JP2022077304A - Tongue motion measurement device, tongue motion monitoring apparatus and tongue motion monitoring method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a tongue motion measurement device excellent in stretching durability.SOLUTION: A tongue motion measurement device for measuring tongue motion of a subject, includes: one or two or more pressure sensors for measuring a tongue pressure; elastic wiring electrically connected to the pressure sensors and extensible by 10% or more; and a substrate provided with the pressure sensors and the elastic wiring.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a tongue movement measuring device, a tongue movement monitoring device, and a tongue movement monitoring method.

Various developments have been made on tongue motion measuring devices. As this kind of technique, for example, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is known. In Patent Document 1, a sensor that detects the movement of the tongue of an infant, a breastfeeding detection output unit that generates and outputs a breastfeeding display signal that is a signal indicating a breastfeeding state, and a sensor and a breastfeeding detection output unit are electrically provided. A breastfeeding observation device including a lead wire to be connected and a sensor and a lead wire provided on a nipple portion made of rubber is described (Patent Document 1, claim 2, paragraph 0010, FIG. 1 and the like).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-340777

However, as a result of the study by the present inventor, it has been found that there is room for improvement in the stretch durability in the breastfeeding observation device described in Patent Document 1.

In the breastfeeding observation device described in Patent Document 1, when the rubber nipple portion is repeatedly deformed according to the movement of the baby's tongue, the metal lead wire connected to the sensor installed in the nipple portion is repeatedly subjected to an external force. It turned out that there was a risk of breakage.

As a result of further studies, the present inventor repeatedly measured the tongue movement of a subject by using an extendable elastic wire for the wiring connected to the sensor for measuring the tongue pressure in the tongue movement measuring device. The present invention has been completed with the finding that it is possible to realize a tongue motion measuring device having excellent expansion and contraction durability by suppressing breakage of wiring that occurs when an external force is applied.

According to the present invention
A tongue movement measuring device that measures the tongue movement of a subject.
One or more pressure sensors that measure tongue pressure,
Elastic wiring that is electrically connected to the pressure sensor and can be extended by 10% or more,
The pressure sensor and the substrate provided with the elastic wiring,
A tongue movement measuring device is provided.

Further, according to the present invention.
With the above tongue movement measurement device,
With a control unit,
A tongue movement monitoring device is provided in which the control unit has a tongue movement information acquisition unit that acquires tongue movement information regarding the tongue movement of the subject from the detection result of the pressure sensor.

Further, according to the present invention.
It is a tongue movement monitoring method using the above-mentioned tongue movement measurement device.
Provided is a tongue movement monitoring method comprising a step of acquiring tongue movement information regarding the tongue movement of the subject from the detection result of the pressure sensor.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, a system using a tongue movement measuring device, a tongue movement monitoring device, and a tongue movement monitoring method having excellent elasticity and durability is provided.

It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the tongue movement measurement device of this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1 and is a diagram showing other modifications. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the function of the tongue movement monitoring apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the use example of the tongue movement measurement device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the tongue movement measuring device of an Example.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Further, the figure is a schematic view and does not match the actual dimensional ratio.

The tongue movement measuring device of this embodiment will be outlined.

The tongue motion measuring device of the present embodiment is electrically connected to one or two or more pressure sensors for measuring tongue pressure, elastic wiring which is electrically connected to the pressure sensor and can be extended by 10% or more, and pressure. It includes a sensor and a substrate provided with elastic wiring.

The tongue movement measuring device of the present embodiment can measure the tongue movement of a subject.
The subject is not particularly limited as long as it is an organism having a tongue, and specifically, it may be a human or an animal including a mammal other than human.
Humans may be infants, toddlers, the elderly, or other generations of adults and children, and may be healthy or unhealthy, such as functional recovery trainers.

By using the tongue movement measuring device, it becomes possible to monitor the tongue movement of the subject, and further, it becomes possible to quantitatively evaluate the tongue movement. Tongue movement is deeply related to the sucking movement of infants and the feeding and swallowing movements of humans, and can be an index for grasping the health condition. Therefore, evaluation of tongue movement is expected to have various applications such as rehabilitation and various cares, in addition to being able to appropriately grasp the state of the tongue function of the subject such as the sucking ability of the baby.

As an example of specific applications, evaluation of infant's sucking ability during feeding in each situation such as childcare, medical examination, and medical treatment, evaluation of the relationship between the subject's tongue motor function and various diseases, and deterioration of the subject's tongue motor function. Evaluation and treatment of illnesses and health disorders associated with the disease, rehabilitation, etc. can be mentioned.

In this embodiment, the stretchable wiring is made of a stretchable material to realize an stretchable and / or bendable tongue motion measuring device. Even during deformation such as elongation of the substrate, disconnection in the elastic wiring is suppressed, and stable tongue movement can be measured. Further, since the extensible wiring is flexibly deformed and stretched when the substrate is stretched and / or bent and deformed, it can be configured so as not to interfere with the external force received from the tongue movement of the subject as compared with the case where the wiring does not stretch.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a tongue motion measuring device having excellent elasticity and durability.

According to the present embodiment, since elastic wiring can be formed by printing using a conductive paste containing a conductive filler and an elastomer material, it is possible to provide a tongue motion measuring device having an excellent degree of design freedom in wiring design.

By acquiring, analyzing and / or displaying an electric signal obtained from a pressure sensor using a tongue movement measuring device, it is possible to construct a tongue movement monitoring device according to various uses.

Each configuration of the tongue movement measuring device of this embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the tongue motion measuring device 100. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

The tongue motion measuring device 100 of FIG. 1 includes a substrate 120, a pressure sensor 110, and an elastic wiring 130.

The pressure sensor 110 can convert the force received by the pressure receiving surface from the external force into an electric signal.
The pressure sensor 110 may include at least a member whose electrical characteristics change due to an external force. For example, a sensor using a pressure resistance effect, a sensor using a piezoelectric effect, a sensor using a capacitance, or the like is used. Be done.
As the pressure sensor 110, a commercially available pressure sensor such as a strain gauge type, a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber type, a capacitance type, a film forming method, a resistance wire type, or a mechanical type may be used.

The pressure sensor 110 may have a pressure receiving surface, and may be configured in a chip shape, for example. However, the shape of the pressure sensor 110 is not limited to this.

One example of the pressure sensor 110 may have a pressure-sensitive resistor having a pressure resistance effect, a piezoelectric body having a piezoelectric effect, or a capacitance film. Among these, the pressure sensitive resistor may contain an elastomer material or a plastic material, and may preferably include an elastomer material.

A specific example of the pressure sensor 110 may be composed of, for example, a pressure-sensitive conductive elastomer which is one of the pressure-sensitive resistors, and may be preferably composed of a conductive elastomer containing a conductive filler and an elastomer material. .. When both the pressure sensor 110 and the elastic wiring 130 are composed of the conductive elastomer, the volume resistance value of the conductive elastomer of the pressure sensor 110 is higher than the volume resistance value of the conductive elastomer of the elastic wiring 130. Anything that is configured in is sufficient.

As a specific example, the conductive elastomer constituting the pressure sensor 110 can include a conductive carbon material as a conductive filler. In this case, the conductive elastomer constituting the elastic wiring 130 may contain metal powder such as silver powder.
For example, the volume resistivity of the conductive elastomer containing the conductive carbon material in the pressure sensor 110 may be ^10-1 Ω · cm to 10 ³ Ω · cm. In this case, the volume resistance value of the conductive elastomer of the elastic wiring 130 may be, for example, ^10-5 Ω · cm to 10 ^-1 Ω · cm. This volume resistivity is measured at 25 ° C. when unstretched.
Such a pressure sensor 110 may be formed, for example, by a printing method using a conductive paste containing a conductive carbon material and an elastomer material.

The pressure sensor 110 of FIG. 1 is mounted on one side 121 of the substrate 120. The arrangement of the pressure sensor 110 is not limited to one surface 121. For example, a part of the pressure sensor 110 may be embedded in the substrate 120, and the entire pressure sensor 110 may be embedded in the substrate 120. May be good.

The number of pressure sensors 110 mounted on the substrate 120 may be one or more, and may be two or more.

When the direction from the base of the tongue to the tip of the tongue is the anterior direction of the tongue, the plurality of pressure sensors 110 are preferably arranged in a row in the anterior direction of the tongue. In FIG. 1, the first sensor 101 and the second sensor 102 are arranged in a row. This makes it possible to measure the base of the tongue and the tip of the tongue as independent tongue movements. Further, the number of pressure sensors 110 in the row may be two or more or three or more. This makes it possible to more accurately evaluate the tongue movement from the base of the tongue to the tip of the tongue.
Further, the arrangement of the plurality of pressure sensors 110 when viewed in the front direction of the tongue may be one row or a plurality of rows of two or more rows. This makes it possible to more accurately evaluate the tongue movement from the right side of the tongue to the left side of the tongue.

The specific arrangement of the plurality of pressure sensors 110 can be appropriately changed according to the tongue area of the subject, such as three rows of two rows, five rows of five pressure sensors, and five rows of three pressure sensors 110.

The substrate 120 mounts the pressure sensor 110 and the elastic wiring 130, and at least a part thereof is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject.

The substrate 120 has an arbitrary shape, but may have a structure that can be inserted into the oral cavity of the subject alone, or is attached to the operator's hand of the tongue movement measuring device 100 that monitors the tongue movement. It may have a possible structure. Specifically, the substrate 120 may have a shape such as a glove shape, a finger cot shape, a nipple shape, a columnar shape, a tube shape, or a link shape. In this way, the substrate 120 itself may form a structure that can be inserted into the oral cavity. The present invention is not limited to this aspect, and for example, the substrate 120 may be fixed to a member having a structure that can be inserted into the oral cavity and used.

The substrate 120 may include an elastomeric material or a flexible plastic material, preferably an elastomeric material. That is, a preferred example of the substrate 120 is composed of an elastic substrate. This stretchable substrate is composed of a stretchable insulating layer containing an insulating elastomer. The insulating elastomer may be any elastomer that does not contain a conductive filler, and may contain, for example, a non-conductive filler and an elastomer material.

The upper limit of the thickness of the substrate can be set according to the application, and may be, for example, 10 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less, but more preferably 400 μm or less from the viewpoint of deformability. In addition, a thin and easy-to-hold device can be configured.
On the other hand, the lower limit of the thickness of the substrate is, for example, 10 μm or more, preferably 50 μm or more, and more preferably 100 μm or more from the viewpoint of mechanical strength.

The upper limit of the durometer hardness A of the substrate is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 80 or less, preferably 70 or less. As a result, it is possible to increase the ease of deformation, which facilitates deformation such as bending and stretching.
On the other hand, the lower limit of the durometer hardness A of the substrate is, for example, 10 or more, preferably 30 or more, and more preferably 40 or more. As a result, frictional durability and mechanical strength can be enhanced.

The lower limit of the tear strength of the substrate is, for example, 25 N / mm or more, preferably 28 N / mm or more, more preferably 30 N / mm or more, still more preferably 33 N / mm or more, still more preferably 34 N / mm or more. This makes it possible to improve the durability during repeated use. In addition, a device that is not easily torn even if it is thin can be configured. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the substrate can be improved.
On the other hand, the upper limit of the tear strength of the substrate is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 80 N / mm or less, or 70 N / mm or less. This makes it possible to balance various characteristics of the substrate.

The lower limit of the breaking elongation of the substrate is, for example, 100% or more, preferably 200% or more, more preferably 300% or more, and further preferably 400% or more. This makes it possible to improve the high elasticity and durability of the substrate.
On the other hand, the upper limit of the breaking elongation of the substrate is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 2000% or less, or 1800% or less. This makes it possible to balance various characteristics of the substrate.

The lower limit of the tensile strength of the substrate is, for example, 5.0 MPa or more, preferably 10.0 MPa or more, and more preferably 12.0 MPa or more. Thereby, the mechanical strength of the substrate can be improved. In addition, it is possible to realize a substrate having excellent durability that can withstand repeated deformation.
On the other hand, the upper limit of the tensile strength of the substrate is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 25 MPa or less, or 20 MPa or less. This makes it possible to balance various characteristics of the substrate.

In the present embodiment, for example, the following method can be adopted as a method for measuring the characteristics of each member of the tongue motion measuring device and the characteristics of the elastomer (insulating elastomer or conductive elastomer) used for each member. For the measurement of the characteristics of each member, each member such as a substrate may be used as it is as a test piece.

(Measurement procedure of durometer hardness A)
A sheet-shaped test piece is prepared using an elastomer, and the durometer hardness A of the obtained sheet-shaped test piece at 25 ° C. is measured according to JIS K6253 (1997).

(Procedure for measuring tensile strength)
A dumbbell-shaped No. 3 test piece is prepared using an elastomer according to JIS K6251 (2004), and the tensile strength of the dumbbell-shaped No. 3 test piece is measured at 25 ° C.

(Measurement conditions for breaking elongation)
Using an elastomer, a dumbbell-shaped No. 3 test piece is prepared in accordance with JIS K6251 (2004), and the obtained dumbbell-shaped No. 3 test piece is measured for elongation at break at 25 ° C. The breaking elongation is calculated by [distance between marked lines (mm)] ÷ [distance between initial marked lines (20 mm)] × 100.

(Procedure for measuring tear strength)
A crescent-shaped test piece is prepared using an elastomer according to JIS K6252 (2001), and the tear strength of the obtained crescent-shaped test piece is measured at 25 ° C.

The elastic wiring 130 is electrically connected to the pressure sensor 110 and can transmit an electric signal from the pressure sensor 110 to the outside. The elastic wiring 130 may have two output signal wirings for each pressure sensor 110, and further includes constant pressure power supply wirings and / or GND (ground) wirings depending on the circuit design of the pressure sensor 110. You may have.
As the GND wiring, the wiring common to the plurality of pressure sensors 110 may be used.

In FIG. 1, the first wiring 131 and the second wiring 132 of the output signal wiring are connected to the first sensor 101, and the third wiring 133 and the fourth wiring 134 are connected to the second sensor 102. For example, when an external force is applied to fluctuate the resistance value of the second sensor 102, the output voltage between the third wiring 133 and the fourth wiring 134 fluctuates. Based on this output voltage fluctuation, it becomes possible to measure the external force received by the second sensor 102.

The elastic wiring 130 of FIG. 1 is formed on one surface 121 of the substrate 120, but is not limited to this embodiment. The elastic wiring 130 may be entirely formed on one surface 121, but a part thereof may be embedded in the substrate 120, or a wiring region other than the terminal connection region may be embedded in the substrate 120. .. Further, the elastic wiring 130 may be formed on both sides of the substrate 120.

The elasticity in the present specification is expressed by the elongation rate when stretched in a predetermined direction. As the predetermined direction, for example, in the top view of FIG. 1, the extending direction in which the elastic wiring 130 has the maximum length may be adopted.
When stretched in this extending direction, having elasticity means that the stretchability can be stretched to, for example, 10% or more, preferably 20% or more, more preferably 50% or more, and the stretchability thereof. It means a state in which the elastic wiring 130 is not broken at times.

The elastic wiring 130 is composed of an elastic conductive layer containing a conductive elastomer. The conductive elastomer may include a conductive filler and an elastomer material.

In the tongue motion measuring device 100, a structure in which an elastic substrate (substrate 120) and an elastic wiring 130 are laminated may be formed.
The state in which the stretchable substrate and the stretchable wiring 130 are laminated means that the surfaces of the stretchable insulating layer and the stretchable conductive layer constituting each other are in surface contact with each other, and chemically and / or physically. It may be in a bonded and intimate state. Therefore, even during stretching or repeated stretching, it is possible to suppress the possibility of damage such as peeling of the stretchable wiring 130 from the surface of the stretchable substrate. This makes it possible to realize the tongue motion measuring device 100 having excellent expansion and contraction durability.

The volume resistivity of the elastic wiring 130 at 25 ° C. when unstretched is, for example, 1 × 10 ^-5 Ω · cm or more and 1 × 10 ^-1 Ω · cm or less, preferably 5 × 10 ^-5 Ω · cm or more 5 It is × 10 ⁻² Ω · cm or less, more preferably 1 × 10 ^-4 Ω · cm or more and 1 × 10 − ² Ω · cm or less. Within such a range, it is possible to realize the stretchable wiring 130 having excellent electrical characteristics even when it is not stretched and even when it is stretched. In addition, stable tongue movement measurement becomes possible.

2 (b) and 2 (c) show an example of a modification of FIG. 2 (a).
The tongue motion measuring device 100 may include an elastic cover portion containing an elastomer material that covers the surface of the elastic wiring 130. As a result, the stretch durability of the tongue motion measuring device 100 can be further enhanced. Further, by covering (sealing) the wiring portion of the exposed elastic wiring 130 with the cover portion (cover portions 140, 141) of the insulator, the safety of use for the subject can be enhanced. Further, by using the cover portion of the biocompatible material, it becomes easy to manage the hygiene at the time of use. Further, by covering a part or the whole of the wiring portion of the elastic wiring 130 other than the connection portion with the cover portion, both sides of the substrate 120 and the cover portion can be disinfected with an alcohol-based or non-alcohol-based disinfectant. It facilitates hygiene management during use.

The cover portion is configured to expose the first end portion connected to the pressure sensor 110 and the second end portion connected to the outside of the elastic wiring 130, and covers a part or the whole of the other wiring portions. You may.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the cover portion 140 may be configured so as not to cover the pressure receiving surface (upper surface) of the second sensor 102 (pressure sensor). As a result, the external force sensitivity on the pressure receiving surface of the pressure sensor 110 can be maintained high.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, the cover portion 141 may be configured to cover the upper surface and the side surface of the second sensor 102. Even if the cover portion 140 made of the elastic material covers the pressure receiving surface of the pressure sensor 110 as shown in the cover portion 141 of FIG. 2C, it is possible to suppress the reduction of the external force received by the pressure receiving surface. Therefore, it is possible to improve the stability of tongue movement measurement as well as the durability of use.

The cover portions 140 and 141 may be made of an insulating elastomer containing an elastomer material. By configuring the substrate 120 so as to contain the same elastomer material, the adhesion between the substrate 120 and the cover portions 140 and 141 can be enhanced.
From the viewpoint of enhancing the adhesion to other members, the cover portions 140 and 141 may contain the same elastomer material contained in the elastic wiring 130 or the pressure sensor 110.

Here, the tongue movement monitoring device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 shows a functional block of the tongue movement monitoring device 1.

An example of the tongue movement monitoring device 1 includes a tongue movement measuring device 100 and a control unit 3.

In the tongue movement measuring device 100 of FIG. 3, the substrate 120 is configured in the shape of a glove that can be worn by the measurer's hand.
The measurer is a person who performs measurement work for monitoring the tongue movement of the subject, such as the sucking motion of the baby.

In the glove-shaped substrate 120, the pressure sensor 110 may be arranged on the dorsal side (back side of the hand) of the tip such as the thumb portion, the index finger portion, or the little finger portion. This makes it possible to stimulate the palate of the baby on the ventral side of the finger (the side where the sensor 100 is not arranged) and induce the sucking reflex. In addition to monitoring the tongue movement, the state of the subject's tongue movement can be confirmed by palpation (finger sensation).

FIG. 4 is a diagram when the tongue movement measuring device 100 is inserted into the oral cavity of a subject.

The pressure sensor 110 may be composed of a first sensor 101 and a second sensor 102 arranged side by side in the apex direction of the tongue and arranged at predetermined intervals. This makes it possible to detect, for example, tongue pressure during peristaltic movement of an infant.

The surface of the tongue motion measuring device 100 to be inserted into the oral cavity may be covered with, for example, a sheet member made of a polypropylene material, or a cover portion 140 may be formed at a portion where the tongue of the subject comes into contact. This facilitates hygiene management during tongue movement monitoring.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pressure sensor 110 detects the tongue pressure received from the tongue when the subject performs tongue movement such as when the baby sucks in the oral cavity.
Information (sensor signal) regarding the pressure of the tongue movement detected by the pressure sensor 110 is transmitted to the control unit 3 via the elastic wiring 130 electrically connected to the pressure sensor 110.

The control unit 3 controls various operations of the tongue movement monitoring device 1.
The control unit 3 includes a storage device for storing various information, a clock function (for example, a real-time clock), a communication circuit for communicating various information to the outside by wire or wireless, an A / D conversion circuit, and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). ), Power supply, etc. The control unit 3 is electrically connected to the tongue motion measuring device 100 via a wire.
The control unit 3 can also be configured by a microcomputer externally connected to the tongue motion measuring device 100.

The control unit 3 has a tongue movement information acquisition unit that acquires tongue movement information related to the tongue movement of the subject from the detection result (sensor signal) of the pressure sensor 110.

Tongue movement information includes tongue pressure, tongue pressure distribution, and at least one or more of these changes over time. The tongue pressure information includes information for each one-point measurement point on the subject's tongue. The information on the tongue pressure is the time corresponding to the predetermined value such as the predetermined value, the maximum value, the minimum value, the average value in the predetermined period, the maximum value / the minimum value, and / or the change with time in the tongue pressure. It may be the waveform data shown.
The information on the tongue pressure distribution may be a calculated value calculated from an appropriate formula from the information on the tongue pressure such as the total value of the tongue pressure in a predetermined area, including the information on a plurality of measurement points.

The tongue movement information acquisition unit can calculate the output voltage from the pressure sensor 110 that fluctuates according to the pressure received from the tongue, for example, by dividing the area of the pressure receiving surface to calculate the tongue pressure, and digitally using the A / D conversion circuit. It may be converted into a signal, or the output voltage may be approximated using an approximate curve.

The control unit 3 may have an analysis unit that determines the pass / fail of the tongue function of the subject based on the obtained tongue movement information. Specifically, the analysis unit reads out the pass condition stored in the storage unit, determines whether the tongue movement information transmitted from the tongue movement information acquisition unit meets the pass condition, and matches the pass condition. A case is judged as a pass, and a case that does not meet the pass conditions is judged as a fail.

The tongue function of the subject includes the sucking ability of the baby. In this case, the control unit 3 determines a predetermined pass condition (whether or not the baby's sucking motion is good) based on the information regarding the pressure of the baby's tongue motion detected by the tongue motion measuring device 100, for example. In addition, various kinds of information can be generated.

The passing conditions are set according to the conditions and purposes such as the subject and tongue movement.
Here, an example of passing conditions for evaluating the sucking ability of an infant will be described.

The conditions for passing the sucking motion of the baby include whether or not the baby is performing the sucking motion with the necessary force, and whether or not the baby is performing the peristaltic movement at an appropriate timing.
As specific acceptance conditions, the maximum value of tongue pressure during tongue movement is at least a predetermined value, the maximum value of tongue pressure at two points or more is at least a predetermined value, and the second evaluation value P2 / first evaluation value P1 ≧ predetermined ratio. When "Ph" is satisfied, there is a case where "time difference / cycle between the first evaluation value T1 and the second evaluation value T2 ≥ a predetermined ratio Th" is satisfied.

The peak value of the pressure of the infant's tongue movement detected by the first sensor 101 placed on the tongue base side of the baby is adopted as the first evaluation value P1, and the second evaluation value P2 is placed on the tongue tip side of the baby. The peak value of the pressure of the infant's tongue movement detected by the second sensor 102 is adopted.
The time to reach the peak value of the pressure of the infant's tongue movement detected by the first sensor 101 placed on the tongue base side of the infant is adopted as the first evaluation value T1, and the second evaluation value T2 is the tongue tip side of the infant. The time to reach the peak value of the pressure of the infant's tongue movement detected by the second sensor 102 arranged in is adopted.
The peak value of the tongue movement pressure or the time to reach the peak value may be a value based on one measurement point or a total value of a plurality of measurement points in a predetermined area. In addition, in the calculation of the total value, only a predetermined number of values from the upper rank may be adopted from the values of a plurality of measurement points.

The tongue movement monitoring method of the present embodiment can monitor tongue movement using the tongue movement measuring device 100. This tongue movement monitoring method includes a step of acquiring tongue movement information regarding the tongue movement of a subject from the detection result of the tongue movement measuring device 100.

In addition, the movement monitoring method includes a step of determining the pass / fail of the tongue function of the subject based on the obtained tongue movement information.

Further, an example of the tongue movement monitoring device 1 may include a display unit 4.
The display unit 4 displays various information obtained by the baby tongue movement monitoring device 1.

The display unit 4 can display the tongue movement information and / or the result indicated by the analysis unit. For example, the display unit 4 is determined by the control unit 3 based on the information regarding the infant's tongue movement pressure detected by the tongue movement measuring device 100 or the information regarding the infant's tongue movement pressure detected by the tongue movement measuring device 100. The result etc. is displayed.

The display unit 4 is composed of, for example, a monitor of an external terminal, specifically, a monitor of a microcomputer connected to the outside.

The tongue movement monitoring device 1 has a radio unit that wirelessly transmits the tongue movement information and / or the result indicated by the analysis unit to an external terminal. In this case, the display unit 4 is connected to the control unit 3 via wireless communication.
Not limited to this aspect, the display unit 4 may be connected to the control unit 3 by wire communication, and may display the tongue movement information stored in the storage medium and / or the result indicated by the analysis unit. ..

The display unit 4 can also be composed of a liquid crystal display unit, a lamp unit, or the like provided in the tongue motion measurement device 100. With this configuration, the tongue movement monitoring device 1 can be configured as a portable device and can be used in each home. In this case, the tongue movement monitoring device 1 may include a battery or the like.

Further, an example of the tongue movement monitoring device 1 may include an operation unit 5.
The operation unit 5 is composed of physical buttons such as a switch or a touch panel and voice input means. By operating the operation unit 5, it is possible to start or end various movements of the tongue movement monitoring device 1, set various movements, and the like. For example, in the tongue movement monitoring device 1, the operation of monitoring the sucking motion of the baby can be started or terminated by operating the operation unit 5.

Further, an example of the tongue movement monitoring device 1 may include a notification unit 6.
The notification unit 6 notifies the measurer of various information obtained by the tongue movement monitoring device 1 or the pressure sensor 110 by means of light, sound, or the like. Examples of the light means include a lamp and the like, and examples of the sound means include a speaker and the like.
The notification unit 6 can notify various information by emitting voice from the speaker, turning on or off the lamp, and the like. For example, instead of displaying on the display unit 4 that the baby's sucking ability is good, when the control unit 3 determines that the baby's sucking ability is good, the notification unit 6 notifies. You may.

Hereinafter, the elastomer constituting each member of the tongue motion measuring device 100 will be described.

As used herein, elastomer means a stretchable elastic body containing an elastomer material. Elastomer materials are classified as insulating elastomers or conductive elastomers.

As the insulating elastomer, for example, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, fluororubber, nitrile rubber, acrylic rubber, styrene rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber and the like can be used. Among these, the elastomer includes one or more thermosetting elastomers (elastomer materials) selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, urethane rubber, and fluororubber.
The insulating elastomer may be composed of the elastomer material alone, or may be configured to include an elastomer material and a non-conductive filler. Examples of insulating elastomers include silicone rubber, preferably silicone rubber and non-conductive fillers. Silicone rubber is chemically stable among elastomers and has excellent mechanical strength.
Among these, from the viewpoint of hygiene, it is preferable to use silicone rubber having high biocompatibility as the elastomer material.

As the conductive elastomer, for example, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, fluororubber, nitrile rubber, acrylic rubber, styrene rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber and the like can be used. Among them, the elastomer includes one or more thermosetting elastomers (elastomer materials) selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, urethane rubber, and fluororubber, and conductive fillers.
Preferred examples of conductive elastomers include silicone rubber and conductive fillers. As a result, the elasticity and conductivity of the conductive elastomer can be enhanced.

At least one of the insulating elastomer and the conductive elastomer, preferably both, may contain a non-conductive filler. As the non-conductive filler, known materials can be used, but for example, silica particles, silicone rubber particles, talc and the like may be used. Among these, silica particles may be included.

Even if the conductive filler contains one or more selected from the group consisting of, for example, powdery or fibrous metal-based fillers, carbon-based fillers (conductive carbon materials), metal oxide fillers, and metal-plated fillers. good.

The conductive elastomer may further contain a non-conductive filler in addition to the conductive filler. This enhances the mechanical properties of the conductive elastomer.

At least two or all of the conductive elastomer of the pressure sensor 110, the conductive elastomer of the elastic wiring 130, and the insulating elastomer of the substrate 120 may be configured to contain the same elastomer material.

In the present specification, the inclusion of the same elastomer material means that each of the above-exemplified types of thermosetting elastomer contains at least one or more of the same type of elastomer material.
Further, when the same silicone rubber is contained, the silicone rubber may be composed of a cured product of a silicone rubber-based curable composition containing a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane.

The insulating elastomer may be composed of a cured product of a silicone rubber-based curable composition containing a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane. Further, the conductive elastomer may be composed of a conductive filler and a cured product of a silicone rubber-based curable composition containing a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane.

Hereinafter, the components of the silicone rubber-based curable composition will be described in detail.

In the present specification, the inclusion of the same silicone rubber means that the silicone rubber-based curable composition contains at least the same kind of vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane, and further, the same kind of cross-linking agent. It may contain one or more selected from the group consisting of the same type of non-conductive filler, the same type of silane coupling agent, and the same type of catalyst.

The vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane of the same type may contain at least the same vinyl group as the functional group and may have a linearity, and the amount of vinyl group, the molecular weight distribution, or the amount thereof added in the molecule may be. It may be different.

The cross-linking agent of the same type may have at least a common structure such as a linear structure or a branched structure, may contain a molecular weight distribution in the molecule or a different functional group, and the addition amount thereof is different. You may.

The non-conductive fillers of the same type may have at least a common constituent material, and may differ in particle size, specific surface area, surface treatment agent, or addition amount thereof.

The silane coupling agent of the same type may have at least a common functional group, and other functional groups in the molecule and the amount added may be different.

The catalysts of the same type may have at least a common constituent material, and the catalysts may contain different compositions or may have different addition amounts.

The silicone rubber-based curable composition constituting the same silicone rubber further comprises different types of vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxanes, cross-linking agents, non-conductive fillers, silane coupling agents, and catalysts. It may include one or more selected from the group.

The silicone rubber-based curable composition of the present embodiment can contain a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A). The vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) is a polymer which is a main component of the silicone rubber-based curable composition of the present embodiment.

The vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) can include a vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) having a linear structure.

The vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) has a linear structure and contains a vinyl group, and the vinyl group serves as a cross-linking point at the time of curing.

The content of the vinyl group of the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, having two or more vinyl groups in the molecule and 15 mol% or less. .. As a result, the amount of vinyl groups in the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) is optimized, and a network with each component described later can be reliably formed.

In the present specification, "to" means that an upper limit value and a lower limit value are included unless otherwise specified.

In the present specification, the vinyl group content is the mol% of the vinyl group-containing siloxane unit when all the units constituting the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) are 100 mol%. .. However, it is considered that there is one vinyl group for each vinyl group-containing siloxane unit.

The degree of polymerization of the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of, for example, preferably about 1000 to 10000, and more preferably about 2000 to 5000. The degree of polymerization can be determined, for example, as the polystyrene-equivalent number average degree of polymerization (or number average molecular weight) in GPC (gel permeation chromatography) using chloroform as a developing solvent.

Further, the specific gravity of the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of about 0.9 to 1.1.

By using a vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) having a degree of polymerization and specific gravity within the above range, the silicone rubber obtained has heat resistance, flame retardancy, chemical stability, etc. Can be improved.

The vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) preferably has a structure represented by the following formula (1).

In formula (1), R ¹ is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group in which these are combined. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group and the like, and among them, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the alkenyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a vinyl group, an allyl group, a butenyl group and the like, and among them, a vinyl group is preferable. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a phenyl group and the like.

Further, R ² is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group in which these are combined. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group and the like, and among them, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the alkenyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a butenyl group. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a phenyl group.

Further, R ³ is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group in which these are combined. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group and the like, and among them, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include a phenyl group.

Further, examples of the substituent of R ¹ and R ² in the formula (1) include a methyl group, a vinyl group and the like, and examples of the substituent of R ³ include a methyl group and the like.

In the equation (1), the plurality of R ^1s are independent of each other and may be different from each other or may be the same. The same applies to R ² and R ³ .

Further, m and n are the number of repeating units constituting the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) represented by the formula (1), m is an integer of 0 to 2000, and n is 1000 to 10000. Is an integer of. m is preferably 0 to 1000, and n is preferably 2000 to 5000.

Moreover, as a specific structure of the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) represented by the formula (1), for example, the one represented by the following formula (1-1) can be mentioned.

In formula (1-1), R ¹ and R ² are each independently a methyl group or a vinyl group, and at least one of them is a vinyl group.

The vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) is a first vinyl group-containing linear compound having a vinyl group content of 2 or more in the molecule and 0.4 mol% or less. Organopolysiloxane (A1-1) may be included. The vinyl group amount of the first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) may be 0.1 mol% or less.

The vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) has a vinyl group content of 0.5 to 15 mol% with the first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1). May contain a vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2).

As raw rubber which is a raw material of silicone rubber, a first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) and a second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2) having a high vinyl group content are used. ), The vinyl groups can be unevenly distributed, and the cross-linking density can be more effectively formed in the cross-linking network of the silicone rubber. As a result, the tear strength of the silicone rubber can be increased more effectively.

Specifically, as the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1), for example, in the above formula (1-1), a unit in which R1 is a vinyl group and / or a unit in which R2 is a vinyl group is a molecule. A first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) having two or more of them and containing 0.4 mol% or less, and a unit in which R1 is a vinyl group and / or R2 is a vinyl group. It is preferable to use a second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2) containing 0.5 to 15 mol% of the unit.

Further, the first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) preferably has a vinyl group content of 0.01 to 0.2 mol%. Further, the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2) preferably has a vinyl group content of 0.8 to 12 mol%.

Further, when the first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) and the second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2) are blended in combination (A1-1). The ratio of and (A1-2) is not particularly limited, but for example, the weight ratio of (A1-1) :( A1-2) is preferably 50:50 to 95: 5, and 80:20 to 90: It is more preferably 10.

The first and second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxanes (A1-1) and (A1-2) may be used alone or in combination of two or more. good.

Further, the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) may contain a vinyl group-containing branched organopolysiloxane (A2) having a branched structure.

<< Organohydrogen Polysiloxane (B) >>
The silicone rubber-based curable composition of the present embodiment can contain organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B).
The organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) is classified into a linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) having a linear structure and a branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) having a branched structure. Either one or both can be included.

The linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) has a linear structure and a structure (≡Si—H) in which hydrogen is directly bonded to Si, and is a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A). In addition to the vinyl group, it is a polymer that undergoes a hydrosilylation reaction with the vinyl group contained in the components contained in the silicone rubber-based curable composition to crosslink these components.

The molecular weight of the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) is not particularly limited, but for example, the weight average molecular weight is preferably 20000 or less, and more preferably 1000 or more and 10000 or less.

The weight average molecular weight of the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) can be measured, for example, by polystyrene conversion in GPC (gel permeation chromatography) using chloroform as a developing solvent.

Further, the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) is usually preferably one having no vinyl group. This makes it possible to accurately prevent the cross-linking reaction from proceeding in the molecule of the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1).

As the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) as described above, for example, one having a structure represented by the following formula (2) is preferably used.

In formula (2), ^R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, a hydrocarbon group combining these, or a hydride group. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group and the like, and among them, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the alkenyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a vinyl group, an allyl group, a butenyl group and the like. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a phenyl group.

Further, R5 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to ¹⁰ carbon atoms, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, a hydrocarbon group combining these, or a hydride group. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group and a propyl group, and among them, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the alkenyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a vinyl group, an allyl group, a butenyl group and the like. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a phenyl group.

In the equation (2), the plurality of R ^4s are independent of each other and may be different from each other or may be the same. The ^same applies to R5. However, of the plurality of ^R4 and R5, at ^least two or more are hydride groups.

Further, R ⁶ is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group in which these are combined. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group and the like, and among them, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include a phenyl group. The plurality of ^R6s are independent of each other and may be different from each other or may be the same.

Examples of the substituent of R ⁴ , R ⁵ , and R ⁶ in the formula (2) include a methyl group and a vinyl group, and a methyl group is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing an intramolecular cross-linking reaction.

Further, m and n are the number of repeating units constituting the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) represented by the formula (2), where m is an integer of 2 to 150 and n is an integer of 2 to 150. Is. Preferably, m is an integer of 2 to 100 and n is an integer of 2 to 100.

The linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Since the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) has a branched structure, it forms a region having a high crosslink density and is a component that greatly contributes to the formation of a dense structure having a crosslink density in the silicone rubber system. Further, like the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1), it has a structure (≡Si—H) in which hydrogen is directly bonded to Si, and in addition to the vinyl group of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), silicone. It is a polymer that undergoes a hydrosilylation reaction with the vinyl group of the component contained in the rubber-based curable composition and crosslinks these components.

The specific gravity of the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) is in the range of 0.9 to 0.95.

Further, the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) is usually preferably one having no vinyl group. This makes it possible to accurately prevent the cross-linking reaction from proceeding in the molecule of the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2).

The branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) is preferably represented by the following average composition formula (c).

Average composition formula (c)
(H _a (R ⁷ ) _3-a SiO _1/2 ) _m (SiO _4/2 ) _n
(In the formula (c), R ⁷ is a monovalent organic group, a is an integer in the range of 1 to 3, m is _a number of Ha (R ⁷ ) _3-a SiO _1/2 units, and n is SiO _{4 /.} It is a number of ₂ units)

In formula (c), R ⁷ is a monovalent organic group, preferably a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group in combination thereof. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group and the like, and among them, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a phenyl group.

In the formula (c), a is the number of hydride groups (hydrogen atoms directly bonded to Si), and is an integer in the range of 1 to 3, preferably 1.

Further, in the formula ( _c ), m is the number of Ha (R ⁷ ) _3-a SiO _1/2 unit, and n is the number of SiO _4/2 unit.

The branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) has a branched structure. The linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) and the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) differ in that their structures are linear or branched, and the Si is the same as when the number of Si is 1. The number of alkyl groups R to be bonded (R / Si) is 1.8 to 2.1 for the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) and 0.8 to 1 for the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2). It is in the range of 0.7.

Since the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) has a branched structure, for example, the amount of residue when heated to 1000 ° C. at a heating rate of 10 ° C./min under a nitrogen atmosphere is 5% or more. Will be. On the other hand, since the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) is linear, the amount of residue after heating under the above conditions is almost zero.

Further, specific examples of the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) include those having a structure represented by the following formula (3).

In formula (3), R ⁷ is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group in combination thereof, or a hydrogen atom. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group and the like, and among them, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include a phenyl group. Examples of the substituent of R ⁷ include a methyl group and the like.

In the equation (3), the plurality of R ^7s are independent of each other and may be different from each other or may be the same.

Further, in the equation (3), "-O-Si≡" indicates that Si has a branched structure that spreads three-dimensionally.

The branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Further, in the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) and the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2), the amount of hydrogen atoms (hydride groups) directly bonded to Si is not particularly limited. However, in the silicone rubber-based curable composition, the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) and the branched organohydrogenpoly are added to 1 mol of the vinyl group in the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1). The total amount of hydride groups of siloxane (B2) is preferably 0.5 to 5 mol, more preferably 1 to 3.5 mol. This ensures that a crosslinked network is formed between the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) and the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) and the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1). Can be made to.

<< Silica particles (C) >>
The silicone rubber-based curable composition of the present embodiment may contain silica particles (C) as a non-conductive filler, if necessary.

The silica particles (C) are not particularly limited, but for example, fumed silica, calcined silica, precipitated silica and the like are used. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The specific surface area of the silica particles (C) by, for example, the BET method is preferably, for example, 50 to 400 m ² / g, and more preferably 100 to 400 m ² / g. The average primary particle size of the silica particles (C) is preferably, for example, 1 to 100 nm, and more preferably about 5 to 20 nm.

By using the silica particles (C) within the range of the specific surface area and the average particle size, it is possible to improve the hardness and mechanical strength of the formed silicone rubber, particularly the tensile strength.

<< Silane Coupling Agent (D) >>
The silicone rubber-based curable composition of the present embodiment can contain a silane coupling agent (D).
The silane coupling agent (D) can have a hydrolyzable group. The hydrolyzing group is hydrolyzed by water to become a hydroxyl group, and this hydroxyl group undergoes a dehydration condensation reaction with the hydroxyl group on the surface of the silica particles (C), whereby the surface of the silica particles (C) can be modified.

Further, the silane coupling agent (D) can include a silane coupling agent having a hydrophobic group. As a result, this hydrophobic group is imparted to the surface of the silica particles (C), so that the cohesive force of the silica particles (C) is reduced in the silicone rubber-based curable composition and thus in the silicone rubber (hydrogen due to the silanol group). Aggregation due to bonding is reduced), and as a result, it is presumed that the dispersibility of the silica particles in the silicone rubber-based curable composition is improved. As a result, the interface between the silica particles and the rubber matrix increases, and the reinforcing effect of the silica particles increases. Further, it is presumed that the slipperiness of the silica particles in the matrix is improved when the rubber matrix is deformed. Then, by improving the dispersibility and slipperiness of the silica particles (C), the mechanical strength (for example, tensile strength, tear strength, etc.) of the silicone rubber due to the silica particles (C) is improved.

Further, the silane coupling agent (D) can include a silane coupling agent having a vinyl group. As a result, a vinyl group is introduced on the surface of the silica particles (C). Therefore, when the silicone rubber-based curable composition is cured, that is, the vinyl group contained in the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and the hydride group contained in the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) undergo a hydrosilylation reaction. When the network (crosslinked structure) formed by these substances is formed, the vinyl group of the silica particles (C) is also involved in the hydrosilylation reaction with the hydride group of the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B). Silica particles (C) will also be incorporated into the. As a result, it is possible to reduce the hardness and increase the modulus of the formed silicone rubber.

As the silane coupling agent (D), a silane coupling agent having a hydrophobic group and a silane coupling agent having a vinyl group can be used in combination.

Examples of the silane coupling agent (D) include those represented by the following formula (4).

Y _n -Si- (X) _4-n ... (4)
In the above equation (4), n represents an integer of 1 to 3. Y represents any functional group having a hydrophobic group, a hydrophilic group or a vinyl group, and when n is 1, it is a hydrophobic group, and when n is 2 or 3, at least one of them is. It is a hydrophobic group. X represents a hydrolyzable group.

The hydrophobic group is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group in which these are combined, and examples thereof include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a phenyl group, and the like. Methyl groups are preferred.

Examples of the hydrophilic group include a hydroxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a carboxyl group, a carbonyl group and the like, and a hydroxyl group is particularly preferable. The hydrophilic group may be contained as a functional group, but is preferably not contained from the viewpoint of imparting hydrophobicity to the silane coupling agent (D).

Further, examples of the hydrolyzable group include an alkoxy group such as a methoxy group and an ethoxy group, a chloro group or a silazane group, and among them, a silazane group is preferable because it has high reactivity with the silica particles (C). Those having a silazane group as a hydrolyzable group have two structures of ( _Yn —Si—) in the above formula (4) due to their structural characteristics.

Specific examples of the silane coupling agent (D) represented by the above formula (4) include, for example, methyltrimethoxysilane, dimethyldimethoxysilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane, and methyltri as having a hydrophobic group as a functional group. Ekoxysilanes such as ethoxysilane, dimethyldiethoxysilane, phenyltriethoxysilane, n-propyltrimethoxysilane, n-propyltriethoxysilane, hexyltrimethoxysilane, hexyltriethoxysilane, decyltrimethoxysilane; methyltrichlorosilane , Chlorosilanes such as dimethyldichlorosilane, trimethylchlorosilane, phenyltrichlorosilane; hexamethyldisilazane, examples of which have a vinyl group as a functional group include methacrypropyltriethoxysilane, methacrypropyltrimethoxysilane, methacryoxy. Ekalkylsilanes such as propylmethyldiethoxysilane, metharoxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinylmethyldimethoxysilane; chlorosilanes such as vinyltrichlorosilane, vinylmethyldichlorosilane; divinyltetramethyldi Examples thereof include silazanes, but in consideration of the above description, hexamethyldisilazane is particularly preferable as having a hydrophobic group, and divinyltetramethyldisilazane is preferable as having a vinyl group.

In the present embodiment, the lower limit of the content of the silane coupling agent (D) is preferably 1% by mass or more with respect to 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A). It is more preferably 5% by mass or more, and further preferably 5% by mass or more. The upper limit of the content of the silane coupling agent (D) is preferably 100% by mass or less, preferably 80% by mass or less, based on 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A). It is more preferably present, and further preferably 40% by mass or less.
By setting the content of the silane coupling agent (D) to the above lower limit value or more, the silicone rubber has an appropriate adhesion to the substrate, and when the silica particles (C) are used, the silicone rubber as a whole It can contribute to the improvement of the mechanical strength of. Further, by setting the content of the silane coupling agent (D) to the above upper limit value or less, the silicone rubber can have appropriate mechanical properties.

<< Platinum or platinum compound (E) >>
The silicone rubber-based curable composition of the present embodiment can contain platinum or a platinum compound (E).
Platinum or the platinum compound (E) is a catalytic component that acts as a catalyst during curing. The amount of platinum or the platinum compound (E) added is the amount of the catalyst.

As the platinum or the platinum compound (E), known ones can be used, for example, platinum black, platinum supported on silica, carbon black or the like, platinum chloride acid or an alcohol solution of platinum chloride acid, chloride. Examples thereof include a complex salt of platinum acid and an olefin, and a complex salt of platinum chloride acid and vinyl siloxane.

As the platinum or the platinum compound (E), only one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

<< Water (F) >>
Further, the silicone rubber-based curable composition of the present embodiment may contain water (F) in addition to the above components (A) to (E).

Water (F) functions as a dispersion medium for dispersing each component contained in the silicone rubber-based curable composition, and is a component that contributes to the reaction between the silica particles (C) and the silane coupling agent (D). .. Therefore, in the silicone rubber, the silica particles (C) and the silane coupling agent (D) can be more reliably connected to each other, and uniform characteristics can be exhibited as a whole.

Further, when water (F) is contained, the content thereof can be appropriately set, but specifically, for example, 10 to 100 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the silane coupling agent (D). It is preferably in the range of 30 to 70 parts by weight, and more preferably in the range of 30 to 70 parts by weight. This makes it possible to more reliably proceed the reaction between the silane coupling agent (D) and the silica particles (C).

(Other ingredients)
Further, the silicone rubber-based curable composition of the present embodiment may further contain other components in addition to the above components (A) to (F). Other components include silica particles (C) such as diatomaceous earth, iron oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, barium oxide, magnesium oxide, cerium oxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, zinc carbonate, glass wool, and mica. Examples thereof include additives such as inorganic fillers, reaction inhibitors, dispersants, pigments, dyes, antioxidants, antioxidants, flame retardants, and thermal conductivity improvers.

In the silicone rubber-based curable composition, the content ratio of each component is not particularly limited, but is set as follows, for example.

In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the content of the silica particles (C) may be, for example, 60 parts by weight or less, preferably 50 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A). It may be less than or equal to, and more preferably 40 parts by weight or less. This makes it possible to balance mechanical strength such as hardness and tensile strength. The lower limit of the content of the silica particles (C) is not particularly limited with respect to 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), but may be, for example, 10 parts by weight or more.

The silane coupling agent (D) is preferably contained, for example, in a proportion of 5 parts by weight or more and 100 parts by weight or less of the silane coupling agent (D) with respect to 100 parts by weight of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A). More preferably, it is contained in a proportion of 5 parts by weight or more and 40 parts by weight or less. Thereby, the dispersibility of the silica particles (C) in the silicone rubber-based curable composition can be surely improved.

The content of the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) is specifically, for example, with respect to 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), the silica particles (C) and the silane coupling agent (D). , 0.5 part by weight or more and preferably 20 parts by weight or less, and more preferably 0.8 parts by weight or more and 15 parts by weight or less. When the content of (B) is within the above range, a more effective curing reaction may be possible.

The content of platinum or the platinum compound (E) means the amount of catalyst and can be appropriately set, but specifically, vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), silica particles (C), and silane coupling agent ( The amount of the platinum group metal in this component is 0.01 to 1000 ppm in weight unit, preferably 0.1 to 500 ppm, based on the total amount of D). By setting the content of platinum or the platinum compound (E) to the above lower limit value or more, the obtained silicone rubber composition can be sufficiently cured. By setting the content of platinum or the platinum compound (E) to the above upper limit value or less, the curing rate of the obtained silicone rubber composition can be improved.

Further, when water (F) is contained, the content thereof can be appropriately set, but specifically, for example, 10 to 100 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the silane coupling agent (D). It is preferably in the range of 30 to 70 parts by weight, and more preferably in the range of 30 to 70 parts by weight. This makes it possible to more reliably proceed the reaction between the silane coupling agent (D) and the silica particles (C).

<Manufacturing method of silicone rubber>
Next, a method for manufacturing the silicone rubber of the present embodiment will be described.
As a method for producing a silicone rubber of the present embodiment, a silicone rubber-based curable composition can be prepared, and the silicone rubber-based curable composition can be cured to obtain a silicone rubber.
The details will be described below.

First, each component of the silicone rubber-based curable composition is uniformly mixed by an arbitrary kneading device to prepare a silicone rubber-based curable composition.

[1] For example, a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), silica particles (C), and a silane coupling agent (D) are weighed in a predetermined amount and then kneaded by an arbitrary kneading device. A kneaded product containing each of these components (A), (C) and (D) is obtained.

The kneaded product is preferably obtained by kneading the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and the silane coupling agent (D) in advance, and then kneading (mixing) the silica particles (C). This further improves the dispersibility of the silica particles (C) in the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A).

Further, when obtaining this kneaded product, water (F) may be added to the kneaded product of each component (A), (C), and (D) as needed. This makes it possible to more reliably proceed the reaction between the silane coupling agent (D) and the silica particles (C).

Further, it is preferable that the kneading of each component (A), (C), and (D) goes through a first step of heating at the first temperature and a second step of heating at the second temperature. Thereby, in the first step, the surface of the silica particles (C) can be surface-treated with the coupling agent (D), and in the second step, the silica particles (C) and the coupling agent (D) are combined. By-products produced by the reaction can be reliably removed from the kneaded product. Then, if necessary, the component (A) may be added to the obtained kneaded product and further kneaded. This makes it possible to improve the familiarity of the components of the kneaded product.

The first temperature is, for example, preferably about 40 to 120 ° C, more preferably about 60 to 90 ° C. The second temperature is, for example, preferably about 130 to 210 ° C, more preferably about 160 to 180 ° C.

Further, the atmosphere in the first step is preferably under an inert atmosphere such as under a nitrogen atmosphere, and the atmosphere in the second step is preferably under a reduced pressure atmosphere.

Further, the time of the first step is preferably, for example, about 0.3 to 1.5 hours, and more preferably about 0.5 to 1.2 hours. The time of the second step is, for example, preferably about 0.7 to 3.0 hours, and more preferably about 1.0 to 2.0 hours.

By setting the first step and the second step under the above-mentioned conditions, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained more remarkably.

[2] Next, the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) and platinum or the platinum compound (E) are weighed in a predetermined amount, and then the kneaded product prepared in the above step [1] using an arbitrary kneading device. By kneading each component (B) and (E), a silicone rubber-based curable composition is obtained. The obtained silicone rubber-based curable composition may be a paste containing a solvent.

When kneading the respective components (B) and (E), the kneaded product previously prepared in the above step [1] and the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) were prepared in the above step [1]. It is preferable to knead the kneaded product with platinum or the platinum compound (E), and then knead the respective kneaded products. This ensures that each component (A) to (E) is contained in the silicone rubber-based curable composition without proceeding with the reaction between the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B). Can be dispersed in.

The temperature at which each component (B) and (E) is kneaded is preferably, for example, about 10 to 70 ° C., more preferably about 25 to 30 ° C. as the roll set temperature.

Further, the kneading time is preferably, for example, about 5 minutes to 1 hour, and more preferably about 10 to 40 minutes.

By setting the temperature within the above range in the above-mentioned step [1] and the above-mentioned step [2], the progress of the reaction between the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) is more accurately performed. Can be prevented or suppressed. Further, in the above steps [1] and the above steps [2], by setting the kneading time within the above range, each component (A) to (E) is more reliably dispersed in the silicone rubber-based curable composition. Can be done.

The kneading device used in each of the steps [1] and [2] is not particularly limited, and for example, a kneader, a two-roll, a Banbury mixer (continuous kneader), a pressurized kneader, or the like can be used.

Further, in this step [2], a reaction inhibitor such as 1-ethynylcyclohexanol may be added to the kneaded product. As a result, even if the temperature of the kneaded product is set to a relatively high temperature, the progress of the reaction between the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) is more accurately prevented or suppressed. be able to.

[3] Next, the silicone rubber is formed by curing the silicone rubber-based curable composition.

In the present embodiment, the curing step of the silicone rubber-based curable resin composition is, for example, heating (primary curing) at 100 to 250 ° C. for 1 to 30 minutes and then post-baking (secondary) at 200 ° C. for 1 to 4 hours. It is done by curing).

Through the above steps, a silicone rubber made of a cured product of a silicone rubber-based curable resin composition can be obtained.

[3] Next, the insulating paste can be obtained by dissolving the silicone rubber-based curable composition obtained in the step [2] in a solvent.
Further, [3] Next, the silicone rubber-based curable composition obtained in the step [2] is dissolved in a solvent, and a conductive filler is added to obtain a conductive paste.

(solvent)
Conductive pastes and insulating pastes contain solvents.
As the solvent, various known solvents can be used, and for example, a high boiling point solvent can be included. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The lower limit of the boiling point of the high boiling point solvent is, for example, 100 ° C. or higher, preferably 130 ° C. or higher, and more preferably 150 ° C. or higher. This makes it possible to improve printing stability such as screen printing. On the other hand, the upper limit of the boiling point of the high boiling point solvent is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 300 ° C. or lower, 290 ° C. or lower, or 280 ° C. or lower. As a result, excessive heat history at the time of wiring formation can be suppressed, so that damage to the substrate and the shape of the wiring formed of the conductive paste can be maintained satisfactorily.

The solvent can be appropriately selected from the viewpoint of solubility and boiling point of the silicone rubber-based curable resin composition. For example, an aliphatic hydrocarbon having 5 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, preferably 8 or more and 18 or less carbon atoms. Aliphatic hydrocarbons, more preferably aliphatic hydrocarbons having 10 or more and 15 or less carbon atoms can be contained.

Examples of the solvent include aliphatic hydrocarbons such as pentane, hexane, cyclohexane, heptane, methylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane, octane, decane, dodecane and tetradecane; benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, mecitylene and tri. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as fluoromethylbenzene and benzotrifluoride; diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, dibutyl ether, cyclopentylmethyl ether, cyclopentyl ethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene Ethers such as glycol dimethyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl-n-propyl ether, 1,4-dioxane, 1,3-dioxane, tetrahydrofuran; dichloromethane, chloroform, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1 , 1-Trichloroethane, haloalkanes such as 1,1,2-trichloroethane; carboxylic acid amides such as N, N-dimethylformamide, N, N-dimethylacetamide; Esters and the like can be exemplified. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The solvent used here may be appropriately selected from the solvents capable of uniformly dissolving or dispersing the composition components in the above conductive paste.

The upper limit of the polarity term (δ _p ) of the Hansen solubility parameter of the solvent is, for example, 10 MPa ^1/2 or less, preferably 7 MPa ^1/2 or less, and more preferably 5.5 MPa ^1/2 or less. It can contain a first solvent. This makes it possible to improve the dispersibility and solubility of the silicone rubber-based curable resin composition in the paste. The lower limit of the polarity term (δ _p ) of the first solvent is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0 Pa ^1/2 or more.

The upper limit of the hydrogen bond term (δ _h ) of the Hansen solubility parameter in the first solvent is, for example, 20 MPa ^1/2 or less, preferably 10 MPa ^1/2 or less, and more preferably 7 MPa ^1/2 or less. be. This makes it possible to improve the dispersibility and solubility of the silicone rubber-based curable resin composition in the paste. The lower limit of the hydrogen bond term (δ _h ) of the first solvent is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0 Pa ^1/2 or more.

The Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) is an index of the solubility of a substance in another substance. HSP represents solubility as a three-dimensional vector. This three-dimensional vector can be typically represented by a dispersion term (δ _d ), a polarity term (δ _p ), and a hydrogen bond term (δ _h ). And it can be judged that those having similar vectors have high solubility. It is possible to judge the similarity of the vector by the distance (HSP distance) of the Hansen solubility parameter.

The Hansen solubility parameter (HSP value) used in the present specification can be calculated using software called HSPiP (Hansen Solubility Parameter in Practice). Here, the computer software HSPiP developed by Hansen and Abbott includes a function for calculating the HSP distance and a database describing various resin and solvent or non-solvent Hansen parameters.
The solubility of each resin in a pure solvent and a mixed solvent of a good solvent and a poor solvent was investigated, and the results were input to the HSPiP software. Is calculated.

As the solvent of the present embodiment, for example, an elastomer or a solvent having a small difference in HSP distance, polarity term and hydrogen bond term between the constituent unit constituting the elastomer and the solvent can be selected.

The lower limit of the viscosity of the conductive paste and / or the insulating paste when measured at a room temperature of 25 ° C. and a shear rate of 20 [1 / s] is, for example, 1 Pa · s or more, preferably 5 Pa · s or more. , More preferably 10 Pa · s or more. Thereby, the film forming property can be improved. In addition, the shape retention can be improved even when a thick film is formed. On the other hand, the upper limit of the viscosity of the conductive paste and / or the insulating paste at room temperature of 25 ° C. is, for example, 100 Pa · s or less, preferably 90 Pa · s or less, and more preferably 80 Pa · s or less. .. Thereby, the printability in the paste can be improved.

At room temperature 25 ° C., the viscosity when measured at a shear rate of 1 [1 / s] is η1, the viscosity when measured at a shear rate of 5 [1 / s] is η5, and the viscosity index is the viscosity ratio (η1 / η5). ).
At this time, the lower limit of the thixotropic index of the conductive paste and / or the insulating paste is, for example, 1.0 or more, preferably 1.1 or more, and more preferably 1.2 or more. As a result, the shape of the wiring obtained by the printing method can be stably maintained. On the other hand, the upper limit of the thixotropic index of the conductive paste and / or the insulating paste is, for example, 3.0 or less, preferably 2.5 or less, and more preferably 2.0 or less. This makes it possible to improve the printability of the paste.

The content of the silicone rubber-based curable composition in the insulating paste is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more, and 20% by mass or more in 100% by mass of the insulating paste. Is more preferable. The content of the silicone rubber-based curable composition in the insulating paste is preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, and 35% by mass in 100% by mass of the insulating paste. It is more preferably% or less.

(Conductive filler)
As the conductive filler, a known conductive material may be used, but a metal powder (G) or a conductive carbon material may be used.
The metal constituting the metal powder (G) is not particularly limited, but for example, copper, silver, gold, nickel, tin, lead, zinc, bismuth, antimon, or at least one kind of metal powder alloyed with these. Alternatively, two or more of these can be included. Of these, the metal powder (G) preferably contains silver or copper, that is, silver powder or copper powder, because of its high conductivity and high availability. As these metal powders (G), those coated with other kinds of metals can also be used.

Examples of the conductive carbon material include conductive carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphene and the like.

In the present embodiment, the shape of the metal powder (G) is not limited, but conventionally used metal powders (G) such as dendritic, spherical, and lint-like can be used. Among these, phosphorus flake-shaped metal powder (G) may be used.

Further, the particle size of the metal powder (G) is not limited, but for example, the average particle size _D50 is preferably 0.001 μm or more, more preferably 0.01 μm or more, still more preferably 0.1 μm or more. be. The particle size of the metal powder (G) is, for example, preferably 1,000 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less, and further preferably 20 μm or less with an average particle size _D50 .
By setting the average particle size D ₅₀ in such a range, it is possible to exhibit appropriate conductivity as a silicone rubber.
The particle size of the metal powder (G) is determined by, for example, observing a conductive paste or a silicone rubber formed by using the conductive paste with a transmission electron microscope or the like, performing image analysis, and arbitrarily selecting a metal. It can be defined as the average value of 200 pieces of flour.

The content of the conductive filler in the conductive paste is preferably 30% by mass or more, more preferably 40% by mass or more, and more preferably 50% by mass or more with respect to the whole of the conductive paste. Is even more preferable. The content of the conductive filler in the conductive paste is preferably 85% by mass or less, more preferably 75% by mass or less, and 65% by mass or less with respect to the whole of the conductive paste. It is more preferable to have.
By setting the content of the conductive filler to the above lower limit value or more, the silicone rubber can have an appropriate conductive property. Further, by setting the content of the conductive filler to the above upper limit value or less, the silicone rubber can have appropriate flexibility.

The content of the silicone rubber-based curable composition in the conductive paste is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, and 5% by mass or more in 100% by mass of the conductive paste. Is more preferable. The content of the silicone rubber-based curable composition in the conductive paste is preferably 25% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and 15% by mass in 100% by mass of the conductive paste. % Or less is more preferable.
By setting the content of the silicone rubber-based curable composition to the above lower limit value or more, the silicone rubber can have appropriate flexibility. Further, by setting the content of the silicone rubber-based curable composition to the above upper limit value or less, the mechanical strength of the silicone rubber can be improved.

The lower limit of the content of the silica particles (C) in the conductive paste is, for example, 1% by mass or more, preferably 3% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the total amount of the silica particles (C) and the conductive filler. % Or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more. Thereby, the mechanical strength of the silicone rubber can be improved. On the other hand, the upper limit of the content of the silica particles (C) in the conductive paste is, for example, 20% by mass or less with respect to 100% by mass of the total amount of the silica particles (C) and the conductive filler. It is preferably 15% by mass or less, and more preferably 10% by mass or less. This makes it possible to balance the elastic electrical characteristics and the mechanical strength of the silicone rubber.

The lower limit of the content of the conductive filler in the conductive cured product obtained by curing the conductive paste constituting the elastic wiring 130 is, for example, 65% by mass or more, preferably 70% by mass in 100% by mass of the conductive cured product. As mentioned above, it is more preferably 75% by mass or more. As a result, the telescopic electrical characteristics can be enhanced. On the other hand, the upper limit of the content of the conductive filler in the conductive cured product is, for example, 95% by mass or less, preferably 90% by mass or less, and more preferably 85% by mass or less in 100% by mass of the conductive stretchable wiring 130. be. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of rubber properties such as elasticity.

Next, an example of the manufacturing process of the tongue motion measuring device of the present embodiment will be described.

The tongue motion measuring device of the present embodiment includes a step of forming an elastic substrate, a step of forming an elastic wiring on the elastic substrate, and a step of mounting a pressure sensor on the elastic wiring.

First, an insulating paste is applied on the support. As the coating method, various methods can be used, and for example, a printing method such as a squeegee method using a squeegee can be used. Subsequently, the insulating paste in the form of a coating film is dried to form an insulating layer (a stretchable substrate composed of an insulating elastomer) on the support. The drying conditions can be appropriately set according to the type and amount of the solvent in the insulating paste, and for example, the drying temperature can be 120 ° C. to 180 ° C., the drying time can be 1 minute to 30 minutes, or the like. ..

The elastic substrate may be formed by a molding method such as calendar molding or compression molding using the above-mentioned silicone rubber-based curable composition. Alternatively, the stretchable substrate can be obtained by molding a known elastomer material into a predetermined shape such as a sheet.

Subsequently, a mask having a predetermined opening pattern shape is placed on the insulating layer. A conductive paste is applied onto the insulating layer via a mask.
As the coating method, the same method as the coating method of the insulating paste can be used, and for example, squeegee printing with a squeegee may be used.
Here, when the insulating paste and the conductive paste each contain a silicone rubber-based curable composition, after laminating a conductive coating film (conductive layer) having a predetermined pattern shape on the dried insulating layer, these May be cured all at once. The curing treatment can be appropriately set depending on the silicone rubber-based curable composition, and for example, the curing temperature can be 120 ° C. to 220 ° C., the curing time can be 1 hour to 3 hours, or the like. The mask can be removed after the curing process or before the curing process. This makes it possible to form a cured product of the conductive layer (elastic wiring composed of a conductive elastomer) having a predetermined pattern shape on the elastic substrate composed of the cured product of the insulating layer.

After that, a pressure sensor is mounted on the elastic wiring, and these are electrically connected by using a connecting material such as a conductive paste or a solder material.

If necessary, an elastic cover portion covering the surface of the elastic wiring may be formed. For example, a mask having a predetermined opening pattern shape may be placed, and an insulating paste may be applied through the mask. It can be worked to form an insulating layer (stretchable cover portion). The above-mentioned curing treatment may be performed collectively with other members on the substrate (stretchable wiring, etc.) after the elastic cover portion is formed.
From the above, a tongue movement measuring device can be obtained.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than the above can be adopted. Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, and the like to the extent that the object of the present invention can be achieved are included in the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Examples, but the present invention is not limited to the description of these Examples.
The raw material components shown in Table 1 are shown below.
(A1-1): First vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane: Vinyl group-containing dimethylpolysiloxane synthesized by the following synthesis scheme 1 (structure represented by the above formula (1-1)).
(A1-2): Second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane: Vinyl group-containing dimethylpolysiloxane synthesized by the following synthesis scheme 2 ( ^R1 and R having a structure represented by the above formula (1-1)). Structure in which ² is a vinyl group)

(Organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B))
(B-1): Organohydrogenpolysiloxane: "TC-25D" manufactured by Momentive Co., Ltd.

(Silica particles (C))
(C): Silica fine particles (particle size 7 nm, specific surface area 300 m ² / g), manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd., "AEROSIL300"

(Silane Coupling Agent (D))
(D-1): Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDZ), manufactured by Gelest, "HEXAMETHYLDISILAZANE (SIH6110.1)".
(D-2) Divinyltetramethyldisilazane, manufactured by Gelest, "1,3-DIVINYLTRAMETHYLDISILAZANE (SID4612.0)"

(Platinum or platinum compound (E))
(E-1): Platinum compound (manufactured by Momentive, trade name "TC-25A")

(Water (F))
(F): Pure water

(Metal powder (G))
(G1): Silver powder, manufactured by Tokuri Kagaku Kenkyusho, trade name "TC-101", median diameter d ₅₀ : 8.0 μm, aspect ratio 16.4, average major axis 4.6 μm

(Synthesis of vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A))
[Synthesis scheme 1: Synthesis of first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1)]
The first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) was synthesized according to the following formula (5).
That is, 74.7 g (252 mmol) of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and 0.1 g of potassium silicate were placed in a 300 mL separable flask having a cooling tube and a stirring blade substituted with Ar gas, heated, and heated at 120 ° C. for 30 minutes. Stirred. At this time, an increase in viscosity was confirmed.
Then, the temperature was raised to 155 ° C., and stirring was continued for 3 hours. Then, after 3 hours, 0.1 g (0.6 mmol) of 1,3-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane was added, and the mixture was further stirred at 155 ° C. for 4 hours.
After 4 hours, it was diluted with 250 mL of toluene and then washed 3 times with water. The organic layer after washing was washed with 1.5 L of methanol several times for reprecipitation purification, and the oligomer and the polymer were separated. The obtained polymer was dried under reduced pressure at 60 ° C. overnight to obtain a first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) ⁽ Mn = 2,2 × 105, Mw = 4.8 ×). 10 ⁵ ). The vinyl group content calculated by 1 H-NMR spectrum measurement was 0.04 mol%.

[Synthesis scheme 2: Synthesis of second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2)]
In the above synthesis step (A1-1), in addition to 74.7 g (252 mmol) of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl 2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane 0. By performing the same as the synthesis step of (A1-1) except that 86 g (2.5 mmol) was used, a second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (as shown in the following formula (6)) ( A1-2) was synthesized. The vinyl group content calculated by 1 H-NMR spectrum measurement was 0.92 mol%.

(Preparation of silicone rubber-based curable composition)
The silicone rubber-based curable compositions of Samples 1, 2 and 3 were prepared according to the following procedure.
First, a mixture of 90% vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), silane coupling agent (D) and water (F) is kneaded in advance at the ratio shown in Table 1 below, and then silica particles (silica particles ()) are added to the mixture. C) was added and further kneaded to obtain a kneaded product (silicone rubber compound).
Here, the kneading after the addition of the silica particles (C) is carried out in the first step of kneading under a nitrogen atmosphere at 60 to 90 ° C. for 1 hour for the coupling reaction, and the removal of the by-product (ammonia). Therefore, it is carried out by going through the second step of kneading under a reduced pressure atmosphere under the condition of 160 to 180 ° C. for 2 hours, and then cooling, and the remaining 10% of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) is added twice. It was added separately and kneaded for 20 minutes.
Subsequently, organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B), platinum or platinum compound (E) was added to 100 parts by weight of the obtained kneaded product (silicone rubber compound) at the ratio shown in Table 2 below, and kneaded with a roll. Then, a silicone rubber-based curable composition was obtained.

(Preparation of insulating paste)
The obtained 32 parts by weight of the silicone rubber-based curable composition of Sample 1 was immersed in 68 parts by weight of a decan (solvent), and then stirred with a rotation / revolution mixer to obtain an insulating paste.

(Preparation of conductive paste)
The obtained 13.7 parts by weight of the silicone rubber-based curable composition of Sample 2 was immersed in 31.8 parts by weight of a decan (solvent), and then stirred with a rotation / revolution mixer to 54.5 parts by weight. The conductive paste 1 was obtained by adding the metal powder (G1) of No. 1 and kneading with three rolls.

Further, the obtained 11.1 parts by weight of the silicone rubber-based curable composition of Sample 2 was immersed in 25.9 parts by weight of a decan (solvent), and subsequently stirred with a rotation / revolution mixer to 63.0. After adding the metal powder (G1) by weight, the mixture was kneaded with three rolls to obtain a conductive paste 2.

[Example 1]
(Making a tongue motion measurement device)
The obtained silicone rubber-based curable composition of Sample 3 was pressed at 170 ° C. and 10 MPa for 10 minutes to form a sheet having a thickness of 150 μm, and was first cured. Subsequently, it was secondarily cured at 200 ° C. for 4 hours to obtain a sheet-shaped silicone rubber (cured product of a silicone rubber-based curable composition) having a hardness of about 70. It was cut into a width: 13 cm × a length: 15 cm to prepare an elastic substrate (substrate).
Subsequently, using the obtained conductive paste 1, a wiring having a width of 0.4 mm and a thickness of 40 μm was placed on one surface of the elastic substrate via a mask having a predetermined pattern, as shown in FIG. The book was drawn and dried at 140 ° C. for 30 minutes to form elastic wiring.
Subsequently, using the obtained insulating paste, a coating film was formed on the elastic wiring via a mask having a predetermined pattern, and dried at 140 ° C. for 30 minutes to obtain a cover portion having a thickness of 50 μm. Formed. However, an opening was formed in the cover portion so as to expose both ends of the elastic wiring.
After that, 6 pressure sensors (force sensor,) so as to straddle the ends of the elastic wiring of the corresponding 4 (power supply, GND (common to each sensor), output signal (+), output signal (-)). HSFPAR003A (manufactured by Alps Alpine) was placed, these were adhered with the above conductive paste 1, dried at 130 ° C. for 2 hours, and cured.
From the above, the tongue movement measuring device shown in FIG. 5 was obtained.

In the obtained substrate of the tongue motion measuring device, the hardness was 69.9, the tear strength was 52.7 N / mm, the tensile strength was 10.7 MPa or more, and the breaking elongation was 553%.
Further, in the elastic wiring of the tongue motion measuring device, the volume resistance value at 25 ° C. was 3.2 × 10 ^-4 Ω · cm.

(hardness)
The silicone rubber-based curable composition of Sample 3 used for the substrate was pressed at 170 ° C. and 10 MPa for 10 minutes to form a sheet and first cured. Subsequently, it was secondarily cured at 200 ° C. for 4 hours, and a sheet-like substrate (cured product of a silicone rubber-based curable composition) having a thickness of 150 μm was used as a test piece.
The test pieces were laminated so as to have a thickness of 6 mm, and the durometer hardness A of the obtained sheet-shaped test pieces at 25 ° C. was measured according to JIS K6253 (1997).
(Tear strength)
Using the above test piece, the tear strength at 25 ° C. was measured according to JIS K6252 (2001). The unit is N / mm.
(Tensile strength)
Using the above test piece, the tensile strength at 25 ° C. was measured according to JIS K6251 (2004). The unit is MPa.
(Breaking elongation)
Using the above test piece, the elongation at break was measured according to JIS K6251 (2004). The breaking elongation was calculated by [moving distance between chucks (mm)] ÷ [initial distance between chucks (35 mm)] × 100. The unit is%.

[Comparative Example 1]
A tongue motion measuring device was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the conductive paste 2 was used instead of the conductive paste 1.

The following items were evaluated for the obtained tongue movement measurement device.

<Expandable durability>
The obtained tongue motion measuring device of Examples and Comparative Examples was repeatedly extended 10 times with respect to the extending direction of the expansion and contraction wiring, and the resistance value between the wirings at that time was measured over time. ..
In Comparative Example 1, it was determined that the wiring was broken because the resistance value between the wirings became unmeasurable after the first extension operation.
In Example 1, the resistance value at the time of unstretching was 34Ω, the resistance value at the time of unstretching after 10 times stretching was 38Ω, and the maximum resistance value at the time of stretching during the 10-time stretching operation was 56Ω. It was confirmed that the tongue motion measuring device of Example 1 can measure the resistance between the wirings even after the extension operation. The resistance was measured in an environment of 25 ° C.
Further, in the tongue motion measuring device of Example 1, it was confirmed that the substrate and the elastic wiring did not peel off even after the repeated stretching operation.

<Wearing feeling>
When the tongue movement measuring device of Example 1 was wrapped around a finger, it was confirmed that there was little discomfort in wearing the subject.

<Measurement of tongue movement>
(Making a tongue movement monitoring device)
The elastic wiring of the obtained tongue motion measuring device of Example 1 is electrically connected to a PC via an A / D conversion circuit (sampling frequency: 100 Hz, quantization resolution: 10 bits), and the tongue motion monitoring device is used. Was produced.

(Characteristic evaluation)
An external force (N) was applied to the pressure sensor using a load measuring device, and the output voltage (V) output from the pressure sensor was measured. The force (N) was divided by the area of the pressure receiving surface and converted into a pressure (kPa).
The non-linear output voltage in the pressure sensor was converted to pressure (kPa) using an approximation curve so that the approximation error was within 12%.
A force of 3N was applied to the pressure receiving surface of the pressure sensor, and the response time when the force was instantly removed was measured.
It was confirmed that the above tongue movement monitoring device can be used to measure the relationship between the force (Pa) applied to the pressure sensor (when the output voltage is converted into pressure) and the response time.

(Subject's tongue movement monitoring)
The substrate of the tongue motion measuring device was wrapped around the finger and inserted into the oral cavity of the subject (adult, male, 38 years old), and the pressure sensor placed on the fingertip was placed on the surface of the subject's tongue.
It was confirmed that when the subject moved the tongue, the external force (pressure) received from the tongue movement could be monitored over time.

1 Tongue movement monitoring device 3 Control unit 4 Display unit 5 Operation unit 6 Notification unit 100 Tongue movement measurement device 101 First sensor 102 Second sensor 110 Pressure sensor 120 Board 121 One side 130 Elastic wiring 131 First wiring 132 Second wiring 133 Third wiring 134 Fourth wiring 140 Cover

Claims (19)

A tongue movement measuring device that measures the tongue movement of a subject.
One or more pressure sensors that measure tongue pressure,
Elastic wiring that is electrically connected to the pressure sensor and can be extended by 10% or more,
The pressure sensor and the substrate provided with the elastic wiring,
A tongue movement measurement device. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1.
A tongue motion measuring device having a volume resistivity of 1 × 10 ^-5 Ω · cm or more and 1 × 10 ^-1 Ω · cm or less at 25 ° C. when unstretched. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.
A tongue motion measuring device having a tear strength of the substrate at 25 ° C. of 25 N / mm or more, which is measured according to JIS K6252 (2001). The tongue motion measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
A tongue motion measuring device having a breaking elongation of the substrate at 25 ° C. of 100% or more, which is measured according to JIS K6251 (2004). The tongue motion measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A tongue motion measuring device having a tensile strength of 5.0 MPa or more, which is measured at 25 ° C. in accordance with JIS K6251 (2004). The tongue motion measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
A tongue motion measuring device in which the elastic wiring is composed of a printed matter of a conductive paste containing a conductive filler and an elastomer material. The tongue motion measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A tongue motion measuring device in which the elastic wiring contains a conductive filler and an elastomer material. The tongue motion measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
A tongue motion measuring device in which the substrate comprises a non-conductive filler and an elastomeric material. The tongue motion measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
A tongue motion measuring device in which the pressure sensor includes a conductive carbon material and an elastomer material. The tongue motion measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
A tongue motion measuring device comprising an elastic cover portion containing an elastomer material that covers the surface of the elastic wiring. The tongue motion measuring device according to any one of claims 7 to 10.
A tongue motion measuring device in which the elastomer material contains silicone rubber. The tongue motion measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
With a control unit,
A tongue movement monitoring device having a tongue movement information acquisition unit in which the control unit acquires tongue movement information regarding the tongue movement of the subject from the detection result of the pressure sensor. The tongue movement monitoring device according to claim 12.
A tongue movement monitoring device in which the tongue movement information includes at least one or more of tongue pressure, tongue pressure distribution, and changes over time. The tongue movement monitoring device according to claim 12 or 13.
A tongue movement monitoring device in which the control unit has an analysis unit for determining the pass / fail of the tongue function of the subject based on the obtained tongue movement information. The tongue movement monitoring device according to claim 14.
A tongue movement monitoring device in which the tongue function is the sucking ability of an infant. The tongue movement monitoring device according to any one of claims 14 or 15.
A tongue movement monitoring device including at least a display unit that displays the tongue movement information and / or the result indicated by the analysis unit. The tongue movement monitoring device according to any one of claims 14 to 16.
A tongue movement monitoring device including a wireless unit that wirelessly transmits the tongue movement information and / or the result indicated by the analysis unit to an external terminal. A tongue movement monitoring method using the tongue movement measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
A tongue movement monitoring method comprising a step of acquiring tongue movement information regarding the tongue movement of the subject from the detection result of the pressure sensor. The tongue movement monitoring method according to claim 18.
A tongue movement monitoring method including a step of determining the pass / fail of the tongue function of the subject based on the obtained tongue movement information.

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