JP2020014773A - Biological information detection device and manufacturing method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a biological information detection device excellent in safety and long-term reliability.SOLUTION: The biological information detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed in an oral cavity and comprises a sensor, a battery, a mechanical switch, and a holding member. The mechanical switch includes an operation unit, and switches between an energization state in which power is supplied from the battery to the sensor and a cutoff state in which the power supply is interrupted, when the operation unit is operated. The holding member includes a protective portion covering the operation unit, and is mounted in the oral cavity to hold all of the sensor, the battery and the mechanical switch while sealing them. When the holding member is mounted in the oral cavity, the protective portion is displaced in a first displacement direction, and the operation unit is operated to shift from the cutoff state to the energization state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2B

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a biological information detecting device that detects biological information of a subject, and a manufacturing method thereof.

  Some biological monitors have been proposed which are installed in the oral cavity to obtain biological information (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP-A-2004-167120 US Patent No. 8771149

  In such a device, it is desired that accurate operation be maintained for a long time while ensuring high security. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a biological information detection module and a biological information detection device that are excellent in safety and long-term reliability, and a method of manufacturing them.

  A biological information detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed in an oral cavity, and includes a sensor, a battery, a mechanical switch, and a holding member. The mechanical switch includes an operation unit, and switches between an energized state where power is supplied from the battery to the sensor and a cutoff state where power supply is cut off by operating the operation unit. The holding member includes a protection portion that covers the operation unit, is mounted in the oral cavity, and holds the sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch while sealing them all. Here, when the holding member is mounted in the oral cavity, the protection portion is displaced in the first displacement direction, and the operation portion is operated to be able to shift from the cutoff state to the energized state.

  According to the biological information detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch are sealed by the holding member, both high waterproofness to the sensor and the like and high safety to the living body are achieved. Secured. Further, the switching between the energized state and the cutoff state can be performed by the mechanical switch, which contributes to prolonging the life of the battery. Therefore, excellent long-term reliability is obtained.

1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an appearance of a biological information detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a cross section including a mechanical switch of the biological information detection device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is another cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a cross section including a mechanical switch of the biological information detection device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a cross section including an optical sensor of the biological information detection device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration example of the mechanical switch illustrated in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of installation of the biological information detection device illustrated in FIG. 1 in an oral cavity. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration example of a biological information detection device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a characteristic diagram illustrating a light receiving wavelength range of each device applicable to the light receiving element of the optical sensor illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating one process of a method of manufacturing the biological information detecting device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram illustrating one process following FIG. 8A. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a cross-section including a mechanical switch of a biological information detection device as a first modification of the present disclosure. FIG. 9B is another sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a section including a mechanical switch of the biological information detection device illustrated in FIG. 9A. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a cross-section including a mechanical switch of a biological information detection device as a modification 2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 10B is another cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a cross section including a mechanical switch of the biological information detection device illustrated in FIG. 10A. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a biological information detection device as a third modification of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance and a mounting example of a biological information detection device as Modification 4 of the present disclosure. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a biological information detection device as a fifth modification of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in the following order.
1. Embodiment (an example of a mouthpiece-shaped biological information detecting device having a holding member that seals an optical sensor, a battery, and a mechanical switch.)
2. Modified Example Modified Example 1 (Example of a biological information detecting device in which a protrusion is provided at a position corresponding to an operation unit of a mechanical switch among holding members attached to teeth.)
Modification 2 (an example of a biological information detecting device in which a projection member is provided at a position corresponding to an operation unit of a mechanical switch on a side surface of a tooth to be mounted.)
Modification 3 (Example of biological information detecting device having strain sensor)
Modification 4 (example of biological information detecting device having acceleration sensor)
Modification 5 (an example of a biological information detecting device in which an optical sensor is mounted on a gum and receives reflected light from the gum).

3. Other modifications

<1. Embodiment>
[Overall configuration of biological information detecting device 1]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a schematic configuration example of a biological information detection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 2A, 2B, and 3 are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a schematic configuration example of the biological information detection device 1. FIG. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of the biological information detection device 1 taken along the line II-II shown in FIG. 1 and including the mechanical switch 12 shown in FIG. Represents 2A shows the biological information detecting device 1 in a shut-off state (described later) before being mounted in the oral cavity, and FIG. 2B shows the biological information in an energized state (described later) mounted on the tooth T in the oral cavity. 1 shows a detection device 1. On the other hand, FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the biological information detecting device 1 along the section line III-III shown in FIG. 1 including the optical sensor 5 (detailed later) shown in FIG. I have. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the mechanical switch 12 in an enlarged manner. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a use state of the biological information detection device 1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the biological information detection module 2 included in the biological information detection device 1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the biological information detecting device 1 is installed in a living body, for example, in an oral cavity, and more specifically, is installed so as to cover a part of the teeth T.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the biological information detecting device 1 includes a shell 10 that can be attached to, for example, a tooth T in an oral cavity, and a biological information detecting module 2 built in the shell 10. The shell 10 may be formed so as to cover a part of the gum G together with the teeth T.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, the shell 10 has a mouthpiece shape that covers the teeth T, and is made of an elastic member such as a thermoplastic polymer compound. As the thermoplastic polymer compound, a compound containing, for example, polyethylene, polyurethane, and acrylic can be used. The biological information detection module 2 is embedded in a sealed portion 10A of the shell 10 that covers the side surface TS of the tooth T. The sealing portion 10A includes an outer portion 101 and an inner portion 102. The outer portion 101 is a portion of the shell 10 that covers the outside of the biological information detection module 2, that is, the side of the shell 10 opposite to the tooth T when viewed from the biological information detection module 2 when attached to the tooth T (see FIG. 2B). . The inner portion 102 is a portion that is sandwiched between the biological information detection module 2 and the tooth T when the device is mounted on the tooth T (see FIG. 2B). Part. The inner portion 102 has an inner surface 102 </ b> S that is to be in contact with the side surface TS of the tooth T on the side opposite to the biological information detection module 2. In the non-wearing state in FIG. 2A, that is, in the blocking state, the inner surface 102 </ b> S is a convex surface protruding to the opposite side of the mechanical switch 12 of the biological information detection module 2. Since the inner portion 102 has elasticity, the inner surface 102S is displaced into a shape along the side surface TS of the tooth T in the mounted state in FIG. As described above, since the biological information detection module 2 is embedded so as to be sealed in the shell 10, it is reliably shielded from moisture such as saliva and beverages in the oral cavity and the outside air. Therefore, the shell 10 is a holding member that seals the biological information detection module 2. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the outer portion 101 of the shell 10 that covers the biological information detection module 2 has been removed to improve visibility for convenience of explanation. However, since the biological information detection module 2 is actually covered by the outer portion 101 of the shell 10, it cannot be visually recognized unless the outer portion 101 is transparent.

  The shell 10 further has a facing portion 10B facing the inner portion 102 of the sealing portion 10A. A space 10V into which the teeth T are inserted is formed between the inner portion 102 of the sealing portion 10A and the facing portion 10B (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3). The inner portion 102 and the opposing portion 10B of the sealing portion 10A are one specific example corresponding to the “first grip portion” of the present disclosure, and the teeth T are inserted into the space 10V as shown in FIGS. 2B and 3. In this state, the teeth T are gripped. Therefore, the shell 10 is also a holding member that holds the biological information detection module 2 in the oral cavity.

  The biological information detection module 2 includes, for example, a battery 6, a mechanical switch 12, a transmission / reception module 8, and an optical sensor 5 arranged on a mounting board 11 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 6).

  The mounting substrate 11 is, for example, a sheet-like flexible substrate on which wiring is printed.

  The battery 6 functions as a power supply for supplying electric power for driving the optical sensor 5 and the transmitting / receiving module 8 to the optical sensor 5 and the transmitting / receiving module 8. The battery 6 is, for example, a button-type or coin-type primary battery. Alternatively, a secondary battery may be used as the battery 6 as long as it can perform non-contact charging. Further, the structure of the battery 6 is not particularly limited, and a stacked body in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are alternately stacked with an electrolyte interposed therebetween may be one in which a housing such as a metal is housed as an electrode structure. May be a wound structure in which the laminate is wound and housed in a housing as an electrode structure.

  The mechanical switch 12 is disposed, for example, on the mounting board 11 between the battery 6 and the transmission / reception module 8, and is in an energized state where power is supplied from the battery 6 to each of the optical sensor 5 and the transmission / reception module 8. The power supply is switched to a cutoff state in which the power supply is cut off. The mechanical switch 12 is a so-called momentary switch. As shown in FIG. 4, the mechanical switch 12 has a main body 123 that accommodates the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122, and an operation unit 124. The main body 123 is a housing for accommodating the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122. The main body 123 stands up along the bottom 123A and the periphery of the bottom 123A, and connects the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 together. And a surrounding wall 123B. In the mechanical switch 12, by operating the operation unit 124, the contact and the separation between the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 are repeatedly performed inside the main body 123. The operation unit 124 is fixed to, for example, the first conductor 121, and performs a contact operation of bringing the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 into contact with each other, and performs a contact operation between the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122. This is to perform a separating operation for separating. In the mechanical switch 12, as shown in FIG. 4, an external force is applied to the operation unit 124 in the direction of the arrow, and when the operation unit 124 is pressed, a contact operation between the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 is performed. Then, the state is changed from the cutoff state to an energized state where power is supplied from the battery 6 to the optical sensor 5, that is, an on state. The external force applied to the operation unit 124 is applied through the inner portion 102 that comes into contact with the side surface TS of the tooth T when the shell 10 is attached to the tooth T. When the external force on the operation unit 124 is released, the operation unit 124 returns to the original position, the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 are separated from each other, and the battery 6 is moved from the battery 6 to the optical sensor 5 from the energized state. To an off state in which power supply to the power supply is interrupted, that is, an off state. FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the second conductor 122 is fixed to the main body 123 and the first conductor 121 is configured to be relatively displaceable with respect to the second conductor 122. In FIG. 4, the first conductor 121 in the on state is indicated by a broken line, and the first conductor 121 in the off state is indicated by a solid line.

  The transmission / reception module 8 includes a transmission / reception unit 3 and a signal processing unit 4, for example, as illustrated in FIG. Generally, it is distributed as a chip in which the transmitting / receiving unit 3 and the signal processing unit 4 are integrated. The transmission / reception unit 3 is an antenna that performs wireless data communication with a network connector 7 provided outside the biological information detection module 2. The network connector 7 is a communication device such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone that can be connected to a network such as the Internet. The signal processing unit 4 is a signal processing circuit including, for example, a memory, a microprocessor, an analog-digital (A / D) converter, and the like. The detection signal (output signal) from the optical sensor 5 is input to the signal processing unit 4. The signal processing unit 4 is driven by receiving power supply from the battery 6 and generates a digital data signal that can be transmitted in the transmission / reception unit 3 based on an output signal from the optical sensor 5. The transmission / reception unit 3 is driven by receiving power supply from the battery 6 and is capable of wirelessly transmitting a digital data signal from the signal processing unit 4 to an external network via the network connector 7. Further, the transmission / reception unit 3 can wirelessly receive a control signal from an external network via the network connector 7. In FIG. 1 and the like, the mounting substrate 11 has a rectangular planar shape, and the battery 6, the transmission / reception module 8, and the optical sensor 5 are arranged in a line, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, the layout of the battery 6, the transmission / reception module 8, and the optical sensor 5 can be arbitrarily set.

  The optical sensor 5 is, for example, a reflection-type photoelectric sensor, and detects biological information by, for example, irradiating light to the inner surface of the cheek CH in the oral cavity and receiving light reflected from the inner surface of the cheek CH. Specifically, the optical sensor 5 includes a light emitting element 5A such as a light emitting diode that can emit light, and a light receiving element 5B such as a photodiode that can receive light emitted from the light emitting element 5A. Light emitted from the light emitting element 5A has a wavelength of, for example, 400 nm or more and 1000 nm or less. The portion of the outer portion 101 of the sealing portion 10A that covers the biological information detection module 2 that covers the light emitting element 5A is a first light transmitting portion 10T1 that can transmit light emitted from the light emitting element 5A (FIG. 3). In addition, a portion of the outer portion 101 of the sealing portion 10A that covers the light receiving element 5B is a second light transmitting portion 10T2 that can transmit light emitted from the light emitting element 5A and then reflected on the inner surface of the cheek CH. (See FIG. 3). The first light-transmitting portion 10T1 and the second light-transmitting portion 10T2 are also preferably formed of a thermoplastic polymer compound. The constituent material of the first light-transmitting portion 10T1 and the constituent material of the second light-transmitting portion 10T2 are formed of substantially the same material, for example, a transparent one of the above-described thermoplastic polymer compounds. Good. Further, the first light transmitting portion 10T1 and the second light transmitting portion 10T2 may be formed continuously without being separated. This is because it is advantageous for batch formation. Further, the entire sealing portion 10A or the entire outer portion 101 may be a transparent body, or the entire shell 10 may be a transparent body. That is, in the shell 10, the first translucent portion 10T1 covering the light emitting element 5A and the second translucent portion 10T2 covering the light receiving element 5B (these are collectively referred to as a translucent portion 10T) have translucency. The portion other than the light-transmitting portion 10T may have a light-shielding property or a light-transmitting property.

The light emitting element 5A is disposed so as to face the inner surface of the cheek CH via the first light transmitting portion 10T1, and the light receiving element 5B is opposed to the inner surface of the cheek CH via the second light transmitting portion 10T2. And is disposed close to the light emitting element 5A. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting element 5A passes through the first light transmitting portion 10T1 of the shell 10, reaches the inner surface of the cheek CH, and is reflected on the inner surface of the cheek CH. The light reflected from the inner surface of the cheek CH is transmitted through the second light transmitting portion 10T2 of the shell 10 and is incident on the light receiving element 5B. The reflected light incident on the light receiving element 5B includes, for example, biological information such as a blood flow rate. The optical sensor 5 is, for example, a pulse wave sensor that detects a pulse wave using the above-described biological information, and a pulse that detects a percutaneous arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO ₂ ) and a pulse rate using the above-described biological information. It is an oximeter or a glucose sensor that detects glucose concentration using the above-mentioned biological information. The light receiving element 5B of the optical sensor 5 has a different light receiving wavelength range depending on the type of biological information to be acquired. FIG. 7 shows a light receiving wavelength range in a device suitable for acquiring various types of biological information. As shown in FIG. 7, as the light receiving element 5B of the pulse wave sensor, one capable of receiving light having a wavelength of about 570 nm is used, and as the light receiving element 5B of the pulse oximeter for measuring the percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation. A device capable of receiving light having a wavelength of about 600 nm to 1000 nm is used, and a device capable of receiving light having a wavelength of approximately 750 nm is used as the light receiving element 5B of the glucose sensor for detecting the glucose concentration.

[Manufacturing method of biological information detecting device 1]
Next, a method of manufacturing the biological information detecting device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B in addition to FIGS. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram illustrating one process of the method of manufacturing the biological information detecting device 1, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram illustrating one process following FIG. 8A. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams illustrating only main members related to the description of the present manufacturing process.

  In manufacturing the biological information detecting device 1, first, the above-described biological information detecting module 2 is prepared. Next, as shown in FIG. 8A, for example, the biological information detection module 2 is placed between two sealing films 9A and 9B made of a thermoplastic polymer compound. Here, the sealing film 9A is held by the holding member 21, and the sealing film 9B is held by the holding member 21. On the other hand, a tooth mold 23 that matches the teeth T and gums G of the user who is to wear the biological information detecting device 1 is prepared. The tooth mold 23 can be formed by, for example, embossing or a 3D printer. Thereafter, while heating the portion of the sealing films 9A and 9B near the optical sensor 5 at a temperature of about 280 ° C. by the heater 24, as shown in FIG. Press 9B to perform molding. The heating temperature of the heater 24 is not limited to the above-mentioned 280 ° C., but can be arbitrarily set within a range of, for example, 100 ° C. to 300 ° C. At the time of molding, the air in the gap between the tooth mold 23 and the sealing films 9A and 9B is exhausted from the hole 23H of the tooth mold 23, so that the surface 23S of the tooth mold 23 and the sealing films 9A and 9B are To adhere. Thereby, the sealing films 9A and 9B are welded while deforming into a shape along the surface 23S of the tooth mold 23. Thereafter, the tooth mold 23 and the welded sealing films 9A and 9B are cooled to obtain the mouthpiece-shaped shell 10. Here, when the shell 10 is formed, the operation unit 124 is operated by mounting the shell 10 on the tooth T, thereby making it possible to shift from the cut-off state to the energized state, and the shell 10 mounted on the tooth T The mechanical switch 12 is hermetically sealed so that it can be shifted from the energized state to the cutoff state by being removed from T. Finally, the biological information detecting device 1 is obtained by peeling the shell 10 from the tooth mold 23. As described above, since the shell 10 is integrally formed by molding, the biological information detecting device 1 can be manufactured efficiently. Although FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the tooth mold 23 having the surface 23S having a very simplified shape, the surface 23S of the tooth mold 23 actually has a unique shape corresponding to each user. Have.

[Operation of biological information detecting device 1]
In the biological information detecting device 1, the tooth T is inserted into the space 10V between the inner part 102 of the sealing part 10A and the facing part 10B from the non-wearing state of FIG. 2A to the wearing state of FIG. 2B. I do. At this time, the inner portion 102 as the protection portion is displaced in the first displacement direction (+ X direction shown in FIG. 2B). That is, by attaching the shell 10 to the teeth T, the inner portion 102 is sandwiched between the teeth T and the operation unit 124. Therefore, an external force is applied from the teeth T to the operation unit 124 via the inner portion 102, and the state shifts from the cutoff state to the energized state. Conversely, when the teeth T are detached from the space 10V, the state is shifted from the mounted state in FIG. 2B to the non-mounted state in FIG. 2A. At this time, the inner part 102 as the protection part is displaced in the second displacement direction (the −X direction shown in FIG. 2A). That is, when the shell 10 attached to the tooth T is removed from the tooth T, the inner part 102 is displaced in the second displacement direction (the -X direction shown in FIG. 2A), and the operation unit 124 is operated to supply electricity. It transitions from the state to the cutoff state.

[Effects of biological information detecting device 1]
As described above, according to the biological information detecting device 1 of the present embodiment, the mechanical switch 12 is provided in the biological information detecting module 2, and the power supply state in which the battery 6 supplies power to the optical sensor 5 and the transmitting / receiving module 8. The power supply is switched to a cutoff state in which the power supply is cut off. Therefore, only when it is desired to detect the biological information, the mechanical switch 12 is turned on and the power supply to the optical sensor 5 and the transmission / reception module 8 may be performed, so that the power supply does not need to be performed constantly. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced. If the battery 6 is a primary battery, the life of the battery 6 can be extended, and if the battery 6 is a secondary battery, the charging frequency can be reduced. Alternatively, since the battery capacity of the battery 6 can be reduced, the size of the battery 6 can be reduced, and the size of the biological information detecting module 2 and the biological information detecting device 1 itself can be reduced.

  In particular, in the biological information detecting device 1, the operation unit 124 is automatically operated by shifting from the non-wearing state in FIG. 2A to the wearing state in FIG. 2B, and shifts from the cutoff state to the energized state. Conversely, by shifting from the mounted state of FIG. 2B to the non-mounted state of FIG. For this reason, the user is not bothered by performing the ON operation and the OFF operation, and the biological information detecting device 1 can be reliably started without relying on the user's operation. Can be avoided.

  Further, according to the biological information detecting device 1, since the biological information detecting module 2 including the optical sensor 5 and the mechanical switch 12 is sealed by the shell 10 as a holding member, high waterproofness and high operational safety are ensured. You. Therefore, the biological information detecting device 1 is excellent in long-term reliability.

  Further, according to the biological information detecting device 1, an output signal including biological information is acquired by the optical sensor 5, and the output signal is transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit 3 to the network connector 7 via the signal processing unit 4, Can be sent to an external network. By analyzing this output signal, it is possible to obtain specific biological information of the patient, who is the user to whom the biological information detecting device 1 is attached, due to the disease. In addition, it is possible to grasp changes in the daily health status of a healthy user and to maintain and manage the health status. Such information can be very useful information for the user himself or the doctor in charge.

  The shell 10 is provided with a first light-transmitting portion 10T1 and a second light-transmitting portion 10T2, through which light is emitted to the outside of the shell 10 and the light is taken in from the outside. ing. Therefore, for example, the optical sensor 5 can accurately obtain biological information from the inner surface of the cheek CH or the like.

  Furthermore, according to the biological information detecting device 1, the teeth T are sandwiched between the sealing portion 10A and the facing portion 10B of the shell 10, so that the relative position between the optical sensor 5 and the inner surface of the cheek CH is changed. It is stable and can improve detection accuracy.

  Further, in the optical sensor 5, light is emitted from the light emitting element 5A arranged opposite to the inner surface of the cheek CH to the inner surface of the cheek CH, and reflected light from the inner surface of the cheek CH is received by the light receiving element arranged opposite to the inner surface of the cheek CH. The detection was performed by the element 5B. For this reason, biological information with higher accuracy can be obtained, for example, as compared to a case in which light is applied to the skin outside the oral cavity and the reflected light is detected. Further, since the biological information detecting module 2 is always disposed in the oral cavity in a relatively stable temperature environment, the biological information detecting module 2 is higher than when the biological information detecting module 2 is attached to the outside of the oral cavity, for example, to an arm or a finger. Accurate biological information can be obtained.

<2. Modification>
Subsequently, modified examples (modified examples 1 to 5) of the above embodiment will be described. The same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[Modification 1]
9A and 9B are cross-sectional views illustrating a schematic configuration of a biological information detecting device 1A as a first modified example (modified example 1) of the present disclosure, and illustrate the biological information detecting device 1 described in the above embodiment. This corresponds to FIGS. 2A and 2B described above. That is, FIG. 9A shows the biological information detecting device 1A in a cut-off state before being mounted in the oral cavity, and FIG. 9B shows the biological information detecting device 1A in an energized state mounted on the tooth T in the oral cavity. I have. The biological information detecting device 1A has substantially the same configuration as the biological information detecting device 1 of the above-described embodiment except that the inner portion 102 of the shell 10 includes a protruding portion 102T.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, in the biological information detecting device 1 </ b> A, the inner portion 102 of the shell 10 includes a protruding portion 102 </ b> T having a shape curved along the outer surface of the operation portion 124 of the mechanical switch 12. In. Therefore, in the non-mounting state shown in FIG. 9A, the protruding portion 102T of the inner portion 102 protrudes in the −X direction toward the facing portion 10B. As shown in FIG. 9B, when the biological information detecting device 1A is attached to the tooth T, that is, when the tooth T is inserted into the space 10V between the inner portion 102 and the facing portion 10B, the side surface of the tooth T The inner surface 102S of the protrusion 102T contacts the TS. For this reason, the protruding portion 102T is displaced by being urged by the teeth T in the first displacement direction (+ X direction), and the operating portion 124 of the mechanical switch 12 sandwiched between the outer portion 101 and the inner portion 102 becomes the main body. It is pushed into 123. As a result, the state shifts from the cutoff state to the energized state. Conversely, when the teeth T are separated from the space 10V between the inner portion 102 and the facing portion 10B, the state is shifted from the mounted state in FIG. 9B to the non-mounted state in FIG. 9A. At that time, the inner portion 102 as the protection portion is displaced in the second displacement direction (-X direction). That is, when the shell 10 attached to the tooth T is removed from the tooth T, the inner portion 102 is displaced in the second displacement direction (−X direction), and the operation unit 124 is operated to change from the energized state to the cutoff state. It has been migrated.

  As described above, in the biological information detecting device 1A, since the inner portion 102 of the shell 10 includes the protruding portion 102T having a shape curved along the shape of the outer surface of the operation portion 124 of the mechanical switch 12, the tooth T , The urging force of the teeth T can be more effectively transmitted to the operation unit 124 of the mechanical switch 12. Therefore, in the biological information detecting device 1A, switching between the energized state and the cutoff state can be reliably performed in conjunction with the mounting operation and the detaching operation by the user.

[Modification 2]
10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating a schematic configuration of a biological information detecting device 1B as a second modified example (modified example 2) of the present disclosure, and illustrate the biological information detecting device 1 described in the above embodiment. This corresponds to FIGS. 2A and 2B described above. That is, FIG. 10A shows the biological information detecting device 1B in a cut-off state before being mounted in the oral cavity, and FIG. 10B shows the biological information detecting device 1B in an energized state mounted on the tooth T in the oral cavity. I have. The biological information detecting device 1B is the same as the above-described embodiment except that the biological information detecting device 1B further includes a projection member TT attached to a position corresponding to the operation unit 124 of the mechanical switch 12 in the side surface TS of the tooth T. Has substantially the same configuration as that of the biological information detecting device 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, in the biological information detecting device 1 </ b> B, the protrusion member TT is attached to the side surface TS of the tooth T at a position corresponding to the operation unit 124 of the mechanical switch 12. In the non-mounted state shown in FIG. 10A, the inner part 102 and the outer part 101 are arranged parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 10B, when the biological information detecting device 1B is mounted on the tooth T, that is, when the tooth T is inserted into the space 10V, the protrusion member TT attached to the side surface TS of the tooth T becomes an inner part. Abuts on the inner surface 102 </ b> S of the base 102. Therefore, the inner portion 102 is displaced by being urged by the projection member TT in the first displacement direction (+ X direction), and the operation portion 124 of the mechanical switch 12 sandwiched between the outer portion 101 and the inner portion 102 is moved. It is pushed into the main body 123. As a result, the state shifts from the cutoff state to the energized state. Conversely, when the teeth T are detached from the space 10V, the state is shifted from the mounted state in FIG. 10B to the non-mounted state in FIG. 10A. At that time, the inner portion 102 as the protection portion is displaced in the second displacement direction (-X direction). That is, when the shell 10 attached to the tooth T is removed from the tooth T, the inner portion 102 is displaced in the second displacement direction (−X direction), and the operation unit 124 is operated to change from the energized state to the cutoff state. It has been migrated.

  As described above, in the biological information detecting device 1B, since the projection member TT attached to the position corresponding to the operation unit 124 of the mechanical switch 12 is provided on the side surface TS of the tooth T, In addition, the urging force of the teeth T can be more effectively transmitted to the operation unit 124 of the mechanical switch 12. Therefore, the biological information detecting device 1B can reliably switch between the energized state and the cutoff state in conjunction with the mounting operation and the detaching operation by the user.

[Modification 3]
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a biological information detection device 1C as a third modification (modification 3) of the present disclosure. In the biological information detecting device 1C, a strain sensor 31 is embedded in a portion of the shell 10 that covers the crown portion TA of the tooth T. The strain sensor 31 is connected to the battery 6 via the mechanical switch 12 via a power line, and is also connected to the signal processing unit 4 via a communication line. The strain sensor 31 receives power supply from the battery 6 and transmits a detection signal to the signal processing unit 4. Except for this point, the biological information detecting device 1C has substantially the same configuration as the biological information detecting device 1 of the above embodiment except for this point. Therefore, the same effect as the biological information detecting device 1 of the above embodiment can be obtained in the biological information detecting device 1C. In addition, by providing the strain sensor 31, it is possible to measure the occlusal force when the subject bites the upper and lower teeth and the pressure on the cheek and tongue of the subject who touches the strain sensor 31. By using information such as occlusal force and pressure on the cheeks and tongue, it is possible to obtain structural strength information and dentition information required for artificial teeth such as dentures and implants. In addition, as the strain sensor 31, for example, a magnetostrictive sensor using magnetostriction can be applied. Further, a pressure sensor using a piezoelectric element or the like instead of the strain sensor 31 is also applicable.

[Modification 4]
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a biological information detection device 1D as a fourth modification (modification 4) of the present disclosure. In the biological information detecting device 1D, for example, the biological information detecting module 2 is further provided with an acceleration sensor 32. The acceleration sensor 32 is connected to the battery 6 by a power line, and is also connected to the signal processing unit 4 by a communication line. The acceleration sensor 32 receives power supply from the battery 6 and transmits a detection signal to the signal processing unit 4. Except for this point, the biological information detecting device 1D has substantially the same configuration as the biological information detecting device 1 of the above embodiment. Therefore, the same effect as the biological information detecting device 1 of the above embodiment can be obtained in the biological information detecting device 1D. In addition, by providing the acceleration sensor 32, the movement of the lower jaw relative to, for example, the upper jaw of the subject can be detected. By detecting the relative movement between the upper and lower jaws, it may be possible to use it for information on the strength of structures required for artificial teeth such as dentures and implants, and for diagnosis of abnormalities in the temporomandibular joint. is there. Further, a gyro sensor may be used instead of the acceleration sensor 32.

[Modification 5]
The biological information detection device 1 of the above embodiment is configured to detect biological information by irradiating light to the inner surface of the cheek CH in the oral cavity and receiving light reflected from the inner surface of the cheek CH. . On the other hand, the biological information detection device 1E of the fifth modification (modification 5) of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 13 irradiates the gum G with light and receives the reflected light from the gum G, It detects biological information. In the biological information detecting device 1E, the mechanical switch 12 of the biological information detecting module 2 is disposed at a position facing the side surface TS of the tooth T, and other parts such as the optical sensor 5 are disposed at positions facing the gum G. . The shell 10 in the biological information detecting device 1E further includes a sealing portion 10C that seals other portions of the biological information detecting module 2. In the biological information detecting device 1E, the mechanical switch 12, the battery 6, the optical sensor 5, and the transmission / reception module 8 are connected to each other by wiring (not shown). In the biological information detecting device 1E, the light emitting element 5A is arranged to face the gum G via the first light transmitting portion 10T1, and the light receiving element 5B is connected to the gum G via the second light transmitting portion 10T2. It is arranged close to the light emitting element 5A so as to face. Therefore, the translucent portion 10T of the shell 10 that covers the biological information detection module 2 is provided on the outer portion 101 located on the opposite side of the gum G with the biological information detection module 2 interposed therebetween. Except for these points, the biological information detecting device 1E has substantially the same configuration as the biological information detecting device 1 of the above-described embodiment. In the biological information detecting device 1E, the same effect as in the biological information detecting device 1 of the above embodiment can be obtained.

<3. Other Modifications>
As described above, the present disclosure has been described with reference to some embodiments and modifications, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and the like, and various modifications are possible.

  For example, in the above embodiment and the like, the biological information detecting device 1 having the shell 10 attached so as to cover two consecutive crowns is illustrated, but the biological information detecting device of the present disclosure is not limited to this. Not something. The biological information detection device according to the present disclosure may have, for example, a shell attached so as to cover only one crown portion, or have a shell attached so as to cover three or more crown portions. It may be something. However, in consideration of prevention of accidental ingestion, it is desirable to have a shell as large as possible. For example, it is more desirable to have a shell sized to cover all teeth of the lower jaw or all teeth of the upper jaw.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the biological information detecting device has one sensor has been described, but the biological information detecting device of the present disclosure may have two or more sensors. Further, the biological information detecting device may be attached to both the upper jaw and the lower jaw.

  It should be noted that the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limited, and may have other effects.

In addition, the present disclosure may have the following configurations.
(1)
A biological information detection device installed in the oral cavity,
Sensors and
Batteries and
Including an operation unit, by operating the operation unit, a mechanical switch that switches between an energized state where power is supplied from the battery to the sensor and an interrupted state where the power supply is interrupted,
A holding member that includes a protection portion that covers the operation unit, is mounted in the oral cavity, and holds the sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch while sealing them all;
By mounting the holding member in the oral cavity, the protection portion is displaced in a first displacement direction, and the operation unit is operated to be able to shift from the cutoff state to the energized state. .
(2)
The holding member is attachable to a tooth in the oral cavity,
When the holding member is attached to the tooth, an external force is applied to the operation unit from the tooth via the protection portion, and the state shifts from the cutoff state to the energized state. The biological information detecting device according to the above.
(3)
Further, when the holding member mounted in the oral cavity is removed from the oral cavity, the protective portion is displaced in the second displacement direction, and the operation unit is operated to change from the energized state to the cutoff state. The biological information detection device according to the above (1), which can be transferred.
(4)
The holding member is attachable to a tooth in the oral cavity,
The holding member includes a gripper that grips the teeth,
By inserting the teeth into the grip, the protection portion is displaced in the first displacement direction,
The biological information detecting device according to (3), wherein the protection portion is displaced in the second displacement direction when the tooth is detached from the grip portion.
(5)
The biological information detecting device according to (4), wherein the protection portion is sandwiched between the teeth and the operation portion by mounting the holding member in the oral cavity.
(6)
The biological information according to (5), wherein the holding member further includes an opposing portion facing the protection portion, and the holding member is attached to the oral cavity by gripping the teeth between the protection portion and the opposing portion. Detection device.
(7)
The biological information detecting device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the protection portion includes a convex surface protruding on a side opposite to the mechanical switch in the cutoff state.
(8)
The biological information detection device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the protection portion of the holding member includes a protrusion that has a shape that conforms to a shape of an outer surface of the operation unit.
(9)
Further comprising a projection member attached to the tooth,
By attaching the holding member to the teeth, the projection member and the protection portion come into contact with each other, an external force is applied from the projection member to the operation portion via the protection portion, and the cut-off state to the energized state. The biological information detection device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the biological information detection device can be shifted to (1).
(10)
The biological information detecting device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the mechanical switch is a momentary switch.
(11)
The mechanical switch is
A first conductor and a second conductor,
When an external force is applied to the operation unit and the first conductor and the second conductor come into contact with each other, the state shifts from the cutoff state to the conduction state,
When the external force to the operation unit is removed and the first conductor and the second conductor are separated from each other, the state shifts from the energized state to the cutoff state. Any of the above (1) to (10) The biological information detection device according to one of the above.
(12)
The sensor includes a light emitting element capable of emitting light, and a light receiving element capable of receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element,
The holding member includes a first light-transmitting portion that covers the light-emitting element and can transmit the light and a second light-transmitting portion that covers the light-receiving element and can transmit the light. The biological information detecting device according to any one of 11).
(13)
The light emitting element is disposed to face the gum via the first light transmitting portion,
The biological information detecting device according to (12), wherein the light receiving element is disposed so as to face the gum via the second light transmitting portion.
(14)
The light emitting element is disposed so as to face the inner surface of the cheek via the first light transmitting portion,
The biological information detecting device according to (12), wherein the light receiving element is arranged to face an inner surface of the cheek via the second light transmitting portion.
(15)
A signal processing unit that is sealed with the holding member and receives a power supply from the battery and generates a data signal based on an output signal from the sensor.
A transmission / reception unit sealed to the holding member, capable of receiving the power supply from the battery, transmitting the data signal from the signal processing unit to an external device, and receiving a control signal from the external device; The biological information detection device according to any one of (11) to (14), further comprising:
(16)
The biological information detecting device according to any one of (11) to (15), wherein the first light transmitting portion and the second light transmitting portion are formed of a thermoplastic polymer compound.
(17)
The biological information detecting device according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein the sensor is a pulse wave sensor, a pulse oximeter, or a glucose sensor.
(18)
The biological information detecting device according to any one of (1) to (17), further including another sensor for measuring a physical quantity.
(19)
A method of manufacturing a biological information detection device attached to a tooth or gum,
A sensor, a battery, and a mechanical switch that switches between an energized state in which power is supplied from the battery to the sensor by operating the operation unit including the operation unit and a cutoff state in which the power supply is shut off. , Respectively, and
After the sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch are sandwiched between a pair of sealing films, the pair of sealing films are molded while being heated, so that a protection portion covering the operation unit and the protection portion are provided. And forming a holding member that can hold the teeth while sealing the sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch.
When the holding member is formed, by attaching the holding member to the teeth, the operating unit is operated to allow the transition from the cutoff state to the energized state, and the holding member attached to the teeth A method for manufacturing a biological information detecting device, wherein the mechanical switch is hermetically sealed such that the mechanical switch can be shifted from the energized state to the cut-off state by being removed from the teeth.

  1, 1A-1E: biological information detecting device, 2: biological information detecting module, 3: transmitting / receiving unit, 4: signal processing unit, 5: optical sensor, 6: battery, 7: network connector, 8: transmitting / receiving module, 9A Reference numeral 9B: sealing film, 10: shell, 10A: sealing portion, 101: outer portion, 102: inner portion, 102T: projecting portion, 10B: facing portion, 10V: space, 11: mounting board, 12: mechanical switch 121, first conductor, 122, second conductor, 123, main body, 123A, bottom, 123B, wall, 123G, protective part, 124, operation part, 23, tooth shape, 24, heater, 31, distortion Sensor, 32: acceleration sensor, G: gum, T: tooth.

Claims (19)

A biological information detection device installed in the oral cavity,
Sensors and
Batteries and
Including an operation unit, by operating the operation unit, a mechanical switch that switches between an energized state where power is supplied from the battery to the sensor and an interrupted state where the power supply is interrupted,
A holding member that includes a protection portion that covers the operation unit, is mounted in the oral cavity, and holds the sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch while sealing them all;
By mounting the holding member in the oral cavity, the protection portion is displaced in a first displacement direction, and the operation unit is operated to be able to shift from the cutoff state to the energized state. . The holding member is attachable to a tooth in the oral cavity,
The mounting of the holding member to the tooth causes an external force to be applied to the operation unit from the tooth via the protection portion, thereby shifting from the cutoff state to the energized state. Biological information detection device. Further, when the holding member mounted in the oral cavity is removed from the oral cavity, the protective portion is displaced in the second displacement direction, and the operation unit is operated to change from the energized state to the cutoff state. The biological information detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the biological information detecting device can be transferred. The holding member is attachable to a tooth in the oral cavity,
The holding member includes a gripper that grips the teeth,
By inserting the teeth into the grip, the protection portion is displaced in the first displacement direction,
The biological information detecting device according to claim 3, wherein the protection portion is displaced in the second displacement direction when the tooth is detached from the grip portion. The biological information detecting device according to claim 4, wherein the protection portion is sandwiched between the teeth and the operation unit by mounting the holding member in the oral cavity. The biological information detection according to claim 5, wherein the holding member further includes an opposing portion facing the protection portion, and the holding member is mounted in the oral cavity by gripping the teeth between the protection portion and the opposing portion. apparatus. The biological information detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protection portion includes a convex surface protruding on a side opposite to the mechanical switch in the cutoff state. The biological information detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protection portion of the holding member includes a protrusion that has a shape that follows a shape of an outer surface of the operation unit. Further comprising a protruding member attached to the teeth in the oral cavity,
By attaching the holding member to the teeth, the projection member and the protection portion come into contact with each other, an external force is applied from the projection member to the operation portion via the protection portion, and the cut-off state to the energized state. The biological information detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the biological information detecting device can be shifted to (1). The biological information detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mechanical switch is a momentary switch. The mechanical switch is
A first conductor and a second conductor,
When an external force is applied to the operation unit and the first conductor and the second conductor come into contact with each other, the state shifts from the cutoff state to the conduction state,
The transition from the energized state to the cut-off state when the external force to the operation unit is removed and the first conductor and the second conductor are separated from each other. The biological information detecting device according to the paragraph. The sensor includes a light emitting element capable of emitting light, and a light receiving element capable of receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element,
The said holding member is a 1st translucent part which covers the said light emitting element and can transmit the said light, and a 2nd translucent part which covers the said light receiving element and can transmit the said light. 12. The biological information detection device according to any one of items 11 to 11. The light emitting element is disposed to face the gum via the first light transmitting portion,
The biological information detecting device according to claim 12, wherein the light receiving element is arranged to face the gum via the second light transmitting portion. The light emitting element is disposed so as to face the inner surface of the cheek via the first light transmitting portion,
The biological information detecting device according to claim 12, wherein the light receiving element is arranged to face an inner surface of the cheek via the second light transmitting portion. A signal processing unit that is sealed with the holding member and receives a power supply from the battery and generates a data signal based on an output signal from the sensor.
A transmission / reception unit sealed to the holding member, capable of receiving the power supply from the battery, transmitting the data signal from the signal processing unit to an external device, and receiving a control signal from the external device; The biological information detecting device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising: The biological information detecting device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the first light transmitting portion and the second light transmitting portion are formed of a thermoplastic polymer compound. The biological information detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the sensor is a pulse wave sensor, a pulse oximeter, or a glucose sensor. The biological information detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising another sensor that measures a physical quantity. A method of manufacturing a biological information detection device attached to a tooth or gum,
A sensor, a battery, and a mechanical switch that switches between an energized state in which power is supplied from the battery to the sensor by operating the operation unit including the operation unit and a cutoff state in which the power supply is shut off. , Respectively, and
After the sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch are sandwiched between a pair of sealing films, the pair of sealing films are molded while being heated, so that a protection portion covering the operation unit and the protection portion are provided. And forming a holding member that can hold the teeth while sealing the sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch.
When the holding member is formed, by attaching the holding member to the teeth, the operating unit is operated to allow the transition from the cutoff state to the energized state, and the holding member attached to the teeth A method for manufacturing a biological information detecting device, wherein the mechanical switch is hermetically sealed such that the mechanical switch can be shifted from the energized state to the cut-off state by being removed from the teeth.

Images