DE102018101561B3 - An electrically conductive yarn for garment electrodes, garment and method of making an electrically conductive garment for garments for stimulation and data collection of body areas - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrically conductive yarn (10), a garment (3) and a method of making an electrically conductive yarn (10) for garments (3) for stimulating muscles and nerves in body regions (21) are disclosed. The electrically conductive yarn (10) comprises at least one electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn (11) and at least one electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn (12). In a first yarn component (15), the electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn (11) is wound around the electrically nonconductive and elastically extensible base yarn (12) such that the electrically conductive yarn (11) is formed on an outer surface (15A) of the first yarn component (15) is arranged. In a second yarn component (16), the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) is wrapped around the electrically conductive yarn (11) such that the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) is disposed on an outer surface (16A) of the second yarn component (16) , The first yarn component (15) and the second yarn component (16) are twisted against each other so that an outer side (10A) of the conductive yarn (10) spirally has a plurality of first yarn components (15) and second yarn components (16).

Description

The present invention relates to an electrically conductive yarn for electrodes of a garment for stimulating body areas.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a garment for stimulation and data acquisition of muscles and nerves in body areas, wherein the garment is made of the electrically conductive yarn.

In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing an electrically conductive garment yarn for stimulating and data acquisition of muscles and nerves in body areas.

From the prior art various garments for electrical stimulation (EMS, electrical muscle stimulation) of muscles are known.

DE 10 2013 106 864 A1 discloses a garment of a textile material having at least two electrodes disposed on the garment. The electrodes are sewn or woven to the garment and, when the garment is worn, contact at least a body portion of the person wearing the garment. In the garment electrical line connections are arranged, which supply the electrodes with electrical energy. The item of clothing has a control device which also drives the electrodes with an alternating voltage via lines. Likewise, each electrode can be assigned a control device and its own battery. A data communication unit (Tablet PC) can communicate with the garment over up to 200m and adjust the drive program for the electrodes.

Other arrangements and garments for electrostimulation are out DE 10 2008 003 158 A1 . DE 10 2007 046 886 A1 . DE 20 2011 109 226 U1 . DE 20 2014 103 548 U1 . WO 2014/000736 A2 . WO 2009/138961 A2 . US 2008/0097530 A1 . KR 10 2010 0024265 A . WO 2014/123812 . DE 10 2009 013 627A1 . DE 10 2009 013 627 A1 . DE 202 092 19 U1 and DE 10 2005 058 850 A1 known.

The DE 10 2015 113 420 A1 also discloses a garment for electrostimulation of muscles and nerves in body regions of a textile material having an outer side and an inner side facing the body parts to be stimulated. The garment comprises at least one pair of electrodes attached to the inside of the garment so that the at least one pair of electrodes, when wearing the garment, contact at least one body portion of a user wearing that garment. Each electrode pair is composed of a cathode and an anode, which are provided with corresponding electrical lines. The cathode and the anode are designed as expandable silver electrodes.

The German patent application DE 10 2008 003 124 A1 discloses a garment, compression stocking or bandage consisting of a knitted, knitted or woven material having a plurality of threads, wherein at least one functional thread is provided. The length of the functional thread can be controlled or regulated by applying a voltage

The German patent application DE 10 2009 017 179 A1 discloses a device for complex electromyostimulation with at least one contact electrode at selected local sites. The device consists of a close-fitting one-piece or multi-part suit made of an elastic textile fabric with integrated, textile-based electrodes, integrated moisture dispensers and integrated, textile-based electrical supply lines.

The German patent application DE 10 2012 112 153 A1 relates to a method for producing a textile-based electrode. The electrode is designed as a partial island inlay and is arranged in a textile fabric. The electrode has at least one electrically conductive thread.

The German patent application DE 10 2014 108 315 A1 relates to a device for treating the face. The face mask comprises a knitted backing and knitted electrodes having at least one face facing surface. The electrodes are knitted as inlays in the backing using electrically conductive threads. The electrodes have on their face facing the surface on an elastic, electrically conductive implant as a stimulation layer. The face mask is connected to a control unit, a signal receiver and a stimulation unit.

The object of the invention is to provide an electrically conductive yarn which is suitable for the production of a garment for stimulation can be used by muscles and nerves in body areas of a user, is suitable for a knitting process for the production of the garment and offers a high wearing comfort.

The above object is achieved by a conductive yarn for a garment for stimulating muscles and nerves in body areas of a user comprising the features of claim 1.

It is another object of the invention to provide a garment for stimulation and data acquisition of muscles and nerves in body areas of a user, which garment is suitable for a knitting process for the production of the garment and offers a high level of comfort.

The above object is achieved by a garment for stimulation and data acquisition of muscles and nerves in body areas of a user comprising the features of claim 7.

In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for producing an electrically conductive yarn, which is suitable for garments for stimulation and data acquisition of muscles and nerves in body areas, the garment provides a high level of comfort and in each Tragagesituation the surface contact with the stimulated Body areas of a user holds.

The above object is achieved by a method for producing an electrically conductive yarn comprising the features of claim 8.

Each garment used for stimulation and data collection of a user's body areas defines an outside and an inside. The garment consists essentially of a knitted, textile and reversibly stretchable material. The textile material is produced in a knitting process from at least one electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn and from an electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn. The garment is thus stretchy and thus has the advantage that it rests reliably and in all movement situations on the body parts of the user.

For the production of the garment, the inventive electrically conductive yarn is used. The electrically conductive yarn comprises at least one electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn and at least one electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn. In one embodiment, the electrically conductive yarn and the non-conductive base yarn are composed of a plurality of individual fibers. In one embodiment, a first yarn component and a second yarn component are twisted into each other and thus form the electrically conductive yarn. The first yarn component is designed such that the electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn is wound around the electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn. In this type of winding, the electrically conductive yarn is arranged on an outer side of the first yarn component. The second yarn component is designed such that the electrically non-conductive base yarn is wound around the electrically conductive yarn. In this type of winding, the electrically non-conductive base yarn is disposed on an outer side of the second yarn component. In one embodiment, in the finished and conductive yarn, the first yarn component and the second yarn component are twisted against each other such that a plurality of first yarn components and second yarn components spiral toward an outside of the conductive yarn.

The conductive yarn according to the invention has the advantage that, even with an elongation of the conductive yarn processed to form an electrode (anode or cathode), electrical contact with the body regions to be stimulated remains.

According to a possible embodiment, the electrically conductive yarn may consist of the electrically non-conductive base yarn which is coated with an electrically conductive material. Preferably, the electrically conductive material is an electrically conductive silicone.

The electrically conductive yarn is provided with a sheath in one embodiment. This jacket has the advantage that in the case of silicone as a coating on the electrically non-conductive base yarn processing of the electrically conductive yarn in a knitting machine is possible. If the sheathing were missing, the silicon-coated electrically non-conductive base yarn would slow down the knitting process or stick it to the knitting machine. The sheath is in one embodiment a water-soluble plastic. This has the advantage that the casing can be removed in at least one washing process after the completion of the knitted garment. The electrically non-conductive base yarn consists, for example, without limitation of the invention, of cotton and / or spandex. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the base yarn can also be produced from a mixture of different synthetic and natural fibers. One skilled in the art will select the fibers to meet the specifications required for simulation and data acquisition.

The inventive method for producing an electrically conductive garment for garments for stimulating muscles and nerves in body areas comprises several steps. First, a first Garnbestandteil is formed by an electrically conductive yarn to a electrically non-conductive base yarn is wound. The electrically conductive yarn is arranged on an outer side of the first yarn component. Also, a second yarn component is formed by winding the electrically non-conductive base yarn around the electrically conductive yarn. In this case, the electrically non-conductive base yarn is arranged on an outer side of the second yarn component. Finally, in the manufacturing process, the first yarn component and the second yarn component are twisted against each other. As a result, a plurality of first yarn components and second yarn components are spirally arranged to an outside of the conductive yarn.

In one embodiment, the electrically conductive yarn is produced by coating the electrically non-conductive base yarn with an electrically conductive material. Preferably, the electrically conductive material is an electrically conductive silicone. In order to simplify the processing of the electrically conductive yarn, the electrically conductive yarn may be provided with a water-soluble sheath. The details and advantages of the electrically conductive material and the sheathing, in particular the water-soluble sheath, are already described above in connection with the electrically conductive yarn according to the invention.

The garment for stimulating body areas of a user according to the invention consists of an electrically conductive and extensible yarn and an electrically non-conductive and extensible base yarn. Both yarns are knitted together to make the garment. The item of clothing comprises at least one pair of electrodes which has formed a planar cathode and a flat anode. The cathode and the anode are an integral part of the textile and reversibly stretchable material, wherein the sheet-like cathode and the sheet anode of space areas of the textile and reversibly stretchable material of electrically non-conductive and extensible base yarn are spatially separated. For contacting the body regions of a user, the planar cathode and the planar anode are oriented substantially towards the inside of the item of clothing. This means that the expandable electrode pair is in electrically conductive contact with the corresponding body areas of the user.

In one embodiment, the garment for simulating body areas has formed a plurality of electrically conductive and knitted elements. These include, for example, the anode, the cathode, a pad for the cathode, a knitted pad for the anode, a knitted first electrical lead connecting the cathode and pad for the cathode, a knitted second electrical lead connecting the anode and the pad Connection pad for the anode connects, and possibly various other electrically conductive connections. The above enumerated elements of the garment are integrated in the textile material. The pad for the anode and the pad for the cathode are aligned substantially to the outside of the textile material. The garment or the textile material is washable at up to 90 ° C.

In another embodiment, the textile material of the garment is breathable.

The term "knitted" is to be construed broadly as meaning generally the processing of one or more yarns into a textile material.

With regard to the term "stimulation", it should be noted that for the purposes of the invention, the stimulation may comprise an electrostimulation, an electromagnetic stimulation or a heat / cold stimulation. A combination of the aforementioned stimulations is also conceivable.

In general, in all embodiments, the term "body area" in the sense of the invention refers either exclusively to a muscle area (for electromyostimulation (EMS)) or exclusively to a nerve area (for nerve stimulation) or a combination of a muscle and nerve area, depending on the training program selected. The body regions are, for example, but not limited to, neck areas, shoulder areas, shoulder blades, chest areas, back areas, biceps areas, triceps areas, front abdominal muscle areas, lateral abdominal muscle areas, front thigh areas, rear thigh areas, calf muscle areas and tibial areas, and / or individual muscles, muscle areas, individual nerves or groups of muscles and / or nerves of the user. Ultimately, with the arrangement according to the invention, each muscle and every nerve, including a damaged nerve, can be separately stimulated if the at least one electrode pair is arranged correspondingly. Furthermore, the arrangement according to the invention and the item of clothing according to the invention are suitable for supporting the movement of old people or animals.

With regard to the term "data acquisition", it should be noted that for the purposes of the invention the data acquisition comprises a body data measurement, such as heart rate variability (HRV), electroencephalography (EEG), respiratory rate, temperature, movement analysis, muscle activity, muscle fatigue, performance or includes the welding analysis. For welding analysis, a sensor from the Fraunhofer Institute can be used with the Sensor names "ELECSA" are used. This sensor can be integrated according to the invention in the textile material for the garment, because the electronics can also be placed on the spot.

With regard to the term "user", it should be noted that for the purposes of the invention, in all embodiments, in general, both a human and an animal, for example a horse, camel, dog or any other animal with a similar anatomy, may be meant. Accordingly, the term "garment" generally means a garment for a human or a garment or a textile element for an animal.

• 1 eine Vorderansicht einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bekleidungsstücks (T-Shirt) mit einer möglichen Ausführungsform der Anordnung des Elektrodenpaars im Brust- und Bauchbereich eines Benutzers des Bekleidungsstücks;
• 2 eine Rückansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Bekleidungsstücks (T-Shirt) aus 1 mit einer möglichen Ausführungsform der Anordnung des Elektrodenpaars im Rückenbereich eines Benutzers des Bekleidungsstücks;
• 3 eine vergrößerte Ansicht des in 1 mit A gekennzeichneten Bereichs;
• 4 eine vergrößerte Ansicht des in 1 und 2 mit B gekennzeichneten Bereichs;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung des Aufbaus einer Ausführungsform des leitfähigen Garns zum Stricken elektrisch leitender Elemente bei einem gestrickten Bekleidungsstück;
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnitts einer möglichen Ausführungsform des elektrisch leitenden Garns; und
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung eines Querschnitts einer möglichen Ausführungsform des elektrisch leitenden Garns, das für den Strickprozess konfiguriert ist.

In the following, the invention and its advantages will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a front view of an embodiment of the article of clothing (T-shirt) according to the invention with a possible embodiment of the arrangement of the electrode pair in the chest and abdomen of a user of the garment;
• 2 a rear view of the garment according to the invention (T-shirt) from 1 with a possible embodiment of the arrangement of the electrode pair in the back region of a user of the item of clothing;
• 3 an enlarged view of the in 1 With A marked area;
• 4 an enlarged view of the in 1 and 2 With B marked area;
• 5 a schematic representation of the structure of an embodiment of the conductive yarn for knitting electrically conductive elements in a knitted garment;
• 6 a schematic representation of a cross section of a possible embodiment of the electrically conductive yarn; and
• 7 a schematic representation of a cross section of a possible embodiment of the electrically conductive yarn, which is configured for the knitting process.

In the figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the conductive yarn of the present invention and a garment made therefrom may be configured and are not meant to be an exhaustive limitation. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the garment according to the invention 3 (T-shirt) with a possible embodiment of the arrangement of the electrode pair 5 in the chest and abdominal area of a user of the garment 3 , The garment 3 consists of a knitted textile material 100 , This means that live components, such as the electrode pair 5 (Anode 52 and cathode 51 ), the connection pad 7K for the cathode 51 , the connection pad 7A for the anode 52 , the first electrical line 23 from the connection pad 7K to the cathode 51 and the second electrical line 24 from the connection pad 7A to the anode 53 , during the knitting process for the garment 3 be generated. For the garment 3 become electrically conductive and elastic yarns 10 (not shown here, see 3 to 5 ) and electrically non-conductive and elastic base yarns 12 (not shown here, see 3 to 7 ) entangled with each other. This results in an elastically stretchable garment 3 with also elastically extensible anodes 52 , Cathodes 51 , Connection pads 7A , Connection pads 7K , first electrical wires 23 and second electrical lines 24 ,

With the elastic extensibility of the garment 3 is ensured that the anodes 52 and cathodes 51 the electrode pairs 5 of the garment 3 tight and flush with the body areas (not shown here) of the user rest when the garment or the textile material 100 worn by the user. This ensures optimal and effective stimulation of the body areas. In addition, during the knitting process, the at least one pair of electrodes 5 , from the flat cathode 51 and the flat anode 52 , the connection pad 7A for the anode 52 , the second electrical line 24 that the anode 52 and the connection pad 7A for the anode 52 , connects, the connection pad 7K for the cathode 51 and the knitted first electrical line 23 that the cathode 51 and the connection pad 7K for the cathode 52 connects seamlessly with the other flat areas 40 of the textile material 100 from the non-conductive base yarn 12 be formed. Due to the elasticity of the textile material 100 and preferably seamless entangling of the current carrying components (anode 52 , Cathode 51 , Connection pads 7A and 7K , etc.), an optimal transmission of the signals to the body areas (not shown here) always be given when the garment or the textile material 100 worn by the user.

2 shows a rear view of the garment according to the invention 3 (T-shirt) off 1 with a possible embodiment of the arrangement of a pair of electrodes 5 in the back area of the garment 3 , How out 1 and also out 2 It can be seen, the anodes can 52 and the cathodes 51 be made or knitted in any shape. Although the description of the 1 and 2 on a T-shirt as a piece of clothing 3 This should not be construed as limiting the invention. With the knitting process for the textile material 100 can be any piece of clothing 3 be made in size and shape.

3 shows an enlarged view of the in 1 A marked area. Here is a section of the two-dimensional cathode 51 with a section of the to the flat cathode 51 adjacent area 40 of the non-conductive base yarn 12 produced textile material 100 , The cathode 51 is made up of several entangled strands 6 of the conductive yarn 10 built up. The to the flat cathode 51 adjacent area 40 of the textile material 100 is also made up of several entangled strands 6 of non-conductive base yarn 12 built up. The strands 6 the flat cathode 51 from the conductive yarn 10 are about connections 8th electrically connected to each other. The connections 8th are also the conductive yarn 10 made and thus stretchable.

4 shows an enlarged view of the in 2 With B marked area. Here is a part of the planar anode 52 , a part of the connection pad 7A for the anode 52 and the second electrical line 24 between the connection pad 7A for the anode 52 and the anode 52 self-presented. The flat anode 52 , the connection pad 7A for the anode 52 and the second electrical line 24 are from several strands 6 of the conductive yarn 10 constructed, each via a connection of the conductive yarn 10 connected to each other. Analogous to the description 3 are also connections here 8th from the conductive yarn 10 provided the strands 6 the flat anode 52 and the strands 6 of the connection pad 7A for the anode 52 connect electrically conductive.

5 shows a schematic representation of the structure of an embodiment of the conductive yarn 10 for knitting electrically conductive elements in a knitted garment 3 , The electrically conductive yarn 10 consists of at least one electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn 11 and at least one electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn 12 , Made of electrically conductive and elastically stretchable yarn 11 and the electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn 12 becomes a first yarn component 15 educated. The electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn 11 is so to the electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn 12 wrapped that electrically conductive yarn 11 on an outside 15A of the first yarn component 15 is arranged.

A second yarn component 16 is formed by the electrically non-conductive base yarn 12 such as the electrically conductive yarn 11 is wound that the electrically non-conductive base yarn 12 on an outside 16A of the second yarn component 16 is arranged. The first yarn component 15 and the second yarn component 16 are twisted against each other, that to an outside 10A of the conductive yarn 10 spiraling a plurality of first yarn components 15 and second yarn components 16 point. The first yarn components 15 provide the conductivity of the conductive yarn 10 ,

6 shows a schematic representation of a cross section of a possible embodiment of the electrically conductive yarn 11 , The electrically conductive yarn 11 is from the electrically non-conductive base yarn 12 expanded, with an electrically conductive material 18 is covered. The electrically conductive material is preferred 18 an electrically conductive silicone.

7 shows a schematic representation of a cross section of a possible embodiment of the electrically conductive yarn 11 which is configured for the knitting process. Here is about the electrically conductive material 18 resting on the electrically non-conductive base yarn 12 is applied, a sheath 17 intended. The jacket 17 ensures easier processing of the electrically conductive yarn 10 in a knitting machine. The sheathing is preferred 17 a water-soluble plastic. The jacket 17 can be configured in the form of a film. At least one washing process before the delivery of the garment 3 the sheathing dissolves 17 on. Thus, the outside is 10A of the conductive yarn 10 accessible and can form an electrically conductive contact.

The application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

3

garment

5

electrode pair

6

strand

7A

Connection pad for anode

7K

Connection pad for cathode

8th

connection

10

electrically conductive yarn

10A

outside

11

electrically conductive yarn

12

electrically non-conductive base yarn

13

fiber

15

first yarn component

15A

outside

16

second yarn component

16A

outside

17

jacket

18

electrically conductive material

23

first electrical line

24

second electrical line

26

casing

40

areal area

51

cathode

52

anode

53

first connection

54

second connection

100

textile material

A

Area

B

Area

Claims (10)

Electrically conductive yarn (10) comprising: • at least one electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn (11) and at least one electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn (12); A first yarn component (15), in which the electrically conductive and elastically extensible yarn (11) is wound around the electrically non-conductive and elastically extensible base yarn (12) in such a way that the electrically conductive yarn (11) is attached to an outer side (15A) the first yarn component (15) is arranged; and A second yarn component (16), in which the electrically nonconductive base yarn (12) is wound around the electrically conductive yarn (11) such that the electrically nonconductive base yarn (12) is formed on an outside (16A) of the second yarn component (16 ) is arranged; Wherein the first yarn component (15) and the second yarn component (16) are twisted relative to each other so that an outer side (10A) of the conductive yarn (10) spirally has a plurality of first yarn components (15) and second yarn components (16). Electrically conductive yarn (10) after Claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive yarn (11) consists of the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) which is coated with an electrically conductive material (18). Electrically conductive yarn (10) after Claim 2 wherein the electrically conductive material (18) is an electrically conductive silicone. Electrically conductive yarn (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conductive yarn (11) is provided with a sheath (17). Electrically conductive yarn (10) after Claim 4 , wherein the sheath (17) is a water-soluble plastic. An electrically conductive yarn (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) is cotton and / or elastane or other material blends. A garment (3) for stimulating muscles and nerves in body areas (21) of a user a knitted, textile and reversibly stretchable material (100) of an electrically conductive yarn (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and an electrically non-conductive base yarn (12); wherein the textile material (100) comprises at least one electrically conductive and reversibly expandable electrode pair (5) of a cathode (51) and an anode (52); and the pair of electrodes (5) comprising the conductive and elastic yarn (10) which is integrated into the textile material (100) by knitting in forming the textile material (100), thereby joining the electrically conductive and stretchable electrode pair (5) to the Inner side (102) of the textile material (100) are aligned. A method of making an electrically conductive yarn (10) for garments (3) for stimulating muscles and nerves in body regions (21), comprising the steps of: a) forming a first yarn component (15) by forming an electrically conductive yarn (11) around an electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) is wound, wherein the electrically conductive yarn (11) on an outer side (15A) of the first Garnbestandteils (15) is arranged; b) forming a second yarn component (16) by the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) to the electrically conductive yarn (11) is wound, the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) being disposed on an outer side (16A) of the second yarn component (16); and c) rotating the first yarn component (15) and the second yarn component (16) against each other such that a plurality of first yarn components (15) and second yarn components (16) are helically disposed to an outside (10A) of the conductive yarn (10) , Method according to Claim 8 in that the electrically conductive yarn (11) is produced by covering the electrically non-conductive base yarn (12) with an electrically conductive material (18), which is preferably an electrically conductive silicone. Method according to Claim 9 in that the electrically nonconductive base yarn (12) coated with the electrically conductive material (18) is provided with a water-soluble sheathing (17).

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