JP7120726B2 - Oral rehabilitation equipment - Google Patents

Oral rehabilitation equipment Download PDF

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JP7120726B2
JP7120726B2 JP2019022166A JP2019022166A JP7120726B2 JP 7120726 B2 JP7120726 B2 JP 7120726B2 JP 2019022166 A JP2019022166 A JP 2019022166A JP 2019022166 A JP2019022166 A JP 2019022166A JP 7120726 B2 JP7120726 B2 JP 7120726B2
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intraoral insertion
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隆生 内野
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本発明は、舌の挙上をはじめ口腔の運動機能の改善による嚥下機能等の回復や嚥下動作の補助を目的として用いられる口腔リハビリ器具に関する。 TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an oral rehabilitation appliance used for the purpose of recovering swallowing function and the like by improving oral motor functions such as tongue lifting and assisting swallowing movements.

嚥下は、舌の運動により食物や飲物を上顎の軟口蓋に押し付けて、口腔から咽頭に送る口腔期と、喉頭蓋が下がることにより気道を閉鎖して、食べ物等を咽頭から食道に送る咽頭期と、食物等を食道の蠕動運動により胃まで送る食道期とに分けられる。嚥下障害とは、種々の原因により嚥下の機能が損なわれることである。嚥下障害になると食物等を摂取できなくなったり、誤って食物等が気道に入ったりすることにより、例えば誤嚥性肺炎を誘発したりする場合がある。 Swallowing consists of an oral stage in which the movement of the tongue presses food and drink against the soft palate of the upper jaw and sends it from the oral cavity to the pharynx, and a pharyngeal stage in which the airway is closed by lowering the epiglottis and food is sent from the pharynx to the esophagus. It is divided into the esophageal stage and the esophageal stage in which food is sent to the stomach by peristalsis of the esophagus. Dysphagia is impairment of swallowing function due to various causes. When dysphagia occurs, it may become impossible to take food or the like, or food may accidentally enter the respiratory tract, thereby inducing, for example, aspiration pneumonia.

嚥下障害の一因としては、加齢に伴う舌の運動機能の低下や咀嚼機能の低下が挙げられる。そこで、従来より、嚥下障害者の嚥下を促すとともに、嚥下に使用される筋力の訓練を行なうことができる嚥下訓練用の口腔リハビリ器具が提案されている。その一例として、内部に流体が充填される流体充填部を有し、口腔内に挿入されて口腔内で外力を受けて弾性変形する受圧部と、内部に流体が充填される流体充填部を有し、口腔外に配置されて手が触れる接触部を有する圧力伝達部と、受圧部の流体充填部と圧力伝達部の流体充填部とを連通する管状部材とを備える嚥下訓練器具が提案されている(特許文献1)。かかる口腔リハビリ器具は、被訓練者が受圧部を口腔内に挿入して舌の力によって受圧部に外力を加えると、受圧部が弾性変形して押し潰され、流体が管状部材から圧力伝達部の流体充填部に流入して流体充填部の容積が拡大し、この弾性変形を手で感じ取ることにより、嚥下訓練をしているという実感を手の感覚で得ることができるというものである。 One of the causes of dysphagia is age-related decline in tongue motor function and decline in masticatory function. Therefore, conventionally, there have been proposed oral rehabilitation instruments for training in swallowing, which are capable of encouraging the swallowing of a dysphagic person and training the muscles used for swallowing. As an example, it has a fluid-filled portion that is internally filled with fluid, a pressure-receiving portion that is inserted into the oral cavity and is elastically deformed by receiving an external force in the oral cavity, and a fluid-filled portion that is internally filled with fluid. However, a swallowing training device has been proposed that includes a pressure transmitting portion that is disposed outside the oral cavity and has a contact portion that can be touched by a hand, and a tubular member that communicates the fluid-filled portion of the pressure receiving portion with the fluid-filled portion of the pressure transmitting portion. (Patent Document 1). In such an oral rehabilitation device, when the trainee inserts the pressure receiving part into the oral cavity and applies an external force to the pressure receiving part by the force of the tongue, the pressure receiving part is elastically deformed and crushed, and the fluid is transferred from the tubular member to the pressure transmitting part. The volume of the fluid-filled portion is expanded, and the elastic deformation of the fluid is felt by the hand.

しかし、この種の訓練は単調であり、かつ、訓練の効果が表れるまで相当の期間を要するため、よほど強い意志がなければ、訓練を持続させることは難しい。特に、嚥下障害者が主として高齢者であることに鑑みると、適切な訓練方法とは言い難いところがある。そこで、日々の生活において必然的な飲料を飲むという行為と訓練を融合させるとのコンセプトに基づき、口腔内に挿入されて口腔内で外力を受けて弾性変形する軟質樹脂製の口腔内挿入部を飲料容器の口部に取り付けた嚥下訓練用の口腔リハビリ器具が提案されている(特許文献2)。かかる口腔リハビリ器具は、口腔内挿入部が被訓練者の口蓋窩へ収容されることで、高齢化に伴って舌が細くなったことにより生じた口蓋窩と舌の間の空間が埋まり、口腔内挿入部を介して口蓋窩に舌圧を加えることができて、その反作用で舌の根元に加わる力により喉頭蓋が倒れて気管が塞がれるようになるため、口腔内挿入部を吸引して口腔内挿入部の前端の孔から送出された飲料の嚥下を適正に行うことができるようになり、この訓練を継続することで、嚥下機能が回復していくというものである。 However, since this type of training is monotonous and requires a considerable period of time until the effects of the training appear, it is difficult to continue the training without a strong will. In particular, considering that dysphagia is mainly elderly people, it is difficult to say that it is an appropriate training method. Therefore, based on the concept of combining the act of drinking beverages that are inevitable in daily life with training, we developed an intraoral insertion part made of soft resin that elastically deforms when inserted into the oral cavity and subjected to external force in the oral cavity. An oral rehabilitation device for swallowing training attached to the mouth of a beverage container has been proposed (Patent Document 2). In such an oral rehabilitation device, the intraoral insertion portion is accommodated in the fossa palate of the trainee, so that the space between the fossa palate and the tongue caused by the tongue becoming thinner due to aging is filled, and the oral cavity is improved. Tongue pressure can be applied to the palatine fossa through the internal insertion section, and the reaction force applied to the root of the tongue causes the epiglottis to collapse and block the trachea. By continuing this training, the patient is able to properly swallow the beverage delivered from the hole at the front end of the intraoral insertion portion, thereby recovering the swallowing function.

特開2017-189461号公報JP 2017-189461 A 特許第6333487号公報Japanese Patent No. 6333487

本発明は、飲食という要素を取り入れて、使用持続可能性を向上させるとともに、さらに新たな機能を付加した口腔リハビリ器具を提供することを課題とする。 An object of the present invention is to provide an oral rehabilitation instrument that incorporates the element of eating and drinking to improve the sustainability of use and to which a new function is added.

本発明に係る口腔リハビリ器具は、
中空で基端から先端にかけて内部に空間部が形成され、先端側の下面部に隆起部が形成され、空間部が狭窄部分を経て先端側にて拡大されて流動食又は飲料の貯留部となり、先端側であって口腔内奥行方向と交差する方向においてのみ貯留部の内外を連通する孔が形成され、口腔内に挿入される弾性変形可能な口腔内挿入部と、
内部の収容空間に流動食又は飲料が収容された柔軟性容器の口部に着脱自在に接続され、口腔内挿入部の空間部と柔軟性容器の収容空間とを連通する接続部とを備える。
The oral rehabilitation appliance according to the present invention is
A hollow space is formed inside from the proximal end to the distal end , a raised portion is formed on the lower surface on the distal side, and the space is expanded on the distal side through the constricted portion to form a liquid food or beverage reservoir, an elastically deformable intraoral insertion part that is inserted into the oral cavity and has a hole that communicates between the inside and the outside of the storage part only in a direction that intersects the depth direction of the oral cavity on the distal end side;
A connecting part is detachably connected to the mouth of the flexible container containing liquid food or beverage in the internal containing space, and communicates the space of the intraoral insertion part and the containing space of the flexible container.

かかる構成によれば、嚥下訓練を行う場合、使用者は、柔軟性容器を持って把握することで、柔軟性容器内の収容空間に収容されている内容物が柔軟性容器の口部から押し出され、接続部を介して口腔内挿入部内の空間部に供給される。そして、使用者は、舌を口腔内挿入部に当て、舌を押し上げて口腔内挿入部を口蓋に押し付ける。これにより、口腔内挿入部内の空間部に供給された内容物が孔から押し出され、口腔内に排出される。使用者は、嚥下動作をさらに進めることで、この内容物を飲み込むことができる。そして、訓練中は、舌に適切な負荷が掛かるため、使用者が訓練を継続することで、舌の筋力やその他嚥下に用いられる筋力が鍛錬され、嚥下機能の回復という効果が期待できる。 According to such a configuration, when performing swallowing training, the user holds and grasps the flexible container so that the contents housed in the housing space inside the flexible container are pushed out from the mouth of the flexible container. It is supplied to the space inside the intraoral insertion section via the connecting section. Then, the user applies the tongue to the intraoral insertion section and pushes the tongue up to press the intraoral insertion section against the palate. As a result, the contents supplied to the space inside the intraoral insertion portion are pushed out through the hole and discharged into the oral cavity. The user can swallow this content by further advancing the swallowing action. Since an appropriate load is applied to the tongue during training, the muscle strength of the tongue and other muscles used for swallowing are trained by the user continuing the training, and an effect of recovering the swallowing function can be expected.

ここで、本発明に係る口腔リハビリ器具の一態様として、
孔は、口腔内奥行方向と交差する方向として、隆起部とは反対側の上面部に形成される
構成を採用することができる。
Here, as one aspect of the oral rehabilitation appliance according to the present invention,
The hole is formed in the upper surface portion on the side opposite to the raised portion in the direction intersecting the depth direction of the oral cavity.
configuration can be employed.

以上の如く、本発明に係る口腔リハビリ器具によれば、摂食ないし飲食行為を組み合わせることで(摂食ないし飲食という要素を取り入れて)、使用持続可能性を向上させることができ、また、手の把握運動促進という新たな機能を付加することができる。 As described above, according to the oral rehabilitation appliance according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the sustainability of use by combining eating or eating and drinking (incorporating the elements of eating and drinking), and It is possible to add a new function of promoting grasping movement of the hand.

図1は、本発明の一実施形態に係る把握運動促進機能付き嚥下訓練器具の正面図である。FIG. 1 is a front view of a swallowing training device with grasping motion promoting function according to one embodiment of the present invention. 図2は、同訓練器具の分解正面図である。FIG. 2 is an exploded front view of the training device. 図3(a)は、同訓練器具の構成の一つである口腔内挿入具の側面図であり、同図(b)は、同口腔内挿入具の側面断面図であり、同図(c)は、同口腔内挿入具の下面図であり、同図(d)は、同図(c)のA-A線断面図である。FIG. 3(a) is a side view of an intraoral insertion tool that is one of the components of the training device, and FIG. 3(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the same intraoral insertion tool. ) is a bottom view of the same intraoral insertion device, and FIG. 図4(a)及び(c)は、同訓練器具の構成の一つである接続具の側面図であり、同図(b)及び(d)は、同接続具の側面断面図である。FIGS. 4(a) and 4(c) are side views of a connector, which is one of the components of the training device, and FIGS. 4(b) and 4(d) are side cross-sectional views of the connector. 図5は、同訓練器具の要部拡大断面図である。FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the training device. 図6は、同訓練器具を用いて嚥下訓練をしている様子を示す説明図である。FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing how the training device is used for swallowing training. 図7(a)ないし(c)は、同訓練器具を用いて嚥下訓練をしている最中の舌の動きを示す説明図である。FIGS. 7(a) to 7(c) are explanatory diagrams showing movements of the tongue during swallowing training using the training device. 図8は、他実施形態に係る把握運動促進機能付き嚥下訓練器具を用いて嚥下訓練をしている様子を示す説明図である。FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing how a swallowing exercise is performed using a swallowing training device with a grasping exercise promoting function according to another embodiment. 図9(a)は、別の実施形態に係る把握運動促進機能付き嚥下訓練器具の口腔内挿入具の前面図であり、同図(b)は、同口腔内挿入具の下面図であり、同図(c)は、同口腔内挿入具の正面図であり、同図(d)は、同訓練器具を用いて嚥下訓練をしている様子を示す説明図である。FIG. 9(a) is a front view of an intraoral insertion device of a swallowing training device with grasping motion promoting function according to another embodiment, and FIG. 9(b) is a bottom view of the same intraoral insertion device, FIG. 1(c) is a front view of the same intraoral insertion tool, and FIG. 図10(a)は、さらに別の実施形態に係る把握運動促進機能付き嚥下訓練器具の口腔内挿入具及び同訓練器具の構成の一つである口腔前庭介装具を組み合わせた状態の下面図であり、同図(b)は、同図(a)の口腔前庭介装具を断面にした状態の下面図である。Fig. 10(a) is a bottom view of a state in which an intraoral insertion device of a swallowing training device with grasping motion promoting function according to still another embodiment and an oral vestibular interventional device, which is one of the configurations of the same training device, are combined. FIG. 1(b) is a bottom view of the state in which the oral vestibular interventional device of FIG. 1(a) is in cross section. 図11(a)は、別の実施形態に係る把握運動促進機能付き嚥下訓練器具の口腔内挿入具の側面図であり、同図(b)は、同口腔内挿入具の頭部の拡大側面断面図であり、同図(c)は、同頭部の拡大下面図である。FIG. 11(a) is a side view of an intraoral insertion device of a swallowing training device with grasping motion promoting function according to another embodiment, and FIG. 11(b) is an enlarged side view of the head of the same intraoral insertion device. It is a sectional view, and the same figure (c) is an enlarged bottom view of the same head.

以下、本発明に係る口腔リハビリ器具の一実施形態として、手の把握運動促進機能付き嚥下訓練器具について、図面を参酌して説明する。 Hereinafter, as one embodiment of the oral cavity rehabilitation device according to the present invention, a swallowing training device with a hand grasp exercise promoting function will be described with reference to the drawings.

図1及び図2に示す如く、訓練器具1は、被訓練者の口腔内に挿入される口腔内挿入具2と、口腔内挿入具2と柔軟性容器6とを接続する接続具5とで構成される。口腔内挿入具2は、本発明に係る口腔内挿入部に相当し、接続具5は、本発明に係る接続部に相当するものである。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the training device 1 comprises an intraoral insertion device 2 to be inserted into the oral cavity of a trainee, and a connector 5 for connecting the intraoral insertion device 2 and a flexible container 6 . Configured. The intraoral insertion tool 2 corresponds to the intraoral insertion portion according to the present invention, and the connection tool 5 corresponds to the connection portion according to the present invention.

口腔内挿入具2は、シリコーンゴム、イソプレンゴム、熱可塑性エラストマーあるいは天然ゴムといった軟質樹脂等の材料によって形成され、全体が中空体とされた成形品である。図3に示す如く、口腔内挿入具2は、基部20と、基部20から一方向に突出して被訓練者の口腔内に適合する形状、より具体的には、口蓋と舌の間の空間部に適合する形状を有する本体部24とを備える。 The intraoral insertion device 2 is a hollow molded product made of a material such as silicone rubber, isoprene rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or soft resin such as natural rubber. As shown in FIG. 3, the intraoral insertion device 2 has a base 20 and a shape that protrudes in one direction from the base 20 to fit in the oral cavity of the trainee, more specifically, the space between the palate and the tongue. a body portion 24 having a shape conforming to the

基部20は、所定の肉厚を有して環状に形成される。基部20は、端部外周から外方向に環状に突出するフランジ部21と、フランジ部21に隣接する括れ部22とを備える。本実施形態においては、基部20は、円環状である。 The base 20 is formed in an annular shape with a predetermined thickness. The base portion 20 includes a flange portion 21 annularly protruding outward from the outer circumference of the end portion, and a constricted portion 22 adjacent to the flange portion 21 . In this embodiment, the base 20 is annular.

本体部24は、基部20(の括れ部22)から所定の肉厚を有して延びて外周が徐々に拡大(拡径)された後、徐々に縮小(縮径)される形状を有する胴部25と、胴部25から所定の肉厚を有して延びて幅及び高さが徐々に拡大する形状を有する頭部26とを備える。本実施形態においては、胴部25は、円形であり、頭部26は、上下方向よりも幅方向が広い扁平状である。 The main body portion 24 extends from the base portion 20 (the constricted portion 22 of the base portion 20) with a predetermined thickness, and has a shape in which the outer periphery is gradually enlarged (diameter-enlarged) and then gradually reduced (diameter-reduced). and a head portion 26 extending from the body portion 25 with a predetermined thickness and gradually increasing in width and height. In the present embodiment, the body portion 25 is circular, and the head portion 26 is flattened so that the width direction is wider than the vertical direction.

頭部26の上面部26aは、幅方向の両側に向かうほど下がる曲面形状となることで、被訓練者の口蓋に適合する形状を有する。他方、頭部26の下面部26bは、下面部26bに接触した舌の先端部が入り込むよう誘導されるポケット部27と、ポケット部27の先端側にてポケット部27に隣接する隆起部28とを備える。 An upper surface portion 26a of the head 26 has a curved surface shape that slopes downward toward both sides in the width direction, thereby having a shape that fits the palate of the trainee. On the other hand, the lower surface portion 26b of the head portion 26 includes a pocket portion 27 into which the tip of the tongue in contact with the lower surface portion 26b is guided, and a raised portion 28 adjacent to the pocket portion 27 on the tip side of the pocket portion 27. Prepare.

ポケット部27は、頭部26の下面部26bの中央部が頭部26の上面部26a側に凹むことで形成される。ポケット部27は、ポケット部27の最深部からポケット部27の基端側に位置する前斜面部27aと、ポケット部27の最深部からポケット部27の先端側に位置する後斜面部27bと、ポケット部27の最深部からポケット部27の両側に位置する側壁部27cとで構成される。前斜面部27aは、後斜面部27bよりも急な斜面である。言い換えれば、後斜面部27bは、前斜面部27aよりも緩やかな斜面である。側壁部27cは、湾曲面の斜面である。なお、「前」とは、口腔内挿入具2を口腔内に挿入した被訓練者にとっての「前」を意味し、「後」とは、口腔内挿入具2を口腔内に挿入した被訓練者にとっての「後」を意味する(以下、同様。)。 The pocket portion 27 is formed by recessing the central portion of the lower surface portion 26 b of the head portion 26 toward the upper surface portion 26 a of the head portion 26 . The pocket portion 27 includes a front slope portion 27a located on the base end side of the pocket portion 27 from the deepest portion of the pocket portion 27, a rear slope portion 27b located on the tip side of the pocket portion 27 from the deepest portion of the pocket portion 27, Side wall portions 27 c located on both sides of the pocket portion 27 from the deepest portion of the pocket portion 27 . The front slope portion 27a is steeper than the rear slope portion 27b. In other words, the rear slope portion 27b is a gentler slope than the front slope portion 27a. The side wall portion 27c is a curved slope. In addition, "front" means "front" for the trainee who has inserted the intraoral insertion device 2 into the oral cavity, and "back" means the trainee who has inserted the intraoral insertion device 2 into the oral cavity. It means "after" for the person (hereinafter the same).

隆起部28は、頭部26の下面部26bの先端部が膨らむことで形成される。隆起部28は、隆起部28の頂部から隆起部28の基端側に位置する前斜面部28aと、隆起部28の頂部から隆起部28の先端側に位置し、頭部26の先端部26dを構成する後壁部28bと、隆起部28の頂部から隆起部28の両側に位置する側壁部28cとで構成される。前斜面部28aは、ポケット部27の後斜面部27bに連続して形成され、後壁部28bよりも緩やかな斜面である。言い換えれば、後壁部28bは、前斜面部28aよりも急な斜面である。より詳しくは、後壁部28bは、中心側が凹む凹面状の斜面である。側壁部28cは、湾曲面の斜面である。 The raised portion 28 is formed by swelling the tip of the lower surface portion 26b of the head portion 26 . The raised portion 28 has a front slope portion 28a located from the top of the raised portion 28 to the base end side of the raised portion 28, and a front slope portion 28a located from the top of the raised portion 28 to the distal end side of the raised portion 28, and a distal end portion 26d of the head portion 26. and side wall portions 28c located on both sides of the raised portion 28 from the top of the raised portion 28. As shown in FIG. The front slope portion 28a is formed continuously with the rear slope portion 27b of the pocket portion 27 and has a gentler slope than the rear wall portion 28b. In other words, the rear wall portion 28b has a steeper slope than the front slope portion 28a. More specifically, the rear wall portion 28b is a concave slanted surface that is concave toward the center. The side wall portion 28c is a curved slope.

口腔内挿入具2は、上述のとおり、中空体であるので、内部に空間部30を有する。空間部30は、基部20内に画される開口部31と、胴部25内に画される胴部内空間部32と、頭部26内に画される頭部内空間部のうち、頭部26の基端部26c(胴部25側の端部)からポケット部27の最深部にかけての頭部内第一空間部33と、ポケット部27の最深部から頭部26の先端部26dにかけての頭部内第二空間部34とで構成される。胴部内空間部32は、容量が大きく、拡大された空間部である。頭部内第一空間部33は、胴部内空間部32から扁平状に狭窄した空間部である。頭部内第二空間部34は、頭部内第一空間部33を抜けて拡大された空間部である。 Since the intraoral insertion tool 2 is a hollow body as described above, it has a space 30 inside. The space 30 includes an opening 31 defined within the base 20 , a body interior space 32 defined within the body 25 , and a head interior space defined within the head 26 . 26 from the base end 26c (end on the side of the trunk 25) to the deepest part of the pocket part 27, and a first space part 33 in the head part from the deepest part of the pocket part 27 to the tip part 26d of the head part 26. It is composed of a second intra-head space portion 34 . The body inner space 32 is an enlarged space having a large capacity. The first intra-head space 33 is a space narrowed in a flat shape from the intra-body space 32 . The second intra-head space portion 34 is a space portion expanded through the first intra-head space portion 33 .

頭部26の上面部26aには、空間部30(の頭部内第二空間部34)の内外を連通する孔35が形成される。孔35は、頭部26の上面部26aの幅方向の中央部に形成される。本実施形態においては、孔35は、円孔であり、頭部26の上面部26aに一つ形成される。 An upper surface portion 26a of the head portion 26 is formed with a hole 35 that communicates the inside and outside of the space portion 30 (the second space portion 34 in the head portion). The hole 35 is formed in the widthwise central portion of the upper surface portion 26 a of the head portion 26 . In this embodiment, the hole 35 is a circular hole, and one hole is formed in the upper surface portion 26 a of the head portion 26 .

図4に示す如く、接続具5は、所定の肉厚を有して中空で可撓性を有する管体部50と、管体部50の一端に設けられ、口腔内挿入具2が接続される第一接続部51と、管体部50の他端に設けられ、柔軟性容器6の口部に接続される第二接続部55とを備える。 As shown in FIG. 4, the connector 5 includes a tubular body portion 50 having a predetermined thickness and having a hollow flexibility, and one end of the tubular body portion 50 to which the intraoral insertion instrument 2 is connected. and a second connection portion 55 provided at the other end of the tubular body portion 50 and connected to the mouth portion of the flexible container 6 .

管体部50は、シリコーンゴム、熱可塑性エラストマー、PVC(ポリ塩化ビニル)といった軟質樹脂等の材料のチューブが用いられる。なお、管体部50は、通常は真っ直ぐであるが、本図においては、約90度湾曲させた状態で表している。管体部50の長さ、径及び硬さは、特に限定されないが、第二接続部55における管体部50の軸線に対する第一接続部51における管体部50の軸線の折れ曲がり角が少なくとも45度以上、より好ましくは、60度以上、さらに好ましくは、80度以上となることを可能とするものが選ばれる。 A tube made of a material such as soft resin such as silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is used for the tubular body portion 50 . In addition, although the tubular body portion 50 is normally straight, it is shown in a state of being bent about 90 degrees in this figure. The length, diameter, and hardness of the tubular body portion 50 are not particularly limited, but the bending angle of the axis of the tubular body portion 50 at the first connecting portion 51 with respect to the axis of the tubular body portion 50 at the second connecting portion 55 is at least 45. degree or more, more preferably 60 degrees or more, and still more preferably 80 degrees or more.

第一接続部51は、口腔内挿入具2の基部20が当接して基部20を受ける受け部52と、受け部52に着脱自在に取り付けられ、受け部52に口腔内挿入具2の基部20を固定するキャップ53とで構成される。 The first connection portion 51 is detachably attached to a receiving portion 52 that receives the base portion 20 of the intraoral insertion device 2 in contact with the base portion 20 of the intraoral insertion device 2 . and a cap 53 for fixing the .

受け部52は、口腔内挿入具2の基部20と同程度の大きさに形成される。本実施形態においては、口腔内挿入具2の基部20は、円環状であるため、受け部52の外形は、円形である。受け部52は、中心部に軸線方向に沿って孔52aを有する。また、孔52aの一部(孔52aの先端側の一部を除く部分)は、拡径され、ここに、管体部50の一端が挿入される。孔52aの拡径部の内径は、管体部50の外径よりも僅かに小さくなるよう設定されるため、拡径部に挿入した管体部50は簡単には抜けない。 The receiving portion 52 is formed to have approximately the same size as the base portion 20 of the intraoral insertion device 2 . In this embodiment, since the base 20 of the intraoral insertion device 2 is annular, the outer shape of the receiving portion 52 is circular. The receiving portion 52 has a hole 52a in the central portion along the axial direction. A portion of the hole 52a (a portion of the hole 52a excluding a portion on the distal end side) is enlarged in diameter, and one end of the tubular body portion 50 is inserted therein. Since the inner diameter of the enlarged diameter portion of the hole 52a is set to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tubular body portion 50, the tubular body portion 50 inserted into the enlarged diameter portion cannot be easily pulled out.

受け部52の外周には、雄ネジ部52bが形成される。他方、キャップ53の内周には、雌ネジ部53aが形成される。これにより、キャップ53は、受け部52に着脱自在に螺合される。なお、キャップ53を締める際に、受け部52が共回りしないよう、受け部52には、指を引っ掛けて受け部52の回転を規制する回転規制部52cが設けられる。本実施形態においては、回転規制部52cは、受け部52の基端側端面から軸方向に板状に突出する突起である。 A male screw portion 52b is formed on the outer periphery of the receiving portion 52 . On the other hand, the inner periphery of the cap 53 is formed with a female screw portion 53a. Thereby, the cap 53 is detachably screwed onto the receiving portion 52 . In order to prevent the receiving portion 52 from rotating together when the cap 53 is tightened, the receiving portion 52 is provided with a rotation restricting portion 52c that restricts rotation of the receiving portion 52 by hooking a finger. In the present embodiment, the rotation restricting portion 52c is a plate-shaped projection that protrudes axially from the proximal end surface of the receiving portion 52 .

キャップ53は、端部内周から内方向に環状に突出するフランジ部53cが形成されるようにして、中心部に孔53bを有する。フランジ部53cが口腔内挿入具2の基部20の括れ部22に嵌り、かつ簡単には抜けないよう、孔53bの内径は、口腔内挿入具2の基部20のフランジ部21の外径よりは小さく、かつ、括れ部22の外径と同じかそれよりも僅かに大きくなるよう設定される。 The cap 53 has a hole 53b in the center such that a flange portion 53c annularly protruding inward from the inner periphery of the end portion is formed. The inner diameter of the hole 53b is smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portion 21 of the base portion 20 of the intraoral insertion device 2 so that the flange portion 53c fits into the constricted portion 22 of the base portion 20 of the intraoral insertion device 2 and does not easily come off. It is set to be small and equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the constricted portion 22 .

第二接続部55は、中心部に軸線方向に沿って孔55aを有する。また、第二接続部55は、先端側端面から突出する筒状の差し込み部55bを有し、ここに、管体部50の他端が外嵌される。差し込み部55bの外径は、管状部50の内径よりも僅かに大きくなるよう設定されるため、差し込み部55bが挿入された管体部50は簡単には抜けない。 The second connecting portion 55 has a hole 55a in the central portion along the axial direction. Further, the second connecting portion 55 has a tubular inserting portion 55b protruding from the end face on the distal end side, and the other end of the tubular body portion 50 is fitted onto the inserting portion 55b. Since the outer diameter of the inserting portion 55b is set to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the tubular portion 50, the tubular portion 50 into which the inserting portion 55b is inserted cannot be easily removed.

第二接続部55の内周には、柔軟性容器6の口部の外周に形成された雄ネジ部に対応する雌ネジ部55cが形成される。これにより、第二接続部55は、柔軟性容器6の口部に着脱自在に螺合される。 A female threaded portion 55c corresponding to the male threaded portion formed on the outer periphery of the mouth portion of the flexible container 6 is formed on the inner periphery of the second connection portion 55 . Thereby, the second connecting portion 55 is detachably screwed to the mouth portion of the flexible container 6 .

図5に示す如く、柔軟性容器6は、一般的には口栓(スパウト)付きのパウチ容器の形態が採られる。柔軟性容器6には、牛乳、卵、果汁、くず湯、重湯(おもゆ)、スープ、オートミール、飴砂糖類、ゼリー、プディング、ゼリータイプの健康食品、ゼリータイプの栄養補助食品といった流動食(流動性を有して咀嚼を要しない食物)が収容される。本実施形態においては、内容物が収容された市販のものが用いられる。 As shown in FIG. 5, the flexible container 6 generally takes the form of a pouch container with a spout. The flexible container 6 contains liquid foods such as milk, eggs, fruit juice, waste water, gruel, soup, oatmeal, candies, jelly, pudding, jelly-type health foods, and jelly-type nutritional supplements. (Food that has fluidity and does not require chewing) is accommodated. In this embodiment, a commercially available container containing contents is used.

そして、接続部5の第一接続部51の受け部52の先端側端面に口腔内挿入具2の基部20のフランジ部21を当接させて、キャップ53を締め込むことにより、受け部52の先端側端面とキャップ53のフランジ部53cとで口腔内挿入具2の基部20のフランジ部21を挟み込んで、口腔内挿入具2(の基部20)と第一接続部51とが接続された状態にした上で、接続部5の第二接続部55を柔軟性容器6の口部60の雄ネジ部60aに螺合して、第二接続部55が柔軟性容器6の口部60に接続される。これにより、柔軟性容器6の口部60から接続部5を介して口腔内挿入具2は、内部の空間部が連通した状態となる。そのため、柔軟性容器6の口部60から排出された流動食は、接続部5の管体部50を通じて口腔内挿入具2内の空間部30に供給され、上面部26aの孔35からの注出が可能となる。 Then, the flange portion 21 of the base portion 20 of the intraoral insertion tool 2 is brought into contact with the distal end face of the receiving portion 52 of the first connecting portion 51 of the connecting portion 5, and the cap 53 is tightened to remove the receiving portion 52. A state in which (the base 20 of) the intraoral insertion device 2 and the first connection portion 51 are connected by sandwiching the flange portion 21 of the base portion 20 of the intraoral insertion device 2 between the distal end surface and the flange portion 53c of the cap 53. After that, the second connection portion 55 of the connection portion 5 is screwed into the male screw portion 60a of the mouth portion 60 of the flexible container 6, and the second connection portion 55 is connected to the mouth portion 60 of the flexible container 6. be done. As a result, the internal space of the intraoral insertion tool 2 is communicated from the mouth 60 of the flexible container 6 via the connecting part 5 . Therefore, the liquid food discharged from the mouth portion 60 of the flexible container 6 is supplied to the space portion 30 in the intraoral insertion device 2 through the tubular body portion 50 of the connecting portion 5, and is poured from the hole 35 of the upper surface portion 26a. exit is possible.

本実施形態に係る訓練器具1は、以上の構成からなり、次に、この訓練器具1を用いた訓練方法について説明する。 The training device 1 according to this embodiment is configured as described above. Next, a training method using this training device 1 will be described.

図6に示す如く、被訓練者は、柔軟性容器6を持ち、柔軟性容器6を把握する。これにより、柔軟性容器6に外力が加わって柔軟性容器6内の収容空間が減容し、収容されている流動食が口部60から押し出され、接続部5内に排出される。そして、排出された流動食は、接続部5を介して口腔内挿入具2内の空間部30に供給される。しかし、孔35が口腔内挿入具2の頭部26の上面部26aに設けられ、孔35が口腔内奥行方向と交差する方向に形成されるため、被訓練者が口腔内挿入具2の頭部26を吸引しても、被訓練者の吸引力は、口腔内挿入具2内の空間部30に伝達されにくい。そのため、流動食は孔35から排出されにくくなっている。しかも、孔35が口腔内挿入具2の頭部26の上面部26aに設けられることで、口腔内挿入具2が口腔内に挿入された状態では、孔35は口蓋によって塞がれて閉塞状態ないし閉塞に近い状態となるため、流動食が孔35から排出されにくいのはなおさらである。 As shown in FIG. 6 , the trainee holds the flexible container 6 and grasps the flexible container 6 . As a result, an external force is applied to the flexible container 6 to reduce the volume of the accommodation space in the flexible container 6 , and the liquid food accommodated therein is pushed out from the mouth portion 60 and discharged into the connection portion 5 . Then, the discharged liquid food is supplied to the space 30 inside the intraoral insertion tool 2 via the connecting part 5 . However, since the hole 35 is provided in the upper surface portion 26a of the head portion 26 of the intraoral insertion device 2 and is formed in a direction intersecting the depth direction of the oral cavity, the trainee can easily move the head of the intraoral insertion device 2. Even if the portion 26 is sucked, the trainee's suction force is less likely to be transmitted to the space portion 30 inside the intraoral insertion device 2 . Therefore, liquid food is less likely to be discharged from the holes 35 . Moreover, since the hole 35 is provided in the upper surface portion 26a of the head portion 26 of the intraoral insertion device 2, the hole 35 is closed by the palate when the intraoral insertion device 2 is inserted into the oral cavity. It is even more difficult for the liquid food to be discharged from the hole 35 because the hole 35 is in a nearly clogged state.

したがって、被訓練者が流動食を摂食するには、被訓練者は、口腔内挿入具2内の空間部30に貯留されている流動食を押し出して孔35から排出させる動作が必要となる。この動作を具体的に表したのが図7である。被訓練者は、まず、図7(a)に示す如く、舌の先端部を口腔内挿入具2の頭部26の下面部26bに接触させる。すると、頭部26の下面部26bには、ポケット部27が形成されているため、舌の先端部はポケット部27に誘導される。これにより、被訓練者の舌は、口腔内挿入具2の頭部26の位置を円滑かつ確実に捉えることができる。 Therefore, in order for the trainee to eat the liquid food, the trainee needs to push out the liquid food stored in the space 30 inside the intraoral insertion device 2 and discharge it from the hole 35. . FIG. 7 specifically shows this operation. The trainee first brings the tip of the tongue into contact with the bottom surface 26b of the head 26 of the intraoral insertion device 2, as shown in FIG. 7(a). Then, since a pocket portion 27 is formed on the lower surface portion 26b of the head portion 26, the tip of the tongue is guided to the pocket portion 27. As shown in FIG. This allows the trainee's tongue to grasp the position of the head 26 of the intraoral insertion device 2 smoothly and reliably.

被訓練者は、次に、同図(b)に示す如く、舌の先端部を口蓋に向けて押し上げて、口腔内挿入具2の頭部26を口蓋に当たるようにする。これにより、口腔内挿入具2の頭部26は口蓋に支持されるため、舌の先端部による力は、口腔内挿入具2の頭部26に確実に伝達され、口腔内挿入具2の頭部26を弾性変形させる力に転換可能となる。 Next, the trainee pushes up the tip of the tongue toward the palate so that the head 26 of the intraoral insertion device 2 contacts the palate, as shown in FIG. As a result, since the head 26 of the intraoral-insertion instrument 2 is supported by the palate, the force exerted by the tip of the tongue is reliably transmitted to the head 26 of the intraoral-insertion instrument 2, and the head of the intraoral-insertion instrument 2 can be The force can be converted into a force that elastically deforms the portion 26 .

そこで、被訓練者は、同図(c)に示す如く、嚥下動作と同様、舌全体を口蓋に向けて押し上げる。すると、舌は、ポケット部27の先にある隆起部28を弾性変形させて押し潰す。これにより、隆起部28内にある頭部内第二空間部34が減容し、頭部内第二空間部34に貯留されている流動食が孔35から押し出され、口腔内に排出される。被訓練者は、嚥下動作をさらに進めることで、この流動食を飲み込むことができる。なお、隆起部28は、後壁部28bを中心側が凹む凹面状にして、潰しやすくしている。 Therefore, the trainee pushes up the entire tongue toward the palate as in the swallowing motion, as shown in FIG. Then, the tongue elastically deforms the raised portion 28 at the tip of the pocket portion 27 and crushes it. As a result, the volume of the intra-head second space 34 in the raised portion 28 is reduced, and the liquid food stored in the intra-head second space 34 is pushed out from the hole 35 and discharged into the oral cavity. . The trainee can swallow the liquid diet by further advancing the swallowing motion. In addition, the rear wall portion 28b of the raised portion 28 is formed in a concave shape in which the center side is recessed so that it can be easily crushed.

このように、本実施形態に係る訓練器具1を用いた訓練方法によれば、舌に適切な負荷が掛かるため、被訓練者が訓練を継続することで、舌の筋力やその他嚥下に用いられる筋力が鍛錬され、嚥下機能の回復という効果が期待される。しかも、本実施形態に係る訓練器具1を用いた訓練方法は、日々の生活において必然的な摂食行動を融合させた(組み合わせた)ものであるため、単に鍛錬を行うという単純目的の訓練方法に比べて、使用(訓練)持続可能性が高い。したがって、本実施形態に係る訓練器具1を用いた訓練方法によれば、より多くの被訓練者において、嚥下機能の回復という効果が見込まれる。 As described above, according to the training method using the training device 1 according to the present embodiment, an appropriate load is applied to the tongue. Muscle strength is trained, and effects such as recovery of swallowing function are expected. Moreover, since the training method using the training device 1 according to the present embodiment is a combination (combination) of eating behavior that is inevitable in daily life, the training method has a simple purpose of simply training. use (training) more sustainable than Therefore, according to the training method using the training device 1 according to the present embodiment, an effect of recovering the swallowing function is expected in more trainees.

また、本実施形態に係る訓練器具1を用いた訓練方法によれば、舌の先端部の動きが口腔内挿入具2の頭部内空間部(頭部内第一空間部33及び頭部内第二空間部34)を基端側から先端側に絞り上げていくという動作が的確に行われたならば、多くの量の流動食が頭部内空間部に留まることなく孔35から絞り出されるため、被訓練者は、訓練を適切に行えているか否かを口腔内挿入具2から排出される流動食の量で確認することができる。 Further, according to the training method using the training device 1 according to the present embodiment, the movement of the tip of the tongue is controlled by the intra-head space of the intraoral insertion device 2 (first intra-head space 33 and intra-head space). If the operation of squeezing up the second space 34) from the proximal side to the distal side is performed accurately, a large amount of liquid food will be squeezed out from the hole 35 without remaining in the head inner space. Therefore, the trainee can check whether or not the training is being performed appropriately by the amount of liquid food discharged from the intraoral insertion device 2 .

また、上述のとおり、被訓練者が口腔内挿入具2の頭部26を吸引しても、流動食は孔35から排出されにくく、流動食を得るためには、適切な嚥下動作を行わなければならない。したがって、本実施形態に係る訓練器具1を用いた訓練方法によれば、被訓練者の意識の有無に関わらず、自然的に正しい訓練をするように仕向けられるため、効果の上がらない意図しない訓練が行われてしまうのを好適に防止することができる。 Further, as described above, even if the trainee sucks the head 26 of the intraoral insertion device 2, the liquid food is difficult to be discharged from the hole 35, and in order to obtain the liquid food, an appropriate swallowing action must be performed. must. Therefore, according to the training method using the training device 1 according to the present embodiment, regardless of whether or not the trainee is conscious, the trainee is naturally encouraged to perform correct training. can be preferably prevented from occurring.

また、本実施形態に係る訓練器具1は、口腔内挿入具2と柔軟性容器6との間に可撓性を有して湾曲可能な接続具5を介在させ、柔軟性容器6に対する口腔内挿入具2の方向を変更可能にしている。そのため、柔軟性容器6を立てた状態で持って(口部60が上になるように持って)、そのままの姿勢で訓練を行うことができる。仮に柔軟性容器6を斜めに持ち上げて訓練を行う場合、顎が浮き、頭が上向きになった姿勢になりやすいが、そうなると、適切な嚥下動作を行うことができず、誤嚥しやすくなる。しかし、本実施形態に係る訓練器具1を用いた訓練方法によれば、頭は視線が水平方向を向く通常姿勢を維持することができるため、オトガイ部を引いた適切な嚥下姿勢の下、適切な嚥下動作を行うことができ、誤嚥の発生を防ぐことができる。 In addition, the training device 1 according to the present embodiment has a flexible and bendable connector 5 interposed between the intraoral insertion device 2 and the flexible container 6, and the flexible container 6 is connected to the intraoral cavity. The direction of the insertion tool 2 can be changed. Therefore, the flexible container 6 can be held in an upright position (held so that the mouth portion 60 faces upward), and training can be performed in that posture. If training is performed by lifting the flexible container 6 obliquely, the chin tends to float and the head tends to turn upward. However, according to the training method using the training device 1 according to the present embodiment, the head can maintain a normal posture in which the line of sight is directed horizontally. It is possible to perform a smooth swallowing operation and prevent the occurrence of aspiration.

加えて、本実施形態に係る訓練器具1を用いた訓練方法は、必要かつ十分な量の流動食を口腔内挿入具2内の空間部30に供給するために、柔軟性容器6の把握運動を行う必要がある。また、訓練中は、流動食が口腔内挿入具2から適宜排出されていくので、減った分を口腔内挿入具2内の空間部30に補充するためにも、柔軟性容器6の把握運動を行う必要がある。したがって、訓練中における柔軟性容器6の把握運動は、それなりの運動量となる。手は「第2の脳」とも呼ばれ、指先を動かせば、脳に刺激が伝わり、脳を活性化させることができる。したがって、本実施形態に係る訓練器具1を用いた訓練方法によれば、認知症予防や脳機能障害のリハビリ、さらには、手や手指の筋力向上という、嚥下機能回復とは全く異質の効果も同時的に期待することができる。本実施形態に係る訓練器具1を「手の把握運動促進機能付きの嚥下訓練器具」と称する所以である。 In addition, the training method using the training device 1 according to the present embodiment includes gripping movement of the flexible container 6 in order to supply a necessary and sufficient amount of liquid food to the space 30 in the intraoral insertion device 2. need to do In addition, since the liquid food is appropriately discharged from the intraoral insertion device 2 during training, grasping movement of the flexible container 6 is also necessary in order to replenish the reduced amount to the space 30 in the intraoral insertion device 2. need to do Therefore, the grasping motion of the flexible container 6 during training has a certain amount of motion. The hand is also called the "second brain", and by moving the fingertips, stimulation can be transmitted to the brain and the brain can be activated. Therefore, according to the training method using the training device 1 according to the present embodiment, dementia prevention, brain dysfunction rehabilitation, and muscle strength improvement of the hands and fingers, which are completely different effects from recovery of the swallowing function. can be expected at the same time. This is the reason why the training device 1 according to the present embodiment is referred to as a "swallowing training device with a hand grasping exercise promoting function".

また、本実施形態に係る訓練器具1を用いた訓練方法によれば、食事の自主性(他人からスプーンで口に放り込まれるのではなく、飲む量とタイミングを自分で決められる)を保ち、当該者の人格の尊厳を守ることができるという利点もある。 In addition, according to the training method using the training device 1 according to the present embodiment, the autonomy of eating (you can decide the amount and timing to drink instead of being spooned into your mouth by others) is maintained, There is also the advantage that the dignity of a person's personality can be protected.

なお、本発明に係る口腔リハビリ器具は、上記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々の変更が可能である。 In addition, the oral cavity rehabilitation appliance according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

例えば、上記実施形態においては、口腔内挿入具2と柔軟性容器6とを接続する接続具5として、可撓性を有するものが用いられ、柔軟性容器6に対する口腔内挿入具2の方向が変更可能に構成される。しかし、接続具は可撓性を有さないものであってもよい。要は、接続具は、口腔内挿入具2と柔軟性容器6とを接続するという最小限の機能さえ有していれば、どのような形態のものであっても構わない。一例を挙げると、図8に示す如く、柔軟性容器6の口部60に接続される接続部(上記実施形態においては、第二接続部55)が第一接続部51(上記実施形態においては、受け部52)と一体化された構成を採用することができる。 For example, in the above embodiment, a flexible connector is used as the connector 5 that connects the intraoral insertion device 2 and the flexible container 6, and the direction of the intraoral insertion device 2 with respect to the flexible container 6 is Configured to be changeable. However, the connector may be inflexible. In short, the connector may be of any form as long as it has the minimum function of connecting the intraoral insertion device 2 and the flexible container 6 . To give an example, as shown in FIG. 8, the connection portion (the second connection portion 55 in the above embodiment) connected to the mouth portion 60 of the flexible container 6 is the first connection portion 51 (the , receiving portion 52) can be adopted.

また、柔軟性容器6に対する口腔内挿入具2の方向を変更可能にするための接続部の構成は、管体部50の可撓性を利用した湾曲可能な構成に限定されない。例えば、自在接手を有して屈曲可能な構成を採用することができる。 Moreover, the configuration of the connecting portion for changing the direction of the intraoral insertion device 2 with respect to the flexible container 6 is not limited to a configuration that is bendable using the flexibility of the tubular body portion 50 . For example, a configuration that has a universal joint and can be bent can be adopted.

また、上記実施形態においては、口腔内挿入具2と接続具5は別体の構成である。しかし、口腔内挿入具2と接続具5は一体に構成してもよい。 Further, in the above-described embodiment, the intraoral insertion device 2 and the connection device 5 are configured separately. However, the intraoral insertion device 2 and the connection device 5 may be configured integrally.

また、上記実施形態においては、管体部50と第一接続部51の受け部52は別体の構成であり、管体部50と第二接続部55は別体の構成である。しかし、管体部50と第一接続部51の受け部52は一体に構成してもよく、管体部50と第二接続部55は一体に構成してもよい。 Further, in the above-described embodiment, the tubular body portion 50 and the receiving portion 52 of the first connecting portion 51 are configured separately, and the tubular body portion 50 and the second connecting portion 55 are configured separately. However, the tubular body part 50 and the receiving part 52 of the first connection part 51 may be integrally formed, and the tubular body part 50 and the second connection part 55 may be integrally formed.

また、上記実施形態においては、口腔内挿入具2の下面部に、ポケット部27及び隆起部28が設けられる。しかし、口腔内挿入具2においては、これらの構成は必ずしも必須ではない。 Further, in the above-described embodiment, the pocket portion 27 and the raised portion 28 are provided on the lower surface portion of the intraoral insertion device 2 . However, in the intraoral insertion tool 2, these configurations are not necessarily essential.

また、上記実施形態においては、隆起部28は、口腔内挿入具2の先端部に設けられる。しかし、隆起部28は、必ずしもこの位置に限定されない。 Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the raised portion 28 is provided at the distal end portion of the intraoral insertion device 2 . However, the raised portion 28 is not necessarily limited to this position.

また、上記実施形態においては、口腔内挿入具2から流動食を排出させるための孔35は、口腔内挿入具2の頭部26の上面部26aに形成される。しかし、孔の形成箇所は、これに限定されない。例えば、孔は頭部26の先端部26dや頭部26の側方に形成されるようにしてもよい。 Further, in the above embodiment, the hole 35 for discharging liquid food from the intraoral insertion device 2 is formed in the upper surface portion 26a of the head portion 26 of the intraoral insertion device 2 . However, the positions where the holes are formed are not limited to this. For example, the hole may be formed in the tip 26d of the head 26 or the side of the head 26. FIG.

また、孔は一つに限られず、二以上の複数設けられるようにしてもよい。また、孔の形状も円孔に限られず、例えば、角孔や、Y字状、十字状、一字状にスリットを形成したものであってもよい。 Moreover, the number of holes is not limited to one, and two or more holes may be provided. Moreover, the shape of the hole is not limited to a circular hole, and may be, for example, a square hole, or a Y-shaped, cross-shaped, or straight-shaped slit.

また、本発明に係る口腔リハビリ器具は、図9に示す如く、口腔前庭(頬及び唇の内側の粘膜と上下の歯との間にできる馬蹄形状の空間部)に介装される口腔前庭介装部36を備えることができる。口腔前庭介装部36は、前歯部から左右に歯列ないし顎堤に沿って湾曲して延びる鍔状に形成され、主に、口角を封鎖して嚥下時の陰圧形成を補助すること、口腔内挿入部2の位置を適切に保持することを目的とする。 In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the oral rehabilitation appliance according to the present invention is an oral vestibular intermediary that is interposed in the oral vestibule (horseshoe-shaped space formed between the mucous membranes on the inner side of the cheeks and lips and the upper and lower teeth). A mounting portion 36 may be provided. The oral vestibular intervention part 36 is formed in a brim shape that curves and extends left and right from the anterior teeth along the row of teeth or the alveolar ridge, and mainly blocks the corners of the mouth to assist formation of negative pressure during swallowing. The purpose is to appropriately hold the position of the intraoral insertion section 2 .

口腔前庭介装部36は、口腔内挿入具2の本体部24に設けられ、本体部24と一体成形される。口腔前庭介装部36は、周縁部36aが肉厚になっており、それ以外(周縁部36aよりも内側)が薄肉となっている。このため、口腔前庭介装部36の保形性が肉厚の周縁部36aによって得られつつも、薄肉部によって変形性(柔軟性)が得られ、図9(d)に示す如く、口腔内挿入具2の本体部24が上面側と下面側とで異なる変形をしても、上部介装部36a及び下部介装部36bは、それぞれ上下の口腔前庭に好適に介装される。また、口腔内庭介装部36は、同図(c)に示す如く、後傾している。これは、前歯の傾斜に合わせてフィット感を高めるためである。 The oral vestibular intervention part 36 is provided in the main body part 24 of the intraoral insertion device 2 and is integrally molded with the main body part 24 . The oral vestibular intervention portion 36 has a thick peripheral edge portion 36a and a thin wall other than the peripheral edge portion 36a (inside the peripheral edge portion 36a). Therefore, while the shape-retaining property of the oral vestibular interposed portion 36 is obtained by the thick peripheral portion 36a, deformability (flexibility) is obtained by the thin portion, and as shown in FIG. Even if the main body portion 24 of the insertion tool 2 deforms differently on the upper surface side and the lower surface side, the upper interposing portion 36a and the lower interposing portion 36b are suitably interposed in the upper and lower oral vestibules, respectively. Moreover, the intervening part 36 in the oral cavity is tilted backward as shown in FIG. This is to enhance the fit according to the inclination of the front teeth.

また、口腔前庭介装部は、図10に示す如く、口腔前庭介装具7として、口腔内挿入具2とは別体に構成することもできる。同図に示す例では、口腔前庭介装具7は、口腔内挿入具2と同じ材質で形成されて、弾性変形可能であり、口腔内挿入具2と同様、フランジ部70を有し、かつ、口腔内挿入具2の基端側を内挿する胴部71を有する。そして、口腔前庭介装具7のフランジ部70に口腔内挿入具2のフランジ部21を重ねて一体化した状態で、図5に示す如く、キャップ53を締めて取り付ける。両者を別体に構成することで、いずれか一方のみを交換することができ、また、一体に構成するよりも低コストで製造することが可能となる。 10, the oral vestibular intervention part can be configured as an oral vestibular intervention instrument 7 separately from the intraoral insertion instrument 2. As shown in FIG. In the example shown in the figure, the oral vestibular intervention device 7 is made of the same material as the intraoral insertion device 2, is elastically deformable, has a flange portion 70 like the intraoral insertion device 2, and It has a trunk portion 71 into which the base end side of the intraoral insertion tool 2 is inserted. Then, in a state in which the flange portion 21 of the intraoral insertion device 2 is integrated with the flange portion 70 of the oral vestibular instrument 7, the cap 53 is tightened and attached as shown in FIG. By configuring both separately, only one of them can be replaced, and manufacturing can be made at a lower cost than when they are configured integrally.

また、本発明に係る口腔リハビリ器具は、図11に示す如く、ポケット部27の後方、すなわち、隆起部28の頂部あるいはその近傍に、口腔内挿入具2の頭部26の幅方向、すなわち、口腔内奥行方向と交差する方向に沿って延びる凸条37を備えることができる。生体では、硬口蓋のヒダ(口蓋ヒダ)が洗濯板のように舌をきれいにしたり、食物を送りやすくする働きがあるが、これと同様にして、凸条37を設けることにより、舌背をきれいにしたり、舌を適度に刺激する、あるいは舌の先端部をポケット部27に入れる際の感覚の目安になるという効果が期待できる。凸条37は、一本でもよいし、並列して複数本設けるようにしてもよい。 In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, the oral cavity rehabilitation appliance according to the present invention has a pocket portion 27 behind the pocket portion 27, that is, at the top of the raised portion 28 or in the vicinity thereof, in the width direction of the head portion 26 of the intraoral insertion device 2, that is, A ridge 37 extending along a direction intersecting the intraoral depth direction can be provided. In living organisms, the folds of the hard palate (palatal folds) act like a washboard to clean the tongue and facilitate feeding of food. It can be expected to have effects such as cleansing, stimulating the tongue appropriately, and providing a guideline for feeling when the tip of the tongue is put into the pocket portion 27 . One protruding line 37 may be provided, or a plurality of protruding lines 37 may be provided in parallel.

また、上記実施形態においては、流動食を摂食するものである。しかし、流動食でなく、水、茶、ジュースといった飲料であってもよい。この場合、飲料は流動食よりも孔からの排出性がよいことから、孔の大きさは流動食用のものよりは小さく設定される。あるいは、無負荷時は孔が閉塞される上記スリットタイプの孔であれば、一つで流動食用と飲料用の両方を兼用することができる。 Moreover, in the said embodiment, it eats a liquid diet. However, it may be a beverage such as water, tea, or juice, instead of a liquid diet. In this case, the size of the holes is set to be smaller than that for the liquid food, because the beverage is more easily discharged from the holes than the liquid food. Alternatively, if the hole is of the slit type, which is closed when no load is applied, a single hole can be used for both liquid food and beverage.

また、上記実施形態においては、柔軟性容器6は内容物が収容された市販のものが用いられ、そのため、口栓(スパウト)の口部60は、一般的な形状である。しかし、本発明に係る口腔リハビリ器具の接続部と柔軟性容器の口部の接続形状を独自の形状とした専用の柔軟性容器を設け、その柔軟性容器しか接続できないようにしてもよい。その場合、高齢者向けに開発された栄養補助剤等の内容物が充填されたものを専用の市販品とし、これを購入して接続するとか、使用者や介助者が柔軟性容器に水、茶等の内容物を入れて接続するという使い方を含め、いろいろな使い方ができる。 Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the flexible container 6 used is a commercially available flexible container containing contents, and therefore the mouth portion 60 of the spout has a general shape. However, a dedicated flexible container having a unique connection shape between the connecting portion of the oral rehabilitation instrument according to the present invention and the mouth portion of the flexible container may be provided so that only the flexible container can be connected. In that case, a special commercial product filled with nutritional supplements developed for the elderly may be purchased and connected, or the user or caregiver may put water in a flexible container, It can be used in a variety of ways, including a method of putting in tea or other contents and connecting.

また、本発明は、口腔内挿入具と柔軟性容器との組み合わせに係るものである。しかし、上記口腔内挿入具(及び口腔前庭介装具)は、それだけでも特徴的なものであるため、柔軟性容器との組み合わせに限定されない発明として成立し得る。 The present invention also relates to a combination of an intraoral insert and a flexible container. However, since the above intraoral insertion device (and oral vestibular device) is unique in itself, it can be established as an invention that is not limited to a combination with a flexible container.

本発明に係る口腔リハビリ器具は、嚥下訓練器具のほか、本発明に係る口腔リハビリ器具を使用すると、適切な嚥下動作が行われ、これにより、優しく安全に飲み込むことができるため、嚥下補助器具としても使用することができる。また、本発明に係る口腔リハビリ器具を使用すると、正しい舌の運動を習得することができるため、本発明に係る口腔リハビリ器具は、嚥下障害者のみならず、低位舌や舌突出癖などの舌不良習癖者や、子供からエステ目的(口角を上げたり、顎のラインをシャープにしたり)の女性にも有効である。また、本発明に係る口腔リハビリ器具によれば、咀嚼機能や発音、鼻呼吸を促進して呼吸機能の改善という効果も期待できる。 In addition to the swallowing training device, the oral rehabilitation device according to the present invention performs an appropriate swallowing action when the oral rehabilitation device according to the present invention is used, so that it is possible to swallow gently and safely. can also be used. In addition, by using the oral rehabilitation appliance according to the present invention, it is possible to learn correct tongue movements. It is also effective for people with bad habits, children, and women for aesthetic purposes (raising the corners of the mouth and sharpening the jawline). Moreover, according to the oral cavity rehabilitation appliance according to the present invention, an effect of improving respiratory function by promoting masticatory function, pronunciation, and nasal breathing can be expected.

1…訓練器具、2…口腔内挿入具、20…基部、21…フランジ部、22…括れ部、24…本体部、25…胴部、26…頭部、26a…上面部、26b…下面部、26c…基端部、26d…先端部、27…ポケット部、27a…前斜面部、27b…後斜面部、27c…側壁部、28…隆起部、28a…前斜面部、28b…後壁部、28c…側壁部、30…空間部、31…開口部、32…胴部内空間部、33…頭部内第一空間部、34…頭部内第二空間部、35…孔、36…口腔前庭介装部、36a…周縁部、37…凸条、5…接続具、50…管体部、51…第一接続部、52…受け部、52a…孔、52b…雄ネジ部、52c…回転規制部、53…キャップ、53a…雌ネジ部、53b…孔、53c…フランジ部、55…第二接続部、55a…孔、55b…差し込み部、55c…雌ネジ部、6…柔軟性容器、60…口部、60a…雄ネジ部、7…口腔前庭介装具、70…フランジ部、71…胴部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Training apparatus 2... Intraoral insertion tool 20... Base part 21... Flange part 22... Constriction part 24... Body part 25... Body part 26... Head part 26a... Upper surface part 26b... Lower surface part , 26c...base end portion, 26d...tip portion, 27...pocket portion, 27a...front slope portion, 27b...rear slope portion, 27c...side wall portion, 28...protrusion, 28a...front slope portion, 28b...rear wall portion , 28c... side wall part, 30... space part, 31... opening part, 32... trunk inner space part, 33... first space part in head part, 34... second space part in head part, 35... hole, 36... oral cavity Vestibular intervention part 36a Peripheral part 37 Projection 5 Connector 50 Tubular part 51 First connection part 52 Receiving part 52a Hole 52b Male screw part 52c Rotation restricting portion 53 Cap 53a Female screw portion 53b Hole 53c Flange portion 55 Second connection portion 55a Hole 55b Insertion portion 55c Female screw portion 6 Flexible container , 60... Mouth part, 60a... Male screw part, 7... Oral vestibular intervention device, 70... Flange part, 71... Body part

Claims (2)

中空で基端から先端にかけて内部に空間部が形成され、先端側の下面部に隆起部が形成され、前記空間部が狭窄部分を経て先端側にて拡大されて流動食又は飲料の貯留部となり、先端側であって口腔内奥行方向と交差する方向においてのみ前記貯留部の内外を連通する孔が形成され、口腔内に挿入される弾性変形可能な口腔内挿入部と、
内部の収容空間に流動食又は飲料が収容された柔軟性容器の口部に着脱自在に接続され、前記口腔内挿入部の前記空間部と前記柔軟性容器の前記収容空間とを連通する接続部とを備える
口腔リハビリ器具。
It is hollow and has a space formed inside from the proximal end to the distal end, a raised portion is formed on the lower surface on the distal end side, and the space passes through the constricted portion and expands on the distal end side to become a liquid food or beverage reservoir. an elastically deformable intraoral insertion portion that is inserted into the oral cavity and has a hole communicating between the inside and the outside of the storage portion only in a direction crossing the depth direction of the oral cavity on the distal end side;
A connection part that is detachably connected to the mouth of a flexible container containing liquid food or beverage in an internal accommodation space, and that communicates the space of the intraoral insertion part with the accommodation space of the flexible container. and an oral rehabilitation device.
前記孔は、口腔内奥行方向と交差する方向として、前記隆起部とは反対側の上面部に形成される
請求項1に記載の口腔リハビリ器具。
The oral cavity rehabilitation appliance according to claim 1, wherein the hole is formed in the upper surface portion on the side opposite to the raised portion in a direction that intersects the depth direction of the oral cavity.
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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002143275A (en) 2000-08-31 2002-05-21 Combi Corp Nursing bottle
JP2007186252A (en) 2006-01-10 2007-07-26 Atoo Kk Bag-like container assisting suction action
JP2011063308A (en) 2009-09-19 2011-03-31 Japan Crown Cork Co Ltd Suction auxiliary tool
JP2014054269A (en) 2010-12-28 2014-03-27 Jms Co Ltd Oral cavity function training device
JP6333487B1 (en) 2016-09-08 2018-05-30 笠原 佳代 Swallowing function training tool, swallowing function training kit, and swallowing function training method

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5032287U (en) * 1973-07-16 1975-04-09

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002143275A (en) 2000-08-31 2002-05-21 Combi Corp Nursing bottle
JP2007186252A (en) 2006-01-10 2007-07-26 Atoo Kk Bag-like container assisting suction action
JP2011063308A (en) 2009-09-19 2011-03-31 Japan Crown Cork Co Ltd Suction auxiliary tool
JP2014054269A (en) 2010-12-28 2014-03-27 Jms Co Ltd Oral cavity function training device
JP6333487B1 (en) 2016-09-08 2018-05-30 笠原 佳代 Swallowing function training tool, swallowing function training kit, and swallowing function training method

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