JP7476860B2 - Detection device and footwear - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a detection device and footwear that detects the load applied to the sole of the foot.

In recent years, technology has been proposed that uses a detection device placed on the bottom or insole of footwear to detect the load applied to the sole of the foot. The load detected by the detection device is used, for example, to analyze the user's walking condition, health condition, and performance during exercise. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an insole that includes an insole body and a pressure sensor as a detection element placed inside the insole body. The insole in Patent Document 1 is provided with a total of four pressure sensors, two on the toe side and two on the heel side.

JP 2020-032176 A

In order to perform various analyses using the load detected by the detection device, it is necessary to increase the amount of information related to the load detected by the detection device. One possible means for increasing the amount of information is to increase the number of pressure sensors installed to increase the density of pressure sensors per area on the sole of the foot. However, in this case, although the resolution of the information obtained is improved, the nature of the information obtained does not change. Therefore, although the increased information in this case improves the accuracy of existing analyses, it does not become information for performing analyses that are different from existing analyses.

The detection device that solves the above problem is applied as part of footwear or is attached to the footwear for use, and detects a load applied to the sole of the foot. The detection device includes a sheet-like base that is placed on the sole of the foot, and one or more first sensors and multiple second sensors that are attached to the base. The first sensor is a sheet-like sensor that detects a load applied over a wide area of the sole of the foot, and the second sensor is a sheet-like sensor that detects a load applied over a narrower area than the detection range of the first sensor and has a smaller outer shape than the first sensor. Two or more second sensors are stacked for each first sensor in the thickness direction of the base.

With the above configuration, it is possible to obtain information on the total load applied to the sole of the foot as the detection result of the first sensor, and information on the load distribution on the sole of the foot as the detection result of the second sensor. By combining information on the load distribution on the sole of the foot with information on the total load applied to the sole of the foot, it is possible to perform analysis that would be difficult to perform using only information on the load distribution on the sole of the foot.

The first sensor is preferably a single sensor having a detection range covering the entire sole of the foot. The planar shape of the first sensor is, for example, a shoe sole shape.
According to the above configuration, since there is no gap between the sensors, the total load applied to the sole of the foot can be detected more accurately.

At least one of the first sensor and the second sensor is preferably an elastomer capacitive pressure sensor.
Since the capacitive pressure sensor made of elastomer has flexibility and stretchability, at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor can deform in accordance with the deformation of the base based on the movement of the foot, thereby improving the durability of the detection device.

The base preferably includes a sheet-like housing that holds an electronic module electrically connected to the first sensor, and a first wiring that connects the first sensor and the electronic module is preferably arranged to wrap around the outside of the side edge of the housing.

According to the above configuration, the range of the first wiring arranged at a position overlapping the first sensor, i.e., the portion crossing the detection range of the first sensor, can be shortened. This reduces the effect of the first wiring on the detection accuracy of the first sensor. In addition, since the load applied to the first wiring is reduced, bending or folding of the first wiring can be suppressed.

Footwear that solves the above problem is footwear in which the detection device is disposed at the sole, and the portion of the first wiring that is located outside the side edge of the housing is routed along the inner periphery of the footwear.

With the above configuration, the portion of the first wiring located outside the base can be stably held inside the footwear.

The present invention makes it possible to obtain information about the load applied to the sole of the foot that is suitable for performing a variety of analyses.

FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view of the lower part of the detection device.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the detection device 10 of the present invention embodied in an insole for detecting a load will be described.
1, the detection device 10 includes a base 20 used as an insole of footwear, and a detection unit 30 attached to the base 20. Having flexibility means that the detection device is soft enough to bend in the front-rear direction in accordance with the movement of the sole of the foot when walking, jumping, landing, etc.

<Base>
The base 20 includes a first housing 21 that constitutes the upper part of the base 20 and a second housing 22 that constitutes the lower part of the base 20 .

The first housing 21 has a planar underside and a three-dimensional upper surface that conforms to the shape of the sole of the foot. The planar shape of the first housing 21, i.e., the shape when viewed from above, is a sole shape. The sole shape is, for example, a substantially elliptical shape with a recess in the center inside in the front-to-rear direction. Examples of materials that make up the first housing 21 include EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and PU (polyurethane). The cushioning and resilience of the insole can be adjusted by adjusting one or both of the material that makes up the first housing 21 and the thickness of the first housing 21. A skin 23 that covers the first housing 21 is attached to the upper surface of the first housing 21.

The second housing 22 is a sheet-like member whose planar shape is formed into the shape of a shoe sole. In this embodiment, the second housing 22 corresponds to the housing described in the claims. The second housing 22 is provided with a sensor housing section 24, a module housing section 25, and a wiring housing section 26 that house the components of the detection unit 30. The sensor housing section 24, the module housing section 25, and the wiring housing section 26 are through holes that penetrate the second housing 22 in the thickness direction. Examples of materials that the second housing 22 is made of include EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and PU (polyurethane).

The base 20 also includes an adhesive layer 27 that bonds the lower surface of the second housing 22 to the components of the detection unit 30. The adhesive layer 27 is not particularly limited, and may be an adhesive layer using a sheet material such as double-sided tape, or an adhesive layer using an adhesive.

<Detection unit>
As shown in FIG. 1, the detection unit 30 includes one large first sensor 31 arranged on the underside of the second housing 22, and seven small second sensors 32 housed in the sensor housing portion 24 of the second housing 22.

The first sensor 31 is a pressure sensor for detecting the total load applied to the sole of the foot, and has a wide detection range in the base 20. In this embodiment, the detection range of the first sensor 31 is the entire base 20 when viewed from above. The first sensor 31 is formed in a sheet shape whose planar shape is the same as the sole shape of the second housing 22. The first sensor 31 is layered on the underside of the second housing 22 and is adhered to the second housing 22 by an adhesive layer 27.

The second sensor 32 is a pressure sensor for detecting partial load applied to a specific part of the sole of the foot, and has a detection range narrower than that of the first sensor 31. The specific part can be set appropriately depending on the application.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, in this embodiment, a total of seven locations on the sole of the foot are designated as the specific sites, including five locations on the toe side and four locations on the heel side. Note that the first housing 21 and the skin 23 are not shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The second sensor 32 is formed in a substantially circular sheet shape with a smaller outer shape than the first sensor 31. In other words, the second sensor 32 is formed in a substantially circular sheet shape with a smaller surface area than the first sensor 31. The second sensor 32 is housed in the sensor housing section 24 of the second housing 22.

The second sensors 32 are fixed in the sensor housing 24 by being adhered to the upper surface of the adhesive layer 27. Therefore, each second sensor 32 is stacked on top of the first sensor 31 via the adhesive layer 27. The first sensor 31 and the second sensor 32 are also arranged in positions where they overlap in the thickness direction of the base 20, which is the direction in which the load is applied, that is, in the vertical direction.

The pressure sensors constituting the first sensor 31 and the second sensor 32 can be publicly known pressure-sensitive sensors using piezoelectric elements or the like. In particular, considering that the sensors are placed on the soles of the feet, it is preferable to use capacitive pressure sensors made of elastomers using dielectric elastomers from the standpoint of elasticity and durability.

Examples of the dielectric elastomer include cross-linked polyrotaxane, silicone elastomer, acrylic elastomer, and urethane elastomer. The capacitive pressure sensor made of elastomer is a sheet-like multilayer structure in which a sheet-like dielectric layer made of a dielectric elastomer and positive and negative electrodes as electrode layers arranged on both sides of the thickness direction of the dielectric layer are laminated.

The detection unit 30 further includes an electronic module 33 as a processing unit, a first wiring 34 , and a second wiring 35 .
Functional elements constituting the electronic module 33 include, for example, a power source such as a battery, a signal processing circuit that processes signals from the first sensor 31 and the second sensor 32, a memory unit that stores various information such as the signals from the first sensor 31 and the second sensor 32 and information obtained by processing the signals, and a communication unit that communicates with the outside. The electronic module 33 is housed in the module housing 25. The electronic module 33 and the module housing 25 are disposed at the plantar arch, or the so-called arch position.

The first wiring 34 electrically connects the first sensor 31 and the electronic module 33. The first wiring 34 has flexibility that allows it to deform in accordance with the base 20. Examples of the flexible first wiring 34 include a flexible printed wiring board and a lead wire.

2, the first wiring 34 is arranged so as to wrap around the side edge of the second housing 22 from the outside. The first wiring 34 has a first portion 34a and a second portion 34b. The first portion 34a is a portion that extends from the electronic module 33 side toward the first sensor 31 side along the upper surface of the second housing 22 to the side edge of the second housing 22. The second portion 34b is a portion that extends downward from the first portion 34a along the side edge of the second housing 22 and is connected to the edge of the first sensor 31. The portion of the first wiring 34 that runs along the upper surface of the second housing 22 is sandwiched between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22.

The second wiring 35 electrically connects the second sensor 32 and the electronic module 33. The second wiring 35 has flexibility that allows it to deform in accordance with the base 20. Examples of the flexible second wiring 35 include a flexible printed wiring board and a lead wire. The second wiring 35 is housed within the wiring housing 26. The second wiring 35 is fixed within the wiring housing 26 by being adhered to the upper surface of the adhesive layer 27.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
The detection device 10 of this embodiment includes a first sensor 31 that detects a load applied to a wide area of the sole of the foot as a sensor that detects a total load applied to the sole of the foot. Furthermore, the detection device 10 includes a plurality of second sensors 32 that detect partial loads applied to specific parts of the sole of the foot. The plurality of second sensors 32 are stacked at different positions on one first sensor 31.

The detection device 10 can obtain information on the total load applied to the sole of the foot based on the detection results of the first sensor 31, and information on the load distribution on the sole of the foot based on the detection results of the second sensor 32. By combining information on the load distribution on the sole of the foot with information on the total load applied to the sole of the foot, it is possible to perform a variety of analyses that are difficult to perform using only information on the load distribution on the sole of the foot.

For example, in order to transmit power to the ball during a golf swing, it is important to not only shift your weight with the soles of your feet at the right time, but also to press down on the ground with the right load according to your weight. Even if you are able to shift your weight at the right time, if you are unable to press down on the ground with the right load according to your weight, you will not be able to transmit enough power to the ball. The same is true when jumping high in volleyball.

In addition, when running, even if a person is able to properly transfer the load on the soles of their feet when landing and pushing off, they may be running in a way that puts a lot of strain on their feet. Specifically, running with a large stride and landing further forward than the body axis places a lot of strain on the knees. Since the load on the feet when running is several times body weight, there is a strong need to analyze whether or not a person is running in a way that puts a lot of strain on their feet.

As such, when evaluating a person's movement state, there are many situations where an analysis based only on information about the load distribution on the soles of the feet is insufficient and needs to be supplemented with an analysis based on information about the total load applied to the soles of the feet. Therefore, the detection device 10 that can obtain information about the load distribution on the soles of the feet and information about the total load applied to the soles of the feet is useful when performing a variety of analyses.

When performing an analysis based on information about the total load applied to the soles of the feet, individual differences due to weight must be taken into consideration. With the detection device 10, the weight of the wearer can be easily determined based on information about the total load applied to the soles of the feet when not exercising, for example. Furthermore, when the detection device 10 is placed on the soles of both feet, it is also possible to analyze the position of the center of gravity by combining information about the total load applied to the soles of each foot.

Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1) The detection device 10 includes a sheet-like base 20 placed on the sole of the foot, and a single first sensor 31 and multiple second sensors 32 attached to the base 20. The first sensor 31 is a sheet-like sensor that detects a load applied over a wide area on the sole of the foot. The second sensor 32 is a sheet-like sensor that detects a load applied over a narrower area than the detection area of the first sensor 31 and has a smaller outer shape than the first sensor 31. In the thickness direction of the base 20, two or more second sensors 32 are stacked for each first sensor 31.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to obtain information regarding the load applied to the sole of the foot that is suitable for performing various analyses.
(2) The first sensor 31 is a single sensor whose detection range is the entire sole of the foot. The planar shape of the first sensor 31 is, for example, the shape of a shoe sole.

With the above configuration, there are no gaps between the sensors in the surface direction of the base 20, so the load can be detected over the entire surface of the base 20. This allows the total load applied to the sole of the foot to be detected more accurately.

(3) The first sensor 31 and the second sensor 32 are capacitance-type pressure sensors made of elastomer.
Since the capacitive pressure sensor made of elastomer has flexibility and stretchability, the first sensor 31 and the second sensor 32 can deform in accordance with the deformation of the base 20 based on the movement of the foot. This improves the durability of the detection device 10.

(4) The second sensor 32 is located above the first sensor 31 .
Consider a stacked configuration in which the second sensor 32, which has a relatively small outer shape, is located below the first sensor 31, which has a relatively large outer shape. In this case, a part of the load applied to the portion of the first sensor 31 that overlaps with the second sensor 32 escapes to the portion not overlapping with the second sensor 32, thereby attenuating the load transmitted to the second sensor 32. With the above configuration, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the detection sensitivity of the second sensor 32 due to attenuation of the force at the first sensor 31.

(5) The base 20 includes a sheet-like second housing 22 that holds an electronic module 33 that is electrically connected to the first sensor 31. The first wiring 34 that connects the first sensor 31 and the electronic module 33 is arranged to wrap around the outside of the side edge of the second housing 22.

According to the above configuration, the first portion 34a of the first wiring 34 arranged at a position overlapping the first sensor 31 in the vertical direction in which the load is applied, i.e., the portion crossing the detection range of the first sensor 31, can be shortened. This reduces the effect of the first wiring 34 on the detection accuracy of the first sensor 31. In addition, since the load applied to the first wiring 34 is reduced, bending or folding of the first wiring 34 can be suppressed.

This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.
A peripheral wall that covers the side edge of the second housing 22 may be provided on the peripheral edge of the lower surface of the first housing 21 .

The first sensor 31 and the second sensor 32 may be stacked adjacent to each other, or may be stacked with another layer interposed therebetween. For example, the second housing 22 may be interposed between the first sensor 31 and the second sensor 32.

- A sheet-like third housing may be provided under the second housing 22, and the first sensor 31 may be sandwiched between the second housing 22 and the third housing. In this case, the strength of the detection device 10 is improved.

Instead of the stacked structure in which the second sensor 32 is located above the first sensor 31 , a stacked structure in which the second sensor 32 is located below the first sensor 31 may be used.
The number and arrangement of the first sensors 31 and the second sensors 32 are not limited to those in the above embodiment as long as two or more second sensors 32 are stacked for one first sensor 31. For example, there may be a portion of the base 20 that is not within the detection range of the first sensor 31 when viewed from above.

In addition, instead of providing a single first sensor 31, a configuration may be adopted in which multiple first sensors 31 are provided. For example, the entire base 20 in the surface direction is divided into multiple areas, and multiple first sensors 31 are provided, each with a detection range for each divided area.

The arrangement of the first wiring 34 and the second wiring 35 may be changed.
The number and arrangement of the electronic modules 33 provided in the detection device 10 are not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. For example, the electronic module 33 may be divided into a plurality of members, or the electronic module 33 may be provided outside the base 20.

The detection device 10 may be applied to footwear. In this case, the sole of the footwear is used as the base 20. Furthermore, when the detection device 10 is applied to footwear, it is preferable that the portion of the first wiring 34 located outside the side edge of the second housing 22 is routed along the inner periphery of the footwear. In other words, the portion of the first wiring 34 located outside the side edge of the second housing 22 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the side edge of the second housing 22 and the inner wall surface of the footwear. In this case, the portion of the first wiring 34 located outside the base 20 can be stably held within the footwear.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 detection device 20 base 21 first housing 22 second housing 30 detection unit 31 first sensor 32 second sensor 33 electronic module 34 first wiring 35 second wiring

Claims (6)

A detection device that is applied as a part of footwear or is attached to the footwear and detects a load applied to a sole of the foot,
A sheet-like base to be placed on the sole of the foot;
one or more first sensors and a plurality of second sensors attached to the base;
The first sensor is a sheet-like sensor that detects a load applied over a wide area of the sole of the foot,
the second sensor is a sheet-like sensor that detects a load applied in a range narrower than a detection range of the first sensor and has an outer shape smaller than that of the first sensor,
A detection device, characterized in that two or more of the second sensors are stacked for one of the first sensors in a thickness direction of the base. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor is a single sensor whose detection range is the entire sole of the foot. The detection device according to claim 2, wherein the planar shape of the first sensor is a shoe sole shape. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor is a capacitance-type pressure sensor made of an elastomer. the base includes a sheet-like housing that holds an electronic module electrically connected to the first sensor;
5. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein a first wiring that connects the first sensor and the electronic module is routed so as to wrap around an outside edge of the housing. Footwear having the detection device according to claim 5 disposed on a sole,
Footwear, characterized in that the portion of the first wiring located outside the side edge of the housing is routed along the inner surface of the footwear.

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