Light-shielding receptacle electrical connector

Abstract

A light-tight receptacle connector is provided that blocks light from the interior of an electronic device from passing through gaps in the connector components and then through an opening in an electronic housing in which the connector is mounted. The receptacle connector 100 includes a main shell 20 and a terminal subassembly 10 disposed within the main shell. The main shell includes an engagement portion extending from a wall toward the inside of the main shell, which engages with a mating connector and / or subassembly housing 11. A gap exists between the engagement portion and the wall. A member is disposed on the outside of the main shell to block light from exiting the main shell through a front opening and / or port of a device chassis in which the connector is disposed. The member may include one or more films 30 overlapping the engagement portion and associated gap, and / or an outer shell 40 disposed on the outside of the main shell.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202322453812.9, filed on September 8, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] (Field of Ideas) 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 systems as separate electronic subassemblies, such as Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), so that such systems 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, to replace defective components or to upgrade the system with higher performance components.

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

[0005] Connectors may 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 be aligned parallel to the motherboard. 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 where the 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. The 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 housing for the computer such that a connector attached to the peripheral device via a cable may be inserted into the connector on the motherboard. This configuration allows the peripheral device to be easily connected to the computer.

[0007] To increase the availability of peripheral devices, buses and connectors used to physically connect peripheral devices over the bus may be standardized. Thus, there may be a large number of peripheral devices available from a large number of manufacturers. Any of these products may be used in a computer having a bus that complies with the standard, so long as the product complies with the standard. An example of such a standard is the universal serial bus (USB), which is commonly used in computers. The standard has undergone multiple revisions to adapt over time 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 with a USB plug connector. Summary of the Invention

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE Aspects of the present application relate to a light-tight receptacle electrical connector.

[0009] Some embodiments relate to a receptacle connector configured for use in an electronic device. The receptacle connector may include a main shell including a cavity having a front opening, a first wall, a first engagement portion connected to the first wall and projecting toward the cavity and configured to engage a mating connector, and a first gap between the first wall and the first engagement portion, a terminal subassembly disposed in the cavity of the main shell, the terminal subassembly including a subassembly housing and a plurality of conductive elements carried by the subassembly housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a mating end, a tail end extending from the subassembly housing, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail end, and a member disposed outside the main shell and configured to block light from exiting the main shell through the front opening.

[0010] Optionally, the member comprises a film overlapping the first engaging portion and the first gap.

[0011] Optionally, the film is a MYLAR sheet.

[0012] Optionally, the member comprises an outer shell having a front portion disposed outwardly of the film.

[0013] Optionally, the main shell comprises a second engagement portion connected to the first wall and protruding toward an inside of the main shell, and a second gap between the first wall and the second engagement portion, and the film overlaps the second engagement portion and the second gap.

[0014] Optionally, the subassembly housing comprises a first accommodating portion configured to engage with the second engaging portion of the main shell, the first accommodating portion being positioned closer to the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements than the tail ends of the plurality of conductive elements.

[0015] Optionally, the forward portion of the outer shell comprises a ridge located closer to the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements than the first receiving portion of the subassembly housing.

[0016] Optionally, the ridge comprises a guide portion extending toward the outside of the outer shell and extending obliquely toward a rear end of the outer shell, and a sloped portion extending toward the outside of the outer shell and extending obliquely toward a forward end of the outer shell and joining the guide portion.

[0017] Optionally, the first engagement portion of the main shell comprises a first beam having a proximal end connected to the first wall and a distal end configured to engage with the mating connector, the second engagement portion of the main shell comprises a second beam configured to engage with the first accommodating portion and a third beam positioned closer to the tail ends of the plurality of conductive elements than the second beam, and the subassembly housing comprises a second accommodating portion configured to engage with the third beam.

[0018] Optionally, a forward portion of the outer shell surrounds a respective portion of the main shell and comprises a plurality of ridges.

[0019] Some embodiments relate to an electronic system. The electronic system may include a chassis with a port and a receptacle connector as described herein, the receptacle connector disposed within the chassis, and the member configured to block light from exiting the chassis through the port.

[0020] Some embodiments relate to a receptacle connector configured for use in an electronic device, the receptacle connector comprising a main shell including a first wall, a first engagement portion connected to the first wall and projecting toward the inside of the main shell and configured to engage a mating connector, a first gap between the first wall and the first engagement portion, a second engagement portion connected to the first wall and projecting toward the inside of the main shell, and a second gap between the first wall and the second engagement portion, and a terminal subassembly disposed within the main shell, the terminal subassembly comprising a subassembly housing and a plurality of conductive elements held by the subassembly housing, the plurality of conductive elements being held by the subassembly housing. Each of the conductive elements may include a mating end, a tail end extending from a subassembly housing, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail end, the subassembly housing including a first accommodating portion disposed closer to the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements than the tail ends of the plurality of conductive elements, the first accommodating portion configured to engage with a second engagement portion of the main shell, and an outer shell including a forward portion disposed outside the first engagement portion of the main shell and including a plurality of ridges extending toward an outside of the outer shell.

[0021] Optionally, each of the plurality of ridges of the outer shell comprises a guide portion extending toward a rear end of the outer shell and a sloped portion extending toward a forward end of the outer shell and joining the guide portion.

[0022] Optionally, the first engagement portion is aligned with each ridge of the plurality of ridges in a vertical direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the receptacle connector.

[0023] Optionally, the plurality of ridges are disposed closer to the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements in a mating orientation of the receptacle connector than the first receiving portion of the subassembly housing.

[0024] Optionally, the main shell comprises a second wall opposite the first wall, the first engagement portion comprises portions extending from the first wall and the second wall, respectively, and the receptacle connector further comprises a first film disposed between a portion of the first engagement portion extending from the first wall of the main shell and the front portion of the outer shell, and a second film disposed between a portion of the first engagement portion extending from the second wall of the main shell and the front portion of the outer shell.

[0025] Optionally, the first and second films are MYLAR sheets.

[0026] Optionally, the second engagement portion comprises portions extending from the first wall and the second wall, respectively, the first film being disposed between the portion of the second engagement portion extending from the first wall of the main shell and the forward portion of the outer shell, and the second film being disposed between the portion of the second engagement portion extending from the second wall of the main shell and the forward portion of the outer shell.

[0027] Some embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing a receptacle connector. The method may include providing a terminal subassembly comprising a plurality of conductive elements carried by a subassembly housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements comprising a mating end, a tail end extending from the subassembly housing, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail end, the subassembly housing comprising a first accommodating portion disposed closer to the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements than the tail ends of the plurality of conductive elements; providing a main shell comprising a first wall, a first engagement portion connected to the first wall and protruding toward an inside of the main shell and configured to engage a mating connector, a first gap between the first wall and the first engagement portion, a second engagement portion connected to the first wall and protruding toward an inside of the main shell, and a second gap between the first wall and the second engagement portion; disposing the terminal subassembly within the main shell such that the first accommodating portion of the subassembly housing engages the second engagement portion of the main shell; and disposing a film on the first wall of the main shell such that the film overlaps the first and second engagement portions and the first and second gaps.

[0028] Optionally, the method may further include providing an outer shell having a forward portion having a ridge, and disposing the outer shell outside the main shell such that the ridge of the forward portion is substantially aligned with the first engagement portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to a mating direction of the receptacle connector.

[0029] Some embodiments relate to an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include a terminal subassembly and a main shell. The terminal subassembly may include a plurality of conductive elements and a subassembly housing that holds the conductive elements. The subassembly housing may be molded over the conductive elements. The main shell may include a body that encloses a cavity. The main shell may be sleeved to the outside of the terminal subassembly. The body of the main shell may include a first engagement portion configured to engage with a mating electrical connector in a mating direction. The first engagement portion may extend from the first main shell sidewall and / or the second main shell sidewall that are opposite each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the mating direction. The first engagement portion may protrude from the first main shell sidewall and / or the second main shell sidewall toward the cavity of the main shell. The first engagement portion may be partially separated from the first main shell sidewall and / or the second main shell sidewall of the main shell. The electrical connector may further include a member disposed outside the main shell and configured to block the first engagement portion.

[0030] Optionally, the member may include a barrier film that may be disposed on an exterior surface of the first major shell sidewall and / or the second major shell sidewall of the main shell.

[0031] Optionally, the member may further include an outer shell sleeved onto the outside of the main shell and capable of covering at least a portion of the barrier film.

[0032] Optionally, the first engagement portion may comprise a first beam that may be configured to extend obliquely from the first and / or second main shell sidewall of the body of the main shell toward the cavity of the main shell, the first beam configured to have a distal end separated from the first and / or second main shell sidewall forming a gap between the first beam and the first and / or second main shell sidewall.

[0033] Optionally, the body of the main shell may be configured to have at least one second engagement portion, and the main shell may be secured in place outside the terminal subassembly by engaging the second engagement portion with a corresponding receiving portion of the subassembly housing, and the second engagement portion may be formed integrally with the main shell.

[0034] Optionally, the second engagement portion may include at least one second beam that may extend from the first and / or second main shell sidewall, and the second beam may be recessed from the first and / or second main shell sidewall toward the cavity of the main shell such that the second beam may be partially separated from the first and / or second main shell sidewall forming a gap between the second beam and the first and / or second main shell sidewall.

[0035] Optionally, the second beam may be configured to be received in a first receiving portion formed adjacent to a mating end of a subassembly housing of the terminal subassembly, thereby positioning the main shell outside the terminal subassembly.

[0036] Optionally, the second engagement portion may include a third beam configured to be provided at the tail end of the main shell, which may be laterally opposite each other perpendicular to both the mating direction and the vertical direction, and the third beam may be engaged in a snap-fit ​​manner with a second accommodating portion formed at the tail end of a subassembly housing of the terminal subassembly, whereby the main shell can be fixedly sleeve-connected to the outside of the terminal subassembly.

[0037] Optionally, the blocking film can be configured to have a shape and dimensions configured to overlap the first engagement portion and the second beam.

[0038] Optionally, the outer shell is sleeve connected to the outside of the main shell and configured to overlap at least a portion of the barrier film.

[0039] Optionally, in the mating orientation, the mating end of the main shell can extend beyond the mating end of the outer shell, and the mating end of the outer shell can be disposed over the mating end of the barrier film.

[0040] Optionally, a wall of the outer shell corresponding to the first main shell sidewall and / or the second main shell sidewall of the main shell may include at least one ridge, which may overlap the first engagement portion of the main shell.

[0041] Optionally, the ridge may include an angled portion that may extend diagonally outwardly from the wall of the outer shell and toward the forward end of the outer shell to form a gap between the outer shell and the barrier film.

[0042] Optionally, the ridge may include a guide portion that may extend diagonally outwardly from the wall of the outer shell and toward the rear end of the outer shell, and the guide portion may join with the angled portion to form a predetermined angle with the angled portion.

[0043] Optionally, the member may comprise an outer shell sleeved onto the outside of the main shell.

[0044] Optionally, the body of the main shell may be configured to have at least one second engagement portion, and the main shell may be secured in place outside the terminal subassembly by engaging the second engagement portion with a corresponding receiving portion of the subassembly housing, and the second engagement portion may be formed integrally with the main shell.

[0045] Optionally, the second engagement portion may include at least one second beam extending from the first and / or second main shell sidewall, and the second beam may be recessed from the first and / or second main shell sidewall toward the cavity of the main shell such that the second beam can be partially separated from the first and / or second main shell sidewall forming a gap between the second beam and the first and / or second main shell sidewall.

[0046] Optionally, the second beam may be configured to be received in a first receiving portion formed adjacent to a mating end of a subassembly housing of the terminal subassembly, thereby positioning the main shell outside the terminal subassembly.

[0047] Optionally, the second engagement portion may include a third beam configured to be provided at the tail end of the main shell, which may be laterally opposite each other perpendicular to both the mating direction and the vertical direction, and the third beam may be engaged in a snap-fit ​​manner with a second accommodating portion formed at the tail end of a subassembly housing of the terminal subassembly, whereby the main shell can be fixedly sleeve-connected to the outside of the terminal subassembly.

[0048] Optionally, in the mating orientation, the mating end of the main shell can extend beyond the mating end of the outer shell, and the first engagement portion and the second beam of the main shell can overlap the outer shell.

[0049] Optionally, the outer shell may comprise a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate connecting portion connecting the first portion to the second portion, the first portion may include a first wall and a second wall vertically opposite the first wall, the first wall and the second wall may be configured to have a shape and dimensions configured to overlap the first engagement portion and the second beam.

[0050] Optionally, at least one of the first and second walls may include at least one outwardly protruding ridge, the ridge having an inclined portion extending diagonally outwardly from the corresponding one of the first and second walls and toward the forward end of the outer shell to form a gap between the outer shell and the first engagement portion.

[0051] Optionally, the ridge may include a guide portion extending outwardly from a corresponding one of the first and second walls and toward the rear end of the outer shell, and the guide portion may join and form a predetermined angle with the inclined portion.

[0052] Optionally, the first portion may include a first outer shell sidewall and a second outer shell sidewall opposite each other and extending vertically downward from an end of the first wall in a lateral direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the vertical direction, and each of the first outer shell sidewall and the second outer shell sidewall may include a protrusion.

[0053] Optionally, the opening may be formed laterally adjacent to the end of the second portion, and the intermediate connecting portion may extend in an arc from the tail end of the first wall to enable the opening in the second portion to engage with the protrusion in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0054] Some embodiments relate to an electronic system. The electronic system may include a chassis and an electrical connector as described herein. The chassis may include a port. A mating end of a main shell of the electrical connector may be at least partially disposed within the port of the chassis such that a mating end of a terminal subassembly of the electrical connector may be exposed through the port of the chassis.

[0055] 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 description of the drawings]

[0056] The accompanying drawings may not be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. The drawings are as follows: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a top, front perspective view of an electrical connector according to some embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the electrical connector of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main shell of the electrical connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a rear perspective view of the electrical connector of FIG. 1 showing the main shell and terminal subassemblies. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector of FIG. 1 taken along the line marked "AA" in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to some embodiments. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector of FIG. 6 taken along the line marked "BB" in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 is a top, front perspective view of the outer shell of the electrical connector of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top rear perspective view of the outer shell of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of an electronic system according to some embodiments. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic system of FIG. 10 taken along the line marked "CC" in FIG. 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] The present inventors have recognized and understood techniques for making light-tight receptacle electrical connectors. Receptacle connectors may be integrated within a chassis of an electronic device and configured to receive a mating component, such as a plug connector, to allow the electronic device to connect with other devices. Such electronic devices may include mobile phones, smart watches, tablet PCs, photographic equipment, game consoles, routers, electric pens, e-cigarettes, portable surveillance devices, and the like. Conventional connector designs may be assembled with components having openings and / or gaps between them.

[0058] Many electronic devices include LEDs or other light sources (e.g., backlight panels) that are intended to be visible to a user in a particular way or at a particular time. However, light from inside the electronic device can leak through openings and / or gaps to the exterior of the electronic device where the light is visible to the user. Such leaking light can cause a variety of problems, including confusing a user of the electronic device, causing discomfort to the user of the electronic device in dark environments (e.g., when the electronic device is charging or exchanging data with other electronic devices at night).

[0059] The technology described herein can enhance the experience of a user of an electronic device by providing a receptacle connector that blocks light from the interior of the electronic device from passing through gaps in the connector components and then through an opening in the electronic housing in which the connector is mounted. These components can be integrated into the connector such that the connector is compact and robust.

[0060] These techniques may include applying a thin sheet of material onto one or more surfaces of the connector shell to restrict light passing through gaps resulting from forming components integrally with the shell. The thin sheet of material may be a film, such as a polymeric film. As another example, such techniques may alternatively or additionally include structures that deflect light away from openings in the housing. These components may be positioned in the path of light passing through gaps in the connector to the exterior of the housing.

[0061] Such techniques are illustrated herein as applied to a USB Type-C right angle receptacle connector, but may be applied to other types of connectors.

[0062] In one example, a light-tight receptacle connector for use in an electronic device may include a main shell and a terminal subassembly disposed within the main shell. The main shell may include one or more engagement portions extending from a wall toward the inside of the main shell. Some of the engagement portions may be configured to engage with a mating connector. Some other engagement portions may be configured to engage a subassembly housing of the terminal subassembly, thus securing the terminal subassembly within the main shell. A gap may exist between the engagement portion and a corresponding wall.

[0063] The member may be disposed outside of the main shell and configured to block light from exiting the main shell through a front opening and / or port in the device chassis in which the connector is disposed. "Blocking" may refer to reducing light, but not necessarily eliminating it entirely. In some embodiments, the member may include one or more films that overlap the engagement portion and associated gap. The film may be a MYLAR sheet or any suitable material. In some embodiments, the member may include an outer shell. In some embodiments, a front portion of the outer shell may be disposed outside of the film. In some embodiments, a front portion of the outer shell may be disposed directly outside of the main shell.

[0064] The outer shell may include a front portion having ridges that can deflect light. Each ridge may include a guide portion and a sloped portion that joins the guide portion. Both the guide portion and the sloped portion may extend toward the outside of the outer shell, with the guide portion extending diagonally toward the rear end of the outer shell and the sloped portion extending diagonally toward the front end of the outer shell. For example, when light from inside the electronic device is directed toward a port of the device chassis, the sloped portion may reflect the light into the interior of the device chassis and / or the guide portion may reflect the light to a panel of the device chassis, which can then reflect the light into the interior of the device chassis, blocking the light from exiting the device chassis through the mating opening of the port and / or connector.

[0065] 1 and 2, according to an aspect of the disclosure, an electrical connector 100 may include a terminal subassembly 10, a main shell 20, and a member configured to block light from exiting a mating end of the connector 100. The terminal subassembly 10 may include a plurality of conductive elements 13 and a subassembly housing 11 that holds the conductive elements. The subassembly housing 11 may be molded over the conductive elements 13. The main shell 20 may include a body 23 that encloses a cavity. The body 23 may be sleeved to the outside of the terminal subassembly 10. The body 23 of the main shell 20 may include a first engagement portion configured to engage with a mating electrical connector in a mating direction X. The first engagement portion may extend from a first main shell sidewall 22 and / or a second main shell sidewall 28 that are opposite each other in a vertical direction Y perpendicular to the mating direction X. The first engagement portion may protrude from the first main shell sidewall 22 and / or the second main shell sidewall 28 of the main shell 20 toward the cavity of the main shell 20. The first engagement portion may be partially separated from the first main shell sidewall 22 and / or the second main shell sidewall 28 of the main shell 20. The member may be disposed on an exterior of the main shell 20. The member may overlap the first engagement portion.

[0066] 3, the first engagement portion of the main shell 20 may comprise a first beam 21 configured to extend obliquely from the first main shell sidewall 22 and / or the second main shell sidewall 28 of the body 23 of the main shell 20 toward the cavity of the main shell 20. The first beam 21 may be configured to have a distal end 26 separated from the first main shell sidewall 22 and / or the second main shell sidewall 28, forming a gap between the first beam 21 and the first main shell sidewall 22 and / or the second main shell sidewall 28. In some embodiments, the first beam 21 may be tongue-shaped and capable of deforming under an external force.

[0067] In some embodiments, the body 23 of the main shell 20 may be configured with at least one second engagement portion. The main shell 20 may be secured in place outside of the terminal subassembly 10 by engaging the second engagement portion with a corresponding receiving portion of the subassembly housing 11. In some embodiments, the second engagement portion may be integrally formed with the main shell 20.

[0068] In some embodiments, the accommodating portion may include a first accommodating portion 14 formed adjacent to the mating end of the subassembly housing 11 of the terminal subassembly 10 and a second accommodating portion 15 formed adjacent to the tail end of the subassembly housing 11 of the terminal subassembly 10.

[0069] 3, the second engagement portion may include at least one second beam 24 extending from the first main shell sidewall 22 and / or the second main shell sidewall 28 of the main shell. The second beam 24 may be recessed from the first main shell sidewall 22 and / or the second main shell sidewall 28 of the body 23 of the main shell 20 toward the cavity of the main shell 20 such that the second beam 24 may be partially separated from the first main shell sidewall 22 and / or the second main shell sidewall 28 forming a gap between the second beam 24 and the first main shell sidewall 22 and / or the second main shell sidewall 28.

[0070] In some embodiments, the second beam 24 can be configured to be received in a first receiving portion 14 formed adjacent to the mating end of the subassembly housing 11 of the terminal subassembly 10, positioning the main shell 20 outside the terminal subassembly 10.

[0071] 3 and 4, the second engagement portion may include a third beam 27 configured to be provided at the tail end of the main shell 20. The third beams 27 may be laterally opposed to one another, and the third beams 27 may be engaged in a snap-fit ​​manner with a second receiving portion 15 formed at the tail end of the subassembly housing 11 of the terminal subassembly 10, such that the main shell 20 may be fixedly sleeved onto the outside of the terminal subassembly 10.

[0072] In some embodiments, when the electrical connector and the mating electrical connector are mated with each other, the mating portion of the mating electrical connector may slide relative to the first engagement portion of the main shell of the electrical connector such that the first engagement portion may be deformed vertically until the mating portion of the mating electrical connector may abut the second beam of the first housing portion housed in the housing portion of the terminal subassembly. For example, the first engagement portion and the second beam of the main shell limit the position of the mating portion of the mating electrical connector, thus allowing precise control of the insertion depth of the mating portion and avoiding over-insertion or under-insertion.

[0073] Furthermore, the third beam 27 of the main shell 20 can be engaged with the second receiving portion of the terminal subassembly 10 so that the main shell can be fixed relative to the subassembly housing of the terminal subassembly, thereby effectively preventing the main shell from being displaced relative to the terminal subassembly along the mating direction X. In addition, since the main shell and the second engaging portion according to the present application can be integrally formed, in other words, the second engaging portion is a part of the main shell, no additional mounting components are required to mount the main shell to the terminal subassembly, thereby reducing the number of components of the electrical connector, simplifying the manufacturing process, enabling a compact structure, and also improving the durability of the electrical connector. This improves the contact stability and connection reliability between the mating connector and the electrical connector.

[0074] In some embodiments, the third beam 27 can bend toward the inside of the main shell 20 in the assembled state of the electrical connector to engage with the second housing portion 15. In some embodiments, the main shell can bend and deform. For example, the main shell can be made of metal.

[0075] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the member may include a blocking film 30 (e.g., MYLAR sheet or any suitable material) attached to the exterior surface of the first and / or second main shell sidewalls 22 and 28 of the main shell 20. The MYLAR sheet 30 may be configured to have a shape and dimensions configured to overlap the first engagement portion and the second beam. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the MYLAR sheet 30 may overlap the gap formed between the first engagement portion and the body, as well as the gap formed between the second beam and the body. In this case, light from the backlight panel of the electronic device may be blocked by the MYLAR sheet 30, thereby providing a blocking effect for the electrical connector 100. MYLAR sheet is a high performance plastic film made from polyester, with a typical thickness ranging from 20 to 100 microns. The opacity of the film varies with its thickness. The MYLAR sheet 30 may have a thickness closer to the upper end of this range to block more light.

[0076] In some embodiments, the MYLAR sheet 30 may be formed in a rectangular shape, as shown in Figure 2. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the MYLAR sheet may be formed in any shape so long as it can be configured to block the first engagement portion and the second beam.

[0077] In some embodiments, MYLAR sheets may be formed from polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films. In some embodiments, MYLAR sheets are characterized by dimensional stability as well as tear resistance strength. Thus, in some embodiments of the present application, MYLAR sheets cannot be easily deformed during assembly. In some embodiments, MYLAR sheets formed from polyester films may be formed by stamping.

[0078] In some embodiments, the MYLAR sheet may be attached directly to the sidewalls of the primary shell due to its own adhesive properties, such that no other adhesive is required in the process of assembling the MYLAR sheet to the primary shell, thereby simplifying manufacturing.

[0079] 2 and 5, in some embodiments, the component may further include an outer shell 40 sleeved onto the outside of the main shell 20 and configured to overlap at least a portion of the MYLAR sheet 30, such that the outer shell 40 can further block light from a backlight panel of the electronic device when the electrical connector is assembled to the electronic device.

[0080] 5, in the mating direction X, the mating end 25 of the primary shell 20 may extend beyond the mating end 41 of the outer shell 40. The mating end 41 of the outer shell 40 may be disposed outboard of the mating end 31 of the MYLAR sheet 30.

[0081] 5, at least one ridge 426 protruding toward the outside of the outer shell may be formed on a wall of the outer shell 40 corresponding to the first and second main shell side walls 22, 28 of the main shell 20. The ridge 426 may overlap a first engagement portion of the main shell 20. In some embodiments, the wall may include a first wall 421 and a second wall 422 opposite the first wall 421 in the vertical direction Y.

[0082] In some embodiments, the ridge 426 may include an angled portion 427 that extends diagonally outwardly from the wall of the outer shell 40 toward the forward end of the outer shell 40, as shown in Figure 5, forming a gap between the outer shell 40 and the MYLAR sheet 30. When light from an electronic device illuminates the outer shell 40, the angled portion 427 reflects the light back into the electronic device (see, e.g., the arrows shown in Figure 5), thereby preventing the light from the electronic device from leaking outward through the electrical connector.

[0083] In some embodiments, the outer shell having the ridges not only overlaps the first engaging portion so that light from inside the electronic device cannot leak out of the electrical connector through the gap between the first engaging portion and the body, but may also reflect light from the electronic device to the inside of the electronic device, thereby further improving the light-blocking effect of the electrical connector.

[0084] In some embodiments, the ridge 426 may include a guide portion 428 that extends diagonally outwardly from the wall and toward the rear end of the outer shell 40. The guide portion 428 may join and form an angle with the angled portion 427.

[0085] 6 and 7, in some embodiments, the electrical connector 100' may share features with the electrical connector 100 described above. Features of the electrical connector 100' that are similar to features of the electrical connector 100 may not be repeated below.

[0086] The electrical connector 100' may include an outer shell 40 sleeved directly onto the outside of the main shell 20. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 7, in the mating direction X, the mating end 25 of the main shell 20 may extend beyond the mating end 41 of the outer shell 40. The first engagement portion and the second beam 24 of the main shell 20 may overlap the outer shell 40 to overlap the gap between the first engagement portion and the first and / or second main shell sidewalls 22 and 28, and the gap between the second beam 24 and the first and / or second main shell sidewalls 22 and 28.

[0087] 8 and 9, in some embodiments, the outer shell 40 may include a first portion 42, a second portion 43, and an intermediate connecting portion 44 connecting the first portion 42 to the second portion 43. The first portion 42 may include a first wall 421 and a second wall 422 opposite the first wall 421 in the vertical direction Y. The first wall 421 and the second wall 422 may be configured to have a shape and dimensions configured to overlap the first engagement portion and the second beam.

[0088] In some embodiments, at least one of the first wall 421 and the second wall 422 may include at least one ridge 426 that protrudes toward the outside of the outer shell 40. The ridge 426 may include an inclined portion 427 (see FIG. 7 ) that extends diagonally outwardly from the corresponding one of the first wall 421 and the second wall 422 and toward the front end of the outer shell 40, forming a gap between the outer shell 40 and the first engagement portion. The inclined portion 427 may be used to reflect light illuminating the outer shell to the inside of the electronic device, thereby preventing the light from leaking outside the electrical connector.

[0089] In some embodiments, the ridge 426 may include a guide portion 428 that extends outwardly from a corresponding one of the first wall 421 and the second wall 422 and toward the tail end of the outer shell 40. The guide portion 428 may join and form an angle with the angled portion 427.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first portion 42 may include a first outer shell sidewall 423 and a second outer shell sidewall 424 that are opposite one another and extend downward in the vertical direction Y, respectively, from a lateral Z end of the first wall 421. Each of the first outer shell sidewall 423 and the second outer shell sidewall 424 may include a protrusion 425.

[0091] In some embodiments, the opening 431 may be formed adjacent an end of the second portion 43 in the lateral direction Z. The intermediate connecting portion 44 may extend in an arc from the tail end of the first wall 421 to enable the opening 431 of the second portion 43 to engage with the protrusion 425 of the first portion 42 in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0092] In some embodiments, the outer shell 40 may be formed by a stamping process. It should be understood that the stamping process is a production technique in which, with the aid of stamping equipment (press) and tools (dies), pressure is applied to a panel metal or non-metal to separate or deform it, thus obtaining a product with a specific shape, size and performance requirements.

[0093] 10, an electronic system 200 may include a chassis 50 and an electrical connector (e.g., 100, 100'). The chassis 50 may include a port 51.

[0094] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 11 , the mating end 25 of the main shell 20 of the electrical connector 100 may be at least partially disposed within the port 51 of the chassis 50 such that the mating end of the terminal subassembly 10 of the electrical connector may be accessible through the port 51 of the chassis 50.

[0095] In some embodiments, the ridge 426 of the outer shell 40 may include a guide portion 428 that extends outwardly from a wall of the outer shell 40 corresponding to the first and / or second major shell sidewall toward the rear end of the outer shell 40 and forms a gap between the outer shell 40 and the MYLAR sheet or first engagement portion. The guide portion 428 may reflect light illuminating the outer shell 40 back to the chassis 50 (see, e.g., the arrows shown in FIG. 11 ), thereby preventing the light from leaking outside the electrical connector.

[0096] Various aspects are described in this disclosure, including but not limited to the following aspects.

[0097] 1. An electrical connector, comprising a terminal subassembly (e.g., 10), comprising a plurality of conductive elements (e.g., 13), and a subassembly housing (e.g., 11) that holds the conductive elements (e.g., 13), the subassembly housing (e.g., 11) being molded over the conductive elements (e.g., 13), a terminal subassembly, and a main shell (e.g., 20) having a body (e.g., 23) surrounding a cavity, the body being sleeved to the outside of the terminal subassembly (e.g., 10), the body (e.g., 23) of the main shell (e.g., 20) including a first engagement portion configured to engage with a mating electrical connector in a mating direction (e.g., X), the first engagement portion being ... and a main shell, wherein a first engagement portion extends from a first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or a second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28) opposite each other in a vertical direction (e.g., Y) perpendicular to the mating direction (e.g., X), and a first engagement portion protrudes from the first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28) toward a cavity of the main shell (e.g., 20), and the first engagement portion is partially separated from the first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28) of the main shell (e.g., 20), and the electrical connector further comprises a member disposed outside the main shell (e.g., 20) and configured to block the first engagement portion.

[0098] 2. The electrical connector of aspect 1 or any other aspect, wherein the member includes a barrier film (e.g., 30) attached to an outer surface of the first main shell side wall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell side wall (e.g., 28) of the main shell (e.g., 20).

[0099] 3. The electrical connector of aspect 2 or any other aspect, wherein the member further includes an outer shell (e.g., 40) sleeve-connected to the outside of the main shell (e.g., 20) and configured to overlap at least a portion of the barrier film (e.g., 30).

[0100] 4. The electrical connector of aspect 3 or any other aspect, wherein the first engagement portion comprises a first beam (e.g., 21) configured to extend obliquely from a first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or a second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28) of a body (e.g., 23) of the main shell (e.g., 20) toward a cavity of the main shell (e.g., 20), the first beam (e.g., 21) configured to have a distal end (e.g., 26) separated from the first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28), forming a gap between the first beam (e.g., 21) and the first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28).

[0101] 5. The electrical connector of any one of aspects 2-4 or any other aspect, wherein the body (e.g., 23) of the main shell (e.g., 20) is configured to have at least one second engagement portion, the main shell (e.g., 20) is fixed in place outside the terminal subassembly (e.g., 10) by engaging the second engagement portion with a corresponding receiving portion of the subassembly housing (e.g., 11), and the second engagement portion is integrally formed with the main shell (e.g., 20).

[0102] 6. The electrical connector of aspect 5 or any other aspect, wherein the second engagement portion includes at least one second beam (e.g., 24) extending from the first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28), and the second beam (e.g., 24) is recessed from the first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28) toward the cavity of the main shell (e.g., 20), whereby the second beam (e.g., 24) is partially separated from the first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28) forming a gap between the second beam (e.g., 24) and the first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28).

[0103] 7. The electrical connector of aspect 6 or any other aspect, wherein the second beam (e.g., 24) is configured to be received in a first receiving portion (e.g., 14) formed adjacent to a mating end of the subassembly housing (e.g., 11) of the terminal subassembly (e.g., 10), thereby positioning the main shell (e.g., 20) outside the terminal subassembly (e.g., 10).

[0104] 8. The electrical connector of aspect 7 or any other aspect, wherein the second engagement portion includes a third beam (e.g., 27) configured to be provided at a tail end of the main shell (e.g., 20), the third beam (e.g., 27) being opposite each other in a lateral direction perpendicular to both the mating direction (e.g., X) and the vertical direction (e.g., Y), and the third beam (e.g., 27) is engaged in a snap-fit ​​manner with a second accommodating portion (e.g., 15) formed at a tail end of a subassembly housing (e.g., 11) of the terminal subassembly (e.g., 10), thereby causing the main shell (e.g., 20) to be fixedly sleeved to the outside of the terminal subassembly (e.g., 10).

[0105] 9. The electrical connector of aspect 6 or any other aspect, wherein the blocking film (e.g., 30) is configured to have a shape and dimensions configured to overlap the first engagement portion and the second beam (e.g., 24).

[0106] 10. The electrical connector of aspect 3 or 4 or any other aspect, wherein in a mating direction (e.g., X), the mating end (e.g., 25) of the main shell (e.g., 20) extends beyond the mating end (e.g., 41) of the outer shell (e.g., 40), and the mating end (e.g., 41) of the outer shell (e.g., 40) is disposed outside the mating end (e.g., 31) of the barrier film (e.g., 30).

[0107] 11. The electrical connector of aspect 3 or 4 or any other aspect, wherein a wall of the outer shell (e.g., 40) corresponding to the first main shell side wall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell side wall (e.g., 28) of the main shell (e.g., 20) includes at least one outwardly protruding ridge (e.g., 426), the ridge (e.g., 426) overlapping with the first engaging portion of the main shell (e.g., 20).

[0108] 12. The electrical connector of embodiment 11 or any other embodiment, wherein the protrusion (e.g., 426) has an inclined portion (e.g., 427) extending diagonally outwardly from the wall of the outer shell (e.g., 40) and toward the forward end of the outer shell (e.g., 40), forming a gap between the outer shell (e.g., 40) and the blocking film (e.g., 30).

[0109] 13. The electrical connector of embodiment 12 or any other embodiment, wherein the ridge (e.g., 426) has a guide portion (e.g., 428) that extends diagonally outwardly from the wall and toward the rear end of the outer shell (e.g., 40), and the guide portion (e.g., 428) joins with and forms a predetermined angle with the inclined portion (e.g., 427).

[0110] 14. The electrical connector of aspect 1 or any other aspect, wherein the member comprises an outer shell (e.g., 40) sleeved to the outside of the main shell (e.g., 20).

[0111] 15. The electrical connector of aspect 14 or any other aspect, wherein the body (e.g., 23) of the main shell (e.g., 20) is configured to have at least one second engagement portion, the main shell (e.g., 20) is fixed in place outside the terminal subassembly (e.g., 10) by engaging the second engagement portion with a corresponding receiving portion of the subassembly housing (e.g., 11), and the second engagement portion is integrally formed with the main shell (e.g., 20).

[0112] 16. The electrical connector of aspect 15 or any other aspect, wherein the second engagement portion comprises at least one second beam (e.g., 24) extending from the first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28), and the second beam (e.g., 24) is recessed from the first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28) toward the cavity of the main shell (e.g., 20), thereby partially separating the second beam (e.g., 24) from the first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28) and forming a gap between the second beam (e.g., 24) and the first main shell sidewall (e.g., 22) and / or the second main shell sidewall (e.g., 28).

[0113] 17. The electrical connector of aspect 16 or any other aspect, wherein the second beam (e.g., 24) is configured to be received in a first receiving portion (e.g., 14) formed adjacent to a mating end of a subassembly housing (e.g., 11) of the terminal subassembly (e.g., 10), thereby positioning the main shell (e.g., 20) outside the terminal subassembly (e.g., 10).

[0114] 18. The electrical connector of aspect 17 and any other aspect, wherein the second engagement portion comprises a third beam (e.g., 27) configured to be provided at the tail end of the main shell (e.g., 20), the third beam (e.g., 27) being opposite each other in a lateral direction perpendicular to both the mating direction (e.g., X) and the vertical direction (e.g., Y), and the third beam (e.g., 27) is engaged in a snap-fit ​​manner with a second accommodating portion (e.g., 15) formed at the tail end of a subassembly housing (e.g., 11) of the terminal subassembly (e.g., 10), thereby causing the main shell (e.g., 20) to be fixedly sleeved onto the outside of the terminal subassembly (e.g., 10).

[0115] 19. The electrical connector of aspect 16 or any other aspect, wherein in a mating direction (e.g., X), the mating end (e.g., 25) of the main shell (e.g., 20) extends beyond the mating end (e.g., 41) of the outer shell (e.g., 40) and the first engagement portion and second beam (e.g., 24) of the main shell (e.g., 20) overlap with the outer shell (e.g., 40).

[0116] 20. The electrical connector of aspect 16 or any other aspect, wherein the outer shell (e.g., 40) comprises a first portion (e.g., 42), a second portion (e.g., 43), and an intermediate connecting portion (e.g., 44) connecting the first portion (e.g., 42) to the second portion (e.g., 43), wherein the first portion (e.g., 42) comprises a first wall (e.g., 421) and a second wall (e.g., 422) opposite the first wall (e.g., 421) in a vertical direction (e.g., Y), wherein the first wall (e.g., 421) and the second wall (e.g., 422) are configured to have a shape and dimensions configured to overlap the first engagement portion and the second beam.

[0117] 21. The electrical connector of aspect 20 or any other aspect, wherein at least one of the first wall (e.g., 421) and the second wall (e.g., 422) includes at least one ridge (e.g., 426) protruding outwardly, the ridge (e.g., 426) having an inclined portion (e.g., 427) extending diagonally outwardly from the corresponding one of the first wall (e.g., 421) and the second wall (e.g., 422) and toward the forward end of the outer shell (e.g., 40), forming a gap between the outer shell (e.g., 40) and the first engagement portion.

[0118] 22. The electrical connector of aspect 21 or any other aspect, wherein the protuberance (e.g., 426) has a guide portion (e.g., 428) extending outwardly from a corresponding one of the first wall (e.g., 421) and the second wall (e.g., 422) and obliquely toward the rear end of the outer shell (e.g., 40), the guide portion (e.g., 428) joining with and forming a predetermined angle with the inclined portion (e.g., 427).

[0119] 23. The electrical connector of any one of aspects 20-22 or any other aspect, wherein the first portion (e.g., 42) includes a first outer shell sidewall (e.g., 423) and a second outer shell sidewall (e.g., 424) that are opposite each other and extend downward in a vertical direction (e.g., Y) from an end of the first wall (e.g., 421) in a lateral direction (e.g., Z) perpendicular to the mating direction (e.g., X) and the vertical direction (e.g., Y), each of the first outer shell sidewall (e.g., 423) and the second outer shell sidewall (e.g., 424) including a protrusion (e.g., 425).

[0120] 24. The electrical connector of aspect 23 or any other aspect, wherein the opening (e.g., 431) is formed adjacent to the end of the second portion (e.g., 43) in the lateral direction (e.g., Z), and the intermediate connecting portion (e.g., 44) extends in an arc from the tail end of the first wall (e.g., 421) to enable the opening (e.g., 431) of the second portion (e.g., 43) to engage with the protrusion (e.g., 425) in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0121] 25. An electronic system includes a chassis (e.g., 50) and an electrical connector according to any one of aspects 1-24 or any other aspect. The chassis (e.g., 50) includes a port (e.g., 51). A mating end (e.g., 25) of a main shell (e.g., 20) of the electrical connector is at least partially disposed within the port (e.g., 51) of the chassis (e.g., 50) such that a mating end of a terminal subassembly (e.g., 10) of the electrical connector is accessible through the port (e.g., 51) of the chassis (e.g., 50).

[0122] Although several aspects of several embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements will be readily suggested to those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Although 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.

[0123] As an example, many of the inventive aspects have been described above with reference to right-angle connectors, but 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 with other types of electrical connectors, such as vertical connectors.

[0124] Moreover, although several advantages of the invention may be noted, it should be understood that not all embodiments of the 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.

[0125] Also, the described techniques may be embodied as a method, at least one example of which is provided. The operations performed as part of a 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.

[0126] All definitions, as defined and used, should be understood to take precedence over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0127] In describing the present disclosure, the orientations and positional relationships indicated by orientation terms such as "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "transverse direction", "vertical direction", "perpendicular", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", etc., should be understood to be shown based on the accompanying drawings in order to facilitate and simplify the description of the present disclosure. Unless stated to the contrary, these orientation terms do not indicate or imply that the specified devices or elements must be specifically located, constructed, and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be understood as limitations on the present disclosure. The orientation terms "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contour of each component itself.

[0128] 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.

[0129] It should be noted that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, the singular term includes the plural term unless otherwise indicated. In addition, when the terms "including" and / or "comprising" are used herein, they should also be understood to indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0130] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used in this specification and the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

[0131] The phrase "and / or" as used in this specification and in the claims should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, conjunctively present and otherwise disjunctively present. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be interpreted similarly as "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 only A (optionally including elements other than B), in another embodiment to only B (optionally including elements other than A), and in yet another embodiment to both A and B (optionally including other elements).

[0132] When used in this specification and in the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" shall be interpreted as inclusive, including at least one of, but also including more than one, and optionally including additional unlisted items, of a number of elements or a list of elements. Only terms clearly indicating the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," or when used in the claims, "consisting of," refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number of elements or a list of elements. In general, 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." When used in a utility claim, "consisting essentially of" shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of utility law.

[0133] As used herein and in the 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") can 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), and 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).

[0134] In the claims and the above specification, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and the like, are to be understood as open-ended, meaning including but not limited to. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units need not be limited to the steps or units expressly recited, but may instead include other steps or units that are not expressly recited or inherent to those processes, methods, products, or devices. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0135] The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless so stated. It is understood that various changes in form and details may 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.

[0136] As in the above specification, in the claims, the use of sequence 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 (in the absence of the use of sequence terms) in order to distinguish the elements.

Claims

1. 1. A receptacle connector configured for use in an electronic device, comprising: a main shell including a cavity having a forward opening, a first wall, a first engagement portion connected to the first wall and projecting toward the cavity and configured to engage a mating connector, and a first gap between the first wall and the first engagement portion; a terminal subassembly disposed within the cavity of the main shell, the terminal subassembly comprising: a subassembly housing; and a plurality of conductive elements carried by the subassembly housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements comprising a mating end, a tail end extending from the subassembly housing, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail end; a member disposed outside the main shell and configured to block light from exiting the main shell through the front opening; A receptacle connector comprising:

2. The receptacle connector of claim 1 , wherein the member comprises a film overlapping the first engagement portion and the first gap.

3. The receptacle connector of claim 2 , wherein the film is a MYLAR sheet.

4. The receptacle connector of claim 2 , wherein the member comprises an outer shell having a forward portion disposed outwardly of the film.

5. the main shell comprises a second engagement portion connected to the first wall and protruding toward an inside of the main shell, and a second gap between the first wall and the second engagement portion; The receptacle connector of claim 4 , wherein the film overlaps the second engagement portion and the second gap.

6. the subassembly housing includes a first receiving portion configured to engage with the second engagement portion of the main shell; The receptacle connector of claim 5 , wherein the first receiving portion is disposed closer to the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements than the tail ends of the plurality of conductive elements.

7. The receptacle connector of claim 6 , wherein the forward portion of the outer shell comprises a ridge located closer to the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements than the first receiving portion of the subassembly housing.

8. The raised portion is a guide portion extending outwardly of the outer shell and obliquely extending toward a rear end of the outer shell; 8. The receptacle connector of claim 7, further comprising: an inclined portion extending outwardly of the outer shell, extending obliquely toward a front end of the outer shell, and joining the guide portion.

9. the first engagement portion of the main shell comprises a first beam having a proximal end connected to the first wall and a distal end configured to engage the mating connector; the second engagement portion of the main shell comprises a second beam configured to engage the first housing portion and a third beam disposed closer to the tail ends of the plurality of conductive elements than the second beam; The receptacle connector of claim 8 , wherein the subassembly housing includes a second receiving portion configured to engage the third beam.

10. The receptacle connector of claim 7 , wherein the forward portion of the outer shell surrounds respective portions of the main shell and includes a plurality of ridges.

11. 1. An electronic system comprising: a chassis having a port; The receptacle connector according to claim 1, The receptacle connector is disposed within the chassis, and the member is configured to block light from exiting the chassis through the port.

12. 1. A receptacle connector configured for use in an electronic device, comprising: a main shell comprising: a first wall; a first engagement portion connected to the first wall and protruding toward an inside of the main shell and configured to engage a mating connector; a first gap between the first wall and the first engagement portion; a second engagement portion connected to the first wall and protruding toward an inside of the main shell; and a second gap between the first wall and the second engagement portion; a terminal subassembly disposed within the main shell, the terminal subassembly comprising: a subassembly housing; and a plurality of conductive elements carried by the subassembly housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements comprising a mating end, a tail end extending from the subassembly housing, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail end, the subassembly housing comprising a first accommodating portion disposed closer to the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements than the tail ends of the plurality of conductive elements, the first accommodating portion configured to engage with the second engaging portion of the main shell; an outer shell including a forward portion disposed outwardly of the first engagement portion of the main shell and including a plurality of ridges extending outwardly of the outer shell; A receptacle connector comprising:

13. Each of the plurality of ridges of the outer shell comprises: a guide portion extending toward a rear end of the outer shell; The receptacle connector of claim 12 , further comprising: a sloped portion extending toward a forward end of the outer shell and joining the guide portion.

14. The receptacle connector of claim 12 , wherein the first engagement portion is aligned with each ridge of the plurality of ridges in a vertical direction perpendicular to a mating direction of the receptacle connector.

15. The receptacle connector of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of ridges are positioned closer to the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements in the mating orientation of the receptacle connector than the first receiving portion of the subassembly housing.

16. the main shell includes a second wall opposite the first wall; the first engagement portion includes a portion extending from each of the first wall and the second wall; The receptacle connector includes: a first film disposed between the portion of the first engagement portion extending from the first wall of the main shell and the forward portion of the outer shell; 13. The receptacle connector of claim 12, further comprising: a second film disposed between the portion of the first engagement portion extending from the second wall of the main shell and the forward portion of the outer shell.

17. 17. The receptacle connector of claim 16, wherein the first and second films are MYLAR sheets.

18. the second engagement portion includes a portion extending from each of the first wall and the second wall; the first film is disposed between the portion of the second engagement portion extending from the first wall of the main shell and the forward portion of the outer shell; The receptacle connector of claim 16 , wherein the second film is disposed between the portion of the second engagement portion extending from the second wall of the main shell and the forward portion of the outer shell.

19. 1. A method for manufacturing a receptacle connector, comprising: providing a terminal subassembly comprising a plurality of conductive elements carried by a subassembly housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements having a mating end, a tail end extending from the subassembly housing, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the tail end, the subassembly housing comprising a first receiving portion disposed closer to the mating ends of the plurality of conductive elements than the tail ends of the plurality of conductive elements; providing a main shell comprising: a first wall; a first engagement portion connected to the first wall and projecting toward an inside of the main shell and configured to engage a mating connector; a first gap between the first wall and the first engagement portion; a second engagement portion connected to the first wall and projecting toward an inside of the main shell; and a second gap between the first wall and the second engagement portion; placing the terminal subassembly within the main shell such that the first receiving portion of the subassembly housing engages the second engaging portion of the main shell; and placing the film on the first wall of the main shell such that the film overlaps the first and second engagement portions and the first and second gaps.

20. providing an outer shell having a forward portion having a ridge; 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: positioning the outer shell outside of the main shell such that the ridge of the front portion is substantially aligned with the first engagement portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to a mating direction of the receptacle connector.

Images