Measuring device

Abstract

Several embodiments of the present disclosure provide a measuring device with high precision and high reliability, which can perform measurements in the oral cavity of a person whose opening width is small and it is difficult to insert the measuring device into the oral cavity, and can relieve the stress of the probe part and accurately push the probe part against the oral mucosa. The measuring device (1) has a holding portion (11) and a probe portion (12). The probe portion (12) has: a measuring portion (31), including a sensor (40) with a measuring surface (40a) exposed on a measuring surface (31a) at the end; and a connecting portion (32), connecting the measuring portion (31) to the holding portion (11). A circuit substrate (51) is provided on the connecting portion (32). The circuit substrate (51) is an oscillation circuit substrate equipped with components constituting an oscillation circuit. The oscillation circuit outputs an oscillation signal corresponding to the electrical signal from the sensor (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a measuring device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a measuring device for measuring an object by holding it with the hand of a measurer, such as an oral moisture measuring device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This oral moisture measuring device has an electrostatic capacitance sensor at the end of a probe, and pushes the measuring surface of the sensor parallel to the measuring surface of the object, such as the tongue mucosa, to measure the moisture content of the object.

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2004 / 028359

[0004] However, it is difficult for the subject to extend the tongue. Therefore, for such a subject, it is difficult to insert the tip of the probe into the oral cavity or to press the measuring surface of the sensor parallel to the tongue in the oral cavity in the measuring device. If the probe is made thinner, there is a concern that the probe may be deformed due to the stress applied to the probe for pressing, resulting in deviation in the value of the measurement result. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a highly accurate and reliable measuring device that can measure the oral cavity of a subject whose opening width is small and into which it is difficult to insert the measuring device, and can relax stress on a probe part and accurately press the probe part against the oral mucosa.

[0006] A measuring device as one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a holding portion; a probe portion having a measuring portion and a connecting portion, wherein the measuring portion includes a sensor whose measuring surface is exposed on a first surface at the end, and the connecting portion connects the measuring portion to the holding portion; and a circuit substrate, which is arranged on the holding portion or the connecting portion and is provided with an oscillation circuit, and the oscillation circuit outputs an oscillation signal corresponding to an electrical signal from the sensor.

[0007] According to this configuration, a highly accurate and reliable measuring device can be provided that can measure the oral cavity of a subject whose opening width is small and into which it is difficult to insert the measuring device, and can relax the stress of the probe part and accurately press the probe part against the oral mucosa.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a measuring device in which stress on a probe portion is relaxed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a schematic side view showing a measuring device according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic plan view of a measuring device showing a measuring device according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is an enlarged top view of the sensor unit as viewed from the sensor surface.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a schematic side view of a measuring device showing a modified example.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a schematic side view of a measuring device showing a modified example.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a schematic side view of a measuring device showing a modified example.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a schematic side view of a measuring device showing a modified example.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a schematic side view of a measuring device showing a modified example.

[0017] Fig. 9 It is a schematic side view of a measuring device showing a modified example.

[0018] Fig.10 It is a schematic side view of a measuring device showing a modified example.

[0019] Fig.11 It is a schematic side view of a measuring device showing a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described.

[0021] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the measuring device 1 includes a main body 10 and a cover 60 attached to the main body 10. The measuring device 1 is an oral moisture measuring device for measuring, for example, the amount of moisture in the oral cavity as a measurement object.

[0022] The main body 10 includes a gripping portion 11 at one end region of the main body 10 in the longitudinal direction, and a probe portion 12 at the other end region of the main body 10 in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] The grip portion 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and has an upper surface 11a, a lower surface 11b, side surfaces 11c, 11d, and end surfaces 11e, 11f. A display portion 21 for displaying measurement results and the like is provided on the upper surface 11a of the grip portion 11.

[0024] The probe part 12 protrudes from one end surface 11 e of the grip part 11 . In the present embodiment, the probe part 12 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped plate. The probe part 12 includes a measuring part 31 at the distal end and a connecting part 32 connecting the measuring part 31 and the grip part 11 .

[0025] The measuring section 31 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped plate and includes a measuring surface 31 a as a first surface and a back surface 31 b facing the opposite side to the measuring surface 31 a.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a sensor 40 is provided in the measuring section 31. The sensor 40 is in the form of a flat plate. The sensor 40 has a planar measuring surface 40a. The sensor 40 is, for example, a capacitive sensor. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 4 , the measuring surface 40a of the sensor 40 is coplanar with the measuring surface 31a of the measuring unit 31. Figure 3 As shown, the measuring surface 40 a of the sensor 40 is exposed from the measuring surface 31 a of the measuring unit 31 .

[0027] A pair of electrodes 41a and 41b are provided on the measuring surface 40a of the sensor 40. The pair of electrodes 41a and 41b are formed, for example, in a comb-teeth shape. The pair of electrodes 41a and 41b function as electrodes of a capacitor. That is, the measuring object and the liquid on the surface thereof facing the measuring surface 40a function as a dielectric for the pair of electrodes 41a and 41b. The capacitance value of the pair of electrodes 41a and 41b becomes a value corresponding to the moisture content of the measuring object and the surface thereof.

[0028] The connection portion 32 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped plate. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the connection portion 32 is the same as the thickness of the measurement portion 31 , and the width of the connection portion 32 is the same as the width of the measurement portion 31 .

[0029] In this embodiment, the probe part 12 is supported by a shaft (not shown) provided on the grip part 11 so as to be swingable. Figure 1 As shown, the end portion 32a of the connection portion 32 is inserted into the grip portion 11, and the end portion 32a is connected to the grip portion 11 via a shaft (not shown).

[0030] A circuit board 51 is provided in the connection portion 32. The circuit board 51 is connected to the connection portion 32 via a pair of wirings 52a and 52b. Figure 3 The electrodes 41a and 41b of the sensor 40 shown are connected. Preferably, the pair of wirings 52a and 52b are arranged in parallel and separated. Thus, parasitic capacitance between the pair of wirings 52a and 52b is not easily generated. In this embodiment, the wirings 52a and 52b are arranged along both ends of the probe part 12 in the width direction.

[0031] The circuit board 51 is an oscillation circuit board equipped with components constituting an oscillation circuit 51a. The oscillation circuit 51a is, for example, a CR oscillation circuit, and outputs an oscillation signal corresponding to the electrical signal from the sensor 40. Specifically, the oscillation circuit 51a outputs an oscillation signal of a frequency corresponding to the capacitance value between a pair of electrodes 41a and 41b of the sensor 40. The oscillation circuit 51a is connected to the main circuit board 22 provided in the holding portion 11 via the wiring 53. The wiring 53 is composed of a plurality of wirings. For example, the wiring 53 includes a power supply wiring for supplying an operating voltage from the holding portion 11 to the oscillation circuit 51a, a signal wiring for transmitting the oscillation signal of the oscillation circuit 51a to the main circuit board 22, and the like.

[0032] The main circuit board 22 is a control circuit board on which components such as a CPU constituting a control circuit for controlling the measuring device 1 are mounted. The control circuit detects the moisture content of the measuring object based on the number of pulses of the output signal of the oscillation circuit 51a. Then, the control circuit displays the detected moisture content on the display unit 21.

[0033] The gripping portion 11 is provided with a force applying member 23 for applying force to the connecting portion 32 of the probe portion 12. The force applying member 23 is, for example, an elastic member such as a spring or rubber. The force applying member 23 applies force to the connecting portion 32 of the probe portion 12 swingably supported by the gripping portion 11 in one direction of the swinging direction of the probe portion 12. As the force applying direction, for example, Figure 1 As shown, the distal end 12 a of the probe portion 12 is swung toward the measurement surface 31 a of the measurement portion 31 .

[0034] The grip 11 is provided with a switch 24 that is turned on and off by the swing of the probe 12. The switch 24 is configured to be turned on when the probe 12 swings against the force of the biasing member 23. For example, the control circuit starts the water content detection process based on the switch 24 being turned on.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the probe section 12 is made of resin, and the measuring section 31 and the connecting section 32 are formed integrally.

[0036] The cover 60 includes a flat bag-shaped cover member 61 and a support member 62 mounted on the cover member 61. The cover member 61 and the support member 62 are made of a transparent or translucent resin. The cover 60 is mounted in such a manner that the cover member 61 covers the measuring section 31 at the end of the probe section 12. The cover member 61 prevents the end of the probe section 12, especially the sensor 40 of the measuring section 31, from directly contacting the measured section.

[0037] (effect)

[0038] Next, the operation of the measuring device 1 will be described.

[0039] The measuring device 1 includes a gripping section 11 and a probe section 12. The probe section 12 includes a distal measuring section 31 and a connecting section 32 connecting the measuring section 31 and the gripping section 11. The measuring section 31 is provided with a sensor 40, and a measuring surface 40a of the sensor 40 is exposed on a measuring surface 31a of the measuring section 31.

[0040] The probe part 12 is flat as a whole. The measuring part 31 at the end of the probe part 12 is provided with a sensor 40, and the circuit substrate connected to the sensor 40 is arranged at the connecting part 32 of the probe part 12. Therefore, the measuring part 31 is made thinner, so that the measuring part 31 as the end of the probe part 12 can be easily inserted into the oral cavity of the person being measured whose opening width is small and it is difficult to insert the measuring device into the oral cavity. Therefore, the entire measuring surface 40a of the sensor 40 is in close contact with the surface of the measured object, so that the deviation of the measurement result can be suppressed. In addition, for the person being measured who has difficulty in sticking out the tongue and the person being measured who has difficulty in opening the mouth, the measuring part 31 at the end of the probe part 12 can be easily inserted into the mouth to measure the moisture content in the oral cavity.

[0041] The measurer holds the gripping portion 11 of the measuring instrument 1, and brings the measuring surface 40a of the sensor 40 into close contact with the surface of the object to be measured, for example, the surface of the tongue of the person to be measured. The measurer presses the measuring portion 31 at the end of the probe portion 12 against the tongue with a predetermined pressing force, so that the measuring surface 40a of the sensor 40 can be brought into close contact with the surface of the tongue. As a result, the entire measuring surface 40a of the sensor 40 is brought into close contact with the surface of the object to be measured, and thus, it is possible to suppress deviations in the measurement results.

[0042] When the measuring part 31 is pressed against the measuring object, the plate-shaped probe part 12 made of resin is easily bent by the pressing force. In this embodiment, a circuit substrate 51 is provided in the connecting part 32 of the probe part 12. The circuit substrate 51 is harder than the resin constituting the outer package of the probe part 12, so the stress applied to the probe part 12 is relieved.

[0043] The circuit board 51 is preferably disposed adjacent to the sensor 40 of the measuring section 31 in the connecting section 32 of the probe section 12. In the probe section 12, stress increases toward the distal end. Therefore, by disposing the circuit board 51 on the distal end side of the probe section 12, stress can be relieved.

[0044] In addition, the measuring device 1 of this embodiment supports the probe part 12 swingably on the holding part 11, and has a force applying member 23 on the holding part 11 for applying force to the probe part 12. When the measuring part 31 contacts the measurement object during measurement, stress is applied to the end of one side of the holding part 11 in the probe part 12. The force applying member 23 relieves the stress at the end of the probe part 12 on the one side of the holding part 11.

[0045] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0046] (1) The measuring device 1 includes a gripping portion 11 and a probe portion 12. The probe portion 12 includes a measuring portion 31 including a sensor 40 whose measuring surface 40a is exposed at a measuring surface 31a at the distal end; and a connecting portion 32 connecting the measuring portion 31 to the gripping portion 11. A circuit board 51 is provided on the connecting portion 32. The circuit board 51 is an oscillation circuit board on which components constituting an oscillation circuit 51a are mounted. The oscillation circuit 51a outputs an oscillation signal corresponding to an electrical signal from the sensor 40. When the measuring portion 31 is pressed against a measured object, the plate-shaped probe portion 12 made of resin is easily bent by the pressing force. The circuit board 51 provided on the connecting portion 32 is harder than the resin constituting the outer casing of the probe portion 12. Therefore, a measuring device 1 having high accuracy and high reliability can be provided, which can perform measurement in the oral cavity of a subject whose opening width is small and in which it is difficult to insert the measuring device into the oral cavity, and can relieve stress applied to the probe portion 12 and accurately press the probe portion 12 against the oral mucosa.

[0047] (2) Since the measuring section 31 is thin, the measuring section 31 as the distal end of the probe section 12 can be easily inserted into the oral cavity. Therefore, the entire measuring surface 40a of the sensor 40 is in close contact with the surface of the object to be measured, and the variation in the measurement result can be suppressed.

[0048] (3) The probe part 12 is swingably supported by the grip part 11, and a force applying member 23 for applying force to the probe part 12 in the swinging direction is provided in the grip part 11. When the measurement part 31 is in contact with the measurement object during measurement, stress is applied to the end of one side of the grip part 11 in the probe part 12. The force applying member 23 can relieve the stress at the end of the probe part 12 on the one side of the grip part 11.

[0049] (4) The sensor 40 is a capacitive sensor. The oscillating circuit 51a formed on the circuit board 51 is connected to the sensor 40 via a pair of wirings 52a and 52b. The pair of wirings 52a and 52b are arranged parallel to each other and separated. As a result, parasitic capacitance between the pair of wirings 52a and 52b is not easily generated. Therefore, the electrostatic capacitance between the electrodes 41a and 41b of the sensor 40 is not easily affected by the wirings 52a and 52b, so that it can be measured stably.

[0050] (5) The grip 11 is provided with a switch 24 that is turned on and off by the swing of the probe 12. The switch 24 is configured to be turned on when the probe 12 swings against the biasing force of the biasing member 23. The water content detection process can be started based on the switching operation of the switch 24.

[0051] (Change Example)

[0052] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiment can also be implemented in the following manner.

[0053] ·like Figure 4 As shown, the length of the circuit board 51 may be appropriately changed. By lengthening the circuit board 51, the stress of the probe part 12 can be further relaxed.

[0054] ·like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the circuit substrate 51 may also be provided on the holding portion 11. Figure 6 As shown, the circuit substrate 51 may be provided integrally with the main circuit substrate 22 .

[0055] ·like Figure 7 As shown, the switch portion 24 may also be provided on the main circuit substrate 22, and the main circuit substrate 22 is provided on the holding portion 11. The switch portion 24 may also be integrally formed with the main circuit substrate 22. For example, the switch portion 24 may also be directly electrically and mechanically connected to the main circuit substrate 22. The force applying member 23 may also be integrally formed with the probe portion 12 (for example, with the connecting portion 32). For example, the force applying member 23 may also be directly mechanically supported on the connecting portion 32 of the probe portion 12.

[0056] By setting the switch unit 24 on the main circuit substrate 22, it is advantageous to simplify the electrical structure and / or mechanical structure of the measuring device 1, such as being able to omit the wire electrically connecting the switch unit 24 to the main circuit substrate 22 and / or being able to support the switch unit 24 by the main circuit substrate 22, and further advantageously improve the reliability of the measuring device 1.

[0057] When the probe part 12 is not swinging, for example, when the measuring part 31 is not pressed against the object to be measured, the switch part 24 may be disconnected by the force of the force applying member 23 integrated with the probe part 12 (for example, the connecting part 32). The switch part 24 may be turned on by the probe part 12 swinging away from the switch part 24. According to this structure, when an excessive load is applied to the probe part 12, it is possible to avoid the excessive load being transferred from the probe part 12 to the switch part 24 or the main circuit substrate 22, which is beneficial to preventing the switch part 24 or the main circuit substrate 22 from being damaged.

[0058] ·like Figure 8 to Figure 11 As shown, the structure of the probe portion may be appropriately changed. Figure 8 to Figure 11 In the embodiment, the above-mentioned cover 60 is omitted.

[0059] Figure 8The probe part 12 of the measuring device 101 shown is configured so that the measuring part 31 can be tilted relative to the connecting part 32. In the probe part 12 of the measuring device 101, the measuring part 31 is tilted, thereby making it possible to make the measuring surface 31a of the measuring part 31 and the measuring surface 40a of the sensor 40 close to the surface of the measuring object. For example, the interference with the incisors of the mandible can be reduced and the measuring surface 40a can be made close to the surface of the tongue. In addition, for example, the measuring surface 40a can be made close to the palatal mucosa near the second molar.

[0060] Fig. 9 The probe part 12 of the measuring device 111 shown in the figure is configured to enable the measuring part 31 to be parallel moved relative to the connecting part 32 in a direction perpendicular to the measuring surface 31a. In the probe part 12 of the measuring device 111, by parallel movement of the measuring part 31, the measuring surface 31a of the measuring part 31 and the measuring surface 40a of the sensor 40 can be brought into close contact with the surface of the measuring object. Figure 8 The measuring device 101 shown can also reduce interference with the mandibular front teeth, for example, and bring the measuring surface 40a into close contact with the surface of the tongue. Also, for example, the measuring surface 40a can be brought into close contact with the palatal mucosa near the second molar.

[0061] Fig.10 The probe part 12 of the measuring device 121 shown is configured so that the connecting part 32 can be extended and retracted. In the probe part 12 of the measuring device 121, by extending the connecting part, the measuring part 31 can be brought into close contact with the surface of the measuring object while the holding part 11 is away from the measuring object. For example, this is effective when measuring the mucous membrane inside the tongue or cheek of a patient with an infectious disease.

[0062] Fig.11 The probe part 12 of the measuring device 131 shown has a detour part 132 in the connecting part 32. The detour part 132 is a U-shaped part that opens downward. The detour part 132 can prevent interference with the front teeth of the lower jaw, for example, and can make the measuring surface 31a of the measuring part 31 and the measuring surface 40a of the sensor 40 close to the surface of the measuring object. In addition, the connecting part 32 having the detour part 132 can also be a gently curved shape.

[0063] The above embodiment describes a measuring device for measuring the moisture content in the oral cavity, but the moisture content may be measured outside the oral cavity. In addition, the cover 60 is not essential, and the sensor 40 may be directly pressed against the object to be measured to measure the moisture content.

[0064] The above embodiment is a measuring device for measuring water content, but it can also be a measuring device for measuring other things. For example, it can also be a measuring device such as a pH measuring device, an oral bacteria measuring device, etc. In addition, it can also be a measuring device for measuring blood flow and blood oxygen. In addition, it can also be a measuring device for measuring multiple measurement values. In this case, of course, the electrostatic capacitance sensor of the above embodiment is set as a sensor corresponding to the measurement object.

[0065] Description of Reference Numerals

[0066] 1 ... measuring device; 11 ... holding part; 12 ... probe part; 31 ... measuring part; 31a ... measuring surface; 32 ... connecting part; 40 ... sensor; 40a ... measuring surface; 51 ... circuit board.

Claims

1. A measuring device having a length direction, wherein: have: Grip; a probe part having a measuring part and a connecting part, wherein the measuring part includes a sensor whose measuring surface is exposed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the connecting part connects the measuring part to the holding part; as well as A circuit substrate is provided at the connection portion and is provided with an oscillation circuit, wherein the main surface of the circuit substrate is arranged parallel to the measurement surface, and the oscillation circuit outputs an oscillation signal corresponding to the electrical signal from the sensor. The circuit substrate is provided at the connection portion of the probe portion at the distal end side of the probe portion, The probe part has a detour part at the connection part, The detour portion is in a U-shape that opens downward.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein: The probe part is in the shape of a flat plate.

3. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The circuit substrate is harder than a resin constituting an exterior of the probe portion.

4. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The connecting portion is retractable.

5. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The probe part is swingably supported on the holding part, The holding portion includes a biasing member that biases the probe portion in a swinging direction.

6. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sensor is an electrostatic capacitive sensor, The oscillation circuit is connected to the sensor via a pair of wirings. The pair of wirings are arranged parallel to and separated from each other.

7. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The grip portion is provided with a switch portion that is turned on and off by the swing of the probe portion.

8. The measuring device according to claim 7, wherein: The switch portion is provided on a main circuit substrate, and the main circuit substrate is provided on the holding portion.

9. The measuring device according to claim 8, wherein: The probe part swings away from the switch part, so that the switch part performs a turning-on operation.

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