Molded electrical connector having integral spring contact beams

Abstract

The molded connector 10 includes a dielectric housing 12 having a transverse wall 14 with a plurality of apertures 20 extending therethrough and first and second molded sections 24, 32 extending outwardly from the periphery of and at opposite ends of respective apertures 20, the corresponding first and second molded sections 24, 32 being associated with each other and including first surface portions 26, 34 extending continuously from a common sidewall 22 of the respective aperture 20. The first and second molded sections 24, 32 include an inner dielectric core integrally molded with the housing wall 14 and at least one layer 40 of plating disposed on first surface portions 26, 34 thereof and along the respective common aperture sidewall 22 thereby defining first and second contact sections 42, 46 connected by a continuous conductive surface 44 extending therebetween. The first and second molded sections 24, 42 are adapted to interconnect first and second contact means in engagement with the first and second contact sections 42, 46 respectively. In the preferred embodiment at least one contact section is a complient beam and the plating thereon strengthens the beam such that the beam provides sufficient compression force to maintain electrical contact with a mating article without the need for elastomeric support.