CUFF STRUCTURE AND BLOOD PRESSURE MEASURING DEVICE

Abstract

A cuff structure (3) for use in a blood pressure measuring device (1) includes one or more air bags (71, 81) that are inflated with a fluid, and one or more elements (51, 53, 71, 81) that are contained in the air bags (71, 81) or laminated onto the air bags (71, 81), wherein the air bags (71, 81) and at least two of the one or more elements (51, 53) are provided with bent portions (55), one of which is formed by an opening or a division and the other by an opening, a division, a notch, a depressed portion, or a groove.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a cuff structure and a blood pressure measuring device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] For several years, blood pressure monitoring devices have been used to measure blood pressure as a means of checking health at home and in medical facilities. A blood pressure monitoring device detects vibrations in the arterial wall to measure blood pressure, for example, by inflating and deflating a cuff wrapped around the upper arm or wrist of a person and detecting the pressure in the cuff using a pressure sensor.

[0003] A cuff with a laminated structure, as described in JP 2001-224558 A, is known to be used in such a blood pressure measuring device. In this cuff, a coupling section is provided, and a sidewall section is made rigid to prevent lateral bulging of the cuff. This results in a cuff whose width does not change even when inflated, and efficient compression can be achieved. However, a problem with this type of cuff is that the coupling section prevents the gusset section from bulging outwards, leading to a trade-off between compression efficiency and the ease with which the cuff bulges laterally.

[0004] Furthermore, it is generally difficult to adjust the material intensity, i.e., to change the thickness and hardness of the layer elements that form the cuff. This results in an adjustment of the entire cuff's intensity, making it impossible to increase the cuff's intensity only in a specific section where lateral bulging is likely to occur. Additionally, the laminated structure of the cuff is created by laminating a large number of layer elements, which leads to the problem of the cuff's thickness and tendency to wrinkle. The issue is that the formation of wrinkles in the cuff divides the space within it, reducing the accuracy of blood pressure measurement.

[0005] A conventional method for cuff crease control, as disclosed in JP 6751462 B, involves a crease control technology by creating a notch in a parting line. The aim of this technology is to reduce stress concentrations by preventing the formation of sharply curved creases rather than soft creases. LITERATURE LIST Patent literature Patent Literature 1: JP 2001-224558 A Patent literature 2: JP 6751462 B BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

[0006] In the cuff wrinkle control method described above, if the cuff is wrapped around a measuring point with a slight curvature, wrinkles will also form at locations other than where the notch is provided, and a sufficient effect cannot be achieved. Furthermore, if the cuff itself has a thickness such as in the case of the laminated structure described above, a sufficient effect cannot be achieved due to its thickness.

[0007] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cuff structure that can control the wrinkles produced and a blood pressure measuring device. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0008] According to one aspect, a cuff structure is provided for use in a blood pressure measuring device, wherein the cuff structure includes one or more air bags which are inflated by a fluid, and one or more elements which are contained in or laminated onto the air bags, wherein the air bag and at least two of the one or more elements are provided with curved sections, one of which is formed by an opening or a division and the other by an opening, a division, a notch, a recessed section or a groove.

[0009] According to this principle, the intensities of the two or more elements are attenuated by the curved section containing the opening, thus allowing the cuff structure to control wrinkles that form in the curved air bag when the cuff is applied to the body. This enables the cuff structure to create desired wrinkles and prevents the formation of unintended wrinkles, such as excessively deep ones. Therefore, the cuff structure can provide a stable blood pressure measurement with the blood pressure monitor.

[0010] The cuff structure is provided according to the aspect described above, wherein the cuff structure comprises a winder, which is the element and is curved following the shape of a part of a living body and is attached to it in a circumferential direction, a pressure cuff, which is attached to an inner circumferential surface of the winder and encloses the air bag, a backplate, which is the element and is attached to an inner circumferential surface of the pressure cuff, and a sensor cuff, which is attached to an inner circumferential surface of the backplate and encloses the air bag.

[0011] According to this aspect, it is possible to control folds in the pressure cuff and the sensor cuff, which compress the living body and are strongly affected by tension concentration and a decrease in compression efficiency, and the blood pressure measurement can be carried out stably.

[0012] The cuff structure is provided according to the aspect described above, in which the air bag encloses an intermediate layer element and the curved section formed in the air bag is one or more openings formed in the intermediate layer element and / or a recessed section formed on a front side of the air bag.

[0013] From this perspective, the cuff structure can reduce the intensity of the air bladder in which wrinkles form, thus making it easier to control the wrinkles created within the air bladder. Consequently, the cuff structure can lessen the impact of air bladder rigidity on wrinkle control.

[0014] A cuff structure is provided according to the aspect described above, in which the curved section formed in the backplate is an opening, division, notch or groove formed in the backplate.

[0015] According to this aspect, the cuff structure can reduce the intensity of the backplate to which the sensor cuff is attached, and thus the wrinkles created in the sensor cuff can be easily controlled.

[0016] The cuff structure is provided according to the aspect described above, wherein the winder, pressure cuff, backplate and sensor cuff are designed to be long in one direction, and a plurality of curved sections are provided in at least two of the winder, pressure cuff, backplate and sensor cuff, side by side in one direction.

[0017] In accordance with this aspect, the cuff structure features numerous curved sections arranged side-by-side in one direction, thus dispersing any creases formed within the air bag. The cuff structure's scattered folds prevent the formation of deep creases.

[0018] The cuff structure is provided according to the aspect described above, in which the curved sections are provided in at least two by the winder, the pressure cuff, the back plate and the sensor cuff and are arranged so that they at least partially overlap the curved sections lying next to each other in a lamination direction and / or are arranged so that they are shifted in one direction from the curved sections lying next to each other in the lamination direction.

[0019] According to this aspect, the curved sections provided in two or more elements overlap at least partially, thus allowing the fold to be created at a predetermined target position. Furthermore, the curved sections provided in two or more elements are offset relative to each other, enabling finely distributed folds. As described above, the arrangement of the curved sections within the cuff structure allows for the determination of any desired fold positions and number of folds.

[0020] According to one aspect, a blood pressure measuring device is provided which includes the cuff structure according to one aspect, a device body attached to the cuff structure and a band provided in the device body and fixing the cuff structure.

[0021] According to this aspect, the blood pressure measuring device includes the cuff structure, and thus variations in wrinkling due to the condition at the time of application or the shape of the wrist can be suppressed, and the variations in blood pressure measurement accuracy caused by the wrinkles can be suppressed. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0022] The present invention can provide a cuff structure that can control the wrinkles produced and a blood pressure measuring device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a blood pressure measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a side view illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device. Fig. Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device in a wrist-attached state. Fig. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device. Fig. Figure 5 is an explanatory view that schematically illustrates a configuration of a cuff structure used in the blood pressure measuring device in a developed manner from one side of the page surface. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates a configuration of the cuff used in the cuff structure. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates another example of the cuff. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates another example of the cuff. Fig. Figure 9 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of a curved section used in the cuff structure. Fig. Figure 10 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the curved section. Fig. Figure 11 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the curved section. Fig. Figure 12 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the curved section. Fig. Figure 13 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the curved section. Fig. Figure 14 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the curved section. Fig. Figure 15 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the curved section. Fig. Figure 16 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the curved section. Fig. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the curved section. Fig. Figure 18 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the curved section. Fig. Figure 19 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the curved section. Fig. Figure 20 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the curved section. Fig. Figure 21 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the curved section. Fig. Figure 22 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of the curved section used in the cuff structure in a developed manner. Fig. Figure 23 is a top view that schematically illustrates a configuration of a curved section used in the cuff structure in a developed manner. Fig. Figure 24 is an explanatory view that illustrates an evaluation result of the cuff structure in comparison with comparative examples. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0023] An example of a blood pressure measuring device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to Fig. 1 to 24 described.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 2 is a side view illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1 in a state attached to the wrist 300. Fig. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a device body 3 of the blood pressure measuring device 1.

[0025] Fig. Figure 5 is an explanatory view that schematically illustrates a configuration of a cuff structure 4 used in the blood pressure measuring device 1 in a developed manner from one side of the side surface. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates configurations of a pressure sleeve 52 and a sensor sleeve 54 as sleeves used in the sleeve structure 4. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the pressure sleeve 52. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates a configuration of another example of the sensor sleeve 54. Fig. Figures 9 to 21 are views that schematically illustrate examples of a curved section 55 provided in each element of the cuff structure 4. Fig. Figure 24 is an explanatory view that illustrates an evaluation result of the cuff structure 4 in comparison with comparative examples.

[0026] The blood pressure measuring device 1 is an electronic blood pressure measuring device attached to a living body. In one example of the present embodiment, the blood pressure measuring device 1 is a portable device attached to the wrist 300, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this. For example, the blood pressure measuring device 1 is an electronic blood pressure measuring device used to measure the blood pressure in arteries 311 and 312 of the wrist 300.

[0027] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the blood pressure measuring device 1 includes the device body 3, the cuff structure 4 and a band 5.

[0028] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the device body 3 includes, for example, a housing 11, a display unit 12, an operating unit 13, a pump 14, an accelerometer 15, a valve 16, a pressure sensor 17, a battery 18, a communication unit 19, a charging circuit unit 21, a memory 22 and a processor 23.

[0029] The housing 11 is a casing that contains components of the device body 3. For example, the housing 11 contains the display unit 12, the control unit 13, the pump 14, the accelerometer 15, the valve 16, the pressure sensor 17, the battery 18, the communication unit 19, a biometric sensor 20, the charging circuit unit 21, the memory 22, and the processor 23. The housing 11 also contains, for example, a fluid circuit 24. This fluid circuit 24 can include, for example, a pipe or a flow path plate that forms a flow path for a fluid supplied by the pump 14 to the sleeve structure 4, a component such as a fluid resistance that controls the flow rate or pressure of the fluid supplied to the sleeve structure 4, and a check valve that controls the flow direction of the fluid circuit.

[0030] The housing 11 includes, for example, an outer housing 31, a protective disc 32 that covers an upper opening of the outer housing 31, and a rear cover 33 that covers a lower section of the outer housing 31.

[0031] The outer housing 31 is configured, for example, as a cylindrical shape, a rectangular cylindrical shape, or a polygonal cylindrical shape. In the present embodiment, the outer housing 31 is configured as a rectangular cylindrical shape. The outer housing 31 has a loop section 31a provided on a surface of an outer circumferential area. The loop section 31a is a rectangular annular element with an opening extending in one direction through which the tape 5 can be inserted, allowing the tape 5 to pass through the loop section 31a and fold back. The loop section 31a is formed integrally with the outer housing 31. The protective disc 32 is a glass plate with the same shape as the outer circumferential edge of the outer housing 31, that is, in the present embodiment, a rectangular shape.The protective disc 32 is not limited to the glass plate, as long as the protective disc 32 is made of a transparent or translucent material. The rear cover 33 closes the underside of the outer housing 31. The housing 11 can have a configuration in which the rear cover 33 is not included, and the underside of the outer housing 31 can be closed by a (later described) winder 51 of the cuff structure 4, the winder 51 being attached to the housing 11.

[0032] The display unit 12 is located directly below the protective screen 32. The display unit 12 is electrically connected to the processor 23. The display unit 12 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent display. The display unit 12 shows various types of information, including date and time, and blood pressure readings such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, battery charge status, and remaining charge of the battery 18, among other things. For example, in a top view, the display unit 12 has the same shape as the protective screen 32.

[0033] The control unit 13 is configured to receive a user command. For example, the control unit 13 includes a set of buttons 41 provided on the housing 11, a sensor that detects the operation of the buttons 41, and a touch panel 43 provided on the display unit 12 or the protective screen 32. When the control unit 13 is operated by the user, it converts a command into an electrical signal. The sensor and the touch panel 43 are electrically connected to the processor 23 to output electrical signals to the processor 23.

[0034] Pump 14, for example, is a piezoelectric pump. Pump 14 compresses air as a fluid and supplies the compressed air via the fluid circuit to the pressure sleeve 52 and the sensor sleeve 54 of the sleeve structure 4, which will be described later. Pump 14 is electrically connected to the processor 23.

[0035] The accelerometer 15, for example, is a 3-axis accelerometer. The accelerometer 15 measures acceleration and outputs an analog signal. The accelerometer 15 is connected to the processor 23 via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit.

[0036] Valve 16, for example, is an on / off valve. Valve 16 opens and closes a fluid circuit that connects pump 14 to the sleeve structure 4 and / or a fluid circuit that connects the sleeve structure 4 to the atmosphere. Valve 16 is electrically connected to processor 23. For example, valve 16 is opened and closed by controlling processor 23.

[0037] As a concrete example, valve 16 is a safety valve that releases the air supplied to the pressure cuff 52 and the sensor cuff 54 (which will be described later) of the cuff structure 4 into the atmosphere. Valve 16 is switched to a closed state by the processor 23 when air is supplied to the pressure cuff 52 and the sensor cuff 54 during a blood pressure measurement. Additionally, when the air is released from the pressure cuff 52 and the sensor cuff 54, the processor 23 controls valve 16 to switch from the closed to the open state. Furthermore, valve 16 can be designed so that the degree of opening is adjustable. Valve 16 can be provided on the fluid circuit 24 or be integrally integrated into a housing of the pump 14.

[0038] The pressure sensor 17 is, for example, provided in the fluid circuit 24. The pressure sensor 17 detects the pressures of the pressure sleeve 52 and / or the sensor sleeve 54. The pressure sensor 17 detects, for example, the pressure of the sensor sleeve 54. The pressure sensor 17 is electrically connected to the processor 23 via the A / D converter circuit, converts a detected pressure into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the processor 23.

[0039] Battery 18, for example, is a secondary battery, such as a rechargeable and dischargeable lithium-ion battery. Battery 18 is electrically connected to processor 23. Battery 18 supplies power to processor 23. Battery 18 provides power to drive the respective configurations of processor 23 and display unit 12, control unit 13, pump 14, accelerometer 15, valve 16, pressure sensor 17, and communication unit 19 via processor 23.

[0040] The communication unit 19 can transmit information wirelessly and / or via a wired connection to and from an external device. The communication unit 19 is, for example, a wireless communication module that complies with a wireless communication standard. The communication unit 19 transmits information such as data controlled by the processor 23, measured blood pressure values, and pulse to an external device, or, for example, receives a software update program from an external device and transmits it to the control unit. In the present embodiment, the external device is, for example, an external terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or a smartwatch.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the communication unit 19 and the external terminal can be connected directly or via a network. The communication unit 19 and the external terminal can be connected via a mobile communication network, such as 4G and 5G, and a wireless communication link, such as WiMAX and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Furthermore, the communication unit 19 and the external device can be connected by wireless communication means, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE (registered trademark)), near field communication (NFC), and infrared communication.Furthermore, in addition to the wireless communication module, the communication unit 19 can include a universal port, such as a Micro Universal Serial Bus (USB), or a dedicated port for the blood pressure measuring device 1. It can be connected directly to the external terminal via various cables, such as a USB cable, or via a wired communication line, such as a Local Area Network (LAN) connection. Thus, the communication unit 19 can incorporate a variety of communication means, such as a wireless antenna and a micro USB port. The port for wired communication can be a dedicated port for the blood pressure measuring device 1.

[0042] The biometric sensor 20 is designed to acquire information about a living body through contact with the wrist 300 or through its orientation. The biometric sensor 20 converts the acquired information about a living body into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal to the processor 23. The biometric sensor 20 can, for example, be a sensor that measures a physical quantity such as heart rate or body temperature, or a sensor that measures a chemical value such as blood glucose level or blood oxygen concentration. For example, the biometric sensor 20 is provided on the rear cover 33 of the housing 11 and / or on the (later described) winder 51 of the cuff structure 4. In the present embodiment, an example is illustrated in which the biometric sensor 20 is provided on the winder 51.The blood pressure measuring device 1 does not necessarily have to include the biometric sensor 20.

[0043] The charging circuit unit 21 includes, for example, an antenna unit 211, a power receiving unit 212, and a charging unit 213. The charging circuit unit 21 charges the battery 18 by wireless power supply. For example, the charging circuit unit 21 receives the transmission current transmitted by the antenna unit 103 of an externally provided power transmission device 100 and charges the battery 18.

[0044] The antenna unit 211 receives the transmission current from the antenna unit of the power transmission device. The antenna unit 211 is, for example, a receiver coil forming a current receiving resonant circuit. The antenna unit 211 delivers the received current to the current receiving unit 212. A current receiving surface of the antenna unit 211 is planar. The antenna unit 211 is, for example, arranged in the housing 11. As a specific example, the antenna unit 211 is located in the housing 11 and next to the display unit 12 on one side opposite the protective screen 32 of the display unit 12. The antenna unit 211 includes, for example, a resonant capacitor and forms the current receiving resonant circuit.

[0045] The power receiving unit 212 rectifies the current received by the antenna unit 211 and supplies the rectified current to the charging unit 213. As a concrete example, the power receiving unit 212 rectifies the received current supplied by the antenna unit 211 and converts the rectified received current from alternating current to direct current. For example, the power receiving unit 212 includes a rectifier circuit and a control circuit, controls the operation of the rectifier circuit via the control circuit, and outputs rectified direct current to the charging unit 213.

[0046] The charging unit 213 provides the battery 18 with the current supplied by the power receiving unit 212 for charging. For example, the charging unit 213 converts the current supplied by the power receiving unit 212 into a predefined current value and a predefined voltage value and supplies the converted current to the battery 18. Furthermore, the charging unit 213 can, for example, include a circuit that outputs the state of charge of the battery 18 to the power receiving unit 212 and / or the processor 23.

[0047] Memory 22 includes, for example, random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory 22 stores various types of data. For example, memory 22 pre-stores programs and various program data such as applications for controlling the entire blood pressure measuring device 1 and the pump 14, setting data for adjusting various functions of the blood pressure measuring device 1, and calculation data for calculating a blood pressure value and a pulse from the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 17, so that they can be changed.

[0048] The processor 23 controls the operation of the entire blood pressure measuring device 1 and the operations of the pump 14 and the valve 16 based on the programs stored in the memory 22, in order to perform a predetermined operation (function). The processor 23 executes the predetermined operations, analyses, processing, or the like according to the program it reads. The processor 23 is a computing device, such as a CPU. The processor 23 may, for example, include a sub-CPU in addition to a main CPU. Furthermore, the processor 23 displays the status or results of the various operations, calculations, analyses, processes, and the like performed by the program or application on the display unit 12.

[0049] The sleeve structure 4 includes, for example, the winder 51, the pressure sleeve 52, the back plate 53, the sensor sleeve 54, and the curved section 55. The sleeve structure 4 is formed by layers of the winder 51, the pressure sleeve 52, the back plate 53, and the sensor sleeve 54. In the sleeve structure 4, the curved section 55 is formed by at least two elements consisting of the winder 51, the pressure sleeve 52, the back plate 53, and the sensor sleeve 54, which represent the plurality of elements that form the sleeve structure 4. Furthermore, the cuff structure 4 can, for example, be configured such that the curved section 55 is formed in a variety of elements that form the pressure cuff 52 and / or the sensor cuff 54, for example layer elements 75 and 85 and intermediate layer elements 76 and 86 (which will be described later).

[0050] Specific examples of the cuff structure 4 are given below with reference to FIG. Fig. 1 to 3 and 5 to 23 described. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 and 5, the cuff structure 4 includes the winder 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53, the sensor cuff 54 and a plurality of curved sections 55 formed in the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensor cuff 54, respectively.

[0051] For example, a first end face of the winder 51 is attached to the wrist side of the case 11. The winder 51 is formed in a band-like shape that curves along the circumferential direction of the wrist 300. The winder 51 is made of a resin material. In addition, the winder 51 has a decorative layer 51a, for example, an outer fabric, which is attached to the side of the outer circumferential surface by welding, gluing, integrated molding, or the like to enhance the design. The winder 51 has a hardness suitable for providing flexibility and shape retention. Here, "flexibility" refers to a deformation of the shape of the winder 51 in a radial direction at the time an external force of the band 5 is applied to the winder 51.Furthermore, "shape retention" refers to the ability of the winder 51 to maintain a pre-imposed shape when no external force is applied to the winder 5. That is, the winder 51 is made of a resin material with a hardness that experiences no or substantially no compressive deformation, but permits elastic deformation, such as bending deformation, in which the shape, in particular the curvature of a curved section, changes. Thus, the winder 51 is designed to be elastically deformable, so that an interior space containing the wrist 300 becomes larger or smaller when an external force is applied, conforming to the shape of the wrist to which the winder 51 is attached.

[0052] Furthermore, the winder 51 is configured such that a first side of a section attached to the housing 11 is longer than a second side. For example, both ends of the winder 51 are configured to have a length and shape such that they are located on a first lateral section of the wrist 300 between a palm side and a back side of the wrist 300, even when the winder 51 is attached to either the wrist 300 with the largest circumference or the wrist 300 with the smallest circumference on the user to whom the winder 51 is to be attached. In addition, the winder 51 may have a shape in which the entire winder 51 is curved longitudinally to follow the shape of the wrist 300, or a portion of the winder 51 may be partially formed in a flat, plate-like shape.

[0053] As a concrete example, the winder 51 is attached, for instance, to the outer casing 31 or to the rear cover 33 of the casing 11. The winder 51 includes a fixed section 61, in which a section attached to the rear cover 33 has the form of a flat plate, a first curved section 62, which is provided at a first end of the fixed section 61 and is curved with a predetermined radius of curvature, and a second curved section 63, which is provided at a second end of the fixed section 61 and is curved with a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0054] The first curved section 62 is shaped such that it extends from the fixed section 61 to the first lateral section of the wrist 300. Furthermore, the biometric sensor 20, for example, is provided on the inner surface of the end section of the first curved section 62. The second curved section 63 is shaped such that it extends from the fixed section 61 to the first lateral section of the wrist 300, where the end section of the first curved section 62 is located, and beyond a second lateral section of the wrist 300 and the palm side of the wrist 300.

[0055] For example, one of the end sections of the first curved section 62 and the end section of the second curved section 63 lies further outwards in the radial direction than the other. As a concrete example, as in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates that the end section of the second curved section 63 is arranged further outwards in the radial direction than the end section of the first curved section 62. For example, as can be seen by a dashed line with two points in Fig. 2 shown, in a state prior to the application of the external force to the winder 51, the end section of the second curved section 63 is located further outwards in the radial direction than the end section of the first curved section 62 and is separated in the circumferential direction, and the end sections of the first curved section 62 and the second curved section 63 may be separated from each other.

[0056] For example, the lengths of the first curved section 62 and the second curved section 63 are lengths such that, when the blood pressure measuring device 1 is attached to the wrist 300 that has the largest circumference among the wrists 300 on which the blood pressure measuring device 1 is to be attached, the second curved section 63 faces a side of the wrist 300 where the two arteries 311 and 312 are present, the second curved section 63 is located on a portion of the lateral section of the wrist 300, and the terminal portion of the first curved section 62 and the terminal portion of the second curved section 63 are separated from each other. The two arteries 311 and 312, as used here, are the radial artery 311 and the ulnar artery 312.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, the lengths of the first curved section 62 and the second curved section 63 are lengths such that, when the blood pressure measuring device 1 is attached to the wrist 300 which has the smallest circumference among the wrists 300 on which the blood pressure measuring device 1 is to be attached, the second curved section 63 faces a side of the wrist 300 on which the two arteries 311 and 312 are present, and the first curved section 62 and the second curved section 63 overlap each other at the lateral section of the wrist 300.

[0058] The winder 51 has the greatest curvature at a boundary (comb section) between the fixed section 61 and the first curved section 62 and at a boundary (comb section) between the fixed section 61 and the second curved section 63.

[0059] The pressure cuff 52 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the winder 51 by double-sided adhesive tape, an adhesive, thermal welding, or the like. The pressure cuff 52 is provided at least in a region of the second curved section 63 where the wrist artery 300 is located. As a specific example, the pressure cuff 52 is provided in a region of the winder 51 extending longitudinally from the side of the fixed section 61 of the first curved section 62, including the ridge section between the fixed section 61 and the first curved section 62, to the side of the end section of the second curved section 63. The pressure sleeve 52 extends along an inner surface of the winder 51 and has the greatest curvature at the boundary between the solid section 61 and the first curved section 62 and at the boundary between the solid section 61 and the second curved section 63.

[0060] The pressure cuff 52 is fluidically connected to the pump 14 via the fluid circuit. A first main surface of the pressure cuff 52 is attached to the inner surface of the winder 51. For example, the pressure cuff 52 is attached to the inner surface of the winder 51 with double-sided adhesive tape. The pressure cuff 52 is inflated to press against the back of the wrist 300, the backplate 53, and the sensor cuff 54 in the direction of the wrist 300.

[0061] The pressure cuff 52 includes, for example, one or a plurality of air bags 71 and a connecting section, such as a nipple, provided in the air bag 71 and connected to the fluid circuit 24. Here, the air bag 71 is a bag-like structure, and in the present embodiment, the blood pressure measuring device 1 is configured to use air with the pump 14; thus, the present embodiment is described using the air bag. However, in a case where a fluid other than air is used, the bag-like structure can be any fluid bag inflated by a fluid. The air bag 71 is formed in a rectangular bag shape that is long in one direction.

[0062] For example, the air bag 71 encloses a plurality of layer elements 75 and a single interlayer element 76, in which at least a portion thereof has an opening 76a. By fastening the plurality of layer elements 75 and the single or plurality of interlayer elements 76 by thermal welding or the like, the air bag 71 is formed in a bag shape in which an interior space is divided by the interlayer element 76 into two chambers, which are in fluid communication with each other through the interlayer element 76.

[0063] The air bag 71, for example, has a cuff structure in which one side wall is Σ-shaped and recessed. The air bag 71 encloses a pair of main walls 71a, each formed by a portion of one of the layer elements 75 in the thickness direction, and a pair of side walls 71b, each formed by a transverse end section of one of the layer elements 75.

[0064] The layer element 75 forms, for example, the pair of main walls 71a in the thickness direction of the air bag 71 and a part of the pair of side walls 71b of the air bag 71. A central side of the side wall 71b is Σ-shaped and recessed in the thickness direction of the air bag 71 (in the radial direction of the winder 51) towards the interior of the air bag 71.

[0065] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, when the single air bag 71 is provided in the pressure sleeve 52, the winder 51 and the backplate 53 are attached to the main walls 71a. When the multiple air bags 71 are provided in the pressure sleeve 52, as shown in Figure 6, the winder 51 and the backplate 53 are attached to the main walls 71a. Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the multitude of air bags 71 are layered and integrally formed. The winder 51 is attached to one of the main walls 71a of the air bag 71 on a first side beneath the multitude of air bags 71 in the thickness direction, and the back plate 53 is attached to a portion of one of the main walls 71a of the air bag 71 on a second side in the thickness direction. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates that the main walls 71a of adjacent air bags 71 are integrally joined to one another or are shared among the plurality of air bags 71 by welding or the like, and that a single or a plurality of openings 75a are formed which establish a fluid connection between the adjacent air bags 71. In other words, as in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates the single or multiple openings 75a that establish a fluid connection between the adjacent air bags 71, formed in the layer element 75 that forms the mutually facing main walls 71a or the common main walls 71a of the adjacent air bags 71.

[0066] The multiple layer elements 75 are welded together to form the air bag 71, including the pair of main walls 71a and the pair of side walls 71b. An air bag 71 can be formed from two layer elements 75, or from three or more; for example, four layer elements 75 can form the main walls 71a and the side walls 71b. That is, the number of layer elements 75 required to form the air bag 71 is not limited.

[0067] Furthermore, in a case where the plurality of air bags 71 are integrally layered, the layer elements 75 forming the main walls 71a of the adjacent air bags 71 may be welded together, or the main walls 71a of the adjacent air bags 71 may be formed by a layer element 75 and the adjacent air bags 71 may have a main wall 71a in common.

[0068] The intermediate layer element 76 is provided at a section located on the innermost section of the side wall 71b. The intermediate layer element 76 divides the interior of the air bag 71 into two chambers (spaces) in the thickness direction of the air bag 71. Furthermore, the intermediate layer element 76 has one or a plurality of openings 76a that fluidically connect the two chambers in the air bag 71.

[0069] For example, a thermoplastic elastomer is used as the material for the layer element 75 and the interlayer element 76. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include polyurethane-based thermoplastic resin (hereinafter referred to as TPU), polyvinyl chloride resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate resin, polystyrene-based thermoplastic resin, polyolefin-based thermoplastic resin, polyester-based thermoplastic resin, and polyamide-based thermoplastic resin. TPU is preferably used as the thermoplastic elastomer for the layer element 75 and the interlayer element 76. The layer element 75 and the interlayer element 76 can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure in which a variety of resin materials are layered. Furthermore, the air bladder 71 can, for example, be made from a thermoplastic elastomer such as TPU and then laminated with a fabric material.

[0070] The backplate 53 is attached to the surface of the pressure cuff 52 on the wrist side 300 by means of double-sided adhesive tape, glue, or the like. The backplate 53 is made of a resin material. The backplate 53 is formed, for example, in a rectangular plate shape that is long in one direction. For example, the backplate 53 can be configured as a segmented plate, that is, it can be formed by arranging a large number of small rectangular parts in one direction. The backplate 53 exhibits mold-following capability.

[0071] Here, "shape-following capability" refers to a function in which the backplate 53 can be deformed in such a way that it follows the shape of a contacted section of the wrist 300 on which it is positioned. This contacted section of the wrist 300 refers to an area of ​​the wrist 300 that comes into contact with the backplate 53. This contact includes both direct contact with the backplate 53 and indirect contact with the backplate 53 and the sensor cuff 54 positioned between them.

[0072] The sensor cuff 54 is attached to the main surface of the backplate 53 on the wrist side. The sensor cuff 54 comes into direct contact with an area of ​​the wrist 300 where arteries 311 and 312 are present, or into indirect contact with the area between which the cover or the like is inserted. The sensor cuff 54 is rectangular in shape and long in one direction. The sensor cuff 54 can be configured to come into direct contact with an area of ​​the wrist 300 where one of arteries 311 and 312 is present. The sensor sleeve 54 is smaller in the longitudinal direction than the pressure sleeve 52. The sensor sleeve 54 is the same size as or smaller than the pressure sleeve 52 in the transverse direction. The sensor sleeve 54 is formed in the same shape as the back plate 53 or smaller than the back plate 53 in both the longitudinal and transverse directions of the back plate 53.By inflating, the sensor cuff 54 compresses the area on the palm of the wrist where the artery is located. The inflated pressure cuff 52 pushes the sensor cuff 54 towards the side of the living body, with the backplate 53 positioned between them.

[0073] As a concrete example, the sensor sleeve 54 encloses an air bag 81 and a flow path body 82.

[0074] Here, the air bag 81 is a bag-like structure, and in the present embodiment, the blood pressure measuring device 1 is configured to use air with the pump 14; thus, the present embodiment is described using the air bag. However, in a case where a fluid other than air is used, the bag-like structure could be a liquid bag or the like.

[0075] The air bag 81 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in one direction. For example, the air bag 81 encloses a plurality of layer elements 85 and a single interlayer element 86, in which an opening 86a is formed in at least part of it. By attaching the plurality of layer elements 85 and the single or plurality of interlayer elements 86 by thermal welding or the like, the air bag 81 is formed in a bag shape in which an interior space is divided by the interlayer element 86 into two chambers that are fluid-connected to each other by the interlayer element 86.

[0076] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the air bag 81, for example, has a cuff structure in which the side walls are Σ-shaped and recessed. The air bag 81 encloses a pair of main walls 81a, each formed by a portion of one of the layer elements 85 in the thickness direction, and a pair of side walls 81b, each formed by a transverse end section of one of the layer elements 85. Instead of a cuff structure in which the side walls are Σ-shaped and recessed, the air bag 81 can have a single cuff structure in which the outer circumferential edges of two layer elements 85 are formed as shown in Figure 6. Fig. 8 illustrates how they are welded together.

[0077] The layer element 85 forms, for example, the pair of main walls 81a in the thickness direction of the air bag 81 and part of the pair of side walls 81b of the air bag 81. The back plate 53 is attached to a first main wall 81a, and a second main wall 81a comes into direct contact with a region of the wrist 300 where the arteries 311 and 312 are located, or into indirect contact with the region between which the cover or the like is inserted. A central side of the side wall 81b is Σ-shaped and recessed towards the interior of the air bag 81 in the thickness direction of the air bag 81 (in the radial direction of the winder 51).

[0078] The multiple layer elements 85 are welded together to form the air bag 81, including the pair of main walls 81a and the pair of side walls 81b. An air bag 81 can be formed from two layer elements 85 or from three or more layer elements 85; for example, four layer elements 85 can form the main walls 81a and the side walls 81b. That is, the number of layer elements 85 for forming the air bag 81 is not limited.

[0079] The intermediate layer element 86 is provided at a section located on the innermost section of the side wall 81b. The intermediate layer element 86 divides the interior of the air bag 81 into two chambers (spaces) in the thickness direction of the air bag 81. Furthermore, the intermediate layer element 86 has one or a plurality of openings 86a that fluidically connect the two chambers in the air bag 81.

[0080] For example, a thermoplastic elastomer is used as the material for the layer element 85 and the interlayer element 86. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include polyurethane-based thermoplastic resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate resin, polystyrene-based thermoplastic resin, polyolefin-based thermoplastic resin, polyester-based thermoplastic resin, and polyamide-based thermoplastic resin. TPU is preferably used as the thermoplastic elastomer for the layer element 85 and the interlayer element 86. The layer element 85 and the interlayer element 86 can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure in which a variety of resin materials are layered. Furthermore, the air bladder 81 can, for example, be made from a thermoplastic elastomer such as TPU and then laminated with a fabric material.

[0081] The flow path body 82 is, for example, integrally provided at a portion of an edge of the air bag 81 in the longitudinal direction. The flow path body 82 is provided at an end section of the air bag 81 near the device body 3. Furthermore, the flow path body 82 is formed in a shape that is long in one direction, with a width in the transverse direction being smaller than the width of the air bag 81. The flow path body 82 includes a connecting section, such as a nipple, at its distal end. The flow path body 82 is connected to the fluid circuit 24 via the connecting section and forms a flow path between the fluid circuit 24 and the air bag 81.

[0082] The curved section 55 is formed in at least two elements of the winder 51, the pressure cuff 52, the backplate 53, and the sensor cuff 54. When the cuff structure 4 is wrapped around the wrist 300 and the pressure cuff 52 and the sensor cuff 54 are inflated, the curved section 55 prevents the formation of wrinkles in the pressure cuff 52 and / or the sensor cuff 54 and controls the location where wrinkles occur.

[0083] To suppress and control wrinkling, a single or multiple curved sections 55 are provided in the winder 51, the pressure sleeve 52, the backplate 53, and the sensor sleeve 54. For example, the curved section 55 formed in at least one element beneath at least two elements of the winder 51, the pressure sleeve 52, the backplate 53, and the sensor sleeve 54 is formed by an opening, and the curved section 55 formed in the other element is formed by an opening, a groove, a notch, a recessed section, or a dividing element. Furthermore, the shape of the curved section 55 can be configured to various forms, such as a polygonal shape (including a rectangular shape), a circular shape, a linear shape, or an irregular shape. The number and arrangement of the curved sections 55 can be adjusted as desired.

[0084] Specific examples of the curved section 55 are given below with reference to Fig. 5 to 23 described. In Fig. Reference numerals 5 to 23 can be used to describe the curved section 55 of the winder 51, the pressure sleeve 52, the back plate 53, and the sensor sleeve 54 in the same drawing, and multiple reference numerals can be assigned to one configuration. Therefore, the shape is illustrated in each drawing by appropriate reduction, enlargement, or omission.

[0085] For example, as in Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 22 illustrates the curved section 55 formed in the pressure sleeve 52, the back plate 53, and the sensor sleeve 54. As a further example, as shown in Fig. Figure 23 illustrates the curved section 55, for example, in the winder 51, the pressure sleeve 52, the back plate 53 and the sensor sleeve 54.

[0086] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 23, the curved section 55 formed in the winder 51, for example, has a plurality of recessed sections 51b formed on the inner surface of the winder 51. The recessed section 51b is a groove extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the winder 51. The recessed section 51b extends, for example, in the transverse direction of the winder 51. The plurality of recessed sections 51b are arranged side by side in one direction on the inner surface of the winder 51 at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals, as shown in Figure 23. Fig. Figure 23 illustrates this. Furthermore, the shapes of the multiple recessed sections 51b can be the same or can be formed in shapes that, for example, have different widths, depths, or the like. The curved section 55 formed in the winder 51 can be an opening, a notch, or the like, as long as the function of the winder 51 is not impaired. The number, shape, and arrangement of the curved sections 55 formed in the winder 51 can be adjusted as required.

[0087] For example, as in Fig. Figures 5 to 7, 9 to 15 and 17 to 19 illustrate the curved section 55 formed in the pressure sleeve 52, the single or multiple openings 76a formed in the intermediate layer element 76. As shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 17, the curved section 55 formed in the pressure sleeve 52 can be a recessed section 75b formed in the layer element 75 in addition to, or instead of, the opening 76a formed in the intermediate layer element 76. Fig. 5, Fig. 7 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 19, in the case where the pressure sleeve 52 is formed by layers of the plurality of air bags 71, the curved section 55 formed in the pressure sleeve 52 can be the single or the plurality of openings 75a formed in the main walls 71a of the adjacent air bags 71, in addition to or instead of the opening 76a formed in the intermediate layer element 76. Fig. As illustrated in Figures 9 to 15 and 18, the number, shape and arrangement of the curved sections 55, which are the openings 76a and / or the opening 75a formed in the pressure sleeve 52, can be adjusted accordingly.

[0088] For example, the multitude of openings 75a can have the same shape as in Fig. 9 to 13 and 15 illustrated, or exhibit two or more different forms, as in Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 18 illustrates the multitude of openings 75a arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the layer element 75, as shown in Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 12, Fig. 15 and Fig. 18 illustrated, or at two or more predetermined intervals, as in Fig. 11, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 illustrates. Furthermore, as in Fig. 15 and Fig. Figure 18 illustrates that the multitude of openings 75a are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the layer element 75.

[0089] The recessed section 75b extends, for example, in the transverse direction of the layer element 75. The recessed section 75b is, for example, a weld line deepened by heating with a tool, extending from the front of the layer element 75 in the transverse direction of the layer element 75. The curved section 55 formed in the pressure sleeve 52 can be a groove or a notch, as long as the function of the pressure sleeve 52 is not impaired. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 16, the plurality of recessed sections 75b are arranged side by side in one direction on the inner surface of the layer element 75 at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals. Furthermore, the shapes of the plurality of recessed sections 75b can be the same or be formed in shapes that, for example, have different widths, depths, or the like.

[0090] The multitude of openings 76a can have the same shape as in Fig. 9 to 13 and 15 illustrated, or exhibit two or more different forms, as in Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 18 illustrates the multitude of openings 76a arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the intermediate layer element 76, as shown in Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 12, Fig. 15 and Fig. 18 illustrated, or at two or more predetermined intervals, as in Fig. 11, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 illustrates. Furthermore, as in Fig. 15 and Fig. Figure 18 illustrates the multitude of openings 76a arranged side by side in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the intermediate layer element 76.

[0091] Furthermore, the opening 75a formed in the layer element 75 and the opening 76a formed in the intermediate layer element 76 can be the same or different with regard to number, shape, spacing, and the like. For example, in the Fig. 5 and Fig. The seven illustrated examples show the multitude of openings 75a formed in the layer element 75 and the multitude of openings 76a formed in the intermediate layer element 76 arranged in different arrangement relationships, more precisely, arranged such that they are shifted relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, for example, in the Fig. Figure 19 illustrated the plurality of openings 75a formed in the layer element 75 and the plurality of openings 76a formed in the intermediate layer element 76 arranged in the same arrangement relationship, more precisely, arranged at the same position in the longitudinal direction, and the openings 75a and the openings 76a are opposite each other.

[0092] For example, as in Fig. Figures 5, 9 to 15 and 18 illustrate that the curved section 55 formed in the back plate 53 can be a single or a plurality of openings 53a. The curved section 55 formed in the back plate 53 can be a plurality of recessed sections 53b, as shown in Fig. 16 illustrates, or can be a variety of notches 53c, as in Fig. Figure 20 illustrates this. Here, for example, the recessed section 53b is a groove formed in the backplate 53. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 21, the curved sections 55 formed in the back plate 53 can be formed by dividing the back plate 53 into a plurality of small pieces 53d, arranging the divided small pieces 53d in one direction, and forming a gap between adjacent small pieces 53d. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figures 9 to 15, 18, 20 and 21, the number, shape and arrangement of the curved sections 55 formed in the back plate 53 can be adjusted as required.

[0093] For example, the multitude of openings 53a can have the same shape as in Fig. 9 to 13 illustrated, or exhibit two or more different forms, as in Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 18 illustrates the multitude of openings 53a arranged at equal intervals along the length of the back plate 53, as shown in Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 12, Fig. 15, Fig. 18, Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 illustrated, or at two or more predetermined intervals, as in Fig. 11, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 illustrates. Furthermore, as in Fig. 15 and Fig. Figure 18 illustrates the multitude of openings 53a arranged side by side in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the back plate 53.

[0094] The recessed section 53b extends, for example, in the transverse direction of the back plate 53. The recessed section 53b is, for example, a groove that is formed by a mold during forming and extends from the front of the back plate 53 in the transverse direction of the back plate 53. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 16, the plurality of recessed sections 53b are arranged side by side in one direction on the inner surface of the back plate 53 at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals. Furthermore, the shapes of the plurality of recessed sections 53b can be the same or be formed in shapes that, for example, have different widths, depths, or the like.

[0095] For example, as in Fig. Figure 20 illustrates a pair of notches 53c formed in the transverse direction of the back plate 53. In other words, the plurality of notches 53c are arranged symmetrically around a center line along the longitudinal direction of the back plate 53. Furthermore, the notches 53c are formed, for example, in an edge section of the back plate 53 along the longitudinal direction and are arranged side by side in one direction along the longitudinal direction of the back plate 53 at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 21, the subdivided small pieces 53d, for example, are arranged in one direction at regular intervals.

[0096] For example, as in Fig. Figures 5 to 7, 9 to 15, and 17 to 19 illustrate the curved section 55 formed in the sensor sleeve 54, the single or multiple openings 86a formed in the interlayer element 86. The curved section 55 formed in the sensor sleeve 54 can be a recessed section 85b formed in the layer element 85 in addition to, or instead of, the opening 86a formed in the interlayer element 86.

[0097] For example, the multitude of openings 86a can have the same shape as in Fig. 9 to 13 and 15 illustrated, or exhibit two or more different forms, as in Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 18 illustrates the multitude of openings 86a arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the intermediate layer element 86, as shown in Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 12, Fig. 15 and Fig. 18 illustrated, or at two or more predetermined intervals, as in Fig. 11, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 illustrates. Furthermore, as in Fig. 15 and Fig. Figure 18 illustrates the multitude of openings 86a arranged side by side in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the intermediate layer element 86.

[0098] The recessed section 85b extends, for example, in the transverse direction of the layer element 85. The recessed section 85b is, for example, a weld line deepened by heating with a tool, extending from the front of the layer element 85 in the transverse direction of the layer element 85. The curved section 55 formed in the sensor sleeve 54 can be a groove or a notch, as long as the function of the sensor sleeve 54 is not impaired. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 16, the plurality of recessed sections 85b are arranged side by side in one direction on the inner surface of the layer element 75 at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals. Furthermore, the shapes of the plurality of recessed sections 85b can be the same or be formed in shapes that, for example, have different widths, depths, or the like.

[0099] For example, as in Fig. Figure 22 illustrates that in the cuff structure 4 configured as described above, the curved sections 55 formed in the elements are arranged such that they are displaced from one another in the longitudinal direction of the winder 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensor cuff 54, so that the curved sections 55 partially overlap each other in the lamination direction of the winder 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensor cuff 54. Furthermore, in the cuff structure 4, the curved sections 55 formed in the elements can be arranged such that they are displaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the winder 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensor cuff 54, so that the curved sections 55 do not overlap in the lamination direction of the winder 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensor cuff 54.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, as in Fig. Figure 23 illustrates that in the cuff structure 4 some of the curved sections 55 formed in the elements are arranged at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the winder 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensor cuff 54, so that some of the curved sections 55 completely overlap each other in the lamination direction of the winder 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensor cuff 54 and the remainder of the curved sections 55 formed in the elements may be partially or completely displaced from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0101] Furthermore, in the cuff structure 4, the curved sections 55 formed in the elements can be arranged at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the winder 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensor cuff 54, so that all curved sections 55 overlap each other in the lamination direction of the winder 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensor cuff 54.

[0102] The band 5 brings the cuff structure 4 into close contact with the wrist 300 and fixes the cuff structure 4. The band 5 is provided by the first curved section 62 and the second curved section 63 of the winder 51. The band 5 is, for example, band-shaped. As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the strap 5 is inserted into the loop section 31a, which is provided on the outer casing 31, and folded back. The strap 5 has, for example, a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 5a, each with a hook on one side and a loop on the other. When the pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 5a interlock, the strap 5, whose end section is inserted into the loop section 31a, is secured.

[0103] In the present embodiment, the band 5 is provided at a distal end of the second curved section 63, and the loop section 31a is provided on the outer surface of the outer housing 31 on the side where the first curved section 62 is provided.

[0104] Band 5 can be configured to include a first band, which is a so-called parent band and includes a buckle, and a second band, which is a so-called sword tip and includes a multitude of small holes into which a prong of the buckle is inserted.

[0105] Next, an example of the power transmission device 100, which transmits power to the charging circuit unit 21 of the device body 3, is described. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the power transmission device 100 includes a power source 101, a power transmission unit 102, and an antenna unit 103. The power source 101 is, for example, an AC adapter or the like, which is connected to a commercial power source or the like. The power source 101 converts the AC current received from the commercial power source into DC current and supplies the DC current to the power transmission unit 102.

[0106] The power transmission unit 102 generates alternating current from the direct current supplied by the power source 101 and supplies the alternating current to the antenna unit 103. For example, the power transmission unit 102 generates alternating current with a frequency that is equal to or substantially equal to a resonant frequency of a power transmission resonant circuit of the antenna unit 103.

[0107] Antenna unit 103, for example, is a transformer coil configured as a current transfer resonant circuit. One current transfer surface of antenna unit 103 is planar. Antenna unit 103 transmits current to antenna unit 211 of the device body 3. Antenna unit 103 includes, for example, a resonant capacitor and forms the current transfer resonant circuit.

[0108] According to the blood pressure measuring device 1 configured as described above, the curved section 55 is formed in at least two of the winder 51, the air bag 71 of the pressure cuff 52, the backplate 53, and the air bag 81 of the sensor cuff 54, which constitute the plurality of elements that form the cuff structure 4. Furthermore, of at least two elements of the winder 51, the air bag 71 of the pressure cuff 52, the backplate 53, and the air bag 81 of the sensor cuff 54 in which a curved section 55 is formed, the curved section 55 formed in at least one element encloses the opening, and the curved sections 55 formed in the remaining elements enclose the opening, the division, the notch, or the groove.

[0109] In these configurations, the intensity (here, the bending intensity) of the sections where the bent sections 55 of the winder 51, the air bag 71 of the pressure sleeve 52, the back plate 53, and the sensor sleeve 54 are formed is lower than the intensity of the section where the bent section 55 is not formed. Thus, the section where the bent section 55 is provided is more easily bent and deformed than the section where the bent section 55 is not provided, and becomes a base point where the folds in the air bag 71 of the pressure sleeve 52 and in the air bag 81 of the sensor sleeve 54 are formed. The folds produced in the air bags 71 and 81 are caused by factors such as a difference between the inner and outer circumference, which arises when the air bag 71 is inflated in a curved state, and the shape of the wrist 300.The resulting folds can be controlled by the curved section 55. For example, the position at which the folds are generated can be adjusted by the number, arrangement, and shape of the curved sections 55, and thus the number of folds generated in the air bag 71 of the pressure cuff 52 and in the air bag 81 of the sensor cuff 54 can be adjusted, and the depth of each fold can be adjusted by the number of folds.

[0110] In this way, the cuff structure 4 can, by adjusting the bending intensity, create folds in the air bags 71 and 81 in a desired number, position, and depth through the bent section 55. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. Figure 22 illustrates how the folds can be finely distributed by shifting the curved sections 55 of the respective elements along the longitudinal direction of the respective elements, so that the curved sections 55 are arranged alternately. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. Figure 23 illustrates that by overlapping the curved sections 55 of the respective elements, the fold can also be created at a predetermined target position. This means that even if the properties, such as the bending intensity, of the cuff structure 4 differ, the desired folds can be created by adjusting the number, arrangement, and shape of the curved sections 55.

[0111] Thus, the folds can be controlled even when air bags 71 and 81 have a relatively thick cuff structure with a Σ-shaped indentation on the side wall. As described above, the cuff structure 4 can prevent the spaces in air bags 71 and 81 from being divided by the folds due to excessively deep folds or similar issues, thereby stabilizing the measurement accuracy of the blood pressure measuring device 1. In other words, the blood pressure measuring device 1 can suppress variations in fold formation due to the condition of the cuff structure 4 at the time of application to the wrist 300 and the shape of the wrist 300, and can suppress fold-induced variations in blood pressure measurement accuracy.

[0112] In the blood pressure measuring device 1, it is preferable to distribute the folds by adjusting the number, arrangement, and shape of the curved sections 55 such that the cuff structure 4 is intentionally strongly bent at a point of relatively large curvature, such as at the boundary (edge) between the fixed section 61 and the first curved section 62, and at the boundary (edge) between the fixed section 61 and the second curved section 63, or such that wrinkling near arteries 311 and 312, where compression efficiency is slightly reduced, is less likely. This allows the cuff structure 4 to reduce the influence on tension concentration and the decrease in compression efficiency.

[0113] Furthermore, the element and position where the curved section 55 is provided, as well as the number, shape, and arrangement of the curved sections 55, can be any selected combination. Thus, in the cuff structure 4, control of the folds can be achieved by adjusting the curved section 55, with regard to ease of manufacture, cost, and the like.

[0114] Furthermore, if the air bags 71 and 81 have a cuff structure in which the side walls are Σ-shaped, lateral bulging of the air bags 71 and 81 can be prevented, thereby also achieving high compression efficiency. Additionally, if the openings 76a and 86a are provided in the intermediate layers 76 and 86, and lateral bulging occurs in the air bags 71 and 81, this bulging can be suppressed by adjusting the shapes of the openings 76a and 86a to a small size, and if lateral bulging does not occur, the openings 76a and 86a can be adjusted to a large size. Moreover, the sizes of the openings 76a and 86a can be modified to some extent according to the size, depth, and other characteristics of the folds to be created.As described above, in the cuff structure 4 the intensities of the intermediate layer elements 76 and 86 are adjusted by the shape of the openings 76a and 86a and the like, and the curved section 55 formed in each element can be adjusted with a high degree of flexibility based on the relationship between suppressing the formation of the lateral bulge and controlling the folds when the air bags 71 and 81 have the cuff structure in which the side wall is Σ-shaped.

[0115] Next, an example of an evaluation result of the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the embodiment using Fig. 24 described. As an evaluation test, the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the embodiment and the blood pressure measuring devices (cuff structures) of comparison example 1 and comparison example 2 were inflated and the wrinkles formed in the sensor cuff 54 were evaluated.

[0116] In the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the embodiment used in the evaluation test, the layer element 75 of the sensor cuff 54 was provided with a plurality of recessed sections 75b, which were weld lines as curved sections 55 at uniform intervals of 8 mm, and the intermediate layer element 76 was provided with a plurality of openings 76a as curved sections 55. The sensor cuff 54 was made of TPU and its front surface was laminated with a fabric material.

[0117] In the blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 1, the layer element 75 of the sensor cuff 54 was provided with a plurality of recessed sections 75b, which were weld lines in the form of curved sections 55 at regular intervals of 8 mm, and the intermediate layer element 76 was not provided with a plurality of openings 76a in the form of curved sections 55. In the blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 1, the surface of the sensor cuff 54 was made of TPU, without the use of any fabric material.

[0118] In the blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 2, the layer element 75 of the sensor cuff 54 was provided with a plurality of recessed sections 75b, which were weld lines in the form of curved sections 55 at regular intervals of 8 mm, and the intermediate layer element 76 was not provided with a plurality of openings 76a in the form of curved sections 55. In the blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 2, the sensor cuff 54 was made of TPU and its front surface was laminated with the fabric material.

[0119] As in Fig.As illustrated in Figure 24, the folds formed in the sensor cuff 54 could be evenly distributed when the cuff structure 4 of the blood pressure measuring device 1 was inflated according to the embodiment. As a result, in the cuff structure 4 according to the embodiment, for example, the opening 76a of the interlayer element 76 is provided as at least one element as a curved section 55, and the layer element 75 is combined as a further element, so that the folds can be generated evenly and in a distributed manner.

[0120] On the other hand, in the cuff structure of the blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 1, the sensor cuff 54 did not have a fabric laminate and was therefore softer than the sensor cuffs 54 of the cuff structures of the embodiment and Comparative Example 2, and the interlayer element had no opening, which is why the folds varied in size and could not be evenly distributed.

[0121] Furthermore, the cuff structure of the blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 2 contained the fabric laminate, so that the sensor cuff 54 was harder than that of Comparative Example 1 and thus no wrinkles formed in some of the recessed sections 75b (weld lines) under the multitude of recessed sections 75b.

[0122] The results of such an evaluation test clearly show that the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the present embodiment can control the formation of wrinkles.

[0123] As described above, according to the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the present embodiment, the curved section 55 which includes the opening is formed in at least two elements which form the cuff structure 4, and thus the wrinkles produced can be controlled.

[0124] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is to say, the cuff structure 4 can have a configuration in which the curved section 55 is provided in at least two elements, and thus the cuff structure 4 can have a configuration that includes one or more air bags and one or more other elements that are contained in the air bags or laminated onto the air bags. For example, the cuff structure 4 can be configured to include only one cuff, or it can be configured to include a further cuff in addition to the pressure cuff 52 and the sensor cuff 54.

[0125] This means that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made during an implementation stage without deviating from its core. Furthermore, each of the embodiments can be implemented in combination as far as possible, and in this case, combined effects can be achieved. Moreover, the inventions are included in the embodiment described above at various stages, and the different inventions can be extracted from the multitude of disclosed constitutive elements in accordance with suitable combinations. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and that various modifications can be made during an implementation stage without deviating from its scope. Furthermore, embodiments can, if necessary,The embodiment can be implemented in combination, and in such a case, combined effects can be achieved. Furthermore, the embodiment includes various inventions, and based on selected combinations from the multitude of disclosed components, different inventions can be derived from the embodiment. For example, in a case where the problem can be solved and the effects achieved even if some components of the embodiment are omitted, the configuration obtained by omitting components can be derived as a single invention. List of reference numbers 1 blood pressure measuring device 3 Device bodies 4 cuff structure Volume 5 5a Velcro fastener 11 cases 12 Display unit 13 Control unit 14 Pump 15 Accelerometer 16 valve 17 Pressure sensor 18 Battery 19 Communication unit 20 Biometric Sensor 21 Charging circuit unit 22 storage 23 processor 24 Fluid circuit 31 Outer casing 31a Loop section 32 Windscreen 33 Rear cover 41 key 43 Touch panel 51 winders 51a Decorative location 51b In-depth section 52 Pressure cuff 53 Backplate 53a Opening 53b In-depth section 53c notch 53d Small piece 54 Sensor cuff 55 Curved section 61 Fixed section 62 First curved section 63 Second curved section 71 air bags 71a Main wall 71b Side wall 75 layer element 75a Opening 75b In-depth section 76 Intermediate layer element 76a Opening 81 air bags 81a Main Wall 81b Side wall 82 Flow path bodies 85 layer element 85b In-depth section 86 Intermediate layer element 86a Opening 100 power transmission device 101 Power source 102 Power transmission unit 103 Antenna unit 211 Antenna unit 212 Power receiving unit 213 Charging unit 300 wrist 311 Radial artery 312 Ulnar artery QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2001-224558 A [0003, 0005] JP 6751462 B

[0005]

Claims

[1] Cuff structure for use in a blood pressure measuring device, comprising: one or more air bags inflated with a fluid; and one or more elements that are contained in or laminated onto the air bags, wherein the air bag and at least two of the one or more elements are provided with curved sections, one of which is formed by an opening or a division and the other by an opening, a division, a notch, a recessed section or a groove. [2] Cuff structure according to claim 1, further comprising a winder that represents the element and is curved following the shape of one side of a living body in order to be attached to it in a circumferential direction, a pressure cuff that is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the winder and encloses the air bag, a backplate representing the element and attached to an inner circumferential surface of the pressure sleeve, and a sensor cuff that is attached to an inner circumferential surface of the backplate and encloses the air bag. [3] Cuff structure according to claim 2, wherein the air bag includes an intermediate layer element and the curved section formed in the air bag, one or more openings formed in the interlayer element, and / or a recessed section formed on a front side of the air bag. [4] Cuff structure according to claim 2, wherein the curved section formed in the back plate is an opening, a division, a notch or a groove formed in the back plate. [5] Cuff structure according to claim 2, wherein the winder, the pressure cuff, the backplate and the sensor cuff are shaped so that they are long in one direction, and a multitude of curved sections, provided in at least two of the winder, pressure sleeve, back plate and sensor sleeve, are positioned side by side in one direction. [6] Cuff structure according to claim 5, wherein the curved sections provided in at least two by the winder, the pressure cuff, the back plate and the sensor cuff are arranged such that they at least partially overlap the curved sections lying next to each other in a lamination direction and / or are arranged such that they are displaced in one direction from the curved sections lying next to each other in the lamination direction. [7] Blood pressure measuring device, comprising: the cuff structure according to one of claims 1 to 6; a device body that is attached to the cuff structure; and a band that is provided in the device body and configured to secure the cuff structure.

Images