COIL DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a coil device used as, for example, a transformer.

In the transformer shown in Patent Document 1, for example, a plurality of terminals is attached to each of a pair of terminal blocks arranged on both sides of a bobbin cylinder portion (coil portion), and a primary winding wire and a secondary winding wire wound around the bobbin cylinder portion are drawn to the plurality of terminals.

When such a transformer is mounted on a circuit board together with other electronic devices, such as ICs, it is normal to arrange other electronic devices around the large-sized transformer as the transformer is comparatively large compared to other electronic devices.

When the pair of terminal blocks is lengthened to secure a sufficient insulation distance in accordance with increase in current and voltage of transformers, however, the mounting area of the coil device including other electronic devices inevitably becomes large.

Patent Document 1: JP2009194336 (A)

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention has been achieved under such circumstances. It is an object of the invention to provide a coil device capable of reducing a mounting area of the coil device including other electronic devices in mounting the coil device on a circuit board together with other electronic devices, such as IC chips.

To achieve the above object, a coil device according to the present invention comprises:

a coil portion including wires connectable to terminals; and

a bobbin including a first terminal block and a second terminal block formed on both sides in a winding axis direction of a cylindrical portion for forming the coil portion around the cylindrical portion,

wherein a length of the first terminal block in a width direction perpendicular to the winding axis direction is larger than that of the second terminal block in the width direction.

In the coil device according to the present invention, since the first terminal block is longer than the second terminal block, one coil device can favorably be used for obtaining a large number of outputs from a small number of inputs by arranging a large number of terminals on the first terminal block. A plurality of terminals can be arranged and attached to the first terminal block, which is longer than the second terminal block, at wide intervals. Thus, electronic devices, such as IC chips, can be arranged side by side near the first terminal block and connected to the terminals of the first terminal block while the insulation between the terminals is being maintained, and the insulation between the electronic devices can also be maintained.

When comparatively large electronic devices, such as IC chips, are arranged side by side in the vicinity of the first terminal block, which is longer than the second terminal block, the side spaces of the second terminal block, which is comparatively short, can be secured. When other comparatively small electronic devices are arranged in these vacant side spaces of the second terminal block, compared with the case where both terminal blocks have the same length, the mounting area of the coil device including other electronic devices, such as IC chips, can be reduced.

Preferably, the first terminal block includes an extension section protruding outward from an outline of the coil portion in the width direction, and at least one of the terminals is attached to the extension section. This configuration can sufficiently increase the intervals between the terminals of the first terminal block.

Preferably, the first terminal block includes a reinforcement portion. The reinforcement portion prevents the first terminal block, which is long in the width direction, from bending and can strengthen the coil device.

Preferably, the reinforcement portion includes a first wire contact portion for contacting with a lead portion of at least one of the wires drawn from the coil portion to at least one of the terminals. More preferably, the first wire contact portion changes a drawing direction of the lead portion of at least one of the wires.

When the lead portion of at least one of the wires comes into contact with the first wire contact portion while being drawn from the coil portion to at least one of the terminals and changes its drawing direction, it is possible to shorten free portions of at least one of the wires between inflection points, where the drawing direction is changed. When the free portions are shortened, the resonance frequency of the lead portion of at least one of the wires can be increased. Thus, the mounting board and the wires are prevented from resonating with each other, and the wires become less likely to break.

Preferably, the first terminal block includes a protrusion portion, and the protrusion portion includes a second wire contact portion for contacting with a lead portion of at least one of the wires drawn from the coil portion to at least one of the terminals. More preferably, the second wire contact portion changes a drawing direction of the lead portion of at least one of the wires.

When the lead portion of at least one of the wires comes into contact with the second wire contact portion while being drawn from the coil portion to at least one of the terminals and changes its drawing direction, it is possible to shorten free portions of at least one of the wires. Thus, the resonance frequency of the lead portion of at least one of the wires can be increased, the mounting board and the wires are prevented from resonating with each other, and the wires become less likely to break.

Preferably, the first wire contact portion is disposed closer to the coil portion than the second wire contact portion. When the wire contact portions are arranged in such a manner, the lead portion is drawn in zigzag manner, and it is possible to prevent at least one of the wires from being broken due to the resonance of at least one of the wires.

Preferably, the lead portion of at least one of the wires has a resonance frequency of 2000 Hz or higher.

Preferably, a lead portion of at least one of the wires drawn from the coil portion to at least one of the terminals is divided into a plurality of free portions, and the free portions have a largest length of 15 mm or less. In this configuration, the lead portion of at least one of the wires is prevented from resonating with the mounting board and becomes less likely to break.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a transformer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the transformer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom-side perspective view of the transformer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the transformer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the bottom view of the transformer shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the transformer along the VI-VI line of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating drawing directions of lead portions of the wires shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present invention is explained based on embodiments shown in the figures.

As shown in FIG. 1, a transformer 10 as a coil device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a bobbin 20, a core portion 50, and a cover plate 80.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bobbin 20 includes a cylinder portion 22 in which a plurality of wires 72 constituting a coil portion 70 is wound so as to be insulated from each other. A first terminal block 24 and a second terminal block 26 are formed integrally on both ends of the cylinder portion 22 in the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the terminal blocks 24 and 26 have a long shape in the X-axis direction and are formed integrally with lower parts in the Z-axis direction of flange portions 28a and 28b formed integrally on both ends of the cylinder portion 22 in the Y-axis direction so as not to cover a through hole 23 of the cylinder portion 22.

In the figures of the present embodiment, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are perpendicular to each other, and the Y-axis is parallel to the direction of the winding axis of the coil portion 70, the X-axis is parallel to the width direction of the terminal blocks 24 and 26, and the Z-axis is parallel to the height direction directed from the mounting surface to the anti-mounting surface.

As shown in FIG. 2, a single or a plurality of flange portions 28c may be formed integrally with the cylinder portion 22 at an intermediate position of the cylinder portion 22 located between the flange portion 28a and the flange portion 28b. The flange portion(s) 28c may be discontinuous along the circumferential direction. In the middle of the circumferential direction of the flange portion(s) 28c, one notch 28d may be formed on the upper side in the Z-axis, and three or a plurality of notches 28d may be formed on the lower side in the Z-axis as shown in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, an engagement convex portion 29a and a pair of holding convex portions 29b located on both sides of the engagement convex portion 29a in the X-axis direction are formed integrally at the upper ends in the Z-axis direction of the flange portions 28a and 28b formed integrally at both ends of the cylinder portion 22 in the Y-axis direction. The convex portions 29a and 29b are formed so as to protrude in the Y-axis direction from the end surfaces of the flange portions 28a and 28b in the Y-axis direction.

The engagement convex portions 29a are detachably engaged with engagement holes 84 of attachment rings 82 formed on both sides of the cover plate 80 in the Y-axis direction. The attachment rings 82 are formed so as to protrude downward in the Z-axis direction from the cover plate 80. When the engagement convex portions are engaged with the engagement holes 84 of the attachment rings 82, the holding convex portions 29b hold each of the attachment rings 82 from both sides in the X-axis direction, and the cover plate 80 cannot be detached from the top of the bobbin 20 unless a special force is applied to the attachment rings 82.

The top surface of the cover plate 80 is a flat surface and can be adsorbed to the tip of an adsorption nozzle for moving the transformer 10 as a finished product. The cover plate 80 and the bobbin 20 are preferably made of insulating members, but are not necessarily made of the same member.

The bobbin 20 is formed by, for example, injection molding. For example, the bobbin 20 is made of any material, such as PBT, PET, LCP, and PA, or is made of a phenol resin from the viewpoint of heat resistance. The cover plate 80 can be made of a material similar to that of the bobbin 20, but may be made of an insulating member excluding resin, such as ceramic and paper, for its simple shape. If molding is possible, the bobbin 20 may also be made of an insulating member excluding resin.

Terminals 40a, 40b, and 42 mentioned below are insert-molded on the bobbin 20, but the terminals 40a, 40b, and 42 may be fixed to the molded bobbin by press fitting, adhesion, etc. without being insert-molded together with the bobbin 20.

Middle leg portions 54a and 54b of the core portion 50 are inserted from both sides in the Y-axis direction into the through hole 23 of the cylinder portion 22 formed in the bobbin 20. In the present embodiment, the core portion 50 is formed from a first split core 50a and a second split core 50b. The first split core 50a includes a plate-shaped portion 52a parallel to a plane including the X-axis and the Z-axis and the middle leg portion 54a protruding in the Y-axis direction from a substantially central part of the plate-shaped portion 52a in the X-axis direction. At both ends of the plate-shaped portion 52a in the X-axis direction on both sides of the middle leg portion 54a in the X-axis direction, outer leg portions 56a protrude in the Y-axis direction with predetermined intervals from the middle leg portion 54a. The protrusion height of the middle leg portion 54a from the plate-shaped portion 52a and the protrusion height of the outer leg portions 56a are substantially the same.

A notch 53a is formed at the upper end in the Z-axis direction at the center of the plate-shaped portion 52a in the X-axis direction. The notch 53a is almost formed to the base of the middle leg portion 54a. The notch 53a is disposed so that the attachment ring 82 of the cover plate 80 does not interfere with the core 50a.

The second split core 50b includes a plate-shaped portion 52b parallel to a plane including the X-axis and the Z-axis and a middle leg portion 54b protruding in the Y-axis direction from a substantially central part of the plate-shaped portion 52b in the X-axis direction. At both ends of the plate-shaped portion 52b in the X-axis direction on both sides of the middle leg portion 54b in the X-axis direction, outer leg portions 56b protrude in the Y-axis direction with predetermined intervals from the middle leg portion 54. The protrusion height of the middle leg portion 54b from the plate-shaped portion 52b and the protrusion height of the outer leg portions 56b are substantially the same.

A notch 53b is formed at the upper end in the Z-axis direction at the center of the plate-shaped portion 52b in the X-axis direction. The notch 53b is almost formed to the base of the middle leg portion 54b. The notch 53b is disposed so that the attachment ring 82 of the cover plate 80 does not interfere with the core 50b.

As mentioned above, the middle leg portions 54a and 54b of the cores 50a and 50b are inserted into the through hole 23 of the cylinder portion 22 of the bobbin 20 from both sides in the Y-axis direction, and the tips of the middle leg portions 54a and 54b are butted against each other. To adjust the performance of the core portion 50, there may be a gap between the tips of the middle leg portions 54a and 54b. In the present embodiment, the tips of the outer leg portions 56a and 56b of the cores 50a and 50b are butted against each other so as to surround both sides of the coil portion 70 (i.e., the flange portions 28a-28c) in the X-axis direction. The cores 50a and 50b may be adhered to the cover plate 80 and the bobbin 20 with an adhesive agent 86.

The cores 50a and 50b are not limited, but are magnetic materials and made of ferrite composition, metal composition, composite composition of them and resin, or the like. The cores 50a and 50b are manufactured by firing after compression molding, firing after injection molding, general powder compression molding, etc.

As shown in FIG. 4, a first-terminal-block main body 30 of the first terminal block 24 has a long shape in the X-axis direction intersecting the Y-axis parallel to the winding axis of the coil portion 70 and has a length of L1 in the X-axis direction. The main body 30 includes a central section 30a located within the range of the outline of the coil portion 70 in the longitudinal direction and extension sections 30b protruding from the outline of the coil portion 70 toward both outer sides in the X-axis direction in the longitudinal direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, center-side terminal attachment portions 36a are arranged at predetermined intervals in the X-axis on the lower side in the Z-axis direction near the central section 30a. In FIG. 1, center-side first terminals 40a protrude in the Z-axis direction from mounting surfaces 24a of four center-side terminal attachment portions 36a and are fixed by bending in the Y-axis direction.

Extension-side terminal attachment portions 36b are arranged at a predetermined interval in the X-axis on the lower side in the Z-axis of the extension section 30b on the left side in FIG. 1. In the illustration, the extension-side first terminals 40b are fixed by protruding in the Z-axis direction from the mounting surfaces 24a of two extension-side terminal attachment portions 36b and bending in the Y-axis direction. Extension-side terminal attachment portions 36b are arranged at a predetermined interval in the X-axis on the lower side in the Z-axis direction of the extension section 30b on the right side in FIG. 1. In the illustration, the extension-side first terminals 40b are fixed by protruding in the Z-axis direction from the mounting surfaces 24a of two extension-side terminal attachment portions 36b and bending in the Y-axis direction.

Each of the center-side first terminals 40a is electrically connected to a center-side first terminal connection piece 41a protruding in the Y-axis direction from an outer surface 24c of the first terminal block 24 on the upper side in the Z-axis direction. In the present embodiment, each of the center-side first terminals 40a is made of, for example, a substantially U-shaped metal terminal piece formed integrally with the center-side first terminal connection piece 41a. When the substantially U-shaped metal terminal piece is insert-molded near the mounting surfaces 24a of the center-side terminal attachment portions 36a in the vicinity of the central section 30a, plural pairs of the center-side first terminal 40a and the center-side first terminal connection piece 41a are fixed to the center-side terminal attachment portions 36a of the central section 30a.

Each of the extension-side first terminals 40b is electrically connected to an extension-side first terminal connection piece 41a protruding in the Y-axis direction from an outer surface 24c of the first terminal block 24 on the upper side in the Z-axis direction. In the present embodiment, each of the extension-side first terminals 40b is made of, for example, a substantially U-shaped metal terminal piece formed integrally with the extension-side first terminal connection piece 41b. When the substantially U-shaped metal terminal piece is insert-molded near the mounting surfaces 24a of the extension-side terminal attachment portions 36b in the vicinity of the central section 30b, plural pairs of the extension-side first terminal 40b and the extension-side first terminal connection piece 41b are fixed to the extension-side terminal attachment portions 36b of the extension section 30b.

As shown in FIG. 4, a second-terminal-block main body 32 of the second terminal block 26 has a long shape in the X-axis direction intersecting the Y-axis parallel to the winding axis of the coil portion 70 and has a length of L2 in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 3, second terminal attachment portions 44 are arranged on the lower side of the second terminal block 26 in the Z-axis. In the illustration, the second terminals 42 are fixed by protruding in the Z-axis direction from mounting surfaces 26a of six second terminal attachment portions 44 and bending in the Y-axis direction.

Each of the second terminals 42 is electrically connected to a second terminal connection piece 43 protruding in the Y-axis direction from an outer surface 26c of the second terminal block 26 on the upper side in the Z-axis direction. In the present embodiment, each of the second terminals 42 are made of, for example, a substantially U-shaped metal terminal piece formed integrally with the second terminal connection piece 43. When the substantially U-shaped metal terminal piece is insert-molded near the mounting surfaces 26a of the second terminal attachment portions 44, plural pairs of the second terminal 42 and the second terminal connection piece 43 are fixed to the second terminal attachment portions 44.

As shown in FIG. 6, the mounting surfaces 24a (the same applies to the mounting surfaces 26a shown in FIG. 3) are higher than the terminal 40a (the same applies to the terminals 40b and 42 shown in FIG. 1) by a height H1. The coil portion 70 is higher than the terminal 40a (the same applies to the terminals 40b and 42 shown in FIG. 1) by a height H2.

In the present embodiment, the terminals 40a, 40b, and 42 including the connection pieces 41a, 41b, and 43 shown in FIG. 1 are not limited, but are made of, for example, metal, such as copper, copper alloy, iron, iron alloy, and CP wire. The terminals 40a, 40b, and 42 can be integrated with the bobbin 20 by insert molding or the like at the time of forming the bobbin 20 by injection molding, but may be attached to the bobbin 20 by other methods.

The wires 72 constituting the coil portion 70 and connected to the connection pieces 41a, 41b, and 43 of the terminals 40a, 40b, and 42 are not limited and are, for example, conductive wires, such as insulation-coated copper, copper alloy, iron, iron alloy, and CP wire. The insulating material constituting the insulating coating is not limited, but is urethane, polyamideimide, ETFE, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the wires 72 include the lead portions 72a extending from the coil portion 70 to the connection pieces 41a, 41b, and 43. As mentioned below, the lead portions 72a arranged on the lower side of the first terminal block 24 in the Z-axis direction are bent in contact with the first terminal block 24 and include some free portions 72a1 as shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 4, the center-side terminal attachment portions 36a into which the center-side first terminals 40a are inserted are formed in the vicinity of the central section 30a of a second bottom surface 24f on the lower side of the first terminal block 24 in the Z-axis direction. Lead grooves 37 are formed between the adjacent center-side terminal attachment portions 36a. The lead grooves 37 guide the lead portions 72a to the outer surface 24c of the first terminal block 24. The lead portions 72a guided to the outer surface 24c via the lead grooves 37 are connected to the center-side first terminal connection pieces 41a shown in FIG. 3 located outside the lead grooves 37 in the Y-axis. The connection is carried out by any method, such as solder, laser welding, arc welding, thermocompression bonding, and resistance welding.

As shown in FIG. 4, the extension-side terminal attachment portions 36b into which the extension-side first terminals 40b are inserted are formed on second bottom surfaces 24f of the extension sections 30b of the first terminal block 24. Lead grooves 37 are formed between the adjacent extension-side terminal attachment portions 36b. The lead grooves 37 guide the lead portions 72a to the outer surface 24c of the first terminal block 24. The lead portions 72a guided to the outer surface 24c via the lead grooves 37 are connected to the extension-side first terminal connection pieces 41b shown in FIG. 3 located outside in the X-axis. The connection is carried out as described above.

Reinforcement portions 33 thicker than the first-terminal-block main body 30 in the Z-axis direction are formed in the middle of the second bottom surface 24f between the extension-side terminal attachment portions 36b and the center-side terminal attachment portions 36a. The lead grooves 37 are also formed between the reinforcement portions 33 and the extension-side terminal attachment portions 36b. The lead grooves 37 guide the lead portions 72a to the outer surface 24c of the first terminal block 24. The lead portions 72a guided to the outer surface 24c via the lead grooves 37 are connected to the extension-side first terminal connection piece 41b adjacent to each of the reinforcement portions 33. The connection is carried out as described above.

A boundary wall 34 is formed along an inner surface 24d at a central part of the first terminal block 24 in the Y-axis direction. The boundary wall 34 protrudes from the first-terminal-block main body 30 in the Z-axis direction. The protrusion height of the boundary wall 34 in the Z-axis is substantially the same as that of the attachment portions 36a and 36b and the reinforcement portions 33 from the main body 30.

A guide groove through which the lead portions 72a directed to the terminal connection pieces 41b located at the end of the first terminal block 24 in the X-axis direction passes is formed between the boundary wall 34 and the mounting portions 36a. The boundary wall 34 is provided with guide notches through which the lead portions 72a directed from the coil portion 70 to the terminal connection pieces 41a and 41b pass. In the present embodiment, protrusion portions 35 protruding outward in the Y-axis are formed on both sides of the boundary wall 34 in the X-axis.

As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom surface of the terminal-block main body 30 includes a first bottom surface 24e and a second bottom surface 24f having different heights in a stepped manner. The height H3 from the first bottom surface 24e to the mounting surface 24a is larger than the height H4 from the second bottom surface 24f to the mounting surface 24a.

As shown in FIG. 4, similarly to the bottom surface of the first terminal block 24, the bottom surface of the second terminal block 26 on the lower side in the Z-axis direction includes a first bottom surface 26e and a second bottom surface 26f having different heights in a stepped manner. The second terminal attachment portions 44 into which the second terminals 42 are inserted are formed at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction on the second bottom surface 26f.

Lead grooves 37 are formed between the adjacent second terminal attachment portions 44. The lead grooves 37 guide the lead portions 72a of the wires 72 drawn from the coil portion 70 to the outer surface 26c of the second terminal block 26. As shown in FIG. 3, the lead portions 72a of the wires 72 guided to the outer surface 26c via the lead grooves 37 are connected to the second terminal connection pieces 43 located near the lead grooves 37. The connection is carried out as described above.

As shown in FIG. 3, a boundary wall 34 is formed along an inner side surface 26d on the second-terminal-block main body 32 of the second terminal block 26. As with the boundary wall 34 of the first terminal block 24, the boundary wall 34 protrudes from the second-terminal-block main body 32 in the Z-axis direction. The protrusion height of the boundary wall 34 in the Z-axis is substantially the same as that of the attachment portions 44 from the main body 32. The boundary wall 34 is provided with guide notches through which the lead portions 72a directed from the coil portion 70 to the terminal connection pieces 43 pass.

As shown in FIG. 5, a protrusion 35 and a reinforcement portion 33 are arranged from the center side toward the outside in the X-axis, where the load portions 72 are guided, on the bottom surfaces 24e and 24f of each of the extension sections 30b of the first terminal block 24. A wire contact portion 35a for contacting with the middle of the lead portions 72a is formed at the protrusion tip of the protrusion 35 protruding from the end of the boundary wall 34 in the X-axis toward the outside in the Y-axis (the side away from the center of the coil portion 70 in the X-axis or the Y-axis).

The reinforcement portion 33 is provided with a wire contact portion 33a protruding from the reinforcement portion 33 toward the inside in the Y-axis (the side toward the center of the coil portion 70 in the X-axis or the Y-axis) to contact with the middle of the lead portions 72a. The wire contact portions 33a and 35a are displaced in the X-axis direction. In addition, the wire contact portions 33a and 35a protrude in opposite directions in the Y-axis direction and overlap with each other by a predetermined width w1 when viewed from the X-axis direction.

Thus, the two lead portions 72a drawn from the coil portion 70 and directed toward the extension-side first terminals 40b are in contact with at least both of the wire contact portions 33a and 35a to form a zigzag shape. The width w1 is smaller than the width w0 of the first terminal block 24 in the Y-axis direction. Preferably, w1/w0 is 0 to ½. More preferably, w1/w0 is 1/20 to ⅕.

In the present embodiment, the two lead portions 72a drawn from the coil portion 70 and directed to the extension-side first terminals 40b are also in contact with a wire contact portion 34a corresponding with the notch of the boundary wall 34 in the vicinity of the coil portion 70 in addition to the wire contact portions 33a and 35a. The lead portions 72a are also in contact with the extension-side terminal attachment portions 36b in the vicinity of the terminals 40b.

As shown in FIG. 7, each of the lead portions 72 is in contact with the wire contact portions 34a, 33a, and 35a and the other contact portions and thereby has inflection points P where a drawing direction is changed by, for example, an angle θ. That is, each of the lead portions 72a extending to the extension-side first terminals 40b is connected from the coil portion 70 to a connection portion 41b1 of the extension-side first terminal 40b by changing the drawing directions at the inflection points P including a drawing start point S and a drawing end point E.

The free portions 72a1 of the lead portions 72a are between the inflection point P and the inflection point P close to each other of the lead portions 72a including the drawing start point S and the drawing end point E. The lead portions 72a are divided into a plurality of free portions 72a1 on both sides of the inflection point P.

In the present embodiment, the turning angle θ is 180° or less, preferably 90°≤θ<180°. In particular, the angle θ of the inflection point P is preferably 90°≤θ≤175° at the wire contact portions 33a and 35a.

In the present embodiment, since the first terminal block 24 is longer than the second terminal block 26 as shown in FIG. 1, one transformer 10 can favorably be used for obtaining a large number of outputs from a small number of inputs by arranging a large number of terminals 40a and 40b on the first terminal block 24. For example, the transformer 10 of the present embodiment is used in an inverter circuit for driving a motor and a compressor and can be used in applications such as automobiles, industrial equipment, home appliances, and housing equipment.

A plurality of terminals 40a and 40b can be arranged and attached to the first terminal block 24, which is longer than the second terminal block 26, at wide intervals. For example, the pitch interval L3 of the pair of terminals 40a and 40b is determined so that the minimum insulation distance is maintained, but the pitch interval L4 between the center-side first terminal 40a and the extension-side first terminal 40b can be determined comparatively long. As with the pitch interval L4, the pitch interval of the pair of center-side first terminals 40a can be determined long.

For example, the pitch interval L3 is preferably 2.5 mm to 5 mm, and the pitch interval L4 can preferably be lengthened to 8 mm or more. Thus, electronic devices, such as IC chips, can be arranged side by side near the first terminal block 24 and connected to the terminals 40a and 40b of the first terminal block 24 while the insulation between the pair of terminals 40a or 40b is being maintained, and the insulation between the IC chips can also be maintained.

In the present embodiment, since the four pairs of terminals 40a and 40b are attached to the first terminal block 24 at the predetermined pitch interval L4, four electronic devices whose sizes are the pitch interval L4 or less can be arranged side by side near the first terminal block 24.

When electronic devices that are next largest to the transformer 10, such as IC chips, are arranged side by side in the vicinity of the first terminal block 24, which is longer than the second terminal block 26, the second terminal block 26, which is comparatively short, can be spaced on both sides in the X-axis direction. When other comparatively small electronic devices are arranged in these vacant side spaces of the second terminal block 26, compared with the case where both terminal blocks have the same length, the mounting area of the transformer 10 and its related devices including other electronic devices, such as IC chips, can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the first terminal block 24 includes the extension sections 30b protruding from the outline of the coil portion 70 toward outside in the X-axis direction, and the extension sections 30b are provided with at least a pair of terminals 40b. This configuration can sufficiently increase the pitch interval L4 between the terminals 40a and 40b of the first terminal block 24.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the second terminal block 26 is provided with three pairs of second terminals 42 in total. As shown in FIG. 4, the pitch interval L5 of each pair of terminals 42 is substantially the same as the pitch interval L3 mentioned above. The length L2 of the second terminal block 26 is smaller than the length L1 of the first terminal block 24. L2/L1 is preferably ⅘ or less, more preferably ⅗ or less, particularly preferably ½ or less. The second terminals 42 of the second terminal block 26 can be used as, for example, input terminals of the transformer 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first terminal block 24 is provided with the reinforcement portions 33. The reinforcement portions 33 prevent the first terminal block 24, which is long in the X-axis direction (width direction), from bending and can strengthen the transformer 10. In particular, the reinforcement effect of the reinforcement portions 33 is more effective as the pitch interval L4 shown in FIG. 4 becomes longer.

When the pitch interval L4 is long, a plurality of reinforcement portions 33 may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the X-axis. In the present embodiment, the reinforcement portions 33 are formed at a substantially central position of each of the pitch intervals L4 located on both sides of the terminal block 24 so as to rise from the bottom surface of the terminal-block main body 30.

As shown in FIG. 5, the reinforcement portion 33 includes the wire contact portion 33a for contacting with the lead portions 72a of the wires drawn from the coil portion 70 to two extension-side first terminals 40b, and the wire contact portion 33a changes the drawing directions of the lead portions 72a. The first terminal block 24 includes the protrusion portions 35 protruding outward along the core axis (Y-axis) of the coil portion 70 from the outside position of the boundary wall 34 in the X-axis at the position between the reinforcement portions 33 and the coil portion 70.

As with the reinforcement portions 33, the boundary wall 34 and the protrusion portions 35 have a reinforcement effect on the first terminal block 24. The protrusion portions 35 are formed so as to protrude from the inner surface 24d toward the opposite direction to the direction where the wire contact portions 33a of the reinforcement portions 33 protrude inward from the outer surface 24c of the terminal block 24 in the Y-axis. Each of the wire contact portions 35a is formed at the protrusion tip of the protrusion 35 and is in contact with the lead portions 72a of the wires directed to the terminals 40b. Each of the wire contact portions 35a contacts with the wires and thereby changes the drawing directions of the lead portions 72a directed from the coil portion 70 to the wire contact portion 33a of the reinforcement portion 33.

The lead portions 72a of the wires come into contact with at least the wire contact portions 35a and 33a while being drawn from the coil portion 70 to the terminals 40b, and the drawing directions are changed. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to shorten the length L6 of the free portion 72a1 of the lead portion 72a between the inflection points P, where the drawing directions are changed. When the length L6 of the free portion 72a1 is shortened, the resonance frequency of the lead portion 72a of the wire can be increased. Thus, the mounting board (circuit board) not shown and the lead portions 72a of the wires are prevented from resonating with each other, and the lead portions 72a of the wires become less likely to break.

The wire contact portion 35a of the protrusion 35 is disposed closer to the coil portion 70 than the wire contact portion 33a of the reinforcement portion 33. Since the wire contact portions 35a and 33a are arranged in such a manner, the lead portions 72a are drawn in zigzag manner, and it is possible to prevent the wires from being broken due to the resonance of the lead portions 72a of the wires.

In the present embodiment, preferably, the largest length L6 of the free portions 72a1 of the lead portions 72a shown in FIG. 7 is 10 mm or less. In such a configuration, it is possible to effectively prevent the lead portions 72a of the wires from resonating with the vibration in using the transformer 10, and the lead portions 72a become less likely to break.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the length L6 of the free portion 72a1 between the inflection point P of the lead portion 72a in contact with the terminal attachment portion 36b adjacent to the reinforcement portion 33 and the inflection point P of the lead portion 72a in contact with the wire contact portion 33a is the longest free portion 72a1. The position of the longest free portion 72a1 can be changed by changing the positions of the inflection points P and the turn-around angles θ.

In the present embodiment, the corners of the first wire contact portions 33a, the second wire contact portions 34a, the third wire contact portions 35a, and the attachment portions in contact with the wires 72 are curved surfaces. In such a configuration, the pressure applied to the wires 72 is small even if the wires 72 vibrate, and the wires 72 are further less likely to break.

In the present embodiment, preferably, the lead portions 72a of the wires 72 have a resonance frequency of 2000 Hz or higher. More preferably, the wires 72 have a resonance frequency of 3000 Hz or higher. Still more preferably, the lead portions 72a of the wires 72 have a resonance frequency of 4000 Hz or more. In such a configuration, it is possible to effectively prevent the lead portions 72a of the wires from resonating with the vibration in using the transformer 10, and the lead portions 72a become less likely to break.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and can variously be modified within the scope of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the lead portions 72a are accurately divided into five or six free portions 72a1, but the number of free portions 72a1 may be increased by changing the number of protrusion portions 35 including the reinforcement portions 33 and the shape of the terminal attachment portion and increasing the number of inflection points P. This increases divisions of the free portions and can shorten the length of the free portions 72a1. In addition, the first terminal block 24 can be longer in the X-axis.

When a plurality of reinforcement portions 33 exists in the pitch interval L4, at least the reinforcement portion 33 closest to the terminal 40b is preferably formed so that the wire contact portion 33a protrudes in the opposite direction to the direction where the terminal 40b protrudes from the outer surface 24c of the terminal block 24 in the Y-axis. Preferably, the reinforcement portions located inside this reinforcement portion 33 include a wire contact portion on its other side. Preferably, the protrusion portions 35 located near the coil portion 70 protrude outward in the core axis of the coil portion 70, and their protrusion tips are provided with the wire contact portions 35a.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the lead portions 72a of the wires 72 are bent and connected to the connection portions 41b1 of the extension-side first terminals 40b at the end of the extension-side terminal attachment portion 36b on the outer surface 24c side. This makes it possible to shorten the free portions of the lead portions 72a. However, the lead portions 72a of the wires 72 may be connected to the connection portions 41b1 without being bent at this end.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERICAL

10 . . . coil device

20 . . . bobbin

22 . . . cylinder portion

23 . . . through hole

24 . . . first terminal block

24
a . . . mounting surface

24
b . . . anti-mounting surface

24
c . . . outer surface

24
d . . . inner surface

24
e . . . first bottom surface

24
f . . . second bottom surface

26 . . . second terminal block

26
a . . . mounting surface

26
b . . . anti-mounting surface

26
c . . . outer surface

26
d . . . inner surface

26
e . . . first bottom surface

26
f . . . second bottom surface

28
a-28c . . . flange portion

29
a . . . engagement convex portion

29
b . . . holding convex portion

30 . . . first-terminal-block main body

30
a . . . central section

30
b . . . extension section

32 . . . second-terminal-block main body

32
a . . . central section

32
b . . . extension section

33 . . . reinforcement portion

33
a . . . wire contact portion

34 . . . boundary wall

34
a . . . wire contact portion

35 . . . protrusion

35
a . . . wire contact portion

36
a . . . center-side first terminal attachment portion

36
b . . . extension-side first terminal attachment portion

37 . . . lead groove

40
a . . . center-side first terminal

40
b . . . extension-side first terminal

41
a . . . center-side first terminal connection piece

41
b . . . extension-side first terminal connection piece

41
a
1, 41b1 . . . connection portion

42 . . . second terminal

43 . . . second terminal connection piece

44 . . . second terminal attachment portion

50 . . . core portion

50
a . . . first split core

50
b . . . second split core

52
a, 52b . . . base portion

54
a, 54b . . . middle leg portion

56
a, 56b . . . outer leg portion

70 . . . coil portion

72 . . . wire

72
a . . . lead portion

80 . . . cover plate

82 . . . attachment ring

84 . . . engagement hole

86 . . . adhesive agent

COIL DEVICE

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)