Fluid circuit and blood pressure measurement device

Abstract

The fluid circuit (3) of the blood pressure measuring device (1) includes: a first cuff (71) connected to the secondary side of a pump (14) that supplies fluid to the secondary side; a first flow dam (21) connected to the secondary side of the first cuff (71); a second flow dam (22) disposed on the secondary side of the first flow dam (21) and connected to the atmosphere; and a second cuff (73) disposed between the first flow dam (21) and the second flow dam (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fluid circuit and a blood pressure measuring device for blood pressure measurement. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, blood pressure measuring devices have been used not only in medical facilities but also in homes as a way to monitor health. These devices, for example, involve expanding and contracting a cuff wrapped around the upper arm or wrist, using a pressure sensor to detect the pressure in the cuff, thereby detecting vibrations in the arterial walls to measure blood pressure.

[0003] Regarding such blood pressure measuring devices, a technique is known that includes multiple cuffs, wherein the multiple cuffs include a sensing cuff for measuring blood pressure and a compression cuff for pressing the sensing cuff toward the body. The blood pressure measuring device has a pump that supplies fluid, such as air, to the cuffs, thereby inflating the cuffs.

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-22477 discloses a technique for a blood pressure measuring device that includes a fluid circuit in which a throttling element is positioned between the compression cuff and the sensing cuff to act as fluid resistance, thereby reducing the amount of air injected. In such a blood pressure measuring device, the flow rate changes proportionally to the pressure difference between the compression cuff on the primary side of the throttling element and the sensing cuff on the secondary side.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-22477 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] In the aforementioned blood pressure measuring device, the air flow rate supplied from the pump changes proportionally to the pressure difference between the compression cuff on the primary side of the throttling device and the sensing cuff on the secondary side of the throttling device. Therefore, when the inflation time of the organism changes during blood pressure measurement, the amount of air flowing into the sensing cuff changes, resulting in an error in the amount of air injected into the sensing cuff.

[0010] Furthermore, even in configurations that include three or more cuffs, the amount of air flowing into the secondary cuff will change when fluid resistance, such as a throttling element, is placed between the primary cuff and the secondary cuff.

[0011] Furthermore, the inflation time during blood pressure measurement varies depending on the size of the measurement site, the cuff winding pattern, and pump characteristics. Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the sensing cuff needs to be less than the amount of inspiratory air supplied to the compression cuff. Therefore, a throttling device with high fluid resistance is required for the throttling device located between the compression and sensing cuffs. Such a throttling device requires tiny pinholes and expensive, high-precision manufacturing techniques.

[0012] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a fluid circuit and a blood pressure measuring device capable of controlling the pressure ratio of multiple cuffs.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] According to one embodiment, a fluid circuit is provided, comprising: a first cuff connected to the secondary side of a pump that supplies fluid to the secondary side; a first flow throttle connected to the secondary side of the first cuff; a second flow throttle disposed on the secondary side of the first flow throttle and connected to the atmosphere; and a second cuff disposed between the first flow throttle and the second flow throttle.

[0015] Here, fluid includes liquids and air. A cuff includes a bag-like structure that is wrapped around the upper arm, wrist, etc. of an organism when measuring blood pressure and expands by being supplied with fluid; when the fluid is air, the bag-like structure is, for example, an air bag that expands by air.

[0016] According to this scheme, fluid supplied to the secondary side by the pump is supplied to the first cuff and passes through the first flow obstruction to the flow path between the first and second flow obstructions. Furthermore, fluid supplied to the flow path between the first and second flow obstructions is supplied to the second cuff and passes through the second flow obstruction to the atmosphere. Therefore, the flow rate of fluid supplied to the second cuff is less than the flow rate of fluid supplied to the first cuff. Furthermore, the flow rate of fluid discharged to the atmosphere is less than the flow rate of fluid supplied to the second cuff. That is, due to the fluid resistance ratio of the first and second flow obstructions, the pressure ratio of the first cuff pressure to the second cuff pressure remains constant. Therefore, the fluid circuit enables the pressure of the first cuff and the pressure of the second cuff to reach the desired pressure.

[0017] A fluid circuit according to one of the above solutions includes: a first valve, which is arranged in parallel with the first flow obstruction element and opens when the pressure of the second cuff is higher than the pressure of the first cuff by a predetermined value.

[0018] According to this scheme, in the fluid circuit, when the pressure of the first cuff decreases due to the discharge of fluid from both the first and second cuffs, and the pressure of the first cuff is lower than that of the second cuff, the first valve opens. Therefore, when the pressure of the first cuff is higher than that of the second cuff, the fluid from the first cuff is preferentially discharged, and the fluid from the second cuff is discharged through both the first and second flow-blocking elements. Furthermore, when the pressure of the first cuff is lower than that of the second cuff, the first valve opens, increasing the discharge rate of the fluid from the second cuff.

[0019] A fluid circuit according to the above-mentioned solution includes: a second valve, which is arranged in parallel with the first flow obstruction member and opens when the pressure of the first cuff is higher than the pressure of the second cuff by a predetermined value; and a third flow obstruction member, which is connected to the secondary side of the second valve and is arranged in parallel with the first flow obstruction member.

[0020] According to this scheme, as the pressure of the first cuff increases, the pressure difference between it and the second cuff increases. However, by using a second valve and a third flow-blocking element connected in parallel with the first flow-blocking element, the pressure difference between the first and second cuffs can be reduced. Therefore, the fluid circuit does not require a high-capacity pump to raise the second cuff to the desired pressure.

[0021] A fluid circuit is provided according to one of the above-mentioned solutions, wherein at least one of the first flow-blocking element and the second flow-blocking element is formed by connecting a plurality of flow-blocking elements in parallel, series, or a combination of series and parallel.

[0022] According to this solution, a flow obstruction device that can be used to reduce fluid resistance by configuring multiple flow obstruction devices becomes a flow obstruction device that comprehensively considers pressure dependence.

[0023] According to one embodiment, a blood pressure measuring device is provided, comprising: a pump for supplying fluid to a secondary side; a fluid circuit as described in the above embodiment; an on / off valve disposed between the pump and a first cuff for opening and closing a flow path to the atmosphere; a pressure sensor connected to a second cuff; and a control unit for controlling the pump and the on / off valve based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

[0024] According to this solution, the blood pressure measuring device can drive the pump based on the pressure of the second cuff, thus supplying fluid to the second cuff until at least the second cuff reaches the appropriate pressure. Furthermore, the blood pressure measuring device controls and opens / closes the valves via a control unit when draining fluid from the first and second cuffs, thereby allowing fluid to be drained from both cuffs.

[0025] A blood pressure measuring device that can provide one of the above solutions includes: a device body that houses the pump, the on / off valve, the pressure sensor, and the control unit, wherein the first flow obstruction element and the second flow obstruction element are integrated with the first cuff.

[0026] According to this design, in the blood pressure measuring device, the control unit, the pump controlled by the control unit, the on / off valve, and the pressure sensor are housed within the device body. A first valve and a flow-blocking element, used for fluid control of the fluid circuit but not electrically connected to the control unit, are integrated with the first cuff; the first valve and flow-blocking element are not housed within the device body. Therefore, the blood pressure measuring device can be miniaturized.

[0027] Invention Effects

[0028] The present invention provides a fluid circuit and a blood pressure measuring device that can control the pressure ratio of multiple cuffs. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a blood pressure measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a block diagram schematically representing the structure of the main body of the blood pressure measuring device.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device and showing an example of its use.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device and showing an example of its use.

[0033] Figure 5 This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of changes in pressure and injection volume during blood pressure measurement using this blood pressure measuring device.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the use of the blood pressure measuring device.

[0035] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a blood pressure measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device and showing an example of its use.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device and showing an example of its use.

[0038] Figure 10This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a blood pressure measuring device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device and showing an example of its use.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device and showing an example of its use.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a top view showing the configuration of the cuff structure and fluid control unit of the blood pressure measuring device.

[0043] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a blood pressure measuring device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a blood pressure measuring device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a blood pressure measuring device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 19 This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a blood pressure measuring device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 20 This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 22 This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a modified example of the blood pressure measuring device according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the flow obstruction element used in the blood pressure measuring device and an example of multiple flow obstruction elements configured in parallel.

[0052] Figure 24This is a top view showing the configuration of the throttling diaphragm used in the flow obstruction device.

[0053] Figure 25 This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of other examples of flow obstructions and an example of arranging multiple flow obstructions in series.

[0054] Figure 26 This is a top view showing the configuration of the throttling diaphragm used in the flow obstruction device.

[0055] Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of other examples of flow-blocking components.

[0056] Figure 28 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of the flow-blocking component.

[0057] Figure 29 This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of other variations of the blood pressure measuring device according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0058] [First Implementation Method]

[0059] The following uses Figures 1 to 6 The following example illustrates a blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the main body 2 of the blood pressure measuring device 1. Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1 and an example of the flow of fluid supplied to each cuff 71, 73 during blood pressure measurement. Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1 and an example of the flow of fluid in the discharge of fluid after blood pressure measurement. Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the changes in pressure and injection volume of each cuff 71, 73 in the blood pressure measurement of the blood pressure measuring device 1.

[0061] Blood pressure measuring device 1 is an electronic blood pressure measuring device that is attached to a living organism. For example, blood pressure measuring device 1 is an electronic blood pressure measuring device that is attached to a living organism 200 such as the wrist and has a scheme for measuring blood pressure from the artery 210 of the living organism 200. Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the blood pressure measuring device 1 includes a device body 2 and a fluid circuit 3. Furthermore, for example, as... Figure 1As shown, the blood pressure measuring device 1 includes at least a fastener 4, such as a strap, for fixing the fluid circuit 3 to the living organism 200. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The organism 200 is shown as a wrist, but the organism 200 could also be an upper arm, etc.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 2 of the device includes a housing 11, a display device 12, an operating device 13, a pump 14, a flow path 15, an on / off valve 16, a pressure sensor 17, a power supply unit 18, a communication device 19, and a control board 20.

[0063] The housing 11 may house, for example, a display device 12, an operating device 13, a pump 14, a flow path 15, an on / off valve 16, a pressure sensor 17, a power supply unit 18, a communication device 19, and a control board 20. Furthermore, the housing 11 may expose a portion of the display device 12 in a manner that allows for visual confirmation of the portion of the display device 12 from the outside, or it may be formed of a transparent material. It should be noted that the housing 11 may also be configured to house part of the fluid circuit 3.

[0064] The display device 12 is electrically connected to the control board 20. The display device 12 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescent display (OELD). The display device 12 displays various information, including the date, blood pressure values ​​such as the highest and lowest blood pressure, and measurement results such as heart rate, according to the control signals from the control board 20.

[0065] The operating device 13 receives commands from the user. For example, the operating device 13 may be a sensor that includes multiple buttons and detects button operations, a pressure-sensitive or capacitive touch panel provided in the housing 11, display device 12, etc., or a microphone that receives voice-based commands. The operating device 13 converts the commands into electrical signals by the user and outputs the electrical signals to the control board 20.

[0066] Pump 14 is, for example, a piezoelectric pump. Pump 14 compresses fluid and supplies the compressed fluid to fluid circuit 3 via flow path 15. Pump 14 is electrically connected to control board 20. Pump 14 is driven based on control signals provided from control board 20. Here, the fluid can be any gas or any liquid. In this embodiment, the fluid is air.

[0067] The flow path 15 connects the pump 14, the on / off valve 16, and the pressure sensor 17 to the fluid circuit 3. The flow path 15 can be any one of a tube, piping, tank, or a hollow portion or groove formed in the housing 11, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the flow path 15 forms a flow path from the pump 14 to the secondary side, and forms a flow path 15a that branches off a portion of the flow path from the pump 14 to the secondary side and connects to the on / off valve 16. Furthermore, the flow path 15 forms a flow path 15b that connects the on / off valve 16 to the atmosphere. Additionally, the flow path 15 forms a flow path 15c that connects the pressure sensor 17 to the fluid circuit 3.

[0068] The on / off valve 16 is electrically connected to the control board 20. The on / off valve 16 is controlled by the control board 20. For example, the on / off valve 16 is opened and closed by the control board 20. The on / off valve 16 is connected to the atmosphere through the flow path section 15, and by switching to the open state, the pump 14 and the fluid circuit 3 are connected to the atmosphere.

[0069] The on / off valve 16 is an exhaust valve that opens the flow path on the secondary side of the pump 14 to the atmosphere. Furthermore, for example, the on / off valve 16 is a rapid exhaust valve configured to minimize fluid resistance by, for example, reducing the opening degree of the on / off valve 16 or the opening area of ​​the flow path portion 15. It should be noted that in the figures, the on / off valve 16 is referred to as a rapid exhaust valve 16. When air is supplied to the fluid circuit 3 during blood pressure measurement, this on / off valve 16 is switched to a closed state. Furthermore, when venting is performed on the fluid circuit 3, the on / off valve 16 is switched from a closed state to an open state by control of the control board 20. Additionally, the on / off valve 16 may also be configured to allow for adjustment of its opening degree.

[0070] Pressure sensor 17 detects the pressure of the cuff disposed on the secondary side of the fluid circuit 3. In this embodiment, it detects the pressure of the sensing cuff 73, which will be described later in the fluid circuit 3. As a specific example, pressure sensor 17 is fluidly connected to sensing cuff 73 via flow path 15 and detects the pressure within sensing cuff 73. Pressure sensor 17 is electrically connected to control board 20. Pressure sensor 17 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the detected pressure to control board 20.

[0071] The power supply unit 18 is a power source. The power supply unit 18 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The power supply unit 18 is electrically connected to the control board 20. Specifically, the power supply unit 18 supplies power to the control board 20. The power supply unit 18 supplies driving power to each component of the control board 20 and, via the control board 20, to the display device 12, the operating device 13, the pump 14, the on / off valve 16, the pressure sensor 17, and the communication device 19.

[0072] The communication device 19 is configured to send and receive information with external devices wirelessly or via wired connection. For example, the communication device 19 sends information controlled by the control board 20, measured blood pressure values, and pulse information to external devices. In addition, it receives software update programs from external devices and sends them to the control unit.

[0073] In this embodiment, the external device is, for example, an external terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or smartwatch.

[0074] In this embodiment, the communication device 19 can be directly connected to an external device or connected via a network. The communication device 19 can also be connected to an external device via mobile communication networks such as 4G and 5G, WiMAX, or Wi-Fi. Furthermore, the communication device 19 can also be connected to an external device via wireless communication units such as Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), or infrared communication. Moreover, the communication device 19 can also be connected to an external device via wired communication lines such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) or Local Area Network (LAN). Therefore, the communication device 19 can also be configured to include multiple communication units such as a wireless antenna and a micro USB connector.

[0075] The control board 20 includes, for example, a substrate, a storage unit 54, and a control unit 55. The control board 20 is configured such that the storage unit 54 and the control unit 55 are mounted on the substrate.

[0076] The substrate is fixed to the housing 11.

[0077] The storage unit 54 is a memory mounted on the substrate. The storage unit 54 includes random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM), etc. The storage unit 54 stores various types of data. For example, the storage unit 54 can pre-store program data for controlling the blood pressure measuring device 1 as a whole, the pump 14, and the fluid circuit 3, setting data for setting various functions of the blood pressure measuring device 1, and calculation data for calculating blood pressure and pulse based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 17, etc. The storage unit 54 stores measured blood pressure, pulse, and other measured values, pressure values ​​measured by the pressure sensor 17, and other information. The storage unit 54 can also store various data generated by the measurement processing unit 55a of the control unit 55.

[0078] The control unit 55 includes one or more processors mounted on the substrate. The processor is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 55 controls the overall operation of the blood pressure measuring device 1, as well as the operation of the pump 14 and the fluid circuit 3, based on a program stored in the storage unit 54, executing predetermined actions (functions). Furthermore, the control unit 55 performs predetermined calculations, analysis, and processing according to the read program.

[0079] The control unit 55 is electrically connected to and powered by the display device 12, the operating device 13, the pump 14, the on / off valve 16, and the pressure sensor 17. Furthermore, the control unit 55 controls the operation of the display device 12, the pump 14, and the on / off valve 16 based on the electrical signals output from the operating device 13 and the pressure sensor 17.

[0080] For example, the control unit 55 includes a main CPU that controls the overall operation of the blood pressure measuring device 1 and a sub-CPU that controls the operation of the fluid circuit 3. It should be noted that, for example, the control unit 55 may also be configured to perform all control of the blood pressure measuring device 1 using a single CPU. Furthermore, for example, the main CPU calculates blood pressure values ​​such as maximum and minimum blood pressure, heart rate, etc., based on the electrical signal output from the pressure sensor 17, and outputs an image signal corresponding to the measurement results to the display device 12.

[0081] For example, when a blood pressure measurement command is input from the operating device 13, the secondary CPU drives the pump 14 and the on / off valve 16 to deliver compressed air to the fluid circuit 3. Furthermore, the secondary CPU controls the operation and shutdown of the pump 14 and the opening and closing of the on / off valve 16 based on the electrical signal output from the pressure sensor 17. The secondary CPU supplies compressed air to the fluid circuit 3 by controlling the pump 14 and the on / off valve 16, and selectively depressurizes the fluid circuit 3.

[0082] Thus, the control unit 55 is configured in hardware via one or more integrated circuits or the like to constitute part or all of the functions performed by the control unit 55. For example, the control unit 55 has a measurement processing unit 55a. The measurement processing unit 55a controls, for example, the pump 14 and the valve 16 to supply air to the fluid circuit 3, and calculates the blood pressure using an oscillometric method based on the pressure of the sensing cuff 73 in the fluid circuit 3 detected by the pressure sensor 17 (described later).

[0083] The fluid circuit 3 includes a cuff structure 6, a pipe assembly 7, and a fluid control unit 9. The fluid circuit 3 fluidly connects the cuff structure 6 and the fluid control unit 9 through the pipe assembly 7.

[0084] It should be noted that when air is supplied from pump 14 to fluid circuit 3, the pump 14 side (device body 2 side) becomes the primary side and the fluid circuit 3 side becomes the secondary side during air flow. However, during exhaust, the on / off valve 16 side (device body 2 side) becomes the secondary side and the fluid circuit 3 side becomes the primary side. However, in the description of the fluid circuit 3's configuration, for ease of explanation, the primary and secondary sides are defined based on the air flow direction when air is supplied from pump 14 to sleeve structure 6 and pipe assembly 7.

[0085] The cuff structure 6 includes multiple cuffs. Here, the cuffs include one or more bag-like structures that are wrapped around the wrist of an organism during blood pressure measurement and inflated by a supplied fluid. The bag-like structure inflates with fluid. In this embodiment, since the fluid is air, the bag-like structure is an air bag. The bag-like structure is formed, for example, by overlapping and welding a pair of sheet members.

[0086] For example, the cuff structure 6 includes a first cuff 71 and a second cuff 73. The first cuff 71 is fluidly connected to the pump 14. The first cuff 71 is inflated by air from the pump 14. The first cuff 71 is used to press the second cuff 73 onto the organism by means of inflation. Hereinafter, the first cuff 71 will be described as the pressing cuff 71. The pressing cuff 71 is formed, for example, by multiple fluidly connected air bags stacked in the pressing direction of the second cuff 73.

[0087] The second cuff 73 is disposed on the secondary side of the first cuff 71. The second cuff 73 is inflated by air from the pump 14. When the blood pressure measuring device 1 is attached to a living organism, the second cuff 73 is disposed in the region of the artery 210 of the living organism 200. The second cuff 73 is a sensing cuff used to calculate blood pressure in blood pressure measurement. Hereinafter, the second cuff 73 will be described as the sensing cuff 73. The sensing cuff 73 is pressed by the inflated pressing cuff 71 after being supplied with air. The sensing cuff 73 is pressed toward the living organism 200 by the inflated pressing cuff 71. The sensing cuff 73 is formed, for example, by an air bag. The sensing cuff 73 is fluidly connected to the pressing cuff 71 via the fluid control unit 9. In this embodiment, the example of the sensing cuff 73 being fluidly connected to the secondary side of the pressing cuff 71 via the fluid control unit 9 will be used for explanation.

[0088] The tube assembly 7 is a collection of tubes, hollow portions provided between the sheet members constituting the air bag, etc. The tube assembly 7 may be integrated with the cuff structure 6, or it may be separate from the cuff structure 6 but connected to the cuff structure 6.

[0089] The tubing assembly 7 fluidly connects the pressing cuff 71, the sensing cuff 73, and the fluid control unit 9. Furthermore, the tubing assembly 7 is connected to the flow path unit 15. In this embodiment, an example of the tubing assembly 7 with a configuration where the fluid control unit 9 has a first flow-blocking member 21 and a second flow-blocking member 22 will be described.

[0090] The tubing assembly 7, for example, fluidly connects the pump 14 and the on / off valve 16 to the compression cuff 71 via the flow path 15. The tubing assembly 7, for example, fluidly connects the pressure sensor 17 to the sensing cuff 73 via the flow path 15. Furthermore, the tubing assembly 7, for example, fluidly connects the first flow obstruction member 21, the second flow obstruction member 22, and the atmosphere to the secondary side of the compression cuff 71 in series, and fluidly connects the sensing cuff 73 to the first flow obstruction member 21 and the second flow obstruction member 22.

[0091] Specifically, the tube assembly 7 includes a first tube 7a, a second tube 7b, a third tube 7c, a fourth tube 7d, and a fifth tube 7e. The first tube 7a is connected to the flow path 15a of the flow path section 15 and the press cuff 71. The first tube 7a connects the pump 14 and the on / off valve 16 to the press cuff 71 via the flow path section 15.

[0092] The second tube 7b is connected to the pressing cuff 71 and the first flow-blocking element 21.

[0093] The third tube 7c is a branch tube with a branch portion 7c1 at the midpoint from the primary side to the secondary side, branching into two flow paths at the branch portion 7c1. The primary side of the third tube 7c is in fluid connection with the first flow obstruction member 21. One branch portion 7c2, located on the secondary side of the third tube 7c, is connected to the second flow obstruction member 22. The other branch portion 7c3, located on the secondary side of the third tube 7c, is connected to the sensing cuff 73.

[0094] The fourth tube 7d connects the second flow obstruction 22 to the atmosphere. That is, one end of the fourth tube 7d is connected to the secondary side of the second flow obstruction 22, and the other end opens to the outside. The fifth tube 7e is connected to the flow path 15c of the flow path section 15 and the sensing cuff 73. The fifth tube 7e connects the pressure sensor 17 to the sensing cuff 73 via the flow path section 15.

[0095] The fluid control unit 9 maintains a constant air pressure ratio between the two cuffs 71 and 73 by controlling the fluid resistance ratio of the two flow-blocking elements 21 and 22. For example... Figure 1 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the fluid control unit 9 is provided, for example, between the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73.

[0096] The fluid control unit 9 includes a first flow-blocking element 21 and a second flow-blocking element 22 connected in series. The fluid control unit 9 generates a pressure difference between the pressure on the primary side of the first flow-blocking element 21, the pressure between the first flow-blocking element 21 and the second flow-blocking element 22, and the pressure on the secondary side of the second flow-blocking element 22. The fluid control unit 9 uses these pressure differences to control the pressure ratio between the pressing cuff 71 on the primary side of the first flow-blocking element 21 and the sensing cuff 73 connected between the first flow-blocking element 21 and the second flow-blocking element 22 to a constant value.

[0097] The first flow obstruction 21 acts as a resistance to the fluid passing through it, and in this embodiment, it acts as a resistance to air. The first flow obstruction 21, for example, has a flow path cross-sectional area smaller than that of the primary and secondary sides of the first flow obstruction 21, i.e., smaller than that of the second pipe 7b and the third pipe 7c. The first flow obstruction 21 is, for example, a throttling device. The first flow obstruction 21 reduces the flow path from the pressing cuff 71 to the sensing cuff 73, thereby reducing the flow rate of air supplied to the secondary side of the first flow obstruction 21 compared to the flow rate supplied to the pressing cuff 71.

[0098] The second flow obstruction 22 acts as a resistance to the fluid passing through it, and in this embodiment, it acts as an air resistance. The second flow obstruction 22, for example, has a flow path cross-sectional area smaller than that of the primary and secondary sides of the second flow obstruction 22, i.e., smaller than that of the pipe portion 7c2 of the third pipe 7c and the fourth pipe 7d. The second flow obstruction 22 is, for example, a throttling device.

[0099] The second flow obstructor 22 reduces the flow path from the first flow obstructor 21 to the atmosphere, thus reducing the flow rate of air supplied to the secondary side (atmosphere) of the second flow obstructor 22 compared to the flow rate supplied to the first and second flow obstructors 21. Specifically, when a portion of the air supplied to the flow path between the first and second flow obstructors 21 flows towards the sensing cuff 73 and the atmosphere, the second flow obstructor 22 acts as a resistance to the airflow towards the atmosphere, controlling the flow rate of air injected into the sensing cuff 73 and the flow rate of air flowing out towards the atmosphere.

[0100] Regarding the fluid resistance ratio of the first flow-blocking element 21 to the second flow-blocking element 22, the optimal fluid resistance ratio can be determined, for example, by experimentally determining the relationship between the resistance ratio of the first flow-blocking element 21 and the second flow-blocking element 22 and the measurement error. It should be noted that the optimal fluid resistance ratio ideally refers to, for example, the fluid resistance ratio that is "compression force loss = pressure difference = compression cuff pressure - sensing cuff pressure" achieved by the compression of the blood pressure measuring device 1 wrapped around the wrist 200 into the axillary artery 210 by the compression cuff 71.

[0101] When listing specific examples of setting the fluid resistance ratio, the fluid resistance ratios of the first flow-blocking element 21 and the second flow-blocking element 22 are set to different fluid resistance ratios. Blood pressure is measured multiple times, and the blood pressure error for each is calculated. Based on this blood pressure measurement error, the optimal fluid resistance ratio is estimated. For example, assuming that the blood pressure error is approximately 5 mmHg when the first fluid resistance ratio (first flow-blocking element 21 / second flow-blocking element 22) is 0.67, and the blood pressure error is approximately -15 mmHg when the second fluid resistance ratio is 1, the optimal fluid resistance ratio for achieving a blood pressure error of 0 mmHg can be estimated to be 0.75. Then, the first flow-blocking element 21 and the second flow-blocking element 22 are set to this fluid resistance ratio. It should be noted that this relationship between the fluid resistance ratios of the first flow-blocking element 21 and the second flow-blocking element 22 will change depending on the pressure applied by the cuffs 71 and 73 of the blood pressure measuring device 1. Therefore, adjustments are made to match the characteristics of the cuffs 71 and 73.

[0102] Next, use Figure 3 and Figure 5 An example illustrating the pressure change of the pressing cuff 71 and sensing cuff 73 when air is supplied to such a fluid circuit 3 is given. Figure 3 In the diagram, arrows represent airflow, and X represents the flow path where each valve is closed.

[0103] In this fluid circuit 3, when the valve 16 is closed and the pump 14 is started during blood pressure measurement via the measurement processing unit 55a of the control unit 55, air is first supplied to the compression cuff 71. Then, a portion of the air supplied to the compression cuff 71 passes through the first flow barrier 21 and is supplied to the flow path between the first flow barrier 21 and the second flow barrier 22. At this time, a portion of the air supplied to the compression cuff 71, corresponding to the resistance of the first flow barrier 21, is supplied to the flow path between the first flow barrier 21 and the second flow barrier 22.

[0104] A portion of the air supplied to the flow path between the first flow obstruction 21 and the second flow obstruction 22 is injected into the sensing cuff 73, while the remaining air supplied to the flow path between the first flow obstruction 21 and the second flow obstruction 22 is discharged to the atmosphere through the second flow obstruction 22. At this time, depending on the resistance of the second flow obstruction 22, the flow rates of the air supplied to the flow path between the first flow obstruction 21 and the second flow obstruction 22 that flow towards the sensing cuff 73 and the atmosphere change respectively.

[0105] Furthermore, the fluid resistance ratio between the first flow-blocking element 21 and the second flow-blocking element 22 has been set, therefore, as Figure 5 As shown in the (implementation method), the ratio of the pressure applied to the cuff 71 to the pressure applied to the sensing cuff 73 remains constant from the start of air supply by the pump 14 until the air supply stops. To be more specific... Figure 5The example shown is an example of pressure variation in a prior art blood pressure measuring device. Prior art blood pressure measuring devices have an on / off valve on each cuff, which is opened and closed by a measurement processing unit 55a, and the pressure of each cuff is controlled by a pressure sensor connected to each cuff. Therefore, adjustments are required to control each on / off valve at the start of blood pressure measurement. On the other hand, in the fluid control unit 9 of this embodiment, by utilizing the pressure division between the first flow obstruction member 21 and the second flow obstruction member 22, the pressure ratio remains constant from the start of air supply until the air supply stops, as long as supplied air passes through the first flow obstruction member 21 and the second flow obstruction member 22.

[0106] Next, use Figure 4 An example illustrating the pressure change of the pressing cuff 71 and sensing cuff 73 when air supplied to such a fluid circuit 3 is expelled will be given. Figure 4 In the image, arrows represent the flow of air.

[0107] In fluid circuit 3, when venting of fluid circuit 3 begins after blood pressure measurement, pump 14 stops and on / off valve 16 opens via measurement processing unit 55a of control unit 55. As a result, the on / off valve 16 side of compression cuff 71 connects to the atmosphere, and air inside compression cuff 71 flows towards the on / off valve 16 side. Furthermore, air in sensing cuff 73 is discharged to the atmosphere via second flow restrictor 22. When venting of compression cuff 71 occurs, the pressure of compression cuff 71 decreases. When the pressure of compression cuff 71 is lower than the pressure of sensing cuff 73, air in sensing cuff 73, along with air discharged to the atmosphere via second flow restrictor 22, passes through first flow restrictor 21 towards compression cuff 71 and is discharged to the atmosphere from on / off valve 16. Thus, venting of fluid circuit 3 is performed.

[0108] Next, use Figure 6 The flowchart shown illustrates an example of control during blood pressure measurement using a blood pressure measuring device 1 configured as described above.

[0109] First, with the blood pressure measuring device 1 attached to the body 200, the user operates the operating device 13 to initiate blood pressure measurement. The operating device 13 outputs an electrical signal to the control unit 55 as the command to start blood pressure measurement. When the control unit 55 receives the electrical signal from the operating device 13, the measurement processing unit 55a switches the on / off valve 16 to the closed state and starts driving the pump 14 to pressurize the cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 (step ST101). Then, the measurement processing unit 55a determines whether the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 17 is the specified pressure (step ST102). Here, the specified pressure is the pressure of the sensing cuff 73 that can measure blood pressure by sensing the cuff 73, and it is pre-stored in the storage unit 54.

[0110] If the pressure of the sensing cuff 73 is not the specified pressure (No in step ST102), the measurement processing unit 55a continues to drive the pump 14. When the pressure of the sensing cuff 73 reaches the specified pressure (Yes in step ST102), the measurement processing unit 55a stops the pump 14, stopping the air supply to the pressing cuff 71. Furthermore, the measurement processing unit 55a switches the on / off valve 16 to the open state to begin depressurizing the pressing cuff 71 (step ST103). At this time, the measurement processing unit 55a slowly depressurizes the pressing cuff 71 by adjusting the opening degree of the on / off valve 16 or repeatedly switching the on / off valve 16.

[0111] The measurement processing unit 55a calculates the blood pressure value based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 17 (step ST104). Next, the measurement processing unit 55a determines whether the calculated value can be identified as a blood pressure value (step ST105). It should be noted that a threshold for identifying the calculated value as a blood pressure value is pre-stored in the storage unit 54. Furthermore, the threshold for identifying the blood pressure value is appropriately set based on the detected blood pressure value, the pressure of the sensing cuff 73, etc. If the calculated value cannot be identified as a blood pressure value (No in step ST105), the measurement processing unit 55a continues to press the cuff 71 to depress the pressure (step ST103). If the calculated value is identified as a blood pressure value (Yes in step ST105), the measurement processing unit 55a displays the blood pressure value on the display device 12 (step ST106) and records (stores) the measured blood pressure value in the storage unit 54 (step ST107). Next, the measurement processing unit 55a sets the opening degree of the opening and closing valve 16 to the maximum or sets the opening and closing valve 16 to the open state, and presses the cuff 71 and senses the venting of the cuff 73 (step ST108). Then, the measurement processing unit 55a ends the blood pressure measurement and waits for the next blood pressure measurement to start until a command is received. When the command to start blood pressure measurement is received, it returns to step ST101 and starts the blood pressure measurement.

[0112] In the blood pressure measuring device 1 configured as described above, the fluid circuit 3 provides a first flow-blocking element 21 and a second flow-blocking element 22 on the secondary side of the compression cuff 71, connecting the flow path between the sensing cuff 73 and the first and second flow-blocking elements 21 and 22, and connecting the secondary side of the second flow-blocking element 22 to the atmosphere. With this configuration, when air is supplied via the pump 14 during blood pressure measurement, the pressure ratio between the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 remains constant. Therefore, the air injection process performed by the measurement processing unit 55a of the control unit 55 is eliminated during blood pressure measurement, shortening the measurement time. Consequently, the effects of motion and other artificial factors are eliminated, improving the robustness of the blood pressure measuring device 1 in practical use.

[0113] Furthermore, the pressure difference between the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 can be set by the fluid resistance ratio of the first flow restrictor 21 and the second flow restrictor 22. Therefore, for the first flow restrictor 21 and the second flow restrictor 22, as long as air passes through, the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 expand at an appropriate pressure ratio. Therefore, the blood pressure measuring device 1 does not require electrically controlled components such as the controlled unit 55 other than the pump 14 and the on / off valve 16 to keep the pressure ratio of the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 constant.

[0114] Therefore, the blood pressure measuring device 1 simplifies the control during blood pressure measurement and reduces power consumption. Furthermore, by placing the fluid control unit 9 outside the device body 2, it is possible to miniaturize the device body 2, eliminating the need for electrically controlled first and second flow obstructions 21 and 22.

[0115] Moreover, such as Figure 5 As shown, compared to conventional blood pressure measuring devices that have on / off valves on the primary side of the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 and control each valve based on the detected pressure, the blood pressure measuring device 1 can maintain a constant pressure ratio from the start of pump 14 operation. Therefore, the time from the start of pump 14 operation to blood pressure measurement can be shortened.

[0116] Furthermore, during the venting of the fluid circuit 3, the air in the sensing cuff 73 is vented through two flow paths: one via the first flow restrictor 21, the compression cuff 71, and the on / off valve 16, and the other via the second flow restrictor 22. Therefore, even with the use of the first and second flow restrictors 21, the decrease in venting efficiency of the sensing cuff 73 can be minimized. Moreover, since the first flow restrictor 21 is located on the secondary side of the compression cuff 71, venting is preferentially performed on the compression cuff 71, which exerts more pressure on the body. When the pressure of the compression cuff 71 is lower than the pressure of the sensing cuff 73, the venting rate of the sensing cuff 73 increases. Therefore, the blood pressure measuring device 1 can reduce the load on the body caused by the compression after blood pressure measurement.

[0117] As described above, in the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment, a first flow-blocking member 21 and a second flow-blocking member 22 are provided on the secondary side of the compression cuff 71, connecting the flow path between the sensing cuff 73 and the first flow-blocking member 21 and the second flow-blocking member 22, and connecting the secondary side of the second flow-blocking member 22 to the atmosphere. Therefore, the blood pressure measuring device 1 can keep the pressure ratio between the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 constant.

[0118] [Second Implementation]

[0119] Next, use Figures 7 to 9 The blood pressure measuring device 1A of the second embodiment will be described.

[0120] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1A according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1A and an example of the flow of fluid supplied to each cuff 71, 73 during blood pressure measurement. Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1A and an example of the flow of fluid during the discharge of fluid after blood pressure measurement. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components in the blood pressure measuring device 1A of the second embodiment as in the blood pressure measuring device 1A of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0121] Blood pressure measuring device 1A, like blood pressure measuring device 1, is an electronic blood pressure measuring device that is attached to the body 200. For example... Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the blood pressure measuring device 1A includes a device body 2A and a fluid circuit 3A.

[0122] The fluid circuit 3A includes a sleeve structure 6, a pipe assembly 7, and a fluid control unit 9A. The fluid control unit 9A includes a first flow restrictor 21 and a second flow restrictor 22 connected in series, and a valve 23 connected in parallel with the first flow restrictor 21.

[0123] Valve 23 opens when the pressure on the primary side is lower than the pressure on the secondary side. Specifically, valve 23 closes when the pressure on the cuff 71 side is higher than the pressure on the flow path (sensing cuff 73) side between the first flow obstruction member 21 and the second flow obstruction member 22, and opens when the pressure on the cuff 71 side is lower than the pressure on the flow path side between the first flow obstruction member 21 and the second flow obstruction member 22. For example, valve 23 is always closed when air is supplied to the cuff 71 and sensing cuff 73 during blood pressure measurement. Furthermore, valve 23 opens when the pressure on the cuff 71 is lower than the pressure on the sensing cuff 73. Valve 23 is, for example, a one-way valve. In the figures, valve 23 is referred to as a one-way valve 23.

[0124] For example, the opening pressure of valve 23 is set to a pressure suitable for pressing cuff 71 and sensing the venting pressure of cuff 73. As a specific example, the opening pressure of valve 23 is set to 0 mmHg so that valve 23 opens when the pressure of pressing cuff 71 is lower than the pressure of sensing cuff 73.

[0125] It should be noted that valve 23 is configured to open when the pressure on the primary side is lower than the pressure on the secondary side in order to prevent air from pressing the cuff 71 from flowing towards the sensing cuff 73 during exhaust. However, as long as air does not substantially flow from the pressing cuff 71 to the sensing cuff 73 during exhaust in the fluid circuit 3A, valve 23 can also be set to an opening pressure (e.g., 15 mmHg) that opens when the pressure on the primary side is slightly lower than the pressure on the secondary side.

[0126] It should be noted that, in order to connect valve 23 in parallel with the first flow-blocking member 21, for example, the second pipe 7b is a branch pipe with a branch portion 7b1 midway from the primary side to the secondary side, and the branch portion 7b1 branches into two flow paths. The primary side of the second pipe 7b is in fluid connection with the press cuff 71. One branch portion 7b2 located on the secondary side of the second pipe 7b is connected to the first flow-blocking member 21. The other branch portion 7b3 located on the secondary side of the second pipe 7b is connected to valve 23.

[0127] Furthermore, the third pipe 7c is a branch pipe with a branch portion 7c1 midway from the primary side to the secondary side, branching into three flow paths at the branch portion 7c1. The primary side of the third pipe 7c is fluidly connected to the first flow-blocking member 21. The first pipe portion 7c2, located on the secondary side of the third pipe 7c and branching into three, is connected to the second flow-blocking member 22. The second pipe portion 7c3, located on the secondary side of the third pipe 7c and branching into three, is connected to the sensing cuff 73. The third pipe portion 7c4, located on the secondary side of the third pipe 7c and branching into three, is connected to the secondary side of the valve 23.

[0128] In this fluid circuit 3A, when the on / off valve 16 is closed and the pump 14 is started via the measurement processing unit 55a of the control unit 55 during blood pressure measurement, air is first supplied to the compression cuff 71. Since air is supplied to the compression cuff 71 first, the pressure on the primary side of the valve 23 is higher than the pressure on the secondary side, and the valve 23 closes. Then, a portion of the air supplied to the compression cuff 71 passes through the first flow obstruction 21 and is supplied to the flow path between the first flow obstruction 21 and the second flow obstruction 22. At this time, a portion of the air supplied to the compression cuff 71, corresponding to the resistance of the first flow obstruction 21, is supplied to the flow path between the first flow obstruction 21 and the second flow obstruction 22.

[0129] A portion of the air supplied to the flow path between the first flow obstruction 21 and the second flow obstruction 22 is injected into the sensing cuff 73, while the remaining air supplied to the flow path between the first flow obstruction 21 and the second flow obstruction 22 is discharged to the atmosphere through the second flow obstruction 22. At this time, depending on the resistance of the second flow obstruction 22, the flow rates of the air supplied to the flow path between the first flow obstruction 21 and the second flow obstruction 22 that flow towards the sensing cuff 73 and the atmosphere change respectively.

[0130] Furthermore, the fluid resistance ratio of the first flow obstruction member 21 to the second flow obstruction member 22 has been set, so the ratio of the pressure of pressing the cuff 71 to the pressure of sensing the cuff 73 is constant from the start of the air supply by the pump 14 until the air supply stops.

[0131] Furthermore, in the fluid circuit 3A, when venting of the fluid circuit 3A begins after blood pressure measurement, the pump 14 stops and the on / off valve 16 opens via the measurement processing unit 55a of the control unit 55. The on / off valve 16 side of the pressing cuff 71 is connected to the atmosphere, so the air inside the pressing cuff 71 flows towards the on / off valve 16 side. In addition, the air in the sensing cuff 73 is discharged to the atmosphere via the second flow obstruction member 22.

[0132] Furthermore, when the venting of the pressing cuff 71 is carried out and the pressure of the pressing cuff 71 is lower than the pressure of the sensing cuff 73, the air in the sensing cuff 73 moves through the first obstruction 21 toward the pressing cuff 71 together with the venting to the atmosphere via the second obstruction 22, and is discharged to the atmosphere from the opening and closing valve 16.

[0133] Furthermore, valve 23 opens, and the flow path through valve 23 becomes a bypass, increasing the venting speed of the sensing cuff 73. Meanwhile, venting occurs in both the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73, with their pressures reaching atmospheric pressure. Thus, in the venting of fluid circuit 3A, the pressing cuff 71 is preferentially and rapidly vented compared to the sensing cuff 73. Then, in fluid circuit 3A, when the pressure of the pressing cuff 71 is lower than the pressure of the sensing cuff 73, valve 23 opens, and both the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 are rapidly vented. This completes the venting of fluid circuit 3A.

[0134] The blood pressure measuring device 1A configured in this way achieves the same effect as the blood pressure measuring device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, by arranging the valve 23 in parallel with the first flow-blocking member 21, when the pressure of the sensing cuff 73 is higher than that of the pressing cuff 71 during venting, the valve 23 opens, allowing air from the sensing cuff 73 to pass through the first valve 23, through a bypass passage bypassing the flow-blocking members 21 and 22, and be discharged to the atmosphere via the pressing cuff 71. Therefore, even with two flow-blocking members 21 and 22, venting of the sensing cuff 73 can still occur via a bypass passage without flow-blocking members. Thus, even with the configuration of flow-blocking members 21 and 22, the blood pressure measuring device 1 can prevent a decrease in the venting speed of the sensing cuff 73.

[0135] In particular, this configuration of the fluid control unit 9A is effective when the capacity of the pump 14 is low. That is, when the capacity of the pump 14 is low and the inflow to the atmosphere is large, the fluid resistance values ​​(value of the first flow barrier + value of the second flow barrier) of the first flow barrier 21 and the second flow barrier 22 disposed between the pressing cuff 71 and the atmosphere opening are set to be large, such that the flow rate is below a specified level. Therefore, when the air sensing the cuff 73 passes through the first flow barrier 21 and the second flow barrier 22 during venting, the flow rate decreases. As a result, the venting speed of the sensing cuff 73 decreases. However, by providing a bypass as in the fluid control unit 9A, rapid venting of the sensing cuff 73 can be achieved.

[0136] As described above, according to the blood pressure measuring device 1A of the second embodiment, a first flow-blocking member 21 and a second flow-blocking member 22 are provided on the secondary side of the compression cuff 71, connecting the flow path between the sensing cuff 73 and the first flow-blocking member 21 and the second flow-blocking member 22, and connecting the secondary side of the second flow-blocking member 22 to the atmosphere. Therefore, the blood pressure measuring device 1A can keep the pressure ratio between the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 constant.

[0137] [Third Implementation Method]

[0138] Next, use Figures 10 to 12 The blood pressure measuring device 1B of the third embodiment will be described.

[0139] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1B according to the third embodiment. Figure 11 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1B and an example of the flow of fluid supplied to each cuff 71, 73 during blood pressure measurement. Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1B and an example of the flow of fluid during the discharge of fluid after blood pressure measurement. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components in the blood pressure measuring device 1B of the third embodiment as in the blood pressure measuring device 1A of the second embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0140] Blood pressure measuring device 1B, like blood pressure measuring device 1A, is an electronic blood pressure measuring device that is attached to the body 200. For example... Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the blood pressure measuring device 1B includes a device body 2 and a fluid circuit 3B.

[0141] The fluid circuit 3B includes a cuff structure 6, a pipe assembly 7, and a fluid control unit 9B. The fluid control unit 9B includes a first flow restrictor 21 and a second flow restrictor 22 connected in series, a first valve 23 connected in parallel with the first flow restrictor 21, a second valve 24 connected in parallel with the first flow restrictor 21 and the first valve 23, and a third flow restrictor 25.

[0142] The first valve 23 is the valve 23 used in the blood pressure measuring device 1A of the second embodiment described above.

[0143] The second valve 24 opens when the pressure on the primary side is higher than the pressure on the secondary side. Specifically, the second valve 24 opens when the pressure on the pressing cuff 71 side is higher than the pressure on the sensing cuff 73 side by a predetermined pressure. For example, the second valve 24 opens when an opening pressure is reached where the pressure on the pressing cuff 71 is higher than the pressure on the sensing cuff 73 by a predetermined pressure. The second valve 24 is, for example, a one-way valve.

[0144] The third flow obstruction element 25 acts as a resistance to the passing air. For example, the third flow obstruction element 25 has a flow path cross-sectional area smaller than that of the primary and secondary sides of the third flow obstruction element 25, i.e., smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe portion 7c5 of the sixth pipe 7f and the third pipe 7c. The third flow obstruction element 25 is, for example, a throttling element.

[0145] The opening pressure of the second valve 24 and the fluid resistance value of the third flow restrictor 25 are set to control the pressure ratio between the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 during blood pressure measurement and to make the pressure of the sensing cuff 73 reach the specified pressure earlier.

[0146] It should be noted that, in order to connect the second valve 24 and the third flow obstruction 25 in parallel with the first flow obstruction 21, for example, the second pipe 7b is a branch pipe with a branch portion 7b1 in the middle section from the primary side to the secondary side and branching into three flow paths in the branch portion 7b1.

[0147] The primary side of the second tube 7b is fluidly connected to the pressing cuff 71. The three tube sections 7b2, 7b3, and 7b4 located on the secondary side of the second tube 7b and branching out are respectively connected to the first flow obstruction member 21, the first valve 23, and the second valve 24.

[0148] Furthermore, the third pipe 7c is a branch pipe with a branch portion 7c1 at the midway point from the primary side to the secondary side, and the branch portion 7c1 branches into four flow paths. The primary side of the third pipe 7c is in fluid connection with the first flow obstruction member 21. The pipe portions 7c2, 7c3, 7c4, and 7c5, located on the secondary side of the third pipe 7c and branching into four, are connected to the second flow obstruction member 22, the sensing cuff 73, the secondary side of the first valve 23, and the third flow obstruction member 25. In addition, for example, the pipe assembly 7 includes a sixth pipe 7f that connects the second valve 24 to the third flow obstruction member 25.

[0149] In this fluid circuit 3B, when the valve 16 is closed and the pump 14 is started during blood pressure measurement via the measurement processing unit 55a of the control unit 55, air is first supplied to the compression cuff 71. Since air is supplied to the compression cuff 71 first, the first valve 23 closes when the pressure on the primary side is higher than the pressure on the secondary side. Furthermore, the second valve 24 opens when the pressure on the primary side is higher than the pressure on the secondary side by a predetermined value (e.g., 150 mmHg). Then, a portion of the air supplied to the compression cuff 71 passes through the first and third flow obstructions 21 and 25 into the flow path between the first and third flow obstructions 21 and 25 and the second flow obstruction 22. At this time, a portion of the air supplied to the compression cuff 71, corresponding to the resistance values ​​of the first and third flow obstructions 21 and 25, is supplied into the flow path between the first and third flow obstructions 21 and 25 and the second flow obstruction 22.

[0150] A portion of the air supplied to the flow path between the first and third flow obstructors 21 and the second flow obstructor 22 is injected into the sensing cuff 73, while the remaining air supplied to the flow path between the first and third flow obstructors 25 and the second flow obstructor 22 is discharged to the atmosphere through the second flow obstructor 22. At this time, depending on the resistance of the second flow obstructor 22, the flow rates of the air supplied to the flow path between the first and third flow obstructors 25 and the second flow obstructor 22, respectively flowing towards the sensing cuff 73 and the atmosphere, change.

[0151] Furthermore, the fluid resistance ratio of the first flow obstruction member 21 and the third flow obstruction member 25 to the second flow obstruction member 22 has been set, so the ratio of the pressure of the pressing cuff 71 to the pressure of the sensing cuff 73 is constant from the start of the air supply by the pump 14, and the pressure of the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 increases.

[0152] Furthermore, in the fluid circuit 3B, when venting of the fluid circuit 3B begins after blood pressure measurement, the pump 14 stops and the on / off valve 16 opens via the measurement processing unit 55a of the control unit 55. The on / off valve 16 side of the compression cuff 71 is connected to the atmosphere, so the air inside the compression cuff 71 flows towards the on / off valve 16 side. Additionally, the air in the sensing cuff 73 is discharged to the atmosphere via the second flow obstruction member 22. Furthermore, when venting of the compression cuff 71 occurs, the pressure of the compression cuff 71 decreases. When the pressure difference with the sensing cuff 73 becomes below a predetermined value, the second valve 24 closes. The air in the sensing cuff 73, along with the air discharged to the atmosphere via the second flow obstruction member 22, moves towards the compression cuff 71 through the first flow obstruction member 21 and is discharged to the atmosphere from the on / off valve 16. Moreover, when the pressure of the compression cuff 71 is lower than the pressure of the sensing cuff 73, the first valve 23 opens, and the air in the sensing cuff 73 moves towards the compression cuff 71 via the first valve 23. Thus, the venting of fluid circuit 3B is carried out.

[0153] The blood pressure measuring device 1B configured in this way achieves the same effect as the blood pressure measuring device 1A in the second embodiment described above. Furthermore, the fluid control unit 9B includes a second valve 24 and a third flow obstruction 25 arranged in series, connected in parallel with the first flow obstruction member 21. As a result, the blood pressure measuring device 1B can reduce the pressure difference between the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 during blood pressure measurement, and increase the rate at which the pressure in the sensing cuff 73 rises to the predetermined pressure. In addition, it can reduce the capacity of the pump 14.

[0154] To explain in detail, when controlling the pressure ratio, as the pressure of the compression cuff 71 increases, the pressure difference between it and the sensing cuff 73 increases, thus requiring a more powerful pump. However, the blood pressure measuring device 1B reduces the pressure difference between the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 by using a second valve 24 and a third flow obstruction 25 connected in parallel with the first flow obstruction 21. Therefore, the blood pressure measuring device 1B can shorten the time required for the sensing cuff 73 to rise to the pressure required for blood pressure measurement without requiring a high-capacity pump 14.

[0155] [Fourth Implementation Method]

[0156] Next, use Figure 13 and Figure 14 The configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1C according to the fourth embodiment will be described. It should be noted that the blood pressure measuring device 1C of the fourth embodiment is an example of applying the blood pressure measuring device 1B of the third embodiment described above to a wearable blood pressure measuring device attached to the wrist 200 of a living body. The same reference numerals are used for components in the blood pressure measuring device 1C of the fourth embodiment that are the same as those in the blood pressure measuring device 1B of the third embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0157] like Figure 13 As shown, the blood pressure measuring device 1C includes: a device body 2; a fluid circuit 3B; a strap 4, which is a fastener for fixing the device body 2 to the wrist; and a retaining ring 5, disposed between the strap 4 and the wrist 200.

[0158] like Figure 13 As shown, the housing 11 of the main body 2 includes: a contour housing 31; and a windshield 32 that covers the opening on the side (outer side) of the contour housing 31 opposite to the wrist 200 side. In addition, the housing 11 includes a back cover provided inside the contour housing 31 on the wrist 200 side.

[0159] The housing 31 is cylindrical. The housing 31 includes a pair of ears 31a symmetrically positioned circumferentially on its outer surface; and spring rods 31b disposed between the two pairs of ears 31a. The windshield 32 is, for example, a circular glass plate. Furthermore, a base supporting each component is provided within the housing 31.

[0160] The display device 12 is disposed on the base of the contour housing 31 and directly below the windshield 32.

[0161] The operating device 13 is configured to input commands from the user. For example, such as... Figure 13As shown, the operating device 13 includes: a plurality of buttons 41 disposed on the housing 11; a sensor for detecting operation of the buttons 41; and a touch panel 43 disposed on the display device 12 or the windshield 32. The operating device 13 converts commands into electrical signals by being operated by the user. The sensor and the touch panel 43 are electrically connected to the control board 20 and output electrical signals to the control board 20.

[0162] like Figure 13 As shown, the strap 4 includes: a first strap 61 with a pair of lugs 31a and a spring rod 31b on one side; a second strap 62 with a pair of lugs 31a and a spring rod 31b on the other side; and a connector to connect the first strap 61 and the second strap 62. The strap 4 is wound around the wrist 200 through the retaining ring 5. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the connector is the buckle 61b of the first strap 61.

[0163] The first belt 61, referred to as the so-called mother belt, is a belt that can be connected to the second belt 62. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the first band 61 has a band portion 61a and a buckle 61b. The band portion 61a is configured as a band. The band portion 61a is formed of a resin material capable of elastic deformation. Furthermore, the band portion 61a is flexible and has a sheet-like insert member inside to suppress the stretching and contraction of the band portion 61a in the longitudinal direction.

[0164] The belt 61a has a spring bar 31b at one end and a buckle 61b at the other end. The spring bar 31b at one end of the first belt 61 is positioned between a pair of ears 31a, thereby holding the first belt 61 rotatably to the contour housing 31.

[0165] The second strip 62, referred to as a hook strip, is formed in a strip shape. The second strip 62 is formed of a resin material capable of elastic deformation. Furthermore, the second strip 62 is, for example, flexible, and has sheet-like inserts inside that suppress the stretching and contraction of the second strip 62 in the longitudinal direction.

[0166] The second band 62 is fixed to the buckle 61b. The second band 62 has a spring bar 31b at one end. The spring bar 31b at one end of the second band 62 is positioned between a pair of ears 31a, thereby holding the second band 62 rotatably to the contour housing 31.

[0167] In this band 4, the first band 61 and the second band 62 are integrally connected by a snap fastener 61b, forming a circumferential ring shape with the contour housing 31, mimicking the wrist 200. By forming a circumferential ring shape, the band 4 presses against the retaining ring 5, causing the retaining ring 5 to elastically deform in a manner mimicking the circumferential direction of the wrist of the installer of the blood pressure measuring device 1C.

[0168] like Figure 13As shown, the retaining ring 5 is configured as a band that curves circumferentially in imitation of the wrist 200. The retaining ring 5 is formed with one end separate from the other. For example, the outer surface of one end of the retaining ring 5 is fixed to the back cover side of the device body 2, or integrally formed with the back cover and base of the device body 2. For example, one end and the other end of the retaining ring 5 are positioned to protrude laterally from the device body 2 toward the wrist 200. Thus, when the blood pressure measuring device 1C is attached to the wrist 200, one end and the other end of the retaining ring 5 are positioned laterally on the wrist 200. Furthermore, one end and the other end of the retaining ring 5 are adjacent to each other at a predetermined distance. The retaining ring 5 is, for example, formed of resin material.

[0169] Such a retaining ring 5 is fixed to the contour housing 31 with one end and the other end facing opposite to the second band 62 of the band 4. Furthermore, in the retaining ring 5, at least the position opposite to the palm side of the wrist 200 is bent circumferentially along the palm side of the wrist 200, thereby keeping the cuff structure 6, which is opposite to the palm side of the wrist 200, in a state of bending in accordance with the shape of the palm side of the wrist 200.

[0170] Furthermore, the retaining ring 5 possesses both flexibility and shape retention. Here, flexibility refers to the radial deformation of the retaining ring 5 when an external force of the band 4 is applied. For example, flexibility means that when the retaining ring 5 is pressed by the band 4, its side-view shape deforms in a manner approaching, following, or mimicking the shape of the wrist. Furthermore, shape retention means that the retaining ring 5 can maintain its pre-shaped form when no external force is applied. For example, in this embodiment, shape retention means that the shape of the retaining ring 5 can maintain a circumferentially curved shape along the wrist. The retaining ring 5 has a cuff structure 6 disposed on its inner circumferential surface.

[0171] For example, in the fluid circuit 3B, the cuff structure 6, the tubing assembly 7, and the fluid control unit 9B are integrally formed. For example, the fluid circuit 3B is constructed by integrally embedding the tubing assembly 7 and the fluid control unit 9B into a part of the cuff structure 6.

[0172] As a specific example, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the cuff structure 6 includes a pressing cuff 71, a sensing cuff 73, and a fluid control unit 9B. It should be noted that... Figure 14 This is an unfolded diagram showing the configuration of the retaining ring 5 and the cuff structure 6. The cuff structure 6 is stacked and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the wrist side of the retaining ring 5 from the inner peripheral surface of the retaining ring 5 toward the wrist side in the order of pressing cuff 71 and sensing cuff 73.

[0173] It should be noted that the cuff structure 6 has, for example, a back plate 72 supporting the sensing cuff 73 between the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73. As a specific example, the back plate 72 is formed to cover the palm side of the wrist 200. The back plate 72 transmits the pressing pressure from the pressing cuff 71 to the main surface of the back plate 72 side of the sensing cuff 73 in a state that follows the shape of the wrist.

[0174] The compression cuff 71 is, for example, set to a length approximately the same as the length of the retaining ring 5 in the longitudinal direction. The compression cuff 71 includes multiple layers, such as two layers, of air pockets 81 and a connecting portion 84 located at one end in the longitudinal direction. The compression cuff 71 has a fluid control portion 9B located at the other end in the longitudinal direction.

[0175] Here, the air bag 81 is a bag-shaped structure. Multiple air bags 81 are stacked and fluidly connected in the stacking direction. The air bag 81 is formed as a rectangular bag shape that is longer in one direction. Furthermore, the width of the air bag 81 in the short dimension direction is set to be the same as or slightly smaller than the width of the retaining ring 5 in the short dimension direction. The air bag 81 is constructed, for example, by combining two sheet members and using heat to fuse the two sheet members into a rectangular frame shape that is longer in one direction. In addition, a two-layer air bag 81 is constructed by using heat to fuse two air bags 81 and combine them into one piece, or by forming the air bag 81 by welding the opposing sheet members of adjacent air bags 81 together.

[0176] The connecting part 84 is, for example, a pipe fitting. The connecting part 84 protrudes from the air bag 81. The connecting part 84 is a first pipe 7a connected to the flow path part 15.

[0177] The sensing cuff 73 is, for example, set to a length that can be positioned over the area of ​​a present artery on the wrist. When the blood pressure measuring device 1B is attached to the wrist, the sensing cuff 73 is positioned opposite the area of ​​a present artery on the wrist. Here, the artery is the radial artery and / or the ulnar artery. The sensing cuff 73 compresses the area of ​​the present artery on the palm side of the wrist by inflating. The inflated pressing cuff 71 presses the sensing cuff 73 towards the wrist.

[0178] As a specific example, the sensing cuff 73 includes an air bag 91, a flow path 92 communicating with the air bag 91, and a connecting portion 93 located at the top of the flow path 92. Such a sensing cuff 73 is constructed by fusing two sheet components together.

[0179] The air bag 91 is configured as a rectangle that extends in one direction. The air bag 91 is, for example, set to be the length of a region on the wrist where an artery exists. The air bag 91 is configured, for example, by combining two sheet members that extend in one direction and using heat to fuse the two sheet members into a rectangular frame that extends in one direction.

[0180] The flow path 92 is integrally formed on a portion of one edge of the air bag 91 in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the flow path 92 is located at the end of the air bag 91 near the device body 2. Furthermore, the flow path 92 is formed with a width smaller than the width of the air bag 91 in the short-length direction, and is elongated in one direction, with a circular top end. The flow path 92 has a connecting portion 93 at its top end.

[0181] The flow path 92 is constructed by heat-welding two sheet members into a frame shape that extends in one direction while the connecting part 93 is disposed on the two sheet members. It should be noted that the air bag 91 is constructed such that a portion of the welded portion that welds the two sheet members into a rectangular frame shape is not welded, and this portion is continuous with the welded portion that forms the flow path 92, thereby ensuring fluid continuity between the air bag 91 and the flow path 92.

[0182] The connecting part 93 is, for example, a pipe fitting. The connecting part 93 is located at the top end of the flow path body 92. Furthermore, the top end of the connecting part 93 protrudes outward from the side of the two sheet members constituting the flow path body 92 opposite to the retaining ring 5. The connecting part 93 is connected to the flow path part 15.

[0183] Such a flow path 92 and a connecting part 93 constitute a fifth tube 7e that is connected to the flow path 15 via the connecting part 93 and connects the air bag 91 to the pressure sensor 17.

[0184] In the cuff structure 6 thus configured, the pressing cuff 71 includes a first tube 7a of the tube assembly 7, and the sensing cuff 73 includes a fifth tube 7e.

[0185] The fluid control unit 9B is disposed, for example, on the inner surface of the retaining ring 5 and at the end on the palm side of the wrist. The fluid control unit 9B is integrally formed with the ends of the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73. As a specific example, the fluid control unit 9B is integrally formed with the end of the pressing cuff 71, and a portion thereof is fluidly connected to the sensing cuff 73.

[0186] For example, the fluid control unit 9B includes a second pipe 7b, a third pipe 7c, a fourth pipe 7d, a first flow obstruction member 21, a second flow obstruction member 22, a first valve 23, a second valve 24, and a third flow obstruction member 25. In the fluid control unit 9B, the second pipe 7b, the third pipe 7c, the fourth pipe 7d, the first flow obstruction member 21, the second flow obstruction member 22, the first valve 23, the second valve 24, and the third flow obstruction member 25 are integrally formed.

[0187] The second tube 7b, the third tube 7c, and the fourth tube 7d are formed, for example, from a portion of a pair of sheet members constituting one of the air bags 81 that make up the compression cuff 71. For instance, the second tube 7b, the third tube 7c, and the fourth tube 7d are formed in the gap between the pair of sheet members by not welding the areas constituting the second tube 7b, the third tube 7c, and the fourth tube 7d during the welding of the pair of sheet members. A first flow-blocking member 21, a second flow-blocking member 22, a first valve 23, a second valve 24, and a third flow-blocking member 25 are disposed in the gap between the pair of sheet members constituting the second tube 7b, the third tube 7c, and the fourth tube 7d. Furthermore, the secondary side tube portion 7c3 of the branch portion 7c1 of the third tube 7c is connected to the sensing cuff 73.

[0188] The blood pressure measuring device 1C configured in this way achieves the same effect as the blood pressure measuring device 1B in the third embodiment described above. Furthermore, the blood pressure measuring device 1C integrally forms a fluid control unit 9B by integrating the second tube 7b, the third tube 7c, the fourth tube 7d, the first flow obstruction member 21, the second flow obstruction member 22, the first valve 23, the second valve 24, and the third flow obstruction member 25. This fluid control unit 9B is integrally connected to the ends of the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73. Moreover, the fluid control unit 9B is configured to be located at the end of the retaining ring 5. This blood pressure measuring device 1C allows the fluid control unit 9B to be integrally disposed with the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 on the retaining ring 5, thus eliminating the need to place the fluid control unit 9B on the device body 2, enabling miniaturization of the device body 2. Furthermore, since the fluid control unit 9B is located at the end of the retaining ring 5, it also prevents the fluid control unit 9B from obstructing blood pressure measurement.

[0189] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0190] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the examples described above, the fluid circuits 3, 3A, and 3B in the blood pressure measuring devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C of each embodiment are arranged outside the device body 2, but this is not the limitation. For example, the blood pressure measuring devices 1, 1A, and 1B may also be configured such that a portion of the fluid circuits 3, 3A, and 3B is incorporated into the device body 2.

[0191] As a specific example, it can also be like Figure 15 The blood pressure measuring device 1D of the fifth embodiment shown, for example, employs a configuration in which the first flow-blocking member 21, the second flow-blocking member 22, the first valve 23, the second valve 24, and the third flow-blocking member 25 of the fluid control unit 9B, which constitutes the fluid circuit 3B, as well as a portion of the tubing 7 for connecting them to other fluid components, are housed within the device body 2. Furthermore, the fluid control units 9 and 9A can also be similarly housed within the device body 2.

[0192] Furthermore, in the above examples, the blood pressure measuring device 1B of the third embodiment was applied to a wearable blood pressure measuring device attached to the wrist 200, and the blood pressure measuring device 1C of the fourth embodiment was described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the blood pressure measuring device 1 of the first embodiment and the blood pressure measuring device 1A of the second embodiment may also be applied to a wearable blood pressure measuring device equivalent to the wearable blood pressure measuring device 1C of the fourth embodiment.

[0193] Furthermore, the blood pressure measuring devices 1, 1A, and 1B can also be configured to be attached to the upper arm. In such a configuration, the blood pressure measuring devices 1, 1A, and 1B only require the first cuff 71 to be a wound cuff 71 wrapped around the upper arm and the second cuff 73 to be a measuring cuff 73. For example, an example of the blood pressure measuring device 1E attached to the upper arm according to the sixth embodiment is shown below. Figure 16 It should be noted that in the blood pressure measuring device 1E mounted on the upper arm, the first cuff 71 can also be configured as a roll-up cuff. Furthermore, when using such blood pressure measuring devices 1 and 1A mounted on the upper arm, a configuration with an automatic roll-up function can also be adopted.

[0194] Furthermore, regarding the aforementioned blood pressure measuring devices 1, 1A, and 1B, a decompression measurement method has been illustrated and explained as an example of blood pressure measurement, but the method is not limited thereto. As an example of blood pressure measurement, each blood pressure measuring device 1, 1A, and 1B can also employ a pressurization measurement method. In the case of blood pressure measuring devices 1, 1A, and 1B employing such a pressurization measurement method, as a blood pressure measuring device in the seventh embodiment, it is sufficient to simply configure the opening / closing valve 16 as a rapid exhaust valve capable of rapid exhaust and perform blood pressure measurement using the pressurization measurement method.

[0195] Furthermore, for example, in the above examples, the blood pressure measuring devices 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D were described with two cuffs 71 and 73, but are not limited to this. That is, the blood pressure measuring device may also be configured with three or more cuffs.

[0196] When using a blood pressure measuring device with multiple cuffs, for example, it is sufficient to connect multiple flow obstructions in series on the secondary side of the cuff closest to the primary side, connect the cuffs to adjacent flow obstructions respectively, and connect the flow obstruction closest to the secondary side to the atmosphere.

[0197] As an example with three cuffs, use Figure 17The blood pressure measuring device 1F of the eighth embodiment shown will be described below. The blood pressure measuring device 1F includes, for example, a device body 2 and a fluid circuit 3F. Furthermore, the fluid circuit 3F can be equipped with not only a pressing cuff 71 and a sensing cuff 73, but also a stretching cuff 74 located on the back of the wrist and stretched to the side of the wrist by expansion, and an auxiliary cuff for pressing the back of the wrist, etc., as a third cuff 74. It should be noted that there can be four or more cuffs.

[0198] Furthermore, in the case of such a configuration with three cuffs 71, 73, and 74, for example, as Figure 17 As shown, the first to third flow-blocking elements 21, 22, and 26 are connected in series with the secondary side of the stretch cuff 74, and the third flow-blocking element 26 is connected to the atmosphere. Furthermore, the pressing cuff 71 is connected to the first flow-blocking element 21 and the second flow-blocking element 22, and the sensing cuff 73 is connected to the second flow-blocking element 22 and the third flow-blocking element 26. Additionally, for example, the first valve 23 is connected to the primary side of the first flow-blocking element 21, and the flow path between the first valve 23 and the first flow-blocking element 21 and the second flow-blocking element 22, as well as the flow path between the second flow-blocking element 22 and the third flow-blocking element 26, are connected. Furthermore, for example, the second valve 24 and the fourth flow-blocking element 25 are connected in parallel with the second flow-blocking element 22.

[0199] By adopting such a configuration, even with three cuffs 71, 73, and 74, the pressure ratio can be controlled to be constant by utilizing the pressure division achieved by the flow-blocking elements 21, 22, and 26.

[0200] Furthermore, the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1F with multiple cuffs is not limited to the configuration of the eighth embodiment described above. For example, it may also be as follows: Figure 18 As shown in the ninth embodiment of the blood pressure measuring device 1G, the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 are connected via the fluid control unit 9B, and the stretching cuff 74 is connected to the compression cuff 71 via the third valve 27 and the fourth flow throttle member 28.

[0201] For example, the third valve 27 is a one-way valve that opens when the pressure of the stretching cuff 74 is higher than the pressure of the pressing cuff 71 and the pressure difference between the stretching cuff 74 and the pressing cuff 71 is a predetermined pressure difference. The opening pressure of the third valve 27 and the resistance value of the fourth flow-blocking element 28 are appropriately set according to the inflow of air to the secondary side of the stretching cuff 74, the pressure required for the expansion of each cuff 71, 73, 74, etc.

[0202] Such a blood pressure measuring device 1G expands the stretch cuff 74 first, followed by the expansion of the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73, thereby reducing wrinkles during the expansion of the cuffs 71, 73, and 74. Alternatively, the blood pressure measuring device 1G may also be configured with one of a third valve 27 and a fourth flow-blocking element 28.

[0203] In addition, as other examples, such as Figure 19 The blood pressure measuring device 1H of the tenth embodiment shown has the same fluid circuit 3H as the blood pressure measuring device 1F of the eighth embodiment, and uses a third valve 29 provided on the primary side of the first flow obstruction member 21 as a check valve. For example, as Figure 19 As shown, the third valve 29 can also be set to open at an opening pressure that is greater than or equal to the pressure difference between the secondary side of the stretch cuff 74 and the secondary side of the third valve 29. In such a blood pressure measuring device 1H, when the pressure difference between the stretch cuff 74 and the secondary side of the third valve 29 reaches the specified pressure difference, the third valve 29 opens, and air is supplied to the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73. Furthermore, in the case of using such a blood pressure measuring device 1H, a configuration with two first valves 23 can also be adopted. It should be noted that, as an example of a configuration with two first valves 23, in Figure 19 The first check valve 23 and the fourth check valve 23 are shown in the figure.

[0204] Furthermore, as a variation of the blood pressure measuring device 1H, as Figure 20 In the blood pressure measuring device 1I of the eleventh embodiment shown, when the pressure on the secondary side of the stretch cuff 74 and the third valve 29I reaches a predetermined pressure, the third valve 29I closes, and then the supply of air to the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 stops.

[0205] Furthermore, in the examples described above, examples using two or more flow-blocking elements 21, 22, 24, 25, and 28 were described as fluid control units 9, 9A, and 9B that control the pressure ratio (differential pressure control) between multiple cuffs and atmospheric air to a constant level by means of fluid resistance ratio. Furthermore, examples where the flow-blocking elements 21, 22, 24, 25, and 28 are throttling elements were described. Here, a throttling element is a flow-blocking element that reduces pressure downstream of the throttling element during fluid flow by reducing the flow path.

[0206] Regarding throttling devices, due to the effect of viscosity, the flow resistance (fluid resistance) increases at low pressures, and the smaller the throttling diameter, the more significant the increase in flow resistance. Therefore, by connecting throttling devices with small throttling diameters in parallel, a flow obstruction device with high pressure dependence can be obtained. Furthermore, by connecting throttling devices with large throttling diameters in series, a flow obstruction device with low pressure dependence can be obtained. For example, the throttling diameter of the flow obstruction devices configured in series is set to be larger than that of the flow obstruction devices configured in parallel. Thus, by setting the throttling diameter and configuring multiple flow obstruction devices, flow obstruction devices 21, 22, 24, 25, and 28 that comprehensively consider pressure dependence can be used.

[0207] Therefore, at least one of the two or more flow-blocking elements 21, 22, 24, 25, 28 used in the blood pressure measuring device 1 can also be configured by combining multiple flow-blocking elements that function as throttling elements. That is, the flow-blocking elements 21, 22, 24, 25, 28 can also be configured to appropriately set the pressure dependence by connecting multiple flow-blocking elements in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel.

[0208] By connecting multiple flow obstructions in series, parallel, or a combination of both, the resistance values ​​and pressure dependencies of obstructions 21, 22, 24, 25, and 28 can be arbitrarily set. In other words, by appropriately setting multiple flow obstructions, the fluid control units 9, 9A, and 9B can be made to closely match the desired cuff characteristics. That is, under the differential pressure control of the fluid control units 9, 9A, and 9B, the deviation between the differential pressure and insufficient pressure applied to the cuff can sometimes increase depending on the pressure value inside the cuff. However, by appropriately setting the pressure dependency of obstructions 21, 22, 24, 25, and 28, the blood pressure measuring device can set the pressure applied to the wrist 200 through the cuff structure 6 to any pressure characteristic, such as low pressure or high pressure. Therefore, the deviation between the differential pressure and insufficient pressure applied to the cuff can be reduced regardless of the pressure value inside the cuff, thereby improving the accuracy of blood pressure measurements performed by the blood pressure measuring device.

[0209] Next, as an example of a blood pressure measuring device 1 having a first flow-blocking element 21 and a second flow-blocking element 22 that uses multiple flow-blocking elements (flow-blocking elements), using Figures 21 to 29 The blood pressure measuring device 1 of the twelfth embodiment will be described.

[0210] Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram showing the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the twelfth embodiment. For example, as shown... Figure 21 As shown, the blood pressure measuring device 1 includes: a first flow-blocking member 21 disposed between the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73; and a second flow-blocking member 22 disposed between the sensing cuff 73 and the atmosphere.

[0211] For example, the first flow obstruction 21 has a plurality of flow obstructions 21a, 21b, 21c arranged in series, formed by throttling elements. For example, the second flow obstruction 22 has a plurality of flow obstructions 22a, 22b, 22c arranged in parallel, formed by throttling elements. Furthermore, the throttling diameter of the flow obstructions 21a, 21b, 21c arranged in series is, for example, set to be larger than the throttling diameter of the three flow obstructions 22a, 22b, 22c arranged in parallel.

[0212] According to the blood pressure measuring device 1 configured as described above, by employing a first flow-blocking element 21 with three flow-blocking elements 21a, 21b, and 21c connected in series, a flow-blocking element with low pressure dependence can be obtained between the compression cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73. Furthermore, by employing a second flow-blocking element 22 with three flow-blocking elements 22a, 22b, and 22c connected in parallel, a flow-blocking element with high pressure dependence can be obtained between the sensing cuff 73 and the atmosphere.

[0213] It should be noted that it is also possible to do as follows: Figure 22 As shown in the modified example of the blood pressure measuring device 1 of the twelfth embodiment, the first flow obstruction member 21 is configured to have multiple flow obstruction members 21a, 21b, and 21c connected in parallel, and the second flow obstruction member 22 is configured to have multiple flow obstruction members 22a, 22b, and 22c connected in series. Alternatively, for example, one of the first flow obstruction member 21 and the second flow obstruction member 22 may be formed using a single flow obstruction member (throttling member), and the other of the first flow obstruction member 21 and the second flow obstruction member 22 may be configured to have multiple flow obstruction members connected in parallel or in series.

[0214] It should be noted that the first flow-blocking element 21 and the second flow-blocking element 22 can also be configured to have multiple flow-blocking elements connected in series. Alternatively, the first flow-blocking element 21 and the second flow-blocking element 22 can be configured to have multiple flow-blocking elements connected in parallel.

[0215] It should be noted that when multiple flow obstruction devices are connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, it is also possible to combine multiple throttling devices. However, for example, in order to miniaturize the equipment, a throttling diaphragm or throttling plate may be used.

[0216] Next, an example of a flow-blocking element 100 connected in parallel with a flow-blocking element (throttling element) using a flow-blocking diaphragm will be shown. Figure 23 and Figure 24 .

[0217] For example, flow throttling element 100 is Figure 21 The second flow-blocking element 22 shown or Figure 22 This is one example of the first flow-blocking member 21 shown, but it can be appropriately used for flow-blocking members 21, 22, 24, 25, and 28 in the various embodiments described above. The flow-blocking member 100 includes a main body 101, a secondary body 102, and a throttling membrane 110 having a plurality of throttling orifices 110a. The main body 101 and the secondary body 102 are fixed, for example, by fitting together, thereby holding the throttling membrane 110 in a press-fit manner. For example, the main body 101 and the secondary body 102 are set to a diameter at which the top end of the main body 101 and the rear end of the secondary body 102 can fit together.

[0218] For example, the main body 101 and the secondary body 102 are formed into hollow cylindrical shapes in a manner that allows for the formation of a flow path. A flow-blocking membrane 110 is held between the main body 101 and the secondary body 102. Furthermore, the flow-blocking membrane 110 has multiple flow-blocking orifices 110a formed in a region opposite the hollow portions of the main body 101 and the secondary body 102. Each flow-blocking orifice 110a forms a flow-restricting element. It should be noted that the number and diameter of the flow-blocking orifices 110a can be appropriately set.

[0219] With the flow-blocking element 100 configured in this way, multiple flow-blocking elements (throttling elements) arranged in parallel can be formed through multiple throttling orifices 110a formed on the throttling membrane 110. Therefore, the flow-blocking element 100 can be made compact. By using the flow-blocking element 100, the blood pressure measuring device can be made compact.

[0220] Next, an example of a flow-blocking element 100 in which a flow-blocking element (throttling element) is connected in series using a flow-blocking diaphragm will be shown. Figure 25 and Figure 26 .

[0221] For example, flow throttling element 100 is Figure 22 The second flow-blocking element 22 shown or Figure 21 This is one example of the first flow-blocking member 21 shown, but it can be appropriately used for flow-blocking members 21, 22, 24, 25, and 28 in the various embodiments described above. The flow-blocking member 100 includes a main body 101, a plurality of sub-bodies 102, a cap 103, and a throttling membrane 110 having a single throttling orifice 110a. The main body 101, the plurality of sub-bodies 102, and the cap 103 are stacked and fixed, for example, by fitting, thereby holding the throttling membrane 110 in the middle by pressing.

[0222] For example, the main body 101, multiple sub-bodies 102, and cap 103 are formed into a hollow cylindrical shape in a manner that can form a flow path. In the cap 103, for example, the top end is formed into a planar shape and is formed to a diameter to which other components cannot be fixed. The main body 101 and sub-bodies 102, adjacent sub-bodies 102, and sub-bodies 102 and cap 103 are respectively set to be fitable diameters. It should be noted that, in order to miniaturize the flow-blocking member 100, a configuration is adopted in which the sub-bodies 102 on the top side are fixed to the cap 103 to maintain the throttling membrane 110, but a configuration can also be adopted in which multiple throttling membranes 110 are maintained by the main body 101 and multiple sub-bodies 102 without the cap 103.

[0223] A flow-throttling diaphragm 110 is held between the main body 101, multiple sub-bodies 102, and a cap 103. Furthermore, the flow-throttling diaphragm 110 has flow-throttling orifices 110a formed in the region opposite the hollow portions of the main body 101 and sub-bodies 102. Each flow-throttling orifice 110a forms a flow-blocking element.

[0224] The flow-blocking element 100 configured in this way can be formed by arranging a plurality of flow-blocking membranes 110 in series, wherein each flow-blocking membrane 110 has a plurality of flow-blocking orifices 110a arranged in series as flow-blocking elements (throttling elements). Therefore, the flow-blocking element 100 can be made compact. By using the flow-blocking element 100, the blood pressure measuring device can be made compact.

[0225] It should be noted that the flow obstruction element 100 is not limited to these configurations. For example, it can also be formed as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-173796, where adjacent throttling orifices along the axial direction are offset from each other radially. Furthermore, it can also be formed as... Figure 27 and Figure 28 As shown, the flow obstruction member 100 is constructed by bonding the throttling plate 110 to the top of a hollow main body 101 in a manner that forms a flow path. The throttling plate 110, which has a throttling orifice 110a, is integrally formed with or bonded to a cylindrical base 104, for example. The base 104 is then bonded to the main body 101. For example, the throttling plate 110 and the base 104 are formed using various microfabrication techniques, such as laser processing. It should be noted that the microfabrication techniques used can be the same as those used for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

[0226] Furthermore, as an example of a blood pressure measuring device 1 having a first flow-blocking element 21 and a second flow-blocking element 22 using multiple flow-blocking elements, other variations of the blood pressure measuring device 1 of the twelfth embodiment, which has multiple flow-blocking elements arranged in series and parallel, are illustrated below. Figure 29 .

[0227] like Figure 29 As shown, the first flow obstruction 21 and the second flow obstruction 22 are constructed by connecting multiple flow obstructions in series and in parallel. The first flow obstruction 21 is, for example, a configuration in which three flow obstructions 21a, 21b, and 21c are connected in series, and a single flow obstruction 21d and a single flow obstruction 21e are connected in parallel with the flow obstructions 21a, 21b, and 21c, respectively. The second flow obstruction 22 is, for example, a configuration in which three flow obstructions 22a, 22b, and 22c connected in series, three flow obstructions 22d, 22e, and 22f connected in series, and three flow obstructions 22g, 22h, and 22i connected in series are connected in parallel.

[0228] Thus, when using a configuration that connects multiple flow-blocking components in series and parallel, it is also possible to use, for example... Figure 25 The configuration shown is such that any one or all of the multiple throttling membranes 110 disposed between the main body 101, multiple sub-bodies 102, and cap 103 are provided with multiple throttling orifices 110a. Alternatively, multiple throttling membranes 110 may be configured such as... Figure 23 The flow-blocking elements 100 shown are connected in parallel.

[0229] As shown in these twelfth embodiments and their variations, at least one of the two or more flow-blocking elements in the blood pressure measuring device uses multiple flow-blocking elements in series, in parallel, or in a series and in parallel configuration, thereby managing pressure dependence and performing differential pressure control.

[0230] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the cuff structure 6, multiple cuffs may be appropriately set, and the cuffs may be other than the pressing cuff, sensing cuff, stretching cuff, winding cuff, and measuring cuff described above.

[0231] Furthermore, in the above example, the components of the fluid circuit 3 are controlled by components that are not electrically controlled and are located outside the main body 2 of the device, but this is not the only possibility. That is, the fluid circuit 3 may also be configured to include not only the cuff structure 6, the pipe assembly 7, and the fluid control units 9, 9A, and 9B, but also the pump 14, the on / off valve 16, and the pressure sensor 17.

[0232] Furthermore, given the miniaturization of the device body 2, the components of the fluid circuit 3 are preferably located outside the device body 2, but of course they can also be housed within the device body 2.

[0233] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made during implementation without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, the embodiments can be appropriately combined, resulting in combined effects. Moreover, the above embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the disclosed multiple constituent elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect obtained even if several constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration with those constituent elements deleted can be extracted as an invention.

[0234] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0235] 1: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0236] 1A: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0237] 1B: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0238] 1C: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0239] 1D: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0240] 1E: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0241] 1F: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0242] 1G: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0243] 1H: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0244] 1I: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0245] 2: Main body of the device;

[0246] 2A: Main body of the device;

[0247] 3: Fluid circuit;

[0248] 3A: Fluid circuit;

[0249] 3B: Fluid circuit;

[0250] 3F: Fluid circuit;

[0251] 3H: Fluid circuit;

[0252] 3I: Fluid circuit;

[0253] 4: Fasteners (belts);

[0254] 5: Card ring;

[0255] 6: Cuff construction;

[0256] 7: Management Group;

[0257] 7a: First tube;

[0258] 7b: Second tube;

[0259] 7b1: Branch;

[0260] 7b2: Department;

[0261] 7b3: Department;

[0262] 7b4: Management Department;

[0263] 7c: Third tube;

[0264] 7c1: Branch;

[0265] 7c2: Pipe section;

[0266] 7c3: Pipe section;

[0267] 7c4: Pipe section;

[0268] 7c5: Pipe section;

[0269] 7d: Fourth tube;

[0270] 7e: Fifth tube;

[0271] 7f: Sixth tube;

[0272] 9: Fluid Control Unit;

[0273] 9A: Fluid Control Unit;

[0274] 9B: Fluid Control Unit;

[0275] 11: Shell;

[0276] 12: Display device;

[0277] 13: Operating device;

[0278] 14: Pump;

[0279] 15: Flow path part;

[0280] 15a: flow path;

[0281] 15b: flow path;

[0282] 15c: flow path;

[0283] 16: On / off valve;

[0284] 17: Pressure sensor;

[0285] 18: Power Supply Department;

[0286] 19: Communication device;

[0287] 20: Control board;

[0288] 21: First flow obstruction;

[0289] 21a: Flow obstruction device (throttling device);

[0290] 21b: Flow control element (throttling element);

[0291] 21c: Flow control element (throttling element);

[0292] 21d: Flow control element (throttling element);

[0293] 21e: Flow control element (throttling element);

[0294] 22: Second flow obstruction;

[0295] 22a: Flow obstruction device (throttling device);

[0296] 22b: Flow control element (throttling element);

[0297] 22c: Flow control element (throttling element);

[0298] 22d: Flow control element (throttling element);

[0299] 22e: Flow control element (throttling element);

[0300] 22f: Flow control element (throttling element);

[0301] 22g: Flow control element (throttling element);

[0302] 22h: Flow control element (throttling element);

[0303] 22i: Flow control element (throttling element);

[0304] 23: Valve (first valve);

[0305] 24: Second valve;

[0306] 25: Third flow obstruction;

[0307] 25: Fourth flow-blocking component;

[0308] 26: Third flow obstruction;

[0309] 27: Third valve;

[0310] 28: Fourth flow-blocking component;

[0311] 29: Third valve;

[0312] 29I: Third valve;

[0313] 31: Outline shell;

[0314] 31a: Ear;

[0315] 31b: Spring rod;

[0316] 32: Windshield;

[0317] 41: Button;

[0318] 43: Touch panel;

[0319] 54: Storage Department;

[0320] 55: Control Department;

[0321] 55a: Measurement and Processing Department;

[0322] 61: First zone;

[0323] 61a: Belt section;

[0324] 61b: Buckle;

[0325] 62: Second band;

[0326] 71: First cuff;

[0327] 72: Back panel;

[0328] 73: Second cuff;

[0329] 74: Third cuff;

[0330] 81: Air bag;

[0331] 84: Connecting part;

[0332] 91: Air bag;

[0333] 92: Flow path body;

[0334] 93: Connecting part;

[0335] 100: Flow choke;

[0336] 101: Main subject;

[0337] 102: Sub-subject;

[0338] 110: Throttling membrane;

[0339] 110: Throttling plate;

[0340] 110a: throttling orifice;

[0341] 200: Organism (wrist);

[0342] 210: Artery.

Claims

1. A fluid circuit, the fluid circuit comprising: The first sleeve is connected to the secondary side of the pump that supplies fluid to the secondary side; The first flow-blocking element is connected to the secondary side of the first cuff; The second flow-blocking element is disposed on the secondary side of the first flow-blocking element and is connected to the atmosphere; and The second cuff is disposed between the first flow-blocking element and the second flow-blocking element. The first cuff presses the second cuff against the organism by expanding.

2. The fluid circuit according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid circuit includes: The first valve is connected in parallel with the first flow-blocking element and opens when the pressure of the second cuff is higher than the pressure of the first cuff by a predetermined value.

3. The fluid circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fluid circuit includes: A second valve, configured in parallel with the first flow-blocking element, opens when the pressure of the first cuff is higher than the pressure of the second cuff by a predetermined value; and The third flow-blocking element is connected to the secondary side of the second valve and is arranged in parallel with the first flow-blocking element.

4. The fluid circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, At least one of the first flow-blocking element and the second flow-blocking element is formed by connecting multiple flow-blocking elements in parallel, series, or a combination of series and parallel.

5. A blood pressure measuring device, the blood pressure measuring device comprising: The pump supplies fluid to the secondary side; The fluid circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 4; An on / off valve is located between the pump and the first sleeve to open and close the flow path toward the atmosphere. A pressure sensor is connected to the second cuff; and The control unit controls the pump and the on / off valve based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. The first cuff presses the second cuff against the organism by expanding.

6. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 5, wherein, The blood pressure measuring device includes: The main body of the device houses the pump, the on / off valve, the pressure sensor, and the control unit. The first flow-blocking element and the second flow-blocking element are integrated with the first cuff.

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