Pressure sensor

Abstract

To provide a pressure sensor which has a simple structure and can precisely detect an applied pressure.SOLUTION: A pressure sensor 1-1 detects the load of a loaded measurement target object. The pressure sensor 1-1 includes: a pressure detection substrate 10 having a pressure sensor 15 on a substrate 11, the pressure sensor having a resistance value varied according to the load, and a circuit pattern for outputting the resistance value detected by the pressure sensor 15 to the outside; and a pressing sheet 30 on a surface with the pressure sensor 15 formed of the pressure detection substrate 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure sensor suitable for use in measuring an applied pressure.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, in order to detect the pressure received by the sole inside the shoe during walking or running and collect exercise information, a pressure sensor that electrically detects the landing state of the sole due to walking or running is used on the insole of the shoe.

[0003] As this type of pressure sensor, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a landing detection means (3) composed of a pressure-sensitive sensor is housed and installed between two films (2a) and (2b) constituting the insole (1) of a shoe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above insole (1) of the shoe, since the landing detection means (3) is housed and installed inside the insole (1), the structure is complicated. In addition, the film (2a) covering the upper surface of the insole (1) uses a smooth synthetic resin sheet due to the need to form a circuit pattern or the like, but it is slippery, and there is a possibility that the foot may slip in the shoe for a person wearing this insole (1), and it may not necessarily provide a comfortable wearing feeling.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a pressure sensor having a simple structure and capable of detecting an applied pressure with high sensitivity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In a pressure sensor for detecting the load of an object to be measured placed thereon, the present invention provides a pressure detection substrate provided on a substrate with a pressure-sensitive sensor whose resistance value changes according to a load, and a circuit pattern for outputting the resistance value detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor to the outside, and a pressing sheet laminated on at least the pressure-sensitive sensor on the surface of the pressure detection substrate on the side where the pressure-sensitive sensor is provided. According to the present invention, since the pressing sheet is laminated on the surface of the pressure detection substrate on the side where the pressure-sensitive sensor is provided, the pressure-sensitive sensor can be directly pressed by the pressing sheet (without passing through the substrate constituting the pressure detection substrate). As a result, the pressure (pressure change) applied to the pressing sheet can be accurately detected. Further, since the pressing sheet is laminated on the pressure detection substrate, the structure can be simplified.

[0008] In addition to the above features, the present invention further provides that the pressing sheet has a two-layer structure, with the layer on the opposite side facing the pressure detection substrate being the first pressing portion, and the layer on the side facing the pressure detection substrate being the second pressing portion. The second pressing portion is provided at least at a position facing the pressure-sensitive sensor and is made of a material harder than the hardness of the first pressing portion. According to the present invention, since the pressure-sensitive sensor is pressed by the second pressing portion of the pressing sheet having a two-layer structure formed by the first and second pressing portions, which is harder (less likely to deform when pressed), the pressure applied from above the pressing sheet can be detected with higher sensitivity. For example, when this pressure sensor is used in an insole of a shoe, the surface directly touched by the foot becomes the first pressing portion with a soft hardness, improving the wearing comfort, and the hard second pressing portion on the opposite side where the foot does not touch presses the pressure-sensitive sensor to obtain a highly sensitive output.

[0009] In addition to the above features, the present invention is characterized in that the pressing sheet is composed of two parts: a first pressing sheet on the opposite side facing the pressure detection substrate and a second pressing sheet on the side facing the pressure detection substrate, and the second pressing sheet is composed of a synthetic resin film or a sheet-like member made of a material harder than the hardness of the first pressing sheet. According to the present invention, since a double structure is formed by two parts of the first and second pressing sheets, the pressure-sensitive sensor can be pressed by the second pressing sheet having a higher hardness (less likely to deform when pressed), and the pressure applied from above the first pressing sheet can be detected with higher sensitivity. In addition, since the first pressing sheet and the second pressing sheet can be separately manufactured and simply overlapped, the manufacturing can be easily performed. For example, when this pressure sensor is used in an insole of a shoe, the surface directly touched by the foot becomes the first pressing sheet with a soft hardness, improving the wearing comfort, and the hard second pressing sheet on the opposite side where the foot does not touch presses the pressure-sensitive sensor to obtain a sensitive output.

[0010] In addition to the above features, the present invention is characterized in that the pressure-sensitive sensor includes a first contact pattern formed on the substrate, a pressure-sensitive resistor laminated on the first contact pattern, and a second contact pattern laminated on the pressure-sensitive resistor. According to the present invention, there is no gap between the first contact pattern and the second contact pattern, and the pressure-sensitive resistor is laminated, so that an output corresponding to the pressing force applied to the pressure-sensitive resistor can be obtained. For example, if this is used as an insole of a shoe, the change in pressure applied to each part of the sole can be easily detected over time.

[0011] In addition to the above features, the present invention is characterized in that the pressure sensor is an insole of a shoe. The pressure sensor according to the present invention is suitable for use in an insole of a shoe.

Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, the structure is simple, and it becomes possible to detect the applied pressure with high sensitivity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 〔First Embodiment〕 FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an assembly method of a pressure sensor 1-1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the pressure sensor 1-1 includes a pressure detection substrate 10 and a pressing sheet 30. This pressure sensor 1-1 detects the load of the object to be measured placed on the upper surface of the pressing sheet 30. In the following description, "up" refers to the direction of viewing the pressing sheet 30 from the pressure detection substrate 10, and "down" refers to the opposite direction, but this is not intended to limit the direction when using the pressure sensor 1-1 (the same applies to each of the following embodiments).

[0015] The pressure detection substrate 10 is configured by providing a pressure-sensitive sensor 15 whose resistance value changes according to a load on a substrate 11. The substrate 11 is made of a flexible synthetic resin film, and in this example, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film is used.

[0016] In this example, the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 having the structure shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is used as the pressure-sensitive sensor 15. That is, to configure the pressure-sensitive sensor 15, first, a first contact pattern 17 and a circuit pattern 19 are simultaneously formed on the substrate 11 by screen-printing a conductive paste (silver paste in this example). The first contact pattern 17 is circular in this example (it may have various other shapes), and a linear circuit pattern 19 is formed so as to connect to a part of the outer periphery thereof.

[0017] Next, a pressure-sensitive resistor 21 is formed on the substrate 11 by screen-printing a carbon paste so as to cover the entire upper surface of the first contact pattern 17 and a part of the circuit pattern 19 connected thereto. The pressure-sensitive resistor 21 is circular in this example (it may have various other shapes), and is formed larger than the sizes of the first contact pattern 17 and a second contact pattern 25 described below. The carbon paste is composed of a conductive paint obtained by mixing a synthetic resin having flexibility even after curing, carbon powder, and a solvent.

[0018] Next, on the substrate 11 including the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive resistor 21, the second contact pattern 25 and the circuit pattern 19 are simultaneously formed by screen-printing a silver paste. The second contact pattern 25 is circular in this example (it may have various other shapes), and a linear circuit pattern 19 is formed so as to connect to a part of the outer periphery thereof. The second contact pattern 25 is formed with an area larger than that of the first contact pattern 17 so as to cover the entire upper surface of the first contact pattern 17. The circuit pattern 19 is formed so as to be drawn out from the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive resistor 21 onto the substrate 11.

[0019] The pressure sensor 15 configured as described above has a predetermined resistance value between the first and second contact patterns 17 and 25 because the pressure-sensitive resistor 21 is interposed between the first and second contact patterns 17 and 25.

[0020] Returning to FIG. 1, the pressing sheet 30 is a flexible sheet-like member. When the object to be measured, such as the sole of a foot, is placed on the upper surface of the pressing sheet 30, it is preferably made of a lightweight, soft, and elastic material in order to improve the contact feeling when placed. For example, it can be made of various materials such as EVA resin (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin), polyurethane resin, and felt.

[0021] Then, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 1, when the pressing sheet 30 is placed on the surface of the pressure detection substrate 10 on the side where the pressure sensor 15 is provided, the pressure sensor 1-1 according to this embodiment is completed. At this time, the pressing sheet 30 is laminated on each pressure sensor 15.

[0022] In the pressure sensor 1-1 configured as described above, for example, if the portion indicated by arrow A1 in FIG. 1 is pressed, the pressure of the pressing sheet 30 at the pressed portion is applied to the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 thereunder. As a result, the pressure-sensitive resistor 21 of the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is compressed, its thickness becomes thinner, and the carbon powders in the pressure-sensitive resistor 21 come into strong contact with each other, increasing the contact area between the carbon particles. Thereby, the resistance value between the first and second contact patterns 17 and 25 becomes smaller. On the other hand, if the pressing is released, the thickness of the pressure-sensitive resistor 21 returns to its original thickness by its elastic restoring force, and the resistance value increases. That is, depending on the magnitude of the pressing force (applied pressure), the resistance value between the first and second contact patterns 17 and 25 is different, and thereby different outputs corresponding to the applied pressure are obtained, and the magnitude of the applied pressure can be detected. Then, the resistance values detected by each pressure-sensitive sensor 15 are output to the outside through the circuit patterns 19 and 19.

[0023] In this pressure sensor 1-1, since the pressure value applied to each of the plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 15 provided on the upper surface of the pressure detection substrate 10 can be measured, the change in the entire pressure value applied to each part on the pressing sheet 30 can be detected.

[0024] According to the pressure sensor 1-1, since the pressing sheet 30 is laminated on the surface of the pressure detection substrate 10 on the side where the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is provided, the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 can be directly pressed by the pressing sheet 30 (without passing through the substrate 11 constituting the pressure detection substrate 10). Thereby, the pressure (pressure change) applied on the pressing sheet 30 can be accurately detected. Also, since the pressing sheet 30 is laminated on the pressure detection substrate 10, the structure can be simplified.

[0025] Further, there is no gap between the first contact pattern 17 and the second contact pattern 25, and the pressure-sensitive resistor 21 is laminated, and an output corresponding to the pressing force applied to the pressure-sensitive resistor 21 can be obtained. Therefore, for example, if this is used as an insole of a shoe, the change in the pressure applied to each part of the sole can be easily detected over time.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example when the pressure sensor 1-1 is used as an insole of a shoe. That is, it shows a specific configuration example in which the pressure sensor 1-1 is used as a foot load detection means by the foot in the shoe.

[0027] In this example, a commercially available insole is used as the pressing sheet 30A, and a pressure detection substrate 10A having a shape corresponding to that of the pressing sheet 30A is used.

[0028] The pressing sheet 30A is a commercially available insole of a shoe. As described above, for example, it has a good contact feeling when the sole of the foot is placed, is lightweight, soft and elastic, and is made of various materials such as EVA resin, polyurethane resin, and felt.

[0029] The pressure detection substrate 10A is made of a synthetic resin film made of PET, and a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 15 are installed on a substrate 11 having a shape that conforms to the shape of the shoe sole. Also, a circuit pattern 19 connected to each pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is configured to be drawn out from a strip-shaped lead-out portion 27 connected to the outer periphery of the substrate 11. The tip of the lead-out portion 27 is a terminal portion 28. Five pressure-sensitive sensors 15 are provided on the toe side T1 and four on the heel side T2, but various changes are possible in the installation position and the number of installations. This pressure detection substrate 10A can be said to be a landing detection means for electrically detecting the landing of the shoe due to walking or running (the same applies to each of the following specific configuration examples).

[0030] Then, the pressure detection substrate 10A is laid on the shoe sole with the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 on the upper side, and the pressing sheet 30A is placed thereon. At this time, the lead-out portion 27 is drawn out to the outside of the shoe, and its terminal portion 28 is connected to an information processing device (not shown). At this time, the pressure detection substrate 10A and the pressing sheet 30A may be integrated with, for example, double-sided tape, an adhesive, or other fixing means.

[0031] When wearing these shoes and performing activities such as walking, running, and jumping, it is possible to measure the pressure applied to each part of the sole. For example, whether the walking or running style is front-loaded or rear-loaded, whether the center of gravity is smoothly shifted, whether the balance in the width direction is appropriate, and whether the balance between the right and left feet is appropriate. At this time, as described above, since the surface of the pressure detection substrate 10 where the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is installed faces the pressing sheet 30A side, the pressure (pressure change) applied on the pressing sheet 30A can be accurately detected. As a result, information on movements related to walking, running, etc. can be collected, and various analyses and outputs can be performed in the information processing device.

[0032] 〔Second Embodiment〕 FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the assembling method of the pressure sensor 1-2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the pressure sensor 1-2 shown in this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts as those of the pressure sensor 1-1 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. Matters other than those described below are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0033] In the pressure sensor 1-2 shown in this figure, the difference from the above pressure sensor 1-1 is the structure of the pressing sheet 30. That is, the pressing sheet 30 of this pressure sensor 1-2 has a two-layer structure, with the layer on the opposite side facing the pressure detection substrate 10 (the upper layer in the figure) being the first pressing portion 31, and the layer on the side facing the pressure detection substrate 10 (the lower layer) being the second pressing portion 33. And the second pressing portion 33 is provided at a position facing each pressure-sensitive sensor 15 of the pressure detection substrate 10, and is made of a material harder than the hardness of the first pressing portion 31.

[0034] Specifically, the first pressing portion 31 is a sheet-like member having flexibility, similar to the pressing sheet 30 of the above pressure sensor 1-1. For example, when placing the sole of the foot or the like, in order to improve the contact feeling when placed, it is preferably made of a lightweight, soft, and elastic material, such as EVA resin (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin), polyurethane resin, or various materials such as felt.

[0035] On one hand, the second pressing part 33 is provided at a plurality of locations on a part of the lower surface of the first pressing part 31, specifically at positions facing each pressure-sensitive sensor 15. The material of the second pressing part 33 is a material harder than the hardness of the first pressing part 31 (when pressed, its thickness is not easily reduced, that is, its thickness is not easily deformed, and the same applies hereinafter), and specifically, for example, a synthetic resin such as PET resin is used.

[0036] The first pressing part 31 and the second pressing part 33 are integrated, for example, by forming the second pressing part 33 on the first pressing part 31 or adhering the second pressing part 33 to the first pressing part 31.

[0037] Then, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, if the surface of the second pressing part 33 side of the pressing sheet 30 is placed on the surface of the pressure detection substrate 10 on the side where the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is provided, the pressure sensor 1-2 according to this embodiment is completed. At this time, each pressing part 33 is laminated on each pressure-sensitive sensor 15.

[0038] In the pressure sensor 1-2 configured as described above, for example, if the arrow A2 part in FIG. 5 is pressed down, the second pressing part 33 below the pressed part of the pressing sheet 30 is pressed, and the pressure is applied to the pressure-sensitive sensor 15. As a result, the pressed pressure-sensitive sensor 15 changes the resistance value between the first and second contact patterns 17 and 25 according to the magnitude of the pressing force (pressing pressure), and thus different outputs corresponding to the pressing pressure are obtained, and the magnitude of the pressing pressure can be detected. Then, the resistance values detected by each pressure-sensitive sensor 15 are output to the outside by the circuit patterns 19 and 19.

[0039] Also in this pressure sensor 1-2, since the pressure value applied to each of the plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 15 provided on the upper surface of the pressure detection substrate 10 can be measured, the change in the entire pressure value applied to each part on the pressing sheet 30 can be detected.

[0040] According to this pressure sensor 1-2, since the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is pressed by the harder second pressing portion 33 of the pressing sheet 30 having a two-layer structure formed by the first and second pressing portions 31 and 33, the pressing force applied from above the pressing sheet 30 does not escape from the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive sensor 15, and it can be detected with higher sensitivity than directly pressing with the soft first pressing portion 31. And, compared with the output (change range of resistance value) of the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 when the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is pressed from above the pressing sheet 30 in the pressure sensor 1-1, the output (change range of resistance value) of the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 when the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is pressed from above the pressing sheet 30 in the pressure sensor 1-2 was confirmed to be about twice as large. This effect also occurs similarly in the third and fourth embodiments described below.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a rear view showing the pressing sheet 30B (30) when the above pressure sensor 1-2 is used as an insole of a shoe. Since the pressure detection substrate 10 uses the same one as that shown in FIG. 4 above, the pressing sheet 30B will be mainly described below.

[0042] In this example, a commercially available shoe insole is used as the first pressing portion 31B, and a plurality of second pressing portions 33B are attached to the lower surface of the first pressing portion 31B. The first pressing portion 31B uses the same insole as the pressing sheet 30A used in the pressure sensor 1-1 above. The second pressing portion 33B is a circular synthetic resin film, and as described above, it is provided at a position facing each pressure-sensitive sensor 15. The material of the second pressing portion 33B is a material harder than the hardness of the first pressing portion 31B, and specifically, for example, a synthetic resin such as a PET resin is used. In this pressure sensor 1-2, each second pressing portion 33B is attached to the lower surface of the first pressing portion 31B with an adhesive, but it may be attached by molding or fixed using other fixing means.

[0043] Then, the pressure detection substrate 10A shown in FIG. 4 is laid on the sole of the shoe with the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 on the upper side, and the pressing sheet 30B is placed thereon. At this time, the lead-out portion 27 is pulled out to the outside of the shoe, and its terminal portion 28 is connected to an information processing device (not shown). At this time, the pressure detection substrate 10A and the pressing sheet 30B may be integrated with, for example, double-sided tape, an adhesive, or other fixing means.

[0044] Then, when wearing this shoe and walking, running, jumping, etc., it is possible to measure what kind of pressure is applied to each part of the sole of the foot. For example, whether the way of walking or running is a forefoot load or a rearfoot load, whether the movement of the center of gravity is performed smoothly, whether the balance in the width direction is appropriate, whether the balance between the right foot and the left foot is appropriate, etc.

[0045] When walking or the like while wearing this shoe, since the surface that the foot directly touches is the soft first pressing portion 31B with a hardness, the wearing comfort is good. On the other hand, since the hard second pressing portion 33B on the opposite side where the foot does not touch presses the pressure-sensitive sensor 15, compared with the sensitivity (the change range of the resistance value) when the soft pressing sheet 30 of the pressure sensor 1-1 directly presses the pressure-sensitive sensor 15, a more sensitive output can be obtained.

[0046] 〔Third Embodiment〕 FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an assembling method of the pressure sensor 1-3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the pressure sensor 1-3 shown in this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts as those of the pressure sensors 1-1 and 1-2 according to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6. Matters other than those described below are the same as those of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0047] In the pressure sensor 1-3 shown in the figure, the difference from the pressure sensor 1-1 is the structure of the pressing sheet 30, which is the same as that of the pressure sensor 1-2. That is, the pressing sheet 30 of this pressure sensor 1-3 has a two-layer structure. The layer on the opposite side facing the pressure detection substrate 10 (the upper layer in the figure) is the first pressing portion 31, and the layer on the side facing the pressure detection substrate 10 (the lower layer) is the second pressing portion 33. The second pressing portion 33 is provided at a position facing each pressure-sensitive sensor 15 of the pressure detection substrate 10 and is made of a material harder than the hardness of the first pressing portion 31.

[0048] Specifically, the first pressing portion 31 is a sheet-like member having flexibility, similar to the pressing sheet 30 of the pressure sensor 1-1. For example, when placing the sole of the foot or the like, in order to improve the contact feeling when placed, it is preferably made of a lightweight, soft, and elastic material. For example, it is composed of various materials such as EVA resin (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin), polyurethane resin, and felt.

[0049] On the other hand, the second pressing portion 33 is composed of a single sheet having substantially the same size as the first pressing portion 31. The material of the second pressing portion 33 is a material harder than the hardness of the first pressing portion 31. Specifically, for example, a synthetic resin such as PET resin is used.

[0050] The first pressing portion 31 and the second pressing portion 33 are integrated by, for example, forming the second pressing portion 33 on the first pressing portion 31 or adhering the second pressing portion 33 to the first pressing portion 31.

[0051] Then, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 7, if the surface of the second pressing portion 33 side of the pressing sheet 30 is placed on the surface of the pressure detection substrate 10 on the side where the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is provided, the pressure sensor 1-3 according to this embodiment is completed.

[0052] In the pressure sensors 1-3 configured as described above, for example, if the portion of the arrow A3 in FIG. 7 is pressed, the second pressing portion 33 below the pressed portion of the pressing sheet 30 is pressed, and the pressure is applied to the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 directly below it. As a result, the pressed pressure-sensitive sensor 15 changes the resistance value between the first and second contact patterns 17 and 25 according to the magnitude of the pressing force (pressing pressure), and thus an output corresponding to the pressing pressure is obtained, and the magnitude of the pressing pressure can be detected. Then, the resistance values detected by each pressure-sensitive sensor 15 are output to the outside through the circuit patterns 19, 19.

[0053] Also in this pressure sensor 1-3, since the pressure value applied to each of the plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 15 provided on the upper surface of the pressure detection substrate 10 can be measured, the change in the entire pressure value applied to each part on the pressing sheet 30 can be detected.

[0054] According to this pressure sensor 1-3, since the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is pressed by the harder second pressing portion 33 of the pressing sheet 30 having a two-layer structure by the first and second pressing portions 31 and 33, the pressure applied from above the pressing sheet 30 can be detected with higher sensitivity.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a rear view showing the pressing sheet 30C (30) when the above pressure sensors 1-3 are used as insole of shoes. Since the pressure detection substrate 10 uses the same one as that shown in FIG. 4, hereinafter, the pressing sheet 30C will be mainly described.

[0056] In this example, a commercially available shoe insole is used as the first pressing part 31C, and one second pressing part 33C is attached to the lower surface of the first pressing part 31C. The first pressing part 31C uses the same insole as the pressing sheet 30A used in the pressure sensor 1-1. The second pressing part 33C is a synthetic resin film having substantially the same shape and dimensions as the first pressing part 31C. The material of the second pressing part 33C is harder than the hardness of the first pressing part 31C, and specifically, for example, a synthetic resin such as PET resin is used. In this pressure sensor 1-3, the second pressing part 33C is attached to the lower surface of the first pressing part 31C with an adhesive, but it may be attached by molding or fixed using other fixing means.

[0057] Then, the pressure detection substrate 10A shown in FIG. 4 is laid on the shoe sole with the pressure sensitive sensor 15 on the upper side, and the pressing sheet 30C is placed thereon. At this time, the lead-out portion 27 is pulled out to the outside of the shoe and its terminal portion 28 is connected to an information processing device (not shown). At this time, the pressure detection substrate 10A and the pressing sheet 30C may be integrated with, for example, double-sided tape, an adhesive, or other fixing means.

[0058] Then, when wearing this shoe and walking, running, jumping, etc., it is possible to measure what kind of pressure is applied to each part of the sole of the foot, for example, whether the walking or running style is front-loading or rear-loading, whether the movement of the center of gravity is performed smoothly, whether the balance in the width direction is appropriate, whether the balance between the right foot and the left foot is appropriate, etc.

[0059] When walking, etc. while wearing this shoe, since the surface that the foot directly touches is the first pressing part 31C with a soft hardness, the wearing comfort is good. On the other hand, since the hard second pressing part 33C on the opposite side where the foot does not touch presses the pressure sensitive sensor 15, compared with the sensitivity (change range of resistance value) when the soft pressing sheet 30 of the pressure sensor 1-1 directly presses the pressure sensitive sensor 15, a more sensitive output can be obtained.

[0060] Also, in the case of this pressing sheet 30C, since it is not necessary to attach a plurality of second pressing portions 33B to the lower surface of the first pressing portion 31B as in the pressing sheet 30B, its manufacture becomes easier.

[0061] 〔Fourth Embodiment〕 FIG. 9 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an assembling method of the pressure sensor 1-4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the pressure sensor 1-4 shown in this figure, the same or corresponding parts as those of the pressure sensors 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 according to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that matters other than those described below are the same as those of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0062] In the pressure sensor 1-4 shown in this figure, the difference from the pressure sensor 1-1 is the structure of the pressing sheet 30. That is, the pressing sheet 30 of this pressure sensor 1-4 has a two-layer structure, and includes a first pressing sheet 35 on the opposite side (the upper side in the figure) facing the pressure detection substrate 10 and a second pressing sheet 37 on the side (the lower side in the figure) facing the pressure detection substrate 10, which are overlapped in a double layer. The second pressing sheet 37 is composed of a synthetic resin film or other sheet-like member made of a material harder than the hardness of the first pressing sheet 35. The first pressing sheet 35 and the second pressing sheet 37 are configured as separate components of two parts.

[0063] Specifically, the first pressing sheet 35 is a sheet-like member having flexibility, similar to the pressing sheet 30 of the pressure sensor 1-1. For example, when placing the sole of the foot or the like, in order to improve the contact feeling when placed, it is preferably made of a lightweight, soft, and elastic material, such as an EVA resin (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin), a polyurethane resin, or various materials such as felt.

[0064] On the other hand, the second pressing sheet 37 is composed of a single sheet having substantially the same size as the first pressing sheet 35. The material of the second pressing sheet 37 is a material harder than the hardness of the first pressing sheet 35. Specifically, for example, a synthetic resin sheet such as a PET resin sheet is used.

[0065] Then, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 9, if the second pressing sheet 37 is placed on the surface of the pressure detection substrate 10 on the side where the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is provided, and the first pressing sheet 35 is placed on the second pressing sheet 37, the pressure sensor 1-4 according to the present embodiment is completed.

[0066] In the pressure sensor 1-4 configured as described above, for example, if the arrow A4 portion in FIG. 9 is pressed, the second pressing sheet 37 below the portion pressed by the first pressing sheet 35 is pressed, and the pressure is applied to the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 directly below it. As a result, the pressed pressure-sensitive sensor 15 changes the resistance value between the first and second contact patterns 17 and 25 according to the magnitude of the pressing force (pressing pressure), and thereby an output corresponding to the pressing pressure is obtained, and the magnitude of the pressing pressure can be detected. Then, the resistance values detected by the respective pressure-sensitive sensors 15 are output to the outside by the circuit patterns 19 and 19.

[0067] Also in this pressure sensor 1-4, since the pressure value applied to each of the plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 15 provided on the upper surface of the pressure detection substrate 10 can be measured, the change in the entire pressure value applied to each part on the pressing sheet 30 can be detected.

[0068] According to this pressure sensor 1-4, since the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is pressed by the second pressing sheet 37 having a higher hardness in the two-layer structure of the pressing sheets 30 formed by the first and second pressing sheets 35 and 37, the pressure applied from above the pressing sheet 30 can be detected with higher sensitivity.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example when the above pressure sensor 1-4 is used as an insole of a shoe. That is, it shows a specific configuration example in which the pressure sensor 1-4 is used as a foot load detection means by the foot in the shoe. Since the pressure detection substrate 10 uses the same one as that shown in FIG. 4, hereinafter, mainly the pressing sheet 30D will be described.

[0070] In this example, a commercially available insole is used as the first pressing sheet 35D, and the second pressing sheet 37D is disposed below the first pressing sheet 35D. The first pressing sheet 35D uses the same insole as the pressing sheet 30A used in the pressure sensor 1-1 described above. The second pressing sheet 37D is a synthetic resin film having substantially the same outer shape and dimensions as the first pressing sheet 35D. The material of the second pressing sheet 37D is harder than the hardness of the first pressing sheet 35D. Specifically, for example, a synthetic resin film such as a PET resin film is used.

[0071] Then, the pressure detection substrate 10A is laid on the sole of the shoe with the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 on the upper side, and the second pressing sheet 37D and the first pressing sheet 35D are placed thereon in this order. At this time, the lead-out portion 27 is pulled out to the outside of the shoe, and its terminal portion 28 is connected to an information processing device (not shown). At this time, the pressure detection substrate 10A and the second and first pressing sheets 37D and 35D may be integrated by, for example, double-sided tape, an adhesive, or other fixing means.

[0072] Then, when wearing this shoe and performing walking, running, jumping, etc., it is possible to measure what kind of pressure is applied to each part of the sole of the foot. For example, whether the walking or running style is a foreload or a rear load, whether the movement of the center of gravity is performed smoothly, whether the balance in the width direction is appropriate, and whether the balance between the right foot and the left foot is appropriate.

[0073] When walking or the like while wearing this shoe, since the surface directly touched by the foot is the first pressing sheet 35D with a soft hardness, the wearing comfort is good. On the other hand, since the hard second pressing sheet 37D on the opposite side where the foot does not touch presses the pressure-sensitive sensor 15, a more sensitive output can be obtained as compared with the sensitivity when the soft pressing sheet 30 of the pressure sensor 1-1 directly presses the pressure-sensitive sensor 15.

[0074] In the above example, the surface of the pressure detection substrate 10 on which the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is provided is oriented upward, and the surface of the second pressing sheet 37D is joined thereto. However, when the surface of the pressure detection substrate 10 on which the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is provided is inserted downward, i.e., on the sole side, the second pressing sheet 37D may be disposed on the lower surface side of the pressure detection substrate 10, while the first pressing sheet 35D may be disposed on the upper surface side of the pressure detection substrate 10 (which may also be the lower surface side of the second pressing sheet 37D). In short, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the surface of the second pressing sheet 37D is joined to the surface of the pressure detection substrate 10 on which the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 is provided, in order to increase the variation range of the detection value of the pressure-sensitive sensor 15 and output accurate information.

[0075] Also, in the case of this pressing sheet 30D, it is not necessary to attach the second pressing portion 33C to the lower surface of the first pressing portion 31C as in the pressing sheet 30C, and it may simply be overlapped, so that its manufacture can be carried out more easily.

[0076] Note that the second pressing sheet 37D may be a synthetic resin film other than a PET film, or may be various sheet-like members other than a synthetic resin film. In short, it may be constituted by a synthetic resin film or a sheet-like member made of a material harder than the hardness of the first pressing sheet 35D.

[0077] 〔Other Embodiments of the Pressure-Sensitive Sensor〕 FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pressure sensor 15-2 according to another embodiment of the present invention (the E-E schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 12), and FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of the pressure sensor 15-2. As shown in these figures, the pressure sensor 15-2 includes, on a substrate 11, a pair of wiring patterns 19, 19, wiring-side contact patterns 41, 51 respectively connected to the wiring patterns 19, 19, and an independent single first contact pattern 61 that is not connected to any of the wiring-side contact patterns 41, 51. A pressure-sensitive resistor (pressure-sensitive resistance layer, pressure-sensitive resistance pattern) 71 whose resistance value changes according to pressure is formed on the pair of wiring-side contact patterns 41, 51 and the first contact pattern 61. A position connecting between a portion C1 facing the one wiring-side contact pattern 41 and a portion C2 facing the first contact pattern 61 on the pressure-sensitive resistor 71, and a position connecting between a portion C3 facing the other wiring-side contact pattern 51 and a portion C4 facing the first contact pattern 61 are respectively formed with a pair of second contact patterns 81A, 81B. Thus, the pair of wiring-side contact patterns 41, 51 are electrically connected via the first contact pattern 61, the second contact patterns 81A, 81B, and the thickness of the pressure-sensitive resistor 71.

[0078] The pair of wiring-side contact patterns 41, 51 are both linear (straight-line) strips, having the same width and the same length, and are arranged on the same straight line with a predetermined gap therebetween. The wiring patterns 19, 19 are linear, and one ends thereof are respectively connected to one ends of the wiring-side contact patterns 41, 51 and are drawn out to the outside of the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 described below.

[0079] The first contact pattern 61 is formed linearly (in a straight line) and is installed at a predetermined distance parallel to the line (straight line) connecting the pair of wiring-side contact patterns 41, 51. The width dimension of the first contact pattern 61 is formed to be the same as the width dimension of the wiring-side contact pattern 41, 51 in this example. Also, the first contact pattern 61 is formed at an independent position not connected to any of the wiring-side contact patterns 41, 51.

[0080] The shapes of the respective patterns 19, 19, 41, 51, and 61 may be various other shapes, but it is preferable that the both-wiring-side contact patterns 41, 51 and the first contact pattern 61 are formed at positions where they can be simultaneously pressed by a pressing body such as a finger.

[0081] A pressure-sensitive resistor 71 is formed on the substrate 11 by screen-printing a carbon paste so as to cover the entire upper surfaces of the both-wiring-side contact patterns 41, 51 and the first contact pattern 61, and a part of the both-wiring patterns 19, 19. The pressure-sensitive resistor 71 is circular (it may be various other shapes) in this example. The carbon paste is composed of a conductive paint in which a synthetic resin having flexibility even after curing, carbon powder, and a solvent are mixed.

[0082] A pair of second contact patterns 81A, 81B are formed on the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive resistor 71. The pair of second contact patterns 81A, 81B are both linear (straight-line) and of the same shape, and are installed in parallel with a predetermined interval therebetween. These second contact patterns 81A, 81B are located at positions directly above the wiring-side contact patterns 41, 51 and the first contact pattern 61 through the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 (its thickness), that is, one of the second contact patterns 81A is formed at a position electrically connecting between a portion C1 directly above one of the wiring-side contact patterns 41 on the pressure-sensitive resistor 41 and a portion C2 directly above the first contact pattern 61, and the other second contact pattern 81B is formed at a position electrically connecting between a portion C3 directly above the other wiring-side contact pattern 51 on the pressure-sensitive resistor 41 and a portion C4 directly above the first contact pattern 61.

[0083] That is, in each of the above-described portions C1 to C4, since the contact patterns face each other above and below through the thin pressure-sensitive resistor 41, the patterns above and below are electrically connected through the resistance value corresponding to the thickness of the pressure-sensitive resistor 41. Since the thickness of the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 is thin, only the portions C1 to C4 in the entire pressure-sensitive resistor 71 act as a resistor between the pair of wiring patterns 19, 19. In other words, the portions of the patterns that do not face each other above and below the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 do not conduct with each other.

[0084] As described above, the second contact patterns 81A and 81B, the wiring-side contact patterns 41 and 51 facing the second contact patterns 81A and 81B, and the first contact pattern 61 are all linear, and the portions C1 to C4 facing each other with the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 interposed therebetween are portions where the linear patterns intersect when viewed from above. Therefore, the area of the portions C1 to C4 facing each other above and below through the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 can be easily made into a desired area. This effect is particularly suitable when each pattern is formed by printing. That is, when laminating each contact pattern above and below with the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 interposed therebetween, if circular dot-like patterns are opposed to each other, the area of the opposed portions may differ due to printing misalignment of both patterns, and the resistance value may differ from the set resistance value. On the other hand, when opposed by crossing linear patterns as in this embodiment, even if the positions of the opposed patterns are shifted due to printing misalignment of both patterns, the area of the opposed portions does not change. Therefore, the resistance value of the intersecting portions C1 to C4 with the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 interposed therebetween can be easily made constant.

[0085] When a voltage is applied between the pair of wiring patterns 19, 19 as shown in FIG. 11, the pressure-sensitive sensor 15-2 configured as described above allows current to flow through the path of one wiring pattern 19 ⇔ wiring-side contact pattern 41 ⇔ pressure-sensitive resistor 71 of portion C1 ⇔ second contact pattern 81A ⇔ pressure-sensitive resistor 71 of portion C2 ⇔ first contact pattern 61 ⇔ pressure-sensitive resistor 71 of portion C4 ⇔ second contact pattern 81B ⇔ pressure-sensitive resistor 71 of portion C3 ⇔ wiring-side contact pattern 51 ⇔ the other wiring pattern 19.

[0086] That is, assuming that the resistance values between the wiring-side contact patterns 41 and 51, the first contact pattern 61, and the second contact patterns 81A and 81B are zero, and also assuming that the areas of the portions C1 to C4 are the same, the resistance value between the pair of wiring patterns 19, 19 becomes 4R[Ω], which is four times the resistance value R[Ω] corresponding to the thickness of the portion C1 of the pressure-sensitive resistor 71.

[0087] When the entire pair of second contact patterns 81A and 81B is pressed from above, for example, by the sole of the foot, the flexible pressure-sensitive resistor 71 is compressed in the thickness direction, its thickness becomes thinner, and the carbon powders in the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 come into strong contact with each other, thereby increasing the contact area between the carbon powders. As a result, the resistance value between the wiring-side contact pattern 41 and the second contact pattern 81A (portion C1), the resistance value between the second contact pattern 81A and the first contact pattern 61 (portion C2), the resistance value between the first contact pattern 61 and the second contact pattern 81B (portion C4), and the resistance value between the second contact pattern 81B and the wiring-side contact pattern 51 (portion C3) all become smaller.

[0088] On the other hand, when the pressing is released, the thickness of the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 returns to its original thickness due to its elastic restoring force, and the resistance value increases. That is, the resistance value between the pair of wiring patterns 19, 19 varies according to the magnitude of the pressing force (pressing pressure), and thus different outputs corresponding to the pressing pressure can be obtained, and the magnitude of the pressing pressure can be detected.

[0089] The resistance value when the pressure sensor 15-2 is not being pressed is preferably larger because the change range of the resistance value when it is pressed becomes larger (furthermore, it becomes linearly variable according to the pressing pressure). In this pressure sensor 15-2, as described above, the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 passes through the electric circuit in series four times, so the resistance value becomes four times, and thus the resistance value due to the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 can be easily increased, and a pressure sensor 15-2 with high resolution can be obtained.

[0090] In this pressure-sensitive sensor 15-2, by providing a plurality of contact patterns 41, 51, 61, 81A, and 81B, a plurality of portions C1 to C4 where these contact patterns face each other are provided. Therefore, even if a biased portion on the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 is pressed in a biased manner, any one of the portions C1 to C4 is strongly pressed and the resistance value greatly decreases, and any other one of the portions C1 to C4 is weakly pressed and the resistance value slightly changes. The sum of their resistance values is averaged and surely changes. That is, the variation in the resistance values at each of the portions C1 to C4 can be averaged, the variation in the overall resistance value can be reduced, and the resistance value can surely be changed.

[0091] In the above pressure-sensitive sensor 15-2, one independent first contact pattern 61 that is not connected to any of the wiring-side contact patterns 41 and 51 is provided. However, a plurality of such first contact patterns 61 are provided, and two or more second contact patterns 81 are also provided. By increasing the portions where the ends of the increased second contact patterns are opposed to the ends of the increased first contact patterns 61 via the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 and connecting them in series, a configuration can be adopted in which the portions (resistance values) connected via the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 are increased. In other words, the end of the second contact pattern 81 is opposed to the end of the first contact pattern 61 via the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 and electrically connected, and the end of another first contact pattern 61 is opposed to the other end of the second contact pattern 81 via the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 and electrically connected. By repeating this, the connected portions are increased and the resistance value is increased, and the ends of the second contact patterns 81 on the outermost sides are respectively opposed to the wiring-side contact patterns 41 and 51 via the pressure-sensitive resistor 71 and electrically connected.

[0092] That is, this pressure sensor arranges a pressure-sensitive resistor on a substrate, and on either the front or back surface of the pressure-sensitive resistor, it forms a plurality of wiring-side contact patterns, one or more independent first contact patterns that are not connected to any of the wiring-side contact patterns, a second contact pattern that connects between a portion facing the wiring-side contact pattern via the pressure-sensitive resistor and a portion facing the first contact pattern via the pressure-sensitive resistor, and when there are a plurality of the first contact patterns, also connects between portions facing different first contact patterns via the pressure-sensitive resistor. Thus, any configuration is acceptable as long as it electrically connects between the plurality of wiring-side contact patterns with the first contact pattern, the second contact pattern, and the thickness of the pressure-sensitive resistor intervening therebetween.

[0093] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, the specification, and the drawings. Even for any shape, structure, or material that is not directly described in the specification and the drawings, as long as it exhibits the functions and effects of the present invention, it is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, in each of the above embodiments, an example was shown where the pressure detection substrate 10 is on the lower side and the pressing sheet 30 is installed on the upper side, but it may also be used upside down. That is, as in the above specific configuration example, when used as an insole of a shoe, the pressing sheet 30 may be on the lower side and the pressure detection substrate 10 may be on the upper side and inserted into the shoe for use. Also, although the above specific configuration example described the case where the present invention is applied to an insole of a shoe, the pressure sensor according to the present invention may also be applied to various other uses. In short, any pressure sensor that detects the load of the placed object to be measured is acceptable. Needless to say, the structure of the pressure sensor can also be further changed in various ways.

[0094] Also, the embodiments described above and shown in the respective figures can be combined with each other's description content as long as there is no contradiction in their objectives and configurations, etc. Also, the description content of the above description and each figure, even if it is a part of it, can each become an independent embodiment, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a single embodiment combining the above description and each figure.

Description of Symbols

[0095] 1(1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4) Pressure Sensor 10 Pressure Detection Substrate 11 Substrate 15, 15-2 Pressure Sensing Sensor 17 First Contact Pattern 19 Circuit Pattern 21 Pressure Sensitive Resistor 25 Second Contact Pattern 30 Pressing Sheet 10A Pressure Detection Substrate 30A Pressing Sheet 31 First Pressing Portion 33 Second Pressing Portion 30B Pressing Sheet 31B First Pressing Portion 33B Second Pressing Portion 30C Pressing Sheet 31C First Pressing Portion 33C Second Pressing Portion 35 First Pressing Sheet 37 Second Pressing Sheet 30D Pressing Sheet 35D First Pressing Sheet 37D Second Pressing Sheet

Claims

1. In a pressure sensor that detects the load of a placed object to be measured, a pressure detection substrate provided on a substrate with a pressure-sensitive sensor whose resistance value changes according to a load and a circuit pattern that outputs the resistance value detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor to the outside, a pressing sheet laminated at least on the pressure-sensitive sensor on the surface of the pressure detection substrate on the side where the pressure-sensitive sensor is provided, A pressure sensor characterized by comprising the above.

2. The pressure sensor according to Claim 1, wherein the pressing sheet has a two-layer structure, the layer on the opposite side facing the pressure detection substrate is a first pressing portion, and the layer on the side facing the pressure detection substrate is a second pressing portion, The second pressing portion is provided at least at a position facing the pressure-sensitive sensor and is made of a material harder than the hardness of the first pressing portion. A pressure sensor characterized by this.

3. The pressure sensor according to Claim 1, wherein the pressing sheet is composed of two parts, a first pressing sheet on the opposite side facing the pressure detection substrate and a second pressing sheet on the side facing the pressure detection substrate, The second pressing sheet is composed of a synthetic resin film or a sheet-like member made of a material harder than the hardness of the first pressing sheet. A pressure sensor characterized by this.

4. The pressure sensor according to Claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensitive sensor includes a first contact pattern formed on the substrate, a pressure-sensitive resistor laminated on the first contact pattern, and a second contact pattern laminated on the pressure-sensitive resistor. A pressure sensor characterized by being configured.

5. The pressure sensor according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure sensor is an insole of a shoe. A pressure sensor characterized by this.

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