Electrical contact elements, connectors and methods of manufacture

摘要

An electrical contact element for a backplane connector is of unitary construction. The element has a compliant portion of generally cylindrical shape with tapered ends and is formed with at least three radial slots equally spaced around the element, the slots intersecting one another within the element and extending axially along the element. The radial slots open into one another within the compliant portion and form three sector-shaped limbs that are urged inwards towards one another when the contact element is inserted into a plated hole in a circuit board. Below the compliant portion projects a narrower stem with flattened sides for a wire wrapped connection. The other end of the contact element is formed with a female mating portion in which may be mounted spring-wire contacts for engaging an inserted pin.