JP2006192175A - Sphygmomanometer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sphygmomanometer with waterproof property. <P>SOLUTION: The sphygmomanometer adopts a waterproof container for a cuff which presses a part of a subject and also have waterproof property as a whole of itself. Concretely, the sphygmomanometer is equipped with a pressure part which presses the part of the subject on a pressure face covering one surface of a pressure container, a manometer which detects the pressure which the pressure part presses the part of the subject, an electroencephalogram-detecting means which detects an electroencephalogram in the part of the subject pressed by the pressure part, and a blood pressure-deciding means which decides a blood pressure level from the pressure detected by the manometer and the electroencephalogram detected by the electroencephalogram-detecting means. The pressure container comprises a material which prevent water from getting through inside, and the pressure face comprises a waterproof elastic material. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a blood pressure monitor having waterproofness.

  With the aging of society, dealing with adult lifestyle-related diseases has become a major social issue. It is recognized that collection of long-term blood pressure values is very important, especially for diseases associated with high blood pressure. From such a point of view, various biological information measuring devices including blood pressure have been developed.

  As a device for continuously measuring a blood pressure value without disturbing daily life, a patient monitor device to be mounted on an external auditory canal or other part in the external ear has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). This apparatus detects biological information such as a pulse, a pulse wave, an electrocardiogram, a body temperature, an arterial blood oxygen saturation, and a blood pressure value from scattered light in the subject. However, this proposal does not specify a specific means for measuring the blood pressure value.

  In collecting blood pressure values over a long period, fluctuations in blood pressure values during bathing are important. For example, when moving from a warm room with heating to a cold dressing room, the blood pressure value increases rapidly. In addition, orthostatic hypotension may develop in the bathroom.

  However, the conventional sphygmomanometer is based on the premise that the measurement is performed in a predetermined posture, and thus does not support measurement during bathing. In particular, the cuff that presses the subject is made of cloth and absorbs water, so it cannot be used in places where there is a high possibility of being submerged.

Here, the names of the auricles are based on Non-Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3.
JP-A-9-128203 Sobotta Illustrated Human Anatomy Volume 1 (Translation by Michio Okamoto), p. 126, Medical School, issued October 1, 1996 Sobotta Illustrated Human Anatomy Volume 1 (Translation by Michio Okamoto), p. 127, Medical School, issued October 1, 1996 Body map book (supervised and commentary by Nagao Takahashi), p. 20, Kodansha Co., Ltd., issued on January 29, 2004

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a blood pressure monitor having waterproofness.

  The sphygmomanometer according to the present invention is characterized in that a waterproof container is used as a cuff for pressing a part of a subject, and the sphygmomanometer as a whole is waterproof.

  Specifically, the sphygmomanometer according to the present invention includes a pressing unit that presses a part of the subject with a pressing surface that covers one side of the pressing container, and a pressure at which the pressing unit presses a part of the subject. A pressure gauge to be detected, a pulse wave detecting means for detecting a pulse wave in a part of the subject pressed by the pressing portion, a pressure detected by the pressure gauge, and a pulse wave detected by the pulse wave detecting means Blood pressure determining means for determining a blood pressure value, wherein the pressing container is made of a material that prevents water from entering the inside, and the pressing surface is made of a waterproof elastic material.

  Since the pressing portion is composed of a pressing container made of a material that prevents water from entering the inside and a pressing surface made of a waterproof elastic material, a waterproof container that prevents water from entering the inside is used as the pressing portion. Can do. By using a waterproof container as the pressing portion, it is possible to provide a sphygmomanometer having waterproofness.

  It is preferable that the pressure gauge, the pulse wave detecting means, and the blood pressure determining means are arranged inside the pressing container.

  According to the present invention, even when the pressure gauge itself, the pulse wave detecting means itself, and the blood pressure determining means themselves are not waterproof, a blood pressure gauge having waterproofness as a whole is provided by being housed in a waterproof pressure container. be able to.

  It is preferable that any of the pressure gauge, the pulse wave detection means, and the blood pressure determination means is accommodated in a waterproof storage container connected to the inside of the pressing container via a waterproof connection portion.

  According to the present invention, even when the pressure gauge itself, the pulse wave detection means itself, or the blood pressure determination means itself is not waterproof, it can be waterproofed as a whole by accommodating it in a waterproof storage container separated from the pressing container. A sphygmomanometer can be provided.

  Any of the pressure gauge, the pulse wave detection means, or the blood pressure determination means is configured by a waterproof member, and has a waterproof part connected to the inside of the pressing container through a waterproof connection part. Is preferred.

  According to the present invention, when any one of the pressure gauge, the pulse wave detection unit, and the blood pressure determination unit has a waterproof part, the waterproof part can be disposed outside the pressing container. Thereby, since a pressure gauge and / or a pulse wave detection means can detect a pressure or a pulse wave from a waterproof part, it can improve detection sensitivity.

  The connection part preferably has a waterproof packing. Moreover, it is preferable that a sealing material is fixed to the outer periphery of the connecting portion.

  According to the present invention, the waterproof packing and / or the sealing material closes the gap where water may enter, so that the waterproof performance of the connection portion can be improved.

  The waterproof elastic material may be a waterproof film.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently press a part of a subject while maintaining waterproofness.

  It is preferable that a water repellent material is applied to the surface of the pressing surface.

  According to the present invention, the waterproof performance of the pressing surface can be improved.

  In the waterproof film, it is preferable that a portion surrounding a side surface of the pressing container with respect to the one surface is in close contact with the pressing container by an O-ring tightened from the outside.

  According to the present invention, the pressing container and the pressing surface can be more closely attached, so that the waterproof performance of the pressing container and the pressing surface can be improved.

  The pressing container is preferably filled with an inert gas.

  According to the present invention, alterations such as metal oxidation can be prevented for the components arranged in the pressing container.

  It is preferable that an air pump for supplying air to the pressing container and exhausting air from the pressing container is further provided, and the pressing portion expands and contracts by supplying and exhausting air performed by the air pump.

  According to the present invention, a part of the subject can be pressed by expanding and contracting the pressing portion and / or the pressing container with an air pump.

  The pressure gauge may be a barometer that detects an internal pressure of the pressing container.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to detect a pressure that presses a part of the subject at a location away from the part of the subject.

  The pressure gauge is preferably a piezoelectric element that detects a pressure applied to the pressing surface.

  According to the present invention, since the piezoelectric element has a simple structure, the pressure gauge and the sphygmomanometer can be reduced in size.

  Preferably, the pulse wave detecting means includes a light receiving element that receives scattered light from a part of the subject due to light emitted from the light emitting element and detects a pulse wave.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to detect a pulse wave that is less affected by the vibration of the subject.

  The pulse wave detecting means preferably includes a barometer that detects a pulse wave by detecting a change in the internal pressure of the pressing container.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to detect a pulse wave of a part of a subject at a location away from a part of the subject.

  The pulse wave detecting means preferably includes a piezoelectric element that detects a pulse wave by detecting a change in pressure applied to the pressing surface.

  According to the present invention, since the piezoelectric element has a simple structure, the pulse wave detecting means and the sphygmomanometer can be reduced in size.

It is preferable to further include a timer that operates the pressing unit, the pressure gauge, and the pulse wave detecting means at predetermined time intervals.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically measure a blood pressure value every predetermined time without starting from the outside.

  It is preferable to further comprise storage means for storing the blood pressure value determined by the blood pressure determination means.

  According to the present invention, the measured blood pressure value can be automatically recorded.

  It is preferable to further include output means for outputting the blood pressure value stored in the storage means to the outside.

  According to the present invention, the recorded blood pressure value can be output to the outside.

  When the blood pressure value determined by the blood pressure determination means is compared with a predetermined upper limit value or lower limit value, and when the blood pressure value compared with the comparison means is higher than the upper limit value or lower than the lower limit value It is preferable to further include a speaker that emits an alarm.

  According to the present invention, when an abnormal blood pressure value is measured, it is possible to quickly notify the person or another person.

  It is preferable to further include an outer ear mounting mechanism for mounting the pressing container to the outer ear.

  According to the present invention, a blood pressure monitor can be always attached to the outer ear, and the blood pressure value can be continuously measured with the outer ear.

  It is preferable to further include a human body mounting mechanism for mounting the pressing container to the human body.

  According to the present invention, a blood pressure monitor can be always attached to a human body, and a blood pressure value can be continuously measured.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the blood pressure meter which has waterproofness can be provided by using a waterproof container for the cuff which presses a part of test subject.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described below is an example of the configuration of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sphygmomanometer according to the first embodiment. The sphygmomanometer 91 according to the first embodiment includes a pressing unit 11 that presses a part of the subject 101 with a pressing surface 31 that covers one surface of the pressing container 32, and a pressure at which the pressing unit 11 presses a part of the subject 101. , A pulse wave detection means 13 for detecting a pulse wave in a part of the subject 101 pressed by the pressing portion 11, and a pressure detected by the pressure gauge 12 and a pulse wave detection means 13 for detection. Blood pressure determining means 14 for determining a blood pressure value from a pulse wave, the pressing container 32 is made of a material that prevents water from entering the inside, and the pressing surface 31 is made of a waterproof elastic material. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the sphygmomanometer 91 presses a part of the subject 101 in the pressing direction 111.

  Further, in the sphygmomanometer 91, a timer 16 for operating the pressing unit 11, the pressure gauge 12 and the pulse wave detection means 13 every predetermined time, a storage means 17 for storing the blood pressure value determined by the blood pressure determination means 14, and a storage means The comparison means 19 compares the output means 18 for outputting the blood pressure value stored in 17 to the outside, the comparison means 19 for comparing the blood pressure value determined by the blood pressure determination means 14 with a predetermined upper limit value or lower limit value. A speaker 20 that issues an alarm when the blood pressure value is higher than the upper limit value or lower than the lower limit value, an air pump 21 that supplies air to the press container 32 and exhausts air from the press container 32, and supplies the air pump 21 An exhaust port 22 and a gas cylinder 26 are included.

  In the sphygmomanometer 91, the pressure gauge 12, the pulse wave detection means 13, and the blood pressure determination means 14 are disposed, for example, inside the pressing container 32. With such an arrangement, it is possible to prevent water from entering the pressure gauge 12, the pulse wave detection means 13, and the blood pressure determination means 14. In addition, any one of the pressure gauge 12, the pulse wave detection means 13 and the blood pressure determination means 14 is a waterproof storage container (not shown) connected to the inside of the pressing container 32 via a waterproof connection part (not shown). ). By adopting such an arrangement, the pressure gauge 12, the pulse wave detecting means 13 or the blood pressure determining means 14 can be arranged separately. Further, any of the pressure gauge 12, the pulse wave detection means 13 and the blood pressure determination means 14 is formed of a waterproof member and is connected to the inside of the pressing container via a waterproof connection portion (not shown). You may have a waterproof part (not shown). With such an arrangement, any one of the pressure gauge 12, the pulse wave detection unit 13, or the blood pressure determination unit 14 can be arranged outside the pressing container 32. Thereby, the detection sensitivity of the pressure gauge 12 or the pulse wave detection means 13 can also be improved.

  The timer 16 is connected to a pressure gauge 12, a pulse wave detection unit 13, a blood pressure determination unit 14, and an air pump 21 that expands and contracts the pressing unit 11. In FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the timer 16 is connected to the air pump 21 to operate the pressing unit 11. The timer 16 connected to operate the pressing unit 11 is not limited to the air pump 21, and any power source that presses the pressing unit 11 against a part of the subject 101 may be used. For example, if the pressing surface 31 is deformed by an actuator, the actuator is driven.

  Although the comparison means 19 is connected to the blood pressure determination means 14 in FIG. 1, it is not limited to this. For example, instead of the blood pressure determination unit 14, the storage unit 17 may be connected. In this case, the blood pressure values input to the storage unit 17 are compared.

  The pressing surface 31 is a member made of a waterproof elastic material. The waterproof elastic material is, for example, a resin such as rubber or plastic. Further, the pressing surface 31 does not transmit water. The waterproof elastic material is preferably a waterproof film. For example, a plastic film. By being an elastic material, a part of the subject 101 can be efficiently pressed and a part of the artery of the subject 101 can be efficiently compressed. Further, a water repellent material is preferably applied to the surface of the pressing surface 31. Examples of the water repellent material include silicon and fluorine. By applying the water repellent material, the waterproof performance of the pressing surface 31 can be improved.

  The pressing container 32 is a container made of a material that prevents water from entering inside. Furthermore, the pressing container 32 does not allow water to enter inside. Examples of the material of the pressing container 32 include resins such as rubber and plastic, metals that are not easily corroded such as stainless steel, and glass. The shape of the pressing container 32 is not limited and can be, for example, a cylindrical shape.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the pressing container 32 is filled with an inert gas. Examples of the inert gas include nitrogen gas and helium gas. By filling the pressing container 32 with an inert gas, it is possible to prevent alteration such as metal oxidation with respect to the components disposed in the pressing container 32. Moreover, since the press container 32 becomes a support body which presses a part of the subject 101 at the time of blood pressure value measurement, it is preferable that the press container 32 has a strength that can withstand the pressure to be pressed. Further, the pressing container 32 may be deformable. For example, it expands and contracts in the pressing direction 111. Further, it may be expanded and contracted in a two-dimensional direction including the pressing direction 111, or may be expanded and contracted in a three-dimensional direction.

  The press part 11 is comprised by the press container 32 and the press surface 31, and has waterproofness as a whole which can prevent permeation of the water into the press container 32. As shown in FIG. For example, a part of the outer wall surface of the pressing container 32 is the pressing surface 31. Further, the pressing surface 31 may be disposed in the opening of the pressing container 32, and the pressing container 32 and the pressing surface 31 may be integrated to prevent water from entering the pressing container 32. The pressing container 32 and the pressing surface 31 may be integrated, but may be separable. Further, the pressing surface 31 may be one place, but may be two or more places.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of another form of the pressing unit according to the first embodiment. The pressing portion 11a includes a pressing container 32a and a pressing surface 31a that covers the opening surface of the pressing container 32a. The pressing container 32a expands and contracts in the pressing direction 111. In the pressing surface 31a, a portion surrounding the side surface of the pressing container 32a with respect to the opening surface is fastened to the pressing container 32a by the O-ring 41 from the outside of the pressing surface 31a and is in close contact therewith. Furthermore, the pressing surface 31a is a waterproof film. Since the pressing portion has such a configuration, the degree of adhesion between the pressing container 32a and the pressing surface 31a is increased, so that the waterproof performance of the pressing portion 11a can be improved.

  The pressing unit 11 may be one in which the pressing container 32 is deformed, or may be one in which the pressing surface 31 is deformed to press a part of the subject 101. Further, the pressing unit 11 may press a part of the subject 101 by moving the pressing unit 11 with respect to a support provided separately.

  The air pump 21 supplies air to the pressing container 32 and exhausts from the pressing container 32. The internal pressure of the pressing part 11 is increased by supplying air to the pressing container 32, and the internal pressure of the pressing part 11 is decreased by exhausting air from the pressing container 32. A part of the subject 101 can be pressed by expanding and contracting the pressing container 32 with the air pump 21. Furthermore, it is preferable that the air pump 21 supplies air from a gas cylinder 26 for supplying air. By supplying air from the gas cylinder 26, air can be supplied to the pressing container 32 even in water. The air supplied from the gas cylinder 26 is preferably an inert gas.

  The pressure gauge 12 detects a pressure at which the pressing unit 11 presses a part of the subject 101. When the pressing unit 11 presses a part of the subject 101 with air pressure, for example, the pressure gauge 12 can be a barometer that detects the internal pressure of the pressing container 32. In this case, the internal pressure may be detected inside the pressing container 32, but by detecting the internal pressure of the air tube connected so that the pressure is equal to the inside of the pressing container 32, Internal pressure can also be detected internally. In this manner, by detecting the internal pressure of the pressing container 32, it is possible to detect the pressure that presses a part of the subject 101 even at a location away from the part of the subject 101. For example, the pressure gauge 12 may be a piezoelectric element that detects the pressure applied to the pressing surface 31. By using the pressure gauge 12 as a piezoelectric element, since the piezoelectric element has a simple structure, the pressure gauge 12 can be downsized. Furthermore, since a mechanical mechanism such as an actuator can be used for the pressing portion 11, the sphygmomanometer 91 can be reduced in size. An example of the piezoelectric element is pressure-sensitive conductive rubber. If pressure-sensitive conductive rubber is used as the piezoelectric element, the pressure applied to the pressing surface can be detected by disposing it on the pressing surface 31 as a waterproof elastic material.

  The pulse wave detecting means 13 detects a pulse wave in a part of the subject 101 pressed by the pressing unit 11. For example, absorption of light in an artery, scattering of light in an artery, Korotkoff sound, and a pressure pulse (vibration of a blood vessel wall synchronized with the heartbeat) are detected.

  Preferably, the pulse wave detecting means 13 receives scattered light from a part of the subject 101 by light emitted from the light emitting element and detects the pulse wave with the light receiving element. The light emitting element emits light having a wavelength absorbed by hemoglobin or a wavelength scattered by a blood vessel wall, for example. The light receiving element receives scattered light. There may be a plurality of light emitting elements and light receiving elements, or a Doppler radar. By detecting the pulse wave by receiving the scattered light from a part of the subject 101, the pulse wave can be detected with little influence of the vibration of the subject 101. In addition, the accuracy of pulse wave detection in the peripheral blood vessel can be improved.

  Further, it is preferable that the pulse wave detecting means 13 has a barometer that detects a pulse wave by detecting a change in the internal pressure of the pressing container 32. If the pressure gauge 12 is a barometer capable of detecting a pulse wave, the pressure gauge 12 can be used as a pulse wave detecting means. By using a barometer for the pulse wave detection means 13, the internal pressure of the air tube connected so that the pressure is equal to the inside of the pressing container 32 is detected, and at a place away from a part of the subject 101. The pulse wave of the part 101 of the subject can be detected.

  The pulse wave detecting means 13 preferably has a piezoelectric element that detects a pulse wave by detecting a change in pressure applied to the pressing surface 31. If the pressure gauge 12 is a piezoelectric element that can detect a pulse wave, the pressure gauge 12 can be used as a pulse wave detecting means. By using a piezoelectric element for the pulse wave detection means 13, the structure of the pulse wave detection means 13 can be simplified. Moreover, the pulse wave detection means 13 can be reduced in size.

  The blood pressure determination unit 14 determines a blood pressure value from the pressure detected by the pressure gauge 12 and the pulse wave detected by the pulse wave detection unit 13. An example of the blood pressure determination unit 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of a pulse wave detected by the pulse wave detecting means, where (a) shows a time transition of pressure and (b) shows a time transition of pulsation waveform amplitude. FIG. 3A shows a periodic internal artery pressure 61 of a part of the subject due to the heartbeat, and a pressing pressure 62 in which the pressing unit presses a part of the subject. FIG. 3B shows a pulsation waveform 63 detected by the pulse wave detection means. The pressing unit increases the pressure that presses a part of the subject and presses a part of the subject to a pressure P0 that stops the blood flow in the artery. This pressure P0 is set as a measurement start pressure value P0. The time at this time is T0, and at time T0, the pulsation waveform 63 shown in FIG.

  The pressing portion gradually decreases the pressing pressure 62 that presses a part of the subject at the time T0. At a time T1 when the pressing pressure 62 becomes equal to the maximum value of the intra-arterial pressure 61 that pulsates due to the heartbeat, blood begins to flow in a part of the subject, and a pulsating waveform 63 appears. The pressing pressure 62 at the time T1 becomes the systolic blood pressure value P1.

  From time T1, the amplitude of the pulsation waveform 63 gradually increases and becomes maximum at time T2. The pressing pressure 62 at this time T2 becomes the diastolic blood pressure value P2. The blood pressure determination means 14 can determine the blood pressure value by determining the systolic blood pressure value P1 and the diastolic blood pressure value P2. The method for determining the blood pressure value is not limited to the above, and the pressure pressure 62 may be gradually increased.

  The timer 16 shown in FIG. 1 operates the pressing part 11, the pressure gauge 12, and the pulse wave detection means 13 at predetermined time intervals. The operation of the timer 16 is not limited to the pressing unit 11, the pressure gauge 12, and the pulse wave detection unit 13, and the components necessary for measuring the blood pressure value are operated. The predetermined time may be a predetermined time. Thereby, the sphygmomanometer 91 can automatically measure the blood pressure value every predetermined time without being activated from the outside.

  The storage unit 17 stores the blood pressure value determined by the blood pressure determination unit 14. For example, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, or an optical disk. By further providing the storage means 17, the measured blood pressure value can be automatically recorded.

  The output means 18 outputs the blood pressure value stored in the storage means 17 to the outside. For example, a data input / output terminal such as a USB terminal, a network data transmission / reception device, or a display device. In the case where a conductive part such as a data input / output terminal is exposed, it is preferable to provide a cap that prevents the conductive part from coming into contact with water. The output means 18 is preferably a wireless communication device using infrared rays or radio waves. By using the wireless communication device, it is possible to prevent the conductive parts from being exposed. By further providing such an output means, the recorded blood pressure value can be output to the outside.

  The comparison means 19 compares the blood pressure value determined by the blood pressure determination means 14 with a predetermined upper limit value or lower limit value. For example, a comparison circuit. The upper limit value to be compared is, for example, a normal systolic blood pressure value of the subject. The lower limit value to be compared is, for example, a normal diastolic blood pressure value of the subject. Further, the predetermined upper limit value or lower limit value may be the blood pressure value stored in the storage unit 17.

  The speaker 20 issues an alarm when the blood pressure value compared by the comparison means 19 is higher than the upper limit value, or when the blood pressure value compared by the comparison means 19 is lower than the lower limit value. For example, notification is made using a means that can be recognized by hearing, and a sound or an alarm sound is generated. Further, the notification may be made using a visually recognizable means, for example, a lamp may shine, or a display device may display that an abnormal blood pressure value has been measured. By further providing the speaker 20, when an abnormal blood pressure value that is out of the range of the normal blood pressure value is measured, it is possible to quickly notify the person or another person.

  An example of the operation of the sphygmomanometer 91 will be described. The pressing container 32 is attached to the subject 101 so that the pressing surface 31 is in contact with a part of the subject 101. A part of the subject 101 is, for example, the outer ear. When the predetermined time comes, the timer 16 starts the operation of the air pump 21. The air pump 21 supplies air to the pressing container 32 and increases the internal pressure of the pressing container 32. The pressing surface 31 is pushed out of the pressing container 32 due to an increase in internal pressure, and presses a part of the subject 101. When the predetermined time comes, the pressure gauge 12 starts to detect the pressure in the pressing container 32. Further, the pulse wave detection means 13 also starts detecting the pulse wave. The blood pressure determination unit 14 determines a blood pressure value using the detected pressure and pulse wave. The storage unit 17 stores the blood pressure value determined by the blood pressure determination unit 14. Here, for example, the blood pressure value may be stored together with the date and time. The comparison means 19 compares the blood pressure value determined by the blood pressure determination means 14 with a predetermined upper limit value or lower limit value. The speaker 20 issues an alarm when the blood pressure value compared by the comparison means is higher than the upper limit value or lower than the lower limit value. The output unit 18 outputs the date and blood pressure value stored in the storage unit 17 to a receiving device installed in the hospital by a wireless communication device.

  As described above, a part of the subject 101 is pressed with the waterproof pressing unit 11, and the pressure gauge 12, the pulse wave detecting unit 13, and the blood pressure determining unit disposed inside the waterproof pressing container 32. 14 can be used to measure blood pressure values. By adopting such a configuration, a sphygmomanometer having waterproofness as a whole can be provided.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a sphygmomanometer according to the second embodiment. The sphygmomanometer 92 according to the present embodiment is accommodated in a waterproof container 33 in which the blood pressure determining means 14 is connected to the inside of the pressing container 32b via a waterproof connection part 34. In FIG. 4, the pressure gauge 12 and the pulse wave detection means 13 are disposed in the pressing container 32 b and the blood pressure determination means 14 is accommodated in the accommodation container 33, but this is not a limitation. For example, instead of the blood pressure determination unit 14, the pressure gauge 12 or the pulse wave detection unit 13 may be stored in the storage container 33. Further, the blood pressure determination unit 14, the pressure gauge 12, and the pulse wave detection unit 13 may be housed in the housing container 33.

  Moreover, although the connection part 34 is arrange | positioned at the bottom part of the press container 32b, it is not limited to this. For example, the connecting portion 34 may be disposed on the side surface of the pressing container 32 b or may be disposed on the pressing surface 31.

  The storage container 33 is a container that prevents water from entering the inside. Examples of the material include a resin such as rubber or plastic. The storage container 33 may be integrated with the pressure gauge 12, the pulse wave detection unit 13, or the blood pressure determination unit 14. In order to effectively prevent water from entering the storage container 33, the opening of the storage container 33 is preferably only the connection part 34.

  The connection part 34 is connected to the inside of the pressing container 32b while preventing water from entering the pressing container 32b. For example, the connection means connects the inside of the pressing container 32 b and the inside of the housing container 33 by preventing water from entering the inside of the pressing container 32 b and the inside of the housing container 33. For example, a joining member such as a nut or a waterproof tube. The connecting portion 34 preferably has a waterproof packing 42. The waterproof packing 42 is made of a waterproof elastic material that closely contacts the joint portion of the pressing container 32b and the storage container 33. The waterproof packing 42 is made of, for example, an acrylic, urethane, oily or polysulfide sealing material. The waterproof packing 42a and the waterproof packing 42b in the figure, for example, integrally form a ring-shaped waterproof packing 42.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of another sphygmomanometer according to the second embodiment. In the sphygmomanometer 93 shown in FIG. 5, a sealing material 43 is fixed to the outer periphery of the connecting portion 34 having the waterproof packing shown in FIG. 4. Sealing materials include, for example, acrylic, urethane, oily, and polysulfide types. By fixing a sealing material to the outer periphery of the connection part 34, the waterproof performance of the connection part 34 can be improved. In addition, the connection part 34 may just fix a sealing material, without using a waterproof packing.

  As described above, any one of the pressure gauge, the pulse wave detection means, or the blood pressure determination means is accommodated in the waterproof storage container connected to the inside of the pressing container through the waterproof connection portion. A blood pressure monitor having waterproofness as a whole can be provided. As described above, by separating any of the pressure gauge, the pulse wave detection unit, and the blood pressure determination unit, it is possible to reduce the weight on a part of the subject. For example, it is possible to reduce the difference in weight applied between the front and back of the earring by mounting the pressing container on the front side of the earring and mounting the storage container on the backside of the earring.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a sphygmomanometer according to the third embodiment. In the sphygmomanometer 94 according to this embodiment, the pressure gauge 12 includes a waterproof part 51 that is formed of a waterproof member and is connected to the inside of the pressing container 32 c via a waterproof connection part 35. The pressure gauge 12 includes a waterproof part 51 disposed outside the pressing container 32c and a non-waterproof part 52 disposed inside the pressing container 32c, and the waterproof part 51 and the non-waterproof part 52 provide a waterproof packing 42. It is connected via a connecting portion 35 having the same.

  In FIG. 6, although the connection part 35 is arrange | positioned at the press surface 31, it is not limited to this. For example, the connection part 35 may be arrange | positioned at the side surface of the press container 32c, and may be arrange | positioned at the bottom part of the press container 32c. Moreover, in FIG. 6, although the pressure gauge 12 has the waterproof part 51, it is not limited to this. For example, either the pulse wave detection means 13 or the blood pressure determination means 14 shown in FIG. 1 may have a waterproof part. Further, any two of the pulse wave detection means and the blood pressure determination means may have a waterproof part. Further, the blood pressure determining means, the pressure gauge, and the pulse wave detecting means may have a waterproof part.

  The waterproof part 51 is a waterproof member. For example, metal, rubber, resin, and glass. When the pressure gauge 12 shown in FIG. 1 has a waterproof part, a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber can be exemplified as the waterproof part. When the pulse wave detecting means 13 shown in FIG. 1 has a waterproof part, a light emitting element in which a semiconductor element is embedded in a transparent silicon resin can be exemplified as the waterproof part. Furthermore, the output means and the speaker may have a waterproof part.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of another sphygmomanometer according to the third embodiment. In the sphygmomanometer 95 shown in FIG. 7, the sealing material 43 is fixed to the outer periphery of the connecting portion 35. The connection part 35 may adhere a sealing material to the outer periphery of the connection part having the waterproof packing. Thus, the waterproof performance of the connection part 35 can be improved by adhering the sealing material 43.

  The non-waterproof portion 52 shown in FIG. 6 is a portion not included in the waterproof portion 51 of the pressure gauge 12. The non-waterproof part 52 does not have to be waterproof because it is disposed inside the pressing container 32c, but may have waterproofness.

  The connection part 35 can be the same as the connection part 34. In the present embodiment, the inside of the pressing container 32c and the waterproof portion 51 are connected while preventing water from entering the inside of the pressing container 32c.

  The sphygmomanometer 94 or the sphygmomanometer 95 described in the third embodiment may further include the storage container described in the second embodiment.

  As described above, any one of the pressure gauge, the pulse wave detection means, or the blood pressure determination means is formed of a waterproof member, and the waterproof part connected to the inside of the pressing container via the waterproof connection part. By having it, the waterproof part is exposed to the outside of the pressing container, and it is possible to provide a sphygmomanometer that is waterproof as a whole. The detection sensitivity of the pressure gauge or the pulse wave detection means can be improved by arranging any of the pressure gauge, the pulse wave detection means, or the blood pressure determination means outside the pressing container.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a sphygmomanometer according to the fourth embodiment. The sphygmomanometer 96 of this embodiment includes an outer ear mounting mechanism 25 that mounts the pressing container 32 on the outer ear 102. In the sphygmomanometer 96, the pressing container 32 is fixed to the outer ear mounting mechanism 25 with the pressing surface 31 facing the outer ear 102. FIG. 8 shows a case where the outer ear 102 is a tragus as an example. Further, in FIG. 8, only the pressing surface 31 and the pressing container 32 are described in addition to the outer ear mounting mechanism 25, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any one described in the first, second, and third embodiments. It may be a configuration.

  The outer ear mounting mechanism 25 is for mounting the pressing container 32 to the outer ear 102. It is preferable to use a mechanism that matches the part to be mounted. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, if the outer ear 102 is a tragus, a mechanism for pinching the tragus can be used. In addition, when the outer ear is an ear ring, a mechanism for covering and wearing the ear ring and a mechanism for fixing to the recess can be exemplified. As described above, by further providing the outer ear mounting mechanism 25, a blood pressure monitor that is always mounted on the outer ear 102 and can continuously measure the blood pressure value with the outer ear 102 including during bathing can be provided.

  The outer ear mounting mechanism 25 may be a human body mounting mechanism that mounts the pressing container 32 on the human body. The human body mounting mechanism is, for example, a belt that mounts a pressing container on an arm, a finger, a neck, or a torso. When the human body mounting mechanism is a belt, it is preferable to adjust the length of the belt so that it can be attached and detached. By further providing a human body mounting mechanism, it is possible to provide a sphygmomanometer capable of constantly mounting a sphygmomanometer on the human body and continuously measuring the blood pressure value including during bathing.

  Furthermore, the sphygmomanometer may include both an outer ear mounting mechanism and a human body mounting mechanism.

  In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the sphygmomanometer is preferably waterproof so that it can withstand daily life. For example, it can withstand the ingress of water when taking a shower, can withstand the water pressure when immersed in a bathtub, and can withstand the water pressure when swimming. Further, it may be able to withstand the water pressure during diving.

  As described above, the sphygmomanometer according to the first to fourth embodiments uses a waterproof container for the cuff that presses a part of the subject, and the sphygmomanometer as a whole is waterproof. By having waterproofness as a whole sphygmomanometer, the blood pressure value can be continuously measured while being worn even in a place where there is a high possibility of being flooded. Thereby, the blood pressure meter which can measure a blood pressure value continuously including the time of bathing can be provided.

  The present invention can be applied not only to taking a bath but also to monitoring a blood pressure value when performing underwater exercise such as swimming.

3 is a schematic diagram of a sphygmomanometer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the other form of the press part which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a graph which shows an example of the pulse wave which a pulse wave detection means detects, (a) is a time transition of a pressure, (b) shows the time transition of a pulsation waveform amplitude. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sphygmomanometer according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of another blood pressure monitor according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a blood pressure monitor according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of another blood pressure monitor according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a blood pressure monitor according to Embodiment 4. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Press part 12 Pressure gauge 13 Pulse wave detection means 14 Blood pressure determination means 16 Timer 17 Storage means 18 Output means 19 Comparison means 20 Speaker 21 Air pump 22 Supply / exhaust port 25 Outer ear mounting mechanism 26 Gas cylinder 31 Press surface 32 Press container 33 Container 34, 35 Connection portion 41 O-ring 42 Waterproof packing 43 Sealing material 51 Waterproof portion 52 Non-waterproof portion 61 Intra-arterial pressure 62 Pressing pressure 63 Pulsation waveform 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96 Sphygmomanometer 101 Subject 102 Tragus 111 Pressing direction

Claims (22)

A pressing portion that presses a part of the subject with a pressing surface that covers one surface of the pressing container; and
A pressure gauge for detecting a pressure at which the pressing portion presses a part of the subject; and
Pulse wave detection means for detecting a pulse wave in a part of the subject pressed by the pressing unit;
Blood pressure determining means for determining a blood pressure value from the pressure detected by the pressure gauge and the pulse wave detected by the pulse wave detecting means,
The sphygmomanometer, wherein the pressing container is made of a material that prevents water from entering the inside, and the pressing surface is made of a waterproof elastic material.   The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, wherein the pressure gauge, the pulse wave detection unit, and the blood pressure determination unit are arranged inside the pressing container.   Any of the pressure gauge, the pulse wave detection means, or the blood pressure determination means is accommodated in a waterproof container connected to the inside of the pressing container through a waterproof connection part. The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1.   Any of the pressure gauge, the pulse wave detection means, or the blood pressure determination means is formed of a waterproof member, and has a waterproof part connected to the inside of the pressing container via a waterproof connection part. The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1.   The sphygmomanometer according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the connection part has a waterproof packing.   The blood pressure monitor according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a sealing material is fixed to an outer periphery of the connection portion.   The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof elastic material is a waterproof film.   The sphygmomanometer according to claim 7, wherein the waterproof film has a portion surrounding a side surface of the pressure container that is in close contact with the pressure container by an O-ring tightened from the outside.   The sphygmomanometer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a water repellent material is applied to a surface of the pressing surface.   The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, wherein the pressing container is filled with an inert gas. An air pump for supplying air to the pressing container and exhausting air from the pressing container;
The sphygmomanometer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pressing portion expands and contracts by air supply and exhaust performed by the air pump.   The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, wherein the pressure gauge is a barometer that detects an internal pressure of the pressing container.   The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, wherein the pressure gauge is a piezoelectric element that detects a pressure applied to the pressing surface.   The pulse wave detection means includes a light receiving element that receives scattered light from a part of the subject by light emitted from a light emitting element and detects a pulse wave. One of the sphygmomanometers.   The sphygmomanometer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the pulse wave detection means includes a barometer that detects a pulse wave by detecting a change in an internal pressure of the pressing container.   The sphygmomanometer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the pulse wave detecting means includes a piezoelectric element that detects a pulse wave by detecting a change in pressure applied to the pressing surface.   The sphygmomanometer according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a timer that operates the pressing unit, the pressure gauge, and the pulse wave detection means at predetermined time intervals.   The sphygmomanometer according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising storage means for storing a blood pressure value determined by the blood pressure determination means.   The sphygmomanometer according to claim 18, further comprising output means for outputting the blood pressure value stored in the storage means to the outside. Comparison means for comparing the blood pressure value determined by the blood pressure determination means with a predetermined upper limit value or lower limit value;
20. The speaker according to claim 1, further comprising a speaker that issues an alarm when a blood pressure value compared by the comparison unit is higher than the upper limit value or lower than the lower limit value. Sphygmomanometer.   21. The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, further comprising an outer ear mounting mechanism for mounting the pressing container to the outer ear. The sphygmomanometer according to any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising a human body mounting mechanism that mounts the pressing container on the human body.

Images