JP2005174235A - Pedometer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to easily adjust the inclination of a pedometer when mounted. <P>SOLUTION: The pedometer comprises a pedometer unit 1 for counting steps, an outer case 5 for housing the pedometer unit 1 by coupling with rotary support portions 12 so as to be rotatable, and an angle adjustment mechanism for allowing a user to adjust the mounting angle of the pedometer unit 1 to the outer case 5 to his/her condition of use. The angle adjustment mechanism has a pair of engaging projections 13 formed on opposite outer lower sides of the pedometer unit 1, and three pairs of recesses 14a to 14c formed in respective positions corresponding to the projections 13 on opposite inner lower sides of the outer case 5. The pedometer unit 1 comprises an upper case 2 containing components such as a pendulum, and a lower case 3 for covering and protecting the components such as the pendulum. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a pedometer that measures the number of steps using acceleration generated from vertical movement when a human walks.

  The pedometer includes a pedometer that measures the number of steps using the acceleration generated by the vertical movement when a human walks, and a two-dimensional sensor as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-223214 (Patent Document 1). There is a pedometer. A pedometer with a two-dimensional sensor can detect vibration components in the vertical direction regardless of the orientation and orientation of the pedometer, so users can measure the number of steps even if they are not wearing a belt. However, there is a problem that the structure and control are complicated. Therefore, a pedometer that measures the number of steps by using acceleration generated by vertical movement when a human walks is common.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-227980 (Patent Document 2) discloses a pedometer that measures the number of steps using acceleration generated from vertical movement when a human walks, and is a housing formed to cover the outer periphery. And a shaft provided in the housing and a pedometer configured such that the pedometer module is pivotally supported in the housing so as to be rotatable about the shaft. With such a configuration, a pedometer having a structure in which the position of the pedometer module is always kept horizontal even when the housing rotates is disclosed. This pedometer exhibits the effect that the step count accuracy does not change depending on the mounting angle of the pedometer.

  However, there are many cases where the above-described effects cannot be exhibited even with such a configuration. For example, when an obese user wears a pedometer on a belt of trousers, the pedometer is necessarily in a state. When mounted in such a state, the sensitivity of the pedometer becomes low, and accurate step counts cannot be measured. In short, in view of the fact that the position where the belt is tightened varies depending on the user such as the user who tightens the belt near the center of the abdomen and the user who tightens the belt at the lower part of the abdomen, and the user's body shape is also various, disclosed in Patent Document 2. This pedometer has low sensitivity, and there are many cases where accurate step counts cannot be measured.

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 11, a pedometer for measuring the number of steps using acceleration generated from vertical movement when a person walks, as shown in FIG. 10 to FIG. An integrated circuit for integrating the number of steps by a switch signal, a display means for displaying the measured number of steps, an upper case 2 incorporating components such as a battery for supplying current to them, and a lower case 3 for covering and protecting electronic components etc. It is configured. A hook 4 and a clip, which are attachment means for attaching the pedometer to a user's belt or the like, are attached to the back surface of the lower case 3.

  In this pedometer, normally, the weight 9 attached to the tip of the pendulum arm 7 is balanced with its weight by the repulsive force of the spring 10 attached to the pendulum arm 7 and is located at a certain height. Yes. When the acceleration in the vertical direction is received, the balance with the repulsive force of the spring 10 is lost, and the weight 9 moves downward. The magnitude of acceleration and the movement of the weight 9 are proportional to each other, and the amount of movement increases as the acceleration increases. By reaching the position of the electrical contact 11 set from the amount of movement when the weight 9 receives an acceleration greater than the value to be detected, the electrical contact 11 or the magnetic reed switch is turned on to measure the number of steps. When using a magnetic reed switch, a magnet is attached to the weight 9. Since vertical movement is used in this way, the sensitivity of the pedometer is highest when it is mounted horizontally, and conversely, when the level is not maintained, the sensitivity is low.

In a pedometer using an acceleration detecting member having a weight 9 attached to the tip of the pendulum arm portion 7, the weight 9 is normally balanced by the repulsive force of the spring 10 attached to the pendulum arm portion 7 and the weight of the weight 9. Is located above the contact. The gravity at this time is directed to the vicinity of the center of the pendulum arm 7, and the pendulum arm 7 and its rotation axis are kept at a right angle. However, when the pedometer is tilted back and forth, the gravity of the weight 9 attached to the tip of the pendulum arm 7 deviates greatly from the center of the pendulum arm 7, and there is a stagnation between the pendulum arm 7 and its rotation axis. Generated and significantly attenuates the rotational force of the pendulum. Therefore, the amount of rotation of the pendulum also decreases, and the weight 9 does not reach the preset position despite the vertical acceleration exceeding a certain value, and the electrical contact 11 can be turned on. There is a problem that you can't. Therefore, in a pedometer that measures the number of steps using the acceleration generated from the vertical movement when a human walks, the sensitivity is low unless the pedometer is worn horizontally on the user's belt, etc. There is a problem that it is not possible to accurately measure the number of steps.
JP-A-9-223214 (4th page, FIG. 2) JP 2001-227980 A (second page, FIG. 1)

  The first problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable the user to easily grasp the inclination of the pedometer when worn.

  The second problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable the user to easily adjust the inclination of the pedometer when worn.

  In order to solve the first problem, a step detection switch using a pendulum, an integrated circuit for accumulating the number of steps based on a signal of the step detection switch, a display means for displaying the measured number of steps, a battery for supplying current to them, etc. The indicator is attached to the pedometer, which is composed of an upper case in which the above parts are incorporated, a lower case that covers and protects electronic parts, and mounting means attached to the back of the lower case.

  In order to solve the second problem, a pedometer unit that measures the number of steps, an outer case that accommodates the pedometer unit so that the shaft can be rotated at the upper end, and an angle at which the pedometer unit is attached to the outer case Made up a pedometer with an angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts to suit your usage.

  According to the present invention, the user can easily adjust the amount of inclination of the pedometer at the time of wearing, so even if the pedometer is attached to the belt in the state that the user has done, the number of steps detection using the pendulum is detected. The switch is kept horizontal, and accurate step counting is possible.

  The pedometer according to the present invention includes an outer case for housing the pedometer unit so that the shaft can rotate at the upper end on the bottom side, mounting means attached to the back surface of the outer case, and the pedometer unit with respect to the outer case And an angle adjusting mechanism that adjusts the mounting angle of the user so that the user fits his / her usage pattern. Then, the angle adjusting mechanism has three sets of engaging convex portions on the lower side surfaces on the outer side of the pedometer unit, and three sets at positions corresponding to the convex portions on the lower side surfaces on the inner side of the outer case. An engaging recess was formed. The pedometer unit is composed of an upper case that houses components such as a pendulum and a lower case that covers and protects the components such as the pendulum.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first embodiment of the present invention includes a pedometer unit 1, an outer case 5 in which the pedometer unit 1 is axially rotatable at the upper end on the bottom surface side, and an outer case 5. It is a pedometer composed of a hook 4 as mounting means attached to the back surface and an angle adjusting mechanism for adjusting the attachment angle of the pedometer unit 1 with respect to the outer case 5 so that the user fits his / her usage pattern. . The pedometer unit 1 incorporates components such as a step detection switch for detecting the number of steps, an integrated circuit for integrating the number of steps based on the signal of the step detection switch, a display means for displaying the measured number of steps, a battery for supplying current to them, and the like. It is composed of an upper case 2 and a lower case 3 that covers and protects electronic components and the like.

  The step detection switch includes a pendulum arm portion 7 supported at a pendulum support seat 8 with one end being freely rotatable on a rotating shaft 6a, a weight 9 attached to the tip of the pendulum arm portion 7, and a pendulum arm in a normal state. A spring 10 that holds the portion 7 in the initial position and an electrical contact 11 that is actuated by a weight 9 that is rotated and moved beyond a set amount by acceleration. The rotating shaft 6 a is formed integrally with the pendulum base 6.

  The upper end portion on the bottom surface side of the outer case 5 of the pedometer unit 1 and the corresponding upper end portion of the outer case 5 are joined by a rotation support portion 12. Further, a pair of engaging convex portions 13 are formed on both lower side surfaces on the outer side of the pedometer unit 1, and three sets are formed at positions corresponding to the engaging convex portions 13 on both lower side surfaces on the inner side of the outer case 5. Engaging recesses 14a, 14b, and 14c are formed.

  In the pedometer of the first embodiment configured as described above, the combination of the engaging convex portion 13 formed in the pedometer unit 1 and the engaging concave portions 14a, 14b, 14c formed in the outer case 5 is changed. Is performed by rotating the pedometer unit 1 about the rotation support portion 12 while releasing the meshing of the concave and convex portions by elastically deforming the outer case 5. For example, if the pedometer is mounted vertically, the engaging projection 13 of the pedometer unit 1 is engaged with the engaging recess 14a formed in the outer case 5, as shown in FIGS. Combine. Further, if the pedometer is mounted in a large size, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the engaging convex portion 13 of the pedometer unit 1 is connected to the engaging concave portion 14c formed in the outer case 5. Engage. When mounted in a state intermediate between the vertical position and the enlarged position, the engaging convex portion 13 of the pedometer unit 1 is engaged with the engaging concave portion 14 b formed in the outer case 5. In this way, the user can easily adjust the angle of the pedometer unit 1 with respect to the outer case 5 in two steps from the wearing state without it to the mounted state. Therefore, even if the pedometer is attached as a belt or the like, the pedometer unit 1 is held vertically and the pedometer detection switch using the pendulum is kept horizontal, so that an accurate number of steps can be measured.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, the second embodiment of the present invention includes a pedometer unit 1, an outer case 5 that accommodates the pedometer unit 1 so that the shaft can be rotated at the upper end on the bottom surface side, It is a pedometer composed of a hook 4 as mounting means attached to the back surface and an angle adjusting mechanism for adjusting the attachment angle of the pedometer unit 1 with respect to the outer case 5 so that the user fits his / her usage pattern. . The pedometer unit 1 incorporates components such as a step detection switch for detecting the number of steps, an integrated circuit for integrating the number of steps based on the signal of the step detection switch, a display means for displaying the measured number of steps, a battery for supplying current to them, and the like. It is composed of an upper case 2 and a lower case 3 that covers and protects electronic components and the like. The step detection switch is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  The upper end portion on the bottom surface side of the outer case 5 of the pedometer unit 1 and the corresponding upper end portion of the outer case 5 are joined by a rotation support portion 12. A pair of engaging concave grooves 15 a and 15 b are formed on both lower side surfaces on the inner side of the outer case 5. Furthermore, angle adjusting means for adjusting the angle between the pedometer unit 1 and the outer case 5 is disposed in the lower case 3 of the pedometer unit 1. The angle adjusting means includes a left convex plate 16a and a right convex plate 16b, a left convex plate spring portion 17a and a right convex plate spring portion 17b, a left convex plate sliding groove 18a and a right convex plate sliding groove 18b, and a presser plate. 19, a push button 20, and a push button sliding pin 21. A push button sliding pin 21 is engaged with the left convex plate sliding groove 18a and the right convex plate sliding groove 18b.

  In a normal state where the head of the push button 20 protrudes from the side surface of the pedometer unit 1, as shown in FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B), the left convex plate 16a is left-ended with a right convex plate spring portion 17b. The right convex plate 16b is engaged with the engaging concave groove 15a, and the tip of the right convex plate 16b is engaged with the right engaging concave groove 15b by the right convex plate spring portion 17b, whereby the pedometer unit 1 is locked to the outer case 5. The angle adjustment with respect to the outer case 5 is not possible. In other words, after the angle adjustment is completed, the angle is stably held by the angle adjusting means.

  When the head of the push button 20 is pressed, the push button sliding pin 21 moves the left convex plate 15a to the right via the left convex plate spring portion 17a, as shown in FIG. The engagement between the plate 15a and the left engaging groove 14a is released. At the same time, the push button sliding pin 21 moves the right convex plate 15b to the left via the right convex plate spring portion 17b, and releases the engagement between the right convex plate 15b and the right engaging groove 14b. In this way, the pedometer unit 1 is unlocked from the outer case 5, and the angle adjustment with respect to the outer case 5 is possible. In this state, the user adjusts the pedometer unit 1 to an optimum angle with respect to the outer case 5 and ends the push operation of the push button 20. In short, the connection between the pedometer unit 1 and the outer case 5 is locked or unlocked by moving the left convex plate 15a and the right convex plate 15b to the left and right by the push button 20 which is an external operation means. .

  In the pedometer angle adjusting means of the second embodiment, if the left and right engaging grooves 14a and 14b are formed in an arc shape with the rotation support portion 12 as the center, stepless angle adjustment is possible within a range of about 45 degrees. It becomes.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, the third embodiment of the present invention includes a step detection switch for detecting the number of steps, an integrated circuit for integrating the number of steps based on the signal of the step detection switch, a display means for displaying the measured number of steps, and the like. It is composed of an upper case 2 in which components such as a battery for supplying current are incorporated, a lower case 3 that covers and protects electronic components, and an indicator. The step detection switch is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  The indicator is composed of an elongated rotary display plate 23 having one end pivotally supported by the rotation support portion 24 and the display portion 25 provided at the other end, and a through hole 26 provided in the upper case 2 or the lower case 3. Yes. The through hole 26 is provided in the upper case 2 or the lower case 3 at a position corresponding to the display unit 25. The display unit 25 is, for example, a blue coloring unit.

The rotation display board 23 hangs vertically from the rotation support portion 24 by its own weight, and when the pedometer is not tilted, the through hole 26 and the display portion 25 are in the same position, and the blue color of the display portion 25 from the through hole 26 changes. appear. Therefore, the user can confirm that the pedometer is mounted vertically by looking at the blue display.
When the pedometer is tilted, the position of the through hole 26 is shifted from the position of the display unit 25, and the blue color of the display unit 25 becomes invisible from the through hole 26. Therefore, the user can confirm that the pedometer is not worn vertically. Then, the pedometer can be remounted so that the blue color of the display unit 25 can be seen from the through hole 26.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 9, the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes an indicator including an elongated rotating display board 23 attached to the pedometer of the first embodiment so as to be freely rotatable on the inner side surface of the pedometer. It consists of and.

  The indicator includes an elongated rotary display plate 23 having one end pivotally supported by the rotation support portion 12 and a display portion 25 provided at the other end, a through hole 26 provided in the upper case 2 or the lower case 3, and the outer case 5. And an indicator window 27 provided in the window. The indicator window 27 is an elongated through groove formed on an arc centered on the rotation support portion 12. The display unit 25 is a blue colored portion.

The rotation display board 23 is vertically suspended from the rotation support part 12 by its own weight, and when the pedometer is not tilted, the display part 25 is located at the right end of the indicator window 27, and the through hole 26 and the display part 25 are at the same position. Thus, the blue color of the display unit 25 can be seen from the through hole 26. Therefore, the user can confirm that the pedometer is mounted vertically by looking at the blue display.
When the pedometer is tilted, the position of the through hole 26 is shifted from the position of the display unit 25, and the blue color of the display unit 25 becomes invisible from the through hole 26. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the pedometer is not mounted vertically. Then, the pedometer unit 1 can be readjusted to an appropriate angle with respect to the outer case 5 so that the blue color of the display unit 25 can be seen from the through hole 26.

  The present invention can be applied to a pedometer that measures the number of steps using acceleration generated by vertical movement when a human walks, that is, a general commercially available pedometer.

It is the front view of the pedometer of Example 1 which showed only the main structural member in the state which removed the lower case. It is sectional drawing (A) seen from the left side of the pedometer of Example 1 in the state mounted | worn perpendicularly | vertically, and the left side view (B) of the pedometer unit and outer case which were shown separately. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (A) viewed from the left side of the pedometer of the first embodiment in a mounted state, and a left side view (B) of the pedometer unit and outer case shown separately. It is the front view (A) and top view (B) of Example 2 with which the outer case and the pedometer unit are combined in the locked state by the angle adjustment mechanism. Sectional view (A) viewed from the left side of the pedometer of the second embodiment in which the outer case and the pedometer unit are coupled in a locked state by the angle adjustment mechanism, and the outer case and the pedometer unit are unlocked by the angle adjustment mechanism It is a front view (B) of Example 2 combined in a state. It is the front view of Example 3 which showed only the principal part of the pedometer with the lower case removed. It is the right view (A) of the pedometer of Example 3 of the state mounted | worn vertically, and the right side view (B) of the pedometer of Example 3 of the state mounted | worn as follows. They are the front view (A) of the pedometer of Example 4 which showed only the principal part of the pedometer with the lower case removed, and the left side view (B) of the pedometer of Example 4. It is the left view (A) of the pedometer of Example 4 of the state mounted | worn perpendicularly | vertically, and the left side view (B) of the pedometer of Example 4 of the state mounted | worn with it. It is the front view of the conventional pedometer which showed only the main structural member in the state which removed the lower case. It is sectional drawing (A) seen from the left side of the conventional pedometer in the state mounted | worn vertically, and sectional drawing (B) seen from the left side of the conventional pedometer in the state mounted | worn.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pedometer unit 2 Upper case 3 Lower case 4 Hook 5 Outer case 6 Pendulum base 7 Pendulum arm part 8 Pendulum support seat 9 Weight 10 Spring 11 Electric contact 12 Rotation support part 13 Engaging convex part 14, 14a, 14b, 14c Joint recesses 15a, 15b Engaging grooves 16a, 16b Convex plates 17a, 17b Convex plate springs 18a, 18b Convex plate slide grooves 19 Presser plate 20 Push button 21 Push button slide pin 23 Rotation display plate 24 Rotation support part 25 Display 26 Through-hole 27 Indicator window

Claims (6)

An upper case that houses components that measure the number of steps by detecting the movement of the weight with the acceleration generated from the vertical movement when a human walks attached to the tip of the pendulum,
A lower case that covers and protects the components;
Mounting means attached to the back of the lower case;
A pedometer, comprising an indicator for indicating an inclination of the upper case with respect to the lower case. An upper case containing components including a pendulum;
A lower case that covers and protects the components;
A pedometer unit that measures the number of steps by detecting the movement of the weight with the acceleration generated from the vertical movement when a human walks attached to the tip of the pendulum;
An outer case for storing the pedometer unit so that the shaft can rotate at the upper end on the bottom side;
Mounting means attached to the back of the outer case;
A pedometer comprising an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting a mounting angle of the pedometer unit with respect to the outer case so that a user fits his / her usage pattern.   The pedometer according to claim 2, further comprising an indicator that indicates an inclination of the upper case with respect to the lower case.   The angle adjustment mechanism is formed at a position corresponding to a pair of engaging convex portions formed on both lower side surfaces on the outer side of the pedometer unit and the engaging convex portions on both lower side surfaces on the inner side of the outer case. The pedometer according to claim 2, wherein the pedometer includes a plurality of sets of engaging recesses.   The angle adjusting mechanism is formed at a position corresponding to a pair of engaging convex plates formed on both lower side surfaces on the outer side of the pedometer unit and the engaging convex plates on both lower side surfaces on the inner side of the outer case. The pedometer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the pedometer is constituted by a pair of engaging concave grooves, and the engaging convex plate is advanced or retracted by an external operation means.   The pedometer according to any one of claims 1, 34 and 5, wherein the indicator includes a rotation display plate that is rotatably supported by either one of the upper case and the lower case. .

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