WO2017202930A1

WO2017202930A1 - Electrode for electrical muscle stimulation and apparel piece

Info

Publication number: WO2017202930A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/062572
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philipp G. SCHWARZ; Kay RATHSCHLAG; Patrick THUMM; Shahid MEHBOOB
Original assignee: Wearable Life Science Gmbh
Priority date: 2016-05-24
Filing date: 2017-05-24
Publication date: 2017-11-30
Also published as: DE102016109568B4; DE102016109568A1

Abstract

An electrode (8) for electrical muscle stimulation EMS comprises at least one body layer (10) which is embodied as an electrically conductive plastic and/or silicone layer, wherein a contact surface (11) of the body layer (10) is configured to be in contact with the skin of a person to be stimulated by way of the electrode (8), an electrically conductive intermediate layer (15) which is arranged within, or at an edge of, the body layer (10) such that there is a defined minimum distance (m) from the contact surface at every point, and an electrically insulating outer layer (20) which is arranged on the side of the electrode (8) that lies opposite the contact surface.

Description

Electro-muscle stimulation electrode and garment

The present invention relates to an electrode for controlling pacing pulses, their use, a garment and the manufacture of a garment.

State of the art

Stimulation pulses are known in the art, particularly electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) for stimulating various biological tissues such as muscles and nerves.

Frequently, in electro-muscle stimulation, a garment is used in which the required electrodes are detachably or permanently integrated. High quality modern EMS systems use a large number of electrodes. In this case, the effort that is placed on the electrical or electronic control increases accordingly. Likewise, a large number of electrical conductors are needed to transmit the pulses of electrostimulation to the controller. Since a significant power has to be transmitted over this, a correspondingly large conductor cross section is required.

DE 37 88 755 T2 discloses a multilayered electrode consisting of a conductive gel, a conductive element and an insulating polyurethane foam. The gel serves as a contact point between the conductive element and the skin.

DE 690 27 527 T2 discloses an electrode made of a conductive cloth which has a conductive wire on top and is connected to an insulating layer. At the bottom there is a conductive adhesive that is in contact with the skin of a patient. Furthermore, it is disclosed that the electrode is flexible and extensible in two directions and that a cell-type latch needle knit achieves better percent elongations.

In DE 25 52 197 a multilayer electrode is disclosed which consists of an adhesive layer which makes contact with the body of a patient, and a conductive foil and an outer cover plate.

DE 23 05 220 discloses an inactive electrode which is multi-layered and consists of an adhesive layer for attachment to the skin, an elastic film, a conductive element and an insulating shell. An electrode system describes DE 693 29 197 T2. The system consists of a non-conductive cloth on which flexible conductive patches are attached and which are connected to the body via an electrically conductive gel.

US 2004/0009731 A1 discloses a coherently knitted garment which contains regions of electrically conductive threads and which are in contact with the wearer's body. These regions are connected by electrically conductive elements to a signal processing unit located directly behind the conductive region.

DE 28 14 061 also discloses a multilayer ground electrode consisting of a conductive adhesive layer in contact with a patient's skin, a conductive textile substrate and an insulating layer.

The purpose of the electrodes is to ensure the best possible transmission of the EMS impulses to the skin of the exercising person. This is especially true when the electrodes are permanently integrated into the sportswear. This garment has a high elasticity of up to 100% or more, which is necessary to ensure a good concern of clothing (with the electrodes) on the skin. Therefore, it is necessary to design the electrode so that it takes into account the high elasticity and in particular does not crack, or in the case of a crack does not tear further.

The object of the present invention is to provide an electrode which is easy to integrate into clothing, ensures safe power transmission and is optimized in terms of elasticity and crack resistance.

This object is achieved with the electrode of claim 1 and the method of claim 12 and a use of claim 15. Preferred developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Description of the invention

An electrode according to the invention, in particular for electromuscular stimulation (EMS), comprises at least one body layer, which is embodied as an electrically conductive plastic and / or silicone layer, wherein a contact surface of the body layer is arranged in contact with the skin of one via the electrode to be stimulating person. An electrically conductive intermediate layer of the electrode is inside or at one edge of the body. perschicht so arranged that there is a defined minimum distance to the contact surface at each point. And an electrically insulating outer layer is disposed on the opposite side of the contact surface of the electrode.

Important is the good and area current transmission from the electrode to the skin. Local areas of too high power transmission should be avoided, as this creates an uncomfortable feeling for the user. This result is achieved in that the body layer has a relatively good electrical conductivity. The intermediate layer is significantly better conductive in comparison. This means that the current (or voltage) can be evenly distributed within the intermediate layer. The body layer preferably has a thickness that is as constant as possible and in this way the same electrical potential can be transmitted to the skin at each point of the electrode, thereby avoiding regions of excessive stimulation and regions within the electrode with too little stimulation.

As a plastic layer in particular layers of or with an elastomeric plastic optionally with the addition of a conductive filler in question. In addition to silicone, preference is given in particular to polymers based on one or more of the group consisting of rubber, polyurethane, silicone rubber, acrylonitrile / butadiene / acrylate, acrylonitrile / chlorinated polyethylene / styrene, acrylonitrile / methyl methacrylate, butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, Chloroprene rubber, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate, fluororubber, isoprene rubber, natural rubber (gum arabic), polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyisobutylene, polypyrrole, polyvinyl butyral, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene Butadiene-styrene, vinyl chloride / ethylene, vinyl chloride / ethylene / methacrylate, and combinations thereof. Polymers that are not self-conductive become conductive by the addition of an electrically conductive filler. Particularly suitable fillers are aluminum, metal fibers (e.g., stainless steel) and carbon (conductive carbon black, graphite, carbon fibers, graphene) and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the intermediate layer is configured in the form of at least one conductor, in particular wire or strand, wherein in particular the body layer contacts the conductor in the direction of the body. In this case, the body layer can even coat the conductor, the outer layer being arranged on the side of the conductor facing away from the body of the exerciser. It is advantageous if one of the layers, in particular the intermediate layer, has an elasticity of greater than 5%, in particular greater than 15% or greater than 20% and particularly preferably greater than 23%. The body layer may have greater or lesser elasticity than the intermediate layer. Preferably, the elasticity of the body layer is greater than that of the intermediate layer, since the body layer tends to break more readily than the intermediate layer, thus avoiding tearing of the body layer.

In a preferred embodiment, the body layer has an elasticity of more than 27%. For example, the elasticity of the intermediate layer may be 27% and that of the body layer 30%. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that the elasticity of one of the layers, in particular of the body layer, is at least 2%, at least 5% or at least 10% greater than the elasticity of the other layer, in particular the intermediate layer. If the electrode is connected to the clothing, the electrode should have the greatest possible elasticity, so that the clothing can continue to rest well on the body. The upper range of about 30% elasticity of the intermediate layer is technically conditioned, since it is technically difficult to manufacture electrically conductive electrodes with a higher elasticity. The preferred elasticity of the body layer is that it should be slightly larger than that of the intermediate layer to avoid tearing of the body layer. Alternatively, tearing can also be avoided by limiting the elasticity of the outer layer. In one embodiment, therefore, the elasticity of at least one layer, in particular of the outer layer, is limited to at most 100%, in particular at most 50% or at most 30%. In one embodiment, the elasticity of the outer layer is in particular less than the elasticity of the body layer and / or the intermediate layer. The difference between the elasticities between the outer layer and the body layer and / or the intermediate layer is at least 1%, in particular at least 3% or at least 5%.

In particular, the said minimum distance between the intermediate layer and the contact surface may be greater than 0.1 mm, preferably greater than 0.4 mm and in particular at least 0.5 mm. On the one hand, the body layer should be as thin as possible. On the other hand, there should be some insulation from the intermediate layer to the skin. This is expressed by the above-mentioned minimum distance and this causes a flat uniform current transmission. Also, the distance between the contact surface and the intermediate layer may be less than 1, 2 mm and in particular less than 1, 0 mm. Too thick a body layer would make the electrode itself too thick. Also, the resistance of the body layer would have to be set very low, yet to ensure a good transmission of the EMS signal to the skin.

It is also advantageous if the intermediate layer comprises fibers, in particular electrically conductive fibers and electrically non-conductive fibers. The intermediate layer in this concept is the layer that absorbs the mechanical forces when tearing at the electrode. It is a peculiarity of electrically conductive fibers that their elasticity is often limited. If, in this sense, a fiber mixture or a fiber combination is arranged in the intermediate layer, so that the electrically conductive fibers, e.g. are guided in more or less wide loops, non-conductive fibers can primarily absorb the forces. This means in particular that electrically conductive fibers are at least partially arranged in loops, so that when a tensile load transverse to the contact surface a large part of the tensile load can be absorbed by the electrically non-conductive fibers. The term "fiber" is to be construed broadly and includes synthetic and natural fibers and filaments, etc. The fibers may optionally be electrically conductive coated or may be metallic wires.

In particular, the intermediate layer consists of a layer of disordered fibers, wherein at least a part of the fibers is designed to be electrically conductive. This results in unidirectional and / or bidirectional good elastic properties. The intermediate layer can be embedded in the body layer. This is the case, in particular, when the intermediate layer is designed in the form of one or more conductors, in particular in the form of wire or strand, and is encased by the body layer.

The intermediate layer may also itself be two- or multi-layered. In this case, a layer may be electrically conductive and a layer may serve for the Zugaufnahme and optionally be configured non-conductive. The train receiving layer may be on the outside. The intermediate layer may have a connecting element and / or may have a layer which serves for the contacting. This contacting layer may contain or be connected to a connecting element. Between the layers separating layers can be provided, which cause a separation of incompatible materials. The intermediate layer may consist of a two-layer structure, wherein a conductive layer of conductive silicone, another conductive plastic and / or a conductor (wire, stranded wire) is combined with a textile layer for Zugaufnahme. In this case, the conductive layer, preferably silicone layer, in particular inside. The silicone layer or other plastic layer may be formed of an adhesive, in particular silicone adhesive, and thus also serve to connect layers.

It is also advantageous if the surface resistance of the body layer is smaller than

80 ohms / sqr, preferably less than 30 ohms / sqr. In particular, it can be> 15 ohms / sqr. The conductivity of the intermediate layer is in particular greater than that of the body layer and / or the outer layer, in particular the areal resistance of the intermediate layer is less than 15 ohms / sqr, less than 10 ohms / sqr, less than 5 ohms / sqr or less than 1 ohms. sqr. It is also advantageous if the surface resistance of the outer layer is greater than 80 ohms / sqr, preferably greater than 100 ohms / sqr.

In the case of a corresponding item of clothing, the electrode and the item of clothing have preferably been produced in separate working steps. Subsequently, these parts were permanently connected to each other, as in particular in a step of sewing, bonding and / or gluing. In an alternative embodiment, the electrode may be constructed on a textile web or on the garment or previously made by injection molding.

Alternatively, the garment may comprise at least one garment-forming textile web. In this case, in the production of the formation of the intermediate layer in the textile web electrically conductive areas and intermediate insulating areas were incorporated. This can be done in the manufacturing process (eg weaving or knitting) or subsequently in a process of embroidery. To form the electrode (s), the textile web has been provided on the conductive regions on one side with an electrically conductive plastic and / or silicone layer forming the body layer. And opposite of this, the electrically insulating outer layer has been applied. As a result, the best possible integration of the electrodes is realized with the garment. The thickness of the electrode can thereby be minimized and the transition from the electrode to the material of the textile web can be done fluently so as to avoid or at least reduce mechanical stress peaks at the transition. In a method for producing a piece of clothing, a textile web is first produced and electrically conductive areas and electrically insulating areas and / or conductor track areas for contacting the electrically conductive areas are incorporated into the textile web. In particular, the incorporated conductor track areas are placed in loops, so that they are not burdened at a stretch of the garment on train. It can also be provided a contact with freely routed cables. The electrically conductive regions are coated from one side with an electrically conductive layer, and opposite thereto, an electrically insulating coating is applied as the outer layer. The production of the conductive regions and the conductor track regions can take place at the same time as the production of the textile web (eg weaving or knitting processes) or the conductive regions can be subsequently applied (eg by embroidering).

Brief description of the figures

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. Show it:

1 is a schematic representation of a portable system for controlling EMS pulses during an EMS application to an EMS user;

2 shows a cross section of an electrode of a first embodiment,

Fig. 3 is a cross section of an electrode of another embodiment and

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the structure of an intermediate layer of an electrode.

Fiqurenbeschreibunq

In Fig. 1, a garment 30 is shown, which is designed as a shirt. Alternatively, the garment may be pants, a jacket, vest, sock, stocking, pantyhose or the like. Electrodes 8 are attached to the garment 30 and connected via an electrical conductor 9 to a pulse unit 5 which contains a data processing unit 4. The data processing unit 4 is connected to a user interface 6, which includes a visualization unit 61 and input unit 62. The user interface 6 may be a commercially available smartphone, tablet or the like. Since a battery supply 7 is provided for the pulse unit, the resulting sys- 1 of the Electronic Muscle Simulation (EMS) mobile usable. So you can use it for example outdoors in various sports or (moving) games.

The electrodes 8 may be designed as individual electrodes depending on the desired conditions. In this case, the current flow may be designed to flow from one of the electrodes shown to the other electrode shown. Alternatively, one or more central return electrodes (not shown) can be provided, via which the circuit is closed. Alternatively, each of the electrodes 8 may comprise two (or more) sub-electrodes, thus providing a closed circuit across the sub-electrodes. The electrodes can also be switched as desired, so that the assignment of the electrodes to each other can be changed.

The electrodes 8 are multilayered. An inner layer, also referred to as the body layer 10, is attached to the fabric 30 so as to face the body of the person exercising the system. The surface which bears against the body is referred to below as the contact surface 11. A non-conductive outer layer 20 is mounted on the side facing away from the body. This layer is not conductive, so that a person can not, for example. With the arms touch the electrically conductive areas and can get an unpleasant electric shock. Between these layers 10 and 20, an intermediate layer 15 is arranged. The intermediate layer 15 has a good electrical conductivity and is connected to the conductors 9.

According to the invention, the intermediate layer 15 may preferably be designed such that a connecting element is provided which connects at least one electrically conductive fiber of the intermediate layer 15 - eg via a conductor 9 - to a power source, in particular the battery supply 7. The connecting element can be configured in particular as a plug connection or push button. In particular, the plug connection establishes electrical contact between a conductor 9 and at least one electrically conductive fiber of the intermediate layer 15. A push button is preferably anchored in the intermediate layer, so that an electrical contact can be made. The conductor 9 is then connected to the intermediate layer 15 via the push button or other button. It has proven to be advantageous to anchor the push button in the intermediate layer 15, since anchoring in the plastic or silicone of the body layer 10 affects the stability of the body layer 10 and a metallic push button can hinder the curing of the plastic or silicone during manufacture. Of course, the expert others are synonymous Fasteners known, which are basically suitable for contacting. Such alternatives are also included according to the invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show two different embodiments of the intermediate layer 15. In FIG. 3, the intermediate layer 15 is identical to the separating surface of the layers 10 and 20. In FIG. 2, the intermediate layer 15 is integrated into the body layer 10 at the edge portion adjacent to the outer layer 20. In this case, the intermediate layer 15 is designed so that there is a distance m to the contact surface 1 1 of the body layer 15, which rests on the body of the person to be trained in the use of the electrode. The body layer is 0.5 mm thick in a preferred embodiment. It can be a conductive silicone or plastic layer. It preferably has a resistance of <80

Ohms / square and preferably <30 ohms / square. The unit ohms / square indicates a specific resistance, which is dependent on the measuring surface and is in particular measured from the intermediate layer 15 to the contact surface 11. In an alternative embodiment, the intermediate layer 15 is embedded in the body layer 10, wherein the intermediate layer may be a conductor, which is at least partially encased by the body layer.

The intermediate layer 15 may comprise a woven or knitted fabric of an elastic fibrous material. In this case, either all the fibers can be designed to be electrically conductive or only a certain proportion. In particular embodiments, the intermediate layer may consist of a single or multiple conductive filaments or conductors. The electrical fibers may be metallic conductors (cables). Alternatively, this may be a synthetic thread or fibers or strands are made of a conductive material. Also, a non-conductive synthetic or organic thread may be provided with an electrically conductive surface. This may in particular be a metal, such as a silver or titanium coating.

The intermediate layer preferably has an elasticity of 27%. In general, a range of elasticity of 27 +/- 5% is advantageous. The elasticity is the percentage value of how much the intermediate layer (or the considered layer) can be stretched in a reversible region. Reversible means that the considered layer is returned to its original shape after discharge. The limit of elasticity may be a breaking elongation at which the material breaks. Some fabrics are constructed to be elastically extensible up to a defined limit with a largely proportional increase in tensile force and reach a maximum value, from which no further strain occurs with further application of force. This value is referred to as the maximum strain in this case. The elasticity of the body layer is preferably 30%. In general, an elasticity of 30% +/- 5% is advantageous. It is also advantageous if, when considering the difference, the elasticity of the body layer 10 is at least 2% greater than the elasticity of the intermediate layer 15. Also, when considering the ratio, the elasticity of the body layer may be 10% greater than the elasticity of the intermediate layer 15 , This ensures that the body layer 10 does not reach its yield strength (breaking elongation) when using the electrode, and thus cracks are prevented from forming in the body layer 10. The conductivity of the body layer can be achieved by adding graphite or carbon black or a proportion of - in particular short pieces - of conductive fibers. Preferably, however, the body layer 10 does not have embedded tissue or knit. So it is not very suitable to absorb high tensile loads. Instead, this task is preferably taken over by the intermediate layer 15 and / or the textile of the item of clothing and / or the outer layer 20. Since the intermediate layer 15 in particular has a fiber content, the absorption of the tensile force is better possible here without damaging the material. The outer layer is preferably a very thin and elastic layer with a high electrical resistance, since its essential task is to isolate the electrode to the outside, ie away from the body. Alternatively, it may be the other way round, especially if the intermediate layer is more prone to crack, the outer layer should be less elastic.

In addition, a preferred embodiment can provide that the elasticity of one, several or all layers, in particular the body layer and / or the intermediate layer, is reduced to a minimum. In particular, the elasticity is less than 5%, less than 3% or less than 1%. The respective layers should nevertheless be flexible.

In addition, the conductive layer to the body (body layer) may also be embroidered or made of a fabric. This in turn could be covered with a hydrophilic textile, which then provides the contact surface to the body.

Also according to the invention is an electrode with a body layer that is at least partially embroidered or knitted, in particular made of or with a plastic thread, the in particular by coating with a metal, for example silver, can be made conductive. In this embodiment, the plastic may be a polyamide.

As already mentioned above, in the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the intermediate layer 15 forms the boundary between the body layer 10 and the outer layer 20. This structure is produced by forming the intermediate layer 15 with e.g. a doctor blade is coated with the viscous material of the body layer while the material is evenly distributed. This results in a three-layer structure. In this case, the region of the intermediate layer 15 between the individual fibers is preferably completely filled with the material of the body layer so as to obtain a good electrical current transition. It can also be produced in a forming tool that can be brought into a closed state in which a cavity is filled by the electrode, this structure. Thus, the body-side contact surface 1 1 of the electrode 8 is given its contour or surface structure.

The contact surface 1 1 of the electrode is preferably rough. In this case, the roughness Ra, for example, be greater than 2 μηι. A high roughness increases the contact surface to the skin and thus the contact resistance. When using the electrode, a moisture (sweat) film may be better formed, making it easier to remove the garment 30. In an alternative embodiment, the contact surface is particularly smooth, so that the body's own liquid formation is stimulated. For this purpose, the roughness Ra is preferably less than 2 μm, in particular less than 1 μm.

As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate layer 15 may also be embedded in the body layer 10. This can be carried out in a production method in which it is ensured, for example with a doctor blade or by casting or injection molding conditions, that the intermediate layer 15 is interspersed so well with the material of the body layer 10 that the appearance results that the intermediate layer 15 within the body layer lies. This is also the case if, according to some embodiments, the intermediate layer is configured as a conductor which is encased by the body layer. In any case, a defined minimum distance from the intermediate layer 15 to the contact surface is present. The intermediate layer is preferably about 0.1-0.4 mm thick. The intermediate layer can basically be produced in any desired manner. Preferably, it is woven, knitted, knitted or designed as a non-woven with disordered fibers; it can be made on a belt / loom. The intermediate layer 15 assumes the function of distributing the hit energy within the area of the electrode. In addition, it enables contacting with the energy source.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method in which a textile web or a garment is subjected, at least in some areas, to a non-conductive outer layer 20. On the non-conductive outer layer 20, an electrically conductive plastic and / or silicone layer can be applied. On the cured, uncured or partially cured plastic and / or silicone layer, the intermediate layer 15 is applied (e.g., laid down). The intermediate layer 15 may in extreme cases consist of a single conductive thread or conductor. On the intermediate layer 15, a further electrically conductive plastic and / or silicone layer is then applied. The two electrically conductive plastic and / or silicone layers together form the body layer 10, in which the intermediate layer 15 is embedded. This structure has the advantage that the intermediate layer 15 can be embedded more stably than when pouring. In particular, the minimum distance to the contact surface is ensured. An accidental passage of an electrically conductive thread or conductor of the intermediate layer through the body layer is not to be feared in this way. In particular embodiments, the outer layer 20 is dispensed with and the structure just sketched out of electrically conductive plastic and / or silicone layers and intermediate layer is applied directly to the textile, so that the textile as it were the role of - not necessarily present in this embodiment - not. conductive fibers of the intermediate layer takes over (Zugaufnahme). The electrically conductive plastic and / or silicone layers can be used in the form of sheets or films, which facilitates the processing. The invention also relates to an electrode produced in this way or a piece of clothing manufactured in this way. The intermediate layer may comprise 100% of the conductive fibers. Manufacturing can be done on a roll, each with a conductor, either individually in shape or as a surface for later trimming. The role could be simple to use in pick and place procedures. Alternatively, the electrode can also first be constructed on the textile.

The electrodes can be produced in such a way that initially a base body is produced which contains the individual layers and whose size is a multiple of the individual electrodes. This basic body can then be cut to the size of the individual electrodes. As a result, an automated production of EMS clothing via the pick and place method is possible. Alternatively, it is advantageous if the electrode is built on the material of the EMS clothing. This material has a high elasticity. It can be greater than 50% and in particular greater than 80%. In many cases, it is 100% or more. In this material, the electrically conductive areas may be incorporated with (eg woven or knitted). Thus, the zones which are to serve as electrodes later, are designed with a uniform distribution of electrically conductive fibers. The electrical conductors of the power supply can also be incorporated into the textile. As a result, no or at least less electrical cables are needed, which, as shown in Fig. 1, are guided freely and away from the textile. The thus prepared textiles are coated on both sides, namely on one side with the body layer 10 and the other side with the outer layer 20. The material of the EMS clothing serves in this way as an intermediate layer 15th

4, there is shown a weaving process for making the intermediate layer 15 comprising a web of non-conductive fibers 16. The fibers 16 are connected as warp and weft threads. In this braid, the conductive fibers are integrated. Thus, a conductive fiber 17 is shown that has been floated. This means that it is partially not integrated into the web structure. Instead, she is guided in a wide arc. Due to the fact that it can also move slightly when it is integrated into the plastic matrix, mechanical tensile loads applied to the electrode are not or only less absorbed by the conductive fiber. The same principle is possible with a mesh connection of the intermediate layer, e.g. at a knitting.

Another embodiment provides that the electrodes are connected to the textile by means of a detachable firm connection. For example, via Velcro / Velcro. Thus, the electrodes can be positioned freely and adapted to the respective bodies.

In addition, the conductors can be connected to the electrode by means of detachable connections. Alternatively, the electrode may make a firm connection with the conductor, such that the conductor is led out of or connected to the intermediate layer and only then is provided with the conductive layer. The junction (where the conductor emerges from the electrode) may additionally be secured by a grommet or other stiffener or additional material.

This connection point can also be protected by a special shape of the electrode, for example recesses or an additional covering. Both the different electrode layers and conductor components can be partially or completely printed. Conductor and electrode can form a unit, which is connected as a whole with the textile, for example, gebonded. In addition, the electrode and / or the conductor may be provided with self-healing properties, such that upon a break in conductivity or a break in the material, it closes the interruption again.

The use of the electrodes of this invention is not limited to electromuscular stimulation. Rather, the electrodes can also be used for other purposes. Uses of an electrode or a garment according to the invention for electromuscular stimulation EMS and / or for measuring one or more parameters are according to the invention. According to the invention, in particular, the use of the electrode as a or in a pressure sensor, ultrasonic sensor, acoustic sensor, touch sensor, resistance sensor, in particular for body resistance measurement, electromyography, acceleration sensor, position sensor, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensor, sensor for measuring oxygen saturation, sensor for bioelectric Impedance analysis (BIA); Sensor for measuring magnetoresistance; Motion sensor, touch sensor, pulse rate sensor, heart rate sensor, ECG sensor, temperature sensor, sensor for detecting fat burning, calorie consumption sensor, welding sensor, location, especially GPS, sensor, breathing sensor, in particular for measuring respiratory rate and / or depth of breath, spirometry sensor, lactate sensor , Blood glucose sensor, pH sensor and the like.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

I system

3 sensor

4 data processing unit, control

5 pulse unit

6 user interface

61 visualization unit

62 input means

7 energy source

8 electrode

9 conductors

10 body layer

I I contact interface

15 intermediate layer

16 electrically insulating fibers

17 electrically conductive fiber (s)

20 outer layer

30 textile, garment

m minimum distance

Claims

Electrode (8) comprising: at least one body layer (10), which is designed as an electrically conductive plastic and / or silicone layer, wherein a contact surface (1 1) of the body layer (10) is arranged, in contact with the skin one of the above Electrode (8) to be stimulated person, an electrically conductive intermediate layer (15) which is disposed within or at an edge of the body layer (10) so that at each point a defined minimum distance (m) to the contact surface and an electrically insulating Outer layer (20), which is arranged on the contact surface (1 1) opposite side of the electrode (8).

Electrode (8) according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer (15) has an elasticity of more than 5%, in particular more than 15%.

Electrode (8) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body layer (10) has a greater elasticity than the intermediate layer (15) and the difference of the elasticities is at least 2%, in particular at least 5%.

Electrode (8) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the difference in elasticities between the outer layer (20) and the body layer (10) and / or the intermediate layer (15) is at least 1%, in particular at least 3%.

Electrode (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer (15) has an elasticity of greater than 23% and the body layer (10) has an elasticity of greater than 27%.

Electrode (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the minimum distance (m) is greater than 0.4 mm and in particular at least 0.5 mm.

Electrode (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at each point of the electrode, the distance (m) between the Kon¬ contact surface (1 1) and the intermediate layer (15) is less than 1, 2 mm and in particular less than 1, 0 mm.

8. electrode (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer (15) is designed as one or more conductors, and / or having electrically conductive fibers and electrically non-conductive fibers.

9. Electrode (8) according to claim 8, wherein the electrically conductive fibers or conductors are at least partially arranged in loops, so that at a tensile load transversely to the contact surface, a majority of the tensile load can be absorbed by the electrically non-conductive fibers.

10. electrode (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer (15) consists of a layer of disordered fibers, wherein at least a part (17) of the fibers is designed to be electrically conductive.

1 1. Electrode (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface resistance of the body layer (10) is less than 80 ohms / sqr, preferably less than 30 ohms / sqr, and in particular> 15 ohms / sqr.

12. Electrode (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate layer (15) comprises a connecting element, in particular push button, plug connection or embedded conductor, and wherein the connecting element is adapted to connect the electrode to a power source.

13. Electrode (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the body layer (10) is at least partially embroidered or knitted, in particular made of or with a plastic thread, in particular by coating with a metal, e.g. Silver, conductive can be configured.

14. A garment (30) comprising an electrode (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

15. Garment according to claim 14, wherein the electrode (8) and the garment were made in separate steps and then permanently have been joined together, in particular in a step of sewing, bonding and / or gluing.

16. A garment (30) comprising an electrode (8) according to one of claims 1 to 13, which comprises at least one garment forming textile web, wherein in the manufacture in the textile web electrically conductive areas (15) and intervening insulating areas have been incorporated and to form the electrode (s) the textile web at the conductive regions (15) is provided on one side with an electrically conductive plastic and / or silicone layer forming the body layer (10) and the electrically insulating outer layer (20) is applied therefrom , And in particular the garment consists of one or more such textile web (s), without all textile webs having to be provided with conductive portions and / or electrodes.

17. A process for the production of a garment, wherein first a textile web is produced and electrically conductive regions (15) and electrically insulating regions and conductor track areas for contacting the electrically conductive regions are incorporated into the textile web, and the electrically conductive regions (15) from one side an electrically conductive layer as a body layer (10) are coated and opposite an electrically insulating coating as the outer layer (20) is applied.

18. A method for producing a garment, wherein first a textile web is produced and then an electrically insulating layer is applied as outer layer (20) on the textile web and intermediate layer (15) and body layer (10) are applied.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the intermediate layer (15) at least one

electrically conductive fiber or a conductor.

20. Use of an electrode according to one of claims 1 to 13, or item of clothing according to one of claims 14 to 16, for electromuscular stimulation EMS and / or for measuring one or more parameters, in particular as a or in a pressure sensor, ultrasonic sensor, acoustic sensor, Touch sensor, resistance sensor, in particular for body resistance measurement, electromyography sensor, acceleration sensor, position sensor, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) Sensor, oxygen saturation sensor, bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA) sensor; Sensor for measuring magnetoresistance; Motion sensor, touch sensor, pulse rate sensor, heart rate sensor, ECG sensor, temperature sensor, sensor for detecting fat burning, calorie consumption sensor, sweat sensor, location, in particular GPS, sensor, breathing sensor, in particular for measuring respiration rate and / or breathing depth, spirometry sensor, lactate sensor , Blood glucose sensor, pH sensor and the like.