Patent Description:
For example, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose a devise according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. Further, a device which can be made thinner is disclosed in <CIT> (Patent Document <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, Patent Document <NUM> discloses a module (device) <NUM> with built-in semiconductor chips. The device <NUM> comprises a thermosetting resin composition (sealing resin) <NUM> and a circuit member <NUM> including semiconductor chips <NUM> and wiring patterns <NUM>. The sealing resin <NUM> is formed so that the circuit member <NUM> is embedded therewithin. Then, a surface of the sealing resin <NUM> is polished so that the device <NUM> is made thinner.

Further reduction in thickness is required for a device comprising a circuit member.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new device which can be made thinner.

The object is achieved by the device as defined by claim <NUM>.

According to the device of an aspect of the present invention, the first sealing member and the second sealing member overlap with each other while the first circuit member and the second circuit member (hereafter, simply referred to as "circuit members") are sandwiched therebetween. The first sealing member is basically formed of a film. Moreover, the structure of each of the circuit members is not restricted except that the circuit members should be provided with the contact points and the electrode. Thus, each of the circuit members of an aspect of the present invention has a simple structure and can be formed of various material. For example, each of the circuit members may be an insulation film formed with a conductive pattern having the contact point and the electrode. In this instance, the thickness of the entire device can be made extremely thin. Thus, an aspect of the present invention provides a new device which can be made thinner.

An appreciation of the objectives of the present invention and a more complete understanding of its structure may be had by studying the following description of the preferred embodiment and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail.

Referring to <FIG>, a device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention is an independent electronic device. More specifically, the device <NUM> can work solely without another electronic device (not shown) physically attached thereto. For example, the device <NUM> measures the heart rate of a subject by attaching the device <NUM> near the heart of the subject and transmits the measurement result to another electronic device. Thus, the device <NUM> can be used as an electronic device for measuring biological information such as heart rate. However, the present invention is not limited thereto but is applicable to various devices having various functions.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the device <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises a circuit structure <NUM> and a sealing member <NUM>. The circuit structure <NUM> is a member for enabling the device <NUM> to work as an electronic device. For example, the circuit structure <NUM> has an electronic circuit (not shown) for receiving electric signals (hereafter, referred to as "biological signals") generated from electric pulse of the heart of the subject, another electronic circuit (not shown) for measuring the electric pulse of the heart based on the received biological signals and still another electronic circuit (not shown) for transmitting the measurement result to another electronic device (not shown). The sealing member <NUM> entirely accommodates the circuit structure <NUM> therewithin and protects the circuit structure <NUM> from an external environment. Thus, the circuit structure <NUM> is shut in the sealing member <NUM>.

The circuit structure <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises a first circuit member <NUM> and a second circuit member <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises a first sealing member <NUM> and a second sealing member <NUM>. Thus, the device <NUM> comprises the first sealing member <NUM>, the second sealing member <NUM>, the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the four members of the device <NUM>, i.e., the first sealing member <NUM>, the second sealing member <NUM>, the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM>, are stacked in an upper-lower direction (Z-direction) and are combined to form the device <NUM> as a single structure. The device <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises only the aforementioned four members. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but the device <NUM> may further comprise another member in addition to the aforementioned four members.

Hereafter, explanation will be made about each member of the device <NUM> of the present embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the first sealing member <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed of, as a base thereof, a first film <NUM> which is an insulation film. In other words, the first sealing member <NUM> comprises, as a base of the first sealing member <NUM>, the first film <NUM> formed of a film. The first film <NUM> of the present embodiment is a thin, rectangular sheet and is bendable. For example, the first film <NUM> has a thickness of about <NUM> to <NUM>. The first film <NUM> extends in parallel to a horizontal plane (sheet plane: XY-plane). The first film <NUM> has a peripheral edge <NUM> in the XY-plane.

Referring to <FIG>, the first film <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> is an upper surface (positive Z-side surface) of the first film <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> is a lower surface (negative Z-side surface) of the first film <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first film <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises two layers consisting of a meltable layer <NUM> which is meltable by heat-treatment and an unmeltable layer <NUM> which is not meltable by heat-treatment. The meltable layer <NUM> is located under the unmeltable layer <NUM>. For example, the meltable layer <NUM> is made of polyethylene, and the unmeltable layer <NUM> is made of nylon. According to this structure, the meltable layer <NUM> can be fused to another meltable layer of another member while the unmeltable layer <NUM> is maintained. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first film <NUM> may comprise only one layer which is the unmeltable layer <NUM> or may comprise three or more layers.

The first film <NUM> is formed with a main opening <NUM> and a valve opening <NUM>. Each of the main opening <NUM> and the valve opening <NUM> of the present embodiment has a small circular shape in the XY-plane and passes through the first film <NUM> in the Z-direction. For example, the main opening <NUM> has a diameter of <NUM> or less. Each of the main opening <NUM> and the valve opening <NUM> as described above can be formed by a forming method such as laser irradiation. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the shape and the size in the XY-plane of each of the main opening <NUM> and the valve opening <NUM> are not specifically limited.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first sealing member <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises a sub-member <NUM> and an air valve <NUM> in addition to the first film <NUM>.

The sub-member <NUM> of the present embodiment is a circular, thin sheet and is bendable. The sub-member <NUM> comprises a thin bondable portion <NUM> made of resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyurethane (PU) and a thin conductive portion <NUM> made of conductor such as metal. Thus, the first sealing member <NUM> comprises the bondable portion <NUM> formed of a film and the thin film-like conductive portion <NUM>.

For example, each of the bondable portion <NUM> and the conductive portion <NUM> of the present embodiment has a thickness of about <NUM> to <NUM>. The sub-member <NUM> is formed with a sub-opening <NUM>. The sub-opening <NUM> has a small circular shape in the XY-plane. For example, the sub-opening <NUM> has a diameter of <NUM> or less. The sub-opening <NUM> passes through the bondable portion <NUM> in the Z-direction. However, the sub-opening <NUM> is filled with the conductive portion <NUM> so that no gap is left. In other words, the conductive portion <NUM> extends over the whole sub-opening <NUM> in the XY-plane and shuts the sub-opening <NUM>. The conductive portion <NUM> is exposed upward and downward. In other words, the positive Z-side surface and the negative Z-side surface of the conductive portion <NUM> are exposed outward. Thus, the sub-member <NUM> is formed so as to be electrically connectable in the Z-direction.

For example, the sub-member <NUM> of the present embodiment can be formed as described below. First, a film having a thickness of about <NUM> to <NUM> is formed of resin such as PET or PU. Then, the film is formed with the sub-opening <NUM> having a diameter of <NUM> or less by a forming method such as laser irradiation. As a result, the bondable portion <NUM> is formed. Then, the sub-opening <NUM> is filled with conductive paste which is spread on one of opposite surfaces of the film by using a proper mask and a doctor blade. Then, the film is heated so that the conductive paste is hardened. Then, the sub-opening <NUM> is filled with conductive paste which is spread on a remaining one of the opposite surfaces of the film by using a proper mask and the doctor blade. Then, the film is heated so that the conductive paste is hardened. The conductive portion <NUM> is formed of the conductive paste as a result of the aforementioned twice heat-treatment.

The sub-member <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed as described above and has the aforementioned structure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the conductive portion <NUM> may be formed by plating or by ink-jetting. The conductive portion <NUM> may be formed of metal foil which is laminated on an upper or lower surface of the bondable portion <NUM> so as to cover the whole sub-opening <NUM>. The conductive portion <NUM> may partially protrude downward. Moreover, the shape and the size of the sub-member <NUM> are not specifically limited.

In the present embodiment, the diameter of the main opening <NUM> of the first film <NUM> is smaller than the diameter of the bondable portion <NUM> of the sub-member <NUM> but is larger than the diameter of the conductive portion <NUM> of the sub-member <NUM>. The bondable portion <NUM> of the present embodiment is bonded on the outer surface <NUM> so as to surround the main opening <NUM> in the XY-plane. In other words, a part of the bondable portion <NUM> which is located around the sub-opening <NUM> is bonded to the first film <NUM> throughout its entire circumference so as to surround the main opening <NUM>. The bondable portion <NUM> is firmly attached to the outer surface <NUM> and seals the edge of the main opening <NUM> in the XY-plane throughout its entire circumference. Thus, the sub-member <NUM> entirely shuts the main opening <NUM> and blocks air which might flow through the main opening <NUM>.

The bondable portion <NUM> of the present embodiment is bonded on the outer surface <NUM> of the first film <NUM> by using a fixing member such as an adhesive. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, referring to <FIG>, the first film <NUM> may further comprise another meltable layer (not shown) which is located over the unmeltable layer <NUM>. The bondable portion <NUM> may comprise a meltable layer (not shown) and an unmeltable layer (not shown). The meltable layer of the bondable portion <NUM> may be a lower layer of the bondable portion <NUM>. According to the aforementioned modification, the bondable portion <NUM> can be bonded on the outer surface <NUM> of the first film <NUM> by fusing the meltable layer of the bondable portion <NUM> and the meltable layer of the first film <NUM> to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, the bondable portion <NUM> of the present embodiment has an outer edge in the XY-plane which is located outward of the main opening <NUM> in the XY-plane. Moreover, the bondable portion <NUM> has an inner edge in the XY-plane which is located inward of the main opening <NUM> in the XY-plane. Thus, the conductive portion <NUM> of the present embodiment is located inward of the main opening <NUM> in the XY-plane. The thus-arranged conductive portion <NUM> is vertically movable while the bondable portion <NUM> is resiliently deformed partially. In particular, when the bondable portion <NUM> is made of PU, the bondable portion <NUM> is resiliently deformable easily. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, relationship in size in the XY-plane among the bondable portion <NUM>, the main opening <NUM> and the conductive portion <NUM> can be variously modified as necessary.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the air valve <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises a cover portion <NUM> formed of a thin insulation film and a base portion <NUM> made of insulator. As shown in <FIG>, the base portion <NUM> is formed with a passing hole <NUM>. The passing hole <NUM> passes through the base portion <NUM> in the Z-direction. The cover portion <NUM> is formed with five valves <NUM> and five cuts <NUM> which correspond to the valves <NUM>, respectively. Each of the cuts <NUM> passes through the cover portion <NUM> in the Z-direction. The valves <NUM> and the cuts <NUM> are located inward of an outer circumference of the cover portion <NUM> in the XY-plane.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the cover portion <NUM> is adhered to and fixed on an upper surface of the base portion <NUM>. In particular, the outer circumference of the cover portion <NUM> in the XY-plane is tightly adhered to the upper surface of the base portion <NUM> throughout its entire circumference. In contrast, an inner part of the cover portion <NUM>, which is located inward of the outer circumference of the cover portion <NUM> in the XY-plane, can be pulled away from the upper surface of the base portion <NUM>. Thus, a passage which allows air to pass therethrough can be formed between the passing hole <NUM> and each of the cuts <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> has a lower surface which is adhered to and fixed on the first film <NUM> in such a way that the passing hole <NUM> communicates with the valve opening <NUM> of the first film <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the air valve <NUM> can take either an open state shown in <FIG> or a closed state shown in <FIG>. When the air valve <NUM> takes the open state, each of the valves <NUM> is apart from the corresponding cut <NUM>. When the air valve <NUM> takes the closed state, each of the valves <NUM> completely covers the corresponding cut <NUM>. When the air valve <NUM> takes the open state, an air passage via the air valve <NUM> is formed between the inside and the outside of the device <NUM>. When the air valve <NUM> takes the closed state, the inside of the device <NUM> is shut off from the outside of the device <NUM>.

As described later, the air valve <NUM> is used for vacuuming the inside of the device <NUM> upon fabrication of the device <NUM>. The air valve <NUM> of the present embodiment has a structure suitable for this use. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the structure of the air valve <NUM> is not specifically limited, provided that the inside air of the device <NUM> can be discharged by using the air valve <NUM>. Moreover, the inside of the device <NUM> may be vacuumed without provision of the air valve <NUM>. In other words, the air valve <NUM> may be provided as necessary.

Referring to <FIG>, the second sealing member <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed of, as a base thereof, a second film <NUM> which is an insulation film. In other words, the second sealing member <NUM> comprises, as a base of the second sealing member <NUM>, the second film <NUM> formed of a film. The second film <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed of material similar to that of the first film <NUM> and has a structure similar to that of the first film <NUM>. For example, the second film <NUM> is a thin, rectangular sheet and is bendable. The second film <NUM> extends in parallel to the XY-plane. The second film <NUM> has a peripheral edge <NUM> in the XY-plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second sealing member <NUM> may comprise, as a base thereof, a rigid circuit board instead of the second film <NUM>. The rigid circuit board may have rigidity and may be hardly bent.

The second film <NUM> or the rigid circuit board of the present embodiment comprises, similarly to the first film <NUM>, two layers consisting of the meltable layer <NUM> which is meltable by heat-treatment and the unmeltable layer <NUM> which is not meltable by heat-treatment. The meltable layer <NUM> is located over the unmeltable layer <NUM>. According to this structure, the two meltable layers <NUM> of the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> can be fused to each other while the unmeltable layers <NUM> are maintained. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Each of the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> may have any structure, provided that it is in accordance with a forming method of the device <NUM>. For example, the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> may be bonded together by using a fixing member such as an adhesive. In this instance, each of the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> may comprise only one layer which is the unmeltable layer <NUM>. Instead, each of the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> may comprise three or more layers.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second sealing member <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises an additional film <NUM> formed of an insulation film in addition to the second film <NUM>. The additional film <NUM> has an uneven portion <NUM>. As described later, the uneven portion <NUM> is provided in order to maintain a passage which allows air to pass therethrough upon vacuuming the inside of the device <NUM>. In detail, the uneven portion <NUM> is formed with a large number of projections <NUM>. Each of the projections <NUM> is a projection which projects upward and is resiliently deformable. The projections <NUM> are uniformly and continuously formed over the entire additional film <NUM> in the XY-plane. According to the structure described above, a passage which allows air to pass therethrough is formed between every adjacent two of the projections <NUM>. The shape and the size of each of the projections <NUM> are not specifically limited, provided that the passage which allows air to pass therethrough can be formed.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> of the present embodiment overlap with each other so that the position of the peripheral edge <NUM> and the position of the peripheral edge <NUM> are aligned with each other in the XY-plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the size of the first film <NUM> in the XY-plane and the size of the second film <NUM> in the XY-plane may be different from each other. The shape of each of the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> is not limited to be rectangular but can be modified as necessary.

Referring to <FIG>, the first circuit member <NUM> of the present embodiment has a first base portion <NUM> and a first conductive pattern <NUM>. The first base portion <NUM> of the present embodiment is a thin, rectangular sheet formed of an insulation film and is bendable. The first base portion <NUM> extends in parallel to the XY-plane. The first conductive pattern <NUM> is formed on the first base portion <NUM>. In detail, the first conductive pattern <NUM> is made of conductor such as copper and is formed on a lower surface of the first base portion <NUM> by a forming method such as silver ink printing or etching.

The second circuit member <NUM> of the present embodiment has a second base portion <NUM> and a second conductive pattern <NUM>. The second base portion <NUM> of the present embodiment is a thin, rectangular sheet formed of an insulation film and is bendable. The second base portion <NUM> extends in parallel to the XY-plane. The second conductive pattern <NUM> is formed on the second base portion <NUM>. In detail, the second conductive pattern <NUM> is made of conductor such as copper and is formed on an upper surface of the second base portion <NUM> by a forming method such as silver ink printing or etching.

Each of the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> of the present embodiment has the aforementioned structure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> may be provided with one or more electronic components. One of the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> may be a single electronic component. Each of the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> may be a rigid circuit board. The forming method of each of the first conductive pattern <NUM> and the second conductive pattern <NUM> is not specifically limited, provided that each of the first conductive pattern <NUM> and the second conductive pattern <NUM> is made of conductor.

The first conductive pattern <NUM> of the present embodiment has a first contact point <NUM>. The second conductive pattern <NUM> of the present embodiment has a second contact point <NUM> and an electrode <NUM>. Thus, the first circuit member <NUM> comprises the first contact point <NUM>, and the second circuit member <NUM> comprises the second contact point <NUM> and the electrode <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> are in contact with each other in the fabricated device <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the electrode <NUM> and the conductive portion <NUM> are in contact with each other in the fabricated device <NUM>. Thus, the first conductive pattern <NUM> and the second conductive pattern <NUM> are electrically connected with each other and are electrically connectable with a member located outside the device <NUM> through the conductive portion <NUM>.

The first conductive pattern <NUM> and the second conductive pattern <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> are abstract conductive patterns for simple explanation about the present invention and have no specific function. In other words, even when the illustrated first contact point <NUM> and the illustrated second contact point <NUM> are brought into contact with each other, the device <NUM> does not work as an electronic device. For example, the actual first conductive pattern <NUM> and the actual second conductive pattern <NUM> are formed with an electronic circuit (not shown) which can measure the electric pulse of the heart of the subject. Referring to <FIG>, this electronic circuit can obtain biological signals based on the electric pulse of the heart of the subject via the conductive portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, each of the number of the first contact point <NUM> and the number of the second contact point <NUM> of the present embodiment is one. Moreover, each of the number of the electrode <NUM> and the number of the conductive portion <NUM> is one. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the number of the first contact points <NUM> and the number of the second contact points <NUM> may be two or more. Moreover, each of the number of the electrodes <NUM> and the number of the conductive portions <NUM> may be two or more. In the fabricated device <NUM>, the first contact points <NUM> should be in contact with the second contact points <NUM>, respectively, and the electrodes <NUM> should be in contact with the conductive portions <NUM>, respectively.

Hereafter, more specific explanation will be made about the device <NUM> of the present embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the first film <NUM> of the present embodiment has a first inner portion <NUM> and a first outer portion <NUM>. The first outer portion <NUM> of the present embodiment has a first seal portion <NUM> and a first contact portion <NUM>. The first inner portion <NUM> is located inward of the first outer portion <NUM> in the XY-plane. In other words, the first outer portion <NUM> is a part of the first film <NUM> which surrounds the first inner portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the second film <NUM> of the present embodiment has a second inner portion <NUM> and a second outer portion <NUM>. The second outer portion <NUM> of the present embodiment has a second seal portion <NUM> and a second contact portion <NUM>. The second inner portion <NUM> is located inward of the second outer portion <NUM> in the XY-plane. In other words, the second outer portion <NUM> is a part of the second film <NUM> which surrounds the second inner portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first inner portion <NUM> of the first film <NUM> and the second inner portion <NUM> of the second film <NUM> of the device <NUM> are parts for accommodating the circuit structure <NUM> and are apart from each other. The first seal portion <NUM> and the second seal portion <NUM> of the present embodiment are bonded together to form a seal trace <NUM>. According to the present embodiment, the first seal portion <NUM> and the second seal portion <NUM> are bonded together by heat-sealing. Thus, the seal trace <NUM> of the present embodiment is a trace where the first seal portion <NUM> and the second seal portion <NUM> are welded to each other by heat-treatment. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but the first seal portion <NUM> and the second seal portion <NUM> can be bonded together by various methods such as high frequency, ultrasonic, laser or adhesive.

The seal trace <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed throughout entire circumference of the first seal portion <NUM> and the second seal portion <NUM>. The seal trace <NUM> surrounds the first contact portion <NUM> and the second contact portion <NUM> throughout their entire circumference in the XY-plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but the seal trace <NUM> may be formed on a necessary part in accordance with the forming method of the device <NUM>. For example, the seal trace <NUM> may be partially formed or may not be formed at all.

Referring to <FIG>, as described later, the inside of the device <NUM> is vacuumed after the first seal portion <NUM> and the second seal portion <NUM> are bonded together. According to the present embodiment, upon vacuuming, the first contact portion <NUM> and the second contact portion <NUM> are brought into contact with each other in a contact region <NUM> because of air pressure difference. As a result, the device <NUM> is formed with a closed space <NUM>. The closed space <NUM> is enclosed by the first inner portion <NUM> and the second inner portion <NUM>. The contact region <NUM> of the present embodiment seamlessly surrounds the first inner portion <NUM> and the second inner portion <NUM> throughout their entire circumference in the XY-plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but the contact region <NUM> may be formed on a necessary part in accordance with the forming method of the device <NUM>. For example, the contact region <NUM> may be partially formed or may not be formed at all.

The closed space <NUM>, which is formed as described above, is enclosed by the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> and is shut off from an outer space outside the device <NUM>. According to the present embodiment, the first seal portion <NUM> and the second seal portion <NUM> are firmly bonded together. In addition, the contact region <NUM> is located inward of the seal trace <NUM> in the XY-plane and blocks air which might flow between the inside and the outside of the closed space <NUM>. Thus, air pressure in the closed space <NUM> is kept to low pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure.

The first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> are shut in the closed space <NUM> which is kept to the aforementioned low pressure. The first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> are pressed against each other to be in contact with each other in the closed space <NUM>. In detail, a contact force is generated between the first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> because of air pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the closed space <NUM>. The first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> are pressed against each other because of this air pressure difference. Therefore, the contact between the first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> can be securely kept.

Summarizing the explanation described above, the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> of the device <NUM> of the present embodiment overlap with each other to be in contact with each other while the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> (hereafter, simply referred to as "circuit members") are sandwiched therebetween. Each of the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> of the present embodiment is basically formed of a film.

Moreover, the structure of each of the circuit members is not restricted except that the circuit members should be provided with the electrode <NUM> and the contact points consisting of the first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM>. Thus, each of the circuit members of the present embodiment has a simple structure and can be formed of various material. For example, the circuit members may be two insulation films formed with the conductive patterns consisting of the first conductive pattern <NUM> and the second conductive pattern <NUM>. The conductive patterns may merely have the contact points and the electrode <NUM>. In this instance, the thickness of the entire device <NUM> can be made extremely thin. Thus, the present embodiment provides the device <NUM> which is new and can be made thinner.

According to the present embodiment, the first seal portion <NUM> and the second seal portion <NUM> are bonded together, and the first contact portion <NUM> and the second contact portion <NUM> are in contact with each other. According to this structure, the closed space <NUM> can be reliably kept airtight. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, the first seal portion <NUM> and the second seal portion <NUM> may partially surround the first contact portion <NUM> and the second contact portion <NUM> in the XY-plane. The first seal portion <NUM> and the second seal portion <NUM> may partially surround the first inner portion <NUM> and the second inner portion <NUM> in the XY-plane.

According to the present embodiment, the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> can be easily taken out from the closed space <NUM> by cutting off the first seal portion <NUM> and the second seal portion <NUM>. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the members can be easily collected separately and can be reused.

The conductive portion <NUM> of the present embodiment is in contact with the electrode <NUM> in the closed space <NUM> and is partially exposed to the outer space located outside the device <NUM>. In detail, the outer surface <NUM> of the first film <NUM> is located outside the closed space <NUM>. The bondable portion <NUM> of the sub-member <NUM> is bonded on the thus-arranged outer surface <NUM>. The conductive portion <NUM> and the electrode <NUM> are pressed against each other because of air pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the closed space <NUM> so that the contact between the conductive portion <NUM> and the electrode <NUM> can be reliably kept.

If the conductive portion <NUM> as described above is not provided, electronic circuits (not shown) formed in the first conductive pattern <NUM> and the second conductive pattern <NUM> should obtain biological signals of a subject with no contact with the subject. For example, the electronic circuits should obtain biological signals of the subject by contactless communication. However, weak biological signals are difficult to be accurately obtained by contactless communication. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, biological signals can be accurately obtained via the conductive portion <NUM> which is in contact with a skin of the subject.

Each of the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> is preferred to have a high barrier property against oxygen. More specifically, each of the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> (or rigid circuit board) is preferred to comprise a layer made of high oxygen barrier material which is material having a high barrier property against oxygen. According to this layer-structure, oxidation of the metal members of the circuit structure <NUM> can be reduced.

For example, the high oxygen barrier material may be linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). More specifically, the high oxygen barrier material may be PET/AI/PE which is formed by laminating polyethylene terephthalate, aluminum and polyethylene; ON/PE which is formed by laminating biaxially stretched nylon and polyethylene; PET/EVOH/PE which is formed by laminating polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene; or may be formed by laminating a transparent high barrier film and polyethylene. The transparent high barrier film may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET) deposited with SiOx or aluminum oxide.

Each of the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> of the present embodiment is preferred to have a high barrier property against water vapor in addition to the high barrier property against oxygen. More specifically, each of the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> (or rigid circuit board) is preferred to comprise a layer made of high water-vapor barrier material which is material having a high barrier property against water vapor. According to this layer-structure, the circuit structure <NUM> can be water-proofed. For example, the high water-vapor barrier material may be material which is a sheet made of ON/PE, biaxially stretched polypropylene (OPP) or PET and is coated with polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC).

Each of the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> may have various barrier properties such as a barrier property against nitrogen in addition to the high barrier property against oxygen and the high barrier property against water vapor. Thus, each of the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> is preferred to have high barrier properties in accordance with its use.

The device <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the present embodiment is formed via four steps consisting of a preparing step (STEP <NUM>), a stacking step (STEP <NUM>), a shutting-in step (STEP <NUM>) and a vacuuming step (STEP <NUM>). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but the forming method of the device <NUM> can be modified as necessary. Hereafter, explanation will be made about an example of the forming method of the device <NUM> of the present embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, first, in the preparing step, the first sealing member <NUM>, the second sealing member <NUM>, the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> are prepared.

Then, in the stacking step, the first sealing member <NUM>, the first circuit member <NUM>, the second circuit member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> are stacked on each other in this order from top to bottom along the Z-direction. Meanwhile, the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> are arranged so that the first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> face each other in the Z-direction. Moreover, the conductive portion <NUM> and the electrode <NUM> are arranged so as to face each other in the Z-direction. The additional film <NUM> is located at the middle of second film <NUM> in the XY-plane. The first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> are located at the middle of the additional film <NUM> in the XY-plane. In addition, the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> are arranged so that two of the meltable layers <NUM> (see <FIG>) thereof face each other in the Z-direction.

Then, in the shutting-in step, heat-sealing is applied to the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM>. In detail, parts of the two meltable layers <NUM>, which are located at outer circumferences of the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> in the XY-plane, are welded to each other via heat-sealing. Referring to <FIG>, as a result of the heat-sealing, the device <NUM> with the seal trace <NUM> is formed. The device <NUM> has an inner space which is enclosed by the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> and which is shut off from the outside of the device <NUM> except for the air valve <NUM>.

Then, in the vacuuming step, the inside of the device <NUM> is vacuumed. According to the present embodiment, the air valve <NUM> and an instrument <NUM> are used to discharge the air of the inside of the device <NUM>. The instrument <NUM> of the present embodiment is a syringe-type piston pump. The instrument <NUM> comprises a syringe <NUM> and a plunger <NUM>. The syringe <NUM> has a lower end which has a ring shape in the XY-plane. The ring shape of the syringe <NUM> corresponds to the outer circumference of the cover portion <NUM> of the air valve <NUM>.

In the vacuuming step, first, the lower end of the syringe <NUM> is pressed against the upper surface of the cover portion <NUM>. Then, the plunger <NUM> is pulled upward. Meanwhile, the air valve <NUM> takes the open state, and an air passage is formed between the inside of the device <NUM> and the inside of the syringe <NUM>. The air in the inside of the device <NUM> is discharged into the inside of the syringe <NUM> through the passing hole <NUM> and the cuts <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the air valve <NUM>. As a result, air pressure of the inside of the device <NUM> is gradually lowered. When air pressure of the inside of the device <NUM> becomes low pressure close to that of a vacuum, the vacuuming by using the instrument <NUM> is stopped.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, when the vacuuming is stopped, the valves <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the air valve <NUM> cover the cuts <NUM> (see <FIG>) because of air pressure difference between air pressure of the inside of the device <NUM> and the atmospheric pressure, and thereby the air valve <NUM> takes the closed state. As a result, air pressure of the inside of the device <NUM> is kept to low pressure. Thus, the device <NUM> is formed with the closed space <NUM> which is shut off from the outside and has the low pressure. The first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> are pressed against each other and are brought into contact with each other because of air pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the closed space <NUM>. The conductive portion <NUM> and the electrode <NUM> are pressed against each other and are brought into contact with each other because of the air pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the closed space <NUM>.

The first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> tend to be in close contact with each other upon vacuuming, and thereby tend to form a close contact part such as the contact region <NUM>. If the additional film <NUM> is not provided, the close contact part of the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> will be formed in the closed space <NUM>. The thus-formed close contact part might block an air passage between the air valve <NUM> and a contact point region where the first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> are arranged. As a result, air pressure of a space in which the first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> are located might be insufficiently lowered, and thereby the first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> might be unreliably brought into contact with each other. Similarly, the conductive portion <NUM> and the electrode <NUM> might be unreliably brought into contact with each other.

In contrast, since the additional film <NUM> of the present embodiment is located between the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM>, direct contact between the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> is prevented. Moreover, since the additional film <NUM> has the uneven portion <NUM>, the air passage through the air valve <NUM> can be kept even in a case where the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> are indirectly brought into contact with each other via the additional film <NUM>. Therefore, the first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> can be reliably brought into contact with each other. Similarly, the conductive portion <NUM> and the electrode <NUM> can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

The additional film <NUM> of the present embodiment is an embossed film distinct and separable from the second film <NUM> and is arranged on the second film <NUM>. The uneven portion <NUM> is formed over upper and lower surfaces of the additional film <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the additional film <NUM> may be adhered to and fixed on an upper surface of the second film <NUM>. The uneven portion <NUM> may be formed only on the upper surface of the additional film <NUM>. The second film <NUM> may be embossed so as to be formed with the uneven portion <NUM>. In this instance, the additional film <NUM> does not need to be provided. Thus, the second sealing member <NUM> may comprise only the second film <NUM> which has the uneven portion <NUM>.

The additional film <NUM> of the present embodiment forms the second sealing member <NUM> together with the second film <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the additional film <NUM> may form the first sealing member <NUM> together with the first film <NUM>. More specifically, the additional film <NUM> may be arranged under the first film <NUM>. Moreover, the first film <NUM> may be embossed so as to be formed with the uneven portion <NUM>. In this instance, the additional film <NUM> does not need to be provided.

According to the forming method of the present embodiment, the first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> are securely in contact with each other without using a fixing member such as an adhesive. The conductive portion <NUM> and the electrode <NUM> are securely in contact with each other without using a fixing member such as an adhesive. Therefore, when the device <NUM> is no longer used, the device <NUM> can be disassembled merely by cutting off the first outer portion <NUM> and the second outer portion <NUM>. In addition, the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> can be shut in the closed space <NUM> having low pressure, and thereby degradation of the metal members due to oxidation can be reduced, for example.

Referring to <FIG>, according to the forming method of the present embodiment, the simple instrument <NUM> can be used for easy vacuuming. The vacuuming by the instrument <NUM> can be repeatedly performed. For example, even when air pressure in the closed space <NUM> becomes higher during use of the device <NUM>, the instrument <NUM> can be used for vacuuming again. Thus, during use of the device <NUM>, the contact force between the first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> can be kept, and the contact force between the conductive portion <NUM> and the electrode <NUM> can be kept. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but the forming method of the device <NUM> can be modified as necessary.

For example, the structure of the instrument <NUM> is not specifically limited, provided that it can be used for vacuuming. A nozzle may be used instead of the illustrated instrument <NUM>. The nozzle may be inserted into and vacuum the device <NUM>. In this instance, the air valve <NUM> does not need to be provided. Alternatively, a commercially available desktop vacuum packaging machine (not shown) may be used for sealing and vacuuming. Referring to <FIG>, the members of the device <NUM> may be arranged in a chamber (not shown) so that vacuuming is performed simultaneously with heat-sealing. According to this forming method, the additional film <NUM> does not need to be provided. In addition, the other member does not need to be provided with the uneven portion <NUM>. However, a commercially available, simple instrument such as the instrument <NUM> (see <FIG>) is preferable from a viewpoint of easy fabrication of the device <NUM>.

According to the forming method of the present embodiment, the sub-member <NUM> has been bonded to the first film <NUM> when the preparing step starts. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sub-member <NUM> may be bonded to the first film <NUM> by fusing after the vacuuming step ends. However, the forming method of the present embodiment is preferable from a viewpoint of reliably vacuuming the inside of the device <NUM>.

The present embodiment can be further variously modified as described below in addition to the already described modifications.

Comparing <FIG> with <FIG>, a device 10A according to a first modification comprises the second sealing member <NUM> same as that of the device <NUM>. Moreover, the device 10A comprises a first sealing member 20A, a first circuit member 40A and a second circuit member 50A which are different from the first sealing member <NUM>, the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> of the device <NUM>, respectively.

The first sealing member 20A comprises a first film 22A similar to the first film <NUM> and comprises the sub-member <NUM> and the air valve <NUM> same as those of the first sealing member <NUM>. The first film 22A is formed with a main opening 244A similar to the main opening <NUM>. The main opening 244A is located above the first circuit member 40A.

The second circuit member 50A has a structure similar to that of the second circuit member <NUM> except that the electrode <NUM> is not provided. On the other hand, the first circuit member 40A comprises an electrode 49A. In detail, the first circuit member 40A comprises a first base portion 42A and a first conductive pattern 44A. The first base portion 42A is formed with a via hole which vertically passes through the first base portion 42A. The electrode 49A is formed on an upper surface of the first base portion 42A and is connected to the first conductive pattern 44A, which is formed on a lower surface of the first base portion 42A, through the via hole. The sub-member <NUM> is bonded on the outer surface <NUM> of the first film 22A so as to shut the main opening 244A. The conductive portion <NUM> of the sub-member <NUM> is in contact with the electrode 49A the first conductive pattern 44A instead of the electrode <NUM> of the second conductive pattern <NUM>.

Except for the differences described above, the device 10A has a structure similar to that of the device <NUM> and works similarly to the device <NUM>. Thus, according to the present modification, the effect similar to that of the aforementioned embodiment can be obtained.

As can be seen from the explanation described above, the first circuit member 40A may comprise the electrode 49A, while the second circuit member <NUM> may comprise the electrode <NUM>. Instead, the first circuit member 40A may comprise the electrode 49A, and the second circuit member <NUM> may comprise the electrode <NUM>. Thus, at least one of the first circuit member and the second circuit member should comprise an electrode configured to be connected to the conductive portion <NUM>.

Comparing <FIG> with <FIG>, a device 10B according to a second modification comprises the second sealing member <NUM>, the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> same as those of the device <NUM>. Moreover, the device 10B comprises a first sealing member 20B different from the first sealing member <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The first sealing member 20B comprises the first film <NUM>, the sub-member <NUM> and the air valve <NUM> same as those of the first sealing member <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of the first film <NUM> is located inside the closed space <NUM>. The bondable portion <NUM> of the sub-member <NUM> is bonded on the thus-arranged inner surface <NUM> by using a fixing member such as an adhesive.

Except for the differences described above, the device 10B has a structure similar to that of the device <NUM> and works similarly to the device <NUM>. For example, referring <FIG>, a part of the bondable portion <NUM> which is located around the sub-opening <NUM> is bonded to the first film <NUM> throughout its entire circumference so as to surround the main opening <NUM>. The conductive portion <NUM> is in contact with the electrode <NUM> in the closed space <NUM> and is partially exposed to the outer space located outside the device <NUM>. The conductive portion <NUM> and the electrode <NUM> are pressed against each other because of air pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the closed space <NUM>, and thereby the contact between the conductive portion <NUM> and the electrode <NUM> can be securely kept. Thus, according to the present modification, the effect similar to that of the aforementioned embodiment and the first modification can be obtained.

The bondable portion <NUM> of the present modification may comprise a meltable layer (not shown) and an unmeltable layer (not shown). The meltable layer of the bondable portion <NUM> may be an upper layer of the bondable portion <NUM>. In this instance, the bondable portion <NUM> may be fused to the meltable layer <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the first film <NUM>.

Comparing <FIG> and <FIG> with <FIG> and <FIG>, a device 10C according to a third modification comprises the second sealing member <NUM>, the first circuit member <NUM> and the second circuit member <NUM> same as those of the device <NUM>. Moreover, the device 10C comprises a first sealing member 20C different from the first sealing member <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The first sealing member 20C comprises the first film <NUM> and the air valve <NUM> same as those of the first sealing member <NUM>. However, the first sealing member 20C does not comprise the sub-member <NUM>. The first sealing member 20C comprises a conductive portion 246C instead of the conductive portion <NUM> of the sub-member <NUM>.

The conductive portion 246C is made of conductor such as metal similarly to the conductive portion <NUM> and is formed by a forming method similar to that of the conductive portion <NUM>. The conductive portion 246C shuts the main opening <NUM> of the first film <NUM>. The conductive portion 246C extends over the whole main opening <NUM> in the XY-plane and entirely shuts the main opening <NUM>. Thus, the conductive portion 246C blocks air which might flow through the main opening <NUM>.

Except for the differences described above, the device 10C has a structure similar to that of the device <NUM> and works similarly to the device <NUM>. For example, referring <FIG>, the conductive portion 246C is in contact with the electrode <NUM> in the closed space <NUM> and is partially exposed to the outer space located outside the device <NUM>. The conductive portion 246C and the electrode <NUM> are pressed against each other because of air pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the closed space <NUM>, and thereby the contact between the conductive portion 246C and the electrode <NUM> can be securely kept. Thus, according to the present modification, the effect similar to that of the aforementioned embodiment, the first modification and the second modification can be obtained.

The present embodiment can be further variously modified in addition to the already described modifications.

For example, referring to <FIG>, the peripheral edge <NUM> of the first film <NUM> and the peripheral edge <NUM> of the second film <NUM> may be connected to each other at a rear end (negative X-side end) thereof in a front-rear direction (X-direction). In other words, each of the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> may be a part of a single planar sheet which is folded so that the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> overlap with each other. Instead, the peripheral edge <NUM> of the first film <NUM> and the peripheral edge <NUM> of the second film <NUM> may be connected to each other except for the rear end thereof. In other words, each of the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> may be a part of a single folder-like sheet.

The aforementioned folder-like sheet may have an openable and closable fastener which is provided on a rear end part thereof. In this instance, vacuuming may be performed under a state where the fastener is closed. Thereafter, parts of the first film <NUM> and the second film <NUM> which are located forward (positive X-side) of the fastener may be fused to each other. The part provided with the air valve <NUM> may be cut off after the fusing.

The first circuit member <NUM> may be a member integral to the first sealing member <NUM>. The second circuit member <NUM> may be a member integral to the second sealing member <NUM>. For example, the first base portion <NUM> may be adhered to and fixed on a lower surface of the first film <NUM>. Instead, the first conductive pattern <NUM> may be formed on the lower surface of the first film <NUM>. The second circuit member <NUM> may be provided on the additional film <NUM>. For example, the second base portion <NUM> may be adhered to and fixed on the upper surface of the additional film <NUM>. Instead, the second conductive pattern <NUM> may be formed on the upper surface of the additional film <NUM>. Moreover, when the second sealing member <NUM> does not comprise the additional film <NUM>, the second base portion <NUM> may be adhered to and fixed on the upper surface of the second film <NUM>. Instead, the second conductive pattern <NUM> may be formed on the upper surface of the second film <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A device (<NUM>, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) comprising a first sealing member (<NUM>, 20A, 20B, 20C), a second sealing member (<NUM>), a first circuit member (<NUM>, 40A) and a second circuit member (<NUM>, 50A), wherein:
the first sealing member comprises, as a base of the first sealing member, a first film (<NUM>, 22A) comprising a conductive portion (<NUM>, 246C) made of conductor;
the device is formed with a closed space (<NUM>);
the closed space is enclosed by the first sealing member and the second sealing member and is shut off from an outer space located outside the device;
the first circuit member and the second circuit member are shut in the closed space;
the first circuit member comprises a first contact point (<NUM>);
the second circuit member comprises a second contact point (<NUM>);
at least one of the first circuit member and the second circuit member comprises an electrode (<NUM>, 49A); and
the conductive portion is in contact with the electrode in the closed space and is partially exposed to the outer space located outside the device, characterized in that
the first contact point and the second contact point are pressed against each other to be in contact with each other in the closed space because of an air pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the closed space.