JP6954483B2 - Gripping load detection device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gripping load detecting device that detects a load applied while being gripped by a user.

Patent Document 1 discloses a hand-held isometric exercise device. In the handheld isometric exercise device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a force is applied by the user to urge the surface of the device. The applied load is transmitted to the load cell. As a result, the load cell detects the force applied to the device by the user.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-95651

Generally, as a device for detecting a load, for example, there is a health device that detects a user's grip strength or the like. Health appliances are used, for example, indoors in training gyms, homes, hospitals, and the like. Such health appliances are heavy and bulky, making them difficult to carry around. Therefore, there is a demand for a health device that is easy to carry and use.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gripping load detecting device that is easy to carry and use.

The gripping load detecting device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a cylindrical housing gripped by a user and a sensor attached to the housing and detecting a load applied to the housing by the gripping of the user. And.

The housing of the gripping load detecting device according to the present invention has a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the user can easily grip the housing and carry it around. In addition, the user can easily apply a load while holding the cylindrical housing. For example, the user can apply a load to the housing by a simple operation such as lightly grasping or twisting the housing. The strongest load is the twisting operation with the user firmly grasping both ends of the housing. Further, since the sensor is attached to the cylindrical housing, it is possible to detect the load applied to the housing. As a result, the user can use the gripping load detecting device according to the present invention with a simple operation.

According to the present invention, it is easy to carry and use.

FIG. 1 (A) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the gripping load detecting device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1 (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I of FIG. 1 (A). FIG. 2A is a plan view of the sensor according to the first embodiment developed in a plan view, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 2A. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the relationship between the uniaxial stretching direction of the polylactic acid film, the electric field direction, and the deformation of the polylactic acid film. (A) is a schematic view showing an example of applying torsional deformation to the gripping load detecting device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a torsional deformation to the gripping load detecting device according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the result of simulating the stress generated when. FIG. 5A is a schematic view illustrating a combination with a charging stand as an application example of the gripping load detecting device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a first diagram being charged by the charging stand. It is a schematic diagram explaining the gripping load detection device which concerns on embodiment. 6 (A) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the gripping load detecting device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 6 (A).

1 (A) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the gripping load detecting device 10 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1 (B) is a gripping load detecting device 10 on the line I-I of FIG. 1 (A). It is a cross-sectional view of. In FIG. 1A, the sensor 15 is represented by a broken line. Wiring and the like are omitted in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B).

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the gripping load detection device 10 includes a housing 11, a sensor 15, a display unit 16, a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 17, and a sensor detection. The circuit 18 is provided. The housing 11 has a first end portion 12 and a second end portion 13. The shape of the housing 11 is cylindrical. The housing 11 has an internal space 19 extending from the first end portion 12 to the second end portion 13. The first end portion 12 and the second end portion 13 side of the housing 11 are open. However, the first end portion 12 and the second end portion 13 side of the housing 11 may be closed.

The sensor 15 and the display unit 16 are arranged at a central portion of the housing 11 in the axial direction. The gripping load detecting device 10 has a center of gravity at a substantially central portion. Therefore, when the user grips the first end 12 side and the second end 13 side of the grip load detection device 10 with both hands, the user receives the load evenly on each hand.

The shape of the sensor 15 is a sheet shape. The sensor 15 is attached to the inside of the housing 11. The wiring of the sensor 15 is not visible from the outside of the housing 11. Therefore, the gripping load detecting device 10 has a simple design. Further, the sensor 15 is deformed according to the deformation of the housing 11. The sensor 15 detects the deformation of the housing 11 as described in detail below.

The sensor 15 may be attached to the outside of the housing 11. In this case, the sensor 15 is covered with a protective material such as a film made of resin. As the protective material covering the sensor 15, a film having translucency such as PET is preferable.

The display unit 16 is composed of a thin film display such as an organic EL or an inorganic EL. The shape of the display unit 16 is a sheet shape. The display unit 16 is deformable. The display unit 16 is arranged in the internal space 19 of the housing 11 in a cylindrically rolled state. The display unit 16 is attached to, for example, the sensor 15. The display unit 16 may be attached to the outside of the housing 11. When the sensor 15 is inside the display unit 16, the sensor 15 may be opaque.

The microcomputer 17 and the sensor detection circuit 18 are arranged inside the display unit 16 in the internal space 19 of the housing 11. The microcomputer 17 and the sensor detection circuit 18 are covered with the display unit 16 and cannot be visually recognized from the outside. Therefore, the gripping load detecting device 10 has a simple appearance.

The gripping load detecting device 10 includes a power supply (not shown). Like the microcomputer 17, the power supply is arranged inside the display unit 16 in the internal space 19 of the housing 11. The power supply is connected to the microcomputer 17.

The microcomputer 17 may include a communication unit (not shown). The communication unit is an interface for receiving a signal input and outputting the signal. The communication unit functionally includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit receives information from the outside of the gripping load detecting device 10. For example, the receiving unit receives information to be displayed on the display unit 16. Further, the transmission unit transmits information regarding the detection value of the sensor 15 to the outside of the gripping load detection device 10.

The sensor detection circuit 18 detects the electric charge generated in the sensor 15 due to the deformation of the housing 11 as described in detail below. The microcomputer 17 inputs the detection value of the sensor detection circuit 18. The microcomputer 17 displays an image corresponding to the detection value of the sensor detection circuit 18 on the display unit 16. The display unit 16 is not necessarily a necessary configuration.

The housing 11 is made of a translucent member. For example, the housing 11 is made of a translucent resin. As the translucent resin, for example, a resin such as acrylic, polycarbonate, PET, vinyl chloride, or ABS is preferable. When the above resin is used as the resin constituting the housing 11, a highly transparent housing 11 can be obtained at low cost. Further, it is more preferable to use an acrylic resin as the resin constituting the housing 11. By using an acrylic resin as the resin constituting the housing 11, a tough housing 11 can be obtained, the durability of the housing 11 can be improved, and the transparency of the housing 11 is increased. When the housing 11 has high transparency, the gripping load detecting device 10 becomes aesthetically pleasing. Further, the gripping load detecting device 10 can be handled hygienically because the dirt is easily removed. Further, when the sensor 15 has translucency, the user can visually recognize the display unit 16 through the housing 11 and the sensor 15. Since the display unit 16 is visible from the outside in this way, it can be arranged inside the housing 11. When the display unit 16 is attached to the outside of the housing 11, the housing 11 may be opaque.

The housing 11 has two gripping regions 14. The gripping region 14 is a part of the housing 11 on the first end 12 side and the second end 13 side, respectively. The gripping area 14 is an area that does not overlap with the display unit 16. Therefore, when the user grips the gripping region 14, the display unit 16 is kept visible.

The shape of the housing 11 is a cylinder such as a cylinder. Therefore, the user can easily grip the housing 11 and carry it around. Further, only parts such as a power supply and a circuit are arranged inside the housing 11. Most of the inside of the housing 11 is hollow. Therefore, the gripping load detecting device 10 is very light. For example, the user can carry it in a bag or the like. This allows the user to use the gripping load detection device 10 without any time or place limitation. The gripping load detecting device 10 can be used as a health device that applies a load to the housing 11. For example, the user grips the gripping area 14 of the gripping load detecting device 10 and twists the housing 11. The user can perform, for example, strength training using the gripping load detection device 10 in this way.

The shape of the housing 11 is not limited to a cylinder, and may be, for example, an elliptical or polygonal cross-sectional shape. When the housing 11 is polygonal, the hand is less likely to slip as compared with a cylinder. Further, the housing 11 may be subjected to a treatment such as anti-slip. For example, the housing 11 is knurled. As a result, the user can easily grip the housing 11 in a stable manner and easily apply a large load to the housing 11.

The sensor 15 detects the load applied to the housing 11 by the user's grip. The detection method of the sensor 15 will be described in detail below.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of the sensor 15 developed in a plane, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 2A. Note that FIG. 2B is shown with an increased thickness for convenience of explanation. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the relationship between the uniaxial stretching direction 900 in the polylactic acid film, the electric field direction, and the deformation of the polylactic acid film.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the sensor 15 includes a piezoelectric film 21, a first electrode 22, and a second electrode 23. The piezoelectric film 21 has a first main surface 151 and a second main surface 152. The piezoelectric film 21 includes a first electrode 22 on the first main surface 151 side and a second electrode 23 on the second main surface 152 side.

As the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 23, any one of an inorganic electrode such as ITO, ZnO, silver nanowires, carbon nanotubes, and graphene, and an organic electrode containing PEDOT (polythiophene), polyaniline, etc. as a main component is used. It is preferable to use it. By using such a material, the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 23 can be made into transparent transparent electrodes. The sensor 15 does not necessarily have to be transparent, and materials such as silver, copper, and aluminum may be used. In this case, since the user cannot see the display unit 16 through the sensor 15, the sensor 15 is arranged so as to be inside the display unit 16. Both the sensor 15 and the display unit 16 may be arranged inside or outside the housing 11 in a state where the sensor 15 is arranged so as to be inside the display unit 16. Further, the sensor 15 may be inside the housing 11, and the display unit 16 may be arranged outside the housing 11.

The piezoelectric film 21 is formed in a rectangular shape. The piezoelectric film 21 may be a film having piezoelectricity. The piezoelectric film 21 is formed of, for example, uniaxially stretched polylactic acid (PLA) and further L-type polylactic acid (PLLA).

In this embodiment, the piezoelectric film 21 is formed of uniaxially stretched L-type polylactic acid (PLLA). When the piezoelectric film 21 is attached to the housing 11, it is uniaxially stretched in a direction substantially along the axial direction of the housing 11 (see the white arrows shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B). ).

The uniaxial stretching direction of the piezoelectric film 21 is hereinafter referred to as a uniaxial stretching direction 900. The uniaxial stretching direction 900 preferably forms an angle of 0 ° or an angle of 90 ° with respect to the axial direction or the circumferential direction of the housing 11 when attached to the housing 11. However, the angle is not limited to this, and may be designed to be an optimum angle in consideration of the characteristics of the piezoelectric film 21 or the state of use.

The uniaxial stretching direction 900 is not limited to exactly 0 ° with respect to the axial direction or the circumferential direction of the housing 11, and may be approximately 0 °. Approximately 0 ° means an angle including, for example, about 0 ° ± 10 °. These angles are appropriately determined based on the application of the gripping load detection device 10 and according to the overall design such as detection accuracy. The same applies when the uniaxial stretching direction 900 forms an angle of 90 ° with respect to the axial direction or the circumferential direction of the housing 11. Further, the uniaxial stretching direction 900 is not limited to an angle of approximately 0 ° or approximately 90 ° with respect to the axial direction or the circumferential direction of the housing 11, and any angle can be used as long as deformation can be detected. Even if there is, it can be adopted in the present invention.

The above-mentioned PLLA is a chiral polymer, and the main chain has a spiral structure. The PLLA is uniaxially stretched and has piezoelectricity when the molecules are oriented. Then, the uniaxially stretched PLLA is polarized by deforming the flat surface of the piezoelectric film 21. At this time, the magnitude of polarization is uniquely determined by the amount of displacement in which the flat membrane surface is displaced in the direction orthogonal to the flat membrane surface by pressing. The uniaxially stretched PLLA has a very high piezoelectric constant in the polymer.

As shown in FIG. 3A, when the piezoelectric film 21 contracts in the direction of the first diagonal line 910A and extends in the direction of the second diagonal line 910B orthogonal to the first diagonal line 910A, the piezoelectric film 21 faces from the back side to the front side of the paper surface. Generates an electric field. That is, when the neutral surface in the thickness direction of the piezoelectric film 21 is defined as 0 potential, a negative potential is generated on the front side of the paper surface. As shown in FIG. 3B, the piezoelectric film 21 also generates an electric charge when it extends in the direction of the first diagonal line 910A and contracts in the direction of the second diagonal line 910B, but the polarity is reversed and the surface of the paper surface. An electric field is generated in the direction from to the back side. That is, the piezoelectric film 21 generates a positive potential on the front side of the paper surface.

Since polylactic acid produces piezoelectricity by molecular orientation treatment by stretching, it is not necessary to perform polling treatment unlike other piezoelectric polymers such as PVDF or piezoelectric ceramics. That is, the piezoelectricity of PLLA, which does not belong to a ferroelectric substance, is not expressed by the polarization of ions unlike a ferroelectric substance such as PVDF or PZT, but is derived from a spiral structure which is a characteristic structure of a molecule. be. The piezoelectric constant of the uniaxially stretched PLLA is about 5 pC / N or more and 30 pC / N or less, and has a very high piezoelectric constant among the polymers. The piezoelectric constant of PLLA that is generally mass-produced is about 7 pC / N or more and 10 pC / N or less. Even in such mass-produced PLLAs, minute displacements of several hundred nm or more and several μm or less can be detected with high sensitivity. The detection sensitivity also depends on the size of polylactic acid used in the sensor, how it is applied, and the performance of the amplifier.

PLLA has no spontaneous polarization and does not exhibit ferroelectricity. Therefore, the pyroelectricity that occurs in other ferroelectric piezoelectric materials does not occur. Therefore, the sensor using PLLA is suitable for use on an object touched by a living body because it does not generate a signal due to heat and can accurately detect only displacement. Further, in PVDF and the like, the piezoelectric constant fluctuates with time, and in some cases, the piezoelectric constant may decrease remarkably, but the piezoelectric constant of PLLA is extremely stable with time. Therefore, the deformation of the piezoelectric film 21 can be detected with high sensitivity without being affected by the surrounding environment. By using PLLA, the deformation conducted on the piezoelectric film 21 can be detected reliably and with high sensitivity. Therefore, the deformation loaded on the housing 11 can be reliably detected.

The draw ratio is preferably about 3 to 8 times. By performing heat treatment after stretching, crystallization of extended chain crystals of polylactic acid is promoted and the piezoelectric constant is improved. In the case of biaxial stretching, the same effect as uniaxial stretching can be obtained by changing the stretching ratio of each axis. For example, when a certain direction is taken as the X-axis and the stretching is performed 8 times in that direction and twice in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the axis, the piezoelectric constant is uniaxially stretched approximately 4 times in the X-axis direction. The same effect can be obtained. Since the uniaxially stretched film is easily torn along the stretching axial direction, the strength can be increased to some extent by performing the biaxial stretching as described above.

Further, PLLA has a large piezoelectric output constant (= piezoelectric g constant, g = d / ε ^T). Therefore, by using PLLA, it is possible to detect the deformation of the piezoelectric film 21 with extremely high sensitivity.

However, the sensor 15 is not limited to the piezoelectric sensor using PLLA. The sensor 15 may be a piezoelectric sensor using PVDF. The sensor 15 may be a strain sensor. The PVDF piezoelectric sensor or strain sensor may be arranged so as to detect torsional deformation (deformation in the oblique direction) of the housing 11.

Next, the use of the gripping load detection device 10 and the detection of the sensor 15 will be described. FIG. 4A is a schematic view showing an example of applying torsional deformation to the gripping load detecting device 10, and FIG. 4B is a stress generated when torsional deformation is applied to the gripping load detecting device 10. It is a schematic diagram which shows the result of simulating. FIG. 4 (A) is shown as a perspective view, and FIG. 4 (B) is shown as a side view.

First, the user manually grips the two gripping regions 14 of the gripping load detecting device 10. The user may grip the two gripping regions 14 of the gripping load detecting device 10 with opposite hands. Further, the user may grip one grip area 14 of the grip load detection device 10 with a forward hand and the other with a reverse hand. Further, the user may grasp the openings of the first end portion 12 and the second end portion 13 so as to cover the openings of the first end portion 12 and the second end portion 13 with both palms. The user uses different muscles of the arm depending on how the gripping load detecting device 10 is gripped. This allows the user to train different muscles of the arm. Further, the user may sandwich and fix one grip region 14 of the grip load detection device 10 between the thighs and grip the other with both hands. In addition, the user can perform circuit training by changing the way of holding the gripping load detecting device 10.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the user applies a torsional deformation to the housing 11 of the gripping load detecting device 10. That is, the user applies a shearing force to the gripping load detecting device 10. As a result, the user applies a force in the direction indicated by the arrow F1 to the first end 12 side of the housing 11 and a force in the direction indicated by the arrow F2 to the second end 13 side of the housing 11.

At this time, the housing 11 is slightly deformed to the extent that the user cannot see it, for example, about 1 μm. A compressive stress S1 and a tensile stress S2 are generated in the housing 11. The compressive stress S1 and the tensile stress S2 correspond to the magnitude of the torsional deformation applied by the user. The compressive stress S1 and the tensile stress S2 shown in FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B) are typically shown, and similar stresses are present in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the housing 11. It is also occurring in.

The sensor 15 is deformed together according to the deformation of the housing 11. As a result, the piezoelectric film 21 of the sensor 15 is deformed. The piezoelectric film 21 generates a compressive stress S1 and a tensile stress S2. The piezoelectric film 21 generates polarization having a magnitude proportional to the compressive stress S1 and the tensile stress S2. As a result, the sensor detection circuit 18 detects the electric charge that moves to neutralize the generated polarization. That is, the sensor 15 can generate an electric charge according to the magnitude of the twist deformation applied by the user.

The uniaxial stretching direction 900 of the piezoelectric film 21 forms an angle of 0 ° with respect to the axial direction of the housing 11. The compressive stress S1 and the tensile stress S2 each form an angle of approximately 45 ° with respect to the uniaxial stretching direction 900. Therefore, the piezoelectric film 21 can efficiently generate electric charges. Even when the uniaxial stretching direction 900 of the piezoelectric film 21 forms an angle of 90 ° with respect to the axial direction of the housing 11, the compressive stress S1 and the tensile stress S2 are respectively with respect to the uniaxial stretching direction 900. , Form an angle of approximately 45 degrees. Therefore, even in this case, the piezoelectric film 21 can efficiently generate electric charges.

The sensor detection circuit 18 may include an integrator circuit. The sensor detection circuit 18 integrates the electric charges generated by the piezoelectric film 21 and calculates it as a voltage value. The microcomputer 17 calculates the voltage value detected by the sensor detection circuit 18 as the magnitude of deformation of the housing 11, that is, the load applied to the housing 11 by the user. When the sensor detection circuit 18 is not provided with the integration circuit, the amount of charge to be detected is a value proportional to the speed of deformation of the housing 11.

The microcomputer 17 displays the calculated load on the display unit 16. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the display unit 16 graphically displays the load applied to the housing 11. As a result, the display unit 16 can visually indicate to the user the load applied to the housing 11. Further, the display unit 16 may visually indicate the load not only in the graph display but also in various other modes. For example, the display unit 16 displays so that the color changes according to the load. In this case, the display unit 16 displays blue when the load is weak, changes from green to yellow by gradually increasing the load, and displays red when the load is very strong. Further, the display unit 16 may display the load by using numbers, characters, or symbols.

As one display mode, the display unit 16 may display an image in which the housing 11 is pseudo-twisted. For example, the display unit 16 displays an image of twisting the housing 11 in a spiral shape, an image of squeezing a cloth, an image of twisting a bundle of strings like a rope, or the like, depending on the magnitude of the detected force. May be good. As a result, the user has the illusion that the force is applied to what is displayed on the display unit 16. Therefore, since the user feels that the housing 11 is twisted, the user can perform training while feeling the applied load. Further, since the user feels that he / she is exerting a force on what is displayed on the display unit 16, a larger load can be applied to the housing 11 as compared with the case where nothing is displayed on the display unit 16. The display unit 16 may display an image in which something is destroyed according to the force applied to the housing 11. For example, the microcomputer 17 displays on the display unit 16 a target object to be destroyed by the user (for example, ice) and an instruction to the user to destroy the target object. When the user twists the housing 11, the microcomputer 17 displays on the display unit 16 how the target object is destroyed according to the load applied to the housing 11. As a result, the user feels a kind of optical illusion as if the target object was actually destroyed. Therefore, the gripping load detecting device 10 can guide the degree of load applied to the housing 11 of the user by displaying an image on the display unit 16 so that the user naturally applies a force. The ease of destroying the target object displayed on the display unit 16 can be changed according to the level of the user or the level of training.

The user can confirm the load applied to the housing 11 from the display unit 16. Therefore, the user can perform training while adjusting the load. Further, since the gripping load detecting device 10 displays the load detected by the sensor detection circuit 18 to the user, the training can be enjoyed. For example, even when the user performs isometric training in which a predetermined load needs to be applied to the muscle for a certain period of time, the user can easily maintain concentration.

The display unit 16 does not need to be built in the gripping load detection device 10. For example, the image may be displayed on an information processing device such as a smartphone carried by the user. In this case, when the user uses the gripping load detection device 10, the microcomputer 17 transmits information regarding the detection value of the sensor 15 to the smartphone. The smartphone displays the information transmitted by the gripping load detection device 10. As a result, the user can check the training status on the smartphone. In this case, the user does not need to hold the gripping load detecting device 10 in front of the face.

The gripping load detection device 10 may include a speaker in addition to the display unit 16 or in place of the display unit 16. The speaker emits a sound according to the magnitude of the detected load. When the gripping load detecting device 10 includes a speaker in addition to the display unit 16, the speaker may emit a sound linked to an image. In this case, the user is more likely to have the illusion that a force is applied to what is displayed on the display unit 16. Further, the speaker may emit a sound whose volume is changed according to the magnitude of the detected load, or may emit a sound whose height is changed. When changing the pitch, the user can use the gripping load detecting device 10 as a kind of musical instrument. For example, the user can play music by changing the method of applying force according to the instruction displayed on the display unit 16. The user can perform strength training as if playing a game while using the gripping load detecting device 10.

Further, the display unit 16 may display characters such as "Do your best" and "Fight!" Depending on the amount of load applied to the housing 11 of the user or the duration. For example, the microcomputer 17 compares the detection value of the sensor detection circuit 18 with a predetermined threshold value stored in the built-in memory (not shown) of the microcomputer 17. When the microcomputer 17 determines that the detected value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the microcomputer 17 displays "a little more" on the display unit 16. As a result, the user can know that the load applied to the housing 11 is insufficient. On the contrary, when the microcomputer 17 determines that the detected value is larger than the predetermined threshold value, the microcomputer 17 displays "OK" on the display unit 16. The user can know that the load applied to the housing 11 is sufficient. Further, the display unit 16 may display the time required for training the user. The user can know the time required for training. In this way, the gripping load detection device 10 can support user training.

The gripping load detection device 10 may communicate with the server. For example, the communication unit of the microcomputer 17 transmits information regarding the detection value of the sensor 15 to a server managed by the provider of the gripping load detection device 10. The provider of the gripping load detecting device 10 is, for example, a sports gym or a sales company of the gripping load detecting device 10.

The server receives information about the detected value of the sensor 15. The server analyzes the received information. For example, the server calculates the training state of the user (for example, the total amount of exercise per day or the calorie consumption) from the detected value of the sensor 15. The gym instructor looks at the training status of the customer user and creates an advice message. The server sends a message created by the instructor to the gripping load detection device 10. The gripping load detection device 10 receives a message from the server. That is, the gripping load detection device 10 receives information according to the transmitted information. The display unit 16 displays the message received from the server. The user can receive training support by checking the displayed message. In this way, the gripping load detection device 10 can support user training by communicating with an external server or the like.

In addition, the information transmitted from the server may be points or the like according to the training state of the user. Further, the provider of the gripping load detection device 10 may construct a system that provides some privilege to the user according to the points. The user is encouraged to train by confirming the points.

The gripping load detection device 10 may detect biological tremor. Biological tremor is a physiological phenomenon, which is a mechanical micro-vibration of muscles. When the user comes into contact with the housing 11, the biological tremor is transmitted to the piezoelectric film 21.

When the microcomputer 17 detects the biological tremor, it determines that the user is in contact with the housing 11. The microcomputer 17 calculates the load only when the biological tremor is detected. Therefore, the microcomputer 17 can reduce unnecessary power consumption.

The gripping load detection device 10 can be used, for example, as a health aid for lowering blood pressure. For hypertensive diseases, it is known that repeating light exercise such as gently holding a towel has the effect of lowering blood pressure.

For example, the gripping load detecting device 10 displays a warning on the display unit 16 when a user applies a load equal to or greater than a predetermined load to the housing 11. By looking at the display unit 16, the user can know that the load applied to the housing 11 is too strong, that is, the load is excessively applied. Therefore, the user can know how to apply an appropriate light load and can perform exercise for lowering blood pressure.

Next, an application example of the gripping load detection device 10 will be described. FIG. 5A is a schematic view illustrating a combination with the charging stand 51 as an application example of the gripping load detecting device 10, and FIG. 5B is a gripping load detecting device 10 charging on the charging stand 51. It is a schematic diagram which shows.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the charging stand 51 is formed in a substantially columnar shape so as to insert the gripping load detecting device 10. The charging stand 51 has a pin 55 that can be connected to the gripping load detecting device 10. The gripping load detecting device 10 has a charging pin (not shown) inside the housing 11.

When the gripping load detecting device 10 is inserted into the charging stand 51, the charging pin of the gripping load detecting device 10 and the pin 55 of the charging stand 51 are electrically connected to each other. The gripping load detection device 10 does not need to be directly connected to the charging stand 51. For example, the gripping load detection device 10 may be charged by a non-contact charging method using electromagnetic induction.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the display unit 16 may display information while charging the gripping load detecting device 10. The display unit 16 may display, for example, the training status of the user on that day, the current number of points, and the like. As a result, the user can grasp the training state and the like.

Further, the display unit 16 may display information unrelated to the training state of the user. The display unit 16 can display the information received by the communication unit of the microcomputer 17. The display unit 16 may display information such as an image or a video selected by the user. The image or video displays, for example, news, advertisements, photographs registered by the user, or notifications or instructions from a training gym or the like. As a result, the user can use the gripping load detecting device 10 as an interior or a monitor.

6 (A) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the gripping load detecting device 20 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 6 (A). FIG. 6A shows the grip portion 65 as a broken line and transparent. In the description of the second embodiment, the description of the structure similar to that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

The gripping load detecting device 20 includes a housing 61 and a gripping portion 65. The grip portion 65 is arranged in the grip region 14 on the outer circumference of the housing 61. The housing 61 is formed so that the central portion has a smaller cross-sectional area than the gripping area 14. The gripping area 14 of the gripping load detecting device 20 is formed to have a thickness that is easy for the user to grip. This makes it easier for the user to grip the gripping load detecting device 20 and to apply force.

The grip portion 65 includes a sensor 63 and a protective film 64. The sensor 63 is attached to the outer periphery of the housing 61. Therefore, the sensor 63 can be easily attached to and detached from the housing 61. Further, the protective film 64 is laminated and attached to the sensor 63 so as to cover the sensor 63.

The user grips the grip portion 65 at the time of use. The sensor 63 detects the load applied by the user via the protective film 64. When the user grips the grip portion 65, the sensor 63 is covered by the user's hand. Therefore, the sensor 63 and the protective film 64 do not have to have translucency. Therefore, the material of the sensor 63 can be widely selected. Further, the housing 61 may have translucency only in the central portion, and the gripping region 14 may not have translucency.

The grip portion 65 may be treated to prevent slipping or the like. For example, the housing 61 may be directly knurled. Further, the sensor 63 may be sprinkled with a tape such as that used for a tennis or badminton racket instead of the protective film 64. This makes it easier for the user to stably grip the housing 61.

Finally, the description of this embodiment should be considered to be exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above-described embodiment but by the scope of claims. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

10, 20 ... Gripping load detection device 11, 61 ... Housing 15, 63 ... Sensor 16 ... Display 21 ... Piezoelectric film 65 ... Gripping part

Claims (10)

A cylindrical housing that the user holds and
A sensor attached to the housing and detecting a load applied to the housing by the user's grip.
A display unit that visually shows the load applied to the housing and
Equipped with a,
The display unit is arranged inside the housing.
Gripping load detection device. The gripping load detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor detects a twist on the housing. The housing is translucent.
The gripping load detecting device according to claim 1 or 2. The display unit displays an image corresponding to the deformation of the housing.
The gripping load detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The sensor has a piezoelectric film made of polylactic acid.
The gripping load detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The stretching direction of the piezoelectric film is arranged along the axial direction or the circumferential direction of the housing.
The gripping load detecting device according to claim 5. The gripping load detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the sensor is arranged inside the housing. Further provided with a grip portion arranged on the outer periphery of the housing,
The sensor is arranged at a position corresponding to the grip portion.
The gripping load detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A transmitter that transmits information about the detected value of the sensor to the outside,
Further equipped with a receiver that receives information from the outside,
The gripping load detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The receiving unit receives a response to the information transmitted from the transmitting unit.
The gripping load detecting device according to claim 9.

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