JP2018032529A - Conductive fabric - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conductive fabric which has a sufficient strength, does not impair feeling of the fabric and has a connection part structure with an external device.SOLUTION: A conductive fabric includes a fabric body having a terminal part and a wiring provided on the fabric body, where at least the terminal part includes a pattern conductive layer containing a conductive material and a resin and a thermoplastic resin layer in contact with at least one surface of the pattern conductive layer, the fabric body is impregnated with at least one portion of the thermoplastic resin layer, and the pattern conductive layer is arranged along an exposed surface of the fabric body and is electrically connected to the wiring.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a conductive fabric.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electrode-equipped clothing used when data collection such as an electrocardiogram or electromyogram, or electrical treatment or electromagnetic wave treatment is performed on a subject is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In such clothes, an electrode is formed by weaving conductive yarn into a cloth, so that an external device can detect an electrocardiogram signal or myoelectric signal via the electrode, or an electric current or the like via the electrode. Can be given to the target person.

  In addition, a humidity sensing fabric made of a cloth fabric is also known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The humidity sensing fabric is formed by knitting a conductive yarn and a poorly conductive yarn so that the poorly conductive yarn is placed between the conductive yarns. Such a humidity sensing fabric changes its electrical resistance when the humidity changes. Therefore, if the electrical conductivity between the conductive yarns is monitored via an external device, it can be detected that moisture has occurred in the fabric. For example, it is applied to bed mats and bed sheets in hospitals and care facilities, and is used to check the sweating status of patients who are hospitalized.

  Also known is a fabric heater configured to form an electrode by weaving a conductive yarn into a fabric, and connect the power source as an external device to the electrode and apply a voltage to the electrode to generate heat. (See, for example, Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent No. 4609923 JP 2011-106084 A JP 2014-157824 A

  As described above, in order to exert a wide variety of functions, for example, development of a cloth fabric (conductive fabric) itself provided with electrodes and wiring has been actively performed. The connection part structure between them has not been devised greatly and has not yet achieved a structure that does not impair the texture of the fabric while having sufficient strength.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and provides a conductive fabric having a connection portion structure with an external device that does not impair the texture of the fabric while having sufficient strength. The purpose is to provide.

  The object of the present invention includes a fabric body having a terminal portion and a wiring provided on the fabric body, and at least the terminal portion includes a patterned conductive layer containing a conductive material and a resin, and the patterned conductive layer. A thermoplastic resin layer in contact with at least one surface of the fabric body, at least a portion of the thermoplastic resin layer is impregnated in the fabric body, and the patterned conductive layer is disposed along the exposed surface of the fabric body And is achieved by a conductive cloth characterized by being electrically connected to the wiring.

  In this conductive fabric, the wiring and the terminal portion include a patterned conductive layer containing a conductive material and a resin, and a thermoplastic resin layer in contact with at least one surface of the patterned conductive layer, and the thermoplastic resin At least a part of the layer may be impregnated in the fabric body, and the pattern conductive layer may be arranged along the exposed surface of the fabric body.

  The wiring includes a first wiring portion and a second wiring portion, and the terminal portion and the first wiring portion include at least one of a patterned conductive layer containing a conductive material and a resin, and the patterned conductive layer. A thermoplastic resin layer in contact with the surface of the fabric body, at least a portion of the thermoplastic resin layer is impregnated in the fabric body, and the patterned conductive layer is disposed along the exposed surface of the fabric body. The first wiring part and the second wiring part may be electrically connected.

  Moreover, the said fabric main body is equipped with the fabric piece which protrudes partially, and you may comprise so that the said terminal part may be arrange | positioned at the said fabric piece.

  Moreover, you may comprise the said fabric piece so that it may protrude outward from the surface of the said fabric main body.

  Moreover, you may comprise so that a reinforcement member may be arrange | positioned in the surface on the opposite side to the surface where the said pattern conductive layer is arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of the said terminal part.

  Moreover, you may comprise the said fabric main body so that at least one of a heat-fusion yarn and a heat-fusion yarn may be included.

  Moreover, you may comprise the said thermoplastic resin layer so that it may provide in the said fabric main body side with respect to the said pattern conductive layer.

  The thermoplastic resin layer can be made of a resin containing polyurethane.

  The above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved by a conductive cloth comprising a cloth body having a terminal portion and wiring provided on the cloth body, and the terminal section can be connected to a flat cable connector. .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electroconductive cloth which has a connection part structure with an external device which does not impair the texture of cloth | dough while giving sufficient intensity | strength can be provided.

It is the top view which showed typically the electroconductive fabric which concerns on this invention. It is a principal part enlarged view in the AA cross section of the electrically conductive cloth shown in FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the electroconductive cloth which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic structure sectional view showing a printed electrode body used when manufacturing conductive cloth concerning the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the intermediate stage of manufacture of the electroconductive cloth which concerns on this invention. (A) is an image relating to a conductive fabric constituted by the method according to the present invention, and (b) is an image relating to a conductive fabric obtained by directly printing on a conductive fiber structure to form a patterned conductive layer. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the effect of the electroconductive cloth which concerns on this invention. It is the schematic plan view which showed typically the modification of the electrically conductive cloth which concerns on this invention. It is the schematic plan view which showed typically the modification of the electrically conductive cloth which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed typically the modification of the electrically conductive cloth which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed typically the modification of the electrically conductive cloth which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed typically the modification of the electrically conductive cloth which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed typically the modification of the electrically conductive cloth which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the usage example of the electrically conductive cloth shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which showed typically the modification of the electrically conductive cloth which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed typically the modification of the electrically conductive cloth which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic structure sectional view showing the modification of the printed electrode object used when manufacturing the conductive cloth concerning the present invention.

  Hereinafter, a conductive cloth according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each figure is partially enlarged or reduced in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration. The conductive cloth 1 according to the present invention can be used as one of the components when manufacturing a conductive part as shown in FIG. 1, for example. This conductive cloth 1 (conductive part) is formed in a flat and long shape (band shape), and a fiber structure 10 configured such that wirings 2 and non-conductive portions 3 are alternately arranged in the width direction. For example, when collecting data such as electrocardiograms or electromyograms, or performing electrical treatment or electromagnetic wave treatment on the subject, it can be worn around the subject's arm, leg, trunk, etc. It is configured.

  In addition, in the form shown in FIG. 1, the fiber structure 10 is formed so as to have a long shape, but is not particularly limited to such a form. For example, a tubular shape (straight shape or tapered shape) Or a rectangular shape in plan view, or a circular shape in plan view. Moreover, you may comprise the textile structure 10 as clothing, such as a shirt, pants, trousers, socks, gloves, and a hat. In FIG. 1, each wiring 2 is formed in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the fiber structure 10, and each non-conductive portion 3 is also formed in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the fiber structure 10. However, it is not particularly limited to such a form, and the wiring 2 and the non-conductive portion 3 can be configured to have various shapes according to the purpose of use of the conductive fabric 1 or the mounting location. Further, the numbers of the wirings 2 and the non-conductive portions 3 are not particularly limited, and can be changed as appropriate.

  Such a fiber structure 10 can be formed by various methods using the conductive yarn 21 for forming the wiring 2 and the nonconductive ground yarn 31 for forming the nonconductive portion 3. it can. As the fiber structure 10, a fabric including a knitted fabric or a woven fabric having an opening, a nonwoven fabric, and other fabrics can be used. For example, when formed by knitting using the conductive yarn 21 and the ground yarn 31, the knitted fabric structure is not particularly limited. For example, a flat knitting, a rubber knitting, a smooth knitting, a pearl knitting, or their knitting Various knitted fabric structures such as a change organization (for example, Milan rib or cardboard knit), a tricot knitting, a raschel knitting, and a miranese knitting can be employed. In the case of a woven structure, examples of weaving methods such as plain weave, twill weave and satin weave can be given. In addition, the part comprised by the nonelectroconductive ground yarn 31 comprises the fabric main body in the fiber structure 10. Moreover, the manufacturing method of the fiber structure 10 is not limited to the above method. For example, after the fabric body is first formed with the non-conductive ground yarn 31, the conductive yarn 21 is knitted into a predetermined portion and embroidered. The wiring 2 can also be formed and manufactured.

  Here, the conductive yarn 21 for forming the wiring 2 is made of resin fiber, natural fiber, metal wire, or the like as a core, and wet or dry coating, plating, vacuum film formation, or other appropriate coating is applied to the core. It is preferable to use a metal coated wire (plated wire) on which a metal component is deposited by performing a deposition method. Although it is possible to adopt monofilaments for the core, multifilaments and spun yarns, which are aggregates of a plurality of single fibers, are preferable to monofilaments, and further, wooly processed yarns and covering yarns such as SCY and DCY. Further, bulky processed yarn such as fluffed yarn is more preferable.

  Examples of metal components to be deposited on the core include pure metals such as aluminum, nickel, copper, titanium, magnesium, tin, zinc, iron, silver, gold, platinum, vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, alloys thereof, stainless steel Brass, etc. can be used.

  An elastic yarn may be mixed with the conductive yarn 21. For elastic yarn, polyurethane or rubber-based elastomer material may be used alone, or covering yarn using polyurethane or rubber-based elastomer material for “core” and nylon or polyester for “cover” can do.

  Further, the non-conductive ground yarn 31 for constituting the non-conductive portion 3 is made of synthetic fiber (for example, polyester fiber or nylon fiber), natural fiber, material mixed with synthetic fiber and elastic yarn, or the like. can do. For the elastic yarn, for example, a polyurethane or rubber-based elastomer material may be used alone, or a covering yarn using polyurethane or rubber-based elastomer material for the “core” and nylon or polyester for the “cover”. Can be adopted. Moreover, although the monofilament can be adopted as the non-conductive ground yarn 31, a multifilament or a spun yarn, which is an aggregate of a plurality of single fibers, can be preferably used rather than a monofilament.

  Moreover, the fiber structure 10 (fabric main body) is provided with the terminal part 4, as shown in the top view of FIG. The terminal portion 4 is a connection terminal that is directly inserted into and connected to the connector of the external device circuit, and is set at one end of the long fiber structure 10 (fabric body). Here, the type of the connector of the external device circuit is not particularly limited as long as it is connected by inserting the terminal portion 4 of the fiber structure 10, and is a slide lock type, a front flip lock type, a back flip block type. A general connector (general-purpose flat cable connector) used for a flat cable (FFC or FPC) such as a connector can be exemplified.

  The terminal portion 4 includes a pattern conductive layer 5 containing a conductive material and a resin, as shown in FIG. 2, which is a plan view of FIG. . The pattern conductive layer 5 has a function as an electrode or a wiring, and one end thereof is configured to be electrically connectable to a connector of an external device circuit included in the external device. The other end is configured to be placed and fixed on a part of the wiring 2 so as to be electrically connected to the wiring 2 in the fiber structure 10. The thickness of the pattern conductive layer 5 is preferably 1 μm or more and 30 μm or less, and more preferably 5 μm or more and 20 μm or less. The pattern conductive layer 5 is disposed along the exposed surface of the fabric main body 2 formed by, for example, the wiring 2 formed by the conductive yarn 21 or the ground yarn 31. The surface of the fiber structure 10 has irregularities formed by the conductive yarn 21 and the ground yarn 31 to be knitted. The pattern conductive layer 5 is arranged in a state along the upper surface (exposed surface) of the unevenness formed by the knitted conductive yarn 21 and the ground yarn 31, and has a cross-sectional wave shape as shown in FIG. It is comprised so that it may become.

  The pattern conductive layer 5 is made of, for example, a binder (at least one selected from polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyether, polyurethane, methacrylic resin, epoxy resin, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate copolymer, etc.). Resin) is formed by mixing a conductive material containing at least one kind of fine particles selected from silver, silver chloride, titanium, nickel, platinum, aluminum, stainless steel and the like. Other conductive materials include carbon fine particles, carbon nanowires, carbon nanofibers, ultrafine conductive carbon fibers such as graphite fibrils, and conductive polymers (conductive polymers) such as PEDOT: poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). May be mixed. The material of the pattern conductive layer 5 preferably includes an elastomer material such as acrylic rubber, butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, and nitrile rubber. By including the elastomer material, the pattern conductive layer 5 can follow the expansion and contraction of the fiber structure 10, so that cracks and poor conduction can be prevented.

  Further, the terminal portion 4 in the conductive cloth 1 according to the present invention includes a thermoplastic resin layer 6. As shown in FIG. 2, the thermoplastic resin layer 6 is provided on the fiber structure 10 side with respect to the pattern conductive layer 5, and is in contact with one surface of the pattern conductive layer 5 while the fiber structure 10 (wiring 2). Or the fabric body). The patterned conductive layer 5 is firmly fixed on the fiber structure 10 by the adhesive action of the thermoplastic resin layer 6. In the present embodiment, a region where the thermoplastic resin layer 6 is impregnated in the fiber structure 10 is indicated by an alternate long and short dash line in FIG. In addition, the thermoplastic resin layer 6 impregnated in the fiber structure 10 is formed between the ground yarn 31 and the ground yarn 31 in the knitted fabric structure (or in the woven fabric structure) in the wiring 2 and the non-conductive portion 3. When the yarn 31 and the conductive yarn 21, between the conductive yarn 21 and the conductive yarn 21, and the ground yarn 31 and the conductive yarn 21 are configured as an aggregate of single fibers such as multifilaments, It exists between short fibers.

  Examples of the resin constituting the thermoplastic resin layer 6 include polyolefins such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, modified polyolefins, polyamides (for example, nylon 6, nylon 46, nylon 66, nylon 610, Nylon 612, Nylon 11, Nylon 12, Nylon 6-12, Nylon 6-66), Thermoplastic polyimide, aromatic polyester and other liquid crystal polymers, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyether, polyether ether Ketone, polyetherimide, polyacetal, styrene, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polybutadiene, trans Various thermoplastic elastomers such as lysoprene-based, fluorine-based, fluororubber-based, chlorinated polyethylene, and the like, and copolymers, blends, polymer alloys, etc. mainly composed of these, include one of these or Two or more kinds can be mixed and used. In particular, a resin containing polyurethane (polyurethane resin) is preferably used from the viewpoint of flexibility, processability, and price.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the conductive cloth 1 according to the present invention will be described. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 3, the method for manufacturing the conductive fabric 1 includes a fiber structure forming step S1, a placing step S2, and a heating / pressing step S3.

  The fiber structure forming step S1 is a process of forming a fiber structure 10 including the above-described fabric body and the wiring 2 formed at a predetermined position of the fabric body. Although the specific formation method of the fiber structure 10 is not specifically limited, For example, the electroconductive thread | yarn 21 for comprising the wiring 2 and the nonelectroconductive ground yarn 31 for comprising the nonelectroconductive part 3 are included. Used, for example, long shape (band), cylindrical shape, rectangular shape in plan view, circular shape in plan view, clothing (shirt, pants, trousers, belt, socks, gloves, hat, etc.) and their members A method of knitting the fiber structure 10 having a shape can be mentioned.

  The mounting step S2 includes a printed electrode body 7 including a patterned conductive layer 5 containing a conductive material and a resin, and a thermoplastic resin layer 6 disposed on at least one surface side of the patterned conductive layer 5 as a terminal portion. 4 is a step of placing the pattern conductive layer 5 so as to overlap at least a part of the wiring 2 in the fiber structure 10 at a position corresponding to 4.

  Here, the printed electrode body 7 will be described. As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 4, the printed electrode body 7 is formed by forming a patterned conductive layer 5 on a release film 71 by a printing technique, and then forming a thermoplastic resin layer 6 on the patterned conductive layer 5. What is comprised and arrange | positioned can be illustrated. The printing technique is not particularly limited, and well-known printing methods such as screen printing, gravure printing, relief printing, intaglio printing, gravure offset printing, ink jet printing, and fine line patterning such as photolithography can be used. As the thermoplastic resin layer 6, for example, when a resin containing polyurethane is used as an adhesive, the adhesive can be applied on the pattern conductive layer 5. The thickness of the thermoplastic resin layer 6 disposed on the pattern conductive layer 5 is preferably 1 μm or more and 50 μm or less, and more preferably 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less. When the thickness of the thermoplastic resin layer 6 (adhesive) is less than 1 μm, there is a problem in the adhesive strength. When it is thicker than 50 μm, it is difficult to form by printing.

  As shown in FIG. 5, such a printed electrode body 7 is placed on at least a part of the wiring 2 in the fiber structure 10 by placing the printed electrode body 7 facing the thermoplastic resin layer 6 side. S2 is completed.

  The heating / pressurizing step S3 heats and pressurizes the printed electrode body 7 placed at a predetermined position (position where the terminal portion 4 is formed) on the fiber structure 10, thereby thermoplastic resin of the printed electrode body 7. The pattern conductive layer 5 of the printed electrode body 7 is arranged in a state along the surface irregularities of the fiber structure 10 while being melted and allowed to flow and impregnate the inside of the fiber structure 10 to the wiring 2. This is an electrical connection process. In this heating / pressurizing step S3, the undissolved thermoplastic resin layer 6 disposed above the top of the conductive yarn 21 is melted by heating by a heat press and flows downward. In the state where the conductive yarn 21 is pushed downward from the vicinity of the top of the conductive yarn 21 by the movement of the patterned conductive layer 5 due to the above, the conductive yarn 21 disposed on the exposed surface side and the patterned conductive layer 5 are in direct contact with each other, The ground yarn 31 and the pattern conductive layer 5 are connected and fixed in a state of being in direct contact with each other. After this heating / pressurizing step S3 is completed, the release film 71 in the printed electrode body 7 is removed, whereby the conductive cloth 1 according to the present invention shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 is formed.

    The conductive fabric 1 according to the present invention includes a terminal portion 4 that can be directly inserted into a general connector (a general-purpose flat cable connector) used in a flat cable (FFC or FPC). It can be directly connected to the connector of the external device circuit that the external device has. That is, it is possible to input / output electric signals to / from the external device circuit via the terminal portion 4 without separately providing connection wiring such as FPC on the conductive fabric 1.

  In addition, the conductive cloth 1 according to the present invention is formed by forming a connection portion structure between the conductive cloth 1 and an external device by the pattern conductive layer 5 formed by a printing technique. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the patterned conductive layer 5 is in a state along the exposed surface (surface irregular shape) of the fiber structure 10 formed by knitting using the conductive yarn 21 and the ground yarn 31. Since it is arranged so as to have a cross-sectional wave shape, the adhesion between the pattern conductive layer 5 and the fiber structure 10 is increased, and it is possible to effectively prevent disconnection, peeling, and the like of the pattern conductive layer 5. Become. Further, since the contact area between the wiring 2 and the pattern conductive layer 5 is increased, the contact resistance is reduced. In the case of the conductive fabric 1 according to the present invention, the pattern conductive layer 5 is neatly formed along the exposed surface of the fiber structure 10 without disconnection or the like, as shown in the image of FIG. Thus, it can be seen that the occurrence of defective resistance and poor conduction is prevented. On the other hand, when the pattern conductive layer 5 is formed by printing directly on the fiber structure 10, since the conductive paste made of a conductive material and a resin is liquid, as shown in the image of FIG. The conductive paste falls into the gaps between the ground yarns 31, the gaps between the conductive yarns 21, or the gaps between the ground yarns 31 and the conductive yarns 21, and breakage and poor resistance are likely to occur. Here, the conductive fabric 1 in FIG. 6A is formed on the release film 71 as a printed electrode body 7 with respect to a fabric having a thickness of 300 μm knitted with a mixed yarn of 40% nylon and 60% polyester. Formed by the above method using a patterned conductive layer 5 (silver) having a thickness of 10 μm and a polyurethane adhesive (thermoplastic resin layer 6) having a thickness of 10 μm disposed on the patterned conductive layer 5 Has been. In addition, the conductive fabric in FIG. 6B is set so that the thickness of the silver paste is 10 μm directly on the fabric having a thickness of 300 μm knitted with a mixed yarn of 40% nylon and 60% polyester. Printed.

  Moreover, since the pattern conductive layer 5 and the wiring 2 in the fiber structure 10 are configured integrally, an effect of high electrical bonding strength is also exhibited. Moreover, since the pattern conductive layer 5 is provided along the exposed surface of the fiber structure 10 as shown in FIG. 2, the contact area with the conductive yarn 21 and the ground yarn 31 constituting the fiber structure 10. There is a feature that is large. Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent effectively that the pattern conductive layer 5 peels from the surface of the fiber structure 10.

  Further, when the pattern conductive layer 5 and the wiring 2 in the conductive fiber structure 10 are integrated, the thermoplastic resin layer 6 is exposed on the opposite side of the conductive fiber structure 10 (the pattern conductive layer 5 is disposed). It is preferable that the surface does not ooze out to the surface opposite to the exposed surface. By setting it as this structure, since the thermoplastic resin layer 6 exists inside the exposed surface of the other side of the electroconductive fabric 1, the texture and touch of the other side of the electroconductive fiber structure 10 are not impaired.

  Moreover, the conductive cloth 1 according to the present invention can make the pattern width and pitch of the pattern conductive layer 5 smaller than the pattern width and pitch of the wiring 2 formed of the conductive yarn 21 in the fiber structure 10. The pattern of the wiring 2 has a minimum width defined by its knitting structure and yarn diameter, and it is difficult to reduce the pitch with the adjacent pattern due to problems such as a short circuit caused by fuzz of conductive yarn. On the other hand, since the pattern conductive layer 5 is formed by a printing technique, the line width and the line pitch can be reduced. In particular, the pattern conductive layer 5 is suitable for forming a connection portion structure between the conductive fabric 1 and the external device, and the inter-electrode distance in the connection portion structure between the conductive fabric 1 and the external device is set. It becomes possible to form narrowly. For example, by connecting the pattern conductive layer 5 with the structure of the present invention to the wiring 2 having a wiring spacing of 3 mm, the wiring spacing can be converted to a narrow pitch of about 0.2 to 1 mm. It can be directly inserted into a general connector (general-purpose flat cable connector) used in (FFC or FPC). For example, the connection between the electrode for measuring biological information such as heartbeat, electrocardiogram or myoelectricity formed on the conductive fabric 1 and the external device for processing the measurement data is facilitated.

  Further, the thermoplastic resin layer 6 impregnated in the fiber structure 10 is a member for coating the conductive yarn 21 around the conductive yarn 21 constituting the wiring 2 electrically connected to the pattern conductive layer 5. While functioning, the adhesive action with the pattern conductive layer 5 is also exhibited. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the conductive yarn 21 at the connecting portion between the pattern conductive layer 5 and the wiring 2 from being oxidized and the metal film of the conductive yarn 21 from dropping, and to suppress the deterioration. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a good conduction state between the pattern conductive layer 5 and the wiring 2.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the fiber structure 10 which concerns on this invention has a knitted fabric structure. By adopting this structure, the melted thermoplastic resin is easily impregnated into the inside from the opening of the conductive fabric 1, and the impregnated thermoplastic resin can be favorably retained. Moreover, it can suppress that the melt | dissolved thermoplastic resin moves largely to the opposite side to the side in which the pattern conductive layer 5 is provided.

  Further, when a wiring pattern in which a plurality of patterns are arranged in parallel is adopted as the pattern conductive layer 5, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, a conductive printed layer having wiring 51 constituting the wiring pattern. 5 is formed on the release film 71. A printed electrode body 7 is formed on the conductive print layer 5 by covering the wiring with a thermoplastic resin layer 6 (for example, a resin adhesive containing polyurethane) so as not to cover the wiring. And the conductive cloth 1 is comprised by mounting the said printed electrode body 7 in the predetermined position on the fiber structure 10, and heating and pressurizing. As shown in FIG. 7 (b), such a conductive fabric 1 has an impregnated thermoplastic resin layer 6 present in the lower region of each wiring 51 and not between the wirings 51. Since it is formed, the influence on the air permeability and flexibility of the fiber structure 10 can be reduced. On the other hand, when the conductive cloth 1 is formed by forming the printed electrode body 7 so that the space between the wirings 51 is covered with the thermoplastic resin layer 6 as shown in FIG. It is possible to ensure high pattern accuracy.

  The conductive fabric 1 according to the present invention has been described above, but the specific configuration is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the connection terminal (formed with the pattern conductive layer 5) of the terminal portion 4, a terminal surface treatment may be performed in order to increase the reliability of insertion / removal with the connector. Examples of the terminal surface treatment include terminal plating of nickel or the like, conductive paste printing, and the like.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example which knits and comprises the wiring 2 using the electroconductive thread | yarn 21 was demonstrated, it is not specifically limited to such a structure, For example, the nonelectroconductive ground yarn 31 is used. The wiring 2 having a predetermined shape may be formed on the fabric body by printing a conductive resin on a predetermined region of the fabric body knitted and knitted. As a method for printing the conductive resin, a known printing method such as screen printing, gravure printing, letterpress printing, intaglio printing, gravure offset printing, ink jet printing, and fine line patterning such as photolithography can be used. The conductive resin is, for example, a binder made of at least one selected from polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyether, polyurethane, methacrylic resin, epoxy resin, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate copolymer, and the like. The (resin) can be formed by mixing a conductive material containing at least one kind of fine particles selected from silver, silver chloride, titanium, nickel, platinum, aluminum, stainless steel and the like.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the terminal part 4 is comprised so that the pattern conductive layer 5 and the thermoplastic resin layer 6 with which the fiber structure 10 (cloth | dye main body) is impregnated, such a thing is comprised. For example, as shown in the schematic plan view of FIG. 8, both the wiring 2 and the terminal portion 4 may be configured to have the same structure as the terminal portion 4. That is, in addition to the terminal portion 4, the wiring 2 included in the fabric body includes a pattern conductive layer 5 containing a conductive material and a resin, and a thermoplastic resin layer 6 in contact with at least one surface of the pattern conductive layer 5. At least a part of the thermoplastic resin layer 6 may be impregnated in the fabric body, and the pattern conductive layer 5 forming the wiring 2 may be arranged along the exposed surface of the fabric body. As described above, when the same structure as the terminal portion 4 is adopted for the wiring 2 as well, a pattern corresponding to the wiring 2 and the terminal portion 4 is formed on the release film 71 as the printed electrode body 7 by a printing technique, for example. What formed the conductive layer 5 may be used. When the conductive fabric 1 includes a plurality of wirings 2, all the wirings 2 may be configured to have the same structure as the terminal portion 4, or only a part of the wirings 2 may have the terminals. You may comprise so that it may have the same structure as the part 4. FIG.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the specific structure of the wiring 2 formed in the cloth | dye main body is not specifically limited, For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the 1st wiring part to which the wiring 2 is mutually connected electrically 25 and the second wiring portion 26 may be provided. In the configuration in FIG. 9, the second wiring portion 26 is configured to be electrically connected to the functional portion 50 that is disposed at a predetermined interval on the fiber structure 10 (fabric main body). The first wiring part 25 is configured to be electrically connected to the pattern conductive layer 5 in the terminal part 4. Examples of the functional unit 50 include electrodes and members having functions such as various sensors such as touch sensors, light emitting elements, display devices, switches, heating elements, actuators, and the like.

  Here, the first wiring part 25 and the second wiring part 26 may be formed of the same material, or may be formed of different materials. In the case of forming with different materials, for example, the second wiring portion 26 is formed by knitting the conductive yarn 21, while the first wiring portion 25 is formed to have the same structure as the terminal portion 4. May be. That is, in addition to the terminal part 4, the 1st wiring part 25 is provided with the pattern conductive layer containing an electroconductive material and resin, and the thermoplastic resin layer which contact | connects at least one surface of a pattern conductive layer, and a thermoplastic resin layer The fabric body may be impregnated at least in part, and the pattern conductive layer forming the first wiring part 25 may be arranged along the exposed surface of the fabric body. Thus, when the same structure as the said terminal part 4 is employ | adopted also about the 1st wiring part 25, as the printed electrode body 7, the 1st wiring part 25 and the terminal part are formed on the release film 71 by a printing technique, for example. 4 may be used in which the patterned conductive layer 5 corresponding to 4 is formed. When the conductive fabric 1 includes a plurality of first wiring portions 25, all the first wiring portions 25 may be configured to have the same structure as the terminal portion 4, or some of the first wiring portions 25 may be configured. Only the first wiring portion 25 may be configured to have the same structure as the terminal portion 4.

  In addition, the conductive fabric 1 according to the above-described embodiment is mainly used when the subject is subjected to data collection such as an electrocardiogram or electromyogram or electrotherapy for the subject. However, it is not particularly limited to such a configuration. For example, it can also be used as a wiring member that electrically connects a device that exhibits various functions such as a touch panel, a display device, a light emitting device, and a heating element, and an external device or power supply device that controls the operation of the device. Can do.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, as shown to the schematic cross section of FIG. 10 (corresponding to the cross section along the longitudinal direction of the conductive cloth 1 shown in FIG. 1), the covering 8 that covers the exposed surface of the pattern conductive layer 5. You may comprise so that it may be provided. By providing such a covering 8, it is possible to protect the surface of the patterned conductive layer 5, and the strength of the patterned conductive layer 5, which is a connection structure between the conductive fabric 1 and the external device. Can be improved. In consideration of electrical connection with an external device, part of the covering 8 on the side opposite to the fiber structure 10 side with respect to the pattern conductive layer 5 is partially removed, and the pattern conductive layer 5 is removed. Is configured to be exposed. Here, various things, such as a knitted fabric structure formed from the ground yarn 31 which comprises a resin film, a nonwoven fabric, and a fabric main body, are employable as the covering body 8, for example. The method for disposing the covering 8 on the pattern conductive layer 5 is not particularly limited. For example, the covering 8 is disposed by being thermally fused via the same resin material as the thermoplastic resin forming the thermoplastic resin layer 6. be able to. Moreover, the transfer film demonstrated by the method of manufacturing the above-mentioned conductive cloth 1 can also be utilized as the covering 8. Further, a coating layer made of a resin can be used as the covering 8.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it has comprised so that the thermoplastic resin layer 6 may be provided in the fiber structure 10 side with respect to the pattern conductive layer 5, it is not specifically limited to such a form, FIG. As shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 12, a configuration in which a part of the thermoplastic resin layer 6 is provided on the side opposite to the fiber structure 10 side with respect to the pattern conductive layer 5 can also be adopted. . In such a configuration, a part of the thermoplastic resin layer 6 on the side opposite to the fiber structure 10 side with respect to the pattern conductive layer 5 is partially removed in consideration of electrical connection with an external device. Then, the pattern conductive layer 5 is configured to be exposed. 11 and 12, the exposed surface of the patterned conductive layer 5 is covered with the thermoplastic resin layer 6, so that the surface of the patterned conductive layer 5 can be protected.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the fabric main body 3 provided with the wiring 2 is provided with the fabric piece 9 which protrudes partially, and arrange | positions the terminal part 4 at the front-end | tip part of the said fabric piece 9. As shown in FIG. As shown in the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 14A and 14B, the fabric piece 9 may be directly inserted and connected to a connector of an external device circuit included in the external device. FIG. 14B is a schematic diagram corresponding to the cross section of FIG. When such a configuration is adopted, at least a part of the thermoplastic resin layer 6 and the pattern conductive layer 5 included in the terminal portion 4 is configured to be disposed on the fabric piece 9. The fabric piece 9 can be formed from a nonconductive ground yarn 31. Further, the length of the fabric piece 9 (projection length from the fabric body 3) can be set as appropriate.

  Further, when the fabric piece 9 is provided as shown in FIG. 13, a reinforcing member 91 may be provided on the fabric piece 9 as shown in FIG. 14 (b). It is preferable that the reinforcing member 91 is disposed at the tip of the fabric piece 9 on the opposite side of the surface on which the pattern conductive layer 5 is disposed on the fabric piece 9. The reinforcing member 91 may be provided on the exposed surface of the pattern conductive layer 5. In such a case, in consideration of electrical connection with an external device, a part of the reinforcing member 91 is partially removed so that the pattern conductive layer 5 is exposed. Moreover, as the reinforcing member 91, various things, such as a knitted fabric structure formed from the ground yarn 31 which comprises a resin film, a nonwoven fabric, and a fabric main body, are employable, for example. Also, a resin coating layer can be used as the reinforcing member 91. By providing such a reinforcing member 91, the rigidity of the leading end side of the fabric piece 9 can be increased, so that the effect of facilitating the insertion of the fabric piece 9 into the electrical signal acquisition connector 100 in the external device is obtained. Can do. Further, the thickness of the reinforcing member 91 is set as appropriate, and the thickness dimension of the distal end portion of the fabric piece is configured to be approximately the same as the thickness direction dimension of the insertion hole in the connector 100, so that the fabric piece 9 inserted into the connector 100 is It is possible to prevent the tip portion from floating in the insertion hole and fix it firmly. In the case where the conductive cloth 1 is formed in a long shape as shown in FIG. 1 and one end thereof is used as the terminal portion 4, the reinforcing member 91 is the tip portion of the terminal portion 4, and the pattern You may make it arrange | position to the surface on the opposite side to the surface where the conductive layer 5 is arrange | positioned.

  Moreover, when providing the fabric piece 9, as shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 15, the fabric piece 9 may be formed so as to protrude outward from the surface of the fabric body (fiber structure 10). By adopting such a form, for example, even when the fiber structure 10 is formed as clothing (clothes such as shirts, pants, trousers, socks, gloves, hats, and members thereof), the design It is possible to effectively prevent the fabric piece 9 which is a connection portion structure with an external device from becoming an obstacle for the wearer. Such an effect is not limited to the case where the fiber structure 10 is formed into a clothing shape (such as a shirt shape or a trouser shape), but the conductive fabric 1 is configured in a long shape as shown in FIG. For example, when collecting data such as an electrocardiogram or electromyogram, or performing electrical treatment or electromagnetic wave treatment on the subject, even if it is wrapped around the subject's arm, leg, trunk, etc. It is the same.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, as shown to the schematic cross section of FIG. 16, at least one part of the wiring 2 in the fiber structure 10 is on the surface on the opposite side to the surface in which the pattern conductive layer 5 is provided in the fiber structure 10. You may comprise so that it may expose. By adopting such a form, for example, when performing data collection such as an electrocardiogram or electromyogram or electrotherapy, the wiring 2 exposed on the opposite surface functions as an electrode. When the conductive fabric 1 is wrapped around the subject's arm, leg, torso or the like, the wiring 2 is brought into close contact with the surface of the subject's body while the conductive fabric 1 is attached to the outer surface side of the conductive fabric 1. Since the pattern conductive layer 5 which is a connection portion structure with an external device is exposed, it is possible to reliably acquire a biological signal while ensuring ease of use.

  Moreover, the manufacturing method of the conductive cloth 1 of the present invention described above is a method of forming the conductive cloth 1 by transferring the thermoplastic resin layer 6 and the pattern conductive layer 5 in the printed electrode body 7 to the fiber structure 10. However, in addition to using such a transfer technique, the conductive cloth 1 can be formed by the following method. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, the printed electrode body 7 is formed on the film-like thermoplastic resin layer 6 by forming the pattern conductive layer 5 by a printing technique, and at least a part of the wiring 2 in the fiber structure 10. The printed electrode body 7 is placed with the thermoplastic resin layer 6 side thereof facing up (placement step S2), and then subjected to the heating / pressurization step S3, thereby forming a film-like thermoplastic resin. The patterned conductive layer 5 may be provided on the surface of the fiber structure 10 while the layer 6 is melted and impregnated in the fiber structure 10. The thickness of the film-like thermoplastic resin layer 6 is preferably 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and more preferably 20 μm or more and 80 μm or less. When the thickness of the film-like thermoplastic resin layer 6 is less than 10 μm, there is a problem in strength and handleability. If it is thicker than 100 μm, the cost increases, and if the conductive fabric 1 does not have a sufficient thickness, the thermoplastic resin may ooze out to the back surface.

  The film-like thermoplastic resin layer 6 can be formed from the resin constituting the thermoplastic resin layer 6 described above, and it is particularly preferable to employ a polyurethane resin film as the thermoplastic resin layer 6. When the thickness (amount) of the polyurethane resin film impregnated in the fiber structure 10 is increased, the impregnated region in the fiber structure 10 is slightly hardened, so that the strength of the conductive fabric portion where the pattern conductive layer 5 is formed is increased. Can be improved. For example, when used as a connection portion with an external device, it is preferable to use this structure in order to ensure the width accuracy between terminals.

  Moreover, in the manufacturing method of the electroconductive cloth 1 demonstrated in the said embodiment, after forming the pattern conductive layer 5 with the printing technique on the release film 71, the thermoplastic resin layer 6 is formed on the said pattern conductive layer 5 concerned. The pattern conductive layer 5 and the thermoplastic resin layer 6 in the printed electrode body 7 are transferred to the fiber structure 10 using the printed electrode body 7 configured by arranging the above. In addition, the patterned conductive layer 5 is formed on the release film 71 by a printing technique to form the printed electrode body 7. For example, a sheet-like, liquid, powdery, or granular thermoplastic resin is used as the fiber structure 10. The printed electrode body 7 is placed on at least a part of the wiring 2 in FIG. 2, and the heat-pressing in the heating / pressurizing step S3 is performed. , Powdered, or while the particulate thermoplastic resin is melted to impregnate the fibrous structure 10, a patterned conductive layer 5 may be provided on the surface of the fibrous structure 10. In addition, the texture of cloth | dough is not impaired by making heat press into the heating and pressurization conditions which the pattern conductive layer 5 closely_contact | adheres to the exposed surface of the fiber structure 10, maintaining the shape of the fiber structure 10. FIG.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the fiber structure 10 (fabric main body) may be subjected to a fraying prevention treatment by mixing at least one of a heat fusion yarn and a heat fusion yarn with the ground yarn 31 or the conductive yarn 21. Good. The fraying prevention process is a process of fixing a portion where the ground yarn 31 and the conductive yarn 21 used for forming the fiber structure 10 intersect in a structure such as a knitted fabric, and this fraying prevention process is performed. The yarn ends of the ground yarn 31 and the conductive yarn 21 are prevented from floating. In the fraying prevention treatment method, at least one of a thermal fusing yarn and a thermal fusing yarn is mixed with the ground yarn 31 and the conductive yarn 21 used for forming the fiber structure 10, and then the fiber structure 10 is manufactured. Knitting and heat setting after knitting. When the conductive fabric 1 is cut into a predetermined shape, at least the outer edge portion of the shape is subjected to such a fraying prevention process so that the cut edge of the conductive fabric 1 is not frayed. In particular, by performing a fraying prevention process on the terminal portion 4 (fabric piece 9), it is possible to reliably connect to the connector of the external device circuit.

  Here, the difference between the heat-bonded yarn and the heat-bonded yarn may be distinguished by the strength of the bonding force generated by cooling from the semi-molten state. The one having a weaker binding force (bonding) than this is a heat-bonding yarn. Although this distinction is not clear and includes an ambiguous portion, in the present invention, what is necessary is that the crossing portion of the ground yarn 31 and the conductive yarn 21 can be joined by heat setting. Accordingly, a material that has excellent stretchability (elasticity), is heat-sealed by heating, and retains high stretchability (elasticity) without losing stretchability (elasticity) at the heat-sealed portion. be able to.

  As a typical example of the material constituting the heat fusion yarn or the heat fusion yarn, low melting point polyurethane can be given. In addition, condensation polymers such as polyethylene, nylon (6 and 66), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl polymers, polyamides, and the like can be used.

  Further specific examples include low melting point polyamide fiber yarns, low melting point polyester fiber yarns (low melting point polyester copolymer fiber yarns, low melting point aliphatic polyester fiber yarns) and the like. Of these, low melting point polyester fiber yarns are preferred.

  Preferred copolymer components of the low-melting point polyester copolymer constituting the low-melting point polyester copolymer fiber yarn include glycolic acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, 4-hydroxybutyric acid, 4-hydroxyvaleric acid, and 6-hydroxycaproic acid. In addition to hydroxycarboxylic acids such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butanediol, neopentyl glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerin, pentaerythritol, etc. Acid, fumaric acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 5-sodium sulfoisophthalic acid, 5-tetrabutylphosphonium isophthalic acid, 5-tetrabutylphosphonium isophthalic acid, etc. Examples thereof include compounds containing a carboxylic acid group or derivatives thereof.

  Examples of the low melting point aliphatic polyester constituting the low melting point aliphatic polyester fiber yarn include polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, poly-3-hydroxypropionate, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, and poly-3. -Hydroxybutyrate valerate, polycaprolactone and the like.

  In addition, as commercially available products of heat fusion yarn, low melting point polyamide fiber yarn that melts with dry heat of 80 to 130 ° C. or wet heat of 50 to 100 ° C., for example, Flor (manufactured by Unitika), Elder ( Toray Co., Ltd.), Joiner (Fujibo Co., Ltd.), etc. can be used.

  Also, low melting point polyester fiber yarn that melts by dry heat of 80 to 130 ° C. or wet heat of 50 to 100 ° C., for example, Sofit (manufactured by Kuraray), Melty (manufactured by Unitika), Solstar (manufactured by Mitsubishi Rayon), Bel combi (manufactured by Kanebo Co., Ltd.), estenaal (manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.), etc. may be used.

  In addition, as a method of mixing heat-bonded yarn or heat-bonded yarn with the ground yarn 31 or the conductive yarn 21, the ground yarn 31 or the conductive yarn 21 is used as a “core” and the heat-bonded yarn or heat-bonded yarn is used. A method of using a covering yarn (which may be SCY or DCY) with the attached yarn as a “cover”, or a method of aligning the thermal fusion yarn or the thermal fusion yarn to the ground yarn 31 or the conductive yarn 21 (not as a plating knitting) There is a method).

1 Conductive fabric (conductive parts)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Textile structure 2 Wiring 21 Conductive thread 3 Non-conductive part 31 Ground thread 4 Terminal part 5 Pattern conductive layer 6 Thermoplastic resin layer 7 Printed electrode body 8 Covering body 9 Fabric piece 91 Reinforcing member

Claims (10)

A fabric body having a terminal portion, and wiring provided on the fabric body,
At least the terminal portion includes a patterned conductive layer containing a conductive material and a resin, and a thermoplastic resin layer in contact with at least one surface of the patterned conductive layer,
At least a portion of the thermoplastic resin layer is impregnated in the fabric body;
The conductive conductive fabric, wherein the patterned conductive layer is disposed along the exposed surface of the fabric main body and is electrically connected to the wiring. The wiring and the terminal portion include a pattern conductive layer containing a conductive material and a resin, and a thermoplastic resin layer in contact with at least one surface of the pattern conductive layer,
At least a portion of the thermoplastic resin layer is impregnated in the fabric body;
The conductive fabric according to claim 1, wherein the pattern conductive layer is disposed along an exposed surface of the fabric body. The wiring includes a first wiring portion and a second wiring portion,
The terminal portion and the first wiring portion include a pattern conductive layer containing a conductive material and a resin, and a thermoplastic resin layer in contact with at least one surface of the pattern conductive layer,
At least a portion of the thermoplastic resin layer is impregnated in the fabric body;
The conductive pattern according to claim 1, wherein the pattern conductive layer is disposed along an exposed surface of the fabric body, and the first wiring portion and the second wiring portion are electrically connected. Cloth. The dough body includes dough pieces that partially protrude;
The conductive fabric according to claim 1, wherein the terminal portion is disposed on the fabric piece.   The conductive fabric according to claim 4, wherein the fabric piece is formed to protrude outward from the surface of the fabric body.   6. The conductive fabric according to claim 1, wherein a reinforcing member is disposed on a surface opposite to a surface on which the pattern conductive layer is disposed at least at a tip portion of the terminal portion.   The conductive fabric according to claim 1, wherein the fabric main body includes at least one of a heat fusion yarn and a heat fusion yarn.   The conductive fabric according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic resin layer is provided on the fabric main body side with respect to the pattern conductive layer.   The conductive fabric according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic resin layer is made of a resin containing polyurethane. A fabric body having a terminal portion, and wiring provided on the fabric body,
A conductive fabric in which the terminal portion can be connected to a flat cable connector.