JP6172648B1 - Information transmission device and neuropathy inspection device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

In an information transmission apparatus, a structure having no pin on a vibration surface suitable for use in a neuropathy test or the like can sufficiently secure a mechanical strength between a diaphragm as a panel-like member and the pin. Like that. An information transmission apparatus includes a substrate on which a shape memory alloy (SMA) 2 (SMA) is disposed, a vibration plate (4) that is held in a floating state on the substrate (3) and vibrates in response to vibration of the shape memory alloy (2), Is provided. The substrate 3 is attached to the apparatus housing. The diaphragm 4 is arranged in a state where it can face the outside of the apparatus housing and come into contact with a living body, and has a vibration pin 41 inserted into a hole 31 provided in the substrate 3. Is overlaid. Since the entire diaphragm 4 is vibrated, the mechanical strength between the diaphragm 4 and the vibration pin 41 can be sufficiently secured with a structure having no pins on the vibration surface. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information transmission device that transmits a signal by giving vibration to a living body using a shape memory alloy as a vibration source, and a neuropathy inspection device using the information transmission device.

  This type of information transmission apparatus includes a vibrator that transmits and presents a signal to a living body that contacts the pin by using the fine stretching vibration of the shape memory alloy due to energization as a vibration source and changing the fine vibration into the vertical vibration of the pin. . Such vibrators are generally known to be arranged in an array (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2013-215366 A JP 2017-4187

  Devices using such vibrators are sometimes used for neurological examinations such as diabetes tests, but the vibration of the shape memory alloy itself is very weak, so the vibration is amplified by transmitting the vibration to the pin. It is known to do. However, in this configuration, when the pin is pressed strongly, the shape memory alloy may be destroyed, and a structure that does not have the pin on the vibration surface is also required in terms of production design.

  In addition, there is a configuration in which the panel-like member is vibrated by raising a pin on the panel-like member and vibrating the pin, but in that configuration, the vibration of the panel-like member is easy to vibrate the panel-like member. Therefore, it is necessary to isolate the vibration portion of the panel-like member from the pin by reducing the thickness of the material between the portion to be pinned and the pin or by providing a groove. Therefore, it was difficult to give mechanical strength between the panel-like member and the pin.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and is suitable for use in neuropathy tests and the like, and has a structure having no pins on the vibration surface, and mechanical strength between the diaphragm as a panel-like member and the pins. An object of the present invention is to provide an information transmission apparatus and a neuropathy examination apparatus using the information transmission apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information transmission device according to the present invention is an information transmission device that transmits a signal by applying vibrations of the alloy generated by energizing the shape memory alloy to a living body. And a vibration plate that is held in a floating state and vibrates in response to the vibration of the shape memory alloy, the substrate is attached to the device housing, and the vibration plate is disposed outside the device housing. It has a vibration pin that is arranged so as to face the living body and is inserted into a hole provided in the substrate, and a shape memory alloy is bridged over the vibration pin.

  In the information transmission apparatus of the present invention, the diaphragm has at least two vibration pins, and is inserted into a hole different from the above provided on the substrate in addition to the vibration pins, and the vibration movement of the diaphragm is performed. Preferably, the guide pin has a guide pin, and the vibration pin is disposed on both sides of the guide pin.

  The neuropathy inspection device of the present invention includes an information transmission device and a signal generation circuit that applies a pulse voltage that attenuates or amplifies the shape memory alloy with an exponential function or maintains a predetermined frequency, and vibrates. A plate is pressed against a human heel and a pulse voltage is applied to the shape memory alloy by a signal generation circuit, which is used for examination of neuropathy based on the time or position at which the person feels vibration.

  In the neuropathy examination apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of information transmission devices are arranged in a line along the base of the toes of the human body, and a pulse voltage is applied to each shape memory alloy of the plurality of information transmission devices. A signal generating circuit to be applied, the signal generating circuit applies a pulse voltage to each shape memory alloy so that the vibration of the shape memory alloy sequentially moves, presses the diaphragm against the base of the toes of the human body, A pulse voltage is applied to the shape memory alloy by the generating circuit, and the test is performed for peripheral nerve palsy based on whether or not a person feels the movement of vibration at that time.

  According to the present invention, the diaphragm is held in a floating state with the pin interposed in the substrate, and the entire diaphragm is vibrated, so that the structure having no pin on the vibration surface has a structure between the diaphragm and the pin. A sufficient mechanical strength can be ensured.

1 is a perspective view of an information transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view seen from the downward direction of the apparatus. The cross-sectional perspective view of the same apparatus. The perspective view of the modification of the apparatus. The electric block block diagram of the apparatus. The figure which shows the example of the pattern of the pulse voltage in the same apparatus. The figure which shows the method of creating the pattern of the pulse voltage of the apparatus. (A) and (b) are the perspective view of the neuropathy test | inspection apparatus which concerns on the Example of the same apparatus, and the perspective view seen from the downward direction. (A) and (b) are the top view and perspective view of a tuning fork as a conventional neuropathy inspection apparatus. The perspective view of the neuropathy inspection apparatus which concerns on the other Example of an information transmission apparatus. (A) (b) is sectional drawing of the same neuropathy inspection apparatus, and sectional drawing of the state which pushed down the diaphragm of the same apparatus. (A) (b) is the perspective view which shows the use condition of the same neuropathy examination apparatus, and the perspective view which looked at the same neuropathy examination apparatus from the upper part. The perspective view of the modification of the information transmission apparatus in the same neuropathy inspection apparatus. The perspective view of the diaphragm of the same apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an information transmission apparatus and a neuropathy examination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3, an information transmission device 1 includes a substrate 3 on which a shape memory alloy 2 (SMA) is disposed, and a diaphragm that is held in a floating state on the substrate 3 and vibrates in response to the vibration of the shape memory alloy 2. 4 and transmitting and presenting signals by applying vibration of the diaphragm 4 to the living body. The shape memory alloy 2 vibrates and contracts when a pulse voltage is applied. The substrate 3 is attached to an apparatus housing (not shown). The diaphragm 4 is arranged in a state where it can face the outside of the apparatus housing and come into contact with a living body, and has a vibration pin 41 inserted into a hole 31 provided in the substrate 3. Is overlaid. The diaphragm 4 is brought into contact with, for example, human fingers and toes.

  In this embodiment, the diaphragm 4 has at least two vibration pins 41, and is inserted into a hole 32 other than the holes 31 provided in the substrate 3 in addition to the vibration pins 41. A guide pin 42 for guiding the vibration movement is provided, and the vibration pin 41 is disposed on both sides of the guide pin 42. The shape memory alloy 2 is attached to one surface of the substrate 3 so as to bridge the hole 31 of the substrate 3. Both ends of the shape memory alloy 2 are fixed to the substrate 3 by caulking 39, and lead wires for applying a pulse voltage are connected. The tip portion 41a of the vibration pin 41 of the diaphragm 4 is in contact with the shape memory alloy 2, and the flat plate portion 43 of the diaphragm 4 is the other surface of the substrate 3 (the surface opposite to the side on which the shape memory alloy 2 is present). ). The surface of the flat plate portion 43 is brought into contact with the living body. In the present embodiment, the surface of the flat plate portion 43 is formed flat. The thickness of the shape memory alloy 2 is about 30 to 100 μm, and the diameter of the vibration pin 41 is about 1 mm. A V-shaped groove 41b having a width of about 0.3 mm and a depth of about 1.0 mm is formed at the tip 41a of the vibration pin 41, and the shape memory alloy 2 is inserted into the groove 41b. The vibration pin 41 of the vibration plate 4 is lifted by the shape memory alloy 2, and the flat plate portion 43 of the vibration plate 4 is in a state of floating about several mm from the substrate 3. A slip prevention (not shown) is attached to the guide pin 42 so as not to drop when the diaphragm 4 is turned upside down.

  The diaphragm 4 employs a cantilever structure with a vibration pin 41. In other words, the shape memory alloy 2 is in a state in which the tip 41 a of the vibration pin 41 is in contact with the tip and the moderate tension is applied, and is V-shaped around the tip 41 a of the vibration pin 41. . As the shape memory alloy 2 vibrates, the vibration pin 41 vibrates accordingly. Since the cantilever structure is adopted, the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy 2 is converted into the vertical displacement of the vibration pin 41, the vibration of the shape memory alloy 2 is amplified, and the vibration pin 41 has the number of vibrations of the shape memory alloy 2. Double vibration is obtained.

  In the information transmission apparatus 1 having such a configuration, when a pulse voltage is applied to the shape memory alloy 2, the shape memory alloy 2 vibrates, the vibration pin 41 vibrates, and the diaphragm 4 as a whole vibrates. The pulse voltage applied to the shape memory alloy 2 preferably has a period of 1 Hz to 1 kHz and a voltage of about 1.5 V to 2.5 V. Moreover, strong vibration is obtained by simultaneously driving the plurality of shape memory alloys 2. The information transmission device 1 transmits a signal by applying vibration of the shape memory alloy 2 generated by applying a pulse voltage to the shape memory alloy 2 to the living body through the vibration plate 4, and the flat plate portion 43 of the vibration plate 4. For example, when a living body such as a human finger or toe touches, a signal is transmitted to the living body. The information transmission device 1 is, for example, a use for notifying reception of a signal in a smartphone or a wearable terminal, a use for discriminating parts such as a switch and a handle in a car, a use for a game, a fingertip, a sole, a heel, etc. It is used for purposes such as measuring the degree of paralysis.

  According to the information transmission device 1 of the present embodiment, the diaphragm 4 is held in a floating state on the substrate 3 with the vibration pin 41 interposed therebetween, and the entire diaphragm 4 is vibrated, so that the vibration pin 41 is provided on the vibration surface. The mechanical strength between the diaphragm 4 and the vibration pin 41 can be sufficiently secured with a structure that is not provided. Further, the diaphragm 4 employs a cantilever structure with a vibration pin 41, and the tip portion 41 a of the vibration pin 41 is brought into contact with the shape memory alloy 2 so that an appropriate tension is applied to the shape memory alloy 2. Therefore, the vibration pin 41 can obtain a vibration several times the vibration of the shape memory alloy 2. Therefore, even if the level of the pulse voltage applied to the shape memory alloy 2 is the same, the vibration pin 41 can be vibrated more strongly, and a stronger vibration can be given to the living body contacting the flat plate portion 43. Further, since the tip 41a of the vibration pin 41 has the groove 41b, the tip 41a of the vibration pin 41 can be easily brought into contact with the shape memory alloy 2, and the tip 41a of the vibration pin 41 is stored in the shape memory. The state of being in contact with the alloy 2 can be maintained.

  Moreover, compared to a conventional pin alone, the entire area of the diaphragm 4 can be driven, the surface in contact with the human body is overwhelmingly large, and the tactile sensation is greatly different and feels strong. In the experiment, a result that the vibration plate 4 is made of metal is more strongly felt. As a result of actually comparing resin and titanium, titanium was good. Moreover, strong vibration can be obtained by simultaneously driving a plurality of shape memory alloys 2 as necessary. Further, by installing a spring or a collision prevention mechanism between the diaphragm 4 and the substrate 3, it is possible to easily protect the shape memory alloy 2 from being damaged. In addition, the operation of bringing the vibration pin 41 through the hole 31 of the substrate 3 into contact with the shape memory alloy 2 in the manufacture of the information transmission device 1 is also large in the vibration plate 4 and a plurality of vibration pins 41 in one vibration plate 4. Therefore, it is much easier than the conventional one where each pin is independent. In addition, by arranging a plurality of diaphragms 4, each diaphragm 4 can be driven sequentially to give a sense of movement of vibration, and different vibrations can be presented on each diaphragm 4, thereby providing various vibration senses. It is done.

  FIG. 4 shows a modification of the information transmission device 1. The information transmission device 1 includes a plurality of diaphragms 4. In the present embodiment, for example, eight diaphragms 4 are provided and arranged in a 2 × 4 array. The configuration of each diaphragm 4 is the same as in the above embodiment. The plurality of diaphragms 4 are held on a single substrate 3 in a floating state as in the above embodiment. That is, the holes 31 and 32 of the substrate 3 and the shape memory alloy 2 are provided corresponding to the plurality of diaphragms 4, and each diaphragm 4 has a vibration pin 41 and a guide pin as in the above embodiment. 42 is inserted into the holes 31 and 32 of the substrate 3, the shape memory alloy 2 is inserted into the groove 41 b of the tip 41 a of the vibration pin 41, and the flat plate portion 43 is lifted from the substrate 3 by about several mm. Yes. The whole of the plurality of flat plate portions 43 is in contact with the living body. In the present embodiment, there are eight diaphragms 4, and each diaphragm 4 has two diaphragm pins 41, so there are a total of 16 shape memory alloys 2.

  FIG. 5 shows an electrical block configuration of the information transmission apparatus 1. In addition to the above configuration, the information transmission device 1 further includes a signal generation circuit 6 that generates a pulse voltage to be applied to the shape memory alloy 2. The signal generation circuit 6 includes a circuit that applies AM modulation and FM modulation to the generated pulse. In this embodiment, this circuit includes a microcomputer 7 and an SMA drive board 8. The SMA drive board 8 has an operational amplifier that is controlled by the microcomputer 7 and drives the shape memory alloy 2 of a plurality of channels at a constant current. The microcomputer 7 realizes AM modulation by analog output of the D / A converter output, and realizes FM modulation by controlling timing pulse output by a program. The SMA drive substrate 8 synthesizes the D / A converter output of the microcomputer 7 and the timing pulse output, and outputs a pulse subjected to AM modulation and FM modulation. The microcomputer 7 also outputs a signal for switching and controlling the channel of the shape memory alloy 2. A liquid crystal type display device 9 is connected to the microcomputer 7 for a man interface, and an operation push button or the like is arranged. The microcomputer 7 can be used for testing a nervous system disorder of a living body that is in contact with the diaphragm 4 in a stand-alone manner. ing. Further, the microcomputer 7 includes a LAN and a USB, and is configured so that a complex vibration pattern can be created and statistically processed by the personal computer 10 by connecting the microcomputer 7 to a host computer (personal computer) 10. Yes. A display 11 is connected to the personal computer 10.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a pulse voltage pattern applied to the shape memory alloy 2. The upper graph in FIG. 6 is an example of the waveform of the pulse voltage, and the height of each pulse P represents the pulse voltage, and the interval between the pulses P represents the pulse period. As the time elapses, the pulse voltage and the pulse period change for each pulse P, and the pulse voltage is subjected to AM modulation and FM modulation. This graph is an example in which the pulse cycle is gradually increased or decreased (FM modulation) in the range of 1 Hz to 1 kHz, and the pulse voltage is gradually increased or decreased (AM modulation) in the range of 1.5 V to 2.5 V. .

  The lower time chart in FIG. 6 is an example of timing for applying a pulse voltage to each shape memory alloy 2 (each channel). This time chart is an example in the case of having a total of 16 channels (total 16 shape memory alloys 2) of channels Ch1 to Ch16. T6, T7,..., T16 represent periods during which pulse voltages are applied to the channels Ch6, Ch7,..., Ch16 (in this example, no pulse voltage is applied to the channels Ch1 to Ch5). . Each channel is given a pulse voltage generated during the period in which the pulse voltage is applied. In this example, as time elapses, the channel to which the pulse voltage is applied moves one after another, and the oscillating shape memory alloy 2 moves one after another. Thereby, the vibration site | part of the whole some flat plate part 43 moves, and the vibration transmitted to the finger, toe, etc. of the person who touches the whole some flat plate part 43 moves and is felt one after another. In the case where the period for applying the pulse voltage is overlapped by a plurality of channels, the pulse voltage is simultaneously applied to the plurality of channels, and vibration is felt in the middle of the plurality of channels. The pattern of the pulse voltage, that is, the pulse voltage and the pulse period are set by operating the personal computer 10. In addition, the selection of the channel for applying the pulse voltage and the period for applying the pulse voltage are also set by operating the personal computer 10.

  When a pulse voltage of a constant voltage is applied to the shape memory alloy 2 at a constant cycle as in the conventional case, the shape memory alloy 2 becomes a constant amplitude vibration at a constant interval and can only perform a linear motion, so that a swirl vibration can be exhibited at most. It is. On the other hand, when an AM-modulated pulse voltage is applied to the shape memory alloy 2, the strength changes during the movement of vibration, so that the feeling of wave rushing, swelling, attack feeling, soft touch feeling, etc. Can express. Further, when an FM modulated pulse voltage is applied to the shape memory alloy 2, a feeling of speed is added. For example, if FM modulation is performed so that the pulse period is gradually increased from a slow vibration while moving, a feeling of escaping can be expressed, and if it is reversed, a feeling of approaching can be expressed. Also, the tactile sensation varies greatly depending on the pulse period. For example, if the cycle is slow, it can express a tingling feeling, and if the cycle is early, it can express the feeling of being stroked. If AM modulation and FM modulation are mixed, the space that can be expressed by vibrations greatly expands. If the conventional one is a one-dimensional line, a three-dimensional expression can be realized. For example, the vibration is changed from slow to fast, hard, soft feeling, solid, soft feeling, undulating, swirling, approaching, moving away, slippery, gritty, tingling, piercing, The effect of changing the expression method from conventional one-dimensional to three-dimensional was obtained.

  FIG. 7 shows a method for creating a pulse voltage applied to the shape memory alloy 2. The microcomputer 7 sets and holds the voltage value, pulse period, and pulse width of the pulse voltage, and outputs a D / A converter output and a timing pulse output from the microcomputer 7. The D / A converter output is an output corresponding to the voltage value of the pulse voltage, and is an output for AM modulation. The timing pulse output is an output corresponding to a time corresponding to a pulse period and a pulse width, and is an output for FM modulation. The D / A converter output of the microcomputer 7 and the timing pulse output are synthesized by the operational amplifier of the SMA drive substrate 8, and a pulse voltage subjected to AM modulation and FM modulation is output. This pulse voltage is subjected to AM modulation and FM modulation for each pulse, and an intensity change is applied. The voltage value of the pulse voltage, the pulse period, and the time corresponding to the pulse width are set by operating the personal computer 10. Note that the method of AM modulation and FM modulation of the pulse voltage is not limited to the method of synthesizing the D / A converter output of the microcomputer 5 and the timing pulse output, and any method can be adopted. Further, the signal that gives the amplitude by AM modulation is not limited to the D / A converter output of the microcomputer 5, for example, a signal from some sensor, the output or feedback output of the control system of the information transmission device 1, the shape memory alloy 2 itself Various methods such as a signal using an input function can be adopted. Further, the pattern of the pulse voltage applied to the shape memory alloy 2 and the period during which the pulse voltage is applied to each shape memory alloy 2 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6 and may be arbitrary. A variety of vibrations can be presented by arbitrarily adjusting the pulse voltage pattern and the period during which the pulse voltage is applied.

  According to such a configuration, each pulse of the pulse voltage applied to the shape memory alloy 2 can be subjected to AM modulation and FM modulation, and the moving speed of the signal presentation can be continuously and freely changed, or It is possible to change the intensity for each pulse, and the expression of vibration presentation can be more freely and broadened. In addition, since the signal generation circuit 6 synthesizes the D / A converter output of the microcomputer 7 and the timing pulse output and applies AM modulation and FM modulation, software and hardware for freely adjusting AM modulation and FM modulation are provided. The circuit is simple. Further, since the diaphragms 4 are arranged in an array, the degree of freedom of expression of vibration presentation such as vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and rotation can be further increased.

  FIGS. 8A and 8B show a configuration of a neuropathy inspection apparatus 60 using the information transmission apparatus 1. The neuropathy inspection device 60 includes the information transmission device 1 and a signal generation circuit (not shown) that applies a pulse voltage that attenuates or amplifies the shape memory alloy 2 with an exponential function or maintains a predetermined frequency. . This neuropathy inspection device 60 applies a pulse voltage to the shape memory alloy 2 by a signal generation circuit by pressing the diaphragm 4 against a human heel, and based on the time or position at which the person feels vibration. It is used for examination of neuropathy.

  Conventionally, a tuning fork 90 as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B has been used as a method for inspecting a neurological disorder caused by diabetes in a medical institution. Specifically, a tuning fork 90 that vibrates at 128 Hz is used, the tuning fork 90 is vibrated, and the base 91 of the tuning fork 90 is applied to the inner heel of the human body. Judgment is made. This inspection method is a method that is conventionally accepted in medical practice for measuring the degree of paralysis of the foot. However, since the vibration condition of the tuning fork 90 after 10 seconds varies depending on the vibration condition of the first tuning fork 90, it is qualitative. And there is no reproducibility and reliability is low.

  The neuropathy inspection device 60 performs a test for a neuropathy in a human body heel by applying a fine vibration using the shape memory alloy 2 instead of such a test using the tuning fork 90. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in the information transmission device 1 provided in the neuropathy inspection device 60, the substrate 3 is attached to the inside of the device housing 5, and the diaphragm 4 is formed from the device housing. It is arranged in a state where it faces the outside of 5 and can come into contact with the living body. A lid with a handle (not shown) is attached to this. In this embodiment, the vibration plate 4 has three vibration pins 41, and the vibration pins 41 are arranged around the guide pins 42 at equal intervals. The flat plate portion 43 of the diaphragm 4 has a disk shape with a diameter of about 20 mm and a thickness of about 2 mm so as to be the same as the inspection surface (base portion 91) of the tuning fork 90. The flat plate portion 43 is applied to the heel of the human body. The vibration pin 41 has a diameter of 1 to 3 mm and a length of about 5 to 10 mm, and the guide pin 42 is provided in the middle of the flat plate portion 43. The device housing 5 is a pan-shaped container having a diameter of about 30 mm and a thickness of about 2 mm. A hole for the vibration pin 41 and a hole for the guide pin 42 are formed in the bottom, and the vibration pin 41 and the guide are provided from the outside. A pin 42 is inserted. The vibration pin 41 and the guide pin 42 are inserted into the hole 31 and the hole 32 of the substrate 3 inside the apparatus housing 5. Other configurations of the information transmission device 1 are the same as those in the above embodiment. However, since the bottom of the apparatus housing 5 exists between the flat plate portion 43 of the vibration plate 4 and the substrate 3, the flat plate portion 43 of the vibration plate 4 is in a state of floating about several mm from the bottom of the device housing 5. Has been.

  A signal generation circuit (not shown) applies a pulse voltage having a period of 100 to 5 ms, a voltage of 1.5 to 3 V, and a pulse width of 1 to 20 ms to the shape memory alloy 2. When a pulse voltage is applied to the shape memory alloy 2, the shape memory alloy 2 vibrates, the vibration pin 41 vibrates, and further the entire vibration plate 4 vibrates. The flat plate portion 43 of the vibration plate 4 is put on the inner heel of the human body, and whether or not there is a failure is determined by whether or not vibration is felt. A desired vibration strength can be obtained by simultaneously applying a pulse voltage to the three shape memory alloys 2, applying the pulse voltage to each of the shape memory alloys 2, or changing the voltage and the pulse width. Utilizing these factors, a desired vibration is realized. That is, when the inspection for matching with the tuning fork 90 is performed, the vibration of the tuning fork 90 is attenuated by an exponential function, so that a pulse voltage that attenuates by the exponential function is applied to the shape memory alloy 2. Further, since the vibration of the tuning fork 90 is a vibration of 128 Hz = 5.56 ms, a pulse voltage having a pulse period of 5.56 ms is applied to the shape memory alloy 2 in order to achieve consistency with the tuning fork 90. Further, when performing inspection using vibration that cannot be realized with the tuning fork 90, a fine inspection is performed by applying a pulse voltage so as to continuously generate vibration in the vicinity that cannot be realized with the tuning fork 90, or vibration is weak. Inspection is performed by applying a pulse voltage so as to change from one side to the other side. In addition, as a way of feeling the human body, it is easy to feel around 20 ms rather than the pulse period of 5.56 ms. The vibration plate 4 may be made of metal because the harder one can transmit vibration efficiently.

  According to the neuropathy inspection apparatus 60 of the present embodiment, it is possible to perform a quantitative and reproducible and highly reliable test. Moreover, there is an advantage that a desired test such as confirmation of vibration intensity and a reproduction test can be freely performed. The vibration intensity at that time can be quantified and quantitative determination can be made. Actually, about 20 people were subjected to a comparative test by placing the tuning fork 90 and the neuropathy testing device 60 against the bag. The tuning fork 90 felt a smooth vibration, and the neuropathy testing device 60 felt a little caught, but almost the same feel was obtained. Regarding the important vibration intensity, the neuropathy testing apparatus 60 has a high degree of freedom, and can sufficiently cover the vibration range of the tuning fork 90. Since the vibration of the neuropathy inspection apparatus 60 has reproducibility of vibration intensity, it can be quantified by managing the numerical value of the vibration intensity. By changing the frequency and intensity (voltage) of the pulse voltage applied to the shape memory alloy 2, various tactile sensations can be obtained, and a delicate inspection that cannot be obtained by the tuning fork 90 is also possible.

  10 and 11 (a) and 11 (b) show the configuration of another neuropathy inspection apparatus 80 using the information transmission apparatus 1, and FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b) show the usage state of the neuropathy inspection apparatus 80. Indicates. In the neuropathy testing device 80, a plurality of information transmission devices 1 are arranged in a line along the base of the toes of a human body, and a pulse voltage is applied to each shape memory alloy 2 of the plurality of information transmission devices 1. A signal generation circuit (not shown) that applies a pulse voltage to each shape memory alloy 2 so that the vibrations of the shape memory alloy 2 sequentially move. This neuropathy inspection device 80 presses the diaphragm 4 of the information transmission device 1 against the base of the toes of the human body, applies a pulse voltage to the shape memory alloy 2 by a signal generation circuit, and at that time the person vibrates. It is used for examination of peripheral nerve paralysis based on whether or not it feels moving.

  Conventionally, a method for inspecting the degree of paralysis of the peripheral nerve by applying a slight vibration to the finger of the hand is known, but the paralysis of the peripheral nerve due to diabetes or the like is more serious in the foot. There are many examples in which the patient suffered from an infectious disease and had to cut his / her foot without feeling paralyzed, without feeling pain such as rubbing shoes, and a large wound. In addition, as a method for inspecting the degree of peripheral nerve paralysis by the foot, there is an inspection method with a tuning fork. This method is qualitative and skillful. In fact, paralysis starts from the toes, but there is nothing to measure it. In fact, the type of conduction is clearly different in periosteal conduction in the test with the heel, and in the conduction with receptors such as the patina body in the examination with the toes. Examination with periosteal conduction other than sputum is impossible. However, disorders such as blood flow occur from the toes, and it is surmised that the examination at the toes is much more sensitive than the examination by the heel. It is necessary to correlate the toe data with the data at the foot. At present, it is not clear how much vibration is appropriate for which part of the foot. In addition, the foot inspection must take into account the weight and a structure that protects the device from damage.

  The neuropathy inspection device 80 applies microvibration using the shape memory alloy 2 to inspect the neuropathy at the toes of the human body. As shown in FIGS. 10, 11 (a) and 11 (b), in each information transmission device 1 provided in the neuropathy testing device 80, the substrate 3 is attached to the inside of the device housing 5, and the diaphragm 4 is It is arranged in a state where it faces the outside of the device housing 5 and can come into contact with the living body. In this embodiment, the vibration plate 4 has three vibration pins 41, and the vibration pins 41 are arranged around the guide pins 42 at equal intervals. The flat plate portion 43 of the diaphragm 4 is about 18 mm × 10 mm. The flat plate portion 43 is applied to the toes of the human body. The flat plate portion 43 has this size because it requires a large area to be applied to the toes. The device housing 5 is a box-shaped container of about 20 × 30 mm, and a hole 51 for the vibration pin 41 and a hole 52 for the guide pin 42 are opened in the top plate portion 50 of the device housing 5. The vibration pin 41 and the guide pin 42 are inserted from the outside. The vibration pin 41 and the guide pin 42 are inserted into the hole 31 and the hole 32 of the substrate 3 inside the apparatus housing 5. Other configurations of the information transmission device 1 are the same as those in the above embodiment. However, since the top plate portion 50 of the apparatus housing 5 exists between the flat plate portion 43 of the vibration plate 4 and the substrate 3, the flat plate portion 43 of the vibration plate 4 is several from the top plate portion 50 of the device housing 5. It is in a state of floating about mm.

  Each information transmission device 1 is provided in each of the plurality of outer boxes 81 so as to be movable up and down, and the flat plate portion 43 of the diaphragm 4 faces the outside of the outer box 81. The plurality of outer boxes 81 are attached to the gantry 82. The device housing 5 and the outer box 81 are connected by a spring 83, and when the toes are brought into contact with the diaphragm 4, a constant pressure is maintained so as not to overload the shape memory alloy 2, The diaphragm 4 can be fitted to the back of the toes. In the present embodiment, four outer boxes 81 are arranged, and the total length of the neuropathy inspection apparatus 80 is about 80 mm. Further, the four outer boxes 81 were installed close to each other so as to present a feeling of vibration moving between the diaphragms 4. In addition, each outer box 81 is attached to a pedestal 82 so that it can slide, and since the base of the toes has an arch shape, the outer box 81 can be arranged and adjusted in an arch shape so as to follow it. It has become.

  The signal generation circuit (not shown) has a driver for driving each shape memory alloy 2 of the plurality of information transmission devices 1 (applying a pulse voltage to each shape memory alloy 2), and the drive waveform is stored in the driver. The microcomputer which can be installed is installed, and the indicator is attached so that a man interface can be done. Furthermore, it is configured so that vibration can be presented by connecting to a personal computer via LAN, USB or the like so that advanced vibration can be presented, developing a more advanced pattern on the personal computer, and downloading it. By doing so, it is possible to greatly increase the reliability of diagnosis, such as obtaining stronger vibration and sequentially driving the vibration to move each diaphragm 4.

  In the method of inspecting the degree of paralysis of the peripheral nerve by giving a slight vibration to the toes, we examined how much vibration is necessary. It turned out to be. In an actual patient, the foot has a greater decrease in sensation than the hand. Therefore, the vibration intensity is several times that required when a conventional hand is given a slight vibration. By using the neuropathy examination apparatus 80, this purpose can be achieved. As shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b), the diaphragm 4 of each information transmission device 1 of the neuropathy testing device 80 is brought into contact with the base of the toe and vibrations of the diaphragm 4 are used by using a sequential drive method or the like. The reliability of the inspection can be increased by moving the movement into the inspection item. The base of the toe is close to the bone and is ideal for examination. Individual differences in the shape of soles such as toes are very large. In particular, the difference between fingers is large and it does not move freely like a hand. Therefore, we measured the base of the toe, which is relatively easy to measure. There is a bone nearby, and the nerve is close to the surface, which is suitable for vibration measurement.

  According to the neuropathy inspection apparatus 80 of the present embodiment, it is possible to inspect the degree of paralysis of the peripheral nerve by giving a slight vibration to the toes. Actually, by using the neuropathy test apparatus 80, four diaphragms 4 are pressed against the base of the toes, and each shape memory alloy 2 is driven, so that the bases of the toes of dozens of healthy persons are used. I could feel enough vibration. Further, in an experiment in which the four diaphragms 4 were sequentially driven to feel a sense of movement, all persons could feel it. Since the toes of people with peripheral nerve paralysis due to diabetes or the like are considerably insensitive, this neuropathy test apparatus 80 was able to sufficiently determine that they were healthy. In particular, it is possible to clearly determine that the moving direction is also the object of inspection rather than simply determining whether or not the user feels vibration.

  In addition, since the spring 83 is disposed between the device housing 5 and the outer box 81, the diaphragm 4 can be appropriately fitted to the toes when the toes are brought into contact with the diaphragm 4. Diagnosis can be made by appropriately applying vibration of the diaphragm 4 to the toes. In addition, the shape memory alloy 2 is not overloaded, and the shape memory alloy 2 can be prevented from being damaged. Further, since each outer box 81 is attached to the gantry 82 so as to be slidable, the position of each outer box 81 is adjusted to follow the toes, so that each diaphragm 4 is properly attached to the toes. It can be made to fit, and it can diagnose by giving the vibration of each diaphragm 4 to a toe appropriately.

  FIG. 13 shows a modification of the information transmission device 1 in the neuropathy inspection device 80, and FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the diaphragm 4. In this modification, the diaphragm 4 of the information transmission device 1 has a dome-shaped convex portion 45 on the flat plate portion 43 in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment. About another structure, it is the same as that of the said embodiment. The vibration of the diaphragm 4 becomes stronger as the shape memory alloy 2 is tensioned. For this reason, if the place where the diaphragm 4 is suppressed is different, the tension applied to the plurality of shape memory alloys 2 may be different, and the vibration intensity of the diaphragm 4 may be different. For example, in the state where the three shape memory alloys 2 are not evenly tensioned, even if the three shape memory alloys 2 are simultaneously driven, the vibration intensity of the diaphragm 4 does not triple. By having the dome-shaped convex portion 45, the force applied to the diaphragm 4 by the toes is transmitted evenly and vertically to the plurality of vibration pins 41, and the plurality of shape memory alloys 2 are uniformly tensioned, and the diaphragm The vibration of 4 can be felt more strongly. If the substrate 3 to which the shape memory alloy 2 is attached is floated with a spring instead of the configuration having the convex portions 45, the diaphragm 4 and the substrate 3 are integrated, and the three shape memory alloys 2 are successfully tensioned. A similar effect can be obtained. If a contact plate that contacts the toes is provided instead of the configuration having the convex portions 45 and the space between the flat plate portion 43 and the contact plate is received via a sphere, the force applied from the toes to the contact plate is reduced to the sphere. Therefore, the flat plate portion 43 is pushed vertically, and the tension is evenly applied to the three shape memory alloys 2 to obtain the same effect.

  In addition, this invention is not restricted to the structure of the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, the vibration plate 4 may have only one vibration pin 41 or may have three or more vibration pins 41. Moreover, the diaphragm 4 may not have the guide pins 42. The substrate 3 may also serve as a part of the device housing 5. Moreover, the pattern of the pulse voltage applied to the shape memory alloy 2 and the period during which the pulse voltage is applied to each shape memory alloy 2 may be arbitrary. A variety of vibrations can be presented by arbitrarily adjusting the pulse voltage pattern and the period during which the pulse voltage is applied.

1 Information transmission device 2 Shape memory alloy (SMA)
3 Substrate 4 Diaphragm 5 Device housing 6 Signal generation circuit 7 Microcomputer
8 SMA drive board 9 Display device 10 Host computer (PC)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Indicator 31, 32 Hole 39 Caulking 41 Vibrating pin 41a Tip part 41b Groove 42 Guide pin 43 Flat plate part 45 Convex part 60, 80 Neuropathy inspection apparatus 81 Outer box 82 Mounting frame 83 Spring

Claims (4)

In an information transmission device for transmitting a signal by giving vibration to the living body generated by energizing a shape memory alloy to a living body,
A substrate on which a shape memory alloy is disposed;
A vibration plate that is held in a floating state on the substrate and vibrates in response to vibrations of the shape memory alloy,
The substrate is attached to a device housing,
The vibration plate is arranged in a state where it faces the outside of the device housing and can contact a living body, and has a vibration pin inserted into a hole provided in the substrate, and the shape memory alloy is suspended on the vibration pin. An information transmission device characterized by being passed. The diaphragm has at least two of the vibration pins, and in addition to the vibration pins, a guide pin that is inserted into a hole different from the above provided in the substrate and guides the vibration movement of the diaphragm. Have
The information transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration pins are disposed on both sides of the guide pin. The information transmission device according to claim 1 or 2,
A signal generation circuit that applies a pulse voltage that attenuates or amplifies the shape memory alloy with an exponential function or maintains a predetermined frequency; and
Pressing the diaphragm against a human heel, applying a pulse voltage to the shape memory alloy by the signal generating circuit, and subjecting the person to feel a vibration at that time, or subjecting it to a neurological disorder test, A neuropathy examination apparatus characterized by the above. A plurality of the information transmission devices according to claim 1 or 2 are arranged in a row so as to follow the base of the toes of a human body,
A signal generating circuit for applying a pulse voltage to each shape memory alloy of the plurality of information transmission devices;
The signal generation circuit applies a pulse voltage to each shape memory alloy so that the vibration of the shape memory alloy moves sequentially,
Peripheral nerve palsy based on whether or not a person feels a movement of vibration by applying a pulse voltage to the shape memory alloy by the signal generation circuit by pressing the diaphragm against the base of a human toe A neuropathy inspection apparatus, characterized in that it is used for the inspection of