Fabric-like sensor and fabric-like sensor device

Abstract

The present invention provides a fabric-like sensor and a fabric-like sensor device using the same, which can improve the output signal during use and is less prone to damage or breakage of the sensor element. In the fabric-like sensor (S) having a fabric substrate (1) and a linear sensor element (2), at least one linear cavity (11) is provided inside the fabric substrate (1), and at least a portion of the cavity (11) is made of fabric that is not stretchable in the linear direction of the cavity (11). Furthermore, the linear sensor element (2) is arranged in at least one of the cavity (11) in a state where it is not substantially constrained or fixed to the fabric substrate (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to fabric-like sensors for various detection devices and fabric-like sensor devices. Background Technology

[0002] Fabric-like sensors (sensors composed of a fabric-like shape) are used as surface pressure sensors or shape change sensors, and are installed on the surface of objects such as bedding and clothing to detect the presence or absence of contact and shape changes. In addition, as such fabric-like sensors, it is known in the past that fabric-like sensors are integrated by weaving a linear sensor element into the fabric (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] However, the existing fabric-like sensors mentioned above not only have linear sensor elements constrained by the base yarn of the fabric, but the sensor elements themselves also have an undulating shape woven into the fabric. Therefore, the following problems exist: when the fabric-like sensor is deformed, the influence of signals other than the electrical signal from the target of the sensor element is large, and the output of the electrical signal is reduced.

[0004] Furthermore, in the aforementioned existing fabric-like sensors, the linear sensor element is exposed to the outside, which makes it susceptible to damage when a hard object comes into contact with the fabric-like sensor. Additionally, if the fabric in which the linear sensor element is woven is elastic, it is possible to apply a tensile load to the sensor element, which is constrained by the base yarn, causing the thread to break.

[0005] On the other hand, in the past, in the field of decorative fabrics, it was known that a technique was to create a hollow portion in the fabric structure and insert decorative threads into the hollow portion (see Patent Document 4). However, this technique was only related to decorative fabrics installed on clothing, car seats, etc., and it was unknown to apply this technique to fabric-like sensors.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-203996

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-120885

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-173292

[0011] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent No. 3006998 Summary of the Invention

[0012] -The problem the invention aims to solve-

[0013] The objective of this invention is to solve the problems of the prior art described above. In summary, the invention provides a fabric-like sensor and a fabric-like sensor device using the same, which can improve the output signal during use and is less prone to damage or breakage of the sensor element.

[0014] -Methods for solving problems-

[0015] In the aforementioned prior art fabric-like sensor, which incorporates existing sensor elements into the fabric, the local stretching and contraction of the sensor elements constrained by the back yarn causes the + (positive) and - (negative) output signals to be generated simultaneously within a narrow range. This noise signal and the target signal may cancel each other out, resulting in output loss.

[0016] Therefore, in the fabric-like sensor S having a fabric substrate 1 and a linear sensor element 2, the fabric substrate 1 includes at least one linear cavity 11 disposed inside, and at least a portion of the cavity 11 is formed by fabric that is not stretchable in the linear direction. Furthermore, the linear sensor element 2 is arranged within at least one of the cavity 11 in a state where it is not substantially constrained or fixed to the fabric (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0017] Furthermore, in this invention, regarding the fabric substrate 1, by providing a plurality of the aforementioned hollow portions 11 and arranging the aforementioned linear sensor element 2 within all the hollow portions 11, the detection accuracy of the fabric sensor S can be improved.

[0018] Furthermore, in this invention, by setting at least one of the above-mentioned linear sensor elements 2 as a piezoelectric sensor, the fabric-like sensor S can be appropriately used as a surface pressure sensor or a shape change sensor.

[0019] Furthermore, in this invention, by forming the non-hollow portion of the fabric substrate 1 with a single-layer structure, and forming the hollow portion with a double-layer structure (bag structure) of the base yarn of the single-layer structure using the non-hollow portion, the surface of the fabric sensor S can be flattened.

[0020] Furthermore, in this invention, by providing an elastomeric material on at least one side of the surface of the fabric substrate 1 where the hollow portion 11 is formed, an anti-slip effect can be obtained when the fabric-shaped sensor S is placed on the object surface.

[0021] Furthermore, in this invention, by incorporating the aforementioned elastomeric material as part of the fabric constituting the fabric substrate 1, the surface of the fabric can be flattened.

[0022] Furthermore, in this invention, the signal processing device 3 can also be connected to the aforementioned cloth-like sensor S to form a cloth-like sensor device.

[0023] -Invention Effects-

[0024] In this invention, a fabric-like sensor is constructed by providing a linear cavity within the fabric substrate and arranging the linear sensor element within this cavity in a manner that does not constrain or fix the linear sensor element to the fabric. Therefore, even if the fabric-like sensor is deformed during use, the linear sensor element does not generate noise signals, thus enabling lossless output of the targeted electrical signal. Furthermore, this improves the detection accuracy of the fabric-like sensor.

[0025] Furthermore, since the fabric-like sensor of the present invention has a state in which the linear sensor element within the cavity is covered by a fabric substrate, detection can be performed without contact with the object on which the fabric-like sensor is mounted or the object that deforms the fabric-like sensor, thus preventing damage to the linear sensor element. Moreover, by using a fabric substrate that is non-stretchable in the linear direction of the cavity, no tensile load is applied to the linear sensor element, thus preventing breakage of the linear sensor element. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the fabric-like sensor of the first embodiment and embodiment 2 of the present invention, viewed from the surface.

[0027] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the XX cross section used to illustrate the cross-sectional state of the cloth-like sensor in the first embodiment and Example 2 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view used to illustrate the cross-sectional state of the fabric-like sensor in the modified examples and embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the cross-sectional state of a fabric-like sensor used to explain a modified example of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the fabric-like sensor of the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the back side.

[0031] Figure 6 This is an overall perspective view of the cloth-like sensor device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the effects of the present invention through empirical experiments.

[0033] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the effects of the present invention through empirical experiments.

[0034] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the effects of the present invention through empirical experiments. Detailed Implementation

[0035] First Implementation Method

[0036] The embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the specific figures.

[0037] "Structure, Usage, and Manufacturing Method of Cloth-like Sensors"

[0038] [1] Basic structure of cloth-like sensor

[0039] based on Figures 1-5 The basic structure of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, for a strip-shaped fabric substrate 1 having multiple linear voids 11 inside, a linear sensor element 2 is disposed within the voids 11 in a state where it is not constrained or fixed to the fabric substrate 1, thereby constituting a fabric-shaped sensor S. Furthermore, the fabric substrate 1 uses a fabric that is not stretchable in the linear direction of the voids 11 (the length direction of the strip-shaped fabric substrate 1), and three rows of voids 11 are formed at the center and both ends of the fabric substrate 1. Moreover, as the linear sensor element 2 disposed in the central void 11 of the fabric substrate 1, a piezoelectric sensor 21 is used; as the linear sensor element 2 disposed within the voids 11 / 11 at both ends, an electrostatic capacitive displacement sensor 22 is used.

[0040] Furthermore, the aforementioned "unconstrained or fixed state" refers to a state in which the base yarn and seam threads of the fabric substrate 1 are not constrained by traversing or wrapping around the linear sensor element 2, or a state in which the linear sensor element 2 is not fixed to the fabric substrate 1 using adhesives, heat-fused yarns, etc., and the linear sensor element 2 is free at least in the linear direction of the cavity 11. However, this state is acceptable as long as it is not substantially constrained or fixed, for example, including states where the linear sensor element 2 is hardly constrained by the object surface (measuring surface) of the fabric sensor S, or is partially fixed in a few places. In addition, the linear sensor element 2 is preferably arranged in a state where there is ample space within the cavity 11 (a state with movable space).

[0041] [2] How to use the cloth-like sensor

[0042] Next, the method of using the aforementioned fabric-like sensor S will be described. The fabric-like sensor S is placed on a soft object surface, and a vertical load is applied to the object surface from above the fabric-like sensor S. At this time, the linear sensor element 2 is subjected to a bending load and deforms accordingly with the object surface, thereby generating electrical energy, which is output as an electrical signal to the end of the linear sensor element 2. Furthermore, by inputting the electrical signal output from the linear sensor element 2 into a signal processing device connected to the fabric-like sensor S and performing calculations, it is possible to detect the presence and magnitude of deformation of the object surface.

[0043] Furthermore, in the above-described manner, the fabric sensor S of this embodiment is configured such that the linear sensor element 2 is not constrained or fixed to the fabric substrate 1. Therefore, noise, cancellation, and attenuation of the electrical signal can be suppressed, thereby improving the output of the electrical signal and increasing the detection accuracy of the fabric sensor S. In addition, by using a fabric that is not stretchable in the linear direction of the hollow portion 11 (in other words, the length direction of the linear sensor element 2 disposed in the hollow portion 11) in the fabric substrate 1, even if a load in the linear direction of the hollow portion 11 is applied to the fabric substrate 1, the linear sensor element 2 is not easily subjected to load in the stretching direction, and thread breakage can also be prevented.

[0044] [3] Regarding fabric substrate

[0045] [3-1] Materials

[0046] Next, the structural elements of the fabric sensor S will be explained. First, regarding the material of the fabric substrate 1, a woven fabric is used in this embodiment, but woven fabrics and non-woven fabrics (including both wet and dry non-woven fabrics) can also be used. Furthermore, regarding the base yarn constituting the fabric substrate 1, polyester multifilament is used in this embodiment, but synthetic fibers such as nylon and acrylic fibers, rayon, cupro fibers, natural fibers such as cotton and wool, or materials composed of combinations thereof can be used as the base material. In addition, not only multifilaments but also spun yarns and blended yarns can be used. Furthermore, the same fiber material can be used even when non-woven fabric is used for the fabric substrate 1.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the entire fabric substrate 1 is made of a non-stretchable fabric, but a non-stretchable fabric can also be used for a portion of the void portion 11. Additionally, "non-stretchable fabric" in this specification refers to fabric with an elongation modulus of 5% or less in the B-1 method (constant load method) of JIS L1096. Furthermore, in this embodiment, to suppress electrical signal noise, a non-stretchable fabric is used in the fabric substrate 1 in the direction perpendicular to the linear direction of the void portion 11 (the width direction of the strip-shaped fabric substrate 1), but a fabric that is non-stretchable only in the linear direction of the void portion 11 can also be used.

[0048] [3-2] Organization

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fabric substrate 1 is constructed using a plain weave structure. However, the fabric substrate 1 can be constructed not only using a plain weave structure, but also using a fabric structure composed of a twill weave, a satin weave, or their modified forms. Furthermore, when the fabric substrate 1 is a woven fabric, the weave structure can be selected from weft knitting structures composed of plain knitting, rib knitting, reverse knitting, or their modified forms, or warp knitting structures composed of tricot knitting, raschel knitting, Milanese knitting, or their modified forms.

[0050] [3-3] Shape

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a strip of fabric is used for accurate detection of the fabric substrate 1. However, the shape of the fabric substrate 1 can be adapted to the shape of the target surface and the detection range, for example, by appropriately changing it to a wide sheet or a forked shape. Regarding the thickness of the fabric substrate 1, in this embodiment, it is formed to be 0.1 to 2.0 mm to ensure flexibility in the bending direction and tensile strength, but it can be appropriately changed depending on the magnitude of the load being detected, the intended use, etc.

[0052] [3-4] Cavity

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, three rows of hollow portions 11 are formed in the center and at both ends of the fabric substrate 1, but the number and arrangement of the hollow portions 11 can be appropriately changed, such as... Figure 3As shown, it is also possible to form only one cavity 11. Furthermore, regarding the shape of the cavity 11, it is formed as a straight line in this embodiment, but it can also be formed as a curve, or a combination of a straight line and a curve. Regarding the size of the cavity 11, it is sufficient that the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity 11 is larger than the diameter of the linear sensor element 2 when the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity 11 is maximized. However, to facilitate the insertion of the linear sensor element 2, it is preferable to set the maximized cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity 11 to be at least 1.1 times and less than 1000 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the linear sensor element 2.

[0054] [3-5] Methods for forming cavities

[0055] Furthermore, regarding the method for forming the aforementioned void 11, in this embodiment, in order to flatten the fabric surface, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the non-hollow portion of the fabric substrate 1 is composed of a single-layer structure, and the hollow portion 11 is formed by a double-layer structure (pocket structure) using the base yarn of the single-layer structure of the non-hollow portion. However, for example, it can also be as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the fabric substrate 1 is composed of a multi-layered weave, and the unconnected portions between the layers are formed into voids 11. Furthermore, even when it is not necessary to flatten the fabric surface, the voids 11 can be formed by locally forming a pocket structure using threads other than the base yarn of the fabric substrate 1.

[0056] Other methods for forming the aforementioned void portion 11 include: forming a bag-shaped structure independently of the ground structure on the surface of a fabric, woven fabric, or nonwoven fabric; bonding two pieces of fabric together using an adhesive or heat fusion, and forming the void portion 11 in the partially unbonded parts; and sewing two pieces of fabric together along the line direction of the void portion 11 to form the void portion 11 between the sewn parts, etc.

[0057] Furthermore, when a woven fabric is used instead of a woven fabric in the fabric substrate 1, the non-hollow portion of the fabric substrate 1 can be formed by a single-layer structure, and the hollow portion 11 can be formed by a double-layer structure (pocket structure) using the base yarn of the single-layer structure of the non-hollow portion. Alternatively, the fabric substrate 1 can be formed by multiple woven structures, with the partially unconnected areas between layers forming the hollow portion 11. In this case, the fabric surface can be flattened in the same way as the hollow portion 11 of the woven fabric. Furthermore, the fabric substrate 1 can be constructed by connecting three or more layers of fabric, or by laminating three or more sheets of fabric together. In this case, multiple hollow portions 11 can be formed between different layers.

[0058] [3-6] Anti-slip part

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 5As shown, a plate-shaped anti-slip portion 12, comprising an elastomer material and having a transversely elongated semi-elliptical cross-section, is formed on the back side of the portion of the fabric substrate 1 where the cavity 11 is formed. Therefore, even when a lateral force (parallel to the object surface) is applied when the fabric sensor S is placed on the object surface, positional displacement of the fabric substrate 1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the anti-slip portion 12 uses an elastomer material that is flexible relative to load in the bending direction, there is no concern about compromising the detection accuracy of the fabric sensor S. Additionally, to ensure flexibility in the bending direction, the thickness of the anti-slip portion 12 is preferably set to be in the range of 0.1 to 5 mm.

[0060] Furthermore, while silicone rubber was used in this embodiment as the elastomer material, thermoplastic elastomers such as polyolefin-based, polystyrene-based, vinyl chloride-based, polyurethane-based, and polyester-based elastomers can also be used. Additionally, thermosetting elastomers other than silicone rubber, such as urethane rubber and fluororubber, can also be used. Moreover, soft resins such as soft vinyl chloride resin, which are given flexibility by plasticizers, can also be used as the elastomer material.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the anti-slip portion 12 is formed only on the back side of the fabric substrate 1, but it may also be formed on the surface or both the surface and the back side. In this embodiment, by forming a plate-shaped anti-slip portion 12 that matches the width of the cavity portion 11, the anti-slip portion 12 becomes a reinforcing member and can maintain the width of the cavity portion 11. Therefore, deformation of the cavity portion 12 (e.g., surface layer lifting caused by the reduction of the width of the cavity portion 11) can be suppressed, and the state in which the linear sensor element 2 is sandwiched between the surface layer and the back layer where the cavity portion 11 is formed can be maintained.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the anti-slip portion 12 is formed in a plate shape, but as long as it is integrated with the fabric substrate 1 with the elastomer material exposed to the outside, it can also be in the form of dots, lines, rods, or sheets. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the anti-slip portion 12 can also be appropriately changed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the anti-slip portion 12 is integrated with the fabric substrate 1 without an adhesive layer, but it can also be integrated via an adhesive layer.

[0063] [3-7] Examples of modifications to the anti-slip part

[0064] Furthermore, regarding the anti-slip portion 12 of the aforementioned fabric substrate 1, rubber threads (elastic threads) utilizing elastomeric materials can also be used. In this case, by weaving it into the fabric structure or braiding structure of the fabric substrate 1 as an insert thread, the elastomeric material is exposed outside the surface layer or back layer constituting the hollow portion 11, thereby achieving an anti-slip effect. Moreover, by providing the elastomeric material as part of the fabric constituting the fabric substrate 1, the back side of the fabric-like sensor S can be flattened, and post-processing for forming the anti-slip portion 12 can be omitted.

[0065] [4] Regarding linear sensor elements

[0066] [4-1] Types of sensor elements

[0067] Furthermore, regarding the aforementioned linear sensor element 2, this embodiment uses a linear piezoelectric element as described in Japanese Patent No. 6501958 as the piezoelectric sensor 21, but polylactic acid piezoelectric fibers or other fibrous piezoelectric elements can also be used as the piezoelectric sensor 21. Additionally, as an electrostatic capacitive displacement sensor 22, copper wire used as a component is disposed within the hollow portion 11 of the fabric substrate 1. Furthermore, sensor elements other than the piezoelectric sensor 21 and the electrostatic capacitive displacement sensor 22 can also be used; for example, strain gauge sensors, temperature sensors, etc., can also be used. However, it is preferable that at least one or more piezoelectric sensors 21 are used as the linear sensor element 2.

[0068] [4-2] Configuration of sensor elements

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, to improve detection accuracy, linear sensor elements 2 are disposed within all the voids 11 formed in the fabric substrate 1. However, it is sufficient to dispose of them within at least one void 11 as needed. Alternatively, the linear sensor elements 2 may be disposed within a portion of the void 11 rather than the entire void 11. Furthermore, multiple linear sensor elements 2 may be disposed within a single void 11. Additionally, the linear sensor elements 2 can be elements with a cross-sectional area smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the void 11.

[0070] "Manufacturing method of cloth-like sensor"

[0071] Next, the manufacturing method of the fabric-like sensor S will be described. In this embodiment, when the fabric substrate 1 is woven on a loom, the linear sensor element 2 is inserted into the position of the cavity 11 while the weaving is being carried out. At this time, by adjusting the position and area of ​​the bonding structure between the surface layer and the back layer of the fabric substrate 1, a cavity 11 of a given size can be easily formed. Furthermore, while the woven fabric substrate is moved along its length using a conveyor, liquid or paste-like silicone rubber is dripped onto the back side and heated to cure, thereby forming an anti-slip portion 12 integrally with the fabric substrate 1 without the use of adhesives. As a result, the fabric-like sensor S can be manufactured efficiently.

[0072] Furthermore, when the fabric substrate 1 is a woven fabric, the fabric-like sensor S can be manufactured efficiently by weaving the fabric substrate 1 while inserting the linear sensor element 2 into the cavity 11. Additionally, when the fabric substrate 1 is made by bonding or sewing two overlapping pieces of fabric, woven fabric, or non-woven fabric, the fabric-like sensor S can be manufactured efficiently by bonding or sewing with the linear sensor element 2 positioned between the fabric pieces. Alternatively, the fabric substrate 1 can be manufactured first, and then the linear sensor element 2 can be inserted into the cavity 11 to manufacture the fabric-like sensor S.

[0073] Furthermore, regarding the anti-slip portion 12 of the aforementioned fabric substrate 1, an elastomer shaped into a plate or rod can be bonded to the surface or back side of the fabric substrate 1 using an adhesive or the like to achieve integration. Alternatively, when using a thermoplastic elastomer, integration can be achieved through heat welding, such as hot pressing. Furthermore, when using rubber thread as the elastomer of the anti-slip portion 12, it can be used as an insert thread during the weaving or knitting of the aforementioned fabric, thereby enabling integration with the fabric substrate.

[0074] "A variation of the cloth-like sensor"

[0075] In this embodiment, a structure is disclosed in which at least one linear sensor element 2 is disposed in the aforementioned cavity 11. However, other linear objects besides the linear sensor element 2 may also be disposed in the aforementioned cavity 11 without impairing the effects of the present invention. Specifically, examples include resin or metal tubes, metal wires, optical fibers, magnetic ropes, etc. For example, in the case of a resin or metal tube, if the linear sensor element 2 is disposed inside the tube, the durability, water resistance, oil resistance, etc. of the fabric-like sensor can be improved by protecting the linear sensor element 2. Furthermore, in the case of a metal wire, the fabric-like sensor can be given shape-forming properties.

[0076] Second Implementation Method

[0077] Structure / Applications of Cloth-like Sensor Devices

[0078] [1] Basic structure of cloth-like sensor devices

[0079] The following is based on Figure 6 The basic structure of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a fabric-like sensor S of the first embodiment is used, and a signal processing device 3 is connected to one end of the linear sensor element 2 of the fabric-like sensor S. Therefore, when the fabric-like sensor S is deformed, analog or digital signal processing can be performed on the electrical signal output from the linear sensor element 2 to the signal processing device 3 to perform signal amplification, filtering, signal transformation, etc., thus enabling the output of a control signal corresponding to the electrical signal from the linear sensor element 2 to the control unit of an external device. Furthermore, the connection between the signal processing device 3 and the external device can be either a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0080] [2] Regarding signal processing devices

[0081] Furthermore, the aforementioned signal processing device 3 includes an input unit, an arithmetic processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit. The storage unit contains a signal processing program capable of processing electrical signals output from a piezoelectric sensor and an electrostatic capacitive displacement sensor used as a linear sensor element 2. However, when the linear sensor element 2 uses a strain gauge sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, it is necessary to store the signal processing program corresponding to each sensor in the storage unit.

[0082] [3] Applications of fabric-like sensors

[0083] The aforementioned fabric-like sensor S can be used in various commonly known sensors, such as body position sensors (e.g., rollover detection sensors, seating sensors), pressure sensors, displacement sensors, deformation sensors, vibration sensors, biosensors, acceleration sensors, contact sensors, impact sensors, and safety sensors.

[0084] Furthermore, the objects on which the aforementioned fabric-like sensor S can be installed include various types of sensors, such as bedding (beds, quilts, etc.), car seats, aircraft seats, sofas, chairs, and other seating furniture, small indoor items (cushions, cushions, etc.), linen products (towels, sheets, etc.), safety / disaster prevention supplies (helmets, headscarves, etc.), carpets, mats, and other bedding, medical / hygiene supplies (bandages, masks, etc.), toys (cloth dolls, rubber balls, etc.), building materials (flooring materials, wall materials, etc.), household appliances, industrial machinery, and other equipment. Regarding the installation method of the aforementioned fabric-like sensor S, it can be simply placed on the object, or it can be fixed to the object by sewing, clipping, adhesive tape, fasteners, etc.

[0085] Example

[0086] [Empirical Evidence of Effectiveness]

[0087] Next, empirical tests demonstrating the effectiveness of the present invention will be described. In this experiment, various fabric-like sensors using piezoelectric sensors as linear sensor elements were fabricated with different structures, and the magnitude of the piezoelectric signal output when the fabric-like sensor was deformed was evaluated for each of these samples (Examples 1-2 and Comparative Examples 1-2 below).

[0088] <Methods for evaluating the output of piezoelectric signals>

[0089] First, as preparation, such as Figure 7 As shown in (A), a sample T of a 30cm long fabric-like sensor is placed on the seat M of a chair. The end of sample T is connected to a signal processing device, which is then connected to an oscilloscope (PicoTechnology Picoscope 2204A). The signal processing device amplifies the electrical signal approximately 4000 times using an analog amplifier circuit, converts the amplified signal into a digital signal, and outputs it to the oscilloscope. Furthermore, the oscilloscope is connected to a personal computer, and the measured piezoelectric signal output (mVp-p) is displayed on a monitor.

[0090] After the above preparations are completed, as follows Figure 7 As shown in (B), a 1 kgf weight W is placed in the center of sample T, and the weight W is immediately lifted as shown in (B). Figure 5 As shown in (C), the sample T is moved away from the sample. The change in the piezoelectric signal output caused by the deformation of sample T at this point is measured using an oscilloscope. Furthermore, the piezoelectric signal output is as follows: Figure 8 The output (mVp-p) is then graphically displayed on a personal computer monitor, measuring the amplitude of the negative output voltage when the counterweight W is applied to the sample T and the positive output voltage when the counterweight W is lifted.

[0091] Example 1

[0092] In this embodiment, the fabric substrate 1, which is composed of a plain weave structure with polyester yarn as the base yarn, is formed into a strip with a width of 50 mm, a thickness of 1 mm, and a length of 30 cm. A hollow portion 11 is provided in the center of the width direction of the fabric substrate 1, thereby fabricating the fabric-shaped sensor S without providing an anti-slip portion on the fabric surface (see reference). Figure 3Furthermore, the non-hollow portion of the fabric substrate 1 is composed of a single-layer structure, and the hollow portion 11 is formed by a double-layer structure of the base yarn using the single-layer structure of the non-hollow portion. Additionally, the width of the hollow portion 11 of the fabric substrate 1 (the width in the slit-like state before inserting the linear sensor element 2) is set to 5 mm, and a piezoelectric sensor 21 (linear piezoelectric element) with a diameter of 0.35 mm, as described in Japanese Patent No. 6501958, is inserted and disposed within this hollow portion 11. Then, the output voltage of the piezoelectric signal is measured using the sample of this embodiment, and the measured value is 1230 mVp-p.

[0093] Example 2

[0094] In this embodiment, a fabric substrate 1, composed of a plain weave structure with polyester yarn as the base yarn, is formed into a strip with a width of 50 mm and a thickness of 1 mm. Three hollow portions 11 are provided at the center and both sides of the fabric substrate 1 in the width direction to fabricate the fabric-shaped sensor S (see reference). Figure 2 Furthermore, on the back side of each hollow portion 11 of the fabric substrate 1, a plate-shaped anti-slip portion 12 containing an elastomer material and having a transversely elongated semi-elliptical cross-section is formed. In addition, the non-hollow portions of the fabric substrate 1 are composed of a single-layer structure, and the hollow portions 11 are formed by a double-layer structure using the base yarn of the single-layer structure of the non-hollow portions. Furthermore, the width of the hollow portion 11 of the fabric substrate 1 (the width in the slit-like state before inserting the linear sensor element 2) is set to 5 mm. A piezoelectric sensor 21 (linear piezoelectric element) with a diameter of 0.35 mm, as described in Japanese Patent No. 6501958, is inserted and arranged in the hollow portion 11 at the center of the fabric substrate 1, and copper wires for arranging electrostatic capacitive displacement sensors 22 with a diameter of 0.5 mm are inserted and arranged in the hollow portions 11 / 11 at both ends of the fabric substrate 1. Then, the output voltage of the piezoelectric signal is measured using the sample of this embodiment, and the measured value is 1221 mVp-p.

[0095] Comparative Example 1

[0096] In this comparative example, such as Figure 9 As shown, a fabric substrate 1, 25 mm wide and 1 mm thick, is constructed by obliquely weaving cotton yarn as the base yarn. Furthermore, a 30-count (19.68 tex) thick fabric sewing thread is used as the upper thread, and a 0.35 mm diameter piezoelectric sensor 21 (linear piezoelectric element) as described in Japanese Patent No. 6501958 is used as the lower thread. A zigzag stitch (JANOME JP210M pattern number: 08) is made along the length of the central portion of the fabric substrate 1 to form a fabric sensor S. The stitch width is 3.5 mm and the thickness is 2.2 mm. Then, the output voltage of the piezoelectric signal was measured using the sample of this comparative example, and the measured value was 63 mVp-p.

[0097] Comparative Example 2

[0098] In this comparative example, such as Figure 9 As shown, a fabric substrate 1, 25 mm wide and 1 mm thick, is constructed by twill weaving cotton yarn as the base yarn. Furthermore, a 30-count (19.68 tex) thick fabric sewing thread is used as the upper thread, and a 0.35 mm diameter piezoelectric sensor 21 (linear piezoelectric element) as described in Japanese Patent No. 6501958 is used as the lower thread. The fabric is sewn in a straight line along its length at the center (JANOME JP210M pattern number: 00) to form a fabric sensor S. The thickness is 1.5 mm. Then, the output voltage of the piezoelectric signal was measured using the sample of this comparative example, and the measured value was 312 mVp-p.

[0099] <Summary of Experimental Results>

[0100] The above tests confirmed that the samples of Examples 1 and 2, in which piezoelectric sensors were placed inside the pores of the fabric substrate, had a higher output voltage of piezoelectric signals compared to the samples of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, in which piezoelectric sensors were incorporated into the fabric as sewing thread. Furthermore, in Example 2, which had an anti-slip portion, it was confirmed that the same output as in Example 1, which did not have an anti-slip portion, was obtained. A table summarizing the test results is shown below.

[0101] [Table 1]

[0102] Unit: mVp-p

[0103]

[0104] -Explanation of Figure Markers-

[0105] 1. Fabric-like substrate

[0106] 11. Hollow Section

[0107] 12 anti-slip parts

[0108] 2-wire sensor element

[0109] 21 Piezoelectric Sensor

[0110] 22 Capacitive Displacement Sensor

[0111] 3. Signal Processing Device

[0112] S-shaped fabric sensor

[0113] D-shaped fabric sensor device.

Claims

1. A fabric-like sensor, characterized in that, It has a fabric substrate and a linear sensor element. The fabric substrate has at least one linear cavity inside, and at least a portion of the cavity is made of fabric that is not stretchable in the linear direction of the cavity. The linear sensor element is disposed within at least one of the hollow portions in a state where it is not substantially constrained or fixed to the fabric. The non-hollow portion of the fabric substrate is composed of a single-layer structure, and the hollow portion is formed by a double-layer structure of a base yarn using the single-layer structure of the non-hollow portion.

2. A fabric-like sensor, characterized in that, It has a fabric substrate and a linear sensor element. The fabric substrate has at least one linear cavity inside, and at least a portion of the cavity is made of fabric that is not stretchable in the linear direction of the cavity. The linear sensor element is disposed within at least one of the hollow portions in a state where it is not substantially constrained or fixed to the fabric. The non-hollow portion of the fabric substrate is composed of multiple layers, and the unconnected portions between the layers form the hollow portions.

3. The fabric-like sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fabric substrate has multiple hollow portions. The linear sensor elements are disposed within all of the cavities.

4. The fabric-like sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the linear sensor elements is a piezoelectric sensor.

5. The fabric-like sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, An elastomeric material is present on at least one of the front and back surfaces of the fabric substrate at the location where the void is formed.

6. The fabric-like sensor according to claim 5, wherein, The elastomeric material is part of the fabric that constitutes the fabric substrate.

7. A fabric-like sensor device, characterized in that, include: The fabric-like sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6; as well as Signal processing device.

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