Biological information measurement device

Abstract

A biological information measurement device for measuring biological information, the biological information measurement device being provided with: a plurality of electrodes; an electrode holding unit which is provided with a contact surface that is insulated from the electrodes and that comes into contact with the surface of a measurement target when the biological information is measured, and which holds at least one of the plurality of electrodes; and a pressing means for pressing the electrode and the skin surface of the measurement target at least when the biological information is measured. Wherein the electrode held by the electrode holding portion has a shape having a convex curved surface, and the curved surface is provided so as to protrude from the contact surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of healthcare, and specifically relates to a biological information measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] It is known to measure biological signals generated within an organism, such as electrocardiogram signals, by using electrodes attached to the surface of the organism. To accurately measure these biological signals, the contact resistance between the electrode and the organism's surface needs to be sufficiently low. Various designs for the shape of the electrode are known to address this (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2). It should be noted that the electrodes described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a structure with protrusions on a flat plate; depending on the contact method, the contact area between the flat plate portion, which is part of the electrode, and the organism's surface can vary.

[0003] In addition, in recent years, it has become common for individuals to regularly measure their own blood pressure, electrocardiogram waveforms, and other information related to their physical health (hereinafter referred to as biometrics) using monitoring devices, and to effectively utilize these results for health management. Consequently, the demand for portable devices has increased, and numerous wearable monitoring devices have become widespread.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-085629

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-036642

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-120915 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, in wearable devices and other devices used for easy personal measurement of body information, in order to obtain accurate measurements, the contact resistance between the electrodes and the surface of the body needs to be sufficiently small, as described above.

[0011] However, when using simple measurement devices such as wearable terminals, especially the electrode structures described in the aforementioned Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a problem that the contact area between the plate portion and the surface of the organism increases during biological signal measurement, resulting in unstable biological signals.

[0012] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a technique for reducing the variation in the contact area between the surface of the organism and the electrodes during measurement in a biological information measuring device equipped with electrodes.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the biological information measuring device of the present invention adopts the following configuration. That is,

[0015] A biological information measuring device is provided, which measures biological information and has the following features:

[0016] Multiple electrodes;

[0017] An electrode holding portion has a contact surface that is insulated from the electrodes and abuts against the surface of the measurement object when measuring the biological information, and holds at least one of the plurality of electrodes; and

[0018] The pressing unit presses the electrode and the skin surface of the subject being measured, at least when measuring the biological information;

[0019] The electrode held in the electrode holding part has a convex curved surface shape, and the curved surface is configured to protrude from the contact surface.

[0020] With this configuration, an electrode with a protruding contact surface is pressed against the skin surface of a living organism by a pressing unit, so that the electrode is embedded in the body in such a way that it contacts the surrounding surface of the protruding electrode. This facilitates maintaining overall contact between the electrode and the living organism. Furthermore, since the electrode holding portion, which holds the electrode and forms the contact surface with the body, is insulated from the electrode, the contact area between the contact surface and the skin surface does not affect the acquisition of the biological signal. Therefore, variations in the contact area between the electrode and the body surface during measurement can be suppressed, and a stable signal (biological information) can be acquired.

[0021] Alternatively, the electrode held in the electrode holder may have its base end side, which becomes the contact surface, supported by a base portion made of an insulator. With this configuration, the portion of the skin surface with the most body hair (where body hair is dense when the electrode is pressed) can be used as an insulator, allowing more of the electrode's surface to easily contact the skin surface, thus enabling the acquisition of a more stable signal.

[0022] Alternatively, the biometric information measuring device may be used to fix the main housing to the object being measured via a strap, at least when measuring the biometric information, with the electrode holding part disposed on the side of the main housing that abuts against the object being measured. Alternatively, the side of the strap that contacts the object being measured may be the electrode holding part. Furthermore, the strap may be the pressing unit. With this configuration, the present invention can be effectively applied to wearable measuring devices such as watch-type devices.

[0023] Alternatively, the bio-information measuring device may have multiple electrodes on the main housing, and acquire electrocardiogram (ECG) signals based on the potential difference between the multiple electrodes. Alternatively, multiple electrodes may be provided on the side of the strap that contacts the subject, and ECG signals may be acquired based on the potential difference between the multiple electrodes. Furthermore, the electrode holding section may hold a measuring electrode for ECG signal measurement and a reference electrode for determining a reference potential.

[0024] Alternatively, the main housing may have a photosensor between the measuring electrode and the reference electrode. In various types of wearable biometric devices that also measure other biometric information such as pulse waves (blood pressure), it is necessary to minimize the space required for electrode placement, and the present invention can be appropriately used in such a configuration.

[0025] Alternatively, the biological information may include a blood pressure value, and an air bag for blood pressure measurement may be provided in the strap. Alternatively, the air bag may be the compression unit.

[0026] Alternatively, the biological information measuring device may be a wearable device configured such that the main body shell is attached to the arm of the human body being measured.

[0027] Alternatively, the electrode held in the electrode holding part may be formed in any one of the following shapes when viewed from above: circular, elliptical, or oblong.

[0028] It should be noted that as long as the above-mentioned components and processes do not create technical contradictions, they can be combined with each other to constitute the present invention.

[0029] Invention Effects

[0030] According to the present invention, a technique can be provided to reduce the variation in the contact area between the surface of the organism and the electrodes during measurement in a biological information measuring device equipped with electrodes. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the biological information measuring device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic side view of the biological information measuring device according to Embodiment 1.

[0033] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the biometric information measuring device of Embodiment 1 when it is worn on the wrist.

[0034] Figure 4 This is an exterior view of the main body of the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the bottom side.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 1 viewed from the side.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the sensor substrate housing of the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 1.

[0037] Figure 7 (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the connection between the electrodes and the sensor substrate of the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 1. Figure 7 (B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the electrode components of Embodiment 1. Figure 7 (C) is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the opening of the first sensor substrate in Embodiment 1.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the biological information measuring device according to Embodiment 1.

[0039] Figure 9 (A) is the first explanatory diagram of a variation 2 of embodiment 1. Figure 9 (B) is a second explanatory diagram of a variation of embodiment 1, example 2. Figure 9 (C) is the third explanatory diagram of variation 2 of embodiment 1.

[0040] Figure 10 (A) is the first explanatory diagram of variation 3 of embodiment 1. Figure 10 (B) is a second explanatory diagram of variation 3 of embodiment 1.

[0041] Figure 11 (A) is a schematic perspective view of the biological information measuring device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 11 (B) is a schematic diagram showing the inner circumferential surface of the belt portion in Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0042] <Implementation Method 1>

[0043] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative configurations, etc. of the components described in the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0044] (Device configuration)

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the biological information measuring device 1 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 2 This is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the biological information measuring device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the bio-information measuring device 1 is a watch-style wearable device that generally has a main body 10 and a strap 20. It can measure bio-information such as pulse wave (pulse), blood pressure value and electrocardiogram waveform when worn on the wrist T of a human body. Figure 3 The diagram shows the configuration relationship between the wrist and each component of the bio-information measuring device 1 when the bio-information measuring device 1 of this embodiment is worn on the wrist T.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the main body 10 is configured to include a main housing 11 and a cuff cover 16 (described later). A display 12 (e.g., an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display), operation buttons 131 and 132, and an ear 14 are provided on the main housing 11, and a sensor substrate receiving portion 15 for accommodating a sensor substrate is also provided. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the side where the display 12 is formed is designated as the surface of the main housing 11, and the side where the sensor substrate receiving portion 15 is formed is designated as the bottom of the main housing 11. Furthermore, hereinafter, the surface side of the main housing 11 will sometimes be referred to as the upper side, and the bottom side of the main housing 11 as the lower side. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the operation buttons 131 and 132 are formed of conductors and also function as electrodes for electrocardiogram waveform measurement.

[0047] Figure 4 The image shows the appearance of the main body 10 as viewed from the bottom side. Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the main housing 11 has a central portion covered by a resin cover 151 and an area corresponding to its outer periphery covered by a cuff cover 16. At least a portion of the resin cover 151 is formed of a light-transmitting resin, and the area covered by the resin cover 151 on the inner side of the main housing 11 corresponds to the sensor substrate receiving portion 15. The sensor substrate receiving portion 15, when viewed from above, is located in the central portion of the main housing 11 covered by the resin cover 151, as shown... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, it is formed such that, when worn, the sleeve cover 16 protrudes towards the wrist T side. That is, the bottom surface of the resin cover 151 becomes the contact surface that comes into contact with the human body.

[0048] Furthermore, a first electrode 133 and a second electrode 134 are disposed at the bottom of the main body housing 11, with the contact surface exposed to the human body. Either the first electrode 133 or the second electrode 134 functions as a GND electrode during electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform measurement. When measuring the ECG waveform, the bio-information measuring device 1 is worn, the contact surfaces of the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 are in contact with the skin surface of the wearing part, and the operation button is touched with a finger from the side without the bio-information measuring device 1, thereby enabling ECG waveform measurement under lead I. It should be noted that the detailed structure of the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 will be described later.

[0049] Furthermore, although not shown, a charging terminal is also provided at the bottom of the main housing 11. By connecting the connection terminal of the power supply side device to the charging terminal, the rechargeable battery (in...) can be charged. Figure 4 (Not shown in the image) is being charged.

[0050] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first LED (Light Emitting Diode), the second LED 113, the first photodiode (PD) 112, and the second PD 121, which are mounted on the lower side (mounting surface) of the second sensor substrate 102 (described later), can be seen through the light-transmitting portion of the resin cover 151 from the bottom side of the main housing 11. These configurations will be described later.

[0051] The band 20 is configured to include, in addition to a band 21 for securing the biometric information measuring device 1 to the wrist T and a hook-and-loop fastener 25, a first compression cuff 22 and a second compression cuff 23 for compressing the artery located at the wrist T, and a sensing cuff 24 for detecting pressure pulse waves. It should be noted that the connection portions of each cuff 22, 23, and 24 to the main body housing 11 are covered by a cuff cover 16. The cuff cover 16 protects the connection portions of each cuff 22, 23, and 24 to the main body housing 11 and also functions to secure each cuff 22, 23, and 24 to the main body housing 11.

[0052] Next, based on Figure 5 and Figure 6 The internal structure of the main body shell 11 will be described. Figure 5 It is equivalent to Figure 4 A rough sectional view of section XX. Figure 6 It is Figure 5The image shows an enlarged view of the area near the sensor substrate receiving portion 15. It should be noted that... Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is not an accurate sectional view; the components have been appropriately omitted or distorted for ease of explanation. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the main housing 11 houses a rechargeable battery 191, a control board 17, a piezoelectric pump 161, a valve 162, a pressure sensor 163, and a flow path plate 164. Furthermore, a convex sensor board receiving portion 15 is provided near the bottom of the main housing 11, and a sensor board assembly 100 composed of a first sensor board 101 and a second sensor board 102 is housed within the sensor board receiving portion 15.

[0053] At the bottom of the main body housing 11, in a portion of the area where the sensor substrate receiving portion 15 is not located when viewed from above, a first connecting portion 165 is provided to connect the main body housing 11 (more specifically, the flow path plate 164 within the housing) to the first pressing cuff 22 and the sensing cuff 24, and a second connecting portion 166 similarly connects the main body housing 11 to the second pressing cuff 23. Furthermore, the first connecting portion 165 and the second connecting portion 166 are configured to be covered by a cuff cover 16, which is located in the area at the bottom of the main body corresponding to the outer periphery of the sensor substrate receiving portion 15. Additionally, as described above, the portion located at the sensor substrate receiving portion 15 is configured to be covered by a resin cover 151.

[0054] The rechargeable battery 191 can be a common secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, and can be repeatedly charged by receiving power through the charging terminal 192. Furthermore, the control board 17 is equipped with a processor (not shown) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and is responsible for the overall control of the bio-information measuring device 1. In addition, the piezoelectric pump 161, valve 162, pressure sensor 163, flow path plate 164, first compression cuff 22, second compression cuff 23, and sensing cuff 24 are components related to blood pressure measurement. The flow path plate 164 is a conductive component (metal) that internally forms a flow path for delivering gas from the piezoelectric pump 161 to each cuff.

[0055] The first sensor substrate 101 is connected to the flow path plate 164 via spring contact 181, and the control substrate 17 is also connected to the flow path plate 164 via spring contact 182. By connecting to the conductive component, the flow path plate 164 increases the GND area of ​​the first sensor substrate 101 and the control substrate 17, thereby improving noise immunity. Furthermore, for the first sensor substrate 101, the flow path plate 164 also functions as a shield against noise generated from internal devices such as the piezoelectric pump 161.

[0056] Next, the sensor substrate receiving portion 15 and the sensor substrate assembly 100 will be described. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the sensor substrate receiving portion 15 is a space protruding from the bottom of the main housing 11 toward the side that contacts the human body. Furthermore, this space houses a sensor substrate assembly 100 consisting of a first sensor substrate 101 and a second sensor substrate 102 stacked as upper and lower layers. It should be noted that the first sensor substrate 101 and the second sensor substrate 102 are connected by a conductive spring contact 105, functioning as a set of two.

[0057] In the second sensor substrate 102, two light-emitting elements, a first LED 111 and a second LED 113, and two light-receiving elements, a first photodiode (PD) 112 and a second PD 121, are disposed on the lower surface of the substrate. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first LED 111 illuminates green light, and the second LED 113 illuminates red and / or infrared light in addition to green light. Furthermore, an isolation wall 152 is provided to isolate the first LED 111, the second LED 113, the first PD 112, and the second PD 121, respectively.

[0058] On the other hand, although not shown, capacitors, amplifier circuits, and A / D (Analog-to-Digital) conversion circuits are mounted on the first sensor substrate 101. It should be noted that the first sensor substrate 101 can be a double-sided mounting substrate. Thus, by forming the sensor substrate assembly 100 into a stacked structure consisting of a second sensor substrate 102 and a first sensor substrate 101, the area of ​​the substrate when viewed from above can be significantly reduced compared to mounting all components on a single substrate.

[0059] Next, based on Figure 7 (A) Figure 7 (B) Figure 7 (C) describes the connection method between the first sensor substrate 101 and each electrode. Figure 7 (A) is equivalent to Figure 4 A simplified cross-sectional view of the YY section. Among them, Figure 7 (A) is not an accurate sectional view; it has been omitted and distorted for ease of explanation. Figure 7 (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the first electrode 133. Figure 7 (C) is an explanatory diagram showing a general outline of the lower side surface of the first sensor substrate 101.

[0060] like Figure 7As shown in (A), the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 are fixed in contact with the lower surface of the first sensor substrate 101. Furthermore, the two electrodes are configured to generate a contact surface TS (located on the bottom side of the resin cover 151) from the surface. Figure 7 The dashed line in A represents the part that protrudes towards the side of the body that is in contact with the wearer when it is worn.

[0061] Here, we will refer to Figure 7 (B) describes the first electrode 133 and the second electrode having the same configuration in more detail. The first electrode 133 is generally composed of a shaft portion 133a having a long dimension in the vertical direction on the paper and a head 133b having a curved surface protruding from the contact surface TS of the resin cover 151 that is in contact with the human body. It should be noted that the head 133b is circular when viewed from above, having a so-called dome-shaped shape. It should be noted that there are no particular limitations on the height of the protruding portion of the head 133b protruding from the contact surface TS, the diameter when viewed from above, etc., for example, it can be in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm in height and 3 mm to 7 mm in diameter.

[0062] The shaft portion 133a is formed as a cylindrical shape with an internal cavity, and a threaded portion 133d is provided on its inner wall. That is, the shaft portion 133a functions as an internal thread. In addition, a flange-shaped anti-detachment protrusion 133c is formed on the lower side of the shaft portion 133a. The anti-detachment protrusion 133c is fixed in a state of engaging with a recess provided on the bottom side inner wall of the main body housing 11, and the first electrode 133 is held in the main body housing 11. For example, such a structure can be achieved by molding the first electrode 133 into the main body housing 11. It should be noted that only the first electrode 133 has been described here, but the same applies to the second electrode 134. In this embodiment, the main body housing 11 (bottom side) corresponds to the holding portion in the present invention.

[0063] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown in (C), the first sensor substrate 101 has an opening 106, and electrode pads 107 are formed on the outer periphery of the first sensor substrate 101. Figure 7 As shown in (A), the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 are screwed onto the first sensor substrate 101 via the opening 106 of the first sensor substrate 101 and thus fixed to the first sensor substrate 101. This fixing is performed with the front end faces of the shaft portions of the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 in contact with the electrode pads 107 formed on the outer periphery of the opening 106 of the first sensor substrate 101, so the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 are fixed to the first sensor substrate 101 in a conductive state.

[0064] (Functional composition of the device)

[0065] Next, the functional structure of the biological information measuring device 1 will be explained. Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the biological information measuring device 1. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the biological information measuring device 1 of this embodiment includes functional units such as a pulse wave measuring unit 110, a blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) measuring unit 120, a blood pressure measuring unit 130, an electrocardiogram waveform measuring unit 140, a display unit 150, an operation unit 160, a communication unit 170, a storage unit 180, and a power supply unit 190. The processor of the control board 17 controls each component of the biological information measuring device 1 by reading from the memory and executing programs, thereby realizing these functional units.

[0066] The pulse wave measuring unit 110 is configured to include a first LED 111, a second LED 113, and a first PD 112. It measures the pulse wave using a so-called photoelectric pulse wave method and calculates the pulse. Specifically, it detects and measures the pulse wave by irradiating green light from the first LED 111 and the second LED 113 and receiving the reflected light reflected within the biological body by the first PD 112. This is done in conjunction with the heartbeat and the changes in blood flow (changes in vascular capacity).

[0067] The SpO2 measuring unit 120 is configured to include a second LED 113 and a second PD 121. The second PD 121 receives reflected light from red light or infrared light irradiated by the second LED 113, and the blood oxygen saturation is measured based on the intensity of the reflected light.

[0068] The blood pressure measuring unit 130 is configured to include a piezoelectric pump 161, a valve 162, a pressure sensor 163, a flow path plate 164, a first compression cuff 22, a second compression cuff 23, and a sensing cuff 24, and measures blood pressure using the so-called oscillometric method. Blood pressure measurement using the oscillometric method is a well-known technique, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0069] The electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform measurement unit 140 is configured to include operation buttons 131 and 132, a first electrode 133 and a second electrode 134 disposed at the bottom of the main housing 11, and an ECG waveform measurement circuit (not shown), measuring the ECG waveform in a so-called I-lead manner. Specifically, the ECG waveform is measured based on the potential difference between the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134, which are in contact with the wrist T of one arm in the wearing state, and the fingers of the other hand, which are in contact with the operation buttons 131 or 132, which function as electrodes.

[0070] The display unit 150 is configured to include a display 12, which displays various information such as measurement results of biological information and menu screens. The operation unit 160 is configured to include operation buttons 131 and 132, which accept user input operations. The communication unit 170 includes an antenna (not shown) for wireless communication, for example, for communication with other electronic devices such as information processing terminals via BLE communication. It should be noted that a terminal for wired communication may also be included.

[0071] The storage unit 180 is configured to include a main storage device (not shown) such as RAM (Random Access Memory) to store various information such as application programs and measured biological information. In addition to RAM, it may also include long-term storage media such as flash memory. The power supply unit 190 is configured to include a rechargeable battery 191 and a charging terminal 192, and functions as a power supply source for all parts constituting the biological information measuring device 1.

[0072] (Measurement of biological information and the effects of this implementation method)

[0073] As described above, the bio-information measuring device 1 can simultaneously measure blood pressure and electrocardiogram waveforms. Furthermore, at this time, fluid flows into the first compression cuff 22 and the second compression cuff 23, pressing the wrist T against the bottom surface of the main body housing 11. Therefore, the heads of the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134, protruding from the contact surface TS of the main body housing 11, are submerged in the skin surface. That is, in this embodiment, the first compression cuff 22 and the second compression cuff 23 are configured to also serve as the compression unit of this invention.

[0074] With this configuration, it is easy to maintain the overall contact between the heads of the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 and the living organism. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the main body shell 11, which holds the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 and forms the contact surface TS with the human body, is a resin cover 151, which is insulated from each electrode. Therefore, even if the contact area between the contact surface TS and the skin surface changes during ECG waveform measurement, it will not affect the acquired ECG signal. Thus, variations in the contact area between the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 and the skin surface during measurement can be suppressed, enabling the acquisition of a stable signal.

[0075] It should be noted that even when only electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform measurements are performed (i.e., without the pressure of the first compression cuff 22 and the second compression cuff 23), as long as the main body housing 11 is securely fixed to the wrist T by the strap 21 and the hook-and-loop fastener 25, the heads of the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 are also fixed in a state of being buried in the skin surface. Therefore, blood pressure measurement and ECG measurement do not necessarily need to be performed simultaneously. It should be noted that in this case, the tightening force of the strap 20 also functions as the pressing force for pressing the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 to the skin surface; therefore, the strap 20 is equivalent to the compression unit in this invention.

[0076] (Variation Example 1)

[0077] It should be noted that the shapes of the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 are not particularly limited as long as they have a curved surface protruding from the contact surface TS, and various shapes can be adopted. For example, the first electrode 133 (and the second electrode 134) can also be configured without the anti-detachment protrusion 133c. In this case, it is not necessary to provide an anti-detachment recess at the bottom of the main body housing 11, and for example, the base end side of the head can be bonded and fixed to the main body housing 11 using an adhesive.

[0078] (Variation Example 2)

[0079] Furthermore, the heads of the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 can be circular, elliptical, or oblong when viewed from above. Figure 9 Figures (A) to (C) are examples of such variations, showing the shape of an electrode that is oblong when viewed from above. Figure 9 (A) is a top schematic view of the electrode of the modified example. Figure 9 (B) is a schematic view of the short-dimensional side of the head of the electrode in the modified example (i.e., the part protruding from the contact surface TS). Figure 9 (C) is a schematic view of the side of the electrode head in the longitudinal direction of the modified example. Furthermore, as long as the electrode head is formed by a curved surface, it can also be configured to be close to a rounded quadrilateral shape when viewed from above.

[0080] (Variation Example 3)

[0081] In addition, the base end side of the head of the first electrode 133 and the second electrode 134 may also be made of an insulator. Figure 10 (A) and Figure 10 An explanatory diagram of this variation is shown in (B). Figure 10 (A) is a schematic side view of the first electrode 135 in the modified example. Figure 10 (B) is equivalent to Figure 10A schematic cross-sectional view of section ZZ of (A). It should be noted that... Figure 10 The dashed line in (A) represents the line where the contact surface TS is located in the main body shell 11. For example... Figure 10 (A) and Figure 10 As shown in (B), in this modified example, the first electrode 135 has a base portion 135e made of resin (i.e., an insulator) on the base end side of the head 135b protruding from the contact surface, and a portion of its outer periphery toward the center.

[0082] When the head 135b is pressed against the skin surface, the body hair on the skin surface will be densely concentrated on the basal side of the head 135b. If the contact area between the electrode and the body hair increases, it will adversely affect the acquisition of stable biological signals. However, by making the basal side (periphery) of the head 135b with dense body hair composed of an insulator, such adverse effects can be reduced.

[0083] <Implementation Method 2>

[0084] Next, based on Figure 11 (A) Figure 11 (B) describes other embodiments of the present invention. Figure 11 (A) and Figure 11 (B) is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the biological information measuring device 2 in Embodiment 2. Figure 11 (A) shows a perspective view of the biological information measuring device 2. Figure 11 (B) shows a schematic of the inner circumferential surface of the belt 60 of the biological information measuring device 2.

[0085] like Figure 11 (A) and Figure 11 As shown in (B), the biological information measuring device 2 is generally configured to have: a main body 50, which includes a main body housing 51, a control unit (not shown), an LED indicator 52, an operation button 53, a pulse wave sensor 54, etc.; and a belt 60, which includes a resin belt 69, an electrode section 61 composed of multiple electrodes 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61e, 61f, and a belt passage ring 62.

[0086] It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, the band 69 is provided with a hook and loop fastener consisting of hooks and loops. For example, the user can configure the biometric measurement device 2 on the upper left arm with each electrode in contact with the skin surface, pass one end of the band 69 through the band loop 62 and fold it back, and engage the hook and loop fastener, thereby making the band 69 into a loop and fixing it to the upper arm, so that the biometric measurement device 2 can be worn.

[0087] The electrode section 61 includes six electrodes 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61e, and 61f. Each electrode is electrically connected to the main body 50 via conductive wires (not shown) disposed inside the band section 60. Thus, the electrode section 61 functions as a sensor section for detecting electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Specifically, when the biometric information measuring device 2 is worn, two electrodes in opposing positions are paired, and ECG signals are detected based on the potential difference between the paired electrodes. That is, three ECG signals can be detected simultaneously from three pairs of electrodes.

[0088] like Figure 11 (A) and Figure 11 As shown in (B), each electrode 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61e, and 61f is circular when viewed from the inside of the resin band 69 (the side in contact with the skin surface), and is configured to protrude in a dome shape from the inner surface of the band 69. When the biometric information measuring device 2 is worn, these electrodes are pressed against the skin surface by the tightening force of the band 69, thus becoming fixed and embedded in the skin surface. That is, in this embodiment, the band 69 corresponds to the electrode holding part and pressing unit of the present invention.

[0089] It should be noted that the pulse wave sensor 54 functions as a sensor unit for detecting pulse wave signals. For example... Figure 11 As shown in (B), the pulse wave sensor 54 in this embodiment is a reflective photoelectric pulse wave sensor disposed on the lower surface of the main housing 51 (i.e., the surface that contacts the skin during assembly). The reflective photoelectric pulse wave sensor irradiates infrared, red, or green light onto a living organism and detects the light reflected within the organism using a photodiode or similar device. This allows for the detection of changes in blood flow (changes in blood vessel capacity) that occur with the heartbeat. Furthermore, based on this, measurements (estimates) of blood pressure and other values ​​can be performed.

[0090] <Other>

[0091] The foregoing examples are merely illustrative of the invention, and the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications and combinations can be made within the scope of the invention's technical concept. For example, a biological information measuring device only needs to include electrodes and circuits for measuring electrocardiogram waveforms; other functions and configurations for acquiring biological information are not necessarily required.

[0092] Furthermore, in the examples described above, the biological information measuring device is configured such that the main body housing is fixed to the organism by a strap (binding band), that is, the measuring device main body and the electrode holding part are integrated. However, the present invention can also be applied to other biological information measuring devices. Specifically, for example, the present invention can also be applied to biological information measuring devices in which electrodes are provided on a probe extending from the fixed main body.

[0093] Furthermore, regarding the pressing unit, any unit that can press the electrode relative to the skin surface is acceptable. For example, a suction cup or similar device can be used to draw the skin surface towards the electrode side, thus embedding the protruding portion of the electrode in the skin surface. Alternatively, the contact surface of the electrode holding portion protruding from the electrode can be adhered to the skin surface using an adhesive, thereby embedding the protruding portion of the electrode in the skin surface. In this case, the contact surface coated with adhesive (electrode holding portion) becomes the pressing unit.

[0094] Furthermore, as described in Embodiment 1, the shape of each electrode in Embodiment 2 can also be modified in various ways.

[0095] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0096] 1, 2: Organism information measurement device;

[0097] 10, 50: Main body;

[0098] 11, 51: Main body shell;

[0099] 12: Monitor;

[0100] 14: ear;

[0101] 15: Sensor substrate housing;

[0102] 16: Sleeve cover;

[0103] 17: Control board;

[0104] 20, 60: with section;

[0105] 21, 69: with;

[0106] 22: First press the cuff;

[0107] 23: Second pressing cuff;

[0108] 24: Sensing cuff;

[0109] 25: Hook and loop fasteners;

[0110] 52: LED indicator;

[0111] 53: Operation buttons;

[0112] 54: Pulse wave sensor;

[0113] 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61e, 61f: Electrodes;

[0114] 62: With through-ring;

[0115] 100: Sensor substrate assembly;

[0116] 101: First sensor substrate;

[0117] 102: Second sensor substrate;

[0118] 103: Threaded components;

[0119] 105: Spring contact;

[0120] 106: Opening;

[0121] 107: Electrode pads;

[0122] 111: First LED;

[0123] 112: First PD;

[0124] 113: Second LED;

[0125] 121: Second PD;

[0126] 131, 132: Operation buttons;

[0127] 133, 135: First electrode;

[0128] 134: Second electrode;

[0129] 151: Resin cover;

[0130] 152: Isolation wall;

[0131] 161: Piezoelectric pump;

[0132] 162: Valve;

[0133] 163: Pressure sensor;

[0134] 164: Flow plate;

[0135] 165: First connecting part;

[0136] 166: Second connecting part;

[0137] 191: Rechargeable battery;

[0138] T: wrist;

[0139] TS: Contact surface.

Claims

1. A biological information measuring apparatus that measures biological information, the biological information measuring apparatus comprising: a plurality of electrodes; an electrode holding portion that has a contact surface that insulates the electrodes and that comes into contact with a surface of a measurement object at the time of measuring the biological information, and that holds at least one of the plurality of electrodes; and a pressing unit that presses the electrodes and a skin surface of the measurement object at least at the time of measuring the biological information, wherein the electrode held in the electrode holding portion is in a shape of a curved surface having a convex shape, and the curved surface is provided so as to protrude from the contact surface.

2. The biological information measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a base end side of the electrode held in the electrode holding portion, which is a side of the contact surface, is supported by a base portion composed of an insulator.

3. The biological information measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the biological information measuring apparatus is used by fixing a main body case to the measurement object by a band at least at the time of measuring the biological information, and the electrode holding portion is provided on a side of the main body case that comes into contact with the measurement object.

4. The biological information measuring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the biological information measuring apparatus has a plurality of the electrodes in the main body case, and acquires an electrocardiogram signal based on a potential difference of the plurality of electrodes. wherein 5. The biological information measuring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the electrode holding portion holds a measurement electrode for electrocardiogram measurement and a reference electrode for determining a reference potential.

6. The biological information measuring apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the main body case has a light sensor between the measurement electrode and the reference electrode.

7. The biological information measuring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a blood pressure value is included in the biological information, and an air bag for blood pressure measurement is provided in the band.

8. The biological information measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the biological information measuring apparatus is used by fixing a main body case to the measurement object by a band at least at the time of measuring the biological information, and a side of the band that comes into contact with the measurement object is the electrode holding portion.

9. The biological information measuring apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the biological information measuring apparatus has a plurality of the electrodes in the electrode holding portion, and acquires an electrocardiogram signal based on a potential difference of the plurality of electrodes.

10. The biological information measuring apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a blood pressure value is included in the biological information, and an air bag for blood pressure measurement is provided in the band.

11. The biological information measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the biological information measuring apparatus is a wearable apparatus configured so that the main body case is worn on an arm portion of a human body as the measurement object.

12. The biological information measuring apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the band is the pressing unit.

13. The biological information measuring apparatus according to claim 7 or 10, wherein the air bag is the pressing unit. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 14. The biological information measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrode held to the electrode holding portion is formed in any one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and an oblong shape in plan view. ​

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