WO2017119496A1

WO2017119496A1 - State of wetness detecting device and water supply management system

Info

Publication number: WO2017119496A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/000311
Authority: WO
Inventors: 堀　克弘; 聡久保
Original assignee: グンゼ株式会社
Priority date: 2016-01-08
Filing date: 2017-01-06
Publication date: 2017-07-13
Also published as: JPWO2017119496A1

Abstract

Provided is a state of wetness detecting device with which detection can be performed accurately over a wide range of application without the need for complicated wiring connection work. The state of wetness detecting device is provided with: an elastic fabric 50 which covers a target object in a closely-contacting state; a sensor 80 which detects a state of wetness of the elastic fabric 50; an attachment unit 70 which attaches the sensor 80 to the elastic fabric 50; and a signal output unit which outputs the state of wetness of the elastic fabric 50, as detected by the sensor 80, to the outside. A pair of elastic electrodes 61, 62 which expand and contract together with the elastic fabric 50 are disposed in the elastic fabric 50, and the sensor 80 is attached so as to be electrically connected between the elastic electrodes 61, 62 via the attachment unit 70.

Description

Wet state detection device and water supply management system

The present invention relates to a wet state detection device and a water supply management system.

Patent Document 1 discloses an excretion detection sensor including an electrode and a detection unit that is connected to the electrode and has a notification unit so that it can be notified to the surroundings when the diaper gets wet due to urination or defecation. Has been. The excretion detection sensor has a flat electrode composed of a small first electrode and a second electrode installed in a diaper, and electrically connects the flat electrode and a detection unit installed outside the diaper. It is comprised with the wiring to do.

In Patent Document 2, in a system for detecting defecation and urination, a urine detection tag for detecting diaper urine, a radio signal with a urine detection tag is transmitted and received, and contamination of the diaper is determined depending on whether or not a radio signal is received. A defecation / urination detection system is disclosed, which includes an RF reader that performs a function of reporting a diaper state when the diaper state is determined.

Registered Utility Model No. 3199505 JP 2013-534839 A

However, the excretion detection sensor described in Patent Document 1 needs to electrically connect an electrode unit for detecting excretion and a detection unit having a notification means unit using wiring, and wiring connection work is very much required. There was a problem of being complicated. For example, it is necessary to connect the wiring every time the diaper is replaced. For this reason, there is a problem that the wiring may get entangled in the body and that the excretion cannot be detected when the wiring is cut. Furthermore, in order to detect excretion with high accuracy, it is necessary to install a plurality of electrode portions, and there are a great number of problems that the number of wires increases accordingly.

When the RF tag described in Patent Document 2 is used, there is no wiring problem. However, in order to detect urination and the like with an RF tag that is a microchip, the location of each diaper is different. In addition to the necessity of mounting a plurality of RF tags, there is a problem in that these RF tags are disposable, resulting in great waste.

In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a wet state detection device and a water supply management system that can accurately detect a wide range without requiring troublesome wiring connection work.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first characteristic configuration of the wet state detection device according to the present invention is an elastic fabric that covers an object in a close contact state as described in claim 1 of the document of the claims. , At least a pair of electrodes disposed on the stretchable fabric, a sensor for detecting a wet state of the stretchable fabric via the pair of electrodes, a mounting portion for attaching the sensor to the stretchable fabric, and the sensor And a signal output unit for outputting the wet state of the stretchable fabric detected by the above to the outside.

The object is covered in close contact with the stretchable fabric, a sensor is attached to the stretchable fabric via the attachment portion, and the wet state of the stretchable fabric is detected by the sensor via the pair of electrodes. Since the stretchable fabric expands and contracts according to the shape of the object, the wet state of the object can be accurately detected. Since the detected wet state is output to the outside via the signal output unit, there is no need to constantly monitor in the vicinity of the object.

As described in claim 2, the second characteristic configuration includes, in addition to the first characteristic configuration described above, at least a pair of stretchable electrodes that stretch with the stretchable fabric as the electrodes. The sensor is electrically connected through the attachment portion between the stretchable electrodes so that the wet state of the stretched fabric sandwiched between the stretchable electrodes is detected by the sensor. It is in the point.

When the stretchable electrode is placed on the stretchable fabric, it stretches and adheres according to the outer shape of the target object like the stretchable fabric, so that even if the stretchable fabric is stretched, abnormal tension is applied to the stretchable electrode. Therefore, even if the stretchable fabric contracts, the stretchable electrode does not lift from the stretchable fabric. As a result, the degree of freedom of the sensor mounting position with respect to the detection target part is increased. In addition, when a plurality of detection target parts are necessary, it can be easily dealt with by arranging a stretchable electrode in each detection target part.

In the third feature configuration, as described in the third aspect, in addition to the second feature configuration described above, the stretchable electrode is exposed to a contact surface of the stretchable fabric with the object. It is in the point comprised with the electrically conductive thread sewed in this way.

By sewing the conductive thread from the target wet state detection target part to the attachment part, it is possible to realize a wet state detection device that is highly flexible and inexpensive in a wide range.

In addition to the second feature configuration described above, the fourth feature configuration of the fourth aspect is a conductive stretchable knitted fabric including conductive yarns knitted in a zigzag shape at least in the front and back direction of the surface. The stretchable electrode is constituted by the conductive yarn, the conductive stretchable knitted fabric is disposed on the stretchable fabric, or the stretchable fabric is constituted by the conductive stretchable knitted fabric.

Stretchable electrodes are composed of conductive yarns knitted in zigzags on the front and back sides of the surface. When such a conductive stretch knitted fabric is placed so as to overlap the stretch fabric, the stretchable electrode stretches or contracts as the stretch fabric stretches or contracts, so that it always follows the stretch fabric. Can be placed. Moreover, when a stretchable fabric is constituted by such a conductive stretchable knitted fabric, it is not necessary to superimpose a separate conductive stretchable knitted fabric. In this case, a part of the stretchable fabric can be constituted by a conductive stretchable knitted fabric.

In the fifth feature configuration, in addition to the fourth feature configuration described above, the conductive stretchable knitted fabric further includes the conductive stretch knitted fabric along the surface on which the conductive yarn is knitted. The elastic yarn knitted so as to maintain the zigzag arrangement by tightening the conductive yarn is provided.

The elastic yarn makes it possible to obtain stretch characteristics in the conductive stretch knitted fabric itself.

In the sixth feature configuration, as described in claim 6, in addition to any of the first to fifth feature configurations described above, the stretchable fabric is used for nursing clothes, and the sensor The wet state of the clothing by the body fluid of the wearer is detected and output to the outside by the signal output unit.

When sweating or urinary incontinence occurs in a cared person wearing clothing composed of stretch fabric, the stretch fabric is infiltrated by the body fluid at that time, and the wet state is detected by the sensor. Since the detected wet state is output to the outside via the signal output unit, it is not necessary for the nurse to be always at the side. In particular, if the stretchable electrode is placed on a stretchable fabric, the wet state can be accurately detected in the region where the stretchable electrode is placed, and even if a long stretchable electrode is placed, the wearer is particularly uncomfortable. There is nothing.

In addition to any one of the first to fifth characteristic configurations described above, the seventh characteristic configuration is used in a nursing sheet, in addition to any of the first to fifth characteristic configurations described above. The wet state of the sheet by the body fluid of the cared person is detected and output to the outside by the signal output unit.

When stretchable fabric is used for sheets used for nursing beds, etc., the sheets are kept in close contact with each other without slipping off the mat, and comfort is maintained. Even when the sheets are wetted by the body fluid of the cared person, the state is accurately detected and output to the outside via the signal output unit, so there is no need for the nurse to be always on the side.

In addition to any one of the first to fifth feature configurations described above, the eighth feature configuration is used in clothing for heat countermeasures for livestock, in addition to any of the first to fifth feature configurations described above, The wet state of the garment is detected by a sensor, and is output to the outside by the signal output unit.

If clothing made of stretch fabric is attached to livestock, it can be indirectly understood that the wet state of the clothing detected by the sensor is the state of the body surface of the livestock. Since the detected wet state is output to the outside via the signal output unit, appropriate measures can be taken according to the state even if the wet state is not always on standby.

In the ninth feature configuration, as described in claim 9, in addition to the eighth feature configuration described above, the pair of stretchable electrodes having any one of the second to fifth feature configurations includes a livestock It is that it is provided so as to extend from the neck portion toward the tail portion and at a distance from the back portion to the abdomen.

It becomes possible to accurately grasp the wetness between the back and abdomen of livestock.

In the tenth feature configuration, as described in claim 10, in addition to the ninth feature configuration described above, a plurality of pairs of the stretchable electrodes are provided with a distance between the back and the abdomen of the livestock. There is in point.

It becomes possible to accurately grasp the distribution of wetness between the back and abdomen of livestock.

According to the eleventh characteristic configuration, as described in claim 11, in addition to any of the first to fifth characteristic configurations described above, the stretchable fabric is covered with a water supply pipe or a water supply valve. It is used for a member, the wet state of the covering member is detected by the sensor, and is output to the outside by the signal output unit.

When the water supply pipe or the water supply valve is covered with the stretchable cloth and the stretchable cloth is detected to be wet by the sensor, it can be detected that water leaks from the vicinity of the pipe or the valve. Since the detected wet state is output to the outside via the signal output unit, appropriate measures can be taken promptly. The diameter and shape of water supply pipes and valves are various, but if it is a stretchable fabric, it can be easily covered with the stretchable fabric, including the stretchable electrodes, in close contact with them. .

The first characteristic configuration of the water supply management system according to the present invention receives the output signal from the wet state detection device having the seventh characteristic configuration described above and the signal output unit as described in claim 12. A signal input unit; and a water supply control unit that controls water supply from a water supply pipe that supplies water to the livestock or the clothing based on a wet state of the clothing input from the signal input unit. .

When it is determined that the water supply control unit is in a dry state based on the wet state output from the signal output unit, the livestock or the clothing worn by the livestock is supplied with water through the water supply pipe, thereby The state can be adjusted to a comfortable state.

As described in claim 13, the second characteristic configuration includes a wet state detection device having the eleventh characteristic configuration described above, a signal input unit that receives an output signal from the signal output unit, A water supply control unit that controls whether water supply from the water supply pipe is prohibited or allowed based on a wet state of the covering member input from the signal input unit.

Based on the wet condition output from the signal output unit, if the water supply control unit determines that there is water leakage from the pipe or valve, water supply from the water supply pipe is prohibited, and the water supply control unit If it is determined that there is no water leakage, water supply from the water supply pipe is allowed, so that an abnormal condition can be appropriately dealt with without a monitoring staff.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wet state detection device and a water supply management system that can accurately detect a wide range without requiring troublesome wiring connection work.

Fig.1 (a) and FIG.1 (b) are explanatory drawings of the wet condition detection apparatus by which the elastic fabric was used for the clothing for nursing care. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of the stretchable electrode fabric. FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram of the stretchable electrode fabric showing a knitted structure in the cross-sectional direction knitted by the smooth knitting when not stretched, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of the stretched fabric. FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a state in which livestock clothing is attached to a dairy cow that is an example of livestock. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of livestock clothing as seen from the front and side. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of livestock clothing viewed from the front. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of a livestock apparel showing another embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a livestock apparel showing another embodiment.

Hereinafter, nursing clothes to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), an upper garment, which is an example of a garment W1 for nursing care, is composed of a body fabric using an elastic fabric 50, and includes a left and right front body 51, a back body 52, and left and right sleeves. A portion 53 is provided.

A body fabric in which polyurethane elastic fiber yarns and other yarns are knitted by plating so that the wearer's body is covered in close contact with the fabric is used. As other yarns, natural fibers such as cotton, regenerated cellulose fibers such as cupra and viscose rayon, synthetic fibers such as polyester, and the like can be used. It is also possible to use a horizontal knitted fabric knitted using a polyurethane-based elastic fiber yarn as a core yarn and a covering yarn made of SCY in which the core yarn is covered with a single layer of cotton yarn or DCY in which the core yarn is double-coated. is there.

A belt-like stretchable electrode fabric 60 is arranged in a substantially horizontal posture in a region extending from the center to the back body 52 through the skirt of the left and right front body 51 from the center. Further, the stretchable electrode fabric 60 is disposed so as to rise from the left and right hems of the back body 52 and cross the back.

A pair of

stretchable electrodes

61 and 62 arranged in parallel with the insulating portion 64 in between are disposed on the stretchable electrode fabric 60. The right front body 51 is provided with a pair of

metal snap buttons

71 and 72 electrically connected to the pair of

stretchable electrodes

61 and 62, and the stretchable fabric 50 is wetted through the

snap buttons

71 and 72. A sensor 80 for detecting the state is fixed in an electrically connected state. That is, the

snap buttons

71 and 72 function as an attachment portion 70 that can attach the sensor 80 to the stretchable fabric 50 in a detachable manner.

The sensor 80 includes a resistance detection circuit 81 that detects an electrical resistance value between a pair of

stretchable electrodes

61 and 62 electrically connected via

snap buttons

71 and 72. The resistance detection circuit 81 compares the electrical resistance between the

stretchable electrodes

61 and 62 when the body cloth 50 between the

stretchable electrodes

61 and 62 is infiltrated with body fluid such as sweat of the wearer. It is composed of a known resistance detection circuit that detects a significant decrease.

As the resistance detection circuit, for example, an electronic device that detects an electric current that flows when a constant voltage is applied between the

elastic electrodes

61 and 62 via the

snap buttons

71 and 72 and calculates an electric resistance value based on Ohm's law. A circuit, a Wheatstone bridge circuit, or the like can be used. The resistance detection circuit is not limited to the Wheatstone bridge circuit, and may be composed of other resistance detection circuits.

The sensor 80 further includes a wireless transmitter that functions as a signal output unit 82 that outputs the wet state of the stretchable fabric 50 detected by the resistance detection circuit 81 to the outside. A passive type RFID tag is preferably used as the wireless transmitter. When the stretchable fabric 50 is infiltrated with moisture, the electrical resistance between the

stretchable electrodes

61 and 62 decreases, so that the wet state of the stretchable fabric 50 can be indirectly grasped by the electrical resistance between the

stretchable electrodes

61 and 62. It becomes.

The RFID tag includes a power supply circuit that supplies power to the resistance detection circuit 81 using radio waves transmitted from a management device installed in the vicinity as an energy source, and a wireless transmission circuit that transmits the output of the resistance detection circuit 81 to the management device. Yes. Therefore, it is not necessary to incorporate a power source such as a battery in the sensor 80. In addition, the signal output part 82 is not restricted to the example comprised with a passive type RFID tag, You may be comprised with the wireless transmitter driven by a battery.

Since the sensor 80 is fixed to the nursing care clothing W1 via the snap button 70, it is possible to remove the sensor 80 from the nursing care clothing W1 and wash only the clothing W1. In addition, it cannot be overemphasized that it can apply not only to an upper garment but also to a lower garment as the clothes W1 for nursing care.

When the stretchable electrode fabric 60 is disposed on the stretchable fabric 50, the stretchable fabric 50 stretches and adheres to the outer shape of the object including the care recipient in the same manner as the stretchable fabric. No abnormal tension is applied to the wiring, and even if the elastic fabric 50 contracts, the wiring does not lift from the elastic fabric. As a result, the degree of freedom of the mounting position of the sensor 80 with respect to the detection target part is increased. In addition, when a plurality of detection target parts are necessary, it can be easily dealt with by arranging a stretchable electrode in each detection target part.

Hereinafter, the stretchable electrode fabric 60 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 2, the stretchable electrode fabric 60 is formed in a flat and slender strip-like shape, and two stretchable electrodes 61 parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped fabric composed of the insulating

portions

63 and 64. , 62 are provided at a distance. The belt-like fabrics constituting the insulating

portions

63 and 64 are knitted with electrically insulating yarns and polyurethane elastic yarns, and conductive yarns are knitted at the portions constituting the

stretchable electrodes

61 and 62. .

As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the stretchable electrode fabric 60 includes a conductive yarn 65 knitted in a zigzag shape at least in the front and back direction of the surface, and the conductive yarn 65 is tightened along the surface. The elastic yarn 66 is knitted so as to maintain the zigzag arrangement.

The stretchable electrode fabric 60 can be composed of, for example, a smooth knitting (also referred to as double-sided knitting or interlock). The smooth knitting is a knitting structure in which two rubber knitting layers are overlapped to fill each other's uneven grooves.

That is, when the upper surface side of FIG. 3A is described as the knitted fabric surface side and the lower surface side is the knitted fabric back surface side, the conductive yarn 65 is entangled with the conductive yarn old loop 65a on the knitted fabric surface side, and the first loop P1. And move to the back side of the knitted fabric. Then, the second loop P2 is formed by being entangled with the conductive yarn old loop 65b on the back side of the knitted fabric, and thereafter the third loop P3 is similarly formed on the knitted fabric surface side, and the fourth loop P4 is formed on the back side of the knitted fabric. Repeat these things. Accordingly, the conductive yarn 65 is provided in a zigzag arrangement in the front-back direction in the knitted fabric of the stretchable electrode fabric 60.

On the other hand, the elastic yarn 66 is entangled with the elastic yarn old loop 65a on the back side of the knitted fabric to form the first loop R1, and moves to the knitted fabric surface side. Then, the second loop R2 is formed by being entangled with the elastic yarn old loop 65b on the knitted fabric surface side, and thereafter the third loop R3 is similarly formed on the back side of the knitted fabric, and the fourth loop R4 is formed on the knitted fabric surface side. Repeat that. Accordingly, the elastic yarn 66 is also provided in a zigzag arrangement in the front-back direction in the knitted fabric of the stretchable electrode fabric 60. As a result, in the knitted fabric, the cross portions 67 of the conductive yarns 65 and the elastic yarns 66 are formed alternately for each loop.

However, while the elastic yarn 66 has sufficient stretchability, the conductive yarn 65 hardly stretches. Therefore, when the stretchable electrode fabric 60 is extended along the course direction which is the surface direction of the front and back surfaces (the left-right direction in FIG. 3A), the elastic yarn 66 intersects the conductive yarn 65 at the cross portion 67. Then, the cross angle θ generated on the front and back sides of the knitted fabric is gradually enlarged, and after passing through the obtuse angle, only the elastic yarn 66 gradually grows well.

Next, a behavior occurs in which the conductive yarn 65 is drawn out from the loop to the cross portion 67 so as to be pulled by the stretch of the elastic yarn 66. Further, when the extension of the stretchable electrode fabric 60 is released, only the elastic yarn 66 generates a tightening force due to the contraction in the cross portion 67, and the conductive yarn 65 receives the tightening force from the cross portion 67 to the outer loops. Pushing behavior occurs. The tightening force by the elastic yarn 66 at this time has an effect of retaining the zigzag arrangement of the conductive yarn 65 in the non-stretchable stretchable electrode fabric 60 and having a volume in the thickness direction.

In this way, the conductive yarn 65 is only expanded or contracted in accordance with the expansion / contraction of the elastic yarn 66 while the loop is made smaller or larger by feeding or pushing from the loop to the cross portion 67. Thus, the stretchable electrode fabric 60 has stretchability as shown in FIG.

Since the conductive yarn 65 does not substantially expand and contract, the total length used in the course direction does not change, and the outer diameter does not change. In addition, the conductive yarn 65 does not contact the loops arranged in the course direction, and does not get entangled or contact between the plurality of courses. Therefore, the electrical resistance is also unchanged.

Further, in the stretchable electrode fabric 60, it can be said that the same course in the knitted fabric is separated into a configuration path knitted by the conductive yarn 65 and a configuration path knitted by the elastic yarn 66. For this reason, the influence (interference) of the expansion / contraction behaviors in the mutual configuration paths is suppressed and becomes independent of each other. Therefore, the expansion / contraction behaviors having a high degree of freedom are allowed in the respective configuration paths. Thereby, as the stretchable electrode fabric 60, abundant stretchability and flexibility are ensured.

In the knitted fabric configuration in which the configuration path of the conductive yarn 65 and the configuration path of the elastic yarn 66 are separated as described above, a large number of conductive yarns 65 can be put in one path in the configuration path of the conductive yarn 65. Therefore, the electric resistance value of the stretchable electrode fabric 60 can be set as low as possible. Similarly, in the case of the elastic yarn 66, many elastic yarns 66 can be put in one path. With regard to adding a large amount of elastic yarn 66, this leads to the advantage that the elastic characteristics can be improved.

As a method of obtaining a knitted fabric configuration in which the configuration path of the conductive yarn 65 and the configuration path of the elastic yarn 66 are separated, the knitting point between the conductive yarn 65 and the elastic yarn 66 is different when the elastic electrode fabric 60 is knitted. Can be organized to form a separate loop. The “course direction” refers to a direction that advances while forming a loop connected in the knitting structure, and a direction that intersects the course direction perpendicularly on the knitted surface is referred to as a “wale direction”. “Between courses” means between courses adjacent to each other in the wale direction.

From the above, it is clear that in the stretchable electrode fabric 60, the conductivity in the course direction is expressed by one course of the conductive yarn 65, that is, as one continuous conductive yarn 65. In order to reduce the electrical resistance value of one course, the conductive yarn 65 used in one course is increased in the number of conductive yarns 65 by S twist, Z twist, alignment, plating, etc., or low electrical resistance. You can choose a material or thicken it.

Also, in order to make the stretch more abundant, there is a method of using a thick polyurethane yarn and a high elastic modulus polyurethane yarn having a strong restoring force (kickback) against elongation and using a high draft (short loop length). Further, a relatively thin elastic yarn 66 (polyurethane or the like) is supplementarily supplied to the path of the conductive yarn 65, or an elastic yarn 66 such as polyurethane is used as the covering yarn (“core”) and the conductive yarn 65 is used as the “cover”. There is also a method such as using a method using

The conductive yarn 65 is made of, for example, pure metals such as aluminum, nickel, copper, titanium, magnesium, tin, zinc, iron, silver, gold, platinum, vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, alloys thereof, stainless steel, brass, etc. Metal wires can be used. It is also possible to employ carbon fibers instead of metal wires. The wire diameter is preferably 10 to 200 μm. In particular, it is desirable to use a bundle of small diameter fibers. As described above, the metal wire is not particularly limited as to whether it is easily plastically deformed or whether it has a significant elastic restoring force (spring property).

In addition, as the conductive yarn 65, a resin fiber (nylon, polyester, polyurethane, fluororesin, etc.) covered can be used. By doing in this way, the stretchable electrode fabric 60 can be provided with functions such as hydrophilicity, water repellency, corrosion resistance / corrosion resistance, and coloring. Further, the conductive yarn 65 can be subjected to a surface treatment on resin fibers or metal wires by wet or dry coating or plating, or an organic or inorganic thin film can be formed by vacuum film formation. is there.

Further, the conductive yarn 65 may be a composite yarn by elastic yarn 66 and twisted yarn, covering processing, or drawing.
The elastic yarn 66 may be a polyurethane or rubber-based elastomer material, or a covering yarn using polyurethane or elastomer material for the “core” and nylon or polyester for the “cover”.

It should be noted that it is recommended that the elastic yarn 66 be selected for the purpose of limiting the elongation of the conductive yarn 65 so that the elastic yarn 66 does not extend beyond the degree of elongation that is the tensile strength limit of the conductive yarn 65. When a covering yarn is used as the elastic yarn 66, it is possible to select a material for the “cover” so that the conductive yarn 65 has an extension restricting action. Further, the selection of the elastic yarn 66 itself or the material of the “cover” may be performed for the purpose of adapting to the elastic behavior required for the elastic electrode fabric 60. Further, in order to limit the degree of extension of the conductive yarn 65, the

non-conductive portions

63 and 64 may be used for control.

For example, if the characteristic of restoring from elongation is required so that the behavior is steep and strong, the elastic yarn 66 that is relatively thick and highly elastic is selected. On the other hand, if the characteristic of restoring from elongation is required so as to gradually and slowly behave, the elastic thread 66 that is relatively thin and weakly elastic is selected.

In this way, when a metal wire is used for the conductive yarn 65, the electric resistance can be suppressed much lower than that of the plated yarn and the like, and the energized voltage value and current value can be increased without increasing the knitted fabric thickness. Also suitable (can be thin). Moreover, there exists an advantage that durability as a conductive part and by extension, the stretchable electrode fabric 60 can be improved. Furthermore, the design can be improved and the development in appearance can be expanded widely.

That is, the wet state detection device of the present invention includes a stretchable fabric 50 that covers an object in a close contact state, a sensor 80 that detects the wet state of the stretchable fabric 50, and a mounting portion that attaches the sensor 80 to the stretchable fabric 50. 70 and a signal output unit 82 for outputting the wet state of the stretchable fabric detected by the sensor 80 to the outside.

Although the configuration using the

metal snap buttons

71 and 72 as the mounting portion 70 has been described, the present invention is not limited to the

snap buttons

71 and 72, and one end of the

stretchable electrodes

61 and 62 and the sensor 80 can be detachably connected. It may be composed of a simple micro connector.

In the above-described wet state detection device, a mode has been described in which a pair of stretchable electrodes that stretch with the stretchable fabric are arranged so as to overlap the stretchable fabric, but conductive yarn is knitted and stretched on the stretchable fabric itself. The conductive fabric and the stretchable electrode may be integrated into one piece of fabric.

In the above-described example, the elastic electrode fabric 60 provided with the elastic yarn 66 knitted so as to maintain the zigzag arrangement by tightening the conductive yarn 65 along the surface on which the conductive yarn 65 is knitted has been described. However, the elastic yarn 66 is not necessarily knitted into the stretchable electrode fabric 60. This is because if the stretchable electrode fabric 60 is integrally disposed on the stretchable fabric 50, the stretchable electrode fabric 60 expands and contracts as the stretchable fabric 50 stretches.

Furthermore, as another aspect of the stretchable electrode fabric 60, the elastic yarn is knitted by a conductive yarn having a loop formed in the course direction and an elastic yarn inserted in the course direction. It can be composed of a heat-sealed knitted fabric.

Specifically, a knitted fabric in which conductive yarn and elastic yarn made of low melting point polyurethane are aligned and plated, and the low melting point polyurethane is heat-sealed to the knitted portion of the conductive yarn by heat setting. Can be configured. According to such a knitted fabric, there is basically no contraction force in the course direction by the elastic yarn, and the contact state of the loop of the conductive yarn is almost no matter whether it is somewhat stretched or contracted. Therefore, the resistance value hardly changes due to expansion and contraction.

Further, in the example shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the two

stretchable electrodes

61, 62 that are parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped fabric constituted by the insulating

portions

63, 64 are provided. Although the stretchable electrode fabric 60 provided at a distance has been described, it is not always necessary to have two stretchable electrodes, and one stretchable electrode may be provided. In that case, a pair of stretchable electrode fabrics 60 may be disposed on the stretchable fabric 50.

In the example described above, the example in which the stretchable fabric 50 is used for the nursing apparel W1 has been described. However, the wet state detection device of the present invention uses the stretchable fabric 50 for a nursing sheet, and the sensor 80 The wet state of the sheets by the body fluid of the cared person may be detected and output to the outside by the signal output unit 82.

When stretchable fabric is used for sheets used for nursing beds, etc., the sheets are kept in close contact with each other without slipping off the mat, and comfort is maintained. Even when the sheets are wetted by the body fluid of the cared person, the state is accurately detected and output to the outside via the signal output unit, so there is no need for the nurse to be always on the side. That is, it is only necessary to be configured to wait at a position away from the bed and to receive the wet state of the sheets transmitted from the signal output unit 82 by the receiver installed at the standby position.

Furthermore, in the wet state detection device of the present invention, the stretchable fabric 50 is used as a covering member for a water supply pipe or a water supply valve, the wet state of the covering member is detected by a sensor 80, and the signal output unit 82 It may be configured to be output to.

If stretchable fabric covered with water supply pipes or water supply valves infiltrates, water leakage may occur even in remote locations, including cases where pipes and valves are installed at positions that are not visible from the outside. Can be detected.

Since the wet state detected by the wet state detection device is output to the outside through the signal output unit, appropriate measures can be taken promptly. The diameter and shape of water supply pipes and valves are various, but if it is a stretchable fabric, it can be easily covered with the stretchable fabric, including the stretchable electrodes, in close contact with them. .

Based on the wet condition output from the signal output unit, if the water supply control unit determines that there is water leakage from the pipe or valve, water supply from the water supply pipe is prohibited, and the water supply control unit If it is determined that no water leakage has occurred, water supply from the water supply pipe can be allowed.

Next, an explanation will be given of a wet state detection device in which stretchable fabric is used for clothing for preventing the heat of livestock, the wet state of the clothing is detected by a sensor, and the signal output unit outputs the wet state.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the livestock clothing W <b> 2 for measures against heat is a stretchable body that covers a part or the whole of the chest C <b> 2 from the neck C <b> 1 of the livestock (dairy cow in this embodiment) C. The fabric 1, the belt-shaped waterproof fabric 2 sewn on the body fabric 1 and covering the back C3 of the livestock, and the joint that joins the ends of the waterproof fabric 2 with the body fabric 1 wrapped around a part of the livestock body Part 10.

In a state where the end portions of the waterproof fabric 2 are joined at the joint portion 10, a cylindrical body is formed that gradually expands in diameter so that the body fabric 1 and the waterproof fabric 2 cover the livestock neck C1 to the chest C2 in close contact. Has been. The body cloth 1 is formed with a pair of notches 31 on the lower side so as to sandwich the left and right front legs, the left and right front legs are surrounded by the notches 31, and the end of the notch 31 is a hook-and-loop fastener or the like. It is comprised so that it can latch to the body cloth 1 by the latching member (not shown).

The joint 10 is constituted by fasteners. More specifically, the fastener is made by engaging or releasing a pair of tapes sewn on the edge of the waterproof fabric 2 and elements arranged along the edges of the tape and the elements arranged on the pair of tapes. It is comprised with the fastener provided with the slider 10A to do.

The body cloth 1 described above is configured by knitting non-cellulosic fibers and polyurethane elastic fibers so that sufficient stretchability in two directions can be ensured. Or the thermoplastic elastomer containing a polyester-type elastomer and the contact cooling sensation fiber containing an inorganic filler are used.

The thermoplastic elastomer which is a non-cellulosic fiber is not particularly limited, and a polyamide-based elastomer, a polyester-based elastomer, a urethane-based elastomer and the like can be suitably used, and may be used alone or in a mixed form. . The thermoplastic elastomer preferably has a hydrophilic functional group in order to absorb water evaporated from the skin and dissipate it to the outside.

The polyamide-based elastomer is not particularly limited, and for example, a polyether block amide copolymer, a polyether amide copolymer, a polyester amide copolymer, and the like can be used. These may be used independently and may use 2 or more types together.

Examples of commercially available polyamide-based elastomers include, for example, Pebax (manufactured by Arkema), UBE nylon (manufactured by Ube Industries), Grilon ELX, Grillamide ELY (above, made by MMS Showa Denko), Diamide, Bestamido (above) , Manufactured by Daicel-Dexa).

The polyester elastomer is not particularly limited, and for example, a polyether ester copolymer, a polyester ester copolymer, or the like can be used. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Among these polyester-based elastomers that are commercially available, for example, Glais (Dainippon Ink Chemical Co., Ltd.), Nouvelan (Teijin Chemicals), Perprene (Toyobo), Hytrel (Toray DuPont) Product), Primalloy (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), and the like.

Among these thermoplastic elastomers, the polyether block amide copolymer represented by the following formula (Chemical Formula 1) has an excellent contact cooling sensation, a hygroscopic property, and a low specific gravity. It is particularly suitable for fabrics, clothing and underwear. Examples of such polyether block amide copolymers that are commercially available include Pebax (manufactured by Arkema). In the formula, PA represents polyamide, and PE represents polyether.

The urethane elastomer is not particularly limited, and polyester polyurethane elastomer, polycaprolactone polyurethane elastomer, polycarbonate polyurethane elastomer, polyether urethane elastomer, and the like can be used.

Non-cellulosic fibers can efficiently evaporate moisture without impregnating moisture like cotton yarn, and can effectively lower the body temperature of livestock.

In addition, a fabric made of fibers obtained by spinning a thermoplastic elastomer containing a polyamide-based elastomer and / or a polyester-based elastomer as described above has excellent contact cooling feeling, and is made of contact cooling-sensitive fibers and has elasticity. When the dough comes into contact with the body surface of the dairy cow, heat is easily released from the body surface.

Moreover, when an inorganic filler is contained in such a fiber, it is possible to prevent discomfort when wet, so that the stress generated by the dairy cow can be reduced and the reduction in milking amount can be suppressed.

Heat radiation amount of body fabric 1 is 600W / ^{m 2} or more, more preferable to be 800 W / ^{m 2} or more can be suitably used as a body fabric for summer heat protection.

The heat release amount is obtained from the integrated value of the amount of heat diffused by the sample for a fixed time, set so that the sample surface is in contact with the hot plate set at a constant temperature. Furthermore, if the measurement is performed with the sample wet with water, the amount of heat taken away by the heat of vaporization of water can be measured.

For example, a fabric is fixed to an embroidery frame with a diameter of 12 cm, and about 0.075 g of water is sprayed in the center of the fabric with a sprayer 5 times (total of about 0.375 g) in total, and then heated at 37 ° C. It is a value obtained from the integrated value of the amount of heat taken by the sample in 600 seconds by placing the dough surface in contact with the hot plate (assuming the surface temperature of the cow's skin). For the measurement, for example, Thermolab II precision rapid thermophysical property measuring apparatus (manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd.) can be used.

Moreover, the qmax value of the body cloth is 0.15 J / sec. / M ² or more, more preferably 0.2 J / sec. / M ² or more, it can be suitably used as a body cloth for measures against heat.

The “qmax value” is a peak value of the heat flow rate in which a predetermined amount of heat is stored in a hot plate having a constant area and a constant mass, and the stored heat amount moves to the low temperature side sample immediately after it contacts the sample surface. The qmax value is considered to simulate the body temperature taken away by the sample when wearing clothes, and the larger the qmax value is, the higher the body temperature taken when wearing the clothes, and the higher the cool feeling of contact.

qmax value is, for example, place the fabric on a sample stand set at a temperature of 20.5 ° C., contacting the heat storage plate warmed to a temperature of 32.5 ° C. over the dough pressure 0.098 N / cm ² Immediately after being stacked, the stored heat amount is a value obtained by measuring the peak value of the heat amount that moves to the low temperature side sample. For the measurement, for example, Thermolab II precision rapid thermophysical property measuring apparatus (manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd.) can be used.

If the heat dissipation amount and qmax value of the body fabric are within the numerical ranges shown above, the non-cellulosic fibers are not limited to thermoplastic elastomers, for example, polyamide fibers such as nylon 6 and nylon 12, polyester fibers, etc. Can also be used, and can be knitted with cellulosic fibers as necessary.

The above-mentioned livestock apparel W2 is sewn with a belt-shaped waterproofing member 16 whose inner surface is water-repellent along the back part C3 from the neck part C1 on the upper left and right sides of the dough 1 across the back of the cow C. A flexible water supply pipe 17 is disposed between the body cloth 1 and the waterproofing member 16 and has a plurality of minute openings for humidifying the body surface of the cow C via the body cloth 1. Yes. The terminal end of the water supply pipe 17 is closed by a plug member, the base end is connected to a connecting pipe 18, and a water supply hose (not shown) is connected to the connecting pipe 18.

The water discharged through the water supply pipe 17 disposed between the body cloth 1 and the waterproof member 16 infiltrates the body cloth 1 without being blocked by the waterproof member 16 and traveling along the outer surface of the body cloth 1. And supplied to the body surface side of the dairy cow C. Therefore, it does not drop onto the barn floor. The body surface of the abdomen from the back side of the cow C is humidified, and the body temperature of the cow C is effectively lowered by the heat of vaporization when water is evaporated by the body temperature of the cow C.

A stretchable electrode fabric 60 provided with stretchable electrodes 61 extends downward from both sides of the waterproof fabric 2 with a portion corresponding to the neck portion C1 of the livestock as a starting point P1 across the back portion C3. At the relay point P2 set at the lower part of the fabric 1, it is bent toward the abdomen C4 side and is extended and arranged so as to be in a parallel posture with a predetermined distance from the chest C2 to the abdomen C4.

At the starting point P1,

metal snap buttons

71 and 72 are arranged as the attachment portion 70 (see FIG. 5), and the sensor 80 and the signal output portion 82 are fixed via the snap buttons 71 and 72 (FIG. 4). 6).

The wetness degree of the area | region R pinched | interposed between the stretchable electrodes 61 extended and arranged in parallel from the chest part C2 to the abdominal part C4 in the body cloth 1 is detected by the sensor 80, and the body cloth 1 detected by the sensor 80 is detected. The wet state is output to the outside by the signal output unit 82.

When the body cloth 1 infiltrates in the vicinity of the sensor 80 fixed via the attachment portion 70, the resistance value between the electrodes 61 becomes small even when the abdomen is dry, and the wet state on the abdomen is properly set. Since there is a possibility that it cannot be detected, the waterproof fabric 2 is provided in order to suppress fluctuations in the resistance value between the electrodes 61 in the vicinity of the sensor 80.

For this reason, when the chest C2 and the back C3 of the cow C are covered only by the body cloth 1 without using the waterproof cloth 2, the stretchable electrode cloth 60 and the body cloth at least near the sensor 80. It is necessary to perform noise countermeasure processing such as interposing a waterproof member between the first and the second.

The wet state of the body cloth 1 (region R) output from the signal output unit 82 is received by the signal input unit provided in the water supply control unit which is an electronic control device installed in the vicinity, and the body cloth 1 becomes dry. When a water supply control unit detects that the valve provided in the water supply hose 19 is automatically opened via an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid to supply a predetermined amount of water, the valve is then closed. It is configured.

Such a water supply management system makes it possible to reduce the body temperature of dairy cows due to heat and to avoid a reduction in milking amount. Also in this embodiment, the signal output unit is configured by a passive type RFID tag as in the above-described example, and is configured to operate using radio waves transmitted from the water supply control unit as an energy source.

The water supply amount may be a predetermined amount, but is set so that the sensor 80 detects that the wet state of the body cloth 1 (region R) has changed from the dry state to the wet state and closes the valve. In this case, there is no risk of droplets dropping on the barn floor due to excessive water supply.

That is, the water supply management system according to the present invention is based on the wet state detection device, the signal input unit that receives the output signal from the signal output unit, and the wet state of the clothing input from the signal input unit. A water supply control unit that controls water supply from a water supply pipe for supplying water to the water supply.

When a sterilizing agent such as sodium hypochlorite is added to the water supplied through the water supply pipe 17, it is possible to effectively suppress the growth of bacteria even if it drops onto the barn floor. it can.

When aroma water is used as the water supplied through the water supply pipe 17, a relaxing effect can be imparted to dairy cows that are stressed by heat.

In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the body surface of the cow is indirectly adjusted to the wet state via the water supply pipe 17 disposed in the body cloth 1 is described. However, the cowshed is directly provided with a sprayer and a shower nozzle. You may comprise so that a cow may be sprayed with water or shower water. Also in this case, it goes without saying that the spraying by the sprayer and the water supply by the shower nozzle are controlled based on the wet state of the body cloth 1 detected by the sensor 80.

The above-described stretchable fabric is used for a water supply pipe or a water supply valve covering member, and the wet state of the covering member is detected by a sensor and is output to the outside by a signal output unit. When such a water supply management system is applied to the state detection device, if the water supply control unit determines that water leaks from the vicinity of the pipe or valve based on the wet state output from the signal output unit, If water supply is prohibited and the water supply control unit determines that there is no leakage from the pipe or the vicinity of the valve, water supply from the water supply pipe can be permitted.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the stretchable electrode fabric. In the example of FIG. 7, the stretchable electrode fabric 60 is configured by sewing the conductive thread directly into the stretchable body fabric 1 described above. Even if it is a non-stretchable conductive thread, the conductive thread is sewn by a method such as flat stitching or zigzag stitching so as not to hinder the stretchability of the body cloth 1, and it extends from the neck of the body cloth 1 toward the tail. Two stretchable electrodes 61 are formed on each of the left and right sides so as to protrude from the back and the abdomen.

In this example, the conductive yarn is sewn so as to be disposed on the surface in contact with the skin, but the conductive yarn may be sewn so as to be disposed on the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the skin. .

A snap button 71 is provided at one end of the electrode 61, and a pocket-shaped accommodation part is provided on the surface of the body cloth 1 in the vicinity thereof. A signal line extending from the sensor 80 and the signal output unit 82 housed in the housing unit is connected to the snap button 71.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, even if the body cloth 1 of the shoulder or chest is dry, there is a possibility that water cannot be absorbed if the abdomen is wet. However, if it is the aspect of FIG. 7, since the wetness between the back part of livestock and an abdomen can be grasped | ascertained correctly, it will be able to absorb water appropriately.

As shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable that a plurality of pairs of stretchable electrodes 61 are provided with a distance between the back and abdomen of the livestock. This is a preferable aspect in that the distribution of the wetness can be accurately grasped by the electric resistance value of the region sandwiched between the respective stretchable electrodes 61.

Needless to say, the aspect in which the stretchable electrode fabric 60 is formed by directly sewing the conductive thread into the stretchable body fabric 1 can be applied to clothing other than livestock clothing for measures against heat.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the stretchable electrode is a part of the sensor that detects the wetness of the cloth is described. However, the stretchable electrode functions as a signal line that connects the sensor and the signal processing unit. It may be configured. With such an embodiment, the wiring does not float from the cloth or breaks due to interference with surrounding objects.

Each of the embodiments described above is merely an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited by the description. The type of knitted fabric constituting the fabric, the type of yarn, the thickness, and the thermoplastic elastomer. It goes without saying that the specific configuration such as the type can be appropriately changed and designed within a range where the effects of the present invention are exhibited.

The present invention can be applied to a fabric having various stretchability as a wet state detection device having a high degree of freedom that can be accurately detected in a wide range without requiring troublesome wiring connection work.

1,50: Stretch fabric (body fabric)
10: Joint 16: Waterproofing member 17: Water supply pipe 31: Notch 60: Stretchable electrode fabric 61, 62: Stretchable electrode 63, 64: Insulating part 65: Conductive thread 66: Elastic thread 70: Mounting part 80: Sensor 82: Signal output part W1: Nursing clothing W2: Livestock clothing

Claims

An elastic fabric that covers the object in close contact;
A pair of electrodes arranged in the stretch fabric;
A sensor for detecting a wet state of the stretchable fabric through the pair of electrodes;
An attachment part for attaching the sensor to the stretchable fabric;
A signal output unit for outputting the wet state of the stretchable fabric detected by the sensor to the outside;
A wet state detection device.
At least a pair of stretchable electrodes that stretch with the stretchable fabric is disposed on the stretchable fabric as the electrodes, and a wet state of a region of the stretchable fabric sandwiched between the stretchable electrodes is detected by the sensor. The wet state detection device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is electrically connected between the stretchable electrodes via the attachment portion.
The wet state detection device according to claim 2, wherein the stretchable electrode is composed of a conductive thread sewn so as to be exposed to a contact surface with the object of the stretchable fabric.
The stretchable electrode is constituted by the conductive yarn of a conductive stretchable knitted fabric including a conductive yarn knitted in a zigzag shape at least in the front and back direction of the surface,
The wet state detection device according to claim 2, wherein the conductive stretchable knitted fabric is disposed on the stretchable fabric, or the stretchable fabric is constituted by the conductive stretchable knitted fabric.
The conductive stretchable knitted fabric further includes an elastic yarn knitted so as to tighten the conductive yarn along the surface on which the conductive yarn is knitted to maintain the zigzag arrangement. The wet state detection device according to claim 4.
6. The stretchable fabric is used for nursing clothing, the wet state of the clothing by a body fluid of a wearer is detected by the sensor, and output to the outside by the signal output unit. Wet state detection device.
The stretchable fabric is used for a care sheet, the wet state of the sheet by the body fluid of the care recipient is detected by the sensor, and output to the outside by the signal output unit. The wet state detection apparatus as described.
The wet state according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stretchable fabric is used for clothing for preventing heat from livestock, the wet state of the clothing is detected by the sensor, and the wet state is output to the outside by the signal output unit. Detection device.
The pair of stretchable electrodes according to any one of claims 2 to 5 are provided so as to extend from the neck portion of the livestock toward the tail portion and at a distance from the back portion to the abdomen. The wet state detection apparatus as described.
10. The wet state detection device according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of pairs of the stretchable electrodes are provided with a distance between the back and abdomen of the livestock.
The stretchable fabric is used for a covering member of a water supply pipe or a water supply valve, the wet state of the covering member is detected by the sensor, and is output to the outside by the signal output unit. A wet state detection device according to claim 1.
The wet state detection device according to claim 7,
A signal input unit for receiving an output signal from the signal output unit;
A water supply control unit for controlling water supply from a water supply pipe for supplying water to the livestock or the clothing based on a wet state of the clothing input from the signal input unit;
A water supply management system.
The wet state detection device according to claim 11,
A signal input unit for receiving an output signal from the signal output unit;
A water supply control unit that controls whether to prohibit or allow water supply from the water supply pipe based on the wet state of the covering member input from the signal input unit;
A water supply management system.