Electrocardiograph

Abstract

An electrocardiograph according to the present invention is to be used worn on the upper arm and has a body part, a band part, and a band cover that is detachably provided to at least the band part. The electrocardiograph is characterized in that the band part is formed from a stretchable elastic material and comprises, in the longitudinal direction, a plurality of electrode arrangement parts at which electrode units that include an electrode are arranged and a plurality of inter-electrode connection parts that connect the electrode arrangement parts, each of the inter-electrode connection parts being split in a width direction that intersects the longitudinal direction so as to have a plurality of bridge parts, and the band cover is formed from a water-absorbent, breathable fabric that is more stretchable than the band part in a shape that covers the gaps between the bridge parts and has openings that allow the electrodes to be exposed on the inside where the band part contacts the upper arm when the electrocardiograph is being worn.

Description

Electrocardiograph

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field related to healthcare, and particularly relates to a band structure for an electrocardiograph.

[0002] Conventionally, it has become common practice for individuals to personally measure information related to their personal physical condition and health such as blood pressure values and electrocardiographic waveforms (hereinafter also referred to as biological information) on a daily basis using measuring devices, and utilize the measurement results for health management. Particularly in recent years, there has been a growing demand for early detection of diseases and appropriate treatment by constantly wearing a measuring device on the body in daily life and continuously acquiring biological information, and many devices that meet such demands have also been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a wearable biological information measuring device that includes electrocardiographic electrodes and is capable of measuring electrocardiographic waveforms. The biological information measuring device described in Patent Document 1 has a belt-shaped band extending along the longitudinal direction (the circumferential direction of the upper arm) and a main body portion provided on the band, and has a configuration in which a plurality of electrodes are respectively arranged on the band and the main body portion. This makes it possible to constantly detect biological information such as heart rate and electrocardiographic signals while the device is operating, simply by wearing the device on one arm.

[0004] Since wearable devices are used by being worn on the body for a long time (constantly), from the viewpoints of cleanliness and reduction of discomfort when worn, it is desirable to provide a detachable cover member that covers at least the portion that contacts the body surface. On the other hand, in the case of a biological information measuring device provided with electrodes for contacting the skin surface, it is necessary to take measures to ensure that conduction between the electrodes and the skin surface is not impeded by the cover. In response to this, Patent Document 2 proposes a detachable cover that covers a cuff (for blood pressure measurement) that contacts the skin surface when worn, in a watch-type biological information measuring device.

[0005] Incidentally, since what is disclosed in Patent Document 2 is a cover for a cuff disposed on the belt portion of a biological information measuring device, although the detachability (replaceability) of the cover is considered, breathability is not taken into consideration (in the first place, the structure of the band portion is not designed with consideration for breathability).

[0006] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-141955 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-182637

[0007] However, for wearable devices that are worn on the body at all times, it is desirable that the band and, moreover, the cover of the band, have good breathability (and sweat-absorbing properties for the cover as well).

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a technology that can maintain cleanliness and improve comfort during wear in a wearable bio-information measuring device equipped with electrodes in a band portion.

[0009] To solve the above problems, the electrocardiograph according to the present invention adopts the following configuration. That is, an electrocardiograph having a main body, a band, and a band cover detachably provided on at least the band, which is used when worn on the upper arm, wherein the band is made of an elastic material that can be stretched and has a plurality of electrode placement sections in the longitudinal direction on which electrode units including electrodes are arranged and a plurality of inter-electrode connection sections that connect the electrode placement sections, each of the inter-electrode connection sections has a shape in which a plurality of bridge sections exist in the width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and the band cover is made of a fabric that has water absorption, breathability and higher elasticity than the band, and has an opening on the inside of the band that comes into contact with the upper arm when worn on the upper arm, which is shaped to allow the electrodes to be exposed, and is shaped to cover the gaps between the plurality of bridge sections, thus the electrocardiograph is characterized by this.

[0010] In this specification, the longitudinal direction of each component of the electrocardiograph refers to the direction along the circumference of the upper arm when worn, and the width direction refers to the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction (i.e., the direction along the axial direction of the upper arm when worn). Furthermore, the proximal side refers to the side closer to the torso of the human body, and the peripheral side refers to the side closer to the fingertips.

[0011] Thus, the presence of multiple bridge sections across the width of the band creates a configuration with gaps between each bridge section. This significantly improves breathability compared to a configuration without gaps in the band. Furthermore, the band's elasticity (flexibility) combined with this gap configuration improves its ability to deform in the longitudinal and torsional directions. This allows the device to conform to the shape of the upper arm, making it easier to attach, increasing the adhesion of the electrodes to the skin surface, and reducing device displacement even during prolonged use.

[0012] Furthermore, the band cover is made of a fabric with water absorption (sweat absorption), breathability, and high elasticity (for example, a quick-drying textile made of polyester), and is shaped to cover any gaps on the side of the band that comes into contact with the skin surface. This enhances water absorption and breathability in the upper arm attachment area, thereby improving water absorption and quick-drying properties. This improves comfort (reduces discomfort) when wearing the device. In addition, since the band cover is detachable from the band, cleanliness can be maintained by replacing it at appropriate intervals.

[0013] Furthermore, the band cover may be detachably attached to the band portion by double-sided tape. With such a configuration, the band cover can be detachably fixed to the side of the band portion that comes into contact with the skin by simple means. It is desirable that the double-sided tape be elastic. In addition, a silicone adhesive may be used as the adhesive for the double-sided tape.

[0014] Furthermore, the double-sided tape may be configured to open at least at locations corresponding to the gap in the electrode connection portion and at locations corresponding to the opening in the band cover. With such a configuration, the gap in the band portion is not blocked by the double-sided tape, thus maintaining breathability.

[0015] Furthermore, the band portion may comprise a first band portion extending from one side of the main body in the circumferential direction of the upper arm when worn, and a second band portion extending from the other side in the circumferential direction. The band cover may be configured to consist of a first cover portion corresponding to the first band portion and a second cover corresponding to the second band portion. With such a configuration, the band cover can be made to conform to the shape of the band portions extending on opposite sides of the main body.

[0016] Furthermore, the band cover is configured to partially cover the outer side, which is the side that does not come into contact with the upper arm when attached to the upper arm, and at least the area on the outer side corresponding to the main body may be open. In other words, the band cover is not limited to a shape that is fixed only on the side of the band that contacts the skin surface with double-sided tape or the like, but may cover the part of the band other than the electrodes on the skin surface side. Specifically, the band may be housed in a band cover of an appropriate shape, such as a roughly cylindrical or bag-like shape.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention can also be considered as a band cover (used in electrocardiography), and each of the above components can be combined with each other to constitute the present invention, provided that no technical contradictions arise.

[0018] According to the present invention, a wearable biometric information measuring device equipped with electrodes in a band portion can maintain cleanliness and improve comfort during wear.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing the external appearance of an electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic bottom view showing the external appearance of an electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing the external appearance of an electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the schematic hardware configuration of an electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of an electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 6A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the arrangement of resin filling ports provided in the main body of the electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the arrangement of resin filling ports provided in the electrode unit of the electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the electrode unit of the electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the wiring arranged in the band portion of the electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1. Figure 9 is a schematic plan view showing the external appearance of the band cover of the electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1. Figure 10 is a schematic plan view showing the external appearance of the adhesive member of the band cover of the electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1. Figure 11A is a schematic plan view showing the external appearance of the band cover according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 11B is a schematic bottom view showing the external appearance of the band cover according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 12 is a schematic side view showing the band cover according to Embodiment 2 attached to the band portion.

[0020] <Embodiment 1> The present invention can be applied to a wearable electrocardiograph used by being attached to the upper arm of a person being measured. Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this invention to those.

[0021] (Overall Configuration of the Device) Figures 1, 2, and 3 are schematic diagrams showing the external configuration of the electrocardiograph 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the electrocardiograph 1, Figure 2 is a schematic bottom view of the electrocardiograph 1, and Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the electrocardiograph 1. Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the schematic hardware configuration of the electrocardiograph 1. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main components of the electrocardiograph 1. Figure 1 shows the side of the electrocardiograph 1 that does not come into contact with the human body when worn, and the bottom surface shown in Figure 2 is the side that comes into contact with the human body when worn. Hereinafter, the top surface shown in Figure 1 will be referred to as the surface side, the bottom surface shown in Figure 2 as the contact surface side, and so on.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the electrocardiograph 1 is generally composed of a main body 10, a band 20, a band cover 40 provided to cover the contact surface side of the band 20, double-sided tape 50 to fix the band cover 40 to the band 20, and an adjuster band 60 that engages with the band 20. Note that the adjuster band 60 is not shown in Figures 1 and 2. The adjuster band 60 in this embodiment corresponds to the length adjustment member in the present invention.

[0023] (Configuration of the main unit) Figure 6A is a schematic diagram showing the general appearance of the housing 101 (external view) of the main unit 10. The main unit 10 of the electrocardiograph 1 is equipped with a control board 11, a power supply 13, and electrodes 15 inside the main unit housing 101 which is made of thermoplastic resin (for example, polycarbonate). The control unit 12, notification unit 14, signal processing unit 16, and operation unit 17 functions are realized by circuits and components mounted on the control board 11.

[0024] In this embodiment, the main body portion 10 is integrally formed with the band portion 20 by insert molding. During insert molding, the resin (e.g., silicone) that forms the band portion 20 is filled into the space inside the housing of the main body portion 10, thereby improving the bonding strength between the main body portion 10 and the band portion 20 and increasing the strength of the main body portion 10. The resin is filled into the interior through multiple resin filling ports 102, which are openings provided along the perimeter of the side surface of the main body housing 101.

[0025] The control board 11 can be implemented using a general component mounting board such as a rigid board or an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) board. The power supply 13 can be a known secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited to this. If the power supply is a secondary battery, a mechanism for charging it (either wired or wireless) is also provided. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the electrodes 15 are positioned so as to be exposed on the bottom side of the main body 10, that is, on the side that comes into contact with the skin surface when worn. The material of the electrodes 15 can be stainless steel, but other metals may also be used. The electrodes 15 can serve as reference electrodes to provide a reference potential in electrocardiogram measurement.

[0026] The control unit 12 is a means for controlling the electrocardiograph 1 and is composed of, for example, a desired processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC. The notification unit 14 is a functional unit for notifying the user of status information of the electrocardiograph 1, such as battery level and error occurrence, and as an example of its hardware configuration, an LED indicator 141 can be used as shown in Figure 1. The operation unit 17 is a functional unit that accepts user operation input such as power ON / OFF, and as an example of its hardware configuration, an operation button 171 can be used as shown in Figure 1.

[0027] (Regarding the electrode units) Electrode units 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, and 30f are provided in the band portion 20 of the electrocardiograph 1 by insert molding. In this embodiment, electrode units 30a and 30b are arranged in the first band portion 201, and electrode units 30c, 30d, 30e, and 30f are arranged in the second band portion 202, with a gap between them. In the following description, multiple identical components such as each electrode unit 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, and 30f will be described collectively (for example, as electrode unit 30) unless it is necessary to explain each separately.

[0028] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the electrode unit 30, and Figure 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of resin filling ports 311 and 341 in the electrode unit 30. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 7, each electrode unit 30 (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f) has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view, and is configured to include an electrode substrate 33 on which electrodes 31 (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, 31f), signal processing units 32 (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f) are mounted, and an electrode cover 34 that covers the electrode substrate 33. Each electrode 31 is rectangular in shape similar to that of each electrode unit 30.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, the electrode unit 30 is integrally provided by insert molding so as to fit within the band portion 20, except for the electrode 31 which is exposed so as to slightly protrude from the contact surface side of the band portion 20, which will be described later. The electrode unit 30 has an internal space formed by an electrode cover 34 made of resin (e.g., polycarbonate) and an electrode 31 which is formed in a bathtub shape so as to be convex toward the contact surface side in cross-section as shown in Figure 7. Inside this space is an electrode substrate 33 equipped with a signal processing unit 32 for converting the analog electrocardiogram signal acquired by the electrode into digital, an amplifier, and a filter (none of which are shown). In this embodiment, the electrode substrate 33 is an FPC substrate, but it is not limited to this and a rigid substrate can also be used.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6B, the electrode 31 and electrode cover 34 are each provided with multiple resin filling ports 311 and 341. During insert molding, the material that forms the band portion 20 is filled into the inside of the electrode unit 30 through the resin filling ports 311 and 341, thereby improving the bonding strength between the electrode unit 30 and the band portion 20 and increasing the strength of the electrode unit 30. Furthermore, by configuring each electrode unit 30 to include a signal processing unit 32, as in this embodiment, the signal processing units 32 corresponding to each electrode 31 can be dispersed from the main body 10, thereby reducing the overall size of the electrocardiograph 1.

[0031] Although not shown in Figure 7, the electrode substrate 33 of the electrode unit 30 is connected to wiring for signals, power lines, and other connections for transmitting signals acquired by the electrode 31 and converted by the signal processing unit 32 via Analog to Digital (A / D) to the control board 11 of the main unit 10. The routing of the wiring within the band section 20 will be explained in more detail later.

[0032] (ECG measurement processing) The signal acquired by the electrode 31 of the electrode unit 30 is sent via wiring to the control board 11 of the main unit 10, and the signal processing unit 16 measures the ECG signal based on the reference potential acquired by the electrode 15 and the detected potentials of each electrode 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, 31f. In other words, in the electrocardiograph 1 according to this embodiment, information can be obtained not only from one electrode pair (a pair of electrodes) but from multiple electrode pairs. Generally, the greater the distance between a pair of electrodes, the greater the potential difference, but the distance between a pair of electrodes changes depending on the thickness (circumference) of the arm, so it is sufficient to select the combination of electrodes that will produce the largest potential difference each time.

[0033] The measured electrocardiogram signal may be stored as time-series waveform data (ECG data) in the storage means (not shown) of the main unit 10, or, instead or in addition to this, it may be transmitted to an external device via communication means (not shown). Since the measurement of electrocardiogram waveforms is a well-known technique, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0034] (Band Structure) The band portion 20 of the electrocardiograph 1 in this embodiment is made of an elastic and stretchable resin (for example, silicone rubber) and comprises a first band portion 201 and a second band portion 202 that extend in a direction along the circumference of the upper arm when worn, sandwiching the main body portion 10. As shown in Figure 3, the first band portion 201 and the second band portion 202 are formed in an arch shape so that their longitudinal direction extends not in the horizontal direction but towards the contact surface when viewed from the side. This shape improves the convenience (ease of wearing) when worn compared to a shape in which the longitudinal direction simply extends horizontally.

[0035] Furthermore, annular members 251 and 252 for engaging with the adjuster band 60, which will be described later, are provided at the longitudinal ends of the first band portion 201 and the second band portion 202, respectively. The annular members 251 and 252 are formed of, for example, ABS resin. The annular members 251 and 252 in this embodiment correspond to the engaging portion according to the present invention.

[0036] The adjuster band 60 is an elastic band made of, for example, a stretchable fabric, and can be detachably attached to the band portion 20 by wrapping it around one of the annular members 251 and 252 and engaging it with, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener. With the adjuster band 60 engaged with the band portion 20 in this way, the electrocardiograph 1 can be wrapped around an appropriate position on the upper arm, and the adjuster band 60 can be wrapped around the other annular member 251 and 252 and secured there with a hook-and-loop fastener, thereby allowing the electrocardiograph 1 to be worn on the upper arm. However, the band portion 20 may be configured to be worn on the upper arm without using the adjuster band 60.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the band portion 20 has an electrode placement section 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e, 21f where electrode units 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, and 30f are respectively arranged, and an electrode connection section 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d that connects the multiple electrode placement sections 21. In addition, wiring connecting each electrode unit 30 to the main body portion 10 is sealed inside the band portion 20 by insert molding. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing how the wiring is arranged inside the band portion 20.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, each electrode connection portion 22 is composed of a wiring bridge portion 23 (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d) provided near one end of the band portion 20 in the width direction, and an expandable bridge portion 24 (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) provided near the other end. The space between the wiring bridge portion 23 and the expandable bridge portion 24 (i.e., the middle portion in the width direction) is formed as a gap (hereinafter sometimes described as being open). Furthermore, the space between the electrode placement portion 21b and the main body portion 10, and between the electrode placement portion 21c and the main body portion 10, is formed so that bridge portions are provided not only at both ends in the width direction of the band portion 20 but also in the center. Note that the length in the longitudinal direction of the space between the electrode placement portion 21b and the main body portion 10, and between the electrode placement portion 21c and the main body portion 10 is shorter than that of each electrode connection portion 22.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, each wiring bridge section 23 is formed in a meandering shape (an inverted "S" shape) in plan view, and each telescopic bridge section 24 is formed in an arc shape that is convex from the end side in the width direction toward the center. In addition, the wiring bridge section 23 is wider than the telescopic bridge section 24, and as a result, the telescopic bridge section 24 has higher flexibility (ease of deformation) than the wiring bridge section 23.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8, the inter-electrode wirings 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are arranged inside the wiring bridge sections 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d, respectively, in a meandering manner in plan view along the shape of the wiring bridge section 23. In addition, the main body connection wiring 36a, which connects the electrode unit 30b to the main body section 10, and the main body connection wiring 36b, which connects the electrode unit 30c to the main body section 10, are arranged within the central bridge section provided between the electrode units 30b, 30c and the main body section 10. More specifically, each inter-electrode wiring 35 and the main body connection wiring 36 are provided on an FPC substrate, and the FPC substrate is sealed within the band section 20 by insert molding.

[0041] (Band cover) Next, the band cover 40 provided on the contact surface side of the band part 20 is described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the external shape of the band cover 40, and FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the external shape of a double-sided tape 50 for detachably fixing the band cover 40 to the band part 20.

[0042] The band cover 40 is provided on the contact surface side of the band part 20, and contacts the user's skin surface when the electrocardiograph 1 is worn on the upper arm. Therefore, in consideration of wearing comfort of the electrocardiograph 1, it is preferable that the band cover 40 is formed of a fabric (for example, a polyester fabric) having sufficient breathability, water absorbency (sweat absorbency) and quick-drying property. In addition, from the viewpoint of hygiene, the band cover 40 is detachably attached to the band part 20 by a double-sided tape 50 described later so that it can be easily replaced.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 9, the band cover 40 is composed of a first cover part 401 having a shape corresponding to the first band part 201 and a second cover part 402 having a shape corresponding to the second band part 202. The first cover part 401 has a contour substantially the same as the contour of the first band part 201 when viewed from the bottom side, and the second cover part 402 has a contour substantially the same as the contour of the second band part 202 when viewed from the bottom side.

[0044] In addition, cover openings 41a and 41b for exposing the electrodes 31a and 31b are formed in the first cover part 401, and cover openings 41c, 41d, 41e, 41f for exposing the electrodes 31c, 31d, 31e, 31f are formed in the second cover part 402. On the other hand, the band cover 40 is shaped to cover, on the contact surface side, the portion corresponding to the gap between each bridge part in the band part 20.

[0045] The double-sided tape 50 is an adhesive member for detachably fixing the band cover 40 to the band portion 20, and is a sheet body that holds adhesive on both sides (for example, different adhesives such as a silicone-based adhesive on the band portion 20 side and an acrylic-based adhesive on the band cover 40 side). As shown in Figure 10, the double-sided tape 50 is composed of a first adhesive portion 501 with a shape corresponding to the first band portion 201 and a second adhesive portion 502 with a shape corresponding to the second band portion 202. The first adhesive portion 501 has a contour that is roughly the same as the contour of the first band portion 201 when viewed from the bottom side, and the second adhesive portion 502 has a contour that is roughly the same as the contour of the second band portion 202 when viewed from the bottom side.

[0046] Furthermore, the double-sided tape 50, like the band cover 40, has electrode openings 51 formed therein for exposing each electrode 31. Specifically, the first adhesive portion 501 has electrode openings 51a and 51b formed therein for exposing electrodes 31a and 31b, and the second adhesive portion 502 has electrode openings 51c, 51d, 51e, and 51f formed therein for exposing electrodes 31c, 31d, 31e, and 31f.

[0047] In addition, the double-sided tape 50 has tape openings 52 formed in positions and shapes corresponding to the gaps between the electrodes 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d of the band portion 20. Specifically, the first adhesive portion 501 has a tape opening 52a, and the second adhesive portion 502 has tape openings 52b, 52c, and 52d. Furthermore, the first adhesive portion 501 has an opening for the gap between the bridge portion provided between the electrode unit 30b and the main body portion 10 of the band portion 20, and the second adhesive portion 502 has an opening for the gap between the bridge portion provided between the electrode unit 30c and the main body portion 10. By forming openings in the double-sided tape 50 that correspond to the gaps in the band portion 20 in this way, it is possible to prevent impairing the breathability and quick-drying properties when the electrocardiograph 1 is attached.

[0048] According to the electrocardiograph 1 according to the present embodiment, the band portion 20 has a portion shaped like the inter-electrode connection portion 22 (that is, a portion having a void opening), whereby the entire band portion 20 can be easily deformed (twisted and stretched), and the conformability to the shape of the upper arm when the electrocardiograph 1 is worn can be improved. In addition, in the inter-electrode connection portion 22, since the inter-electrode wiring 35 is disposed only on one side in the width direction (the side on which the wiring bridge portion 23 is provided), the stretchability on one side in the width direction of the band portion 20 can be reduced, and the stretchability on the other side (the side on which the stretchable bridge portion 24 is provided) can be increased. This makes it possible to further improve the conformability to the tapered shape of the upper arm and the shape change accompanying the bending and stretching of the elbow while maintaining the tightening force on the upper arm.

[0049] <Embodiment 2> Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the configurations of the main body portion 10 and the band portion 20 are the same as those in Embodiment 1, so the same reference numerals are used, and repeated description is omitted. Hereinafter, the band cover 45 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12. FIG. 11A is a schematic plan view showing the appearance of the band cover 45 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 11B is a schematic bottom view showing the appearance of the band cover 45 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a schematic side view showing a state where the band cover 45 according to the present embodiment is attached to the band portion 20.

[0050] The band cover 45 is made of fabric having breathability, water absorbency, quick-drying property and stretchability, and has a substantially cylindrical shape with both longitudinal ends open. As shown in FIG. 11A, on the surface side of the band cover 45, a main body opening 450, which is an opening for exposing the main body portion 10 to the outside of the cover when attached to the band portion 20, is provided. Further, on the surface side of the band cover 45, surface openings 451a, 451b, 451c, and 451d are respectively provided at positions corresponding to the inter-electrode connection portions 22 of the band portion 20.

[0051] As shown in Figure 11B, the band cover 45 has back electrode openings 452a, 452b, 452c, 452d, 452e, and 452f on its back (contact) side, which are openings for exposing each electrode 31 of each electrode unit 30 when attached to the band portion 20. The band cover 45 also has a main electrode opening 453 on its contact surface side for exposing the electrodes 15 of the main body portion 10. As shown in Figures 11A and B, the band cover 45 has a through-hole where the main body opening 450 on the front side and the main electrode opening 453 on the contact surface side overlap.

[0052] The band cover 45 can be attached to the band cover 45 by inserting the band portion 20 into one of the openings at the longitudinal end of the band cover 45, aligning the main body portion 10 with the main body opening 450 of the band cover 45, and aligning the electrodes 31 of each electrode unit 30 with the back electrode openings 452. A schematic side view of the electrocardiograph with the band cover 45 attached to the band portion 20 in this manner is shown in Figure 12. Although not shown, a locking member such as a snap button may be used to engage and secure the band portion 20 to the inside of the band cover 45.

[0053] According to the band cover 45 of this embodiment, attaching and detaching the band cover is easier compared to attaching it to the band portion 20 using double-sided tape. This makes it easier to change the band cover more frequently, thus improving cleanliness. In addition, since there is more fabric compared to the case where only the contact surface of the band portion 20 is covered, water absorption (sweat absorption) can be improved.

[0054] <Modifications> The above description of embodiments is merely illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the specific forms described above. The present invention can be modified and combined in various ways within the scope of its technical idea, in addition to the examples described above.

[0055] (Modification 1) For example, in the band cover 45 of Embodiment 2, a surface opening 451 is provided on the surface side at a position corresponding to the inter-electrode connection portion 22, but it is also possible to have a configuration without such an opening. Also, for the means of fixing the band cover 40 of Embodiment 1 to the band portion 20, fixing members other than double-sided tape (adhesive), such as hook-and-loop fasteners, may be used.

[0056] (Modification 2) For example, in the above embodiment, the wiring bridge portion 23 of the band portion 20 is made wider than the expandable bridge portion 24, and the wiring is placed only on the wiring bridge portion 23, so that the expandability differs between one end and the other end in the width direction of the band portion 20. However, various other methods can be used as means to make the expandability differ between one end and the other end in the width direction of the band portion 20.

[0057] Specifically, the area in cross-sectional view may be made different in the bridge portions at both ends of the band portion 20 in the width direction, in addition to (or in addition to) the width in the plan view. For example, the thickness may be made different, or one end may be made hollow to increase the elasticity of the hollow end. Alternatively, the elasticity of both ends may be made different by placing a material (such as thread, wire, or gel) with different tensile stress and elasticity from the material of the band portion 20 itself at one end (whether it is completely inserted into the band portion 20 or partially or completely exposed). Furthermore, the elasticity may also be made different by changing the number of arcs in the bridge portion and the distance of the arcs in the width direction of the bridge portion (the amplitude of the meandering shape).

[0058] (Modification 3) In the above embodiment, the inter-electrode wiring 35 was provided on the FPC substrate and arranged in the wiring bridge portion 23 in a meandering manner in plan view, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, lead wires with extra length and that can be bent may be used, or the lead wires may be arranged in a spiral shape (like the cord of a telephone receiver). Also, for example, a stretchable conductive circuit using a conductive elastomer may be used as wiring.

[0059] (Modification 4) In the above embodiment, the adjuster band 60 is shown as being attached to the upper arm by wrapping each of its longitudinal ends around the annular members 251 and 252 and securing them with hook-and-loop fasteners. However, the configuration of the adjuster band and the method of attaching it to the upper arm are not limited to this. For example, a fixing part such as a hook-and-loop fastener may be provided on at least one of the surface sides of the first band portion 201 and the second band portion 202 of the band portion 20, and the band portion 20 may be wrapped around the upper arm, and the hook-and-loop fastener of the adjuster band engaged with either the annular members 251 or 252 is fixed to the hook-and-loop fastener of the band portion 20 to attach the electrocardiograph. It is also possible to use a mechanism other than a hook-and-loop fastener (such as a snap button) as the fixing member.

[0060] (Other) In the above embodiment, the electrocardiograph 1 only measures electrocardiogram waves, but the present invention can also be applied to a biological information measuring device that is equipped with sensors capable of measuring other biological information (pulse waves, blood pressure, etc.) in addition to electrocardiogram waves. In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the main body and electrode unit are formed integrally with the band by insert molding, but it is also possible to manufacture an electrocardiograph without using insert molding. Furthermore, the main body may be configured to be detachable from the band.

[0061] 1...Electrocardiograph 10...Main unit 101...Main unit housing 102, 311, 341...Resin filling port 11...Control board 12...Control unit 13...Power supply 14...Notification unit 141...LED indicator 15, 31, 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, 31f...Electrodes 16, 32, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f...Signal processing unit 17...Operation unit 171...Operation buttons 20...Band unit 201...First band unit 202...Second band unit 21, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e, 21f...Electrode placement unit 22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d...Electrode connection unit 23, 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d...Wiring bridge unit 24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d... Telescopic bridge section 251, 252... Annular member 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f... Electrode unit 33... Electrode substrate 34... Electrode cover 35, 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d... Inter-electrode wiring 36, 36a, 36b... Main body connection wiring 40, 45... Band cover 401... First cover section 402... Second cover section 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41e, 41f... Cover opening 450... Opening for main body 451, 451a, 451b, 451c, 451d... Front opening 452, 452a, 452b, 452c, 452d, 452e, 452f... Back electrode opening 453... Main electrode opening 50... Double-sided tape 501... First adhesive part 51, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 51e, 51f... Electrode openings 52, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d... Tape opening 502... Second adhesive part 60... Adjuster band

Claims

1. An electrocardiograph having a main body, a band, and a band cover detachably provided on at least the band, which is used when worn on the upper arm, wherein the band is made of a stretchable elastic material and has a plurality of electrode placement sections in the longitudinal direction where electrode units including electrodes are arranged and a plurality of inter-electrode connection sections connecting the electrode placement sections, each of the inter-electrode connection sections has a shape in which a plurality of bridge sections exist in the width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and the band cover is made of a fabric having water absorption, breathability and higher elasticity than the band, and has an opening on the inner side of the band that contacts the upper arm when worn on the upper arm, which is shaped to allow the electrodes to be exposed, and is shaped to cover the gaps between the plurality of bridge sections.

2. The electrocardiograph according to claim 1, wherein the band cover is detachably attached to the band portion by double-sided tape.

3. The electrocardiograph according to claim 2, wherein the double-sided tape is configured to open at least at locations corresponding to the gap in the electrode connection portion and at locations corresponding to the opening of the band cover.

4. The electrocardiograph according to claim 2, wherein the double-sided tape is elastic.

5. The electrocardiograph according to claim 4, wherein the double-sided tape uses a silicone adhesive as the adhesive.

6. The electrocardiograph according to claim 1, wherein the band portion comprises a first band portion extending from one side of the main body portion in the circumferential direction of the upper arm when worn, and a second band portion extending from the other side in the circumferential direction, and the band cover comprises a first cover portion corresponding to the first band portion and a second cover corresponding to the second band portion.

7. The electrocardiograph according to claim 1, wherein the band cover is configured to partially cover the outer side that does not come into contact with the upper arm when attached to the upper arm, and at least the area on the outer side corresponding to the main body is open.

8. The band cover used in the electrocardiograph according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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