JP2022133335A - clothing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide clothing for biological information measurement capable of measuring biological information stably and accurately, which is easy to wear and take off, and hardly gives a feeling of oppression or a feeling of discomfort when worn.

SOLUTION: There is provided clothing formed with an electrode that comes in contact with the skin of a wearer. A woven or knitted fabric that expands and contracts in a body width direction is formed in the side of the clothing and/or a body part where the electrode is not formed.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to clothing for biological information measurement, in which electrodes that contact the wearer's skin are formed.

In recent years, wearable biological information measuring devices (sensing wear) have been attracting attention in the fields of health monitoring, medical care, nursing care, and rehabilitation. A wearable biological information measuring device is a device in which a biological information measuring device is attached to, for example, clothing, a belt, a strap, etc., and can easily measure biological information such as an electrocardiogram by wearing the device. As a biological information measuring device, for example, an electrode for measuring biological information is provided.

In the case of a clothing-type wearable biological information measuring device, for example, a body made of woven or knitted fabric is provided with electrodes, and an electronic unit or the like having a function of computing and processing electrical signals obtained by the electrodes. Wiring is provided, and by wearing this clothing in daily life, it is possible to easily measure biological information such as fluctuations in heart rate in various daily situations.

In order to improve the measurement accuracy of biological information in a wearable biological information measuring device, it is necessary to bring the measuring surface of the electrode into close contact with the body. Therefore, in the case of a clothing-type wearable biological information measuring device, a garment such as compression wear that strongly tightens the upper body is used as the clothing main body, and this tightening brings the measurement surface of the electrode into close contact with the body. However, even when the biometric information measuring device is provided in the compression wear, it is difficult to stably and accurately measure biometric information from the electrodes. In particular, when the person being measured walks, jogs, or runs, the movement of the person to be measured may result in insufficient contact between the measuring surface of the electrode and the body, which may interfere with the measurement of biological information. There were things I couldn't do. Therefore, in order to increase the adhesion between the electrodes and the body when the biometric information measurement device is installed in the compression wear, the electrodes should be wetted with water beforehand, or the moisture generated by sweating during exercise should be used to increase the adhesion. , which improves the measurement accuracy. In addition, compression wear is difficult to put on and take off due to its high wearing pressure.

By the way, a person to be measured who wears compression wear equipped with a biological information measuring device is often engaged in sports on a daily basis or is an athlete, and is assumed to have a muscular body.

On the other hand, biological information such as an electrocardiogram can be effectively used in the medical field, the medical treatment field, the rehabilitation field, and the like. In such fields, the body type of a person to be measured who wears a clothing-type wearable biological information measuring device may be of medium build, thin, or obese. Therefore, a clothing-type wearable biological information measurement device is required to be compatible with a wide range of body types.

In Patent Literature 1, the present inventors have identified a measurement position where biological information can be most stably measured, and have proposed a sensing wear to which highly adhesive flexible electrodes are attached.

Further, Patent Literature 2 discloses a method of strongly attaching a biological information measuring device to the body. Specifically, a garment has been proposed in which a first fabric circumferentially on the wearer and to which the electrodes are attached has a higher garment pressure than a second fabric surrounding it.

Further, Patent Document 3 proposes a method of attaching the electrodes to the body by providing a stretchable fabric in the area including the place where the electrodes are installed, and fixing the whole area around the place of installation in a stretched state. It is

Furthermore, Patent Document 4 discloses a shirt in which a stretchable member is provided along the entire circumference of the waist of the shirt, and by stretching the stretchable member, the sensor provided on the shirt is worn. It is stated that it is to be brought into contact with human skin.

On the other hand, the present inventors have studied wearing comfort, and in Non-Patent Literature 1, have shown the results of evaluating the effects of pressure applied to the human body on pressure sensation and comfort. This non-patent document 1 clarified that the chest, abdomen, and upper arms in particular feel a large and strong sense of pressure value, and that the comfortable sensation changes remarkably, making it easy to feel discomfort. For this reason, compression wear that tightens the entire upper body is effective in improving mobility during sports, but there is a problem that it is very uncomfortable and burdens the body when used in daily life.

JP 2017-29692 A International Publication No. 2016/134484 pamphlet JP 2016-179250 A U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0184270

Japan Textile Consumer Science Journal, Vol. 52, No. 3 (2011)

The present invention has been made with a focus on the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to stably transmit biometric information even though it is easy to put on and take off, less oppressive when worn, and less uncomfortable. To provide a garment for biometric information measurement that enables accurate measurement.

The clothing according to the present invention, which has solved the above problems, has the following structure.
[1] A garment having electrodes in contact with the wearer's skin, wherein a woven or knitted fabric that stretches in the width direction is formed on the sides of the garment and/or the body on which the electrodes are not formed. clothing characterized by the presence of
[2] The garment according to [1], wherein the woven or knitted fabric has a greater elasticity in the width direction than in the length direction.
[3] The garment according to [2], wherein the woven or knitted fabric has a stretch rate of 100% or more in the width direction, which is greater than the stretch rate in the width direction of the fabric at the portion where the electrode is formed.
[4] The garment according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the woven or knitted fabric is formed at least in a region from the armpit to the lower abdomen of the thorax on the side of the garment.
[5] Any one of [1] to [4], wherein the body on which the electrodes are not formed is the back body, and the woven or knitted fabric is formed on the back body at least in a region from the collar to the waist. Clothing as described.
[6] The woven or knitted fabric has a stress of 0.01 to 0.5 N per 1 cm width when stretched 30% in the width direction and an elongation recovery rate of 80 to 100%, and the stress of the woven or knitted fabric is The clothing according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the stress per 1 cm width when the fabric is stretched 30% in the width direction of the fabric at the site where the electrodes are formed is smaller.
[7] The clothing has an average wearing pressure of 1.0 kPa or less (not including 0 kPa) while standing and not moving, and an average wearing pressure of 2.0 kPa or less (0 kPa The clothing according to any one of [1] to [5].
[8] The clothing according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the electrodes are formed on the thorax, the lower abdomen of the thorax, or the back of the clothing.
[9] The clothing according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the electrodes are sheet-shaped.
[10] The sheet-shaped electrode has an electrode surface area of 5 to 100 cm ² and an average thickness of 10
The garment according to [9], which is ~500 μm.
[11] The clothing according to any one of [1] to [10], wherein the clothing further has wiring that connects the electrode and the electronic unit, and the electrode and the wiring are made of the same material. .
[12] The clothing according to any one of [1] to [11], which is sports innerwear, a T-shirt, a polo shirt, a camisole, an underwear, underwear, a hospital gown, or a sleepwear.

The garment of the present invention is formed with electrodes that come into contact with the wearer's skin, and a woven or knitted fabric that stretches in the width direction is formed on the sides of the garment and/or the body where the electrodes are not formed. . As a result, when the wearer puts on and takes off the clothes, the woven or knitted fabric stretches, making it easier to put on and take off the clothes. In addition, due to the expansion and contraction of the woven and knitted fabric, the garment fits the body when worn. As a result, the adhesion between the wearer's skin and the electrodes can be improved, so biological information can be stably and accurately measured. In addition, since it is not necessary to tighten the clothes tightly in order to improve the adhesion between the skin and the electrodes, the feeling of oppression the wearer receives when wearing the clothes can be reduced, and the clothes can be worn comfortably.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a T-shirt according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the T-shirt according to the invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of a T-shirt according to the invention.

The garment of the present invention is formed with electrodes that come into contact with the wearer's skin. In addition, the clothing has a woven or knitted fabric (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a woven or knitted fabric) that stretches in the width direction of the garment on the sides of the clothing and/or on the body where the electrodes are not formed. Characteristic.

The clothing of the present invention will be described in detail below.

The clothes are provided with electrodes that come into contact with the wearer's skin, and the electrode surfaces of the electrodes come into direct contact with the wearer's skin, so that electrical signals from the body can be measured, and biological information can be measured. . As biological information, by calculating and processing electrical signals obtained by electrodes with an electronic unit, etc., physical information such as electrocardiogram, heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, body temperature, myoelectricity, and perspiration can be obtained. is obtained.

As the electrodes, electrodes capable of measuring an electrocardiogram are preferably provided. An electrocardiogram means information obtained by detecting electrical changes due to the movement of the heart through electrodes on the surface of a living body and recording them as waveforms. An electrocardiogram is generally recorded as a waveform in which time is plotted on the horizontal axis and potential difference is plotted on the vertical axis. A waveform appearing on an electrocardiogram for each heartbeat is mainly composed of five typical waves, namely, P wave, Q wave, R wave, S wave, and T wave, and U wave also exists. Also, the beginning of the Q wave to the end of the S wave is sometimes called the QRS wave.

Among these waves, the clothing of the present invention is preferably provided with electrodes capable of detecting at least R waves. The R wave indicates the excitation of both the left and right ventricles and is the wave with the largest potential difference. Heart rate can also be measured by providing an electrode capable of detecting R waves. That is, the time from the peak of the R wave to the peak of the next R wave is generally called the RR interval (seconds), and the heart rate per minute can be calculated based on the following formula. In this specification, the QRS wave is also included in the R wave unless otherwise specified.
Heart rate (beats/min) = 60/RR interval

A specific configuration of the electrodes will be described in detail later.

The electrodes are preferably provided on the thorax, the lower abdomen of the thorax, or the back of the garment. Biological information can be accurately measured by providing the electrodes on the ribcage, the lower abdomen of the ribcage, or the back of the clothing. More preferably, the electrodes are provided in a region of the clothing that contacts the skin between the top of the seventh rib and the bottom of the ninth rib of the wearer.

The electrodes are lines parallel to the wearer's left and right posterior axillary lines in the clothing, and are drawn at a distance of 10 cm from the wearer's posterior axillary line to the back side of the wearer. It is preferably provided in the region of the ventral side of the person.

The electrodes are preferably provided in an arc shape along the waist of the wearer.

The number of electrodes provided on the garment is at least two, preferably two electrodes are provided on the thorax, the lower abdomen of the thorax, or the back of the garment. It is preferably provided in the region of the wearer's ventral side surrounded by lines parallel to the line and drawn 10 cm away from the wearer's posterior axillary line on the wearer's back side. In addition, when three or more electrodes are provided, the positions where the third and subsequent electrodes are provided are not particularly limited, and may be provided, for example, on the back body.

In the clothing, a woven or knitted fabric that stretches in the width direction is formed on the sides of the clothing and/or the body on which the electrodes are not formed. By forming the woven or knitted fabric on the sides of the clothing and/or the body on which the electrodes are not formed, the woven or knitted fabric expands and contracts in the width direction when the wearer puts on and takes off the clothing. Easy to put on and take off. In addition, after the garment is worn, the woven or knitted fabric shrinks to its original width, so the garment fits the body shape of the wearer. As a result, the adhesion between the wearer's skin and the electrodes is improved, so that biological information can be stably and accurately measured. In addition, according to the above clothing, since it is not necessary to tighten the clothing tightly in order to improve the adhesion between the skin and the electrodes, the feeling of oppression the wearer receives when wearing the clothing can be reduced, and the clothing can be worn comfortably. Wearable.

It is preferable that the woven or knitted fabric has a greater stretch ratio in the width direction than in the length direction. By stretching in the width direction, the wearer can easily put on and take off the clothes.

The woven or knitted fabric preferably has a stretch rate of 100% or more in the width direction. When the stretch rate is 100% or more, the wearer can easily put on and take off the clothes. The stretch ratio is more preferably 120% or more, and still more preferably 150% or more.

Moreover, it is preferable that the elongation rate of the woven or knitted fabric in the width direction is larger than the elongation rate of the cloth in the width direction at the portion where the electrode is formed. By increasing the elongation rate in the width direction of the woven or knitted fabric, it is possible to prevent the electrodes and wiring from being forcibly pulled when putting on and taking off the clothing. .

As for the above-mentioned stretch rate, the elongation rate specified in JIS L1096 (2010) may be measured. The elongation rate may be measured by a constant speed elongation method.

It is preferable that the woven or knitted fabric is formed in at least a region from the armpit to the lower abdomen of the ribcage on the side portion of the garment. Forming the area from the armpit to the lower abdomen of the thorax makes it easier to put on and take off the garment. The woven or knitted fabric may be formed in a region from the armpit to the lowest end of the garment.

In addition, the side portion of the garment means a connection portion (joint portion) between the front body and the back body.

When the body on which the electrodes are not formed is the back body, the woven or knitted fabric is preferably formed on at least the area from the collar to the waist of the back body. By forming it in the area from the collar to the waist, it becomes easier to put on and take off the clothes. The woven or knitted fabric may be formed in a region from the collar to the lowest end of the garment.

When the body on which the electrodes are not formed is the front body, the woven or knitted fabric is preferably formed on the front body at least in the area from the collar to the abdomen. By forming it in the area from the collar to the abdomen, it is easier to put on and take off the garment. The woven or knitted fabric may be formed in a region from the collar to the lowest end of the garment.

The woven or knitted fabric may be formed in at least part of the region, or may be formed over the entire region.

The woven or knitted fabric is preferably formed so that the longitudinal direction is the length direction.

The number of the woven or knitted fabrics formed on the clothing is not particularly limited, and at least one may be formed on the right side of the clothing, on the left side of the clothing, or on the body where the electrodes are not formed. , may be provided one each at two or more arbitrarily selected positions. For example, one woven or knitted fabric is formed on the right side of the garment and one on the left side of the garment, or one woven or knitted fabric is formed on the body on which the electrodes are not formed.

Also, two or more of the woven or knitted fabrics may be formed at any position on the right side of the garment, the left side of the garment, or the body on which the electrodes are not formed. For example, a plurality of (for example, two or more) woven or knitted fabrics may be formed on the body on which the electrodes are not formed so that the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel to each other.

The form of the woven or knitted fabric is not particularly limited, and may be a woven fabric or a knitted fabric, preferably a knitted fabric. For example, a knitted fabric, a form in which the knitted fabric shrinks like an accordion, a form in which a woven or knitted fabric obtained using synthetic fibers is pleated in an uneven shape, a form in which the fabric is knitted with a ribbon knitting machine, etc., and more preferably knitted. It is a form in which the ground contracts like an accordion. As a form in which the knitted fabric contracts in an accordion shape, for example, a region that curves and protrudes on the front side and a region that curves and protrudes on the back side are alternately continuous in multiple rows, and the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is It is preferably wavy. In the case of a knitted fabric that shrinks like an accordion, when stress is applied in the width direction, the area that curves and protrudes becomes substantially planar, and when the width increases and the stress is removed, the area becomes substantially planar. returns to its original curved shape and becomes narrower. A knitted fabric that shrinks like an accordion is available from Inoue Ribbon Industry Co., Ltd., for example.

The woven or knitted fabric expands and contracts when the garment is put on and taken off, or according to the movements of the wearer, but does not sag when worn.

An example of a configuration in which a woven or knitted fabric that stretches in the width direction of the clothing is formed on the side of the clothing is shown in FIGS.
A specific description will be given with reference to FIG. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples, and it is possible to make modifications within the scope that can be adapted to the spirit of the above and the following, and all of them are included in the technical scope of the present invention. .

1 to 3 are schematic diagrams showing the appearance of a T-shirt 1 having electrodes formed on the front body 2 that come into contact with the wearer's skin. Note that the electrodes are not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of the T-shirt 1. A belt-shaped woven or knitted fabric 11a is formed on the right side of the T-shirt 1, and a belt-shaped woven or knitted fabric 11b is formed on the left side.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the T-shirt 1. In FIG. 2, similarly to FIG. It can be seen that a woven or knitted fabric 11b is formed.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the T-shirt 1 seen from the left side. As shown in FIG. 3, the woven or knitted fabric 11b is formed over a region from the armpit to the lowest end of the garment on the side of the garment. The woven/knitted fabric 11b is formed at the connecting portion between the front body 2 and the back body 3, and the front body 2 and the back body 3 are connected via the woven/knitted fabric 11b.

The clothing has an average wearing pressure of 1.0 kPa or less (excluding 0 kPa) while standing and immovable, and an average wearing pressure of 2.0 kPa or less (excluding 0 kPa) during walking at the site where the electrodes are formed. ) is preferred.

By setting the average wearing pressure to be 1.0 kPa or less in an upright position, it is possible to reduce the oppressive feeling that the wearer receives when wearing the clothing, so that the clothing can be worn comfortably. The average wearing pressure in an upright position is more preferably 0.8 kPa or less, and still more preferably 0.6 kPa or less. It is preferable that the average wearing pressure in an upright position is as small as possible, but does not include 0 kPa.

By setting the average wearing pressure during walking to 2.0 kPa or less, it is possible to reduce the feeling of oppression the wearer receives when wearing the clothing, and the clothing can be worn comfortably. The average wearing pressure during walking is more preferably 1.8 kPa or less, and still more preferably 1.6 kPa or less. The average wearing pressure during walking is preferably as small as possible, but does not include 0 kPa.

In the garment of the present invention, the average wearing pressure in regions other than the regions where the electrodes are formed is preferably as small as possible, for example, 0.9 kPa or less, more preferably 0.6 kPa or less, and still more preferably 0.6 kPa or less. It is 4 kPa or less. It is preferable that the average contact pressure at sites other than the sites where the electrodes are formed be as small as possible, including 0 kPa.

In addition, when the average pressure on the wearer's abdomen increases, the wearer tends to feel uncomfortable, so the average pressure on the abdomen is preferably 0.4 kPa or less, more preferably 0.3 kPa or less, and even more preferably It is 0.2 kPa or less. The average pressure on the abdomen is preferably as low as possible, including 0 kPa.

The woven or knitted fabric has a stress of 0.01 to 0.5 N per 1 cm width when stretched 30% in the width direction, and an elongation recovery rate of 80 to 100%. It is preferably less than the stress per 1 cm width when the fabric is stretched 30% in the width direction of the fabric at the formed site.

When the stress of the woven or knitted fabric is in the range of 0.01 to 0.5N, comfortable pressure can be maintained. The stress of the woven or knitted fabric is more preferably 0.02 to 0.4N, still more preferably 0.03 to 0.3N.

If the elongation recovery rate of the woven or knitted fabric is too low, it becomes difficult to stably maintain an appropriate pressure. Therefore, the elongation recovery rate is preferably 80% or more, more preferably 85% or more, and still more preferably 90% or more.

The elongation recovery rate may be measured by the constant load method specified in JIS L1096 (2010).

When the stress of the woven or knitted fabric is compared with the stress of the fabric at the site where the electrode is formed, the pressure can be kept stable by reducing the stress of the woven or knitted fabric, thereby providing biometric information. can be measured with high accuracy.

The electrodes are preferably formed on the front body or the back body of the garment, and the body on which the electrodes are provided is stress per 1 cm width at 10% elongation in the lateral direction (wale direction) (hereinafter referred to as 10% elongation force ) is 0.02 to 0.5 N (2 to 50 cN), and the elongation recovery after repeated elongation in the lateral direction (wale direction) is preferably 80 to 100%.

If the 10% elongation force is less than 0.02 N, the body tends to stretch, and the appearance when worn tends to deteriorate. Therefore, the 10% elongation force is preferably 0.02N or more, more preferably 0.05N or more, and still more preferably 0.1N or more. However, if the 10% elongation force exceeds 0.5 N, the body will be difficult to stretch and the stretchability will be poor, making it difficult to put on and take off. Therefore, the 10% elongation force is preferably 0.5N or less, more preferably 0.4N or less, and still more preferably 0.3N or less.

When the elongation recovery rate is less than 80%, the wearing pressure during wearing is lowered, the electrodes are easily peeled off from the skin, and the measurement of electrocardiogram and the like tends to be unstable. Therefore, the elongation recovery rate is preferably 80% or more, more preferably 85% or more, and still more preferably 90% or more.

The body on which the electrodes are provided has a stress per 1 cm width when stretched 20% in the lateral direction (wale direction) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as 20% stretch force) of 0.1 to 1.2 N (10 to 120 cN). Preferably. The 20% elongation force can be used as an index for evaluating the followability of the body when the wearer performs an exercise motion, that is, the easiness of movement of the wearer. If the 20% elongation force is less than 0.1N, it becomes difficult to set the 10% elongation force within the proper range. Therefore, the 20% elongation force is preferably 0.1N or more, more preferably 0.2N or more, and still more preferably 0.3N or more. However, if the 20% elongation force exceeds 1.2 N, the clothing will not be able to flexibly follow the movement of the body when taking a deep breath, expanding the chest, or exercising. It is difficult to reduce the burden on Therefore, the 20% elongation force is preferably 1.2N or less, more preferably 1.1N or less, and still more preferably 1.0N or less.

In the above clothing, the fabrics of the front body and the back body may be different or may be the same.

The fabrics of the front body and the back body that make up the above clothing (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as fabrics) are stretchable threads (hereinafter referred to as stretch threads) in order to impart stretchability in the weft direction of the fabric. ) is preferably used. Elastic yarn, false-twisted crimped yarn, latently crimped yarn, etc. can be used as the stretchable yarn. In addition, a stretchable composite yarn in which these stretchable yarns are mixed with general fibers may be used.

Examples of the elastic thread include polyurethane-based elastic thread, polyester-based elastic thread, polyolefin-based elastic thread, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and stretchable composite fibers. Among them, polyurethane-based elastic thread is preferable, and is excellent in terms of thread elasticity, heat set property, chemical resistance, and the like.

The above-mentioned false-twisted crimped yarn means a textured yarn obtained by crimping long fibers by twisting, forming, or the like.

By using false-twisted crimped yarn, crimps are generated by the heat during dyeing and the force of the soft cloth, and the fabric can be apparently shrunk, so the elongation force and elongation elastic modulus of the fabric can be further increased. can be enhanced.

The crimp elongation of the false-twisted crimped yarn is preferably 20 to 60%. When the crimp elongation rate is within this range, the elongation force of the fabric can be ensured. The crimp elongation of the false-twisted crimped yarn is more preferably 25 to 55%, still more preferably 30 to 50%.

The crimp recovery rate of the false-twisted crimped yarn is preferably 10 to 30%. If the crimp recovery rate of the false-twisted crimped yarn is within this range, the kickback property of the woven or knitted fabric can be further improved. The crimp recovery rate of the false twist crimped yarn is more preferably 10 to 25%, still more preferably 15 to 25%.

The latently crimped yarn means a yarn composed of bicone-type fibers produced using two kinds of polymers, or a different shrinkage mixed woven yarn produced by combining yarns with different shrinkage ratios.

By using latently crimped yarn, crimps are generated by the heat during dyeing and the force of the soft fabric, and the fabric can be apparently shrunk, so that the elongation force and elongation elastic modulus of the fabric can be further increased. can be done.

The crimp elongation rate of the latently crimped yarn is preferably 20 to 60%. When the crimp elongation rate is within this range, it becomes easier to secure the elongation force of the fabric. The crimp elongation rate of the latently crimped yarn is more preferably 25 to 55%, still more preferably 30 to 50%.

The crimp recovery rate of the latently crimped yarn is preferably 10 to 30%. When the crimp recovery rate of the latently crimped yarn is within this range, the kickback property of the woven or knitted fabric is more likely to be improved. The crimp recovery rate of the latently crimped yarn is more preferably 10 to 25%, still more preferably 15 to 25%.

The mixing ratio of the elastic yarn or elastic composite yarn contained in the fabric is preferably 2 to 100% by mass. If the mixing ratio is less than 2% by mass, the stretchability of the fabric becomes difficult to obtain, and the wearer tends to feel oppressed during movement. Therefore, the mixing ratio is preferably 2% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, and still more preferably 5% by mass or more.

The form of the fabric constituting the clothing is not particularly limited as long as it has the above-described elongation characteristics in the weft direction of the fabric, and it may be either a knitted fabric or a woven fabric. Also, the texture of the knitted or woven fabric is not particularly limited.

(knitting)
Knitting structures when weft knitting (circular knitting) is used for the above fabric include, for example, plain knitting (plain knitting), rubber knitting, double-sided knitting, pearl knitting, tuck knitting, floating knitting, single hem knitting, lace knitting, and attachment. Knitting etc. are mentioned. In the case of weft knitting, the yarn length of the elastic yarn to be knitted may be appropriately adjusted based on the gauge of the knitting machine, the knitting structure, and the thickness of the yarn. In order to effectively develop elasticity and recovery from elongation, the length of the elastic yarn is preferably 200 to 600 mm, more preferably 230 to 550 mm, still more preferably 250 to 500 mm per 100 wales.

Knitting structures when warp knitting is used for the fabric include, for example, single denby knitting, open denby knitting, single atlas knitting, double cord knitting, half knitting, half base knitting, satin knitting, tricot knitting, half tricot knitting, Examples include fleece knitting and jacquard knitting. Preferred knitting structures among these are half knitting and open Denby knitting. In the case of warp knitting, the thread length of the thread to be knitted is defined by the runner. A runner is the yarn length required to knit one rack (480 courses). The yarn length of the yarn to be knitted may be appropriately adjusted based on the gauge of the knitting machine, the knitting structure, and the thickness of the yarn. In order to effectively develop elasticity and recovery from elongation, the length of the elastic yarn is preferably 600 to 2200 mm, more preferably 700 to 2100 mm, still more preferably 750 to 2000 mm per rack.

(fabric)
Examples of the weave of the woven fabric include a plain weave, a twill weave, a satin weave, and the like, a modified weave, a warp double weave, a weft double weave, and the like, a single double weave, and a warp velvet weave. Plain weave and twill weave are preferred among these weaves. Plain weaves include, for example, broad (poplin), tropical, and the like. Twill weave includes, for example, cashmere.

In the case of the woven fabric, the stretch yarn may be used at least in the weft direction, and may be used in both the warp and weft directions. However, if it is used only in the warp direction, it becomes difficult to adjust the stretchability in the weft direction.

The cover factor (CF) of the woven fabric is preferably, for example, 1000-2500. When the CF of the woven fabric is less than 1000, the kickback property and stretch recovery of the woven fabric tend to deteriorate. Therefore, the CF of the woven fabric is preferably 1,000 or more, more preferably 1,100 or more, and even more preferably 1,200 or more. However, if the CF of the woven fabric exceeds 2500, the extensibility of the woven fabric tends to decrease. Therefore, the CF of the woven fabric is preferably 2500 or less, more preferably 2300 or less, still more preferably 2100 or less. The CF of the woven fabric can be calculated by the following formula.
CF = √ [warp fineness (dtex) x warp density (lines/inch)] + √ [weft fineness (dtex) x weft density (lines/inch)]

The clothing of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the electrode that contacts the wearer's skin is formed on the front body, and the form is not particularly limited. clothes, nightwear, and the like. If the garment has sleeves, it may have short sleeves, half sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, long sleeves, or the like, and the shape of the sleeves may be raglan sleeves.

Next, the electrodes provided on the clothing will be described.

It is preferable that the electrodes have stretchability so that they can follow the movement of the person to be measured.

Examples of the electrode having stretchability include an electrode made of a conductive fabric and a sheet-shaped electrode formed using a conductive composition containing a conductive filler and a resin having stretchability. . Electrodes made of the above-described conductive fabric include, for example, conductive fibers or conductive yarns in which a base fiber is coated with a conductive polymer, or a surface coated with a conductive metal such as silver, gold, copper, or nickel. woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, or non-conductive yarns made of conductive fibers, conductive yarns made of conductive metal fine wires, conductive yarns made by blending conductive metal fine wires and non-conductive fibers, etc. embroidered fabric can be used as an electrode made of a conductive fabric.

It is preferable that the electrode includes a conductive layer capable of detecting electrical information of a living body, and further has an insulating layer on the side opposite to the skin, that is, on the clothing side of the conductive layer. Hereinafter, the insulating layer on the clothing side may be referred to as the first insulating layer.

In addition to the electrodes, the clothing has wiring that connects the electrodes with an electronic unit or the like having a function of calculating the electrical signal obtained by the electrodes. The wiring includes a conductive layer for transmitting biological electrical signals detected by the electrodes to an electronic unit or the like, and an insulating layer (first insulating layer) on the side opposite to the skin, that is, on the clothing side of the conductive layer. It is preferable to have The wiring preferably has an insulating layer also on the skin side of the conductive layer. Hereinafter, the insulating layer on the skin side may be referred to as a second insulating layer.

The conductive layer, the first insulating layer, and the second insulating layer will be specifically described below.

(Conductive layer)
A conductive layer is necessary to ensure electrical continuity.

The conductive layer preferably contains a conductive filler and an elastic resin, and can be formed using a composition (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a conductive paste) in which each component is dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent.

As the conductive filler, for example, metal powder, metal nanoparticles, conductive materials other than metal powder, and the like can be used. One type of the conductive filler may be used, or two or more types may be used.

Examples of the metal powder include silver powder, gold powder, platinum powder, palladium powder and other precious metal powders; copper powder, nickel powder, aluminum powder, brass powder and other base metal powders; and alloyed base metal powder obtained by alloying a base metal with a noble metal such as silver. Among these, silver powder and/or copper powder are preferable, and high conductivity can be expressed at low cost. The silver powder and/or copper powder is preferably the main component of the metal powder used as the conductive filler, and the main component means 50% by mass or more in total.

The proportion of the metal powder in the conductive filler is preferably 20% by volume or less, more preferably 15% by volume or less, and even more preferably 10% by volume or less. If the content of the metal powder is too high, it may become difficult to disperse it uniformly in the resin, and the metal powder as described above is generally expensive.

The metal nanoparticles refer to particles having a particle diameter of several nanometers to several tens of nanometers among the metal powders described above.

The proportion of the metal nanoparticles in the conductive filler is preferably 20% by volume or less, more preferably 15% by volume or less, and even more preferably 10% by volume or less. If the content of the metal nanoparticles is too high, it may become difficult to uniformly disperse them in the resin, and the metal nanoparticles as described above are generally expensive. desirable.

Examples of conductive materials other than the metal powder include carbon-based materials such as graphite, carbon black, and carbon nanotubes. The conductive material other than the metal powder preferably has a mercapto group, an amino group, or a nitrile group on its surface, or is surface-treated with a rubber containing a sulfide bond and/or a nitrile group. In general, conductive materials other than metal powders themselves have strong cohesive force, and conductive materials other than metal powders with high aspect ratios have poor dispersibility in resins, but have mercapto groups, amino groups, or nitrile groups on the surface. Alternatively, surface treatment with rubber containing sulfide bonds and/or nitrile groups increases the affinity for the resin, disperses it, forms an effective conductive network, and achieves high conductivity.

The proportion of the conductive material other than the metal powder in the conductive filler is preferably 20% by volume or less, more preferably 15% by volume or less, and even more preferably 10% by volume or less. If the content of the conductive material other than the metal powder is too high, it may become difficult to uniformly disperse it in the resin. It is desirable to reduce the amount used.

The conductive layer is formed by stacking or arranging two or more types of conductive layers in which the type of conductive filler or the amount of the conductive filler added is changed, and a plurality of conductive layers are integrated. I don't mind.

The conductive filler in the conductive layer (in other words, the conductive filler in the total solid content of the conductive paste for forming the conductive layer) is preferably 15 to 45% by volume, more preferably 20 to 40% by volume. is. Too little conductive filler may result in insufficient conductivity. On the other hand, if the amount of the conductive filler is too large, the stretchability of the conductive layer tends to decrease, so cracks or the like may occur when the electrodes and wiring are stretched, and good conductivity may not be maintained.

The stretchable resin preferably includes, for example, at least rubber containing sulfur atoms and/or rubber containing nitrile groups. Sulfur atoms and nitrile groups have a high affinity with conductive fillers (especially metal powders), and rubber has high elasticity, so the load per unit width applied when the electrodes and wiring are stretched by 10% can be reduced. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of cracks and the like even during stretching. In addition, even if the electrodes and wiring are stretched, the conductive filler can be maintained in a uniformly dispersed state, so that the change ratio of the electrical resistance when stretched by 20% can be reduced, and excellent conductivity can be exhibited. . In addition, excellent conductivity can be exhibited even when the thickness of the electrodes and wiring is thin. Among these, rubbers containing nitrile groups are more preferable, and the rate of change in electrical resistance at 20% elongation can be further reduced.

The rubber containing a sulfur atom may be a rubber containing a sulfur atom, or an elastomer. Sulfur atoms are contained in the form of sulfide bonds and disulfide bonds in the main chain of the polymer, mercapto groups in side chains and terminals, and the like.

Examples of rubbers containing sulfur atoms include polysulfide rubbers, polyether rubbers, polyacrylate rubbers and silicone rubbers containing mercapto groups, sulfide bonds or disulfide bonds. In particular, polysulfide rubbers, polyether rubbers, polyacrylate rubbers and silicone rubbers containing mercapto groups are preferred.

Commercially available products that can be used as the sulfur atom-containing rubber include, for example, "Thiocol (registered trademark) LP" manufactured by Toray Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd., which is a liquid polysulfide rubber, and the like.

The content of sulfur atoms in the rubber containing sulfur atoms is preferably 10 to 30% by mass.

In addition, rubber containing no sulfur atom, for example, pentaerythritol tetrakis (S-mercaptobutyrate), trimethylolpropane tris (S-mercaptobutyrate), a resin blended with sulfur-containing compounds such as mercapto group-containing silicone oil. can also be used.

The nitrile group-containing rubber may be a nitrile group-containing rubber or an elastomer. In particular, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber, which is a copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile, is preferred.

Commercially available products that can be used as the nitrile group-containing rubber include Nippon Zeon's "Nipol (registered trademark) 1042" and the like.

The amount of nitrile groups in the rubber containing nitrile groups (particularly, the amount of acrylonitrile in the acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber) is preferably 18 to 50% by mass, more preferably 20 to 45% by mass, and still more preferably 28 to 41% by mass. In particular, when the amount of bound acrylonitrile in the acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber is too large, the affinity with the conductive filler, particularly metal powder, increases, but the rubber elasticity that contributes to stretchability decreases.

The elastic resin forming the conductive layer may be of one type or two or more types. That is, the elastic resin forming the conductive layer is desirably composed only of a rubber containing a sulfur atom and a rubber containing a nitrile group. In addition to the sulfur atom-containing rubber and the nitrile group-containing rubber, a stretchable resin may be contained within a range that does not impair the properties.

When other elastic resins are included, the total amount of rubber containing sulfur atoms and rubber containing nitrile groups in all resins is preferably 95% by mass or more, more preferably 98% by mass or more, and still more preferably is 99% by mass or more.

The stretchable resin in the conductive layer (in other words, the stretchable resin solid content in the total solid content of the conductive paste for forming the conductive layer) is preferably 55 to 85% by volume, more preferably. is 58 to 83% by volume, more preferably 60 to 80% by volume. If the stretchable resin is too small, the conductivity tends to be high, but the stretchability tends to be poor. On the other hand, if the stretchable resin is too much, the stretchability of the conductive layer is improved, but the conductivity tends to decrease.

The conductive layer is formed directly on the first insulating layer described later using a composition (conductive paste) obtained by dissolving or dispersing each component described above in an organic solvent, or by coating or printing in a desired pattern. It can be formed by forming a coating film, volatilizing the organic solvent contained in the coating film, and drying the coating film. The conductive layer is formed by applying or printing the conductive paste on a release sheet or the like to form a coating film, and volatilizing the organic solvent contained in the coating film and drying it to form a sheet-like conductive layer in advance. may be formed and laminated in a desired pattern on the first insulating layer described later.

The conductive paste may be prepared by adopting a conventionally known method of dispersing powder in a liquid, and can be prepared by uniformly dispersing a conductive filler in an elastic resin. For example, metal powders, metal nanoparticles, conductive materials other than metal powders, and the like may be mixed with a resin solution, and then uniformly dispersed by an ultrasonic method, a mixer method, a three-roll mill method, a ball mill method, or the like. These means can be used in combination.

The method of applying or printing the conductive paste is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a coating method, a screen printing method, a lithographic offset printing method, an inkjet method, a flexographic printing method, a gravure printing method, a gravure offset printing method, a stamping method, and a dispensing method. A printing method such as squeegee printing or the like can be employed.

The dry film thickness of the conductive layer is preferably 10 to 150 μm, more preferably 20 to 130 μm, still more preferably 30 to 100 μm. If the dry film thickness of the conductive layer is too thin, the electrodes and wirings are susceptible to repeated expansion and contraction and deteriorate, which may hinder or interrupt conduction. On the other hand, if the dry film thickness of the conductive layer is too thick, the stretchability is hindered, and the electrodes and wiring become too thick, which may make wearing uncomfortable.

(first insulating layer)
In addition to acting as an insulating layer, the first insulating layer acts as an adhesive layer for forming the conductive layer of the electrodes and wiring on the fabric, and the opposite side of the fabric on which the first insulating layer is laminated when worn (that is, , the outside of the garment) also acts as a waterproof layer that prevents moisture from reaching the conductive layer. Moreover, by providing the first insulating layer on the clothing side of the conductive layer, the first insulating layer can suppress the stretching of the fabric and prevent the conductive layer from being excessively stretched. As a result, cracks can be prevented from occurring in the first insulating layer. On the other hand, as described above, the conductive layer has good stretchability. It is thought that when formed, the conductive layer is excessively stretched along with the stretching of the fabric, and as a result, cracks occur in the conductive layer.

The first insulating layer may be made of insulating resin, and the type of resin is not particularly limited.

As the resin, for example, a polyurethane resin, a silicone resin, a vinyl chloride resin, an epoxy resin, a polyester elastomer, or the like can be preferably used. Among these, polyurethane-based resins are more preferable, and the adhesiveness to the conductive layer is further improved.

The resin constituting the first insulating layer may be of only one type, or may be of two or more types.

The method for forming the first insulating layer is not particularly limited. It can be formed by forming a film, evaporating the solvent contained in the coating film, and drying it. A commercially available resin sheet or resin film can also be used.

The average film thickness of the first insulating layer is preferably 10 to 200 μm. If the first insulating layer is too thin, the insulating effect and anti-stretching effect may be insufficient. Therefore, the average film thickness of the first insulating layer is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, still more preferably 40 μm or more. However, if the first insulating layer is too thick, the stretchability of the electrodes and wiring may be hindered. In addition, the electrodes and wiring become too thick, which may make wearing uncomfortable. Therefore, the average film thickness of the first insulating layer is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 180 μm or less, still more preferably 150 μm or less.

(Second insulating layer)
It is preferable that the wiring has a second insulating layer formed on the conductive layer. By providing the second insulating layer, it is possible to prevent moisture such as rain, snow, and sweat from coming into contact with the conductive layer.

As the resin forming the second insulating layer, the same resin as the resin forming the first insulating layer described above can be used, and the resin preferably used is also the same.

The resin constituting the second insulating layer may be of only one type, or may be of two or more types.

The resin forming the second insulating layer may be the same as or different from the resin forming the first insulating layer, but is preferably the same. By using the same resin, the coverage of the conductive layer and damage to the conductive layer due to biased stress during expansion and contraction of the wiring can be reduced.

The second insulating layer can be formed by the same forming method as the first insulating layer. A commercially available resin sheet or resin film can also be used.

The average film thickness of the second insulating layer is preferably 10 to 200 μm. If the second insulating layer is too thin, it is likely to deteriorate when repeatedly stretched, and the insulating effect may be insufficient. Therefore, the average film thickness of the second insulating layer is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, still more preferably 40 μm or more. However, if the second insulating layer is too thick, the stretchability of the wiring is hindered, and the thickness of the wiring is too thick, which may make wearing uncomfortable. Therefore, the average film thickness of the second insulating layer is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 180 μm or less, still more preferably 150 μm or less.

It is preferable that the load per unit width applied to the electrodes and wirings when stretched by 10% is 100 N/cm or less. If the load per unit width applied at 10% elongation exceeds 100 N/cm, the elongation of the electrodes and wiring will be difficult to follow the elongation of the fabric, which may hinder the comfort of wearing the garment. Therefore, the load per unit width applied at 10% elongation is preferably 100 N/cm or less, more preferably 80 N/cm or less, and even more preferably 50 N/cm or less.

It is preferable that the electrode and the wiring have a change ratio of electric resistance of 5 times or less when elongated by 20%. If the electrical resistance change rate exceeds 5 times when stretched by 20%, the electrical conductivity decreases significantly. Therefore, the rate of change in electrical resistance at 20% elongation is preferably 5 times or less, more preferably 4 times or less, and still more preferably 3 times or less.

Although the electrodes and the wiring may be made of different materials, they are preferably made of the same material.

When the electrodes and the wires are made of the same material, the width of the wires is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and still more preferably 5 mm or more. Although the upper limit of the wiring width is not particularly limited, for example, it is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 9 mm or less, and still more preferably 8 mm or less.

The electrical resistance of the electrode surface is preferably 1000 Ω/cm or less, more preferably 300 Ω/cm or less, still more preferably 200 Ω/cm or less, and particularly preferably 100 Ω/cm or less. In particular, when the electrode is in the form of a sheet, the electrical resistance of the electrode surface can usually be suppressed to 300Ω/cm or less.

The form of the electrode is preferably sheet-like. By making the electrode sheet-like, the electrode surface can be widened, so that the contact area with the wearer's skin can be ensured. The sheet-shaped electrode preferably has good bendability. Further, the sheet-shaped electrode preferably has stretchability.

The size of the sheet-shaped electrode is not particularly limited as long as it can measure electrical signals from the body, but the area of the electrode surface is preferably 5 to 100 cm ² and the average thickness of the electrode is preferably 10 to 500 μm.

The area of the electrode surface is more preferably 10 cm ² or more, still more preferably 15 cm ² or more. The area of the electrode surface is more preferably 90 cm ² or less, still more preferably 80 cm ² or less.

If the electrode is too thin, the conductivity may be insufficient. Therefore, the average thickness is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, still more preferably 50 μm or more. However, if it is too thick, the wearer may feel a foreign object and feel uncomfortable. Therefore, the average thickness is preferably 500 µm or less, more preferably 450 µm or less, still more preferably 400 µm or less.

The shape of the electrode is not particularly limited as long as it follows the curve of the body corresponding to the position where the electrode is placed and is a shape that easily follows the movement of the body and adheres easily. A rectangular shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and the like can be mentioned. If the shape of the electrode is polygonal, the vertices may be rounded so as not to damage the skin.

The average thickness of the wiring is preferably 10 to 500 μm. If the thickness is too thin, the conductivity may become insufficient. Therefore, the average thickness is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, still more preferably 50 μm or more. However, if the thickness is too thick, the wearer may feel a foreign object and feel uncomfortable. Therefore, the average thickness is preferably 500 µm or less, more preferably 300 µm or less, still more preferably 200 µm or less.

The electrodes and wiring are preferably formed directly on the fabric that constitutes the garment.

The method of forming the electrodes and wiring on the fabric is not particularly limited as long as it is a method that does not interfere with the elasticity of the electrodes and wiring. From the point of view, known methods such as lamination with an adhesive and lamination with a hot press can be employed.

It is preferable that the clothing includes an electronic unit or the like having a function of calculating the electrical signals obtained by the electrodes. By calculating and processing electrical signals obtained by the electrodes in the electronic unit and the like, biological information such as electrocardiogram, heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, body temperature, myoelectricity, and perspiration can be obtained.

It is preferable that the electronic unit and the like be attachable to and detachable from clothing.

It is preferable that the electronic unit and the like further have display means, storage means, communication means, a USB connector, and the like.

The electronic unit or the like may include, for example, a sensor capable of measuring environmental information such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, or a sensor capable of measuring position information using GPS.

By using the above clothing, it can be applied to techniques for grasping a person's psychological state and physiological state. For example, it is possible to detect the degree of relaxation for mental training, detect drowsiness to prevent drowsy driving, measure an electrocardiogram to diagnose depression and stress, and the like.

1 T-shirt 2 Front body 3 Back body 11a, 11b Woven or knitted fabric

Claims (13)

A clothing having electrodes in contact with the wearer's skin,
The body on which the electrodes are formed has a stress of 0.1 to 1.2 N per 1 cm width when stretched 20% in the wale direction,
A garment, wherein a woven or knitted fabric that stretches in the width direction is formed on the sides of the garment and/or the body on which the electrodes are not formed. The woven or knitted fabric has a stress of 0.01 to 0.5 N per 1 cm width when stretched 30% in the width direction, and an elongation recovery rate of 80 to 100%.
2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the stress of the woven or knitted fabric is smaller than the stress per 1 cm width when the fabric is stretched 30% in the width direction of the fabric at the site where the electrodes are formed. A clothing having electrodes in contact with the wearer's skin,
A woven or knitted fabric that stretches in the width direction is formed on the side of the clothing and/or the body on which the electrodes are not formed,
The stress per 1 cm width when stretched 30% in the width direction of the woven or knitted fabric is less than the stress per 1 cm width when stretched 30% in the width direction of the fabric in the region where the electrode is formed. Clothing to be. The garment has a front body and a back body,
The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the side portion connects the front body and the back body of the garment. The body on which the electrodes are formed has a stress of 0.02 to 0.5 N per 1 cm width at 10% elongation in the wale direction, and an elongation recovery rate of 80 to 100 after repeated elongation in the wale direction. %. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the woven or knitted fabric has a greater stretchability in the width direction than in the length direction. 4. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the woven or knitted fabric is formed in at least a region from the armpit to the lower abdomen of the thorax on the sides of the garment. The body on which the electrodes are not formed is the back body,
4. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the woven or knitted fabric is formed at least in the region from the collar to the waist of the back body. 4. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrodes are formed on the thorax, the lower abdomen of the thorax, or the back of the garment. 4. The clothing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrodes are sheet-shaped. 11. The clothing according to claim 10, wherein the sheet-like electrode has an electrode surface area of 5 to 100 cm ² and an average thickness of 10 to 500 μm. 4. The clothing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the clothing further has wiring that connects the electrodes and an electronic unit, and the electrodes and the wiring are made of the same material. 4. The clothing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the clothing is sports innerwear, a T-shirt, a polo shirt, a camisole, an underwear, an underwear, a hospital gown, or a sleepwear.

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