Biosignal sensor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a biosignal sensor and, more specifically, to a biosignal sensor for collecting biosignals including brain waves from a hairy body part of an animal including a human, the biosignal sensor comprising: a fixing band for surrounding and fixing a body part; an electrode assembly having a plurality of electrodes arranged on the rear surface of the fixing band, which is the surface facing the skin of the animal; and a conductive substance reservoir electrically connecting the plurality of electrodes to the skin of the animal via a conductive substance. By electrically connecting the skin of an animal through the conductive substance reservoir to the electrode assembly placed on the forehead of the animal, the present invention can improve conductive adhesion between the biosignal collecting electrodes and the skin of the animal.

Description

biosignal sensor

[0001] The present invention relates to a biosignal sensor, and more particularly, to a biosignal sensor that collects biosignals, including brain waves, from hairy body parts of animals, including humans.

[0002] In general, biosignals are caused by the electrical activity of nerve cells that make up animals, including humans, and can be measured in the form of electrical signals through electrodes on the skin. In particular, brain waves are caused by the electrical activity of nerve cells that make up the brain.

[0003] Depending on the target of biosignal measurement, including brain waves, the body part being measured, head shape, size, and curvature vary. Therefore, to ensure stable skin contact between electrodes, the size of the biosignal sensor attached to the skin must be miniaturized, and tight contact and electrical connection are crucial. Maintaining an appropriate distance between measurement channels is also crucial for biosignal quality.

[0004] In special situations such as surgery, it is necessary to measure brain waves to determine the depth of anesthesia. In this case, the depth of anesthesia can be determined by measuring the brain waves of the surgical subject.

[0005] In particular, in the case of animals, there was a problem that the contact between the skin and the electrode was uneven because there was hair around the frontal lobe where brain waves were measured.

[0006] Additionally, since the animal's scalp is soft, even if the biosignal sensor is fixed using a fixing band, there was a problem in that the fixing position of the biosignal sensor changed because the animal moved back and forth near the frontal lobe.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a biosignal sensor that can be simply and stably fixed to hairy body parts and animal heads while maintaining stable contact with the skin.

[0008] [Prior patent literature]

[0009] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0037525 (April 8, 2019)

[0010] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0071875 (May 23, 2024)

[0011] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0153625 (November 7, 2023)

[0012] In order to solve the problems of the above-described background technology, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a biosignal sensor that can improve conductive adhesion between a biosignal collection electrode and the animal skin by electrically connecting an electrode assembly placed on the animal's forehead and the animal's skin through a conductive material storage body.

[0013] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor that can be flexibly wrapped around an animal's head and stably fixed thereto by having a fixed band made of a flexible material such as a urethane film.

[0014] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor that can reduce noise generated by contact between wiring and skin when the biosignal sensor is fixed and worn on an animal by having an insulating portion that insulates the wiring portion of the electrode assembly.

[0015] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor that can facilitate connection with an amplifier and an external device by providing a connecting portion in an electrode assembly.

[0016] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor that can be simply combined by combining an electrode assembly with a fixed band using double-sided tape or adhesive.

[0017] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor in which an electrode portion and a wiring portion are formed by printing silver or silver chloride ink, thereby easily forming electrodes and wiring, and facilitating electrical signal transmission while maintaining flexibility of the electrode assembly.

[0018] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor capable of measuring the biosignal of an animal while miniaturizing the biosignal sensor by arranging electrodes including a ground electrode, a reference electrode, and a channel electrode.

[0019] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor capable of improving the quality of collected biosignals by placing a ground electrode in the center and placing a reference electrode and a channel electrode at equal distances on both sides of the ground electrode.

[0020] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor capable of improving electrical connection and adhesion between an electrode and animal skin by inserting a conductive material into a first storage portion of a conductive material storage body.

[0021] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor capable of minimizing volatilization and evaporation of a conductive material by providing a carrier that absorbs and stores a conductive material inside a first storage unit.

[0022] In addition, the present invention has a second storage unit that discharges a conductive material inside a first storage unit, thereby providing a biosignal sensor that can discharge the conductive material through the second storage unit when necessary while the conductive material is stored.

[0023] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor in which a cross-section of a second storage unit that discharges a conductive material inside a first storage unit is formed to be smaller than that of the first storage unit, thereby maintaining a storage state without the conductive material flowing out, and capable of discharging the conductive material by pumping a portion of the first storage unit when necessary.

[0024] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor in which the second storage section has a cross-section that becomes wider toward the rear, thereby stably maintaining the area where the conductive material and the skin come into contact.

[0025] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a biosignal sensor that can prevent a short circuit between a plurality of electrodes by forming a plurality of partitions around each of a plurality of storage units, thereby preventing a conductive material discharged around a storage unit from overflowing.

[0026] The biosignal sensor of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a biosignal sensor that collects biosignals, including brain waves, from a hairy body part of an animal including a human, and includes: a fixing band that surrounds and fixes the body part; an electrode assembly having a plurality of electrodes arranged on the rear surface of the fixing band in a direction toward the skin of the animal; and a conductive material storage body that electrically connects the plurality of electrodes and the skin of the animal via a conductive material.

[0027] Preferably, the electrode assembly comprises: a sheet portion coupled to the rear surface of the fixed band; an electrode assembly formed of a plurality of electrodes arranged on the rear surface of the sheet portion to collect the bio-signals of the animal; a wiring portion formed of a plurality of wires each having one end electrically connected to each of the plurality of electrodes; an insulating portion that insulates the wiring portion; and a connecting portion that is electrically connected to the other end of each of the plurality of wires to electrically transmit the collected bio-signals to the outside.

[0028] Preferably, the sheet portion is connected to the fixed band using double-sided tape or adhesive.

[0029] Preferably, the electrode assembly and the wiring portion are formed by printing silver or silver chloride ink.

[0030] Preferably, the plurality of electrodes include a central ground electrode and reference electrodes and channel electrodes respectively disposed on either side of the central ground electrode.

[0031] Preferably, the conductive material storage body includes a main body portion coupled to the rear surface of the electrode assembly; and a plurality of storage portions having internal spaces at positions corresponding to the plurality of electrodes of the main body portion; and the conductive material is embedded in each of the internal spaces of the plurality of storage portions.

[0032] Preferably, the storage unit is made of an elastic material, so that when elastic deformation occurs due to an external force, the conductive material is discharged from the storage unit to the skin.

[0033] Preferably, the storage unit includes a first storage unit disposed on the front side of the main body and containing the conductive material in an internal space; and a second storage unit disposed in communication with the rear side of the first storage unit and discharging the conductive material to the skin.

[0034] Preferably, the first storage unit further includes a carrier having a porous structure that absorbs and stores the conductive material in the internal space.

[0035] Preferably, the second storage unit is formed with a cross-section narrower than the cross-section of the first storage unit.

[0036] Preferably, the storage unit further includes a third storage unit, which is arranged to be in communication with the rear side of the second storage unit and has a cross-section formed wider than the cross-section of the second storage unit.

[0037] Preferably, the conductive material storage body further includes a plurality of partitions formed spaced apart from each other around the plurality of storage portions to prevent movement of the conductive material.

[0038] Preferably, the electrode assembly comprises: an electrode assembly formed of a plurality of electrodes arranged on the rear surface of the fixed band to collect the animal's bio-signals; a wiring portion formed of a plurality of wires arranged on the rear surface of the fixed band and having one end electrically connected to each of the plurality of electrodes; an insulating portion that insulates the wiring portion; and a connecting portion that is electrically connected to the other end of each of the plurality of wires to electrically transmit the collected bio-signals to the outside.

[0039] The biosignal sensor of the present invention can improve conductive adhesion between the biosignal collection electrode and the animal skin by electrically connecting the electrode assembly placed on the animal's forehead and the animal's skin through a conductive material storage body.

[0040] In addition, the present invention has a fixed band made of a flexible material such as a urethane film, so that it can be flexibly wrapped around the head of an animal and stably fixed thereto according to the shape of the animal's head.

[0041] In addition, the present invention can reduce noise generation due to contact between wiring and skin when the biosignal sensor is fixed and worn on an animal by providing an insulating portion that insulates the wiring portion in the electrode assembly.

[0042] In addition, the present invention can facilitate connection with an amplifier and an external device by providing a connecting portion in the electrode assembly.

[0043] In addition, the present invention can be simply combined by combining the electrode assembly with a fixed band using double-sided tape or adhesive.

[0044] In addition, the present invention can easily form electrodes and wiring by forming the electrode portion and wiring portion by printing silver or silver chloride ink, and can easily transmit electric signals while maintaining the flexibility of the electrode assembly.

[0045] In addition, the present invention can measure the biosignals of an animal while miniaturizing the biosignal sensor by arranging electrodes including a ground electrode, a reference electrode, and a channel electrode.

[0046] In addition, the present invention can improve the quality of collected biosignals by placing the ground electrode in the center and placing the reference electrode and the channel electrode at equal distances on both sides of the ground electrode.

[0047] In addition, the present invention can improve electrical connection and adhesion between an electrode and animal skin by inserting a conductive material into the first storage portion of a conductive material storage body.

[0048] In addition, the present invention can minimize volatilization and evaporation of the conductive material by providing a carrier that absorbs and stores the conductive material inside the first storage unit.

[0049] In addition, the present invention has a second storage unit that discharges a conductive material inside the first storage unit, so that the conductive material can be discharged through the second storage unit when necessary while in a storage state.

[0050] In addition, the present invention maintains a storage state in which the conductive material does not flow out by forming a cross-section of the second storage portion that discharges the conductive material inside the first storage portion smaller than that of the first storage portion, and when necessary, the conductive material can be discharged by pumping a portion of the first storage portion.

[0051] In addition, the present invention has a second storage section whose cross-section becomes wider toward the rear, so that the area where the conductive material comes into contact with the skin can be stably maintained.

[0052] In addition, the present invention can prevent a short circuit between a plurality of electrodes by forming a plurality of partitions around each of a plurality of storage units, thereby preventing a conductive material discharged around the storage units from overflowing.

[0053] Fig. 1 is a front view of a biosignal sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig. 2 is a rear view of a biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 3 is a front view of a fixed band according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear.

[0057] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of a conductive material storage body constituting the present invention.

[0058] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a conductive material storage body constituting the present invention.

[0059] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Fig. 5 constituting the present invention.

[0060] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 9 is a drawing showing a state in which a biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention is worn on an animal's head.

[0062] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a state in which a biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention is worn on the torso of an animal.

[0063] Fig. 11 is a front view of a fixed band according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Fig. 12 is a rear view of a fixed band according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] <Explanation of symbols for major parts of the drawing>

[0066] 100: Fixed band

[0067] 200: Electrode assembly

[0068] 300: Conductive material storage body

[0069] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention relates to a biosignal sensor that collects biosignals, including brain waves, from hairy body parts of animals, including humans.

[0070] FIG. 1 is a front view of a biosignal sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a rear view of a biosignal sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a front view of a fixing band according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear, FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a conductive material storage body constituting the present invention, FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a conductive material storage body constituting the present invention, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 5 constituting the present invention, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a biosignal sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which an animal wears a biosignal sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which the biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention is worn on the torso of an animal, FIG. 11 is a front view of a fixing band according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a rear view of a fixing band according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] The biosignal sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, largely includes a fixed band (100), an electrode assembly (200), and a conductive material storage body (300).

[0072] A fixed band (100) is a flexible fixed member that is fixed to a hairy body part of an animal, including a human, and is fixed to the body part to collect and measure bio-signals, including brain waves, from the animal's skin. The fixed band (100) is made of a flexible material, such as a urethane film, so that it can be fixed in close contact with a body part of the animal without irritating the animal's skin. In particular, the fixed band (100) can be fixed to the animal's head and used to measure brain waves among bio-signals. This fixed band (100) is composed of a head fixing part (110), a connecting part (140), an ear fixing part (120), and a character pattern (130).

[0073] The head fixing member (110) is a fixing member that surrounds and fixes the animal's chin and head. It is formed in the shape of a long belt and is positioned and fixed to wrap around the animal's face. The head fixing member (110) is composed of a first head fixing member (111) and a second head fixing member (112).

[0074] The first head fixing member (111) may be extended to one side based on the connecting member (140) and may be positioned from the animal's forehead to the side of the face. A first detachable member (111a) may be provided at the front end of the first head fixing member (111). Here, the front means the direction opposite to the direction facing the animal's skin.

[0075] The second head fixing member (112) may be extended to the other side based on the connecting member (140) and may be arranged to contact the end of the first head fixing member (111) from the forehead of the animal, passing through the side of the face on the other side, the chin. A second detachable member (112a) may be provided at the middle of the front of the second head fixing member (112), a third detachable member (112b) may be provided at the front end, and a fourth detachable member (112c) may be provided at the rear end. Here, the rear side means the direction toward the animal's skin.

[0076] Accordingly, the first head fixing part (111) is formed shorter than the second head fixing part (112), and the head is wrapped around the animal on both sides based on the connecting part (140) to compress and surround the head, and each end is mutually connected and fixed on the side of the face.

[0077] At this time, the first detachable member (111a) on the front of the first head fixing member (111) and the fourth detachable member (112c) on the rear of the second head fixing member (112) can be fixed by being combined with each other. It is preferable that the first and fourth detachable members (111a, 112c) are formed of Velcro.

[0078] Although not shown in the drawing, the shape and length of the first and second head fixing members (111, 112) can be formed in various ways, and any shape is possible as long as it can be fixed around the head, and the first and fourth detachable members (111a, 112c) can be of any shape as long as they can be combined with each other.

[0079] The connecting member (140) is a connecting member that protrudes and extends from the middle of the length of the head fixing member (110) and connects the head fixing member (110) and the ear fixing member (120). It is preferable that the position where the connecting member (140) protrudes is the center of the animal's forehead.

[0080] The ear fixing member (120) is a fixing member that surrounds and fixes each ear of the animal, and is formed on one side and the other side of the connecting member (140) and is positioned and fixed to surround and fix each of the one and the other ears of the animal. The ear fixing member (120) is composed of a first ear fixing member (121) and a second ear fixing member (122).

[0081] The first ear fixing part (121) branches off from the end of the connecting part (140) and extends to one side to surround and secure one ear of the animal. A fifth detachable member (121a) may be provided at the rear end of the first ear fixing part (121). The first ear fixing part (121) surrounds one ear of the animal, and the fifth detachable member (121a) may be coupled to the third detachable member (112b). Specifically, in a state where the fourth detachable member (112c) at the rear of the second head fixing part (112) is coupled to the first detachable member (111a) at the front of the first head fixing part (111), the fifth detachable member (121a) at the rear of the first ear fixing part (121) is coupled to the third detachable member (112b) at the front of the second head fixing part (112).

[0082] The second ear fixing part (122) branches off from the end of the connecting part (140) and extends to the other side to surround and secure the other ear of the animal. A sixth detachable member (122a) may be provided at the rear end of the second ear fixing part (122). The second ear fixing part (122) surrounds the other ear of the animal, and the sixth detachable member (122a) may be coupled to the second detachable member (112a). Specifically, the sixth detachable member (122a) at the rear of the second ear fixing part (122) is coupled to the second detachable member (112a) disposed at the middle front of the second head fixing part (112).

[0083] Accordingly, the first ear fixing part (121) and the second ear fixing part (122) are formed to have the same length, branch off from the end of the connecting part (140) to both sides and wrap around each ear. Thereafter, the ends of the first and second ear fixing parts (121, 122) are fixed by being coupled to the detachable member of the head fixing part (110). It is preferable that the third and fifth detachable members (112b, 121a) and the second and sixth detachable members (112a, 122a) are formed of Velcro.

[0084] The ear fixing part (120) may have a groove (120a) formed concavely toward the connection part (140) between the first and second ear fixing parts (121, 122) branching out. This groove (120a) can be bent more flexibly when each of the first and second ear fixing parts (121, 122) bends to wrap around both ears, thereby improving adhesion to the skin.

[0085] Although not shown in the drawing, the shape and length of the ear fixing member (120) can be formed in various ways, and any shape is possible as long as it can be fixed around the ear. In addition, the third and fifth detachable members (112b, 121a) and the second and sixth detachable members (112a, 122a) can each have any shape as long as they can be coupled to each other.

[0086] Meanwhile, at least one of the detachable members that are connected to each other can be formed to have a length longer than the width. This allows the wrapping length to be adjusted to a predetermined length depending on the head circumference and ear circumference of the animal.

[0087] In the case of animals, the scalp is soft, so the electrode assembly (200) can move back and forth on the animal's head with only the head fixing part (110). Therefore, by forming the ear fixing part (120) to fix the ears together, the electrode assembly (200) can be stably fixed by the fixing band (100).

[0088] The character pattern (130) is a display member printed or displayed on the front of the fixed band (100), and guides the user by indicating the location of the electrode assembly placed on the center and back of the animal's forehead.

[0089] Accordingly, the user can position the center of the electrode assembly (200) at the center of the animal's forehead without having to turn over the fixed band (100) to check the position of the electrode assembly (200) placed on the back of the fixed band (100), and can determine the position of each of the plurality of electrode parts (220) constituting the electrode assembly (200).

[0090] The electrode assembly (200) is an electrode assembly that is placed on a body part of an animal to collect bio-signals including brain waves of the animal and is connected to the back of a fixed band (100), and is composed of a sheet portion (210), an electrode portion (220), a wiring portion (230), an insulation portion (240), and a connection portion (250).

[0091] The sheet member (210) is a sheet member that is joined to the rear of the fixed band (100), and is preferably made of a flexible material such as urethane. This sheet member (210) can be joined to the fixed band (100) using double-sided tape or adhesive.

[0092] The electrode part (220) is configured on the rear side of the sheet part (210) and is an electrode member placed on a body part of an animal to collect the animal's bio-signals. In the embodiment, it is placed on the head fixing part (110) to be placed on the animal's forehead and is composed of a plurality of electrodes.

[0093] The plurality of electrodes may be provided in at least three forms, including a ground electrode, a reference electrode, and a channel electrode, to improve the quality of biosignal collection. For example, the ground electrode is preferably placed at the center of the animal's forehead, and the reference electrode and channel electrode are preferably placed on either side of the ground electrode at equal distances from each other.

[0094] Meanwhile, the closer the electrode is to the frontal lobe, the better the quality of the collected biosignal. However, in the case of small animals, the forehead is narrow, so it is often difficult to position the electrode on the frontal lobe. Therefore, it is preferable to place the electrode unit (220) between the frontal lobe and the crown of the head.

[0095] The wiring unit (230) is a wiring member that electrically transmits brain wave signals collected from the electrode unit (220), and is composed of a plurality of wires, each of which is electrically connected to a plurality of electrodes. Each of the plurality of wires is formed so as not to overlap with each other.

[0096] It is preferable that the wiring section (230) be arranged in a direction in which it is drawn out from each of the plurality of electrodes toward the crown of the animal.

[0097] These electrode portions (220) and wiring portions (230) can be formed by printing silver or silver chloride ink on the sheet portion (210), and any material and shape is possible as long as biosignal collection and signal transmission are possible.

[0098] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the electrode and wiring portions may be placed on the rear of the fixed band without the sheet portion. For example, a method of directly printing the electrode and wiring portions on the rear of the fixed band may be used.

[0099] The insulating part (240) is an insulating material that wraps around the rear surface of the wiring part (230) to insulate the wiring part (230), and can prevent the wiring part (230) that passes between the electrode parts (220) or is extended toward the crown of the animal from causing a short circuit due to contact with the animal's skin, the user, external conductive materials, etc.

[0100] The connecting portion (250) is a connecting member that electrically connects and transmits biosignals received from multiple wires to the outside, and is electrically connected to the other end of each of the multiple wires. This connecting portion (250) is connected to external devices such as a signal amplifier or collector.

[0101] The conductive material storage body (300) is a conductive member that is coupled to the rear of the electrode assembly (200) and electrically connects the electrode assembly (200) and the animal's skin via the conductive material (301). The conductive material storage body (300) is composed of a main body (310), a storage body, and a partition wall (340), and includes the conductive material (301).

[0102] The main body (310) is a main body member that is coupled to the rear of the electrode assembly (200), and is arranged to include positions corresponding to a plurality of electrodes. In order to improve the contact area and fixing force with the electrode assembly (200), a portion of the main body may be formed to protrude in the direction of the animal's crown. The main body (310) may be composed of a material such as silicone rubber.

[0103] The storage unit is positioned at a position corresponding to the positions of the plurality of electrodes and has a plurality of internal spaces within the main body (310). A conductive material (301) is embedded in each of the plurality of internal spaces. The storage unit is made of an elastic material so that when elastic deformation occurs, the conductive material is discharged from the storage unit to the skin. The storage unit can be divided into a first storage unit (320), a second storage unit (330), and a third storage unit (350).

[0104] The first storage unit (320) is arranged on the front side of the main body unit (310), and has internal spaces formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of electrodes, and a conductive material (301) is embedded in each internal space. The conductive material embedded in each internal space electrically connects the skin of the animal and the electrode unit (220). In the case of animals, since the forehead area also has a lot of hair, it is difficult for the electrode unit (220) to be in direct contact with the animal's forehead, so the conductivity can be improved by using a conductive material.

[0105] Each of the plurality of first storage units (320) may be provided with a carrier (321) having a porous structure that absorbs and stores a conductive material in its internal space. The carrier (321) may be made of a sponge-like material to reduce evaporation of the conductive material and prevent the conductive material from being discharged through the second storage unit (330).

[0106] The second storage unit (330) is positioned so as to be in communication with the rear side of the first storage unit, thereby forming an internal space for discharging a conductive material onto the skin, and discharges the conductive material stored in each of the plurality of first storage units (320) to the rear side of the main body unit (310). As a result, the conductive material inside the plurality of first storage units (320) is discharged through each of the second storage units (330) and flows out onto the skin of the animal. As a result, the skin of the animal and the electrode unit (220) are electrically connected.

[0107] The cross-section of the second storage unit (330) is formed narrower than the cross-section of the first storage unit (320). As a result, the conductive material within the first storage unit (320) can maintain its storage state without flowing out into the second storage unit (330), which is narrower than the cross-section of the first storage unit (320), due to surface tension in the absence of an external force.

[0108] The third storage unit (350) is positioned so as to be connected to the rear side of the second storage unit (330), and its cross-section is formed to be wider than that of the second storage unit (330). This allows the conductive material discharged to the second storage unit (330) to have a sufficient area in contact with the skin, facilitating the collection of biosignals.

[0109] The partition wall (340) is a partition wall member formed spaced apart from each other around the perimeter of each of the plurality of storage units, and prevents the movement of conductive material discharged to the rear of the main body (310). This partition wall (340) may be formed in a circular shape centered on the storage unit (330), and may be formed in multiples.

[0110] For example, a partition wall (340) may be formed by providing a partition wall groove (341) on the outer periphery of the third storage unit (350). The shape of the partition wall (340) may be any shape as long as it blocks the space between each storage unit.

[0111] Hereinafter, a method for fixing and using the biosignal sensor of the present invention will be briefly described. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the user secures the head fixing part (110) around the head of the animal, and then secures the first and second ear fixing parts (121, 122) around each of the two ears. At this time, the center of the electrode assembly (200) (identifiable by the character pattern) is adjusted and secured so that it is positioned at the center of the animal's forehead.

[0112] The connecting portion (250) of the electrode assembly (200) is connected to an external device, and when preparation for biosignal collection is complete, the front side of the electrode portion (220) is pressed so that the conductive material inside the first storage portion (320) is discharged to the animal's skin through the second and third storage portions (330, 350). At this time, the position of the electrode portion (220) can be confirmed by the character pattern (130).

[0113] When a conductive material is discharged and reaches the animal's skin, the animal's skin and the electrode unit (220) are electrically connected, and the electrode unit (220) collects the animal's bio-signals. The collected bio-signals are transmitted to an external device through the electrode unit (220), the wiring unit (230), and the connector unit (250).

[0114] The method of fixing and using the biosignal sensor described above may vary depending on user convenience or circumstances. Furthermore, while the above description and drawings illustrate a method of measuring brain waves from an animal's forehead, it is also possible to measure biosignals other than brain waves from other body parts, as illustrated in Figure 10.

[0115]

[0116] Below, a biosignal sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Components having the same form or function as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same drawing reference numerals, and a description of the same components will be omitted.

[0117] The biosignal sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a different shape of the fixed band (100) compared to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0118] The fixed band (100) is composed of a head fixing part (110) and an ear fixing part (120). The head fixing part (110) is the same as the first embodiment, and the ear fixing part (120) is composed of third and fourth ear fixing parts (123, 124).

[0119] The third ear fixing part (123) has an ear insertion port (133) formed on one side of the connecting part (140) into which one ear of the animal is inserted. One ear of the animal is inserted and fixed into the ear insertion port (133).

[0120] The fourth ear fixing part (124) has the same shape and function as the second ear fixing part (122) of the first embodiment.

[0121] The ear fixing part (120) may have a groove (120a) formed concavely toward the connection part (140) between the third and fourth ear fixing parts (123, 124) branching out. This groove (120a) can be bent more flexibly when each of the third and fourth ear fixing parts (123, 124) bends to wrap around both ears, thereby improving adhesion to the skin.

[0122] Accordingly, compared to the first embodiment, the action of fixing the first ear fixing part (121) to the first head fixing part (111) can be replaced with the action of inserting the ear into the ear insertion port (133). Specifically, the user inserts one ear into the ear insertion port (133), then fixes the head fixing part (110) so that it wraps around the animal's head and chin, and then fixes the fourth ear fixing part (124) by wrapping it around the other ear and connecting it to the head fixing part (110).

[0123] The method of fixing and using the biosignal sensor described above may be changed in some order depending on user convenience or circumstances.

[0124]

[0125] The biosignal sensor of the present invention can improve conductive adhesion between the biosignal collection electrode and the animal skin by electrically connecting the electrode assembly placed on the animal's forehead and the animal's skin through a conductive material storage body.

[0126] In addition, the present invention has a fixed band made of a flexible material such as a urethane film, so that it can be flexibly wrapped around the head of an animal and stably fixed thereto according to the shape of the animal's head.

[0127] In addition, the electrode assembly of the present invention has an insulating portion that insulates the wiring portion, thereby reducing noise generated by contact between the wiring and the skin when the biosignal sensor is fixed and worn on an animal.

[0128] In addition, the present invention can facilitate connection with an amplifier and an external device by providing a connecting portion in the electrode assembly.

[0129] In addition, the present invention can be simply combined by combining the electrode assembly with a fixed band using double-sided tape or adhesive.

[0130] In addition, the present invention can easily form electrodes and wiring by forming the electrode portion and wiring portion by printing silver or silver chloride ink, and can easily transmit electric signals while maintaining the flexibility of the electrode assembly.

[0131] In addition, the present invention can measure the biosignals of an animal while miniaturizing the biosignal sensor by arranging electrodes including a ground electrode, a reference electrode, and a channel electrode.

[0132] In addition, the present invention can improve the quality of collected biosignals by placing the ground electrode in the center and placing the reference electrode and the channel electrode at equal distances on both sides of the ground electrode.

[0133] In addition, the present invention can improve electrical connection and adhesion between an electrode and animal skin by inserting a conductive material into the first storage portion of a conductive material storage body.

[0134] In addition, the present invention can minimize volatilization and evaporation of the conductive material by providing a carrier that absorbs and stores the conductive material inside the first storage unit.

[0135] In addition, the present invention has a second storage unit that discharges a conductive material inside the first storage unit, so that the conductive material can be discharged through the second storage unit when necessary while in a storage state.

[0136] In addition, the present invention maintains a storage state in which the conductive material does not flow out by forming a cross-section of the second storage portion that discharges the conductive material inside the first storage portion smaller than that of the first storage portion, and when necessary, the conductive material can be discharged by pumping a portion of the first storage portion.

[0137] In addition, the present invention has a second storage section whose cross-section becomes wider toward the rear, so that the area where the conductive material comes into contact with the skin can be stably maintained.

[0138] In addition, the present invention can prevent a short circuit between a plurality of electrodes by forming a plurality of partitions around each of a plurality of storage units, thereby preventing a conductive material discharged around the storage units from overflowing.

[0139] The present invention described above can be implemented in various other forms without departing from its technical spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the above embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting.

[0140] The present invention provides a biosignal sensor that collects biosignals, including brain waves, from hairy body parts of animals, including humans.

Claims

1. As a biosignal sensor that collects biosignals, including brain waves, from hairy body parts of animals, including humans. A fixing band that surrounds and fixes the above body part; An electrode assembly having a plurality of electrodes arranged on the rear side of the fixed band toward the skin of the animal; and A biosignal sensor characterized by comprising a conductive material storage body that electrically connects the plurality of electrodes and the skin of the animal via a conductive material.

2. In claim 1, The above electrode assembly, A sheet portion coupled to the rear of the above fixed band; An electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes arranged on the rear surface of the sheet to collect the animal's bio-signals; A wiring section comprising a plurality of wires each of which is electrically connected to one end of the plurality of electrodes; An insulating part that insulates the above wiring part; and A biosignal sensor characterized by comprising a connecting portion electrically connected to the other end of each of the plurality of wires to electrically transmit the collected biosignal to the outside.

3. In claim 2, A biosignal sensor characterized in that the above sheet portion is connected to the fixed band using double-sided tape or adhesive.

4. In claim 2, A biosignal sensor characterized in that the electrode assembly and the wiring portion are formed by printing silver or silver chloride ink.

5. In claim 2, A biosignal sensor characterized in that the above plurality of electrodes include a ground electrode in the center and a reference electrode and a channel electrode respectively disposed on either side of the ground electrode.

6. In claim 1, The above conductive material storage body is, A main body part coupled to the rear of the electrode assembly; and A plurality of storage units having internal spaces at a position on the front side opposite to the direction toward the skin of the animal of the main body corresponding to the positions of the plurality of electrodes; A biosignal sensor characterized in that the conductive material is embedded in each of the internal spaces of the plurality of storage units.

7. In claim 6, A biosignal sensor characterized in that the storage unit is made of an elastic material, and when elastic deformation occurs due to an external force, the conductive material is discharged from the storage unit to the skin.

8. In claim 7, The above storage unit is, A first storage unit disposed on the front side of the main body and containing the conductive material in the internal space; and A biosignal sensor characterized by comprising a second storage unit that is positioned so as to be connected to the rear side of the first storage unit and discharges the conductive material to the skin.

9. In claim 8, A biosignal sensor characterized in that the first storage unit further includes a carrier having a porous structure that absorbs and stores the conductive material in the internal space.

10. In claim 8, A biosignal sensor characterized in that the second storage unit has a cross-section formed narrower than the cross-section of the first storage unit.

11. In claim 8, The above storage unit is, A biosignal sensor characterized by further comprising a third storage unit that is arranged to be in communication with the rear side of the second storage unit and has a cross-section formed wider than the cross-section of the second storage unit.

12. In claim 6, A biosignal sensor characterized in that the conductive material storage body further includes a plurality of partition walls formed spaced apart from each other around the plurality of storage sections to prevent movement of the conductive material.

13. In claim 1, The above electrode assembly, An electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes arranged on the rear of the fixed band to collect the animal's bio-signals; A wiring section arranged on the rear of the fixed band and comprising a plurality of wires each of which is electrically connected to one end of the plurality of electrodes; An insulating part that insulates the above wiring part; and A biosignal sensor characterized by comprising a connecting portion electrically connected to the other end of each of the plurality of wires to electrically transmit the collected biosignal to the outside.

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