ASSEMBLY SHEET

An assembly sheet includes a supporting portion, a plurality of wiring circuit boards, and a joint portion. The supporting portion supports the plurality of wiring circuit boards. The supporting portion surrounds the plurality of wiring circuit boards while being separated from the plurality of wiring circuit boards by an interval. The joint portion joins the plurality of wiring circuit boards to the supporting portion. The plurality of wiring circuit boards includes a first wiring circuit board and a second wiring circuit board. The second wiring circuit board is arranged next to the first wiring circuit board while being separated from the first wiring circuit board by an interval. The second wiring circuit board is symmetrical to the first wiring circuit board with respect to a point centered therebetween. The supporting portion includes a first and second mark. The second mark is asymmetrical to the first with respect to the point.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-5403 filed on Jan. 17, 2023, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an assembly sheet.

BACKGROUND ART

There has been a known assembly sheet including a plurality of wiring circuit boards, a supporting portion, and a joint portion (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

In the assembly sheet described in Patent Document 1, the supporting portion supports the plurality of wiring circuit boards. The supporting portion surrounds the plurality of wiring circuit boards. The plurality of wiring circuit boards includes a first wiring circuit board and a second wiring circuit board. The second wiring circuit board is symmetrical to the first wiring circuit board with respect to a point centered therebetween.

The supporting portion includes a first mark and a second mark. The second mark is symmetrical to the first mark with respect to the above-described point. Based on the differentiation between the first mark and the second mark, the first wiring circuit board and the second wiring circuit board are distinguished from each other.

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

The assembly sheet may be rotated around the above-described point. In such a case, the second mark is point symmetrical to the first mark, and thus the first and second marks cannot be distinguished from each other. A disadvantage of the above is thus that the first wiring circuit board and the second wiring circuit board cannot surely be distinguished from each other.

The present invention provides an assembly sheet of which first wiring circuit board and second wiring circuit board are faultlessly distinguished from each other.

Means for Solving the Problem

The present invention [1] includes an assembly sheet including: a plurality of wiring circuit boards; a supporting portion supporting the plurality of wiring circuit boards and surrounding the plurality of wiring circuit boards while being separated from the plurality of wiring circuit boards by an interval; and a joint portion joining the plurality of wiring circuit boards to the supporting portion, wherein the plurality of wiring circuit boards includes a first wiring circuit board and a second wiring circuit board arranged adjacent to the first wiring circuit board while being separated from the first wiring circuit board by an interval and being symmetrical to the first wiring circuit board with respect to a point centered therebetween, and wherein the supporting portion includes a first mark and a second mark being asymmetrical to the first mark with respect to the point.

In the assembly sheet, the second mark is asymmetrical to the first mark with respect to the above-described point. Thus, even when the assembly sheet is rotated around the above-described point, the first mark and the second mark are distinguished from each other. As a result, based on the differentiation between the first mark and the second mark, the first wiring circuit board and the second wiring circuit board can faultlessly be distinguished from each other.

The present invention [2] includes the assembly sheet described in the above-described [1], wherein the first mark is disposed in a one-side part of the supporting portion in an arrangement direction in which the first and second circuit boards are arranged, and wherein the second mark is disposed in the one-side part of the supporting portion in the arrangement direction.

The present invention [3] includes the assembly sheet described in the above-described [1], wherein the first mark is disposed in a one-side part of the supporting portion in an arrangement direction in which the first and second circuit boards are arranged, and wherein the second mark is disposed in the other-side part of the supporting portion in the arrangement direction.

The present invention [4] includes the assembly sheet described in any one of the above-described [1] to [3], wherein the first wiring circuit board includes a first main body portion and a first protruding portion protruding from the first main body portion toward the second wiring circuit board, wherein the second wiring circuit board includes a second main body portion and a second protruding portion protruding from the second main body portion toward the first wiring circuit board, and wherein the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion are adjacent to each other in a direction intersecting with the thickness direction and an arrangement direction in which the first and second circuit boards are arranged.

In the assembly, the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion are next to each other in a direction intersecting with the thickness direction and the arrangement direction, and thus the first wiring circuit board and the second wiring circuit board are compactly disposed in the arrangement direction. Thus, the number of wiring circuit boards on one assembly sheet can be increased.

The present invention [5] includes the assembly sheet described in the above-described [1], wherein the supporting portion includes a metal supporting layer, an insulating base layer, and a conductive layer in this order toward one side in the thickness direction, and wherein each of the first mark and the second mark includes a conductive mark included in the conductive layer.

The present invention [6] includes the assembly sheet described in the above-described [1], wherein the supporting portion includes a metal supporting layer, and wherein each of the first mark and the second mark includes a metal penetrating hole included in the metal supporting layer.

The present invention [7] includes the assembly sheet described in the above-described [1], wherein the supporting portion includes a metal supporting layer, and wherein each of the first mark and the second mark includes a barcode formed on a one-side surface or the other-side surface of the metal supporting layer in the thickness direction.

Effects of the Invention

In the assembly sheet of the present invention, the first wiring circuit board and the second wiring circuit board can faultlessly be distinguished from each other.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

1. One Embodiment of Assembly Sheet

With reference toFIGS.1to3, one embodiment of the assembly sheet of the present invention is described.

As illustrated inFIG.2, an assembly sheet1has a thickness. As illustrated inFIG.1, the assembly sheet1extends in a surface direction. The surface direction is orthogonal to the thickness direction of the assembly sheet1. In the present embodiment, the assembly sheet1has, for example, a rectangular shape. In the present embodiment, the assembly sheet1has point symmetry about a point P. When being projected in the thickness direction, the point P is located inside the assembly sheet1. For example, the point P is located at the center of the assembly sheet1. The center is the center of the assembly sheet1in a first direction and the center of the assembly sheet1in a second direction. The assembly sheet1includes a supporting portion2, a plurality of wiring circuit boards3, and a joint portion4.

In the present embodiment, the supporting portion2forms the outer shape of the assembly sheet1. The supporting portion2supports the plurality of wiring circuit boards3described next. In the present embodiment, the supporting portion2has point symmetry about the above-described point P. The supporting portion2includes a frame21and a rail portion22.

The frame21is disposed on a peripheral end portion of the supporting portion2. The frame21has an approximately rectangular frame shape in the plan view. The frame21includes a first portion211, a second portion212, and two third portions213.

The first portion211extends in the first direction. The first portion211is disposed in a one end portion of the frame21in the second direction. The second direction is orthogonal to the thickness direction and the first direction. The first direction and the second direction are included in the surface direction. In the present embodiment, the first portion211has the shape of a straight line.

The second portion212extends in the first direction. The second portion212is disposed in the other end portion of the frame21in the second direction. The second portion212is separated from the first portion211by an interval in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the second portion212has the shape of a straight line.

The third portions213are disposed in both end portions of the frame21in the first direction. The third portions213joins the one end portion of the first portion211to the one end portion of the second portion212in the first direction and the other end portion of the first portion211with the other end portion of the second portion212in the first direction, respectively. In the present embodiment, the two third portions213each have the shape of a straight line.

The rail portion22is disposed between the first portion211and the second portion212in the second direction. The rail portion22forms a bridge between the two third portions213. The rail portion22extends in the first direction. In the present embodiment, the rail portion22has the shape of a straight line. The rail portion22divides an internal region of the frame21into a plurality of parts. In the present embodiment, the rail portion22divides the internal region of the frame21into two. The rail portion22divides the internal region of the frame21into a first region23A and a second region23B. The first region23A and the second region23B are arranged side by side in the second direction. The second region23B is disposed at a side opposite to the first region23A relative to the rail portion22in the second direction.

The wiring circuit boards3are arrayed while being separated from each other by an interval. The plurality of wiring circuit boards3is surrounded by the supporting portion2. The plurality of wiring circuit boards3is separated from the supporting portion2by an interval. In other words, the supporting portion2surrounds the plurality of wiring circuit boards3while being separated from them by an interval.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of wiring circuit boards3includes a plurality of first wiring circuit boards31and a plurality of second wiring circuit boards32. The first wiring circuit boards31are arranged side by side in the second direction. The second wiring circuit boards32are arranged side by side in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the plurality of first wiring circuit boards31includes a first wiring circuit board31A and a first wiring circuit board31B. In the present embodiment, the plurality of second wiring circuit boards32includes a second wiring circuit board32A and a second wiring circuit board32B.

The first wiring circuit board31A (a first main body portion311A described below) is disposed in a one-side part of the first region23A in the first direction.

The first wiring circuit board31B (a first main body portion311B described below) is disposed in a one-side part of the second region23B in the first direction. The first wiring circuit board31B is arranged next to the first wiring circuit board31A in the second direction. The first wiring circuit board31B is disposed at a side opposite to the first wiring circuit board31A relative to the rail portion22in the second direction. The whole of the first wiring circuit board31B overlaps with the whole of the first wiring circuit board31A when being projected in the second direction.

The second wiring circuit board32A (a second main body portion321A described below) is disposed in the other-side part of the first region23A in the first direction. The second wiring circuit board32A is disposed next to the first wiring circuit board31A in the first direction while being separated from the first wiring circuit board31A by an interval.

The second wiring circuit board32A is point symmetrical to the first wiring circuit board31B with respect to the point P centered therebetween.

The second wiring circuit board32B (a second main body portion321B described below) is disposed in the other-side part of the second region23B in the first direction. The second wiring circuit board32B is arranged next to the second wiring circuit board32A in the second direction. The second wiring circuit board32B is disposed at a side opposite to the second wiring circuit board32A relative to the rail portion22in the second direction. The whole of the second wiring circuit board32B overlaps with the whole of the second wiring circuit board32A when being projected in the second direction. The second wiring circuit board32B is arranged next to the first wiring circuit board31B in the first direction while being separated from the first wiring circuit board31B by an interval.

The second wiring circuit board32B is point symmetrical to the first wiring circuit board31A with respect to the point P centered therebetween.

Accordingly, the second wiring circuit boards32(the second wiring circuit boards32B and32A) are symmetrical to the first wiring circuit boards31(the first wiring circuit boards31A and31B) with respect to the point P centered therebetween. The first wiring circuit board31A, the first wiring circuit board31B, the second wiring circuit board32B, and the second wiring circuit board32A are disposed in a clockwise direction around the point P.

The joint portion4joins the supporting portion2to the plurality of wiring circuit boards3. Although not illustrated, the joint portion4may join the first wiring circuit board31A to the second wiring circuit board32A. The joint portion4may join the first wiring circuit board31B to the second wiring circuit board32B.

1.4 Opening Portion

The assembly sheet1may further include an opening portion5. The opening portion5is disposed between the supporting portion2and the wiring circuit boards3. Further, the opening portion5is disposed between the first wiring circuit board31A and the second wiring circuit board32A. The opening portion5is disposed between the first wiring circuit board31B and the second wiring circuit board32B. In the present embodiment, the opening portion5is a slit penetrating the assembly sheet1in the thickness direction. The opening portion5defines the outer shape of each of the wiring circuit boards3.

1.5 Details of First Wiring Circuit Boards31A and31B, Second Wiring Circuit Boards32A and32B, and Supporting Portion2

The first wiring circuit boards31A and31B, the second wiring circuit boards32A and32B, and the supporting portion2are described in detail in this order.

1.5.1 Details of First Wiring Circuit Boards31A and31B

The first wiring circuit board31A includes a first main body portion311A and a first protruding portion312A. The first main body portion311A has an approximately rectangular frame shape. The first protruding portion312A protrudes from the first main body portion311A toward the second wiring circuit board32A. The first protruding portion312A protrudes from a one end portion of the first main body portion311A in the second direction. The first protruding portion312A extends in the second direction. Further, the first protruding portion312A protrudes toward the first portion211in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the first protruding portion312A has an approximately rectangular shape.

The first wiring circuit board31B include a first main body portion311B and a first protruding portion312B. The first main body portion311B has an approximately rectangular frame shape. The first protruding portion312B protrudes from the first main body portion311B toward the second wiring circuit board32B. The first protruding portion312B extends in the second direction. Further, the first protruding portion312B protrudes toward the rail portion22in the second direction. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first protruding portion312B has an approximately rectangular shape.

1.5.2 Details of the Second Wiring Circuit Boards32A and32B

The second wiring circuit board32A includes a second main body portion321A and a second protruding portion322A. The second main body portion321A has an approximately rectangular frame shape. The second protruding portion322A protrudes from the second main body portion321A toward the first wiring circuit board31A. The second protruding portion322A extends in the second direction. Further, the second protruding portion322A protrudes toward the rail portion22in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the second protruding portion322A has an approximately rectangular shape. The first protruding portion312A and the second protruding portion322A are next to each other in a direction intersecting with the thickness direction and an arrangement direction in which the first wiring circuit boards and the second wiring circuit boards are arranged. Specifically, the first protruding portion312A and the second protruding portion322A are next to each other in the second direction.

The second wiring circuit board32B includes a second main body portion321B and a second protruding portion322B. The second main body portion321B has an approximately rectangular frame shape. The second protruding portion322B protrudes from the second main body portion321B toward the first wiring circuit board31B. The second protruding portion322B extends in the second direction. Further, the second protruding portion322B protrudes toward the second portion212in the second direction. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the second protruding portion322B has an approximately rectangular shape. The first protruding portion312B and the second protruding portion322B are next to each other in the direction intersecting with the thickness direction and the arrangement direction. Specifically, the first protruding portion312B and the second protruding portion322B are next each other in the second direction.

1.5.3 Details of Supporting Portion2

The supporting portion2includes a first mark25and a second mark26.

The first mark25is disposed in the first portion211of the supporting portion2. The first mark25is disposed in a one-side part of the first portion211in the first direction. In other words, the first mark25is disposed in a one-side part of the supporting portion2in the arrangement direction. In the present embodiment, the first mark25is adjacent to the first wiring circuit board31A. In the present embodiment, the first mark25has an approximately circular shape in the plan view. The first mark25may have an approximately rectangular shape in the plan view.

The second mark26is disposed in the second portion212of the supporting portion2. The second mark26is disposed in the one-side part of the supporting portion2in the arrangement direction. Thus, the second mark26is asymmetrical to the first mark25with respect to the point P centered therebetween. In the present embodiment, the second mark26is adjacent to the first wiring circuit board31B. In the present embodiment, the second mark26has the same shape as that of the first mark25. Specifically, the second mark26has an approximately circular shape in the plan view.

The second mark26may have a shape different from that of the first mark25. For example, the first mark25has a circular shape while the second mark26has a rectangular shape.

1.8 Layer Structure of Assembly Sheet1

As illustrated inFIG.2, the assembly sheet1includes a metal supporting layer11, an insulating base layer12, a conductive layer13, and an insulating cover layer14in this order in the thickness direction.

The metal supporting layer11is located in the other end portion of the assembly sheet1in the thickness direction. The metal supporting layer11forms an outer shape of the assembly sheet1. The metal supporting layer11is included in each of the supporting portion2, the wiring circuit boards3, and the joint portion4(not illustrated inFIG.2). Examples of the material of the metal supporting layer11include metal. Examples of the metal include a stainless steel and a copper alloy. The metal has stiffness. The metal supporting layer11has thickness of, for example, 15 μm or more, preferably 100 μm or more, and, for example, 500 μm or less, preferably 250 μm or less.

The insulating base layer12is disposed on a one-side surface of the metal supporting layer11in the thickness direction. The insulating base layer12is included in, for example, each of the supporting portion2and the wiring circuit boards3. The insulating base layer12has a base penetrating hole121in the supporting portion2. The base penetrating hole121is larger than each of the first mark25and the second mark26and surrounds each of the first mark25and the second mark26. Examples of the material of the insulating base layer12include resin, and polyimide is preferably used. The resin has flexibility. The insulating base layer12has a thickness of, for example, 1 μm or more, preferably 5 μm or more, and, for example, 25 μm or less, preferably 15 μm or less.

The conductive layer13is disposed on a one-side surface of the insulating base layer12in the thickness direction. Further, the conductive layer13may be disposed on the one-side surface of the metal supporting layer11in the thickness direction. The conductive layer13is a single layer or multiple layers. The conductive layer13is included in each of the supporting portion2and the wiring circuit boards3.

The conductive layer13includes a conductive mark131in the supporting portion2. The conductive mark131is in contact with the one-side surface of the metal supporting layer11in the thickness direction through the base penetrating hole121. Each of the first mark25and the second mark26includes the above-described conductive mark131.

In the wiring circuit boards3, the conductive layer13includes a wire132and a terminal (not illustrated).

The insulating cover layer14is disposed on the one-side surface of the insulating base layer12in the thickness direction. The insulating cover layer14is included in each of the supporting portion2and the wiring circuit boards3.

In the supporting portion2, the insulating cover layer14surrounds the conductive mark131while being separated from the conductive mark131by an interval. Further, in the supporting portion2, the insulating cover layer14includes a cover penetrating hole141. The conductive mark131is disposed inside the cover penetrating hole141when being projected in the thickness direction.

In the wiring circuit boards3, the insulating cover layer14covers the wire132and exposes the terminal (not illustrated).

Examples of the material of the insulating cover layer14include resin, and polyimide is preferably used. The resin has flexibility. The insulating cover layer14has a thickness of, for example, 1 μm or more, preferably 5 μm or more, and, for example, 25 μm or less, preferably 15 μm or less.

As described above, the supporting portion2includes the metal supporting layer11, the insulating base layer12, the conductive layer13, and the insulating cover layer14in this order toward one side in the thickness direction. Each of the wiring circuit boards3includes the metal supporting layer11, the insulating base layer12, the conductive layer13, and the insulating cover layer14in this order toward one side in the thickness direction. The joint portion4includes the metal supporting layer11. In the present embodiment, the joint portion4does not include the insulating base layer12, the conductive layer13, and the insulating cover layer14.

1.9 Method of Producing Assembly Sheet1

To produce the assembly sheet1, a metal plate not illustrated is prepared. Next, at one side of the metal plate in the thickness direction, an insulating base layer12, a conductive layer13, and an insulating cover layer14are formed in this order. Subsequently, the outer shape of the metal plate is processed to form a metal supporting layer11.

2. Operations and Effects

As illustrated inFIG.1, in the assembly sheet1, the second mark26is asymmetrical to the first mark25with respect to the point P centered therebetween. Thus, even when the assembly sheet1is rotated around the point P as illustrated inFIG.3, the first mark25and the second mark26are distinguished from each other. As a result, based on the differentiation between the first mark25and the second mark26, the first wiring circuit boards31(31A and31B) and the second wiring circuit boards32(32A and32B) are faultlessly distinguished from each other.

Specifically, even when the assembly sheet1illustrated inFIG.1is rotated by 180 degrees as illustrated inFIG.3, the operator can distinguish the first mark25and second mark26, which are asymmetrical to each other. This allows the operator to identify the first wiring circuit board31A adjacent to the first mark25and the first wiring circuit board31B adjacent to the second mark26. Based on the differentiation of the first wiring circuit board31A, the operator can identify the second wiring circuit board32A located in the first region23A and arranged next to the first wiring circuit board31A. Based on the differentiation of the second wiring circuit board32A, the operator can identify the second wiring circuit board32B located in the second region23B and arranged next to the first wiring circuit board31B.

As illustrated inFIG.1, in the assembly sheet1described above, the first protruding portions312A and312B are next to the second protruding portions322A and322B, respectively, in the direction intersecting with the thickness direction and the arrangement direction. Thus, the first wiring circuit boards31(31A and31B) and the second wiring circuit boards32(32A and32B) are compactly disposed in the arrangement direction. Therefore, the number of the wiring circuit boards3in one assembly sheet1can be increased.

In each of the variations described below, the same members and steps as the above-described one embodiment are given the same numerical references and the descriptions thereof are omitted. Further, each of the variations has the same operations and effects as those of one embodiment unless especially described otherwise. One embodiment and its variations can appropriately be combined.

3.1 First Variation

As illustrated inFIG.4, the second mark26is disposed in the other-side part of the second portion212in the first direction. In other words, the second mark26is disposed in the other-side part of the supporting portion in the arrangement direction. In this variation, the first mark25is disposed in the intermediate portion or the other end portion of the one-side part of the first portion211in the first direction. The second mark26is disposed in the other end portion of the other-side part of the second portion212in the first direction. In this manner, the second mark26is asymmetrical to the first mark25with respect to the point P centered therebetween. The second mark26is close to the second wiring circuit board32B.

Also in the first variation, even when the assembly sheet1illustrated inFIG.4is rotated by 180 degrees as illustrated inFIG.5, the operator can distinguish the first mark25and the second mark26, which are asymmetrical to each other. This allows the operator to identify the first wiring circuit board31A adjacent to the first mark25and the second wiring circuit board32B adjacent to the second mark26. Based on the differentiation of the first wiring circuit board31A, the operator can identify the second wiring circuit board32A located in the first region23A and arranged next to the first wiring circuit board31A. Based on the differentiation of the second wiring circuit board32B, the operator can identify the first wiring circuit board31B located in the second region23B and arranged next to the first wiring circuit board31B.

3.2 Second Variation

As illustrated inFIG.6, the first mark25includes the metal penetrating hole111included in the metal supporting layer11.

The first mark25can be recognized from either of one side or the other side in the thickness direction.

When the first mark25can be recognized from the one side in the thickness direction, each of the base penetrating hole121and the cover penetrating hole141is larger than the metal penetrating hole111. The one-side surface of the metal supporting layer11exposed from the base penetrating hole121and the cover penetrating hole141forms the first mark25.

3.3 Third Variation

As illustrated inFIG.7, the supporting portion2includes first marks25A and25B and second marks26A and26B.

3.3.1 First Mark25A and Second Mark26A

The first mark25A and the second mark26A have asymmetry about the point P. Each of the first mark25A and the second mark26A is disposed in the first portion211.

The first mark25A is adjacent to the first wiring circuit board31A. The first mark25A is disposed at a side opposite to the first wiring circuit board31B relative to the first wiring circuit board31A in the second direction.

The second mark26A is separated from the first mark25A by an interval in the first direction. The second mark26A is adjacent to the second wiring circuit board32A. The second mark26A is disposed at a side opposite to the second wiring circuit board32B relative to the second wiring circuit board32A in the second direction. Each of the first mark25A and the second mark26A is a character mark (alphabet mark).

As illustrated inFIG.8, each of the first mark25A and the second mark26A is formed of the one-side surface of the metal supporting layer11inside the base penetrating hole121.

3.3.2 First Mark25B and Second Mark26B

As illustrated inFIG.7, the first mark25B and the second mark26B have asymmetry about the point P. Each of the first mark25B and the second mark26B is disposed in one of the third portions213.

The first mark25B is adjacent to the first wiring circuit board31A. The first mark25B is disposed at a side opposite to the second wiring circuit board32A relative to the first wiring circuit board31A in the first direction.

The second mark26B is separated from the first mark25B by an interval in the second direction. The second mark26B is adjacent to the first wiring circuit board31B. The second mark26B is disposed at a side opposite to the second wiring circuit board32B relative to the first wiring circuit board31B in the first direction. Each of the first mark25B and the second mark26B is a character mark (number mark).

Each of the first mark25B and the second mark26B has the same layer structure as the first mark25A.

In the third variation, the first marks25A and25B are distinguished from the second marks26A and26B. As a result, the first wiring circuit boards31A and31B are distinguished from the second wiring circuit boards32A and32B.

The assembly sheet1only needs to include at least two marks that are asymmetrical to each other among the four marks (the first marks25A and25B and the second marks26A and26B).

As illustrated inFIG.9, each of the first mark25and the second mark26includes a barcode BC. As illustrated with the solid line ofFIG.10, the barcode BC is formed on the one-side surface of the metal supporting layer11in the thickness direction. As illustrated with the phantom lines ofFIG.10, the barcode BC may be formed on the other-side surface of the metal supporting layer11in the thickness direction.

As illustrated inFIG.11, the assembly sheet1may include a single first wiring circuit board31and a single second wiring circuit board32.

In the fifth variation, the supporting portion2does not include a rail portion22.

As illustrated inFIG.12, each of the wiring circuit boards3may not include a protruding portion. Each of the wiring circuit boards3has a rectangular frame shape.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS