JP6883545B2 - Pressure sensor and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Pressure sensor and its manufacturing method Download PDF

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JP6883545B2
JP6883545B2 JP2018130207A JP2018130207A JP6883545B2 JP 6883545 B2 JP6883545 B2 JP 6883545B2 JP 2018130207 A JP2018130207 A JP 2018130207A JP 2018130207 A JP2018130207 A JP 2018130207A JP 6883545 B2 JP6883545 B2 JP 6883545B2
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JP2020008437A (en
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古賀　欣郎
欣郎 古賀
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Takano Co Ltd
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  • Force Measurement Appropriate To Specific Purposes (AREA)
  • Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
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Description

本発明は、生体情報を計測する感圧センサ及びその製造方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a pressure sensor for measuring biological information and a method for manufacturing the same.

近年、介護や健康促進等の目的で、ベッドでの寝姿の圧力分布や椅子等での着座姿勢の圧力分布を生体情報として計測する用途に感圧センサが使用されている。このように身体に接触させて生体情報を計測する用途では、身体に違和感の少ない柔軟性を有しつつ、身体に対応した大きなサイズで広範囲の圧力分布を計測可能な感圧センサが必要とされている。 In recent years, pressure-sensitive sensors have been used for measuring the pressure distribution of a sleeping posture on a bed and the pressure distribution of a sitting posture on a chair or the like as biological information for the purpose of nursing care and health promotion. In the application of measuring biological information by contacting the body in this way, a pressure-sensitive sensor that can measure a wide range of pressure distribution with a large size corresponding to the body is required while having flexibility that does not cause discomfort to the body. ing.

従来、導電性高分子及びバインダー樹脂を含有する混合物が布地にコーティングされている導電体によって構成された布体と、前記布体の導電面の両面に当接するように並べて配置された導電性高分子でコーティングされた繊維からなる複数の導電性の線状部材とを備え、前記導電面の表面において略平行に並べて配置された複数の前記線状部材が、前記導電面の裏面において略平行に並べて配置された複数の前記線状部材に対して、略直交するように配置されている感圧センサが提案されている（特許文献１：特開２０１４−１０８１３４号公報参照）。 Conventionally, a cloth body composed of a conductor in which a mixture containing a conductive polymer and a binder resin is coated on the cloth and a cloth body are arranged side by side so as to be in contact with both sides of the conductive surface of the cloth body. A plurality of conductive linear members made of fibers coated with molecules, and the plurality of the linear members arranged side by side substantially parallel to the surface of the conductive surface are substantially parallel to the back surface of the conductive surface. A pressure-sensitive sensor arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to a plurality of the linear members arranged side by side has been proposed (see Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-108134).

また、第１層シート、第２層シート及び第３層シートを備え、第１層シート及び第３層シートは、導電性粒子が所定間隔で塗布された導電路を有し、第１層シートの導電路の配向は、第３層シートの導電路の配向に対して横方向となっており、第２層シートは加圧力によって変化する電気特性を有する布製の感圧シートが提案されている（特許文献２：米国特許第８９６６９９７号明細書参照）。 Further, the first layer sheet, the second layer sheet and the third layer sheet are provided, and the first layer sheet and the third layer sheet have conductive paths to which conductive particles are applied at predetermined intervals, and the first layer sheet. The orientation of the conductive path of the third layer sheet is in the lateral direction with respect to the orientation of the conductive path of the third layer sheet, and a pressure-sensitive sheet made of cloth having electrical characteristics that changes with pressure is proposed for the second layer sheet. (Patent Document 2: See US Pat. No. 8,966,997).

特開２０１４−１０８１３４号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-108134 米国特許第８９６６９９７号明細書U.S. Pat. No. 8,966,997

特許文献１記載の感圧センサは、導電性の布体と導電性の線状部材とを点接触または線接触させた状態で加圧力を計測しており、このような点接触または線接触での計測は、面接触での計測に比べて抵抗値が大きくなってしまい、また、接触状態が不安定で抵抗値変動も大きい。 The pressure-sensitive sensor described in Patent Document 1 measures the pressing force in a state where the conductive cloth body and the conductive linear member are in point contact or line contact, and such point contact or line contact is used. In the measurement of, the resistance value becomes larger than that in the measurement by surface contact, and the contact state is unstable and the resistance value fluctuates greatly.

特許文献２記載の感圧シートは、布に導電性貴金属粒子をめっきしているため、材料費が大幅なコストアップとなり、大きなサイズの感圧シートを製造することが困難である。 In the pressure-sensitive sheet described in Patent Document 2, since the cloth is plated with conductive noble metal particles, the material cost is significantly increased, and it is difficult to manufacture a pressure-sensitive sheet having a large size.

さらに、特許文献１や特許文献２の構成は、布を重ねているだけの場合、測定領域が位置ずれし易い。また、測定領域の位置ずれを防止するために導電性の布体と導電性の線状部材とを接着した場合や、第１層シート、第２層シート及び第３層シートを接着した場合、布の柔軟性が損なわれてしまい身体に違和感があるという問題がある。 Further, in the configurations of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the measurement area is likely to be displaced when the cloths are simply overlapped. Further, when the conductive cloth body and the conductive linear member are adhered in order to prevent the displacement of the measurement area, or when the first layer sheet, the second layer sheet and the third layer sheet are adhered to each other, There is a problem that the flexibility of the cloth is impaired and the body feels uncomfortable.

本発明は、上記事情に鑑みてなされ、測定領域の位置ずれを防止するとともに、布の柔軟性を活かしつつ安定した加圧力の計測が可能となり、かつ、広範囲の圧力分布を計測可能なサイズにできるとともに、材料費を抑えつつ生産性が高い構成の感圧センサ及びその製造方法を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to prevent the displacement of the measurement region, to measure the pressure stably while utilizing the flexibility of the cloth, and to make the size capable of measuring a wide range of pressure distribution. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pressure-sensitive sensor having a high productivity while suppressing a material cost and a method for manufacturing the same.

一実施形態として、以下に開示するような解決手段により、前記課題を解決する。 As an embodiment, the problem is solved by a solution means as disclosed below.

本発明の感圧センサは、導電布と、前記導電布の第１主面に配された第１電極布と、前記導電布の第２主面に配された第２電極布と、縫合糸とを備え、前記第１電極布は第１間隔で複数の第１電極が形成されており、前記第２電極布は第２間隔で複数の第２電極が形成されているとともに前記第２電極が前記第１電極と交差するように配されており、前記第１電極と前記第２電極との交差領域がマトリクス配置で形成される感圧センサ、または、導電布と、前記導電布の第１主面に第１間隔で配された複数の第１電極布と、前記導電布の第２主面に前記第１電極布と交差する方向に第２間隔で配された複数の第２電極布と、縫合糸とを備え、前記第１電極布と前記第２電極布との交差領域がマトリクス配置で形成される感圧センサであって、前記第１電極布が前記縫合糸によって前記導電布に縫い付けられているとともに、前記第２電極布が前記縫合糸によって前記導電布に縫い付けられていることを特徴とする。 The pressure-sensitive sensor of the present invention includes a conductive cloth, a first electrode cloth arranged on the first main surface of the conductive cloth, a second electrode cloth arranged on the second main surface of the conductive cloth, and a suture thread. The first electrode cloth has a plurality of first electrodes formed at the first interval, and the second electrode cloth has a plurality of second electrodes formed at the second interval and the second electrode. Is arranged so as to intersect the first electrode, and a pressure-sensitive sensor or a conductive cloth in which an intersecting region between the first electrode and the second electrode is formed in a matrix arrangement, or a conductive cloth and a first of the conductive cloth. A plurality of first electrode cloths arranged on one main surface at first intervals, and a plurality of second electrodes arranged on the second main surface of the conductive cloth at second intervals in a direction intersecting with the first electrode cloths. A pressure-sensitive sensor including a cloth and a suture, in which an intersecting region between the first electrode cloth and the second electrode cloth is formed in a matrix arrangement, and the first electrode cloth is conductive by the suture. It is characterized in that the second electrode cloth is sewn to the cloth and the second electrode cloth is sewn to the conductive cloth by the suture.

この構成によれば、電極布が導電布に縫い付けられて一体化しているので、測定領域の位置ずれを防止するとともに、布の柔軟性を活かしつつ安定した加圧力の計測が可能となる。尚且つ、広範囲の圧力分布を計測可能なサイズにできる。そして、面接触の状態で安定した加圧力の計測が可能となり、材料費を抑えつつ、生産性が高い構成となる。さらに、縫い付けによって交差領域の境界の位置が安定するので、各交差領域における加圧力の計測精度を高めることができる。 According to this configuration, since the electrode cloth is sewn to the conductive cloth and integrated, it is possible to prevent the position shift of the measurement area and to measure the pressing force stably while utilizing the flexibility of the cloth. Moreover, the pressure distribution over a wide range can be made into a measurable size. Then, it becomes possible to measure the pressing force stably in the state of surface contact, and the structure becomes highly productive while suppressing the material cost. Further, since the position of the boundary of the crossing region is stabilized by sewing, the measurement accuracy of the pressing force in each crossing region can be improved.

前記交差領域の四隅の外側位置または前記交差領域の四隅の位置に前記縫合糸が縫い付けられていることが好ましい。この構成によれば、縫合糸の縫い付けによって交差領域から他の交差領域へのリーク電流が防止できるので、加圧力に対応して出力される検出信号のＳ／Ｎ比を改善できる。 It is preferable that the suture is sewn at the outer positions of the four corners of the crossing region or at the four corners of the crossing region. According to this configuration, the leakage current from the crossing region to the other crossing region can be prevented by sewing the suture, so that the S / N ratio of the detection signal output in response to the pressing force can be improved.

前記導電布に第１導電性粒子が塗工されているとともに、前記第１電極布と前記第２電極布とに前記第１導電性粒子よりも電気伝導率が高い第２導電性粒子が塗工されており、
前記第１導電性粒子は導電性カーボンブラックであることが好ましい。この構成によれば、導電性カーボンブラックを布に塗工しているので、身体に違和感の少ない柔軟性を有しつつ、めっき設備のような設備サイズの制約を受けることなく、身体に対応した大きなサイズとすることが可能となり、広範囲の圧力分布が計測可能となるとともに、面接触の状態で安定した加圧力の計測が可能となる。尚且つ、導電性カーボンブラックは、枝状のストラクチャー構造を有し、トンネル効果によって抵抗値を低くし、また、貴金属や導電性高分子化合物と比較して安価に入手できるので、材料費を抑えつつ、生産性が高い構成となる。さらに、導電布の抵抗値は、第１電極布および第２電極布の抵抗値よりも大きいので、測定位置による抵抗値のばらつきやクロストークを低減できる。そして、交差領域がマトリクス配置で形成されるので、各交差領域における加圧力の計測精度を高めることができる。 The conductive cloth is coated with the first conductive particles, and the first electrode cloth and the second electrode cloth are coated with the second conductive particles having a higher electrical conductivity than the first conductive particles. It has been constructed and
The first conductive particles are preferably conductive carbon black. According to this configuration, since conductive carbon black is applied to the cloth, it has flexibility that does not make the body feel uncomfortable, and it is compatible with the body without being restricted by the equipment size like plating equipment. It is possible to make it large in size, it is possible to measure a wide range of pressure distribution, and it is possible to measure a stable pressing force in a state of surface contact. In addition, conductive carbon black has a branched structure structure, lowers the resistance value due to the tunnel effect, and can be obtained at a lower cost than precious metals and conductive polymer compounds, thus reducing material costs. However, the configuration is highly productive. Further, since the resistance value of the conductive cloth is larger than the resistance values of the first electrode cloth and the second electrode cloth, it is possible to reduce the variation in the resistance value and the crosstalk depending on the measurement position. Since the intersecting regions are formed in a matrix arrangement, the measurement accuracy of the pressing force in each intersecting region can be improved.

前記導電布の第１主面に配された第１電極布と、前記導電布の第２主面に配された第２電極布とを備え、前記第１電極布は第１間隔で[ｍ]数の第１電極が形成されており、前記第２電極布は第２間隔で[ｎ]数の第２電極が形成されているとともに前記第２電極が前記第１電極と交差するように配されており、前記第１電極と前記第２電極との交差領域がマトリクス配置で形成される構成、または、前記導電布の第１主面に第１間隔で配された[ｍ]数の第１電極布と、前記導電布の第２主面に前記第１電極布と交差する方向に第２間隔で配された[ｎ]数の第２電極布とを備え、前記第１電極布と前記第２電極布との交差領域がマトリクス配置で形成される構成であって、前記第１電極布と前記第２電極布とが互いに近づく圧縮方向に５０[ｍｍＨｇ]の外力を加えた状態における、前記交差領域の厚み方向の抵抗の平均値である抵抗値Ｒｃ[Ω]に対して、長手方向で隣接する２つの前記交差領域の長手方向の抵抗の平均値である抵抗値Ｒｅ[Ω]が次の式（１）を満たすことが好ましい。 A first electrode cloth arranged on the first main surface of the conductive cloth and a second electrode cloth arranged on the second main surface of the conductive cloth are provided, and the first electrode cloth is provided with a first interval [m]. ] Number of first electrodes is formed, and [n] number of second electrodes are formed at the second interval in the second electrode cloth, and the second electrode intersects with the first electrode. It is arranged so that the intersecting regions of the first electrode and the second electrode are formed in a matrix arrangement, or the number of [m] numbers arranged at the first interval on the first main surface of the conductive cloth. The first electrode cloth and the second main surface of the conductive cloth are provided with [n] number of second electrode cloths arranged at a second interval in a direction intersecting with the first electrode cloth, and the first electrode cloth is provided. A state in which the intersecting region between the first electrode cloth and the second electrode cloth is formed in a matrix arrangement, and an external force of 50 [mmHg] is applied in the compression direction in which the first electrode cloth and the second electrode cloth approach each other. Rc [Ω], which is the average value of the resistance in the thickness direction of the intersection region, and Re [Ω], which is the average value of the resistance in the longitudinal direction of the two adjacent intersection regions in the longitudinal direction. ] Satisfies the following equation (1).

（数１）
１＜Ｒｅ＜（Ｒｃ／（ｍ＋ｎ））・・・（１） (Number 1)
1 <Re <(Rc / (m + n)) ... (1)

この構成によれば、布の柔軟性を活かしつつ安定した加圧力の計測が可能となり、かつ、広範囲の圧力分布を計測可能なサイズにできるとともに、材料費を抑えつつ生産性が高い構成となる。尚且つ、導電布の上下に配された帯状電極の表面抵抗が、導電布の表面抵抗より２桁以上小さい構成となるので、各交差領域における加圧力の計測精度を高めることができる。 According to this configuration, it is possible to measure the pressure stably while taking advantage of the flexibility of the cloth, and it is possible to make the size of the pressure distribution over a wide range measurable, and the configuration is highly productive while suppressing the material cost. .. Moreover, since the surface resistance of the strip-shaped electrodes arranged above and below the conductive cloth is smaller than the surface resistance of the conductive cloth by two orders of magnitude or more, the measurement accuracy of the pressing force in each intersecting region can be improved.

本発明の感圧センサの製造方法は、導電布と、前記導電布の第１主面に配された第１電極布と、前記導電布の第２主面に配された第２電極布と、縫合糸とを備え、前記第１電極布は第１間隔で複数の第１電極が形成されており、前記第２電極布は第２間隔で複数の第２電極が形成されているとともに前記第２電極が前記第１電極と交差するように配されており、前記第１電極と前記第２電極との交差領域がマトリクス配置で形成される感圧センサの製造方法、または、導電布と、前記導電布の第１主面に第１間隔で配された複数の第１電極布と、前記導電布の第２主面に前記第１電極布と交差する方向に第２間隔で配された複数の第２電極布と、縫合糸とを備え、前記第１電極布と前記第２電極布との交差領域がマトリクス配置で形成される感圧センサの製造方法であって、前記第２電極布を前記縫合糸によって前記導電布に縫い付けるとともに、前記第１電極布を前記縫合糸によって前記導電布に縫い付けることを特徴とする。 The method for manufacturing the pressure-sensitive sensor of the present invention includes a conductive cloth, a first electrode cloth arranged on the first main surface of the conductive cloth, and a second electrode cloth arranged on the second main surface of the conductive cloth. The first electrode cloth is formed with a plurality of first electrodes at the first interval, and the second electrode cloth is formed with a plurality of second electrodes at the second interval. A method for manufacturing a pressure-sensitive sensor in which the second electrode is arranged so as to intersect the first electrode and the intersection region between the first electrode and the second electrode is formed in a matrix arrangement, or a conductive cloth. , A plurality of first electrode cloths arranged on the first main surface of the conductive cloth at first intervals, and arranged on the second main surface of the conductive cloth at second intervals in a direction intersecting with the first electrode cloth. A method for manufacturing a pressure-sensitive sensor, which comprises a plurality of second electrode cloths and sutures, and in which an intersecting region between the first electrode cloth and the second electrode cloth is formed in a matrix arrangement. The electrode cloth is sewn to the conductive cloth by the suture, and the first electrode cloth is sewn to the conductive cloth by the suture.

この構成によれば、簡便な縫製作業によって電極布と導電布とを一体化するので、測定領域の位置ずれを防止するとともに、布の柔軟性を活かしつつ安定した加圧力の計測が可能となる。尚且つ、広範囲の圧力分布を計測可能なサイズにできる。そして、面接触の状態で安定した加圧力の計測が可能となり、材料費を抑えつつ、生産性が高い構成となる。さらに、縫い付けによって交差領域の境界の位置が安定するので、各交差領域における加圧力の計測精度を高めることができる。 According to this configuration, since the electrode cloth and the conductive cloth are integrated by a simple sewing operation, it is possible to prevent the displacement of the measurement area and to measure the pressing force stably while utilizing the flexibility of the cloth. .. Moreover, the pressure distribution over a wide range can be made into a measurable size. Then, it becomes possible to measure the pressing force stably in the state of surface contact, and the structure becomes highly productive while suppressing the material cost. Further, since the position of the boundary of the crossing region is stabilized by sewing, the measurement accuracy of the pressing force in each crossing region can be improved.

本発明によれば、電極布が導電布に縫い付けられて一体化しているので、測定領域の位置ずれを防止するとともに、布の柔軟性を活かしつつ安定した加圧力の計測が可能となる。尚且つ、広範囲の圧力分布を計測可能なサイズにできる。そして、面接触の状態で安定した加圧力の計測が可能となり、材料費を抑えつつ、生産性が高い構成となる。さらに、縫い付けによって交差領域の境界の位置が安定するので、各交差領域における加圧力の計測精度を高めることができる。 According to the present invention, since the electrode cloth is sewn to the conductive cloth and integrated with the conductive cloth, it is possible to prevent the displacement of the measurement area and to measure the pressing force stably while utilizing the flexibility of the cloth. Moreover, the pressure distribution over a wide range can be made into a measurable size. Then, it becomes possible to measure the pressing force stably in the state of surface contact, and the structure becomes highly productive while suppressing the material cost. Further, since the position of the boundary of the crossing region is stabilized by sewing, the measurement accuracy of the pressing force in each crossing region can be improved.

図１は本発明の第１の実施形態に係る感圧センサの例を示す概略の斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a pressure sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図２は第１の実施形態の感圧センサの例を示す概略の平面図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the pressure sensor of the first embodiment. 図３Ａは第１の実施形態の感圧センサの例を示す概略の正面図であり、図３Ｂは第１の実施形態の感圧センサの例を示す概略の側面図である。FIG. 3A is a schematic front view showing an example of the pressure sensor of the first embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a schematic side view showing an example of the pressure sensor of the first embodiment. 図４は図２におけるIV−IV線断面図である。FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 図５は図２におけるV−V線断面図である。FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 図６Ａはミシンによって電極布と導電布とを貫通したループ状の上糸に下糸を通して結び目が出来た状態の概略の断面図であり、図６Ｂは前記結び目を引き上げることで電極布と導電布との間に前記結び目が配された状態の概略の断面図であり、図６Ｃは電極布と導電布とを所定方向に移動させながら結び目を作る作業を繰り返して縫製された状態の概略の断面図である。FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which a bobbin thread is passed through a loop-shaped upper thread penetrating the electrode cloth and the conductive cloth by a sewing machine to form a knot, and FIG. 6B shows the electrode cloth and the conductive cloth by pulling up the knot. FIG. 6C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which the knot is arranged between the cloth and the cloth, and FIG. It is a figure. 図７Ａは第１電極布と導電布との接触状態の例を模式的に示す概略の断面図であり、図７Ｂは第１電極布と導電布との接触状態の他の例を模式的に示す概略の断面図であり、図７Ｃは第１電極布と導電布との接触状態の他の例を模式的に示す概略の断面図である。FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the contact state between the first electrode cloth and the conductive cloth, and FIG. 7B schematically shows another example of the contact state between the first electrode cloth and the conductive cloth. FIG. 7C is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of the contact state between the first electrode cloth and the conductive cloth. 図８は第１の実施形態の感圧センサの例を示す概略の平面図であり、コントローラを接続した状態の図である。FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the pressure sensor of the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state in which a controller is connected. 図９は第１の実施形態の感圧センサの他の例を示す概略の平面図である。FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the pressure sensor of the first embodiment. 図１０は第１の実施形態の感圧センサの他の例を示す概略の平面図である。FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the pressure sensor of the first embodiment. 図１１は本発明の第２の実施形態に係る感圧センサの例を示す概略の斜視図である。FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a pressure sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 図１２は第２の実施形態の感圧センサの例を示す概略の平面図である。FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the pressure sensor of the second embodiment. 図１３Ａは第２の実施形態の感圧センサの例を示す概略の正面図であり、図１３Ｂは第２の実施形態の感圧センサの例を示す概略の側面図である。FIG. 13A is a schematic front view showing an example of the pressure sensor of the second embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a schematic side view showing an example of the pressure sensor of the second embodiment. 図１４は第２の実施形態の感圧センサの例を示す概略の平面図であり、コントローラを付設した状態の図である。FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the pressure sensor of the second embodiment, and is a view showing a state in which a controller is attached. 図１５Ａは感圧センサの交差領域における圧力と抵抗との関係を例示する抵抗特性グラフ図であり、図１５Ｂは感圧センサの交差領域における圧力と抵抗との関係を例示する抵抗特性グラフ図である。FIG. 15A is a resistance characteristic graph illustrating the relationship between pressure and resistance in the intersection region of the pressure sensor, and FIG. 15B is a resistance characteristic graph illustrating the relationship between pressure and resistance in the intersection region of the pressure sensor. is there. 図１６Ａは感圧センサの交差領域における圧力と抵抗との関係を例示する抵抗特性グラフ図であり、図１６Ｂは感圧センサの交差領域における圧力と抵抗との関係を例示する抵抗特性グラフ図である。FIG. 16A is a resistance characteristic graph illustrating the relationship between pressure and resistance in the intersection region of the pressure sensor, and FIG. 16B is a resistance characteristic graph illustrating the relationship between pressure and resistance in the intersection region of the pressure sensor. is there. 図１７は本実施形態の感圧センサの交差領域における圧力とコンダクタンスとの関係を例示する感圧特性グラフ図である。FIG. 17 is a pressure-sensitive characteristic graph illustrating the relationship between pressure and conductance in the intersection region of the pressure-sensitive sensor of the present embodiment.

（第１の実施形態）
以下、図面を参照して、本発明の実施形態について詳しく説明する。図１は、第１の実施形態の感圧センサ１の例を示す概略の斜視図である。図２は本実施形態の感圧センサ１の例を示す概略の平面図である。図３Ａは第１の実施形態の感圧センサの例を示す概略の正面図であり、図３Ｂは第１の実施形態の感圧センサの例を示す概略の側面図である。説明の都合上、図１等ではカバー布や信号配線等は省略している。なお、実施形態を説明するための全図において、同一の機能を有する部材には同一の符号を付し、その繰り返しの説明は省略する場合がある。 (First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the pressure sensor 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the pressure sensor 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3A is a schematic front view showing an example of the pressure sensor of the first embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a schematic side view showing an example of the pressure sensor of the first embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the cover cloth, signal wiring, etc. are omitted in FIG. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiment, members having the same function may be designated by the same reference numerals, and the repeated description thereof may be omitted.

ここで、感圧センサ１の各部の位置関係を説明し易くするため、図中にＸ，Ｙ，Ｚの矢印で向きを示している。感圧センサ１を実際に使用する際には、これらの向きに限定されず、どのような向きで使用しても支障ない。なお、第１主面２ａと第２主面２ｂとは互いに反対向きの面であって、相対的な位置関係を示しており、物理的な向きは限定していない。第１主面２ａは、例えば上面または表面と読み替えることができる。また、第２主面２ｂは、例えば下面または裏面と読み替えることができる。 Here, in order to make it easier to explain the positional relationship of each part of the pressure sensor 1, the directions are indicated by the arrows X, Y, and Z in the figure. When the pressure sensor 1 is actually used, it is not limited to these directions, and there is no problem in using it in any direction. It should be noted that the first main surface 2a and the second main surface 2b are surfaces opposite to each other and show a relative positional relationship, and the physical orientation is not limited. The first main surface 2a can be read as, for example, an upper surface or a surface. Further, the second main surface 2b can be read as, for example, the lower surface or the back surface.

感圧センサ１は、図１、図２、図３Ａ、図３Ｂに示すように、四角形状の導電布２と、導電布２の第１主面２ａに第１間隔２ｃで配された複数の帯状第１電極布３と、導電布２の第２主面２ｂに第１電極布３と交差する方向に第２間隔２ｄで配された複数の帯状第２電極布４と、非導電性の縫合糸５とを備える。ここでは、導電布２の第１主面２ａにおいて第１電極布３が略平行に配置されており、また、導電布２の第２主面２ｂにおいて第２電極布４が略平行に配置されており、そして、第２電極布４が第１電極布３に対して略直交するように配置されている。なお、導電布２、第１電極布３及び第２電極布４は、四角形状に限られず、角丸四角形状や楕円形状とする場合がある。 As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 3B, the pressure-sensitive sensor 1 includes a rectangular conductive cloth 2 and a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 1 arranged on the first main surface 2a of the conductive cloth 2 at a first interval of 2c. A strip-shaped first electrode cloth 3, a plurality of strip-shaped second electrode cloths 4 arranged on the second main surface 2b of the conductive cloth 2 at a second interval 2d in a direction intersecting with the first electrode cloth 3, and non-conductive. It is provided with a suture thread 5. Here, the first electrode cloth 3 is arranged substantially in parallel on the first main surface 2a of the conductive cloth 2, and the second electrode cloth 4 is arranged substantially in parallel on the second main surface 2b of the conductive cloth 2. The second electrode cloth 4 is arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to the first electrode cloth 3. The conductive cloth 2, the first electrode cloth 3, and the second electrode cloth 4 are not limited to a square shape, and may have a rounded square shape or an elliptical shape.

ここで、感圧センサ１は、図４に示すように、第１電極布３と第１電極布３との間の第１隙間３ａの位置で縫合糸５によって第２電極布４が導電布２に縫い付けられている。また、図５に示すように、第２電極布４と第２電極布４との間の第２隙間４ａの位置で縫合糸５によって第１電極布３が導電布２に縫い付けられている。そして、平面視で、第１電極布３と第２電極布４との交差領域Ｖ１がマトリクス配置で形成される。図１と図２では、ハッチングされた四角形状の領域を交差領域Ｖ１として例示している。 Here, in the pressure-sensitive sensor 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the second electrode cloth 4 is made of a conductive cloth by the suture 5 at the position of the first gap 3a between the first electrode cloth 3 and the first electrode cloth 3. It is sewn on 2. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the first electrode cloth 3 is sewn to the conductive cloth 2 by the suture thread 5 at the position of the second gap 4a between the second electrode cloth 4 and the second electrode cloth 4. .. Then, in a plan view, the intersection region V1 between the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 is formed in a matrix arrangement. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the hatched rectangular region is illustrated as an intersecting region V1.

図２の例では、交差領域Ｖ１を囲むように縫合糸５が縫い付けられている。尚且つ、交差領域Ｖ１の四隅の外側位置に縫合糸５が縫い付けられている。この構成によれば、縫合糸５の縫い付けによって交差領域Ｖ１から他の交差領域Ｖ１へのリーク電流が低減されるので、加圧力に対応して出力される検出信号のＳ／Ｎ比を改善できる。 In the example of FIG. 2, the suture thread 5 is sewn so as to surround the intersecting region V1. Moreover, the suture thread 5 is sewn at the outer positions of the four corners of the intersection region V1. According to this configuration, the leakage current from the crossing region V1 to the other crossing region V1 is reduced by sewing the suture thread 5, so that the S / N ratio of the detection signal output in response to the pressing force is improved. it can.

そして、図４に示すとおり、第１電極布３における縫合糸５が縫い付けられている箇所が縫合糸５の張力によって窪んでいる。また、図５に示すとおり、第２電極布４における縫合糸５が縫い付けられている箇所が縫合糸５の張力によって窪んでいる。この構成によれば、縫合糸５の縫い付けによる上下方向の締付けによって縫い付け部に不感帯が形成され、不感帯が形成されるので交差領域Ｖ１以外の箇所の抵抗値の変動が抑えられるので、加圧力に対応して出力される検出信号のＳ／Ｎ比を改善できる。上記以外の構成として、交差領域Ｖ１の四隅の位置に縫合糸５が縫い付けられている場合があり、この場合も図４に示す構成と同様の効果が見込める。 Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the portion of the first electrode cloth 3 where the suture thread 5 is sewn is recessed due to the tension of the suture thread 5. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the portion of the second electrode cloth 4 where the suture thread 5 is sewn is recessed due to the tension of the suture thread 5. According to this configuration, a dead band is formed in the sewn portion by tightening the suture thread 5 in the vertical direction by sewing, and since the dead band is formed, the fluctuation of the resistance value in the portion other than the intersection region V1 can be suppressed. The S / N ratio of the detection signal output corresponding to the pressure can be improved. As a configuration other than the above, the suture thread 5 may be sewn at the positions of the four corners of the intersection region V1, and in this case as well, the same effect as the configuration shown in FIG. 4 can be expected.

図６Ａ、図６Ｂ、図６Ｃは、ミシンによって第１電極布３と導電布２とを縫製する手順を例示する概略の断面図である。一例として、本縫いの場合、ミシンによって第１電極布３と導電布２とを貫通したループ状の上糸５に下糸５を通して結び目が出来た状態とし（図６Ａ）、結び目を引き上げることで第１電極布３と導電布２との間に結び目が配される状態とし（図６Ｂ）、第１電極布３と導電布２とを所定方向に移動させながら結び目を作る作業を繰り返して縫製する（図６Ｃ）。ミシンによって第２電極布４と導電布２とを縫製する場合も、図６Ａ、図６Ｂ、図６Ｃに示す縫製手順と同様である。 6A, 6B, and 6C are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a procedure for sewing the first electrode cloth 3 and the conductive cloth 2 with a sewing machine. As an example, in the case of lockstitching, a knot is formed by passing the bobbin thread 5 through the loop-shaped upper thread 5 penetrating the first electrode cloth 3 and the conductive cloth 2 by a sewing machine (FIG. 6A), and pulling up the knot. A knot is arranged between the first electrode cloth 3 and the conductive cloth 2 (FIG. 6B), and the work of tying the knot is repeated while moving the first electrode cloth 3 and the conductive cloth 2 in a predetermined direction to sew. (Fig. 6C). When sewing the second electrode cloth 4 and the conductive cloth 2 with a sewing machine, the sewing procedure is the same as that shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C.

本実施形態は、第１電極布３の短手方向の幅は第１間隔２ｃの短手方向の幅よりも大きく、かつ、第２電極布４の短手方向の幅は第２間隔２ｄの短手方向の幅よりも大きい。この構成によれば、隣接する測定箇所からのリーク電流が低減されるので、加圧力に対応して出力される検出信号のＳ／Ｎ比を改善できる。第１電極布３の短手方向の幅と第２電極布４の短手方向の幅は、それぞれ一例として１０〜１００[ｍｍ]である。また、第１間隔２ｃの短手方向の幅と第２間隔２ｄの短手方向の幅は、それぞれ一例として１〜１０[ｍｍ]である。 In the present embodiment, the width of the first electrode cloth 3 in the lateral direction is larger than the width of the first interval 2c in the lateral direction, and the width of the second electrode cloth 4 in the lateral direction is the second interval 2d. It is larger than the width in the lateral direction. According to this configuration, the leakage current from the adjacent measurement points is reduced, so that the S / N ratio of the detection signal output in response to the pressing force can be improved. The width of the first electrode cloth 3 in the lateral direction and the width of the second electrode cloth 4 in the lateral direction are, for example, 10 to 100 [mm], respectively. Further, the width of the first interval 2c in the lateral direction and the width of the second interval 2d in the lateral direction are 1 to 10 [mm], respectively, as an example.

本実施形態は、導電布２の厚みは第１間隔２ｃの短手方向の幅よりも小さく、かつ、導電布２の厚みは第２間隔２ｄの短手方向の幅よりも小さい。この構成によれば、隣接する測定箇所からのリーク電流が低減されるので、加圧力に対応して出力される検出信号のＳ／Ｎ比を改善できる。導電布２の厚みは、一例として０．３〜０．６[ｍｍ]である。第１電極布３の厚みと第２電極布４の厚みは、一例として０．２〜０．６[ｍｍ]である。 In the present embodiment, the thickness of the conductive cloth 2 is smaller than the width of the first interval 2c in the lateral direction, and the thickness of the conductive cloth 2 is smaller than the width of the second interval 2d in the lateral direction. According to this configuration, the leakage current from the adjacent measurement points is reduced, so that the S / N ratio of the detection signal output in response to the pressing force can be improved. The thickness of the conductive cloth 2 is 0.3 to 0.6 [mm] as an example. The thickness of the first electrode cloth 3 and the thickness of the second electrode cloth 4 are 0.2 to 0.6 [mm] as an example.

第１電極布３における電極は、導電布２の第１主面２ａと対向する面にのみ形成されている場合があり、この場合、電極材料のコスト及び製造コストを抑えられる。または、第１電極布３における電極は、第１電極布３の上面と下面とに形成されている場合があり、第１電極布３の全周に亘って形成されている場合がある。この場合、第１電極布３の上面と下面とのどちらを導電布２に重ねてもよいので製造し易くなる。または、第１電極布３における電極は、第１電極布３の厚み方向に導通するように形成されている場合があり、この場合、電極の導通の信頼性を高められる。 The electrode in the first electrode cloth 3 may be formed only on the surface of the conductive cloth 2 facing the first main surface 2a, and in this case, the cost of the electrode material and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Alternatively, the electrodes in the first electrode cloth 3 may be formed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the first electrode cloth 3, and may be formed over the entire circumference of the first electrode cloth 3. In this case, either the upper surface or the lower surface of the first electrode cloth 3 may be superposed on the conductive cloth 2, which facilitates manufacturing. Alternatively, the electrodes in the first electrode cloth 3 may be formed so as to conduct in the thickness direction of the first electrode cloth 3, and in this case, the reliability of the conduction of the electrodes can be enhanced.

第２電極布４における電極は、導電布２の第２主面２ｂと対向する面にのみ形成されている場合があり、この場合、電極材料のコスト及び製造コストを抑えられる。または、第２電極布４における電極は、第２電極布４の上面と下面とに形成されている場合があり、第２電極布４の全周に亘って形成されている場合がある。この場合、第２電極布４の上面と下面とのどちらを導電布２に重ねてもよいので製造し易くなる。または、第２電極布４における電極は、第２電極布４の厚み方向に導通するように形成されている場合があり、この場合、電極の導通の信頼性を高められる。 The electrode in the second electrode cloth 4 may be formed only on the surface of the conductive cloth 2 facing the second main surface 2b, and in this case, the cost of the electrode material and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Alternatively, the electrodes in the second electrode cloth 4 may be formed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the second electrode cloth 4, and may be formed over the entire circumference of the second electrode cloth 4. In this case, either the upper surface or the lower surface of the second electrode cloth 4 may be superposed on the conductive cloth 2, which facilitates manufacturing. Alternatively, the electrodes in the second electrode cloth 4 may be formed so as to conduct in the thickness direction of the second electrode cloth 4, and in this case, the reliability of the conduction of the electrodes can be enhanced.

図７Ａ、図７Ｂ、図７Ｃは、図３Ａにおける破線で囲んだ部分Ｐ１を拡大した図であり、第１電極布３と導電布２との接触状態の例を模式的に示す概略の断面図である。ここでは、第１導電性粒子１１は導電性カーボンブラックであり、また、第２導電性粒子１２は導電性金属粒子１２ａと導電性カーボンブラック１２ｂである。そして、導電性カーボンブラック１１がバインダー樹脂１３ａによって導電布２に接着しており、また、導電性金属粒子１２ａと導電性カーボンブラック１２ｂとがバインダー樹脂１３ｂによって第１電極布３に接着している。第２電極布４と導電布２との接触状態についても図７Ａ、図７Ｂ、図７Ｃに示す接触状態と同様である。つまり、第１電極布３と第２電極布４とに、第１導電性粒子１１よりも電気伝導率が高い第２導電性粒子１２が塗工されている。 7A, 7B, and 7C are enlarged views of a portion P1 surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 3A, and is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a contact state between the first electrode cloth 3 and the conductive cloth 2. Is. Here, the first conductive particles 11 are conductive carbon black, and the second conductive particles 12 are conductive metal particles 12a and conductive carbon black 12b. Then, the conductive carbon black 11 is adhered to the conductive cloth 2 by the binder resin 13a, and the conductive metal particles 12a and the conductive carbon black 12b are adhered to the first electrode cloth 3 by the binder resin 13b. .. The contact state between the second electrode cloth 4 and the conductive cloth 2 is the same as the contact state shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C. That is, the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 are coated with the second conductive particles 12 having higher electrical conductivity than the first conductive particles 11.

本実施形態は、第１導電性粒子１１のストラクチャーによって、導電布２は厚み方向、長手方向及び短手方向に導通している（不図示）。また、導電性金属粒子１２ａと導電性カーボンブラック１２ｂとのストラクチャーによって、第１電極布３は厚み方向、長手方向及び短手方向に導通している（不図示）。第２電極布４についても、第１電極布３と同様である。 In this embodiment, the conductive cloth 2 is conductive in the thickness direction, the longitudinal direction, and the lateral direction due to the structure of the first conductive particles 11 (not shown). Further, due to the structure of the conductive metal particles 12a and the conductive carbon black 12b, the first electrode cloth 3 is conductive in the thickness direction, the longitudinal direction, and the lateral direction (not shown). The second electrode cloth 4 is the same as that of the first electrode cloth 3.

本実施形態は、導電性カーボンブラック１１（１２ｂ）は平均一次粒子径が１００ｎｍ以下のケッチェンブラック、アセチレンブラック、チャンネルブラックまたはファーネスブラックのいずれか１種以上である。この構成によれば、少量の添加量で必要な抵抗値が得られるので、耐擦過性および柔軟性に優れた導電布となる。 In the present embodiment, the conductive carbon black 11 (12b) is one or more of Ketjen black, acetylene black, channel black, and furnace black having an average primary particle size of 100 nm or less. According to this configuration, the required resistance value can be obtained with a small amount of addition, so that the conductive cloth has excellent scratch resistance and flexibility.

ファーネスブラックは、油やガスを高温ガス中で不完全燃焼させて導電性カーボンブラックを得るファーネス法によって製造される。ファーネスブラックは、製造上、大量生産に向き、粒子径やストラクチャーをコントロールし易い。 Furness black is produced by a furnace method in which oil or gas is incompletely burned in a high temperature gas to obtain conductive carbon black. Furnace black is suitable for mass production in manufacturing, and it is easy to control the particle size and structure.

チャンネルブラックは、天然ガスを燃焼させ、チャンネル鋼に析出させたものを掻き集めて得るチャンネル法によって製造される。チャンネルブラックは、表面官能基が多いので、塗工に向いている。 Channel black is produced by the channel method, which is obtained by burning natural gas and scraping what is deposited on channel steel. Channel black is suitable for coating because it has many surface functional groups.

アセチレンブラックは、アセチレンガスを熱分解して得るアセチレン法よって製造される。アセチレンブラックは、導電性が高く、不純物が少ない。 Acetylene black is produced by the acetylene method obtained by thermally decomposing acetylene gas. Acetylene black has high conductivity and few impurities.

ケッチェンブラックは、大まかには不純物の少ない油を高温ガス中で不完全燃焼させて導電性カーボンブラックを得るオイルファーネス法によって製造され、副生するガスを分離後、前駆体を造粒・乾燥して製造される。ケッチェンブラックは他の導電性カーボンブラックと異なり、中空シェル状の構造を持っているため、アセチレンブラックよりも高い導電性を発現する。 Ketjen black is roughly manufactured by the oil furnace method in which oil with few impurities is incompletely burned in a high-temperature gas to obtain conductive carbon black. After separating the by-product gas, the precursor is granulated and dried. Is manufactured. Unlike other conductive carbon blacks, Ketjen black has a hollow shell-like structure, so it exhibits higher conductivity than acetylene black.

一例として、ライオン・スペシャリティ・ケミカルズ株式会社のケッチェンブラックＥＣ３００ＪはＢＥＴ比表面積のカタログ値が８００[ｍ2／ｇ]であり、ケッチェンブラックＥＣ６００ＪＤはＢＥＴ比表面積のカタログ値が１２７０[ｍ2／ｇ]以上であり、いずれも標準的なアセチレンブラックのＢＥＴ比表面積の１０倍以上である。これにより、少量の添加量で高い導電性が得られるので、耐擦過性および柔軟性に優れた導電布となる。 As an example, Lion Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.'s Ketjen Black EC300J has a BET specific surface area catalog value of 800 [m 2 / g], and Ketjen Black EC600JD has a BET specific surface area catalog value of 1270 [m 2 / g]. g] or more, both of which are 10 times or more the BET specific surface area of standard acetylene black. As a result, high conductivity can be obtained with a small amount of addition, so that the conductive cloth has excellent scratch resistance and flexibility.

図７Ａに示すように、第１導電性粒子１１の外径サイズと、第２導電性粒子１２の外径サイズとが略同一サイズとなっている状態は、第１電極布３と導電布２との接触抵抗が最小となるベストモードである。図７Ａの例では、第１電極布３と導電布２との接触面積が、最大となって必要な接触面積を十分に確保する、且つ、第１電極布３の抵抗値が導電布２の抵抗値よりも適度に小さい値となるので、測定位置による抵抗値のばらつきやクロストークを低減できる。第２電極布４についても、第１電極布３と同様である。 As shown in FIG. 7A, the first electrode cloth 3 and the conductive cloth 2 are in a state where the outer diameter size of the first conductive particle 11 and the outer diameter size of the second conductive particle 12 are substantially the same size. This is the best mode that minimizes the contact resistance with. In the example of FIG. 7A, the contact area between the first electrode cloth 3 and the conductive cloth 2 is maximized to sufficiently secure the required contact area, and the resistance value of the first electrode cloth 3 is the conductive cloth 2. Since the value is appropriately smaller than the resistance value, it is possible to reduce variations in the resistance value and crosstalk depending on the measurement position. The second electrode cloth 4 is the same as that of the first electrode cloth 3.

図７Ｂに示すように、第１導電性粒子１１の外径サイズが、第２導電性粒子１２の外径サイズの０．５倍以上で２．０倍以下のサイズとなっている状態は、第１電極布３と導電布２との接触抵抗が適度に小さい値となるベターモードである。図７Ｂの例では、第１電極布３の第２導電性粒子１２の大半と、導電布２の第１導電性粒子１１の大半とが接触し、必要な接触面積を確保するので、測定位置による抵抗値のばらつきやクロストークを低減できる。第２電極布４についても、第１電極布３と同様である。 As shown in FIG. 7B, the state in which the outer diameter size of the first conductive particle 11 is 0.5 times or more and 2.0 times or less the outer diameter size of the second conductive particle 12 This is a better mode in which the contact resistance between the first electrode cloth 3 and the conductive cloth 2 is an appropriately small value. In the example of FIG. 7B, most of the second conductive particles 12 of the first electrode cloth 3 and most of the first conductive particles 11 of the conductive cloth 2 come into contact with each other to secure a necessary contact area, so that the measurement position is obtained. It is possible to reduce the variation in resistance value and crosstalk due to. The second electrode cloth 4 is the same as that of the first electrode cloth 3.

図７Ｃに示すように、第１導電性粒子１１の外径サイズが、第２導電性粒子１２の外径サイズの２．０倍以下で０．５倍以上のサイズとなっている状態は、第１電極布３と導電布２との接触抵抗が適度に小さい値となるベターモードである。図７Ｃの例では、第１電極布３の第２導電性粒子１２の大半と、導電布２の第１導電性粒子１１の大半とが接触し、必要な接触面積を確保するので、測定位置による抵抗値のばらつきやクロストークを低減できる。第２電極布４についても、第１電極布３と同様である。 As shown in FIG. 7C, the state in which the outer diameter size of the first conductive particle 11 is 2.0 times or less and 0.5 times or more the outer diameter size of the second conductive particle 12 This is a better mode in which the contact resistance between the first electrode cloth 3 and the conductive cloth 2 is an appropriately small value. In the example of FIG. 7C, most of the second conductive particles 12 of the first electrode cloth 3 and most of the first conductive particles 11 of the conductive cloth 2 come into contact with each other to secure a necessary contact area, so that the measurement position is obtained. It is possible to reduce the variation in resistance value and crosstalk due to. The second electrode cloth 4 is the same as that of the first electrode cloth 3.

図７Ａ、図７Ｂ、図７Ｃに示すように、本実施形態は、第１導電性粒子１１の平均一次粒子径を基準として、第２導電性粒子１２の平均一次粒子径が０．５倍以上２．０倍以下の範囲内である。この構成によれば、第１電極布３と導電布２、並びに第２電極布４と導電布２との接触面積を大きくして接触状態を安定にすることができる。 As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, in this embodiment, the average primary particle size of the second conductive particle 12 is 0.5 times or more based on the average primary particle size of the first conductive particle 11. It is within the range of 2.0 times or less. According to this configuration, the contact area between the first electrode cloth 3 and the conductive cloth 2 and the contact area between the second electrode cloth 4 and the conductive cloth 2 can be increased to stabilize the contact state.

本実施形態は、導電布２の重量を基準として、第１導電性粒子１１の重量が５％以下である。この構成によれば、耐擦過性および柔軟性に優れた導電布２となり、且つ、材料費が低減できる。 In this embodiment, the weight of the first conductive particles 11 is 5% or less based on the weight of the conductive cloth 2. According to this configuration, the conductive cloth 2 has excellent scratch resistance and flexibility, and the material cost can be reduced.

本実施形態は、第１導電性粒子１１と破断伸度が１００％以上のバインダー樹脂１３ａとの混合物が導電布２に塗工されている。また、第２導電性粒子１２と破断伸度が１００％以上のバインダー樹脂１３ｂとの混合物が第１電極布３に塗工されている。尚且つ、第２導電性粒子１２と破断伸度が１００％以上のバインダー樹脂１３ｂとの混合物が第２電極布４に塗工されている。この構成によれば、導電布２、第１電極布３及び第２電極布４の柔軟性を活かしつつ安定した加圧力の計測ができる。 In this embodiment, the conductive cloth 2 is coated with a mixture of the first conductive particles 11 and the binder resin 13a having a breaking elongation of 100% or more. Further, a mixture of the second conductive particles 12 and the binder resin 13b having a breaking elongation of 100% or more is applied to the first electrode cloth 3. Moreover, a mixture of the second conductive particles 12 and the binder resin 13b having a breaking elongation of 100% or more is applied to the second electrode cloth 4. According to this configuration, stable pressing force can be measured while taking advantage of the flexibility of the conductive cloth 2, the first electrode cloth 3, and the second electrode cloth 4.

本実施形態は、導電布２、第１電極布３及び第２電極布４はいずれも織物である、または、導電布２、第１電極布３及び第２電極布４はいずれも編物である。この構成によれば、伸縮性に優れた感圧センサ１となり、身体に違和感の少ない柔軟性を有しつつ、身体に対応した大きなサイズで広範囲の圧力分布を計測可能な感圧センサ１となる。 In the present embodiment, the conductive cloth 2, the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 are all woven fabrics, or the conductive cloth 2, the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 are all knitted fabrics. .. According to this configuration, it becomes a pressure sensor 1 having excellent elasticity, and it becomes a pressure sensor 1 capable of measuring a wide range of pressure distribution with a large size corresponding to the body while having flexibility with little discomfort to the body. ..

第１導電性粒子１１はバインダー樹脂１３ａによって導電布２における基材布の表面及び繊維中に接着されている。また、第２導電性粒子１２はバインダー樹脂１３ｂによって第１電極布３における基材布の表面及び繊維中に接着されている。そして、第２導電性粒子１２はバインダー樹脂１３ｂによって第２電極布４における基材布の表面及び繊維中に接着されている。 The first conductive particles 11 are adhered to the surface of the base cloth and the fibers of the conductive cloth 2 by the binder resin 13a. Further, the second conductive particles 12 are adhered to the surface of the base cloth and the fibers of the first electrode cloth 3 by the binder resin 13b. Then, the second conductive particles 12 are adhered to the surface of the base cloth and the fibers of the second electrode cloth 4 by the binder resin 13b.

一例として、導電布２は、繊維からなる基布に導電性カーボンブラック（第１導電粒子１１）及びバインダー樹脂１３ａが塗工されている。一例として、第１電極布３および第２電極布４は、繊維からなる基布に導電性金属粒子（第２導電粒子１２）及びバインダー樹脂１３ｂが塗工されている。一例として、第１電極布３と第２電極布４とは、同一の材料からなる。 As an example, in the conductive cloth 2, the base cloth made of fibers is coated with conductive carbon black (first conductive particles 11) and a binder resin 13a. As an example, in the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4, conductive metal particles (second conductive particles 12) and a binder resin 13b are coated on a base cloth made of fibers. As an example, the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 are made of the same material.

本実施形態は、第１電極布３と前記第２電極布４とに導電性金属粒子が塗工されており、かつ、導電布２に導電性カーボンブラックが塗工されているので、第１電極布３と第２電極布４との表面抵抗率が、いずれも導電布２の表面抵抗率よりも２桁以上小さくなる。これによれば、第１電極布３および第２電極布４の長さ方向の抵抗の影響が低減されるので、加圧力に対応して出力される検出信号のＳ／Ｎ比を改善できる。つまり、感圧部である交差領域Ｖ１における測定抵抗の影響をほとんど無視できる。尚且つ、導電性金属粒子と比較して安価な導電性カーボンブラックによって分散安定性に優れた導電布２を構成できる。また、測定位置による抵抗値のばらつきを低減できるとともに、交差領域Ｖ１と交差領域Ｖ１とのクロストークを低減できる。 In the present embodiment, the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 are coated with the conductive metal particles, and the conductive cloth 2 is coated with the conductive carbon black. The surface resistance of the electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 are both smaller than the surface resistance of the conductive cloth 2 by two orders of magnitude or more. According to this, since the influence of the resistance in the length direction of the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 is reduced, the S / N ratio of the detection signal output corresponding to the pressing force can be improved. That is, the influence of the measurement resistance in the intersection region V1 which is the pressure sensitive portion can be almost ignored. Moreover, the conductive cloth 2 having excellent dispersion stability can be formed by the conductive carbon black which is cheaper than the conductive metal particles. Further, the variation in the resistance value depending on the measurement position can be reduced, and the crosstalk between the crossing region V1 and the crossing region V1 can be reduced.

前記基布は、一例としてナイロン、ポリエステル、レーヨン、アクリル、ポリアミドなどの合成繊維や、綿、リンネルなどの天然繊維からなる。医療現場では、オートクレーブ滅菌処理を行うことが想定されることから、オートクレーブ滅菌処理の耐性が高いこれらの繊維が好ましい。 As an example, the base cloth is made of synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, rayon, acrylic and polyamide, and natural fibers such as cotton and linen. In the medical field, since it is assumed that the autoclave sterilization treatment is performed, these fibers having high resistance to the autoclave sterilization treatment are preferable.

前記基布は、一例として織物、編物、不織布である。前記基布を構成する糸または繊維の太さは、一例として５０〜２００デニールである。前記基布が編物または不織布の場合、身体との接触面積を増大させるとともに、接触抵抗を下げることができる。前記基布が編物の場合、織物や不織布よりも伸縮性が大きくなり、優れたものとなる。 The base cloth is, for example, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, or a non-woven fabric. The thickness of the threads or fibers constituting the base fabric is, for example, 50 to 200 denier. When the base cloth is a knitted fabric or a non-woven fabric, the contact area with the body can be increased and the contact resistance can be lowered. When the base cloth is a knitted fabric, the elasticity is larger than that of a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric, which is excellent.

第１導電粒子１１は、一例として導電性カーボンブラックからなり、例えばケッチェンブラックである。導電性カーボンブラックは、枝状のストラクチャー構造を有し、トンネル効果によって抵抗値を低くし、また、貴金属や導電性高分子化合物と比較して安価に入手できる。特にケッチェンブラックは、少量の添加量で必要な抵抗値が得られるので、耐擦過性および柔軟性に優れた導電布となる。 The first conductive particle 11 is made of conductive carbon black as an example, and is, for example, Ketjen black. Conductive carbon black has a branched structure structure, has a low resistance value due to the tunnel effect, and can be obtained at a low cost as compared with precious metals and conductive polymer compounds. In particular, Ketjen Black is a conductive cloth having excellent scratch resistance and flexibility because the required resistance value can be obtained with a small amount of addition.

第２導電粒子１２は、一例として導電性金属粉末、導電性金属繊維、導電性高分子化合物、導電性カーボンブラック、またはこれらの混合物からなる。前記導電性金属は一例として、金（Ａｕ）、銀（Ａｇ）、銅（Ｃｕ）、ニッケル（Ｎｉ）、アルミニウム（Ａｌ）、その他既知の導電性金属である。前記導電性高分子化合物は一例として、ポリ（３，４−エチレンジオキシチオフェン）（ＰＥＤＯＴ）、ポリ（４−スチレンスルホン酸）をドープしたポリ（３，４−エチレンジオキシチオフェン）（ＰＥＤＯＴ／ＰＳＳ）、テトラシアノキノジメタン（ＴＣＮＱ）、ポリピロール（ＰＰｙ）、ポリアニリン（ＰＡＮＩ）、ポリチオフェン（ＰＴ）、または既知の導電性高分子化合物である。 The second conductive particle 12 is composed of, for example, a conductive metal powder, a conductive metal fiber, a conductive polymer compound, a conductive carbon black, or a mixture thereof. The conductive metal is, for example, gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), and other known conductive metals. As an example, the conductive polymer compound is poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly (4-styrene sulfonic acid) -doped poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT /). PSS), tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), polypyrrole (PPy), polyaniline (PANI), polythiophene (PT), or known conductive polymer compounds.

バインダー樹脂１３ａとバインダー樹脂１３ｂとは、一例として熱可塑性樹脂、熱硬化性樹脂又は光硬化性樹脂からなる。バインダー樹脂１３ａとバインダー樹脂１３ｂとは、一例としてポリアミド（ＰＡ）、ポリカーボネート（ＰＣ）、ポリエチレンテレフタレート（ＰＥＴ）、ポリウレタン（ＰＵ）、ポリエステル（ＰＥｓ）、または既知の合成樹脂である。 The binder resin 13a and the binder resin 13b are made of a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, or a photocurable resin as an example. The binder resin 13a and the binder resin 13b are, for example, polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), polyester (PEs), or known synthetic resins.

塗工は、浸漬法、スプレーコート法、ロールコート法、バーコート法、電着法、または他既知の塗布方法、若しくはこれら塗布方法の組み合わせが適用できる。 As the coating, a dipping method, a spray coating method, a roll coating method, a bar coating method, an electrodeposition method, another known coating method, or a combination of these coating methods can be applied.

縫合糸５は、一例としてナイロン、ポリエステル、レーヨン、アクリル、ポリアミドなどの合成繊維や、綿、リンネルなどの天然繊維からなる。縫合糸５の太さは、一例として２０〜２００デニールである。 As an example, the suture thread 5 is made of synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, rayon, acrylic and polyamide, and natural fibers such as cotton and linen. The thickness of the suture 5 is, for example, 20 to 200 denier.

縫製は、一例としてミシン、若しくは手縫いである。前記縫製は、一例として本縫い、環縫い、かがり縫い、偏平縫い、その他既知の縫い方が適用される。縫製が本縫いの場合、第１主面２ａ（表）と第２主面２ｂ（裏）の両方において、縫合糸５が縫い付けられた箇所が伸縮性のない縫い目となり、不感帯が形成されて交差領域Ｖ１以外の箇所の抵抗値の変動が抑えられるので、交差領域Ｖ１をマトリクス配置で形成するとともに、個々に電気信号を取り出すための独立した圧力セルとして機能させ易くなる。 Sewing is, for example, a sewing machine or hand-sewn. As an example, lockstitch, chain stitch, overlock stitch, flat stitch, and other known sewing methods are applied to the sewing. When sewing is lockstitching, on both the first main surface 2a (front side) and the second main surface 2b (back side), the portion where the suture thread 5 is sewn becomes a non-stretchable seam, and a dead zone is formed. Since fluctuations in resistance values at locations other than the intersection region V1 are suppressed, the intersection region V1 is formed in a matrix arrangement, and it becomes easy to function as an independent pressure cell for individually extracting electrical signals.

図８は第１の実施形態の感圧センサ１の例を示す概略の平面図であり、コントローラ７を接続した状態の図である。コントローラ７は、信号配線の切替え回路、信号検出器、Ａ／Ｄ変換器、半導体メモリ、演算回路、これらを制御するＣＰＵを有する。 FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the pressure sensor 1 of the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state in which the controller 7 is connected. The controller 7 includes a signal wiring switching circuit, a signal detector, an A / D converter, a semiconductor memory, an arithmetic circuit, and a CPU that controls these.

感圧センサ１は、複数の第１電極布３ｂと複数の第２電極布４ｂとの、それぞれの長手方向の端部に信号線が接続され、コントローラ７に内蔵された切替え回路によって周波数が一例として１０〜１００[Ｈｚ]でスキャンされ、マトリクス配置で形成された交差領域Ｖ１の抵抗値を個々にミリ秒オーダーで信号検出器によって検出され、Ａ／Ｄ変換器によってＡ−Ｄ変換され、半導体メモリによってデータ蓄積され、演算回路によって演算され、最終的に圧力値または圧力分布、若しくは圧力値及び圧力分布として外部のディスプレイ装置に表示される。一例としてコントローラ７とディスプレイ装置とは、感圧センサ１との信号接続用のインターフェース基板が内蔵されたパーソナルコンピュータが適用できる。 In the pressure-sensitive sensor 1, signal lines are connected to the ends of the plurality of first electrode cloths 3b and the plurality of second electrode cloths 4b in the longitudinal direction, and the frequency is set as an example by a switching circuit built in the controller 7. Scanned at 10 to 100 [Hz], the resistance values of the intersecting regions V1 formed in the matrix arrangement are individually detected by the signal detector on the order of millisecond, A / D converted by the A / D converter, and the semiconductor. The data is stored in the memory, calculated by the arithmetic circuit, and finally displayed on the external display device as the pressure value or the pressure distribution, or the pressure value and the pressure distribution. As an example, a personal computer having a built-in interface board for signal connection with the pressure sensor 1 can be applied to the controller 7 and the display device.

本実施形態は、導電布２の第１主面２ａに第１間隔２ｃで配された[ｍ]数の第１電極布３と、導電布２の第２主面２ｂに第１電極布３と交差する方向に第２間隔２ｄで配された[ｎ]数の第２電極布４とを備え、第１電極布３と第２電極布４との交差領域Ｖ１がマトリクス配置で形成される。ここで、[ｍ]と[ｎ]とはそれぞれ２以上の自然数であり、図８の例では、ｍ＝５であり、ｎ＝６である。 In this embodiment, the number of [m] number of first electrode cloths 3 arranged on the first main surface 2a of the conductive cloth 2 at the first interval 2c and the first electrode cloth 3 on the second main surface 2b of the conductive cloth 2 A [n] number of second electrode cloths 4 arranged at a second interval 2d in a direction intersecting with the first electrode cloth 3 are provided, and an intersection region V1 between the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 is formed in a matrix arrangement. .. Here, [m] and [n] are natural numbers of 2 or more, respectively, and in the example of FIG. 8, m = 5 and n = 6.

本実施形態は、第１電極布３と第２電極布４とが互いに近づく圧縮方向に５０[ｍｍＨｇ]の外力を加えた状態における、交差領域Ｖ１の厚み方向の抵抗の平均値である抵抗値Ｒｃ[Ω]に対して、長手方向で隣接する２つの交差領域Ｖ１，Ｖ１の長手方向の抵抗の平均値である抵抗値Ｒｅ[Ω]が上述の式（１）を満たす。 In this embodiment, a resistance value which is an average value of resistances in the thickness direction of the intersecting region V1 in a state where an external force of 50 [mmHg] is applied in the compression direction in which the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 approach each other. The resistance value Re [Ω], which is the average value of the resistances in the longitudinal direction of the two intersecting regions V1 and V1 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction with respect to Rc [Ω], satisfies the above equation (1).

図８のように、行方向の各第１電極布３の電極ピッチ３ｃと、列方向の各第２電極布４の電極ピッチ４ｃとが等しい場合、上述の式（１）のとおりとなる。 As shown in FIG. 8, when the electrode pitch 3c of each first electrode cloth 3 in the row direction and the electrode pitch 4c of each second electrode cloth 4 in the column direction are equal, the above equation (1) is obtained.

一方、各第１電極布３の電極ピッチ３ｃと、各第２電極布４の電極ピッチ４ｃとが異なる場合、行方向の各第１電極布３の電極ピッチ３ｃでの電極抵抗値Ｒ１[Ω]と、列方向の各第２電極布４の電極ピッチ４ｃでの電極抵抗値Ｒ２[Ω]との加重平均で抵抗値Ｒｅ[Ω]を、次の式（２）によって算出する。 On the other hand, when the electrode pitch 3c of each first electrode cloth 3 and the electrode pitch 4c of each second electrode cloth 4 are different, the electrode resistance value R1 [Ω] at the electrode pitch 3c of each first electrode cloth 3 in the row direction. ] And the electrode resistance value R2 [Ω] at the electrode pitch 4c of each second electrode cloth 4 in the column direction, and the resistance value Re [Ω] is calculated by the following equation (2).

（数２）
Ｒｅ＝（ｍ×Ｒ１＋ｎ×Ｒ２）／（ｍ＋ｎ）・・・（２） (Number 2)
Re = (m x R1 + n x R2) / (m + n) ... (2)

図１５Ａ、図１５Ｂ、図１６Ａ、図１６Ｂは、感圧センサの交差領域における圧力と抵抗との関係を例示する抵抗特性グラフ図である。 15A, 15B, 16A, and 16B are resistance characteristic graphs illustrating the relationship between pressure and resistance in the intersection region of the pressure sensor.

例えば、第１導電性粒子が貴金属微粒子である場合、抵抗値Ｒｅ[Ω]は１[Ω]よりもかなり小さい値となる（Ｒｅ[Ω]＜＜１[Ω]）。この場合、図１５Ａに示すとおり、（ｍ ，ｎ）のマトリクス配置で形成される交差領域における、（１ ，１）の抵抗特性グラフと、（ｍ ，ｎ）の抵抗特性グラフとは、一致する。しかしながら、布に導電性貴金属粒子をめっきしなければならず、材料費が大幅なコストアップとなり、大きなサイズの感圧シートを製造することが困難である。 For example, when the first conductive particles are precious metal fine particles, the resistance value Re [Ω] is considerably smaller than 1 [Ω] (Re [Ω] << 1 [Ω]). In this case, as shown in FIG. 15A, the resistance characteristic graph of (1, 1) and the resistance characteristic graph of (m, n) in the intersection region formed by the matrix arrangement of (m, n) match. .. However, the cloth must be plated with conductive noble metal particles, which greatly increases the material cost and makes it difficult to manufacture a large-sized pressure-sensitive sheet.

本実施形態の一例として、第１導電性粒子１１が導電性カーボンブラックであって、抵抗値Ｒｅ[Ω]を１[Ω]よりも大きい値として（１[Ω]＜Ｒｅ[Ω]）、尚且つ、第２導電性粒子１２が導電性金属粒子１２ａと、導電性カーボンブラック１２ｂとの混合物であって、抵抗値Ｒｅ[Ω]を、抵抗値Ｒｃ[Ω]を（ｍ＋ｎ）で除した値よりもかなり小さい値とする（Ｒｅ[Ω]＜＜（Ｒｃ[Ω]／（ｍ＋ｎ）））。この場合、図１５Ｂに示すとおり、（ｍ ，ｎ）のマトリクス配置で形成される交差領域における、（１ ，１）の抵抗特性グラフと、（ｍ ，ｎ）の抵抗特性グラフとは、図１５Ａのグラフと同様に、ほぼ一致する。そして、加圧力が５０[ｍｍＨｇ]近傍または加圧力が５０[ｍｍＨｇ]以上の範囲ではマトリクス配置で形成される交差領域のどの位置においても抵抗特性グラフがほぼ一致する。 As an example of this embodiment, the first conductive particle 11 is conductive carbon black, and the resistance value Re [Ω] is set to a value larger than 1 [Ω] (1 [Ω] <Re [Ω]). Further, the second conductive particle 12 is a mixture of the conductive metal particle 12a and the conductive carbon black 12b, and the resistance value Re [Ω] is divided by the resistance value Rc [Ω] by (m + n). The value is considerably smaller than the value (Re [Ω] << (Rc [Ω] / (m + n))). In this case, as shown in FIG. 15B, the resistance characteristic graph of (1, 1) and the resistance characteristic graph of (m, n) in the intersection region formed by the matrix arrangement of (m, n) are shown in FIG. 15A. Similar to the graph in, it almost matches. Then, in the vicinity of the pressing force of 50 [mmHg] or in the range of the pressing force of 50 [mmHg] or more, the resistance characteristic graphs are substantially the same at any position of the intersecting region formed by the matrix arrangement.

この構成によれば、布の柔軟性を活かしつつ安定した加圧力の計測が可能となり、かつ、広範囲の圧力分布を計測可能なサイズにできるとともに、材料費を抑えつつ生産性が高い構成となる。尚且つ、導電布２の上下に配された帯状電極（第１電極布３と第２電極布４）の表面抵抗が、導電布２の表面抵抗より２桁以上小さい構成となるので、各交差領域Ｖ１における加圧力の計測精度を高めることができる。 According to this configuration, it is possible to measure the pressure stably while taking advantage of the flexibility of the cloth, and it is possible to make the size of the pressure distribution over a wide range measurable, and the configuration is highly productive while suppressing the material cost. .. Moreover, since the surface resistance of the strip-shaped electrodes (first electrode cloth 3 and second electrode cloth 4) arranged above and below the conductive cloth 2 is two orders of magnitude smaller than the surface resistance of the conductive cloth 2, each intersection. The measurement accuracy of the pressing force in the region V1 can be improved.

本実施形態の一例として、第１導電性粒子１１が導電性カーボンブラックであって、抵抗値Ｒｅ[Ω]を１[Ω]よりもかなり大きい値として（１[Ω]＜＜Ｒｅ[Ω]）、尚且つ、第２導電性粒子１２が導電性金属粒子１２ａと、導電性カーボンブラック１２ｂとの混合物であって、抵抗値Ｒｅ[Ω]を、抵抗値Ｒｃ[Ω]を（ｍ＋ｎ）で除した値よりも小さい値とする（Ｒｅ[Ω]＜（Ｒｃ[Ω]／（ｍ＋ｎ）））。この場合、図１６Ａに示すとおり、（ｍ ，ｎ）のマトリクス配置で形成される交差領域における、（１ ，１）の抵抗特性グラフと、（ｍ ，ｎ）の抵抗特性グラフとは、図１５Ａや図１５Ｂのグラフに比べて、抵抗値にばらつきが生じる。この場合、各抵抗値のばらつきは２倍以内に収まっているので、各交差領域においてキャリブレーションすることで感圧センサとして支障なく使うことができる。 As an example of this embodiment, the first conductive particle 11 is conductive carbon black, and the resistance value Re [Ω] is set to a value considerably larger than 1 [Ω] (1 [Ω] << Re [Ω]. ), And the second conductive particle 12 is a mixture of the conductive metal particle 12a and the conductive carbon black 12b, and the resistance value Re [Ω] is set to the resistance value Rc [Ω] by (m + n). The value is smaller than the divided value (Re [Ω] <(Rc [Ω] / (m + n))). In this case, as shown in FIG. 16A, the resistance characteristic graph of (1, 1) and the resistance characteristic graph of (m, n) in the intersection region formed by the matrix arrangement of (m, n) are shown in FIG. 15A. And, as compared with the graph of FIG. 15B, the resistance value varies. In this case, since the variation of each resistance value is within twice, it can be used as a pressure-sensitive sensor by calibrating in each intersection region.

例えば、抵抗値Ｒｅ[Ω]を、抵抗値Ｒｃ[Ω]を（ｍ＋ｎ）で除した値よりも大きい値とする（Ｒｅ[Ω]＞（Ｒｃ[Ω]／（ｍ＋ｎ）））。この場合、図１６Ｂに示すとおり、（ｍ ，ｎ）のマトリクス配置で形成される交差領域における、（１ ，１）の抵抗特性グラフと、（ｍ ，ｎ）の抵抗特性グラフとは、図１５Ｂや図１６Ａのグラフに比べて、抵抗値のばらつきが大きい。この場合、各抵抗値のばらつきは２倍を超えているので、各交差領域においてキャリブレーションしても感圧センサとして使いこなすのは困難である。 For example, the resistance value Re [Ω] is set to a value larger than the value obtained by dividing the resistance value Rc [Ω] by (m + n) (Re [Ω]> (Rc [Ω] / (m + n))). In this case, as shown in FIG. 16B, the resistance characteristic graph of (1, 1) and the resistance characteristic graph of (m, n) in the intersection region formed by the matrix arrangement of (m, n) are shown in FIG. 15B. And the graph of FIG. 16A has a large variation in resistance value. In this case, since the variation of each resistance value exceeds twice, it is difficult to use it as a pressure-sensitive sensor even if it is calibrated in each intersection region.

続いて、第１の実施形態の感圧センサ１の他の例について、以下に説明する。 Subsequently, another example of the pressure sensor 1 of the first embodiment will be described below.

図９は、本実施形態の感圧センサ１の上記以外の例を示す概略の平面図である。この例は、縫合糸５の縫い目が、第１電極布３の長手方向の両側と、第２電極布４の長手方向の両側とに点在するように設けられており、本明細書では、交差領域Ｖ１を囲むように縫合糸５が縫い付けられているとみなしている。また、この例は、交差領域Ｖ１の四隅の外側位置に縫合糸５が縫い付けられている。図９に示すとおり、第１電極布３と第２電極布４との交差領域Ｖ１がマトリクス配置で形成される。この構成によれば、導電布２、第１電極布３及び第２電極布４の基布の伸縮性を、縫合糸５の縫い目が極力妨げないようにできる。なお、上記以外の構成として、交差領域Ｖ１の四隅の位置に縫合糸５が縫い付けられている場合があり、この場合も、上記の構成と同様の効果が見込める。 FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing an example other than the above of the pressure sensor 1 of the present embodiment. In this example, the seams of the suture thread 5 are provided so as to be scattered on both sides of the first electrode cloth 3 in the longitudinal direction and on both sides of the second electrode cloth 4 in the longitudinal direction. It is considered that the suture thread 5 is sewn so as to surround the intersecting region V1. Further, in this example, the suture thread 5 is sewn at the outer positions of the four corners of the intersection region V1. As shown in FIG. 9, the intersecting region V1 between the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 is formed in a matrix arrangement. According to this configuration, the elasticity of the base cloth of the conductive cloth 2, the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 can be prevented from being hindered by the seams of the suture thread 5 as much as possible. In addition, as a configuration other than the above, the suture thread 5 may be sewn at the positions of the four corners of the intersection region V1, and in this case as well, the same effect as the above configuration can be expected.

図１０は、本実施形態の感圧センサ１の上記以外の例を示す概略の平面図である。図１０の例は、平面視で、感圧センサ１の中央付近の第１電極布３の短手方向の幅と第２電極布４の短手方向の幅とを狭くすることで、感圧センサ１の中央に近づくとともに、交差領域Ｖ１よりも面積の小さい交差領域Ｖ１１を形成し、さらに交差領域Ｖ１１よりも面積の小さい交差領域Ｖ１２を形成している。この場合についても、第１電極布３と第２電極布４との交差領域Ｖ１、交差領域Ｖ１１及び交差領域Ｖ１２がマトリクス配置で形成される。この構成によれば、交差領域Ｖ１、交差領域Ｖ１１及び交差領域Ｖ１２のそれぞれの面積に比例した圧力換算を行うことで、感圧センサ１の中央に近づくとともに、外部圧力に対する分解能を高めることができる。なお、外部圧力に対する分解能を高める領域は、感圧センサ１の中央部に限られず、所望の範囲に複数設けることが可能である。 FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing an example other than the above of the pressure sensor 1 of the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 10, in a plan view, the width of the first electrode cloth 3 near the center of the pressure sensor 1 in the short side and the width of the second electrode cloth 4 in the short side are narrowed to make the pressure sensitive. As it approaches the center of the sensor 1, it forms an intersection region V11 having a smaller area than the intersection region V1, and further forms an intersection region V12 having a smaller area than the intersection region V11. Also in this case, the intersection region V1, the intersection region V11, and the intersection region V12 between the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 are formed in a matrix arrangement. According to this configuration, by performing pressure conversion proportional to the area of each of the crossing region V1, the crossing region V11, and the crossing region V12, the pressure sensor 1 can be approached to the center and the resolution with respect to the external pressure can be improved. .. The region for increasing the resolution with respect to the external pressure is not limited to the central portion of the pressure-sensitive sensor 1, and a plurality of regions can be provided in a desired range.

（第２の実施形態）
図１１は、第２の実施形態の感圧センサ１の例を示す概略の斜視図である。図１２は本実施形態の感圧センサ１の例を示す概略の平面図である。図１３Ａは第２の実施形態の感圧センサ１の例を示す概略の正面図であり、図１３Ｂは第２の実施形態の感圧センサ１の例を示す概略の側面図である。説明の都合上、図１１等ではカバー布や信号配線等は省略している。第２の実施形態では、第１の実施形態と相違する点を中心に説明する。 (Second Embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the pressure sensor 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the pressure sensor 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 13A is a schematic front view showing an example of the pressure sensor 1 of the second embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a schematic side view showing an example of the pressure sensor 1 of the second embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the cover cloth, signal wiring, and the like are omitted in FIG. 11 and the like. In the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

本実施形態は、導電布２の第１主面２ａに配された１つの第１電極布３と、導電布２の第２主面２ｂに配された１つの第２電極布とを備え、第１電極布３は第１間隔２ｃで複数の第１電極３ｂが形成されており、第２電極布４は第２間隔２ｄで複数の第２電極４ｂが形成されているとともに、第２電極４ｂが第１電極３ｂと交差するように配されており、第１電極３ｂと第２電極４ｂとの交差領域Ｖ１がマトリクス配置で形成される。 The present embodiment includes one first electrode cloth 3 arranged on the first main surface 2a of the conductive cloth 2 and one second electrode cloth arranged on the second main surface 2b of the conductive cloth 2. The first electrode cloth 3 has a plurality of first electrodes 3b formed at the first interval 2c, and the second electrode cloth 4 has a plurality of second electrodes 4b formed at the second interval 2d and the second electrode. 4b is arranged so as to intersect the first electrode 3b, and the intersection region V1 between the first electrode 3b and the second electrode 4b is formed in a matrix arrangement.

本実施形態は、第１電極３ｂの短手方向の幅は第１間隔２ｃの短手方向の幅よりも大きく、かつ、第２電極４ｂの短手方向の幅は第２間隔２ｄの短手方向の幅よりも大きい。この構成によれば、隣接する測定箇所からのリーク電流が低減されるので、加圧力に対応して出力される検出信号のＳ／Ｎ比を改善できる。第１電極３ｂの短手方向の幅と第２電極４ｂの短手方向の幅は、それぞれ一例として１０〜１００[ｍｍ]である。また、第１間隔２ｃの短手方向の幅と第２間隔２ｄの短手方向の幅は、それぞれ一例として１〜１０[ｍｍ]である。 In the present embodiment, the width of the first electrode 3b in the lateral direction is larger than the width of the first interval 2c in the lateral direction, and the width of the second electrode 4b in the lateral direction is the lateral width of the second interval 2d. Greater than the width of the direction. According to this configuration, the leakage current from the adjacent measurement points is reduced, so that the S / N ratio of the detection signal output in response to the pressing force can be improved. The width of the first electrode 3b in the lateral direction and the width of the second electrode 4b in the lateral direction are, for example, 10 to 100 [mm], respectively. Further, the width of the first interval 2c in the lateral direction and the width of the second interval 2d in the lateral direction are 1 to 10 [mm], respectively, as an example.

本実施形態は、導電布２の厚みは第１間隔２ｃの短手方向の幅よりも小さく、かつ、導電布２の厚みは第２間隔２ｄの短手方向の幅よりも小さい。この構成によれば、隣接する測定箇所からのリーク電流が低減されるので、加圧力に対応して出力される検出信号のＳ／Ｎ比を改善できる。導電布２の厚みは、一例として０．３〜０．６[ｍｍ]である。第１電極布３の厚みと第２電極布４の厚みは、一例として０．２〜０．６[ｍｍ]である。 In the present embodiment, the thickness of the conductive cloth 2 is smaller than the width of the first interval 2c in the lateral direction, and the thickness of the conductive cloth 2 is smaller than the width of the second interval 2d in the lateral direction. According to this configuration, the leakage current from the adjacent measurement points is reduced, so that the S / N ratio of the detection signal output in response to the pressing force can be improved. The thickness of the conductive cloth 2 is 0.3 to 0.6 [mm] as an example. The thickness of the first electrode cloth 3 and the thickness of the second electrode cloth 4 are 0.2 to 0.6 [mm] as an example.

第１電極３ｂは、第１電極布３における、導電布２の第１主面２ａと対向する面にのみ形成されている場合があり、この場合、電極材料のコスト及び製造コストを抑えられる。または、第１電極３ｂは、第１電極布３の上面と下面とに形成されている場合があり、この場合、第１電極布３の上面と下面とのどちらを導電布２に重ねてもよいので製造し易くなる。または、第１電極３ｂは、第１電極布３の厚み方向に導通するように形成されている場合があり、この場合、電極の導通の信頼性を高められる。 The first electrode 3b may be formed only on the surface of the first electrode cloth 3 facing the first main surface 2a of the conductive cloth 2, and in this case, the cost of the electrode material and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Alternatively, the first electrode 3b may be formed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the first electrode cloth 3, and in this case, whichever of the upper surface and the lower surface of the first electrode cloth 3 is overlapped with the conductive cloth 2. It is good and easy to manufacture. Alternatively, the first electrode 3b may be formed so as to conduct in the thickness direction of the first electrode cloth 3, and in this case, the reliability of the conduction of the electrodes can be enhanced.

第２電極４ｂは、第２電極布４における、導電布２の第２主面２ｂと対向する面にのみ形成されている場合があり、この場合、電極材料のコスト及び製造コストを抑えられる。または、第２電極４ｂは、第２電極布４の上面と下面とに形成されている場合があり、この場合、第２電極布４の上面と下面とのどちらを導電布２に重ねてもよいので製造し易くなる。または、第２電極４ｂは、第２電極布４の厚み方向に導通するように形成されている場合があり、この場合、電極の導通の信頼性を高められる。 The second electrode 4b may be formed only on the surface of the second electrode cloth 4 facing the second main surface 2b of the conductive cloth 2, and in this case, the cost of the electrode material and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Alternatively, the second electrode 4b may be formed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the second electrode cloth 4, and in this case, whichever of the upper surface and the lower surface of the second electrode cloth 4 is superposed on the conductive cloth 2. It is good and easy to manufacture. Alternatively, the second electrode 4b may be formed so as to conduct in the thickness direction of the second electrode cloth 4, and in this case, the reliability of the conduction of the electrodes can be enhanced.

第２の実施形態は、第１電極布３と第２電極布４との寸法や数が上述の第１の実施形態と相違している。それ以外の縫製方法や縫製位置、第１導電性粒子１１や第２導電性粒子１２、その他構成要素を第１の実施形態と同様にできる。 In the second embodiment, the dimensions and the number of the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 are different from those in the first embodiment described above. Other sewing methods, sewing positions, first conductive particles 11, second conductive particles 12, and other components can be made in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

上記以外の例として、例えば織物にて第１電極布３と第２電極布４とを構成する。経糸を、例えばナイロンをコアとして銀メッキでシェルを構成した導電糸と、例えばナイロン製の絶縁糸とを複数交互に並べる。また、緯糸を、例えばナイロン製の複数の絶縁糸を順に織って、所定間隔で複数のストライプ状電極が形成された一枚の第１電極布３を構成する。そして、第１電極布３と同一の第２電極布４を水平方向に９０°回転させて、導電布２の上下でマトリックス電極を構成する。そして、縫合糸５によって、交差領域Ｖ１を含まない部分で第１電極布３と導電布２と第２電極布４とを縫製する。この構成によれば、布の柔軟性を最大限に活かしたサイズの自由度が高い感圧センサ１ができる。 As an example other than the above, for example, the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 are made of a woven fabric. As the warp threads, for example, a plurality of conductive threads having a nylon core as a shell formed of silver plating and, for example, nylon insulating threads are arranged alternately. Further, the weft threads are woven in order, for example, a plurality of insulating threads made of nylon to form a single first electrode cloth 3 in which a plurality of striped electrodes are formed at predetermined intervals. Then, the second electrode cloth 4, which is the same as the first electrode cloth 3, is rotated by 90 ° in the horizontal direction to form a matrix electrode above and below the conductive cloth 2. Then, the first electrode cloth 3, the conductive cloth 2, and the second electrode cloth 4 are sewn by the suture thread 5 at a portion that does not include the intersecting region V1. According to this configuration, the pressure-sensitive sensor 1 having a high degree of freedom in size that maximizes the flexibility of the cloth can be obtained.

図１４は第２の実施形態の感圧センサ１の例を示す概略の平面図であり、コントローラ７を接続した状態の図である。コントローラ７は、信号配線の切替え回路、信号検出器、Ａ／Ｄ変換器、半導体メモリ、演算回路、これらを制御するＣＰＵを有する。 FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the pressure sensor 1 of the second embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state in which the controller 7 is connected. The controller 7 includes a signal wiring switching circuit, a signal detector, an A / D converter, a semiconductor memory, an arithmetic circuit, and a CPU that controls these.

本実施形態は、導電布２の第１主面２ａに配された１つの第１電極布３と、導電布２の第２主面２ｂに配された１つの第２電極布４とを備え、第１電極布３は第１間隔２ｃで[ｍ]数の第１電極３ｂが形成されており、第２電極布４は第２間隔２ｄで[ｎ]数の第２電極４ｂが形成されているとともに、第２電極４ｂが第１電極３ｂと交差するように配されており、第１電極３ｂと第２電極４ｂとの交差領域Ｖ１がマトリクス配置で形成される。ここで、[ｍ]と[ｎ]とはそれぞれ２以上の自然数であり、図１４の例では、ｍ＝５であり、ｎ＝６である。 The present embodiment includes one first electrode cloth 3 arranged on the first main surface 2a of the conductive cloth 2 and one second electrode cloth 4 arranged on the second main surface 2b of the conductive cloth 2. , The first electrode cloth 3 has [m] number of first electrodes 3b formed at the first interval 2c, and the second electrode cloth 4 has [n] number of second electrodes 4b formed at the second interval 2d. The second electrode 4b is arranged so as to intersect the first electrode 3b, and the intersection region V1 between the first electrode 3b and the second electrode 4b is formed in a matrix arrangement. Here, [m] and [n] are natural numbers of 2 or more, respectively, and in the example of FIG. 14, m = 5 and n = 6.

本実施形態は、第１電極布３と第２電極布４とが互いに近づく圧縮方向に５０[ｍｍＨｇ]の外力を加えた状態における、交差領域Ｖ１の厚み方向の抵抗の平均値である抵抗値Ｒｃ[Ω]に対して、長手方向で隣接する２つの交差領域Ｖ１，Ｖ１の長手方向の抵抗の平均値である抵抗値Ｒｅ[Ω]が上述の式（１）を満たす。 In this embodiment, a resistance value which is an average value of resistances in the thickness direction of the intersecting region V1 in a state where an external force of 50 [mmHg] is applied in the compression direction in which the first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 approach each other The resistance value Re [Ω], which is the average value of the resistances in the longitudinal direction of the two intersecting regions V1 and V1 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction with respect to Rc [Ω], satisfies the above equation (1).

図１４のように、行方向の各第１電極布３の電極ピッチ３ｃと、列方向の各第２電極布４の電極ピッチ４ｃとが等しい場合、上述の式（１）のとおりとなる。 As shown in FIG. 14, when the electrode pitch 3c of each first electrode cloth 3 in the row direction and the electrode pitch 4c of each second electrode cloth 4 in the column direction are equal, the above equation (1) is obtained.

一方、各第１電極布３の電極ピッチ３ｃと、各第２電極布４の電極ピッチ４ｃとが異なる場合、行方向の各第１電極布３の電極ピッチ３ｃでの電極抵抗値Ｒ１[Ω]と、列方向の各第２電極布４の電極ピッチ４ｃでの電極抵抗値Ｒ２[Ω]との加重平均で抵抗値Ｒｅ[Ω]を、上述の式（２）によって算出する。感圧センサの抵抗特性は、上述の図１５Ａ、図１５Ｂ、図１６Ａ、図１６Ｂにおけるグラフと同様である。 On the other hand, when the electrode pitch 3c of each first electrode cloth 3 and the electrode pitch 4c of each second electrode cloth 4 are different, the electrode resistance value R1 [Ω] at the electrode pitch 3c of each first electrode cloth 3 in the row direction. ] And the electrode resistance value R2 [Ω] at the electrode pitch 4c of each second electrode cloth 4 in the column direction, and the resistance value Re [Ω] is calculated by the above equation (2). The resistance characteristics of the pressure-sensitive sensor are the same as the graphs in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 16A, and 16B described above.

続いて、本発明に係る感圧センサ１の製造方法について、以下に説明する。 Subsequently, a method for manufacturing the pressure-sensitive sensor 1 according to the present invention will be described below.

感圧センサ１の製造手順は、一例として、導電性カーボンブラックからなる第１導電性粒子１１の分散液を第１基布に塗工して導電布２を形成する導電布形成ステップ、並びに、第１導電性粒子１１よりも電気伝導率が高い第２導電性粒子１２の分散液を第２基布に塗工して第１電極布３と第２電極布４とを形成する電極布形成ステップを有する。一例として、第１導電性粒子１１はケッチェンブラックであり、第２導電性粒子１２は導電性金属粒子１２ａと導電性カーボンブラック１２ｂとの混合物であり、前記電極布形成ステップは、破断伸度が１００％以上のバインダー樹脂１３ａと第１導電性粒１１子とを混合して塗工し、かつ、前記導電布形成ステップは、破断伸度が１００％以上のバインダー樹脂１３ｂと第２導電性粒子１２とを混合して塗工する。 As an example, the manufacturing procedure of the pressure-sensitive sensor 1 includes a conductive cloth forming step of applying a dispersion liquid of the first conductive particles 11 made of conductive carbon black to the first base cloth to form the conductive cloth 2. Forming an electrode cloth that forms a first electrode cloth 3 and a second electrode cloth 4 by applying a dispersion liquid of a second conductive particle 12 having a higher electric conductivity than the first conductive particle 11 to a second base cloth. Have steps. As an example, the first conductive particle 11 is Ketjen black, the second conductive particle 12 is a mixture of the conductive metal particle 12a and the conductive carbon black 12b, and the electrode cloth forming step is the elongation at break. In the conductive cloth forming step, the binder resin 13a having a breaking elongation of 100% or more and the first conductive particles 11 are mixed and coated, and the binder resin 13b having a breaking elongation of 100% or more and the second conductive particles are used. The particles 12 are mixed and coated.

この構成によれば、めっき設備のような設備サイズの制約を受けることなく、簡便な塗工作業によって感圧センサを製造することができる。そして、導電性カーボンブラックは、貴金属や導電性高分子化合物と比較して安価に入手できるので、材料費を抑えつつ、高い生産性が得られる。 According to this configuration, the pressure-sensitive sensor can be manufactured by a simple coating operation without being restricted by the equipment size as in the plating equipment. Since conductive carbon black can be obtained at a lower cost than precious metals and conductive polymer compounds, high productivity can be obtained while suppressing material costs.

前記導電布形成ステップと前記電極布形成ステップとの後、第１電極布３と第１電極布３との間の第１隙間３ａの位置で非導電性の縫合糸５によって第２電極布４を導電布２に縫い付けるとともに、第２電極布４と第２電極布４との間の第２隙間４ａの位置で縫合糸５によって第１電極布３を導電布２に縫い付けて、第１電極布３と第２電極布４との交差領域Ｖ１をマトリクス配置で形成する縫製ステップを有する。そして、前記縫製ステップは、ミシンによって縫合糸５を縫い付ける。 After the conductive cloth forming step and the electrode cloth forming step, the second electrode cloth 4 is provided by the non-conductive suture thread 5 at the position of the first gap 3a between the first electrode cloth 3 and the first electrode cloth 3. Is sewn to the conductive cloth 2, and the first electrode cloth 3 is sewn to the conductive cloth 2 by the suture thread 5 at the position of the second gap 4a between the second electrode cloth 4 and the second electrode cloth 4. It has a sewing step of forming an intersecting region V1 between the 1-electrode cloth 3 and the 2nd electrode cloth 4 in a matrix arrangement. Then, in the sewing step, the suture thread 5 is sewn by the sewing machine.

この構成によれば、設備サイズの制約を受けることなく、簡便な縫製作業によって感圧センサ１を製造することができる。そして、縫い付けられる電極布の面積は導電布の面積よりも小さいから、材料費を抑えつつ、高い生産性が得られる。尚且つ、縫い付けによって加圧力を検出する交差領域Ｖ１の境界が形成されて各交差領域がマトリクス配置で形成されるので、各交差領域Ｖ１における加圧力の計測精度を高めることができる。 According to this configuration, the pressure-sensitive sensor 1 can be manufactured by a simple sewing operation without being restricted by the equipment size. Since the area of the electrode cloth to be sewn is smaller than the area of the conductive cloth, high productivity can be obtained while suppressing the material cost. Moreover, since the boundary of the crossing region V1 for detecting the pressing force is formed by sewing and each crossing region is formed in a matrix arrangement, the measurement accuracy of the pressing force in each crossing region V1 can be improved.

このようにして製造された感圧センサ１は、一例としてベッド、ベッド用マット、シーツ、敷布、クッション、椅子用マット、健康マット、カーペットに適用できる。 The pressure sensor 1 manufactured in this manner can be applied to a bed, a bed mat, sheets, a mat, a cushion, a chair mat, a health mat, and a carpet as an example.

例えば、ベッド、ベッド用マット、シーツまたは敷布に感圧センサ１を組み込むことで、人の就寝時の寝姿を計測し、エアマットの空気圧調整等によって寝返りを促して褥瘡を防止できる。また、所定部位の圧力波形を分析演算することにより心拍センサや呼吸センサとして、心拍や呼吸等を計測することも可能である。 For example, by incorporating the pressure sensor 1 into a bed, a bed mat, sheets or a mat, it is possible to measure a person's sleeping appearance at bedtime and to promote turning over by adjusting the air pressure of the air mat to prevent pressure ulcers. It is also possible to measure heartbeat, respiration, etc. as a heartbeat sensor or respiration sensor by analyzing and calculating the pressure waveform of a predetermined portion.

例えば、クッションまたは椅子用マットに感圧センサ１を組み込むことで、人の着座姿勢の計測や、離席を検知して人の動作の把握や、エアクッションの空気圧調整等によって姿勢を矯正して肩こりや腰痛を防止できる。 For example, by incorporating the pressure sensor 1 into a cushion or chair mat, the posture can be corrected by measuring the sitting posture of a person, detecting the person leaving the seat to grasp the movement of the person, adjusting the air pressure of the air cushion, and the like. Can prevent stiff shoulders and back pain.

例えば、健康マットまたはカーペットに感圧センサ１を組み込むことで、人の歩行姿勢の計測や、立位での足圧計測によって被検者に対応する靴のカスタマイズができる。そして、接触抵抗から人の体重を計測することも可能であり、また、人の部屋内移動など生活習慣の計測にも応用可能である。 For example, by incorporating the pressure sensor 1 into a health mat or carpet, it is possible to customize shoes corresponding to the subject by measuring the walking posture of a person or measuring the foot pressure in a standing position. It is also possible to measure the weight of a person from the contact resistance, and it can also be applied to the measurement of lifestyle habits such as movement of a person in a room.

一般に、椅子やベッドでの圧力分布計測では、感圧センサ１による計測範囲は加圧力が１０〜２００[ｍｍＨｇ]で十分に計測できる。感圧センサ１による計測頻度が高いのは加圧力が５０[ｍｍＨｇ]前後である。 In general, in pressure distribution measurement in a chair or bed, the measurement range by the pressure sensor 1 can be sufficiently measured when the pressing force is 10 to 200 [mmHg]. The frequency of measurement by the pressure sensor 1 is high when the pressing force is around 50 [mmHg].

［実施例］
第１導電性粒子１１としてケッチェンブラックの微粒子を、バインダーであるウレタン樹脂と水とを混合した混合液を、第１基布であるナイロン編物に塗工して導電布２を形成した。第２導電性粒子１２として銀の微粒子１２ａと導電性カーボンブラック１２ｂとの混合物を、バインダーであるウレタン樹脂と水とを混合した混合液を、第２基布であるナイロン編物に塗工して第１電極布３と第２電極布４とを形成した。そして、ミシンの本縫いによって、ナイロンの縫合糸５で第２電極布４を導電布２に縫い付けるとともに、ナイロンの縫合糸５で第１電極布３を導電布２に縫い付けて、第１電極布３と第２電極布４との交差領域Ｖ１をマトリクス配置で形成し、感圧センサ１を試作した。 [Example]
The conductive cloth 2 was formed by applying fine particles of Ketjen black as the first conductive particles 11 and a mixed solution of urethane resin as a binder and water to a nylon knitted fabric as the first base cloth. A mixture of silver fine particles 12a and conductive carbon black 12b as the second conductive particles 12 and a mixed solution of urethane resin as a binder and water are applied to a nylon knitted fabric as the second base cloth. The first electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 were formed. Then, by lock stitching of the sewing machine, the second electrode cloth 4 is sewn to the conductive cloth 2 with the nylon suture thread 5, and the first electrode cloth 3 is sewn to the conductive cloth 2 with the nylon suture thread 5. The intersection region V1 between the electrode cloth 3 and the second electrode cloth 4 was formed in a matrix arrangement, and the pressure sensitive sensor 1 was prototyped.

図１７は試作品の感圧センサ１の交差領域Ｖ１（第２行目、第２列目）における、エアバッグによる圧力とコンダクタンスとの関係を例示する感圧特性グラフ図である。グラフの縦軸はコンダクタンス[μＳ]であり、グラフの横軸は圧力[ｍｍＨｇ]である。 FIG. 17 is a pressure-sensitive characteristic graph illustrating the relationship between the pressure due to the airbag and the conductance in the intersection region V1 (second row, second column) of the pressure-sensitive sensor 1 of the prototype. The vertical axis of the graph is conductance [μS], and the horizontal axis of the graph is pressure [mmHg].

図１７に示すとおり、加圧によってコンダクタンスは増加（抵抗値は減少）し、減圧によってコンダクタンスは減少（抵抗値は増加）する。繊維の復元力の性質上、グラフはヒステリシスカーブになる。なお、同一圧力を連続して加えた場合、経過時間に応じてコンダクタンスは緩やかに増加（抵抗値は減少）する（不図示）。 As shown in FIG. 17, the conductance increases (the resistance value decreases) by pressurization, and the conductance decreases (the resistance value increases) by the depressurization. Due to the nature of the restoring force of the fibers, the graph has a hysteresis curve. When the same pressure is continuously applied, the conductance gradually increases (the resistance value decreases) according to the elapsed time (not shown).

図１７に示すとおり、加圧時と減圧時とでは、コンダクタンスは同様の傾斜となり、このことから、再現性の高い計測ができることが判る。 As shown in FIG. 17, the conductance has the same inclination during pressurization and depressurization, and from this, it can be seen that highly reproducible measurement can be performed.

本発明は、上述の実施例に限定されることなく、本発明を逸脱しない範囲において種々変更が可能である。感圧センサ１の形状及びサイズは、既知のベッド、ベッド用マット、シーツ、敷布、クッション、椅子用マット、健康マット、カーペットの仕様等に合わせて適宜仕様変更する場合がある。 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the present invention. The shape and size of the pressure sensor 1 may be appropriately changed according to the specifications of known beds, bed mats, sheets, mats, cushions, chair mats, health mats, carpets, and the like.

１ 感圧センサ
２ 導電布、２ａ 第１主面、２ｂ 第２主面、２ｃ 第１間隔、２ｄ 第２間隔
３ 第１電極布、３ａ 第１隙間、３ｂ 第１電極
４ 第２電極布、４ａ 第２隙間、４ｂ 第２電極
５ 縫合糸
７ コントローラ
１１ 第１導電性粒子（導電性カーボンブラック）
１２ 第２導電性粒子（導電性金属粒子と導電性カーボンブラックの混合物）
１２ａ 導電性金属粒子、１２ｂ 導電性カーボンブラック
１３ａ、１３ｂ バインダー樹脂
Ｖ１ 交差領域 1 Pressure-sensitive sensor 2 Conductive cloth, 2a 1st main surface, 2b 2nd main surface, 2c 1st interval, 2d 2nd interval 3 1st electrode cloth, 3a 1st gap, 3b 1st electrode 4 2nd electrode cloth, 4a 2nd gap, 4b 2nd electrode 5 Suture thread 7 Controller 11 1st conductive particle (conductive carbon black)
12 Second conductive particles (mixture of conductive metal particles and conductive carbon black)
12a Conductive metal particles, 12b Conductive carbon black 13a, 13b Binder resin V1 Intersection region

Claims (8)

導電布と、前記導電布の第１主面に配された第１電極布と、前記導電布の第２主面に配された第２電極布と、縫合糸とを備え、前記第１電極布は第１間隔で複数の第１電極が形成されており、前記第２電極布は第２間隔で複数の第２電極が形成されているとともに前記第２電極が前記第１電極と交差するように配されており、前記第１電極と前記第２電極との交差領域がマトリクス配置で形成される感圧センサ、または、
導電布と、前記導電布の第１主面に第１間隔で配された複数の第１電極布と、前記導電布の第２主面に前記第１電極布と交差する方向に第２間隔で配された複数の第２電極布と、縫合糸とを備え、前記第１電極布と前記第２電極布との交差領域がマトリクス配置で形成される感圧センサであって、
前記第１電極布が前記縫合糸によって前記導電布に縫い付けられているとともに、前記第２電極布が前記縫合糸によって前記導電布に縫い付けられていること
を特徴とする感圧センサ。 The first electrode is provided with a conductive cloth, a first electrode cloth arranged on the first main surface of the conductive cloth, a second electrode cloth arranged on the second main surface of the conductive cloth, and a suture. The cloth has a plurality of first electrodes formed at the first interval, the second electrode cloth has a plurality of second electrodes formed at the second interval, and the second electrode intersects the first electrode. A pressure-sensitive sensor in which the intersection region of the first electrode and the second electrode is formed in a matrix arrangement, or
The conductive cloth, a plurality of first electrode cloths arranged on the first main surface of the conductive cloth at first intervals, and a second space on the second main surface of the conductive cloth in a direction intersecting with the first electrode cloth. It is a pressure-sensitive sensor provided with a plurality of second electrode cloths and sutures arranged in the above, and the intersection region of the first electrode cloth and the second electrode cloth is formed in a matrix arrangement.
A pressure-sensitive sensor, wherein the first electrode cloth is sewn to the conductive cloth by the suture, and the second electrode cloth is sewn to the conductive cloth by the suture. 前記交差領域の四隅の外側位置または前記交差領域の四隅の位置に前記縫合糸が縫い付けられていること
を特徴とする請求項１記載の感圧センサ。 The pressure-sensitive sensor according to claim 1, wherein the suture is sewn at the outer positions of the four corners of the intersection region or the positions of the four corners of the intersection region. 前記縫合糸が縫い付けられている箇所が前記縫合糸の張力によって窪んでいること
を特徴とする請求項１または２記載の感圧センサ。 The pressure-sensitive sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the portion where the suture is sewn is recessed due to the tension of the suture. 前記縫合糸は非導電性であり、ミシンによって縫い付けられていること
を特徴とする請求項１〜３のいずれか一項記載の感圧センサ。 The pressure-sensitive sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the suture is non-conductive and is sewn by a sewing machine. 前記導電布、前記第１電極布及び前記第２電極布はいずれも織物である、または、前記導電布、前記第１電極布及び前記第２電極布はいずれも編物であること
を特徴とする請求項１〜４のいずれか一項記載の感圧センサ。 The conductive cloth, the first electrode cloth, and the second electrode cloth are all woven fabrics, or the conductive cloth, the first electrode cloth, and the second electrode cloth are all knitted fabrics. The pressure-sensitive sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 前記導電布に第１導電性粒子が塗工されているとともに、前記第１電極布と前記第２電極布とに前記第１導電性粒子よりも電気伝導率が高い第２導電性粒子が塗工されており、
前記第１導電性粒子は導電性カーボンブラックであること
を特徴とする請求項１〜５のいずれか一項記載の感圧センサ。 The conductive cloth is coated with the first conductive particles, and the first electrode cloth and the second electrode cloth are coated with the second conductive particles having a higher electrical conductivity than the first conductive particles. It has been constructed and
The pressure-sensitive sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first conductive particles are conductive carbon black. 前記第１導電性粒子と破断伸度が１００％以上のバインダー樹脂との混合物が前記導電布に塗工されており、かつ、前記第２導電性粒子と破断伸度が１００％以上のバインダー樹脂との混合物が前記第１電極布に塗工されているとともに、前記第２導電性粒子と破断伸度が１００％以上のバインダー樹脂との混合物が前記第２電極布に塗工されていること
を特徴とする請求項６記載の感圧センサ。 A mixture of the first conductive particles and a binder resin having a breaking elongation of 100% or more is applied to the conductive cloth, and the second conductive particles and a binder resin having a breaking elongation of 100% or more are applied. The mixture with and is coated on the first electrode cloth, and the mixture of the second conductive particles and a binder resin having a breaking elongation of 100% or more is coated on the second electrode cloth. 6. The pressure-sensitive sensor according to claim 6. 導電布と、前記導電布の第１主面に配された第１電極布と、前記導電布の第２主面に配された第２電極布と、縫合糸とを備え、前記第１電極布は第１間隔で複数の第１電極が形成されており、前記第２電極布は第２間隔で複数の第２電極が形成されているとともに前記第２電極が前記第１電極と交差するように配されており、前記第１電極と前記第２電極との交差領域がマトリクス配置で形成される感圧センサの製造方法、または、
導電布と、前記導電布の第１主面に第１間隔で配された複数の第１電極布と、前記導電布の第２主面に前記第１電極布と交差する方向に第２間隔で配された複数の第２電極布と、縫合糸とを備え、前記第１電極布と前記第２電極布との交差領域がマトリクス配置で形成される感圧センサの製造方法であって、
前記第２電極布を前記縫合糸によって前記導電布に縫い付けるとともに、前記第１電極布を前記縫合糸によって前記導電布に縫い付けること
を特徴とする感圧センサの製造方法。 The first electrode is provided with a conductive cloth, a first electrode cloth arranged on the first main surface of the conductive cloth, a second electrode cloth arranged on the second main surface of the conductive cloth, and a suture. The cloth has a plurality of first electrodes formed at the first interval, the second electrode cloth has a plurality of second electrodes formed at the second interval, and the second electrode intersects the first electrode. A method for manufacturing a pressure-sensitive sensor in which the intersecting region between the first electrode and the second electrode is formed in a matrix arrangement, or
The conductive cloth, a plurality of first electrode cloths arranged on the first main surface of the conductive cloth at first intervals, and a second space on the second main surface of the conductive cloth in a direction intersecting with the first electrode cloth. A method for manufacturing a pressure-sensitive sensor, which comprises a plurality of second electrode cloths and sutures arranged in the above, and in which an intersecting region between the first electrode cloth and the second electrode cloth is formed in a matrix arrangement.
A method for manufacturing a pressure-sensitive sensor, which comprises sewing the second electrode cloth to the conductive cloth with the suture and sewing the first electrode cloth to the conductive cloth with the suture.
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