Combination of a biological electrode pad and a biological signal processing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a bioelectrode pad, a biosignal processing device, and a combination of the two. The bioelectrode pad includes: a mounting sheet that is elastically stretchable and has electrical insulation, and has an adhesive surface on the back side suitable for mounting on the skin of a living being; a plurality of electrodes that are spaced apart from each other and are located at at least both ends on the back side of the mounting sheet and are exposed on the back side; a plurality of connection portions that are located at the central portion on the back side of the mounting sheet, are electrically insulated and coated, and are exposed from the opening of the mounting sheet toward the front side; and electrode connection wirings that are located on the back side of the mounting sheet, are electrically insulated and coated, and electrically connect the plurality of electrodes and the plurality of connection portions respectively; at least one of the electrode connection wirings extends in a stretchable and bendable manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a biopotential electrode pad that is mounted on the skin of a living organism and detects electrobiological signals such as electrocardiogram signals or electromyogram signals from the skin, a biopotential signal processing device that processes biopotential signals detected by the biopotential electrode pad, such as recording or outputting, and a combination of the two. Background Art

[0002] As a biopotential electrode pad that is mounted on the skin of a living organism and detects electrobiological signals from the skin, for example, the Excelode E (TEC-07DEW) for competition use, manufactured by Fukuda Electronics Co., Ltd., described in Non-Patent Document 1, is known in the art. The biopotential electrode pad is connected to a portable Holter electrocardiograph and is used for competition examinations using Holter electrocardiograms. On the lower surface, which is an adhesive surface, of a horizontally long elliptical mounting piece with a slightly wider width in the central part, two detection electrodes are arranged at both ends with a single indifferent electrode in the center in the longitudinal direction. Electrode connection patterns made of conductive metal extend linearly from these electrodes to the vicinity of the side ends of the central part of the mounting piece. Three wires led out from the base end of a composite wire having a connector at the front end are respectively connected to these electrode connection patterns.

[0003] In addition, as a biopotential signal processing device that processes biopotential signals detected by the biopotential electrode pad, such as recording or outputting, for example, the portable Holter electrocardiograph (FM-190) manufactured by Fukuda Electronics Co., Ltd., described in Non-Patent Document 2, is known in the art. The Holter electrocardiograph is housed in a portable case, and the connector of the composite wire connecting the biopotential electrode pad is electrically connected to three electrodes via the composite wire and the electrode connection pattern. The portable case is attached to the arm of a living organism such as a patient who is the subject of a Holter electrocardiogram examination by a strap.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Non-Patent Documents

[0006] Non-Patent Document 1: http: / / www.fukuda.co.jp / medical / products / holter_ecg / pdf / holter_ecg.pdf: "Holter Electrocardiogram Examination Related Supplies" downloaded from Fukuda Electronics Co., Ltd. on February 15, 2018, pages 61, "Holter Electrocardiogram Examination Machine Connection Guide" and page 65, "Holter Electrocardiogram Examination Induction Wire - Relay - Electrode Wire"

[0007] Non-Patent Document 2: http: / / www.fukuda.co.jp / medical / products / holter_ecg / fm_190.html: Downloaded "Digital Holter Recorder FM-190" from Fukuda Electronic Co., Ltd. on February 19, 2018 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] In addition, in the conventional sheet-like biopotential electrode pad, the range in which biopotential signals can be detected is narrow, so it is difficult to obtain sufficient biological information. Therefore, research has been conducted on expanding the mounting piece to extend the range in which biopotential signals can be detected. However, if such research is carried out, it has been found that the following new problems occur: The expansion and contraction of the mounting piece are restricted by the electrode connection pattern that linearly extends from both end portions of the mounting piece to the vicinity of the side ends up to the central portion, and the biopotential electrode pad cannot fully follow the deformation of the limb caused by body movement, making it easy to peel off from the skin. In addition, the electrode connection pattern undergoes excessive local deformation due to the expansion and contraction following the deformation of the limb caused by body movement, making it easy to break.

[0010] In addition, the conventional portable Holter electrocardiograph housed in a portable case mounted on the arm of a living body such as a patient who is the subject of a Holter electrocardiogram examination is connected to the biopotential electrode pad via a composite wire. Therefore, there is a problem that the wire is subjected to tension due to body movements such as the movement of the arm or the twisting of the body, and the biopotential electrode pad is easily peeled off from the skin.

[0011] Technical Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] The present invention is an invention that advantageously solves the problems of the prior art. The biopotential electrode pad of the present invention is a biopotential electrode pad mounted on the skin of a living body for detecting electrobiological signals from the skin, and includes:

[0013] A mounting piece that can elastically expand, contract, and bend, has electrical insulation, and has an adhesive surface suitable for mounting on the skin of a living body on the back side;

[0014] A plurality of electrodes that are spaced apart from each other and are located on the back side of the mounting piece and are exposed on the back side;

[0015] A plurality of connection portions that are located at the central portion of the back side of the mounting piece, are electrically insulated and covered, and are exposed from an opening of the mounting piece toward the front side; and

[0016] Electrode connection wiring that is located on the back side of the mounting piece, is electrically insulated and covered, and electrically connects the plurality of electrodes and the plurality of connection portions respectively;

[0017] At least one of the electrode connection wirings extends in a stretchable and bendable manner.

[0018] In addition, the biological signal processing device of the present invention includes:

[0019] A housing fixed to the central portion on the surface side of the mounting piece of the biological electrode pad, the mounting piece having an adhesive surface suitable for mounting on the skin of a living body and a plurality of electrodes on the back side;

[0020] A biological signal processing circuit board housed in the housing and electrically connected to each of the plurality of electrodes on the back side of the biological electrode pad through a connection member passing through the central portions of the housing and the mounting piece, for processing the biological signals detected by the plurality of electrodes and outputting the processing results; and

[0021] A battery housed in the housing for supplying power to the biological signal processing circuit board.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] In the biological electrode pad of the present invention, when the mounting piece is mounted on the biological signal detection position of the skin of the subject with the adhesive surface on the back side, the plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other and exposed on the back side of the mounting piece detect electro-biological signals from the skin of the subject, and the electrode connection wirings located on the back side of the mounting piece and electrically insulated and coated transmit the biological signals to the plurality of connection portions located at the central portion on the back side of the mounting piece and electrically insulated and coated. These connection portions output the biological signals to the surface side of the mounting piece using the portions exposed from the openings of the mounting piece.

[0024] Moreover, the mounting piece can be elastically stretched and bent and has electrical insulation, so it follows the deformation of the limb caused by body movement to stretch and / or bend to maintain close contact with the skin. In addition, at least one of the electrode connection wirings that electrically connect the plurality of electrodes and the plurality of connection portions extends in a stretchable and bendable manner. Therefore, even if there is stretching and / or bending of the mounting piece following the deformation of the limb caused by body movement, the electrode connection wiring is not easily broken due to excessive local deformation.

[0025] Therefore, according to the biological electrode pad of the present invention, even if the mounting piece is enlarged compared to the prior art to expand the range where biological signals can be detected, it is possible to continuously use the plurality of electrodes to detect biological signals from the skin for a long time regardless of the deformation of the limb caused by body movement.

[0026] In addition, in the biological signal processing device of the present invention, if the elastically stretchable mounting piece of the bioelectrode pad is mounted on the biological signal detection position of the skin of the subject with the adhesive surface on its back side, the biological signal processing circuit board housed in the frame fixed to the central portion on the surface side of the mounting piece is electrically connected to each of the plurality of electrodes provided on the back side of the bioelectrode pad via a connection member passing through the central portions of the frame and the mounting piece, and power is supplied by a battery also housed in the frame, and the biological signal detected from the skin of the subject by the electrodes is processed, and the processing result is recorded in a storage medium and output such as wireless transmission.

[0027] Therefore, in the biological signal processing device according to the present invention, the biological signal processing circuit board is housed in a frame fixed to the surface side of the elastically stretchable mounting piece of the bioelectrode pad, power is supplied by a battery, and is electrically connected to each of the plurality of electrodes on the back side of the mounting piece via a connection member passing through the central portions of the frame and the mounting piece, and the wiring connecting the biological signal processing circuit board and the bioelectrode pad is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, even if there are body movements such as arm movements or body twists, the bioelectrode pad is not easily peeled off from the skin. Therefore, regardless of the deformation of the limbs caused by body movements, the plurality of electrodes can be continuously used for a long time to detect biological signals from the skin.

[0028] Moreover, with the combination of the bioelectrode pad according to the present invention and the biological signal processing device of the present invention, even if a bioelectrode pad with an enlarged mounting piece to expand the range of detectable biological signals is used compared to the past, it is possible to effectively prevent the bioelectrode pad from peeling off the skin regardless of the deformation of the limbs caused by body movements, and continuously use the plurality of electrodes to detect biological signals from the skin for a long time.

[0029] In addition, in the bioelectrode pad of the present invention, conductive gel sheets can be laminated and arranged on each of the plurality of electrodes. If so set, the resistance between the electrodes and the skin can be reduced by the conductive gel sheets, and the detection level of biological signals can be improved. Moreover, in this case, either of the plurality of electrodes and the conductive gel sheets can be arranged on the skin side. In the bioelectrode pad of the present invention, the plurality of electrodes may include dummy electrodes and a plurality of detection electrodes. If so set, biological signals can be detected more easily. Furthermore, the conductor of the stretchable and bendable electrode connection wiring can be bent and extended in a bellows shape, or the conductor can be formed in a fibrous shape and extend in a mesh shape, or a chain shape, or in a cloth shape such as a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric, or the conductor can be formed of a conductive rubber-like elastic material. If so set, the electrode connection wiring can easily stretch and bend along the skin.

[0030] Furthermore, in the biological electrode pad of the present invention, a covering sheet can be pasted on the back side of the mounting sheet. The covering sheet has a size smaller than that of the mounting sheet and has an opening that exposes the adhesive surface of the peripheral portion of the mounting sheet and at least partially exposes each of the plurality of electrodes. Through the covering sheet, the electrode connection wiring and the connection portion are covered and fixed to the mounting sheet. If set in this way, the electrical insulation covering of the electrode connection wiring and the connection portion can be easily formed, and regardless of the expansion and contraction of the mounting sheet due to the deformation of the limb caused by body movement, it is easy to prevent the peeling or position deviation of the electrode connection wiring or the connection portion relative to the mounting sheet.

[0031] On the other hand, in the biological signal processing device of the present invention, a connection member passing through the central portions of the housing and the mounting sheet can also be in separable electrical contact with at least one of the biological signal processing circuit board and the connection portion. If set in this way, the replacement of the battery or the recording medium can be easily performed by loading and unloading the biological signal processing circuit board from the housing. Moreover, in this case, if the contact member is a contact pin erected on the biological signal processing circuit board and inserted and withdrawn through the housing, it can be simply connected through the contact connection portion, so it is preferable.

[0032] In addition, in the biological signal processing device of the present invention, the housing can have a lower housing part fixed to the mounting sheet and an upper housing part detachably mounted on the lower housing part, and the biological signal processing circuit board is housed by the lower housing part and the upper housing part, or the housing can also have a mounting fixture fixed to the mounting sheet and a housing body that houses the biological signal processing circuit board and is detachably mounted on the mounting fixture, or the housing can also have a mounting fixture fixed to the mounting sheet, a housing body that houses the biological signal processing circuit board, and a housing cover that covers the housing body and is detachably mounted on the mounting fixture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 (a) of Figure 1 (b) of Figure 1 and (c) of are a plan view, a front view, and a bottom view schematically showing an embodiment of the biological electrode pad of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the biological electrode pad of the above embodiment and the structure of an embodiment of the biological signal processing device of the present invention combined with the biological electrode pad together.

[0035] Figure 3 (a) of Figure 3(b) is a plan view showing the mounting piece and the covering piece of the bioelectrode pad of the described embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) are a plan view and a bottom view showing the electrode piece of the bioelectrode pad of the described embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the biosignal processing device of the described embodiment in a state where the lower part of the housing of the biosignal processing device of the described embodiment is fixed to the surface side of the mounting piece of the bioelectrode pad of the described embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 (a), Figure 6 (b) and Figure 6 (c) are a plan view, a front view, and a bottom view showing the lower housing forming the housing of the biosignal processing device of the described embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7 (a), Figure 7 (b) and Figure 7 (c) are a plan view, a front view, and a bottom view showing the upper housing forming the housing of the biosignal processing device of the described embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 (b) are a plan view and a bottom view showing the biosignal processing circuit board of the biosignal processing device of the described embodiment together with the contact pins serving as connection members erected thereon.

[0041] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the connection state of the contact pins of the biosignal processing circuit board and the connection portion of the electrode piece.

[0042] Figure 10 (a), Figure 10 (b) and Figure 10 (c) are explanatory diagrams respectively showing the structure of the housing of the biosignal processing device of the described embodiment and two other structural examples.

[0043] Figure 11 (a), Figure 11 (b) and Figure 11 (c) are explanatory diagrams respectively showing three other structural examples of the electrode connection wiring of the bioelectrode pad of the described embodiment partially.

[0044] Explanation of symbols

[0045] 1: Mounting piece

[0046] 1a: Opening

[0047] 2: Non - related electrode

[0048] 3: Detection electrode

[0049] 4, 5: Connection part

[0050] 6, 7: Electrode connection wiring

[0051] 8: Resin layer

[0052] 9: Electrode sheet

[0053] 10: Coating sheet

[0054] 10a: Opening

[0055] 11: Conductive gel sheet

[0056] 20: Frame

[0057] 21: Lower part of the frame

[0058] 21a: Through - hole

[0059] 21b: Bottomed recess

[0060] 21c: Step part

[0061] 22: Upper part of the frame

[0062] 23: Sealing ring

[0063] 24: Bio - signal processing circuit board

[0064] 24a: Connection pin

[0065] 25: Battery

[0066] 26, 28: Mounting fixture

[0067] 27, 30: Frame body

[0068] 29: Frame cover

[0069] 31: Fibrous conductor. Detailed implementation mode

[0070] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, Figure 1 (a) of Figure 1 (b) of Figure 1 (c) of are a plan view, a front view, and a bottom view schematically showing an embodiment of the bio - electrode pad of the present invention, Figure 2It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the biological electrode pad of the described embodiment and the structure of an embodiment of the biological signal processing device of the present invention combined with the biological electrode pad. Figure 3 (a) of Figure 3 and (b) of Figure 4 are plan views showing the mounting piece and the covering piece of the biological electrode pad of the described embodiment respectively. Figure 4 (a) of and (b) of

[0071] are a plan view and a bottom view showing the electrode piece of the biological electrode pad of the described embodiment.

[0072] The biological electrode pad of the described embodiment is mounted on the skin of a subject as a living being and is used to detect an electrocardiogram signal as an electrobiological signal from the skin. It includes: a mounting piece 1 made of resin in a substantially elliptical shape, which can be elastically stretched and bent and has electrical insulation, and has an adhesive surface suitable for mounting on the skin of a living being on the back side, and the central part bulges laterally; a reference electrode 2 located at the central part on the back side of the mounting piece 1 and exposed on the back side; two detection electrodes 3 respectively located at both ends on the back side of the mounting piece 1, arranged in a straight line together with the reference electrode 2 and exposed on the back side; two connecting parts 4 and two connecting parts 5 located near the reference electrode 2 at the central part on the back side of the mounting piece 1, electrically insulated and covered, and exposed from the opening 1a of the mounting piece 1 to the front side, grouped in a crossing direction with the reference electrode 2 in between respectively; and two sets (four) of electrode connection wires 6, 7 located on the back side of the mounting piece 1, electrically insulated and covered, and electrically connecting the reference electrode 2 and each of the two detection electrodes 3 to the two sets (four) of connecting parts 4, 5 respectively; the reference electrode 2 and the two detection electrodes 3 are arranged as a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other, provided on the back side of the mounting piece 1, the electrode connection wire 6 between the reference electrode 2 and the two connecting parts 4 obliquely crosses the central part on the back side of the mounting piece 1 and extends linearly, and in addition, the electrode connection wire 7 between each of the two detection electrodes 3 and the two connecting parts 5 is longer than the electrode connection wire 6, so it bends in a bellows (corrugated) shape along the back side of the mounting piece 1 and extends in a manner that can be stretched and bent in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the mounting piece 1.Here, the non-related electrode 2 and the two detection electrodes 3 are formed on the back surface of the resin layer 8 that can be elastically stretched and bent and has electrical insulation properties through a conductor layer. In addition, two sets (four) of connection parts 4, 5 and two sets (four) of electrode connection wirings 6, 7 are formed on the surface of the resin layer 8 through the conductor layer respectively. The non-related electrode 2 is connected to the two connection parts 4 through two linear electrode connection wirings 6 that obliquely cross the central part of the back side of the mounting piece 1, a central circular wiring that connects the two electrode connection wirings 6, and a plurality of through-hole conductors (not shown) provided on the circular wiring and passing through the resin layer 8. In addition, the two detection electrodes 3 are connected to the two connection parts 5 through two electrode connection wirings 7 and a plurality of through-hole conductors (not shown) provided at the front end parts of the two electrode connection wirings 7 respectively and passing through the resin layer 8. They constitute the electrode sheet 9.

[0073] In addition, the resin layer 8 can be formed by, for example, a polyimide sheet, and the conductor layers of the non-related electrode 2 and the two detection electrodes 3 on the back side of the resin layer 8, and the conductor layers of the two sets (four) of connection parts 4, 5 and the two sets (four) of electrode connection wirings 6, 7 on the front side of the resin layer 8 can be formed by, for example, carbon printing, copper plating, copper foil, silver plating or silver foil respectively. In addition, the resin layer 8 can be formed by, for example, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, and the conductor layers of the two sets (four) of connection parts 4, 5 and the two sets (four) of electrode connection wirings 6, 7 on the front side of the resin layer 8 can be formed by, for example, carbon printing, copper plating or copper foil respectively. On the other hand, the conductor layers of the non-related electrode 2 and the two detection electrodes 3 on the back side of the resin layer 8 can be formed by, for example, silver plating or silver oxide plating that is not easily oxidized due to contact with the skin.

[0074] In the bioelectric electrode pad of the above embodiment, the electrode sheet 9 is arranged on the adhesive surface on the back of the mounting piece 1 with the surface side of the electrode sheet 9 facing the back of the mounting piece 1. Further, a covering sheet 10 is pasted on the adhesive surface on the back of the mounting piece 1 from above the electrode sheet 9. The covering sheet 10 has an outer dimension smaller than that of the mounting piece 1, and has a circular opening 10a that exposes the adhesive surface of the peripheral part of the mounting piece 1 and exposes the non-related electrode 2 and the detection electrode 3 respectively. The connection parts 4, 5, the electrode connection wirings 6, and the electrode connection wiring 7 are covered and fixed to the mounting piece 1 by the covering sheet 10.

[0075] Moreover, in the bioelectrode pad of the above-described embodiment, radial incisions are respectively provided in the two detection electrodes 3 in a manner that allows easy deformation along the skin, and circular conductive gel sheets 11 are respectively laminated on the reference electrode 2 and the two detection electrodes 3 from above the covering sheet 10. The conductive gel sheets 11 are larger than each of the reference electrode 2, the detection electrodes 3, and the opening 10a of the covering sheet 10 that exposes them, and the reference electrode 2 and the detection electrodes 3 are covered with the conductive gel of the conductive gel sheets 11.

[0076] Furthermore, in the bioelectrode pad of the above-described embodiment, the convex portions at the four corners on the lower surface of the lower part 21 of the frame body 20 that constitutes the frame body 20 are positioned and adhesively fixed at positions corresponding to the four connection portions 4 and 5 of the electrode sheet 9 on the front side of the mounting sheet 1 in such a manner that: three through-holes 21a of the lower part 21 of the frame body 20 respectively face three of the four openings 1a that respectively expose the four connection portions 4 and 5 partially toward the surface side of the mounting sheet 1. In addition, a gap is left between the lower surface of the lower part 21 of the frame body 20 and the surface of the mounting sheet 1, except for the convex portions at the four corners adhesively fixed to the surface of the mounting sheet 1, so that sweat that has diffused from the skin of the subject and passed through the mounting sheet 1 can easily evaporate.

[0077] The frame body 20 constitutes the bio-signal processing device of the above-described embodiment, and the bio-signal processing device of the above-described embodiment is combined with the bioelectrode pad of the above-described embodiment in order to constitute a Holter electrocardiograph.

[0078] Figure 5 FIG. is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the bio-signal processing device of the above-described embodiment in a state where the lower part 21 of the frame body of the bio-signal processing device of the above-described embodiment is fixed to the front side of the mounting sheet 1 of the bioelectrode pad of the above-described embodiment. Figure 6 (a) of Figure 6 (b) of Figure 6 and (c) of FIG. are a plan view, a front view, and a bottom view showing the lower part 21 of the frame body 20 that constitutes the bio-signal processing device of the above-described embodiment. Figure 7 (a) of Figure 7 (b) of Figure 7 and (c) of FIG. are a plan view, a front view, and a bottom view showing the upper part 22 of the frame body 20 that constitutes the frame body 20 together with the lower part 21.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6 (a) to Figure 6As shown in (c), the lower part 21 of the housing is formed in a substantially square table shape with a circular bottomed concave portion 21b at the center. Through holes 21a penetrating the lower part 21 of the housing in the vertical direction are formed at three of the protrusions at the four corners surrounding the bottomed concave portion 21b, and an electrode plate (not shown) for connecting to a battery described later is provided at the remaining one. In addition, a stepped portion 21c extending over the entire circumference is formed around the lower part 21 of the housing. As Figure 2 and Figure 5 shown, a sealing ring 23 made of an elastic body is fitted in the stepped portion 21c.

[0080] As Figure 7 shown in (a) to Figure 7 shown in (c), the upper part 22 of the housing is formed in a substantially square lid shape with a downward depression. The inner peripheral surface of the lower part is fitted to the lower part of the lower part 21 of the housing including the stepped portion 21c to form the housing 20, and the sealing ring 23 is sandwiched between the upper part 22 of the housing and the lower part 21 of the housing, and the inside of the housing 20 is liquid-tightly sealed by the sealing ring 23.

[0081] As Figure 2 and Figure 5 shown, a biological signal processing circuit board 24 and, for example, a button-type battery 25 are housed inside the housing 20. The biological signal processing circuit board 24 is formed by mounting electronic components such as an integrated circuit (IC) chip including a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit, CPU), a memory, or an input / output circuit on a substantially square printed circuit board to form a microcomputer. According to a previously provided program, it operates as a Holter electrocardiograph, for example, continuously records for 24 hours or repeatedly records the electrocardiogram signals input from the indifferent electrode 2 and the detection electrode 3 every few hours, and continuously analyzes the waveforms of the electrocardiogram signals. In order to detect when a specific waveform appears in the electrocardiogram signals, for example, the electrocardiogram of the electrocardiogram signals for a fixed time including the waveform and the recording time are output to the outside wirelessly or recorded on a removable storage medium such as a memory card and then output to the outside. Moreover, the battery 25 is detachably arranged inside the housing 20 and supplies at least the power required for the above operation to the biological signal processing circuit board 24.

[0082] Here, for the electrical connection between the connection portion 5 that is connected to the non-related electrode 2 and the two detection electrodes 3 via the electrode connection wiring 6 and the electrode connection wiring 7, and the input / output circuit of the microcomputer, three contact pins 24a as connection members protrude from the lower surfaces of three of the four corners of the biological signal processing circuit board 24, respectively. The connection members penetrate through the lower portion 21 of the housing and the central portion of the mounting piece 1, and are detachably electrically connected to at least one of the biological signal processing circuit board 24 and the connection portion 5 (as shown in Figure 9 ), and the three contact pins 24a are respectively inserted through three through holes 21a that penetrate the lower portion 21 of the housing in the vertical direction in a drawable and insertable manner, pass through the opening 1a of the mounting piece 1, and contact three of the four connection portions 4 and 5.

[0083] Two of the three contact pins 24a located at the corner portions on the diagonal line of the biological signal processing circuit board 24 are electrically connected to the two connection portions 5 connected to the two detection electrodes 3, and one contact pin 24a located at the remaining corner portion is electrically connected to one of the two connection portions 4 connected to the non-related electrode 2.

[0084] In addition, the reason for providing two connection portions 4 connected to one non-related electrode 2 is as follows: when the lower portion 21 of the housing is adhesively fixed to the mounting piece 1, if the two through holes 21a on the diagonal line of the lower portion 21 of the housing face the two connection portions 5 connected to the two detection electrodes 3, even if the direction of the lower portion 21 of the housing is rotated 180 degrees, the remaining one through hole 21a also faces either one of the two connection portions 4 connected to the non-related electrode 2. If the biological signal processing circuit board 24 is housed in the housing 20 in the direction in which the three contact pins 24a enter the three through holes 21a of the lower portion 21 of the housing, the three contact pins 24a are respectively surely connected to the specified connection portions 4 and 5.

[0085] In the biological electrode pad of the above-described embodiment, if the mounting piece 1 is adhesively attached to the electrocardiogram signal detection position of the skin of the subject with its adhesive surface on the back side, one non-related electrode 2 located at the central portion on the back side of the mounting piece 1 and exposed on the back side, and two detection electrodes 3 respectively located at both ends of the mounting piece 1 and exposed on the back side detect the electrocardiogram signal from the skin of the subject. The electrode connection wiring 6 and the electrode connection wiring 7 located on the back side of the mounting piece 1 and electrically insulated and coated transmit the electrocardiogram signal to two sets (four) of connection portions 4 and 5 that are located near the non-related electrode 2 at the central portion on the back side of the mounting piece 1 and are electrically insulated and coated. The connection portion 4 and the connection portion 5 output the electrocardiogram signal to the surface side of the mounting piece 1 by using the portions exposed from the opening 1a of the mounting piece 1.

[0086] In addition, in the biologic electrode pad of the above-described embodiment, the mounting piece 1 can be elastically stretched, bent, and has electrical insulation properties. Therefore, it follows the deformation of the limb caused by body movement to stretch and / or bend to maintain close contact with the skin. Moreover, the electrode connection wiring 7 between each of the two detection electrodes 3 and the two connection parts 5 is bent in a bellows shape, and can be stretched and bent to extend. Therefore, even if there is stretching and / or bending of the mounting piece 1 following the deformation of the limb caused by body movement, the electrode connection wiring is not likely to break due to excessive local deformation.

[0087] Therefore, according to the biologic electrode pad of the above-described embodiment, even if the mounting piece 1 is enlarged compared to the prior art to expand the range where the electrocardiogram signal can be detected, regardless of the deformation of the limb caused by body movement, the reference electrode 2 and the detection electrodes 3 can be continuously used for a long time to detect the electrocardiogram signal from the skin.

[0088] In addition, in the biologic signal processing device of the above-described embodiment, if the elastically stretchable mounting piece 1 of the biologic electrode pad is mounted on the electrocardiogram signal detection position of the skin of the subject with its adhesive surface on the back side, the biologic signal processing circuit board 24 housed in the central part on the surface side of the mounting piece 1 fixed to the frame 20 is connected to each of the reference electrode 2 and the two detection electrodes 3 provided on the back side of the biologic electrode pad through the contact pins 24a passing through the central parts of the frame 20 and the mounting piece 1, the electrode connection wiring 6 on the electrode piece 9, and the electrode connection wiring 7, and is supplied with power by the battery 25 also housed in the frame 20, and performs at least one of analysis and recording processing of the electrocardiogram signal detected from the skin of the subject by the reference electrode 2 and the detection electrodes 3, and output to the outside by recording in a storage medium such as a memory card and wireless transmission of the processing result.

[0089] Therefore, according to the biologic signal processing device of the above-described embodiment, the biologic signal processing circuit board 24 is housed in the frame 20 fixed to the surface side of the elastically stretchable mounting piece 1 of the biologic electrode pad, is supplied with power by the battery 25, and is electrically connected to each of the reference electrode 2 and the two detection electrodes 3 on the back side of the mounting piece 1 through the contact pins 24a passing through the central parts of the frame 20 and the mounting piece 1, the connection part 5 on the back side of the mounting piece 1, the electrode connection wiring 6, and the electrode connection wiring 7. The wiring connecting the biologic signal processing circuit board and the biologic electrode pad is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, even if there are body movements such as arm movement or body torsion, the biologic electrode pad is not likely to peel off from the skin. Therefore, regardless of the deformation of the limb caused by body movement, the reference electrode 2 and the detection electrodes 3 can be continuously used for a long time to detect the electrocardiogram signal from the skin.

[0090] Moreover, with the combination of the bioelectrode pad according to the described embodiment and the biosignal processing device according to the described embodiment, even when using a bioelectrode pad that expands the mounting piece 1 more than before to extend the range where the electrocardiogram signal can be detected, it is possible to effectively prevent the bioelectrode pad from peeling off the skin regardless of the deformation of the limbs caused by body movement, and continuously use the reference electrode 2 and the detection electrode 3 for a long time to detect the electrocardiogram signal from the skin.

[0091] Furthermore, in the bioelectrode pad according to the described embodiment, a conductive gel sheet 11 is laminated and arranged on each of the reference electrode 2 and the two detection electrodes 3. Therefore, the resistance between the electrodes 2, 3 and the skin can be reduced through the conductive gel sheet 11, and the detection level of the electrocardiogram signal can be improved. In addition, in the bioelectrode pad according to the described embodiment, either the reference electrode 2 and the detection electrode 3 or the conductive gel sheet 11 can be arranged on the skin side to contact the skin.

[0092] Furthermore, in the bioelectrode pad according to the described embodiment, a covering sheet 10 is pasted on the back side of the mounting piece 1. The covering sheet 10 has a size smaller than that of the mounting piece 1, has an opening 10a that exposes the adhesive surface of the peripheral portion of the mounting piece 1 and exposes the entire reference electrode 2 and the two detection electrodes 3. The electrode connection wires 6, 7 and the connection portion 5 are covered and fixed to the mounting piece 1 through the covering sheet 10. Therefore, the electrical insulation covering of the electrode connection wires 6, 7 and the connection portion 5 can be easily formed, and regardless of the expansion and contraction of the mounting piece 1 accompanying the deformation of the limbs caused by body movement, it is possible to easily prevent the peeling or position deviation of the electrode connection wires 6, 7 or the connection portion 5 relative to the mounting piece 1.

[0093] On the other hand, as Figure 8 shown in (a) and Figure 8 shown in (b), in the biosignal processing device according to the described embodiment, the biosignal processing circuit board 24 has a contact pin 24a that stands on the lower surface of the biosignal processing circuit board 24, penetrates the central portions of the frame 20 and the mounting piece 1 in a drawable and insertable manner, and is in electrical contact with the connection portion 5. Therefore, the replacement of the battery 25 or the recording medium can be easily performed by loading and unloading the biosignal processing circuit board 24 from the frame 20.

[0094] In addition, in the biosignal processing device according to the described embodiment, as shown in the upper and lower parts of (a) of Figure 10 , the frame 20 has a frame lower part 21 fixed to the mounting piece 1 and a frame upper part 22 detachably mounted on the frame lower part 21. The biosignal processing circuit board 24 is accommodated by the frame lower part 21 and the frame upper part 22. However, the frame 20 in the biosignal processing device of the present invention can also be asFigure 10 As shown in the upper and lower parts of (b), it has a mounting fixture 26 fixed to the mounting piece 1, and a housing body 27 that houses the bio-signal processing circuit board 24 and is detachably mounted on the mounting fixture 26. Additionally, as shown in Figure 10 the upper and lower parts of (c), it has a mounting fixture 28 fixed to the mounting piece 1, a housing body 30 that houses the bio-signal processing circuit board 24, and a housing cover 29 that covers the housing body 30 and is detachably mounted on the mounting fixture 28.

[0095] Figure 11 (a) of Figure 11 (b) of Figure 11 and (c) are explanatory diagrams respectively showing three other structural examples of the electrode connection wirings 6 and 7 of the bioelectric electrode pad of the above-described embodiment. In the electrode connection wiring of (a), many linear fibrous conductors 31 including copper wires are used to cross each other, and they are electrically connected to each other at their intersections by soldering or the like to form a mesh-like electrode connection wiring. In the electrode connection wiring of (b), many annular fibrous conductors 31 including copper wires are used to combine with each other, and they are electrically connected to each other at their joints by soldering or the like to form a chain-like electrode connection wiring. Moreover, in the electrode connection wiring of (c), many waveform fibrous conductors 31 including copper wires are connected by many linear fibrous conductors 31 also including copper wires, and they are electrically connected to each other at their connection points to form a cloth-like electrode connection wiring such as a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric. Any of these electrode connection wirings extends in a stretchable and bendable manner as the electrode connection wiring 6 between the irrelevant electrode 2 and the two connection parts 4, and / or the electrode connection wiring 7 between each of the two detection electrodes 3 and the two connection parts 5. Figure 11 the electrode connection wiring of (a), many linear fibrous conductors 31 including copper wires are used to cross each other, and they are electrically connected to each other at their intersections by soldering or the like to form a mesh-like electrode connection wiring. In Figure 11 the electrode connection wiring of (b), many annular fibrous conductors 31 including copper wires are used to combine with each other, and they are electrically connected to each other at their joints by soldering or the like to form a chain-like electrode connection wiring. And, in Figure 11 the electrode connection wiring of (c), many waveform fibrous conductors 31 including copper wires are connected by many linear fibrous conductors 31 also including copper wires, and they are electrically connected to each other at their connection points to form a cloth-like electrode connection wiring such as a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric. Any of these electrode connection wirings extends in a stretchable and bendable manner as the electrode connection wiring 6 between the irrelevant electrode 2 and the two connection parts 4, and / or the electrode connection wiring 7 between each of the two detection electrodes 3 and the two connection parts 5.

[0096] As described above, the present invention has been described based on the illustrated examples, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the claims. For example, in the bioelectric electrode pad of the present invention, the irrelevant electrode can be omitted and only two detection electrodes at both ends can be provided as the electrodes, or the number of detection electrodes can be set to three or more. In this case, the irrelevant electrode at the central part can also be changed to a detection electrode. Additionally, the plurality of electrodes can also be arranged not in a straight line. Further, at least one of the electrode connection wiring 6 and the electrode connection wiring 7 can be set as an electrode connection wiring including, for example, a thin-film-like conductor formed of a conductive rubber-like elastic material in which fibrous conductors such as carbon nanotubes (CNT) are dispersed in a rubber-like base material, instead of Figure 4 or Figure 11in (a) to Figure 11 the example shown in (c). Further, instead of or in addition to the detection of electrocardiogram signals, the biologic electrode pad of the present invention can also be used to detect electromyogram signals. Moreover, the biologic electrode pad of the present invention can also be connected to a general biologic signal processing device via a wire, instead of being combined with the biologic signal processing device of the present invention.

[0097] In addition, for example, in the biologic signal processing device of the present invention, a connecting member can penetrate and be fixed in a frame and a mounting piece, its lower end portion always contacts a connecting portion, and its upper end portion can separably contact a circuit pattern of a biologic signal processing circuit board. Moreover, the biologic signal processing device of the present invention can also be loaded with an IC chip constituting a wireless communication circuit based on a wireless local area network (LAN) standard such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), and transmit the biologic signal input from the biologic electrode pad to an external communication device via the wireless communication circuit, so that a computer connected to the external communication device can perform recording, analysis, etc. Moreover, the biologic signal processing device of the present invention can also fix the frame on the mounting piece of a general biologic electrode pad, instead of fixing the frame on the mounting piece of the biologic electrode pad of the present invention.

[0098] Industrial Applicability

[0099] Thus, according to the biologic electrode pad of the present invention, even if the mounting piece is enlarged compared with the prior art to expand the range of biologic signals that can be detected, it is possible to continuously use a plurality of electrodes to detect biologic signals from the skin for a long time regardless of the deformation of the limb caused by body movement.

[0100] In addition, according to the biologic signal processing device of the present invention, the wiring connecting the biologic signal processing circuit board and the biologic electrode pad is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, even if there are body movements such as arm movement or body torsion, the biologic electrode pad is not easily peeled off from the skin. Therefore, regardless of the deformation of the limb caused by body movement, it is possible to continuously use a plurality of electrodes to detect biologic signals from the skin for a long time.

[0101] Moreover, according to the combination of the biologic electrode pad of the present invention and the biologic signal processing device of the present invention, even if a biologic electrode pad with an enlarged mounting piece compared with the prior art to expand the range of biologic signals that can be detected is used, it is possible to effectively prevent the biologic electrode pad from peeling off from the skin and continuously use a plurality of electrodes to detect biologic signals from the skin for a long time regardless of the deformation of the limb caused by body movement.

Claims

1. A combination of a bioelectrode pad and a biosignal processing device, characterized in that: The bioelectrode pad is mounted on the skin of a living being and is used to detect electro-biological signals from the skin. The bioelectrode pad includes: A mounting sheet that can elastically expand and contract and has electrical insulation, and has an adhesive surface suitable for mounting on the skin of a living being on the back side; A plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other and located on the back side of the mounting sheet, and exposed on the back side; A plurality of connecting portions located at the central portion on the back side of the mounting sheet, electrically insulated and covered, and exposed from the opening of the mounting sheet toward the front side; and Electrode connection wiring located on the back side of the mounting sheet, electrically insulated and covered, and electrically connecting the plurality of electrodes to the plurality of connecting portions respectively; At least one of the electrode connection wirings can extend in a telescopic and bendable manner; and The biosignal processing device includes: A housing fixed to the central portion on the front side of the mounting sheet; A biosignal processing circuit board housed in the housing and electrically connected to each of the plurality of electrodes on the back side of the bioelectrode pad through a connecting member passing through the central portions of the housing and the mounting sheet, and performing processing of the biosignals detected by the plurality of electrodes and outputting the processing results; and A battery housed in the housing to supply power to the biosignal processing circuit board, Wherein a plurality of protrusions provided on the lower surface of the housing are adhesively fixed to the front side of the mounting sheet, The connecting member passes through the inside of at least one of the plurality of protrusions, and Wherein, in addition to the plurality of protrusions adhesively fixed to the front side of the mounting sheet, a gap is provided between the lower surface of the housing and the front surface of the mounting sheet.

2. The combination of the bioelectric electrode pad and the bio-signal processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The conductor of the electrode connection wiring that can extend in a telescopic and bendable manner is bent in a bellows shape.

3. The combination of the bioelectrode pad and the biosignal processing device according to claim 1, wherein The fibrous conductor of the electrode connection wiring that can extend in a telescopic and bendable manner forms a mesh shape or a chain shape or a cloth shape.

4. The combination of the bioelectric electrode pad and the bio-signal processing device according to claim 1, wherein The conductor of the electrode connection wiring that can extend in a telescopic and bendable manner is formed of a conductive rubber-like elastic material.

5. The combination of the bioelectrode pad and the biosignal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The plurality of electrodes include dummy electrodes and a plurality of detection electrodes, and each of the plurality of detection electrodes is provided with radial incisions, and the radial incisions are configured to enable the detection electrodes to deform along the skin.

6. The combination of the bioelectric electrode pad and the bio-signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A conductive gel sheet is laminated on each of the plurality of electrodes.

7. The combination of the bioelectric electrode pad and the bio-signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that A covering sheet is pasted on the back side of the mounting sheet. The covering sheet has a smaller size than the mounting sheet, has an opening that exposes the adhesive surface of the peripheral portion of the mounting sheet and at least partially exposes each of the plurality of electrodes, and the electrode connection wiring and the connecting portion are covered and fixed to the mounting sheet through the covering sheet.

8. The combination of the bioelectric electrode pad and the bio-signal processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting member passing through the central portions of the housing and the mounting sheet is in separable electrical contact with at least one of the biosignal processing circuit board and the connecting portion.

9. The combination of the bioelectric electrode pad and the biological signal processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a lower part of the housing fixed to the mounting piece and an upper part of the housing that can be detachably mounted on the lower part of the housing, and the biological signal processing circuit board is housed by the lower part of the housing and the upper part of the housing.

10. The combination of the bioelectrode pad and the biosignal processing device according to claim 1, wherein The housing has a mounting fixture fixed to the mounting piece and a housing body that houses the biological signal processing circuit board and can be detachably mounted on the mounting fixture.

11. The combination of the bioelectric electrode pad and the bio-signal processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing has a mounting fixture fixed to the mounting piece, a housing body that houses the biological signal processing circuit board, and a housing cover that covers the housing body and can be detachably mounted on the mounting fixture.

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