Wearable tool and pressure sensation presentation device

Abstract

A wearable tool (2) comprises: a belt-like body (21) that has a first surface (211) and a second surface (212) opposite to the first surface (211) and extends in a first direction; a through-hole (25) that is provided at an end of the belt-like body (21) in a direction opposite to the first direction and penetrates the belt-like body (21); a slit (28) that is provided in the belt-like body (21) in the first direction with respect to the through-hole (25), extends along the first direction, and penetrates the belt-like body (21); and a locking part (29) that is provided on one of the first surface (211) and the second surface (212), and touches the other of the first surface (211) and the second surface (212) to lock the other surface.

Description

Wearing device and pressure sensation presentation device

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearing device and a pressure sensation presentation device.

[0002] Conventionally, haptic devices that provide tactile information to a user are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The haptic device described in Patent Document 1 is a glove-type device worn on one hand of the user and has a built-in shape memory wire. The shape memory wire is provided on the haptic device at positions corresponding to each finger and at positions corresponding to the back of the hand. The shape memory wire is heated by passing an electric current through it, and changes shape when heated. The change in shape of the shape memory wire applies pressure to the user's finger joints and palm. In this way, the haptic device provides the user with tactile information similar to touching or grasping an object.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-12503

[0004] However, the haptic device described in Patent Document 1 is a glove-type device worn on one hand. Because the size of one hand varies from person to person, there is a problem in that when using a haptic device, it is necessary to prepare a haptic device that matches the size of one hand. For this reason, there has been a demand for a wearing tool configuration that can be worn regardless of individual differences in the part of the body that is to be worn.

[0005] A first aspect of the wearing device of the present invention includes a band-shaped body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface and extending in a first direction, a through hole provided at an end of the band-shaped body opposite to the first direction and penetrating the band-shaped body, a slit provided in the band-shaped body in the first direction relative to the through hole, extending along the first direction and penetrating the band-shaped body, and a locking portion provided on one of the first surface and the second surface and contacting the other of the first surface and the second surface to lock the other surface.

[0006] A pressure sensation presentation device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the wearing device according to the first aspect, and a pressing portion provided on the band-shaped body for pressing a target portion on which the wearing device is worn.

[0007] 1 is a plan view showing a pressure sense presentation device in the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a pressure sense presentation device in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view explaining a method of wearing the wearing device in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view explaining a method of wearing the wearing device in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view explaining a method of wearing the wearing device in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view explaining a method of wearing the wearing device in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a view explaining a method of wearing the wearing device in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a pressing device in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an example of the arrangement of the pressing unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of the arrangement of the pressing unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example of the arrangement of the pressing unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an example of the arrangement of the pressing unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an example of the arrangement of the pressing unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a pressing device and a temperature adjustment device in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a pressing device and a temperature adjustment device in the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing another example of wearing the wearing device.

[0008] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Configuration of the Pressure Sense Presentation Device FIGS. 1 and 2 are plan views showing a pressure sense presentation device 1 according to this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the pressure sense presentation device 1 as viewed from the first surface 211 of a band-shaped body 21 constituting a wearing device 2, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the pressure sense presentation device 1 as viewed from the second surface 212 of the band-shaped body 21. The pressure sense presentation device 1 according to this embodiment is worn on a part of the user's body. The pressure sense presentation device 1 presses against the user's body to provide the user with a pressure sensation. In this embodiment, the pressure sense presentation device 1 is worn on one of the user's hands and presses against the hand. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pressure sense presentation device 1 includes a wearing device 2, a pressing device 3A, a temperature adjustment device 4A, and a vibration generating device 5. Hereinafter, the pressure sense presentation device 1 according to this embodiment will be described as being worn on the user's left hand.

[0009] [Configuration of the wearing device] The wearing device 2 is worn on the above-mentioned part of the body. The wearing device 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is for the left hand, and the wearing device 2 is worn on the left hand, which is the intended wearing part. As shown in Figure 1, the wearing device 2 has a band-shaped body 21, a through-hole 25, a first arrangement section 26, a second arrangement section 27, and a slit 28, and as shown in Figure 2, it also has a locking section 29.

[0010] [Structure of Band] The band 21 extends along a first direction. The band 21 is formed in a generally rectangular shape that is long in the first direction. When worn on the left hand, the band 21 has a first surface 211 that faces the palm and back of the left hand, and a second surface 212 opposite the first surface 211. The band 21 has a first portion 22, a second portion 23, and a third portion 24 that are connected to each other, and the first portion 22, the second portion 23, and the third portion 24 are aligned in the first direction. In the following description, three mutually orthogonal directions are referred to as the +X direction, the +Y direction, and the +Z direction. The leftward direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the +X direction, the downward direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the +Y direction, and the direction toward the paper surface in FIG. 1 is referred to as the +Z direction. In this embodiment, the first direction is the +X direction, the second direction is the +Y direction, and the direction from the first surface 211 to the second surface 212 is the +Z direction. Although not shown, the direction opposite the +X direction is the -X direction, the direction opposite the +Y direction is the -Y direction, and the direction opposite the +Z direction is the -Z direction. When viewed from the perspective of Figure 1, the -X direction is the rightward direction, the -Y direction is the upward direction, and the -Z direction is the direction rising from the plane of the paper.

[0011] The first portion 22 is provided at the end of the band-shaped body 21 in the -X direction. The first portion 22 is formed in a substantially pentagonal shape when viewed from the -Z direction, and the edge of the first portion 22 in the -X direction is formed by two triangular sides protruding in the -X direction. The first portion 22 is provided with a through-hole 25 that penetrates the band-shaped body 21 in the +Z direction. The through-hole 25 is formed in a circular shape. The through-hole 25 is disposed in the +Y direction with respect to a center line CL that passes through the center of the band-shaped body 21 in the +Y direction and is parallel to the +X direction. When the wearing device 2 is worn on the left hand, the thumb of the left hand is inserted through the through-hole 25 in the +Z direction. The first portion 22 has greater stretchability than the second portion 23 and the third portion 24. Therefore, the first portion 22 stretches when the wearing device 2 is worn on the left hand.

[0012] The second portion 23 is located between the first portion 22 and the third portion 24 in the +X direction. A first surface 231 of the second portion 23 facing the -Z direction constitutes part of the first surface 211 of the band-shaped body 21. When the wearing device 2 is worn on the left hand, the first surface 231 faces the palm of the left hand. The first surface 231 is provided with a substantially rectangular first arrangement portion 26 in which a pressing portion 31 (described later) of the pressing device 3A is arranged. The first arrangement portion 26 is configured to allow any number of pressing portions 31 to be arranged in any position. The pressing portions 31 arranged in the first arrangement portion 26 press against the palm of the left hand. The first arrangement portion 26 engages with a connecting portion 313 of the pressing portion 31 to lock the pressing portion 31, as will be described in detail later. Such a first arrangement portion 26 can be configured, for example, by a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2 , the second surface 232 of the second portion 23, facing the +Z direction, constitutes part of the second surface 212 of the band-shaped body 21. A locking portion 29 is provided on the second surface 232. The locking portion 29 extends along the +Y direction from a portion of the second surface 232 facing the -X direction. That is, the locking portion 29 extends along the +Y direction from a position on the second surface 232 closer to the first portion 22. As will be described in detail later, when the wearing device 2 is worn on the left hand, the locking portion 29 comes into contact with a first surface 241 of the third portion 24 facing the -Z direction, thereby locking the third portion 24. This maintains the wearing device 2 on the left hand. Such a locking portion 29 can be formed, for example, by a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the third portion 24 is the largest of the first portion 22, the second portion 23, and the third portion 24. Specifically, the +X-direction dimension of the third portion 24 is greater than the sum of the +X-direction dimension of the first portion 22 and the +X-direction dimension of the second portion 23. The +Y-direction dimension of the third portion 24 is substantially the same as the +Y-direction dimensions of the first portion 22 and the second portion 23. A first surface 241 facing the -Z direction of the third portion 24 constitutes a part of the first surface 211. When the wearing device 2 is worn on the left hand, the first surface 241 is disposed from the back of the left hand to the palm. That is, the region of the first surface 241 facing the second portion 23 faces the back of the left hand. A second surface 242 facing the +Z direction of the third portion 24 constitutes a part of the second surface 212.

[0015] The third portion 24 is provided with a second arrangement portion 27 and a slit 28. The second arrangement portion 27 is provided over substantially the entire first surface 241. Similar to the first arrangement portion 26, the second arrangement portion 27 can have any number of pressing portions 31 arranged at any position. The pressing portion 31 arranged in the portion of the second arrangement portion 27 facing the back of the left hand presses against the back of the left hand. Additionally, the second arrangement portion 27 is configured to be lockable by a locking portion 29. Such a second arrangement portion 27 can be configured, for example, with a hook-and-loop fastener. The slit 28 is provided in the -Y direction with respect to the center line CL. The slit 28 extends in the +X direction and penetrates the third portion 24 in the +Z direction. As will be described in more detail below, the left thumb is inserted into the slit 28 in the +Z direction when the band-shaped body 21, with the thumb inserted into the through-hole 25, is placed on the left hand along the palm of the left hand and the back of the left hand.

[0016] 3 to 6 are diagrams illustrating a method for wearing the wearing device 2 on the left hand LH. When wearing the wearing device 2 on the left hand LH, as shown in FIG. 3 , first, the thumb F1 of the left hand LH is inserted through the through-hole 25 in the +Z direction, and the left hand LH is positioned so that the palm of the left hand LH faces the first surface 231 of the second portion 23. Next, as shown in FIG. 4 , the band-shaped body 21 is wrapped around the left hand LH so that the first surface 231 of the second portion 23 is aligned with the palm LHA of the left hand LH and the first surface 241 of the third portion 24 is aligned with the back LHB of the left hand LH. The palm LHA of the left hand LH corresponds to the first surface of the wearing target area, and the back LHB of the left hand LH corresponds to the second surface opposite the first surface of the wearing target area. 5, for example, the right hand RH pulls the third portion 24 in the extension direction of the band-shaped body 21 while inserting the thumb F1 of the left hand LH through the slit 28. Then, the second arrangement portion 27 (see FIG. 1) of the third portion 24 is brought into contact with the locking portion 29 (see FIG. 2) provided on the second surface 232 of the second portion 23. As a result, the locking portion 29 locks the second arrangement portion 27 and, therefore, the third portion 24, and the wearing device 2 is worn on the left hand LH as shown in FIG.

[0017] 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the pressing device 3A. The pressing device 3A presses the target part of the user. As shown in FIG. 7, the pressing device 3A has a pressing part 31, a tube 32, and a pump 33.

[0018] [Configuration of Pressing Unit] The pressing unit 31 is a portion of the pressing device 3A that presses the target portion of the user. As shown in FIG. 1 , the pressing unit 31 is configured to be able to be placed in the first placement unit 26, and is also configured to be able to be placed in the second placement unit 27. As shown in FIG. 7 , the pressing unit 31 has a base 311, an expandable unit 312, and a connection unit 313. The base 311 is connected to the tube 32 and configured to allow fluid to flow therein. The base 311 has a flow path 3111 and an inflow chamber 3112. Fluid flows through the flow path 3111 from the tube 32 connected to the base 311. The inflow chamber 3112 is a space into which the fluid flows from the flow path 3111, and is covered by the expandable unit 312.

[0019] The expandable portion 312 presses against the target area where the wearing device 2 is worn. In this embodiment, the expandable portion 312 presses against the target hand, the left hand LH. The expandable portion 312 is made of an expandable material such as a silicone rubber sheet, and is attached to the base 311 so as to cover the inflow chamber 3112. The expandable portion 312 expands due to the fluid that has flowed into the inflow chamber 3112, and presses against the target area that the expandable portion 312 faces. Note that it is sufficient for the expandable portion 312 to come into contact with the target area when expanded, and it does not necessarily have to be in constant contact with the target area.

[0020] The connection portion 313 is a portion for connecting the pressing portion 31 to the wearing device 2. Specifically, the connection portion 313 is provided on the surface of the base 311 opposite the expandable portion 312, and is a portion for attaching the base 311 to the first arrangement portion 26 or the second arrangement portion 27. In other words, the connection portion 313 is provided on the surface of the base 311 facing the arrangement portions 26, 27, and is a portion that is detachable from the arrangement portions 26, 27. In this embodiment, the connection portion 313 can be configured by a hook-and-loop fastener that can be engaged with the first arrangement portion 26 or the second arrangement portion 27.

[0021] [Configuration of Tube and Pump] The tube 32 is configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough and connects the base 311 and the pump 33. The tube 32 guides the fluid pumped from the pump 33 to the base 311. The pump 33 pumps the fluid to the pressing unit 31 via the tube 32. The fluid pumped from the pump 33 flows through the tube 32 to the flow path 3111 of the base 311 and into the inflow chamber 3112 via the flow path 3111. When the pressure in the inflow chamber 3112 increases, the expandable unit 312 expands and presses against the attachment target area. On the other hand, when the pump 33 stops pumping the fluid, the contraction force of the expandable unit 312 discharges the fluid from the inflow chamber 3112. This causes the expandable unit 312 to contract, and the pressure on the attachment target area is relieved. The pump 33 may also suck out the fluid from the inflow chamber 3112. The fluid pumped by the pump 33 may be either gas or liquid. When the pump 33 pumps gas, the air around the pump 33 can be used as the fluid. When the pump 33 pumps liquid, the pressing device 3A may include a reservoir capable of storing the liquid pumped by the pump 33.

[0022] [Configuration of Temperature Adjustment Device] The temperature adjustment device 4A imparts at least one of a warm sensation and a cool sensation to the user. That is, the temperature adjustment device 4A imparts at least one of a warm sensation and a cool sensation to the left hand LH, which is the part to be worn. In this embodiment, the temperature adjustment device 4A is configured with a thermoelectric conversion element such as a nichrome wire or a Peltier element provided on the outer surface of the stretchable portion 312. When the temperature adjustment device 4A is configured with a Peltier element, the temperature adjustment device 4A imparts one of a warm sensation and a cool sensation to the part to be worn depending on the direction of the input voltage and current. That is, the temperature adjustment device 4A configured with a Peltier element can impart either a warm sensation or a cool sensation by reversing the polarity of the Peltier element.

[0023] [Configuration of Vibration Generator] The vibration generator 5 applies vibrations to the user. In this embodiment, the vibration generator 5 applies vibrations to the left hand LH via the pressing portion 31. More specifically, the vibration generator 5 is provided on a base 311, and applies vibrations to the left hand LH via an expandable portion 312 that comes into contact with the left hand LH. The vibration generator 5 may be provided inside the pressing portion 31, for example, inside the inflow chamber 3112. The vibration generator 5 may also be provided in a component other than the pressing portion 31, for example, in the band-shaped body 21.

[0024] [Shape and Size of Pressing Portion] The shape and size of the expandable portion 312 of the pressing portion 31 can be changed as appropriate. For example, of the two pressing portions 31 shown in Fig. 1, the pressing portion 31A has a circular expandable portion 312 when viewed from the -Z direction, and the pressing portion 31B has a rectangular expandable portion 312 when viewed from the -Z direction. In this way, the shape and size of the expandable portion 312, and therefore the shape and size of the pressing portion 31, can be changed as appropriate.

[0025] 1 , of the two pressing portions 31 provided on the first arrangement portion 26 of the band-shaped body 21, pressing portion 31A is arranged in a position corresponding to approximately the center of the palm of the left hand LH, and pressing portion 31B is arranged in a position corresponding to the bases of the index finger F2, middle finger F3, ring finger F4, and little finger F5 on the palm of the left hand LH, along the direction in which the fingers F2 to F5 are aligned. In other words, pressing portion 31B is arranged in a position corresponding to the balls of the fingers on the palm of the left hand LH. However, this is not a limitation, and the number of pressing portions 31 provided on the band-shaped body 21, the layout of the pressing portions 31, and the shape of the stretchable portion 312 are not limited to those described above.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the pressing portions 31 relative to the palm LHA and back LHB of the left hand LH. In the example of FIG. 8, four pressing portions 31 are provided in the first arrangement portion 26 facing the palm LHA of the left hand LH, and two pressing portions 31 are provided in the second arrangement portion 27 facing the back LHB of the left hand LH. Each of the four pressing portions 31B, 31C, 31D, and 31E provided in the first arrangement portion 26 has a rectangular expandable portion 312. As in the case shown in FIG. 1, the pressing portion 31B is arranged in a position corresponding to the ball of the finger on the palm LHA. The expandable portion 312 of the pressing portion 31C has a smaller longitudinal dimension than the expandable portion 312 of the pressing portion 31B. The pressing portion 31C is arranged alongside the pressing portion 31B, corresponding to a position on the palm LHA closer to the wrist than the pressing portion 31B. The pressing portion 31D is located on the palm LHA at the base of the thumb F1, i.e., at a position corresponding to the thenar eminence. The pressing portion 31E is located on the palm LHA from the base of the little finger F5 toward the wrist, i.e., at a position corresponding to the little finger eminence. The longitudinal dimension of the expandable portion 312 of each of the pressing portions 31D and 31E is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the expandable portion 312 of the pressing portion 31C.

[0027] Each of the two pressure units 31F, 31G provided in the second arrangement unit 27 has a rectangular expandable portion 312. The pressure unit 31F is provided at a position on the back LHB of the left hand LH corresponding to the base of the index finger F2. The pressure unit 31G is provided at a position on the back LHB corresponding to the range from the base of the little finger F5 to the wrist. The size of the expandable portion 312 of the pressure unit 31F is smaller than the size of the expandable portion 312 of the pressure unit 31E, and the size of the expandable portion 312 of the pressure unit 31G is larger than the size of the expandable portion 312 of the pressure unit 31E. With this layout of the pressure units 31, when each pressure unit 31 presses against the left hand LH, the user can get the sensation of shaking hands using the pressure sense presentation device 1.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of pressure elements 31 on the back LHB of the left hand LH. In the example of FIG. 9, two pressure elements 31 are provided in the second arrangement section 27. Each of the two pressure elements 31G, 31H has a rectangular expandable portion 312. As in the example of FIG. 8, the pressure element 31G is provided in a position on the back LHB corresponding to the range from the base of the little finger F5 to the wrist. The pressure element 31H is provided in a position corresponding to approximately the center of the back LHB, along the direction in which the fingers F2 to F5 are aligned. More specifically, it is located in a position corresponding to the range from the index finger F2 to the ring finger F4 in the approximate center of the back LHB. The longitudinal dimension of the expandable portion 312 of the pressure element 31H is approximately the same as the longitudinal dimension of the expandable portion 312 of the pressure element 31C. On the other hand, the dimension in the short side direction of the expandable portion 312 of the pressing portion 31H is larger than the dimension in the short side direction of the expandable portion 312 of the pressing portion 31C. With this layout of the pressing portion 31, the pressing portions 31G and 31H press the instep LHB, and the user feels as if their instep LHB is being touched.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of pressure portions 31 on the palm LHA and back LHB of the left hand LH. In the example of FIG. 10, two pressure portions 31 are provided in the first arrangement portion 26 and three are provided in the second arrangement portion 27. Each of the two pressure portions 31I, 31E provided in the first arrangement portion 26 has a rectangular expandable portion 312. The pressure portion 31I is arranged in a position corresponding to approximately the center of the palm LHA, along the direction in which the fingers F2 to F5 are arranged, and the lateral dimension of the expandable portion 312 of the pressure portion 31I is approximately the same as the lateral dimension of the expandable portion 312 of the pressure portion 31B. As in the example of FIG. 8, the pressure portion 31E is arranged in a position corresponding to the thenar eminence of the little finger on the palm LHA.

[0030] Each of the three pressing portions 31G, 31J, and 31K provided in the second arrangement portion 27 has a rectangular expandable portion 312. The pressing portions 31J and 31K are arranged side by side in a direction from the base of each finger F2 to F4 toward the wrist at approximately the center of the instep LHB, at positions corresponding to the range from the index finger F2 to the ring finger F4. The longitudinal dimension of the expandable portion 312 of each pressing portion 31J and 31K is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the expandable portion 312 of the pressing portion 31I, and the lateral dimension of the expandable portion 312 of each pressing portion 31J and 31K is approximately the same as the lateral dimension of the expandable portion 312 of the pressing portion 31I. Note that, similar to the examples in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the pressing portion 31G is provided in a position on the instep LHB corresponding to the range from the base of the little finger F5 to the wrist. With such a layout of the pressing portions 31, when each pressing portion 31 presses the left hand LH, the user gets the sensation that the left hand LH is being held between both hands of another person.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of pressure units 31 on the palm LHA of the left hand LH. In the example of FIG. 11 , one pressure unit 31 is provided in the first arrangement unit 26. The single pressure unit 31 provided in the first arrangement unit 26 is a pressure unit 31L provided approximately in the center of the palm LHA and has a circular expandable portion 312. The diameter of the expandable portion 312 of the pressure unit 31L is approximately the same as the distance between the base of the index finger F2 and the base of the little finger F5. With this layout of the pressure units 31, when the pressure unit 31L presses the palm LHA, the user feels as if they are generating a virtual object from the palm LHA.

[0032] 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of pressure portions 31 on the palm LHA of the left hand LH. In the example of FIG. 12, four pressure portions 31 are provided in the first arrangement portion 26. Each of the four pressure portions 31M has a circular expandable portion 312. The four pressure portions 31M are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction centered on the center C of the palm LHA. Specifically, of the four pressure portions 31M, one pressure portion 31M is arranged closer to the middle finger F3 than the center C, another pressure portion 31M is arranged closer to the wrist than the center C, another pressure portion 31M is arranged closer to the thumb F1 than the center C, and the remaining pressure portion 31M is arranged on the opposite side of the thumb F1 than the center C.

[0033] With this layout of the pressure units 31, the four pressure units 31M can sequentially press the palm LHA clockwise or counterclockwise around the center C, or can press the palm LHA randomly, giving the user the sensation of a small creature jumping around on the palm LHA. Alternatively, with this layout, the four pressure units 31M can simultaneously press the palm LHA, giving the user the sensation of an animal such as a dog or cat touching the palm LHA.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of pressure portions 31 on the palm LHA and back LHB of the left hand LH. In the example of FIG. 13, two pressure portions 31 are provided in the first arrangement portion 26 and two are provided in the second arrangement portion 27. Each of the two pressure portions 31N, 31O provided in the first arrangement portion 26 has a rectangular expandable portion 312 and is arranged along the direction in which the fingers F2 to F5 are arranged. More specifically, the pressure portion 31N is arranged according to a position from the base of the little finger F5 toward the thumb F1, and the pressure portion 31O, which is located closer to the wrist of the left hand LH than the pressure portion 31N, extends approximately parallel to the pressure portion 31N. The longitudinal dimension of the expandable portion 312 of the pressure portions 31N, 31O is approximately equal to the length from the base of the index finger F2 to the base of the little finger F5.

[0035] Each of the two pressing portions 31P, 31Q provided in the second arrangement portion 27 has a rectangular expandable portion 312 and is arranged along the direction in which the fingers F2 to F5 are arranged. More specifically, the pressing portion 31P is arranged corresponding to a position from the base of the index finger F2 to the base of the little finger F5, and the pressing portion 31Q, which is arranged closer to the wrist of the left hand LH than the pressing portion 31P, extends approximately parallel to the pressing portion 31P. The longitudinal dimension of the expandable portion 312 of the pressing portions 31P, 31Q is approximately equal to the length of the range from the base of the index finger F2 to the base of the little finger F5. In this way, the pressing portions 31N, 31O, 31P, and 31Q are arranged so that an imaginary line connecting the pressing portion 31P, pressing portion 31N, pressing portion 31Q, and pressing portion 31O in this order forms a spiral on the left hand LH. With such a layout of the pressing portions 31, the pressing portions 31P, 31N, 31Q, and 31O press the left hand LH in sequence, or the pressing portions 31N, 31O, 31P, and 31Q press the left hand LH simultaneously, thereby giving the left hand LH the sensation of a snake coiling around it.

[0036] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of pressure portions 31 on the palm LHA of the left hand LH. In the example of FIG. 14 , seven pressure portions 31 are provided in the first arrangement section 26. Of the seven pressure portions 31, three pressure portions 31R have rectangular expandable portions 312, and four pressure portions 31S have circular expandable portions 312. The three pressure portions 31R are arranged at positions corresponding to the gaps between the bases of the fingers F2 to F5. Specifically, one pressure portion 31R is arranged at a position corresponding to the gap between the base of the index finger F2 and the base of the middle finger F3, another pressure portion 31R is arranged at a position corresponding to the gap between the base of the middle finger F3 and the base of the ring finger F4, and the remaining pressure portion 31R is arranged at a position corresponding to the gap between the base of the ring finger F4 and the base of the little finger F5.

[0037] The four pressing portions 31S are arranged at positions that are equally spaced around the center C of the palm LHA. More specifically, of the four pressing portions 31S, two pressing portions 31S are arranged side by side in the direction in which the fingers F2 to F5 are lined up, corresponding to positions on the fingers F2 to F5 side of the center C, and the remaining two pressing portions 31S are arranged side by side in the direction in which the fingers F2 to F5 are lined up, corresponding to positions on the wrist side of the center C. With this layout of the pressing portions 31, when each pressing portion 31 presses against the palm LHA, it is possible to give the sensation of sand spilling out of the palm LHA.

[0038] Effects of the First Embodiment The pressure sensation presentation device 1 according to the present embodiment described above has the following effects. The pressure sensation presentation device 1 includes the wearing device 2 and a pressing unit 31 that is provided on the wearing device 2 and presses the target wearing area where the wearing device 2 is worn. In the present embodiment, the pressing unit 31 is provided on the band-shaped body 21 of the wearing device 2 and presses the target wearing area, that is, the left hand LH.

[0039] The wearing device 2 has a band-shaped body 21, a through-hole 25, a slit 28, and a locking portion 29. The band-shaped body 21 has a first surface 211 and a second surface 212 opposite the first surface 211, and extends in the +X direction. The +X direction corresponds to the first direction. The through-hole 25 is provided at the end of the band-shaped body 21 in the -X direction and passes through the band-shaped body 21. The -X direction corresponds to the opposite direction from the first direction. The slit 28 is provided in the band-shaped body 21 in the +X direction relative to the through-hole 25. The slit 28 extends along the +X direction and passes through the band-shaped body 21. The locking portion 29 is provided on one of the first surface 211 and the second surface 212, and comes into contact with the other of the first surface 211 and the second surface 212 to lock the other surface. In this embodiment, the locking portion 29 is provided on the second surface 212 and comes into contact with the first surface 211 to lock the first surface 211 .

[0040] With this configuration, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 , the wearing device 2 can be attached to the left hand LH by inserting the thumb F1 of the left hand LH through the through-hole 25, wrapping the band-shaped body 21 around the left hand LH, and then passing the thumb F1 through the slit 28 and engaging the first surface 211 of the band-shaped body 21 with the engaging portion 29. Because the slit 28 extends along the +X direction, the thumb F1 can be inserted through the slit 28 extending in the +X direction regardless of the left-right dimension of the left hand LH or the thickness of the left hand LH, and the band-shaped body 21 wrapped around the palm LHA and back LHB of the left hand LH can be engaged with the engaging portion 29. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a wearing device 2 tailored to the size of the left hand LH, allowing for a versatile wearing device 2. This also allows for a highly versatile pressure sensation presentation device 1 to be configured that can be worn regardless of the size of the left hand LH, which is the target part of the left hand LH on which the wearing device 2 is attached.

[0041] In the wearing device 2, the band-shaped body 21 has a first portion 22, a second portion 23, and a third portion 24. A through-hole 25 is provided in the first portion 22. The second portion 23 is located in the +X direction relative to the first portion 22. The third portion 24 is located in the +X direction relative to the second portion 23, and a slit 28 is provided in the third portion 24. The stretchability of the first portion 22 is higher than that of the second portion 23 and the third portion 24. With this configuration, the diameter of the through-hole 25 expands depending on the thickness of the thumb F1 inserted through the through-hole 25, making it easier to insert the thumb F1 through the through-hole 25. Furthermore, when the wearing device 2 is worn on the left hand LH, the first portion 22 can expand and contract in accordance with the movement of the left hand LH, allowing the wearing device 2 to be worn stably on the left hand LH.

[0042] In the wearing device 2, the locking portion 29 is provided on the second surface 232 of the second portion 23 that constitutes the second surface 212 of the band-shaped body 21, at a position closer to the first portion 22. If the locking portion 29 is provided at a position away from the first portion 22, and the left hand LH is relatively large, the end of the band-shaped body 21 opposite the first portion 22 may not reach the locking portion 29, making it difficult to engage the locking portion 29 with the first surface 211 of the band-shaped body 21. In contrast, providing the locking portion 29 at the above position makes it easier to engage the locking portion 29 with the first surface 211 of the band-shaped body 21. This makes it easier to wear the wearing device 2 on the left hand LH.

[0043] In the wearing device 2, the through-hole 25 passes through the center of the first surface 211 in the +Y direction perpendicular to the +X direction, and is located in the +Y direction relative to a center line CL along the +X direction. The slit 28 is located in the -Y direction relative to the center line CL. The +Y direction corresponds to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on the first surface 211. The -Y direction corresponds to the opposite direction to the second direction.

[0044] With this configuration, the dimension of the band-shaped body 21 in the +Y direction relative to the through-hole 25 is smaller than the dimension of the band-shaped body 21 in the -Y direction relative to the through-hole 25. Furthermore, the dimension of the band-shaped body 21 in the +Y direction relative to the slit 28 is larger than the dimension of the band-shaped body 21 in the -Y direction relative to the slit 28. That is, the through-hole 25 and the slit 28 are located on opposite sides of the center line CL. In contrast, on the left hand LH, the distance from the thumb F1 to the base of the index finger F2 is generally greater than the distance from the thumb F1 to the wrist. Therefore, when the wearing device 2 is worn on the left hand LH, it is easy to wrap the wearing device 2 around the left hand LH along the extension direction of the band-shaped body 21. This makes it easy to wear the wearing device 2 on the left hand LH.

[0045] In the pressure sensation presentation device 1, the band-shaped body 21 of the wearing device 2 has a first arrangement section 26 and a second arrangement section 27. The first arrangement section 26 is provided on the first surface 231 of the second portion 23 that constitutes the first surface 211 of the band-shaped body 21, and a pressing section 31 is removably arranged on the first arrangement section 26. The second arrangement section 27 is provided on the first surface 241 of the third portion 24 that constitutes the first surface 211 of the band-shaped body 21, and a pressing section 31 is removably arranged on the second arrangement section 27. The first arrangement section 26 and the second arrangement section 27 correspond to arrangement sections. With this configuration, the type of pressing section 31 provided on the arrangement sections 26, 27 can be changed. Therefore, the pressing section 31 attached to the wearing device 2 can be changed depending on the application, etc., thereby configuring a highly versatile pressure sensation presentation device 1.

[0046] In the pressure sensation presentation device 1, the pressing unit 31 is provided on a surface facing the arrangement units 26 and 27, and has a detachable connection unit 313 on the arrangement units 26 and 27. With this configuration, it is possible to easily change the arrangement position of the pressing unit 31 on the arrangement units 26 and 27 depending on the application, etc. Therefore, a highly versatile pressure sensation presentation device 1 can be configured.

[0047] In the pressure sensation presentation device 1, the connection part 313 and the arrangement parts 26, 27 are each configured by a hook-and-loop fastener that can be engaged with each other. With this configuration, the connection part 313 and the arrangement parts 26, 27 that allow the pressing part 31 to be detached can be easily configured. Therefore, the pressure sensation presentation device 1 can be easily configured.

[0048] The pressure sensation presentation device 1 includes a temperature adjustment device 4A that provides at least one of a warm sensation and a cool sensation to the left hand LH, which is the wearing target part of the pressure sensation presentation device 1. With this configuration, the versatility of the pressure sensation presentation device 1 can be improved.

[0049] In the pressure sensation presentation device 1, the temperature adjustment device 4A is provided in the expansion / contraction section 312 of the pressure section 31. The expansion / contraction section 312 corresponds to the portion that presses the target area. With this configuration, while the pressure section 31 is in contact, the temperature adjustment device 4A can impart at least one of a warm sensation and a cool sensation to the left hand LH.

[0050] The pressure sense presentation device 1 includes a vibration generating device 5 that applies vibration to the left hand LH, which is the part to be worn. With this configuration, the versatility of the pressure sense presentation device 1 can be improved.

[0051] In the pressure sense presentation device 1, the vibration generating device 5 is provided in the pressing unit 31. With this configuration, vibration can be applied to the left hand LH pressed by the pressing unit 31, so that the wearer of the pressure sense presentation device 1 can be given the sensation of touching a virtual object, for example.

[0052] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The pressure sensation presentation device according to this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the pressure sensation presentation device 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs in that a temperature adjustment device is provided in the tube. In the following description, parts that are the same or substantially the same as parts already described will be assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] [Configuration of pressure sense presentation device] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a pressure sense presentation device 3B and a temperature adjustment device 4B provided in the pressure sense presentation device according to this embodiment. The pressure sense presentation device according to this embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the pressure sense presentation device 1 according to the first embodiment, except that it is provided with a pressure sense presentation device 3B and a temperature adjustment device 4B shown in Figure 15 instead of the pressure sense presentation device 3A and the temperature adjustment device 4A. That is, the pressure sense presentation device according to this embodiment includes a wearing fixture 2, a pressure sense presentation device 3B, a temperature adjustment device 4B, and a vibration generating device 5.

[0054] [Configuration of Pressing Device] The pressing device 3B has the same configuration as the pressing device 3A according to the first embodiment, except that it includes a tube 34, a first pump 35, and a second pump 36 instead of the tube 32 and the pump 33. That is, the pressing device 3B includes a pressing unit 31, a tube 34, a first pump 35, and a second pump 36. Each of the first pump 35 and the second pump 36 pumps a fluid to the base 311 of the pressing unit 31 via the tube 34. The fluid pumped by each of the pumps 35 and 36 may be a gas or a liquid.

[0055] The tube 34 connects the base 311 of the pressing unit 31 with the first pump 35 and the second pump 36. Like the tube 32, the tube 34 is a flow pipe configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough. The tube 34 has a first inlet 341, a second inlet 342, a base connection portion 343, a collecting portion 344, and a movable valve 345.

[0056] The first inlet 341 is connected to the first pump 35. Fluid pressure-fed from the first pump 35 flows into the first inlet 341. The second inlet 342 is connected to the second pump 36. Fluid pressure-fed from the second pump 36 flows into the second inlet 342. The base connection part 343 is connected to the base 311.

[0057] The collecting section 344 is connected to the first inlet section 341, the second inlet section 342, and the base connecting section 343. The movable valve 345 is provided in the collecting section 344. The movable valve 345 switches between a flow path that guides the fluid flowing in from the first inlet section 341 to the base connecting section 343 and a flow path that guides the fluid flowing in from the second inlet section 342 to the base connecting section 343. Such a movable valve 345 may be configured so that the flow path switching operation can be controlled by a control section (not shown) of the pressure sensation presentation device, or may be configured so that the flow path switching operation is automatically performed by the pressure of the fluid pressure-fed from each of the pumps 35 and 36.

[0058] [Configuration of Temperature Adjustment Device] Similar to the temperature adjustment device 4A according to the first embodiment, the temperature adjustment device 4B imparts at least one of a warm sensation and a cool sensation to the wearing portion of the wearing device 2. The temperature adjustment device 4B has a first temperature adjustment unit 41 and a second temperature adjustment unit 42. The first temperature adjustment unit 41 is provided in the first inlet portion 341 of the tube 34, which is a flow pipe. The first temperature adjustment unit 41 heats the fluid pressure-fed from the first pump 35. An example of the configuration of the first temperature adjustment unit 41 is a configuration including a Peltier element or a nichrome wire. The second temperature adjustment unit 42 is provided in the second inlet portion 342 of the tube 34, which is a flow pipe. The second temperature adjustment unit 42 cools the fluid pressure-fed from the second pump 36. An example of the configuration of the second temperature adjustment unit 42 is a configuration including a Peltier element.

[0059] [Function of the Pressing Device and the Temperature Adjusting Device] When a warm sensation is to be imparted to the wear target area, the first pump 35 and the first temperature adjusting unit 41 function. In this case, the fluid pumped by the first pump 35 is heated by the first temperature adjusting unit 41, and the high-temperature fluid flows into the inlet chamber 3112 of the base 311 via the tube 34. This fluid increases the temperature of the expandable unit 312 that comes into contact with the wear target area, thereby imparting a warm sensation to the wear target area. When a cool sensation is to be imparted to the wear target area, the second pump 36 and the second temperature adjusting unit 42 function. In this case, the fluid pumped by the second pump 36 is cooled by the second temperature adjusting unit 42, and the low-temperature fluid flows into the inlet chamber 3112 of the base 311 via the tube 34. This fluid lowers the temperature of the expandable unit 312 that comes into contact with the wear target area, thereby imparting a cool sensation to the wear target area. If neither a warm nor a cool sensation is to be imparted, the temperature adjustment device 4B need not heat or cool the fluid. In this case, the pump that pumps the fluid may be either the first pump 35 or the second pump 36.

[0060] [Effects of the Second Embodiment] The pressure sensation presentation device according to the present embodiment described above provides the same effects as the pressure sensation presentation device 1 according to the first embodiment, as well as the following effects. In the pressure sensation presentation device according to the present embodiment, the pressing unit 31 includes a base 311 having an inflow chamber 3112 into which a fluid flows, and an expandable unit 312 provided on the base 311. The expandable unit 312 expands and contracts in response to the fluid flowing into the inflow chamber 3112 to press the left hand LH. The left hand LH is the target area on which the user wears the wearing device 2, and the temperature adjustment device 4B adjusts the temperature of the fluid. With this configuration, the pressing unit 31 can simultaneously press the left hand LH and provide a warm or cool sensation to the left hand LH. Furthermore, because the temperature adjustment device 4B adjusts the temperature of the fluid supplied to the inflow chamber 3112 of the pressing unit 31, the weight of the components of the pressure sensation presentation device that are worn on the target area can be reduced compared to when a temperature adjustment device is provided in the pressing unit 31.

[0061] The pressure sensation presentation device according to this embodiment includes pumps 35, 36 that pump fluid, and a tube 34 that is provided between the base 311 and the pumps 35, 36 and that circulates the fluid pumped from the pumps 35, 36 through the base. The tube 34 corresponds to a circulation pipe. A temperature adjustment device 4B is provided in the tube 34. More specifically, a first temperature adjustment unit 41 of the temperature adjustment device 4B is provided in a first inlet 341 of the tube 34, and a second temperature adjustment unit 42 is provided in a second inlet 342 of the tube 34. With this configuration, the temperature adjustment device 4B can adjust the temperature of the fluid supplied from the pumps 35, 36 to the pressing unit 31. This allows for a sensation of warmth and coolness to be imparted to the left hand LH.

[0062] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The pressure sensation presentation device according to this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the pressure sensation presentation device 1 according to the first embodiment, but the configuration of the temperature adjustment device is different. In the following description, parts that are the same or substantially the same as parts already described will be assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a pressure sensation presentation device 3A and a temperature adjustment device 4C provided in the pressure sensation presentation device according to this embodiment. The pressure sensation presentation device according to this embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the pressure sensation presentation device 1 according to the first embodiment, except that it is provided with the temperature adjustment device 4C shown in FIG. 16 instead of the temperature adjustment device 4A. That is, the pressure sensation presentation device according to this embodiment includes a wearing tool 2, a pressure sensation presentation device 3A, a temperature adjustment device 4C, and a vibration generating device 5.

[0064] [Configuration of Temperature Regulator] Similar to the temperature regulator 4A according to the first embodiment and the temperature regulator 4B according to the second embodiment, the temperature regulator 4C imparts at least one of a warm sensation and a cool sensation to the target portion on which the wearing device 2 is worn. The temperature regulator 4C is provided in the tube 32, which is a flow pipe constituting the pressing device 3A. The temperature regulator 4C adjusts the temperature of the fluid by heating or cooling the fluid that is pressure-fed by the pump 33 and flows through the tube 32. An example of the configuration of such a temperature regulator 4C is a configuration including Peltier elements that can perform both heating and cooling of the fluid. Note that the temperature regulator 4C may separately include a heating unit that heats the fluid and a cooling unit that cools the fluid, with the heating unit being made of nichrome wire or the like and the cooling unit being made of a Peltier element or the like. In this case, the heating unit and the cooling unit may be separately disposed in the tube 32.

[0065] [Function of Temperature Regulator] When a warming sensation is to be imparted to the wearer's body part, the temperature regulator 4C heats the fluid pumped by the pump 33, causing the high-temperature fluid to flow into the inflow chamber 3112 of the base 311 through the tube 32. This fluid increases the temperature of the expandable portion 312 that comes into contact with the wearer's body part, thereby imparting a warming sensation to the wearer's body part. When a cooling sensation is to be imparted to the wearer's body part, the temperature regulator 4C cools the fluid pumped by the pump 33, causing the low-temperature fluid to flow into the inflow chamber 3112 of the base 311 through the tube 32. This fluid decreases the temperature of the expandable portion 312 that comes into contact with the wearer's body part, thereby imparting a cooling sensation to the wearer's body part. Note that when switching between imparting a warming sensation, imparting a cooling sensation, and imparting neither a warming sensation nor a cooling sensation in a short period of time, the pump 33 may actively suck the fluid from the inflow chamber 3112.

[0066] [Effects of Third Embodiment] The pressure sense presentation device according to this embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as the pressure sense presentation device 1 according to the first embodiment and the pressure sense presentation device according to the second embodiment.

[0067] [Modifications of the Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0068] In the above embodiments, the wearing device 2 has been described as being worn on the left hand LH, which is one of the target wearing parts. However, this is not limited to this, and the wearing device of the present invention may also be worn on the right hand RH. In this case, the wearing device may be a mirror image of the wearing device 2 for the left hand LH shown in FIG. 1 . Furthermore, the finger inserted into the through hole 25 of the wearing device 2 is not limited to the thumb, but may be other fingers such as the index finger and little finger. In this case, the wearing device 2 may be wrapped around one hand, extending toward the first metacarpal bone, the fifth metacarpal bone, or the first interdigit space between the thumb and index finger.

[0069] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing another example of how the wearing device 2 is worn. Furthermore, the wearing device 2 may be worn on other parts of the body. For example, as shown in FIG. 17 , the wearing device 2 may be worn by wrapping it from the right shoulder RS ​​to the chest BR and back. Specifically, the right shoulder RS ​​is passed through the through-hole 25 of the wearing device 2, the first surface 211 of the band-shaped body 21 is aligned with the chest BR and back, and then the right shoulder RS ​​is inserted through the slit 28 and the first surface 211 is engaged with the engaging portion 29, thereby allowing the wearing device 2 to be worn on the upper body. The same applies when the wearing device 2 is wrapped from the left shoulder LS to the chest BR and back. The same applies when the wearing device 2 is wrapped from the base of one leg to the right shoulder RS ​​or left shoulder LS, or when the wearing device 2 is wrapped from the head to the armpit or groin. When wearing the wearing device 2 by wrapping it from the base of one leg to the right shoulder RS ​​or left shoulder LS, the leg can be passed through the through-hole 25 and the slit 28. When wearing the wearing device 2 by wrapping it from the head to the armpit or groin, the head can be passed through the through-hole 25 and the slit 28. Alternatively, the wearing device 2 may be worn on one foot from the ankle down. For example, the wearing device 2 with the toes of one foot inserted through the through-hole 25 may be wrapped around one foot by extending it toward the first metatarsal or the fifth metatarsal. In this case, the wearing device 2 can be worn on one foot by inserting the toes of the one foot through the slit 28 and then engaging the first surface 211 with the engaging portion 29.

[0070] In each of the above embodiments, the locking portion 29 is provided on the second surface 212 of the band-shaped body 21 and locks onto the first surface 211 of the band-shaped body 21. However, this is not limiting, and the locking portion 29 may be provided on the first surface 211 of the band-shaped body 21 and lock onto the second surface 212 of the band-shaped body 21. In this case, the locking portion 29 may be provided on the end of the first surface 211 opposite to the first portion 22.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the stretch rate of the first portion 22 is higher than the stretch rate of the second portion 23 and the stretch rate of the third portion 24. However, this is not limited thereto. As long as the first portion 22 provided with the through hole 25 has stretchability, the stretch rate of the first portion 22 may be equal to or lower than the stretch rate of each of the second portion 23 and the third portion 24. Furthermore, the slit 28 is provided in the third portion 24. However, this is not limited thereto. The slit 28 may straddle the second portion 23 and the third portion 24.

[0072] In the above embodiments, the band 21 has a first surface 211 that faces the target area and a second surface 212 opposite the first surface 211, and the locking portion 29 is provided on the second surface 232 of the second portion 23 that constitutes the second surface 212, at a position on the first portion 22 side. However, this is not limiting, and the position of the locking portion 29 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the locking portion 29 may be provided on the second surface 232 at a position on the opposite side to the first portion 22, or on the second surface 242 of the third portion 24 at a position on the first portion 22 side.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the through holes 25 are located in the +Y direction relative to the center line CL, and the slits 28 are located in the -Y direction relative to the center line CL. However, this is not limiting, and the positions of the through holes 25 and the slits 28 in the band-shaped body 21 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the through holes 25 may be located in the -Y direction relative to the center line CL, and the slits 28 may be located in the +Y direction relative to the center line CL. Furthermore, for example, at least one of the through holes 25 and the slits 28 may be located on the center line CL. Furthermore, for example, each of the through holes 25 and the slits 28 may be offset in one of the +Y direction and the -Y direction relative to the center line CL.

[0074] In each of the above embodiments, the pressure sensation presentation device includes the pressing devices 3A and 3B, the temperature adjustment devices 4A, 4B, and 4C, and the vibration generating device 5. However, this is not limiting, and the pressure sensation presentation device does not necessarily have to include at least one of the pressing devices, the temperature adjustment device, and the vibration generating device. For example, the pressure sensation presentation device does not necessarily have to include the temperature adjustment device and the vibration generating device.

[0075] In the above embodiments, the pressing portion 31 has the connection portion 313 connectable to one of the first arrangement portion 26 and the second arrangement portion 27, and the connection portion 313, the first arrangement portion 26, and the second arrangement portion 27 are configured with hook-and-loop fasteners. However, this is not limiting, and the first arrangement portion 26 and the second arrangement portion 27 may be provided with a holding structure that holds the base 311 of the pressing portion 31. In other words, the structure for attaching the pressing portion 31 to the band-shaped body 21 may be another structure.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the pressing devices 3A and 3B have the expandable portion 312 that expands and contracts due to the fluid pumped from the pumps 33, 35, and 36, and press the target area where the wearing device 2 is attached. However, this is not the only example, and the configuration of the pressing device is not limited to the above. For example, the pressing device may be one that is protruded by a drive device such as a motor and presses the target area.

[0077] In the above-described embodiments, the temperature adjustment devices 4A, 4B, and 4C are configured to be able to impart both a warm sensation and a cool sensation to the wearer's body part. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the temperature adjustment devices 4A, 4B, and 4C may impart only one of a warm sensation and a cool sensation.

[0078] In each of the above embodiments, the vibration generator 5 is provided on the base 311 of the pressing unit 31. However, this is not limiting, and the vibration generator 5 may be provided in the wearing device 2 separately from the pressing unit 31. Similarly, in the pressure sensation presentation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the temperature adjustment device 4A may also be provided in the wearing device 2 separately from the pressing unit 31.

[0079] In each of the above embodiments, the wearing device 2 constitutes a pressure sensation presentation device. For example, the wearing device 2 supports the pressing portions 31 of the pressing devices 3A and 3B, the temperature adjustment device 4A, and the vibration generating device 5. However, this is not limited to this, and the wearing device of the present invention may also be used as a wearing device for attaching other devices to the body or an object. For example, the wearing device of the present invention may be used to attach an imaging device such as a camera and various sensors that detect body or object movement to the body or an object. Furthermore, for example, the wearing device of the present invention can be used as a medical device such as a supporter, and can also be used as part of clothing, a bag, etc. Furthermore, the wearing device of the present invention is not limited to being worn on the body, but may also be worn on an object.

[0080] [Summary of the Invention] The summary of the invention is as follows: [1] A wearing device comprising: a band-shaped body extending in a first direction, having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a through-hole provided at an end of the band-shaped body opposite to the first direction and penetrating the band-shaped body, a slit provided in the band-shaped body in the first direction relative to the through-hole, extending along the first direction and penetrating the band-shaped body, and a locking portion provided on one of the first surface and the second surface, contacting the other of the first surface and the second surface to lock the other surface.

[0081] With this configuration, the wearing device can be attached to a body or object by inserting a part of the body or object, such as a thumb or arm, through the through-hole, wrapping the band around the body or object, then passing the part through the slit, and engaging the first and second surfaces of the band with the locking portion. For example, when wearing the wearing device on the left hand, the left thumb is inserted through the through-hole, the band is wrapped around the palm and back of the left hand, then the thumb is passed through the slit, and the band is engaged with the locking portion. In this case, because the slit extends along the first direction, the band can be wrapped around the body or object regardless of the size of the target part to which the wearing device is attached. For example, when wearing the wearing device on the left hand, the left thumb can be inserted through the slit extending in the first direction, and the band wrapped around the palm and back of the left hand can be engaged with the locking portion regardless of the left-right dimension and thickness of the left hand. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a wearing tool that corresponds to the size of the part to be worn, and a general-purpose wearing tool can be constructed.

[0082] [2] The wearing device described in [1], wherein the band-shaped body has a first portion in which the through hole is provided, a second portion located in the first direction relative to the first portion, and a third portion located in the first direction relative to the second portion and in which the slit is provided, and the first portion has higher elasticity than the second and third portions. With this configuration, the first portion in which the through hole is provided has higher elasticity than the other portions, so the through hole expands in diameter depending on the thickness of the body part or object part being inserted through the through hole. This makes it easier to insert the body part or object part through the through hole. Furthermore, when the wearing device is attached to the body or object, the first portion can expand and contract in response to the movement of the body or object, allowing the wearing device to be attached to the body stably.

[0083] [3] The wearing device described in [2] is characterized in that the locking portion is provided on the surface of the second portion that constitutes the second surface, at a position closer to the first portion. Here, if the locking portion is provided at a position away from the first portion, and the part of the body to which the wearing device is attached is relatively large, the end of the band opposite the first portion may not reach the locking portion, making it difficult to engage the locking portion with the first surface of the band. In contrast, by providing the locking portion at the above position, it is possible to easily engage the locking portion with the first surface of the band. This makes it easier to wear the wearing device on the body.

[0084] [4] In the attachment described in any one of [1] to [3], the through hole passes through the center in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on the first surface and is located in the second direction relative to a center line along the first direction, and the slit is located in the opposite direction to the second direction relative to the center line.

[0085] According to this configuration, the dimension of the portion of the band-shaped body in the second direction relative to the through-hole is smaller than the dimension of the portion of the band-shaped body in the opposite direction relative to the through-hole. Furthermore, the dimension of the portion of the band-shaped body in the second direction relative to the slit is larger than the dimension of the portion of the band-shaped body in the opposite direction relative to the slit. That is, the through-hole and the slit are disposed on opposite sides of the center line. Therefore, when the distance of the portion of the body to be worn in the opposite direction relative to the insertion portion that passes through the through-hole is greater than the distance of the portion of the body to be worn in the second direction relative to the insertion portion, the wearing device can be easily wrapped around the wearing device along the extension direction of the band-shaped body. For example, on the left hand, the distance from the thumb to the base of the index finger is generally greater than the distance from the thumb to the wrist. Therefore, when the wearing device is worn on the left hand, the wearing device can be easily wrapped around the left hand along the extension direction of the band-shaped body. This makes it easier to wear the wearing device on the body.

[0086] [5] A pressure sensation presentation device comprising the wearing device according to [2] or [3], and a pressing part provided on the band-shaped body and pressing the target part where the wearing device is worn. With this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the above-mentioned wearing device, and to configure a highly versatile pressure sensation presentation device that can be worn regardless of the size of the target part.

[0087] [6] The pressure sensation presentation device according to [5], wherein the wearing fixture has a placement part provided on a surface constituting the first surface in at least one of the second part and the third part, and on which the pressing part is removably placed. With this configuration, the type of pressing part provided on the placement part can be changed. Therefore, the pressing part attached to the wearing fixture can be changed depending on the application, etc., thereby making it possible to configure a highly versatile pressure sensation presentation device.

[0088] [7] The pressure sensation presentation device according to [6], wherein the pressing unit is provided on a surface facing the arrangement unit and has a detachable connection unit to the arrangement unit. This configuration makes it easy to change the arrangement position of the pressing unit on the arrangement unit depending on the application, etc., thereby providing a highly versatile pressure sensation presentation device.

[0089] [8] The pressure sensation presentation device according to [7], wherein the connecting portion and the arranging portion are each configured by a hook-and-loop fastener that can be engaged with each other. With this configuration, the connecting portion and the arranging portion that allow the pressing portion to be detached can be easily configured. Therefore, the pressure sensation presentation device can be easily configured.

[0090] [9] The pressure sensation presentation device according to any one of [5] to [8], further comprising a temperature control device that provides at least one of a warm sensation and a cool sensation to the wearing target part. With this configuration, the versatility of the pressure sensation presentation device can be improved.

[0091]

[10] The pressure sensation presentation device according to [9], wherein the temperature adjustment device is provided in a portion of the pressing unit that presses the target area. With this configuration, the temperature adjustment device can provide at least one of a warm sensation and a cool sensation to the target area while the pressing unit is in contact.

[0092]

[11] The pressure sensation presentation device described in [9], wherein the pressing unit comprises: a base having an inflow chamber into which a fluid flows; and an expandable unit provided on the base, which expands and contracts in response to the fluid flowing into the inflow chamber to press against the target body part; and the temperature adjustment device adjusts the temperature of the fluid. This configuration allows the pressing unit to simultaneously apply pressure and at least one of a warm sensation and a cool sensation to the target body part. Furthermore, because the temperature adjustment device adjusts the temperature of the fluid supplied to the inflow chamber of the pressing unit, the weight of the component of the pressure sensation presentation device that is attached to the body or object can be reduced compared to when a temperature adjustment device is provided in the pressing unit.

[0093]

[12] The pressure sensation presentation device according to

[11] , further comprising: a pump for pumping the fluid; and a circulation pipe provided between the base and the pump for circulating the fluid pumped from the pump to the base, wherein the temperature adjustment device is provided in the circulation pipe. With this configuration, the temperature adjustment device can adjust the temperature of the fluid supplied from the pump to the pressing unit.

[0094]

[13] The pressure sensation presentation device according to any one of [5] to

[12] , further comprising a vibration generating device that applies vibration to the target wearing portion. Such a configuration can enhance the versatility of the pressure sensation presentation device.

[0095]

[14] The pressure sense presentation device according to

[13] , wherein the vibration generating device is provided in the pressing unit. With this configuration, vibration can be applied to the wearing target part pressed by the pressing unit, so that the wearer of the pressure sense presentation device can be given the sensation of touching a virtual object, for example.

[0096] 1...pressure sensation presentation device, 2...wearing device, 21...belt-shaped body, 211...first surface, 212...second surface, 22...first part, 23...second part, 231...first surface, 232...second surface, 24...third part, 241...first surface, 242...second surface, 25...through hole, 26...first arrangement portion (arrangement portion), 27...second arrangement portion (arrangement portion), 28...slit, 29...locking portion, 3A, 3B...pressing device, 31...pressing portion, 311...base, 3111...flow path, 3112...inflow chamber, 32, 34...tube (flow pipe), 33...pump, 35...first pump, 36...second pump, 4A, 4B, 4C...temperature adjustment device, 41...first temperature adjustment portion, 42...second temperature adjustment portion, 5...vibration generator, CL...center line.

Claims

1. A wearing device comprising: a band-shaped body extending in a first direction having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a through hole provided at an end of the band-shaped body facing away from the first direction and penetrating the band-shaped body; a slit provided in the band-shaped body in the first direction relative to the through hole, extending along the first direction and penetrating the band-shaped body; and a locking portion provided on one of the first surface and the second surface, contacting the other of the first surface and the second surface to lock the other surface.

2. A wearing device as described in claim 1, wherein the band-shaped body has a first portion in which the through hole is provided, a second portion located in the first direction relative to the first portion, and a third portion located in the first direction relative to the second portion and in which the slit is provided, and the first portion has a higher elasticity than the second and third portions.

3. A wearing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that the engaging portion is provided at a position on the surface of the second portion constituting the second surface, on the side of the first portion.

4. A mounting device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the through hole passes through the center in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on the first surface and is positioned in the second direction relative to a center line along the first direction, and the slit is positioned in the opposite direction to the second direction relative to the center line.

5. A pressure sensation presentation device comprising: a wearing device as described in claim 2 or 3; and a pressing section provided on the band-shaped body for pressing against a target area on which the wearing device is worn.

6. A pressure sensation presentation device as described in claim 5, characterized in that the wearing device has a positioning portion provided on a surface constituting the first surface in at least one of the second part and the third part, and on which the pressing portion is removably arranged.

7. A pressure sensation presentation device as described in claim 6, characterized in that the pressing portion is provided on a surface facing the placement portion and has a removable connection portion to the placement portion.

8. A pressure sensation presentation device according to claim 7, characterized in that the connection portion and the arrangement portion are each constituted by a hook-and-loop fastener that can be engaged with each other.

9. A pressure sensation presentation device as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a temperature control device for providing at least one of a warm sensation and a cold sensation to the part of the body to which the pressure sensation is applied.

10. A pressure sensation presentation device as described in claim 9, characterized in that the temperature adjustment device is provided in a portion of the pressing section that presses the target area.

11. A pressure sensation presentation device as described in claim 9, characterized in that the pressing unit has a base having an inflow chamber into which a fluid flows, and an expansion and contraction unit provided on the base and expands and contracts due to the fluid flowing into the inflow chamber to press against the target area, and the temperature adjustment device adjusts the temperature of the fluid.

12. A pressure sensation presentation device as described in claim 11, further comprising: a pump for pressurizing the fluid; and a circulation pipe provided between the base and the pump for circulating the fluid pressurized from the pump to the base, wherein the temperature control device is provided in the circulation pipe.

13. A pressure sensation presentation device as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a vibration generating device for imparting vibration to the part to be worn.

14. A pressure sensation presentation device according to claim 13, characterized in that the vibration generating device is provided in the pressing portion.

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