Flow path plate unit and blood pressure measurement device

Abstract

A flow path plate unit in which a flow path for a fluid is formed and which is provided with a connection part to a pump and a cuff, the flow path plate unit comprising: a first plate member in which at least a connection part to the pump is formed; a second plate member on which at least a connection portion to the cuff is formed; a film sheet disposed between the first plate member and the second plate member and provided with one or more orifices; a first thick film sheet disposed between the first plate member and the thin film sheet, having a flow path for communicating a portion of the first plate member connected to the pump and the orifice of the thin film sheet, and having a thickness larger than that of the thin film sheet; and a second thick film sheet which is disposed between the second plate member and the film sheet, is provided with a flow path for communicating a connection portion of the second plate member and the cuff and the orifice of the film sheet, and has a thickness larger than that of the film sheet.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application pertains to the technical field related to healthcare, and particularly relates to a blood pressure measuring device and a flow path plate unit for the blood pressure measuring device. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a blood pressure measuring device, a device using a sphygmomanometry method is generally known, in which, for example, a cuff is inflated and deflated which is wound around the upper arm or the wrist of a living body, and the pressure of the cuff is detected by a pressure sensor, whereby a pressure pulse wave is detected to measure blood pressure. In recent years, it has become more common that individuals themselves routinely measure blood pressure values and the like, which are information related to the individual's body and health (hereinafter, also referred to as living body information), by a measuring device, and effectively utilize the measurement results for health management. As a result, the demand for devices that emphasize portability has increased, and many portable measuring devices have been proposed (for example, Patent Literature 1 and the like).

[0003] In such a portable device, a unit in which a flow path is formed inside a plate-shaped member is used. Not only in blood pressure measuring devices, but also in wearable devices, in order to make the wearability as good as possible, miniaturization and weight reduction are required, on the other hand, in order to perform accurate blood pressure measurement, it is necessary to appropriately perform common and discharge of fluid, and it is required to appropriately (highly accurately) set the flow path resistance inside the flow path.

[0004] As an invention related to such a flow path unit, although it is different from the field of blood pressure measuring devices, an invention of a microchannel chip used in an immunochromatography method is known (Patent Literature 2). In the invention described in Patent Literature 2, by stacking a plurality of substrates and a film-shaped member, a flow path pattern is provided at each layer, and they are joined, thereby a flow path is three-dimensionally constituted, and by changing the width of the flow path provided in the film-shaped member in the horizontal plane direction, appropriate flow path resistance is achieved.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-143557

[0008] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-114229 SUMMARY

[0009] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] In the invention described in Patent Literature 2, since the flow path resistance is set by the flow path provided in the horizontal plane (XY plane) direction of the film-like member, there is a problem that the flow path resistance error caused by the manufacturing method is large. The flow path resistance error is the dimensional error of the flow path shape itself, the gap generated when the pieces are joined, the overflow of the adhesive member, the deviation of the flow path length caused by the positional deviation of each piece, and the like. In the configuration of the flow path board as described in Patent Literature 2, it is technically difficult to reduce these errors, and in the case of implementation, an increase in cost is also expected.

[0011] In view of the problems as described above, an object of the present application is to provide a technology for realizing a flow path board unit in which the flow path resistance error is small at low cost.

[0012] Solution to the problem

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present application adopts the following configuration. That is

[0014] A flow path board unit in which a flow path of a fluid is formed and which is provided with connection portions to a pump and a cuff, the flow path board unit having:

[0015] a first board member in which at least a connection portion to the pump is formed;

[0016] a second board member in which at least a connection portion to the cuff is formed;

[0017] a thin film piece disposed between the first board member and the second board member and provided with one or more orifices;

[0018] a first thick film piece disposed between the first board member and the thin film piece, provided with a flow path that communicates the connection portion of the first board member to the pump and the orifice of the thin film piece, and having a thickness that is larger than that of the thin film piece; and

[0019] a second thick film piece disposed between the second board member and the thin film piece, provided with a flow path that communicates the connection portion of the second board member to the cuff and the orifice of the thin film piece, and having a thickness that is larger than that of the thin film piece.

[0020] According to such a configuration, the flow path resistance for flow rate control can be designed as a simple hole (orifice). Furthermore, by separating the layer of the thin film piece provided with the orifice (flow path resistance for control) from the layer other than this, the flow path resistance can be managed using the performance of the orifice portion, and the influence on the performance of the pump and the valve can be suppressed to a minimum. Therefore, a flow path board unit in which the flow path resistance error is small can be realized at low cost.

[0021] Further, the first plate member, the first thick film sheet, the thin film sheet, the second thick film sheet, and the second plate member can be joined by an adhesive member. Also, the first thick film sheet and the second thick film sheet can be double-sided tape, the first thick film sheet can be joined to the first plate member on one side and joined to the thin film sheet on the other side, and the second thick film sheet can be joined to the second plate member on one side and joined to the thin film sheet on the other side.

[0022] According to such a configuration, since the first thick film sheet and the second thick film sheet themselves function as the adhesive member, it is possible to easily suppress a thickness error of the flow path plate unit. Further, it is possible to easily perform the adhesion of the first plate member, the first thick film sheet, the thin film sheet, the second thick film sheet, and the second plate member, and it is possible to contribute to the simplification of assembly.

[0023] Further, the thin film sheet can be a sheet made of metal provided with the orifice, and can be formed in a shape having a smaller area than the first plate member, the second plate member, the first thick film sheet, and the second thick film sheet. According to such a configuration, compared to a case in which the thin film sheet is formed as a sheet having the same area as the other members, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the flow path plate unit. Note that, in a case in which the thin film sheet is made of metal, it can be formed by laser processing, electroforming, or the like, according to the size and shape of the thin film sheet.

[0024] Further, the flow path plate unit can further include a film member disposed between the first plate member and the second plate member, having a thickness of the same order as the thin film sheet, and having an opening portion in a shape that accommodates the thin film sheet when viewed from above, and the thin film sheet can be disposed in the opening portion of the film member. According to such a configuration, even in a case in which the thin film sheet is formed to have a smaller area than the first plate member, the second plate member, the first thick film sheet, and the second thick film sheet, it is possible to set the thickness of the entire layer in which the thin film sheet is disposed to be of the same order as the thin film sheet. Thus, it is possible to stabilize the joining state of the members disposed adjacent to the first thick film sheet and the second thick film sheet, and it is possible to reduce the risk of gas leakage.

[0025] Further, the flow path plate unit can be configured as follows.

[0026] the first thick film sheet and the second thick film sheet are double-sided tape,

[0027] the flow path plate unit further includes:

[0028] a first film sheet disposed between the first thick film sheet and the thin film sheet;

[0029] a first adhesive sheet disposed between the first film sheet and the thin film sheet.

[0030] a second membrane sheet disposed between the second thick membrane sheet and the thin membrane sheet, and

[0031] a second adhesive sheet disposed between the second membrane sheet and the thin membrane sheet.

[0032] According to such a configuration, a complex flow path layout can be performed, and a small area of the flow path board unit can be achieved. Further, even if the thin membrane sheet has a configuration including a restriction hole forming portion and a membrane portion, flow path narrowing can be prevented.

[0033] Further, the restriction hole can be formed to have a tapered shape that widens toward a side into which the fluid flows. According to such a configuration, pressure dependence of flow path resistance caused by fluid viscosity can be reduced, and flow from low pressure to the cuff can be increased at the time of pressurization (at the time of cuff expansion), and air can not remain at low pressure at the time of exhaust.

[0034] Further, the first plate member, the first thick membrane sheet, the thin membrane sheet, the second thick membrane sheet, and the second plate member can each be formed with a notch or a hole for positioning at the time of joining. Thus, positioning error of each layer can be reduced.

[0035] Further, the present application can be applied as a blood pressure measuring device including the flow path board unit.

[0036] Note that the above-described configurations and processes can be combined with each other to configure the present application as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0037] Effects of Invention

[0038] According to the present application, a technique for achieving a fluid circuit with small flow path resistance error at low cost can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic appearance perspective view of a blood pressure measuring device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the blood pressure measuring device according to the embodiment.

[0041] Figure 3 is an explanatory view of a configuration relationship when the blood pressure measuring device according to the embodiment is worn on a wrist.

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view when the blood pressure measuring device according to the embodiment is viewed from a side.

[0043] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an appearance of a flow path board unit according to the embodiment.

[0044] Figure 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of a blood pressure measuring apparatus of an embodiment and a flow path of air in a flow path board unit.

[0045] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a flow path board unit of an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a flow path board unit of an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 9 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a flow regulating portion in a flow path board unit of an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a flow path board unit of a modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] <Embodiment 1>

[0050] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present application will be described based on the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangement of the configurations described in the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present application to only this unless otherwise specifically described.

[0051] (Apparatus Configuration)

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic external perspective view showing a configuration of a blood pressure measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Further, Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing a configuration of the blood pressure measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. As Figure 1 , Figure 2 indicated, the blood pressure measuring apparatus 1 is a wristwatch-type wearable apparatus having a main body portion 10 and a band portion 20, and is capable of measuring a blood pressure value in a state of being worn on a wrist T of a human body. Figure 3 The arrangement relationship of each configuration of the blood pressure measuring apparatus 1 and the wrist T when the blood pressure measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is worn on the wrist T is shown in

[0053] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the main body section 10 is configured to include the main body case 11 and the cuff cover 16 described later. On the main body case 11, a display 12 (for example, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display or the like), operation buttons 13a and 13b, and an ear 14, and the like are provided. Note that, in the present embodiment, the side on which the display 12 is formed is set as the surface of the main body case 11, and the side on which the cuff cover 16 is provided is set as the bottom of the main body case 11. Further, hereinafter, the surface side of the main body case 11 is sometimes expressed as the upper side, and the bottom side of the main body case 11 is sometimes expressed as the lower side.

[0054] The band section 20 is configured to include, in addition to the band 21 and the hook-and-loop fastener 25 for fixing the blood pressure measurement device 1 to the wrist T, a press cuff 22 for pressing an artery located at the wrist T, and a sensing cuff 24 for detecting a pressure pulse wave. Note that, the connection portions of the press cuff 22 and the sensing cuff 24 to the main body case 11 are covered by the cuff cover 16. The cuff cover 16 protects the connection portions of the press cuff 22 and the sensing cuff 24 to the main body case 11, and also has a function of fixing each of the cuffs to the main body case 11.

[0055] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view when the main body case 11 is viewed from the side, and shows an outline of the internal configuration of the main body case 11 of the blood pressure measurement device 1. As shown, the main body case 11 is configured to include a control substrate 17, a pump 31, a valve 32, a pressure sensor 33, and a flow path plate unit 100, and the like. Figure 4 As shown, a chargeable battery 91, the control substrate 17, the pump 31, the valve 32, the pressure sensor 33, and the flow path plate unit 100, and the like are housed inside the main body case 11. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the flow path plate unit 100.

[0056] The chargeable battery 91 can employ a general secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, and can be repeatedly charged by accepting a supply of electric power via a not-shown charge terminal. Further, the control substrate 17 is installed with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

[0057] The pump 31, which is a piezoelectric pump, for example, is electrically connected to the control substrate 17, compresses air, and supplies the air to the press cuff 22 and the sensing cuff 24 via the flow path board unit 100. As will be described later, the valve 32 is connected to the valve connection portion 102 of the flow path board unit 100, opens the air supplied to the press cuff 22 to the atmosphere. The valve 32 is electrically connected to the control substrate 17, and is opened and closed by the control of the processor. The pressure sensor 33 is connected to the sensor connection portion 103 of the flow path board unit 100, detects the pressure of the sensing cuff 24 via the air flowing in the flow path formed in the flow path board unit 100. That is, the pressure sensor 33 is electrically connected to the control substrate 17, converts the detected pressure into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the processor.

[0058] The press cuff 22 is connected to the press cuff connection portion 106 (not shown in Figure 5 ) provided on the lower side of the flow path board unit 100, is inflated by the air delivered from the pump 31, and thereby fastens the wrist T of the wearer, and applies external pressure to the artery existing in the wrist T. Further, the sensing cuff 24 is a fluid bag for detecting the pressure applied to the portion pressed by the press cuff 22, and is connected to the sensing cuff connection portion 107 (not shown in Figure 5 ). In a state where a small amount of air enters the sensing cuff 24, the pressure applied to the pressed portion is measured by detecting the internal pressure thereof by the pressure sensor 33.

[0059] (Functional Configuration of the Apparatus)

[0060] Next, the functional configuration of the blood pressure measuring apparatus 1 will be described. Figure 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the functional configuration of the blood pressure measuring apparatus 1 and the flow path of air. Note that Figure 6 the thick solid line in Figure 6 schematically shows the flow path of air flowing in each layer in the flow path board unit 100. As shown in , the blood pressure measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a control portion 40, a display portion 50, an operation portion 60, a communication portion 70, a storage portion 80, and a power supply portion 90 as each functional portion. These functional portions are realized, for example, by reading a program from a memory by the processor of the control substrate 17 and executing the program, thereby controlling each configuration of the blood pressure measuring apparatus 1.

[0061] The control portion 40 is configured to include the processor (not shown) of the control substrate 17, and is responsible for the control of the entire blood pressure measuring apparatus 1. Specifically, for example, the pump 31, the valve 32, the pressure sensor 33, and the like are controlled, and the blood pressure is measured by the so-called oscillometric method. The blood pressure measurement by the oscillometric method is a well-known technique, and thus detailed description will be omitted.

[0062] The display section 50 is configured to include the display 12, and displays various information such as a measurement result of blood pressure, a menu screen, and the like. The operation section 60 is configured to include the operation buttons 13a and 13b, and receives input operations by the user via them.

[0063] The communication section 70 includes an interface (not shown) for wired or wireless communication, and performs information communication with an external device such as an information processing terminal, for example, by BLE communication or the like. Specifically, the measured blood pressure value, pulse, and the like are transmitted to the external device, and in addition, a program for software update or the like is received from the external device and transmitted to the control section 40. The external device is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a smartwatch, or the like.

[0064] The storage section 80 is configured to include a main storage device such as a RAM, and stores various information such as an application program, measured biological information, and the like. In addition, in addition to the RAM, a long-term storage medium such as a flash memory or the like can be provided. The power supply section 90 is configured to include a rechargeable battery 91, and functions as a power supply source to each section configuring the blood pressure measurement device 1.

[0065] (Configuration of the flow path plate unit)

[0066] Next, details of the configuration of the flow path plate unit 100 and the flow of air in the blood pressure measurement device 1 will be described. Figure 5 to Figure 9 Figure 7 Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the flow path plate unit 100, Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow path plate unit 100 showing the configuration of the throttle hole (second throttle hole 196) described later.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5 , the flow path plate unit 100 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular plate shape of 40 mm in length, 25 mm in width, and 1 mm in thickness, and is provided with bosses and nozzles for connection with other configurations of the blood pressure measurement device 1. On the upper side of the flow path plate unit 100, a pump connection section 101 connected to the pump 31, a valve connection section 102 connected to the valve 32, a sensor connection section 103 connected to the pressure sensor 33, an atmospheric air opening 104, and the like are provided. In addition, an opening section 108 for avoiding interference with a not-shown member housed inside the main body case 11 is provided so as to pass through the vicinity of the center portion of the flow path plate unit 100 when viewed from above. Furthermore, in the vicinity of each of the four corners of the rectangle, screw insertion holes 109a, 109b, 109c, and 109d for the passage of screws used in the fixing to the main body case 11 are provided. Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 5 , on the lower side of the flow path plate unit 100, a press cuff connection section 106 connected to the press cuff 22 and a sensing cuff connection section 107 connected to the sensing cuff are provided.​​

[0068] Further, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the flow path plate unit 100 is formed by joining five sheet-like members, the first metal plate 110, the first thick film sheet 130, the thin film sheet 190, the second thick film sheet 140, and the second metal plate 120, in the order of the layers from the upper side. Specifically, the first thick film sheet 130 and the second thick film sheet 140 are double-sided adhesive tapes, and the first thick film sheet 130 is joined to the first metal plate 110 and the thin film sheet 190, and the second thick film sheet 140 is joined to the second metal plate 120 and the thin film sheet 190.

[0069] The first metal plate 110 is formed of a metal material such as stainless steel, and is provided with a pump connection hole 111 constituting a pump connection portion 101, a valve connection hole 112 constituting a valve connection portion 102, a sensor connection hole 113 constituting a sensor connection portion 103, and an atmospheric connection hole 114 constituting an atmospheric opening 104. Further, as shown in Figure 8 , near the corners of the first metal plate 110, positioning openings 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d that function as positioning portions when joining the layers and constitute screw insertion holes 109a, 109b, 109c, 109d are provided. The thickness of the first metal plate 110 is, for example, 0.35 mm.

[0070] Further, the first thick film sheet 130 is, for example, a double-sided adhesive tape having a base material of an acrylic foam material or the like, and is formed with a first communication flow path 131 that is an open portion and that communicates with the flow path of the thin film sheet 190, branches off the air delivered from the pump 31, a valve connection hole 132 that constitutes a flow path of the air to the valve 32, a sensor connection hole 133 that constitutes a flow path of the air to the pressure sensor 33, and an atmospheric connection hole 134 that constitutes a flow path of the air to the atmospheric opening 104. Further, as shown in Figure 8 , near the corners of the first thick film sheet 130, four positioning openings (139a, 139b, 139c, and one not appearing in the drawing) that function as positioning portions when joining the layers and constitute the screw insertion holes 109a, 109b, 109c, 109d are provided. The thickness of the first thick film sheet 130 is, for example, 0.15 mm.

[0071] The thin film sheet 190 is formed of a metal such as nickel, for example, and is formed with a press cuff connection hole 191a and a press cuff connection hole 191b that constitute flow paths of the air to the press cuff 22, a valve connection hole 192 that constitutes a flow path of the air to the valve 32, a sensor connection hole 193 that constitutes a flow path of the air to the pressure sensor 33, and first and second orifice holes 195, 196 that are open portions and that function as flow resistance, by laser processing or the like.

[0072] The first orifice 195 is a connecting hole that forms an air flow path from the first communication flow path 131 of the first thick diaphragm 130 to the fifth communication flow path 145 of the second thick diaphragm 140 described later. Since the hole diameter of the first orifice 195 is smaller than the width of the first communication flow path 131, the first orifice 195 becomes a flow resistance, and the flow rate of air in the flow path in the rear stage of the first orifice 195 is reduced compared to the front stage. The second orifice 196 is a connecting hole that forms an air flow path from the fourth communication flow path 144 of the second thick diaphragm 140 described later to the atmospheric air connecting hole 134 of the first thick diaphragm 130. Since the hole diameter of the second orifice 196 is smaller than the width of the fourth communication flow path 144, the second orifice 196 becomes a flow resistance, and the flow rate of air in the flow path in the rear stage of the second orifice 196 is reduced compared to the front stage. The thicknesses of the first thick diaphragm 130 and the second thick diaphragm 140 are formed to be greater than the thickness of the thin diaphragm 190. Thus, the flow resistance values of the flow paths formed in the first thick diaphragm 130 and the second thick diaphragm 140 are small relative to the flow resistance values of the first orifice 195 and the second orifice 196 to the extent that they can be ignored, and the flow resistance values can be set with high precision by the hole diameters of the first orifice 195 and the second orifice 196.

[0073] Here, the orifice can be a cylindrical pipe, but can also be a conical pipe that widens toward the side into which air flows. For example, as shown in Figure 9 , the second orifice 196 is formed in a conical shape that opens toward the second thick diaphragm 140 side. Figure 9 The white arrow shown in the middle indicates the direction of air flow. By forming the orifice in a conical shape, processing can be easily performed compared to a cylindrical shape, and the flow resistance value can be set by the hole diameter on the narrow diameter side of the orifice. The hole diameter of the conical shape is, for example, about 50 μm on the wide diameter side and about 30 μm on the narrow diameter side. By forming the orifice in a conical shape on a thin diaphragm, the pressure dependence of the flow resistance caused by fluid viscosity can be reduced, the flow from low pressure to the cuff can be increased when pressurized, and air can not remain at low pressure when venting.

[0074] Further, as shown in Figure 8 , four positioning openings (199a, 199b, 199c, and one not appearing in the drawing) that function as positioning portions when joining the layers and that form screw insertion holes 109a, 109b, 109c, 109d are provided near the corners of the thin diaphragm 190. The thickness of the thin diaphragm 190 is, for example, 0.05 mm.

[0075] The second thick diaphragm 140 is, for example, a double-sided adhesive tape with a substrate such as acrylic foam material, and has press-cuff connection holes 141a and 141b forming a flow path for air toward the press-cuff 22. Furthermore, a second connecting flow path 142 is formed in the second thick diaphragm 140, which connects the press-cuff connection hole 121c of the second metal plate 120 (described later) to the valve connection hole 192 of the thin film 190, forming a flow path for air discharged from the press-cuff 22. Additionally, a third connecting flow path 143 is formed in the second thick diaphragm 140, which connects the sensing cuff connection hole 122b of the second metal plate 120 (described later) to the sensor connection hole 193 of the thin film 190, forming a flow path for air from the sensing cuff 24 to the pressure sensor 33. Furthermore, a fourth connecting flow path 144 is formed in the second thick diaphragm 140, which connects the sensing cuff connection hole 122c of the second metal plate 120 (described later) to the second throttling hole 196 of the thin film 190. Additionally, a fifth connecting flow path 145 is formed in the second thick diaphragm 140, which connects the first throttling hole 195 of the thin film 190 to the sensing cuff connection hole 122a of the second metal plate 120 (described later), forming a flow path for air toward the sensing cuff 24.

[0076] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, four positioning openings (149a, 149b, 149c and one not shown in the figures) are provided near the four corners of the second thick film 140 to serve as positioning portions for joining the layers, and to form screw insertion holes 109a, 109b, 109c, and 109d. The thickness of the second thick film 140 is, for example, 0.15 mm.

[0077] The second metal plate 120 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel. Near one end in the long dimension, it has press-cuff connection holes 121a and 121b forming a flow path for air flowing into the press-cuff 22, and press-cuff connection hole 121c forming a flow path for air exiting the press-cuff 22. Furthermore, near the other end in the long dimension, it has sensing cuff connection holes 122a forming a flow path for air flowing into the sensing cuff 24, and sensing cuff connection holes 122b and 122c forming a flow path for air exiting the sensing cuff 24. It should be noted that the press-cuff connection holes 121a, 121b, and 121c constitute the press-cuff connection portion 106, and the sensing cuff connection holes 122a, 122b, and 122c constitute the sensing cuff connection portion 107.

[0078] In addition, such as Figure 8As shown, four positioning openings (129a, 129b, 129c, and one not appearing in the drawing) that function as positioning portions when joining the layers and constitute the screw insertion holes 109a, 109b, 109c, 109d are provided near the four corners of the second metal plate 120. The thickness of the second metal plate 120 is, for example, 0.35 mm.

[0079] (EFFECTS OF THE EMBODIMENT)

[0080] According to the configuration of the flow path plate unit 100 as described above, the flow resistance of the flow path can be adjusted by the first and second orifices 195, 196 formed in the thin film sheet 190, and the resistance error of the flow path can be reduced, so that a flow path with a small resistance error can be realized at low cost. Furthermore, the flow path plate unit 100 is formed by joining two metal plates and a thin film sheet with a double-sided tape in which flow paths are formed, so that the flow path can be appropriately sealed.

[0081] (VARIATIONS)

[0082] Note that in the above embodiment, the flow path plate unit 100 is formed of five sheet-like members, but it is not necessarily required to be configured in this way. Hereinafter, a flow path plate unit 200 of a variation will be described. Note that in the following description, common components to the blood pressure measuring apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 will be given the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.

[0083] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the flow path plate unit 200. Note that the appearance of the flow path plate unit 200 is substantially the same as that of the flow path plate unit 100, as shown in Figure 5 . Furthermore, the flow of air between the pump 31, the pressurizing cuff 22, the sensing cuff 24, the valve 32, the pressure sensor 33, and the atmospheric air opening 104 of the flow path plate unit 200 is also the same as in Embodiment 1. That is, the flow of air in the flow path plate unit 200 is also the same as in the flow path plate unit 100.

[0084] As shown in Figure 10 , the flow path plate unit 200 includes the first metal plate 110, the first thick film sheet 130, the thin film sheet 290, the second thick film sheet 140, and the second metal plate 120 as constituent elements, like the flow path plate unit 100. Furthermore, in addition to these sheet-like members, the configuration is such that the buffer film 250 and the double-sided tape 270 are arranged between the first thick film sheet 130 and the thin film sheet 290, and the buffer film 260 and the double-sided tape 280 are arranged between the second thick film sheet 140 and the thin film sheet 290.

[0085] The buffer films 250, 260 are each a film made of resin (PET) and have a thickness of, for example, 0.025 mm. The double-sided tapes 270, 280 each have a base material of, for example, acrylic foam and have a thickness of, for example, 0.03 mm.

[0086] Further, the buffer films 250, 260 and the double-sided tapes 270, 280 are each the same shape in plan view and are provided with the same openings. Specifically, openings that constitute flow paths of air flowing from the pump 31 to the pressurizing cuff 22, openings that constitute flow paths of the first communication flow path 131 of the first thick film sheet 130 and the fifth communication flow path 145 of the second thick film sheet 140, openings that constitute flow paths of the second communication flow path 142 of the second thick film sheet 140 and the valve 32, openings that constitute flow paths of the third communication flow path 143 of the second thick film sheet 140 and the pressure sensor 33, and openings that constitute flow paths of the fourth communication flow path 144 of the second thick film sheet 140 and the atmospheric opening 104 are provided.

[0087] Further, the buffer films 250, 260 and the double-sided tapes 270, 280 are each the same shape in plan view and are provided with the same openings. Specifically, openings that constitute flow paths of air flowing from the pump 31 to the pressurizing cuff 22, openings that constitute flow paths of the first communication flow path 131 of the first thick film sheet 130 and the fifth communication flow path 145 of the second thick film sheet 140, openings that constitute flow paths of the second communication flow path 142 of the second thick film sheet 140 and the valve 32, openings that constitute flow paths of the third communication flow path 143 of the second thick film sheet 140 and the pressure sensor 33, and openings that constitute flow paths of the fourth communication flow path 144 of the second thick film sheet 140 and the atmospheric opening 104 are provided.

[0088] The thin film sheet 290 of the present modification is constituted by orifice forming portions 291, 292 made of metal (for example, nickel). Further, a film portion 293 made of resin (for example, PET) formed so as to have substantially the same thickness as the orifice forming portions 291, 292 is disposed in the same layer as the thin film sheet 290. Specifically, the orifice forming portions 291, 292, the film portion 293 are disposed in such a manner that the orifice forming portions 291, 292 are accommodated in an opening portion of the film portion 293 in plan view, the opening portion of the film portion 293 having a shape slightly larger than that of the orifice forming portions 291, 292.

[0089] Note that a first orifice 295 is formed in the orifice forming portion 291 and a second orifice 296 is formed in the orifice forming portion 292. The orifice forming portions 291, 292 can be formed by, for example, electroforming. By forming the orifice forming portions 291, 292 (the thin film sheet 290) by electroforming, the orifice diameters can be formed with high precision, and by reducing the area of the entire thin film sheet 290, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0090] Note that since the orifice forming portions 291, 292 and the film portion 293 are different members, by providing the layers of the double-sided tapes 270, 280, the joining stability of each member and the tightness of the flow paths can be made firm. Further, by providing the layers of the buffer films 250, 260, the flow paths can be prevented from being narrowed in the Z direction.

[0091] Further, by making the flow path plate unit 200 multi-layered as in this modification example, a complex flow path can also be configured.

[0092] <Other>

[0093] The above-described examples are merely illustrative of the present application, and the present application is not limited to the above-described specific modes. The present application can be variously modified and combined within the scope of the technical idea thereof. For example, in the above-described examples, the thin film sheet is provided with two orifice holes, but the number of orifice holes is not necessarily limited to two, and can be one or more than three. That is, the flow path within the flow path plate unit can be freely designed.

[0094] Further, in the above-described modification example, as shown in Figure 10 the membrane portion 293 is formed to cover the entire area other than the thin film sheet 290 when the flow path plate unit 200 is viewed from above, and has a shape that accommodates the openings of the orifice hole forming portions 291, 292, and is disposed in the same layer as the thin film sheet 290 (orifice hole forming portions 291, 292), but it can not necessarily be such a configuration. For example, it can be a configuration in which a plurality of small membrane portions 293 are dispersedly disposed in the same layer as the thin film sheet 290, or a configuration in which there is no membrane portion 293.

[0095] Further, the fluid flowing within the flow path plate unit is not limited to a gas such as air, and can be a flow path plate unit that configures a flow path of a liquid. Further, the flow path plate unit can be used for a blood pressure measuring device other than a wristwatch type.

[0096] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0097] 1: Blood pressure measuring device;

[0098] 10: Main body portion;

[0099] 11: Main body case;

[0100] 12: Display;

[0101] 13a, 13b: Operation button;

[0102] 14: Ear;

[0103] 16: Cuff cover;

[0104] 17: Control substrate;

[0105] 20: Strap portion;

[0106] 21: Strap;

[0107] 22: Pressing cuff;

[0108] 24: Sensing cuff;

[0109] 25: hook-and-loop fastener;

[0110] 31: pump;

[0111] 32: valve;

[0112] 33: pressure sensor;

[0113] 91: rechargeable battery;

[0114] 100, 200: flow path plate unit;

[0115] 101: pump connection portion;

[0116] 102: valve connection portion;

[0117] 103: sensor connection portion;

[0118] 104: atmospheric air opening;

[0119] 106: pressurizing cuff connection portion;

[0120] 107: sensing cuff connection portion;

[0121] 108: opening portion;

[0122] 109a, 109b, 109c, 109d: screw insertion hole;

[0123] 110: first metal plate;

[0124] 111: pump connection hole;

[0125] 112, 132, 192: valve connection hole;

[0126] 113, 133, 193: sensor connection hole;

[0127] 114, 134: atmospheric air connection hole;

[0128] 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 129a, 129b, 129c, 139a, 139b, 139c, 149a, 149b, 149c, 199a, 199b, 199c: positioning opening;

[0129] 120: second metal plate;

[0130] 121a, 121b, 121c, 141a, 141b, 191a, 191b: pressurizing cuff connection hole;

[0131] 122a, 122b, 122c: sensing cuff connection hole;

[0132] 130: first thick film sheet;

[0133] 131: first communication flow path;

[0134] 140: second thick diaphragm;

[0135] 142: second communication flow path;

[0136] 143: third communication flow path;

[0137] 144: fourth communication flow path;

[0138] 145: fifth communication flow path;

[0139] 190, 290: thin diaphragm;

[0140] 195, 295: first orifice;

[0141] 196, 296: second orifice;

[0142] 250, 260: buffer film;

[0143] 270, 280: double-sided tape;

[0144] 291, 292: orifice forming portion;

[0145] 293: film portion;

[0146] T: wrist.

Claims

1. A flow path plate unit that forms a flow path of a fluid and is provided with connection portions to a pump and a cuff, the flow path plate unit comprising: a first plate member that forms at least a connection portion to the pump; a second plate member that forms at least a connection portion to the cuff; a thin film sheet that is disposed between the first plate member and the second plate member and is provided with one or more orifices; a first thick film sheet that is disposed between the first plate member and the thin film sheet, that has a flow path that communicates the connection portion of the first plate member to the pump and the orifice of the thin film sheet, and that has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the thin film sheet; and a second thick film sheet that is disposed between the second plate member and the thin film sheet, that has a flow path that communicates the connection portion of the second plate member to the cuff and the orifice of the thin film sheet, and that has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the thin film sheet.

2. The flow path plate unit according to claim 1, wherein the first plate member, the first thick film sheet, the thin film sheet, the second thick film sheet, and the second plate member are joined by an adhesive member.

3. The flow path plate unit according to claim 2, wherein the first thick film sheet and the second thick film sheet are double-sided adhesive tape, the first thick film sheet is joined to the first plate member on one side and joined to the thin film sheet on the other side, and the second thick film sheet is joined to the second plate member on one side and joined to the thin film sheet on the other side.

4. The flow path plate unit according to claim 1, wherein the thin film sheet is a sheet made of metal that is provided with the orifice and that is formed in a shape that has a smaller area than each of the first plate member, the second plate member, the first thick film sheet, and the second thick film sheet.

5. The flow path plate unit according to claim 4, wherein the thin film sheet is formed by electroforming.

6. The flow path plate unit according to claim 4, further comprising a film member that is disposed between the first plate member and the second plate member, that has a thickness that is the same as the thin film sheet, and that has an opening portion that accommodates a shape of the thin film sheet when viewed from above, and wherein the thin film sheet is disposed in the opening portion of the film member.

7. The flow path plate unit according to claim 1, wherein the first thick film sheet and the second thick film sheet are double-sided adhesive tape, and the flow path plate unit further comprises: a first film sheet that is disposed between the first thick film sheet and the thin film sheet; a first adhesive sheet that is disposed between the first film sheet and the thin film sheet; a second film sheet that is disposed between the second thick film sheet and the thin film sheet; and a second adhesive sheet that is disposed between the second film sheet and the thin film sheet.

8. The flow path plate unit according to claim 1, wherein the orifice is formed in a tapered shape that widens toward a side into which the fluid flows.

9. The flow path plate unit according to claim 1, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In the first plate member, the first thick film sheet, the thin film sheet, the second thick film sheet, and the second plate member, respectively, a notch or a hole for positioning at the time of joining is formed.

10. A blood pressure measuring apparatus provided with the flow path plate unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images