Cuff and blood pressure measuring device

Abstract

The present invention provides a cuff and a blood pressure measuring device that can suppress the formation of wrinkles that affect blood pressure measurement results and can easily manufacture the sheet material components constituting the cuff. The press cuff (71) includes: a plurality of air bags (81) formed by fixing two sheet material components (86) that are longer in one direction at their outer periphery, and stacked in a way that they can be rolled around a living body with their length direction aligned; a notch (84) provided in at least one of the air bags (81) on the wrist (100) side, formed by cutting off the two sheet material components (86) from one end toward the other in the width direction; and a second fixing part (85) provided in a frame shape on the inner side of the outer periphery of the two opposing sheet material components (86) of two adjacent air bags (81) to fix the two air bags.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cuff and a blood pressure measuring device used in a blood pressure measuring apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, blood pressure measuring devices have been used not only in medical facilities to assess health status but also in homes. These devices, for example, involve inflating 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] However, when the cuff is wrapped around an organism and inflated, a difference arises between the circumference of the outer and inner surfaces of the inflated cuff, resulting in wrinkles on the organism side of the cuff. The number, location, and depth of these wrinkles vary depending on the circumference and shape of the organism around which the cuff is wrapped, as well as the method of wrapping the cuff.

[0004] Depending on the number, location, and depth of the wrinkles, the wrinkles in the cuff can interrupt the internal space of the cuff or cause a loss of expansion pressure. These wrinkles are a major factor in reducing the accuracy of blood pressure measurement and causing deviations in the measurement results.

[0005] Therefore, the following technique is known: forming a groove on the outer surface of the cuff on the organism side to generate folds that intersect with the direction of the cuff's winding toward the organism, so that folds are generated at the position of the groove, thereby controlling the position of the generated folds (see Patent Document 1).

[0006] In addition, the following technique is known: the edge of the cuff is partially welded so that wrinkles are generated at the welded portion, thereby controlling the position of the wrinkles (see Patent Document 2).

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-118407

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-5561 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0012] In cuffs with grooves on the outer surface of the organism, the sheet material constituting the cuff needs to undergo primary processing such as profile extrusion, injection molding, and embossing to form the grooves. Therefore, the number of manufacturing steps for the sheet material constituting the cuff increases.

[0013] Furthermore, in the technique of partially welding the edge of the cuff to create wrinkles at the welded portion, thereby controlling the position of the wrinkles, there is a problem: the expansion of the cuff is hindered at the welded portion, resulting in insufficient pressure, which in turn reduces the accuracy of blood pressure measurement.

[0014] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a cuff and a blood pressure measuring device that can control the generation of wrinkles and reduce the number of manufacturing steps of the sheet material components constituting the cuff.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a cuff comprising: a plurality of bag-shaped structures formed by fixing two sheet members that are longer in one direction at their outer periphery, and stacked such that they are aligned in the long dimension direction in a manner that allows them to be rolled around an organism; a notch portion provided in at least one of the bag-shaped structures on the organism side, formed by cutting off two sheet members of the bag-shaped structure from one end toward the other in the width direction; and a fixing portion provided in a frame shape on the inner side of the outer periphery of two opposing sheet members of two adjacent bag-shaped structures, for fixing the two bag-shaped structures.

[0017] Here, the cuff includes a bag-like structure that is wrapped around the upper arm, wrist, etc., of an organism during blood pressure measurement and expands by a supplied fluid. The fluid includes liquids and air. When the supplied fluid is air, the bag-like structure is, for example, an air bag that expands with air.

[0018] According to this scheme, when the cuff expands, creating a difference between the inner and outer circumferences of the cuff, the notch becomes the starting point for wrinkles.

[0019] The folds include: expansion towards the organism and indentation towards the outer circumference of a portion of the inner circumference of the bag-like structure when the bag-like structure expands while wrapped around an organism, resulting in a difference in circumference between the outer and inner circumference surfaces of the bag-like structure (inner and outer circumference difference); and creases on the inner circumference surface of the bag-like structure.

[0020] Here, when wrinkles are to be generated due to the difference in the inner and outer circumferences of the bag-like structure, the location of the wrinkles can be controlled by the notch. Furthermore, by setting the notch according to the conditions under which the blood pressure measuring device is used, and assuming the user's wrist size, the number and depth of the wrinkles can be controlled. Therefore, when measuring blood pressure, deviations in the measurement results can be prevented, and the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement results can be improved.

[0021] Furthermore, the bag-shaped structure is constructed by fixing two sheet members at their outer periphery. Adjacent bag-shaped structures are fixed by frame-shaped fixing parts at a point inside the opposing sheet members, beyond the outer periphery. Since the two adjacent bag-shaped structures are fixed by fixing parts at a point inside the notch, the notch does not impede the expansion of the bag-shaped structure.

[0022] For example, in a configuration where a portion of each of multiple bag-shaped structures is fused together in the stacking direction and a notch is formed in a portion of the fused area, the expansion of the multiple bag-shaped structures will be affected by the fused area, that is, the expansion of the cuff will be affected.

[0023] Furthermore, by shaping the notch into a form that cuts from one end toward the other along the width of the two sheet members, wrinkles can be controlled with a simple configuration. Therefore, there is no need to perform a single machining operation on the sheet members constituting the bag-shaped structure to form grooves for wrinkle generation. Thus, the number of manufacturing steps for the sheet members constituting the bag-shaped structure can be reduced.

[0024] A cuff is provided in which the notch is formed to avoid a position opposite to an artery when the cuff is wrapped around an organism.

[0025] According to this design, the notch is positioned to avoid the area opposite to the artery when the blood pressure measuring device is worn. Therefore, wrinkles can be suppressed at the position of the cuff opposite the artery, and even if wrinkles occur at this position when the cuff expands, the wrinkles will be shallower than those caused by the notch.

[0026] A cuff is provided, wherein the cuff of one of the above-described embodiments has a plurality of said notches.

[0027] According to this scheme, the location where wrinkles are generated can be controlled more appropriately.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a blood pressure measuring device comprising: any of the above-described cuffs; a pump for supplying fluid to the cuffs; a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the cuffs; and a body assembled to the cuffs, having a control board built into it.

[0029] According to this scheme, when the cuff expands, creating a difference between the inner and outer circumferences of the cuff, the notch becomes the starting point for wrinkles.

[0030] Here, when wrinkles are to be generated due to the difference in the inner and outer circumferences of the bag-like structure, the location of the wrinkles can be controlled by the notch. Furthermore, by setting the notch according to the conditions under which the blood pressure measuring device is used, and assuming the user's wrist size, the number and depth of the wrinkles can be controlled. Therefore, when measuring blood pressure, deviations in the measurement results can be prevented, and the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement results can be improved.

[0031] Furthermore, the bag-shaped structure is constructed by fixing two sheet members at their outer periphery. Adjacent bag-shaped structures are fixed by frame-shaped fixing parts at a point inside the opposing sheet members, beyond the outer periphery. Since the two adjacent bag-shaped structures are fixed by fixing parts at a point inside the notch, the notch does not impede the expansion of the bag-shaped structure.

[0032] For example, in a configuration where a portion of each of multiple bag-shaped structures is fused together in the stacking direction and a notch is formed in a portion of the fused area, the expansion of the multiple bag-shaped structures will be affected by the fused area, that is, the expansion of the cuff will be affected.

[0033] Furthermore, by shaping the notch into a form that cuts from one end toward the other along the width of the two sheet members, wrinkles can be controlled with a simple configuration. Therefore, there is no need to perform a single machining operation on the sheet members constituting the bag-shaped structure to form grooves for wrinkle generation. Thus, the number of manufacturing steps for the sheet members constituting the bag-shaped structure can be reduced.

[0034] A blood pressure measuring device is provided, wherein in one of the above-described blood pressure measuring devices, the notch is formed to avoid a position opposite to an artery when assembled in a living organism.

[0035] According to this design, the notch is positioned to avoid the area opposite to the artery when the blood pressure measuring device is worn. Therefore, wrinkles can be suppressed at the position of the cuff opposite the artery, and even if wrinkles occur at this position when the cuff expands, the wrinkles will be shallower than those caused by the notch.

[0036] According to the blood pressure measuring device of the above-mentioned scheme, a blood pressure measuring device is provided, wherein a plurality of the notches are provided.

[0037] According to this scheme, the location where wrinkles are generated can be controlled more appropriately.

[0038] According to one of the above-mentioned blood pressure measuring devices, a blood pressure measuring device is provided, wherein the blood pressure measuring device has a flow path in fluid communication with the cuff, the flow path passing through the notch.

[0039] According to this scheme, the flow path can be configured from one side of the cuff to the other side.

[0040] According to one of the above-mentioned blood pressure measuring devices, a blood pressure measuring device is provided, wherein the blood pressure measuring device includes electrical wiring electrically connected to the control board, the electrical wiring passing through the notch.

[0041] According to this scheme, electrical wiring can be configured from one side of the cuff to the other.

[0042] Invention Effects

[0043] According to the present invention, a cuff and a blood pressure measuring device are provided that can suppress the formation of wrinkles that affect the blood pressure measurement results and reduce the number of manufacturing steps of the sheet material component constituting the cuff. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a blood pressure measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the cuff structure used in the blood pressure measuring device.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the structure of the cuff.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a side view showing the configuration of the press-fit cuff used in the cuff construction.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the press-on cuff when it is inflated.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the configuration of the first modified example of the pressing cuff.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the configuration of a second modified example of the compression cuff used in the blood pressure measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the compression cuff and electrical wiring used in a blood pressure measuring device according to a modified embodiment of this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The following uses Figures 1 to 5 This illustrates an example of a blood pressure measuring device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the blood pressure measuring device 1. Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the cuff structure 6 used in the blood pressure measuring device 1. Figure 3 This is a top view showing the structure of the cuff construction 6. Figure 4 This is a side view showing the configuration of the press-fit cuff 71 used in the cuff construction 6. Figure 5 This is a side view schematically showing the configuration when the sleeve 71 is inflated.

[0054] The blood pressure measuring device 1 is an electronic blood pressure measuring device for wearing on a living organism. In this embodiment, the blood pressure measuring device 1 is an electronic blood pressure measuring device that has the form of a wearable device for wearing on the wrist 100 and has the form of measuring blood pressure from an artery 110.

[0055] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the blood pressure measuring device 1 includes, for example, a device body 3, a belt 4, a retaining ring 5, and a cuff structure 6.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the main body 3 of the device includes, for example, a housing 11, a display unit 12, and an operation unit 13. Furthermore, the main body 3 includes: a pump 14 for inflating the cuff structure 6; a pressure sensor 15; a flow path for fluidly connecting the pump 14 and the cuff structure 6; and a control board 16. One or more on / off valves and the pressure sensor 15 for detecting the pressure of the cuff in the cuff structure 6 are connected to the flow path, for example.

[0057] The housing 11 includes, for example, a cylindrical profile housing 31; a windshield 32 that covers the upper opening of the profile housing 31; and a back cover 35 that covers the lower interior of the profile housing 31.

[0058] The housing 31 is, for example, formed in a cylindrical shape. The housing 31 includes: a pair of ears 31a, symmetrically positioned circumferentially on the outer periphery; and spring rods 31b, respectively disposed between the two pairs of ears 31a. The windshield 32 is, for example, a circular glass plate. A back cover 35 covers the wrist-side end of the housing 31. The back cover 35 is fixed to, for example, the wrist-side end of the housing 31.

[0059] The display unit 12 is disposed on the contour housing 31 at a position opposite to the windshield 32. The display unit 12 is electrically connected to the control board 16. The display unit 12 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent display. The display unit 12 displays various information including date and time, blood pressure values ​​such as highest and lowest blood pressure, heart rate, and other measurement results.

[0060] The operation unit 13 is configured to input commands from the user. For example, the operation unit 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 unit 12 or the windshield 32. The operation unit 13 converts commands into electrical signals by user operation and outputs the electrical signals to the control board 16.

[0061] Pump 14 is, for example, a piezoelectric pump. Pump 14 compresses air and supplies compressed air to the cuff structure 6 via a flow path. Pump 14 is electrically connected to the control board 16.

[0062] The belt 4 includes: a first belt 61, a pair of lugs 31a and a spring rod 31b disposed on one side; and a second belt 62, a pair of lugs 31a and a spring rod 31b disposed on the other side.

[0063] The first belt 61, referred to as the so-called mother belt, is configured as a belt and has a buckle 61c. The first belt 61 is rotatably held in the contour housing 31. The buckle 61c has: a rectangular frame-shaped body 61d; and a latch 61e, which is rotatably fitted to the frame-shaped body 61d.

[0064] The second band 62, referred to as the hook band, is configured as a band with a width that can be inserted into the frame 61d. Furthermore, the second band 62 has multiple small holes 62a for inserting the latches 61e. The second band 62 is rotatably held in the contour housing 31.

[0065] In such a band 4, the first band 61 and the second band 62 are connected as one unit by inserting the second band 62 into the frame 61d and inserting the buckle 61e into the hole 62a. The band 4 together with the contour housing 31 forms a circumferential ring that mimics the wrist 100.

[0066] By making the band 4 into a loop, when the cuff construction 6 expands, the band 4 presses the retaining ring 5 and the cuff construction 6 toward the wrist 100 side.

[0067] The retaining ring 5 is made of, for example, resin material and is configured as a strip that bends circumferentially along the wrist. The retaining ring 5 is configured such that one end is fixed to the wrist 100 side of the device body 3, and the other end is close to the device body 3. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the retaining ring 5 may also be configured as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the retaining ring 5 is fixed to the outer surface of the back cover 35. One end of the retaining ring 5 protrudes from one of the pairs of ears 31a on one side of the back cover 35, and the retaining ring 5 protrudes from one end toward the other end toward the other pair of ears 31a on the other side of the back cover 35, and extends to the position where the other end is adjacent to one end.

[0068] The retaining ring 5 possesses both flexibility and shape retention. Here, flexibility means that when an external force is applied to the retaining ring 5, its shape deforms radially; for example, when the retaining ring 5 is pressed by the strap 4, its side-view shape deforms to resemble, follow, or mimic the shape of the wrist. Furthermore, shape retention means that when no external force is applied, the retaining ring 5 maintains its pre-shaped form; that is, in this embodiment, the retaining ring 5 maintains a circumferentially curved shape along the wrist 100. In this specification, the surface of the retaining ring 5 opposite to the wrist is referred to as the inner surface of the retaining ring 5. The retaining ring 5 maintains the shape of the cuff structure 6 along the inner surface of the retaining ring 5.

[0069] The cuff structure 6 includes one or more cuffs connected to the pump 14 via a flow path. The cuffs of the cuff structure 6 are inflated by fluid from the pump 14, thereby pressing the wrist 100.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, the cuff structure 6 includes, for example, a pressing cuff 71, a back plate 72, and a sensing cuff 73. In the cuff structure 6, the pressing cuff 71, the back plate 72, and the sensing cuff 73 are stacked and formed as a single unit. The cuff structure 6 is fixed to the inner surface of the retaining ring 5.

[0071] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the pressing sleeve 71 includes: a plurality of air bags 81, which are stacked by aligning them in the longitudinal direction; a connecting part 83; and a second fixing part 85, which fixes two adjacent air bags 81 of the plurality of air bags 81.

[0072] Regarding the pressing cuff 71, its outer air pocket 81 is attached to the inner surface of the retaining ring 5 by means of double-sided tape, adhesive, etc., thereby fixing the pressing cuff 71 to the retaining ring 5.

[0073] Regarding the compression cuff 71, its connecting portion 83 is connected to the flow path portion, thereby fluidly connecting the compression cuff 71 to the pump 14. The compression cuff 71 expands to press the back plate 72 and the sensing cuff 73 toward the wrist. Furthermore, the compression cuff 71 has a length that extends from the back of the hand side of the wrist 100 to the palm side when the blood pressure measuring device 1 is worn on the wrist.

[0074] Multiple air bags 81, for example, are three-layer air bags 81. Here, the air bag 81 is a bag-shaped structure. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the blood pressure measuring device 1 is configured to use air via the pump 14, so air bags are used for explanation. However, when using a fluid other than air, the bag-shaped structure may also be a fluid bag.

[0075] The air bag 81 is formed into a shape that is elongated in one direction by overlapping two sheet members 86 that are elongated in one direction and welding them to the outer periphery using heat.

[0076] For example, the air bag 81 is provided with a first fixing part 81a for fixing the outer periphery of two sheet members 86. The first fixing part 81a is, for example, a welded part formed by welding the two sheet members 86 together by heat. In addition, the outer periphery of the two sheet members 86 for which the first fixing part 81a is provided also includes the outer periphery of the notch 84 formed in the sheet member 86.

[0077] Furthermore, the multiple air bags 81 are interconnected to allow air to move. For example, openings 87 are formed in the opposing sheet members 86 of two adjacent air bags 81. Thus, the two adjacent air bags 81 are connected through the openings 87.

[0078] The notch 84 is formed by cutting it out from one end toward the other in the width direction of the air bag 81, that is, forming a concave shape in the width direction of the air bag 81 such that its width is narrowed from one end toward the other. At the location where the notch 84 is formed, when the cuff 71 is pressed to expand and compress the wrist, a wrinkle will form on the wrist 100 side of the air bag 81. A wrinkle refers to a crease on the inner circumference of the air bag 81 that expands toward the wrist 100 and concave toward the outer circumference when the air bag 81 expands while wrapped around the wrist 100, creating a difference in circumference between the outer and inner circumference surfaces (inner and outer circumference difference); or a crease on the inner circumference of the air bag 81 where the inner circumference is located on the outer circumference surface.

[0079] The notch 84 is formed, for example, at the same location in all the plurality of air bags 81. In this embodiment, the notch 84 is formed at the same location in the longitudinal direction of each of the three air bags 81. The notch 84 is formed at a location in the air bag 81 that will not affect blood pressure measurement. Here, a location that will not affect blood pressure measurement is, for example, a location that avoids pressing the cuff 71 and the area opposite the artery 110 when the blood pressure measuring device 1 is worn on the wrist 100. In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the notch 84 is formed at a position that avoids the sensing cuff 73.

[0080] One or more notches 84 are formed in an air bag 81. In this embodiment, one notch 84 is formed in an air bag 81.

[0081] Furthermore, a first fixing portion 81a is formed around the notch 84. That is, around the notch 84, the first fixing portion 81a is recessed from one end to the other in the width direction of the air bag 81.

[0082] The notch 84 has a predetermined width in both the width and length directions of the sheet member 86. The predetermined width is appropriately set according to the number and depth of the pleats to be produced. As long as the notch 84 is configured to produce the predetermined pleats, its dimensions in the width direction and length direction of the air bag 81 can be appropriately selected. Here, the predetermined pleats refer to pleats of a depth that do not interrupt the internal space of the air bag 81 when the compression cuff 71, which is curved in the circumferential shape of the wrist 100, is expanded. By giving the notch 84 a predetermined width that prevents the produced pleats from interrupting the internal space of the air bag 81, one side and the other side of the air bag 81 remain connected in the length direction through the notch 84.

[0083] Furthermore, the notch 84 has, for example, dimensions along the width direction of the pressing cuff 71 and dimensions along the length direction of the pressing cuff 71, allowing the flow path 92 of the sensing cuff 73 to pass through.

[0084] The second fixing part 85 secures two adjacent air bags 81 of the stacked plurality of air bags 81. The second fixing part 85 is formed in a frame shape on the inner side of these two air bags 81 than the first fixing part 81a. The second fixing part 85 is a welded part formed by, for example, by welding the opposing sheet members 86 of the adjacent air bags 81 together with heat. The second fixing part 85 is, for example, formed in a frame shape that surrounds the openings 87 of the sheet members formed on the adjacent two air bags 81.

[0085] The connecting part 83 is connected to the flow path part. The connecting part 83 is, for example, provided on one air bag 81 on the side of the retaining ring 5 of the plurality of air bags 81. The connecting part 83 is, for example, a pipe connector.

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown, the three-layer air pocket 81, starting from the wrist 100 side, comprises: a first sheet member 86a; a second sheet member 86b, which, together with the first sheet member 86a, forms the first air pocket 81; a third sheet member 86c, which is bonded to the second sheet member 86b; a fourth sheet member 86d, which, together with the third sheet member 86c, forms the second air pocket 81; a fifth sheet member 86e, which is bonded to the fourth sheet member 86d; and a sixth sheet member 86f, which, together with the fifth sheet member 86e, forms the third air pocket 81. These sheet members 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d, 86e, and 86f have notches forming a notch 84.

[0087] With regard to the first sheet member 86a and the second sheet member 86b, their outer peripheries are fixed by the first fixing part 81a, thereby forming an air bag 81. With regard to the third sheet member 86c and the fourth sheet member 86d, their outer peripheries are fixed by the first fixing part 81a, thereby forming an air bag 81. With regard to the fifth sheet member 86e and the sixth sheet member 86f, their outer peripheries are fixed by the first fixing part 81a, thereby forming an air bag.

[0088] The sixth sheet component 86f has an adhesive layer and double-sided tape on the outer surface of the retaining ring 5, and is attached to the retaining ring 5 through the adhesive layer and double-sided tape.

[0089] The second sheet member 86b and the third sheet member 86c are arranged opposite each other, and each has an opening 87b and 87c that connects the two air bags 81. The second sheet member 86b and the third sheet member 86c are fixed by a second fixing part 85 inside the first fixing part 81a that forms the outer periphery of the air bag 81 and outside the openings 87b and 87c.

[0090] The fourth sheet member 86d and the fifth sheet member 86e are arranged opposite each other, and each has an opening 87d and 87e that connects the two air bags 81. The fourth sheet member 86d and the fifth sheet member 86e are fixed by a second fixing part 85 on the outside of the openings 87d and 87e, which are located inside the first fixing part 81a that forms the outer periphery of the air bag 81.

[0091] like Figure 2 As shown, the backing plate 72 is adhered to the outer surface 86a1 of the first sheet member 86a of the pressing sleeve 71 via an adhesive layer, double-sided tape, etc. The backing plate 72 is formed of resin material and is plate-shaped. For example, the backing plate 72 is made of polypropylene and is plate-shaped with a thickness of about 1 mm. The backing plate 72 has shape adaptability.

[0092] Here, shape conformity refers to the characteristic that the back plate 72 can deform in a manner that mimics the shape of the contacted portion of the configured wrist 100. It should be noted that the contacted portion of the wrist 100 refers to the area that contacts the back plate 72, and this contact includes both direct and indirect contact.

[0093] The sensing cuff 73 is fixed to the wrist 100 side of the back plate 72. The sensing cuff 73 is in direct contact with the area of ​​the present artery 110 of the wrist 100. The sensing cuff 73 is formed to be the same shape as or smaller than the back plate 72 in both the longitudinal and width directions. The sensing cuff 73 compresses the area of ​​the present artery on the palm side of the wrist by expanding. The expanded pressing cuff 71 presses the sensing cuff 73 against the wrist 100 side through the back plate 72.

[0094] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the sensing cuff 73 includes an air bag 91 and a flow path 92. One side of the air bag 91 of the sensing cuff 73 is fixed to the back plate 72. For example, the sensing cuff 73 is attached to the biological side of the back plate 72 by means of double-sided tape, adhesive layer, etc.

[0095] Here, the air bag 91 is a bag-shaped structure. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the blood pressure measuring device 1 is configured to use air via the pump 14, so an air bag is used for explanation. However, when using a fluid other than air, the bag-shaped structure may also be a liquid bag.

[0096] The air bag 91 is formed into a shape that is elongated in one direction by stacking two sheet members 96 that are elongated in one direction and welding them together with heat to the outer periphery.

[0097] The flow path body 92 is integral with a portion of one edge of the air bag 91 in the longitudinal direction. The flow path body 92 is located at the end of the air bag 91 near the device body 3 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the flow path body 92 is formed into a shape that is elongated in one direction with a width smaller than the width dimension of the air bag 91. The flow path body 92 has a connecting portion 93 at its top end. The flow path body 92 is connected to the flow path portion via the connecting portion 93, forming a flow path between the flow path portion and the air bag 91.

[0098] like Figure 3 As shown, a portion of such a flow path 92 is disposed, for example, within the notch 84. That is, in order to make the sensing cuff 73 disposed on the side of the pressing cuff 71 near the wrist 100 communicate with the flow path located on the opposite side of the pressing cuff 71, the flow path 92 passes through the notch 84 and is transferred from the side of the pressing cuff 71 near the wrist 100 to the opposite side.

[0099] The connecting part 93 is, for example, a pipe fitting. The connecting part 93 is located at the top of the flow path body 92. The connecting part 93 is connected to the flow path section and connected to the pump 14 via the flow path section.

[0100] like Figure 2As shown, the sensing cuff 73 has a seventh sheet member 96a and an eighth sheet member 96b from the wrist 100 side. For example, the seventh sheet member 96a and the eighth sheet member 96b are configured to form an air bag 91 and a flow path 92.

[0101] The seventh sheet component 96a and the eighth sheet component 96b are arranged opposite each other so that the air bag 91 and the flow path 92 are fused together by heat along the periphery of the air bag 91 and the flow path 92 in a manner that allows the air bag 91 and the flow path 92 to be in fluid communication, and are cut into a specified shape, thereby forming the air bag 91 and the flow path 92.

[0102] The sheet components 86 and 96 forming the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 are made of thermoplastic elastomers. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers constituting the sheet components 86 and 96 include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polystyrene, thermoplastic polyolefin, thermoplastic polyester, and thermoplastic polyamide. TPU is preferred as the thermoplastic elastomer. The sheet components can have a single-layer structure, or they can have a multi-layer structure.

[0103] It should be noted that sheet components 86 and 96 are not limited to thermoplastic elastomers, but can also be thermosetting elastomers such as silicone. In addition, they can also be a combination of thermoplastic elastomers (such as TPU) and thermosetting elastomers (such as silicone).

[0104] For sheet components 86 and 96, when using thermoplastic elastomers, molding methods such as T-die extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, or calendering are used; when using thermosetting elastomers, molding methods such as mold injection molding are used.

[0105] Sheet components 86 and 96, for example, after being formed by various molding methods, are joined by bonding, welding, etc., and then shaped into a specified shape, thereby forming air bags 81 and 91.

[0106] The notch in the notch 84 of the sheet component 86 can be formed, for example, during this shaping process. As a joining method, high-frequency welding or laser welding is used when thermoplastic elastomers are used, and molecular adhesives are used when thermosetting elastomers are used.

[0107] In the press-fit cuff 71 constructed in this way, as Figure 5 As shown, when the blood pressure measuring device 1 is worn on the wrist 100 and the cuff 71 is fully inflated to measure blood pressure, deep wrinkles will form due to the notch 84. Although wrinkles will also form in locations where the notch 84 is not present, these wrinkles are shallower than those formed by the notch 84. It should be noted that in Figure 5 For convenience, the multiple air bags 81 that make up the compression sleeve 71 are collectively referred to as one air bag 81.

[0108] In one embodiment of the blood pressure measuring device 1 configured as described above, the compression cuff 71 has a notch 84 for creating pleats. Furthermore, regarding the two sheet members 86 constituting the air bags 81 of the compression cuff 71, the outer periphery of the notch forming the notch 84 is fixed by a first fixing part 81a. Additionally, the two opposing sheet members 86 of the two adjacent air bags 81 are fixed by a second fixing part 85 at a location further inward than the first fixing part 81a. That is, the two adjacent air bags 81 are fixed by the second fixing part 85 at a location further inward than the notch 84.

[0109] When the air bag 81 inflates, it expands by moving and deforming the portions of the two sheet members 86 constituting the air bag 81 that are inside the first fixing portion 81a in a relatively separated manner. However, the two sheet members 86 are fixed at their outer periphery, including the notch, by the first fixing portion 81a, so the notch portion 84 does not obstruct the inflation of the air bag 81. Furthermore, the two opposing sheet members 86 of two adjacent air bags 81 are fixed by the second fixing portion 85 at a position inside the notch portion 84, so the notch portion 84 does not obstruct the inflation of the two adjacent air bags 81. As a result, the notch portion 84 does not affect the inflation of the pressing cuff 71.

[0110] For example, in a configuration where a portion of each of the multiple air bags 81 is welded together in the stacking direction and a gap is formed in the welded area, the expansion of the multiple air bags 81 will be affected by the welded area. That is, it will affect the expansion of the compression cuff 71.

[0111] However, the two adjacent air bags 81 are fixed by the second fixing part 85 at a position inside the notch 84, so that the notch 84 will not affect the expansion of the other air bags 81.

[0112] Furthermore, when the cuff 71 of the cuff structure 6 located on the inner surface of the retaining ring 5 is expanded, the notch 84 causes wrinkles to form at the location where the notch 84 is located on the cuff 71. Therefore, the blood pressure measuring device 1 can improve the accuracy of the measured blood pressure results.

[0113] The following is a detailed explanation of this effect. The retaining ring 5 of the blood pressure measuring device 1 is shaped circumferentially along the wrist 100, thus the compression cuff 71 is bent at a predetermined curvature. Therefore, the radii of curvature of the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the compression cuff 71 are different, resulting in a difference between the circumference of the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the inflated compression cuff 71, creating an inner-outer circumferential difference. Due to this inner-outer circumferential difference, a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the plurality of air pockets 81 of the compression cuff 71 will develop wrinkles. Sometimes, a portion of these wrinkles will form creases on the air pockets 81 such that a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the air pocket 81 is located on the outer circumferential surface.

[0114] Depending on their location and depth, such wrinkles may interrupt the internal space of the compression cuff 71, potentially causing a loss of inflation pressure. Furthermore, the wrinkled areas do not expand towards the wrist 100, thus hindering the efficient transmission of pressure to the wrist 100 and sensing cuff 73. Additionally, the pressure distribution on the surface of the compression cuff 71 becomes uneven. Therefore, wrinkles on the inner circumference of the compression cuff 71 may be a major factor affecting blood pressure measurement accuracy, leading to deviations in measurement results.

[0115] However, in this embodiment, the notch 84, which becomes the starting point for wrinkle formation, is provided in the compression cuff 71. Therefore, by setting the position of the notch 84, the position where wrinkles are formed can be controlled. Thus, when measuring blood pressure, deviations in blood pressure measurement results can be prevented, and the accuracy of blood pressure measurement results can be improved.

[0116] It should be noted that wrinkles tend to deepen in areas with a small radius of curvature. When wrinkles become deeper, they can obstruct the flow of air within the air bag 81. Therefore, it is preferable to form the notch 84 in a position that avoids areas where the radius of curvature of the retaining ring opposite the air bag 81 is smaller than that of other parts.

[0117] Furthermore, it is preferable that wrinkles form in locations that have minimal impact on blood pressure measurement. For example, in this embodiment, by employing a configuration where a notch 84 is provided in the area of ​​the air bag 81 where the sensing cuff 73 is not located, i.e., in a region that avoids the position opposite to the artery, wrinkles can be suppressed in the area where the sensing cuff 73 is located. As a result, pressing the cuff 71 can more evenly press the sensing cuff 73, and the sensing cuff 73 can appropriately press the artery.

[0118] Furthermore, since the notch 84 is formed by the notches in the two sheet members 86 that constitute each air bag 81 of the compression sleeve 71, it is not necessary to perform a one-time processing such as forming grooves for creating pleats on the sheet members 86 constituting the air bag 81. Therefore, the number of manufacturing steps for the sheet members 86 can be reduced.

[0119] Furthermore, the position of wrinkles in the compression cuff 71 can be controlled by the notch 84. Therefore, even if the length of the compression cuff 71 is set to extend from the back of the wrist 100 to the palm when the blood pressure measuring device 1 is worn on the wrist 100, wrinkles that would affect blood pressure measurement can be prevented from forming in the compression cuff 71. As a result, the number of cuffs in the cuff structure 6 can be prevented from increasing.

[0120] As described above, in the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, by providing a notch 84 in at least one of the multiple air bags 81 of the pressing cuff 71, wrinkles can be generated at the location where the notch 84 is provided on the pressing cuff 71, thereby improving the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement results. Furthermore, since it is unnecessary to perform a primary processing step such as forming grooves for wrinkle generation on the sheet member 86 constituting the air bag 81, the number of manufacturing steps for the sheet member 86 can be reduced.

[0121] It should be noted that, in the above example, the configuration of forming a notch 84 in an air bag 81 has been described, but the formation of the notch 84 is not limited to this. In other examples, multiple notches 84 may be formed in an air bag 81.

[0122] For example, it can also be like Figure 6 As shown in the modified example, two notches 84 are formed at one end in the width direction of the air bag 81. Alternatively, it can be as follows... Figure 7 As shown in the modified example, a notch 84 is formed at each end along the width direction of the air bag 81. The notch 84 can also be as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the notch 84 is formed at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the pressing sleeve 71 at both ends in the width direction. Alternatively, the notch 84 may also be formed at opposite positions in the width direction at both ends of the pressing sleeve 71. Furthermore, the shape of the notch 84 can be appropriately set as long as it can control the pleats.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above example, as an example, the configuration of the notch 84 being provided on all the plurality of air pockets 81 provided in the compression cuff 71 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. In other examples, it is sufficient that the notch 84 is provided on at least one of the plurality of air pockets 81 of the compression cuff 71. As an example, it is sufficient that the notch 84 is provided on at least one of the plurality of air pockets 81 disposed on the wrist 100 side. That is, it can be appropriately set as long as the notch 84 can control the folds of the air pockets 81 on the biological side and each air pocket 81 can inflate independently.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above example, as an example, the configuration in which the flow path body 92, which connects the flow path portion located in the device body 3 to the sensing cuff 73, passes through the notch portion 84 has been described, but the component connecting the device body 3 side to the cuff structure 6 side is not limited to the flow path body 92.

[0125] In other examples, it is also possible to... Figure 8 As shown in the modified example, the electrical wiring 120, which electrically connects the device body 3 side to the cuff structure 6 side, passes through the notch 84. It should be noted that... Figure 8 A portion of electrical wiring 120 is shown in the figure.

[0126] As an example of a configuration in which the electrical wiring 120 passes through the notch 84, there is a configuration where electrical components required for blood pressure measurement, such as a pump 14 and a pressure sensor 15, are provided on the sensing cuff 73 side, and these electrical components are electrically connected to a control board 16 within the device body 3 via the electrical wiring 120. The control board 16 within the device body 3 controls the pump 14, for example, via the electrical wiring 120. Furthermore, the pressure sensor 15 transmits its detection results to the control board 16, for example, via the electrical wiring 120. The electrical wiring 120 is, for example, a flexible printed wiring board.

[0127] Thus, by passing the electrical wiring 120 through the notch 84, the electrical mounting components disposed on the biological side relative to the pressing cuff 71 can be electrically connected to the control board 16 inside the device body 3. Moreover, by disposing the pump 14 and the pressure sensor 15 on the cuff structure 6 side, the device body 3 can be miniaturized.

[0128] Furthermore, as another example of an electrical mounting component disposed on the side of the cuff structure 6, an electrocardiogram (ECG) measuring electrode may be provided in the cuff structure 6 at a position where it contacts the wrist 100, and the control board 16 inside the device body 3 may be electrically connected to the electrode via electrical wiring 120. With this configuration, an ECG can be measured using the blood pressure measuring device 1. It should be noted that the pump 14, pressure sensor 15, and ECG measuring electrode may also be provided in the cuff structure 6, and connected to the control board 16 of the device body 3 via electrical wiring 120. Furthermore, the flow path 92 and the electrical wiring 120 may both pass through the notch 84.

[0129] That is, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made during the implementation phase without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, the embodiments can be appropriately combined as much as possible, in which case the combined effect can be obtained. Moreover, the inventions described above, which include various stages, can be derived through appropriate combinations of the disclosed constituent elements.

[0130] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0131] 1: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0132] 3: Main body of the device;

[0133] 4: with;

[0134] 5: Card ring;

[0135] 6: Cuff construction;

[0136] 11: Shell;

[0137] 12: Display section;

[0138] 13: Operations Department;

[0139] 14: Pump;

[0140] 15: Pressure sensor;

[0141] 16: Control board;

[0142] 31: Outline shell;

[0143] 31a: Ear;

[0144] 31b: Spring rod;

[0145] 32: Windshield;

[0146] 35: Back cover;

[0147] 41: Button;

[0148] 43: Touch panel;

[0149] 61: First zone;

[0150] 61a: First hole;

[0151] 61c: Buckle;

[0152] 61d: frame body;

[0153] 61e: Tongue protrusion;

[0154] 62: Second band;

[0155] 62a: small hole;

[0156] 71: Press the cuff;

[0157] 72: Back panel;

[0158] 73: Sensing cuff;

[0159] 81: Air bag;

[0160] 81a: First fixing part;

[0161] 83: Connecting part;

[0162] 84: Notch;

[0163] 85: Second fixing part;

[0164] 86: Sheet components;

[0165] 86a: First sheet component;

[0166] 86a1: Outer surface;

[0167] 86b: Second sheet component;

[0168] 86c: Third sheet component;

[0169] 86d: Fourth sheet component;

[0170] 86e: Fifth sheet component;

[0171] 86f: Sixth sheet component;

[0172] 87: Open;

[0173] 87b: Open;

[0174] 87c: Open;

[0175] 87d: Opening;

[0176] 87e: Opening;

[0177] 91: Air bag;

[0178] 92: Flow path body;

[0179] 93: Connecting part;

[0180] 96: Sheet components;

[0181] 96a: Seventh sheet component;

[0182] 96b: Eighth sheet component;

[0183] 100: Wrist;

[0184] 110: Artery;

[0185] 120: Electrical wiring.

Claims

1. A cuff, comprising: Multiple bag-like structures are constructed by fixing two sheet members that are longer in one direction at the outer periphery, and are stacked so that they are aligned in the long dimension direction in a way that can be rolled around an organism. A notch, respectively provided at the same position in the plurality of bag-shaped structures along the longitudinal direction, is formed by cutting off from one end toward the other in the width direction of the bag-shaped structure; and A fixing part, in the form of a frame, is disposed on the inner side of the outer periphery of the two opposing sheet members of the two adjacent bag-shaped structures to fix the two bag-shaped structures.

2. The cuff according to claim 1, wherein, The notch is formed to avoid the position opposite to the artery while the organism is wrapped around it.

3. The cuff according to claim 1, wherein, The notch is provided in multiple ways.

4. A blood pressure measuring device, comprising: The cuff as described in claim 1; The sensing cuff is pressed by the cuff; A pump supplies fluid to the cuff and the sensing cuff; A pressure sensor detects the pressure of the cuff and the sensing cuff; and The main body, assembled with the cuff and the sensing cuff, has a built-in control board.

5. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 4, wherein, The notch is formed to avoid a position opposite to an artery when assembled into a living organism.

6. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 4, wherein, The notch is provided in multiple ways.

7. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 4, wherein, The blood pressure measuring device has a flow path in fluid communication with the sensing cuff. The flow path passes through the notch.

8. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 4, wherein, The blood pressure measuring device has electrical wiring that is electrically connected to the control board. The electrical wiring passes through the notch.

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