Cuff structure and blood pressure measurement device

Abstract

To provide a cuff structure and a blood pressure measurement device capable of controlling wrinkles to be generated.SOLUTION: A cuff structure used in a blood pressure measurement device includes: one or more air bags that are inflated by fluid; and one or more members that contain the air bags or that are provided to be stacked in the air bag. In at least two of the air bags and the one or more members, folding parts one of which is formed by opening or splitting, and the other of which is formed by opening, splitting, notching, a recess or a groove are provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cuff structure and a blood pressure measuring device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, blood pressure measuring devices have been used to measure blood pressure not only in medical facilities but also at home as a means of checking health conditions. Blood pressure measuring devices measure blood pressure by detecting vibrations of arterial walls, for example, by inflating and deflating a cuff wrapped around the upper arm or wrist of a living body and detecting the pressure of the cuff with a pressure sensor.

[0003] A known cuff for use in such blood pressure measuring devices is a cuff with a laminated structure (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A laminated cuff has a connecting section and a hardened side wall, which prevents lateral bulging and allows for efficient compression without changing width even when inflated. However, a problem with laminated cuffs is that the provision of a connecting section hinders outward bulging of the gusset, resulting in a trade-off between compression efficiency and susceptibility to lateral bulging.

[0004] Furthermore, changing the material strength, i.e., the thickness and hardness of the sheet material that forms the cuff, is generally difficult to adjust, and the strength of the entire cuff must be adjusted, making it impossible to increase the strength of only those areas where lateral swelling is likely to occur. Furthermore, because a cuff with a laminated structure is made by stacking multiple sheet materials, it is thick and prone to wrinkling, which is a problem. When wrinkling occurs in the cuff, the space inside the cuff is divided, resulting in a problem of reduced blood pressure measurement accuracy.

[0005] Therefore, a conventional method for controlling wrinkles in a cuff is known, which involves providing cutouts in a partition sheet to control wrinkles (see, for example, Patent Document 2). This technique aims to reduce stress concentration by forming large, curved wrinkles into smoother wrinkles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-224558 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6751462 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The above-described cuff wrinkle control method cannot be fully effective when wrapped around a measurement site with a small curvature, because wrinkles occur in places other than the notched positions. Also, when the cuff itself has a thickness, such as the laminated structure described above, the cuff cannot be fully effective.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cuff structure and a blood pressure measurement device that are capable of controlling the occurrence of wrinkles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect, there is provided a cuff structure for use in a blood pressure measuring device, comprising one or more air bags inflated with a fluid, and one or more members contained in the air bags or stacked on the air bags, wherein at least two of the air bags and the one or more members are provided with a folding portion, one formed by an opening or division and the other formed by an opening, division, notch, recess or groove.

[0010] According to this aspect, the cuff structure has a bent portion including an opening that weakens the strength of two or more members, thereby making it possible to control wrinkles that occur in the curved air bladder when attached to a living body. Therefore, the cuff structure can generate desired wrinkles, preventing the occurrence of unintended wrinkles, such as excessively deep wrinkles. Therefore, the cuff structure allows stable blood pressure measurement using a blood pressure measurement device.

[0011] The cuff structure according to one aspect of the present invention includes a curler, which is a component that curves to follow the circumferential shape of the part of the living body where the cuff is attached; a pressure cuff that is fixed to the inner surface of the curler and includes the air bag; a back plate, which is a component that is fixed to the inner surface of the pressure cuff; and a sensing cuff that is fixed to the inner surface of the back plate and includes the air bag.

[0012] According to this aspect, it is possible to control wrinkles in the pressure cuff and sensing cuff that press against the living body, which are greatly affected by stress concentration and reduced compression efficiency, and blood pressure measurement can be performed stably.

[0013] A cuff structure according to one aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the air bag includes an intermediate sheet member, and the folded portion formed in the air bag is one or more openings formed in the intermediate sheet member and / or a recess formed in the surface of the air bag.

[0014] According to this aspect, the cuff structure can reduce the strength of the air bag at which wrinkles occur, making it easier to control wrinkles that occur in the air bag. As a result, the cuff structure can reduce the effect of the hardness of the air bag on wrinkle control.

[0015] In the cuff structure of the above-mentioned one aspect, the folded portion formed in the back plate is an opening, a division, a notch, or a groove formed in the back plate.

[0016] According to this aspect, the cuff structure can reduce the strength of the back plate to which the sensing cuff is fixed, making it easier to control wrinkles that occur in the sensing cuff.

[0017] In one aspect of the cuff structure described above, the curler, the pressure cuff, the back plate, and the sensing cuff are formed long in one direction, and the folding portions provided on at least two of the curler, the pressure cuff, the back plate, and the sensing cuff are provided in multiple numbers lined up in the one direction.

[0018] According to this aspect, the cuff structure has a plurality of folded portions arranged in one direction, which can disperse wrinkles that occur in the air bag. By dispersing the wrinkles, the cuff structure can prevent deep wrinkles from occurring.

[0019] In one aspect of the cuff structure, the folding portions provided on at least two of the curler, the pressure cuff, the back plate, and the sensing cuff are arranged to at least partially overlap with adjacent folding portions in the stacking direction, and / or are arranged to be offset in one direction from adjacent folding portions in the stacking direction.

[0020] According to this aspect, by at least partially overlapping the folded portions provided on two or more members, wrinkles can be generated at a desired position. Furthermore, by offsetting the folded portions provided on two or more members, wrinkles can be finely dispersed. In this way, the cuff structure can arbitrarily set the position and number of wrinkles by adjusting the arrangement of the folded portions.

[0021] According to one aspect, a blood pressure measurement device is provided, comprising: a cuff structure according to the above aspect; a device main body fixed to the cuff structure; and a band attached to the device main body and fixing the cuff structure.

[0022] According to this aspect, by using a blood pressure measurement device having the above-described cuff structure, it is possible to suppress variations in the occurrence of wrinkles due to the state of wearing and the shape of the wrist, and to suppress variations in the accuracy of blood pressure measurement caused by wrinkles. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cuff structure and a blood pressure measurement device that are capable of controlling wrinkles that occur. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a blood pressure measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device when worn on the wrist. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the blood pressure measurement device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the cuff structure used in the blood pressure measuring device, in a developed state, from the side. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a cuff used in the cuff structure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of the cuff. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of the cuff. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a folding portion used in the cuff structure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of another example of the bending portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of another example of the bending portion. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of another example of the bending portion. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of another example of the bending portion. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of another example of the bending portion. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of another example of the bending portion. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of another example of the bending portion. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of another example of the bending portion. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of another example of the bending portion. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of another example of the bending portion. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of another example of the bending portion. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of another example of the bending portion. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic unfolded view of the configuration of the folding portion used in the cuff structure. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic unfolded view of the configuration of the folding portion used in the cuff structure. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the evaluation results of the cuff structure in comparison with a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] An example of a blood pressure measurement device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a blood pressure measurement device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the blood pressure measurement device 1. Fig. 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the blood pressure measurement device 1 in a state where it is worn on a wrist 300. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the device main body 3 of the blood pressure measurement device 1.

[0027] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic unfolded side view of the configuration of the cuff structure 4 used in the blood pressure measuring device 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a pressure cuff 52 and a sensing cuff 54 as cuffs used in the cuff structure 4. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another example of the pressure cuff 52. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another example of the sensing cuff 54. FIGS. 9 to 21 are diagrams showing a schematic configuration of bending portions 55 provided in each member of the cuff structure 4. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the evaluation results of the cuff structure 4 in comparison with a comparative example.

[0028] The blood pressure measurement device 1 is an electronic blood pressure measurement device that is attached to a living body. In this embodiment, the blood pressure measurement device 1 is a wearable device that is attached to a wrist 300 as shown in Fig. 3. The blood pressure measurement device 1 is an electronic blood pressure measurement device that measures blood pressure from arteries 311 and 312 of the wrist 300, for example.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the blood pressure measurement device 1 includes, for example, a device main body 3, a cuff structure 4, and a band 5.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the device main body 3 includes, for example, a housing 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a pump 14, an acceleration sensor 15, a valve 16, a pressure sensor 17, a battery 18, a communication unit 19, a charging circuit unit 21, a memory 22, and a processor 23.

[0031] The housing 11 is a case that houses the components of the device main body 3. The housing 11 houses, for example, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a pump 14, an acceleration sensor 15, a valve 16, a pressure sensor 17, a battery 18, a communication unit 19, a biosensor 20, a charging circuit unit 21, a memory 22, and a processor 23. The housing 11 also houses, for example, a fluid circuit 24. Note that the fluid circuit 24 may include, for example, a tube or a flow path plate that forms a flow path for the fluid supplied from the pump 14 to the cuff structure 4, components such as a fluid resistor that controls the supply amount and pressure of the fluid supplied to the cuff structure 4, and a check valve that controls the flow direction of the fluid.

[0032] The housing 11 includes, for example, an outer case 31, a windshield 32 that covers the upper opening of the outer case 31, and a back cover 33 that covers the lower part of the outer case 31.

[0033] The outer case 31 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical, rectangular, or polygonal cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the outer case 31 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape. The outer case 31 has a loop portion 31a provided on one surface of its outer periphery. The loop portion 31a is a rectangular, annular member having an opening that is long in one direction and through which the band 5 can be inserted to pass and fold the band 5. The loop portion 31a is formed integrally with the outer case 31. The windshield 32 is a rectangular glass plate having a shape similar to the outer peripheral edge of the outer case 31, in this embodiment. Note that the windshield 32 is not limited to a glass plate as long as it is a transparent or translucent material. The back cover 33 closes the bottom of the outer case 31. Note that the housing 11 may not have the back cover 33, and the bottom of the outer case 31 may be closed by a curler 51 (described later) of the cuff structure 4 fixed to the housing 11.

[0034] The display unit 12 is disposed directly below the windshield 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 electroluminescence display. The display unit 12 displays various information including the date and time, blood pressure values such as systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, measurement results such as heart rate, and information such as the charge status and remaining capacity of the battery 18. The display unit 12 is formed, for example, in the same shape as the windshield 32 in a plan view.

[0035] The operation unit 13 is configured to allow commands to be input by the user. The operation unit 13 includes, for example, a plurality of buttons 41 provided on the housing 11, a sensor that detects operation of the buttons 41, and a touch panel 43 provided on the display unit 12 or the windshield 32. When operated by the user, the operation unit 13 converts commands into electrical signals. The sensor and touch panel 43 are electrically connected to the processor 23 and output the electrical signals to the processor 23.

[0036] The pump 14 is, for example, a piezoelectric pump. The pump 14 compresses, for example, air as a fluid, and supplies the compressed air via a fluid circuit to a pressure cuff 52 and a sensing cuff 54 (described later) of the cuff structure 4. The pump 14 is electrically connected to the processor 23.

[0037] The acceleration sensor 15 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor 15 measures, for example, acceleration and outputs an analog signal. The acceleration sensor 15 is connected to the processor 23 via, for example, an A / D conversion circuit.

[0038] The valve 16 is, for example, an on-off valve. The valve 16 opens and closes a fluid circuit connecting the pump 14 and the cuff structure 4 and / or a fluid circuit connecting the cuff structure 4 and a standby. The valve 16 is electrically connected to the processor 23. For example, the valve 16 is opened and closed under the control of the processor 23.

[0039] As a specific example, the valve 16 is a safety valve that releases air supplied to a pressure cuff 52 and a sensing cuff 54 (described later) of the cuff structure 4 to the atmosphere. The valve 16 is controlled by the processor 23 to switch to a closed state when supplying air to the pressure cuff 52 and the sensing cuff 54 during blood pressure measurement, for example. The valve 16 is also controlled by the processor 23 to switch from a closed state to an open state when venting the pressure cuff 52 and the sensing cuff 54. The valve 16 may be configured to have an adjustable opening. The valve 16 may be provided on the fluid circuit 24, or may be provided integrally within the housing of the pump 14.

[0040] The pressure sensor 17 is provided in, for example, the fluid circuit 24. The pressure sensor 17 detects the pressure of the pressure cuff 52 and / or the sensing cuff 54. For example, the pressure sensor 17 detects the pressure of the sensing cuff 54. The pressure sensor 17 is electrically connected to the processor 23 via, for example, an A / D conversion circuit, converts the detected pressure into an electrical signal, and outputs it to the processor 23.

[0041] Battery 18 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Battery 18 is electrically connected to processor 23. Battery 18 supplies power to processor 23. Battery 18 supplies driving power to each component of processor 23, as well as to display unit 12, operation unit 13, pump 14, acceleration sensor 15, valve 16, pressure sensor 17, and communication unit 19 via processor 23.

[0042] The communication unit 19 is configured to be able to transmit and receive information to and from an external device wirelessly and / or via a wired connection. The communication unit 19 is, for example, a wireless communication module that complies with a wireless communication standard. The communication unit 19 transmits, for example, information controlled by the processor 23 and information such as measured blood pressure values and pulse rates to the external device, and also receives programs for software updates from the external device and sends them to the control unit. In this embodiment, the external device is, for example, an external terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or a smartwatch.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the communication unit 19 and the external terminal may be connected directly or via a network. The communication unit 19 and the external terminal may be connected via a mobile communication network such as 4G or 5G, or a wireless communication line such as Wimax or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication unit 19 and the external device may also be connected via a wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), or infrared communication. The communication unit 19 may have, in addition to a wireless communication module, a general-purpose connector such as a micro USB (Universal Serial Bus) or a connector dedicated for the blood pressure measurement device 1, and may be connected to the external terminal directly or via a wired communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) connection via various cables such as a USB cable. For this reason, the communication unit 19 may be configured to include multiple communication means such as a wireless antenna and a micro USB connector. The connector for wired communication may be a connector dedicated for the blood pressure measurement device 1.

[0044] The biosensor 20 is configured to be able to detect biometric information by contacting or facing the wrist 300. The biosensor 20 converts the detected biometric information into an electrical signal and outputs it to the processor 23. The biosensor 20 may be a sensor that measures physical quantities such as heart rate and body temperature, or may be a sensor that measures chemical values such as blood glucose levels and blood oxygen concentrations. For example, the biosensor 20 is provided on the back cover 33 of the housing 11 and / or on a curler 51 (described later) of the cuff structure 4. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the biosensor 20 is provided on the curler 51. Note that the blood pressure measurement device 1 may be configured without the biosensor 20.

[0045] 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 transmitted power transmitted from the antenna unit 103 of the externally provided power transmitting device 100, and charges the battery 18.

[0046] The antenna unit 211 receives transmitted power from the antenna unit of the power transmitting device. The antenna unit 211 is, for example, a power receiving coil serving as a power receiving resonant circuit. The antenna unit 211 supplies the received power to the power receiving unit 212. The power receiving surface of the antenna unit 211 is formed in a flat shape. The antenna unit 211 is, for example, disposed within the housing 11. As a specific example, the antenna unit 211 is disposed adjacent to the display unit 12 on the opposite side of the windshield 32 of the display unit 12 within the housing 11. The antenna unit 211 includes, for example, a resonant capacitor, and constitutes a power receiving resonant circuit.

[0047] Power receiving unit 212 rectifies the power received by antenna unit 211 and supplies it to charging unit 213. As a specific example, power receiving unit 212 rectifies the received power supplied from antenna unit 211 and converts it from AC to DC. For example, power receiving unit 212 includes a rectifier circuit and a control circuit, and controls the operation of the rectifier circuit using the control circuit, and outputs the rectified DC power to charging unit 213.

[0048] The charging unit 213 supplies the power supplied from the power receiving unit 212 to the battery 18 as charging power. For example, the charging unit 213 converts the power supplied from the power receiving unit 212 into a predetermined current value and voltage value and supplies the power to the battery 18. Furthermore, for example, the charging unit 213 may have a circuit that outputs the charging state of the battery 18 to the power receiving unit 212 and / or the processor 23.

[0049] The memory 22 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The memory 22 stores various data. For example, the memory 22 pre-stores, in a changeable manner, various program data such as programs and applications for controlling the entire blood pressure measurement device 1 and the pump 14, setting data for setting various functions of the blood pressure measurement device 1, calculation data for calculating a blood pressure value and a pulse rate from the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 17, and the like.

[0050] The processor 23 controls the overall operation of the 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, and causes the device 23 to perform predetermined operations (functions). The processor 23 also performs predetermined calculations, analyses, processing, etc. in accordance with the loaded programs. The processor 23 is a computing device such as a CPU. The processor 23 may include, for example, a main CPU and a sub-CPU. The processor 23 also displays the status and results of the various executed operations and calculations, analyses, processing, etc. on the display unit 12 using a program or an application.

[0051] Cuff structure 4 includes, for example, curler 51, pressure cuff 52, back plate 53, sensing cuff 54, and folding portion 55. Cuff structure 4 is configured by laminating curler 51, pressure cuff 52, back plate 53, and sensing cuff 54. Furthermore, cuff structure 4 has folding portion 55 formed in at least two of the multiple members that make up cuff structure 4, namely curler 51, pressure cuff 52, back plate 53, and sensing cuff 54. Furthermore, cuff structure 4 may have folding portion 55 formed in multiple members that make up pressure cuff 52 and / or sensing cuff 54, such as sheet members 75 and 85 and intermediate sheet members 76 and 86, which will be described later.

[0052] Specific examples of the cuff structure 4 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 23. As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 5, the cuff structure 4 includes a curler 51, a pressure cuff 52, a back plate 53, a sensing cuff 54, and a plurality of bent portions 55 formed on each of the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54.

[0053] One end of curler 51 is fixed to the wrist side of housing 11, for example. Curler 51 is formed in a band shape that curves to follow the circumferential direction of wrist 300. Curler 51 is made of a resin material. Curler 51 also has a decorative sheet 51a, such as an outer fabric, attached to its outer periphery by welding, bonding, integral molding, or the like to enhance its design. Curler 51 has a hardness that allows it to be flexible and shape-retaining. Here, flexibility refers to the ability of curler 51 to deform in the radial direction when an external force from band 5 is applied to curler 51. Shape-retaining refers to the ability of curler 51 to maintain a pre-formed shape when no external force is applied. In other words, curler 51 is made of a resin material that is hard enough to not undergo compressive deformation or to not omit compressive deformation, but allows elastic deformation, such as bending deformation, that changes the shape, particularly the curvature of the curved portion. Therefore, curler 51 is formed to be elastically deformable when an external force is applied, so that the internal space in which wrist 300 is placed increases or decreases in size according to the shape of the wrist on which it is worn.

[0054] Curler 51 is formed so that one side from the portion fixed to housing 11 is longer than the other side. Both ends of curler 51 are formed to a length and shape that will position them on one side of wrist 300, between the palm side and the back side of wrist 300, when curler 51 is worn on either wrist 300 with the longest circumference or wrist 300 with the shortest circumference among the users who are expected to wear it. Curler 51 may be curved all along the longitudinal direction to follow the shape of wrist 300, or may be partially formed into a flat plate shape.

[0055] As a specific example, curler 51 is fixed to, for example, outer case 31 or back cover 33 of housing 11. Curler 51 also includes fixed portion 61, the portion of which that is fixed to back cover 33 is formed in a flat plate shape, first curved portion 62 that is provided at one end of fixed portion 61 and curves with a predetermined radius of curvature, and second curved portion 63 that is provided at the other end of fixed portion 61 and curves with a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0056] The first curved portion 62 is formed to have a length from the fixed portion 61 to one side of the wrist 300. Furthermore, for example, a biosensor 20 is provided on the inner surface on the end side of the first curved portion 62. The second curved portion 63 is formed to have a length from the fixed portion 61 to the other side of the wrist 300, beyond the palm side of the wrist 300, to one side of the wrist 300 where the end of the first curved portion 62 is located.

[0057] For example, one of the end of first curved portion 62 and the end of second curved portion 63 is located radially outward from the other. As a specific example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the end of second curved portion 63 is located radially outward from the end of first curved portion 62. Furthermore, for example, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 2, in a state before an external force is applied to curler 51, the end of second curved portion 63 may be located radially outward from the end of first curved portion 62 and be spaced apart in the circumferential direction, so that the ends of first curved portion 62 and second curved portion 63 are spaced apart.

[0058] For example, the lengths of the first curved portion 62 and the second curved portion 63 are such that, when the blood pressure measurement device 1 is worn on the wrist 300 with the longest circumference among the wrists 300 on which the blood pressure measurement device 1 is expected to be worn, the second curved portion 63 faces the area of the wrist 300 where the two arteries 311, 312 are located, the second curved portion 63 is positioned on a part of the side of the wrist 300, and the end of the first curved portion 62 and the end of the second curved portion 63 are spaced apart. Here, the two arteries 311, 312 are the radial artery 311 and the ulnar artery 312.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, the lengths of the first curved portion 62 and the second curved portion 63 are such that when the blood pressure measuring device 1 is worn on the wrist 300 with the shortest circumference among the wrists 300 on which the device is intended to be worn, the second curved portion 63 faces the area of the wrist 300 where the two arteries 311, 312 are located, and the first curved portion 62 and the second curved portion 63 overlap on the side of the wrist 300.

[0060] Such curler 51 has the greatest curvature at the boundary (ridge) between fixed portion 61 and first curved portion 62 and at the boundary (ridge) between fixed portion 61 and second curved portion 63.

[0061] Pressure cuff 52 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of curled elastic member 51 by double-sided tape, adhesive, thermal welding, or the like. Pressure cuff 52 is provided in at least the region of second bending portion 63 where the artery of wrist 300 is present. As a specific example, pressure cuff 52 is provided in a longitudinal region of curled elastic member 51 from the fixed portion 61 side of first bending portion 62, including the ridges of fixed portion 61 and first bending portion 62, to the end side of second bending portion 63. Pressure cuff 52 fits along the inner surface of curled elastic member 51, and has the largest curvature at the boundary between fixed portion 61 and first bending portion 62 and the boundary between fixed portion 61 and second bending portion 63.

[0062] Pressure cuff 52 is fluidly connected to pump 14 via a fluid circuit. One main surface of pressure cuff 52 is fixed to the inner surface of curler 51. For example, pressure cuff 52 is attached to the inner surface of curler 51 with double-sided tape or adhesive. When pressure cuff 52 inflates, it presses against the back side of wrist 300 and also presses back plate 53 and sensing cuff 54 toward wrist 300.

[0063] Pressure cuff 52 includes, for example, one or more air bags 71 and a connector such as a nipple that is provided on air bag 71 and connected to fluid circuit 24. Here, air bag 71 is a bag-like structure, and in this embodiment, blood pressure measurement device 1 is configured to use air via pump 14, so the description will be given using an air bag, but if a fluid other than air is used, the bag-like structure may be a fluid bag that is inflated by the fluid. Air bag 71 is formed into a rectangular bag that is long in one direction.

[0064] For example, air bag 71 includes a plurality of sheet members 75 and a single intermediate sheet member 76 having an opening 76a formed in at least a portion thereof. By fixing the plurality of sheet members 75 and the single or multiple intermediate sheet members 76 by heat welding or the like, air bag 71 is formed into a bag shape in which the internal space is partitioned by intermediate sheet member 76 and is partitioned into two chambers that are fluidly connected by intermediate sheet member 76.

[0065] Air bag 71 has, for example, a cuff structure in which the side walls are recessed in the shape of a Σ. Air bag 71 has, in the thickness direction, a pair of main walls 71a each formed by a part of each sheet member 75, and in the width direction, a pair of side walls 71b formed by the widthwise ends of each sheet member 75.

[0066] Sheet member 75 forms, for example, a pair of main walls 71a in the thickness direction of air bag 71 and a part of a pair of side walls 71b of air bag 71. Side walls 71b are recessed in a Σ shape toward the inside of air bag 71 at the center side in the thickness direction of air bag 71 (radial direction of curler 51).

[0067] When a single air bag 71 is provided in pressure cuff 52 as shown in Fig. 6, curler 51 and back plate 53 are fixed to main wall 71a. When a plurality of air bags 71 are provided in pressure cuff 52 as shown in Fig. 7, the plurality of air bags 71 are stacked together to form an integrated unit, with curler 51 fixed to one main wall 71a of the air bag 71 at one end in the thickness direction among the plurality of air bags 71, and back plate 53 fixed to a part of one main wall 71a of the air bag 71 at the other end in the thickness direction. As shown in Fig. 7, the main walls 71a of adjacent air bags 71 among the plurality of air bags 71 are fixed together by welding or the like, or are shared, and one or more openings 75a are formed therein that fluidly connect the adjacent air bags 71. In other words, as shown in FIG. 7, the sheet member 75 forming the opposing main walls 71a of adjacent air bags 71 or the shared main wall 71a has one or more openings 75a that fluidly connect the adjacent air bags 71.

[0068] A plurality of sheet members 75 are welded together to form air bag 71 having a pair of main walls 71a and a pair of side walls 71b. Here, one air bag 71 may be formed from two sheet members 75, or from three or more sheet members 75, for example, four sheet members 75 each constituting one main wall 71a and one side wall 71b. In other words, the number of sheet members 75 used to form air bag 71 is not limited.

[0069] Furthermore, when multiple air bags 71 are stacked together, the sheet members 75 forming the main walls 71a of adjacent air bags 71 may be welded together, or the main walls 71a of adjacent air bags 71 may be formed from a single sheet member 75, with adjacent air bags 71 sharing a single main wall 71a.

[0070] Intermediate sheet member 76 is provided at the innermost portion of side wall 71b. Intermediate sheet member 76 divides air bag 71 into two chambers (spaces) in the thickness direction of air bag 71. Intermediate sheet member 76 also has one or more openings 76a formed therein that fluidly connect the two chambers within air bag 71.

[0071] The sheet member 75 and the intermediate sheet member 76 are made of, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer. Examples of the thermoplastic elastomer include thermoplastic polyurethane resin (Thermoplastic Polyurethane, hereinafter referred to as TPU), polyvinyl chloride resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate resin, thermoplastic polystyrene resin, thermoplastic polyolefin resin, thermoplastic polyester resin, and thermoplastic polyamide resin. It is preferable to use TPU as the thermoplastic elastomer used for the sheet member 75 and the intermediate sheet member 76. The sheet member 75 and the intermediate sheet member 76 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure in which multiple resin materials are laminated. The air bladder 71 may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer such as TPU and then laminated with a cloth material.

[0072] The back plate 53 is fixed to the surface of the pressure cuff 52 on the wrist 300 side with double-sided tape, adhesive, or the like. The back plate 53 is made of a resin material. The back plate 53 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate that is long in one direction. The back plate 53 may be configured to be divided, that is, formed by arranging a plurality of rectangular pieces in one direction. The back plate 53 has shape-following properties.

[0073] Here, shape conformability refers to the ability of the back plate 53 to deform so as to follow the shape of the contacted part of the wrist 300 on which it is placed, and the contacted part of the wrist 300 refers to the area of the wrist 300 that comes into contact with the back plate 53, and contact here includes both direct contact with the back plate 53 and indirect contact via the sensing cuff 54 of the back plate 53.

[0074] The sensing cuff 54 is fixed to the main surface of the back plate 53 on the wrist side. The sensing cuff 54 comes into direct contact with the area of the wrist 300 where the arteries 311 and 312 are located, or indirectly via a cover or the like. The sensing cuff 54 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in one direction. The sensing cuff 54 may also be configured to come into contact with the area of the wrist 300 where one of the arteries 311 and 312 is located. The sensing cuff 54 is smaller than the pressure cuff 52 in the longitudinal direction. The sensing cuff 54 is also the same size as or smaller than the pressure cuff 52 in the lateral direction. The sensing cuff 54 has the same shape as or is smaller than the back plate 53 in the longitudinal and width directions of the back plate 53. When the sensing cuff 54 expands, it compresses the area of the wrist on the palm side where the arteries are located. The sensing cuff 54 is pressed against the living body side via the back plate 53 by the inflated pressure cuff 52 .

[0075] As a specific example, sensing cuff 54 includes one air bag 81 and a flow path body 82. Here, the air bag 81 is a bag-like structure, and in this embodiment, the blood pressure measuring device 1 is configured to use air through the pump 14, so the description will be given using an air bag, but if a fluid other than air is used, the bag-like structure may be a liquid bag or the like.

[0076] Air bag 81 is configured in a rectangular shape that is long in one direction. For example, air bag 81 includes a plurality of sheet members 85 and a single intermediate sheet member 86 having an opening 86a formed in at least a portion thereof. By fixing the plurality of sheet members 85 and the single or multiple intermediate sheet members 86 by thermal welding or the like, air bag 81 is formed into a bag shape in which the internal space is partitioned by intermediate sheet member 86 and is partitioned into two chambers that are fluidly connected by intermediate sheet member 86.

[0077] Air bag 81 has a cuff structure in which the side walls are recessed in a Σ shape, as shown in Fig. 6. Air bag 81 has a pair of main walls 81a in the thickness direction, each formed by a part of each sheet member 85, and a pair of side walls 81b in the lateral direction, formed by the lateral end portions of each sheet member 85. Note that air bag 81 does not have to have a cuff structure in which the side walls are recessed in a Σ shape, and may have a single cuff structure in which the outer peripheral edges of two sheet members 85 are welded together, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0078] Sheet member 85 forms, for example, a pair of main walls 81a in the thickness direction of air bag 81 and a part of a pair of side walls 81b of air bag 81. Back plate 53 is fixed to one of main walls 81a, and the other main wall 81a comes into direct contact with the area of wrist 300 where two arteries 311, 312 are located, or indirectly via a cover or the like. Side wall 81b is recessed in a Σ shape at the center toward the inside of air bag 81 in the thickness direction of air bag 81 (radial direction of curler 51).

[0079] A plurality of sheet members 85 are welded together to form an air bag 81 having a pair of main walls 81a and a pair of side walls 81b. Here, one air bag 81 may be formed from two sheet members 85, or from three or more sheet members 85, for example, four sheet members 85 each constituting one of the main walls 81a and one of the side walls 81b. In other words, the number of sheet members 85 used to form the air bag 81 is not limited.

[0080] Intermediate sheet member 86 is provided at the innermost portion of side wall 81b. Intermediate sheet member 86 divides the inside of air bag 81 into two chambers (spaces) in the thickness direction of air bag 81. Also, intermediate sheet member 86 is formed with one or more openings 86a that fluidly connect the two chambers inside air bag 81.

[0081] The sheet member 85 and the intermediate sheet member 86 are made of, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include thermoplastic polyurethane resins (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), polyvinyl chloride resins (Polyvinyl Chloride), ethylene-vinyl acetate resins (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate), thermoplastic polystyrene resins (Thermoplastic Polyolefin), thermoplastic polyester resins (Thermoplastic Polyester), and thermoplastic polyamide resins (Thermoplastic Polyamide). The thermoplastic elastomer used for the sheet member 85 and the intermediate sheet member 86 is preferably TPU. The sheet member 85 and the intermediate sheet member 86 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure in which multiple resin materials are laminated. The air bladder 81 may be formed of, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer such as TPU, and then laminated with a cloth material.

[0082] The flow path body 82 is provided, for example, integrally with a portion of one longitudinal edge of the air bag 81. The flow path body 82 is provided at the end of the air bag 81 close to the device body 3. The flow path body 82 is formed in a shape that is elongated in one direction and has a width that is smaller than the width of the air bag 81 in the short direction. The flow path body 82 has a connection part, such as a nipple, at its tip. The flow path body 82 is connected to the fluid circuit 24 via the connection part, and forms a flow path between the fluid circuit 24 and the air bag 81.

[0083] Folding portion 55 is formed in at least two of curler 51, pressure cuff 52, back plate 53, and sensing cuff 54. Folding portion 55 suppresses wrinkles that occur in pressure cuff 52 and / or sensing cuff 54 when cuff structure 4 is wrapped around wrist 300 and pressure cuff 52 and sensing cuff 54 are inflated, and also controls the position at which wrinkles occur.

[0084] To suppress and control wrinkles, one or more folding portions 55 are provided in the curler 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54. For example, of at least two members, the curler 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54, the folding portion 55 formed in at least one member is formed by an opening, and the folding portion 55 formed in the other member is formed by an opening, a groove, a notch, a recess, or by dividing the member. Furthermore, the shape of the folding portion 55 can be set to various shapes, such as a polygonal shape including a rectangular shape, a circular shape, a linear shape, an irregular shape, etc. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the folding portions 55 can be set as appropriate.

[0085] Specific examples of folding portion 55 will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 23. Note that in describing folding portion 55 in Figures 5 to 23, curler 51, pressure cuff 52, back plate 53, and sensing cuff 54 may also be described in the same drawing, and multiple reference numerals may be assigned to one component. For this reason, the shapes in each drawing may be reduced, enlarged, or omitted as appropriate.

[0086] 5 and 22, the bent portion 55 is formed in, for example, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54. As another example, as shown in FIG. 23, the bent portion 55 is formed in, for example, the curler 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 23 , folding portions 55 formed in curler 51 are, for example, multiple recesses 51b formed on the inner surface of curler 51. Recesses 51b are grooves recessed from the inner surface of curler 51 toward the outer surface. Recesses 51b extend, for example, in the short direction of curler 51. Multiple recesses 51b are arranged side by side in one direction on the inner surface of curler 51, at equal intervals or, as shown in FIG. 23 , at two or more predetermined different intervals. Multiple recesses 51b may have the same shape or may be formed with different shapes, for example, widths or depths. Folding portions 55 formed in curler 51 may be openings, notches, or the like, as long as the configuration does not impair the functionality of curler 51. The number, shape, and arrangement of folding portions 55 formed in curler 51 can be set as appropriate.

[0088] 5 to 7, 9 to 15, and 17 to 19, the folded portion 55 formed in the pressurizing cuff 52 may be, for example, one or more openings 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the folded portion 55 formed in the pressurizing cuff 52 may be, in addition to or instead of the openings 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76, a recess 75b formed in the sheet member 75. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 19, when the pressurizing cuff 52 is formed by stacking a plurality of air bags 71, the folded portion 55 formed in the pressurizing cuff 52 may be, in addition to or instead of the openings 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76, one or more openings 75a formed in the main walls 71a of adjacent air bags 71. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 15 and 18, the number, shape and arrangement of folded portions 55 formed in pressure cuff 52, which are openings 75a and / or openings 76a, can be set as appropriate.

[0089] For example, the multiple openings 75a may be formed in the same shape as shown in Figures 9 to 13 and 15, or may be formed in two or more different shapes as shown in Figures 14 and 18. The multiple openings 75a may be arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the sheet member 75 as shown in Figures 9, 10, 12, 15 and 18, or at two or more predetermined intervals as shown in Figures 11, 13 and 14. Furthermore, the multiple openings 75a may be formed side by side in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the sheet member 75 as shown in Figures 15 and 18.

[0090] The recesses 75b extend, for example, in the short direction of the sheet member 75. The recesses 75b are, for example, welding lines formed by heating the surface of the sheet member 75 with a jig extending in the short direction of the sheet member 75. The folded portions 55 formed in the pressure cuff 52 may be grooves or notches as long as they do not impair the function of the pressure cuff 52. The multiple recesses 75b are arranged in one direction on the inner surface of the sheet member 75 at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals as shown in FIG. 16. The multiple recesses 75b may have the same shape, or may be formed with different shapes, for example, different widths, depths, etc.

[0091] The multiple openings 76a may be formed in the same shape as shown in Figures 9 to 13 and 15, or may be formed in two or more different shapes as shown in Figures 14 and 18. The multiple openings 76a are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate sheet member 76 at equal intervals as shown in Figures 9, 10, 12, 15 and 18, or at two or more predetermined intervals as shown in Figures 11, 13 and 14. Furthermore, the multiple openings 76a may be formed side by side in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the intermediate sheet member 76, as shown in Figures 15 and 18.

[0092] Furthermore, the openings 75a formed in the sheet member 75 and the openings 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76 may be the same or different in number, shape, spacing, etc. For example, in the examples shown in Figures 5 and 7, the multiple openings 75a formed in the sheet member 75 and the multiple openings 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76 have different positional relationships, specifically, are shifted in the longitudinal direction. Also, for example, in the example shown in Figure 19, the multiple openings 75a formed in the sheet member 75 and the multiple openings 76a formed in the intermediate sheet member 76 have the same positional relationship, specifically, are positioned at the same positions in the longitudinal direction, and the openings 75a and the openings 76a face each other.

[0093] The bent portions 55 formed in the back plate 53 may be, for example, one or more openings 53a, as shown in FIGS. 5, 9 to 15, and 18. The bent portions 55 formed in the back plate 53 may be, for example, a plurality of recesses 53b, as shown in FIG. 16, or a plurality of notches 53c, as shown in FIG. 20. Here, the recesses 53b are, for example, grooves formed in the back plate 53. Alternatively, the bent portions 55 formed in the back plate 53 may 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 gaps between adjacent small pieces 53d, as shown in FIG. 21. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 15, 18, 20, and 21, the number, shape, and arrangement of the bent portions 55 formed in the back plate 53 can be set as appropriate.

[0094] For example, the openings 53a may be formed in the same shape as shown in Figures 9 to 13, or may be formed in two or more different shapes as shown in Figures 14 and 18. The openings 53a may be arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the back plate 53 as shown in Figures 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, and 21, or at two or more predetermined intervals as shown in Figures 11, 13, and 14. Furthermore, the openings 53a may be formed side by side in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the back plate 53 as shown in Figures 15 and 18.

[0095] The recesses 53b extend, for example, in the short direction of the back plate 53. The recesses 53b are, for example, grooves that extend from the surface of the back plate 53 in the short direction of the back plate 53 and are formed by a mold during molding. The multiple recesses 53b are arranged in one direction on the inner surface of the back plate 53 at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals as shown in FIG. 16. The multiple recesses 53b may have the same shape, or may be formed to have different shapes, for example, different widths, depths, etc.

[0096] 20, a pair of notches 53c are formed in the short direction of back plate 53. In other words, the multiple notches 53c are arranged symmetrically about a center line along the longitudinal direction of back plate 53. Furthermore, notches 53c are formed, for example, in an edge portion along the longitudinal direction of back plate 53, and are arranged in one direction at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals in the longitudinal direction of back plate 53. As shown in FIG. 21, the divided small pieces 53d are arranged in one direction at equal intervals, for example.

[0097] 5 to 7, 9 to 15, and 17 to 19, the folded portion 55 formed in the sensing cuff 54 is, for example, one or more openings 86a formed in the intermediate sheet member 86. Furthermore, the folded portion 55 formed in the sensing cuff 54 may be a recess 85b formed in the sheet member 85 in addition to or instead of the opening 86a formed in the intermediate sheet member 86.

[0098] For example, the multiple openings 86a may be formed in the same shape as shown in Figures 9 to 13 and 15, or may be formed in two or more different shapes as shown in Figures 14 and 18. The multiple openings 86a may be arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate sheet member 86 as shown in Figures 9, 10, 12, 15 and 18, or at two or more predetermined intervals as shown in Figures 11, 13 and 14. Furthermore, the multiple openings 86a may be formed side by side in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the intermediate sheet member 86 as shown in Figures 15 and 18.

[0099] The recesses 85b extend, for example, in the short direction of the sheet member 85. The recesses 85b are, for example, weld lines formed by heating the surface of the sheet member 85 with a jig extending in the short direction of the sheet member 85. The folded portions 55 formed in the sensing cuff 54 may be grooves or notches as long as they do not impair the function of the sensing cuff 54. The multiple recesses 85b are arranged in one direction on the inner surface of the sheet member 85 at equal intervals or at two or more predetermined different intervals as shown in FIG. 16. The multiple recesses 85b may have the same shape, or may be formed with different shapes, for example, different widths, depths, etc.

[0100] 22 , for example, curler 51, pressure cuff 52, back plate 53, and sensing cuff 54 may be arranged so that curler 51, pressure cuff 52, back plate 53, and sensing cuff 54 are offset in the longitudinal direction so that folded portions 55 formed on each component partially overlap in the stacking direction of curler 51, pressure cuff 52, back plate 53, and sensing cuff 54. Furthermore, cuff structure 4 may be arranged so that curler 51, pressure cuff 52, back plate 53, and sensing cuff 54 are offset in the longitudinal direction so that folded portions 55 formed on each component do not overlap in the stacking direction of curler 51, pressure cuff 52, back plate 53, and sensing cuff 54.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 23, the cuff structure 4 may be arranged such that the curler 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54 are aligned in the longitudinal direction so that portions of the folded portions 55 formed on each component completely overlap in the stacking direction of the curler 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53, and the sensing cuff 54, and the remaining folded portions 55 formed on each component are aligned in the longitudinal direction so as to be partially or completely offset.

[0102] Furthermore, the cuff structure 4 may be arranged at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the curler 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensing cuff 54, for example, so that all of the folded portions 55 formed on each component overlap in the stacking direction of the curler 51, the pressure cuff 52, the back plate 53 and the sensing cuff 54.

[0103] The band 5 brings the cuff structure 4 into close contact with the wrist 300 and secures the cuff structure 4 in place. The band 5 is attached to either the first curved portion 62 or the second curved portion 63 of the curler 51. The band 5 is formed, for example, in a belt shape. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the band 5 is inserted into a loop portion 31a provided on the outer case 31 and then folded back. The band 5 has, for example, a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 5a, one of which has a hook and the other has a loop, which engage with each other to secure the band 5, the end of which is inserted into the loop portion 31a.

[0104] In this embodiment, the band 5 is provided at the tip of the second curved portion 63, and the loop portion 31a is provided on the outer surface of the outer case 31 on the side where the first curved portion 62 is provided.

[0105] The band 5 may be configured to include a first band, which is called a "prong" and has a buckle, and a second band, which is called a "point" and has a plurality of small holes into which the pin of the buckle is inserted.

[0106] Next, an example of a power transmitting device 100 that transmits power to the charging circuit unit 21 of the device main body 3 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, the power transmitting device 100 includes a power supply 101, a power transmitting unit 102, and an antenna unit 103. The power supply 101 is, for example, an AC adapter connected to a commercial power source. The power supply 101 converts AC power input from the commercial power source into DC power and supplies the DC power to the power transmitting unit 102.

[0107] The power transmitting unit 102 generates AC power as transmission power from the DC power supplied from the power source 101 and supplies the AC power to the antenna unit 103. The power transmitting unit 102 generates AC power with a frequency that is the same as or approximately the same as the resonant frequency of the power transmitting resonant circuit formed by the antenna unit 103, for example.

[0108] The antenna unit 103 is, for example, a power transmitting coil serving as a power transmitting resonant circuit. The power transmitting surface of the antenna unit 103 is formed in a planar shape. The antenna unit 103 transmits power to the antenna unit 211 of the device body 3. The antenna unit 103 includes, for example, a resonance capacitor, and constitutes a power transmitting resonant circuit.

[0109] In blood pressure measuring device 1 configured in this manner, folding portions 55 are formed in at least two of the multiple members constituting cuff structure 4, namely curler 51, air bag 71 of pressure cuff 52, back plate 53, and air bag 81 of sensing cuff 54. Furthermore, of the at least two members among curler 51, air bag 71 of pressure cuff 52, back plate 53, and air bag 81 of sensing cuff 54 in which folding portions 55 are formed, folding portion 55 formed in at least one member is configured to include an opening, and folding portion 55 formed in the remaining member is configured to include an opening, division, notch, or groove.

[0110] With these configurations, the portions of curler 51, air bag 71 of pressure cuff 52, back panel 53, and sensing cuff 54 where folding portion 55 is formed have less strength, in this case, bending strength, than portions where folding portion 55 is not formed. Therefore, the portions where folding portion 55 is provided are more susceptible to bending deformation than portions where folding portion 55 is not provided, and become the starting points for wrinkles to form in air bag 71 of pressure cuff 52 and air bag 81 of sensing cuff 54. Here, wrinkles that form in air bags 71, 81 are caused by factors such as the difference between the inner and outer circumferences that occurs when air bag 71 is inflated in a curved state and the shape of wrist 300, but folding portion 55 can control the wrinkles that form. For example, since the location where wrinkles occur can be adjusted by the number, arrangement, and shape of the folding portions 55, the number of wrinkles that occur in the air bag 71 of the pressure cuff 52 and the air bag 81 of the sensing cuff 54 can be adjusted, and the depth of each wrinkle can be adjusted by the number of wrinkles.

[0111] In this way, the cuff structure 4 can generate wrinkles in the air bags 71, 81 with the desired number, positions, and depth by adjusting the bending strength using the bending portions 55. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22, by shifting the bending portions 55 of each member in the longitudinal direction of each member, the bending portions 55 can be staggered, thereby finely dispersing the wrinkles. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 23, by overlapping the bending portions 55 of each member, wrinkles can be generated in the desired positions. In other words, even if the bending strength and other characteristics of the cuff structure 4 are different, the desired wrinkles can be generated by adjusting the number, arrangement, and shape of the bending portions 55.

[0112] Therefore, wrinkles can be controlled even when air bladders 71, 81 have a cuff structure with a relatively thick, Σ-shaped recessed side wall. In this way, cuff structure 4 can prevent the space inside air bladders 71, 81 from being divided by wrinkles due to excessively deep wrinkles, etc., and can stabilize the measurement accuracy of blood pressure measurement device 1. In other words, blood pressure measurement device 1 can suppress variations in the occurrence of wrinkles due to the state of cuff structure 4 when attached to wrist 300 and the shape of wrist 300, and can suppress variations in blood pressure measurement accuracy caused by wrinkles.

[0113] Furthermore, in the blood pressure measurement device 1, it is preferable to set the number, arrangement, and shape of the bending portions 55 so that the cuff structure 4 is intentionally bent largely at positions where the curvature is relatively large, such as the boundary (ridge) between the fixed portion 61 and the first curved portion 62 and the boundary (ridge) between the fixed portion 61 and the second curved portion 63, and to disperse wrinkles by making wrinkles less likely to occur near the arteries 311, 312, which are susceptible to a decrease in compression efficiency. This allows the cuff structure 4 to reduce the effects of stress concentration and a decrease in compression efficiency.

[0114] Furthermore, the members and positions at which the folding portions 55 are provided, and the number, shape, and arrangement of the folding portions 55 can be selected in any combination. Therefore, in the cuff structure 4, the folding portions 55 can be set in terms of ease of manufacturing, cost, etc., to realize wrinkle control.

[0115] Furthermore, by providing air bags 71, 81 with a cuff structure in which the side walls are recessed in a Σ shape, lateral swelling can be prevented, resulting in high compression efficiency. Furthermore, if lateral swelling occurs in air bags 71, 81 when openings 76a, 86a are provided in intermediate sheet members 76, 86, the shape of openings 76a, 86a can be set small to suppress lateral swelling. If lateral swelling does not occur, openings 76a, 86a can be set large. The size of openings 76a, 86a can also be partially changed depending on the size and depth of wrinkles to be generated. In this way, the strength of intermediate sheet members 76, 86 can be adjusted by the shape of openings 76a, 86a, etc., and the folding portions 55 formed in each member can be set with a high degree of freedom based on the relationship between suppressing lateral swelling and controlling wrinkles when air bags 71, 81 have a cuff structure in which the side walls are recessed in a Σ shape.

[0116] Next, the results of an evaluation test of the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 24. In the evaluation test, the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the embodiment and the blood pressure measuring devices (cuff structures) of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were inflated, and wrinkles that occurred in the sensing cuff 54 were evaluated.

[0117] In the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the embodiment used in the evaluation test, a plurality of recesses 75b, which are welded lines, were provided at equal intervals of 8 mm as folding portions 55 in the sheet member 75 of the sensing cuff 54, and a plurality of openings 76a were provided in the intermediate sheet member 76 as folding portions 55. The sensing cuff 54 was made of TPU, and the surface was laminated with a cloth material.

[0118] The blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 1 was configured such that a plurality of recesses 75b, which were welded lines, were provided at equal intervals of 8 mm as folding portions 55 in sheet member 75 of sensing cuff 54, and a plurality of openings 76a as folding portions 55 were not provided in intermediate sheet member 76. Furthermore, in the blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 1, no cloth material was provided on the surface of sensing cuff 54, and sensing cuff 54 was formed from TPU.

[0119] The blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 2 was configured such that a plurality of recesses 75b, which were welded lines, were provided at equal intervals of 8 mm as folding portions 55 in sheet member 75 of sensing cuff 54, and a plurality of openings 76a as folding portions 55 were not provided in intermediate sheet member 76. Furthermore, in the blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 2, sensing cuff 54 was formed from TPU, and the surface was laminated with a cloth material.

[0120] 24, when the cuff structure 4 of the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the embodiment was inflated, wrinkles that had occurred in the sensing cuff 54 could be evenly distributed. As a result, the cuff structure 4 according to the embodiment was able to generate wrinkles that were evenly distributed by providing, as the folding portion 55, at least one member, for example, the opening 76a of the intermediate sheet member 76, in combination with the sheet member 75 as another member.

[0121] In contrast, in the cuff structure of the blood pressure measuring device of Comparative Example 1, the sensing cuff 54 does not have a cloth laminate, and therefore is softer than the sensing cuff 54 of the cuff structure of the embodiment and Comparative Example 2.In addition, since the intermediate sheet member does not have an opening, there is variation in the size of the wrinkles, and they cannot be distributed evenly.

[0122] In addition, the cuff structure of the blood pressure measurement device of Comparative Example 2 has a cloth laminate, so the sensing cuff 54 is harder than that of Comparative Example 1, and as a result, no wrinkles occurred in some of the multiple recesses 75b (welded lines).

[0123] The results of such evaluation tests also revealed that the blood pressure measurement device 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to control wrinkles that occur.

[0124] As described above, according to the blood pressure measuring device 1 of this embodiment, by forming the folding portions 55 including the openings in at least two of the members constituting the cuff structure 4, it is possible to control the occurrence of wrinkles.

[0125] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. That is, cuff structure 4 may have any configuration as long as folding portions 55 are provided in at least two members, and therefore cuff structure 4 may have any configuration as long as it includes one or more air bags and one or more other members that are included in or layered with the air bags. Therefore, for example, cuff structure 4 may have only one cuff, or may further include other cuffs in addition to pressure cuff 52 and sensing cuff 54.

[0126] That is, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the respective embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations where possible, and in such cases, the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining the disclosed multiple constituent elements. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the respective embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, and in such cases, the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the disclosed multiple constituent elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the effects can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all of the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1...Blood pressure measuring device 3...Device body 4...Cuff structure 5...Band 5a…Velcro 11...Housing 12...Display section 13...Operation unit 14...Pump 15...Acceleration sensor 16...Valve 17...Pressure sensor 18...Battery 19…Communications Department 20...Biometric sensor 21...Charging circuit section 22...Memory 23...Processor 24…Fluid circuit 31...Outer case 31a...Loop section 32...Windshield 33...Back cover 41...Button 43...Touch panel 51... Carla 51a...Decorative sheet 51b...recess 52...Compression cuff 53...Backboard 53a...Aperture 53b...recess 53c...notch 53d…Small piece 54…Sensing cuff 55...Bending part 61…Fixed part 62...First curved section 63...Second curved section 71...Air bag 71a…Main wall 71b…Side wall 75...Sheet material 75a…Aperture 75b...recess 76...Intermediate sheet member 76a…Aperture 81...Air bag 81a…Main wall 81b…Side wall 82...flow path body 85...Sheet member 85b...recess 86...Intermediate sheet member 86a…Aperture 100...Power transmission device 101…Power supply 102...Power transmission unit 103...Antenna part 211...Antenna section 212... Power receiving unit 213...Charging part 300...Wrist 311…Radial artery 312…Ulnar artery

Claims

1. A cuff structure for use in a blood pressure measurement device, a longitudinally extending bladder that is inflated with a fluid; a plurality of longitudinally extending sheet members contained within the bladder; Equipped with Each of the plurality of sheet members has a plurality of folding portions formed by a plurality of openings, divisions, notches, recesses or grooves arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction, A cuff structure, wherein a plurality of folded portions formed on one of the plurality of sheet members and a plurality of folded portions formed on another of the plurality of sheet members are arranged so as to be offset in the longitudinal direction.

2. The plurality of openings are formed in one of the plurality of sheet members, the internal space of the air bag is partitioned by the sheet member having the plurality of openings formed therein; The cuff structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of openings fluidly connect the two compartmented chambers of the bladder.

3. The cuff structure according to claim 1 or 2; a device body fixed to the cuff structure; a band provided on the device body and configured to fix the cuff structure; A blood pressure measuring device comprising:

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