Flexible ribbon sensor

Abstract

To provide a sensor that has excellent flexibility, can be installed for complex shapes, has high spatial resolution, reduced installation cost, and fewer restrictions during installation.SOLUTION: A flexible ribbon sensor includes: a long substrate; wiring having at least m voltage lines V1 to Vm and at least n detection lines D1 to Dn provided on the long substrate and extending in a longitudinal direction; and four or more and m×n or less sensors placed on the long substrate. The m and n are each independently an integer of 2 or more. The wiring is connected to an end module provided on one of ends of the long substrate. Each of the sensors is connected to the voltage lines and the detection lines such that the combination of at least m voltage lines V1 to Vm and at least n detection lines D1 to Dn are different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flexible ribbon sensor. More specifically, it relates to a flexible ribbon sensor capable of independently acquiring measurement data of a large number of sensors arranged on a long substrate.

Background Art

[0002] Flexible sensors that combine flexibility and thinness can be installed in various places such as curved surfaces, movable parts, and skin, and thus research and development have been actively carried out in recent years. As existing flexible sensors, those equipped with a single sensor and sheet-like ones with sensors arranged two-dimensionally vertically and horizontally are common. Among these, those equipped with a single sensor are a single sensor as a whole, and only the average value of the whole can be grasped. Also, the number of cables required increases as the number of sensors increases. For this reason, those with sensors arranged two-dimensionally mainly by the active matrix method or the passive matrix method have been used in recent years. The flexible sensor described in Patent Document 1 has sensors arranged two-dimensionally, can acquire the target physical quantity two-dimensionally, and is excellent in convenience. However, when installed on a complex curved surface such as a spherical surface, wrinkles may occur, which may cause problems in reliability. Also, there is a problem that the technical difficulty increases to impart stretchability to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles. Furthermore, since extraction wirings exist on two sides of the sensor array, there are also many restrictions during installation.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an optical fiber temperature distribution measurement system as a flexible sensor for one-dimensionally measuring temperature distribution. The optical fiber temperature distribution measurement system can measure the temperature distribution over a long distance, but has problems such as high introduction cost because a high-time-resolution Raman spectrometer is required, a large minimum curvature radius, and low spatial resolution.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a temperature distribution measurement system in which optical fibers are two-dimensionally and planar-wired as a flexible sensor for two-dimensionally measuring a temperature distribution. However, since a Raman spectrometer with high time resolution is required, there are problems such as high introduction costs, a large minimum curvature radius, and low spatial resolution.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sensor that is excellent in flexibility, can be installed even for a complex shape, has high spatial resolution, reduced introduction costs, and few restrictions during installation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by a flexible ribbon sensor having a specific configuration, and have completed the present invention. Specifically, it is as follows. Item 1: A long substrate, At least m voltage lines V1 to V extending in the longitudinal direction provided on the long substrate, m And at least n detection lines D1 to D n A wiring having, Having 4 or more and m×n or less sensors placed on the long substrate, Wherein m and n are each independently an integer of 2 or more, The wiring is connected to an end module provided at one end of the long substrate, Each of the sensors is connected to a voltage line and a detection line such that at least m voltage lines V1 to V m and at least n detection lines D1 to D n have different combinations from each other. Flexible ribbon sensor. Item 2: The flexible ribbon sensor according to Item 1, wherein the sensor is one or more selected from a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a proximity sensor, a shear force sensor, a magnetic sensor, a laser sensor, a microwave sensor, a strain sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a displacement sensor, a gas sensor, a GPS sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an odor sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, a current sensor, a vibration sensor, a pulse wave sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, a luminous intensity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, and a biosensor. Item 3: The flexible ribbon sensor according to Item 1 or 2, which is connectable in the longitudinal direction. Item 4: A step of providing a wiring layer having at least m voltage lines V1 to V extending in the longitudinal direction on a long substrate, m and at least n detection lines D1 to D n ; a step of providing an insulating layer having via holes on the wiring layer; a step of providing an electrode layer having m×n or fewer electrodes on the insulating layer; a step of providing a sensor on the electrode layer; a step of providing an end module connected to the wiring at one end of the long substrate; including at least, wherein m and n are each independently an integer of 2 or more, and the via holes in the insulating layer connect each electrode of the electrode layer to the voltage lines and the detection lines such that the combinations of at least m voltage lines V1 to V and at least n detection lines D1 to D m are different from each other. n A method for manufacturing a flexible ribbon sensor. A method for manufacturing a flexible ribbon sensor. Item 5: The method for manufacturing the flexible ribbon sensor according to item 4, wherein the wiring layer is formed by printing conductive ink. Item 6: The method for manufacturing the flexible ribbon sensor according to item 4 or 5, wherein the insulating layer is formed by printing insulating ink.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] The flexible ribbon sensor of the present invention is excellent in flexibility, can be installed even for complex shapes, has a high spatial resolution similar to that of the active matrix method, and does not require an expensive device such as a Raman spectrometer, so the introduction cost is reduced. Since the extraction wiring is only at the ribbon end, it exhibits a remarkable effect of having few restrictions during installation. Furthermore, the flexible ribbon sensor of the present invention can be cut to the required length for use, can also accommodate multiple types of sensors, does not require special skills for installation, and only the damaged part needs to be repaired, so it also has a remarkable effect of being easy to repair. The flexible ribbon sensor of the present invention can be manufactured by printed electronics technology, whereby it has high reliability, can be mass-produced quickly and inexpensively, and is extremely useful.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the flexible ribbon sensor and the method for manufacturing the flexible ribbon sensor according to the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the scope in which the effects of the present invention are achieved. In addition, the use of the same reference numerals in different drawings indicates similar or identical items or features.

[0011] [Flexible Ribbon Sensor] FIGS. 1 to 4 are all schematic configuration diagrams of a flexible ribbon sensor FRS according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible ribbon sensor FRS of the present invention has a configuration in which a plurality of sensors S are placed on a long substrate 1, and an end module E is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the long substrate 1. The flexible ribbon sensor FRS according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 is provided on a long substrate (not shown), and has three voltage lines V1 to V3 and three detection lines D1 to D3 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the long substrate (m = 3 in FIG. 2). It has wiring and nine sensors S1 to S9 placed on the long substrate (m × n = 9 in FIG. 2), and is connected to an end module E provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the long substrate. Each of the nine sensors S is connected to the voltage lines and the detection lines such that the combinations of the three voltage lines V1 to V3 and the three detection lines D1 to D3 are different from each other. The flexible ribbon sensor FRS of the present invention can be cut at an arbitrary position from the end module E side according to the usage mode or the like, and the portion between the end module E and the cut portion can be used as the flexible ribbon sensor FRS. In the flexible ribbon sensor FRS according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, an end module E is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the long substrate 1, and a connecting portion JO is provided at the other end. By connecting the end module E and the connecting portion, two or more flexible ribbon sensors FRS of the present invention can be connected to form a longer flexible ribbon sensor. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram according to another embodiment related to the wiring of the flexible ribbon sensor FRS.

[0012] <Long, narrow base material> The long, narrow base material 1 in the flexible ribbon sensor FRS of the present invention has the function as a base material and flexibility, and is not particularly limited as long as it is in the form of an elongated ribbon. For example, there are long, narrow base materials in the form of an elongated film (tape) or a rod (thread). In the present invention, from the viewpoints of the strength, flexibility, minimum radius of curvature, etc. of the flexible ribbon sensor FRS, for example, an elongated film (tape) - shaped long, narrow base material with a short side of 50 mm or less, preferably 40 mm or less and 5 mm or more, a long side of 500,000 mm or less, preferably 200,000 mm or less and 50 mm or more, and a thickness of 0.001 mm to 10.0 mm, preferably 0.01 mm to 3.0 mm can be preferably used.

[0013] The material of the long, narrow base material 1 is not particularly limited as long as it has flexibility and insulation properties. For example, there are insulators such as resin, paper, and cloth that have flexibility. A resin film is preferred because it is easy to impart required physical properties, has excellent flexibility, and can reduce the minimum radius of curvature. Examples of the resin constituting the resin film include polyester - based resins, polyamide - imide - based resins, polyimide - based resins, polyamide - based resins, polyether - ether - ketone - based resins, polysulfone - based resins, polyphenylene sulfide - based resins, polysulfone - based resins, polyether sulfone - based resins, fluororesins, ABS resins, polyphenylene oxide - based resins, acrylic resins, polycarbonate - based resins, polybutadiene - based resins, polyurethane - based resins, polyolefin - based resins, polyvinyl chloride - based resins, polystyrene - based resins, etc., which can be used without particular limitation. Also, a mixture of these resins may be used, and if necessary, it may contain functional materials such as colorants, ultraviolet absorbers, infrared - reflecting materials, and light - scattering particles. Furthermore, it may be a laminate formed by arbitrarily combining these resins, paper, and cloth. The color tone of the long substrate 1 is not particularly limited and may be any of colorless transparent, colored transparent, translucent, and opaque. It can be appropriately selected according to the use and installation location of the flexible ribbon sensor FRS, etc.

[0014] <Wiring> The wiring in the flexible ribbon sensor FRS of the present invention is provided on the long substrate 1 and extends in the longitudinal direction, and has at least m voltage lines V1 to V m and at least n detection lines D1 to D n Here, m and n are each independently an integer of 2 or more, and furthermore, they are not particularly limited as long as they are within the number of sensors S required by the flexible ribbon sensor FRS and the range that can be formed on the long substrate 1. m and n are, for example, each independently an integer of 3 or more and 3,000 or less, preferably each independently an integer of 4 or more and 1,000 or less, more preferably each independently an integer of 4 or more and 100 or less. Here, the ratio of the number of sensors to the number of wirings can be maximized when n = m. The voltage lines exceeding m and the detection lines exceeding n may be for connecting additional flexible ribbon sensors FRS. Also, the wiring may be formed by combining a plurality of layers having an arbitrary number of voltage lines V and / or detection lines D. The wiring is composed of a conductive material including one or more selected from the group consisting of metal-based materials containing gold, silver, copper, aluminum, nickel, chromium, etc., conductive polymers, conductive carbon, graphene, carbon nanotubes, etc.

[0015] The width of the wiring is preferably, for example, 0.01 mm or more, preferably 0.03 mm or more, more preferably 0.1 mm or more, and preferably 3.0 mm or less, preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.0 mm or less. If the width of the wiring is less than 0.01 mm, it may be difficult to create the wiring, and when the flexible ribbon sensor (FRS) is deformed, the generated stress may cause the wiring to break. If the width of the wiring exceeds 3.0 mm, the number of wirings (value of n) cannot be increased, the number of sensors (S) placed on the flexible ribbon sensor (FRS) decreases, and the measurement accuracy and the like may deteriorate.

[0016] The wiring preferably has a thickness of, for example, 0.1 μm or more, preferably 1 μm or more, more preferably 3 μm or more, and, for example, 1000 μm or less, preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less. In the flexible ribbon sensor (FRS) of the present invention, since the joint between the wiring and the sensor (S) becomes relatively rigid, the FRS bends at the portion where the sensor (S) is not joined, and flexibility is exhibited. When the flexible ribbon sensor (FRS) is bent, stress is applied to the joint between the wiring and the sensor (S). Therefore, if the thickness of the wiring is less than 0.1 μm, the resistance value increases, and the sensing accuracy may become insufficient. On the other hand, if the thickness of the wiring exceeds 1000 μm, the wiring becomes more rigid, and the flexibility of the flexible ribbon sensor (FRS) may decrease and the minimum curvature radius may increase.

[0017] The method of providing the wiring on the long substrate 1 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be formed by printing conductive ink. The printing method is not particularly limited, but screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, offset printing, flexographic printing, and dispenser printing are preferred. By forming the circuit by printing, it is possible to easily mass-produce at low cost. Alternatively, it may be formed by plating after forming a plating resist by means such as printing, or by plating after printing a plating seed layer. By such a method, it is also possible to easily mass-produce at low cost. Furthermore, it may be formed by one or more methods selected from the group consisting of metal vapor deposition, plating, silver salts, etc. The formed conductive layer may be further trimmed by means such as a laser to form a wiring layer with higher precision.

[0018] One end of the wiring is connected to an end module E provided at one of the longitudinal ends of the long substrate 1. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the other end of the wiring may be a connection portion JO. The connection portion JO is for joining with the end module E of another flexible ribbon sensor FRS, and thereby, it is possible to form a longer flexible ribbon sensor. At that time, in order to simplify the connection structure between the connection portion JO and the end module E, a wiring crossing portion CR can be provided which three-dimensionally crosses the voltage line V or the detection line D provided for connection with the sensor S of the extended flexible ribbon sensor FRS. In this way, when a large number of flexible ribbon sensors FRS are combined and used, repair in case of failure can be carried out at low cost and maintenance is facilitated because it only involves replacing the flexible ribbon sensor FRS at the failed part.

[0019] In addition, when a long flexible ribbon sensor is used, there is a possibility that the sensor S is likely to pick up electrostatic induction noise or electromagnetic induction noise. As a countermeasure against electrostatic induction noise, it is effective to apply an electromagnetic shield. As a countermeasure against electromagnetic induction noise, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the voltage line and the detection line are formed in different layers from each other, and the voltage line and the detection line are extended so as to meander in the longitudinal direction of the long substrate 1 (pseudo-twist structure).

[0020] <Sensor> The sensor S in the flexible ribbon sensor FRS of the present invention is appropriately selected according to the measurement object, application, etc., and is not particularly limited. For example, it is one or more selected from a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a proximity sensor, a shear force sensor, a magnetic sensor, a laser sensor, a microwave sensor, a strain sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a displacement sensor, a gas sensor, a GPS sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an odor sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, an electric current sensor, a vibration sensor, a pulse wave sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, a luminous intensity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, and a biosensor.

[0021] In the flexible ribbon sensor FRS of the present invention, the number of sensors S placed on the long substrate 1 is 4 or more and m×n or less (m is also the number of voltage lines and n is also the number of detection lines). m and n are each independently an integer of 2 or more, and further, they are not particularly limited as long as they are within the range of the number of sensors S required for the flexible ribbon sensor FRS and the number of sensors S that can be placed on the long substrate 1. m and n are, for example, each independently an integer of 3 or more and 3,000 or less, preferably each independently an integer of 4 or more and 1,000 or less, more preferably each independently an integer of 4 or more and 100 or less. The arrangement of the sensors S placed on the long substrate 1 is not particularly limited. On the long substrate 1, they may be placed such that there are a in the longitudinal direction and b in the short transverse direction (a is an integer of 3 or more, b is an integer of 1 or more, and a>b). In particular, the value of the number b of the sensors S placed in the short transverse direction is 4 or less, preferably 3 or less, more preferably 2 or less, and most preferably 1 (that is, the mode in which the sensors S are arranged in a single row in the longitudinal direction of the long substrate 1). The number and arrangement of the sensors can be adjusted in consideration of the spatial resolution.

[0022] Each sensor S is connected to the voltage line and the detection line such that the combinations of the m voltage lines V1 to V m and the n detection lines D1 to D n are different from each other. In the flexible ribbon sensor FRS having three voltage lines V1 to V3, three detection lines D1 to D3, and nine sensors S1 to S9 shown in FIG. 2, the voltage lines and detection lines connected to each sensor are as shown in Table 1 below, for example.

[0023]

Table 1

[0024] <End module> The end module E in the flexible ribbon sensor FRS of the present invention has a connector portion having connectors (connection terminals) respectively connected to wirings having at least m voltage lines and at least n detection lines. The connector portion may further have a ground (GND) terminal for shielding. The pitch of the connectors (connection terminals) is not particularly limited. For example, it is 1.0 mm or less, preferably 0.7 mm or less, and for example, 0.01 mm or more, preferably 0.1 mm or more. Via the connector portion, it is connected to a detection portion, a bias portion, etc. Also, via the connector portion, a plurality of flexible ribbon sensors FRS can be connected to form a long flexible ribbon sensor.

[0025] The end module can individually read the measured values of each sensor as follows, for example. In the flexible ribbon sensor FRS having three voltage lines V1 to V3, three detection lines D1 to D3, and nine sensors S1 to S9 shown in FIG. 2, a positive voltage V a is applied only to the voltage line V1, and the voltage lines V2 and V3 are set to 0 V (zero volts). At that time, by measuring the currents I1, I2, and I3 flowing through the detection lines D1, D2, and D3, respectively, the resistance values of the sensors S1, S2, and S3 can be obtained as V a / I1, V a / I2, and V a / I3, respectively.

[0026] <Connected device, etc.> In the flexible ribbon sensor FRS of the present invention, various devices and the like can be connected via the connector portion of the end module E. Examples of the devices to be connected include a detection unit, a bias unit, a power supply, a recording unit, a calculation unit, a display unit, and the like. It is also possible to integrate and incorporate at least a part of these with the end module E.

[0027] The detection unit is a part that decomposes the electrical signal sent from the sensor S via the detection line D and generates measurement data. The current range, current resolution, internal resistance, recommended resistance value of the sensor, etc. can be set as appropriate. For example, the current range can be set to 30 to 300 μA, the current resolution can be set to 1 / 65536 (0.46 to 4.6 nA) of the maximum current range, the internal resistance can be set to 100 Ω, and the recommended resistance value of the sensor S can be set to 20 to 200 kΩ.

[0028] The bias unit is for applying a bias voltage to the sensor S. The bias voltage (output voltage) is not particularly limited, and a suitable voltage can be set according to the sensor S and the like. The bias voltage (output voltage) is, for example, 1.0 V or more, preferably 2.5 V or more, and is, for example, 5.0 V or less, preferably 4.0 V or less.

[0029] Examples of the power supply include batteries such as button batteries, dry batteries, and lithium-ion batteries, power generation devices such as solar power generation devices, and industrial or household AC power supplies. These power supplies may be incorporated in the end module E, for example, or may be connected by USB, a power outlet, or the like. The supply voltage from the power supply is not particularly limited and can be set, for example, in the range of 4.5 V or more and 21 V or less. The current consumption is not particularly limited and can be set, for example, in the range of 10 mA or more and 100 mA or less.

[0030] As the recording unit and the calculation unit, for example, a computer device having a memory element and a calculation element can be mentioned. As the display unit, for example, a display device can be mentioned. The measurement data generated by the detection unit is transmitted to these recording unit, calculation unit, display unit, etc., and the communication method may be wired or wireless.

[0031] <Applications of Flexible Ribbon Sensor, etc.> The flexible ribbon sensor FRS of the present invention can be used for a wide variety of applications according to the type of sensor S. Furthermore, the flexible ribbon sensor FRS of the present invention can be used for applications that take advantage of its flexibility. As applications of the flexible ribbon sensor FRS of the present invention, for example, management of temperature, humidity, illuminance, etc. in agricultural facilities, industrial plants, pipelines, computer (server) rooms, storage facilities for drugs and foods, etc. can be mentioned. Also, management of temperature, humidity, etc. inside bedding and clothes can be mentioned. Furthermore, it can be used as a mobile device worn on the human body or animals, and applications as a wearable sensor for health management, medical management, etc. can be mentioned.

[0032] [Manufacturing Method of Flexible Ribbon Sensor] The manufacturing method of the flexible ribbon sensor FRS of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, (1) A step of providing a wiring layer L1 having at least m voltage lines V1 to V extending in the longitudinal direction of the long substrate 1 on the long substrate 1 m and at least n detection lines D1 to D n on the long substrate 1. (2) A step of providing an insulating layer L2 having via holes on the wiring layer L1. (3) A step of providing an electrode layer L3 having m×n or fewer electrodes on the insulating layer L2. (4) A step of providing the electrode layer L3. (4) A step of providing the sensor S on the electrode layer L3. (5) A step of providing an end module E connected to the wiring at one end in the longitudinal direction of the long substrate 1. includes at least The via holes of the insulating layer L2 connect each electrode of the electrode layer to the voltage lines and the detection lines such that the combinations of at least m voltage lines V1 to V m and at least n detection lines D1 to D n are different from each other. A method for manufacturing a flexible ribbon sensor can be cited. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing at least the steps of (1) to (3).

[0033] The wiring layer L1 is formed by providing at least m voltage lines V1 to V m and at least n detection lines D1 to D n on the long substrate 1. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which four voltage lines V1 to V4 are provided so as to be sandwiched in the short side direction of the long substrate 1 by two detection lines D1 to D2 and two detection lines D3 to D4. The means for providing the wiring layer L1 on the long substrate 1 is not particularly limited. For example, at least m voltage lines V1 to V m and at least n detection lines D1 to D n can be formed by printing conductive ink. The printing method is not particularly limited, but screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, offset printing, flexographic printing, and dispenser printing are preferred. By forming the circuit by printing, it becomes possible to produce inexpensively, easily, at high speed, and in large quantities. Alternatively, it may be formed by plating after forming a plating resist by means such as printing, or by plating after printing a plating seed layer. Even by such a method, it can be produced inexpensively and easily in large quantities. Furthermore, it may be formed by one or more methods selected from the group consisting of metal evaporation, plating, silver salts, etc.

[0034] The wiring layer L1 may be composed of two or more layers, namely, a layer provided with at least m voltage lines V1 to V m and a layer provided with at least n detection lines D1 to D n . In such a case, for example, after forming the lower wiring layer L 11 the lower wiring layer L11 An intermediate layer made of an insulator is formed on it, and a wiring layer L 12 can be formed by forming on the intermediate layer. In addition, holes communicating with the via holes provided in the insulating layer L2 are formed in the intermediate layer.

[0035] The insulating layer L2 is formed by providing an insulating film having via holes formed at predetermined positions as connection portions with electrodes on the wiring layer L1. Further, at least one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the long substrate 1 forms an end module installation portion ES by preventing the insulating layer L2 from covering the electrode layer. FIG. 5 shows an insulating film 201 in which via holes 202 for connecting each electrode of the electrode layer to the voltage line and the detection line are formed so that the combinations of the four voltage lines V1 to V4 and the four detection lines D1 to D4 are different from each other, and an end module installation portion ES is provided at at least one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the long substrate 1. The means for providing the insulating layer L2 having via holes is not particularly limited. For example, it can be formed by printing an insulating layer-forming ink. The printing method is not particularly limited, but screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, offset printing, and flexographic printing are preferable. By forming a circuit by printing, it becomes possible to easily mass-produce at low cost and at high speed. The size of the via hole is not particularly limited, but can be appropriately adjusted according to the line widths of the voltage line V and the detection line D. For example, it can have substantially the same diameter as the line widths of the voltage line V and the detection line D. When providing the insulating layer L2 having via holes, at least one short side portion of the flexible ribbon sensor FRS is made into the end module installation portion ES.

[0036] The electrode layer L3 is formed by providing a voltage line connection electrode and a detection line connection electrode at predetermined positions on the insulating layer L2. As shown in FIG. 5, the electrodes provided in the electrode layer are a pair of a voltage line connection electrode 301 connected to the voltage line via a via hole and a detection line connection electrode 302 connected to the detection line via a via hole. The means for providing the electrode layer L3 is not particularly limited. The same means as those for providing the wiring layer L1 can be used.

[0037] Examples of means for providing a sensor on an electrode layer include joining by soldering, joining with a conductive adhesive, joining with nanoparticles, and joining by fitting or the like. Among these, examples of soldering include soldering using lead-free solder, solder flow, solder reflow, and soldering by electromagnetic induction heating technology (IH technology).

[0038] In the present invention, after providing the electrode layer L3 or the sensor S, a step of providing a resistance layer L4 may be provided as necessary. When providing the resistance layer L4, the means therefor is not particularly limited. The same means as those for providing the insulating layer L2 can be used.

[0039] Although the present invention has been described in detail above, various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention in the above configuration. Therefore, all matters included in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be construed as illustrative.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0040] FRS: Flexible Ribbon Sensor 1: Long Substrate S: Sensor E: End Module V, V1 to V8: Voltage Lines D, D1 to D8: Detection Lines CR: Voltage Line - Detection Line Intersection JO: Connection Part L1: Wiring Layer L2: Insulating Layer L3: Electrode Layer L4: Resistance Layer 201: Insulating Film 202: Via Hole ES: End Module Installation Part 301: Voltage Line Connection Electrode 302: Detection Line Connection Electrode

Claims

1. A long strip-shaped substrate, At least m voltage lines V extending in the longitudinal direction and provided on a long-strip-shaped base material １ ~V ｍ and at least n detection lines D １ ~D ｎ having a wiring having four or more and m×n or less sensors placed on the long strip-shaped substrate, wherein m and n are each independently an integer of 2 or more, an end module is provided at one longitudinal end of the long strip-shaped substrate, and a connecting portion is provided at the other longitudinal end of the long strip-shaped substrate, the wiring is connected to an end module provided at one longitudinal end of the long strip-shaped substrate and is also connected to a connecting portion provided at the other longitudinal end of the long strip-shaped substrate, Each of the sensors is connected to a voltage line and a detection line such that the combination of at least m voltage lines V １ ~V ｍ and at least n detection lines D １ ~D ｎ is different for each sensor. A flexible ribbon sensor.

2. The flexible ribbon sensor according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is one or more selected from a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a proximity sensor, a shear force sensor, a magnetic sensor, a laser sensor, a microwave sensor, a strain sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a displacement sensor, a gas sensor, a GPS sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an odor sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, a current sensor, a vibration sensor, a pulse wave sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, a luminous intensity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, and a biosensor.

3. The flexible ribbon sensor according to claim 1 or 2, which is connectable in the long strip direction.

4. On a long substrate, at least m voltage lines V extending in the longitudinal direction １ ~V ｍ and at least n detection lines D １ ~D ｎ A step of providing a wiring layer having A step of providing an insulating layer having via holes on a wiring layer, a step of providing an electrode layer having m×n or less electrodes on the insulating layer, a step of providing a sensor on the electrode layer, a step of providing an end module connected to the wiring at one longitudinal end of the long strip-shaped substrate, a step of providing a connecting portion connected to the wiring at the other longitudinal end of the long strip-shaped substrate, including at least, wherein m and n are each independently an integer of 2 or more, The via holes of the insulating layer connect each electrode of the electrode layer to a voltage line and a detection line such that the combinations of at least m voltage lines V １ ~V ｍ and at least n detection lines D １ ~D ｎ are different from each other. A method for manufacturing a flexible ribbon sensor.

5. The method for manufacturing a flexible ribbon sensor according to claim 4, wherein the wiring layer is formed by printing conductive ink.

6. The method for manufacturing a flexible ribbon sensor according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the insulating layer is formed by printing insulating ink.

Images