WO2018220729A1

WO2018220729A1 - Connector for bioelectrode

Info

Publication number: WO2018220729A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/020167
Authority: WO
Inventors: 勝人藤井; 松田　健; 昌萬金; 博坂本
Original assignee: Smk株式会社
Priority date: 2017-05-30
Filing date: 2017-05-30
Publication date: 2018-12-06
Also published as: JPWO2018220729A1; JP6813091B2

Abstract

Provided is a connector for a bioelectrode, for electrically connecting numerous bioelectrodes attached to clothing to a module by a small operation force. In the present invention, numerous bioelectrodes attached to a clothing main body comprising a cloth, an electroconductive outside element for electrically connecting a module fixed to a module support part to a bioelectrode of a slide fastener, and an electroconductive inside element electrically connected to the module are meshed together by sliding a slider. By a small operation force for sliding the slider, the numerous bioelectrodes and the module are electrically connected, and the module is supported on the clothing main body.

Description

Biological electrode connector

The present invention relates to a biological electrode connector for electrically connecting a plurality of biological electrodes to a module for inputting / outputting electrical signals between the biological electrodes, and more specifically, a plurality of biological electrodes attached to a cloth of clothing. The present invention relates to a biological electrode connector for electrically connecting a biological electrode to a module.

A muscle training device that trains by applying an electrical stimulation signal to the muscle to expand and contract the muscle for the purpose of increasing muscle strength or dieting, has multiple biological electrodes in close contact with the body surface of the muscle to be trained, and through each biological electrode The muscles are trained by applying electrical stimulation signals to the muscles in the body surface to forcibly expand and contract. In addition, in a motion detection device used for a muscle evaluation device that obtains muscle composition and muscle activity state or a game machine that detects limb movement from the stretched state of voluntary muscles of the limbs, The muscle composition, the degree of fatigue, and the stretched state are detected from the myoelectric signals of the muscle action potentials appearing on a plurality of biological electrodes to be closely attached to the body surface.

The back surface that adheres to the body surface of the clothing made of fabric in order to make these multiple biomedical electrodes closely adhere to the position of the muscle body surface even for general users without specialized knowledge. If a plurality of living body electrodes are attached to predetermined positions and a garment is worn, the plurality of living body electrodes naturally come into close contact with an appropriate position on the body surface of the muscle.

On the other hand, in any case where an electrical stimulation signal is applied to a muscle or a myoelectric signal of a muscle action potential generated in the muscle is detected, a circuit element that outputs the electrical stimulation signal to each biological electrode or each biological electrode It is necessary to electrically connect a circuit element for inputting a muscle action potential appearing in each biological electrode, and a module containing these circuit elements, a power source, an external input / output circuit element, etc. is worn together with a plurality of biological electrodes. Installed on.

However, when washing clothes with multiple biomedical electrodes, charging the battery built into the module, or training at home, only the module that records the EMG signal of the trained muscle is stored in another location. When carrying and evaluating to a muscle evaluation device, it is necessary to make only the module detachable from the clothes, and when attaching and detaching the module, the connection device for the living body electrode that connects and disconnects the electrical connection with each living body electrode Is provided.

A conventional biological electrode connector 100 described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of biological electrodes 104 and a module that are attached to a plurality of clothes 101 using a pair of

conductive surface fasteners

102 and 103 that come in contact with each other. The electrical connection with 105 is separated. Hereinafter, the connector 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. The six living body electrodes 104 are on the back side where they are in close contact with the body surface of the T-shirt type clothing 101, and the muscle body. It is attached at a position where a surface myoelectric signal can be detected.

In addition, the clothing 101 is formed with a pocket P for housing the module 105 which is a recorder for recording myoelectric signals, and the cloth P of the clothing 101 is formed on the inner bottom surface of the pocket P as shown in FIG. Three living body-side conductive hook-and-loop fasteners 102 that are electrically connected to the three living body electrodes 104 through conductive paths formed by stitching conductive fibers are exposed. On the other hand, the module 105 includes a module-side conductive surface fastener 103 that serves as an input terminal of the module 105 at each position on the bottom surface facing the three biological-side conductive surface fasteners 102 when the module 105 is accommodated in the pocket P. -Is formed. Therefore, when the module 105 is accommodated in the pocket P of the garment 101, the pair of

conductive surface fasteners

102 and 103 facing each other in the pocket P are brought into close contact with each other, and are electrically connected to each other. When the electrical connection is made and the module 105 is pulled out from the pocket P, the pair of conductive hook-and-

loop fasteners

102 and 103 that are in close contact with each other is separated, and the module 105 can be separated from the clothing 101.

In the biological electrode connector 100 described above, the contact resistance between the pair of conductive hook-and-

loop fasteners

102 and 103 is high, and the SN ratio when inputting a minute myoelectric signal appearing on the biological electrode 104 to the module 105 is high. It is low and cannot accurately detect the muscle composition, the degree of fatigue, and the stretched state from the myoelectric signal. Further, when the number of living body electrodes 104 attached to the garment 101 is increased, it becomes difficult to attach all the living body side conductive surface fasteners 102 to a limited attachment space of the garment 101, and further all the conductive surfaces to be paired. It takes time to bring the

fasteners

102 and 103 into close contact with each other.

The inventor of the present application has studied the bioelectrode connector 110 having a structure shown in FIG. 8 as a connector for easily electrically connecting a large number of biomedical electrodes attached to clothing cloth to the module. This connector 110 is a module 113 for inputting myoelectric signals to 25 biological electrodes 112 attached at appropriate positions on the back side of the supporter 111 formed in a cylindrical shape from a fabric made of stretchable fibers. The electrical connection to On the surface of the supporter 111, a bowl-shaped module holder 114 that is externally fitted around the module 113 is fixed, and 25 living body side connections that are electrically connected to the 25 living body electrodes 112 are respectively connected to the inner bottom surface of the bowl shape. The electrodes 115 are exposed while being insulated from each other. Since the module holder 114 is fixed to the supporter 111 that can be washed with water, the living body side connection electrode 115 is formed of a conductive rubber that does not corrode even when touched by water droplets.

Module side connection electrodes (not shown) that are electrically connected in pairs with the respective living body side connection electrodes 115 are provided on the bottom surface portion of the module 113 that faces the 25 respective living body side connection electrodes 115 of the module holder 114. I'm here. Further, on the side surface of the module 113, when the module 113 is accommodated in the bowl-shaped module holder 114, an engagement protrusion 113a that engages with the engagement recess 114a of the module holder 114 is provided so as to protrude from the bowl-shaped module holder 114. The module 113 is prevented from coming off.

According to this connector 110, when the module 113 is housed in the module holder 114, the 25 biological side connection electrodes 115 and the 25 module side connection electrodes that face each other come into contact with each other to form a pair of biological side connections. The 25 biomedical electrodes 112 can be collectively connected to the module 113 via the electrode 115 and the module side connection electrode. Conversely, if the engagement between the engagement recess 114a of the module holder 114 and the engagement protrusion 113a of the module 113 is released and the module 113 is removed from the module holder 114, the module 113 is removed from the supporter 111 to which the biological electrode 112 is attached. Can be separated.

Also, Patent Document 2 discloses a connector 120 using a slide fastener as a connector that can easily electrically connect a large number of biological electrodes attached to a cloth of clothing to a module. As shown in FIG. 9, the connector 120 includes a plurality of first elements 122 fixed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of one strip-shaped insulating fabric 121A, and the other strip-shaped insulating fabric 121B. A number of second elements 123 fixed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction, and a slider 124 that connects the insulating fabric 121A and the insulating fabric 121B by engaging the first element 122 and the second element 123 facing each other. The slide fastener 126 is provided.

The first element 122 and the second element 123 of the slide fastener 126 are adjacent to each other between the first elements 122 adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction and the second elements adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction in a state where all the facing

elements

122, 123 are engaged. The first element 122 and the second element 123 are partly insulative with the first element 122a and the second element 123a, and the rest are electrically conductive first and

second elements

122b and 123b so that the elements 123 are not short-circuited. It has become. A conductive terminal 124 is integrally fixed to each of the conductive first element 122b and the second element 123b, and a lead wire 125 having a terminal fixed to the conductive terminal 124 is electrically connected.

According to this connection tool 120, for example, the cloth for sewing is sewn on the insulating cloth 121A, the cloth for supporting the module is sewn on the insulating cloth 121B, and the other of the lead wires 125 connected to the plurality of first elements 122b. Slide the slider 124 by connecting the other side of the lead wire 125 connected to the plurality of second elements 123b to the corresponding input terminal of the module, with a large number of biomedical electrodes attached to the clothing fabric on each side. By simply engaging the first element 122 and the second element 123, the module is attached to the clothing, and at the same time, a large number of biological electrodes are connected to the module via the conductive first and

second elements

122b and 123b. Can be electrically connected.

Japanese Patent No. 3711236 JP-A-5-335045

In the conventional biological electrode connector 100, it is necessary to include

conductive surface fasteners

102 and 103 that form pairs corresponding to the number of biological electrodes 104 connected to the module 105. It is not possible to attach all the

conductive surface fasteners

102 and 103 to a clothing 101 having a limited installation space such as the inside of the pocket P.

In addition, the clothing 101 expands and contracts, and the pitch between the living body side conductive surface fasteners 102 exposed to the cloth of the clothing 101 is shifted from the pitch of the module side conductive surface fastener 103 attached to the module 105 side. The

sex surface fasteners

102 and 103 do not face each other, and the biological electrode 104 may not be electrically connected to the module 105.

Furthermore, since the module 105 with a built-in power supply has a certain weight, the module 105 cannot be firmly attached to the clothing 101 simply by bringing the conductive hook-and-

loop fasteners

102 and 103 into close contact with each other. During the exercise, the module 105 swayed with respect to the clothing 101 and there was a risk of dropping off from the clothing 101.

Further, the connector 110 examined by the present inventor has a structure of a connector in which the living body side connecting electrode 115 exposed to the module holder 114 and the module side connecting electrode facing the bottom surface of the module 113 are brought into contact with the living body electrode 112 to the module 113. Since the electrical connection is made, a large number of biological electrodes 112 can be electrically connected to the module 113 in a lump simply by fitting and connecting the module 113 to the module holder 11. However, the biological side connection electrode 115 and the biological side connection are connected with low contact resistance. Since a predetermined contact pressure is required to electrically connect the electrodes 115, a very large operating force is required to connect a large number of module side connection electrodes to the living body side connection electrodes 115 facing each other simultaneously.

In particular, in the connection tool 110, the living body side connection electrode 115 is formed of conductive rubber that does not corrode even when touched by water droplets. Therefore, a contact pressure of 500 g is required for the living body side connection electrode 115 of one conductive rubber, and 25 poles For electrical connection between the living body side connection electrode 115 and the module side connection electrode, the module 113 must be fitted to the module holder 114 with a force of 12.5 kg, which is not suitable for practical use.

Further, since the module 113 is merely attached to the hook-shaped module holder 114 by engaging the engagement protrusion 113a with the engagement recess 114a of the module holder 114, the module 113 rattles during an exercise of applying a load to the muscle, or the module is affected by an impact. 113 may fall off.

Furthermore, since the module 113 is fixed to the surface of the supporter 111 and attached to the module holder 114, the module 113 protrudes to the surface side of the supporter 111 and may be caught by surrounding objects during movement.

According to the conventional connector 120, a large number of biological electrodes can be electrically connected to the module with a light operating force using the slide fastener 125, but when the element 122 is fixed to a stretchable fabric such as the supporter 111, they are adjacent to each other. The distance between the elements 122 may be extended, the occlusion with the facing element 123 may be disengaged, the module may be disconnected, and the biological electrode may not be electrically connected to the module.

Furthermore, when connecting a large number of biological electrodes, it is necessary to attach at least the same number or more of the first elements 122 or the second elements 123 along the sliding direction of the slider 124. For example, the first element 122 or the second element Since the pitch between the two elements 123 is 1 mm or less, and it is extremely difficult to electrically connect the lead wires 125 for connecting to the

individual electrodes

122 and 123 to the biomedical electrodes and modules, it has not been put into practical use.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and provides a biological electrode connector for electrically connecting a large number of biological electrodes attached to clothes to a module with a light operating force. For the purpose.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector for a living body electrode that supports a module attached to clothing without rattling and falling off.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the biological electrode connector according to claim 1 includes a clothing main body made of a fabric having a plurality of biological electrodes attached to a back surface closely contacting the body surface, and a plurality of biological electrodes. A module for inputting and / or outputting electrical signals between the module, a module support having an inner annular fabric band fixed to the module and surrounding the module, and a clothing body along an outer edge of the inner annular fabric band A plurality of inner elements fixed to the inner annular fabric band, along the occlusal line of the inner annular fabric band, and the outer side along the occlusal line A slide fastener comprising a large number of outer elements fixed to the annular cloth band, and a slider for connecting the inner annular cloth band and the outer annular cloth band by engaging each set of inner elements facing each other by an occlusal line and the outer element. It equipped with a door,
Each set of inner and outer elements that engage with each other for each biomedical electrode is formed of a conductive inner element and a conductive outer element formed of a conductive material, respectively, and each through an outer conductive path formed in the clothing body. A conductive outer element that is electrically connected to the biomedical electrode and a conductive inner element that is electrically connected to the module via an inner conductive path formed in the module support portion are engaged to electrically connect each biomedical electrode to the module. It is characterized by that.

When the slider is slid along the occlusal line of the inner annular fabric band and the outer annular fabric band, the opposed inner element and outer element are sequentially engaged, and the inner annular fabric band and inner annular fabric band of the module support portion are sequentially engaged. The outer annular cloth band formed along the edge of the outer clothing main body is connected, and the module is supported by the clothing main body connected to the module support portion.

Among all the inner and outer elements, the conductive inner element and the conductive outer element facing each other corresponding to each biomedical electrode are engaged, so that the slider is connected to the joint between the inner annular cloth band and the outer annular cloth band. A number of biological electrodes are each electrically connected to the module with a light operating force that slides along.

The module is electrically connected to a conductive inner element fixed to an inner annular fabric band surrounding the module through an inner conductive path formed in the module support.

The biological electrode connector according to claim 2 is characterized in that the clothing main body is a supporter formed in a cylindrical shape from a fabric made of stretchable fibers except for an outer annular fabric band.

When a supporter having a cylindrical inner diameter slightly shorter than the outer diameter of the body to be attached is attached to the body, the supporter's fabric expands, and the plurality of biological electrodes naturally adhere to predetermined positions on the muscle body surface.

In addition, the inner annular fabric band that surrounds the module support module is pulled outward by the outer annular fabric band formed along the edge of the extending supporter, and the module is biased toward the body surface. It is fixed to the module support in the state.

The bioelectrode connector according to claim 3 is characterized in that the outer conductive path is formed by stitching conductive fibers in a band shape on the cloth of the clothing body, and the back side thereof is covered with insulating fibers.

Even if the outer conductive path is formed by stitching conductive fibers into a belt shape, the resistance value between the biomedical electrode and the conductive outer element can be reduced to several Ω or less, the SN ratio is high, and the minute value that appears on the biomedical electrode Accurate myoelectric signal can be detected.

Since the outer conductive path is formed by stitching the conductive fibers in a band shape on the cloth of the clothing main body, the outer conductive path can be formed together with the formation of the clothing main body, and the back side is covered with the insulating fiber so that it does not contact the body surface.

Further, since the outer conductive path can be formed without wiring from the back surface without wiring a lead wire or the like on the back side of the clothing portion, there is no unevenness on the back surface closely contacting the body surface of the clothing portion.

Since the strip-shaped outer conductive path can be formed on the cloth of the clothing body at a narrow pitch, it can be easily connected to the outer element at a narrow pitch.

The bioelectrode connector according to claim 4 is characterized in that the biomedical electrode is formed continuously on the outer conductive path by stitching conductive fibers.

During the formation of the clothing body, a plurality of biological electrodes and outer conductive paths connected to each biological electrode can be formed together.

In addition, the living body electrode can be attached without causing irregularities on the back surface of the clothing part that is in close contact with the body surface.

The biological electrode connector according to claim 5, wherein the pitch between the adjacent inner elements along the occlusion line at a position where the inner element and the outer element are first engaged by the slider is along the occlusion line at another position. Unlike the pitch between adjacent inner elements, the plurality of outer elements are fixed along the occlusal line at a pitch respectively corresponding to the pitch between all the adjacent inner elements along the occlusal line. .

The plurality of outer elements are fixed at a pitch that coincides with the pitch between all the inner elements adjacent to each other along the occlusal line, so that a set of inner elements at a position where the inner element and the outer element are first engaged by the slider. If the outer element and the outer element face each other, all the remaining inner and outer elements of the set are engaged at other positions where the slider is slid.

On the other hand, when the inner element faces the other elements of the other set due to the pitch deviation at the position where the inner element and the outer element are first meshed by the slider, along the occlusion line at the other position where the slider is slid. Since the adjacent inner elements have different pitches, the outer elements do not face each other, and the slider cannot be slid to be engaged.

The biological electrode connector according to claim 6, wherein the inner annular cloth band and the outer annular cloth band are covered with a waterproof cover integrally formed on the module support portion and / or the clothing body. .

The surface of the inner annular fabric band and the outer annular fabric band from which the conductive inner element and conductive outer element are exposed is covered with a waterproof cover, so that the user's sweat and water droplets may be applied to the conductive inner element and conductive outer element. There is no.

The biological electrode connector according to claim 7 is characterized in that the inner conductive path is not electrically connected to the inner element fixed to at least one side along the occlusal line.

The inner element fixed to at least one side along the occlusal line is a slider that stays at a standby position before the inner element and the outer element are engaged or at a terminal position where all the inner elements and the outer element are engaged. Even if there is a poor insulation between the inner element and other conductors due to capillarity and sweat or water droplets staying between the slider and the inner element stagnating at the standby position or the end position, Since the inner conductive path is not electrically connected, there is no erroneous connection with the module.

The biological electrode connector according to claim 8 is characterized in that the slider is made of an insulating material.

Since the slider is made of an insulating material, there is no short circuit between the inner elements adjacent along the occlusion line or between the outer elements adjacent along the occlusion line via the slider.

The biological electrode connector according to claim 9, wherein the conductive inner element and the conductive outer element are formed of a conductive resin, and are sandwiched between at least a pair of conductive inner elements adjacent to each other along the occlusal line. The inner element sandwiched between the outer element to be engaged and the at least one pair of conductive outer elements adjacent to each other along the occlusion line is formed of an insulating resin.

All the inner and outer elements can be molded by two moldings using the molding resin as insulating resin and conductive resin.

An outer element sandwiched between a pair of conductive inner elements adjacent to each other along the occlusal line and an inner element sandwiched between a pair of conductive outer elements adjacent to each other along the occlusal line and engaged. Since it is molded with insulating resin, there is no short circuit through the mating element.

According to the invention of claim 1, the slide fastener for connecting the inner annular cloth band surrounding the module and the outer annular cloth band formed on the clothing body along the outer edge of the inner annular cloth band, Since it is attached to the clothing body, the module can be attached to the clothing body without rattling, and there is no risk of falling from the clothing body.

Also, even a child or an elderly person with weak power can reliably electrically connect a large number of biological electrodes to the module with a light operation force that slides the slider.

In addition, since the inner conductive path that is electrically connected to the biomedical electrode can be drawn out from the periphery of the module, the input / output terminals of the module connected to the inner conductive path are connected to the mounting position of the battery and other circuit components mounted on the module. It does not interfere and does not become an obstacle for mounting these circuit components.

According to the invention of claim 2, all the living body electrodes can be brought into close contact with a predetermined position on the body surface by simply slightly shortening the cylindrical inner diameter of the supporter slightly from the outer diameter of the body to be worn.

In addition, just by slightly shortening the cylindrical inner diameter of the supporter than the outer diameter of the body to wear,
Operation Since the cloth of the clothing body expands and contracts, the module can be securely attached to the supporter without rattling between the body surface.

According to the invention of claim 3, the outer conductive path can be formed together with the formation of the clothing main body.

Further, the outer conductive path can be formed without causing unevenness on the back surface that is in close contact with the body surface of the clothing part.

Further, since the strip-shaped outer conductive path can be formed at a narrow pitch along the occlusal line, the outer conductive path can be easily electrically connected to the conductive outer element fixed to the outer annular fabric band at a narrow pitch.

According to the invention of claim 4, when forming the clothing main body, a plurality of biological electrodes and outer conductive paths connected to the respective biological electrodes can be formed together.

Moreover, the living body electrode can be attached without causing irregularities on the back surface of the clothing part that is in close contact with the body surface.

According to the invention of claim 5, even if the inner element is engaged with another set of outer elements due to a pitch shift at the position to be engaged first, the subsequent elements are different in pitch and the inner element and the outer element do not face each other. Since they do not slide, different sets of inner and outer elements will not accidentally bite, and the biomedical electrodes will not be erroneously connected to the input / output terminals of different modules.

According to the invention of claim 6, a large number of conductive inner elements and conductive outer elements are waterproofed by being covered with the waterproof cover, and the conductive inner elements and the conductive outer elements are not corroded. It is possible to prevent insulation failure between the conductive elements other than the conductive inner element and the conductive outer element that mesh with each other.
Will not occur.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, erroneous connection with the module can be prevented even if sweat or water droplets stay between the slider and the inner element at the position where the slider stagnates, resulting in poor insulation in the inner element.

According to the invention of claim 8, even if the slider is broken or the pitch is shifted and different sets of the conductive inner element and the conductive outer element approach, the conductive inner element and the conductive outer element are interposed via the slider. There is no wrong connection.

According to the invention of claim 9, all the inner elements and outer elements can be formed by molding twice.

In addition, since the adjacent conductive inner element or conductive outer element is not short-circuited by the counterpart element sandwiched between them, each biological electrode can be reliably electrically connected to the module.

It is a perspective view which shows the connector 1 of the electrode for biological bodies which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which isolate | separated the module support sheet 20 to which the module 3 was fixed from the supporter 10. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view showing a configuration of a slide fastener 30. FIG. It is a principal part enlarged view which shows the state in which the inner element 32 and the outer element 31 of every group which face each other engage. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4. It is a block diagram of the muscular state analysis apparatus 50 using the connector 1 for biological electrodes. FIG. 1 shows a conventional bioelectrode connector 100, (a) is a plan view of a garment 101, and (b) is an explanatory view showing conductive hook-and-

loop fasteners

102 and 103 that are closely connected in a pocket P. . It is a perspective view which shows the connector 110 of the biological electrode which the inventor examined. It is explanatory drawing of the connection tool 120 using the conventional slide fastener 125. FIG.

A biological electrode connector 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as a connector) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention analyzes muscle composition and activity state from myoelectric signals generated in muscles when voluntary muscles of the extremities expand and contract. A supporter 10 that is used as an input unit of the muscle state analysis apparatus 50 shown in FIG. 6 and covers the body surface of the muscle, a large number of biological electrodes 2 exposed on the back surface in contact with the body surface of the supporter 10, The module 3 that stores the myoelectric signal appearing on the biological electrode 2 in the storage unit 53 and the module 3 can be attached to and detached from the supporter 10, and each biological electrode 2 is attached to the supporter 10 while the module 3 is mounted. A slide fastener 30 for electrically connecting the module 3 is provided.

By using the connecting device 1 configured in this manner for the muscle state analyzing device 50, for example, muscle training is performed at home, and a myoelectric signal generated from the muscle during training is stored in the storage unit 53 of the module 3. At a later date, only the module 3 in which the myoelectric signal is stored in the storage unit 53 is brought to a place where the muscle state analysis device 50 such as a training center is provided, and the training effect is advised while checking the analysis result on the display device 51. Can receive.

Hereinafter, the structure of each part of the connector 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, with the side in contact with the body surface as the back side and the opposite side of the body surface as the surface side. As shown in FIG. 1, the entire supporter 10 except for the outer annular cloth band 11 around the module support sheet 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a stretchable fiber cloth. The inner diameter of the cylindrical shape is slightly shorter than the inner diameter of the body surface of the arm on which the forearm muscle is located. Thus, when the supporter 10 is attached to the arm on which the forearm muscle is located, the supporter 10 extends to the body surface of the forearm muscle. The entire back of the sticks.

The supporter 10 includes 25 biological electrodes 2 including 24 biological electrodes 2 corresponding to 24 poles corresponding to 12 channels each having 2 channels, and one biological electrode 2 corresponding to a reference electrode. The biological electrodes 2 are attached to different positions on the back surface that are in close contact with the body surface. Therefore, the bioelectrodes 2 are brought into close contact with the body surface with a predetermined contact pressure by the supporter 10 that is mounted around the arm and extends. In this embodiment, each biological electrode 2 is formed on the back surface of the supporter 10 by sewing the conductive fiber fabric from the back surface of the insulating stretchable fiber fabric constituting the supporter 10. .

The position at which each biomedical electrode 2 is attached to the back surface of the supporter 10 is set to a position where the myoelectric signal generated by the forearm muscle appears most greatly when the supporter 10 is brought into close contact with the body surface of the forearm muscle, Thereby, even if it is a general user who does not know the position of the forearm muscle, each living body electrode 2 can be naturally and effectively muscle muscle of the forearm by simply mounting the supporter 10 at a predetermined position around the arm. It is in close contact with the position of the body surface where the electric signal is detected.

As shown in FIG. 2, the supporter 10 is provided with a long hole 13 along the contour of the module support sheet 20 at a position where the supporter 10 is connected to the module support sheet 20 serving as a module support portion. An outer annular fabric band 11 is formed on the outer side along the line. In the outer annular fabric band 11, a large number of outer elements 31, which will be described later, constituting the slide fastener 30, are along an occlusal line L (here, the outline of the long hole 13) at the joint with the inner annular fabric band 21 described later. Thus, the outer annular fabric band 11 is formed of a non-stretchable fabric so that the pitch between the outer elements 31 is not changed and is fixed at a pitch Po described later. Further, the end 11a of the outer annular cloth 11 near the occlusion line L is a cylindrical rib so that the end 11a of the outer annular cloth 11 does not come out of each outer element 31, as will be described later.

Outer elements 31 corresponding to 25 biomedical electrodes 2 among the large number of outer elements 31 are conductive outer elements 31a, and the supporter 10 includes each biomedical electrode 2 and its biomedical electrode 2. The outer conductive path 12 is formed to electrically connect the conductive outer element 31a corresponding to. The outer conductive path 12 may employ various connecting means such as a lead wire as long as it electrically connects each biological electrode 2 and the corresponding conductive outer element 31a. Here, from the conductive fiber fabric, In order to sew and form together with the living body electrode 2 on the fabric of the supporter 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, it is formed of a strip-like fabric of conductive fibers.

The fabric of conductive fibers constituting the outer conductive path 12 is sewn to the fabric on the back side of the supporter 10 in the form of an elongated band from the biological electrode 2 to the end portion 11a of the outer annular fabric band 11, and the back side is the body surface. It is covered with an insulating sheet, an insulating fiber cloth 14 or the like so as not to come into contact with the fabric.

The module 3 including the microcontroller 52, the storage unit 53, the wireless communication unit 54, and a battery (not shown) that serves as a driving power source is arranged on the plane of the module support sheet 20 made of fabric, and is supported by the module. By sewing the periphery of the module cover 25 of the fabric covering the flat side of the module 3 to the sheet 20, the sheet is sandwiched between the module support sheet 20 and the module cover 25 and fixed without rattling.

As shown in FIG. 2, the contour of the module support sheet 20 is substantially equal to the contour of the end portion 11 a of the outer annular cloth band 11 to be connected, and the inner annular cloth band 21 having a constant width inward from the contour of the module support sheet 20. The seam with the end 11 a of the outer annular fabric band 11 is an occlusal line L connected by the slide fastener 30. The inner annular cloth band 11 is non-movable so that the pitch Pi between adjacent inner elements 32 of a large number of inner elements 32 to be described later fixed to the inner annular cloth band 11 at a predetermined pitch Pi along the occlusal line L does not vary. In the case where the module support sheet 20 is formed of a stretchable fiber cloth and is formed of a stretchable fiber cloth, at least the inner annular cloth band 11 is formed of a non-stretchable fiber cloth. Further, end portions of the entire circumference of the inner annular cloth band 21 are also cylindrical ribs for firmly fixing each inner element 32 without coming out.

As shown in FIG. 3, in order to input myoelectric signals appearing on each of the 25 biological electrodes 2 to each input terminal of the microcontroller 52, the microcontroller 52 has a bottom surface facing the module support sheet 20. 25 input terminals (not shown) connected to the respective input terminals are exposed.

The inner elements 32 corresponding to the 25 input terminals of the module 3 among the multiple inner elements 32 are conductive inner elements 32a, and the 25 input terminals of the module 3 are connected to the module support sheet 20. Inner conductive paths 22 that are electrically connected to the corresponding conductive inner elements 32a are formed. As long as the inner conductive path 22 electrically connects each input terminal of the module 3 to the corresponding conductive inner element 32a, various connection means such as a lead wire can be adopted. From the position facing each input terminal of the module 3 to the end reaching the occlusal line L of the inner annular fabric band 22, the strip is sewn into a strip shape on the plane of the module support sheet 20. .

The slide fastener 30 that makes the module 3 detachable from the supporter 10 includes a plurality of inner elements 32 that are insulated and fixed to the inner annular cloth band 21 along the occlusion line L, and the outer annular cloth along the occlusion line L. A number of outer elements 31 that are insulated and fixed to the belt 11; a slider 33 that slides along the occlusal line L and that engages or releases the inner element 32 and the outer element 31 facing each other at the occlusal line L; Consists of

All the outer elements 31 are made of a conductive metal and have the same shape of a vertically long plate. As shown in FIG. 4, the tip side located on the occlusion line L is one side along the occlusion line L (upper side in the figure). ), A keyhole-shaped slit 310 for receiving the end portion 11a of the outer annular cloth band 11 is recessed in the base end side to which the outer annular cloth band 11 is connected, as shown in FIG. Has been. Each outer element 31 inserts the end 11a of the cylindrical rib of the outer annular cloth band 11 to the inside of the slit 310, and then crimps the outer annular cloth band 11 sandwiched between the slits 310 in the vertical direction to form an outer annular shape. It adheres to the end 11a of the cloth band 11.

When the outer element 31 is the conductive outer element 31a, a conductive fiber fabric constituting the outer conductive path 12 sewn to the end 11a of the outer annular cloth band 11 is inserted into the slit 310. The conductive outer element 31a is caulked in the vertical direction by the conductive outer element 31a, and the conductive outer element 31a is fixed to the outer annular cloth band 11 and electrically connected to the outer conductive path 12.

In addition, among the many outer elements 31, the outer elements 31 other than the conductive outer element 31a become insulating outer elements 31b (indicated by hatching in FIGS. 3 and 4) that are entirely covered with an insulating coating, and are thus electrically conductive outside. It is fixed to the end portion 11a of the outer annular cloth band 11 where the passage 12 is not formed.

All the inner elements 32 are made of conductive metal and are formed in a vertically long plate shape that is symmetrical with the outer element 31 with respect to the occlusion line L. That is, like the outer element 31, the distal end side located on the occlusal line L is curved in a spherical crown in the same direction as the outer element 31 along the occlusal line L, and the proximal end side to which the inner annular fabric band 21 is connected. Is formed with a keyhole-shaped slit that accommodates the end of the cylindrical rib of the inner annular cloth band 21, and the inner annular cloth band 21 sandwiched between the slits 310 is caulked from above and below to form an inner annular cloth band. It adheres to the end of 21.

When the inner element 32 is the conductive outer element 32a, the inner conductive path 22 similarly inserted into the slit is caulked from above and below to fix the conductive inner element 32a to the inner annular fabric band 21 and to conduct the inner conductive. Electrical connection to path 22.

Further, the inner elements 32 other than the conductive inner element 32a are also formed as insulating inner elements 32b (indicated by hatching in FIGS. 3 and 4), and the inner conductive path 22 is not formed. It is fixed to the end of the inner annular fabric band 21.

The pitch Pi between the inner elements 32 adjacent to each other along the occlusion line L of the plurality of inner elements 32 fixed to the inner annular fabric band 21 is excluded from the pitch Pi ′ between the inner elements 32 adjacent to each other on the base end side to be described later. The width of the outer element 31 along the occlusion line L and the width of the inner element 2 symmetrical to the outer element 31 with respect to the occlusion line L. Therefore, the inner element 32 is connected to the inner annular cloth band 21 with the occlusion line L. Are fixed at every other interval.

Further, the pitch Pi ′ between any pair of inner elements 32 adjacent along the occlusal line L on the base end side is a length that does not become an integral multiple of the pitch Pi between the other inner elements 32.

On the other hand, the multiple outer elements 31 fixed to the outer annular fabric band 11 are fixed at the pitch Pi ′ on the base end side so that all the outer elements 31 engage with all the inner elements 32 facing each other at the occlusion line L. The pitch of the outer elements 31 facing the pair of inner elements 32 is a pitch Po ′ equal to the pitch Pi ′, and the pitch between the outer elements 32 adjacent to each other along the occlusion line L is the pitch Pi between the inner elements. It is fixed along the occlusal line L with an equal pitch Po.

Therefore, except for a part on the base end side, each inner element 32 and each outer element 31 are sandwiched between a pair of

outer elements

31, 31 or a pair of

inner elements

32, 32 facing each other at the occlusal line L. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner element 32 sandwiched between the pair of conductive

outer elements

31a and 31a and the outer sandwiched between the pair of conductive

inner elements

32a and 32a. In order to prevent a short circuit between these conductive elements, the element 31 is an insulating inner element 32b and an insulating outer element 31b, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3, when any specific biological electrode 2 (shown as 2a in FIG. 3) is connected to a specific input terminal (shown as 3a in FIG. 3) of the module 3, the biological electrode 2a A conductive outer element 31a connected via the outer conductive path 12 correspondingly to the input terminal 3a of the module 3 and a conductive inner element 32a connected via the inner conductive path 22 corresponding to the input terminal 3a of the module 3. It is set as a set corresponding to 2a and fixed at positions facing each other at the occlusion line L of the outer annular cloth band 11 and the inner annular cloth band 21.

The slider 33 is located along the occlusion line L between the base end position shown in FIG. 2 (position on the lower left side of the long hole 13 in FIG. 2) and the terminal position shown in FIG. 1 (position on the lower left side of the long hole 13). The inner element 32 and the outer element facing each other at the occlusal line L are slid in a counterclockwise direction in the figure from the base end position to the end position along the occlusion line L. 31 bites. Further, by sliding the slider 33 along the occlusion line L in the clockwise direction in the drawing from the terminal position to the base end position, the occlusion between the inner element 32 and the outer element 31 engaged is released.

Since a plurality of inner elements 32 and outer elements 31 are inserted into the slider 33, the slider 33 is formed of an insulating resin so that the inner elements 32 and the outer elements 31 are not short-circuited via the slider 33. Is done.

Among the multiple inner elements 32 and the multiple outer elements 31 fixed along the occlusal line L, the innermost element 32 and the outer element 31 that are the most proximal side face each other within the slider 33 at the proximal end position. Bite. Therefore, when the module 3 is detached from the supporter 10, this base end position is the standby position of the slider 33.

After inserting the proximal end side of the inner annular fabric band 21 from the side of the slider 33 at the standby position and engaging the inner element 32 and the outer element 31 of the most proximal end side, the slider 33 is moved to the occlusion line L. , And the same pitch along the occlusion line L, the respective inner elements 32 and outer elements 31 facing each other at the occlusion line L face each other in sequence, All sets of the conductive outer element 31a and the conductive inner element 32a corresponding to the biological electrode 2a are engaged with each other and electrically connected to each input terminal of the module 3. When the slider 33 is slid to the end position, all sets of the inner element 32 and the outer element 31 facing each other are engaged, and the inner annular cloth band 21 of the module support sheet 20 and the outer annular cloth band 11 of the supporter 10 are connected.

On the other hand, in a state where the inner element 32 is mistakenly engaged with a different set of outer elements 31 on the proximal end side, the pitch Pi ′ between the inner elements 32 in the sliding direction of the slider 33 thereafter is between the other inner elements 32. Since the length does not become an integral multiple of the pitch Pi, a pitch shift occurs with the outer element 31 fixed at the pitch Po equal to the pitch Pi, and the slider 33 cannot be slid. Therefore, a pair of the conductive outer element 31a and the conductive inner element 32a that are engaged with each other corresponding to the biological electrode 2a are not accidentally engaged with and connected to the different conductive inner element 32 and the conductive outer element 31. , Prevent incorrect connection.

In the present embodiment, all the inner elements 32 and the outer elements 31 covered by the slider 33 at the base end position and the terminal end position are defined as the insulating inner element 32b and the insulating outer element 31b, and these elements 31b, The inner conductive path 22 and the outer conductive path 12 are not connected to 32b. As a result, even if sweat or water droplets adhere to the slider 33 that stays at the base end position and the terminal end position for a long time and the insulating inner element 32b or the insulating outer element 31b due to capillary action, the biological electrode 2a In addition, since it is not electrically connected to the input terminal of the module 3, it is not erroneously connected or short-circuited.

Hereinafter, the connection device 1 configured as described above is subjected to muscle training at home, and a myoelectric signal generated from the muscle during the training is stored in the storage unit 53 of the module 3, and the muscle state analyzing apparatus 50 is located. An example will be described in which it is used as a part of the muscle state analysis apparatus 50 for bringing in and confirming the analysis result with the display device 51.

If the module 3 is not attached to the supporter 10 before performing muscle training at home, the proximal end side of the inner annular fabric band 21 is inserted from the side of the slider 33 at the proximal end position shown in FIG. , The inner element 32 and the outer element 31 of the most proximal side are engaged, and then the slider 33 is slid counterclockwise along the occlusion line L to the end position of FIG. The inner element 32 and the outer element 31 are engaged.

Since the 25 biological electrodes 2 are sequentially connected to the input terminals of the corresponding modules 3 while the slider 33 is slid, even if there are a large number of biological electrodes 2 electrically connected to the modules 3, the light operation can be performed. All living body electrodes 2 can be electrically connected by force.

In addition, since the module support sheet 20 to which the module 3 is fixed and the supporter 10 are connected simultaneously with the electrical connection of each biological electrode 2, the module 3 is attached to the surface side of the supporter 10. The attachment of the module 3 using the slide fastener 30 may be performed before or after the supporter 10 is attached to the body surface of the arm where the muscles of the forearm are located.

In a state where the module 3 is attached to the supporter 10, the module 3 is covered and supported by the module support sheet 20 made of cloth and the module cover 25, so that the module 3 such as a printed wiring board on which circuit components are mounted is configured. The hard parts to be exposed are not exposed to the body surface or the outside as they are, and can be mounted on the body surface without giving a sense of incongruity. Like the connector 110, the engagement protrusion 113a and the engagement recess 114a are engaged. Since the engagement structure for holding the module is not employed, a portion protruding from the module 3 is not caught around during the movement. Furthermore, since the module 3 is supported only by the cloth, the weight does not increase, and even if the module 3 is accidentally dropped from the arm during exercise, the cloth absorbs the impact and the module 3 is not damaged.

In addition, the module support sheet 20 to which the module 3 is fixed is connected to the supporter 10 that is attached to and stretches around the body surface of the arm, so that the module 3 is pulled in the peripheral direction, and the module 3 is attached to the body surface. Energize in the direction of close contact. As a result, even when exercising by waving an arm during muscle training, the module 3 follows changes in the body surface without rattling.

Myoelectric signals generated from the forearm muscles during muscle training are input to each of the input terminals of the microcontroller 52 as 12-pole myoelectric signals to the 24 biological electrodes 2 that are in close contact with the body surface, and are input to the storage unit 53. Remembered.

When only the module 3 is brought into another place of the muscle state analysis device 50 such as a training center after the muscle training at home is finished, the slider 33 at the terminal position is moved clockwise along the occlusion line L. The module support sheet 20 that fixes the module 3 is separated from the supporter 10 by sliding to the base end position, releasing the engagement of all the outer elements 31 and the inner elements 32 that have been engaged.

When confirming the effect of muscle training, it is stored in the storage unit 53 from the wireless communication unit 54 of the module 3 separated and brought into the vicinity of the muscle state analysis device 50 via the wireless communication unit 56 of the muscle state analysis device 50. The twelve-pole myoelectric signal thus output is output to the muscle state detection unit 55. The muscle state detection unit 55 analyzes the composition and activity state of the forearm muscle during muscle training from the input 12-pole myoelectric signal, and displays the analysis result on the display device 51. From the analysis result displayed on the device 51, the effect of muscle training can be confirmed or advice can be received.

In the above-described embodiment, the outer element 31 and the inner element 32 are formed of a conductive metal material. However, the outer element 31 and the inner element 32 may be molded of synthetic resin. In this case, the conductive element is a conductive resin, and the insulating element is Alternatively, it may be outsert-molded on the clothing main body 10 or the module support portion 20 by being divided into two moldings using an insulating resin. Alternatively, the element may be formed of an insulating synthetic resin so as to be conductive, and a conductor may be attached to the surface by plating or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, the long hole 13 is formed in the supporter 10 that is the clothing main body. However, the outer annular cloth is formed on the surface of the clothing main body along the edge of the inner annular cloth band 21 without opening the hole 13. The belt 11 may be formed.

Further, the inner annular cloth band 21 and the outer annular cloth band 11 on which the inner element 32 and the outer element 31 are exposed are covered with a waterproof cover attached to the module support portion 20 or the clothing body 10, and the inner element 32 and the outer element 31 are covered. Water droplets may be prevented from adhering to the surface.

Furthermore, if a reinforcing structure is added so that the pitch Pi between the inner elements 32 and the pitch Po between the outer elements 31 do not change, the outer annular cloth band 11 and the inner annular cloth band 21 need not necessarily be formed of a non-stretchable cloth. Alternatively, the supporter 10 and the module support sheet 20 made of a stretchable fiber cloth may be extended to the occlusal line L to form the outer annular cloth band 11 and the inner annular cloth band 21.

Furthermore, the biological electrode connector according to the present invention can also be used for training muscles by outputting a muscle stimulation signal from the module 3 side to the biological electrode 2 in close contact with the body surface.

The present invention is suitable for a biological electrode connector in which a module for inputting / outputting an electrical signal to / from a biological electrode is detachably attached to a clothing body to which a plurality of biological electrodes are attached.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Biological electrode connector 2 Biological electrode 3 Module 10 Clothing body (supporter)
11 Outer annular fabric band 12 Outer conductive path 20 Module support (module support sheet)
21 inner ring cloth 22 inner conductive path 30 slide fastener 31 outer element 31a conductive outer element 31b insulating outer element 32 inner element 32a conductive inner element 32b insulating inner element 33 slider

Claims

A clothing main body made of a fabric having a plurality of living body electrodes attached to the back, which is in close contact with the body surface;
A module for inputting and / or outputting an electrical signal between the plurality of biological electrodes;
A module support having an inner annular fabric band secured to the module and surrounding the module;
An outer annular fabric band formed on the clothing body along the outer edge of the inner annular fabric band;
A plurality of inner elements fixed to the inner annular cloth band along the occlusal line of the inner annular cloth band and the outer annular cloth band, and fixed to the outer annular cloth band along the occlusal line A plurality of outer elements, and a slide fastener comprising a pair of the inner elements facing each other at the occlusal line and a slider for engaging the outer elements to connect the inner annular cloth band and the outer annular cloth band,
A conductive inner element and a conductive outer element, each of which is formed of a conductive material, with each set of inner and outer elements meshing corresponding to each biomedical electrode,
The conductive outer element that is electrically connected to each of the biomedical electrodes via an outer conductive path formed on the clothing body, and the conductive that is electrically connected to the module via an inner conductive path formed on a module support. A living body electrode connector, wherein the biomedical electrode is electrically connected to the module by engaging the sex inner element.
The living body electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein the clothing body is a supporter formed in a cylindrical shape from a fabric made of stretchable fibers except for the outer annular fabric band.
3. The outer conductive path according to claim 1, wherein the outer conductive path is formed by stitching conductive fibers on the cloth of the clothing main body in a band shape, and the back side thereof is covered with insulating fibers. The connector for a biological electrode according to the description.
The living body electrode connector according to claim 3, wherein the living body electrode is formed continuously with the outer conductive path by stitching conductive fibers.
The pitch between the inner elements adjacent to each other along the occlusion line at a position where the inner element and the outer element are first engaged by the slider is set between the inner elements adjacent to each other along the occlusion line at other positions. 2. The plurality of outer elements are fixed along the occlusal line at a pitch corresponding to the pitch between all the inner elements adjacent along the occlusal line, unlike the pitch. Or the connector of the electrode for biological bodies of any one of Claim 2.
The surface of the said inner side annular cloth band and the said outer side annular cloth band is covered with the waterproof cover integrally formed in the said module support part and / or the said clothing main body, Either of Claim 1 or Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. The biological electrode connector according to claim 1.
The living body according to claim 1, wherein the inner conductive path is not electrically connected to the inner element that is fixed to at least one side along the occlusal line. Electrode connector.
The living body electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein the slider is made of an insulating material.
The conductive inner element and the conductive outer element are molded with a conductive resin,
Sandwiched between at least one pair of conductive inner elements adjacent to each other along the occlusion line and sandwiched between at least one pair of conductive outer elements adjacent to each other along the bite line. The living body electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein the inner element to be engaged is molded of an insulating resin.