JP2018116786A - Elastic wire and method of manufacturing elastic wire - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an elastic wire excellent in elasticity and flexibility and a method of manufacturing the elastic wire.SOLUTION: An elastic wire has an insulation sheet having elasticity and at least one conductive yarn fixed to the insulation sheet and extending in one direction as whole, in which the conductive yarn is curved in a plane direction and a thickness direction of the insulation sheet and elastically arranged in the extending direction. A method of manufacturing the elastic wire has a process for forming a plurality of conductive yarns and a plurality of non-conductive yarns and a process for fixing the plurality of conductive yarns and a plurality of non-conductive yarns which are formed to the insulation sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a stretchable wiring and a method for manufacturing a stretchable wiring.

  A strain sensor that detects strain from a resistance change of a resistor with respect to expansion and contraction is known. The strain sensor is used by being attached to, for example, a clothing or a bent portion / movable portion of a robot, and detects a stretching strain by expanding / contracting the resistor in response to the expansion / contraction of the bent portion / movable portion.

  Such a strain sensor is electrically connected to the wiring, and outputs a detection signal through the wiring. For this reason, it is desirable that the wiring connected to the strain sensor has sufficient elasticity that can follow the expansion and contraction of the clothes, the bent part and the movable part of the robot. As a wiring connected to such a strain sensor, a wiring formed on a base material and meandering in a wave shape has been proposed (see JP 2013-187308 A).

JP 2013-187308 A

  The stretchable flexible circuit board described in the above publication has a wiring layer on a base material. This wiring layer has an expansion / contraction pattern meandering left and right with respect to the expansion / contraction direction. In addition, the stretch pattern includes a first turn pattern portion that changes direction from one side to the other side in a direction intersecting the stretch direction, and a direction from the other to one side continuously from the first turn pattern portion. And a second turn pattern portion in the opposite direction that performs a change, and the first turn pattern and the second turn pattern are alternately provided at predetermined intervals in the expansion and contraction direction. Therefore, this wiring layer can be expanded and contracted in the extending direction corresponding to the expansion and contraction of the base material by the elasticity of the first turn pattern portion and the second turn pattern portion.

  However, although the wiring layer has a certain stretchability with respect to the extending direction, this stretchability is still not sufficient. In particular, when the stretchable flexible circuit board is attached to a clothing, a bent portion or a movable portion of a robot, etc., the wiring layer may require an appropriate flexibility, but the wiring layer is an insulating base material. There is a risk that it will not be possible to follow the bending sufficiently.

  This invention is made | formed based on such a situation, and makes it a subject to provide the manufacturing method of the expansion | extension wiring and expansion | extension wiring which are excellent in a stretching property and a flexibility.

  The present invention made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems comprises an insulating sheet having elasticity, and at least one conductive yarn fixed to the insulating sheet and extending in one direction as a whole, the conductive yarn being It is an expansion / contraction wiring provided to bend in the planar direction and the thickness direction of the insulating sheet and extend in the extending direction.

  It is preferable that the plurality of conductive yarns are further arranged in parallel with each other, and further include non-conductive yarns fixed to the insulating sheet between the plurality of conductive yarns and knitted with the plurality of conductive yarns.

  The conductive yarn may have a portion that is fixed to the insulating sheet and a portion that is separated from the insulating sheet.

  The conductive yarn may include a plurality of loop portions that are continuous in the extending direction, and the fixing portion and the separation portion may be provided at a base end portion of the loop portion.

  It is good to further have a covering sheet which has insulation and is laminated on the conductive yarn.

  Further, another invention made to solve the above-mentioned problems includes an insulating sheet having elasticity, and a plurality of conductive yarns fixed to the insulating sheet and extending in one direction as a whole, The conductive yarn is derived from a knitted fabric of conductive yarn and non-conductive yarn, and the non-conductive yarn is a stretchable wiring that is a water-soluble yarn.

  Further, another invention made to solve the above-described problems includes a step of knitting a plurality of conductive yarns and a plurality of non-conductive yarns, and fixing the knitted plurality of conductive yarns and a plurality of non-conductive yarns to an insulating sheet. And a process for manufacturing the stretchable wiring.

  It is preferable that the non-conductive yarn is a water-soluble yarn and further includes a step of dissolving the plurality of knitted non-conductive yarns on an insulating sheet.

  The elastic wire has a conductive wire that is curved in the plane direction and thickness direction of the insulating sheet. In other words, the conductive yarn is curved in three dimensions, so that it is stretchable compared to the case where the conductive yarn is curved only in two dimensions. Excellent. In the stretchable wiring, the conductive yarn is bent in the thickness direction in addition to the plane direction of the insulating sheet, and the stretchability is sufficiently enhanced. For example, the insulating sheet is opposite to the side on which the conductive yarn is fixed. Even when bent, the conductive yarn easily follows the insulating sheet and is elongated. Therefore, the stretchable wiring is excellent in flexibility.

  In the method of manufacturing the stretchable wiring, the plurality of conductive yarns knitted in the knitting step and the plurality of non-conductive yarns are fixed to the insulating sheet in the fixing step, so that the plurality of conductive yarns fixed to the insulating sheet are unidirectional as a whole. And is detoured in the plane direction and the thickness direction of the insulating sheet. Therefore, the manufacturing method of the said expansion | extension wiring can manufacture the expansion / contraction wiring excellent in a stretching property and a flexibility.

It is typical sectional drawing which shows the expansion-contraction wiring which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the conductive yarn and non-conductive yarn of the expansion-contraction wiring of FIG. It is a typical partial expanded side view which shows the adhering state with the insulating sheet of the electrically conductive thread | yarn of the expansion-contraction wiring of FIG. It is typical sectional drawing which shows the expansion / contraction wiring which concerns on a different form from the expansion / contraction wiring of FIG. It is a typical perspective view which shows the electroconductive thread | yarn of the expansion-contraction wiring of FIG. It is typical sectional drawing which shows the expansion-contraction wiring which concerns on the form different from the expansion-contraction wiring of FIG.1 and FIG.4. It is a typical top view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the electrically conductive thread | yarn of the expansion-contraction wiring of FIG. It is a typical top view which shows the fixing process of the manufacturing method of the expansion-contraction wiring of FIG. It is a typical top view which shows the melt | dissolution process of the manufacturing method of the expansion-contraction wiring of FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement state of conductive yarns and non-conductive yarns of a stretchable wire according to a different form from the stretchable wires of FIGS. 1, 4, and 6.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[First embodiment]
<Extensible wiring>
1 includes an insulating sheet 2 having elasticity, a plurality of conductive yarns 3 fixed to the insulating sheet 2 and arranged side by side, and the insulating sheet 2 between the plurality of conductive yarns 3. A plurality of conductive yarns 3 fixed and a plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 knitted are provided. The stretchable wiring 1 further includes a covering sheet 5 laminated on the plurality of conductive yarns 3. The stretchable wiring 1 is connected to, for example, an electrode portion of a strain sensor attached to a clothing, a bent portion or a movable portion of a robot, and is configured to output a detection signal of the strain sensor.

(Insulating sheet)
The insulating sheet 2 is used by being attached to, for example, a robot or clothing, and is configured to be extendable and contractable so as to expand and contract with the attached part. The insulating sheet 2 contains an elastomer as a main component. Examples of the main component of the insulating sheet 2 include synthetic resin and rubber. The “main component” refers to a component having the highest content, for example, a component having a content of 50% by mass or more.

  Examples of the synthetic resin include polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin, acrylonitrile styrene resin, and the like.

  Examples of the rubber include natural rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, ethylene / propylene rubber, butadiene rubber, urethane rubber, styrene / butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, chloroprene rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, Acrylic rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, fluorine rubber, polydimethylsiloxane and the like can be mentioned.

  Among these, as the elastomer, urethane rubber excellent in stretchability and strength is preferable.

  The insulating sheet 2 may be a single layer body or a multilayer body having two or more layers. As a specific configuration when the insulating sheet 2 is a multilayer body, for example, a base material layer disposed on the outer surface side of the stretchable wiring 1 and a thermoplastic resin layered on the inner surface side of the base material layer are mainly used. The structure which has the heat sealing | fusion layer as a component can be mentioned. When the insulating sheet 2 is a multilayer body, the main component of each layer is preferably an elastomer, but at least the main component of the entire insulating sheet 2 may be an elastomer. For example, the main component of the heat-sealing layer May not necessarily be an elastomer.

  As a minimum of average thickness of insulating sheet 2, 10 micrometers is preferred and 15 micrometers is more preferred. On the other hand, the upper limit of the average thickness of the insulating sheet 2 is preferably 5 mm, and more preferably 2 mm. If the average thickness of the insulating sheet 2 is less than the lower limit, the strength may be insufficient. Conversely, if the average thickness of the insulating sheet 2 exceeds the upper limit, the stretchable wiring 1 may become unnecessarily thick or the stretchability of the stretchable wiring 1 may be insufficient.

(Conductive yarn)
As shown in FIG. 2, each conductive yarn 3 extends in one direction as a whole. Specifically, each conductive yarn 3 is disposed along an imaginary straight line in which a region between both ends is connected between both ends. Specifically, the region between the both end portions is disposed so as to be within a rectangle whose longitudinal direction is the virtual straight line. Each conductive yarn 3 is provided to be extendable in the extending direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each conductive yarn 3 is curved in the planar direction and the thickness direction of the insulating sheet 2. The plurality of conductive yarns 3 are derived from a knitted fabric of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4. Therefore, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 have a plurality of contacts with the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 in the thickness direction of the insulating sheet 2. The conductive yarn 3 is separated from the insulating sheet 2 at a portion where the non-conductive yarn 4 is interposed between the insulating sheet 2 and fixed to the insulating sheet 2 at a portion where the non-conductive yarn 4 is not interposed between the conductive yarn 3 and the insulating sheet 2. Has been. Thus, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 have a plurality of fixing portions P that are fixed to the insulating sheet 2 and a plurality of separation portions Q that are separated from the insulating sheet 2. The stretchable wiring 1 has a plurality of conductive yarns 3 having a plurality of fixing portions P and a plurality of separated portions Q, so that it is easy to maintain a curved shape in the thickness direction of the insulating sheet 2. Can increase the sex. In addition, since the plurality of conductive yarns 3 have a plurality of separation portions Q in addition to the plurality of fixing portions P, the region between the fixing portions P (that is, the separation portions Q provided between the fixing portions P) is defined as the insulating sheet 2. Since it is easy to expand and contract independently, it is easy to expand and contract the conductive yarn 3 corresponding to the bending of the insulating sheet 2.

  As a knitting method of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4, either warp knitting or weft knitting can be used, but a weft knitting that allows the plurality of conductive yarns 3 to easily expand and contract in the extending direction is possible. preferable. In addition, as the weft knitting, flat knitting, rubber knitting, double-sided knitting, pearl knitting, tuck knitting, floating knitting, double knitting, single knitting knitting, perelin knitting, eyelet knitting, multi-stroke double knitting, double jersey knitting, Examples thereof include a swing knitting, a needle knitting, a napped knitting, a back knitting, a splicing knitting, a leash knitting, a raben knitting, a twist knitting, and an argyle knitting. Among these, flat knitting is preferable from the viewpoints of stretchability and durability.

  The plurality of conductive yarns 3 have a plurality of loop portions R that are continuous in the extending direction. It is preferable that the plurality of conductive yarns 3 have a fixing part P and a separation part Q at the base end part R1 of the loop part R. Thus, by having the fixing part P and the separation part Q at the base end part R1 of the loop part R, it is easy to slide the contact parts of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive threads 4. Therefore, it is easy to improve the stretchability of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said expansion | extension wiring 1 has the adhering site | part P and the separation site | part Q in the front-end | tip part R2 of the loop part R. Thus, by having the fixing part P and the separation part Q at the tip part R2 of the loop part R, the stretchability of the conductive yarn 3 can be further enhanced.

  Each conductive yarn 3 preferably has contacts at a plurality of locations in the extending direction in a non-extended state. The stretchable wiring 1 can keep the resistance of each conductive yarn 3 low by having contacts at a plurality of locations in the extending direction when each conductive yarn 3 is in an unstretched state. Further, when the conductive wire 3 is fixed to the insulating sheet 2 in a state where each conductive yarn 3 is in a non-extended state and has a plurality of contacts, the contact state is easily maintained even when the conductive yarn 3 is extended. . Thereby, the said expansion | extension wiring 1 can suppress the change of the resistance resulting from increase / decrease in the contact of each conductive yarn 3. FIG.

  The conductive yarn 3 has flexibility. The conductive yarn 3 is composed of a linear conductor. Examples of the conductive yarn 3 include a conductive yarn made of metal such as stainless steel, a carbon-based conductive yarn, a metal or alloy plating yarn (insulating fiber having a plating layer), a yarn formed of a conductive resin fiber, and the like. Among them, a plated yarn that is excellent in durability, low weight property, and slipperiness and easily stretches in the extending direction is preferable. Moreover, as a metal used for such a plating thread, gold or silver with low electrical resistance is used preferably, for example. The conductive yarn 3 may be a single wire of a linear conductor, or may be a stranded wire obtained by twisting a plurality of single wires.

  When the conductive yarn 3 is the plated yarn, the lower limit of the ratio of the length of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 to the linear distance in the extending direction of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 is preferably 1.5 and more preferably 2.3. preferable. On the other hand, the upper limit of the length ratio is preferably 8.0, and more preferably 4.5. If the ratio of the lengths is less than the lower limit, the stretchability of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 may be insufficient. On the contrary, when the ratio of the lengths exceeds the upper limit, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 become unnecessarily long, and the size of the stretchable wiring 1 may become unnecessarily large.

  When the conductive yarn 3 is the metal conductive yarn, the lower limit of the ratio of the length of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 to the linear distance in the extending direction of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 is preferably 2.3. 5 is more preferable. On the other hand, the upper limit of the length ratio is preferably 8.0, and more preferably 5.8. If the ratio of the lengths is less than the lower limit, the stretchability of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 may be insufficient. On the contrary, when the ratio of the lengths exceeds the upper limit, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 become unnecessarily long, and the size of the stretchable wiring 1 may become unnecessarily large.

  The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis of the conductive yarn 3 is preferably circular or elliptical. Since the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the conductive yarn 3 is circular or elliptical, it is possible to suppress stress from being concentrated on a part of the conductive yarn 3 when the conductive yarn 3 is expanded and contracted, and the disconnection of the conductive yarn 3 is prevented. The fear can be reduced. Moreover, as a minimum of the fineness of the electrically conductive yarn 3, 3 dtex is preferable and 7 dtex is more preferable. On the other hand, the upper limit of the fineness of the conductive yarn 3 is preferably 500 dtex, and more preferably 200 dtex. If the fineness of the conductive yarn 3 is less than the lower limit, the strength is lowered and the conductive yarn 3 may be disconnected during expansion and contraction. Conversely, if the fineness of the conductive yarn 3 exceeds the upper limit, the conductive yarn 3 may not easily expand and contract.

  The upper limit of the electric resistance per 10 cm of the conductive yarn 3 is preferably 100Ω, and more preferably 50Ω. When the electric resistance of the conductive yarn 3 is less than the upper limit, the electric resistance of the conductive yarn 3 can be sufficiently reduced. Moreover, since it is preferable that the electrical resistance per 10 cm of the conductive yarn 3 is low, the lower limit is not particularly limited, and can be set to 0.01Ω, for example. “Electric resistance per 10 cm” is a resistance value between 10 cm of yarn measured by applying a voltage of 5 V, and can be measured using a general-purpose tester.

(Non-conductive yarn)
The non-conductive yarn 4 is disposed between the adjacent conductive yarns 3. Each non-conductive yarn 4 is curved in the planar direction and the thickness direction of the insulating sheet 2. Each non-conductive yarn 4 extends in the same direction as the conductive yarn 3 as a whole. The plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 are alternately arranged with the plurality of conductive yarns 3 in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction. The non-conductive yarn 4 holds the adjacent conductive yarn 3 in an insulated state. That is, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 are held in a separated state by interposing the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4. The stretchable wiring 1 has a plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 fixed to the insulating sheet 2 between the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and knitted with the plurality of conductive yarns 3, so that in the extending direction of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 Insulation between adjacent conductive yarns 3 can be easily and reliably ensured while inhibiting expansion and contraction. In addition, since the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 are knitted, the stretchable wiring 1 can be arranged at a narrow pitch while maintaining the insulating properties of the adjacent conductive yarns 3.

  The non-conductive yarn 4 is separated from the insulating sheet 2 at a portion where the conductive yarn 3 is interposed between the non-conductive yarn 2 and fixed to the insulating sheet 2 at a portion where the conductive yarn 3 is not interposed between the non-conductive yarn 4 and the insulating sheet 2. ing. Since the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 have a plurality of fixing portions that are fixed to the insulating sheet 2 and a plurality of separation portions that are separated from the insulating sheet 2, it is easy to maintain a curved shape in the thickness direction of the insulating sheet 2. Thereby, stretchability and flexibility can be improved.

  The plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 have a plurality of loop portions that are continuous in the extending direction, like the plurality of conductive yarns 3. The plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 preferably have the fixing portion and the separation portion at the base end portion of these loop portions. Moreover, the some nonelectroconductive thread | yarn 4 may have the adhering site | part and the isolation | separation site | part at the front-end | tip part of the said loop part.

  Each non-conductive yarn 4 may have contacts at a plurality of locations in the extending direction in a non-extended state. The ratio of the length of the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 to the linear distance in the extending direction of the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 is the length of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 relative to the linear distance in the extending direction of the plurality of conductive yarns 3. The ratio can be similar.

  The non-conductive yarn 4 is configured by a linear body having no conductivity. The non-conductive yarn 4 is not particularly limited as long as it has no electrical conductivity. For example, a twisted yarn of a non-conductive resin fiber is used. Examples of the non-conductive resin fibers include polyethylene fibers, polyolefin fibers such as polypropylene fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, polytrimethylene terephthalate fibers, polybutylene terephthalate fibers, polyester fibers such as polylactic acid fibers, polyurethane elastic fibers (spandex), Examples thereof include polycarbonate fiber, polystyrene fiber, polyphenylene sulfide fiber, and fluorine resin fiber. Among these, polyurethane elastic fibers excellent in stretchability are preferable.

  The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis of the nonconductive yarn 4 is preferably circular or elliptical. Since the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the nonconductive yarn 4 is circular or elliptical, it is possible to suppress the concentration of stress on a part of the nonconductive yarn 4 when the nonconductive yarn 4 expands and contracts. The risk of disconnection 4 can be reduced. Moreover, as a minimum of the fineness of the nonelectroconductive yarn 4, 3 dtex is preferable and 7 dtex is more preferable. On the other hand, the upper limit of the fineness of the non-conductive yarn 4 is preferably 500 dtex, and more preferably 200 dtex. If the fineness of the non-conductive yarn 4 is less than the lower limit, the strength decreases and the non-conductive yarn 4 may be disconnected during expansion and contraction. On the contrary, when the fineness of the non-conductive yarn 4 exceeds the upper limit, the non-conductive yarn 4 may not easily expand and contract.

(Coating sheet)
The covering sheet 5 covers the plurality of conductive threads 3 and the plurality of nonconductive threads 4 in a state where the plurality of conductive threads 3 and the plurality of nonconductive threads 4 are laminated on the insulating sheet 2. That is, the covering sheet 5 sandwiches the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 between the insulating sheet 4.

  The covering sheet 5 has an insulating property. Moreover, the covering sheet 5 has an elastomer as a main component and has elasticity. The elastomer can be the same as the main component of the insulating sheet 2 described above. The covering sheet 5 may be a single layer body or a multilayer body having two or more layers. When the covering sheet 5 is a multilayer body having two or more layers, the main component of each layer is preferably an elastomer, but at least the main component of the entire covering sheet 5 may be an elastomer. As a specific configuration when the covering sheet 5 is a multilayer body, for example, a base material layer disposed on the outer surface side of the stretchable wiring 1 and a thermoplastic resin layered on the inner surface side of the base material layer are mainly used. The structure which has the heat sealing | fusion layer as a component can be mentioned. The average thickness of the covering sheet 5 can be the same as the average thickness of the insulating sheet 4 described above.

  It is preferable that the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 have a plurality of fixed portions that are fixed to the covering sheet 5 and a plurality of spaced portions that are separated from the covering sheet 5. Accordingly, the stretchable wiring 1 can easily stretch and contract the region between the adhering sites independently of the covering sheet 5, so that the stretchability of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of nonconductive yarns 4 can be easily increased.

  The stretchable wiring 1 has a covering sheet 5 laminated on a plurality of conductive yarns 3 and a plurality of nonconductive yarns 4, so that the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of nonconductive yarns 4 are connected to the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5. Thus, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 can be prevented from being damaged or disconnected. Moreover, according to this structure, while improving the waterproofness of the said expansion | extension wiring 1, the contact of the adjacent conductive yarn 3 can be suppressed more correctly.

<Manufacturing method>
Next, a method for manufacturing the stretchable wiring 1 will be described. The method for manufacturing the stretchable wiring 1 includes a step of knitting a plurality of conductive yarns 3 and a plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 (knitting step), and the knitted plurality of conductive yarns 3 and a plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 with an insulating sheet 2. And a step of fixing to (fixing step).

(Knitting process)
In the knitting step, for example, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 are knitted by weft knitting so as to be alternately arranged in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction.

(Fixing process)
In the fixing step, each conductive yarn 3 and each non-conductive yarn 4 are fixed so as to extend in one direction as a whole. In the fixing step, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 are fixed to the insulating sheet 2 in a state of being bent in the planar direction and the thickness direction of the insulating sheet 2. Accordingly, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 are provided so as to be sufficiently extendable in the extending direction. In the fixing step, the knitted body of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 is fixed to the insulating sheet 2. As a result, a fixed portion where the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 are respectively fixed to the insulating sheet 2 and a spaced portion where the insulating sheet 2 is separated are formed. In the fixing step, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 may be fixed to the insulating sheet 2 so as to contact each other at a plurality of locations in the extending direction.

  In the fixing step, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 are fixed while being sandwiched between the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5. The method for fixing the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 to the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5 is not particularly limited, and can be fixed by, for example, an adhesive. However, in the fixing step, as the configuration of the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5, the configuration having the above-described base material layer and the heat-sealing layer is adopted, and the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5 are thermally laminated to thereby insulate the insulating sheet. It is preferable to fix a plurality of conductive yarns 3 and a plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 between 2 and the covering sheet 5. In this way, the stretchable wiring is manufactured by fixing the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of nonconductive yarns 4 between the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5 by thermal lamination of the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5. The shape stability of the conductive yarn 3 and the plurality of nonconductive yarns 4 can be improved.

  In addition, the manufacturing method of the said expansion | extension wiring is the surface on the inner surface of the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5 in order to improve the adhesiveness of the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5, and the some conductive yarn 3 and the some non-conductive thread 4. Processing may be performed. Examples of such surface treatment include primer coating, coupling treatment, and surface roughening.

<Advantages>
In the elastic wire 1, the conductive yarn 3 is bent in the plane direction and the thickness direction of the insulating sheet 2, and in other words, the conductive yarn 3 is bent in three dimensions. And excellent elasticity. In the stretchable wiring 1, the conductive yarn 3 is bent in the thickness direction in addition to the planar direction of the insulating sheet 2, and the stretchability is sufficiently enhanced. For example, the insulating sheet 2 is fixed to the conductive yarn 3. Even when it is bent to the opposite side, the conductive yarn 3 can be easily extended by following the insulating sheet 2. Therefore, the stretchable wiring 1 is excellent in flexibility.

  In the method of manufacturing the stretchable wiring, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the non-conductive yarn 4 knitted in the knitting step are fixed to the insulating sheet 2 in the fixing step. Therefore, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 fixed to the insulating sheet 2 are: As a whole, it extends in one direction and detours in the plane direction and the thickness direction of the insulating sheet 2. Therefore, the stretchable wiring manufacturing method can easily and reliably manufacture the stretchable wiring 1 having excellent stretchability and flexibility.

[Second Embodiment]
<Extensible wiring>
4 includes an insulating sheet 2 having elasticity, a plurality of conductive yarns 3 fixed to the insulating sheet 2 and arranged in parallel with each other, and the insulating sheet 2 between the plurality of conductive yarns 3. A plurality of conductive yarns 3 fixed and a plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 knitted are provided. The stretchable wiring 11 further includes a covering sheet 5 laminated on the plurality of conductive yarns 3. Each of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 extends in one direction as a whole. The plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 are provided so as to extend in the extending direction in the planar direction and the thickness direction of the insulating sheet 2. The insulating sheet 2, the plurality of conductive yarns 3, the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4, and the covering sheet 5 in the stretchable wiring 11 are the same as the stretchable wiring 1 in FIG.

  The stretchable wiring 11 has a synthetic resin layer 13 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the conductive yarn 3. The synthetic resin layer 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. The synthetic resin layer 13 may cover the entire outer peripheral surface of the conductive yarn 3 over both ends, and both ends of the conductive yarn 3 are formed to facilitate connection between the conductive yarn 3 and a terminal (not shown). It does not need to be coated. When the stretchable wiring 11 covers the entire outer peripheral surface of the conductive yarn 3 over both ends, the electrode can be easily taken out by a welder process or the like. The synthetic resin layer 13 forms a linear conductive yarn 12 together with the conductive yarn 3 in a state where the outer peripheral surface of the conductive yarn 3 is covered. In addition, it is preferable that the synthetic resin layer 13 is not bonded to any yarn other than the conductive yarn 3 so as not to reduce the stretchability of the conductive yarn 3.

  Examples of the main component resin of the synthetic resin layer 13 include thermoplastic resins such as thermoplastic polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, (meth) acrylic resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyolefin, cellulose acetate, and weather resistant vinyl chloride. Among these, a thermoplastic polyurethane that is excellent in flexibility and hardly hinders expansion and contraction of the conductive yarn 3 is preferable.

The lower limit of the coating amount in terms of solid content of the synthetic resin layer 13 is preferably 0.5 g / ^{m 2,} more preferably 1 g / ^{m 2,} more preferably 2 g / ^{m 2.} In contrast, the upper limit of the coating amount in terms of solid content of the synthetic resin layer 13 is preferably 10 g / ^{m 2,} more preferably ^{7g / m 2, 5g / m} 2 is more preferred. If the coating amount of the synthetic resin layer 13 is less than the lower limit, the conductive yarn 3 may not be sufficiently covered with the synthetic resin layer 13. On the contrary, when the application amount of the synthetic resin layer 13 exceeds the upper limit, the conductive yarn 3 may not easily expand and contract. On the other hand, in the stretchable wiring 11, the conductive yarn 12 can be formed in a desired manner while suppressing the stretchability of the conductive yarn 3 by adjusting the coating amount of the synthetic resin layer 13 within the above range. It can be controlled to have elasticity.

  The synthetic resin layer 13 may be covered with the conductive yarn 3 before knitting the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4, and the conductive yarn 3 after the knitting of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4. 3 may be covered. As a method for covering each conductive yarn 3 with the synthetic resin layer 13 after knitting the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of nonconductive yarns 4, for example, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of nonconductive yarns 4 are knitted with a circular knitting machine. A method of applying a synthetic resin from the nozzle only to the outer peripheral surface of the conductive yarn 3 later and heating and curing the synthetic resin can be mentioned. As described above, when the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns 4 are knitted with a circular knitting machine, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 are knitted while being stretched. Synthetic resin can be spread over the entire outer periphery of the conductive yarn 3. Therefore, according to such a method, it becomes easy to allow the synthetic resin layer 13 to enter the contact points of the conductive yarns 3 with the nonconductive yarns 4. Moreover, according to such a method, the synthetic resin layer 13 can be easily and reliably applied only to the outer peripheral surface of the conductive yarn 3.

  The synthetic resin layer 13 is fused to the insulating sheet 2. Moreover, it is preferable that the synthetic resin layer 13 is also fused with the covering sheet 5. For example, the stretchable wiring 11 employs a configuration having the base layer and the heat-sealable layer described above as the configuration of the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5, and the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5 are thermally laminated in the fixing step described above. By doing so, the synthetic resin layer 13 can be melted and fused to the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5 at the time of the thermal lamination.

<Advantages>
In the stretchable wiring 11, since the synthetic resin layer 13 is fused to the insulating sheet 2, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 can be more stably fixed to the insulating sheet 2. Further, in the stretchable wiring 11, the synthetic resin layer 13 is fused to the covering sheet 5 in addition to the insulating sheet 2, so that the stability of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 is further improved. Further, since the stretchable wiring 11 has the synthetic resin layer 13 covering the outer peripheral surface of the conductive yarn 3, the insulating property of the conductive yarn 3 can be improved. In addition, since the stretchable wiring 11 covers the outer peripheral surface of the conductive yarn 3 with the synthetic resin layer 13, even if the covering sheet 5 is damaged, the contact of the adjacent conductive yarn 3 can be accurately suppressed. it can.

[Third embodiment]
<Extensible wiring>
The stretchable wiring 21 in FIG. 6 includes a stretchable insulating sheet 2 and a plurality of conductive yarns 3 that are fixed to the insulating sheet 2 and spaced apart from each other. The stretchable wiring 21 further includes a covering sheet 5 laminated on the plurality of conductive yarns 3. Each of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 extends in one direction as a whole. The plurality of conductive yarns 3 are provided so as to bend in the planar direction and the thickness direction of the insulating sheet 2 and extend in the extending direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the stretchable wiring 21 has a gap between adjacent conductive yarns 3. Specifically, the stretchable wiring 21 is configured such that the plurality of nonconductive threads 4 in the stretchable wiring 1 of FIG. 1 do not exist. In the stretchable wiring 21, it is preferable that the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5 are bonded in a region between the adjacent conductive yarns 3 from the viewpoint of preventing contact between the adjacent conductive yarns 3. The insulating sheet 2, the plurality of conductive yarns 3, and the covering sheet 5 in the stretchable wiring 21 are the same as the stretchable wiring 1 in FIG. Note that “having a gap between adjacent conductive yarns” refers to a case where there is a space (air) between adjacent conductive yarns and a case where adjacent conductive yarns are not connected via other yarns. Including.

  In the stretchable wiring 21, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 are derived from a knitted fabric of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of non-conductive yarns. The non-conductive yarn is a water-soluble yarn. As will be described later, the water-soluble yarn is dissolved in the manufacturing process of the stretchable wiring 21. Due to the dissolution of the plurality of water-soluble yarns, a gap is formed in the region between the adjacent conductive yarns 3 in the stretchable wiring 21.

<Manufacturing method>
A method for manufacturing the stretchable wiring 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the method for manufacturing the stretchable wiring, the step of knitting a plurality of conductive yarns 3 and a plurality of water-soluble yarns 22 (knitting step), and the knitted plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of water-soluble yarns 22 to the insulating sheet 2 A step of fixing (fixing step) and a step of dissolving the knitted water-soluble yarns 22 on the insulating sheet 2 (dissolution step).

[Water-soluble yarn]
First, the water-soluble thread 22 used in the manufacturing method of the stretchable wiring will be described. The water-soluble yarn 22 is formed by water-soluble fibers that are dissolved by water. Examples of the water-soluble fibers include water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol-based synthetic fibers, water-soluble polyester-based synthetic fibers, water-soluble polyamide-based synthetic fibers, and water-soluble ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer-based synthetic fibers. Among them, the water-soluble fiber is preferably a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol-based synthetic fiber that can be easily dissolved.

  The lower limit of the fineness of the water-soluble yarn 22 is preferably 3 dtex, and more preferably 7 dtex. On the other hand, the upper limit of the fineness of the water-soluble yarn 22 is preferably 500 dtex, and more preferably 200 dtex. If the fineness of the water-soluble yarn 22 is less than the lower limit, the strength is lowered and the water-soluble yarn 22 may be disconnected unnecessarily. Conversely, if the fineness of the water-soluble yarn 22 exceeds the upper limit, it may be difficult to dissolve.

(Knitting process)
In the knitting step, for example, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of water-soluble yarns 22 are knitted by weft knitting so as to be alternately arranged in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction.

(Fixing process)
In the fixing step, each conductive yarn 3 and the water-soluble yarn 22 are fixed so as to extend in one direction as a whole. In the fixing step, as shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of water-soluble yarns 22 are bent in the plane direction and the thickness direction of the insulating sheet 2. Is fixed to the insulating sheet 2. In the fixing step, for example, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of water-soluble yarns 22 may be firmly fixed to the insulating sheet 2 with an adhesive, and the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of water-soluble yarns 22 are fixed to the insulating sheet 2. It may be temporarily fixed to. In the present embodiment, in the fixing step, the plurality of water-soluble yarns 22 are dissolved by the below-described dissolution step, and then the covering sheet 5 is laminated on the plurality of conductive yarns 3. The covering sheet 5 may be fixed to the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the insulating sheet 2 by an adhesive, but it is preferable to fix the plurality of conductive yarns 3 between the insulating sheet 2 and the covering sheet 5 by the above-described thermal lamination. .

(Dissolution process)
In the dissolution step, for example, the plurality of water-soluble yarns 22 are dissolved by immersing the insulating sheet 2 in a state where the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of water-soluble yarns 22 are fixed in water. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 are placed on the insulating sheet 2 in a state of being separated from each other in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction.

  In addition, the manufacturing method of the said expansion | extension wiring does not necessarily need to melt | dissolve the several water-soluble thread | yarn 22 after fixing the some electrically conductive thread | yarn 3 and the water-soluble thread | yarn 22 to the insulating sheet 2, and the several electrically conductive thread | yarn 3 and a several Before fixing the water-soluble yarn 22 to the insulating sheet 2 (specifically, with the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of water-soluble yarns 22 mounted on the insulating sheet 2), the plurality of water-soluble yarns 22 are dissolved. May be. That is, the method for manufacturing the stretchable wiring includes the knitting step, the step of placing the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of water-soluble yarns 22 on the insulating sheet 2 after the knitting (placement step), A step of dissolving the plurality of water-soluble yarns 22 (dissolution step) later and a step of fixing the plurality of conductive yarns 3 to the insulating sheet 2 (fixing step) may be provided.

<Advantages>
In the stretchable wiring 21, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 are derived from the knitted fabric of the plurality of conductive yarns 3 and the plurality of water-soluble yarns 22, and there are gaps between the adjacent conductive yarns 3. Can be improved.

  The stretchable wiring manufacturing method can easily and reliably manufacture the stretchable wiring 21 that is excellent in stretchability of the plurality of conductive yarns 3. Moreover, the manufacturing method of the said expansion | contraction wiring should just fix or mount the knitted body of the some conductive yarn 3 and the some water-soluble yarn 22 to the insulation sheet 2, Therefore The some conductive yarn 3 is spaced apart at predetermined intervals, respectively. As compared with the case of placing the insulating sheet 2 on the insulating sheet 2, the plurality of conductive yarns 3 can be easily and reliably arranged at a narrow pitch.

[Other Embodiments]
The said embodiment does not limit the structure of this invention. Therefore, in the above-described embodiment, components of each part of the above-described embodiment can be omitted, replaced, or added based on the description and common general knowledge of the present specification, and they are all interpreted as belonging to the scope of the present invention. Should.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the stretchable wiring 31 may have a gap between adjacent conductive yarns 3 when a plurality of conductive yarns 3 and a plurality of nonconductive yarns 4 are knitted. As a method for manufacturing such a stretchable wiring 31, for example, a plurality of conductive yarns 3, a plurality of non-conductive yarns 4, and a plurality of water-soluble yarn knitted bodies are fixed or placed on the insulating sheet 2, and then a plurality of water-soluble wires 31 are formed. The method of melt | dissolving the characteristic yarn 22 is mentioned. The stretchable wiring 31 has a gap between the adjacent conductive yarns 3 and the non-conductive yarns 4 are disposed between the conductive yarns 3, thereby greatly reducing the possibility of the adjacent conductive yarns 3 coming into contact. be able to.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the conductive yarns are separated in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction has been described. However, the stretchable wiring 1 is formed by knitting a plurality of conductive yarns adjacent to the extending direction in the vertical direction. Two conductive bands may be configured. In this case, the adjacent conductive bands in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction may be held in an insulated state. In addition, the stretchable wiring may have a plurality of nonconductive yarns interposed between adjacent conductive yarns. Further, the stretchable wiring does not necessarily have to include a plurality of conductive yarns, and may include only one conductive yarn.

  The stretchable wiring does not necessarily have to have a fixing portion where the conductive yarn is fixed to the insulating sheet and a separating portion which is separated from the insulating sheet. Moreover, even if the conductive yarn has a fixing part and a separation part, the position where these parts are formed is not limited.

  The stretchable wiring does not necessarily include a covering sheet. Moreover, when the said expansion-contraction wiring is provided with a coating sheet, this coating sheet may be formed, for example, by applying a synthetic resin on a conductive yarn and drying it.

  The configurations of the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined. For example, the stretchable wires 21 and 31 in FIGS. 6 and 10 may have a synthetic resin layer that covers the outer peripheral surface of the conductive yarn.

  In addition to being attached to clothing, robot bends, movable parts, etc., the telescopic wiring should be used as wiring for connecting parts inside electronic equipment, such as wiring for connecting various devices to the dashboard of a car, for example. Is also possible.

  As described above, the stretchable wiring of the present invention is excellent in stretchability and bendability, and is therefore suitable for being attached to clothes, a bend / movable part of a robot, and the like together with a strain sensor.

1, 11, 21, 31 Stretchable wiring 2 Insulating sheet 3 Conductive thread 4 Non-conductive thread 5 Cover sheet 12 Conductive thread 13 Synthetic resin layer 22 Water-soluble thread P Adhering part Q Separating part R Loop part R1 Base end part R2 Tip part

Claims (8)

An insulating sheet having elasticity;
And at least one conductive yarn fixed to the insulating sheet and extending in one direction as a whole,
Telescopic wiring in which the conductive yarn is bent in the planar direction and the thickness direction of the insulating sheet and is extendable in the extending direction. A plurality of the conductive yarns spaced apart from each other;
The stretchable wiring according to claim 1, further comprising a non-conductive yarn fixed to the insulating sheet between the plurality of conductive yarns and knitted with the plurality of conductive yarns.   The stretchable wiring according to claim 1, wherein the conductive yarn has a portion that is fixed to the insulating sheet and a portion that is separated from the insulating sheet. The conductive yarn has a plurality of loop portions continuous in the extending direction,
The stretchable wiring according to claim 3, wherein the fixing part and the separation part are provided at a base end part of the loop part.   The stretchable wiring according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a covering sheet that has an insulating property and is laminated on the conductive yarn. An insulating sheet having elasticity;
A plurality of conductive yarns fixed to the insulating sheet and extending in one direction as a whole;
The plurality of conductive yarns are derived from a knitted fabric of conductive yarns and non-conductive yarns,
A stretchable wiring in which the non-conductive yarn is a water-soluble yarn. Knitting a plurality of conductive yarns and a plurality of non-conductive yarns;
And a step of fixing the plurality of knitted conductive yarns and the plurality of non-conductive yarns to an insulating sheet. The non-conductive yarn is a water-soluble yarn;
The manufacturing method of the elastic | stretch wiring of Claim 7 further equipped with the process of melt | dissolving the said several knitted nonelectroconductive yarn on an insulating sheet.

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