Blood pressure cuff

Abstract

To provide a blood pressure measuring cuff which can increase accuracy in blood pressure measurement by sufficiently compressing an artery of a site to be measured even if it is down-sized by separating a pressure applying member from a sensing member.SOLUTION: A blood pressure measuring cuff 1 is wound around an upper arm and attached, including a first fluid bag 22 constituted to vary a compression pressure to the upper arm, a second fluid bag 24 which is arranged between the first fluid bag 22 and the upper arm for detecting a pressure for the blood pressure measurement, and a tabular compression auxiliary member 23 arranged between the first fluid bag 22 and the second fluid bag 24. A length L1 of the compression auxiliary member 23 in a width direction (a direction X) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (a direction Y) of the first fluid bag 22 is larger than a length L3 of the first fluid bag 22 in the width direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , , , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a blood pressure measurement cuff used in a sphygmomanometer for measuring blood pressure.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a cuff structure including a curler arranged on the outermost periphery, a pressing cuff arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the curler, a back plate arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the pressing cuff, and a sensing cuff arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the back plate. This cuff structure is attached to the inner peripheral side of the belt, and the belt, the curler, and the pressing cuff function as pressing members capable of generating a pressing force toward the wrist, and the back plate is pressed toward the wrist by these pressing members, and the wrist is compressed through the sensing cuff inserted between the back plate and the wrist.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a blood pressure measurement device including a blood-blocking air bag for compressing an artery at a blood pressure measurement site, a sub-air bag arranged closer to the heart side than the substantially central portion below the blood-blocking air bag, a pulse wave detection air bag arranged at the substantially central portion below the blood-blocking air bag and for detecting a pulse wave, a first pipe branched and connected to the blood-blocking air bag and the sub-air bag and connected to the sub-air bag through a first fluid resistor, and a second pipe connected to the pulse wave detection air bag through a second fluid resistor, a cuff body attached to the blood pressure measurement site, and a cuff pressure detection unit branched and connected from the second pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When reducing the width of the blood pressure cuff perpendicular to the wrapping direction, it is necessary to ensure that the blood pressure cuff can adequately compress the artery at the measurement site.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a blood pressure cuff that can be miniaturized while still being able to sufficiently compress the artery at the measurement site to improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A strip-shaped body (pressure member) is attached around the area to be measured and configured to allow the compression pressure applied to the area to be measured to be changed, A fluid bag (sensing member) that detects pressure for blood pressure measurement is placed between the above-mentioned band-shaped body and the area to be measured, The system comprises a plate-shaped compression assist member disposed between the strip-shaped body and the fluid bag, The length of the compression assisting member in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped body is greater than the length of the strip-shaped body in the width direction. Blood pressure cuff.

[0008] According to (1), since the widthwise length of the compression assist member that sandwiches the fluid bag between itself and the area to be measured is greater than the widthwise length of the strip-shaped body, the portion of the compression assist member that extends outward in the widthwise direction from the strip-shaped body can come into direct or indirect contact with the area to be measured. This contact allows for efficient transmission of pressure from the strip-shaped body to the area to be measured, even when the widthwise length of the strip-shaped body is small, and the artery at the area to be measured can be effectively compressed by the fluid bag. Furthermore, since the strip-shaped body that compresses the area to be measured and the fluid bag from which the pressure for blood pressure measurement is detected are provided separately, it is possible to efficiently transmit pressure from the strip-shaped body to the area to be measured even when the widthwise length of the strip-shaped body is small. As a result, the accuracy of blood pressure measurement can be improved. In addition, sufficient accuracy of blood pressure measurement can be obtained even when the widthwise length of the strip-shaped body is reduced, making miniaturization possible.

[0009] (2) (1) A blood pressure measuring cuff as described above, Both ends of the above-mentioned compression assisting member in the width direction protrude outward in the width direction from the above-mentioned strip-shaped body. Blood pressure cuff.

[0010] According to (2), it becomes possible to stably transmit pressure from the band-like material to the site to be measured, and the artery at the site to be measured can be effectively compressed by the fluid bag.

[0011] (3) (2) A blood pressure measuring cuff as described above, The above compression assisting member further comprises an elastic member provided between both ends of the above-mentioned compression assisting member and the part to be measured. Blood pressure cuff.

[0012] According to (3), since the area to be measured and both ends of the compression assist member are in contact via the elastic member, it is possible to efficiently transmit the pressure from the band-shaped body to the area to be measured, and the artery of the area to be measured can be effectively compressed by the fluid bag. Preferably, the elastic member can be one that can improve the compression characteristics of the area to be measured.

[0013] (4) A blood pressure measuring cuff as described in any of (1) to (3), The length of the compression assist member in the longitudinal direction is smaller than the length of the compression assist member in the width direction. Blood pressure cuff.

[0014] According to (4), the longitudinal length of the compression assist member can be made sufficiently smaller than the longitudinal length of the band, so even if the width of the compression assist member is longer than that of the band, the overall width and thickness of the blood pressure measurement cuff can be reduced. In addition, because the compression assist member protrudes locally outward in the width direction from the band, the position of the fluid bag that matches the arterial course can be easily recognized by this protruding portion. This supports correct wrapping around the site to be measured.

[0015] (5) The blood pressure measurement cuff according to (4), where the entire fluid bag is covered by the compression assisting member, Blood pressure measurement cuff.

[0016] (5) enables the fluid bag to be made smaller, thereby achieving the effects of miniaturization due to the reduction in size of the fluid bag and cost reduction in manufacturing due to the reduction in the amount of air flowing into the fluid bag. Also, although a portion where the belt-like body may come into contact with the measurement site may occur due to the small longitudinal length of the compression assisting member, noise transmitted from this portion to the belt-like body can be blocked by the compression assisting member so as not to be transmitted to the fluid bag for sensing. As a result, the blood pressure measurement accuracy can be improved while achieving miniaturization.

[0017] (6) The blood pressure measurement cuff according to any one of (1) to (5), where the center of the fluid bag in the width direction is eccentric to one side in the width direction with respect to the center of the compression assisting member in the width direction, Blood pressure measurement cuff.

[0018] (6) enables one side of the artery of the measurement site to be relatively strongly compressed by the fluid bag, thereby improving the blood pressure measurement accuracy.

[0019] (7) The blood pressure measurement cuff according to (6), where one side in the width direction is the distal side of the measurement site, Blood pressure measurement cuff.

[0020] (7) enables the distal side of the artery of the measurement site to be relatively strongly compressed by the fluid bag, thereby improving the blood pressure measurement accuracy.

[0021] (8) The blood pressure measurement cuff according to any one of (1) to (7), The surface of the above-mentioned compression assist member on the side facing the part to be measured is curved toward the direction away from the part to be measured and along the longitudinal direction. Blood pressure cuff.

[0022] According to (8), the compression assist member can be fitted to the area to be measured, and the pressure from the strip-shaped body can be efficiently transmitted to the fluid bag. In addition, the distortion in the longitudinal direction of the compression assist member can be reduced, which also enables the pressure from the strip-shaped body to be efficiently transmitted to the fluid bag. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, by separating the pressurizing member and the sensing member, it is possible to provide a blood pressure measurement cuff that can be miniaturized while still being able to sufficiently compress the artery at the measurement site and improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows a schematic configuration of a blood pressure monitor 100 including a blood pressure measuring cuff 20, which is one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the general configuration of the blood pressure measurement cuff 20. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a plan view of the assembled blood pressure measurement cuff 20, seen from the inner circumference. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a side view of the blood pressure measurement cuff 20 as seen in direction X2. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a first modified example of the blood pressure measuring cuff 20. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a second modified example of the blood pressure measurement cuff 20. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a third modified example of the blood pressure measurement cuff 20. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] (Overview of this type of blood pressure monitor) The blood pressure measuring cuff included in this embodiment of blood pressure monitor is fitted around the area to be measured, such as the wrist, upper arm, or lower limb, and comprises a band-shaped body configured to allow for changes in the compression pressure (in other words, pressing force) applied to the area to be measured. This band-shaped body may be capable of changing the compression pressure by controlling the supply and discharge of air, or by changing the wrapping force applied to the area to be measured. The blood pressure measuring cuff in this embodiment comprises a fluid bag that detects pressure for blood pressure measurement and is placed between the band-shaped body and the area to be measured, and a plate-shaped compression assist member placed between the band-shaped body and the fluid bag. The length of the compression assist member in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped body is greater than the length of the band-shaped body in the width direction. This configuration allows the portion of the compression assist member that extends outward in the width direction from the band-shaped body to come into direct or indirect contact with the area being measured. This contact enables efficient transmission of compression pressure from the band to the area being measured, even when the width of the band is small, allowing the artery at the area being measured to be effectively compressed by the fluid bag. As a result, the accuracy of blood pressure measurement can be improved.

[0026] The following describes a specific configuration example of this blood pressure monitor. The blood pressure monitor described below is designed for use on the upper arm, but is not limited to this. However, until now, no narrow blood pressure measurement cuffs have been known for use wrapped around the upper arm, and the following embodiment makes it possible to realize a miniaturized blood pressure measurement cuff for the upper arm. This significantly reduces the burden on the person being measured, even when the blood pressure measurement cuff is constantly wrapped around the upper arm for continuous blood pressure measurement.

[0027] (Embodiment) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a blood pressure monitor 100 including a blood pressure measuring cuff 20, which is one embodiment of the present invention. The blood pressure monitor 100 comprises a main body 10 and a blood pressure measuring cuff 20 connected to the main body 10.

[0028] The blood pressure measurement cuff 20, as will be described in detail later, includes a first fluid bag 22 and a second fluid bag 24 as components for compressing the area to be measured. A fluid bag is a bag that can supply and discharge a fluid such as air, and expands when fluid is supplied. In the following description, the fluid will be described as air.

[0029] The first fluid bag 22 is capable of supplying and releasing air, and the compression pressure applied to the measurement site can be changed by supplying and releasing air. The second fluid bag 24 is also capable of supplying and releasing air, and has a smaller capacity than the first fluid bag 22. The second fluid bag 24 is a sensing fluid bag for blood pressure measurement, and at the start of blood pressure measurement, a small predetermined amount of air is supplied and held in it. In other words, the second fluid bag 24 cannot change the compression pressure applied to the measurement site on its own, but rather compresses the artery at the measurement site in response to the compression pressure from the first fluid bag 22, enabling the detection of arterial pulsation and pressure.

[0030] A flexible tube 22A is connected to the first fluid bag 22, and air can be supplied and discharged from this flexible tube 22A. A flexible tube 24A is connected to the second fluid bag 24, and air can be supplied and discharged from this flexible tube 24A.

[0031] The main unit 10 comprises a processor 11 that provides overall control of the blood pressure monitor 100, an operating unit 12, a memory 13, a display 14, a pressure sensor 16 for detecting the pressure (internal pressure) of the second fluid bag 24, a switching valve 17 connected to the flexible tube 22A and the flexible tube 24A, a pump 18 connected to the switching valve 17, and a pump drive circuit 19 for driving the pump 18.

[0032] The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and displays information related to blood pressure measurement, such as blood pressure measurement results, and other information according to control signals from the processor 11.

[0033] The operation unit 12 includes a measurement switch for instructing the start or stop of blood pressure measurement, and a history switch for instructing the display unit 14 to display past blood pressure and other measurement records.

[0034] Memory 13 non-temporarily stores data for the program that controls the blood pressure monitor 100, data used to control the blood pressure monitor 100, setting data for configuring various processes of the blood pressure monitor 100, and data on blood pressure measurement results. Memory 13 is also used as work memory when the program is executed.

[0035] The processor 11 performs various processes according to a program for controlling the blood pressure monitor 100 stored in the memory 13. For example, when performing blood pressure measurement, the processor 11 controls the pump 18 and the switching valve 17 based on the signal from the pressure sensor 16 in response to an instruction to start blood pressure measurement from the measurement switch on the operation unit 12. The processor 11 also performs blood pressure measurement processing (processing to derive blood pressure values, pulse rate, etc.) based on the signal from the pressure sensor 16. In addition to the pressure sensor 16, an additional pressure sensor connected to the flexible tube 22A may be provided, and the pressure of the first fluid bag 22 may be detected by this pressure sensor, while the pressure of the second fluid bag 24 may be detected by the pressure sensor 16.

[0036] The switching valve 17 is used to switch between the air passage from the pump 18 to the first fluid bag 22 and the air passage from the pump 18 to the second fluid bag 24, and is controlled by the processor 11. When blood pressure measurement starts, the switching valve 17 is opened, and when the pressure in the second fluid bag 24 rises slightly above zero, it is preferable to immediately close the switching valve 17 so that the second fluid bag 24 can function as a sensing component.

[0037] Pump 18 is, for example, a piezoelectric pump and is driven by a pump drive circuit 19 based on a control signal provided by processor 11. Pump 18 can supply air to the first fluid bag 22 through a switching valve 17 and a flexible tube 22A. Pump 18 can also supply air to the second fluid bag 24 through a switching valve 17 and a flexible tube 24A. Pump 18 is equipped with an exhaust valve (not shown). When the switching valve 17 forms an air passage from pump 18 to the first fluid bag 22, opening this exhaust valve allows the air in the first fluid bag 22 to be discharged into the atmosphere through the flexible tube 22A and the switching valve 17. When the switching valve 17 forms an air passage from pump 18 to the second fluid bag 24, opening this exhaust valve allows the air in the second fluid bag 24 to be discharged into the atmosphere through the flexible tube 24A and the switching valve 17. This exhaust valve acts as a check valve, preventing the exhausted air from flowing back.

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the general configuration of the blood pressure measurement cuff 20 shown in Figure 1. Flexible tubes 22A and 24A are omitted from the illustration in Figure 2. The same applies to subsequent figures. In Figure 2, directions X and Y are shown as two mutually orthogonal directions. Also in Figure 2, a direction Z is shown that is orthogonal to directions X and Y. Hereafter, one direction X will be referred to as direction X1, the other direction X as direction X2, one direction Z as direction Z1, and the other direction Z as direction Z2.

[0039] The blood pressure measurement cuff 20 is constructed as an elongated strip extending in direction Y, and is used by wrapping it around the upper arm. Direction Y is the longitudinal direction of the blood pressure measurement cuff 20, direction X is the width direction of the blood pressure measurement cuff 20, and direction Z is the thickness direction of the blood pressure measurement cuff 20. The means for maintaining the blood pressure measurement cuff 20 wrapped around the upper arm are not particularly limited, and well-known techniques such as hook-and-loop fasteners can be used. Hereinafter, the state in which the blood pressure measurement cuff 20 is wrapped around the upper arm will be referred to as the worn state.

[0040] The blood pressure measurement cuff 20 comprises a band-shaped skin member 21 extending in direction Y, a first fluid bag 22 extending in direction Y fixed to the inner circumferential surface 21S of the skin member 21 (the surface that becomes the inner circumferential side (upper arm side (direction Z1 side)) when worn), a plate-shaped compression assist member 23 positioned on the inner circumferential side of the first fluid bag 22 and fixed to the first fluid bag 22 when worn, and a second fluid bag 24 positioned on the inner circumferential side of the compression assist member 23 and fixed to the compression assist member 23 when worn.

[0041] The first fluid bag 22 has a two-layer structure formed by connecting a first layer 221 and a second layer 222. The first layer 221, the second layer 222, and the second fluid bag 24 are each formed, for example, by placing two stretchable polyurethane sheets opposite each other and welding their peripheral edges together.

[0042] The outer layer member 21 is made of a material with lower elasticity than the first fluid bag 22, and is made of, for example, a sheet of polyester cloth or nylon cloth. As mentioned above, the outer layer member 21 and the first fluid bag 22 are fixed together with an adhesive or the like.

[0043] The blood pressure measuring cuff 20 is configured such that the first fluid bag 22 acts as a pressing member capable of generating a variable pressing force toward the upper arm, and this pressing member presses the compression assist member 23 toward the upper arm, thereby compressing the artery of the upper arm via the second fluid bag 24 interposed between the compression assist member 23 and the upper arm.

[0044] In other words, the compression assist member 23 is a member that at least assists in efficiently transmitting the compression pressure transmitted to the inner circumference of the first fluid bag 22 as the first fluid bag 22 expands to the brachial artery. The compression assist member 23 has sufficient rigidity (in other words, higher rigidity than the band-shaped body 25) so as not to deform locally due to the pressure applied from the first fluid bag 22, and is made of a resin such as polypropylene or a light metal, for example.

[0045] Figure 3 is a plan view of the assembled blood pressure measurement cuff 20 shown in Figure 2, viewed from the inner circumference. Figure 4 is a side view of the blood pressure measurement cuff 20 shown in Figure 3, viewed in direction X2.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the compression assist member 23 has an elongated shape extending in direction X, and its length L2 in direction Y is smaller than its length L1 in direction X. Length L2 is smaller than the length of the first fluid bag 22 in direction Y. Thus, while the longitudinal direction of the first fluid bag 22 is direction Y, the longitudinal direction of the compression assist member 23 is direction X, and these intersect (are orthogonal) to each other. Furthermore, the length L1 of the compression assist member 23 in direction X is larger than the length L3 of the first fluid bag 22 in direction X. More specifically, the end 23A of the compression assist member 23 on the direction X1 side protrudes toward the direction X1 side of the first fluid bag 22 in the plan view shown in Figure 3. Also, the end 23B of the compression assist member 23 on the direction X2 side protrudes toward the direction X2 side of the first fluid bag 22 in the plan view shown in Figure 3.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the inner surface 23S of the compression assist member 23 is curved in the direction away from the upper arm U (i.e., direction Z2) and along direction Y. The curvature of the surface 23S is appropriately determined to be close to the circumferential surface shape of the upper arm U. When worn, the surface 23S is in direct or indirect contact with the upper arm U. Indirect contact means, for example, when another material such as a thin cloth is interposed between the surface 23S and the upper arm U. As shown in Figure 4, the blood pressure measurement cuff 20 is used by wrapping it around the upper arm U so that the compression assist member 23 faces the portion of the upper arm U through which the artery B passes.

[0048] In the plan view shown in Figure 3, the second fluid bag 24 is fixed to the compression assist member 23 so that its entirety overlaps with the compression assist member 23. In other words, the entire second fluid bag 24 is covered by the compression assist member 23. Also, in the example in Figure 3, the center position of the second fluid bag 24 in direction X is eccentric to the direction X2 side with respect to the center line CP of the compression assist member 23 in direction X. This blood pressure measuring cuff 20 is used by wrapping it around the upper arm U so that the direction X2 side faces the peripheral side (hand side) of artery B.

[0049] In the blood pressure measuring cuff 20 configured as described above, when worn, the compression assist member 23 and the second fluid bag 24 fixed thereto come into contact with the vicinity of the portion of the upper arm through which the artery passes. When air is supplied to the first fluid bag 22 in this worn state and pressurization (compression) of the upper arm begins, the compression pressure is transmitted from the first fluid bag 22 to the upper arm and the second fluid bag 24 via the compression assist member 23, and further, the compression pressure is transmitted from the second fluid bag 24 to the upper arm. In other words, in the upper arm, the artery is strongly compressed over a wide area in the portion overlapping with the compression assist member 23, and the peripheral side of the artery is further strongly compressed by the second fluid bag 24. During this pressurization process, the compression assist member 23 presses against the upper arm with its ends 23A and 23B in contact with the upper arm. In other words, even if the length L3 in direction X of the first fluid bag 22 is shortened to reduce the size of the blood pressure measurement cuff 20 (when the pressing force of the first fluid bag 22 is not sufficiently strong), the portion of the compression assist member 23 that protrudes outward from the first fluid bag 22 can compensate for the pressing force, and the compression assist member 23 and the second fluid bag 24 fixed thereto can compress the artery in the upper arm strongly enough to enable blood pressure measurement.

[0050] This effect can be obtained if a portion of the compression assist member 23 protrudes outward in direction X from the first fluid bag 22. Therefore, the blood pressure measurement cuff 20 can be configured such that the edge of the compression assist member 23 on the direction X1 side coincides with the edge of the first fluid bag 22 on the direction X1 side (only the end portion 23B protrudes outward from the first fluid bag 22), or the edge of the compression assist member 23 on the direction X2 side coincides with the edge of the first fluid bag 22 on the direction X2 side (only the end portion 23A protrudes outward from the first fluid bag 22). Furthermore, in order to stably compress the artery, it is preferable that the center position of the first fluid bag 22 on the direction X coincides with the center position of the compression assist member 23 on the direction X, and that the length of the end portion 23A on the direction X coincides with the length of the end portion 23B on the direction X. Furthermore, in order to stably compress the artery, it is preferable that the center position of the compression assist member 23 on the direction Y coincides with the center position of the second fluid bag 24 on the direction Y. In this configuration, the miniaturization of the first fluid bag 22 makes it possible to miniaturize the pump 18, and also makes the main body 10 smaller and lighter.

[0051] Furthermore, these effects can be obtained even if the compression assist member 23 is not elongated in the direction X. In other words, as shown in the modified example in Figure 5, the length of the compression assist member 23 in the direction Y may be greater than the length in the direction X. In this configuration, as shown in Figure 5, it is preferable to make the length of the second fluid bag 24 in the direction Y greater than in the configuration of Figure 3, so that the center position of the compression assist member 23 in the direction Y coincides with the center position of the second fluid bag 24 in the direction Y. This allows the second fluid bag 24 to be pressed evenly, improving the accuracy of blood pressure measurement. The configuration in Figure 3 has the advantage of making the blood pressure measurement cuff 20 smaller and lighter compared to the configuration in Figure 5. Also, according to the configuration in Figure 3, since the length of the compression assist member 23 in the direction Y can be shortened, it is not necessary for the compression assist member 23 itself to be deformable to easily wrap around the upper arm, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0052] Verification revealed that when the length L3 is 6 cm, the thickness of the compression support member 23 should be 2 mm or less, the length L2 should be 4 cm or more, and the length L1 should be 10 cm or more to adequately compress the artery. Thus, reducing the width (length L3) of the first fluid bag 22 not only makes the blood pressure measurement cuff 20 itself smaller and lighter, but also allows for the miniaturization of the pump 18, which in turn makes the main body 10 smaller and lighter.

[0053] (Blood pressure measurement action) Next, the operation of the blood pressure monitor 100 during blood pressure measurement will be described. When the processor 11 receives an instruction to start blood pressure measurement, it controls the switching valve 17 and the pump 18 to supply air from the pump 18 to the second fluid bag 24. When a predetermined amount of air has been supplied to the second fluid bag 24, the processor 11 stops the pump 18. Subsequently, the processor 11 controls the switching valve 17 and the pump 18 to start pressurization control to supply air from the pump 18 to the first fluid bag 22. As a result, the first fluid bag 22 gradually expands, and the compression pressure from the first fluid bag 22 toward the inner circumference increases. At this time, with the assistance of the compression assist member 23, the compression force from the first fluid bag 22 is sufficiently transmitted to the artery.

[0054] After pressurization control begins, the processor 11, based on the output of the pressure sensor 16, detects that the pressure in the first fluid bag 22 has reached a predetermined value. It then stops the pump 18 and begins depressurization control, gradually releasing air from the first fluid bag 22. During this depressurization control, the processor 11 monitors the pressure Pc in the second fluid bag 24, i.e., the pressure in the portion of the upper arm artery, using the pressure sensor 16 for blood pressure measurement, and acquires a pulse wave signal Pm as its pressure fluctuation component. Based on this pulse wave signal Pm, the processor 11 attempts to calculate blood pressure values ​​(systolic blood pressure SBP and diastolic blood pressure DBP) by applying a known algorithm using the oscillometric method. Once the blood pressure value calculation is complete, the processor 11 rapidly releases air from the first fluid bag 22, and then rapidly releases air from the second fluid bag 24, ending the blood pressure measurement operation. As mentioned above, if the pressure of the first fluid bag 22 is detected by a separate pressure sensor, the processor 11 can detect that the pressure of the first fluid bag 22 has reached a predetermined value based on the output of this pressure sensor and start pressure reduction control.

[0055] Furthermore, the blood pressure value may be calculated during the pressurization control process rather than the depressurization control process. Also, although air is placed in the second fluid bag 24 as a fluid for pressure transmission each time blood pressure is measured and vented after the measurement is completed, this is not the only option. For example, air or water or other fluid for pressure transmission may be placed in the second fluid bag 24 and sealed during the manufacturing stage of the blood pressure monitor 100.

[0056] (Variations of blood pressure cuffs) Figure 6 is a plan view showing a modified blood pressure measurement cuff 20 shown in Figure 3. The blood pressure measurement cuff 20 shown in Figure 6 also uses the upper arm as the measurement site. The modified blood pressure measurement cuff 20 shown in Figure 6 differs from the blood pressure measurement cuff 20 shown in Figure 3 only in that an elastic member 23C, such as silicone rubber or an air bladder sealed with air, is fixed to the surface 23S of the compression assist member 23. In the example shown in Figure 6, a substantially rectangular elastic member 23C extending in the direction Y is fixed to the surface 23S of the end 23A of the compression assist member 23, and a substantially rectangular elastic member 23C extending in the direction Y is fixed to the surface 23S of the end 23B of the compression assist member 23. When the length L3 is 6 cm, it is preferable that the thickness of the elastic member 23C be 0.5 mm or more and the length of the elastic member 23C in the direction Y be 1.5 cm or more.

[0057] According to the modified example shown in Figure 6, the upper arm and the ends 23A and 23B of the compression assist member 23 are in contact via the elastic member 23C, which prevents a gap from forming between the upper arm and the compression assist member 23, and makes it possible to efficiently transmit the pressure from the first fluid bag 22 to the artery of the upper arm.

[0058] In the explanation so far, the compression pressure on the upper arm has been controlled by supplying and releasing air to the first fluid bag 22. However, the compression pressure on the upper arm may also be changed by controlling the force with which the epidermal member 21 is wrapped around the upper arm using a motor or the like, without using the first fluid bag 22.

[0059] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a modified example of the blood pressure measuring cuff 20 shown in Figure 3. The blood pressure measuring cuff 20 shown in Figure 7 differs from the blood pressure measuring cuff 20 shown in Figure 3 in that the first fluid bag 22 is removed and a compression assist member 23 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface 21S of the skin member 21, and a winding unit M including a motor is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of one end of the skin member 21 in direction Y. In the blood pressure measuring cuff 20 shown in Figure 7, the end 23A of the compression assist member 23 is the part of the compression assist member 23 that protrudes in direction X1 from the skin member 21. Also, the end 23B of the compression assist member 23 is the part of the compression assist member 23 that protrudes in direction X2 from the skin member 21.

[0060] When the blood pressure measurement cuff 20 is attached, the end of the epidermal member 21 opposite to the side where the winding unit M is located (hereinafter referred to as the tip) is inserted into the winding unit M. When the motor of the winding unit M is activated, this tip is wound into the winding unit M. In the modified example shown in Figure 7, by activating the motor of the winding unit M, the inner diameter of the annular epidermal member 21 surrounding the upper arm gradually decreases, thereby changing the compression pressure on the upper arm. Therefore, in this modified example, the epidermal member 21 constitutes a band-like body configured to change the compression pressure on the upper arm. In this modified example as well, since the length L1 of the compression assist member 23 is greater than the length L3 of the epidermal member 21 in the direction X, even when the length L3 of the epidermal member 21 is reduced to make it smaller, the artery of the upper arm can be strongly compressed with the assistance of the compression assist member 23. Thus, the blood pressure measuring cuff 20 of this embodiment measures blood pressure by compressing the artery with a second fluid bag 24 positioned directly above the artery in the upper arm, and by measuring the pressure in the second fluid bag 24. The method of compressing the upper arm is not particularly limited, as illustrated in Figure 7. In this way, by separating the compression member that compresses the area to be measured (the first fluid bag 22 described above or the epidermal member 21 in Figure 7) from the sensing member for blood pressure measurement (the second fluid bag 24), sufficient accuracy in blood pressure measurement can be ensured even if the width of the compression member is reduced. In particular, as shown in Figure 4, in the configuration using the first fluid bag 22, by making the first fluid bag 22 a two-layer structure, the decrease in compression pressure due to the narrower width can be compensated for, and the upper arm can be sufficiently compressed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 10 Main body 11 processors 12 Control section 13 memory 14 Display 15. First pressure sensor 16. Second pressure sensor 17. Switching valve 18 pumps 19 Pump drive circuit 20 Blood pressure cuff 21S Inner surface 21 Skin member 22A, 24A Flexible Tube 22 1st fluid bag 221 1st layer 222 2nd layer 23A,23B End 23C Elastic Member 23S surface 23 Compression assist member 24 2nd fluid bag 100 Blood pressure monitor

Claims

1. A band-shaped body extending in the circumferential direction of the area to be measured, which is attached around the area to be measured and configured to allow the compression pressure applied to the area to be measured to be changed, A fluid bag, which detects pressure for blood pressure measurement, is placed between the band-shaped body and the area to be measured. The system comprises a plate-shaped compression assist member disposed between the strip-shaped body and the fluid bag, The length of the compression assisting member in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped body is greater than the length of the strip-shaped body in the width direction. The measurement site is the wrist, upper arm, or lower limb. A blood pressure measuring cuff, wherein the longitudinal direction is the direction along the circumferential direction of the area to be measured when the band-shaped body is attached to the area to be measured.

2. A blood pressure measuring cuff according to claim 1, Both ends of the compression assisting member in the width direction protrude outward in the width direction from the strip-shaped body. Blood pressure cuff.

3. A blood pressure measuring cuff according to claim 2, The compression assisting member further comprises an elastic member provided between both ends of the compression assisting member and the part to be measured. Blood pressure cuff.

4. A blood pressure measuring cuff according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The length of the compression assisting member in the longitudinal direction is smaller than the length of the compression assisting member in the width direction. Blood pressure cuff.

5. A blood pressure measuring cuff according to claim 4, The entire fluid bag is covered by the compression assist member. Blood pressure cuff.

6. A blood pressure measuring cuff according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The center of the fluid bag in the width direction is eccentric to one side in the width direction with respect to the center of the compression assisting member in the width direction. Blood pressure cuff.

7. A blood pressure measuring cuff according to claim 6, The aforementioned one side in the width direction is the side of the measurement area to be erased. Blood pressure cuff.

8. A blood pressure measuring cuff according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The surface of the compression assisting member on the side facing the part to be measured is curved toward the direction away from the part to be measured and along the longitudinal direction. Blood pressure cuff.

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