JP7072446B2 - Bioelectrode and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to electrodes, bioelectrodes and methods for producing them.

Various studies have been conventionally conducted on the production of electrodes for living organisms necessary for recording an electrocardiogram, an electromyogram, an electroencephalogram, or the like. As the electrode, an electrode in which a carbon or graphite layer and a silver / silver chloride layer are formed on the surface of a film in this order is known as a prior art. A non-conductive film such as a polyester film is used as the film (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-95922 (published on April 20, 1993)

However, in the above-mentioned conventional electrode, the carbon or graphite layer and the surface (back surface) of the film on the side where the silver / silver chloride layer is not formed do not conduct. Therefore, in the electrode of the prior art, an additional step such as drilling a hole in the film is required in order to obtain continuity between the front surface and the back surface of the film.

One aspect of the present invention is to realize an electrode, a bioelectrode, and a method for manufacturing them, which are easy to conduct from both sides.

The electrode according to the first aspect of the present invention is an electrode having a sheet material and a conductive portion capable of conducting conductivity in the thickness direction of the sheet material. In the conductive portion, the conductive portion is the sheet material. Includes conductors that are distributed so as to be conductive in the thickness direction of.

The bioelectrode according to the second aspect of the present invention includes the electrode, a conductive gel layer arranged on the conductive portion, and a lead wire electrically connected to the conductive portion. ..

In the method for manufacturing an electrode according to a third aspect of the present invention, a conductive coating material containing a conductor is impregnated into a liquid-permeable sheet material to form a conductive portion capable of conducting in the thickness direction of the sheet material. Including the process.

The method for manufacturing a biological electrode according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a step of forming a conductive gel layer on the conductive portion of the electrode manufactured by the method for manufacturing the electrode, and a lead on the conductive portion. Includes the process of electrically connecting the wires.

According to the present invention, it is possible to conduct conduction not only to the electrode layer on the first surface of the sheet material but also to the conductive portion exposed on the second surface. Therefore, it is possible to realize an electrode that is easy to conduct from both sides and a bioelectrode having such an electrode.

It is sectional drawing which shows typically the structure of the electrode which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the manufacturing method of the electrode which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the structure of the example of the biological electrode which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the manufacturing method of the biological electrode which concerns on Embodiment 2. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the structure of the other example of the said bioelectrode. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the structure of the electrode which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the manufacturing method of the biological electrode using the electrode which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the structure of the electrode which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the manufacturing method of the biological electrode using the electrode which concerns on Embodiment 4.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of an electrode according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrode 1 according to the first embodiment has a sheet material 2 and a metal layer 3.

The sheet material 2 preferably has a thickness of 0.01 to 1.5 mm from the viewpoint of supporting the structure of the electrode 1 and facilitating the handling of the electrode 1. Further, the sheet material 2 preferably has a liquid permeability. The liquid permeability of the sheet material 2 may be such that, for example, the conductive coating material described later sufficiently penetrates. The sheet material 2 usually does not have conductivity, but may have conductivity.

Examples of the sheet material 2 include non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics, knitting, paper, synthetic resin nets, metal nets, and the like. The paper may be Japanese paper or Western paper.

The sheet material 2 may be a non-woven fabric. The basis weight of the nonwoven fabric is preferably 300 g / m ² or less, and more preferably 200 g / m ² or less, from the viewpoint of sufficient penetration when the conductive paint described later is applied. As such a non-woven fabric, an appropriate non-woven fabric can be used by a known manufacturing method such as a dry method, a wet method, a spunbond method, a meltblown method, or an air raid method.

The material of the nonwoven fabric may be a resin, and examples of the resin include polyester, nylon, polypropylene, and polybutylene terephthalate. The non-woven fabric may be a commercially available product. Examples of commercially available products include Marix # 20451FLV, # 20457FLV (all manufactured by Unitika Ltd., "Marix" is a registered trademark of the same company), and Eltus E05030, EC5045C, E05050 (all manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation, "Eltus"). Is a registered trademark of the company).

The metal layer 3 is arranged on one surface of the sheet material 2. The metal layer 3 corresponds to a conductive layer. The material constituting the conductive layer can be appropriately determined as long as it has sufficient conductivity as the electrode 1. For example, the conductive layer may be a film of a conductive composition having conductivity. Such a conductive layer can be produced, for example, by applying a conductive ink.

The metal layer 3 may cover the entire surface of one surface of the sheet material 2, or may be arranged on a part thereof. The number and shape of the metal layers 3 on one surface of the sheet material 2 is not limited. For example, the metal layer 3 may be arranged so as to cover the entire surface of a predetermined area of the sheet material 2, or may be dispersedly arranged in the area. That is, the metal layer 3 may be a portion arranged by solid printing on the surface of the sheet material 2, or may be a portion printed in a pattern such as dots or stripes.

The metal material of the metal layer 3 can be appropriately selected within a range in which the effects of the present embodiment can be obtained in consideration of various conditions such as durability such as conductivity and corrosion resistance, and cost. The metal material may be one or more, and examples thereof include gold, silver, copper, nickel, tin, aluminum, zinc, indium tin oxide, and titanium. Among them, silver is excellent in the viewpoint of exhibiting high durability when the metal layer 3 is used, the viewpoint of exhibiting an appropriate affinity for other members of the bioelectrode when the metal layer 3 is used, and the X-ray permeability. From the viewpoint, it is preferable.

The thickness of the metal layer 3 can be appropriately determined, for example, according to the type of metal material and the method for producing the metal layer. Further, if the thickness of the metal layer 3 is too thin, the electrical contact point with the conductive portion described later in the sheet material 2 may be insufficient. Further, if it is too thick, the flexibility of the electrode 1 becomes low, and the handleability of the electrode 1 may become low. From these viewpoints, the thickness of the metal layer 3 can be selected from the range of, for example, 0.03 to 20 μm, and is preferably 0.1 to 2 μm. More specifically, when the metal layer 3 is a thin-film silver film, the thickness of the metal layer 3 is preferably 0.03 μm or more, and more preferably 0.06 μm or more. The thickness of the metal layer 3 is preferably 2 μm or less, more preferably 0.4 μm or less.

Examples of the method for producing the metal layer 3 include a plating method and a thermal transfer method in addition to vacuum deposition. The method for producing the metal layer 3 is preferably vacuum deposition from the viewpoint of obtaining a metal layer having excellent flexibility and from the viewpoint of easy mass production and cost advantage.

The sheet material 2 includes a conductive portion 4. The conductive portion 4 is a portion having conductivity and is a portion capable of conducting conduction in the thickness direction of the sheet material 2. Further, the conductive portion 4 is arranged at a position where it comes into contact with one or more specific metal layers 3 in the sheet material 2. The number and shape of the conductive portion 4 in the sheet material 2 are not limited.

For example, the conductive portion 4 may be arranged on the surface of the sheet material 2 so as to cover the entire predetermined region of the surface of the sheet material 2 as in the metal layer 3, or may be dispersed in the region. It may be arranged. Further, the conductive portions 4 may be electrically and continuously distributed as a whole of the conductive portions 4 in the thickness direction of the sheet material 2. For example, the conductive portions may be continuously distributed in the thickness direction of the sheet material 2 from the portion located on the front surface of the sheet material 2 to the back surface of the sheet material 2. Alternatively, a plurality of portions independently located in the thickness direction of the sheet material 2 may be connected in the surface direction of the sheet material 2 to form a conductive portion 4 capable of conducting in the thickness direction of the sheet material 2. .. The phrase "the conductive portions are electrically and continuously distributed" means that the conductive portions are present in the sheet material at a density sufficient to exhibit the desired conductivity.

The conductive portion 4 includes a conductor in which the conductive portion 4 is distributed so as to be conductive in the thickness direction of the sheet material 2. The conductor may be electrically and continuously distributed over the entire thickness direction of the sheet material 2 regardless of the distribution in the surface direction of the sheet material 2. The conductor may be any material having conductivity and may be particles. "The conductors are electrically and continuously distributed" means that the conductors are present in the sheet material at a density sufficient to exhibit the desired conductivity in the conductive portion 4. The appropriate distribution of the conductor in the conductive portion 4 can be appropriately realized, for example, depending on the state of the conductor and the liquid permeability of the sheet material 2.

The conductor may be one kind or more. Examples of such conductors include ionic and electronic conductive agents. Examples of ionic conductive agents include silver iodide, copper iodide, silver chloride, lithium perchlorate, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, lithium salts of organic boron complexes, lithium bisimide ((CF ₃ SO ₂ ) ₂ NLi). ), And lithium trismethide ((CF ₃ SO ₂ ) ₃ CLi). Examples of electron conductive agents include metal particles and particles of carbon compounds. Metal examples of metal particles include silver, copper, aluminum, magnesium, nickel, and stainless steel. Examples of the carbon compounds include graphite, carbon black, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes. From the viewpoint of corrosion resistance, the conductor is preferably the above carbon compound, and from the viewpoint of easy availability, it is preferably carbon particles.

The electrode 1 may further have a structure other than the sheet material 2, the metal layer 3, and the conductive portion 4 described above, as long as the effects of the present embodiment can be obtained. For example, the electrode 1 may further have a conductive coating film 5.

The conductive coating film 5 is arranged on the surface portion of the conductive portion 4 on the side opposite to the metal layer 3 side of the sheet material 2. The conductive coating film 5 is a layer formed of a conductive composition, and is, for example, a portion remaining after the conductive coating material containing a conductor permeates the sheet material 2. The conductive coating film 5 is formed, for example, by applying a conductive coating film in a manufacturing method described later. The conductive coating film 5 is preferable from the viewpoint of clearly indicating the position of the conductive portion 4 from the side opposite to the metal layer 3 in the sheet material 2 and from the viewpoint of enhancing the electrical connection with the conductive portion 4.

Further, the electrode 1 may have another layer interposed between the sheet material 2 and the metal layer 3 within the range where the effect of the present embodiment can be obtained, or has a further layer on the metal layer 3. You may be doing it. Any of such optional layers may have sufficient electrical conductivity.

The electrode 1 can be manufactured by the following method. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing the electrode 1.

First, the sheet material 2 is prepared (S21). As the sheet material 2, a commercially available product may be used as it is, or it may be cut into an appropriate shape and used.

Next, the metal layer 3 is formed on one surface of the sheet material 2. Examples of methods for making the vapor deposition film include vacuum vapor deposition, sputtering, and ion plating. Further, an example of another manufacturing method of the metal layer 3 includes a metal plating method. For example, a metal vapor deposition film is formed on one surface of the sheet material 2. The metal layer 3 is formed in an arbitrary shape at an arbitrary position on one surface of the sheet material 2, for example, by using a known masking technique.

Next, a conductive paint is applied to the other surface of the sheet material 2 (S23). The conductive paint is applied at a position overlapping the metal layer 3 on one surface side of the sheet material 2. The conductive paint can be applied to the sheet material 2 by a known coating method such as coat printing. Examples of such coating methods include a gravure method, a die coat method, a comma coat method, a roll coat method, a dipping method, a screen method, and a rotary screen method.

The applied conductive paint permeates the sheet material 2 having liquid permeability, crosses the sheet material 2 in the thickness direction, and reaches the metal layer 3. In this way, the conductive portion 4 is formed.

The conductive paint contains the conductor. The conductive coating material may contain only a conductor, or may contain a conductor and a dispersion medium such as a binder. The dispersion medium may be any medium having fluidity that functions as a dispersion medium for the conductor in the conductive coating material. The dispersion medium may be one kind or more.

The content of the conductor in the conductive coating material can be appropriately determined from the viewpoint of exhibiting sufficient conductivity of the conductive portion 4. The conductivity of the conductive portion 4 can be adjusted by the amount of the conductive paint applied, the number of times the coating is applied, or the viscosity, in addition to the content of the conductor in the conductive coating material.

The conductive paint is preferably an ink containing carbon particles. The conductive coating material can be obtained by appropriately preparing it, but it may be a commercially available product. Examples of commercially available inks containing carbon particles include "UCC-2" manufactured by Nippon Graphite Industry Co., Ltd., "JELCON CH-8" manufactured by Jujo Chemical Co., Ltd., and "DY" manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd. -200L-2 "is included.

The manufacturing method may further include steps other than the above-mentioned steps as long as the effects of the present embodiment can be obtained.

In the manufacture of the electrode 1, a conductive portion 4 extending from the other surface of the sheet material 2 to the metal layer 3 on one surface is formed by coating and impregnating the sheet material 2 having liquid permeability with a conductive paint. Will be done. As described above, the electrode 1 is formed with conduction between the front and back surfaces of the sheet material 2 by vapor deposition and coating on the front and back surfaces of the sheet material 2 having liquid permeability. In a conventional electrode having a film instead of a sheet material, it is necessary to make a hole in the film in order to obtain continuity between the front and back surfaces of the film.

Since the electrode 1 has the above configuration, it is possible to connect the terminal to the back side (the other surface side) of the sheet material 2. Therefore, for example, various functional coating agents can be coated on the surface of the electrode 1 on the metal layer 3 side. As described above, the electrode 1 has a high degree of freedom in the configuration and function of the product using the electrode 1, which is advantageous in these respects.

The electrode 1 is preferably used for the bioelectrode described below.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of an example of a bioelectrode according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The bioelectrode 10 is electrically attached to the electrode 1, the silver chloride layer 11 arranged on the metal layer 3, the conductive gel layer 12 arranged on the silver chloride layer 11, and the conductive coating film 5. Includes the connected lead wire 13. The silver chloride layer 11 and the conductive gel layer 12 can be configured in the same manner as those of known bioelectrodes.

The silver chloride layer 11 is a layer containing silver chloride. The thickness of the silver chloride layer 11 is preferably 3 to 30 μm from the viewpoint of the stability of ion conduction. Further, the content of silver chloride in the silver chloride layer 11 can be appropriately determined from the range in which the desired function as a bioelectrode is exhibited, and is, for example, 1 to 10% by mass.

The conductive gel layer 12 is a layer containing a conductive gel. The thickness of the conductive gel layer 12 can be appropriately determined from a range in which sufficient adhesive strength to the living body and necessary electrical conductivity to the living body can be obtained, and is, for example, 0.5 to 2 mm. As the conductive gel, a known self-adhesive conductive gel having, for example, skin compatibility can be used.

The conductive gel usually contains a gel and an electrolyte. Examples of such gels include gels comprising a crosslinked copolymer of alkoxypolyethylene glycol mono (meth) acrylate and an unsaturated carboxylic acid such as acrylic acid, polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ether, and a composition containing water. .. The unsaturated carboxylic acid may be partially neutralized.

Examples of the above electrolytes include halides of alkali metals such as lithium chloride, sodium chloride and potassium chloride. The conductive gel may further contain other components as long as the above adhesiveness and conductivity can be obtained. Examples of such other ingredients include moisturizing ingredients, fragrances, colorants, and medicinal ingredients. Examples of moisturizing ingredients include lactic acid, urea, and hyaluronic acid.

The number and shape of the silver chloride layer 11 and the conductive gel layer 12 are not limited. For example, the shape of these when viewed in a plan view can be appropriately determined within a range that can be used for the use of the bioelectrode. The shapes of the silver chloride layer 11 and the conductive gel layer 12 may be the same or different.

The lead wire 13 may be a normal lead wire having a lead wire such as a carbon wire, a tin-plated Cu wire, and an Al wire and an insulating layer covering the lead wire. The number of lead wires 13 is not limited. The number of conductive portions 4 to which the lead wires 13 are connected is also not limited.

The bioelectrode 10 can be applied as an electrocardiographic measurement electrode. Examples of electrodes for electrocardiography include disposable pad electrodes used in defibrillators. Examples of such defibrillators include external defibrillators, semi-automatic defibrillators, and automatic external defibrillators (AEDs).

The bioelectrode 10 can be manufactured by the following method. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing the bioelectrode 10.

In the manufacture of the bioelectrode 10, as shown in FIG. 4, a silver chloride layer 11 is formed on the metal layer 3 of the electrode 1 manufactured by the method for manufacturing the electrode 1 (S24). As described above, the electrode 1 can be manufactured, for example, from step 21 to step 23. The silver chloride layer 11 can be produced by a known method. For example, the silver chloride layer 11 uniformly prints a coating agent containing silver chloride on the surface of the metal layer 3 to a desired thickness by using a known printing technique such as a die coating method, a comma coating method, or a dipping method. Can be formed by

Next, the conductive gel layer 12 is formed on the formed silver chloride layer 11 (S25). The conductive gel layer 12 can also be produced by a known method. For example, the conductive gel layer 12 may be formed on the surface of the silver chloride layer 11 by coating or printing in the same manner as the silver chloride layer 11. Alternatively, the conductive gel layer 12 may be formed by attaching the conductive gel layer formed on the releasable film to the silver chloride layer 11 and peeling off the releasable film if necessary.

On the other hand, the lead wire 13 is electrically connected to the conductive portion 4 (S26). However, the lead wire 13 may be electrically connected to the conductive portion 4 at an arbitrary timing after the conductive portion 4 is manufactured. The electrical connection of the lead wire 13 to the conductive portion 4 can be performed by a known method of electrically connecting the lead wire of the lead wire 13 to the conductive portion 4. In the electrical connection, other members such as conductive fasteners fixed to the surface of the conductive portion 4 may be used. A device connected to a bioelectrode (for example, the defibrillator described above) or a connector for connecting to the device (for example, the defibrillator described above) may be connected to the end of the lead wire 13 opposite to the connection end of the conductive portion 4. ..

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the conductive paint containing carbon particles printed on the sheet material 2 makes it possible to transmit and receive electric signals from the entire back surface of the sheet material 2, and the lead wires 13 are connected. It is possible to make the area even larger. Therefore, in the bioelectrode 10, the detection sensitivity of the bioelectric signal can be further increased and the response speed can be further increased as compared with the conventional bioelectrode. Further, since the biological electrode 10 having excellent reversibility of the electrode potential is provided, the electrical characteristics of the biological electrode 10 can be further improved (lower impedance).

Since the sheet material 2 has liquid permeability, it is generally highly flexible, and thus the adhesion of the biological electrode 10 to the living body is further enhanced.

[Variations of Embodiments 1 and 2]
Although carbon particles are used as the conductor in the conductive portion 4 of the electrode 1, the conductor may contain metal powder together with the carbon particles.

Further, in the method of manufacturing the electrode 1, the metal layer 3 is formed prior to the conductive portion 4, but the metal layer 3 and the conductive portion 4 are relative to each other when viewed along the thickness direction of the sheet material 2. It may be formed after the conductive portion 4 as long as it is in a position where it overlaps with each other.

Further, in the bioelectrode 10, the lead wire 13 may be electrically connected to the metal layer 3 as shown in FIG. Further, the lead wire 13 may be electrically connected to both the conductive portion 4 and the metal layer 3.

[Summary of Embodiments 1 and 2]
The electrode according to the first aspect of the present invention has a sheet material and a conductive layer arranged on the sheet material. The sheet material includes a conductive portion that is conductive in the thickness direction thereof, and the conductive portion includes a conductor that is distributed so that the conductive portion conducts in the thickness direction of the sheet material.

According to the above configuration, the conductive portion is also exposed on the surface (the other surface) of the sheet material having no conductive layer. Therefore, conduction can be easily performed from either the conductive layer on one surface side of the sheet material or the conductive portion on the other surface side of the sheet material.

In the electrode according to the second aspect of the present invention, the conductor may be carbon particles in the first aspect.

The above configuration is even more effective from the viewpoint of enhancing the corrosion resistance of the electrode.

In the electrode according to the third aspect of the present invention, the conductive layer may include a metal layer in the first or second aspect.

The above configuration is even more effective from the viewpoint of increasing the durability and productivity of the electrode.

In the electrode according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the metal layer may be a metal vapor deposition layer in the above aspect 3.

The above configuration is even more effective from the viewpoint of realizing a metal layer having a desired shape, for example, a precise pattern.

In the electrode according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the above aspects 1 to 4, the metal material of the metal layer is a group consisting of gold, silver, copper, nickel, tin, aluminum, zinc, indium tin oxide, and titanium. It may be one or more metallic materials selected from.

The above configuration is even more effective from the viewpoint of enhancing the corrosion resistance of the electrode or suppressing the manufacturing cost of the electrode.

The electrode according to the sixth aspect of the present invention may be one or more members selected from the group consisting of a non-woven fabric, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, paper, a synthetic resin net, and a metal net in the above aspect 1.

The above configuration is even more effective from the viewpoint of increasing the strength and ease of handling of the electrode.

The bioelectrode according to the seventh aspect of the present invention includes an electrode of any of the above embodiments, a silver chloride layer arranged on the conductive layer, a conductive gel layer arranged on the silver chloride layer, and a conductive layer. Alternatively, it includes a lead wire electrically connected to the conductive portion.

According to the above configuration, the conductive portion is also exposed on the surface of the sheet material having no conductive layer. Therefore, it is possible to connect the lead wire to both sides of the sheet material, that is, to both the conductive layer and the conductive portion. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the configuration of the bioelectrode is increased.

The bioelectrode according to the eighth aspect of the present invention may be an electrocardiographic measurement electrode in the above aspect 6.

In the method for manufacturing an electrode according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a step of forming a conductive layer on the surface of a sheet material having liquid permeability and a conductive paint containing a conductor permeate into a position overlapping the conductive layer in the sheet material. It includes a step of forming a conductive portion which is conductive in the thickness direction of the sheet material.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to manufacture an electrode capable of easily conducting conduction from any of the conductive layer on one surface side of the sheet material and the conductive portion on the other surface side of the sheet material.

In the method for manufacturing an electrode according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the ink containing carbon particles in the conductive coating material can be used in the eighth aspect.

The above configuration is even more effective from the viewpoint of enhancing the corrosion resistance of the electrode.

The method for manufacturing a biological electrode according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention includes a step of forming a silver chloride layer on the conductive layer of the electrode manufactured by the method for manufacturing the electrode according to the above aspect, and conductivity on the formed silver chloride layer. It includes a step of forming a gel layer and a step of electrically connecting a lead wire to the conductive layer or the conductive portion.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to manufacture a bioelectrode having a high degree of freedom in configuration, which can be connected to both the conductive layer and the conductive portion.

[Embodiment 3]
Hereinafter, further embodiments of the present invention will be described. The explanation may not be repeated for matters that overlap with the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the electrode according to the third embodiment. The electrode 20 has a sheet material 2 and a conductive gel layer 12. The sheet material 2 is impregnated with the conductive paint 15. The portion of the sheet material 2 impregnated with the conductive coating material 15 corresponds to the conductive portion 4.

The conductive coating material 15 contains a component that exhibits a good affinity for the conductive gel layer 12 as a conductor. For example, when the conductive gel layer 12 contains the above-mentioned electrolyte, the conductive coating material 15 contains the above-mentioned silver halide as a conductor. In the above case, the content of the silver halide in the conductive coating material 15 can be appropriately determined within a range in which the conductive portion 4 exhibits sufficient affinity and sufficient conductivity with respect to the conductive gel layer 12. It is possible. The conductor may be one kind or may further contain other conductors. The type and amount of the other conductors can be appropriately determined, for example, from the viewpoint of exhibiting sufficient conductivity in the conductive portion 4.

In the present embodiment, the bioelectrode can be produced by the following method. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a biological electrode using the electrode 20.

First, the sheet material 2 is prepared (S31). The preparation of the sheet material 2 can be carried out in the same manner as in step S21 described above.

Next, a conductive paint containing silver chloride (AgCl-containing conductive paint) is applied to the sheet material 2 (S32). The coating method of the conductive coating material can be appropriately determined from a known coating method within a range in which a conductive portion that is sufficiently energized in the thickness direction of the sheet material 2 can be formed.

Next, the conductive gel is applied to the surface of the sheet material 2 impregnated with the conductive paint to prepare the conductive gel layer 12 (S33). The application of the conductive gel can be carried out in the same manner as in step S25 described above.

Next, the lead wire is arranged on the sheet material 2 (S34). The connection position of the lead wire in the sheet material 2 can be appropriately determined at an arbitrary position in the conductive portion 4. For example, the connection position may be a portion around the conductive gel layer 12 on one surface of the sheet material 2. Further, the connection position may be the other surface of the sheet material 2 (the surface opposite to the conductive gel layer 12). Further, the connection position may be inside the sheet material 2. In this way, it is possible to manufacture a bioelectrode from the electrode 20.

Since the conductive gel layer 12 is directly arranged on the conductive portion 4 of the electrode 20, the above-mentioned conductive layer becomes unnecessary. In this embodiment, the configuration of the bioelectrode can be further simplified and the production thereof can be further simplified as compared with the above-mentioned first and second embodiments including the conductive layer.

[Embodiment 4]
Hereinafter, further embodiments of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment except that the sheet material is impregnated with a plurality of types of conductive paints. The explanation may not be repeated for matters that overlap with the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the electrode according to the fourth embodiment. The electrode 30 has a sheet material 2 and a conductive gel layer 12 arranged on the surface thereof. The sheet material 2 has a conductive portion 4 made of two kinds of conductive paints.

That is, one surface side portion of the sheet material 2 in the thickness direction is impregnated with the first conductive paint 15, and the other front surface (back surface) side portion is impregnated with the second conductive paint 25. It is impregnated. The portion of the sheet material 2 impregnated with the first conductive paint 15 and the portion impregnated with the second conductive paint 25 are such that, for example, one impregnates the other in the thickness direction of the sheet material 2. It is in good contact with. The conductive portion 4 is a portion of the sheet material 2 that is sufficiently impregnated with the first conductive paint 15 and the second conductive paint 25 in the thickness direction of the sheet material 2 as described above.

In the present embodiment, the bioelectrode can be produced by the following method. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a biological electrode using the electrode 30.

First, the sheet material 2 is prepared (S41). The preparation of the sheet material 2 can be carried out in the same manner as in step S21 described above.

Next, the first conductive paint 15 is applied to the sheet material 2 from the surface side thereof (S42). The first conductive paint 15 is, for example, the silver chloride-containing conductive paint (AgCl-containing conductive paint) described above.

Next, the second conductive paint 25 is applied to the sheet material 2 from the back surface side thereof (S43). The second conductive paint 25 is, for example, an ink containing carbon particles (C-containing conductive paint) described above.

These first and second conductive paints 15 and 25 are applied from known coating methods to the extent that the sheet material 2 can be impregnated with the conductive paint to a sufficient depth from the surface of the sheet material 2. It can be decided appropriately. In the portion of the sheet material 2 impregnated with the first and second conductive paints 15 and 25, one may be in contact with the other at least in the thickness direction of the sheet material 2, but one may overlap with the other. It is preferable from the viewpoint of realizing a conductive portion 4 that can be sufficiently conductive.

Next, the conductive gel is applied to the surface of the sheet material 2 impregnated with the first and second conductive paints 15 and 25 to prepare the conductive gel layer 12 (S44). The application of the conductive gel can be carried out in the same manner as in step S25 described above.

Next, the lead wire is arranged on the sheet material 2 (S45). The connection position of the lead wire in the sheet material 2 can be appropriately determined within a range in which the conductive portion can be sufficiently energized, and can be carried out in the same manner as in step S34 in the above-described third embodiment, for example. .. In this way, it is possible to manufacture a bio-electrode from the electrode 30.

Since the conductive gel layer 12 is directly arranged on the conductive portion 4 of the electrode 30, the above-mentioned conductive layer becomes unnecessary. Similar to the above-described third embodiment, the present embodiment can further simplify the configuration of the bioelectrode and further simplify the production thereof as compared with the above-mentioned first and second embodiments including the conductive layer. can do.

[Variations of Embodiments 3 and 4]
The electrodes 20 and 30 may further include a conductive layer arranged at a position overlapping the conductive portion on the surface of the sheet material 2. According to such a configuration, it is possible to configure an electrode having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and it is possible to configure a bioelectrode having the same configuration as that of the second embodiment.

The bioelectrodes in the third and fourth embodiments are the conductive layer arranged on the conductive portion 4 between the conductive portion and the conductive gel layer 12, and silver chloride arranged on the conductive layer. Further having a layer, the lead wire may be electrically connected to the conductive portion 4 or the conductive layer. According to such a configuration, it is possible to configure an electrode having the same configuration as that of the second embodiment. As described above, in the present invention, the lead wire may be directly electrically connected to the conductive portion 4, or may be electrically connected to the conductive portion via another structure having conductivity such as the conductive layer. It may be connected to.

The method for manufacturing the electrodes 20 and 30 may further include a step of forming a conductive layer at a position overlapping the conductive portion 4 on the surface of the sheet material 2. According to such a configuration, it is possible to manufacture an electrode having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

The method for manufacturing a bioelectrode in the third and fourth embodiments further includes a step of forming a conductive layer on the conductive portion 4 and a step of forming a silver chloride layer on the conductive layer, and the conductive gel layer 12 The step of forming the lead wire is a step of forming the conductive gel layer 12 on the silver chloride layer, and the step of electrically connecting the lead wire is a step of electrically connecting the lead wire to the conductive layer or the conductive portion. May be. According to such a configuration, it is possible to manufacture a bioelectrode having the same configuration as that of the second embodiment.

[Summary of Embodiments 3 and 4]
The electrode according to aspect 12 of the present invention has a sheet material and a conductive portion that is conductive in the thickness direction of the sheet material. The conductive portion includes a conductor in which the conductive portion is distributed so as to conduct in the thickness direction of the sheet material.

According to the above configuration, like the electrode according to the first embodiment, conduction can be performed from both the front and back surfaces of the sheet material. In addition, the electrode can be configured more simply than the electrode according to the first embodiment.

In the electrode according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the conductor may contain carbon particles in the above-mentioned aspect 12.

The above configuration is even more effective from the viewpoint of enhancing the corrosion resistance of the electrode and from the viewpoint of appropriately adjusting the conductivity of the conductive portion.

In the electrode according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the conductor may contain silver chloride in the above-mentioned aspect 12 or 13.

The above configuration is more effective from the viewpoint of applying the above electrode to the use of the bioelectrode.

The bioelectrode according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is electrically connected to the electrode according to any one of the above aspects 12 to 14, the conductive gel layer arranged on the conductive portion, and the conductive portion. Including leads and.

According to the above configuration, the degree of freedom in the configuration of the bioelectrode can be increased as in the bioelectrode according to the second embodiment. In addition, the bioelectrode can be configured more simply than the bioelectrode according to the second embodiment.

The bioelectrode according to aspect 16 of the present invention may be an electrocardiographic measurement electrode.

In the method for manufacturing an electrode according to the 17th aspect of the present invention, a step of impregnating a conductive coating material containing a conductor into a sheet material having liquid permeability to form a conductive portion capable of conducting in the thickness direction of the sheet material. include.

According to the above configuration, similarly to the method for manufacturing an electrode according to the first embodiment, it is possible to manufacture an electrode capable of easily conducting conduction from either the front or back surface. In addition, it is possible to manufacture such an electrode more easily than the method for manufacturing an electrode according to the first embodiment.

In the method for manufacturing an electrode according to the 18th aspect of the present invention, carbon particles may be used as the conductor in the 17th aspect.

The above configuration has the same effect as the above-mentioned aspect 13.

In the method for producing an electrode according to the 19th aspect of the present invention, silver chloride may be used as the conductor in the 17th or 18th aspect.

The above configuration has the same effect as the above-mentioned aspect 14.

The method for manufacturing a bioelectrode according to aspect 20 of the present invention includes a step of forming a conductive gel layer on a conductive portion of the electrode manufactured by the method for manufacturing an electrode according to any one of the above aspects 17 to 19. It includes a step of electrically connecting a lead wire to a conductive portion.

According to the above configuration, the degree of freedom in the configuration of the bioelectrode can be increased as in the method for manufacturing the bioelectrode according to the second embodiment. In addition, the bioelectrode can be manufactured more easily than the method for manufacturing the bioelectrode according to the second embodiment.
According to the third and fourth embodiments, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the degree of freedom in the configuration of the electrode and the bioelectrode can be further increased.

[Example 1]
A non-woven fabric "Marix # 20451FLV" manufactured by Unitika Ltd. was used as a sheet material, and a silver metal layer having a thickness of 1000 Å (0.1 μm) was formed by vacuum deposition on one surface thereof. Further, carbon ink (also referred to as "CI") was applied to the other surface of the sheet material by the screen coating method. For the above CI, "UCC-2" manufactured by Nippon Graphite Industry Co., Ltd. was used. The CI penetrated the sheet material and a layer of CI was formed on the other surface of the sheet material. The thickness of the CI layer was 3 μm. In this way, the electrode A1 was manufactured.

Further, the electrodes A2 to A4 were manufactured in the same manner as the electrode A1 except that the thickness of the CI layer was changed to 5 μm, 10 μm, and 15 μm by changing the application conditions of CI.

[Evaluation of electrodes]
For each of the electrodes A1 to A4, the electric resistance values of the metal layer, the conductive portion, and the entire electrode were measured. The metal layer is a silver vapor deposition film on the surface of the sheet material. The electric resistance value of the metal layer is an electric resistance value between arbitrary two points (between 10 mm) on the surface of the metal layer, and was measured by a Fluke digital multimeter FLUKE85.

The conductive portion is a portion to which CI of the sheet material is applied and permeated, and is the conductive portion and the conductive coating film in the above-described embodiment. The electric resistance value of the conductive portion is an electric resistance value between arbitrary two points (between 10 mm) on the surface of the conductive coating film, and was measured by a digital multimeter FLUKE85 manufactured by Fluke.

The electric resistance value of the entire electrode is the electric resistance value between the conductive coating film and the metal layer in the thickness direction of the electrode. In the measurement of the electric resistance value, first, an electrode of about 100 mm × 100 mm is placed on a gold-plated metal plate, and a columnar gold-plated metal (φ30 mm × 40 mmh, 225 g) is placed on the electrode. In this way, the electrode is sandwiched between the gold-plated metal plate and the columnar gold-plated metal. Then, the electric resistance between the metal plate and the gold-plated metal was measured by Fluke's digital multimeter FLUKE85. The results are shown in Table 1.

No continuity was detected at the electrode A1. It is considered that this is because the thickness of the CI layer is thin and the permeation of CI into the sheet material is insufficient, so that a conductive portion that can be sufficiently energized is not formed.

Conduction was detected at the electrode A2, and sufficient and stable conduction was detected at the electrodes A3 and A4 in the entire electrode.

[Example 2]
A silver chloride paste was applied to the surface of the metal layer of the electrode A3 by a screen method, and the coating film was dried to prepare a silver chloride layer having a thickness of 10 to 15 μm. The silver chloride paste is "Silver Chloride (I) Special Grade" manufactured by Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd. and "Nichigo Polyester LP035" manufactured by Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. as an ink binder ("Nichigo Polyester" is a registered trademark of the company. ) And a composition containing. In the above screen method, a 180 mesh polyester plate was used. "Technogel" (registered trademark of Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd.) manufactured by Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd. was attached to the surface of the silver chloride layer. The technogel is the conductive gel layer in the above-described embodiment. In this way, the bioelectrode B1 was produced.

Further, the bioelectrode B2 was produced in the same manner as the bioelectrode B1 except that the electrode A4 was used instead of the electrode A3.

[Example 3]
The non-woven fabric was impregnated with conductive ink by a dipping method to prepare an electrode A5. As the non-woven fabric, Eltus EC5045C manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation was used. The conductive ink is a mixed ink containing carbon, metallic silver and silver chloride, and has the composition shown below. The electrode A5 has a conductive portion containing carbon, metallic silver and silver chloride as conductors. Then, the above-mentioned techno gel was attached as a conductive gel layer on the surface of the conductive portion. In this way, the bioelectrode B3 was produced.
(Composition of conductive ink)
UCC-2 79% by mass
Silver chloride (I) special grade 5% by mass
Silver powder 16% by mass
As the "silver powder", "Ag-4-8F" (manufactured by DOWA Electronics, shape: spherical, average particle diameter: 2.2 μm) was used.

[Example 4]
The electrode A6 was applied in the same manner as in Example 3 except that CI was used on one surface of the non-woven fabric and the above conductive ink was used on the other surface at an amount of 5 to 8 g / m ² by the gravure coating method. Was produced. The CI layer and the conductive ink layer in the electrode A6 are sufficiently in contact with each other in the thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric, and have partially overlapping conductive portions. Then, the above-mentioned techno gel was attached as a conductive gel layer on the surface of the conductive portion. In this way, the bioelectrode B4 was produced.

[Evaluation of bioelectrode]
The electrical characteristics of each of the bioelectrodes B1 and B2 were tested according to the electrocardiographic measurement method. More specifically, the impedance (AC impedance (10 Hz)) and the offset voltage (DC offset voltage) of the bioelectrode were measured. The impedance and offset voltage of the bioelectrode are measurement methods of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) / American National Standards Institute (AAMI) standard EC12.

More specifically, for each of the bioelectrodes B1 to B4, gel was attached to the two electrodes, the gel surfaces were attached to each other, and the measurement probe terminal was connected to each bioelectrode. That is, two bioelectrodes B1 to B4 are cut into strips of 2.5 cm × 4.5 cm, and the cut conductive gel surfaces are bonded to each other to form an evaluation test piece, which is measured. The probe terminal was connected.

Then, the impedance and the offset voltage were measured using the evaluation test piece. For the measurement of impedance and offset voltage, a Surface Electrode Analysis Meter ECG tester manufactured by CALM was used. The tests for the above electrical characteristics were carried out with the number of tests N = 3, and the average value of the measured values was used as the evaluation value.

The results are shown in Table 2. In the above standard, the AC impedance (10 Hz) may be 2 kΩ or less on average. The DC offset voltage may be 100 mV or less on average.

As is clear from Table 2, the impedance and offset voltage of the bioelectrodes B1 to B4 both cleared the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Medical Device Promotion Association (AAMI). From this result, it can be seen that any of the bioelectrodes B1 to B4 can be applied to the base material for electrocardiographic measurement.

[Discussion]
From the above examples, the following advantages can be considered for the present invention.

Generally, in a conventional electrode for a bioelectrode, in order to obtain continuity between the front and back surfaces, a through-hole method is used in which a through hole is formed in the electrode and a conductor is filled in the through hole to form an energizing path. It is necessary to apply additional methods. On the other hand, the electrodes and bioelectrodes of the above embodiment are manufactured by printing a conductive material so as to obtain such conduction between the front and back surfaces. Therefore, conduction between the front and back can be obtained without applying an additional method such as the through-hole method.

An electrical contact can be provided with the back surface of the electrode as the current collecting position. Therefore, in an assembly such as a bioelectrode, there are more options for its usage pattern and method of use.

Since the bioelectrode can cover the entire metal layer as the conductive layer, it is possible to prevent the metal layer from being exposed. By using a conductor that is stable against corrosion such as carbon in the conductive portion, it is possible to prevent corrosion of the conductor and poor conduction due to the corrosion.

In the above-mentioned electrode and the bio-electrode, it is also possible to make the conductive portion play the role of the conductive layer without arranging the conductive layer. According to such a configuration, in addition to the above advantages, an electrode having a simpler configuration and a bioelectrode can be configured.

1 Electrode 2 Sheet material 3 Metal layer 4 Conductive part 5 Conductive coating 10 Bioelectrode 11 Silver chloride layer 12 Conductive gel layer 13 Lead wire 15 (1st) Conductive paint 25 2nd Conductive paint

Claims (15)

A sheet material, a conductive portion conductive in the thickness direction of the sheet material, a conductive gel layer arranged on the conductive portion, and a lead wire electrically connected to the conductive portion. Is a bioelectrode with
The conductive portion includes a conductor in which the conductive portion is distributed so as to be conductive in the thickness direction of the sheet material, is arranged so as to cover a part of the surface of the sheet material, and is the conductive gel. Exposed on the surface of the sheet material on the layer side,
Bioelectrode. The bioelectrode according to claim 1, wherein the conductor contains carbon particles. The bioelectrode according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conductor contains silver chloride. The bioelectrode according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a conductive layer arranged at a position overlapping the conductive portion on the surface of the sheet material. The bioelectrode according to claim 4, wherein the conductive layer includes a metal layer. The bioelectrode according to claim 5, wherein the metal layer is a metal vapor deposition layer. The metal material of the metal layer is the one or more metal materials selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, copper, nickel, tin, aluminum, zinc, indium tin oxide, and titanium, according to claim 5 or 6. Bioelectrode. The bioelectrode according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sheet material is one or more members selected from the group consisting of a non-woven fabric, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, paper, a synthetic resin net, and a metal net. Between the conductive portion and the conductive gel layer, a conductive layer arranged on the conductive portion and a silver chloride layer arranged on the conductive layer are further provided.
The bioelectrode according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lead wire is electrically connected to the conductive portion or the conductive layer. The bio-electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is an electrocardiographic measurement electrode. It is a manufacturing method of bioelectrodes.
A step of infiltrating a conductive paint containing a conductor into a liquid-permeable sheet material to cover a part of the surface of the sheet material and forming a conductive portion that is conductive in the thickness direction of the sheet material. ,
A step of forming a conductive gel layer on the conductive portion so that a part of the conductive portion is exposed, and
A method for manufacturing a bioelectrode, comprising a step of electrically connecting a lead wire to the conductive portion. The method for manufacturing a bioelectrode according to claim 11, wherein carbon particles are used for the conductor. The method for producing a bioelectrode according to claim 11 or 12, wherein silver chloride is used as the conductor. The method for manufacturing a bioelectrode according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising a step of forming a conductive layer at a position overlapping the conductive portion on the surface of the sheet material. The step of forming a conductive layer on the conductive portion and
Further comprising the step of forming a silver chloride layer on the conductive layer.
The step of forming the conductive gel layer is a step of forming the conductive gel layer on the silver chloride layer.
The method for manufacturing a bioelectrode according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the step of electrically connecting the lead wire is a step of electrically connecting the lead wire to the conductive layer or the conductive portion. ..

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