Sphygmomanometer and blood pressure measurement method

Abstract

To provide a sphygmomanometer which can simplify arrangement of an air route connected to a sensing cuff.SOLUTION: A sphygmomanometer includes: an open valve 74 which is connected to a sensing cuff 40 and is either in an open state that the sensing cuff 40 is conducted to the outer air or in a closed state that the sensing cuff 40 is not conducted to the outer air; a pressure cuff control unit 63A controlling pressing cuffs 30a, 30b into a compressed state that the pressing cuffs 30a, 30b are supplied with fluid and a part to be measured is compressed via the pressing cuffs 30a, 30b and a cancellation state that the fluid is drained from the pressing cuffs 30a, 30b and compression via the pressing cuffs 30a, 30b is released; an open valve control unit 63B controlling the open valve 74 into the open state or the closed state; and a blood pressure calculation part 63C which calculates blood pressure on the basis of a change in pressure of the sensing cuff 40 when the open valve 74 is in the closed state. The sensing cuff 40 is provided with resiliency with a prescribed volume inside the sensing cuff 40 when the open valve 74 is in the open state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sphygmomanometer and a blood pressure measurement method, and more particularly to a sphygmomanometer that is worn so as to surround a measurement site in the circumferential direction, and a blood pressure measurement method using the sphygmomanometer. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, this type of blood pressure monitor is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 (JP 2018-102872 A). This blood pressure monitor includes a pump, a sensing cuff that contacts the human body, and a pressure cuff that presses the sensing cuff. In this blood pressure monitor, the sensing cuff and the pressure cuff are pressurized by the pump, and pressure is released from the sensing cuff. et al. Blood pressure is calculated from pressure pulse wave information. The sensing cuff and pressure cuff are each connected to a common pump, and a switching valve that blocks air is installed between the pump and the sensing cuff. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-102872 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional technology described above, the pump, switching valve, pressure sensor, etc. are often built into the main body on the back of the hand, making the air path connecting from there to the sensing cuff on the palm complicated and long.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a blood pressure monitor that can simplify the routing of an air path connected to a sensing cuff. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the blood pressure monitor of this disclosure comprises: A pump and a bag-shaped pressure cuff connected to the pump, extending along the circumferential direction of the measurement site to receive a supply of pressurizing fluid from the pump and pressurize the measurement site; a sensing cuff that is not connected to the pump, includes a first sheet disposed opposite to the inner circumferential surface of the pressure cuff, and a second sheet opposed to the first sheet, and is configured in a bag shape, extending in a circumferential direction so as to cross the artery passage portion of the measurement site; a back plate that is interposed between the pressure cuff and the sensing cuff, extends along the circumferential direction of the measurement site, and transmits the pressure force from the pressure cuff to the sensing cuff; an open valve connected to the sensing cuff and set to one of an open state in which the inside of the sensing cuff is in communication with outside air and a closed state in which the inside of the sensing cuff is not in communication with outside air; a pressure cuff control unit that controls the pressure cuff to one of a pressure state in which a fluid is supplied to the pressure cuff and the measurement site is compressed via the pressure cuff, and a release state in which the fluid is discharged from the pressure cuff and the pressure on the measurement site via the pressure cuff is released; an open valve control unit that controls the open valve to either the open state or the closed state; a blood pressure calculation unit that calculates a blood pressure based on a pressure change in the sensing cuff when the release valve is in the closed state, The sensing cuff has a restoring property so that the volume inside the sensing cuff becomes a predetermined volume when the release valve is in the open state.

[0007] The "fluid" is typically air, but may be other gases or liquids.

[0008] The "inner peripheral side" of the pressure cuff refers to the side that faces the measurement site when the cuff is worn and surrounds the measurement site.

[0009] In this disclosed blood pressure monitor, the interior of the sensing cuff is connected to the outside air when the release valve is open and is not connected to the outside air when the release valve is closed. The sensing cuff has a restoring property that allows the volume within the sensing cuff to be a predetermined volume when the release valve is open. Therefore, the volume within the sensing cuff can be set to a predetermined volume simply by opening the release valve, restoring the sensing cuff, and closing the release valve, without having to route a flow path from a means such as a pump that supplies fluid to the sensing cuff from the pump side to the sensing cuff side. The pressure cuff control unit then supplies fluid to the pressure cuff, creating a pressure state that compresses the measurement site via the pressure cuff, and when the release valve is closed, blood pressure is calculated based on the pressure change in the sensing cuff. Therefore, an air path connecting the pump side to the sensing cuff side is not required, and the routing of the air path connecting to the sensing cuff can be simplified.

[0010] In one embodiment, the blood pressure monitor includes an elastic member within the sensing cuff.

[0011] In this embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, opening the release valve causes the elastic member provided within the sensing cuff to restore the sensing cuff, and simply closing the release valve allows the volume within the sensing cuff to be set to a predetermined volume. The pressure cuff control unit then supplies fluid to the pressure cuff, creating a pressure state in which the pressure cuff presses against the measurement site. When the release valve is closed, blood pressure is calculated based on the pressure change in the sensing cuff. This eliminates the need for an air path connecting the pump to the sensing cuff, simplifying the layout of the air path connecting to the sensing cuff.

[0012] In one embodiment of the sphygmomanometer, the elastic member is a sponge with an open-cell structure.

[0013] In this embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, the elastic member of the open-cell sponge inside the sensing cuff is compressed during blood pressure measurement, enabling pulse pressure measurement using the sensing cuff. However, when the pressure inside the sensing cuff is released to atmospheric pressure before or after blood pressure measurement, the open-cell sponge re-absorbs air and restores its original size, allowing the volume of the sensing cuff to remain constant. The pressure cuff control unit then supplies fluid to the pressure cuff, creating a pressure state that compresses the measurement site via the pressure cuff. When the release valve is closed, blood pressure is calculated based on the pressure change in the sensing cuff. This eliminates the need for an air path connecting the pump to the sensing cuff, simplifying the routing of the air path connecting to the sensing cuff.

[0014] In one embodiment, the elastic member is a coil spring.

[0015] In this embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, the elastic member of the coil spring provided within the sensing cuff is compressed during blood pressure measurement, enabling pulse pressure measurement using the sensing cuff. However, when the pressure within the sensing cuff is released to atmospheric pressure before or after blood pressure measurement, the coil spring returns to its original position, allowing the volume of the sensing cuff to remain constant. The pressure cuff control unit then supplies fluid to the pressure cuff, creating a pressure state that compresses the measurement site via the pressure cuff. When the release valve is closed, blood pressure is calculated based on the pressure change in the sensing cuff. This eliminates the need for an air path connecting the pump to the sensing cuff, simplifying the layout of the air path connecting to the sensing cuff.

[0016] In one embodiment, the blood pressure monitor includes a spacer within the sensing cuff.

[0017] In this embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, a sheet is housed within the sensing cuff as a spacer. By applying tension to the elastic first and second sheets, the volume of the sensing cuff can be maintained at a constant volume and made resilient. Therefore, when the pressure in the sensing cuff is released to atmospheric pressure before or after blood pressure measurement, the sensing cuff restores its original volume, allowing the volume of the sensing cuff to be maintained at a constant volume. The pressure cuff control unit then supplies fluid to the pressure cuff, creating a pressure state in which the measurement site is compressed via the pressure cuff. When the release valve is closed, blood pressure is calculated based on the pressure change in the sensing cuff. This eliminates the need for an air path connecting the pump to the sensing cuff, simplifying the layout of the air path connecting to the sensing cuff.

[0018] In one embodiment, the blood pressure monitor In a preparation stage before the blood pressure calculation unit calculates the blood pressure, the pressure cuff and the sensing cuff are attached to the measurement site, the pressure cuff control unit controls the pressure cuff to the released state, the open valve control unit sets the open valve to the open state and then sets the open valve to the closed state, In the measurement stage in which the blood pressure is calculated by the blood pressure calculation unit, in the attached state, the pressure cuff control unit controls the pressure cuff to be in the pressure state, The blood pressure calculation unit calculates blood pressure based on a change in pressure of the sensing cuff.

[0019] In this embodiment, in a preparation stage before the blood pressure calculation unit calculates blood pressure, the pressure cuff control unit controls the pressure cuff to the released state while the pressure cuff and the sensing cuff are attached to the measurement site. The release valve control unit opens the release valve and then closes it. Therefore, the sensing cuff maintains a predetermined volume even without fluid supply from a pump or the like. Then, in a measurement stage when the blood pressure calculation unit calculates blood pressure, the pressure cuff control unit controls the pressure cuff to the compressed state while the cuff is attached. This causes the sensing cuff to be compressed against the measurement site, allowing the blood pressure calculation unit to calculate blood pressure based on changes in the pressure in the sensing cuff. This eliminates the need for an air path connecting the pump to the sensing cuff, simplifying the routing of the air path connecting to the sensing cuff, enabling accurate blood pressure measurement.

[0020] In one embodiment, the blood pressure monitor The release valve is a valve that is set to the open state or the closed state by turning the release valve to an off state or an on state.

[0021] In this embodiment, the open valve is in the open state when the open valve is turned off, and in the closed state when the open valve is turned on. Therefore, an air path connecting the pump side to the sensing cuff side is not required, and the layout of the air path connecting to the sensing cuff can be simplified.

[0022] In one embodiment, the blood pressure monitor a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the sensing cuff; a substrate provided between the pressure cuff and the sensing cuff, The release valve, the pressure sensor, the release valve control unit, and the blood pressure calculation unit are integrally mounted on the substrate.

[0023] In the blood pressure monitor of this embodiment, the open valve, the pressure sensor, the open valve control unit, and the blood pressure calculation unit are A substrate placed between the pressure cuff and the sensing cuffBecause it is an integrated board type that is attached to the body, the flow paths between the release valve, pressure sensor and sensing cuff can be simplified, and the wiring between the release valve control unit and the release valve, and between the pressure sensor and blood pressure calculation unit is also simplified. transformation can.

[0024] In one embodiment, the blood pressure monitor The release valve is a solenoid valve or a capacitance valve.

[0025] In the blood pressure monitor of this embodiment, the release valve is a solenoid valve or a capacitance type valve, which simplifies the routing of the air path connecting the pump side to the sensing cuff side. R This becomes possible. In this embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the sensing cuff; a substrate provided between the pressure cuff and the sensing cuff, The release valve, the pressure sensor, and the release valve control section are integrally mounted on the substrate. In this embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, the release valve, pressure sensor, and release valve control unit are all integrally mounted on a substrate located between the pressure cuff and the sensing cuff, so the flow paths between the release valve, pressure sensor, and sensing cuff can be simplified, and the wiring between the release valve control unit and the open valve can also be simplified. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] As is clear from the above, the blood pressure monitor of this disclosure can simplify the routing of the air path connecting to the sensing cuff. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a schematic external configuration of a sphygmomanometer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view showing a schematic external configuration of a sphygmomanometer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic external configuration of a sphygmomanometer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the blood pressure monitor according to the first embodiment is worn on the wrist. [Figure 5](A) is a partially omitted planar layout of the cuff structure of the blood pressure monitor according to the first embodiment, with the back plate and sensing cuff in an expanded state with the surface of the back plate facing the curler at the front. (B) is a cross section taken along line B-B' in (A). (C) is a cross section taken along line A-A' in (A). [Figure 6] FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of FIG. 5C. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a flow path system of a sphygmomanometer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the sphygmomanometer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10(A) to 10(C) are cross-sectional views of the pressure cuff, back plate, and sensing cuff along the direction in which the artery of the subject extends. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sphygmomanometer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a flow path system of the sphygmomanometer for explaining the operation of the sphygmomanometer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a flow path system of the sphygmomanometer for explaining the operation of the sphygmomanometer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a flow path system of the sphygmomanometer for explaining the operation of the sphygmomanometer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a flow path system of the sphygmomanometer for explaining the operation of the sphygmomanometer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sensing cuff, a nipple portion, and an elastic member in a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sensing cuff, a nipple portion, and an elastic member in a modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sensing cuff, a nipple portion, and an elastic member in a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sensing cuff, a nipple portion, and an elastic member in a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0029] (Blood pressure monitor configuration) Fig. 1 shows the configuration of a blood pressure monitor 100 according to this embodiment as seen from the front. Fig. 2 shows the configuration of the blood pressure monitor 100 as seen from the side. Fig. 3 shows the configuration of the blood pressure monitor 100 as seen from an oblique direction with the belt (described later) open. The schematic external configuration of the blood pressure monitor 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3.

[0030] The sphygmomanometer 100 includes a main body 10 and two belts 20a, 20b that extend from the main body 10 and are worn around a measurement site (in this example, the measurement site is intended to be the left wrist BW, as shown in FIG. 4 described later). Fastening one belt 20a and the other belt 20b creates a state in which the sphygmomanometer 100 is worn around the measurement site (see FIG. 4; this state is referred to as the "worn state"). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the main body 10 also has a display device 68 and an operation device 69 consisting of a plurality of buttons. The main body 10 also includes a pump, which will be described later.

[0031] 3, the sphygmomanometer 100 includes pressure cuffs 30a and 30b, and a sensing cuff 40. The pressure cuff 30a is a pressure cuff located on the side of the measurement site close to the artery, and the pressure cuff 30b is a pressure cuff located on the side of the main body 10 opposite the side of the measurement site.

[0032] In this embodiment, the pressure cuffs 30a, 30b and the sensing cuff 40 form a cuff structure having a laminated structure. When the blood pressure monitor 100 is worn as described above, the pressure cuff 30a and the sensing cuff 40 are arranged in this order when viewed from the fastening portion 20T side of the belts 20a, 20b. The pressure cuff 30b is arranged on the main body 10 side.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4 , the cuff structure in this embodiment further includes curler 50 and back plate 51. Curler 50 is made of, for example, a resin plate having a certain degree of flexibility and hardness, and is a member having a curved shape that naturally surrounds the measurement site along the circumferential direction. Pressure cuff 30a is disposed on the inner circumferential side of curler 50, corresponding to the measurement site, and pressure cuff 30b is disposed on the inner circumferential side of curler 50, closer to main body 10 and opposite the measurement site. The cuff structure also includes back plate 51 between pressure cuff 30a and sensing cuff 40. The components including belts 20a and 20b, curler 50, pressure cuffs 30a and 30b, and back plate 51 function as a pressure member that generates a pressure against the measurement site. The pressure members including the pressure cuffs 30a and 30b press the sensing cuff 40 toward the measurement site, causing the sensing cuff 40 to compress (press) the measurement site.

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a cross section of blood pressure monitor 100 attached to a wrist BW, which is a measurement site. As shown in Fig. 4, pressure cuff 30a constituting the pressure member is bag-shaped and is disposed between belts 20a, 20b and sensing cuff 40. Pressure cuff 30b is also bag-shaped and is disposed on the opposite side of pressure cuff 30a so that pressure cuff 30a and pressure cuff 30b sandwich wrist BW.

[0035] As described above, the belts 20a and 20b are wrapped around the wrist BW in the circumferential direction, so that the blood pressure monitor 100 is worn on the wrist BW. In the worn state of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. Main unit 4, the main body 10 is disposed on the opposite side of the belts 20a and 20b from the sensing cuff 40 in the circumferential direction of the belts 20a and 20b.

[0036] In the worn state, the bag-shaped pressure cuffs 30a, 30b extend, for example, along the circumferential direction of the wrist BW. The bag-shaped sensing cuff 40 is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the belts 20a, 20b relative to the pressure cuff 30a, contacts the wrist BW (directly or indirectly), and extends circumferentially across the artery passage portion 90a of the wrist BW. Note that the "inner circumferential side" of the belts 20a, 20b refers to the side facing the wrist BW when the belts 20a, 20b are worn around the wrist BW.

[0037] The radial artery A1 and the ulnar artery A2 of the wrist BW are shown in Figure 4. The pressure cuffs 30a and 30b constituting the pressure members press the sensing cuff 40 toward the wrist BW, causing the sensing cuff 40 to compress the wrist BW.

[0038] 5A is a partially omitted planar layout of the cuff structure, in which the back plate 51 and the sensing cuff 40 are in an unfolded state with the surface of the back plate 51 facing the curler 50 at the front. BB' FIG. 5(C) shows a cross section taken along the line 5(A). AA' 5(C) also shows pressure cuff 30a and belts 20a and 20b. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of FIG. 5(C).

[0039] 5(B), 5(C), and 6, the sensing cuff 40 includes a first sheet 40a disposed opposite the inner peripheral surface of the pressure cuff 30a, and a second sheet 40b opposite the first sheet 40a. The sensing cuff 40 is configured in a bag shape by welding the peripheral edges of the first sheet 40a and the second sheet 40b together.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 6, an elastic member 41 is housed inside the sensing cuff 40. The elastic member 41 has a restoring property that allows the volume inside the sensing cuff 40 to be a predetermined volume when a release valve 74 (described later) is opened and the pressure inside the sensing cuff 40 is released to atmospheric pressure. In this embodiment, as an example, an open-cell sponge is used as the elastic member 41. A sponge with an open-cell structure has interconnected air bubbles, allowing gas and liquid to pass through the sponge. The elastic member 41 made of such a sponge is pressed and compressed during blood pressure measurement, enabling pulse pressure measurement using the sensing cuff 40. However, when the pressure inside the sensing cuff 40 is released to atmospheric pressure before or after blood pressure measurement, the elastic member 41 regains its original shape by incorporating air, allowing the volume of the sensing cuff 40 to be a predetermined volume. As described above, in this embodiment, blood pressure measurement is performed by a constant volume sensing method in which the volume inside the sensing cuff 40 is set to a predetermined volume (constant volume) using the elastic member 41. Details of blood pressure measurement by the constant volume sensing method will be described later.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5(B), 5(C), and 6, the release valve 74 is attached to a substrate 52 arranged between the pressure cuff 30a and the back plate 51. In this embodiment, as an example, a solenoid-type release valve 74 is used. The substrate 52 to which the release valve 74 is attached has an opening 52a formed at a position corresponding to the valve opening of the release valve 74. ofA protrusion 74a is provided on the surface opposite the surface attached to the substrate 52. As shown in FIGS. 5(B), 5(C), and 6, the protrusion 74a is inserted into a nipple 42 fixed to the sensing cuff 40. The release valve 74 is set to either an open state or a closed state under the control of a sub-CPU 64 (described later) attached to the substrate 52. When the release valve 74 is in the open state, the valve openings on the protrusion 74a side and on the surface attached to the substrate 52 are open, the inside of the sensing cuff 40 is in communication with the outside air, and the pressure inside the sensing cuff 40 is released to atmospheric pressure. When the release valve 74 is in the closed state, the valve openings on the protrusion 74a side and on the surface attached to the substrate 52 are closed, and the inside of the sensing cuff 40 is not in communication with the outside air.

[0042] As shown in Figures 5(B), 5(C), and 6, a first pressure sensor 75 for detecting the pressure in the sensing cuff 40 is attached to the substrate 52. In this example, the first pressure sensor 75 is a piezo-resistive pressure sensor. A protrusion 75a is provided on the surface of the first pressure sensor 75 opposite to the surface attached to the substrate 52. As shown in Figures 5(B), 5(C), and 6, the protrusion 75a is inserted into the nipple 42 fixed to the sensing cuff 40.

[0043] 5B, 5C, and 6, a sub-CPU 64 is mounted on the substrate 52. The sub-CPU 64 controls the open and closed states of the release valve 74 and 1 The detection of the pressure in the sensing cuff 40 using the pressure sensor 75 is performed by the sub-CPU 64. The main CPU 65, which will be described later, mainly controls the operation of the sphygmomanometer 100 as a whole.

[0044] As described above, in this embodiment, the release valve 74, the first pressure sensor 75, and the sub-CPU 64 are configured as a board-integrated type mounted on the board 52 adjacent to the sensing cuff 40.

[0045] 5(B), 5(C), and 6, a back plate 51 is interposed between pressure cuff 30a and sensing cuff 40. Back plate 51 is formed, for example, from a plate-shaped resin (polypropylene in this example) with a thickness of about 1 mm, extends along the circumferential direction of the measurement site, and has the function of transmitting the pressure from pressure cuffs 30a and 30b to sensing cuff 40.

[0046] Fig. 7 shows a schematic configuration of the flow path system of sphygmomanometer 100. As shown in Fig. 7, the flow path system of sphygmomanometer 100 includes a fluid circuit LC1 connected to pressure cuffs 30a and 30b and a fluid circuit LC2 connected to sensing cuff 40.

[0047] The fluid circuit LC1 includes a pump 71, a passive valve 72, a second pressure sensor 73, and each of the flow paths L1 to L5. Air flows through each of the flow paths L1 to L5. In the fluid circuit LC1, air is supplied to and inflated by the pressure cuffs 30a and 30b, or air is discharged from the pressure cuffs 30a and 30b, depending on whether the pump 71 is turned on or off (air supply or air supply stop) under the control of the sub-CPU 64. When the pressure cuffs 30a and 30b are to be inflated, the pump 71 is turned on under the control of the sub-CPU 64, and air is supplied from the pump 71 to the pressure cuffs 30a and 30b via the flow paths L3, L1, and L2. The pressure in the pressure cuffs 30a and 30b is detected by the second pressure sensor 73 and the sub-CPU 64 via the flow path L4. At this time, since passive valve 72 is pressurized via flow path L5, it functions as a check valve and air within pressure cuffs 30a, 30b is not discharged to the outside via flow path L5. On the other hand, when air is to be discharged from pressure cuffs 30a, 30b, pump 71 is turned off under the control of sub-CPU 64 and passive valve 72 is not pressurized via flow path L5, so air within pressure cuffs 30a, 30b is discharged from passive valve 72 via flow paths L1, L2, L3, and L5, and the pressure within pressure cuffs 30a, 30b is released to atmospheric pressure.

[0048] The fluid circuit LC2 includes an open valve 74, a first pressure sensor 75, and each of the flow paths L6 to L7. Air flows through each of the flow paths L6 to L7. In the fluid circuit LC2, air is discharged from the sensing cuff 40 or discharge of air from the sensing cuff 40 is prevented in response to the off / on (open / close) control of the open valve 74 under the control of the sub-CPU 64. When discharging air from the sensing cuff 40, the sub-CPU 64 controls the open valve 74 to be in the off state (open state), and air is discharged from the sensing cuff 40 via the flow paths L6, L7, and the open valve 74, and the pressure within the sensing cuff 40 is released to atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, when preventing air from being discharged from the sensing cuff 40, the sub-CPU 64 controls the open valve 74 to be in the on state (closed state), and discharge of air from the sensing cuff 40 via the flow paths L6, L7, and the open valve 74 is prevented. When the release valve 74 is turned on (closed), a change in pressure inside the sensing cuff 40 is detected by the first pressure sensor and the sub-CPU 64 via the flow paths L6 and L7, making it possible to measure blood pressure.

[0049] As described above, in this embodiment, the fluid circuits LC2 and LC1 are not connected via a flow path, and there is no need to route a flow path that is an air path from the pump 71, etc. built into the main body 10, which is located on the back of the hand when blood pressure is measured, to the sensing cuff 40, which is located on the palm side when blood pressure is measured.

[0050] The sub-CPU 64 controls the pump 71 and the release valve 74, detects the pressure in the pressure cuffs 30a and 30b using the second pressure sensor 73, and detects the pressure in the sensing cuff 40 using the first pressure sensor 75. The release valve 74, the first pressure sensor 75, and the sub-CPU 64 are integrally mounted on the substrate 52, and simple wiring is sufficient for electrical connection between the sub-CPU 64 and the pump 71 and the second pressure sensor 73 on the fluid circuit LC1 side. Therefore, in this embodiment, complex wiring is not required for the routing of the air flow path, or the electrical connection. The main CPU 65 built into the main body 10 mainly controls the overall operation of the sphygmomanometer 100 and is configured to be able to communicate with the sub-CPU 64. The electrical connection between the main CPU 65 and the sub-CPU 64 also does not require complex wiring.

[0051] 8 shows a schematic configuration of a control system of the sphygmomanometer 100. As shown in FIG. 8, the main body 10 of the sphygmomanometer 100 includes a control unit 63 that performs control and a plurality of controlled components that are controlled by the control unit 63. 67 It has ~75.

[0052] 8, the sub-CPU 64 and the main CPU 65 are collectively represented as a control unit 63. The plurality of controlled components include a power supply 66, a memory 67, a display device 68, an operation device 69, a communication device 70, a pump 71, a second pressure sensor (pressure cuff pressure sensor) 73, a release valve 74, and a first pressure sensor (sensing cuff pressure sensor) 75.

[0053] In this example, the power supply 66 is a rechargeable secondary battery. The power supply 66 supplies power for driving elements mounted on the main body 10, such as the control unit 63, memory 67, display device 68, communication device 70, pump 71, second pressure sensor 73, release valve 74, and first pressure sensor 75.

[0054] The memory 67 stores various data. For example, the memory 67 can store the measurement values ​​measured by the sphygmomanometer 100, the measurement results of the second pressure sensor 73 and the first pressure sensor 75, etc. The memory 67 can also store various data generated by the control unit 63. The memory 67 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. For example, the memory 67 stores various programs in a modifiable manner.

[0055] The display device 68 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display device 68 displays information related to blood pressure measurement, such as blood pressure measurement results, and other information, in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 63. The display device 68 may also have a touch panel function.

[0056] The operation device 69 is composed of a plurality of buttons that accept instructions from the user. When the operation device 69 accepts an instruction from the user, the operation and movement according to the instruction are performed by the control unit 66. 63 The operation device 69 may be, for example, a pressure-sensitive (resistive) or proximity (capacitive) touch panel switch. Also, a microphone (not shown) may be provided to accept voice instructions from the user.

[0057] The communication device 70 transmits various data and signals to external devices via a communication network, and receives information from external devices via the communication network. The network may be wireless or wired.

[0058] In this example, the pump 71 is a piezoelectric pump, and is driven based on a control signal provided by the control unit 63. The pump 71 can supply pressurizing fluid to the pressure cuffs 30a, 30b through each flow path described below. Any liquid or gas can be used as the fluid. In this embodiment, the fluid is assumed to be air (the following description will be given assuming that the fluid is air).

[0059] The second pressure sensor 73 and the first pressure sensor 75 are, for example, piezo-resistive pressure sensors. The second pressure sensor 73 detects the pressure in the pressure cuffs 30a and 30b via a flow path L4 shown in Fig. 7. The first pressure sensor 75 detects the pressure in the sensing cuff 40 via a flow path L7 shown in Fig. 7.

[0060] Passive Valve 72 is controlled in accordance with the operation of the pump 71. Passive Valve The opening and closing of 72 is controlled in response to the on / off (air supply / stop) of the pump 71. For example, Passive Valve 72 closes when the pump 71 is turned on. Passive Valve 72 opens when the pump 71 is turned off.

[0061] 7, and is controlled to either an open state or a closed state based on a control signal provided from the sub-CPU 64 serving as the control unit 63. When the release valve 74 is in the off state and in the open state, air within the sensing cuff 40 is discharged from the release valve 74 via the flow path L6, and the pressure within the sensing cuff 40 is released to atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, when the release valve 74 is in the on state and in the closed state, the discharge of air from the release valve 74 is prevented.

[0062] In this example, the control unit 63 includes a sub-CPU (Central Processing Unit) 64 and a main CPU 65. For example, the control unit 63 reads each program and each data stored in a memory 67. The control unit 63 controls each unit 67 to 75 in accordance with the read program to cause them to perform predetermined operations (functions). The control unit 63 also performs predetermined calculations, analyses, processes, etc. within the control unit 63 in accordance with the read program. Note that some or all of the functions executed by the control unit 63 may be configured as hardware using one or more integrated circuits, etc.

[0063] 8, the control unit 63 according to this embodiment includes, as functional blocks, a pressure cuff control unit 63A, a release valve control unit 63B, a blood pressure calculation unit 63C, and a measurement processing unit 63D. The functions of the pressure cuff control unit 63A, the release valve control unit 63B, the blood pressure calculation unit 63C, and the measurement processing unit 63D will be described in detail in the description of the operation, which will be described later.

[0064] (Measurement principle of fixed volume sensing method) Next, the measurement principle of the fixed volume sensing method in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9(A) to 9(C). Figures 9(A) to 9(C) show pressure cuffs 30a and 30b, a back plate, and a 51 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of the sensing cuff 40, and are diagrams for explaining the measurement principle of the fixed volume sensing method in this embodiment.

[0065] 9(A) is a diagram showing the state of the first stage before blood pressure measurement. As shown in FIG. 9(A), in the first stage before blood pressure measurement, pressure cuffs 30a, 30b are in a non-pressurized state. In this state, release valve 74 is turned off under the control of sub-CPU 64. As a result, release valve 74 is opened, air in sensing cuff 40 is discharged from release valve 74 via flow path L6, and the pressure in sensing cuff 40 is released to atmospheric pressure.

[0066] In the present embodiment, an open-cell sponge is disposed inside sensing cuff 40 as elastic member 41. Therefore, when sensing cuff 40 is not receiving pressure from pressure cuffs 30a, 30b and the pressure inside sensing cuff 40 is released to atmospheric pressure, elastic member 41 restores the volume inside sensing cuff 40 to a predetermined volume.

[0067] 9(B) is a diagram showing the state in the second stage before blood pressure measurement. As shown in FIG. 9(B), pressure cuffs 30a, 30b are also in a non-pressurized state in the second stage before blood pressure measurement. In this state, release valve 74 is turned on under the control of sub-CPU 64. As a result, release valve 74 is closed, preventing air in sensing cuff 40 from being discharged from release valve 74 via flow path L6, and sensing cuff 40 is maintained at the predetermined volume.

[0068] 9(C) is a diagram showing the state during blood pressure measurement. As shown in FIG. 9(C), during blood pressure measurement, pump 71 is driven under the control of sub-CPU 64, and air is supplied to pressure cuffs 30a and 30b, and pressure cuffs 30a and 30b and back plate 30b are in a circumferential direction. 51 As a result, the sensing cuff 40 is pressed against the human body, and a pressure pulse wave is detected by the first pressure sensor 75 and the sub-CPU 64 as a change in pressure inside the sensing cuff 40.

[0069] As described above, in this embodiment, the sensing cuff 40 is not adjusted to a predetermined volume by supplying air from the pump 71, but rather by opening the release valve 74 to release the pressure inside the sensing cuff 40 to atmospheric pressure, using the restoring force of the elastic member 41, and then closing the release valve 74, thereby achieving the predetermined volume of the sensing cuff 40.

[0070] As a result, in this embodiment, there is no need to route a flow path that is an air path from pump 71 built into main body 10 to the sensing cuff 40 side, and since there is no need to arrange a pressure sensor for sensing cuff 40 on the pump 71 side, there is also no need to route a flow path that is an air path for the pressure sensor for sensing cuff 40. Therefore, the routing of the flow path can be simplified.

[0071] (Sphygmomanometer operation)

[0072] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a blood pressure measurement method using the sphygmomanometer 100 according to this embodiment. Figs. 11 to 14 are schematic configuration diagrams of the flow path system of the sphygmomanometer 100 for explaining the states of the pressure cuffs 30a, 30b and the sensing cuff 40 in accordance with the operation of the sphygmomanometer.

[0073] First, after the sphygmomanometer 100 is attached to the wrist BW, a first stage of processing for preparing for blood pressure measurement is performed. In the first stage of processing for preparing for blood pressure measurement, as shown in Fig. 10, with the sphygmomanometer 100 attached to the wrist BW, the sub-CPU 64 of the control unit 63 turns off the pump 71 of the fluid circuit LC1 (Fig. 10: S1). As a result, as shown by the white arrow in Fig. 11, air is discharged from the pressure cuffs 30a, 30b through the passive valve 72, and the pressure cuffs 30a, 30b are placed in a non-pressurized state.

[0074] Meanwhile, the sub-CPU 64 of the control unit 63 functions as the release valve control unit 63B, turns off the release valve 74, and opens the release valve 74 (FIG. 10: S2). As a result, the air inside the sensing cuff 40 is discharged through the release valve 74 as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 11, and the pressure inside the sensing cuff 40 is released to atmospheric pressure. At this time, the inside of the sensing cuff 40 is restored to a predetermined volume.

[0075] Next, a second stage of processing for preparing for blood pressure measurement is performed. In the second stage of processing for preparing for blood pressure measurement, sub-CPU 64 of control unit 63 functions as release valve control unit 63B, and as shown in FIG. 10, turns on release valve 74, closing release valve 74 (FIG. 10: S3). As a result, sensing cuff 40 is closed, and air in sensing cuff 40 is prevented from being discharged through release valve 74. The x mark in FIG. 12 indicates that the discharge of air through release valve 74 is prevented.

[0076] Next, the blood pressure measurement process is performed. In the blood pressure measurement process, as shown in Fig. 10, sub-CPU 64 of control unit 63 functions as pressure cuff control unit 63A and turns on pump 71 (Fig. 10: S4). As a result, as shown by the outline arrows in Fig. 13, pressure is supplied from pump 71 to pressure cuffs 30a and 30b via flow paths L3, L1, and L2, and the pressure cuffs are gradually pressurized.

[0077] In this way, the sensing cuff 40 includes the pressure cuffs 30a and 30b and the back plate. 51 The sensing cuff 40 is pressed against the human body (wrist) by the first pressure sensor 75, and is compressed against the human body (wrist). That is, the sub-CPU 64 of the control unit 63, functioning as the pressure cuff control unit 63A, supplies air as a fluid to the pressure cuffs 30a, 30b and controls the pressure cuffs 30a, 30b so as to create a compressed state in which the pressure cuffs 30a, 30b compress the human body (wrist) as the measurement site. When the sensing cuff 40 is compressed against the human body (wrist), a human body pressure pulse wave is generated in the sensing cuff 40 as a pressure change in the sensing cuff 40. The sub-CPU 64 of the control unit 63 then functions as the blood pressure calculation unit 63C, and detects the human body pressure pulse wave as the pressure change in the sensing cuff 40 by the first pressure sensor 75, and calculates the hand blood pressure by the oscillometric method (FIG. 10: S5).

[0078] The sub-CPU 64 of the control unit 63 detects the pressure in the pressure cuffs 30a, 30b using the second pressure sensor 73 and determines whether the pressure in the pressure cuffs 30a, 30b has reached a predetermined pressure threshold (FIG. 10: S6). The sub-CPU 64 of the control unit 63 drives the pump 71 and continues calculating the blood pressure until the pressure in the pressure cuffs 30a, 30b reaches the predetermined pressure threshold (FIG. 10: S5; NO). Then, when the sub-CPU 64 of the control unit 63 functioning as the pressure cuff control unit 63A determines that the pressure in the pressure cuffs 30a, 30b has reached the predetermined pressure threshold (FIG. 10: S6; YES), it performs processing for ending blood pressure measurement.

[0079] In the process at the end of blood pressure measurement, as shown in Fig. 10, the sub-CPU 64 of the control unit 63 functioning as the pressure cuff control unit 63A turns off the pump 71 (S7 in Fig. 10). As a result, as shown by the arrows in Fig. 14, air in the pressure cuffs 30a and 30b is discharged via the passive valve 72 through the flow paths L1, L2, and L3, and the pressure in the pressure cuffs is gradually reduced. As described above, the sub-CPU 64 of the control unit 63 functioning as the pressure cuff control unit 63A controls the pressure cuffs 30a and 30b to discharge air as a fluid from the pressure cuffs 30a and 30b and to release the pressure on the human body (wrist) as the measurement site via the pressure cuffs 30a and 30b.

[0080] Meanwhile, sub-CPU 64 of control unit 63 functions as release valve control unit 63B, turns off release valve 74, and opens release valve 74 (FIG. 10: S8). As a result, air inside sensing cuff 40 is discharged through release valve 74, as shown by the white arrow in FIG.

[0081] In this embodiment, blood pressure measurement is performed by the fixed volume sensing method as described above.

[0082] As described above, in the blood pressure monitor 100 of this embodiment, the sensing cuff 40 is not adjusted to a predetermined volume by supplying air from the pump 71, but rather by opening the release valve 74 to release the pressure inside the sensing cuff 40 to atmospheric pressure, using the restoring force of the elastic member 41, and then closing the release valve 74, thereby achieving the predetermined volume of the sensing cuff 40.

[0083] As a result, in this embodiment, there is no need to route a flow path that is an air path from pump 71 built into main body 10 to the sensing cuff 40 side, and since there is no need to arrange a pressure sensor for sensing cuff 40 on the pump 71 side, there is also no need to route a flow path that is an air path for the pressure sensor for sensing cuff 40. Therefore, the routing of the flow path can be simplified.

[0084] Furthermore, the opening and closing of the sensing cuff 40 is achieved by a switching valve that switches only the off and on states of the release valve 74, so there is no need to arrange a flow path that is an air path from the pump 71 side to the sensing cuff 40 side, which simplifies the routing of the flow path.

[0085] Furthermore, control of pump 71 and release valve 74, detection of pressure in pressure cuffs 30a, 30b using second pressure sensor 73, and detection of pressure in sensing cuff 40 using first pressure sensor 75 are performed by sub-CPU 64. Release valve 74, first pressure sensor 75, and sub-CPU 64 are configured as a board-integrated unit mounted integrally on board 52, and simple wiring is sufficient for electrical connection between sub-CPU 64 and pump 71 and second pressure sensor 73 on the fluid circuit LC1 side. Therefore, in this embodiment, there is no need for complex wiring not only for routing the flow path, which is the air path, but also for electrical connection.

[0086] In this embodiment, a solenoid valve is used as the release valve 74, but the present invention is not limited to this form, and a valve configured as a capacitance type or the like may also be used as the release valve 74.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the control unit 63 is configured with the sub-CPU 64 and the main CPU 65, but the control unit 63 may be configured with only the main CPU 65. Also, although the control unit 63 includes a CPU, this is not limitative. The control unit 63 may include a logic circuit (integrated circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0088] (Variation) Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 15 and 16. Figs. 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views of a sensing cuff, nipple portion, and elastic member in the modified example. In the above-described embodiment, the nipple portion 42 is attached to the inside of the sensing cuff 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, the nipple portion 42 may be attached to the outside of the sensing cuff 40.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the elastic member 41 made of open-cell sponge is accommodated inside the sensing cuff 40 so as to uniformly fill the inside with almost no gaps. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the elastic member 41 made of open-cell sponge may be accommodated only at both ends in the short direction of the sensing cuff.

[0090] In these modified examples, the pressure inside the sensing cuff 40 can be released to atmospheric pressure by opening the release valve 74, and the restoring force of the elastic member 41 can be used, and then the release valve 74 can be closed, thereby achieving a predetermined volume for the sensing cuff 40.

[0091] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIGS. 17 and 18 are cross-sectional views of a sensing cuff, a nipple portion, and an elastic member in the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, an elastic member made of an open-cell sponge was used as the elastic member. However, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, a coil spring 43 is used as the elastic member. The coil springs 43 are circular in top view, and multiple springs are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the sensing cuff 40. Even with this configuration, it is possible to set the sensing cuff 40 to a predetermined volume by opening the release valve 74 to release the pressure inside the sensing cuff 40 to atmospheric pressure, using the restoring force of the coil spring 43, and then closing the release valve 74.

[0092] 18, sheets 44 made of PU (polyurethane), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or the like may be housed as spacers at both ends of the width direction of the sensing cuff 40. By applying tension to the elastic first sheet 40a and second sheet 40b, the volume of the sensing cuff 40 can be made constant and the sensing cuff 40 can be made resilient.

[0093] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. The above-described embodiments can be realized independently, but they can also be combined with each other. Furthermore, the various features of the different embodiments can be realized independently, but they can also be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10 Main Unit 20a, 20b Belt 30a, 30b Pressure cuff 40 Sensing Cuff 40a First sheet 40b Second sheet 41 Elastic member 42 Nipple part 43 Coil spring 44 seats 50 Carla 51 Back plate 52 PCB 63 Control Unit 63A Pressure cuff control section 63B Open valve control section 63C Blood pressure calculation unit 64 sub-CPUs 65 Main CPU 71 Pump 72 Passive Valve 73 Second pressure sensor (pressure cuff pressure sensor) 74 Release valve 75 First pressure sensor (sensing cuff pressure sensor) 100 Blood Pressure Monitor

Claims

1. A pump; a bag-shaped pressure cuff connected to the pump, extending along the circumferential direction of the measurement site to receive a supply of pressurizing fluid from the pump and pressurize the measurement site; a sensing cuff that is not connected to the pump, includes a first sheet disposed opposite to the inner circumferential surface of the pressure cuff, and a second sheet opposed to the first sheet, and is configured in a bag shape, extending in a circumferential direction so as to cross the artery passage portion of the measurement site; a back plate that is interposed between the pressure cuff and the sensing cuff, extends along the circumferential direction of the measurement site, and transmits the pressure force from the pressure cuff to the sensing cuff; an open valve connected to the sensing cuff and set to one of an open state in which the inside of the sensing cuff is in communication with outside air and a closed state in which the inside of the sensing cuff is not in communication with outside air; a pressure cuff control unit that controls the pressure cuff to one of a pressure state in which a fluid is supplied to the pressure cuff and the measurement site is compressed via the pressure cuff, and a release state in which the fluid is discharged from the pressure cuff and the pressure on the measurement site via the pressure cuff is released; an open valve control unit that controls the open valve to either the open state or the closed state; a blood pressure calculation unit that calculates a blood pressure based on a pressure change in the sensing cuff when the release valve is in the closed state, the sensing cuff has a restoring property that allows a volume within the sensing cuff to be a predetermined volume when the release valve is in the open state. Blood pressure monitor.

2. An elastic member is provided within the sensing cuff. The blood pressure monitor according to claim 1 .

3. The elastic member is a sponge having an open-cell structure. The blood pressure monitor according to claim 2.

4. The elastic member is a coil spring. The blood pressure monitor according to claim 2.

5. a spacer within the sensing cuff; The blood pressure monitor according to claim 1 .

6. In a preparation stage before the blood pressure calculation unit calculates the blood pressure, the pressure cuff and the sensing cuff are attached to the measurement site, the pressure cuff control unit controls the pressure cuff to the released state, the open valve control unit sets the open valve to the open state and then sets the open valve to the closed state, In the measurement stage in which the blood pressure calculation unit calculates the blood pressure, in the attached state, the pressure cuff control unit controls the pressure cuff to be in the pressure state, the blood pressure calculation unit calculates blood pressure based on a pressure change in the sensing cuff. The blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The release valve is a valve that is set to the open state or the closed state by setting the release valve to an off state or an on state. The blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the sensing cuff; a substrate provided between the pressure cuff and the sensing cuff, the open valve, the pressure sensor, the open valve control unit, and the blood pressure calculation unit are integrated on the board. The blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The release valve is a solenoid valve or a capacitance valve. The blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the sensing cuff; a substrate provided between the pressure cuff and the sensing cuff, The release valve, the pressure sensor, and the release valve control unit are integrated on the substrate. The blood pressure monitor according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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