Patent Publication Number: US-9899583-B2

Title: Lead frame for mounting LED elements, lead frame with resin, method for manufacturing semiconductor devices, and lead frame for mounting semiconductor elements

Description:
This is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 14/928,132 filed Oct. 30, 2015, which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 14/560,556 filed Dec. 4, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,214,414 issued Dec. 15, 2015, which is a Division of application Ser. No. 14/452,971 filed Aug. 6, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,159,655 issued Oct. 13, 2015, which is a Division of application Ser. No. 13/879,237 filed Apr. 26, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,933,548 issued Jan. 13, 2015, which is a PCT National Phase Application of PCT/JP2011/075091 which claims the benefit of Japanese application JP 2010-246681, filed Nov. 2, 2010, and Japanese application JP 2010-250959, filed Nov. 9, 2010, the content of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a lead frame for mounting LED elements, a lead frame with a resin, a method for manufacturing semiconductor devices, and a lead frame for mounting semiconductor elements. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     The product described in JP-A-2001-326316, for example, exists as a conventional lead frame for resin-sealed semiconductor devices. In conventional lead frames such as this one, a large number of terminals are arranged around each of die pads, with tie bars being arranged in grid form on a plane in order to interconnect the large number of terminals to hanging leads. 
     Meanwhile, illumination devices that each use light-emitting diode (LED) elements as a light source are used in recent years in general illumination, vehicle-mounted illumination, and displays, as well as in state indicators of various electrical household appliances, office automation machines and apparatuses, and vehicular devices. Some of these types of illumination devices include a semiconductor device fabricated by mounting LED elements in a lead frame. 
     PRIOR ART LITERATURE 
     Patent Documents 
     Patent Document 1: JP-A-2001-326316 
     Some of the semiconductor devices for LED elements or of the semiconductor devices for discrete semiconductor elements have die pads, which are arranged linearly in one row along with leads arranged around each of the die pads. Lead frames for these semiconductor devices, unlike the foregoing conventional lead frame, can be manufactured more efficiently by interconnecting mutually adjacent die pads and leads without providing tie bars in grid form on a plane, since the number of elements to be surface-mounted in one lead frame can be correspondingly increased. 
     In this case, the die pads and the leads need to be spaced apart from one another to prevent short-circuiting. A problem could therefore occur that if spatial gaps between the die pads and the leads become connected, this causes a plurality of elongated spaces parallel to one side of the lead frame. The occurrence of this problem might lead to the lead frame being formed into a slit blind/screen or interdigitated shape and becoming deformed during handling. 
     The present invention has been made with these circumstances taken into account, and an object of the invention is to provide a lead frame for mounting LED elements, a lead frame with a resin, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, and a lead frame for mounting semiconductor elements. Each of the lead frames and the manufacturing method are designed so as to prevent a spatial gap between a die pad and a lead from becoming connected, thus an elongated space from being formed in the lead frame, and hence the lead frame from being formed into a slit blind/screen or interdigitated shape and from becoming deformed during handling. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     A lead frame for mounting LED elements, according to the present invention, includes: a frame body region; and a large number of package regions arranged in multiple rows and columns in the frame body region, the package regions each including a die pad on which an LED element is to be mounted and a lead section adjacent to the die pad, the package regions being further constructed to be interconnected via a dicing region. The die pad in one package region and the lead section in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest are connected to each other by an inclined reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the lead section in one package region is connected to the lead section in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest, by a lead connecting portion. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the die pad in one package region is connected to the die pad in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest, by a die pad connecting portion. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the die pad in one package region and the lead section in a first package region adjacent to the package region of interest are connected to each other by a first inclined reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region, and the die pad in one package region and the lead section in a second package region adjacent to the package region of interest, the second package region being positioned at a side opposite to the first package region with regard to the package region of interest, are connected to each other by a second inclined reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the die pad in one package region and the lead section in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest are connected to each other by a first inclined reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. The lead section in one package region and the die pad in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest are connected to each other by a second inclined reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the die pad in one package region is connected to the lead sections in diagonally upward and diagonally downward package regions adjacent to the die pad in the package region of interest, by one pair of additional inclined reinforcement pieces positioned in the dicing region. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the lead section in one package region is connected to the lead sections in diagonally upward and diagonally downward package regions adjacent to the lead section in the package region of interest, by one pair of additional inclined reinforcement pieces positioned in the dicing region. 
     A lead frame for mounting LED elements, according to the present invention, includes: a frame body region; and a large number of package regions arranged in multiple rows and columns in the frame body region, the package regions each including a die pad on which an LED element is to be mounted and a lead section adjacent to the die pad, the package regions being further constructed to be interconnected via a dicing region. The lead section in at least one package region is connected to the lead section in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest, by a lead connecting portion. The lead section in one package region and the die pad in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest are connected to each other by an inclined reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the inclined reinforcement piece includes a main body and a plated layer formed on the main body. 
     A resin-containing lead frame according to the present invention includes a lead frame and a reflecting resin disposed on edges of package regions in the lead frame. 
     A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes the steps of: providing a resin-containing lead frame; mounting an independent LED element on each of die pads, inside a reflecting resin of the resin-containing lead frame; interconnecting the LED element and a lead section via an electric conducting portion; filling the reflecting resin of the resin-containing lead frame with a sealing resin; and separating the reflecting resin and the lead frame, for each LED element, by cutting the reflecting resin and the lead frame. 
     A lead frame for mounting semiconductor elements, according to the present invention, includes: a frame body region; and a large number of package regions arranged in multiple rows and columns in the frame body region, the package regions each including a die pad on which a semiconductor element is to be mounted and a lead section adjacent to the die pad, the package regions being constructed to be interconnected via a dicing region. The die pad in one package region and the lead section in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest are connected to each other by an inclined reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the lead section in one package region is connected to the lead section in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest, by a lead connecting portion. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the die pad in one package region is connected to the die pad in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest, by a die pad connecting portion. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the die pad in one package region and the lead section in a first package region adjacent to the package region of interest are connected to each other by a first inclined reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. The die pad in one package region and the lead section in a second package region adjacent to the package region of interest, the second package region being positioned at a side opposite to the first package region with regard to the package region of interest, are connected to each other by a second inclined reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the die pad in one package region and the lead section in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest are connected to each other by a first inclined reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region, and the lead section in one package region and the die pad in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest are connected to each other by a second inclined reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the die pad in one package region is connected to the lead sections in diagonally upward and diagonally downward package regions adjacent to the die pad in the package region of interest, by one pair of additional inclined reinforcement pieces positioned in the dicing region. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the lead section in one package region is connected to the lead sections in diagonally upward and diagonally downward package regions adjacent to the lead section in the package region of interest, by one pair of additional inclined reinforcement pieces positioned in the dicing region. 
     A lead frame for mounting semiconductor elements, according to the present invention, includes: a frame body region; and a large number of package regions arranged in multiple rows and columns in the frame body region, the package regions each including a die pad on which a semiconductor element is to be mounted and a lead section adjacent to the die pad, the package regions being further constructed to be interconnected via a dicing region. The lead section in at least one package region is connected to the lead section in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest, by a lead connecting portion. The lead section in one package region and the die pad in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest are connected to each other by an inclined reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. 
     In accordance with the present invention, since the die pad in one package region and the lead section in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest are connected to each other by an inclined reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region, this structural characteristic prevents spatial gaps between the die pads and the lead sections from becoming connected, thus a plurality of elongated spaces parallel to one side of the lead frame from being formed, and hence, deformation of the lead frame during handling is prevented. 
     A lead frame for mounting LED elements, according to the present invention, includes: a frame body region; and a large number of package regions arranged in multiple rows and columns in the frame body region, the package regions each including a die pad on which an LED element is to be mounted and a lead section adjacent to the die pad, the package regions being further constructed to be interconnected via a dicing region. The die pad and lead section in one package region are connected to the die pad and lead section in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest, by a die pad connecting portion and a lead connecting portion, respectively. The die pad connecting portion and the lead connecting portion are connected to each other by a reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the reinforcement piece extends over entire inside length of the frame body region and connects a plurality of die pad connecting portions and lead connecting portions. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the die pad connecting portion and lead connecting portion connecting the die pads and lead sections, respectively, in both of one package region and a first package region adjacent thereto, are connected to each other by a reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. The die pad connecting portion and lead connecting portion connecting the die pads and lead sections, respectively, in both of the package region of interest and a second package region adjacent thereto, the second package region being positioned at a side opposite to the first package region with regard to the package region of interest and being adjacent to the package region of interest, are not connected to each other by a reinforcement piece. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the reinforcement piece extends only between the die pad connecting portion and lead connecting portion connected to the die pad and lead section, respectively, in one package region, and connects the die pad connecting portion and the lead connecting portion. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, each package region includes one die pad and first and second lead sections, the first and second lead sections being positioned across the die pad. The die pad, first lead section, and second lead section existing in one package region are connected to the die pad, first lead section, and second lead section existing in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest, by a die pad connecting portion, a first-lead connecting portion, and a second-lead connecting portion, respectively. Between the package region of interest and a first package region adjacent thereto, the reinforcement piece extends only between the die pad connecting portion and the first-lead connecting portion, and connects the die pad connecting portion and the first-lead connecting portion. Between the package region of interest and a second package region adjacent thereto, the second package region being positioned at a side opposite to the first package region with regard to the package region of interest and being adjacent to the package region of interest, the reinforcement piece extends only between the die pad connecting portion and the second-lead connecting portion, and connects the die pad connecting portion and the second-lead connecting portion. 
     A lead frame for mounting LED elements, according to the present invention, includes: a frame body region; and a large number of package regions arranged in multiple rows and columns in the frame body region, the package regions each including a die pad on which an LED element is to be mounted and a lead section adjacent to the die pad, the package regions being further constructed to be interconnected via a dicing region. The die pad and lead section in one package region are connected to the die pad and lead section in another package region longitudinally adjacent to the package region of interest, by a die pad connecting portion and a lead connecting portion, respectively. The die pad connecting portions and lead connecting portions positioned in part of a plurality of dicing regions extending in a lateral direction are connected to each other by reinforcement pieces positioned in the part of the dicing regions. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, of all the dicing regions extending in the lateral direction, only those each provided with a reinforcement piece are cyclically formed at a predetermined number of alternate positions. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, of all the dicing regions extending in the lateral direction, only those each provided with a reinforcement piece are formed irregularly. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the reinforcement piece includes a main body and a plated layer formed on the main body. 
     A resin-containing lead frame according to the present invention includes a lead frame and a reflecting resin disposed on edges of package regions in the lead frame. 
     A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes the steps of: providing a resin-containing lead frame; mounting an independent LED element on each of die pads, inside a reflecting resin of the resin-containing lead frame; interconnecting the LED element and a lead section via an electric conducting portion; filling the reflecting resin of the resin-containing lead frame with a sealing resin; and separating the reflecting resin and the lead frame, for each LED element, by cutting the reflecting resin and the lead frame. 
     A lead frame for mounting semiconductor elements, according to the present invention, includes: a frame body region; and a large number of package regions arranged in multiple rows and columns in the frame body region, the package regions each including a die pad on which a semiconductor element is to be mounted and a lead section adjacent to the die pad, the package regions being further constructed to be interconnected via a dicing region. The die pad and lead section in one package region are connected to the die pad and lead section in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest, by a die pad connecting portion and a lead connecting portion, respectively, and the die pad connecting portion and the lead connecting portion are connected to each other by a reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the reinforcement piece extends over entire inside length of the frame body region and connects a plurality of die pad connecting portions and lead connecting portions. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the die pad connecting portion and lead connecting portion connecting the die pads and lead sections, respectively, in both of one package region and a first package region adjacent thereto, are connected to each other by a reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region. The die pad connecting portion and lead connecting portion connecting the die pads and lead sections, respectively, in both of the package region of interest and a second package region adjacent thereto, the second package region being positioned at a side opposite to the first package region with regard to the package region of interest and being adjacent to the package region of interest, are not connected to each other by a reinforcement piece. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, the reinforcement piece extends only between the die pad connecting portion and lead connecting portion connected to the die pad and lead section, respectively, in one package region, and connects the die pad connecting portion and the lead connecting portion. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, each package region includes one die pad and first and second lead sections, the first and second lead sections being positioned across the die pad. The die pad, first lead section, and second lead section existing in one package region are connected to the die pad, first lead section, and second lead section existing in another package region adjacent to the package region of interest, by a die pad connecting portion, a first-lead connecting portion, and a second-lead connecting portion, respectively. Between the package region of interest and a first package region adjacent thereto, the reinforcement piece extends only between the die pad connecting portion and the first-lead connecting portion, and connects the die pad connecting portion and the first-lead connecting portion. Between the package region of interest and a second package region adjacent thereto, the second package region being positioned at a side opposite to the first package region with regard to the package region of interest and being adjacent to the package region of interest, the reinforcement piece extends only between the die pad connecting portion and the second-lead connecting portion, and connects the die pad connecting portion and the second-lead connecting portion. 
     A lead frame for mounting semiconductor elements, according to the present invention, includes: a frame body region; and a large number of package regions arranged in multiple rows and columns in the frame body region, the package regions each including a die pad on which a semiconductor element is to be mounted and a lead section adjacent to the die pad, the package regions being further constructed to be interconnected via a dicing region. The die pad and lead section in one package region are connected to the die pad and lead section in another package region longitudinally adjacent to the package region of interest, by a die pad connecting portion and a lead connecting portion, respectively. The die pad connecting portions and lead connecting portions positioned in part of a plurality of dicing regions extending in a lateral direction are connected to each other by reinforcement pieces positioned in the part of the dicing regions. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, of all the dicing regions extending in the lateral direction, only those each provided with a reinforcement piece are cyclically formed at a predetermined number of alternate positions. 
     In the lead frame according to the present invention, of all the dicing regions extending in the lateral direction, only those each provided with a reinforcement piece are formed irregularly. 
     In accordance with the present invention, since the die pad connecting portion and the lead connecting portion are connected to each other by an reinforcement piece positioned in the dicing region, this structural feature prevents spatial gaps between die pads and lead sections from becoming connected, thus a plurality of elongated spaces parallel to one side of the lead frame from being formed, and hence, deformation of the lead frame during handling. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an overall plan view of a lead frame according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a partly enlarged plan view of the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the plan view showing section A of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sectional view being taken along line B-B in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view showing a semiconductor device fabricated using the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sectional view being taken along line C-C in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view showing the semiconductor device fabricated using the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a method of manufacturing the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram that shows steps for manufacturing the semiconductor device using the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram that showing further steps for manufacturing the semiconductor device using the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram that shows dicing, one of the steps for manufacturing the semiconductor device. 
         FIG. 10  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 1-1, an example of modification, of the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 1-2, another example of modification, of the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 1-3, yet another example of modification, of the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 1-4, a further example of modification, of the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 1-5, a further example of modification, of the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 1-6, a further example of modification, of the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 1-7, a further example of modification, of the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 1-8, a further example of modification, of the lead frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a sectional view that shows modification A, an example of modification, of the semiconductor device. 
         FIG. 19  is a sectional view that shows modification B, another example of modification, of the semiconductor device. 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view that shows modification C, yet another example of modification, of the semiconductor device. 
         FIG. 21  is an overall plan view of a lead frame according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a partly enlarged plan view of the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the plan view showing section D of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  is a sectional view of the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the sectional view being taken along line E-E in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a sectional view showing a semiconductor device fabricated using the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the sectional view being taken along line F-F in  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 25  is a plan view showing the semiconductor device fabricated using the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a diagram showing a method of manufacturing the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  is a diagram that shows steps for manufacturing the semiconductor device using the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  is a diagram that showing further steps for manufacturing the semiconductor device using the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  is a diagram that shows dicing, one of the steps for manufacturing the semiconductor device. 
         FIG. 30  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 2-1, an example of modification, of the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 31  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 2-2, another example of modification, of the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 32  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 2-3, yet another example of modification, of the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 33  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 2-4, a further example of modification, of the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 34  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 2-5, a further example of modification, of the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 2-6, a further example of modification, of the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 36  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 2-7, a further example of modification, of the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 37  is a schematic plan view showing the semiconductor device fabricated using the lead frame according to modification 2-7 ( FIG. 36 ). 
         FIG. 38  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 2-8, a further example of modification, of the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  is a schematic plan view showing the semiconductor device fabricated using the lead frame according to modification 2-8 ( FIG. 38 ). 
         FIG. 40  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 2-9, a further example of modification, of the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 41  is a partly enlarged plan view that shows modification 2-10, a further example of modification, of the lead frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 42  is a sectional view of a lead frame according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 43  is a sectional view showing a semiconductor device fabricated using the lead frame according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 44  is a sectional view that shows steps for manufacturing the semiconductor device using the lead frame according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     First Embodiment 
     Hereunder, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described referring to the accompanying drawings.  FIGS. 1 to 6  show the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     The first embodiment of the present invention is described below referring to  FIGS. 1 to 20 . 
     Leaf Frame Configuration 
     First, a lead frame for mounting LED elements, according to the present embodiment, is outlined below per  FIGS. 1 to 3 .  FIG. 1  is an overall plan view of the lead frame according to the present embodiment,  FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of section A shown in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 3  is a sectional view taken along line B-B in  FIG. 2 . 
     The lead frame  10  shown in  FIG. 1  is used to fabricate semiconductor devices  20  each having an LED element  21  mounted thereupon, one of the semiconductor devices  20  being shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The lead frame  10  includes a frame body region  13  having an outline of a rectangular shape, and a large number of package regions  14  arranged in multiple rows and columns (i.e., in matrix form) inside the frame body region  13 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the package regions  14  each include a die pad  25  on which an LED element  21  is to be mounted, and a lead section  26  adjacent to the die pad  25 . The package regions  14  are also connected to one another via dicing regions  15 . 
     A spatial gap is formed between the die pad  25  and lead section  26  in one package region  14 , and the lead frame  10  is constructed so that the die pad  25  and the lead section  26  are electrically insulated from one another after dicing of the lead frame. Each package region  14  is provided for an independent semiconductor device  20 . Each package region  14  is shown with a double-dotted line in  FIG. 2 . 
     On the other hand, the dicing regions  15  each extend in both longitudinal and lateral directions between the package regions  14 . As will be detailed later herein, each dicing region  15  serves as a region through which blades  38  pass during the manufacture of semiconductor devices  20  when the lead frame  10  is separated for each package region  14 . Each dicing region  15  is shown in hatched or shaded form in  FIG. 2 . 
     In this specification, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the lateral direction in which the lead sections  26  and die pads  25  in each package region  14  are arranged side by side corresponds to a direction of X, and the longitudinal direction in which the lead sections  26  and die pads  25  are arranged in tandem corresponds to a direction of Y. In addition, a plus side of the Y-direction and a minus side of the Y-direction are hereinafter referred to as upward and downward, and a plus side of the X-direction and a minus side of the X-direction, as rightward and leftward. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the die pad  25  in one package region  14  and the lead section  26  in another package region  14  upward adjacent to that package region  14  are connected to each other by an inclined reinforcement piece  51 . The lead section  26  in one package region  14  and the die pad  25  in another package region  14  downward adjacent to that package region  14  are connected to each other by another inclined reinforcement piece  51 . Each inclined reinforcement piece  51  is positioned in one dicing region  15 , the reinforcement piece  51  being disposed so as to be oblique with respect to both of the X- and Y-directions in  FIG. 2 . 
     The lead sections  26  in each package region  14  are connected to the lead sections  26  in other package regions  14  upward and downward adjacent to the particular package region  14 , by respective lead connecting portions  52 . In addition, the die pads  25  in each package region  14  are connected to the die pads  25  in other package regions  14  upward and downward adjacent to the particular package region  14 , by respective die pad connecting portions  53 . The lead connecting portions  52  and the die pad connecting portions  53  are all positioned in dicing regions  15 , the connecting portions  52 ,  53  each being disposed in parallel to the Y-direction. 
     The die pad  25  in the package region  14  is further connected to the lead section  26  in another package region  14  rightward adjacent to the particular package region  14 , by a package region connecting portion  54 . Additionally, the lead section  26  in the package region  14  is further connected to the die pad  25  in another package region  14  leftward adjacent to the particular package region  14 , by another package region connecting portion  54 . Each package region connecting portion  54  is positioned in one dicing region  15 , the connecting portion  54  being disposed in parallel to the X-direction. 
     The lead sections  26  and die pads  25  in outermost package regions  14  are each connected to the frame body region  13  by one of an inclined reinforcement piece  51 , a lead connecting portion  52 , a die pad connecting portion  53 , and a package region connecting portion  54 , or a plurality of these elements. 
     As shown in the sectional view of  FIG. 3 , the lead frame  10  includes a lead frame main body  11  and a plated layer  12  formed on the lead frame main body  11 . 
     The lead frame main body (hereinafter referred to simply as the lead frame body)  11  is formed from a sheet of metal. The metal sheet constituting the lead frame body  11  can be of a material such as copper, copper alloy, or 42-alloy (a Fe alloy with a 42% Ni content). Thickness of the lead frame body  11  depends on the configuration of the semiconductor device. Preferable thickness, however, ranges between 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm, inclusive. 
     The plated layer  12  is provided on entire upper and lower surfaces of the lead frame body  11 . The plated layer  12  on the upper-surface side functions as a reflective layer for reflecting light from an LED element  21 . The plated layer  12  on the lower-surface side, on the other hand, plays a role in enhancing adhesion to solder. This plated layer  12  is formed from an electroplated layer of silver (Ag), for example. The plated layer  12  is formed to have extremely small thickness. More specifically, this value preferably ranges between 0.005 μm and 0.2 μm, inclusive. The plated layer  12  does not always need to be provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the lead frame body  11 , and may only be provided on part of the upper and lower surfaces of the lead frame body  11 . 
     In addition, a first outer lead section  27  is formed on a lower surface of the die pad  25 , and a second outer lead section  28  on a lower surface of the lead section  26 . The first outer lead section  27  and the second outer lead section  28  are used to interconnect the semiconductor device  20  and an external wiring substrate, respectively. 
     Grooves  18  for enhancing adhesion between the lead frame  10  and a reflecting resin  23  (described later herein) are also formed on the upper surface of the lead frame  10 . Representation of the grooves  18  is omitted in  FIG. 2 . 
     Semiconductor Device Configuration 
     Next, an embodiment of a semiconductor device fabricated using the lead frame shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3  is described below per  FIGS. 4 and 5 .  FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the semiconductor device (SON type), and  FIG. 5  is a plan view thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the semiconductor device  20  includes a (sing ulated) lead frame  10 , an LED element  21  rested on a die pad  25  of the lead frame  10 , and a bonding wire (electric conductor)  22  that electrically interconnects the LED element  21  and a lead section  26  of the lead frame  10 . 
     In addition, a reflecting resin  23  with a recess  23   a  is provided around the LED element  21 . The reflecting resin  23  is integrated with the lead frame  10 . Furthermore, the LED element and the bonding wire  22  are both sealed with a light-transmissive sealing resin  24 . The recess  23   a  in the reflecting resin  23  is filled with the sealing resin  24 . 
     Members that constitute the thus-configured semiconductor device  20  are described in order below. 
     If a material formed from compound semiconductor single crystals such as GaP, GaAs, GaAlAs, GaAsP, AlInGaP, and/or InGaN, is appropriately selected for a light-emitting layer, a light-emission wavelength ranging between those of ultraviolet light and those of infrared light, inclusive, can be selected for the LED element  21 . A commonly used conventional element can be used as such an LED element  21 . 
     The LED element  21  is fixedly mounted on the die pad  25 , inside the recess  23   a  of the reflecting resin  23 , via solder or a die-bonding paste. If a die-bonding paste is to be used, the die-bonding paste can be that formed from a light-resistant epoxy resin or silicone resin. 
     The bonding wire  22  is formed from a highly electroconductive material such as gold, with one end thereof being connected to a terminal section  21   a  of the LED element  21 , and with the other end thereof being connected to an upper portion of the lead section  26 . 
     The reflecting resin  23  is formed by, for example, thermoplastic resin injection molding or transfer molding over the lead frame  10 , for example. The reflecting resin  23  can vary in shape according to a design of a mold used during the injection molding or transfer molding of the resin. For example, the entire reflecting resin  23  can be formed into a regularly parallelepipedic shape as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , or formed into a shape of a cylinder, pyramid/cone, or the like. The recess  23   a  can have either a rectangular, circular, elliptical, or polygonal bottom. Sidewalls of the recess  23   a  may have either a rectilinear cross-sectional shape as shown in  FIG. 4 , or have a curvilinear one. 
     A material excelling particularly in heat resistance, weatherability, and mechanical strength is desirably selected for the thermoplastic resin used as the reflecting resin  23 . The useable kinds of thermoplastic resin materials are polyamide, polyphthalalamide, polyphenylene sulfide, liquid-crystal polymers, polyether sulphone, silicone, epoxies, polyetherimide, polyurethane, polybutylene terephthalate, and the like. If titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, potassium titanate, aluminum nitride, or boron nitride is added as a light-reflecting agent to the resin, this increases a reflectance of light from the light-emitting element, at the bottom and sidewalls of the recess  23   a , thus increasing optical extraction efficiency of the entire semiconductor device  20 . 
     A material high in an index of refraction as well as in optical transmittance at the light-emission wavelength of the semiconductor device  20  is desirably selected as the sealing resin  24 . An epoxy resin or a silicone resin can therefore be selected as a resin that satisfies high heat resistance, weatherability, and mechanical strength requirements. To use a high-luminance LED, in particular, as the LED element  21 , the sealing resin  24  is preferably formed from a highly weatherable silicone resin material since the sealing resin  24  is exposed to strong light. 
     The configuration of the lead frame  10  has already been described using  FIGS. 1 to 3 , so further detailed description of the lead frame  10  is omitted herein. 
     Method of Manufacturing the Lead Frame for Mounting LED Elements 
     Next, a method of manufacturing the lead frame  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3  is described below using  FIGS. 6( a ) to 6( f ) . 
     First, a metallic substrate  31  of a flat-plate shape is provided as shown in  FIG. 6( a ) . The metallic substrate  31  can, as outlined above, be that formed from copper, a copper alloy, a 42-alloy (a Fe alloy with a 42% Ni content), and/or the like. Both sides of the metallic substrate  31  are preferably degreased and cleaned beforehand. 
     Next as shown in  FIG. 6( b ) , entire upper and lower surfaces of the metallic substrate  31  are coated with photosensitive resists  32   a  and  33   a , respectively, and then the resists are dried. The photosensitive resists  32   a ,  33   a  can be conventionally known ones. 
     Following the above, light exposure of the metallic substrate  31  via a photomask takes place, and developing further follows. Etching resist layers  32  and  33  with desired openings  32   b  and  33   b , respectively, are then formed as shown in  FIG. 6( c ) . 
     Next as shown in  FIG. 6( d ) , etching of the metallic substrate  31  with an etchant occurs using the etching resist layers  32 ,  33  as anti-etching films. An appropriate chemical as the etchant can be selected according to a material of the metallic substrate  31  to be used. For example, to use copper as the metallic substrate  31 , the substrate can usually be spray-etched from both sides using an aqueous ferric chloride solution. 
     After that, the etching resist layers  32 ,  33  are peeled off, whereby the lead frame body  11  is then obtained as shown in  FIG. 6( e ) . At this time, the inclined reinforcement pieces  51 , lead connecting portions  52 , die pad connecting portions  53 , and package region connecting portions  54  shown in  FIG. 2  are also formed as a result of etching. 
     Next, the upper and lower surfaces of the lead frame body  11  are provided with electrolytic plating to deposit a metal (silver) onto the lead frame body  11  and form a plated layer  12  on the upper and lower surfaces of the lead frame body  11 . This state is shown in  FIG. 6( f ) . In this case, since the inclined reinforcement pieces  51 , the lead connecting portions  52 , the die pad connecting portions  53 , and the package region connecting portions  54  all include the main body (the lead frame body  11 ) and the plated layer  12  formed on the body, the inclined reinforcement pieces  51 , the lead connecting portions  52 , the die pad connecting portions  53 , and the package region connecting portions  54  are enhanced in strength. 
     More specifically, during the formation of the above, the lead frame body  11  goes through steps such as electrolytic degreasing, pickling, chemical polishing, copper striking, water washing, neutral degreasing, cyanide cleaning, and silver plating, in that order, to be formed with the plated layer  12  on the lead frame body  11 . An electroplating solution used in the silver-plating step can be, for example, a silver-plating solution composed mainly of silver cyanide. In an actual process, water washing is added between steps, as required. Alternatively, the plated layer  12  may be formed on part of the lead frame body  11  by adding a patterning step midway in the process. 
     In this manner, the lead frame  10  that was shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3  is obtained.  FIG. 6( f )  shows the as-fabricated state of the lead frame  10 . 
     While the method of manufacturing the lead frame  10  by etching in  FIGS. 6( a ) to 6( f )  has been shown and described, this manufacturing method may be replaced by fabrication with a press. 
     Method of Manufacturing the Semiconductor Device 
     Next, a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device  20  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  is described below using  FIGS. 7( a ) to 7( d ), 8( a ) to 8( e ), and 9( a ) and 9( b ) . 
     First, the lead frame  10  is fabricated in the steps of  FIGS. 6( a ) to 6( f ) .  FIG. 7( a )  shows the thus-fabricated lead frame  10 . 
     After the fabrication, the lead frame  10  is mounted in a mold  35  of an injection molding machine or transfer molding machine (not shown), as in  FIG. 7( b ) . Spaces  35   a  appropriate for the shape of the reflecting resin  23  are formed in the mold  35 . 
     Next, a thermoplastic resin is poured into the mold  35  from a resin supply section (not shown) of the injection molding machine or transfer molding machine, and then cured. This forms the reflecting resin  23  on the plated layer  12  of the lead frame  10 , as shown in  FIG. 7( c ) . 
     The lead frame  10  with the reflecting resin  23  formed therein is removed from the mold  35 . As shown in  FIG. 7( d ) , a resin-containing lead frame  30  is thus obtained as a structure formed by integrating the reflecting resin  23  and the lead frame  10 . In this way, the present embodiment also provides a resin-containing lead frame  30  that includes the lead frame  10  and the reflecting resin  23  disposed on edges of each package region  14  in the lead frame  10 . 
     Next, an LED element  21  is mounted on the die pad  25  of the lead frame  10 , in each reflecting resin  23  of the resin-containing lead frame  30 . In this case, as shown in  FIG. 8( a ) , the LED element  21  is rested on and fixed to the die pad  25  by use of solder or a die-bonding paste (this step is called die-attaching). 
     Next as shown in  FIG. 8( b ) , the terminal section  21   a  of the LED element  21  and an upper surface of the lead section  26  are electrically connected to each other via a bonding wire  22  (this step is called wire bonding). 
     After this, the recess  23   a  in the reflecting resin  23  is filled with a sealing resin  24 , whereby the LED element  21  and the bonding wire  22  are then sealed with the sealing resin  24 . This state is shown in  FIG. 8( c ) . 
     Next as shown in  FIG. 8( d ) , the reflecting resin  23  and the lead frame  10  are separated for each LED element  21  by cutting those sections of the dicing region  15  that correspond to the reflecting resin  23  and the lead frame  10  (this cutting step is called dicing). At this time, the lead frame  10  is first rested on and fixed to a dicing tape  37 , and then the inclined reinforcement pieces  51 , lead connecting portions  52 , die pad connecting portions  53 , and package region connecting portions  54  of the lead frame  10 , in addition to the reflecting resin  23  between the LED elements  21 , are cut using, for example, a blade  38  made of a diamond grinding wheel or the like. 
     During the cutting step, as shown in  FIG. 9( a ) , the lead frame  10  may be cut using a relatively thick blade  38  appropriate for particular width of the dicing region  15 . In this case, adjacent package regions  14  can be efficiently separated from each other in one cutting operation. As an alternative, the lead frame  10  may be cut in two cutting operations using a relatively thin blade  38  narrower than the width of the dicing region  15 , as shown in  FIG. 9( b ) . In this case, the blade  38  can be increased in feed rate per cutting operation and extended in life. 
     The semiconductor device  20  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  is thus obtained.  FIG. 8( e )  shows the lead frame being cut. 
     As described above, in accordance with the present embodiment, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  and the lead section  26  in another package region  14  adjacent to that package region  14  are connected to each other by an inclined reinforcement piece  51  positioned in the dicing region. In addition, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  is connected to the lead section  26  in another package region  14  adjacent to that package region  14 , by a package region connecting portion  54 . These structural features and characteristics prevent an elongated space from occurring in a vertical direction of the lead frame  10 , and hence prevent the lead frame  10  from being formed into a vertically slit blind/screen or interdigitated shape, and from becoming deformed during handling. 
     Furthermore, the lead section  26  in one package region  14  is connected to the lead section  26  in another package region  14  adjacent to that package region  14 , by a lead connecting portion  52 , and the die pad  25  in one package region  14  is connected to the die pad  25  in another package region  14  adjacent to that package region  14 , by a die pad connecting portion  53 . These structural features and characteristics prevent an elongated space from occurring in a horizontal direction of the lead frame  10 , and hence prevent the lead frame  10  from being formed into a horizontally slit blind/screen or interdigitated shape, and from becoming deformed during handling. 
     The deformation of the lead frame  10  is thus prevented, so when the reflecting resin  23  is formed in the lead frame  10  as shown in  FIGS. 7( b ) and 7( c ) , a forming position of the reflecting resin  23  with respect to the lead frame  10  does not shift. It is therefore easy to mount a large-area LED element  21  in a small package region  14 , to mount a plurality of LED elements  21 , or to mount an antistatic protection element in addition to an LED element  21 . 
     Additionally, the present embodiment makes it unnecessary to provide tie bars of a matrix format around any package regions  14 , thus allows package regions  14  to be arranged in proximity to one another, and hence the number of package regions  14  in one lead frame  10  to be increased by higher-density mounting. 
     Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since a connecting bar such as a hanging lead is absent at any corners of a package region  14 , the reflecting resin  23  is not likely to peel from the lead frame  10 , at corners of the semiconductor device  20 , and thus, reliability of the semiconductor device  20  improves. 
     Modifications of the Lead Frame 
     Hereunder, various examples of modification, as modifications 1-1 to 1-8, of the lead frame according to the present embodiment are described referring to  FIGS. 10 to 17 .  FIGS. 10 to 17  are partly enlarged plan views showing the modifications of the lead frame, the plan views each corresponding to  FIG. 2 . In  FIGS. 10 to 17 , the same elements as those shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9  are each assigned the same reference number or symbol, and detailed description of these elements is omitted herein. 
     Modification 1-1 
       FIG. 10  shows a lead frame  10 A according to one modification (modification 1-1) of the present embodiment. Unlike that of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 , the lead frame  10 A shown in  FIG. 10  does not include a die pad connecting portion  53  that connects any die pads  25 . 
     In other words, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  is connected to the lead section  26  in another package region  14  upward adjacent to that package region  14 , by an inclined reinforcement piece  51 , and is connected to the lead section  26  in yet another package region  14  rightward adjacent to that package region  14 , by a package region connecting portion  54 . The die pad  25  in one package region  14 , however, is not directly connected to the die pad  25  in other package regions  14  upward or downward adjacent to that package region  14 . 
     Not providing a die pad connecting portion  53  in this way allows a dicing load upon the blade  38  to be alleviated. Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 . 
     Modification 1-2 
       FIG. 11  shows a lead frame  10 B according to another modification (modification 1-2) of the present embodiment. Unlike that of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 , the lead frame  10 B shown in  FIG. 11  does not include a lead connecting portion  52  that connects any lead sections  26 . 
     In other words, the lead section  26  in one package region  14  is connected to the die pad  25  in another package region  14  downward adjacent to that package region  14 , by an inclined reinforcement piece  51 , and is connected to the die pad  25  in yet another package region  14  leftward adjacent to that package region  14 , by a package region connecting portion  54 . The lead section  26  in one package region  14 , however, is not directly connected to the lead sections  26  in other package regions  14  upward or downward adjacent to that package region  14 . 
     Not providing a lead connecting portion  52  in this way allows the dicing load upon the blade  38  to be alleviated. Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 . 
     Modification 1-3 
       FIG. 12  shows a lead frame  10 C according to yet another modification (modification 1-3) of the present embodiment. Unlike those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 , package regions  14  in the lead frame  10 C shown in  FIG. 12 , each include one die pad  25  and one pair of lead sections positioned across the die pad  25 , namely  26   a  and  26   b  (hereinafter, these lead sections are also referred to as first lead section  26   a  and second lead section  26   b ; and this kind of lead frame is called a three-pin type). 
     In this case, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  and the first lead section  26   a  in a package region  14  (a first package region) upward adjacent to that package region  14  are connected to each other by a first inclined reinforcement piece  51   a . In addition, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  and the second lead section  26   b  in a package region  14  (a second package region positioned at a side opposite to the first package region with regard to that package region  14 ) that is downward adjacent to the particular package region  14  are connected to each other by a second inclined reinforcement piece  51   b . The first inclined reinforcement piece  51   a  and the second inclined reinforcement piece  51   b  are both positioned in a dicing region  15 . 
     Furthermore, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  is connected to the die pads  25  in the package regions  14  (the first package region and second package region) that are upward and downward adjacent to that package region  14 , by respective die pad connecting portions  53 . Similarly, the first lead section  26   a  in one package region  14  is connected to the first lead sections  26   a  in the package regions  14  (the first package region and second package region) that are upward and downward adjacent to that package region  14 , by respective first lead connecting portions  52   a . Similarly, the second lead section  26   b  in one package region  14  is connected to the second lead sections  26   b  in the package regions  14  (the first package region and second package region) that are upward and downward adjacent to that package region  14 , by respective second lead connecting portions  52   b.    
     Moreover, the second lead section  26   b  in one package region  14  is connected to the first lead section  26   a  in another package region  14  rightward adjacent to that package region  14 , by a package region connecting portion  54 . Besides, the first lead section  26   a  in one package region  14  is connected to the second lead section  26   b  in yet another package region  14  leftward adjacent to that package region  14 , by another package region connecting portion  54 . 
     Even when each package region  14  thus includes one die pad,  25 , and one pair of lead sections,  26   a  and  26   b , the present embodiment prevents the lead frame  10  from being formed into a vertically slit blind/screen or interdigitated shape, and thus from becoming deformed during handling. 
     Modification 1-4 
       FIG. 13  shows a lead frame  10 D according to a further modification (modification 1-4) of the present embodiment. Unlike that of modification 1-3 shown in  FIG. 12 , the lead frame  10 D shown in  FIG. 13  does not include a die pad connecting portion  53  that connects any die pads  25 . 
     In other words, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  is connected to the first lead section  26   a  in another package region  14  (first package region) upward adjacent to that package region  14 , by a first inclined reinforcement piece  51   a , and is connected to the second lead section  26   b  in yet another package region  14  (second package region) downward adjacent to that package region  14 , by a second inclined reinforcement piece  51   b . The die pad  25  in one package region  14 , however, is not directly connected to the die pads  25  in other package regions  14  (first package region and second package region) upward or downward adjacent to that package region  14 . 
     Not providing a die pad connecting portion  53  in this way allows the dicing load upon the blade  38  to be alleviated. Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of modification 1-3 shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     Modification 1-5 
       FIG. 14  shows a lead frame  10 E according to a further modification (modification 1-5) of the present embodiment. Unlike that of modification 1-3 shown in  FIG. 12 , the lead frame  10 E shown in  FIG. 14  includes die pads  25  to each of which a first inclined reinforcement piece  51   a  and a second inclined reinforcement piece  51   b  are both connected, and die pads  25  to which neither a first inclined reinforcement piece  51   a  nor a second inclined reinforcement piece  51   b  is connected. The two types of die pads  25  are each provided at alternate positions in a longitudinal direction. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , neither a first inclined reinforcement piece  51   a  nor a second inclined reinforcement piece  51   b  is connected to, for example, the die pad  25  in a package region  14 ( 14   b ). As opposed to this, a first inclined reinforcement piece  51   a  and a second inclined reinforcement piece  51   b  are both connected to, for example, a package region  14 ( 14   a ) upward adjacent to the package region  14 ( 14   b ) and a package region  14 ( 14   c ) downward adjacent to the package region  14 ( 14   b ), respectively. 
     Reducing the number of first inclined reinforcement pieces  51   a  and second inclined reinforcement pieces  51   b  in this way allows the dicing load upon the blade  38  to be alleviated. Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of modification 1-3 shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     Modification 1-6 
       FIG. 15  shows a lead frame  10 F according to a further modification (modification 1-6) of the present embodiment. Unlike that of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 , the lead frame  10 F shown in  FIG. 15  includes neither a die pad connecting portion  53  nor a lead connecting portion  52 . 
     In this case, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  and the lead section  26  in a package region  14  upward adjacent to that package region  14  are connected to each other by a first inclined reinforcement piece  51   a . In addition, the lead section  26  in one package region  14  and the die pad  25  in a package region  14  upward adjacent to the particular package region  14  are connected to each other by a second inclined reinforcement piece  51   b . The first inclined reinforcement piece  51   a  and the second inclined reinforcement piece  51   b  are both positioned in a dicing region  15 . In addition, the first inclined reinforcement piece  51   a  and the second inclined reinforcement piece  51   b  intersect with each other to form a shape of the letter X. 
     Furthermore, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  and the lead section  26  in a package region  14  downward adjacent to that package region  14  are connected to each other by a second inclined reinforcement piece  51   b . Moreover, the lead section  26  in one package region  14  and the die pad  25  in a package region  14  downward adjacent to the particular package region  14  are connected to each other by a first inclined reinforcement piece  51   a.    
     Not providing a die pad connecting portion  53  or a lead connecting portion  52  in this way allows the dicing load upon the blade  38  to be alleviated. Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of modification 1-3 shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 . 
     Modification 1-7 
       FIG. 16  shows a lead frame  10 G according to a further modification (modification 1-7) of the present embodiment. Unlike that of modification 1-6 shown in  FIG. 15 , the lead frame  10 G shown in  FIG. 16  does not include package region connecting portions  54 . 
     In this case, the die pad  25  in one package region is connected to the lead sections  26  in diagonally right upward and diagonally right downward package regions  14  adjacent to the die pad  25  in that package region, by one pair of additional inclined reinforcement pieces  55   a ,  55   b  positioned in a dicing region. In other words, the die pad  25  in one package region is connected to the lead section  26  in a diagonally right upward package region  14  adjacent to that package region, by an additional inclined reinforcement piece  55   a , and is connected to the lead section  26  in a diagonally right downward package region  14  adjacent to the foregoing package region, by an additional inclined reinforcement piece  55   b.    
     In addition, the lead section  26  in one package region  14  is connected to the die pads  25  in diagonally left upward and diagonally left downward package regions  14  adjacent to the lead section  26  in that package region, by one pair of additional inclined reinforcement pieces  55   b ,  55   a  positioned in different dicing regions. In other words, the lead section  26  in one package region  14  is connected to the die pad  25  in a diagonally left upward package region  14  adjacent to that package region, by an additional inclined reinforcement piece  55   b , and is connected to the lead section  26  in a diagonally left downward package region  14  adjacent to the foregoing package region, by an additional inclined reinforcement piece  55   a . Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of modification 1-6 shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     Modification 1-8 
       FIG. 17  shows a lead frame  10 H according to a further modification (modification 1-8) of the present embodiment. Unlike those of modification 1-7 shown in  FIG. 16 , package regions  14  in the lead frame  10 H shown in  FIG. 17 , each include one die pad  25  and one pair of lead sections positioned across the die pad  25 , namely  26   a  and  26   b  (hereinafter, these lead sections are also referred to as first lead section  26   a  and second lead section  26   b ). 
     In this case, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  and the first lead section  26   a  in a package region  14  upward adjacent to that package region  14  are connected to each other by a first inclined reinforcement piece  51   a  positioned in a dicing region  15 . Similarly, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  and the first lead section  26   a  in a package region  14  downward adjacent to that package region  14  are connected to each other by a second inclined reinforcement piece  51   b  positioned in the dicing region  15 . 
     In addition, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  and the second lead section  26   b  in a package region  14  upward adjacent to that package region  14  are connected to each other by a third inclined reinforcement piece  51   c  positioned in the dicing region  15 . Similarly, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  and the second lead section  26   b  in a package region  14  downward adjacent to that package region  14  are connected to each other by a fourth inclined reinforcement piece  51   d  positioned in the dicing region  15 . 
     The first lead section  26   a  in one package region  14  is connected to the second lead section  26   b  in diagonally left upward and diagonally left downward package regions  14  adjacent to the first lead section  26   a  in that package region, by one pair of additional inclined reinforcement pieces  55   b ,  55   a  positioned in another dicing region  15 . Moreover, the first lead section  26   a  in one package region  14  is connected to the die pads  25  in upward and downward package regions  14  adjacent to that package region, by a second inclined reinforcement piece  51   b  and a first inclined reinforcement piece  51   a , respectively. 
     The second lead section  26   b  in one package region  14  is connected to the first lead sections  26   a  in diagonally right upward and diagonally right downward package regions  14  adjacent to the second lead section  26   b  in that package region, by one pair of additional inclined reinforcement pieces  55   b ,  55   a  positioned in different dicing regions. Besides, the second lead section  26   b  in one package region  14  is connected to the die pads  25  in upward and downward package regions  14  adjacent to that package region, by a fourth inclined reinforcement piece  51   d  and a third inclined reinforcement piece  51   c , respectively. 
     For the above reasons, the lead frames according to modifications 1-1 to 1-8 shown in  FIGS. 10 to 17 , respectively, yield substantially the same advantageous effects as those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 . 
     Modifications of the Semiconductor Device 
     Next, examples of modification, as modifications A to C, of the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment are described below referring to  FIGS. 18 to 20 .  FIGS. 18 to 20  are sectional views showing the modifications of the semiconductor device, the sectional views each corresponding to  FIG. 4 . In  FIGS. 18 to 20 , the same elements as those shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  are each assigned the same reference number or symbol, and detailed description of these elements is omitted herein. 
     Modification A 
       FIG. 18  shows a semiconductor device  20 A according to one modification (three-pin type) of the present embodiment. A lead frame  10  in the semiconductor device  20 A shown in  FIG. 18  includes one die pad  25  and one pair of lead sections positioned across the die pad  25 , namely  26   a  and  26   b  (hereinafter, these lead sections are also referred to as first lead section  26   a  and second lead section  26   b ). 
     In addition, an LED element  21  includes one pair of terminal sections  21   a , one of the paired terminal sections  21   a  being connected to the first lead section  26   a  via a bonding wire  22  and the other terminal section  21   a  being connected to the second lead section  26   b  via another bonding wire  22 . The lead frame  10  in this case can be, for example, any one of the lead frames  10 C,  10 D,  10 E, and  10 H shown in  FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 17 , respectively. Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of the semiconductor device shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     Modification B 
       FIG. 19  shows a semiconductor device  20 B according to another modification (lens-fitted batch-molded type) of the present embodiment. In the semiconductor device  20 B of  FIG. 19 , a reflecting resin  23  is placed between a die pad  25  and a lead section  26 . Unlike that of the semiconductor device  20  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , however, the reflecting resin  23  is not provided on a lead frame  10 . 
     Additionally, in  FIG. 19 , an LED element  21  is connected to a lead frame  10  via solder balls (electroconductive portions)  41   a  and  41   b , instead of a bonding wire  22 . That is to say, one of the solder balls  41   a ,  41   b  is connected to the die pad  25  and the other solder ball is connected to the lead section  26 . Furthermore, in  FIG. 19 , a dome-shaped lens  61  is formed on an upper surface of a sealing resin  24 , to control an irradiating direction of light from the LED element  21 . 
     Modification C 
       FIG. 20  shows a semiconductor device  20 C according to yet another modification (batch-molded type) of the present embodiment. In the semiconductor device  20 C of  FIG. 20 , an LED element  21  and a bonding wire  22  are simultaneously sealed together by a sealing resin  24  only, without using the reflecting resin  23 . The sealing resin  24  is also placed between a die pad  25  and a lead section  26 , to fill a spatial gap therebetween. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Next, a second embodiment of the present invention is described below referring to  FIGS. 21 to 41 .  FIGS. 21 to 41  show the second embodiment of the present invention. In  FIGS. 21 to 41 , the same elements as those of the first embodiment are each assigned the same reference number or symbol, and detailed description of these elements is omitted herein. 
     Lead Frame Configuration 
     First, a lead frame for mounting LED elements, according to the present embodiment, is outlined below per  FIGS. 21 to 23 .  FIG. 21  is an overall plan view of the lead frame according to the present embodiment,  FIG. 22  is an enlarged view of section D shown in  FIG. 21 , and  FIG. 23  is a sectional view taken along line E-E in  FIG. 22 . 
     The lead frame  70  shown in  FIGS. 21 to 23  is used to fabricate semiconductor devices  80  each having an LED element  21  mounted thereupon, one of the semiconductor devices  80  being shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . The lead frame  70  includes a frame body region  13  having an outline of a rectangular shape, and a large number of package regions  14  arranged in multiple rows and columns (i.e., in matrix form) inside the frame body region  13 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 22 , the package regions  14  each include a die pad  25  on which an LED element  21  is to be mounted, and a lead section  26  adjacent to the die pad  25 . The package regions  14  are also connected to one another via dicing regions  15 . 
     A spatial gap is formed between the die pad  25  and lead section  26  in one package region  14 , and the lead frame  70  is constructed so that the die pad  25  and the lead section  26  are electrically insulated from one another after dicing of the lead frame. Each package region  14  is provided for an independent semiconductor device  80 . Each package region  14  is shown with a double-dotted line in  FIG. 22 . 
     The dicing regions  15  each extend in both longitudinal and lateral directions between the package regions  14 . As will be detailed later herein, each dicing region  15  serves as a region through which blades  38  are to pass during manufacture of the semiconductor devices  80  when the lead frame  70  is separated for each package region  14 . Each package region  14  is shown in hatched or shaded form in  FIG. 22 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 22 , the lead section  26  in one package region  14  and the lead sections  26  in other package regions  14  upward and downward adjacent to that package region  14  are interconnected across dicing regions  15  by respective lead connecting portions  52 . Further, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  and the die pads  25  in other package regions  14  upward and downward adjacent to that package region  14  are also interconnected across the same dicing regions  15  as above, by respective die pad connecting portions  53 . The lead connecting portions  52  and the die pad connecting portions  53  are each arranged in parallel to a Y direction in  FIG. 22 . 
     In addition, each die pad connecting portion  53  and each lead connecting portion  52  are connected to each other by a reinforcement piece  57  positioned in one dicing region  15 . In this case, the reinforcement piece  57  is disposed in parallel to an X direction as shown in  FIG. 22 , and extends rectilinearly over entire inside length of the frame body region  13 , thus connecting a plurality of die pad connecting portions  53  and a plurality of lead connecting portions  52 . 
     Furthermore, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  is connected to the lead section  26  in another package region  14  rightward adjacent to that package region, by a package region connecting portion  54 . Moreover, the lead section  26  in one package region  14  is connected to the die pad  25  in another package regions  14  leftward adjacent to the particular package region  14 , by a package region connecting portion  54 . Each package region connecting portion  54  is disposed in parallel with respect to the X-direction. 
     The lead sections  26  and die pads  25  in outermost package regions  14  are each connected to the frame body region  13  by one of a lead connecting portion  52 , a die pad connecting portion  53 , and a package region connecting portion  54 , or a plurality of the three elements. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 21 to 23 , a lead frame main body  11  of the lead frame and a plated layer  12  are substantially of the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and detailed description of the lead frame body  11  and plated layer  12  is therefore omitted herein. 
     Semiconductor Device Configuration 
     Next, a second embodiment of a semiconductor device fabricated using the lead frame shown in  FIGS. 21 to 23  is described below per  FIGS. 24 and 25 .  FIG. 24  is a sectional view of the semiconductor device (SON type), and  FIG. 25  is a plan view thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the semiconductor device  80  includes a (singulated) lead frame  70 , an LED element  21  rested on a die pad  25  of the lead frame  70 , and a bonding wire (electric conductor)  22  that electrically interconnects the LED element  21  and a lead section  26  of the lead frame  70 . 
     In addition, a reflecting resin  23  with a recess  23   a  is provided around the LED element  21 . The reflecting resin  23  is integrated with the lead frame  70 . Furthermore, the LED element  21  and the bonding wire  22  are both sealed with a light-transmissive sealing resin  24 . The recess  23   a  in the reflecting resin  23  is filled with the sealing resin  24 . 
     Configurations of the LED element  21 , bonding wire  22 , reflecting resin  23 , and sealing resin  24  constituting the thus-configured semiconductor device  80  are also substantially the same as in the first embodiment, so description of these constituent elements is omitted herein. 
     Method of Manufacturing the LED Element Mounting Lead Frame and the Semiconductor Device 
     Next, a method of manufacturing the lead frame  70  shown in  FIGS. 21 to 23 , and the semiconductor device  80  shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , is described below using  FIGS. 26 to 29 . The manufacturing method shown in  FIGS. 26 to 28  is substantially the same as that shown in  FIGS. 6 to 8 , and description of a part of the manufacturing method is therefore omitted herein. 
     First, a metallic substrate  31  of a flat-plate shape is provided as shown in  FIG. 26( a ) . Next as shown in  FIG. 26( b ) , entire upper and lower surfaces of the metallic substrate  31  are coated with photosensitive resists  32   a  and  33   a , respectively, and then the resists are dried. 
     Following the above, light exposure of the metallic substrate  31  via a photomask takes place, and developing further follows. Etching resist layers  32  and  33  with desired openings  32   b  and  33   b , respectively, are then formed as shown in  FIG. 26( c ) . Next as shown in  FIG. 26( d ) , etching of the metallic substrate  31  with an etchant occurs using the etching resist layers  32 ,  33  as anti-etching films. 
     After that, the etching resist layers  32 ,  33  are peeled off, whereby a lead frame body  11  is then obtained as shown in  FIG. 26( e ) . At this time, the reinforcement pieces  57 , lead connecting portions  52 , die pad connecting portions  53 , and package region connecting portions  54  shown in  FIG. 22  are also formed as a result of etching. 
     Next, upper and lower surfaces of the lead frame body  11  are provided with electrolytic plating to deposit a metal (silver) onto the lead frame body  11  and form a plated layer  12  on the upper and lower surfaces of the lead frame body  11 . This state is shown in  FIG. 26( f ) . In this case, since the reinforcement pieces  57 , the lead connecting portions  52 , the die pad connecting portions  53 , and the package region connecting portions  54  all include the main body (the lead frame body  11 ) and the plated layer  12  formed on the body, the reinforcement pieces  57 , the lead connecting portions  52 , the die pad connecting portions  53 , and the package region connecting portions  54  are enhanced in strength. 
     In this manner, the lead frame  70  that was shown in  FIGS. 21 to 23  is obtained.  FIG. 26( f )  shows the thus-fabricated state of the lead frame  70 . 
     After this, the thus-obtained lead frame  70  shown in  FIG. 27( a )  is mounted in a mold  35  of an injection molding machine or transfer molding machine (not shown), as shown in  FIG. 27( b ) . Next, a thermoplastic resin is poured into the mold  35  and cured. This forms the reflecting resin  23  on the plated layer  12  of the lead frame  70 , as shown in  FIG. 27( c ) . 
     The lead frame  70  with the reflecting resin  23  formed therein is removed from the mold  35 . A resin-containing lead frame is thus obtained, as shown in  FIG. 27( d ) . In this way, the present embodiment also provides a resin-containing lead frame  90  that includes the lead frame  10  and the reflecting resin  23  disposed on edges of each package region  14  in the lead frame  10 . 
     Next as shown in  FIG. 28( a ) , an LED element  21  is mounted on the die pad  25  of the lead frame  70 , in each reflecting resin  23  of the resin-containing lead frame  90 . 
     Next as shown in  FIG. 28( b ) , the LED element  21  and the lead section  26  are electrically interconnected at a terminal section  21   a  of the former and an upper surface of the latter via a bonding wire  22 . 
     After this, the recess  23   a  in the reflecting resin  23  is filled with a sealing resin  24 , whereby the LED element  21  and the bonding wire  22  are then sealed with the sealing resin  24 . This state is shown in  FIG. 28( c ) . 
     Next as shown in  FIG. 28( d ) , the reflecting resin  23  and the lead frame  70  are separated for each LED element  21  by cutting those sections of the dicing region  15  that correspond to the reflecting resin  23  and the lead frame  70 . At this time, the lead frame  10  is first rested on and fixed to a dicing tape  37 , and then each reinforcement piece  57 , lead connecting portion  52 , die pad connecting portion  53 , and package region connecting portion  54  of the lead frame  70 , in addition to the reflecting resin  23  between the LED elements  21 , are cut using, for example, a blade  38  made of a diamond grinding wheel or the like. 
     During the cutting step, as shown in  FIG. 29( a ) , the lead frame  70  may be cut using a relatively thick blade  38  appropriate for particular width of the dicing region  15 . More specifically, the reinforcement piece  57  of the lead frame  70  and the lead connecting portion  52  and die pad connecting portion  53  positioned around the reinforcement piece  57  may be collectively cut by moving the blade  38  along the reinforcement piece  57 . In this case, adjacent package regions  14  can be efficiently separated from each other in one cutting operation. 
     As an alternative, the lead frame  70  may be cut in two cutting operations using a relatively thin blade  38  narrower than the width of the dicing region  15 , as shown in  FIG. 29( b ) . More specifically, the reinforcement piece  57  of the lead frame  70  may be cut indirectly and only the lead connecting portions  52  and die pad connecting portions  53  positioned around the reinforcement piece  57  may be cut directly, by moving the blade  38  in parallel with respect to the reinforcement piece  57 . In this case, the blade  38  can be increased in feed rate per cutting operation and extended in life. 
     In this way, the semiconductor device  80  shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25  can be obtained.  FIG. 28( e )  shows the thus-fabricated state of the semiconductor device  80 . 
     As described above, in accordance with the present embodiment, one die pad connecting portion  53  and one lead connecting portion  52  are connected to each other by the reinforcement piece  57  positioned in one dicing region  15 . In addition, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  is connected to the lead section  26  in another package region  14  adjacent to that package region  14 , by a package region connecting portion  54 . These structural features and characteristics prevent an elongated space from occurring in a vertical direction of the lead frame  70 , and hence prevent the lead frame  70  from being formed into a vertically slit blind/screen or interdigitated shape, and from becoming deformed during handling. 
     Furthermore, the lead section  26  in one package region  14  is connected to the lead section  26  in another package region  14  adjacent to that package region  14 , by a lead connecting portion  52 , and the die pad  25  in one package region  14  is connected to the die pad  25  in another package region  14  adjacent to that package region  14 , by a die pad connecting portion  53 . These structural features and characteristics prevent an elongated space from occurring in a horizontal direction of the lead frame  70 , and hence prevent the lead frame  70  from being formed into a horizontally slit blind/screen or interdigitated shape, and from becoming deformed during handling. 
     The deformation of the lead frame  70  is thus prevented, so when the reflecting resin  23  is formed in the lead frame  70  as shown in  FIGS. 27( b ) and 27( c ) , a forming position of the reflecting resin  23  with respect to the lead frame  70  does not shift. It is therefore easy to mount a large-area LED element  21  in a small package region  14 , to mount a plurality of LED elements  21 , or to mount an antistatic protection element in addition to an LED element  21 . 
     Additionally, since the present embodiment makes it unnecessary to provide tie bars of a matrix format around any package regions  14 , package regions  14  can be arranged in proximity to one another, and hence the number of package regions  14  in one lead frame  70  can be increased by higher-density mounting. 
     Furthermore, since a connecting bar such as a hanging lead is absent at any corners of a package region  14  in the present embodiment, peeling of the reflecting resin  23  from the lead frame  70 , at corners of the semiconductor device  80 , is unlikely and thus, reliability of the semiconductor device  80  improves. 
     Modifications of the Lead Frame 
     Hereunder, various examples of modification, as modifications 2-1 to 2-6, of the lead frame according to the present embodiment are described referring to  FIGS. 30 to 35 .  FIGS. 30 to 35  are partly enlarged plan views showing the modifications of the lead frame, the plan views each corresponding to  FIG. 2 . In  FIGS. 30 to 35 , the same elements as those shown in  FIGS. 21 to 29  are each assigned the same reference number or symbol, and detailed description of these elements is omitted herein. 
     Modification 2-1 
       FIG. 30  shows a lead frame  70 A according to one modification (modification 2-1) of the present embodiment. Unlike those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21 to 29 , package regions  14  in the lead frame  70 A shown in  FIG. 30 , each include one die pad  25  and one pair of lead sections positioned across the die pad  25 , namely  26   a  and  26   b  (hereinafter, these lead sections are also referred to as first lead section  26   a  and second lead section  26   b ; and this kind of lead frame is called a three-pin type). 
     In this case, the first lead section  26   a  in one package region  14  and the first lead sections  26   a  in other package regions  14  upward and downward adjacent to that package region  14  are interconnected across dicing regions  15  by respective first lead connecting portions  52   a . The second lead section  26   b  in one package region  14  and the second lead sections  26   b  in other package regions  14  upward and downward adjacent to that package region  14  are also interconnected across dicing regions  15  by respective second lead connecting portions  52   b.    
     Additionally, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  and the die pads  25  in other package regions  14  upward and downward adjacent to that package region  14  are interconnected across dicing regions  15  by respective die pad connecting portions  53 . Furthermore, one die pad connecting portion  53 , one first lead connecting portion  52   a , and one second lead connecting portion  52   b  are connected to each other by a reinforcement piece  57  positioned in a dicing region  15 . In this case, the reinforcement piece  57  extends rectilinearly over entire inside length of the frame body region  13  and connects a plurality of die pad connecting portions  53 , a plurality of first lead connecting portions  52   a  and a plurality of second lead connecting portions  52   b.    
     Furthermore, the second lead section  26   b  in one package region  14  is connected to the first lead section  26   a  in another package region  14  rightward adjacent to that package region, by a package region connecting portion  54 . Moreover, the first lead section  26   a  in one package region  14  is connected to the second lead section  26   b  in another package regions  14  leftward adjacent to the particular package region  14 , by a package region connecting portion  54 . 
     Even when each package region  14  thus includes a die pad  25  and one pair of lead sections,  26   a  and  26   b , the provision of reinforcement pieces  57  prevents an elongated space from occurring in a vertical direction of the lead frame  70 A, and hence prevents the lead frame  70 A from being formed into a vertically slit blind/screen or interdigitated shape, and from becoming deformed during handling. 
     Modification 2-2 
       FIG. 31  shows a lead frame  70 B according to another modification (modification 2-2) of the present embodiment. The lead frame  70 B shown in  FIG. 31  differs from the embodiment of  FIGS. 21 to 29  at least in that of a plurality of dicing regions  15  extending in a lateral direction, those with a reinforcement piece  57 , and those without a reinforcement piece  57  are arranged at alternate positions in a longitudinal direction. 
     That is to say, let a package region  14 ( 14   a ) upward adjacent to a package region  14 ( 14   b ) in  FIG. 31  be a first package region  14   a , and let a package region  14 ( 14   c ) downward adjacent to the package region  14 ( 14   b ) be a second package region  14   c.    
     In this case, a die pad connecting portion  53  that connects the die pad  25  in the package region  14   b  and that of the first package region  14   a , and a lead connecting portion  52  that connects the lead section  26  in the package region  14   b  and that of the first package region  14   a  are both connected to each other by a reinforcement piece  57  positioned on a dicing region  15 . On the other hand, neither a die pad connecting portion  53  that connects the die pad  25  in the package region  14   b  and that of the second package region  14   c , nor a lead connecting portion  52  that connects the lead section  26  in the package region  14   b  and that of the second package region  14   c  are connected to each other by a reinforcement piece  57 . 
     Reducing the number of reinforcement pieces  57  in this way allows a dicing load upon a blade  38  to be alleviated. Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21 to 29 . 
     Among the plurality of dicing regions  15  that extend in the lateral direction, those without a reinforcement piece  57  are preferably narrowed to width (W a ) smaller than width (W b ) of the dicing regions each having a reinforcement piece  57 , that is, W a &lt;W b  is preferable. In this case, the number of package regions  14  in one lead frame  70  can be increased. In addition, to cut dicing regions  15  using a relatively thin blade  38 , as in  FIG. 29( b ) , the number of cutting operations can be reduced since the dicing regions  15  without a reinforcement piece  57  can each be cut in one cutting operation. 
     Modification 2-3 
       FIG. 32  shows a lead frame  70 C according to yet another modification (modification 2-3) of the present embodiment. The lead frame  70 C shown in  FIG. 32  is a combination of modification 2-1 shown in  FIG. 30  and modification 2-2 shown in  FIG. 31 . 
     Package regions  14  in  FIG. 32  each include one die pad  25  and one pair of lead sections positioned across the die pad  25 , namely  26   a  and  26   b  (hereinafter, these lead sections are also referred to as first lead section  26   a  and second lead section  26   b ; and this kind of lead frame is called a three-pin type). 
     Among a plurality of dicing regions  15  extending in a lateral direction in  FIG. 32 , those with a reinforcement piece  57 , and those without a reinforcement piece  57  exist at alternate positions in a longitudinal direction. 
     In other words, in  FIG. 32 , a die pad connecting portion  53  that connects the die pad  25  in one package region  14 ( 14   b ) and that of a second package region  14 ( 14   b ) upward adjacent to the particular package region  14 ( 14   b ), a first lead connecting portion  52   a  that connects the lead section  26   a  in the package region  14 ( 14   b ) and that of the second package region  14 ( 14   a ), and a second lead connecting portion  52   b  that connects the lead section  26   b  in the package region  14 ( 14   b ) and that of the second package region  14 ( 14   b ) are connected to each other by a reinforcement piece  57  positioned on a dicing region  15 . 
     On the other hand, neither a die pad connecting portion  53  that connects the die pad  25  in one package region  14 ( 14   b ) and that of a second package region  14 ( 14   c ) downward adjacent to the particular package region  14 ( 14   b ), a first lead connecting portion  52   a  that connects the lead section  26   a  in the package region  14 ( 14   b ) and that of the second package region  14 ( 14   c ) downward adjacent to the particular package region  14 ( 14   b ), nor a second lead connecting portion  52   b  that connects the lead section  26   b  in the package region  14 ( 14   b ) and that of the second package region  14 ( 14   c ) downward adjacent to the particular package region  14 ( 14   b ) are connected to each other by a reinforcement piece  57 . 
     Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of modifications 2-1 and 2-2 shown in  FIGS. 30 and 31 , respectively. 
     Modification 2-4 
       FIG. 33  shows a lead frame  70 D according to a further modification (modification 2-4) of the present embodiment. Unlike those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21 to 29 , reinforcement pieces  57  of the lead frame  70 D shown in  FIG. 33 , each extend only between the die pad connecting portion  53  and lead connecting portion  52  connected to the die pad  25  and lead section  26 , respectively, in each package region  14 , and connect the die pad connecting portion  53  and the lead connecting portion  52 . 
     In other words, the die pad  25  and lead section  26  in one package region  14  are connected to the die pad  25  and lead section  26  in another package region  14  upward (or downward) adjacent to that package region  14 , by a die pad connecting portion  53  and a lead connecting portion  52 , respectively. In this case, a reinforcement piece  57  extends only between the lead connecting portion  52  and the die pad connecting portion  53 , and connects both thereof. The reinforcement piece  57 , on the other hand, does not extend to a left edge of the lead connecting portion  52  or a right edge of the die pad connecting portion  53 . 
     Reducing overall length of the reinforcement piece  57  in one dicing region  15  in this way allows a dicing load upon a blade  38  to be alleviated. Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21 to 29 . 
     Modification 2-5 
       FIG. 34  shows a lead frame  70 E according to a further modification (modification 2-5) of the present embodiment. The lead frame  70 E shown in  FIG. 34  is a combination of modification 2-1 shown in  FIG. 30  and modification 2-4 shown in  FIG. 33 . 
     Package regions  14  in  FIG. 34  each include one die pad  25  and one pair of lead sections positioned across the die pad  25 , namely  26   a  and  26   b  (hereinafter, these lead sections are also referred to as first lead section  26   a  and second lead section  26   b ; and this kind of lead frame is called a three-pin type). 
     Referring also to  FIG. 34 , reinforcement pieces  57  each extend only between the first lead connecting portion  52   a , die pad connecting portion  53 , and second lead connecting portion  52   b  connected to the die pad  25  and lead sections  26   a ,  26   b , respectively, in each package region  14 , and connect the first lead connecting portion  52   a , the die pad connecting portion  53 , and the second lead connecting portion  52   b.    
     Reducing overall length of the reinforcement piece  57  in one dicing region  15  in this way allows a dicing load upon a blade  38  to be alleviated. Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of modifications 2-1 and 2-4 shown in  FIGS. 30 and 33 , respectively. 
     Modification 2-6 
       FIG. 35  shows a lead frame  70 F according to a further modification (modification 2-6) of the present embodiment. Package regions  14  in the lead frame  70 F shown in  FIG. 35 , each include one die pad  25  and one pair of lead sections positioned across the die pad  25 , namely  26   a  and  26   b  (hereinafter, these lead sections are also referred to as first lead section  26   a  and second lead section  26   b ; and this kind of lead frame is called a three-pin type). 
     The die pad  25 , first lead section  26   a , and second lead section  26   b  in one package region  14  are connected to the die pads  25 , first lead sections  26   a , and second lead sections  26   b  in other package regions  14  upward and downward adjacent to that package region, by a die pad connecting portion  53 , a first lead connecting portion  52   a , and a second lead connecting portion  52   b , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG. 35 , a reinforcement piece  57  that connects only a die pad connecting portion  53  and a first lead connecting portion  52   a , and a reinforcement piece  57  that connects only a die pad connecting portion  53  and a second lead connecting portion  52   b  are provided at alternate positions in a longitudinal direction. 
     That is to say, let a package region  14 ( 14   a ) upward adjacent to a package region  14 ( 14   b ) in  FIG. 35  be a first package region  14   a , and let a package region  14 ( 14   c ) downward adjacent to the package region  14 ( 14   b ) be a second package region  14   c.    
     In this case, in a dicing region  15  between the package region  14   b  and the first package region  14   a , the reinforcement piece  57  extends only between the die pad connecting portion  53  and the first lead connecting portion  52   a , and connects only the die pad connecting portion  53  and the first lead connecting portion  52   a.    
     In a dicing region  15  between the package region  14   b  and the second package region  14   c , on the other hand, the reinforcement piece  57  extends only between the die pad connecting portion  53  and the second lead connecting portion  52   b , and connects only the die pad connecting portion  53  and the second lead connecting portion  52   b.    
     Reducing the number of reinforcement pieces  57  in this way allows a dicing load upon a blade  38  to be alleviated. Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of modification 2-5 shown in  FIG. 34 . 
     The reinforcement pieces in the present embodiment can also be applied to other examples of a lead frame. These examples include, but are not limited to, the following. One is a four-pin type of embodiment, which includes in individual package regions  14 , as with a lead frame  70 G (modification 2-7) shown in  FIG. 36 , two die pads,  25   a  and  25   b  (hereinafter, also referred to as first die pad  25   a  and second die pad  25   b ), and one pair of lead sections,  26   a  and  26   b  (also referred to as first lead section  26   a  and second lead section  26   b ), positioned adjacently to either side of the die pads  25   a ,  25   b . One is another four-pin type of embodiment, which includes in individual package regions  14 , as with a lead frame  70 H (modification 2-8) shown in  FIG. 38 , one die pad,  25 , one pair of lead sections,  26   a  and  26   b  (hereinafter, also referred to as first lead section  26   a  and second lead section  26   b ), positioned adjacently to one side of the die pad  25 , and one lead section,  26   c , positioned adjacently to the other side of the die pad  25 . 
     Problems common to these examples are the followings. Since the die pads  25  ( 25   a ,  25   b ) and lead sections  26  ( 26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c ) in each package region  14  are arranged linearly in one row, if arrangement of the lead connecting portions  52  and die pad connecting portions  53  that connect package regions  14  is attempted to prevent short-circuiting between the die pads  25  and the lead sections  26 , then this makes it likely to form spatial gaps connected between the die pads  25  and the lead sections  26 , thus causing a plurality of elongated spaces parallel to one side of the lead frame  70 , and hence structurally deforming the lead frame  70 . These problems, however, as already described, can be effectively solved by using the reinforcement pieces  57  of the present embodiment. In modifications 2-7 to 2-10 described below (see  FIGS. 36 to 41 ), the same elements as in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21 to 29  are also each assigned the same reference number or symbol, and detailed description of these elements is omitted herein. 
     Modification 2-7 
       FIG. 36  shows the lead frame  70 G according to modification 2-7 of the present embodiment. Unlike those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21 to 29 , each package region  14  of the lead frame  70 G shown in  FIG. 36  includes two die pads,  25   a  and  25   b  (hereinafter, also referred to as first die pad  25   a  and second die pad  25   b ), and one pair of lead sections,  26   a  and  26   b  (also referred to as first lead section  26   a  and second lead section  26   b ), positioned adjacently to either side of the die pads  25   a ,  25   b . By using such a lead frame  70 G, a semiconductor device  80  in which two LED elements  21  are stored within one package can be realized, as shown in  FIG. 37 . 
     In modification 2-7, the first lead section  26   a  in one package region  14  and the first lead sections  26   a  in other package regions  14  upward and downward adjacent to that package region  14  are interconnected across dicing regions  15  by respective first lead connecting portions  52   a . The second lead section  26   b  in one package region  14  and the second lead sections  26   b  in other package regions  14  upward and downward adjacent to that package region  14  are also interconnected across dicing regions  15  by respective second lead connecting portions  52   b.    
     In addition, the first die pad  25   a  and second die pad  25   b  in one package region  14  are connected to the corresponding die pads  25   a  and  25   b  in other package regions  14  upward and downward adjacent to that package region  14 , across dicing regions  15  by a first die pad connecting portion  53   a  and a second die pad connecting portion  53   b , respectively. Furthermore, each first die pad connecting portion  53   a , second die pad connecting portion  53   b , first lead connecting portion  52   a , and second lead connecting portion  52   b  are connected to each other by a reinforcement piece  57  positioned in a dicing region  15 . In this case, the reinforcement piece  57  extends rectilinearly over entire inside length of the frame body region  13  and connects a plurality of first die pad connecting portions  53   a , a plurality of second die pad connecting portions  53   b , a plurality of first lead connecting portions  52   a , and a plurality of second lead connecting portions  52   b.    
     Among the plurality of dicing regions  15  extending in a lateral direction in the lead frame  70 G shown in  FIG. 36 , those with a reinforcement piece  57  and those without a reinforcement piece  57  are arranged at alternate positions in a longitudinal direction. 
     Even when each package region  14  thus includes two die pads,  25   a  and  25   b , and one pair of lead sections,  26   a  and  26   b , the provision of reinforcement pieces  57  prevents an elongated space from occurring in a vertical direction of the lead frame  70 G, and hence prevents the lead frame  70 G from being formed into a vertically slit blind/screen or interdigitated shape, and from becoming deformed during handling. In addition, dicer tooth wear can be mitigated since the reinforcement pieces  57  exist only in part of the dicing regions  15 . 
     Modification 2-8 
       FIG. 38  shows the lead frame  70 H according to modification 2-8 of the present embodiment. Each package region  14  in the lead frame  70 H of  FIG. 38  includes a die pad  25  and one pair of lead layout regions,  16 L and  16 R, positioned across the die pad  25 . In the lead layout region  16 L, a lead section  26   a  is disposed, and in the lead layout region  16 R, two lead sections,  26   c  and  26   d , are arranged in one row along the die pad  25  (hereinafter, the lead sections  26   a ,  26   c ,  26   d  are also referred to as first lead section  26   a , second lead section  26   c , and third lead section  26   d ). By using such a lead frame  70 H, a semiconductor device  80  in which three LED elements  21  are stored within one package can be realized, as shown in  FIG. 39 . 
     Modification 2-8 differs from modification 2-1 ( FIG. 30 ) or modification 2-3 ( FIG. 32 ) in that the former includes the second lead sections  26   c  and the third lead sections  26   d . In the lead frame  70 H of  FIG. 38 , however, partial lead connecting portions  55  each for connecting one second lead section  26   c  and one third lead section  26   c , are provided and each connects the second lead section  26   c  and the third lead section  26   d  via a second lead connecting portion  52   c  positioned in a dicing region  15 . The second lead connecting portion  52   c  extends longitudinally over entire inside length of the frame body region  13 , in each dicing region  15 . 
     Between the package regions  14  in the lead frame  10 H, the first lead section  26   a  in one package region  14  and the first lead sections  26   a  in package regions  14  upward and downward adjacent to that package region  14  are interconnected across dicing regions  15  by respective first lead connecting portions  52   a . The second lead section  26   c  and third lead section  26   d  in one package region  14  are connected to the second lead sections  26   c  and third lead sections  26   d , respectively, in package regions  14  upward and downward adjacent to that package region  14 , across dicing regions  15  and via partial lead connecting portions  55  by second lead connecting portions  52   c . As shown in this modification, when one second lead section  26   c  and one third lead section  26   d  can be handled as an integrated lead via the partial lead connecting portions  55 , if the second lead section  26   c  and third lead section  26   d  to be integrally handled (i.e. the lead layout region  16 R), the die pad  25 , and the first lead section  26   a  are arranged rectilinearly in one line, using the reinforcement pieces  57  of the present invention prevents the lead frame from becoming deformed. 
     Among the plurality of dicing regions  15  extending in a lateral direction in the lead frame  70 H of  FIG. 38 , those with a reinforcement piece  57  and those without a reinforcement piece  57  are arranged at alternate positions in the longitudinal direction. 
     Modification 2-9 
       FIG. 40  shows a lead frame  70 I according to modification 2-9 of the present embodiment. The lead frame  70 I shown in  FIG. 40  differs from modification 2-2 of  FIG. 31  at least in that of a plurality of dicing regions  15  extending in a lateral direction, those each having a reinforcement piece  57  are cyclically provided at a predetermined number of dicing regions in a longitudinal direction. While dicing regions, each having a reinforcement piece  57 , are provided every three positions in  FIG. 40 , the layout of the dicing regions is not limited to this rate and they may be provided at intervals of every four or five positions, for example. 
     Reducing the number of reinforcement pieces  57  in this way allows a dicing load upon a blade  38  to be alleviated. Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of modification 2 shown in  FIG. 31 . 
     Modification 2-10 
       FIG. 41  shows a lead frame  70 J according to modification 2-10 of the present embodiment. The lead frame  70 J shown in  FIG. 41  differs from modification 2-9 of  FIG. 40  at least in that of all dicing regions  15  extending in a lateral direction, those each provided with a reinforcement piece  57  are formed irregularly, not at fixed intervals, in a longitudinal direction. 
     In this case, reducing the number of reinforcement pieces  57  also allows a dicing load upon a blade  38  to be alleviated. Other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as those of modification 2-2 shown in  FIG. 31 . 
     For the above reasons, the lead frames according to modifications 2-1 to 2-10 shown in  FIGS. 30 to 41 , respectively, yield substantially the same advantageous effects as those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21 to 29 . 
     The type of semiconductor device fabricated using any one of the lead frames  70 ,  70 B,  70 D,  70 I, and  70 J shown in  FIGS. 21 to 23, 31, 33, 40, and 41 , respectively, is not limited to that shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , and the semiconductor device may be that shown as modification B in  FIG. 19 , or as modification C in  FIG. 20 . In addition, the semiconductor device fabricated using any one of the lead frames  70 A,  70 C,  70 E, and  70 F shown in  FIGS. 30, 32, 34, and 35 , respectively, may be that shown as modification A in  FIG. 18 . 
     Third Embodiment 
     Next, a third embodiment of the present invention is described below referring to  FIGS. 42 to 44 .  FIGS. 42 to 44  show the third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment shown in  FIGS. 42 to 44  differs from the foregoing first and second embodiments primarily in that the LED elements  21  in the foregoing embodiments are replaced by semiconductor elements  45  such as diodes, and other structural features and characteristics are substantially the same as in the first and second embodiments. In  FIGS. 42 to 44 , the same elements as those of the first and second embodiments are each assigned the same reference number or symbol, and detailed description of these elements is omitted herein. 
     Lead Frame Configuration 
       FIG. 42  is a sectional view of a lead frame  60  according to the present embodiment. The lead frame  60  according to the present embodiment is for mounting diodes or other semiconductor elements  45  (see  FIG. 42 ) instead of LED elements  21 , and includes a plated layer  12  formed only on part of lead sections  26 , this part being where a bonding wire  22  is connected. Other configurational features and characteristics are the same as those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , or of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21 to 23 . 
     A planar shape of the lead frame  60  in the present embodiment is not limited to the shape of the lead frame  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , or to the shape of the lead frame  70  shown in  FIGS. 21 to 23 ; the lead frame  60  may have the shape of any one of the lead frames shown in  FIGS. 10 to 17 , or to the shape of any one of the lead frames shown in  FIGS. 30 to 41 . 
     Semiconductor Device Configuration 
       FIG. 43  shows a semiconductor device  65  according to the present embodiment. The semiconductor device  65 , fabricated using the lead frame  60  shown in  FIG. 42 , includes the (singulated) lead frame  60  and a semiconductor element  45  rested on a die pad  25  of the lead frame  60 . The semiconductor element  45  may include a discrete semiconductor element such as a diode. The semiconductor element  45  also includes a terminal section  45   a , which is electrically connected to a plated layer  12  provided on a lead section  26 , by a bonding wire  22 . Additionally, the semiconductor element  45  and the bonding wire  22  are sealed with a sealing resin  24 . 
     The sealing resin  24  can be that formed from an epoxy resin or a silicone resin. This sealing resin, however, unlike that of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, does not always need to be transparent and can include an opaque resin of black, for example. 
     Method of Manufacturing the Semiconductor Device 
     Next, a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device  65  shown in  FIG. 43  is described below using  FIGS. 44( a ) to 44( f ) .  FIGS. 44( a ) to 44( f )  show the method of manufacturing the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment. 
     First, the lead frame  60  is fabricated as in the steps of  FIGS. 6( a ) to 6( f )  and  FIGS. 26( a ) to 26( f ) .  FIG. 44( a )  shows the thus-fabricated lead frame  60 . In the step of forming the plated layer  12 , that is, in  FIG. 6( f )  or  26 ( f ), the plated layer  12  is formed only on part of a lead section  26 , not over an entire surface of a lead frame body  11 . 
     Next, the semiconductor element  45  is mounted on a die pad  25  of the lead frame  60 . In this case, the semiconductor element  45  is rested on and fixed to the die pad  25  by use of solder or a die-bonding paste, as shown in  FIG. 44( b ) . 
     Next, the terminal section  45   a  of the semiconductor element  45  and the plated layer  12  on the lead section  26  are electrically connected to each other via the bonding wire  22 , as shown in  FIG. 44( c ) . 
     After this, the semiconductor element  45  and the bonding wire  22  are simultaneously sealed together using the sealing resin  24 , as shown in  FIG. 44( d ) . At this time, a backing tape not shown may be attached to a lower surface of the lead frame  60  to prevent the sealing resin  24  from hanging down over a first outer lead section  27  and/or a second outer lead section  28 . 
     Next as shown in  FIG. 44( e ) , the sealing resin  24  and the lead frame  60  are separated for each semiconductor element  45  by cutting those sections of a dicing region  15  that correspond to the sealing resin  24  and the lead frame  60 . At this time, the lead frame  60  is first rested on and fixed to a dicing tape  37 , and then inclined reinforcement pieces  51  (or reinforcement pieces  57 ), lead connecting portions  52 , die pad connecting portions  53 , and package region connecting portions  54  of the lead frame  60 , in addition to the sealing resin  24  between the semiconductor elements  45 , are cut using, for example, a blade  38  made of a diamond grinding wheel or the like. Lead frame cutting with the blade  38  may use the method shown in  FIGS. 9( a ), 9( b )  or  FIGS. 29( a ), 29( b ) . 
     The semiconductor device  65  shown in  FIG. 43  is thus obtained.  FIG. 44( e )  shows the lead frame being cut. 
     As described above, in the present embodiment, the semiconductor element  45  such as a diode is rested instead of an LED element  21 , and a reflecting resin  23  is not provided on the lead frame  60 . In this case, in the process for manufacturing the semiconductor device  65  ( FIGS. 44( a ) to 44( f ) ), since a reflecting resin  23  to be used to strengthen the lead frame  60  is absent during the manufacturing process, a need arises to prevent deformation of the lead frame  60  shown in  FIG. 44( e ) , at least until sealing with the sealing resin  24  has been conducted. More specifically, when the semiconductor element  45  is mounted, the lead frame  60  is, in some case, conveyed via its edge along a rail, at which time the need arises to prevent the deformation of the lead frame  60 . Additionally, since bonding of the semiconductor element  45  by eutectic bonding involves lead frame heating (e.g., for 10 minutes at 400° C.), it is necessary to prevent reduction in strength of the lead frame  60  due to the heat. Furthermore, since heat and impacts are also applied during wire bonding, reduction in strength of the lead frame  60  due to this heat also needs to be prevented. The strength of the lead frame  60  is therefore required to be enhanced relative to that obtained if the lead frame includes a reflecting resin  23 . 
     In accordance with the present embodiment, on the other hand, the die pad  25  in one package region  14  and the lead section  26  in another package region  14  adjacent to that package region are connected to each other by an inclined reinforcement piece  51  positioned in a dicing region  15 . Alternatively, a die pad connecting portion  53  and a lead connecting portion  52  are connected to each other by a reinforcement piece  57  positioned in the dicing region  15 . These reinforcement pieces prevent an elongated space from occurring in a vertical direction of the lead frame  60 , and hence prevent the lead frame  60  from being formed into a vertically slit blind/screen or interdigitated shape, and from becoming deformed during handling. 
     Besides the above, the present embodiment also yields substantially the same operational effects as those of the first and second embodiments.