Stretchable device

Abstract

To provide a stretchable device that prevents noise from being inputted in a strain gauge.SOLUTION: A stretchable device comprises a stretchable substrate having multiple body parts and multiple hinge parts that connect the body parts to each other, and a pair of elastic resins that sandwich the stretchable substrate. When viewed from the lamination direction in which the stretchable substrate and elastic resins overlap, the stretchable device is divided into a detection area in which a load can be detected and a non-detection area. Of the plurality of hinge parts, one or more hinge parts are hinge parts for detection provided with strain gauges. When viewed from the lamination direction, all of the hinge parts for detection overlap with the detection area. The elastic resin overlaps with the non-detection area when viewed from the lamination direction, and has an adhesive area part that is bonded to the stretchable substrate and an un-adhesive area pat that overlaps with the detection area when viewed from the lamination direction and is not bonded to the stretchable substrate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stretchable device. [Background technology]

[0002] The stretchable device has a stretchable substrate having excellent elasticity and flexibility. The stretchable substrate includes a resin base material and an array layer provided along the resin base material. The stretchable substrate has body parts arranged in a matrix and hinge parts connecting the body parts to each other. The hinge part of Patent Document 1 has a plurality of arc parts and has a meandering shape. When, for example, a tensile load is applied to the stretchable substrate, the arc parts of the hinge part expand. As a result, the body parts connected to both ends of the hinge part are separated from each other, and the stretchable substrate is elongated. The hinge part has a first hinge part extending from the body part in a first direction and a second hinge part extending in a second direction.

[0003] The stretchable device also includes a pair of elastic resins that sandwich the stretchable substrate. The pair of elastic resins is bonded to the stretchable substrate. When a load is applied to the stretchable device and the elastic resin deforms, the stretchable substrate deforms in response to the deformation of the elastic resin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-202208 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, in order to detect the load acting on a stretchable device, a method has been considered in which strain gauges are provided at the hinges to detect the amount of strain (deformation) at the hinges. Specifically, a method has been considered in which a strain gauge provided at the first hinge detects the load in a first direction, and a strain gauge provided at the second hinge detects the load in a second direction.

[0006] However, for example, when a tensile load in a first direction acts on a stretchable device, each part of the elastic resin stretches in the first direction. Therefore, the second hinge part bonded to the elastic resin also stretches (distorts) in the first direction. In this way, the strain gauge provided in the second hinge part detects a load (hereinafter referred to as noise) in a direction (first direction) different from the direction (second direction) that it is intended to detect. For these reasons, there is a need for the development of a stretchable device that prevents noise from being input to the strain gauge.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a stretchable device that prevents noise from being input to a strain gauge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A stretchable device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a stretchable substrate and a pair of elastic resins sandwiching the stretchable substrate. The stretchable substrate has a plurality of body parts and a plurality of hinge parts connecting the body parts to each other. When viewed from a stacking direction in which the stretchable substrate and the elastic resin overlap, the stretchable device is divided into a detection region capable of detecting a load and a non-detection region. One or more of the hinge parts are detection hinge parts provided with a strain gauge. When viewed from the stacking direction, all of the detection hinge parts overlap with the detection region. The elastic resin has an adhesion region part that overlaps with the non-detection region when viewed from the stacking direction and is adhered to the stretchable substrate, and an unadhesive region part that overlaps with the detection region when viewed from the stacking direction and is not adhered to the stretchable substrate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the stretchable device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the stretchable device of embodiment 1, specifically, a cross section taken along line II-II in FIG. 1 and line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the stretchable device according to embodiment 1, specifically, a cross section taken along line III-III in FIG. 1 and line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the stretchable substrate of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the second hinge portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the second hinge portion of the first embodiment when a tensile load is applied in the second direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the components of the load detection circuit disposed in the body portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of the Wheatstone bridge circuit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a case where a tensile load in a second direction is applied to the stretchable device of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case where a tensile load is applied in a first direction to the stretchable device of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the stretchable device of the second embodiment taken in the stacking direction. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the stretchable device of the third embodiment taken in the stacking direction. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the stretchable device of the fourth embodiment taken in the stacking direction. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the relationship between the detection area and the stretchable substrate in the stretchable device of the first modification. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the relationship between the detection area and the stretchable substrate in the stretchable device of the second modification. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the stretchable device of the third modification. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the stretchable device of the third modification taken in the stacking direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The form (embodiment) for carrying out the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The invention of the present disclosure is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiment. In addition, the components described below include those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the components described below can be appropriately combined. Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. In order to make the explanation clearer, the drawings may be schematic in terms of the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment, but are merely an example and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and each figure, the same reference numerals are given to components similar to those described above with respect to the previous figures, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] Furthermore, in this specification and the claims, when expressing an aspect of arranging another structure on top of a certain structure, the term "on top" is used, unless otherwise specified, to include both the case where another structure is arranged directly on top of a certain structure so as to be in contact with the certain structure, and the case where another structure is arranged above a certain structure via yet another structure.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a plan view of the stretchable device according to the embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the stretchable device 100 is formed in a flat plate shape. The stretchable device 100 has a front surface 1 and a back surface 2 (not shown in Fig. 1; see Fig. 2) that face in opposite directions. Hereinafter, the directions parallel to each of the front surface 1 and the back surface 2 are referred to as planar directions.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the stretchable device according to the first embodiment, specifically, a cross section taken along line II-II in Fig. 1 and line II-II in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 2, the stretchable device 100 has a first stretchable resin 60, a stretchable substrate 10, and a second stretchable resin 70, which are laminated in this order. In other words, the stretchable substrate 10 is sandwiched between a pair of stretchable resins (the first stretchable resin 60 and the second stretchable resin 70).

[0014] Hereinafter, the direction in which the first elastic resin 60, the stretchable substrate 10, and the second elastic resin 70 are stacked is referred to as the stacking direction. With regard to the stacking direction, the direction in which the second elastic resin 70 is arranged as viewed from the first elastic resin 60 is referred to as the first stacking direction Z1, and the opposite direction to the first stacking direction Z1 is referred to as the second stacking direction Z2. Also, viewing the stretchable device 100 from the first stacking direction Z1 is referred to as a planar view.

[0015] 1, the stretchable device 100 is formed into a rectangular (quadrilateral) shape in a plan view. Thus, the stretchable device 100 has a pair of short sides 3 and a pair of long sides 4. Hereinafter, a direction parallel to the planar direction and parallel to the short sides 3 will be referred to as a first direction X, and a direction parallel to the long sides 4 will be referred to as a second direction Y.

[0016] In a plan view, the stretchable device 100 is divided into a detection area 5 for detecting a load and a non-detection area 6 other than the detection area 5. The detection area 5 is formed in a square shape in a plan view. In this embodiment, a plurality of detection areas 5 are provided. The plurality of detection areas 5 are arranged at equal intervals in each of the first direction X and the second direction Y. In other words, the detection areas 5 are arranged in a matrix.

[0017] 2, the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70 have insulating properties, elasticity, and flexibility. An example of a resin used as the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70 is an acrylic elastomer. Note that the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70 of the present disclosure are not limited to acrylic elastomers, and may be acrylic resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, or the like, and are not particularly limited.

[0018] The first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70 are formed in a plate shape and extend in a planar direction. The surface of the first elastic resin 60 in the second stacking direction Z2 constitutes the back surface (opposite surface) 2 of the stretchable device 100. The first elastic resin 60 faces the first stacking direction Z1 and has an opposing surface 61 facing the stretchable substrate 10.

[0019] The surface of the second elastic resin 70 in the first stacking direction Z1 constitutes the surface (opposite surface) 1 of the stretchable device 100. The second elastic resin 70 faces the second stacking direction Z2 and has an opposing surface 71 facing the stretchable substrate 10. In addition, a frame portion 72 is provided on the edge of the second elastic resin 70, protruding further than the opposing surface 71 in the second stacking direction Z2.

[0020] The frame portion 72 is formed in a ring shape in a plan view, and surrounds the outer periphery of the stretchable substrate 10. A surface 72a of the frame portion 72 in the second stacking direction Z2 is bonded to an opposing surface 61 of the first stretchable resin 60. As a result, the first stretchable resin 60 and the second stretchable resin 70 cooperate with each other to form a housing that houses the stretchable substrate 10.

[0021] The stretchable substrate 10 is provided with a plurality of lightening holes 19 penetrating in the stacking direction. The second elastic resin 70 has a plurality of protrusions 73 that protrude from the opposing surface 71 in the second stacking direction Z2 and are disposed in the lightening holes 19.

[0022] Although the lightening hole 19 in this embodiment is filled with the second elastic resin 70 (protrusion 73), in the present disclosure, it may be filled with the first elastic resin 60. Alternatively, the lightening hole 19 may be filled with both the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70. Alternatively, the lightening hole 19 may be filled with a resin other than the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70. In addition, nothing may be placed in the lightening hole 19, leaving it as a space.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the stretchable device according to embodiment 1, specifically, a cross section taken along line III-III in Fig. 1 and line III-III in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 3, the second elastic resin 70 has an unbonded region 75 overlapping the detection region 5 in a plan view, and a bonded region 76 overlapping the non-detection region 6.

[0024] An adhesive layer (not shown) is provided on the opposing surface 71 of the adhesive region 76. The adhesive region 76 is adhered to the stretchable substrate 10 by the adhesive layer. On the other hand, the non-adhesive region 75 of this embodiment is a hole 77 that penetrates in the stacking direction. The hole 77 has a square shape in a plan view, and is the same shape as the detection region 5. Therefore, the second stretchable resin 70 is not adhered to the stretchable substrate 10 in the range that overlaps with the non-adhesive region 75.

[0025] Similarly, the first elastic resin 60 has an unbonded region 65 that overlaps with the detection region 5 in a plan view, and an adhesive region 66 that overlaps with the non-detection region 6. An adhesive layer (not shown) is provided on the opposing surface 61 of the adhesive region 66. The adhesive region 66 is bonded to the stretchable substrate 10 by the adhesive layer. The unbonded region 65 has a hole 67 penetrating in the stacking direction. Although not shown, the hole 67 has a square shape in a plan view, and is the same shape as the detection region 5. Therefore, the first elastic resin 60 is not bonded to the stretchable substrate 10 in the range that overlaps with the unbonded region 65.

[0026] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the stretchable substrate of embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the stretchable substrate 10 includes a plurality of body portions 11 and a plurality of hinge portions 12 that extend in a planar direction while meandering.

[0027] The body portion 11 has a quadrangular (square) shape in plan view. The body portion 11 is arranged so that four corners point in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The multiple body portions 11 are arranged in the first direction X and the second direction Y and are spaced apart from each other. Note that the shape of the body portion 11 in plan view in the present disclosure is not limited to a quadrangular shape, and may be a circular shape or another polygonal shape.

[0028] The hinge portions 12 connect adjacent body portions 11. There are two types of hinge portions 12: a first hinge portion 12A extending in a first direction X, and a second hinge portion 12B extending in a second direction Y. In addition, in the stretchable substrate 10, a portion where the body portion 11 and the hinge portion 12 are not provided is a lightening hole 19 that penetrates in the stacking direction.

[0029] 2, the lightening holes 19 are filled with the second elastic resin 70. Therefore, the hinge portion 12 adjacent to the second elastic resin 70 in the planar direction has low rigidity, and the stretchable substrate 10 has excellent elasticity and flexibility.

[0030] Next, a detailed description will be given of the hinge portion 12. When the first hinge portion 12A is rotated by 90 degrees, it has the same shape as the second hinge portion 12B. Therefore, in the following, the second hinge portion 12B will be described as a representative example.

[0031] 5 is an enlarged view of the second hinge portion of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the second hinge portion 12B has four bent portions 13 and extends in a meandering manner in the second direction Y. Each bent portion 13 of the present embodiment is formed in an arc shape. Note that the bent portions of the present disclosure may be formed in an angular shape instead of an arc shape. Also, the number of bent portions is not limited to four.

[0032] The four bent portions 13 are a first arc portion 14, a second arc portion 15, a third arc portion 16, and a fourth arc portion 17, which are arranged in order in the second direction Y. The first arc portion 14 and the fourth arc portion 17 are quadrant-shaped and bent at 90 degrees. The second arc portion 15 and the third arc portion 16 are semicircular-shaped and bent at 180 degrees.

[0033] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the second hinge portion of the first embodiment when a tensile load in the second direction acts on the second hinge portion. As shown in Fig. 6, when a tensile load in the second direction Y (see arrow W in Fig. 6) acts on the second hinge portion 12B, the first arc portion 14, the second arc portion 15, the third arc portion 16, and the fourth arc portion 17 are deformed so that their curvatures become smaller. As a result, the distance from one end to the other end of the second hinge portion 12B becomes larger, and the body portions 11 are separated from each other.

[0034] Furthermore, although not shown, when a compressive load in the second direction Y acts on the second hinge portion 12B, the first arc portion 14, the second arc portion 15, the third arc portion 16, and the fourth arc portion 17 are deformed so as to increase their curvatures, respectively. As a result, the distance from one end to the other end of the second hinge portion 12B decreases, and the body portions 11 move closer to each other.

[0035] 4, four hinge portions 12 (two first hinge portions 12A and two second hinge portions 12B) and four body portions 11 are arranged in a range overlapping with the detection area 5. The four hinge portions 12 and the four body portions 11 are exposed in the stacking direction from a hole 67 (unbonded area portion 65) in the first elastic resin 60 and a hole 77 (unbonded area portion 75) in the second elastic resin 70 (see FIG. 3).

[0036] 2, the stretchable substrate 10 has a resin base material 20 and an array layer 30. The resin base material 20 is a base material for producing the array layer 30, and has stretchability, flexibility, and insulating properties. The resin base material 20 is made of a resin material such as polyimide.

[0037] The array layer 30 is provided on the surface of the resin base material 20 in the first stacking direction Z1. The array layer 30 has a plurality of insulating layers (not shown) stacked in the stacking direction, and an electric circuit (load detection circuit) whose insulation from the outside is ensured by the plurality of insulating layers. Next, the load detection circuit included in the array layer 30 will be described in detail.

[0038] 7 is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of each component of the load detection circuit arranged in the body part of the embodiment 1. The load detection circuit included in the array layer 30 is a circuit for detecting a load input to the stretchable device 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the load detection circuit includes a strain gauge 31 (see FIG. 5 for details), a transistor 40, a gate line 41, a first signal line 42, a second signal line 43, a first wiring 44, a second wiring 45, a second resistance portion 52, a third resistance portion 53, a fourth resistance portion 54, a first potential detection line 55, and a second potential detection line 56.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the strain gauge 31 is disposed in the hinge portion 12. The strain gauge 31 has a first strain gauge 32 and a second strain gauge 33 extending along the hinge portion 12, and a connection portion 34 connecting the ends of the first strain gauge 32 and the second strain gauge 33. The strain gauge 31 of this embodiment is twice as long as a conventional strain gauge (a strain gauge having the same length as the first strain gauge 32). Therefore, according to this embodiment, a large amount of strain can be detected, and the detection sensitivity is high. Note that the present disclosure may be a strain gauge consisting of only one piece (only the first strain gauge 32).

[0040] Moreover, the strain gauges 31 are not provided in all the hinge portions 12. The strain gauges 31 are provided only in the two second hinge portions 12B (see FIG. 4) that overlap the detection region 5. Hereinafter, the hinge portions 12 that overlap the detection region 5 in the stacking direction and in which the strain gauges 31 are provided are referred to as detection hinge portions 12C. Note that, when viewed from the stacking direction, all of the detection hinge portions 12C overlap the detection region 5. For the above reasons, in this embodiment, the strain gauges 31 are not provided in the two first hinge portions 12A that overlap the detection region 5. Moreover, the strain gauges 31 are not provided in the hinge portions 12 that overlap the non-detection region 6.

[0041] 7, the transistor 40 is disposed in the body portion 11. The start end 31a of the strain gauge 31 is connected to the source electrode of the transistor 40. Hereinafter, the connection point between the transistor 40 and the start end 31a of the strain gauge 31 is referred to as a first connection point P1.

[0042] Moreover, the transistor 40 is not provided in all the body parts 11. Of the two body parts 11 connected to both ends of the detection hinge part 12C, the transistor 40 is provided only in the body part 11 where the starting end 31a and the ending end 31b of the strain gauge 31 are provided (hereinafter referred to as the detection body part 11C). Therefore, in this embodiment, of the two body parts 11 connected to both ends of the detection hinge part 12C, the transistor 40 is not provided in the body part 11 where the connection part 34 (see FIG. 5) is provided. Moreover, the transistor 40 is not provided in the body part 11 overlapping the non-detection region 6.

[0043] The gate line 41 is disposed across the first hinge parts 12A and the body parts 11, and extends in the first direction X. As shown in FIG. 4, the gate line 41 is disposed so as to overlap the detection body part 11C. Therefore, among the first hinge parts 12A and the body parts 11, the gate line 41 is not disposed on some of them. The gate line 41 is connected to the gate electrode of the transistor 40 on the detection body part 11C. Furthermore, the gate line 41 is shared by the transistors 40 disposed in the first direction X.

[0044] The first signal line 42 is disposed across the multiple second hinge parts 12B and the multiple body parts 11, and extends in the second direction Y. Similarly, the second signal line 43 is disposed across the multiple second hinge parts 12B and the multiple body parts 11, and extends in the second direction Y.

[0045] In addition, in Fig. 4, the first signal line 42 and the second signal line 43 extending in the second direction Y are illustrated as a single line. As shown in Fig. 4, the first signal line 42 and the second signal line 43 are arranged so as to overlap with the detection body part 11C. Therefore, among the multiple second hinge parts 12B and the multiple body parts 11, there are some where the first signal line 42 and the second signal line 43 are not arranged.

[0046] The first wiring 44 is disposed in the detection body portion 11C. One end of the first wiring 44 is connected to the terminal end 31b of the strain gauge 31. Hereinafter, the connection point between the first wiring 44 and the terminal end 31b of the strain gauge 31 is referred to as a first intermediate point P2. The other end of the first wiring 44 is connected to the second signal line 43. Hereinafter, the connection point between the first wiring 44 and the second signal line 43 is referred to as a second connection point P3. In addition, a second resistor portion 52 is provided on the first wiring 44.

[0047] The second wiring 45 is disposed in the detection body part 11C. The second wiring 45 connects the first connection point P1 and the second connection point P3. In addition, the third resistance portion 53 and the fourth resistance portion 54 are disposed in the second wiring 45. Hereinafter, a point on the second wiring 45 between the third resistance portion 53 and the fourth resistance portion 54 is referred to as a second intermediate point P4.

[0048] The first potential detection line 55 is a wiring for detecting the potential of the end 31b of the strain gauge 31, and extends from the first intermediate point P2. The first potential detection line 55 is disposed across the multiple first hinge portions 12A and the multiple body portions 11, and extends in one direction in the first direction X.

[0049] The second potential detection line 56 is a wiring for detecting the potential at the second intermediate point P4 of the second wiring 51, and extends from the second intermediate point P4. The second potential detection line 56 is disposed across the multiple first hinge portions 12A and the multiple body portions 11, and extends in the other direction in the first direction X.

[0050] As described above, according to this embodiment, the circuit including the strain gauge 31 constitutes a Wheatstone bridge circuit, which will be described in detail below.

[0051] 8 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the Wheatstone bridge circuit of the first embodiment. The second resistance value R2 of the second resistor portion 52, the third resistance value R3 of the third resistor portion 53, and the fourth resistance value R4 of the fourth resistor portion 54 are each the same as the first resistance value R1 of the strain gauge 31 when the hinge portion 12 is not deformed (R1=R2=R3=R4). In addition, the second resistor portion 52, the third resistor portion 53, and the fourth resistor portion 54 are provided in the body portion 11. Therefore, even when the hinge portion 12 is deformed, the amount of change in the resistance value is zero.

[0052] When detecting the amount of strain, a detection signal having a predetermined first potential V1 is supplied to the first signal line 42. A second potential V2 lower than the first potential V1 (V2>V1) is supplied to the second signal line 43. In this embodiment, the second potential V2 is 0V. Therefore, when the transistor 40 is closed, the potential of the first connection point P1 (the start end 31a of the strain gauge 31) becomes the first potential V1.

[0053] When the hinge portion 12 is not deformed, the resistance value of the strain gauge 31 remains at the first resistance value R1. Therefore, the first resistance value R1 of the strain gauge 31, the second resistance value R2 of the second resistor portion 52, the third resistance value R3 of the third resistor portion 53, and the fourth resistance value R4 of the fourth resistor portion 54 are all equal. Therefore, the potential V3 of the first intermediate point P2 read by the first potential detection line 55 and the potential V4 of the second intermediate point P4 read by the second potential detection line 56 are all equal.

[0054] On the other hand, when the hinge portion 12 is deformed and the resistance value of the strain gauge 31 changes, the first resistance value R1 changes. That is, the potential V3 of the first intermediate point P2 changes. Then, a potential difference occurs between the first intermediate point P2 and the second intermediate point P4. From the above, the amount of change in the resistance value of the strain gauge 31 can be detected by detecting the potentials V3 and V4.

[0055] 1, the array layer 30 has a connection portion 101, a gate line driving circuit 102, a first signal line selection circuit 103, a second signal line selection circuit 104, a first potential detection line selection circuit 105, and a second potential detection line selection circuit 106 to drive the load detection circuit. Each of the connection portion 101, the gate line driving circuit 102, the first signal line selection circuit 103, the second signal line selection circuit 104, the first potential detection line selection circuit 105, and the second potential detection line selection circuit 106 is a non-detection region 6 in a plan view and is disposed at an end of the stretchable device 100.

[0056] The connection portion 101 is for connecting to a driving IC (Integrated Circuit) arranged outside the stretchable device 100. The driving IC may be mounted as a COF (Chip On Film) on a flexible printed circuit board or a rigid board (not shown) connected to the connection portion 101.

[0057] The gate line driving circuit 102 is a circuit that drives a plurality of gate lines 41 (see FIG. 7) based on various control signals from a driving IC. The gate line driving circuit 102 selects the plurality of gate lines 41 sequentially or simultaneously, and supplies a gate driving signal to the selected gate lines 41.

[0058] The first signal line selection circuit 103 is a switch circuit that sequentially or simultaneously selects the multiple first signal lines 42. The first signal line selection circuit 103 connects the first signal lines 42 to the driving IC based on a selection signal supplied from the driving IC. As a result, a predetermined first potential V1 is applied to the first signal lines 42.

[0059] The second signal line selection circuit 104 is a switch circuit that sequentially or simultaneously selects the multiple second signal lines 43. The second signal line selection circuit 104 connects the second signal lines 43 to the driving IC based on a selection signal supplied from the driving IC. As a result, a predetermined second potential V2 is applied to the second signal lines 43.

[0060] The first potential detection line selection circuit 105 is a switch circuit that sequentially or simultaneously selects the multiple first potential detection lines 55. The first potential detection line selection circuit 105 connects the selected first potential detection line 55 to the driving IC based on a selection signal supplied from the driving IC. This causes the potential V3 of the first intermediate point P2 to be sent to the driving IC.

[0061] The second potential detection line selection circuit 106 is a switch circuit that sequentially or simultaneously selects the multiple second potential detection lines 56. The second potential detection line selection circuit 106 connects the selected second potential detection line 56 to the driving IC based on a selection signal supplied from the driving IC. This causes the potential V4 of the second intermediate point P4 to be sent to the driving IC. Next, a case where a load is input to the stretchable device 100 will be described.

[0062] 9 is a diagram showing a case where a tensile load in a second direction acts on the stretchable device of embodiment 1. When a tensile load in the second direction Y is input to the stretchable device 100, each portion of the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70 stretches in the second direction Y. With this deformation, the second hinge portion 12B overlapping with the non-detection region 6 (bonded to the bonding regions 66, 76) stretches in the second direction Y (see arrow A1 in FIG. 9).

[0063] On the other hand, the detection hinge part 12C (second hinge part 12B) overlapping with the detection area 5 is not bonded to the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70. Therefore, the load is not directly transmitted from the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70 to the detection hinge part 12C.

[0064] On the other hand, the four body parts 11 overlapping the detection area 5 are connected to the hinge parts 12 overlapping the non-detection area 6. Therefore, a tensile load in the second direction Y acts on the four body parts 11 overlapping the detection area 5 from the hinge parts 12 overlapping the non-detection area 6 (see arrow A2 in FIG. 9). As a result, the detection hinge parts 12C are pulled in the second direction Y (see arrow A3 in FIG. 9) and stretched in the second direction Y. This distorts the strain gauges 31, and the tensile load in the second direction Y is detected.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case where a tensile load in a first direction acts on the stretchable device of the first embodiment. When a tensile load in a first direction X is input to the stretchable device 100, each part of the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70 stretches in the first direction X. In order to follow this deformation, the first hinge part 12A overlapping with the non-detection area 6 (bonded to the bonding area parts 66, 76) stretches in the first direction X (see arrow B1 in FIG. 10). In addition, the second hinge part 12B overlapping with the non-detection area 6 also stretches in the first direction X (see arrow B2 in FIG. 10). Note that the load in the first direction X acting on the second hinge part 12B is the cause of the noise.

[0066] On the other hand, a tensile load in the first direction X acts on the four body parts 11 overlapping the detection area 5 from the hinge parts 12 overlapping the non-detection area 6 (see arrow B3 in FIG. 10). As a result, the two body parts 11 (one of which is the detection body part 11C) connected to the detection hinge part 12C move in the same direction (first direction X). The detection hinge part 12C moves in the same direction as the two body parts 11 it connects to (see arrow B4 in FIG. 10) and does not deform.

[0067] As described above, in the stretchable device 100 of the first embodiment, the detection hinge portion 12C (strain gauge 31) is arranged so as to overlap with the detection area 5. In addition, the holes 67, 77 (unbonded area portions 65, 75) are provided so as to overlap with the detection area 5. For this reason, a load is not directly input from the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70 to the detection hinge portion 12C. Therefore, noise (a load in a direction (first direction X1) different from the direction to be detected (second direction Y)) is not input to the strain gauge 31.

[0068] Although the stretchable device 100 of the first embodiment has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in the first embodiment. For example, in the first embodiment, a plurality of hinge parts 12 are arranged in a range overlapping with the detection area 5, and the strain gauge 31 is provided only on a portion (second hinge part 12B) of the plurality of hinge parts 12, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the present disclosure, the strain gauge 31 may be provided on the first hinge part 12A that overlaps with the detection area 5. Alternatively, the strain gauge 31 may be provided on all of the plurality of hinge parts 12 arranged in a range overlapping with the detection area 5.

[0069] In addition, in the first embodiment, the strain gauge 31 is provided only for the hinge portion 12 overlapping the detection area 5, but the strain gauge 31 may be provided for the hinge portion 12 in a range overlapping the non-detection area 6. However, the load from the elastic resin is transmitted to the hinge portion 12 overlapping the non-detection area 6. Therefore, it is preferable to correct the results detected by the strain gauge 31 before use.

[0070] In addition, in the first embodiment, the first stretchable resin 60 and the second stretchable resin 70 are not bonded to the stretchable substrate 10 by forming holes 67, 77 in the unbonded regions 65, 75, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described in which the detection hinge portion 12C is not bonded by a configuration other than the holes 67, 77. Note that the following description will focus on differences from the previously described embodiments.

[0071] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the stretchable device of embodiment 2 cut in the stacking direction. As shown in Fig. 11, the stretchable device 100A of embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in that it includes a third elastic resin 80 arranged in the second stacking direction Z2 of the first elastic resin 60. The stretchable device 100A of embodiment 2 also differs from embodiment 1 in that it includes a fourth elastic resin 81 arranged in the first stacking direction Z1 of the second elastic resin 70.

[0072] The third elastic resin 80 and the fourth elastic resin 81 are formed in a plate shape and extend in a planar direction. The third elastic resin 80 is bonded to the first elastic resin 60 by an adhesive (not shown). Therefore, the hole 67 of the first elastic resin 60 is covered by the third elastic resin 80. Also, the surface of the third elastic resin 80 in the second stacking direction Z2 becomes the back surface 2 (opposite surface). The hole 67 is blocked by the third elastic resin 80, and becomes a concave surface 67A recessed toward the back surface 2 (opposite surface).

[0073] Similarly, the fourth elastic resin 81 is adhered to the second elastic resin 70 by an adhesive (not shown). Therefore, the hole 77 of the second elastic resin 70 is covered by the fourth elastic resin 81. The surface of the fourth elastic resin 81 in the first stacking direction Z1 becomes the surface 1 (opposite surface). In addition, the hole 77 is blocked by the fourth elastic resin 81, and becomes a concave surface 77A recessed toward the surface 1 (opposite surface).

[0074] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the concave surfaces 67A, 77A are provided in the unbonded regions 65, 75. Therefore, the detection hinge portion 12C of the stretchable substrate 10 faces the concave surfaces 67A, 77A and is not bonded to the elastic resins (the first elastic resin 60, the second elastic resin 70, the third elastic resin 80, and the fourth elastic resin 81). Therefore, also in the second embodiment, the load is not transmitted from the elastic resins to the hinge portion 12, and noise is not input to the strain gauge 31.

[0075] The above describes embodiment 2, but the present disclosure may also be directed to an elastic resin in which the first elastic resin 60 and the third elastic resin 80 are integrally molded, or an elastic resin in which the second elastic resin 70 and the fourth elastic resin 81 are integrally molded.

[0076] (Embodiment 3) FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the stretchable device of the third embodiment taken in the stacking direction. The stretchable device 100B of the third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that a viscous fluid 68 is disposed inside the concave surface 67A. Also, the stretchable device 100B of the third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that a viscous fluid 78 is disposed inside the concave surface 77A.

[0077] The viscous fluids 68, 78 include gel, sol, or silicone oil. The viscous fluids 68, 78 are in contact with the stretchable substrate 10. Therefore, in order to reduce the load transmitted to the stretchable substrate 10, it is preferable that the viscous fluids have a small frictional force.

[0078] According to the third embodiment, the hinge portion 12 and the body portion 11 of the stretchable substrate 10 that overlap the detection region 5 are in contact with the viscous fluids 68, 78. Therefore, the heat contained in the hinge portion 12 (including the detection hinge portion 12C) and the body portion 11 is transferred to the viscous fluids 68, 78. This reduces the temperature difference between the strain gauge 31 (see FIG. 4) contained in the detection hinge portion 12C and the second resistor portion 52, the third resistor portion 53, and the fourth resistor portion 54 (see FIG. 7) contained in the body portion 11, thereby enabling temperature compensation of the Wheatstone bridge circuit.

[0079] The viscous fluids 68 and 78 of the present disclosure may contain a highly thermally conductive filler. This can further reduce the temperature difference among the strain gauge 31, the second resistor portion 52, the third resistor portion 53, and the fourth resistor portion 54.

[0080] (Embodiment 4) 13 is a cross-sectional view of the stretchable device of the fourth embodiment cut in the stacking direction. As shown in FIG. 13, the stretchable device 100C of the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that no hole 67 is formed in the first stretchable resin 60C. That is, in the first stretchable resin 60C, the facing surface 61 of the unbonded region 65 abuts against the stretchable substrate 10. However, no adhesive is provided on the facing surface 61 of the unbonded region 65. That is, when a load is input to the first stretchable resin 60C, the facing surface 61 of the unbonded region 65 slides against the stretchable substrate 10.

[0081] Similarly, the stretchable device 100C of the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second stretchable resin 70C does not have holes 77 formed therein. That is, in the second stretchable resin 70C, the facing surface 71 of the unbonded region 75 abuts against the stretchable substrate 10. However, no adhesive is provided on the facing surface 71 of the unbonded region 75. That is, when a load is input to the second stretchable resin 70C, the facing surface 71 of the unbonded region 75 slides against the stretchable substrate 10.

[0082] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the load from the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70 is unlikely to be transmitted to the detection hinge portion 12C. This makes it possible to prevent noise from being input to the strain gauge 31. In the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to perform a process to reduce the frictional force between the opposing surfaces 61, 71 of the unbonded regions 65, 75.

[0083] Above, each embodiment for preventing the load from being transmitted to the hinge portion (detection hinge portion) has been described. In addition, in the first embodiment, an example is given in which the detection area 5 (unbonded area portions 65, 75) is formed in a square shape in a plan view, but in the present disclosure, the shape of the detection area 5 may be a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, or the like, and is not particularly limited.

[0084] In addition, in the first embodiment, four hinge portions 12 and four body portions 11 are included for one detection area 5 (unbonded areas 65, 75), but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Modifications will be described below.

[0085] (Variation 1) FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the relationship between the detection area and the stretchable substrate in the stretchable device of the first modification. As shown in FIG. 14, in the stretchable device 100D of the first modification, the detection area 5 overlaps only one hinge portion 12 (detection hinge portion 12C). That is, only the hinge portion 12 (detection hinge portion 12C) is exposed from the holes 67, 77 (unbonded area portions 65, 75) of the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70. According to this first modification, the detection hinge portion 12C is not entirely bonded to the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70. Therefore, the detection hinge portion 12C does not follow the deformation of the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70, and the strain gauge 31 does not detect noise (load in the first direction X).

[0086] (Variation 2) 15 is a plan view showing the relationship between the detection area and the stretchable substrate in the stretchable device of the second modification. As shown in FIG. 15, in the stretchable device 100E of the second modification, the detection area 5 overlaps one hinge portion 12 (detection hinge portion 12C) and two body portions 11 (one of which is the detection body portion 11C) connected to both ends of the detection hinge portion 12C. According to the second modification, the detection hinge portion 12C is not entirely bonded to the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70. Therefore, the detection hinge portion 12C does not follow the deformation of the first elastic resin 60 and the second elastic resin 70, and the strain gauge 31 does not detect noise (load in the first direction X).

[0087] (Variation 3) Fig. 16 is a plan view of the stretchable device of Modification 3. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the stretchable device of Modification 3 cut in the stacking direction. As shown in Fig. 17, the stretchable device 100F of Modification 3 will be described using an example in which concave surfaces 67A, 77A are provided in the first stretchable resin 60 and the second stretchable resin 70, and viscous fluids 68, 78 are arranged in the concave surfaces 67A, 77A, as described in the second embodiment.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 16, in the stretchable device 100F of the third modification, the detection area 5 is larger than that of the first embodiment and is a single detection area 5. The detection area 5 of the third modification is disposed in the center of the planar direction of the stretchable device 100F. The non-detection area 6 is in the shape of a frame surrounding the detection area 5. In other words, only the edges of the stretchable substrate 10 (the ends in the first direction X1 and the second direction X2) are the non-detection areas 6. Therefore, most of the hinge portions 12 of the stretchable substrate 10 are included in the detection area 5. Even in such an example, it is possible to prevent noise from entering the strain gauge 31.

[0089] In the example shown in variant example 3, when the detection area 5 overlaps with multiple hinge portions 12, strain gauges 31 may be provided in all of the multiple hinge portions 12 that overlap with the detection area 5, or strain gauges 31 may be provided in only some of the hinge portions 12.

[0090] In addition, in the third modification, the non-detection area 6 is frame-shaped. That is, only the edge of the stretchable substrate 10 is bonded to a pair of stretchable resins (the first stretchable resin 60 and the second stretchable resin 70). When a tensile load acts only on a part of the detection area 5, not on the edge of the stretchable device 100F (see arrow F in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17), the first stretchable resin 60 and the second stretchable resin 70 are locally stretched. In other words, since the load does not act on the non-detection area 6 (bonding area portions 66, 76), the load is not transmitted to the stretchable substrate 10. That is, in the third modification, the load acting on a part (local) of the first stretchable resin 60 and the second stretchable resin 70 cannot be detected. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, a plurality of detection areas 5 are scattered, and the areas of the bonding area portions 66, 76 are large. Therefore, it is easy to detect the load acting on a part (local) of the first stretchable resin 60 and the second stretchable resin 70. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 Surface (opposite side) 2 Back side (opposite side) 5 Detection Area 6 Non-detection area 10 Stretchable Board 11 Body 11C Detection body part 12 Hinge part 12A First hinge part 12B Second hinge part 12C Detection hinge part 20 Resin substrate 30 Array Layer 31 Strain gauge 40 Transistor 41 Gate line 42 First signal line 43 Second signal line 52 2nd resistance section 53 3rd resistance section 54 4th resistance section 55 First potential detection line 56 Second potential detection line 60 1st elastic resin 61 Opposite Surface 65 Unbonded area 66 Adhesive area 67 holes 67A concave 68 Viscous fluid 70 Second elastic resin 71 Opposite Surface 75 Unbonded area 76 Adhesive area 77 holes 77A concave 78 Viscous fluid 80 Third elastic resin 81 4th elastic resin 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F Stretchable Device

Claims

1. A stretchable substrate having a plurality of body portions and a plurality of hinge portions connecting the body portions to each other; A pair of elastic resins sandwiching the stretchable substrate; A stretchable device comprising: When viewed from a lamination direction in which the stretchable substrate and the elastic resin overlap, the stretchable device is divided into a detection area in which a load can be detected and a non-detection area, one or more of the hinge portions are detection hinge portions provided with a strain gauge, When viewed from the stacking direction, the entire detection hinge portion overlaps with the detection area, The elastic resin is An adhesive region that overlaps the non-detection region when viewed from the stacking direction and is attached to the stretchable substrate; an unbonded area portion that overlaps the detection area when viewed from the stacking direction and is not bonded to the stretchable substrate; Possesses Stretchable device.

2. Among the plurality of body portions, a body portion connected to the detection hinge portion overlaps with the detection region when viewed from the stacking direction. The stretchable device of claim 1.

3. The unbonded region is provided with a hole penetrating the elastic resin.

3. A stretchable device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The elastic resin is An opposing surface facing the stretchable substrate; An opposite surface facing in an opposite direction to the opposing surface, The non-bonded region is provided with a concave surface recessed toward the opposite surface.

3. A stretchable device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A viscous fluid is disposed on the concave surface.

5. The stretchable device of claim 4.

6. The non-bonded region is provided with a contact surface that contacts the stretchable substrate.

3. A stretchable device according to claim 1 or 2.

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