Blood pressure information measuring device

Abstract

Blood pressure information measuring device, which has: a cuff (20) which assumes an annular shape in a mounted state in which it is mounted on a mounting location; a first fluid bag (23) provided in the cuff (20) and wrapped around a proximal side of the attachment site in the attached state; a second fluid bag (24) provided in the cuff (20) and wrapped around a portion including a distal side of the attachment site in the attached state; an inflation / deflation mechanism (30B) capable of inflating / deflating the first fluid bag (23) and the second fluid bag (24); a main body (10) which is separate from the cuff (20) and in which the inflation / deflation mechanism (30B) is provided; a hose connection connecting the first fluid bag (23) and the second fluid bag (24) to the inflation / deflation mechanism (30B); an opening / closing valve provided in the hose connection and allowing communication of the first fluid bag (23) with at least one of the second fluid bag (24) and the inflation / deflation mechanism (30B) in an open state, and maintains an internal pressure of the first fluid bag (23) by preventing communication of the first fluid bag (23) with the second fluid bag (24) and the inflation / deflation mechanism (30B) in a closed state; a first pressure detection unit (33A) which is arranged on a portion of the hose connection connecting the first fluid bag (23) and the opening / closing valve, is provided and which detects the internal pressure of the first fluid bag (23); and a pulse wave detecting unit which detects a pulse wave based on the pressure detected by the first pressure detecting unit (33A), wherein the opening / closing valve is provided in the cuff (20), the portion of the hose connection connecting the first fluid bag (23) and the opening / closing valve is provided in the cuff (20), and the first pressure detection unit (33A) is provided in the cuff (20), wherein the cuff (20) further includes an outer base part (22) in which the first fluid bag (23) and the second fluid bag (24) are accommodated, the opening / closing valve is housed in the outer base part (22), the portion of the hose connection connecting the first fluid bag (23) and the opening / closing valve is housed in the outer base part (22), and the first pressure detection unit (33A) is housed in the outer base part (22).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a blood pressure information measuring device which detects blood pressure information by attaching a cuff provided with a fluid bladder to a body, and more particularly, to a blood pressure information measuring device which is configured to be capable of detecting a pulse wave as blood pressure information. Background of the state of the art

[0002] Collecting blood pressure information from a test subject is very important for determining the subject's health status. In recent years, attempts have been made to obtain cardiac load, the degree of arteriosclerosis, and the like by detecting the subject's pulse wave rather than simply measuring systolic blood pressure (hereinafter, maximum blood pressure), diastolic blood pressure (hereinafter, minimum blood pressure), and the like. Their usefulness as typical health management indicators has been widely recognized. A blood pressure information measuring device is a device for obtaining these health management indicators based on the collected blood pressure information, and its further use in areas such as early detection, prevention, and treatment of circulatory system damage is expected.Note that blood pressure information includes a wide variety of information about the circulatory system, such as various indices and the like, which indicate the systolic blood pressure value, the diastolic blood pressure value, the average blood pressure value, the pulse wave, the pulse and the degree of arteriosclerosis.

[0003] Generally, a cuff is used for measuring blood pressure information. Here, a cuff refers to a belt-like or ring-shaped structure containing a fluid bag with an internal cavity, which can be wrapped around any part of the body. It refers to a device used in measuring blood pressure information by inflating the fluid bag by injecting a fluid, such as a gas or liquid, into the internal cavity and deflating it. Note that a cuff used by wrapping it specifically around an arm is also called an armband or a "manchette."

[0004] Conventionally, since blood pressure information measuring devices are configured to be capable of detecting an index indicative of the degree of arteriosclerosis, these devices are known to utilize the fact that the transmission velocity of a pulse wave emitted from the heart (hereinafter, pulse wave velocity (PWV)) increases as arteriosclerosis progresses, and to detect an index indicative of the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the measured PWV.

[0005] Such a known blood pressure information measuring device is configured such that a cuff and a sensor are attached to two or more measuring sites selected from the four limbs, the neck and the like, pulse waves are detected simultaneously with the cuff and the sensor, PWV is measured based on the occurrence delay of the detected pulse waves and the artery length between the measuring sites, and an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis is detected based on the measured PWV.

[0006] Regarding the PWV measured in the above-mentioned blood pressure information measuring devices, the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and the carotid-femoral artery pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) are typical. The baPWV is the PWV measured as a result with the upper arm and ankle selected as the measurement sites. A device published in JP 2000-316821A is an example of a blood pressure information measuring device configured to be capable of detecting an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the baPWV. Also, the cfPWV is the PWV measured as a result with the neck and thigh selected as the measurement sites.

[0007] However, with a blood pressure information measuring device, such as the one described above, which measures baPWV or cfPWV and calculates an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the measured PWV, problems arise because the PWV must be measured after the cuff and sensor are attached to multiple locations on the body. Therefore, the device becomes relatively large and the structure of the device becomes relatively complex. Therefore, even if these blood pressure information measuring devices can be used in a medical institution or the like, the current reality is that these devices cannot ultimately be used at home.

[0008] Accordingly, a blood pressure information measuring device configured to measure PWV after cuffs are attached to various positions of the upper arm and detect an index indicating a degree of arteriosclerosis based on the measured PWV is disclosed in JP 2004-113593A, so as to allow the device to be configured compactly.

[0009] The blood pressure information measuring device published in JP 2004-113593A is configured such that cuffs are attached to different positions on the upper arm, with an air bladder for closure included in the cuff attached to the distal side and an air bladder for pulse wave measurement included in the cuff attached to the proximal side, and a pulse wave is detected using the air bladder for pulse wave measurement in the state where the artery is occluded, the air bladder being used for occlusion, the PWV is measured based on the time delay at which the peak value of an ejected wave component and the peak value of a reflected wave component included in the detected pulse wave occur, and the artery length between the different positions of the upper arm,in which the cuffs are attached, is measured, and an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the measured PWV is displayed. Here, an ejection wave is the pulse wave transmitted from the proximal side to the portion of the artery to which the air bladder for pulse wave measurement is attached, and a reflected wave is the pulse wave transmitted from the distal side to the portion of the artery to which the air bladder for pulse wave measurement is attached, as a result of the ejection wave being reflected at the portion to which the air bladder for occlusion is attached.

[0010] However, since two cuffs are still needed to be attached even in the blood pressure information measuring device published in the above-mentioned JP 2004-113593A, it cannot be said that sufficient miniaturization has been achieved, and further miniaturization is needed to use the device at home.

[0011] In view of this, a blood pressure information measuring device configured to measure PWV after a single cuff is attached to the upper arm and to acquire an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the measured PWV is disclosed in JP 2007-044362A, so as to allow the device to be used at home.

[0012] The blood pressure information measuring device published in JP 2007-044362A is configured such that a large-volume air bladder for blood pressure measurement and two small-volume air bladders for pulse wave measurement are contained in a cuff wrapped around the upper arm. In the attached state, one of the air bladders for pulse wave measurement is arranged on the proximal side of the air bladder for blood pressure measurement, and the other air bladder for pulse wave measurement is arranged on the distal side of the air bladder for blood pressure measurement. Blood pressure values ​​are measured using the air bladder for blood pressure measurement, and the PWV is measured based on the occurrence of the time delay of the pulse waves detected using the two air bladders for pulse wave measurement and the distance between these two air bladders for pulse wave measurement, and an index,which indicates the degree of arteriosclerosis, is recorded based on the measured PWV.

[0013] However, in the blood pressure information measuring device disclosed in the above-mentioned JP 2007-044362A, there is a problem that, since the device is configured to detect the pulse wave using two air bladders for pulse wave measurement without occluding the artery included in the cuff attachment site, the reflected wave from the artery positioned on the distal side of the attachment site is superimposed on the detected pulse wave, thereby making it difficult to properly separate the reflected wave and resulting in a significant decrease in PWV measurement accuracy. Accordingly, in the case where the blood pressure information measuring device is configured as disclosed in JP 2007-044362A, it is difficult to increase the accuracy of the index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis that is detected.

[0014] The blood pressure information measuring devices that solve all the above-mentioned problems have achieved miniaturization of the device to an extent that allows home use, and, moreover, can measure PWV with high accuracy, which enables an index of the degree of arteriosclerosis to be displayed as a result to be detected with high accuracy, and are published, for example, in JP 2009-284965A and JP 2009-284966A.

[0015] The blood pressure information measuring devices published in JP 2009-284965A and JP 2009-284966A are configured such that a single cuff is attached to the upper arm, with a large-volume air bladder for blood pressure measurement and a small-volume air bladder for pulse wave measurement contained in the cuff, and in the attached state, the air bladder for pulse wave measurement is arranged on the proximal side of an attachment site, while the air bladder for blood pressure measurement is arranged on the distal side of an attachment site, the blood pressure values ​​are determined with the air bladder for blood pressure measurement, and a pulse wave is detected using the air bladder for pulse wave measurement while maintaining a state in which the artery is occluded using the air bladder for blood pressure measurement, and the PWV is measured.Based on the time delay between the peak value of an ejection wave component and the peak value of a reflected wave component included in the detected pulse wave, and the artery length from the heart (more specifically, the branch of the subclavian artery) to the branch of the iliac or iliac artery, an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis is determined based on the measured PWV. Here, an ejection wave is the pulse wave transmitted directly from the heart to the portion of the artery to which the air bladder for pulse wave measurement is attached, and a reflected wave is the pulse wave transmitted to the portion of the artery to which the air bladder for pulse wave measurement is attached as a result of the ejection wave being reflected at the branch of the iliac artery.

[0016] In the blood pressure information measuring devices disclosed in JP 2009-284965A and JP 2009-382966A, since a configuration is adopted in which a single cuff is attached to the upper arm and an air bladder for blood pressure value measurement and an air bladder for pulse wave measurement are included in a single cuff, and since the device can be miniaturized compared with the conventional technology, and the air bladder for blood pressure value measurement can also be used as a cuff for occluding an artery, the pulse wave measurement can be performed in a state in which the distal side is occluded, which enables the PWV to be measured with high accuracy without the possibility that the reflected wave from an artery positioned on the distal side of the measurement site is superimposed on the pulse wave being detected.The blood pressure information measuring devices disclosed in JP 2009-284965A and JP 2009-284966A may also be configured to inflate the air bladder for blood pressure value measurement and the air bladder for pulse wave measurement simultaneously or selectively using a single inflation pump, in which case further miniaturization of the device and simplification of the structure of the device are also achieved.

[0017] Accordingly, when a blood pressure information measuring device as described in JP 2009-284965A and JP 2009-284966A is applied, miniaturization of the device and simplification of the structure of the device are achieved to an extent that enables home use, and furthermore, PWV can be measured with high accuracy, enabling an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis to be detected with high accuracy as a result.

[0018] Note that JP 2009-284965A and JP 2009-284966A also describe enabling to detect an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the difference, ratio, or the like of an amplitude of the ejection wave component and an amplitude of the reflected wave component included in the detected pulse wave, besides the above-mentioned detection of an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the PWV.

[0019] Also in addition to JP 2009-284965A and JP 2009-284966A, JP 2004-195071A and JP 2007-522857A preferably describe applying a compressive force higher than the maximum blood pressure to an artery when a pulse wave is detected, and performing various kinds of pulse wave analysis based on the pulse wave detected in this state, provided that differences appear in the shape of the pulse waves detected in the case where the compressive force at the time of compressing an artery differs. Citation listPatent literature Patent Literature 1 JP 2000-316821A Patent Literature 2 JP 2004-113593A Patent Literature 3 JP 2007-044362A Patent Literature 4 JP 2009-284965A Patent Literature 5 JP 2009-284966A Patent Literature 6 JP 2004-195071A Patent Literature 7 JP 2007-522857A

[0020] US 2004 / 0 064 055 A1 describes an apparatus for assessing the degree of arteriosclerosis in a living being. It comprises a pulse wave detection device worn on a first body part and a pressure device worn on a second, distal body part to restrict blood flow. A device for obtaining arteriosclerosis-related information acquires data based on the peak points of incident and reflected wave components of a pulse wave detected in the state of restricted blood flow.

[0021] WO 2009 / 145027 A1 describes a blood pressure monitor equipped with a first and a second fluid bag. It has sensors for measuring the internal pressure of the bags, a control unit for calculating an index for determining the degree of arteriosclerosis, and an adjustment unit for pressure regulation. The device measures pulse waves to calculate arteriosclerosis-related indices. Summary of the inventionTechnical problem

[0022] Incidentally, even in the case where the blood pressure information measuring devices disclosed in the above-mentioned JP 2009-284965A and JP 2009-284966A are applied, since the fluctuation in the pulse wave to be detected is extremely small, it is imperative that the device be configured so that the signal-to-noise (S / N) ratio of the pulse wave signal detected and outputted with a pressure sensor is sufficiently increased. Here, in the case where the S / N ratio of the pulse wave signal cannot be maintained high enough, the pulse wave can no longer be detected with high accuracy, which naturally results in the index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis, which can be obtained by analyzing the detected pulse wave, no longer being able to be detected with high accuracy.

[0023] Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a blood pressure information measuring device capable of measuring a pulse wave with high accuracy. Solution to the problem

[0024] A blood pressure information measuring device based on the present invention is provided with: a cuff, a first fluid bag, a second fluid bag, an inflation / deflation mechanism, a tubing system, an opening / closing valve, a first pressure detection unit, and a pulse wave detection unit. The cuff assumes an annular shape in a fastened state in which it is attached to an attachment site. The first fluid bag is provided in the cuff and is wrapped around a proximal side of the attachment site in the fastened state. The second fluid bag is provided in the cuff and is wrapped around a portion including a distal side of the attachment site in the fastened state. The inflation / deflation mechanism is capable of inflating / deflating the first fluid bag and the second fluid bag.The hose connection connects the first air bag and the second air bag of the inflation / deflation mechanism. The opening / closing valve is provided in the hose connection and allows communication of the first fluid bag with at least one of the second fluid bag and the inflation / deflation mechanism in an open state, and maintains an internal pressure of the first fluid bag by preventing communication of the first fluid bag with the second fluid bag and the inflation / deflation mechanism in a closed state. The first pressure detection unit is provided on a portion of the hose connection by connecting the first fluid bag and the opening / closing valve, and detects the internal pressure of the first fluid bag. The pulse wave detection unit detects a pulse wave based on the pressure detected by the first pressure detection unit.Here, the opening / closing valve is provided in the cuff, the portion of the tube connection connecting the first fluid bag and the opening / closing valve is also provided in the cuff, and the first pressure detecting unit is also provided in the cuff.

[0025] In the blood pressure information measuring device based on the present invention, preferably, the tube connection includes a tube connection portion connecting the inflation / deflation mechanism and the second fluid bag, and a second tube connection portion branching from the first tube connection portion and connecting the first tube connection portion and the first fluid bag. In this case, the opening / closing valve may be configured by a 2-port valve provided in the second tube connection portion, or may be configured by a 3-port valve provided at a connection point of the first tube connection portion and the second tube connection portion.

[0026] The blood pressure information measuring device based on the present invention is preferably provided with a second pressure detecting unit that detects an internal pressure of the second fluid bag and a blood pressure value detecting unit that detects a blood pressure value based on the pressure detected by the second pressure detecting unit.

[0027] In the blood pressure information measuring device based on the present invention, the second fluid bag may cover an outer side of the first fluid bag so as to be wrapped around substantially an entirety of the attachment site in the attached state, or may be arranged along the first fluid bag in an axial direction of the cuff so as to be wrapped around only a partial portion of the proximal side of the attachment site in the attached state.

[0028] In the blood pressure information measuring device based on the present invention, the cuff further includes an outer body in which the first fluid bag and the second fluid bag are housed, in which case the opening / closing valve is housed in an outer body, the portion of the hose connection connecting the first fluid bag and the opening / closing valve is also housed in the outer body, and the first pressure detecting unit is also housed in the outer body.

[0029] The blood pressure information measuring device based on the present invention may further be equipped with a main body that is separate from the cuff and in which the inflation / deflation mechanism is provided. In this case, the cuff and the main body may be connected via a hose connection portion, and the hose connection portion connecting the cuff and the main body may be constructed of a flexible hose, or the cuff and the main body may be rotatably coupled.

[0030] The blood pressure information measuring device based on the present invention may further be equipped with a curved elastic plate provided in the cuff and positioned on an outer side of the first fluid bag and the second fluid bag in the attached state, and a third fluid bag provided in the cuff is positioned on an outer side of the curved elastic plate in the attached state.

[0031] The blood pressure information measuring device based on the present invention is preferably further equipped with an index calculating unit that calculates an index indicating a degree of arteriosclerosis based on the pulse wave detected by the pulse wave detecting unit. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0032] According to the present invention, a blood pressure information measuring device capable of measuring a pulse wave with high accuracy can be realized. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective diagram showing an external structure of a blood pressure information measuring device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a structural view of the cuff shown in Fig. 1 as seen from an outer peripheral surface side. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cuff shown in Fig. 1, cut along a plane orthogonal to an axial direction. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cuff shown in Fig. 1, cut along a plane parallel to the axial direction. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of the functional blocks of the blood pressure information measuring device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the measuring operations of the blood pressure information measuring device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the cuff used in Fig. 1 is attached to the upper arm. Fig. 8(A) and Fig. 8(B) are graphs showing the change in pressure of an air bladder for pulse wave measurement and an air bladder for blood pressure value measurement during the measuring operations of the blood pressure information measuring device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of the functional blocks of a blood pressure information measuring device according to a first modification based on Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a development view of a cuff of a blood pressure information measuring device according to a second modification based on Embodiment 1 of the present invention, as viewed from an outer peripheral surface side. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an external structure of a blood pressure information measuring device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing an external structure of the blood pressure information measuring device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cuff shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, cut along a plane orthogonal to the axial direction. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cuff shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, cut along a plane parallel to the axial direction. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of the functional blocks of the blood pressure information measuring device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing measuring operations of the blood pressure information measuring device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the cuff shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, is attached to the upper arm. Description of the embodiments

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the embodiments shown below, a blood pressure information measuring device having both a function of detecting blood pressure values ​​such as maximum blood pressure and minimum blood pressure and displaying these detected values, as well as a function of detecting a pulse wave, detecting an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis, and displaying the detected index, is presented as an exemplary blood pressure information measuring device.Embodiment 12 shown below is an example of the case where the present invention is applied to a blood pressure information measuring device configured by a separate main body and a cuff, the main body and the cuff being connected via a flexible tube, and Embodiment 2 shown below is an example of the case where the present invention is applied to a blood pressure information measuring device configured by a separate main body and a cuff, the main body and the cuff being movably coupled. Note that in the embodiments shown below, the same or equivalent portions are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated. Embodiment 1

[0034] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an external structure of the blood pressure information measuring device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a structural view of the cuff shown in Fig. 1 as viewed from an outer peripheral surface side. Also, Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of the cuff, which in Fig. 1, cut along a plane orthogonal to the axial direction, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cuff shown in Fig. 1, cut along a plane parallel to the axial direction. Here is the cross section shown in Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion not including an air bladder for pulse wave measurement, which will be described later. First, the configuration of a blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the present embodiment will be described with reference to this Fig. 1 to 4.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 1, the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the present invention is provided with a main body 10, a cuff 20, a connecting cable 60, and a tube 70. The main body 10 has a box-like casing 11, and a display unit 42 and an operation unit 43 are provided on an upper surface thereof. The main body 10 is placed for use on a placement surface such as a table at the time of measurement. The cuff 20 has a belt-like shape that can be wrapped around an upper arm, which serves as a fastening site, and is covered with an outer cover 21 serving as an outer body. The cuff 20 is fastened for use by being wrapped around the upper arm at the time of measurement. Note that the connecting cable 50 and the tube 70 respectively connect the separately constructed main body 10 and the cuff 20.

[0036] As in Fig. 2 to 4, the cuff 20 is mainly provided with the above-mentioned outer cover 21, a small-volume air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement as a first fluid bag, a large-volume air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement as a second fluid bag, a winding member 26 as a bent elastic plate, and a damping material 28 as a vibration damping member.

[0037] As in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 4, the outer cover 21 is a bag-shaped member formed by laying an inner cover 21a, which will contact the upper arm surface in the attached state, and an outer cover 21B, positioned on the outermost side in the attached state, one on top of the other, and joining the peripheral edges thereof (e.g., by stitching, welding). The air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, the cushioning material 28, the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement, and the winding member 26 are sequentially layered in the specified order from the inner side and accommodated in the inner space of the outer cover 21.

[0038] As in Fig. 1 to 3, surface fastening members 29A and 29B are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cover 21 near one end in the longitudinal direction and the inner peripheral surface near the other end, respectively. Here, the surface fastening member 29A is composed of, for example, a hook fastening member, and the surface fastening member 29B is composed of, for example, a loop fastening member. These surface fastening members 29A and 29B are fastened by wrapping the outer cover 21 around the upper arm and placing the portion near one end of the outer cover 21 and the portion near the other end one above the other on the surface of the upper arm. The cuff 20 is thereby securely fastened to the upper arm. That is, the surface fastening members 29A and 29B are equivalent to the fastening portions at the time of fastening the cuff 20 on the upper arm.

[0039] As the inner cover 21a of the outer cover 21, it is preferable to use a member sufficiently rich in elasticity so that the compression force applied to the upper arm by expanding the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement is not hindered by the inner cover 21a. Regarding the outer cover 21b of the outer cover 21, on the other hand, a member having no elasticity compared with the inner cover 21a is used. From such a viewpoint, a fabric or the like made of a synthetic fiber such as polyamide (PA) or polyester, whose elasticity can be adjusted comparatively easily, is used for the outer cover 21.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement consists of a bag-shaped member, which is preferably formed using a plastic film, and has an inner peripheral portion 23a positioned on the inside in the attached state, an outer peripheral portion 23b positioned outside in the attached state, and an inner cavity 23c defined by the inner peripheral portion 23a and the outer peripheral portion 23b. A bag-shaped member formed by superimposing two plastic films, for example, one over the other, and welding the peripheral edges thereof can be used as the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement. The inner cavity 23c of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement is provided with an inflation pump 31B and an exhaust valve 32B (see Fig. 5), which will be discussed later, are connected via a first hose connection section L1 and a second hose connection L2 (see Fig. 5), which will be discussed later, and inflation / deflation is performed by the inflation pump 31B and the exhaust valve 32B. Note that, in order to achieve the proper compression force to be applied to the upper arm, a member obtained by a gusset formed on a side portion thereof in the width direction can be used as the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement.

[0041] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement consists of a bag-shaped member, which is preferably formed using a plastic film, and has an inner peripheral portion 24a positioned on the inner side in the attached state, an outer peripheral portion 24b attached outside in the attached state, and an inner cavity 24c defined by the inner peripheral portion 24a and the outer peripheral portion 24b. A bag-shaped member formed, for example, by superimposing two plastic films one on top of the other and welding the peripheral edges thereof can be used as the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement. The inner cavity 24c of the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement is connected to the inflation pump 31B and the discharge valve 32B (see Fig. 5), which will be discussed later, are connected via the first hose connection section L1 (see Fig. 5), which will be discussed later, and inflation / deflation is performed by the inflation pump 31B and the exhaust valve 32B. Note that, in order to achieve the proper compression pressure to be applied to the upper arm, a member obtained by a gusset formed in a side portion thereof in the width direction can be used as the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement.

[0042] Note that for the material of the plastic sheets constituting the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement, any material that is rich in elasticity and does not allow air to escape from the internal cavity after being fused can be used. From this point of view, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), polyamide (PA), raw rubber, and the like are given as preferable materials for the plastic sheet.

[0043] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement is arranged to be positioned over substantially an entirety of the cuff 20 in the width direction. On the other hand, the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement is arranged to be positioned only on one edge side of the cuff 20 in the width direction. Here, the edge of the cuff 20 in the width direction on the side where the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement is arranged is the edge located on the proximal side in the attached state, and thus, the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement in the attached state is wrapped only around the proximal side of the upper arm serving as the attachment site.On the other hand, the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement in the attached state is wrapped over the entire upper arm serving as the attachment site, including the proximal side and the distal side. Here, since the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement is superimposed on the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement so as to be positioned on the inner side of the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement in the attached state, the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement will also cover the outer side of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement on the upper one edge side of the cuff 20 in the width direction.

[0044] The air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement preferably has a smaller volume than the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement, and more preferably, the air volume of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement is no more than one-fifth of the air volume of the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement. As an example, the dimension of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement is approximately 20 mm x 200 mm, and the dimension of the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement is approximately 90-105 mm x 200 mm.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 4, the damping material 28 is arranged between the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement so that they are arranged one above the other. The damping material 28 serves to ensure that vibrations generated in the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement are not mutually transmitted, and a sponge member such as a urethane sheet is preferably used. This damping material 28 has the same dimension as the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement or is slightly larger than the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement.

[0046] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 4, the winding member 26 consists of a flexible member configured to be elastically deformable in the diametrical direction by being circularly wound, and has notches extending in the axial direction at prescribed positions in the circumferential direction. As a result of these notches, the winding member 26 is elastically deformed, stretchable in the diametrical direction by an external force applied. That is, although it deforms in the diametrical direction under the application of an external force, the winding member 26 restores its original state in the case where the external force is removed. The winding member 26 is thereby configured to follow the contours of the upper arm by maintaining its annular shape.Also, the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement is fixed by being adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the winding member 26 via an adhesive member such as double-sided tape, not shown. This winding member 26 serves to facilitate the subject's attachment of the cuff 20 to the upper arm and to bias the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement and the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement toward the upper arm side in the state where the cuff 20 is attached to the upper arm. Note that the winding member 26 is formed of, for example, a plastic member such as polypropylene (PP) so as to have sufficient elastic force.

[0047] As in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, a cover 27 is provided at a prescribed position on the outer peripheral surface side of the cuff 20. The cover 27 is made of a hard plastic member such as ABS plastic and has a box-like shape open at the bottom. The cover 27 is fixed to a prescribed position on the outer peripheral surface of the above-mentioned winding member 26, and thereby, an accommodation space is defined by the cover 27 and the portion of the winding member 26 opposite to the cover 27. The ends of the above-mentioned connecting cable 60 and the hose 70 on the cuff 20 side are respectively drawn into this accommodation space, and a pressure sensor 33A and a 2-port valve 50, which will be discussed later, are also accommodated therein.

[0048] Fig. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of functional blocks of the blood pressure information measuring device in the present embodiment. Next, with reference to this Fig. 5 describes the configuration of the functional blocks of the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the present invention.

[0049] As in Fig. 5, the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the present embodiment basically has, in addition to the aforementioned air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, an air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement, a display part 42 and an operation part 43, the pressure sensor 33A as a first pressure detecting part, an inflation pump 31B and an exhaust valve 32B as an inflation / deflation mechanism 30B, a pressure sensor 33B as a second pressure detecting unit, a central processing unit (CPU) 40 as a control part, a storage unit 41 as a storage device, a first tube connection part L1 and a second tube connection part L2 as a tube connection, and the 2-port valve 50 as an opening / closing valve.Of these, the inflation pump 431B, the outlet valve 32B, the pressure sensor 33B, the CPU 40, the storage unit 41, and a portion of the first hose connection portion L1 are provided in the main body 10, and the pressure sensor 33A, a portion of the first hose connection portion L1, the second hose connection portion L2, and the 2-port valve 50 are provided in the cuff 20.

[0050] The inflation pump 31b and the exhaust valve 32B, which serve as the inflation / deflation mechanism 30B, are for inflating / deflating the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement. The driving of the inflation pump 31b is controlled by an inflation pump driving circuit 36B that receives a command from the CPU 40, and the inflation pump 31B inflates the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement by introducing compressed air into the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement.The driving of the exhaust valve 32B is controlled by an exhaust valve driving circuit 37B that receives a command from the CPU 40. The exhaust valve 32 maintains the internal pressure of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement in a closed state, and discharges the internal pressure of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement by discharging the air in the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement in an open state. Note that the above-mentioned inflation pump driving circuit 36B and the exhaust valve driving circuit 37B are also provided in the main body 10, similar to the inflation pump 31B and the exhaust valve 32B.

[0051] The pressure sensor 33a is used to detect the internal pressure of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement. The pressure sensor 33a detects the internal pressure of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and outputs a signal depending on the detected internal pressure to an amplifier 38A. The amplifier 38A amplifies the signal input from the pressure sensor 33A and outputs the amplified signal to an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 39a. The A / D converter 39A converts the amplification input from the amplifier 38A from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputs the converted digital signal to the CPU 40. Note that the above-mentioned amplifier 38A and the A / D converter 39A are also provided in the cuff 20, similarly to the pressure sensor 33A.

[0052] The pressure sensor 33B is used to detect the internal pressure of the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement. The pressure sensor 33B detects the internal pressure of the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement and outputs a signal depending on the detected internal pressure to an amplifier 38B. The amplifier 38B amplifies the signal input from the pressure sensor 33B and outputs the amplified signal to an A / D converter 39B. The A / D converter 39B converts the amplified signal input from the amplifier 38B from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputs the converted digital signal to the CPU 40. Note that the above-mentioned amplifier 38B and the A / D converter 39B are also provided in the main body 10, similarly to the pressure sensor 33B.

[0053] The first hose connection portion L1 connects the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement, the inflation pump 31B, the exhaust valve 32B, and the pressure sensor 33B. A portion of the first hose connection portion L1 is equivalent to the flexible hose 70 connecting the above-mentioned main body 10 and the cuff 20.

[0054] The second hose connection portion L2 branches from a prescribed position to the first hose connection portion L1 and connects the first hose connection portion L1, the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, and the pressure sensor 33A. The air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement is thereby mainly connected to the inflation pump 31B and the exhaust valve 32B via the first hose connection portion L1 and the second hose connection portion L2, and is connected to the pressure sensor 33A via the second hose connection portion L2.

[0055] The 2-port valve 50 is provided at a prescribed position of the second tube connection portion L2. The driving of the 2-port valve 50 is controlled by a 2-port valve driving circuit 51 that receives a command from the CPU 40. The 2-port valve 50 allows communication between the first tube connection portion L1 and the pulse wave measurement air bladder 23 in an open state and maintains the internal pressure of the pulse wave measurement air bladder 23 by preventing communication between the first tube connection portion L1 and the pulse wave measurement air bladder 23 in a closed state. Note that the above-mentioned 2-port valve driving circuit 51 is provided in the cuff 20, similar to the 2-port valve 50.

[0056] The operation unit 43 is for receiving user operations and outputting the received operations to the CPU 40, and is constructed, for example, of push buttons or the like. The display unit 42 is for displaying an operating state of the blood pressure information measuring device 1A, information such as the measurement results of blood pressure values ​​and the measurement results of an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis output by the CPU 40 after measurement, and the like, and is constructed, for example, of a liquid crystal display (LCD). The storage unit 41 is for storing programs executed by the CPU 40, information such as the above measurement results, and the like, and is constructed, for example, of a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (EOM).

[0057] The CPU 40 is responsible for controlling the entire operation of the blood pressure information measuring device 1A, and receives inputs from the operation unit 43 and the storage unit 41 and outputs a variety of information to the display unit 42 and the storage unit 41. Also, the CPU 40 receives input information about the pressure detected by the pressure sensors 33A and 33B, and generates and outputs signals for driving the inflation pump 31B, the discharge valve 32B, and the two-port valve 50.In addition, the CPU 40 functions as a blood pressure value detection unit that calculates and detects blood pressure values ​​based on the pressure information input from the pressure sensor 33B, and also functions as a pulse wave detection unit that detects and detects a pulse wave based on the pressure information input from the pressure sensor 33A, and additionally as an index calculation unit that calculates an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the detected pulse wave.

[0058] The description of a specific technique for calculating blood pressure values ​​with the CPU 40 is omitted here because a known blood pressure value calculation technique, such as the oscillometric method, is applicable. Likewise, the description of a specific technique for calculating an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis with the CPU 40 is omitted here because known techniques, such as a technique for calculating an index based on the round-trip time of the reflected wave (Tr; also expressed as ΔTp) of an obtained pulse waveform or a technique for calculating an index based on the augmentation index (AI) of an obtained pulse waveform, are applicable.

[0059] Please note that the connecting cable 60, which is Fig. 1 is equivalent to signal lines connecting the CPU 40, which is shown in Fig. 5, to the 2-port valve driver circuit 51 and the A / D converter 39A, which are similarly shown in Fig. 5 will be shown.

[0060] Fig. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing measuring operations of the blood pressure information measuring device in the present invention. A program for executing the measuring operations shown in this flowchart is pre-stored in the storage unit 41 shown in Fig. 5, and measuring operations shown in the flowchart are realized by the CPU 40 by reading this program from the storage unit 41 and executing the read program. Also, Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing a state in which the cuff shown in Fig. 1, is attached to the upper arm. In addition, Fig. 8(A) and Fig. 8(B) Graphs showing the change in pressure and the air bladder for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder for blood pressure value measurement during the measuring operations of the blood pressure information measuring device in the present invention. Fig. 8(A) the temporal change in pressure (internal pressure P1) of the inner cavity 23c of the air bellows 23 for pulse wave measurement, and Fig. Fig. 8(B) shows the temporal change in the pressure (internal pressure P2) of the inner cavity 24c of the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement. Next, the measurement operations of the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the present invention, the change in the pressure of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement during the measurement operations in the state in which the cuff 20 is attached, and the like will be described with reference to this figure. Fig. 6 to 8.

[0061] At the time of measuring various blood pressure information using the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the present invention, first, the cuff 20 is attached to the upper part 101 of the left arm 100 of a subject as shown in Fig. 7. At this time, as shown, the cuff 20 is attached so that the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement is positioned on the proximal side of the attachment location of the cuff 20. Next, the blood pressure information measuring device 1A starts the measuring operations as a result of the subject or the like operating the operation unit 43 of the main body 10.

[0062] As in Fig. 6, upon receiving a command to start the measurement operations, the CPU 40 initializes the various units (step S101). Specifically, the CPU 40 opens the 2-port valve 50 and closes the exhaust valve 32B.

[0063] Next, the CPU 40 starts the inflation of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement by driving the inflation pump 31B (step S102). As shown in Fig. 8(A) and Fig. As shown in Fig. 8(B), the internal pressure P1 of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the internal pressure P2 of the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement are thereby respectively started to rise at a time t1 at which the inflation pump 31B is driven. In this inflation process, the CPU 40 acquires pressure information for calculating blood pressure values, such as the maximum blood pressure (SYS) and the minimum blood pressure (DIA). Specifically, the CPU 40 acquires pressure information based on a pressure signal input from the pressure sensor 33B.

[0064] Next, as in Fig. 6, the CPU 40 judges whether the blood pressure measurement has been completed (step S103), and if it judges that the blood pressure measurement has been completed (if YES in step S103), it starts the pulse wave measurement (step S104). Specifically, the CPU 40 stops driving the inflation pump 31B and then closes the 2-port valve 50. As shown in Fig. 8(A) and Fig. As shown in Fig. 8(B), the internal pressure P1 of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the internal pressure P2 of the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement are thereby respectively maintained at a higher pressure than the maximum blood pressure at a time t2 at which the driving of the inflation pump 31B is stopped, and the artery is occluded at the attachment site on the upper arm. Subsequently, from a time t3 at which the two-port valve 50 is closed, the pulse wave transmitted via subcutaneous tissue from the portion of the artery adjacent to the proximal side end of the occluded artery is sharply observed in the large-volume air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement and the small-volume air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, which are occluded by the first tube connection portion L1 and the like connected to the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement.From this time t3, the CPU 40 detects the pulse wave based on the signal input from the pressure sensor 33A.

[0065] Next, as in Fig. 6, the CPU 40 judges whether the pulse wave measurement is completed (step S105), and if it judges that the pulse wave measurement is completed (if YES in step S105), it proceeds to a stop operation (step S106). Specifically, the CPU 40 opens the 2-port valve 50 and also opens the exhaust valve 32B. As shown in Fig. 8(A) and Fig. 8(B), the internal pressure P1 of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the internal pressure P2 of the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement respectively start to fall at a time t4 at which the outlet valve 32B has been opened and return to the atmospheric pressure.

[0066] Next, as in Fig. 6, the CPU 40 performs blood pressure value calculation and pulse wave analysis (step S107). Specifically, the CPU 40 calculates the maximum blood pressure (SYS), the minimum blood pressure (DIA), and an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the acquired pressure information and the pulse waves.

[0067] Next, the CPU 40 displays the calculated maximum blood pressure, the minimum blood pressure, and the index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis on the display unit 42 (step S108). At this time, the CPU 40 can output the measurement results to the storage unit 41 and store the measurement results in the storage unit 41. After the measurement results are displayed, the cuff 2 is removed from the subject's upper arm. As a result of the above, the series of measurement operations is terminated, completing the measurement of various types of blood pressure information using the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the present invention.

[0068] In the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the present embodiment described above, the volume of the enclosed space including the inner cavity 23C of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, with which pressure is detected by the pressure sensor 33A, at the time of pulse wave measurement is configured to be significantly smaller compared with that in a conventional blood pressure information measuring device by providing the 2-port valve 50, the portion of the second tube connection portion L2 connecting the 2-port valve 50 and the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, and the pressure sensor 33A provided on the second tube connection portion L2, all in the cuff 20.Here, in a conventional blood pressure information measuring device, both the above-mentioned 2-port valve 50 and the pressure sensor 33A are provided on the main body 10 side.

[0069] Therefore, with the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the present embodiment, fluctuations in pressure generated in the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement at the time of pulse wave measurement can be observed extremely sharply, allowing the S / N ratio of the pulse wave signal output from the pressure sensor 33A to be significantly increased compared with that in a conventional blood pressure information measuring device. Accordingly, by adopting the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the present embodiment, a pulse wave can be measured with high accuracy, and an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis can be calculated with maximum accuracy by calculating the index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the obtained pulse wave.

[0070] Here, when the sensitivity of the pulse wave amplitude that can be measured is theoretically calculated, in the case where a configuration similar to the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the present invention is adopted and in the case where a configuration similar to the conventional blood pressure information measuring device is adopted, with respect to the specifications of a typical upper arm type blood pressure information measuring device, the volume of the enclosed space is approximately 4100 mm 3 for the previous and approximately 7200 mm 3for the latter, and thus, an improvement of approximately 40% is expected in the case where a configuration similar to the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the present embodiment is adopted, compared with the case where a configuration similar to the conventional blood pressure information measuring device is adopted. Accordingly, by adopting a configuration similar to the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the present embodiment, the S / N ratio will improve by approximately 67% in general, compared with the conventional device, which is considered to mean that a pulse wave can be measured with high accuracy.

[0071] Note that in the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the above-mentioned present embodiment, the case where the cover 27 is provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the outer cover 21 of the cuff 20 and the 2-port valve 50 and the pressure sensor 33A are arranged inside the cover 27 has been illustrated, but as long as the 2-port valve 50 and the pressure sensor 33A are provided in the cuff 20, the arrangement position, the method of fastening and the like thereof are not particularly limited.

[0072] Also in the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the above-mentioned present embodiment, the case was illustrated in which the connecting cable 60 and the tube 70 connecting the main body 10 and the cuff 20 are separated, but it is of course possible that they may be integrated.

[0073] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of the functional blocks of a blood pressure information measuring device according to a first modification based on the present embodiment. Next, with reference to Fig. 9, a blood pressure information measuring device 1B according to the present modification is described.

[0074] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 9, in the blood pressure information measuring device 1B according to the present modification, the 2-port valve 50 serving as an opening / closing valve provided on the cuff 20 in the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the above-mentioned present invention is changed to a 3-port valve 52. In this case, the arrangement position of the 3-port valve 52 is the connection point of the first tube connection portion L1 and the second tube connection portion L2. The driving of the 3-port valve 52 is controlled by a 3-port valve driving circuit 53 that has received a command from the CPU 40. Note that the fact that the 3-port valve 52 and the 3-port valve driving circuit 53 are provided in the cuff 20 is similar to the case of the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the above-mentioned present embodiment.

[0075] Here, the 3-port valve 52 may be configured to allow communication between the inflation / deflation mechanism 30B and the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement in a first state (equivalent to the “open state” in the case of the above-mentioned present embodiment) by connecting only the second tube connection portion L2 and the portion of the first tube connection portion L2 positioned on the inflation / deflation mechanism 30B side of the position at which the 3-port valve 52 is provided, and to maintain the internal pressure of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement in a second state (equivalent to the “closed state” in the case of the above-mentioned present embodiment) by connecting only the portion of the first tube connection portion L1 on the inflation / deflation mechanism 30B side of the Position,in which the 3-port valve 52 is provided, and the portion of the first tube connection portion L1 on the air bladder 24 for the blood pressure value measurement side of the position in which the 3-port valve 52 is provided to allow the communication between the inflation / deflation mechanism 30B and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement and prevent the communication between the first tube connection portion L1 and the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement. In this case, the blood pressure measurement is performed after switching the 3-port valve 52 to the second state, and after the end of the blood pressure measurement, the 3-port valve 52 is switched to the first state, and the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement is inflated using the inflation / deflation mechanism 30B, after which the 3-port valve 52 is switched back to the second state,to carry out the pulse wave measuring device.,

[0076] Alternatively, the 3-port valve 52 may be configured to allow communication between the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement in a first state (equivalent to the "open state" in the case of the above-mentioned present embodiment) by connecting only the second tube connection portion L2 and the portion of the first tube connection portion L1 on the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement side of the position where the 3-port valve 52 is provided, and to maintain the internal pressure of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement in a second state (equivalent to the "closed state" in the case of the above-mentioned present embodiment) by connecting only the portion of the first tube connection portion L1 on the inflation / deflation mechanism 30B side of the position,in which the 3-port valve 52 is provided, and the portion of the first tube connection portion L1 on the air bladder 24 for the blood pressure value measurement side of the position in which the 3-port valve 52 is provided to allow the communication between the inflation / deflation mechanism 30B and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement and prevent the communication between the first tube connection portion L1 and the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement. In this case, the blood pressure measurement is performed after switching the 3-port valve 52 to the second state, and after the end of the blood pressure measurement, the 3-port valve 52 is switched to the first state, and the inflation of the air bellows 23 for pulse wave measurement is performed by moving air in the air bellows 24 for blood pressure value measurement to the air bellows 23 for pulse wave measurement to achieve pressure equalization,after which the 3-port valve 52 is switched back to the second state to perform the pulse wave measurement.

[0077] Also, in the case where the blood pressure information measuring device 1B according to the present modification described above is applied, similar effects to the case where the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the above-mentioned present embodiment is applied can be acquired.

[0078] Fig. 10 is a structural view of the cuff of the blood pressure information measuring device according to a second modification based on Embodiment 1 of the present invention, as viewed from the outer peripheral surface side. Next, the blood pressure information measuring device according to the present modification will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 10.

[0079] As in Fig. 10, in the blood pressure information measuring device according to the present modification, the arrangement positions of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement included in the cuff 20 are different from those of the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the above-mentioned present embodiment. Specifically, in the blood pressure information measuring device according to the present modification, the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement is arranged to be positioned only on one edge side of the cuff 20 in the width direction, and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement is arranged to be positioned only on the other side of the cuff 20 in the width direction. That is,, the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement are arranged along each other in the width direction of the cuff 20 (equivalent to the axial direction in the attached state).

[0080] Here, the edge of the cuff 20 in the width direction on the side where the air bladder for pulse wave measurement is arranged is the edge located on the proximal side in the attached state, thus the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement is wrapped only around the proximal side of the upper arm, which serves as the attachment site in the attached state. On the other hand, the other edge of the cuff 20 in the width direction on the side where the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement is arranged is the edge located on the distal side in the attached state, and thus the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement is wrapped only around the distal side of the upper arm, which serves as the attachment site in the attached state.

[0081] In the blood pressure information measuring device according to the present modification, not only the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement but also the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement are firmly fixed to the winding member 26, which is positioned on the outer side thereof in the fixed state. Note that in the blood pressure information measuring device according to the present modification, the damping material 28 serving as a vibration damping member installed in the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the above-mentioned present embodiment is not necessary.

[0082] Similar effects to the case where the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the above-mentioned present embodiment is applied can also be obtained in the case where the blood pressure information measuring device according to the above-described present modification is applied. Embodiment 2

[0083] Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 are perspective views showing an external structure of the blood pressure information measuring device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Also, Fig. 13 a cross-sectional view of the cuff, which in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, and is cut along a plane orthogonal to the axial direction, and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cuff shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, which is cut along a plane parallel to the axial direction. Here is the cross section shown in Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion not including the air bladder for pulse wave measurement, which will be discussed later. First, the configuration of a blood pressure information measuring device 1C in the present embodiment will be described with reference to this Fig. 11 to 14.

[0084] As in the Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 12, the blood pressure information measuring device 1C in the present embodiment is provided with a main base 10 and a cuff 20. The main base 10 has a box-like casing 11, and a display unit 42 and an operation unit 43 are provided on the upper surface thereof. Also, an elbow rest 12 for placing an elbow at the time a subject assumes a measurement posture is provided on the upper surface of a portion of the main base 10, adjacent to the display unit 42 and the operation unit 43. This elbow rest 12 is constructed by providing a recessed portion in the upper surface of the casing 11, for example. The main base 10 is placed for use on a placement surface such as a table at the time of measurement.The cuff 20 has an annular shape into which an upper arm serving as an attachment site can be inserted, and is covered with an outer cover 22 serving as an outer base. The cuff 20 is coupled to the main base via a pivot joint or the like so as to be rotatable in the direction of an arrow A shown in FIG. Fig. 12, is rotatable, and is attached for use on the upper arm, which is inserted at the time of measurement. Note that a handle 22c for facilitating the rotational operation of the cuff 20, which is coupled to the main body 10, is provided at a prescribed position of the outer peripheral surface of the cuff 20.

[0085] As in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the cuff 20 is mainly provided with the above-mentioned outer cover 22, a small-volume air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement as a first fluid bag, a large-volume air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement as a second fluid bag, and even a larger-volume air bladder 25 for wrapping the cuff as a third fluid bag, a wrapping member 26 as a curved elastic plate, and a damping material 28 as a vibration damping member.

[0086] As in Fig. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the outer cover 22 includes an inner cover 22a that will contact the surface of the upper arm in the attached state, and an outer shell 22b that will be positioned on the outermost side in the attached state, and is configured to have a nearly cylindrical inner space as a result of the peripheral edge of the inner cover being attached to the peripheral edge of the outer shell 22b. The inner space of this outer cover 22 mainly accommodates the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, the cushioning material 28, the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement, the winding member 26, and the air bladder 25 for cuff winding, which are sequentially layered in the listed order from the inner side.

[0087] As for the inner cover 22a of the outer cover 22, the member sufficiently rich in elasticity is preferably used so that the compression force applied to the upper arm by expanding the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement, and the air bladder 25 for cuff wrapping is not hindered by the inner cover 21a. From such a viewpoint, a fabric or the like made of a synthetic fiber such as polyamide (PA) or polyester is used for the inner cover 22a. On the other hand, the outer shell 22b of the outer cover 22 is made of, for example, a rigid plastic member such as ABS plastic.

[0088] As in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the shape, arrangement position, and the like of the air bellows 23 for pulse wave measurement, the air bellows 24 for blood pressure value measurement, and the cushioning material 28 are similar to those of the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the above-mentioned Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0089] On the outer side of the air bellows 24 for blood pressure measurement, a plastic plate 24d and a fabric 24e are arranged sequentially from the inner side. The plastic plate 24d has comparatively high strength and serves as a shape-maintaining member for maintaining the shape of the air bellows 24 for blood pressure measurement, which has no strength. The fabric 24e serves as a member for reducing sliding friction between the plastic plate 24d and the winding member 26.

[0090] The winding member 26 consists of a flexible member configured to be elastically deformable in the diametrical direction by being circularly wound, and has notches extending axially at prescribed positions in the circumferential direction. As a result of these notches, the winding member 26 is elastically deformed, stretchable in the diametrical direction, by an external force applied. That is, although it deforms in the diametrical direction under the action of an external force, the winding member 26 returns to its original state when the external force is removed. The winding member 26 is thereby configured to follow the contours of the upper arm while maintaining its own annular shape.This winding member 26 serves to bias the air bladder 25 for blood pressure measurement and the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement toward the upper arm side in the state where the cuff 20 is attached to the upper arm. Note that the winding member 26 is formed of, for example, a plastic member such as polypropylene (PP) so as to have sufficient elastic force. Also, both ends in the circumferential direction of the winding member 26 are formed to partially overlap each other when not under the action of an external force. The cuff 20 is thereby configured so that deflation therefrom is not prevented due to both ends of the winding member 26 hitting each other at the time of deflation.

[0091] A large portion of the wrapping member 26 is covered with a cloth bag or cushion 26a, which is a cushion-shaped low-friction member. This cloth bag 26a is a member for reducing the sliding friction of the wrapping member 26 with the air bladder 25 for wrapping the cuff and the plastic plate 24d. Also, a cloth 26b, which is a low-friction member, is arranged over the entire circumference of the outer side of the wrapping member 26. This cloth 26b is a member for reducing the sliding friction of the wrapping member 26 with the air bladder 25 for wrapping the cuff.

[0092] The cuff-wrapping air bladder 25 consists of a bag-shaped member, preferably formed using a plastic film, and has an inner peripheral portion 25a positioned on the wrapping member 26 side, an outer peripheral portion 25b positioned on the outer shell 22b side, and an inner cavity 25c defined by the inner peripheral portion 25a and the outer peripheral portion 25b. This inner cavity 25c of the cuff-wrapping air bladder 25 is connected to an inflation pump 31C and an exhaust valve 32C (see Fig. 15), which will be discussed later, via a third hose connection section L3 (see Fig. 15), which will be discussed later, and the inflation / deflation thereof is performed by the inflation pump 31C and the exhaust valve 32C. Note that, although the inner cavity 25c of the cuff-wrapping air bladder 25 is divided into six equal spaces in the circumferential direction, these spaces communicate with each other, and they can be evenly inflated / deflated at the same time by the above-mentioned inflation pump 31C and the exhaust valve 32C.

[0093] As in Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 14, a cover portion 22b1 is provided at a prescribed position on an outer peripheral surface side of the boot 20. The cover portion 22b1 is provided integrally with the outer shell 22b, and an accommodation space is formed therein. This accommodation space accommodates a pressure sensor 33A and a 2-port valve 50, which will be discussed later.

[0094] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of functional blocks of the blood pressure information measuring device in the present embodiment. Next, the configuration of the functional blocks of the blood pressure information measuring device 1C in the present embodiment will be described with reference to this Fig. 15.

[0095] As in Fig. 15, the blood pressure information measuring device 1C in the present embodiment mainly includes, in addition to the above-mentioned air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, an air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement, an air bladder 25 for cuff wrapping, a display unit 42 and an operation unit 43, the pressure sensor 33A as a first pressure detecting unit, an inflation pump 31B and an exhaust valve 32B as an inflation / deflation mechanism 30B, a pressure sensor 33B as a second pressure detecting unit, an inflation pump 31C and an exhaust valve 32C as an additional inflation / deflation mechanism 30C, a pressure sensor 33C as a third pressure detecting unit, a CPU 40 as a control unit, a storage unit 41 as a storage device, a first tube connection portion L1,a second hose connection portion L2 and a third hose connection portion L3 as a hose connection, and the 2-port valve 50 as an opening / closing valve. Of these, the inflation pump 31B, the discharge valve 32B, the pressure sensor 33B, the inflation pump 31C, the discharge valve 32C, the pressure sensor 33C, the CPU 40, the storage unit 41, a portion of the first hose connection portion L1, and a portion of the third hose connection portion L3 are provided in the main body 10, and the pressure sensor 33A, a portion of the first hose connection portion L1, the second hose connection portion L2, a portion of the third hose connection portion L3, and the 2-port valve 50 are provided in the cuff 20.

[0096] The inflation pump 31C and the exhaust valve 32C, which serve as the auxiliary inflation / deflation mechanism 30C, are for inflating / deflating the cuff-wrapping air bladder 25. The driving of the inflation pump 31C is controlled by an inflation pump driving circuit 36C that receives a command from the CPU 40, and the inflation pump 31C inflates the cuff-wrapping air bladder 25 by introducing compressed air into the cuff-wrapping air bladder 25. The driving of the exhaust valve 32C is controlled by an exhaust valve driving circuit 37C which has received a command from the CPU 40, and the exhaust valve 32C maintains the internal pressure of the cuff wrapping air bladder 25 in a closed state and releases air from the cuff wrapping air bladder 25 by discharging the air in the cuff wrapping air bladder 25 in an open state.Note that the above-mentioned inflation pump driving circuit 36C and the discharge valve driving circuit 37C are provided in the main body 10, similarly to the inflation pump 31C and the discharge valve 32C.

[0097] The pressure sensor 33C detects the internal pressure of the cuff-wrapping air bladder 25. The pressure sensor 33C detects the internal pressure of the cuff-wrapping air bladder 25 and outputs a signal depending on the detected pressure to the amplifier 38C. The amplifier 38C amplifies the signal input from the pressure sensor 33C and outputs the amplified signal to an A / D converter 39C. The A / D converter 39C converts the amplified signal input from the amplifier 38C from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputs the converted digital signal to the CPU 40. Note that the above-mentioned amplifier 38C and the A / D converter 39C are provided in the main body 10, similarly to the pressure sensor 33C.

[0098] The third hose connection section L3 connects the air bellows 25 for wrapping the cuff with the inflation pump 31C, the outlet valve 32C and the pressure sensor 33C.

[0099] Also, in addition to the functions in the above-mentioned Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the CPU 40 receives the input of information about the pressure detected with the pressure sensor 33C and generates and outputs signals to drive the inflation pump 31C and the discharge valve 32C.

[0100] Fig. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the measuring operations of the blood pressure information measuring device in the present embodiment. A program for executing the measuring operations shown in this flowchart is pre-stored in the storage unit 41 shown in Fig. 15, and the measuring operations shown in the flowchart are realized by the CPU 40, which reads this program from the storage unit 41 and executes the read program. Also, Fig. 17 is a schematic view showing a state in which the cuff shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, is attached to the upper arm. Next, the measuring operations of the blood pressure information measuring device 1C in the present embodiment, the attached state of the cuff 20, and the like will be described with reference to this Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. Note that since the changes in pressure of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement during the measuring operations of the blood pressure information measuring device 1C in the present embodiment are similar to those of the blood pressure information measuring device 1A in the above-mentioned Embodiment 1 of the present invention, explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0101] When various blood pressure information is measured using the blood pressure information measuring device 1C in the present embodiment, first, as shown in Fig. 17, the cuff 20 positioned on the main body 10 is tilted forward, the subject's left arm 100 is inserted into a hollow portion provided in the cuff 20, and an upper arm 101 is positioned in the hollow portion of the cuff by placing the elbow of the inserted left arm 100 on the elbow pad 12 provided in the main body 10. At this time, as shown, the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement is positioned in communication with the proximal side of the upper arm 101. Next, as a result of a subject or the like operating the operation unit 32 of the main body 10, the blood pressure information measuring device 1C starts measuring operations.

[0102] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 16, upon receiving a command to start the measurement operations, the CPU 40 initializes the various units (step S201). Specifically, the CPU 40 opens the 2-port valve 50 and closes the exhaust valve 32B and the exhaust valve 32C.

[0103] Next, the CPU 40 starts inflating the cuff wrapping air bladder 25 by driving the inflation pump 31C (step S202).

[0104] Next, the CPU 40 judges whether the wrapping of the cuff 20 around the upper arm has been completed after the inflation of the air bladder 25 for wrapping the cuff is completed (step S203). If it is judged that the wrapping of the cuff 20 is completed (if YES in step S203), the inflation of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement starts by driving the inflation pump 31B (step S204). The internal pressure of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the internal pressure of the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement are thereby respectively started to rise. In this inflation process, the CPU 40 acquires information for calculating blood pressure values, such as the maximum blood pressure and the minimum blood pressure. Specifically, the CPU 40 acquires pressure information based on a pressure signal input from the pressure sensor 33B.

[0105] Next, the CPU 40 judges whether the blood pressure measurement is completed (step S205), and if it is judged that the blood pressure measurement is completed (if YES in step S205), the pulse wave measurement starts (step S206). Specifically, the CPU 40 stops driving the inflation pump 31B and then closes the two-port valve 50. The internal pressure of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the internal pressure of the air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement are thereby respectively maintained at a pressure higher than the maximum blood pressure at the time the driving of the inflation pump 31B is stopped, and the artery is closed at the attachment site on the upper arm.Subsequently, from the time the two-port valve 50 is closed, the pulse wave transmitted via the subcutaneous tissue from the artery portion adjacent to the proximal side end of the closed artery is sharply observed in the large-volume air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement and the small-volume air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, which are cut off from the first tube connection portion L1 and the like connected to the large-volume air bladder 24 for blood pressure measurement. From the time the two-port valve 50 is closed, the CPU 40 detects the pulse wave based on the signal input from the pressure sensor 33A.

[0106] Next, the CPU 40 judges whether the pulse wave measurement is completed (step S207), and if it judges that the pulse wave measurement is completed (if YES in step S207), it proceeds to stop the operation (step S208). Specifically, the CPU 40 opens the 2-port valve 50 and also opens the outlet valve 32B and the outlet valve 32C. The internal pressure of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, the internal pressure of the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement, and the internal pressure of the air bladder 25 for cuff wrapping thereby begin to drop at the time the outlet valve 32B and the outlet valve 32C are opened, respectively, and return to the atmospheric pressure.

[0107] Next, the CPU 40 performs blood pressure value calculations and pulse wave analysis (step S209). Specifically, the CPU 40 calculates the maximum blood pressure, the minimum blood pressure, and an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the acquired pressure information and the pulse waves, respectively.

[0108] Next, the CPU 40 displays the calculated maximum blood pressure, the minimum blood pressure, and the index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis on the display unit 42. At this time, the CPU 40 can output the measurement results to the storage unit 41 and store the measurement results in the storage unit 41. After the measurement results are displayed, the subject removes the upper arm from the hollow portion of the cuff 20. As a result of the above, the series of measurement operations is terminated, completing the measurement of various types of blood pressure information using the blood pressure information measuring device 1C in the present embodiment.

[0109] Even in the blood pressure information measuring device 1C in the present embodiment described above, in which the 2-port valve 50, the portion of the second tube connection portion L2 connecting the 2-port valve 50 and the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, and the pressure sensor 33A provided on the second tube connection portion L2 are all provided in the cuff 20, the volume of the enclosed space including the inner cavity 23c of the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, in which pressure detection is performed by the pressure sensor 33A at the time of pulse wave measurement, is configured to be significantly smaller compared with that in a conventional blood pressure information measuring device.Therefore, even with the blood pressure information measuring device 1C in the present embodiment, fluctuations in the pressure generated in the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement at the time of pulse wave measurement can be observed extremely sharply, thereby enabling the S / N ratio of the pulse wave signal output from the pressure sensor 33A to be significantly increased compared with that in a conventional blood pressure information measuring device. Accordingly, by adopting the blood pressure information measuring device 1C in the present embodiment, the pulse wave can be measured with high accuracy, and an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis can be calculated with maximum accuracy by calculating the index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the obtained pulse wave with maximum accuracy.

[0110] Note that in the blood pressure information measuring device 1C in the above-mentioned present embodiment, the case was illustrated in which the cover portion 22b1 is provided at a prescribed position on the outer peripheral surface side of the outer shell 22b, and the 2-port valve 50 and the pressure sensor 33A are provided inside the cover portion 22b1, but as long as the 2-port valve 50 and the pressure sensor 33A are provided in the cuff 20, the arrangement position, the method of fastening, and the like are not particularly limited.

[0111] Also, even in the blood pressure information measuring device 1C in the present embodiment, it is possible to adopt a characteristic configuration similar to that applied to the blood pressure information measuring device according to the first modification or the second modification based on the above-mentioned embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0112] Also, although the case where air bladders into which compressed air is injected were employed as the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement, the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement, and the air bladder 25 for cuff wrapping were illustrated in the description of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention and modifications thereof, it is of course also possible to construct these members with gas bags into which another gas is injected or with liquid bags into which a liquid is injected.

[0113] Also, although the case where the air bladder 25 for wrapping the cuff compressing the wrapping member 26 is applied as the means for biasing the air bladder 23 for pulse wave measurement and the air bladder 24 for blood pressure value measurement toward the upper arm was illustrated in the description of the above-mentioned Embodiment 2 of the present invention, various mechanisms such as a belt winding mechanism may be applied as the biasing means.

[0114] In addition, although the case where the present invention is applied to a blood pressure information measuring device capable of detecting the maximum blood pressure, the minimum blood pressure, and an index indicating the degree of arteriosclerosis has been illustrated in the description of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention and modifications thereof, as long as the blood pressure information measuring device is equipped with at least a function for detecting a pulse wave, the present invention can be applied to any device which detects blood pressure information in addition to the above.

[0115] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The technical scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. List of reference symbols 1A-1C Blood pressure information measuring device 10 Main part 11 housings 20 cuff 21, 22 outer cover 21a inner cover 21b Outer cover 22a inner cover 22b Outer shell 22b1 Covering section 22c handle 23 Air bellows for pulse wave measurement 23a inner peripheral section 23b outer peripheral part 23c inner cavity 24 air bellows for blood pressure measurement 24a inner peripheral section 24b outer peripheral part 24c inner cavity 24d plastic plate 24e tissue 25 air bellows for wrapping 25a inner peripheral section 25b outer peripheral part 25c inner cavity 26 winding link 26a Cloth bag or pillow 26b Tissue 27 Cover 28 Damping material 29A, 29B Surface fastener 30B Inflation / deflation mechanism 30C additional inflation / deflation mechanism 31B, 31C inflation pump 32B, 32C exhaust valve 33A-33C pressure sensor 36B, 36C Inflation pump driver circuit 37B, 37C Exhaust valve driver circuit 38A-38C amplifiers 39A-39C A / D converter 40 CPU 41 storage unit 42 display unit 43 Control unit 50 2-port valve 51 2-port valve driver circuit 52 3-port valve 53 3-port valve driver circuit 60 connecting cables 70 hose 100 left hand 101 Upper arm L1 first hose connection section L2 second hose connection section L3 third hose connection section

Claims

[1] Blood pressure information measuring device, which comprises: a cuff (20) which assumes an annular shape in a mounted state in which it is mounted on a mounting location; a first fluid bag (23) provided in the cuff (20) and wrapped around a proximal side of the attachment site in the attached state; a second fluid bag (24) provided in the cuff (20) and wrapped around a portion including a distal side of the attachment site in the attached state; an inflation / deflation mechanism (30B) capable of inflating / deflating the first fluid bag (23) and the second fluid bag (24); a main body (10) which is separate from the cuff (20) and in which the inflation / deflation mechanism (30B) is provided; a hose connection connecting the first fluid bag (23) and the second fluid bag (24) to the inflation / deflation mechanism (30B); an opening / closing valve provided in the hose connection and allowing communication of the first fluid bag (23) with at least one of the second fluid bag (24) and the inflation / deflation mechanism (30B) in an open state, and maintains an internal pressure of the first fluid bag (23) by preventing communication of the first fluid bag (23) with the second fluid bag (24) and the inflation / deflation mechanism (30B) in a closed state; a first pressure detection unit (33A) which is arranged on a portion of the hose connection connecting the first fluid bag (23) and the opening / closing valve, is provided and which detects the internal pressure of the first fluid bag (23); and a pulse wave detecting unit which detects a pulse wave based on the pressure detected by the first pressure detecting unit (33A), wherein the opening / closing valve is provided in the cuff (20), the portion of the hose connection connecting the first fluid bag (23) and the opening / closing valve is provided in the cuff (20), and the first pressure detection unit (33A) is provided in the cuff (20), wherein the cuff (20) further includes an outer base part (22) in which the first fluid bag (23) and the second fluid bag (24) are accommodated, the opening / closing valve is housed in the outer base part (22), the portion of the hose connection connecting the first fluid bag (23) and the opening / closing valve is housed in the outer base part (22), and the first pressure detection unit (33A) is housed in the outer base part (22). [2] The blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the hose connection includes: a first hose connection portion (L1) connecting the inflation / deflation mechanism (30B) and the second fluid bag (24); and a second hose connection portion (L2) which branches from the first hose connection portion (L1) and which connects the first hose connection portion (L1) and the first fluid bag (23), and the opening / closing valve consists of a 2-port valve (50) which is provided in the second hose connection portion (L2). [3] The blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the hose connection includes: a first hose connection portion (L1) connecting the inflation / deflation mechanism (30B) and the second fluid bag (24); and a second hose connection portion (L2) which branches from the first hose connection portion (L1) and connects the first hose connection portion (L1) and the first fluid bag (23), and wherein the opening / closing valve consists of a 3-port valve (52) provided at a connection point of the first hose connection portion (L1) and the second hose connection portion (L2). [4] A blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second pressure detecting unit (33B) which detects an internal pressure of the second fluid bag (24); and a blood pressure value detecting unit that detects a blood pressure value based on the pressure detected by the second pressure detecting unit (33B). [5] The blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the second fluid bag (24) covers an outer side of the first fluid bag (23) so as to be wound around substantially an entirety of the attachment site in the attached state. [6] The blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the second fluid bag (24) is arranged along the first fluid bag (23) in an axial direction of the cuff (20) so as to be wound around only a partial area, excluding the proximal side of the attachment site in the attached state. [7] Blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the cuff (20) and the main base (10) are connected via a portion of the hose connection, and the part of the hose connection which connects the cuff (20) and the main base part (10) is constructed by a flexible hose (70). [8] A blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the cuff (20) and the main body (10) are rotatably coupled. [9] A blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising: a curved elastic plate (26) provided in the cuff (20) and positioned on an outer side of the first fluid bag (23) and the second fluid bag (24) in the attached state; and a third fluid bag (25) which is provided in the cuff (20) and which is positioned on an outer side of the curved elastic plate (26) in the attached state. [10] The blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising an index calculating unit that calculates an index indicating a degree of arteriosclerosis based on the pulse wave detected by the pulse wave detecting unit.

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