Electrical connector

Abstract

An electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a first face on which a tongue plate is formed. Passageways are defined in the housing and are further defined by grooves formed on surfaces of the tongue plate for receiving and retaining contact elements therein. A shroud wall having three sections and a guide wall are formed on the first face of the housing and define a space therebetween for receiving a mating connector. The guide wall and the shroud wall have diverging inside faces for guiding a mating connector into the space. A shielding member having three sections is received in the space and supported by the sections of the shroud wall. The shielding member has a lower edge received in a slot defined in the housing and an outwardly bent top edge for guiding the insertion of the mating connector into the space and electrically engages with the mating connector for electrostatic discharge purposes. A rib is formed on the shielding member for enhancing electrical engagement with the mating connector. Barbs are formed on the shielding member for engaging with recesses defined in the housing to secure the shielding member in position. A notch having inwardly extending barbs is defined in the shielding member for receivingly engaging with a projection formed on the housing for more securely retaining the shielding member in position.