Method for manufacturing a circuit board assembly

Abstract

To provide a circuit board assembly in which an angle between circuit boards and a positional relationship between the circuit boards are strictly adjusted, and which also enables cost reduction.SOLUTION: A circuit board assembly 100 has a first circuit board 10, a second circuit board 20, and a metal fitting 50. The metal fitting 50 is made by punching out a metal plate into a strip shape and then bending over both ends of the strip such that they are inserted into through-holes 13, 23. The metal fitting 50 used here is made of such a material and with such dimensions that, once the metal fitting 50 has been bent over, a preset tolerance of an angle between the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 may be ensured even if the posture of the circuit board assembly 100 relative to the gravity direction is changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit board assembly in which a plurality of circuit boards are connected to one another. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A structure is known that is made up of a plurality of interconnected circuit boards that are bent in shape as a whole.

[0003] For example, prior art document 1 discloses two circuit boards connected to each other by a jumper wire. In prior art document 1, the jumper wire is provided with a sufficient length in order to reduce the load on the connection between the jumper wire and the circuit boards when the two circuit boards are bent.

[0004] Furthermore, prior art documents 2 and 3 disclose circuit boards in which a protrusion is formed on the end surface of one of two circuit boards, an insertion hole is formed in the other circuit board for inserting the protrusion, and the circuit board has a shape that is bent at an angle of 90 degrees as a whole by inserting the protrusion into the insertion hole. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-311813 [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-134081 A [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-025012 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When a circuit board assembly consisting of multiple connected circuit boards is further assembled to, for example, a third circuit board, it may be necessary to precisely adjust the bending angles between the circuit boards and the relative positional relationships between the circuit boards.

[0007] Here, in the case of a circuit board assembly connected by jumper wires as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, if there is no support other than the jumper wires, the angles between the circuit boards and the positional relationships between the circuit boards will be inaccurate, making it unsuitable for a circuit board assembly that requires precise angles and positional relationships.

[0008] In the case of the circuit board assemblies disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, in which one circuit board and the other circuit board are each provided with a protrusion and an insertion hole, and the protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole, the angle between the circuit boards and the relative positions of the circuit boards do not easily change after the circuit boards are assembled and fixed, for example, by soldering. However, to realize a circuit board assembly of this structure, it is necessary to cut each circuit board out of a large circuit board and then assemble the circuit boards. Therefore, at the assembly stage, it is necessary to precisely adjust the angle between the circuit boards and the relative positions of the circuit boards before fixing them, which requires time and cost.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a circuit board assembly in which the angles between circuit boards and the positional relationships between the circuit boards are precisely adjusted and which is realized at low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first circuit board assembly of the present invention that achieves the above object comprises: a first circuit board; a second circuit board in a position where a first side thereof extends parallel to and adjacent to the first side of the first circuit board and has an angle other than 180° with respect to the first circuit board; a metal fitting having a portion bent at an angle corresponding to the angle and fixed to both the first circuit board and the second circuit board across first sides of both the first circuit board and the second circuit board, The metal fittings are characterized by having rigidity that allows them to maintain the bent position regardless of the positions of the first circuit board and the second circuit board relative to gravity.

[0011] The first circuit board assembly of the present invention provides a circuit board assembly that is precisely adjusted and at a lower cost than the circuit board assemblies disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 to 3.

[0012] A second circuit board assembly of the present invention that achieves the above object is: a first circuit board; a second circuit board having a first side adjacent to the first side of the first circuit board and extending parallel to each other, and positioned at an angle other than 180° between the second circuit board and the first circuit board; The connector is characterized by comprising a bent plate-shaped metal fitting having a portion bent at an angle corresponding to the above angle and fixed to both the first circuit board and the second circuit board across the first sides of both the first circuit board and the second circuit board.

[0013] According to the second circuit board assembly of the present invention, by using metal fittings that can be bent with a reasonable amount of force and are rigid enough to maintain the bent shape, a low-cost, precisely adjusted circuit board assembly can be realized in which adjustment can be completed by adjusting only the bending angle.

[0014] Here, in both the first circuit board assembly and the second circuit board assembly of the present invention, each of the first circuit board and the second circuit board has a second side mounted on the support portion and a protrusion protruding from the second side and inserted into a corresponding insertion portion formed on the support portion; It is preferable that the metal fittings have sufficient rigidity to maintain the angle between the first circuit board and the second circuit board at an angle that allows each protrusion to be inserted into each insertion portion before being inserted into the support portion.

[0015] As the metal fitting, it is preferable to use a metal fitting having sufficient rigidity to maintain an angle that allows insertion into the insertion portion with a level of precision, which will be described later.

[0016] In this case, it is also a preferred embodiment that one circuit is formed by the first circuit board, the second circuit board, and the support portion.

[0017] In both the first circuit board assembly and the second circuit board assembly of the present invention, the first circuit board and the second circuit board have a first circuit portion and a second circuit portion, respectively, which function by being electrically connected to each other; It is preferable that the metal fittings serve to mechanically fix the first circuit board and the second circuit board together and to electrically connect the first circuit portion and the second circuit portion.

[0018] In this case, both the first circuit portion and the second circuit portion may be circuit portions that constitute an antenna.

[0019] The metal fittings are designed with consideration for both mechanical rigidity and electrical properties, and are used to provide both mechanical fixation and electrical connection. This allows for a circuit board assembly with a simpler structure than when a metal fitting for mechanical fixation is combined with separate electrical wiring. When this is used in an antenna, for example, it provides an antenna with more stable performance than when a metal fitting and electrical wiring are combined.

[0020] Here, in both the first circuit board assembly and the second circuit board assembly of the present invention, It is preferable that the first circuit board and the second circuit board have receiving portions for receiving the metal fittings, and that the metal fittings be press-fitted into the receiving portions.

[0021] When press-fitting is used, the subsequent connection process is unnecessary, and a circuit board assembly can be realized at a lower cost.

[0022] Alternatively, in both the first circuit board assembly and the second circuit board assembly of the present invention, it is also a preferred embodiment that the metal fittings are soldered to both the first circuit board and the second circuit board.

[0023] Even in the case of soldering, it can be done at the same time as soldering other circuit components on the circuit board, eliminating the need for special processes, thereby achieving reliable connections and reducing costs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, the angles between circuit boards and the positional relationship between the circuit boards can be precisely adjusted, and a circuit board assembly can be realized at low cost. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1A to 1C are process diagrams illustrating an example of a manufacturing method applicable to manufacturing the circuit board assembly of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the accuracy of a typical through-hole on a circuit board. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram illustrating the accuracy required for the relative position between terminals to be smoothly inserted into through holes. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0027] Here, first, an example of a preferred manufacturing method that can be employed as a manufacturing method for the circuit board assembly of the present invention will be described, although the manufacturing method for the circuit board assembly of the present invention is not limited.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a process diagram showing an example of a manufacturing method applicable to the manufacture of the circuit board assembly of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 1(A) shows a large-sized circuit board 1.

[0030] FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of the ellipse O indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 1A.

[0031] Here, eight circuit board assemblies 100 are manufactured from a large-sized circuit board 1. In the explanation below, even before the circuit board assembly is completed, the parts that will become the circuit board assemblies after manufacturing will be given the same reference numerals as after manufacturing and will be referred to as circuit board assemblies 100. The same applies to the parts that will become the first circuit board 10 or the second circuit board 20 after manufacturing.

[0032] 1(A) and 1(B), a circuit pattern has already been printed and then punched to form the prototypes of first circuit board 10 and second circuit board 20. First circuit board 10 and second circuit board 20 have first circuit portion 11 and second circuit portion 21 that are electrically connected to each other and act as antennas. Second circuit board 20 also has third circuit portion 22 formed thereon.

[0033] 1(A) and 1(B), the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 are partially connected to the frame 1A of the large-sized circuit board 1 after punching out the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 so that their positions on the large-sized circuit board 1 are maintained. Furthermore, through holes 13 and 23 into which metal fittings 50 are inserted are formed in both the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20. These through holes 13 and 23 correspond to an example of a receiving portion as referred to in the present invention. Note that the receiving portion does not necessarily have to be a through-hole.

[0034] FIG. 1(C) is a diagram showing a state in which metal fittings 50 are inserted into through holes 13, 23 of first circuit board 10 and second circuit board 20 shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B).

[0035] The metal fitting 50 is manufactured separately from the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 shown in FIG. 1 . Specifically, the metal fitting 50 is, for example, a rectangular metal sheet punched out and bent so that both ends are inserted into the through-holes 13, 23, or includes such a metal fitting. For example, the metal fitting 50 may further include elements other than a metal flat plate, such as a coating such as an insulating coating applied to a portion of the bent metal flat plate, or a non-metallic structure for overall strength. The rigidity and conductivity of the metal fitting 50 are considered so that it not only mechanically connects the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 but also electrically connects them. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , both ends of the metal fitting 50 are inserted into the through-holes 13, 23, and then soldered by pouring solder into the gaps between the through-holes 13, 23 and the ends of the metal fitting.

[0036] At this stage, the relative positions between the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 are fixed. At this stage, both the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 remain connected to the frame 1A of the large-sized circuit board 1, and the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 are fixed with a highly accurate relative positional relationship without any special adjustment.

[0037] FIG. 1(D) is a diagram showing the circuit board assembly 100 separated from the frame 1A of the large-sized circuit board 1.

[0038] In the circuit board assembly 100 shown in Fig. 1(D), the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 are on the same plane. After the circuit board assembly 100 is separated from the frame 1A as shown in Fig. 1(D), it is bent at the metal fittings 50. Here, as an example, it is bent at an angle of 90°.

[0039] 1(E) is a perspective view showing the circuit board assembly 100 after bending and the third circuit board 30. The third circuit board 30 corresponds to an example of the support portion referred to in the present invention.

[0040] First side 201 of second circuit board 20 is adjacent to and extends parallel to first side 101 of first circuit board 10. First circuit board 10 has protrusion 14 formed thereon, protruding from second side 102 thereof toward third circuit board 30. Similarly, second circuit board 20 has protrusions 24 and 25 formed thereon, protruding from second side 202 thereof toward third circuit board 30.

[0041] Meanwhile, through holes 31, 32, and 33 are formed on the third circuit board 30 at positions corresponding to these protrusions 14, 24, and 25. After the circuit board assembly 100 is bent as shown in FIG. 1(E), the protrusions 14, 24, and 25 are inserted into the through holes 31, 32, and 33 and soldered. The protrusions 14, 24, and 25 and the through holes 31, 32, and 33 mechanically couple the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 to the third circuit board 30, as well as electrically connect them. This soldering connects the partial circuits formed on the first circuit board 10, the second circuit board 20, and the third circuit board 30 to form a single circuit. Here, the protrusions 14, 24, and 25 are examples of the protrusions defined in the present invention, and the through holes 31, 32, and 33 are examples of the insertion portions defined in the present invention.

[0042] Here, in circuit board assembly 100, the relative positions and opening angles of first circuit board 10 and second circuit board 20 must be precisely adjusted so that each of protrusions 14, 24, 25 can be smoothly inserted into each of through holes 31, 32, 33. Here, the relative positions of first circuit board 10 and second circuit board 20 are maintained at the high-precision relative positions they had before being cut out from large-sized circuit board 1, so only the bending angle of metal fitting 50 needs to be bent to satisfy the predetermined precision.

[0043] For example, as in Patent Document 3, it is considered that a circuit board corresponding to first circuit board 10 and a circuit board corresponding to second circuit board 20 are cut out separately and then the two cut-out circuit boards are combined. In this case, it becomes necessary to carefully combine and fix the two circuit boards so that both the relative position and the opening angle of the two circuit boards meet predetermined precision, which takes a great deal of time and costs.

[0044] In contrast, the circuit board assemblies of the embodiments described below can be manufactured using the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 1, thereby reducing the time and cost required for manufacturing.

[0045] For reference, here are the general through-hole precision and the required assembly precision for two circuit boards.

[0046] Figure 2 shows the accuracy of a typical through-hole on a circuit board.

[0047] 2(A) shows the accuracy of the positional relationship between typical through-holes on a circuit board. The true relative distance X between two through-holes has a tolerance of about ±0.1 mm to ±0.25 mm.

[0048] Also, Figure 2(B) shows the diameter accuracy of a typical through-hole on a circuit board. The tolerance for the true diameter φx is ±0.05mm to ±0.15mm. The assembly accuracy of the two circuit boards must be set taking this through-hole diameter accuracy into consideration.

[0049] Furthermore, Figure 2(C) shows the design gap between a typical through-hole on a circuit board and the terminal that is inserted into that through-hole. This gap is generally set to 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The larger the gap, the less precision is required in assembling the two circuit boards. However, if the gap is too large, the solder may not be able to secure the circuit boards together properly, and the assembly may become unstable.

[0050] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the precision required for the relative position between terminals to be inserted smoothly into through-holes. Here, as shown in Patent Document 3 and Figure 3(A) above, it is assumed that the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 are cut out separately and then assembled. Furthermore, since the terminals correspond to the protrusions of each circuit board, and the protrusions are part of the circuit boards, the precision of the relative position between the terminals can be considered to be the precision required for assembling the two circuit boards.

[0051] In FIG. 3, the positional relationship between the protrusion 13 of the first circuit board 10 and the protrusion 23 of the second circuit board 20 is specified in two directions. As shown in FIG. 3(B), in the direction along the first circuit board 10, the distance between the center of the width of the protrusion 13 of the first circuit board 10 and the center of the thickness of the protrusion 23 of the second circuit board 20 is 15 mm, with a tolerance of ±0.25 mm. In other words, it is specified that the distance should be within a range of 14.75 mm to 15.25 mm. Furthermore, in the direction perpendicular to the direction along the first circuit board 10, the distance between the center of the thickness of the protrusion 13 of the first circuit board 10 and the center of the width of the protrusion 23 of the second circuit board 23 is 5 mm, with a tolerance of ±0.25 mm. In other words, it is specified that the distance should be within a range of 4.75 mm to 5.25 mm.

[0052] 1, this assembly precision can be virtually ignored because the relative position between first circuit board 10 and second circuit board 20 is maintained accurately. In other words, after first circuit board 10 and second circuit board 20 are cut out from large-sized circuit board 1, bent plate-shaped metal fitting 50 is used, which has enough rigidity to maintain this assembly precision.

[0053] Various embodiments of the circuit board assembly of the present invention will be described below. For ease of understanding, the following embodiments will use the same reference numerals as in the circuit board assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1, even if there are differences in form. Furthermore, duplicated descriptions of the content explained with reference to FIG. 1 and duplicated descriptions of the content explained in the previous embodiment will be omitted in the following embodiments.

[0054] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where Figs. 3(A), (B), and (C) are a perspective view of the circuit board assembly 100, an enlarged view of the circle R indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 3(A), and an enlarged view of the back side of the circle R, respectively.

[0055] The circuit board assembly 100 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 4 is identical to the circuit board assembly 100 shown in Figure 1, and includes a first circuit board 10, a second circuit board 20, and a metal fitting 50 that connects them.

[0056] A first circuit portion 11 is formed on the first circuit board 10, and a second circuit portion 21 and a third circuit portion 22 are formed on the second circuit board 10. The first circuit portion 11 and the second circuit portion 21 are electrically connected by a metal fitting 50 to form a single antenna.

[0057] Further, through holes 13, 23 are formed in the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20, and ends 51, 52 of a metal fitting 50 are inserted into these through holes 13, 23. Both ends 51, 52 of the metal fitting 50 are inserted into the through holes 13, 23, and solder is poured into the gaps between the through holes 13, 23 and the ends 51, 52 of the metal fitting 50 inserted into the through holes 13, 23, thereby mechanically connecting the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20. Of the two metal fittings 50 shown, the upper metal fitting 50 also electrically connects the first circuit portion 11 and the second circuit portion 21. Furthermore, a protrusion 14 is formed on the first circuit board 10, and protrusions 24, 25 are formed on the second circuit board 20.

[0058] Metal fitting 50 is made by punching a metal plate into a rectangular shape and bending both ends of the metal fitting 50 so that they can be inserted into through-holes 13 and 23. Both ends 51 and 52 of metal fitting 50 are inserted into through-holes 13 and 23 and soldered thereto, and further, central portion 53 of metal fitting 50 is bent at a predetermined angle (here, 90°).

[0059] Let us assume that the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 are connected by a jumper wire instead of this metal fitting 50. The jumper wire is used for electrical connection and is made of a soft material with a relatively low rigidity so that it is easy to handle. For this reason, even if the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 are connected by the jumper wire and the jumper wire is once bent so that the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 are at a predetermined angle, the relative orientation of the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 will change due to the action of gravity and other factors during handling.

[0060] Here, the metal fitting 50 used is made of a material and dimensions that are rigid enough that once bent, the angle between the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 maintains a predetermined tolerance even if the position of the circuit board assembly 100 relative to the direction of gravity is changed.

[0061] Therefore, by employing such a metal fitting 50, a circuit board assembly 100 can be realized in which the assembly time and cost can be reduced.

[0062] Fig. 5 shows a circuit board assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where Fig. 5(A), (B), and (C) are a perspective view of circuit board assembly 100, an enlarged view of the circle R indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 5(A), and an enlarged view of the back side of the circle R, respectively.

[0063] The second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 differs from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 in the shape of both end portions 51, 52 of the metal fitting 50. Holes 511, 521 are formed in both end portions 51, 52 of the metal fitting 50, and the ends 51, 52 are inserted into the respective through holes 13, 23 by squeezing the holes 511, 521. That is, the ends 51, 52 are press-fit into the respective through holes 13, 23. In this manner, the metal fitting 50 may connect the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 by press-fitting. The metal fitting 50 is also formed by punching a flat metal plate into a rectangular shape, bending both end portions 51, 52, and further bending the central portion 53, and is an example of the bent plate-shaped metal fitting of the present invention.

[0064] In the second embodiment, the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 are connected only by press-fitting the two end portions 51, 52 of the metal fitting 50, but they may be connected more firmly by both press-fitting and soldering.

[0065] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention, where Fig. 6(A), (B), and (C) are a perspective view of circuit board assembly 100, an enlarged view of the circle R indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 6(A), and an enlarged view showing the back side of the circle R, respectively.

[0066] The third embodiment shown in FIG. 6 differs from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 in the relative dimensions of both end portions 51, 52 of the metal fitting 50 and the through holes 13, 23, and the width of the central portion 53 of the metal fitting 50.

[0067] In the first embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the width w of the metal fitting 50 is narrower than the diameter of the through holes 13, 23, and both ends 51, 52 are fixed by soldering after being inserted into the through holes 13, 23. In contrast, in the third embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the cross-sectional shape of both ends 51, 52 of the metal fitting 50 remains rectangular as in the first embodiment, but the width w is formed to be wider than the diameter of the through holes 13, 23, and both ends 51, 52 are press-fitted into the through holes 13, 23. Press-fitting and soldering may be used in combination to achieve even stronger fixation. 6, the width w2 of the central portion 53 of the metal fitting 50 is narrower than the width w1 of the end portions 51, 52. This is because when an angle is created between the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20, the bending position of the metal fitting 50 is guided to the central portion 53, making it easier for the central portion 53 to bend at the correct angle.

[0068] The metal fitting 50 shown in Figure 6 is also made by punching a flat metal plate into a strip shape, bending both ends 51 and 52, and further bending the central portion 53, and is an example of the bent plate-shaped metal fitting referred to in the present invention.

[0069] As shown in the examples so far, both ends 51, 52 of metal fitting 50 may be inserted into through holes 13, 23 and soldered, or may be press-fitted into through holes 13, 23, or a combination of these may be used. This also applies to each of the embodiments described below, and in the descriptions of each of the embodiments described below, reference to the method of fixing both ends 51, 52 of metal fitting 50 to through holes 13, 23 will be omitted.

[0070] Fig. 7 shows a circuit board assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where Fig. 7(A), (B), and (C) are a perspective view of circuit board assembly 100, an enlarged view of the circle R indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 7(A), and an enlarged view of the back side of the circle R, respectively.

[0071] In the third embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the metal fitting 50 has a thinner central portion 53 than the end portions 51, 52. This is also to make the central portion 53 easier to bend, as in the third embodiment shown in Fig. 6.

[0072] The metal fitting 50 shown in FIG. 7 is also made by punching a flat metal plate into a strip shape, crushing the central portion 53 to reduce the thickness during punching, bending both ends 51 and 52, and further bending the central portion 53, and is an example of the bent plate-shaped metal fitting referred to in the present invention.

[0073] Fig. 8 shows a circuit board assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, where Fig. 8(A), (B), and (C) are a perspective view of the circuit board assembly 100, an enlarged view of the circle R indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 8(A), and an enlarged view of the back side of the circle R, respectively.

[0074] In the fifth embodiment of the metal fitting 50 shown in Fig. 8, the width w2 of the central portion 53 is narrower than the width w1 of both end portions 51, 52, and the width increases toward both end portions 51, 52. This is also to make the central portion 53 easier to bend, as in the third and fourth embodiments shown in Figs.

[0075] The metal fitting 50 shown in Figure 8 is also made by punching a flat metal plate into a strip shape, bending both end portions 51 and 52, and further bending the central portion 53, and is an example of the bent plate-shaped metal fitting referred to in the present invention.

[0076] Fig. 9 shows a circuit board assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, where Fig. 9(A), (B), and (C) are a perspective view of the circuit board assembly 100, an enlarged view of the circle R indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 9(A), and an enlarged view of the back side of the circle R, respectively.

[0077] 9, metal fitting 50 has two bifurcated ends 51, 52. Correspondingly, two through holes 13 in first circuit board 10 and two through holes 23 in second circuit board 20 are formed per metal fitting 50. Each bifurcated end 51, 52 is inserted into each of the two through holes 13, 23. By bifurcating both ends 51, 52 in this way, the number of contact points between metal fitting 50 and first circuit board 10 or second circuit board 20 increases, resulting in a stronger mechanical fixation and a more reliable electrical connection.

[0078] The metal fitting 50 shown in FIG. 9 is also punched out from a metal plate and has both end portions 51, 52 bent and a central portion 53 bent further, and is an example of the bent plate-shaped metal fitting of the present invention.

[0079] Fig. 10 shows a circuit board assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, where Fig. 10(A), (B), and (C) are a perspective view of the circuit board assembly 100, an enlarged view of the circle R indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 10(A), and an enlarged view of the back side of the circle R, respectively.

[0080] In the seventh embodiment shown in Fig. 10, both end portions 51, 52 of the metal fitting 50 are each trifurcated. Correspondingly, three through holes 13 in the first circuit board 10 and three through holes 23 in the second circuit board 20 are also formed per metal fitting 50. Each of the trifurcated end portions 51, 52 is inserted into one of the three through holes 13, 23. The reason why both end portions 51, 52 are trifurcated is the same as the reason why both end portions 51, 52 are bifurcated shown in Fig. 9. In other words, when both end portions 51, 52 are trifurcated, the number of contact points between the first circuit board 10 or the second circuit board 20 and the metal fitting 50 increases, resulting in a stronger mechanical fixation and a more reliable electrical connection.

[0081] The metal fitting 50 shown in FIG. 10 is also punched out from a metal plate and has both end portions 51, 52 bent and a central portion 53 bent, and is an example of the bent plate-shaped metal fitting of the present invention.

[0082] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a circuit board assembly according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 11(A), (B), and (C) are a perspective view of circuit board assembly 100, an enlarged view of the circle R indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 11(A), and an enlarged view showing the back side of the circle R, respectively.

[0083] In the first to seventh embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 10, the metal fitting 50 joins the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 via the obtuse angle side (the side opening at an angle of 270°). In contrast, in the circuit board assembly 100 of the eighth embodiment shown in Figure 11, the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 are joined via the acute angle side (the side opening at an angle of 90°).

[0084] The metal fitting 50 shown in FIG. 11 is also punched out from a metal plate and has both end portions 51, 52 bent and a central portion 53 bent further, and is an example of the bent plate-shaped metal fitting referred to in the present invention.

[0085] Fig. 12 shows a circuit board assembly according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, where Fig. 12(A), (B), and (C) are a perspective view of the circuit board assembly 100, an enlarged view of the circle R indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 12(A), and an enlarged view of the back side of the circle R, respectively.

[0086] 4 to 11, through holes 13, 23 are formed in the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20, and the metal fitting 50 joins the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 with both ends 51, 52 inserted into the through holes 13, 23. In contrast, in the circuit board assembly 100 of the ninth embodiment shown in Fig. 12, both ends 51, 52 of the metal fitting 50 are bent in directions along the surfaces of the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 and are soldered to the surfaces of the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20.

[0087] In this way, the metal fittings 50 may be soldered to the surfaces of the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20.

[0088] The metal fitting 50 shown in FIG. 12 is also punched out from a metal plate and has both end portions 51, 52 bent and a central portion 53 bent further, and is an example of the bent plate-shaped metal fitting of the present invention.

[0089] Fig. 13 shows a circuit board assembly according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, where Fig. 13(A), (B), and (C) are a perspective view of circuit board assembly 100, an enlarged view of the circle R indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 13(A), and an enlarged view of the back side of the circle R, respectively.

[0090] In the first to ninth embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 12, the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 are fixed together by two metal fittings 50. In contrast, in the tenth embodiment shown in Figure 13, the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 are connected together by a single metal fitting 50 having a wider width w. Although there is only one metal fitting 50, two through holes 13 and two through holes 23 are formed in the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20. Accordingly, two legs 512 and two legs 522 are formed at both ends 51 and 52 of the metal fitting 50, and one leg 512 and one leg 522 is inserted into each of the through holes 13 and 23.

[0091] A hole 531 is formed in the central portion 53 of the metal fitting 50 so that the central portion 53 can be bent with an appropriate force.

[0092] In this way, the number of metal fittings 50 connecting the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 does not need to be two, but may be one as shown in Figure 14, or may be three or more, although not shown.

[0093] The metal fitting 50 shown in FIG. 13 is also punched out from a metal plate and has both end portions 51, 52 bent and a central portion 53 bent further, and is an example of the bent plate-shaped metal fitting of the present invention.

[0094] Fig. 14 shows a circuit board assembly according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 14(A), (B), and (C) are a perspective view of the circuit board assembly 100 as seen from the front surface side, a perspective view of the circuit board assembly 100 as seen from the back surface side, and a side view, respectively.

[0095] 4 to 13, the metal fitting 50 joins the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 so that the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 maintain an open position at 90 degrees. In contrast, the circuit board assembly 100 of the eleventh embodiment shown in Fig. 14 joins the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 so that the first circuit board 10 and the second circuit board 20 maintain an open position at, for example, 120 degrees rather than 90 degrees.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 14, the angle formed between first circuit board 10 and second circuit board 20 does not have to be 90°, and may be any angle other than 180°.

[0097] The metal fitting 50 shown in FIG. 14 is also punched out from a metal plate and has both end portions 51, 52 bent and a central portion 53 bent, and is an example of the bent plate-shaped metal fitting of the present invention.

[0098] Fig. 15 shows a circuit board assembly according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, where Fig. 15(A) and (B) are perspective views of the circuit board assembly 100 as seen from the front side and the back side, respectively.

[0099] 4 to 14, the circuit board assembly 100 has a structure in which two circuit boards, a first circuit board 10 and a second circuit board 20, are connected by a metal fitting 50, but the circuit board assembly 100 shown in Fig. 15 further includes a fourth circuit board 40 and a metal fitting 60. The fourth circuit board 40 is connected to the first circuit board 10 by the metal fitting 60.

[0100] In this way, the circuit board assembly of the present invention may be a structure in which three or more circuit boards are connected together.

[0101] Here, similar to the metal fitting 50, the metal fitting 60 is punched out from a metal plate, and both ends are bent, and the central portion is further bent, and corresponds to an example of the bent plate-shaped metal fitting referred to in the present invention.

[0102] As described above, according to the first to twelfth embodiments, the present invention realizes a circuit board assembly in which the angles between circuit boards and the positional relationships between the circuit boards are precisely adjusted and at low cost. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 large circuit board 1A Large size circuit board frame 10 1st circuit board 101 Side 1 102 Side 2 11 1st circuit part 13 through holes 14 Protrusion 20 2nd circuit board 201 Side 1 202 Side 2 21 2nd circuit part 22 Third circuit part 23 through holes 24 Protrusion 25 Protrusion 30 Third circuit board 31, 32, 33 through holes 40 4th circuit board 50 metal fittings 51,52 End 511,521 holes 512,522 Legs 53 Central part 531 holes 60 Metal fittings 100 circuit board assembly

Claims

1. a first circuit board; a second circuit board having a first side extending parallel to and adjacent to the first side of the first circuit board and positioned at an angle other than 180° between the second circuit board and the first circuit board; a metal fitting having a portion bent at an angle corresponding to the angle and fixed to both the first circuit board and the second circuit board across the first sides of both the first circuit board and the second circuit board, a manufacturing method of a circuit board assembly, wherein the metal fitting has rigidity that allows the metal fitting to maintain a bent position regardless of the positions of the first circuit board and the second circuit board relative to gravity, the metal fittings are inserted into both the first circuit board and the second circuit board in a state in which the first circuit board and the second circuit board are partially connected to a frame after being punched out from a large-sized circuit board; each of the first circuit board and the second circuit board has a second side mounted on a support portion and a protrusion protruding from the second side and inserted into an insertion portion formed on the support portion; a metal fitting having sufficient rigidity to maintain an angle between the first circuit board and the second circuit board at an angle that allows the protrusions to be inserted into the insertion portions before the metal fittings are inserted into the support portions.

2. a first circuit board; a second circuit board having a first side extending parallel to and adjacent to the first side of the first circuit board and positioned at an angle other than 180° between the second circuit board and the first circuit board; a bent plate-shaped metal fitting having a portion bent at an angle corresponding to the angle and fixed to both the first circuit board and the second circuit board across the first sides of both the first circuit board and the second circuit board, the metal fittings are inserted into both the first circuit board and the second circuit board in a state in which the first circuit board and the second circuit board are partially connected to a frame after being punched out from a large-sized circuit board; each of the first circuit board and the second circuit board has a second side mounted on a support portion and a protrusion protruding from the second side and inserted into an insertion portion formed on the support portion; a metal fitting having sufficient rigidity to maintain an angle between the first circuit board and the second circuit board at an angle that allows the protrusions to be inserted into the insertion portions before the metal fittings are inserted into the support portions.

3. 3. The method for manufacturing a circuit board assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit board, the second circuit board, and the support portion form one circuit.

4. the first circuit board and the second circuit board have a first circuit portion and a second circuit portion, respectively, which function by being electrically connected to each other; 4. The method for manufacturing a circuit board assembly according to claim 1, wherein the metal fittings are responsible for mechanically fixing the first circuit board and the second circuit board together and for electrically connecting the first circuit portion and the second circuit portion.

5. 4. The method for manufacturing a circuit board assembly according to claim 3, wherein both the first circuit board and the second circuit board are circuit portions that constitute an antenna.

6. the first circuit board and the second circuit board have receiving portions for receiving the metal fittings, 5. The method for manufacturing a circuit board assembly according to claim 1, wherein the metal fittings are press-fitted into the receiving portions.

7. 7. The method for manufacturing a circuit board assembly according to claim 1, wherein the metal fittings are soldered to both the first circuit board and the second circuit board.

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