Method for manufacturing an electrode structure

Abstract

An electrode structure including a conductive wire (2) and an electrically insulating substance (4), wherein the conductive wire (2) is disposed at the central portion of the electrode structure to form an electrode, and the electrically insulating substance (4) is disposed around the electrode to hold the electrode, and the electrode structure has a structure selected from any one of the following groups A to E. A: Both surfaces of the electrode are exposed. B: One surface of the electrode is exposed, and the other surface is covered with an electrically insulating substance. C: One surface of the electrode is covered with a conductive substance, and the other surface is covered with an electrically insulating substance. D: The electrode is in a coil shape, and one or both of its surfaces are covered with an electrically insulating substance. Or E: The electrode is an electronic substrate on which a semiconductor or an electronic component is mounted on a circuit made of a conductive wire, and one or both of its surfaces are covered with an electrically insulating substance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode structure useful for biological electrodes, antennas, electronic substrates, etc. of the body It relates to a manufacturing method.

Background Art

[0002] Biological information acquisition means attached to clothing such as work clothes and sports clothes are useful for health management because biological information such as heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure can be acquired while being worn. As conventional examples, Patent Documents 1 to 2 propose using protruding electrodes. Patent Document 3 proposes providing a resin layer on the back side of the surface of the electrode that contacts the living body. Patent Document 4 proposes that as conductive yarns, carbon-based conductive yarns, metal or alloy-plated yarns, conductive resin fiber yarns, metal fiber yarns, etc. are proposed. Patent Document 5 proposes a nylon yarn kneaded with conductive carbon fine particle yarn.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional biological electrodes have poor adhesion to the human skin, making it difficult to acquire accurate biological information, and there is also a problem that they are not suitable for applications such as antennas, power transmission and reception coils, and electronic substrates.

[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 biological information, and is useful for antennas, power transmission and reception coils, electronic substrates, etc. of the body A manufacturing method is provided.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is represented by a biological electrode A method for manufacturing an electrode structure, comprising: Sewing a conductive thread onto a removable backing paper in an electrode pattern using a sewing machine; After adhering or sewing the conductive thread to an object other than the backing paper and fixing it, removing the backing paper; The conductive thread is arranged at the central part of the electrode structure to serve as an electrode, and an electrically insulating material is arranged around the electrode to hold the electrode. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrode structure having the structure according to any one of items A to E below. A: Both surfaces of the electrode are exposed. B: One surface of the electrode is exposed, and the other surface is covered with an electrically insulating material. C: One surface of the electrode is covered with a conductive material, and the other surface is covered with an electrically insulating material. D: The electrode is in a coil shape, and one or both of its surfaces are covered with an electrically insulating material. E: The electrode is an electronic substrate in which a semiconductor or an electronic component is mounted on a circuit made of a conductive thread, and one or both of its surfaces are covered with an electrically insulating material.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] When the electrode structure of the present invention is The manufacturing method of used as a body electrode, it has good adhesion to the human skin, can acquire accurate biological information, and also an antenna 、 power transmission and reception coil or electronic substrate such as When used, it can be made into an electrode structure with good usability.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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[0010] The present invention is an electrode structure including a conductive yarn and an electrically insulating material. The conductive yarn may be any of a copper wire, an aluminum wire, a stainless steel wire, tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), a metal-plated fiber, etc. As the wire, a bare yarn wire or a coated wire can be used. The conductive yarn is disposed at the central portion of the electrode structure, and there are cases where one side or both sides of the conductive yarn are exposed to form an electrode pattern, and cases where an electrode pattern is formed without both sides of the conductive yarn being exposed. The electrically insulating material is disposed at least around the electrode structure and holds the electrode pattern. Thereby, the adhesion to the human body's skin is good, accurate biological information can be acquired, and when used as an antenna, a power transmission / reception coil, or an electronic substrate, an electrode structure with good usability can be obtained.

[0011] The electrode is preferably suitable as a biological electrode as an example. As a biological electrode, it is suitable for biological sensing applications for measuring biological signals such as heart rate, electrocardiogram, myoelectric potential, electroencephalogram, body temperature, and blood pressure.

[0012] The electrically insulating material is a structure composed only of embroidery thread and / or sewing thread that is closely fixed to the conductive yarn in a state where the conductive yarn is directly sewn, a mount structure in which the conductive yarn is sewn across a portion where the mount paper exists without removing a part of the mount paper, a gel, an adhesive tape, an adhesive film, or a structure coated with an adhesive resin that is closely fixed to the conductive yarn without the conductive yarn being directly sewn, a curable resin, a thermoplastic resin, or a combination thereof. These electrically insulating materials are disposed at least around the electrode structure and have good handleability for holding the electrode pattern.

[0013] ​The electrode structure may have an elastic structure as a whole. As an example, when an elastic embroidery thread, backing paper, gel, adhesive tape, adhesive film, adhesive resin, curable resin, thermoplastic resin, etc. are used in an electrically insulating material, an elastic structure as a whole can be formed.

[0014] The method for manufacturing the electrode structure of the present invention includes the following steps. (1) A step of sewing a conductive thread in a predetermined electrode pattern on a backing paper containing a removable material using a sewing machine. As the sewing machine, a straight stitch sewing machine or a chain stitch sewing machine, etc. can be used. In the case of straight stitching, there is an upper thread and a lower thread. If the interlacing of the upper thread and the lower thread is not required later, the thread that is not necessary for energization in the electrode pattern on one surface of the conductive thread used for the upper thread or the lower thread is removed later. In the case of chain stitching, there is a method of making the basic of sewing with the lower thread and inserting a conductive thread as an ornamental thread or sewing the conductive thread in a loop as the upper thread. In both cases, if the interlacing of the upper thread and the lower thread is not required later, the thread that is not necessary for energization in the electrode pattern on one surface of the conductive thread used for the upper thread or the lower thread is removed later. As a method of sewing the conductive thread into a predetermined electrode pattern using only the lower thread structure without using the upper thread, a loop stitch or a chain stitch can be used. Removable means tearing, dissolving in water, etc. Examples of the backing paper that can be torn are cooking sheet paper coated with a silicone release agent on one surface, and examples of the paper that can be dissolved in water are papers containing polyvinyl alcohol. The thickness of the conductive thread is preferably 0.005 to 10 mm in diameter. The conductive thread can be any of a copper wire, an aluminum wire, a stainless steel wire, tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), a metal-plated fiber, etc. As the electric wire, a bare thread electric wire or a coated electric wire can be used. In the case of a coated electric wire, the coating can be any of rubber, resin, rubber containing reinforcing fibers, resin containing reinforcing fibers, etc. As an example, polyester fiber and tungsten wire can be used for the core thread, and a water-soluble vinylon can be used as the holding thread and covered and twisted to form a conductive thread, and the water-soluble vinylon can be dissolved after sewing to produce an electrode pattern. (2) A step of causing the sewing position and stitch shape of the conductive thread with respect to the mount part to be removed to adhere to an object other than the mount to be removed or to be sewn across and fixed, then removing the mount, and causing the predetermined electrode pattern during sewing to be maintained without relying on the presence of the mount in a portion where there is no mount where the conductive thread remains sewn. The object other than the mount to be removed preferably includes, for example, a gel, an adhesive tape, an adhesive film, or a structure coated with an adhesive resin, a curable resin, and a structure including a thermoplastic resin. A structure composed only of sewing machine threads produced on the mount by sewing, or a mount material for which the removal process is not intentionally performed can also be used. After sewing the conductive thread on the mount in a predetermined electrode pattern, a structure coated with a gel, an adhesive tape, an adhesive film, or an adhesive resin, a curable resin, or a thermoplastic resin is adhered so as to cover it, and their adhesiveness or curability is expressed. After that, when removing the unnecessary mount or the entanglement of the sewing machine stitches after transfer, it can be transferred to a structure including a gel, an adhesive tape, an adhesive film, or a structure coated with an adhesive resin, a curable resin, or a thermoplastic resin together with the predetermined conductive pattern. Sewing across and fixing means that the predetermined electrode pattern is arranged from the mount to be removed to a part of a structure composed only of sewing machine threads produced on the mount by sewing or to both sides of a mount material for which the removal process is not intentionally performed so as to be sewn across. In this way, 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. By removing the unnecessary mount part and the entanglement of the sewing thread in this state, an electrode that retains the necessary pattern can be obtained. Thereby, a portion of the conductive thread exposed on one or both sides can be formed, and this can be used as a useful electrode structure for a bioelectrode, an antenna, a power transmission and reception coil, an electronic substrate, or the like. (3) A step of arranging a conductive material or an electrically insulating material on the other side of the electrode pattern formed by the conductive thread with one side exposed. A structure in which a conductive or electrically insulating gel, adhesive tape, adhesive film, or adhesive resin is applied to the other exposed electrode pattern after the transfer, and a curable resin or a thermoplastic resin is closely adhered to cover the electrode pattern so that it is sandwiched from both sides. This makes it difficult for sweat and moisture to penetrate into the electrode pattern from both sides, providing waterproofness, gas barrier properties to prevent the metal used in the conductive wire from being oxidized or sulfided when it comes into contact with oxygen or sulfur-based gases in the air, and a function to protect the electrode from damage due to rubbing. It is a suitable structure for outdoor use where it is easily affected by rain and humidity, and for applications where the electrode is repeatedly washed and used hygienically. When the covering material is conductive, the entire surface has a structure with almost uniform conductivity, and when it is electrically insulating, it has a structure that is difficult to leak or short-circuit. These can be used as useful electrode structures for bioelectrodes, antennas, power transmission and reception coils, electronic substrates, etc.

[0015] The conductive wire is preferably a tungsten wire. The tungsten wire always forms an oxide film on the wire surface in the atmosphere under daily life. When used as a bare wire for a bioelectrode, the wire surface is protected by the already formed oxide film. Even if the surface oxidation progresses due to sweat or washing, the generated oxide film has a change in electrical resistance value within a range that can withstand use as a bioelectrode, and can exhibit stable conductive performance, so it is suitable. Since the tungsten wire forms an oxide film on the metal surface and has a small ionization tendency and is difficult to elute, it is a material with high biocompatibility that is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction and is also used as a medical surgical instrument, which is preferable as a material for bioelectrodes. In addition, the tungsten wire has the characteristic that its tensile strength is higher than that of copper wire, aluminum wire, and stainless steel wire when compared with the same wire diameter. As a thin conductive wire that is difficult to break, when the wire is used as a monofilament, when a plurality of wires are bundled, or when twisted with different material fibers, it can be processed while maintaining flexibility, which is preferable for manufacturing electrodes and conductive circuits using them. The wire used for the part that touches the skin is preferably a thin wire so as not to damage the skin surface, and it is preferably included a tungsten wire with a diameter of 20 μm or less per wire. Copper wires, aluminum wires, and stainless steel wires with the same wire diameter may break immediately during processing or when used as electrodes and may not withstand practical use.

[0016] The backing paper is preferably paper, release paper, resin sheet, resin film, resin mesh, net, network, water-soluble sheet, water-soluble film, non-woven fabric, water-soluble non-woven fabric, fabric, knitted fabric, felt sheet, or a combination thereof. These can be adhered to or sewn across the sewing position and stitch shape of the conductive thread with respect to the backing paper portion to be removed, to an object other than the backing paper to be removed, and then removed after being fixed.

[0017] The sewing position and stitch shape are fixed by adhering with a gel, adhesive film, adhesive tape, adhesive resin, curable resin, or thermoplastic resin, or from the portion where the backing paper with the conductive thread sewn in is completely removed, to the fiber structure of only the sewing thread produced by sewing or the backing paper of the portion not to be removed, and the conductive thread is preferably fixed by sewing across. Thereby, in the portion where the backing paper where the conductive thread is sewn in is completely removed, a portion of the exposed conductive thread while maintaining a predetermined electrode pattern can be formed and used as a bioelectrode. As the fixing material, heat may be applied and fixed using a hot melt resin, hot melt sheet, hot melt film, thermoplastic film, or the like.

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

[0019] The conductive thread can also be pasted and wired on the adhesive gel layer. The periphery of the conductive thread may be sewn with a non-conductive thread, an opening may be formed in the central part, and the conductive thread may be arranged in the opening. When an arbitrary part of the backing paper used for sewing is removed, the exposed surface area of the conductive material sewn on that part increases compared to the state before the backing paper is removed. Therefore, the surface area that can be used for crimping, soldering, or bonding with a conductive resin to the object to be electrically connected also increases, and there is an effect of stabilizing the conduction state when an electrical contact is provided.

[0020] In the field of biosensing for measuring biological signals, in order to prevent displacement of the measurement position, a non-conductive or conductive adhesive gel, a film coated with an adhesive, a urethane rubber sponge, a silicone rubber material, etc. are used. Even when the electrode part with the increased exposed surface area after removing the backing paper is pressed against the skin, the adhesion is enhanced because it is not hindered by the backing paper, and it is difficult for displacement to occur even when moving, and there is an advantage that a highly accurate biological signal can be measured. This is the same for electrode applications that conduct electricity through the human body, making it difficult for displacement to occur.

[0021] Many of the above-mentioned displacement prevention materials are soft. When pressed against the part where the backing paper has been removed, the material may enter the gap created by removing the backing paper and the electrode may be buried. However, by using a loop stitch, which is an embroidery method, to sew conductive yarns, metal wires, or tape-shaped conductive materials on the surface of the backing paper before removal to form loops standing upright, the electrodes and conductive wires are fabricated. In this way, the loops protrude with a height from the displacement prevention material, and it is difficult for the electrodes to be buried even when pressed, and the adhesion effect can be utilized. Since the conductive materials in the loop part are continuously connected, they are not easily detached even when rubbed, and a stable conduction path can be ensured.

[0022] When manufacturing electrodes with an increased exposed area by removing the backing paper of the present invention, if conductive yarns, metal wires, or tape-shaped conductive materials are sewn using loop stitches, chain stitches, etc. on the backing paper, and the non-conductive yarn used for sewing is removed simultaneously with the backing paper, the electrodes will have a structure where the front and back surfaces are electrically connected without breaks and conduct electricity. It can be used as a double-sided electrode that stably conducts electricity between the front and back surfaces.

[0023] When the portion containing the conductive material with the backing paper removed according to the present invention is arranged on the surface or inside of the structure of the molded article, there is an advantage that it can be integrated without being affected by the thickness and material of the backing paper, and it can be arranged on a flexible base material without impairing its flexibility and a predetermined electrode pattern can be used. This is useful for the production of electrodes, electrical connection connectors, conductive wirings, power transmission and reception coils, electronic substrates, antennas, sensors, heaters, etc. whose shapes change due to bending and stretching, and in particular, for structures including room for elongation such as loops, slack, and spirals. By removing the backing paper in a state where a portion where a conductive thread, a metal wire, or a tape-like conductive material is sewn to the backing paper before removal is arranged on the surface or inside of the structure of the stretchable molded article, an electrode structure with stretchability can be created.

[0024] Also, when a plurality of electrodes or conductive wires produced according to the present invention are stacked and bundled, or when covered with an electrical insulation material or a waterproof material, the portion containing the conductive material with the backing paper removed is not affected by the thickness and material of the backing paper, so the processed portion can be made thin and small. Therefore, in wearable clothing, etc., it becomes difficult for the wearer to recognize the presence of the electrodes or conductive wires, and a good wearing feeling can be obtained. In an environment where electromagnetic waves are used, the influence of reflection and absorption of electromagnetic waves caused by the backing paper can be reduced.

[0025] When the electrodes or conductive wires with the backing paper removed produced according to the present invention are fixed on the surface or inside of a material such as a sheet, a film, or a non-woven fabric using a resin having adhesiveness or curability, there is no decrease in the material strength due to pinholes and it is difficult to tear. Therefore, when the portion containing the conductive material is cut, slit, punched, etc. into an arbitrary shape to divide the electrodes or conductive wires together with the material, it is useful for die-cut production of the same-shaped parts.

[0026] For use as an electronic substrate, first, using a material such as silicone resin whose surface of the sewing backing paper to be removed later is peelable and has properties such as heat resistance and chemical resistance, a conductive thread, a metal wire, or a tape-shaped conductive material is sewn onto the surface of the peeling material in a specific circuit pattern. Next, with electronic components mounted on this sewn circuit pattern using solder or a conductive adhesive, the entire circuit pattern is transferred from the sewn backing paper to the surface of a structure containing a gel, an adhesive tape or adhesive sheet, a curable resin, a thermoplastic resin, or a material coated with an adhesive. As a result, the electronic components are in a mounted state at the time of separation, so the transferred structure or material has no sewing machine needle holes, making it easier to maintain the electrical insulation state and waterproof state of the circuit. Also, even if the transferred structure or material is prone to deterioration due to heat melting by solder or a chemical reaction of the conductive adhesive, since the electronic components are mounted on the circuit before transfer, there is no deterioration in the transferred structure or material due to the process of mounting the electronic components on the circuit, and good conductive quality can be maintained for the entire circuit. When using a material that is easily bent and stretched thinly for the structure or material after transfer, an electronic substrate with mounted electronic components that can be freely changed in shape by stretching, shrinking, or folding can be produced.

[0027] Since the electrodes and conductive wires produced in the present invention do not fix the conductive material to the backing paper by printing or plating methods, even if the backing paper is deformed, cracks in the conductive material that would cause instability in the electrical resistance value do not occur. When the present invention is attached to a highly bendable base material separate from the backing paper, the shape of the base material can be deformed, such as being folded and made smaller, so it can also be installed in narrow parts.

Examples

[0028] The following examples will be used for explanation. The present invention is not limited to the examples. <Conductive thread> In the following examples, a tungsten wire with a diameter of 13 μm was used as the conductive thread. <Embroidery thread> For the embroidery thread, a twisted thread with a cotton fiber material and a cotton count of 20 was used.

[0029] (Example 1) Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same components. FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view showing a pattern in which a conductive yarn of one embodiment of the present invention is sewn on a mount in a predetermined shape, FIG. 1B is a schematic plan view with the mount removed from FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a schematic plan view after another removal. As shown in FIG. 1A, on a mount 1a such as a cooking sheet paper having a silicone release agent coated on one surface, for example, the conductive yarn 2 is sewn in a predetermined pattern using a sewing machine, and fixing means 3 such as an adhesive, an adhesive, or a curable resin is arranged around it. Next, as shown in FIG. 1B, the mount 1a may be removed, leaving the sewing yarn 2 in a predetermined pattern in partial contact with the fixing means 3, or as shown in FIG. 1C, the mount 1a may be removed, leaving the conductive yarn 2 in a predetermined pattern in full contact with the fixing means 3. Thereby, the conductive yarn 2 in a predetermined pattern could be utilized as an electrode. 1b indicates the mount after removal. A water-soluble vinylon yarn was used as the non-conductive yarn and removed later.

[0030] (Example 2) FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view showing a pattern in which a conductive yarn 2 of another embodiment of the present invention is sewn on a mount 1a in a predetermined shape and the periphery is sewn with embroidery yarn 4, and FIG. 2B is a schematic plan view with the mount removed from FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2B, the periphery of the conductive yarn 2 in a predetermined pattern is fixed by the embroidery yarn 4, and the conductive yarn 2 in the predetermined pattern in the central portion could be utilized as an electrode.

[0031] (Example 3) FIG. 3A is a schematic plan view showing a pattern in which a conductive yarn of still another embodiment of the present invention is sewn in a predetermined pattern so that stitches extend to both a portion that needs to be removed and a portion that is left without being removed, and FIG. 2B is a schematic plan view showing a state in which only the central portion 1b of the mount is removed and the periphery 1a of the mount is left. Also in this example, the periphery of the conductive yarn 2 in a predetermined pattern is fixed by the embroidery yarn 4, and the conductive yarn 2 in the predetermined pattern in the central portion could be utilized as an electrode.

[0032] (Example 4) FIGS. 4A-C are schematic plan views showing a method of removing a substrate of one embodiment of the present invention. The sewing Using a sewing machine or an overlock sewing machine, conductive threads 2a and 2b are sewn in a predetermined pattern on a base material such as a mount board 1 that can be dissolved or torn off as shown in FIG. 4A. Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, an adhesive tape 5 is attached and fixed on top of the conductive threads 2a and 2b. As shown in FIG. 4C, the base material such as the mount board 1 is removed, leaving the conductive threads 2a and 2b in a predetermined pattern fixed to the adhesive tape 5 exposed. In this case, there are cases where both the upper thread and the lower thread are included, cases where the lower thread used for sewing is removed and only the upper thread is included, and cases where only the lower thread is used without using the upper thread for sewing. At least one of these uses a conductive thread. For the threads other than the conductive thread, a twisted thread made of a fiber material of polyester and a cotton count of 40 was used.

[0033] (Example 5) FIGS. 5A - D are schematic plan views showing a method for removing a base material according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this sewing Using a sewing machine or an overlock sewing machine, the upper thread of the conductive thread 2 and the non - conductive lower thread 6 are sewn in a predetermined pattern on a base material such as a mount board 1 that can be dissolved or torn off as shown in FIG. 5A. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, an adhesive tape 5 is attached and fixed on top of the conductive thread 2. As shown in FIG. 5C, the lower thread 6 is cut and removed. Next, as shown in FIG. 5D, the base material such as the mount board 1 is removed, leaving the conductive thread 2 in a predetermined pattern fixed to the adhesive tape 5 exposed. In the case of FIGS. 5A - D, the base material may be a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a non - woven fabric, a resin sheet, a resin film, etc. in addition to the mount board.

[0034] (Example 6) FIG. 6 is a plan photograph showing a conductive thread in a predetermined pattern arranged on the surface of a curable resin. In FIG. 6, 2 is the conductive thread in a predetermined pattern, and 7 is the curable resin. Instead of the curable resin, a gel, a foam, etc. can be used. The conductive thread used in FIG. 6 is a covering twisted thread with a polyester fiber: 50 denier × 1 for the core thread, a tungsten wire: diameter 13μm × 5 for the fancy thread, and a water - soluble vinylon: 40 denier × 1 for the holding thread. After sewing, the water - soluble vinylon was dissolved to produce an electrode pattern.

[0035] (Example 7) FIG. 7 is a plan photograph in which embroidery thread is sewn around a conductive thread of a predetermined pattern. In FIG. 6, 2 is a conductive thread of a predetermined pattern, and 4 is a surrounding embroidery thread sewing portion.

[0036] (Example 8) FIGS. 8A-D are consecutive photographs of an electrode structure attached to a heart rate detector in which a heart rate sensor and a transmitter are integrated. In FIG. 8A, 2 is a conductive thread of a predetermined pattern, 4 is a surrounding embroidery thread sewing portion, 8 is a central connector, 9 in FIG. 8B is a snap button, and 10 in FIGS. 8C-D is a heart rate detector. It may be a detector for electrocardiogram, myoelectric potential, electroencephalogram, blood pressure, body temperature, etc. other than the heart rate. The detector can send the detected signal by radio wave to a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc. FIGS. 8A-D are consecutive photographs of an electrode structure attached to a heart rate detector in which a heart rate sensor and a transmitter are integrated. In FIG. 8A, 2 is a conductive thread of a predetermined pattern, 4 is a surrounding embroidery thread sewing portion, 8 is a central connector, 9 in FIG. 8B is a snap button, and 10 in FIGS. 8C-D is a heart rate detector. It may be a detector for electrocardiogram, myoelectric potential, electroencephalogram, blood pressure, body temperature, etc. other than the heart rate. The detector can send the detected signal by radio wave to a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc. It may be a detector for electrocardiogram, myoelectric potential, electroencephalogram, blood pressure, body temperature, etc. other than the heart rate. The detector can send the detected signal by radio wave to a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc.

[0037] (Example 9) FIG. 9A is an electronic substrate in which a semiconductor or an electronic component is mounted on a circuit made of a conductive thread, and as an example in which one or both sides thereof are covered with an electrically insulating substance, a photograph of an LED 12 joined by ultrasonic soldering after sewing a conductive thread 2 of a predetermined pattern on a cooking sheet paper coated with a silicone release agent, FIG. 9B is a photograph of an electrode structure in which the LED 12 joined at the conductive thread 2 of a predetermined pattern and ultrasonic soldering portions 11a, 11b is covered and fixed with a waterproof electrically insulating adhesive film 13 from above. FIG. 10A is a state in which the electrode structure of FIG. 9B is transferred from the cooking sheet paper to the waterproof electrically insulating adhesive film 13 and pasted on the back of the hand, FIG. 10B is a state of being connected to a power source, and FIG. 10C is a photograph of passing a current to light up the LED 12. 14a and 14b are energizing clips.

[0038] (Example 10) FIG. 11 is a photograph of sewing a covered wire around a cooking sheet paper coated with a silicone release agent using a ring sewing machine, using a non-conductive thread as the lower thread, and sewing the covered wire in a spiral shape. When an adhesive film is pasted on the covered wire, the lower thread is removed, and the cooking sheet paper is removed, the spiral covered wire can be taken out. FIG. 12 is a photograph in which the spiral covered wire of FIG. 11 is attached to the back of the hand and connected to a wireless power supply circuit using a battery power source and an electromagnetic induction method. The wireless LED at the center of the spiral wire is not directly connected to the wire but is lit. This is because the wireless LED is placed so as to cross the magnetic field of the spiral wire, so that the spiral wire serves as a transmitting coil on the power transmission side and power is supplied to the wireless LED on the power reception side.

[0039] As described above, the electrode structures of Examples 1 to 10 have good adhesion to the human skin and can acquire accurate biological information. That is, in any part of the electrode or conductive wire produced by sewing a conductive material such as a conductive thread, a metal wire, or a tape onto a base material, even if part or all of the base material used for sewing is removed, the sewn pattern can be held in an exposed state. Thereby, it can be utilized as a biological information acquisition electrode structure. As biological information, heart rate, electrocardiogram, myoelectric potential, brain wave, body temperature, blood pressure, etc. can be acquired, which is useful for health management. Also, when used as an antenna, a power transmission / reception coil, or an electronic substrate, an electrode structure with good usability can be obtained.

[0040] (Example 11) FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an antenna 15 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This antenna 15 covers both surfaces of the coil portion 16 with electrically insulating films 17a and 17b. The coil used a tungsten wire with a diameter of 20 μm. The electrically insulating films 17a and 17b were polyurethane films with a thickness of 10 μm coated with an acrylic-based adhesive. This antenna 15 was thin and flexible, and had good usability. That is, the conductive thread with the conductive material exposed on the surface undergoes chemical reactions such as oxidation due to sweat, washing, moisture, etc., resulting in an increase in the surface resistance value. Physical stimuli such as rubbing cause peeling, cracking, and disconnection, and due to these causes, the performance deteriorates compared to the original conductivity of the conductive thread, and the performance as an electrode, conductive wiring, or antenna decreases. However, in order to prevent these deteriorations and maintain stable conductive performance, the conductive pattern can be sandwiched and protected with a film that is difficult to permeate moisture or paper coated with an adhesive resin. [Industrial Applicability]

[0041] The electrode structure of the present invention is suitable for wearable clothing, its accessories (such as belts, reinforcing fabrics, protective fabrics, etc.), robot wiring, telephone wiring, electronic substrates with electronic components mounted thereon, power supply lines, power transmission and reception coils, transmission and reception antennas, electromagnetic shielding materials, electrical stimulation devices, medical devices, heaters, logistics machinery, health and safety management of working laborers, health and safety management of sports players, and other electrical and electronic devices.

Explanation of Signs

[0042] 1, 1a Mounting board 2 Conductive thread 3 Fixing means 4 Embroidery thread 5 Adhesive tape 6 Lower thread 7 Curable resin 8 Connector 9 Snap button 10 Heart rate detector 11a, 11b Ultrasonic soldering part 12 LED 13 Waterproof electrical insulating adhesive film 14a, 14b Energizing clip 15 Antenna 16 Coil part 17a, 17b Electrical insulating film

Claims

1. An electrode structure comprising conductive thread and an electrically insulating material, The conductive thread is positioned in the central part of the electrode structure to constitute the electrode, and the electrically insulating material is positioned around the electrode to hold it in place. A non-conductive or conductive adhesive gel or adhesive-coated material is attached to the electrode portion as a means to prevent displacement of the measurement position of the biological signal. An electrode structure characterized by having the structure described in any one item selected from the group consisting of A to E below. A: Both sides of the electrode are exposed. B: One side of the electrode is exposed, and the other side is covered with an electrically insulating material. C: One side of the electrode is covered with a conductive material, and the other side is covered with an electrically insulating material. D: The electrode is coiled, and one or both sides of it are covered with an electrically insulating material. E: The electrode is an electronic circuit board on which semiconductors and electronic components are mounted on a circuit made of conductive threads, and one or both sides thereof are covered with an electrically insulating material.

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

3. The electrode structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrode is an antenna or a power transmission / receiving coil.

4. The electrode structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrode is an electronic substrate on which electronic components are mounted.

5. The electrode structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrically insulating material is a structure composed only of embroidery thread and / or sewing thread that are tightly fixed to the conductive thread in a state in which the conductive thread is directly sewn to it; a backing structure in which the conductive thread is sewn from a part of the backing to a part of the backing that is not removed to a part of the backing; a structure coated with a gel, adhesive tape, adhesive film, or adhesive resin that is tightly fixed to the conductive thread in a state in which the conductive thread is not directly sewn to it; a curable resin; a thermoplastic resin; or a combination thereof.

6. The electrode structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrode structure is stretchable.

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

8. A method for manufacturing an electrode structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Using a sewing machine, conductive thread is sewn into an electrode pattern onto a cardboard base containing removable material. After the conductive thread is attached to or sewn onto something other than the backing paper, the backing paper is removed. The conductive thread is placed in the center of the electrode structure to form an electrode, and the electrically insulating material is placed around the electrode to hold it in place. A non-conductive or conductive adhesive gel or adhesive-coated material is attached to the electrode portion as a means to prevent displacement of the measurement position of the biological signal. A method for manufacturing an electrode structure, characterized by having the structure described in any one item selected from the group consisting of A to E below. A: Both sides of the electrode are exposed. B: One side of the electrode is exposed, and the other side is covered with an electrically insulating material. C: One side of the electrode is covered with a conductive material, and the other side is covered with an electrically insulating material. D: The electrode is coiled, and one or both sides of it are covered with an electrically insulating material. E: The electrode is an electronic circuit board on which semiconductors and electronic components are mounted on a circuit made of conductive threads, and one or both sides thereof are covered with an electrically insulating material.

9. The method for manufacturing an electrode structure according to claim 8, wherein the base is paper, release paper, resin sheet, resin film, resin mesh, net, water-soluble sheet, water-soluble film, nonwoven fabric, water-soluble nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, knitted fabric, felt sheet, or a combination thereof.

10. The method for manufacturing an electrode structure according to claim 8, wherein the electrically insulating material is a structure composed only of embroidery thread and / or sewing thread that are tightly fixed to the conductive thread in a state in which the conductive thread is directly sewn to it; a backing structure in which the conductive thread is sewn from a part of the backing to a part of the backing that is not removed; a structure coated with a gel, adhesive tape, adhesive film, or adhesive resin that is tightly fixed to the conductive thread in a state in which the conductive thread is not directly sewn to it; a curable resin; a thermoplastic resin; or a combination thereof.

11. The method for manufacturing an electrode structure according to claim 8, wherein the sewing thread of the sewing machine is either conductive thread only, or both conductive thread and non-conductive thread.

12. The method for manufacturing an electrode structure according to claim 8, wherein the conductive thread is a bare wire or a coated wire, and in the case of a coated wire, the coating layer is removed afterward.

13. The method for manufacturing an electrode structure according to claim 8, wherein the conductive thread is attached to an adhesive gel layer and wired.

14. The method for manufacturing an electrode structure according to claim 8, wherein the periphery of the conductive thread is sewn with a non-conductive thread, an opening is formed in the center, and the conductive thread is placed in the opening.

15. The method for manufacturing an electrode structure according to claim 8, wherein the sewing machine is a lockstitch sewing machine or a chain stitch sewing machine.

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