element has a straight tail extending beyond the housing with a mass of solder attached thereto for soldering to a circuit board. A slot is defined in the tail for securely retaining the solder. A method for making the connector includes the steps of (1) providing a base housing defining cavities having first and second channels oblique with respect to each other; (2) forming a row of contact elements connected to a carrier strip by connection sections; (3) twisting the connection sections to obliquely orient the contact elements with respect to the carrier strip; and (4) gang loading the contact elements into the cavities with the cantilever beams of the contact element somewhat complaint with the given direction.