WO2018050172A1

WO2018050172A1 - Electrode for wearing on the skin

Info

Publication number: WO2018050172A1
Application number: PCT/DE2017/100791
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans Bauer
Original assignee: Ntt New Textile Technologies Gmbh
Priority date: 2016-09-15
Filing date: 2017-09-15
Publication date: 2018-03-22
Also published as: DE102016117354A1

Abstract

An electrode for wearing on the skin comprises an electrical contact layer (3) which is connected to a current connector (5), wherein an electrical transmission layer (4) is located between said current connector and contact layer. The transmission layer, which can optionally separate the current connector from said contact layer, extends at least approximately across the full length of the contact layer.

Description

On the skin portable electrode

The invention relates to a wearable on the skin

Electrode, in particular in a garment, according to the preamble of claim 1.

In DE 20 2007 017 033 Ul is a portable

Pulse measuring device described, comprising two sensor fields between two layers of fabric, wherein in the skin-facing fabric layer associated with the sensor fields recesses

are introduced to make contact with the skin. Each sensor field consists of a silicone layer, in which electrically conductive carbon particles are introduced.

In addition, the sensor fields are between electrical

insulating silicone strips arranged, wherein the the

Skin side facing silicone strip also has recesses, with the recesses in the adjacent

The fabric layer is aligned. The sensor fields are with a

Flocking material provided to increase the comfort.

From EP 2 143 376 A2 is a portable on the skin

Sensor device with two individual sensors known, which are integrated in a fabric layer. On the back are the

Single sensors on an electrically non-conductive barrier layer. The individual sensors are connected via electrical conductors, which are passed through the fabric surface, with terminals.

In EP 2 803 315 AI an electrode breast belt with two individual electrodes is known, which are arranged between insulating layers, wherein the electrical connection via

Electrical connections are made by a

Insulation layer are passed.

From EP 1 676 528 AI is a sensor system with two

Electrodes between two layers of fabric known, the

Electrodes are each contacted via two terminals, which are passed through a fabric layer. The connections consist of a polyurethane in which textile fibers are incorporated with silver.

US Pat. No. 5,218,973 A discloses an electrode for wound treatment, via which electrical current pulses are transmitted to the skin. The electrode has an electrical

Transfer layer and a contact layer directly on the skin, wherein between the

Transfer layer and the contact layer two more

Layers are made of a sponge-like material and take up a saline solution to moisten the wound.

DE 695 04 842 T2 shows an electrode with a contact layer resting on the skin, which is supplied with current via an electrically conductive transfer layer. This electrically conductive transfer layer is as one

Metal foil or as a carbon-impregnated, conductive plastic. The contact layer is implemented as an impedance-reducing layer. By the

Lowering the impedance is said to be a good electrical contact be ensured between the skin of the patient and the transfer layer.

The invention is based on the object with simple

Measures a skin-portable electrode with high

To create comfort.

This object is achieved according to the invention with the features of

Claim 1 solved. The dependent claims give appropriate

Further education.

The skin-portable electrode according to the invention can be used as a sensor, can be determined via the vital parameters of the body based on changes in the tension on the skin or a change in the electrical skin resistance. It is also possible to use the electrode as a signal generator, via which electrical impulses are transmitted to the skin,

for example for muscle stimulation.

The electrode is advantageously integrated into a garment, for example a shirt, T-shirt, trousers such as sports pants, brassiere or the like. Furthermore, the electrode can also be integrated into a belt, a chest strap or a cuff, for example via the wrist or the ankle

is put over; Also such items count in the context of the invention as a "piece of clothing".

Furthermore, it is possible to use the electrode without

Put the garment directly on the skin.

The electrode may be used as a single electrode, especially in a garment, or there may be two electrodes in the garment, for example To determine the skin resistance at a current flow between the electrodes via the skin.

The electrode is in use directly on the skin

placed. This is an electrical contact layer, which is part of the electrode, directly on the skin. However, it may be appropriate to provide the contact layer on the skin side with a flocking, which improves the feeling of wear and comfort and absorbs moisture. The flocking on the contact layer does not restrict the function of the electrode as a signal generator or signal receiver or at least not substantially.

In the electrode according to the invention, the contact layer is connected to a power connection, for example one

Electric conductor or cable or a power connection button. The power connection may be made with or without mechanical contact with the contact layer. The power connector is in direct electrical contact with an electrical outlet

Transfer layer, which is located on the contact layer. The

Contact layer is thus on the applied electrical

Transfer layer to the power connector electrically

connected. The transfer layer, which may optionally separate the power connection from the contact layer,

extends at least approximately over the entire length of the contact layer. The current flow takes place via the power connection to the transfer layer and from the transfer layer to the contact layer.

This embodiment has the advantage that the contact layer is not supplied, as in the prior art in a tightly limited place with power, resulting in a relatively high

Current density in the contact area between the power connector and the contact layer leads and the user as unpleasant can be felt. In the embodiment according to the invention rather the electrical connection between the

Power connection and the contact layer over the

Transfer layer on a relatively large length of the contact layer, whereby locally increased current densities are avoided in the contact layer. The power transmission between the power connector and the contact layer is uniform over the length of the contact layer. The transfer layer advantageously has a lower electrical

Resistance than the contact layer, so that even with a direct mechanical contact between the power connector and the contact layer, the current flow over the surface

Transfer layer is made on the contact layer.

Advantageously, the transfer layer has at least approximately the same area as the contact layer and abuts directly on a side surface of the contact layer, so that over the entire side surface of the contact layer, an electrical transfer between contact and

Transfer layer is possible. This effect is also achieved if the transfer layer in one or in two dimensions has a greater extent than the contact layer and thus extends beyond the contact layer in length and / or width. Also in this case is the

Side surface of the contact layer completely in contact with the transfer layer.

The transfer layer and the contact layer advantageously differ in at least one material parameter. These are, for example, the electrical

Conductivity, which may be higher in the transfer layer than in the contact layer. Advantageously, the

Contact layer faster than the transfer layer

record electrical skin parameters. Accordingly, the Contact layer, for example, a higher electrical

Resistance on as the transfer layer.

However, the difference between the structure of the contact layer and the transfer layer can also relate to the mechanical structure of the layers. Thus, for example, it is possible for the transfer layer to comprise a knitted fabric, knitted fabric or a fabric having fibers woven together regularly or randomly, whereas the contact layer may be formed as a solid block.

In the embodiment of the transfer layer as a knitted fabric or fabric, the fibers of the transfer layer can be made of a non-electrically conductive material, but which are provided with an electrically conductive coating, for example with a coating of silver.

The transfer layer is, according to a further advantageous embodiment, made of a polyamide. The contact layer is, however, made of polyurethane, according to another expedient embodiment. In the contact layer electrically conductive particles may be introduced, for example carbon black or carbon particles. In the combination of a production of the

Contact layer of polyurethane with incorporated

Carbon particles gives you the advantage of a quick

Responsiveness of the contact layer both in the design of the electrode as a signal generator as well as in the design as a sensor.

The structure of the electrode with contact layer,

Transfer layer and power connection has the other

Advantage that the transfer layer even with only local contact with the power supply a uniform

Power transmission ensured on the contact layer. It can For example, it may be sufficient for the electrical connection to only electrically contact the edge region of the transfer layer, the current transfer being transmitted from the edge region of the transfer layer at least substantially uniformly over the contact to the contact layer.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, in which

Power terminal forms a conductor, a non-insulated line section of the conductor extends at least approximately over the length of the transfer layer and is in electrical contact with the transfer layer.

According to yet another expedient embodiment, the electrode has an electrically insulating insulating layer on the side of the power connection facing away from the transfer layer. The insulating layer may be formed as a polyurethane layer. The insulating layer may optionally consist of the same material as the contact layer, but without electrically conductive particles, so that the

Insulation layer electrically insulating acts.

In the execution of the power connection as a power cable or

Conductor is a cable section advantageously led to the electrode laterally outwards and can be connected to a

Power source or to an evaluation or to a

Transmitter be connected.

Advantageously, the transfer layer is capable of absorbing and storing moisture. This makes it possible, for example, to immerse the electrode in water before use, so that the transfer layer is soaked with water which, in use, reaches the skin via the contact layer and improves the electrical conductivity. Conversely, the transfer layer is due to their Moisture absorption capacity also able to absorb secreted sweat from the skin. The contact layer is preferably moisture or water permeable.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the

Contact layer on the skin side with one

moisture-permeable coating provided. This is, for example, a silicone layer, which is preferably applied directly to the contact layer. The moisture permeability of the coating is achieved, for example, by adding to the coating

Recesses or perforations are introduced. This

it also does not allow the coating itself

must be made moisture or permeable to water, although embodiments are possible in which the coating itself is water- or moisture-permeable.

The coating may possibly be on its skin-facing surface

Be provided outside with a flocking.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the electrode has a hook-and-loop layer on the side opposite the contact layer. The Velcro layer allows the electrode as desired by the user at different

Positions on the inside of the user-worn

Garment to attach and solve when needed again. Using the Velcro layer, the electrode can in principle be attached to any position on the inside of the garment. The Velcro layer is either applied to the outside of the insulating layer or, in an alternative embodiment, at the same time forms the insulating layer. Further advantages and expedient embodiments can be found in the further claims, the description of the figures and the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1 shows a section through an electrode to which a

Power cable is connected,

Fig. 2 shows a section through an electrode in another

Execution, with a power connection button,

3 is a plan view of the electrode of FIG. 2,

4 shows a section through an electrode in one more

further execution.

In the figures, the same components are provided with the same reference numerals.

The electrode 1 shown in Fig. 1 can in a

Garment 2 can be integrated, which is itself

possibly also a belt, a belt, a

Cuff or the like can act. The electrode 1 comprises a contact layer 3, a transfer layer 4, a power connection 5 and an insulation layer 6, which run parallel to one another and are arranged adjacent to each other, so that a direct physical contact between the contact layer 3 and the transfer layer 4, between the transfer layer 4 and the power connection 5 and between the power connection 5 and the insulation layer 6 is given. In use, the outside of the

Contact layer 3 directly on the skin of the person on. The electrode 1 can be used either as a sensor, for example for measuring the electrical skin resistance of the person, or as a signal generator, for example, to send out current pulses to

Muscle stimulation.

The contact layer 3 is electrically conductive and consists for example of polyurethane with therein introduced electrically conductive particles, such as soot particles.

The area adjacent to the contact layer 3

The transfer layer 4 differs from the contact layer 3 in terms of its construction. The transfer layer consists, for example, of a polyamide and is made, for example, as a knit, knitted fabric or fabric with regularly arranged threads from the polyamide. The transfer layer 4, like the contact layer 3, is designed to be electrically conductive, wherein the electrical conductivity is produced by an electrically conductive coating of the threads from which the fabric or the knitted or knitted fabric is made,

for example, a silver coating.

The transfer layer 4 is on the skin side

facing away from side surface of the contact layer 3 flat.

Advantageously, the contact layer 3 and the

Transfer layer 4, the same cross-sectional area and

Cross-sectional shape, so that the contact layer 3 completely on its side facing away from the skin side of the

Transfer layer 4 is covered.

The transfer layer 4 is electrically connected to the

Power connection 5 contacted, which is formed in the embodiment as a power cable or conductor. A non ^¬ isolated portion of the power cord 5 extends over the entire length of the transfer layer 4 and is located immediately on contact with the transfer layer 4, the width of the transfer layer 4 is greater than the width or thickness of the Power cable 5. The current in the power cable 5 is transmitted through the transfer layer 4 evenly on the contact layer 3, so that locally increased current densities in the

Contact layer 3 can be avoided. When using the

Electrode 1 as a sensor takes place in the reverse direction, a uniform current transfer from the contact layer 3 via the transfer layer 4 on the non-insulated portion of the power cable. 5

The power cable 5 is laterally across the electrode. 1

led out, wherein the protruding portion of the

Power cable 5 has an electrical insulation and in the further course opens into a contact piece 7, via which the

Connection to a power source, a transmitter or a

Evaluation unit erfo Igt. The transition between the non-insulated portion of the power cable 5, within the

Electrode is in contact with the transfer layer 4, and the protruding, insulated part of the power cable 5 via a transition section 8 of the power cable. Of the

Transition section 8 can be inside or outside the

Sandwich-like package of electrode lie.

On the side facing away from the transfer layer 4 is the non-insulated portion of the power cable 5 of a

Insulation layer 6 covered. The insulating layer 6 consists for example of polyurethane, but without electrically conductive particles, so that the insulating layer 6 acts electrically insulating.

The skin side of the contact layer 3 may optionally be provided with a flocking material in order to improve the wearing comfort when the electrode makes contact with the skin. The flocking restricts the electrical conductivity of the Contact Layer 3 does not, or at least not in a significant way.

2, a further embodiment of an electrode 1 is shown, which can be integrated into a garment and basically the same function and design as in the embodiment of FIG. in the

In contrast to FIG. 1, however, in FIG. 2 the power connection 5 is designed as a power connection button, which protrudes on the side facing away from the skin 9 through the insulation layer 6 and through the subsequent transfer layer 4 and extends into the contact layer 3. Of the

Power connector button 5 is formed for example as a magnetic button, which is designed magnetically and can be docked by magnetic forces on a counterpart to the electric power transmission to the counterpart or from

Ensure counterpart. Alternatively to a design as a magnetic button is also a mechanical connection,

for example, as a push button, to a suitably trained counterpart possible.

In the region of the contact layer 3, the power connection button 5 has a collar extending radially outwards, via which the power connection button 5 is held mechanically securely in the electrode 1. The collar allows a positive fit

Anchoring the power connector button 5 in the electrode 1. Both the radially projecting collar and the outer surface of the power connector button 5 are in contact with the

Transfer layer 4, as in the previous

Embodiment extends flat along the contact layer 3. The transfer layer 4 has, in particular, a lower electrical resistance than the contact layer 3, so that the current flow from the current connection button 5 at least essentially via the transfer layer 4 and from this further area on the contact layer 3 takes place. In contrast, the direct current input of the

Power connection button 5 directly on the contact layer. 3

negligible small.

In Fig. 3 is a plan view of the electrode 1 with the power connector button 5 is shown. The various layers of the electrode 1, which the contact layer 3, the

Transfer layer 4 and the insulating layer 6 include, are strip-shaped and have rounded

Narrow sides. All layers in the electrode 1 have at least approximately the same base area and are

congruent one above the other.

4, a further embodiment of an electrode 1 is shown, which has the same basic structure as the electrode according to FIG. 1 with an internal power connection 5, which is followed by a transfer layer and a contact layer 3 in the direction of the skin. On the skin

opposite side is located at the power connector 5 a

Insulation Layer 6. The structure of the contact layer 3 and the transfer layer 4 corresponds to the structure as described in FIG.

According to Fig. 4 is located on the outside of the

Contact layer 3 an additional moisture-permeable coating 10, which is applied directly to the contact layer 3. This coating 10 is as a

Executed silicone layer into which perforations or recesses 11 are introduced at regular intervals, which moisture passage between the skin and the

Allow contact layer 3. The silicone coating 10

ensures a comfortable fit for the user. Due to the high elasticity, the silicone coating 10 during the movement of the user strains without

Wear limitations.

On the side facing away from the skin is a

Velcro layer 12 on the electrode 1, which makes it possible to attach the electrode 1 on the inside of the garment, which is worn by the user. The user can freely choose at which point of the garment the electrode 1 is placed. The Velcro layer 12 is located on the outside of the insulating layer 6, wherein optionally the insulating layer 6 and the Velcro layer 12 to a

common component can be summarized, which is arranged on one side of the power connector 5.

Claims

claims

1. A skin-wearable electrode, in particular a garment (2), having an electrical contact layer

(3) connected to a power connector (5),

characterized,

that at the contact layer (3) an electrical

Transfer layer (4) is present, which extends at least approximately over the entire length of the contact layer (3), wherein the power connector (5) to the electrical transfer layer

(4) is connected.

2. Electrode according to claim 1,

characterized,

in that the electrical transfer layer (4) is arranged between the power connection (5) and the contact layer (3).

3. Electrode according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized,

the transfer layer (4) extends at least approximately over the entire surface of the contact layer (3).

4. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized, the transfer layer (4) comprises a fabric or knit fabric.

5. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 4,

characterized,

in that an electrically conductive material, for example a silver, is introduced into the transfer layer (4).

6. An electrode according to claim 5,

characterized,

the electrically conductive material is present as a coating in the transfer layer (4).

7. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized,

the transfer layer (4) is made of polyamide.

8. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 7,

characterized,

the contact layer (3) is made of polyurethane.

9. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 8,

characterized,

in that electrically conductive particles are introduced into the contact layer (3), for example soot particles.

10. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 9,

characterized,

in that the contact layer (3) on the skin side is provided with a moisture-permeable coating (10).

11. An electrode according to claim 10,

characterized, that the coating (10) on the contact layer (3) as

Silicone layer is formed.

12. An electrode according to claim 10 or 11,

characterized,

that the coating (10) on the contact layer (3) with

Perforations is provided.

13. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 12,

characterized,

in that an insulation layer (6) is arranged on the side of the power connection (5) facing away from the transfer layer (4).

14. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 13,

characterized,

that the electrode (1) on the contact layer (3)

opposite side has a Velcro layer (12).

15. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 14,

characterized,

the transfer layer (4) has a lower electrical resistance than the contact layer (3).

16. Garment with an electrode (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15.