JP2007014629A - Blood pressure measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a blood pressure measuring device with a cuff mounting structure, capable of measuring the blood pressure in the superficial temporal artery stably while holding the degree of invasion low. <P>SOLUTION: The blood pressure measuring device comprises a cuff for pressing the peripheral region of the superficial temporal artery of a subject, a holder means for holding the cuff, a cavum conchae insertion part connected to the holder means, a concha auriculae presser part to be filled in the space from the concha auriculae to the anthelix of the ear of the subject, an ear hook part for stabilizing the attachment, a pulse wave detecting means built in the cuff for detecting pulse waves in the blood flowing through the blood vessel, a pressurizing/depressurizing means for pressurizing or depressurizing the cuff by using fluid, the piping for feeding the fluid, a pressure detecting means connected to the piping for detecting the pressure of the cuff, and a blood pressure measurement control means for computing the blood pressure value from the pulse wave signals. The cavum conchae insertion part, the concha auriculae presser part and the ear hook part are integrally formed, and the cuff is supported by the cavum conchae inserting part, the concha auriculae presser part and the ear hook part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a blood pressure measurement device, and more particularly to a blood pressure measurement device having a superficial temporal artery and its peripheral portion as a measurement site.

  The blood pressure fluctuates every moment according to changes in the external environment and internal environment. For this reason, it would be ideal if the beats could be recorded continuously, but even if they could not be recorded continuously, the blood pressure in the day was measured continuously (intermittently) to measure the change in blood pressure over time. It is also important to perform health care by measuring.

  When measuring blood pressure regularly with a conventional blood pressure measurement device, for example, the blood pressure is measured by wrapping a cuff around the upper arm of the person being measured. In this case, it is necessary to wear on the body a large-sized cuff that covers the upper arm and the main body of the blood pressure measurement device connected to the cuff.

  For this reason, when blood pressure is regularly measured with the blood pressure measurement device, the person to be measured wears a cuff on the upper arm and wears the body of the blood pressure measurement device connected to the cuff on the body in daily life. It is necessary to live a life, but this is a major obstacle in daily life. In addition, the measurement subject may be burdened by feeling pain because the upper arm is compressed each time pressure is measured.

  Considering this point, there is a method of measuring a pulse wave by putting a cuff on the earlobe and pressing the earlobe (Patent Document 1). According to this, the cuff and the main body can be made smaller than the sphygmomanometer that measures the blood pressure by wearing the cuff on the upper arm, and the burden on the subject can be reduced.

There is also a method of measuring blood pressure by applying a cuff to the superficial temporal artery instead of the earlobe (Patent Document 2). This makes it possible to monitor the blood pressure in the person's head region.
JP 2005-6906 A JP-A-62-286441

  However, even if the pulse wave and blood pressure are measured with the earlobe as in Patent Document 1, the blood vessels of the earlobe are very thin and it is difficult to measure the blood pressure stably and accurately. In particular, the blood vessels of the earlobe contract when the outside air temperature is lowered, and it becomes more difficult to measure stably.

  Moreover, if the blood pressure of the superficial temporal artery is measured as in Patent Document 2, the blood vessel is thicker than the earlobe, so that a relatively stable measurement can be performed regardless of the outside air temperature. .

  However, in Patent Document 2, a headphone-type cuff holding means is provided, and the cuff is fixed to a position where the superficial temporal artery is located using a headband. In this case, a certain degree of skill is required for cuff attachment. I need. Further, since the headband is used, the appearance is not so good, and it is undeniable that it gives a feeling of mental pressure to the measurement subject. On the other hand, if the headband is lost, the head temporal cuff holding means alone cannot efficiently press the superficial temporal artery even if the cuff pressure is increased, and it is very difficult to accurately measure blood pressure. It is.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and provides a blood pressure measurement device having a cuff attachment structure capable of measuring blood pressure in a superficial temporal artery stably and with low invasiveness. is there.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a blood pressure measurement device according to the present invention is provided with a cuff applied to the periphery of a superficial temporal artery of a measurement subject and pressing the cuff, holding means for holding the cuff, and the holding A concha cavity insertion portion inserted into the concha cavity of the subject to be measured, and a space part extending from the concha to the subject's concha to the opposite ring, and filled with the concha A concha-pressing part for pressing, an ear-hooking part for securing the stability of wearing, which is hung on the back of the measurement subject at the time of wearing, and a built-in cuff, from which blood flows through blood vessels A pulse wave detecting means for detecting a wave signal, a pressurizing / depressurizing means for pressurizing and depressurizing the cuff using a fluid after pressing the superficial temporal artery with the cuff, and the cuff for sending the fluid A pipe connected between the pressurizing and depressurizing means, connected to the pipe, and Pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the blood pressure, and blood pressure measurement control means for calculating a blood pressure value from the pulse wave signal, the concha cavity insertion portion, the concha pressing portion, and the ear hooking portion, Is integrally formed, and the cuff is supported by the concha cavity insertion portion, the concha pressing portion, and the ear hook portion.

  The holding means, the concha cavity insertion portion, and the ear hooking portion are extended from the concha pressing portion.

  Moreover, the side surface in the said cuff is comprised by the bellows shape.

  Further, the cuff is attached to the holding means by a swing mechanism.

  The concha cavity insertion portion has a spindle-like shape, and its maximum diameter is larger than the diameter of the concha cavity of the subject.

  Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the best mode for carrying out the present invention and the accompanying drawings.

  According to the blood pressure measurement device of the present invention, blood pressure in the superficial temporal artery can be measured stably and with a low degree of invasiveness.

  First, the greatest feature point of the present invention is that the superficial temporal artery is used as a blood pressure measurement site. The use of the superficial temporal artery as a site for blood pressure measurement has the advantage that the blood pressure detection unit can be downsized, and since the superficial temporal artery is a part of the head, there is little positional fluctuation and it is suitable for blood pressure measurement. Because. In addition, even when a cuff is always attached to the superficial temporal artery, there are less obstacles to daily life than a finger or the like, and the degree of invasiveness that gives pain to the measurement subject during blood pressure measurement can be reduced. Furthermore, since the superficial temporal artery is connected to the blood vessel of the head, there is an advantage that the blood pressure of the blood vessel related to the head can be monitored.

  Hereinafter, blood pressure measuring devices according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, it cannot be overemphasized that the structure of each part of the blood pressure measuring device of each embodiment shown below, a shape, and a dimension are only an example, and the technical scope of this invention is not limitedly interpreted by these.

<Auricular structure>
In the blood pressure measurement device according to the present embodiment, the tragus is used as a measurement site. First, the structure of the pinna will be clarified.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing names of respective parts of the auricle (ear). In the auricle 220 shown in FIG. 1, 221 is a tragus, 222 is a tragus, 223 is a concha, 224 is a contusion, 225 is a conical ring, 226 is a concentric leg, 227 is a concha cavity, 230 is It is an ear hole. In the present embodiment, a cuff assembly 6 of the mounting portion 3 described later is mounted so as to press the superficial temporal artery 228.

<Appearance of blood pressure measurement device>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall appearance of the blood pressure apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The blood pressure measurement device 1 generally includes a main body 2 that executes a blood pressure measurement calculation, a mounting portion 3 for placing a cuff on the subject's superficial temporal artery 228, and a mounting portion 3 for stabilizing the mounting. , And a connecting portion 300 for connecting the main body 2 with the pipe 4 and the wiring 5.

  Here, the mounting portion 3 includes a cuff holding member 15, a cuff assembly 6 attached thereto, and a cuff protrusion length adjusting screw 11 for adjusting the protrusion length of the cuff.

  The integral member 50 includes an auricular cavity insertion portion 54 that protrudes from the shape portion 52, a protrusion 55, and an ear hook 51. The concha cavity insertion part 54 is inserted into the concha cavity 227 to stabilize the attachment of the attachment part 3. The cuff holding member 15 is attached to the protruding portion 55. Further, the ear hanger 51 has substantially the same shape as the ear hanger of the eyeglass frame.

  The coupling portion 300 is for coupling the pipe 4 and the wiring 5 covered with the covering member 9 to the main body 2 and is configured to be detachable. The coupling portion 300 is inserted into the main body 2 until the locking portion 322 of the coupling portion 300 is locked in the locking hole 320 of the main body 2. Then, the female connector 305 of the coupling part 300 is fitted into the male connector 318 of the main body 2, and the piping plug 304 of the coupling part 300 is fitted into the piping plug hole 319 of the main body 2. Then, by depressing the detachable button 303 to remove the locking portion 322 from the locking hole 320 and pulling the coupling portion 300 out of the main body 2, the coupling portion 300 can be detached from the main body 2.

<Cuff wearing appearance>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state when the mounting portion 3 of the blood pressure measurement device 1 is mounted such that the cuff 6 hits a site where the superficial temporal artery 228 exists.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the concha cavity insertion portion 54 of the mounting portion 3 is inserted into the concha cavity 227 (see FIG. 1). The concha cavity insertion part 54 has a spindle-like shape, and its maximum diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the concha cavity 227, so that the concha cavity insertion part 54 is connected to the concha. By inserting it into the lumen 227, the mounting stability (particularly the stability in the X direction of three-axis orthogonal coordinates) can be ensured. In addition, since the surface of the concha cavity insertion part 54 is covered with a resilient resin as will be described later, discomfort during wearing is minimized.

  At that time, the shape portion 52 is filled in the concha 223, and the tip portion 52 a comes into contact with the opposite wheel 224. Thereby, the mounting | wearing stability in the Y direction of the mounting part 3 can be ensured. Since the distal end portion 52a is made of an elastic resin as will be described later, the discomfort felt by the measurement subject can be minimized even when worn for a long time.

  Further, the ear hook 51 extending from the shape portion 52 is mounted so as to be positioned on the back side of the ear ring 225 like the ear hook of the glasses, and ensures the mounting stability in the XYZ directions. Yes.

  A resin material such as polycarbonate, ABS, POM, or PPS can be used as a resin material for forming the shape portion 52 and the ear hook portion 51 as shown in the figure. In addition, a resin material is usually used as a material to be used in terms of mass productivity, dimensional stability, cost, and the like, but is not limited to this, and a hybrid configuration combining light metal, wood, paper, and various materials may be used.

  In addition, the color of each part may be classified according to various sizes, such as orange for hospitals, blue for general use, and white for children.

  The cuff assembly 6 is configured to be positioned just above the superficial temporal artery 228 when the shape portion 52, the ear hook portion 51, and the concha cavity insertion portion 54 are attached to the ear. In addition, since the position of the superficial temporal artery 228 varies somewhat between individuals, a length adjusting mechanism (not shown) may be provided so that the protruding length of the holding member 15 from the protruding portion 55 can be adjusted.

  The holding member 15 attached to the protruding portion 55 is provided with a screw hole 15a for the cuff protruding length adjusting screw 11 as a cuff protruding length adjusting mechanism. A cuff assembly 6 is attached to the tip of the cuff protrusion length adjusting screw 11 so as to be swingable. When the cuff protrusion length adjusting screw 11 is turned clockwise, the cuff protrusion length is increased, and conversely, when it is turned counterclockwise, it is shortened.

  In this way, the cuff assembly 6 can be adjusted to maintain a state in which the cuff assembly 6 is in contact with the superficial temporal artery 228 with sufficient pressure, so that the shape of the head in the vicinity of the superficial temporal artery that varies greatly from person to person can be obtained. On the other hand, the state where the cuff is stably attached at a predetermined position can be maintained.

<Configuration of mounting portion 3>
FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the mounting portion 3. In this figure, the cuff 6 is attached to the cuff protrusion length adjusting screw 11 via the swing mechanisms 160 and 161. A fitting hole 151 is formed on the substantially central side surface of the cuff 6. Further, a female screw hole 15a is formed at the other end of the cuff holding member 15, and an adjustment screw 11 as a protrusion length adjusting portion is screwed to this as shown in the figure. In addition, swing mechanisms 160 and 161 that are press-fitted into the fitting hole 151 are fitted to the tip of the adjusting screw 11 so that the cuff 6 can be swung freely after fitting. The swing mechanism will be described later.

  On the other hand, the concha cavity insertion portion 54 extending toward the external auditory canal from the shape portion 52 having a substantially strawberry shape filled in a space portion from the concha to the opposite wheel, and the concha cavity insertion portion. Protrusions 55 that are substantially orthogonal to 54 as shown in the figure are integrally molded, or each is prepared as an individual part and fixed as shown.

  Furthermore, an ear hook 51 having a shape along the above-described ear extending portion is formed upward or downward as an integrated member 50 from the shape portion 52. That is, the integrated member 50 includes an ear hook portion 51, an ear concha cavity insertion portion 54, and a shape portion 52 including a projection portion 55. The molding of the integrated member 50 will be described later.

  The cuff holding member 15 includes a male screw portion 15 b, and the male screw portion 15 b is screwed into a female screw hole portion 55 a provided in the protruding portion 55 to fix the cuff holding member 15 to the integrated member 50. Then, after the cuff holding member 15 is attached to the female screw portion 55a of the protruding portion 55, it is finally fixed by the screw 55b. Thus, since the cuff holding member 15 is attached to the integrated member 50 with a screwing structure, the attachment angle of the cuff holding member 15 with respect to the integrated member 50 can be made variable. It is possible to adjust the angle at which the cuff 6 is brought into contact with. Therefore, in combination with a cuff swing mechanism described later, it is possible to provide a structure that can cope with various shapes of the temporal region with individual differences and can measure blood pressure more accurately.

  The end 52a of the strawberry-shaped shape portion 52 is a portion that abuts against the opposite wheel. However, as described above, there is a large difference between the concha and the opposite wheel, so various shapes of the shape portion 52 are prepared. Good.

<Configuration of integrated member 50>
As described above, the integrated member 50 includes the ear hook 51, the concha cavity insertion part 54, and the shape part 52 including the protrusion 55.

  In the integrated member 50, a portion of the ear hook 51 that hits the ear ring 225 (ear ring contact portion 51a: broken line) and / or a portion of the shape portion 52 that hits at least the opposite ring 224 (end 52a), and further, the concha cavity insertion portion 54 Is made of a softer material than the other parts of the integrated member 50. In particular, the concha cavity insertion part 54 is inserted into the concha cavity, and since the size of the concha cavity varies among individuals, it is desirable that the concha cavity insertion part 54 be made of a softer material. In addition, about the shape part 52, you may make it the core part comprise a hard material and to comprise a surface layer with a soft material.

  For example, materials such as silicon rubber, styrene-based / urethane-based / olefin-based elastomer material, PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), POM (polyacetal resin), and various types of rubber are used for the ear ring contact portion 51a and the end portion 52a. Is called. In the other parts, as described above, harder materials such as PC (polycarbonate), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), POM (polyacetal), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), etc. are used. Used. That is, a hard material is used in order to obtain a certain rigidity for the entire integrated member 50, and a soft material is used for a portion that hits the ear of the subject. Note that only the central portion of the protrusion 55 and the integrated member 50 may be made of a hard material in order to obtain a certain rigidity, and the whole may be covered with a soft material.

  A two-color injection molding technique may be used to create the integrated member 50. Briefly, for example, two materials having different melting points (the hard material and the soft material) are injected into a mold shutter. The material with the higher melting point is poured into the mold first, and after the mold is solidified to some extent, the shutter of the mold is removed, and then the material with the lower melting point is poured into the mold. In this way, the integral member 50 is integrally molded.

  As described above, by configuring the part in contact with the ear with at least a soft material, the wearing stability is improved regardless of the individual ear shape, and the psychological burden on the subject is reduced. Time wearing is possible.

<Configuration of Cuff Assembly 6 and Holding Member 15>
FIG. 5 is a view showing a configuration of the holding member 15 to which the cuff assembly 6 is attached. FIG. 5A shows a normal state (a state where the cuff is not swinging its head), and FIG. 5B shows a swing state.

  In FIG. 5A, the cuff assembly 6 is attached to the tip end portion of the cuff projecting length adjusting screw 11, and the projecting length of the cuff assembly 6 can be adjusted by turning the screw 11. The cuff assembly 6 is configured by fixing the cuff bag body 22 to the cuff base 150 with an O-ring 24. Then, at the time of wearing, the cuff bag body 22 is disposed so that the abutment surface 25 abuts on the superficial temporal artery 228.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the cuff assembly 6 can be swung by a swing mechanism (described later). Therefore, when the cuff 6 is mounted on the superficial temporal artery 228, it is possible to flexibly deal with the shape of the temporal region of the person being measured with individual differences.

<Configuration of cuff assembly attachment portion: swing mechanism>
FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the swing mechanism of the cuff assembly 6. 6A, the cuff base 150 has a press-fitting hole 151 into which the press-fitting member 160 is press-fitted, and an insertion port 152 to which the pipe 4 and the wiring 5 are connected. In FIG. 6, the LED 20 as a light emitting element and the phototransistor 21 as a light receiving element are omitted for simplification of description. These arrangements will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The press-fitting member 160 has a cylindrical shape, the upper surface 160a of the member is opened, and an opening 160b that is open to the extent that the screw 161 can pass is provided near the center of the bottom surface. The press-fitting member 160 is fixed to the cuff projecting length adjusting screw 11 having the screw hole 11a with a screw 161. Since the length of the screw 161 is set longer than the depth of the screw hole 11a, a certain clearance can be secured between the screw head 161a of the screw 161 and the bottom surface of the press-fitting member 160. .

  After the press-fitting member 160 is attached to the cuff protrusion length adjusting screw 11 as described above, the press-fitting member 160 is press-fitted into the press-fitting hole 151 of the cuff assembly 6. Then, because of the above-described clearance, the cuff assembly 6 can swing as shown in FIG.

  Although the above configuration enables the cuff to swing, FIG. 7 shows another embodiment. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the swing structure of the mounting portion 3 is realized by pivoting the cuff assembly 6 to the clamping width adjusting screw 11 with the ball bearing portion 11a.

<Internal configuration of cuff assembly 6>
FIG. 8A is a view showing a cross section of the cuff assembly 6 after assembly is completed, and FIG. 8B shows a cross section when the cuff assembly 6 is viewed from the direction V3 in FIG. 8A. FIG.

  In the cuff assembly 6, first, an LED 20 as a light emitting element and a phototransistor 21 as a light receiving element are installed at predetermined positions in the cuff base 150 (see FIG. 8A). Then, the cuff bag body 23 is covered with the cuff base 140, and the cuff bag body 22 covered with the O-ring is fixed in accordance with the position of the base recess 150a. Alternatively, the cuff bag body 22 may be fixed to the base recess 150a with an adhesive and then fixed with an O-ring.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the pipe 4 and the wiring 5 are inserted into the cuff assembly 6 from the insertion portion 152. As shown in FIG. 8B, the insertion portion 152 has, for example, two insertion ports 153 and 154. For example, the pipe 4 is connected to one insertion port 153, and the wiring 5 is inserted into the other insertion port 155. The wiring 5 is connected to the LED 20 and the phototransistor 21 described above. After the piping 4 and the wiring 5 are inserted into the cuff assembly 6, the cuff assembly 6 is sealed with a sealing member (not shown) so as to prevent air leakage from the insertion port 152. Created. In addition to the sealing member, the insertion port 152 may be closed with a chemical material that is fixed when exposed to air such as an adhesive.

  As will be described later, the contact surface 25 of the cuff assembly 6 is circular, elliptical, or oval. The insertion portion 152 may be provided on the major axis (major axis) side or may be provided on the minor axis side when the contact surface 25 is elliptical or oval.

<Configuration of the cuff bag body 22>
As described above, the shape of the contact surface 25 of the cuff bag body 22 may be any of a circle, an ellipse, and an oval. Here, each shape of the contact surface 25 will be described.

(1) When the contact surface 25 is circular FIG. 9A is a plan view of the cuff bag body 22 constituting a part of the circular cuff assembly 6, and FIG. 9B is a front view of the cuff bag body 22. FIG. 9C is a bottom view of the cuff bag body 22. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the cuff bag body 22 includes a cylindrical portion 22b that is elastically deformed between a pressurized state and a reduced pressure state, and a flat contact surface 25 that extends from the cylindrical portion 22b and contacts the tragus. And is integrally formed as a hat shape having a lid portion 22a. Further, the edge portion of the opening 28 is integrally formed as a flange portion 26. In addition, by setting the first dimension t1 of the thickness of the lid portion 22a to be larger than the second dimension t2 of the thickness of the cylindrical portion 22b, the contact surface 25 is always flat with respect to the superficial temporal artery. It is comprised so that it can contact in a state.

  The lid portion 22a is formed in a circular shape. Similarly, the cylindrical portion 22b is also formed in a circular cylindrical body, and the cuff member is formed in a shape matching these cylindrical portions.

  Further, the cylindrical portion 22b is formed as a bellows body 27 having one or more desirably two stepped portions, and when the lid portion is circular, the diameter dimension is in the range of 15 to 5 mm, desirably about 8 mm. The first dimension t1 is in the range of 0.4 to 1 mm, preferably about 0.6 mm, and the second dimension t2 is set to 0.1 to 0.8 mm, preferably about 0.3 mm. .

(2) When the contact surface 25 is oval or oval FIG. 11A is a plan view of the oval or oval cuff bag body 22, and FIG. 11B is a front view of the cuff bag body, FIG. 11 (c) is a right side view of the cuff bag body, and FIG. 11 (d) is a bottom view of the cuff bag body. 12A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 11A, and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 11A.

  In this figure, when the lid portion of the cuff bag body 22 is elliptical or oval, the major axis dimension is in the range of 15 to 5 mm, preferably about 10 mm, and the minor axis dimension is in the range of 10 to 4 mm, preferably Is about 8 mm.

  In FIG. 12A, the first dimension t1 is in the range of 0.4 to 1 mm, preferably about 0.6 mm, and the second dimension t2 is 0.1 to 0.8 mm, preferably about 0.1 mm. Set to 3 mm.

  Further, the cuff bag body 22 is integrally formed from an elastic material having a Shore hardness of 30 to 60, preferably about 50, including silicon rubber, natural rubber, and a predetermined synthetic resin.

  As described above, the first dimension t1 of the thickness of the cap portion of the cap-shaped cuff bag body 22 having a flat contact surface that contacts the superficial temporal artery is defined as the thickness of the tube portion. By making it larger than the second dimension t2, at the time of pressurization, the contact surface 25 can move to the pressurization position while maintaining the flat state. Further, the contact surface 25 can be moved to the decompression position while maintaining the flat state even during decompression. Further, by forming the cylindrical portion of the cuff bag body in the bellows body (bellows structure) 27, the contact surface 25 can be moved substantially in parallel.

  Since the side surface of the cuff bag body 22 has a bellows structure in this way, when the cuff is pressurized, the contact surface 25 of the cuff bag body 22 swells into a dome shape due to air pressure, and the contact surface 25 is pressed. It is possible to prevent the pressure from becoming uneven. That is, the air pressure unnecessary for uniformly compressing the superficial temporal artery 228 is absorbed by the bellows, and the contact surface 25 can be kept flat.

<Configuration of fitting member and assembly method>
The cuff bag body 22 can be configured to withstand pressurization and depressurization by fixing the cuff bag body 22 in an airtight state with respect to the cuff member using an O-ring 24 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. It becomes difficult to make the completed state because both the cuff bag body 22 and the O-ring are elastic bodies. Therefore, it is preferable to improve the airtightness and the assembly workability by snapping the cuff bag body to the cuff member using the fitting member.

  FIG. 13A is an exploded view showing how the cuff bag body 22 is attached to the cuff member 30, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the cuff assembly after completion.

  In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description thereof is omitted. First, the LED 20 and the phototransistor 21 indicated by broken lines are accurately fixed at predetermined positions in the sensor assembly 31. The lead wire extends downward as shown in the figure, and is connected to the wiring 5. The cuff member 30 is injection-molded using a resin material, and is provided with an attachment base 30d of the sensor assembly 31, and the periphery of the base 30d communicates with the flow path 30a. The flow path 30a is formed as a hollow part of the pipe part 30b, and the pipe 4 is connected to the pipe part 30b as shown in the figure.

  The cuff member 30 is formed with an outer peripheral surface 35 that matches the size of the small-diameter portion 44a of the inner peripheral surface 44 of the cuff bag body 22 or has a slightly larger size, and a flange 33 is shown below the lower surface 35. The groove part 34 used as one latching part is formed in the downward direction of this collar part 33. As shown in FIG.

  Further, a flange portion 26 is integrally formed outward from the edge portion of the opening portion 28 of the cuff bag body 22.

  On the other hand, in the fitting member 38, the other locking portion 38d that locks against one locking portion formed on the cuff member 30 is formed at the end of the inclined surface 38c, and the flange portion 26 is pressed. The pressing surface 38a is integrally formed.

  In the above configuration, after the cuff bag bodies 22 and 23 are first moved in the arrow direction with respect to the cuff member 30, the inner peripheral surface 44a is press-fitted into the outer peripheral surface 35 or lightly inserted, and then the fitting member 38 is moved. Next, when the press-fitting is performed, the flange portion 26 is fixed in a compressed state by the fitting member 38 as illustrated in FIG.

  Since it can be completed as described above, pressurization and decompression can be performed through the flow path 30a. Further, in FIG. 13B, the inner peripheral surface 30c of the cuff member 30 has a larger dimensional relationship than the outer peripheral surface of the sensor assembly 31 as shown in the figure, so that pressure and pressure reduction can be performed through these gaps. It becomes. Further, in FIG. 13B, since the small substrate 41 connected to the lead wire of each element is provided, the wiring work can be simplified.

  Next, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a cuff assembly according to another embodiment. In this figure, components or components already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. After 31 is inserted from below the through hole 30 f formed in the cuff member 30, the edge of the small substrate 41 is fitted to the claw 30 k of the cuff member 30 and fixed in an immobile state. In addition, the fitting member 38 is configured such that a part of the inner peripheral surface has a mountain shape and can be fitted into a valley portion of the cuff member. Further, a sealing agent 42 is laid on the joint surface between the flange portion and the cuff member 30 to ensure further airtightness.

  According to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 14, the inside of the cuff bag body 22 is pressurized, so that the bellows portion 27 extends so that the contact surface 25 can move in parallel from the position illustrated by the solid line to the position illustrated by the broken line. When the inside is depressurized, it can return to the position indicated by the solid line again.

  As described above, when blood pressure is measured periodically and at regular intervals using the upper arm and fingers, various problems occur. The blood pressure can be measured accurately.

<Cuff bag body with light-shielding layer>
If the LED element 20 for optically detecting the pulse wave and the phototransistor 21 are built in the cuff as described above, a part of the cuff is attached when the inner and outer cuffs are attached to the tragus. It will be exposed to the outside. For this reason, it is affected by disturbance light, and it is difficult to measure blood pressure accurately under the usage condition where it goes out outdoors and is directly exposed to sunlight including ultraviolet rays, even if it does not cause much trouble indoors.

  FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the cuff assembly before light shielding measures, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the cuff assembly after light shielding measures.

  In this figure, components and components that have already been described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted, and the cuff bag body 22 has a shore hardness including transparent or light transmissive silicon rubber, natural rubber, and a predetermined synthetic resin. Is integrally formed from 30-60, preferably around 50 elastic material. The cuff bag bodies 22 and 23 are provided in an airtight state with respect to the cuff member as described above. As shown in FIG. 15A, the contact surface 25 is positioned between the position indicated by a solid line and the position indicated by a broken line. It is elastically deformed between a pressurized state and a reduced pressure state that are substantially translated between each other.

  If comprised in this way, since the cuff bag body 22 is transparent, translucent, or light-transmitting, the disturbance light L will approach inside. For this reason, when using a sensor highly sensitive to sunlight, it is affected by sunlight, and accurate blood pressure measurement cannot be performed.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15B, a light shielding layer 45 for optically shielding the cuff bag body 22 other than the opening 46 is formed, and the light shielding layer 45 is continuously provided to the inner wall surface 44 of the cylindrical portion. By forming, the disturbance light L is prevented from entering the interior as shown in the figure, the light is irradiated only to the blood pressure measurement site, and the reflected light is received so that accurate blood pressure measurement is always performed regardless of the place. I can do it. The shading layer 45 can be prevented from being worn during use by being formed inside as shown in the figure. Needless to say, the shading layer 45 may be formed outside if abrasion resistance can be ensured.

  Further, for example, when the lid portion 22a of the cuff bag body is circular, the shape of the opening 46 of the light shielding layer 45 is formed as a small circle having a similar shape. On the other hand, when the contact surface 25 is formed in an elliptical shape or an oval shape, the opening 46 of the light shielding layer 45 is preferably an elliptical shape or an oval shape having a small circular shape or a similar shape.

  When the contact surface 25 has a diameter (D1) in the range of 15 to 5 mm, preferably about 8 mm, the diameter of the opening 46 is set in the range of 2 to 8 mm, preferably about 5 mm. The Rukoto. Also, the abutment surface 25 has an elliptical shape having a major axis dimension (D2) in the range of 15 to 5 mm, preferably about 10 mm, and a minor axis dimension (D3) in the range of 10 to 4 mm, preferably about 8 mm. In the case of an oval shape, the diameter of the opening 46 is set in a range of 2 to 8 mm, desirably a circle of about 5 mm, or a circle, an ellipse or an oval having an opening area equivalent to this circle. . The light shielding layer 45 provided with the openings 46 can be formed by, for example, a two-color injection molding method.

  FIG. 16 is a view showing one printing process for forming a light shielding layer inside the cuff bag body 22, and is shown together with a central sectional view of the cuff bag body 22.

  In this figure, in step S1, it is molded by a rubber molding device, the appearance of the cuff bag body 22 after deburring is inspected, defective products are removed and non-defective products are selected, and the product is set on a coating tray (not shown). In the next step S <b> 2, after degreasing, it is confirmed that no foreign matter is mixed, and a masking sheet 70 having a shape and area corresponding to the opening 46 and having an adhesive surface having a light adhesive force is attached to the cuff bag body 22. Affix to the center on the back of the part. At this time, a jig may be used for positioning.

  Thus, the preparation for applying the silicon-based binder paint mixed with the pigment containing carbon black is completed, and the process proceeds to step S3 to perform the ink application process.

  In this step, the light-shielding layer 45 shown by a broken line is formed by applying the above-mentioned binder paint with a brush or a spray gun. At this stage, since it has not been sufficiently dried, it is left for about 1 hour in the room temperature drying process of the next step S4, and after the drying is promoted, the masking 70 is removed using a tool such as tweezers.

  Then, it progresses to step S5, the cuff bag body after drying is put into an oven apparatus, and the oven process for baking coating is performed at about 200 degreeC for about 10 to 15 minutes. Thereafter, the coating tray is taken out from the oven apparatus, and in the finishing inspection process in step S6, an appearance inspection is performed, and foreign matter, protrusion of paint to the opening 46, coating unevenness, etc. are inspected, and a good product is obtained. Select and finish.

  FIG. 17 is a view showing another process for integrally molding the cuff bag body 22 from the light shielding layer and the light transmission layer, and is shown together with a central cross-sectional view showing the state of the cuff bag body 22 according to the process. FIG.

  In this figure, in step S11, the cuff bag body 22 is molded using a silicon rubber material mixed with a pigment containing carbon black using a rubber molding apparatus (not shown). As a result, the cuff bag body 22 capable of shielding outside light is obtained, and therefore, deburring and the like are performed, and then a visual inspection is performed to eliminate defective products and to select only non-defective products.

  In the next step S12, after confirming that no foreign matter or the like in the cuff bag body 22 is mixed, the cuff bag body 22 is set at a predetermined position of a drilling device for drilling. In this punching device, a circular cylindrical punch 70 having a shape and an area corresponding to the opening 46 at the center of the bottom surface of the cuff bag body 22 is held so that it can be driven up and down manually or electrically by an unillustrated vertical mechanism. ing. A base member 71 is fixed below the punch 70. The base member 71 forms an inner diameter hole portion obtained by adding a clearance to the outer dimensions of the punch 70. Is accurately arranged at a lower position corresponding to.

  In subsequent step S13, punching is performed by moving the punch 70 downward. Thereafter, it is removed from the punching device. In addition to the punching apparatus using the punch 70, there is a hole processing by laser beam irradiation, etc. Needless to say, the hole processing is not limited to the punch processing, and further, a molding die that can be molded in the shape after the hole processing. May be used.

  Now that the preparation for performing secondary molding by potting molding of a transparent or light transmissive silicon rubber material is completed, the process proceeds to step S14, and a pouring process is performed.

  In this pouring step, for example, the volume of the liquid light-transmitting silicon rubber material 45a mixed with a curing agent can be filled into the opening 46. Or more volume than this is flowed. Thereby, the light transmission layer 45 is formed as shown in the figure. Immediately after this inflow, it is not sufficiently dried and solidified.

  Therefore, in the next step S15, the room temperature drying process is performed for about 1 hour, and after drying, the cuff bag body is put on the tray and put together in the oven apparatus. In this oven, baking is performed at about 200 ° C. for about 10 to 15 minutes to complete the solidification of silicon and the complete welding of silicon.

  After that, it is taken out from the oven device, and in the finishing inspection process in step S16, an appearance inspection is performed, a potting molding state inspection is performed, and only non-defective products are selected and finished. The cuff bag body 22 completed through the above steps can be used by being attached as described above.

  Needless to say, in addition to the above-described potting molding, the light-transmitting silicon rubber material may be secondarily molded by a fluid dipping method or a transfer molding method.

<Another configuration example of the protrusion length adjusting mechanism different from the protrusion length adjusting screw 11>
As described above, the protrusion length adjusting screw 11 is formed by, for example, screwing the male screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body of the adjusting screw 11 into the female screw hole formed in the holding member 15 as illustrated. The outer cuff assembly provided with the cuff bag body 23 can be arbitrarily moved by rotating the adjusting screw 11 in the forward and reverse directions, and the swing mechanism shown in FIG. The ball bearing portion 11a is press-fitted into the fitting hole portion 151 of the cuff member 30 so as to be swingable.

  However, for example, when the movement stroke of the cuff assembly is large, the rotation operation of the adjusting screw 11 may be troublesome for a short-minded person or a person who has difficulty with fingertips. Therefore, the brushing bush 49, which is a one-way moving member that allows the cuff assembly to move to a desired position at a stroke regardless of the moving stroke of the cuff assembly, can be used in place of the adjusting screw 11.

  That is, in FIG. 18, a brushing bush 49, which is a one-way moving member, has a plurality of elastically deformable flange portions 49b on its outer peripheral surface, and a ball bearing portion 49a at its end portion made of a predetermined nylon-based resin material. Are integrally molded. The diameter of the flange 49 b is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the hole 15 a formed at the other end of the third holding member 15. For this purpose, when the brushing bush 49 is inserted into the hole 15a in the direction of the arrow in one direction, the three flanges 49b are obliquely deformed so as to oppose the insertion direction as shown in the figure, and the hole 15a is elastically deformed. It will be in the state contact | abutted with respect to the inner peripheral surface. In this state, the outer cuff assembly can be held. Moreover, it is comprised so that the stopper part not shown can contact | abut to the edge part of the hole 15a, and can be pulled out to an original position by pulling with a bigger force than the time of insertion. The brushing bush 49 has a structure close to that of a so-called one-touch fastener. In FIG. 18, a ball bearing is used as the swing mechanism, but it goes without saying that a mechanism as shown in FIG. 6 may be used.

<Integrated configuration of piping 4 and wiring 5>
Next, the pipe 4 and the wiring 5 may be provided separately, but this is inconvenient because they are entangled with each other in use. On the other hand, the pipe 4 is formed so that a hollow portion serving as a flow path for a fluid containing air is formed along the longitudinal direction, so that the wiring 5 is not exposed to the outside by passing the wiring 5 through the hollow portion. can do. However, with such a configuration, a seal portion for securing airtightness is required at a portion where the wiring 5 is pulled out of the pipe 4. However, since the pipe 4 is freely bent, it is difficult to ensure the sealing performance, and the long term Leave a problem with endurance. In addition, the assembly work will be hindered.

  In view of this, various studies have been made on configurations that can simultaneously improve the sealing performance and increase the working efficiency when the pipe 4 and the wiring 5 are integrated.

  As a result of this examination, the wirings 5 and 5 are laid along the longitudinal direction on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 4 as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 19, and the wirings 5 and 5 and the pipe 4 are expanded and contracted. It was concluded that it is best to cover and integrate with the covering member 9 having the property.

  Specifically, the wiring 5 connected to the light emitting element and the light receiving element is stranded wires 5a and 5b connected from the light emitting element and the light receiving element, respectively, and the pipe 4 is made of silicon rubber, natural rubber, It is formed into a hollow shape as shown in the figure using an elastic material containing a predetermined synthetic resin, and the covering member 9 is formed in a mesh shape from a fibrous body having a predetermined count. Further, the covering member 9 is subjected to a metal coating process for improving noise resistance, and further covered with a cover (not shown).

  When the pipe 4 and the wiring 5 are integrated as described above, for example, when one of them is gripped in FIG. 20, it can be freely bent in an arc indicated by a one-dot chain line. Furthermore, since the wiring 5 can be drawn directly from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 4 as shown in FIG. 19, no seal member is required. Moreover, when metal processing is given to the covering member 9, noise resistance can be further improved.

  As described above, when blood pressure is measured periodically and at regular intervals using the upper arm and fingers, various problems occur. The blood pressure can be measured accurately.

  Thus, in order to continuously and accurately measure blood pressure with a blood pressure measurement device using the tragus as a blood pressure measurement site, pressurized air is sent to each cuff by a battery-driven pressure pump. If a driven pressurizing pump is used, the battery is consumed very much, so that measurement over a long period of time becomes impossible, so a manual pressurizing pump may be used. The fluid medium to be pressurized includes various fluids. In the case of a gas, there is air, and in the case of a liquid, there are water, fats and oils including silicon oil, alcohol, and the like, which are appropriately selected.

<Configuration of coupling unit 300>
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the coupling unit 300. In FIG. 20, the coupling part 300 is composed of an upper lid member 301 and a housing member 302. The accommodating member 302 accommodates the pipe 4 and the wiring 5. A pipe plug 304 is attached to the end of the pipe 4, and a female connector 305 is attached to the end of the wiring 5. The female connector 305 is disposed in the connector housing 309. Further, the pipe plug 304 is installed in the plug installation unit 311 and is fixed to the place by the E ring 307 from above. When the pipe plug 304 is installed, a predetermined length of the tip of the pipe plug 304 projects from the plug projecting hole 308.

  With the piping plug 304 and the female connector 305 installed, the upper lid member 301 is covered from above. Then, the upper lid locking portions 313a and b lock the receiving portion locking holes 315a and b, respectively. With the locking portion 313 and the locking hole 315 locked, the upper lid member 301 and the housing member 302 are firmly fixed using the screws 306.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a state when the coupling unit 300 is coupled to the main body 2. In FIG. 21, in order to facilitate understanding of the state of coupling, the coupling unit 300 represents only the upper lid member 301 before coupling and only a part of the housing member 302 after coupling.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the push button 303 is attached to the upper lid member 301 via a spring 321. When the coupling part 300 is coupled to the main body 2, the push button 303 is pressed to slightly narrow the width between the locking parts 322. When the coupling portion 300 is inserted into the coupling recess of the main body 2, the female connector 305 is fitted with the male connector 318 of the main body 2, and the piping plug 304 is fitted into the piping plug hole 319. Further, the locking portion 322 is locked in a locking hole 322 provided in the main body 2. Thereby, the coupling | bond part 300 and the main body 2 are fixed firmly.

  Further, after use, it can be taken out by pressing the push button 303, removing the locking portion 322 from the locking hole 320, and pulling out the coupling portion 300 from the coupling recess.

  In addition, although it is a case where the coupling | bond part 300 is attached to the main body 2, since the latching | locking part 322 is a leaf | plate spring, there exists a certain amount of elasticity, and the coupling | bonding of the main body 2 is possible even if it does not shorten the distance between latching parts by pushing the pushbutton 303. Can be combined by pushing into the hole. However, in order to connect the connecting part 300 to the main body 2 more smoothly and safely, it is better to reduce the distance between the engaging parts.

<Circuit configuration of photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer>
FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the operation circuit 100 in the apparatus main body 2 when the ear sphygmomanometer 1 of FIG. 2 is configured as a photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer. In FIG. 22, inside an inner cuff (assembly) 6 of the mounting portion 3 to be mounted on the tragus 221, an LED 20 that is a light emitting element constituting a photoelectric sensor (pulse wave sensor) and a phototransistor 21 that is a light receiving element. It is included. As described above, the pipe 4 is a rubber tube (air tube) and forms a flow path of air into the inner cuff 6. The pressure pump 108 uses an electric small motor as a drive source, sends compressed air into the condenser tank 107, and sends pressurized air into the inner cuff assembly 6 after rectification. Further, the quick exhaust valve 104 branched and connected from the pipe 4 is provided with an electromagnetic valve mechanism (not shown), and rapidly reduces the pressure in the inner cuff assembly 6. Further, the fine exhaust valve 105 branched and connected similarly reduces the pressure in the inner cuff assembly 6 at a constant speed (for example, 2 to 3 mmHg / sec). Further, the pressure sensor 106 branched from the pipe 4 changes the electrical parameter according to the pressure in the cuff 6. A pressure detection amplifier (AMP) 107 connected to the pressure sensor 106 detects an electrical parameter of the pressure sensor 106, converts it into an electrical signal, amplifies it, and outputs an analog cuff pressure signal P. .

  The LED 20 irradiates light to the pulsating vascular blood flow, and the phototransistor 21 detects reflected light from the vascular blood flow. The filter AMP 109 connected via the wiring 5 is a pulse wave detection amplifier, which amplifies the output signal of the phototransistor 21 and outputs an analog pulse wave signal M. Here, while the LED 20 is connected to a light amount control unit 118 that automatically changes the light amount via the wiring 5, the pulse wave detection amplifier 109 has a gain control unit 119a that automatically changes the gain, A time constant control unit 119b for changing the time constant of a filter amplifier (not shown) constituting the pulse wave detection filter / amplifier 109 is connected. An A / D converter (A / D) 110 connected as shown in the figure converts the analog signals M and P into digital data D.

  A control unit (CPU) 111 performs main control of the photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer. The CPU 111 has an adjustment pressure register 111a that stores the adjustment pressure. Details of this control will be described later according to the flowchart of FIG. 24 and the operation waveform diagram of FIG.

  The ROM 112 stores a later-described control program executed by the CPU 111. The RAM 113 includes a data memory, an image memory, and the like. A liquid crystal display (LCD) 114 displays the contents of the image memory. The operation unit 116 is used when a measurement start command, an adjustment pressure value, or the like is set by a user operation. The buzzer 115 informs the user that the apparatus has sensed that the key in the operation unit 116 has been pressed, the measurement has been completed, or the like. In this example, the adjustment pressure register 111 a is provided in the CPU 111, but an adjustment pressure storage unit may be provided in the RAM 113.

  Further, the display panel 14 of the LCD uses a dot matrix type display panel, so that various information (for example, characters, figures, signal waveforms, etc.) can be displayed. The operation unit 116 has a measurement start switch (ST) and keys for inputting a cuff pressure value and the like. Further, a power supply unit 121 and a power switch (not shown) that can replace the battery are further provided.

  Further, the apparatus main body 2 is provided with an external communication unit connected to a connector (not shown) or a mobile phone, and by connecting to the personal computer, an operation control parameter setting unit, a data clear unit, a data storage unit, Various data can be exchanged between them and blood pressure measurement results can be saved.

  FIG. 23 is an entity layout diagram of the apparatus main body 2 of FIG. 2, with the lid removed. In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description is omitted. The apparatus body 2 has a vertical dimension of about 120 mm, a width dimension of about 80 mm, and a thickness dimension of 27 mm. The weight is 180 grams. In this way, by making it as small and light as possible, even if it is always carried, it does not interfere with daily life.

  In addition, the electronic components that control each control described above are mounted on a substrate 140 having a mounting area that occupies the internal space. On the other hand, the pressure pump 108, the condenser tank 107, the fine exhaust valve 105, and the quick exhaust valve 104 are connected to the integrally formed pipe 4 as described above, and have a mutual arrangement relationship as shown in the figure. The power supply unit 121 of four AAA batteries, which can be exchanged, can be provided. In this way, the limited internal space can be effectively used. In addition, rechargeable secondary batteries that can be used repeatedly and commercially available AAA batteries can be easily replaced by opening and closing a lid (not shown).

<Operation of photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer>
Next, the operation of the ear sphygmomanometer 1 as the photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer according to the present embodiment will be described below. FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining measurement processing of the ear blood pressure monitor (photoelectric volume pulse wave blood pressure monitor) 1. In this figure, when the apparatus is turned on by a power switch, self-initial diagnosis processing (not shown) is first performed to initialize the apparatus. Thereafter, the process is started by pressing the measurement start switch.

  In step S101, the cuff pressure P is read, and in step S102, it is determined whether or not the residual pressure of the cuff 1 is within a specified value. If the residual pressure exceeds the specified value, “residual pressure error” is displayed on the LCD 114 in step S123. If the residual pressure is within the specified value, a cuff pressure value (for example, a value larger than the maximum blood pressure value of 120 to 210 mmHg) is set using the operation unit 118 in step S103, and the light amount and gain are set to predetermined values in step S104. Set to value.

  When the setting of the pressurization value and the light quantity / gain is completed, the quick exhaust valve 104 and the fine exhaust valve 105 are closed in steps S105 and S106. In step S107, driving of the pressure pump 3 is started and pressurization (pressure increase) is started. This is the start of the measurement process during pressurization, and the cuff pressure starts increasing at a constant speed (for example, 2 to 3 mmHg / sec). During this time, data processing by each functional block is performed in step S108, and the measurement of the minimum blood pressure and the maximum blood pressure is performed. When the maximum blood pressure is measured (S109), the drive of the pressurizing pump 103 is stopped in step S112.

  In step S110, it is determined whether or not the cuff pressure is higher than the pressure value U set in S103. If P> U, it is still in the normal measurement range, so measurement is continued. On the other hand, when P> U, the cuff pressure is already higher than the set value, so “measurement error” is displayed on the LCD 114 in step S111. If necessary, detailed information such as “signal abnormality during pressurization” is additionally displayed. In step S113, it is determined whether or not the signal level of the pulse wave signal obtained at the time of pressurization is within a predetermined level range for enabling high-precision blood pressure measurement. If it is determined that it is within the predetermined range, the measured maximum blood pressure value and minimum blood pressure value are displayed on the LCD 114 in step S120, and a tone signal is sent to the buzzer 115 in step S121.

  If it is determined in step S113 that it is not within the predetermined range, the light amount and gain are adjusted based on the signal level of the pulse wave signal in step S114. In step S114, for example, the following processing is performed. When the pulse wave carrier wave is below the standard value (20 to 40% of the full scale of the A / D converter 110), it is checked whether or not the step light amount is maximum. If not, the light amount control unit 118 is controlled. Increase the amount of light, and increase the gain when the amount of light is maximum. On the other hand, if the carrier level is equal to or higher than the standard value, it is checked whether or not the gain is minimum. If not, the gain control unit 119a performs feedback control to lower the gain. If it is minimum, decrease the light intensity.

  When the adjustment of the light amount / gain is completed, the fine exhaust valve 105 is opened in step S115. This is the start of the measurement process at the time of pressure reduction (pressure reduction), and the cuff pressure starts to decrease at a constant speed (for example, 2 to 3 mmHg / sec). During this time, data processing by each functional block is performed at step S116, and the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure are measured. In step S117, it is determined whether or not a minimum blood pressure value is detected during decompression. If not detected, continue measurement. In step S118, it is determined whether or not the cuff pressure is lower than a predetermined value L (for example, 40 mmHg). If P <L, it is still in the normal measurement range, and the flow returns to step S116. On the other hand, when P <L, the cuff pressure is no longer lower than the normal measurement range, so “measurement error” is displayed on the LCD 114 in step S119. If necessary, display detailed information such as “signal anomaly during decompression”.

  When the measurement is completed in the determination in step S117, the measurement process is completed in the normal measurement range, and the maximum blood pressure value and the minimum blood pressure value measured are displayed on the LCD 14 in step S120, and the tone signal is displayed to the buzzer 115 in step S121. Send. Preferably, different tone signals are sent after normal termination and abnormal termination. In step S122, the remaining air in the cuff 6 is quickly exhausted and the next measurement start is awaited.

<Blood pressure calculation operation>
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the correlation between the cuff pressure and the pulse wave signal. In this figure, the waveforms in the time from the start of measurement during pressurization (step S108) to the end of measurement during depressurization (step S116) are respectively shown.

  The blood pressure measurement is performed on the graph of FIG. That is, in the measurement at the time of pressurization, the cuff pressure at the point (a) at which the change in the magnitude of the pulse wave signal has started is set as the minimum blood pressure, and the cuff pressure at the time point (b) when the pulse wave signal disappears is set as the maximum blood pressure. On the other hand, the blood pressure measurement at the time of decompression is opposite to the blood pressure measurement at the time of pressurization, and the cuff pressure at the present time (c) when the pulse wave signal is output is the maximum blood pressure, and the change in the magnitude of the pulse wave signal is eliminated (d). The cuff pressure is the minimum blood pressure.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which reflected light from blood in a blood vessel is detected has been described. Alternatively, transmitted light may be detected instead.

  As described above, the photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer according to the present embodiment makes it possible to adjust the signal level so that the signal level of the pulse wave signal is within a predetermined standard range, and at the same time enables highly accurate measurement, By making it possible to shorten the blood pressure measurement time, it is possible to provide a photoelectric volumetric pulse wave sphygmomanometer that can reduce the physical burden on the user due to the cuff pressure. In addition, since the tragus and its peripheral part are insensitive to pain, there is also an effect that pain due to cuff pressure can be reduced, and this also has an effect that it can be easily applied to continuous measurement of blood pressure. .

  The blood pressure measurement device described above detects a pulse wave using the light emitting element 20 and the light receiving element 21, but includes a cuff that compresses pressure on the tragus, and changes the pressure of the pulsation caused by the blood vessel on the living body surface with the cuff. The pulse wave can also be detected by capturing as That is, a pulsation obtained from a living body is converted into a change in pressure in the cuff by a cuff to which pressure is applied, and a pressure change in the cuff is detected by a pressure detection device. Even with such a configuration, a pulse wave of a living body can be detected. In addition, a small microphone is installed in the cuff part in contact with the living body, Korotkoff sound generated when a part of the living body is compressed with the cuff is detected, and blood pressure is measured based on the occurrence or disappearance of the Korotkoff sound above a predetermined level You may make it do.

It is a figure which shows the structure of an ear | edge. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the mounting part 3 of the ear-type blood pressure meter 1 which concerns on this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows a mode that the ear-type blood pressure meter 1 which concerns on this invention was made into the use condition with respect to an auricle. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the mounting unit 3. It is a figure which shows the basic composition (FIG. 5 (a)) and the swing state (FIG.5 (b)) of the mounting part 3. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the cuff swing structure. It is a figure which shows the case where a swing structure is implement | achieved with the ball bearing. It is a figure which shows the structure inside a cuff at the time of arrange | positioning a light emitting element and a light receiving element. (a) is a top view of the circular cuff bag body 22, (b) is a front view of the cuff bag body, and (c) is a bottom view of the cuff bag body. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. (a) is a plan view of an oval or oval cuff bag body 22, (b) is a front view of the cuff bag body, (c) is a right side view of the cuff bag body, and (d) is a bottom surface of the cuff bag body. FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 11A, and FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. (A) is the exploded view which showed a mode that the cuff bag body was attached to a cuff member, (b) is principal part sectional drawing of the cuff assembly after completion. It is principal part sectional drawing of the cuff assembly of another embodiment. (a) Main part sectional drawing of the cuff assembly before light shielding measures, (b) Main part sectional view of the cuff assembly after light shielding measures. FIG. 4 is a printing process diagram for forming a light shielding layer inside the cuff bag body 22, and is a printing process diagram shown together with a central sectional view of the cuff bag body 22. 6 is a diagram showing another process of forming a light shielding layer inside the cuff bag body 22. FIG. It is principal part sectional drawing of the cuff assembly provided with a degree of freedom in the edge part of the brushing bush of a one-way moving member. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows a mode that wiring and piping were integrated. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a coupling unit 300. It is a figure for demonstrating the mode of attachment of the coupling | bond part. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the ear-type blood pressure meter 1 of FIG. FIG. 3 is an entity layout diagram of the apparatus main body 2 of FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the ear blood pressure monitor 1. It is a wave form diagram of blood pressure measurement.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ear type blood pressure monitor 2 Apparatus main body 3 Wearing part 4 Piping 5 Wiring (signal and power supply line)
6 Cuff assembly 9 Cover member 11 Projection length adjusting screw 12 Branch pipe 15 Holding member 17 Spacer 20 Light emitting element (LED)
21 Light receiving element (phototransistor)
22 Cuff bag body 24 O-ring 25 Contact surface 26 Flange part 27 Bellows part 28 Opening part 38 Fitting member 42 Sealing agent 44 Inner wall surface 45 Light-shielding layer 46 Opening part 50 Brushing bush 51 Ear hook part 52 Shape part 53 Internal piping 54 Auricular cavity insertion part 55 protrusion

Claims (5)

A cuff applied to the periphery of the subject's superficial temporal artery and pressing it,
Holding means for holding the cuff;
A concha cavity insertion part that is coupled to the holding means and is inserted into the concha cavity of the subject;
Filled in the space part from the concha of the subject to the concha, and the concha pressing part for pressing the concha,
Hearing on the back of the person to be measured at the time of wearing, and an ear hook for ensuring the stability of wearing,
A pulse wave detection means built in the cuff for detecting a pulse wave signal from blood flowing through the blood vessel;
Pressurizing and depressurizing means for pressurizing and depressurizing the cuff using a fluid after pressing the superficial temporal artery with the cuff;
A pipe connected between the cuff and the pressure-increasing / decreasing means for sending the fluid;
Pressure detecting means connected to the pipe for detecting the pressure of the cuff;
Blood pressure measurement control means for calculating a blood pressure value from the pulse wave signal,
The concha cavity insertion portion, the concha pressing portion and the ear hook are integrally molded,
The blood pressure measuring device, wherein the cuff is supported by the concha cavity insertion portion, the concha pressing portion, and the ear hook portion.   The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the holding means, the concha cavity insertion portion, and the ear hooking portion are extended from the concha pressing portion.   The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a side surface of the cuff is configured in a bellows shape.   The blood pressure measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cuff is attached to the holding means by a swing mechanism.   5. The ear concha cavity insertion portion has a spindle-like shape, and a maximum diameter thereof is larger than a diameter of the subject's ear concha cavity. The blood pressure measurement device according to item.

Images