Biopotential measurement device

Abstract

To provide a biopotential measurement device that can stably connect electrode sheets and devices, regardless of dimensional variations, warping, or tilting. [Solution] The biopotential measuring device 1 comprises an electrode sheet 10 for acquiring biological signals, a device 20 having a contact portion 21 connected to the electrode sheet 10, and a substrate portion 22 electrically connected to the electrode sheet 10 via the contact portion 21, wherein the contact portion 21 is provided with a spring-movable movable terminal 40 at least one end on the electrode sheet 10 side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bioelectric potential measurement device.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a biological information output device that is attached to the skin of a subject to detect an electrical biological signal generated in the subject's body from the skin and outputs biological information obtained by processing the biological signal.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above biological information output device (bioelectric potential measurement device), a housing (device) and a mounting sheet (electrode sheet) are connected by a substantially C-shaped housing holder (connecting member). However, if there are variations in dimensions, warping, inclination, etc. in at least one of the housing, the mounting sheet, and the housing holder, the connection between the housing and the mounting sheet may become unstable. <s

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a bioelectric potential measurement device that can stably connect an electrode sheet and a device without being affected by variations in dimensions, warping, inclination, etc.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) A biopotential measuring device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an electrode sheet for acquiring a biological signal, a contact portion connected to the electrode sheet, and a substrate portion electrically connected to the electrode sheet via the contact portion, wherein the contact portion is provided with a spring-movable movable terminal at least at one end on the electrode sheet side.

[0007] According to the biopotential measuring device of this embodiment, the contact portion connected to the electrode sheet that acquires the biosignal is equipped with a movable terminal that moves with a spring, so even if there are variations in dimensions, warping, or tilting, these can be absorbed by the movement of the movable terminal. Therefore, the electrode sheet and the device can be connected stably.

[0008] (2): In the biopotential measuring device according to the embodiment of (1), the contact portion may have the movable terminals at one end on the electrode sheet side and at the other end on the substrate side.

[0009] In this case, even if there are dimensional variations, warping, or tilting on the substrate side as well as the electrode sheet side, these can be absorbed by the movement of the movable terminals.

[0010] (3) In a biopotential measuring device according to embodiment (1) or (2), the electrode sheet is provided with an electrode-side terminal portion to which one end of the contact portion is connected, and the electrode-side terminal portion may be larger than the movable terminal portion in a plan view as seen from the connection direction of the contact portion.

[0011] In this case, even if the movable terminal is small, the large size of the electrode-side terminal allows it to absorb displacement in the planar direction, making it easier to accommodate misalignment of the electrode sheet.

[0012] (4): In a biopotential measuring device according to any one of the embodiments of (1) to (3), the substrate portion includes a substrate-side terminal portion to which the other end of the contact portion is connected, and the substrate-side terminal portion may be larger than the movable terminal portion in a plan view as seen from the connection direction of the contact portion.

[0013] In this case, even if the movable terminal is small, the large size of the terminal portion on the circuit board allows it to absorb displacement in the planar direction, making it easier to accommodate positional misalignment of the circuit board.

[0014] (5) In a biopotential measuring device according to any one of the embodiments of (1) to (4), the device has a housing portion for housing the contact portion, and the housing portion may have a fitting hole formed therein for fitting the contact portion and exposing one end of the contact portion to the outside of the device.

[0015] In this case, the exposure of contact points from the device can be minimized, thereby enhancing the device's waterproofing effect.

[0016] (6) In a biopotential measuring device according to any one of the embodiments of (2) to (5), the device includes a boss portion into which the substrate portion is movably engaged in the connection direction of the contact portion, and the boss portion may be provided higher than the movable stroke of the movable terminal at the other end of the contact portion.

[0017] In this case, even if the circuit board is pushed back by the spring bias of the movable terminal before it is fixed to the device, the circuit board can be prevented from coming off the boss portion, thus maintaining its position.

[0018] (7) A biopotential measuring device according to any one embodiment of (1) to (6) may be provided with a connecting member that connects the electrode sheet to one end of the contact portion by sandwiching the electrode sheet between itself and the device.

[0019] In this case, by inserting an electrode sheet between the device and the connecting member, the electrode sheet can be reliably connected to the contact portion of the device.

[0020] (8) In a biopotential measuring device according to any one of the embodiments of (1) to (7), the device may include a contact portion and an opposing portion that faces each other with the electrode sheet in between.

[0021] In this case, by providing the device with an integrated opposing part, the number of components can be reduced compared to attaching the connection member as a separate part, and the connection stability between the electrode sheet and the device can be enhanced.

[0022] (9): In the biopotential measurement device according to any one of aspects (1) to (8), the movable terminal may include a cylindrical portion, a pin portion movably accommodated in the cylindrical portion, and a biasing portion that biases the pin portion from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical portion.

[0023] In this case, variations in dimensions, warpage, inclination, etc. can be absorbed by the pin portion that protrudes and retracts from the inside of the cylindrical portion.

[0024] (10): In the biopotential measurement device according to aspect (9), the contact portion may be formed by arranging movable pins including the cylindrical portion, the pin portion, and the biasing portion in series in the connection direction of the contact portion.

[0025] In this case, by arranging those with a pin portion on one side in series, it acts in the same way as those with pin portions on both sides, so the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[0026] (11): In the biopotential measurement device according to any one of aspects (1) to (8), the movable terminal may be a leaf spring.

[0027] In this case, the contact portion can be formed at a low cost.

[0028] (12): In the biopotential measurement device according to any one of aspects (1) to (8), the movable terminal may be a coil spring.

[0029] In this case, the contact portion can be formed at a low cost.

[0030] (13): In the biopotential measurement device according to any one of aspects (1) to (8), a plurality of contact portions including the movable terminal may be provided.

[0031] In this case, since multiple contact points move individually, the electrode sheet and the multiple contact points can be stably connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention described above, a biopotential measuring device can be provided that can stably connect an electrode sheet and a device without being affected by dimensional variations, warping, tilting, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the use of the biopotential measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of a biopotential measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view along the short direction of the biopotential measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the device with the device cover removed according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows a VV cross-sectional view. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the electrode sheet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a bottom view of the main part of the substrate according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the operation of the contact portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view along the short direction of the biopotential measuring device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view along the short direction of the biopotential measuring device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view along the short direction of the biopotential measuring device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view along the short direction of the biopotential measuring device according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example of the use of the biopotential measurement device 1 according to the first embodiment. The biopotential measuring device 1 is attached to a living body 100 and measures the biological signals of that living body 100. In the example shown in Figure 1, the biopotential measuring device 1 is attached to the arm of the living body 100 and measures the electromyographic potential generated when muscle cells contract through the skin of the arm. In addition, the biopotential measuring device 1 may also measure other biological signals besides electromyographic potential, such as electrocardiograms.

[0036] The biopotential measurement device 1 comprises an electrode sheet 10 for acquiring biological signals, a device 20 connected to the electrode sheet 10, and a connecting member 30 for connecting the electrode sheet 10 to the device 20. The electrode sheet 10 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. The skin-facing side of the electrode sheet 10 is an adhesive surface, allowing it to maintain its attachment even during exercise. Furthermore, the biopotential measurement device 1 is small and lightweight as a whole to provide a low-impact wearing experience.

[0037] In the following explanation, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system will be established, and the positional relationships of each component will be described with reference to this XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The X-axis direction is set along the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet 10. The Y-axis direction is set along the short-side direction of the electrode sheet 10. The Z-axis direction is set along the thickness direction of the electrode sheet 10.

[0038] For the sake of explanation, the side of the electrode sheet 10 facing the device 20 may be referred to as the upper side (+Z side), and the side opposite the device 20 may be referred to as the lower side (-Z side). Note that the +Z side does not necessarily have to be the upper side in the direction of gravity.

[0039] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the biopotential measurement device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the biopotential measurement device 1 according to the first embodiment, along the short direction. As shown in these figures, the biopotential measuring device 1 is configured to have an electrode sheet 10 sandwiched between the device 20 and the connecting member 30.

[0040] The electrode sheet 10 is, for example, a flexible printed circuit board having a sheet-like substrate that is elastically deformable and electrically insulating. The substrate of the electrode sheet 10 is formed from, for example, polyimide or urethane. The electrode sheet 10 has a plurality (three in this embodiment) conductive parts 11. The conductive parts 11 may be formed from transparent electrodes.

[0041] Each conductive portion 11 comprises electrode portions 11A to 11C, wiring portions 12A to 12C, and electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C. The electrode portions 11A to 11C are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. However, the electrode portions 11A to 11C may be formed in a polygon other than a circle, ellipse, or square when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The electrode portions 11A to 11C are arranged in a single row with spacing between them in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet 10.

[0042] The electrode portions 11A to 11C are exposed on the lower side (-Z side) of the electrode sheet 10 and come into contact with the living body 100. The electrode portions 11A to 11C may be dry electrodes or wet electrodes. In the case of wet electrodes, the electrode portions 11A to 11C come into contact with the skin with a medium such as gel interposed therebetween.

[0043] The wiring sections 12A to 12C are formed on the upper surface (+Z side) of the electrode sheet 10. Wiring section 12A connects the electrode section 11A and the electrode-side terminal section 14A. Wiring section 12B connects the electrode section 11B and the electrode-side terminal section 14B. Wiring section 12C connects the electrode section 11C and the electrode-side terminal section 14C.

[0044] The electrode sheet 10 has a shape that corresponds to the fitting portion 32 (described later) of the connecting member 30. Specifically, the electrode sheet 10 has a constricted portion 13 through which the fitting portion 32 is positioned. The constricted portion 13 is formed in pairs on the outer edge in the short direction. In the constricted portion 13, the width of the electrode sheet 10 in the short direction is locally reduced. Alternatively, instead of the constricted portion 13, through holes may be provided in the electrode sheet 10 so that the fitting portion 32 can be positioned through them.

[0045] The electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C are formed on the upper surface (+Z side) of the electrode sheet 10. The electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction and staggered in the X-axis direction between the pair of constricted portions 13. Specifically, the electrode-side terminal portion 14C is positioned on the -X side relative to the electrode-side terminal portions 14A and 14B. This prevents incorrect mounting due to incorrect orientation of the electrode sheet 10. Note that the electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C only need to be positioned in the locations corresponding to the three contact portions 21 described later.

[0046] The device 20 has a contact portion 21 that is connected to the electrode sheet 10. The device 20 comprises a substrate portion 22 (see Figure 3) that is electrically connected to the electrode sheet 10 via the contact portion 21, a device case 23 that houses the substrate portion 22, and a device cover 24 (see Figure 3) that covers the device case 23. One end of the contact portion 21 on the electrode sheet 10 side (-Z side) protrudes downward (-Z side) from the device 20. This makes it easier to connect the contact portion 21 to the electrode sheet 10, which is soft (easily released under pressure).

[0047] As shown in Figure 2, there are three contact points 21 (contact points 21A to 21C) corresponding to the number and arrangement of the electrode-side terminals 14A to 14C. Specifically, contact point 21A is connected to electrode-side terminal 14A. Contact point 21B is connected to electrode-side terminal 14B. Contact point 21C is connected to electrode-side terminal 14C.

[0048] Device 20 measures the electromyographic potential (EMG) from the potential difference measured by two of the electrode sections 11A to 11C via contact sections 21A to 21C. Furthermore, Device 20 uses the potential measured by the remaining electrode section 11A to 11C as a reference to remove noise contained in the EMG. Specifically, when electrode sections 11A and 11B are used as measurement electrodes and electrode section 11C is used as a reference electrode, first, a first difference signal (the difference between the signals of electrode section 11A and electrode section 11C) and a second difference signal (the difference between the signals of electrode section 11B and electrode section 11C) are calculated. Next, the difference between the first difference signal and the second difference signal is calculated. This allows for the removal of components other than the target EMG. Alternatively, the signal component common to both electrode 11A and electrode 11B is calculated, and a waveform with the opposite phase of that signal is applied to the skin from electrode 11C, thereby removing noise from the signals measured by electrode 11A and electrode 11B. As a result, the electromyographic potential obtained from the difference between electrode 11A and electrode 11B can also be measured with noise removed.

[0049] The above processing is performed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, input / output circuits, IC chips, and other electronic components provided on the circuit board 22, based on a pre-stored program. The device 20 further includes a communication device for wireless communication with an external device, a power supply unit 50 (see Figure 4) for supplying power to each electronic component, and charging terminals 26 for charging the power supply unit 50. The power supply unit 50 is, for example, a secondary battery, which is electrically connected to a pair of charging terminals 26 via the circuit board 22.

[0050] The device case 23 is, for example, a resin molded part and is formed in the shape of a rectangular box. The upper side (+Z) of the device case 23 is open, and this opening is covered by the device cover 24 (see Figure 3). As shown in Figure 2, the device case 23 has an opening 25 formed on its bottom surface facing downwards (-Z side), into which the fitting portion 32 of the connecting member 30 can be inserted. The openings 25 are provided in pairs, sandwiching the contact portions 21A to 21C in the short direction.

[0051] Furthermore, a step 27 corresponding to the thickness of the connecting member 30 in the Z-axis direction is formed on the bottom surface of the device case 23, on the -X side of the contact portions 21A to 21C and the opening 25. Also, on the bottom surface of the device case 23, a pair of hexagonal holes 28 are formed spaced apart in the short direction, for hexagonal nuts (not shown) that are used to fix the device case 23 and the device cover 24. The device case 23 and the device cover 24 are fastened together by a bolt (not shown) inserted from the device cover 24 side and screwed into the hexagonal nut in the hexagonal hole 28.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the connecting member 30 connects the conductive portion 11 of the electrode sheet 10 to the contact portion 21 by sandwiching the electrode sheet 10 between itself and the device 20. The connecting member 30 comprises an opposing portion 31 that faces the contact portion 21 and the electrode sheet 10, a fitting portion 32 that fits into the device 20, and an extended portion 33 that extends laterally beyond the side end face of the electrode sheet 10 in the short direction (Y-axis direction).

[0053] The opposing portion 31, the fitting portion 32, and the extension portion 33 are integrated by resin molding or the like. The connecting member 30 is preferably made of a springy material, but may be made of a metal material as long as insulation from the electrode sheet 10 can be ensured. As shown in Figure 2, the opposing portion 31 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate extending along the Y-axis. At least a part of the opposing portion 31 may be transparent. With this configuration, the connection status between the electrode sheet 10 and the contact portion 21 can be visualized.

[0054] The mating portion 32 is formed in pairs at both ends of the opposing portion 31 in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Figure 3, the mating portion 32 is formed in a substantially inverted U-shape that protrudes upward (+Z side). A mating claw 32a is formed on the side of the mating portion 32 facing outward in the Y-axis direction. The mating claw 32a has a shape similar to the corner formed by the hypotenuse and base of a right-angled triangle. Note that the shape of the mating claw 32a is just an example, and the lower surface (base) of the mating claw 32a may be changed to a slope to facilitate easy removal of the connecting member 30 from the device 20.

[0055] The mating portion 32 elastically deforms inward in the Y-axis direction, allowing the mating claw 32a to move inward in the Y-axis direction. The extension portion 33 is formed at the Y-axis outer end of the mating portion 32 on the +Y side. The extension portion 33 is formed in a flat plate shape that extends along the Y-axis direction. When the mating portion 32 is mated to the device 20, the extension portion 33 extends laterally beyond the side end face of the electrode sheet 10 in the short direction (Y-axis direction). With this configuration, it becomes easier to remove the biopotential measuring device 1 (especially the electrode sheet 10 attached to the skin) from the body by placing a finger on the extension portion 33.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, the device 20 has a mating portion 25a into which the mating portion 32 fits. The mating portion 25a is formed on the inside of the opening 25 of the device case 23. Specifically, the mating portion 25a is formed on the inner surface of the short-side wall of the device case 23. The mating portion 25a has a shape that is recessed outward in the Y-axis direction. The mating portion 25a has a sloped surface into which the mating claw 32a fits in order to facilitate the removal of the connecting member 30, but it may also be a horizontal surface.

[0057] The contact portion 21 has conductivity to electrically connect the electrode sheet 10 and the substrate portion 22. The contact portion 21 is provided with a spring-movable movable terminal 40 at least at one end on the electrode sheet 10 side (-Z side). In this embodiment, the contact portion 21 is provided with a movable terminal 40 at one end on the electrode sheet 10 side (-Z side) and at the other end on the substrate portion 22 side (+Z side). In other words, both ends of the contact portion 21 are movable terminals 40.

[0058] The movable terminal 40 comprises a pin portion 41, a cylindrical portion 42, and a biasing portion (not shown). The pin portion 41 is, for example, cylindrical with a hemispherical or dome-shaped tip. The pin portion 41 is movably housed inside the cylindrical portion 42. The cylindrical portion 42 is, for example, cylindrical extending in the Z-axis direction with both ends open. A flange 43 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 42.

[0059] The biasing part is, for example, a coil spring and is housed inside the cylindrical part 42. The biasing part biases the pin part 41 from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical part 42. The dashed line in the figure shows the state before the pin part 41 is pressed against the electrode sheet 10, the connecting member 30, and the substrate part 22. The biasing part is not limited to a coil spring; it may be a disc spring, a leaf spring, or the like, as long as it can bias the pin part 41.

[0060] The device case 23 has a housing portion 23a that houses the contact portion 21. The housing portion 23a is positioned between a pair of openings 25. The housing portion 23a is formed in a box shape that opens upward. A fitting hole 23c is formed at the bottom of the housing portion 23a, which fits onto the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 42, exposing the lower end of the cylindrical portion 42 and the pin portion 41 to the outside of the device 20. The flange 43 has a larger outer diameter than the fitting hole 23c and contacts the bottom surface of the housing portion 23a, thereby restricting the cylindrical portion 42 from coming out downward.

[0061] The circuit board portion 22 is equipped with a circuit board terminal portion 29 to which the +Z side end of the contact portion 21 is connected. There are three circuit board terminal portions 29 (circuit board terminal portions 29A to 29C) corresponding to the number and arrangement of the contact portions 21A to 21C (see Figure 7). Specifically, the circuit board terminal portion 29A is connected to the contact portion 21A. The circuit board terminal portion 29B is connected to the contact portion 21B. The circuit board terminal portion 29C is connected to the contact portion 21C.

[0062] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device 20 with the device cover 24 removed according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of VV shown in Figure 4. As shown in these figures, the device 20 (device case 23) is provided with boss portions 51 into which the substrate portion 22 is movably engaged in the connection direction (Z-axis direction) of the contact portion 21. The boss portions 51 are provided in pairs, spaced apart in the short-side direction (Y-axis direction). The boss portions 51 are formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, the boss portion 51 is erected on the opening edge of the housing portion 23a. A cover piece 23b is placed around the housing portion 23a. The cover piece 23b closes the opening 25 into which the connecting member 30 is inserted, and is bent into a crank shape as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The substrate portion 22 is housed in the device case 23, resting on the cover piece 23b. The boss portion 51 is positioned either through the cover piece 23b or offset in the X-axis direction.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4, the substrate portion 22 has a first engagement hole 22a into which the boss portion 51 is inserted, and a second engagement hole 22b into which a boss portion (not shown) of the device cover 24 is inserted. As shown in Figure 3, the device cover 24 has a pressing portion 24a that presses the outer edge of the substrate portion 22 toward the cover piece 23b. In this state, the device cover 24 is fixed to the device case 23 with bolts, thereby maintaining the connection between the contact portion 21 and the substrate-side terminal portion 29.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, the boss portion 51 is set higher than the movable stroke S1 of the movable terminal 40 at the +Z side end of the contact portion 21. Specifically, the height H1 from the mounting surface of the lid piece 23b on which the substrate portion 22 is placed to the tip of the boss portion 51 is greater than the movable stroke S1 of the movable terminal 40. This prevents the substrate portion 22 from coming off the boss portion 51 even if the substrate portion 22 is pushed back to the +Z side by the biasing force of the spring of the movable terminal 40 before the device case 23 is fixed. Note that the substrate portion 22 may be replaced depending on the type of sensor mounted on the device 20, so the above configuration is useful not only when assembling the device 20 but also when replacing the substrate portion 22.

[0066] Figure 6 is a plan view of the electrode sheet 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the electrode sheet 10 is provided with electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C to which one end of the contact portion 21 on the -Z side is connected. The electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C are larger than the movable terminal 40 when viewed in a plan view from the connection direction (Z-axis direction) of the contact portion 21. Specifically, the electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C are formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pin portion 41 of the movable terminal 40. Although the electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C shown in Figure 6 are circular, they may also be elliptical, quadrilateral, or other polygonal in shape.

[0067] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the main part of the substrate portion 22 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the electrode sheet 10 is provided with substrate-side terminal portions 29A to 29C to which the other end of the substrate portion 22 on the +Z side is connected. The substrate-side terminal portions 29A to 29C are larger than the movable terminal 40 when viewed in a plan view from the connection direction (Z-axis direction) of the contact portion 21. Specifically, the substrate-side terminal portions 29A to 29C are formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pin portion 41 of the movable terminal 40. Although the substrate-side terminal portions 29A to 29C shown in Figure 6 are circular, they may also be elliptical, quadrilateral, or other polygonal in shape.

[0068] To assemble the biopotential measuring device 1 with the above configuration, first, as shown in Figure 2, insert the pair of fitting portions 32 of the connecting member 30 into the constricted portion 13 of the electrode sheet 10. This allows the electrode sheet 10 to be connected to the device 20 while it is in position. Next, insert the pair of fitting portions 32 that have passed through the electrode sheet 10 into the pair of openings 25 of the device case 23.

[0069] As the pair of fitting portions 32 pass through the opening 25, they elastically deform inward in the Y-axis direction due to the slanted edges shown in Figure 3. After passing through the opening 25, the pair of fitting portions 32 deform back to their original shape and fit into the fitted portion 25a formed on the inside of the opening 25. As a result, the connecting member 30 is connected to the device 20 with the electrode sheet 10 sandwiched between them.

[0070] The opposing portion 31 of the connecting member 30 connects the electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C of the electrode sheet 10 to the contact portions 21A to 21C of the device 20. Here, the constricted portions 13 of the electrode sheet 10 are provided in pairs, and in a plan view, the electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C are positioned between the pair of constricted portions 13, so that misalignment between the electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C and the contact portions 21A to 21C can be suppressed. In other words, misalignment can be suppressed by designing the positional relationship between the constricted portions 13 and the mating portion 32 with high precision. The gap between the constricted portions 13 and the mating portion 32 should be narrower than the tolerance for misalignment between the electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C and the contact portions 21A to 21C. The tolerance for misalignment refers to the size of the gap that is sufficient to ensure electrical conductivity (connection) between the electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C and the contact portions 21A to 21C.

[0071] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the contact portion 21 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the biopotential measuring device 1 according to this embodiment has a contact portion 21 that is electrically connected to the electrode sheet 10 and the substrate portion 22, and is equipped with a movable terminal 40 that is movable by a spring. Therefore, for example, even if the substrate portion 22 is tilted as shown by the dashed line in Figure 8, the tilt can be absorbed by the movement of the movable terminal 40. Also, for example, even if the opposing portion 31 of the connecting member 30 is warped as shown by the dashed line in Figure 8, the warp can be absorbed by the movement of the movable terminal 40. Furthermore, even if there are dimensional variations in the substrate portion 22, connecting member 30, electrode sheet 10, device case 23, device cover 24, etc., these dimensional variations can be absorbed by the movement of the movable terminal 40. However, when measuring the biological signal of a living body 100 with the biopotential measuring device 1, for example, the arm portion of the living body 100 shown in Figure 1 is easily deformed by muscle movement, so the electrode sheet 10 may also move. With the above configuration, even when the living organism 100 moves, the movement of the movable terminal 40 ensures reliable electrical contact with the electrode sheet 10, making it more effective when measuring the electromyographic potential of the living organism 100.

[0072] As described above, the biopotential measuring device 1 according to this embodiment comprises an electrode sheet 10 for acquiring biological signals, a device 20 having a contact portion 21 connected to the electrode sheet 10, and a substrate portion 22 electrically connected to the electrode sheet 10 via the contact portion 21. The contact portion 21 is provided with a spring-movable movable terminal 40 at least one end on the electrode sheet 10 side. With this configuration, even if there are variations in dimensions, warping, tilting, etc., these can be absorbed by the movement of the movable terminal 40, and the electrode sheet 10 and the device 20 can be stably connected.

[0073] Furthermore, in the biopotential measuring device 1 of this embodiment, the contact portion 21 is provided with movable terminals 40 at one end on the electrode sheet 10 side and at the other end on the substrate portion 22 side. With this configuration, even if there are dimensional variations, warping, tilting, etc. on the substrate portion 22 side as well as the electrode sheet 10 side, these can be absorbed by the movement of the movable terminals 40.

[0074] Furthermore, in the biopotential measuring device 1 of this embodiment, the electrode sheet 10 is provided with electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C to which one end of the contact portion 21 is connected, and the electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C are larger than the movable terminal 40 when viewed in a plan view from the connection direction of the contact portion 21. With this configuration, even if the movable terminal 40 is small, the large size of the electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C allows for absorption of displacement in the planar direction, making it easier to accommodate positional displacement of the electrode sheet 10.

[0075] Furthermore, in the biopotential measuring device 1 of this embodiment, the substrate portion 22 is equipped with substrate-side terminal portions 29A to 29C to which the other end of the contact portion 21 is connected, and the substrate-side terminal portions 29A to 29C are larger than the movable terminal 40 when viewed in a plan view from the connection direction of the contact portion 21. With this configuration, even if the movable terminal 40 is small, the large size of the substrate-side terminal portions 29A to 29C allows for absorption of displacement in the planar direction, making it easier to accommodate positional displacement of the substrate portion 22.

[0076] Furthermore, in the biopotential measuring device 1 of this embodiment, the device 20 has a housing portion 23a for housing the contact portion 21, and the housing portion 23a has a fitting hole 23c formed therein that fits into the contact portion 21 and exposes one end of the contact portion 21 to the outside of the device 20. With this configuration, the exposure of the contact portion 21 from the device 20 can be minimized, thereby enhancing the waterproof effect of the device 20.

[0077] Furthermore, in the biopotential measuring device 1 of this embodiment, the device 20 is provided with a boss portion 51 into which the substrate portion 22 is movably engaged in the connection direction of the contact portion 21, and the boss portion 51 is provided higher than the movable stroke S1 of the movable terminal 40 at the other end of the contact portion 21. With this configuration, the substrate portion 22 can be positioned by the boss portion 51 provided on the device 20 before fixing the substrate portion 22 to the device 20. In this case, even if the substrate portion 22 is pushed back by the biasing force of the spring of the movable terminal 40, the substrate portion 22 can be prevented from coming out of the boss portion 51, thereby maintaining the positioning state.

[0078] Furthermore, the biopotential measuring device 1 of this embodiment includes a connecting member 30 that connects the electrode sheet 10 to one end of the contact portion 21 by sandwiching the electrode sheet 10 between the device 20 and the connecting member 30. With this configuration, the electrode sheet 10 can be reliably connected to the contact portion 21 of the device 20 by sandwiching the electrode sheet 10 between the device 20 and the connecting member 30.

[0079] Furthermore, in the biopotential measuring device 1 of this embodiment, the movable terminal 40 comprises a cylindrical portion 42, a pin portion 41 movably housed in the cylindrical portion 42, and a biasing portion that biases the pin portion 41 from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical portion 42. With this configuration, variations in dimensions, warping, tilting, etc., can be absorbed by the pin portion 41 that extends and retracts from the inside of the cylindrical portion 42.

[0080] Furthermore, in the biopotential measuring device 1 of this embodiment, multiple contact portions 21 equipped with movable terminals 40 are provided. With this configuration, since the multiple contact portions 21 can move individually, the electrode sheet 10 and the multiple contact portions 21 can be stably connected.

[0081] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, components identical or equivalent to those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be simplified or omitted.

[0082] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the biopotential measuring device 1 according to the second embodiment, along the short side. As shown in Figure 9, the contact portion 21 of the second embodiment is formed by having a plurality of (two in the example of Figure 9) movable pins arranged in series in the Z-axis direction. Each movable pin has one of the aforementioned pin portion 41, cylindrical portion 42, and biasing portion as its constituent elements, and the pin portion 41 extends and retracts on only one side.

[0083] The movable pin has a downward-facing pin portion 41, and the upper end of the cylindrical portion 42 is closed. The lower (-Z side) movable pin is fitted into the fitting hole 23c of the device case 23. The upper (+Z side) movable pin is joined to the substrate-side terminal portion 29 of the substrate portion 22 via solder or the like. The pin portion 41 of the upper (+Z side) movable pin is in contact with the upper end of the lower (-Z side) movable pin in the Z-axis direction.

[0084] Thus, the contact portion 21 is formed by arranging a cylindrical portion 42, a pin portion 41, and a movable pin including a biasing portion in series in the connection direction of the contact portion 21. With this configuration, by arranging in series the contact portion 21 with one side having a pin portion 41, it functions in the same way as if both sides of the contact portion 21 had pin portions 41, thus simplifying the structure and reducing costs.

[0085] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, components identical or equivalent to those in the above-described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be simplified or omitted.

[0086] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the biopotential measuring device 1 according to the third embodiment, along the short side. As shown in Figure 10, the contact portion 21 of the third embodiment is equipped with a movable terminal 40 made of a leaf spring 44. The leaf spring 44 is bent into a roughly C shape, with its upper end in contact with the substrate-side terminal portions 29A to 29C and its lower end in contact with the electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C. The middle portion of the leaf spring 44 is fitted into the fitting hole 23c and fixed to the device case 23. Thus, the movable terminal 40 may be a leaf spring 44. With this configuration, the contact portion 21 can be formed at low cost.

[0087] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, components identical or equivalent to those in the above-described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be simplified or omitted.

[0088] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the biopotential measuring device 1 according to the fourth embodiment, along the short side. As shown in Figure 11, the contact portion 21 of the fourth embodiment is equipped with a movable terminal 40 consisting of a coil spring 45. The coil spring 45 extends in the Z-axis direction, with its upper end in contact with the substrate-side terminal portions 29A to 29C and its lower end in contact with the electrode-side terminal portions 14A to 14C. The middle portion of the coil spring 45 is fitted into the fitting hole 23c and fixed to the device case 23. Specifically, the coil spring 45 comprises a first pitch winding portion 45a, a tight winding portion 45b, and a second pitch winding portion 45c. The first pitch winding portion 45a extends downward from the tight winding portion 45b and is electrically connected to the electrode sheet 10. The tight winding portion 45b is located inside the fitting hole 23c. Since the tight winding portion 45b does not elastically deform, even if the first pitch winding portion 45a or the second pitch winding portion 45c elastically deform, it hardly rubs against the inner wall surface of the fitting hole 23c. The second pitch winding section 45c extends upward from the tight winding section 45b and is electrically connected to the substrate section 22. Since the outer diameter of the second pitch winding section 45c is larger than the inner diameter of the fitting hole 23c, it is possible to prevent the entire coil spring 45 from slipping out of the fitting hole 23c downward. Thus, the movable terminal 40 may be a coil spring 45. With this configuration, the contact portion 21 can be formed at low cost.

[0089] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, components identical or equivalent to those in the above-described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be simplified or omitted.

[0090] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the biopotential measuring device 1 according to the fifth embodiment, along the short side. As shown in Figure 12, in the fifth embodiment, the connecting member 30 is integrally provided with the device 20. Specifically, the device 20 includes a contact portion 21 and an opposing portion 31 that faces each other with the electrode sheet 10 in between. The opposing portion 31 is provided in an L-shape on the bottom surface of the device case 23. By sliding the electrode sheet 10 between the opposing portion 31 and the device case 23, the contact portion 21 and the electrode sheet 10 can be electrically connected. Thus, the device 20 may include an opposing portion 31 that faces the contact portion 21 and the electrode sheet 10 in between. With this configuration, by having the device 20 with an integrated opposing portion 31, the number of parts can be reduced compared to attaching the connecting member 30 as a separate part, and the connection stability between the electrode sheet 10 and the device 20 can be improved.

[0091] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and explained above, it should be understood that these are illustrative and should not be considered limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered limited by the foregoing description, but rather limited by the claims.

[0092] For example, in the above embodiment, the contact portion 21 was described as having a movable terminal 40 at one end on the electrode sheet 10 side and at the other end on the substrate portion 22 side. However, for example, the contact portion 21 only needs to have a movable terminal 40 at at least one end on the electrode sheet 10 side. In other words, the other end of the contact portion 21 on the substrate portion 22 side may be joined to the substrate-side terminal portion 29 of the substrate portion 22 with solder or the like. Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the boss portion 51 shown in Figure 5 is cylindrical, a configuration in which a flange or the like is provided at the tip of the boss portion 51 to suppress lifting of the substrate portion 22 is also possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1. Bioelectric potential measurement device 10 electrode sheets 11 Conductive parts 11A~11C Electrode part 12A~12C wiring section 13. Constricted area 14A~14C Electrode side terminal part 20 devices 21(21A~21C) Contact part 22 Circuit board section 22a 1st engagement hole 22b 2nd engagement hole 23 Device Cases 23a Storage area 23b Lid piece 23c fitting hole 24 Device Covers 24a Push part 25 Opening 25a Mated part 26 Charging terminal 27 steps 28 hexagonal hole 29(29A~29C) Board side terminal section 30 Connecting Members 31 Opposite section 32 Fitting part 32a Engaging claw 33 Extension 40 Movable terminal 41 Pin section 42 Cylinder part 43 Flange 44 Leaf springs 45 Coil Springs 45a First pitch winding section 45b Tightly wound section 45c Second pitch winding section 50 Power supply section 51 Boss Section 100 living organisms S1 Movable stroke

Claims

1. An electrode sheet for acquiring biological signals, The device comprises a contact portion connected to the electrode sheet and a substrate portion electrically connected to the electrode sheet via the contact portion, The contact portion includes a movable terminal that is movable by a spring, at least at one end on the electrode sheet side. Bioelectric potential measurement device.

2. The contact portion is provided with the movable terminal at one end on the electrode sheet side and at the other end on the substrate side. The bioelectric potential measuring device according to claim 1.

3. The electrode sheet includes an electrode-side terminal portion to which one end of the contact portion is connected, The electrode-side terminal portion is larger than the movable terminal when viewed in a plan view from the connection direction of the contact portion. The biopotential measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned substrate portion includes a substrate-side terminal portion to which the other end of the contact portion is connected, The aforementioned terminal portion on the substrate side is larger than the movable terminal when viewed in a plan view from the connection direction of the contact portion. The bioelectric potential measuring device according to claim 2.

5. The device has a housing portion for housing the contact portion, The housing portion has a fitting hole formed therein that fits into the contact portion, exposing one end of the contact portion to the outside of the device. The biopotential measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The device includes a boss portion into which the substrate portion is movably engaged in the connection direction of the contact portion, The boss portion is positioned higher than the movable stroke of the movable terminal at the other end of the contact portion. The biopotential measuring device according to claim 2 or 4.

7. The device includes a connecting member that connects the electrode sheet to one end of the contact portion by sandwiching the electrode sheet between the device and the connecting member. The biopotential measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The device comprises the contact portion and the opposing portion that faces the electrode sheet, The biopotential measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The aforementioned movable terminal is The cylindrical part, A pin portion is movably housed in the cylindrical portion, The system includes a biasing portion that biases the pin portion from the inside outward of the cylindrical portion, The biopotential measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The contact portion is formed by arranging the cylindrical portion, the pin portion, and the biasing portion of the movable pin in series in the connection direction of the contact portion. The biopotential measuring device according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned movable terminal is a leaf spring. The biopotential measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The aforementioned movable terminal is a coil spring. The biopotential measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.

13. Multiple contact portions are provided, each having the aforementioned movable terminal. The biopotential measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.

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