Electrode structure

Abstract

To provide an electrode structure excellent in adhesion with the skin of a human body which allows accurate biological information to be acquired.SOLUTION: An electrode structure includes a conductive thread 2 and an electrically insulating material 4, wherein the conductive thread 2 is disposed in a central portion of the electrode structure to constitute an electrode, the electrically insulating material 4 is disposed around the electrode to hold the electrode, the conductive thread 2 is formed into an electrode in a sewn form, an adhesive material coated with a gel or an adhesive is attached to one surface of the electrode, and the conductive thread 2 of the electrode portion is exposed on a surface opposite to the surface to which the adhesive is attached to serve as means for preventing a shift of a measurement position of a biological signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode structure useful for bioelectrodes, antennas, electronic substrates, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Biometric information acquisition devices attached to clothing such as work clothes and sportswear are useful for health management because they can acquire biometric information such as heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure while the wearer is still wearing the clothing. Patent Documents 1 and 2 propose the use of protruding electrodes as conventional examples. Patent Document 3 proposes providing a resin layer on the back side of the electrode that comes into contact with the living body. Patent Document 4 proposes conductive threads such as carbon-based conductive threads, metal or alloy plated threads, conductive resin fiber threads, and metal fiber threads. Patent Document 5 proposes nylon threads with conductive carbon microparticle threads kneaded into them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-070917 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-036642 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-114302 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-129115 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-201063 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional bioelectrodes described above have poor adhesion to the human skin, making it difficult to obtain accurate biometric information, and they are also difficult to use as antennas, power transmission and reception coils, electronic boards, etc.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention provides an electrode structure that has good adhesion to the human skin, can acquire accurate biometric information, and is useful for antennas, power transmitting and receiving coils, electronic substrates, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is an electrode structure including a conductive thread and an electrically insulating material, the conductive thread is disposed in the center of the electrode structure to form an electrode, and the electrically insulating material is disposed around the electrode to hold the electrode; The conductive thread is sewn into a stitch shape to form an electrode, and the stitch shape is fixed; When viewed from the cross section, the conductive yarn is formed in an uneven shape with the protrusions exposed, The stitch shape and the uneven shape are maintained by the adhesion of an adhesive material coated with gel or adhesive on one surface of the electrode, and the conductive thread to The electrode structure is characterized in that the conductive thread of the electrode portion is exposed on the surface opposite to the adhesive surface, thereby preventing the measurement position of the biosignal from shifting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The electrode structure of the present invention comprises a conductive thread and an electrically insulating material, the conductive thread being arranged in the center of the electrode structure to form an electrode, the electrically insulating material being arranged around the electrode and holding the electrode, the conductive thread being sewn to form the electrode, an adhesive material coated with gel or adhesive being attached to one side of the electrode, and the conductive thread of the electrode portion being exposed on the side opposite to the adhesive-attached surface to serve as a means for preventing deviation of the measurement position of the biosignal, so that when used as a bioelectrode, for example, it adheres well to the skin of the human body and accurate bioinformation can be obtained, and when used as an antenna, a power transmitting / receiving coil, an electronic board, etc., the electrode structure can be made easy to use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1A to 1C are schematic plan views illustrating a method for fixing a sewing pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2A-B are schematic plan views showing a method for fixing a sewing pattern according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3A-B are schematic plan views showing a method for fixing a sewing pattern according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are schematic plan views illustrating a method for removing a substrate according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 5A to 5D are schematic plan views showing a method for removing a substrate according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a planar photograph of conductive threads arranged in a predetermined pattern on the surface of a curable resin. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a planar photograph of embroidery thread sewn around conductive thread in a predetermined pattern. [Figure 8] Figures 8A-D are photographs of an electrode structure connected to a heart rate detector that integrates a heart rate sensor and a transmitter. [Figure 9] Figure 9A is a photograph showing an LED joined to the exposed conductive thread of a predetermined pattern using ultrasonic soldering, and Figure 9B is a photograph showing the LED joined to the conductive thread of a predetermined pattern using ultrasonic soldering, covered and fixed with a waterproof, electrically insulating adhesive film. [Figure 10] FIG. 10A shows the electrode structure of FIG. 9B attached to the back of the hand, FIG. 10B shows the state when connected to a power source, and FIG. 10C shows the state when current is passed through it to light up the LED. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a photograph of a chain stitch sewing machine used to sew a coated wire into a baking sheet coated with a silicone release agent, with a non-conductive thread used as the bobbin thread, and the coated wire sewn into a spiral shape. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a photograph of the spiral insulated wire shown in Figure 11 attached to a hand and connected to a battery power source. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides an electrode structure comprising a conductive thread and an electrically insulating material. The conductive thread may be any material, such as copper wire, aluminum wire, stainless steel wire, tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), or metal-plated fiber. The wire may be either bare wire or coated wire.

[0010] The conductive thread is arranged in the center of the electrode structure, and may be exposed on one or both sides to form an electrode pattern, or may be an electrode pattern where both sides of the conductive thread are not exposed, and the electrically insulating material is arranged at least around the periphery of the electrode structure to hold the electrode pattern. This provides good adhesion to the skin of the human body, enabling accurate acquisition of biometric information, and making the electrode structure easy to use when used as an antenna, power transmitting / receiving coil, or electronic circuit board.

[0011] The electrode is suitable as a biological electrode, for example, for use in biological sensing applications that measure biological signals such as heart rate, electrocardiogram, myoelectric potential, electroencephalogram, body temperature, and blood pressure.

[0012] The electrically insulating material is preferably a structure made only of embroidery thread and / or sewing thread to which the electrically conductive thread is directly sewn and tightly fixed, a mount structure in which the electrically conductive thread is sewn from a portion of the mount where a part has been removed to a portion where the mount remains without being removed, a gel to which the electrically conductive thread is tightly fixed without being directly sewn, an adhesive tape, an adhesive film, or a structure coated with an adhesive resin, a curable resin, a thermoplastic resin, or a combination thereof. These electrically insulating materials are arranged at least around the periphery of the electrode structure and are easy to handle for holding the electrode pattern.

[0013] The electrode structure may have a stretchable structure as a whole, for example, by using a stretchable embroidery thread, backing paper, gel, adhesive tape, adhesive film, adhesive resin, curable resin, thermoplastic resin, or the like as the electrical insulating material.

[0014] The method for manufacturing the electrode structure of the present invention includes the following steps. (1) A process in which conductive thread is sewn into a predetermined electrode pattern onto a backing containing a removable material using a sewing machine. The sewing machine used may be a lockstitch sewing machine or a chainstitch sewing machine. In the case of a lockstitch sewing, there is an upper thread and a lower thread. If the upper and lower threads do not need to be entangled later, the thread not required for current conduction in the electrode pattern on one side of the conductive thread used as the upper or lower thread is later removed. In the case of a chainstitch, the lower thread is used to create the base of the stitching, and then additional conductive thread is inserted as a decorative thread as the upper thread, or the conductive thread is used for a circular stitch. In either case, if the upper and lower threads do not need to be entangled later, the thread not required for current conduction in the electrode pattern on one side of the conductive thread used as the upper or lower thread is later removed. Loop stitches and chain stitches can be used to sew conductive threads to form a predetermined electrode pattern using only the lower thread structure without using an upper thread. Removable refers to tearing, dissolving in water, etc. Examples of tearable backings include parchment paper coated with a silicone release agent on one surface, and water-soluble paper includes paper containing polyvinyl alcohol. The diameter of the conductive thread is preferably 0.005 to 10 mm. The conductive thread may be any material, such as copper wire, aluminum wire, stainless steel wire, tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), or metal-plated fiber. The electric wire may be a bare wire or a covered electric wire. In the case of a covered electric wire, the covering may be any material, such as rubber, resin, rubber with reinforcing fiber, or resin with reinforcing fiber. As an example, polyester fiber and tungsten wire may be used as the core thread, and water-soluble vinylon may be twisted as a covering thread to form a conductive thread, and the water-soluble vinylon may be dissolved after sewing to form an electrode pattern. (2) A process in which the sewing position and stitch shape of the conductive thread for the backing paper portion to be removed are fixed by adhering it to something other than the backing paper to be removed or by sewing it across and fixing it, and then removing the backing paper, so that in the part where there is no backing paper at all to which the conductive thread is sewn, the specified electrode pattern is maintained during sewing without relying on the presence of the backing paper. The object other than the mount to be removed is preferably, for example, a gel, adhesive tape, adhesive film, or adhesive resin-coated structure, a structure containing a curable resin, or a thermoplastic resin. A structure consisting only of sewing thread created on a mount by sewing, or a mount material that is not intentionally subjected to a removal process, can also be used. After sewing the conductive thread onto the mount in a predetermined electrode pattern, a gel, adhesive tape, adhesive film, or adhesive resin-coated structure, curable resin, or thermoplastic resin is closely attached to cover it, thereby exhibiting their adhesiveness and curing properties. After this, by removing unnecessary mounts and sewing machine stitching, the predetermined conductive pattern can be transferred to a gel, adhesive tape, adhesive film, or adhesive resin-coated structure, curable resin, or thermoplastic resin-containing structure. Fixing by sewing means that the predetermined electrode pattern is sewn from the mount to be removed to a part of the structure made of only sewing thread on the mount by sewing, or is sewn to both the mount material that is not intentionally removed, so that the sewing position and stitch shape of the predetermined electrode pattern can be fixed without relying on the presence of the mount part to be removed. In this state, by removing the unnecessary mount part and the tangled sewing thread, an electrode that retains the required pattern can be obtained. This allows the formation of conductive thread portions that are exposed on one or both sides, which can be used as electrode structures useful for bioelectrodes, antennas, power transmitting and receiving coils, electronic substrates, etc. (3) A process of placing a conductive material or an electrically insulating material on the other side of the electrode pattern made of exposed conductive threads. After the transfer, one side of the exposed electrode pattern is covered with a conductive or electrically insulating gel, adhesive tape, adhesive film, or adhesive resin-coated structure, or a curable resin or thermoplastic resin, which is then adhered to the other side, sandwiching the electrode pattern from both sides. This provides waterproofing to prevent sweat and moisture from seeping into the electrode pattern from both sides, gas barrier properties to prevent oxidation and sulfurization of the metal used in the conductive thread upon contact with oxygen or sulfur-based gases in the air, and protection against electrode damage due to friction. This structure is suitable for outdoor use where it is susceptible to rain and humidity, and for repeated washing of the electrode for hygienic use. If the covering material is conductive, the entire surface will be uniformly conductive; if it is electrically insulating, the structure will be resistant to leakage and short circuits. These electrode structures can be used as useful electrode structures for bioelectrodes, antennas, power transmission / reception coils, electronic substrates, etc.

[0015] The conductive thread is preferably tungsten wire, which constantly forms an oxide film on its surface in the atmosphere of everyday life, and when used as a bare wire in a bioelectrode, the wire surface is protected by the oxide film already formed, and even if the surface oxidizes due to sweat or washing, the resulting oxide film has an electrical resistance that remains within a range that can withstand use as a bioelectrode, thereby providing stable conductive performance. Tungsten wire forms an oxide film on the metal surface, which means it has a low tendency to ionize and is difficult to dissolve. This makes it a highly biocompatible material that is unlikely to cause allergic reactions, and it is also used in medical surgical instruments, making it a desirable material for bioelectrodes. Furthermore, tungsten wire has a higher tensile strength than copper wire, aluminum wire, or stainless steel wire when compared at the same wire diameter. As a thin, unbreakable conductive wire, it can be processed while maintaining its flexibility when used as a monofilament, when multiple wires are bundled together, or when twisted with fibers of different materials, making it preferable for producing electrodes and conductive circuits using these wires. The wires used in the areas that come into contact with the skin are preferably thin so as not to damage the skin surface, and preferably contain tungsten wires with a diameter of 20 μm or less. Copper, aluminum, and stainless steel wires of the same diameter may break easily during processing or when used as electrodes, making them unsuitable for practical use.

[0016] The mount is preferably paper, release paper, a resin sheet, a resin film, a resin mesh, a net, a water-soluble sheet, a water-soluble film, a nonwoven fabric, a water-soluble nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a felt sheet, or a combination thereof. These can be removed after the sewing position and stitch shape of the conductive thread relative to the mount portion to be removed are fixed by adhering it to an object other than the mount to be removed or by sewing it across.

[0017] The sewing position and stitch shape are preferably fixed by adhesion using gel, adhesive film, adhesive tape, adhesive resin, curable resin, or thermoplastic resin, or by sewing the conductive thread from the portion of the backing sheet to which the conductive thread is sewn to the completely removed portion to the fiber structure made of only the sewing thread or the remaining portion of the backing sheet. This allows for the formation of an exposed portion of the conductive thread while maintaining the specified electrode pattern in the portion where the backing sheet to which the conductive thread is sewn to is completely removed, and this can be used as a bioelectrode. The fixing material may also be hot melt resin, hot melt sheet, hot melt film, thermoplastic film, or the like, and fixed by applying heat.

[0018] In the electrode pattern on one side of the conductive thread used for the upper or lower thread of the sewing thread, threads that are not necessary for current flow may be removed by pulling them out, cut off, or dissolved and removed using a dissolvable material. When a conductive thread is used only for the upper thread portion of the sewing thread, entanglement between the lower thread and the upper thread can be eliminated by pulling out and removing the lower thread, cutting off the lower thread, or dissolving and removing it using a dissolvable material as the lower thread. Conversely, when a conductive thread is used only for the lower thread portion of the sewing thread, entanglement between the upper thread and the lower thread can be eliminated by pulling out and removing the upper thread, cutting off the upper thread, or dissolving and removing it using a dissolvable material as the upper thread. The conductive thread may be bare wire or coated wire. In the case of a coated wire, the coating can be later removed to form an electrode. Alternatively, a conductive thread may be twisted with a non-conductive thread, or a conductive thread may be twisted with a conductive thread. In the case of a twisted product of conductive and non-conductive threads, if the conductive thread is bare wire, by using a soluble thread such as water-soluble vinylon thread as the non-conductive thread and dissolving and removing it after sewing, or by using a monofilament, the bare wire in the twisted state can be exposed without being covered with fluff caused by the non-conductive thread, making it easier to ensure electrical contact with the bare wire.

[0019] The conductive thread can be attached to the adhesive gel layer for wiring. The conductive thread can be sewn around with a non-conductive thread, and an opening can be formed in the center, through which the conductive thread can be placed. When any part of the backing used for sewing is removed, the exposed surface area of ​​the conductive material sewn to that part becomes larger than it was before the backing was removed. This increases the surface area that can be used for crimping, soldering, or adhesive bonding with conductive resin to the object to be electrically connected, which has the effect of stabilizing the electrical connection when an electrical contact is made.

[0020] In biosensing applications that measure biosignals, to prevent deviation from the measurement position, non-conductive or conductive adhesive gels, adhesive-coated films, urethane rubber sponges, silicone rubber materials, etc. are used, and even when the backing is removed and the exposed surface area is increased and the electrode is pressed against the skin, the lack of interference from the backing increases adhesion, making it less likely to shift position even when moving, and offering the advantage of enabling highly accurate measurement of biosignals. This is also true for electrode applications that pass electricity through the human body, making it less likely to shift position.

[0021] Many of the above-mentioned misalignment prevention materials are soft, and when pressed against the area where the backing has been removed, the material can seep into the gap created by the removal of the backing, burying the electrodes. However, by using a loop stitch, an embroidery technique, to sew conductive thread, metal wire, or tape-like conductive material onto the surface of the backing before removal to form a forest of loops, the loops protrude from the misalignment prevention material at a certain height, making it difficult for the electrodes to be buried even when pressed against it, and providing a good adhesion effect. Because the conductive material in the loop area is continuously connected, it is difficult to fall off even when rubbed, ensuring a stable conduction path.

[0022] When producing an electrode in which the exposed area is increased by removing the backing paper of the present invention, if conductive thread, metal wire, or tape-like conductive material is sewn to the backing paper using a loop stitch, chain stitch, or the like, and if the non-conductive thread used for sewing is also removed at the same time as the backing paper, the electrode will have a structure characterized by electrical continuity between the front and back surfaces, and can be used as a double-sided electrode with stable continuity between the front and back surfaces.

[0023] The conductive material-containing portion of the present invention, from which the mount has been removed, has the advantage that when it is placed on the surface or inside of a molded structure, it can be integrated without being affected by the thickness or material of the mount, and can be placed on a flexible substrate without impairing its flexibility to use a predetermined electrode pattern. This is useful for producing electrodes, electrical connectors, conductive wiring, power transmitting and receiving coils, electronic substrates, antennas, sensors, heaters, electromagnetic wave shielding materials, etc., which are subject to bending, stretching, or shape deformation. In particular, a stretchable electrode structure can be produced by removing the mount while a portion in the form of conductive thread, metal wire, or tape-like conductive material is sewn to the mount before removal so as to have a structure that includes room for stretch, such as a loop, slack, or spiral, and then placing the portion on the surface or inside of the stretchable molded structure.

[0024] Furthermore, when multiple electrodes or conductive wires produced by the present invention are stacked together or covered with an electrically insulating material or a waterproof material, the part containing the conductive material from which the backing has been removed is not affected by the thickness or material of the backing, and so the processed part can be made thin and small.As a result, in wearable clothing, etc., the wearer will find it difficult to notice the presence of the electrodes or conductive wires, resulting in a comfortable fit, and in environments where electromagnetic waves are used, the effects of electromagnetic wave reflection and absorption caused by the backing can be reduced.

[0025] When the electrodes or conductive wires produced by the present invention from which the backing has been removed are fixed to the surface of a material such as a sheet, film, or nonwoven fabric, or inside a layered structure, using an adhesive or curable resin, there is no reduction in material strength due to pinholes and they are difficult to tear. Therefore, this is useful when the part containing the conductive material is cut, slit, punched, or otherwise formed into any shape to separate the electrodes or conductive wires together with the material, or for die-cutting production of parts of the same shape.

[0026] To use the circuit board as an electronic substrate, first, a sewn-on backing sheet (later removed) is made of a material such as silicone resin that is peelable and heat- and chemical-resistant. Conductive thread, metal wire, or tape-like conductive material is sewn onto the surface of the peelable backing sheet in a specific circuit pattern. Next, electronic components are mounted on the sewn-on circuit pattern using solder or conductive adhesive. The circuit pattern is then transferred from the sewn-on backing sheet to a structure or adhesive-coated surface, including gel, adhesive tape, adhesive sheet, curable resin, or thermoplastic resin. This leaves the electronic components mounted on the structure or material after the transfer, eliminating needle holes in the structure or material after the transfer, making it easier to maintain the circuit's electrical insulation and waterproofing. Furthermore, even if the structure or material after the transfer is susceptible to degradation due to thermal melting caused by solder or chemical reactions with conductive adhesives, because the electronic components are already mounted on the circuit before the transfer, the structure or material after the transfer is free of degradation resulting from the process of mounting the electronic components on the circuit, thereby maintaining good electrical conductivity throughout the circuit. By using a thin, easily bendable material for the transferred structure or material, it is possible to create an electronic substrate with mounted electronic components that can be stretched, contracted, or folded to freely change shape.

[0027] The electrodes and conductive wires produced by this invention do not have the conductive material fixed to the mount by a printing or plating method, so even if the mount is deformed, cracks in the conductive material that cause instability in the electrical resistance value do not occur.When this invention is attached to a flexible substrate other than the mount, the shape of the substrate can be deformed, such as by folding it to make it smaller, so it can be installed in narrow areas. [Example]

[0028] The present invention will be described below using examples, but is not limited to these examples. <Conductive thread> In the following examples, a tungsten wire having a diameter of 13 μm was used as the conductive thread. <Embroidery thread> The embroidery thread used is a twisted cotton thread with a cotton count of 20.

[0029] Example 1 An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same parts. FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view showing a pattern of conductive thread sewn into a predetermined shape on a backing sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a schematic plan view of FIG. 1A with the backing sheet removed. FIG. 1C is a schematic plan view of the same pattern after removal. As shown in FIG. 1A, conductive thread 2 was sewn into a predetermined pattern on a backing sheet 1a, such as a baking sheet coated on one surface with a silicone release agent, using a lockstitch sewing machine. A fixing means 3, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, adhesive, or curable resin, was then placed around the periphery. Next, as shown in FIG. 1B, the backing sheet 1a was removed, leaving the sewn thread 2 in the predetermined pattern so that it was partially in contact with the fixing means 3. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1C, the backing sheet 1a was removed, leaving the conductive thread 2 in the predetermined pattern so that it was completely in contact with the fixing means 3. This allowed the conductive thread 2 in the predetermined pattern to be used as an electrode. 1b shows the backing sheet after removal. A water-soluble vinylon thread was used as the non-conductive thread, which was subsequently removed.

[0030] Example 2 Fig. 2A is a schematic plan view showing a pattern in which conductive thread 2 in another embodiment of the present invention is sewn into a predetermined shape on a backing sheet 1a and the periphery is sewn with embroidery thread 4, and Fig. 2B is a schematic plan view with the backing sheet removed from Fig. 2A. As shown in Fig. 2B, the periphery of the conductive thread 2 in the predetermined pattern is fixed with embroidery thread 4, and the conductive thread 2 in the predetermined pattern in the center can be used as an electrode.

[0031] Example 3 Fig. 3A is a schematic plan view of yet another embodiment of the present invention in which conductive thread is sewn in a predetermined pattern so that the stitches reach both the areas that need to be removed and the areas that will remain, and Fig. 2B is a schematic plan view showing the state in which only the central portion 1b of the backing has been removed and the periphery 1a of the backing remains. In this example, the periphery of the conductive thread 2 in the predetermined pattern is fixed with embroidery thread 4, and the conductive thread 2 in the predetermined pattern in the center can be used as an electrode.

[0032] Example 4 4A-4C are schematic plan views showing a method for removing a substrate according to one embodiment of the present invention. Using a lockstitch sewing machine or a chainstitch sewing machine, conductive threads 2a and 2b were sewn in a predetermined pattern onto a substrate such as a dissolvable or tearable backing paper 1, as shown in FIG. 4A. An adhesive tape 5 was then attached and fixed over the conductive threads 2a and 2b as shown in FIG. 4B. The substrate, such as the backing paper 1, was then removed, leaving the conductive threads 2a and 2b in the predetermined pattern fixed to the adhesive tape 5 exposed, as shown in FIG. 4C. In this case, there were cases where both upper and lower threads were included, cases where only the upper thread was included after the lower thread used for sewing was removed, and cases where only the lower thread was included without the upper thread used for sewing. At least one of these cases involved the use of a conductive thread. The threads other than the conductive thread were twisted polyester yarn with a cotton count of 40.

[0033] Example 5 5A-5D are schematic plan views showing a method for removing a substrate according to another embodiment of the present invention. Using a lockstitch sewing machine or a chainstitch sewing machine, an upper conductive thread 2 and a lower non-conductive thread 6 are sewn in a predetermined pattern onto a substrate such as a dissolvable or tearable backing 1, as shown in FIG. 5A. An adhesive tape 5 is then applied over the conductive thread 2 to secure it, as shown in FIG. 5B. The lower thread 6 is then cut and removed, as shown in FIG. 5C. Next, as shown in FIG. 5D, the substrate, such as the backing 1, is removed, leaving the conductive thread 2 in the predetermined pattern secured to the adhesive tape 5 exposed. In the case of FIGS. 5A-5D, the substrate may be a woven fabric, knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, resin sheet, resin film, or the like, in addition to a backing.

[0034] Example 6 Figure 6 is a planar photograph of conductive threads arranged in a predetermined pattern on the surface of curable resin. In Figure 6, 2 is the conductive thread with the predetermined pattern, and 7 is the curable resin. Gel, foam, etc. can be used instead of the curable resin. The conductive thread used in Figure 6 is a covering twisted yarn consisting of one 50 denier polyester fiber core thread, five 13 μm diameter tungsten wires as the filament threads, and one 40 denier water-soluble vinylon as the holding thread. After sewing, the water-soluble vinylon was dissolved to create the electrode pattern.

[0035] Example 7 Figure 7 is a plan view of the conductive thread with embroidery thread sewn around it in a predetermined pattern. In Figure 6, 2 is the conductive thread with the predetermined pattern, and 4 is the surrounding embroidery thread sewn part.

[0036] Example 8 Figures 8A-D are photographs of an electrode structure connected to a heart rate detector that integrates a heart rate sensor and transmitter. In Figure 8A, 2 is a conductive thread with a predetermined pattern, 4 is the surrounding embroidery thread stitching, 8 is a central connector, 9 is a snap button in Figure 8B, and 10 in Figures 8C-D is a heart rate detector. In addition to heart rate, the detector may also detect electrocardiograms, myoelectric potentials, electroencephalograms, blood pressure, body temperature, etc. The detector can send detected signals via radio waves to a mobile phone, tablet computer, etc.

[0037] Example 9 Figure 9A shows an example of an electronic board in which semiconductors or electronic components are mounted on a circuit made of conductive thread, one or both sides of which are covered with an electrically insulating material. This example shows a baking sheet coated with a silicone release agent to which conductive thread 2 has been sewn in a predetermined pattern, and then an LED 12 has been joined by ultrasonic soldering. Figure 9B shows a photograph of an electrode structure in which LED 12 joined to conductive thread 2 in a predetermined pattern with ultrasonic soldering 11a and 11b has been covered and fixed with a waterproof electrically insulating adhesive film 13. Fig. 10A shows the electrode structure of Fig. 9B transferred from cooking sheet paper to waterproof electrically insulating adhesive film 13 and attached to the back of the hand, Fig. 10B shows the state when connected to a power source, and Fig. 10C shows the state when current is passed through it to light up LED 12. 14a and 14b are current-carrying clips.

[0038] Example 10 Figure 11 shows a photograph of a chain stitch sewing machine used to sew a covered electric wire into a baking sheet coated with a silicone release agent, with non-conductive thread used as the bobbin thread, and sewing the covered electric wire into a spiral shape. By attaching an adhesive film over the covered electric wire, removing the bobbin thread, and removing the baking sheet paper, the spiral covered electric wire can be taken out. Figure 12 is a photograph of the spiral insulated wire in Figure 11 attached to the back of a hand and connected to a battery power source and a wireless power transfer circuit that uses electromagnetic induction. The wireless LED in the center of the spiral wire is not directly connected to the wire, but it is lit. This is because the wireless LED is placed across the magnetic field of the spiral wire, so the spiral wire acts as a coil on the power transmitting side and supplies power to the wireless LED on the power receiving side.

[0039] As explained above, the electrode structures of Examples 1 to 10 have good adhesion to human skin and can acquire accurate biometric information. That is, in any part of an electrode or conductive wire made by sewing a conductive material such as conductive thread, metal wire, or tape to a substrate, even if part or all of the substrate used for sewing is removed, the sewn pattern can be maintained in an exposed state. This allows the electrode structure to be used as a biometric information acquisition electrode structure. The biometric information that can be acquired includes heart rate, electrocardiogram, myoelectric potential, electroencephalogram, body temperature, and blood pressure, which is useful for health management. Furthermore, when used as an antenna, a power transmitting / receiving coil, or an electronic circuit board, the electrode structure can be easy to use.

[0040] Example 11 FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an antenna 15 according to one embodiment of the present invention. This antenna 15 has a coil portion 16 covered on both sides with electrically insulating films 17a and 17b. The coil uses tungsten wire with a diameter of 20 μm. The electrically insulating films 17a and 17b are 10 μm thick polyurethane films coated with an acrylic adhesive. This antenna 15 is thin, flexible, and easy to use. Specifically, conductive yarns with exposed conductive material on the surface undergo chemical reactions such as oxidation due to sweat, washing, and humidity, resulting in increased surface resistance. Physical stimuli such as friction can cause peeling, cracking, and breakage. These factors can result in a deterioration of the conductive yarn's inherent electrical conductivity, resulting in reduced performance as an electrode, conductive wiring, and antenna. However, to prevent this deterioration and maintain stable electrical conductivity, the conductive pattern can be protected by sandwiching it between a moisture-resistant film or paper coated with an adhesive resin. [Industrial Applicability]

[0041] The electrode structure of the present invention is suitable for use in wearable clothing, its auxiliary materials (for example, belts, reinforcing fabrics, protective fabrics, etc.), robot wiring, telephone wiring, electronic boards with electronic components mounted thereon, power supply lines, power transmitting and receiving coils, transmitting and receiving antennas, electromagnetic wave shielding materials, electrical stimulation devices, medical equipment, heaters, logistics machinery, health and safety management of workers, health and safety management of athletes, and other electrical and electronic devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1,1a Mount 2. Conductive thread 3 Fixing means 4 embroidery thread 5 adhesive tape 6 Lower thread 7 Curing resin 8 Connectors 9 snap buttons 10 Heart Rate Detector 11a, 11b ultrasonic soldering section 12 LED 13 Waterproof, electrically insulating adhesive film 14a, 14b Conductive clip 15 Antenna 16 Coil section 17a, 17b Electrical insulating film

Claims

1. An electrode structure including a conductive thread and an electrically insulating material, the conductive thread is disposed in the center of the electrode structure to form an electrode, and the electrically insulating material is disposed around the electrode to hold the electrode; The conductive thread is sewn into a stitch shape to form an electrode, and the stitch shape is fixed; When viewed from the cross section, the conductive yarn is formed in an uneven shape with the protrusions exposed, An electrode structure characterized in that the stitch shape and the uneven shape are maintained by the attachment of an adhesive material coated with gel or adhesive to one surface of the electrode, and the conductive thread of the electrode portion is exposed on the side opposite to the adhesive-attached surface of the conductive thread, thereby preventing the measurement position of the biosignal from shifting.

2. 2. The electrode structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrode is a bioelectrode.

3. An electrode structure described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode is one of the structures (1) to (3) below. (1) A structure in which the conductive thread is tightly fixed to the embroidery thread. (2) A structure in which the conductive thread is sewn onto the backing paper. (3) A structure in which the conductive thread is tightly fixed to a gel, adhesive tape, or adhesive film.

4. The electrode structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode structure is stretchable.

5. 3. The electrode structure according to claim 1, wherein the conductive thread is a tungsten wire.

6. 3. The electrode structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrode is in the form of a coil.

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