JP2016000187A - Stimulator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stimulator capable of urging repeated use to a user by bringing pleasure and comfortableness feeling to the user.SOLUTION: A stimulator 1 includes a core 10, and a plurality of displacement parts 20 disposed displaceably on the outer surface 14 of the core 10, and each displacement part 20 is constituted so as to generate click feeling following displacement. Preferably, each displacement part 20 is energized to a direction in which an initial attitude is maintained, and constituted displaceably against an energization force.

Description

  The present invention relates to a stimulator.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a stimulator configured to stimulate a palm or a finger by grasping it. For example, Patent Document 1 includes a core and a plurality of protrusions urged outward on the outer surface thereof, and each protrusion is resisted against an urging force by a palm or a finger by grasping the core. A structure is disclosed in which the palm and fingers are displaced by the urging force while being displaced inward of the core.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 58-168361

  However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the protrusion is only moved (displaced) by a predetermined amount inward of the core according to the magnitude of the pressing force when pressed by a palm or a finger. In some cases, it is difficult for the user to recognize that the protrusion has been displaced by a predetermined amount. Therefore, when the protrusion is repeatedly pressed or when a plurality of protrusions are pressed all at once, it is difficult to give the user a pleasant and pleasant experience by pressing the protrusion. Therefore, there is room for improvement in prompting the user to repeatedly use the stimulator.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a stimulating device that can provide a user with a pleasant and pleasant experience and can encourage repeated use.

One aspect of the present invention includes a core, and a plurality of displacement portions disposed on the outer surface of the core so as to be displaceable.
Each said displacement part exists in the stimulator characterized by generating so that a click feeling may be generated with a displacement.

  In the stimulator, a click feeling is generated as the plurality of displacement portions arranged on the outer surface of the core are displaced. The user can recognize that the displacement portion has been reliably displaced by obtaining the click feeling. A number of click feelings can be obtained by repeatedly displacing the displacement part or by displacing a plurality of displacement parts at the same time, and the user can have a pleasant and comfortable experience with the many click feelings. Will be brought. This can prompt the user to use the stimulator repeatedly. The user repeatedly grasps the stimulator and repeatedly displaces the displacement part with a finger or palm, or repeatedly presses the stimulator against various parts such as the neck, shoulders, back, and extremities. By repeatedly displacing the displacement part by the part, various parts of the body such as fingers, palms, neck, shoulders, back, and limbs are effectively massaged.

  Further, when the user repeatedly displaces the displacement portion with the palm or finger, the user repeatedly perceives a click feeling or a pressing feeling through the palm or finger. Thereby, a stimulus can be repeatedly given to a user's brain via a palm or a finger. As a result, there is an effect of promoting the activation of the user's brain.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a stimulator that can provide a user with a pleasant and pleasant experience and can prompt the user to use it repeatedly.

The front view of the stimulator in Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view of the stimulator in Example 1. Sectional drawing of the III-III line position in FIG. Sectional drawing of the IV-IV line position in FIG. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the initial position around the displacement portion in FIG. 3. The partial enlarged view in the displacement state of a displacement part periphery in FIG. The partial enlarged view in the displacement state of a displacement part periphery in FIG. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of a cross section in an initial posture around a displacement portion in a modified example of Embodiment 1. The partial cross-section enlarged view in the initial posture around the displacement part in the further modification of Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the result of the electroencephalogram test in the stimulating device of Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the result of the blood flow test in the stimulating device of Example 1. FIG.

  In this specification, the click feeling is when the operator recognizes the vibration or position change of the displacement part or the like caused by a temporary sudden change in the reaction force against the displacement force when the displacement part is displaced. Sense of. For example, it refers to the vibration or pressing feeling that the operator feels at the fingertip when the displacement portion is pressed and pressed with the fingertip.

  Each of the displacement portions may be configured to be biased in a direction for maintaining the initial posture and to be displaceable against the biasing force. In this case, when the force applied against the urging force is released, the displacement portion returns to the initial posture that is the posture before being displaced by the urging force (that is, is restored). . As a result, the user only has to release the force applied to the displacement portion in order to restore the displaced displacement portion, so that it does not take the effort to restore the displacement portion, and is convenient for repeated use. Is good. Then, the user can repeatedly displace the displacement portion rhythmically with a good tempo. Thereby, it is possible to continuously experience a rhythmical and comfortable tempo click feeling according to the displacement, and to improve the enjoyment and comfortable feeling by repeatedly using. In addition, the rhythmical and comfortable click feeling of the tempo can be obtained, so that the user's brain is further activated.

  The displacement portion may be configured to generate a click feeling as the urging force is restored to the initial posture. In this case, the user can obtain a click feeling not only when the displacement portion is displaced but also when the displacement portion is restored. That is, the user can obtain a click feeling twice by the displacement and the repositioning of one displacement portion. Thus, the displacement portion can be further rhythmically and repeatedly displaced with a good tempo, and a rhythmical and comfortable tempo click feeling can be further continuously felt according to the displacement. As a result, it is possible to further improve the enjoyment and pleasant experience by repeated use. Further, by experiencing the click feeling through a palm or a finger, an effect of further promoting activation of the user's brain can be further obtained.

  Each of the displacement parts is attached to a head part forming an outer surface, a shaft-like leg part attached to the head part, an outer surface of the core, and the leg parts at least inside and outside the core. And a holding portion that is held so as to be movable toward the direction. In this case, the head of the displacement part can be moved toward the inside and the outside of the core. Therefore, it can be displaced so as to push the head. As a result, the user can easily recognize that the displacement portion (head) has been displaced.

  The head may be formed into a shape obtained by rounding corners of a polygon such as a quadrangle in addition to a disk shape. In this case, compared to the case where the head is formed in a cusp, it is easy to secure a wide contact area between the displacement part and the palm or finger, so that the user's palm or finger can be moderately stimulated. Thus, the burden on the user is reduced even when repeatedly and continuously used. Furthermore, since the user receives the stimulation from the head by the surface instead of the point, a comfortable body sensation can be obtained. Especially, it is preferable that the said head is formed in disk shape. In this case, it becomes easy to press the head with a palm or a finger, and usability is improved.

  The head may be configured to be displaceable so as to be inclined with respect to the axis of the leg in the initial posture. In this case, since the displacement part can be displaced from various directions, the displacement part can be easily displaced by a palm, a finger, or the like, and the feeling of use can be improved.

  The head may be provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the holding portion. In this case, when the force is applied from various directions to displace the displacement portion, the head can be rotated according to the direction in which the force is applied, so that the user feels a catch at the time of the displacement. Is reduced. As a result, the usability can be further improved.

  The holding portion may include a biasing member that biases the leg portion in a direction to maintain the initial posture. In this case, the displacement portion displaced against the urging force by the urging member is reliably restored by releasing the force against the urging force. As a result, the user does not have the trouble of restoring the displaced portion that has been displaced during repeated use, which is convenient. Moreover, the feeling of use at the time of using repeatedly improves.

  The displacement part may be configured to generate a click sound in accordance with the displacement. In this case, the click feeling due to the displacement of the displacement portion can be recognized more strongly. Thereby, the user can recognize the displacement of a displacement part reliably, and can obtain a more sufficient bodily sensation. As a result, it is possible to further improve the enjoyment and comfortable feeling by repeatedly displacing the displacement portion, and further encourage the user to repeatedly use the stimulator.

  The configuration of the core in the stimulator is not particularly limited as long as each displacement portion is disposed so as to be displaceable. The core may be hollow or solid. For example, in order to adjust the weight of the stimulator, the core is formed hollow and the thickness of the core (ie, the distance between the outer surface and the lumen surface) is set to a predetermined value, A weight having a predetermined weight can be provided. Further, the core may be composed of a single member or may be composed of a plurality of members.

  Of the outer surface of the core, the portion where the plurality of displacement portions are not disposed may be located on the inner side of the core relative to the outer surface of the heads of the plurality of displacement portions. Or may be positioned so as to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the heads of the plurality of displacement portions. Especially, it is preferable that the part in which the said several displacement part is not arrange | positioned among the outer surfaces of the said core is located inside the said core rather than the outer surface in the head of the said several displacement part. In this case, when the user grasps the stimulator or presses it against a predetermined part of the body, the displacement part is surely brought into contact with the part of the body pressed against the palm, finger or stimulator. Therefore, it becomes easy to displace the displacement portion, and the usability is improved.

  The size of the core is preferably a size that allows gripping. In this case, it is easy to obtain a massage effect on a finger or palm by grasping and using the stimulator. The shape of the core may be a shape having corners as long as it can be gripped. For example, the core may have a spherical shape, an elliptical spherical shape, or a combination thereof. In this case, it becomes easier for the user to grasp the entire stimulator, and the feeling of use is improved.

  In addition, while providing the cover which covers all or one part of the said stimulation tool, you may comprise so that the said several displacement part can be displaced through the said cover. The cover can be made of a material that can be easily deformed. For example, the cover can be made of cloth, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, or silicone. For example, the stimulator can be entirely covered with the cover by enclosing the stimulator in a bag-shaped cover. Further, for example, by attaching a cover formed in a tape shape to the outer surface (a plurality of displacement portions) of the stimulator, the stimulator can be entirely or partially covered with the cover.

(Example 1)
A stimulator according to an embodiment of the present example will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the stimulator 1 of the present example includes a core 10 and a plurality of displacement portions 20 that are displaceably disposed on the outer surface 14 of the core 10, and each displacement portion 20 is associated with displacement. To generate a click feeling.
For convenience, the side shown in FIG. 1 is the upper surface side, and the opposite side is the lower surface side. In FIG. 2, the upper direction on the paper surface (upper surface direction in FIG. 1) is the X1 direction, the lower surface is the X2 direction, and the X1 direction and the X2 direction are collectively referred to as the X direction. That is, FIG. 1 corresponds to the view seen from the X1 direction side in FIG. In FIG. 2, the left-right direction on the page perpendicular to the X direction (X1 direction and X2 direction) is defined as the Y direction. In FIG. 5, the radial direction of the core 10 is the Z direction, the direction from the inner side of the core 10 toward the outer side is the outer side Z1, and the direction from the outer side of the core 10 to the inner side is the inner side Z2. Further, in FIG. 5, the circumferential direction of the outer surface 14 of the core 10 is R.

Hereinafter, the stimulator 1 of this example will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 4, the core 10 includes a hemispherical first core 11 and a second core 12. The first core 11 and the second core 12 are provided so as to face each other with their spherical surfaces on the outside. The first core 11 has a plurality of fitting recesses 11a (see FIG. 3) on the surface facing the second core 12. ) And a plurality of fitting convex portions 12a (see FIG. 3) that are fitted in the fitting concave portions 11a, respectively, are formed on the surface of the second core 12 facing the first core 11. . The core 10 is formed in a substantially spherical shape by fitting the plurality of fitting convex portions 12a into the fitting concave portion 11a. The core 10 is formed in a hollow shape and has a hollow portion 10a. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a cylindrical metal weight 13 is accommodated in the hollow portion 10a. The weight of the stimulator 1 as a whole can be adjusted as appropriate by adjusting the weight of the weight 13. The total weight of the stimulator 1 can be, for example, 90 g to 130 g, more preferably 105 to 110 g, and 105 g in this example.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a plurality of recesses 15 are formed on the outer surface 14 of the core 10. The recesses 15 are each formed in a bottomed mortar shape. As shown in FIG. 3, a through hole 15 a that communicates with the hollow portion 10 a of the core 10 is formed at the center of the bottom of the recess 15.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the outer surface of the core 10 is virtually divided into an X1 direction end region A1, an X1 direction intermediate region A2, a central region A3, an X2 direction intermediate region A4, and an X2 direction end region A5. ing. Three recesses 15 are formed in each of the end region A1 in the X1 direction and the end region A5 in the X2 direction, and eight recesses 15 are formed in each of the intermediate region A2 in the X1 direction and the intermediate region A4 in the X2 direction. ing. In addition, ten concave portions 15 are formed in the central region A3. The intervals between the recesses 15 adjacent to each other in each of the regions A1 to A5 are equal, but the intervals between the recesses 15 adjacent to other regions in each region A1 to A5 are equal. Not.

And the displacement part 20 is provided in each recessed part 15 of each area | region A1-A5. That is, in this example, 32 displacement portions 20 are provided as a whole. In the initial posture shown in FIG. 5 (that is, in a state in which no force is applied to the displacement portion 20 from the outside of the stimulator 1), the displacement portion 20 projects from the outer surface 14 of the core 10 to the outer side Z1 of the core 10. ing. The displacement portion 20 is attached to the head portion 21 forming the outer surface 21 a, the shaft-like leg portion 22 attached to the head portion 21, and the outer surface 14 of the core 10. And a holding portion 23 that is held so as to be movable toward the direction Z2 and the outside Z1.
In a state before each displacement part 20 is displaced, the outer surface 21a of each displacement part 20 is formed along the spherical surface. The spherical surface can have a diameter of 50.0 mm to 65.0 mm, and is 58.0 mm in this example.

  The head 21 is formed in a disk shape as shown in FIG. The diameter of the head 21 can be set to 10.0 mm to 20.0 mm, for example, and is 14.2 mm in this example. The head 21 can be made of brass or resin. When the head 21 is made of resin, metal plating can be formed on the surface thereof. In this example, the head 21 is made of resin and has a chromium plating formed on the surface thereof. The weight of each head 21 can be set to, for example, 0.5 g to 4.0 g, and is 1.0 g in this example. As shown in FIG. 5, the outer surface 21a of the head 21 gently bulges outward (Z1 direction in FIG. 5) of the core 10, and as shown in FIG. Combined diamond cut is given. As shown in FIG. 5, each surface of the plurality of triangles has a slightly curved edge at each surface so as to be smoothly connected to an adjacent surface. A press-fit recess 21b is formed on the side of the head 21 opposite to the outer surface 21a. The corner 21d of the outer surface 21a is chamfered to form a curved surface. The corner 21d can be formed, for example, such that a shape in a cross section passing through the axis L of the connecting shaft 221 described later forms a curve with a curvature radius of 28.5 mm to 28.7 mm. It has a 5 mm curve.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the leg portion 22 includes a connecting shaft 221 and a sliding plate 222. The connecting shaft 221 has a substantially columnar shape, and a reduced diameter portion 221 a having a reduced diameter is formed at the end of the outer side Z <b> 1 of the core 10. The axis L of the connecting shaft 221 coincides with the radial direction Z of the core 10 in the initial posture (that is, the state where the head 21 is not pressed). The reduced diameter portion 221a is press-fitted into the press-fit recess 21b of the head portion 21, and the connection shaft 221 and the head portion 21 are joined. A spherical concave portion 221b whose wall surface forms a partial spherical surface is formed at the end of the inner Z2 of the core 10 of the connecting shaft 221, and an annular rib 221c that protrudes annularly in the outer peripheral direction R of the core 10 is formed. Yes. The sliding plate 222 has a disk shape, and a spherical protrusion 222 a that protrudes in a spherical shape is formed on the surface facing the connecting shaft 221. The outer diameter of the spherical protrusion 222 a is substantially the same as the diameter of the spherical recess 221 b of the connection shaft 221. The spherical protrusion 222 a is fitted into the spherical recess 221 b of the connection shaft 221, and the connection shaft 221 is coupled to the sliding plate 222. A ball joint is formed by the spherical protrusion 222 a and the spherical recess 221 b, and the connection shaft 221 is allowed to tilt with respect to the sliding plate 222. A bulging portion 222b that gently bulges in a spherical shape is formed on the side of the sliding plate 222 opposite to the spherical protrusion 222a.

  The holding unit 23 includes a first cylindrical member 231 and a second cylindrical member 232. The first cylindrical member 231 has an inner peripheral portion formed in a cylindrical shape along the outer shape of the connecting shaft 221, and a step portion 231 a along the outer shape of the annular rib 221 c on the inner Z <b> 2 side of the core 10. Prepare. The connection shaft 221 is inserted inside the first cylindrical member 231, and the annular rib 221 c is locked by the step portion 231 a so that the connection shaft 221 is prevented from coming off. A pair of locking protrusions 231 b protruding in the circumferential direction R are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the first cylindrical member 231.

  The second cylindrical member 232 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an inner bottom portion 233, and a pair of projecting portions 232a projecting toward the outer Z1 side are formed at the end portion of the core 10 on the outer Z1 side. Yes. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the pair of projecting portions 232 a is provided with a window portion 232 b formed by cutting out a part thereof. The pair of projecting portions 232a are erected along the outer periphery of the first cylindrical member 231, and the first cylindrical member 231 is connected to the second tube by the locking projection 231b being locked to the window portion 232b. It is fixed to the member 232. The inner peripheral portion of the second cylindrical member 232 has a cylindrical shape having a diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the sliding plate 222. Accordingly, the sliding plate 222 is held inside the second cylindrical member 232 so as to be slidable in the Z direction.

  An insertion protrusion 232c that protrudes toward the inner Z2 side is formed at the end of the inner side Z2 of the core 10 in the second cylindrical member 232. The fitting protrusion 232 c has a substantially cylindrical shape and has an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the through hole 15 a of the recess 15. And the front-end | tip of the insertion protrusion part 232c comprises spherical shape, and the spherical latching | locking part 232d expanded in diameter is provided. A slit 232e is formed in the spherical locking portion 232d. As a result, the fitting protrusion 232c (spherical locking portion 232d) is press-fitted into the through hole 15a, whereby the spherical locking portion 232d is elastically deformed and inserted into the through hole 15a so that the slit 232e is narrowed. Then, when the spherical locking portion 232d exits the through hole 15a to the side opposite to the press-fitting side, the slit 232e is elastically deformed so as to expand and is locked to the edge of the through hole 15a, and the fitting protrusion 232c is locked to the through hole 15a. Inserted. As a result, the second cylindrical member 232 is locked in the recess 15. Alternatively, the second cylindrical member 232 may be screwed into the recess 15.

  A disc spring 24 made of a metal plate having a disk-like dome shape as an urging member is interposed between the inner bottom 233 of the second cylindrical member 232 and the sliding plate 222. In a natural state, the disc spring 24 is gently curved so that the central portion 24a protrudes toward the sliding plate 222 side. The central portion 24 a of the disc spring 24 is in contact with the bulging portion 222 b of the sliding plate 222 and bulges in a state where the first cylindrical member 231 and the second cylindrical member 232 are assembled. The disc spring 24 receives a pressing force from the portion 222b toward the disc spring 24, and the disc spring 24 biases the bulging portion 222b toward the outward Z1 side of the core 10 by a reaction force thereto.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the user presses the head 21 toward the inner side Z <b> 2 of the core 10, the sliding plate 222 moves toward the inner side Z <b> 2 via the connecting shaft 221 connected to the head 21. When pressed, the bulging portion 222b presses the central portion 24a of the disc spring 24 toward the inward Z2 side. When the pressing force exceeds the threshold value of the pressing force required for the reverse deformation (jumping buckling) of the disc spring 24, the central portion 24a is elastically deformed so as to protrude toward the inward Z2 side. The central portion 24a is inverted and deformed to the inner Z2 side. The threshold value of the pressing force required for the reverse deformation of the disc spring 24 can be set to 1.0 N to 6.0 N, for example, and is 2.5 N in this example. Then, when the central portion 24a of the disc spring 24 is reversely deformed, the urging force that has urged the sliding plate 222 toward the outward Z1 side as a reaction force against the pressing force temporarily temporarily decreases. . Accordingly, the user can feel a click feeling (so-called tactile feeling) as the head 21 is displaced by a predetermined amount toward the inward Z2 side.

  The amount of displacement (stroke) by which the head 21 is displaced inward Z2 can be set as appropriate, for example, 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. This is 0.2 mm in this example.

  When it is desired to increase the stroke, the stroke of the head 21 can be increased by interposing an elastic member such as a helical spring or a rubber member between the sliding plate 222 and the disc spring 24. . In this case, the elastic member that urges both the sliding plate 222 and the disc spring 24 in a direction to separate them compressively deforms toward the inward Z2 side of the head 21, and thereby the sliding plate 222 can be configured to press the disc spring 24 directly or indirectly through an elastic member. Then, the stroke of the head 21 can be adjusted by appropriately setting the amount of compressive deformation of the elastic member.

  When the pressing force is released after the head 21 is displaced inward Z2, the head 21 is returned to its original position by the biasing force from the disc spring 24. When the central portion 24a of the disc spring 24 returns from the inverted state to the original state, the urging force that urges the sliding plate 222 toward the outward Z1 side temporarily rises rapidly. Thereby, a user can be made to feel a click feeling in connection with the head 21 returning to the outward Z1 side.

  Further, when the disc spring 24 as the urging member is reversely deformed from the natural state and when it is reversely deformed again so as to return from the reverse state to the natural state, a deformation sound is generated due to vibration caused by the reversal of the reverse state. . As a result, when the head 21 is displaced toward the inner Z2 side of the core 10 and when the head 21 is repositioned toward the outer Z1 side of the core 10, a click sound is presented together with a click feeling.

  In this example, as described above, since the connecting shaft 221 and the sliding plate 222 are coupled by the ball joint, as shown in FIG. 7, the leg portion in the initial posture (state shown by the broken line in FIG. 7). The connecting shaft 221 is allowed to tilt with respect to the 22 axes L. Thereby, even if it is a case where the pressing force which goes to the inner side Z2 is given to the edge 21c of the head 21, the head 21 and the connecting shaft 221 are given the pressing force in the circumferential direction R of the core 10. It can be displaced to the inner Z2 side in a state inclined to the formed side. The displacement amount t in the circumferential direction R of the edge portion 21c when the head portion 21 is inclined from the non-inclined state can be set to, for example, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, and in this example, 0.8 mm. It is. And the distance of the heads 21 of the adjacent displacement part 20 is ensured 2.0 mm or more so that the head 21 of the adjacent displacement part 20 may not contact.

  Further, since the connecting shaft 221 and the sliding plate 222 are coupled by a ball joint, the head 21 can rotate around the axis L of the connecting shaft 221 with respect to the sliding plate 222 and the holding portion 23. ing.

Next, the effects of the stimulator of this example will be described in detail.
According to the stimulator 1, a click feeling is generated as the plurality of displacement portions 20 disposed on the outer surface 14 of the core 10 are displaced. The user can recognize that the displacement portion 20 has been reliably displaced by obtaining the click feeling. Further, by repeatedly displacing the displacement part 20 or displacing the plurality of displacement parts 20 at the same time, a large number of click feelings can be obtained, and a combination of the large number of click feelings provides a pleasant and pleasant experience. It will be brought to the person. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user to repeatedly use the stimulator 1. And a user will massage a palm and a finger effectively by using the stimulator 1 repeatedly. Note that the stimulator 1 may be repeatedly pressed against various parts of the body such as the neck, shoulders, back, and extremities and repeated on various parts of the body. In this case, various parts of the body such as the neck, shoulders, back, and limbs are effectively massaged.

  Furthermore, the user repeatedly perceives a click feeling and a pressing feeling through the palm and fingers by repeatedly displacing the displacement portion 20 with the palm and fingers. Therefore, the user's brain can be repeatedly stimulated through the palm and fingers. As a result, there is an effect of promoting the activation of the user's brain.

  Each of the displacement parts 20 is urged in a direction in which the initial posture is maintained (Z1 direction in this example), and is configured to be able to be displaced against the urging force. As a result, when the force applied against the urging force is released, the displacement unit 20 returns to the initial posture. Thus, since the user only has to release the force applied to the displacement portion 20 in order to restore the displaced displacement portion 20, the user does not need to reposition the displacement portion 20 and repeatedly uses it. Easy to use. And the user can displace the displacement part 20 repeatedly rhythmically with sufficient tempo. Thereby, it is possible to continuously experience a rhythmical and comfortable tempo click feeling according to the displacement, and to improve the enjoyment and comfortable feeling by repeatedly using. In addition, the rhythmical and comfortable click feeling of the tempo can be obtained, so that the user's brain is further activated.

  The displacement unit 20 is configured to generate a click feeling as it is restored to the initial posture by the urging force. Thereby, the user can obtain a click feeling not only when the displacement portion 20 is displaced but also when the displacement portion 20 is restored. That is, the user can obtain a click feeling twice by the displacement and the repositioning of one displacement portion 20. Accordingly, the displacement unit 20 can be displaced more rhythmically and repeatedly at a tempo, and a rhythmical and comfortable tempo click feeling can be experienced more continuously according to the displacement. As a result, it is possible to further improve the enjoyment and pleasant experience by repeated use. Further, by experiencing the click feeling through a palm or a finger, an effect of further promoting activation of the user's brain can be further obtained.

  Each displacement portion 20 is attached to a head portion 21 forming an outer surface 21a, an axial leg portion 22 attached to the head portion 21a, and an outer surface 14 of the core 10, and the leg portion 22 is attached to the core. And a holding portion 23 that holds the inner side Z2 and the outer side Z1 in a movable manner. Thereby, the head 21 of the displacement part 20 can be moved toward the inner side Z2 and the outer side Z1 of the core 10. Therefore, the head 21 can be displaced so as to be pushed in. As a result, the user can easily recognize that the displacement unit 20 (head 21) has been displaced.

  Moreover, in this example, the head 21 is formed in a disk shape. Thereby, it becomes easy to press the head 21 with a palm or a finger, and usability improves. Further, since the contact area between the displacement portion 21 and the palm or finger is easy to ensure compared to the case where the head 21 is formed in a pointed shape, the user's palm and finger stimulation can be moderated moderately. The burden on the user is reduced even when used repeatedly and continuously. Furthermore, since the user receives the stimulation from the head 21 not by the point but by the surface, the user can obtain a comfortable body sensation.

  The displacement portion 20 is configured to be displaceable so that the head portion 21 is inclined with respect to the axis L of the leg portion 22 in the initial posture shown in FIG. Thereby, since the displacement part 20 can be displaced from various directions, it becomes easy to displace the displacement part 20 with a palm, a finger, etc., and a usability | use_condition can be improved.

  The head 21 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the holding unit 23. Accordingly, when the force is applied from various directions to displace the displacement portion, the head 21 can be rotated in accordance with the direction in which the force is applied, so that the user feels a catch at the time of the displacement. Is reduced. As a result, the usability can be further improved.

  In this example, the displacement part 20 is comprised so that a click sound may be generated with the said displacement. Thereby, the click feeling by the displacement of the displacement part 20 can be recognized more strongly. Thereby, the user can recognize that the displacement part 20 was displaced reliably. As a result, the joy and pleasant feeling by repeatedly displacing the displacement portion 20 are further improved, and the user can be further encouraged to repeatedly use the stimulator 1.

  In the present example, the holding portion 20 is provided with a biasing member (a disc spring 24) that biases the leg portion 22 toward the outer side Z1 of the core 10. Thereby, the displacement part 20 which received the urging | biasing force by the urging | biasing member 24 and was displaced to the inward Z2 of the core 10 will be reliably restored | relocated by releasing a press. As a result, the user does not have the trouble of restoring the displaced portion 20 that has been displaced when repeatedly used. Moreover, the feeling of use at the time of using repeatedly improves.

  The biasing member 24 of this example is made of an elastic body. Thereby, since the urging force of the urging member 24 can be easily obtained with a simple configuration by the elastic force of the elastic body, the configuration can be simplified. In this example, the urging member includes a disc spring 24 that is an elastic body. Thereby, the disc spring 24 as an urging member can be formed of an inexpensive material, which is advantageous in terms of cost. Moreover, since it can be set as a simple structure, the assembly workability | operativity of the stimulator 1 improves.

  In this example, the disc spring 24 is used as the biasing member. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an elastic body such as a plate spring, a coil spring, a helical spring, or rubber can be used. In addition to the elastic body, as long as it is possible to bias the displacement portion 20 in the direction of maintaining the initial posture shown in FIG. 5, it may be used as a biasing member.

  In this example, the click sound includes a deformed sound of the disc spring 24 that is generated when the disc spring 24 is inverted and deformed by displacing the displacement portion 20. Thereby, since the click sound can be generated by the disc spring 24 as the biasing member, it is not necessary to prepare a separate member for obtaining the click sound, and the configuration can be simplified.

  As a modification, the click sound may be generated by click sound generating means provided as a separate member. The click sound generating means is not particularly limited, and various configurations can be adopted. For example, as a click sound generating means, the second cylindrical member 232 shown in FIG. 5 has a metal plate interposed between the inner bottom portion 233 and the biasing member (disc spring 24), and as shown in FIG. A configuration in which the central portion 24a of the disc spring 24 collides with the metal plate when the disc spring 24 is reversely deformed can be employed. In this case, a collision sound generated when the central portion 24a collides with the metal plate can be used as a click sound.

  In this example, the displacement part 20 protrudes from the outer surface 14 of the core 10 to the outer side Z <b> 1 of the core 10. And the outer surface 21a in the head 21 of the displacement part 20 is located in the outer side Z1 of the core 10 rather than the part in which the recessed part 15 in the outer surface 14 is not formed. When the portion where the concave portion 15 is not formed on the outer surface 14 of the core 10 and the outer surface 21a of the displacement portion 20 are configured to be flush with each other, or the outer surface 21a of the displacement portion 20 forms the concave portion 15 on the outer surface 14. In the case where it is configured to be located in the inner Z2 of the core 10 rather than the portion that is not formed, when the user grasps the stimulator, the palm and fingers are not only the outer surface 21a, but also the recesses in the outer surface 14 Since the part in which 15 is not formed is also touched, the feeling at the time of pressing the displacement part 20 falls. Further, when the user grasps the stimulator, the palm and fingers touch the outer surface 21a and the portion of the outer surface 14 where the recess 15 is not formed. The heat builds up between them, making it easier to sweat the palms and fingers. This also reduces the user experience. However, in this example, by configuring as described above, when the user grasps the stimulator 1, the displacement portion 20 is not brought into contact with a portion of the outer surface 14 where the concave portion 15 is not formed. Can be surely brought into contact with each other, so that the feeling when pressing the displacement portion 20 is further improved. Further, when the user grasps the stimulator 1, the palm or finger does not touch the portion where the concave portion 15 is not formed on the outer surface 14, and between the palm or finger and the portion where the concave portion 15 is not formed on the outer surface 14. Therefore, even if it is used repeatedly and continuously, it is difficult for heat to be trapped between the stimulator 1 and the palm. As a result, sweating of the palm and fingers is suppressed, and the user can be further encouraged to use it repeatedly and continuously.

  In this example, the outer shape of the core 10 is spherical. Thereby, it becomes easy for a user to grasp the stimulator 1 whole, and a feeling of use improves. Moreover, in this example, the outer surface (outer surface 21a of the displacement part 20) of the stimulator 1 is formed along a spherical surface having a diameter of 57.4 mm. In the pressed state, the diameter is 57.0 mm at the minimum. Therefore, since the stimulator 1 is formed in a shape that fits in the palm, the feeling of use is further improved. Moreover, since it is suppressed that it gets tired excessively even if it uses repeatedly repeatedly, it can further encourage a user to use it repeatedly repeatedly.

  The outer shape of the core 10 may be a linear or curved rod shape. For example, the core 10 can be formed in a handle shape that can be gripped. Also in this case, since the stimulator 1 can be easily grasped, the usability is improved.

  Moreover, the weight of the stimulator 1 can be 90 g to 130 g, more preferably 105 g to 110 g, and 105 g in this example. As a result, it is possible to give the user a moderate weight and give a sense of quality, and it is prevented from becoming excessively heavy, and even when used repeatedly and repeatedly, it places an excessive burden on the user. Is prevented.

  The material of the head 21 may be a metal such as brass, iron, or aluminum, a synthetic resin such as ABS resin or PC resin, ceramics, wood, or stone. Of these, metal is preferable, and brass is used in this example. When the head 21 is made of metal, the head 21 has an appropriate weight, so that when the head 21 is pressed, the user is given an appropriate weight feeling to enhance a sense of quality. it can. In general, since metal has higher thermal conductivity than resin or the like, the heat of the palm or finger is easily transmitted to the head 21, so that the head 21 can be easily warmed by the heat of the palm or finger. It becomes. And by repeatedly using the head 21 in a warmed state, blood circulation of the palm and fingers can be promoted.

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 2, the displacement portion 20 includes three, eight, ten, eight, three pieces from the upper surface side to the lower surface side of each region A1 to A5 of the stimulator 1. A total of 32 are arranged in order. And the displacement part 20 is not arranged at equal intervals between each area | region A1-A5. Thereby, the position of the displacement part 20 which contact | abuts skin changes with the position which grips the stimulator 1. FIG. As a result, the stimulating effect on the palm and fingers can be enhanced. Moreover, it can be used repeatedly without getting tired by using changing the position which holds the stimulator 1 suitably. As a result, it is possible to further improve the enjoyment and pleasant experience of repeated use, and to encourage the user to use it repeatedly and continuously.

Moreover, instead of the leg part 22 and the holding part 23 of the displacement part 20 of this example, switch mechanisms, such as a tact switch and a seesaw type switch, are employable. For example, in the modification shown in FIG. 8, the tact switch 25 can be used instead of the leg portion 22 and the holding portion 23. As the tact switch 25, a tactile push switch that is a mechanical contact type (reversed metal contact type) having a reversing plate such as a disc spring can be adopted. For example, the SKHH series (SKHHAL, SKHHAQ manufactured by Alps Electric Co., Ltd.) , SKHHCQ, SKHHCR) can be employed. The tact switch 25 includes a plunger 252 as a leg portion, a case 253 as a holding portion, and a disc spring 24 as a biasing member. Also in this case, as in the case of the present example, the head 21 is pressed toward the inner Z2 side of the core 10, whereby the plunger 252 is displaced inward Z2 together with the head 21. As a result, the distal end portion of the plunger 252 on the inner Z2 side presses the disc spring 24 to reversely deform the disc spring 24, thereby providing a click feeling and a click sound.
The tact switch 25 is provided with a connection terminal 254, but in the present modification, it is not electrically connected to other members. Therefore, even if the plunger 252 is pressed, the contact 255 of the tact switch 25 is not electrically connected at all. When both are electrically connected, the tact switch 25 may be used as a switch for controlling functions such as heat, energization, and sound.

  Instead of the tact switch 25, an actuator-type mechanical contact type tact switch that includes a disc spring and an actuator and that presses the disc spring through the actuator when the head is pressed may be used. Further, instead of the disc spring 24 made of a metal plate, an elastic contact type tact switch having a cup-like member made of a rubber material may be used as the urging member.

  Further, a seesaw type switch may be used instead of the tact switch. Moreover, in this example, although the displacement direction of the displacement part 20 was set to the inner side Z2 and the outer side Z1 of the core 10, it is not restricted to this. For example, you may comprise so that a click feeling may be generated in connection with the displacement part 20 moving to the circumferential direction R of the core 10. FIG.

  In this example, the head 21 is connected to only one end of the connecting shaft 26 of the displacement portion 20, but instead, as shown in FIG. 9, the head is connected to one end of the rod-shaped connecting shaft 26. 211 may be provided, and a head 212 may be provided at the other end. In this modification, the core 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The connecting shaft 26 penetrates the core 10 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the core 10. A rib 261 protruding in a triangular shape in cross section is formed at an intermediate portion in the axis L direction of the connecting shaft 26. The connection shaft 26 is inserted through a bush-shaped holding portion 27 fitted to the core 10. A leaf spring 28 as an urging member is provided at the inner end of the core 10 of the holding portion 27. The tip of the leaf spring 28 is bent in a crank shape to form a crank portion 281, and the crank portion 281 biases the peripheral surface of the connecting shaft 26. In the state shown in FIG. 9, the rib 261 is located closer to the head 211 than the crank portion 281.

When the head 211 on the upper side of the paper is pressed downward on the paper, the rib 261 pushes up the crank portion 281 of the leaf spring 28 as the connecting shaft 26 moves downward. When the connecting shaft 26 further moves downward, the rib 261 passes through the crank portion 281 downward. Since the crank portion 281 urges the peripheral surface of the connecting shaft 26, a click feeling can be obtained when the head 211 is displaced downward in the drawing and the rib 261 passes through the crank portion 281. Become.
Thereafter, when the head portion 212 is pressed upward, the rib 261 pushes up the crank portion 281 of the leaf spring 28 again, and the rib 261 passes through the crank portion 281 upward. Thereby, when the head 212 is displaced to the upper side of the drawing and the rib 261 passes through the crank portion 281, a click feeling is obtained.

  Further, instead of the leaf spring 28 as the urging member shown in FIG. 9, a configuration of a slide switch including a spring and a steel ball may be adopted. In this case, a recess is formed on the side surface of the connection shaft 26, and the spring urges the steel ball toward the side surface of the connection shaft 26. Then, as the head 211 is pressed down on the paper surface and the connecting shaft 26 moves downward, the steel ball urged to the side surface of the connecting shaft 26 is fitted into the depression, thereby causing a click feeling. Is obtained. In addition, as the connecting shaft 26 moves upward, the click feeling can be obtained also when the steel ball fitted in the depression rises from the depression against the urging force of the spring.

  As described above, according to this example, it is possible to provide the stimulator 1 that can provide a user with a pleasant and pleasant experience and can prompt the user to repeatedly use the device.

(EEG test)
The following tests were performed on brain activation by the stimulator 1 of Example 1.
The brain waves of the user before and after using the stimulator 1 were measured, and the brain waves before and after use were compared. First, attach a dry electrode type electroencephalograph (Intercross, Miniature DAQ terminal Intercross-410) to the top of the user's head in a closed eye, sitting position, and the electroencephalogram before and after using the stimulator 1 respectively. Measured. And the frequency of the obtained electroencephalogram was analyzed, and alpha wave (frequency 8-13 Hz) and beta wave (frequency 13-30 Hz) were extracted. Thereafter, the intensity ratio of α waves to β waves (α / β × 100) was calculated as the appearance rate (%) of α waves. The test subjects were a total of 10 men and women between the ages of 41 and 50, and the average value of the α wave appearance rate (%) of all subjects is shown in FIG.

  It is known that α waves are more observed in resting and awakened states (states in which mental activity is reduced) and decrease during visual stimulation, exercise, mental activities such as mental arithmetic, tension, and sleep. It has been. In addition, it is known that β waves are observed during active and active thinking and concentration.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the average α wave appearance rate (%) before using the stimulator 1 was about 20.5%, whereas the average α wave appearance rate (%) after using the stimulator 1 ) Was about 31.0%. That is, it was confirmed that the average α wave appearance rate (%) increased by about 10.5% by using the stimulator 1. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, some of the above subjects have an α wave appearance rate (%) after use of the stimulator 1 that is 30% or more higher than the α wave appearance rate (%) before use. It was.

  From this test, it was confirmed that the use of the stimulator 1 effectively increases the α wave appearance rate (%). Therefore, when receiving a visual stimulus, use the stimulator 1 after exercise or mental activity such as mental arithmetic to quickly bring the brain to a resting state, or use the stimulator 1 when the body or spirit is tense. The tension can be released by using the stimulator 1 when feeling drowsiness can be achieved.

(Blood flow test)
The following test was conducted for promoting blood circulation of the fingers with the stimulator 1 of Example 1.
The blood flow volume of the user's fingers before and after using the stimulator 1 was measured, and the blood flow volume before and after use was compared. The blood flow of the fingers was measured with a laser speckle blood flow imaging device (MoorFLPI, manufactured by Moor Instrument). First, the test subject was acclimated for 30 minutes in a measurement chamber maintained at room temperature of 26 to 28 ° C. Then, the blood flow volume of the finger in the state before using the stimulator 1 was measured for 2 minutes, and the blood flow volume (AU) per minute was calculated. Next, after allowing the subject to use the stimulator 1 for 2 minutes, the blood flow volume (AU) of the finger per minute was similarly calculated. The subjects were 41-year-old women, 45-year-old women, 48-year-old men, and 50-year-old women, and the blood flow rates before and after use in each subject are shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the blood flow rate (AU) of the finger after use of the stimulator 1 showed a higher value than before use in all the subjects. Thereby, it has confirmed that there existed an effect which accelerates | stimulates the blood circulation of a user's finger | toe by using the stimulator 1. FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Stimulator 10 Core 20 Displacement part 21, 211, 212 Head part 22 Leg part 23, 27 Holding part 24 Disc spring (biasing member)
25 tact switch 28 leaf spring (biasing member)

Claims (10)

A core, and a plurality of displacement portions arranged displaceably on the outer surface of the core,
Each said displacement part is comprised so that a click feeling may be generated with a displacement, The stimulator characterized by the above-mentioned.   2. The stimulator according to claim 1, wherein each of the displacement parts is biased in a direction to maintain an initial posture and is configured to be able to be displaced against a biasing force.   The stimulating device according to claim 2, wherein the displacement portion is configured to generate a click feeling as the urging force is restored to the initial posture.   Each of the displacement parts is attached to a head part forming an outer surface, a shaft-like leg part attached to the head part, an outer surface of the core, and the leg parts at least inside and outside the core. The stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a holding unit that is movably held toward the direction.   The stimulator according to claim 4, wherein the head is formed in a disc shape.   The stimulator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the head is configured to be displaceable so as to be inclined with respect to the axis of the leg in the initial posture.   The stimulator according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the head is configured to be rotatable with respect to the holding portion.   The stimulator according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the holding unit includes a biasing member that biases the head in a direction to maintain the initial posture.   The stimulating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the displacement portion is configured to generate a click sound according to the displacement.   The stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outer shape of the core has a spherical shape, an elliptical spherical shape, or a combination thereof.

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