JP6836262B2 - Oral pressure measuring device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an oral pressure measuring device.

With the progress of the aging society, the number of people with eating and swallowing disorders is expected to increase. Dysphagia is caused by age-related illnesses (stroke, cancer, etc.) and muscle weakness.
In particular, elderly people may suffer from infectious diseases due to malnutrition, weakened physical strength and immunity if they do not eat enough, but may end up in a life-threatening state such as aspiration pneumonia due to dysphagia if they eat forcibly. ..

Dysphagia is associated with tongue pressure, lip pressure, and cheek pressure. That is, when chewing, food is collected in a bolus by tongue pressure, and when swallowing, the bolus is transferred from the oral cavity to the pharyngeal esophagus by a coordinated movement of tongue pressure, cheek pressure, and lip pressure. Therefore, tongue pressure, lip pressure, and cheek pressure play important roles in eating and swallowing exercises.

Generally, for diagnosing dysphagia, video X-ray fluoroscopy (VF) examination of swallowing, palpation of pharyngeal movement, water drinking test, etc. are used (for example, paragraph [0002] of Patent Document 1). reference). In the water drinking test performed as a screening test, 3 ml of cold water is poured into the oral floor of the subject, swallowing is ordered, and repeated swallowing is performed twice after swallowing. Then, the feeding / swallowing function is evaluated based on a predetermined evaluation standard.

However, the video X-ray fluoroscopy (VF) examination uses a complicated device, is expensive, and places a heavy burden on the subject. In addition, in palpation and drinking tests, the evaluator's subjectivity may be included in the evaluation.

On the other hand, an oral pressure measuring device for measuring oral pressure such as tongue pressure, lip pressure, and cheek pressure has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
In particular, measuring the maximum strength of the tongue muscle strength generated by the action of the tongue when chewing or swallowing food is one of the screening tests for diagnosing eating and swallowing function.

JP-A-2007-260273 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-204940

The oral pressure measuring device described in Patent Document 2 detects the air pressure when a balloon (pad for measuring oral pressure) inflated by applying a predetermined pressure in advance is inserted into the oral cavity and pressed with the tongue to detect the tongue pressure. Is to be measured. Then, Patent Document 2 describes that the swallowing tongue pressure is measured by continuously monitoring the pressure change when the swallowing motion is performed by holding the balloon in the mouth with the liquid contained in the mouth (paragraph). (See [0025]).

However, in the conventional oral pressure measuring device, when measuring the oral pressure such as tongue pressure during swallowing, before and after positioning the balloon (pad for measuring oral pressure) in the oral cavity, the oral cavity is used from outside the oral cavity, for example, by using a syringe or the like. It is necessary to inject water inside. For this reason, there is a possibility that the position of the oral pressure measuring pad may shift during water injection, and there is a problem that stable measurement becomes difficult.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an oral pressure measuring device capable of easily and stably measuring the oral pressure during swallowing.

In order to solve the above problems, the oral pressure measuring device according to the present invention includes a hollow portion having a space inside and a tubular connecting portion connected to the hollow portion and communicated with the inside of the hollow portion. and use the pad, the mouth pressure comprises a measuring water injection outlet portion which is attached to the pad, have a, a water injection means for water injection into the oral cavity from the injection outlet when measuring mouth pressure, the water injection means Is provided with a water injection bag having a space inside which water can be filled and the water injection outlet portion provided in the water injection bag, and is connected to the oral pressure measuring pad in succession, depending on the subject at the time of measurement. It is characterized in that the water pre-filled in the water injection bag is injected into the oral cavity from the water injection outlet portion by the meshing pressure or the oral pressure.

In such a configuration, when measuring the oral pressure during swallowing, first, the oral pressure measuring pad is inserted into the oral cavity and positioned. Then, by activating the water injection means, water is injected into the oral cavity from the water injection outlet portion attached to the oral pressure measuring pad. Therefore, before and after positioning the oral pressure measuring pad in the oral cavity, it is not necessary to inject water from outside the oral cavity into the oral cavity using a syringe or the like, and the position of the oral pressure measuring pad shifts during water injection. Can be suppressed. Subsequently, when swallowing the water injected into the oral cavity, the oral pressure is measured by pressing the oral pressure measuring pad with the oral pressure.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an oral pressure measuring device capable of easily and stably measuring the oral pressure during swallowing.

In addition , with the oral pressure measurement pad positioned in the oral cavity, the subject chews the water injection bag or presses it with the oral pressure to apply an external force, so that water can be easily injected into the oral cavity from the water injection outlet of the water injection bag. can do.

In the oral pressure measuring device, it is preferable that the water injection outlet portion is provided with a valve that opens by the meshing pressure or the oral pressure by the subject.

In such a configuration, the valve provided at the water injection outlet is opened by applying an external force to the water injection bag, and the valve provided at the water injection outlet is not opened when no external force is applied to the water injection bag. Therefore, since the leakage of water from the water injection bag can be suppressed, a certain amount of water can be more reliably injected into the oral cavity.

In the oral pressure measuring device, the oral pressure measuring pad is preferably one selected from a cheek pressure measuring pad, a tongue pressure measuring pad, and a lip pressure measuring pad.

In such a configuration, one of the cheek pressure measuring pad, the tongue pressure measuring pad, and the lip pressure measuring pad is selected and used. This makes it possible to easily and stably measure cheek pressure, tongue pressure, and lip pressure during swallowing.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an oral pressure measuring device capable of easily and stably measuring the oral pressure at the time of swallowing.

It is a block diagram which shows typically the oral pressure measuring apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. 2 (a) is a side view of the cheek pressure measuring pad, FIG. 2 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIb-IIb of FIG. 2 (a), and FIG. 2 (c) is a cheek pressure measuring pad. It is a perspective view of. 3 (a) is a plan view of the tongue pressure measuring pad, FIG. 3 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIb-IIIb of FIG. 3 (a), and FIG. 3 (c) is a tongue pressure measuring pad. It is a perspective view of. 4 (a) is a plan view of the lip pressure measuring pad, FIG. 4 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVb-IVb of FIG. 4 (a), and FIG. 4 (c) is a lip pressure measuring pad. It is a perspective view of. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the main body part. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control means shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of a communication terminal. It is a figure for demonstrating how the cheek pressure measuring pad is inserted into the oral cavity. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of measuring the cheek pressure at the time of swallowing. It is sectional drawing which follows the XX line of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating how the pad for measuring tongue pressure is positioned in the oral cavity. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of measuring the tongue pressure at the time of swallowing. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of measuring the lip pressure at the time of swallowing. It is a block diagram which shows typically the oral pressure measuring apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of measuring the cheek pressure at the time of swallowing. It is a block diagram which shows typically the oral pressure measuring apparatus when the pad for measuring tongue pressure is used. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of measuring the tongue pressure at the time of swallowing. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of measuring the lip pressure at the time of swallowing. It is a figure which shows the water injection means which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the water injection means which concerns on another modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is external drawing of the main body part which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the main body part.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
In each figure, common components and similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an oral pressure measuring device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the oral pressure measuring device 100 includes a cheek pressure measuring pad 2, a tube 4, a main body 5, and a communication terminal 6.
Further, in the present embodiment, the oral pressure measuring device 100 includes a tongue pressure measuring pad 1 (see FIG. 3) and a lip pressure measuring pad 3 (see FIG. 4) that can be used in place of the cheek pressure measuring pad 2. Further prepared.

FIG. 2A is a side view of the cheek pressure measurement pad 2, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIb-IIb of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2C is for cheek pressure measurement. It is a perspective view of a pad 2.

The cheek pressure measuring pad 2 is used for measuring the pressing force (cheek pressure) on the dentition of the cheek molars.
As shown in FIG. 2, the cheek pressure measuring pad 2 includes a cheek pressure measuring hollow portion 21, a cheek pressure measuring connecting portion 22, and a wing portion 23.

The hollow portion 21 for measuring cheek pressure has a space 211 (see FIG. 2B) inside. The hollow portion 21 for measuring cheek pressure has a substantially oval shape (track shape) when viewed from above or below (see FIG. 2B), and has a substantially oval shape (track shape) when viewed from the side. It is presented (see FIG. 2 (a)). Further, the hollow portion 21 for measuring cheek pressure is configured so that the width dimension B2 in the lateral direction is smaller than the height dimension H2 in the vertical direction. The cheek pressure measurement connecting portion 22 is continuously provided in the cheek pressure measuring hollow portion 21. The cheek pressure measuring connection portion 22 communicates with the inside of the cheek pressure measuring hollow portion 21 and has a tubular shape.

The wing portion 23 is connected to the side surface 212 of the hollow portion 21 for measuring cheek pressure. The wing portion 23 has a water injection bag 231 (see FIG. 2B) having a substantially quadrangular flat bag shape when viewed in a plan view, and a water injection outlet portion 232 provided on the side surface of the water injection bag 231 (FIG. 2B). See) and. In this way, the water injection outlet portion 232 is fixed to the cheek pressure measuring hollow portion 21 via the water injection bag 231. That is, the water injection outlet portion 232 is attached to the cheek pressure measuring pad 2. Here, the wing portion 23 functions as a water injection means for injecting water into the oral cavity from the water injection outlet portion 232 when measuring the cheek pressure during swallowing, and may be hereinafter referred to as a water injection means 23.

The water injection bag 231 is continuously provided in the cheek pressure measurement hollow portion 21 of the cheek pressure measurement pad 2, and has a space 233 (see FIG. 2B) in which water can be previously filled and stored. ing. The water injection outlet portion 232 has a water injection port 234 (see FIG. 2B) into which the water in the water injection bag 231 is injected.

The wing portion 23 is provided parallel to the central axis L2 (see FIG. 2B) of the hollow portion 21 for measuring cheek pressure and the connecting portion 22 for measuring cheek pressure. The wing portion 23 is located between the upper and lower molars in a state where the hollow portion 21 for measuring cheek pressure is arranged between the cheek and the dentition of the molars.

The water injection outlet portion 232 is provided with a valve 235 that opens due to the meshing pressure of the subject. The valve 235 has a substantially disk shape, and a part of the outer peripheral edge of the valve 235 is joined to the peripheral edge of the water injection port 234 at the water injection outlet portion 232. This joining may be performed by integral molding, fusion, adhesion, or the like. Then, the valve 235 is opened by the deformation and water pressure of the water injection bag 231 when the subject bites the water injection bag 231 of the wing portion 23 between the upper and lower molars. However, the valve 235 is omitted when the water leakage from the water injection outlet 232 before the measurement can be almost ignored, for example, when the water injection port 234 of the water injection outlet 232 is formed by a cross-shaped notch. It may be good (the same applies to the valves 135 and 345 described later).

The cheek pressure measuring pad 2 is integrally formed of an elastic material. As the elastic material, silicone rubber is used here, but the elastic material is not limited to this, and for example, various natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and the like can be used. Here, the cheek pressure measuring pad 2 is formed by injection molding or compression molding. However, the wing portion 23 may be formed as a separate body and may be joined to the hollow portion 21 for measuring cheek pressure by fusion or adhesion.

The cheek pressure measuring pad 2 has airtightness between the inside and the outside. Further, the cheek pressure measuring pad 2 holds the internal space 211 by its own elastic force. That is, even if an external pressure is applied and the material is deformed, when the external pressure is removed, the original shape is quickly restored to its original shape. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply a predetermined pressure to the cheek pressure measuring pad 2 in advance to expand it, and no special pressurizing device is required.

3 (a) is a plan view of the tongue pressure measuring pad 1, FIG. 3 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIb-IIIb of FIG. 3 (a), and FIG. 3 (c) is for measuring tongue pressure. It is a perspective view of a pad 1. However, in the used state, FIG. 3A corresponds to a view seen from below.

The tongue pressure measuring pad 1 is used for measuring the pressing force (tongue pressure) of the tongue against the palate.
As shown in FIG. 3, the tongue pressure measuring pad 1 includes a tongue pressure measuring hollow portion 11 and a tongue pressure measuring connecting portion 12.

The hollow portion 11 for measuring tongue pressure has a space 111 (see FIG. 3B) inside. The hollow portion 11 for measuring tongue pressure has a substantially elliptical shape when viewed from above or below (see FIG. 3A), and has a substantially oval shape (track shape) when viewed from the side (FIG. 3). 3 (b)). Further, the hollow portion 11 for measuring tongue pressure is configured so that the width dimension B1 in the lateral direction is larger than the height dimension H1 in the vertical direction. The tongue pressure measuring connection portion 12 is continuously provided in the tongue pressure measuring hollow portion 11. The tongue pressure measuring connection portion 12 communicates with the inside of the tongue pressure measuring hollow portion 11 and has a tubular shape.

A positioning portion 113 is provided on the lower surface 112 of the hollow portion 11 for measuring tongue pressure. The positioning portion 113 positions the tongue pressure measuring hollow portion 11 in the oral cavity by applying the tip of the tongue to the positioning portion 113 in a state where the tongue pressure measuring hollow portion 11 is arranged between the tongue and the palate. Has the function of

In the present embodiment, the positioning portion 113 is a recessed portion (recessed portion) that is recessed toward the inside of the hollow portion 11 for measuring tongue pressure. However, the positioning portion 113 is not limited to the recessed portion, and may be, for example, a convex portion protruding toward the outside of the hollow portion 11 for measuring tongue pressure, or the surface can be perceived by the tactile sense of the tip of the tongue. It may be a high surface roughness portion having a roughened surface.

A water injection outlet 132 of the water injection means 13 is continuously provided at the tongue pressure measurement connection 12 of the tongue pressure measurement pad 1. The water injection means 13 may be integrally molded with the tongue pressure measuring pad 1, or may be joined by fusion or adhesion. The water injection means 13 includes a water injection bag 131 having a bag shape having a substantially ellipsoidal outer shape, and a water injection outlet 132 provided on the tongue pressure measuring hollow portion 11 side of the water injection bag 131. The water injection means 13 has a function of injecting water into the oral cavity from the water injection outlet 132 when measuring the tongue pressure during swallowing.

The water injection bag 131 has a space 133 (see FIG. 3B) that can be filled with water in advance and stored. The water injection outlet portion 132 has a water injection port 134 (see FIG. 3B) into which the water in the water injection bag 231 is injected.

The water injection outlet 132 is provided with a valve 135 that opens due to the bite pressure or lip pressure of the subject. The valve 135 has a substantially disk shape, and a part of the outer peripheral edge of the valve 135 is joined to the peripheral edge of the water injection port 134 at the water injection outlet portion 132. Then, the valve 135 is opened by the deformation and water pressure of the water injection bag 131 when the subject presses the water injection bag 131 by the meshing pressure or the lip pressure.

Here, the tongue pressure measuring pad 1 is formed of the same material and molding method as the cheek pressure measuring pad 2, and has the same airtightness and shape restoration property as the tongue pressure measuring pad 1. doing.

4 (a) is a plan view of the lip pressure measuring pad 3, FIG. 4 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVb-IVb of FIG. 4 (a), and FIG. 4 (c) is for measuring lip pressure. It is a perspective view of a pad 3.

The lip pressure measuring pad 3 is used for measuring the pressing force (lip pressure) between the upper lip and the lower lip.
As shown in FIG. 4, the lip pressure measuring pad 3 includes a lip pressure measuring hollow portion 31, a lip pressure measuring connecting portion 32, and a collar portion 33.

The hollow portion 31 for measuring lip pressure has a space 311 (see FIG. 4B) inside. The hollow portion 31 for measuring lip pressure has a substantially quadrangular shape or a substantially pentagonal shape when viewed from above or below (see FIG. 4A), and has a substantially quadrangular shape or a substantially oval shape (track shape) when viewed from the side. It is presented (see FIG. 4 (b)). Further, the hollow portion 31 for measuring lip pressure is configured so that the width dimension B3 in the lateral direction is larger than the height dimension H3 in the vertical direction. The lip pressure measuring connection portion 32 is continuously provided in the lip pressure measuring hollow portion 31. The lip pressure measuring connection portion 32 communicates with the inside of the lip pressure measuring hollow portion 31 and has a tubular shape.

The collar portion 33 is provided on the side of the hollow portion 31 for measuring lip pressure opposite to the connecting portion 32 for measuring lip pressure, and has a substantially quadrangular plate shape. The collar portion 33 is provided perpendicular to the central axis L3 (see FIG. 4C) of the hollow portion 31 for measuring lip pressure and the connecting portion 32 for measuring lip pressure. The collar portion 33 is located between the front teeth and the lips in a state where the hollow portion 31 for measuring lip pressure is arranged between the upper lip and the lower lip.

A water injection bag 341 of the water injection means 34 is continuously provided on the side of the collar portion 33 of the lip pressure measurement pad 3 opposite to the lip pressure measurement hollow portion 31. The water injection means 34 may be integrally molded with the lip pressure measuring pad 3, or may be joined by fusion or adhesion. The water injection means 34 includes a water injection bag 341 having a bag shape having a substantially ellipsoidal outer shape, and a water injection outlet portion 342 provided on the side of the water injection bag 341 opposite to the collar portion 33. The water injection means 34 has a function of injecting water into the oral cavity from the water injection outlet portion 342 when measuring the lip pressure during swallowing.

The water injection bag 341 has a space 343 (see FIG. 4B) that can be filled with water in advance and stored. The water injection outlet portion 342 has a water injection port 344 (see FIG. 4B) into which the water in the water injection bag 341 is injected.

The water injection outlet portion 342 is provided with a valve 345 that opens due to tongue pressure by the subject. The valve 345 has a substantially disk shape, and a part of the outer peripheral edge of the valve 345 is joined to the peripheral edge of the water injection port 344 at the water injection outlet portion 342. Then, the valve 345 is opened by the deformation and water pressure of the water injection bag 341 when the subject presses the water injection bag 341 by the tongue pressure.

Here, the lip pressure measuring pad 3 is formed of the same material and molding method as the tongue pressure measuring pad 1, and has the same airtightness and shape restoration property as the tongue pressure measuring pad 1. doing. However, the collar portion 33 may be formed as a separate body and may be joined to the hollow portion 31 for measuring lip pressure by fusion or adhesion.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tube 4 includes a buccal pressure measurement connection 22 (see FIG. 2) of the buccal pressure measurement pad 2 and a tongue pressure measurement connection 12 (see FIG. 3) of the tongue pressure measurement pad 1. Or, it is detachably connected to the lip pressure measuring connection portion 32 (see FIG. 4) of the lip pressure measuring pad 3. Here, the tip end of the tube 4 is inserted into and fitted into the opening of the cheek pressure measuring connection 22, the tongue pressure measuring connecting 12, or the lip pressure measuring connecting 32.

Since it is necessary to smoothly pull out the internal mold of the lip pressure measuring connection portion 32 (see FIG. 4) when the lip pressure measuring pad 3 is formed, the tongue pressure measuring connecting portion 12 and the cheek pressure measuring portion 12 are used. The inner diameter is larger than that of the connecting portion 22. Therefore, the tube 4 has the lip pressure of the lip pressure measuring pad 3 (see FIG. 4) via a relatively small substantially cylindrical adapter (not shown) having an inner diameter equivalent to that of the tongue pressure measuring connecting portion 12. It is designed to be connected to the measurement connection unit 32.

The main body 5 is provided with a main body side connection 51 that is detachably connected to the end of the tube 4 on the base end side (opposite side of the cheek pressure measuring pad 2). Here, the end portion on the tip end side of the main body side connection portion 51 is inserted into the opening of the end portion on the base end side of the tube 4 and fitted. The main body 5 measures intraoral pressure such as cheek pressure, tongue pressure, and lip pressure from the air pressure transmitted to the main body side connection portion 51.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main body portion 5. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control means 53 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the main body 5 includes a pressure electrical conversion means 52, a control means 53, an operation means 54, a display means 55, a storage means 56, and a communication means 57.

The pressure-electric conversion means 52 detects the air pressure transmitted from the cheek pressure measuring pad 2 or the like to the main body side connection portion via the tube 4, and converts the air pressure into an electric signal. The pressure-electric conversion means 52 uses, for example, a strain gauge type pressure converter provided in the main body side connection portion 51 or a condenser microphone that converts a change in capacitance between electrodes that changes due to air vibration into an electric signal. It may be a thing. Alternatively, an omnidirectional microphone or the like that detects a change in the outflow sound of air from the pinhole may be used in the closed space provided in the main body side connection portion 51.

The control means 53 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory, and controls the entire main body 5. Further, the control means 53 processes the electric signal obtained from the pressure-electric conversion means 52 as measurement information, and transmits the measurement result to the display means 55. Further, the control means 53 transmits the operation information from the operation means 54 and the storage information from the storage means 56 to the communication means 57, and communicates with the communication terminal 6 using a radio such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). be able to.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control means 53 includes an amplifier 531, a frequency filter 532, an A / D converter 533, and a conversion means 534. The amplifier 531 amplifies the electrical signal obtained from the pressure electrical conversion means 52. The frequency filter 532 removes noise components in the electrical signal. The A / D converter 533 converts an analog electrical signal into a digital signal. The conversion means 534 performs an calculation for adjustment according to the type of the oral pressure measuring pad connected to the distal end portion of the tube 4. Here, the volume, internal pressure, and repulsive force of the oral pressure measuring pad when external pressure is applied differ depending on the shape and material of the oral pressure measuring pad connected to the tube 4. Therefore, even if the same external pressure is applied to different types of oral pressure measuring pads, the detected values of the internal pressures of the oral pressure measuring pads will be different. On the other hand, the control means 53 performs an calculation for adjustment according to the type of the oral pressure measuring pad, so that the measurement information is processed as an appropriate value regardless of the type of the oral pressure measuring pad. It becomes possible. Specifically, the conversion means 534 uses a conversion formula prepared in advance according to the type of the oral pressure measuring pad. This conversion formula is derived based on the measured data. Examples of the type of the oral pressure measuring pad include three types, a cheek pressure measuring pad 2, a tongue pressure measuring pad 1, and a lip pressure measuring pad 3. That is, the term "oral pressure measuring pad" is used as a general term for the cheek pressure measuring pad 2, the tongue pressure measuring pad 1, and the lip pressure measuring pad 3.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the operating means 54 is for performing various inputs to the main body 5, for example, for turning the power on / off and resetting the displayed measurement result of the oral pressure. Used for. The display means 55 displays various information such as the current value and the maximum value (peak value) of the oral pressure. The storage means 56 is a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like, and stores and stores various information such as measurement information of oral pressure.
The reset process is a function for accurately measuring only the pressure applied to the oral pressure measurement pad, with the pressure value naturally applied when the oral pressure measurement pad is placed at the measurement location as the reference point (zero point). Has (calibration function).

The communication means 57 is an interface for communicating with the communication terminal 6. The communication method used in the communication means 57 is Bluetooth (registered trademark) here, but the communication method is not limited to this, and other wireless communication or wired communication may be used. As the wireless communication, for example, wireless LAN, ultrasonic communication, infrared communication, visible light communication and the like can be used. As the wired communication, for example, a wired LAN or the like can be used.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication terminal 6 includes a display unit 61. The communication terminal 6 is a smartphone here, and the display unit 61 is a touch panel for displaying various information or performing various inputs. However, the communication terminal 6 may be a tablet PC or a notebook PC.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 61 of the communication terminal 6.
As shown in FIG. 7, the display unit 61 has a start button 611 for instructing the start of measurement, an end button 612 for instructing the end of measurement, and an oral pressure for designating the type of oral pressure to be measured. The type designation check box 613, the analog measurement result 614 showing the oral pressure in a graph, and the digital measurement result 615 showing the current value and the maximum value of the oral pressure are displayed. Here, the time-series data of the measurement information of the oral pressure from the pressing of the start button 611 to the pressing of the end button 612, the maximum value (peak value), and the like can be stored in the storage means 56.

Next, a method of measuring the oral pressure using the oral pressure measuring device 100 will be described.
First, a method of measuring cheek pressure during swallowing will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining how the cheek pressure measuring pad 2 is inserted into the oral cavity. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining how to measure cheek pressure during swallowing. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG.
When measuring the cheek pressure at the time of swallowing, the water injection bag 231 of the water injection means (wing portion) 23 is pre-filled with water from the water injection port 234 using a syringe or the like. Then, the cheek pressure measuring pad 2 is connected to the tip end side of the tube 4 connected to the main body 5 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). At this time, in the oral pressure type designation check box 613 displayed on the display unit 61 of the communication terminal 6, the “cheek pressure: left” or “cheek pressure: right” box is checked (see FIG. 7). After that, as shown in FIG. 8, the cheek pressure measuring pad 2 is inserted into the oral cavity. Then, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 10, the water injection means (wing portion) 23 is the upper molar tooth and the lower molar tooth in a state where the hollow portion 21 for measuring the cheek pressure is arranged between the cheek 103 and the dentition 104 of the molar tooth portion. It is bitten and sandwiched between. As a result, the cheek pressure measuring pad 2 is stably positioned at an appropriate position. Further, when the subject bites and presses the water injection bag 231 of the water injection means (wing portion) 23 to apply an external force, the valve 235 is opened and water is injected into the oral cavity from the water injection port 234 of the water injection outlet portion 232. Subsequently, when the subject swallows the water injected into the oral cavity, the subject presses the hollow portion 21 for cheek pressure measurement with the cheek 103, so that the connection portion 51 on the main body side from the cheek pressure measurement pad 2 via the tube 4 The cheek pressure is measured in the main body 5 based on the air pressure transmitted to.

Next, a method for measuring tongue pressure during swallowing will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 12.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining how the tongue pressure measuring pad 1 is positioned in the oral cavity. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining how to measure tongue pressure during swallowing.
When measuring the tongue pressure during swallowing, the water injection bag 131 of the water injection means 13 is pre-filled with water from the water injection port 134 using a syringe or the like. Then, the tongue pressure measuring pad 1 is connected to the tip end side of the tube 4 connected to the main body 5 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). At this time, in the oral pressure type designation check box 613 displayed on the display unit 61 of the communication terminal 6, the "tongue pressure" box is checked (see FIG. 7). After that, as shown in FIG. 11, the tongue pressure measuring pad 1 is inserted into the oral cavity, and the tongue tip is recessed while the tongue pressure measuring hollow portion 11 is arranged between the tongue 101 and the palate 102. It is applied to the positioning portion 113 which is. As a result, the tongue pressure measuring pad 1 is stably positioned at an appropriate position. Further, when the subject presses the water injection bag 131 of the water injection means 13 with meshing pressure or lip pressure to apply an external force, the valve 135 opens and water is injected into the oral cavity from the water injection port 134 of the water injection outlet portion 132. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 12, when the subject swallows the water injected into the oral cavity, the subject presses the hollow portion 11 for measuring tongue pressure with the tongue, so that the pad 1 for measuring tongue pressure is passed through the tube 4. The tongue pressure is measured in the main body 5 based on the air pressure transmitted to the main body side connection 51. In FIG. 12, the water injection means 13 is not shown for the sake of simplification.

Next, a method of measuring the lip pressure during swallowing will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining how the lip pressure during swallowing is measured.
When measuring the lip pressure during swallowing, the water injection bag 341 of the water injection means 34 is pre-filled with water from the water injection port 344 (see FIG. 4B) using a syringe or the like. Then, the lip pressure measuring pad 3 is connected to the tip end side of the tube 4 connected to the main body 5 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). At this time, in the oral pressure type designation check box 613 displayed on the display unit 61 of the communication terminal 6, the box of "lip pressure" is checked (see FIG. 7). After that, as shown in FIG. 13, the lip pressure measuring pad 3 is inserted into the oral cavity, and the lip pressure measuring hollow portion 31 is arranged between the upper lip 105 and the lower lip 106, and the collar portion 33 Is located between the anterior teeth 107 and the lips 105, 106 and is sandwiched. As a result, the lip pressure measuring pad 3 is stably positioned at an appropriate position. Further, when the subject presses the water injection bag 341 of the water injection means 34 with tongue pressure to apply an external force, the valve 345 (see FIG. 4B) opens and the water injection port 342 of the water injection outlet 342 opens the oral cavity. Water is injected into. Subsequently, when the subject swallows the water injected into the oral cavity, the subject presses the hollow portion 31 for lip pressure measurement between the upper lip 105 and the lower lip 106 to push the tube 4 from the lip pressure measurement pad 3 to the tube 4. The lip pressure is measured in the main body 5 based on the air pressure transmitted to the main body side connection 51 via the main body 5.

As described above, the oral pressure measuring device 100 according to the present embodiment has an oral pressure measuring pad (cheek pressure measuring pad 2, tongue pressure measuring pad 1, and lip pressure measuring pad 3). .. Further, the oral pressure measuring device 100 includes water injection outlets 232, 132, 342 attached to the oral pressure measuring pad, and water is injected into the oral cavity when measuring the oral pressure (cheek pressure, tongue pressure, and lip pressure). It has water injection means 23, 13, 34 for the purpose.

In such a configuration, when measuring the oral pressure during swallowing, first, the oral pressure measuring pad is inserted into the oral cavity and positioned. Then, by operating the water injection means 23, 13, 34, water is injected into the oral cavity from the water injection outlets 232, 132, 342 attached to the oral pressure measuring pad. Therefore, before and after positioning the oral pressure measuring pad in the oral cavity, it is not necessary to inject water from outside the oral cavity into the oral cavity using a syringe or the like, and the position of the oral pressure measuring pad shifts during water injection. Can be suppressed. Subsequently, when swallowing the water injected into the oral cavity, the oral pressure is measured by pressing the oral pressure measuring pad with the oral pressure.
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the oral pressure measuring device 100 capable of easily and stably measuring the oral pressure at the time of swallowing.

Further, in the present embodiment, the water injection means 23, 13, 34 are provided in the water injection bags 231, 131, 341 and the water injection bags 231, 131, 341 having spaces 233, 133, 343 in which water can be filled. It is provided with water injection outlets 232, 132, 342. Further, the water injection means 23, 13, 34 are connected to the oral pressure measuring pad in series. Then, the water pre-filled in the water injection bags 231 and 131, 341 is injected into the oral cavity from the water injection outlets 232, 132, 342 by the meshing pressure or the oral pressure by the subject at the time of measurement. In such a configuration, with the oral pressure measuring pad positioned in the oral cavity, the subject chews the water injection bags 231 and 131, 341 or presses them with the oral pressure to apply an external force to the water injection bags 231, Water can be easily injected into the oral cavity from the water injection outlets 232, 132, 342 of 131, 341.

Further, in the present embodiment, the water injection outlets 232, 132, 342 are provided with valves 235, 135, 345 that are opened by the meshing pressure or the oral pressure of the subject. In such a configuration, when an external force is applied to the water injection bags 231, 131, 341, the valves 235, 135, 345 provided at the water injection outlets 232, 132, 342 are opened. On the other hand, when no external force is applied to the water injection bags 231, 131, 341, the valves 235, 135, 345 provided at the water injection outlets 232, 132, 342 do not open. Therefore, since the leakage of water from the water injection bags 231, 131, 341 can be suppressed, a certain amount of water can be more reliably injected into the oral cavity.

Further, in the present embodiment, one of the cheek pressure measuring pad 2, the tongue pressure measuring pad 1, and the lip pressure measuring pad 3 is selected and used. This makes it possible to easily and stably measure cheek pressure, tongue pressure, and lip pressure during swallowing.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the common points will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the oral pressure measuring device 100a according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The water injection means 9 of the second embodiment has a different configuration from the water injection means 23, 13, 34 of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, the wing portion 23a of the cheek pressure measuring pad 2 has a substantially quadrangular plate shape in a plan view. That is, the wing portion 23a does not have a space inside. Further, the water injection outlet portion 232a is continuously provided to the cheek pressure measuring pad 2, and has, for example, an L-shaped bent tubular shape. The water injection outlet portion 232a may be integrally molded with the cheek pressure measuring pad 2, or may be joined by fusion or adhesion. The water injection outlet portion 232a has a water injection port 234a into which water is injected.

The water injection means 9 includes a water supply means 7 and a water injection tube 8. The water supply means 7 supplies a constant amount of water from the outside of the oral cavity toward the water injection outlet portion 232a. As the water supply means 7, a water injection cylinder device such as a syringe is used here. The water supply means 7 supplies water by sliding the piston 71 in the cylinder 72 by a manual operation in which the operator presses the rod 73. A scale 75 is attached to the cylinder 72 so that the amount of water injected can be confirmed. The water injection tube 8 is a tube for sending the water supplied from the water supply means 7 to the water injection outlet portion 232a connected to the cheek pressure measurement pad 2.

The water injection tube 8 is detachably connected to the base end side end of the water injection outlet portion 232a. Here, the end portion of the water injection outlet portion 232a on the base end side is inserted into the opening of the water injection tube 8 and fitted. The water supply means 7 is provided with a cylinder-side connection portion 74 that is detachably connected to the base end-side end of the water injection tube 8. Here, the end portion on the tip end side of the cylinder side connection portion 74 is inserted into the opening of the end portion on the base end side of the water injection tube 8 and fitted.

Next, a method of measuring the oral pressure during swallowing using the oral pressure measuring device 100a will be described. First, a method of measuring cheek pressure during swallowing will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining how to measure cheek pressure during swallowing.
When measuring the cheek pressure during swallowing, the water injection outlet portion 232a is connected to the tip side of the water injection tube 8 connected to the cylinder side connection portion 74, and the tip of the tube 4 connected to the main body portion 5 is connected. A cheek pressure measuring pad 2a is connected to the side (see FIG. 14). After that, as shown in FIG. 15, the cheek pressure measuring pad 2 is inserted into the oral cavity, and the cheek pressure measuring hollow portion 21 is arranged between the cheek 103 and the molar dentition 104. The portion 23a is bitten and sandwiched between the upper and lower molars. As a result, the cheek pressure measuring pad 2a is stably positioned at an appropriate position. Then, by manually operating the water supply means 7, the subject injects water into the oral cavity from the water injection port 234a of the water injection outlet portion 232a connected to the cheek pressure measurement pad 2 via the water injection tube 8. Subsequently, when the subject swallows the water injected into the oral cavity, the subject presses the hollow portion 21 for cheek pressure measurement with the cheek 103, so that the connection portion 51 on the main body side from the cheek pressure measurement pad 2 via the tube 4 The cheek pressure is measured in the main body 5 based on the air pressure transmitted to.

Next, a method of measuring tongue pressure during swallowing will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 17.
FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an oral pressure measuring device 100a when the tongue pressure measuring pad 1 is used. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining how to measure tongue pressure during swallowing.
As shown in FIG. 16, the water injection outlet portion 132a is continuously provided with the tongue pressure measuring pad 1, and has, for example, a tubular shape whose tip side is curved in an arc shape. When measuring the tongue pressure during swallowing, the water injection outlet 132a is connected to the tip side of the water injection tube 8 connected to the cylinder side connection 74, and the tip of the tube 4 connected to the main body 5 is connected. The tongue pressure measuring pad 1 is connected to the side. After that, as shown in FIG. 17, the tongue pressure measuring pad 1 is inserted into the oral cavity, and the tongue tip is recessed while the tongue pressure measuring hollow portion 11 is arranged between the tongue 101 and the palate 102. It is applied to the positioning portion 113 which is. As a result, the tongue pressure measuring pad 1 is stably positioned at an appropriate position. Then, the subject manually operates the water supply means 7 to inject water into the oral cavity from the water injection port 134a of the water injection outlet 132a connected to the tongue pressure measurement pad 1 via the water injection tube 8. Subsequently, when the subject swallows the water injected into the oral cavity, the subject presses the hollow portion 11 for measuring tongue pressure with the tongue, so that the tongue pressure measuring pad 1 is connected to the main body side connecting portion 51 via the tube 4. The tongue pressure is measured in the main body 5 based on the transmitted air pressure.

Next, a method of measuring the lip pressure during swallowing will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining how to measure lip pressure during swallowing.
As shown in FIG. 18, the water injection outlet portion 342a is continuously provided with the lip pressure measuring pad 3, and has, for example, a straight tubular shape. When measuring the lip pressure during swallowing, the water injection outlet portion 342a is connected to the tip side of the water injection tube 8 connected to the cylinder side connection portion 74, and the tip of the tube 4 connected to the main body portion 5 is connected. The lip pressure measuring pad 3 is connected to the side. After that, the lip pressure measuring pad 3 is inserted into the oral cavity, and the collar 33 is the front teeth 107 and the lips 105, while the lip pressure measuring hollow portion 31 is arranged between the upper lip 105 and the lower lip 106. It is located between 106 and sandwiched. As a result, the lip pressure measuring pad 3 is stably positioned at an appropriate position. Then, by manually operating the water supply means 7, the subject injects water into the oral cavity from the water injection port 344a of the water injection outlet portion 342a connected to the lip pressure measurement pad 3 via the water injection tube 8. Subsequently, when the subject swallows the water injected into the oral cavity, the subject presses the hollow portion 31 for lip pressure measurement between the upper lip 105 and the lower lip 106 to push the tube 4 from the lip pressure measurement pad 3 to the tube 4. The lip pressure is measured in the main body 5 based on the air pressure transmitted to the main body side connection 51 via the main body 5.

According to such a second embodiment, it is possible to provide an oral pressure measuring device 100a capable of easily and stably measuring the oral pressure at the time of swallowing, as in the first embodiment.
Further, in the second embodiment, the water injection means 9 includes a water supply means 7 and a water injection tube 8. Therefore, when the water supply means 7 is operated with the oral pressure measuring pad positioned in the oral cavity, water can be easily injected into the oral cavity from the water injection outlets 232a, 132a, 342a via the water injection tube 8. can do.
Further, in the second embodiment, the water supply means 7 supplies water by a manual operation by an operator. Therefore, the water supply means 7 can be easily operated with a simple configuration.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a water injection means 9a according to a modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 19 shows an example of measuring the tongue pressure during swallowing.
As shown in FIG. 19, the water injection means 9a includes a water supply means 7a and a water injection tube 8. The water supply means 7a has a substantially spherical bag-like outer shape formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and has a space in which water can be previously filled and stored. The water injection tube 8 is joined to the water supply means 7a so as to communicate with the space inside the water supply means 7a. This joining may be performed by integral molding, fusion, adhesion, or the like. According to such a configuration, the water supply means 7a can be made a simpler configuration, and the water supply means 7a can be easily operated by the operator holding it by hand.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a water injection means 9b according to another modification of the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 20, the water injection means 9b includes a water supply means 7b and a water injection tube 8. The water supply means 7b is an electric actuator, and here, for example, a roller pump driven by a motor is used. In the example of FIG. 20, the roller 76 rotates and squeezes the elastic water injection tube 8 to give a flow in a certain direction to the water in the water injection tube 8. According to such a configuration, the water supply means 7b can be easily operated, and a certain amount of water can be more reliably injected into the oral cavity.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the common points will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 21 is an external view of the main body 5a according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main body 5a.

The oral pressure measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a tongue pressure measuring pad 1, a tube 4, a main body 5, and a communication terminal 6. On the other hand, the oral pressure measuring device according to the third embodiment does not include the communication terminal 6, and the configuration of the main body 5a is different from that of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 21 to 22, the main body 5a includes a pressure electrical conversion means 52, a control means 53, an operation means 54a, a display means 55, and a storage means 56. Since the oral pressure measuring device 100 does not include the communication terminal 6, the main body 5a does not have the communication means 57.

The operating means 54a is for performing various inputs to the main body 5a, and includes a power switch 541, a reset button 542, an oral pressure type designation button 543, and a display switching button 544. The reset button 542 is used to reset the maximum value (peak value) of the displayed oral pressure measurement result and to set (calibrate) the current pressure value as a reference point. The oral pressure type designation button 543 is used to sequentially switch and specify the types A to C (measurement mode) of the oral pressure to be measured. For example, when the "A" lamp is lit, the tongue pressure is measured, when the "B" lamp is lit, the cheek pressure is measured, and when the "C" lamp is lit, the lip pressure is measured. Indicates that it is time to measure. The display switching button 544 is used to switch the display value of the oral pressure in the display means 55 between the current value and the maximum value (peak value). For example, when the "Hold" lamp is lit, it indicates that the maximum value is displayed.

According to such a third embodiment, the oral pressure such as tongue pressure, cheek pressure, and lip pressure can be easily measured with a compact configuration, and the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. It becomes possible.
The features of the third embodiment can also be applied to the second embodiment described above.

Further, the communication means 57 of the first embodiment may be added to the third embodiment to share the operation information and the stored information in addition to the measurement information between the oral pressure measuring device and the communication terminal 6. .. For example, when the type of the oral pressure measuring pad is selected in the main body 5a of the oral measuring device, the communication terminal 6 can be switched to the measurement mode of the same type of oral pressure measuring pad. Or vice versa, the display of the measurement mode in the main body 5a can be switched by the operation in the communication terminal operation 6.

Further, the application software installed in the communication terminal 6 can be used to evaluate, record, and compare the measured values. For example, the rehabilitation effect using this intraoral measuring device can be evaluated by displaying a graph over time, data can be managed by leaving a record for each patient, and the effect can be compared depending on whether or not a denture is attached. Is also possible.

Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment, and includes appropriately combining or selecting the configuration described in the embodiment. , The configuration can be changed as appropriate without departing from the purpose. In addition, a part of the configuration of the above embodiment can be added, deleted, or replaced.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the oral pressure measuring device is configured to include three types of oral pressure measuring pads: a tongue pressure measuring pad 1, a cheek pressure measuring pad 2, and a lip pressure measuring pad 3. However, it is not limited to this. The oral pressure measuring device can be configured to include at least one of the above-mentioned three types of oral pressure measuring pads.

Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the water injection bag 231, 131, 341 and the water injection outlet portions 232, 132, 342 are integrally molded, but they are formed separately and are fused or adhered to each other. They may be joined by or configured to be connected to each other. In the second embodiment described above, the water injection outlets 232a, 132a, 342a and the water injection tube 8 are formed separately and connected to each other, but are formed separately and connected to each other. It may be joined by fusion, adhesion or the like, or may be configured to be integrally molded.

1 Pad for measuring tongue pressure (pad for measuring oral pressure)
11 Hollow part for measuring tongue pressure (hollow part)
111 Space 12 Connection for tongue pressure measurement 13 Water injection means 131 Water injection bag 132, 132a Water injection outlet 133 Space 134, 134a Water injection port 135 Valve 2,2a Cheek pressure measurement pad (oral pressure measurement pad)
21 Hollow part for cheek pressure measurement (hollow part)
211 Space 22 Cheek pressure measurement connection 23 Wings (water injection means)
231 Water injection bag 232, 232a Water injection outlet 233 Space 234, 234a Water injection port 235 valve 3 Lip pressure measurement pad (oral pressure measurement pad)
31 Hollow part for lip pressure measurement (hollow part)
311 Space 32 Lip pressure measurement connection 34 Water injection means 341 Water injection bag 342, 342a Water injection outlet 343 Space 344,344a Water injection port 345 Valve 4 Tube 7,7a, 7b Water supply means 8 Water injection tube 9,9a, 9b Water injection Means 100, 100a Oral pressure measuring device 101 Tongue 102 Palate 103 Cheek 104 Premolar dentition 105 Upper lip 106 Lower lip 107 Front teeth

Claims (3)

An intraoral pressure measuring pad having a hollow portion having a space inside and a tubular connecting portion connected to the hollow portion and communicating with the inside of the hollow portion.
The mouth pressure comprises a measuring water injection outlet portion which is attached to the pad, have a, a water injection means for water injection into the oral cavity from the injection outlet when measuring mouth pressure,
The water injection means includes a water injection bag having a space inside which water can be filled, and the water injection outlet portion provided in the water injection bag, and is connected to the oral pressure measuring pad.
An oral pressure measuring device, characterized in that water prefilled in the water injection bag is injected into the oral cavity from the water injection outlet portion by the meshing pressure or the oral pressure of the subject at the time of measurement. The oral pressure measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the water injection outlet portion is provided with a valve that opens by the meshing pressure or the oral pressure of the subject. The oral cavity according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the oral pressure measuring pad is one selected from a cheek pressure measuring pad, a tongue pressure measuring pad, and a lip pressure measuring pad. Internal pressure measuring device.

Images