Hand-worn tongue movement measuring device and finger-worn part

Abstract

To provide a hand-worn tongue movement measuring device having excellent measurement stability.SOLUTION: A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device for measuring tongue movement of a subject using a pressure sensor, the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device comprises a back-of-hand-worn part to be worn on the back of a hand of a measurer, and a finger-worn part to be worn on a hand finger of the measurer. The finger-worn part includes a cylindrical part made of insulating silicone rubber, a plurality of pressure sensors provided on at least one installation surface of an outer surface or an inner surface of the cylindrical part, and a pressure transmission part provided on an opposite side of the installation surface so as to cover at least some of the surfaces of the plurality of pressure sensors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hand-worn tongue movement measuring device and a finger-worn portion. [Background technology]

[0002] Various tongue movement measuring devices have been developed. For example, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is known as this type of technology. Claim 2, paragraph 0010, and FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1 describe a breastfeeding observation device that includes a sensor that detects the movement of an infant's tongue, a breastfeeding detection output unit that generates and outputs a breastfeeding display signal that is a signal indicating the breastfeeding state, and a metal lead wire that electrically connects the sensor and the breastfeeding detection output unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-340777 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as a result of investigations by the present inventors, it has become clear that there is room for improvement in terms of measurement stability in the breastfeeding monitoring device described in Patent Document 1 above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] After further investigation, the inventor discovered that in a hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, the subject's tongue pressure can be measured more stably by placing a pressure transmission unit so that it covers the surface of the pressure sensor, which is located in a tubular portion made of silicone rubber, and thus completed the present invention.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided the following hand-worn tongue movement measuring device and finger-worn portion. 1. A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device that uses a pressure sensor to measure the tongue movement of a subject, The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device is A back attachment part that can be attached to the back of the hand of a person who measures the hand; A finger attachment part that can be attached to a finger of a measurer's hand, The finger attachment portion is A cylindrical portion made of insulating silicone rubber; A plurality of pressure sensors are provided on at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the cylindrical portion; a pressure transmitting section provided on the opposite side to the installation surface so as to cover the surfaces of the plurality of pressure sensors; A hand-worn tongue movement measurement device. 2. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the Young's modulus of the pressure transmission part is 0.1 GPa or more and 10 GPa or less. 3. A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to 1. or 2., A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the pressure transmission part has a Rockwell hardness of 80 or more and 120 or less. 4. A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 3., The surface area of ​​the pressure transmitting portion on the side covering the surfaces of the pressure sensors is 0.15 mm 2 More than 400mm 2 Below is a hand-worn tongue movement measurement device. 5. A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 4., A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the pressure transmission part includes one or more resins selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyethylene-based resin, polycarbonate-based resin, polypropylene-based resin, cycloolefin-based resin, and polystyrene-based resin. 6. A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 5., A gap space is provided between the surfaces of the pressure sensors and the pressure transmitting portion, A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device configured so that, in one cross section in the stacking direction of the tubular portion and the multiple pressure sensors, the thickness of the gap space decreases when the tongue pressure of the subject applied from the stacking direction increases. 7. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to 6., A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, in which, in one cross section in the stacking direction, a surface of at least one of the multiple pressure sensors contacts a part of the pressure transmission part, while another part of the pressure transmission part indents the surface around the installation surface of the tubular part. 8. A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 7., A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the pressure transmission unit has a curved surface on the side covering the surfaces of the multiple pressure sensors. 9. A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 8., A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the finger attachment portion is provided on the tubular portion and includes elastic wiring that electrically connects to each of the multiple pressure sensors. 10. A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 9., A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, in which the back-of-the-hand wearing portion and the tubular portion of the finger-worn portion are made of insulating silicone rubber and have a structure that is integrated with each other or a structure that can be separated from each other. 11. A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 10., The instep attachment part is a circuit board electrically connected to the plurality of pressure sensors; A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device comprising: a connector electrically connected to the circuit board and connectable to an external device. 12. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 11, A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the back-of-hand attachment portion has an exterior frame that covers the circuit board and at least a portion of the connecting connector. 13. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to 12., A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the exterior frame of the back-of-the-hand attachment part is made of elastomer. 14. A finger attachment part for use in a hand-attached tongue movement measuring device that measures a subject's tongue movement using a pressure sensor, comprising: A cylindrical portion made of insulating silicone rubber; A plurality of pressure sensors are provided on at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the cylindrical portion; a pressure transmitting section provided on the opposite side to the installation surface so as to cover at least a portion of a surface of the plurality of pressure sensors; Finger attachment part. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, there are provided a hand-worn tongue movement measuring device with excellent measurement stability, and a finger-worn portion for use therewith. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a schematic example of the configuration of a hand-worn tongue movement measuring device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the α region of FIG. [Diagram 3] 2. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a modified example of the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a modified example of the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of a tongue movement information processing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a tongue movement monitoring system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are given similar reference numerals and their explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Also, the drawings are schematic diagrams and do not correspond to the actual dimensional ratios.

[0010] An overview of the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device of this embodiment will be described.

[0011] The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device of this embodiment is a hand-worn tongue movement measuring device that uses pressure sensors to measure the tongue movement of a subject, and includes a back-of-hand attachment part that can be attached to the back of the hand of the person measuring the tongue movement, and a finger attachment part that can be attached to the fingers of the person measuring the tongue movement. The finger attachment part includes a tube part made of insulating silicone rubber, a plurality of pressure sensors provided on at least one of the installation surfaces of the outer surface or the inner surface of the tube part, and a pressure transmission part provided on the opposite side to the installation surface so as to cover at least a part of the surface of the plurality of pressure sensors.

[0012] The subject is not particularly limited as long as it is a living organism having a tongue, and specifically may be a human or an animal, including a non-human mammal. The human may be an infant, a toddler, an elderly person, or an adult or child of any other age, and may be healthy or non-healthy, such as a rehabilitation subject.

[0013] The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device makes it possible to monitor the tongue movement of the subject and even to quantitatively evaluate tongue movement. Tongue movement is closely related to the sucking movement of infants and the feeding and swallowing movements of humans, and can be an indicator for understanding health conditions. Therefore, evaluating tongue movement can appropriately understand the state of the subject's tongue function, such as the sucking ability of infants, and is expected to have various applications such as rehabilitation and various types of care.

[0014] Specific examples of applications include the evaluation of an infant's sucking ability in various settings such as childcare, medical examinations, and medical care, the evaluation of the relationship between a subject's tongue motor function and various diseases, and the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of diseases and health disorders associated with a decline in a subject's tongue motor function.

[0015] According to the inventor's findings, it has been discovered that in a hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, the subject's tongue pressure can be measured more stably by installing a pressure transmission unit so as to cover the surface of multiple pressure sensors arranged in a tubular portion made of silicone rubber. Here, when tongue pressure is transmitted by direct contact with a pressure sensor, factors that cause the measurement to become unstable are not necessarily limited to one, but include, for example, the part of the tongue that comes into contact with the pressure sensor being soft, or the pressure sensor being small in size. In contrast, since the force received from the subject's tongue is transmitted to a plurality of pressure sensors via the pressure transmission section, it is possible to achieve more stable measurement than when the force is transmitted directly.

[0016] Each component of the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a top view showing a schematic example of the configuration of a hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a region α in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in Fig. 2.

[0018] 1 includes an instep attachment part 120 and a finger attachment part 123. A plurality of pressure sensors 110 are installed in the finger attachment part 123. The plurality of pressure sensors 110 may be electrically connected to other electronic components via elastic wiring 130.

[0019] The measurer is a person who performs measurement tasks to monitor the subject's tongue movement. The measurer places hand 200 wearing hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100 into the oral cavity of the subject. When the subject moves his / her tongue, pressure sensor 110 in the oral cavity detects a sensor signal indicating information related to the pressure of the tongue movement, and transmits the sensor signal to the outside via elastic wiring 130.

[0020] <Instep attachment part> The back attachment part 120 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure that allows it to be attached to at least a part of the back 204 of the hand of the person being measured.

[0021] The upper back attachment part 120 may have a structure that covers at least a part of the upper back 204 and palm of the measurer's hand 200. In the case of a partial covering structure that covers a part of the upper back 204, the upper back attachment part 120 may have a structure that covers the upper half of the upper back 204, or may have a structure that covers the left half or right half of the upper back 204. Without being limited thereto, the upper back attachment part 120 may cover the entire upper back 204.

[0022] The instep wearing portion 120 may have one finger wearing portion 123 (for example, finger wearing portion 123e), or may have a plurality of finger wearing portions 123, ranging from two to five. 1 has two finger attachment parts 123, a finger attachment part 123a (thumb part) and a finger attachment part 123e (little finger part). However, this is not limited thereto, and from the viewpoint of ease of attachment, the instep attachment part 120 may have only the finger attachment part 123e (little finger part).

[0023] The upper hand attachment unit 120 may have a wrist section that covers at least a portion of the wrist 206 of the person being measured in the wrist circumferential direction. The wrist section is connected to the upper hand attachment unit 120 and may be formed of an integrated member or a separate member. The wrist section may cover the entire circumference of the wrist 206 of the person being measured in the wrist circumferential direction. The wrist section can prevent the upper hand attachment unit 120 from shifting in position when the hand 200 is moved. However, from the viewpoint of ease of attachment, the upper hand attachment unit 120 does not have to have a wrist section.

[0024] The instep attachment part 120 is made of insulating silicone rubber and has flexibility and elasticity. Therefore, the instep attachment part 120 can be easily attached to the subject's hand 200. In addition, the elastic wiring 130 installed in the instep attachment part 120 can be prevented from passing bioelectric currents generated in the subject's hand 200 through the elastic wiring 130.

[0025] <Finger attachment part> The finger attachment portion 123 includes a tube portion that can be attached to one finger 203 (for example, the little finger 203e) of the subject. Such a cylindrical portion needs to cover at least the nail 210 of the finger 203, and may preferably cover from the nail 210 to the first joint, and more preferably from the nail 210 to about the second joint.

[0026] The finger attachment part 123 only needs to have a structure that enables it to be connected to the instep attachment part 120, and may be configured as an integral part with the instep attachment part 120 or as a separate part from the instep attachment part 120.

[0027] A plurality of pressure sensors 110 are provided in the fingertip region of the finger attachment part 123. When the finger attachment part 123 attached to the measurer's finger 203 is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject, the tongue movement of the subject is measured by the plurality of pressure sensors 110.

[0028] The pressure sensors 110 may be provided on one or more of the fingers (thumb, index, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger). 1 and 2, the pressure sensors 110 are attached to the finger attachment part 123e (little finger part). By attaching the finger attachment part 123e to the little finger 203e of the person to measure, it becomes easier to insert the finger attachment part 123e into the oral cavity of a young subject such as an infant or a small child.

[0029] The tip region where the multiple pressure sensors 110 are placed is not particularly limited as long as it is a place that can be inserted into the oral cavity of the subject. When the overall length of the finger attachment part 123 is L, an example of the tip region may be, for example, a range from the tip to 1 / 2 of L, or a range from the tip to 1 / 3 of L. In addition, an example of the tip region may be a range from the fingertip to the distal phalange when the finger attachment part 123 is attached to the finger 203 of the measurer. Note that a structure in which the multiple pressure sensors 110 are arranged so as to be located at the nail 210 of the finger 203 of the hand 200 of the measurer is preferable.

[0030] A relatively fine uneven surface structure may be formed on at least a portion of the surface of the inner surface of finger wearing portion 123. The uneven surface structure is preferably formed on the surface of the inner surface of finger portion 123. This can improve the ease of putting finger 203 in and taking it out of finger wearing portion 123.

[0031] The lower limit of the surface roughness Ra of the inner surface of finger fitting part 123 having a surface uneven structure is, for example, 1.0 μm or more, preferably 1.5 μm or more, more preferably 2.0 μm or more, and even more preferably 5.0 μm or more. On the other hand, the upper limit of the above surface roughness Ra is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 100 μm or less, 50 μm or less, or 20 μm or less.

[0032] The surface roughness Ra is measured using a Keyence VK-9700 laser microscope under the conditions of lens: magnification 20x, pitch: 0.2 μm. Next, the surface roughness Ra (μm) of the planar surface is measured under the conditions of measurement area: 300 μm × 300 μm in accordance with JIS B0601-2001 described in the analysis software VKanalyzer.

[0033] The upper limit of the tack peak value TP on the inner surface of finger wearing part 123 having a surface uneven structure is, for example, 4.0 N or less, preferably 3.0 N or less, and more preferably 1.0 N or less. This allows inner surface 122 of finger wearing part 123 to have good slipperiness. The lower limit of the tack peak value TP is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, more than 0N or 0.1N or more.

[0034] The procedure for measuring the tack peak value TP is as follows. An aluminum probe having a flat surface with an area of ​​150 mm2 is brought into contact with the flat surface of the surface to be measured under conditions of a probe moving speed of 2.3 mm / sec, a probe crimping strength of 12 N, and a crimping time of 6 seconds, and the flat surface of the aluminum probe is then peeled upward at a probe moving speed of 2.3 mm / sec. The tack peak value on the surface to be measured by the probe tack test is measured five times, and the average of these five measured values ​​is defined as the above-mentioned tack peak value TP.

[0035] The lower limit of the tear strength of finger wear part 123 is, for example, 25 N / mm or more, preferably 28 N / mm or more, more preferably 30 N / mm or more, even more preferably 33 N / mm or more, and even more preferably 34 N / mm or more. This improves durability during repeated use. Also, a device that is not easily torn even when thin can be configured. This improves the design freedom of finger wear part 123. On the other hand, the upper limit of the tear strength of finger wear part 123 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 80 N / mm or less, or 70 N / mm or less. This allows various characteristics of finger wear part 123 to be balanced.

[0036] The upper limit of the sheet thickness of finger attachment part 123 can be set depending on the application, and may be, for example, 2 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less, but from the viewpoint of ease of deformation, it is more preferably 500 μm or less. On the other hand, the lower limit of the sheet thickness of the finger mounting part 123 is, for example, 20 μm or more, preferably 50 μm or more, and more preferably 100 μm or more, from the viewpoint of mechanical strength.

[0037] The upper limit of durometer hardness A of finger wear part 123 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, not more than 80, and preferably not more than 70. This improves the ease of deformation, which makes deformation such as bending and stretching easier. On the other hand, the lower limit of the durometer hardness A of the finger wearing part 123 is, for example, not less than 10, preferably not less than 20, and more preferably not less than 30. This can increase the friction durability and mechanical strength.

[0038] The lower limit of the breaking elongation of the finger wearing part 123 is, for example, 100% or more, preferably 200% or more, more preferably 300% or more, and further preferably 400% or more. This can improve the high elasticity and durability of the finger wearing part 123. On the other hand, the upper limit of the breaking elongation of the finger wearing part 123 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 2000% or less, or 1800% or less. This allows various characteristics of the finger wearing part 123 to be balanced.

[0039] The lower limit of the tensile strength of finger wearing part 123 is, for example, 5.0 MPa or more, preferably 8.0 MPa or more, and more preferably 10.0 MPa or more. This can improve the mechanical strength of finger wearing part 123. Also, finger wearing part 123 with excellent durability capable of withstanding repeated deformation can be realized. On the other hand, the upper limit of the tensile strength of finger wear part 123 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 25 MPa or less, or 20 MPa or less. This allows various characteristics of finger wear part 123 to be balanced.

[0040] In this embodiment, as a method for measuring the characteristics of each member of the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device or the characteristics of each member, each member may be used as a test piece as it is, or each member may be cut into a predetermined shape or multiple members may be stacked to use a test piece with a predetermined thickness. Also, the silicone rubber (insulating silicone rubber or conductive silicone rubber) used for each member may be used for measurement.

[0041] (Durometer hardness A measurement procedure) A sheet-like test piece is prepared using silicone rubber, and the durometer hardness A of the obtained sheet-like test piece at 25° C. is measured in accordance with JIS K6253 (1997).

[0042] (Procedure for measuring tensile strength) A dumbbell-shaped No. 3 test piece is prepared using silicone rubber in accordance with JIS K6251 (2004), and the tensile strength of the dumbbell-shaped No. 3 test piece at 25°C is measured.

[0043] (Measurement conditions for breaking elongation) Using silicone rubber, dumbbell-shaped No. 3 test pieces are prepared in accordance with JIS K6251 (2004), and the resulting dumbbell-shaped No. 3 test pieces are measured for their breaking elongation at 25°C. The breaking elongation is calculated by [gauge line movement distance (mm)] ÷ [initial gauge line distance (20 mm)] × 100.

[0044] (Measuring procedure for tear strength) A crescent-shaped test piece is prepared using silicone rubber in accordance with JIS K6252 (2001), and the tear strength of the obtained crescent-shaped test piece at 25°C is measured.

[0045] Finger wear part 123 may be configured so as to be sterilizable by boiling. That is, the insulating silicone rubber constituting finger wear part 123 may have chemical resistance to alcohol, and one in which the above-mentioned rubber properties change little before and after heat treatment at 100°C can be used. This allows finger wear part 123 to be sterilized with alcohol or heat before use. Such a property is even more effective when finger wear part 123 is used repeatedly. Finger wear part 123 may be configured to have alcohol resistance. For example, finger wear part 123 may be configured so that the change in volume (volume after immersion / volume before immersion) before and after immersion in alcohol for 5 minutes is 10% or less. Examples of alcohol include, but are not limited to, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol that are commonly used for disinfection. Furthermore, finger wear section 123 may be configured such that the change in physical properties before and after heating at 100° C. for 10 minutes (physical property value after heating / physical property value before heating) is 1% or less. The physical properties include, but are not limited to, the hardness, breaking elongation, tensile strength, etc., as described above.

[0046] Finger fitting part 123 may be configured to have biocompatibility. That is, the insulating silicone rubber that constitutes finger fitting part 123 can be one that has biocompatibility. In addition, since finger attachment part 123 is made of silicone rubber having the above-mentioned tear strength, it is possible to prevent the subject from accidentally swallowing fragments of finger attachment part 123 due to breakage, etc. This improves the safety of finger attachment part 123 when used.

[0047] <Pressure transmission section> 3 may be provided so as to cover a plurality of pressure sensors 110 provided on an installation surface on the inner surface 122 (inner surface) of the tube portion of the finger portion 123e. The pressure transmission portion 160 may be fixed to the inner surface 122 of the finger portion 123e by a known method such as an adhesive or an adhesive tape. When tongue pressure is applied to the outer surface 121, the pressure sensors 110 move toward the pressure transmission portion 160 and come into contact with each other.

[0048] Also, a modified example of FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4. The pressure transmission unit 160 in FIG. 4 may be provided so as to cover a plurality of pressure sensors 110 provided on the installation surface on the outer surface 121 (outer surface) of the tube part of the finger part 123e. The pressure transmission unit 160 may be fixed to the finger part 123e, but from the viewpoint of preventing the pressure transmission unit 160 from falling off, it may be fixed to the inner surface 172 of a fingerstall 170 separate from the finger part 123e. The fingerstall 170 may be made of the same insulating silicone rubber as the finger part 123e. When tongue pressure is applied to the pressure transmission unit 160, the pressure transmission unit 160 moves toward the pressure sensor 110 and contacts each other. From the viewpoint of further enhancing pressure transmission, it is preferable that the distance from the inner surface of the pressure transmission part 160 in contact with the pressure sensor 110 to the tip of the pressure transmission part 160 in contact with the outer surface 121 of the finger part 123e in a cross-sectional view in the stacking direction is shorter than the thickness of the pressure sensor 110.

[0049] 5(A) is a cross-sectional view taken in a different direction from FIG. 3, and FIG. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view taken in a different direction from FIG. It is preferable that the pressure transmitting unit 160 has a curved surface (outer surface 161 and inner surface 162) on the side covering the surfaces of the multiple pressure sensors 110. That is, the surface of the pressure transmitting unit 160 may have a curved structure that is convex from the nail 210e of the measurer's little finger 203e toward the tongue of the subject. The pressure transmitting unit 160 having such a structure can improve safety for the subject when inserted into the oral cavity and ease of holding it in the mouth.

[0050] The pressure transmitting section 160 may have a plurality of pressure sensors 110 in one internal space, or may have one or more pressure sensors 110 in each of a plurality of partitioned internal spaces.

[0051] The pressure transmitting section 160 may be any material that has the property of transmitting a force to the pressure sensor 110 more easily than the subject's tongue, and may be made of, for example, a material that is relatively harder than the subject's tongue.

[0052] The lower limit of the Young's modulus of the pressure transmitting section 160 is, for example, 0.1 GPa or more, preferably 0.2 GPa or more, and more preferably 0.3 GPa or more. On the other hand, the upper limit of the Young's modulus of the pressure transmitting section 160 is, for example, 10 GPa or less, preferably 9 GPa or less, and more preferably 8 GPa or less. By setting it within such a numerical range, the pressure transmitting section 160 can appropriately transmit force to the multiple pressure sensors 110, thereby improving the sensor reactivity.

[0053] The lower limit of the Rockwell hardness of the pressure transmitting part 160 is, for example, 80 or more, preferably 85 or more, and more preferably 100 or more. On the other hand, the upper limit of the Rockwell hardness of the pressure transmitting part 160 is, for example, 120 or less, preferably 118 or less, and more preferably 115 or less. By keeping the value within such a numerical range, the pressure transmitting part 160 can appropriately transmit force to the multiple pressure sensors 110, thereby improving the sensor responsiveness.

[0054] The lower limit of the surface area of ​​the pressure transmitting portion 160 on the side covering the surfaces of the multiple pressure sensors 110 is, for example, 0.15 mm 2 More than 1mm, preferably 1mm2 More than 2mm, preferably 2 The upper limit of the surface area of ​​the pressure transmission portion 160 is, for example, 400 mm 2 Less than 300mm, preferably 2 Less than or equal to 200 mm, preferably 2 By setting the numerical value within such a range, the area can be set to be suitable for the tongue size of the subject and the size of the small pressure sensor 110, thereby stabilizing the sensor responsiveness.

[0055] The pressure transmitting portion 160 may include, for example, one or more materials selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyethylene-based resin, polycarbonate-based resin, polypropylene-based resin, cycloolefin-based resin, and polystyrene-based resin.

[0056] An air gap may be provided between the surfaces of the pressure sensors 110 and the pressure transmitting portion 160 . In one embodiment, the tube portion and the pressure sensors 110 may be configured such that in one cross section in the stacking direction, the thickness of the gap space decreases as the tongue pressure of the subject acting from the stacking direction increases.

[0057] In another embodiment, in one of the cross sections in the stacking direction, while at least one surface of the multiple pressure sensors 110 contacts a part of the pressure transmitting section 160, another part of the pressure transmitting section 160 may be in a state where the surface around the installation surface of the cylindrical section is recessed. This further improves pressure transmission.

[0058] <Pressure sensor> The pressure sensor 110 converts the force received by the pressure receiving surface from the outside into an electrical signal. The pressure sensor 110 may be any sensor that includes at least a member whose electrical characteristics change due to an external force, and may be, for example, a sensor that utilizes the piezoresistive effect, a sensor that utilizes the piezoelectric effect, or a sensor that utilizes electrostatic capacitance. As the pressure sensor 110, a commercially available pressure sensor such as a strain gauge type, a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber type, a capacitance type, a film type, a resistance wire type, a mechanical type, or the like may be used. The pressure sensor 110 includes a force sensor made of a micro electromechanical system such as a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System), and may be any sensor capable of detecting a force received by its pressure receiving surface from an external force.

[0059] The pressure sensor 110 only needs to have a pressure receiving surface, and may be configured, for example, in a chip shape, but is not limited to this.

[0060] An example of the pressure sensor 110 may include a pressure-sensitive resistor having a piezoresistive effect, a piezoelectric body having a piezoelectric effect, or a capacitive film. Among these, the pressure-sensitive resistor may include an elastomer or a plastic, and preferably may include a silicone rubber.

[0061] A specific example of the pressure sensor 110 may be made of, for example, pressure-sensitive conductive silicone rubber, which is a type of pressure-sensitive resistor, and may preferably be made of conductive silicone rubber containing a conductive filler and silicone rubber. When both the pressure sensor 110 and the elastic wiring 130 are made of conductive silicone rubber, the volume resistance value of the conductive silicone rubber of the pressure sensor 110 may be configured to be higher than the volume resistance value of the conductive silicone rubber of the elastic wiring 130.

[0062] As a specific example, the conductive silicone rubber constituting the pressure sensor 110 can contain a conductive carbon material as a conductive filler. In this case, the conductive silicone rubber constituting the elastic wiring 130 may contain metal powder such as silver powder. For example, the volume resistivity of the conductive silicone rubber containing the conductive carbon material in the pressure sensor 110 is 10 ―1 Ω cm~10 3 In this case, the volume resistance of the conductive silicone rubber of the elastic wiring 130 is, for example, 10 -5 Ω cm~10-1 This volume resistivity is measured at 25°C when unstretched. Such a pressure sensor 110 may be formed by, for example, a printing method using a conductive paste containing a conductive carbon material and silicone rubber.

[0063] The pressure sensor 110 may be disposed in the nail region where the nail 210 exists, in the pad region of the finger 203, or in the side region of the finger 203. From the viewpoint of the installation area of ​​the pressure sensor 110, the pressure sensor 110 may be disposed in the nail region or the pad region, but from the viewpoint of the measurement stability of the pressure sensor 110, the pressure sensor 110 is preferably disposed in the nail region. The pressure sensor 110 reinforces the underside of the pressure sensor 110, thereby improving the measurement stability of the pressure sensor 110. In addition, the entirety or a part of the entire pressure sensor 110 may be embedded in the sheet-like insulating silicone rubber that constitutes the instep mounting part 120.

[0064] The measurer can stimulate the palate of the infant with the pad of finger 203, which is not provided with pressure sensor 110, to induce a sucking reflex. If necessary, the measurer (healthcare worker) may check the state of the subject's tongue movement by palpation (feeling of the fingers) in addition to monitoring the tongue movement with hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100.

[0065] When the direction from the tongue base to the tongue tip is defined as the front direction of the tongue, the pressure sensors 110 are preferably arranged in a row in the front direction of the tongue. This makes it possible to measure the tongue movement of the tongue base and the tongue tip independently. It also makes it possible to detect tongue pressure, which is the pressure or force received from the tongue during peristaltic movements of an infant. Furthermore, the number of pressure sensors 110 in the row may be two or more, or three or more. This makes it possible to more accurately evaluate tongue movement from the tongue base side to the tongue tip side. Furthermore, the arrangement of the pressure sensors 110 when viewed in the front direction of the tongue may be in one row or in two or more rows. For example, two rows of three sensors, two rows of five sensors, three rows of five sensors, etc. This allows for more accurate evaluation of tongue movement from the right side of the tongue to the left side of the tongue.

[0066] The number and arrangement of the pressure sensors 110 can be appropriately selected from the viewpoint of the tongue movement information to be acquired.

[0067] <Stretchable wiring> The elastic wiring 130 is electrically connected to the pressure sensor 110 and can transmit an electrical signal from the pressure sensor 110 to the outside.

[0068] The elastic wiring 130 may be made of conductive silicone rubber. Since the elastic wiring 130 and the upper attachment part 120 are made of the same type of elastomer, silicone rubber, the adhesion at the portion where the elastic wiring 130 and the upper attachment part 120 come into direct contact can be improved.

[0069] The elastic wire 130 may be formed by printing a conductive paste containing a conductive filler and silicone rubber. The printing method provides good design freedom for the wiring design of the elastic wire 130. However, the method for forming the elastic wire 130 is not limited to the printing method using a paste, and other general printing methods using conductive paint may also be used.

[0070] The elastic wire 130 has elasticity. In this specification, the stretchability is represented by the stretch rate when stretched in a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction may be the extension direction in which the length of the elastic wire 130 is at its maximum. Having elasticity when stretched in the extension direction means that the stretch rate can be extended to, for example, 10% or more, preferably 20% or more, and more preferably 50% or more, and the elastic wiring 130 does not break at that stretch rate.

[0071] The volume resistivity of the elastic wiring 130 at 25° C. when unstretched is, for example, 1×10 -5 Ω cm or more 1×10 -1 Ω cm or less, preferably 5×10 -5 Ω cm or more 5×10 -2 Ω cm or less, preferably 1×10-4 Ω cm or more 1×10 -2 By setting the resistance within this range, it is possible to realize the elastic wiring 130 having excellent electrical properties both when unstretched and when stretched. In addition, stable tongue movement measurement becomes possible.

[0072] The elastic wiring 130 may have two output signal wires for each pressure sensor 110, and may further have a constant voltage power supply wire and / or a GND (ground) wire depending on the circuit design of the pressure sensor 110. It should be noted that a common GND wiring may be used for the multiple pressure sensors 110.

[0073] 2 are connected to the pressure sensor 110a, and the wires 130c and 130d are connected to the pressure sensor 110b. These elastic wires 130 serve as wires for output signals. When an external force is applied to the pressure sensor 110a to vary the resistance thereof, the output voltage between the wiring 130a and the wiring 130c varies. Based on this output voltage variation, the external force received by the pressure sensor 110a is measured.

[0074] When the pressure sensor 110 is formed on the inner surface 122 of the finger portion 123e, the elastic wiring 130 may be formed on the inner surface 122. This elastic wiring 130 may be formed to extend to the outer surface of the upper wear part 120, a part of it may penetrate the inside of the upper wear part 120, or a part of it may be replaced with another electrical transmission member. As the electrical transmission member, a known conductive member such as a conductive paste or a metal pin can be used. On the other hand, when the pressure sensor 110 is formed on the outer surface 121 of the finger portion 123e, the elastic wiring 130 may be formed on the outer surface 121. This elastic wiring 130 may be formed to extend to the outer surface of the instep attachment portion 120, and a part of it may be replaced with another electrical transmission member. In addition, a portion of the elastic wiring 130 may be embedded inside the upper attachment part 120, and the drawn-out wiring portion other than the end may be embedded in the upper attachment part 120.

[0075] The elastic wiring 130 may have an extraction wiring portion that extends from the finger attachment portion 123 (finger attachment portion 123e) of the instep attachment portion 120 to the instep attachment portion 120 on the instep 204 side. The extraction wiring portion may be arranged not only on the instep attachment portion 120 but also on the palm or wrist on the opposite side. This allows for a variety of wiring structures to be realized, making it possible to integrate the pressure sensor 110.

[0076] The elastic wiring 130 may have a multi-layer wiring structure. One example of a multi-layer wiring structure is one in which wiring layers made of conductive silicone rubber and insulating layers made of insulating silicone rubber are alternately laminated, and the wiring layers have two or more layers. This allows the pressure sensor 110 to be integrated in one layer.

[0077] A modified example of the layered structure of the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100 will be described. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100 may have a cover portion that covers at least a part of the surface of the elastic wire 130. This can further increase the mechanical strength of the elastic wire 130.

[0078] The cover may be made of insulating silicone rubber. Insulating silicone rubber can be given boiling disinfection properties and biocompatibility. This increases safety when used by subjects and makes it easier to manage hygiene during use. In addition, the cover may cover the elastic wiring 130 and then cover the outer surface 121 of the upper attachment part 120. This improves the adhesion between the cover and the upper attachment part 120 and / or the elastic wiring 130, since they are made of the same silicone rubber.

[0079] Moreover, the cover portion is configured so as not to cover the external connection portion at one end of the elastic wiring 130. The one end is an end opposite to the other end where the elastic wiring 130 is connected to the pressure sensor 110. For example, an opening may be formed in the cover portion, and one end of the elastic wiring 130 may be located in the opening.

[0080] The cover portion may be configured so as not to cover the pressure-receiving surface (upper surface) of the pressure sensor 110, but may be configured so as to cover the pressure-receiving surface of the pressure sensor 110. By exposing the pressure receiving surface, the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 110 to external forces can be maintained high. On the other hand, covering the pressure-receiving surface can more firmly securely fix the pressure sensor 110 to the instep mounting part 120, thereby improving safety in use. In addition, by using insulating silicone rubber for the cover, even if the cover covers the pressure-receiving surface, it is possible to prevent the external force that the pressure-receiving surface receives from being reduced due to elastic deformation of the cover.

[0081] (Elastomer) The elastomer and silicone rubber that constitute each component of the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100 will be described below.

[0082] In this specification, elastomer means a stretchable elastic body including an elastomeric material, which is classified as an insulating elastomer or a conductive elastomer.

[0083] Examples of the insulating elastomer that can be used include silicone rubber, urethane rubber, fluororubber, nitrile rubber, acrylic rubber, styrene rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, etc. Among these, the elastomer includes one or more thermosetting elastomers (elastomer materials) selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, urethane rubber, and fluororubber. The insulating elastomer may be composed of an elastomer material alone, or may be composed to include an elastomer material and a non-conductive filler. An example of the insulating elastomer includes silicone rubber, and preferably includes silicone rubber and a non-conductive filler. Silicone rubber is chemically stable among elastomers, and also has excellent mechanical strength. Among these, from the viewpoint of hygiene, it is preferable to use silicone rubber, which has high biocompatibility, as the elastomer material.

[0084] The conductive elastomer may be, for example, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, fluororubber, nitrile rubber, acrylic rubber, styrene rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, etc. Among these, the elastomer includes one or more thermosetting elastomers (elastomer materials) selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, urethane rubber, and fluororubber, and a conductive filler. A preferred example of the conductive elastomer includes silicone rubber and a conductive filler, which can enhance the elasticity and conductivity of the conductive elastomer.

[0085] In this specification, silicone rubber means a stretchable elastic body. Among elastomers, silicone rubber is chemically stable and has excellent flexibility. Silicone rubber is also preferred from the viewpoints of hygiene and biocompatibility.

[0086] Silicone rubber is classified into insulating silicone rubber and conductive silicone rubber.

[0087] The insulating silicone rubber contains silicone rubber but does not contain a conductive filler, which can improve the elasticity and other properties.

[0088] The conductive silicone rubber contains silicone rubber and a conductive filler, which enhances the elasticity and conductivity of the conductive silicone rubber.

[0089] The conductive filler may include, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of powder or fibrous metal-based fillers, carbon-based fillers (conductive carbon materials), metal oxide fillers, and metal-plated fillers.

[0090] At least one of the insulating silicone rubber and the conductive silicone rubber, and preferably both of them, may contain a non-conductive filler, which can further increase the mechanical strength. As the non-conductive filler, known materials can be used, for example, silica particles, silicone rubber particles, talc, etc. Among these, silica particles may be included.

[0091] Furthermore, the silicone rubber contained in the insulating silicone rubber and / or the conductive silicone rubber may be composed of a cured product of a silicone rubber-based curable composition containing a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane.

[0092] At least two or all of the insulating silicone rubber of the flexible substrate 120, the conductive silicone rubber of the stretchable wiring 130, and the conductive silicone rubber of the pressure sensor 110 may be configured to contain the same silicone rubber.

[0093] In this specification, containing the same silicone rubber means that the silicone rubber-based curable composition contains at least the same type of vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane, and may further contain one or more selected from the group consisting of the same type of crosslinking agent, the same type of non-conductive filler, the same type of silane coupling agent, and the same type of catalyst.

[0094] The same type of vinyl-containing linear organopolysiloxanes are those that contain at least the same vinyl groups as functional groups and have a linear structure, but may differ in the amount of vinyl groups in the molecule, the molecular weight distribution, or the amount added.

[0095] Crosslinking agents of the same type are sufficient if they have at least a common structure such as a linear structure or a branched structure, and may have different molecular weight distributions in the molecule or different functional groups, or may have different amounts added.

[0096] Non-conductive fillers of the same type may have at least a common constituent material, and may differ in particle size, specific surface area, surface treatment agent, or the amount of the surface treatment agent added.

[0097] Silane coupling agents of the same type are sufficient as long as they have at least a common functional group, and may differ in other functional groups in the molecule or in the amount added.

[0098] The same type of catalyst is sufficient if it has at least common constituent materials, and may contain different compositions in the catalyst, or may have different amounts of the components added.

[0099] The silicone rubber-based curable composition constituting the same silicone rubber may further contain one or more components selected from the group consisting of different types of vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxanes, crosslinking agents, non-conductive fillers, silane coupling agents, and catalysts.

[0100] The components of the silicone rubber-based hardening composition will now be described in detail.

[0101] The silicone rubber-based hardening composition of the present embodiment may contain a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A). The vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) is a polymer that is the main component of the silicone rubber-based hardening composition of the present embodiment.

[0102] The vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) can contain a vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) having a linear structure.

[0103] The vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) has a linear structure and contains vinyl groups, and these vinyl groups become crosslinking points during curing.

[0104] The vinyl group content of the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferable that the vinyl group content is 15 mol% or less and that the vinyl group content is 2 or more in the molecule. This optimizes the amount of vinyl groups in the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1), and ensures the formation of a network with each component described below.

[0105] In this specification, the symbol "to" indicates that the upper and lower limits are included, unless otherwise specified.

[0106] In this specification, the vinyl group content refers to the mol % of vinyl group-containing siloxane units when all units constituting the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) are taken as 100 mol %, where it is considered that there is one vinyl group per vinyl group-containing siloxane unit.

[0107] The degree of polymerization of the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably within the range of about 1000 to 10000, and more preferably about 2000 to 5000. The degree of polymerization can be determined, for example, as the polystyrene-equivalent number average degree of polymerization (or number average molecular weight) measured by GPC (gel permeation chromatography) using chloroform as a developing solvent.

[0108] Furthermore, the specific gravity of the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of about 0.9 to 1.1.

[0109] By using a vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) having a degree of polymerization and specific gravity within the above ranges, it is possible to improve the heat resistance, flame retardancy, chemical stability, etc. of the resulting silicone rubber.

[0110] As the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1), those having a structure represented by the following formula (1) are particularly preferred.

[0111] [ka]

[0112] In formula (1), R 1is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group consisting of a combination thereof, each having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a propyl group, with a methyl group being preferred. Examples of the alkenyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a butenyl group, with a vinyl group being preferred. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a phenyl group.

[0113] Also, R 2 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group consisting of a combination thereof, each having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a propyl group, and among these, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the alkenyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a butenyl group. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a phenyl group.

[0114] Also, R 3 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group consisting of a combination thereof. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a propyl group, and among these, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include a phenyl group.

[0115] Furthermore, R in formula (1) 1 and R 2 Examples of the substituent of R include a methyl group and a vinyl group. 3 Examples of the substituent include a methyl group.

[0116] In addition, in formula (1), multiple R 1 are independent of each other and may be different or the same. 2 , and R 3 The same applies to.

[0117] Furthermore, m and n are the numbers of repeating units constituting the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) represented by formula (1), where m is an integer of 0 to 2000 and n is an integer of 1000 to 10000. m is preferably 0 to 1000 and n is preferably 2000 to 5000.

[0118] A specific example of the structure of the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) represented by formula (1) is that represented by the following formula (1-1).

[0119] [ka]

[0120] In formula (1-1), R 1 and R 2 are each independently a methyl group or a vinyl group, and at least one of them is a vinyl group.

[0121] The vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) may contain a first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) having two or more vinyl groups in the molecule and having a vinyl group content of 0.4 mol% or less. The vinyl group content of the first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) may be 0.1 mol% or less.

[0122] The vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) may contain a first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) and a second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2) having a vinyl group content of 0.5 to 15 mol %.

[0123] By combining the first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) and the second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2) having a high vinyl group content as the raw rubber, which is the raw material of the silicone rubber, the vinyl groups can be unevenly distributed, and the crosslinking density can be more effectively formed in the crosslinked network of the silicone rubber. As a result, the tear strength of the silicone rubber can be more effectively increased.

[0124] Specifically, as the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1), it is preferable to use, for example, a first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) having two or more units in which R1 is a vinyl group and / or units in which R2 is a vinyl group in the molecule and containing 0.4 mol % or less of these units in the above formula (1-1), and a second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2) containing 0.5 to 15 mol % of units in which R1 is a vinyl group and / or units in which R2 is a vinyl group.

[0125] The first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) preferably has a vinyl group content of 0.01 to 0.2 mol %, and the second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2) preferably has a vinyl group content of 0.8 to 12 mol %.

[0126] Furthermore, when the first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) and the second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2) are combined and blended, the ratio of (A1-1) to (A1-2) is not particularly limited, but for example, the weight ratio of (A1-1):(A1-2) is preferably 50:50 to 95:5, and more preferably 80:20 to 90:10.

[0127] The first and second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxanes (A1-1) and (A1-2) may each be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0128] The vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) may also contain a vinyl group-containing branched organopolysiloxane (A2) having a branched structure.

[0129] <<Organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B)>> The silicone rubber-based hardenable composition of this embodiment can contain an organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B). The organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) is classified into a linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) having a linear structure and a branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) having a branched structure, and may contain either one or both of these.

[0130] The linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) has a linear structure and a structure in which hydrogen is directly bonded to Si (≡Si-H), and is a polymer that undergoes a hydrosilylation reaction with the vinyl groups of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and with vinyl groups of components blended into the silicone rubber-based curable composition, thereby crosslinking these components.

[0131] The molecular weight of the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) is not particularly limited, but for example, the weight average molecular weight is preferably 20,000 or less, and more preferably 1,000 or more and 10,000 or less.

[0132] The weight average molecular weight of the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) can be measured, for example, by polystyrene conversion in gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using chloroform as a developing solvent.

[0133] Furthermore, it is usually preferred that the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) does not have a vinyl group, which can reliably prevent the crosslinking reaction from proceeding within the molecule of the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1).

[0134] As the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) as described above, for example, one having a structure represented by the following formula (2) is preferably used.

[0135] [ka]

[0136] In formula (2), R 4 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, a hydrocarbon group combining these groups, or a hydride group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, etc., and among these, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the alkenyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a vinyl group, an allyl group, a butenyl group, etc. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a phenyl group.

[0137] Also, R 5 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, a hydrocarbon group combining these groups, or a hydride group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a propyl group, and among these, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the alkenyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a butenyl group. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a phenyl group.

[0138] In addition, in formula (2), multiple R 4 are independent of each other and may be different or the same. 5 The same applies to R. 4 and R 5 At least two of these are hydride groups.

[0139] Also, R 6is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group combining these. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a propyl group, and among these, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include a phenyl group. 6 are independent of each other and may be different from each other or may be the same.

[0140] In addition, R in formula (2) 4 ,R 5 ,R 6 Examples of the substituent include a methyl group and a vinyl group, and from the viewpoint of preventing an intramolecular crosslinking reaction, a methyl group is preferred.

[0141] Furthermore, m and n are the numbers of repeating units constituting the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) represented by formula (2), where m is an integer of 2 to 150 and n is an integer of 2 to 150. Preferably, m is an integer of 2 to 100 and n is an integer of 2 to 100.

[0142] The linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0143] Since the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) has a branched structure, it forms regions with high crosslink density, and is a component that greatly contributes to the formation of a sparsely-dense structure of crosslink density in the silicone rubber system. Also, like the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1), it has a structure in which hydrogen is directly bonded to Si (≡Si-H), and undergoes a hydrosilylation reaction with the vinyl groups of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and with the vinyl groups of the components blended in the silicone rubber-based hardening composition, forming a polymer that crosslinks these components.

[0144] The specific gravity of the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) is in the range of 0.9 to 0.95.

[0145] Furthermore, it is usually preferred that the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) does not have a vinyl group, which can reliably prevent the crosslinking reaction from proceeding within the molecule of the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2).

[0146] As the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2), one represented by the following average composition formula (c) is preferred.

[0147] Average composition formula (c) (H a (R 7 ) 3-a SiO 1 / 2 ) m (SiO 4 / 2 ) n (In formula (c), R 7 is a monovalent organic group, a is an integer ranging from 1 to 3, and m is H a (R 7 ) 3-a SiO 1 / 2 The number of units, n, is SiO 4 / 2 (the number of units)

[0148] In formula (c), R 7 is a monovalent organic group, preferably a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group consisting of a combination thereof. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a propyl group, and among these, a methyl group is preferred. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a phenyl group.

[0149] In formula (c), a is the number of hydride groups (hydrogen atoms directly bonded to Si) and is an integer ranging from 1 to 3, and preferably 1.

[0150] In addition, in formula (c), m is H a (R 7 ) 3-a SiO 1 / 2 The number of units, n, is SiO 4 / 2 It is the number of units.

[0151] The branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) has a branched structure. The linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) and the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) differ in that their structures are linear or branched, and the number of alkyl groups R bonded to Si (R / Si) when the number of Si is 1 is in the range of 1.8 to 2.1 for the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) and 0.8 to 1.7 for the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2).

[0152] Since the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) has a branched structure, for example, when heated in a nitrogen atmosphere to 1000° C. at a heating rate of 10° C. / min, the amount of residue is 5% or more. In contrast, since the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) is linear, the amount of residue after heating under the above conditions is almost zero.

[0153] Specific examples of the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) include those having a structure represented by the following formula (3).

[0154] [ka]

[0155] In formula (3), R 7 R is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group combining these, or a hydrogen atom. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a propyl group, and among these, a methyl group is preferable. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include a phenyl group. 7 Examples of the substituent include a methyl group.

[0156] In addition, in formula (3), multiple R 7 are independent of each other and may be different from each other or may be the same.

[0157] In addition, in formula (3), "-O-Si≡" indicates that Si has a branched structure extending three-dimensionally.

[0158] The branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0159] In addition, the amount of hydrogen atoms (hydride groups) directly bonded to Si in the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) and the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) is not particularly limited. However, in the silicone rubber-based curable composition, the total amount of hydride groups in the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) and the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) is preferably 0.5 to 5 moles, more preferably 1 to 3.5 moles, per mole of vinyl group in the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1). This ensures that a crosslinked network is formed between the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) and the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) and the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1).

[0160] <<Silica particles (C)>> The silicone rubber-based hardenable composition of this embodiment may contain silica particles (C) as a non-conductive filler, if necessary.

[0161] The silica particles (C) are not particularly limited, but for example, fumed silica, calcined silica, precipitated silica, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0162] The silica particles (C) have a specific surface area, as measured by the BET method, of, for example, 50 to 400 m 2 / g, and 100 to 400m 2 / g is more preferable. The average primary particle size of the silica particles (C) is, for example, preferably from 1 to 100 nm, and more preferably from about 5 to 20 nm.

[0163] By using silica particles (C) having a specific surface area and average particle size within this range, it is possible to improve the hardness and mechanical strength, particularly the tensile strength, of the silicone rubber that is formed.

[0164] <<Silane coupling agent (D)>> The silicone rubber-based hardenable composition of this embodiment may contain a silane coupling agent (D). The silane coupling agent (D) may have a hydrolyzable group. The hydrolyzable group is hydrolyzed by water to become a hydroxyl group, and the hydroxyl group undergoes a dehydration condensation reaction with the hydroxyl group on the surface of the silica particles (C), thereby modifying the surface of the silica particles (C).

[0165] In addition, the silane coupling agent (D) may contain a silane coupling agent having a hydrophobic group. This provides the surface of the silica particles (C) with this hydrophobic group, so that the cohesive force of the silica particles (C) in the silicone rubber-based curable composition and in the silicone rubber is reduced (there is less cohesion due to hydrogen bonds caused by silanol groups), and as a result, it is presumed that the dispersibility of the silica particles in the silicone rubber-based curable composition is improved. This increases the interface between the silica particles and the rubber matrix, and enhances the reinforcing effect of the silica particles. Furthermore, it is presumed that the slipperiness of the silica particles in the matrix is ​​improved during deformation of the rubber matrix. And, due to the improvement in the dispersibility and slipperiness of the silica particles (C), the mechanical strength (for example, tensile strength, tear strength, etc.) of the silicone rubber due to the silica particles (C) is improved.

[0166] Furthermore, the silane coupling agent (D) may contain a silane coupling agent having a vinyl group. This allows the vinyl group to be introduced onto the surface of the silica particles (C). Therefore, when the silicone rubber-based curable composition is cured, that is, when the vinyl group of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and the hydride group of the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) undergo a hydrosilylation reaction to form a network (crosslinked structure), the vinyl group of the silica particles (C) also participates in the hydrosilylation reaction with the hydride group of the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B), so that the silica particles (C) are also incorporated into the network. This allows the formed silicone rubber to have a low hardness and a high modulus.

[0167] As the silane coupling agent (D), a silane coupling agent having a hydrophobic group and a silane coupling agent having a vinyl group can be used in combination.

[0168] An example of the silane coupling agent (D) is one represented by the following formula (4).

[0169] Y n -Si-(X) 4-n (4) In the above formula (4), n represents an integer of 1 to 3. Y represents any functional group having a hydrophobic group, a hydrophilic group, or a vinyl group, and when n is 1, it is a hydrophobic group, and when n is 2 or 3, at least one of them is a hydrophobic group. X represents a hydrolyzable group.

[0170] The hydrophobic group is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group formed by combining these groups, and examples thereof include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, and a phenyl group, with a methyl group being particularly preferred.

[0171] In addition, the hydrophilic group may be, for example, a hydroxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a carboxyl group, or a carbonyl group, and among these, a hydroxyl group is particularly preferred. Note that, although a hydrophilic group may be included as a functional group, it is preferable that the hydrophilic group is not included from the viewpoint of imparting hydrophobicity to the silane coupling agent (D).

[0172] Further, examples of the hydrolyzable group include alkoxy groups such as methoxy and ethoxy groups, chloro groups, and silazane groups. Among these, silazane groups are preferred because of their high reactivity with the silica particles (C). In addition, those having a silazane group as a hydrolyzable group can be easily obtained by adding (Y n -Si-) structures.

[0173] Specific examples of the silane coupling agent (D) represented by the above formula (4) include, for example, alkoxysilanes such as methyltrimethoxysilane, dimethyldimethoxysilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane, dimethyldiethoxysilane, phenyltriethoxysilane, n-propyltrimethoxysilane, n-propyltriethoxysilane, hexyltrimethoxysilane, hexyltriethoxysilane, and decyltrimethoxysilane; chlorosilanes such as methyltrichlorosilane, dimethyldichlorosilane, trimethylchlorosilane, and phenyltrichlorosilane; and hexamethyldisilazane, which have a hydrophobic group as a functional group. Examples of the silane having a vinyl group include alkoxysilanes such as methacryloxypropyltriethoxysilane, methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, methacryloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, and vinylmethyldimethoxysilane; chlorosilanes such as vinyltrichlorosilane and vinylmethyldichlorosilane; and divinyltetramethyldisilazane. Among these, taking into consideration the above description, it is particularly preferable that the silane having a hydrophobic group is hexamethyldisilazane, and the silane having a vinyl group is divinyltetramethyldisilazane.

[0174] In this embodiment, the lower limit of the content of the silane coupling agent (D) is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more, based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A). The upper limit of the content of the silane coupling agent (D) is preferably 100% by mass or less, more preferably 80% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less, based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A). By setting the content of the silane coupling agent (D) to the above lower limit or more, the silicone rubber has appropriate adhesion to the flexible substrate 120, and when silica particles (C) are used, this contributes to improving the mechanical strength of the silicone rubber as a whole. Furthermore, by setting the content of the silane coupling agent (D) to the above upper limit or less, the silicone rubber can have appropriate mechanical properties.

[0175] <<Platinum or platinum compounds (E)>> The silicone rubber-based hardenable composition of this embodiment may contain platinum or a platinum compound (E). Platinum or a platinum compound (E) is a catalytic component that acts as a catalyst during curing. The amount of platinum or a platinum compound (E) added is a catalytic amount.

[0176] As the platinum or platinum compound (E), known substances can be used, such as platinum black, platinum supported on silica or carbon black, chloroplatinic acid or an alcohol solution of chloroplatinic acid, a complex salt of chloroplatinic acid and an olefin, and a complex salt of chloroplatinic acid and a vinylsiloxane.

[0177] The platinum or platinum compound (E) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0178] <<Water(F)>> Furthermore, the silicone rubber-based hardening composition of this embodiment may contain water (F) in addition to the above components (A) to (E).

[0179] Water (F) functions as a dispersion medium for dispersing each component contained in the silicone rubber-based hardening composition, and is also a component that contributes to the reaction between the silica particles (C) and the silane coupling agent (D). Therefore, the silica particles (C) and the silane coupling agent (D) can be more reliably linked to each other in the silicone rubber, and uniform properties can be exhibited overall.

[0180] Furthermore, when water (F) is contained, its content can be appropriately set, but specifically, for example, it is preferably in the range of 10 to 100 parts by weight, more preferably in the range of 30 to 70 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the silane coupling agent (D). This makes it possible to more reliably proceed with the reaction between the silane coupling agent (D) and the silica particles (C).

[0181] (Other Ingredients) Furthermore, the silicone rubber-based hardening composition of the present embodiment may further contain other components in addition to the above components (A) to (F), such as inorganic fillers other than the silica particles (C), such as diatomaceous earth, iron oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, barium oxide, magnesium oxide, cerium oxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, zinc carbonate, glass wool, and mica, as well as additives such as reaction inhibitors, dispersants, pigments, dyes, antistatic agents, antioxidants, flame retardants, and thermal conductivity improvers.

[0182] In the silicone rubber-based hardening composition, the content ratio of each component is not particularly limited, but is set, for example, as follows.

[0183] In this embodiment, the upper limit of the content of the silica particles (C) may be, for example, 60 parts by weight or less, preferably 50 parts by weight or less, and more preferably 40 parts by weight or less, based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A). This allows the balance of mechanical strength such as hardness and tensile strength to be achieved. The lower limit of the content of the silica particles (C) is not particularly limited, based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), but may be, for example, 10 parts by weight or more.

[0184] The silane coupling agent (D) is preferably contained in an amount of 5 parts by weight or more and 100 parts by weight or less, more preferably 5 parts by weight or more and 40 parts by weight or less, per 100 parts by weight of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), which can reliably improve the dispersibility of the silica particles (C) in the silicone rubber-based curable composition.

[0185] The content of the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) is preferably, for example, 0.5 parts by weight or more and 20 parts by weight or less, and more preferably 0.8 parts by weight or more and 15 parts by weight or less, based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), the silica particles (C), and the silane coupling agent (D). By keeping the content of (B) within the above range, a more effective curing reaction may be achieved.

[0186] The content of platinum or platinum compound (E) means the amount of catalyst, and can be set appropriately, but specifically, the amount of platinum group metal in this component is 0.01 to 1000 ppm by weight, preferably 0.1 to 500 ppm, relative to the total amount of vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), silica particles (C), and silane coupling agent (D). By making the content of platinum or platinum compound (E) equal to or greater than the lower limit, the obtained silicone rubber composition can be sufficiently cured. By making the content of platinum or platinum compound (E) equal to or less than the upper limit, the curing speed of the obtained silicone rubber composition can be improved.

[0187] Furthermore, when water (F) is contained, its content can be appropriately set, but specifically, for example, it is preferably in the range of 10 to 100 parts by weight, more preferably in the range of 30 to 70 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the silane coupling agent (D). This makes it possible to more reliably proceed with the reaction between the silane coupling agent (D) and the silica particles (C).

[0188] <Silicone rubber manufacturing method> Next, a method for producing the silicone rubber of this embodiment will be described. In the method for producing the silicone rubber of this embodiment, a silicone rubber-based hardening composition is prepared, and the silicone rubber can be obtained by hardening the silicone rubber-based hardening composition. Details are provided below.

[0189] First, the components of the silicone rubber-based hardening composition are mixed uniformly using any kneading device to prepare the silicone rubber-based hardening composition.

[0190] [1] For example, a predetermined amount of vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), silica particles (C), and a silane coupling agent (D) are weighed out, and then kneaded using any kneading device to obtain a kneaded product containing these components (A), (C), and (D).

[0191] It is preferable to prepare this mixture by first kneading the vinyl-containing organopolysiloxane (A) with the silane coupling agent (D) and then kneading (mixing) the silica particles (C), which improves the dispersibility of the silica particles (C) in the vinyl-containing organopolysiloxane (A).

[0192] In addition, when obtaining this kneaded product, water (F) may be added to the kneaded product of the components (A), (C), and (D) as necessary, which allows the reaction between the silane coupling agent (D) and the silica particles (C) to proceed more reliably.

[0193] Furthermore, it is preferable that the kneading of each of the components (A), (C), and (D) is carried out through a first step of heating at a first temperature and a second step of heating at a second temperature. This allows the surface of the silica particles (C) to be surface-treated with the coupling agent (D) in the first step, and allows the by-products generated by the reaction between the silica particles (C) and the coupling agent (D) to be reliably removed from the kneaded product in the second step. After that, the component (A) may be added to the obtained kneaded product as necessary, and further kneaded. This allows the compatibility of the components in the kneaded product to be improved.

[0194] The first temperature is preferably, for example, about 40 to 120° C., and more preferably, for example, about 60 to 90° C. The second temperature is preferably, for example, about 130 to 210° C., and more preferably, for example, about 160 to 180° C.

[0195] Moreover, the atmosphere in the first step is preferably an inert atmosphere such as a nitrogen atmosphere, and the atmosphere in the second step is preferably a reduced pressure atmosphere.

[0196] Furthermore, the time for the first step is, for example, preferably about 0.3 to 1.5 hours, and more preferably about 0.5 to 1.2 hours, and the time for the second step is, for example, preferably about 0.7 to 3.0 hours, and more preferably about 1.0 to 2.0 hours.

[0197] By setting the above conditions for the first and second steps, the above effects can be obtained more significantly.

[0198] [2] Next, the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) and platinum or a platinum compound (E) are weighed out in predetermined amounts, and then the components (B) and (E) are kneaded into the mixture prepared in the above step [1] using any kneading device to obtain a silicone rubber-based curable composition. The obtained silicone rubber-based curable composition may be a paste containing a solvent.

[0199] In addition, when mixing the components (B) and (E), it is preferable to mix the mixture prepared in the above step [1] with the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) and the mixture prepared in the above step [1] with platinum or a platinum compound (E), and then mix the mixtures together. This allows the components (A) to (E) to be reliably dispersed in the silicone rubber-based curable composition without allowing the reaction between the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) to proceed.

[0200] The temperature at which the components (B) and (E) are kneaded is, for example, preferably about 10 to 70°C, and more preferably about 25 to 30°C, as roll setting temperature.

[0201] Furthermore, the kneading time is, for example, preferably about 5 minutes to 1 hour, and more preferably about 10 to 40 minutes.

[0202] In the above steps [1] and [2], by setting the temperature within the above range, the progress of the reaction between the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) can be more reliably prevented or inhibited. In addition, in the above steps [1] and [2], by setting the kneading time within the above range, the components (A) to (E) can be more reliably dispersed in the silicone rubber-based curable composition.

[0203] The kneading device used in each of steps [1] and [2] is not particularly limited, but for example, a kneader, a two-roll mill, a Banbury mixer (continuous kneader), a pressure kneader, etc. can be used.

[0204] In addition, a reaction inhibitor such as 1-ethynylcyclohexanol may be added to the kneaded mixture in step [2], which makes it possible to more effectively prevent or inhibit the progress of the reaction between the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) even if the temperature of the kneaded mixture is set to a relatively high temperature.

[0205] [3] Next, the silicone rubber-based hardenable composition is hardened to form a silicone rubber.

[0206] In this embodiment, the curing process of the silicone rubber-based curable resin composition is carried out, for example, by heating at 100 to 250° C. for 1 to 30 minutes (first curing) and then post-baking at 200° C. for 1 to 4 hours (second curing).

[0207] Through the above steps, a silicone rubber made of a cured product of the silicone rubber-based curable resin composition is obtained.

[0208] [3] Next, the silicone rubber-based hardening composition obtained in step [2] is dissolved in a solvent to obtain an insulating paste. [3] Next, the silicone rubber-based hardening composition obtained in step [2] is dissolved in a solvent, and a conductive filler is added to obtain a conductive paste.

[0209] (solvent) The conductive paste and the insulating paste contain a solvent. As the solvent, various known solvents can be used, including, for example, high boiling point solvents. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0210] The lower limit of the boiling point of the high boiling point solvent is, for example, 100°C or higher, preferably 130°C or higher, and more preferably 150°C or higher. This can improve the printing stability of screen printing and the like. On the other hand, the upper limit of the boiling point of the high boiling point solvent is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 300°C or lower, 290°C or lower, or 280°C or lower. This can suppress excessive heat history during wiring formation, thereby preventing damage to the base and maintaining a good shape of the wiring formed from the conductive paste.

[0211] The solvent can be appropriately selected from the viewpoints of the solubility and boiling point of the silicone rubber-based curable resin composition, and can include, for example, an aliphatic hydrocarbon having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and more preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon having 10 to 15 carbon atoms.

[0212] Examples of the solvent include aliphatic hydrocarbons such as pentane, hexane, cyclohexane, heptane, methylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane, octane, decane, dodecane, and tetradecane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, mesitylene, trifluoromethylbenzene, and benzotrifluoride; diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, dibutyl ether, cyclopentyl methyl ether, cyclopentyl ethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, and diethylene glycol dimethyl ether. Examples of the ethers include ethanol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl-n-propyl ether, 1,4-dioxane, 1,3-dioxane, and tetrahydrofuran; haloalkanes such as dichloromethane, chloroform, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and 1,1,2-trichloroethane; carboxylic acid amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide and N,N-dimethylacetamide; sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide and diethyl sulfoxide; and esters such as diethyl carbonate. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The solvent used here may be appropriately selected from among solvents capable of uniformly dissolving or dispersing the components in the conductive paste.

[0213] The above solvents are the polar term of the Hansen solubility parameters (δ p ) is, for example, 10MPa 1 / 2 or less, preferably 7 MPa 1 / 2 More preferably, it is 5.5 MPa or less. 1 / 2 The silicone rubber-based hardening resin composition may contain a first solvent having the polarity (δ) of 1 to 3. This makes it possible to improve the dispersibility and solubility of the silicone rubber-based hardening resin composition in the paste. p The lower limit of the pressure is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0 Pa. 1 / 2 More than that is fine.

[0214] The hydrogen bond term of the Hansen solubility parameters in the first solvent (δ h ) is, for example, 20MPa 1 / 2 or less, preferably 10 MPa 1 / 2 More preferably, it is 7 MPa or less. 1 / 2 This makes it possible to improve the dispersibility and solubility of the silicone rubber-based hardening resin composition in the paste. h The lower limit of the pressure is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0 Pa. 1 / 2 More than that is fine.

[0215] Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) are an index that indicates the degree to which a substance dissolves in another substance. HSP expresses solubility as a three-dimensional vector. This three-dimensional vector is typically expressed by the dispersion term (δ d ), polarity term (δ p ), hydrogen bond term (δ h ) and it can be determined that compounds with similar vectors have high solubility. The similarity of vectors can be determined by the Hansen Solubility Parameter distance (HSP distance).

[0216] As used herein, the Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP values) can be calculated using software called HSPiP (Hansen Solubility Parameters in Practice), where the computer software HSPiP developed by Hansen and Abbott includes a function for calculating HSP distances and a database of Hansen parameters for various resins and solvents or non-solvents. The solubility of each resin in pure solvents and mixed solvents of good and poor solvents is investigated, and the results are entered into the HSPiP software to calculate D: dispersion term, P: polarity term, H: hydrogen bond term, and R0: radius of the solubility sphere.

[0217] As the solvent of this embodiment, for example, one having a small difference in HSP distance, polarity term, or hydrogen bond term between the silicone rubber or the structural units constituting the silicone rubber and the solvent can be selected.

[0218] The lower limit of the viscosity of the conductive paste and / or insulating paste when measured at a shear rate of 20 [1 / s] at room temperature of 25°C is, for example, 1 Pa·s or more, preferably 5 Pa·s or more, and more preferably 10 Pa·s or more. This can improve film formability. Also, shape retention can be improved even when a thick film is formed. On the other hand, the upper limit of the viscosity of the conductive paste and / or insulating paste at room temperature of 25°C is, for example, 100 Pa·s or less, preferably 90 Pa·s or less, and more preferably 80 Pa·s or less. This can improve the printability of the paste.

[0219] At room temperature of 25°C, the viscosity measured at a shear rate of 1 [1 / s] is η1, the viscosity measured at a shear rate of 5 [1 / s] is η5, and the thixotropic index is the viscosity ratio (η1 / η5). In this case, the lower limit of the thixotropy index of the conductive paste and / or insulating paste is, for example, 1.0 or more, preferably 1.1 or more, and more preferably 1.2 or more. This allows the shape of the wiring obtained by the printing method to be stably maintained. On the other hand, the upper limit of the thixotropy index of the conductive paste and / or insulating paste is, for example, 3.0 or less, preferably 2.5 or less, and more preferably 2.0 or less. This allows the paste to be easily printed.

[0220] The content of the silicone rubber-based curable composition in the insulating paste is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more, and even more preferably 20% by mass or more, based on 100% by mass of the insulating paste. The content of the silicone rubber-based curable composition in the insulating paste is preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, and even more preferably 35% by mass or less, based on 100% by mass of the insulating paste.

[0221] (Conductive filler) As the conductive filler, a known conductive material may be used, but metal powder (G) or a conductive carbon material may also be used. The metal constituting the metal powder (G) is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, at least one of copper, silver, gold, nickel, tin, lead, zinc, bismuth, antimony, or metal powder alloyed with these, or two or more of these. Of these, it is preferable that the metal powder (G) contains silver or copper, that is, silver powder or copper powder, because of high conductivity and high availability. Note that these metal powders (G) may also be coated with other metals.

[0222] Examples of the conductive carbon material include conductive carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and graphene.

[0223] In this embodiment, the shape of the metal powder (G) is not limited, but conventional shapes such as dendritic, spherical, scale-like, etc. may be used. Among these, scale-like metal powder (G) may be used.

[0224] The particle size of the metal powder (G) is not limited. For example, the average particle size D 50 The particle size of the metal powder (G) is, for example, an average particle size D 50It is preferably 1,000 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less, and further preferably 20 μm or less. Average particle size D 50 By setting the value in this range, the silicone rubber can exhibit an appropriate electrical conductivity. The particle size of the metal powder (G) can be defined as the average particle size of 200 arbitrarily selected metal powder particles obtained by observing, for example, the conductive paste or silicone rubber molded using the conductive paste with a transmission electron microscope and performing image analysis.

[0225] The content of the conductive filler in the conductive paste is preferably 30% by mass or more, more preferably 40% by mass or more, and even more preferably 50% by mass or more, based on the total amount of the conductive paste. The content of the conductive filler in the conductive paste is preferably 85% by mass or less, more preferably 75% by mass or less, and even more preferably 65% ​​by mass or less, based on the total amount of the conductive paste. By setting the content of the conductive filler to be equal to or greater than the above lower limit, the silicone rubber can have appropriate conductive properties, while by setting the content of the conductive filler to be equal to or less than the above upper limit, the silicone rubber can have appropriate flexibility.

[0226] The content of the silicone rubber-based hardening composition in the conductive paste is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more, based on 100% by mass of the conductive paste. The content of the silicone rubber-based hardening composition in the conductive paste is preferably 25% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less, based on 100% by mass of the conductive paste. By making the content of the silicone rubber-based hardening composition equal to or greater than the lower limit, the silicone rubber can have an appropriate flexibility, while by making the content of the silicone rubber-based hardening composition equal to or less than the upper limit, the mechanical strength of the silicone rubber can be improved.

[0227] The lower limit of the content of the silica particles (C) in the conductive paste can be, for example, 1% by mass or more, preferably 3% by mass or more, and more preferably 5% by mass or more, based on 100% by mass of the total amount of the silica particles (C) and the conductive filler. This can improve the mechanical strength of the silicone rubber. On the other hand, the upper limit of the content of the silica particles (C) in the conductive paste can be, for example, 20% by mass or less, preferably 15% by mass or less, and more preferably 10% by mass or less, based on 100% by mass of the total amount of the silica particles (C) and the conductive filler. This can balance the elastic electrical properties and mechanical strength of the silicone rubber.

[0228] The lower limit of the content of the conductive filler in the conductive cured product obtained by curing the conductive paste constituting the elastic wiring 130 is, for example, 65% by mass or more, preferably 70% by mass or more, and more preferably 75% by mass or more, based on 100% by mass of the conductive cured product. This improves the elastic electrical properties. On the other hand, the upper limit of the content of the conductive filler in the conductive cured product is, for example, 95% by mass or less, preferably 90% by mass or less, and more preferably 85% by mass or less, based on 100% by mass of the elastic wiring 130. This makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of rubber properties such as elasticity.

[0229] (Manufacturing method of hand-worn tongue movement measuring device) Here, a manufacturing method for the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device of this embodiment will be described. An example of a manufacturing method for a hand-worn tongue movement measuring device includes the steps of forming an insulating silicone rubber substrate, forming elastic wiring on the surface of the insulating silicone rubber substrate, mounting pressure sensors on the elastic wiring, and installing a pressure transmission unit covering multiple pressure sensors.

[0230] In the above manufacturing method, the processing for imparting a shape to the insulating silicone rubber substrate may be carried out before or after any of the above steps, or may be carried out during the step of forming the insulating silicone rubber substrate. For example, the processing may be carried out after the elastic wiring is formed on the sheet-like insulating silicone rubber substrate, or the elastic wiring may be formed on the surface of the processed insulating silicone rubber substrate.

[0231] The processing for giving the shape may be a method using a mold, a cutting method, or, in the case of an insulating paste, a method using a mask with an opening. It is also possible to mold a three-dimensional glove (back of hand attachment part) and / or a finger cot (tubular finger attachment part) by immersing a mold in the insulating paste and drying and hardening the insulating paste attached to the surface of the mold. The method is not limited to these, and any known method can be used depending on the shape.

[0232] In addition, the gloves and / or finger cots may be formed by, for example, overlapping two sheets of insulating silicone rubber and processing them into a predetermined glove shape, but the method is not limited to this.

[0233] The insulating silicone rubber substrate may be manufactured by a general molding method such as calendar molding or compression molding using a silicone rubber-based curable composition (compound) that does not contain a conductive filler, or by a printing method using an insulating paste that contains a silicone rubber-based curable composition.

[0234] For forming the stretchable wiring, a printing method using a conductive paste containing a silicone rubber-based hardening composition is used, but is not limited to this. For example, the conductive paste is applied to a sheet of insulating silicone rubber or to the outer surface of a glove made of insulating silicone rubber through a mask having a predetermined opening pattern. The application method may be a squeegee printing method using a squeegee. The conductive paste is then dried to form a wiring pattern. Drying conditions can be appropriately set depending on the type and amount of the solvent in the insulating paste, but for example, the drying temperature can be set to 120° C. to 180° C., and the drying time can be set to 1 minute to 30 minutes. The wiring pattern is then cured to form the elastic wiring. The curing conditions can be appropriately set depending on the silicone rubber-based curable composition, but for example, the curing temperature is 120° C. to 220° C., and the curing time is 1 hour to 3 hours. The pressure sensor is then mounted on the stretchable wiring, and they can be electrically connected using a connecting material such as conductive paste or solder material.

[0235] Thereafter, a pressure transmission section covering at least a portion of the multiple pressure sensors is attached to the finger attachment section or to a fingerstall that is placed over the finger attachment section by a known fixing method such as an adhesive or adhesive sheet technique. In this manner, a hand-worn tongue movement measuring device is obtained.

[0236] If necessary, a stretchable cover portion that covers the surface of the stretchable wiring may be formed on the stretchable wiring. For example, a mask having a predetermined opening pattern is arranged, and an insulating paste is applied through the mask to form an insulating layer (stretchable cover). The above curing treatment may be performed together with other members (such as stretchable wiring) on ​​the substrate after the stretchable cover is formed. Moreover, by repeatedly forming an insulating layer using an insulating paste and laminating a conductive layer using a conductive paste, it is possible to form a multi-layer wiring.

[0237] (Tongue movement monitoring system) The tongue movement monitoring system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the tongue movement information processing device 10. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the tongue movement monitoring system 1.

[0238] The tongue movement information processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is an apparatus that acquires, analyzes, stores, and / or displays information (electrical signals) acquired by the pressure sensor 110 of the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100. The tongue movement information processing device 10 in FIG. 6 includes at least one of an acquisition unit 11, a storage unit 12, an analysis unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a display unit 31.

[0239] The tongue movement monitoring system 1 of the present embodiment includes at least a hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100 and a tongue movement information processing device 10. 7 includes a hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100, a network 20, and a terminal 30. The tongue movement monitoring system 1 may also include a server that is capable of communicating with the terminal 30 via the network 20 such as the Internet.

[0240] A part or all of the functions of the tongue movement information processing device 10 are realized in the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100, the terminal 30 (computer), or the server. There is no particular restriction as to which device each functional unit is realized in, and any configuration can be adopted in this embodiment.

[0241] Each functional component of the tongue movement information processing device 10 may be realized by hardware (e.g., hardwired electronic circuitry, etc.) that realizes each functional component, or by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of electronic circuitry and a program that controls it, etc.). Those skilled in the art will understand that there are various variations in the realization method and device.

[0242] An example of the hardware configuration of the tongue movement information processing device 10 will be described. The tongue movement information processing device 10 includes a bus, a processor, a memory, a storage device, an input / output interface, a network interface, and the like.

[0243] The bus is a data transmission path for the processor, memory, storage device, input / output interface, and network interface to transmit and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processors and the like to each other is not limited to the bus connection. The processor is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like. The memory is a primary storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0244] The storage device is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), etc. Program modules that realize each function (e.g., the acquisition unit 11 and the analysis unit 13) of the tongue movement information processing device 10 are stored. The processor loads each of these program modules into the memory and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module.

[0245] The input / output interface is an interface for connecting the tongue movement information processing device 10 to various input / output devices. For example, the tongue movement information processing device 10 communicates with the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100, the terminal 30, a server, or the like via the input / output interface.

[0246] The network interface is an interface for connecting the tongue movement information processing device 10 to a network 20. This network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method for connecting the network interface to the network 20 may be a wireless connection or a wired connection. The tongue movement information processing device 10 can communicate with the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100, the terminal 30, or a server via the network interface.

[0247] Here, each function of the tongue movement information processing device 10 will be described.

[0248] The acquiring unit 11 acquires tongue movement information related to the tongue movement of the subject, such as a sensor signal of the pressure sensor 110, sent from the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100. For example, the acquiring unit 11 can calculate the tongue pressure by dividing the output voltage from the pressure sensor 110, which varies according to the pressure received from the tongue, by the area of ​​the pressure-receiving surface, and may convert it into a digital signal using an A / D conversion circuit, or may calculate the tongue movement information by approximating the output voltage using an approximation curve. The acquisition unit 11 stores the tongue movement information of the subject in the storage unit 12.

[0249] The tongue movement information includes at least one or more of tongue pressure, tongue pressure distribution, and changes therein over time. The tongue pressure information includes information for each measurement point on the subject's tongue. The tongue pressure information may be a value at a specific time, a maximum value, a minimum value, an average value for a specific period, a time corresponding to a specific value such as the maximum and minimum values ​​of the tongue pressure, and / or waveform data showing changes therein over time. The tongue pressure distribution information includes information from a plurality of measurement locations, and may be a calculated value calculated from tongue pressure information, such as the sum of tongue pressure values ​​within a specified area, using an appropriate formula.

[0250] The analysis unit 13 analyzes the tongue function of the subject based on the tongue movement information. As an example of the analysis, the analysis unit 13 reads out the tongue movement information and the predetermined conditions stored in the storage unit 12, and judges whether the predetermined conditions are appropriate.

[0251] The predetermined conditions can be appropriately set depending on the purpose of measurement, and examples include classification conditions, pass / fail judgment conditions, etc. An example of classification is dividing the degree of goodness of the sucking by the infant into three or more levels.

[0252] The analysis unit 13 stores the analysis results of the subject's tongue function, such as the pass / fail result of the subject's tongue function, in the memory unit 12.

[0253] The display unit 31 outputs the above tongue movement information and analysis results stored in the storage unit 12. The display unit 31 may be provided in the terminal 30 in Fig. 7 or another device (such as an external monitor). The display unit 31 includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, a lamp, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display, or the like. The display unit 31 displays the tongue movement information and / or the analysis results.

[0254] The tongue movement information processing device 10 may include an operation unit. The operation unit receives operations of the operation unit by the user and notifies the processor that controls the tongue movement information processing device 10. The operation unit is composed of physical buttons such as switches or a touch panel, and a voice input means. By operating the operation unit, it is possible to start or end various operations of the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100, or to set various operations.

[0255] The tongue movement information processing device 10 may include a notification unit. The notification unit notifies the measurer by light means, sound means, etc. Examples of the light means include a lamp, and examples of the sound means include a speaker. The notification unit can notify various information such as whether the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are met by emitting a sound from a speaker or turning on or off a lamp, etc. For example, instead of displaying on the display unit 31 that the tongue function of the subject, such as the sucking ability of the infant, is good, the notification unit may notify the subject.

[0256] The tongue movement information processing device 10 may include a power supply unit. The power supply unit may use a power source such as a primary battery, a secondary battery, an indoor power outlet, etc. Among these, the power supply unit may use a portable battery as the power source.

[0257] Moreover, an example of the tongue movement monitoring system 1 may be configured such that the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100 includes at least the communication unit 14, and the terminal 30 includes at least the analysis unit 13 and the display unit 31. Other functions are realized in either the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100, the terminal 30 (computer), or the server. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100 including the communication unit 14 may be a wireless communication type measuring device having a wirelessly connectable network interface installed on the flexible substrate 120. This allows communication connection with another device wirelessly via the wirelessly connectable network interface. This makes it possible to communicate the tongue movement information of the subject measured by hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100 to the outside and to use and utilize the information, facilitating measurement on the go or at home. In addition, since flexible substrate 120 is made of silicone rubber having the above-mentioned tear strength, it is possible to prevent damage to flexible substrate 120 even if the above-mentioned hardware is installed on flexible substrate 120.

[0258] The tongue movement monitoring method of the present embodiment can monitor tongue movement using a hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100. The tongue movement monitoring method includes a step of acquiring tongue movement information regarding the tongue movement of the subject from the detection results of the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device 100. The tongue movement monitoring method may also include a step of determining whether or not the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are met based on the obtained tongue movement information.

[0259] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can be adopted. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. EXAMPLES

[0260] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the description of these examples.

[0261] The raw material components shown in Table 1 are as follows: (A1-1): First vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane: A vinyl group-containing dimethylpolysiloxane (structure represented by the above formula (1-1)) synthesized according to the following synthesis scheme 1. (A1-2): Second vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane: A vinyl group-containing dimethylpolysiloxane (having the structure represented by the above formula (1-1) and R 1 and R 2 is a vinyl group)

[0262] (Organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B)) (B-1): Organohydrogenpolysiloxane: Momentive Corporation, "TC-25D"

[0263] (Silica particles (C)) (C): Silica microparticles (particle size 7 nm, specific surface area 300 m 2 / g), manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd., "AEROSIL300"

[0264] (Silane coupling agent (D)) (D-1): Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDZ), manufactured by Gelest, "HEXAMETHYLDISILAZANE (SIH6110.1)" (D-2) Divinyltetramethyldisilazane, manufactured by Gelest, "1,3-DIVINYLTETRAMETHYLDISILAZANE (SID4612.0)"

[0265] (Platinum or platinum compounds (E)) (E-1): Platinum compound (manufactured by Momentive, product name "TC-25A")

[0266] (Water(F)) (F):Pure water

[0267] (Metal powder (G)) (G1): Silver powder, manufactured by Tokuriki Chemical Laboratory, product name "TC-101", median diameter d 50 : 8.0μm, aspect ratio 16.4, average major axis 4.6μm

[0268] (Synthesis of vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A)) [Synthesis Scheme 1: Synthesis of First Vinyl Group-Containing Linear Organopolysiloxane (A1-1)] A first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) was synthesized according to the following formula (5). That is, 74.7 g (252 mmol) of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and 0.1 g of potassium siliconate were placed in a 300 mL separable flask equipped with a cooling tube and stirring blade and replaced with Ar gas, and the temperature was raised and the mixture was stirred at 120° C. for 30 minutes. At this time, an increase in viscosity was confirmed. The mixture was then heated to 155° C. and stirred for 3 hours, after which 0.1 g (0.6 mmol) of 1,3-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane was added and the mixture was stirred at 155° C. for an additional 4 hours. After four hours, the mixture was diluted with 250 mL of toluene and then washed three times with water. The washed organic layer was washed several times with 1.5 L of methanol for reprecipitation purification, and the oligomer and polymer were separated. The resulting polymer was dried overnight at 60°C under reduced pressure to obtain a first vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) (Mn = 2.2 × 10 5 , Mw=4,8×10 5 The vinyl group content calculated from H-NMR spectrum measurement was 0.04 mol %.

[0269] [ka]

[0270] [Synthesis Scheme 2: Synthesis of the second vinyl-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2)] In the synthesis process of (A1-1) above, except that 0.86g (2.5mmol) of 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane was used in addition to 74.7g (252mmol) of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, the second vinyl-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2) was synthesized as shown in the following formula (6) by the same synthesis process as that of (A1-1). The vinyl content calculated by H-NMR spectrum measurement was 0.92 mol%.

[0271] [ka]

[0272] (Preparation of Silicone Rubber-Based Curable Composition) Silicone rubber-based curable compositions Samples 1, 2, and 3 were prepared according to the following procedure. First, a mixture of 90% vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), silane coupling agent (D), and water (F) was pre-kneaded in the proportions shown in Table 1 below, and then silica particles (C) were added to the mixture and further kneaded to obtain a kneaded product (silicone rubber compound). Here, the kneading after the addition of the silica particles (C) was carried out through a first step of kneading for 1 hour under conditions of 60 to 90°C in a nitrogen atmosphere for the coupling reaction, and a second step of kneading for 2 hours under conditions of 160 to 180°C in a reduced pressure atmosphere for the removal of the by-product (ammonia). Thereafter, the mixture was cooled, and the remaining 10% of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) was added in two portions and kneaded for 20 minutes. Next, organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B), platinum or a platinum compound (E) was added to 100 parts by weight of the obtained kneaded product (silicone rubber compound) in the proportions shown in Table 2 below, and kneaded with a roll to obtain a silicone rubber-based curable composition.

[0273] (Preparation of insulating paste) 32 parts by weight of the obtained silicone rubber-based hardening composition of Sample 1 was immersed in 68 parts by weight of decane (solvent) and then stirred with a planetary centrifugal mixer to obtain an insulating paste.

[0274] (Preparation of conductive paste) The obtained silicone rubber-based hardening composition of sample 2 (13.7 parts by weight) was immersed in 31.8 parts by weight of decane (solvent), then stirred with a planetary centrifugal mixer, 54.5 parts by weight of metal powder (G1) was added, and the mixture was kneaded with a triple roll mill to obtain a conductive paste 1.

[0275] In addition, 11.1 parts by weight of the obtained silicone rubber-based hardening composition of sample 2 was immersed in 25.9 parts by weight of decane (solvent), and then stirred with a planetary centrifugal mixer. 63.0 parts by weight of metal powder (G1) was added, and then kneaded with a triple roll to obtain a conductive paste 2.

[0276] [Table 1]

[0277] [Example 1] (Development of a hand-worn tongue movement measurement device) The obtained silicone rubber-based hardening composition of Sample 3 was pressed at 170°C and 10 MPa for 10 minutes to form a sheet having a thickness of 150 μm and was subjected to primary hardening. Subsequently, the sheet was subjected to secondary hardening at 200°C for 4 hours to obtain two A4-sized sheets of silicone rubber (cured product of the silicone rubber-based hardening composition). Next, using the obtained conductive paste 1, seven wiring patterns with a width of 0.4 mm and a thickness of 40 μm were drawn on one surface (outer surface) of the sheet-like silicone rubber through a mask having a predetermined pattern, and then dried at 140°C for 30 minutes to form seven wiring patterns. Next, the obtained insulating paste was used to form a coating film on the seven wiring patterns through a mask having a predetermined pattern, and dried at 140° C. for 30 minutes to form a cover pattern with a thickness of 50 μm. However, openings were formed in the cover pattern so that both ends of the wiring pattern were exposed. Thereafter, two pressure sensors (force sensor, HSFPAR003A, manufactured by Alps Alpine Co., Ltd.) were placed across the ends of the corresponding four wiring patterns (power supply, GND (common to the two pressure sensors), output signal (+), output signal (-)), and these were adhered with the conductive paste 1 described above, and dried and cured at 120°C for two hours. This curing process formed an elastic wiring from the seven wiring patterns, formed an elastic cover from the cover pattern, and electrically joined each elastic wiring to each pressure sensor. A laminated sheet was prepared by overlapping a sheet of silicone rubber on the printed surface of the sheet of silicone rubber on which the stretchable wiring had been formed, with another sheet of silicone rubber on which no wiring had been printed. Furthermore, a plate-shaped member having a curved surface (pressure transmission part, surface area of ​​the curved surface: 100 mm 2 A silicone rubber sheet (made of acrylic resin, Rockwell hardness: 105, Young's modulus: 3 GPa) was placed to cover the two pressure sensors and fixed with double-sided tape to the surface of the silicone rubber sheet on which the pressure sensors were installed. The laminated sheet was sewn into a glove shape using a sewing machine with thread, and the margins were cut off. The glove-shaped laminated sheet was then turned over to create a hand-worn tongue movement measurement device. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device of the embodiment included a five-finger glove, two pressure sensors formed on the inner surface of the little finger part of the glove, a pressure transmission part, and seven elastic wires electrically connected to the pressure sensors. The pressure transmission part had a curved surface that protruded convexly along the curved surface of the nail, as shown in Figures 3 and 4(A). In the pressure transmitting portion, the Rockwell hardness was measured by an indentation hardness test in accordance with JIS Z 2245, and the Young's modulus was measured by a tensile test in accordance with JIS K 7161.

[0278] (hardness) The silicone rubber-based hardening composition of sample 3 used for the gloves was pressed at 170°C and 10 MPa for 10 minutes to form it into a sheet, and was then primarily hardened. It was then secondary hardened at 200°C for 4 hours, and the sheet-like upper attachment part 120 (hardened product of the silicone rubber-based hardening composition) with a thickness of 150 μm was used as a test specimen. The above test pieces were laminated to a thickness of 6 mm, and the durometer hardness A of the obtained sheet-like test piece at 25° C. was measured in accordance with JIS K6253 (1997). (tear strength) Using the above test pieces, the tear strength at 25° C. was measured in accordance with JIS K6252 (2001), with the unit being N / mm. (Tensile strength) Using the above test pieces, the tensile strength at 25° C. was measured in accordance with JIS K6251 (2004), with the unit being MPa. (Elongation at break) The test pieces were used to measure the breaking elongation in accordance with JIS K6251 (2004). The breaking elongation was calculated by [chuck movement distance (mm)]÷[initial chuck distance (35 mm)]×100. The unit is %.

[0279] The resulting gloves for the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device had a hardness of 29.7, a tear strength of 39.1 N / mm, a tensile strength of 9.4 MPa or more, and a breaking elongation of 1,036%. In addition, the elastic wiring of the hand-worn tongue movement measurement device had a volume resistance of 3.2 × 10 at 25 °C. -4 The value was Ω·cm. Furthermore, the volume of the obtained silicone rubber sheet changed by within 10% before and after immersion in ethanol for 5 minutes, and the tear strength changed by within 1% before and after heating at 100°C for 10 minutes.

[0280] [Comparative Example 1] A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device was fabricated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a 0.5 mm thick urethane rubber sheet (commercially available) with a hardness of 70 was used instead of the above-mentioned sheet-like silicone rubber, and a pressure transmission unit was not installed.

[0281] The obtained hand-worn tongue movement measuring device was evaluated for the following items.

[0282] <Wearability> The ease of wearing (wearability) of the hand-worn tongue movement measurement device when it was worn on the subject's hand and when it was removed from the hand was evaluated. It was confirmed that the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device of Example 1 provided a much better wearing feeling than that of Comparative Example 1.

[0283] <Stretching durability> The obtained hand-worn tongue movement measuring device of Example 1 was subjected to 10 repeated stretching operations in which it was stretched by 20% in the extension direction of the expandable wire, and the resistance value between the wires was measured over time. In Example 1, the resistance value when unstretched was 9.1Ω, the resistance value when unstretched after 10 stretches was 9.5Ω, and the maximum resistance value when stretched during 10 stretches was 13.3Ω. It was confirmed that the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device of Example 1 can measure the resistance between the wires even after stretching. The resistance was measured in a 25°C environment. It was also confirmed that in the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device of Example 1, separation of the glove from the elastic wiring did not occur even after repeated stretching operations.

[0284] <Tongue movement measurement> (Development of a tongue movement monitoring system) The elastic wiring of the obtained hand-worn tongue movement measuring device of Example 1 was electrically connected to a personal computer via an A / D conversion circuit (sampling frequency: 100 Hz, quantization resolution: 10 bit) to create a tongue movement monitoring system.

[0285] (Characteristics evaluation) An external force (N) was applied to the pressure sensor using a load measuring device, and the output voltage (V) from the pressure sensor was measured. The force (N) was divided by the area of ​​the pressure-receiving surface to convert it into pressure (kPa). The nonlinear output voltage of the pressure sensor was converted to pressure (kPa) using an approximation curve so that the approximation error was within 12%. A force of 3 N was applied to the pressure-receiving surface of the pressure sensor, and the response time was measured when the force was instantly removed. It was confirmed that using the above tongue movement monitoring system, it is possible to measure the relationship between the force (Pa) applied to the pressure sensor (when the output voltage is converted into pressure) and the response time.

[0286] (Subject tongue movement monitoring) After putting the glove of the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device on the examiner's hand, the examiner inserted his or her little finger into the oral cavity of the subject (adult, male, 38 years old) and placed the pressure sensor placed on the fingertip on the surface of the subject's tongue. It was confirmed that when a subject moved their tongue, the external force (pressure) from the tongue movement could be monitored over time.

[0287] (Sensor reaction stability evaluation) After wearing the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device on the subject's hand, the subject inserted his or her little finger into the oral cavity of the subject (adult, male, 38 years old), and placed the pressure sensor on the fingertip on the surface of the subject's tongue.The responsiveness when the subject moved his or her tongue was evaluated multiple times. Compared with Comparative Example 1, the hand-worn tongue movement measuring device of Example 1 showed similar values ​​in multiple measurement results, confirming that it was able to stably measure tongue pressure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0288] 1. Tongue movement monitoring system 10 Tongue movement information processing device 11 Acquisition Department 12 Storage section 13 Analysis Department 14 Communications Department 20 Network 30 Terminals 31 Display section 100 Hand-worn tongue movement measurement device 110 Pressure Sensor 110a Pressure Sensor 110b Pressure sensor 120 Instep attachment part 121 Exterior 122 Inside 123 Finger attachment part 123a Finger attachment part (thumb part) 123e Finger attachment part (little finger part) 130 Stretchable wiring 130a wiring 130b Wiring 130c wiring 130d Wiring 160 Pressure transmission section 161 External surface 162 Inside 170 Finger Sleeves 72 Inside 200 moves 203 fingers 203a Thumb 203e pinky 204 A 206 Wrist 210 Nails 210e Claw

Claims

1. A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device that uses a pressure sensor to measure tongue movement of a subject, The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device is A back attachment part that can be attached to the back of the hand of a person who measures the hand; A finger attachment part that can be attached to a finger of a measurer's hand, The finger attachment portion is A cylindrical portion made of insulating silicone rubber; A plurality of pressure sensors are provided on at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the cylindrical portion; a pressure transmitting section provided on the opposite side to the installation surface so as to cover the surfaces of the plurality of pressure sensors; A hand-worn tongue movement measurement device.

2. 2. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the Young's modulus of the pressure transmission part is 0.1 GPa or more and 10 GPa or less.

3. 3. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the pressure transmission part has a Rockwell hardness of 80 or more and 120 or less.

4. 3. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, The surface area of ​​the pressure transmitting portion on the side covering the surfaces of the pressure sensors is 0.15 mm ２ More than 400 mm ２ Below is a hand-worn tongue movement measurement device.

5. 3. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the pressure transmission part includes one or more resins selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyethylene-based resin, polycarbonate-based resin, polypropylene-based resin, cycloolefin-based resin, and polystyrene-based resin.

6. 3. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A gap space is provided between the surfaces of the pressure sensors and the pressure transmitting portion, A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device configured so that, in one cross section in the stacking direction of the tubular portion and the multiple pressure sensors, the thickness of the gap space decreases when the tongue pressure of the subject applied from the stacking direction increases.

7. 7. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 6, A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, in which, in one cross section in the stacking direction, a surface of at least one of the multiple pressure sensors contacts a part of the pressure transmission part, while another part of the pressure transmission part indents the surface around the installation surface of the tubular part.

8. 3. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the pressure transmission unit has a curved surface on the side covering the surfaces of the multiple pressure sensors.

9. 3. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the finger attachment portion is provided on the tubular portion and includes elastic wiring that electrically connects to each of the multiple pressure sensors.

10. 3. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, in which the back-of-the-hand wearing portion and the tubular portion of the finger-worn portion are made of insulating silicone rubber and have an integrated structure or a separable structure.

11. 3. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, The instep attachment part is a circuit board electrically connected to the plurality of pressure sensors; A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device comprising: a connector electrically connected to the circuit board and connectable to an external device.

12. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 11, A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the back-of-hand attachment portion has an exterior frame that covers the circuit board and at least a portion of the connecting connector.

13. The hand-worn tongue movement measuring device according to claim 12, A hand-worn tongue movement measuring device, wherein the exterior frame of the back-of-the-hand attachment part is made of elastomer.

14. A finger attachment part for use in a hand-attached tongue movement measuring device that measures tongue movement of a subject using a pressure sensor, comprising: A cylindrical portion made of insulating silicone rubber; A plurality of pressure sensors are provided on at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the cylindrical portion; a pressure transmitting section provided on the opposite side to the installation surface so as to cover at least a portion of a surface of the plurality of pressure sensors; Finger attachment part.

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