Electrical receptacle connector for providing grounding and reducing electromagnetic interference

An electrical receptacle connector includes a metallic shell, an insulated housing received in the metallic shell, receptacle terminals, and a grounding plate. The receptacle terminals and the grounding plate are at the insulated housing. The insulated housing includes a base portion and a tongue portion extending from the base portion. The grounding plate includes a plate body, extension arms, and contact regions. The front of the plate body is near to a front lateral surface of the tongue portion, and the rear of the plate body is extending to the base portion. The plate body is between the receptacle terminals. The extension arms are extending from the plate body. The contact regions are formed on the extension arms and in contact with an inner wall of the shell body. Accordingly, the grounding plate is in contact with the metallic shell for providing grounding and reducing the electromagnetic interference.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) on Patent Application No. 201510417706.2 filed in China, P.R.C. on 2015/07/16, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant disclosure relates to an electrical connector, and more particular to an electrical receptacle connector.

BACKGROUND

Generally, Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a serial bus standard to the personal computer (PC) architecture with a focus on computer interface, consumer and productivity applications. The existing Universal Serial Bus (USB) interconnects have the attributes of plug-and-play and ease of use by end users. Now, as technology innovation marches forward, new kinds of devices, media formats and large inexpensive storage are converging. They require significantly more bus bandwidth to maintain the interactive experience that users have come to expect. In addition, the demand of a higher performance between the PC and the sophisticated peripheral is increasing. The transmission rate of USB 2.0 is insufficient. As a consequence, faster serial bus interfaces such as USB 3.0, are developed, which may provide a higher transmission rate so as to satisfy the need of a variety devices.

The appearance, the structure, the contact ways of terminals, the number of terminals, the pitches between terminals (the distances between the terminals), and the pin assignment of terminals of a conventional USB type-C electrical connector are totally different from those of a conventional USB electrical connector. A conventional USB type-C electrical receptacle connector includes a plastic core, upper and lower receptacle terminals held on the plastic core, and an outer iron shell circularly enclosing the plastic core. In addition, a shielding plate is disposed on the plastic core, and the shielding plate is between the upper receptacle terminals and the lower receptacle terminals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The shielding plate is in the plastic core to prevent the signal interference between the upper receptacle terminals and the lower receptacle terminals. However, the shielding plate is not in contact with the outer iron shell so that the shielding plate fails to be grounded and to reduce the electromagnetic interference (EMI). Accordingly, how to improve the existing connector becomes an issue.

In view of this, an embodiment of the instant disclosure provides an electrical receptacle connector. The electrical receptacle connector comprises a metallic shell, an insulated housing, a plurality of first receptacle terminals, a plurality of second receptacle terminals, and a grounding plate. The metallic shell comprises a shell body and a receptacle cavity formed in the shell body. The insulated housing is received in the receptacle cavity. The insulated housing comprises a base portion and a tongue portion extending from one of two sides of the base portion. The insulated housing comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed on a top surface of the second portion. The first portion and the second portion are combined to form the base portion and the tongue portion. The second portion comprises two side walls, and the two side walls are respectively extending outward from two sides of the second portion. The first receptacle terminals are held at the insulated housing. The second receptacle terminals are held at the insulated housing. The grounding plate is at the insulated housing. The grounding plate comprises a plate body, a plurality of extension arms, a plurality of engaging rooms, and a plurality of contact regions. The front of the plate body is near to a front lateral surface of the tongue portion, and the rear of the plate body is extending to the base portion. The plate body is between the first receptacle terminals and the second receptacle terminals. The extension arms are extending from two sides of the plate body and each is bent as a hanging structure. Each of the hanging structures corresponds to an inner side, a top portion, and an outer side of the corresponding side wall. Each of the engaging rooms is formed in the corresponding extension arm to receive the corresponding side wall. Each of the contact regions is formed on an outer surface of the corresponding extension arm to be in contact with an inner wall of the shell body.

In one embodiment, the electrical receptacle connector further comprises a plurality of conductive sheets at the insulated housing. Each of the conductive sheets comprises a flat plate and a contact arm. The flat plates receptively cover two opposite surfaces of the tongue portion. Each of the contact arms is extending from a top of the flat plate and in contact with the inner wall of the shell body.

In one embodiment, the grounding plate comprises a plurality of protruding spots. The protruding spots are at the contact regions and in contact with the inner wall of the shell body.

In one embodiment, the metallic shell comprises a plurality of contact structures formed in the inner wall of the shell body to be in contact with the contact regions.

In one embodiment, the grounding plate comprises a plurality of through holes formed on the plate body.

In one embodiment, the insulated housing further comprises a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and the third portion forms the tongue portion. The first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are combined to form the base portion and the tongue portion, and the grounding plate is disposed at the third portion.

In one embodiment, the grounding plate comprises an engaging hole formed on the plate body. The second portion comprises an engaging block engaged in the engaging hole.

In one embodiment, the grounding plate comprises a shielding plate extending from an edge of the plate body, and the shielding plate is between the first receptacle terminals and the second receptacle terminals.

In one embodiment, the grounding plate comprises a plurality of hooks extending from two sides of the front of the plate body and protruding out of two sides of the tongue portion.

In one embodiment, the metallic shell comprises a cover plate covering one side of the shell body. The cover plate comprises a plurality of legs, and the legs are extending from the bottom of the cover plate.

In one embodiment, the metallic shell comprises a hollowed region, and the hollowed region is formed at one side of the shell body. When the cover plate is at an open position, the hollowed region is exposed; when the cover plate is at a close position, the cover plate is inserted into the shell body from the top to the bottom.

In one embodiment, the shell body comprises a tubular member, and the receptacle cavity is formed in the tubular member for receiving the insulated housing.

In one embodiment, the cover plate is extending from one side of the metallic shell and the cover plate covers an opening of the tubular member. The cover plate comprises an opening region recessed from a bottom thereof.

In one embodiment, the metallic shell comprises a plurality of buckle pieces respectively extending from two sides of the rear of the tubular member, and two sides of the cover plate are respectively buckled with the buckle pieces to cover the hollowed region.

In one embodiment, the shell body comprises an outer shell enclosing the tubular member.

In one embodiment, the metallic shell comprises a plurality of buckle pieces respectively extending from two sides of the rear of the outer shell, and two sides of the cover plate are respectively buckled with the buckle pieces to cover the hollowed region.

In one embodiment, the electrical receptacle connector further comprises a circuit board. The circuit board comprises a plurality of terminal contacts and a plurality of ground contacts, the terminal contacts correspond to the hollowed region and are soldered with the first receptacle terminals, and the legs of the cover plate are connected to the ground contacts, respectively.

In one embodiment, each of the ground contacts is a connecting hole, and each of the legs is inserted into the corresponding connecting hole to be in contact with an inner wall of the corresponding connecting hole.

In one embodiment, each of the terminal contacts is an elongated soldering pad, and the first receptacle terminals are in contact with the elongated soldering pads, respectively.

In one embodiment, the second portion comprises a plurality of assembling portions respectively recessed from the two side walls, and the extension arms are buckled with the assembling portions, respectively.

Another embodiment of the instant disclosure provides an electrical receptacle connector. The electrical receptacle connector comprises a metallic shell, an insulated housing, a plurality of first receptacle terminals, a plurality of second receptacle terminals, a grounding plate, and a plurality of conductive sheets. The metallic shell comprises a shell body and a receptacle cavity defined in the shell body. The insulated housing is received in the receptacle cavity of the metallic shell. The insulated housing comprises a base portion, a tongue portion, a plurality of recessed holes, and a plurality of buckle holes. The tongue portion is extending from one side of the base portion. The insulated housing comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed on a top surface of the second portion. The first portion and the second portion are combined to form the base portion and the tongue portion. The recessed holes are formed on two surfaces of the tongue portion. The buckle holes are formed on the two surfaces of the tongue portion and near to the recessed holes. The first receptacle terminals are held at the insulated housing. The second receptacle terminals are held at the insulated housing. The grounding plate is at the insulated housing. The grounding plate comprises a plate body between the first receptacle terminals and the second receptacle terminals. The conductive sheets are at the insulated housing. Each of the conductive sheets comprises a flat plate, a protruding portion, a buckle arm, and a contact arm. The flat plates cover the two surfaces of the tongue portion. Each of the protruding portions is extending laterally and outward from the corresponding flat plate and extending toward the corresponding recessed hole. The protruding portion at a first surface of the two surfaces of the tongue portion is in contact with the first receptacle terminals, and the protruding portion at a second surface of the two surfaces of the tongue portion is in contact with the second receptacle terminals. Each of the buckle arms is extending laterally and outward from the corresponding flat plate and extending into the corresponding buckle hole. Each of the buckle arms is in contact with the plate body of the grounding plate. Each of the contact arms is extending from a top of the corresponding flat plate and in contact with an inner wall of the shell body.

In one embodiment, the grounding plate comprises a plurality of through holes formed on the plate body.

In one embodiment, the insulated housing further comprises a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and the third portion forms the tongue portion. The first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are combined to form the base portion and the tongue portion, and the grounding plate is disposed at the third portion. The recessed holes are formed on the first portion and the second portion. The buckle holes are formed on the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion.

In one embodiment, the grounding plate comprises an engaging hole formed on the plate body. The second portion comprises an engaging block engaged in the engaging hole.

In one embodiment, the grounding plate comprises a shielding plate extending from an edge of the plate body, and the shielding plate is between the first receptacle terminals and the second receptacle terminals.

In one embodiment, the grounding plate comprises a plurality of hooks extending from two sides of the front of the plate body and protruding out of two sides of the tongue portion.

In one embodiment, the metallic shell comprises a cover plate covering one side of the shell body. The cover plate comprises a plurality of legs, and the legs are extending from the bottom of the cover plate.

In one embodiment, the metallic shell comprises a hollowed region, and the hollowed region is formed at one side of the shell body. When the cover plate is at an open position, the hollowed region is exposed; when the cover plate is at a close position, the cover plate is inserted into the shell body from the top to the bottom.

In one embodiment, the shell body comprises a tubular member, and the receptacle cavity is formed in the tubular member for receiving the insulated housing.

In one embodiment, the cover plate is extending from one side of the metallic shell and the cover plate covers an opening of the tubular member. The cover plate comprises an opening region recessed from a bottom thereof.

In one embodiment, the metallic shell comprises a plurality of buckle pieces respectively extending from two sides of the rear of the tubular member, and two sides of the cover plate are respectively buckled with the buckle pieces to cover the hollowed region.

In one embodiment, the shell body comprises an outer shell enclosing the tubular member.

In one embodiment, the metallic shell comprises a plurality of buckle pieces respectively extending from two sides of the rear of the outer shell, and two sides of the cover plate are respectively buckled with the buckle pieces to cover the hollowed region.

In one embodiment, the electrical receptacle connector further comprises a circuit board. The circuit board comprises a plurality of terminal contacts and a plurality of ground contacts, the terminal contacts correspond to the hollowed region and are soldered with the first receptacle terminals, and the legs of the cover plate are connected to the ground contacts, respectively.

In one embodiment, each of the ground contacts is a connecting hole, and each of the legs is inserted into the corresponding connecting hole to be in contact with an inner wall of the corresponding connecting hole.

In one embodiment, each of the terminal contacts is an elongated soldering pad, and the first receptacle terminals are in contact with the elongated soldering pads, respectively.

In the foregoing embodiments, the first receptacle terminals and the second receptacle terminals have 180 degree symmetrical design with respect to a central point of the receptacle cavity as the symmetrical center. In addition, the position of the first receptacle terminals corresponds to the position of the second receptacle terminals.

As above, the lengthened grounding plate improves the shielding performance and the structural strength of the tongue portion. In addition, the extension arms are in contact with the inner wall of the metallic shell to provide grounding and to reduce the electromagnetic interference (EMI). Moreover, because the contact arms of the conductive sheets are in contact with the inner wall of the metallic shell, the front of the metallic shell of an electrical plug connector is in contact with the conductive sheets when the electrical plug connector is mated with the electrical receptacle connector, so the metallic shell of the electrical plug connector is in contact with the metallic shell of the electrical receptacle connector. Accordingly, the connector can be effectively grounded through the conductive sheets and the electromagnetic interference is reduced.

In addition, the cover plate is at one side of the metallic shell, and the hollowed region corresponds to the cover plate. Accordingly, the soldering condition between the first receptacle terminals and the circuit board can be checked from the hollowed region.

Moreover, the protruding portions of the conductive sheets are in contact with the ground terminals of the first and second receptacle terminals, the buckle arms of the conductive sheets are in contact with the grounding plate, and the contact arms are in contact with the inner wall of the metallic shell. Therefore, the conductive sheets, the grounding plate, and the metallic shell can be conducted, grounded, and the electromagnetic interference can be reduced.

Furthermore, the first receptacle terminals and the second receptacle terminals are arranged upside down, and the pin-assignment of the flat contact portions of the first receptacle terminals is left-right reversal with respect to that of the flat contact portions of the second receptacle terminals. Accordingly, the electrical receptacle connector can have a 180 degree symmetrical, dual or double orientation design and pin assignments which enables the electrical receptacle connector to be mated with a corresponding plug connector in either of two intuitive orientations, i.e. in either upside-up or upside-down directions. Therefore, when an electrical plug connector is inserted into the electrical receptacle connector with a first orientation, the flat contact portions of the first receptacle terminals are in contact with upper-row plug terminals of the electrical plug connector. Conversely, when the electrical plug connector is inserted into the electrical receptacle connector with a second orientation, the flat contact portions of the second receptacle terminals are in contact with the upper-row plug terminals of the electrical plug connector. Note that, the inserting orientation of the electrical plug connector is not limited by the electrical receptacle connector of the instant disclosure.

Detailed description of the characteristics and the advantages of the instant disclosure are shown in the following embodiments. The technical content and the implementation of the instant disclosure should be readily apparent to any person skilled in the art from the detailed description, and the purposes and the advantages of the instant disclosure should be readily understood by any person skilled in the art with reference to content, claims, and drawings in the instant disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Please refer toFIGS. 1 to 4, which illustrate an electrical receptacle connector100of a first embodiment of the instant disclosure.FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of the electrical receptacle connector100of the first embodiment.FIG. 2illustrates an exploded view of the electrical receptacle connector100of the first embodiment.FIG. 3illustrates another exploded view of the electrical receptacle connector100of the first embodiment.FIG. 4illustrates a partial exploded view of the electrical receptacle connector100of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the electrical receptacle connector100can provide a reversible or dual orientation USB Type-C connector interface and pin assignments, i.e., a USB Type-C receptacle connector. In this embodiment, the electrical receptacle connector100comprises a metallic shell11, an insulated housing2, a plurality of first receptacle terminals31, and a plurality of second receptacle terminals41, a grounding plate5, and a plurality of conductive sheets6.

Please refer toFIGS. 2 to 4. The metallic shell11is a hollowed shell, and the metallic shell11comprises a shell body111, a receptacle cavity112, a cover plate15, and a hollowed region16. The receptacle cavity112is formed in the shell body111. The cover plate15and the shell body111are separated pieces. The cover plate15is covered on one side of the shell body111. The cover plate15comprises a plurality of legs151, and the legs151are respectively extending outward from two sides of the bottom of the cover plate15. In this embodiment, the metallic shell11may be formed by a multi-piece member; and the shell body111comprises a tubular member14and an outer shell122. The tubular member14is an inner shell121that is hollowed and enclosed by the outer shell122. The receptacle cavity112is in the tubular member14, and the insulated housing2is received in the receptacle cavity112. The outer shell122is a member having U-shape cross section. The outer shell122covers the top and two sides of the tubular member14, and the cover plate15is assembled with the outer shell122. In addition, an insertion opening113with oblong shaped is formed at one side of the metallic shell11, and the insertion opening113communicates with the receptacle cavity112.

Please refer toFIGS. 2 to 4. In this embodiment, the metallic shell11comprises a plurality of buckle pieces17′. In this embodiment, the buckle pieces17′ and the shell body111are formed integrally as a whole. The buckle pieces17′ are respectively extending from two sides of the rear of the outer shell122. As shown, a space is between the buckle piece17′ at the left side of the rear of the outer shell122and the buckle piece17′ at the right side of the rear of the outer shell122, and the space is the hollowed region16. In other words, the location of the hollowed region16corresponds to the position of the cover plate15, and the hollowed region16can be provided for checking the tail portions316of the first receptacle terminals31. In addition, when the cover plate15is at an open position, the hollowed region16is exposed; while when the cover plate15is at a close position, the cover plate15covers the rear of the outer shell122to cover the hollowed region16. That is, when the cover plate15is assembled to the rear of the outer shell122along a top-to-bottom direction, two sides of the cover plate15are respectively buckled with the buckle pieces17′ to cover the hollowed region16. In this embodiment, the cover plate15comprises a plurality of engaging bumps at two sides of the surface thereof. Each of the buckle pieces17′ comprises an engaging bore, the engaging bumps are held in the engaging bores, so that the cover plate15is positioned to the buckle pieces17′.

Please refer toFIG. 5. In this embodiment, as described, the cover plate15may be assembled with the outer shell122, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the cover plate155may be assembled with the tubular member14, and the outer shell122is omitted. That is, the buckle pieces17″ and the tubular member14are integrally formed as a whole. The buckle pieces17″ are respectively extending from two sides of the rear of the tubular member14, and the two sides of the cover plate15are buckled with the buckle pieces17″ to cover the hollowed region16. In addition, in some embodiments, the cover plate15may be further assembled to the insulated housing2. Namely, the insulated housing2comprises a plurality of buckle pieces17′ integrally formed with the base portion21. The buckle pieces17′ are respectively extending from two sides of the rear of the base portion,21and the two sides of the cover plate15are buckled with the buckle pieces17′ to cover the hollowed region16. In other words, the buckle pieces17′ may be provided by the metallic shell11or by the insulated housing2for diverse applications.

Please refer toFIGS. 3, 4, and 6. In this embodiment, the cover plate15and the shell body111may be separated pieces. The cover plate15covers an opening at one side of the tubular member14when the cover plate15is assembled to one side of the shell body111. In other words, the cover plate15covers the hollowed region16at the opening to prevent the signal of the first receptacle terminals31or the second receptacle terminals41from spreading out of the tubular member14, so as that the cover plate15can be provided as a shielding for the signals. Moreover, it is understood that, when the cover plate15is not assembled to one side of the shell body111, the hollowed region16at the opening of the tubular member14is exposed, so that the soldering condition between the tail portions316of the first receptacle terminals31and the terminal contacts91of the circuit board9can be checked conveniently. Therefore, the soldering procedure can be redone when soldering spots are not applied to the terminal contacts91and the tail portions316properly, for example, if the tail portions316of the first receptacle terminals31and the terminal contacts91of the circuit board9are not firmly in contact with each other, or if the soldering spots between the tail portions316of the first receptacle terminals31are merged together to cause short circuit. After the checking procedure is finished, the cover plate15can be assembled to the opening of the tubular member14to cover the hollowed region16.

Please refer toFIGS. 3, 6, and 6A. In this embodiment, the appearance of each of the legs151of the cover plate15is formed as a fish-eye structure. In detail, the leg151is in tear shape, and the middle of the leg151is hollowed to form a hole. Accordingly, the legs151can be combined with the circuit board9by assembling means. In this embodiment, the circuit board9comprises a plurality of terminal contacts91and a plurality of ground contacts92. The terminal contacts91correspond to the hollowed region16and the terminal contacts91are soldered with the tail portions316of the first receptacle terminals31. The legs151of the cover plate15are connected to the ground contacts92, respectively. Each of the ground contacts92is a connecting hole921. Each of the legs151is inserted into the corresponding connecting hole921to be in contact with an inner wall of the corresponding connecting hole921. In other words, the ground contacts92of the circuit board9are designed as holes for being inserted by the legs151. There, the ground contacts92can be provided for grounding the metallic shell11and the circuit board9. Based on the above, the circuit board9can be combined with the legs151without soldering procedures, and the movable cover plate15facilitates the assembling or disassembling of the circuit board9and the legs151.

Please refer toFIGS. 2 to 4. In this embodiment, the insulated housing2is received in the receptacle cavity112of the metallic shell11. The insulated housing2comprises a base portion21and a tongue portion22. In this embodiment, the insulated housing2further comprises a first portion25, a second portion26, and a third portion27. The first portion25is assembled to the top surface of the third portion27, and the second portion26is assembled to the bottom surface of the third portion27. The first portion25, the second portion26, and the third portion27are combined to form the base portion21and the tongue portion22. Specifically, the third portion27is an elongate plate to form the tongue portion22, the first portion25is a rectangular block to form the upper part of the base portion21, and the second portion26is another rectangular block to form the lower part of the base portion21. The third portion27is between the first portion25and the second portion26. In the forgoing embodiment, the insulated housing2has three pieces, i.e., the first portion25, the second portion26, and the third portion27, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the insulated housing2may at least comprise two pieces, i.e., the first portion25and the second portion26. The first portion25and the second portion26are combined to form the base portion21and the tongue portion22. In this embodiment, the first portion25is disposed on a top surface of the second portion26. In addition, the first portion25may be formed as the upper part of the base portion21, and the second portion26may be formed as the lower part of the base portion21. Furthermore, the tongue portion22may be formed at the front of the first portion25or the front of the second portion26. In this embodiment, the second portion26comprises two side walls26a, the two side walls26aare respectively extending upward from two sides of the second portion26along the same direction. An assembling space is between the two side walls26afor assembling the first portion25.

Please refer toFIGS. 2 to 4. In this embodiment, the first portion25, the second portion26, and the third portion27may be respectively formed by insert-molded techniques. In detail, the first portion25is insert-molded with the first receptacle terminals31, the second portion is insert-molded with the second receptacle terminals41, and the third portion27is insert-molded with the grounding plate5. In other words, the grounding plate5is in the base portion21and the tongue portion22. Accordingly, by using the insert-molding techniques, the mold for molding the components of the insulated housing2(i.e., the first portion25, the second portion26, and the third portion27) as well as the insulated housing2can be manufactured easily and steadily. In addition, the tongue portion22is extending from one side of the base portion21, and the tongue portion22is in the front of the receptacle cavity112, while the base portion21is in the rear of the receptacle cavity112. In addition, the tongue portion22has two opposite surfaces, one is a first surface221(i.e., the upper surface), and the other is a second surface222(i.e., the lower surface). In addition, the front lateral surface223of the tongue portion22is connected the first surface221with the second surface222and is close to the insertion opening113. In other words, the front lateral surface223is near to the insertion opening113and perpendicularly connected to the first surface221and the second surface222, respectively. In this embodiment, the insulated housing2has three pieces, but embodiments are not limited thereto; the insulated housing may have two pieces in some embodiments.

Please refer toFIGS. 7 to 10. The first receptacle terminals31comprise a plurality of first signal terminals311, at least one power terminal312, and at least one ground terminal313. The first signal terminals31comprises a plurality of pairs of first high-speed signal terminals3111/3113and a pair of first low-speed signal terminals3112. Referring toFIG. 9, the first receptacle terminals31comprise, from left to right, a ground terminal313(Gnd), a first pair of first high-speed signal terminals3111(TX1+−, differential signal terminals for high-speed signal transmission), a power terminal312(Power/VBUS), a first function detection terminal3141(CC1, a terminal for inserting orientation detection of the connector and for cable recognition), a pair of first low-speed signal terminals3112(D+−, differential signal terminals for low-speed signal transmission), a supplement terminal3142(SBU1, a terminal can be reserved for other purposes), another power terminal312(Power/VBUS), a second pair of first high-speed signal terminals3113(RX2+−, differential signal terminals for high-speed signal transmission), and another ground terminal313(Gnd). In this embodiment, twelve first receptacle terminals31are provided for transmitting USB 3.0 signals. Each pair of the first high-speed signal terminals3111/3113is between the corresponding power terminal312and the adjacent ground terminal313. The pair of the first low-speed signal terminals3112is between the first function detection terminal3141and the supplement terminal3142.

In some embodiments, the rightmost ground terminal313(Gnd) (or the leftmost ground terminal313(Gnd)) or the first supplement terminal3142(SBU1) can be further omitted. Therefore, the total number of the first receptacle terminals31can be reduced from twelve terminals to seven terminals. Furthermore, the ground terminal313(Gnd) may be replaced by a power terminal312(Power/VBUS) and provided for power transmission. In this embodiment, the width of the power terminal312(Power/VBUS) may be, but not limited to, equal to the width of the first signal terminal311. In some embodiments, the width of the power terminal312(Power/VBUS) may be greater than the width of the first signal terminal311and an electrical receptacle connector100having the power terminal312(Power/VBUS) can be provided for large current transmission.

Please refer toFIGS. 2, 7, and 10. The first receptacle terminals31are held in the base portion21and the tongue portion22and formed as the upper-row terminals of the electrical receptacle connector100. Each of the first receptacle terminals31comprises a flat contact portion315, a body portion317, and a tail portion316. For each of the first receptacle terminals31, the body portion317is held in the base portion21and the tongue portion22, the flat contact portion315is extending forward from the body portion317in the rear-to-front direction and partly exposed upon the first surface221of the tongue portion22, and the tail portion316is extending backward from the body portion317in the front-to-rear direction and protruding from the base portion21. The tail portions316correspond to the hollowed region16. The first signal terminals311are disposed at the first surface221and transmit first signals (namely, USB 3.0 signals). The tail portions316are protruding from the bottom of the base portion21. In addition, the tail portions316may be, but not limited to, bent horizontally to form flat legs, named SMT (surface mounted technology) legs, which can be mounted or soldered on the surface of a printed circuit board by using surface mount technology.

Please refer toFIGS. 7 to 10. The second receptacle terminals41comprise a plurality of second signal terminals411, at least one power terminal412, and at least one ground terminal413. The second receptacle terminals41comprise a plurality of pairs of second high-speed signal terminals4111/4113and a pair of second low-speed signal terminals4112. Referring toFIG. 15, the second receptacle terminals41comprise, from right to left, a ground terminal413(Gnd), a first pair of second high-speed signal terminals4111(TX2+−, differential signal terminals for high-speed signal transmission), a power terminal412(Power/VBUS), a second function detection terminal4141(CC2, a terminal for inserting orientation detection of the connector and for cable recognition), a pair of second low-speed signal terminals4112(D+−, differential signal terminals for low-speed signal transmission), a supplement terminal4142(SBU2, a terminal can be reserved for other purposes), another power terminals412(Power/VBUS), a second pair of second high-speed signal terminals4113(RX1+−, differential signal terminals for high-speed signal transmission), and another ground terminal413(Gnd). Each pair of the second high-speed signal terminals4111/4113is between the corresponding power terminal412and the adjacent ground terminal413. The pair of the second low-speed signal terminals4112is between the second function detection terminal4141and the supplement terminal4142.

In some embodiments, the rightmost ground terminal413(or the leftmost ground terminal413) or the second supplement terminal4142(SBU2) can be further omitted. Therefore, the total number of the second receptacle terminals41can be reduced from twelve terminals to seven terminals. Furthermore, the rightmost ground terminal413may be replaced by a power terminal412and provided for power transmission. In this embodiment, the width of the power terminal412(Power/VBUS) may be, but not limited to, equal to the width of the second signal terminal411. In some embodiments, the width of the power terminal412(Power/VBUS) may be greater than the width of the second signal terminal411and an electrical receptacle connector100having the power terminal412(Power/VBUS) can be provided for large current transmission.

Please refer toFIGS. 2, 7, and 10. The second receptacle terminals41are held in the base portion21and the tongue portion22and formed as the lower-row terminals of the electrical receptacle connector100. The length of each of the first receptacle terminals31is greater than that of the corresponding second receptacle terminal41; that is, the exposed length of each of the first receptacle terminals31is greater than that of the corresponding second receptacle terminal41. Each of the second receptacle terminals41comprises a flat contact portion415, a body portion417, and a tail portion416. For each of the second receptacle terminals41, the body portion417is held in the base portion21and the tongue portion22, the flat contact portion415is extending from the body portion417in the rear-to-front direction and partly exposed upon the second surface222of the tongue portion22, and the tail portion416is extending backward from the body portion417in the front-to-rear direction and protruding from the base portion21. The second signal terminals411are disposed at the second surface222and provided for transmitting second signals (i.e., USB 3.0 signals). The tail portions416are protruding from the bottom of the base portion21. In addition, the tail portions416may be, but not limited to, extending downwardly to form vertical legs, named through-hole legs, that are inserted into holes drilled in a printed circuit board by using through-hole technology

Please refer toFIGS. 1, 7, and 8. In this embodiment, the first receptacle terminals31and the second receptacle terminals41are held at the first surface221and the second surface222of the tongue portion22, respectively. Specifically, the second low-speed signal terminals4112are spaced from the first low-speed signal terminals3112by a uniform interval. Therefore, the signal interference problem between the first low-speed signal terminals3112and the second low-speed signal terminals4112can be prevented and improved.

Please refer toFIGS. 1, 7, and 8. Pin-assignments of the first receptacle terminals31and the second receptacle terminals41are point-symmetrical with a central point of the receptacle cavity112as the symmetrical center. In other words, pin-assignments of the first receptacle terminals31and the second receptacle terminals41have 180 degree symmetrical design with respect to the central point of the receptacle cavity112as the symmetrical center. The dual or double orientation design enables an electrical plug connector to be inserted into the electrical receptacle connector100in either of two intuitive orientations, i.e., in either upside-up or upside-down directions. Here, point-symmetry means that after the first receptacle terminals31(or the second receptacle terminals41), are rotated by 180 degrees with the symmetrical center as the rotating center, the first receptacle terminals31and the second receptacle terminals41are overlapped. That is, the rotated first receptacle terminals31are arranged at the position of the original second receptacle terminals41, and the rotated second receptacle terminals41are arranged at the position of the original first receptacle terminals31. In other words, the first receptacle terminals31and the second receptacle terminals41are arranged upside down, and the pin assignments of the flat contact portions315are left-right reversal with respect to that of the flat contact portions415. An electrical plug connector is inserted into the electrical receptacle connector100with a first orientation where the first surface221is facing up, for transmitting first signals. Conversely, the electrical plug connector is inserted into the electrical receptacle connector100with a second orientation where the first surface221is facing down, for transmitting second signals. Furthermore, the specification for transmitting the first signals is conformed to the specification for transmitting the second signals. Note that, the inserting orientation of the electrical plug connector is not limited by the electrical receptacle connector100according embodiments of the instant disclosure.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the electrical receptacle connector100is devoid of the first receptacle terminals31(or the second receptacle terminals41) when an electrical plug connector to be mated with the electrical receptacle connector100has upper and lower plug terminals. In the case that the first receptacle terminals31are omitted, the upper plug terminals or the lower plug terminals of the electrical plug connector are in contact with the second receptacle terminals41of the electrical receptacle connector100when the electrical plug connector is inserted into the electrical receptacle connector100with the dual orientations. Conversely, in the case that the second receptacle terminals41are omitted, the upper plug terminals or the lower plug terminals of the electrical plug connector are in contact with the first receptacle terminals31of the electrical receptacle connector100when the electrical plug connector is inserted into the electrical receptacle connector100with the dual orientations.

Please refer toFIGS. 2, 7 to 10. In this embodiment, the tail portions316,416are protruding from the base portion211and arranged separately. The tail portions316,416may be aligned into two parallel rows. Alternatively, the tail portions416of the second receptacle terminals41may be aligned into two rows, and the first row of the tail portions416is aligned by an offset with respect to the second row (or the first row) of the tail portions416; thus, the tail portions316,416form three rows.

Please refer toFIGS. 2, 7, and 8. In this embodiment, as viewed from the front of the receptacle terminals31,41, the position of the first receptacle terminals31corresponds to the position of the second receptacle terminals41. In other words, the position of the flat contact portions315correspond to the position of the flat contact portions415, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the first receptacle terminals31may be aligned by an offset with respect to the second receptacle terminals41. That is, the flat contact portions315are aligned by an offset with respect to the flat contact portions415. Accordingly, because of the offset alignment of the receptacle terminals31,41, the crosstalk between the first receptacle terminals31and the second receptacle terminals41can be reduced during signal transmission. It is understood that, when the receptacle terminals31,41of the electrical receptacle connector100have the offset alignment, plug terminals of an electrical plug connector to be mated with the electrical receptacle connector100would also have the offset alignment. Hence, the plug terminals of the electrical plug connector can be in contact with the receptacle terminals31,41of the electrical receptacle connector100for power or signal transmission.

In the foregoing embodiments, the receptacle terminals31,41are provided for transmitting USB 3.0 signals, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, for the first receptacle terminals31in accordance with transmission of USB 2.0 signals, the first pair of the first high-speed signal terminals3111(TX1+−) and the second pair of the first high-speed signal terminals3113(RX2+−) are omitted, and the pair of the first low-speed signal terminals3112(D+−) and the power terminals312(Power/VBUS) are retained. While for the second receptacle terminals41in accordance with transmission of USB 2.0 signals, the first pair of the second high-speed signal terminals4111(TX2+−) and the second pair of the second high-speed signal terminals4113(RX1+−) are omitted, and the pair of the second low-speed signal terminals4112(D+−) and the power terminals412(Power/VBUS) are retained.

Please refer toFIGS. 2, 3, 8, and 10. In some embodiments, the grounding plate5is at the insulated housing2. The grounding plate5comprises a plate body51, a plurality of hooks53, a plurality of extension arms54, a plurality of engaging rooms542, and a plurality of contact regions55. The plate body51is an elongate plate, and the length and the width of the plate body51are matched with those of the third portion27. In other words, the front of the plate body51is near to the front lateral surface223of the tongue portion22, and the rear of the plate body51is extending to the base portion21. In addition, the plate body51is between the flat contact portions315of the first receptacle terminals31and the flat contact portions415of the second receptacle terminals41. The lengthened plate body51improves the shielding performance and the structural strength of the tongue portion22. In detail, the crosstalk interference can be reduced by the shielding of the grounding plate5when the flat contact portions315,415transmit signals. Furthermore, the structural strength of the tongue portion22can be improved by the assembly of the grounding plate5.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the hooks53are extending outward from two sides of the front of the plate body51and protruding out of the front lateral surface223and two sides of the tongue portion22. When an electrical plug connector is mated with the electrical receptacle connector100, elastic pieces at two sides of an insulated housing of the electrical plug connector are engaged with the hooks53, and the elastic pieces would not wear against the tongue portion22of the electrical receptacle connector100. Hence, the grounding plate5can be in contact with the metallic shell11for conduction and grounding.

Please refer toFIGS. 2, 3, and 11A. Each of the extension arms54is a hanging structure541. Each of the extension arms54has an upside down U-shape cross section. The extension arms54are respectively extending outward from two sides of the rear of the plate body51. In other words, each of the extension arms54is firstly extending upward by a first distance, then extending laterally by a second distance, and finally extending downward by a third distance; the first distance, the second distance, the third distance may be the same or different. The extension arms54are respectively protruding toward two sides of the base portion21. The hanging structure541is a hook-like structure. In other words, the extension arms54are respectively extending from the plate body51by a manner of firstly extending toward two sides of the third portion27and then returning toward two sides of the second portions26. Therefore, each of the hanging structures541corresponds to an inner side, a top portion, and an outer side of the corresponding side wall26a. Each of the engaging rooms542is formed in the corresponding extension arm54to receive the corresponding side wall26a. Because the hanging structures541are buckled with the side walls26a, the grounding plate5can be firmly fixed on the insulated housing2. In addition, in this embodiment, the second portion26comprises a plurality of assembling portions262. Each of the assembling portions262is formed as a recess structure. Each of the assembling portions262is recessed from the inner side, the top portion, and the outer side of the corresponding side wall26a. The extension arms54are buckled with the assembling portions262, so that the second portion26can be firmly combined with the third portion27.

Please refer toFIGS. 2, 3, and 11A. Each of the contact regions55is formed on an outer surface of the corresponding extension arm54. Each of the contact regions55is in contact with an inner wall of the shell body111. In this embodiment, the grounding plate5comprises a plurality of protruding spots56at the contact regions55. The protruding spots56are in contact with the inner wall of the shell body111. In other words, the protruding spots56are formed at the surfaces of the extension arms54, so that the grounding plate5can be firmly in contact with the metallic shell11to improve the grounding and to reduce the electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Please refer toFIGS. 11B and 11C. In some embodiments, the grounding plate5may not comprise the protruding spots56. Instead, the metallic shell11comprises a plurality of contact structures18formed in the inner wall of the shell body111, and the contact structures18are in contact with the contact regions55. In this embodiment, each of the contact structures18is a flexible piece181or a protrusion182. The flexible piece181is extending from the inner wall of the shell body111toward the interior of the shell body111(i.e., toward the grounding plate5). Likewise, the protrusion182is protruding from the inner wall of the shell body111toward the interior of the shell body111(i.e., toward the grounding plate5). Accordingly, the flexible piece181or the protrusion182of the shell body111can be in contact with the contact regions55, so the grounding plate5can be firmly in contact with the metallic shell11to improve the grounding and reduce the electromagnetic interference (EMI). Based on the above, the extension arm54may comprise the protruding spot56to be in contact with the inner wall of the shell body111; alternatively, the inner wall of the shell body111may comprise the contact structure18to be in contact with the extension arm54. According to different needs or requirements, different structures may be applied to allow the firm contact between the grounding plate5and the metallic shell11.

Please refer toFIGS. 2 and 3. In this embodiment, the grounding plate5comprises a plurality of through holes511formed on the surface of the plate body51. In the insert-molded procedure of the third portion27, plastic materials may flow through the through holes511, so that the plastic materials may be spread over the grounding plate5quickly. Hence, the molding time of the third portion27can be shortened.

Please refer toFIGS. 2 and 3. In this embodiment, the grounding plate5further comprises an engaging hole58formed on the back of the plate body51. The second portion26further comprises an engaging block261, and the engaging block261is protruding from the surface of the second portion26. When the second portion26is assembled to the bottom surface of the third portion27, the engaging block261is engaged in the engaging hole58. Therefore, the third portion27can be positioned further well with the second portion26. Consequently, when the electrical receptacle connector100is mated with an electrical plug connector (even with frequent plug-in/plug-off), the third portion27(i.e., the tongue portion22) would not get loose from the second portion26easily.

Please refer toFIGS. 2, 3, and 10. In this embodiment, the grounding plate5further comprises a shielding plate512. The shielding plate512is integrally formed with the plate body51. The shielding plate512is extending downward from an edge of the rear of the plate body51. The shielding plate512is between the first tail portions316and the second tail portions416. Since the shielding plate512shields the first tail portions316from the second tail portions416, the signal interference between the first receptacle terminals31and the second receptacle terminals41can be prevented.

Please refer toFIGS. 2, 3, 8, and 10. In this embodiment, each of the conductive sheets6is at the insulated housing2. Specifically, the conductive sheets6are at the first surface221and the second surface222of the tongue portion22. From a front view of each of the conductive sheets6, the conductive sheet6is a widen U-shape piece. In addition, the conductive sheets6have identical structures and symmetrical with each other.

Please refer toFIGS. 2, 3, 7, and 10. Each of the conductive sheets6comprises a flat plate61, protruding portions64, buckle arms65, and contact arms62. The flat plates61cover the two surfaces (i.e., the first surface221and the second surface222) of the tongue portion22. The protruding portions64are extending bilaterally and outward from the flat plate61. Specifically, the number of the protruding portions64equals to the number of the ground terminals313,413. In addition, the buckle arms65are extending bilaterally from the flat plate61toward the tongue portion22, and the buckle arms65are near to the protruding portions64. The contact arms62are extending from two sides of the top of the flat plate61and extending toward the inner wall of the shell body111. The contact arms62cover on the top of the base portion21.

Please refer toFIGS. 2, 3, 7, and 10. In this embodiment, the insulated housing2further comprises a plurality of recessed holes28and a plurality of buckle holes29. The recessed holes28are formed on the two surfaces of the tongue portion22. Specifically, the recessed holes28are formed on the first portion25and the second portion26. The buckle holes29are formed on the two surfaces of the tongue portion22and near to the recessed holes28, respectively. In this embodiment, the buckle holes29are formed on the first portion25, the second portion26, and the third portion27. The position of the recessed holes28at the first surface221of the tongue portion22corresponds to the position of the body portions317of the ground terminals313of the first receptacle terminals31, and the number of the recessed holes28at the first surface221of the tongue portion22equals to the number of the ground terminals313. Likewise, the position of the recessed holes28at the second surface222of the tongue portion22corresponds to the position of the body portions417of the ground terminals413of the second receptacle terminals41, and the number of the recessed holes28at the second surface222of the tongue portion22equals to the number of the ground terminals413.

Please refer toFIGS. 2, 3, 8, and 10. In this embodiment, the protruding portions64are received in the recessed holes28, respectively. The protruding portions64at the first surface221of the tongue portion22are in contact with the body portions317of the ground terminals313of the first receptacle terminals313, and the protruding portions64at the second surface222of the tongue portion22are in contact with the body portions417of the ground terminals413of the second receptacle terminals41. Therefore, the conductive sheets6are respectively in contact with the ground terminals313of the first receptacle terminals31and the ground terminals413of the second receptacle terminals41for conduction purpose. The buckle arms65are received in the buckle holes29, and the buckle arms65at two sides of the tongue portion22are in contact with the plate body51of the grounding plate5, so that the conductive sheets6are in contact with the grounding plate5for conduction purpose. The contact arms62are in contact with the inner wall of the shell body111, so that the conductive sheets6are in contact with the metallic shell11for conduction purpose.

When an electrical plug connector is mating with the electrical receptacle connector100, the front of the metallic shell of the electrical plug connector is in contact with the conductive sheets6, so that the metallic shell of the electrical plug connector is in contact with the metallic shell11of the electrical receptacle connector100. Accordingly, the conductive sheets6can be provided for conduction, grounding, and reducing the electromagnetic interference.

Please refer toFIGS. 12 to 15, illustrating an electrical receptacle connector100according to a second embodiment of the instant disclosure. In the second embodiment, the cover plate15and the outer shell122are formed integrally as a whole; while in the first embodiment, the cover plate15and the outer shell122are separated pieces. In this embodiment, the cover plate15is extending downward from one side of the outer shell122and covering the rear opening of the tubular member14. In addition, the cover plate15comprises an opening region152, and the opening region152is recessed from the bottom of the cover plate15to expose the hollowed region16. In other words, two legs151are extending from two sides of the bottom of the cover plate15, and the two legs151and the middle of the bottom of the cover plate15define the opening region152. Moreover, the opening region152is the hollowed region16. Therefore, the tail portions316of the first receptacle terminals31can be checked through the opening region152.

In this embodiment, each of the ground contacts92of the circuit board9is a soldering pad922, and each of the legs151is abutting against the surface of the corresponding soldering pad922and in contact with the corresponding soldering pad922. Specifically, each of the terminal contacts91of the circuit board9is an elongate soldering pad911, and the elongate soldering pads911are exposed out of the opening region152. Accordingly, the soldering condition between the tail portions316of the first receptacle terminals31and the terminal contacts91can be checked. Therefore, the soldering procedure can be redone when soldering spots are not applied to the terminal contacts91and the tail portions316properly, for example, if the tail portions316of the first receptacle terminals31and the terminal contacts91of the circuit board9are not firmly in contact with each other, or if the soldering spots between the tail portions316of the first receptacle terminals31are merged together to cause short circuit.

As above, the lengthened grounding plate improves the shielding performance and the structural strength of the tongue portion. In addition, the extension arms are in contact with the inner wall of the metallic shell to provide grounding and to reduce the electromagnetic interference (EMI). Moreover, because the contact arms of the conductive sheets are in contact with the inner wall of the metallic shell, the front of the metallic shell of an electrical plug connector is in contact with the conductive sheets when the electrical plug connector is mated with the electrical receptacle connector, so the metallic shell of the electrical plug connector is in contact with the metallic shell of the electrical receptacle connector. Accordingly, the connector can be effectively grounded through the conductive sheets, and the electromagnetic interference is reduced.

In addition, the cover plate is at one side of the metallic shell, and the hollowed region corresponds to the cover plate. Accordingly, the soldering condition between the first receptacle terminals and the circuit board can be checked from the hollowed region.

Moreover, the protruding portions of the conductive sheets are in contact with the ground terminals of the first and second receptacle terminals, the buckle arms of the conductive sheets are in contact with the grounding plate, and the contact arms are in contact with the inner wall of the metallic shell. Therefore, the conductive sheets, the grounding plate, and the metallic shell can be conducted, grounded, and the electromagnetic interference can be reduced.

Furthermore, the first receptacle terminals and the second receptacle terminals are arranged upside down, and the pin-assignment of the flat contact portions of the first receptacle terminals is left-right reversal with respect to that of the flat contact portions of the second receptacle terminals. Accordingly, the electrical receptacle connector can have a 180 degree symmetrical, dual or double orientation design and pin assignments which enables the electrical receptacle connector to be mated with a corresponding plug connector in either of two intuitive orientations, i.e. in either upside-up or upside-down directions. Therefore, when an electrical plug connector is inserted into the electrical receptacle connector with a first orientation, the flat contact portions of the first receptacle terminals are in contact with upper-row plug terminals of the electrical plug connector. Conversely, when the electrical plug connector is inserted into the electrical receptacle connector with a second orientation, the flat contact portions of the second receptacle terminals are in contact with the upper-row plug terminals of the electrical plug connector. Note that, the inserting orientation of the electrical plug connector is not limited by the electrical receptacle connector of the instant disclosure.