Cuff structure and blood pressure measuring device

Abstract

A cuff structure (3) for a blood pressure measuring device (1) includes one or more air bags (71, 81) that are inflated by a fluid, and one or more members (51, 53, 71, 81) that are included in the air bags (71, 81) or are layered on the air bags (71, 81). Bending portions (55) are provided on at least two of the air bags (71, 81) and the one or more members (51, 53). One of the bending portions (55) is formed by an opening or a division, and the other of the bending portions (55) is formed by an opening, a division, a notch, a recess, or a groove.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application CN 202380058764.3, filed on August 29, 2023, entitled "Cuff Structure and Blood Pressure Measuring Device". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a cuff construction and a blood pressure measuring device. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, blood pressure measuring devices have been used not only in medical facilities to assess health status but also in homes. These devices, for example, involve inflating and contracting a cuff wrapped around the upper arm or wrist, using a pressure sensor to detect the pressure in the cuff, thereby detecting vibrations in the arterial walls to measure blood pressure.

[0004] As for cuffs used in such blood pressure measuring devices, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-224558, a layered cuff structure is known. The layered cuff structure prevents lateral expansion by providing a connecting portion and stiffening the sidewalls, achieving a cuff whose width does not change even if expansion occurs, thus enabling efficient compression. On the other hand, the layered cuff structure has the following problem: providing a connecting portion hinders the outward expansion of the flap, thus requiring a trade-off between compression efficiency and ease of lateral expansion.

[0005] Furthermore, it is generally difficult to adjust the thickness and hardness of the sheet material components that form the cuff, as this involves changing the overall strength of the cuff. Therefore, it is impossible to address issues such as limiting strength to areas prone to lateral expansion. Additionally, layered cuffs are constructed by stacking multiple sheet materials, resulting in thickness and a tendency to wrinkle. When wrinkles form in the cuff, the internal space is interrupted, leading to reduced accuracy in blood pressure measurement.

[0006] Therefore, as a conventional method for controlling folds in cuffs, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6751462 is known, which involves creating notches on the separator to control folds. The purpose of this technique is to transform sharply curved folds into gently sloping folds, thereby reducing stress concentration.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-224558

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6751462 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] In the aforementioned method for controlling the wrinkles of the cuff, wrinkles occur even outside the area with a notch when the cuff is wrapped around a measuring section with low curvature, thus failing to achieve the desired effect. Furthermore, as with the layered structure described above, the cuff itself has thickness, which also prevents it from achieving its full potential.

[0013] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a cuff structure and a blood pressure measuring device capable of controlling the generated folds.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] According to one embodiment, a cuff structure is provided for a blood pressure measuring device, the cuff structure comprising: one or more air bags that are inflated by a fluid; and one or more components included in or stacked in the air bags, wherein at least two of the air bags and the one or more components are provided with bends, one of the bends being formed by an opening or a segment, and the other of the bends being formed by an opening, a segment, a notch, a recess, or a groove.

[0016] According to this design, the strength of two or more components in the cuff structure is weakened by the bends including the openings, thus controlling wrinkles that occur in the bent air pockets when the cuff structure is worn on a living organism. Therefore, the cuff structure can produce the desired wrinkles, preventing unintentional wrinkles caused by excessive depth. Consequently, the cuff structure can stably perform blood pressure measurements using a blood pressure measuring device.

[0017] A cuff structure is provided, comprising: a retaining ring as a component, the retaining ring being curved in accordance with the circumferential shape of a wearing part of a living organism; a pressing cuff fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the retaining ring, including the air pocket; a back plate as a component, fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the pressing cuff; and a sensing cuff fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the back plate, including the air pocket.

[0018] According to this scheme, the pressure cuff and sensing cuff, which can control the impact of stress concentration and reduced compression efficiency on the organism, can stably measure blood pressure.

[0019] A cuff construction is provided, in which the air bag includes an intermediate sheet member, and the bend formed in the air bag is one or more openings formed in the intermediate sheet member and / or a recess formed on the surface of the air bag.

[0020] According to this design, the cuff structure can reduce the strength of the air bag that causes wrinkles, thus making it easier to control the wrinkles formed in the air bag. Therefore, the cuff structure can reduce the influence of the air bag's stiffness on wrinkle control.

[0021] A cuff construction is provided, in which the bending portion formed on the back plate is an opening, a division, a notch, or a groove formed on the back plate.

[0022] According to this design, the cuff construction can reduce the strength of the back plate for fixing the sensing cuff, thus making it easier to control the wrinkles generated by the sensing cuff.

[0023] A cuff construction is provided, wherein the retaining ring, the pressing cuff, the back plate, and the sensing cuff are formed to be elongated in one direction, and a plurality of the bending portions provided in at least two of the retaining ring, the pressing cuff, the back plate, and the sensing cuff are arranged in that one direction.

[0024] According to this design, the cuff structure has multiple bends arranged in one direction, thus dispersing wrinkles generated in the air pocket. By dispersing the wrinkles, the cuff structure can suppress the formation of deeper wrinkles.

[0025] A cuff construction is provided, in which the bending portions of at least two of the retaining ring, the pressing cuff, the back plate, and the sensing cuff are configured to at least partially overlap with the bending portions adjacent in the stacking direction, and / or be offset from the bending portions adjacent in the stacking direction in one direction.

[0026] According to this design, by ensuring that the bends of two or more components at least partially overlap, folds can be generated at a predetermined target position. Furthermore, by staggering the bends of two or more components, the folds can be finely distributed. Thus, the position and number of folds in the sleeve structure can be arbitrarily set through the arrangement of the bends.

[0027] According to one embodiment, a blood pressure measuring device is provided, comprising: a cuff structure of the above embodiment; a device body fixed to the cuff structure; and a strap disposed on the device body and for fixing the cuff structure.

[0028] According to this scheme, by providing a blood pressure measuring device with the aforementioned cuff structure, deviations caused by wrinkles due to the wearing position and wrist shape can be suppressed, and deviations in blood pressure measurement accuracy caused by wrinkles can be suppressed.

[0029] Invention Effects

[0030] According to the present invention, a cuff structure capable of controlling the generated wrinkles and a blood pressure measuring device can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a blood pressure measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the structure of the blood pressure measuring device.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the structure of the blood pressure measuring device when it is worn on the wrist.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the blood pressure measuring device.

[0035] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the unfolded structure of the cuff assembly used in the blood pressure measuring device, schematically presented from the side.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the cuff used in this cuff construction.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view schematically representing another example of this cuff.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view schematically representing another example of this cuff.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a top view schematically showing the structure of the bend in the sleeve construction.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a top view schematically representing another example of the structure of the bend.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a top view schematically representing another example of the structure of the bend.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a top view schematically representing another example of the structure of the bend.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a top view schematically representing another example of the structure of the bend.

[0044] Figure 14 This is a top view schematically representing another example of the structure of the bend.

[0045] Figure 15 This is a top view schematically representing another example of the structure of the bend.

[0046] Figure 16 This is a top view schematically representing another example of the structure of the bend.

[0047] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view schematically representing another example of the structure of the bend.

[0048] Figure 18 This is a top view schematically representing another example of the structure of the bend.

[0049] Figure 19 This is a top view schematically representing another example of the structure of the bend.

[0050] Figure 20 This is a top view schematically representing another example of the structure of the bend.

[0051] Figure 21 This is a top view schematically representing another example of the structure of the bend.

[0052] Figure 22 It is a top view that roughly shows the structure of the bend in the sleeve construction.

[0053] Figure 23 It is a top view that roughly shows the structure of the bend in the sleeve construction.

[0054] Figure 24 This is an explanatory diagram that compares the evaluation results of the cuff construction with a comparative example.

[0055] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0056] 1: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0057] 3: Main body of the device;

[0058] 4: Cuff construction;

[0059] 5: Straps;

[0060] 5a: Hook and loop fasteners;

[0061] 11: Shell;

[0062] 12: Display section;

[0063] 13: Operations Department;

[0064] 14: Pump;

[0065] 15: Accelerometer;

[0066] 16: Valve;

[0067] 17: Pressure sensor;

[0068] 18: Battery;

[0069] 19: Ministry of Communications;

[0070] 20: Biosensors;

[0071] 21: Charging circuit section;

[0072] 22: Memory;

[0073] 23: Processor;

[0074] 24: Fluid circuit;

[0075] 31: Outer shell contour;

[0076] 31a: Ring part;

[0077] 32: Windshield;

[0078] 33: Back cover;

[0079] 41: Button;

[0080] 43: Touch panel;

[0081] 51: Card Circle;

[0082] 51a: Decorative piece;

[0083] 51b: concave part;

[0084] 52: Press the cuff;

[0085] 53: Back panel;

[0086] 53a: Opening;

[0087] 53b: concave part;

[0088] 53c: Notch;

[0089] 53d: Short film;

[0090] 54: Sensing cuff;

[0091] 55: Bending section;

[0092] 61: The fixed part;

[0093] 62: First bend;

[0094] 63: Second bend;

[0095] 71: Air bag;

[0096] 71a: Main wall;

[0097] 71b: Sidewall;

[0098] 75: Sheet components;

[0099] 75a: Open;

[0100] 75b: concave part;

[0101] 76: Intermediate sheet components;

[0102] 76a: Opening;

[0103] 81: Air bag;

[0104] 81a: Main wall;

[0105] 81b: Sidewall;

[0106] 82: Flow path body;

[0107] 85: Sheet components;

[0108] 85b: concave part;

[0109] 86: Intermediate sheet components;

[0110] 86a: Opening;

[0111] 100: Power transmission device;

[0112] 101: Power supply;

[0113] 102: Power Transmission Department;

[0114] 103: Antenna section;

[0115] 211: Antenna section;

[0116] 212: Power receiving section;

[0117] 213: Charging unit;

[0118] 300: Wrist;

[0119] 311: Radial artery;

[0120] 312: Ulnar artery. Detailed Implementation

[0121] The following uses Figures 1 to 24 An example of a blood pressure measuring device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0122] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a side view showing the structure of the blood pressure measuring device 1. Figure 3 This is a side view showing the structure of the blood pressure measuring device 1 in the state of being worn on the wrist 300. Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the main body 3 of the blood pressure measuring device 1.

[0123] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the unfolded structure of the cuff structure 4 used for the blood pressure measuring device 1, schematically represented from the side. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the pressing cuff 52 and the sensing cuff 54 as cuffs for the cuff structure 4. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of the pressing cuff 52. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view schematically representing another example of the sensing cuff 54. Figures 9 to 21 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the bent portions 55 of each component provided in the sleeve structure 4. Figure 24 This is an explanatory diagram that compares the evaluation results of the cuff construction 4 with those of a comparative example.

[0124] Blood pressure measuring device 1 is an electronic blood pressure measuring device worn on a living organism. In this embodiment, for example... Figure 3 As shown, the blood pressure measuring device 1 is a wearable device worn on the wrist 300. The blood pressure measuring device 1 is, for example, an electronic blood pressure measuring device having the form of measuring blood pressure from arteries 311 and 312 of the wrist 300.

[0125] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the blood pressure measuring device 1 includes, for example, a device body 3, a cuff structure 4, and a strap 5.

[0126] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the main body 3 of the device includes, for example, a housing 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a pump 14, an acceleration sensor 15, a valve 16, a pressure sensor 17, a battery 18, a communication unit 19, a charging circuit unit 21, a memory 22, and a processor 23.

[0127] The housing 11 is the outer shell that houses the constituent components of the main body 3 of the device. For example, the housing 11 houses the display unit 12, the operation unit 13, the pump 14, the accelerometer 15, the valve 16, the pressure sensor 17, the battery 18, the communication unit 19, the biosensor 20, the charging circuit unit 21, the memory 22, and the processor 23. Furthermore, the housing 11 may, for example, house a fluid circuit 24. It should be noted that the fluid circuit 24 may include, for example, a pipe forming a flow path for the fluid supplied from the pump 14 to the cuff structure 4, a flow path plate, flow-blocking components controlling the amount and pressure of the fluid supplied to the cuff structure 4, and a one-way valve controlling the flow direction of the fluid.

[0128] The housing 11 includes, for example: a contoured outer shell 31; a windshield 32 covering the upper opening of the contoured outer shell 31; and a rear cover 33 covering the lower part of the contoured outer shell 31.

[0129] The outer shell 31 can be formed in the form of a cylinder, a rectangular cylinder, or a polygonal cylinder, for example. In this embodiment, an example of the outer shell 31 being formed in the form of a rectangular cylinder is shown. The outer shell 31 has a ring portion 31a on one side of its outer periphery. The ring portion 31a is a rectangular ring-shaped member with an opening that is longer in one direction through which the strap 5 can be inserted, so that the strap 5 can pass through and be folded back. The ring portion 31a is integrally formed with the outer shell 31. The windshield 32 has the same shape as the outer periphery of the outer shell 31, and in this embodiment, it is a rectangular glass plate. It should be noted that the windshield 32 can be made of any transparent or light-transmitting material and is not limited to a glass plate. The back cover 33 closes the bottom of the outer shell 31. It should be noted that the housing 11 can also be structured such that the bottom of the outer shell 31 is closed by the retaining ring 51 (described later) fixed to the cuff structure 4 of the housing 11, without having a back cover 33.

[0130] The display unit 12 is located directly below the windshield 32. The display unit 12 is electrically connected to the processor 23. The display unit 12 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescent display (OLED). The display unit 12 displays various information, including date and time, blood pressure values ​​such as maximum and minimum blood pressure, measurement results such as heart rate, and information such as the charging status and remaining charge of the battery 18. For example, when viewed from above, the display unit 12 is shaped to be the same as the windshield 32.

[0131] The operation unit 13 is configured to accept commands from the user. The operation unit 13 includes, for example, a plurality of buttons 41 disposed on the housing 11; a sensor for detecting operation of the buttons 41; and a touch panel 43 disposed on the display unit 12 or the windshield 32. The operation unit 13 converts commands into electrical signals through user operation. The sensor and touch panel 43 are electrically connected to the processor 23 and output electrical signals to the processor 23.

[0132] Pump 14 is, for example, a piezoelectric pump. Pump 14 compresses air as a fluid and supplies the compressed air to the pressing cuff 52 and sensing cuff 54 of the cuff structure 4 (described later) via a fluid circuit. Pump 14 is electrically connected to processor 23.

[0133] Accelerometer 15 is, for example, a triaxial accelerometer. Accelerometer 15 measures acceleration and outputs an analog signal. Accelerometer 15 is connected to processor 23, for example, via an A / D conversion circuit.

[0134] Valve 16 is, for example, an on / off valve. Valve 16 opens and closes the fluid circuit connecting pump 14 and cuff structure 4 and / or the fluid circuit connecting cuff structure 4 and the atmosphere. Valve 16 is electrically connected to processor 23. For example, valve 16 is opened and closed under the control of processor 23.

[0135] As a specific example, valve 16 is a safety valve that releases air supplied to the compression cuff 52 and sensing cuff 54 (described later) of the cuff structure 4 to the atmosphere. For example, when air is supplied to the compression cuff 52 and sensing cuff 54 during blood pressure measurement, valve 16 is switched to a closed state by control of processor 23. Furthermore, when venting air from the compression cuff 52 and sensing cuff 54, valve 16 is switched from a closed state to an open state by control of processor 23. Additionally, valve 16 can also be configured to allow for adjustment of its opening degree. It should be noted that valve 16 can also be provided in the fluid circuit 24, or it can be integrally provided inside the housing of pump 14.

[0136] Pressure sensor 17 is provided, for example, in fluid circuit 24. Pressure sensor 17 detects the pressure of pressing cuff 52 and / or sensing cuff 54. For example, pressure sensor 17 detects the pressure of sensing cuff 54. Pressure sensor 17 is electrically connected to processor 23, for example, via an A / D conversion circuit, converting the detected pressure into an electrical signal and outputting it to processor 23.

[0137] Battery 18 is, for example, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or other secondary battery. Battery 18 is electrically connected to processor 23. Battery 18 supplies power to processor 23. Battery 18 supplies driving power to various structures of processor 23, and also supplies driving power to display unit 12, operation unit 13, pump 14, accelerometer 15, valve 16, pressure sensor 17, and communication unit 19 via processor 23.

[0138] The communication unit 19 is configured to transmit and receive information with external devices wirelessly and / or via wired connection. The communication unit 19 is, for example, a wireless communication module conforming to wireless communication standards. The communication unit 19 transmits, for example, information obtained under the control of the processor 23, measured blood pressure values, and pulse information to external devices. Furthermore, it receives software update programs from external devices and sends them to the control unit. In this embodiment, the external device is, for example, an external terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or smartwatch.

[0139] In this embodiment, the communication unit 19 can be directly connected to an external terminal or connected via a network. The communication unit 19 can also be connected to an external terminal via mobile communication networks such as 4G (4th generation mobile communication technology), 5G (5th generation mobile communication technology), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), Wi-Fi, or other wireless communication lines. Furthermore, the communication unit 19 can be connected to external devices via wireless communication units such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), or infrared communication. In addition to a wireless communication module, the communication unit 19 may also have a universal connector such as a micro USB (Universal Serial Bus), a dedicated connector for the blood pressure measuring device 1, and can be directly connected to an external terminal via various cables such as a USB cable or via a wired communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Therefore, the communication unit 19 can also be structured to include multiple communication units such as a wireless antenna and a micro USB connector. It should be noted that the connector used for wired communication can also be a dedicated connector used for the blood pressure measuring device 1.

[0140] The biosensor 20 is configured to detect information about a living organism by contacting or opposing the wrist 300. The biosensor 20 converts the detected biological information into an electrical signal and outputs it to the processor 23. The biosensor 20 can be, for example, a sensor that measures physical quantities such as heart rate and body temperature, or a sensor that measures chemical values ​​such as blood glucose levels and blood oxygen concentration. For example, the biosensor 20 may be located on the rear cover 33 of the housing 11 and / or on the retaining ring 51 of the cuff structure 4 (described later). In this embodiment, an example of the biosensor 20 being located on the retaining ring 51 is shown. It should be noted that the blood pressure measuring device 1 may also have a structure without the biosensor 20.

[0141] The charging circuit section 21 includes, for example, an antenna section 211, a power receiving section 212, and a charging section 213. The charging circuit section 21 charges the battery 18 wirelessly. For example, the charging circuit section 21 receives power from the antenna section 103 of the external power transmission device 100 and charges the battery 18.

[0142] Antenna section 211 receives power from the antenna section of the power transmission device. Antenna section 211 is, for example, a receiving coil that serves as a receiving resonant circuit. Antenna section 211 supplies the received power to receiving section 212. The receiving surface of antenna section 211 is planar. Antenna section 211 is, for example, disposed within housing 11. As a specific example, antenna section 211 is disposed within housing 11 on the side of display section 12 opposite to windshield 32, adjacent to display section 12. Antenna section 211 includes, for example, a resonant capacitor, forming a receiving resonant circuit.

[0143] The power receiving unit 212 rectifies the power received from the antenna unit 211 and supplies it to the charging unit 213. Specifically, the power receiving unit 212 rectifies the power supplied from the antenna unit 211, converting it from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). For example, the power receiving unit 212 includes a rectifier circuit and a control circuit; the control circuit controls the operation of the rectifier circuit to output the rectified DC power to the charging unit 213.

[0144] The charging unit 213 supplies the power supplied from the power receiving unit 212 to the battery 18 as charging power. For example, the charging unit 213 converts the power supplied from the power receiving unit 212 into a predetermined current and voltage value and supplies it to the battery 18. In addition, for example, the charging unit 213 may also have circuitry that outputs the charging state of the battery 18 to the power receiving unit 212 and / or the processor 23.

[0145] The memory 22 includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The memory 22 stores various types of data. For example, the memory 22 may pre-store, in a changeable manner, various program data for controlling the blood pressure measuring device 1 as a whole and the pump 14, setting data for setting various functions of the blood pressure measuring device 1, and calculation data for calculating blood pressure values ​​and pulse based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 17.

[0146] The processor 23 controls the overall operation of the blood pressure measuring device 1, as well as the operation of the pump 14 and valve 16, based on the program stored in the memory 22, thereby executing the prescribed actions (functions). Furthermore, the processor 23 performs prescribed calculations, analysis, and processing according to the read program. The processor 23 is a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In addition to the main CPU, the processor 23 may also include a sub-CPU. Furthermore, the processor 23 displays the status and results of the various actions performed, as well as the calculations, analysis, and processing, on the display unit 12 through a program or application.

[0147] The cuff structure 4 includes, for example, a retaining ring 51, a pressing cuff 52, a back plate 53, a sensing cuff 54, and a bending portion 55. The cuff structure 4 is constructed by stacking the retaining ring 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54. Furthermore, the bending portion 55 is formed on at least two of the retaining ring 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54, which are multiple components constituting the cuff structure 4. Alternatively, the cuff structure 4 may also have the bending portion 55 formed on multiple components constituting the pressing cuff 52 and / or the sensing cuff 54, such as the sheet member 75, sheet member 85, and intermediate sheet member 76 described later.

[0148] The following uses Figures 1 to 3 , Figures 5 to 23 A specific example of cuff construction 4 will be provided. For example... Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the cuff structure 4 includes a retaining ring 51, a pressing cuff 52, a back plate 53, a sensing cuff 54, and multiple bends 55 formed on the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54, respectively.

[0149] The retaining ring 51 is fixed to the wrist side of the housing 11 at one end, for example. The retaining ring 51 is formed as a strip bent into a circumferential shape mimicking the wrist 300. The retaining ring 51 is made of resin material. In addition, the retaining ring 51 has a decorative piece 51a, such as an outer fabric, provided on the outer peripheral surface to enhance the design. The retaining ring 51 has a hardness that is both flexible and shape-retaining. Here, flexibility refers to the radial deformation of the shape when an external force of the strap 5 is applied to the retaining ring 51. Shape retention refers to the retaining ring 51 maintaining a pre-given shape when no external force is applied. That is, the retaining ring 51 is formed of a resin material that has a hardness that does not undergo compressive deformation or hardly undergoes compressive deformation, but can undergo elastic deformation such as bending deformation, especially a change in the curvature of the bent part. Therefore, the retaining ring 51 is formed to elastically deform in such a way that the internal space of the wrist 300 to be fitted by the application of external force can expand or shrink in accordance with the shape of the wrist.

[0150] Furthermore, the retaining ring 51 is formed such that one side is longer than the other from the point where it is fixed to the housing 11. The two ends of the retaining ring 51 are, for example, formed with the following length and shape: when worn on either the longest or shortest circumference wrist 300 of a hypothetical user, they are located on the side of the wrist 300 between the palm side and the back side of the wrist 300. Furthermore, the retaining ring 51 can be entirely bent in the longitudinal direction to mimic the shape of the wrist 300, or a portion of its longitudinal direction can be formed as a flat plate.

[0151] As a specific example, the retaining ring 51 is fixed to the outer shell 31 or the back cover 33 of the housing 11. In addition, the retaining ring 51 includes: a fixed portion 61, the portion of which is fixed to the back cover 33 is formed into a flat plate; a first bending portion 62, provided at one end of the fixed portion 61, bent with a predetermined radius of curvature; and a second bending portion 63, provided at the other end of the fixed portion 61, bent with a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0152] The first bend 62 is formed to extend from the fixed portion 61 to one side of the wrist 300. Furthermore, a biosensor 20 is provided, for example, on the inner surface of the end side of the first bend 62. The second bend 63 is formed to extend from the fixed portion 61 beyond the other side of the wrist 300 and the palm side of the wrist 300 to the side of the wrist 300 where the end of the first bend 62 is located.

[0153] For example, one of the ends of the first curved portion 62 and the second curved portion 63 is located radially outward compared to the other. As a specific example, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the end of the second bend 63 is located radially outward from the end of the first bend 62. Furthermore, for example, as... Figure 2 As shown by the double-dotted line, the structure can also be as follows: before applying external force to the retaining ring 51, the end of the second bent portion 63 is located radially outward from the end of the first bent portion 62, and is separated circumferentially, with the ends of the first bent portion 62 and the second bent portion 63 separated.

[0154] For example, the lengths of the first bend 62 and the second bend 63 are such that, when worn on the wrist 300 with the longest circumference (assuming the blood pressure measuring device 1 is worn), the second bend 63 is opposite to the portion of the wrist 300 where the two arteries 311 and 312 are located, and the second bend 63 is disposed on a portion of the side of the wrist 300, with the ends of the first bend 62 and the second bend 63 separated. Here, the two arteries 311 and 312 refer to the radial artery 311 and the ulnar artery 312.

[0155] Furthermore, for example, the lengths of the first bend 62 and the second bend 63 are such that when worn on the wrist 300 with the shortest circumference among the wrists 300 on which the blood pressure measuring device 1 is assumed to be worn, the second bend 63 is opposite to the portion of the wrist 300 where the two arteries 311 and 312 are located, and the first bend 62 and the second bend 63 overlap on the side of the wrist 300.

[0156] The curvature of such a retaining ring 51 is greatest at the boundary (edge) between the fixed part 61 and the first curved part 62 and at the boundary (edge) between the fixed part 61 and the second curved part 63.

[0157] The compression cuff 52 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the retaining ring 51 by double-sided tape, adhesive, or heat fusion. The compression cuff 52 is provided at least in the area of ​​the wrist 300 where the artery is located in the second bend 63. As a specific example, the compression cuff 52 is provided in the region of the retaining ring 51 along its longitudinal direction from the side of the fixed portion 61 of the first bend 62, which includes the ridge of the fixed portion 61 and the first bend 62, to the end side of the second bend 63. The compression cuff 52 runs along the inner surface of the retaining ring 51, and has the greatest curvature at the boundaries between the fixed portion 61 and the first bend 62 and between the fixed portion 61 and the second bend 63.

[0158] The pressing cuff 52 is fluidly connected to the pump 14 via a fluid circuit. One side of the pressing cuff 52 is fixed to the inner surface of the retaining ring 51. For example, the pressing cuff 52 is attached to the inner surface of the retaining ring 51 by double-sided tape, adhesive, etc. The pressing cuff 52 presses against the back of the wrist 300 by expanding, and presses the back plate 53 and the sensing cuff 54 toward the wrist 300.

[0159] The compression cuff 52 includes, for example, one or more air bags 71 and connecting parts such as pipe fittings provided in the air bags 71 and connected to the fluid circuit 24. Here, the air bag 71 is a bag-shaped structure. In this embodiment, the blood pressure measuring device 1 uses air via the pump 14, so an air bag is used for explanation. However, when using a fluid other than air, the bag-shaped structure can be any fluid bag that expands due to the fluid. The air bag 71 is formed into a rectangular bag shape that is longer in one direction.

[0160] For example, the air bag 71 has a plurality of sheet members 75 and a single intermediate sheet member 76 having an opening 76a in at least a portion thereof. The air bag 71 is fixed by the plurality of sheet members 75 and the single or multiple intermediate sheet members 76 by heat fusion or the like, thereby dividing the internal space by the intermediate sheet members 76 and forming a bag shape that is divided into two fluidly communicating chambers by the intermediate sheet members 76.

[0161] The air bag 71 is, for example, a cuff structure with ∑-shaped recesses in the sidewalls. The air bag 71 has a pair of main walls 71a in the thickness direction, which are each formed by a portion of each sheet member 75, and a pair of side walls 71b in the short dimension direction, which are formed by the short dimension ends of each sheet member 75.

[0162] The sheet member 75, for example, forms part of a pair of main walls 71a and a pair of side walls 71b of the air bag 71 in the thickness direction. In the thickness direction of the air bag 71 (radial of the retaining ring 51), the central side of the side wall 71b is recessed in a ∑ shape towards the inside of the air bag 71.

[0163] like Figure 6 As shown, when the air bag 71 provided on the pressing cuff 52 is a single unit, the retaining ring 51 and the back plate 53 are fixed to the main wall 71a. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, when multiple air bags 71 are provided on the pressing sleeve 52, the multiple air bags 71 are stacked to form a single unit, and the retaining ring 51 is fixed to one main wall 71a of one end of the multiple air bags 71 in the thickness direction, and the back plate 53 is fixed to a portion of one main wall 71a of the other end of the air bag 71 in the thickness direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, the main walls 71a of adjacent air bags 71 are fixed together by welding or the like, or are shared, and are formed with one or more openings 75a that allow fluid communication between adjacent air bags 71. In other words, as Figure 7 As shown, on the sheet member 75 that forms the opposing main wall 71a or the common main wall 71a of the adjacent air bags 71, one or more openings 75a are formed to fluidly connect the adjacent air bags 71.

[0164] An air bag 71 having a pair of main walls 71a and a pair of side walls 71b is formed by welding multiple sheet members 75 together. Here, an air bag 71 can be formed from two sheet members 75 or from three or more sheet members 75, for example, from four sheet members 75 that respectively constitute each main wall 71a and each side wall 71b. That is, the number of sheet members 75 used to form the air bag 71 is not limited.

[0165] In addition, when multiple integrally stacked air bags 71 are provided, the sheet members 75 that form the main walls 71a of adjacent air bags 71 can be welded together. Alternatively, the main walls 71a of adjacent air bags 71 can be formed from a single sheet member 75, and adjacent air bags 71 can share a single main wall 71a.

[0166] The intermediate sheet member 76 is located at the innermost part of the side wall 71b. The intermediate sheet member 76 divides the air bag 71 into two chambers (spaces) in the thickness direction of the air bag 71. In addition, one or more openings 76a are formed in the intermediate sheet member 76 to fluidly communicate between the two chambers in the air bag 71.

[0167] The sheet component 75 and the intermediate sheet component 76 are made of thermoplastic elastomers, for example. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polystyrene (TPU), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPU), thermoplastic polyester (TPU), and thermoplastic polyamide (TPU). It should be noted that TPU is preferably used as the thermoplastic elastomer for the sheet component 75 and the intermediate sheet component 76. Furthermore, the sheet component 75 and the intermediate sheet component 76 can have a single-layer structure, or they can have a multi-layer structure composed of multiple resin materials. In addition, the air bag 71 can also be laminated with a fabric after being formed from a thermoplastic elastomer such as TPU.

[0168] The back panel 53 is fixed to the wrist 300 side of the pressing cuff 52 using double-sided tape, adhesive, or the like. The back panel 53 is formed of resin material. For example, the back panel 53 is formed as a rectangular plate that is longer in one direction. It should be noted that the back panel 53 can also be a segmented structure, i.e., formed by arranging multiple small rectangular pieces in one direction. The back panel 53 has shape adaptability.

[0169] Here, shape following refers to the function of the back plate 53 to deform in a manner that mimics the shape of the contacted part of the configured wrist 300, the contacted part of the wrist 300 being the area of ​​the wrist 300 that contacts the back plate 53, and the contact here includes both direct contact with the back plate 53 and indirect contact with the back plate 53 via the sensing cuff 54.

[0170] The sensing cuff 54 is fixed to the main surface of the back plate 53 on the wrist side. The sensing cuff 54 is in direct contact with the area of ​​the wrist 300 where the arteries 311 and 312 are located, or indirect contact via a cover or the like. The sensing cuff 54 is formed into a rectangular shape that is longer in one direction. It should be noted that the sensing cuff 54 may also be a structure that contacts the area of ​​the wrist 300 where the arteries 311 and 312 are located. The sensing cuff 54 is smaller than the pressing cuff 52 in the long dimension direction. In addition, the sensing cuff 54 is the same as or smaller than the pressing cuff 52 in the short dimension direction. The sensing cuff 54 has the same shape as or is smaller than the back plate 53 in both the long and wide dimensions. The sensing cuff 54 compresses the area of ​​the wrist where the arteries are located on the palm side by expanding. The sensing cuff 54 is pressed towards the body side via the back plate 53 by the expanded pressing cuff 52.

[0171] As a specific example, the sensing cuff 54 has an air bag 81 and a flow path 82.

[0172] Here, the air bag 81 is a bag-shaped structure. In this embodiment, the blood pressure measuring device 1 uses air through the pump 14, so an air bag is used for explanation. However, when using a fluid other than air, the bag-shaped structure may also be a liquid bag or the like.

[0173] The air bag 81 is configured as a rectangular shape that is longer in one direction. For example, the air bag 81 has a plurality of sheet members 85 and a single intermediate sheet member 86 having an opening 86a formed in at least a portion of it. In the air bag 81, the plurality of sheet members 85 and the single or multiple intermediate sheet members 86 are fixed by means of heat fusion or the like, thereby dividing the internal space by the intermediate sheet member 86 and forming a bag-like shape that is divided into two fluidly communicating chambers by the intermediate sheet member 86.

[0174] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the air bag 81 is a cuff structure with ∑-shaped recesses in the sidewalls. The air bag 81 has a pair of main walls 81a in the thickness direction, each formed from a portion of each sheet member 85, and a pair of side walls 81b in the short dimension direction, formed from the short dimension ends of each sheet member 85. It should be noted that, as... Figure 8 As shown, the air bag 81 can also be a single sleeve structure obtained by welding the outer periphery of two sheet components 85 together, rather than a sleeve structure with a ∑-shaped recess on the side wall.

[0175] The sheet member 85 forms, for example, a portion of a pair of main walls 81a and a pair of side walls 81b of the air bag 81 in the thickness direction. A backplate 53 is fixed to one of the main walls 81a, and the other main wall 81a is in direct contact or indirect contact via a cover or the area of ​​the wrist 300 where the two arteries 311, 312 are located. In the thickness direction of the air bag 81 (radial of the retaining ring 51), the central side of the side wall 81b is recessed in a Σ-shaped pattern towards the inside of the air bag 81.

[0176] An air bag 81 having a pair of main walls 81a and a pair of side walls 81b is formed by welding multiple sheet members 85 together. Here, an air bag 81 can be formed from two sheet members 85 or from three or more sheet members 85, for example, from four sheet members 85 that respectively constitute each main wall 81a and each side wall 81b. That is, the number of sheet members 85 used to form the air bag 81 is not limited.

[0177] The intermediate sheet member 86 is located at the innermost part of the sidewall 81b. The intermediate sheet member 86 divides the air bag 81 into two chambers (spaces) in the thickness direction of the air bag 81. In addition, one or more openings 86a are formed in the intermediate sheet member 86 to fluidly communicate between the two chambers in the air bag 81.

[0178] The sheet component 85 and the intermediate sheet component 86 are made of thermoplastic elastomers, for example. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include thermoplastic polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate, thermoplastic polystyrene, thermoplastic polyolefin, thermoplastic polyester, and thermoplastic polyamide. It should be noted that TPU is preferably used as the thermoplastic elastomer for the sheet component 85 and the intermediate sheet component 86. Furthermore, the sheet component 85 and the intermediate sheet component 86 can have a single-layer structure, or they can have a multi-layer structure composed of multiple resin materials. In addition, the air bag 81 can also be laminated with fabric after being formed from a thermoplastic elastomer such as TPU.

[0179] The flow path body 82 is integrally formed with a portion of the edge of the air bag 81 along its longitudinal direction. The flow path body 82 is located at the end of the air bag 81 near the device body 3. Furthermore, the flow path body 82 is formed with a width smaller than the width of the air bag 81 along its short-length direction, resulting in a shape that is longer in one direction. The flow path body 82 has a connecting portion, such as a pipe connector, at its front end. The flow path body 82 is connected to the fluid circuit 24 via the connecting portion, forming a flow path between the fluid circuit 24 and the air bag 81.

[0180] A bend 55 is formed in at least two of the components: the retaining ring 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54. The bend 55 suppresses wrinkles that occur in the pressing cuff 52 and / or the sensing cuff 54 when the cuff structure 4 is wrapped around the wrist 300 and the pressing cuff 52 and the sensing cuff 54 are expanded, and controls the position where wrinkles occur.

[0181] To suppress and control wrinkles, one or more bends 55 are provided in the formed retaining ring 51, pressing cuff 52, back plate 53, and sensing cuff 54. For example, the bends 55 formed on at least one of at least two of the retaining ring 51, pressing cuff 52, back plate 53, and sensing cuff 54 are formed by openings, while the bends 55 formed on other components are formed by openings, slots, notches, recesses, or by dividing the components. Furthermore, the shape of the bends 55 can be set to various shapes, including polygonal shapes (including rectangular shapes), circular shapes, straight shapes, irregular shapes, etc. In addition, the number and arrangement of the bends 55 can be appropriately set.

[0182] The following is for reference Figures 5 to 23 A specific example of the bend 55 will be provided. It should be noted that, in... Figures 5 to 23 In addition to describing the bending part 55, the same figure may also describe the retaining ring 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54. Sometimes, multiple reference numerals are used to label a single structure. Therefore, in each figure, the shapes are shown in appropriate reduced, enlarged, or omitted manner.

[0183] For example, such as Figure 5 and Figure 22 As shown, the bend 55 is formed, for example, in the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54. As another example, such as... Figure 23 As shown, the bending portion 55 is formed, for example, in the retaining ring 51, the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54.

[0184] like Figure 23As shown, the bent portion 55 formed in the retaining ring 51 is, for example, a plurality of recesses 51b formed on the inner surface of the retaining ring 51. The recesses 51b are grooves recessed from the inner surface of the retaining ring 51 towards the outer surface. The recesses 51b extend, for example, along the short dimension direction of the retaining ring 51. The plurality of recesses 51b are spaced equally or... Figure 23 The retaining ring 51 is arranged in one direction on its inner surface at two or more specified intervals. Furthermore, the multiple recesses 51b can be of the same shape, or they can be formed with different shapes, such as width and depth. Additionally, the bends 55 formed on the retaining ring 51 can be any structure that does not impair the function of the retaining ring 51, and can be openings, notches, etc. Furthermore, the number, shape, and arrangement of the bends 55 formed on the retaining ring 51 can be appropriately set.

[0185] For example, such as Figures 5 to 7 , Figures 9 to 15 , Figures 17 to 19 As shown, the bend 55 formed in the pressing sleeve 52 is one or more openings 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76. Furthermore, as... Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the bend 55 formed in the pressing sleeve 52 can be either an opening 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76 or a recess 75b formed in the sheet member 75, in addition to or replacing the opening 76a. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 19 As shown, when the compression sleeve 52 is formed by stacking multiple air bags 71, the bend 55 formed in the compression sleeve 52 can be, in addition to or replacing the opening 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76, a single or multiple openings 75a formed in the main wall 71a of the adjacent air bags 71. Figures 9 to 15 as well as Figure 18 As shown, the number, shape, and arrangement of the bends 55 formed on the pressing sleeve 52 as openings 75a and / or openings 76a can be appropriately set.

[0186] For example, multiple openings 75a, such as Figures 9 to 13 , Figure 15 As shown, they are formed into the same shape, or as Figure 14 and Figure 18 As shown, it is formed into two or more different shapes. Multiple openings 75a are located along the long dimension of the sheet member 75, as... Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 15 as well as Figure 18 As shown, they are arranged at equal intervals, or as... Figure 11 , Figure 13 as well as Figure 14The configuration shown is arranged with two or more specified intervals. Furthermore, as... Figure 15 and Figure 18 As shown, multiple openings 75a can also be formed in a manner that is arranged in both the long and short dimensions of the sheet member 75.

[0187] The recess 75b extends, for example, along the short dimension direction on the sheet member 75. The recess 75b is, for example, a weld line formed by heating the sheet member 75 from its surface using a jig extending along the short dimension direction. It should be noted that the bend 55 formed on the pressing cuff 52 can be any structure that does not impede the function of the pressing cuff 52, and can also be a groove or notch. For example... Figure 16 As shown, a plurality of recesses 75b are arranged in one direction on the inner surface of the sheet member 75 at equal intervals or at two or more specified different intervals. Furthermore, the plurality of recesses 75b can be of the same shape or can be formed into different shapes, such as in terms of width and depth.

[0188] Multiple openings 76a, such as Figures 9 to 13 , Figure 15 As shown, they are formed into the same shape, or as Figure 14 and Figure 18 As shown, it is formed into two or more different shapes. Multiple openings 76a are located along the long dimension of the intermediate sheet member 76, as... Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 15 as well as Figure 18 As shown, they are arranged at equal intervals, or as... Figure 11 , Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 The configuration shown is arranged with two or more specified intervals. Furthermore, as... Figure 15 and Figure 18 As shown, multiple openings 76a can also be arranged in the long and short directions of the intermediate sheet member 76.

[0189] Furthermore, the number, shape, and spacing of the openings 75a formed in the sheet member 75 and the openings 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76 can be the same or different. For example, in Figure 5 and Figure 7 In the example shown, the plurality of openings 75a formed on the sheet member 75 and the plurality of openings 76a formed on the intermediate sheet member 76 are configured differently; specifically, they are staggered in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, for example, in Figure 19 In the example shown, the plurality of openings 75a formed on the sheet member 75 and the plurality of openings 76a formed on the intermediate sheet member 76 are configured in the same way. Specifically, they are arranged in the same position in the long dimension direction, with openings 75a and openings 76a opposite each other.

[0190] For example, such as Figure 5 , Figures 9 to 15 , Figure 18 As shown, the bend 55 formed on the back plate 53 is one or more openings 53a. Furthermore, the bend 55 formed on the back plate 53 can be as follows: Figure 16 As shown, there are multiple recesses 53b, which can also be... Figure 20 As shown, there are multiple notches 53c. Here, the recess 53b is, for example, a groove formed in the back plate 53. Furthermore, as... Figure 21 As shown, the bent portion 55 formed on the back plate 53 can also be configured to divide the back plate 53 into multiple small pieces 53d, and the gap between adjacent small pieces 53d when the divided small pieces 53d are arranged in one direction. Figures 9 to 15 , Figure 18 , Figure 20 as well as Figure 21 As shown, the number, shape, and arrangement of the bent portions 55 formed on the back plate 53 can be appropriately set.

[0191] For example, multiple openings 53a, such as Figures 9 to 13 As shown, they are formed into the same shape, or as Figure 14 and Figure 18 As shown, it is formed in two or more different shapes. Multiple openings 53a are located along the longitudinal direction of the back plate 53, as... Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 15 as well as Figure 18 , Figure 20 , Figure 21 As shown, they are arranged at equal intervals, or as... Figure 11 , Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 The configuration shown is arranged with two or more specified intervals. Furthermore, as... Figure 15 and Figure 18 As shown, multiple openings 53a can also be formed by arranging them in the long and short directions of the back plate 53.

[0192] Recess 53b extends, for example, along the short dimension direction on the back plate 53. Recess 53b is, for example, a groove formed by a mold during molding, extending from the surface of the back plate 53 toward the back plate 53 in the short dimension direction. Figure 16 As shown, a plurality of recesses 53b are arranged in one direction on the inner surface of the back plate 53 at equal intervals or at two or more different predetermined intervals. Furthermore, the plurality of recesses 53b can be of the same shape or can be formed into different shapes, such as in terms of width and depth.

[0193] like Figure 20As shown, a pair of notches 53c are formed, for example, in the short dimension direction of the back plate 53. In other words, a plurality of notches 53c are arranged symmetrically about a centerline along the long dimension direction of the back plate 53. Furthermore, notches 53c are formed, for example, at the edge along the long dimension direction of the back plate 53, and are arranged in one direction at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals. Figure 21 As shown, the segmented pieces 53d are arranged at equal intervals along one direction.

[0194] For example, such as Figures 5 to 7 , Figures 9 to 15 , Figures 17 to 19 As shown, the bend 55 formed on the sensing cuff 54 is one or more openings 86a formed on the intermediate sheet member 86. In addition, the bend 55 formed on the sensing cuff 54 can be an opening 86a formed on the intermediate sheet member 86 or a recess 85b formed on the sheet member 85, in addition to being an opening 86a formed on the intermediate sheet member 86 or replacing the opening 86a.

[0195] For example, multiple openings 86a, such as Figures 9 to 13 , Figure 15 As shown, they are formed into the same shape, or as Figure 14 and Figure 18 As shown, it is formed into two or more different shapes. Multiple openings 86a are located along the long dimension of the intermediate sheet member 86, as shown... Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 15 as well as Figure 18 As shown, they are arranged at equal intervals, or as... Figure 11 , Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 The configuration shown is arranged with two or more specified intervals. Furthermore, as... Figure 15 and Figure 18 As shown, multiple openings 86a can also be formed by arranging them in the long and short directions of the intermediate sheet member 86.

[0196] The recess 85b extends along the short dimension direction on the sheet member 85, for example. The recess 85b is, for example, a weld line formed by heating the sheet member 85 from its surface using a jig extending along the short dimension direction. It should be noted that the bend 55 formed on the sensing cuff 54 can be any structure that does not impede the function of the sensing cuff 54, and can also be a groove or notch. For example... Figure 16 As shown, a plurality of recesses 85b are arranged in one direction on the inner surface of the sheet member 75 at equal intervals or at two or more different predetermined intervals. Furthermore, the plurality of recesses 85b can be of the same shape or can be formed into different shapes, such as in terms of width and depth.

[0197] like Figure 22 As shown, in the sleeve structure 4 configured in this way, for example, the bent portions 55 formed on each component may be partially overlapping in the stacking direction of the retaining ring 51, pressing sleeve 52, back plate 53, and sensing sleeve 54, and staggered in the longitudinal direction of the retaining ring 51, pressing sleeve 52, back plate 53, and sensing sleeve 54. Alternatively, in the sleeve structure 4, for example, the bent portions 55 formed on each component may be staggered in the longitudinal direction of the retaining ring 51, pressing sleeve 52, back plate 53, and sensing sleeve 54, without overlapping in the stacking direction of the retaining ring 51, pressing sleeve 52, back plate 53, and sensing sleeve 54.

[0198] In addition, such as Figure 23 As shown, in the sleeve structure 4, for example, a portion of the bends 55 formed on each component may be arranged in the same position in the longitudinal direction of the buckle 51, the pressing sleeve 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing sleeve 54, so as to completely overlap in the stacking direction of the buckle 51, the pressing sleeve 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing sleeve 54, and the remaining portions of the bends 55 formed on each component may be partially or completely offset in the longitudinal direction.

[0199] Furthermore, in the cuff construction 4, for example, all the bends 55 formed in each component may be arranged in the same position in the longitudinal direction of the retaining ring 51, pressing cuff 52, back plate 53 and sensing cuff 54, overlapping in the stacking direction of the retaining ring 51, pressing cuff 52, back plate 53 and sensing cuff 54.

[0200] The strap 5 secures the cuff structure 4 against the wrist 300 and fixes it in place. The strap 5 is located at either the first bend 62 or the second bend 63 of the retaining ring 51. The strap 5 is, for example, formed in a strip shape. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the strap 5 is inserted into the ring portion 31a provided on the contour housing 31 and is folded back. The strap 5 has, for example, a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 5a with a hook on one side and a loop on the other side, which engage with each other to secure the strap 5 whose end side is inserted into the ring portion 31a.

[0201] In this embodiment, the strap 5 is provided at the front end of the second curved portion 63, and the ring portion 31a is provided on the outer surface of the contour shell 31 on the side where the first curved portion 62 is provided.

[0202] It should be noted that the strap 5 can also have a structure with a first strap and a second strap. The first strap is called the so-called mother strap and has a buckle, while the second strap is called the so-called hook strap and has multiple small holes for the buckle tongue to be inserted.

[0203] Next, an example of a power supply device 100 that supplies power to the charging circuit section 21 of the main body 3 will be described. Figure 4 As shown, the power transmission device 100 includes a power supply 101, a power transmission section 102, and an antenna section 103. The power supply 101 is, for example, an AC adapter connected to a commercial power supply. The power supply 101 converts AC power input from the commercial power supply into DC power and supplies DC power to the power transmission section 102.

[0204] The power transmission unit 102 generates AC power from the DC power supplied from the power source 101 as power transmission power and supplies it to the antenna unit 103. For example, the power transmission unit 102 generates AC power with the same or approximately the same frequency as the resonant frequency of the power transmission resonant circuit of the antenna unit 103.

[0205] The antenna section 103 is, for example, a power supply coil that serves as a power supply resonant circuit. The power supply surface of the antenna section 103 is planar. The antenna section 103 supplies power to the antenna section 211 of the device body 3. The antenna section 103 includes, for example, a resonant capacitor, and constitutes a power supply resonant circuit.

[0206] According to the blood pressure measuring device 1 configured as described above, at least two of the multiple components constituting the cuff structure 4—the retaining ring 51, the air bag 71 for pressing the cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the air bag 81 for sensing the cuff 54—have bends 55 formed therein. Furthermore, the structure employs the following: in at least two of the components forming the bends 55—the retaining ring 51, the air bag 71 for pressing the cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the air bag 81 for sensing the cuff 54—the bend 55 formed on at least one component includes an opening, and the bends 55 formed on the remaining components include openings, divisions, notches, or grooves.

[0207] Through these structures, regarding the bending portion 55, the strength of the portions where the bending portion 55 is formed in the retaining ring 51, the air pocket 71 of the pressing cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54 is lower than that in the portions where the bending portion 55 is not formed. Therefore, the portions with the bending portion 55 are more prone to bending and deformation than the portions without the bending portion 55, becoming the basis for wrinkles generated in the air pocket 71 of the pressing cuff 52 and the air pocket 81 of the sensing cuff 54. Here, when the wrinkles generated on the air pocket 71 and the air pocket 81 are mainly caused by factors such as the difference in inner and outer circumferences when the air pocket 71 expands in a bent state, and the shape of the wrist 300, the wrinkles generated can be controlled by the bending portion 55. For example, the position of the folds can be adjusted by the number, arrangement and shape of the bending part 55, so the number of folds generated in the air bag 71 of the pressing sleeve 52 and the air bag 81 of the sensing sleeve 54 can be adjusted, and the depth of the folds in each fold can be adjusted by the number of folds.

[0208] Thus, the cuff structure 4 adjusts the bending strength via the bending portion 55, thereby allowing the air pockets 71 and 81 to fold in the desired number, position, and depth. Furthermore, as... Figure 22 As shown, by staggering the bends 55 of each component along their longitudinal direction, the bends 55 can be made distinct, thereby allowing the folds to be finely dispersed. Furthermore, as... Figure 23 As shown, by overlapping the bent portions 55 of each component, wrinkles can be generated at a predetermined target position. That is, even if the bending strength and other characteristics of the sleeve structure 4 are different, the desired wrinkles can be generated by adjusting the number, arrangement and shape of the bent portions 55.

[0209] Therefore, even if the air bags 71 and 81 are formed into a cuff structure with a relatively thick thickness and a ∑-shaped concave sidewall, wrinkles can be controlled. In this way, the cuff structure 4 can prevent the space inside the air bags 71 and 81 from being cut off by wrinkles due to excessively deep wrinkles, thus stabilizing the measurement accuracy of the blood pressure measuring device 1. That is, the blood pressure measuring device 1 can suppress deviations caused by wrinkles due to the state of the cuff structure 4 when it is put on the wrist 300 and the shape of the wrist 300, and can suppress deviations in blood pressure measurement accuracy caused by wrinkles.

[0210] Furthermore, preferably, in the blood pressure measuring device 1, by setting the number, arrangement, and shape of the bending portions 55, the cuff structure 4 is intentionally bent significantly at locations with relatively large curvature, such as the boundary (edge) between the fixed portion 61 and the first bending portion 62, and the boundary (edge) between the fixed portion 61 and the second bending portion 63. This prevents wrinkles from forming near arteries 311 and 312, which are prone to reduced compression efficiency, thereby dispersing wrinkles. As a result, the cuff structure 4 can reduce stress concentration and the effects of reduced compression efficiency.

[0211] Furthermore, the components and positions of the bending portions 55, the number, shape, and arrangement of the bending portions 55 can be set to any selectable combination. Therefore, the sleeve structure 4 can control the folds by setting the bending portions 55 from the viewpoints of ease of manufacturing and cost.

[0212] Furthermore, by designing the air pockets 71 and 81 as cuff structures with ∑-shaped concave sidewalls, lateral expansion can be prevented, thus achieving higher compression efficiency. Additionally, when openings 76a and 86a are provided on the intermediate sheet members 76 and 86, lateral expansion of the air pockets 71 and 81 can be suppressed by making the openings 76a and 86a smaller; conversely, openings 76a and 86a can be made larger to prevent lateral expansion. Furthermore, the size of openings 76a and 86a can be partially changed according to the size and depth of the resulting folds. Thus, the cuff structure 4 can adjust the strength of the intermediate sheet members 76 and 86 by adjusting the shape of openings 76a and 86a, and can freely design the bending portions 55 formed on each member based on the relationship between suppressing lateral expansion and controlling folds when the air pockets 71 and 81 are designed with ∑-shaped concave sidewalls.

[0213] Next, use Figure 24 The evaluation test results of the blood pressure measuring device 1 of the embodiment will be explained. As an evaluation test, the blood pressure measuring device 1 of the embodiment and the blood pressure measuring devices (cuff structures) of Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 were expanded, and the wrinkles generated on the sensing cuff 54 were evaluated.

[0214] It should be noted that in the blood pressure measuring device 1 used for the evaluation test, multiple recesses 75b, which serve as weld lines, are provided at equal intervals of 8 mm on the sheet member 75 of the sensing cuff 54 to serve as bending portions 55, and multiple openings 76a are provided on the intermediate sheet member 76 to serve as bending portions 55. Furthermore, the sensing cuff 54 is formed of TPU, and its surface is laminated with fabric.

[0215] The blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 1 employs the following structure: On the sheet member 75 of the sensing cuff 54, a plurality of recesses 75b, serving as weld lines, are provided at equal intervals of 8 mm to act as bending portions 55; no plurality of openings 76a, serving as bending portions 55, are provided on the intermediate sheet member 76. Furthermore, in the blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 1, no fabric is provided on the surface of the sensing cuff 54; it is formed of TPU.

[0216] The blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 2 employs the following structure: On the sheet member 75 of the sensing cuff 54, a plurality of recesses 75b, serving as weld lines, are provided at equal intervals of 8 mm to act as bending portions 55; the intermediate sheet member 76 does not have a plurality of openings 76a serving as bending portions 55. Furthermore, in the blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 2, the sensing cuff 54 is formed of TPU, and its surface is laminated with fabric.

[0217] like Figure 24 As shown, when the cuff structure 4 of the blood pressure measuring device 1 of the embodiment is expanded, the wrinkles generated in the sensing cuff 54 can be evenly dispersed. Thus, in the cuff structure 4 of the embodiment, as at least one component, for example, an opening 76a of the intermediate sheet component 76 is provided as a bending portion 55, and as other components, it is combined with the sheet component 75, thereby enabling the wrinkles to be generated evenly and dispersed.

[0218] In contrast, in the cuff structure of the blood pressure measuring device in Comparative Example 1, since the sensing cuff 54 does not have a fabric laminate, it is softer than the sensing cuff 54 of the cuff structure in Embodiment 1 and Comparative Example 2. Furthermore, since the intermediate sheet member does not have an opening, the size of the folds deviates, and they cannot be evenly distributed.

[0219] Furthermore, in the cuff structure of the blood pressure measuring device in Comparative Example 2, since it has a fabric laminate, the sensing cuff 54 is harder than that in Comparative Example 1. Therefore, no wrinkles are generated in several of the multiple recesses 75b (welding lines).

[0220] The results of such evaluation tests also show that the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to this embodiment can control the wrinkles that are generated.

[0221] As described above, the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to this embodiment can control the resulting wrinkles by forming a bend 55 including an opening in at least two of the components constituting the cuff structure 4.

[0222] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, the cuff structure 4 can be any structure in which at least two components have bending portions 55. Therefore, the cuff structure 4 can be any structure having one or more air bags and one or more other components included in or stacked with the air bags. Thus, for example, the cuff structure 4 can be a structure with only one cuff, or it can be a structure that has other cuffs in addition to the pressing cuff 52 and the sensing cuff 54.

[0223] That is, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made during the implementation phase without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, the embodiments can be implemented in appropriate combinations to achieve combined effects. Moreover, the inventions included in the above embodiments at various stages can be extracted through appropriate combinations of the disclosed structural elements. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made during the implementation phase without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, the embodiments can be implemented in appropriate combinations to achieve combined effects. Moreover, the inventions included in the above embodiments can be extracted through combinations selected from the disclosed structural elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the effect obtained even if several structural elements are deleted from all the structural elements shown in the embodiments, the structure with the deleted structural elements can be extracted as an invention.

Claims

1. A cuff structure for use in a blood pressure measuring device, wherein, The cuff structure includes: An air bag that extends along its length and expands with the passage of fluid; Multiple sheet components are contained within the air bag and extend along the longitudinal direction; Each of the multiple sheet components has multiple bends, and the multiple bends are formed by multiple openings, divisions, notches, recesses or grooves that are equally spaced along the longitudinal direction. Multiple bends formed on one of the multiple sheet members and multiple bends formed on the other of the multiple sheet members are staggered in the longitudinal direction.

2. The cuff structure according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of openings are formed on one of the plurality of sheet members. The internal space of the air bag is divided by the sheet member having multiple openings. The multiple openings fluidly connect the two chambers of the air bag that are divided into two compartments.

3. A blood pressure measuring device, wherein, The blood pressure measuring device includes: The cuff construction as described in claim 1 or 2; The main body of the device is fixed to the cuff structure; and A strap is provided on the main body of the device and is used to fix the cuff structure.

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