WO2012066912A1 - Electrode pad - Google Patents

Abstract

The electrode pad that is fitted on an electrode (A11-A14, A21-A24, 404) is provided with conductive gel (310, 510) and a base (320, 320A, 320B, 520, 520A, 520B), which holds the conductive gel (310, 510) so as to allow contact with the electrode (A11-A14, A21-A24, 404), and is provided to allow attachment to and detachment from the electrode (A11-A14, A21-A24, 404).

Description

Electrode pad

The present invention relates to an electrode pad to be attached to an electrode that comes into contact with a living body.

From the viewpoint of improving the adhesion to the living body and the skin followability, the electrode that is in contact with the living body is a water-containing highly fluid gel having conductivity (hereinafter simply referred to as a fluid conductive gel (commonly referred to as “gel”). Is applied to the surface of the electrode. Thereby, the contact resistance between an electrode and a biological body is reduced, and the improvement of the measurement precision of the electrical signal from a biological body is aimed at.

It should be noted that the “gel” usually means a lyophilic solute colloidal solution having elasticity and small fluidity (jelly-like). Therefore, in the present specification, a substance simply indicated as “conductive gel” means a substance having a normal elastic force and low fluidity (jelly-like), and “flowable conductive gel” means elasticity. It means a substance with high fluidity that you do not have.

However, before measurement, it is necessary to apply a fluid conductive gel to each electrode using a tube. Further, after the measurement, it is necessary to wipe off the fluid conductive gel from the electrode surface and the living body. The operation of applying and wiping the fluid conductive gel is troublesome for the measurer.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 04-244171 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 04-303415 (Patent Document 2), there is a living body electrode in which a fluid conductive gel is provided on the surface of an electrode to be brought into contact with the living body. It is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-244171 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-303415

The problem to be solved by the present invention is that, when a fluid conductive gel is used on the surface of the electrode, it is troublesome to apply the fluid conductive gel to the surface of each electrode. The work of wiping off the gel is troublesome.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problem. Even when a conductive gel having low fluidity is used on the surface of the electrode, the application of the conductive gel to each electrode is facilitated, the electrode surface, and the living body. It is an object to provide an electrode pad having a structure capable of facilitating the wiping operation of the conductive gel from the substrate.

The electrode pad according to the present invention is an electrode pad to be attached to the electrode, and holds the conductive gel and the conductive gel so as to be in contact with the electrode. A detachable base member. As described above, the “conductive gel” here is a colloidal solution of a lyophilic solute, unlike the fluid conductive gel, and has elasticity and low fluidity (jelly-like). Means a gel of matter.

In another embodiment, the base member includes a holding surface having an opening, and the conductive gel is held on the holding surface so as to be integrated with the base member.

In another embodiment, the total area of the openings in the region where the conductive gel is provided of the base member is 50% or more of the total area of the region where the conductive gel is provided.

In another embodiment, at least a region where the conductive gel is provided in the base member is a mesh member.

In another embodiment, at least a region of the base member where the conductive gel is provided is a fibrous member.

In another embodiment, the conductive gel is held on the base member so that the edge of the base member is exposed.

In another embodiment, the base member includes an engagement region that can be attached to and detached from the electrode by elastic deformation.

In another embodiment, the base member further includes a finger hook portion for engaging a user's finger when removing the electrode pad from the electrode.

In another embodiment, the base member is a polypropylene resin material.
In another embodiment, the conductive gel is an acrylic polymer gel or a urethane gel containing an electrolytic solution.

In another embodiment, the electrode is an electrode used in a visceral fat measurement device.

According to the electrode pad based on the present invention, even when a conductive gel having low fluidity is used on the surface of the electrode, the application work of the conductive gel to each electrode is facilitated, the conductivity from the electrode surface and the living body is improved. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrode pad having a structure capable of facilitating the wiping operation of the conductive gel.

It is a functional block diagram of the body fat measuring device in an embodiment. It is a figure (figure seen from the back side) which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the electrode in the body fat measuring device in embodiment. It is the flowchart which defined the operation | movement procedure at the time of the body fat measuring device in embodiment measuring a visceral fat mass. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the electrode belt used for the body fat measuring device in embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the abdominal part electrode provided in the electrode belt used for the body fat measuring device in embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the pad for abdominal part electrodes in embodiment. It is a top view which shows the structure of the pad for abdominal part electrodes in embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. It is a 1st schematic diagram which shows the attachment to the abdominal part electrode of the pad for abdominal part electrodes in embodiment. It is a 2nd schematic diagram which shows the attachment to the abdominal part electrode of the pad for abdominal part electrodes in embodiment. It is the 1st perspective view seen from the surface side which shows the structure of the base member of the pad for abdominal electrodes in an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. It is the 2nd perspective view seen from the surface side which shows the structure of the base member of the pad for abdominal electrodes in an embodiment. It is the perspective view seen from the back surface side which shows the structure of the base member of the pad for abdominal electrodes in embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows disintegration of a conductive gel. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state by which decay | disintegration of electroconductive gel is prevented. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the other base member of the pad for abdominal electrodes in embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the electroconductive gel sheet used for the pad for other abdominal electrode in embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the other base member of the pad for abdominal electrodes in embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the pad for other abdominal electrodes in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the limb clip with which the upper limb / lower limb electrode is mounted in the embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the pad for upper limbs / lower limb electrodes in an embodiment. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIV-XXIV in FIG. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the attachment state to the upper limb / lower limb electrode in the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad in the embodiment. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVII-XXVII in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the base member of the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad in the embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the other structure of the base member of the pad for upper limbs / lower limb electrodes in an embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the other structure of the base member of the pad for upper limbs / lower limb electrodes in an embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the other structure of the base member of the pad for upper limbs / lower limb electrodes in an embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the attachment structure to the 2nd clamping clip of the base member which has further another structure of the pad for upper limbs / lower limb electrodes in embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the other structure of the base member of the pad for upper limbs / lower limb electrodes in an embodiment. FIG. 34 is a sectional view taken along line XXXIV-XXXIV in FIG. 33. It is a perspective view which shows the other structure of the base member of the pad for upper limbs / lower limb electrodes in an embodiment. It is the 1st schematic diagram explaining the flow of conductive gel. It is the 2nd schematic diagram explaining the flow of conductive gel.

Hereinafter, an electrode pad according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment described below, when referring to the number, amount, and the like, the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the number, amount, and the like unless otherwise specified. In addition, when there are a plurality of embodiments below, it is planned from the beginning to appropriately combine the configurations of the embodiments unless otherwise specified. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts, and redundant description may not be repeated.

In the embodiment described below, not only the visceral fat mass but also the total body fat mass and the fat mass of each specific part of the body (the fat mass of each of the upper and lower limbs, the fat mass of the trunk, the subcutaneous fat mass in the abdomen, etc. ) Will be described as an example of a body fat measuring device configured to be able to measure. That is, the “body fat measuring device” includes “a visceral fat measuring device”.

The “abdomen” is the portion of the trunk that excludes the chest. In addition, the “part away from the abdomen” means the upper limb including the upper arm, the forearm, the wrist and the fingers, the chest separated from the diaphragm by a predetermined distance (for example, approximately 10 cm) or more, and the upper body including the shoulder, the neck and the head. And lower limbs composed of thighs, lower legs, ankles and toes. The “body axis” is an axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cross section of the subject's abdomen. The “abdomen front surface” includes a portion of the abdomen of the subject that is visible when the subject is observed from the front. For example, a portion of the abdomen of the subject that is visible when the subject is observed from the navel side along an axis perpendicular to the subject's body axis while passing through the subject's navel and spine is included. Further, the “abdominal back surface” includes a portion of the abdomen of the subject that is visible when the subject is observed from behind. For example, it includes a portion of the abdomen of the subject that is visible when the subject is observed from the spine side along an axis perpendicular to the subject's body axis while passing through the subject's navel and spine.

[Body fat measuring device]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the body fat measurement device according to the present embodiment. First, the configuration of the body fat measurement device will be described with reference to FIG.

With reference to FIG. 1, the body fat measurement device 1 includes a control unit 10, a constant current generation unit 21, a terminal switching unit 22, a potential difference detection unit 23, a physique information measurement unit 24, and a subject information input unit 25. A display unit 26, an operation unit 27, a power supply unit 28, a memory unit 29, and a plurality of electrodes. The control unit 10 includes an arithmetic processing unit 11.

The body fat measurement device 1 includes, as a plurality of electrodes, abdominal electrode pairs AP1 to AP4 attached to the back of the abdomen of the subject, upper limb electrodes H11 and H21 attached to the upper limb of the subject, and a lower limb attached to the lower limb of the subject. Electrodes F11 and F21 are provided.

The control unit 10 is configured by a CPU (Central Processor Unit), for example, and performs overall control of the body fat measurement device 1. Specifically, the control unit 10 sends commands to the various functional blocks described above and performs various arithmetic processes based on the obtained information. Among these, various arithmetic processes are performed by the arithmetic processing unit 11 provided in the control unit 10.

The abdominal electrode pairs AP1 to AP4 are attached to the surface of the back of the subject's abdomen in the body axis direction. The upper limb electrodes H11 and H21 are preferably mounted on the surface of the wrist of the right hand and the surface of the wrist of the left hand, respectively. The lower limb electrodes F11 and F21 are preferably mounted on the ankle surface of the right foot and the ankle surface of the left foot, respectively. The abdominal electrode pairs AP1 to AP4, the upper limb electrodes H11 and H21, and the lower limb electrodes F11 and F21 are electrically connected to the terminal switching unit 22, respectively.

The terminal switching unit 22 is constituted by a plurality of relay circuits, for example. The terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the specific electrode pair selected from the plurality of electrodes described above and the constant current generation unit 21 based on the command received from the control unit 10, and A specific electrode pair selected from the electrodes and the potential difference detection unit 23 are electrically connected.

As a result, the electrode pair electrically connected to the constant current generating unit 21 by the terminal switching unit 22 functions as a constant current applying electrode pair, and is electrically connected to the potential difference detecting unit 23 by the terminal switching unit 22. The electrode pair thus formed functions as a potential difference detection electrode pair. Various electrical connections by the terminal switching unit 22 are switched during the measurement operation.

The constant current generation unit 21 generates a constant current based on a command received from the control unit 10 and supplies the generated constant current to the terminal switching unit 22. The constant current generator 21 supplies, for example, a high-frequency current (for example, 50 kHz, 500 μA) that is preferably used for measuring body composition information. As a result, a constant current is applied to the subject via the electrode pair electrically connected to the constant current generating unit 21 by the terminal switching unit 22, that is, the constant current applying electrode pair.

The potential difference detection unit 23 detects a potential difference between the electrodes of the electrode pair electrically connected to the potential difference detection unit 23 by the terminal switching unit 22, that is, the potential difference detection electrode pair, and outputs the detected potential difference to the control unit 10. Thereby, the potential difference between the electrodes of the potential difference detection electrode pair in a state where the constant current is applied to the subject is detected.

The physique information measuring unit 24 and the subject information input unit 25 are parts for obtaining subject information used for the arithmetic processing performed in the arithmetic processing unit 11 of the control unit 10. Here, the subject information means information about the subject, and includes at least one of information such as age, sex, and physique information. The physique information is information on the size of a specific part of the body of the subject, for example, information including at least one of waist length (abdominal circumference), abdominal width and abdominal thickness, and height And information such as weight. The physique information measuring unit 24 is a part that automatically measures the physique information of the subject, and outputs the measured physique information to the control unit 10. On the other hand, the subject information input unit 25 is a part for inputting subject information, and outputs the input subject information to the control unit 10.

The functional block diagram shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the case where both the physique information measurement unit 24 and the subject information input unit 25 are provided in the body fat measurement device 1, but these physique information measurement unit 24 The subject information input unit 25 is not necessarily an essential configuration. Whether or not to provide the physique information measuring unit 24 and / or the subject information input unit 25 is appropriately selected based on the type of subject information used in the arithmetic processing performed in the arithmetic processing unit 11 of the control unit 10. . Of the subject information, the physique information may be configured to be automatically measured by the physique information measurement unit 24, or the subject himself / herself may input the physique information in the subject information input unit 25.

The arithmetic processing unit 11 includes an impedance calculation unit 12 and various fat amount calculation units 13. The impedance calculation unit 12 calculates various impedances based on the current value of the constant current generated by the constant current generation unit 21 and the potential difference information detected by the potential difference detection unit 23 and received by the control unit 10.

The various fat mass calculation unit 13 calculates various fat masses based on the impedance information obtained in the impedance calculation unit 12 and the subject information received from the physique information measurement unit 24 and / or the subject information input unit 25. The various fat mass calculation units 13 include, for example, a body fat mass calculation unit 14 that calculates the body fat mass of the whole body of the subject, a body fat mass calculation unit 15 that calculates a fat mass for each specific part of the subject, It includes at least one of a visceral fat amount calculation unit 16 that calculates the visceral fat amount and a subcutaneous fat amount calculation unit 17 that calculates the subcutaneous fat amount in the abdomen of the subject. The body fat mass calculation unit 14 and the subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 17 may be included in the visceral fat mass calculation unit 16.

The display unit 26 displays information on various fat amounts calculated by the arithmetic processing unit 11. As the display unit 26, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) can be used. The fat mass displayed on the display unit 26 includes, for example, the body fat mass of the subject, the fat mass for each specific part of the subject, the visceral fat mass, the subcutaneous fat mass in the abdomen, and the like. Here, the fat amount means an index indicating the amount of fat, such as fat weight, fat area, fat volume and fat level, and particularly for visceral fat amount, not only visceral fat weight but also visceral fat area, It refers to at least one of visceral fat volume and visceral fat level.

The operation unit 27 is a part for the subject to input a command to the body fat measurement device 1, and is configured by, for example, a key that can be pressed by the subject.

The power supply unit 28 is a part for supplying power to the control unit 10 and the like, and includes an internal power source such as a battery and an external power source such as a commercial power source.

The memory unit 29 is a part for storing various data and programs related to the body fat measurement device 1. For example, the subject information described above, the calculated visceral fat mass, and a body fat measurement process described later are executed. A body fat measurement program and the like are stored.

Next, an example of arithmetic processing performed in the body fat measurement device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. As described above, the body fat measurement device 1 according to the present embodiment can measure various fat masses in the various fat mass calculation units 13, but in the following, the visceral fat area as an index indicating the visceral fat mass An example of the arithmetic processing that is performed in the calculation of.

Referring to FIG. 1, impedance calculation unit 12 calculates two types of impedance based on the current value generated in constant current generation unit 21 and the potential difference detected in potential difference detection unit 23. One of the two types of impedance is impedance that reflects the lean mass in the abdomen of the subject (hereinafter, impedance is also referred to as Zt). The other impedance is an impedance reflecting the amount of subcutaneous fat in the abdomen of the subject (hereinafter, impedance is also referred to as Zs).

The visceral fat mass calculation unit 16 calculates the visceral fat mass of the subject, for example, the visceral fat area (unit: cm 2) based on the calculated two types of impedances Zt and Zs and the physique information (waist length) of the subject. To do. Specifically, for example, the visceral fat area Sv is calculated by the following equation (1) representing the relationship between the two types of impedances Zt and Zs and the waist length of the subject and the visceral fat area.

Sv = a × 2 × W−b × (1 / Zt) −c × W × Zs−d (1)
(However, a, b, c, d: coefficient, W: waist length).

Also, the subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 17 calculates the subcutaneous fat mass of the subject, for example, the subcutaneous fat area (unit: cm 2) based on the calculated impedance Zs and the physique information (waist length) of the subject. Specifically, for example, the subcutaneous fat area Ss is calculated by the following equation (2) representing the relationship between the impedance Zs and the waist length of the subject and the subcutaneous fat area.

Ss = e × W × Zs + f (2)
(However, e, f: coefficient, W: waist length).

Also, when calculating the body fat mass of the whole body of the subject, the body fat mass of the whole body is calculated by subtracting the lean body mass FFM from the body weight of the subject. Therefore, the body fat mass calculation unit 14 calculates the fat free mass FFM (unit: kg) based on the calculated impedance Zt and one piece of information (for example, height) included in the physique information of the subject. Specifically, for example, the fat free mass FFM is calculated by the following equation (3) representing the relationship between the impedance Zt and the height of the subject and the fat free mass.

FFM = i × 2 × H / Zt + j (3)
(Where i, j are coefficients, H is height).

The coefficients in each of the above formulas (1), (2), and (3) are determined by, for example, a regression formula based on the measurement result by MRI. Moreover, the coefficient in each of Formula (1), (2), (3) may be defined for every age and / or sex.

Based on the calculated impedance Zt and at least one piece of information (for example, body weight) included in the subject information, the body fat mass calculating unit 14 calculates the body fat mass of the subject, for example, the body fat percentage (% ) Is calculated. Specifically, for example, the body fat percentage is calculated by the following equation (4) based on the lean mass FFM and the weight of the subject.

Body fat percentage = (Wt−FFM) / Wt × 100 (4)
(Wt: body weight).

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of electrodes in the body fat measurement device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a state where the upper limb electrode, the lower limb electrode, and the abdominal electrode are arranged. FIG. 2 is an example of electrode arrangement viewed from the back side of the subject.

Referring to FIG. 2, the body fat measuring device 1 includes an electrode belt 100 and a limb clip 400. The electrode belt 100 is formed by integrally forming the abdominal electrode pairs AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4 and the belt material 101. The abdominal electrode pair AP1 includes abdominal electrodes A11 and A21. The abdominal electrode pair AP2 includes abdominal electrodes A12 and A22. The abdominal electrode pair AP3 includes abdominal electrodes A13 and A23. The abdominal electrode pair AP4 includes abdominal electrodes A14 and A24.

In the abdominal electrode pairs AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4, two pairs of electrodes are arranged in the body axis direction on the back of the abdomen of the subject, and each electrode pair is arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the body axis and spaced from each other. Is done. For example, the abdominal electrode pair AP2 is arranged at a predetermined distance from an axis passing through the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 of the abdominal electrode pair AP1.

The distance between the electrodes of the abdominal electrode pairs AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4 is substantially equal. For example, the distance between the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 of the abdominal electrode pair AP1 and the distance between the abdominal electrodes A12 and A22 of the abdominal electrode pair AP2 are substantially equal. Each of the electrodes of the abdominal electrode pairs AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4 is arranged in alignment with the electrodes of the corresponding other electrode pairs in a direction substantially perpendicular to the body axis. That is, the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A13, A14 are arranged in a line in a direction substantially perpendicular to the body axis. The abdominal electrodes A21, A22, A23, A24 are arranged in a line in a direction substantially perpendicular to the body axis.

The abdominal electrode pairs AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4 may be arranged in a line in the body axis direction. In other words, the abdominal electrode pairs AP2, AP3, AP4 may be arranged on an axis passing through the abdominal electrodes A11, A21 of the abdominal electrode pair AP1.

Further, a configuration in which a certain abdominal electrode pair is disposed at a position sandwiching another abdominal electrode pair may be employed. For example, abdominal electrode pairs AP1, AP2 are arranged in a line in the body axis direction, and abdominal electrode pair AP1 is arranged at a position sandwiching abdominal electrode pair AP2. The abdominal electrode pair AP3, AP4 may be arranged in a line in the body axis direction, and the abdominal electrode pair AP3 may be arranged at a position sandwiching the abdominal electrode pair AP4.

The limb clip 400 holds the upper limb electrodes H11 and H21 and the lower limb electrodes F11 and F21, and is attached to the surface of the wrist of the right hand, the surface of the wrist of the left hand, the surface of the ankle of the right foot, and the surface of the ankle of the left foot, respectively. Has been.

The constant current generator 21 causes a current to flow between electrodes of an electrode pair (hereinafter also referred to as a current electrode pair) electrically connected to the constant current generator 21 by the terminal switching unit 22.

The potential difference detection unit 23 detects a potential difference between electrodes of an electrode pair (hereinafter also referred to as a voltage electrode pair) electrically connected to the potential difference detection unit 23 by the terminal switching unit 22.

The visceral fat mass calculation unit 16 calculates the visceral fat mass of the subject based on the potential difference between the electrodes of the voltage electrode pair detected by the potential difference detection unit 23.

[Operation of body fat measurement device]
Next, the operation when the body fat measurement device in the present embodiment measures the visceral fat mass will be described.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart that defines an operation procedure when the body fat measurement device according to the present embodiment measures the visceral fat mass. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is stored in advance in the memory unit 29 as a program, and the function of the visceral fat measurement processing is realized by the control unit 10 reading and executing this program.

Referring to FIG. 3, control unit 10 receives input of subject information including physique information (waist length) (step S2). The subject information received here is temporarily stored in the memory unit 29, for example.

Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not there is an instruction to start measurement (step S4). Control unit 10 waits for an instruction to start measurement (NO in step S4). When control unit 10 detects an instruction to start measurement (YES in step S4), it performs electrode setting (step S8).

More specifically, the control unit 10 first performs an impedance Zt calculation process. That is, for example, the control unit 10 selects one pair of upper limb electrode H11, lower limb electrode F11 and one pair of upper limb electrode H21, lower limb electrode F21 as current electrode pairs, and selects an abdominal electrode pair AP1 as a voltage electrode pair.

The terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the pair of upper limb electrodes H11 and the lower limb electrodes F11 and the pair of upper limb electrodes H21 and the lower limb electrodes F21 to the constant current generation unit 21 based on the control of the control unit 10, and The abdominal electrode pair AP1 is electrically connected to the potential difference detection unit 23 (step S8). Here, the terminal switching unit 22 disconnects the electrical connection between the non-selected electrode and the constant current generation unit 21 and the potential difference detection unit 23 based on the control of the control unit 10.

The constant current generation unit 21 causes a current to flow from the upper limb to the lower limb based on the control of the control unit 10. For example, the constant current generation unit 21 causes a current to flow from the upper limb electrode H11 and the upper limb electrode H21 to the lower limb electrode F11 and the lower limb electrode F21 (step S10). In this case, the terminal switching unit 22 is preferably configured to short-circuit the upper limb electrode H11 and the upper limb electrode H21 and to short-circuit the lower limb electrode F11 and the lower limb electrode F21. The constant current generation unit 21 and the terminal switching unit 22 may have a configuration in which a current flows from any one of the upper limb electrodes H11 and H21 to any one of the lower limb electrodes F11 and F21.

In this state, the potential difference detection unit 23 detects a potential difference between the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 of the abdominal electrode pair AP1 based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S12).

Then, the control unit 10 selects the abdominal electrode pairs AP2, AP3, AP4 as voltage electrode pairs in order. That is, the terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the abdominal electrode pairs AP2, AP3, AP4 to the potential difference detection unit 23 in order based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S8). Then, the potential difference detection unit 23 sequentially detects the potential difference between the electrodes of the abdominal electrode pairs AP2, AP3, AP4 based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S12).

The impedance calculation unit 12 completes the detection of the potential difference for all combinations of electrode pairs. Here, the detection of the potential difference between the electrodes of the abdominal electrode pairs AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4 is completed (step Based on the current value supplied by the constant current generator 21 and the potential differences detected by the potential difference detector 23, impedances Zt1 to Zt4 are calculated (step S14). The values of the impedances Zt1 to Zt4 calculated by the impedance calculation unit 12 are temporarily stored in the memory unit 29, for example.

Next, the control unit 10 performs an impedance Zs calculation process. That is, the control unit 10 selects the abdominal electrode pair AP1 as the current electrode pair, and selects the abdominal electrode pair AP2 as the voltage electrode pair. The terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the abdominal electrode pair AP1 to the constant current generating unit 21 and electrically connects the abdominal electrode pair AP2 to the potential difference detecting unit 23 based on the control of the control unit 10 (step). S16). Here, the terminal switching unit 22 selectively electrically connects each abdominal electrode pair to the potential difference detection unit 23 based on the control of the control unit 10, and the unselected abdominal electrode pair, upper limb electrode, and lower limb electrode And the constant current generator 21 and the potential difference detector 23 are disconnected from each other.

The constant current generation unit 21 causes a current to flow between the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 of the abdominal electrode pair AP1 based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S18).

In this state, the potential difference detector 23 detects a potential difference between the abdominal electrodes A12 and A22 of the abdominal electrode pair AP2 based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S20).

The control unit 10 selects the abdominal electrode pairs AP3 and AP4 as voltage electrode pairs in order. That is, the terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the abdominal electrode pairs AP3 and AP4 to the potential difference detection unit 23 in order based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S16). The potential difference detection unit 23 sequentially detects the potential difference between the electrodes of the abdominal electrode pair AP3 and AP4 based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S20).

Next, the control unit 10 selects the abdominal electrode pair AP2 as the current electrode pair, and selects the abdominal electrode pair AP1 as the voltage electrode pair. That is, the terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the abdominal electrode pair AP2 to the constant current generation unit 21 and electrically connects the abdominal electrode pair AP1 to the potential difference detection unit 23 based on the control of the control unit 10. (Step S16).

The constant current generation unit 21 causes a current to flow between the abdominal electrodes A12 and A22 of the abdominal electrode pair AP2 based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S18).

In this state, the potential difference detection unit 23 detects a potential difference between the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 of the abdominal electrode pair AP1 based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S20).

The control unit 10 selects the abdominal electrode pairs AP3 and AP4 as voltage electrode pairs in order. That is, the terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the abdominal electrode pairs AP3 and AP4 to the potential difference detection unit 23 in order based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S16). The potential difference detection unit 23 sequentially detects the potential difference between the electrodes of the abdominal electrode pair AP3 and AP4 based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S20).

Similarly, the control unit 10 sequentially selects the abdominal electrode pairs AP3 and AP4 as current electrode pairs, and each of the abdominal electrode pairs AP3 and AP4 is the abdominal part of the abdominal electrode pairs AP1 to AP4 other than the current electrode pair. The electrode pairs are sequentially selected as voltage electrode pairs, and potential differences between the electrodes of the voltage electrode pairs are detected (steps S16 to S20).

When the application of current and the detection of potential difference are completed for all combinations of electrode pairs (YES in step S21), the impedance calculation unit 12 determines that the current value passed by the constant current generation unit 21 and the potential difference detection unit 23 Based on the detected potential differences, impedances Zs1 to Zs12 are calculated (step S22). The values of the impedances Zs1 to Zs12 calculated by the impedance calculation unit 12 are temporarily stored in the memory unit 29, for example.

Next, the visceral fat mass calculation unit 16 calculates the visceral fat area Sv based on the physique information (waist length) received by the control unit 10 in step S2, the impedances Zt1 to Zt4, and the impedances Zs1 to Zs12 ( Step S24). The visceral fat area Sv is calculated by the above formula (1). In the case where the body fat measurement device 1 includes the four abdominal electrode pairs AP1 to AP4 as in the present embodiment, for example, the average value of the four impedances Zt1 to Zt4 is the impedance in the equation (1). Substituting into Zt, the average value of the twelve impedances Zs1 to Zs12 is substituted into the impedance Zs in equation (1).

Also, the subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 17 calculates the subcutaneous fat area Ss based on the physique information (waist length) received by the control unit 10 in step S2 and the impedances Zs1 to Zs12 (step S26). The subcutaneous fat area Ss is calculated by the above equation (2). In the case where the body fat measurement device 1 includes the four abdominal electrode pairs AP1 to AP4 as in the present embodiment, for example, the average value of the twelve impedances Zs1 to Zs12 is expressed by the equation (2). Substituted for impedance Zs.

In addition, the body fat mass calculation unit 14 calculates the lean body mass FFM based on the subject information (for example, height) input in step S2 and the impedances Zt1 to Zt4 (step S28). The lean mass FFM is calculated by the above equation (3). In the case where the body fat measurement device 1 includes four abdominal electrode pairs AP1 to AP4 as in the present embodiment, for example, the average value of the four impedances Zt1 to Zt4 is expressed by the equation (3). Substituted for impedance Zt.

Further, the body fat mass calculation unit 14 calculates the body fat percentage based on the subject information (body weight) input in step S2 and the lean body mass FFM calculated in step S28 (step S30). The body fat percentage is calculated by the above equation (4).

And the display part 26 displays each measurement result based on control of the control part 10 (step S32).

Thus, the body fat measurement device 1 ends the body fat measurement process. Note that typical values of the impedances Zt1 to Zt4 are each about 5Ω. Further, typical values of the impedances Zs1 to Zs12 are each about 80Ω.

[Electrode belt 100 / abdominal electrode 200]
Next, the electrode belt 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of the electrode belt 100 used in the body fat measuring device, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the structure of the abdominal electrode 200 provided in the electrode belt 100 used in the body fat measuring device.

The electrode belt 100 is formed by integrally forming the abdominal electrode pairs AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4 and the belt material 101. An elastomeric material is used for the belt material 101, and a bellows structure is partially adopted so as to be easily deformed along the abdomen of the subject.

The abdominal electrode pair AP1 includes abdominal electrodes A11 and A21, and the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 are arranged with a predetermined gap in the body axis direction. The abdominal electrode pair AP2 also includes abdominal electrodes A12 and A22, and the abdominal electrodes A12 and A22 are arranged with a predetermined gap in the body axis direction. The abdominal electrode pair AP3 also includes abdominal electrodes A13 and A23, and the abdominal electrodes A13 and A23 are arranged with a predetermined gap in the body axis direction. The abdominal electrode pair AP4 also includes abdominal electrodes A14 and A24, and the abdominal electrodes A14 and A24 are arranged with a predetermined gap in the body axis direction.

FIG. 5 shows the structure of the abdominal electrode 200 used for the abdominal electrodes A11, A21, A12, A22, A13, A23, A14, and A24. The abdominal electrode 200 has a cylindrical shape, a diameter of about 23 mm, and a protruding height from the belt material 101 of about 6 mm. The abdominal part electrode 200 has a metal cylindrical electrode part 201, and an annular groove concave part 202 is provided in a waist part of the cylindrical electrode part 201.

[Abdominal electrode pad 300]
Next, an abdominal electrode pad 300 that is detachably provided to the abdominal electrode 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. 6 is a perspective view showing the structure of the abdominal electrode pad 300, and FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the structure of the abdominal electrode pad 300. Note that the gel used in the following description is a lyophilic solute colloidal solution, which means a gel of a substance (jelly) having elasticity and low fluidity.

The abdominal electrode pad 300 is provided with a circular conductive gel 310 and the conductive gel 310 so as to be electrically contactable with the abdominal electrode 200 and detachably attached to the abdominal electrode 200. And a cylindrical base member 320 having one end opened. For the base member 320, a polypropylene resin material, an ABS resin, or the like is used. As the conductive gel 310, acrylic polymer gel, urethane gel, or the like is used.

The abdominal electrode pad 300 has an outer diameter (W1) of about φ26 mm and a height (h1) including the conductive gel 310 of about 7 mm. Further, in the surface portion of the abdominal electrode pad 300, the conductive gel 310 is held by the base member 320 so that the edge (region indicated by B2) of the base member 320 is exposed.

In FIG. 6, the region where the conductive gel 310 is provided (the region indicated by B1) has a diameter of about 22 mm, and the exposed edge (the region indicated by B2) has a length of about 2 mm. Thereby, when grasping the pad 300 for abdominal electrodes, it can prevent that the conductive gel 310 contacts a fingertip.

[Attachment / detachment of abdominal electrode pad 300 to abdominal electrode 200]
Next, attachment / detachment of the abdominal electrode pad 300 to the abdominal electrode 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are first and second schematic views showing attachment of the abdominal electrode pad 300 to the abdominal electrode.

As shown in FIG. 8, a convex region 323 that protrudes inward in the radial direction is provided on the open end side of the cylindrical base member 320. This convex part area | region 323 may be provided in the continuous annular shape, and may be provided in several places discontinuously.

As shown in FIG. 9, by attaching the abdominal electrode pad 300 to the abdominal electrode 200 from above, as shown in FIG. 10, the convex region 323 of the base member 320 is once elastically deformed so as to expand outward. Thereafter, the convex region 323 engages with the groove concave portion 202 of the abdominal electrode 200. Thereby, the abdominal electrode pad 300 is fixed to the abdominal electrode 200. At this time, the lower surface side of the conductive gel 310 provided on the abdominal electrode pad 300 contacts the upper surface portion of the abdominal electrode 200 so as to be electrically conductive. When removing the abdominal electrode pad 300 from the abdominal electrode 200, the base member 320 is picked and lifted with a finger.

[Detailed Structure of Base Member 320]
Next, the detailed structure of the base member 320 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 is a first perspective view showing the structure of the base member 320 from the surface side, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a second view showing the structure of the base member 320 from the surface side. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the structure of the base member 320 from the back side.

The base member 320 has a cylindrical body 322 whose one end is open, and a polypropylene resin material, ABS resin, or the like is used. A cylindrical holding surface 321 provided with a plurality of openings 321a is provided on the other end side of the cylindrical body 322 on which the conductive gel 310 is held.

The opening 321a formed in the holding surface 321 has a plurality of arc-shaped openings provided concentrically. The width of the opening 321a in the radial direction is about 2 mm, and the width of the holding surface 321 positioned between the openings 321a is about 1 mm. The conductive gel 310 is applied to the front surface side and the back surface side of the holding surface 321 using the opening 321a formed in this manner, and the conductive gel 310 is integrated with the base member 320 on the holding surface 321. Is held in.

Note that the total area of the openings 321a in the region where the conductive gel 310 is provided (the region indicated by B1 in FIG. 12) is 50 of the total area of the region where the conductive gel 310 is provided (the region indicated by B1 in FIG. 12). % Or better. Accordingly, when the conductive gel 310 is applied to the holding surface 321 of the base member 320, it becomes easy for the bubbles to escape from the opening, and the entrainment of the bubbles into the conductive gel 310 can be suppressed. Become. As a result, it is possible to prevent the thinning due to the time-dependent change of the conductive gel 310 at the bubble mixed portion, and to stabilize the measurement accuracy in the visceral fat measurement device.

Three convex regions 323 projecting inward in the radial direction are provided on the open end side of the cylindrical body 322. The protruding length (b) of the convex region 323 is about 0.5 mm. Further, the diameter (W1) of the base member 320 is about φ26 mm as described above, and the height (h2) of the base member is about 6 mm.

Further, a total of six slits 322a are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 322 in the region where the convex region 323 is provided, and three finger hook portions 324 projecting outward in the radial direction to the region sandwiched between the slits 322a. There are places. Moreover, the convex part area | region 323 mentioned above is provided in the internal peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 322 in which the finger hook part 324 is provided. Thus, when the abdominal electrode pad 300 is removed from the abdominal electrode 200, the convex region 323 moves outward by elastically deforming the region sandwiched between the slits 322a by the finger hook portion 324, and the abdominal portion can be easily moved. It becomes possible to remove the electrode pad 300 from the abdominal electrode 200. In addition, the number of the convex part area | region 323 and the finger hook part 324 is not limited to three, It is possible to provide one place, two places, or four places or more.

Also, a plurality of protrusions 321p are provided on the back side of the holding surface 321. As shown in FIG. 15, when the protrusion 321p is not provided, after the abdominal electrode pad 300 is attached to the abdominal electrode 200, the abdominal electrode pad 300 is pressed against the abdominal electrode 200 side (in FIG. 15). In the direction of arrow F), the conductive gel 310 is pushed out from the holding surface 321 and the conductive gel 310 collapses.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, by providing a protrusion 321 p on the back side of the holding surface 321, the abdominal electrode pad 300 is pressed against the abdominal electrode 200 after the abdominal electrode pad 300 is attached to the abdominal electrode 200. Even when attached (in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 16), the protrusion 321p contacts the surface of the abdominal electrode 200 and suppresses the movement of the holding surface 321 to the abdominal electrode 200 side. As a result, it is possible to prevent the conductive gel 310 from being pushed out from the holding surface 321 and to prevent the conductive gel 310 from collapsing.

[Detailed Structure of Base Member 320A Having Other Form]
Next, a detailed structure of the base member 320A having another form will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the structure of another base member, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG.

The base member 320A also has a cylindrical body 322 that is open at one end, and is made of polypropylene resin material, ABS resin, or the like. A cylindrical holding surface 321 provided with a plurality of openings 321a is provided on the other end side of the cylindrical body 322 on which the conductive gel 310 is held.

The opening 321a formed in the holding surface 321 has an opening form in which a plurality of circular openings are provided. The diameter of one opening 321a is about 2 mm, and the shortest distance between the openings 321a is about 1 mm. The conductive gel 310 is applied to the front surface side and the back surface side of the holding surface 321 by using the opening 321a formed in this way, and the conductive gel 310 is integrated with the base member 320A on the holding surface 321. Is held in.

On the open end side of the cylindrical body 322, a convex region 323 that protrudes inward in the radial direction is provided. The protruding length (b) of the convex region 323 is about 0.5 mm. Further, the diameter (W1) of the base member 320 is about φ26 mm as described above, and the height (h2) of the base member is about 6 mm.

Also, a plurality of slits 322a are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 322, and a finger hook portion 324 having a plurality of convex portions extending in the circumferential direction is provided in a region sandwiched between the slits 322a. preferable. Thereby, when removing the abdominal electrode pad 300 from the abdominal electrode 200, it is possible to easily remove the abdominal electrode pad 300 from the abdominal electrode 200 by placing a finger on the finger hook portion 324.

In this base member 320A, the total area of the openings 321a in the region where the conductive gel 310 is provided (the region indicated by B1 in FIG. 18) is the region where the conductive gel 310 is provided (the region indicated by B1 in FIG. 18). 50) or more of the total area. Accordingly, when the conductive gel 310 is applied to the holding surface 321 of the base member 320A, it is easy for the bubbles to escape from the opening, and the entrainment of the bubbles in the conductive gel 310 can be suppressed. Become. As a result, it is possible to prevent the thinning due to the time-dependent change of the conductive gel 310 at the bubble mixed portion, and to stabilize the measurement accuracy in the visceral fat measurement device.

[Detailed Structure of Abdominal Electrode Pad 300B Having Other Forms]
Next, a detailed structure of the abdominal electrode pad 300B having another form will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 is a perspective view showing the structure of the conductive gel sheet 310A used for the abdominal electrode pad 300B, FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the structure of the base member 320B, and FIG. 21 is a cross section showing the structure of the abdominal electrode pad 300B. FIG.

The abdominal electrode pad 300B includes a conductive gel sheet 310A and a base member 320B. As shown in FIG. 19, in the conductive gel sheet 310A, the conductive gel 310 is applied in a circular shape on both surfaces of a sheet-like member 311 using a fiber member such as a circular nonwoven fabric. The peripheral edge of the sheet-like member 311 is exposed from the conductive gel 310.

The base member 320B includes a cylindrical body 322 whose both ends are open and an annular cap 321C having an opening 321a. The cylindrical body 322 and the cap 321C are connected by an elastically deformable connecting piece 325. Yes. The cylindrical body 322, the cap 321C, and the connecting piece 325 are all integrally formed of a polypropylene resin material, ABS resin, or the like.

The cap 321C is provided with three engagement pieces 321b protruding in the axial direction. Further, the cylindrical body 322 is provided with an engaging recess 322c that is detachably attached to the engaging piece 321b at a position corresponding to the engaging piece 321b. A convex region 323 that protrudes inward in the radial direction is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 322 opposite to the side where the cap 321C is provided.

The conductive gel sheet 310A is sandwiched between the upper end portion 322t of the cylindrical body 322 and the flange portion 321t provided on the cap 321C so that the exposed peripheral portion of the exposed sheet-like member 311 is sandwiched between the base member 320B. It is held (see FIG. 21).

The external dimensions of the abdominal electrode pad 300B are the same as those of the abdominal electrode pad 300 described above, the protruding length (b) of the convex region 323 is about 0.5 mm, and the diameter (W1) of the base member 320B is about φ26 mm. The height (h2) of the base member is 6 mm, and the height (h1) of the abdominal electrode pad 300B is 7 mm.

As described above, by using the conductive gel sheet 310A, it is possible to discard the conductive gel sheet 310A after use and reuse the base member 320B.

A fiber having a large mesh is used for the sheet-like member 311 of the conductive gel sheet 310A, and the total area of the openings of the eyes is at least a region where the conductive gel 310 is provided on the sheet-like member 311 (shown by B1 in FIG. 21). The total area of the region is preferably 50% or more. Accordingly, when the conductive gel 310 is applied to the sheet-like member 311, the bubbles can easily escape from the mesh, and the entrainment of the bubbles into the conductive gel 310 can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the thinning due to the time-dependent change of the conductive gel 310 at the bubble mixed portion, and to stabilize the measurement accuracy in the visceral fat measurement device.

(Action / Effect)
As described above, according to the abdominal electrode pads 300 and 300B in the present embodiment, since the conductive gel 310 is held in advance by the base members 320, 320A, and 320B, the abdominal electrode pads 300 and 300B are attached to the abdominal electrode. It is possible to easily apply the conductive gel 310 to the abdominal electrode 200 only by being attached to 200.

Further, since the conductive gel 310 has low fluidity, the wiping work of the conductive gel 310 attached to the subject is also facilitated. Similarly, wiping work of the conductive gel 310 attached to the abdominal electrode 200 is also facilitated.

Also, since the application position and amount of the conductive gel 310 attached to the subject are constant, the stability of contact resistance reduction and the constant distance between the electrodes can be ensured. Thus, by using the abdominal electrode pad 300 for each electrode of the body fat measuring device described in the present embodiment, the reliability of the measurement result in the body fat measuring device can be improved.

[Limb clip 400 / upper limb / lower limb electrode 404]
Next, the limb clip 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a view showing the structure of the limb clip 400.

Referring to FIG. 22, the limb clip 400 has a first sandwiching clip 401 and a second sandwiching clip 402. The 1st clamping clip 401 and the 2nd clamping clip 402 have the loose S character shape used as symmetry. The first clamping clip 401 and the second clamping clip 402 are connected by an elastic clip 403 so as to be openable and closable in the direction of arrow S in the figure.

The curved portion of the second sandwiching clip 402 facing the first sandwiching clip 401 is attached with a thin plate-like upper and lower limb electrode 404 made of stainless steel that functions as the upper limb electrodes H11 and H21 or the lower limb electrodes F11 and F21. Yes.

[Upper and lower limb electrode pad 500]
Next, an upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 is a perspective view showing the structure of the upper / lower limb electrode pad 500, FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along the line XXIV-XXIV in FIG. 23, and FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along the line XXV-XXV in FIG. is there.

Referring to FIGS. 23 to 25, this upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 holds a rectangular conductive gel 510 and this conductive gel 510 so as to be in electrical contact with the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404. In addition, a substantially rectangular base member 520 that is detachably attached to the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404 is provided. For the base member 520, a polypropylene resin material, an ABS resin, or the like is used. As the conductive gel 510, acrylic polymer gel, urethane gel, or the like is used.

The upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 has a maximum length (W21) of about 77 mm, a maximum width (W22) of about 38 mm, and a height (h21) including the conductive gel 510 of about 9 mm. In addition, in the surface portion of the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500, the conductive gel 510 is held by the base member 520 so that the edge portions (regions indicated by B12 and B22) of the base member 520 are exposed.

In FIG. 23, the region where the conductive gel 510 is provided (the region indicated by B11, B21) is B73 of about 73 mm, B21 is about 30 mm, and the exposed edge (the region indicated by B22, B12) is both B22 and B12. About 2 mm. Thereby, when the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 is gripped, the conductive gel 510 can be prevented from coming into contact with the fingertip.

Engagement regions 522 are provided at the four corners of the base member 520. The engagement region 522 has an arm portion 522a depending from the base member 520 and an engagement piece 522b extending inward from the arm portion 522a in parallel to the base member 520.

[Attaching / detaching the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 to the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, attachment / detachment to / from the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404 of the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 will be described. 26 is a perspective view showing a state where the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad is attached to the upper limb / lower limb electrode, and FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken along line XXVII-XXVII in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, by using the engagement region 522 provided in the base member 520 of the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500, the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404 and the second holding clip 402 are held, The upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 is attached to the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404.

Thereby, the lower surface side of the conductive gel 510 provided on the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 comes into contact with the upper surface portion of the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404 so as to be electrically conductive. When the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 is removed from the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404, the base member 520 is picked and pulled away with a finger.

[Detailed Structure of Base Member 520]
Next, the detailed structure of the base member 520 will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 is a perspective view showing the structure of the base member 520, and FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing another structure of the base member 520.

Referring to FIG. 28, the base member 520 has a substantially rectangular shape as a whole, and a polypropylene resin material, an ABS resin, or the like is used. The holding surface 521 on which the conductive gel 510 is held is provided with a plurality of rectangular openings 521a in a matrix shape, and has a net shape.

The opening 521a formed in the holding surface 521 is a rectangular opening having a side of about 3 mm to 5 mm, and the interval between the openings 521a is about 1 mm to 2 mm. The conductive gel 510 is applied to the front surface side and the back surface side of the holding surface 521 using the opening 521a formed in this way, and the conductive gel 510 is integrated with the base member 520 on the holding surface 521. Is held in.

At the four corners of the holding surface 521, engagement areas 522 having the arm portions 522a and the engagement pieces 522b are provided.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 29, it is preferable to provide a finger hook portion 523 that protrudes outward in the engagement region 522. Thus, when the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 is removed from the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404, the engagement area 522 is elastically deformed by the finger hook portion 523, and the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 is easily deformed. It can be removed from the lower limb electrode 404.

Note that the total area of the openings 521a in the region where the conductive gel 510 is provided (the region indicated by B11 and B21 in FIG. 23) is the total area of the region where the conductive gel 510 is provided (the region indicated by B11 and B21 in FIG. 23). It may be 50% or more of the total area. Thus, when the conductive gel 510 is applied to the holding surface 521, the escape of bubbles from the opening portion is facilitated, and the entrainment of bubbles in the conductive gel 510 can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the thinning due to the time-dependent change of the conductive gel 510 at the bubble mixed portion, and it is possible to stabilize the measurement accuracy in the visceral fat measurement device.

[Detailed Structure of Base Member 520A Having Other Form]
Next, a detailed structure of the base member 520A having another form will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the structure of another base member.

The base member 520 </ b> A has an opening 521 a having an opening area larger than the opening 521 a provided in the base member 520, and the engaging region 522 is a reinforcing portion 521 b provided in the central portion of the holding surface 521. Two places are provided at both ends of the. Also with this configuration, the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 is held by the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404 so as to embrace the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404 and the second holding clip 402 using the engagement region 522 provided in the base member 520A. Can be attached to.

Also in this base member 520A, the total area of the openings 521a in the region where the conductive gel 510 is provided (corresponding to the regions indicated by B11 and B21 in FIG. 23) is the region where the conductive gel 510 is provided (FIG. 23). (Corresponding to the regions indicated by B11 and B21) of 50% or more of the total area. Thus, when the conductive gel 510 is applied to the holding surface 521, the escape of bubbles from the opening portion is facilitated, and the entrainment of bubbles in the conductive gel 510 can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the thinning due to the time-dependent change of the conductive gel 510 at the bubble mixed portion, and it is possible to stabilize the measurement accuracy in the visceral fat measurement device.

[Detailed Structure of Base Member 520B Having Other Form]
Next, with reference to FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, the detailed structure of the base member 520B which has another form is demonstrated. FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing still another structure of the base member 520B, and FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure for attaching the base member 520B to the second holding clip 402.

Referring to FIG. 31, the basic structure of base member 520B is the same as base member 520 described above, and the difference is in the structure of engagement region 522. The engagement region 522 in the base member 520B is formed so as to be flush with the holding surface 521, and a thin portion 522y constituting a fragile region is provided in a streak shape at a connecting portion with the holding surface 521. Further, an engagement hole 522x is provided in the engagement region 522.

Referring to FIG. 32, a structure for attaching the base member 520B to the second clamping clip 402 will be described. An engagement protrusion 405 for engaging with an engagement hole 522x provided in the engagement region 522 is provided on the side surface of the second sandwiching clip 402 in advance. With the conductive gel 510 provided on the base member 520B in contact with the upper / lower limb electrode 404, the engagement region 522 is bent along the thin portion 522y, and the engagement hole 522x is engaged with the engagement protrusion 405. Let By engaging the engagement holes 522x of the engagement areas 522 at the four corners with the engagement protrusions 405, the mounting of the base member 520B to the second holding clip 402 is completed.

Thus, the productivity of the base member 520B can be improved by forming the base member 520B into a flat shape including the engagement region 522. In addition, when the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 is packed to accommodate the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500, the base member 520B has less unevenness, so that a highly airtight packing method can be performed. . Further, by adjusting the engagement hole 522x provided in the engagement region 522, the conductive gel 510 can be pressed against the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404.

In addition, it is good to provide the groove | channel 521c as shown in FIG.33 and FIG.34 in the holding surface 521 of the base member 520,520A, 520B mentioned above. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 521c is not limited to the U-shaped groove shown in FIG. 34 but may be a V-shaped groove. Thus, by providing the groove 521c in a direction (short direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding surface 521, when the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 is attached to the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404, the second It becomes easy to bend along the curved shape of the holding clip 402, and the contact of the conductive gel 510 to the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404 can be improved.

Also in this base member 520B, the total area of the openings 521a in the region where the conductive gel 510 is provided (corresponding to the regions indicated by B11 and B21 in FIG. 23) is the region where the conductive gel 510 is provided (FIG. 23). (Corresponding to the regions indicated by B11 and B21) of 50% or more of the total area. Thus, when the conductive gel 510 is applied to the holding surface 521, the escape of bubbles from the opening portion is facilitated, and the entrainment of bubbles in the conductive gel 510 can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the thinning due to the time-dependent change of the conductive gel 510 at the bubble mixed portion, and it is possible to stabilize the measurement accuracy in the visceral fat measurement device.

[Detailed Structure of Base Member 520C Having Other Form]
Next, a detailed structure of the base member 520C having another form will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing still another structure of the base member 520C.

35, the basic structure of the base member 520C is the same as that of the base member 520 described above, and the difference is in the shape and arrangement of the opening 521a and the structure of the engagement region 522.

In the holding surface 521, the opening 521a has a triangular shape, and is arranged so that the hypotenuses of adjacent triangles are parallel to each other in the vertical direction in the figure, and has a net-like shape. Further, the holding surface 521 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 521p similar to the protrusions 321p described in FIG. In addition, the holding surface 521 is provided with a pair of streak-like convex walls 521x so as to define a region where the conductive gel 510 is provided (regions indicated by B11 and B21 in FIG. 35).

The engaging region 522 in the base member 520C is connected to the holding surface 521 with the stepped portion 522d and the thin portion 522y constituting the weak region interposed therebetween. An engagement hole 522x is provided in the engagement region 522.

Further, in a region where the engagement region 522 of the holding surface 521 is connected (region outside the region indicated by B11 in FIG. 35), a region where the conductive gel 510 is provided in order to increase the rigidity of the base member 520C as a whole. A thick portion 522z having a thickness larger than the thickness of the holding surface 521 is provided.

Note that the mounting structure of the base member 520C to the second holding clip 402 is the same as the base member 520B described in FIG.

Also in this base member 520C, the total area of the openings 521a in the region where the conductive gel 510 is provided (corresponding to the regions indicated by B11 and B21 in FIG. 35) is the region where the conductive gel 510 is provided (FIG. 35). (Corresponding to the regions indicated by B11 and B21) of 50% or more of the total area. Thus, when the conductive gel 510 is applied to the holding surface 521, the escape of bubbles from the opening portion is facilitated, and the entrainment of bubbles in the conductive gel 510 can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the thinning due to the time-dependent change of the conductive gel 510 at the bubble mixed portion, and it is possible to stabilize the measurement accuracy in the visceral fat measurement device.

Here, with reference to FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, application | coating of the electroconductive gel 510 to the holding surface 521 is demonstrated. FIG. 36 shows a pattern of the opening 521a employed in the base members 520, 520A, and 520B.

In the case of this opening pattern, the flow of the conductive gel 510 introduced from the opening 521a is considered to be as indicated by an arrow G1 in the figure. As a result, in the region surrounded by the corner of the opening 521a of the holding surface 521 (the region having the same distance from the end of the opening), there is no escape of bubbles, and bubbles are entrained in the conductive gel 510. There is a possibility that relatively large bubbles Ba may remain in the conductive gel 510.

On the other hand, FIG. 37 shows a pattern of the opening 521a employed in the base member 520C. The opening 521a has a triangular shape, and is arranged so that oblique sides of adjacent triangles are parallel to each other in the vertical direction in the figure. As a result, unlike the opening pattern shown in FIG. 36, the area of the same distance from the end of the opening is reduced, and more bubble escape areas can be formed. As a result, entrainment of bubbles in the conductive gel 510 is improved, and the remaining of bubbles in the conductive gel 510 can be suppressed.

(Action / Effect)
As described above, according to the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 in the present embodiment, since the conductive gel 510 is held in advance by the base member 520, the upper limb / lower limb electrode pad 500 is used as the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404. The conductive gel 510 can be easily applied to the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404 only by wearing.

Further, since the conductive gel 510 has low fluidity, the wiping work of the conductive gel 510 attached to the subject is also facilitated. Similarly, the wiping operation of the conductive gel 510 attached to the upper limb / lower limb electrode 404 is facilitated.

Moreover, since the application position and amount of the conductive gel 510 attached to the subject are constant, the stability of contact resistance reduction and the constant distance between the electrodes can be ensured. Thereby, it becomes possible to improve the reliability of the measurement result in the body fat measurement device by using the upper / lower limb electrode pad 500 for each electrode of the body fat measurement device described in the present embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the electrode pad attached to the electrode used in the body fat measuring device is described. However, the electrode pad is not limited to the electrode used in the body fat measuring device. Absent. For example, the electrode pad according to the present invention can be applied to electrodes used in electrocardiograms, electromyograms, low-frequency massagers, EMS (Electro Muscle Stimulation), brain waveform measuring devices, and the like.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, it should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Body fat measuring device, 10 Control part, 11 Computation processing part, 12 Impedance calculation part, 13 Various fat mass calculation part, 14 Body fat mass calculation part, 15 Body fat mass calculation part, 16 Visceral fat mass calculation part, 17 Subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit, 21 constant current generation unit, 22 terminal switching unit, 23 potential difference detection unit, 24 body size information measurement unit, 25 subject information input unit, 26 display unit, 27 operation unit, 28 power supply unit, 29 memory unit, 100 electrode belt, 101 belt material, 200 abdominal electrode, 201 cylindrical electrode part, 202 groove recess, 300, 300B abdominal electrode pad, 310, 510 conductive gel, 310A conductive gel sheet, 311 sheet member, 320, 320A, 320B, 520, 520A, 520B base member, 321 holding surface, 321C key , 321a, 521a opening, 321b, 522b engagement piece, 321t collar, 321p, 521p projection, 322 cylindrical body, 322a slit, 322c engagement recess, 322t upper end, 323 projection area, 324 523 Finger hook part, 325 connection piece, 400 limb clip, 401 first clamping clip, 402 second clamping clip, 403 elastic clip, 404 upper limb / lower limb electrode, 405 engagement protrusion, 500 upper limb / lower limb electrode pad, 521 holding Surface, 521b reinforcement part, 521c groove, 522 engagement area, 522a arm part, 522d step part, 522x engagement hole, 522y thin part, 522z thick part.

Claims (11)

1. Electrode pads attached to electrodes (A11-A14, A21-A24, 404),
   A conductive gel (310, 510);
   The conductive gel (310, 510) is held in contact with the electrodes (A11-A14, A21-A24, 404) and is attached to and detached from the electrodes (A11-A14, A21-A24, 404). Possible base members (320, 320A, 320B, 520, 520A, 520B);
   An electrode pad comprising:
2. The base member (320, 320A, 320B, 520, 520A, 520B) includes a holding surface (321, 521) having an opening (321a, 521a),
   The conductive gel (310, 510) is held so as to be integrated with the base member (320, 320A, 320B, 520, 520A, 520B) on the holding surface (321, 521). The electrode pad according to 1.
3. The total area of the opening (321a) in the region where the conductive gel (310) is provided in the base member (320, 320A, 320B, 520, 520A, 520B) is the same as that provided by the conductive gel (310). The electrode pad according to claim 2, which is 50% or more of the total area of the region to be formed.
4. The electrode pad according to claim 3, wherein at least the region where the conductive gel (310) is provided in the base member is a resin member (320, 320A, 520, 520A, 520B).
5. The electrode pad according to claim 3, wherein at least a region of the base member where the conductive gel (310) is provided is a fibrous member (311).
6. The conductive gel (310, 510) is held on the base member (320, 320A, 320B, 520, 520A, 520B, 520C) such that the edge (B2, B12, B22) of the base member is exposed. The electrode pad according to claim 1.
7. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the base member (320, 320A, 320B, 520, 520A, 520B) includes an engagement region (323, 522) that is detachable from the electrode by elastic deformation. Pad.
8. The base member (320, 320A, 320B, 520, 520A, 520B) further includes a finger hook portion (324, 523) for engaging a user's finger when removing the electrode pad from the electrode. The electrode pad according to claim 1.
9. The electrode pad according to claim 1, wherein the base member (320, 320A, 320B, 520, 520A, 520B) is a polypropylene resin material.
10. The electrode pad according to claim 1, wherein the conductive gel (310, 510) is an acrylic polymer gel or a urethane gel containing an electrolytic solution.
11. The electrode pad according to claim 1, wherein the electrode (A11-A14, A21-A24, 404) is an electrode used in the visceral fat measurement device (1).

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