JP7097569B2 - Biological information detector and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a biological information detection device that detects biological information of a subject, and a method for manufacturing the same.

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

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-167120 US Pat. No. 8,777,149

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

The biological information detection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is installed in the oral cavity, and has a sensor, a battery, a mechanical switch, and a holding member. The mechanical switch includes an operation unit, and by operating the operation unit, it switches between an energized state in which power is supplied from the battery to the sensor and a cutoff state in which the power supply is cut off. The holding member includes a protective portion that covers the operation portion, and is mounted in the oral cavity to hold the sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch while sealing them all. Here, by mounting the holding member in the oral cavity, the protected portion is displaced in the first displacement direction, and the operating portion can be operated to shift from the cutoff state to the energized state. The protective portion includes a convex surface protruding to the opposite side of the mechanical switch in the cutoff state.

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

It is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the biological information detection apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is sectional drawing which shows the schematic structural example of the cross section including the mechanical switch of the biological information detection apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is another cross-sectional view which shows the schematic structural example of the cross section including the mechanical switch of the biological information detection apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing which shows the schematic structural example of the cross section including the optical sensor of the biological information detection apparatus shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the schematic structure example of the mechanical switch shown in FIG. 2A. It is a perspective view which shows the installation example in the oral cavity of the biological information detection apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure example of the biological information detection apparatus shown in FIG. It is a characteristic diagram which shows the light-receiving wavelength range of each device applicable to the light-receiving element of the light sensor shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows one step of the manufacturing method of the biological information detection apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows one step following FIG. 8A. It is sectional drawing which shows the schematic structural example of the cross section including the mechanical switch of the biological information detection apparatus as the modification 1 of this disclosure. 9 is another cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration example of a cross section including a mechanical switch of the biological information detection device shown in FIG. 9A. It is sectional drawing which shows the schematic structural example of the cross section including the mechanical switch of the biological information detection apparatus as the modification 2 of this disclosure. FIG. 10A is another cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration example of a cross section including a mechanical switch of the biological information detection device shown in FIG. 10A. It is sectional drawing which shows the schematic structural example of the biological information detection apparatus as the modification 3 of this disclosure. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance and the wearing example of the biological information detection apparatus as the modification 4 of this disclosure. It is sectional drawing which shows the schematic structural example of the biological information detection apparatus as the modification 5 of this disclosure.

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

3. 3. Other variants

<1. Embodiment>
[Overall configuration of biological information detection device 1]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of the biological information detection device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. 2A, 2B, and 3 are cross-sectional views schematically showing a schematic configuration example of the biological information detection device 1. However, FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sections of the biological information detection device 1 in the direction of arrow along the II-II cutting line shown in FIG. 1, including the mechanical switch 12 (detailed later) shown in FIG. Represents. Note that FIG. 2A shows the biological information detection device 1 in the blocked state (described later) before being attached to the oral cavity, and FIG. 2B shows the biological information in the energized state (described later) attached to the tooth T in the oral cavity. Represents the detection device 1. On the other hand, FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the biological information detection device 1 in the direction of arrow viewing along the III-III cutting line shown in FIG. 1, including the optical sensor 5 (detailed later) shown in FIG. There is. Further, FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mechanical switch 12. Further, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the usage state of the biological information detection device 1. Further, FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the biological information detection module 2 included in the biological information detection device 1.

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

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

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, the shell 10 has a mouthpiece shape that covers the teeth T, and is made of an elastic member such as a thermoplastic polymer compound. As the thermoplastic polymer compound, those containing, for example, polyethylene, polyurethane, acrylic and the like can be applied. The biological information detection module 2 is embedded in a sealing portion 10A of the shell 10 that covers the side surface TS of the tooth T. The sealing portion 10A includes an outer portion 101 and an inner portion 102. The outer portion 101 is a portion of the shell 10 that covers the outside of the biometric information detection module 2, that is, the portion opposite to the tooth T when viewed from the biometric information detection module 2 when attached to the tooth T (see FIG. 2B). .. The inner portion 102 is the inside of the biological information detection module 2, that is, a portion sandwiched between the biological information detection module 2 and the tooth T when attached to the tooth T (see FIG. 2B), and protects the operation portion 124. It is a part. The inner portion 102 has an inner surface 102S that comes into contact with the side surface TS of the tooth T on the side opposite to the biological information detection module 2. In the non-mounted state, that is, the cut-off state of FIG. 2A, the inner surface 102S is a convex surface protruding to the opposite side to the mechanical switch 12 of the biological information detection module 2. Since the inner portion 102 has elasticity, the inner surface 102S is displaced in a shape along the side surface TS of the tooth T in the mounted state of FIG. 2B, that is, in the energized state. As described above, since the biological information detection module 2 is embedded in the shell 10 so as to be hermetically sealed, it is surely shielded from moisture such as saliva and beverages in the oral cavity and outside air. Therefore, the shell 10 is a holding member that seals the biological information detection module 2. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the outer portion 101 of the shell 10 that covers the biological information detection module 2 is removed in order to improve visibility for convenience of explanation. However, since the biological information detection module 2 is actually covered with the outer portion 101 of the shell 10, it cannot be visually recognized from the outside unless the outer portion 101 is transparent.

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

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

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

The battery 6 functions as a power source for supplying electric power to the optical sensor 5 and the transmission / reception module 8 to drive the optical sensor 5 and the transmission / reception module 8. The battery 6 is, for example, a button-type or coin-type primary battery. Alternatively, as the battery 6, a secondary battery may be applied as long as it can be charged in a non-contact manner. Further, the structure of the battery 6 is not particularly limited, and a laminated body in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately laminated with an electrolyte interposed therebetween may be housed in a housing such as metal as an electrode structure. The wound structure in which the laminated body is wound may be housed in a housing as an electrode structure.

The mechanical switch 12 is arranged between the battery 6 and the transmission / reception module 8 on the mounting board 11, for example, and is in an energized state in which power is supplied from the battery 6 to each of the optical sensor 5 and the transmission / reception module 8. It switches to a cut-off state in which the power supply is cut off. The mechanical switch 12 is a so-called momentary switch. As shown in FIG. 4, the mechanical switch 12 has a main body 123 accommodating a first conductor 121 and a second conductor 122, and an operation unit 124. The main body 123 is a housing for accommodating the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122, and the bottom portion 123A and the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 are erected along the peripheral edge of the bottom portion 123A. It has a wall portion 123B that surrounds it. In the mechanical switch 12, the operation unit 124 is operated so that the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 are repeatedly contacted and separated from each other inside the main body 123. The operation unit 124 is fixed to, for example, the first conductor 121, and has a contact operation in which the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 are brought into contact with each other, and the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 are brought into contact with each other. It performs a separation operation to separate. In the mechanical switch 12, as shown in FIG. 4, an external force is applied to the operation unit 124 in the direction of the arrow, and when the operation unit 124 is pressed, the contact operation between the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 is performed. Then, the power is supplied from the battery 6 to the optical sensor 5 from the cut-off state to the energized state, that is, the on state. The external force on the operation unit 124 is applied to the tooth T via the inner portion 102 that comes into contact with the side surface TS of the tooth T by attaching the shell 10. When the external force on the operation unit 124 is released, the operation unit 124 returns to the original position, the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 are separated from each other, and the battery 6 is transferred to the optical sensor 5 from the energized state. The power supply is cut off, that is, it shifts to the off state. Note that FIG. 4 shows an example in which the second conductor 122 is fixed to the main body 123 and the first conductor 121 is configured to be relatively displaceable with respect to the second conductor 122. In FIG. 4, the first conductor 121 in the on state is shown by a broken line, and the first conductor 121 in the off state is shown by a solid line.

The transmission / reception module 8 has, for example, a transmission / reception unit 3 and a signal processing unit 4, as shown in FIG. Generally, the transmission / reception unit 3 and the signal processing unit 4 are distributed as an integrated chip. The transmission / reception unit 3 is an antenna that wirelessly performs data communication with a network connector 7 provided outside the biometric information detection module 2. The network connector 7 is a communication device that can be connected to a network such as the Internet, such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. Further, the signal processing unit 4 is a signal processing circuit including, for example, a memory, a microprocessor, an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter, and the like. A detection signal (output signal) from the optical sensor 5 is input to the signal processing unit 4. The signal processing unit 4 receives power from the battery 6 and drives it, and generates a digital data signal that can be transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 3 based on the output signal from the optical sensor 5. The transmission / reception unit 3 is driven by receiving power supply from the battery 6, and can wirelessly transmit a digital data signal from the signal processing unit 4 to an external network via a network connector 7. Further, the transmission / reception unit 3 can wirelessly receive a control signal from the external network via the network connector 7. In FIG. 1 and the like, the mounting substrate 11 has a rectangular planar shape, and the battery 6, the transmission / reception module 8, and the optical sensor 5 are arranged so as to be lined up in a row, but the present disclosure is limited thereto. The layout of the battery 6, the transmission / reception module 8, and the optical sensor 5 can be arbitrarily set.

The optical sensor 5 is, for example, a reflective photoelectric sensor, and detects biological information by, for example, irradiating the inner surface of the cheek CH in the oral cavity with light and receiving the reflected light from the inner surface of the cheek CH. Specifically, the optical sensor 5 includes a light emitting element 5A such as a light emitting diode capable of emitting light, and a light receiving element 5B such as a photodiode capable of receiving light emitted from the light emitting element 5A. The light emitted from the light emitting element 5A has, for example, a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 1000 nm or less. Of the outer portion 101 of the sealing portion 10A covering the biological information detection module 2, the portion covering the light emitting element 5A is the first translucent portion 10T1 capable of transmitting the light emitted from the light emitting element 5A (FIG. FIG. 3). Further, the portion of the outer portion 101 of the sealing portion 10A that covers the light receiving element 5B becomes a second translucent portion 10T2 capable of transmitting the light emitted from the light emitting element 5A and then reflected on the inner surface of the cheek CH. (See Fig. 3). It is preferable that the first translucent portion 10T1 and the second translucent portion 10T2 are also formed of the thermoplastic polymer compound. The constituent material of the first translucent portion 10T1 and the constituent material of the second translucent portion 10T2 are formed of substantially the same material, for example, a transparent one among the above-mentioned thermoplastic polymer compounds. It is good. Further, the first translucent portion 10T1 and the second translucent portion 10T2 may not be separated and may be continuously formed. This is because it is advantageous for collective formation. Further, the entire sealing portion 10A or the entire outer portion 101 may be a transparent body, or the entire shell 10 may be a transparent body. That is, in the shell 10, the first translucent portion 10T1 covering the light emitting element 5A and the second translucent portion 10T2 covering the light receiving element 5B (collectively referred to as a translucent portion 10T) have translucency. The portion other than the translucent portion 10T may have a light-shielding property or a translucent property.

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

[Manufacturing method of biological information detection device 1]
Next, a method for manufacturing the biological information detection device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B in addition to FIGS. 1 to 7 above. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing one step of the manufacturing method of the biological information detection device 1, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing one step following FIG. 8A. It should be noted that FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic views showing only the main members related to the description of the present manufacturing process.

In manufacturing the biometric information detection device 1, first, the above-mentioned biometric information detection module 2 is prepared. Next, the biometric information detection module 2 is placed between two sealing films 9A and 9B made of a thermoplastic polymer compound, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A. Here, the sealing film 9A is held by the holding member 21, and the sealing film 9B is held by the holding member 21. On the other hand, a tooth pattern 23 matching the teeth T and gum G of the user who is going to wear the biological information detection device 1 is prepared. The tooth mold 23 can be molded by, for example, embossing or a 3D printer. After that, while heating the portion of the sealing films 9A and 9B in the vicinity of the optical sensor 5 at a temperature of about 280 ° C. by the heater 24, the tooth mold 23 is formed by the sealing film 9A, as shown in FIG. 8B. It is pressed against 9B to perform molding. The heating temperature by the heater 24 is not limited to the above-mentioned 280 ° C., and can be arbitrarily set in the range of, for example, 100 ° C. to 300 ° C. At the time of molding, the air in the gap between the tooth mold 23 and the sealing films 9A and 9B is discharged from the punched hole 23H of the tooth mold 23 to form the surface 23S of the tooth mold 23 and the sealing films 9A and 9B. In close contact. As a result, the sealing films 9A and 9B are welded while being deformed into a shape along the surface 23S of the tooth mold 23. After that, the tooth mold 23 and the welded sealing films 9A and 9B are cooled to obtain a mouthpiece-shaped shell 10. Here, when the shell 10 is formed, the operation unit 124 is operated by attaching the shell 10 to the tooth T so that the cut-off state can be changed to the energized state, and the shell 10 attached to the tooth T is a tooth. The mechanical switch 12 is sealed so that the state can be changed from the energized state to the cut-off state by being removed from T. Finally, the biological information detection device 1 is obtained by peeling the shell 10 from the tooth mold 23. As described above, since the shells 10 are collectively formed by molding, the biological information detection device 1 can be efficiently manufactured. Although FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the tooth mold 23 having the surface 23S having an extremely simplified shape, the surface 23S of the tooth mold 23 actually has a unique shape according to each user. Have.

[Action of biological information detection device 1]
In the biological information detection device 1, the tooth T is inserted into the space 10V between the inner portion 102 of the sealing portion 10A and the facing portion 10B from the non-wearing state of FIG. 2A, thereby shifting to the wearing state of FIG. 2B. do. At that time, the inner portion 102 as the protective portion is displaced in the first displacement direction (+ X direction shown in FIG. 2B). That is, by attaching the shell 10 to the tooth T, the inner portion 102 is sandwiched between the tooth T and the operation portion 124. Therefore, an external force is applied from the tooth T to the operation unit 124 via the inner portion 102, and the state shifts from the cutoff state to the energized state. On the contrary, when the tooth T is detached from the space 10V, the wearing state of FIG. 2B shifts to the non-wearing state of FIG. 2A. At that time, the inner portion 102 as the protective portion is displaced in the second displacement direction (-X direction shown in FIG. 2A). That is, when the shell 10 attached to the tooth T is removed from the tooth T, the inner portion 102 is displaced in the second displacement direction (-X direction shown in FIG. 2A), and the operation unit 124 is operated to energize. It is designed to shift from the state to the cutoff state.

[Effect of biological information detection device 1]
As described above, according to the biometric information detection device 1 of the present embodiment, the biometric information detection module 2 is provided with the mechanical switch 12, and the electric power is supplied from the battery 6 to the optical sensor 5 and the transmission / reception module 8. , The power supply is switched to the cutoff state where it is cut off. Therefore, only when it is desired to detect the biological information, the mechanical switch 12 may be turned on and the electric power may be supplied to the optical sensor 5 and the transmission / reception module 8, so that the electric power supply does not have to be performed at all times. Therefore, the power consumption can be reduced, the life of the battery 6 can be extended if the battery 6 is a primary battery, and the charging frequency can be reduced if the battery 6 is a secondary battery. Alternatively, since the battery capacity of the battery 6 can be reduced, the battery 6 can be miniaturized, and the biometric information detection module 2 and the biometric information detection device 1 itself can be miniaturized.

In particular, in the biological information detection device 1, the operation unit 124 is automatically operated by shifting from the non-wearing state of FIG. 2A to the wearing state of FIG. 2B, and shifts from the cutoff state to the energized state. On the contrary, by shifting from the mounted state of FIG. 2B to the non-mounted state of FIG. 2A, the operation unit 124 is automatically operated to shift from the energized state to the cutoff state. Therefore, the user is freed from the hassle of performing on and off operations, and the biometric information detection device 1 can be reliably activated without relying on the user's operation, and wasteful power consumption is consumed. It can be avoided.

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

Further, according to the biometric information detection device 1, an output signal including biometric information is acquired by the optical sensor 5, and the output signal is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 3 to the network connector 7 via the signal processing unit 4, and further. Can be sent to an external network. By analyzing this output signal, it is possible to obtain specific biological information caused by the disease of the patient who is the user to which the biological information detection device 1 is attached. It is also possible to grasp changes in the daily health condition of a healthy user and perform maintenance and management of the health condition. This information can be very useful information for the user and the attending physician.

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

Further, according to the biological information detection device 1, since the tooth T is sandwiched between the sealing portion 10A and the facing portion 10B of the shell 10, the relative position between the optical sensor 5 and the inner surface of the cheek CH is set. It is stable and expected to improve detection accuracy.

Further, in the optical sensor 5, light is emitted from the light emitting element 5A arranged to face the inner surface of the cheek CH to the inner surface of the cheek CH, and the reflected light from the inner surface of the cheek CH is received by the light receiving element 5A facing the inner surface of the cheek CH. It is detected by the element 5B. Therefore, for example, more accurate biological information can be obtained as compared with the case where the skin outside the oral cavity is irradiated with light and the reflected light is detected. Further, since the biometric information detection module 2 is always arranged in the oral cavity in a relatively stable temperature environment, the biometric information detection module 2 is higher than the case where the biometric information detection module 2 is worn outside the oral cavity, for example, on the arm or finger. Accurate biometric information can be obtained.

<2. Modification example>
Subsequently, a modification (modification examples 1 to 5) of the above embodiment will be described. The same components as those in the embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[Modification 1]
9A and 9B are cross-sectional views showing a schematic configuration of the biological information detection device 1A as the first modification (modification example 1) of the present disclosure, and the biological information detection device 1 described in the above embodiment is used. Corresponds to FIGS. 2A and 2B described. That is, FIG. 9A shows the biometric information detection device 1A in the blocked state before being mounted in the oral cavity, and FIG. 9B shows the biometric information detection device 1A in the energized state mounted on the tooth T in the oral cavity. There is. The biological information detection device 1A has substantially the same configuration as the biological information detection device 1 of the above-described embodiment, except that the inner portion 102 of the shell 10 includes the protrusion portion 102T.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, in the biological information detection device 1A, the inner portion 102 of the shell 10 includes a protrusion portion 102T having a shape curved along the shape of the outer surface of the operation portion 124 of the mechanical switch 12. I'm out. Therefore, in the non-mounted state shown in FIG. 9A, the protruding portion 102T of the inner portion 102 protrudes in the −X direction toward the facing portion 10B. As shown in FIG. 9B, when the biological information detection device 1A is attached to the tooth T, that is, when the tooth T is inserted into the space 10V between the inner portion 102 and the facing portion 10B, the side surface of the tooth T The inner surface 102S of the protrusion 102T abuts on the TS. Therefore, the protrusion 102T is urged and displaced by the teeth T in the first displacement direction (+ X direction), and the operation portion 124 of the mechanical switch 12 sandwiched between the outer portion 101 and the inner portion 102 is the main body. It is pushed into 123. As a result, the state shifts from the cutoff state to the energized state. On the contrary, when the tooth T is separated from the space 10V between the inner portion 102 and the facing portion 10B, the state of attachment in FIG. 9B shifts to the non-attached state of FIG. 9A. At that time, the inner portion 102 as the protective portion is displaced in the second displacement direction (−X direction). That is, when the shell 10 attached to the tooth T is removed from the tooth T, the inner portion 102 is displaced in the second displacement direction (−X direction), and the operation unit 124 is operated to change from the energized state to the cutoff state. It is designed to migrate.

As described above, in the biological information detection device 1A, the inner portion 102 of the shell 10 includes the protrusion portion 102T having a curved shape along the outer surface shape of the operation portion 124 of the mechanical switch 12, so that the tooth T is included. When attached to, the urging force of the teeth T can be more effectively transmitted to the operation unit 124 of the mechanical switch 12. Therefore, in the biological information detection device 1A, it is possible to reliably switch between the energized state and the cutoff state in conjunction with the wearing operation and the detaching operation by the user.

[Modification 2]
10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing a schematic configuration of the biological information detection device 1B as the second modification (modification example 2) of the present disclosure, and the biological information detection device 1 described in the above embodiment is used. Corresponds to FIGS. 2A and 2B described. That is, FIG. 10A shows the biometric information detection device 1B in the blocked state before being mounted in the oral cavity, and FIG. 10B represents the biometric information detection device 1B in the energized state mounted on the tooth T in the oral cavity. There is. The biological information detection device 1B has the above-described embodiment except that the side surface TS of the tooth T is further provided with a protrusion member TT attached at a position corresponding to the operation unit 124 of the mechanical switch 12. It has substantially the same configuration as the biological information detection device 1 of the above.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, in the biological information detection device 1B, the protrusion member TT is attached to the side surface TS of the tooth T at a position corresponding to the operation unit 124 of the mechanical switch 12. In the non-mounted state shown in FIG. 10A, the inner portion 102 and the outer portion 101 are arranged in parallel with each other. As shown in FIG. 10B, when the biological information detection device 1B is attached to the tooth T, that is, when the tooth T is inserted into the space 10V, the protrusion member TT attached to the side surface TS of the tooth T has an inner portion. It abuts on the inner surface 102S of 102. Therefore, the inner portion 102 is urged and displaced by the protrusion member TT in the first displacement direction (+ X direction), and the operation portion 124 of the mechanical switch 12 sandwiched between the outer portion 101 and the inner portion 102 is displaced. It is pushed into the main body 123. As a result, the state shifts from the cutoff state to the energized state. On the contrary, when the tooth T is separated from the space 10V, the wearing state of FIG. 10B shifts to the non-wearing state of FIG. 10A. At that time, the inner portion 102 as the protective portion is displaced in the second displacement direction (−X direction). That is, when the shell 10 attached to the tooth T is removed from the tooth T, the inner portion 102 is displaced in the second displacement direction (−X direction), and the operation unit 124 is operated to change from the energized state to the cutoff state. It is designed to migrate.

As described above, the biological information detection device 1B has a protrusion member TT attached to the side surface TS of the tooth T at a position corresponding to the operation unit 124 of the mechanical switch 12, so that when the device 1B is attached to the tooth T, the protrusion member TT is provided. In addition, the urging force of the teeth T can be more effectively transmitted to the operation unit 124 of the mechanical switch 12. Therefore, in the biological information detection device 1B, it is possible to reliably switch between the energized state and the cutoff state in conjunction with the wearing operation and the detaching operation by the user.

[Modification 3]
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a biological information detection device 1C as a third modification (modification 3) of the present disclosure. In this biological information detection device 1C, the strain sensor 31 is embedded in the portion of the shell 10 that covers the crown portion TA of the tooth T. The strain sensor 31 is connected to the battery 6 by a power line via a mechanical switch 12, and is also connected to a signal processing unit 4 by a communication line. The strain sensor 31 receives power from the battery 6 and transmits a detection signal to the signal processing unit 4. Except for this point, the biological information detection device 1C has substantially the same configuration as the biological information detection device 1 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the same effect as that of the biometric information detection device 1 of the above-described embodiment can be obtained in this biometric information detection device 1C. Moreover, by providing the strain sensor 31, it is possible to measure the occlusal force when the subject occludes the teeth of the upper jaw and the teeth of the lower jaw, and the pressure of the subject's cheek or tongue touching the strain sensor 31. By using information such as quotient force and pressure of cheek and tongue, it is possible to obtain information on structural strength and dentition information required for artificial teeth such as dentures and implants. As the strain sensor 31, for example, a magnetostrictive sensor using magnetic strain can be applied. Further, there is a possibility that a pressure sensor using a piezoelectric element or the like instead of the strain sensor 31 can be applied.

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

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

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

For example, in the above-described embodiment and the like, the biological information detection device 1 having a shell 10 mounted so as to cover two consecutive crown portions is exemplified, but the biological information detection device of the present disclosure is limited to this. It's not a thing. The biological information detection device of the present disclosure may have, for example, a shell mounted so as to cover only one crown portion, or may have a shell mounted so as to cover three or more crown portions. It may be a thing. However, in consideration of prevention of accidental ingestion, it is desirable to have a shell as large as possible, and it is more preferable to have a shell having a size that covers all the teeth of the lower jaw or all the teeth of the upper jaw, for example.

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

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

In addition, the present disclosure may have the following structure.
(1)
It is a biological information detection device installed in the oral cavity.
With the sensor
Batteries and
A mechanical switch that includes an operation unit and switches between an energized state in which power is supplied from the battery to the sensor and a cutoff state in which the power supply is cut off by operating the operation unit.
It includes a protective portion that covers the operation portion, and has a holding member that is mounted in the oral cavity and holds the sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch while sealing them all.
By mounting the holding member in the oral cavity, the protective portion is displaced in the first displacement direction, and the operation unit is operated to shift from the cutoff state to the energized state. ..
(2)
The holding member can be attached to the tooth in the oral cavity, and the holding member can be attached to the tooth.
By attaching the holding member to the tooth, an external force is applied from the tooth to the operating portion via the protective portion, and the state of disconnection shifts to the state of energization (1). The biometric information detection device described.
(3)
Further, when the holding member mounted in the oral cavity is removed from the oral cavity, the protective portion is displaced in the second displacement direction, and the operation unit is operated to change from the energized state to the cutoff state. The biometric information detection device according to (1) above, which can be migrated.
(4)
The holding member can be attached to the tooth in the oral cavity, and the holding member can be attached to the tooth.
The holding member includes a grip portion that grips the tooth.
By inserting the tooth into the grip portion, the protective portion is displaced in the first displacement direction.
The biometric information detection device according to (3) above, wherein the protective portion is displaced in the second displacement direction when the tooth is detached from the grip portion.
(5)
The biological information detection device according to (4) above, wherein the protective portion is sandwiched between the tooth and the operation portion by mounting the holding member in the oral cavity.
(6)
The biological information according to (5) above, wherein the holding member further includes an facing portion facing the protected portion, and is mounted in the oral cavity by gripping the tooth between the protected portion and the facing portion. Detection device.
(7)
The biometric information detection device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the protected portion includes a convex surface protruding to the opposite side of the mechanical switch in the cutoff state.
(8)
The biological information detection device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the protective portion in the holding member includes a protrusion portion having a shape along the shape of the outer surface of the operation portion.
(9)
Further having a protruding member attached to the tooth
When the holding member is attached to the tooth, the protrusion member and the protection portion come into contact with each other, an external force is applied from the protrusion member to the operation portion via the protection portion, and the energization state is applied from the cutoff state. The biometric information detection device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, which can be transferred to.
(10)
The biological information detection device according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the mechanical switch is a momentary switch.
(11)
The mechanical switch is
Further including a first conductor and a second conductor,
When an external force is applied to the operation unit and the first conductor and the second conductor come into contact with each other, the state shifts from the cutoff state to the energized state.
Any of the above (1) to (10), in which the external force on the operation unit is removed and the first conductor and the second conductor are separated from each other to shift from the energized state to the cutoff state. The biological information detection device according to one.
(12)
The sensor includes a light emitting element capable of emitting light and a light receiving element capable of receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element.
From (1) above, the holding member includes a first translucent portion that covers the light emitting element and is capable of transmitting the light, and a second translucent portion that covers the light receiving element and is capable of transmitting the light. 11) The biometric information detection device according to any one of.
(13)
The light emitting element is arranged so as to face the gums via the first translucent portion.
The biological information detection device according to (12) above, wherein the light receiving element is arranged so as to face the gums via the second translucent portion.
(14)
The light emitting element is arranged so as to face the inner surface of the cheek via the first translucent portion.
The biological information detection device according to (12) above, wherein the light receiving element is arranged so as to face the inner surface of the cheek via the second translucent portion.
(15)
A signal processing unit that is sealed in the holding member, receives power from the battery, and generates a data signal based on an output signal from the sensor.
A transmission / reception unit that is sealed in the holding member, receives power from the battery, can transmit the data signal from the signal processing unit to an external device, and can receive a control signal from the external device. The biometric information detection device according to any one of (11) to (14) above.
(16)
The biometric information detection device according to any one of (11) to (15) above, wherein the first translucent portion and the second translucent portion are formed of a thermoplastic polymer compound.
(17)
The biometric information detection device according to any one of (1) to (16) above, wherein the sensor is a pulse wave sensor, a pulse oximeter, or a glucose sensor.
(18)
The biometric information detection device according to any one of (1) to (17) above, further comprising another sensor for measuring a physical quantity.
(19)
A method for manufacturing a biological information detection device to be attached to teeth or gums.
A sensor, a battery, and a mechanical switch that switches between an energized state in which power is supplied from the battery to the sensor by operating the operation unit including the operation unit and a cutoff state in which the power supply is cut off. , And to prepare each
The sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch are sandwiched between a pair of sealing films, and then the pair of sealing films are heated and molded to cover the operation portion and the protective portion. Including an opposed portion capable of sandwiching the tooth between and, including forming a holding member capable of holding the tooth while sealing the sensor, the battery and the mechanical switch.
When the holding member is formed, the holding member is attached to the tooth, so that the operation unit can be operated to shift from the cutoff state to the energized state, and the holding member attached to the tooth. A method for manufacturing a biological information detection device that seals the mechanical switch so that the mechanical switch can be transferred from the energized state to the cutoff state by being removed from the tooth.

1,1A-1E ... Biometric information detection device, 2 ... Biometric information detection module, 3 ... Transmitter / receiver unit, 4 ... Signal processing unit, 5 ... Optical sensor, 6 ... Battery, 7 ... Network connector, 8 ... Transmission / reception module, 9A , 9B ... Sealing film, 10 ... Shell, 10A ... Sealing part, 101 ... Outer part, 102 ... Inner part, 102T ... Projection part, 10B ... Opposing part, 10V ... Space, 11 ... Mounting board, 12 ... Mechanical switch , 121 ... 1st conductor, 122 ... 2nd conductor, 123 ... main body, 123A ... bottom, 123B ... wall, 123G ... protection, 124 ... operation, 23 ... tooth mold, 24 ... heater, 31 ... distortion Sensor, 32 ... Accelerometer, G ... Gum, T ... Teeth.

Claims (17)

It is a biological information detection device installed in the oral cavity.
With the sensor
Batteries and
A mechanical switch that includes an operation unit and switches between an energized state in which power is supplied from the battery to the sensor and a cutoff state in which the power supply is cut off by operating the operation unit.
A holding member that includes a protective portion that covers the operation portion and is mounted in the oral cavity to hold the sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch while sealing them all.
Have,
By mounting the holding member in the oral cavity, the protective portion is displaced in the first displacement direction, and the operation unit can be operated to shift from the cutoff state to the energization state.
The protective portion includes a convex surface protruding to the opposite side of the mechanical switch in the cutoff state.
Biometric information detector. It is a biological information detection device installed in the oral cavity.
With the sensor
Batteries and
A mechanical switch that includes an operation unit and switches between an energized state in which power is supplied from the battery to the sensor and a cutoff state in which the power supply is cut off by operating the operation unit.
A holding member that includes a protective portion that covers the operation portion and is mounted in the oral cavity to hold the sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch while sealing them all.
Have,
By mounting the holding member in the oral cavity, the protective portion is displaced in the first displacement direction, and the operation unit can be operated to shift from the cutoff state to the energization state.
The protective portion includes a protrusion portion having a shape that follows the shape of the outer surface of the operation portion.
Biometric information detector. The holding member can be attached to the tooth in the oral cavity, and the holding member can be attached to the tooth.
According to claim 1 , when the holding member is attached to the tooth, an external force is applied from the tooth to the operating portion via the protective portion, and the state is shifted from the cutoff state to the energized state. The biological information detection device according to claim 2 . Further, when the holding member mounted in the oral cavity is removed from the oral cavity, the protected portion is displaced in the second displacement direction, and the operating portion is operated to change from the energized state to the cutoff state. The biometric information detection device according to claim 1 or 2 , which can be migrated. The holding member can be attached to the tooth in the oral cavity, and the holding member can be attached to the tooth.
The holding member includes a grip portion that grips the tooth.
By inserting the tooth into the grip portion, the protective portion is displaced in the first displacement direction.
The biological information detection device according to claim 4 , wherein the protected portion is displaced in the second displacement direction when the tooth is detached from the grip portion. The biological information detection device according to claim 5 , wherein the protective portion is sandwiched between the tooth and the operation portion by mounting the holding member in the oral cavity. The biological information detection according to claim 6 , wherein the holding member further includes an facing portion facing the protected portion, and is mounted in the oral cavity by grasping the tooth between the protected portion and the facing portion. Device. The biometric information detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the mechanical switch is a momentary switch. The mechanical switch is
Further including a first conductor and a second conductor,
When an external force is applied to the operation unit and the first conductor and the second conductor come into contact with each other, the state shifts from the cutoff state to the energized state.
Any one of claims 1 to 8 that shifts from the energized state to the cutoff state when the external force on the operation unit is removed and the first conductor and the second conductor are separated from each other. The biometric information detector according to the section. The sensor includes a light emitting element capable of emitting light and a light receiving element capable of receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element.
Claim 1 to claim 1, wherein the holding member includes a first translucent portion that covers the light emitting element and is capable of transmitting the light, and a second translucent portion that covers the light receiving element and is capable of transmitting the light. 9. The biometric information detection device according to any one of 9. The light emitting element is arranged so as to face the gums via the first translucent portion.
The biological information detection device according to claim 10 , wherein the light receiving element is arranged so as to face the gum through the second translucent portion. The light emitting element is arranged so as to face the inner surface of the cheek via the first translucent portion.
The biological information detection device according to claim 10 , wherein the light receiving element is arranged so as to face the inner surface of the cheek via the second translucent portion. A signal processing unit that is sealed in the holding member, receives power from the battery, and generates a data signal based on an output signal from the sensor.
A transmission / reception unit that is sealed in the holding member, receives power from the battery, can transmit the data signal from the signal processing unit to an external device, and can receive a control signal from the external device. The biometric information detection device according to any one of claims 10 to 12 , further comprising. The biometric information detection device according to any one of claims 10 to 13 , wherein the first translucent portion and the second translucent portion are formed of a thermoplastic polymer compound. The biometric information detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 , wherein the sensor is a pulse wave sensor, a pulse oximeter, or a glucose sensor. The biological information detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , further comprising another sensor for measuring a physical quantity. A method for manufacturing a biological information detection device to be attached to teeth or gums.
A sensor, a battery, and a mechanical switch that switches between an energized state in which power is supplied from the battery to the sensor by operating the operation unit including the operation unit and a cutoff state in which the power supply is cut off. , And to prepare each
The sensor, the battery, and the mechanical switch are sandwiched between a pair of sealing films, and then the pair of sealing films are heated and molded to cover the operation portion and the protective portion. Including an opposed portion capable of sandwiching the tooth between and, including forming a holding member capable of holding the tooth while sealing the sensor, the battery and the mechanical switch.
When the holding member is formed, the holding member is attached to the tooth, so that the operation unit can be operated to shift from the cutoff state to the energized state, and the holding member attached to the tooth. A method for manufacturing a biological information detection device that seals the mechanical switch so that the mechanical switch can be transferred from the energized state to the cutoff state by being removed from the tooth.

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