Stretchable device

Abstract

The stretchable device of the present disclosure comprises a stretchable substrate that has a first main surface and a second main surface, and an electronic component provided on the stretchable substrate. The first main surface includes a first region and a second region. The stretchable substrate is folded such that the first main surface is on the inside. The electronic component is disposed on the first main surface.

Description

stretchable devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to stretchable devices.

[0002] A conventional stretchable device is described in WO 2014 / 203586 (Patent Document 1). This stretchable device includes a stretchable substrate having a main surface and an electronic component provided on the stretchable substrate.

[0003] WO2014 / 203586 publication

[0004] However, when the conventional stretchable devices are attached to the body surface of a living body for purposes such as sensing biological signals, healing, and treatment, moisture from sweat or shower may penetrate into the electronic components, potentially damaging them.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a stretchable device that can protect electronic components from moisture.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a stretchable device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a stretchable substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface; and an electronic component provided on the stretchable substrate, wherein the first main surface includes a first region and a second region; the stretchable substrate is folded back so that the first main surface faces inward; and the electronic component is disposed on the first main surface.

[0007] According to the above aspect, the stretchable substrate is folded so that the first main surface faces inward, and the electronic component is disposed inside the folded stretchable substrate, which reduces the possibility of moisture penetrating inside the stretchable substrate and protects the electronic component from moisture.

[0008] According to the stretchable device of one aspect of the present disclosure, electronic components can be protected from moisture.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a first embodiment of a stretchable device. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along II-II in Fig. 1 ...2 is an enlarged view including the vicinity of a first electronic component in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of a stretchable device. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of a stretchable device. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of a stretchable device.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, differences from previous embodiments will be mainly described. In particular, similar effects resulting from similar configurations will not be mentioned in each embodiment. Among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components. Furthermore, the size and size ratios of components shown in the drawings are not necessarily strict. Furthermore, in each drawing, substantially identical components are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] <First embodiment> [Schematic configuration of stretchable device 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a first embodiment of a stretchable device. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along II-II in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the stretchable device 1 comprises a stretchable substrate 10 and a plurality of electronic components 51 to 55 provided on the stretchable substrate 10. The stretchable device 1 is attached to the body surface of a living organism, for example, and is used for sensing biological signals, healing, and treatment. In other words, the stretchable device 1 is a biological interface circuit module that is flexible and stretchable.

[0012] Here, "on the stretchable substrate" does not refer to an absolute direction such as vertically upward as determined by the direction of gravity, but rather refers to the direction toward the outside of the stretchable substrate, between the outside and inside of the stretchable substrate, with the surface of the stretchable substrate as the boundary. Therefore, "on the stretchable substrate" is a relative direction determined by the orientation of the surface of the stretchable substrate. Furthermore, "above" an element includes not only a position directly above the element (on), but also a position above the element, i.e., a position above another object above the element or a position above with a gap (above).

[0013] As shown in the drawings, for the sake of convenience, the length direction (longitudinal direction) of the stretchable device 1 will be referred to as the X direction hereinafter. The width direction of the stretchable device 1 will be referred to as the Y direction. The thickness direction of the stretchable device 1 will be referred to as the Z direction. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are mutually orthogonal directions, and when arranged in the order X, Y, Z, they form a right-handed system. The forward Z direction is also referred to as the upper Z direction, and the reverse Z direction is also referred to as the lower Z direction.

[0014] The stretchable substrate 10 has a first main surface 11 and a second main surface 12. The first main surface 11 includes a first region Z1 and a second region Z2. The first region Z1 and the second region Z2 are regions where electronic components can be mounted, and are, for example, regions where stretchable wiring connected to the electronic components is provided.

[0015] The stretchable substrate 10 is folded back so that the first main surface 11 faces inward. In this case, an electronic component can be placed on the first main surface 11. In one example, assuming that the first main surface 11 is positioned on the inside, the stretchable substrate 10 is folded back so that the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 of the first main surface 11 face each other. In this case, the electronic component can be placed in at least one of the first region Z1 and the second region Z2.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the stretchable substrate 10 is folded so that the first main surface 11 faces inward, and the electronic components 51 to 55 can be arranged on the first main surface 11. Therefore, the multiple electronic components 51 to 55 are arranged on the inside of the folded stretchable substrate 10. This reduces the possibility of moisture penetrating into the inside of the stretchable substrate 10, and the multiple electronic components 51 to 55 can be protected from moisture. Note that there may be only one electronic component, and in this case, the single electronic component is arranged in at least one of the first region Z1 and the second region Z2, thereby protecting the electronic component from moisture.

[0017] Furthermore, when the stretchable substrate is used in an unfolded state, the electronic components arranged on the main surface of the stretchable substrate need to be entirely sealed with a resin mold to protect them from moisture. Compared to such a case, by disposing the electronic components inside the stretchable substrate 10, the manufacturing process and manufacturing costs for providing a resin mold are not required.

[0018] [Detailed configuration of stretchable device 1] The first main surface 11 of the stretchable substrate 10 has a first region Z1 and a second region Z2. The first region Z1 is located on the lower side in the Z direction, and the second region Z2 is located on the upper side in the Z direction. The first region Z1 and the second region Z2 are each flat surfaces and are arranged parallel to each other. Here, a flat surface includes not only a completely flat surface but also a substantially flat surface. For example, if the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 include wiring, a convex shape of the wiring is allowed. Furthermore, parallel includes not only a completely parallel case but also a substantially parallel case. For example, at least one of the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 may be slightly warped. The same applies below.

[0019] The second main surface 12 of the stretchable substrate 10 has a third region Z3 and a fourth region Z4. The third region Z3 is located on the opposite side from the first region Z1, and the fourth region Z4 is located on the opposite side from the second region Z2. The third region Z3 is located on the lower side in the Z direction, and the fourth region Z4 is located on the upper side in the Z direction. The third region Z3 and the fourth region Z4 are each flat surfaces and are arranged parallel to each other.

[0020] The stretchable substrate 10 has a bent portion 15. The bent portion 15 extends along the Y direction and is curved so as to protrude in the opposite X direction. The apex portion 15a of the curve of the bent portion 15 extends in the Y direction. The apex portion 15a is located at the center of the bent portion 15 in the Z direction.

[0021] The stretchable substrate 10 has a first edge 13 located on the first region Z1 side and a second edge 14 located on the second region Z2 side. The first edge 13 is a portion of the entire peripheral edge of the stretchable substrate 10 that is located closer to the first region Z1 (third region Z3) than the vertex portion 15a. The second edge 14 is a portion of the peripheral edge of the stretchable substrate 10 that is located closer to the second region Z2 (fourth region Z4) than the vertex portion 15a.

[0022] The first edge 13 has an end 13a facing the apex 15a in the X direction and a side 13b located between the apex 15a and the end 13a. The second edge 14 has an end 14a facing the apex 15a in the X direction and a side 14b located between the apex 15a and the end 14a. The end 13a of the first edge 13 and the end 14a of the second edge 14 face each other in the Z direction, and the side 13b of the first edge 13 and the side 14b of the second edge 14 face each other in the Z direction. In other words, in a top view, the electronic components 51 to 55 are surrounded by the first edge 13. This prevents moisture from entering the electronic components 51 to 55 from all sides.

[0023] At least a portion of the first edge portion 13 and at least a portion of the second edge portion 14 are connected via the connecting member 6. Specifically, the end portion 13a of the first edge portion 13 and the end portion 14a of the second edge portion 14 are connected via the connecting member 6. The connecting member 6 is, for example, an anisotropic conductive adhesive, which is conductive in the thickness direction and insulating in the surface direction. The connecting member 6 includes a thermosetting epoxy resin and conductive particles contained in the resin.

[0024] According to the above configuration, at least a portion of the first edge portion 13 and at least a portion of the second edge portion 14 are connected via the connecting member 6, which further reduces the possibility of moisture penetrating into the inside of the stretchable substrate 10. Note that the side portion 13b of the first edge portion 13 and the side portion 14b of the second edge portion 14 may also be connected via the connecting member 6.

[0025] The stretchable device 1 further includes an elastic member 5 that contacts the first region Z1 and the second region Z2. The elastic member 5 is a flexible and elastic member, and is made of a sponge material such as polyurethane foam or polyester. According to the above configuration, the elastic member 5 is sandwiched between the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 to support the first region Z1 and the second region Z2, thereby ensuring strength against external pressure. Furthermore, when the second region Z2 is positioned above the first region Z1 in the direction of gravity, even if the second region Z2 bends under its own weight, the elastic member 5 is present between the first region Z1 and the second region Z2, preventing the second region Z2 from contacting the first region Z1.

[0026] The elastic member 5 covers at least a portion of the plurality of electronic components 51 to 55. This allows the elastic member 5 to absorb external impacts and protect the plurality of electronic components 51 to 55. The elastic member 5 also prevents moisture from entering and can protect the plurality of electronic components 51 to 55 from moisture.

[0027] The stretchable substrate 10 has a stretchable base material 20 and stretchable stretchable wiring 30 provided on the stretchable base material 20. In this case, the first main surface 11 is composed of the surface of the main surface of the stretchable base material 20 that is exposed from the stretchable wiring 30, and the upper surface of the stretchable wiring 30 opposite to the lower surface that contacts the stretchable base material 20. The same applies to the first region Z1 and the second region Z2. It is noted that the stretchable substrate 10 does not necessarily have to have the stretchable wiring 30. In this case, the first main surface 11 is composed of the main surface of the stretchable base material 20.

[0028] The stretchable substrate 20 is a sheet-like or film-like substrate made of a stretchable resin material, and is folded in half. Examples of the resin material include styrene resin, olefin resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, acrylic resin, and silicone resin, and preferably urethane resin. Examples of the urethane resin include thermoplastic polyurethane. Examples of the styrene resin include styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin.

[0029] The stretchable substrate 20 preferably has a stretchability of 50% or more. This stretchability allows the stretchable device 1 to conform well to the living body. The Young's modulus of the stretchable substrate 20 is preferably 100 MPa or less, and more preferably 30 MPa or less. By using this Young's modulus, discomfort to the user can be reduced. From the viewpoint of more reliably ensuring the reliability of the stretchable device 1, the water absorption rate of the stretchable substrate 20 is preferably 1% by weight or less. The thickness of the stretchable substrate 20 is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The width of the stretchable substrate 20 is, for example, 10 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

[0030] The stretchable wire 30 extends along the main surface of the stretchable substrate 20. The stretchable wire 30 may extend not only in one direction in the XY plane, but also in multiple directions in the XY plane while bending. Multiple stretchable wires 30 are present. The stretchable wire 30 may be embedded in the stretchable substrate 20 so that a portion of the stretchable wire 30 is exposed from the main surface of the stretchable substrate 20. The stretchable wire 30 is formed from a stretchable conductive material. Examples of the conductive material include metal foils such as silver, copper, and nickel, and mixtures of metal powders such as silver, copper, and nickel with elastomer resins such as epoxy resins, urethane resins, acrylic resins, and silicone resins. Silver is preferred as the metal powder. This allows for the formation of a low-resistance stretchable wire 30. The average particle size D50 of the metal powder is preferably 0.01 μm or more and 10 μm or less. The shape of the metal powder may be spherical, flat, irregular, or have protrusions.

[0031] The thickness of the elastic wire 30 is preferably 100 μm or less, more preferably 50 μm or less, and preferably 1 μm or more, more preferably 10 μm or more. The thinner the thickness of the elastic wire 30, the smaller the unevenness and the easier lamination, etc. The width of the elastic wire 30 is preferably 0.2 mm or more.

[0032] The stretchable wiring 30 is formed by screen printing, inkjet printing, dispensing, or the like so as to be in direct contact with the main surface of the stretchable substrate 20. Note that the stretchable wiring 30 may be disposed on the main surface of the stretchable substrate 20 via an insulating protective film (not shown).

[0033] The stretchable wiring 30 has a first wiring portion 31 provided on the first region Z1 side and a second wiring portion 32 provided on the second region Z2 side. The first wiring portion 31 is a portion of the stretchable wiring 30 located closer to the first region Z1 than the vertex portion 15a. The second wiring portion 32 is a portion of the stretchable wiring 30 located closer to the second region Z2 than the vertex portion 15a.

[0034] The first wiring portion 31 and the second wiring portion 32 are electrically connected. Specifically, on the side of the ends 13 a, 14 a, the first wiring portion 31 and the second wiring portion 32 are connected via the connection member 6. On the other hand, on the side of the bent portion 15, the first wiring portion 31 and the second wiring portion 32 are directly connected. Note that it is sufficient that the first wiring portion 31 and the second wiring portion 32 are electrically connected on either the side of the ends 13 a, 14 a or the side of the bent portion 15.

[0035] According to the above configuration, since the first wiring portion 31 and the second wiring portion 32 are electrically connected, it is possible to configure a more complex circuit pattern such as a multilayer board. Furthermore, by using an anisotropic conductive adhesive as the connecting member 6, the connecting member 6 can serve both as an electrical connection between the first wiring portion 31 and the second wiring portion 32 and as a physical connection between the first edge portion 13 and the second edge portion 14.

[0036] The multiple electronic components 51 to 55 include a first electronic component 51, a second electronic component 52, a third electronic component 53, a fourth electronic component 54, and a fifth electronic component 55. The first electronic component 51 is a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a living body. The second electronic component 52 is a BLE module that includes an antenna and wirelessly communicates signals. The third electronic component 53 is an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration of the living body. The fourth electronic component 54 is an LED that measures SpO2 (transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation). The fifth electronic component 55 is a battery that serves as a power source for operating the circuit. Note that other electronic components may be included, such as a coil that irradiates electromagnetic waves into the body, an ultrasonic oscillator that irradiates ultrasound into the body, or a light-receiving sensor.

[0037] The multiple electronic components 51 to 55 are arranged in both the first region Z1 and the second region Z2. That is, the first electronic component 51 is arranged in the first region Z1, and the second electronic component 52 is arranged in the second region Z2. According to the above configuration, when the third region Z3, which is on the opposite side of the second main surface 12 of the stretchable substrate 10 from the first region Z1, is attached to the surface of a human body, the first electronic component 51 is arranged in the first region Z1, and the second electronic component 52 is arranged in the second region Z2. Therefore, the user does not feel discomfort due to the stiffness caused by the placement of the second electronic component 52. Therefore, even if the mounting density of the electronic components is increased and the dead space on the first main surface 11 of the stretchable substrate 10 is reduced, the discomfort felt by the user can be reduced.

[0038] Here, when multiple electronic components are arranged on the first main surface 11 of the stretchable substrate 10, the portion of the stretchable substrate 10 where the electronic components are arranged becomes harder than the portion of the stretchable substrate 10 where the electronic components are not arranged. When the stretchable substrate is unfolded without being folded and the second main surface of the stretchable substrate is placed on the surface of a human body, as in the past, the user experiences discomfort due to the stiffness caused by the placement of the electronic components. This impact on the user is particularly significant in areas where the electronic components are densely mounted. Meanwhile, increasing the size of the stretchable substrate to reduce the mounting density of the electronic components poses the problem of increased dead space on the first main surface of the stretchable substrate. Furthermore, increasing the size of the stretchable substrate limits the areas on the human body where the stretchable substrate can be attached.

[0039] In contrast, in this embodiment, by folding the stretchable substrate 10 for use, it is possible to provide multiple electronic components also in the second region Z2 on the back side of the fourth region Z4 on the side that does not come into contact with the human body, thereby increasing the mounting density of the electronic components on the first main surface 11 and reducing the dead space on the first main surface 11 of the stretchable substrate 10, thereby reducing discomfort to the user. For example, small-sized electronic components can be arranged on the first region Z1 side, and large-sized electronic components can be arranged on the second region Z2 side. Furthermore, because the stretchable substrate 10 is folded for use, the contact surface area of ​​the stretchable substrate 10 that comes into contact with the body surface is reduced, reducing discomfort to the user and allowing the size of the stretchable substrate to be adjusted to match the location on the human body where it is attached.

[0040] Similarly, the third electronic component 53 is arranged in the first region Z1, and the fourth electronic component 54 is arranged in the second region Z2. With the above configuration, it is possible to reduce discomfort to the user even if the mounting density of the electronic components is increased and the dead space on the first main surface 11 of the stretchable substrate 10 is reduced. The fifth electronic component 55 is arranged so as to be in contact with both the first region Z1 and the second region Z2.

[0041] The first electronic component 51, the second electronic component 52, the third electronic component 53, the fourth electronic component 54, and the fifth electronic component 55 are each connected to the stretchable wiring 30. Specifically, the first electronic component 51, the third electronic component 53, and the fifth electronic component 55 are each connected to the first wiring unit 31. The second electronic component 52, the fourth electronic component 54, and the fifth electronic component 55 are each connected to the second wiring unit 32.

[0042] The first electronic component 51 and the third electronic component 53 are body surface proximity type electronic components. Body surface proximity type electronic components are electronic components that are preferably placed close to the body surface. Specifically, the temperature sensor (first electronic component 51) and the acceleration sensor (third electronic component 53) are preferably mounted close to the body surface in order to measure data with high accuracy.

[0043] The second electronic component 52 and the fourth electronic component 54 are remote-from-body-surface electronic components. Remote-from-body-surface electronic components are electronic components that are preferably placed remotely from the body surface. Specifically, the LED (second electronic component 52) ​​has a light-emitting portion on its upper surface, so it needs to be mounted on the side opposite the body surface so that its upper surface faces the body surface. Because the human body has the tendency to absorb radio waves, the BLE module (fourth electronic component 54) can improve communication conditions by being mounted as far away from human skin as possible.

[0044] According to the above configuration, when the third region Z3 of the second main surface 12 of the stretchable substrate 10, which is opposite the first region Z1, is placed on the surface of a human body and used, the first electronic component 51 and the third electronic component 53 are positioned closer to the body surface, and the second electronic component 52 and the fourth electronic component 54 are positioned farther from the body surface.

[0045] The first electronic component 51 and the second electronic component 52 do not overlap in a direction perpendicular to the first region Z1. The direction perpendicular to the first region Z1 coincides with the Z direction. According to the above configuration, the first electronic component 51 and the second electronic component 52 do not interfere with each other in a direction perpendicular to the first region Z1. This allows the thickness of the stretchable device 1 to be thinned so that the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 are closer to each other.

[0046] Similarly, the first electronic component 51 and the fourth electronic component 54 do not overlap in a direction perpendicular to the first region Z1. The second electronic component 52 and the third electronic component 53 do not overlap in a direction perpendicular to the first region Z1. Furthermore, the third electronic component 53 and the fourth electronic component 54 do not overlap in a direction perpendicular to the first region Z1. Furthermore, the fifth electronic component 55 does not overlap with the first to fourth electronic components 51 to 54 in a direction perpendicular to the first region Z1. Note that the electronic components may overlap when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first region Z1. In this case, the planar area of ​​the stretchable substrate 20 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first region Z1 can be further reduced. Preferably, an elastic member 5 is provided between the upper and lower electronic components to suppress interference between the upper and lower electronic components.

[0047] The first electronic component 51 and the second electronic component 52 overlap in a direction parallel to the first region Z1. The direction perpendicular to the first region Z1 coincides with the XY plane direction. With the above configuration, the first electronic component 51 and the second electronic component 52 can be arranged so as not to interfere with each other in a direction perpendicular to the first region Z1. This allows the thickness of the stretchable device 1 to be thinned so that the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 are closer to each other.

[0048] Similarly, the first electronic component 51 and the fourth electronic component 54 overlap in the direction parallel to the first region Z1. The second electronic component 52 and the third electronic component 53 overlap in the direction parallel to the first region Z1. Furthermore, the third electronic component 53 and the fourth electronic component 54 overlap in the direction parallel to the first region Z1. Furthermore, the fifth electronic component 55 overlaps with the first to fourth electronic components 51 to 54 in the direction parallel to the first region Z1. Note that the electronic components do not necessarily overlap in the direction parallel to the first region Z1.

[0049] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the sum of the first thickness T1 of the first electronic component 51 and the second thickness T2 of the second electronic component 52 is greater than the longest distance L between the first region Z1 and the second region Z2. The thickness refers to the size in a direction perpendicular to the first region Z1, and the longest distance refers to the longest size in a direction perpendicular to the first region Z1. With the above configuration, the first electronic component 51 and the second electronic component 52 can be arranged so as not to interfere with each other in the direction perpendicular to the first region Z1. This allows the thickness of the stretchable device 1 to be thinned so as to bring the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 closer together.

[0050] Similarly, the sum of the first thickness T1 of the first electronic component 51 and the fourth thickness T4 of the fourth electronic component 54 is greater than the longest distance L. The sum of the second thickness T2 of the second electronic component 52 and the third thickness T3 of the third electronic component 53 is greater than the longest distance L. Furthermore, the sum of the third thickness T3 of the third electronic component 53 and the fourth thickness T4 of the fourth electronic component 54 is greater than the longest distance L. Note that the sum of the thicknesses of a pair of upper and lower electronic components may be smaller than the longest distance.

[0051] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the third region Z3 of the second main surface 12 of the stretchable substrate 10 has a body surface region Z31 that can be brought into contact with the body surface 100. Here, the body surface 100 represents the skin of a human body. The total area of ​​the installation surfaces of the multiple electronic components 51 to 55 installed in the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 is larger than the area of ​​the body surface region Z31. The installation surface is not limited to a surface that directly contacts the stretchable substrate 10, but also a surface that faces the stretchable substrate 10 when installed on the stretchable substrate 10.

[0052] Specifically, the installation surface 51a of the first electronic component 51 is a surface facing the first region Z1. The installation surface 52a of the second electronic component 52 is a surface facing the second region Z2. The installation surface 53a of the third electronic component 53 is a surface facing the first region Z1. The installation surface 54a of the fourth electronic component 54 is a surface facing the second region Z2. The first installation surface 55a of the fifth electronic component 55 is a surface facing the first region Z1, and the second installation surface 55b of the fifth electronic component 55 is a surface facing the second region Z2. The total area of ​​the installation surfaces 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, and 55b is greater than the area of ​​the body surface region Z31.

[0053] According to the above configuration, more electronic components can be installed than in the body surface region Z31, so that the installation area of ​​the stretchable device 1 on the body surface 100 can be reduced while many electronic components can be mounted.

[0054] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view including the vicinity of the first electronic component 51 in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 5, the first electronic component 51 is connected to the stretchable wiring 30 via a joint 7. The joint 7 is made of a conductive material such as solder. The joint 7 is covered with a coating 8. The coating 8 is made of a resin such as a thermosetting epoxy resin. This makes it possible to protect the joint 7 from mechanical stress caused by the expansion and contraction of the stretchable substrate 10 (the stretchable substrate 20 and the stretchable wiring 30).

[0055] [Method for Manufacturing the Stretchable Device 1] A method for manufacturing the stretchable device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0056] First, the stretchable substrate 10 is unfolded into a sheet, and a plurality of electronic components 51 to 55 are placed in each of the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 of the first main surface 11 of the stretchable substrate 10. Furthermore, an elastic member 5 is provided in at least one of the first region Z1 and the second region Z2.

[0057] Thereafter, the stretchable substrate 10 is folded in half so that the first main surface 11 faces inward. As an example, assuming that the first main surface 11 faces inward, the stretchable substrate 10 is folded so that the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 face each other. At this time, the electronic components 51 and 53 installed in the first region Z1 and the electronic components 52 and 54 installed in the second region Z2 do not interfere with each other in a direction perpendicular to the first region Z1.

[0058] Thereafter, the end 13 a of the first edge portion 13 and the end 14 a of the second edge portion 14 are connected by the connecting member 6, and the end 13 a of the first edge portion 13 and the end 14 a of the second edge portion 14 are sealed together. In this way, the stretchable device 1 is manufactured.

[0059] <Second embodiment> Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of a stretchable device. Fig. 6 is a view corresponding to the II-II cross section of Fig. 1. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a connecting member is not provided. This different configuration will be explained below. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment will be used and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 6, the stretchable device 1A of the second embodiment does not have the connecting member 6 of the first embodiment. In other words, the first edge portion 13 and the second edge portion 14 are not connected but are separated. Specifically, the end portion 13a of the first edge portion 13 and the end portion 14a of the second edge portion 14 are separated.

[0061] According to the above configuration, other components (not shown) can be inserted into the space between the first edge portion 13 and the second edge portion 14, making it easier to electrically connect the other components to the stretchable wiring 30 of the stretchable device 1A.

[0062] It should be noted that the stretchable device 1A of the second embodiment does not necessarily need to be provided with the elastic member 5. Furthermore, the stretchable device 1A of the second embodiment may be provided with the connecting member 6 without providing the elastic member 5.

[0063] <Third embodiment> Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of a stretchable device. Fig. 7 is a view corresponding to the II-II cross section of Fig. 1. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the number of electronic components. This different configuration will be explained below. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment will be used and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0064] 7, the stretchable device 1B of the third embodiment has one electronic component, which is arranged in at least one of the first region Z1 and the second region Z2. Specifically, the first electronic component 51 is arranged in the first region Z1. Note that the first electronic component 51 may be any of the electronic components 51 to 55 shown as examples in paragraph

[0036] .

[0065] According to the above configuration, the first electronic component 51 is disposed inside the folded stretchable substrate 10. This reduces the possibility of moisture penetrating inside the stretchable substrate 10, and protects the first electronic component 51 from moisture. Note that one electronic component may be disposed in the second region Z2 instead of the first region Z1, or may be disposed so as to contact both the first region Z1 and the second region Z2.

[0066] <Fourth embodiment> Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of a stretchable device. Fig. 8 is a view corresponding to the II-II cross section of Fig. 1. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is composed of multiple types of base materials. This different configuration will be explained below. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment will be used and their explanation will be omitted.

[0067] As already described, the stretchable substrate 20 in the first embodiment is configured to be folded in half as a whole. The stretchable substrate 20 having this folded structure is in a single or continuous form of one type.

[0068] On the other hand, in a fourth embodiment, a plurality of types of substrates are continuously connected to form a stretchable composite substrate having a folded structure. As an example, as shown in Fig. 8, a first stretchable substrate 21 and a second substrate 22 made of different materials are connected so as to be in contact with each other in the longitudinal extension direction. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, as an example, in the stretchable composite substrate having a folded structure, the second substrate 22 is located in a relatively upper portion, and the majority of the first stretchable substrate 21 is located in a lower portion, and both are continuous.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, when the second substrate 22 does not include a curved portion due to folding, the second substrate 22 may be a substrate that does not have elasticity. Specific examples include a rigid substrate and an FPC. It goes without saying that the second substrate may also have elasticity. When the second substrate has elasticity, the second substrate may include a curved portion.

[0070] The materials of the first stretchable substrate 21 and the second substrate 22 (if stretchable) can be the same as the materials that can be used for the stretchable substrate 20 described in the section on the first embodiment. For example, the material of the first stretchable substrate 21 can be one type of resin material selected from the group consisting of styrene resin, olefin resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, acrylic resin, and silicone resin, and the material of the second substrate 22 (if stretchable) can be a material different from the material used for the first stretchable substrate.

[0071] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and design modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the respective features of the first to fourth embodiments may be combined in various ways.

[0072] <1> A stretchable device comprising: a stretchable substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface; and an electronic component provided on the stretchable substrate, wherein the first main surface includes a first region and a second region, the stretchable substrate is folded back so that the first main surface is on the inside and the first region and the second region face each other, and the electronic component is disposed in at least one of the first region and the second region. <2> The stretchable device according to <1>, wherein there are a plurality of electronic components, and the plurality of electronic components are disposed in at least one of the first region and the second region. <3> The stretchable device according to <1> or <2>, wherein the stretchable substrate has a first edge portion located on the first region side and a second edge portion located on the second region side, and at least a portion of the first edge portion and at least a portion of the second edge portion are connected via a connecting member. <4> The stretchable device according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the stretchable substrate has a stretchable base material and a stretchable stretchable wiring provided on the stretchable base material, wherein the stretchable wiring has a first wiring portion provided on the first region side and a second wiring portion provided on the second region side, and wherein the first wiring portion and the second wiring portion are electrically connected. <5> The stretchable device according to any one of <1> to <4>, further comprising an elastic member in contact with the first region and the second region. <6> The stretchable device according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein there are a plurality of electronic components, wherein the plurality of electronic components include a first electronic component and a second electronic component, and the first electronic component is disposed in the first region and the second electronic component is disposed in the second region. <7> The stretchable device according to <6>, wherein the first electronic component is a close-to-body-surface electronic component, and the second electronic component is a remote-to-body-surface electronic component. <8> The stretchable device according to <6> or <7>, wherein the first electronic component and the second electronic component do not overlap in a direction perpendicular to the first region. <9> The stretchable device according to any one of <6> to <8>, wherein a sum of a thickness of the first electronic component and a thickness of the second electronic component is greater than a longest distance between the first region and the second region.<10> The stretchable device according to any one of <6> to <9>, wherein the first electronic component and the second electronic component overlap in a direction parallel to the first region. <11> The stretchable device according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein there are a plurality of the electronic components, the plurality of electronic components are arranged in both the first region and the second region, the second main surface has a third region opposite to the first region, the third region has a body surface region that can come into contact with a body surface, and a total area of ​​installation surfaces of the plurality of electronic components installed in the first region and the second region is larger than an area of ​​the body surface region.

[0073] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A, 1B Stretchable device 5 Elastic member 6 Connection member 10 Stretchable substrate 11 First main surface 12 Second main surface 13 First edge portion 14 Second edge portion 15 Bent portion 15a Vertex portion 20 Stretchable substrate 21 First stretchable substrate 22 Second stretchable substrate 30 Stretchable wiring 31, 32 First and second wiring portions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 First, second, third, fourth, and fifth electronic components 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 55b Installation surface 100 Body surface Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 First, second, third, and fourth regions Z31 Body surface region L Longest distance T1, T2, T3, T4 First, second, third, and fourth thicknesses

Claims

1. A stretchable substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface; An electronic component provided on the stretchable substrate; Equipped with the first main surface includes a first region and a second region; The elastic substrate is folded back so that the first main surface is on the inside, the electronic component is disposed on the first main surface, the stretchable substrate has a first edge portion located on the first region side and a second edge portion located on the second region side, and at least a portion of the first edge portion and at least a portion of the second edge portion are connected to each other; A stretchable device, wherein, when the stretchable substrates are in a folded state, the distance between the stretchable substrates at the connection point between the first edge portion and the second edge portion is smaller than the distance between the stretchable substrates at the arrangement point of the electronic component.

2. The stretchable device according to claim 1 , wherein the stretchable substrate is folded back so that the first region and the second region face each other, and the electronic component is disposed in at least one of the first region and the second region.

3. The electronic component is present in a plurality of parts, The stretchable device according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of electronic components are disposed in at least one of the first region and the second region.

4. The stretchable substrate has a stretchable base material and a stretchable wiring provided on the stretchable base material, The elastic wiring has a first wiring portion provided on the first region side and a second wiring portion provided on the second region side, The stretchable device according to claim 1 , wherein the first wiring portion and the second wiring portion are electrically connected to each other.

5. 10. The stretchable device of claim 1, further comprising an elastic member contacting the first region and the second region.

6. The electronic component is present in a plurality of parts, the plurality of electronic components include a first electronic component and a second electronic component, 2. The stretchable device of claim 1, wherein the first electronic component is disposed in the first region and the second electronic component is disposed in the second region.

7. the first electronic component is a body surface-close type electronic component, The stretchable device according to claim 6 , wherein the second electronic component is a body-surface-separated electronic component.

8. The stretchable device according to claim 6 , wherein the first electronic component and the second electronic component do not overlap in a direction perpendicular to the first region.

9. 7. The stretchable device of claim 6, wherein a sum of a thickness of the first electronic component and a thickness of the second electronic component is greater than a maximum distance between the first region and the second region.

10. The stretchable device according to claim 6 , wherein the first electronic component and the second electronic component overlap in a direction parallel to the first region.

11. The electronic component is present in a plurality of parts, the plurality of electronic components are disposed in both the first region and the second region, the second main surface has a third region opposite to the first region, the third region having a body surface region that can be contacted with a body surface; The stretchable device according to claim 1 , wherein a total area of ​​the installation surfaces of the plurality of electronic components installed in the first region and the second region is greater than an area of ​​the body surface region.

12. The stretchable device of claim 1, wherein the first edge portion and the second edge portion are connected via a connecting member.