Cuff structure and blood pressure measuring device

Abstract

A cuff structure (3) for use in a blood pressure measurement device (1) is provided with: one or more air bags (71, 81) that are inflated by a fluid; and one or more members (51, 53, 71, 81) included in the air bag (71, 81) or laminated on the air bag (71, 81), bent portions (55) being provided on at least two of the air bag (71, 81) and the one or more members (51, 53), one of the bent portions (55) being formed by an opening or a divided portion, and the other of the bent portions (55) being formed by an opening, a divided portion, a cutout, a recess, or a groove.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number CN 202380058764.3, application date August 29, 2023, and invention name “Cuff structure and blood pressure measurement device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a cuff structure and a blood pressure measuring device. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, blood pressure measurement devices have become increasingly popular as a means of confirming health status not only in medical facilities but also at home. These devices measure blood pressure by inflating and deflating a cuff wrapped around, for example, the upper arm or wrist. A pressure sensor detects the pressure of the cuff, thereby detecting arterial wall vibrations.

[0004] As a cuff for such a blood pressure measurement device, a laminated cuff is known, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-224558. This laminated cuff prevents lateral expansion by providing a connecting portion and stiffening the sidewalls. This allows for efficient compression without changing width even when the cuff expands. However, this laminated cuff has the following problem: the connecting portion hinders outward expansion of the collar, resulting in a trade-off between compression efficiency and ease of lateral expansion.

[0005] Furthermore, adjusting the material strength, specifically the thickness and hardness of the sheet material forming the cuff, is generally difficult. Furthermore, adjustments to the overall strength of the cuff are made, preventing measures such as increasing the strength of only those areas prone to lateral expansion. Furthermore, laminated cuffs, constructed by stacking multiple sheet materials, present a problem of thickness and prone to wrinkling. Wrinkles in the cuff can disrupt the internal space, reducing blood pressure measurement accuracy.

[0006] Therefore, as a conventional cuff wrinkle control method, a technique of controlling wrinkles by providing notches in a separator is known, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6751462. This technique aims to reduce stress concentration by forming large curved wrinkles into gentle wrinkles.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-224558

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6751462 Summary of the Invention

[0011] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0012] In the above-mentioned cuff wrinkle control method, when the cuff is wrapped around a measurement area with a small curvature, wrinkles will also occur in areas other than the notch, thus failing to fully achieve the desired effect. In addition, if the cuff itself has thickness, as in the above-mentioned laminated structure, this also fails to achieve the desired effect.

[0013] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cuff structure and a blood pressure measurement device that can control the generated wrinkles.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] According to one embodiment, a cuff structure is provided for use in a blood pressure measuring device, the cuff structure comprising: one or more air bags inflated by a fluid; and one or more components, included in the air bags or stacked on the air bags, wherein a bending portion is provided on at least two of the air bags and the one or more components, one side of the bending portion is formed by an opening or a dividing portion, and the other side of the bending portion is formed by an opening, a dividing portion, a notch, a recess, or a groove.

[0016] According to this solution, the strength of the two or more components of the cuff structure is weakened by the bent portion including the opening. This reduces wrinkles that form in the curved air pocket when the cuff structure is attached to a living body. This allows the cuff structure to produce desired wrinkles, preventing unintended wrinkles that are too deep. Consequently, the cuff structure enables stable blood pressure measurement using a blood pressure measurement device.

[0017] A cuff structure is provided. In the cuff structure of one of the above schemes, the structure comprises: a clamping ring as the component, the clamping ring being curved to imitate the circumferential shape of the wearing part of the biological body; a pressing cuff fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the clamping ring and including the air bag; a back plate as the component, fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the pressing cuff; and a sensing cuff fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the back plate and including the air bag.

[0018] According to this aspect, wrinkles of the compression cuff and the sensing cuff that compress the living body, which have a significant influence on stress concentration and reduction in compression efficiency, can be controlled, thereby enabling stable blood pressure measurement.

[0019] A cuff structure is provided. In the cuff structure of the above-mentioned embodiment, the air bag includes an intermediate sheet member, and the bent portion formed in the air bag is one or more openings formed in the intermediate sheet member and / or a recessed portion formed in the surface of the air bag.

[0020] According to this aspect, the cuff structure can reduce the strength of the air bag that causes wrinkles, making it easier to control wrinkles generated in the air bag. As a result, the cuff structure can reduce the influence of the hardness of the air bag on the control of wrinkles.

[0021] A cuff structure is provided. In the cuff structure according to the above aspect, the bent portion formed on the back plate is an opening, a partition, a notch, or a groove formed on the back plate.

[0022] According to this aspect, the cuff structure can reduce the strength of the back plate to which the sensing cuff is fixed, thereby facilitating control of wrinkles generated in the sensing cuff.

[0023] A cuff structure is provided. In the cuff structure of one of the above-mentioned schemes, the clamping ring, the pressing cuff, the back plate and the sensing cuff are formed to be long in one direction, and the bending portions provided on at least two of the clamping ring, the pressing cuff, the back plate and the sensing cuff are arranged in a plurality in the one direction.

[0024] According to this aspect, the cuff structure has a plurality of folds arranged in one direction, thereby dispersing wrinkles generated in the air bag. The cuff structure can suppress the generation of deep wrinkles by dispersing the wrinkles.

[0025] A cuff structure is provided. In the cuff structure of one of the above-mentioned schemes, the bent portions provided on at least two of the clamping ring, the pressing cuff, the back plate and the sensing cuff are configured to at least partially overlap with the bent portions adjacent to the stacking direction and / or be staggered in the one direction with respect to the bent portions adjacent to the stacking direction.

[0026] According to this solution, by at least partially overlapping the bent portions of two or more members, wrinkles can be generated at desired locations. Furthermore, by staggering the bent portions of two or more members, wrinkles can be finely dispersed. In this way, the cuff structure can arbitrarily adjust the location and number of wrinkles by arranging the bent portions.

[0027] According to one embodiment, there is provided a blood pressure measurement device comprising: the cuff structure according to the above embodiment; a device body fixed to the cuff structure; and a strap provided on the device body to fix the cuff structure.

[0028] According to this aspect, by providing a blood pressure measurement device having the above-described cuff structure, variations in wrinkles caused by the wearing state and wrist shape can be suppressed, thereby suppressing variations in blood pressure measurement accuracy caused by wrinkles.

[0029] Effects of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, a cuff structure and a blood pressure measurement device capable of controlling the occurrence of wrinkles can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a blood pressure measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 It is a side view showing the structure of the blood pressure measurement device.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the structure of the blood pressure measurement device in a state of being worn on the wrist.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the blood pressure measurement device.

[0035] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the structure of a cuff structure used in the blood pressure measurement device by unfolding it from the side.

[0036] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a cuff used in the cuff structure.

[0037] Figure 7 FIG1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of the cuff.

[0038] Figure 8 FIG1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of the cuff.

[0039] Figure 9 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the folded portion used in the cuff structure.

[0040] Figure 10 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of another example of the bent portion.

[0041] Figure 11 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of another example of the bent portion.

[0042] Figure 12 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of another example of the bent portion.

[0043] Figure 13 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of another example of the bent portion.

[0044] Figure 14 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of another example of the bent portion.

[0045] Figure 15 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of another example of the bent portion.

[0046] Figure 16 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of another example of the bent portion.

[0047] Figure 17 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of another example of the bent portion.

[0048] Figure 18 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of another example of the bent portion.

[0049] Figure 19 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of another example of the bent portion.

[0050] Figure 20 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of another example of the bent portion.

[0051] Figure 21 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of another example of the bent portion.

[0052] Figure 22 This is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the folded portion of the cuff structure in a developed manner.

[0053] Figure 23 This is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the folded portion of the cuff structure in a developed manner.

[0054] Figure 24 1 and 2 are explanatory diagrams showing the evaluation results of the cuff structure in comparison with a comparative example.

[0055] Description of Reference Numerals

[0056] 1: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0057] 3: device body;

[0058] 4: Cuff structure;

[0059] 5: strap;

[0060] 5a: hook and loop fasteners;

[0061] 11: Shell;

[0062] 12: Display unit;

[0063] 13: Operation unit;

[0064] 14: Pump;

[0065] 15: Acceleration sensor;

[0066] 16: valve;

[0067] 17: pressure sensor;

[0068] 18: Battery;

[0069] 19: Ministry of Communications;

[0070] 20: Biosensor;

[0071] 21: Charging circuit;

[0072] 22: memory;

[0073] 23: Processor;

[0074] 24: Fluid circuit;

[0075] 31: outline shell;

[0076] 31a: annulus;

[0077] 32: Windshield;

[0078] 33: back cover;

[0079] 41: button;

[0080] 43: touch panel;

[0081] 51: clamp ring;

[0082] 51a: decorative piece;

[0083] 51b: concave part;

[0084] 52: Press the cuff;

[0085] 53: back panel;

[0086] 53a: opening;

[0087] 53b: concave part;

[0088] 53c: notch;

[0089] 53d: small piece;

[0090] 54: Sensing cuff;

[0091] 55: bending portion;

[0092] 61: fixed portion;

[0093] 62: first curved portion;

[0094] 63: second curved portion;

[0095] 71: air bag;

[0096] 71a: main wall;

[0097] 71b: side wall;

[0098] 75: Sheet member;

[0099] 75a: opening;

[0100] 75b: concave part;

[0101] 76: intermediate sheet member;

[0102] 76a: opening;

[0103] 81: air bag;

[0104] 81a: main wall;

[0105] 81b: side wall;

[0106] 82: Flow path body;

[0107] 85: Sheet member;

[0108] 85b: concave part;

[0109] 86: intermediate sheet member;

[0110] 86a: opening;

[0111] 100: power transmission device;

[0112] 101: Power supply;

[0113] 102: Power transmission department;

[0114] 103: antenna unit;

[0115] 211: antenna unit;

[0116] 212: Power receiving unit;

[0117] 213: Charging unit;

[0118] 300: wrist;

[0119] 311: radial artery;

[0120] 312: Ulnar artery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0121] Below, use Figures 1 to 24 An example of the blood pressure measurement device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0122] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a blood pressure measurement device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a side view showing the structure of the blood pressure measurement device 1 . Figure 3 This is a side view showing the structure of the blood pressure measurement device 1 in a state where the device is worn on the wrist 300 . Figure 4 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the device main body 3 of the blood pressure measurement device 1 .

[0123] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the structure of the cuff structure 4 used in the blood pressure measurement device 1 in a developed manner and viewed from the side. Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a pressing cuff 52 and a sensing cuff 54 as cuffs used in the cuff structure 4 . Figure 7 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of the pressing cuff 52 . Figure 8 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of the sensing cuff 54 . Figures 9 to 21 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the bent portion 55 provided in each member of the cuff structure 4 . Figure 24 It is an explanatory diagram showing the evaluation results of the cuff structure 4 in comparison with a comparative example.

[0124] The blood pressure measuring device 1 is an electronic blood pressure measuring device that is worn on a living body. Figure 3 As shown, the blood pressure measurement device 1 is a wearable device that is attached to a wrist 300. The blood pressure measurement device 1 is, for example, an electronic blood pressure measurement device that measures blood pressure from arteries 311 and 312 of the wrist 300.

[0125] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the blood pressure measurement device 1 includes, for example, a device body 3 , a cuff structure 4 , and a strap 5 .

[0126] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the device body 3 includes, for example, a housing 11 , a display unit 12 , an operating unit 13 , a pump 14 , an acceleration sensor 15 , a valve 16 , a pressure sensor 17 , a battery 18 , a communication unit 19 , a charging circuit unit 21 , a memory 22 , and a processor 23 .

[0127] The housing 11 is an outer shell that houses the components of the device body 3. For example, the housing 11 houses the display unit 12, the operating unit 13, the pump 14, the acceleration sensor 15, the valve 16, the pressure sensor 17, the battery 18, the communication unit 19, the biosensor 20, the charging circuit unit 21, the memory 22, and the processor 23. Furthermore, the housing 11 houses, for example, a fluid circuit 24. It should be noted that the fluid circuit 24 may include, for example, a tube that forms a flow path for the fluid supplied from the pump 14 to the cuff structure 4, a flow plate, a flow block that controls the amount and pressure of the fluid supplied to the cuff structure 4, and other components, as well as a one-way valve that controls the flow direction of the fluid.

[0128] The housing 11 includes, for example, a shell casing 31 , a damper 32 covering an upper opening of the shell casing 31 , and a rear cover 33 covering a lower portion of the shell casing 31 .

[0129] The outer shell 31 may be formed in a cylindrical, rectangular, or polygonal shape, for example. In this embodiment, the outer shell 31 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape. The outer shell 31 has a ring portion 31a provided on one side of its outer circumference. The ring portion 31a is a rectangular ring-shaped member with an opening extending in one direction for the strap 5 to pass through, allowing the strap 5 to be passed through and folded back. The ring portion 31a is integrally formed with the outer shell 31. The windshield 32 has the same shape as the outer circumference of the outer shell 31 and, in this embodiment, is a rectangular glass plate. It should be noted that the windshield 32 can be made of any transparent or light-transmitting material and is not limited to a glass plate. The rear cover 33 closes the bottom of the outer shell 31. It should be noted that the housing 11 may also adopt a structure in which the bottom of the outer shell 31 is closed by a collar 51 (described later) fixed to the cuff structure 4 of the housing 11, without the rear cover 33.

[0130] The display unit 12 is disposed directly below the windshield 32. The display unit 12 is electrically connected to the processor 23. The display unit 12 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent display. The display unit 12 displays various information including the date and time, blood pressure values such as the maximum and minimum blood pressure, measurement results such as heart rate, and the charge status and remaining charge of the battery 18. For example, the display unit 12 has the same shape as the windshield 32 when viewed from above.

[0131] The operating unit 13 is configured to receive user commands. For example, the operating unit 13 includes a plurality of buttons 41 provided on the housing 11; sensors that detect operation of the buttons 41; and a touch panel 43 provided on the display 12 or the windshield 32. User operation of the operating unit 13 converts commands into electrical signals. The sensors and touch panel 43 are electrically connected to the processor 23 and output electrical signals to the processor 23.

[0132] The pump 14 is, for example, a piezoelectric pump. The pump 14 compresses air as a fluid, for example, and supplies the compressed air to a compression cuff 52 and a sensing cuff 54 of the cuff structure 4 , which will be described later, via a fluid circuit. The pump 14 is electrically connected to the processor 23 .

[0133] The acceleration sensor 15 is, for example, a triaxial acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor 15 measures acceleration and outputs an analog signal. The acceleration sensor 15 is connected to the processor 23 via, for example, an A / D conversion circuit.

[0134] Valve 16 is, for example, an on-off valve. Valve 16 opens and closes the fluid circuit connecting pump 14 and cuff structure 4 and / or the fluid circuit connecting cuff structure 4 and the atmosphere. Valve 16 is electrically connected to processor 23. For example, valve 16 is opened and closed under the control of processor 23.

[0135] As a specific example, the valve 16 is a safety valve that releases the air supplied to the later-described pressing cuff 52 and sensing cuff 54 of the cuff structure 4 to the atmosphere. When the valve 16 supplies air to the pressing cuff 52 and the sensing cuff 54, for example, when measuring blood pressure, the valve 16 is switched to a closed state by being controlled by the processor 23. In addition, when the pressing cuff 52 and the sensing cuff 54 are exhausted, the valve 16 is switched from a closed state to an open state by being controlled by the processor 23. In addition, the valve 16 can also be formed to be able to adjust the opening. It should be noted that the valve 16 can also be provided in the fluid circuit 24, and can also be provided integrally inside the housing of the pump 14.

[0136] The pressure sensor 17 is provided, for example, in the fluid circuit 24. The pressure sensor 17 detects the pressure of the compression cuff 52 and / or the sensing cuff 54. For example, the pressure sensor 17 detects the pressure of the sensing cuff 54. The pressure sensor 17 is electrically connected to the processor 23 via, for example, an A / D conversion circuit, converts the detected pressure into an electrical signal, and outputs the signal to the processor 23.

[0137] The battery 18 is, for example, a rechargeable and dischargeable secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The battery 18 is electrically connected to the processor 23. The battery 18 supplies power to the processor 23. The battery 18 supplies power to drive the various components of the processor 23 and also supplies power to drive the display unit 12, the operating unit 13, the pump 14, the acceleration sensor 15, the valve 16, the pressure sensor 17, and the communication unit 19 via the processor 23.

[0138] The communication unit 19 is configured to transmit and receive information with external devices via wireless and / or wired communication. For example, the communication unit 19 is a wireless communication module that complies with wireless communication standards. For example, the communication unit 19 transmits information obtained under the control of the processor 23, such as measured blood pressure and pulse information, to the external device. Furthermore, the communication unit 19 receives software update programs from the external device and transmits them to the control unit. In this embodiment, the external device is, for example, a smartphone, tablet computer, personal computer, smartwatch, or other external terminal.

[0139] In this embodiment, the communication unit 19 can be connected to an external terminal directly or via a network. The communication unit 19 can also be connected to an external terminal via a mobile communication network such as 4G (fourth generation mobile communication technology) or 5G (fifth generation mobile communication technology), or a wireless communication line such as WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Furthermore, the communication unit 19 can be connected to an external device via wireless communication means such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), or infrared communication. Furthermore, in addition to a wireless communication module, the communication unit 19 may also include a general-purpose connector such as a micro-USB (Universal Serial Bus) or a dedicated connector for the blood pressure measurement device 1. The communication unit 19 can be connected to an external terminal directly via various cables such as a USB cable, or via a wired communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) connection. Therefore, the communication unit 19 can also be configured to include multiple communication means such as a wireless antenna and a micro-USB connector. It should be noted that the connector for wired communication may be a dedicated connector for the blood pressure measurement device 1 .

[0140] The biosensor 20 is configured to detect biological information by contacting or facing the wrist 300. The biosensor 20 converts the detected biological information into an electrical signal and outputs it to the processor 23. The biosensor 20 may be, for example, a sensor that measures physical quantities such as heart rate and body temperature, or a sensor that measures chemical quantities such as blood sugar and blood oxygen concentration. For example, the biosensor 20 is provided on the rear cover 33 of the housing 11 and / or the collar 51 (described later) of the cuff structure 4. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the biosensor 20 is provided on the collar 51. It should be noted that the blood pressure measurement device 1 may also have a configuration that does not include the biosensor 20.

[0141] The charging circuit unit 21 includes, for example, an antenna unit 211, a power receiving unit 212, and a charging unit 213. The charging circuit unit 21 charges the battery 18 by wireless power supply. For example, the charging circuit unit 21 receives power transmitted from the antenna unit 103 of the external power transmitting device 100 and charges the battery 18.

[0142] Antenna unit 211 receives power transmitted from the antenna unit of the power transmitting device. Antenna unit 211 is, for example, a power receiving coil serving as a power receiving resonant circuit. Antenna unit 211 supplies the received power to power receiving unit 212. The power receiving surface of antenna unit 211 is formed into a planar shape. Antenna unit 211 is, for example, disposed within housing 11. As a specific example, antenna unit 211 is disposed within housing 11 on the side of display unit 12 opposite windshield 32, adjacent to display unit 12. Antenna unit 211 includes, for example, a resonant capacitor, forming a power receiving resonant circuit.

[0143] Power receiving unit 212 rectifies the power received by antenna unit 211 and supplies it to charging unit 213. Specifically, power receiving unit 212 rectifies the power supplied from antenna unit 211, converting it from AC to DC. For example, power receiving unit 212 includes a rectifier circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit controls the operation of the rectifier circuit and outputs the rectified DC power to charging unit 213.

[0144] Charging unit 213 supplies the electric power supplied from power receiving unit 212 to battery 18 as charging power. For example, charging unit 213 converts the electric power supplied from power receiving unit 212 into a predetermined current value and voltage value and supplies the converted electric power to battery 18. Furthermore, charging unit 213 may include a circuit for outputting the charge status of battery 18 to power receiving unit 212 and / or processor 23, for example.

[0145] The memory 22 includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The memory 22 stores various data. For example, the memory 22 pre-stores various program data such as programs and applications for controlling the entire blood pressure measurement device 1 and the pump 14 in a changeable manner; setting data for configuring various functions of the blood pressure measurement device 1; and calculation data for calculating blood pressure values and pulses based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 17.

[0146] The processor 23 controls the overall operation of the blood pressure measurement device 1 and the operation of the pump 14 and valve 16 based on the program stored in the memory 22, thereby performing predetermined operations (functions). In addition, the processor 23 performs predetermined calculations, analysis, processing, etc. according to the read program. The processor 23 is a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In addition to including a main CPU, the processor 23 may also include a sub-CPU. In addition, the processor 23 displays the status and results of various actions performed and calculations, analysis, processing, etc. on the display unit 12 through programs or applications.

[0147] The cuff structure 4 includes, for example, a collar 51, a pressing cuff 52, a back plate 53, a sensing cuff 54, and a bent portion 55. The cuff structure 4 is constructed by laminating the collar 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54. Furthermore, the cuff structure 4 includes the bent portion 55 formed on at least two of the collar 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54, which are the multiple members constituting the cuff structure 4. Furthermore, for example, the cuff structure 4 may also have a structure in which the bent portion 55 is formed on multiple members constituting the pressing cuff 52 and / or the sensing cuff 54, such as the sheet members 75 and 85 and the intermediate sheet members 76 and 86 described later.

[0148] Below, use Figures 1 to 3 、 Figures 5 to 23 A specific example of the cuff structure 4 will be described. Figures 1 to 3 、 Figure 5 As shown, the cuff structure 4 includes a collar 51 , a pressing cuff 52 , a back plate 53 , a sensing cuff 54 , and a plurality of bends 55 formed in the pressing cuff 52 , the back plate 53 , and the sensing cuff 54 .

[0149] The collar 51 is fixed, for example, at one end to the wrist side of the housing 11. The collar 51 is formed into a band-like shape that is curved to follow the circumferential shape of the wrist 300. The collar 51 is made of a resin material. Furthermore, the collar 51 has a decorative sheet 51a, such as an outer fabric, attached to the outer circumference by welding, bonding, or integral molding to enhance its design. The collar 51 has a hardness that allows for both flexibility and shape retention. Flexibility refers to radial deformation of the collar 51 when external force from the strap 5 is applied to it. Shape retention refers to the ability of the collar 51 to maintain its pre-assigned shape when no external force is applied. Specifically, the collar 51 is formed of a resin material that has a hardness that allows for little or no compression deformation but allows for elastic deformation, such as bending, which changes the shape, particularly the curvature of the curved portion. Therefore, the collar 51 is elastically deformable so that, when external force is applied, the internal space within the wrist 300 accommodated by the collar 51 expands or contracts to follow the shape of the wrist.

[0150] Furthermore, the collar 51 is formed so that one side is longer than the other side from the point where it is fixed to the housing 11. The ends of the collar 51 are formed to have such lengths and shapes that, when worn on either the wrist 300 with the longest circumference or the wrist 300 with the shortest circumference among the intended wearers, they are located on one side of the wrist 300 between the palm and back of the hand. Furthermore, the collar 51 may be curved along its entire length to mimic the shape of the wrist 300, or may be formed partially in a flat plate along its length.

[0151] As a specific example, the collar 51 is fixed to the outer shell 31 or the rear cover 33 of the housing 11. Furthermore, the collar 51 includes a fixed portion 61, which is formed in a flat plate shape at the portion fixed to the rear cover 33; a first curved portion 62, which is provided at one end of the fixed portion 61 and is curved with a predetermined radius of curvature; and a second curved portion 63, which is provided at the other end of the fixed portion 61 and is curved with a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0152] The first curved portion 62 is formed to have a length extending from the fixed portion 61 to one side of the wrist 300. Furthermore, a biosensor 20, for example, is provided on the inner surface of the end of the first curved portion 62. The second curved portion 63 is formed to have a length extending from the fixed portion 61 beyond the other side of the wrist 300 and the palm side of the wrist 300 to one side of the wrist 300 where the end of the first curved portion 62 is located.

[0153] For example, one of the end of the first curved portion 62 and the end of the second curved portion 63 is located radially outward from the other. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the end portion of the second curved portion 63 is located radially outward of the end portion of the first curved portion 62. Figure 2 As shown by the double dotted line in the middle, the structure can also be as follows: before the external force is applied to the retaining ring 51, the end of the second bent portion 63 is located radially outside the end of the first bent portion 62 and is separated in the circumferential direction, and the ends of the first bent portion 62 and the second bent portion 63 are separated.

[0154] For example, the lengths of the first curved portion 62 and the second curved portion 63 are such that, when worn on the wrist 300 having the longest circumference among the wrists 300 assumed to be wearing the blood pressure measurement device 1, the second curved portion 63 faces a portion of the wrist 300 where the two arteries 311 and 312 are located, the second curved portion 63 is located on a portion of the side of the wrist 300, and the end of the first curved portion 62 is separated from the end of the second curved portion 63. Here, the two arteries 311 and 312 refer to the radial artery 311 and the ulnar artery 312.

[0155] Furthermore, for example, the lengths of the first curved portion 62 and the second curved portion 63 are such that, when worn on the wrist 300 having the shortest circumference among the wrists 300 on which the blood pressure measurement device 1 is assumed to be worn, the second curved portion 63 is opposite the portion of the wrist 300 where the two arteries 311 and 312 are located, and the first curved portion 62 and the second curved portion 63 overlap on the side of the wrist 300.

[0156] Such a collar 51 has the largest curvature at the boundary (ridge) between the fixed portion 61 and the first curved portion 62 and at the boundary (ridge) between the fixed portion 61 and the second curved portion 63 .

[0157] The compression cuff 52 is secured to the inner circumference of the collar 51 using double-sided tape, adhesive, heat fusion, or other methods. The compression cuff 52 is located at least in the area of the second curved portion 63 where the arteries of the wrist 300 are located. Specifically, the compression cuff 52 is located in the longitudinal direction of the collar 51, extending from the first curved portion 62, including the ridge between the fixed portion 61 and the first curved portion 62, to the end of the second curved portion 63. The compression cuff 52 extends along the inner surface of the collar 51, with the curvature being greatest at the boundaries between the fixed portion 61 and the first curved portion 62, and at the boundaries between the fixed portion 61 and the second curved portion 63.

[0158] The compression cuff 52 is fluidically connected to the pump 14 via a fluid circuit. One main surface of the compression cuff 52 is fixed to the inner surface of the collar 51. For example, the compression cuff 52 is attached to the inner surface of the collar 51 using double-sided tape, an adhesive, or the like. As the compression cuff 52 inflates, it presses the back of the wrist 300 and pushes the back plate 53 and the sensing cuff 54 toward the wrist 300.

[0159] The compression cuff 52 includes, for example, a single or multiple air bags 71 and a connection portion, such as a pipe joint, provided on the air bag 71 and connected to the fluid circuit 24. The air bag 71 is a bag-shaped structure. In this embodiment, the blood pressure measurement device 1 utilizes air via the pump 14, so an air bag is used for the purpose of explanation. However, when using a fluid other than air, the bag-shaped structure may be any fluid bag that expands with the fluid. The air bag 71 is formed into a rectangular bag shape that is elongated in one direction.

[0160] For example, the air bag 71 includes a plurality of sheet members 75 and a single intermediate sheet member 76 having an opening 76a formed in at least a portion thereof. The air bag 71 is formed into a bag shape with the internal space of the air bag 71 being divided by the intermediate sheet member 76 into two fluidically connected chambers by fixing the plurality of sheet members 75 and the single or multiple intermediate sheet members 76 by heat welding or the like.

[0161] The air bag 71 has, for example, a cuff structure with a Σ-shaped concave side wall. The air bag 71 has a pair of main walls 71 a in the thickness direction, each formed from a portion of the sheet member 75, and a pair of side walls 71 b in the short-dimension direction, each formed from the short-dimension end portions of the sheet member 75.

[0162] The sheet member 75 forms, for example, a pair of main walls 71a in the thickness direction of the air bag 71 and a portion of a pair of side walls 71b of the air bag 71. In the thickness direction of the air bag 71 (radially of the collar 51), the center of the side walls 71b are recessed inwardly of the air bag 71 in a Σ shape.

[0163] like Figure 6 As shown, when the air bag 71 provided in the pressing cuff 52 is single, the collar 51 and the back plate 53 are fixed to the main wall 71a. Figure 7 As shown, when there are multiple air bags 71 provided in the pressing cuff 52, the multiple air bags 71 are stacked and formed into one body, and the collar 51 is fixed to one main wall 71a of the air bag 71 at one end in the thickness direction of the multiple air bags 71, and the back plate 53 is fixed to a part of the main wall 71a of the air bag 71 at the other end in the thickness direction. Figure 7 As shown, the main walls 71a of the adjacent air bags 71 in the plurality of air bags 71 are fixed together by welding or the like, or are shared, and are formed with a single or multiple openings 75a for fluid communication between the adjacent air bags 71. In other words, Figure 7 As shown, a single or multiple openings 75 a for fluidly communicating between adjacent air bags 71 are formed in the sheet member 75 forming the opposing main walls 71 a of adjacent air bags 71 or the common main wall 71 a.

[0164] The air bag 71 having a pair of main walls 71a and a pair of side walls 71b is formed by welding together multiple sheet members 75. Here, one air bag 71 can be formed from two sheet members 75, or from three or more sheet members 75, for example, four sheet members 75, each forming one main wall 71a and one side wall 71b. In other words, the number of sheet members 75 used to form the air bag 71 is not limited.

[0165] In addition, in the case of multiple air bags 71 stacked integrally, the sheet members 75 forming the main walls 71a of adjacent air bags 71 can be welded to each other. In addition, the main walls 71a of adjacent air bags 71 can be formed by a sheet member 75, and the adjacent air bags 71 can share one main wall 71a.

[0166] The intermediate sheet member 76 is provided at the innermost portion of the side wall 71b. The intermediate sheet member 76 divides the interior of the air bag 71 into two chambers (spaces) in the thickness direction of the air bag 71. Furthermore, the intermediate sheet member 76 has a single or multiple openings 76a formed therein, which fluidically connect the two chambers within the air bag 71.

[0167] The material of the sheet member 75 and the intermediate sheet member 76 is, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate, thermoplastic polystyrene, thermoplastic polyolefin, thermoplastic polyester, and thermoplastic polyamide. It should be noted that TPU is preferably used as the thermoplastic elastomer for the sheet member 75 and the intermediate sheet member 76. The sheet member 75 and the intermediate sheet member 76 may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure formed by laminating a plurality of resin materials. Alternatively, the air bag 71 may be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer such as TPU and then laminated with a cloth.

[0168] The back plate 53 is secured to the surface of the cuff 52 on the wrist 300 side, using double-sided tape, adhesive, or the like. The back plate 53 is formed of a resin material. For example, the back plate 53 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate that is elongated in one direction. It should be noted that the back plate 53 may also be a segmented structure, i.e., formed by arranging multiple rectangular pieces in one direction. The back plate 53 has shape-adaptive properties.

[0169] Here, shape conformability refers to the function of the back plate 53 being able to deform in a manner that imitates the shape of the contacted part of the wrist 300 on which it is configured. The contacted part of the wrist 300 refers to the area of the wrist 300 that contacts the back plate 53. The contact here includes both direct contact with the back plate 53 and indirect contact with the back plate 53 via the sensing cuff 54.

[0170] The sensing cuff 54 is fixed to the main surface of the back plate 53 on the wrist side. The sensing cuff 54 directly contacts the area of the wrist 300 where the arteries 311 and 312 are located, or indirectly contacts the area via a cover or the like. The sensing cuff 54 is formed into a rectangular shape that is elongated in one direction. It should be noted that the sensing cuff 54 may also be configured to contact the area of the wrist 300 where the arteries 311 and 312 are located. The sensing cuff 54 is smaller in the longitudinal direction than the compression cuff 52. Furthermore, the sensing cuff 54 is the same shape as or smaller than the compression cuff 52 in the transverse direction. The sensing cuff 54 is the same shape as or smaller than the back plate 53 in the longitudinal and width directions of the back plate 53. The sensing cuff 54 compresses the area of the artery on the palm side of the wrist by inflating. The inflated compression cuff 52 presses against the patient via the back plate 53.

[0171] As a specific example, the sensing cuff 54 includes one air bag 81 and a flow path body 82 .

[0172] Here, the air bag 81 is a bag-shaped structure. In this embodiment, the blood pressure measurement device 1 is a structure that uses air through the pump 14. Therefore, an air bag is used for description. However, when a fluid other than air is used, the bag-shaped structure can also be a liquid bag, etc.

[0173] The air bag 81 is formed into a rectangular shape that is long in one direction. For example, the air bag 81 includes multiple sheet members 85 and a single intermediate sheet member 86 having an opening 86a formed in at least a portion. In the air bag 81, the multiple sheet members 85 and the single or multiple intermediate sheet members 86 are fixed together by heat welding or the like, thereby dividing the internal space by the intermediate sheet member 86. The air bag 81 is formed into a bag shape, with the intermediate sheet member 86 dividing the internal space into two fluidically connected chambers.

[0174] For example, Figure 6 As shown, the air bag 81 is a cuff structure with a side wall that is concave in a Σ shape. The air bag 81 has a pair of main walls 81a in the thickness direction, each of which is formed by a portion of each sheet member 85, and a pair of side walls 81b in the short dimension direction, each of which is formed by the end portions of each sheet member 85 in the short dimension direction. It should be noted that, as Figure 8 As shown, the air bag 81 may have a single cuff structure obtained by welding the outer peripheral edges of two sheet members 85 , rather than a cuff structure with a Σ-shaped concave side wall.

[0175] The sheet member 85 forms, for example, a pair of main walls 81a in the thickness direction of the air bag 81 and a portion of the pair of side walls 81b of the air bag 81. The back plate 53 is fixed to one of the main walls 81a, while the other main wall 81a is in direct contact with the region of the wrist 300 where the two arteries 311 and 312 reside, or indirectly via a cover or the like. In the thickness direction of the air bag 81 (radially of the collar 51), the center of the side wall 81b is recessed inwardly into the air bag 81 in a Σ-shaped pattern.

[0176] The air bag 81 having a pair of main walls 81a and a pair of side walls 81b is formed by welding together multiple sheet members 85. Here, one air bag 81 can be formed from two sheet members 85 or from three or more sheet members 85, for example, four sheet members 85, each forming one main wall 81a and one side wall 81b. In other words, the number of sheet members 85 used to form the air bag 81 is not limited.

[0177] The intermediate sheet member 86 is provided at the innermost portion of the side wall 81b. The intermediate sheet member 86 divides the interior of the air bag 81 into two chambers (spaces) in the thickness direction of the air bag 81. Furthermore, the intermediate sheet member 86 has a single or multiple openings 86a formed therein, which fluidically connect the two chambers within the air bag 81.

[0178] The material of the sheet member 85 and the intermediate sheet member 86 is, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include thermoplastic polyurethane resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate resins, thermoplastic polystyrene resins, thermoplastic polyolefin resins, thermoplastic polyester resins, and thermoplastic polyamide resins. It should be noted that TPU is preferably used as the thermoplastic elastomer for the sheet member 85 and the intermediate sheet member 86. The sheet member 85 and the intermediate sheet member 86 may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure formed by laminating multiple resin materials. Alternatively, the air bag 81 may be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer such as TPU and then laminated with a cloth.

[0179] The fluid path body 82 is integrally provided with, for example, a portion of the edge of one longitudinal dimension of the air bag 81. The fluid path body 82 is provided at the end of the air bag 81 that is closest to the device body 3. Furthermore, the fluid path body 82 is formed in a shape that is elongated in one direction, with a width smaller than the width of the shorter dimension of the air bag 81. The fluid path body 82 has a connection portion, such as a pipe joint, at its distal end. The fluid path body 82 is connected to the fluid circuit 24 via the connection portion, forming a flow path between the fluid circuit 24 and the air bag 81.

[0180] The bent portion 55 is formed in at least two of the collar 51, the compression cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54. The bent portion 55 suppresses wrinkles that are generated in the compression cuff 52 and / or the sensing cuff 54 when the cuff structure 4 is wrapped around the wrist 300 and the compression cuff 52 and the sensing cuff 54 are expanded, and controls the location where wrinkles are generated.

[0181] To prevent and control wrinkles, a single or multiple bends 55 are provided in the collar 51, compression cuff 52, back plate 53, and sensing cuff 54. For example, the bend 55 formed on at least two of the collar 51, compression cuff 52, back plate 53, and sensing cuff 54 may be formed by an opening, while the bends 55 formed on the other components may be formed by an opening, a groove, a notch, a recess, or by segmenting the component. Furthermore, the shape of the bend 55 may be various shapes, including polygonal shapes including rectangles, circular shapes, linear shapes, and irregular shapes. Furthermore, the number and configuration of the bends 55 may be appropriately set.

[0182] Below, refer to Figures 5 to 23 A specific example of the bent portion 55 will be described. Figures 5 to 23 In the drawings, the description of the bend portion 55 is sometimes accompanied by the description of the collar 51, the compression cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54. In some cases, multiple reference numerals are assigned to a single component. Therefore, shapes are appropriately reduced, enlarged, or omitted in the drawings.

[0183] For example, Figure 5 and Figure 22 As shown, the bending portion 55 is formed on the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensing cuff 54. As another example, Figure 23 As shown, the bending portion 55 is formed on the collar 51 , the pressing cuff 52 , the back plate 53 and the sensing cuff 54 , for example.

[0184] like Figure 23As shown, the bent portion 55 formed on the collar 51 is, for example, a plurality of recesses 51b formed on the inner surface of the collar 51. The recesses 51b are grooves that are recessed from the inner surface of the collar 51 toward the outer surface. The recesses 51b extend, for example, along the short dimension of the collar 51. The plurality of recesses 51b are arranged at equal intervals or as shown in FIG. Figure 23 As shown, the plurality of recesses 51b are arranged in one direction on the inner surface of the collar 51 at two or more predetermined intervals. Furthermore, the plurality of recesses 51b may have the same shape or may have different shapes, such as width and depth. Furthermore, the bent portions 55 formed in the collar 51 may be any structure that does not impair the function of the collar 51 and may be an opening, a notch, or the like. Furthermore, the number, shape, and arrangement of the bent portions 55 formed in the collar 51 may be appropriately determined.

[0185] For example, Figures 5 to 7 、 Figures 9 to 15 、 Figures 17 to 19 As shown in FIG. 5 , the bent portion 55 formed in the pressing cuff 52 is a single or multiple openings 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76. Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the bent portion 55 formed in the pressing cuff 52 may be a recessed portion 75b formed in the sheet member 75 in addition to or in place of the opening 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76. Figure 5 、 Figure 7 and Figure 19 As shown, when the pressing cuff 52 is formed by stacking a plurality of air bags 71, the bent portion 55 formed in the pressing cuff 52 may be a single or multiple openings 75a formed in the main wall 71a of the adjacent air bag 71 in addition to or instead of the opening 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76. Figures 9 to 15 as well as Figure 18 As shown, the number, shape, and arrangement of the bent portions 55 formed in the pressing cuff 52 as the openings 75 a and / or the openings 76 a can be appropriately set.

[0186] For example, the plurality of openings 75a may be Figures 9 to 13 、 Figure 15 As shown, formed into the same shape, or as Figure 14 and Figure 18 As shown, it is formed into two or more different shapes. A plurality of openings 75a are formed in the long dimension direction of the sheet member 75, such as Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 15 as well as Figure 18 As shown, they are arranged at equal intervals, or as Figure 11 、 Figure 13 as well as Figure 14As shown, the Figure 15 and Figure 18 As shown, a plurality of openings 75 a may be formed so as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the sheet member 75 .

[0187] The recessed portion 75b extends, for example, in the short-dimension direction of the sheet member 75. The recessed portion 75b is, for example, a weld line that is sunken by heating the sheet member 75 from the surface of the sheet member 75 using a jig extending in the short-dimension direction. It should be noted that the bent portion 55 formed in the pressing cuff 52 may be a groove or a notch as long as it does not hinder the function of the pressing cuff 52. Figure 16 As shown, the plurality of recesses 75b are arranged in one direction at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals on the inner surface of the sheet member 75. The plurality of recesses 75b may have the same shape or may have different shapes such as width and depth.

[0188] A plurality of openings 76a such as Figures 9 to 13 、 Figure 15 As shown, formed into the same shape, or as Figure 14 and Figure 18 As shown, it is formed into two or more different shapes. A plurality of openings 76a are formed in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate sheet member 76, such as Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 15 as well as Figure 18 As shown, they are arranged at equal intervals, or as Figure 11 、 Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 As shown, the Figure 15 and Figure 18 As shown, a plurality of openings 76 a may be formed so as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the intermediate sheet member 76 .

[0189] The number, shape, and intervals of the openings 75a formed in the sheet member 75 and the openings 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76 may be the same or different. Figure 5 and Figure 7 In the example shown, the plurality of openings 75a formed in the sheet member 75 and the plurality of openings 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76 are arranged in different relationships, specifically, they are arranged staggered in the longitudinal direction. Figure 19 In the example shown, the plurality of openings 75a formed in the sheet member 75 and the plurality of openings 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76 are arranged in the same relationship. Specifically, they are arranged at the same position in the longitudinal direction, and the openings 75a and 76a face each other.

[0190] For example, Figure 5 、 Figures 9 to 15 、 Figure 18 As shown, the bent portion 55 formed on the back plate 53 is a single or multiple openings 53a. In addition, the bent portion 55 formed on the back plate 53 can be as follows Figure 16 As shown, there are multiple recesses 53b, which can also be as shown in FIG. Figure 20 As shown in FIG. 5 , there are a plurality of notches 53c. Here, the recess 53b is, for example, a groove formed in the back plate 53. Figure 21 As shown, the bent portion 55 formed on the back plate 53 can also be configured to divide the back plate 53 into a plurality of small pieces 53d, and to provide gaps between adjacent small pieces 53d when the divided small pieces 53d are arranged in one direction. Figures 9 to 15 、 Figure 18 、 Figure 20 as well as Figure 21 As shown, the number, shape, and arrangement of the bent portions 55 formed on the back plate 53 can be appropriately set.

[0191] For example, the plurality of openings 53a are as follows Figures 9 to 13 As shown, formed into the same shape, or as Figure 14 and Figure 18 As shown, it is formed into two or more different shapes. A plurality of openings 53a are formed in the long dimension direction of the back plate 53, such as Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 15 as well as Figure 18 、 Figure 20 、 Figure 21 As shown, they are arranged at equal intervals, or as Figure 11 、 Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 As shown, the Figure 15 and Figure 18 As shown, the plurality of openings 53 a may be formed so as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the back plate 53 .

[0192] The recess 53b extends, for example, in the short-dimension direction on the back plate 53. The recess 53b is, for example, a groove formed by a mold during molding and extending from the surface of the back plate 53 toward the back plate 53 in the short-dimension direction. Figure 16 As shown, the plurality of recesses 53b are arranged in one direction at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals on the inner surface of the back plate 53. In addition, the plurality of recesses 53b may have the same shape or may have different shapes such as width and depth.

[0193] like Figure 20As shown, a pair of notches 53c are formed in the short dimension direction of the back plate 53, for example. In other words, a plurality of notches 53c are symmetrically arranged with the center line along the long dimension direction of the back plate 53 as the center. In addition, the notches 53c are formed, for example, at the edge along the long dimension direction of the back plate 53, and are arranged in one direction at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals in the long dimension direction of the back plate 53. Figure 21 As shown, the divided small pieces 53d are arranged in one direction at equal intervals, for example.

[0194] For example, Figures 5 to 7 、 Figures 9 to 15 、 Figures 17 to 19 As shown, the bent portion 55 formed in the sensing cuff 54 is a single or multiple openings 86a formed in the intermediate sheet member 86. In addition, the bent portion 55 formed in the sensing cuff 54 may be a recessed portion 85b formed in the sheet member 85 in addition to or instead of the opening 86a formed in the intermediate sheet member 86.

[0195] For example, a plurality of openings 86a such as Figures 9 to 13 、 Figure 15 As shown, formed into the same shape, or as Figure 14 and Figure 18 As shown, it is formed into two or more different shapes. A plurality of openings 86a are formed in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate sheet member 86, such as Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 15 as well as Figure 18 As shown, they are arranged at equal intervals, or as Figure 11 、 Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 As shown, the Figure 15 and Figure 18 As shown, a plurality of openings 86 a may be formed so as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the intermediate sheet member 86 .

[0196] The recessed portion 85b extends, for example, along the short dimension direction of the sheet member 85. The recessed portion 85b is, for example, a weld line that is sunken by heating the sheet member 85 from the surface of the sheet member 85 using a jig extending along the short dimension direction. It should be noted that the bent portion 55 formed on the sensing cuff 54 may be any structure that does not hinder the function of the sensing cuff 54, and may also be a groove or a notch. Figure 16 As shown, the plurality of recesses 85b are arranged in one direction at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals on the inner surface of the sheet member 75. The plurality of recesses 85b may have the same shape or may have different shapes such as width and depth.

[0197] like Figure 22 As shown, in the cuff structure 4 thus configured, for example, the bent portions 55 formed on each member may be staggered in the longitudinal direction of the collar 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54 so as to partially overlap in the stacking direction of the collar 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54. Furthermore, in the cuff structure 4, for example, the bent portions 55 formed on each member may be staggered in the longitudinal direction of the collar 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54 so as not to overlap in the stacking direction of the collar 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54.

[0198] In addition, if Figure 23 As shown, in the cuff structure 4, for example, a portion of the bent portion 55 formed on each component may be arranged at the same position in the long dimension direction of the clamping ring 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensing cuff 54 in a manner that completely overlaps in the stacking direction of the clamping ring 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensing cuff 54, and the remaining portion of the bent portion 55 formed on each component may be arranged partially or completely staggered in the long dimension direction.

[0199] In addition, in the cuff structure 4, for example, all of the bent portions 55 formed in each component may be arranged at the same position in the long dimension direction of the clamping ring 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54 in a manner that overlaps in the stacking direction of the clamping ring 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54.

[0200] The strap 5 makes the cuff structure 4 fit closely to the wrist 300 and fixes the cuff structure 4. The strap 5 is provided at one of the first curved portion 62 or the second curved portion 63 of the collar 51. The strap 5 is formed into a belt shape, for example. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the strap 5 is inserted into the loop portion 31a provided on the outer shell 31 and folded back. The strap 5 includes, for example, a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 5a, one of which has a hook and the other has a loop, and the strap 5 is fixed by engaging with each other with its end side inserted into the loop portion 31a.

[0201] In this embodiment, the band 5 is provided at the front end of the second curved portion 63 , and the ring portion 31 a is provided on the outer surface of the contour shell 31 on the side where the first curved portion 62 is provided.

[0202] It should be noted that the strap 5 can also be a structure with a first strap and a second strap, wherein the first strap is called a so-called mother strap and has a buckle, and the second strap is called a so-called hook strap and has multiple small holes for inserting the buckle tongue.

[0203] Next, an example of a power transmission device 100 that transmits power to the charging circuit unit 21 of the device body 3 will be described. Figure 4 As shown, power transmission device 100 includes power supply 101, power transmission unit 102, and antenna unit 103. Power supply 101 is, for example, an AC adapter connected to a commercial power source. Power supply 101 converts AC power input from the commercial power source into DC power and supplies the DC power to power transmission unit 102.

[0204] The power transmission unit 102 generates AC power as transmission power from the DC power supplied from the power supply 101 and supplies it to the antenna unit 103. The power transmission unit 102 generates AC power having the same or substantially the same frequency as the resonant frequency of the power transmission resonant circuit of the antenna unit 103, for example.

[0205] Antenna unit 103 is, for example, a power transmission coil serving as a power transmission resonant circuit. The power transmission surface of antenna unit 103 is formed in a planar shape. Antenna unit 103 transmits power to antenna unit 211 of device body 3. Antenna unit 103 includes, for example, a resonant capacitor, forming a power transmission resonant circuit.

[0206] According to the blood pressure measurement device 1 thus configured, a bent portion 55 is formed in at least two of the multiple components constituting the cuff structure 4: the collar 51, the air bladder 71 for pressing the cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the air bladder 81 for the sensing cuff 54. Furthermore, the device employs a configuration in which the bent portion 55 formed in at least two of the components having the bent portion 55, the collar 51, the air bladder 71 for pressing the cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the air bladder 81 for the sensing cuff 54, includes an opening, and the bent portions 55 formed in the remaining components include openings, partitions, notches, or grooves.

[0207] Due to these structures, the strength (herein, bending strength) of the bent portion 55 in the areas of the collar 51, the air bag 71 of the compression cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54 where the bent portion 55 is formed is lower than that in areas without the bent portion 55. Therefore, areas with the bent portion 55 are more susceptible to bending and deformation than areas without the bent portion 55, becoming the base point for wrinkles that form in the air bag 71 of the compression cuff 52 and the air bag 81 of the sensing cuff 54. If wrinkles in the air bags 71 and 81 are primarily caused by factors such as the difference between the inner and outer circumferences of the air bag 71 when it expands in a bent state, or by the shape of the wrist 300, the bent portion 55 can be used to control these wrinkles. For example, the position where wrinkles are generated can be adjusted by the number, configuration and shape of the bending portion 55, so the number of wrinkles generated in the air bag 71 of the pressing cuff 52 and the air bag 81 of the sensing cuff 54 can be adjusted, and the depth of the wrinkles in each wrinkle can be adjusted by the number of wrinkles.

[0208] In this way, the cuff structure 4 can adjust the bending strength through the bending portion 55, thereby making it possible to generate folds in the air bags 71 and 81 in the desired number, position and depth. Figure 22 As shown in FIG, by staggering the bent portions 55 of each member in the longitudinal direction of each member, the bent portions 55 can be made different from each other, thereby making it possible to finely disperse the wrinkles. Figure 23 As shown, by overlapping the bent portions 55 of each member, wrinkles can be generated at the desired predetermined positions. That is, even if the cuff structure 4 has different characteristics such as bending strength, desired wrinkles can be generated by adjusting the number, arrangement, and shape of the bent portions 55.

[0209] Therefore, even when the air bladders 71 and 81 are formed into a cuff structure with a relatively thick thickness and a Σ-shaped concave sidewall, wrinkles can be controlled. In this way, the cuff structure 4 prevents the space within the air bladders 71 and 81 from being interrupted by wrinkles due to excessive wrinkling, thereby stabilizing the measurement accuracy of the blood pressure measurement device 1. Specifically, the blood pressure measurement device 1 can suppress variations in wrinkles caused by the state of the cuff structure 4 when attached to the wrist 300 and the shape of the wrist 300, thereby suppressing variations in blood pressure measurement accuracy caused by wrinkles.

[0210] Furthermore, in the blood pressure measurement device 1, preferably, by setting the number, arrangement, and shape of the bends 55, the cuff structure 4 is intentionally bent significantly at locations with relatively large curvatures, such as the boundary (ridge) between the fixed portion 61 and the first curved portion 62, and the boundary (ridge) between the fixed portion 61 and the second curved portion 63. This reduces the likelihood of wrinkles forming near the arteries 311 and 312, which are susceptible to reduced compression efficiency, thereby dispersing the wrinkles. This reduces the effects of stress concentration and reduced compression efficiency on the cuff structure 4.

[0211] Furthermore, any combination of the components and positions of the bends 55, and the number, shape, and arrangement of the bends 55 can be selected. Therefore, the cuff structure 4 can control wrinkles by setting the bends 55 from the perspectives of ease of manufacture and cost.

[0212] Furthermore, by designing the air bladders 71 and 81 into a cuff structure with Σ-shaped concave sidewalls, lateral expansion can be prevented, thereby achieving higher compression efficiency. Furthermore, when openings 76a and 86a are provided in the intermediate sheet members 76 and 86, if lateral expansion occurs in the air bladders 71 and 81, the shape of the openings 76a and 86a can be reduced to suppress lateral expansion. Furthermore, if lateral expansion does not occur, the openings 76a and 86a can be set larger. Furthermore, the size of the openings 76a and 86a can be partially varied based on the size and depth of wrinkles that may occur. In this way, the cuff structure 4 can adjust the strength of the intermediate sheet members 76 and 86 by adjusting the shape of the openings 76a and 86a. This allows for a high degree of flexibility in designing the folds 55 formed in each member, based on the relationship between suppressing lateral expansion and controlling wrinkles when the air bladders 71 and 81 are designed with Σ-shaped concave sidewalls.

[0213] Next, use Figure 24 The following describes the results of evaluation tests of the blood pressure measurement device 1 according to the embodiment. As part of the evaluation tests, the blood pressure measurement device 1 according to the embodiment and the blood pressure measurement devices (cuff structures) of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were inflated to evaluate wrinkles generated in the sensing cuff 54.

[0214] It should be noted that in the blood pressure measurement device 1 of the embodiment used for the evaluation test, the sheet member 75 of the sensing cuff 54 has multiple recesses 75b serving as weld lines at equal intervals of 8 mm, forming the bent portion 55, and the intermediate sheet member 76 has multiple openings 76a, serving as the bent portion 55. Furthermore, the sensing cuff 54 is formed of TPU, with a fabric laminated on the surface.

[0215] The blood pressure measurement device of Comparative Example 1 employs a structure in which the sheet member 75 of the sensing cuff 54 is provided with multiple recessed portions 75b at equal intervals of 8 mm, serving as weld lines, as the bent portion 55. The intermediate sheet member 76 is not provided with multiple openings 76a, serving as the bent portion 55. Furthermore, in the blood pressure measurement device of Comparative Example 1, the surface of the sensing cuff 54 is not provided with fabric, but is formed of TPU.

[0216] The blood pressure measurement device of Comparative Example 2 employs a structure in which the sheet member 75 of the sensing cuff 54 is provided with multiple recessed portions 75b at equal intervals of 8 mm, serving as weld lines, as the bent portion 55, and the intermediate sheet member 76 is not provided with multiple openings 76a, serving as the bent portion 55. Furthermore, in the blood pressure measurement device of Comparative Example 2, the sensing cuff 54 is formed of TPU, with the surface laminated with a fabric material.

[0217] like Figure 24 As shown, when the cuff structure 4 of the blood pressure measurement device 1 of the embodiment is expanded, wrinkles generated in the sensing cuff 54 can be uniformly dispersed. Thus, in the cuff structure 4 of the embodiment, at least one member, such as the opening 76a of the intermediate sheet member 76, is provided as the bent portion 55, and other members are combined with the sheet member 75, thereby enabling wrinkles to be uniformly dispersed.

[0218] In contrast, in the cuff structure of the blood pressure measurement device of Comparative Example 1, since the sensing cuff 54 does not have a cloth laminate, it is softer than the sensing cuff 54 of the cuff structures of the embodiment and Comparative Example 2. In addition, since the intermediate sheet member does not have an opening, the size of the wrinkles varies and cannot be evenly distributed.

[0219] Furthermore, in the cuff structure of the blood pressure measurement device of Comparative Example 2, since it includes a cloth laminate, the sensing cuff 54 is harder than that of Comparative Example 1, and therefore wrinkles are not generated in some of the plurality of recesses 75 b (weld lines).

[0220] As can be seen from the results of such evaluation tests, the blood pressure measurement device 1 of this embodiment can control the occurrence of wrinkles.

[0221] As described above, according to the blood pressure measurement device 1 of this embodiment, the formation of the bent portion 55 including the opening is formed in at least two members among the members constituting the cuff structure 4 , thereby enabling the control of the generation of wrinkles.

[0222] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, the cuff structure 4 may be configured such that at least two components have the bent portion 55. Therefore, the cuff structure 4 may be configured such that it includes one or more air bags and one or more other components included in or stacked with the air bags. Thus, for example, the cuff structure 4 may include only a single cuff, or may include other cuffs in addition to the compression cuff 52 and the sensing cuff 54.

[0223] That is, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the scope of the main purpose. In addition, the various embodiments can also be implemented in combination as much as possible, in which case, the effect of the combination can be obtained. Moreover, the above-mentioned embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the disclosed multiple structural elements. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the scope of the main purpose. In addition, the various embodiments can also be implemented in combination as much as possible, in which case, the effect of the combination can be obtained. Moreover, the above-mentioned embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the disclosed multiple structural elements. For example, in a case where a problem can be solved and an effect can be obtained even if some structural elements are deleted from all the structural elements shown in the embodiment, the structure in which the structural elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

Claims

1. A cuff structure for a blood pressure measurement device, wherein: The cuff structure comprises: An air pocket extending along its long dimension and inflated by the passage of a fluid; a plurality of sheet members contained within the air bag and extending along a longitudinal direction; Each of the plurality of sheet members is formed with a plurality of bent portions, and the plurality of bent portions are formed by a plurality of openings, partitions, notches, recesses or grooves arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction. The plurality of bent portions formed on one of the plurality of sheet-like members and the plurality of bent portions formed on another of the plurality of sheet-like members are arranged to be staggered in the longitudinal direction.

2. The cuff structure according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of openings are formed on one of the plurality of sheet-like members, The inner space of the air bag is divided by the sheet member having the plurality of openings formed therein. The plurality of openings connect the two chambers of the air bag formed by the division into two fluidic chambers.

3. A blood pressure measuring device, wherein: The blood pressure measuring device comprises: The cuff structure according to claim 1 or 2; a device body fixed to the cuff structure; and The strap is provided on the device body and fixes the cuff structure.

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