JP7308313B1 - clothing for quadrupeds - Google Patents

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide clothing for a four-limbed animal that can accurately measure biological information of the four-limbed animal even when a force is applied to the clothing in the direction of the waist of the four-limbed animal. A garment for quadrupeds, which is placed around the trunk of a quadruped animal, the garment has a belt-shaped main body portion arranged around the trunk of the quadruped animal, and an electrode formed on the skin-side surface of the belt-shaped main body portion. [Selection figure] None

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to clothing for quadrupeds, and more particularly to clothing that can measure biological information of a quadruped by being placed around the body of the quadruped.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in the fields of health monitoring, medical care, nursing care, and rehabilitation, clothing that can measure biological information when worn by a person has attracted attention. Moreover, in recent years, there is a need to measure biological information of four-limbed animals such as dogs, cats, and cows kept as pets or livestock in order to grasp the health condition of the four-limbed animals. Therefore, the present inventors disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a body contact type electrode, a connector, a clothing body having electrical wiring for connecting the electrode and the connector, and an electronic unit detachable to the connector. We proposed clothes for biometric information measurement. In addition, the inventors of the present invention have proposed, in Patent Document 2, biological information measurement clothing for cattle for grasping the health condition of the cattle.

WO2019/035420 WO2021/153329

When the clothing proposed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is worn around the body of a tetrapod and the biological information of the tetrapod is measured, the electrodes formed on the skin side of the clothing and the electrodes of the tetrapod are used. The garment must be tightened around the quadruped's girth to provide a close contact with the body and to prevent the garment from slipping from the quadruped's body.

By the way, tetrapods sometimes tremble when foreign substances such as insects adhere to their body surfaces, when they feel stress, or when they feel cold. When a tetrapod shakes its body, the tetrapod's body moves greatly in the direction around the trunk. Therefore, even if the clothing worn by the quadruped is tightly tightened in the direction of the waist, when the animal shakes its body, the electrodes that are in contact with the skin of the quadruped are displaced from the predetermined position. The measurement accuracy of the information sometimes decreased. In addition, when a tetrapod lies down, the clothes worn by the tetrapod are subjected to force in the direction of the girth of the tetrapod, causing the electrodes in contact with the tetrapod's skin to move out of position, resulting in the measurement of biological information. Accuracy was sometimes degraded. In addition, when a quadruped animal wearing clothes comes into contact with another quadruped animal, for example, a force is applied to the clothes worn by the quadruped animal in the direction around the waist of the quadruped animal.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to obtain biological information of the tetrapod even when a force is applied to the clothing worn by the tetrapod in the direction of the girth of the tetrapod. To provide a clothing for a quadruped animal capable of measuring with high accuracy.

The present invention is as follows.
[1] A garment to be placed around the body of a quadruped animal, the garment comprising a strip-shaped main body portion placed around the torso of the quadruped animal, and electrodes formed on the skin-side surface of the strip-shaped main body portion. and
The strip-shaped main body is an extremity whose thickness is reduced by 10 mm or more when a load of 5 kg per 1 cm ² of the strip-shaped main body is applied in the thickness direction of the strip-shaped main body at least in the region where the electrodes are formed. clothing for animals.
[2] The clothing for quadrupeds according to [1], wherein the belt-like main body includes a foam.
[3] The clothing for quadrupeds according to [1] or [2], wherein the belt-like main body has a thickness of 11 mm to 50 mm.
[4] When a load of 5 kg per 1 cm ² of the belt-shaped main body is applied in the thickness direction of the belt-shaped main body at least in the region where the electrodes are formed, The clothing for quadrupeds according to any one of [1] to [3], which is compressed by 50% or more with respect to its thickness.
[5] The belt-like main body has a first connecting member at a first end in the longitudinal direction, and a second connecting member at a second end in the longitudinal direction. Clothing for quadrupeds according to any of the preceding claims.
[6] The strip-shaped main body has a tensile strength of 2.8 N/cm or less at 5% elongation and 4.0 N/cm or less at 10% elongation under the following conditions [1] Clothing for quadrupeds according to any one of to [5].
[Conditions] Using a tensile tester, the center of the belt-shaped main body was placed in the center between chucks, and the belt-shaped main body was sandwiched between chucks so that the distance between the chucks was 45 cm, and the tensile speed was 100 mm / min. Elongation is performed and the tensile strength is measured.
[7] The extremity according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the belt-shaped main body is provided with a tightening member arranged on the belt-shaped main body on the side opposite to the skin side surface. clothing for animals.
[8] The clothing for quadrupeds according to [7], wherein the tightening member is detachably attached to the belt-like main body.
[9] The strip-shaped main body portion has a high friction portion having an average friction coefficient MIU of 0.40 or more on the skin side surface [1] to [8]. clothing.
[10] The clothing further includes a base fabric on the skin-side surface of the strip-shaped main body, and the electrodes are formed on the skin-side surface of the base fabric [1] to [8]. Clothing for quadrupeds according to any one of
[11] The garment for quadrupeds according to [10], wherein the strip-shaped main body and the base fabric have non-fixed regions that are not fixed to each other, and the electrodes are formed in the non-fixed regions.
[12] The clothing for quadrupeds according to [10] or [11], wherein the base fabric has a high-friction portion having an average friction coefficient MIU of 0.40 or more on the skin-side surface.

According to the clothing for quadrupeds of the present invention, biometric information of the quadruped can be accurately measured even when force is applied to the clothing worn by the quadruped in the girth direction of the quadruped.

A garment according to an embodiment of the present invention is a garment to be placed around the body of a quadruped, comprising a strip-shaped main body arranged around the torso of the quadruped and a skin-side surface of the strip-shaped main body. and electrodes. The belt-shaped main body has a thickness that is reduced by 10 mm or more when a load of 5 kg per 1 cm ² of the belt-shaped main body is applied in the thickness direction of the belt-shaped main body at least in the region where the electrodes are formed. It will be. This makes it difficult for the electrodes to be misaligned, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of biological information. That is, by selecting a material for the band-shaped main body that has a certain thickness and is easily deformed according to the load, force is applied to the clothing worn by the quadruped in the direction of the waist of the quadruped. The belt-shaped main body part deforms following the movement of the body, and the belt-shaped main body part acts as a cushioning material. Therefore, the electrodes formed on the skin-side surface of the band-shaped main body can maintain a state of being in close contact with the skin of the quadruped and can measure biological information.

When a load of 5 kg is applied in the direction of the thickness of the belt-like body per 1 cm ² of the belt-like body, the thickness is preferably 15 mm or more, more preferably 20 mm or more. It is preferable that the thickness of the belt-like main body when a load of 5 kg is applied in the thickness direction is as small as possible. The upper limit of the thickness of the belt-shaped main body that is reduced when a load of 5 kg is applied in the thickness direction depends on the thickness of the belt-shaped main body before the load is applied, but is preferably 45 mm or less, for example.

In the clothing according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is sufficient that the thickness of the strip-shaped main body disposed at least in the region where the electrodes are formed satisfies the above range, and the strip-shaped body including the region where the electrodes are formed is sufficient. The thickness of the entire body portion may satisfy the above range.

When a load of 5 kg is applied in the thickness direction of the strip-shaped main body per 1 cm ² of the strip-shaped main body at least in the region where the electrodes are formed, the thickness of the strip-shaped main body when no load is applied Those that are compressed by 50% or more are preferred. The ratio of compression to the thickness when no load is applied is more preferably 60% or more, still more preferably 70% or more, and particularly preferably 80% or more. The upper limit of the ratio of compression to the thickness under no load is not particularly limited, and may be less than 100%, more preferably 98% or less, still more preferably 95% or less, and particularly preferably 90% or less. .

In the clothing according to the embodiment of the present invention, the compression ratio of the belt-shaped main body disposed at least in the area where the electrodes are formed satisfies the above range, and includes the area where the electrodes are formed. The compression rate of the entire belt-shaped main body may satisfy the above range.

Although the material of the belt-like main body is not particularly limited, for example, it preferably contains a foam or a network structure, more preferably contains a foam, and is also preferably composed only of a foam. By using a foam or a net-like structure, it is possible to reduce the weight of the band-shaped main body even if it is thick, so that it is possible to reduce the burden when wearing it on a quadruped animal. Moreover, the heat retention effect can be enhanced by using a foam.

Materials forming the foam include, for example, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyolefin (eg, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.), phenol resin, polyvinyl chloride, urea resin, silicone, polyimide, and melamine resin. Among these, polyurethane is preferred.

The foam may be, for example, mesh-like. As a result, breathability is enhanced, making it comfortable to wear even in the summer.

The network structure has a structure in which linear bodies made of a thermoplastic resin are fused at intersections of the linear bodies to form a network.

Examples of thermoplastic resins include polyolefin thermoplastic resins, polyester thermoplastic resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, polystyrene thermoplastic resins, polyurethane thermoplastic resins, and polyamide thermoplastic resins. Among them, the thermoplastic resin is preferably a polyolefin-based thermoplastic resin, a polyester-based thermoplastic resin or an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and more preferably a polyolefin-based thermoplastic resin, because of its excellent flexibility. These thermoplastic resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The shape of the linear body is not particularly limited, the interior of the linear body may be solid or hollow, and the cross-sectional shape of the linear body may be circular or irregular.

The fiber diameter of the linear body is, for example, 0.20 mm or more, more preferably 0.22 mm or more, still more preferably 0.24 mm or more, and 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.50 mm or less, and still more preferably 0 .35 mm or less.

As the network structure, for example, commercially available products such as "Breath Air (registered trademark)" manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd., "Krevalker (registered trademark)" manufactured by Kureha Tech Co., Ltd., and "Fusion (registered trademark)" manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation, and these Compressed bodies are preferably used.

The thickness of the belt-shaped main body is not particularly limited, but is preferably 11 mm to 50 mm, for example. When the thickness of the band-shaped main body is 11 mm or more, the movement of the four-legged animal is easily absorbed, so that the electrodes are less likely to be displaced, and the measurement accuracy of biological information is improved. The thickness of the belt-like main body is more preferably 15 mm or more, and still more preferably 20 mm or more. However, if the band-shaped main body is too thick, it becomes heavy, which increases the burden on the four-limbed animal. Therefore, the thickness of the belt-like main body is preferably 50 mm or less. The thickness of the belt-shaped main body is more preferably 45 mm or less, and still more preferably 40 mm or less.

It is preferable that the belt-shaped main body has a first connecting member arranged at a first end in the longitudinal direction and a second connecting member arranged at a second end in the longitudinal direction. By connecting the first connecting member and the second connecting member, the band-shaped main body can be fixed around the waist of the quadruped animal.

Examples of the first connecting member and the second connecting member include hook-and-loop fasteners such as magic tape (registered trademark) and free magic tape (registered trademark), buckles, buttons, hooks, fasteners, and the like.

The first connecting member and the second connecting member may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected by arranging a belt-shaped length adjusting member between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. . By arranging the length adjusting member between the first connecting member and the second connecting member and adjusting the length, the clothing can be worn even if the quadruped animal has a long waist. Examples of the length adjusting member include hook-and-loop fasteners such as magic tape (registered trademark) and free magic tape (registered trademark), adjusters, and joints.

It is preferable that the belt-shaped main body has a tensile strength of 2.8 N/cm or less at 5% elongation and 4.0 N/cm or less at 10% elongation under the following conditions. When the tensile strength of the strip-shaped main body satisfies the above range, the strip-shaped main body easily expands according to the growth of the tetrapod. As a result, the clothing can be worn by the quadruped for an extended period of time. In addition, since the pressure from clothing can be reduced, abnormalities in the skin of quadrupeds, discoloration of fur, and the like can be reduced.
[Conditions] Using a tensile tester, the center of the belt-shaped main body was placed in the center between chucks, and the belt-shaped main body was sandwiched between chucks so that the distance between the chucks was 45 cm, and the tensile speed was 100 mm / min. Elongation is performed and the tensile strength is measured.

Among tetrapods, calves and foals in particular grow rapidly and their body circumference increases day by day. is preferred.

The tensile strength at 5% elongation is more preferably 2.0 N/cm or less, still more preferably 1.4 N/cm or less. Although the lower limit of the tensile strength at 5% elongation is not particularly limited, it is, for example, 0.2 N/cm or more. As a result, it is possible to improve the adhesion between the electrodes formed on the band-shaped main body and the body of the quadruped. The tensile strength at 5% elongation is more preferably 0.3 N/cm or more, more preferably 0.4 N/cm or more.

The tensile strength at 10% elongation is more preferably 3.0 N/cm or less, still more preferably 2.0 N/cm or less. Although the lower limit of the tensile strength at 10% elongation is not particularly limited, it is, for example, 0.8 N/cm or more. As a result, it is possible to improve the adhesion between the electrodes formed on the band-shaped main body and the body of the quadruped. The tensile strength at 10% elongation is more preferably 0.9 N/cm or more, and still more preferably 1.0 N/cm or more.

When the length in the width direction Y of the belt-shaped main body is not uniform between the chucks in the tensile test, the average width in the width direction Y between the chucks is obtained in calculating the tensile strength (N/cm). , the tensile strength (N/cm) can be obtained by dividing the load (N) by the average width. The average width is the average of the lengths in the width direction Y of a plurality of regions with different lengths in the width direction Y. FIG. The average width can be calculated by multiplying the ratio of the length in the body circumferential direction X of each region to the chuck-to-chuck distance (45 cm) by the length in the width direction Y of each region and calculating the sum of the numbers. .

The belt-like main body may have a tightening member disposed on the belt-like main body on the side opposite to the skin-side surface for tightening the girth of the quadruped. By tightening using the tightening member, the adhesion between the electrode and the tetrapod can be enhanced, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of biological information.

The tightening member has an elongated shape and includes, for example, a string, a rope, a belt, and the like. The tightening member may not have elasticity, but preferably has elasticity. The elasticity of the tightening member allows the electrodes in contact with the quadruped to maintain close contact with the body. As the elastic tightening member, for example, a rubber cord can be used, and a flat rubber can be particularly preferably used.

Preferably, the ends of the clamping member are configured to be connectable to each other. It is preferable that connecting members such as hook-and-loop fasteners such as velcro (registered trademark) and free velcro (registered trademark), buttons, hooks, adhesive tapes and buckles are arranged on both ends of the tightening member.

The tightening member may be arranged on the side opposite to the skin-side surface of the belt-shaped main body, and may be fixed to the belt-shaped main body, may be unfixed, or may be detachable. However, it is preferably configured to be detachable. By being detachable, it is possible to remove the tightening member from the clothing and wash or replace only the clothing, or wash or exchange only the tightening member. The tightening member can be detachable using, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners such as Velcro (registered trademark) and Free Velcro (registered trademark), buttons, hooks, and the like.

It is preferable that the belt-like main body has a high-friction portion having an average friction coefficient MIU of 0.40 or more on the skin-side surface. By having the high-friction portion, the clothing is less likely to shift with respect to the body of the quadruped, so that the measurement accuracy of biological information can be improved. The high-friction portion preferably has an average friction coefficient MIU of 0.42 or more, more preferably 0.44 or more. The average coefficient of friction MIU may be 1.0 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, or 0.6 or less.

The high-friction portion preferably has an average friction coefficient MIU in at least one of the body circumferential direction X and the width direction Y that satisfies the above range, and the average friction coefficient MIU in both the body circumferential direction X and the width direction Y satisfies the above range. is more preferable.

As the high-friction portion, it is preferable to dispose a fabric with exposed fine fibers. Fine fibers preferably include microfibers and nanofibers. The fine fibers may be obtained by dissolving and removing the sea component of the islands-in-sea composite fiber. Polyester fibers, nylon fibers, and the like are preferable as materials for the fine fibers. Examples of polyester fibers include those containing polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, stereocomplex polylactic acid, and the like. These may use only 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

The single fiber diameter of the fine fibers is preferably 8 µm or less, more preferably 1000 nm or less, still more preferably less than 1000 nm, even more preferably 800 nm or less, and particularly preferably 750 nm or less. The single fiber diameter of the fine fibers may be 100 nm or more, 300 nm or more, or 500 nm or more.

The single fiber diameter of fine fibers can be determined by a resin embedding method. For example, a fiber bundle of one thread taken out from a fabric is straightened, embedded in resin, cut in a direction perpendicular to the fiber axis, and a section is cut out, and then the cross section of the fiber is photographed with an electron microscope. The diameter of the cross section of the fiber is obtained from the diameter of the fiber bundle in this photograph and the photographic magnification scale, and the arithmetic mean value of the diameters of n=20 is obtained, which can be used as the single fiber diameter of the fine fibers. Specific examples of fine fibers include Nanofront (registered trademark) manufactured by Teijin Fibers Co., Ltd., Toraysee (registered trademark) manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc., and Belima (registered trademark) manufactured by KB Seiren Co., Ltd. can.

The high-friction portion may be present at one location on the skin-side surface of the strip-shaped body portion, or may be present at two or more locations.

The area ratio of the high-friction portion is preferably 5 area % or more, and more preferably 10 area % or more, when the exposed area of the skin-side surface of the belt-like main body is 100 area %. As a result, even if the four-legged animal moves, the band-shaped main body is less likely to shift, thus improving the measurement accuracy. The area ratio of the high friction portion is preferably 70 area % or less, more preferably 60 area % or less, still more preferably 50 area % or less, and particularly preferably 40 area % or less. This makes it easier to adjust the position when wearing. Note that the area ratio is the total area ratio when there are a plurality of high-friction portions.

It is preferable that the high-friction portion exists in a region separated from the outer edge of the electrode by 1 cm or more at the shortest distance. This makes it easier to adjust the positions of the electrodes and the like when the belt-like main body is attached. The shortest distance is more preferably 2 cm or more, and still more preferably 3 cm or more. The shortest distance may be 50 cm or less, 30 cm or less, or 20 cm or less.

The fabric that constitutes the high-friction portion preferably contains threads containing fine fibers and elastic threads. An elastic thread is a thread having rubber-like elasticity. Either a monofilament or a multifilament can be used as the elastic thread. Specific examples of the elastic thread include polyurethane elastic thread, polyester elastic thread, polyolefin elastic thread, natural rubber thread, synthetic rubber thread, and thread made of stretchable composite fibers. One type of elastic thread may be used, or two or more types may be used. Among these, polyurethane elastic yarn is preferable because it is excellent in elasticity, heat setting property, chemical resistance, and the like. As the polyurethane elastic thread, for example, a fusion type polyurethane elastic thread, a fusion type polyurethane elastic thread, or the like can be used. Specific examples of the elastic thread include Lycra (registered trademark) fiber manufactured by Toray Operontex Co., Ltd., and the like.

The elastic yarn preferably has a breaking elongation of 100% or more, more preferably 200% or more, and even more preferably 400% or more. The breaking elongation of the elastic thread may be 1000% or less, or 900% or less. The breaking elongation is, for example, 100% when the chuck-to-chuck distance is doubled after being pulled.

The fabric constituting the high-friction portion may contain threads other than the elastic threads (hereinafter referred to as non-elastic threads). The inclusion of inelastic yarns prevents the fabric from stretching too much. Examples of inelastic yarns include multifilaments of synthetic fibers typified by polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, nylon 6, nylon 66, aramid, acrylic, acrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyarylate, polybenzazole, and the like. chemical fibers (semi-synthetic fibers) typified by rayon, acetate, lyocell and cupra; natural fibers typified by cotton, wool and silk; carbon fibers; Only one type of inelastic thread may be used, or two or more types may be used.

The inelastic yarn may be either filament yarn or spun yarn, but filament yarn is preferred. The filament yarn is preferably a multifilament yarn, more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyethylene multifilament yarn, a polyethylene terephthalate multifilament yarn, and a nylon 6 multifilament yarn, and more preferably a polyethylene multifilament yarn.

Assuming that the fabric constituting the high-friction portion is 100% by mass, the mixing ratio of the elastic yarn is preferably 5% by mass or more. This makes it easier to reduce the tensile strength during elongation. The mixing ratio of the elastic yarn is more preferably 8% by mass or more, still more preferably 10% by mass or more. On the other hand, the mixing ratio of the elastic yarn is preferably 60% by mass or less. As a result, it is possible to prevent the frictional force from being lowered due to excessive stretching of the fabric. The mixing ratio of the elastic yarn is more preferably 40% by mass or less, still more preferably 30% by mass or less.

The fabric constituting the high friction portion is preferably woven or knitted. For example, the woven fabric includes a single woven fabric and a multiple woven fabric, and the multiple woven fabric is preferred. Of these, a double weave fabric in which a yarn containing fine fibers is used as the backing yarn is more preferable.

The knitted fabric is preferably an insert knitted fabric or a pile knitted fabric in which yarns containing fine fibers are inserted so as to be exposed on the side surface of the skin and contact the skin. Further, the knitted fabric may be a weft knitted fabric or a warp knitted fabric. Weft knitted fabrics also include circular knitted fabrics. In the case of a weft knitted fabric, it is preferable that the knitted fabric is obtained by a plating method in which a plurality of knitting yarns are knitted into front and back, and a knitting method in which a yarn containing fine fibers is arranged on one side. In the case of circular knitted fabrics, single knits such as jersey knits, bare jersey knits, and welted jersey knits are preferred, and double-sided knits (smooth knits) and double knits in which at least the skin side has an all-knit structure are preferred. In the case of a warp knitted fabric, it is preferable to have a raschel knitted fabric in which elastic yarns are inserted in the warp direction and which has a satin net structure in which yarns containing fine fibers are inserted in the back reed. In order to arrange the yarn containing the fine fibers on the skin side of the fabric, it is preferable that the yarn containing the fine fibers be arranged on the middle reed and the back reed with an insertion weave, for example. Alternatively, an evacuation wrap structure may be used, or a thread containing fine fibers may be arranged on the sinker loop surface. The evacuation lap structure refers to a knitting structure in which the insertion yarn is not woven into the fabric and lies on the surface of the knitted fabric.

The clothing may further have a base fabric on the skin-side surface of the strip-shaped main body, and in this case, the electrodes may be formed on the skin-side surface of the base fabric.

A layered structure is obtained by further having a base fabric on the skin-side surface of the belt-like main body. When a tetrapod moves its body by trembling or lays down, a force acts in the direction of the waist of the tetrapod, and the clothes worn by the tetrapod also receive a force in the direction of the waist of the tetrapod. Even in this case, the base fabric moves while maintaining contact with the body of the tetrapod, but the movement of the body of the tetrapod is less likely to be transmitted to the belt-like body portion arranged on the base fabric. , the band-shaped main body portion is less likely to shift from a predetermined position around the waist of the quadruped. In addition, when a quadruped animal wearing the clothing of the present invention comes into contact with, for example, another quadruped animal and a force is applied in the direction of the girth of the quadruped animal, the clothing worn by the quadruped animal may Also, force is applied in the girth direction of the tetrapod. In this case, the strip-shaped main body placed on the base fabric moves in response to an external force, but the base fabric maintains contact with the body of the tetrapod, so the electrodes placed on the base fabric are It becomes difficult to shift from a predetermined position around the girth of the quadruped animal. As a result, the measurement accuracy of biological information is improved.

Materials for the base fabric include knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, and the like. Of these, knitted fabrics are preferred because of their excellent stretchability.

Knitted fabrics include weft knitted fabrics and warp knitted fabrics. The weft knitted fabric includes a circular knitted fabric. Weft knitted fabrics (circular knitted fabrics) include, for example, jersey knitting (flat knitting), bare jersey knitting, welted jersey knitting, milling knitting (rubber knitting), pearl knitting, single bag knitting, smooth knitting, tuck knitting, float knitting, and single knitting. Examples include hem knitting, lace knitting, and additional hair knitting. Examples of warp knitted fabrics include single denby knitting, open denby knitting, single atlas knitting, double cord knitting, half knitting, half base knitting, satin knitting, single tricot knitting, double tricot knitting, half tricot knitting, single Russell knitting, Examples include double Russell knitting and jacquard knitting.

Examples of woven fabrics include woven fabrics formed by plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, and the like. Moreover, the woven fabric is not limited to a single woven fabric, and may be a multiple woven fabric such as a double woven fabric or a triple woven fabric. Note that the base fabric may be formed in a mesh shape.

Although the thickness of the base material is not particularly limited, it is preferably 1 mm to 10 mm, for example.

The strip-shaped main body and the base fabric may be fixed to each other, but preferably have non-fixed regions that are not fixed to each other. If there is a non-fixed region, the electrodes may be formed in the non-fixed region of the strip-shaped main body. As a result, even if the tetrapod moves its body due to trembling, lies down, or comes in contact with other tetrapods, etc., the non-fixed area of the band-shaped main body and the base fabric move separately. It becomes easier to maintain a state in contact with the body of As a result, the measurement accuracy of biological information is improved.

The base fabric preferably has a high-friction portion with an average friction coefficient MIU of 0.40 or more on the skin-side surface. By having the high-friction portion, the clothing is less likely to shift with respect to the body of the quadruped, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of biological information. The high-friction portion preferably has an average friction coefficient MIU of 0.42 or more, more preferably 0.44 or more. On the other hand, the average coefficient of friction MIU may be 1.0 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, or 0.6 or less.

The high-friction portion preferably has an average friction coefficient MIU in at least one of the body circumferential direction X and the width direction Y that satisfies the above range, and the average friction coefficient MIU in both the body circumferential direction X and the width direction Y satisfies the above range. is more preferable.

The garment may have a protective fabric on the side opposite to the skin side of the belt-like main body. Degradation of the band-shaped main body can be suppressed by having the protective fabric.

As the material of the protective fabric, the knitted fabric, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, etc. exemplified as the material of the base fabric can be used. The material of the protective fabric may be different from or the same as the material of the base fabric. Although the thickness of the protective fabric is not particularly limited, it is preferably 1 mm to 10 mm, for example.

The strip-shaped main body and the protective fabric may be fixed to each other or may have non-fixed areas that are not fixed to each other.

When the protective fabric is provided, the tightening member may be placed on the protective fabric, and may be fixed to the protective fabric, may be unfixed, or may be detachable. However, it is preferable that it be detachable.

The electrode includes (1) an insulating layer formed on the skin-side surface of the belt-shaped main body and a conductive layer formed on the insulating layer, or (2) made of a conductive tissue. It is preferable that at least one of the conductive tissues has an elongation rate of 3% or more and 60% or less when a load of 14.7 N is applied in the body length direction or the body width direction.

(1) Electrode with Insulating Layer and Conductive Layer The insulating layer may be made of, for example, an insulating resin. The type of resin is not particularly limited as long as it has insulating properties. For example, polyurethane-based resins, silicone-based resins, vinyl chloride-based resins, epoxy-based resins, polyester elastomers, and the like can be preferably used. Among these, polyurethane-based resins are more preferable, and are excellent in adhesiveness to the conductive layer. Only one kind of these resins may be used, or two or more kinds thereof may be used.

The method for forming the insulating layer is not particularly limited, but for example, an insulating resin is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent (preferably water) and coated or printed on a release paper or film to form a coating film. Then, the solvent contained in the coating film is volatilized and dried. A commercially available resin sheet or resin film can also be used. The average film thickness of the insulating layer is preferably 10 to 200 μm.

The conductive layer is a layer for ensuring conduction. The conductive layer preferably contains a conductive filler and a resin. The resin contained in the conductive layer preferably has stretchability. As the resin having stretchability, for example, urethane resin, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, elastomer, silicone rubber, fluororubber, etc. are preferable, and those containing at least rubber containing sulfur atoms and/or rubber containing nitrile groups are preferable. more preferred. Sulfur atoms and nitrile groups have a high affinity with conductive fillers (especially metal powders), and since rubber has high stretchability, it is possible to easily avoid the occurrence of cracks and the like during elongation. In addition, the conductive filler can be easily maintained in a uniformly dispersed state, and the magnification of change in electrical resistance during elongation can be reduced. Rubbers containing sulfur atoms include rubbers containing sulfur atoms and elastomers containing sulfur atoms. 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 nitrile group-containing rubbers include nitrile group-containing rubbers and nitrile group-containing elastomers. In particular, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber, which is a copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile, is preferred. As a commercial product that can be used as the nitrile group-containing rubber, "Nipol (registered trademark) 1042" manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd. and the like are preferably mentioned. The elastic resin contained in the conductive layer may be of only one type, or may be of two or more types.

The total amount of rubber containing sulfur atoms and rubber containing nitrile groups is preferably 95% by mass or more, more preferably 98% by mass or more, and still more preferably 99% by mass or more, in all the resins of the conductive layer.

As the conductive filler, for example, metal powder, metal nanoparticles, or a conductive material other than metal powder can be used. Metal powders include, for example, precious metal powders such as silver powder, gold powder, platinum powder, and palladium powder; base metal powders such as copper powder, nickel powder, aluminum powder, and brass powder; plated powder plated with a noble metal; alloyed base metal powder alloyed with a base metal and a noble metal such as silver; The number of conductive fillers contained in the conductive layer may be one, or two or more.

The conductive layer can be formed, for example, using a composition (hereinafter sometimes referred to as conductive paste) in which each component is dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent.

The amount of the resin occupying the conductive layer (in other words, the solid content of the elastic resin occupying the total solid content of the conductive paste for forming the conductive layer) is preferably 5 to 50% by mass, more preferably 10 to 50% by mass. 40% by mass. On the other hand, the amount of the conductive filler in the conductive layer is preferably 50-95 mass %, more preferably 60-90 mass %. This makes it easier to achieve both conductivity and stretchability.

The conductive layer is formed directly on the insulating layer using a composition (conductive paste) in which each component is dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent, or is coated or printed in a desired pattern to form a coating film. It can be formed by volatilizing and drying the organic solvent contained in the coating film.

The conductive layer is formed, for example, by coating or printing a 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 on the insulating layer in a desired pattern.

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. This makes it easier to achieve both durability and comfort.

It is preferable that the conductive layer is covered with an insulating layer except for the portion (electrode portion) that comes into contact with the body of the quadruped and the exposed portion such as the connecting portion of the connector. Such an insulating layer is called a second insulating 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, reference can be made to the description of the resin forming the insulating layer (hereinafter referred to as the first insulating layer) formed on the skin-side surface of the belt-shaped main body described above. . 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, it is possible to reduce damage to the conductive layer due to biased stress when the conductive layer and the insulating layer expand and contract. The second insulating layer can be formed by the same formation method as the first insulating layer. The average film thickness of the second insulating layer is preferably 10-200 μm.

(2) Electrode composed of conductive tissue The electrode is composed of conductive tissue, and the conductive tissue has at least one elongation rate when a load of 14.7 N is applied in the body length direction or the body width direction is preferably 3% or more and 60% or less. When the elongation rate is 3% or more, the electrodes easily follow the movement of the belt-like main body, and the electrodes are less likely to peel off from the belt-like main body. The elongation rate is more preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more. On the other hand, when the elongation rate is 60% or less, it becomes easy to prevent deterioration in measurement accuracy of biological information due to excessive elongation of the electrodes. The elongation rate is more preferably 55% or less, still more preferably 50% or less.

The elongation rate can be measured, for example, by taking a test piece of a predetermined size, attaching it to an Instron tensile tester, and applying a load of 14.7 N at a speed of 300 mm/min.

Electrodes composed of a conductive tissue include, for example, a conductive fiber or a conductive yarn in which a base fiber is coated with a conductive polymer; a fiber whose surface is coated with a conductive metal such as silver, gold, copper, or nickel; Examples include woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, and non-woven fabrics using conductive yarns made of conductive metal fine wires; conductive yarns obtained by blending conductive metal fine wires and non-conductive fibers. As an electrode composed of a conductive tissue, a non-conductive cloth embroidered with the above-described conductive thread can also be used.

The clothing according to the embodiment of the present invention is preferably for electrocardiographic information measurement. The clothing of the present invention can be suitably used for measuring electrocardiographic information because the positions of the electrodes are less likely to shift.

The clothing according to the embodiment of the present invention preferably includes an electronic device having a function of calculating electrical signals obtained by the electrodes. Biological information such as electrocardiogram, heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, body temperature, myoelectricity, and perspiration can be obtained by computing and processing the electrical signals obtained by the electrodes with electronic equipment.

It is preferable that the electronic device can be attached to and detached from clothing. It is preferable that the electronic device is attached to the skin-side surface of the strip-shaped main body through a connector such as a snap fastener formed with an electronic device connection portion, for example, on the skin-side surface of the strip-shaped main body. Preferably, the electronic device further includes display means, storage means, communication means, a USB connector, and the like. The electronic device may further include a sensor that can measure environmental information such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, a sensor that can measure position information using GPS, and the like.

According to the clothing according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, electrocardiographic potential, myoelectric potential, etc. can be measured by forming two or more biological information measuring electrodes on the surface of the clothing on the skin side.

The clothing according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with non-contact electrodes on the surface of the clothing on the skin side and the surface on the opposite side, and measures changes in the impedance of the body to measure the pulse, respiration, exercise state, and the like. is also possible.

The clothing according to the embodiment of the present invention preferably covers at least a portion of the chest, abdomen, back, front legs, rear legs, neck, and face, and covers at least a portion of the chest and abdomen. A covering is more preferable.

Examples of quadruped animals to wear the clothing according to the embodiment of the present invention include amphibians such as salamanders and frogs, reptiles such as crocodiles, lizards, snakes, turtles and iguanas, and mammals, among which mammals are preferred. Mammals, excluding humans, include, for example, livestock tetrapods, dairy tetrapods, pet tetrapods, etc. Specifically, cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, dogs, cats, etc. mentioned.

Claims (12)

A garment to be placed around the torso of a quadruped, comprising:
The clothing is
a band-like body disposed around the torso of the quadruped;
an electrode formed on the skin-side surface of the strip-shaped main body,
The strip-shaped main body is an extremity whose thickness is reduced by 10 mm or more when a load of 5 kg per 1 cm ² of the strip-shaped main body is applied in the thickness direction of the strip-shaped main body at least in the region where the electrodes are formed. clothing for animals. 2. The quadruped garment of claim 1, wherein said strip body comprises foam. The clothing for quadrupeds according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the belt-shaped main body has a thickness of 11 mm to 50 mm. When a load of 5 kg per 1 cm ² of the belt-shaped body is applied in the thickness direction of the belt-shaped body at least in the region where the electrodes are formed, the thickness of the belt-shaped body when no load is applied. The clothing for quadrupeds according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is compressed by 50% or more. 5. The strip-shaped main body according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a first connecting member is arranged at a first end in the longitudinal direction, and a second connecting member is arranged at a second end in the longitudinal direction. Clothing for quadrupeds. According to claims 1 to 5, the strip-shaped main body has a tensile strength of 2.8 N/cm or less when stretched by 5% and a tensile strength of 4.0 N/cm or less when stretched by 10% under the following conditions. Clothing for quadrupeds according to any of the preceding claims.
[conditions]
Using a tensile tester, the center of the belt-shaped main body is placed in the center between the chucks, and the belt-shaped main body is sandwiched between chucks so that the distance between the chucks is 45 cm, and the tensile speed is 100 mm / min. , to measure the tensile strength. The garment for quadrupeds according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the strip-shaped main body portion has a tightening member disposed on the strip-shaped main body portion on the side opposite to the skin-side surface. 8. The garment for quadrupeds according to claim 7, wherein said tightening member is configured to be attachable to and detachable from said belt-like main body. The clothing for quadrupeds according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the strip-shaped main body has a high-friction portion having an average friction coefficient MIU of 0.40 or more on the skin-side surface. The garment further has a base fabric on the skin-side surface of the strip-shaped main body,
The clothing for quadrupeds according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electrodes are formed on the skin-side surface of the base fabric. The strip-shaped main body and the base cloth have non-fixed regions that are not fixed to each other,
11. The garment for quadrupeds according to claim 10, wherein said electrodes are formed in said non-fixing areas. 12. The clothing for quadrupeds according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the base fabric has a high-friction portion having an average friction coefficient MIU of 0.40 or more on the surface facing the skin.