JP2020100903A - Garment - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a biological information measuring garment capable of stably and precisely measuring biological information though it gives less oppressive feeling upon wearing or less discomfort.SOLUTION: A garment includes: a fabric; and an electrode formed on a skin side face of the fabric. The fabric includes: elastic yarn; non-elastic yarn; and non-conducting nanofiber with single fiber diameter of 1000nm or less. An area of the skin side face of the fabric is 10 cm2 or more, the non-conducting nanofiber is exposed to the skin side face of the fabric, the skin side face of the fabric has a static friction coefficient of 1.00 or more and adhesion force of 0.5 gf or more and 20.0 gf or less.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

The present invention relates to clothing having electrodes formed thereon, and more particularly to clothing having electrodes for measuring biological information for detecting biological information of a wearer formed thereon. More specifically, the present invention relates to clothing for measuring biological information, which has an electrode that directly contacts the skin of the wearer or an electrode that serves as a detection end of a sensor that can obtain biological information in a close non-contact manner.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, wearable biometric information measuring devices (sensing wear) have attracted attention in the fields of health monitoring, medical care, medical care, rehabilitation. The wearable biometric information measuring device is a device in which the biometric information measuring device is provided on, for example, a belt or a strap, and by wearing these, biometric information such as an electrocardiogram can be easily measured. As a biological information measuring device, for example, one in which an electrode for measuring biological information that contacts the wearer's skin is formed.

In the case of a clothing-type wearable biological information measuring device, for example, an electrode is provided on a body cloth composed of a woven fabric or a knitted fabric. It is possible to easily measure the biological information such as the fluctuation of the heartbeat in.

In order to improve the measurement accuracy of biological information in the wearable biological information measuring device, it is necessary to bring the measurement surface of the electrode into close contact with the body. Therefore, in the case of a clothing-type wearable biological information measuring device, a clothing body such as compression wear that strongly tightens the upper body is used, and this tightening brings the measurement surface of the electrode into close contact with the body. However, the wearer may feel a sense of pressure when tightened. Further, even if the biometric information measuring device is provided in the compression wear, it is difficult to measure the biometric information from the electrodes stably and accurately. In particular, when the person to be measured performs exercises such as walking, jogging, or running, the measurement surface of the electrode may not be in close contact with the body due to the person's motion, and the biological information is measured. There was something I couldn't do.

The inventors of the present invention have proposed, in Patent Document 1, a sensing garment in which a flexible electrode having high adhesion is attached by specifying a measurement position where biological information can be measured most stably.

JP, 2017-29692, A

The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and an object thereof is to stably and accurately measure biometric information in spite of less feeling of pressure and less discomfort due to wearing. To provide clothing for measuring biological information.

The garment according to the present invention, which has been able to solve the above problems, has the following configuration.
[1] A garment comprising a cloth and an electrode formed on the skin side of the cloth,
The cloth includes an elastic thread, an inelastic thread, and a non-conductive nanofiber having a single fiber diameter of 1000 nm or less,
The area of the skin side of the cloth is 10 cm ² or more,
On the skin side of the fabric, the non-conductive nanofibers are exposed,
The fabric side surface has a static friction coefficient of 1.00 or more, and an adhesion force of 0.5 gf or more and 20.0 gf or less as determined by the following measuring method.
[Method of measuring adhesion]
The dough is cut into a size of 5 cm×5 cm, placed on an acrylic plate with the skin side of the dough facing upward, and 0.1 ml of water is dropped with a dropper. Then, using a compression tester, a 3 cm thick natural rubber plate having the same area as the bottom of the compressor was attached to the bottom of the 10 cm ² circular compressor, and a load of 500 mN was applied to the lower side. Add. Then, it is pulled up in the vertical direction at a speed of 0.2 cm/sec, and the force applied to separate the cloth and the natural rubber plate is taken as the adhesion.
[2] The clothing according to [1], wherein the fabric has an elongation rate of 50% or more and 400% or less when a load of 14.7 N is applied in at least one direction.
[3] The garment according to [1] or [2], wherein the pressure applied to the surface of the electrode is 1.5 kPa or less.
[4] The garment according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the fabric has an elongation recovery rate of 85% or more after 80% elongation in at least one direction.
[5] The garment according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the cloth has a free cut property or a heme structure.
[6] The electrode is composed of a conductive tissue,
The conductive tissue according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein at least one of the elongation percentages is 3% or more and 60% or less when a load of 14.7N is applied in the height direction or the width direction. clothing.
[7] The garment according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the electrode contains a conductive filler and an elastomer.
[8] The garment according to any one of [1] to [7], which covers at least one of a chest, a hand, a leg, a foot, a neck, and a face.
[9] The garment according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the cloth is a belt-shaped woven or knitted fabric.
[10] In the above-mentioned fabric, the elongation rate when a load of 14.7N is applied in the width direction is greater than the elongation rate when a load of 14.7N is applied in the height direction. [1] to [9] Clothing according to any one.
[11] The clothing according to any one of [1] to [10], wherein a clasp used for connection with an electronic unit is provided on a surface of the cloth opposite to the skin side surface.
[12] The garment according to any one of [1] to [11], wherein wiring is formed on the skin side surface of the cloth, and a protective layer for protecting the wiring is formed on the wiring.
[13] The clothes according to any one of [1] to [12], which are clothes for measuring biological information.

The garment of the present invention comprises a cloth and an electrode formed on the skin side of the cloth, and the non-conductive nanofibers are exposed on the skin side of the cloth. Since the non-conductive nanofibers are exposed, the contact area between the skin side of the fabric and the human skin is increased, so that the frictional force is increased and the adhesion of the skin side in the presence of moisture is also improved. The adhesion between the skin and the electrode can be improved. As a result, for example, it is possible to easily prevent displacement and peeling of the electrodes when wearing and exercising under a low pressure of 1.5 kPa or less when worn, and stably and accurately measure biological information. can do. Furthermore, since the clothing of the present invention has excellent adhesion between the skin and the electrodes as described above, it is not necessary to tighten the clothing tightly when wearing it, and the elastic thread is included in the cloth to reduce the feeling of pressure when wearing. It should be comfortable and comfortable to wear. That is, according to the present invention, both the wearing comfort of the wearer and the quality of biometric information obtained from the electrodes can be compatible.

It is a figure which shows the structure of a DS type fabric friction coefficient tester. FIG. 2A shows a plan view of the belt of the present invention viewed from the skin side. FIG. 2B shows a plan view of the belt of the present invention viewed from the front side. FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 2D is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.

The garment of the present invention is a garment including a cloth and an electrode formed on the skin side of the cloth, the cloth being an elastic thread, an inelastic thread, and a non-conductive material having a single fiber diameter of 1000 nm or less. Area of the skin side of the cloth is 10 cm ² or more, the non-conductive nanofiber is exposed on the skin side of the cloth, and the skin side of the cloth has a coefficient of static friction. Is 1.00 or more, and the adhesion is 0.5 gf or more and 20.0 gf or less.

Hereinafter, the garment of the present invention will be described in detail.

The garment includes cloth, and electrodes are formed on the skin side surface of the cloth. By directly contacting the wearer's skin with the electrode surface of the electrode, it is possible to measure an electrical signal from the body and measure biological information. As the biological information, by calculating and processing the electric signals acquired by the electrodes with an electronic unit, for example, information on the body such as electrocardiogram, heart rate, pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, body temperature, myoelectricity, sweating, etc. can get. That is, the above clothing can be used as biological information measuring wear.

As the electrode, an electrode capable of measuring an electrocardiogram is preferable. The electrocardiogram means information recorded as a waveform by detecting an electrical change due to the movement of the heart via electrodes on the surface of the living body. An electrocardiogram is generally recorded as a waveform in which time is plotted on the horizontal axis and potential difference is plotted on the vertical axis. The waveform that appears on the electrocardiogram every heartbeat is mainly composed of five representative waves of P wave, Q wave, R wave, S wave, and T wave, and the U wave is present in addition to this. Also, from the beginning of the Q wave to the end of the S wave, it is sometimes called a QRS wave.

Of these, an electrode that can detect at least R waves is preferable. The R wave indicates the excitation of the left and right ventricles and has the largest potential difference. The heart rate can also be measured by providing an electrode that can detect the R wave. That is, the time between the apex of the R wave and the apex of the next R wave is generally called an RR interval (second), and the heart rate per minute can be calculated based on the following equation. In the present specification, the QRS wave is also included in the R wave unless otherwise noted.
Heart rate (times/minute) = 60/RR interval

The specific structure of the electrode will be described in detail later.

The skin side surface of the cloth has a static friction coefficient of 1.00 or more. As a result, the electrodes are less likely to be displaced even during exercise, which makes it easier to stably measure biological information. The static friction coefficient is preferably 1.10 or more, more preferably 1.20 or more. On the other hand, when the coefficient of static friction is 5.00 or less, the clothes can be easily attached and detached. Therefore, the coefficient of static friction is preferably 5.00 or less, more preferably 3.00 or less, and further preferably 2.00 or less. The coefficient of static friction preferably satisfies the above range in one of the vertical and horizontal directions of the fabric on the skin side of the fabric, and may satisfy the above range in both the vertical and horizontal directions of the fabric. More preferable. The static friction coefficient can be measured by a method using a DS type fabric friction coefficient tester described in Examples below.

The skin side of the cloth has an adhesive force of 0.5 gf or more and 20.0 gf or less, which is determined by the following measuring method.
[Measurement method of adhesion]
The dough is cut into a size of 5 cm×5 cm, placed on an acrylic plate with the skin side of the dough facing upward, and 0.1 ml of water is dropped with a dropper. Then, using a compression tester, a 3 cm thick natural rubber plate having the same area as the bottom of the compressor was attached to the bottom of the 10 cm ² circular compressor, and a load of 500 mN was applied to the lower side. Add. Then, it is pulled up at a speed of 0.2 cm/sec in the vertical direction, and the force applied to separate the material and the natural rubber plate is taken as the adhesion force.

When the adhesive force is 0.5 gf or more, the adhesive force when the skin side surface of the cloth is wet with sweat can be improved, and thus stable measurement can be facilitated during exercise. it can. The adhesive force is preferably 1.5 gf or more, more preferably 2.0 gf or more. On the other hand, when the adhesive force is 20.0 gf or less, it is possible to reduce the discomfort caused by the excessive sticking of the cloth to the skin. The adhesion is preferably 10.0 gf or less, more preferably 5.0 gf or less.

As the fabric structure for improving the adhesion, for example, in the case of a woven fabric, a double woven fabric in which a non-conductive nanofiber is put in a back yarn is preferable. In the case of a knitted fabric, an inserted knitted fabric or a pile knitted fabric in which non-conductive nanofibers are exposed on the skin side face so as to be able to contact the skin is preferable.

It is preferable that the skin side of the cloth has a maximum adhesive force of 20.0 gf or more and 100 gf or less. When the maximum adhesion is 20.0 gf or more, stable measurement can be facilitated even when intense exercise is performed. The maximum adhesion is more preferably 30.0 gf or more, still more preferably 40.0 gf or more. On the other hand, when the maximum adhesion is 100 gf or less, it is possible to reduce the discomfort caused by the excessively strong feeling of sticking of the cloth to the skin. The maximum adhesion is more preferably 80.0 gf or less, still more preferably 70.0 gf or less. The maximum adhesive force can be measured by the method described in Examples below.

The area of the skin side surface of the cloth is 10 cm ² or more, which makes it easy to prevent displacement and peeling of the electrodes. Area of skin side of the fabric is preferably 50 cm ² or more, more preferably 100 cm ² or more, more preferably 200 cm ² or more, and still more preferably 400 cm ² or more. On the other hand, the upper limit of the area of the skin side of the fabric may be, for example, at 4000 cm ² or less, may also be 2000 cm ² or less, may be 1000 cm ² or less.

The area where the cloth is formed is preferably 50 area% or more of the clothing, more preferably 80 area% or more, still more preferably 95 area% or more, and most preferably 100 area%.

Non-conductive nanofibers having a single fiber diameter of 1000 nm or less (hereinafter may be simply referred to as non-conductive nanofibers) are exposed on the skin side surface of the cloth. As a result, the contact area between the skin side surface and the human skin increases, the frictional force easily increases, and the adhesion strength in the presence of moisture on the skin side surface also improves, so that the contact between the wearer's skin and the electrode is improved. Can be improved. As a result, it is possible to easily prevent the electrodes from slipping and peeling even when the electrodes are worn under a low pressure of 1.5 kPa or less. Such an effect is more easily exhibited as the single fiber diameter is smaller. Therefore, the single fiber diameter of the non-conductive nanofibers is preferably 900 nm or less, more preferably 800 nm or less, and further preferably 750 nm or less. On the other hand, when the single fiber diameter of the non-conductive nanofibers is 100 nm or more, the clothes can be easily attached and detached. Therefore, the single fiber diameter of the non-conductive nanofibers is preferably 100 nm or more, more preferably 300 nm or more, still more preferably 500 nm or more. The non-conductive nanofibers are preferably exposed only on the skin side of the cloth, but may be also exposed on the surface of the cloth opposite to the skin side. Although it is preferable that the non-conductive nanofibers are exposed on the entire skin side surface of the cloth, the non-conductive nanofibers may be partially exposed. The single fiber diameter can be measured by the method described in Examples below.

Examples of non-conductive nanofibers include polyester nanofibers. Examples of the polyester nanofibers include those containing polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, stereocomplex polylactic acid and the like. The non-conductive nanofibers may be of one type or of two or more types. The non-conductive nanofiber is preferably a thread obtained by dissolving and removing the sea component of the sea-island type composite fiber. The cross-sectional shape of the non-conductive nanofibers is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a round shape, a triangular shape, a flat shape, a hollow shape, a Y shape, and the like, and the round shape is preferable. Specific examples of non-conductive nanofibers include Nanofront (registered trademark) manufactured by Teijin Fibers Limited.

The elastic thread is a thread having rubber-like elasticity. By the elastic material included in the cloth, the elasticity is improved, and it is possible to easily reduce the pressure applied when wearing the clothes. As the elastic yarn, either a monofilament or a multifilament can be used. Specific examples of the elastic thread include polyurethane elastic thread, polyester elastic thread, polyolefin elastic thread, natural rubber thread, synthetic rubber thread, and thread made of elastic composite fiber. The elastic yarn may be only one type or two or more types. Among these, polyurethane elastic yarn is preferable because it has excellent elasticity, heat setting property, chemical resistance and the like. As the polyurethane elastic yarn, for example, a fusion type polyurethane elastic yarn, a fusion type polyurethane elastic yarn, or the like can be used. Specific examples of the elastic yarn include Lycra (registered trademark) fiber manufactured by Toray Operontex Co., Ltd.

The mixing ratio of the elastic yarn in 100% by mass of the cloth is preferably 5% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less. When the mixing ratio of the elastic yarn is 5% by mass or more, the elongation ratio can be easily improved. The elastic thread content is more preferably 8% by mass or more, and further preferably 10% by mass or more. On the other hand, when the mixing ratio of the elastic yarn is 60% by mass or less, knitting and dyeing can be easily performed, and productivity is improved. Further, it is possible to improve the fitting property and make it difficult for dimensional changes to occur. The mixing ratio of the elastic yarn is more preferably 40% by mass or less, further preferably 35% by mass or less.

The inelastic thread is a thread that does not have rubber-like elasticity. The non-elastic yarn can help prevent overstretching of the fabric. As the non-elastic yarn, either filament yarn or spun yarn can be used. Specific examples of the non-elastic yarn include polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, nylon 6, nylon 66, aramid fiber, acryl, acrylate, polyethylene, and multifilament of synthetic fiber represented by polypropylene; represented by rayon and acetate. Examples of the yarn include chemical fibers; or natural fibers represented by cotton, wool, and silk. The non-elastic yarn may be only one type or two or more types.

The cloth is preferably a woven or knitted product in which the elastic yarn and the non-elastic yarn are woven or knitted together. A woven or knitted fabric means a woven or knitted fabric.

The knitted fabric may be a weft knitted fabric or a warp knitted fabric, but a warp knitted fabric is preferable. The weft knitting includes a circular knitting.

The weft knitted fabric (circular knitted fabric) is, for example, flat knitted fabric (textile knitting), bare knitting knitting, welt knitting knitting, rubber knitting, pearl knitting, single bag knitting, double-sided knitting, tuck knitting, floating knitting, single-sided knitting, lace Examples thereof include those having a knitting structure such as knitting and bristle knitting. The weft knitted fabric is preferably a plaiting method in which a plurality of knitting yarns are knitted on the front side and the back side, and obtained by a knitting method in which a non-conductive nanofiber is arranged on one side. The weft knitted fabric may be single knit or double knit. Further, for example, in the case of a circular knit, since the skin side surface on which the non-conductive nanofibers are arranged is preferably a structure having as few irregularities as possible, for example, in a single knit, a knitting structure such as a knitted fabric, a bare knitted fabric, and a welted knitted fabric. In the double knit, a double-sided knitting (smooth knitting) or a knitting structure in which at least the skin side surface is an all knitting structure is preferable. The length of the elastic yarn to be knitted in the weft knit may be appropriately adjusted based on the knitting machine gauge, the knitting structure, the thickness of the yarn, etc., but in order to effectively exhibit elasticity and elongation recovery. Is preferably 200 mm or more and 600 mm or less, more preferably 230 mm or more and 550 mm or less, and further preferably 250 mm or more and 500 mm or less per 100 wales.

The warp knitted fabric includes, for example, knitting structures such as single denby knitting, open eye denby knitting, single atlas knitting, double cord knitting, half knitting, half base knitting, satin knitting, tricot knitting, half tricot knitting, Russell knitting, and jacquard knitting. And the like. Of these, those having a knitting structure of satin knitting or Russell knitting are preferable. In particular, Russell knitting in which elastic yarns are inserted in the warp direction and having a satin net structure in which non-conductive nanofibers are inserted in the back reed is preferable. In order to arrange the non-conductive nanofibers on the skin side of the cloth, for example, the nonconductive nanofibers are preferably arranged in the middle reed or the back reed with an insertion tissue. Alternatively, an evolution wrap structure may be used, or non-conductive nanofibers may be arranged on the sinker loop surface of the cloth. The ivory wrap structure refers to a knitting structure that lies on the surface of the knitted fabric without the inserted yarn being knitted into the fabric, and can be referred to, for example, the complete warp knitting published by Nihon Meyer Co., Ltd.

The yarn length of the elastic yarn to be knitted in the warp knit may be appropriately adjusted based on the knitting machine gauge, the knit structure, and the thickness of the yarn, but in order to effectively exhibit elasticity and elongation recovery property. It is preferably 800 mm or more and 2200 mm or less per rack, more preferably 850 mm or more and 2100 mm or less, and further preferably 900 mm or more and 2000 mm or less. In the case of the insertion structure, the thread length of the elastic thread is preferably 70 mm or more and 150 mm or less per rack, and more preferably 80 mm or more and 120 mm or less.

Examples of the woven fabric include a single woven fabric and a multiple woven fabric, of which the multiple woven fabric is preferable. Examples of the multiple woven fabric include a double woven fabric, a triple woven fabric and a quadruple woven fabric, of which the double woven fabric is preferable. Examples of the double woven fabric include warp double woven fabrics, weft double woven fabrics, and warp double woven fabrics, of which the warp double woven fabrics or weft double woven fabrics are preferable, and the weft double woven fabrics are more preferable. Further, it is preferable that the woven fabric has non-conductive nanofibers exposed on the back side.

The pressure applied to the surface of the electrode is preferably 1.5 kPa or less. When the applied pressure is 1.5 kPa or less, it is possible to reduce the feeling of pressure and tightness of wearing the clothes. The adhesion pressure is more preferably 1.3 kPa or less, further preferably 1.2 kPa or less. On the other hand, when the pressure applied to the surface of the electrode is 0.1 kPa or more, the electrode is less likely to be displaced. Therefore, the adhesion pressure is preferably 0.1 kPa or more, more preferably 0.3 kPa or more, and further preferably 0.4 kPa or more. The pressure applied to the surface of the electrode can be measured by the method described in Examples below.

It is preferable that the fabric has an elongation rate of 50% or more and 400% or less when a load of 14.7 N is applied in at least one direction. When the elongation rate is 50% or more, the clothes can easily follow the movements of the body, and the tightness due to the stop of the elongation of the cloth can be easily prevented. Furthermore, the detachability of clothes can be improved. The elongation rate is more preferably 60% or more, still more preferably 80% or more, still more preferably 100% or more. On the other hand, when the elongation ratio is 400% or less, it is possible to easily prevent the fabric from being excessively stretched and the biological information measuring device from shaking, and it is possible to easily avoid a measurement failure such as generation of noise. The elongation rate is more preferably 300% or less, still more preferably 200% or less, still more preferably 150% or less. The elongation rate can be measured by the method described in Examples below.

Further, it is preferable that the above-mentioned fabric has an elongation rate when a load of 14.7N is applied in the width direction of the body is larger than an elongation rate when a load of 14.7N is applied in the body width direction. Thereby, the cloth can be preferably used for belt-shaped clothes such as belts.

It is preferable that the fabric has an elongation recovery rate of 85% or more after 80% elongation in at least one direction. When the elongation recovery rate is 85% or more, it is possible to easily prevent a decrease in the pressure applied due to repeated wearing. Therefore, the elongation recovery rate after 80% elongation is preferably 85% or more, more preferably 88% or more, still more preferably 90% or more. Even more preferably, it is 93% or more, and most preferably 100%. The elongation recovery rate after 80% elongation preferably satisfies the above range in both the height direction and the width direction. The elongation recovery rate after 80% elongation can be measured by the method described in Examples below.

The elongation rate and elongation recovery rate are the selection of the yarns that make up the fabric (specifically, type, thickness, etc.), the weaving texture, the knitting texture, and the setting conditions in the dyeing and finishing process (specifically, the processing temperature). , Time, finishing density, etc.).

The dough preferably has a free cut property or a heme structure.

The free-cutting material is a material in which the cut surface of the material when cut is less likely to be frayed and can be commercialized without cutting and without sewing. Examples of means for imparting the free-cutting property to the cloth include a method of fusing or crimping the elastic yarn by a heat treatment in the manufacturing process, a method of making the cut surface difficult to be frayed by a knitting structure or a woven structure, and the like.

The dough having a heme structure is one in which edges are already formed at the dough end portions at the stage of manufacturing the dough.

When the cloth has a free cut property or a heme structure, it is possible to avoid unevenness and steps due to the sewing process of the cloth end surface, and it is possible to easily improve the adhesion between the electrode and the skin.

It is preferable that the above-mentioned cloth has a value of 7 or less for evaluation of washing damage of the cloth after cutting. The value of the washing damage evaluation of the fabric after cutting is an index showing the easiness of fraying of the fibers in the cut portion, and the smaller the evaluation value is, the less the damage due to washing is, and the method described in Examples described later. Desired. The value of the washing damage evaluation of the cloth after cutting is more preferably 6 or less, still more preferably 5 or less, and most preferably 1.

The above-mentioned cloth preferably has a curl property of 20% or less after cutting. The curl is an index showing the degree of curling after repeating the elongation of the cloth, and the smaller the number, the less the curling is, which can be measured by the method described in Examples below. .. The curl of the cloth after cutting is more preferably 15% or less, further preferably 10% or less, and most preferably 0%.

The thickness of the cloth is preferably 300 μm or more and 2000 μm or less, more preferably 500 μm or more and 1500 μm or less.

The fabric weight is preferably 100 g/m ² or more and 250 g/m ² or less, more preferably 150 g/m ² or more and 220 g/m ² or less.

Other known fabrics can be used in the area of the garment where the fabric is not formed.

The clothing of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it has electrodes formed thereon, and examples thereof include sports innerwear, T-shirts, polo shirts, camisole, underwear, underwear, hospital clothes, sleepwear and belts. .. Among these, a belt is preferable, and a bra for women is preferable.

When the garment has sleeves, it may be any of short-sleeved sleeves, half-sleeved sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, long sleeves, etc., and the sleeves may have raglan sleeves.

The clothing preferably covers at least one of the chest, the hands, the legs, the legs, the neck, and the face.

The clothes are preferably clothes for measuring biological information.

Next, the electrodes provided on the clothes will be described. The electrode is mainly used to detect the bioelectric potential by skin contact, but may be used as an electrical contact such as a connector or the like, or as a detection end of another proximity non-contact sensor.

It is preferable that the electrode has elasticity so that it can follow the movement of the person being measured.

Examples of the stretchable electrode include an electrode formed of a conductive tissue and a sheet-like electrode formed of a conductive composition containing a conductive filler and a stretchable resin.

As the electrode composed of the conductive tissue, for example, a conductive fiber or conductive thread obtained by coating a base polymer with a conductive polymer, or the surface is coated with a conductive metal such as silver, gold, copper, or nickel. Woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, or non-conductive fibers made of mixed fibers of conductive metal fine wires and non-conductive fibers. The cloth embroidered on the cloth can be used as an electrode having a conductive structure.

It is preferable that at least one of the conductive tissues has an elongation rate of 3% or more and 60% or less when a load of 14.7 N is applied in the height direction or the width direction of the body. When the elongation rate is 3% or more, the electrode can easily follow the movement of the cloth of the clothes, and the electrode can be easily prevented from peeling from the cloth. Therefore, the elongation rate is preferably 3% or more, more preferably 5% or more, still more preferably 10% or more. On the other hand, when the extension rate is 60% or less, it is possible to easily prevent the electrode from overextending. Therefore, the elongation rate is preferably 60% or less, more preferably 55% or less, and further preferably 50% or less. The elongation rate preferably satisfies the above range in the height direction or the width direction, and more preferably satisfies the above range in both the height direction and the width direction. The elongation rate can be measured by the method described in Examples below.

As a material for the sheet-like electrode, for example, by using a conductive filler having high conductivity, the electric resistance value can be made lower than that of the fibrous electrode, so that a weak electric signal can be detected.

The electrode preferably has a first insulating layer formed on the skin side surface of the cloth and a conductive layer formed on the skin side surface of the first insulation layer.

Further, it is preferable that the garment has, in addition to the electrodes, wiring that connects the electrodes to an electronic unit or the like having a function of calculating an electric signal acquired by the electrodes. The wiring has a first insulating layer formed on the skin side surface of the cloth, a conductive layer formed on the skin side surface of the first insulating layer, and a second insulating layer formed on the skin side surface of the conductive layer. Is preferred.

Hereinafter, the conductive layer, the first insulating layer, and the second insulating layer will be specifically described.

(Conductive layer)
The conductive layer can detect electrical information of a living body and is necessary for ensuring continuity.

The conductive layer preferably contains a conductive filler and a resin having elasticity, more preferably contains a conductive filler and an elastomer, a composition obtained by dissolving or dispersing each component in an organic solvent (hereinafter, It may be formed using a conductive paste).

As the conductive filler, for example, metal powder, metal nanoparticles, a conductive material other than metal powder, or the like can be used. The conductive filler may be of one type or of two or more types.

Examples of the metal powder include silver powder, gold powder, platinum powder, noble metal powder such as palladium powder, copper powder, nickel powder, aluminum powder, base metal powder such as brass powder, and different particles made of inorganic matter such as base metal or silica to silver. Examples thereof include a plating powder plated with a noble metal such as, an alloyed base metal powder alloyed with a base metal and a noble metal such as silver, and the like. Among these, silver powder and/or copper powder are preferable, and high conductivity can be exhibited at low cost.

The silver powder and/or the copper powder is preferably the main component of the metal powder used as the conductive filler, and the main component means 50% by mass or more in total.

The proportion of the metal powder in the conductive filler is preferably 20% by volume or less, more preferably 15% by volume or less, and further preferably 10% by volume or less. When the content ratio of the metal powder is too large, it may be difficult to uniformly disperse it in the resin, and since the metal powder as described above is generally expensive, it is preferable to control the amount used in the above range.

The above-mentioned metal nanoparticles mean particles having a particle diameter of several nanometers to several tens of nanometers among the above-mentioned metal powders.

The proportion of the metal nanoparticles in the conductive filler is preferably 20% by volume or less, more preferably 15% by volume or less, still more preferably 10% by volume or less. If the content ratio of the metal nanoparticles is too large, it may be difficult to uniformly disperse the resin in the resin, and since the metal nanoparticles as described above are generally expensive, the amount used can be suppressed within the above range. preferable.

Examples of the conductive material other than the metal powder include carbon-based materials such as graphite, carbon black, and carbon nanotubes. The conductive material other than the metal powder preferably has a mercapto group, an amino group or a nitrile group on the surface, or the surface is preferably surface-treated with a rubber containing a sulfide bond and/or a nitrile group. In general, conductive materials other than metal powders themselves have strong cohesive force, and high aspect ratio conductive materials other than metal powders have poor dispersibility in resins, but have mercapto groups, amino groups or nitrile groups on the surface. In addition, by being surface-treated with a rubber containing a sulfide bond and/or a nitrile group, the affinity for the resin is increased, the resin is dispersed, an effective conductive network can be formed, and high conductivity can be realized.

The proportion of the conductive material other than the metal powder in the conductive filler is preferably 20% by volume or less, more preferably 15% by volume or less, and further preferably 10% by volume or less. When the content ratio of the conductive material other than the metal powder is too large, it may be difficult to uniformly disperse it in the resin, and in general, since the conductive material other than the metal powder as described above is expensive, the above range is also set. It is preferable to reduce the amount used.

The conductive layer is formed by stacking or arranging two or more kinds of conductive layers in which the kind of the conductive filler and the addition amount of the conductive filler are changed, or by arranging the conductive layers in an integrated manner. I don't mind.

The conductive filler in the conductive layer (in other words, the conductive filler in the total solid content of the conductive paste for forming the conductive layer) is preferably 15 to 45% by volume, more preferably 20 to 40% by volume. Is. If the amount of the conductive filler is too small, the conductivity may be insufficient. On the other hand, if the amount of the conductive filler is too large, the elasticity of the conductive layer tends to decrease, and thus cracks or the like may occur when the electrodes and wirings are extended, and good conductivity may not be maintained.

The elastic resin preferably contains, for example, at least a rubber containing a sulfur atom and/or a rubber containing a nitrile group. Sulfur atoms and nitrile groups have high affinity with conductive fillers (particularly metal powder), and rubber has high elasticity, so the load per unit width applied when the electrodes and wirings are extended by 10% can be reduced. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of cracks during extension. Further, since the conductive filler can be held in a uniformly dispersed state even when the electrodes and wirings are stretched, it is possible to reduce the rate of change in electric resistance at the time of stretching by 20%, and to exhibit excellent conductivity. .. Further, even if the thickness of the electrode and the wiring is reduced, excellent conductivity can be exhibited. Among these, rubber containing a nitrile group is more preferable, and the rate of change in electric resistance at 20% elongation can be further reduced.

The rubber containing a sulfur atom may be an elastomer in addition to the rubber containing a sulfur atom. The sulfur atom is contained in the form of a sulfide bond or a disulfide bond in the main chain of the polymer, a side chain or a terminal mercapto group.

Examples of the rubber containing a sulfur atom include a polysulfide rubber, a polyether rubber, a polyacrylate rubber, and a silicone rubber containing a mercapto group, a sulfide bond or a disulfide bond. In particular, polysulfide rubber, polyether rubber, polyacrylate rubber, and silicone rubber containing a mercapto group are preferable.

As a commercially available product that can be used as the rubber containing the sulfur atom, for example, "Thiocol (registered trademark) LP" manufactured by Toray Fine Chemical Co., which is a liquid polysulfide rubber, is preferably cited.

The content of sulfur atoms in the rubber containing sulfur atoms is preferably 10 to 30% by mass.

In addition, a resin containing a sulfur-free compound such as pentaerythritol tetrakis (S-mercaptobutyrate), trimethylolpropane tris (S-mercaptobutyrate), and a mercapto group-containing silicone oil is added to a rubber containing no sulfur atom. It can also be used.

The rubber containing a nitrile group may be an elastomer in addition to the rubber containing a nitrile group. In particular, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber, which is a copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile, is preferred.

Examples of commercially available products that can be used as the rubber containing the nitrile group include Nipol (registered trademark) 1042 and Nipol (registered trademark) DN003 manufactured by Nippon Zeon.

The amount of the nitrile group in the nitrile group-containing rubber (particularly, the amount of acrylonitrile in the acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber) is preferably 18 to 50% by mass, more preferably 20 to 45% by mass, and further preferably 28 to It is 41 mass %. In particular, if the amount of bound acrylonitrile in the acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber is too large, the affinity with the conductive filler, especially the metal powder, increases, but the rubber elasticity that contributes to the elasticity decreases.

The elastic resin forming the conductive layer may be one kind or two or more kinds. That is, the stretchable resin forming the conductive layer is preferably composed only of a rubber containing a sulfur atom and a rubber containing a nitrile group, but the conductivity, stretchability, and coating at the time of forming the conductive layer are preferable. In addition to the rubber containing a sulfur atom and the rubber containing a nitrile group, a resin having elasticity may be contained as long as the properties are not impaired.

When another resin having elasticity is contained, the total amount of the rubber containing a sulfur atom and the rubber containing a nitrile group in all the resins is preferably 95% by mass or more, more preferably 98% by mass or more, and further preferably Is 99% by mass or more.

The stretchable resin in the conductive layer (in other words, the stretchable resin solid content in the total solid content of the conductive paste for forming the conductive layer) is preferably 55 to 85% by volume, more preferably Is 58 to 83% by volume, more preferably 60 to 80% by volume. When the amount of the resin having elasticity is too small, the conductivity becomes high, but the elasticity tends to deteriorate. On the other hand, when the amount of the resin having elasticity is too large, the elasticity of the conductive layer is improved, but the conductivity tends to decrease.

The conductive layer is a composition (conductive paste) obtained by dissolving or dispersing each of the above components in an organic solvent, and is directly formed on the first insulating layer described below, or is applied or printed in a desired pattern. It can be formed by forming a coating film and volatilizing and drying the organic solvent contained in the coating film. The conductive layer is a sheet-shaped conductive layer previously formed by applying or printing the conductive paste on a release sheet or the like to form a coating film, and volatilizing and drying the organic solvent contained in the coating film. May be formed in advance and laminated in a desired pattern on a first insulating layer described later.

The conductive paste may be prepared by a conventionally known method of dispersing powder in a liquid, and can be prepared by uniformly dispersing a conductive filler in a resin having elasticity. For example, metal powder, metal nanoparticles, a conductive material other than metal powder, and the like may be mixed with a resin solution, and then uniformly dispersed by an ultrasonic method, a mixer method, a three-roll mill method, a ball mill method, or the like. A plurality of these means can be used in combination.

The method of applying or printing the conductive paste is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include coating method, screen printing method, planographic offset printing method, inkjet method, flexographic printing method, gravure printing method, gravure offset printing method, stamping method, and dispensing method. Printing methods such as printing method and squeegee printing can be adopted.

The dry film thickness of the conductive layer is preferably 10 to 150 μm, more preferably 20 to 130 μm, and further preferably 30 to 100 μm. If the dry film thickness of the conductive layer is too thin, the electrodes and wirings are likely to be deteriorated due to repeated expansion and contraction, and there is a risk that conduction is impeded or cut off. On the other hand, if the dry film thickness of the conductive layer is too thick, stretchability may be hindered, and the electrodes and wiring may become too thick, resulting in poor comfort.

(First insulating layer)
The first insulating layer acts as an insulating layer, and also acts as an adhesive layer for forming a conductive layer of electrodes and wiring on the cloth, and on the opposite side of the cloth on which the first insulating layer is laminated when worn (that is, , Outside the clothing) also acts as a water blocking layer that prevents moisture from reaching the conductive layer. Further, by providing the first insulating layer on the clothing side of the conductive layer, the first insulating layer can suppress the elongation of the cloth and prevent the conductive layer from being excessively elongated. As a result, it is possible to prevent cracks from occurring in the first insulating layer. On the other hand, as described above, the conductive layer has good extensibility, but when the material is rich in extensibility beyond the extensibility of the electrically conductive layer, the electrically conductive layer is directly attached to the surface of the material. When formed, it is considered that the conductive layer is excessively extended following the elongation of the cloth, and as a result, cracks are generated in the conductive layer.

The first insulating layer may be made of an insulating resin, and the type of resin is not particularly limited.

As the resin, for example, polyurethane resin, silicone resin, vinyl chloride resin, epoxy resin, polyester elastomer, etc. can be preferably used. Among these, a polyurethane resin is more preferable, and the adhesiveness with the conductive layer is further improved. The resin forming the first insulating layer may be only one kind or two or more kinds.

The method for forming the first insulating layer is not particularly limited, but for example, a resin having an insulating property is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent (preferably water) and applied or printed on a release paper or a release film, and then applied. It can be formed by forming a film and evaporating the solvent contained in the coating film to dry. Further, a commercially available resin sheet or resin film can also be used.

The average film thickness of the first insulating layer is preferably 10 to 200 μm. If the first insulating layer is too thin, the insulating effect and the elongation-preventing effect may be insufficient. Therefore, the average film thickness of the first insulating layer is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, still more preferably 40 μm or more. However, if the first insulating layer is too thick, the elasticity of the electrodes and wiring may be impaired. In addition, the electrodes and wirings may become too thick, and the comfort of wearing may deteriorate. Therefore, the average film thickness of the first insulating layer is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 180 μm or less, still more preferably 150 μm or less.

(Second insulating layer)
It is preferable that the wiring has a second insulating layer formed on the conductive layer. By providing the second insulating layer, it is possible to prevent moisture such as rain, snow, and sweat from coming into contact with the conductive layer.

Examples of the resin forming the second insulating layer include the same resins as those forming the first insulating layer described above, and the resins preferably used are also the same.

The resin forming the second insulating layer may be only one type or two or more types.

The resin forming the second insulating layer may be the same as or different from the resin forming the first insulating layer, but is preferably the same. By using the same resin, it is possible to reduce the covering property of the conductive layer and the damage of the conductive layer due to the bias of the stress when the wiring expands and contracts.

The second insulating layer can be formed by the same forming method as the first insulating layer. Further, a commercially available resin sheet or resin film can also be used.

The average film thickness of the second insulating layer is preferably 10 to 200 μm. If the second insulating layer is too thin, it tends to deteriorate when repeatedly expanded and contracted, and the insulating effect may be insufficient. Therefore, the average film thickness of the second insulating layer is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, and further preferably 40 μm or more. However, if the second insulating layer is too thick, the elasticity of the wiring may be hindered, and the thickness of the wiring may become too thick, resulting in poor comfort. Therefore, the average film thickness of the second insulating layer is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 180 μm or less, still more preferably 150 μm or less.

The load per unit width applied to the electrodes and wirings at 10% elongation is preferably 100 N/cm or less. When the load per unit width applied at the time of 10% elongation exceeds 100 N/cm, the elongation of the electrodes and the wiring becomes difficult to follow the elongation of the cloth, which may impair the comfort of wearing clothes. Therefore, the load per unit width applied at 10% elongation is preferably 100 N/cm or less, more preferably 80 N/cm or less, and further preferably 50 N/cm or less.

It is preferable that the electrodes and wirings have a change ratio of electric resistance of 5 times or less at 20% elongation. If the rate of change in electrical resistance at 20% elongation exceeds 5, the conductivity will be significantly reduced. Therefore, the rate of change in electric resistance at 20% elongation is preferably 5 times or less, more preferably 4 times or less, and further preferably 3 times or less.

The electrodes and the wirings may be made of different materials, but are preferably made of the same material.

When the electrode and the wiring are made of the same material, the width of the wiring is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and further preferably 5 mm or more. The upper limit of the wiring width is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 9 mm or less, and further preferably 8 mm or less.

It is preferable that the electrodes and wirings are directly formed on the cloth forming the clothes.

The method for forming the electrodes and the wiring on the cloth is not particularly limited as long as it does not hinder the elasticity of the electrodes and the wiring, and fits to the body when worn or when exercising, and follows the movement. From the viewpoint, for example, a known method such as lamination with an adhesive or lamination with a hot press can be adopted. When laminating with an adhesive or laminating with a hot press, it is preferable that a material such as a silicone-based softening agent or a fluorine-based water repellent that does not adhere to the adhesive is attached to the cloth. The amount of silicone-based softeners and fluorine-based water repellents that are attached to the fabric can be adjusted by removing the silicone-based softeners used for elastic yarns, etc. by the scouring process in the dyeing process of the fabric and finishing the fabric. It can be adjusted by a method such as selecting the type of processing agent used at the time of setting.

It is preferable that the electrode is provided on the chest or the lower abdomen of the chest of the clothing. By providing the above electrode on the chest or the lower abdomen of the clothing, biological information can be accurately measured. More preferably, the electrode is provided in a region of the garment that is in contact with the skin between the upper end of the seventh rib and the lower end of the ninth rib of the wearer.

The electrode is a line that is parallel to the left and right posterior axillary lines of the wearer of the garment, and is surrounded by lines drawn 10 cm away from the wearer's posterior axillary line on the back side of the wearer. It is preferable to provide it in the region on the ventral side of the person.

The electrodes are preferably provided in an arc shape along the circumference of the wearer's waist.

The number of electrodes provided on the garment is at least two, and it is preferable that two electrodes are provided on the thorax or the lower abdominal region of the garment, and the two electrodes are parallel to the left and right axillary lines of the wearer. It is preferable to provide the line in a region on the ventral side of the wearer, which is surrounded by lines drawn from the back axillary line of the wearer at a position 10 cm away from the back side of the wearer. When three or more electrodes are provided, the positions where the third and subsequent electrodes are provided are not particularly limited, and may be provided on the back body cloth, for example.

The electric resistance of the electrode surface is preferably 1000 Ω/cm or less, more preferably 300 Ω/cm or less, further preferably 200 Ω/cm or less, and particularly preferably 100 Ω/cm or less. In particular, when the electrode has a sheet shape, the electric resistance value of the electrode surface can be usually suppressed to 300 Ω/cm or less.

The electrode preferably has a sheet shape. By making the electrode into a sheet shape, the electrode surface can be widened, so that the contact area with the wearer's skin can be secured. The sheet-like electrode preferably has good bendability. Further, the sheet-shaped electrode preferably has elasticity.

The size of the sheet-shaped electrode is not particularly limited as long as an electric signal from the body can be measured, but the area of the electrode surface is 5 to 100 cm ² , and the average thickness of the electrode is preferably 10 to 500 μm.

The area of the electrode surface is more preferably 10 cm ² or more, still more preferably 15 cm ² or more. The area of the electrode surface is more preferably 90 cm ² or less, still more preferably 80 cm ² or less.

If the electrode is too thin, the conductivity may be insufficient. Therefore, the average thickness is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, still more preferably 50 μm or more. However, if it is too thick, it may give the wearer a feeling of foreign matter and may cause discomfort. Therefore, the average thickness is preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 450 μm or less, and further preferably 400 μm or less.

The shape of the electrode is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape along the curve of the body corresponding to the position where the electrode is arranged and easily adheres to the movement of the body. Examples include prisms, circles, and ellipses. When the electrode has a polygonal shape, the vertex may be rounded so as not to damage the skin.

The wiring may be formed using conductive fiber or conductive thread.

As the conductive fiber or conductive thread, a metal surface is plated with a metal, a thin metal wire is twisted into the thread, and a conductive polymer is impregnated between fibers such as microfibers. It is possible to use a tapping wire, a thin metal wire, or the like.

The average thickness of the wiring is preferably 10 to 500 μm. If the thickness is too thin, the conductivity may become insufficient. Therefore, the average thickness is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, still more preferably 50 μm or more. However, if the thickness is too thick, the wearer may feel a foreign body and feel uncomfortable. Therefore, the average thickness is preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 300 μm or less, and further preferably 200 μm or less.

The shape of the wiring is not particularly limited, and may be a geometric pattern having redundancy other than a straight line and a curved line. The geometric pattern having redundancy includes, for example, a zigzag pattern, a continuous horseshoe pattern, and a wavy pattern. The electrode having a geometric pattern having redundancy can be formed by using, for example, a metal foil.

The clothes preferably include an electronic unit or the like having a function of calculating an electric signal acquired by the electrodes. By calculating and processing the electric signals acquired by the electrodes in the electronic unit or the like, biological information such as electrocardiogram, heart rate, pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, body temperature, myoelectricity, and sweating can be obtained.

It is preferable that the garment be provided with a clasp used for connecting to the electronic unit on the surface of the cloth opposite to the skin side surface. The clasp is a so-called hook, for example, a hook made of stainless steel. The conductive layer and the electronic unit can be electrically connected via the clasp.

Wiring is preferably formed on the skin side of the cloth, and a protective layer for protecting the wiring is preferably formed on the wiring. Examples of the material of the protective layer include a urethane film, a urethane laminated cloth, a chloroprene rubber sheet such as neoprene (registered trademark) rubber, or a material having an adhesive layer among these. The average thickness of the protective layer is preferably 500 μm or more, more preferably 1000 μm or more. On the other hand, when the average thickness of the protective layer is 2500 μm or less, the adhesion between the electrode and the skin can be easily improved. The average thickness of the protective layer is preferably 2200 μm or less, more preferably 2000 μm or less.

The cloth is preferably a band-shaped woven or knitted material. The width of the strip-shaped woven or knitted material is preferably 10 mm or more and 350 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or more and 200 mm or less. On the other hand, the length of the strip-shaped woven or knitted product in the longitudinal direction is preferably 50 cm or more and 120 cm or less, more preferably 70 cm or more and 90 cm or less. Since the woven/knitted fabric has a narrow strip shape from the manufacturing stage, the woven/knitted fabric can be used as biometric information wear without cutting the woven/knitted fabric in the width direction. Specifically, a thin woven or knitted fabric is used as an electrode belt without cutting it in the width direction and worn on the chest as it is, or an electrode belt is used by passing it through a belt of clothes, or an electrode belt. Can be used by being sewn onto clothes or being adhered. The woven or knitted fabric means a woven or knitted fabric.

It is preferable that the electronic unit and the like can be attached to and detached from clothes.

The electronic unit and the like preferably further include a display unit, a storage unit, a communication unit, a USB connector, and the like.

The electronic unit and the like may include, for example, a sensor capable of measuring environmental information such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, a sensor capable of measuring positional information using GPS, and the like.

By using the above-mentioned clothing, it can be applied to a technique for grasping a person's psychological state or physiological state. For example, the degree of relaxation can be detected for mental training, drowsiness can be detected to prevent drowsy driving, and an electrocardiogram can be measured to perform depression or stress diagnosis.

Hereinafter, an example of using the garment of the present invention as a belt will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2A shows a plan view of the belt of the present invention viewed from the skin side. FIG. 2B shows a plan view of the belt of the present invention viewed from the surface side opposite to the skin side. FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 2D is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. Note that, in each drawing, member symbols and the like may be omitted for convenience, but in such a case, the specification and other drawings are referred to. Further, the dimensions of various members in the drawings may be different from the actual dimensions because priority is given to contributing to the understanding of the features of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the belt 100 of the present invention includes the cloth 10 and the electrodes 40 formed on the skin side surface 11 of the cloth. Non-conductive nanofibers are exposed on the skin side surface 11 of the cloth. The electrode 40 includes a first insulating layer 21 formed on the skin side surface 11 of the cloth and a conductive layer 22 formed on the first insulating layer 21. The bioelectric potential can be detected by bringing the skin side surface of the conductive layer 22 of the electrode 40 into contact with the skin.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the wiring 50 is formed on the skin side surface 11 of the cloth of the belt 100. The wiring 50 includes a first insulating layer 21, a conductive layer 22, and a second insulating layer 23 formed on the conductive layer 22. Further, a protective layer 32 that protects the wiring 50 is formed on the second insulating layer 23 of the wiring 50. The biopotential detected by the conductive layer 22 of the electrode 40 is transmitted to the clasp 31 formed on the surface 12 of the cloth through the conductive layer 22 of the wiring 50. Therefore, by attaching the electronic unit to the clasp 31, the biopotential can be transmitted to the electronic unit.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a first locking member 33 is provided at one end E1 of the belt 100 in the widthwise direction W, and a first locking member 33 is provided at the other end E2 in the widthwise direction W of the belt 100. Two locking members 34 are provided. By winding the belt 100 around the body and locking the first locking member 33 and the second locking member 34, the belt 100 can be fixed to the body. The first locking member 33 and the second locking member 34 are not particularly limited, but hooks and rings, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons and button holes that are easy to remove are preferable. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, it is preferable that the skin side surface 11 of the cloth is provided with the first locking member 33 and the surface 12 of the cloth is provided with the second locking member 34. The side surface 11 may include the first locking member 33 and the second locking member 34, and the surface 12 of the cloth may include the first locking member 33 and the second locking member 34. ..

In the belt 100, the ratio of the length from one end to the other end in the body-width direction T to the length from one end to the other end in the body-width direction W is preferably 0.01 or more and 0.5. It is as follows. When the above ratio is 0.01 or more, it is possible to easily prevent the electrode from being displaced or separated. The above ratio is more preferably 0.03 or more, still more preferably 0.05 or more. On the other hand, when the ratio is 0.5 or less, it is possible to easily reduce the stuffy feeling. The above ratio is more preferably 0.3 or less, still more preferably 0.2 or less, still more preferably 0.1 or less.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples and can be carried out by making modifications within a range compatible with the gist of the above and the following. Yes, all of them are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[Single fiber diameter]
The single fiber diameter was determined using a resin embedding method. Specifically, the fiber bundle of one thread taken out from the cloth was straightened and embedded in an acrylic resin. Next, a fiber was cut in a direction perpendicular to the fiber axis using a microtome, a section was cut out, and then a fiber cross section was photographed by an electron microscope. The diameter of the fiber cross section was determined from the diameter of the fiber bundle and the photographic magnification scale of this photograph. The arithmetic mean value of the fibers n=20 was determined and used as the single fiber diameter.

[Density of woven and knitted fabrics]
The density of the woven fabric was measured based on the measuring method of Method A of JIS L1096 (2010) 8.6.1, and the density of the knitted fabric was measured based on the measuring method of JIS L1096 (2010) 8.6.2.

[Elongation]
Samples with a width of 2.5 cm and a length of 16 cm were taken from the fabric so that the vertical direction (course direction) or the horizontal direction (wale direction) of the fabric was the longitudinal direction, and each was pulled by an Instron type tensile tester. The test pieces were attached at an interval of 10 cm, a load of 14.7 N was applied at a speed of 300 mm/min, and the elongation rate at that time was measured.

[Growth recovery rate]
A test piece with a width of 2.5 cm and a length of 16 cm was taken from the cloth so that the vertical direction (course direction) of the cloth was the length direction, and the test piece was attached to an Instron type tensile tester with a tension interval of 10 cm, Elongation was performed at a rate of 300 mm/min (setting elongation) to an elongation rate of 80%, followed by unloading at the same rate, returning to the initial state, and drawing an SS curve. In the return curve, the elongation recovery rate was calculated by applying the elongation rate (%) when the stress (stress) became 0 to the following equation as the residual strain L ₀ (%).
Elongation recovery rate (%)=((80−L ₀ )/80)×100

[Static friction coefficient]
The static friction coefficient in the vertical direction (course direction) of the skin side surface of the woven or knitted fabric was measured under the following measurement conditions using a DS type woven fabric friction coefficient tester manufactured by Koa Shokai. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, a friction cloth 9, a measurement sample 5, a sliding piece 1, and a load 4 are sequentially stacked on a slide 2 and a DS type fabric friction coefficient tester is operated to load a load lead wire. The load at the moment when the slide piece 1 was pulled by 6 and the slide piece 1 started to slide on the slide 2, that is, the value of the scale of the measuring portion 3 indicated by the load pointer 7 was defined as the static friction force Fs. The static friction coefficient Fs, the weight of the load 4, and the weight of the measurement sample 5 were applied to the following formula to calculate the static friction coefficient. A cotton cloth (gold width 3) was used as the friction cloth 9, and a woven or knitted fabric was absolutely dried and then the humidity was adjusted for 48 hours as the measurement sample 5. The test was conducted at a measurement environment of 20±2° C. and 65±3% RH, a tensile speed of 7.5 cm/min, and a load of 98.1 cN.
Static friction coefficient=Static friction force Fs/(weight of sliding piece 1+weight of load 4+weight of measurement sample 5)

[Adhesion, maximum adhesion]
Adhesion was evaluated as an evaluation of stickiness when the cloth was wet. First, the fabric was cut into a size of 5 cm×5 cm, placed on an acrylic plate with the skin side of the fabric facing upward, and 0.1 ml of water was dropped using a dropper. Then, using a compression tester (KES-G5) manufactured by Kato Tech, a natural rubber plate having a circular shape and the same area as the bottom side of the compressor and having a thickness of 3 mm is attached to the bottom side of the 10 cm ² circular compressor. Was used to apply a load of 500 mN on the lower side. Then, it was pulled up at a speed of 0.2 cm/sec in the vertical direction, and the force (resisting force) required to separate the dough and the natural rubber plate was taken as the adhesion force. Then, the operation of dropping 0.1 ml of water and measuring the adhesive force was repeated until the total amount of water dropped reached 1.0 ml. Then, the maximum adhesive force until 1.0 ml of water was dropped was defined as the maximum adhesive force.

[Pressure]
A contact pressure measuring instrument AMI3037-10 manufactured by AMI Techno Co., Ltd. and a pressure sensor (circular air pack with a diameter of 20 mm) were used for measuring the pressure. The subject wears a belt with an electronic unit on the chest, and the pressure sensor is inserted between the center of the electrode and the skin in contact with the electrode, and then between the subject's expiration and inspiration (median change in chest circumference due to breathing). ) Was measured while the breathing was stopped.

[Damage on the cloth after cutting]
A test piece having a width of 5.5 cm in the vertical direction and a length of 42 cm in the horizontal direction was taken from the knitted fabric. Next, make two 3cm incisions at an angle of 45° on the knitting end side in the horizontal direction of the knitted fabric and three 3cm incisions at an angle of 45° on the knitting start side, and sew the left and right ends of the test piece It was After that, washing treatment was performed based on the home washing method 103 defined in JIS L 0217, dehydration and drying were performed, and then the cut fabric was evaluated for washing damage. In detail, the appearance of the frayed edge of the fabric was evaluated and 10-level evaluation was performed based on the following evaluation criteria. In the evaluation, the average of the horizontal direction (90°) and the diagonal direction (45°) at the start and end of the knitting was calculated. Further, the same evaluation was performed on the woven fabric.
<Evaluation criteria>
10: There is a fray with a length of 2.0 mm or more 9: There is a fray with a length of 1.0 mm or more and less than 2.0 mm 8: 10 or more frays with a length of 0.8 mm or more and less than 1.0 mm 7: Length 0 8 mm or more and less than 1.0 mm fraying 7-9 locations 6: Length 0.8 mm or more, less than 1.0 mm fraying 4-6 locations 5: Length 0.8 mm or more, less than 1.0 mm fraying 3 locations The following 4: Only a fray with a length of 0.6 mm or more and less than 0.8 mm 3: Only a fray with a length of 0.3 mm or more and less than 0.6 mm 2: Only a fray with a length of less than 0.3 mm 1: No fray at all

[Evaluation of curl of fabric after cutting]
Width of 25 mm and length of 160 mm of the test pieces are taken in the vertical and horizontal directions of the fabric, respectively, and then the end in the length direction is grasped by hand, doubled and then relaxed 5 times. It was When it did not double the stretch, it stretched to the point where it felt stretched. After that, the test piece is placed in parallel on a flat place, light is applied from above, the projected width L (mm) of the curled cloth with the narrowest shadow is measured, and the curl property (%) is calculated based on the following calculation formula. It was calculated.
Curl property (%)=(25−L)/25×100

[Example 1]
As a warp that constitutes the ground structure, a covering yarn in which a regular polyester 56T36 manufactured by Nana Co. is wound around a polyurethane yarn having a fineness of 22T (decitex) (Toray Operontex Co., Ltd., Lycra (registered trademark) T-127C). Was used. On the other hand, regular polyester 78T52 manufactured by Nanya Co., Ltd. was used as a weft thread constituting the ground structure. As a weft floating yarn, Nanofront (registered trademark) 56T10 manufactured by Teijin Fibers Ltd., which is a sea-island structure composite drawn yarn, was used. A weft double woven fabric was produced using a dobby loom as the loom. On the loom, the warp density was 36 yarns/inch and the weft density was 60 yarns/inch, for a total of 96 yarns. Then, the weft double woven fabric thus obtained was subjected to 30% alkali weight reduction at 70° C. for 30% alkali reduction with a 3.5% NaOH aqueous solution to split the nanofront, and after dyeing with a disperse dye at 130° C.×30 minutes, The final set was a dry heat set at 180°C.

The finished weft double woven fabric has a warp density of 70 pieces/inch, a weft density of 70 pieces/inch and a basis weight of 190 g/m ² , and has stretchability in the warp direction and is 14.7N in the vertical direction. The elongation rate under load was 130%, the elongation rate under load of 14.7N in the horizontal direction was 10%, and the elongation recovery rate at 80% elongation in the vertical direction was 95%. The split nanofront yarn was exposed on one side of the finished weft double woven fabric, and the single fiber diameter was 710 nm. The static friction coefficient of the surface where the non-conductive nanofibers were exposed was 1.379, the adhesion was 2.8 gf, and the maximum adhesion was 44.2 gf.

Next, the weft double woven fabric is slit into a band shape with dimensions of 1100 mm in the vertical direction and 60 mm in the horizontal direction, and electrodes and wiring are formed on the skin side where the non-conductive nanofiber yarn is exposed under the following conditions. A belt was obtained, and an electronic unit (My Beat WHS-2) manufactured by Union Tool was attached to the surface opposite to the skin side surface to produce a belt with an electronic unit. The electrodes and wirings were formed by the following procedure.

(Conductive paste)
20 parts by mass of nitrile rubber (Nipol (registered trademark) DN003 manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.) was dissolved in 80 parts by mass of isophorone to prepare an NBR solution. To 100 parts by mass of the obtained NBR solution, 110 parts by mass of silver particles (“Agglomerated silver powder G-35” manufactured by DOWA Electronics, average particle diameter 5.9 μm) were blended, and kneaded with a three-roll mill to prepare a conductive paste. Obtained.

(Electrodes and wiring)
The conductive paste was applied onto the release sheet and dried in a hot air drying oven at 120° C. for 30 minutes or more to prepare a sheet-shaped conductive layer with a release sheet.

Next, a polyurethane hot melt sheet is attached to the surface of the electrically conductive layer side of the sheet-like electrically conductive layer with a release sheet, and a hot press machine is used to apply pressure of 0.5 kg/cm ² , temperature of 130° C., and press time of 20 seconds. Laminated under the conditions. Then, the sheet was cut into a piece having a length of 12 cm and a width of 2 cm, and the release sheet was peeled off to obtain a sheet-shaped conductive layer with a polyurethane hot melt sheet.

Separately, prepare a polyurethane hot melt sheet having a length of 13 cm and a width of 2.4 cm, and on the polyurethane hot melt sheet side of the sheet-like conductive layer with the polyurethane hot melt sheet (length 12 cm, width 2 cm), One end in the vertical direction was aligned and laminated. These polyurethane hot melt sheets correspond to the first insulating layer.

Next, the same polyurethane hot melt sheet as the first insulating layer is laminated in a region having a length of 5 cm and a width of 2.4 cm so as to cover a part of the first insulating layer and the conductive layer from a portion separated from the end by 2 cm. Thus, the second insulating layer was formed on the conductive layer. That is, an electrode (device connecting portion) having a length of 2 cm and a width of 2 cm, in which a conductive layer is exposed on one end side, a wiring portion having a laminated structure of a first insulating layer/a conductive layer/a second insulating layer, and the other end side A stretchable electrode part was prepared in which an electrode (detection portion) having a length of 5 cm and a width of 2 cm, in which the conductive layer was exposed, was arranged in this order in the longitudinal direction.

Next, two elastic electrode parts were attached in a symmetrical manner to the center of the side surface of the skin where the non-conductive nanofibers corresponding to the inside of the electronic unit belt were exposed to obtain a belt with electrodes. .. The number of detection electrodes provided on the front body cloth was two, the total area of the electrode surfaces of the two detection electrodes was 20 cm ² , and the average thickness of the electrodes was 90 μm.

The wearing pressure when the belt with the electronic unit was worn around the chest was 1.0 kPa, and there was no feeling of tightening due to wearing. Further, running was carried out for 30 minutes, but the electrode-equipped belt did not shift during exercise, and accurate measurement was possible.

[Example 2]
Using a warp knit 28 gauge Russell machine, nylon 44T34f-SD yarn on the front reed, Lycra (registered trademark) Pu235T manufactured by Toray Operontex Co., Ltd. on the middle reed 2, and Teito Fiber Nano front (registered trademark) on the back reed. A draw thread (sewing thread) was arranged on the 56T10 and the middle reed 1. The knitting structure at this time was a 6-course satin net hem structure.
The knitting structure is as follows: Front reed: 20/02/20/24/242/24
Middle reed 1:20/02
Middle reed 2:22/44/00/44/22/66
Back reed: 00/22/22/22/22/22

After refining the obtained greige and presetting at 190 ℃, we use 30% alkali reduction at 70 ℃ with 3.5% NaOH aqueous solution to split nanofronts and dye with acid dye at 100 ℃ After that, final setting was performed at 170°C.

The finished knitted fabric has a warp density of 57 pieces/inch, a weft density of 41 pieces/inch, and a basis weight of 160 g/m ² , has elasticity in the warp direction, and has a load of 14.7 N in the vertical direction. The elongation rate was 105%, the elongation rate in the lateral direction under a 14.7N load was 50%, and the elongation recovery rate in the longitudinal direction at 80% elongation was 96%. The split nanofront yarn was exposed on one side of the finished knitted fabric, and the single fiber diameter was 700 nm. The static friction coefficient of the surface where the non-conductive nanofibers were exposed was 1.250, the adhesion was 3.3 gf, and the maximum adhesion was 42.5 gf.

Further, the drawn yarn is pulled out to obtain a knitted fabric divided into a size of 1100 mm in the vertical direction and 60 mm in the horizontal direction, and the electrode is formed on the side of the skin where the non-conductive nanofiber yarn of the knitted fabric is exposed, as in Example 1. A wiring was formed, and an electronic unit was attached to the surface opposite to the skin side surface to manufacture a belt with an electronic unit.

When the obtained belt with an electronic unit was worn around the chest, the wearing pressure was 0.8 kPa, and there was no feeling of tightening due to wearing. Further, the same exercise as in Example 1 was performed, but the belt with electrodes was not displaced during the exercise, and accurate measurement was possible.

[Comparative Example 1]
A raw fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 2 except that the yarn used for the back reed was nylon 44T34f-SD yarn. The dough was refined, preset at 190° C., dyed at 100° C. with an acid dye, and finally set at 170° C.

The finished knitted fabric has a warp density of 57 threads/inch, a weft density of 41 threads/inch, and a basis weight of 150 g/m ² , has elasticity in the warp direction, and has a load of 14.7 N in the vertical direction. The expansion rate was 115%, the expansion rate was 60% when a 14.7N load was applied in the horizontal direction, and the extension recovery rate was 80% when the extension was 80% in the vertical direction.

Further, the nylon 44T34f-SD yarn used for the back reed was exposed on one side of the finished knitted fabric, and the single fiber diameter was 9.6 μm. The static friction coefficient of the surface of the exposed nylon 44T34f-SD yarn was 0.815, the adhesion was 0.0 gf, and the maximum adhesion was 15.8 gf.

Further, the drawn yarn is pulled out to obtain a knitted fabric divided into a lengthwise direction of 1100 mm and a widthwise direction of 60 mm, and the surface of the knitted fabric where the nylon 44T34f-SD yarn is exposed is subjected to the same electrode and wiring as in Example 1. Was formed and an electronic unit was attached to manufacture a belt with an electronic unit.

When the obtained belt with electrodes was worn around the chest, the wearing pressure was 0.8 kPa, and there was no feeling of tightening due to wearing. However, when the same exercise as in Example 1 was performed, the belt was misaligned during the exercise, which often made measurement difficult.

Table 1 shows the physical properties of these fabrics and the evaluation results.

1 sliding piece 2 slide 3 measuring part 4 load 5 measurement sample 6 load lead wire 7 load guideline 8 counterbalance 9 friction cloth 10 cloth 11 cloth side 12 cloth surface 21 first insulation layer 22 conductive layer 23 second insulation Layer 31 Clasp 32 Protective layer 33 First locking member 34 Second locking member 40 Electrode 50 Wiring 100 Belt

Claims (13)

A cloth comprising a cloth and an electrode formed on the skin side of the cloth,
The cloth includes an elastic thread, an inelastic thread, and a non-conductive nanofiber having a single fiber diameter of 1000 nm or less,
The area of the skin side of the dough is 10 cm ² or more,
On the skin side of the fabric, the non-conductive nanofibers are exposed,
The fabric side surface has a static friction coefficient of 1.00 or more and an adhesion force of 0.5 gf or more and 20.0 gf or less as determined by the following measurement method.
[Measurement method of adhesion]
The dough is cut into a size of 5 cm×5 cm, placed on an acrylic plate with the skin side of the dough facing upward, and 0.1 ml of water is dropped with a dropper. Then, using a compression tester, a 3 cm thick natural rubber plate having the same area as the bottom of the compressor was attached to the bottom of the 10 cm ² circular compressor, and a load of 500 mN was applied to the lower side. Add. Then, it is pulled up at a speed of 0.2 cm/sec in the vertical direction, and the force applied to separate the material and the natural rubber plate is taken as the adhesion force. The clothing according to claim 1, wherein the cloth has an elongation rate of 50% or more and 400% or less when a load of 14.7 N is applied in at least one direction. The clothing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure applied to the surface of the electrode is 1.5 kPa or less. The clothing according to claim 1, wherein the fabric has an elongation recovery rate of 85% or more after 80% elongation in at least one direction. The clothing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cloth has a free cut property or a heme structure. The electrode is composed of a conductive tissue,
The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the conductive tissues has an elongation rate of 3% or more and 60% or less when a load of 14.7N is applied in the height direction or the width direction. 7. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the electrode contains a conductive filler and an elastomer. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the garment covers at least one of a chest, a hand, a leg, a foot, a neck, and a face. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cloth is a belt-shaped woven or knitted material. 10. The elongation rate of the cloth when a load of 14.7N is applied in the width direction is larger than the elongation rate when a load of 14.7N is applied in the height direction. clothing. The clothing according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a clasp used for connecting to an electronic unit is provided on a surface of the cloth opposite to the skin side surface. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein wiring is formed on a skin side surface of the cloth, and a protective layer for protecting the wiring is formed on the wiring. The clothing according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is clothing for measuring biological information.

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