Stretchable device

Abstract

Provided is a stretchable device provided with a stretchable base material. The stretchable substrate is provided with a main surface region extending in a direction different from the thickness direction of the stretchable substrate, and a grease barrier layer containing a grease material is positioned in the main surface region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stretchable device. Background Art

[0002] A stretchable device having a stretchable substrate has been conventionally known. Such a stretchable device can be used for, for example, a living body or a device that requires stretchability.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-29398 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Generally, a stretchable device has a resinous stretchable substrate. When such a stretchable device having a stretchable substrate is used for a living body or a device, foreign substances such as sebum, proteins derived from the living body, or machine oil applied to the device may adhere to the stretchable substrate. The inventors of the present application have newly found the following: If such foreign substances locally adhere to the stretchable substrate, the stretchable substrate is likely to break at the adhesion site.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems. That is, the main object of the present disclosure is to provide a stretchable device that can appropriately suppress the breakage of the stretchable substrate.

[0009] Solutions to the Problems

[0010] Rather than corresponding to the extended technology of the prior art, the inventors of the present application have tried to solve the above problems by taking measures in a new direction. As a result, an invention of a stretchable device that achieves the above main object has been obtained.

[0011] The stretchable device of the present disclosure includes a stretchable substrate,

[0012] the stretchable substrate has a main surface region extending in a direction different from the thickness direction of the stretchable substrate,

[0013] and an oil barrier layer containing an oil material is located in the main surface region.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the stretchable device of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the breakage of the stretchable substrate can be appropriately suppressed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1is a perspective view showing schematically the appearance of the stretchable device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the stretchable device shown.

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing schematically the appearance of the stretchable device having a stretchable wiring according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 shows Figure 3 a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the stretchable device shown.

[0020] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the stretchable device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the stretchable device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the stretchable device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing schematically a modification of the stretchable device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 9 shows Figure 8 a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of the stretchable device shown.

[0025] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the stretchable device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the stretchable device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the stretchable device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the stretchable device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 14A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the stretchable device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 14B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the stretchable device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following specifically describes the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the applicant provides the following description and examples to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and does not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims. That is to say, the present disclosure is not particularly limited to the preferred embodiments described below, and can be implemented with appropriate changes within the scope of its objectives. In addition, considering the ease of description or understanding of the key points, for convenience, it is sometimes divided into implementation plans, examples, etc. to represent, but the structures shown in different implementation plans, etc. can be partially replaced and / or combined, etc. In the description of such an embodiment, sometimes the repeated description of substantially the same matters is omitted, and only the differences are described. In particular, the same effects produced by the same structure are sometimes not mentioned in sequence in each embodiment.

[0032] In this specification, the terms "thickness direction of the stretchable device", "thickness direction of the stretchable substrate layer", "stacking direction of the stretchable substrate" and "stacking direction" are used interchangeably. This direction corresponds to direction Y in the figure.

[0033] The "cross-section" or "cross-sectional shape" mentioned in this specification is based on the shape captured from a direction substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction of the stretchable device (in simple terms, the shape when the stretchable device is cut with a plane parallel to the thickness direction). In the case where the stretchable device has a stacked structure having a plurality of stretchable substrate layers, the "cross-section" or "cross-sectional shape" is based on the shape captured from a direction substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction of the stretchable substrate (in simple terms, the shape when the stretchable substrate is cut with a plane parallel to the stacking direction). In addition, the "top view" used in this specification is based on a simplified diagram when the object is observed from the upper side or the lower side along the thickness direction (or stacking direction) of the stretchable device.

[0034] In addition, in this specification, "above" of a certain element includes not only the situation of contacting with the upper surface of the element, but also the situation of not contacting with the upper surface of the element. That is, "above" of a certain element includes not only the position above separated from the element, that is, the position above other objects on the element, the position above separated by a gap, but also the position directly above the element. In addition, "above" does not necessarily mean the upper side in the vertical direction. "Above" simply indicates the relative positional relationship of a certain element.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, all numerical ranges mentioned in this specification are intended to include the numerical values of the lower and upper limits themselves. In addition, terms such as "about" mean that they can include a variation or difference of several percent, such as ±10%.

[0036] The "vertical" and "substantially vertical" as used in this specification do not necessarily have to be completely "vertical", but may include a scheme that is slightly offset from the complete vertical (for example, within a range of ±10° offset from the complete vertical, such as a range of ±5°).

[0037] In addition, the "substantially parallel" as used in this specification does not necessarily have to be completely "parallel", but may include a scheme that is slightly offset from the complete parallel (for example, within a range of ±10° offset from the complete parallel, such as a range of ±5°).

[0038] [Basic Structure of Stretchable Device]

[0039] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 to describe the structure of the stretchable device. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stretchable device illustrating an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the stretchable device taken along line A-A. In addition, the cross-sectional views in this specification are cross-sections parallel to the thickness direction Y of the stretchable device 1.

[0040] Hereinafter, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 to describe the main components included in the stretchable device of the present disclosure.

[0041] (Stretchable Substrate 10)

[0042] The stretchable device 1 includes at least a stretchable substrate 10. The stretchable substrate 10 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "substrate") can be a sheet-like or film-like stretchable substrate, and can be made of, for example, a stretchable resin material. Here, the stretchability in this specification simply means the property of being able to stretch, and can also be referred to as stretchability, extensibility, etc. More specifically, stretchability means the property of being able to elongate when a tensile stress is applied from the non-elongated state, which is the normal state without applying a tensile stress, and being able to contract when released from the elongated state. As the resin material that can be used as the stretchable substrate 10, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane can be cited.

[0043] The stretchable substrate 10 has a main surface. In this specification, the "main surface" of the stretchable substrate refers to a surface extending in a direction different from the thickness direction Y of the stretchable substrate. For example, it refers to a surface extending in the directions X and Z that are substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction Y of the stretchable substrate. The sheet-like or film-like stretchable substrate 10 can extend along the stretching direction of the stretchable device 1. In this configuration, the "main surface" of the stretchable substrate 10 can also be understood as a surface extending along the stretching direction of the stretchable substrate 10. In a solution having a stretchable wiring described later, it can also be understood as a surface extending along the extending direction of the stretchable wiring (see Figure 3 ). In addition, in the drawings, although the stretchable device extending in a specific direction is shown for clarity, the shape of the stretchable device is not particularly limited. The top view shape of the stretchable device is also not particularly limited. For example, it can be various shapes such as a quadrilateral (e.g., square, rectangle, etc.), a triangle and other polygons, a circle, an ellipse, a semi-circle, a crescent shape, or an irregular shape.

[0044] The thickness of the stretchable substrate 10 is not particularly limited. However, when emphasizing the stretchability of the device, it is preferably 1 mm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less, and further preferably 50 μm or less. In addition, when emphasizing the mechanical strength of the device, the thickness of the stretchable substrate 10 is preferably 1 μm or more. In addition, in the case of forming a laminate from a plurality of stretchable substrates, the plurality of stacked stretchable substrates can each have the same thickness or can have different thicknesses from each other.

[0045] (Stretchable wiring 20)

[0046] The stretchable device 1 can further include a stretchable wiring 20 disposed on the stretchable substrate 10 (see Figure 3 ). The stretchable wiring 20 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "wiring") includes conductive particles and a resin. As the stretchable wiring 20, for example, a mixture composed of metal powders such as Ag (silver), Cu (copper), Ni (nickel) as conductive particles and an elastic resin such as silicone resin can be cited. The average particle size of the conductive particles is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 μm or more and 10 μm or less. In addition, the shape of the conductive particles can be spherical.

[0047] In addition, in Figure 3In this case, for clarity, only the stretchable wiring 20 extending in a specific direction is described, but the stretchable wiring 20 can extend in any direction on and / or inside the main surface of the stretchable substrate 10. Preferably, the stretchable wiring 20 can extend along the extending direction of the main surface of the stretchable substrate 10. In addition, when observed from the thickness direction Y of the stretchable substrate 10, the stretchable wiring 20 does not necessarily have to be arranged in a straight line, and for example, it can be arranged in a curved shape. In addition, when observed from the thickness direction Y, the stretchable wiring 20 does not necessarily have to extend in one direction. The number of the stretchable wirings 20 is not particularly limited, and one or more wirings can be arranged.

[0048] [First Embodiment]

[0049] Based on the content of the main constituent elements of the stretchable device 1 described above, the characteristic parts of the stretchable device 1 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the stretchable device 1 of the present disclosure includes a grease barrier layer 30 in the main surface area 12A of the stretchable substrate. The stretchable device 1 includes a grease barrier layer 30 positioned in the main surface area 12A of the stretchable substrate. The grease barrier layer 30 can be provided in the main surface area 12A so as to cover the stretchable substrate 10. In other words, the main surface side of the stretchable substrate 10 can be covered by the grease barrier layer 30.

[0050] In addition, in this specification, the "main surface area", "side surface area", and "surface area" respectively mean the area on the surface of the stretchable substrate in the main surface, side surface, or surface including the main surface and the side surface, and the area inside the stretchable substrate within 3 μm in the thickness direction Y starting from this surface. That is to say, the "main surface area 12A" means the area on the main surface of the stretchable substrate 10 and the area inside the stretchable substrate within 3 μm in the thickness direction Y starting from this main surface. The grease barrier layer 30 can be positioned in the area on the main surface of the stretchable substrate 10 and / or the surface area including the main surface of the stretchable substrate 10.

[0051] The "grease barrier layer 30" in this specification is simply a layer mainly containing a grease material positioned in the surface area of the stretchable substrate. The grease barrier layer 30 is a layer in which the grease material is positioned in the surface area of the stretchable substrate 10. More specifically, the grease barrier layer 30 includes at least one of the grease material infiltrated into the inside of the stretchable substrate 10 and the grease material positioned on the surface of the stretchable substrate 10 in the surface area of the stretchable substrate 10. The grease barrier layer 30 can also be simply referred to as a "grease layer" or a "grease-containing layer", etc. Such a grease barrier layer 30 is a layer positioned in the surface area including at least the main surface area 12A of the stretchable substrate, and as a result, it is different from, for example, sebum locally attached by touching the stretchable device 1 or the like.

[0052] The stretchable device 1 can be installed on various objects including organisms such as the human body or devices. When using the stretchable device 1 including the installation operation of the stretchable device 1, there is a possibility that various foreign substances including sebum, protein from fingers, and / or machine oil applied to the device locally adhere to the stretchable device 1. The inventors of the present application newly found that such locally adhered foreign substances can cause breakage of the stretchable device 1.

[0053] As described above, the stretchable base material 10 included in the stretchable device 1 is made of a resin material. When the stretchable base material 10 elongates, the molecules constituting the stretchable base material 10 are stretched along the elongation direction, so that the distance between the molecules constituting the stretchable base material 10 expands as compared with the normal state (i.e., the non-elongated state). That is, the molecular structure of the stretchable base material 10 becomes sparser in the elongated state of the stretchable base material 10. In this state, if a foreign substance adheres to the surface of the stretchable base material 10, the foreign substance will enter between the sparser molecular structures.

[0054] The foreign substance that enters the molecular structure will cause hindrance to the movement of the molecules constituting the stretchable base material 10 and breakage of the molecular structure. If the movement of the molecules is hindered, the stretchability of the stretchable base material 10 will locally decrease, and the uniform stretchability of the entire stretchable base material 10 will be impaired. If the stretchability of the stretchable base material 10 is not uniform, stress is likely to concentrate on the less stretchable part. As a result, there is a possibility that the stretchable base material 10 breaks at this part. In addition, if the molecular structure of the stretchable base material 10 is locally broken, the mechanical strength of the stretchable base material 10 will locally decrease, which will cause breakage of the stretchable base material 10. If such a foreign substance locally adheres to the surface of the stretchable base material 10, the adhered foreign substance will enter the molecular structure constituting the stretchable base material 10, and thus breakage of the stretchable base material 10 is likely to occur at the foreign substance adhesion part.

[0055] Regarding such a problem, the inventors of the present application newly found that by providing the grease barrier layer 30 in the main surface area 12A of the stretchable base material in the stretchable device 1, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of breakage of the stretchable base material 10 caused by the adhesion of foreign substances. As described above, the breakage of the stretchable base material 10 caused by the adhesion of foreign substances is caused by the local decrease in the stretchability and / or mechanical strength of the stretchable base material 10 at the foreign substance adhesion part.

[0056] In the stretchable device 1 of the present disclosure, a grease barrier layer 30 is provided in advance on the stretchable substrate 10, so that even when foreign matter adheres to the stretchable substrate during use, the intrusion of foreign matter into the interior of the stretchable substrate 10 can be suppressed. Specifically, since the grease material constituting the grease barrier layer 30 is pre-arranged in the main surface area 12A of the stretchable substrate 10, even if foreign matter from the outside adheres to this main surface, the foreign matter cannot easily penetrate into the molecular structure of the stretchable substrate 10. Thus, local changes in the molecular structure of the stretchable substrate 10 can be suppressed, and the entire stretchable substrate 10 can maintain more uniform stretchability and mechanical strength. That is to say, according to the stretchable device 1 of the present disclosure, since local changes in the stretchability and / or mechanical strength of the stretchable substrate 10 caused by the adhesion of foreign matter can be suppressed, as a result, breakage of the stretchable substrate 10 can be appropriately suppressed.

[0057] As described above, in the stretchable device 1 of the present disclosure, the grease barrier layer 30 helps to protect the stretchable substrate 10 from being affected by foreign matter, and as a result, it can also be referred to as a "protective layer", "protective film" or "coating layer", etc.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the grease barrier layer 30 can extend in the main surface area 12A of the stretchable substrate. More specifically, the grease barrier layer 30 can continuously extend along the main surface area 12A of the stretchable substrate. According to this structure, the main surface of the stretchable substrate 10 can be appropriately protected by the grease barrier layer 30 extending along the main surface area 12A. Thus, the arrival of foreign matter at the main surface of the stretchable substrate 10 and / or the intrusion of foreign matter into the molecular structure of the stretchable substrate 10 can be appropriately suppressed. Thereby, a stretchable device capable of suppressing breakage of the stretchable substrate caused by the adhesion of foreign matter can be provided.

[0059] The grease barrier layer 30 can be continuously provided as described above, or alternatively, discontinuously provided. That is, the grease barrier layer 30 can continuously extend in the surface area of the stretchable substrate 10, or alternatively, a plurality of discontinuous grease barrier layers 30 can be provided on the surface of the stretchable substrate 10.

[0060] There may also be an area in the main surface area 12A where the grease barrier layer 30 is not located. In other words, the grease barrier layer 30 may not be provided in some areas of the main surface area 12A. When observed from the thickness direction Y of the stretchable substrate, the grease barrier layer 30 can be located in a range occupying more than 50%, more than 70%, or more than 90% of the area of the main surface area 12A where the grease barrier layer 30 is located. By having the grease barrier layer 30 in the above range, breakage of the stretchable substrate 10 can be appropriately suppressed. The area of the main surface area 12A observed from the thickness direction of the stretchable substrate can also be referred to as the area of the main surface.

[0061] The grease barrier layer 30 is provided at least in the main surface area 12A of the stretchable base material 10. In the sheet-like stretchable base material 10, the main surface among the plurality of surfaces constituting the stretchable base material 10 can be the surface with the largest area. Compared with other surfaces, foreign substances are more likely to adhere to the main surface as a relatively large surface. Therefore, by providing the grease barrier layer 30 in the main surface area 12A, the breakage of the stretchable base material 10 caused by the adhesion of foreign substances can be appropriately suppressed. In addition, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the stretchable base material 10 has two main surface areas 12A facing each other. In this configuration, the grease barrier layer 30 is positioned in at least one of the two main surface areas 12A facing each other. That is, the grease barrier layer 30 can be positioned in either one of the two main surface areas 12A, or alternatively, in both of the two main surface areas 12A.

[0062] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the grease barrier layer 30 can be provided in the main surface area 12A of the stretchable base material without stretchable wiring. In the stretchable device 1 of the present disclosure, the grease barrier layer 30 can be applied regardless of whether there is stretchable wiring, and the breakage of the stretchable base material 10 can be appropriately suppressed. In this configuration, the grease barrier layer 30 can be provided in such a manner that it covers at least the central portion of the main surface area 12A when viewed from the thickness direction Y of the stretchable base material.

[0063] Alternatively, as Figure 3As shown, the grease barrier layer 30 can be provided on the stretchable substrate 10 having the stretchable wiring 20. The stretchable substrate 10 can have the stretchable wiring 20 disposed therein, and at least have the grease barrier layer 30 in the main surface area 12A. Preferably, the grease barrier layer 30 can be provided in a region overlapping the stretchable wiring 20 when viewed in the thickness direction Y of the stretchable substrate. That is, when viewed in the thickness direction Y of the stretchable substrate, the stretchable wiring 20 and the grease barrier layer 30 can be arranged to overlap each other. In the stretchable device 1 of the present disclosure, by arranging the grease barrier layer 30 in at least the region overlapping the stretchable wiring 20 when viewed in the thickness direction Y, the portion of the stretchable substrate 10 located in the region overlapping the stretchable wiring 20 can be properly protected from being attached by foreign substances. Generally speaking, when using the stretchable device 1, an electrical signal is transmitted via the stretchable wiring 20 disposed on the stretchable substrate 10. If a break occurs in the stretchable substrate 10 in the region overlapping the stretchable wiring 20, the stretchable wiring 20 will be damaged by this break, and there is a possibility that the transmission of the electrical signal will be abnormal. In the stretchable device 1 of the present disclosure, by arranging the grease barrier layer 30 in at least the region overlapping the stretchable wiring 20 when viewed in the thickness direction Y, the stretchable substrate 10 covering the stretchable wiring 20 is protected, so that the breakage of the stretchable wiring 20 can be properly suppressed.

[0064] Preferably, the grease barrier layer 30 can be provided on the entire main surface of the stretchable substrate 10. In other words, the entire main surface of the stretchable substrate 10 can be covered by the grease barrier layer 30. Thereby, the entire main surface of the stretchable substrate 10 is properly protected from being attached by foreign substances, and thus the breakage of the stretchable substrate 10 can be more properly suppressed.

[0065] The grease barrier layer 30 can exist in at least one of the surface layer region inside the stretchable substrate 10 and the region on the outer surface of the stretchable substrate 10. That is, the grease barrier layer 30 can have at least one of a layer existing on the inner side of the stretchable substrate 10 and a layer existing on the outer side of the stretchable substrate 10. Hereinafter, the grease barrier layer 30 located on the inner side of the stretchable substrate 10 and containing the grease material infiltrated into the inner side of the stretchable substrate 10 is referred to as the "first grease layer" (see Figures 1 to 4 ). The first grease layer can also be referred to as the "inner side grease layer" or the "infiltrated grease layer", etc. In addition, hereinafter, the grease barrier layer 30 located on the surface of the stretchable substrate 10 and containing the grease material on the surface of the stretchable substrate 10 is referred to as the "second grease layer" (see Figure 5 ). The second grease layer can also be referred to as the "outer side grease layer" or the "coated grease layer", etc. That is, the stretchable device 1 of the present disclosure can have a grease barrier layer that has at least one of the first grease layer and the second grease layer.

[0066] As shown Figure 4 in FIG. 1, by providing the first grease layer 30 containing an impregnated grease material, it is possible to dispose the grease material within the molecular structure on the surface layer of the stretchable substrate 10. By pre-disposing the grease material within the molecular structure, it is possible to inhibit foreign matter that adheres locally from entering the molecular structure. Although it should not be interpreted by being limited to a specific theory, it is speculated that the reason is that since the grease material that constitutes the grease barrier layer 30 exists within the molecular structure of the stretchable substrate 10 on the surface layer, the intrusion path of foreign matter is blocked. Therefore, it is considered that local changes in the stretchability and / or mechanical strength of the stretchable substrate 10 are inhibited, and as a result, breakage of the stretchable substrate 10 can be appropriately inhibited.

[0067] In addition, as shown Figure 5 in FIG. 2, the second grease layer 30 containing the grease material disposed on the surface of the stretchable substrate 10 can inhibit foreign matter attached to the stretchable device 1 from reaching the stretchable substrate 10. In other words, it is possible to use the second grease layer to prevent foreign matter from intruding into the surface of the stretchable substrate. Thereby, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from locally entering the molecular structure of the stretchable substrate, and therefore it is possible to appropriately inhibit breakage of the stretchable substrate caused by local attachment of foreign matter.

[0068] Preferably, the grease barrier layer 30 includes at least the first grease layer. By the grease barrier layer including at least the first grease layer, it is possible to appropriately prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the stretchable substrate 10. For example, the grease barrier layer 30 may include only the first grease layer 30a (see Figure 4 ), or alternatively may include both the first grease layer 30a and the second grease layer 30b (see Figure 6 ). When viewed in the thickness direction of the grease barrier layer 30, the first grease layer 30a and the second grease layer 30b may at least partially overlap. When viewed in the thickness direction of the grease barrier layer 30, the overlapping region of the first grease layer 30a and the second grease layer 30b corresponds to a structure in which a grease material is further coated on the surface of the stretchable substrate 10 in which the grease material is impregnated in the surface layer. Thereby, the first grease layer 30a is used to inhibit foreign matter from entering the inside of the stretchable substrate 10, and the second grease layer 30b can also be used to inhibit foreign matter from reaching the surface of the stretchable substrate. Thereby, it is possible to more appropriately inhibit local stress concentration of the stretchable substrate 10 caused by attachment of foreign matter.

[0069] In addition, in the grease barrier layer 30 having both the first grease layer 30a and the second grease layer 30b, the first grease layer 30a and / or the second grease layer 30b may be discontinuously positioned. For example, it may be that the first grease layer 30a extends continuously while the second grease layer 30b is discontinuous. Alternatively, it may be that the first grease layer 30a is discontinuously positioned while the second grease layer 30b extends continuously. Or it may be that both the first grease layer 30a and the second grease layer 30b extend continuously. In still other further embodiments, it may be that both the first grease layer 30a and the second grease layer 30b are discontinuously positioned. When viewed in the thickness direction of the grease barrier layer 30, the discontinuous first grease layer 30a and second grease layer 30b may at least partially overlap. Thus, globally, a continuously extending grease barrier layer 30 can be formed. For example, the surface area of the stretchable substrate may be covered by at least one of the first grease layer 30a and the second grease layer 30b.

[0070] In a cross-section, the thickness T1 of the first grease layer may be, for example, 1 μm or more, 1.5 μm or more, or 3 μm or more (see Figure 4 ). In addition, the "thickness of the first grease layer" can be understood as the depth of the first grease layer from the surface of the stretchable substrate 10 toward the interior direction of the stretchable substrate 10. By the thickness T1 of the first grease layer being in the above range, foreign matter can be appropriately inhibited from locally entering the interior of the stretchable substrate 10. For example, the thickness of sebum attached to the human skin is usually about 0.5 μm. Therefore, if the lower limit value of the thickness T1 of the first grease layer is as described above, even when, for example, the skin comes into contact with the stretchable device 1, the stretchable substrate 10 can be appropriately protected from being affected by the sebum that would be locally attached to the stretchable device 1 due to the contact. In addition, when emphasizing the overall stretchability of the stretchable substrate 10, the thickness T1 of the first grease layer may be 100 μm or less, 70 μm or less, or 40 μm or less.

[0071] In addition, in a cross-section, the thickness T2 of the second grease layer may be, for example, 1 μm or more, 1.5 μm or more, or 3 μm or more (see Figure 5 ). By the thickness T2 of the second grease layer being in the above range, foreign matter can be appropriately inhibited from reaching the surface of the stretchable substrate 10. In addition, when emphasizing the overall stretchability of the stretchable substrate 10, the thickness T2 of the second grease layer may be 100 μm or less, 70 μm or less, or 40 μm or less.

[0072] In addition, as Figure 7As shown, the stretchable substrate 10 has sides that connect two main surfaces disposed opposite to each other. The grease barrier layer 30 can be disposed in a range from the main surface to the sides of the stretchable substrate 10. That is, the grease barrier layer 30 can extend over a range from the main surface area 12A to the side area 12B of the stretchable substrate 10. Specifically, the grease barrier layer 30 can be provided so as to cover the entire main surface area 12A and at least a part of the side area 12B. In this configuration, when the stretchable substrate 10 has a square sheet shape in cross-section, the grease barrier layer 30 can be disposed so as to also cover the ridge line portion and / or corner portion of the stretchable substrate 10. Thereby, the grease barrier layer 30 can protect not only the main surface of the stretchable substrate 10 but also the ridge line portion and / or corner portion where stress is likely to concentrate. Therefore, according to the above configuration, breakage of the stretchable substrate 10 can be more appropriately suppressed. Moreover, by forming the grease barrier layer 30 on a plurality of surfaces of the stretchable substrate 10, the grease barrier layer 30 can be more appropriately held by the stretchable substrate 10 as compared with a configuration in which the grease barrier layer 30 is formed only on a single surface.

[0073] In a certain preferred embodiment, the grease barrier layer 30 is disposed so as to cover the entire outer surface of the stretchable substrate 10 (see Figures 8 to 11 ). That is, the grease barrier layer 30 can be provided so as to surround the stretchable substrate 10. In other words, the stretchable substrate 10 can be covered by the grease barrier layer 30 located in the surface layer region including the main surface area 12A and the side area 12B of the stretchable substrate 10. Such a structure can also be understood as a structure in which the grease barrier layer 30 extends along the outer contour of the stretchable substrate 10. For example, the grease barrier layer 30 can be continuously formed on the entire surface of the stretchable substrate 10. In this structure, all the corner portions 14 and ridge line portions 16 of the stretchable substrate 10 can be covered by the grease barrier layer 30 (see Figure 8 ). Thereby, the entire stretchable substrate 10 is protected by the grease barrier layer 30, and breakage of the stretchable substrate 10 caused by the attachment of foreign matter can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0074] The grease material contained in the grease barrier layer 30 provided on the entire stretchable substrate 10 can be coated on the surface of the stretchable substrate 10 in the main surface area 12A and the side area 12B of the stretchable substrate (see Figure 9 ) or infiltrated into the inner side of the stretchable substrate 10 (see Figure 10) Instead, the oil barrier layer 30 may include both the first oil layer 30a and the second oil layer 30b. That is to say, the oil barrier layer 30 may include at least one of the first oil layer 30a and the second oil layer 30b. In addition, the oil barrier layer 30 provided in the main surface area 12A and the side surface area 12B does not necessarily have a uniform structure. For example, the oil barrier layer 30 with different thicknesses may be provided in the main surface area 12A and the side surface area 12B. In addition, for example, it may also be that both the first oil layer 30a and the second oil layer 30b are included in the main surface area 12A, while only the first oil layer 30a or the like is included in the side surface area 12B, and the oil barrier layer 30 with different structures is formed in the main surface area 12A and the side surface area 12B.

[0075] The oil material included in the oil barrier layer 30 can be any oil material used in the fields of food, feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industry. For example, the oil material included in the oil barrier layer 30 may be at least one selected from the group consisting of vegetable oils, animal oils, mineral oils, and synthetic oils. In addition, the oil material may be liquid or solid.

[0076] Although there is no particular limitation on the vegetable oil, for example, soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, perilla oil, rice bran oil, sunflower seed oil, peanut oil, olive oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, rice germ oil, wheat germ oil, brown rice germ oil, coix seed oil, garlic oil, macadamia nut oil, avocado oil, evening primrose oil, flower oil, camellia seed oil, coconut oil, castor oil, linseed oil, cocoa butter, candelilla wax, jojoba oil, grape seed oil alone or as a mixed oil, or processed oils obtained by subjecting these oils to solidification, fractionation, transesterification, etc. can be listed.

[0077] Although there is no particular limitation on the animal oil, for example, fish oil, chicken oil, beef tallow, lard, milk fat, horse oil, snake oil, egg oil, egg yolk oil, turtle oil, mink oil, and processed products of these oils (margarine, shortening, butter, etc.) can be listed.

[0078] Although there is no particular limitation on the mineral oil, for example, rust preventive oil, cutting oil, engine oil, gear oil, grease, etc. can be listed.

[0079] Although it is only an example after all, as the synthetic oil, non-polar oils such as hydrocarbon oils, silicone oils, ester oils, etc. can be listed. Specifically, for example, hydrocarbon oils such as petrolatum, solid paraffin, and liquid paraffin; silicone oils such as cyclopentasiloxane; ester oils such as cetyl alcohol ethylhexanoate, ethylhexyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, caprylic / capric triglyceride, and triglyceride (ethylhexanoic acid) can be listed.

[0080] For example, when the stretchable device 1 is applied to the human body, the grease material included in the grease barrier layer 30 is preferably a grease material with excellent biocompatibility. In addition, for example, when the stretchable device 1 is used in industrial equipment or the like, the grease barrier layer 30 preferably contains the same type of grease material as the grease material used as engine oil. Thus, even when engine oil adheres locally when the stretchable device 1 is used, since the engine oil is the same as the components included in the grease barrier layer 30, local changes in the stretchability and mechanical strength of the stretchable substrate 10 can be appropriately suppressed.

[0081] (Method of manufacturing a stretchable device)

[0082] An exemplary manufacturing method of a stretchable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0083] First, a stretchable substrate is prepared. After the stretchable substrate layer is prepared, stretchable wiring can be formed on the main surface of the stretchable substrate layer.

[0084] The formation of the stretchable wiring can be implemented by printing a conductive paste (for example, a conductive paste containing a mixture of silver and resin) on the stretchable substrate by using screen printing, inkjet method, or the like. Thus, a desired circuit pattern can be obtained.

[0085] After the circuit pattern of the stretchable wiring 20 is formed on the stretchable substrate 10, the conductive paste for the stretchable wiring is dried and cured, so that the stretchable wiring 20 can be formed on the stretchable substrate 10. In addition, printing can be performed not only on one main surface of the stretchable substrate 10 but also on two surfaces including the opposite main surface. Further, according to need, components such as electronic components can be mounted on the stretchable wiring 20.

[0086] Next, another stretchable substrate 10 can be stacked in the thickness direction Y so as to cover the stretchable wiring 20 disposed on the stretchable substrate 10. After that, the substrates 10 can be bonded to each other by stamping or the like on the stacked stretchable substrates 10 under predetermined temperature conditions. Thus, a stretchable substrate 10 having the stretchable wiring 20 inside can be obtained.

[0087] After that, a grease barrier layer 30 is formed by coating a grease material on the outer surface of the stretchable substrate 10. For example, it can be that a grease material that can infiltrate into the stretchable substrate 10 is coated on the outer surface of the stretchable substrate 10 and left for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second or more), so that the grease material infiltrates into the surface layer of the stretchable substrate 10. The coating method of the grease is not particularly limited, and known coating methods can be applied. For example, the coating method can be a roll coating method, a spray coating method, a dip coating method, or the like.

[0088] In one embodiment, all the applied grease materials can be infiltrated into the surface layer of the stretchable substrate 10. Alternatively, the grease materials may not be infiltrated into the stretchable substrate 10 but remain on the surface of the stretchable substrate 10. That is, the stretchable substrate 10 can form only the first grease layer (see Figure 9 ) in a manner that only contains the infiltrated grease materials, or the grease materials may not be infiltrated but remain on the surface, and only the second grease layer (see Figure 10 ) is formed. For example, the second grease layer can be formed by applying grease materials that do not infiltrate into the stretchable substrate 10 on the surface of the stretchable substrate 10. Or, not all of the applied grease materials may be infiltrated and part of the grease materials may remain on the stretchable substrate 10. Or both the first grease layer and the second grease layer can be formed (see Figure 11 ).

[0089] (Second Embodiment)

[0090] Next, the stretchable device 1B of the second embodiment will be described. The difference between the stretchable device 1B and the stretchable device 1 of the first embodiment is that the stretchable wiring 20 is disposed on the surface of the stretchable substrate 10 instead of being disposed inside the stretchable substrate 10, and a grease barrier layer 30 is provided to cover the stretchable wiring 20.

[0091] Figure 12 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of the stretchable device 1B of the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the stretchable device 1B includes the stretchable wiring 20 disposed on the outer surface of the stretchable substrate 10. In this configuration, the grease barrier layer 30 can be provided to cover the stretchable wiring 20 positioned on the stretchable substrate 10. The stretchable wiring 20 can have the grease barrier layer 30 on the outer surface 20A that does not contact the stretchable substrate 10. The grease barrier layer 30 can integrally surround the stretchable substrate 10 and the stretchable wiring 20 located on the stretchable substrate 10. Similar to the stretchable substrate 10, when the stretchability and mechanical strength of the stretchable wiring 20 are locally changed due to the attachment and intrusion of foreign substances, there is a possibility that the stretchable wiring 20 breaks due to stress concentration. According to the above structure, by providing the grease barrier layer 30 that covers the stretchable wiring 20, the stretchable wiring 20 located outside rather than inside the stretchable substrate 10 can be appropriately protected from being attached by foreign substances.

[0092] For example, the grease materials constituting the grease barrier layer 30 can also be infiltrated into the surface layer of the stretchable wiring 20 disposed on the outer surface of the stretchable substrate. Thereby, the grease barrier layer 30 can be appropriately retained on the stretchable wiring and the stretchable wiring 20 can be appropriately protected from being affected by foreign substances.

[0093] (Third Embodiment)

[0094] Next, the stretchable device 1C of the third embodiment will be described. The difference between the stretchable device 1C and the stretchable device 1 of the first embodiment is that the stretchable device 1C includes a laminate 50 formed by laminating a plurality of stretchable substrates 10.

[0095] Figure 13 , Figure 14A and Figure 14B are schematic cross-sectional views of the stretchable device 1C of the third embodiment. The stretchable substrates 10 can be laminated on each other in the thickness direction Y. More specifically, a plurality of stretchable substrates 10 can have a multi-layer structure formed by laminating with their main surfaces facing each other. That is, a plurality of stretchable substrates 10 can form a laminate 50 by laminating in the thickness direction Y of the stretchable substrate. In addition, the number of the laminated stretchable substrates 10 is not particularly limited.

[0096] In this structure, the grease barrier layer 30 can be positioned in the main surface area 50A of the stretchable substrate that constitutes the outer surface of the laminate 50. More specifically, the grease barrier layer 30 can be positioned in the upper main surface area of the stretchable substrate 10 located at the uppermost layer of the laminate 50 and / or the lower main surface area of the stretchable substrate located at the lowermost layer of the laminate 50. That is, the grease barrier layer 30 can be understood to be positioned in the main surface area 50A of the outer surface of the laminate 50. According to this structure, the main surface area 50A of the laminate 50 can be protected by the grease barrier layer 30, so that damage to the stretchable substrate 10 caused by the attachment of foreign substances can be appropriately suppressed.

[0097] The grease barrier layer 30 can also be disposed in the side area of the stretchable substrate 10 that constitutes the outer surface of the laminate 50 (see Figure 14A and Figure 14B ). The grease barrier layer 30 can also extend over a range from the main surface area 50A of the stretchable substrate 10 located at the uppermost layer and / or the lowermost layer to the side area 50B continuous with the main surface area 50A. Preferably, the entire laminate 50 can also be covered by the grease barrier layer 30 continuously provided on the outer surface of the laminate 50. Such a grease barrier layer 30 can also be understood to constitute the outermost layer of the stretchable device because it continuously covers the outer surface of the laminate 50. According to the above structure, the influence caused by the attachment of foreign substances can be appropriately reduced in the entire stretchable device 1C having the laminate 50.

[0098] The grease barrier layer 30 can include a first grease layer (see Figure 14A ) and a second grease layer (see Figure 14B) Among at least one of them, the first grease layer contains a grease material that penetrates into the interior of the surface of the stretchable substrate 10 constituting the outer surface of the laminate 50, and the second grease layer contains a grease material present on the outer surface of the laminate 50. Preferably, the grease barrier layer 30 covering the laminate 50 can at least have the first grease layer. For example, the grease material contained in the first grease layer can enter the gaps between adjacent stretchable substrates 10 on the outer surface side of the laminate 50. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately suppress the situation where the stretchability and / or mechanical strength of the stretchable substrate 10 locally decrease due to foreign matter invading from the gaps between the stacked stretchable substrates 10.

[0099] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, but they are merely illustrative of typical examples. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can easily understand that various solutions can be considered without changing the gist of the present disclosure.

[0100] For example, it can be that the stretchable device includes a portion without the grease barrier layer 30 in the main surface area of the stretchable substrate 10 (or in the main surface area of the laminate in the case where the stretchable device has a laminated structure). For example, the grease barrier layer 30 can also not be provided in the following parts: the parts where the stretchability of the stretchable substrate 10 locally decreases, such as the parts that overlap with components having a lower stretchability than the stretchable substrate 10, such as electronic components, when viewed from the thickness direction Y of the stretchable substrate. That is, the grease barrier layer 30 can be located in the parts of the main surface area other than the following parts: the parts that overlap with components such as electronic components provided on the stretchable substrate 10 when viewed from the thickness direction Y of the stretchable substrate. According to this structure, it is possible to appropriately suppress the breakage of the stretchable substrate 10 caused by the attachment of foreign matter in the stretchable substrate 10 around the electronic component.

[0101] In addition, the grease barrier layer 30 can have the effect of slightly reducing the stretchability of the stretchable substrate 10. Therefore, by providing the grease barrier layer 30 in the area of the stretchable device other than the areas with lower stretchability where the stretchability is locally decreased due to mounting components, etc., the stretchability of the part of the stretchable substrate 10 provided with the grease barrier layer 30 will be slightly reduced. Therefore, the difference in stretchability between the part where the component is mounted and the non-mounted part of the stretchable substrate 10 is reduced, and the local decrease in the stretchability of the stretchable substrate 10 at the component mounting part can be alleviated. That is to say, by appropriately selecting the configuration of the grease barrier layer according to the difference in stretchability of the stretchable device, the stretchability of the entire stretchable device can be adjusted. Thereby, the entire stretchable device can have a more uniform stretchability, and the occurrence of breakage of the stretchable substrate 10 caused by local decrease in stretchability can be appropriately suppressed.

[0102] In addition, one embodiment of the present disclosure as described above includes the following preferred solutions.

[0103] <1>

[0104] A stretchable device, wherein,

[0105] The stretchable device includes a stretchable substrate,

[0106] The stretchable substrate has a main surface region extending in a direction different from the thickness direction of the stretchable substrate,

[0107] An oil barrier layer containing an oil material is positioned in the main surface region.

[0108] <2>

[0109] The stretchable device according to <1>, wherein,

[0110] The oil barrier layer extends along the main surface region.

[0111] <3>

[0112] The stretchable device according to <1> or <2>, wherein,

[0113] The oil barrier layer includes a first oil barrier layer located on the inner side of the stretchable substrate,

[0114] The first oil barrier layer contains an oil material infiltrated into the interior of the stretchable substrate.

[0115] <4>

[0116] The stretchable device according to <3>, wherein,

[0117] In cross-section, the thickness of the first oil barrier layer is 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0118] <5>

[0119] The stretchable device according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein,

[0120] The oil barrier layer includes a second oil barrier layer located on the outer surface of the stretchable substrate,

[0121] The second oil barrier layer contains an oil material positioned on the outer surface of the stretchable substrate.

[0122] <6>

[0123] The stretchable device according to <5>, wherein,

[0124] In cross-section, the thickness of the second oil barrier layer is 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0125] <7>

[0126] The stretchable device according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein,

[0127] The stretchable device further includes a stretchable wiring disposed on the stretchable substrate,

[0128] When viewed in the thickness direction of the stretchable substrate, the grease barrier layer is at least located in the region of the main surface area that overlaps with the stretchable wiring.

[0129] <8>

[0130] The stretchable device according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein,

[0131] The grease barrier layer is located on the entire surface of the main surface area.

[0132] <9>

[0133] The stretchable device according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein,

[0134] The stretchable substrate has two main surface areas facing each other and a side surface area located between the two main surface areas,

[0135] The grease barrier layer extends over the range from the main surface area to the side surface area.

[0136] <10>

[0137] The stretchable device according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein,

[0138] The grease barrier layer is continuous over the entire range of the outer surface area of the stretchable substrate.

[0139] <11>

[0140] The stretchable device according to any one of <1> to <10>, wherein,

[0141] The stretchable substrate is surrounded by the grease barrier layer.

[0142] <12>

[0143] The stretchable device according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein,

[0144] The stretchable device further includes a stretchable wiring disposed on the outer surface of the stretchable substrate in the main surface area,

[0145] The grease barrier layer integrally covers the main surface area and the stretchable wiring.

[0146] <13>

[0147] The stretchable device according to any one of <1> to <12>, wherein,

[0148] The stretchable device includes a laminate including a plurality of the stretchable base materials laminated on one another.

[0149] The grease barrier layer is located in a main surface region of the stretchable base material that forms an outer surface of the laminate among the plurality of stretchable base materials.

[0150] <14>

[0151] The stretchable device according to <13>, wherein,

[0152] The stretchable base material having a surface that forms an outer surface of the laminate among the plurality of stretchable base materials has the grease barrier layer, and the grease barrier layer is continuous over the entire surface of the surface that forms the outer surface.

[0153] <15>

[0154] The stretchable device according to <13> or <14>, wherein,

[0155] The laminate is surrounded by the grease barrier layer.

[0156] <16>

[0157] The stretchable device according to any one of <1> to <15>, wherein,

[0158] The grease barrier layer contains at least one grease material selected from the group consisting of vegetable oils, animal oils, mineral oils, and synthetic oils.

[0159] In addition, the above effects and the like are only illustrative positions. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above matters, and may also have additional effects.

[0160] Description of Reference Numerals

[0161] 1, stretchable device; 10, stretchable base material; 12A, main surface region of the stretchable base material; 12B, side surface region of the stretchable base material; 14, corner portion; 16, ridge line portion; 20, stretchable wiring; 30, grease barrier layer; 50, laminate; 50A, main surface region of the laminate; 50B, side surface region of the laminate.

Claims

1. A stretchable device, wherein, the stretchable device includes a stretchable substrate, the stretchable substrate has a main surface region extending in a direction different from the thickness direction of the stretchable substrate, an oil barrier layer containing an oil material is positioned in the main surface region.

2. The stretchable device according to claim 1, wherein, the oil barrier layer extends along the main surface region.

3. The stretchable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the oil barrier layer has a first oil barrier layer located on the inner side of the stretchable substrate, the first oil barrier layer contains an oil material infiltrated into the interior of the stretchable substrate.

4. The stretchable device according to claim 3, wherein, in a cross-sectional view, the thickness of the first oil barrier layer is 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

5. The stretchable device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, the oil barrier layer has a second oil barrier layer located on the outer surface of the stretchable substrate, the second oil barrier layer contains an oil material positioned on the outer surface of the stretchable substrate.

6. The stretchable device according to claim 5, wherein, in a cross-sectional view, the thickness of the second oil barrier layer is 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

7. The stretchable device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, the stretchable device further includes a stretchable wiring disposed on the stretchable substrate, when viewed from the thickness direction of the stretchable substrate, the oil barrier layer is at least positioned in the region of the main surface area overlapping with the stretchable wiring.

8. The stretchable device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, the oil barrier layer is positioned on the entire surface of the main surface region.

9. The stretchable device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, the stretchable substrate has two main surface regions facing each other and a side surface region located between the two main surface regions, the oil barrier layer extends over a range from the main surface region to the side surface region.

10. The stretchable device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, the oil barrier layer is continuous over the entire range of the outer surface region of the stretchable substrate.

11. The stretchable device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, the stretchable substrate is surrounded by the oil barrier layer.

12. The stretchable device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, the stretchable device further includes a stretchable wiring disposed on the outer surface of the stretchable substrate in the main surface region, the oil barrier layer integrally covers the main surface region and the stretchable wiring.

13. The stretchable device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, the stretchable device includes a laminate including a plurality of the stretchable substrates stacked on each other, the oil barrier layer is positioned in the main surface region of the stretchable substrate that constitutes the outer surface of the laminate among the plurality of stretchable substrates.

14. The stretchable device according to claim 13, wherein, Among the plurality of stretchable substrates, the stretchable substrate having the surface constituting the outer surface of the laminate has the grease barrier layer, and the grease barrier layer is continuous over the entire surface of the surface constituting the outer surface.

15. The stretchable device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the laminate is surrounded by the grease barrier layer.

16. The stretchable device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the grease barrier layer contains at least one grease material selected from the group consisting of vegetable oils, animal oils, mineral oils, and synthetic oils.

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