Sensor unit

Abstract

To provide a sensor unit capable of stably acquiring biological information in the head of a user and environmental information even in a case of not using a helmet.SOLUTION: A sensor unit 10 includes: a pair of right and left ear hook parts 11R, 11L; a connection part 12 that connects the pair of ear hook parts 11R, 11L in a rear side; a first bulging part 13 that is formed in a rear side of the right ear hook part 11R and bulges in the further inside than the right ear hook part 11R; an extension part 15 that extends to the front side from the right ear hook part 11R; and a contact part 16 that is formed in a distal end of the extension part 15 and contacts the forehead of a user U. The contact part 16 is provided with a skin surface temperature sensor 16a being a biological information sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a sensor unit that is worn on the head of a user. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, wearable devices have been proposed that are equipped with various sensors and can be worn by a user in order to detect biological information and environmental information of the user (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-36071 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a technology that provides a helmet with a biometric sensor and the like so that the user can wear it on the head. In such technology, there is a need for a configuration that does not interfere with items worn on the head, such as glasses or goggles, when the helmet is not used. Therefore, the present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides the following sensor unit.

[0006] (1) A sensor unit equipped with a biometric information sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user, the sensor unit comprising: a pair of left and right ear hooks, a connecting portion connecting the pair of ear hooks at the rear, a first bulge portion formed at the rear of one of the ear hooks and bulging inwardly from the ear hooks, an extension portion extending forward from one of the ear hooks, and a contact portion formed on the extension portion and contacting the user's forehead, the biometric information sensor being provided on the contact portion.

[0007] According to the sensor unit described in (1), the first bulge portion bulges inward beyond the ear hook portion, and a space is formed between the surface of the user's head and the ear hook portion and extension portion, making it possible to insert an item to be worn on the head, such as glasses or goggles, into this space.

[0008] (2) The sensor unit described in (1), wherein the height at which the first bulge portion bulges inward from the ear hook portion is 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0009] According to the sensor unit described in (2), it is possible to ensure a space between the surface of the head and the ear hook portion and the extension portion without compromising the ease with which the ear hook portion can be hung on the ear.

[0010] (3) The sensor unit described in (1), wherein the contact portion is formed to protrude inward from the tip side of the extension portion.

[0011] According to the sensor unit described in (3), the contact portion protrudes inward beyond the tip of the extension portion, and a space is formed between the surface of the user's head and the extension portion, making it easy to insert an item to be worn on the head, such as glasses or goggles, into this space.

[0012] (4) The sensor unit according to (3), wherein the amount of protrusion of the contact portion from the tip side of the extension portion is 2 mm or more and 6 mm or less.

[0013] According to the sensor unit described in (4), a space can be secured between the surface of the head and the extension portion without impairing the ease with which the ear hook portion can be hung on the ear.

[0014] (5) The sensor unit according to (1), wherein a notch is formed on the lower side of the base end of the extension portion toward the upper side.

[0015] According to the sensor unit described in (5), an article to be worn on the head, such as glasses or goggles, can be easily inserted through the cutout portion.

[0016] (6) The sensor unit described in (1), further comprising a second bulge portion formed behind the other ear hook portion and bulging inwardly beyond the ear hook portion.

[0017] According to the sensor unit described in (6), the second bulge portion bulges inward beyond the ear hook portion, and a space is formed between the surface of the user's head and the ear hook portion, making it possible to insert an item to be worn on the head, such as glasses or goggles, into this space.

[0018] (7) The sensor unit according to (1), wherein the bioinformation sensor is a skin surface temperature sensor.

[0019] According to the sensor unit described in (7), it is possible to obtain the skin surface temperature (body temperature) as the biometric information of the user.

[0020] (8) The sensor unit according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising an environmental information sensor for acquiring environmental information around the user.

[0021] According to the sensor unit described in (8), by acquiring surrounding environmental information in addition to the biometric information of the user, it becomes possible to use the sensor unit as a measure against heatstroke in the user. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the sensor unit of the present invention, it is possible to insert an item to be worn on the head, such as glasses or goggles, into the space between the surface of the user's head and the ear hook and extension. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing a sensor unit according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a right side view showing the sensor unit in use. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a left side view showing the sensor unit in use. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which the sensor unit is used. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing the sensor unit with the right cover member removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing the sensor unit with the left cover member removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a right side view showing a state in which the sensor unit is used in another form. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] A sensor unit 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the sensor unit 10 is worn on the head by a user U hanging the ear hooks 11 (right ear hook 11R and left ear hook 11L) on both ears E.

[0025] 3 to 5, the user U can wear glasses G with the sensor unit 10 attached to the head. Also, as in another mode of use shown in Fig. 9, the user U can wear a mask M with the sensor unit 10 attached to the head. In this embodiment, the front, back, left and right directions of the sensor unit 10 are defined by the directions as seen from the user U when the user U is wearing the sensor unit 10.

[0026] 1, 2, and 5, sensor unit 10 is formed in a U-shape in plan view. Sensor unit 10 mainly comprises a pair of left and right ear hook portions 11R and 11L, a connecting portion 12, a first bulging portion 13, a second bulging portion 14, an extending portion 15, and a contact portion 16. Each of the components will be described below.

[0027] The sensor unit 10 is attached to the head of the user U by hanging the pair of left and right ear hooks 11R and 11L over the ears E of the user U. As described below, the sensor unit 10 according to this embodiment can clamp the head of the user U due to the elasticity of the connecting parts 12, so that each of the ear hooks 11R and 11L does not necessarily need to contact the ears E of the user U. In other words, in this specification, the phrase "hanging the ear hooks 11R and 11L over the ears E" generally means "a state in which the ear hooks 11R and 11L are held above the ears E" regardless of whether the ear hooks 11R and 11L are in contact with the ears E (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0028] Connecting portion 12 connects ear hook portions 11R and 11L at the rear thereof. A metal plate 12a (see Figs. 6 and 8) is inserted inside connecting portion 12. Sensor unit 10 is formed so as to contract inward in the left-right direction due to the elasticity of metal plate 12a. In this manner, metal plate 12a is configured to sandwich and press against the head of user U, thereby enabling sensor unit 10 to be stably held on the head of user U.

[0029] The first bulge 13 is formed behind the right ear hook 11R so as to bulge inward from the right ear hook 11R. Various components constituting the sensor unit 10 are housed inside the first bulge 13, as described below. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, a pushable switch 13e, a light-emitting display unit 13f that transmits light from an LED light-emitting body, and a display window 13g that displays various information are formed on the outer surface of the first bulge 13. In the sensor unit 10, by changing the color of the light emitted from the light-emitting display unit 13f, it is possible to transmit the condition of the user U (e.g., the risk of heat stroke, etc.) to the outside.

[0030] 6 and 7, a lid member 13a is placed over the inner surface of the first bulge 13 (the surface that contacts the head of the user U). The first bulge 13 is configured so that the battery B can be attached and detached by removing the lid member 13a. Inside the first bulge 13, there are provided a substrate 13b formed of a rigid board, a switching unit 13c that switches the measurement settings (e.g., measurement frequency, etc.) in the sensor unit 10, a terminal 13d that contacts the battery B, and the like.

[0031] In addition to the button battery as in this embodiment, a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium battery can also be used as the battery B. When a rechargeable battery is used, a connection portion for charging is provided in the first bulge 13.

[0032] The second bulge 14 is formed behind the left ear hook 11L so as to bulge inward from the left ear hook 11L. A mechanism for adjusting the length of the connecting portion 12 in the sensor unit 10 is housed inside the second bulge 14, as described below. Specifically, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, the second bulge 14 is configured to be separable into an outer cover member 14a and an inner main body portion 14b. A groove-shaped inserted portion 14c is formed in the main body portion 14b, and a protrusion 14d is formed on the inside of the inserted portion 14c.

[0033] Meanwhile, a groove 12b is formed at the left end of the metal plate 12a housed inside the connecting portion 12. As shown in Fig. 8, the left end of the metal plate 12a is inserted into the inserted portion 14c, and the protrusion 14d is inserted into the groove 12b. This allows the protrusion 14d to slide within the groove 12b, making it possible to move the second bulging portion 14 forward and backward relative to the connecting portion 12, and thus adjusting the length of the connecting portion 12. In this way, by making the length of the connecting portion 12 adjustable, the sensor unit 10 can be used even when the size of the head of the user U is different.

[0034] The extension 15 extends forward from the right ear hook 11R and curves leftward. A notch is formed on the lower side of the base end of the extension 15 toward the upper side, and this notch forms the right ear hook 11R.

[0035] A contact portion 16 that comes into contact with the forehead of the user U is formed at the tip of the extension portion 15. As shown in Fig. 1, a skin surface temperature sensor 16a is provided at the contact portion 16 as a bioinformation sensor for acquiring bioinformation of the user U. The skin surface temperature sensor 16a is connected to a substrate 13b inside the first bulge portion 13 via wiring housed inside the extension portion 15. Note that it is also possible to configure the bioinformation sensor to acquire information other than the skin surface temperature (e.g., the amount of sweat) as the bioinformation of the user.

[0036] In this embodiment, the contact portion 16 is formed to protrude inward from the tip side of the extension portion 15. In addition, an elastic body is used for the contact portion 16 in order to improve the fit to the forehead of the user U.

[0037] The sensor unit 10 can also accommodate an outside temperature and humidity sensor inside the first bulging portion 13 or the second bulging portion 14 as an environmental information sensor for acquiring environmental information around the user U. In this case, by acquiring environmental information around the user U together with biological information of the user U, the sensor unit 10 can be used as a sensor unit for preventing heatstroke for the user U.

[0038] More specifically, when an outside temperature and humidity sensor is provided in the sensor unit 10, the skin surface temperature sensor 16a that contacts the forehead of the user U measures the skin surface temperature of the user U, and the outside temperature and humidity sensor measures the temperature and humidity around the user U, thereby making it usable as an instrument for measuring the risk of heatstroke of the user U.

[0039] Specifically, an approximation of the WBGT index (wet bulb globe temperature), known as a heat index (hereafter simply referred to as "WBGT") is calculated from the measured temperature and humidity, and the risk of heatstroke for user U is measured based on the skin surface temperature and WBGT. The WBGT index is an index of the degree of heat stress experienced by the human body, taking into account temperature, humidity, wind speed, and radiant heat, and when this value is high, it is considered advisable to stop work or sports.

[0040] As described above, the sensor unit 10 according to this embodiment is provided with the first bulge 13, the extension 15, and the contact portion 16 on the right side, and with the second bulge 14 on the left side. However, it is also possible to configure the sensor unit 10 with the left and right reversed.

[0041] Resin materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, elastomer resin, ABS resin, etc. are used for many of the members that constitute the outer part of the sensor unit 10. From the viewpoint of reducing costs while ensuring the strength of the sensor unit 10, it is preferable to use ABS resin for each of the members that constitute the sensor unit 10.

[0042] As described above, according to the sensor unit 10 of this embodiment, a first bulging portion 13 that bulges inward from the right ear hook 11R is formed behind the right ear hook 11R. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, a space is formed between the surface of the user U's head and the right ear hook 11R and the extension portion 15. Then, an article to be worn on the head, such as temples Ga of glasses G, ear hooks Ma of a mask M (see FIG. 9), or goggles, can be inserted into this space, so that the sensor unit 10 and the article do not interfere with each other. In this way, the sensor unit 10 of this embodiment can be used without interfering with an article to be worn on the head, such as glasses or goggles.

[0043] In the sensor unit 10, the bulging height of the first bulging portion 13 bulging inward from the right ear hook portion 11R is preferably 2 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 3 mm to 6 mm. This allows a space to be secured between the surface of the head and the right ear hook portion 11R and the extension portion 15 without impairing the ease of hanging the right ear hook portion 11R on the ear E. That is, if the bulging height of the first bulging portion 13 is greater than 10 mm, the ear hook portion 11R is too far from the head and is likely to hit the ear E of the user U, making it difficult to wear the sensor unit 10. In addition, if the bulging height of the first bulging portion 13 is less than 2 mm, the right ear hook portion 11R and the extension portion 15 are worn in a position close to the surface of the head, making it difficult to secure a sufficient space between the surface of the head and the right ear hook portion 11R and the extension portion 15.

[0044] 5, in the sensor unit 10 according to this embodiment, the contact portion 16 is formed to protrude inward from the tip side of the extension portion 15. This forms a space between the surface of the head of the user U and the extension portion 15, making it easier to insert an article to be worn on the head into this space.

[0045] In addition, in the sensor unit 10, the amount of protrusion of the contact portion 16 from the tip side of the extension portion 15 is preferably 2 mm or more and 6 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or more and 6 mm or less. This allows a space to be secured between the surface of the head and the extension portion 15 without impairing the ease of hanging the right ear hook portion 11R on the ear E. That is, if the amount of protrusion of the contact portion 16 from the tip side of the extension portion 15 is greater than 6 mm, the extension portion 15 spreads too far outward from the head, and as a result, the ear hook portion 11R is also too far away from the head, making it impossible to properly wear the sensor unit 10. Also, if the amount of protrusion of the contact portion 16 from the tip side of the extension portion 15 is less than 2 mm, the right ear hook portion 11R and the extension portion 15 are worn in a position close to the surface of the head, making it impossible to secure a sufficient space between the surface of the head and the right ear hook portion 11R and the extension portion 15.

[0046] In addition, in the sensor unit 10 according to this embodiment, a second bulge 14 is formed behind the left ear hook 11L, bulging inward from the left ear hook 11L. This forms a space between the surface of the head of the user U and the left ear hook 11L, as shown in Fig. 5. An article to be worn on the head can be inserted into this space, so that the sensor unit 10 and the article do not interfere with each other.

[0047] In addition, in the sensor unit 10, it is preferable that a cutout portion (right ear hook portion 11R in this embodiment) is formed toward the upper side on the lower side of the base end of the extension portion 15. This makes it easier to insert an article to be worn on the head through the cutout portion. That is, since the article to be worn is inserted so as to cross the extension portion 15 at the lower side of the base end of the extension portion 15, the lower side of the base end of the extension portion 15 is a portion where the extension portion 15 and the article to be worn tend to interfere with each other. Therefore, by making the right ear hook portion 11R a cutout portion that is curved toward the upper side and cut out, it is easier to secure a space below the base end where the extension portion 15 and the article to be worn cross each other. In particular, since the cutout portion is a portion where the article to be worn and the extension portion 15 are inserted so as to cross each other in the forward direction from the ear of the user U's head, it is preferable that the cutout portion has a curvature radius within a range of 15 mm to 30 mm in a side view so that it can be formed from the lower side of the base end of the extension portion 15 to the portion that crosses the ear of the user U's head.

[0048] In sensor unit 10 according to this embodiment, ear hooking portions 11R and 11L are formed to have a radius of curvature in the range of 15 to 30 mm in side view. By hooking ear hooking portions 11R and 11L on the ears of user U, it becomes possible to stably maintain the position of sensor unit 10 on the head of user U.

[0049] In addition, in the sensor unit 10 according to this embodiment, the extension 15 is formed with a radius of curvature in a range of 80 to 120 mm in a plan view. This allows the extension 15 to be disposed near the head of the user U. That is, if the radius of curvature of the extension 15 in a plan view is smaller than 80 mm, the ear hook 11R is too far away from the head, and the sensor unit 10 cannot be worn properly. If the radius of curvature of the extension 15 in a plan view is larger than 120 mm, the right ear hook 11R and the extension 15 are worn in a position close to the surface of the head, and therefore, a sufficient space cannot be secured between the surface of the head and the right ear hook 11R and the extension 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10 Sensor unit 11 Ear hook 11R Right ear hook 11L Left ear hook 11a Engaged groove 11b Accommodation part 11c curved portion 12 connecting portion 12a Metal plate 12b Groove 13 First bulging portion 13a Lid member 13b Circuit board 13c Switching section 13d Terminal 13e Switch 13f Illuminating display 13g Display window 14 Second bulging portion 14a Lid member 14b Main body part 14c Inserted part 14d Projection 15 Extension 16 Contact part 16a Skin surface temperature sensor (biometric information sensor) U User E Ear G Glasses Ga Vines M Mask Ma Ear loop B battery

Claims

1. A sensor unit including a biometric information sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user, The earphone comprises a pair of left and right ear hooks, a connecting portion connecting the pair of ear hooks at the rear, a first bulge formed at the rear of one of the ear hooks and bulging inward from the ear hook, an extension extending forward from one of the ear hooks, and a contact portion formed on the extension for contacting the forehead of a user, The bioinformation sensor is provided at the contact portion.

2. The sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first bulging portion bulges inward from the ear hook portion to a bulging height of 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

3. The sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the contact portion is formed so as to protrude inward from a tip side of the extension portion.

4. The sensor unit according to claim 3 , wherein the amount of protrusion of the contact portion from the tip side of the extension portion is 2 mm to 6 mm.

5. The sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein a notch is formed on a lower side of a base end of the extension portion facing upward.

6. The sensor unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a second bulge formed behind the other ear hook and bulging inwardly from the other ear hook.

7. The sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the biological information sensor is a skin surface temperature sensor.

8. The sensor unit according to claim 1 , further comprising an environmental information sensor for acquiring environmental information around the user.

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