Patent ID: 6328600
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A connector for printed circuit boards, the connector comprising:an insulated housing having an opened connecting portion, contacts held in the housing, leads integral with the contacts, protruding outwards therefrom and capable of being soldered to a circuit pattern printed on the board, and reinforcement metal pieces fixed in both sides of said housing and capable of being soldered to a fixation pattern formed on the circuit board,wherein all of the housing, contacts and metal pieces are convertible from such a top type position of the connector that the opened connecting portion faces upwards to such an alternative side type position of the connector that said connecting portion faces sideways, or vice versa, without necessitating any change in shape,wherein each of the leads extending from each contact has a first solderable surface portion and at least one second solderable surface portion, such that the first solderable surface portion extends in the same plane as an outer face of a bottom of the housing so as to be used where the top type position is taken, with the at least one second solderable surface portion extending in the same plane as an outer face of at least one of a front wall and a rear wall of said housing for use in the side type position,and wherein each reinforcement metal piece has a first solderable surface zone and at least one second solderable surface zone, such that the first solderable surface zone extends in the same plane as an outer face of the housing bottom for use where the top type position is taken, with the at least one second solderable surface zone extending in the same plane as an outer face of at least one of the front and rear walls of said housing for use in the side type position.