Occlusal force meter

Abstract

To provide a load measuring apparatus that can suppress deterioration in detection accuracy.SOLUTION: A load measuring apparatus 1 includes: a pressure receiving member 41 which is formed into a columnar shape and to which an encapsulation chamber 411 into which a pressure transmission medium is encapsulated is installed; a diaphragm part 42 fitted on a side of a first surface 412 of the pressure receiving member 41; a pressure transmission member 43 of which one end is connected to the encapsulation chamber 411 and into which a pressure transmission medium is encapsulated; a pressure detector connected to the other end of the pressure transmission member 43 to detect a load imparted to the diaphragm part 42 via the pressure transmission medium; a holding member 45 including a first plate-like part 451 and a second plate-like part 452 for holding the pressure receiving member 41 and the diaphragm part 42; and an abutment plate member 46 formed so as to abut on a deformation part 421 of the diaphragm part 42. The pressure receiving member 41 includes a second surface 413 in which a projection 415 projecting toward the first plate-like part 451 is formed. An engaging hole part 453 capable of engaging the projection 415 is formed in the first plate-like part 451.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to Occlusal force meter . [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, occlusal force meters for measuring occlusal force are known (for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). In Patent Document 1, the occlusal force applied to a diaphragm portion is transmitted to a pressure detector by a pressure transmission medium sealed in a pressure transmission portion, so that the occlusal force can be detected by the pressure detector. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-66048 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the diaphragm portion is held by an upper arm portion, and the diaphragm is crushed by a contact plate provided on a lower arm, whereby the pressure is transmitted to the pressure detector by the internal pressure transmission medium. However, the diaphragm portion is larger than the occlusal surface and is not pressed over the entire surface. Therefore, due to the pressure medium sealed in the pressure transmission portion, in the diaphragm portion, there exist a portion that is pressed and crushed, and a portion that expands when the internal pressure increases due to the crushing and the pressure medium escapes. For this reason, there has been a risk that the detection accuracy of the occlusal force by the pressure detector may decrease. Further, in Patent Document 1, the rear ends of the upper arm portion and the lower arm portion are coupled to each other, and the diaphragm portion and the contact plate portion are not positioned. Therefore, there is a risk that the position of the diaphragm portion relative to the upper arm portion and the lower arm portion may be displaced. When this occurs, the position at which the occlusal force is applied to the diaphragm portion is shifted, so there has been a risk that the detection accuracy of the occlusal force by the pressure detector may decrease.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a load measuring device that can suppress a decrease in detection accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The load measuring device of the present invention comprises: a pressure receiving member formed in a columnar shape and provided with a sealing chamber in which a pressure transmission medium is sealed inside; a diaphragm portion attached to one side of the pressure receiving member; a pressure transmission member formed in a tubular shape, with one end connected to the sealing chamber and the pressure transmission medium sealed inside; a pressure detector connected to the other end of the pressure transmission member and detecting the load applied to the diaphragm portion via the pressure transmission medium; a holding member having a first plate-shaped portion and a second plate-shaped portion that clamp the pressure receiving member and the diaphragm portion; and a backing plate member formed to abut against the deformed portion of the diaphragm portion, wherein a protruding portion is formed on the other side of the pressure receiving member that projects toward the first plate-shaped portion, and an engagement hole portion is formed in the first plate-shaped portion that can engage with the protruding portion.

[0007] In this invention, a pressure-receiving member and a diaphragm portion, which are provided with a sealing chamber in which a pressure transmission medium is enclosed, are held by being sandwiched between a first plate-shaped portion and a second plate-shaped portion. At this time, a protrusion formed on the other surface of the pressure-receiving member engages with an engagement hole formed in the first plate-shaped portion, thereby positioning the pressure-receiving member and the diaphragm portion attached to the pressure-receiving member with respect to the holding member having the first plate-shaped portion. This prevents the pressure-receiving member and the diaphragm portion from shifting relative to the holding member, and thus prevents a decrease in the detection accuracy of the pressure detector due to the position of the diaphragm portion from shifting. Furthermore, since the diaphragm is attached to a columnar pressure-receiving member, the load applied to the diaphragm can be transmitted to the pressure-receiving member without any loss. Therefore, it is possible to suppress losses when transmitting the load applied to the diaphragm to the pressure sensor via the pressure-receiving member and pressure transmission medium.

[0008] In the load measuring device of the present invention, a pressing member is provided which is formed in an annular shape and contacts a mounting portion on the surface of the diaphragm portion opposite to the surface that contacts the pressure receiving member, and it is preferable that the pressing plate member is attached to the second plate-shaped portion and contacts the diaphragm portion at a position where it does not contact the inner circumferential surface of the pressing member. In this configuration, a retaining member is provided that contacts the mounting portion on the surface opposite to the surface that contacts the pressure-receiving member of the diaphragm, thereby preventing the load received by the deformed portion from being transmitted to the mounting portion and escaping.

[0009] In the load measuring device of the present invention, it is preferable that a storage recess for housing the diaphragm portion and the pressing member is formed on one surface of the pressure receiving member. In this configuration, the diaphragm and the retaining member are housed in recesses provided in the pressure-receiving member, thus preventing them from shifting relative to the pressure-receiving member.

[0010] In the load measuring device of the present invention, it is preferable that the pressure receiving member and the pressure detector are connected by a single pressure transmission member. In this configuration, since there is only one pressure transmission member connecting the pressure receiving member and the pressure detector, the amount of pressure transmission medium can be reduced compared to, for example, when the two are connected by two or more tubular transmission members.

[0011] In the load measuring device of the present invention, it is preferable that a storage portion for housing the pressure detector is formed in the second plate-shaped portion. In this configuration, a storage compartment for the pressure sensor is formed in the second plate-like section, eliminating the need to provide a separate space for the pressure sensor. Therefore, the load measuring device can be miniaturized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing a schematic of a load measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] An exploded perspective view showing a schematic of the load measuring device of the above embodiment. [Figure 3] An exploded perspective view schematically showing the main part of a detection unit. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view schematically showing the main part of a detection unit. [Figure 5] An enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the main part of a detection unit. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] [Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the load measuring device 1 of the present embodiment, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the load measuring device 1 of the present embodiment. The load measuring device 1 of the present embodiment is configured as a bite force meter that measures bite force in the oral cavity of a subject. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the load measuring device 1 includes a case 2, a circuit unit 3, and a detection unit 4.

[0014] [Case 2] The case 2 is made of resin and is a member that accommodates the circuit unit 3 and the detection unit 4. In the present embodiment, the case 2 includes a first case 21, a second case 22, a third case 23, and a cover joint 24. The case 2 is not limited to the above configuration, and may be made of metal, or may be configured to include both resin and metal, for example.

[0015] The first case 21 is paired with the second case 22 and formed into a substantially bottomed rectangular cylindrical shape. In the present embodiment, an opening 211 is formed in the first case 21 at a position corresponding to a liquid crystal unit 33 described later. The first case 21 and the second case 22 are not limited to having an angular shape like a substantially bottomed rectangular cylindrical shape, and may be formed into a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape, for example.

[0016] As described above, the second case 22 is paired with the first case 21 and formed into a substantially bottomed rectangular cylindrical shape. The first case 21 and the second case 22 are configured to be capable of accommodating the circuit unit 3 and a part of the detection unit 4. Further, in the present embodiment, in the second case 22, a battery accommodating portion 221 is formed on the back side opposite to the side facing the first case 21. Furthermore, the second case 22 has a cover member 222 that covers the battery accommodating portion 221. A power supply board 32, which will be described later, and a battery B are accommodated in the battery accommodating portion 221. In the present embodiment, the battery accommodating portion 221 is configured to be capable of accommodating a coin-type battery B. However, the battery accommodating portion 221 is not limited to the above configuration, and may be configured to be capable of accommodating, for example, a cylindrical battery or a prismatic battery.

[0017] The third case 23 is formed into a substantially bottomed rectangular cylindrical shape with a larger diameter on the base end side. The third case 23 is configured to be capable of accommodating a part of the detection unit 4. More specifically, the third case 23 is configured to be capable of accommodating a pressure-receiving member 41, a diaphragm portion 42 (Fig. 3), and the like disposed on the tip end side of the detection unit 4. With this configuration, a subject can measure occlusal force by biting the tip end side of the third case 23. That is, the tip end side of the third case 23 is configured as a bitten portion (measurement portion). In the present embodiment, the subject normally uses a disposable case (not shown) that covers the third case 23 when measuring occlusal force. That is, the subject measures the occlusal force by biting the bitten portion of the third case 23 covered with the disposable case. Note that the third case 23 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the tip end side and the base end side may have the same diameter, or the base end side may have a smaller diameter than the tip end side. Furthermore, the third case 23 is not limited to an angular shape such as a substantially bottomed rectangular cylindrical shape, and may be, for example, a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape.

[0018] The cover joint 24 is a member that holds the retaining member 45 of the detection unit 4, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the cover joint 24 is attached to the openings at the front ends of the first case 21 and the second case 22, that is, to the locations where they are connected to the third case 23, and is configured to fix the retaining member 45 by clamping it.

[0019] [Circuit part 3] The circuit unit 3 is configured to receive the detection signal output from the detection unit 4 and display the measured value. In this embodiment, the circuit unit 3 includes a control board 31, a power supply board 32, a liquid crystal unit 33, a connector member 34, and a signal transmission member 35.

[0020] The control board 31 is a board that controls the measurement of occlusal force by the load measuring device 1. In this embodiment, the control board 31 is electrically connected to the detection unit 4 by a signal transmission member 35. As a result, the detection signal detected by the detection unit 4 is input to the control board 31 via the signal transmission member 35. Furthermore, the control board 31 is electrically connected to the liquid crystal unit 33 by a connector member 34. Therefore, the control board 31 is configured to output a signal corresponding to the detection signal output from the detection unit 4 to the liquid crystal unit 33, thereby enabling the liquid crystal unit 33 to display the occlusal force measurement result.

[0021] As described above, the power supply board 32 is housed in the battery compartment 221 of the second case 22 and is electrically connected to the battery B. Furthermore, the power supply board 32 is connected to the control board 31 via a power transmission member (not shown). This configuration allows the power supply board 32 to supply power to the liquid crystal unit 33 and the detection unit 4 via the control board 31.

[0022] The liquid crystal unit 33 is configured as a so-called liquid crystal display and is configured to display the measured value of the occlusal force. In this embodiment, as described above, the liquid crystal unit 33 is configured to receive a signal output from the control board 31 and display the measured value corresponding to the detection signal detected by the detection unit 4. The liquid crystal unit 33 is not limited to the above configuration, and may be configured, for example, to display the occlusal force by color.

[0023] As described above, the connector member 34 is a member for electrically connecting the control board 31 and the liquid crystal unit 33. In this embodiment, the connector member 34 is configured as a so-called conductive rubber type connector. However, the connector member 34 is not limited to the above configuration and may be configured as a general connector made of resin and metal, as long as it is configured to electrically connect the control board 31 and the liquid crystal unit 33.

[0024] The signal transmission member 35 is a so-called electrical wiring and, as described above, is configured to electrically connect the detection unit 4 and the control board 31. This allows the detection signal from the detection unit 4 to be input to the control board 31 via the signal transmission member 35, and also allows power to be supplied from the control board 31 to the detection unit 4.

[0025] [Detection Unit 4] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of the detection unit 4, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the main components of the detection unit 4, and Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the main components of the detection unit 4. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the detection unit 4 is configured to detect the biting force of the person being measured and to output a detection signal corresponding to that biting force. In this embodiment, the detection unit 4 comprises a pressure receiving member 41, a diaphragm part 42, a pressure transmission member 43, a pressure detector 44, a holding member 45, a backing plate member 46, a pressing member 47, and a sealing tube member 48.

[0026] The pressure-receiving member 41 is positioned at the tip of the detection unit 4, that is, at a position corresponding to the bitten portion of the third case 23, and is a member that receives the pressure when the person being measured bites the bitten portion. In this embodiment, the pressure-receiving member 41 is formed in a columnar shape and has an enclosed chamber 411 inside which a pressure transmission medium is sealed. The enclosed chamber 411 is connected to the pressure detector 44 via a pressure transmission member 43. As a result, the load applied to the diaphragm portion 42 is transmitted to the pressure detector 44 via the pressure transmission medium sealed in the enclosed chamber 411.

[0027] Furthermore, the pressure-receiving member 41 has a first surface 412 and a second surface 413 opposite to the first surface 412. The diaphragm portion 42 and the retaining member 47 are attached to the first surface 412 of the pressure-receiving member 41. More specifically, a storage recess 414 is formed on the first surface 412 of the pressure-receiving member 41 in which the diaphragm portion 42 and the retaining member 47 are housed. The diaphragm portion 42 and the retaining member 47 are attached to the first surface 412 of the pressure-receiving member 41 by being housed in the storage recess 414. In this embodiment, the diaphragm portion 42 is attached to a columnar pressure-receiving member 41. As a result, the columnar pressure-receiving member 41 is less prone to deformation than, for example, a thin plate-shaped member, and can receive the load applied to the diaphragm portion 42 without any loss. Therefore, it is possible to suppress losses when transmitting the load applied to the diaphragm portion 42 to the pressure detector 44 via the pressure-receiving member 41 and the pressure transmission medium.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a projection 415 is formed on the second surface 413 of the pressure-receiving member 41, projecting toward the first plate-shaped portion 451 of the holding member 45, which will be described later. Details of the function of the projection 415 will be described later.

[0029] The diaphragm portion 42 is formed in a thin film shape and, as described above, is housed in the storage recess 414 of the pressure receiving member 41, thereby being attached to the first surface 412 of the pressure receiving member 41. In this embodiment, the diaphragm portion 42 includes a deformable portion 421 and a mounting portion 422. The deformable portion 421 is located in the central part of the diaphragm portion 42 and is the part that deforms when subjected to load. The mounting portion 422 is located around the deformable portion 421 and is the part that is sandwiched between the storage recess 414 of the pressure receiving member 41 and the pressing member 47. In this embodiment, the deformable portion 421 is configured to contact the pressure-receiving member 41 and the backing plate member 46. As a result, when the diaphragm portion 42 receives a load, the deformable portion 421 deforms, thereby transmitting the load to the pressure-receiving member 41. At this time, as will be described later, the mounting portion 422 is held down by the retaining member 47 to suppress deformation, so that the load received by the diaphragm portion 42 is not transmitted to the mounting portion 422. Therefore, the loss when transmitting to the pressure detector 44 via the pressure transmission medium can be suppressed.

[0030] The pressure transmission member 43 is formed in a tubular shape, with one end connected to the sealing chamber 411 of the pressure receiving member 41 and the other end connected to the pressure detector 44. A pressure transmission medium is sealed inside the pressure transmission member 43. As a result, the pressure transmission member 43 is configured to transmit the pressure received by the pressure receiving member 41 to the pressure detector 44 via the pressure transmission medium sealed inside. In this embodiment, the pressure-receiving member 41 and the pressure detector 44 are connected by a single pressure transmission member 43. This reduces the amount of pressure transmission medium compared to, for example, the case where the pressure-receiving member 41 and the pressure detector 44 are connected by two or more tubular transmission members, thereby improving detection accuracy.

[0031] The pressure detector 44 is a component that detects pressure transmitted through a pressure transmission medium and outputs a detection signal corresponding to that pressure. In this embodiment, the pressure detector 44 comprises a joint portion 441 and a detection member 442.

[0032] The joint 441 is a so-called joint member that connects the pressure transmission member 43 and the detection member 442. The detection member 442 is a so-called pressure sensor and is configured to detect the pressure of the pressure transmission medium. Furthermore, the detection member 442 is electrically connected to the control board 31 via the signal transmission member 35. In other words, the detection member 442 is connected to the other end of the signal transmission member 35. As a result, a detection signal corresponding to the pressure detected by the detection member 442 is output to the control board 31.

[0033] The retaining member 45 is a member that holds the pressure receiving member 41, the diaphragm portion 42, the backing plate member 46, and the pressing member 47. As described above, the retaining member 45 is fixed to the first case 21 and the second case 22 by being screwed to the first case 21 while being sandwiched in the cover joint 24. In this embodiment, the retaining member 45 comprises a first plate-shaped portion 451 and a second plate-shaped portion 452.

[0034] The first plate-like portion 451 is a metal plate-like member and is positioned to abut against the second surface 413 of the pressure-receiving member 41. In this embodiment, an engagement hole 453 is formed in the first plate-like portion 451 at a position corresponding to a protruding portion 415 formed on the second surface 413 of the pressure-receiving member 41. The pressure-receiving member 41 is engaged with the first plate-like portion 451 by inserting the protruding portion 415 into the engagement hole 453. This prevents the pressure-receiving member 41 from shifting relative to the first plate-like portion 451 in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the pressure-receiving member 41. Therefore, a decrease in the detection accuracy of the pressure detector 44 due to misalignment of the pressure-receiving member 41 and the diaphragm portion 42 can be prevented.

[0035] The second plate-shaped portion 452 is a metal plate-shaped member and is positioned on the opposite side from the first plate-shaped portion 451, sandwiching the pressure-receiving member 41, the diaphragm portion 42, and the backing plate member 46. In other words, the first plate-shaped portion 451 and the second plate-shaped portion 452 are configured to sandwich the pressure-receiving member 41, the diaphragm portion 42, and the backing plate member 46. In this embodiment, the first plate-shaped portion 451 and the second plate-shaped portion 452 are welded and fixed at their base ends. This prevents the position of the second plate-shaped portion 452 from shifting relative to the first plate-shaped portion 451. However, the configuration is not limited to the above, and the first plate-shaped portion 451 and the second plate-shaped portion 452 may be fixed with an adhesive or the like.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a storage section 454 for housing the pressure detector 44 is formed in the second plate-shaped section 452. As a result, there is no need to provide a separate space for housing the pressure detector 44, and the load measuring device 1 can be made smaller.

[0037] The backing plate member 46 is positioned on the opposite side of the diaphragm portion 42 from the pressure receiving member 41, and as described above, is configured to contact the deformed portion 421 of the diaphragm portion 42. In this embodiment, the backing plate member 46 is configured to contact the entire surface of the deformed portion 421 that is opposite to the surface that contacts the pressure receiving member 41. This allows the diaphragm portion 42 to transmit the load to the pressure receiving member 41 without any loss when the load is applied. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the backing plate member 46 is welded and fixed to the second plate-shaped portion 452 of the holding member 45. This prevents the backing plate member 46 from shifting relative to the second plate-shaped portion 452. In other words, in this embodiment, the first plate-shaped portion 451 and the second plate-shaped portion 452 are welded and fixed, the pressure-receiving member 41 and the diaphragm portion 42 are positioned on the first plate-shaped portion 451, and the backing plate member 46 is positioned on the second plate-shaped portion 452. Therefore, the positional relationship between the first plate-shaped portion 451, the pressure-receiving member 41, the diaphragm portion 42, the backing plate member 46, and the second plate-shaped portion 452 does not shift, thus preventing a decrease in detection accuracy due to a shift in the positional relationship between the pressure-receiving member 41, the diaphragm portion 42, and the backing plate member 46. The configuration is not limited to the above, and for example, the backing plate member 46 may be fixed to the second plate-shaped portion 452 with an adhesive or the like.

[0038] [Pressing member 47] The retaining member 47 is formed in an annular shape and, as described above, is configured to abut against the mounting portion 422 of the diaphragm portion 42. More specifically, the retaining member 47 is configured to abut against the surface of the mounting portion 422 of the diaphragm portion 42 that is opposite to the surface that abuts against the pressure receiving member 41. As a result, the diaphragm portion 42 can be fixed to the pressure receiving member 41 by clamping the mounting portion 422 of the diaphragm portion 42 with the retaining member 47 and the pressure receiving member 41. More specifically, the diaphragm portion 42 can be fixed to the storage recess 414 of the pressure receiving member 41.

[0039] In this embodiment, the retaining member 47 is positioned so that its inner circumferential surface does not contact the backing plate member 46. In other words, the backing plate member 46 contacts the mounting portion 422 of the diaphragm portion 42 at a position where it does not contact the inner circumferential surface of the retaining member 47. This prevents the mounting portion 422 of the diaphragm portion 42 from being deformed by the retaining member 47. That is, it prevents the load received by the deformed portion 421 of the diaphragm portion 42 from being transmitted to the mounting portion 422 and escaping.

[0040] The sealing tube member 48 is formed in a tubular shape, with one end connected to the joint portion 441 of the pressure detector 44 and the other end sealed. The sealing tube member 48 is used when manufacturing the load measuring device 1 to seal the pressure transmission medium into the sealing chamber 411 of the pressure receiving member 41 and the pressure transmission member 43. For this reason, after the pressure transmission medium is sealed, the end is sealed as described above.

[0041] In this embodiment described above, the following effects can be achieved. (1) In this embodiment, the pressure-receiving member 41 and the diaphragm portion 42, which are provided with a sealing chamber 411 in which a pressure transmission medium is sealed, are held by being sandwiched between a first plate-shaped portion 451 and a second plate-shaped portion 452. At this time, a protruding portion 415 formed on the second surface 413 of the pressure-receiving member 41 engages with an engagement hole portion 453 formed in the first plate-shaped portion 451, so that the pressure-receiving member 41 and the diaphragm portion 42 attached to the pressure-receiving member 41 are positioned with respect to the holding member 45 having the first plate-shaped portion 451. This prevents the pressure-receiving member 41 and the diaphragm portion 42 from shifting relative to the holding member 45, and thus prevents a decrease in the detection accuracy of the pressure detector 44 due to a shift in the position of the diaphragm portion 42. Furthermore, since the diaphragm portion 42 is attached to the columnar pressure-receiving member 41, the load applied to the diaphragm portion 42 can be transmitted to the pressure-receiving member 41 without any loss. Therefore, it is possible to suppress losses when transmitting the load applied to the diaphragm portion 42 to the pressure detector 44 via the pressure-receiving member 41 and the pressure transmission medium.

[0042] (2) In this embodiment, a retaining member 47 is provided that contacts the mounting portion 422 on the side opposite to the surface that contacts the pressure receiving member 41 on the mounting portion 422 of the diaphragm portion 42, thereby preventing the load received by the diaphragm portion 42 from being transmitted to the mounting portion 422 and escaping.

[0043] (3) In this embodiment, the diaphragm portion 42 and the retaining member 47 are housed in the storage recess 414 provided in the pressure receiving member 41, so that they do not shift relative to the pressure receiving member 41.

[0044] (4) In this embodiment, since there is only one pressure transmission member 43 connecting the pressure receiving member 41 and the pressure detector 44, the amount of pressure transmission medium can be reduced compared to, for example, when the two are connected by two or more tubular transmission members.

[0045] (5) In this embodiment, a storage section 454 for housing the pressure detector 44 is formed in the second plate-shaped section 452, so there is no need to provide a separate space for housing the pressure detector 44. Therefore, the load measuring device 1 can be made smaller.

[0046] [Differentiation] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications, improvements, etc., that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the pressure transmission member 43 connecting the pressure receiving member 41 and the pressure detector 44 consisted of only one member, but this is not limited to this. For example, two or more tubular transmission members connecting the pressure receiving member and the pressure detector may be provided.

[0048] In the above embodiment, a storage section 454 for housing the pressure detector 44 was formed in the second plate-shaped section 452, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, spaces for housing the pressure detector may be provided in the first case and the second case.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the control board 31 output a signal for displaying the measured value to the liquid crystal unit 33, but it is not limited to this. For example, the load measuring device may include a signal output unit that outputs a signal for displaying the measured value to an external device via wired or wireless connection.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the load measuring device 1 was configured as an occlusal force meter for measuring occlusal force in the oral cavity of the person being measured, but it is not limited to this. For example, the load measuring device 1 may be configured as a tongue pressure measuring device for measuring tongue pressure in the oral cavity of the person being measured, or as an electronic scale for measuring mass, and can be applied to a device for measuring load. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1...Load measuring device, 2...Case, 3...Circuit section, 4...Detection section, 21...First case, 22...Second case, 23...Third case, 24...Cover joint, 31...Control board, 32...Power supply board, 33...LCD section, 34...Connector member, 35...Signal transmission member, 41...Pressure receiving member, 42...Diaphragm section, 43...Pressure transmission member, 44...Pressure detector, 45...Holding member, 46...Backing plate member, 47...Pressing member, 48...Sealing tube member, 211...Opening, 221...Battery storage section, 222...Cover member, 411...Sealing chamber, 412...First surface, 413...Second surface, 414...Storage recess, 415...Protruding part, 421...Deformed part, 422...Mounting part, 441...Joint part, 442...Detection member, 451...First plate-shaped part, 452...Second plate-shaped part, 453...Engagement hole part, 454...Storage section, B...Battery.

Claims

1. It is formed in a columnar shape, has an enclosed chamber inside in which a pressure transmission medium is sealed, and is a pressure-receiving member that receives the load, A diaphragm portion having a deformable portion that deforms under the aforementioned load, which is housed in a storage recess formed on one side of the pressure-receiving member and attached to one side of the pressure-receiving member, A pressure transmission member formed in a tubular shape, with one end connected to the sealing chamber and the pressure transmission medium sealed inside, A pressure detector connected to the other end of the pressure transmission member, which detects the load applied to the diaphragm via the pressure transmission medium, A holding member having a first plate-shaped portion and a second plate-shaped portion that clamp the pressure-receiving member and the diaphragm portion, The diaphragm portion is sandwiched between the second plate-shaped portion and fixed to the second plate-shaped portion on the opposite side from the pressure-receiving member, and includes a backing plate member formed to contact the deformed portion of the diaphragm portion, On the other surface of the pressure-receiving member, a protruding portion is formed that projects toward the first plate-like portion. The first plate-like portion is formed with an engagement hole that can engage with the protruding portion. A occlusal force meter characterized by the following features.

2. In the occlusal force meter according to claim 1, It is formed in an annular shape and includes a retaining member that contacts a mounting portion on the surface of the diaphragm opposite to the surface that contacts the pressure-receiving member, The backing plate member is attached to the second plate-shaped portion and contacts the diaphragm portion at a position where it does not contact the inner circumferential surface of the pressing member. A occlusal force meter characterized by the following features.

3. In the occlusal force meter according to claim 2, The diaphragm portion and the retaining member are housed in the aforementioned storage recess. A occlusal force meter characterized by the following features.

4. In the occlusal force meter according to claim 1, The pressure receiving member and the pressure detector are connected by a single pressure transmission member. A occlusal force meter characterized by the following features.

5. In the occlusal force meter according to claim 1, A storage section for housing the pressure detector is formed in the second plate-shaped portion. A occlusal force meter characterized by the following features.

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