Load relief amount measurement device capable of easily measuring load relief amount

Abstract

To provide a load relief amount measurement device capable of easily measuring a load relief amount.SOLUTION: A load relief amount measurement device comprises: a load relief tool that relieves a weight of a measurement object person; a first weight scale comprising a first weighing platform on which the load relief tool is placed and a first load sensor which measures a load applied to the first weighing platform; a second weight scale comprising a second weighing platform which is placed on the first weighing platform and where a measurement object person in a state where the load is relieved by the load relief tool is allowed to get on and off, and a second load sensor which measures a load applied to the second weighing platform; and a load relief amount calculation processing unit which calculates a load relief amount from measurement values of the first load sensor and the second load sensor. The first weight scale can measure the weight of the measurement object person and the second weight scale can simultaneously measure a load applied to the measurement object person in the load-relived state, and thereby a load relief amount R of the measurement object person can be easily acquired.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a load-bearing amount measuring device that can easily measure the load-bearing amount of a subject using a load-bearing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A subject (hereafter referred to as the subject) who has difficulty walking independently due to functional impairment of the lower limbs caused by an accident or the onset of an illness undergoes rehabilitation such as walking training. In this case, the subject undergoes rehabilitation in a non-weight-bearing state in which part of the subject's body weight is unloaded, for example by holding on to a handrail or using weight-bearing equipment such as a walking training device or a cane.

[0003] In order to grasp the load-relief state, there is a training device that measures and displays the load applied to a gripping part held by the subject (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2015-139554 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the training device of Patent Document 1, the load applied to the gripping part is measured. The ratio of the load applied to the load-relief tool varies depending on the weight of the subject, and naturally, the training content differs between subjects with different weights even if the load applied to the load-relief tool is the same. In addition, even if the load applied to the gripping part increases or decreases depending on the day, it is not possible to distinguish whether it is an increase or decrease in the subject's weight or an increase or decrease in the load on the gripping part. In order to accurately grasp the load-relief state of the subject, it is necessary to grasp the ratio (load-relief amount) of the load applied to the load-relief tool to the weight of the subject who is not using the load-relief tool. In order to measure the load-relief amount, it is first necessary to measure the weight of the subject in a self-supporting state, that is, the weight of the subject in a state where no load is being removed (load-relief amount = 0). Next, the weight (load applied to the subject) of the subject measured in a state where the load-relief tool is used is measured, and the load-relief amount is calculated from both weights. For example, to measure the weight of a subject without any load support using the training device of Patent Document 1, the subject needs to hold the handrail and support his / her entire body weight with only the strength of his / her hands. However, it is not possible to make the subject do this, and it is necessary to measure the subject's weight using a separate weight scale, which is troublesome. In addition, the training device of Patent Document 1 is a specialized device and is very expensive. It is desirable to be able to easily know the load support amount without using such expensive specialized equipment.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides a load-relief amount measuring device that can easily measure the load-relief amount. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, in one aspect of the present disclosure, a load-relief amount measuring device is configured to include a first weighing scale including a load-relief device for relieving the weight of the person being measured, a first weighing platform on which the load-relief device is placed, and a first load sensor for measuring the load on the first weighing platform, a second weighing platform that is placed on the first weighing platform and on which the person being measured gets on and off while being unloaded by the load-relief device, and a second load sensor for measuring the load on the second weighing platform, and a load-relief amount calculation processing unit that calculates the load of load-relief from the measurement values ​​of the first load sensor and the second load sensor.

[0008] According to this embodiment, the first weighing scale can measure the unrelieved weight of the person to be measured, and the second weighing scale can measure the load of the person to be measured in a relieved state, so that the amount of relief can be easily calculated.

[0009] In one embodiment, the weight-relief device is a handrail attached to the first weighing platform. According to this embodiment, the weight-relief amount can be measured by the person to be weighed simply holding onto the handrail and climbing onto the second weighing platform.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second load sensors are arranged in a pair on the left and right sides of the second weighbridge, and the load-relief amount calculation processing unit calculates the load-relief amounts from the measurement values ​​of the first load sensor and the pair of left and right second load sensors. According to this embodiment, the load-relief amounts on the left and right sides can be measured. Effect of the Invention

[0011] As is clear from the above description, it is possible to provide a load-relief amount measuring device that can easily measure the load-relief amount. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a load-bearing amount measuring device according to a first preferred embodiment of the configuration of the present disclosure; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a load-relief measuring device. [Diagram 3] This is a disassembled part of the load-relief measuring device. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the load-relief amount measuring device. [Figure 6] 4 is an operation flow of the load-relief measuring device. [Figure 7] 1 is a graph of test data. [Figure 8] 1 is a graph of test data, showing daily changes in the amount of unloading. [Figure 9] This is a modified example. [Figure 10] 10 is a graph of test data for the variation of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] Here is another variation. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a load-relief measuring device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 shows an embodiment of the load-relief measuring device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the configuration of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the invention, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

[0014] (First embodiment) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a load-relief amount measuring device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] 1, the support amount measuring device 1 includes a first weighing scale 100 placed on a floor surface FL, and a second weighing scale 200 placed on top of the first weighing scale 100. A handrail 6 is attached to the first weighing scale 100.

[0016] The load-relief amount measuring device 1 measures the load-relief amount R. Load-relief means that the burden on one's legs, waist, etc. is distributed to the load-relief equipment by using an auxiliary tool such as a cane (load-relief equipment), thereby relieving one's own body weight by that amount. The load-relief amount R is the ratio of the load on the load-relief equipment to the weight of the person being measured in a state where no load is being removed (hereinafter referred to as non-load-relief weight G1). In a stationary state, the load-relief amount R can be calculated from the non-load-relief weight G1 and the measured weight of the person being measured in a state where the weight is being removed by the load-relief equipment (the load applied to the person being measured in a load-relief state; hereinafter referred to as non-load-relief weight G2).

[0017] Load relief amount R=(G1-G2) / G1×100(%BW:% Body Weight) When measuring the unloading amount R with the unloading amount measuring device 1, for example, the person to be measured holds onto the handrail 6, supports himself / herself on the handrail 6, and stands on the second weighing scale 200 while holding on to it. In this case, the handrail 6 is the unloading tool, and the person to be measured puts part of his / her body weight on the handrail 6, and climbs onto the second weighing scale 200 while being unloaded by the handrail 6 and stands still. The first weighing scale 100 measures the non-unloading weight G1, and the second weighing scale 200 measures the unloading weight G2. As a result, the unloading amount R is calculated and displayed on the display screen 34, and is visually recognized by the person to be measured.

[0018] (Unloading amount measuring device) The load-relief amount measuring device 1 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the load-relief amount measuring device 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded front view of the load-relief amount measuring device. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the load-relief amount measuring device 1. FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the load-relief amount measuring device 1.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the load-bearing amount measuring device 1 is configured by placing a second weighing scale 200 on a first weighing scale 100 in a layered manner.

[0020] First, we will explain the first weighing scale 100. The first weighing scale 100 is a large weighing scale for medical use, and is configured so that the subject can not only stand on it to measure their weight, but also while sitting in a wheelchair.

[0021] The first weighing scale 100 has a first weighing platform 20, a first leg 8, a handrail 6, and a display 10.

[0022] The first weighing platform 20 is formed in a large rectangular shape, and is constructed so that the top surface to be weighed is wide and the whole platform is thin so that the person to be weighed can stand on it safely. The first weighing platform 20 has a flat and sufficiently rigid structure, and is constructed, for example, by sandwiching a honeycomb-shaped reinforcing plate (not shown) between an iron frame and an iron plate.

[0023] Gentle slopes 18, 18 leading to the floor surface FL are provided at both front and rear ends of the first weighing platform 20 so that a person using a weight-relieving device such as crutches can get on to the first weighing platform 20 while still using the weight-relieving device. Each slope 18 is also fitted with an anti-slip device to prevent the person from slipping when getting on and off the platform.

[0024] A left side bar 22 and a right side bar 24 are connected to the left and right ends of the first weighing platform 20. Each side bar 22, 24 is formed in a hollow column shape, and wiring, electronic boards, etc. are housed inside. A handrail 6 is attached to the top surface of the side bars 22, 24 so that the person to be measured can hold on to it, and the person to be measured can hold onto the handrail 6 when getting on and off the weighing platform.

[0025] Furthermore, a pole 30 is detachably and rotatably attached to the top surface of one of the side bars 22, 24 (the right side bar 24 in this embodiment) next to the handrail 6. The pole 30 stands vertically and then curves to become horizontal, and a display 10 is attached to its tip.

[0026] The display device 10 is provided with a display screen 34 and an input unit 36. The display screen 34 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display screen 34 displays the setting conditions, the subject's weight (non-supported weight G1), measurement results such as the support amount R, and other displays necessary for setting.

[0027] The input unit 36 ​​is, for example, a key switch. Various settings and commands such as "tare", "output of measured value", and "zero point reset" are input from the input unit 36. The display screen 34 and the input unit 36 ​​may be integrated into a touch panel type input unit 36. A first control unit 38 for performing various arithmetic processing is also provided inside the display device 10.

[0028] A first leg 8 is provided on the underside of each side bar 22, 24. The first legs 8 are disposed at both ends of each side bar 22, 24, i.e., at each corner of the first weighbridge 20. Four first load sensors 42 are provided between each first leg 8 and the side bars 22, 24, and the first weighbridge 20 is supported via these four first load sensors 42.

[0029] Here, with the rear side of the first weighing scale 100 being the front and the front side being the rear, the eleventh load sensor 42a provided in front of the left side bar 22 (front left of the first weighing platform 20), the twelfth load sensor 42b provided behind the left side bar 22 (rear left of the first weighing platform 20), the thirteenth load sensor 42c provided in front of the right side bar 24 (front right of the first weighing platform 20), and the fourteenth load sensor 42d provided behind the right side bar 24 (rear right of the first weighing platform 20) are collectively referred to as the first load sensor 42 unless otherwise specified.

[0030] The first load sensor 42 is a sensor for measuring a load, and measures the load applied to the first weighbridge 20. The eleventh load sensor 42a to the fourteenth load sensor 42d each output individually, and the output is amplified by an amplifier (not shown) and can be transmitted to the first control unit 38 in the display 10. The configuration of the first load sensor 42 is not particularly limited, and for example, a load cell is used. Although not shown, the specific configuration of the first load sensor 42 is such that four gauges are attached to four thin parts of a strain body of a Roberval load cell, and these four gauges are connected to form a bridge circuit, and each output value (data that has not been converted into a measurement value or processed) can be determined by the first control unit 38. Not only the configuration of the first load sensor 42, but also the shape of the strain body is not particularly limited, and a conventionally known configuration such as a column type or a ring type may be used.

[0031] The first control unit 38 is a microcomputer having at least a CPU and a memory implemented in an integrated circuit, and performs calculation processing based on a program stored in the memory. It controls output control to the input unit 36 ​​and the display screen 34 connected to the first weighing scale 100, and calculation processing of the measured value of the first load sensor 42. In this embodiment, the first control unit 38 mainly calculates the load of the object to be weighed on the first weighing platform 20 based on the measured values ​​of the eleventh load sensor 42a to the fourteenth load sensor 42d, and controls so as to display it on the display screen 34. The first control unit 38 includes a relief amount calculation processing unit 39.

[0032] Next, we will explain the second weighing scale 200. The second weighing scale 200 is a general-purpose weighing scale that is generally widely used in homes, and includes a second weighing platform 220 on which a load to be measured is applied, a second leg 208, and a second load sensor 242 and a second control unit 238 therein.

[0033] The second weighing platform 220 is configured in a rectangular shape and is smaller than the first weighing platform 20. A second leg 208 is provided on the bottom surface of the second weighing platform 220. A second load sensor 242 is interposed between the second leg 208 and the second weighing platform 220, and the second weighing platform 220 is supported via the second load sensor 242.

[0034] The second load sensor 242 is a sensor that measures the load applied to the second weighing platform 220, and similar to the first load sensor 42 of the first weighing scale, the form thereof is not particularly limited. The number and arrangement of the second load sensor 242 are also not limited. As with the first load sensor 42, four of the second load sensors 242 may be arranged at the four corners of the second weighing platform 220.

[0035] The second control unit 238, like the first control unit 38, is a microcomputer with at least a CPU and a memory implemented in an integrated circuit, and performs calculation processing based on a program stored in the memory. The second control unit 238 mainly calculates the load on the second weighing platform 220 based on the measurement value of the second load sensor 242, and controls the display of the measurement value on a display unit on the top surface of the second weighing platform 220. In addition, the second weighing scale 200 has a communication unit (not shown) such as a cable or a wireless communication device, and the calculation result by the second control unit 238 is also output wirelessly or wired to the load-relief amount calculation processing unit 39 provided in the first control unit 38.

[0036] In the first weighing scale 100 and the second weighing scale, a measurement value is calculated from the difference between the value of the load sensor when an object to be weighed is placed and the value of the load sensor when an object to be weighed is placed.

[0037] The method for converting the measured values ​​of the first load sensor 42 or the second load sensor 242 into loads may be a conventionally known method, and the method is not important. As long as the second weighing scale 200 can be placed on the first weighing platform 20 of the first weighing scale 100 and the measured values ​​can be output to the first weighing scale 100, the number and form of the second load sensor 242, the mode as a weighing device, and the form of data communication are not important.

[0038] (Calculation of load relief) The load-relief amount measuring device 1 has a load-relief amount calculation processing unit 39 that performs calculation processing as a load-relief amount measuring function. The load-relief amount calculation processing unit 39 mainly calculates the load-relief amount R and performs processing to display the load-relief amount R on the display screen .

[0039] The load relief amount calculation processing section 39 is stored as a program in the memory of the first control section 38, and is configured in the first control section 38 as software.

[0040] The output value of the first load sensor 42 input to the first control unit 38, the data in the memory, the calculation results of the first control unit 38, the output value of the second load sensor of the second weighing scale 200, and the calculation results of the second control unit 238 are provided to a load-relief amount calculation processing unit 39.

[0041] The load-relief amount calculation processing unit 39 calculates the load-relief amount R from the measurement values ​​of the eleventh load sensor 42a to the fourteenth load sensor 42d and the measurement value of the second load sensor 242, and displays it on the display screen .

[0042] The load relief amount R is calculated mainly based on the loads measured by the first weighing scale 100 and the second weighing scale 200. For this reason, only the loads measured by the first load sensor 42 and the second load sensor 242 may be output to the load relief amount calculation processing unit 39, which may then calculate the load relief amount R from these loads and display it on the display screen 34.

[0043] In a method of measuring the load-relief amount R by the load-relief amount measuring device 1, the person to be measured uses a load-relief tool, places the load-relief tool on the first weighing scale 100, and stands on the second weighing scale 200 while using the load-relief tool. In a specific embodiment of the load-relief amount measuring device 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the person to be measured stands on the second weighing platform 220 while holding on to a handrail 6. In this embodiment, the handrail 6 is used as the load-relief tool. Before measurement, a zero point reset is performed with the second weighing scale 200 placed on the first weighing scale 100.

[0044] The second control unit 238 calculates the load on the second weighing platform 220 based on the measurement value of the second load sensor 242. The first control unit 38 calculates the load on the first weighing platform 20 based on the measurement value of the first load sensor 42. The handrail 6 is attached to the weighing platform 20, and the load on the handrail 6 (the load on the handrail 6 when the person to be weighed holds onto the handrail 6) is included in the load on the weighing platform 20 and is calculated. For this reason, the measurement value of the first weighing scale 100 is the same whether the object to be weighed is supported by the handrail 6 or is not in contact with the handrail 6. That is, the first weighing scale 100 measures the weight of the person to be weighed in an unloaded state (non-loaded weight G1) whether the person to be weighed is in a loaded state by gripping the handrail 6 or not touching the handrail 6.

[0045] Since part of the weight of the person being measured is applied to the handrail 6, the load applied to the second weighing platform 220 is the load of the person being measured that has been relieved by the handrail 6, i.e., the relieved weight G2, which is the load applied to the person being relieved by the weight-relieving equipment, and the second weighing scale 200 measures the relieved weight G2. The load applied to the first weighing platform 20 of the first weighing scale 100 is the weight of the person being measured that is not relieved at all, i.e., the total value of the non-relieved weight G1 and the mass of the second weighing scale 200, but since the mass of the second weighing scale 200 has been subtracted by the zero point reset, the first weighing scale 100 measures the non-relieved weight G1.

[0046] The load-relief amount calculation processing unit 39 calculates the load-relief amount R from the non-load-relief weight G1 measured by the first weighing scale 100 and the load-relief weight G2 measured by the second weighing scale 200, and controls the display screen 34 to display the load-relief amount R.

[0047] (Operation flow) FIG. 6 shows an example of an operation flow of the load-relief measuring device 1.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, first, in step S101, the second weighing scale 200 is placed on the upper surface of the first weighing platform 20 of the first weighing scale 100.

[0049] Next, the process proceeds to step S102, where the first weighing scale 100 and the second weighing scale 200 are powered on.

[0050] Next, the process proceeds to step S103, where settings such as zero point reset and tare subtraction are performed. With the second weighing scale 200 stacked on the first weighing scale 100, the zero point of the first weighing scale 100 is reset. The mass of the second weighing scale may be tared. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the load-bearing device is the handrail 6, but when a load-bearing device other than the handrail 6, such as a crutch, is used as in the modified example described below, settings are made to tare the mass of the other load-bearing device.

[0051] Next, the process proceeds to step S104, where the person to be measured climbs onto the load-bearing amount measuring device 1. The person to be measured holds onto the handrail 6, uses the slope 18, and climbs onto the second weighbridge 220.

[0052] Next, the process proceeds to step S105, where the first load sensor 42 and the second load sensor 242 measure the load.

[0053] Next, the process proceeds to step S106, where the load-relief amount calculation processing unit 39 calculates the load R. The first control unit 38 calculates the load on the first weighbridge 20 as a non-relief weight G1 from the measurement values ​​of the eleventh load sensor 42a to the fourteenth load sensor 42d. The second control unit 238 calculates the load on the second weighbridge 220 as a relieving weight G2 from the measurement value of the second load sensor 242. The load-relief amount calculation processing unit 39 calculates the load R of the subject standing while holding on to the handrail 6 from the calculated non-relief weight G1 and relieving weight G2.

[0054] Next, the process proceeds to step S107, where the load-relief amount calculation processing unit 39 displays the load-relief amount R on the display screen 34. Along with the load-relief amount R, the non-load-relief weight G1 and the load-relief weight G2 may also be displayed on the display screen 34.

[0055] The second weighing scale 200 may be placed anywhere on the first weighing platform 20, but is preferably placed approximately in the center of the first weighing platform 20. If it is difficult for the person to stand up by holding on to the left and right handrails 6 with both hands, the person may stand on the second weighing platform 220 by holding only one of the handrails 6 with both hands to support his or her body. In this case, the second weighing scale 200 may be placed closer to one of the handrails 6.

[0056] (Action and effect) The load-relief amount measuring device 1 configured as described above can measure the weight of the person being weighed (non-load-relief weight G1) and at the same time, can measure the load-relief amount R of the person being weighed in a load-relief state using the handrail 6 as a load-relief device. There is no need to measure the non-load-relief weight G1 and the load-relief weight G2 of the person being weighed using separate weighing scales, making it easy to measure the load-relief amount R.

[0057] The first weighing scale 100 and the second weighing scale 200 each function as a weighing scale individually. It is also possible to stack another second weighing scale 200 on the already existing first weighing scale 100 and add the load-relief amount calculation processing unit 39 as a program to the first control unit 38 to configure the load-relief amount measuring device 1. It is also possible to use an existing weighing scale as the load-relief amount measuring device and to add a load-relief amount calculation function later. Even if the second weighing scale 200 breaks down, another weighing scale can be used immediately as the second weighing scale 200 to configure the load-relief amount measuring device 1, and maintainability is also good.

[0058] It is possible to measure the unloading amount R when the subject is unloading using unloading equipment more easily and at a lower cost than by introducing dedicated equipment.

[0059] (Test data) Fig. 7 shows an example of data obtained by actually conducting a test using the load-relief amount measuring device 1. Fig. 7(A) shows data (comparison data) when the handrail 6 is not used as a load-relief device, that is, when the subject gets on and off the second weighing scale 200 without touching the handrail 6. Fig. 7(B) shows data when the subject grasps the handrail 6 as a load-relief device and gets on and off the second weighing scale 200 while supporting himself / herself. Fig. 7 shows the non-load-relief weight G1 and the loaded weight G2 of the subject obtained in the test.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 7(A), when a person to be measured stands on the second weighing scale 200 of the load-relief amount measuring device 1 without using the handrail 6, the non-load-relief weight G1 measured by the first weighing scale 100 coincides with the load-relief weight G2 measured by the second weighing scale 200. Therefore, the load-relief amount R=0%BW.

[0061] Unloaded weight G1: 77kg Unloading weight G2: 77kg Load relief amount R=(77-77) / 77×100=0(%BW) As shown in Fig. 7(B), when a person to be measured stands on the second weighing scale 200 while holding the handrail 6 and supporting himself / herself on the handrail 6, the non-relief weight G1 measured by the first weighing scale 100 is different from the relief weight G2 measured by the second weighing scale 200. The relief amount R calculated from the test data is as follows.

[0062] Unloaded weight G1: 77kg Unloading weight G2: 50kg Load relief amount R=(77-50) / 77×100=35(%BW) In this way, the load-relief amount R in the load-relieving state in which the subject uses the handrail 6 as a load-relief device can be easily measured. When measuring the weight of the subject, the load-relief amount R can also be measured at the same time.

[0063] The load on the unloading tool changes depending on the degree of walking difficulty of the person being measured, and the unloading amount R changes accordingly. In walking training, it is said that effective effects are produced when the instructor understands the current state of the person being trained and instructs the training content. By using the unloading amount measuring device 1, the unloading amount R can be easily measured, and the current state of the person being trained can be accurately understood as a numerical value by the unloading amount R. This allows the instructor to instruct appropriate training content and implement effective rehabilitation. In addition, the trainee can also improve his / her motivation by training while recognizing his / her own unloading amount R, which improves the training effect.

[0064] (Variation 1: Memory function) A function for storing the calculated load-relief amount R in the load-relief amount calculation processing unit 39 may be added. It is preferable to configure the load-relief amount R to be stored in the memory of the first control unit 38, and to display the daily change in the load-relief amount R on the display screen 34 in the form of a table or graph. The subject can be motivated by seeing the effect of his or her training.

[0065] An example of the above is shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a graph showing the change in the amount of support R of a subject undergoing walking training, with the horizontal axis showing the number of days of treatment and the vertical axis showing the amount of support R.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8, the load support amount R decreases with each passing day, and it can be confirmed that the load support amount R = 0% BW, that is, the subject is definitely progressing towards independent walking. With the load support amount measuring device 1, the load support amount R can be measured when the subject's weight is measured before training. By measuring the load support amount R using the load support amount measuring device 1, the subject can accurately grasp the current condition and goal as a numerical value, improving the quality of training.

[0067] (Variation 2: Use of self-weight-relief equipment) 9 shows a schematic configuration of another example of use of the load-relief amount measuring device 1. In this example, the subject uses his / her own load-relief equipment 106, such as crutches, instead of the handrail 6, as the load-relief equipment, and measures the load-relief amount R with the load-relief amount measuring device 1. In this case, the first weighing scale 100 sets the tare value of the mass of the load-relief equipment 106.

[0068] The person to be measured climbs onto the first weighing scale 100 while using the weight-relieving equipment 106, places the weight-relieving equipment 106 on the first weighing platform 20, and uses the weight-relieving equipment 106 to place part of his / her body weight on the weight-relieving equipment 106. The person to be measured thus performs the measurement in a weight-relieving state in which the weight-relieving equipment 106 relieves part of the weight on the person to be measured. The first weighing scale 100 measures the non-weight-relieved weight G1 of the person to be measured by resetting the zero point when the second weighing scale 200 is placed on the person to be measured, and subtracting the mass of the weight-relieving equipment 106 on the first weighing scale 100 from the tare weight. The second weighing scale 200 measures the weight G2 of the person to be measured in a weight-relieving state when the person to be measured uses the weight-relieving equipment 106. This calculates the weight-relief amount R when the person to be measured uses the weight-relieving equipment 106. It is possible to measure the weight-relief amount R when the person to be measured uses the weight-relieving equipment 106 that the person to be measured is familiar with.

[0069] In this embodiment, the handrail 6 is not a load-relief device, but is used as a safety device to prevent the subject from falling off the first weighing platform 20. The handrail 6 may be removed before measurement so as not to interfere with getting on and off the second weighing platform 220. It may also be left attached so that the subject does not fall off. If the subject uses his / her own load-relief device 106, he / she should be careful not to lean on the handrail 6 during measurement. If the subject applies a load to the handrail 6 when the load-relief amount R is measured, the load will be further relieved by that amount, and the load-relief weight G2 when the subject is using only the load-relief device 106 cannot be measured, and the load-relief amount R cannot be measured accurately.

[0070] In any embodiment, the load-bearing portion of the load-bearing device, such as the handrail 6 or the weight-bearing device 106, for example, the fixed portion of the handrail 6 or the tip of the crutches, contacts the first weighing platform 20 to apply a load to the first weighing platform 20, and the subject stands on the second weighing scale 200 while using the weight-bearing device and is measured. The bottom surface of the handrail 6 or the weight-bearing device 106 is grounded on the first weighing platform 20, and the load applied to the weight-bearing device 106 is directly applied to the first weighing platform 20. The weight-bearing amount R in the weight-bearing state of the subject using the weight-bearing device can be measured. Therefore, the weight-bearing amount R can be measured when various walking assistance tools, such as a multi-legged cane, a circle-type walker, or a wheeled walker with wheels attached to the bottom surface, are used as the weight-bearing device, not limited to crutches.

[0071] Fig. 10 shows an example of data obtained by actually conducting an experiment of the second modification using the load-relief amount measuring device 1. Fig. 10(A) shows comparative data when no load-relief equipment (crutches) is used, i.e., when the subject gets on and off the second weighing scale 200 without using the load-relief equipment. Fig. 10(B) shows data when the subject uses crutches as the load-relief equipment 106 and gets on and off the second weighing scale 200 while supporting himself / herself. Fig. 10 shows the non-load-relief weight G1 and the loaded weight G2 of the subject obtained by the test.

[0072] 10(A), when the subject stands on the second weighing scale 200 without using the crutches that are the weight-relief equipment 106, the non-weight-relief weight G1 measured by the first weighing scale 100 and the weight-relief weight G2 measured by the second weighing scale 200 match. Therefore, the weight-relief amount R=0%.

[0073] Unloaded weight G1: 77kg Unloading weight G2: 77kg Load relief amount R=(77-77) / 77×100=0(%BW) As shown in Fig. 10(B), when a person to be weighed stands on the second weighing scale 200 while supporting himself / herself using the weight-relief device 106, the non-weight-relief weight G1 measured by the first weighing scale 100 differs from the weight-relief weight G2 measured by the second weighing scale 200. The weight-relief amount R calculated from the test data is as follows.

[0074] Unloaded weight G1: 77kg Unloading weight G2: 54kg Load relief amount R=(77-54) / 77×100=30(%BW) In this way, the load-bearing amount R can be easily calculated when the subject uses his / her own load-bearing equipment 106. By using the load-bearing amount measuring device 1, the load-bearing amount R can be measured at the same time as the weight of the subject is measured.

[0075] (Change example 3: Amount of weight removed from right foot / left foot) The subject may support himself / herself with the weight-relief device using only the right or left leg to measure the weight-relief amount. For example, this is useful for understanding the weight-relief state of a patient who has broken one leg.

[0076] Using the memory function, the user may support himself / herself with only the right foot or only the left foot and measure the weight-bearing amount for each foot. This allows the user to grasp the condition of the right foot / left foot and check the weight-bearing balance of both feet. This will be explained using Figure 11.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 11(A), the person to be weighed holds the left and right handrails 6 with both hands to support himself, stands on the second weighing platform 220 with only his right foot, and performs a measurement to measure the weight-relief amount R'. The weight-relief amount R' is stored using the memory function. At this time, the display screen 34 may show which foot is being used for the measurement, such as "right foot".

[0078] Next, as shown in FIG. 11(B), the person to be weighed holds onto the left and right handrails 6 with both hands to support himself, and then stands on the second weighing platform 220 with only the left foot, and takes a measurement to measure the relief amount R". At this time, the display screen 34 may show which foot is being measured, by writing "left foot".

[0079] Next, the load-relief amount calculation processing unit 39 displays the load-relief amount R' and the load-relief amount R" on the display screen 34. The load-relief amount R' and the load-relief amount R" enable the person to confirm the load-relief balance between the left and right sides. During walking training, it is possible to know which leg should be trained with more emphasis, and the quality of training can be improved.

[0080] Second embodiment Fig. 12 shows a load-relief amount measuring device 1A according to the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the load-relief amount measuring device 1A. Components having the same configuration are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] 12, the load-relief amount measuring device 1A includes a first weighing scale 100 on which a pair of handrails 6 are installed, and a second weighing scale 200A disposed approximately in the center of the weighing platform 20 of the first weighing scale 100. The second weighing scale 200A includes second load sensors 242A disposed at the four corners of the second weighing platform 220. The load-relief amount measuring device 1A has the same configuration as the load-relief amount measuring device 1, except that the second load sensor 242A is used instead of the second load sensor 242.

[0082] Here, unless otherwise specified, the 21st load sensor 242a provided at the front left corner of the second weighing platform 220, the 22nd load sensor 242b provided at the rear left corner of the second weighing platform 220, the 23rd load sensor 242c provided at the front right corner of the second weighing platform 220, and the 24th load sensor 242d provided at the rear right corner of the second weighing platform 220 will be collectively referred to as the second load sensor 242A.

[0083] The first weighing scale 100 has four first load sensors 42, and the sum of the loads measured by the four first load sensors 42 is the load applied to the first weighing platform 20, and a non-relieved weight G1 is calculated. The second weighing scale 200A has four second load sensors 242A, and the sum of the loads measured by the four second load sensors 242A is the load applied to the second weighing platform 220, and a relieving weight G2 is calculated. In this way, the relieving amount R is calculated.

[0084] Thus, the arrangement and number of the first load sensor 42 and the second load sensor 242 are not particularly limited, but when a plurality of load sensors are arranged symmetrically on the second weighing platform 220, like the second load sensor 242A, the left and right load relief amounts of the subject using the load relief tool can be measured simultaneously. This will be explained using Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a front view of the load relief amount measuring device 1A. In Fig. 13, when the sensors are arranged in an overlapping manner, the one arranged at the rear is indicated in parentheses.

[0085] The person being measured holds the left handrail 6 with the left hand and the right handrail 6 with the right hand, stands on the second weighing scale 200A located approximately in the center of the first weighing platform 20, places the left foot on the left area of ​​the second weighing platform 220, places the right foot on the right area of ​​the second weighing platform 220, and comes to rest while being positioned at the center of the second weighing platform 220.

[0086] At this time, the sum of the loads measured by the 21st load sensor 242a and the 22nd load sensor 242b arranged on the left is the load acting on the left half of the body of the person being weighed while being relieved by the handrail 6, more specifically, on the left foot of the person being weighed while being relieved. This is referred to as the left relieved weight LG2.

[0087] Similarly, the sum of the loads measured by the 23rd load sensor 242c and the 24th load sensor 242d arranged on the right is the load acting on the right half of the body of the person being relieved by the handrail 6, more specifically, on the right foot of the person being relieved by the handrail 6. This is referred to as the right relieved body weight RG2.

[0088] The unloading amount calculation processing unit 39 calculates the left unloading amount LR, which is the ratio of the load unloaded on the left half of the subject's body to the body weight, and the right unloading amount RR, which is the ratio of the load unloaded on the right half of the subject's body to the body weight, from the left unloading weight LG2, which is the load on the left half of the subject's body (left foot) in the unloaded state, the right unloading weight RG2, which is the load on the right half of the subject's body (right foot) in the unloaded state, and the non-unloading weight G1 of the subject measured by the first weighing scale 100, and displays the calculation results on the display screen 34.

[0089] Left load release amount LR=(G1-LG2) / G1×100(%BW:% Body Weight) Right unloading amount RR = (G1-RG2) / G1 x 100 (%BW:% Body Weight) The load-bearing amounts of the left half (left foot) and right half (right foot) of the person being measured are calculated and displayed on the display screen 34. The person being measured can easily grasp the load-bearing balance of the person being measured. The load-bearing amount measuring device 1A can also grasp the load-bearing state of the left and right sides of the person being measured in real time. The person being measured can accurately confirm the left and right load-bearing balance as numerical values ​​using the left load-bearing amount LR and the right load-bearing amount RR, and can grasp a good load-bearing balance as a physical sensation.

[0090] The above describes preferred embodiments and modified examples of the present invention. However, the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and these can be combined based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and such forms are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1: Unloading amount measuring device 6: Handrail (weight-relief device) 20:1st weighbridge 39: Load relief calculation processing unit 42: First load sensor 100: First weighing scale 106: Load relief equipment 200: Second weighing scale 220:Second weighbridge 242: Second load sensor R: Load relief amount LR: Left load release amount RR: Right load release amount

Claims

1. a weight-relieving device for relieving the weight of the person being measured; A first weighing scale including a first weighing platform on which the weight-relieving device is placed and a first load sensor that measures a load applied to the first weighing platform; a second weighing scale including a second weighing platform that is placed on the first weighing platform and on which a person to be weighed who is being weighed and is relieved by the weight-relieving device gets on and off, and a second load sensor that measures a load applied to the second weighing platform; a load-relief amount calculation processing unit that calculates a load-relief amount from the measurement values ​​of the first load sensor and the second load sensor; A load-bearing amount measuring device comprising:

2. The load-relieving device is a handrail attached to the first weighbridge.

2. The load-relief measuring device according to claim 1 .

3. The second load sensors are arranged in a pair on the left and right sides of the second weighing platform, The load relief amount calculation processing unit calculates the load relief amount from the measurement value of the first load sensor and each of the measurement values ​​of the pair of left and right second load sensors.

3. The load-relief measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.

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