WO2020153075A1

WO2020153075A1 - Grip load detection device

Info

Publication number: WO2020153075A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/050319
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正道安藤; 博雄山川; 暢謙森田
Original assignee: 株式会社村田製作所
Priority date: 2019-01-25
Filing date: 2019-12-23
Publication date: 2020-07-30
Also published as: JPWO2020153075A1; JP6954483B2; CN215841392U

Abstract

A grip load detection device (10, 20) characterized by comprising: a tubular casing (11, 61) to be gripped by a user; and a sensor (15, 63) attached to the casing (11, 61), for detecting load applied to the casing (11, 61) when gripped by the user.

Description

Grip load detection device

The present invention relates to a grip load detection device that detects a load applied by a user in a gripped state.

Patent Document 1 discloses a hand-held isometric exercise device. In the hand-held isometric exercise device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a user applies a force to the surface of the device. The applied load is transmitted to the load cell. This causes the load cell to detect the force applied to the device by the user.

JP, 2009-95651, A

As a device that generally detects the load, for example, there is a health appliance that detects the gripping force of the user. The fitness equipment is used, for example, in a training gym, a home, or a room such as a hospital. Since such health appliances are heavy and bulky, they are difficult to carry and carry. Therefore, a health appliance that is easy to carry and easy to use is desired.

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

The grip load detection device of the present invention includes a cylindrical housing that a user grips, and a sensor that is attached to the housing and that detects a load applied to the housing by the grip of the user. And

The casing of the grip load detection device according to the present invention is tubular. Therefore, the user can easily hold the case and carry it around. In addition, the user easily applies a load while holding the tubular casing. For example, the user can apply a load to the housing by a simple operation such as grasping or twisting the housing lightly. The strongest load is the twisting motion when the user strongly grips both ends of the housing. Further, since the sensor is attached to the cylindrical casing, the load applied to the casing can be detected. This allows the user to use the gripping load detection device according to the present invention with a simple operation.

According to this invention, it is easy to carry and easy to use.

1A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the grip load detection device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A is a plan view in which the sensor according to the first embodiment is developed in a planar shape, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are diagrams showing the relationship among the uniaxial stretching direction in the polylactic acid film, the electric field direction, and the deformation of the polylactic acid film. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a twisting deformation is applied to the gripping load detection device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a twisting deformation in the gripping load detection device according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the result of having simulated the stress which arises when adding. FIG. 5(A) is a schematic diagram illustrating a combination with a charging stand as an application example of the grip load detection device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5(B) is a first diagram during charging on the charging stand. It is a schematic diagram explaining the grip load detection device which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the grip load detection device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the grip load detection device 10 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is the grip load detection device 10 taken along the line II of FIG. 1A. FIG. Note that in FIG. 1A, the sensor 15 is indicated by a broken line. Wiring and the like are omitted in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

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

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

The shape of the sensor 15 is a sheet. The sensor 15 is attached to the inside of the housing 11. The wiring of the sensor 15 cannot be seen from outside the housing 11. Therefore, the grip load detection device 10 has a simple design. Moreover, the sensor 15 is deformed according to the deformation of the housing 11. The sensor 15 detects deformation of the housing 11 as described in detail below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The housing 11 is made of a translucent member. For example, the housing 11 is made of a translucent resin. As the translucent resin, for example, a resin such as acrylic, polycarbonate, PET, vinyl chloride or ABS is preferable. When the above resin is used as the resin forming the housing 11, the housing 11 having high transparency can be obtained at low cost. Furthermore, it is more preferable to use an acrylic resin as the resin forming the housing 11. By using the acrylic resin as the resin forming the casing 11, the tough casing 11 can be obtained, the durability of the casing 11 can be improved, and the transparency of the casing 11 becomes high. When the housing 11 has a high degree of transparency, the grip load detection device 10 looks beautiful. Further, the gripping load detection device 10 can be handled hygienically because dirt can be easily understood. Further, when the sensor 15 has a light-transmitting property, the user can visually recognize the display unit 16 through the housing 11 and the sensor 15. Since the display unit 16 is visible from the outside as described above, the display unit 16 can be arranged inside the housing 11. When the display unit 16 is attached to the outside of the housing 11, the housing 11 may be opaque.

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

The case 11 has a tubular shape such as a cylinder. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the housing 11 and easily carry it. Moreover, only components such as a power supply and a circuit are arranged inside the housing 11. Most of the inside of the housing 11 is a cavity. Therefore, the grip load detection device 10 is very light. For example, the user can carry it in a bag or the like. Accordingly, the user can use the grip load detection device 10 without being limited in time or place. The grip load detection device 10 can be used as a health tool that applies a load to the housing 11. For example, the user grips the grip area 14 of the grip load detection device 10 and twists the housing 11. The user can thus perform strength training, for example, using the grip load detection device 10 in this manner.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Polylactic acid does not need to be subjected to poling treatment unlike other piezoelectric polymers such as PVDF or piezoelectric ceramics, because piezoelectricity is generated by molecular orientation treatment by stretching. That is, the piezoelectricity of PLLA, which does not belong to the ferroelectric substance, is not expressed by the polarization of ions unlike the ferroelectric substance such as PVDF or PZT, but is derived from the helical structure which is the characteristic structure of the molecule. is there. The piezoelectric constant of the uniaxially stretched PLLA is about 5 pC/N or more and 30 pC/N or less, which is a very high piezoelectric constant among polymers. Generally, mass-produced PLLA has a piezoelectric constant of about 7 pC/N or more and 10 pC/N or less. Even with such mass-produced PLLA, it is possible to detect minute displacements of several hundred nm or more and several μm or less with high sensitivity. The detection sensitivity also depends on the size of the polylactic acid used for the sensor, the method of attachment, and the performance of the amplifier.

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

Note that a draw ratio of 3 to 8 is suitable. By performing heat treatment after stretching, crystallization of the extended chain crystal of polylactic acid is promoted and the piezoelectric constant is improved. In the case of biaxial stretching, the same effect as uniaxial stretching can be obtained by making the stretching ratio of each axis different. For example, when a certain direction is taken as the X axis and stretched 8 times in that direction and twice in the Y axis direction orthogonal to that direction, the piezoelectric constant is approximately 4 times uniaxially stretched in the X axis direction. The same effect can be obtained. Since a film that is simply uniaxially stretched is likely to tear along the stretching axis direction, the strength can be somewhat increased by performing the biaxial stretching as described above.

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

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

Next, the use of the grip load detection device 10 and the detection of the sensor 15 will be described. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the case where the gripping load detection device 10 is twisted and deformed, and FIG. 4B is the stress generated when the gripping load detection device 10 is twisted and deformed. It is a schematic diagram which shows the result of having simulated. 4A is a perspective view and FIG. 4B is a side view.

First, the user grasps each of the two grasping regions 14 of the grasping load detection device 10 in a normal manner. The user may grip the two gripping areas 14 of the gripping load detection device 10 with the opposite hands. Further, the user may grasp one of the grasping regions 14 of the grasping load detection device 10 with the normal hand and grasp the other with the opposite hand. Furthermore, the user may hold the palms of both hands so as to cover the openings of the first end 12 and the second end 13. The user uses muscles of different arms depending on how to grip the grip load detection device 10. This allows the user to train the muscles of different arms. Further, the user may sandwich and fix one gripping region 14 of the gripping load detection device 10 with the thigh, and grip the other with both hands. In addition, the user can perform circuit training by changing how to hold the grip load detection device 10.

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

At this time, the casing 11 is slightly deformed, for example, about 1 μm, which is invisible to the user. A compressive stress S1 and a tensile stress S2 are generated in the housing 11. The compressive stress S1 and the tensile stress S2 correspond to the magnitude of torsional deformation applied by the user. The compressive stress S1 and the tensile stress S2 shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are representative ones, and similar stresses are present in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the housing 11. Has also occurred.

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

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

The sensor detection circuit 18 may include an integration circuit. The sensor detection circuit 18 integrates the charges generated in the piezoelectric film 21 to calculate a voltage value. The microcomputer 17 calculates the voltage value detected by the sensor detection circuit 18 as the size of the deformation of the housing 11, that is, the load applied to the housing 11 by the user. If the sensor detection circuit 18 does not include an integration circuit, the detected charge amount has a value proportional to the deformation speed of the housing 11.

The microcomputer 17 displays the calculated load on the display unit 16. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the display unit 16 displays the load applied to the housing 11 in a graph. Thereby, the display unit 16 can visually show the load applied to the housing 11 to the user. Further, the display unit 16 may visually show the load in various modes other than the graph display. For example, the display unit 16 displays so that the color changes according to the load. In this case, the display unit 16 displays blue when the load is weak, changes from green to yellow by gradually increasing the load, and displays red when the load is very strong. In addition, the display unit 16 may display the load by using numbers, letters, or symbols.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Besides, the information transmitted from the server may be points according to the training state of the user. Further, the provider of the grip load detection device 10 may construct a system that provides some benefit to the user depending on the points. The user is prompted to train by confirming the points.

Note that the grip load detection device 10 may be one that detects a body tremor. Biological tremor is a physiological phenomenon, which is a mechanical microvibration of muscles. When the user contacts the housing 11, the body tremor is transmitted to the piezoelectric film 21.

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

Note that the grip load detection device 10 can be used, for example, as a health assistance device that lowers blood pressure. With regard to hypertensive diseases, it is known that the effect of lowering blood pressure is obtained by repeating light exercises such as gently holding a towel.

For example, the grip load detection device 10 displays a warning on the display unit 16 when the user applies a load equal to or higher than a predetermined load to the housing 11. By looking at the display unit 16, the user can know that the load applied to the housing 11 is too strong, that is, the load is excessive. Therefore, the user can know how to apply an appropriate light load, and can exercise to lower the blood pressure.

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

As shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), the charging stand 51 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so that the grip load detection device 10 can be inserted therein. The charging stand 51 has a pin 55 that can be connected to the grip load detection device 10. The grip load detection device 10 has a charging pin (not shown) inside the housing 11.

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

As shown in FIG. 5B, the display unit 16 may display information during charging of the grip load detection device 10. The display unit 16 may display, for example, the training state of the user of the day or the current number of points. This allows the user to know the training status and the like.

The display unit 16 may also display information that is not related to the training status of the user. The display unit 16 can display the information received by the communication unit of the microcomputer 17. The display unit 16 may display information such as an image or video selected by the user. The image or video displays, for example, news, advertisements, pictures registered by the user, or notifications or instructions from a training gym or the like. This allows the user to use the grip load detection device 10 as an interior or as a monitor.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the grip load detection device 20 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 6A. In FIG. 6A, the grip portion 65 is shown in a broken line and in a transparent form. In the description of the second embodiment, the description of the same structure as the first embodiment will be omitted.

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

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

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

Note that the grip portion 65 may be subjected to a treatment such as slip prevention. For example, the casing 61 may be directly knurled. Further, instead of the protective film 64, the sensor 63 may be sprinkled with a tape such as used for a tennis or badminton racket. This makes it easier for the user to stably grip the housing 61.

Finally, the description of the present embodiment should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than the embodiments described above. Further, the scope of the present invention is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

10, 20... Gripping

load detection device

11, 61...

Housing

15, 63... Sensor 16... Display part 21... Piezoelectric film 65... Gripping part

Claims

A cylindrical casing that the user holds,
A sensor attached to the housing for detecting a load applied to the housing by the user's grip;
With
Gripping load detection device.
The grip load detection device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor detects a twist with respect to the housing.
The housing has a light-transmitting property,
The grip load detection device according to claim 1 or 2.
A display unit for displaying an image corresponding to the deformation of the housing,
The grip load detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The display unit is disposed inside the housing,
The grip load detection device according to claim 4.
The sensor has a piezoelectric film made of polylactic acid,
The grip load detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The stretching direction of the piezoelectric film is arranged along the axial direction or the circumferential direction of the housing,
The grip load detection device according to claim 6.
The gripping load detection device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is arranged inside the housing.
Further comprising a grip portion arranged on the outer periphery of the housing
The sensor is arranged at a position corresponding to the grip portion,
The grip load detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
A transmission unit for transmitting information regarding the detection value of the sensor to the outside,
Further comprising a receiving unit for receiving information from the outside,
The grip load detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The receiving unit receives a response to the information transmitted from the transmitting unit,
The grip load detection device according to claim 10.