JP2010022585A - Shaking unit of biothesiometer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a shaking unit of a biothesiometer which reduces the vibration of a housing to such an extent that it will not influence measurement and can be made lightweight and small while maintaining measurement accuracy. <P>SOLUTION: The shaking unit 3 forms the biothesiometer together with an instrument body 1 and a forearm supporting base 2. The shaking unit 3 comprises a shaking portion 6 separated from the instrument body 1 and having a vibrator 5 projecting in the shaking direction, a sensor mounting portion 7 to be attached to the vibrator 5 of the shaking portion 6, a vibration sensor 12 and a load sensor 13 to be attached to the sensor mounting portion 7, a probe 8 to be attached to the load sensor 13, and the housing 11 supporting the shaking portion 6 through underside elastic bodies 9 and side-face elastic bodies 10. The total weight of the vibration sensor 12, the load sensor 13, and the sensor mounting portion 7 stands at a prescribed value, and the shaking portion 6 is arranged within the housing 11 so as to make the probe 8 project from the opening 11b of the top face 11a of the housing 11 and make the distance between the tip face 8a of the probe 8 and the top face 11a of the housing 11 in the shaking direction keep a prescribed range. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vibration unit of a vibration sensation measuring apparatus for inspecting vibration disturbances.

  Known as a vibration disorder is white wax disease, which results in poor blood circulation and neuropathy due to work using vibration tools such as chainsaws and grinders, and numbness and pain in the hands, resulting in whitening of the fingers. In order to inspect such a vibration disturbance, an apparatus for measuring a vibration level sensed by the subject by bringing the subject's finger into contact with the probe of the excitation unit has been proposed.

  In the inspection, only the stimulus by the vibration of the probe should be applied to the subject's finger, and the influence on the measurement of the vibration level (threshold measurement) perceived by the subject such as the vibration of the device itself must be excluded. Don't be. For example, when the vibration unit constituting the vibration unit is directly fixed to the housing, the housing vibrates. Therefore, when a finger other than the finger to be inspected touches the housing, the subject senses the vibration. There is a problem that it is determined that the vibration is detected from the sound generated by the vibration of the housing.

  As a device for determining the threshold of human skin sensation, a vibrator is attached to a balanced beam via rubber or a coil spring, and indicates when a predetermined force by a finger is applied to the vibrating member of the vibrator. There is known a sensory meter that provides an indicator, a subject senses the vibration of the vibrating member by the vibrator while a predetermined force is applied to the vibrating member of the vibrator, and records the threshold level of the amplitude and its frequency. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58-73337

  However, in the apparatus as described in Patent Document 1, the rubber or the coil spring is only attached between the vibrator and the balance beam, and the influence of the vibration of the vibrator and the subject's finger are the vibration member. The influence due to contact with the tip cannot be removed between several Hz to hundreds of tens of Hz as the excitation frequency, and the required measurement accuracy cannot be maintained. Further, since the vibration amplitude control circuit is arranged in the same housing space as the vibrator, there is a problem that the temperature change in this space affects the measurement accuracy.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art. The object of the present invention is to reduce the vibration of the housing to the extent that it does not affect the measurement and maintain the measurement accuracy. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vibration unit of a vibration sensation measuring device that is lightweight and can be reduced in size.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an invention according to claim 1 is an excitation unit that constitutes a vibration sensation measuring device together with a device main body and a forearm support, wherein the vibration unit is separated from the device main body, A vibrating portion having a vibrator projecting in the direction, a sensor mounting portion attached to the vibrator of the vibrating portion, a vibration sensor and a load sensor attached to the sensor mounting portion, a probe attached to the load sensor, and the excitation The vibration unit, the load sensor, and the sensor mounting part have a predetermined weight, and the probe is mounted on the upper surface of the casing. The excitation unit is arranged in the casing so that the distance in the excitation direction between the tip surface of the probe and the upper surface of the casing is kept within a predetermined range while projecting from the opening.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the vibration unit of the vibration sensation measuring device according to the first aspect, a holding unit including a peripheral support portion that supports a peripheral portion of a finger to be inspected that is in contact with the probe. Attached to the housing.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the vibration unit of the vibration sensation measuring device according to the first aspect, a holding unit including a peripheral support portion that supports a portion around a portion of the finger to be inspected that is in contact with the probe. A weight obtained by adding the weight of the holding unit to the total weight is a predetermined weight.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the vibration unit of the vibration sensation measuring device according to the first, second, or third aspect, the vibration exciter is an electrodynamic exciter provided with a magnetic circuit having a neodymium magnet. .

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the vibration unit of the vibration sensation measuring device according to the first, second, third, or fourth aspect, the bottom elastic body is a resin elastic body, and the side elastic body is a metal spring. is there.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the vibration portion is supported by the casing via the bottom elastic body and the side elastic body, so that the vibration of the casing is reduced, and fingers other than the finger being inspected can be detected. No misjudgment by touching the case. Moreover, since the generation of sound due to the vibration of the housing is reduced, erroneous determination by sound is eliminated. Furthermore, the lateral vibration can be reduced to the extent that it does not affect the measurement of the vibration level, and the subject's finger presses the probe by setting the total weight of the vibration sensor / load sensor / sensor mounting part to a predetermined weight. Can reduce the effect on measurement. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size and weight while maintaining the measurement accuracy.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 2, the stable measurement can be performed by providing the periphery support part which supports the peripheral part of the part which touches the probe among the fingers to test | inspect.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, stable measurement can be performed by providing the peripheral support portion that supports the portion around the portion of the finger to be inspected that contacts the probe. Further, by setting the total weight of the vibration sensor, load sensor, holding unit, and sensor mounting portion to a predetermined weight, it is possible to reduce the influence on measurement due to the subject's finger pressing the probe. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size and weight while maintaining the measurement accuracy.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 4, since the vibration part is comprised with the electrodynamic type vibrator provided with the magnetic circuit which has a neodymium magnet, the further size reduction and weight reduction of a vibration part can be achieved.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 5, the vibration by the vibration part transmitted to a housing | casing can be effectively reduced with a resin-made elastic body and a metal spring.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the usage state of the vibration sensation measuring apparatus, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the first embodiment of the vibration unit of the vibration sensation measuring apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. FIGS. 4A and 4B are main part configuration diagrams of the second embodiment of the vibration unit of the vibration sensation measuring apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 5 is a main part configuration diagram of the third embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the excitation unit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vibration sensation measuring device includes a device main body 1 having an operation unit, a display unit, a drive circuit, a storage unit, and the like, a support base 2 for supporting a subject's forearm during measurement, The vibration unit 3 applies a predetermined vibration to the finger. The apparatus main body 1, the support base 2, and the vibration unit 3 are individually configured so as not to be affected by vibration or heat, and the apparatus main body 1 and the vibration unit 3 are electrically connected by a cable 4. Yes. FIG. 1 shows a vibration unit 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. If there is no problem in installation and handling, the support base 2 and the vibration unit 3 that are hardly affected by vibration and heat can be integrated and separated from the apparatus main body 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the vibration unit 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a vibration unit 6 having a vibrator 5 protruding in a vibration direction, and a sensor attachment part 7 on the vibrator 5. And a case 11 that supports the excitation unit 6 via a lower elastic body 9 and a side elastic body 10. The sensor mounting portion 7 houses a load sensor 13 for mounting the vibration sensor 12 and the probe 8. Reference numeral 15 denotes a base member for connecting the excitation unit 6 and the bottom elastic body 9. The base member 15 is not an essential member, and the lower elastic body 9 may be directly attached to the vibration unit 6.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the probe 8 protrudes from an opening 11 b formed in the upper surface 11 a of the housing 11 so that the finger to be inspected is in contact with only the probe 8, and the distal end surface 8 a of the probe 8 and the housing 11 are The excitation unit 6 is disposed in the housing 11 so that the distance in the excitation direction with respect to the upper surface 11a is maintained within a predetermined range. The opening 11b is formed so that the probe 8 can be inserted without contacting the housing 11. The casing 11 is made of metal in consideration of the influence of the vibration of the excitation unit 6 and the manufacturing cost, but may be made of plastic.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the vibration unit 23 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is attached to the housing 11 so that a substantially donut-shaped holding unit 24 does not contact the probe 8 around the probe 8. . Other configurations are the same as those of the vibration unit 3 according to the first embodiment. The holding unit 24 is provided with a movable peripheral support portion 24a that supports a portion around a portion of the finger to be inspected that is in contact with the probe 8.

  The holding unit 24 houses a support elastic body 25 sandwiched between the peripheral support portion 24a and the bottom portion 24b. The support elastic body 25 is made of a metal spring, a resin elastic body, or the like. When the portion of the finger to be inspected that is in contact with the probe 8 is at a predetermined pressure, the portion around the finger comes into contact with the peripheral support portion 24a, and the elastic force of the support elastic body 25 causes an allowable range of pressure to be applied around the finger. It will hang on the part. Further, the load sensor can be housed in the holding unit 24 instead of the support elastic body 25, and the pressing force of the finger on the peripheral support portion 24a can be measured together with the pressing force on the probe 8.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the vibration unit 33 according to the third embodiment of the present invention attaches the holding unit 34 to the sensor attachment portion 7 so as not to contact the probe 8 and the housing 11. Other configurations are the same as those of the vibration unit 3 according to the first embodiment. The holding unit 34 is provided with a movable peripheral support portion 34a that supports a portion around a portion in contact with the probe 8 of the finger to be inspected.

  The holding unit 34 houses a support elastic body 35 sandwiched between the peripheral support portion 34a and the bottom portion 34b. The support elastic body 35 is made of a metal spring, a resin elastic body, or the like. When the part of the finger to be inspected that is in contact with the probe 8 is pressed at a predetermined pressure, the part around the finger comes into contact with the peripheral support portion 34a, and the elastic force of the support elastic body 35 causes an allowable range of pressure to be applied around the finger. It will hang on the part. Further, the load sensor can be housed in the holding unit 34 instead of the support elastic body 35, and the pressing force of the finger on the peripheral support portion 34a can be measured together with the pressing force on the probe 8.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the vibration unit 6 is of an electrodynamic type, and the drive unit housed in the case 16 includes a magnetic circuit 17 and a coil 18 configured to move integrally with the vibrator 5. The magnetic circuit 17 includes a soft magnetic member 19 having a high saturation magnetic flux density and a permanent magnet 20, and forms a predetermined magnetic field region. In order to reduce the size, the permanent magnet 20 uses a rare earth magnet such as a neodymium magnet or a samarium cobalt magnet having a large maximum energy product and a high coercive force and a high residual magnetic flux as magnetic characteristics. desirable.

  The coil 18 configured to move integrally with the vibrator 5 is disposed in a predetermined magnetic field region, and vibrates in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow B when a current is passed through the coil 18. The vibrator 5 is provided with a support portion 21 that prevents lateral vibration. Here, the vibrator 5, the magnetic circuit 17, the coil 18, and the support portion 21 have an axisymmetric shape with respect to the center of the vibration axis. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the outer shape of the excitation unit 6 and the casing 11 have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but may have a substantially cylindrical shape that is axially symmetric with respect to the center of the vibration axis like the magnetic circuit 17 or the like. . In addition, the vibration part 6 can also be comprised with an electromagnetic type.

  The bottom elastic body 9 and the side elastic body 10 use an elastic body such as a metal spring or a resin elastic body. Here, the bottom elastic body 9 uses a vibration-proof gel such as silicon, which is a resin elastic body, and the vibration of the vibration excitation unit 6 is not transmitted to the case 11 as shown in FIG. Four pieces are arranged on the lower surface 11c. The number of the bottom elastic bodies 9 is not limited to four, and one bottom elastic body 9 formed in a sheet shape may be arranged.

  Here, the side elastic body 10 uses a metal spring to reduce the lateral vibration of the excitation unit 6, and a total of eight pieces (applied to the side surface 11 d of the casing 11 so that the lateral vibration is not transmitted to the casing 11. If two vibrating parts 6 are formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and provided on each side surface (four surfaces), 2 × 4 = 8 are arranged. However, the number is not limited to eight. In addition, if the excitation part 6 is substantially cylindrical shape, it is good also as a total of four on the side surface 11d of a housing | casing.

  The sensor mounting portion 7 that houses the vibration sensor 12 and the load sensor 13 has a vibration level required to influence the measurement by the subject's finger pressing the probe 8 when the vibration portion 6 is in a vibration state. It plays the role of reducing to such an extent that the measurement accuracy can be maintained. The vibration sensor 12 and the load sensor 13 are preferably arranged near the finger to be inspected. The load sensor 13 is stored above the sensor mounting portion 7 and the vibration sensor 12 is stored below the sensor mounting portion 7. .

  In the case of the vibration units 23 and 33 to which the holding units 24 and 34 are attached, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the size of the peripheral support portions 24 a and 34 a is a substantially cylindrical probe 8 so as not to affect the inspection. And the test subject's fingertips do not touch the casing 11.

  Wiring (not shown) from the vibration unit 6, the vibration sensor 12, and the load sensor 13 to the outside of the vibration units 3 and 23 is provided without affecting the housing 11. Further, a leg portion (not shown) may be provided on the outer lower surface 11 e of the housing 11. In a measurement environment where vibration is transmitted from the floor of the room to the housing 11, it is desirable to provide legs.

The operation and effect of the vibration units 3, 23, and 33 of the vibration sensation measuring apparatus according to the present invention configured as described above will be described.
In the case of the vibration unit 3 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the subject puts his forearm on the support base 2 and protrudes from the opening 11 b of the vibration unit 3 placed away from the support base 2. A finger to be inspected is applied to the distal end surface 8a of the probe 8 to be inspected. In addition, fingers other than the inspection target are placed on the upper surface 11 a of the housing 11.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the vertical distance indicated by the arrow A between the distal end surface 8a of the probe 8 (center position of the vibration amplitude of the probe 8) and the upper surface 11a of the housing 11 is maintained within a predetermined range. The vibration unit 6 is disposed in the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the distance in the vibration direction between the distal end surface 8 a of the probe 8 and the upper surface 11 a of the housing 11 is recessed due to the softness of the finger when the subject presses the probe 8 with the finger. Determine in consideration of The force with which the finger presses the distal end surface 8a of the probe 8 is determined to be within a predetermined range.

  Also in the case of the vibration unit 23 according to the second embodiment, the subject puts the forearm on the support base 2 and the distal end surface of the probe 8 protrudes from the opening 11b of the vibration unit 23 placed away from the support base 2. A finger to be inspected is applied to 8a. In addition, fingers other than the inspection target are placed on the upper surface 11 a of the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 6, when the subject presses the probe 8 with a finger, the distance between the distal end surface 8a of the probe 8 and the peripheral support portion 24a of the holding unit 24 is a predetermined distance due to the softness of the finger. Decide in consideration of dents in the range. The force with which the finger presses the distal end surface 8a of the probe 8 is determined to be within a predetermined range.

  When a finger to be inspected is applied to the distal end surface 8a of the probe 8, as shown in FIG. 6, the peripheral portion of the finger to be inspected that is in contact with the probe 8 comes into contact with the peripheral support portion 24a. Then, due to the elastic force of the support elastic body 25, a pressure within an allowable range is applied to a portion around the finger. The action and effect of the vibration unit 23 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the vibration unit 23 according to the second embodiment.

  Next, when the excitation unit 6 is driven, the frequency vibrates between several Hz to several hundreds of Hz, and the maximum vibration amplitude of the probe 8 is about 1 mm at several Hz. By vibrating including the sensor attachment portion 7 attached to the vibrator 5, the entire vibration portion 6 vibrates due to this reaction. This is the main vibration source of the housing 11. And the vibration of the housing | casing 11 by the vibration of the vibration excitation part 6 is reduced by the lower surface elastic body 9 arrange | positioned between the vibration excitation part 6 and the lower surface 11c of the housing | casing 11. FIG.

In order to reduce the vibration of the casing 11 when the frequency is between several Hz and hundreds of tens Hz, it is necessary to use a flexible elastic body. For example, when the weight of the vibration unit 6 is about 1.6 kg, four lower elastic bodies 9 having a spring constant of about 6.2 × 10 ⁻³ N / m are used. Note that the spring constant of the bottom elastic body 9 is selected based on the weight of the vibrating portion 6 and the like.

  The lower elastic body 9 disposed between the vibration unit 6 and the lower surface 11 c of the housing 11 reduces the vibration of the housing 11, but the vibration of the vibrator 5 further causes the lateral vibration of the entire vibration unit 6. May be invited. The lateral vibration of the entire excitation unit 6 becomes the lateral vibration of the probe 8 attached from the vibrator 5 via the sensor attachment part 7, and the excitation condition may not be satisfied depending on the frequency. Lateral vibration of the entire vibration unit 6 is reduced by the side elastic body 10 disposed between the vibration unit 6 and the side surface 11 d of the housing 11.

For example, when the weight of the vibrating portion 6 is about 1.6 kg, two side elastic bodies 10 having a spring constant of about 0.4 × 10 ⁻³ N / m are provided on each side surface (four surfaces). 2 × 4 = 8 pieces are used. Note that the spring constant of the side elastic body 10 is selected according to the weight of the excitation unit 6, the spring constant of the bottom elastic body 9, and setting conditions. Under these conditions, the vibration of the housing 11 is reduced to such an extent that the measurement of the vibration level is not affected.

  During the inspection, the vibration of the probe 8 is measured by the vibration sensor 12, and the pressing force of the finger against the probe 8 is measured by the load sensor 13. These measurement data are sent to the apparatus body 1 and stored in the storage unit. The sensor mounting portion 7 that houses these sensors 12 and 13 and is provided on the top of the vibrator 5 can be used for measurement when the subject's finger presses the probe 8 when the vibration portion 6 is in a vibration state. The influence is reduced to such an extent that the required measurement accuracy of the vibration level can be maintained.

  In order to maintain this measurement accuracy, the vibration unit 3 according to the first embodiment and the vibration unit 23 according to the second embodiment in which the holding unit 24 is attached to the housing 11 The weight of the sensor mounting portion 7 is adjusted so that the total weight of the sensor 12, the load sensor 13, and the sensor mounting portion 7 becomes a predetermined weight (for example, about 120 g).

  Further, in the case of the vibration unit 33 according to the third embodiment in which the holding unit 34 is attached to the sensor attachment portion 7, the total weight of the vibration sensor 12, the load sensor 13, the holding unit 34, and the sensor attachment portion 7 is The weight of the sensor mounting portion 7 is adjusted so as to be a predetermined weight.

  Here, the vibration unit 6 has sufficient vibration performance with respect to a predetermined weight. Depending on the weight and the outer shape of the vibration unit 6, the spring constants of the lower surface elastic body 9 and the side surface elastic body 10, etc. The thickness, outer dimensions, and the like of the housing 11 are determined, but are not limited to various ones, and are not limited to the embodiments of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vibration unit of a vibration sensation measurement device that can reduce the vibration of the housing to the extent that it does not affect the measurement of the vibration level, and can be reduced in size and weight while maintaining measurement accuracy. it can.

Explanatory drawing showing the usage state of the vibration sensation measuring device The block diagram of 1st Embodiment of the vibration unit of the vibration sense measuring apparatus which concerns on this invention Explanatory drawing of the first embodiment of the vibration unit of the vibration sensation measuring apparatus according to the present invention The principal part block diagram of 2nd Embodiment of the vibration unit of the vibration sense measuring apparatus which concerns on this invention The principal part block diagram of 3rd Embodiment of the vibration unit of the vibration sense measuring apparatus which concerns on this invention Explanatory drawing of the second and third embodiments of the vibration unit of the vibration sensation measuring apparatus according to the present invention Configuration diagram of excitation unit

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Apparatus main body, 2 ... Support stand, 3, 23, 33 ... Excitation unit, 5 ... Vibrator, 6 ... Excitation part, 7 ... Sensor mounting part, 8 ... Probe, 8a ... Tip surface, 9 ... Lower surface elasticity Body, 10 ... elastic body, 11 ... casing, 11a ... upper surface, 11b ... opening, 11c ... lower surface, 11d ... side surface, 12 ... vibration sensor, 13 ... load sensor, 24, 34 ... holding unit, 24a, 34a ... peripheral support part, 25 ... support elastic body.

Claims (5)

A vibration unit that constitutes a vibration sensation measurement device together with a support base of the device main body and the forearm, wherein the vibration unit is separated from the device main body and has a vibrator protruding in the vibration direction, A sensor mounting portion to be attached to the vibrator of the vibration excitation portion, a vibration sensor and a load sensor to be attached to the sensor attachment portion, a probe to be attached to the load sensor, and the vibration excitation portion are supported via a bottom elastic body and a side elastic body. A total weight of the vibration sensor, the load sensor, and the sensor mounting portion is a predetermined weight, the probe protrudes from an opening on the upper surface of the housing, and the tip surface of the probe and the An excitation unit of a vibration sensation measuring apparatus, wherein the excitation unit is arranged in the casing so that a distance in an excitation direction with respect to an upper surface of the casing is maintained within a predetermined range. The vibration unit of the vibration sensation measuring device according to claim 1, wherein a holding unit including a peripheral support portion that supports a peripheral portion of a finger to be inspected that is in contact with the probe is attached to the housing. The vibration unit of the vibration sensation measuring device. The vibration unit of the vibration sensation measuring device according to claim 1, wherein a holding unit including a peripheral support part that supports a peripheral part of a part in contact with the probe among fingers to be inspected is attached to the sensor attachment part, A vibration unit of a vibration sensation measuring apparatus, wherein a weight obtained by adding a weight of the holding unit to a total weight is a predetermined weight. The vibration unit of the vibration sensation measuring apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the vibration unit is an electrodynamic exciter including a magnetic circuit having a neodymium magnet. Excitation unit of the device. 5. The vibration unit of the vibration sensation measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lower elastic body is a resin elastic body, and the side elastic body is a metal spring. Excitation unit of measuring device.

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