Pulse diagnosis device

Abstract

The invention provides a pulse diagnosis device. A pulse diagnosis device (1) is provided with a pulse pressure detection unit (4) capable of detecting the pulse pressure at a pulse diagnosis position (P) on the wrist of a user. The pulse pressure detection unit (4) can be placed at the pulse diagnosis position (P) in a posture such that the longitudinal direction thereof extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the artery (A) of the wrist.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pulse diagnosis device used when diagnosing a user's health condition or the like. Background Art

[0002] In the past, pulse diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine was performed to diagnose the health status of a patient based on the speed, strength, depth, etc. of the wrist pulse. This pulse diagnosis is usually performed in a hospital or the like by a doctor placing his or her fingers close to the patient's wrist artery, but in recent years, pulse diagnosis devices have appeared that allow patients to perform pulse diagnosis at home. For example, the pulse diagnosis device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a pulse pressure detection unit that can detect the pulse pressure at the pulse diagnosis position of the user's wrist.

[0003] Prior art literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6472153 Summary of the invention

[0004] Problems to be solved by the invention However, when the pulse diagnosis device described in Patent Document 1 is used for pulse diagnosis, when the pulse pressure detection unit of the pulse diagnosis device is placed on the wrist of the user, the placement position of the pulse pressure detection unit may be offset to one side (little finger side) or the other side (thumb side) in the direction intersecting the extending direction of the artery relative to the pulse diagnosis position. If such an offset occurs, the pulse pressure detection unit cannot properly detect the pulse pressure, which may affect the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pulse diagnosis device capable of maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

[0006] Solutions for solving problems In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that a structure of a pulse pressure detection unit is designed.

[0007] Specifically, the following solution is adopted for a pulse diagnosis device including a pulse pressure detection unit capable of detecting the pulse pressure at a pulse diagnosis position of a user's wrist.

[0008] That is, in the first aspect of the invention, the pulse pressure detection unit can be placed at the pulse diagnosis position in a posture where the longitudinal direction thereof extends in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the artery of the wrist.

[0009] The second invention is based on the first invention, wherein the pulse pressure detection unit includes a piezoelectric body made of a ferroelectric material, and the pulse pressure detection unit can detect the pulse pressure based on the deformation of the piezoelectric body in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] The third invention is, in the second invention, characterized in that the pulse diagnosis device includes a fixed portion that fixes the pulse pressure detection unit, and a surface of the fixed portion that fixes the pulse pressure detection unit is curved along the longitudinal direction.

[0011] The fourth invention is, in the third invention, characterized in that a terminal portion is provided at one end of the pulse pressure detection portion in the longitudinal direction, and the pulse pressure detection portion is fixed to the fixed portion so that the terminal portion is located at a bent portion of the fixed portion.

[0012] The fifth invention is that in the fourth invention, it is characterized in that the pulse diagnosis device also has: a main body shell portion, on the back side of which the pulse pressure detection portion is arranged; and a belt portion, which has a pair of straps, each of which is in the shape of a belt, and by forming a cylindrical shape, the main body shell portion can be worn on the wrist with its back side on the wrist side, and the pulse pressure detection portion is constructed so that its length direction extends in the same direction as the length direction of the strap.

[0013] The sixth invention is that, in the fifth invention, it is characterized in that a first display unit and a second display unit are provided on the surface of the main shell, the first display unit prompts the user to wear the belt on the right wrist with one opening side in the direction of the center line of the belt tube being on the fingertip side, and the second display unit prompts the user to wear the belt on the left wrist with the other opening side in the direction of the center line of the belt tube being on the fingertip side.

[0014] A seventh invention is based on the third invention, wherein a flexible member is interposed between the fixed portion and the pulse pressure detecting portion.

[0015] The eighth invention is, in the first invention, characterized in that three pulse pressure detection units are provided corresponding to the Cun part, Guan part and Chi part of the pulse diagnosis position, and when the pulse pressure detection units are placed at the corresponding pulse diagnosis positions, the three pulse pressure detection units are arranged in parallel along the extension direction of the artery of the wrist.

[0016] A ninth invention is based on the first invention, wherein the pulse diagnosis device further includes a position adjustment unit capable of adjusting the position of the pulse pressure detection unit.

[0017] The tenth invention is, in the first invention, characterized in that three pulse pressure detection units are provided corresponding to the Cun part, Guan part and Chi part of the pulse diagnosis position, and the pulse diagnosis device also includes an interval adjustment unit capable of adjusting the interval between adjacent pulse pressure detection units.

[0018] The eleventh aspect of the invention is, in any one of the first to tenth aspects of the invention, characterized in that the pulse diagnosis device also includes a pressing part capable of pressing the pulse pressure detection part, and the pressing part includes: a fixed part, which fixes the pulse pressure detection part; a linear motion part, which can make the fixed part move forward and backward relative to the pulse diagnosis position in a linear motion when the pulse pressure detection part is placed at the pulse diagnosis position; a driving part, which can output rotational motion; and a conversion part, which is configured to connect the driving part with the linear motion part and can convert the rotational motion output by the driving part into the linear motion of the linear motion part.

[0019] The twelfth invention is that in the eleventh invention, it is characterized in that the pulse diagnosis device also has: an output part, which is arranged on the driving part and outputs the rotational motion; and a driven rotating body, which is driven to rotate by the output part, the linear motion part is a rod-shaped body, and the conversion part is composed of a threaded part and a screw hole part, the threaded part is arranged on the outer surface of the linear motion part, and the screw hole part is formed by passing through the rotation center of the driven rotating body, and the linear motion part is screwed in and out by the rotation action of the driven rotating body.

[0020] The thirteenth invention is, in the twelfth invention, characterized in that the output portion is a driving gear, the driven rotating body is a driven gear that can mesh with the driving gear on its outer peripheral surface, and the number of teeth of the driven gear is greater than the number of teeth of the driving gear.

[0021] The fourteenth invention is the invention according to the twelfth invention, wherein non-threaded portions having no threads are provided on both sides of the linear motion direction of the threaded portion on the outer surface of the linear motion portion.

[0022] The fifteenth invention is, in the fourteenth invention, characterized in that the pressing portion also includes a force-applying portion, and when the linear motion portion moves forward, the force-applying portion applies force in a direction to cause the linear motion portion to move backward, and when the linear motion portion moves backward, the force-applying portion applies force in a direction to cause the linear motion portion to move forward.

[0023] The sixteenth invention is based on the eleventh invention, characterized in that the driving unit is a stepping motor.

[0024] The seventeenth invention is, in the sixteenth invention, characterized in that the stepping motor includes a rotor including a permanent magnet.

[0025] The eighteenth invention is, in the eleventh invention, characterized in that three pulse pressure detection parts are provided corresponding to the Cun part, Guan part and Chi part of the pulse diagnosis position, and each pulse pressure detection part is respectively provided with the fixed part, the linear motion part and the driving part.

[0026] The nineteenth invention is based on the first invention, characterized in that the pulse diagnosis device further includes a changing mechanism capable of changing the stroke of the pulse pressure detection section relative to the pulse diagnosis position.

[0027] The twentieth invention is, in the nineteenth invention, characterized in that the pulse diagnosis device also includes: a supporting portion, which can support the user's wrist from the lower side; and an arm portion, which has a base end portion and a front end portion, the base end portion is supported on the supporting portion and can move up and down freely or rotate freely, the pulse pressure detection portion is fixed to the front end portion, and the arm portion is constructed so that when the user's wrist is placed on the supporting portion with the pulse diagnosis position facing upward, the pulse pressure detection portion can be pressed against the pulse diagnosis position from the upper side of the pulse diagnosis position.

[0028] The twenty-first invention is that in the twentieth invention, it is characterized in that the changing mechanism also includes another driving part that generates a driving force to move the arm up and down or rotate, and the pulse diagnosis device is constructed as follows: when the other driving part moves the arm downward or rotates it to one side of the rotation direction, the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection part on the pulse diagnosis position is increased, and when the other driving part moves the arm upward or rotates it to the other side of the rotation direction, the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection part on the pulse diagnosis position is reduced.

[0029] The twenty-second invention is that in the twentieth or twenty-first invention, it is characterized in that the pulse diagnosis device also includes: a base, which supports the supporting part from the bottom; a first pulse diagnosis part, which corresponds to the chi part of the pulse diagnosis position; a second pulse diagnosis part, which corresponds to the guan part of the pulse diagnosis position; and a third pulse diagnosis part, which corresponds to the cun part of the pulse diagnosis position, the first pulse diagnosis part, the second pulse diagnosis part and the third pulse diagnosis part respectively include the supporting part and the arm part, the first pulse diagnosis part, the second pulse diagnosis part and the third pulse diagnosis part are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the artery of the wrist, the first pulse diagnosis part and the third pulse diagnosis part are supported on the base and can move along the extension direction of the artery, the second pulse diagnosis part is arranged between the first pulse diagnosis part and the third pulse diagnosis part, and is fixedly supported on the base.

[0030] Effects of the Invention In the first aspect of the invention, when the pulse pressure detection unit is placed at the pulse diagnosis position in a posture in which its length direction extends in a direction intersecting with the extension direction of the wrist artery of the user, the size of the pulse pressure detection unit in the above-mentioned intersecting direction is large, so that the deviation of the pulse pressure detection unit and the pulse diagnosis position in the above-mentioned intersecting direction can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the situation in which the pulse pressure detection unit cannot correctly detect the pulse pressure due to the above-mentioned deviation, and thus it is possible to prevent the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device from being affected.

[0031] In the second aspect of the invention, when the portion of the artery corresponding to the pulse diagnosis position generates a pulse due to the blood pumped out from the heart, the pulse acts on the pulse pressure detection unit, causing the piezoelectric body to deform. The ferroelectric material used for the piezoelectric body has the characteristic of outputting a voltage according to the stress generated during deformation, so by utilizing this characteristic, the pulse pressure at the pulse diagnosis position can be properly detected. Here, the size of the pulse pressure detection unit in the direction intersecting the extension direction of the artery is larger than the size in the extension direction of the artery, so when the pulse acts on the pulse pressure detection unit, the piezoelectric body is more easily deformed in the above-mentioned intersection direction than in the above-mentioned extension direction. Therefore, by detecting the pulse pressure based on the deformation in the above-mentioned intersection direction that is easy to deform, the pulse pressure detection unit can detect, for example, a small pulse pressure and a slight change in the pulse pressure.

[0032] In the third aspect of the invention, the surface of the fixed portion to which the pulse pressure detecting portion is fixed is curved in the longitudinal direction, so that even if the pulse diagnosis position of the wrist is undulating around the pulse diagnosis position due to bones, etc., the pulse pressure detecting portion can be placed at the pulse diagnosis position in a state of being in close contact with the pulse diagnosis position. As a result, the loss of pulse pressure energy when it acts on the pulse pressure detecting portion can be reduced, so that, for example, a small pulse pressure and a small change in pulse pressure can be detected.

[0033] In the fourth aspect of the invention, the terminal portion is located at the curved portion of the fixed portion, so when the pulse pressure detection portion fixed to the fixed portion is placed in the pulse diagnosis position, the terminal portion can be moved away from the wrist, thereby suppressing the generation of noise in the pulse pressure detection portion due to the contact between the terminal portion and the wrist.

[0034] In the fifth aspect of the invention, the belt is wound into a cylindrical shape on the wrist of the user, so that when the main body shell of the pulse diagnosis device is worn on the wrist, the length direction of the pulse pressure detection part provided on the back side of the main body shell is oriented in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the artery. Thus, as long as the main body shell is worn on the wrist using the belt, the pulse pressure detection part and the pulse diagnosis position can be worn on the wrist of the user in a posture in which it is difficult for the pulse pressure detection part and the pulse diagnosis position to shift in the above-mentioned intersecting direction.

[0035] In the sixth aspect of the invention, when the user is taking a pulse at the pulse diagnosis position of the right wrist, the user looks at the first display portion and wears the belt portion on the right wrist so that one opening side in the direction of the barrel centerline is on the fingertip side. On the other hand, when the user is taking a pulse at the pulse diagnosis position of the left wrist, the user looks at the second display portion and wears the belt portion on the left wrist so that the other opening side in the direction of the barrel centerline is on the fingertip side. Thus, by changing the direction of the belt portion worn on each wrist of the user, the pulse can be taken at the pulse diagnosis positions of the right wrist and the left wrist using one pulse diagnosis device.

[0036] In the seventh aspect of the invention, since the flexible member is interposed between the pulse pressure detection unit and the fixed unit, the pulse pressure detection unit can be easily deformed by utilizing the softness of the flexible member, thereby preventing the pulse pressure detection unit from being unable to properly detect the pulse pressure due to deformation being hindered.

[0037] In the eighth aspect of the invention, when each pulse pressure detection unit is placed at the corresponding pulse diagnosis position, the dimension of each pulse pressure detection unit corresponding to the direction in which the artery extends is small. That is, the width direction of each pulse pressure detection unit is oriented in a direction substantially the same as the direction in which the artery extends. Thus, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection during pulse diagnosis due to the erroneous placement of one pulse pressure detection unit at multiple pulse diagnosis positions.

[0038] In the ninth aspect of the invention, when the pulse diagnosis device is used for pulse diagnosis, even if the pulse diagnosis position of the user's wrist is offset from the placement position of the pulse pressure detection unit, the placement position of the pulse pressure detection unit can be adjusted by the position adjustment unit to eliminate the offset. Thus, it is possible to prevent the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device from being deteriorated due to the offset between the pulse diagnosis position and the placement position of the pulse pressure detection unit.

[0039] In the tenth aspect of the invention, the intervals between adjacent pulse pressure detection units can be adjusted according to the positions of the pulse diagnosis positions (Cun, Guan and Chi) which are different depending on the user's age, height, etc. Thus, each pulse pressure detection unit can be appropriately placed at each pulse diagnosis position, thereby preventing the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device from being deteriorated due to the displacement between the pulse diagnosis position and the placement position of the pulse pressure detection unit.

[0040] In the eleventh aspect of the invention, when the pulse pressure detection unit is placed at the pulse diagnosis position, when the driving unit outputs a rotational motion, the rotational motion is converted by the conversion unit into a linear motion of the linear motion unit. As a result, the fixed unit moves linearly toward the direction close to the pulse diagnosis position or away from the pulse diagnosis position, thereby changing the pressing state of the pulse diagnosis detection unit on the pulse diagnosis position. Here, the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit on the pulse diagnosis position depends on the linear position change of the linear motion unit. Since an air bag that generates air pressure changes is not used in the part that generates the pressing force, even if a sensor that can detect the above-mentioned pressing force is not used, the above-mentioned pressing force can be appropriately controlled by the driving unit to eliminate deviations, thereby providing a low-cost pulse diagnosis device that can maintain diagnostic accuracy.

[0041] In the invention of the twelfth aspect, when the output portion of the driving portion rotates, the rotational motion is converted into the linear motion of the linear motion body by the screwing-in and screwing-out action of the screw mechanism composed of the threaded portion and the screw hole portion. Thus, the position of the fixed portion corresponding to the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection portion on the pulse diagnosis position depends on the screwing position of the threaded portion and the screw hole portion. Therefore, even if a sensor that can detect the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection portion on the pulse diagnosis position is not provided, the above-mentioned pressing force can be appropriately controlled. In addition, by using the above-mentioned screw mechanism as a conversion portion, the tooth gap can be reduced compared to the case of using a rack and pinion mechanism. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user of the pulse diagnosis device from feeling uncomfortable due to the noise and vibration generated when the linear motion body performs linear motion.

[0042] In the thirteenth aspect of the invention, when the driving gear of the driving unit rotates, the driven gear meshing with the driving gear rotates. Here, since the number of teeth of the driven gear is greater than the number of teeth of the driving gear, the number of rotations of the driven gear is less than the number of rotations of the driving gear. Thus, a reduction gear mechanism is formed by the driving gear and the driven gear. Therefore, since the torque in the reduction gear mechanism increases, the driving unit that drives the driven gear to rotate can be miniaturized.

[0043] In the fourteenth aspect of the invention, when the screwing-in and screwing-out movements of the threaded portion and the screw hole portion reach the unthreaded portion without threads, the unthreaded portion limits the screwing-in and screwing-out movements of the threaded portion and the screw hole portion. As a result, excessive linear motion of the linear motion body and the fixed portion is limited, thereby preventing, for example, the pulse pressure detection portion from applying excessive pressure to the pulse diagnosis position.

[0044] In the fifteenth aspect of the invention, when the threaded portion and the screw hole portion reach the state of the unthreaded portion, that is, the unthreaded portion restricts the screwing-in and screwing-out movement of the threaded portion and the screw hole portion, the force-applying portion presses the threaded portion of the linear motion body against the screw hole portion of the driven gear. As a result, the threaded portion and the screw hole portion are always meshed, so when the driving portion drives the driven rotating body to rotate, it is possible to avoid the situation where the screwing-in and screwing-out movement of the threaded portion and the screw hole portion cannot be performed.

[0045] In the invention of the sixteenth aspect, since a stepping motor is used as the driving unit, it is easier to maintain the stop position when external disturbance etc. acts than a servo motor. Thus, it is possible to prevent the stepping motor from accidentally rotating due to external disturbance etc., which causes the above-mentioned pressing force to change. Therefore, even when external disturbance etc. acts on the stepping motor, the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse pressure detection unit can be maintained.

[0046] In the seventeenth aspect of the invention, since a stepping motor having a rotor including a permanent magnet is used as a driving unit, the responsiveness during rotational motion or when stopped is improved compared to a variable reluctance stepping motor having no permanent magnet. As a result, the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit generated by the fixed portion can be quickly changed, thereby shortening the pulse diagnosis time of the pulse diagnosis device.

[0047] In the eighteenth aspect of the invention, since each pulse pressure detection unit is provided with a fixed unit, a linear motion unit and a driving unit, the pressing force of the fixed unit can be changed individually. Thus, the pulse pressure in the state where different pressing forces act on each pulse pressure detection unit can be detected, thereby further improving the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device.

[0048] In the nineteenth aspect of the invention, the stroke of the pulse pressure detection unit relative to the pulse diagnosis position is changed by the changing mechanism. Thus, the stroke of the pulse pressure detection unit can be changed to detect the pulse pressure, thereby further improving the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device.

[0049] In the twentieth aspect of the invention, for example, the user can check from above which position of his / her wrist the pulse pressure detection unit fixed to the arm is in contact with. Thus, for example, the user can check from above the relationship between the position of his / her wrist in contact with the pulse pressure detection unit and the pulse diagnosis position, while moving his / her wrist so that the position in contact with the pulse pressure detection unit coincides with the pulse diagnosis position. Therefore, the deviation of the pulse pressure detection unit and the pulse diagnosis position can be suppressed.

[0050] In the twenty-first aspect of the invention, the arm can be moved up and down or rotated to one side of the rotation direction and the other side of the rotation direction by another driving unit, so that the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit on the pulse diagnosis position can be changed. Thus, for example, during pulse diagnosis, the pulse pressure in a state of high pressing force and in a state of low pressing force can be detected by the pulse pressure detection unit. Therefore, the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device can be improved.

[0051] In the twenty-second aspect of the invention, for example, the user can move the first pulse diagnosis part so that the pulse pressure detection part of the first pulse diagnosis part is aligned with the user's cun part (pulse diagnosis position) while aligning the pulse pressure detection part of the second pulse diagnosis part fixedly supported on the base with the user's guan part (pulse diagnosis position), and move the third pulse diagnosis part so that the pulse pressure detection part of the third pulse diagnosis part is aligned with the user's cun part (pulse diagnosis position). Thus, the intervals between the pulse pressure detection parts of each pulse diagnosis part can be easily adjusted according to the intervals between the different pulse diagnosis positions of each user. Therefore, the displacement of each pulse pressure detection part and each pulse diagnosis position in the direction of artery extension can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a state where the pulse diagnosis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is worn on the left arm of a user.

[0053] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view at line II-II.

[0054] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the pulse diagnosis position of the user's left arm.

[0055] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view at line IV-IV.

[0056] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the structure of a pulse pressure detection unit.

[0057] Figure 6 1 and 2 are diagrams showing output waveforms of the pulse pressure detection unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention and output waveforms of the pulse pressure detection unit according to a modified example.

[0058] Figure 7 It is a side view schematically showing a state in which the fixed portion of the pressing portion moves in a direction away from the pulse diagnosis position.

[0059] Figure 8 It is a side view schematically showing a partial structure of a pulse pressure detection unit and a pressing unit.

[0060] Fig. 9 It is a side view schematically showing a state in which the fixed portion of the pressing portion moves toward the pulse diagnosis position.

[0061] Fig.10 This is a perspective view showing a state in which each pulse pressure detection unit is placed at each pulse diagnosis position with its longitudinal direction extending in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the user's left wrist artery when the pulse diagnosis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is worn on the user's left arm.

[0062] Fig.11 It is a schematic side view showing a state in which the pressing part presses the pulse pressure detection part against the pulse diagnosis position.

[0063] Fig.12 It is a perspective view showing a state where the pulse diagnosis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is worn on the right arm of a user.

[0064] Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing a usage example of the pulse diagnosis device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing the pulse diagnosis device according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the other side in the parallel arrangement direction.

[0066] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing a pulse diagnosis device according to a third embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the other side in the parallel arrangement direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely illustrative in nature.

[0068] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 The pulse diagnosis device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The pulse diagnosis device 1 is worn by the user on the left wrist LW of the left arm LA or the right wrist RW of the right arm RA (see Fig.12 ) and is used by the user to take his / her own pulse.

[0069] In addition, the pulse diagnosis device 1 includes: a main body shell 2 in a substantially rectangular plate shape having thickness, and a belt 3 fixed to the main body shell 2. The pulse diagnosis device 1 is worn on the left wrist LW in a posture where the back surface of the main body shell 2 directly contacts the left wrist LW. In this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the thickness direction of the main body shell 2 is referred to as the "thickness direction", the length direction of the main body shell 2 is referred to as the "length direction", and the cross direction orthogonal to the length direction is referred to as the "cross direction".

[0070] The main body shell 2 is provided with an operation part 2a and a display part 2b in the central area of ​​the surface on one side in the thickness direction. The operation part 2a is provided with four buttons arranged in parallel along the cross direction, and each button is composed of, for example, a button for switching the power of the pulse diagnosis device 1 on / off, a button for starting or stopping pulse diagnosis, etc. The display part 2b is provided on one side in the length direction of the operation part 2a, and is configured to display, for example, the pulse diagnosis result, the operation status of the operation part 2a, etc.

[0071] A first display unit 2c is provided at the other side in the longitudinal direction of the operation unit 2a. The first display unit 2c displays the English word "RIGHT" with the other side in the longitudinal direction at the top.

[0072] A second display unit 2d is provided at one side in the longitudinal direction of the display unit 2b. The second display unit 2d displays the English word "LEFT" with one side in the longitudinal direction at the top.

[0073] The belt portion 3 includes a pair of straps 3a. Each strap 3a is in the shape of a belt, and one end of the strap 3a in the length direction is fixed to the other side surface in the thickness direction of the main shell portion 2, that is, the bottom surface. The straps 3a are configured to be detachable from each other by, for example, Velcro. Figure 2 As shown, the belt portion 3 is formed into a cylindrical shape by winding each strap 3a around the user's left wrist LW, so that the pulse diagnosis device 1 can be detachably worn on the user's left wrist LW. In addition, when the pulse diagnosis device 1 is removed from the user's left wrist LW, each strap 3a is configured so that its length direction extends along the cross direction.

[0074] When the belt 3 is wound around and worn on the left arm LA, the display (LEFT) of the second display unit 2d prompts the user to wear the belt 3 on the left wrist LW in a posture where the other opening side in the direction of the center line of the belt 3 is on the fingertip side. Thus, the user wears the pulse diagnosis device 1 on the user's left wrist LW in a posture where the first display unit 2c of the main body shell 2 is on the elbow side and the second display unit 2d of the main body shell 2 is on the fingertip side. It should be noted that when the pulse diagnosis device 1 is worn on the left wrist LW, the fingertip side is consistent with one side in the length direction of the main body shell 2, and the elbow side is consistent with the other side in the length direction of the main body shell 2.

[0075] On the other hand, when the belt 3 is wound around and worn on the right arm RA, the display (RIGHT) of the first display portion 2c prompts the user to wear the belt 3 on the right wrist RW in a posture in which the opening side of the belt 3 in the direction of the center line of the tube is on the fingertip side. Thus, the user wears the belt 3 in a posture in which the first display portion 2c of the main body case 2 is on the fingertip side and the second display portion 2d of the main body case 2 is on the elbow side (refer to Fig.12 ) The pulse diagnosis device 1 is worn on the user's right wrist RW. It should be noted that when the pulse diagnosis device 1 is worn on the right wrist RW, the fingertip side is consistent with the other side of the main body shell 2 in the length direction, and the elbow side is consistent with one side of the main body shell 2 in the length direction.

[0076] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, there is an artery (radial artery) A in the user's left wrist LW, and the artery A extends from the elbow side to the fingertip side at the outer peripheral side of the bone BO of the left wrist LW, that is, the palm side and the thumb side. In this embodiment, the length direction of the main body shell 2 is equivalent to the "extension direction of the artery" in the claims. In addition, in this embodiment, the direction intersecting the length direction of the main body shell 2 (cross direction) is equivalent to the "direction intersecting the extension direction of the wrist artery" in the claims.

[0077] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, there are three pulse diagnosis positions P called "Chibu", "Guanbu" and "Cunbu" in sequence on the left wrist LW along the artery A from the elbow side to the fingertip side. It should be noted that the pulse diagnosis positions P ("Chibu", "Guanbu" and "Cunbu") of the right wrist RW exist at positions that are approximately symmetrical to the pulse diagnosis positions P of the left wrist LW.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , three pulse pressure detection units 4 are arranged in parallel along the length direction and at predetermined intervals from each other on the surface side, i.e., the back side, on the other side in the thickness direction of the main body case 2. In other words, the positions and intervals of the three pulse pressure detection units 4 are set such that, when the main body case 2 is worn on the left wrist LW using the belt unit 3, the three pulse pressure detection units 4 are respectively placed at the pulse diagnosis positions P ("chi", "guan" and "cun").

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pulse pressure detection portion 4 is a piezoelectric film sensor, and is rectangular when viewed from the thickness direction of the pulse pressure detection portion 4, and an electrode portion 4a and a terminal portion 4b are arranged in parallel along the length direction of the pulse pressure detection portion 4. In the present embodiment, the length direction of the pulse pressure detection portion 4 is configured to extend in the same direction as the direction intersecting the length direction of the main body shell portion 2 (crossing direction), that is, in the same direction as the length direction of the strap 3a.

[0080] The electrode portion 4a includes two piezoelectric films 4c made of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based ferroelectric material as piezoelectric bodies. The piezoelectric film 4c has a characteristic of generating a voltage due to stress when it is stretched and deformed in the length direction of the pulse pressure detection portion 4. A signal layer (not shown) is provided between the two piezoelectric films 4c in the thickness direction of the pulse pressure detection portion 4. In addition, a grounding layer (not shown) for preventing noise is provided on the opposite side of each piezoelectric film 4c to the signal layer in the above-mentioned thickness direction. In other words, the electrode portion 4a is stacked with a grounding layer, a piezoelectric film 4c, a signal layer, a piezoelectric film 4c, and a grounding layer in sequence in the above-mentioned thickness direction.

[0081] The terminal portion 4b is provided with a positive terminal 4d and a negative terminal 4e which are electrically connected to the electrode portion 4a. The positive terminal 4d and the negative terminal 4e are connected to the controller 2e (see Figure 2) are electrically connected. In addition, the positive terminal 4d and the negative terminal 4e are not provided with a grounding layer for preventing noise like the electrode portion 4a, and have a structure without coating. In other words, the positive terminal 4d and the negative terminal 4e have a structure exposed to the outside of the pulse pressure detection unit 4. In addition, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is mounted on the main body shell 2 so that the portion of the terminal portion 4b exposed to the outside is located on the back side (the other side in the thickness direction) of the main body shell 2. As a result, when the main body shell 2 is worn on the user's left wrist LW, the portion of the terminal portion 4b exposed to the outside is opposite to the user's left wrist LW.

[0082] Furthermore, the applicant of the present invention evaluated the pulse pressure detection unit 4 according to the present embodiment and the pulse pressure detection unit according to the modified example when detecting pulse pressure under the same conditions. Figure 6 The above evaluation results are shown in FIG. 1 , where the vertical axis represents the output (voltage) of the pulse pressure detection unit and the horizontal axis represents time. Figure 6 In the figure, the first output waveform W1 represents the waveform of the voltage output by the pulse pressure detection unit 4 according to the present embodiment, and the second output waveform W2 represents the waveform of the voltage output by the pulse pressure detection unit according to the modified example. The pulse pressure detection unit 4 according to the present embodiment is set to have a width S1 of about 5 mm, a length S2 of about 40 mm, a width S3 of the piezoelectric film 4c of about 2 mm, a length S4 of the piezoelectric film 4c of about 32 mm, and a thickness of the piezoelectric film 4c of about 40 mm. On the other hand, the pulse pressure detection unit according to the modified example is set to have a width of about 5 mm, a length of about 20 mm, a width of the piezoelectric film of about 2 mm, a length of the piezoelectric film of about 12 mm, and a thickness of the piezoelectric film of about 40 mm. In addition, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 according to the present embodiment and the pulse pressure detection unit according to the modified example are set to have the same pressure sensitivity (pC / N), and the pulse pressure detection unit 4 according to the present embodiment is set to have a larger tensile sensitivity (nC / N) than the tensile sensitivity (nC / N) of the pulse pressure detection unit according to the modified example. The pressure sensitivity (pC / N) is the output characteristic of the voltage relative to the compression deformation in the thickness direction of the piezoelectric film 4c, and the tensile sensitivity (nC / N) is the output characteristic of the voltage relative to the expansion and contraction deformation in the length direction of the piezoelectric film 4c. It should be noted that in this embodiment, in order to prevent one pulse pressure detection unit 4 from being placed at multiple pulse diagnosis positions P, that is, in order to prevent one pulse pressure detection unit 4 from erroneously detecting the pulse pressures of multiple pulse diagnosis positions P, the width S1 of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is set.

[0083] like Figure 6As shown, the change of the first output waveform W1 is greater than that of the second output waveform W2. It can be seen that the higher the stretch sensitivity (nC / N), the greater the output obtained by the same pulse pressure energy. In other words, it can be seen that the higher the stretch sensitivity of the pulse pressure detection unit 4, the higher the conversion efficiency from pulse pressure energy to voltage, so it can detect smaller pulse pressures and slight changes in pulse pressure. Here, the stretch sensitivity has the characteristic that the longer the length S2 of the pulse pressure detection unit 4, that is, the length S4 of the piezoelectric film 4c, the higher the stretch sensitivity. This is because the longer the length S4 of the piezoelectric film 4c, the easier it is for the piezoelectric film 4c to stretch and deform in the length direction of the pulse pressure detection unit 4. Therefore, in the pulse pressure detection unit 4 involved in this embodiment, the length S4 of the piezoelectric film 4c is longer than the length of the pulse pressure detection unit involved in the modified example, so as to improve the stretch sensitivity, so that it can detect smaller pulse pressures and slight changes in pulse pressure than the pulse pressure detection unit involved in the modified example.

[0084] In addition, if Figure 2 and 4 As shown, the main body shell 2 contains a pressing part 5 capable of pressing the pulse pressure detection part 4 against the pulse diagnosis position P. In this embodiment, three pressing parts 5 are provided, that is, each pulse pressure detection part 4 is provided with a pressing part 5. Thus, the pressing part 5 can individually change the force of pressing the pulse pressure detection part 4 against the pulse diagnosis position P.

[0085] Next, refer to Figure 7~Figure 9 The pressing portion 5 will be described. Figure 7~Figure 9 In the figure, for the convenience of explanation, the outer shell of the main shell 2 is omitted.

[0086] like Figure 7 As shown, the pressing part 5 includes: a driving motor 6, a driven gear 7, a linear moving body 8, a fixed part 9, a flexible component 10, a first support body 11, a second support body 12, a third support body 13, a support plate 14, and a force applying component 15.

[0087] The drive motor 6 is, for example, a stepping motor capable of outputting a rotational motion and maintaining a stopped state, and is controlled by a controller 2e (see Figure 2 ) is controlled. The drive motor 6 is provided with a rotor 6a containing a permanent magnet and an output shaft 6b extending in the thickness direction of the main shell 2. A drive gear 6c that rotates integrally with the output shaft 6b is installed at the front end on the other side of the output shaft 6b in the thickness direction. The drive gear 6c is provided with a first tooth portion 6d throughout the entire circumference of its outer peripheral area.

[0088] On the other side of the driving gear 6c in the intersecting direction, a driven gear 7 having a larger diameter than the driving gear 6c and in an inverted T shape is provided. Figure 8As shown, the driven gear 7 is provided with a second tooth portion 7a and a screw hole portion 7b. The second tooth portion 7a is provided throughout the outer peripheral area, and the screw hole portion 7b penetrates the driven gear 7 along the thickness direction of the driven gear 7 in the central area, i.e., the rotation center.

[0089] The second tooth portion 7a is always meshed with the first tooth portion 6d of the driving gear 6c. In the present embodiment, the number of teeth of the second tooth portion 7a is set to be greater than the number of teeth of the first tooth portion 6d. Thus, the torque output by the driving motor 6 is increased by the reduction gear mechanism composed of the driving gear 6c and the driven gear 7.

[0090] The rod-shaped linear motion body 8 extending in the thickness direction is inserted into the screw hole portion 7b. In the thickness direction, the outer surface of the middle area of ​​the linear motion body 8 is provided with a threaded portion 8a that is screwed into the screw hole portion 7b of the driven gear 7. The threaded portion 8a and the screw hole portion 7b constitute a screw mechanism, and the rotational motion of the driven gear 7 is converted into a linear motion on one side or the other side of the thickness direction of the linear motion body 8, that is, on one side or the other side of the extension direction of the linear motion body 8, through the screwing action or the screwing back action of the screw mechanism. In the present embodiment, when the driving gear 6c rotates in the positive direction, the threaded portion 8a screws in relative to the screw hole portion 7b, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, the linear motion body 8 moves forward to the other side in the thickness direction. On the other hand, when the driving gear 6c rotates in the reverse direction, the threaded portion 8a is screwed back relative to the screw hole portion 7b, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the linear motion body 8 retreats to one side in the thickness direction.

[0091] On both sides of the threaded portion 8a of the linear motion body 8 in the thickness direction, that is, on both sides of the length direction of the linear motion body 8, there are respectively provided non-threaded portions 8b without threads. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the threaded portion 8a is screwed into the screw hole portion 7b and reaches the unthreaded portion 8b on one side in the thickness direction, the unthreaded portion 8b limits the further screwing action to the other side in the thickness direction, that is, limits the advancement of the linear motion body 8. Figure 7 As shown, when the threaded portion 8a is unscrewed relative to the screw hole portion 7b to reach the unscrewed portion 8b on the other side in the thickness direction, the unscrewed portion 8b limits further unscrewing to one side in the thickness direction, that is, limits the retreat of the linear motion body 8.

[0092] The fixed portion 9 is roughly in the shape of an inverted T and is mounted on the other end of the linear motion body 8 in the thickness direction, and can move integrally with the linear motion body 8. The fixed portion 9 is made of, for example, a resin material and is rectangular in shape in which the dimension in the cross direction (the direction intersecting the length direction of the main body shell 2) is larger than the dimension in the length direction (the length direction of the main body shell 2) when viewed from one side in the thickness direction. In addition, the fixed portion 9 is formed with a pressing surface 9a on the surface on the other side in the thickness direction. The pressing surface 9a is curved along the length direction of the fixed portion 9, i.e., the cross direction, when viewed from the other side in the length direction. In other words, the pressing surface 9a is formed in a roughly arched shape, and the central area of ​​the pressing surface 9a in the cross direction is located on the other side in the thickness direction relative to the areas on both sides of the cross direction. In the present embodiment, the curved portion 9b on the cross direction side of the pressing surface 9a is curved to be located on one side in the thickness direction relative to the area on the other side in the cross direction of the above-mentioned central area.

[0093] A flexible member 10 having substantially the same shape as the fixed portion 9 when viewed from the thickness direction is fixed to the pressing surface 9a of the fixed portion 9. The flexible member 10 is made of a soft material (e.g., SORBOTHANE (registered trademark)) softer than the fixed portion 9, and is fixed to the fixed portion 9 in a posture bent along the pressing surface 9a.

[0094] In addition, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is fixed to the surface on the other side in the thickness direction of the flexible member 10. Thus, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is fixed to the pressing surface 9a of the fixed portion 9 via the flexible member 10. In other words, the flexible member 10 is interposed between the pulse pressure detection unit 4 and the fixed portion 9. Furthermore, by fixing the pulse pressure detection unit 4 to the fixed portion 9 via the flexible member 10, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can be moved to one side or the other side in the thickness direction together with the linear motion body 8 to which the fixed portion 9 is attached, that is, it can move forward or backward.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is fixed to the flexible member 10 in a posture that its length direction is consistent with the cross direction and is bent along the pressing surface 9a. Thus, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is fixed to the pressing surface 9a via the flexible member 10 so that the terminal portion 4b of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is located at the bent portion 9b of the pressing surface 9a. Therefore, when the pulse is taken, that is, when the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is placed at the pulse taking position P, the terminal portion 4b can be kept away from the wrist of the user, thereby preventing the generation of noise due to the contact between the terminal portion 4b and the wrist of the user.

[0096] The first support body 11 is in a roughly plate-like shape extending in the cross direction, and a driving motor 6 is fixed to one side surface in the thickness direction of one end portion in the cross direction. The portion of the first support body 11 corresponding to the output shaft 6b of the driving motor 6 is penetrated in the thickness direction to insert the output shaft 6b, and a driving gear 6c mounted on the output shaft 6b is provided at the position on the other side in the thickness direction of the first support body 11. In addition, a through hole (not shown) is formed in the thickness direction through the portion of the first support body 11 corresponding to the driven gear 7 and the linear motion body 8 to insert the driven gear 7 and the linear motion body 8. Furthermore, a first protrusion 11a protruding to the other side in the thickness direction is provided at the end portion on the other side in the cross direction of the first support body 11. The other end in the cross direction of the support plate 14 extending in the cross direction is fixed to the end portion on one side in the cross direction of the first protrusion 11a.

[0097] A through hole (not shown) is formed in the center region of the support plate 14 in the thickness direction to insert the linear motion body 8. The support plate 14 is curved on one side in the intersecting direction so as to be located on the other side in the thickness direction as it moves toward one side in the intersecting direction.

[0098] In the thickness direction, the driven gear 7 is disposed between the support plate 14 and the first support body 11. In the present embodiment, a resin washer (not shown) is interposed between the first support body 11 and the driven gear 7. Thus, when the driven gear 7 is subjected to a force acting toward the first support body 11 side (one side in the thickness direction), the sliding resistance between the driven gear 7 and the first support body 11 generated when the driven gear 7 rotates can be reduced.

[0099] The second support body 12 is in a generally plate-like shape extending in the intersecting direction and having a greater thickness than the first support body 11. The second support body 12 is provided with a second protrusion 12a protruding toward one side in the thickness direction at the end portion on the other side in the intersecting direction, a third protrusion 12b protruding toward the other side in the thickness direction at the middle portion in the intersecting direction, and a fourth protrusion 12c protruding toward the other side in the thickness direction at the end portion on one side in the intersecting direction.

[0100] The other end of the second protrusion 12a in the cross direction is fixed to the surface of the other end of the first support body 11 in the cross direction. In addition, the surface of the second protrusion 12a in the cross direction is recessed toward the cross direction, and the drive gear 6c is set in the recessed area.

[0101] The third protrusion 12 b is formed with a first abutting surface 12 d , and the front end of the first abutting surface 12 d on the other side in the thickness direction is flat.

[0102] A third support body 13 is fixed to the end of the other side of the fourth protrusion 12c in the thickness direction. The third support body 13 is in a substantially hook shape extending in the cross direction. In addition, a fifth protrusion 13a protruding to one side in the thickness direction is provided in the front end region of the other side in the cross direction of the third support body 13. A second flat abutting surface 13b is provided at the front end of one side in the thickness direction of the fifth protrusion 13a.

[0103] The urging member 15 extends in the intersecting direction and is composed of, for example, a metal leaf spring. In addition, one end of the urging member 15 in the intersecting direction is clamped in the thickness direction by the fourth protrusion 12c of the second support body 12 and one end of the third support body 13 in the intersecting direction, and the other end of the urging member 15 in the intersecting direction is fixed to the fixed portion 9. Fig. 9 As shown, when the fixed portion 9 moves to the other side in the thickness direction, i.e., moves forward, the force-applying member 15 abuts against the second abutting surface 13b, and the region on the other side in the cross direction of the force-applying member 15 elastically deforms toward the other side in the thickness direction relative to the portion of the force-applying member 15 abutting against the second abutting surface 13b. Due to the force of the force-applying member 15 recovering from the elastic deformation, the linear motion body 8 is applied with a force toward one side in the thickness direction, that is, in a direction to make the linear motion body 8 retreat. Thus, even when the threaded portion 8a of the linear motion body 8 is screwed relative to the screw hole portion 7b of the driven gear 7 and reaches the non-threaded portion 8b on one side in the thickness direction, the force-applying member 15 can be used to press the threaded portion 8a against the screw hole portion 7b, so that the threaded portion 8a is always screwed with the screw hole portion 7b.

[0104] On the other hand, Figure 7 As shown, when the fixed portion 9 moves to one side in the thickness direction, i.e. retreats, the force-applying member 15 abuts against the first abutting surface 12d, and the region on the other side in the cross direction of the force-applying member 15 elastically deforms to one side in the thickness direction relative to the portion of the force-applying member 15 abutting against the first abutting surface 12d. Due to the force of the force-applying member 15 recovering from the elastic deformation, the linear motion body 8 is applied with a force toward the other side in the thickness direction, i.e., in the direction of advancing the linear motion body 8. Thus, even when the threaded portion 8a is screwed back relative to the screw hole portion 7b and reaches the non-threaded portion 8b on the other side in the thickness direction, the force-applying member 15 can be used to press the threaded portion 8a against the screw hole portion 7b, so that the threaded portion 8a is always screwed with the screw hole portion 7b.

[0105] Next, a method of using the pulse diagnosis device 1 will be described.

[0106] When the left arm LA is being pulsed, the user views the second display portion 2d, such as Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the pulse diagnosis device 1 is worn on the left wrist LW so that the fingertip side of the left arm LA is aligned with one side of the length direction of the main body case 2. When the pulse diagnosis device 1 is worn on the left wrist LW, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, each pulse pressure detection unit 4 of the pulse diagnosis device 1 has its length direction along the extending direction of the artery A ( Fig.10 The length direction of the cross direction ( Fig.10 The pulse pressure detection unit 4 is placed at each pulse diagnosis position P in a posture extending in the cross direction. Thus, the placement position of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can be prevented from deviating from the pulse diagnosis position P in the cross direction. Fig.10 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the operation unit 2a, the display unit 2b, the first display unit 2c, and the second display unit 2d are omitted.

[0107] Next, when the user operates the operation unit 2a of the pulse diagnosis device 1 (for example, a pulse diagnosis start button), the pulse diagnosis device 1 starts to perform pulse diagnosis. More specifically, in response to the above operation, the controller 2e (see Figure 2 ) instructs the driving motor 6 of the pressing part 5 to output a rotational motion. Fig.11 As shown, the linear motion body 8 of the pressing part 5 moves linearly toward the pulse diagnosis position P, that is, moves forward, and the pulse pressure detection part 4 attached to the fixed part 9 of the pressing part 5 is pressed against the pulse diagnosis position P.

[0108] Then, when the portion of the artery A corresponding to the pulse position P generates a pulse due to the blood pumped out from the heart, the pulse causes the pulse pressure detection unit 4 pressed at the pulse position P to deform. The pulse pressure detection unit 4 sends the voltage corresponding to the stress generated by the deformation to the controller 2e as pulse pressure detection information. In this embodiment, the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 on the pulse position P changes by ten levels through the forward movement or backward movement of the linear motion body 8 of the pressing unit 5. The pulse pressure detection unit 4 sends the pulse pressure detection information under the pressure action state of each level to the controller 2e. The controller 2e performs pulse diagnosis based on the pulse pressure detection information received from the pulse pressure detection unit 4 (for example, by comparing the pulse pressure detection information with the preset reference information), and displays the diagnosis result on the display unit 2b. The user can understand his or her health condition by viewing the diagnosis result displayed on the display unit 2b.

[0109] On the other hand, when the pulse of the right arm RA is taken, the user checks the first display part 2c, such as Fig.12 As shown, the pulse diagnosis device 1 is worn on the right wrist RW so that the fingertip side of the right arm RA is aligned with the other side in the length direction of the main body case 2. Then, the pulse diagnosis device 1 can perform pulse diagnosis by operating the operation part 2a of the pulse diagnosis device 1 (e.g., a start button for pulse diagnosis) through the operation part 2a.

[0110] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is placed at the pulse diagnosis position P in a posture in which its length direction extends in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the artery A of the user's wrist, the size of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 in the above-mentioned intersecting direction is large, so it is possible to suppress the deviation of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 and the pulse diagnosis position P in the above-mentioned intersecting direction. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the pulse pressure detection unit 4 cannot correctly detect the pulse pressure due to the above-mentioned deviation, thereby preventing the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device 1 from being affected.

[0111] In addition, when the portion of the artery A corresponding to the pulse position P generates a pulse due to the blood pumped out from the heart, the pulse acts on the pulse pressure detection unit 4, causing the piezoelectric film 4c to deform. The ferroelectric material used for the piezoelectric film 4c has a characteristic of outputting a voltage according to the stress generated when deformed, so by utilizing this characteristic, the pulse pressure at the pulse position P can be appropriately detected. Here, the size of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 in the direction intersecting the extending direction of the artery A is larger than the size in the extending direction of the artery A, so when the pulse acts on the pulse pressure detection unit 4, the piezoelectric film 4c is more easily deformed in the above-mentioned intersecting direction than in the above-mentioned extending direction. Therefore, by detecting the pulse pressure based on the deformation in the above-mentioned intersecting direction that is easy to deform, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can detect, for example, a small pulse pressure and a slight change in the pulse pressure.

[0112] In addition, the pressing surface 9a of the fixed portion 9 to which the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is fixed is curved in the longitudinal direction, so that even if the pulse position P of the wrist is undulated due to bones and the like, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can be placed at the pulse position P in a state of being in close contact with the pulse position P. As a result, the loss of pulse pressure energy when it acts on the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can be reduced, so that, for example, a small pulse pressure and a slight change in pulse pressure can be detected. Furthermore, even if, for example, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is placed at the pulse position P in an area offset from the center of the direction intersecting the extending direction of the artery A to one side or the other side of the above-mentioned intersecting direction, the above-mentioned offset area of ​​the pulse pressure detection unit 4 overlaps with the pulse position P in the thickness direction of the pulse pressure detection unit 4, so that the pulse pressure can be appropriately detected using the pulse pressure detection unit 4.

[0113] In addition, since the terminal portion 4b is located at the bent portion 9b of the fixed portion 9, the terminal portion 4b can be kept away from the wrist when the pulse pressure detection portion 4 fixed to the fixed portion 9 is placed at the pulse diagnosis position P. This can suppress the generation of noise in the pulse pressure detection portion 4 due to the contact between the terminal portion 4b and the wrist.

[0114] Furthermore, by winding the belt portion 3 into a cylindrical shape on the wrist of the user, when the main body case 2 of the pulse diagnosis device 1 is worn on the wrist, the length direction of the pulse pressure detection portion 4 provided on the back side of the main body case 2 is oriented in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the artery A. Thus, by wearing the main body case 2 on the wrist using the belt portion 3, the pulse pressure detection portion 4 and the pulse diagnosis position P can be worn on the wrist of the user in a posture in which the pulse pressure detection portion 4 and the pulse diagnosis position P are unlikely to shift in the above-mentioned intersecting direction.

[0115] In addition, when the user performs pulse diagnosis at the pulse diagnosis position P of the right wrist RW, the user checks the first display portion 2c and wears the belt portion 3 on the right wrist RW so that one opening side in the direction of the barrel centerline is on the fingertip side. On the other hand, when the user performs pulse diagnosis at the pulse diagnosis position P of the left wrist LW, the user checks the second display portion 2d and wears the belt portion 3 on the left wrist LW so that the other opening side in the direction of the barrel centerline is on the fingertip side. Thus, by changing the direction of the belt portion 3 worn on each wrist of the user, the pulse can be diagnosed at each pulse diagnosis position P of the right wrist RW and the left wrist LW using one pulse diagnosis device 1.

[0116] Furthermore, since the flexible member 10 is interposed between the pulse pressure detection unit 4 and the fixed unit 9, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can be easily deformed by utilizing the softness of the flexible member 10. This can avoid the situation where the pulse pressure detection unit 4 cannot detect the pulse pressure properly due to the deformation being hindered.

[0117] In addition, when each pulse pressure detection unit 4 is placed at the corresponding pulse diagnosis position P, the dimension of each pulse pressure detection unit 4 corresponding to the extending direction of the artery A is small. That is, the width direction of each pulse pressure detection unit 4 is oriented in the substantially same direction as the extending direction of the artery A. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous detection during pulse diagnosis due to the erroneous placement of one pulse pressure detection unit 4 at a plurality of pulse diagnosis positions P.

[0118] In addition, when the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is placed at the pulse diagnosis position P, when the drive motor 6 outputs a rotational motion, the rotational motion is converted into a linear motion of the linear motion body 8 by the threaded portion 8a and the screw hole portion 7b. As a result, the fixed portion 9 moves linearly toward the direction close to the pulse diagnosis position P or away from the pulse diagnosis position P, thereby changing the pressing state of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P. Here, the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P depends on the linear position change of the linear motion body 8. Since an air bag that generates air pressure fluctuations is not used in the portion generating the pressing force, even if a sensor that can detect the pressing force is not used, the driving motor 6 can appropriately control the pressing force to eliminate deviation, thereby providing a pulse diagnosis device 1 that is low-cost and can maintain diagnostic accuracy.

[0119] In addition, when the driving gear 6c of the driving motor 6 rotates, the rotational motion is converted into the linear motion of the linear motion body 8 by the screwing-in and screwing-out action of the screw mechanism composed of the threaded portion 8a and the screw hole portion 7b. Thus, the position of the fixed portion 9 corresponding to the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection portion 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P depends on the screwing position of the threaded portion 8a and the screw hole portion 7b. Therefore, even if a sensor that can detect the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection portion 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P is not provided, the above-mentioned pressing force can be appropriately controlled. In addition, by using the above-mentioned screw mechanism as a conversion portion, the tooth gap can be reduced compared with the case of using a gear rack mechanism. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user of the pulse diagnosis device 1 from feeling uncomfortable due to the noise and vibration generated when the linear motion body 8 performs linear motion.

[0120] In addition, when the driving gear 6c of the driving motor 6 rotates, the driven gear 7 meshing with the driving gear 6c rotates. Here, since the number of teeth of the driven gear 7 is greater than the number of teeth of the driving gear 6c, the number of rotations of the driven gear 7 is less than the number of rotations of the driving gear 6c. Thus, a reduction gear mechanism is formed by the driving gear 6c and the driven gear 7. Therefore, since the torque in the reduction gear mechanism is increased, the driving motor 6 that drives the driven gear 7 to rotate can be miniaturized.

[0121] Furthermore, when the screwing-in and screwing-out movements of the threaded portion 8a and the screw hole portion 7b reach the unthreaded portion 8b without threads, the unthreaded portion 8b limits the screwing-in and screwing-out movements of the threaded portion 8a and the screw hole portion 7b. Thus, excessive linear motion of the linear motion body 8 and the fixed portion 9 is limited, thereby preventing, for example, the pulse pressure detection portion 4 from applying excessive pressure to the pulse diagnosis position P.

[0122] In addition, when the threaded portion 8a and the screw hole portion 7b reach the state of the non-threaded portion 8b, that is, the non-threaded portion 8b restricts the screwing-in and screwing-out movement of the threaded portion 8a and the screw hole portion 7b, the force applying member 15 presses the threaded portion 8a of the linear motion body 8 against the screw hole portion 7b of the driven gear 7. As a result, the threaded portion 8a and the screw hole portion 7b are always meshed, so when the drive motor 6 drives the driven gear 7 to rotate, it is possible to avoid the situation where the screwing-in and screwing-out movement of the threaded portion 8a and the screw hole portion 7b cannot be performed.

[0123] In addition, since a stepper motor is used as the driving motor 6, it is easier to maintain the stop position when affected by external disturbances, etc., compared with a servo motor. As a result, it is possible to prevent the stepper motor from accidentally rotating due to external disturbances, etc., which may cause the above-mentioned pressing force to change. Therefore, even when the stepper motor is affected by external disturbances, etc., the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can be maintained.

[0124] In addition, since a stepping motor including a rotor 6a including a permanent magnet is used as the driving motor 6, the responsiveness during rotational motion or when stopped is improved compared to a variable reluctance stepping motor without a permanent magnet. Thus, the pressing force of the pulse pressure detecting unit 4 generated by the fixed unit 9 can be changed quickly, so the pulse diagnosis time of the pulse diagnosis device 1 can be shortened.

[0125] In addition, since each pulse pressure detection unit 4 is provided with a fixed unit 9, a linear motion body 8, and a driving motor 6, it is possible to individually change the pressing force of the fixed unit 9. Thus, it is possible to detect pulse pressure in a state where different pressing forces act on each pulse pressure detection unit 4, and thus it is possible to further improve the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device 1.

[0126] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the position of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is fixed, but a position adjustment unit that can adjust the position of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can also be provided. Thus, when the pulse diagnosis device 1 is used to perform pulse diagnosis, even if the pulse diagnosis position P of the user's wrist and the placement position of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 are offset, the placement position of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can be adjusted by the position adjustment unit to eliminate the offset. Thus, the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device 1 can be prevented from being deteriorated due to the offset between the pulse diagnosis position P and the placement position of the pulse pressure detection unit 4.

[0127] In addition, in the present embodiment, the positions of the three pulse pressure detection units 4 corresponding to the pulse diagnosis positions P (Cun, Guan and Chi) are fixed, but an interval adjustment unit that can adjust the interval between adjacent pulse pressure detection units 4 can also be provided. Thus, the interval between adjacent pulse pressure detection units 4 can be adjusted according to the positions of the pulse diagnosis positions P (Cun, Guan and Chi) that are different due to the user's age, height, etc. Thus, each pulse pressure detection unit 4 can be appropriately placed at each pulse diagnosis position P, thereby preventing the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device 1 from being deteriorated due to the offset of the placement position of the pulse diagnosis position P and the pulse pressure detection unit 4. It should be noted that the above-mentioned interval adjustment unit can also automatically adjust the interval between the pulse pressure detection units 4 according to the preset height, weight, gender, age, BMI (Body Mass Index) of the user.

[0128] In the present embodiment, the belt 3 is provided for wearing the pulse diagnosis device 1 on the wrist of the user. However, the belt 3 may not be provided, and the user may hold down the main body case 2 by hand, for example.

[0129] In addition, in this embodiment, the first display unit 2c displays "RIGHT" on the surface of the main shell 2, but "R", "right", "right side", "right arm" or "right wrist" may be displayed instead of "RIGHT", and these displays may also be performed using a display.

[0130] In addition, in this embodiment, the second display unit 2d displays "LEFT" on the surface of the main shell 2, but "L", "left", "left side", "left arm" or "left wrist" can also be displayed instead of "LEFT", and these displays can also be made using the display.

[0131] In the present embodiment, three pulse pressure detection units 4 and pressing units 5 are provided corresponding to the number of pulse diagnosis positions P, but one, two, or four or more may be provided.

[0132] In the present embodiment, each pulse pressure detection unit 4 is provided with a fixed unit 9, a linear motion body 8 and a driving motor 6, but three pulse pressure detection units 4 may be pressed by one or two fixed units 9, linear motion bodies 8 and driving motors 6.

[0133] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P is adjusted by the drive motor 6 and the linear motion body 8, but the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can also be installed on the airbag instead of the drive motor 6 and the linear motion body 8, and the above-mentioned pressing force can be adjusted by controlling the amount of air in the airbag to change the degree of expansion of the airbag.

[0134] In addition, in the present embodiment, the piezoelectric body of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is composed of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based ferroelectric material. However, as long as the pulse pressure can be detected, the piezoelectric body may be composed of other materials (e.g., titanium oxide, barium titanate-based ferroelectric materials) or methods other than the piezoelectric element method (e.g., optical, ultrasonic, etc.).

[0135] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is configured to output a voltage according to its expansion and contraction deformation in the length direction, but it may also output a voltage according to the compression deformation in the thickness direction of the pulse pressure detection unit 4, or according to the expansion and contraction deformation in the length direction and the compression deformation in the thickness direction.

[0136] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pulse pressure detection section 4 is composed of a rectangle, but it may be a shape other than the rectangle (e.g., a trapezoid, a parallelogram, a rhombus, a kite, or an ellipse). For example, when the pulse pressure detection section 4 is composed of an ellipse, its long axis direction corresponds to the "length direction of the pulse pressure detection section" in the claims.

[0137] In addition, in the present embodiment, each pulse pressure detection portion 4 corresponding to the three pulse diagnosis positions P has two piezoelectric films 4c stacked in the thickness direction, but each pulse pressure detection portion 4 may be composed of one piezoelectric film 4c, or may be composed of a plurality of piezoelectric films arranged in a row in a rectangular, square or circular shape, for example. In this case, the direction in which the plurality of piezoelectric films are arranged in parallel corresponds to the "length direction of the pulse pressure detection portion" in the claims.

[0138] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the pulse diagnosis device 1 is worn on the wrist of the user, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is configured such that its length direction extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the wrist artery A. However, as long as the length direction of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 extends in a direction intersecting with the extension direction of the artery A, the length direction of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 may not extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the artery A.

[0139] In the present embodiment, the drive motor 6 is formed of a stepping motor including a rotor 6 a including a permanent magnet. However, the rotor 6 a may not include a permanent magnet, or may be another electric motor such as a servo motor.

[0140] In addition, in the present embodiment, the rotational motion of the driving gear 6 c is configured to be decelerated when transmitted to the driven gear 7 , but it may be transmitted at an increased speed or at a constant speed.

[0141] In addition, in the present embodiment, the driving gear 6 c is meshed with the driven gear 7 , but they may be connected via a belt or a chain.

[0142] In the present embodiment, the rotational motion of the drive motor 6 is transmitted to the linear motion body 8 via the driven gear 7 . However, the rotational motion of the drive motor 6 may be transmitted to the linear motion body 8 without passing through the driven gear 7 .

[0143] In addition, in the present embodiment, the rotational motion output by the drive motor 6 is converted into the linear motion of the linear motion body 8 by the screw mechanism composed of the threaded portion 8a and the screw hole portion 7b, but the mechanism is not limited to the screw mechanism as long as the rotational motion output by the drive motor 6 can be converted into the linear motion of the linear motion body 8. For example, a rack and pinion mechanism, a crank mechanism, a connecting rod mechanism, a cam mechanism, a gear mechanism, etc. may be used instead of the screw mechanism.

[0144] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pressing surface 9 a of the fixed portion 9 is formed in a curved shape, but may be formed in a flat shape.

[0145] In the present embodiment, the flexible member 10 is made of SORBOTHANE (registered trademark), but soft materials other than SORBOTHANE (registered trademark) (for example, double-sided tape using a silicone material such as a silicone adhesive, or a polyurethane cushioning material) may be used.

[0146] In the present embodiment, the flexible member 10 is interposed between the fixed portion 9 and the pulse pressure detecting portion 4 , but the pulse pressure detecting portion 4 may be directly attached to the pressing surface 9 a of the fixed portion 9 .

[0147] <Second Embodiment> Next, refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14 , a second embodiment of the present invention is described. Fig.13 and Fig.14 An example is shown in which a user places the left wrist LW (wrist) of his / her left arm LA on the pulse diagnosis device 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] like Fig.13 As shown, the pulse diagnosis device 50 includes a base 51 and a pulse diagnosis unit 52. The base 51 is in a substantially rectangular plate shape, that is, the upper surface and the lower surface are in a flat shape. The pulse diagnosis unit 52 is mounted on the upper surface of the base 51. In other words, the base 51 is configured to support the pulse diagnosis unit 52 from below. In addition, the lower surface of the base 51 contacts the upper surface of a table or the like on which the pulse diagnosis device 50 is placed.

[0149] In this embodiment, the direction in which the base 51 and the pulse diagnosis unit 52 overlap is the thickness direction of the pulse diagnosis device 50. The thickness direction is substantially consistent with the up-down direction, with one side in the thickness direction being the upper side and the other side in the thickness direction being the lower side.

[0150] The pulse diagnosis part 52 includes a first pulse diagnosis part 53 corresponding to the chi part of the pulse diagnosis position P, a second pulse diagnosis part 54 corresponding to the guan part of the pulse diagnosis position P, and a third pulse diagnosis part 55 corresponding to the cun part of the pulse diagnosis position P. The first pulse diagnosis part 53, the second pulse diagnosis part 54, and the third pulse diagnosis part 55 are arranged in parallel along the extending direction of the artery A of the left wrist LW (wrist) of the user.

[0151] The parallel arrangement direction of the first pulse diagnosis part 53, the second pulse diagnosis part 54 and the third pulse diagnosis part 55 is set as the parallel arrangement direction, the side where the third pulse diagnosis part 55 is arranged with respect to the second pulse diagnosis part 54 is set as one side of the parallel arrangement direction, and the side where the first pulse diagnosis part 53 is arranged is set as the other side of the parallel arrangement direction. In this embodiment, the parallel arrangement direction is substantially consistent with the extending direction of the artery A.

[0152] The first pulse diagnosis part 53 includes a first support part 53a and a first arm part 53b. The second pulse diagnosis part 54 includes a second support part 54a and a second arm part 54b. The third pulse diagnosis part 55 includes a third support part 55a and a third arm part 55b.

[0153] The first support portion 53 a , the second support portion 54 a , the third support portion 55 a , the first arm portion 53 b , the second arm portion 54 b , and the third arm portion 55 b are made of a resin material.

[0154] The first support portion 53a, the second support portion 54a, and the third support portion 55a are substantially L-shaped when viewed from one side in the parallel arrangement direction, and have thickness in the parallel arrangement direction. Thus, the first support portion 53a, the second support portion 54a, and the third support portion 55a are configured to support the user's left wrist LW (wrist) from the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction.

[0155] The first arm portion 53b, the second arm portion 54b, and the third arm portion 55b are roughly hook-shaped with each front end portion (the portion on the other side of the cross direction) bent toward the other side (lower side) of the thickness direction when viewed from the other side of the parallel arrangement direction, and have thickness in the parallel arrangement direction. The thickness of the first arm portion 53b, the second arm portion 54b, and the third arm portion 55b in the parallel arrangement direction is smaller than the thickness of the first support portion 53a, the second support portion 54a, and the third support portion 55a in the parallel arrangement direction. Moreover, each base end portion of the first arm portion 53b, the second arm portion 54b, and the third arm portion 55b is rotatably supported by the corresponding support portion, and each front end portion of the first arm portion 53b, the second arm portion 54b, and the third arm portion 55b is fixed with a pulse pressure detection portion 4 (refer to Fig.13 ).

[0156] The pulse pressure detection unit 4 has the same structure as the pulse diagnosis device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and therefore the description thereof is omitted. In addition, a flexible member not shown is interposed between the front end portions of the first arm 53b, the second arm 54b, and the third arm 55b and each pulse pressure detection unit 4. The flexible member has the same structure as the flexible member 10 of the pulse diagnosis device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

[0157] Next, the detailed structure of the pulse diagnosis section 52 will be described using the first pulse diagnosis section 53 .

[0158] The first support portion 53a includes: a lower support portion 53c extending along the intersecting direction (horizontal direction); and a side support portion 53d provided continuously with one end portion of the lower support portion 53c in the intersecting direction and extending along one side (upper side) in the thickness direction. The lower support portion 53c is configured to support the user's left wrist LW (wrist) from the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction. The side support portion 53d is configured to support the user's left wrist LW (wrist) from one side (right side) in the intersecting direction.

[0159] The other end portion of the lower support portion 53c in the intersecting direction is bent toward one side in the thickness direction. Thus, the lower support portion 53c supports the left wrist LW (wrist) of the user from the lower left side.

[0160] The lower support portion 53c is provided with a sixth protrusion 53j protruding from the center portion in the cross direction to the other side in the thickness direction. The sixth protrusion 53j is engaged with the groove 51a provided in the center portion in the cross direction of the base 51 (see Fig.14 The groove portion 51a is provided in a central portion of the base portion 51 in the intersecting direction and extends along the parallel arrangement direction.

[0161] In the present embodiment, a rack gear (not shown) is provided on the outer surface of the sixth protrusion 53j. In addition, a pinion gear (not shown) is provided on the base 51 which is always meshed with the rack gear. Furthermore, when the user rotates the operating portion (not shown) (e.g., a knob connected to the pinion gear), the pinion gear connected to the operating portion rotates, and the rack gear meshed with the pinion gear moves along the parallel arrangement direction. When the rack gear moves along the parallel arrangement direction, the first pulse diagnosis portion 53 (the first supporting portion 53a and the first arm portion 53b) provided with the rack gear moves along the parallel arrangement direction. In the present embodiment, the first pulse diagnosis portion 53 is configured such that, in a state where the sixth protrusion 53j is engaged with the groove portion 51a of the base 51, it can move relative to the base 51 along one side of the parallel arrangement direction and the other side of the parallel arrangement direction.

[0162] Another driving motor 56 and an intermediate gear portion 57 are provided inside the side support portion 53 d .

[0163] The other drive motor 56 is, for example, a stepping motor, and is configured to generate a driving force for rotating the first arm portion 53b. In addition, the other drive motor 56 is provided with another output shaft 56a for outputting the rotational driving force of the other drive motor 56. The other output shaft 56a extends along the parallel arrangement direction. In addition, another drive gear 56b is fixed to the front end of the other output shaft 56a.

[0164] The intermediate gear portion 57 includes an intermediate shaft 57a fixed to the side support portion 53d and extending in the parallel arrangement direction; and an intermediate gear 57b rotatably supported on the intermediate shaft 57a. The intermediate gear 57b is always meshed with the other drive gear 56b. In addition, the number of teeth of the intermediate gear 57b is greater than the number of teeth of the other drive gear 56b. Thus, the first reduction gear mechanism is formed by the other drive gear 56b and the intermediate gear 57b.

[0165] The first arm portion 53b includes a base end portion 53e, a connecting portion 53f, and a front end portion 53g. Fig.14In the example of the posture shown, the base end 53e of the first arm portion 53b is arranged at the end of one side in the cross direction. The connecting portion 53f is arranged to extend continuously from the base end 53e along the direction between the other side in the cross direction and one side in the thickness direction (the left oblique upper side). The front end 53g is arranged to extend continuously from the end of the other side in the cross direction of the connecting portion 53f to the other side (the lower side) in the thickness direction. In the present embodiment, the first arm portion 53b is configured to be able to rotate around the base end 53e as the center. Thus, when the user's wrist is placed on the first support portion 53a in a posture (a posture facing upward) with the pulse diagnosis position P facing upward, the first arm portion 53b is configured to be able to press the pulse pressure detection portion 4 against the pulse diagnosis position P from the upper side (above) of the pulse diagnosis position P.

[0166] An arm shaft 53h extending in the parallel arrangement direction is fixed to the base end portion 53e. Another driven gear 53i is fixed to the arm shaft 53h. The other driven gear 53i is always meshed with the intermediate gear 57b. In addition, the number of teeth of the other driven gear 53i is greater than the number of teeth of the intermediate gear 57b. Thus, the second reduction gear mechanism is formed by the other driven gear 53i and the intermediate gear 57b.

[0167] The end portion of the tip portion 53g on the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction is bent along the intersecting direction. In other words, the end surface of the tip portion 53g on the other side in the thickness direction is formed in an arc shape convex to the other side in the thickness direction.

[0168] The pulse pressure detection unit 4 is rectangular when viewed from its thickness direction. In addition, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is fixed to the front end portion 53g in a posture in which its length direction and the intersecting direction are substantially consistent. In other words, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 is fixed to the front end portion 53g in a posture in which the direction intersecting its length direction and the parallel arrangement direction are substantially consistent. Thus, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can be placed at the pulse diagnosis position P in a posture in which its length direction extends in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the wrist artery A.

[0169] Next, the rotation operation of the first arm portion 53b will be described.

[0170] When the other driving gear 56b is driven by the other driving motor 56 to rotate to one side, the intermediate gear 57b meshing with the other driving gear 56b rotates. When the intermediate gear 57b rotates, the other driven gear 53i meshing with the intermediate gear 57b also rotates. When the other driven gear 53i rotates, the first arm 53b rotates integrally with the driven gear 53i to one side of the rotation direction. That is, the front end 53g moves to the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction. As a result, the front end 53g of the first arm 53b moves toward the direction close to the pulse diagnosis position P, so the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P is increased. At this time, the user's left wrist LW is supported from below by the lower support part 53c, so the user's left wrist LW is clamped between the front end 53g of the first arm 53b and the lower support part 53c in the thickness direction (up and down direction). As a result, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can be stably pressed against the pulse diagnosis position P.

[0171] On the other hand, when the other driving gear 56b is driven by the other driving motor 56 to rotate to the other side, the rotation of the other driving gear 56b is transmitted to the other driven gear 53i via the intermediate gear 57b, so that the first arm 53b and the other driven gear 53i are rotated to the other side of the rotation direction. That is, the front end 53g moves to one side in the thickness direction. As a result, the front end 53g of the first arm 53b moves away from the pulse diagnosis position P, so that the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P is reduced.

[0172] In this embodiment, the rotation position of the first arm 53b can be adjusted by controlling another driving motor 56 through a controller (not shown), that is, the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P can be adjusted.

[0173] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the arm portion (the first arm portion 53b, the second arm portion 54b, and the third arm portion 55b) rotates, the stroke of the pulse pressure detection portion 4 relative to the pulse position P changes. That is, for example, when the first arm portion 53b rotates to one side of the rotation direction, the pulse pressure detection portion 4 moves toward the pulse position P, thereby increasing the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection portion 4 on the pulse position P. On the other hand, for example, when the first arm portion 53b rotates to the other side of the rotation direction, the pulse pressure detection portion 4 moves away from the pulse position P, thereby reducing the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection portion 4 on the pulse position P. It should be noted that the "another drive motor 56, the intermediate gear portion 57, the first arm portion 53b, the second arm portion 54b, and the third arm portion 55b" in the present embodiment corresponds to the "changing mechanism" in the claims.

[0174] The second pulse diagnosis part 54 is fixedly supported on the base 51, that is, the base 51 supports the second pulse diagnosis part 54 so that the second pulse diagnosis part 54 cannot move along the extension direction (parallel arrangement direction) of the artery A. The second pulse diagnosis part 54 has a common structure with the first pulse diagnosis part 53 except that it is fixedly supported on the base 51, so the description is omitted. In this embodiment, the second support part 54a of the second pulse diagnosis part 54 is fixed on the base 51.

[0175] The third pulse diagnosis section 55 has the same structure as the first pulse diagnosis section 53 , and therefore description thereof is omitted.

[0176] In this embodiment, the first pulse diagnosis unit 53, the second pulse diagnosis unit 54 and the third pulse diagnosis unit 55 can individually adjust the rotation position of each arm (the first arm 53b, the second arm 54b, the third arm 55b) by controlling another driving motor 56 provided respectively. Thus, the pressing force of each pulse pressure detection unit 4 on each pulse diagnosis position P can be individually adjusted.

[0177] In addition, when the pulse diagnosis device 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is used to diagnose the pulse of the right wrist of the user's right arm, the right wrist is placed on the pulse diagnosis device 50 in the opposite direction to the direction when the pulse of the left wrist LW is diagnosed. In other words, when the pulse of the left wrist LW is diagnosed, Fig.14 As shown in the figure, the side support part 53d is located on the right side of the left wrist LW, and when the right wrist pulse is taken, the right wrist is placed on the pulse taking device 50 so that the side support part 53d is located on the left side of the right wrist. Thus, it is convenient to place the pulse pressure detection part 4 provided at the front end of each arm part (first arm part 53b, second arm part 54b, third arm part 55b) at the pulse taking position P of the artery (radial artery) A located on the thumb side of each wrist.

[0178] As described above, according to the present embodiment, by changing the mechanism (the other drive motor 56, the intermediate gear portion 57, the first arm portion 53b, the second arm portion 54b, and the third arm portion 55b), the stroke of the pulse pressure detection portion 4 relative to the pulse diagnosis position P is changed. Thus, the stroke of the pulse pressure detection portion 4 can be changed to detect the pulse pressure, and thus the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device 1 can be further improved.

[0179] In addition, for example, the user can check from above which position of his / her wrist the pulse pressure detection unit 4 fixed to the arm (first arm 53b, second arm 54b, third arm 55b) contacts. Thus, for example, the user can check from above the relationship between the position of his / her wrist that contacts the pulse pressure detection unit 4 and the pulse diagnosis position P, and move his / her wrist so that the position of his / her wrist that contacts the pulse pressure detection unit 4 coincides with the pulse diagnosis position P. Therefore, the deviation of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 and the pulse diagnosis position P can be suppressed.

[0180] In addition, by rotating the arm (first arm 53b, second arm 54b, third arm 55b) to one side and the other side of the rotation direction by another driving motor 56, the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P can be changed. Thus, for example, during pulse diagnosis, the pulse pressure in a state of high pressing force and in a state of low pressing force can be detected by the pulse pressure detection unit 4. Therefore, the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device 50 can be improved.

[0181] In addition, for example, the user can move the first pulse feeling part 53 so that the pulse pressure detection part 4 of the second pulse feeling part 54 fixedly supported on the base 51 is aligned with the Guan part (pulse feeling position P) of the user, and move the third pulse feeling part 55 so that the pulse pressure detection part 4 of the third pulse feeling part 55 is aligned with the Cun part (pulse feeling position P) of the user. Thus, the intervals between the pulse pressure detection parts 4 of each pulse feeling part (the first pulse feeling part 53, the second pulse feeling part 54, and the third pulse feeling part 55) can be easily adjusted according to the intervals between the different pulse feeling positions P of each user. Therefore, the displacement between each pulse pressure detection part 4 and each pulse feeling position P in the extending direction of the artery A can be suppressed.

[0182] In addition, although the base 51 is provided in this embodiment, the base 51 may be omitted.

[0183] In the present embodiment, three pulse diagnosis units 52 (first pulse diagnosis unit 53, second pulse diagnosis unit 54, and third pulse diagnosis unit 55) are provided, but one or more pulse diagnosis units 52 may be provided.

[0184] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first pulse diagnosis unit 53, the second pulse diagnosis unit 54 and the third pulse diagnosis unit 55 can set the size and shape of each arm (first arm 53b, second arm 54b and third arm 55b) and each support part (first support part 53a, second support part 54a and third support part 55a) to be different.

[0185] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first support portion 53a, the second support portion 54a and the third support portion 55a are formed into a substantially L-shape when viewed from the side of the parallel arrangement direction, but may be a shape other than the substantially L-shape (e.g., a U-shape) as long as they can support the user's wrist from the bottom.

[0186] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first arm portion 53b, the second arm portion 54b and the third arm portion 55b are formed into a roughly hook shape bent toward the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction when viewed from the other side of the parallel arrangement direction. However, as long as the pulse pressure detection portion 4 of each arm portion can be pressed onto the pulse diagnosis position P, it may also be a shape other than a roughly hook shape (for example, an L shape).

[0187] In the present embodiment, the first pulse diagnosis unit 53 and the third pulse diagnosis unit 55 are supported on the base 51 so as to be movable in the parallel arrangement direction (the extending direction of the artery A), but may be fixedly supported on the base 51 .

[0188] In the present embodiment, the second pulse diagnosis unit 54 is fixedly supported on the base 51 , but may be supported on the base 51 so as to be movable in the parallel arrangement direction (the extending direction of the artery A).

[0189] In addition, in this embodiment, an example in which another drive motor 56 is provided is described, but a method other than another drive motor 56 may be adopted (for example, manual operation by the user to rotate the first arm 53b, the second arm 54b, and the third arm 55b).

[0190] <Third Embodiment> Next, refer to Fig.15 The third embodiment of the present invention is described. In the second embodiment, the stroke of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 relative to the pulse diagnosis position P is changed by rotating the arm (the first arm 53b, the second arm 54b, the third arm 55b), while in the third embodiment, the stroke of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 relative to the pulse diagnosis position P is changed by moving the arm (the first arm 53b, the second arm 54b, the third arm 55b) to one side (upper side) in the thickness direction and the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction. The rest is common to the second embodiment, so the description is omitted. In the third embodiment, the first pulse diagnosis unit 53 is used for description.

[0191] exist Fig.15 In the example of the posture shown, the first arm portion 53b is provided so that the base end portion 53e extends along the thickness direction (upper and lower direction) at one end portion in the cross direction. The connecting portion 53f is provided so as to extend continuously from one end portion in the thickness direction of the base end portion 53e in the direction between the other side in the cross direction and one side in the thickness direction (left oblique upper side). The front end portion 53g is provided so as to extend continuously from the other end portion in the cross direction of the connecting portion 53f to the other side in the thickness direction (lower side).

[0192] Another rack gear 53k is provided on the surface of the other side of the intersecting direction of the base end portion 53e. The other rack gear 53k is always meshed with the intermediate gear 57b of the intermediate gear portion 57 provided on the other side of the intersecting direction. In addition, another drive motor 56 is provided on the other side of the intersecting direction of the intermediate gear portion 57. Another drive gear 56b of the other drive motor 56 is always meshed with the intermediate gear 57b.

[0193] In this embodiment, the rack gear 53k and the intermediate gear 57b constitute a rack and pinion mechanism. Thus, the rotational motion of the intermediate gear 57b is converted into linear motion on one side and the other side of the thickness direction of the first arm portion provided with the rack gear 53k, that is, vertical motion.

[0194] Next, the moving operation of the first arm portion 53b will be described.

[0195] When the other driving gear 56b is driven by the other driving motor 56 to rotate to one side, the intermediate gear 57b meshing with the other driving gear 56b rotates. When the intermediate gear 57b rotates, the rotation of the intermediate gear 57b is transmitted to the other rack gear 53k meshing with the intermediate gear 57b, and the first arm 53b moves to the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction relative to the first support portion 53a. As a result, the front end 53g of the first arm 53b moves in the direction close to the pulse diagnosis position P, so the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P is increased. At this time, the user's left wrist LW is supported from below by the lower support portion 53c, so the user's left wrist LW is clamped between the front end 53g of the first arm 53b and the lower support portion 53c in the thickness direction (up and down direction). As a result, the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can be stably pressed against the pulse diagnosis position P.

[0196] On the other hand, when the other driving gear 56b is driven to rotate to the other side by the other driving motor 56, the rotation of the other driving gear 56b is transmitted to the other rack gear 53k via the intermediate gear 57b, so that the first arm portion 53b and the other rack gear 53k are integrally moved to one side (upper side) in the thickness direction relative to the first support portion 53a. As a result, the front end portion 53g of the first arm portion 53b moves in a direction away from the pulse diagnosis position P, so that the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P is reduced.

[0197] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the arm portion (the first arm portion 53b, the second arm portion 54b, and the third arm portion 55b) moves up and down, the stroke of the pulse pressure detection portion 4 relative to the pulse diagnosis position P changes. That is, for example, when the first arm portion 53b moves to the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction relative to the first support portion 53a, the pulse pressure detection portion 4 moves in a direction close to the pulse diagnosis position P, thereby increasing the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection portion 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P. On the other hand, for example, when the first arm portion 53b moves to one side (upper side) in the thickness direction relative to the first support portion 53a, the pulse pressure detection portion 4 moves in a direction away from the pulse diagnosis position P, thereby reducing the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection portion 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P. It should be noted that the "another drive motor 56, the intermediate gear portion 57, the first arm portion 53b, the second arm portion 54b, and the third arm portion 55b" in the present embodiment corresponds to the "changing mechanism" in the claims.

[0198] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the stroke of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 relative to the pulse diagnosis position P is changed by changing the mechanism (the other drive motor 56, the intermediate gear unit 57, the first arm unit 53b, the second arm unit 54b, and the third arm unit 55b). Thus, the stroke of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 can be changed to detect the pulse pressure, thereby further improving the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device 1.

[0199] The arm (first arm 53b, second arm 54b, third arm 55b) is moved up and down by another driving motor 56, so that the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit 4 on the pulse diagnosis position P can be changed. Thus, for example, during pulse diagnosis, the pulse pressure in a state of high pressing force and in a state of low pressing force can be detected by the pulse pressure detection unit 4. Therefore, the diagnostic accuracy of the pulse diagnosis device 1 can be improved.

[0200] It should be noted that in this embodiment, an example of the arms (first arm 53b, second arm 54b, third arm 55b) moving up and down is described, but as long as they can move in the vertical direction relative to the pulse diagnosis position, the above-mentioned arms can also move in directions other than the up and down directions.

[0201] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the rack and pinion mechanism is formed by another rack gear 53k and an intermediate gear 57b, but the intermediate gear 57b may be removed and the other rack gear 53k may be always meshed with the other drive gear 56b, thereby forming a rack and pinion mechanism by another rack gear 53k and another drive gear 56b.

[0202] Industrial Applicability The present invention is suitable for a pulse diagnosis device used when diagnosing a user's health condition or the like.

[0203] Description of Reference Numerals 1.50: Pulse diagnosis device 2: Main body shell 2c: First display unit 2d: Second display unit 3: belt 3a: Binding 4: Pulse pressure detection unit 4b: Terminal part 4c: Piezoelectric film (piezoelectric body) 5: Pressing part 6: Driving motor (driving unit) 6c: driving gear (output part) 7: Driven gear (driven rotating body) 7b: Screw hole (conversion part) 8: Linear motion body (linear motion part) 8a: Threaded part (conversion part) 8b: No threaded part 9: Fixed part 9b: Bend 10: Flexible components 15: Force applying component (force applying part) 51: Base 53: First Pulse Diagnosis Department 53a: First supporting portion (supporting portion) 53b: First arm (arm, changing mechanism) 53e: Base end 53g: front end 54: Second Pulse Diagnosis Department 54a: Second supporting portion (supporting portion) 54b: Second arm (arm, changing mechanism) 55: The Third Pulse Diagnosis Department 55a: Third supporting portion (supporting portion) 55b: Third arm (arm, change mechanism) 56: Another drive motor (another drive unit, change mechanism) 57: Intermediate gear part (change mechanism) A: Arteries P: Pulse diagnosis position.

Claims

1. A pulse diagnosis device comprising a pulse pressure detection unit capable of detecting the pulse pressure at a pulse diagnosis position of a user's wrist, characterized in that: The pulse pressure detection unit can be placed at the pulse diagnosis position in a posture where the longitudinal direction thereof extends in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the artery of the wrist.

2. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pulse pressure detection unit includes a piezoelectric body made of a ferroelectric material, and can detect the pulse pressure based on deformation of the piezoelectric body in a longitudinal direction.

3. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pulse diagnosis device includes a fixed portion that fixes the pulse pressure detection portion. A surface of the fixed portion to which the pulse pressure detecting portion is fixed is curved along the longitudinal direction.

4. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A terminal portion is provided at one end of the pulse pressure detection portion in the longitudinal direction. The pulse pressure detection section is fixed to the fixed portion so that the terminal section is located at a bent portion of the fixed portion.

5. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pulse diagnosis device also has: a main body shell, the pulse pressure detection unit being provided on the back side thereof; and The belt portion has a pair of straps each in the form of a belt, and by forming a cylindrical shape, the main body shell portion can be worn on the wrist with its back side on the wrist side. The pulse pressure detection unit is configured such that a longitudinal direction thereof extends in the same direction as a longitudinal direction of the strap.

6. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A first display unit and a second display unit are provided on the surface of the main shell portion, the first display unit prompts the user to wear the belt portion on the right wrist with one opening side in the direction of the center line of the belt portion being on the fingertip side, and the second display unit prompts the user to wear the belt portion on the left wrist with the other opening side in the direction of the center line of the belt portion being on the fingertip side.

7. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A flexible member is interposed between the fixed portion and the pulse pressure detection portion.

8. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pulse pressure detection parts are provided with three corresponding to the Cun, Guan and Chi parts of the pulse diagnosis position. In a state where the pulse pressure detection units are placed at the pulse diagnosis positions corresponding to the respective ones, the three pulse pressure detection units are arranged in parallel along the extending direction of the artery of the wrist.

9. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pulse diagnosis device further includes a position adjustment unit capable of adjusting the position of the pulse pressure detection unit.

10. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pulse pressure detection parts are provided with three corresponding to the Cun, Guan and Chi parts of the pulse diagnosis position. The pulse diagnosis device further includes an interval adjustment unit capable of adjusting the interval between adjacent pulse pressure detection units.

11. The pulse diagnosis device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The pulse diagnosis device further includes a pressing portion capable of pressing the pulse pressure detection portion. The pressing part includes: a fixed part that fixes the pulse pressure detecting part; a linear motion part that can make the fixed part move forward and backward relative to the pulse diagnosis position in a linear motion when the pulse pressure detecting part is placed at the pulse diagnosis position; a driving part that can output rotational motion; and a conversion part that is configured to connect the driving part and the linear motion part and can convert the rotational motion output by the driving part into the linear motion of the linear motion part.

12. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The pulse diagnosis device also has: an output portion, which is provided at the driving portion and outputs the rotational motion; and A driven rotating body, which is driven to rotate by the output portion, The linear motion part is in the shape of a rod, The conversion part is composed of a threaded part and a screw hole part. The threaded part is arranged on the outer surface of the linear motion part. The screw hole part is formed by passing through the rotation center of the driven rotating body. The linear motion part is screwed in and out by the rotation of the driven rotating body.

13. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The output part is a driving gear, The driven rotating body is a driven gear capable of meshing with the driving gear on its outer peripheral surface. The number of teeth of the driven gear is greater than the number of teeth of the driving gear.

14. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 12, characterized in that: On the outer surface of the linear motion portion, non-threaded portions having no threads are respectively provided on both sides of the linear motion direction of the threaded portion.

15. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The pressing portion further includes a force applying portion, which applies force in a direction to cause the linear motion portion to retreat when the linear motion portion advances, and applies force in a direction to cause the linear motion portion to advance when the linear motion portion retreats.

16. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The driving unit is a stepping motor.

17. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 16, characterized in that: The stepper motor includes a rotor including permanent magnets.

18. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The pulse pressure detection parts are provided with three corresponding to the Cun, Guan and Chi parts of the pulse diagnosis position. Each of the pulse pressure detection sections is provided with the fixed portion, the linear motion portion, and the driving portion.

19. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pulse diagnosis device further includes a changing mechanism capable of changing a stroke of the pulse pressure detection unit relative to the pulse diagnosis position.

20. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 19, characterized in that: The pulse diagnosis device further includes: a support portion capable of supporting the user's wrist from below; and an arm portion having a base end portion and a front end portion, wherein the base end portion is supported on the support portion and can be freely moved up and down or rotated, and the pulse pressure detection portion is fixed to the front end portion. The arm portion is configured to press the pulse pressure detection portion against the pulse diagnosis position from above the pulse diagnosis position when the user's wrist is placed on the support portion with the pulse diagnosis position facing upward.

21. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 20, characterized in that: The changing mechanism further includes another driving part that generates a driving force to move the arm part up and down or rotate. The pulse diagnosis device is configured such that when the other driving unit moves the arm downward or rotates it to one side of the rotation direction, the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit on the pulse diagnosis position increases, and when the other driving unit moves the arm upward or rotates it to the other side of the rotation direction, the pressing force of the pulse pressure detection unit on the pulse diagnosis position decreases.

22. The pulse diagnosis device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that: The pulse diagnosis device also includes: a base portion that supports the support portion from a lower side; A first pulse diagnosis part, which corresponds to the radial part of the pulse diagnosis position; A second pulse diagnosis part corresponding to the Guan part of the pulse diagnosis position; and The third pulse diagnosis part corresponds to the Cun part of the pulse diagnosis position. The first pulse diagnosis part, the second pulse diagnosis part and the third pulse diagnosis part respectively include the support part and the arm part. The first pulse diagnosis unit, the second pulse diagnosis unit and the third pulse diagnosis unit are arranged in parallel along the extending direction of the artery of the wrist. The first pulse diagnosis unit and the third pulse diagnosis unit are supported on the base and are movable along the extending direction of the artery. The second pulse feeling part is disposed between the first pulse feeling part and the third pulse feeling part, and is fixedly supported on the base.

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