JPH10243931A - Connecting equipment for measuring in-body fat rate - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and surely connect an electrode and a lead line by permitting a connecting equipment for connecting an in-body fat rate measuring electrode adhered to skin to the lead line of an in-body fat rate measuring instrument to be provided with a conductive part connected to the lead line and a pinching mechanism for holding the conductive part and the terminal part of the electrode in a contact state. SOLUTION: The in-body fat rate measuring connection equipment is constituted of a pinching mechanism consisting of a mainbody 11, a pinching block 12, a pin 13 and a spring 14 and the conductive part 15. The mainbody 11 and the pinching block 12 are formed from an insulated material, the pinching block 12 is pivotally supported to the mainbody provided with a circular hole in a center part by the pin 13 and pinching force is obtained by the actuation of the spring 14. The other end part is projected to the circular hole of the mainbody 11. The mainbody 11 is provided with holes 16 for connecting the lead line and the lead line passes through the holes 16 so as to be connected to the end part of the conductive part 15. That is, the connecting part of the lead line is not brought into contact with skin since it is covered by the mainbody 11, so that correct measurement is attained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a body fat percentage measuring connector used in a body fat percentage measuring device for measuring a body fat percentage by applying a weak current to a human body and measuring electric resistance, and The present invention relates to a body fat percentage measuring device using the same.

[Prior art]

[0002] The body fat percentage is measured by applying an electrode to the skin surface of a subject and applying a weak current to measure the electrical resistance. When measuring the body fat percentage, it is important that the electrode be sufficiently adhered to the skin surface in order to improve reproducibility and minimize variations in measured values. Therefore, conventionally, a so-called adsorption type electrode which is brought into close contact with the skin surface by suction has been frequently used.

However, in the measurement of the body fat percentage using the adsorption type electrode, one adsorption type electrode is used because connection between the adsorption type electrode and the lead wire of the body fat percentage measuring device is troublesome. Since it is common to repeatedly use different subjects, there is a problem in hygiene such as skin infection and the like, and the subject is uncomfortable.

[0004] Further, since the adsorbing force of the adsorption type electrode is liable to change with time when adsorbed on the skin surface, the contact area with the skin surface decreases with time, and as a result, the measured body fat is reduced. Since the value of the rate fluctuates, there has been a problem that accurate measurement is difficult.

[0005] Further, when the adsorption type electrode is adsorbed on the skin surface, it is necessary to apply a conductive gel directly to the skin for the purpose of reducing the contact resistance of the skin surface and maintaining a vacuum. Therefore, it takes time to wipe the conductive gel after the measurement, and due to the salts contained in the conductive gel,
There has been a problem that the electrode parts and the like rust and the measured values vary. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to maintain a vacuum because it has a portion that is not flat on the skin surface, and it takes time to attach the skin.

The electrode for measuring the body fat percentage is required to have a high electrode performance almost equivalent to the electrode used for the electrocardiogram measurement, but the disposable electrode used for the electrocardiogram measurement is expensive, It has been extremely difficult to use in measuring body fat percentage that is not directly linked to medical practice.

In the measurement of the body fat percentage, if the distance between the electrode terminals is not constant, the data cannot be compared at all, and the electrical resistance in the living body cannot be measured accurately. Even with the electrodes used, the body fat percentage could not be measured accurately.

[0008] Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 6-86705 and Utility Model Registration No. 30051515 disclose that the body fat percentage can be accurately measured by keeping the distance between the electrode terminals constant. An electrode for measurement is disclosed. However, these electrodes have the drawback that they are expensive because of the large number of parts and the complicated production, and the connection between these electrodes and the body fat percentage measuring device is troublesome. It could not be used disposably.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has been made in view of the above. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device and a device for measuring a body fat percentage using the same.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a body fat percentage measuring connector for connecting a body fat percentage measuring electrode to be attached to the skin and a lead line of the body fat percentage measuring device. ,
A body fat percentage measurement connector comprising: a conductive part connected to the lead wire; and a sandwiching mechanism for holding the conductive part and the terminal part of the body fat percentage measurement electrode in contact with each other. . Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

[0011] The connector for measuring body fat percentage of the present invention has a conductive portion and a sandwiching mechanism. The conductive part is connected to a lead wire of a body fat percentage measuring device. The material of the conductive portion is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a nickel-plated copper wire.

The sandwiching mechanism grips the conductive portion and the terminal of the body fat percentage measuring electrode in contact with each other. The sandwiching mechanism is not particularly limited, and includes, for example, a mechanism generally used in the past, such as a mechanism using the force of a spring.

According to the connector for measuring body fat percentage of the present invention,
When measuring the body fat percentage, the terminal of the body fat percentage measurement electrode attached to the skin surface of the subject can be reliably and easily connected to the lead wire of the body fat percentage measuring device. Further, the connector for measuring a body fat percentage according to the present invention can be used in applications other than the measurement of the body fat percentage.

A second aspect of the present invention is a tape-shaped electrode for measuring body fat percentage to be attached to the skin, and a body fat percentage for connecting the electrode for measuring body fat percentage and a lead wire of a body fat percentage measuring device. A measuring fat connector, comprising: a body fat percentage measuring device comprising: a conductive part connected to the lead wire; the conductive part; and the body fat percentage measuring electrode. And a pinching mechanism for gripping the terminal portion in contact with the terminal portion.

[0015] The body fat percentage measuring device of the present invention 2 comprises a body fat percentage measuring electrode and a body fat percentage measuring connector. In the present invention 2, a tape-shaped electrode is used as the body fat percentage measuring electrode, and the same connector as the body fat percentage measuring connector of the present invention 1 is used as the body fat percentage measuring connector. Can be

The tape-shaped electrodes for measuring body fat percentage include a non-conductive base sheet and a pair of electrode element portions made of a conductive substance provided on one surface of the base sheet at a predetermined interval. And a pair of electrode terminal portions formed integrally with the pair of electrode element portions, and a conductive adhesive gel layer provided on the pair of electrode element portions, wherein the electrode terminal portions are By providing a cut in the base sheet, the base sheet is preferably configured to be able to be pulled out on the side opposite to the surface on which the electrode element portion and the conductive adhesive gel layer are provided. Used.

The base sheet is not particularly limited as long as it is non-conductive. When the tape-shaped electrode for measuring body fat percentage is adhered to the surface of the human skin, the pair of electrode element portions are separated from each other. A non-conductive film or the like that has no elasticity and relatively high waist strength is preferably used so that the distance between them can be kept integral. The non-conductive film is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, a polyvinyl chloride film, a polyethylene film, and a polypropylene film. Of these, PET film is preferably used because of its high waist strength and easy printing. The thickness of the non-conductive film is preferably 50 μm or more.

The pair of electrode element portions are provided on one surface of the base sheet at regular intervals. By providing them at regular intervals, the measurement of the body fat percentage can be accurately performed. Preferably, the interval is 10 to 100 mm.

The electrode element portion is made of a conductive material. The conductive material is not particularly limited. For example, a conductive paste prepared by using silver, a mixture of silver-silver chloride, nickel, molybdenum, or the like; carbon black; graphite, or the like, alone or by mixing two or more kinds. And the like. Further, it can also be formed by laminating a metal foil such as silver between the base sheet and the conductive adhesive gel layer.

The pair of electrode terminal portions are formed integrally with the pair of electrode element portions. That is, the electrode terminal portion means a portion of the electrode element portion where the surface is not provided with the conductive adhesive gel layer. Therefore,
In the manufacturing process of the tape-shaped body fat percentage measuring electrode, if the electrode element portion is formed on one surface of the base sheet, the electrode terminal portion is formed at the same time.

The above-mentioned electrode terminal portion can be pulled out to the side opposite to the surface on which the above-mentioned electrode element portion and the conductive adhesive gel layer are provided by providing a cut in the above-mentioned base sheet. It is configured. For this reason, through the body fat percentage measuring connector, the lead wire of the body fat percentage measuring device and the electrode terminal portion can be directly connected. It is no longer necessary to provide them, and the number of parts can be reduced.

It is preferable that the electrode element portion and the electrode terminal portion are integrally formed by printing from the viewpoint of manufacturing cost and the like. The printing method is not particularly limited, and includes, for example, screen printing. In this case, the thickness of the electrode element portion and the electrode terminal portion to be formed is not particularly limited.

The conductive adhesive gel layer is provided on the pair of electrode elements. The conductive adhesive gel layer, by increasing the adhesion between the electrode element portion and the skin surface,
It enables accurate measurement of body fat percentage.

The conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive gel forming the conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive gel layer is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity, is less irritating to the skin, and has tackiness.
For example, polyacrylic acid derivatives such as acrylamide,
Examples of the matrix include a matrix of polyurethane or the like, which contains water, an electrolyte salt, or the like. The thickness of the conductive adhesive gel layer is preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

Such a tape-shaped electrode for measuring the body fat percentage is treated as a flat electrode until it is actually used for the measurement of the body fat percentage, but when it is attached to the skin surface of the subject, Is raised from the skin surface along the cuts made in the base sheet, the electrode terminal portion is connected to a lead line of a body fat percentage measuring device through the body fat percentage measuring connector. .

Such a tape-shaped electrode for measuring body fat percentage has substantially only three parts and has a simple structure, so that it is suitable for mass production and can be manufactured at low cost. be able to. Therefore, since it can be disposable, it is hygienic and does not give the subject a discomfort. Further, since the interval between the electrode element portions is always kept constant, the measurement of the body fat percentage can be performed accurately.

The apparatus for measuring body fat percentage according to the second aspect of the present invention uses the connection between the tape-shaped electrode for measuring body fat percentage attached to the skin and the lead wire of the body fat percentage measuring instrument to the above-mentioned connection for measuring body fat percentage. Since it is performed simply and reliably with a single touch using a measuring device, it is possible to replace only the tape-shaped electrode portion for measuring the body fat percentage, which is the portion actually in contact with the skin, for each measurement.

[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the connector for measuring body fat percentage of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows three views of one embodiment of the connector for measuring body fat percentage of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view thereof. The body fat percentage measuring connector includes a main body 11, a sandwiching block 12, a sandwiching mechanism including a pin 13 and a spring 14, and a conductive portion 15.

An insulating material is used for the main body 11 and the sandwiching block 12, and for example, a plastic material such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS resin) is preferably used. The center of the main body 11 is hollowed out in a circular shape. The sandwiching block 12
It is axially attached to the main body 11 via a pin 13 and generates a pinching action by the action of a spring 14. Spring 14
For example, a stainless steel spring or the like can be used.

The conductive portion 15 has its end inserted into the main body 11 with an adhesive or the like. Also, the other end
It penetrates the main body 11 and reaches a circular space at the center of the main body 11. This end is connected to the lead of a body fat percentage measuring device. In the present embodiment, since the lead wire connection hole 16 is provided in the main body 11, the lead wire passes through the lead wire connection hole 16 and is connected to the end of the conductive portion 15. For this reason, since the connection portion between the conductive portion and the lead wire is completely covered by the main body 11 made of an insulating material, it does not come into contact with the skin at the time of measurement, so that accurate measurement can be performed. it can.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of one embodiment of a tape-shaped body fat percentage measuring electrode constituting the body fat percentage measuring apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a side view thereof. The base sheet 21 has a strip shape and has electrode element portions 22, 22 at both ends thereof.
Are formed respectively. This electrode element part 22, 22
The electrode terminal portions 23 extend inward from the inside, that is, in directions facing each other. Further, the conductive adhesive gel layers 24, 24 are formed on the electrode element portions 22, 22.
Is provided.

The base sheet 21 is provided with a notch 25, and when the body fat percentage is measured, as shown in FIG.
2 and the conductive adhesive gel layer 24 are drawn out to the side opposite to the side on which the conductive adhesive gel layer 24 is provided.

The method of manufacturing the electrode for measuring body fat percentage shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described below. Conductive adhesive gel layer 2
The conductive adhesive gel forming 4 is used in the form of a sheet in which an easily peelable surface protective sheet such as a polyester film or a polyolefin film is previously adhered to both surfaces.

As the base sheet 21, a roll-like sheet obtained by winding a long film can be used, or a sheet cut to a predetermined size can be used.
In any case, as shown in FIG. 5, a paste of a conductive material is printed on the surface of the base sheet 21 by screen printing or the like, and the electrode element portion 22 and the electrode terminal portion 23 having a continuous repetitive pattern are formed. Let it form. Next, the protective sheet on one side of the surface protective sheet adhered to both sides of the sheet of the conductive adhesive gel is peeled off, and the sheet-shaped conductive adhesive gel is attached to the surface of the electrode element portion 22 on the base sheet 21. To wear. At this time, since the conductive adhesive gel has adhesiveness, the conductive adhesive gel layer 24 can be easily formed on the electrode element portion 22 simply by pressing without using an adhesive or the like. The conductive adhesive gel sheet is
Before the attachment, the slit is slit to a width substantially equal to the width W of the electrode element portion 22.

After the conductive adhesive gel layer 24 is formed, cuts 25 are continuously provided by punching or the like, and the base sheet 21 is cut at regular intervals along a cutting line C shown by a dashed line.
In this case, when cutting is performed while leaving only the surface protection sheet on the surface of the conductive adhesive gel layer 24,
At the time of use, strip-shaped electrodes for measuring the body fat percentage in a strip shape may be peeled off in order from the surface protection sheet, so that the handleability is improved.

Further, instead of the printing pattern shown in FIG.
A printing pattern as shown in FIG. 6 can be employed. The printing pattern shown in FIG. 6 has the advantage that the electrode terminal portion 23 is more simplified than that shown in FIG. 5, so that printing becomes easier and the pattern becomes more suitable for mass production.

In the body fat percentage measuring electrode according to this embodiment, the pair of electrode terminals 23, 23 are provided inward with respect to the pair of electrode elements 22, 22, but are provided outward. You can also.

FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the body fat percentage measuring connector and the tape-shaped body fat percentage measuring electrode. In FIG. 7, FIG. A shows a state immediately before the electrode terminal portion 23 of the body fat percentage measuring electrode is sandwiched by the body fat percentage measuring connector, and FIG.
Shows a state in which the electrode terminal portion 23 of the electrode for measuring body fat percentage is sandwiched by the connector for measuring body fat percentage. FIG. C is a side view in the sandwiched state.

As shown in FIG. 2B, when the electrode terminal portion 23 of the body fat percentage measuring electrode is sandwiched by the body fat percentage measuring connector, the conductive portion 15 and the electrode terminal portion 23 are insulated. Since the structure is completely covered by the main body 11 and the sandwiching block 12 made of the material, accurate measurement can be performed without contacting the skin during measurement.

[0041]

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

Production of tape-shaped electrode for measuring body fat percentage A paste of a conductive substance (a mixture of silver and silver chloride) was screen-printed on one side of a PET film having a thickness of 100 μm and a width of 80 mm using a screen and dried. Thus, an electrode element portion having a continuous and repeated print pattern as shown in FIG. 4 and an electrode terminal portion were integrally formed. At this time, the interval between the pair of electrode element portions was 30 mm.

Then, a sheet of a conductive adhesive gel (Technogel, manufactured by Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd.) having the same width as the electrode element portion was overlaid and adhered on the electrode element portion. Then
By cutting, a tape-shaped electrode for measuring body fat percentage was obtained.

Production of a connector for measuring body fat percentage A rectangular ABS resin main body having a thickness of 10 mm, a length of 38 mm and a width of 27 mm is provided with two 0.8 mm holes on the outside in the width direction.
A nickel-plated copper wire of the same diameter was wired in this hole. One end of the nickel-plated copper wire was fixed in an ABS resin body with an adhesive. In addition, sandwiching block,
It was connected to the ABS resin body via a stainless steel spring and a pin to obtain a connector for measuring body fat percentage as shown in FIG.

Measurement of body fat percentage An electrode for measuring body fat percentage in the form of a tape was affixed to a person to be measured, and the electrode terminal portion was turned back. As shown in FIG. 7, it was sandwiched by a connector for measuring body fat percentage. Also, a connector (HR10-10P-10PC) was used to connect a lead wire of a commercially available body fat percentage measuring device (SS-103, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) and a nickel-plated copper wire of a connector for measuring body fat percentage. And ligated. Next, the impedance value of the subject was measured to determine the body fat percentage. The measurement was performed for one person every minute for 5 minutes, and the change with time of the impedance value was examined.

For comparison, the body fat percentage of the same subject was measured using the same commercially available body fat percentage measuring device using a normal adsorption type electrode. The results are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the coefficient of variation (%) is (standard deviation / average value) × 100.
Was calculated by

[0047]

[Table 1]

As shown in Table 1, when the body fat percentage was measured using the body fat percentage measuring apparatus of the present invention, the coefficient of variation was compared with the impedance value obtained when the body fat percentage was measured using the adsorption type electrode. Is less than １ ／ and the change with time is small, indicating that accurate measurement is possible.

[0049]

Since the connector for measuring body fat percentage of the present invention has the above-described configuration, it is possible to simply and reliably connect the electrode for measuring body fat percentage and the lead wire of the body fat percentage measuring instrument. it can. Further, the body fat percentage measuring device using the connector for measuring body fat percentage of the present invention is a disposable tape-shaped body fat percentage measuring electrode which is a portion directly attached to a human body and used. Accordingly, problems such as hygiene problems, skin infection, and discomfort caused by the subject can be solved when the same electrode is repeatedly used for different subjects.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a three-view drawing showing one embodiment of a connector for measuring body fat percentage of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connector for measuring body fat percentage shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing one embodiment of a tape-shaped body fat percentage measuring electrode constituting the body fat percentage measuring device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an electrode terminal portion of the tape-shaped electrode for measuring body fat percentage shown in FIG. 3 is pulled out.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing an embodiment of a tape-shaped body fat percentage measuring electrode constituting the body fat percentage measuring device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a manufacturing method of one embodiment of a tape-shaped body fat percentage measuring electrode constituting the body fat percentage measuring apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the relationship between a body fat percentage measurement connector and a tape-shaped body fat percentage measurement electrode which constitute the body fat percentage measurement device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Main body 12 Pinching block 13 Pin 14 Spring 15 Conductive part 16 Lead wire connection hole 21 Base material sheet 22 Electrode element part 23 Electrode terminal part 24 Conductive adhesive gel layer 25 Notch

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A body fat percentage measuring connector for connecting a body fat percentage measuring electrode to be attached to the skin and a lead of a body fat percentage measuring device, wherein the connector is connected to the lead. A conductive portion, a sandwiching mechanism for gripping the conductive portion and the terminal portion of the body fat percentage measurement electrode in contact with each other,
A connector for measuring body fat percentage, comprising: 2. A tape-shaped body fat percentage measuring electrode to be attached to the skin, and a body fat percentage measuring connection for connecting the body fat percentage measuring electrode and a lead wire of a body fat percentage measuring device. And a body fat percentage measuring device, comprising: a body fat percentage measuring connector, a conductive part connected to the lead wire, and a terminal part of the conductive part and the body fat percentage measuring electrode. And a pinching mechanism for gripping the body fat in contact with the body fat ratio measuring device.