Device for measuring blood pressure

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1, 12, 17, 22, 26, 32, 37, 42) for measuring blood pressure, comprising: a support (2); a bending sensor (4) arranged on the support (2) and configured to detect a bending of the support (2); two legs (3) arranged at an angle relative to the support (2) on opposite sides of the support (2); and an evaluation unit (9) which is designed to determine a blood pressure value by means of a sensor signal of the bending sensor (4). The invention also relates to a method for measuring blood pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a device for measuring blood pressure. Background Art

[0002] A sphygmomanometer, also known as a blood pressure measuring instrument, is a measuring instrument that can be used to measure the arterial pressure of a patient on the outside of the upper arm or wrist. Measuring instruments that operate according to different methods display the upper (systolic) arterial pressure and the lower (diastolic) arterial pressure with different accuracy.

[0003] Commercially available measuring devices measure arterial pressure on the inside of the wrist and are simple to operate. The measuring device and the collar form a unit. The device is placed against the inside of the wrist and is fastened to the artery by the collar. After the measurement begins, the collar is inflated by an electronic pump for a long time to the initial measuring pressure until no blood can flow through the artery anymore. The pressure in the collar is gradually reduced by an electrically controlled valve. Sensors detect the actual pressure and the changing blood flow sound. The device records the systolic and diastolic arterial pressure points by means of pattern recognition. In addition, other characteristic values ​​such as pulse rate, arrhythmias can be detected and the overall rating status can be determined.

[0004] Modern upper arm measuring machines display the values ​​on an integrated screen. The collar can be detached from the measuring machine to allow for different collar sizes. Compared to measuring machines that measure on the inside of the wrist, they are less user-friendly and more expensive. However, the accuracy of the measurement results is more convincing.

[0005] In indirect arterial pressure measurement, usually abbreviated to RR (according to Riva-Rocci) or occasionally to “NIBP” (non-invasive blood pressure measurement), the arterial pressure is measured with the aid of a sphygmomanometer on a limb, usually on the arm.

[0006] In the auscultatory measurement, a pressure cuff of appropriate width on the upper arm is inflated to above the expected arterial pressure. During slow deflation, the appearance and subsequent disappearance of Korotkov sounds can be heard via the artery of the arm with the aid of a stethoscope (auscultation). The pressure that can be read on the dial of the measuring instrument at the first audible perceptibility of the sound is the systolic arterial hypertension value, i.e. at this moment the systolic pressure is greater than the pressure of the cuff. The pressure is further vented at an appropriate rate. If the cuff pressure falls below the minimum arterial pressure value, the sound disappears. This value is called the diastolic pressure and is recorded as the low pressure value. Auscultatory measurement is a standard method for non-invasive measurement methods.

[0007] In the palpation measurement, the pressure collar is also placed against the upper arm. When the pressure is released, the pulse is felt on the radial side of the artery. The pressure that can be read on the dial of the measuring instrument when the pulse is first felt is approximately equivalent to the systolic hypertension value. The diastolic value cannot be determined in this way. This method is suitable, for example, in noisy environments, especially for rescue services. Even less accurate is the palpation measurement without a pressure collar, in which the radial artery is touched with two fingers and the blood vessel is squeezed with the finger closer to the heart until the pulse can no longer be felt by the finger further away from the heart. The force applied by the finger closer to the heart is the approximate reference point for the blood pressure.

[0008] Oscillometric measurement is implemented on the same principle as the other two methods. The high and low pressure values ​​are estimated by means of the amplitude change of the pulse-synchronous pointer deflection on the measuring instrument, which shows the transmission of the vibration of the blood vessel wall to the pressure collar. In manual measurement, only inaccurate results can be achieved with this method. However, this method is very reliably used from automatic measuring machines to continuous monitoring such as in the recovery room after surgery. It measures arterial pressure at intervals of several minutes as an alternative to continuous non-invasive pressure measurement. The oscillometric measurement method is also used on the wrist measuring instruments that were widely used at the time.

[0009] Long-term blood pressure measurement (ABDM) is also based on the same principle. Here, the patient wears a blood pressure cuff and a recorder for a long period of time (usually a whole day), and the blood pressure cuff is automatically inflated at certain intervals and measures are taken. This method is suitable as a gold standard for identifying and assessing the severity of high arterial blood pressure.

[0010] Measurements can also be made with the aid of pulse wave analysis. Visual signals such as the pulse shape of the artery are presented and the blood pressure is estimated from these data. The advantage of this method is that the measurement can be made continuously and non-invasively and only a wristband is required for this purpose without a pressure collar.

[0011] The following documents are examples of relevant prior art and relate to devices for measuring blood pressure, their components and associated measuring methods: DE 3004011 A1, DE 3632592 C2, DE 4439253 A1, DE 10214220 A1, EP0165505 A1, EP 0334652 B1, EP 0467 853 A1, WO 2005 / 046466 A1, WO 2009 / 141171 A2, EP0744155 A1, US 5 025 793, US2012 / 0238887 A1, US2013 / 0226015 A1, US2019 / 0320980 A1, US2019 / 0374116 A1, WO 2017 / 183106 A1, WO 2018 / 231711 A1,WO 2019 / 209679A1,WO 2020 / 112555 A1,WO 2021 / 110597 A1.

[0012] The disadvantages of these conventional devices and methods are that the inflation of the ring is very uncomfortable or even painful, and can cause skin damage, especially for older people. Especially for thinner skin, the irritation caused by the high-frequency repeated measurements can cause discomfort and create large pressure points.

[0013] Although WO 2009 / 141171 A2 proposes a pressure-free blood pressure measurement, the sensor disclosed therein requires an additional collar to which air pressure is applied for calibration. This calibration usually has to be repeated each time the collar is worn. Therefore, this blood pressure measurement is complicated.

[0014] There is therefore no simple and especially compact system which would be completely successful without the uncomfortable application of pressure by means of an air cushion. Summary of the invention

[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for measuring blood pressure which has a simple construction and which does not have an air cushion for applying pressure.

[0016] To achieve this object, a device for measuring blood pressure is provided having the features of claim 1 .

[0017] The device for measuring blood pressure according to the present invention comprises: a support; a bending sensor arranged on the support, which is configured to detect the bending of the support; two legs, which are arranged on opposite sides of the support to form an angle relative to the support; and an analysis and evaluation unit, which is configured to determine a blood pressure value with the aid of a sensor signal of the bending sensor.

[0018] The invention is based on the idea that the bending sensor is bent by the arterial or venous pulsation of the blood pressure, so that the sensor signal generated thereby can be evaluated in order to determine the blood pressure. The bending applied to the bending sensor generates tensile stress, which causes the sensor signal. The device for measuring blood pressure according to the invention enables a particularly sensitive measurement of the blood pressure or the change in the blood pressure over time, wherein only a small preload is required compared to the measuring devices known from the prior art. This avoids uncomfortable feelings of pressure and uneasiness for the patient. The device for measuring blood pressure according to the invention is therefore also particularly suitable for long-term monitoring of patients.

[0019] It is preferred within the scope of the invention if the bending sensor is a piezoelectric sensor. Such sensors are relatively small and are distinguished by a high sensitivity.

[0020] Preferably, the bending sensor can be constructed as a dual-element sensor assembly, which has two individual sensors arranged around a neutral fiber. These individual sensors have anti-parallel polarity and are arranged symmetrically around the neutral fiber. When the dual-element sensor assembly arranged on the support is bent in one direction, one of the individual sensors rotates, while the other individual sensor also sinks. When the two individual sensors are loaded in opposite directions in this way, their signals are superimposed.

[0021] In the context of the invention, the bending sensor of the device according to the invention is designed as a polycrystalline bending sensor and has a plurality of pairs of individual sensors with alternating antiparallel polarities. The sensitivity can be increased by providing a plurality of pairs of individual sensors.

[0022] A further development of the invention provides that one leg or two legs are articulated on the support. The articulated arrangement enables adaptation to body parts of different sizes, for example fingers of different sizes. One leg or two legs of the support can have a support. Preferably, the support is designed to provide a defined coupling to a tube located therebelow, such as an artery or a vein. Preferably, the support can have a narrow linear protuberance, which can rest perpendicularly on the tube. In a device that can be worn on a finger, the support is preferably designed in the shape of a circular arc.

[0023] The device for measuring blood pressure according to the invention can have a clamping element in order to exert a defined force on the leg. It goes without saying that both legs can also have such a clamping element. The device according to the invention thus comprises a bending sensor arranged on a support, two angled legs, an evaluation unit and optionally at least one clamping element.

[0024] The pulsation of the patient's volume, in particular the body part on which the blood pressure measurement is to be performed, which is caused by the pulse pressure, can be converted into a curvature by the U-shape of the support. In this case, the pulsating region of the volume is clamped between the legs of the U-shaped support via clamping elements with a preferably defined preload. In this way, the pulsation of the body part or a section of the body part, in particular a finger, which is caused by the pulse pressure, can be converted into a curvature by the U-shape of the support. The curvature is detected by the curvature sensor. The curvature sensor is preferably located at the point of greatest curvature.

[0025] A preferably constant pressure is applied to the body part via the clamping element. Preferably, the pressure of the clamping element covers the area under which the pulsation tube extends. The clamping surface (=pressure surface) of the clamping element is preferably designed so that the force can be evenly distributed on it. This can be achieved, for example, by a skin-friendly cushion made of a flexible material such as rubber or foam or by means of an air cushion.

[0026] With this device according to the invention for measuring blood pressure, slight deflections of a body part or its surface at least partially clamped therein or surrounded thereby, caused by arterial or venous pulsations, can be converted into a bending at the location of the bending sensor and thereby into an electrical signal.

[0027] In particular, with the aid of this arrangement, arterial and / or venous pulsations in the finger caused by blood vessels near the surface (which manifest themselves as local deflections of the pulsation of the surface or volume of a specific part of the finger) can be mechanically transmitted to the bending sensor and converted into electrical signals by the bending sensor, whereby changes in pulse pressure can be detected by the measuring electronics in the analysis and evaluation unit.

[0028] The detected electrical sensor signal has a high signal-to-noise ratio. Based on the high signal quality of the electrical sensor signal, pulse pressure changes with all systolic and diastolic components can be reproduced in detail.

[0029] The high sensitivity according to the invention also makes it possible to detect pulse signals with high accuracy even when using comfortable cushioning and applying very low and therefore most comfortable tightening forces. Thus, a deflection of one or both legs caused by blood pressure pulsations triggers a bending of the support detected by the bending sensor, which can be evaluated by the evaluation unit. Preferably, the blood pressure change over time can be determined by the evaluation unit.

[0030] By analyzing the properties of the pulse pressure curve (eg limit values ​​and their time intervals), vital signs (eg blood pressure value, pulse) can be determined.

[0031] Vital signs can also be determined via artificial intelligence or machine learning, whose network has previously been trained using a comprehensive patient database. In addition to the measurement curves, the training database can also contain any other medical data or diagnoses of the patient.

[0032] In the simplest case, the force applied by the clamping element is constant. However, embodiments are also possible in which the force applied by the clamping element is adjustable. In the device according to the invention, the clamping element can be supported on one side on the support and on the other side on the leg.

[0033] As already mentioned, it is preferred that the support of the device according to the invention and / or the support with the legs is of U-shaped design.

[0034] The main components of the device for measuring blood pressure are described below.

[0035] In terms of the sensor element, a preferred variant is provided with at least one bending sensor, preferably a bimorph bending sensor assembly with anti-parallel polarity. However, a polymorph bending sensor can also be used as an alternative, which is assembled from a plurality of sensor pairs (in the form of films or beams) with alternating anti-parallel polarities. The bimorph bending sensor assembly is particularly preferably a piezoelectric bimorph bending sensor assembly, in which the sensor is a piezoelectric sensor. Such a sensor element reacts very sensitively to bending. In principle, the bimorph bending sensor assembly includes two sensor layers, which are symmetrically arranged around a neutral fiber (beam theory). When this assembly is bent in one direction, one of the sensor-activated bending sensor layers rotates, while the other bending sensor layer also sinks. When bending in the other direction, the behavior is exactly the opposite. Due to the anti-parallel polarity of the two sensor layers, the signals of these opposite loads are superimposed and the total signal is increased not only in structure (because of the same sign) but also in value. And the opposite effects (such as interfering temperature effects, hot spot effects) are largely cancelled and thus compensated. In addition to the bending sensor, the sensor element can also additionally include other sensor elements such as optical sensors.

[0036] The support provided with the bending sensor has two legs. The support is thus configured in a U-shape and has at least one bending sensor, preferably a bending sensor element. If the legs of the U-shaped support are deflected relative to each other, this deflection results in a bending at the location of the sensor element.

[0037] By clamping a pulsating object volume, such as a finger, between the legs, the legs move relative to each other perpendicularly to the clamped surface. By means of the lever formed by the legs relative to the support, in a corresponding design, the smallest deflection can be converted into a bending at the location of the sensor, so that this bending can be detected by the bending sensor. The U-shaped support can also be designed as a ring, which can be worn by the patient on a finger or arm.

[0038] In the device for measuring blood pressure according to the invention, the bending sensor is connected via a flexible or elastic unit so that the device can be worn and fixedly clipped to a pulsating body part, such as a finger, with a defined tightening force. The pulsating tube of the body part is located under the support of the leg or under the support of the clamping element of the leg or touches the support of the clamping element.

[0039] The flexibility can be achieved in that the clamping element has an elastic element, preferably a spring element. Preferably, the clamping element can be opened by the action of a force, for example via a lever mechanism. Particularly preferably, at least one hinge with an elastic reset mechanism can be provided for the higher flexibility of the clamping element. The elastic reset mechanism can also include an electromechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or piezoelectric actuator. In a pneumatic actuator, for example, a manual pump, a multi-way valve and a barometer can also be provided in order to achieve a defined, preferably constant force of the flexible clamping element. Instead of a manual pump, an electric pump with a control circuit can also be provided.

[0040] Preferably, the elastic force of such an elastic reset mechanism can be adjusted manually or automatically. This can be done manually, for example, via a torque wrench. Particularly preferably, the elastic force of such an elastic reset mechanism is independent of the deflection or at least largely independent, at least within a certain tolerance range. Thus, the force of the clamping element is maximally constant.

[0041] The flexibility can be achieved by a spring or an elastic material connecting one or both clamping legs to the support. The support part or the support part of one or both legs is designed in such a way that it can reproducibly clamp the part of the body part where the blood pressure is to be measured. For this purpose, the part of the patient's body part is selected as far as possible, i.e., at which the deflection is greatest. The support part can be arranged above the artery or vein in such a way that it crosses the artery or vein. The support part forms a defined force introduction point. The deflection of the support part through the pulsation of the artery or vein is transmitted to the bending sensor and can be detected by the bending sensor.

[0042] The support part can preferably be adapted to the surface of the pulsating body part. For this purpose, the support part of the clamping element can be at least partially equipped with a cushion. Preferably, the support part or the cushion is made of a skin-friendly material. In a particularly advantageous design, the flexible part of the device for measuring blood pressure is designed as a ring, such as a ring or an armband.

[0043] The force with which the clamping element bears against the corresponding body part can be designed to be adjustable. This can be done, for example, via at least one adjustable spring. In another advantageous embodiment, a display for the clamping force is also provided in the device. Such a display can be realized, for example, with a tension spring which transforms a small force into a large amplitude of a force indicator by means of a mechanical conversion mechanism (such as a lever, pulley or gear).

[0044] The device can have the ability to adjust the clamping force to a fraction of 1 Newton. This adjustability can be done in stages, for example, by one tenth of a Newton. However, it can also be done in stages up to 1 / 100 of a Newton. The device for measuring blood pressure can thus be subjected to a very small and defined tensioning force. This is useful for determining absolute blood pressure values.

[0045] In another advantageous embodiment, the pre-set tensioning force generated by the spring is automatically adjusted when applied to a finger or other body part. This can be done electrically, for example, by a dynamometer in conjunction with an actuator.

[0046] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a compression spring which is as long as possible and prestressed as much as possible is used, the force change of which in a limited adjustment range is only a part of the adjustment path in relation to the overall length of the spring.

[0047] Furthermore, other embodiments of the device for measuring blood pressure according to the invention are possible. The device can also be designed in a ring shape by miniaturization. The ring is preferably worn via the fingertips in front of the first joint. However, it is also possible to wear the ring on any part of the finger. Such a ring can also be worn on the arm or leg or even on the neck, because the clamping force required for pulse pressure sensitivity is very low. The ring can thus be designed as a ring or a bracelet or a necklace. Similarly, the ring can also be designed as part of a watch or a smart watch.

[0048] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the device for measuring blood pressure comprises an at least partially elastic element, preferably a partially linear elastic element, such as a helical spring, which at least partially surrounds the finger. This part is referred to below as the annular element. By setting a defined clamping force, the device according to the invention only needs to be calibrated once. The device can thus be delivered in a calibrated state.

[0049] By using multiple devices in different body regions, conclusions can be drawn about, for example, a certain vascular disease in this body region. In addition, by at least two such loops in different locations (for example on an arm or finger), conclusions about the pulse wave velocity can be easily determined from the phase shift between the signals.

[0050] The analysis and evaluation unit includes a measuring electronic system, which includes an amplifier, a signal processing electronic system, an A / D converter, and a radio and / or cable interface. In addition, it can also include a display and different control elements such as a selection button. Ideally, the signal processing system, the AD converter and the radio transmission module of the measuring electronic system are located on or in the bracket. The bracket transmits the digitized signal to the monitoring network management or the movable display instrument via Bluetooth or other radio transmission methods, for example. This can also be a smart phone or a smart watch. The bracket can also be constructed as a part of a smart watch, which has all the components required for detecting and processing sensor signals, especially the measurement and electronic components configured for the bending sensor. These components can also exist in the form of miniaturized integrated circuits such as FPGAs (programmable gate arrays). This circuit can be manufactured at low cost and easily integrated into a smart watch or similar system.

[0051] The measuring electronics can be connected at least partially, but also via cables, to the bending sensor and accommodated in a housing at another location on the patient's body, for example at an arm joint. The housing can also contain a display.

[0052] Surprisingly, it has been shown with the device according to the invention that pulse pressure changes can be detected with extremely high signal quality. This allows non-invasive detection of the smallest fluctuations in the pulse pressure change, which until now could only be measured invasively. This makes it possible to reveal more correlations and thus also diseases with the device according to the invention than with previous non-invasive methods.

[0053] Changes are analyzed and assessed through analysis of curve characteristics such as peaks, e.g., maximum, minimum, bimodal notch, peak shape, relative peak position, relative peak amplitude, pulse rate, area under peak, area under diastolic and systolic curve segments, and correlation between characteristics.

[0054] The device according to the invention can detect vital signs, in particular pulse and pulse pressure changes, at almost any part of the body, even through a soft cushion, by being positioned on the corresponding body part in such a way that at least one blood vessel near the surface is located below the contact surface.

[0055] Due to the high signal quality of the pulse pressure change, even the pulse wave velocity at the dicrotic notch can be determined theoretically. For this purpose, only the geometry of the various body parts must be measured and included in the calculation. The run time until the reflected pulse wave is called the dicrotic notch. The device according to the invention can thus be used as a wearable monitoring device for measuring biomedical data for medical purposes.

[0056] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for measuring blood pressure, comprising the following steps: clamping a body part between two legs of a device for measuring blood pressure, the two legs being arranged at an angle relative to the support on opposite sides of a support, a bending sensor being arranged on the support, the bending sensor being configured to detect a bending of the support; and determining a blood pressure value by means of a sensor signal of the bending sensor by means of an analysis and evaluation unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings by means of exemplary embodiments. In the schematic drawings:

[0058] Figure 1 An embodiment of a device for measuring blood pressure according to the invention is shown, which is worn on a patient's finger;

[0059] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 a top view of the device shown;

[0060] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 Details of the equipment shown;

[0061] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 Another detail of the device shown;

[0062] Figure 5 A further embodiment of the device for measuring blood pressure according to the invention is shown in a tensioned state;

[0063] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 The device is shown in a relaxed state;

[0064] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown;

[0065] Figure 8 An embodiment of a device for measuring blood pressure placed on a wristband is shown;

[0066] Fig. 9 Another embodiment of a device for measuring blood pressure placed on a wristband is shown;

[0067] Fig.10 Shown with Fig. 9 A similar embodiment of an apparatus for measuring blood pressure;

[0068] Fig.11 Show Figures 8 to 10 Example of the device shown during blood pressure measurement;

[0069] Fig.12Another embodiment of the device for measuring blood pressure according to the present invention is shown;

[0070] Fig.13 A view showing the apparatus for measuring blood pressure according to the present invention as viewed from below;

[0071] Fig.14 Show Fig.13 a cross-sectional view of the device;

[0072] Fig.15 Show Fig.13 A top view of the device shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] Figures 1 to 4 A device for measuring blood pressure is shown, wherein Figure 1 shows the device worn on the patient's finger, Figure 2 Showing a top view, Figure 3 and Figure 4 A detail of each device is shown.

[0074] The device 1 comprises a two-part support 2, which comprises two legs 3. A bending sensor 4 is held between the two symmetrical legs 3. The support 2 formed by the legs 3 and the bending sensor 4 is designed in a U-shape. The bending sensor 4 is a piezoelectric sensor which is designed as a dual-crystal sensor and has two individual sensors which are arranged around a neutral fiber of the bending sensor 4.

[0075] Each leg 3 comprises an arched support 5 with a narrow, linear central bulge 45. The support 5 is arranged so that it extends perpendicularly to the patient's blood vessel located therebelow. Preferably, the support 5 is integrated into the cushion. The support 5 is pivotally supported on the underside of the leg 3 via two hinges 6. Figure 1 It can be seen that the shape of the arcuate support 5 is adapted to the outer contour of the patient's index finger 7 .

[0076] The bending sensor 4 is connected to an evaluation unit 9 via a cable 8. The evaluation unit 9 comprises a housing 10 which has a wristband 11, so that the evaluation unit 9 can be worn on the wrist like a watch.

[0077] Arterial and venous pulsations are caused in the blood vessels by the patient's heartbeat, which can also be measured at the patient's index finger. The device 1, in particular its support 5, surrounds the patient's index finger 7 with a certain pressing force or clamping force. The pressing force or clamping force acts on the arterial or venous blood vessels extending thereunder in the narrow area determined by the shape of the support 5. The arterial pulsation and / or venous pulsation cause the support 5 to move minimally, so that the slightly prestressed bending sensor obtains a variable bending. The bending caused by this is detected by the bending sensor 4 and converted into an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the analysis and evaluation unit 9 via the cable 8. The analysis and evaluation unit 9 determines the blood pressure with the aid of the electrical signal. The blood pressure value can be used in different ways. For example, the blood pressure value can be stored in a memory so as to be used for later analysis and evaluation. Alternatively, the blood pressure value can also be shown on a display. It is also possible that the analysis and evaluation unit 9 transmits the blood pressure value to other instruments via a wireless communication connection.

[0078] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view and shows an apparatus 12 for measuring blood pressure, wherein Figure 5 The device is shown in a tensioned state. Figure 6 The device in the relaxed state is shown. As in the first embodiment, the device 12 comprises a U-shaped support 13 having two symmetrical legs 14, which are hingedly fastened to the support 13. A bending sensor 4 is accommodated in the support 13. Each leg 14 has a curved support portion 15, which is shaped so that the two support portions 15 can partially surround the patient's fingers. The two support portions 15 are at least approximately configured as arcs. The support portion 15 can have a cushion, which can be made of foamed plastic, rubber or silicone material, for example. The cushion has a narrow linear protrusion, which constitutes a defined point-shaped support surface. Alternatively, the support portion 15 can also directly have a narrow linear protrusion as a support surface. The narrow linear protrusion is placed as vertically as possible on the patient's blood vessel below it. As a result, a defined coupling is obtained at the intersection between the narrow linear protrusion and the blood vessel. In a conventional wide support portion (which has no protrusion), a defined coupling will not be generated. The cushion can also contain gel or be filled with air.

[0079] exist Figure 5 and 6 In the sectional view of FIG, it can be seen that the two legs 14 each have a clamping element 16 which is designed as a spring element, more precisely as a helical spring. The clamping element 16 is supported on one side on the U-shaped support 13 and on the other side on the leg 14. When the device 12 is placed on a finger, the clamping element 16 is compressed and exerts a defined pressing force on the finger. This state is Figure 5On the other hand, when the device 12 is not used for measuring blood pressure, the clamping element 16 is relaxed, so that the supporting parts 15 of the legs 14 are pressed against each other.

[0080] Figure 7 Another example of a device 17 for measuring blood pressure is shown. The device 17 comprises a support 18, which has a bending sensor 4 and two U-shaped legs 19, which are arranged to be located on the patient's finger when measuring blood pressure. A helical compression spring is arranged between the two legs 19 as a clamping element 20. A support 21 for the finger is provided at the opposite ends of the legs 19. The legs 19 are pressed away from each other and the two supports 21 are pressed towards each other by the action of the clamping element 20, so that the supports 21 are pressed against the finger with a defined force.

[0081] Figure 8 An embodiment of a device 22 is shown, which is mounted on a wristband 11. The device 22 comprises a U-shaped support 23, which has a bending sensor 4. In this embodiment, the legs 24 are integrally formed on the support 23. On the side of the device 22, which can be supported on the body surface directly above the patient's artery for measuring the blood pressure, a linear support 25 is provided on the bending sensor 4, which is Figure 8 The support portion 25 is used to position the device 25 in a targeted and defined manner on the upper part of the artery extending perpendicularly thereto. The device 25 can preferably be worn on the wrist.

[0082] Fig. 9 Shown with Figure 8 Similar embodiment. The device 26 comprises a U-shaped support 27, on which the bending sensor 4 is arranged. The support 27 has angled legs 28 formed integrally therewith, which are attached to the wristband 11. The legs 28 enclose a cushion 29, which is placed on the body surface of the patient, for example in the area of ​​the wrist, for measuring the blood pressure. On the side pointing outward from the U-shaped support 27 there is a further cushion 30, to which an evaluation unit 31 is fastened. Fig. 9 The support is not shown in the illustrated device 26. In other embodiments, a support can be provided at the location of the wristband 11, which is directly above the artery or vein in the worn state.

[0083] Fig.10 Shown with Fig. 9Device 32 is similar to device 26 shown. However, the legs 33 forming the support are designed separately, between which the bending sensor 4 is arranged. On the outwardly pointing side of the legs 33 there is a cushion 34, to which the evaluation unit 31 is fastened. On the outside of the bending sensor 4 there is a cushion 35, and on the inside there is a cushion 36, which fills the free space between the legs 33. Fig.10 There is also no support in the device 26 shown. In other embodiments, a support can be provided at the location of the wristband 11, which is located directly above the artery or vein in the worn state.

[0084] Fig.11 Show Figures 8 to 10 Example of the device shown during blood pressure measurement. Fig.11 The upper part of the figure shows a device 22, whose wristband is placed on the patient's wrist. The device 22 for measuring blood pressure here rests on the inside of the patient's wrist, directly above an arterial or venous blood vessel. Instead of the device 22, the aforementioned devices 26 and 32 can also be fastened in the opposite position, that is, on the outside of the wrist. Fig.11 The device 22 is located on the outside of the wrist and is worn like a watch.

[0085] Fig.12 An embodiment of a device 37 is shown, which comprises a wristband 11, a support 38, which is only schematically shown, and which has a bending sensor (not shown). On the side pointing inwards, the support 38 has a bearing 39. The wristband 11 has a locking element 40, such as a buckle or a Velcro. The wristband 11 is provided with a cushion 41 on its inner side. The wristband 11 also includes a device 42 for adjusting the tension, which can be adjusted automatically or manually for tensioning. A display 43 for displaying the tension or tightening force is also provided on the wristband 11.

[0086] A number of variants of the device 37 are possible. For example, the support 39 can also be arranged at a location remote from the support 38, for example opposite the support 38, near the locking element 40. The cushioning pad 41 on the inside of the wristband 11 is optional and can therefore also be omitted.

[0087] Figures 13 to 15 An embodiment of a device 37 is shown, wherein Fig.13 shows a view from below, Fig.14 A cross-sectional view is shown, and Fig.15 A top view is shown. The device 37 comprises a wristband 11 on which a support 23 with a bending sensor 4 is provided. A narrow strip-shaped support 25 is provided on the underside of the bending sensor 4. A cushion 29 is provided in the free space between the legs of the support 23. The device 37 is designed as a "smart watch". In addition to the blood pressure value, for example, the pulse and other information can also be displayed on the display 44, similar to a smart watch.

[0088] Reference numerals list

[0089] 1 Equipment

[0090] 2 Bracket

[0091] 3 Legs

[0092] 4 Bend Sensor

[0093] 5 Support

[0094] 6 Hinge

[0095] 7 Index finger

[0096] 8 Cables

[0097] 9 Analysis and Assessment Unit

[0098] 10 Housing

[0099] 11. Wristband

[0100] 12 Equipment

[0101] 13 Bracket

[0102] 14 Legs

[0103] 15 Support

[0104] 16 Clamping element

[0105] 17 Equipment

[0106] 18 Bracket

[0107] 19 Legs

[0108] 20 Clamping element

[0109] 21 Supporting part

[0110] 22 Equipment

[0111] 23 Bracket

[0112] 24 Legs

[0113] 25 Supporting part

[0114] 26 Equipment

[0115] 27 Bracket

[0116] 28 Legs

[0117] 29 Cushion

[0118] 30 cushion

[0119] 31 Analysis and Assessment Unit

[0120] 32 devices

[0121] 33 Legs

[0122] 34 cushion

[0123] 35 cushion

[0124] 36 cushion

[0125] 37 Equipment

[0126] 38 Bracket

[0127] 39 Support

[0128] 40 Locking element

[0129] 41 Cushion

[0130] 42 Equipment

[0131] 43 Display

[0132] 44 Display

[0133] 45 Bump

Claims

1. Equipment for measuring blood pressure (1, 12, 17, 22, 26, 32, 37, 42), including: - a support (2); - a bending sensor (4) arranged on the support (2), the bending sensor being configured to detect the bending of the support (2); - two legs (3) arranged on opposite sides of the support (2) at an angle relative to the support (2); An evaluation unit (9) which is designed to determine a blood pressure value using the sensor signal of the bending sensor (4).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The bending sensor (4) is a piezoelectric sensor.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The bending sensor (4) is designed as a dual-crystal sensor assembly having two individual sensors arranged around a neutral fiber.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The bending sensor (4) is designed as a polycrystalline bending sensor and has a plurality of individual sensor pairs with alternating anti-parallel polarity.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One supporting leg (3) or two supporting legs (3) are hingedly arranged on the support (2).

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The legs (3) each have a support portion (5, 15, 21, 25, 39), which is preferably arc-shaped.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one clamping element (16, 20) is provided in order to exert a defined force on the leg (3).

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: Each leg (3) is assigned a clamping element (16, 20).

9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The clamping element (16, 20) has a spring element, by means of which a force can be exerted on one leg (3) or both legs (3).

10. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The force applied by the clamping elements (16, 20) is adjustable.

11. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The clamping elements (16, 20) are supported on one side on the support (2) and on the other side on the leg (3).

12. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The support (2) and / or the support (2) with the legs (3) is designed to be U-shaped.

13. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The device is designed to trigger a bending of the support (2) detectable by the bending sensor (4) when one or both legs (3) are deflected due to blood pressure pulsations in a blood vessel, which bending can be evaluated by the evaluation unit (9) to determine a blood pressure value.

14. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein The evaluation unit (9) is designed to determine the change in blood pressure over time.

15. A method for measuring blood pressure, comprising the following steps: - clamping the body part between two legs (3) of the device (1) for measuring blood pressure, wherein The two legs (3) are arranged on opposite sides of the support (2) to be angled relative to the support (2), and a bending sensor (4) is arranged on the support (2), which is configured to detect bending of the support (2); and - determining a blood pressure value by means of an evaluation unit (9) using the sensor signal of the bending sensor (4).

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