JP2004089578A - Hand gripper and rubber bag type grip training meter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an easily operable rubber bag type grip training meter which is equipped with a rubber bag body and a display part free from adjusting, and has a simple structure. <P>SOLUTION: The hand gripper 50 comprises the rubber bag body 1 consisting of a rubber-like elastic body with a C-shape cross section in the longitudinal direction, an almost flat shape bed plate 16 abutting onto an opening part side of the rubber bag body 1, a pressure sensor 2 placed so as to expose the tip end penetrating through the bed plate 16, and a palm abutting part 11 set on the bed plate 16 so as to at least cover the pressure sensor 2. A dent part for finger hooking is formed on the outside face of the rubber bag body 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a rubber bag-type grip strength training meter having a mechanism for measuring grip strength and training grip strength, which is small, lightweight, excellent in portability and operability.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There are various types of grip dynamometers, including a Smedley-type grip dynamometer that has been widely used. The Smedley grip meter has a grip portion that is located inside the outer frame and is urged away from the frame by a tension spring.When this grip portion is strongly gripped with one hand, The degree of the distance at which the connected movable part is squeezed is read by a linked pointer. Such a full-fledged grip meter is large and heavy, and is not suitable for the purpose of easily measuring the grip strength in daily life. Further, since the shape of the grip portion is adjusted so as to fit at the beginning of the squeezing process, there is a drawback that the fitting cannot be performed near the end of the squeezing process and measurement cannot be performed correctly.
[0003]
Therefore, when attention is paid to the gripping portion, an airbag is used as the gripping portion that fits the palm during the squeezing process (for example, see Patent Literature 1), and a rugby ball-shaped rubber ball is used (for example, Patent Literature 2). 2). Since these air bags and rubber balls have flexibility, the repulsive force generated when the air bags and the like are squeezed is almost uniformly dispersed throughout the air bags through the air in the air bags and the like, The gripper is always fitted to the palm because it is received by the entire palm that contacts the palm. This makes it possible to measure the grip strength of an elderly person having a weak grip strength or a rheumatic patient who has almost lost grip strength.
[0004]
On the other hand, since it has been found that resistance exercise is also effective in improving the health of middle-aged and elderly people, exercise using assistive devices such as dumbbells and elastic tubes is recommended. It is said that continuing such exercise can reduce weight and body fat, and is also effective in strengthening grip strength. Therefore, there is a demand for a mechanism for easily and easily measuring the grip strength and training the grip strength in order to confirm the exercise results and to motivate the user.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2000-193537
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-58-91138 [0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The grip force meter disclosed in Patent Literature 1 has a configuration in which an air bag is connected to a sign via a long rubber tube. The air bag used is composed of an inner bag made of synthetic rubber and an outer surface thereof covered with an outer bag made of cloth. In addition, the indicator employs the structure of a mercury-type blood pressure monitor or an aneroid-type indicator blood pressure monitor. In this grip force meter, since a long rubber tube is used, the overall shape of the device becomes large, and the shape of the air bag is unclear, that is, where to hold, and when However, it is not clear whether the space is secured enough to be crushed immediately and the grip force acts to the end. Furthermore, since the structure of the sphygmomanometer is used, the shape is bulky and the adjustment thereof is difficult. Also, the use of this sphygmomanometer for training is not shown.
[0008]
The grip force meter of Patent Document 2 uses a rugby ball-shaped rubber ball, and has a configuration in which the rubber ball and a pressure gauge main body provided with a Bourdon tube are integrally connected via a check valve and an air release valve.
[0009]
Although this manometer offers some of the current challenges in terms of grip strength measurement and training, no proper grip position has been identified and it takes time to adjust the Bourdon tube There are problems such as.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a rubber bag-type gripping strength training meter that includes a rubber bag body and a display unit that does not require adjustment, has a small size, has a simple structure, and is easy to operate.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention employs the following solutions in order to achieve the above object.
(1) In a gripping pressure device, a rubber bag body made of a rubber-like elastic body and having a C-shaped cross section in a length direction, a substantially flat plate-shaped base plate in contact with an opening side of the rubber bag device, A pressure sensor disposed so that the probe tip is exposed through the base plate, and a palm contact portion provided on the base plate so as to cover at least the pressure sensor, and an outer surface of the rubber bag body It is characterized in that a recess for finger hanging is provided.
(2) In the gripping device according to the above (1), the concave portion is provided at a position of a middle finger when four fingers are evenly placed on the C-shaped curved portion.
(3) In the gripping device according to the above (1), the concave portion is equally provided in the C-shaped curved portion for four fingers.
(4) In the gripping device according to the above (1), the concave portion is provided at the position of the index finger when four fingers are evenly placed on the C-shaped curved portion.
(5) The gripping device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein an outer surface of the palm abutment is formed in an arch shape so as to fit the palm.
(6) In a rubber bag type grip strength training meter, a measuring device is provided integrally with the grip pressure device according to any one of the above (1) to (5) via a mount.
(7) In a rubber bag type grip strength training meter, a measuring device is provided to the grip pressure device according to any one of the above (1) to (5) via a cable.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a view showing a first embodiment of a grip pressure device in a rubber bag type grip strength training meter of the present invention. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD ′ of FIG. 1B, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB ′ of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC ′ of FIG.
[0014]
In FIG. 1 (a), a rubber bag 1 on the left side of the figure is made of a rubber-like elastic material such as silicon rubber having a pressure resistance characteristic enough to withstand the grip force of a human palm and a resistance to chemicals and the like. Be composed. Further, the rubber bag-type grip strength training meter of the present invention is formed symmetrically so that it can be used by either left or right hand.
[0015]
The shape of the rubber bag 1 in FIG.
In the cross-sectional direction shown in FIG. 1 (a), it has a substantially uniform thickness except for the mounting portions 1a, 1a 'at both ends and the concave portion 1c for the middle finger, and extends in the longitudinal direction (the cross-sectional direction in FIG. 1 (a)). The mounting portions 1a and 1a 'at both ends rise substantially vertically on the outer side when viewed from the side in contact with the base plate 16, and rise on the inner side so as to be curved and have a reduced thickness. The curved portions 1b and 1b 'are connected to the mounting portions 1a and 1a' so as to perform a hinge operation and generate a return force, and the middle finger is positioned at the position of the middle finger when four fingers are evenly applied to the C-shaped curved portion. As shown in FIG. 1 (c), the mounting portions 1a ″ and 1a ′ ″ at both ends are gently curved on the outside and rise sharply on the inside and sharply curved on the outside. Rises so as to become thinner, and as shown in FIG. 1 (c), except for the mounting portions 1a ″ and 1a ′ ″ at the both ends. It is configured rugby ball-like shape by a substantially uniform thickness in the cross-sectional direction of (c).
[0016]
The rubber bag 1
(A) Since the part to be touched by the finger is formed in a gentle arch shape, the way of power input becomes natural, and it fits the finger,
(B) Since the middle finger concave portion is provided at the position of the middle finger when four fingers are evenly placed on the C-shaped curved portion, the manner in which the force is applied is kept constant with reference to the middle finger where the most force is applied. And the measurement method is fixed and the force is not dispersed,
(C) Since only the middle finger is positioned as the middle finger when four fingers are evenly placed on the C-shaped curved portion, the other fingers can be moved as appropriate, and measurement or training is performed without being affected by the size of the hand. It is configured to be able to.
[0017]
The shape of the finger-holding concave portion may be any shape as long as the finger can be hooked, and may be formed with a continuous curved surface.
[0018]
The base plate 16 is made of a rigid resin or the like, and has two support base portions 16b and 16b 'on the flat plate portion 16a as shown in FIG. 1A and a bushing 12 as shown in FIG. Is provided, and an air pressure transmission hole 8 is provided at a substantially central portion of the flat plate portion 16a. As shown in FIG. 1 (c), locking grooves 16d and 16d 'for slidingly guiding the locking projections 11c and 11c' of the palm abutment 11 are provided on both longitudinal sides of the flat plate portion 16a. It has a planar shape substantially equal to the outer shape of the palm rest 11 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1D, a round groove corresponding to the outer shape of the bushing 12 is formed at the tip of the projection 16c.
[0019]
The sensor holding board 18 is made of a rigid resin or the like. The whole is a flat plate as shown in FIG. 1B, and the pressure sensor 2 is mounted as shown in FIG. It is fixed to the support bases 16b and 16b 'by 5 and 6. The sensor holding board 18 may be configured by a printed board.
[0020]
The pressure sensor 2 includes a rod-shaped probe unit 3 inserted into a hole and a box-shaped conversion unit for converting pressure into an electric signal.
The cable 9 can also be led out from above the gripping device 50.
The probe part 3 of the pressure sensor 2 is inserted into the air pressure transmission hole 8 of the base plate 16.
A core wire of the cable 9 attached to the cable clamp 10 is soldered to a terminal of the pressure sensor 2.
[0021]
The bushing 12 is made of rubber or resin, inserts and holds the cable 9, and is mounted by the convex portion 16 c of the base plate 16 and the concave portion 11 d of the palm rest portion 11 as shown in FIG. Although the cable 9 is led out from the lower side of the gripping device 50 in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the cable 9 can be led out from the upper side of the gripping device 50.
[0022]
The palm rest 11 is made of a hard resin or the like having rigidity enough to withstand a grip force when gripped, in accordance with a conventional grip strength measurement method (so that the grip body is located at the second joint of the finger). , Comprising rising portions 11a and 11a 'at both ends rising substantially perpendicularly from the base plate 16, and an arch-shaped portion 11b. The arch-shaped portion 11b extends from the ends of the rising portions 11a and 11a' at an angle substantially close to a right angle. It has an arch shape (arc shape). The arch shape of the arch-shaped portion 11b is made in accordance with a shape that fits the base of the thumb of the palm. In addition, the concave portion 11d is formed in a concave groove corresponding to the outer shape of the bushing 12, as shown in FIG. The concave groove is combined with the concave groove of the protruding portion 16c of the base plate 16, and tightens and fixes the bushing 12 according to the outer shape. As shown in FIGS. 1 (c) and 1 (d), at the open end of the palm abutment 11, the locking of the palm abutment 11 guided by the locking grooves 16d and 16d 'of the base plate 16 is performed. Protrusions 11c and 11c 'are provided.
[0023]
At the time of assembling, the rubber bag 1 and the base plate 16 are fixed with an adhesive, and the base plate 16 and the palm contact portion 11 are provided with locking projections 11c and 11c 'of the palm contact portion 11 in the locking grooves 16d and 16d'. After the sliding guide, both are fixed with an adhesive.
[0024]
(Effect of the first embodiment)
Since the rubber bag body is formed in a gentle arch shape where the finger touches, when the force enters naturally, it fits the finger and when four fingers are evenly applied to the C-shaped curved part The concave portion for the middle finger is provided at the position of the middle finger, so that the method of applying the force can be kept constant with reference to the middle finger where the force is most applied, and the measuring method is fixed so that the force is not dispersed. Since only the middle finger position is determined as the middle finger when four fingers are evenly placed on the character-shaped curved part, the other fingers can be moved as appropriate and can be measured or trained without being affected by the size of the hand Have been.
[0025]
Since the arch shape of the arch-shaped part of the palm rest part 11 is formed in accordance with the shape that fits the base of the thumb of the palm, the force is appropriately applied.
[0026]
Since only the position of the middle finger is determined, the other fingers can be moved as appropriate, and the grip strength can be accurately measured without being affected by the size of the hand.
[0027]
Since the palm is fixed and the finger is moved to grip, the pressing force is applied only in one direction, and the grip force can be measured accurately.
[0028]
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment and a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0029]
FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0030]
The point different from the first embodiment is that the finger hook shape of the rubber bag body 1 is for the other four fingers except the thumb, that is, the index finger concave portion 1e, the middle finger concave portion 1f, the ring finger concave portion 1g, and the small finger concave portion 1h. It is in the point which did. Otherwise, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 2A, the concave portions for the four fingers are evenly arranged in the arch portion of the rubber bag body 1, that is, in the finger holding region. The position of the middle finger recess 1f in FIG. 2A is the same as the position of the middle finger recess 1c in the first embodiment.
[0031]
(Effect of Second Embodiment)
The effect of the same configuration as in the first embodiment employs the effect of the first embodiment. The effects different from those of the first embodiment are as follows.
[0032]
Since the four fingers are properly arranged, it is possible to always apply the same force.
[0033]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0034]
The difference from the first embodiment is that the finger bag shape of the rubber bag 1 is a concave portion 1d for the forefinger. The position of the index finger recess 1d in FIG. 2B is the same as the position of the index finger recess 1e in FIG. Otherwise, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0035]
(Effect of Third Embodiment)
The effect of the same configuration as in the first embodiment employs the effect of the first embodiment. The effects different from those of the first embodiment are as follows.
[0036]
Since only the position of the index finger is determined, the other fingers can be moved as appropriate, and the grip strength can be accurately measured without being affected by the size of the hand.
[0037]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 3 shows a rubber bag type grip strength training meter in which a grip pressure device 50 and a measuring device 30 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention are integrated. FIG. 3A shows a front view, and FIG. 3B shows a left side view.
[0038]
In the case of FIG. 3, the gripping device 50 has the configuration shown in the first embodiment of FIG. However, it is also possible to adopt the second and third embodiments of FIG.
[0039]
The measuring device 30 has a function of receiving an output signal of the pressure sensor of the present invention, performing a desired process, displaying the output, and outputting the output to the outside.
[0040]
On the front surface of the measuring device 30, for example, a grip strength value display section 31, a number display section 32, a time display section 33, a start button 34, a menu selection button 35, an end processing button 36, a power switch 37, an external output connector 38, and the like. It has. These display units and switches can be appropriately adopted.
[0041]
The gripping device 50 and the measuring device 30 are connected by a mount 39.
[0042]
(Effect of Fourth Embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, since the gripping device 50, the measuring device 30, and the mount 39 are connected to each other, it is possible to measure easily without being bulky and small.
[0043]
In this way, the whole can be formed in a small and simple manner, so that it is easy to use, suitable for use at home, and is also preferable as a training device for rehabilitation (fifth embodiment).
FIG. 4 shows a fifth embodiment and a sixth embodiment.
[0044]
FIG. 4A shows a rubber bag type grip strength training meter in which the grip pressure device 50 and the measuring device 30 of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 4A are integrated.
[0045]
The fifth embodiment of FIG. 4A is characterized in that the structure of the measuring device 30 is different from that of the rubber bag-type grip strength training meter of FIG. The measuring device 30 has a large screen 41 as a display screen. The processing function also has a mode of displaying on a large screen.
[0046]
(Effect of the fifth embodiment)
Since the display screen is a large screen, various displays can be easily performed.
As in the fourth embodiment, it is suitable for use at home and also as a training device for rehabilitation.
(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 4B shows another measuring device 30 of the sixth embodiment. 4B has a large screen 41 and a required number of switches, for example, a start button 34, a menu selection button 35, an end processing button 36, and the like. This measuring device 60 is connected to the gripping device 50 of the first to third embodiments via a cable. The configuration and function of the measuring device 60 can be appropriately designed as needed.
[0047]
(Effect of Sixth Embodiment)
Since the gripping device 50 and the measuring device 60 are connected via a cable, the length of the cable can be set separately, and the respective structures can be designed independently of each other. Therefore, it can be easily incorporated into the system (seventh embodiment).
FIG. 5 shows a circuit example of a rubber bag type grip strength training meter according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0048]
FIG. 5 is roughly divided into two circuit groups of a pressure sensor 2 provided in the gripping device 50 and a measuring device 30 or 60, and a circuit device for external output as required, for example, a computer. 83 and a printer 84 can be connected.
[0049]
The pressure sensor 2 is configured by a piezoelectric element or the like.
[0050]
The measuring device 30 or 60 is configured as follows.
(1) An amplifier 71, an LPF (low-pass filter) 72, and an AD (analog / digital) converter 73 are connected in series to input a detection signal of the pressure sensor 2 to a CPU (central processing unit) 74,
(2) The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 74
(2-1) Processing necessary for the detection signal of the pressure sensor 2, for example, grip force value calculation processing,
Perform event coefficient calculation processing, timekeeping calculation processing, etc.
(2-2) The processing result is
Output from the external output connector 38 to an external device (for example, a computer 83, a printer 84, etc.) via the external interface circuit 75,
An image is displayed on a display 77 via the image interface circuit 76, for example, on the grip strength value display unit 31, the number-of-times display unit 32, the time display unit 33, the large screen 41, and the like.
It reads and writes data to and from the internal storage device 78,
If necessary, a voice display is output to the speaker 81 via the voice interface circuit 80 (2-3). Setting of necessary data, selection of a processing menu, start and end processing of the processing by the input device 79 such as a keyboard and a switch. And so on.
[0051]
The LPF 72 has a characteristic of removing a noise signal higher than the frequency of the output of the piezoelectric element due to the operation of applying the actual grip force.
[0052]
The AD converter 73 has a characteristic of, for example, about 10 bits (resolution 1024 (0.1% accuracy)) or more.
[0053]
The CPU 74 performs, for example, the following arithmetic processing.
-Grip strength value calculation processing (1) Measure the output of the pressure sensor 2, perform a predetermined calculation to obtain the maximum (or minimum, average, etc.) grip strength value, and output that value (kg).
In order to determine the average of the human grip strength values, for example, the grip strength values of the first five times are averaged to determine the average grip strength value of the individual, and this is used as a reference and compared with subsequent measured values.
As a training meter, ΔV / Δt of the rising characteristic portion in the time-change waveform of the grip force measurement signal (voltage V) for one process is calculated, and the grip speed (speed) is determined from the relationship ΔV / Δt = dv (t) / dt. Amplitude).
[0054]
Alternatively, a set value (output voltage value) is set, and a rise time predetermined time for measuring a time from the start of gripping to reaching the set value (for example, a time from 10% to 90% of the set voltage value). The number of output signals of the pressure sensor 2 within the range (appropriately set in the range of 00 minutes 00 seconds to 99 minutes 99 seconds) is counted and displayed (event count calculation processing).
A start signal is generated by light or sound, and a delay time from completion of the start signal to completion of a predetermined number of gripping operations is obtained (timekeeping calculation processing).
The pressure of the pulsed sound or light is selected at regular intervals, gradually decreasing intervals, gradually decreasing intervals, and randomly varying intervals, etc. Hold and release 50.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention has the following effects according to the matters described in the claims.
[0056]
Since the rubber bag body is formed in a (a) gently arched shape where the finger hits, a natural force is applied, the finger fits, and (b) the C-shaped curved portion is evenly distributed. A concave for the middle finger is provided at the position of the middle finger when four fingers are applied, so that the method of applying force can be kept constant based on the middle finger where the force is most applied, and the measurement method is determined and the force is dispersed. (C) Since the position of the middle finger when the four fingers are evenly placed on the C-shaped curved portion is merely determined as the middle finger, the other fingers can be moved as appropriate and are affected by the size of the hand. Measurement or training without the need.
[0057]
Since the palm is fixed and the finger is moved to grip, the pressing force is applied only in one direction, and the grip force can be measured accurately.
[0058]
Since the arch shape of the arch portion of the palm rest is made to fit the base of the thumb of the palm, the force is appropriately applied.
[0059]
Since only the position of the middle finger is determined, the other fingers can be moved as appropriate, and the grip strength can be accurately measured without being affected by the size of the hand.
[0060]
Since the four fingers are properly arranged, it is possible to always apply the same force.
[0061]
Since only the position of the index finger is determined, the other fingers can be moved as appropriate, and the grip strength can be accurately measured without being affected by the size of the hand.
[0062]
Since the measuring device is provided integrally with the gripping device, the device is compact and easy to use.
[0063]
The rubber bag-type grip strength training meter can perform grip strength training using various menus in addition to the measurement of grip strength.
[0064]
The whole can be formed compact and simple, so it is easy to use, suitable for home use, and is also preferable as a training device for rehabilitation.
FIG. 1 is a view showing a first embodiment of a grip pressure device in a rubber bag-type grip strength training meter of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment and a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows the second embodiment, and FIG. 2B shows the third embodiment.
FIG. 3 shows a rubber bag type grip strength training meter in which a grip pressure device 50 and a measuring device 30 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention are integrated.
FIG. 4 shows a fifth embodiment and a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A shows the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 4B shows the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 5 shows a circuit example of a rubber bag type grip strength training meter according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Rubber Bag 1a, 1a ', 1a ", 1a'" Mounting Part 1b, 1b 'Curved Part 1c, 1f Middle Finger Depression 1d, 1e Index Finger Depression 1g Ring Finger Depression 1h Little Finger Depression 2 Pressure Sensor 3 Probe Parts 5, 6 Coupling screws 8 Air pressure transmitting holes 9 Cables 10 Cable clamps 11 Palm contact parts 11a, 11a 'Rising parts 11b Arch-shaped parts 11c, 11c' Locking convex parts 11d Concave parts 12 Bushings 16 Base plate 16a Flat plate parts 16b, 16b 'Support 16c Convex portions 16d, 16d' Locking groove 18 Sensor holding substrate 30, 60 Measuring device 31 Grip force value display unit 32 Number of times display unit 33 Time display unit 34 Start button 35 Menu selection button 36 End processing button 37 Power switch 38 External output connector 39 Mount 41 Large screen 50 Grip pressure device 71 Amplifier 72 LPF
73 AD converter 74 CPU
75 external interface circuit 76 image interface circuit 77 display 78 internal storage device 79 input device 80 audio interface circuit 81 speaker 83 computer 84 printer

Claims (7)

A rubber bag body made of a rubber-like elastic body and having a C-shaped cross section in the length direction; a substantially flat base plate abutting on the opening side of the rubber bag body; and a probe tip penetrating the base plate. A pressure sensor disposed so that the pressure sensor is exposed, and a palm contact portion provided on the base plate so as to cover at least the pressure sensor, and a concave portion for finger hooking is provided on an outer surface of the rubber bag body. A grip pressure device characterized by the above-mentioned. The gripping device according to claim 1, wherein the concave portion is provided at a position of a middle finger when four fingers are evenly placed on the C-shaped curved portion. The gripping device according to claim 1, wherein the concave portion is provided evenly in the C-shaped curved portion for four fingers. The gripping device according to claim 1, wherein the concave portion is provided at a position of an index finger when four fingers are evenly placed on the C-shaped curved portion. The grip pressure device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an outer surface of the palm rest is formed in an arch shape so as to fit the palm. A rubber bag-type grip strength training meter, wherein a measuring device is provided integrally with the grip pressure device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 via a mount. A rubber bag type grip strength training meter, wherein a measuring device is provided to the grip pressure device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 via a cable.

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