JP2020068892A - Occlusal force detection sheet and occlusal force detector using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a novel occlusal force detection sheet capable of detecting easily, with excellent reliability, occlusal force and reducing a harmful effect to teeth when a user bites with strong force for measuring occlusal force, and an occlusal force detector using the same.SOLUTION: There is provided an occlusal force detection sheet 12 which is inserted between vertical teeth for detecting occlusal force. A flexible first electrode Y and a second electrode X are arranged to face each other, a dielectric body 26 which is elastically deformable in a facing direction of the first electrode Y and the second electrode X is arranged in the facing direction of the first electrode Y and the second electrode X, then occlusal force which is applied in the facing direction with respect to a facing part 42 of the first electrode Y and the second electrode X is detected on the basis of change of a capacitance by change of a distance between the first electrode Y and the second electrode X.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an occlusal force detection sheet used for detecting an occlusal force and an occlusal force detection device using the same.

  It has been conventionally considered that maintaining a strong bite force capable of chewing food sufficiently is important for maintaining good health, and in recent years, oral flare and oral dysfunction caused by a decrease in bite force have been considered. Since attention is paid to prevention or improvement, an occlusal force detection sheet and an occlusal force detection device for detecting the magnitude of occlusal force, the state of tooth engagement, and the like have been studied. As an occlusal force detection sheet, for example, there is an occlusal force diagnostic sheet disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-189980 (Patent Document 1). This occlusal force diagnostic sheet is equipped with a pressure-sensitive sheet coated with a microencapsulated color-developing agent, and a patient whose occlusal force is to be detected is affected by biting the occlusal force diagnostic sheet to exert occlusal force. It is designed to develop color according to the occlusal force.

  By the way, in Patent Document 1, for the occlusal force diagnostic sheet that is colored based on the magnitude of the occlusal force that has been applied, the intensity distribution of the occlusal force can be confirmed by analyzing the image read by a dedicated scanner with a computer. it can.

  However, in Patent Document 1 as described above, since the occlusal force of the patient is grasped from the final color development of the occlusal force diagnostic sheet, only the maximum occlusal force can be grasped and the occlusal process cannot be grasped. could not. Further, since the occlusal force is grasped by the coloring of the pressure-sensitive sheet, it is difficult to redo the diagnosis using the same sheet, for example, when the coloring is made but the biting is not successful. It is necessary to prepare an occlusal force diagnostic sheet. In addition, since a dedicated scanner is required to read the color density of the occlusal force diagnostic sheet, there is a problem that the entire apparatus becomes large and expensive.

  Therefore, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-136620 (Patent Document 2) includes a sensor sheet having a structure in which an X electrode sheet and a Y electrode sheet are provided on both surfaces of an organic piezoelectric film, and the action of occlusal force in the organic piezoelectric film is provided. An occlusal force detection device that detects an occlusal force by detecting a voltage generated in a part has been proposed.

  However, since the occlusal force detection device disclosed in Patent Document 2 detects the occlusal force based on the voltage generated by the organic piezoelectric film, if the occlusal force acts at a position outside the intersecting and facing portions of the electrodes, the voltage is detected. Since there is a possibility that the detection accuracy of will be significantly reduced, it was difficult to easily detect the occlusal force with high reliability.

  In addition, since the sensor sheet that exerts an occlusal force on the patient has an extremely thin structure in which an organic piezoelectric film and an electrode sheet are laminated, the sensor sheet may be plastically deformed such as broken or dented due to unevenness of the occlusal surface of the teeth. It was easy to occur and was difficult to use multiple times. Further, when the patient strongly bites the sensor sheet, a large force may be exerted on the teeth, which may have an adverse effect.

JP-A-6-189980 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-136620

  The present invention has been made in the background of the above circumstances, and the problem to be solved is to detect the occlusal force easily and with excellent reliability, and to measure the occlusal force by strongly biting. An object of the present invention is to provide an occlusal force detection sheet having a novel structure and an occlusal force detection device using the same, which can reduce adverse effects on teeth.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention made to solve such problems will be described. The constituent elements used in each of the following aspects can be used in any combination as much as possible.

  That is, the first aspect of the present invention is an occlusal force detection sheet that is inserted between upper and lower teeth to detect an occlusal force, and a flexible first electrode and a second electrode are arranged to face each other. And a dielectric that is elastically deformable in the opposing direction of the first electrode and the second electrode is disposed between the opposing surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode. And that the occlusal force exerted on the facing portion of the second electrode in the facing direction is detected based on the change in the capacitance due to the change in the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode. Is characterized.

  According to the occlusal force detection sheet having the structure according to the first aspect, a capacitance type sensor in which a dielectric is arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode is used. Is elastically deformable in the acting direction of the occlusal force, the force acting on the teeth when the person to be detected bites the occlusal force detection sheet is reduced. As a result, even when the occlusal force in the strongly bitten state is detected, the adverse effect on the teeth can be reduced.

  Furthermore, since the dielectric is elastically deformable in the direction of the occlusal force and the first electrode and the second electrode are flexible, the occlusal force detection sheet due to the action of the occlusal force has a plastic property such as fold or dent. The deformation is prevented, and even if the occlusal force is repeatedly applied, the detection accuracy is less likely to decrease due to the shape change, and excellent durability is exhibited. Therefore, for example, if a disposable cover is attached to the surface of the occlusal force detection sheet and the cover is replaced after use to keep it clean, the occlusal force detection sheet can be used multiple times. Becomes

  Also, the capacitance of the capacitor formed at the facing portion of the first electrode and the second electrode changes with the change in the facing distance between the first electrode and the second electrode due to elastic deformation of the dielectric. By utilizing this fact, the occlusal force is detected based on the change in the capacitance.For example, even if the point of action of the force deviates slightly from the facing portion of the first electrode and the second electrode, The occlusal force is also detected by the deformation of the dielectric body around the point of action. As described above, in the capacitance type sensor, since the input of the occlusal force can be received and detected on the surface, it is possible to stably obtain the detection result having a certain reliability or more.

  A second aspect of the present invention is the occlusal force detection sheet according to the first aspect, wherein a plurality of facing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are provided.

  According to the second aspect, since it is possible to detect the occlusal force at a plurality of locations, it is possible to detect a wider range of the occlusal force, or to increase the resolution of the occlusal force in the specific range. it can.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the occlusal force detection sheet according to the second aspect, wherein a plurality of facing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one of the electrodes is electrically connected in series.

  According to the third aspect, while making it possible to detect the occlusal force in a wider range, it is possible to simplify the scanning application process of the detection voltage and the electrostatic capacitance detection process, and at the same time, the occlusal force can be detected from the electrostatic capacitance. The calculation process required when calculating the force can also be simplified, and the processing speed can be improved.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the occlusal force detection sheet according to the third aspect, wherein a plurality of the first electrodes are electrically connected in series and a plurality of the second electrodes are electrically connected. Are electrically connected in series, and the plurality of first electrodes electrically connected in series and the plurality of second electrodes electrically connected in series are arranged to face each other. is there.

  According to the fourth aspect, since the detection voltage is simultaneously applied to the first electrodes electrically connected in series, the detection voltage is applied to the facing portion between the first electrode and the second electrode. The voltage application process is simplified. Further, the detection process of the electrostatic capacitance at the facing portion of the first electrode and the second electrode is simplified, and the arithmetic process for calculating the occlusal force from the electrostatic capacitance is also simplified, improving the processing speed. Planned.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is the occlusal force detection sheet according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a waterproof cover that covers the first electrode and the second electrode is detachably provided. It is what has been.

  According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to prevent the first electrode and the second electrode from coming into direct contact with saliva in the oral cavity of the person to be detected, and prevent a decrease in detection accuracy and a failure. Moreover, the bite force detection sheet can be easily reused by replacing the detachable waterproof cover.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the occlusal force detection sheet according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the first electrode or the second electrode has a superposed surface on the dielectric. A guard electrode is provided to cover the surface on the opposite side.

  According to the sixth aspect, by disposing the guard electrode between the first and second electrodes and the tongue of the detection target person, noise due to contact between the first electrode or the second electrode and the tongue is prevented. Therefore, the detection accuracy can be improved.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the occlusal force detection sheet according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein a plurality of facing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are provided. The opposing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in a U shape corresponding to the tooth row.

  According to the seventh aspect, a plurality of detection elements configured in the facing portion of the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in a U shape to detect the occlusal force in the entire dentition. Therefore, the state of biting and the distribution of occlusal force can be advantageously grasped.

  An eighth aspect of the present invention is the occlusal force detection sheet according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the facing portion of the first electrode and the second electrode is a part of a dentition. It is arranged according to.

  According to the eighth aspect, it becomes possible to selectively detect the occlusal force acting on a part of the dentition. Moreover, since the portion of the occlusal force detection sheet to which the occlusal force is applied is downsized, the portion of the occlusal force detection sheet can be easily inserted into the oral cavity of the detection target person.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is the occlusal force detection sheet according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the dielectric is porous.

  According to the ninth aspect, it is easy to set the dielectric constant of the dielectric material to be large by the bubbles, and the capacitance can be increased in the detection element formed in the facing portion of the first electrode and the second electrode. The detection accuracy can be improved. In addition, the cushioning property of the dielectric can be improved, and the teeth of the detection target person are less likely to be adversely affected when a large occlusal force is applied.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is an occlusal force detection device that detects the occlusal force of upper and lower teeth, and (i) the occlusal force detection sheet described in any one of the first to ninth aspects. And (ii) a power supply device that is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode in the occlusal force detection sheet and applies a detection voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, and (iii) A detection means connected to the first electrode and the second electrode to detect the amount of change in capacitance in the facing portion of the first electrode and the second electrode; and (iv) detection by the detection means. An occlusal force calculating means for calculating the occlusal force acting on the opposing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode based on the amount of change in the electrostatic capacitance is provided.

  According to the occlusal force detection device having the structure according to the tenth aspect as described above, since the occlusal force is detected by the capacitance type sensor, it is possible to stably obtain a detection result having a certain reliability or more. You can In addition, since the occlusal force detection sheet is provided with the dielectric, the cushioning action due to the elastic deformation of the dielectric is exerted when the occlusal force acts, and the adverse effect on the tooth due to the reaction force of the occlusal force is reduced, Even if a large occlusal force is applied, damage to the occlusal force detection sheet is prevented.

  An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the occlusal force detection device described in the tenth aspect, wherein a plurality of facing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are provided in the occlusal force detection sheet. The occlusal force calculating means calculates the sum of the occlusal forces based on the amount of change in electrostatic capacitance at the plurality of facing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode.

  According to the eleventh aspect, the occlusal force calculation means acts on the plurality of detection elements based on the amount of change in the capacitance of each detection element formed in the facing portion of the first electrode and the second electrode. By calculating the sum of the occlusal forces, it is possible to easily grasp the overall occlusal force of the detection target person and also to simplify the calculation process for calculating the occlusal force.

  According to the present invention, the dielectric constituting the capacitance type sensor is elastically deformable in the action direction of the occlusal force, and therefore acts on the teeth when the detection target person bites the occlusal force detection sheet. The power is reduced. Furthermore, since the dielectric is elastically deformable in the direction of action of the occlusal force and the first electrode and the second electrode are flexible, the occlusal force detection sheet due to the action of the occlusal force has a plastic property such as fold or dent. The deformation is prevented, and even if the occlusal force is repeatedly applied, the detection accuracy is less likely to decrease due to the shape change, and excellent durability is exhibited. Further, because of the capacitance type sensor, for example, even if the point of action of the force is slightly off from the facing portion (detection element) of the first electrode and the second electrode, even around the point of action of the force. Since the dielectric is deformed and the occlusal force is detected, it is possible to stably obtain a detection result with a certain degree of reliability.

The top view which shows the occlusal force detection apparatus as 1st embodiment of this invention. The top view of the occlusal force detection sheet which comprises the occlusal force detection apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the occlusal force detection sheet shown in FIG. 2 and is an enlarged view of a III-III cross section of FIG. 2. The top view of the 1st electrode sheet which comprises the bite force detection sheet shown in FIG. The bottom view of the 2nd electrode sheet which comprises the bite force detection sheet shown in FIG. The top view of the guard electrode sheet which comprises the bite force detection sheet shown in FIG. The top view which shows the principal part of the occlusal force detection sheet | seat as 2nd embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an occlusal force detection device 10 as a first embodiment of the present invention. The occlusal force detection device 10 measures the occlusal force of a person to be detected, and includes an occlusal force detection sheet 12 and a control device 14. In the following description, as a general rule, the up-down direction is the direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 1, which is the facing direction of the first electrode Y and the second electrode X described later, and the front-back direction is the up-down direction in FIG. The direction means the left-right direction in FIG.

  More specifically, the occlusal force detection sheet 12 is inserted between the upper and lower teeth of the detection target person to detect the occlusal force, and is inserted into the oral cavity of the detection target person as shown in FIG. The pressure sensitive unit 16 and the connecting units 18 and 20 connecting the pressure sensitive unit 16 and the control device 14 are provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the occlusal force detection sheet 12 has a structure in which a first electrode sheet 22 and a second electrode sheet 24 are vertically stacked with a dielectric 26 sandwiched therebetween. In FIG. 3, the thickness is exaggerated for ease of viewing.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first electrode sheet 22 has a structure in which a plurality of first electrodes Y are formed on the upper surface of an electrically insulating first substrate 28.

  The first base 28 is a flexible sheet formed of rubber, synthetic resin elastomer, or the like, and the front portion of the pressure-sensitive portion 16 has an arcuate shape or a horseshoe shape corresponding to the dentition in plan view. In addition, the rear portion forming the connecting portions 18 and 20 has a structure in which it extends rearward on both left and right sides of the front portion.

  The first electrode Y is formed on the surface of the first base 28 by a conductive paint or the like in which a conductive material such as carbon or silver is mixed with a rubber material or a synthetic resin material, and the first base 28 is deformed. It has the flexibility to be deformed by following. The first electrodes Y are substantially rectangular in a plan view and are arranged so as to be long in the left-right direction, and a plurality of the first electrodes Y are arranged in parallel in the front-rear direction. The first electrodes Y of this embodiment are arranged in 10 rows in the front-rear direction, and the four rows on the front side are arranged on the left and right sides with respect to the recess 30 at the front end of the first base 28. The fourteen first electrodes Y are formed on the upper surface of the first base 28. In the following description, the first electrodes Y will be referred to as Y1, Y2, ... Y10 in order from the rear side. In the figure, the first electrode Y and the second electrode X described later are shown by solid lines.

  The width dimension of the first electrode Y is not particularly limited, but is set based on, for example, the size of a general tooth occlusal surface, and the width dimension is preferably 2 mm or more and 30 mm or less. Further, it is desirable that the interval between the first electrodes Y adjacent to each other in the width direction is 0.025 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

  Further, the first wiring 32 is electrically connected to the first electrode Y. The first wiring 32 is formed on the surface of the first substrate 28 by a conductive paint or the like, has a width narrower than that of the first electrode Y, and extends on the first electrode Y. Therefore, it is electrically connected to the first electrode Y. The first wiring 32 has flexibility similar to that of the first electrode Y and can follow the deformation of the first base 28. In the figure, the first wiring 32 and the second wiring 38 described later are shown by thin solid lines.

  The first electrode Y and the first wiring 32 may be formed of the same material, but in the present embodiment, the first electrode Y is formed of a conductive paint using a carbon filler and The first wiring 32 is formed of a conductive paint using silver paste. As a result, the widened first electrode Y is formed of an inexpensive material, and the narrowed first wiring 32 is formed of a material having a smaller electric resistance.

  In the present embodiment, the left and right first electrodes Y7, Y7 are electrically connected in series by the first wiring 32, and the left and right first electrodes Y8, Y8 are electrically connected by the first wiring 32. It is connected in series. Similarly, the left and right first electrodes Y9, Y9 are electrically connected in series by the first wiring 32, and the left and right first electrodes Y10, Y10 are electrically connected in series by the first wiring 32. Has been done.

  Further, a first wiring 32 folded at the right end is connected to the first electrode Y1 and the first electrode Y2, and the first electrode Y1 and the first electrode Y2 are connected by the first wiring 32. It is electrically connected in series. Similarly, the first electrode Y7 and the first electrode Y8 are electrically connected in series by the first wiring 32, and the first electrode Y9 and the first electrode Y10 are electrically connected by the first wiring 32. Are serially connected. Independent first wirings 32 are connected to the first electrodes Y3 to Y6.

  The first wiring 32 extends leftward from the left end of each of the first electrodes Y1, Y3 to Y7, Y9, and extends to the rear of the first base 28 forming the connection portion 18, It is connected to a first terminal 34 provided at the rear end of one base 28.

  On the other hand, in the second electrode sheet 24, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of second electrodes X are arranged on the lower surface of an electrically insulating second substrate 36 formed of rubber or synthetic resin elastomer. It has a structure.

  The second base 36 has a substantially same shape as the first base 28 as a whole, and the front portion of the pressure-sensitive portion 16 has an arcuate shape or a horseshoe shape corresponding to the tooth row in plan view. The rear portion forming the connecting portions 18 and 20 has a structure in which it extends rearward on both left and right sides of the front portion.

  Similarly to the first electrode Y, the second electrode X is formed on the surface of the second base 36 by a conductive paint or the like in which a conductive material such as carbon or silver is mixed with a rubber material or a synthetic resin material. And has the flexibility to follow the deformation of the second base 36. Further, the second electrodes X are substantially rectangular in a plan view and are arranged so as to be long in the front-rear direction, and a plurality of second electrodes X are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, 13 second electrodes X are arranged in 13 rows in the left-right direction. In the following description, the second electrodes X are referred to as X1, X2, ... X13 in order from the left side indicated by the arrow in FIG. The width dimension and the interval of the second electrode X are set, for example, similarly to the first electrode Y. Further, in FIG. 5, which is a bottom view, the second electrode sheet 24 is shown in a laterally inverted manner with respect to FIG. 1.

  Further, the second wiring 38 is electrically connected to the second electrode X. Like the first wiring 32, the second wiring 38 is formed on the surface of the second base 36 by a conductive paint or the like, and has the flexibility to follow the deformation of the second base 36. There is. The second wiring 38 of the present embodiment has a width narrower than that of the second electrode X, and extends over the second electrode X so that it is electrically connected to the second electrode X. There is. In the present embodiment, the second electrode X is formed of a conductive paint using a carbon filler like the first electrode Y, and the second wiring 38 is formed of silver paste like the first wiring 32. It is formed of a conductive paint using.

  In the present embodiment, the second wiring 38 folded back on the front side is connected to the second electrode X1 and the second electrode X2, and the second electrode X1 and the second electrode X2 are the second electrodes. The wires 38 are electrically connected in series. Similarly, the second electrode X5 and the second electrode X6, the second electrode X7 and the second electrode X8, and the second electrode X12 and the second electrode X13 are respectively folded back on the front side to form a second wiring. 38 electrically connected in series. Independent second wirings 38 are connected to the second electrodes X3, X4, X9 to X11.

  Then, the second wiring 38 extends rearward from the rear ends of the second electrodes X2 to X5, X7, and X9 to X12, and extends to the rear portion of the second base 36 that constitutes the connection portion 20. , And is connected to a second terminal 40 provided at the rear end of the second base 36.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first electrode sheet 22 and the second electrode sheet 24 as described above are superposed on each other with the dielectric 26 interposed therebetween. The dielectric 26 is in the form of a sheet made of an electrically insulating material such as rubber or synthetic resin, and is elastically deformable in the vertical direction, which is the thickness direction. Furthermore, the dielectric 26 is preferably a porous elastic body having a large number of bubbles, which makes it possible to obtain a large capacitance in the detection element 42, which will be described later. Young's modulus has been reduced. Specifically, the dielectric 26 is formed of foam of various synthetic resins such as polyurethane, polyethylene, and polypropylene.

  Then, the first electrode sheet 22 and the second electrode sheet 24 are superposed on each other with the dielectric 26 sandwiched therebetween, so that the first electrode Y and the second electrode X become dielectric as shown in FIG. They are arranged so as to cross each other with the body 26 sandwiched therebetween, and each of the intersecting facing portions of the first electrode Y and the second electrode X serves as a detection element 42. In the present embodiment, the first electrodes Y1 and Y2 and the second electrodes X4 to X10, the first electrodes Y3 to Y6 and the second electrodes X2 to X12, the first electrodes Y7 to Y10 and the second electrode X1. To X4 and the second electrodes X10 to X13 are arranged so as to cross each other, and the intersecting facing portions of the first electrode Y and the second electrode X serve as the detection element 42, respectively. , A plurality of detection elements 42 are provided.

  In each of the detection elements 42, the dielectric 26 having a large dielectric constant is arranged between the first electrode Y and the second electrode X, which are conductors, facing each other to form a capacitor. In addition, since one of the first electrode Y and the second electrode X is superposed on both surfaces in the thickness direction of the dielectric 26, the dielectric 26 faces the first electrode Y and the second electrode X. Elastic compression deformation is allowed in the direction. Then, in the detection element 42, the facing distance between the first electrode Y and the second electrode X changes in the state where the detection voltage is applied between the first electrode Y and the second electrode X, The electrostatic capacitance of the detection element 42 can be changed. In the present embodiment, 90 detection elements 42 are arranged in a U shape substantially corresponding to the tooth row.

  Preferably, the detection element 42 has a front-rear dimension and a left-right dimension of 4 mm to 10 mm, respectively. Further, the detection elements 42 are preferably provided in a total number of 4 to 256. Further, in the orthogonal direction to the tooth row, particularly in the front-rear direction in the central front tooth corresponding portion and in the left-right direction in both the back tooth corresponding portions, it is preferable that four or more detection elements 42 are arranged side by side, respectively. It is preferable that the effective width dimension of the detection area in which is arranged be 20 mm or more in both the front-rear direction of the center and the left-right direction of both sides.

  A guard electrode sheet 44 is superposed on the surface (lower surface) of the first electrode sheet 22 opposite to the surface superposed on the dielectric 26. As shown in FIG. 6, the guard electrode sheet 44 has a structure in which a guard electrode 46 is formed on the upper surface of a flexible third base 45 made of the same material as the first and second bases 28 and 36. Have The guard electrode 46 is made of a conductive material like the first and second electrodes X and Y and has flexibility, and is a portion that overlaps with the first and second electrodes X and Y when projected in the vertical direction. Is formed so as to cover the whole. In the present embodiment, the guard electrode 46 is also provided in a portion where the second wiring 38 and the first base 28 are overlapped with each other.

  Further, the guard electrode sheet 44 is provided with a ground wiring 48 connected to the guard electrode 46. The ground wiring 48 is electrically connected to the guard electrode 46, extends rearward from the guard electrode 46, is provided in the ground connection portion 50 of the third base 45, and is connected to the ground connection portion 50. It is connected to a ground terminal 52 provided at the rear end. The ground wiring 48 is preferably made of a material having an electric resistance smaller than that of the guard electrode 46, and is also formed on the guard electrode 46.

  Then, the occlusal force detection sheet 12 of the present embodiment is configured by superposing the guard electrode sheet 44 on the lower surface of the first electrode sheet 22. In this occlusal force detection sheet 12, the front part on which a plurality of detection elements 42 are arranged is a pressure-sensitive part 16 which is inserted into the oral cavity of a person to be detected and exerts an occlusal force. The rear portions on which the wirings 32 and 38 are formed are the connection portions 18 and 20 extending rearward from the pressure sensitive portion 16.

  The pressure sensitive portion 16 of the occlusal force detection sheet 12 is covered with a waterproof cover 54. The waterproof cover 54 is formed of a synthetic resin material or the like that has water resistance to prevent water from passing therethrough and corrosion resistance to the environment of the oral cavity, and that does not harm the human body when placed in the oral cavity. Specifically, for example, the waterproof cover 54 is a bag formed by welding upper and lower plastic films, which are formed into a substantially quadrangle, to each other on three sides of the outer periphery, and can be attached to and detached from the pressure sensitive portion 16 from the front side. It is supposed to be covered by. The waterproof cover 54 of the present embodiment covers the entire pressure sensitive portion 16 including the first and second electrodes Y and X. However, for example, not only the pressure sensitive portion 16 but also the first and second It is also possible to adopt a structure that covers substantially the entire connection portions 18, 20 including the second wirings 32, 38. Further, the waterproof cover 54 can be easily attached to and detached from the pressure-sensitive section 16. For example, after the pressure-sensitive section 16 covered with the waterproof cover 54 is taken out of the oral cavity of the person to be detected, the waterproof cover 54 is removed. By replacing 54 with a new one, the pressure-sensitive portion 16 can be easily reused while keeping the pressure-sensitive portion 16 clean.

  Further, the occlusal force detection sheet 12 is connected to the control device 14 as shown in FIG. The control device 14 includes connectors 56 and 58 to which one of the first and second terminals 34 and 40 provided in the connection portions 18 and 20 of the occlusal force detection sheet 12 is connected, and the occlusal force detection. A ground connector 60 to which a ground terminal 52 provided in the ground connection portion 50 of the seat 12 is connected is provided. By connecting the ground terminal 52 to the ground connector 60, the guard electrode 46 is grounded and the guard electrode 46 is kept at the reference potential.

  Further, the control device 14 is connected to the first and second electrodes Y and X by the first and second wirings 32 and 38, and electrostatically connects between the first electrode Y and the second electrode X. A power supply device 62 that applies a voltage for capacitance measurement, a detection unit 64 that detects the amount of capacitance change in each detection element 42, and an occlusal force is calculated based on the capacitance detection result by the detection unit 64. And an occlusal force calculating means 66.

  The detecting means 64 and the occlusal force calculating means 66 are not necessarily provided independently, and for example, a computer including a central processing unit (CPU), RAM, ROM, etc., is used as the detecting means 64 and the occlusal force calculating means 66. Both can be configured. In this case, a part of the functions of the control device 14 (the detecting means 64 and the occlusal force calculating means 66) can be realized by an external computer. Further, the timing at which the power supply device 62 applies the detection voltage between the first and second electrodes Y and X can be controlled by the computer.

  Hereinafter, a method of detecting the occlusal force of the detection target person using the occlusal force detecting device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the first and second terminals 34, 40 of the occlusal force detection sheet 12 are connected to the connectors 56, 58 of the control device 14, and the ground terminal 52 of the occlusal force detection sheet 12 is connected to the ground connector 60 of the control device 14. After connecting, the occlusal force detection sheet 12 is attached to the control device 14. The occlusal force detection sheet 12 may be preliminarily attached with the waterproof cover 54 before being connected to the control device 14, or may be attached with the waterproof cover 54 after being connected to the control device 14.

  Next, the power supply (not shown) of the control device 14 is turned on to start the application of the detection voltage between the first and second electrodes Y and X by the power supply device 62, and at the same time, the detection means 64 performs each detection. The detection of the electrostatic capacity of the element 42 and the calculation of the occlusal force by the occlusal force calculating means 66 based on the electrostatic capacitance value detected by the detecting means 64 are started.

  The power supply device 62 applies the detection voltage to each detection element 42 in a scanning manner, but in the present embodiment, for example, the first electrodes Y9 and Y10 are connected in series by the first wiring 32, respectively. In addition, since the second electrodes X1 and X2 are connected in series by the second wiring 38, respectively, the detection element formed at the intersection facing portion of the first electrode Y9 and the second electrodes X1 and X2. 42, 42 and the detection elements 42, 42 formed at the intersecting facing portions of the first electrode Y10 and the second electrodes X1, X2 are electrically connected, and the detection voltage is applied simultaneously. In addition, the first electrode Y9, Y10 and the second electrode X3, the second electrode X4, the second electrode X10, the second electrode X11, the second electrode X12, X13 is formed at the intersection facing portion. The plurality of detection elements 42 are electrically connected to each other, and detection voltages are simultaneously applied to the plurality of detection elements 42.

  Similarly, the first electrodes Y7 and Y8, the second electrodes X1 and X2, the second electrode X3, the second electrode X4, the second electrode X10, the second electrode X11, and the second electrode X12, Each of the plurality of detection elements 42 formed in the portion facing the intersection with X13 is electrically connected to each other, and the detection voltage is simultaneously applied to each of them. In addition, the first electrodes Y1 and Y2 and the second electrodes X4, the second electrodes X5 and X6, the second electrodes X7 and X8, the second electrodes X9, and the second electrodes X10 intersect and face each other. Each of the plurality of configured detection elements 42 is electrically connected to each other, and the detection voltage is simultaneously applied to each of them.

  Further, each of the plurality of detection elements 42 formed at the intersection facing portion of the second electrodes X5 and X6 and the first electrode Y3, the first electrode Y4, the first electrode Y5, and the first electrode Y6 is , Are electrically connected to each other, and the detection voltages are simultaneously applied to the second electrodes X7 and X8, the first electrode Y3, the first electrode Y4, the first electrode Y5, and the first electrode Y5. The plurality of detection elements 42, which are formed at the portions facing the electrodes Y6, are electrically connected to each other, and the detection voltages are simultaneously applied to the plurality of detection elements 42.

  A detection voltage is separately applied to each of the detection elements 42 formed at the intersecting and facing portions of the first electrodes Y3 to Y6 and the second electrodes X2 to X4 and X9 to X12.

  Then, the pressure sensitive portion 16 of the occlusal force detection sheet 12 is inserted between the upper and lower teeth in the oral cavity of the detection target person, and the plurality of U-shaped detection elements 42 correspond to the dentition of the detection target person. Hold it in the desired position. It should be noted that the pressure sensing section 16 positions the first electrodes Y1, Y2 with respect to the front teeth of the detection target person so that the plurality of detection elements 42 are arranged along the dentition of the general detection target person. However, for example, positioning marks or marks may be provided on the upper surfaces of the waterproof cover 54 and the second base 36 to facilitate positioning in the oral cavity.

  The occlusal force detection sheet 12 is inserted into the oral cavity of the detection target person in a direction in which the guard electrode sheet 44 is on the lingual side of the detection target person with respect to the first and second electrode sheets 22 and 24. As a result, noise caused by the tongue of the person to be detected coming into contact with the pressure sensitive portion 16 is reduced by the guard electrode 46, and the detection accuracy is improved.

  Next, the detection target person is instructed to bite the occlusal force detection sheet 12, and the occlusal force of the detection target person is caused to act on the pressure sensitive portion 16 of the occlusal force detection sheet 12. When the detection target person bites the pressure-sensitive portion 16 of the occlusal force detection sheet 12, the dielectric 26 of the pressure-sensitive portion 16 is vertically compressed between the upper and lower teeth of the detection target person. The first electrode Y and the second electrode X, which are provided on the upper and lower sides on both sides of the pin 26, are moved closer to each other in accordance with the acting bite force. As a result, the capacitance increases in the detection element 42 to which the occlusal force acts.

  Here, in the pressure-sensitive portion 16 of the occlusal force detection sheet 12, the dielectric 26 is disposed between the first and second electrode sheets 22 and 24, and the elasticity of the dielectric 26 in the acting direction of the occlusal force. Deformation is allowed. Therefore, the load on the teeth of the detection target person due to the strong biting is reduced by the cushioning action based on the elasticity of the dielectric 26, and the adverse effect exerted on the teeth of the detection target person by the detection of the occlusal force is reduced.

  Moreover, the occlusal force detection sheet 12 of the present embodiment has a certain thickness as compared with a film or paper-like sheet having an extremely thin thickness, so that the pressure-sensitive portion 16 can be easily bited, and the occlusal force detection sheet 12 It is possible to measure the occlusal force in the close-to-close bite. In particular, the pressure-sensitive portion 16 has a structure in which the dielectric 26 is arranged between the flexible first and second electrode sheets 22 and 24, and has elasticity in the thickness direction. It is easy to exert the maximum occlusal force without doing

  Further, when the teeth are pressed to a position outside the detection element 42 such as between the adjacent first electrodes Y, Y, the dielectric 26 is vertically compressed not only at the point of action of the occlusal force but also around it. Therefore, the capacitance changes in the detection element 42 arranged around the point of action of the occlusal force, and the occlusal force is detected. Therefore, the difference in the detection result depending on the acting position of the occlusal force becomes small, and the detection result with sufficient reliability can be stably obtained.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the dielectric 26 is a porous elastic body, it is possible to obtain a large electrostatic capacitance of the detection element 42 by the bubbles, and the occlusal force based on the change in the electrostatic capacitance can be obtained. The detection accuracy can be improved. Moreover, since the dielectric body 26 is porous, the cushioning action of the dielectric body 26 is improved, and the adverse effect on the teeth when the pressure-sensitive portion 16 is bitten can be reduced.

  Next, the change in the capacitance of each detection element 42 due to the action of the occlusal force is detected by the detection means 64 as a change in the digit value corresponding to the capacitance, for example. Then, the occlusal force calculation unit 66 calculates the occlusal force acting on the detection element 42 based on the change in the digit value detected by the detection unit 64. The occlusal force calculating unit 66 may calculate the occlusal force acting on each detection element 42, but in the present embodiment, for example, the capacitance of each detection element 42 detected by the detection unit 64 is calculated. Based on the amount of change, the total sum of occlusal forces acting on all the detection elements 42 is calculated.

  The calculated occlusal force is displayed on, for example, a monitor (not shown) connected to the control device 14, and the dentist or the like gives advice on the care of the oral flail of the detection target person based on the numerical value. Alternatively, the detection target person can grasp the state of his or her occlusal force by looking at the numerical value. Specifically, for example, in a state where the maximum occlusal force is exerted, if the total detected occlusal force exceeds 200N, it is determined that no special care is required, while the total occlusal force is 200N. In the following cases, it can be judged that care for oral flail is necessary. When the detecting means 64 and the occlusal force calculating means 66 are constituted by an external computer, the detection result can be displayed on the monitor of the computer.

  Further, since the change in the occlusal force acting on the pressure-sensitive portion 16 is detected over time, the change in the magnitude and balance of the occlusal force from the beginning of the bite with a small occlusal force to the maximum occlusal force is continuously detected. You can also check with. In that case, the acting occlusal force may be grasped in real time, or may be recorded and checked later. It should be noted that the occlusal force detection device 10 according to the present embodiment may measure changes in the occlusal force and occlusal distribution for each part of the dentition from the beginning of occlusal to the final occlusal in all dentition. it can.

  Furthermore, the magnitude of the occlusal force can be displayed on the monitor according to the hue and the shade of the color. Specifically, for example, with the first electrodes Y1 to Y10 as the vertical axis and the second electrodes X1 to X13 as the horizontal axis, the grids corresponding to the respective detection elements 42 are displayed, and the grids of the respective detection elements 42 are displayed. By displaying the detection results numerically and displaying a color according to the detection results in the grid display area, it is easier to understand which position in the dentition and how much force is applied. be able to.

  After the detection of the occlusal force is completed, the pressure sensitive portion 16 is taken out from the oral cavity of the detection target person. Since the pressure-sensitive part 16 is covered with the waterproof cover 54, the saliva of the detection target person does not directly adhere to the pressure-sensitive part 16. After the detection is completed, the waterproof cover 54 is removed from the pressure-sensitive part 16 and discarded. The pressure sensitive portion 16 is kept clean. Accordingly, by disposing only the inexpensive waterproof cover 54 as a disposable, the pressure sensitive portion 16 can be used for a plurality of times.

  In particular, since the first and second electrode sheets 22 and 24 and the dielectric body 26 constituting the pressure sensitive portion 16 are both formed of an elastically deformable elastomer, even if a strong occlusal force is exerted. , It is hard to cause plastic deformation such as folds and dents. Therefore, even if the pressure-sensitive portion 16 is reused, the detection accuracy is unlikely to deteriorate due to deformation or damage, and it is possible to realize multiple times of use with excellent reliability.

  Further, since the pressure sensing unit 16 is provided with the plurality of detection elements 42, it is possible to detect the occlusal force at a plurality of locations, and it is possible to detect the occlusal force in a wider range, It is also possible to grasp the distribution of occlusal force. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the plurality of detection elements 42 are arranged in a U shape corresponding to the dentition, the occlusal force of the entire dentition can be detected, and the occlusal state and the occlusal force can be detected. The distribution etc. can be effectively grasped.

  The first electrodes Y1 and Y2, the first electrodes Y3 and Y4, and the first electrodes Y9 and Y10 are connected in series by the first wiring 32, respectively, and the second electrodes X1 and X2 and The second electrodes X5 and X6, the second electrodes X7 and X8, and the second electrodes X12 and X13 are connected in series by the second wiring 38, respectively. As a result, some of the detection elements 42 integrally function to form one sensor element, and in the present embodiment, 90 detection elements 42 form 53 substantial sensor elements. It is configured. Therefore, as compared with the case where the detection elements 42 are provided independently, the number of wirings is reduced, and the detection voltage application process and the detection result calculation process are simplified, thereby improving the processing speed. obtain.

  Further, since the plurality of detection elements 42 are electrically connected to each other to form one sensor element, the widths of the first electrode Y and the second electrode X are substantially the same without changing the width. It is possible to configure the sensor element. As described above, by appropriately electrically connecting the plurality of detection elements 42, it is possible to partially reduce the resolution while adopting the first and second electrodes Y and X having the same width. ing.

  Specifically, for example, in the present embodiment, a plurality of detection elements 42 are connected at the rear end portion and the front end portion of the pressure-sensitive portion 16 with which the incisor having a wide left and right width and the molar having a large occlusal surface abut. While the resolution is relatively low, the detection elements 42 are independent of each other on the left and right sides of the middle portion of the pressure sensitive portion 16 where the occlusal surface is small and the canines and premolars contact, and the resolution is relatively low. It is high. According to this, since the occlusal force due to each tooth can be effectively detected even if the resolution is low in the part where the large teeth are lined up, the processing speed is improved by partially reducing the resolution. , In the part where small teeth are lined up, it is possible to accurately grasp the occlusal force by each tooth by partially increasing the resolution. However, such a connection mode of the plurality of detection elements 42 is merely an example, and can be appropriately changed.

  FIG. 7 shows a main part of an occlusal force detection sheet 70 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, members and parts that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 7, the first and second electrodes Y and X are shown by solid lines, and the first and second wirings are not shown.

  The occlusal force detection sheet 70 as a whole has a structure such as the left half obtained by cutting the occlusal force detection sheet 12 of the first embodiment at the left and right intermediate portions. The occlusal force detection sheet 70 of the present embodiment is, similarly to the first embodiment, a first electrode sheet (not shown) provided with a plurality of first electrodes Y and a second electrode sheet provided with a plurality of second electrodes X. The second electrode sheet 24 and the dielectric 26 disposed between the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet 24 are provided. In this embodiment, the number of second electrodes X is five (X1 to X5).

  In the pressure-sensitive portion 72 of the occlusal force detection sheet 70 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of detection elements 42 are arranged corresponding to the left half portion which is a part of the dentition of the detection target person. It is possible to detect the occlusal force acting on the left half of the dentition.

  According to the occlusal force detection sheet 70 having the structure according to the present embodiment, since the lateral width of the pressure sensitive portion 72 is small, it is easy to insert the pressure sensitive portion 72 into the oral cavity of the detection target person.

  By inserting the pressure-sensitive portion 72 into the oral cavity of the person to be detected with the occlusal force detection sheet 70 turned upside down, the pressure-sensitive portion 72 acts on the right half portion which is another part of the dentition of the person to be detected. The occlusal force can also be detected. According to this, by detecting the occlusal force of the left half part and the occlusal force of the right half part in order, the occlusal force on both the left and right sides can be measured by the small pressure-sensitive portion 72 that is easily inserted into the oral cavity.

  In particular, since the occlusal force detection sheet 70 constitutes a capacitance type sensor, the elasticity of the dielectric 26 makes it difficult for the occlusal force to damage the pressure sensitive portion 72, and is suitable for multiple uses. Therefore, even if the front side and the back side are reversed and the detection is performed twice, it is difficult for the pressure sensitive portion 72 to be damaged or the detection accuracy to be lowered.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the specific descriptions. For example, if it is not necessary to grasp the distribution of the occlusal force or the like, only one detection element 42 may be provided in the pressure sensitive section 16. Thereby, the occlusal force at a specific tooth can be selectively detected by the single detection element 42. In this case, the first and second substrates may be, for example, straight strips, and only one each of the first and second electrodes Y and X is provided. However, it is also possible to detect the occlusal force of the entire dentition by one detection element 42 by providing each of the first and second electrodes Y and X having a shape corresponding to the dentition.

  In addition, when the plurality of first electrodes Y are provided, the plurality of first electrodes Y do not necessarily have the same width dimension, and for example, depending on the size of the tooth to be abutted or the like. The width dimensions may be different. Further, also for the second electrode X, similarly, a plurality of types having different width dimensions can be adopted. In addition, the first electrode Y and the second electrode X do not necessarily have to have the same width dimension.

  Further, the first electrode Y and the second electrode X are not limited to the longitudinal strip shape, and may be, for example, a circle or a square provided in a spot in a plan view. Similarly, the shape of the detection element 42 is not limited to the illustrated square or rectangle. Furthermore, when the first electrode Y and the second electrode X are in the form of longitudinal strips, the first electrode Y and the second electrode X do not necessarily have to extend linearly in the longitudinal direction, For example, the second electrode X may be shaped so as to extend in a curved manner along the curvature of the dentition. Furthermore, when the first electrode Y and the second electrode X are in the shape of a long strip, the first electrode Y and the second electrode X do not necessarily have to extend in directions substantially orthogonal to each other. Instead, it only needs to extend so as to cross and face each other.

10: occlusal force detection device, 12, 70: occlusal force detection sheet, 14: control device, 16, 72: pressure sensitive part, 26: dielectric, 42: detection element (opposing first electrode and second electrode) Part), 46: guard electrode, 54: waterproof cover, 62: power supply device, 64: detection means, 66: occlusal force calculation means, Y: first electrode, X: second electrode

Claims (11)

An occlusal force detection sheet that is inserted between upper and lower teeth to detect occlusal force,
A flexible first electrode and a second electrode are arranged so as to face each other, and a dielectric that is elastically deformable in a direction in which the first electrode and the second electrode face each other is arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. The occlusal force, which is arranged between the two electrodes facing each other, is applied to the facing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode in the facing direction in relation to the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode. An occlusal force detection sheet characterized by being detected based on a change in capacitance due to a change.   The occlusal force detection sheet according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of facing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are provided.   The occlusal force detection according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of facing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected in series in at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. Sheet.   A plurality of the first electrodes are electrically connected in series, a plurality of the second electrodes are electrically connected in series, and a plurality of the first electrodes electrically connected in series The occlusal force detection sheet according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of second electrodes electrically connected in series are arranged to face each other.   The occlusal force detection sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a waterproof cover that covers the first electrode and the second electrode is detachably provided.   The occlusal force detection according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a guard electrode that covers a surface of the first electrode or the second electrode opposite to a surface on which the dielectric is superposed. Sheet.   A plurality of facing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are provided, and the facing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in a U-shape corresponding to a tooth row. The occlusal force detection sheet according to any one of 1 to 6.   The occlusal force detection sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the facing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged according to a part of the dentition.   The occlusal force detection sheet according to claim 1, wherein the dielectric is porous. An occlusal force detection device for detecting the occlusal force of upper and lower teeth,
An occlusal force detection sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A power supply device that is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode in the occlusal force detection sheet, and applies a detection voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode,
A detection unit that is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode and detects the amount of change in capacitance in the facing portion of the first electrode and the second electrode,
An occlusal force calculating unit for calculating an occlusal force acting on the facing portion of the first electrode and the second electrode based on the amount of change in capacitance detected by the detecting unit, Bite force detection device.   In the occlusal force detection sheet, a plurality of facing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are provided, and the occlusal force calculating means is a static portion in a plurality of facing portions of the first electrode and the second electrode. The occlusal force detection device according to claim 10, wherein the occlusal force sum is calculated based on the amount of change in capacitance.

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