WO2007066513A1 - Bioinformation detector, steering wheel member, steering wheel cover and process for producing steering wheel member - Google Patents

Abstract

A bioinformation detector of enhanced performance for detecting of bioinformation, such as heart rate, from an automobile driver, etc. There is provided bioinformation detector (10) comprising steering wheel (20) to be touched by an automobile driver from whom bioinformation is detected and bioinformation detection unit (30) for detecting of bioinformation from the driver having touched the steering wheel, characterized in that the steering wheel (20) is one obtained by forming contact layers (23a,23b) of an epoxy resin containing a conductive filler on a base material containing a polyurethane resin, the contact layers (23a,23b) brought into contact with an electrode, the electrode electrically connected via signal lines (24a,24b) to the bioinformation detection unit (30).

Description

Specification

Method for manufacturing biological information detection device, handle member, handle cover, and nozzle member

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a biological information detection device for detecting biological information such as a heartbeat of a person who drives or pilots a vehicle, a ship, an airplane, etc., a handle member, a handle cover, and a handle member used therefor. Relating to a manufacturing method.

Background technology

[0002] In recent years, biological information detection devices for determining the health condition of a driver while driving a car have been studied. Such biological information detection devices detect the driver's heartbeat while driving a vehicle, and based on the heartbeat, determine the driver's health condition, such as drowsiness, fatigue, irritability, or the presence or absence of arrhythmia. This can be used as a clue for judgment.

[0003] In this way, the driver and the person in charge of the vehicle can learn about changes in the driver's physical condition and take appropriate measures such as changing the driver's duties to another person or taking a break. can. In this way, biological information detection devices can be used to contribute to safety when driving automobiles, etc.

[0004] Here, as such a biological information detection device, one is known that detects biological information by providing an electrode on a part that the driver contacts, such as the steering wheel of a car (for example, as disclosed in patent document 1).

[0005] Furthermore, a sensor electrode whose capacitance changes as a human body approaches is provided in a door handle disposed on the outside of a vehicle door, and a A human body detection device for a vehicle that includes a discrimination circuit that discriminates whether a human body is approaching has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this human body detection device for a vehicle, a floating auxiliary electrode located near the sensor electrode and capacitively coupled to the sensor electrode is provided on the door handle, and the auxiliary electrode is made of conductive resin or conductive paint. It has been disclosed that the use of

Patent document 1: International publication booklet WO2004Z089209 Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-134178

Disclosure of invention

Problems that the invention seeks to solve

[0006] As mentioned above, in biological information detection devices and human body detection devices for vehicles, the use of conductive resin or conductive paint as electrode materials has been disclosed. Biological information detection devices using such electrodes are required to further improve their performance from the viewpoints of ease of use for drivers and the sustainability of their functions.

[0007] Therefore, one example of the present application's problem is to provide a biological information detection device with improved performance, and a method for manufacturing a handle member, a handle cover, and a nozzle member used therein.

Means to solve problems

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes: a contact part for a person to be detected to come in contact with biological information; A biological information detection device configured of a biological information detecting section that detects a biological information detecting section, wherein the contact section includes a contact layer made of an epoxy resin containing a conductive filler on a base material containing a polyurethane resin. The biological information detection device is characterized in that the contact layer is in contact with an electrode, and the electrode is electrically connected to the biological information detection section.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 4 provides a handle member used as a contact portion for contact by a person to be detected for biological information, the handle member comprising: a core material of the handle member; A base material containing a polyurethane resin provided around the core material, a contact layer made of an epoxy resin containing a conductive filler formed on the base material, and an electrode in contact with the contact layer. This is a handle member characterized by having the following.

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 7 provides a cover that is removable from a handle member used as a contact part for a person to be detected of biological information to come in contact with, the cover being detachable from the handle member. a base material containing a polyurethane resin that is removably attached to the core material of the member; and a contact layer made of an epoxy resin containing a conductive filler formed on the base material, The contact layer connects from a surface of the cover that can be contacted by the detected person. The handle cover is characterized in that the handle cover is formed at a position reaching the back surface of the cover that can contact the electrode.

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 10 is a method for manufacturing a handle member used as a contact portion for contact by a person to be detected for biological information, the method comprising: An electrode is attached to a part of the core material, a base material containing polyurethane resin is formed around the core material of the handle member, and a base material containing polyurethane resin is formed on the base material from epoxy resin containing a conductive filler. forming a contact layer, and providing the contact layer on the base material from a position where the person to be detected can contact to a position where the electrode can be contacted, and around the core material of the handle member. , a method for manufacturing a handle member, characterized in that the base material is attached in a range where the electrode and the contact layer are in contact with each other.

Brief description of the drawing

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a biological information detection device and a device connected thereto according to the present embodiment.

[Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the curing of a paint made of epoxy resin containing a conductive filler.

[Figure 3] A schematic diagram showing a cross section of a contact layer and a schematic diagram showing a process of forming the contact layer.

[Figure 4] Cross-sectional views of the handle member, the handle cover, and the core material of the handle member.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a cover of a handle member used in the biological information detection device.

[FIG. 6] A schematic diagram showing a core material of the handle member.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing another form of the handle cover.

Explanation of symbols

[0013] 10...Biological information detection device

20 · · 'Manipulation handle (contact part, handle member)

21 · · 'Steering Wheel

22" spokes

23, 23a, 23b...contact layer

24, 24a, 24b…Signal line 25 · ' · Core material of nozzle

26· '·Base material

27 · '.Electrode

28· ' ·Nond, norekanoichi

29• • -Core material of nose drain cover

so- ···Biological information detection unit

so- • -In-vehicle navigation system

si- .・Display device

52·'' speaker

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the biological information detection device of the present invention, a handle member used therein, a handle cover, and a method of manufacturing a handle member will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a biological information detection device of this embodiment and a device connected thereto. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing how a paint made of epoxy resin containing a conductive filler is cured, and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the contact layer and the process of forming the contact layer. It is a schematic diagram. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle member with the handle cover attached to the core material (A-A cross-section in Figure 1), a cross-sectional view of the handle cover (A-A cross-section in Figures 1 and 5), and the electrode. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the core material of the handle member (A-A cross-sectional view in Figure 1, B-B cross-sectional view in Figure 6). FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a cover of a handle member used in a biological information detection device, and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a core material of the handle member. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing another form of the handle cover.

[0015] The biological information detection device of the present embodiment, which will be described below, uses a contact part with which a person to be detected for biological information comes into contact, a steering wheel of a car as a steering wheel member, and a subject who comes into contact with the steering knob. and a biometric information detection section that detects biometric information from the detecting person. Then, the person to be detected for biological information is the driver of the vehicle, and an electrocardiogram waveform is output in order to detect the driver's heart rate as biological information. Furthermore, the operating handle has a handle cover that covers the core material of the handle.

[0016] (Biological information detection device) First, the configuration of a biological information detection device according to an embodiment will be explained using FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the biological information detection device 10 of this embodiment includes a control handle 20 and a biological information detection section 30. In FIG. 1, the biological information detection unit 30 of the biological information detection device 10 is connected to the in-vehicle navigation system 50. Devices that are connected to the biological information detection device 10, such as the in-vehicle navigation system 50, and operate according to the detected biological information will be described later.

[0017] (Control handle)

Below, the specific structure of the control knob 20, which serves as the contact portion and handle member of the present invention, will be explained in detail using FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0018] The steering wheel 20 includes a steering wheel 21 and spokes 22 that support the steering wheel 21. In the steering wheel 20, a pair of contact layers (a right contact layer 23a and a left contact layer 23b) are formed on the left and right sides of the steering wheel 21. The contact layers 23a and 23b (hereinafter simply referred to as 23) are in contact with the electrode 27, as shown in the A-A cross-sectional view of FIG. In FIG. 1, they are connected by signal lines 24a and 24b (hereinafter simply referred to as 24). The electrode 27 also exerts a force on the right electrode 27a and the left electrode 27b as shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later, and both will be collectively referred to as electrode 27. In addition, in this application, left and right refers to the left and right as seen from the driver when the member is in use, for example, the left and right in Figure 1! ,cormorant.

[0019] (Material of control handle)

The materials used for the steering nozzle 20 will be explained. As shown in Figure 1 and the A--A cross-sectional view of Figure 1 described later in Figure 4 (a), the control nozzle 20 contains a conductive filler on a base material 26 containing polyurethane resin. It is characterized in that the contact layers 23a and 23b are made of epoxy resin.

[0020] Since the polyurethane resin and the epoxy resin have good adhesion, a stable contact layer 23 can be provided on the steering knob 20. When the driver grips the steering wheel 20 when driving a car, the force that causes the contact layer 23 to rub against the driver's skin.As shown, the contact layer 23 made of epoxy resin is made of polyurethane resin. In close contact with the base material containing 26 This prevents the coating on the contact layer 23 from peeling off or cracking the contact layer 23, and prevents the conductive performance as an electrode from deteriorating. In addition, due to this stable contact layer 23, the feel of the control knob 20 does not change over time and does not feel unpleasant to the driver, so the driver can replace the control knob 20 for a long time. It can be used without.

[0021] The base material 26 containing polyurethane resin has the role of a cover for the steering knob 20, and can be made of commonly used synthetic leather (a non-woven fabric made of synthetic fibers impregnated with polyurethane). This synthetic leather uses ultrafine fibers, and the fine mesh between the fibers increases the bonding surface with the contact layer 23, resulting in good adhesion with good wettability between the base material 26 and the contact layer 23. become. By using such synthetic leather containing polyurethane resin as the base material 26, it is possible to provide a more stable contact layer 23 than when using genuine leather or synthetic leather containing chlorinated resin. .

[0022] Polyurethane resin is a combination of polyisocyanate, which is a compound with two or more isocyanate groups (-NCO) in one molecule, and polyol, which is a compound with active hydrogen groups. This oil is the main raw material and also serves as a catalyst and other additives. Among such polyurethane resins, polyurethane resins suitable for synthetic leather are preferably used as the material for the base material 26.

[0023] The contact layer 23 is made of epoxy resin containing a conductive filler. Epoxy-based resin hardens through a chemical reaction, unlike the type of resin that hardens when the solvent evaporates, resulting in a smaller volume.

[0024] Here, the epoxy resin is a compound (main agent) that has two or more epoxy groups in the molecule, and two or more active hydrogens (-NH, —NH, —CONH—, etc.) in the molecule. Compounds with hard

2

(Polyamides, polyamines, etc. are available as adhesive agents) undergo addition reaction polymerization to form a three-dimensional structure (three-dimensional mesh structure) and harden.

[0025] The one-component epoxy resin has the above-mentioned epoxy group and active hydrogen serving as a curing agent in one molecule. One-component epoxy resin requires heat treatment when curing. A two-component epoxy-based resin has a main component having an epoxy group and a curing agent having active hydrogen, which are separated and are cured by mixing them. [0026] For the contact layer 23 of the present embodiment, either one-component epoxy resin or two-component epoxy resin can be used, but one-component epoxy resin can be used. Fats are preferably used because they do not require measuring and mixing the base agent and curing agent, improving productivity.

[0027] There are various types of epoxy resin, from liquid to solid, depending on the size of the molecular weight. 1S Whether it is one-component or two-component, bisphenol A type liquid resin is often used. I'm annoyed. In addition, bisphenol A-type liquid sesame oil is produced by the reaction between bisphenol A and epichlorohydrin. In addition to bisphenol type A, there is bisphenol F¾ (one CH— between the benzene rings), which can produce a cured product that is more flexible than type A.

2

Can be done.

[0028] As the epoxy resin, it is preferable to use a flexible (soft) epoxy resin. By using a soft epoxy resin, the paint has firmness after it hardens, and will not crack or peel off even if it is touched by a driver as an electrode. Soft epoxy resins are not strictly defined, but include epoxy resins that are flexible when a coating is formed, resins that are generally called soft epoxy resins, and soft epoxy resins. It is sold as a type of fat, and is used as a type of fat.

[0029] As the conductive filler, conductive materials such as silver, nickel, gold, noradium, carbon, or carbon nanotubes are used. Silver is preferably used because it has the lowest volume resistivity among these, and is also stable against quality deterioration such as peeling off or cracking after painting. Further, silver may be used as it is, or may be used as silver chloride or silver sulfide, each of these materials may be used alone, or silver and silver chloride, silver and silver sulfide, etc. It can also be used in combination. In this way, the conductive filler is preferably made of at least one of silver, silver chloride, and silver sulfur. By using silver chloride or silver sulfide as the conductive filler, the appearance of the contact layer 23 that is formed becomes brown, black, or gray, so that the color of the contact layer 23 becomes similar to that of the interior of an automobile or the steering wheel 20. This means that we can provide a control knob 20 that is in harmony with the other parts of the machine.

[0030] The size of the conductive filler is not particularly limited, but is usually from m x m to several tens of m.

A spherical or flake-shaped material with a size of approximately several tens of meters is used. conductive The shape of the conductive filler is also not particularly limited, but a spherical conductive filler as shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later, and a flake conductive filler as shown in FIG. 3 may be used. The content of the conductive filler in the paint is also not particularly limited, but is usually about 70 to 80% by mass.

[0031] As the paint constituting this contact layer 23, it is also possible to use a conventionally known conductive adhesive or the like. As such a conductive adhesive, those that have been used for bonding electronic components that cannot be soldered can be used.

[0032] Here, the method for forming the contact layer 23 will be explained. When using the above-mentioned one-component epoxy-based paint, first apply the paint onto the base material, as shown in Figure 2 (a). At this time, the conductive fillers are often not in contact with each other, resulting in a high electrical resistance value. The coating method is not particularly limited, but methods such as brush coating, spatula coating, screen printing, curtain flow coater, and roller coater are used. Further, the coating film thickness is not particularly limited, but is usually about 50 to several hundreds/z m.

[0033] After that, by drying the paint at a high temperature of about 140°C to 170°C for about 30 to 60 minutes, heat shrinkage (volume shrinkage) of the epoxy resin, which is the binder resin, occurs, causing the paint to shrink. As the fillers harden, the conductive fillers come into contact with each other, as shown in Figure 2 (b), and the electrical resistance value decreases. Normally, paint that has been dried at high heat is left to dry at room temperature for an additional 24 to 48 hours. The film thickness after drying is not particularly limited, but is usually about 50 to LOO/z m.

[0034] After drying the paint for the contact layer 23, it is preferable to wash the surface of the paint film by washing with water or the like. As a result, it is possible to remove the silver powder floating on the surface and provide a contact layer 23 from which the silver powder does not peel off even when touched by a driver.

[0035] In this case, an example of the contact layer 23 formed using a paint containing a mixture of silver and silver chloride (or silver and silver sulfur) is shown in Fig. 3 (a). In addition, as shown in Figure 3 (b), a paint made of epoxy resin containing silver was applied, dried as described above, and then a chemical containing chlorine was applied to react the silver. The surface of the contact layer 23 can be made of silver salt. Similarly, after drying the paint, a sulfur-containing agent may be applied to cause the silver to react with the paint, thereby forming the surface of the contact layer 23 into sulfur-containing silver. Note that even without treatment using chemicals such as those mentioned above, the contact layer 23 containing silver can absorb chlorine and sulfur components (hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, etc.) in the air. etc.), it is also possible to naturally form the surface into silver chloride or silver sulfur. however

By making the contact layer 23 black or brown at the stage of starting to use the biological information detection device 10 through the above-described processing, it becomes resistant to changes over time.

[0036] (Shape of steering wheel)

Next, the shape of the control handle 20 and the positional relationship of each component will be explained. As shown in Fig. 4 (a), which is an A-A cross-sectional view of the control knob 20 itself, the control knob 20 consists of a core material 25 of the control knob 20 and a polyurethane shield provided around the core material 25. A base material 26 containing oil, contact layers 23a and 23b made of epoxy resin containing a conductive filler formed on the base material 26, and an electrode 27 in contact with the contact layers 23a and 23b. have

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the steering knob 20 is preferably configured to include a core material 25 and a handle cover 28 that is detachable from the core material 25. A cross-sectional view of the separated force bar 28 of the steering nozzle 20 is shown in FIG. 4(b), and a cross-sectional view of the separated core material 25 is shown in FIG. 4(c). Furthermore, FIG. 5 shows the separated handle cover 28 of the control handle 20 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 shows the separated core material 25 of the control handle 20 in FIG. show. Note that the parts indicated by broken lines 23a and 23b in FIG. 6 indicate the positions on the core material 25 where the contact layers 23a and 23b are to be provided.

[0038] As shown in each figure, specifically, the base material 26 has the shape of a cover that can be attached to and detached from the core material 25, and the electrodes 27 are provided at the inner position of the control knob 20. , the contact layers 23a and 23b may be formed at a position ranging from the surface of the handle cover 28 that can be contacted by the driver to the back surface of the handle cover 28 that can contact the electrode 27.

[0039] As described above, since the control handle 20 is composed of the core material 25 and the cover 28 that is removable from the core material 25, the contact layer 23 and the electrode 27 are crimped and conductive, reducing contact resistance. Compared to the case where the signal line 24 is directly wired to the contact layer 23, the electrode 27 and the signal line 24 are connected and fixed, and the electrode 27 and the contact layer 23 are crimped, so that the wiring (signal line 24) is connected and fixed. There is less chance of wire 24) breaking. Additionally, the cover installation process is easier than when the electrodes are attached to the force bar. This reduces the possibility of wire breakage.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4 (a) and 4 (b), the cover 28 may include a core material 29 of the cover 28 itself. Usually, this core material 29 is made of rubber. Rubber, which is used as the core material of conventionally known covers, is used. By using rubber as the core material 29 of the cover 28, the rubber expands and contracts, making it easier to bring the cover 28 into close contact with the core material 25 of the control knob 20, which has the effect of crimping the contact layer 26 and the electrode 27. improves. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), when the cover 28 has a core material 29, the base material 26 is provided on at least the entire surface of the core material 29 in the shape of the cover 28, A base material 26 is provided up to part or all of the back side of 28. The base material 26 is normally provided around the entire periphery of the steering wheel 21 of the steering knob 20.

[0041] Here, since heart rate information is obtained by measuring the potential difference between the left and right hands, the contact layers 23a and 23b, the electrodes 27a and 27b, and the signal lines 24a and 24b are provided in pairs, respectively. , the contact layers 23a and 23b, the electrodes 27a and 27b, and the signal lines 24a and 24b are provided so as not to contact each other. If each of these components is provided in this way, the positions where each component is provided are not particularly limited, but, for example, the following can be done.

[0042] The contact layer 23 of the control knob 20 may be installed at a position where it is partially cut off when viewed from the outside, as shown in Figures 4 (a) and 4 (b), or it may be installed so that it is partially cut off when viewed from the outside. The core material 25 may be provided so as to cover the entire circumference. Further, as shown in FIG. 4(b) and FIG. 7 showing modified forms of the handle cover 28, a contact layer 23 is provided on at least a portion of the back surface of the cover 28, and the contact layer 23 located on the back surface contacts the electrode 27. I'll do what I do. The position of the contact layer 23 on the back surface of the cover 28 may be a part of the cross section as shown in Figure 4 (b), or the entire cross section as shown in Figure 7!/ヽ.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the contact layer 23 can be provided in a range including the vertical center so as to occupy about 60% of the entire steering wheel 21. The proportion and range occupied by the contact layer 23 in the steering wheel 21 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to provide the contact layer 23 so as to include the position where the driver normally grips it. However, the contact layer 23 needs to have an area within a range where an appropriate potential can be obtained by the driver's manual force. [0044] The position at which the electrode 27 is attached in the core material 25 (steering wheel 21) of the steering knob 20 is not particularly limited, but the position in which the electrode 27 is attached is shown in FIGS. As shown in the view from the side not facing the driver, the electrode 27 can be attached, for example, on the outside of the core material 25 of the handle 20, on the inside of the handle itself or on the back side as seen from the driver.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the electrode 27 can be provided near the position where the contact layer 23 visually ends. The position of the electrode 27 is not particularly limited, and it may be provided at any position on the steering wheel 21. However, it is necessary to provide the electrode 27 at a position where the contact layer 23 can come into contact with the electrode 27. Further, in order to provide the signal line 24 as described later, it is preferable to provide the electrode 27 at a position where it can be easily connected to the signal line 24. The material of the electrode 27 is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive, but a metal plate, such as a sealing material made of copper, silver, or nickel, is preferably used.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the signal line 24 can be provided along the spoke 22 so as to extend from the center of the steering wheel to the biological information detection section 30 through a boss or the like that connects to the vehicle body. The position where the signal line 24 is provided is not particularly limited, and as long as it can transmit an electrical signal, it may be a plurality of wires connected in contact with each other instead of a single wire.

[0047] The case where the control knob 20 consists of the core material 25 and the removable cover 28 has been described above, and the cover 28 prevents the position from shifting after being installed to cover the core material 25. The end surfaces are sewn together so that the driver does not feel discomfort when touching them. In addition, in FIGS. 4 and 7, in order to show that the core material 25 and the cover 28 can be separated, the end surfaces of the cover are drawn to be extremely separated.

[0048] When manufacturing such a control knob 20, the electrode 27 is attached to a part of the core material 25 of the control knob 20, and the polyurethane resin provided around the core material 25 of the handle 20 is A contact layer 23 made of epoxy resin containing a conductive filler is formed on the base material 26, and the contact layer 23 can be contacted by a driver on the base material 26. The base material 26 is provided around the core material 25 of the handle 20 in a range where the electrode 27 and the contact layer 23 are in contact with each other. At this time, the step of forming the base material 26 into the shape provided around the core material 25 can be performed even after the step of forming the contact layer 23, so that the order of the steps may not be as described above. good. [0049] Although not shown, the control knob 20, which is a contact portion, may be made up of a core material 25 and a base material 26 that covers it. In this case as well, the control knob 20 has a contact layer 23 made of an epoxy resin containing a conductive filler formed on a base material 26 containing a polyurethane resin. , the electrode 27 must be in contact with the electrode 27, and the electrode 27 must be electrically connected to the biological information detection section 30.

[0050] (Biological information detection unit)

Next, although not shown, the biological information detection unit 30 connects the signal lines 24a and 24b to an AC differential amplifier that detects the potential difference between each electrode, and removes unnecessary noise components from the output signal power of the AC differential amplifier. Low Pass Filter: Amplifier that amplifies the output of the LPF; AZD (Analog/Digital) converter that converts the amplified heart rate signal into a digital signal; inputs the AZD converter's digital heart rate signal. It has a CPU that controls the operation of the biological information detection unit 30 as data, a buffer that temporarily stores the converted digital heartbeat signal, a clock generator that provides an operating clock to the CPU, and the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the biological information detection section 30 is connected to a power source.

[0051] An example of the operation of the biological information detection section 30 will be explained. When the driver grips the steering wheel 21 with his hands to drive the vehicle, both of his hands come into contact with the contact layers 23a and 23b on the surface of the steering wheel 21. The contact layers 23a, 23b are connected to different electrodes, and the electrodes constitute a potential heart rate sensor. The electrode force also detects the pulse-like potential (myocardial action potential) in both hands of the driver, which is generated due to the electrical excitement of the driver's heart, and detects the heartbeat. The potential detected by the electrodes is then input to an AC differential amplifier, which detects the potential difference between the electrodes. Next, the output of the AC differential amplifier is input to the LPF to remove various noises such as noise generated by vehicle power, and only the heartbeat signal component of 1 to 100 Hz of the output is passed. The heartbeat signal that has passed through the LPF is amplified to a predetermined level by an amplifier, and then converted into a digital signal by an AZD converter. Thereafter, this digital heartbeat signal waveform, ie, digital myocardial action potential data, is input to the CPU, which inputs it to a buffer and temporarily stores it. At this time, it is also possible to store information about the time when the digital heartbeat data was input to the CPU, that is, when the driver's heartbeat was detected. Note that the CPU is supplied with an operating clock by a clock generator. An electrocardiogram waveform can be obtained by appropriately amplifying the potential generated by the heartbeat of the driver's hand detected by the electrodes in this manner.

[0052] (Deformed form)

In the above embodiments, the steering knob 20 used for driving a car has been described as the contact part of the present invention, but the member that becomes the contact part is not limited to the steering knob 20. Specifically, contact parts include parts used to operate a vehicle, including handles, levers (shift levers, etc.), buttons (nozzle lamp buttons, air conditioning buttons, etc.), and armrests (armrests, etc.). , it can be a member with which a person to be detected in a vehicle comes into contact. In the above embodiment, the contact portion was only the control knob 20, but it is also possible to use a plurality of these members as the contact portion. A contact layer similar to the one described above may be provided at a position of these members where a part of the body of the person to be detected, such as a hand or an arm, comes into contact. Furthermore, the target vehicle is not particularly limited, but biological information detection devices are used in automobiles, ships, airplanes, etc.

[0053] Although the biological information detected by the biological information detection device 10 has been described as heart rate, the biological information is not particularly limited. It can also be detected as information. The biological information detection device 10 can detect the presence or absence of drowsiness, fatigue, irritability, arrhythmia, etc. based on this biological information, and can urge the driver to take a break as described later.

[0054] Here, a device that uses the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection device 10 will be described. The in-vehicle navigation system 50 shown in FIG. 1 displays the driver's situation using the display device 51, which is derived from the information of the heart rate detected by the biological information detection device 10, and uses the speaker 52 to display the driver's situation while driving. It is designed to play sounds and music depending on the person's situation. Specifically, when the biometric information detection device 10 determines that the driver is highly drowsy based on the biometric information, it displays the message “Are you feeling a bit sleepy?” on the display device 51, as shown in Figure 1. You can display / and ask a question on speaker 52 using !/ヽ. Similarly, like the display device 51 in FIG. 1, it may be possible to display a "drowsy degree" indicating sleepiness, a "hiyahiya degree" indicating a feeling of irritability, etc. In this way, the in-vehicle navigation system 50 can prompt the driver to take a break when necessary. [0055] In addition, in-vehicle audio equipment and the like can also be made to perform special operations using biometric information. Specifically, if the biometric information detection device 10 determines that the driver is highly drowsy based on the biometric information, it increases the volume of the music being played or plays music with a fast tempo (playing speed of the music). By doing so, it is possible to prevent the driver from becoming drowsy. Additionally, by making the driver aware of such changes in the audio equipment, the driver can consider his or her own condition and take a break or take over driving duties with another person. .

[0056] As explained above, the biological information detection device 10 of the present embodiment has a control handle 20, which serves as a contact part for the driver whose heart rate is detected; In the biological information detection device 10, which includes a biological information detection unit 30 that detects the heart rate (potential difference) of a driver in contact with the driver, the control knob 20 has a base material 26 containing polyurethane resin. A contact layer 23 made of epoxy resin containing a conductive filler is formed on the contact layer 23, and the contact layer 23 is in contact with the electrode 27, and the electrode 27 is electrically connected to the biological information detection section 30. It is characterized by te ヽ.

[0057] Therefore, since the adhesive strength between the polyurethane resin contained in the base material 26 and the epoxy resin contained in the contact layer 23 is high, the contact layer 23 stably adheres to the base material in the steering knob 20. A biological information detection device 10 having the following can be provided. In particular, when a soft epoxy resin is used for the contact layer 23, the contact layer 23 becomes soft when the driver touches it, and prevents peeling and cracking. Therefore, even if the contact layer 23 does not deteriorate and the biological information detection device is used for a long time, the biological information detection section 30 can accurately detect biological information.

[0058] Further, the steering knob 20 as a handle member of the present embodiment is a steering knob 20 used as a contact part for the driver to come into contact with whose heart rate is detected, and the steering knob 20 is a core of the steering knob. material 25, a base material 26 containing polyurethane resin provided around the core material 25, and a contact layer 23 made of epoxy resin containing a conductive filler formed on the base material 26, The contact layer 23 is in contact with an electrode 27.

[0059] Therefore, since the adhesive force between the polyurethane resin contained in the base material 26 and the epoxy resin contained in the contact layer 23 is high, the contact layer 23 stably adheres to the base material 26 and the control nodle is formed. 20 can be provided. In particular, if a soft epoxy resin is used for the contact layer 23, the contact layer 23 will be soft when the driver touches it, and will prevent peeling or cracking. Therefore, even if the contact layer 23 does not deteriorate and the control handle 20 is used for a long time, when the control handle 20 is used in the biological information detection device 10, the biological information detection unit 30 can accurately detect biological information. can be detected.

[0060] The steering wheel cover 28 of this embodiment is a cover 28 that can be attached to and detached from the steering wheel 20, which is used as a contact area for the driver whose heart rate is to be detected, and is a cover 28 that can be attached to and detached from the steering wheel 20, which is used as a contact part for the driver whose heart rate is to be detected. A base material 26 containing a polyurethane resin that is removably attached to the material 25, and a contact layer 23 formed on the base material 26 and made of an epoxy resin containing a conductive filler. The layer 23 is characterized in that it is formed at a position extending from the front surface of the cover 28 that can be contacted by the driver to the back surface of the cover 28 that can contact the electrode 27 to be connected.

[0061] Therefore, according to the steering wheel cover 28, in addition to obtaining the same effects as the steering wheel 20 described above, by attaching the steering wheel cover 28 to the core material 25 (steering wheel 21) of the steering wheel 20, The contact layer 23 of the handle cover 28 and the electrode 27 provided on the core material 25 come into contact with each other, and the contact layer 23 and the electrode 27 are brought into contact with each other by pressure from the outer side of the handle cover 28, thereby establishing conduction between the contact layer 23 and the electrode 27. At the same time, electrical resistance can be lowered. Furthermore, since the handle cover 28 and the core material 25 provided with the electrodes 27 are separated, the signal line 24 is not directly connected to the handle cover 28, which simplifies handling of the handle cover 28. , disconnection between the signal line 24 and the electrode 27 and between the electrode 27 and the contact layer 23 is prevented.

[0062] The method for manufacturing the steering wheel 20 of the present embodiment is a method for manufacturing the steering wheel 20, which is used as a contact part for a driver whose heart rate is to be detected. A part of the core material 25 of the handle 20 is attached with the electrode 27, a base material 26 containing polyurethane resin is provided around the core material 25 of the handle 20, and a conductive filler is contained on the base material 26. A contact layer 23 made of epoxy-based resin is formed, and the contact layer 23 is provided on the base material 26 from a position where the driver can touch to a position where the driver can contact the electrode 27, and the handle 20 A base material 26 is attached around the core material 25 in a range where the electrode 27 and the contact layer 23 are in contact with each other.

[0063] Therefore, according to the method for manufacturing the control knob 20, the above-mentioned control knob 20 and In addition to obtaining the same effect, by attaching the base material 26 provided with the contact layer 23 to the core material 25 (steering wheel 21) of the steering knob 20, the contact layer 23 of the base material 26 and the core material 25 can be attached. The contact layer 23 and the electrode 27 are brought into contact with each other, and the contact layer 23 and the electrode 27 are brought into contact with each other by pressure from the outside force of the base material 26, thereby making it possible to conduct the contact layer 23 and the electrode 27 and lowering the electrical resistance.

Example

[0064] (Example 1)

First, an electrode connected to a signal line was attached to a part of the core material of the control nozzle. This electrode is made of a sealing material made of copper.

[0065] On the other hand, a synthetic leather containing polyurethane resin (Teijin Cordrene Dosei; Cordray) was used as a base material, and on this synthetic leather, a conductive filler made of soft epoxy resin containing silver was used. A conductive adhesive (manufactured by Three Bond; 3301U) was applied to a film thickness of approximately 50 μm. This paint was dried at a high temperature of 140°C for about 2 hours, and then at room temperature for 24 hours. Since silver powder may stand out on the surface of the paint film after drying, the surface of the paint film was finally washed with water to form a contact layer.

[0066] A handle cover was produced by covering the periphery of the rubber serving as the core material of the handle cover with a base material on which a contact layer was formed and molding it into the shape of the handle cover. At this time, the contact layer was provided at a position ranging from the front side of the handle cover (rubber) that the driver could touch to the back side of the handle cover (rubber) that could contact the electrodes.

[0067] Next, a handle cover prepared in the area where the electrode and the contact layer were in contact was attached around the core material of the control handle to produce a control handle.

[0068] (Example 2)

After drying the conductive adhesive made of soft epoxy resin, it was plated in salt water and dried.Thus, the conductive filler present on the surface of the contact layer was made into silver salt. A control nozzle was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1 in other respects.

[0069] (Example 3)

After drying the conductive adhesive made of soft epoxy resin, a liquid chemical containing chlorine (liquid chlorine bleach Hyter (registered trademark); manufactured by Kao Corporation) is applied onto the contact layer and dried. Therefore, the conductive filler present on the surface of the contact layer was made of silver salt. So A control nozzle was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except for this.

[0070] (Example 4)

After drying the conductive adhesive made of soft epoxy resin, a liquid agent containing sulfur (black silver; manufactured by Emidas Co., Ltd.) is applied onto the contact layer and dried. The conductive filler present in the material was sulfur silver. A control knob was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1 in other respects.

[0071] (Evaluation results)

In Examples 1 to 4, the electrodes on the operating handle were connected to a biological information detection unit via a signal line and converted into an electrocardiogram waveform. In all cases, the electrocardiogram waveforms were clearly visible, and potential signals could be detected stably. Furthermore, when the steering handle of each example was attached to a car and a person grasped it or powered it, the contact area was flexible, so the driving force was low. When the control knob was moved, the driver's hands and the contact layer sometimes rubbed, but the contact layer did not peel off or the conductive filler came off, and the condition maintained immediately after manufacture was maintained. . Furthermore, since Examples 2 to 4 were brown or black in color, they harmonized with the exposed portion of the base material of the control knob and the interior of the automobile.

Claims

The scope of the claims [1] A contact part for the person whose biological information is to be detected to come in contact with the person; a biological information detection unit that detects the biological information by the force of the detected person in contact with the contact portion; In a biological information detection device configured by, The contact portion is formed by forming a contact layer made of epoxy resin containing a conductive filler on a base material containing polyurethane resin, A biological information detection device, wherein the contact layer is in contact with an electrode, and the electrode is electrically connected to the biological information detection section. [2] The biological information detection device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive filler is made of at least one of silver, silver salt, and silver sulfur. [3] According to claim 1 or 2, the contact portion is a member used for operating the vehicle, including a handle, a lever, a button, and an armrest, or a member in the vehicle that the detected person comes into contact with. The biological information detection device described. [4] A handle member used as a contact part for a person whose biological information is to be detected, The core material of the handle member, A base material containing polyurethane resin provided around the core material, a contact layer made of epoxy resin containing a conductive filler formed on the base material; an electrode in contact with the contact layer; A handle member characterized by having !/ヽ. [5] The base material has the shape of a cover that can be attached to and detached from the core material, The electrode is provided on the core material of the handle member, Claim characterized in that the contact layer is formed at a position ranging from a surface of the shape of the cover that can be contacted by the person to be detected to a back surface of the shape of the cover that can come into contact with the electrode. The handle member described in 4. [6] The conductive filler is at least one of silver, silver chloride, and silver sulfur. The handle member according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: [7] A cover that is detachable from a handle member used as a contact part for a person to be detected to have biometric information, A base material containing polyurethane resin that is removably attached to the core material of the handle member, and a contact layer made of epoxy resin containing a conductive filler formed on the base material, The handle cover is characterized in that the contact layer is formed at a position ranging from the front surface of the cover that can be contacted by the person to be detected to the back surface of the cover that can contact the electrode to be connected. [8] The handle cover according to claim 7, wherein the conductive filler is at least one of silver, sulfur silver, and sulfur silver. [9] The contact layer is formed by applying a paint containing silver as the conductive filler and treating the dried paint so that the conductive filler is at least a silver salt or a sulfur silver. 9. The handle cover according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the handle cover includes a slider. [10] A method for manufacturing a handle member used as a contact portion for contact by a person whose biological information is to be detected, the method comprising: Attaching an electrode to a part of the core material of the handle member, Molding a base material containing polyurethane resin provided around the core material of the handle member, A contact layer made of epoxy resin containing a conductive filler is formed on the base material, and the contact layer is moved from a position on the base material where the person to be detected can contact the electrode to a position where the person to be detected can contact the contact layer. established up to A method for manufacturing a handle member, characterized in that the base material is attached around the core material of the handle member in a range where the electrode and the contact layer are in contact with each other. 11. The method for manufacturing a handle member according to claim 10, wherein the conductive filler is at least one of silver, sulfur silver, and sulfur silver. [12] The contact layer is formed by applying a paint containing silver as the conductive filler and then drying the paint. 12. The handle according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the conductive filler is made to contain at least one of silver chloride and silver sulfur by treating the material. Method of manufacturing parts.