Body electrode and body electrode unit

Abstract

The body electrode unit includes a body electrode and a release sheet to which the body electrode is attached. The body electrode includes a first electrode configured to stimulate a muscle of a body, a second electrode, and a third electrode. The second electrode and the third electrode are configured to detect a physiological signal from the muscle stimulated by the first electrode. The body electrode further includes a first connecting portion arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a second connecting portion arranged between one of the first electrode and the second electrode and the third electrode. The first connecting portion has at least one first direction changing portion configured to change a direction in which the first connecting portion extends, such that at least one of a distance and an angle between the first electrode and the second electrode is adjustable.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosed subject matter relates to a body electrode and a body electrode unit configured for measuring physiological information. BACKGROUND

[0002] A related art body electrode is provided in a state in which an adhesive gel-provided surface is attached to a release sheet. When the body electrode is used, the body electrode is peeled from the release sheet, and the adhesive gel-provided surface is attached to a body (a subject).

[0003] A body electrode can have a plurality of electrodes mounted on a surface of a substrate sheet (see, for example, JPH09-313454A). In such a body electrode, the plurality of electrodes are mounted on one substrate sheet while being separated from each other. Thus, the body electrode is capable of being attached to a body while maintaining a predetermined interval.

[0004] However, in such a body electrode, the plurality of electrodes are pattern-printed to one substrate sheet. That is, the electrodes are respectively mounted at fixed positions. With this configuration, for example, when the body electrode is attached to a hand of a subject, depending on the size of the hand of the subject, the body electrode can not be attached to a desired position. SUMMARY

[0005] An exemplary aspect of the disclosed subject matter provides a body electrode and a body electrode unit in which electrodes are capable of being attached to desired positions.

[0006] According to one aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a body electrode includes a first electrode configured to stimulate a muscle of a body, a second electrode, and a third electrode. The second electrode and the third electrode are configured to detect a physiological signal from the muscle stimulated by the first electrode. The body electrode further includes a first connecting portion arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a second connecting portion arranged between the third electrode and one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The first connecting portion has at least one first direction changing portion configured to change a direction in which the first connecting portion extends, such that at least one of a distance and an angle between the first electrode and the second electrode is adjustable.

[0007] According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a body electrode unit includes a body electrode and a release sheet to which the body electrode is attached. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1A FIG. 1 is a view showing a front surface of a body electrode.

[0009] FIG. 1B FIG. 2 is a view showing a back surface of the body electrode.

[0010] FIG. 2A FIG. 3 is a view showing a body electrode unit.

[0011] FIG. 2B is another view showing the bulk electrode unit.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a view showing a side of the bulk electrode unit.

[0013] FIG. 4A is a view showing how to use the bulk electrode unit.

[0014] FIG. 4B is another view showing how to use the bulk electrode unit.

[0015] FIG. 4C is another view showing how to use the bulk electrode unit.

[0016] FIG. 4D is another view showing how to use the bulk electrode unit.

[0017] FIG. 5A is another view showing how to use the bulk electrode unit.

[0018] FIG. 5B is another view showing how to use the bulk electrode unit.

[0019] FIG. 5C is another view showing how to use the bulk electrode unit.

[0020] FIG. 5D is another view showing how to use the bulk electrode unit.

[0021] FIG. 6A is a view showing an example of the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0022] FIG. 6B is a view showing another example of the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0023] FIG. 6C is a view showing another example of the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0024] FIG. 7A is a view showing an example of the neutral electrode.

[0025] FIG. 7B is another view showing an example of the neutral electrode.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a view showing a potential waveform of the active electrode.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a view showing another example of the neutral electrode.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a view showing yet another example of the neutral electrode.

[0029] FIG. 11A is a view showing yet another example of the neutral electrode.

[0030] FIG. 11B is a view showing yet another example of the neutral electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Structure of the body electrode 1

[0033] First, the structure of the body electrode 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B the drawings. FIG. 1A is a front view of the body electrode 1, and FIG. 1B is a back view of the body electrode 1.

[0034] In this example, the body electrode 1 is used to stimulate a nerve leading to a muscle of a body (a subject to which the body electrode 1 is attached) and monitor a degree of relaxation of the muscle based on a physiological signal of the muscle. The body electrode 1 is used, for example, in a case where the degree of relaxation of a muscle of a body is monitored by a TOF (tetanic stimulation) method in which muscle stimulation is performed four times in succession every 0.5 seconds, and the process of the four successive muscle stimulations is repeated four times every 15 seconds.

[0035] The stimulation electrode 3, the active electrode 4, the reference electrode 5, and the neutral electrode 6 are mounted on the base 2. The base 2 includes an upper island portion 2a on which the reference electrode 5 is mounted, an intermediate island portion 2b on which the active electrode 4 is mounted, a lower island portion 2c on which the stimulation electrode 3 and the neutral electrode 6 are mounted, a first connecting portion 2d provided between the intermediate island portion 2b and the lower island portion 2c, and a second connecting portion 2e provided between the upper island portion 2a and the intermediate island portion 2b.

[0036] The first connecting portion 2d has a first direction changing portion 2f configured to change a direction in which the first connecting portion 2d extends. Due to the first connecting portion 2d having the first direction changing portion 2f, at least one of a distance and an angle between the stimulation electrode 3 and the active electrode 4 is adjustable.

[0037] The second connecting portion 2e has a second direction changing portion 2g configured to change a direction in which the second connecting portion 2e extends. Due to the second connecting portion 2e having the second direction changing portion 2g, at least one of a distance and an angle between the active electrode 4 and the reference electrode 5 is adjustable.

[0038] The first direction changing portion 2f is configured to change the direction in which the first connecting portion 2d extends in the length direction of the body electrode 1. The second direction changing portion 2g is configured to change the direction in which the second connecting portion 2e extends in the transverse direction of the body electrode 1. That is, the first direction changing portion 2f and the second direction changing portion 2g are configured to change the direction in which the first connecting portion 2d extends and the direction in which the second connecting portion 2e extends, respectively, in different directions.

[0039] The first direction changing portion 2f is configured to change the direction in which the first connecting portion 2d extends in the length direction of the body electrode 1, to prevent the first connecting portion 2d from standing up and contacting the wrist of the subject to stimulate a painful sensation when the body electrode 1 is attached to the subject.

[0040] The second direction changing portion 2g is configured to change the direction in which the second connecting portion 2e extends in the transverse direction of the body electrode 1, to prevent the second connecting portion 2e from standing up and contacting the hypothenar to stimulate a painful sensation when the body electrode 1 is attached to the subject.

[0041] The stimulation electrode 3 is provided at a position closer to the connector 12 than the reference electrode 5 in the length direction of the body electrode 1, and is configured to apply electrical stimulation to a nerve (e.g., the ulnar nerve) leading to a muscle of the body. The stimulation electrode 3 includes a negative electrode 3a and a positive electrode 3b.

[0042] The active electrode 4 is provided between the stimulation electrode 3 and the reference electrode 5, and is provided to detect a physiological signal from the muscle in response to the electrical stimulation applied by the stimulation electrode 3. In this embodiment, the active electrode 4 is configured by a cathode. Here, the active electrode 4 is installed corresponding to, for example, the little finger abductor muscle.

[0043] The reference electrode 5 is provided at a position farther from the connector 12 than the stimulation electrode 3 and the active electrode 4 in the length direction of the body electrode 2, and is configured to detect a physiological signal from the muscle in response to the electrical stimulation applied by the stimulation electrode 3. In this embodiment, the reference electrode 5 is a positive electrode. Here, the reference electrode 5 is installed corresponding to, for example, the little finger abductor muscle.

[0044] The neutral electrode 6 is provided to block noise flowing through the body electrode 1. The neutral electrode 6 is provided proximally to the negative electrode 3a. More specifically, the neutral electrode 6 is installed on the upper side of the negative electrode 3a. In other words, the neutral electrode 6 is installed in a direction from the negative electrode 3a toward the active electrode 4, or in a direction from the connector 12 toward the active electrode 4. Further, it can also be said that the neutral electrode 6 is installed in a region between the negative electrode 3a and the active electrode 4. Thus, noise generated in a case where the negative electrode 3a and the active electrode 4 are close to each other is easily blocked.

[0045] The negative electrode wiring portion 7 is provided to connect the negative electrode 3a and the connector 12 to each other. Thus, based on an operation performed on an electrical stimulator (not shown), the negative electrode 3a applies a stimulus to the body through the negative electrode wiring portion 7.

[0046] The positive electrode wiring portion 8 is provided to connect the positive electrode 3b and the connector 12 to each other. Thus, based on an operation performed on an electrical stimulator, the positive electrode 3b applies a stimulus to the body through the positive electrode wiring portion 8.

[0047] The active electrode wiring portion 9 is provided to connect the active electrode 4 and the connector 12 to each other. Thus, based on detection of a physiological signal of a living body, the active electrode 4 outputs the physiological signal to an electrical stimulator through the active electrode wiring portion 9. A part of the active electrode wiring portion 9 is disposed in the first connecting portion 2d.

[0048] The reference electrode wiring portion 10 is provided to connect the reference electrode 5 and the connector 12 to each other. Thus, based on detection of a physiological signal of a living body, the reference electrode 5 outputs the physiological signal to an electrical stimulator through the reference electrode wiring portion 10. A part of the reference electrode wiring portion 10 is disposed in the second connecting portion 2e.

[0049] The neutral electrode wiring portion 11 is provided to connect the neutral electrode 6 and the connector 12 to each other.

[0050] The connector 12 is provided to connect the wiring portions connected to the electrodes, respectively. Specifically, the negative electrode wiring portion 7 connected to the negative electrode 3a, the positive electrode wiring portion 8 connected to the positive electrode 3b, the active electrode wiring portion 9 connected to the active electrode 4, the reference electrode wiring portion 10 connected to the reference electrode 5, and the neutral electrode wiring portion 11 connected to the neutral electrode 6 are connected to the connector 12. The connector 12 is further connected to an electrical stimulator. A spare connecting portion not connected to any wiring portion is provided in the connector 12.

[0051] The adhesive gel 13 is provided to attach the electrodes to the body and covers the back surfaces of the electrodes. Specifically, the adhesive gel 13 includes a negative electrode adhesive gel 13a covering the back surface of the negative electrode 3a, a positive electrode adhesive gel 13b covering the back surface of the positive electrode 3b, an active electrode adhesive gel 13c covering the back surface of the active electrode 4, a reference electrode adhesive gel 13d covering the back surface of the reference electrode 5, and a neutral electrode adhesive gel 13e covering the back surface of the neutral electrode 6.

[0052] The adhesive tape 14 is provided to attach the body electrode 1 to a release sheet 100 to be described later and has adhesiveness. As FIG. 1BAs shown, the adhesive tape 14 has a configuration including a stimulating electrode adhesive tape 14a provided on the back surface of the lower island portion 2c and provided around the negative electrode adhesive gel 13a, the positive electrode 3b, and the neutral electrode adhesive gel 13e; an active electrode adhesive tape 14b provided on the back surface of the intermediate island portion 2b and provided around the active electrode adhesive gel 13c; and a reference electrode adhesive tape 14c provided on the back surface of the upper island portion 2a and provided around the reference electrode adhesive gel 13d.

[0053] Instead of the adhesive tape 14, for example, a configuration in which paste is adhered to the upper island portion 2a, the intermediate island portion 2b, and the lower island portion 2c and to the release sheet 100 can be employed. That is, only the process of providing the upper island portion 2a, the intermediate island portion 2b, and the lower island portion 2c with adhesiveness needs to be performed. Here, "adhesiveness" refers to a degree of viscosity in which the components are attached and held to the release sheet 100 or the skin of the subject.

[0054] The adhesive tape is not provided on the back surface of the first connecting portion 2d and is not provided on the back surface of the second connecting portion 2e. That is, the back surface of the first connecting portion 2d and the back surface of the second connecting portion 2e do not have adhesiveness. Therefore, when the stimulating electrode adhesive tape 14a, the active electrode adhesive tape 14b, and the reference electrode adhesive tape 14c are attached to the subject, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the tapes are attached to unintended positions from occurring.

[0055] Body electrode unit U

[0056] Next, with reference to FIG. 2A and 2B , the body electrode unit U will be described. FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the body electrode unit U, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the body electrode unit U.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2A , the body electrode unit U has the body electrode 1 that has been described with reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B , and the release sheet 100.

[0058] The release sheet 100 is a sheet to which the body electrode 1 is to be attached, and the release sheet 100 is capable of transmitting light. Therefore, in the process of producing the body electrode unit U, it is easy to check whether the adhesive gel 13 is provided to cover the back surface of the electrode.

[0059] The release sheet 100 has an upper sheet portion 100a to which the reference electrode adhesive tape 14c of the upper island portion 2a is to be attached, an intermediate sheet portion 100b to which the active electrode adhesive tape 14b of the intermediate island portion 2b is attached, and a lower sheet portion 100c to which the stimulating electrode adhesive tape 14a of the lower island portion 2c is attached. The release sheet 100 includes a first processed portion 101, a second processed portion 102, a first notch 103, a second notch 104, a rounded portion 105, a positioning hole 106, and a pattern portion 107.

[0060] A processing for facilitating separation and / or bending of the upper sheet portion 100a from the intermediate sheet portion 100b is applied to the first processed portion 101.

[0061] A processing for facilitating separation and / or bending of the intermediate sheet portion 100b from the lower sheet portion 100c is applied to the second processed portion 102.

[0062] In this embodiment, as a manner in which the release sheet 100 can be separated and / or bent, a perforation processing is performed in the first processed portion 101 and the second processed portion 102. However, the manner is not limited thereto, and any manner can be used as long as it can separate and / or bend the release sheet 100. For example, a half-cut processing that cuts a portion of the thickness of the release sheet 100 can be applied to the first processed portion 101 and the second processed portion 102. Specifically, in the thickness (e.g., about 75 pm) of the release sheet 100, a cut is made in a predetermined thickness (e.g., about 50 pm) that is smaller than the thickness of the release sheet 100, so that the release sheet 100 can be separated and / or bent.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first processed portion 101 can be disposed at any position in the first region 100d as long as it is located between the lower end of the intermediate island portion 2b and the upper end of the lower island portion 2c in a case where the body electrode 1 is attached to the release sheet 100. In the same or similar manner, the second processed portion 102 can be disposed at any position in the second region 100e as long as it is located between the lower end of the upper island portion 2a and the upper end of the intermediate island portion 2b in a case where the body electrode 1 is attached to the release sheet 100.

[0064] The first notch 103 is disposed in both side ends of the first processed portion 101. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the first notch 103 has a configuration including a first right notch 103a disposed in the right side end portion of the first processed portion 101 and a first left notch 103b disposed in the left side end portion of the first processed portion 101. Each notch has an approximately semicircular shape. FIG. 2A and 2B As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the first notch 103 has a configuration including a first right notch 103a disposed in the right side end portion of the first processed portion 101 and a first left notch 103b disposed in the left side end portion of the first processed portion 101. Each notch has an approximately semicircular shape.

[0065] A second notch 104 is provided in both side ends of the second processed portion 102. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A and 2B shown, the second notch 104 has a configuration including a second right notch 104a provided in the right side end of the second processed portion 102 and a second left notch 104b provided in the left side end of the second processed portion 102. Each notch has an approximately semicircular shape.

[0066] Since the first notch 103 is provided, the width of the first processed portion 101 is smaller than the width of the release sheet 100. In the same or similar manner, since the second notch 104 is provided, the width of the second processed portion 102 is smaller than the width of the release sheet 100. Thus, it is possible to prevent a situation in which, when the upper sheet portion 100a and the intermediate sheet portion 100b are separated from each other along the first processed portion 101 or when the intermediate sheet portion 100b and the lower sheet portion 100c are separated from each other along the second processed portion 102, the first connecting portion 2d or the second connecting portion 2e is stretched without slackening during the separation, and the release sheet 100 cannot be cut to the end portion.

[0067] The shape of the first notch 103 and the shape of the second notch 104 are not limited to an approximately semicircular shape, and can be any shape as long as it can make the width of the first processed portion 101 smaller than the width of the release sheet 100 and the width of the second processed portion 102 smaller than the width of the release sheet 100.

[0068] A rounded portion 105 is provided at the end portion of the first notch 103 and the second notch 104. Since the rounded portion 105 is provided, it is possible to prevent a situation in which, when the release sheet 100 is cut along the first processed portion 101 or when the release sheet 100 is cut along the second processed portion 102, a sharp edge is formed and a person is injured.

[0069] A positioning hole 106 is provided to fix the release sheet 100 during production of the body electrode unit U.

[0070] A pattern portion 107 is provided linearly in the length direction of the release sheet 100. Since the pattern portion 107 is provided, when the release sheet 100 is transparent and falls on the floor, the release sheet 100 can be easily recognized. Thus, it is possible to prevent a person from slipping due to stepping on the release sheet 100. The pattern portion 107 can have any pattern as long as it makes it possible to easily recognize the release sheet 100.

[0071] The side surface of the body electrode unit U

[0072] Next, a side view of the body electrode unit U will be described with reference to FIG. 3

[0073] As​FIG. 3 As shown, the body electrode 1 is configured such that the stimulating electrode 3, the active electrode 4, and the reference electrode 5 are brought together to form a single continuous shape. Specifically, the middle island portion 2b on which the active electrode 4 is mounted and the lower island portion 2c on which the stimulating electrode 3 is mounted are connected to each other by the first connecting portion 2d. The upper island portion 2a on which the reference electrode 5 is mounted and the middle island portion 2b on which the active electrode 4 is mounted are connected to each other by the second connecting portion 2e. This is how the stimulating electrode 3, the active electrode 4, and the reference electrode 5 are brought together to form a single continuous shape in this example.

[0074] Use of the body electrode unit U

[0075] Next, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the use of the body electrode unit U will be described.

[0076] As described above, the body electrode 1 is attached to the release sheet 100. Thus, in the case of using the body electrode 1, the release sheet 100 is first moved in the direction of the arrow Ar1, as shown in FIG. 4, whereby the attachment between the lower sheet portion 100c and the stimulating electrode adhesive tape 14a is released. Thus, the release sheet 100 is peeled off in a range extending to the second processed portion 102. FIG. 4A

[0077] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the release sheet 100 is moved in the direction of the arrow Ar2, thereby bending the release sheet 100 along the second processed portion 102. In the case where the second processed portion 102 is constituted by tearable perforations, although not shown, the lower sheet portion 100c can be separated from the release sheet 100 along the second processed portion 102. FIG. 4B

[0078] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the stimulating electrode adhesive tape 14a is attached such that the negative electrode adhesive gel 13a and the positive electrode adhesive gel 13b correspond to the ulnar nerve of the subject. FIG. 4C

[0079] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the release sheet 100 is moved in the direction of the arrow Ar3, whereby the attachment between the middle sheet portion 100b and the active electrode adhesive tape 14b is released. Thus, the release sheet 100 is peeled off in a range extending to the first processed portion 101. FIG. 4D

[0080] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the release sheet 100 is moved in the direction of the arrow Ar4, thereby bending the release sheet 100 along the first processed portion 101. In the case where the first processed portion 101 is constituted by tearable perforations, although not shown, the middle sheet portion 100b can be separated from the upper sheet portion 100a along the first processed portion 101. FIG. 5A

[0081] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the active electrode adhesive tape 14b is attached such that the active electrode 4 corresponds to the ulnar nerve of the subject. FIG. 5B ​​​​​As shown, the active electrode adhesive tape 14b is attached so that the active electrode adhesive gel 13c corresponds to the abductor pollicis of the subject.

[0082] At this time, the first direction changing section 2f that can change at least one of the distance and the angle between the stimulating electrode 3 and the active electrode 4 is provided in the first connecting section 2d, and thus the first connecting section 2d is elongated in the direction of the arrow Ar5.

[0083] Next, as shown in FIG. 5C the direction of the arrow Ar6, and thus the attachment between the upper sheet section 100a and the reference electrode adhesive tape 14c is released. Thus, the release sheet 100 is peeled from the body electrode 1.

[0084] Next, as shown in FIG. 5D the reference electrode adhesive tape 14c is attached so that the reference electrode adhesive gel 13d corresponds to the abductor pollicis of the subject.

[0085] At this time, the second direction changing section 2g that can change at least one of the distance and the angle between the active electrode 4 and the reference electrode 5 is provided in the second connecting section 2e, and thus the second connecting section 2e is elongated in the direction of the arrow Ar7.

[0086] As described above, in the embodiment, the first direction changing section 2f is provided in the first connecting section 2d, and thus the first connecting section 2d can be elongated. Further, in the embodiment, the second direction changing section 2g is provided in the second connecting section 2e, and thus the second connecting section 2e can be elongated. Thus, in the body electrode 1 in which the stimulating electrode 3, the active electrode 4, and the reference electrode 5 are put together to form a single continuous shape, even in a case where the subject has a large hand, the lower island section 2c in which the stimulating electrode 3 is installed, the middle island section 2b in which the active electrode 4 is installed, and the upper island section 2a in which the reference electrode 5 is installed can be attached to desired positions, respectively.

[0087] Since the first connecting section 2d can be elongated, and the second connecting section 2e can be elongated, the body electrode 1 of the embodiment can be used not only when the lower island section 2c in which the stimulating electrode 3 is installed, the middle island section 2b in which the active electrode 4 is installed, and the upper island section 2a in which the reference electrode 5 is installed are attached to the hand or the arm of the subject, but also when these sections are attached to the foot of the subject.

[0088] On the other hand, also in a case where the body electrode 1 in which the stimulating electrode 3, the active electrode 4, and the reference electrode 5 are put together to form a single continuous shape is used for a subject having a small hand, there is a problem that the stimulating electrode 3, the active electrode 4, and the reference electrode 5 are difficult to attach to desired positions.

[0089] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the first direction changing portion 2f is provided in the first connecting portion 2d, and thus the first connecting portion 2d can be shortened. Further, in the present embodiment, the second direction changing portion 2g is provided in the second connecting portion 2e, and thus the second connecting portion 2e can be shortened. Therefore, in the body electrode 1 in which the stimulating electrode 3, the active electrode 4, and the reference electrode 5 are put together to form a single continuous shape, even in a case where the subject has a small hand, the lower island portion 2a in which the stimulating electrode 3 is mounted, the middle island portion 2b in which the active electrode 4 is mounted, and the upper island portion 2a in which the reference electrode 5 is mounted can be attached to a desired position.

[0090] In a case where the subject has a small hand, when the first connecting portion 2d is shortened by the first direction changing portion 2f, the negative electrode 3a constituted by a cathode and the active electrode 4 constituted by a cathode are close to each other. Therefore, it can be considered that the detected physiological signal is unstable due to noise. However, the neutral electrode 6 is provided proximal to the negative electrode 3a. Therefore, even in a case where the negative electrode 3a and the active electrode 4 are close to each other, it is possible to effectively block noise, and thus it is possible to stabilize the detected physiological signal.

[0091] Examples of the first connecting portion 2d and the second connecting portion 2e

[0092] Reference FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Other examples of the first connecting portion 2d and the second connecting portion 2e will be described.

[0093] FIG. 6A Examples of the first connecting portion 2d and the second connecting portion 2e are shown. In the examples, in the first connecting portion 2d and the second connecting portion 2e, the first direction changing portion 2f and the second direction changing portion 2g are each provided at two positions, and are configured to change the direction in which the first connecting portion 2d and the second connecting portion 2e extend in the oblique direction.

[0094] FIG. 6B Another example of the first connecting portion 2d and the second connecting portion 2e is shown. In the example, in the first connecting portion 2d and the second connecting portion 2e, the first direction changing portion 2f and the second direction changing portion 2g are each provided at six positions, and are configured to change the first connecting portion 2d and the second connecting portion 2e in the length direction of the body electrode.

[0095] FIG. 6C Another example of the first connecting portion 2d and the second connecting portion 2e is shown. In the example, in the first connecting portion 2d and the second connecting portion 2e, the first direction changing portion 2f and the second direction changing portion 2g are each provided at one position, and are configured to change the direction in which the first connecting portion 2d and the second connecting portion 2e extend in the rotation direction.

[0096] As described above, the direction of the first connecting part 2d changed by the first direction changing part 2f and the direction of the second connecting part 2e changed by the second direction changing part 2g can be appropriately set.

[0097] The number of first direction-changing parts 2f provided in the first connecting part 2d is required to be at least one, and can be appropriately set.

[0098] In the same or similar manner, the number of second direction changing parts 2g provided in the second connecting part 2e is required to be at least one, and can be appropriately set.

[0099] Another example of neutral electrode 6

[0100] Next, refer to FIG. 7A and 7B Another example of neutral electrode 6 will be described below.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the neutral electrode 6 is disposed near the negative electrode 3a. However, the position of the neutral electrode 6 can be appropriately positioned as long as noise flowing through the body electrode 1 can be blocked. A preferred example of the position of the neutral electrode 6 will be described below.

[0102] like FIG. 7A and 7B As shown, in this example, the neutral electrode 6 is positioned closer to the connector 12 than the stimulation electrode 3. The distance relative to the connector 12 is shorter, thus shortening the neutral electrode wiring portion 11. Therefore, production costs can be reduced.

[0103] When the neutral electrode 6 is disposed in the upper island portion 2a or the middle island portion 2b, a portion of the neutral electrode wiring portion 11 must be disposed in the first connecting portion 2d or the second connecting portion 2e, thus requiring the first connecting portion 2d or the second connecting portion 2e to be thickened. Therefore, the production cost increases by an amount corresponding to the thickening of the first connecting portion 2d or the second connecting portion 2e. Therefore, compared to the case where the neutral electrode 6 is disposed in the upper island portion 2a or the middle island portion 2b, the production cost can be reduced.

[0104] Potential waveform of active electrode 4

[0105] Next, we will refer to FIG. 8 Describe the potential waveform of active electrode 4.

[0106] first, FIG. 8 The time Ta in this context is the time before the stimulation current flows through the body electrode 1. Here, although there is impedance between the stimulation electrode 3, the active electrode 4, and the reference electrode 5, the stimulation current does not flow through the body electrode 1, therefore there is no potential difference between the stimulation electrode 3, the active electrode 4, and the reference electrode 5.

[0107] Next, FIG. 8 The time Tb in FIG. 6 is the time when the stimulation current starts flowing through the body electrode 1. When the stimulation current flows through the body electrode 1, a potential difference is generated between the negative electrode 3a and the positive electrode 3b. Specifically, an impedance whose value is the product of the stimulation current flowing through the body electrode 1 and the impedance between the negative electrode 3a and the positive electrode 3b is generated.

[0108] As FIG. 5D indicated, when the body electrode 1 is attached to the living body, a potential difference is also generated through the impedance in and under the skin between the negative electrode 3a and the active electrode 4 and between the negative electrode 3a and the reference electrode 5. The potential difference is generated during the period in which the stimulation current flows (specifically, the period between the time Tb and the time Tc).

[0109] Next, FIG. 8 The time Tc in FIG. 7 is the time when the stimulation current stops flowing through the body electrode 1. When the flow of the stimulation current through the body electrode 1 ends, charges are discharged from the active electrode 4 and the reference electrode 5 toward the negative electrode 3a.

[0110] Next, FIG. 8 The time Td in FIG. 8 is the time when the detection of the artifact starts. The shorter the discharge period when the charges are discharged from the active electrode 4 and the reference electrode 5 toward the negative electrode 3a, the lower the level of the artifact.

[0111] The rate of the discharge is inversely proportional to the CR time constant which is the product of the capacitance C and the resistance R. Therefore, when the neutral electrode 6 is installed proximal to the active electrode 4 and the reference electrode 5, the charges are divided into the charges discharged from the active electrode 4 to the negative electrode 3a through the living body and the charges discharged from the neutral electrode 6 to the negative electrode 3a through the internal circuit of the electric stimulator.

[0112] The impedance has a positive correlation with the distance on the surface of the living body. Therefore, when the neutral electrode 6 is installed at a position distal from the negative electrode 3a, such as the position of the neutral electrode 6 in the examples of FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B , the impedance between the neutral electrode 6 and the negative electrode 3a increases. Therefore, the amount of the charges discharged through the internal circuit of the electric stimulator decreases, and the rate of the discharge becomes low, resulting in an increase in the level of the artifact. For these reasons, from the viewpoint of reducing the artifact, the neutral electrode 6 is preferably installed proximal to the negative electrode 3a.

[0113] When the neutral electrode 6 is installed on the lower side of the negative electrode 3a and the positive electrode 3b, the electric charges are hardly separated into the electric charges discharged from the active electrode 4 to the negative electrode 3a through the living body and the electric charges discharged from the neutral electrode 6 to the negative electrode 3a through the internal circuit of the electric stimulator. From this viewpoint, it is desirable that the neutral electrode 6 is installed on the upper side of the negative electrode 3a and the positive electrode 3b instead of being installed on the lower side of the negative electrode 3a and the positive electrode 3b.

[0114] The electromyogram is measured after the time Td. Specifically, the measurement of the electromyogram starts at a first time after 1200 μs and ends at a second time after the first time.

[0115] Another example of the neutral electrode 6

[0116] Next, another example of the neutral electrode 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 9

[0117] As shown in FIG. 9 , the neutral electrode 6 of this example is installed in the lower island portion 2c. In addition, the neutral electrode 6 is installed on the upper side of the negative electrode 3a. In comparison with the position of the neutral electrode 6 installed FIG. 7A and 7B on the lower side of the negative electrode 3a and the positive electrode 3b, the neutral electrode 6 is installed on the proximal side of the negative electrode 3a.

[0118] Therefore, in comparison with the case where the neutral electrode 6 is installed on the lower side of the negative electrode 3a and the positive electrode 3b, the impedance between the neutral electrode 6 and the negative electrode 3a is reduced. The amount of electric charges discharged through the internal circuit of the electric stimulator is increased, and the discharge rate becomes high, as a result of which it is possible to reduce the artificial noise.

[0119] The neutral electrode 6 of this example is installed on the line segment L connecting the center of the negative electrode 3a with the center of the active electrode 4. Therefore, in comparison with the body electrode 1 of the examples FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B , the line connecting the center of the negative electrode 3a with the center of the neutral electrode 6 is shortened, and thus the neutral electrode 6 is close to the negative electrode 3a.

[0120] Therefore, in comparison with the case where the neutral electrode 6 is not installed on the line segment L connecting the center of the negative electrode 3a with the center of the active electrode 4, the impedance between the neutral electrode 6 and the negative electrode 3a is reduced. The amount of electric charges discharged through the internal circuit of the electric stimulator is increased, and the discharge rate becomes high, as a result of which it is possible to reduce the artificial noise.

[0121] Another example of the neutral electrode 6

[0122] Next, another example of the neutral electrode 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 10

[0123] As shown in FIG. 10 ​​As shown, the neutral electrode 6 of this example is installed on the upper side of the negative electrode 3a and in the middle island portion 2b. The neutral electrode 6 is installed on the line segment L connecting the center of the negative electrode 3a with the center of the active electrode 4.

[0124] Therefore, compared with the case where the neutral electrode 6 is installed in the middle island portion 2b and at a position not on the line segment L, the line connecting the center of the negative electrode 3a with the center of the neutral electrode 6 is shortened, and thus the neutral electrode 6 is close to the negative electrode 3a.

[0125] Therefore, the impedance between the neutral electrode 6 and the negative electrode 3a is reduced. The amount of charge discharged by the internal circuit of the electrical stimulator is increased, and the discharge rate is made high, with the result that it is possible to reduce artificial noise.

[0126] As shown in the example of FIG. 9 and 10 When the neutral electrode 6 is installed on the upper side of the negative electrode 3a and the positive electrode 3b and on the line segment L, compared with the case where the neutral electrode 6 is installed at other positions, it is possible to effectively reduce artificial noise.

[0127] Another example of the neutral electrode 6

[0128] Next, another example of the neutral electrode 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 11A and 11B

[0129] FIG. 11A The body electrode 1 of the fourth modified example has a right island portion 2h provided on the right side of the first connection portion 2d. The neutral electrode 6 is installed in the right island portion 2h. In other words, the neutral electrode 6 is installed on the upper side of the negative electrode 3a. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce artificial noise generated in the body electrode 1. In the body electrode 1 of the fourth modified example, the neutral electrode 6 is installed in the right island portion 2h at a position between the negative electrode 3a and the active electrode 4, and thus compared with the case where the neutral electrode 6 is installed in a region different from the region between the negative electrode 3a and the active electrode 4, it is possible to reduce artificial noise generated in the body electrode 1.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 11B Alternatively, a left island portion 2i can be provided on the left side of the first connection portion 2d, and the neutral electrode 6 can be installed in the left island portion 2i. Also in this case, the neutral electrode 6 is installed on the line segment L connecting the center of the negative electrode 3a with the center of the active electrode 4. FIG. 11A ​In the same or similar manner as the body electrode 1 described in the above embodiment, the neutral electrode 6 is installed on the upper side of the negative electrode 3a, and thus it is possible to reduce the artificial noise generated in the body electrode 1. Also, in the case where the neutral electrode 6 is installed in the left island portion 2i, it can be said that the neutral electrode 6 is installed in the region between the negative electrode 3a and the active electrode 4, and thus it is possible to reduce the artificial noise generated in the body electrode 1 as compared with the case where the neutral electrode 6 is installed in the region different from the region between the negative electrode 3a and the active electrode 4.

[0131] Other Examples

[0132] Other examples will be described below.

[0133] In the body electrode 1 of the above embodiment, the stimulating electrode 3, the active electrode 4, and the reference electrode 5 are installed so that straight lines connecting their centers. However, the stimulating electrode 3, the active electrode 4, and the reference electrode 5 can be installed so that they are offset in the lateral direction of the body electrode 1.

[0134] In the body electrode 1 of the above embodiment, the reference electrode 5 is installed in the upper island portion 2a, and the active electrode 4 is installed in the middle island portion 2b. Alternatively, the active electrode 4 can be installed on the upper island portion 2a, and the reference electrode 5 can be installed on the middle island portion 2b.

[0135] In the body electrode 1 of the above embodiment, the negative electrode 3a is arranged at a position farther from the connector 12 with respect to the positive electrode 3b, and the positive electrode 3b is arranged at a position closer to the connector 12 with respect to the negative electrode 3a. Alternatively, the position where the positive electrode 3b is installed and the position where the negative electrode 3a is installed can be interchanged.

[0136] Although in the above embodiment the first direction changing portion 2f changes the direction in which the first connecting portion 2d extends in the length direction of the body electrode 1, the direction in which the first connecting portion 2d extends can be changed in the lateral direction of the body electrode 1. Likewise, although the second direction changing portion 2g changes the direction in which the second connecting portion 2e extends in the lateral direction, the direction in which the second connecting portion 2e extends can be changed in the length direction.

[0137] Although in the above embodiment the first direction changing portion 2f and the second direction changing portion 2g change the directions of the first connecting portion 2d and the second connecting portion 2e, respectively, in different directions, the directions of the first connecting portion 2d and the second connecting portion 2e can be changed in the same direction.

[0138] Although in the above-described embodiment, the perforation processing and the half-cut processing have been described as specific examples of the first processing portion 101 and the second processing portion 102, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, site fixation processing in which both ends of the first processing portion 101 and the second processing portion 102 are site-fixed and the site-fixed ends are separated from each other can be applied. Or, a cut can be provided on at least one side of the first processing portion 101 and the second processing portion 102.

[0139] Although in the above-described embodiment, the first processing portion 101 and the second processing portion 102 adopt the same processing as the manner in which the release sheet 100 is separable and / or bendable, the components can adopt different processing. For example, the first processing portion 101 can adopt perforation processing, and the second processing portion 102 can adopt half-cut processing.

[0140] Although in the above-described embodiment, the first processing portion 101 and the second processing portion 102 enable the release sheet 100 to be separated and / or bent in the horizontal direction, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The release sheet 100 can be separated and / or bent in any direction. For example, the first processing portion 101 and the second processing portion 102 can have a manner in which the release sheet 100 is separable and / or bendable in an inclined direction.

[0141] Although in the above-described embodiment, the first notch 103 and the second notch 104 are provided in the respective two side ends, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first notch 103 and the second notch 104 can be provided only on one side, i.e., the right side end or the left side end.

[0142] Although in the above-described embodiment, the electrode and the electric stimulator are connected to each other through the respective wiring portions, the electrode and the electric stimulator can be connected to each other through wireless functions.

[0143] The manner in which the body electrode unit U is used is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4A to FIG. 5D . That is, as described in the following examples, the body electrode unit U can be used in different manners. Thus, it is possible to provide options for medical staff when using the body electrode unit U.

[0144] According to the first example, first, the lower sheet portion 100c is separated along the first processing portion 101, the lower island portion 2c is peeled from the lower sheet portion 100c, and the stimulation electrode adhesive tape 14a is attached to the subject. Next, the middle sheet portion 100b is separated along the second processing portion 102, the middle island portion 2b is peeled from the middle sheet portion 100b, and the active electrode adhesive tape 14b is attached to the subject. Then, the upper island portion 2a is peeled from the upper sheet portion 100a, and the reference electrode adhesive tape 14c is attached to the subject.

[0145] According to the second example, first, the upper island portion 2a is peeled from the upper sheet portion 100a, the peeling sheet 100 is bent along the second processed portion 102, and the reference electrode adhesive tape 14c is attached to the subject. Next, the middle island portion 2b is peeled from the middle sheet portion 100b, the peeling sheet 100 is bent along the first processed portion 101, and the active electrode adhesive tape 14b is attached to the subject. Then, the lower island portion 2c is peeled from the lower sheet portion 100c, and the stimulating electrode adhesive tape 14a is attached to the subject.

[0146] According to the third example, first, the upper sheet portion 100a is separated along the second processed portion 102, the upper island portion 2a is peeled from the upper sheet portion 100a, and the reference electrode adhesive tape 14c is attached to the subject. Next, the middle sheet portion 100b is separated along the first processed portion 101, the middle island portion 2b is peeled from the middle sheet portion 100b, and the active electrode adhesive tape 14b is attached to the subject. Then, the lower island portion 2c is peeled from the lower sheet portion 100c, and the stimulating electrode adhesive tape 14a is attached to the subject.

[0147] As described above, the body electrode 1 includes the stimulating electrode 3, the active electrode 4, and the reference electrode 5. The first connecting portion 2d is provided between the stimulating electrode 3 and the active electrode 4, and the second connecting portion 2e is provided between the active electrode 4 and the reference electrode 5. The first connecting portion 2d has a first direction changing portion 2f configured to change a direction in which the first connecting portion 2d extends, so that at least one of a distance and an angle between the stimulating electrode 3 and the active electrode 4 is adjustable. According to this configuration, the first connecting portion 2d is capable of elongation and shortening. Thus, it is possible to provide a body electrode and a body electrode unit in which electrodes can be attached to desired positions.

[0148] According to an aspect of the embodiments described above, a body electrode includes: a first electrode (e.g., the stimulating electrode 3) configured to stimulate a muscle of a body; a second electrode (e.g., the active electrode 4) and a third electrode (e.g., the reference electrode 5) configured to detect a physiological signal from the muscle stimulated by the first electrode; a first connecting portion (e.g., the first connecting portion 2d) arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a second connecting portion (e.g., the second connecting portion 2e) arranged between the third electrode and one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The first connecting portion has at least one first direction changing portion (e.g., the first direction changing portion 2f) configured to change a direction in which the first connecting portion extends, so that at least one of a distance and an angle between the first electrode and the second electrode is adjustable. In other words, the at least one first direction changing portion is configured to allow movement of the second electrode relative to the first electrode, the movement of the second electrode including at least one of a linear movement and a rotational movement.

[0149] According to another aspect of the above-described embodiments, the second connecting portion can have at least one second direction changing portion (e.g., second direction changing portion 2g) configured to change a direction in which the second connecting portion extends, such that at least one of a distance and an angle between the third electrode and one of the first and second electrodes is adjustable. In other words, the at least one second direction changing portion is configured to allow movement of the third electrode relative to one of the first and second electrodes, the movement of the third electrode including at least one of linear movement and rotational movement.

[0150] According to another aspect of the above-described embodiments, the first, second, and third electrodes can be arranged in a row.

[0151] According to another aspect of the above-described embodiments, the first and second direction changing portions can be configured to change the direction in which the first connecting portion extends and the direction in which the second connecting portion extends in different directions.

[0152] According to another aspect of the above-described embodiments, the first direction changing portion can be configured to change the direction in which the first connecting portion extends in a longitudinal direction of the body electrode, and the second direction changing portion can be configured to change the direction in which the second connecting portion extends in a lateral direction of the body electrode.

[0153] According to another aspect of the above-described embodiments, the body electrode can further include a first electrode mounting portion (e.g., lower island portion 2c) having adhesiveness and on which the first electrode is mounted, a second electrode mounting portion (e.g., middle island portion 2b) having adhesiveness and on which the second electrode is mounted, and a third electrode mounting portion (e.g., upper island portion 2a) having adhesiveness and on which the third electrode is mounted. The first connecting portion connects the first and second electrode mounting portions to each other and has no adhesiveness. The second connecting portion connects the second and third electrode mounting portions to each other and has no adhesiveness.

[0154] According to another aspect of the above-described embodiments, the first electrode mounting portion can include a neutral electrode (e.g., neutral electrode 6) configured to eliminate noise flowing through the body electrode.

[0155] According to another aspect of the above-described embodiments, the first electrode can include a negative electrode (e.g., negative electrode 3a) and a positive electrode (e.g., positive electrode 3b), and the neutral electrode can be mounted closer to the negative electrode than to the positive electrode.

[0156] According to another aspect of the embodiments described above, the first electrode can include a negative electrode (e.g., negative electrode 3a) and a positive electrode (e.g., positive electrode 3b), and the neutral electrode can be installed on an upper side of the negative electrode.

[0157] According to another aspect of the embodiments described above, the neutral electrode can be installed between the negative electrode and the second electrode.

[0158] According to another aspect of the embodiments described above, the neutral electrode can be installed on a line segment (e.g., line segment L) connecting a center of the negative electrode and a center of the second electrode.

[0159] According to another aspect of the embodiments described above, the bulk electrode unit includes a bulk electrode (e.g., bulk electrode 1) and a release sheet (e.g., release sheet 100) to which the bulk electrode is attached.

[0160] Although the present application has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it is understood that the scope of the present application is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be suggested to one skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present application as defined in the appended claims.

[0161] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-183802 filed on October 4, 2019, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-157337 filed on September 18, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A body electrode comprising: a first electrode configured to stimulate a muscle of a body; a second electrode and a third electrode configured to detect a physiological signal from the muscle stimulated by the first electrode; a first connecting portion arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a second connecting portion arranged between one of the first electrode and the second electrode and the third electrode, wherein the first connecting portion includes at least one first direction changing portion configured to change a direction in which the first connecting portion extends, so that at least one of a distance and an angle between the first electrode and the second electrode is adjustable, wherein the second connecting portion includes at least one second direction changing portion configured to change a direction in which the second connecting portion extends, so that at least one of a distance and an angle between the one of the first electrode and the second electrode and the third electrode is adjustable, and wherein the first direction changing portion and the second direction changing portion are configured to change the direction in which the first connecting portion extends and the direction in which the second connecting portion extends in different directions. The first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are arranged in a row.

2. The body electrode of claim 1, wherein, The first direction changing portion is configured to change the direction in which the first connecting portion extends in a longitudinal direction of the body electrode, and 3. The body electrode of claim 1, wherein, wherein the second direction changing portion is configured to change the direction in which the second connecting portion extends in a lateral direction of the body electrode.

4. The body electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a first electrode mounting portion on which the first electrode is mounted, the first electrode mounting portion having adhesiveness; a second electrode mounting portion on which the second electrode is mounted, the second electrode mounting portion being adhesive; and a third electrode mounting portion on which the third electrode is mounted, the third electrode mounting portion being adhesive, wherein the first connecting portion connects the first electrode mounting portion and the second electrode mounting portion to each other, the first connecting portion not having adhesiveness, and wherein the second connecting portion connects the second electrode mounting portion and the third electrode mounting portion to each other, the second connecting portion not having adhesiveness. The first electrode mounting portion includes a neutral electrode configured to cancel noise flowing through the body electrode.

5. The body electrode of claim 4, wherein, The first electrode includes a negative electrode and a positive electrode, the neutral electrode being closer to the negative electrode than to the positive electrode.

6. The body electrode of claim 5, wherein, The first electrode includes a negative electrode and a positive electrode, the neutral electrode being mounted on an upper side of the negative electrode.

7. The body electrode of claim 5, wherein, The neutral electrode is mounted between the negative electrode and the second electrode.

8. The body electrode of claim 7, wherein, The neutral electrode is mounted on a line segment connecting a center of the negative electrode and a center of the second electrode.

9. The body electrode of claim 7, wherein, The neutral electrode is mounted on a line segment connecting a center of the negative electrode and a center of the second electrode.

10. The body electrode of claim 8, wherein, ​ 11. A bulk electrode unit, comprising: a bulk electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and a release sheet to which the bulk electrode is attached.

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