Reliable water-resistant receptacle connector

Abstract

To provide a reliable water-resistant receptacle connector.SOLUTION: A terminal assembly includes conductive elements having: mating ends held by a tongue of a housing; and tails extending out of a rear portion of the housing. The receptacle connector is enclosed by connected shells. A conductive member on the housing is connected to a shielding member in the housing. A first shell surrounds the terminal assembly from the tongue to the first portion and is connected to the conductive member. The first shell has a front outside seal and a rear inside seal. A second shell is disposed on and connected to the first shell. A third shell is disposed on and connected to a portion of the second shell disposed on the rear portion of the housing. Both the second and third shells can attach to a circuit board.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202420181269.3, filed on January 24, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates to interconnection systems, such as those that include electrical connectors configured to interconnect electronic assemblies. [Background technology]

[0003] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. It is generally easier and more cost-effective to manufacture the system as separate electronic subassemblies, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), which can be joined together with electrical connectors. Having separable connectors allows components of an electronic system made by different manufacturers to be easily assembled. Separable connectors also allow components to be easily swapped out after the system is assembled, either to replace defective components or to upgrade the system with higher performance components.

[0004] A known configuration for joining several electronic subassemblies is to have one printed circuit board function as a backplane. A known backplane is a PCB to which many connectors can be attached. Conductive traces in the backplane can be electrically connected to signal conductors in the connectors so that signals can be routed between the connectors. Other printed circuit boards, called "daughterboards," "daughtercards," or "midboards," can be connected through the backplane. For example, a daughtercard can also have a connector mounted thereon. The connector mounted on the daughtercard can be plugged into a connector mounted on the backplane. In this way, signals can be routed between the daughtercards through the connectors and the backplane. The daughtercard can be plugged into the backplane at a right angle. Therefore, connectors used in these applications can include right-angle bends and are often referred to as "right-angle connectors."

[0005] Connectors can also be used in other configurations for interconnecting electronic assemblies. In some cases, one or more printed circuit boards are connected to another printed circuit board, called a "motherboard," which carries electronic components and interconnects the daughterboards. In such configurations, the printed circuit boards connected to the motherboard may be called daughterboards. Daughterboards are often smaller than the motherboard and may sometimes be aligned parallel to it. Connectors used in this configuration are often called "stacking connectors" or "mezzanine connectors." In other systems, the daughterboards may be perpendicular to the motherboard.

[0006] Connectors may also be used in computers in which a motherboard may have a processor and a bus configured to pass data between the processor and peripheral devices, such as a printer or memory device. Connectors may be mounted to the motherboard and connected to the bus. The mating interfaces of these connectors may often be exposed through openings in the computer's housing so that connectors attached to peripheral devices via cables may be inserted into connectors on the motherboard. This configuration allows peripheral devices to be easily connected to the computer.

[0007] To increase the availability of peripheral devices, buses and connectors used to physically connect peripheral devices via the bus may be standardized. Thus, there may be a large number of peripheral devices available from a large number of manufacturers. As long as all of these products comply with the standard, they may be used in computers having buses that comply with the standard. An example of such a standard is the Universal Serial Bus (USB), which is commonly used in computers. Over time, the standard has undergone multiple revisions to adapt to the higher performance expected of computers. For example, portable electronic devices often include a USB Type-C receptacle connector for various purposes, such as charging and / or exchanging data with another electronic device by connecting the USB receptacle connector to a USB plug connector.

[0008] Some USB connectors are water resistant and may include a seal that prevents water from outside the computer's housing from entering the computer's housing through an opening left for the connector. Summary of the Invention

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the present application relate to a highly reliable waterproof receptacle connector.

[0010] Some embodiments relate to a receptacle connector configured to mount to a board and extend vertically above the board. The receptacle connector may include a terminal assembly including: a housing including a plurality of conductive elements, each having a mating end, a tail, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail; a tongue that holds the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements, a rear portion, and a first portion between the tongue and the rear portion, where top surfaces of the tongue, rear portion, and first portion are vertically offset from one another; a shielding member carried by the housing and including one or more protrusions extending from the first portion of the housing; a conductive member disposed on the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly, the conductive member including one or more openings configured to receive the one or more protrusions of the shielding member; and a first shell that surrounds the terminal assembly from the tongue to the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly and is connected to the conductive member at a first interface portion.

[0011] Some embodiments relate to a receptacle connector, the receptacle connector including a terminal assembly including a plurality of conductive elements, each having a mating end, a tail, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail, a housing including a tongue that holds the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements, a rear portion, and a first portion between the tongue and the rear portion, the top surfaces of the tongue, the rear portion, and the first portion being vertically offset from one another, a conductive member disposed on the first portion of the terminal assembly housing, and a conductive member that surrounds the terminal assembly from the tongue to the first portion of the terminal assembly housing and that connects the conductive member to the first mating portion. The terminal assembly may include a first shell connected to the conductive member; a second shell having a first portion disposed on the rear portion of the first shell and connected to the rear portion of the first shell at a second mating portion, a second portion disposed on the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly, and a transition portion connecting the first portion and the second portion; and a third shell having a horizontal portion disposed on the second portion of the second shell and connected to the second portion of the second shell at a third mating portion, and first and second mounting portions disposed on either side of the horizontal portion, each of the first and second mounting portions having a screw hole.

[0012] Some embodiments relate to a method for manufacturing a receptacle connector. The method may include providing a terminal assembly including a plurality of conductive elements, each including a mating end, a tail, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail, and a housing including a tongue that holds the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements, a rear portion, and a first portion between the tongue and the rear portion, disposing a conductive member on the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly, inserting the terminal assembly into the shell until the conductive member abuts a rear end of the shell, welding the shell to the conductive member to form a joint, and, after welding, filling an adhesive into a gap between the first portion and the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly to form a sealing member.

[0013] Some embodiments relate to a receptacle connector. The receptacle connector may include a terminal assembly, a conductive member, a first shell, and a second shell. The terminal assembly may include a plurality of conductive elements and an assembly housing that holds the plurality of conductive elements. The conductive member may be disposed on at least a portion of an outer portion of the assembly housing. The first shell may be disposed on the outer portion of the conductive member and attached to the conductive member, and the first shell may surround at least a portion of the terminal assembly. The second shell may be attached to the outer portion of the first shell, and the receptacle connector may further include a third shell fixedly attached to the outer portion of the second shell, and the third shell may be provided with a mounting hole.

[0014] These techniques may be used alone or in any suitable combination. The foregoing summary is provided by way of illustration and is not intended to be limiting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] The accompanying drawings may not be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each of the identical or nearly identical components illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a receptacle connector according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the receptacle connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of a first shell of the receptacle connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a top rear perspective view of the receptacle connector of FIG. 1 with the second shell and third shell hidden; FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the receptacle connector of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view of the receptacle connector of FIG. 1 with the third shell hidden. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the receptacle connector of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 2 is a top rear perspective view of the second shell of the receptacle connector of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a terminal assembly of the receptacle connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view of a conductive member of the receptacle connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view of the terminal assembly of FIG. 9 with the conductive member of FIG. 10 disposed thereon. [Figure 12] 12 is a side view of the terminal assembly of FIG. 11 with the conductive member disposed thereon. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal assembly with a conductive member disposed thereon, taken along the line marked "EE" in FIG. 12, before the beam of the conductive member is disposed within the groove of the terminal assembly. [Figure 14] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal assembly with a conductive member disposed thereon, taken along the line marked "EE" in FIG. 12, after the beam of the conductive member has been disposed within the groove of the terminal assembly. [Figure 15] 2 is a perspective view of the receptacle connector of FIG. 1 with portions hidden, showing the terminal assembly, the conductive member, and the second sealing member. [Figure 16] 10 is a perspective view of the terminal assembly of FIG. 9 with portions hidden to show two rows of conductive elements and a shielding member. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal assembly of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a side view of the receptacle connector of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present inventors have recognized and understood techniques for making highly reliable waterproof receptacle connectors. The receptacle connector may be integrated into the chassis of an electronic device and may be configured to receive a mating component, such as a plug connector, to enable the electronic device to connect with other devices. The force applied to insert a mating component into an existing receptacle connector may cause various problems, such as over-insertion and therefore poor or intermittent electrical contact, causing misalignment of the terminal assembly relative to the shell.

[0017] The techniques described herein enable smaller receptacle connectors while maintaining or improving robustness. Such techniques are illustrated herein as applied to a USB Type-C right-angle receptacle connector. According to aspects of the present disclosure, a connector may include a terminal assembly surrounded by a connected shell. The terminal assembly may include a conductive element having a mating end retained by a tongue of the housing and a tail extending from a rear portion of the housing. The housing may have a first portion disposed between the tongue and the rear portion. The first portion of the housing may protrude above the tongue and the rear portion. The conductive member may be disposed on the first portion and connected to a shielding member within the housing at a first interface. The first shell may surround the terminal assembly from the tongue to the first portion and be connected to the conductive member at a second interface. The first shell may have a front outer seal and a rear inner seal. The second shell may be partially disposed on the first shell and connected to the first shell. The third shell may be disposed over and connected to a portion of the second shell disposed on the rear portion of the housing, and both the second and third shells may be mounted to a circuit board.

[0018] In some embodiments, the third shell may include mounting holes. Fastening elements (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) for securing the receptacle connector to a circuit board inside the chassis of the electronic device. The mounting holes may have threads. Such a configuration may enable convenient and secure connection of the receptacle connector to the circuit board of the electronic device. The third shell of the receptacle connector may be detachably connected to the electronic device. This connection configuration may have a simple structure, a highly reliable connection, and be convenient for disassembly and assembly. This connection configuration may improve the assembly efficiency of the receptacle connector and significantly reduce assembly costs. In some embodiments, the third shell may be a one-piece shell, which may reduce the number of parts used and therefore the overall manufacturing costs.

[0019] In some embodiments, the third shell may be connected to the second shell by welding. Compared to riveting, bolting, or similar techniques, a welded connection may be more cost-effective, and the welded workpiece may be less susceptible to loosening or separation. Welding is a process in which two or more materials of the same or different types are integrally connected through atomic or molecular bonding and diffusion, resulting in a solid connection capable of withstanding high forces. Furthermore, welding can be achieved manually, semi-automatically, or fully automatically, and can be flexibly designed according to application scenarios. During the spot welding process, the generated heat may be sufficient to uniformly and continuously bond the processed objects in a high-speed manner. Spot welding connections can be fast. The processed objects may be less susceptible to deformation, and the connection may be efficient. Additionally, spot welding connections may not require consumables and can be adapted to automated welding production schemes, thereby increasing welding production efficiency.

[0020] In some embodiments, the conductive member may include a stop portion. When the receptacle connector and the corresponding plug connector are mated with each other in the mating direction, the stop portion of the conductive member may engage within a groove in the first portion of the terminal assembly. Such a configuration may reduce the risk of the conductive member shifting in the mating direction relative to the terminal assembly. Such a configuration may reduce the risk of the first shell and / or the second shell connected to the conductive member shifting in the mating direction relative to the terminal assembly. Such a configuration may reduce the risk of misalignment or undesired shifting of the conductive member of the receptacle connector relative to the terminal assembly due to frequent insertion and removal of the mating portion of the plug connector.

[0021] In some embodiments, the shielding member may be electrically connected to the conductive member. The shielding member may be electrically connected to the first shell and the second shell via the conductive member. Electromagnetic waves absorbed by the shielding member may be guided to a ground portion of the electronic device via the conductive member, the first shell, and the second shell. Electromagnetic interference may be effectively shielded. For example, when the first row of conductive elements and the second row of conductive elements of the terminal assembly transmit high-frequency signals, electromagnetic wave interference (EMI) and crosstalk signals generated between the first row of conductive elements and the second row of conductive elements may be inductively absorbed by the shielding member, transmitted by the shielding member to the conductive members via its first protrusions and second protrusions, and then conducted to the first shell, the second shell, the ground portion of the circuit board, or the ground portion of the electronic device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the connector may have front and rear sealing members, which may provide improved water resistance. The sealing members may be made from an adhesive, which may provide greater flexibility during positioning and molding of the sealing members. The adhesive may be disposed on a roughened portion, molded onto the roughened portion, and cured to form the front seal. One or more features may be used to provide mechanical integrity to the front seal. In some examples, the mating end of the first shell may have a roughened portion. That portion may be processed differently from other portions of the first shell to have a higher surface roughness than other portions of the first shell. The different processing may result from processing steps preferentially performed on that portion to roughen the surface. Alternatively or additionally, the different processing may be achieved by omitting processing steps that tend to smooth other portions of the shell, such as cold rolling or plating. In some examples, the desired surface roughness may be achieved by using electrical discharge machining (EDM). It should be understood that a larger EDM may result in a higher roughness and better adhesion. In some embodiments, the roughness may have patterns to enhance adhesion. These patterns may be visually observable and / or * , H, or X, which may be laser engraved around the mating end of the first shell. In some examples, the roughness may extend in the mating direction a distance in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, such as in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0023] The front sealing member can be disposed on a roughened portion of the mating end of the first shell to securely attach the front sealing member to the main shell. In some embodiments, an adhesive (e.g., UV adhesive, silicone, epoxy adhesive, or underfill) can be disposed on the roughened portion and molded and cured on the roughened portion to form the front sealing member. The front seal can be spaced apart from the second shell in the mating direction to extend above the second shell. Such a configuration allows the front seal to deform in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction when the connector is pressed in the mating direction against a wall having an opening that exposes the mating surface of the connector, blocking the ingress of environmental contaminants. The front seal can also block any path between the mating ends of the first and second shells.

[0024] A rear seal can be disposed within the first shell. The rear sealing member can be disposed within a gap between the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly and the transition portion of the second shell. By providing the rear seal, a tight seal can be achieved between the terminal assembly and the first and second shells, further reducing the risk of water or dust entering the electronic device through the socket of the receptacle connector.

[0025] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a receptacle connector according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity and simplicity of explanation, the mating direction Y, width direction X, and vertical direction Z of the receptacle connector 1 may be shown in the figures. The mating direction Y, width direction X, and vertical direction Z may be perpendicular to each other. The mating direction Y may refer to the direction in which the receptacle connector is connected to a corresponding plug connector. The width direction X may refer to the width direction of the receptacle connector. The vertical direction Z may refer to the height direction of the receptacle connector.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the receptacle connector 1 may include a terminal assembly 10. The terminal assembly 10 may include a plurality of conductive elements 110 and an assembly housing 120 that holds the plurality of conductive elements 110. Optionally, the assembly housing 120 may be integrally formed with the plurality of conductive elements 110. The conductive member 20 may be disposed on at least a portion of an outer portion of the assembly housing 120. The first shell 30 may be disposed on the outer portion of the conductive member 20 and attached to the conductive member 20. The first shell 30 may surround at least a portion of the terminal assembly 10. The second shell 40 may be attached to the outer portion of the first shell 30. The receptacle connector 1 may further include a third shell 50 fixedly attached to the outer portion of the second shell 40, and the third shell 50 may include a mounting hole 51.

[0027] The third shell 50 may include a horizontal portion 501 connected to the second shell 40, and a first mounting portion 502 and a second mounting portion 504 provided on either side of the horizontal portion 501 in the width direction X of the receptacle connector 1. Each of the first mounting portion 502 and the second mounting portion 504 extends from the horizontal portion 501 beyond the second shell 40 along the width direction X. A mounting hole 51 is disposed in each of the first mounting portion 502 and the second mounting portion 504.

[0028] The horizontal portion 501 of the third shell 50 may be configured to extend in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z of the receptacle connector 1. As shown in FIG. 2 , the third shell 50 may include a first vertical portion 503 connecting the horizontal portion 501 to the first mounting portion 502 and a second vertical portion 505 connecting the horizontal portion 501 to the second mounting portion 504. Each of the first vertical portion 503 and the second vertical portion 505 may extend substantially perpendicular to the horizontal portion 501. The third shell 50 may be a unitary piece.

[0029] The third shell 50 may be formed by stamping and forming a metal plate or the like. The stamping and bending process facilitates mass production of the third shell with high productivity. It should be understood that the size, shape, and arrangement of the third shell may not be limited to the above exemplary description and may be provided according to the specific configuration of the receptacle connector and the respective connecting portions of the electronic device.

[0030] The third shell 50 may be connected to the second shell 40 by, for example, welding. A third joint may join the third shell 50 and the second shell 40. Optionally, the third shell 50 is connected to the second shell 40 by resistance welding. It should be understood that the term "resistance welding" refers to a welding process that uses heat generated by passing an electric current through a resistor to melt metal materials and connect the two metal materials together by pressure. Resistance welding is suitable for mass production due to its fast heating rate and short welding time. The welded joint formed by resistance welding between the third shell 50 and the second shell 40 can have high strength and provide a solid and reliable connection.

[0031] Optionally, the third shell 50 is connected to the second shell 40 by spot welding. The third joint portion may include one or more groups of third joint points joining the third shell 50 and the second shell 40. Spot welding may utilize a column electrode to form a weld spot between the contact surfaces of two workpieces during welding. During the spot welding process, the generated heat is sufficient to uniformly and continuously join the processed objects in a high-speed manner. Spot welding connections are fast, the processed objects are less susceptible to deformation, and the connections are efficient. In addition, spot welding connections do not require consumables and are compatible with automated welding production methods, thereby increasing welding production efficiency. Optionally, the joint points may have a circular, elliptical, or hemispherical shape. Optionally, the joint points may have a diameter ranging from 0.2 mm to 3 mm. In some embodiments, the multiple joint points in each group of joint points may be arranged in an evenly spaced manner. For example, the spacing between adjacent joint points may be in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm. Optionally, each group of junction points may be arranged in a linear array, an L-shaped array, or a curvilinear array.

[0032] In the illustrated example, the third interface portion includes a first group of third interface points S11 and a second group of third interface points S13. The first group of third interface points S11 and the second group of third interface points S13 are provided symmetrically about the axis AA of the receptacle connector. The horizontal portion 501 of the third shell 50 may include the first group of third interface points S11 and the second group of third interface points S13. The first group of third interface points and the second group of third interface points may be arranged symmetrically about the axis AA of the receptacle connector. The receptacle connector 1 may be substantially symmetrical about the axis AA. Such a configuration may reduce stress concentrations at the interface points and any deformation that may be caused by welding. Optionally, each of the first group of third interface points and the second group of third interface points may include five interface points arranged in an L-shaped array. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the illustrated examples. For example, the number, size, location, and arrangement of each group of junctions may be configured according to a particular application.

[0033] The first shell 30 may be connected to the conductive member 20, for example, by welding. A first interface may join the first shell 30 and the conductive member 20. Optionally, the first shell 30 may be connected to the conductive member 20 by spot welding. The first interface may comprise one or more groups of first joint points joining the first shell 30 and the conductive member 20.

[0034] 3, the first shell 30 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The first shell 30 may include a first side wall 301 and a second side wall 303 that face each other in the vertical direction Z of the receptacle connector, and a third side wall 305 and a fourth side wall 307 that face each other in the width direction X of the receptacle connector. The third side wall 305 and the fourth side wall 307 are connected to the first side wall 301 and the second side wall 303, respectively.

[0035] 4 and 5, the first joint portion may include a first group of first joint points S21 and a second group of first joint points S22. The first side wall 301 of the first shell 30 may include the first group of first joint points S21 adjacent to the rear end of the first shell 30. The second side wall 303 of the first shell 30 may include the second group of first joint points S22 adjacent to the rear end of the first shell 30. The first group of first joint points S21 and the second group of first joint points S22 may be arranged in a linear array in the width direction X of the receptacle connector.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 6-8 , the second shell 40 may include a first portion 40A attached to the first shell 30, a second portion 40B attached to the assembly housing 120, and a transition portion 40C connecting the first portion 40A and the second portion 40B. The second portion 40B may include tabs 45, 47. The assembly housing 120 of the terminal assembly 10 may include recesses 105, 107 for receiving the tabs. The tabs may be engaged with the recesses to securely connect the second shell 40 to the assembly housing 120. Engaging the tabs with the recesses facilitates secure connection of the second shell 40 to the assembly housing 120 of the terminal assembly 10 and reduces the risk of the second shell 40 moving or shifting in the mating direction Y relative to the first shell 30 and the terminal assembly 10. This may improve the structural stability and assembly efficiency of the receptacle connector. When the relative position between the second shell 40 and the first shell 30 is fixed, it may be convenient to subsequently connect the second shell 40 to the first shell 30 by welding to improve the assembly accuracy of the receptacle connector.

[0037] The first portion 40A of the second shell 40 may include a first top wall 401 connected to the first side wall 301 of the first shell 30, a first side wall 402 connected to the first top wall 401 and substantially perpendicular to the first top wall, and a second side wall 404 facing the first side wall 402 in the width direction X of the receptacle connector and connected to the first top wall 401. Each of the first side wall 402 and the second side wall 404 may extend in a plane perpendicular to the width direction X of the receptacle connector 1. A lower end of each of the first side wall 402 and the second side wall 404 may extend beyond the first shell 30 in the vertical direction Z of the receptacle connector.

[0038] The second portion 40B of the second shell 40 may include a second top wall 403 corresponding to the outer surface of the assembly housing 120 provided on the same side as the first side wall 301 of the first shell 30, a third side wall 406 connected to the second top wall 403 and substantially perpendicular to the second top wall 403, and a fourth side wall 408 facing the third side wall 406 in the width direction X of the receptacle connector and connected to the second top wall 406. Each of the third side wall 406 and the fourth side wall 408 may extend in a plane perpendicular to the width direction X of the receptacle connector 1. A lower end of each of the third side wall 406 and the fourth side wall 408 may extend beyond the assembly housing 120 in the vertical direction Z of the receptacle connector.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first side wall 402 and the third side wall 406 can be disposed in the same plane perpendicular to the width direction. The second side wall 404 and the fourth side wall 408 can be disposed in the same plane perpendicular to the width direction. In some embodiments, the second shell 40 can be a cover member formed by cutting, shearing, stamping, bending, etc., from a single blank and disposed over the first shell 30 and the assembly housing 120.

[0040] The tabs may include a first tab 45 and a second tab 47. The first tab 45 may extend from a lower end of the third side wall 406. The first tab 45 is a sheet-like portion that is substantially perpendicular to the third side wall 406 and extends from the third side wall 406 toward the longitudinal center axis AA of the receptacle connector. The second tab 47 may extend from a lower end of the fourth side wall 408. The second tab 47 is a sheet-like portion that is substantially perpendicular to the fourth side wall 408 and extends from the fourth side wall 408 toward the longitudinal center axis AA of the receptacle connector.

[0041] The recesses may be on an outer surface of the assembly housing 120 provided on the same side as the second side wall 303 of the first shell 30, and may be provided on edges of the assembly housing 120 adjacent the third side wall 406 and the fourth side wall 408. The recesses may include a first recess 105 engaged with the first tab 45 and a second recess 107 engaged with the second tab 47. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the first recess 105 and the second recess 107 may be on opposite side portions of the assembly housing 120 in the width direction X.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first portion 40A of the second shell 40 is connected to the first shell 30, for example, by welding. A second interface portion joins the first portion 40A of the second shell 40 and the first shell 30. Optionally, the second shell 40 may be connected to the first shell 30 by resistance welding. Optionally, the first portion 40A of the second shell 40 is connected to the first shell 30 by spot welding. The second interface portion comprises a second interface point joining the first portion 40A of the second shell 40 and the first shell 30.

[0043] The second joint portion may include a first group of second joint points S31 and a second group of second joint points S32. The first portion 40A of the second shell 40 may be connected to the first sidewall 301 of the first shell 30 by the first group of second joint points S31 and the second group of second joint points S32. Each of the first group of second joint points S31 and the second group of second joint points S32 may be arranged in an L-shape or a linear array.

[0044] The second joint portion may further include a third group of second joint points S33 for connecting the first side wall 402 of the second shell 40 to the third side wall 305 of the first shell 30, and a fourth group of second joint points S34 for connecting the second side wall 404 of the second shell 40 to the fourth side wall 307 of the first shell 30. Each of the third group of second joint points S33 and the fourth group of second joint points S34 may be arranged in a linear array in the mating direction Y of the receptacle connector.

[0045] The second shell 40 may include a rear wall for at least partially surrounding the rear of the terminal assembly 10. Two edges of the rear wall in the width direction may be folded and overlapped with the third side wall 406 and the fourth side wall 408 of the second portion 40B of the second shell 40 by fixedly connecting the rear wall to the third side wall 406 and the fourth side wall 408, for example, by spot welding. A joint point S35 may join the rear wall and the third side wall 406 (or the fourth side wall 408). While connecting the second shell 40 to the first shell 30, a spot welding process may be simultaneously performed, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the receptacle connector.

[0046] 9 , the assembly housing 120 may include a first portion 121 connected to the conductive member 20. The first portion 121 is disposed adjacent to the rear end of the first shell 30 and may include a groove. The conductive member 20 may include a stop portion engaged with the groove. The stop portion may be integrally formed with the conductive member 20. Optionally, the conductive member 20 may include a plurality of stop portions provided on a top wall 23 and / or a bottom wall 25 of the conductive member 20. The top wall 23 faces the bottom wall 25 in the vertical direction Z of the receptacle connector.

[0047] 10-15, the stop portion may include a beam. The beam may be a sheet member cut from an annular portion of the conductive member 20. Optionally, the joint cut portion configured to form the beam is cut from a distal edge of the conductive member 20. The beam may include a first beam 220 and a second beam 240 provided on the top wall 23 of the conductive member 20. The first portion 121 may include a first groove 111 cooperating with the first beam 220 and a second groove 113 cooperating with the second beam 240. The first groove 111 and the second groove 113 open toward the conductive member 20 in the vertical direction Z of the receptacle connector.

[0048] The beams may include a third beam 260 and a fourth beam 280 provided on the bottom wall 25 of the conductive member 20. The first portion 121 may include a third groove 115 cooperating with the third beam 260 and a fourth groove 117 cooperating with the fourth beam 28. The third groove 115 and the fourth groove 117 open toward the conductive member 20 in the vertical direction Z of the receptacle connector.

[0049] First beam 220 and second beam 240 extending from top wall 23 may be arranged to be mirror images about axis AA of receptacle connector 1. Third beam 260 and fourth beam 280 extending from bottom wall 25 are arranged to be mirror images about axis AA of receptacle connector 1.

[0050] FIG. 13 illustrates a view of each beam of the conductive member 20 before being bent. FIG. 14 illustrates a view of each beam of the conductive member 20 after being bent and inserted into the corresponding groove. As shown in FIG. 14 , when the conductive member 20 is assembled with the first portion 121, the first free end of the first beam 220 and the second free end of the second beam 240 extend toward the inside of the conductive member 20 and are accommodated in the first groove 111 and the second groove 113, respectively. In some embodiments, the first free end of the first beam 220 and the second free end of the second beam 240 face each other in the width direction X. The widthwise length of the first beam 220 may be shorter than the widthwise length of the first groove 111. The widthwise length of the second beam 240 may be shorter than the widthwise length of the second groove 113.

[0051] In some embodiments, the size of the first beam 220 in the mating direction Y may be smaller than the size of the conductive member 20 in the mating direction Y. Optionally, the size of the first beam 220 in the mating direction Y is half the size of the conductive member 20 in the mating direction Y. In some embodiments, the stop portion (e.g., beam) may bend toward the inside of the conductive member 20 to engage with the groove of the first portion in an assembled state of the receptacle connector. In some embodiments, the stop portion may be bendable and deformable. For example, the conductive member 20 may be made of metal. It should be understood that the number, size, location, and arrangement of the beams and grooves may not be limited to the specific embodiments shown and may be configured according to a specific application.

[0052] The conductive member 20 may be at least partially attached to the mating side of the first portion 121. The inner contour shape of the conductive member 20 is partially matched to the outer contour of the first portion 121. At least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the conductive member 20 is in intimate contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first portion 121.

[0053] In some embodiments, the terminal assembly 10 includes a protrusion, and the conductive member 20 includes an opening 271, 291 for receiving the protrusion. When the conductive member 20 is disposed in the outer portion of the assembly housing 120, the inner surface of the opening is in at least partial contact with the protrusion so as to limit movement of the conductive member 20 in the mating direction of the receptacle connector 1.

[0054] In the assembled configuration of the receptacle connector of the present application, the stop portion of the conductive member 20 is engaged in the groove of the first portion of the terminal assembly, and the protrusion of the terminal assembly 10 is engaged in the opening of the conductive member 20, thereby fixing the position of the conductive member 20 relative to the assembly housing (e.g., insulating rubber core) of the terminal assembly 10. Such a configuration may reduce the risk of the conductive member shifting in the mating direction Y relative to the terminal assembly. Such a configuration may reduce the risk of the first shell 30 and / or the second shell 40 connected to the conductive member 20 shifting in the mating direction relative to the terminal assembly 10. Such a configuration may reduce the risk of misalignment or undesired shifting of the conductive member 20 of the receptacle connector relative to the terminal assembly 10 due to frequent insertion and removal of the mating portion of the plug connector. For example, such a configuration may reduce the risk of the terminal assembly 10 (the insulating rubber core of the terminal assembly) separating from the conductive member 20 and coming out from the distal side when a user inserts the mating portion of the plug connector into the receptacle connector with a large force.

[0055] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of conductive elements 110 has an elongated strip shape and includes a mating end and a tail provided on the opposite side of the mating end. As shown in FIGS. 16-17 , the plurality of conductive elements 110 includes a first row of conductive elements 110A and a second row of conductive elements 110B. The first row of conductive elements 110A and the second row of conductive elements 110B are each arranged in a row in the width direction X of the receptacle connector 1. The mating ends of the conductive elements in the first row of conductive elements 110A are spaced apart from and aligned with the mating ends of the respective conductive elements in the second row of conductive elements 110B in the vertical direction Z of the receptacle connector. The terminal assembly 10 may further include a shielding member 130 disposed in the vertical direction Z between the mating ends of the conductive elements 110A of the first row and the mating ends of the conductive elements 110B of the second row.

[0056] By providing a shielding member between the first row of conductive elements 110A and the second row of conductive elements 110B, the overall structural strength of the terminal assembly can be improved, and electromagnetic interference signals emitted by one of the first row of conductive elements and the second row of conductive elements can be effectively shielded from the other of the first row of conductive elements and the second row of conductive elements.

[0057] 10 , in the illustrated example, conductive member 20 includes a third conductive sidewall 27 and a fourth conductive sidewall 29 facing third conductive sidewall 27 in width direction X of the receptacle connector. Third conductive sidewall 27 and fourth conductive sidewall 29 each extend along a plane perpendicular to width direction X of the receptacle connector. Third conductive sidewall 27 includes a first opening 271, and fourth conductive sidewall 29 includes a second opening 291.

[0058] 15 to 17 , in the illustrated example, the shielding member 130 of the terminal assembly 10 includes a first protrusion 132 that is received in the first opening 271 and a second protrusion 134 that is received in the second opening 291. The first protrusion 132 and the second protrusion 134 are provided on both sides of the shielding member 130 in the width direction. Each of the first protrusion 132 and the second protrusion 134 extends from the shielding member 130 toward the outside of the receptacle connector 1 along the width direction X of the receptacle connector 1.

[0059] In some embodiments, the shielding member 130 may be made of a metallic material, and the shielding member 130 may achieve the shielding effect by, for example, reflecting, absorbing, or scattering electromagnetic waves. Optionally, the shielding member 130 includes a conductive plastic shielding sheet, or an insulating sheet coated with a conductive metallic material, or any suitable material capable of shielding electromagnetic signals from interference.

[0060] In some embodiments, the shielding member 130 of the terminal assembly 10 may be electrically connected to the conductive member 20. The conductive member 20 is connected to the first shell 30. The first shell 30 is connected to the second shell 40. The second shell 40 is connected to a ground portion of a circuit board of an electronic device. As a result, the shielding member 130, the conductive member 20, the first shell 30, and the second shell 40 of the terminal assembly 10 may together form a ground loop that may guide electromagnetic waves and interference signals generated in and around the receptacle connector to the circuit board. Such a configuration may improve the grounding and shielding of the receptacle connector, thereby improving the stability of signal transmission.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 17 , the shielding member 130 may include a plate-shaped shielding portion 131 and a ground strip portion 135. The ground strip portion 135 extends from the plate-shaped shielding portion 131 toward the distal side of the receptacle connector. The ground strip portion 135 may be a ground terminal connected to a circuit board. In some embodiments, the free end of the ground strip portion 135 may be aligned with the tails of multiple conductive elements in the first row of conductive elements 110A. The plate-shaped shielding portion 131 may effectively shield electromagnetic interference between the first row of conductive elements 110A and the second row of conductive elements 110B. The ground strip portion 135 may be connected to a ground portion of the circuit board, thereby enhancing the shielding effect of the shielding member 130.

[0062] In some embodiments, the mating end of the first shell 30 extends beyond the mating end of the second shell 40 in the mating direction (mating direction Y) in which the receptacle connector 1 is connected to a corresponding plug connector. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the receptacle connector 1 may include a first sealing member 60 attached to a portion of the outer sidewall of the first shell 30 that extends beyond the mating end of the second shell 40.

[0063] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , a roughened portion 32 is provided on a portion of the outer sidewall of the first shell 30 that extends beyond the mating end of the second shell 40. The first sealing member 60 is attached to the roughened portion 32 of the first shell 30. The roughened portion 32 includes a pattern including at least one of a diagonal line pattern, a grid pattern, or a predetermined symbol pattern. Optionally, the predetermined symbol pattern may include at least one of a star shape, an H shape, or an X shape. In some exemplary embodiments according to the present application, the surface roughness of the roughened portion 32 of the first shell 30 may be in the range of EDM 8-12.

[0064] The roughened portion 32 may be on a portion of the outer sidewall of the first shell that extends beyond the mating end of the second shell, and the first sealing member may be attached to the roughened portion of the first shell. Such a technical solution may provide a very tight fit between the first sealing member 60 and the first shell 30. The outer sidewall of the first shell 30 of the receptacle connector provided with the roughened portion may have a higher surface roughness than the surface roughness of the remainder of the first shell 30, thereby improving the adhesion between the first sealing member 60 and the roughened portion 32 of the first shell 30. Such a configuration may reduce the risk of the first sealing member 60 falling off the first shell 30. When the receptacle connector 1 is attached to the mounting portion of the electronic device, a seamless seal can be created between the receptacle connector and the mounting portion of the electronic device, reducing the risk of water vapor / dust entering the electronic device.

[0065] Optionally, roughened portion 32 is on the outer sidewall of first shell 30 and extends from the mating edge of first shell 30 toward the distal side of the first shell along mating direction Y. In some embodiments, roughened portion 32 extends in mating direction Y on the outer sidewall of first shell 30 within a width range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm from the mating edge of first shell 30. In some embodiments, roughened portion 32 extends in mating direction Y on the outer sidewall of first shell 30 within a width range of 0.5 mm to 3 mm from the mating edge of first shell 30. In some embodiments, roughened portion 32 extends in mating direction Y on the outer sidewall of first shell 30 within a width range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm from the mating edge of first shell 30.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first sealing member 60 is an elastically deformable member. The first sealing member 60 is configured to elastically deform when in contact with the mounting portion of the electronic device and form an interference fit with the mounting portion of the electronic device in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction. In one example, the first sealing member 60 may be made of an ultraviolet-curable adhesive (UV adhesive), silicone, or epoxy resin adhesive. UV light-curable adhesives rapidly cure under UV light irradiation to form an elastic adhesive film and are characterized by high adhesive strength, vibration resistance, high-temperature resistance, and good durability. The first sealing member 60 may extend in the mating direction Y in the range of 0.1 to 5 mm.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first sealing member 60 is configured to have an annular shape that extends circumferentially and continuously around the mating end of the first shell 30. The first sealing member 60 is configured to have a mounting surface that forms a positive fit (form and position fit) with the mating end of the first shell 30. It should be understood that the term "positive fit" as used in this application can refer to a connection relationship in which two mating components abut and tightly fit together in terms of form and position.

[0068] 18, the first sealing member 60 may include a tapered portion 61 that tapers toward the mating end of the first sealing member 60 along the mating direction Y of the receptacle connector. The slanted outer surface of the tapered portion 61 forms an angle of 20 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface of the mating end of the first sealing member 60.

[0069] In some embodiments, assembly housing 120 may include a first portion 121 connected to conductive member 20. Receptacle connector 1 may include a second sealing member 70 ( FIG. 15 ) within a space defined by the surface of the rear end of first portion 121 and the inner surface of first shell 30. The outer peripheral surface of second sealing member 70 forms an interference fit with the inner surface of first shell 30.

[0070] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a receptacle connector may include providing a terminal assembly 10 comprising a plurality of conductive elements 110 and an assembly housing 120 that holds the plurality of conductive elements 110; providing a conductive member 20 and disposing the conductive member 20 on at least a portion of an outer portion of the assembly housing 120; providing a first shell 30 and attaching the first shell 30 to the outer portion of the conductive member 20 so that the first shell 30 surrounds at least a portion of the terminal assembly 10; and providing a second shell 40 and attaching the second shell 40 to the outer portion of the first shell 30.

[0071] The method may further include providing a third shell 50 having mounting holes 51 and fixedly connecting the third shell to an outer portion of the second shell 40. In some embodiments, the method includes connecting the third shell 50 to the second shell 40 by welding. For example, the third shell 50 is connected to the second shell 40 by spot welding.

[0072] In some embodiments, the method includes connecting the first shell 30 to the conductive member 20 by welding. For example, the first shell 30 is connected to the conductive member 20 by spot welding.

[0073] In some embodiments, providing the second shell 40 includes forming the second shell 40 as a profile member, the second shell 40 including a first portion 40A attached to the first shell 30, a second portion 40B attached to the assembly housing 120, and a transition portion 40C connecting the first portion 40A and the second portion 40B. The method may include engaging a tab on the second portion 40B with a recess in the assembly housing 120 of the terminal assembly 10 to fixedly connect the second shell 40 to the assembly housing 120. In some embodiments, the method includes connecting the first portion 40A of the second shell 40 to the first shell 30 by welding.

[0074] In some embodiments, providing terminal assembly 10 includes providing assembly housing 120 connected to conductive member 20, disposed adjacent the rear end of first shell 30, and including a first portion 121 including a groove. Optionally, providing conductive member 20 may include providing conductive member 20 with a stop portion engaged with the groove, wherein the stop portion is integrally formed with conductive member 20.

[0075] In some embodiments, providing the terminal assembly 10 may include providing the terminal assembly 10 with a protrusion. Providing the conductive member 20 may include providing the conductive member 20 with an opening for receiving the protrusion. When the conductive member 20 is disposed on the outer portion of the assembly housing 120, an inner surface of the opening at least partially contacts the protrusion to limit movement of the conductive member 20 in the mating direction Y of the receptacle connector 1.

[0076] In some embodiments, providing a terminal assembly 10 includes providing a plurality of conductive elements 110 including a first row of conductive elements 110A and a second row of conductive elements 110B, providing the first row of conductive elements 110A and the second row of conductive elements 110B arranged in rows in a width direction X of the receptacle connector 1, and providing mating ends of the conductive elements of the first row of conductive elements 110A spaced apart from and aligned with mating ends of each conductive element of the second row of conductive elements 110B in a vertical direction Z of the receptacle connector. The method may include providing a terminal assembly 10 including a shielding member 130 disposed in the vertical direction Z between the mating ends of the conductive elements of the first row of conductive elements 110A and the mating ends of each conductive element of the second row of conductive elements 110B, and forming protrusions on both sides of the width direction X of the shielding member 130.

[0077] In some embodiments, providing the first shell 30 may include roughening a portion of the outer sidewall of the first shell 30 near its mating end by a laser engraving process or an electrical discharge process to form the roughened portion 32. Optionally, the portion of the outer sidewall of the first shell 30 near its mating end is embossed or knurled to form the roughened portion 32.

[0078] In some embodiments, the method may further include applying a first adhesive circumferentially around the first shell 30 at a portion of the outer sidewall of the first shell 30 that extends beyond the mating end of the second shell 40, and curing the first adhesive to form a first sealing member 60 attached to the outer sidewall of the first shell 30.

[0079] The method may include providing a tool configured to form the first sealing member 60 to a predetermined size and shape, placing the roughened portion 32 of the mating end of the first shell 30 to be processed in the tool, and applying a first adhesive to the roughened portion circumferentially of the first shell. The first adhesive is applied in the tool by one of a time-pressure application method, a piston pump application method, and a screw metering pump application method.

[0080] In some embodiments, an adhesive is received within the tool. The adhesive may be selected from one of a UV adhesive, a silicone, and an epoxy resin adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be an underfill.

[0081] In some embodiments, the method includes, after connecting the first shell 30 to the conductive member 20 by welding, applying a second adhesive in a space defined by the surface of the rear end of the first portion 121 and the inner surface of the first shell 30, and curing the second adhesive to form the second sealing member 70. The outer peripheral surface of the second sealing member 70 is configured to form an interference fit with the inner surface of the first shell 30.

[0082] Such a configuration allows the second sealing member 70 to fill the gap between the rear end surface of the first portion 121 and the inner surface of the first shell 30, reducing the risk of moisture entering the receptacle connector through the gap between the first shell and the terminal assembly. A seamless sealing effect can be achieved. The requirements for the waterproof rating of the receptacle connector can be met, and the life of the receptacle connector can be enhanced.

[0083] Various aspects are described in this disclosure, including, but not limited to, the following. 1. A receptacle connector (e.g., 1), comprising a terminal assembly (e.g., 10) including a plurality of conductive elements (e.g., 110) and an assembly housing (e.g., 120) that holds the plurality of conductive elements (e.g., 110), a conductive member (e.g., 20) disposed on at least a portion of the outer portion of the assembly housing (e.g., 120), and a conductive member (e.g., 20) disposed on the outer portion of the conductive member (e.g., 20) and attached to the conductive member (e.g., 20). a receptacle connector (e.g., 1) comprising a first shell (e.g., 30) mounted on an outer portion of the first shell (e.g., 30), the first shell (30) surrounding at least a portion of the terminal assembly (10), and a second shell (e.g., 40) attached to an outer portion of the first shell (e.g., 30), the receptacle connector further comprising a third shell (e.g., 50) fixedly attached to the outer portion of the second shell (e.g., 40), the third shell (e.g., 50) comprising a mounting hole (e.g., 51). 2. The receptacle connector of aspect 1, wherein the third shell (e.g., 50) comprises a horizontal portion (e.g., 501) connected to the second shell (e.g., 40), and a first mounting portion (e.g., 502) and a second mounting portion (e.g., 504) provided on either side of the horizontal portion (e.g., 501) in a width direction (X) of the receptacle connector (e.g., 1), each of the first mounting portion (e.g., 502) and the second mounting portion (e.g., 504) extending from the horizontal portion (e.g., 501) beyond the second shell (e.g., 40) along the width direction (e.g., X), and a mounting hole (e.g., 51) provided in each of the first mounting portion (e.g., 502) and the second mounting portion (e.g., 504). 3. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 2, wherein the horizontal portion (e.g., 501) of the third shell (e.g., 50) is configured to extend in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (e.g., Z) of the receptacle connector (e.g., 1), and the third shell (e.g., 50) comprises a first vertical portion (e.g., 503) connecting the horizontal portion (e.g., 501) to the first mounting portion (e.g., 502) and a second vertical portion (e.g., 505) connecting the horizontal portion (e.g., 501) to the second mounting portion (e.g., 504), and each of the first vertical portion (e.g., 501) and the second vertical portion (e.g., 505) extends in a manner substantially perpendicular to the horizontal portion (e.g., 503). 4. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 1, wherein the third shell (e.g., 50) is connected to the second shell (e.g., 40) by welding, and a third interface portion joins the third shell (e.g., 50) and the second shell (e.g., 40). 5. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 4, wherein the third shell (e.g., 50) is connected to the second shell (e.g., 40) by spot welding, and the third joint portion comprises one or more groups of third joint points joining the third shell (e.g., 50) and the second shell (e.g., 40). 6. The receptacle connector of aspect 5, wherein each group of junction points is arranged in a linear array, an L-shaped array, or a curvilinear array. 7. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 5, wherein the third interface portion comprises a first group of third interface points (e.g., S11) and a second group of third interface points (e.g., S13), and the first group of third interface points (e.g., S11) and the second group of third interface points (e.g., S13) are provided symmetrically with respect to an axis line (e.g., AA) of the receptacle connector. 8. A receptacle connector according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the first shell (e.g., 30) is connected to the conductive member (e.g., 20) by welding, and a first joint portion joins the first shell (e.g., 30) and the conductive member (e.g., 20). 9. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 8, wherein the first shell (e.g., 30) is connected to the conductive member (e.g., 20) by spot welding, and the first joint portion comprises one or more groups of first joint points joining the first shell (e.g., 30) and the conductive member (e.g., 20). 10. A first shell (e.g., 30) has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a first side wall (e.g., 301) and a second side wall (e.g., 303) that are opposed to each other in a vertical direction (e.g., Z) of the receptacle connector, and a third side wall (e.g., 305) and a fourth side wall (e.g., 307) that are opposed to each other in a width direction (e.g., X) of the receptacle connector, wherein the third side wall (e.g., 305) and the fourth side wall (e.g., 307) are each connected to the first side wall (e.g., 301) and the second side wall (e.g., 303), and a first joint portion is connected between a first joint point (e.g., S21) of a first group and a first joint point (e.g., S22) of a second group. 10. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 9, comprising: a first group of first junction points (e.g., S21) located on a portion of a first side wall (e.g., 301) of a first shell (e.g., 30) adjacent to a rear end of the first shell (e.g., 30); a second group of first junction points (e.g., S22) located on a portion of a second side wall (e.g., 303) of the first shell (e.g., 30) adjacent to a rear end of the first shell (e.g., 30); and each of the first group of first junction points (e.g., S21) and the second group of first junction points (e.g., S22) arranged in a linear array in a width direction (e.g., X) of the receptacle connector. 11. A receptacle connector according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the second shell (e.g., 40) is a profile member and comprises a first portion (e.g., 40A) attached to the first shell (e.g., 30), a second portion (e.g., 40B) attached to the assembly housing (e.g., 120), and a transition portion (e.g., 40C) connecting the first portion (e.g., 40A) and the second portion (e.g., 40B), wherein the second portion (e.g., 40B) comprises a tab, and the assembly housing (e.g., 120) of the terminal assembly (e.g., 10) comprises a recess for receiving the tab, and the tab is engaged with the recess to fixedly connect the second shell (e.g., 40) to the assembly housing (e.g., 120). 12. A first shell (e.g., 30) has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a first side wall (e.g., 301) and a second side wall (e.g., 303) that are opposed to each other in a vertical direction (e.g., Z) of the receptacle connector, and a third side wall (e.g., 305) and a fourth side wall (e.g., 307) that are opposed to each other in a width direction (e.g., X) of the receptacle connector, and each of the third side wall (e.g., 305) and the fourth side wall (e.g., 307) is connected to the first side wall (e.g., 301) and the second side wall (e.g., 303), and a second shell (e.g., 40) The first portion (e.g., 40A) of the receptacle connector includes a first top wall (e.g., 401) connected to a first side wall (e.g., 301) of the first shell (e.g., 30), a first side wall (e.g., 402) connected to the first top wall and substantially perpendicular to the first top wall, and a second side wall (e.g., 404) facing the first side wall (e.g., 402) in a width direction (e.g., X) of the receptacle connector and connected to the first top wall, and each of the first side wall (e.g., 402) and the second side wall (e.g., 404) extends in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the receptacle connector. The lower ends of the first side wall (e.g., 402) and the second side wall (e.g., 404) extend beyond the first shell (e.g., 30) in the vertical direction (e.g., Z) of the receptacle connector, and the second portion (e.g., 40B) of the second shell (e.g., 40) has a second top wall (e.g., 403) corresponding to the outer surface of the assembly housing (e.g., 120) provided on the same side as the first side wall (e.g., 301) of the first shell (e.g., 30), a third side wall (e.g., 406) connected to the second top wall and substantially perpendicular to the second top wall, and A receptacle connector as described in aspect 11, comprising: a fourth side wall (e.g., 408) opposite the third side wall (e.g., 406) in the width direction (e.g., X) of the receptacle connector and connected to the second top wall, wherein each of the third side wall (e.g., 406) and the fourth side wall (e.g., 408) extends in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the receptacle connector, and a lower end of each of the third side wall (e.g., 406) and the fourth side wall (e.g., 408) extends beyond the assembly housing (e.g., 120) in the vertical direction (e.g., Z) of the receptacle connector. 13. The tabs include a first tab (e.g., 45) and a second tab (e.g., 47), the first tab (e.g., 45) being a sheet-like portion extending from a lower end of the third side wall (e.g., 406) and substantially perpendicular to the third side wall (e.g., 406) and extending from the third side wall (e.g., 406) toward the longitudinal center axis (e.g., AA) of the receptacle connector, and the second tab (e.g., 47) being a sheet-like portion extending from a lower end of the fourth side wall (e.g., 408) and substantially perpendicular to the fourth side wall (e.g., 408) and extending from the fourth side wall (e.g., 408) toward the receptacle connector. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 12, comprising a sheet-like portion extending toward the longitudinal center axis (e.g., AA) of the receptacle connector, the recess being on the outer surface of the assembly housing (e.g., 120) provided on the same side as the second side wall (e.g., 303) of the first shell (e.g., 30), and provided on the edge adjacent to the third side wall (e.g., 406) and the fourth side wall (e.g., 408), the recess comprising a first recess (e.g., 105) engaged with the first tab (e.g., 45) and a second recess (e.g., 107) engaged with the second tab (e.g., 47). 14. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 12, wherein the first portion (40A) of the second shell (40) is connected to the first shell (30) by welding, and a second joining portion joins the first portion (40A) of the second shell (40) and the first shell (30). 15. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 14, wherein the first portion (40A) of the second shell (40) is connected to the first shell (30) by spot welding, and the second joint portion comprises a second joint point joining the first portion (40A) of the second shell (40) and the first shell (30). 16. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 15, wherein the second interface portion comprises a first group of second interface points (e.g., S31) and a second group of second interface points (e.g., S32), wherein the first portion (e.g., 40A) of the second shell (e.g., 40) is connected to the first side wall (e.g., 301) of the first shell (e.g., 30) by the first group of second interface points (e.g., S31) and the second group of second interface points (e.g., S32), and wherein each of the first group of second interface points (e.g., S31) and the second group of second interface points (e.g., S32) is arranged in an L-shape or a linear array. 17. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 16, wherein the second interface portion further comprises a third group of second interface points (e.g., S33) for connecting the first side wall (e.g., 402) of the second shell (e.g., 40) to the third side wall (e.g., 305) of the first shell (e.g., 30) and a fourth group of second interface points (e.g., S34) for connecting the second side wall (e.g., 404) of the second shell (e.g., 40) to the fourth side wall (e.g., 307) of the first shell (e.g., 30), and wherein each of the third group of second interface points (e.g., S33) and the fourth group of second interface points (e.g., S34) are arranged in a linear array in the mating direction (e.g., Y) of the receptacle connector. 18. A receptacle connector according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the assembly housing (e.g., 120) comprises a first portion (e.g., 121) connected to the conductive member (e.g., 20), the first portion (e.g., 121) is disposed adjacent to the rear end of the first shell (e.g., 30) and comprises a groove, and the conductive member (e.g., 20) comprises a stop portion engaged with the groove. 19. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 18, wherein the conductive member (e.g., 20) has a plurality of stop portions extending from the top wall (e.g., 23) and / or on the bottom wall (e.g., 25) of the conductive member (e.g., 20), and the top wall (e.g., 23) faces the bottom wall (e.g., 25) in the vertical direction (e.g., Z) of the receptacle connector. 20. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 19, wherein the stop portion is a beam having a first beam (e.g., 220) and a second beam (e.g., 240) extending from the top wall (e.g., 23) of the conductive member (e.g., 20), the first portion (e.g., 121) having a first groove (e.g., 111) cooperating with the first beam (e.g., 220) and a second groove (e.g., 113) cooperating with the second beam (e.g., 240), and the first groove (e.g., 111) and the second groove (e.g., 113) open toward the conductive member (e.g., 20) in the vertical direction (e.g., Z) of the receptacle connector. 21. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 20, wherein the beam comprises a third beam (e.g., 260) and a fourth beam (e.g., 280) extending from a bottom wall (e.g., 25) of the conductive member (e.g., 20), the first portion (e.g., 121) comprises a third groove (e.g., 115) cooperating with the third beam (e.g., 260) and a fourth groove (e.g., 117) cooperating with the fourth beam (e.g., 280), and the third groove (e.g., 113) and the fourth groove (e.g., 117) open toward the conductive member (e.g., 20) in the vertical direction (e.g., Z) of the receptacle connector. 22. A receptacle connector according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the terminal assembly (e.g., 10) includes a protrusion, the conductive member (e.g., 20) includes an opening for receiving the protrusion, and when the conductive member (e.g., 20) is disposed in an outer portion of the assembly housing (e.g., 120), the inner surface of the opening at least partially contacts the protrusion to limit movement of the conductive member (e.g., 20) in the mating direction of the receptacle connector (e.g., 1). 23. A receptacle connector (e.g., 1) including a plurality of conductive elements (e.g., 110), each having an elongated strip shape and including a mating end and a tail positioned opposite the mating end, the plurality of conductive elements (e.g., 110) including a first row of conductive elements (e.g., 110A) and a second row of conductive elements (e.g., 110B), the first row of conductive elements (e.g., 110A) and the second row of conductive elements (e.g., 110B) being respectively arranged in a row in the width direction (e.g., X) of the receptacle connector (e.g., 1), and the conductive elements (e.g., 110A) of the first row A receptacle connector as described in aspect 22, wherein the mating ends of the conductive elements of the first row are spaced apart from and aligned with the mating ends of the respective conductive elements of the second row (e.g., 110B) in the vertical direction (e.g., Z) of the receptacle connector, and the terminal assembly (e.g., 10) further comprises a shielding member (e.g., 130) arranged vertically (e.g., Z) between the mating ends of the conductive elements of the first row (e.g., 110A) and the mating ends of the conductive elements of the second row (e.g., 110B). 24. A conductive member (e.g., 20) has a third conductive side wall (e.g., 27) and a fourth conductive side wall (e.g., 29) facing the third conductive side wall (e.g., 27) in a width direction (e.g., X) of the receptacle connector, each of the third conductive side wall (e.g., 27) and the fourth conductive side wall (e.g., 29) extending along a plane perpendicular to the width direction (e.g., X) of the receptacle connector, the third conductive side wall (e.g., 27) has a first opening (e.g., 271), the fourth conductive side wall (e.g., 29) has a second opening (e.g., 291), and a shielding member (e.g., 24. A receptacle connector according to aspect 23, wherein the shielding member (e.g., 130) comprises a first protrusion (e.g., 132) received in the first opening (e.g., 271) and a second protrusion (e.g., 134) received in the second opening (e.g., 291), the first protrusion (e.g., 132) and the second protrusion (e.g., 134) being provided on either side of the shielding member (e.g., 130) in the width direction, and each of the first protrusion (e.g., 132) and the second protrusion (e.g., 134) extending from the shielding member (e.g., 130) toward the outside of the receptacle connector (e.g., 1) along the width direction (e.g., X) of the receptacle connector (e.g., 1). 25. A receptacle connector according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein a mating end of the first shell (e.g., 30) extends beyond the mating end of the second shell (e.g., 40) in a mating direction in which the receptacle connector is connected to a corresponding plug connector, and the receptacle connector includes a first sealing member (e.g., 60) attached to a portion of the outer sidewall of the first shell (e.g., 30) that extends beyond the mating end of the second shell (e.g., 40). 26. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 25, wherein a roughened portion (e.g., 32) is provided on a portion of an outer sidewall of the first shell (e.g., 30) that extends beyond the mating end of the second shell (e.g., 40), a first sealing member (e.g., 60) is attached to the roughened portion (e.g., 32) of the first shell (e.g., 30), and the roughened portion (e.g., 32) includes a pattern including at least one of a diagonal pattern, a grid pattern, or a predetermined symbol pattern. 27. The receptacle connector of aspect 26, wherein the predetermined symbol pattern includes at least one of a star shape, an H shape, or an X shape. 28. The receptacle connector according to aspect 26, wherein the width of the roughened portion (e.g., 32) in the mating direction (e.g., Y) of the receptacle connector extends in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm. 29. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 25, wherein the first sealing member (e.g., 60) is an elastically deformable member, and the first sealing member (e.g., 60) is configured to elastically deform when the first sealing member (e.g., 60) is in contact with the mounting portion of the electronic device and to form an interference fit with the mounting portion of the electronic device in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction. 30. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 25, wherein the first sealing member (e.g., 60) is configured to have an annular shape that extends circumferentially and continuously around the mating end of the first shell (e.g., 30), and the first sealing member (e.g., 60) is configured to have an attachment surface that forms a positive fit with the mating end of the first shell (e.g., 30). 31. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 25, wherein the first sealing member (e.g., 60) has a tapered portion (e.g., 61) that tapers toward the mating end of the first sealing member (e.g., 60) along the mating direction of the receptacle connector, and the inclined outer surface of the tapered portion (e.g., 61) forms an angle of 20 degrees to 40 degrees with respect to the surface of the mating end of the first sealing member (e.g., 60). 32. A receptacle connector according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the assembly housing (e.g., 120) has a first part (e.g., 121) connected to the conductive member (e.g., 20), the receptacle connector (e.g., 1) has a second sealing member (e.g., 70) provided in a space bounded by the rear end surface of the first part (e.g., 121) and the inner surface of the first shell (e.g., 30), and the outer peripheral surface of the second sealing member (e.g., 70) forms an interference fit with the inner surface of the first shell (e.g., 30). 33. A receptacle connector (e.g., 1) configured to mount to a substrate and extend vertically (e.g., Z) above the substrate, the receptacle connector comprising a terminal assembly (e.g., 10), the terminal assembly (e.g., 10) comprising a plurality of conductive elements (e.g., 110), each having a mating end (e.g., 550), a tail (e.g., 552), and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail; a tongue (e.g., 250) that holds the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements; a rear portion (e.g., 252); and a first portion (e.g., 121) between the tongue and the rear portion, the top surfaces of the tongue, the rear portion, and the first portion being vertically offset from one another. a terminal assembly (e.g., 10) including a housing (e.g., 120); a shielding member (e.g., 130) carried by the housing and including one or more protrusions extending from a first portion of the housing; a conductive member (e.g., 20) disposed on the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly, the conductive member having one or more openings (e.g., 271, 291) configured to receive the one or more protrusions (e.g., 132, 134) of the shielding member; and a first shell (e.g., 30) surrounding the terminal assembly from the tongue to the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly and connected to the conductive member at a first mating portion. 34. A receptacle connector (e.g., 1) comprising a terminal assembly (e.g., 10) including a plurality of conductive elements (e.g., 110), each having a mating end, a tail, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail; a housing (e.g., 120) including a tongue, a rear portion, and a first portion (e.g., 121) between the tongue and the rear portion that holds the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements, the top surfaces of the tongue, the rear portion, and the first portion being vertically offset from one another; a conductive member (e.g., 20) disposed on the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly; and a connector (e.g., 20) surrounding the terminal assembly from the tongue to the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly and connecting to the conductive member at a first interface portion. a second shell (e.g., 40) having a first portion (e.g., 40A) disposed on the rear portion of the first shell and connected to the rear portion of the first shell at a second mating portion, a second portion (e.g., 40B) disposed on the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly, and a transition portion (e.g., 40C) connecting the first portion and the second portion; and a third shell (e.g., 50) having a horizontal portion disposed on the second portion of the second shell and connected to the second portion of the second shell at a third mating portion, and first and second mounting portions disposed on either side of the horizontal portion, each of which has a screw hole. 35. A receptacle connector according to embodiment 34, wherein the terminal assembly comprises a shielding member carried by the housing and comprising one or more protrusions extending from a first portion of the housing. 36. The receptacle connector of aspect 33 or 35, wherein the first interface portion comprises a plurality of first interface points (e.g., S21, S22). 37. The receptacle connector of embodiment 36, wherein the plurality of first junction points are arranged in a linear array. 38. A receptacle connector according to aspect 33 or 34, wherein the first shell is electrically coupled to the shielding member of the terminal assembly via a conductive member. 39. The receptacle connector of embodiment 33, comprising a second shell comprising: a first portion disposed on a rear portion of the first shell and connected to the rear portion of the first shell at a second interface portion; a second portion disposed on a rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly; and a transition portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. 40. The receptacle connector of aspect 35 or 39, wherein the second interface portion comprises a plurality of second interface points (e.g., S31, S32, S33). 41. The receptacle connector of aspect 40, wherein the plurality of second mating points comprises two symmetry groups. 42. The receptacle connector of embodiment 41, wherein the second junction points in each of the two symmetric groups are arranged in an L-shaped array. 43. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 41, wherein the first portion of the second shell comprises a first top wall connected to the first shell at two symmetrical groups of the plurality of second junction points, and first and second side walls connected to the first shell at a second junction point of the plurality of second junction points, the first and second side walls comprising mounting tails extending beyond the bottom of the first shell. 44. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 43, wherein the second portion of the second shell comprises: a second top wall disposed on the top surface of the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly; third and fourth side walls extending from the second top wall and aligned with the first and second side walls of the first portion of the second shell, respectively, the third and fourth side walls having mounting tails extending beyond the bottom of the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly; and a rear wall disposed on the rear surface of the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly and connecting the third and fourth side walls. 45. The receptacle connector of aspect 35 or 39, wherein the second shell is electrically coupled to the shielding member of the terminal assembly via the conductive member and the first shell. 46. The receptacle connector of embodiment 39, comprising a third shell having a horizontal portion disposed on the second portion of the second shell and connected to the second portion of the second shell at a third interface portion. 47. The receptacle connector of aspect 35 or 46, wherein the third interface portion comprises a plurality of third interface points (e.g., S11, S13). 48. The receptacle connector of aspect 47, wherein the plurality of third junction points comprises two symmetry groups. 49. A receptacle connector as described in aspect 46, wherein the third shell has first and second mounting portions disposed on either side of the horizontal portion, and each of the first and second mounting portions has a screw hole. 50. The receptacle connector of aspect 35 or 46, wherein the third shell is electrically coupled to the shielding member of the terminal assembly via the conductive member and the first and second shells. 51. The receptacle connector of aspect 35 or 39, comprising a rear sealing member (e.g., 70) disposed within a gap between the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly and the transition portion of the second shell. 52. The receptacle connector of embodiment 51, comprising a front sealing member (e.g., 60) disposed on a rough portion of the mating end of the first shell. 53. A method for manufacturing a receptacle connector (e.g., 1), the method including: providing a terminal assembly (e.g., 10) comprising a plurality of conductive elements (e.g., 110), each having a mating end, a tail, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail; and a housing (e.g., 120) having a tongue that holds the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements, a rear portion, and a first portion between the tongue and the rear portion; disposing a conductive member (e.g., 20) on the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly; inserting the terminal assembly into the shell until the conductive member abuts the rear end of the shell; welding the shell (e.g., 30) to the conductive member to form a joint; and, after welding, filling an adhesive in a gap between the first portion (e.g., 121) and the rear portion (e.g., 252) of the housing of the terminal assembly to form a sealing member (e.g., 70). 54. The method of embodiment 53, wherein the shell is a first shell, the joining portion is a first joining portion, and the method further includes, after filling an adhesive for the sealing member, disposing a first portion of a second shell (e.g., 40) on the rear portion of the first shell and disposing a second portion of the second shell on the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly, and welding the first portion of the second shell to the first shell to form the second joining portion. 55. The method of embodiment 54, further comprising disposing a third shell (e.g., 50) on the second portion of the second shell and welding the third shell to the second portion of the second shell to form a third joint portion.

[0084] Having thus described several aspects of several embodiments, it should be understood that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0085] While many of the inventive aspects have been described above with reference to right-angle connectors as examples, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to right-angle connectors. Any of the inventive features, whether alone or in combination with one or more other inventive features, may also be used in other types of electrical connectors, such as, for example, vertical connectors.

[0086] Furthermore, while several advantages of the present invention may be noted, it should be understood that not all embodiments of the present invention include all described advantages. Some embodiments may not implement any feature described as advantageous. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

[0087] Additionally, the described techniques may be embodied as a method, at least one example of which is provided. The operations performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable manner. Thus, while shown as sequential operations in the illustrative embodiments, embodiments may be constructed in which operations are performed in an order different from that illustrated, which may include performing some operations simultaneously.

[0088] All definitions, as defined and used, should be understood to supersede dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0089] In describing the present disclosure, orientations and positional relationships indicated by orientation terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "transverse direction," "vertical direction," "perpendicular," "horizontal," "top," and "bottom" should be understood as being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings to facilitate and simplify the description of the present disclosure. Unless stated to the contrary, these orientation terms do not indicate or imply that a particular device or element must be specifically located, constructed, and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present disclosure. The orientation terms "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside of the contours of each component itself.

[0090] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "on," "above," "on an upper surface of," and "upper" may be used to describe the spatial relationship between one or more components or features and other components or features illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatially relative terms not only include the orientation of the components illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but also include different orientations during use or operation.

[0091] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, the singular term "a," "an," or "the" includes the plural term unless otherwise indicated. In addition, when the terms "including" and / or "comprising" are used herein, it should also be understood that they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0092] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used in the specification and claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

[0093] The phrase "and / or," as used in the specification and claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are present conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified, may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B," when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising," may refer in one embodiment to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements), etc.

[0094] As used in this specification and in the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., including at least one, but also including more than one, of several elements or lists of elements, and optionally including additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicating the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," shall refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of several elements or lists of elements. Generally, when used, the term "or" shall be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., "one or the other but not both") only when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." As used in the claims, "consisting essentially of" shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0095] As used in this specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" in reference to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed in the list of elements, and not excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified elements, may optionally be present. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") may refer in one embodiment to at least one, optionally including more than one, i.e., A without the presence of B (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, i.e., B without the presence of A (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, i.e., A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, i.e., B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0096] In the claims, as well as in the above specification, all transitional phrases such as, for example, "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," etc., should be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device comprising a series of steps or units need not be limited to those steps or units expressly recited but may instead include other steps or units that are not expressly recited or that are inherent to the process, method, product, or device. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of," respectively, shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases.

[0097] The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. It is to be understood that various changes in form and detail can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the following claims and equivalents are claimed.

[0098] As in the above specification, in the claims, the use of order terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc. does not, in itself, imply any priority, precedence, or ordering of one element relative to another, or the chronological order in which the operations of a method are performed, but is merely used as a marker to distinguish one element having a particular name from another element having the same name (absent the use of order terms) in order to distinguish the elements.

Claims

1. 1. A receptacle connector configured to be mounted to a board and extend vertically above the board, a terminal assembly, a conductive member, and a first shell; The terminal assembly includes: a plurality of conductive elements, each of the conductive elements having a mating end, a tail, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail; a housing including a tongue that holds the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements, a rear portion, and a first portion between the tongue and the rear portion, wherein top surfaces of the tongue, the rear portion, and the first portion are offset from one another in the vertical direction; a shielding member carried by the housing, the shielding member comprising one or more protrusions extending from the first portion of the housing; The conductive member is disposed on the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly; one or more openings configured to receive the one or more protrusions of the shielding member; The first shell comprises: a housing for the terminal assembly, the housing including a first portion of the terminal assembly, the first portion of the housing surrounding the terminal assembly, and A receptacle connector connected to the conductive member at a first interface portion.

2. A receptacle connector, a terminal assembly, a conductive member, a first shell, a second shell, and a third shell; The terminal assembly includes: a plurality of conductive elements, each of the conductive elements having a mating end, a tail, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail; a housing including a tongue that holds the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements, a rear portion, and a first portion between the tongue and the rear portion, wherein top surfaces of the tongue, the rear portion, and the first portion are vertically offset from one another; the conductive member is disposed on the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly; The first shell comprises: a housing for the terminal assembly, the housing including a first portion of the terminal assembly, the first portion of the housing surrounding the terminal assembly, and connected to the conductive member at a first joint portion; The second shell comprises: a first portion disposed on the rear portion of the first shell and connected to the rear portion of the first shell at a second interface portion, a second portion disposed on the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly, and a transition portion connecting the first portion and the second portion; The third shell comprises: a horizontal portion disposed on the second portion of the second shell and connected to the second portion of the second shell at a third joint portion, and first and second mounting portions disposed on either side of the horizontal portion, each of the first and second mounting portions having a screw hole.

3. The terminal assembly includes: The receptacle connector of claim 2 , comprising a shielding member carried by the housing, the shielding member comprising one or more protrusions extending from the first portion of the housing.

4. The receptacle connector according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the first mating portion comprises a plurality of first mating points.

5. The receptacle connector according to claim 4 , wherein the plurality of first contact points are arranged in a linear array.

6. 4. The receptacle connector according to claim 1, wherein the first shell is electrically coupled to the shielding member of the terminal assembly via the conductive member.

7. a second shell; The second shell comprises: a first portion disposed on the rear portion of the first shell and connected to the rear portion of the first shell at a second interface portion; a second portion disposed on the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly; The receptacle connector of claim 1 , further comprising: a transition portion connecting the first portion and the second portion.

8. The receptacle connector according to claim 3 or 7, wherein the second mating portion comprises a plurality of second mating points.

9. The receptacle connector of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of second junction points comprises two symmetry groups.

10. 10. The receptacle connector of claim 9, wherein the second joint points in each of the two symmetric groups are arranged in an L-shaped array.

11. The first portion of the second shell a first top wall connected to the first shell at the two symmetry groups of the plurality of second junction points; 10. The receptacle connector of claim 9, comprising: first and second side walls connected to the first shell at second junction points of the plurality of second junction points, the first and second side walls comprising mounting tails extending beyond a bottom of the first shell.

12. The second portion of the second shell comprises: a second top wall disposed on a top surface of the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly; third and fourth side walls extending from the second top wall and aligned with the first and second side walls of the first portion of the second shell, the third and fourth side walls including mounting tails extending beyond a bottom of the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly; 12. The receptacle connector of claim 11, further comprising: a rear wall disposed on a rear surface of the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly and connecting the third and fourth side walls.

13. 8. The receptacle connector according to claim 3, wherein the second shell is electrically coupled to the shielding member of the terminal assembly via the conductive member and the first shell.

14. a third shell; 8. The receptacle connector of claim 7, wherein the third shell comprises a horizontal portion disposed on the second portion of the second shell and connected to the second portion of the second shell at a third interface portion.

15. The receptacle connector according to claim 3 or 14, wherein the third interface portion comprises a plurality of third interface points.

16. The receptacle connector of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of third junction points comprises two symmetry groups.

17. 15. The receptacle connector of claim 14, wherein the third shell includes first and second mounting portions disposed on opposite sides of the horizontal portion, each of the first and second mounting portions including a threaded hole.

18. 15. The receptacle connector according to claim 3 or 14, wherein the third shell is electrically coupled to the shielding member of the terminal assembly via the conductive member and the first and second shells.

19. 8. The receptacle connector of claim 3, further comprising a rear sealing member disposed in a gap between the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly and the transition portion of the second shell.

20. 20. The receptacle connector of claim 19, comprising a front sealing member disposed on a rough portion of the mating end of the first shell.

21. 1. A method for manufacturing a receptacle connector, comprising: A terminal assembly comprising a plurality of conductive elements and a housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements having a mating end, a tail, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail, the housing having a tongue portion for retaining the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements, a rear portion, and a first portion between the tongue portion and the rear portion; disposing a conductive member on the first portion of the housing of the terminal assembly; inserting the terminal assembly into the shell until the conductive member abuts a rear end of the shell; welding the shell to the conductive member to form a joint; and after the welding, filling a gap between the first portion and the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly with an adhesive to form a sealing member.

22. the shell is a first shell, the joint portion is a first joint portion, The method comprises: After filling the adhesive for the sealing member, disposing a first portion of a second shell on the rear portion of the first shell and a second portion of the second shell on the rear portion of the housing of the terminal assembly; 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: welding the first portion of the second shell to the first shell to form a second interface portion.

23. disposing a third shell over the second portion of the second shell; 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: welding the third shell to the second portion of the second shell to form a third joint portion.

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