Wheezing detection device

Abstract

The present invention provides a wheeze detection device capable of suppressing noise to improve the detection accuracy of wheeze. The wheeze detection device (1) comprises: a first microphone (M1) formed of a MEMS microphone; a space-forming member (a first housing (30), an O-ring (34), a flexible circuit substrate (35), and a second housing (33)) forming a storage space (SP1) for accommodating the first microphone (M1); and a housing cover (36) closing the storage space (SP1) and forming a pressure-receiving portion (3a) that receives pressure from a body surface (S). The space-forming member is provided with a hole (40) connected to the atmosphere, and the storage space (SP1) is connected to the atmosphere via the hole (40). The hole (40) has branch portions (BR1 to BR3) between a groove (41) and a terminal (49). One of the two branch holes branching from each branch portion from the groove (41) side is connected to the terminal (49), and the other is closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a wheeze detection device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a compact biological sound measurement device that increases the internal pressure of a space housing a sound detector to enhance measurement sensitivity and maintains this high internal pressure for extended periods. This biological sound measurement device processes information on biological sounds detected by the sound detector to determine the presence or absence of wheezing and notifies the user of this determination result through audio or a display.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-102849 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] To improve the accuracy of devices that analyze biological sounds to determine the presence of wheezing, it is important to enhance the airtightness of the space housing the sound detector to increase the sensitivity of biological sound measurement. Furthermore, it is also important to prevent noise, which could be mistakenly detected as wheezing, from overlapping with the detected sound.

[0008] As sound measuring elements for measuring biological sounds, known devices measure how their output changes based on the vibration state of a semiconductor element (e.g., MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) microphones). For such elements, if the space in which they are placed is highly airtight, the semiconductor element vibrates due to rapid pressure fluctuations in that space, generating noise. This means that the sound measuring element itself can become a noise source, affecting the accuracy of wheezing detection.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a wheeze detection device that can suppress noise and improve wheeze detection accuracy.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] The following describes a wheezing detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the components and the like corresponding to the embodiments described below are shown in parentheses below, but the present invention is not limited thereto. (1)

[0013] A wheeze detection device (wheeze detection device 1) detects wheeze based on sound measured from a living body while in contact with the body surface of the living body, the wheeze detection device comprising:

[0014] Sound measuring element (first microphone M1);

[0015] The space forming member (the first housing 30, the O-ring 34, the flexible circuit board 35, and the second housing 33) forms a storage space (storage space SP1) for storing the sound measuring element; and

[0016] The cover member (housing cover 36) closes the storage space and forms a pressure receiving portion (pressure receiving portion 3a) that receives pressure from the body surface.

[0017] The sound measuring element is an element (MEMS type microphone) that measures the way the output changes according to the vibration state of the semiconductor element.

[0018] The space forming member is provided with a hole portion (hole portion 40) connected to the atmosphere.

[0019] The above-mentioned storage space is connected to the atmosphere via the above-mentioned hole.

[0020] The above-mentioned hole portion has a branch portion (branch portion BR1~BR3) between the entrance (groove 41) on the above-mentioned accommodation space side and the outlet (terminal 49) on the atmosphere side, and one of the two branch hole portions branching out from the above-mentioned branch portion from the above-mentioned entrance side is connected to the above-mentioned outlet, and the other of the above-mentioned two branch hole portions is closed.

[0021] According to (1), the presence of the hole portion can prevent the storage space from becoming completely sealed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a sudden change in the internal pressure of the storage space that may occur, for example, when the pushing position of the pressure-receiving portion relative to the body surface is changed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the noise caused by the internal pressure change from being measured by the sound measuring element, and the detection accuracy of wheezing can be improved. In addition, since the hole portion includes a branch portion, the airtightness of the storage space can be appropriately improved. In addition, the sound insulation effect of the sound from the atmosphere side can be improved. Therefore, the detection accuracy of wheezing can be improved. (2)

[0023] The wheeze detection device according to (1), wherein:

[0024] The hole portion further includes at least one branch portion in the one of the two branched hole portions.

[0025] According to (2), since the hole portion includes a plurality of branch portions, the airtightness of the storage space and the sound insulation effect against the sound from the atmosphere can be further improved. Therefore, the detection accuracy of wheezing can be further improved. (3)

[0027] The wheeze detection device according to (1) or (2), wherein:

[0028] The space forming member comprises: a cylindrical member (first housing 30) whose end face in one axial direction is covered by the cover member; and a placing member (second housing 33) fixed to the other axial end face of the cylindrical member in a manner closing the inner circumference of the cylindrical member, for placing the sound measuring element.

[0029] The hole portion is constituted by grooves (grooves 41 to 48 ) formed in the placement member.

[0030] According to (3), the hole portion can be easily formed.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, the detection accuracy of wheezing can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is a side view showing a schematic configuration example of a wheeze detection device 1 as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the measuring unit 3 of the wheeze detection device 1 shown in FIG.

[0035] Figure 3 When viewed from the A1 side Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of the measuring unit 3 of the wheeze detection device 1 .

[0036] Figure 4 When viewed from the A2 side Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of the measuring unit 3 of the wheeze detection device 1 .

[0037] Figure 5 Observed along direction A2 Figures 2 to 4 FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the second housing 33 in the measuring unit 3 shown.

[0038] Figure 6 Observed along direction A2 Figures 2 to 4 FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the second housing 33 and the flexible circuit board 35 in the measurement unit 3 shown.

[0039] Figure 7 It is a schematic plan view for explaining a first modified example of the hole portion formed in the second housing 33 .

[0040] Figure 8It is a schematic plan view for explaining a second modified example of the hole portion formed in the second housing 33 .

[0041] Figure 9 It is a schematic plan view for explaining a third modified example of the hole portion formed in the second housing 33 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] (Overview of Wheezing Detection Device According to Embodiment)

[0043] First, an overview of one embodiment of the wheeze detection device of the present invention will be described. This embodiment of the wheeze detection device measures sounds (lung sounds) from a human body and, if it determines that the measured sounds include wheeze, notifies the patient accordingly. This assists in determining whether medication is necessary for the patient or whether to take the patient to the hospital.

[0044] Lung sounds are all sounds produced within the lungs and thorax during breathing, regardless of normal or abnormal conditions, with the exception of sounds originating from the cardiovascular system. Lung sounds are categorized into breath sounds and adventitious sounds. Breath sounds are physiological sounds originating from the flow of air in the respiratory tract during breathing, while adventitious sounds are abnormal sounds such as stridor and pleural friction rubs that occur under pathological conditions.

[0045] A wheeze detection device according to an embodiment includes a measuring unit having a housing space for accommodating a sound measuring element. The housing space is substantially sealed by the body surface, and the sound measuring element detects fluctuations in the internal pressure of the housing space in this state, thereby measuring lung sounds of the living body. The sound measuring element measures how its output changes depending on the vibration state of a semiconductor element.

[0046] The wheeze detection device of the embodiment employs a configuration in which the storage space is connected to the atmosphere to suppress sudden changes in the internal pressure of the storage space, such as when the contact position of the measurement unit with the body surface changes. This configuration suppresses sudden changes in the internal pressure of the storage space, thereby preventing the sound measurement element from becoming a source of noise.

[0047] When the sound measuring element makes noise, it can be mistakenly identified as wheezing. Such noise is known to be more pronounced when the sound measuring element's housing is tightly sealed and the sound measuring element's measurement sensitivity is high. Improving the measurement sensitivity of the sound measuring element is crucial for accurately measuring lung sounds. Furthermore, to improve the measurement sensitivity of the sound measuring element, it is preferable to use an element whose measurement output changes based on the vibration state of a tiny semiconductor element (e.g., a MEMS microphone).

[0048] In the wheeze detection device of the embodiment, a sound measuring element with high measurement sensitivity is used to improve the accuracy of lung sound measurement. Furthermore, the sound measuring element's storage space is connected to the atmosphere, preventing it from being completely sealed. As a result, even in situations where the internal pressure of the storage space could rise sharply (for example, after contacting the measuring element with the body surface to start measurement, the measuring element is moved slightly away from the body surface and then contacted with the body surface again to continue measurement), the pressure within the storage space can be released to the atmosphere. This suppresses noise generated by the sound measuring element, improving wheeze detection accuracy. The following describes the details of the embodiment.

[0049] (Implementation Method)

[0050] Figure 1 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration example of a wheeze detection device 1 as one embodiment of the wheeze detection device of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the wheezing detection device 1 includes a rod-shaped gripping portion 1 b formed of a housing made of resin, metal, or the like, and a head portion 1 a is provided on one end side of the gripping portion 1 b.

[0051] Inside the gripping portion 1b are provided: a general control unit 4 for overall control of the wheezing detection device 1; a battery 5 for providing the voltage required for operation; and a display unit 6 for displaying images via a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display panel.

[0052] The overall control unit 4 includes a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like, and controls various hardware components of the wheezing detection device 1 according to a program.

[0053] The head portion 1a is provided with a measuring unit 3, which is directed to one side (at a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion 1b) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion 1b. Figure 1 The pressure receiving portion 3a is provided at the top end of the measurement unit 3. The pressure receiving portion 3a contacts the body surface S of the living body of the subject to be measured and receives pressure from the body surface S.

[0054] The wheeze detection device 1 is used as follows: with the user's hand Ha, for example, the index finger, placed on the back of the measurement unit 3 of the head 1a, the user presses the pressure receiving portion 3a of the measurement unit 3 against the body surface S with the index finger. Then, the pressure receiving portion 3a is moved toward the body surface S in the pressing direction ( Figure 1The downward direction of the direction A1 is recorded as direction A1, the opposite direction of direction A1 is recorded as direction A2, and direction A1 and direction A2 are recorded together as direction A.

[0055] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the measuring unit 3 of the wheeze detection device 1 shown in FIG. Figure 3 When viewed from the A1 side Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of the measuring unit 3 of the wheeze detection device 1 . Figure 4 When viewed from the A2 side Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of the measuring unit 3 of the wheeze detection device 1 . Figure 5 Observed along direction A2 Figures 2 to 4 FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the second housing 33 in the measuring unit 3 shown. Figure 6 Observed along direction A2 Figures 2 to 4 FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the second housing 33 and the flexible circuit board 35 in the measurement unit 3 shown.

[0056] The measurement unit 3 includes a housing cover 36 , a first housing 30 , an O-ring 34 , a second housing 33 , a flexible circuit board 35 on which the first microphone M1 and the second microphone M2 are mounted, and a case 37 that supports the first housing 30 , the O-ring 34 , the second housing 33 , and the flexible circuit board 35 .

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the measuring unit 3 is fitted into an opening formed in the housing 2 constituting the head portion 1a, with a portion of the outer cover 36 exposed. The case 37 of the measuring unit 3 is supported by the housing 2. The top end of the portion of the outer cover 36 exposed from the housing 2 is flat or curved, and this flat or curved surface constitutes the pressure receiving portion 3a.

[0058] The first housing 30 is formed of a cylindrical member. It is made of a material such as resin or metal that has a higher acoustic impedance than air and a high degree of rigidity. Preferably, the first housing 30 is made of a material that reflects sound in the measurement frequency band of the first microphone M1. This prevents sound from being transmitted from the outside to the accommodation space SP1 (described later) while the pressure-receiving portion 3a is in contact with the body surface S.

[0059] exist Figures 2 to 4 In the example of FIG. 1 , the first housing 30 is a substantially cylindrical member having a small diameter portion 31 and a large diameter portion 32 having an outer diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion 31 and convex toward the direction A1. Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, a hollow portion is formed within the first housing 30. This hollow portion is composed of a first recessed portion 32a, which forms a substantially cylindrical space, formed on the end surface 32b of the large-diameter portion 32 on the direction A2 side, and an opening 31a, which has a smaller diameter than the first recessed portion 32a, formed at the center of the bottom surface of the first recessed portion 32a. Furthermore, a second recessed portion 32c is formed in a portion of the end surface 32b of the first housing 30, extending from the first recessed portion 32a to the side surface of the large-diameter portion 32.

[0060] The outer shell cover 36 is a cylindrical member with a bottom, and the shape of the hollow portion thereof is roughly consistent with the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the first outer shell 30 (except for the end surface 32b). The first outer shell 30 is inserted into the hollow portion of the outer shell cover 36, and the outer peripheral surface of the first outer shell 30 (particularly the end surface on the direction A1 side) is in close contact with the outer shell cover 36. In this way, the first outer shell 30 is configured such that one end surface of the first outer shell 30 in the axial direction (the end surface on the direction A1 side) is covered by the outer shell cover 3. The outer shell cover 36 is made of a flexible material having an acoustic impedance close to that of the human body, air, or water and good biological adaptability. As the material of the outer shell cover 36, for example, silicone or elastomer is used.

[0061] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the second housing 33 is shaped like a circular plate with a portion cut away. A roughly cylindrical protrusion 331 is formed on the surface 330 facing in direction A1. The diameter of the protrusion 331 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the first recess 32a of the first housing 30. The second housing 33 is secured to the first housing 30 by screws B1 to B3, which close the first recess 32a of the first housing 30. These screws B1 to B3 are inserted through three screw holes formed in the portion of the housing 30 excluding the protrusion 331. More specifically, the surface 330 of the second housing 33 abuts the end surface 32b of the first housing 30, and the first recess 32a of the first housing 30 is blocked by the second housing 33.

[0062] The O-ring 34 has an outer diameter smaller than that of the first recess 32a of the first housing 30 and is accommodated in the first recess 32a of the first housing 30. The outer diameter of the O-ring 34 is substantially the same as that of the protrusion 331 of the second housing 33.

[0063] The flexible circuit board 35 is a flexible circuit board, and includes a substantially circular plate portion 350 on which the first microphone M1 is mounted, a substantially circular plate portion 351 on which the second microphone M2 is mounted, a connecting portion 352 connecting the plate portion 350 and the plate portion 351, and a strip portion 353 extending from the side of the plate portion 351 opposite to the connecting portion 352. Figure 1 The information of the sounds measured by the first microphone M1 and the second microphone M2 is transmitted to the overall control unit 4 via the flexible circuit board 35 .

[0064] The first microphone M1 is a sound measuring element for measuring lung sounds, and is composed of, for example, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) microphone or a condenser microphone that detects sounds in a frequency band wider than the frequency range of lung sounds (generally greater than 10 Hz and less than 1.5 kHz) (for example, a frequency range of greater than 1 Hz and less than 10 kHz).

[0065] Regarding the flat plate portion 350 on which the first microphone M1 is mounted, Figure 6 As shown, the size when viewed along direction A is substantially the same as that of the convex portion 331 of the second housing 33. Figure 2 As shown, the flat plate portion 350 is disposed between the O-ring 34 and the protrusion 331 of the second housing 33. A through hole 350a is formed in the flat plate portion 350. The first microphone M1 mounted on the flat plate portion 350 and the through hole 350a of the flat plate portion 350 are disposed inside the O-ring 34.

[0066] The thickness ratio of the O-ring 34 in the direction A is Figure 2 The distance between the flat plate portion 350 and the bottom surface of the first recess 32a of the first housing 30 in the assembled state shown in FIG is large. Therefore, when the first housing 30 and the second housing 33 are fixed together by screws B1 to B3, Figure 2 In the assembled state, the flat plate portion 350 and the surface of the convex portion 331 are in close contact with each other.

[0067] The second microphone M2 is a sound measuring element (different from the first microphone M1) for measuring the surrounding sounds of the measuring unit 3 (environmental sounds such as human voices or friction sounds between the wheezing detection device 1 and the biological body or clothes, etc.), and is composed of, for example, a MEMS microphone or a condenser microphone that measures sounds in a frequency band wider than the frequency range of lung sounds (for example, a frequency range above 10 Hz and below 10 kHz).

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the flat plate portion 351 on which the second microphone M2 is mounted is fixed to the surface of the second housing 33 opposite the protrusion 331 (the surface facing the direction A2) using adhesive or the like. The connecting portion 352 of the flexible circuit board 35 passes through the second recess 32c of the first housing 30 and reaches the interior of the box body 37.

[0069] The box body 37 is cylindrical with a hollow portion 37a. The first shell 30 and the second shell 33 are fixed to the inner periphery of the box body 37 by screws B1 to B3. Figure 2 As shown, the second microphone M2 mounted on the flat plate portion 351 of the flexible circuit board 35 is exposed in the hollow portion 37a of the case 37. The hollow portion 37a is open to the atmosphere.

[0070] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a hole portion 40 formed of substantially spiral (or substantially concentric) grooves is provided on the surface of the convex portion 331 of the second housing 33. The hole portion 40 is composed of grooves 41-48.

[0071] Groove 41 is a substantially circular groove larger than through-hole 350a formed at a position facing through-hole 350a of flexible circuit board 35. Groove 42 is a substantially arc-shaped groove extending counterclockwise from groove 41.

[0072] Groove 43 is a generally arc-shaped groove extending counterclockwise from the terminal end of groove 42 toward groove 41. The terminal end of groove 43 is closed and does not merge with other grooves. Groove 44 is a generally arc-shaped groove extending counterclockwise from the terminal end of groove 42 to the outside of groove 43 (radially outside of protrusion 331) along groove 43.

[0073] Groove 45 is a generally arc-shaped groove extending counterclockwise from the terminal end of groove 44 outside groove 42 along groove 42. The terminal end of groove 45 is closed and does not merge with other grooves. Groove 46 is a generally arc-shaped groove extending counterclockwise from the terminal end of groove 44 outside groove 45 along groove 45.

[0074] Groove 47 is a substantially arc-shaped groove extending counterclockwise from the terminal end of groove 46 along the outer side of groove 44. The terminal end of groove 47 is closed and does not merge with other grooves. Groove 48 is a linear groove extending from the terminal end of groove 46 along the surface 330 side (radially outward) of the second housing 33. The terminal end of groove 48 is at Figure 2 In the assembled state shown, the second recess 32 c is exposed in the first housing 30 .

[0075] In this way, with respect to the hole portion 40 formed on the surface of the protrusion 331 of the second shell 33, there are three branches between the groove 41 and the terminal 49 of the groove 48 that branch the groove into two (the branch portion BR1 formed at the terminal of the groove 42, the branch portion BR2 formed at the terminal of the groove 44, and the branch portion BR3 formed at the terminal of the groove 46).

[0076] exist Figure 2 In the assembled state shown, Figure 6 As shown, the through hole 350a of the flexible circuit board 35 overlaps the groove 41. The hole 40 is covered by the flat plate 350 of the flexible circuit board 35 and sealed by the flat plate 350 except for the terminal end of the groove 48 and a portion of the groove 41.

[0077] like Figure 2As shown, the first microphone M1 is accommodated in an accommodation space SP1 surrounded by the O-ring 34, the flat plate portion 350, the inner circumference of the first housing 30, and the housing cover 36. The O-ring 34, the flat plate portion 350, the first housing 30, the second housing 33, and the housing cover 36 constitute a space forming member forming the accommodation space SP1.

[0078] If the flat plate portion 350 does not have the through-hole 350a, the storage space SP1 can be provided as a highly airtightly sealed space (e.g., a space at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure). This embodiment is characterized by the storage space SP1 being connected to the atmosphere via the through-hole 350a and the hole portion 40 connected thereto. The groove 41 in the hole portion 40 forms the entrance to the storage space SP1, and the terminal end 49 of the groove 48 forms the exit to the atmosphere.

[0079] When the wheeze detection device 1 configured as described above is used, the pressure-receiving portion 3a of the outer cover 36 contacts the body surface S. As the pressure-receiving portion 3a vibrates due to lung sounds transmitted from the living body to the body surface S, the internal pressure of the accommodation space SP1 fluctuates due to this vibration. Based on this internal pressure fluctuation, an electrical signal corresponding to the lung sounds is detected by the first microphone M1. Furthermore, the second microphone M2 measures ambient sound during use of the wheeze detection device 1.

[0080] The overall control unit 4 determines the presence of stridor based on the sounds measured by the first microphone M1 and the sounds measured by the second microphone M2. For example, the overall control unit 4 removes ambient noise, other than lung sounds, from the first sound measured by the first microphone M1 based on the second sound measured by the second microphone M2. The overall control unit 4 then determines the presence of stridor based on the first sound after the ambient noise has been removed. It should be noted that the second microphone M2 is not essential; the presence of stridor can also be determined based on the sound measured by the first microphone M1. Various methods can be used to determine the presence of stridor.

[0081] (Effect of wheeze detection device)

[0082] When measuring lung sounds using the first microphone M1, for example, if the pressure-receiving portion 3a changes its position or the pressure-receiving portion 3a presses against the body surface, the internal pressure of the storage space SP1 may fluctuate significantly if the airtightness of the storage space SP1 is too high. According to the wheeze detection device 1, even if the internal pressure of the storage space SP1 fluctuates, for example, in an increasing direction, the large fluctuation in the internal pressure of the storage space SP1 can be suppressed by exhausting the air in the storage space SP1 to the atmosphere through the through-hole 350a and the hole 40. As a result, the generation of noise primarily caused by the first microphone M1 itself when using a MEMS microphone as the first microphone M1 can be suppressed (hereinafter referred to as the noise suppression effect), thereby improving the accuracy of wheeze detection.

[0083] also, Figure 5 The hole portion 40 shown in the structure is constructed as follows: there is a branch portion (branch portion BR1~BR3) between the inlet (groove 41) on the side of the accommodating space SP1 and the outlet (terminal 49) on the atmospheric side, and the branch portion (branch portion BR1~BR3) branches the groove into two: a groove with a closed terminal and a groove connected to the terminal 49.

[0084] According to this structure, when ambient sound intrudes from the terminal 49 connected to the atmosphere, the energy of the ambient sound can be attenuated by the closed grooves branched from the branch parts. As a result, the sound pressure of the ambient sound reaching the storage space SP1 can be sufficiently reduced. That is, the sound insulation effect of the sound from the atmosphere side can be improved. In this way, the sound insulation effect is improved, thereby improving the detection accuracy of wheezing. As far as this structure is concerned, if you think about it the other way around, it can be said that it is a structure in which the pressure of the storage space SP1 does not escape excessively to the atmosphere. That is, in the wheezing detection device 1, the sealed state of the storage space SP1 can be prevented from becoming excessively lowered. As a result, lung sounds can be measured with high sensitivity (hereinafter referred to as the measurement accuracy improvement effect), and the wheezing detection accuracy can be improved.

[0085] It should be noted that if the hole portion 40 is a structure having at least one branch portion, a sound insulation effect and an improvement in measurement accuracy can be obtained. Figure 5 The three branches shown are provided to better achieve these effects.

[0086] The result of the verification is that Figure 5 In the structure of the hole portion 40 shown in the figure, the cross-sectional area of the through hole 350a of the flexible circuit board 35 is set to 0.1964 mm. 2 The cross-sectional area of each groove 42 to groove 48 is set to 0.045 mm 2In the following case, by setting the total length of grooves 42, 44, 46 and 48 to be greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, the balance between noise suppression effect, sound insulation effect and measurement accuracy improvement effect can be set to the optimal balance to improve wheezing detection accuracy.

[0087] (Modification of the Hole)

[0088] In the above embodiment, the hole portion 40 is formed in a substantially spiral shape (substantially concentric circle shape). However, in the first and second modified examples described below, the hole portion 40 is formed in a linear shape, which is different from the above embodiment.

[0089] Figure 7 1 is a schematic plan view for explaining a first modified example of the hole portion formed in the second housing 33. Figure 7 3 shows the second housing 33 and the flexible circuit board 35 and O-ring 34 overlapping therewith. In the first modification, the positional relationship between the first microphone M1 and the through hole 350a on the flat plate portion 350 of the flexible circuit board 35 is opposite to that of the above embodiment.

[0090] exist Figure 7 In the first modified example shown, a hole 40A is formed on the surface of the convex portion 331 of the second housing 33. The hole 40A includes a generally circular groove 41A that overlaps with the through-hole 350a and has a larger diameter than the through-hole 350a, and a rectangular groove 48A that extends linearly from the groove 41A toward the radially outer side of the convex portion 331. The terminal end of the groove 48A, like the terminal end 49 of the hole 40, is exposed in the second recess 32c of the first housing 30.

[0091] Figure 8 : is a schematic plan view for explaining a second modified example of the hole portion formed in the second housing 33. Figure 8 3 and the second housing 33 and the flexible circuit substrate 35 and the O-ring 34 overlapping therewith are shown.

[0092] exist Figure 8 In the second modified example shown, a hole 40B is formed on the surface of the convex portion 331 of the second housing 33. Hole 40B includes a generally circular groove 41B that overlaps with and has a larger diameter than through-hole 350a, and a rectangular groove 48B that extends linearly from groove 41B toward the connecting portion 352. Like the terminal end 49 of hole 40, the terminal end of groove 48B is exposed in the second recess 32c of the first housing 30.

[0093] In the first and second modified examples, the storage space SP1 is connected to the atmosphere via the through-hole 350a and the linear holes 40A and 40B connected thereto. This configuration allows the internal pressure of the storage space SP1 to increase, for example, by being released to the atmosphere via the through-hole 350a and the holes 40A and 40B. This suppresses significant fluctuations in the internal pressure of the storage space SP1. As a result, the generation of noise primarily caused by the first microphone M1 itself when a MEMS microphone is used as the first microphone M1 can be suppressed, improving the accuracy of wheezing detection.

[0094] Furthermore, the straight lines of holes 40A and 40B facilitate the flow of air from storage space SP1 to the atmosphere, compared to hole 40 with a branched portion. In other words, the fluid resistance of hole 40 can be reduced. Specifically, the first and second variations can reduce the airtightness of storage space SP1 compared to the configuration of the aforementioned embodiment. Consequently, the noise generated by first microphone M1 itself can be more effectively suppressed than in the aforementioned embodiment, further improving wheeze detection accuracy.

[0095] Figure 8 The hole portion 40B is larger than Figure 7 Therefore, according to the hole portion 40A is long. Figure 8 The composition shown, and Figure 7 Compared with the structure shown in FIG, it can prevent the airtightness of the storage space SP1 from being excessively reduced. Figure 8 The composition shown, and Figure 7 Compared with the structure shown, the sound insulation effect from the atmosphere to the accommodation space SP1 can be improved.

[0096] On the other hand, the hole portion 40A is shorter than the hole portion 40B. Figure 7 The composition shown, and Figure 8 Compared with the structure shown, the sealing degree of the storage space SP1 can be lowered.

[0097] In this way, when the hole portion 40 is formed into a linear shape, the balance between the noise suppression effect, the sound insulation effect, and the measurement accuracy improvement effect can be adjusted by adjusting its length. It should be noted that the length of the hole portions 40A and 40B refers to the length of the portion excluding the grooves 41A and 41B at the entrance.

[0098] For example, the length L1 of the hole 40A (the length of the groove 48A) is less than half the width R of the accommodation space SP1 (equivalent to the inner diameter of the O-ring 34) in a direction perpendicular to the direction A. By setting the length L1 to be less than half the width R, the airtightness of the accommodation space SP1 can be sufficiently reduced, thereby improving the noise suppression effect of the first microphone M1.

[0099] Furthermore, the length L2 of the hole 40B (the length of the groove 48B) is at least half the width R of the accommodation space SP1. By setting the length L2 to at least half the width R, although the noise suppression effect is slightly reduced, the balance among the noise suppression effect, the sound insulation effect, and the effect of improving measurement accuracy can be roughly equalized, thereby improving wheezing detection accuracy.

[0100] As a result of a more detailed verification, in the configuration of the hole portion 40A (or the hole portion 40B), the cross-sectional area of the through hole 350a of the flexible circuit board 35 is set to 0.1964 mm. 2 The cross-sectional area of the groove 48A (or groove 48B) (the area of the cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the groove extends) is set to 0.045 mm. 2 When the length of groove 48A (or groove 48B) is set to 3 mm or greater and less than 7 mm (groove width = 0.5 mm and depth = 0.09 mm), stride detection accuracy can be improved. Specifically, when this length is set to 3 mm or greater and less than 7 mm, while lung sound measurement accuracy and sound insulation performance are slightly reduced compared to a configuration with a length of 7 mm or greater, the noise suppression effect of the first microphone M1 is improved. Therefore, by balancing lung sound measurement accuracy with sound insulation and noise suppression performance, stride detection accuracy can be improved.

[0101] Furthermore, by setting this length to 7 mm or greater and less than 15 mm, wheeze detection accuracy can be further improved. Specifically, when this length is set to 7 mm or greater and less than 15 mm, while the noise suppression effect of the first microphone M1 is somewhat weakened compared to a configuration with a length less than 7 mm, lung sound measurement accuracy and sound insulation performance can be improved. Therefore, by balancing lung sound measurement accuracy with sound insulation and noise suppression performance, wheeze detection accuracy can be further improved.

[0102] It should be noted that the upper limit of the cross-sectional area of the groove 48A (or the groove 48B) is set to 0.045 mm. 2 This is because: when the cross-sectional area exceeds this value, regardless of the length of groove 48A (or groove 48B), the airtightness of the accommodating space SP1 will be excessively reduced, and the degree of reduction in wheezing detection accuracy caused by the reduction in sound insulation performance and lung sound measurement accuracy will become excessively greater than the degree of increase in wheezing detection accuracy caused by the improvement in noise suppression effect.

[0103] Figure 9 3 is a schematic plan view for explaining a third modified example of the hole portion formed in the second housing 33. Figure 9 3 and the second housing 33 and the flexible circuit substrate 35 and the O-ring 34 overlapping therewith are shown.

[0104] exist Figure 9In the third modified example shown, a hole 40C is formed on the surface of the convex portion 331 of the second housing 33. The hole 40C includes a generally circular groove 41C that overlaps with the through-hole 350a and has a larger diameter than the through-hole 350a, and a zigzag groove 48C that extends from the groove 41C toward the connecting portion 352. Like the terminal end 49 of the hole 40, the terminal end of the groove 48C is exposed in the second recess 32c of the first housing 30.

[0105] As a result, the curved shape of hole 40C significantly hinders the flow of air from storage space SP1 to the atmosphere, compared to holes 40A and 40B. In other words, the fluid resistance in hole 40C is reduced. That is, according to the third modification, even if the length of groove 48C is the same as grooves 48A and 48B, the airtightness of storage space SP1 can be reduced compared to the first and second modifications. This significantly reduces the noise generated by first microphone M1 itself, further improving wheeze detection accuracy. Furthermore, sound insulation performance is enhanced, improving the accuracy of lung sound measurement.

[0106] In the above description, the holes 40 , 40A, 40B, and 40C are each formed as a groove. However, the holes 40 , 40A, 40B, and 40C may each be a hole formed inside the convex portion 331 , for example.

[0107] While various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is obviously not limited to the examples described. Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various variations or modifications within the scope of the claims, and such variations or modifications naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the various components of the above embodiments may be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0108] It should be noted that the present application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2020-057186 filed on March 27, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0109] Description of Reference Numerals

[0110] 1: Wheezing detection device;

[0111] 1b: gripping part;

[0112] 1a: head;

[0113] 2: Shell;

[0114] 3: measurement unit;

[0115] 3a: pressure part;

[0116] 4: General control department;

[0117] 5: Battery;

[0118] 6: Display unit;

[0119] S: body surface;

[0120] Ha: hand;

[0121] 30: first shell;

[0122] 33: second shell;

[0123] 34: O-ring;

[0124] 35: Flexible circuit substrate;

[0125] 350a: through hole;

[0126] 36: housing cover;

[0127] 37: box body;

[0128] 40: hole;

[0129] SP1: Accommodation space;

[0130] M1: first microphone;

[0131] M2: Second microphone.

Claims

1. A wheeze detection device, wherein the wheeze detection device is in contact with a body surface of a living body and detects wheeze based on a sound measured from the living body, wherein: The wheezing detection device comprises: sound measurement components; a space forming member forming a storage space for storing the sound measuring element; and a cover member that closes the accommodation space and forms a pressure receiving portion that receives pressure from the body surface, The space forming member is provided with a hole portion connected to the atmosphere, The accommodating space is connected to the atmosphere via the hole portion, The hole portion has a branch portion between the inlet on the storage space side and the outlet on the atmosphere side. One of two branch hole portions branching from the inlet side through the branch portion is connected to the outlet, and the other of the two branch hole portions is closed.

2. The wheeze detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The hole portion further includes at least one branch portion in the one of the two branched hole portions.

3. The wheeze detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The space forming member comprises: a cylindrical member, one end face of which is covered by the cover member in the axial direction; and a placing member fixed to the other end face of the cylindrical member in the axial direction in the form of closing the inner peripheral portion of the cylindrical member, for placing the sound measuring element. The hole portion is constituted by a groove formed in the placement member.

Images