Tongue movement measurement device, and set of tongue movement measurement device and wearing tool

Abstract

To provide a tongue movement measuring device excellent in measurement stability.SOLUTION: A tongue movement measurement device according to the present invention is a tongue movement measurement device for measuring tongue movement of a subject, including a sheet-shaped flexible substrate, a plurality of pressure sensors provided on a distal end side of the flexible substrate, a plurality of elastic wirings provided on the flexible substrate and electrically connected to the pressure sensors, and a pressing mechanism fixed to the flexible substrate, wherein the pressing mechanism includes a plurality of pressing plates independently movable in a thickness direction of the flexible substrate so as to press one of the plurality of pressure sensors when pressed by a tongue of the subject.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tongue movement measuring device and a set of the tongue movement measuring device and a wearing attachment. [Background technology]

[0002] Various tongue movement measurement devices have been developed. One example of this type of technology is described in Patent Document 1. Claim 2, paragraph 0010, and Figure 1 of Patent Document 1 describe a breastfeeding monitoring 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 indicates the breastfeeding state, and metal leads that electrically connect the sensor and the breastfeeding detection output unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-340777 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0005] The present inventors First, we found that by setting up a pressing mechanism in the tongue movement measurement device that transmits stress from the subject's tongue to the pressure sensor, the responsiveness of the pressure sensor is increased compared to methods in which tongue pressure is transmitted by direct contact with the pressure sensor, thereby improving the stability of tongue pressure measurements. Second, we found that in tongue movement measurement devices, by directly fixing the rear end of the flexible substrate to the connector for the flexible substrate, noise can be suppressed compared to the conventional method of fixing via the flexible substrate, thereby improving the stability of tongue pressure measurements. Based on the above findings, the present invention has been completed.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there are provided the following tongue movement measuring device and a set of the tongue movement measuring device and a wearing attachment. 1. A tongue movement measuring device for measuring tongue movement of a subject, comprising: a sheet-like flexible substrate; a plurality of pressure sensors provided on the tip side of the flexible substrate; A plurality of elastic wires provided on the flexible substrate and electrically connected to the pressure sensor; a pressing mechanism fixed to the flexible substrate, the pressing mechanism has a plurality of pressing plates that are independently movable in a thickness direction of the flexible substrate so as to press one of the plurality of pressure sensors when pressed by the tongue of the subject; Tongue movement measurement device. 2. A tongue movement measuring device for measuring tongue movement of a subject, a flexible substrate having at least a rear end side in a sheet shape; a plurality of pressure sensors provided on the tip side of the flexible substrate; A plurality of elastic wires provided on the flexible substrate and electrically connected to the pressure sensor; A flexible substrate connector that fixes the rear end side of the flexible substrate and electrically connects to the plurality of stretchable wirings. Tongue movement measurement device. 3. The tongue movement measuring device according to 1., A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the pressing mechanism has a storage section that stores the flexible substrate, and the plurality of pressing plates that are fixed to the storage section with their movement restricted in a direction along the surface of the flexible substrate. 4. The tongue movement measuring device according to 3., A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the pressing mechanism has a slide groove in the housing portion, and the multiple pressing plates are assembled so as to be slidable in the slide groove. 5. The tongue movement measuring device according to 3., A tongue movement measuring device in which the multiple pressure plates have a cantilever structure made up of an elastic member protruding from the storage section, and flex and deform in response to changes in pressure from the subject's tongue. 6. A tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1.3. to 5., A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the plurality of pressure sensors are installed on the surface of the flexible substrate or on the inner surface of the pressure plate. 7. A tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 6., A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the thickness of the flexible substrate is 20 μm or more and 2 mm or less. 8. A tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 7., A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the durometer hardness A of the flexible substrate is 10 or more and 80 or less. 9. A tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 8., A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the tear strength of the flexible substrate is 25 N / mm or more. 10. A tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 9., A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the flexible substrate comprises insulating silicone rubber. 11. A tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 10., A tongue movement measuring device, wherein each of the plurality of stretchable wires includes conductive silicone rubber. 12. A tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 11., A tongue movement measuring device, wherein each of the plurality of stretchable wirings is made of a printed conductive paste containing a conductive filler and silicone rubber. 13. A tongue movement measuring device according to any one of 1. to 12., A tongue movement measuring device comprising an elastic insulating layer covering the surfaces of the plurality of elastic wirings. 14. A set of a tongue movement measuring device and a wearing tool, 3. The tongue movement measuring device according to 1. or 2., which is used to measure the tongue movement of a subject; The wearing tool fixes the tongue movement measuring device to a finger of a measurer. A set of tongue movement measurement device and attachment. 15. A set of the tongue movement measuring device and attachment described in 14. A set of a tongue movement measuring device and a wearing attachment, wherein the wearing attachment includes one or more selected from the group consisting of a finger cot, a fixing ring, and a double-sided adhesive sheet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a tongue movement measuring device with excellent measurement stability and a set of the tongue movement measuring device and a wearing tool are provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a tongue movement measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are a top view and a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a pressing mechanism according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are a top view and a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of the configuration of the pressing mechanism of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of a tongue movement information processing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a tongue movement monitoring system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are designated by similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic diagrams and do not correspond to actual dimensional proportions.

[0010] An outline of the tongue movement measuring device of this embodiment will be described.

[0011] The tongue movement measuring device measures the tongue movement of a subject.

[0012] The subject is not particularly limited as long as it is a living organism with 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 unhealthy, such as a rehabilitation subject.

[0013] Tongue movement measurement devices make it possible to monitor and even quantitatively evaluate tongue movement in subjects. Tongue movement is closely related to infant sucking and human eating and swallowing, and can serve as an indicator for understanding health status. Therefore, evaluating tongue movement not only allows for accurate understanding of the state of a subject's tongue function, such as an infant's sucking ability, but is also expected to have a variety of applications in rehabilitation and various types of care.

[0014] Specific examples of applications include the evaluation of infants' sucking ability during breastfeeding in various settings such as childcare, medical checkups, 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] The tongue movement measuring device of the first embodiment includes: a sheet-like flexible substrate; a plurality of pressure sensors provided on the tip side of the flexible substrate; A plurality of elastic wirings provided on a flexible substrate and electrically connected to the pressure sensor; a pressing mechanism fixed to the flexible substrate; The pressing mechanism has a plurality of pressing plates that are independently movable in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate so as to press one of the plurality of pressure sensors when pressed by the tongue of the subject.

[0016] In the first embodiment, a pressure mechanism having an independently movable pressure plate is provided for each of the pressure sensors, so that the stress received from the subject's tongue can be efficiently transmitted to each pressure sensor via each pressure plate, thereby improving the measurement stability of the tongue movement measurement device. However, when tongue pressure is transmitted by direct contact with a pressure sensor, measurement can become unstable due to, but not limited to, the softness of the tongue part that comes into contact with the pressure sensor, or the small size of the pressure sensor.

[0017] The tongue movement measuring device of the second embodiment is a flexible substrate having at least a rear end side in a sheet shape; a plurality of pressure sensors provided on the tip side of the flexible substrate; a plurality of stretchable wires provided on the flexible substrate and electrically connected to the pressure sensor; The flexible substrate connector is fixed to the rear end side of the flexible substrate and electrically connects to the multiple stretchable wirings.

[0018] In the second embodiment, the rear end of the flexible substrate is directly fixed to the connector for the flexible substrate, thereby suppressing noise. Furthermore, direct fixation improves the connection strength between the two, preventing damage to the flexible substrate. This improves the measurement stability of the tongue movement measurement device. When connecting a flexible substrate to a connector for a flexible substrate, a common method is to electrically connect the two via a flexible substrate (flexible printed circuits). However, the inventors' investigations have revealed that in connection methods using flexible substrates, noise can occur between a relatively soft flexible substrate and a relatively hard flexible substrate, and that the difference in hardness between the two can cause damage, such as breakage, in the flexible substrate.

[0019] Each component of the tongue movement measuring device of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a top view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a tongue movement measuring device 100. As shown in FIG. Tongue movement measuring device 100 in FIG. 1 is a hand-attached wearable device that is worn on at least a part of hand 200 of the subject. The tongue movement measuring device 100 includes a flexible substrate 120 on which an elastic wiring 130 is installed. A plurality of pressure sensors 110 are provided on the tip side of the elastic wiring 130, and a connector 150 is provided on the rear end side thereof. The plurality of pressure sensors 110 can be electrically connected to other electronic components via the elastic wiring 130 and the connector 150.

[0021] The examiner is a person who performs measurements to monitor the tongue movement of the subject. An example of the tongue movement measurement operation will now be described. First, tongue movement measuring device 100 is attached to at least one of the examiner's fingers 203. At least a portion of finger 203, to which flexible substrate 120 of tongue movement measuring device 100 is attached, is inserted into the oral cavity of the examinee. In this state, the examinee performs tongue movement. Then, at least one of multiple pressure sensors 110 installed on the tip side of flexible substrate 120 detects tongue pressure. The detected electrical signal is transmitted to the outside via elastic wiring 130. In this manner, tongue movement measuring device 100 can be used to obtain information relating to the pressure of tongue movement by the subject. The flexible substrate 120 may be attached to any of the multiple fingers 203 of the hand 200, but is preferably attached to the little finger from the viewpoint of ease of insertion into the oral cavity of subjects such as infants and small children.

[0022] <Flexible substrate> The flexible substrate 120 of the first embodiment is configured in a sheet shape from the front end side to the rear end side. On the other hand, at least the rear end side of the flexible substrate 120 of the second embodiment is configured in a sheet shape. Here, the sheet-like portion of flexible substrate 120 has a front surface and a back surface, and has a predetermined width and a predetermined length when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front surface (hereinafter referred to as "top view"). The length direction of the flexible substrate 120 is the direction in which the installed elastic wire 130 extends.

[0023] A connector for flexible circuit boards (connector 150) is mounted on the rear end side of the flexible substrate 120 of the second embodiment. Specifically, the flexible substrate 120 on the rear end side is inserted into an insertion opening of the connector 150 and fixed by fitting or the like. Inside the insertion opening, the ends of each wire of the stretchable wire 130 and the terminals of the connector 150 are electrically connected. As described above, a connector for a flexible circuit board may be mounted on the rear end side of the flexible substrate 120 of the first embodiment, but it may also be electrically connected to the connector for a flexible circuit board via another circuit board.

[0024] The width of the rear end side of flexible substrate 120 in top view may be equal to or less than the width of the insertion opening of connector 150. The shape of the rear end of flexible substrate 120 in top view is not limited, but may be rectangular as long as it can be set to the insertion opening of connector 150. Furthermore, to match the shape of the insertion opening of connector 150, a lug-like protrusion or a notch may be provided in part of the rear end side of flexible substrate 120.

[0025] The connector 150 can be a commercially available FPC connector. The terminal pattern of the connector 150 may be in-line or staggered. The fitting method of connector 150 is not limited, and may be a non-ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) type, a ZIF type such as slide lock, front flip, back flip, or flip lock, or a one-action lock type.

[0026] A plurality of pressure sensors 110 are mounted on the tip side of the flexible substrate 120. The area at the tip of the flexible substrate 120 on which the multiple pressure sensors 110 are installed is the area that is inserted into the subject's oral cavity, and may have a length corresponding to, for example, the range from the tip to the second joint of the finger 203, from the tip to the first joint, or from the tip to the rear end of the nail 210.

[0027] The flexible substrate 120 of the first embodiment is preferably configured in a sheet shape in the region from the front end side to the rear end side where the stretchable wiring 130 is provided. The sheet shape differs from a tubular structure that covers the entire periphery of the finger 203 in the width direction of the flexible substrate 120. The width of sheet-like flexible substrate 120 in top view may be, for example, equal to or smaller than the circumference of finger 203 or equal to or smaller than the finger width of finger 203. The shape of the tip of flexible substrate 120 in top view is not limited, but may be rectangular, or may be curved to fit the shape of the tip of claw 210. Furthermore, in the length direction of the sheet-like flexible substrate 120 when viewed from above, a part of the substrate may have a linear structure, and another part of the substrate may have a curved structure.

[0028] On the other hand, the tip side of the flexible substrate 120 in the second embodiment may have the sheet-like structure described in the first embodiment, or may have a tubular structure that circumferentially covers one finger 203, or multiple tubular structures that cover two or more fingers 203. The cylindrical flexible substrate 120 may cover at least the nail 210, preferably from the nail 210 to the first joint, and more preferably from the nail 210 to about the second joint. The flexible substrate 120 of the second embodiment may have an instep attachment portion that circumferentially covers the instep 204 and palm of the subject's hand in an intermediate region between the front end and the rear end. When the upper attachment part has a partial covering structure that covers part of the upper shell 204, the upper attachment part may have a structure that covers the upper half of the upper shell 204, or may have a structure that covers the left half or right half of the upper shell 204. Without being limited to this, the upper attachment part may also cover the entire surface of the upper shell 204. The cylindrical flexible substrate 120 and the instep attachment portion may be constructed from separate members, or they may be constructed from a single member, with the flexible substrate 120 in the portion other than the rear end being constructed in a glove-like shape.

[0029] The flexible substrate 120 may be made of an insulating elastomer, and is preferably made of insulating silicone rubber.

[0030] The flexible substrate 120 may be configured to have biocompatibility. Specifically, the insulating silicone rubber that constitutes the flexible substrate 120 may be one that has biocompatibility.

[0031] The flexible substrate 120 may be configured to be sterilizable by boiling. That is, the insulating silicone rubber that constitutes the flexible substrate 120 may be resistant to alcohol, and one that exhibits little change in the rubber properties before and after heat treatment at 100°C may be used. This allows the flexible substrate 120 to be sterilized with alcohol or heat before use. Such properties are even more effective when the flexible substrate 120 is used repeatedly. Specifically, flexible substrate 120 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, which are commonly used for disinfection. Furthermore, flexible substrate 120 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. Examples of the physical properties include, but are not limited to, hardness, elongation at break, and tensile strength, which will be described later.

[0032] The upper limit of the sheet thickness of flexible substrate 120 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 flexible substrate 120 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.

[0033] The upper limit of the durometer hardness A of flexible substrate 120 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 80 or less, and preferably 70 or less. This improves the ease of deformation, making deformation such as bending and stretching easier. On the other hand, the lower limit of the durometer hardness A of the flexible substrate 120 is, for example, 10 or more, preferably 20 or more, and more preferably 30 or more. This can improve the friction durability and mechanical strength.

[0034] The lower limit of the tear strength of the flexible substrate 120 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. Furthermore, a device that is resistant to tearing even when thin can be configured. This prevents fragments from being accidentally swallowed by the subject due to breakage, thereby improving safety during use. On the other hand, the upper limit of the tear strength of flexible substrate 120 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 80 N / mm or less, or 70 N / mm or less, thereby making it possible to balance the various properties of flexible substrate 120.

[0035] The lower limit of the breaking elongation of flexible substrate 120 is, for example, 100% or more, preferably 200% or more, more preferably 300% or more, and even more preferably 400% or more, thereby improving the high stretchability and durability of flexible substrate 120. On the other hand, the upper limit of the breaking elongation of flexible substrate 120 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 2000% or less, or 1800% or less. This allows the various properties of flexible substrate 120 to be balanced.

[0036] The lower limit of the tensile strength of flexible substrate 120 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 flexible substrate 120. Furthermore, flexible substrate 120 can be realized that is highly durable and can withstand repeated deformation. On the other hand, the upper limit of the tensile strength of flexible substrate 120 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 25 MPa or less, or 20 MPa or less, thereby making it possible to balance the various characteristics of finger wearing portion 123.

[0037] In this embodiment, the characteristics of each component of the tongue movement measuring device can be measured by using each component as a test piece, or by cutting each component into a predetermined shape or stacking multiple components to a predetermined thickness. Also, the silicone rubber (insulating silicone rubber or conductive silicone rubber) used for each component can be used for measurement.

[0038] (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).

[0039] (Tensile strength measurement procedure) Using silicone rubber, dumbbell-shaped No. 3 test pieces are prepared in accordance with JIS K6251 (2004), and the tensile strength of the dumbbell-shaped No. 3 test pieces at 25°C is measured.

[0040] (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 breaking elongation at 25°C. The breaking elongation is calculated by [gauge line movement distance (mm)] ÷ [initial gauge line distance (20 mm)] × 100.

[0041] (Tear strength measurement procedure) 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.

[0042] <Pressing mechanism> Fig. 2(a) is a top view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the pressing mechanism 160, and Fig. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in Fig. 2(a). Fig. 3 is a top view schematically showing another example of the configuration of the pressing mechanism 160, and Fig. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in Fig. 3(a).

[0043] The pressing mechanism 160 has a plurality of pressing plates 161 and 162 that are independently movable in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate 120 . The number of the pressure plates 161, 162 is preferably the same as the number of the pressure sensors 110a, 110b. Being independently movable means that, among the multiple pressure plates 161, 162 and pressure sensors 110a, 110b, the pressure plate 161 moves or deforms independently in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate 120, thereby applying stress only to the corresponding pressure sensor 110a.

[0044] 2 and 3, the pressing mechanism 160 may have a housing portion 163 that houses a part of the flexible substrate 120 on the tip side. The above-mentioned multiple pressing plates 161, 162 may be fixed to this housing portion 163. 2, all of the multiple pressing plates 161, 162 may be formed of a member separate from the accommodating section 163, or as shown in Fig. 3, all of the pressing plates may be formed of the same member as the accommodating section 163. Note that some of the multiple pressing plates that the pressing mechanism 160 has may be formed of the same member as the accommodating section 163, and the rest may be formed of the same member as the accommodating section 163.

[0045] 2, a slide groove 164 may be formed in the accommodation portion 163, and each of the multiple pressure plates 161, 162 may be fixed in a state where it is assembled so as to be slidable in the slide groove 164. Note that when the accommodation portion 163 and the multiple pressure plates 161, 162 are formed as separate members, the fixing method is not limited to the slide groove 164.

[0046] The multiple pressure plates 161, 162 inserted into the slide grooves 164 are each independently movable in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate 120. For example, the clearance between the slide grooves 164 and the pressure plates 162, or the clearance between the pressure plates 162 and the flexible substrate 120, etc. may be adjusted. This allows the movement of each of the multiple pressure plates 161, 162 in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate 120 to be controlled.

[0047] The accommodation section 163 may have a lower portion that holds at least the lower surface of the flexible substrate 120, and may have side portions that cover both side surfaces of the flexible substrate 120. Furthermore, the accommodation section 163 may have an upper portion that covers part of the upper surface of the flexible substrate 120. The slide grooves 164 may be formed on each of the two side portions of the housing portion 163, or may be formed between the lower and upper portions of the housing portion 163.

[0048] Furthermore, pressing mechanism 160 may be fixed to flexible substrate 120 with protrusion 167 formed on pressing plate 162 inserted into hole 170 formed in flexible substrate 120. This restricts the movement of pressing plate 162 placed in slide groove 164 in a direction along the surface of flexible substrate 120. By restricting the movement of pressing plate 162, the movement of other pressing plates 161 can also be restricted, and removal from slide groove 164 can be prevented. Hole 170 may be a through hole, but may also be a recess in which part of the top surface of flexible substrate 120 is recessed without being penetrated.

[0049] 3 may have a housing portion 163 that houses a portion of flexible substrate 120 on the distal end side, and multiple pressure plates 161, 162 that are elastic members with a cantilever structure protruding from housing portion 163. Each of the multiple pressure plates 161, 162 with a cantilever structure can be flexibly deformed by changes in pressure from the subject's tongue. That is, each of the multiple pressure plates 161, 162 can move independently in the thickness direction of flexible substrate 120.

[0050] Some or all of the multiple pressure sensors 110 a and 110 b may be disposed on the surface of the flexible substrate 120 , or may be disposed on the inner surface 166 of each of the pressure plates 161 and 162 . Furthermore, in the space defined by the inner surfaces 166 of the plurality of pressing plates 161, 162 and the inner surface of the accommodating portion 163, the clearance between the pressure sensors 110a, 110b can be adjusted as appropriate.

[0051] 2 and / or 3, at least a part of the inner and / or outer surface of each of the plurality of pressing plates 161, 162 and the accommodating portion 163 may have a flat or curved surface (protrusion).

[0052] The plurality of pressure plates 161, 162 may be made of any material that has the property of transmitting force more easily than the tongue of the subject, and may be made of a material that is relatively harder than the tongue of the subject, for example.

[0053] The lower limit of the Young's modulus of the multiple pressing plates 161, 162 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 multiple pressing plates 161, 162 is, for example, 10 GPa or less, preferably 9 GPa or less, and more preferably 8 GPa or less. By keeping the Young's modulus within such a numerical range, the sensor reactivity can be improved.

[0054] The lower limit of the Rockwell hardness of the multiple pressure plates 161, 162 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 plurality of pressure plates 161, 162 is, for example, 120 or less, preferably 118 or less, and more preferably 115 or less. By keeping the value within such a range, sensor reactivity can be improved.

[0055] The lower limit of the total surface area of ​​the multiple pressure plates 161 and 162 is, for example, 0.15 mm 2 More than 1mm, preferably 1mm 2 More than 2mm, preferably 2 That's all. On the other hand, the upper limit of the total surface area of ​​the multiple pressure plates 161 and 162 is, for example, 400 mm 2 Less than 300mm, preferably 2 Less than 200mm, preferably 2 By setting the value within such a range, the area can be made suitable for the tongue size of the subject and the size of the small pressure sensor, thereby stabilizing the sensor responsiveness.

[0056] The multiple pressure plates 161, 162 may contain, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyethylene resin, polycarbonate resin, polypropylene resin, cycloolefin resin, and polystyrene resin. The housing portion 163 may be made of the same material as the plurality of pressure plates 161, 162, or may be made of a different material from those mentioned above.

[0057] When tongue movement measuring device 100 is used, the method for fixing pressing mechanism 160 to finger 203 is not particularly limited. This embodiment can provide a set including tongue movement measuring device 100 and a wearing tool for fixing tongue movement measuring device 100 to finger 203 of the person to be measured.

[0058] The wearing tool may include one or more selected from the group consisting of a finger cot, a fixing ring, and a double-sided adhesive sheet. During the setting, the wearing tool may be configured as a separate member from the pressing mechanism 160, or may be integrated with the pressing mechanism 160. The finger cot may be made of elastomer or silicone rubber. The retaining ring may be made of plastic or an elastomer such as a rubber band. The double-sided adhesive sheet may be fixed to the seal base, or may be sandwiched between the seal base and the cover, or the double-sided adhesive sheet may be fixed to the pressing mechanism 160.

[0059] <Pressure sensor> The pressure sensor 110 converts the external force received by the pressure-receiving surface into an electrical signal. The pressure sensor 110 may be any sensor that includes at least a component whose electrical characteristics change in response 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. The pressure sensor 110 may be 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, or a mechanical type. 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 from an external force on a pressure receiving surface.

[0060] The pressure sensor 110 only needs to have a pressure-receiving surface, and may be configured in the form of, for example, a chip, but is not limited to this.

[0061] An example of the pressure sensor 110 may include a pressure-sensitive resistor having a piezoresistive effect, a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric effect, or a capacitance film. Among these, the pressure-sensitive resistor may include elastomer or plastic, and preferably may include silicone rubber.

[0062] 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 preferably 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, it is sufficient that the volume resistance value of the conductive silicone rubber of the pressure sensor 110 is configured to be higher than the volume resistance value of the conductive silicone rubber of the elastic wiring 130.

[0063] 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 stretchable wiring 130 may contain metal powder such as silver powder. For example, when 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 wire 130 may be, 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 a printing method using a conductive paste containing a conductive carbon material and silicone rubber, for example.

[0064] The measurer can stimulate the palate of the infant with the pad of a finger 203, which is not provided with a 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 with the fingers) in addition to monitoring the tongue movement with tongue movement measuring device 100.

[0065] The number and arrangement of the multiple pressure sensors 110 can be selected appropriately from the viewpoint of the tongue movement information to be acquired. When the direction from the tongue base to the tongue tip is defined as the front direction of the tongue, it is preferable that the multiple pressure sensors 110 are arranged in a row in this front direction of the tongue. This makes it possible to measure the tongue movement of the tongue base and tongue tip independently. It also makes it possible to detect tongue pressure, which is the pressure or force exerted by 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 multiple 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, or 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] <Stretchable wiring> The tip ends of the multiple elastic wires 130 are electrically connected to the multiple pressure sensors 110, respectively. The rear end sides of the multiple elastic wires 130 are electrically connected to multiple terminals of the connector 150, respectively.

[0067] The plurality of elastic wires 130 may each be made of a conductive elastomer, and preferably made of a conductive silicone rubber. The elastic wiring 130 and the flexible substrate 120 may contain the same type of elastomer, and preferably may contain silicone rubber. This can improve adhesion in the area where the elastic wiring 130 and the flexible substrate 120 are in direct contact with each other.

[0068] The stretchable wire 130 may be formed by printing a conductive paste containing a conductive filler and silicone rubber. The printing method improves the degree of freedom in the wiring design of the stretchable wire 130. In addition, the printability of the conductive paste can be improved on the surface of the sheet-like flexible substrate 120 of the first embodiment. The method for forming the elastic wiring 130 is not limited to the printing method using a paste, and other general printing methods using conductive paint may also be used.

[0069] The elastic wire 130 has elasticity. In this specification, stretchability is expressed as 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 stretchable wiring 130 can be stretched to an elongation rate of, for example, 10% or more, preferably 20% or more, and more preferably 50% or more, and does not break at that elongation rate.

[0070] 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 keeping the electrical resistance within this range, it is possible to realize an elastic wiring 130 with excellent electrical properties both when unstretched and when stretched. It also becomes possible to measure tongue movement stably.

[0071] The multiple elastic wires 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. For example, when the resistance value of the pressure sensor 110 fluctuates, the output voltage between the two output signal wires fluctuates. Based on this output voltage fluctuation, the external force received by the pressure sensor 110 is measured. It should be noted that a common GND wiring may be used for a plurality of pressure sensors 110.

[0072] The multiple elastic wires 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 stacked, resulting in two or more wiring layers. This allows for a further integration of the pressure sensor 110.

[0073] Furthermore, a stretchable insulating layer (insulating cover portion) that covers at least a portion of the surface of the plurality of stretchable wires 130 may be provided on the surface side of the flexible substrate 120. This stretchable insulating layer may cover the entire surface except for the rear end portion of the stretchable wire 130. This makes it possible to suppress noise that occurs when the stretchable wire 130 comes into contact with the inside of the oral cavity of the subject.

[0074] The stretchable insulating layer may be made of insulating silicone rubber, which can be given boiling disinfection properties and biocompatibility, thereby increasing safety for subjects and facilitating hygiene management during use. Furthermore, the stretchable insulating layer may cover the stretchable wiring 130 and then cover the surface of the flexible substrate 120. When the flexible substrate 120 and the stretchable insulating layer are made of the same elastomer such as silicone rubber, the adhesion between them can be improved.

[0075] Furthermore, the elastic insulating layer is configured so as not to cover the external connection part at the rear end of the elastic wiring 130. For example, an opening may be formed in the elastic insulating layer, and the external connection part of the elastic wiring 130 may be located in the opening.

[0076] The stretchable insulating layer may be configured so as not to cover the pressure-receiving surface (upper surface) of the pressure sensor 110, but may also 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 at a high level. On the other hand, covering the pressure-receiving surface can more firmly securely fix the pressure sensor 110 to the flexible substrate 120, thereby improving safety in use. Furthermore, when insulating silicone rubber is used, even if the pressure-receiving surface is covered with an elastic insulating layer, it is possible to prevent the external force that the pressure-receiving surface receives from being reduced due to elastic deformation of the elastic insulating layer.

[0077] (Elastomer) The elastomer and silicone rubber that constitute each member of tongue movement measuring device 100 will be described below.

[0078] In this specification, elastomer refers to a stretchable elastic body that includes an elastomeric material. Elastomer materials are classified as insulating elastomers or conductive elastomers.

[0079] The elastomer material will be described below. The insulating elastomer contained in the flexible substrate 120 and the conductive elastomer contained in the stretchable wiring 130 each refer to a stretchable elastic body. Examples of the 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, it is preferable to use one or more thermosetting elastomers selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, urethane rubber, and fluororubber.

[0080] The insulating elastomer may be composed of elastomer alone or may be composed of elastomer and non-conductive filler. The insulating elastomer is preferably silicone rubber. The insulating elastomer does not contain conductive filler, but may contain non-conductive filler. Among elastomers, silicone rubber is chemically stable, has excellent mechanical strength, and is highly biocompatible.

[0081] The conductive elastomer may be configured to include an elastomer and a conductive filler. The conductive elastomer is preferably a conductive silicone rubber containing a silicone rubber and a conductive filler. This conductive elastomer may also contain a non-conductive filler. By using conductive silicone rubber, stretchability and conductivity can be improved.

[0082] 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.

[0083] As the non-conductive filler, known materials can be used, but for example, silica particles, silicone rubber particles, talc, etc. may also be used. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, silica particles may be included.

[0084] In this embodiment, the insulating elastomer and the conductive elastomer may each contain the same elastomer or different elastomers, but it is preferable that they all contain silicone rubber, and it is more preferable that they all contain a cured product of a silicone rubber-based curable composition that contains a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane.

[0085] 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.

[0086] The same type of vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxanes are sufficient as long as they contain 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 of vinyl groups added.

[0087] The same type of crosslinking agent may 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, different functional groups, or different amounts of functional groups added.

[0088] Non-conductive fillers of the same type may have at least a common constituent material, but may differ in particle size, specific surface area, surface treatment agent, or amount of the surface treatment agent added.

[0089] Silane coupling agents of the same type are only required to have at least a common functional group, and may differ in other functional groups in the molecule or in the amount added.

[0090] The same type of catalysts are those that have at least common constituent materials, and may contain different compositions or may have different amounts of the components added.

[0091] The silicone rubber-based curable composition constituting the same silicone rubber may further contain one or more different types of vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxanes, crosslinking agents, non-conductive fillers, silane coupling agents, and catalysts.

[0092] The components of the silicone rubber-based hardening composition will now be described in detail.

[0093] The silicone rubber-based curable composition of this embodiment may contain a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A). The vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) is a polymer that serves as the main component of the silicone rubber-based curable composition of this embodiment.

[0094] The vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) can contain a vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) having a linear structure.

[0095] The vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) has a linear structure and contains vinyl groups, which become crosslinking points during curing.

[0096] The vinyl group content of the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) is not particularly limited, but preferably has two or more vinyl groups in the molecule and is 15 mol% or less, which optimizes the amount of vinyl groups in the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) and ensures the formation of networks with the components described below.

[0097] In this specification, the vinyl group content refers to the mole percent of vinyl group-containing siloxane units when all units constituting the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) are taken as 100 mole percent, where it is considered that there is one vinyl group per vinyl group-containing siloxane unit.

[0098] The degree of polymerization of the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) is not particularly limited, but is preferably within a range of, for example, about 1,000 to 10,000, and more preferably about 2,000 to 5,000. 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] By using a vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) having a degree of polymerization and specific gravity within the above ranges, the heat resistance, flame retardancy, chemical stability, etc. of the resulting silicone rubber can be improved.

[0101] As the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1), those having a structure represented by the following formula (1) are particularly preferred.

[0102] [ka]

[0103] In formula (1), R 1 is a hydrocarbon group selected from substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, aryl groups, or combinations thereof having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include methyl groups, ethyl groups, and propyl groups, with methyl groups being preferred. Examples of alkenyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include vinyl groups, allyl groups, and butenyl groups, with vinyl groups being preferred. Examples of aryl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include phenyl groups.

[0104] Also, R 2 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, or a hydrocarbon group combining these groups, each having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include methyl, ethyl, and propyl groups, with methyl being preferred. Examples of alkenyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include vinyl, allyl, and butenyl groups. Examples of aryl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include phenyl groups.

[0105] Also, R 3is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group or aryl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or a hydrocarbon group consisting of a combination thereof. Examples of alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include methyl, ethyl, and propyl groups, with methyl being preferred. Examples of aryl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include phenyl groups.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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 is true for .

[0108] 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.

[0109] Specific examples of the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) represented by formula (1) include those represented by the following formula (1-1).

[0110] [ka]

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] The vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1) may also 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 %.

[0114] By combining a first vinyl-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-1) with a second vinyl-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2) having a high vinyl group content as the raw rubber used to make the silicone rubber, the vinyl groups can be unevenly distributed, allowing for more effective formation of a crosslink density distribution within the crosslinked network of the silicone rubber, thereby more effectively increasing the tear strength of the silicone rubber.

[0115] 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, 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, in the above formula (1-1).

[0116] 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 %.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] The vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) may also contain a vinyl group-containing branched organopolysiloxane (A2) having a branched structure.

[0120] <<Organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B)>> The silicone rubber-based curable 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.

[0121] 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 the components blended into the silicone rubber-based curable composition, thereby crosslinking these components.

[0122] 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.

[0123] The weight average molecular weight of the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) can be measured, for example, by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using chloroform as a developing solvent, in terms of polystyrene.

[0124] Furthermore, it is generally preferred that the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) does not contain a vinyl group, which can reliably prevent the crosslinking reaction from proceeding within the molecule of the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1).

[0125] As the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) described above, for example, one having a structure represented by the following formula (2) is preferably used.

[0126] [ka]

[0127] In formula (2), R 4 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, a hydrocarbon group combining these, 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, 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. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a phenyl group.

[0128] Also, R 5is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, a hydrocarbon group combining these, 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, 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. Examples of the aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include a phenyl group.

[0129] 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 multiple R 4 and R 5 At least two of these are hydride groups.

[0130] Also, R 6 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group or aryl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or a hydrocarbon group combining these. Examples of alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include methyl groups, ethyl groups, and propyl groups, with methyl groups being preferred. Examples of aryl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include phenyl groups. 6 are independent of each other and may be different from each other or may be the same.

[0131] In addition, R in formula (2) 4 ,R 5 ,R 6 Examples of the substituent include a methyl group and a vinyl group, and a methyl group is preferred from the viewpoint of preventing intramolecular crosslinking reactions.

[0132] 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.

[0133] The linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0134] Because the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) has a branched structure, it forms regions with high crosslink density, and is a component that significantly contributes to the formation of a sparsely crosslinked structure in the silicone rubber system. Like the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1), it has a structure in which hydrogen is directly bonded to silicon (≡Si-H), and undergoes a hydrosilylation reaction with the vinyl groups of the vinyl-group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and with the vinyl groups of other components incorporated into the silicone rubber-based curable composition, forming a polymer that crosslinks these components.

[0135] The specific gravity of the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) is in the range of 0.9 to 0.95.

[0136] Furthermore, it is generally preferred that the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) does not contain vinyl groups, which can reliably prevent crosslinking reactions from occurring within the molecules of the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2).

[0137] The branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) is preferably one represented by the following average composition formula (c).

[0138] 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)

[0139] In formula (c), R 7 is a monovalent organic group, preferably a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group or aryl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a hydrocarbon group consisting of a combination thereof. Examples of alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include methyl, ethyl, and propyl groups, with methyl being preferred. Examples of aryl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include phenyl groups.

[0140] 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, preferably 1.

[0141] 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 The number of units.

[0142] The branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) has a branched structure. The linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) and the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) differ in their structures, that is, whether they are linear or branched. The number of alkyl groups R bonded to Si (R / Si), where 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).

[0143] Because the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) has a branched structure, it leaves a residue amount of 5% or more when heated, for example, in a nitrogen atmosphere to 1000°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min. In contrast, because the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) is linear, it leaves almost no residue amount after heating under the above conditions.

[0144] Specific examples of the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) include those having a structure represented by the following formula (3).

[0145] [ka]

[0146] In formula (3), R 7 R is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group or aryl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or a hydrocarbon group combining these, or a hydrogen atom. Examples of alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include methyl, ethyl, and propyl groups, with methyl being preferred. Examples of aryl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include phenyl groups. 7 Examples of the substituent include a methyl group.

[0147] 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.

[0148] In addition, in formula (3), "-O-Si≡" indicates that Si has a branched structure that spreads three-dimensionally.

[0149] The branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0150] Furthermore, 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 groups in the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1). This ensures the reliable formation of a crosslinked network between the linear organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B1) and the branched organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B2) and the vinyl group-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1).

[0151] <<Silica particles (C)>> The silicone rubber-based curable composition of this embodiment may contain silica particles (C) as a non-conductive filler, if necessary.

[0152] The silica particles (C) are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include fumed silica, calcined silica, precipitated silica, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0153] The silica particles (C) have a specific surface area of, for example, 50 to 400 m2 as measured by the BET method. 2 / g, and 100 to 400m 2 / g. 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.

[0154] By using silica particles (C) having a specific surface area and average particle size within the above ranges, it is possible to improve the hardness and mechanical strength of the silicone rubber formed, particularly the tensile strength.

[0155] <<Silane coupling agent (D)>> The silicone rubber-based curable composition of this embodiment may contain a silane coupling agent (D). The silane coupling agent (D) may have a hydrolyzable group, which is hydrolyzed by water to form a hydroxyl group, which undergoes a dehydration condensation reaction with the hydroxyl groups on the surface of the silica particles (C), thereby modifying the surface of the silica particles (C).

[0156] The silane coupling agent (D) may also contain a silane coupling agent having a hydrophobic group. This provides the surface of the silica particles (C), thereby reducing the cohesive strength of the silica particles (C) in the silicone rubber-based curable composition and, ultimately, in the silicone rubber (reducing aggregation due to hydrogen bonding via silanol groups). This is thought to result in improved dispersibility of the silica particles in the silicone rubber-based curable composition. This increases the interface between the silica particles and the rubber matrix, enhancing the reinforcing effect of the silica particles. Furthermore, it is thought that the sliding properties of the silica particles within the matrix are improved during deformation of the rubber matrix. The improved dispersibility and sliding properties of the silica particles (C) contribute to improved mechanical strength (e.g., tensile strength, tear strength, etc.) of the silicone rubber.

[0157] Furthermore, the silane coupling agent (D) may contain a silane coupling agent having a vinyl group. This introduces a vinyl group onto the surface of the silica particles (C). Therefore, during curing of the silicone rubber-based curable composition, i.e., when the vinyl groups of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and the hydride groups of the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) undergo a hydrosilylation reaction to form a network (crosslinked structure), the vinyl groups of the silica particles (C) also participate in the hydrosilylation reaction with the hydride groups of the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B), thereby incorporating the silica particles (C) into the network. This allows for a silicone rubber with a low hardness and a high modulus to be formed.

[0158] 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.

[0159] Examples of the silane coupling agent (D) include those represented by the following formula (4).

[0160] Y n -Si-(X) 4-n ···(4) In the above formula (4), n represents an integer of 1 to 3. Y represents a 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 the groups is a hydrophobic group. X represents a hydrolyzable group.

[0161] 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, such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, or a phenyl group, with a methyl group being particularly preferred.

[0162] Examples of the hydrophilic group include a hydroxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a carboxyl group, and a carbonyl group, and among these, a hydroxyl group is particularly preferred. Although a hydrophilic group may be contained as a functional group, it is preferable that the hydrophilic group is not contained from the viewpoint of imparting hydrophobicity to the silane coupling agent (D).

[0163] 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). Note that, those having a silazane group as the hydrolyzable group have structural characteristics such that (Y n -Si-) structures.

[0164] Specific examples of the silane coupling agent (D) represented by the above formula (4) include those having a hydrophobic group as a functional group, such as alkoxysilanes like methyltrimethoxysilane, dimethyldimethoxysilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane, dimethyldiethoxysilane, phenyltriethoxysilane, n-propyltrimethoxysilane, n-propyltriethoxysilane, hexyltrimethoxysilane, hexyltriethoxysilane, and decyltrimethoxysilane; chlorosilanes like methyltrichlorosilane, dimethyldichlorosilane, trimethylchlorosilane, and phenyltrichlorosilane; and hexamethyldisilazane. Examples of the vinyl group-containing silane 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, hexamethyldisilazane is particularly preferred as the silane having a hydrophobic group, and divinyltetramethyldisilazane is particularly preferred as the silane having a vinyl group.

[0165] 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.

[0166] <<Platinum or platinum compounds (E)>> The silicone rubber-based hardenable composition of this embodiment may contain platinum or a platinum compound (E). Platinum or platinum compound (E) is a catalytic component that acts as a catalyst during curing. The amount of platinum or platinum compound (E) added is a catalytic amount.

[0167] As the platinum or platinum compound (E), known compounds 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.

[0168] The platinum or platinum compound (E) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0169] <<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).

[0170] Water (F) functions as a dispersion medium to disperse the components contained in the silicone rubber-based curable composition, and also contributes to the reaction between the silica particles (C) and the silane coupling agent (D). This allows the silica particles (C) and the silane coupling agent (D) to be more reliably bonded to each other in the silicone rubber, allowing the composition to exhibit uniform properties overall.

[0171] 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, per 100 parts by weight of the silane coupling agent (D), which allows the reaction between the silane coupling agent (D) and the silica particles (C) to proceed more reliably.

[0172] (Other ingredients) Furthermore, the silicone rubber-based curable composition of this 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.

[0173] The content ratio of each component in the silicone rubber-based hardening composition is not particularly limited, but may be set, for example, as follows:

[0174] In this embodiment, the upper limit of the content of 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, per 100 parts by weight of the total amount of vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A). This allows for a good balance of mechanical strength, such as hardness and tensile strength. The lower limit of the content of silica particles (C) is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 10 parts by weight or more, per 100 parts by weight of the total amount of vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A).

[0175] The silane coupling agent (D) is preferably contained in an amount of 5 to 100 parts by weight, more preferably 5 to 40 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), which ensures improved dispersibility of the silica particles (C) in the silicone rubber-based curable composition.

[0176] The content of organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) is preferably 0.5 to 20 parts by weight, more preferably 0.8 to 15 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the total of vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), silica particles (C), and silane coupling agent (D). By keeping the content of (B) within this range, a more effective curing reaction may be achieved.

[0177] The content of platinum or platinum compound (E) refers to the catalytic amount and can be set as appropriate. Specifically, it is an amount such that the 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 ensuring that the content of platinum or platinum compound (E) is at or above the lower limit, the resulting silicone rubber composition can be sufficiently cured. By ensuring that the content of platinum or platinum compound (E) is at or below the upper limit, the curing rate of the resulting silicone rubber composition can be improved.

[0178] 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, per 100 parts by weight of the silane coupling agent (D), which allows the reaction between the silane coupling agent (D) and the silica particles (C) to proceed more reliably.

[0179] <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 curable composition is prepared, and the silicone rubber can be obtained by curing the silicone rubber-based curable composition. Details are provided below.

[0180] 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.

[0181] [1] For example, a predetermined amount of vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), silica particles (C), and silane coupling agent (D) are weighed, and then kneaded using any kneading device to obtain a kneaded product containing these components (A), (C), and (D).

[0182] The kneaded mixture is preferably obtained by first kneading the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) with the silane coupling agent (D) and then kneading (mixing) the silica particles (C), which further improves the dispersibility of the silica particles (C) in the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A).

[0183] Furthermore, when obtaining this kneaded mixture, water (F) may be added to the kneaded mixture of the components (A), (C), and (D) as needed, which allows the reaction between the silane coupling agent (D) and the silica particles (C) to proceed more reliably.

[0184] Furthermore, the kneading of components (A), (C), and (D) is preferably carried out through a first step in which the components are heated at a first temperature and a second step in which the components are heated at a second temperature. This allows the surfaces of the silica particles (C) to be surface-treated with the coupling agent (D) in the first step, and allows by-products formed by the reaction between the silica particles (C) and the coupling agent (D) to be reliably removed from the kneaded mixture in the second step. If necessary, component (A) may then be added to the resulting kneaded mixture, followed by further kneading. This improves the compatibility of the components in the kneaded mixture.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] Furthermore, the time for the first step is, for example, preferably about 0.3 to 1.5 hours, 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, more preferably about 1.0 to 2.0 hours.

[0188] By setting the conditions for the first and second steps as described above, the above-mentioned effects can be more significantly obtained.

[0189] [2] Next, predetermined amounts of organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) and platinum or a platinum compound (E) are weighed out, and then, using any kneading device, components (B) and (E) are kneaded into the mixture prepared in step [1] above, thereby obtaining a silicone rubber-based curable composition. The obtained silicone rubber-based curable composition may be a paste containing a solvent.

[0190] When kneading components (B) and (E), it is preferable to first knead the mixture prepared in step [1] with the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B), and then knead the mixture prepared in step [1] with platinum or a platinum compound (E), and then knead the respective mixtures together. This ensures that components (A) to (E) are dispersed in the silicone rubber-based curable composition without promoting the reaction between the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B).

[0191] The temperature at which the components (B) and (E) are kneaded is, for example, preferably about 10 to 70°C, more preferably about 25 to 30°C, as the roll temperature.

[0192] Furthermore, the kneading time is, for example, preferably about 5 minutes to 1 hour, and more preferably about 10 to 40 minutes.

[0193] In steps [1] and [2], by maintaining the temperature within the above range, it is possible to more effectively prevent or inhibit the progress of the reaction between the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B). Furthermore, by maintaining the kneading time within the above range in steps [1] and [2], it is possible to more reliably disperse the components (A) to (E) in the silicone rubber-based curable composition.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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 reaction between the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) and the organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) even when the temperature of the kneaded mixture is set relatively high.

[0196] [3] Next, the silicone rubber-based hardening composition is hardened to form a silicone rubber.

[0197] In this embodiment, the curing step of the silicone rubber-based curable resin composition is carried out by, for example, heating at 100 to 250°C for 1 to 30 minutes (primary curing), followed by post-baking at 200°C for 1 to 4 hours (secondary curing).

[0198] By going through the above steps, a silicone rubber consisting of a cured product of the silicone rubber-based curable resin composition is obtained.

[0199] [3] Next, the silicone rubber-based curable composition obtained in step [2] is dissolved in a solvent to obtain an insulating paste. [3] Next, the silicone rubber-based curable composition obtained in step [2] is dissolved in a solvent, and a conductive filler is added to the solution to obtain a conductive paste.

[0200] (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, which may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0201] The lower limit of the boiling point of the high-boiling solvent is, for example, 100°C or higher, preferably 130°C or higher, and more preferably 150°C or higher. This can improve printing stability in screen printing and the like. On the other hand, the upper limit of the boiling point of the high-boiling 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 thermal history during wiring formation, thereby preventing damage to the substrate and maintaining a good shape of the wiring formed from the conductive paste.

[0202] The solvent can be appropriately selected from the viewpoint of the solubility and boiling point of the silicone rubber-based curable resin composition, and may 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.

[0203] 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. Examples of such solvents include ethers 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 that can uniformly dissolve or disperse the components in the conductive paste.

[0204] The above solvents are the polarity term of the Hansen solubility parameters (δ p ) is, for example, 10 MPa 1 / 2 or less, preferably 7 MPa 1 / 2 or less, more preferably 5.5 MPa 1 / 2 The silicone rubber-based curable resin composition may contain a first solvent having the following polarity term (δ) of the first solvent. This makes it possible to improve the dispersibility and solubility of the silicone rubber-based curable 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.

[0205] The hydrogen bond term (δ h ) is, for example, 20 MPa 1 / 2 or less, preferably 10 MPa 1 / 2 More preferably, it is 7 MPa or less. 1 / 2 This allows the silicone rubber-based curable resin composition to have good dispersibility and solubility 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.

[0206] Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) is an index that indicates the solubility of a substance, i.e., how much a substance dissolves in another substance. HSP expresses solubility as a three-dimensional vector. This three-dimensional vector is typically expressed as a dispersion term (δ d ), polarity term (δ p ), hydrogen bond term (δ h ) and those with similar vectors can be judged to have high solubility. The similarity of vectors can be judged by the distance of the Hansen solubility parameter (HSP distance).

[0207] The Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP values) used in this specification can be calculated using software called HSPiP (Hansen Solubility Parameters in Practice). The computer software HSPiP, developed by Hansen and Abbott, includes a function for calculating HSP distances and a database listing the 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: polar term, H: hydrogen bond term, and R0: radius of the solubility sphere.

[0208] As the solvent of this embodiment, for example, one can be selected that has a small difference in HSP distance, polarity term, or hydrogen bond term between the silicone rubber or the structural units that make up the silicone rubber and the solvent.

[0209] 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 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-forming properties. Also, shape retention can be improved even when forming a thick film. On the other hand, the upper limit of the viscosity of the conductive paste and / or insulating paste at room temperature 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.

[0210] 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 thixotropy index is the viscosity ratio (η1 / η5). In this case, the lower limit of the thixotropic 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 thixotropic 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 more easily printed.

[0211] 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.

[0212] (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 alloys thereof, or two or more of these metal powders. Among these, the metal powder (G) preferably contains silver or copper, i.e., silver powder or copper powder, due to their high conductivity and availability. These metal powders (G) may also be coated with other metals.

[0213] Examples of conductive carbon materials include conductive carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and graphene.

[0214] In this embodiment, the shape of the metal powder (G) is not limited, and conventionally used shapes such as dendritic, spherical, scale-like, etc. Among these, scale-like metal powder (G) may be used.

[0215] The particle size of the metal powder (G) is not limited, but 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 even more preferably 20 μm or less. Average particle size D 50 By setting the value of the thickness of the silicone rubber 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, for example, by observing the conductive paste or silicone rubber molded using the conductive paste with a transmission electron microscope or the like and performing image analysis.

[0216] 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 weight of the conductive paste, and 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 weight of the conductive paste. By setting the content of the conductive filler to the above lower limit or more, the silicone rubber can have appropriate conductive properties, and by setting the content of the conductive filler to the above upper limit or less, the silicone rubber can have appropriate flexibility.

[0217] The content of the silicone rubber-based curable 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 curable 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 adjusting the content of the silicone rubber-based curable composition to be equal to or greater than the lower limit, the silicone rubber can have an appropriate degree of flexibility, while by adjusting the content of the silicone rubber-based curable composition to be equal to or less than the upper limit, the mechanical strength of the silicone rubber can be improved.

[0218] 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 achieve a balance between the elastic electrical properties and the mechanical strength of the silicone rubber.

[0219] The lower limit of the content of the conductive filler in the conductive cured product obtained by curing the conductive paste that constitutes the stretchable wire 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 stretchable 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 stretchable wire 130. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in rubber properties such as stretchability.

[0220] (Method of manufacturing a tongue movement measurement device) A method for manufacturing the tongue movement measuring device of this embodiment will be described. An example of a method for manufacturing a tongue movement measuring device may include at least the steps of forming an insulating silicone rubber substrate, forming an elastic wiring on the surface of the insulating silicone rubber substrate, and mounting a pressure sensor on the elastic wiring.

[0221] In the above-mentioned manufacturing method, the processing treatment for imparting a shape to the insulating silicone rubber substrate may be carried out before or after any of the above-mentioned steps, or may be carried out during the step of forming the insulating silicone rubber substrate. For example, the processing treatment may be carried out after the stretchable wiring is formed on the sheet-like insulating silicone rubber substrate, or the stretchable wiring may be formed on the surface of the processed insulating silicone rubber substrate.

[0222] 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 openings. To form gloves and / or finger cots, methods such as stacking two sheets of insulating silicone rubber together to form a desired glove shape can be used. It is also possible to form three-dimensional gloves (back of hand attachment parts) and / or finger cots (tubular finger attachment parts) by immersing a mold in insulating paste and then drying and hardening the insulating paste that adheres to the surface of the mold.

[0223] 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.

[0224] For forming the stretchable wiring, a printing method using a conductive paste containing a silicone rubber-based curable composition is used, but the method is not limited to this. For example, a conductive paste is applied to a sheet of insulating silicone rubber or 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 set appropriately depending on the type and amount of 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. Subsequently, the wiring pattern is cured to form the stretchable wiring. Curing conditions can be set appropriately 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. Next, a pressure sensor is mounted on the stretchable wiring, and they can be electrically connected using a connecting material such as conductive paste or solder material.

[0225] If necessary, an elastic insulating layer may be formed on the elastic wiring to cover the surface thereof. For example, a mask having a predetermined opening pattern is placed, an insulating paste is applied through the mask, and a curing process is performed to form a stretchable insulating layer. Note that the curing process may be performed together with other components (such as stretchable wiring) on ​​the substrate after the insulating paste is applied.

[0226] Then, the pressing mechanism and / or connector are installed, and the tongue movement measuring device is obtained.

[0227] (Tongue movement monitoring system) The tongue movement monitoring system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the tongue movement information processing device 10. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the tongue movement monitoring system 1.

[0228] 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 tongue movement measuring device 100. The tongue movement information processing device 10 of FIG. 4 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. Furthermore, the tongue movement information processing apparatus 10 can be electrically connected to the tongue movement measuring device 100 via a connector 150.

[0229] The tongue movement monitoring system 1 of this embodiment includes at least a tongue movement measuring device 100 and a tongue movement information processing apparatus 10. 5 includes a 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.

[0230] Some or all of the functions of the tongue movement information processing apparatus 10 may be realized in the tongue movement measuring device 100, the terminal 30 (computer), or the server. There is no particular limitation as to which device each functional unit is realized in, and any configuration can be adopted in this embodiment.

[0231] Each functional component of the tongue movement information processing device 10 may be realized by hardware (e.g., hardwired electronic circuits, etc.) that realizes each functional component, or by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of electronic circuits and programs that control them, etc.). Those skilled in the art will understand that there are various variations in the realization methods and devices.

[0232] 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.

[0233] A bus is a data transmission path through which processors, memories, storage devices, input / output interfaces, and network interfaces transmit and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting processors and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection. The processor is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like. The memory is a main storage device realized by RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0234] 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. It stores 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. The processor loads and executes each program module into the memory, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module.

[0235] The input / output interface is an interface for connecting various input / output devices to the tongue movement information processing apparatus 10. For example, the tongue movement information processing apparatus 10 communicates with the tongue movement measuring device 100, the terminal 30, a server, or the like via the input / output interface.

[0236] 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 network interface may be connected to the network 20 by wireless connection or by wired connection. The tongue movement information processing device 10 can communicate with the tongue movement measuring device 100, the terminal 30, or a server via the network interface.

[0237] Here, each function of the tongue movement information processing device 10 will be described.

[0238] Acquiring unit 11 acquires tongue movement information regarding the tongue movement of the subject, such as a sensor signal from pressure sensor 110, sent from tongue movement measuring device 100. For example, acquiring unit 11 can calculate tongue pressure by, for example, dividing the output voltage from pressure sensor 110, which fluctuates depending on the pressure received from the tongue, by the area of ​​the pressure-receiving surface, and may convert the output voltage into a digital signal using an A / D conversion circuit, or may calculate 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.

[0239] 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 the tongue pressure value at a predetermined time, the maximum value, the minimum value, the average value over a predetermined period, the time corresponding to a predetermined value such as the maximum or minimum value, and / or waveform data showing changes therein over time. The tongue pressure distribution information may include information on a plurality of measurement points, and may be a calculated value calculated using an appropriate formula from tongue pressure information such as the sum of tongue pressures within a specified area.

[0240] 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 determines whether the predetermined conditions are appropriate.

[0241] The predetermined conditions can be set appropriately depending on the purpose of measurement, and examples include classification conditions, pass / fail judgment conditions, etc. An example of classification is to classify the degree of success of the infant's sucking into three or more levels.

[0242] The analysis unit 13 stores the analysis results of the tongue function of the subject, such as the pass / fail result of the tongue function of the subject, in the storage unit 12.

[0243] The display unit 31 outputs the tongue movement information and analysis results stored in the storage unit 12. The display unit 31 may be provided in the terminal 30 of Fig. 5 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.

[0244] 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 touch panels, and voice input means. By operating the operation unit, it is possible to start or end various operations of the tongue movement measuring device 100, or to set various operations.

[0245] 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.

[0246] 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 (battery), an indoor power outlet, etc. Among these, the power supply unit may use a portable battery as the power source.

[0247] Furthermore, an example of tongue movement monitoring system 1 may be configured such that tongue movement measuring device 100 includes at least communication unit 14, and terminal 30 includes at least analysis unit 13 and display unit 31. Other functions are realized within tongue movement measuring device 100, terminal 30 (computer), or server, respectively. The tongue movement measuring device 100 equipped with 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 for wireless communication connection with another device via the wirelessly connectable network interface. This makes it possible to externally communicate the tongue movement information of the subject measured by tongue movement measuring device 100 and use or utilize that information, facilitating measurement on the go or at home. Furthermore, because flexible substrate 120 is made of silicone rubber having the above-mentioned tear strength, damage to flexible substrate 120 can be suppressed even if the above-mentioned hardware is installed on flexible substrate 120.

[0248] The tongue movement monitoring method of this embodiment can monitor tongue movement using 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 tongue movement measuring device 100. The tongue movement monitoring method may also include a step of determining whether the predetermined conditions are met based on the obtained tongue movement information.

[0249] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations may be adopted. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the present invention. [Example]

[0250] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the descriptions of these examples.

[0251] The raw material ingredients 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)

[0252] (Organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B)) (B-1): Organohydrogenpolysiloxane: Momentive Corporation, "TC-25D"

[0253] (Silica particles (C)) (C): Silica microparticles (particle size 7 nm, specific surface area 300 m 2 / g), Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd., "AEROSIL300"

[0254] (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)"

[0255] (Platinum or platinum compounds (E)) (E-1): Platinum compound (manufactured by Momentive, product name "TC-25A")

[0256] (Water(F)) (F):Pure water

[0257] (Metal powder (G)) (G1): Silver powder, manufactured by Tokuriki Chemical Laboratory Co., Ltd., product name "TC-101", median diameter d50 :8.0μm, aspect ratio 16.4, average major axis 4.6μm

[0258] (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). Specifically, 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 condenser and stirring blade and purged with Ar gas, and the mixture was heated to 120° C. and stirred for 30 minutes. An increase in viscosity was confirmed during this time. The temperature was then raised to 155°C and stirring was continued for 3 hours, after which 0.1 g (0.6 mmol) of 1,3-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane was added and the mixture was further stirred at 155°C for 4 hours. After another 4 hours, the mixture was diluted with 250 mL of toluene and washed three times with water. The washed organic layer was reprecipitated and purified by washing with 1.5 L of methanol several times, and the oligomer and polymer were separated. The resulting polymer was dried under reduced pressure at 60°C overnight 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 by H-NMR spectroscopy was 0.04 mol %.

[0259] [ka]

[0260] [Synthesis Scheme 2: Synthesis of Second Vinyl-Containing Linear Organopolysiloxane (A1-2)] A second vinyl-containing linear organopolysiloxane (A1-2) was synthesized as shown in formula (6) below, by the same procedure as in the synthesis of (A1-1) above, except that 0.86 g (2.5 mmol) of 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane was used in addition to 74.7 g (252 mmol) of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane. Furthermore, the vinyl group content calculated by H-NMR spectroscopy was 0.92 mol%.

[0261] [ka]

[0262] (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 adding the silica particles (C) was carried out through two steps: a first step of kneading for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere at 60 to 90°C for the coupling reaction, and a second step of kneading for 2 hours under a reduced pressure atmosphere at 160 to 180°C for the removal of the by-product (ammonia).The mixture was then cooled, and the remaining 10% of the vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) was added in two portions, followed by kneading for 20 minutes. Next, organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B), platinum or a platinum compound (E) were added to 100 parts by weight of the obtained kneaded product (silicone rubber compound) in the proportions shown in Table 2 below, and the mixture was kneaded with a roll to obtain a silicone rubber-based curable composition.

[0263] (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.

[0264] (Preparation of conductive paste) 13.7 parts by weight of the obtained silicone rubber-based curable composition of Sample 2 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 then kneaded with a triple roll mill to obtain conductive paste 1.

[0265] [Table 1]

[0266] [Example 1] (Production of tongue movement measurement device) The obtained silicone rubber-based curable composition of Sample 3 was pressed at 170°C and 10 MPa for 10 minutes to form a sheet with a thickness of 300 μm, and then subjected to primary curing. Subsequently, secondary curing was performed at 200°C for 4 hours to obtain one A4-sized sheet of silicone rubber (cured product of the silicone rubber-based curable composition). Next, using the obtained conductive paste 1, eight wiring patterns with a width of 0.5 mm and a thickness of 40 μm were drawn on one side (outer surface) of the sheet-shaped silicone rubber through a mask having a predetermined pattern, and then dried at 140°C for 30 minutes to form eight wiring patterns. Next, the obtained insulating paste was used to form a coating film on eight wiring patterns through a mask having a predetermined pattern, and dried at 140°C for 30 minutes to form a cover part pattern with a thickness of 50 μm. However, openings were formed in the cover part 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 four corresponding wiring patterns (power supply, GND (common to the two pressure sensors), output signal (+), output signal (-)), and these were adhered with the above-mentioned conductive paste 1, dried and hardened at 150°C for two hours. This hardening process formed stretchable wiring from the eight wiring patterns, formed a stretchable cover from the cover pattern, and electrically joined each stretchable wiring to each pressure sensor. The silicone rubber sheet was punched out into a roughly rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 1 to form a flexible substrate sheet. Furthermore, a pressure mechanism (a pressure plate inserted into the slide groove of the housing) was fixed to the tip of the sheet-like flexible substrate using an acrylic resin material (Rockwell hardness: 105, Young's modulus: 3 GPa) using a 3D printer, as shown in Figure 2(a)(b). Two pressure sensors were attached to the flexible substrate, which had a surface area of ​​100 mm. 2 The substrate was covered with a pressure plate having a curved surface. Thereafter, the rear end side of the sheet-like flexible substrate was directly fixed to the connector for the flexible substrate. As described above, the tongue movement measuring device of Example 1 was produced. 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.

[0267] [Example 2] The tongue movement measuring device of Example 2 was fabricated in the same manner as Example 1, except that a pressing mechanism having a cantilever-structured pressing plate as shown in Figures 3(a) and (b) was used, molded from an acrylic resin material.

[0268] (hardness) The above silicone rubber sheet was used as a test piece. The above test pieces were stacked to a thickness of 6 mm, and the durometer hardness A of the resulting sheet-like test piece at 25° C. was measured in accordance with JIS K6253 (1997). (tear strength) Using the above test piece, 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 specimens were used to measure the elongation at break in accordance with JIS K6251 (2004). The elongation at break was calculated by [movement distance between chucks (mm)] ÷ [initial distance between chucks (35 mm)] × 100. The unit is %.

[0269] The silicone rubber sheet used for the flexible substrate 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 volume resistance of the elastic wiring of the tongue movement measurement device at 25°C was 3.2 × 10 -4 The resistance 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.

[0270] [Comparative Example 1] A tongue movement measuring device for Comparative Example 1 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no pressing mechanism was installed and a 0.5 mm thick urethane rubber sheet (commercially available) with a hardness of 70 was used instead of the above-mentioned sheet-shaped silicone rubber.

[0271] [Reference example 1] The tongue movement measuring device of Reference Example 1 was prepared in the same manner as Example 1, except that when connecting to the connector for the flexible substrate, instead of directly fixing the rear end side of the flexible substrate to the connector for the flexible substrate as was done in Example 1, the two were electrically connected via the flexible substrate.

[0272] The obtained tongue movement measurement device was evaluated for the following items.

[0273] <Stretching durability> The obtained tongue movement measuring devices of Examples 1 and 2 were subjected to 10 repeated stretching operations in which the expandable wires were stretched by 20% in the extending direction, and the resistance between the wires was measured over time. It was confirmed that the resistance between the wires could be measured even after the extension operation in the tongue movement measuring devices of Examples 1 and 2. The resistance was measured in an environment of 25°C. Furthermore, it was confirmed that in the tongue movement measuring devices of Examples 1 and 2, separation of the flexible substrate and the stretchable wiring did not occur even after repeated stretching operations.

[0274] <Tongue movement measurement> (Development of a tongue movement monitoring system) The elastic wiring of the obtained tongue movement measurement device was electrically connected to a personal computer via an A / D conversion circuit (sampling frequency: 100 Hz, quantization resolution: 10 bit), and a tongue movement monitoring system was created.

[0275] (characteristic 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. Using the above tongue movement monitoring system, it was confirmed that it was 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.

[0276] (Subject tongue movement monitoring) After attaching the tongue movement measurement device to the examiner's little finger, the examiner inserted the 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. It was confirmed that when a subject moved their tongue, the external force (pressure) from the tongue movement could be monitored over time. The tongue movement measuring devices of Examples 1 and 2 and Reference Example 1 were used with the pressing mechanism fixed to the nail of the examiner's (human's) little finger using double-sided tape. The tongue movement measuring device of Comparative Example 1 was used with the urethane rubber sheet fixed to the nail of the little finger using double-sided tape.

[0277] (Evaluation of sensor reactivity) A rubber piece that simulates the softness of a tongue was attached to the tip of the force gauge, and a test was conducted in which a constant force was applied to the sensor. In Examples 1 and 2 and Reference Example 1, the force was applied to the pressure plate of the pressure mechanism, and in Comparative Example 1, the force was applied directly to the pressure sensor. It was confirmed that the tongue movement measuring devices of Examples 1 and 2 and Reference Example 1 showed a smaller deviation between the applied force and the output voltage than Comparative Example 1.

[0278] (Noise suppression evaluation) After attaching the tongue movement measurement device to the examiner's little finger, the examiner inserted the little finger into the oral cavity of the subject (adult, male, 38 years old), and the pressure sensor placed on the fingertip was placed on the surface of the subject's tongue, and the responsiveness when the subject moved his tongue was evaluated multiple times. It was confirmed that the tongue movement measuring devices of Examples 1 and 2 showed values ​​with less noise than Reference Example 1, and were able to measure tongue pressure stably.

[0279] The tongue movement measuring devices of Examples 1 and 2 showed results in which the sensor reactivity was higher than that of Comparative Example 1, and therefore the measurement stability was better. Furthermore, the tongue movement measuring devices of Examples 1 and 2 showed better measurement stability than Reference Example 1 because noise was suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0280] 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 devices 31 Display section 100 Tongue movement measurement device 110 Pressure Sensor 110a pressure sensor 110b Pressure sensor 120 Flexible Substrate 130 Stretchable wiring 150 Connector 160 Pressing mechanism 161 Pressure plate 162 Pressure plate 163 Storage Unit 164 Slide groove 165 Back side 166 Inside 200 moves 203 fingers 204 A 210 Nails

Claims

1. A tongue movement measuring device for measuring tongue movement of a subject, a sheet-like flexible substrate; a plurality of pressure sensors provided on the tip side of the flexible substrate; A plurality of elastic wires provided on the flexible substrate and electrically connected to the pressure sensor; a pressing mechanism fixed to the flexible substrate, the pressing mechanism has a plurality of pressing plates that are independently movable in a thickness direction of the flexible substrate so as to press one of the plurality of pressure sensors when pressed by the tongue of the subject; Tongue movement measurement device.

2. A tongue movement measuring device for measuring tongue movement of a subject, a flexible substrate having at least a rear end side in a sheet shape; a plurality of pressure sensors provided on the tip side of the flexible substrate; A plurality of elastic wires provided on the flexible substrate and electrically connected to the pressure sensor; A flexible substrate connector that fixes the rear end side of the flexible substrate and electrically connects to the plurality of stretchable wirings. Tongue movement measurement device.

3. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the pressing mechanism has a storage section that stores the flexible substrate, and a plurality of the pressing plates that are fixed to the storage section with their movement restricted in a direction along the surface of the flexible substrate.

4. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 3, A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the pressing mechanism has a slide groove in the accommodation section, and the multiple pressing plates are assembled so as to be slidable in the slide groove.

5. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 3, A tongue movement measuring device in which the multiple pressure plates have a cantilever structure made up of an elastic member protruding from the storage section, and flex and deform in response to changes in pressure from the subject's tongue.

6. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the plurality of pressure sensors are installed on the surface of the flexible substrate or on the inner surface of the pressure plate.

7. 3. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the thickness of the flexible substrate is 20 μm or more and 2 mm or less.

8. 3. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the durometer hardness A of the flexible substrate is 10 or more and 80 or less.

9. 3. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the tear strength of the flexible substrate is 25 N / mm or more.

10. 3. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A tongue movement measuring device, wherein the flexible substrate comprises insulating silicone rubber.

11. 3. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A tongue movement measuring device, wherein each of the plurality of stretchable wires includes conductive silicone rubber.

12. 3. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A tongue movement measuring device, wherein each of the plurality of stretchable wirings is made of a printed conductive paste containing a conductive filler and silicone rubber.

13. 3. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1, A tongue movement measuring device comprising an elastic insulating layer covering the surfaces of the plurality of elastic wirings.

14. A set of a tongue movement measuring device and a wearing tool, 3. The tongue movement measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, which is used to measure tongue movement of a subject, The wearing tool fixes the tongue movement measuring device to a finger of a measurer. A set of tongue movement measurement device and attachment.

15. A set of the tongue movement measuring device and the wearing attachment according to claim 14, A set of a tongue movement measuring device and a wearing attachment, wherein the wearing attachment includes one or more selected from the group consisting of a finger cot, a fixing ring, and a double-sided adhesive sheet.

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