JP2010264112A - Biological information measuring probe - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stably measure the state of a body such as blood oxygen saturation and pulse for a long stretch of time and to reduce discomfort and pain which a subject feels in a hand finger. <P>SOLUTION: This biological information measuring probe A includes a pair of housings 1 and 2 openably/closably formed, a coil-like spring 4 energizing a force in the direction of closing the pair of housings 1 and 2, and a capacity adjusting mechanism 5 for adjusting the length of the spring 4 to adjust the capacity of the spring 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a probe attached to a finger and used for measuring biological information such as blood oxygen saturation and pulse.

  By measuring biological information such as the pulse and blood oxygen saturation, it is possible to objectively observe the state of the subject's body. In the measurement of this biological information, photoelectric pulse wave measuring devices such as a photoelectric pulse wave meter and a pulse oximeter equipped with a probe attached to a human finger are used. For example, the pulse oximeter first projects light of two different wavelengths (red light and infrared light) from the probe attached to the finger of the subject, and the amount of light passing through the living body (finger). Detect changes. Then, the blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) is obtained based on the two-wavelength pulse waveform obtained from the detected light quantity change.

  Since the photoelectric pulse wave measuring device does not require blood collection when measuring blood oxygen saturation and / or pulse rate, the invasion of the subject's body is very little and continued for a long time ( (Continuous) measurement is possible. In addition to short-term measurements such as diagnosing the condition of patients with chronic respiratory disease and routine monitoring of the patient's respiratory status, this also monitors sudden changes in the respiratory status of critically ill patients, It is also used for long-term measurements such as monitoring of respiration and blood oxygen saturation. Recently, the device has been miniaturized, and even when worn for a long time such as in daily life or exercise, it is difficult to get in the way, so measurement of blood oxygen saturation in a patient with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) (approximately 8 It is also used for measurement of blood oxygen saturation during sports training.

  As a probe to be mounted on a conventional finger, for example, there are probes described in JP-A-11-188019 and JP-A-7-236625. The probe described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-188019 includes a pair of housings arranged to face each other, a pair of knob portions, and a spring that urges the pair of knob portions in a direction to separate the pair of knob portions, The pair of housings are separated when the pair of knobs are close to each other, and conversely, the pair of housings are close when the pair of knobs are separated from each other. By using the probe with this configuration, the optical axes of the light emitting element provided in one of the pair of housings and the light receiving element provided in the other are constant regardless of the thickness of the finger.

  Moreover, the probe described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-236625 includes a pair of arms and a resilient bending member that connects the pair of arms. The pair of arms includes a soft member in contact with the part to be measured and a hard member provided on the outside thereof. According to this structure, the said soft member contacts with a subject's finger | toe, and the contact pressure to the said finger is adjusted because the said soft member deform | transforms.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-188019 JP 7-236625 A

  In the probe described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-188019, the displacement of the spring varies greatly depending on the thickness of the finger of the subject. In this case, if the spring is adjusted so that there is no discomfort and pain when worn on a thin finger, the tightening force when attached to a thick finger is increased, causing discomfort and pain to the subject. End up. On the other hand, if the spring is adjusted so that it has an appropriate tightening force when attached to a thick finger, the tightening force when attached to a thin finger becomes insufficient, the probe becomes unstable, and accurate measurement cannot be performed. .

  In the probe described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-236625, the probe becomes large and heavy due to the attachment of the soft member, and the burden on the subject increases accordingly. For example, if there is a large difference in the size of fingers, such as adults and children, the ability to adjust the contact pressure with the soft member alone will be insufficient, and the fingers will be tightened more than necessary, causing discomfort and pain to the subject. May cause inconveniences such as inadequate installation, unstable mounting, and inaccurate measurement.

  Therefore, the present invention can accurately measure biometric information over a long period of time regardless of the thickness of the finger to be worn, and can reduce discomfort and pain in the finger on which the subject is worn. It is an object to provide a probe that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention has a pair of housings that are openably and closably connected, and a spring that biases a force in a direction in which the pair of housings closes, and clamps fingers to measure biological information. And it is characterized by providing the force adjustment mechanism which adjusts the force of the said spring.

  According to this configuration, by providing the force adjustment mechanism, it is possible to adjust the contact pressure on the finger when the probe is attached to the finger. By adjusting the contact pressure, the attached probe is less likely to be displaced from the finger regardless of the thickness of the finger, and the subject can reduce discomfort and pain.

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide a biological information measuring probe capable of measuring biological information while reducing discomfort and pain felt by the subject accurately and continuously for a long period of time.

  In the above configuration, the spring is a coil spring, and the force adjustment mechanism includes a pair of spring support portions that respectively support both ends of the spring, and at least one of the pair of spring support portions is movable.

  By using a coil spring as the spring, the amount of force can be adjusted easily and accurately.

  In the above configuration, the force adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment gear rotatably attached to one of the pair of housings, and the pair of spring support portions includes a movable support portion attached to the adjustment gear; An immovable support portion attached to the other housing, a gear that meshes with the adjustment gear, and an adjustment dial that rotates the adjustment gear to adjust the length of the spring.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to easily reduce the contact pressure acting on the finger from the probe only by operating the adjustment dial.

  In the above configuration, the adjustment dial includes a locking portion formed on the side surface at a predetermined interval in a pitch circle, and the force adjustment mechanism includes an engaging portion that engages with the locking portion. You may have the positioning stationary part provided. Examples of the locking portion include a concave hole into which the engaging portion is inserted, and a convex portion protruding from the side surface so as to engage with the engaging portion.

  In the above configuration, the force adjustment mechanism may include a rotation suppressing member that suppresses free rotation of at least one of the adjustment gear and the adjustment dial.

  In the above configuration, the pair of spring support portions includes a movable support portion that can move and a non-moving support portion that does not move, and the movable support portion is a cam formed on one side portion of the pair of housings. It may be slidably supported in the groove, and the stationary support portion may be disposed in the other housing.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The strip | belt shape formed along the circular arc which makes the center of the said stationary support part the center of curvature may be sufficient as the said cam groove.

  In the above configuration, the force adjustment mechanism may include a link rotatably supported at a position different from the stationary support portion of the other housing, and the link may support the movable support portion.

  In the above configuration, independent cam grooves are formed on both sides of the pair of housings, and the pair of spring support portions are slidably supported by the cam grooves formed in each housing. You may provide a pair of movable support part.

  In the above configuration, the spring may be a compression spring that is compressed and outputs a repulsive force, or may be a tension spring that is pulled and outputs a repulsive force.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately measure biological information over a long period of time regardless of the thickness of a finger to be worn, and to reduce discomfort and pain on the finger on which the subject is worn. It is possible to provide a probe that can

It is a perspective view in the state where the probe concerning the present invention was attached to a finger. It is sectional drawing of the probe shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of a force quantity adjustment mechanism. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the opening amount of a probe, and the amount of force of a spring. It is sectional drawing of the other example of the probe concerning this invention. It is sectional drawing when the probe shown in FIG. 5 opens small. It is sectional drawing when the probe shown in FIG. 5 opens large. It is sectional drawing of the other example of the probe concerning this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the probe shown in FIG. 8 opened.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a probe according to the present invention mounted on a finger, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the probe shown in FIG. The probe A according to the present invention is a probe for a pulse oximeter that is connected to a measuring device by a cable Ca and is attached to a finger of a subject and measures blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and a pulse.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the probe A includes an upper housing 1 disposed on the back side of the finger, a lower housing 2 disposed on the palm side of the finger, an upper housing 1 and a lower housing 2. , A spring 4 supported by one end on the upper housing 1 and the other end on the lower housing 2, and a force adjustment mechanism 5 for adjusting the force of the spring 4. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the upper housing 1 includes an upper hold portion 11 that comes into contact with the back side of the finger. The lower housing 2 includes a lower holding portion 21 that comes into contact with the palm side of the finger. The upper hold unit 11 and the lower hold unit 21 are members that press a finger. The upper hold part 11 or the lower hold part 21 is preferably in close contact with the finger, and a material that deforms in accordance with the shape of the finger, such as urethane foam resin or gel-like resin, can be used.

  The upper hold member 11 has a light emitting unit 12 that can emit light having a wavelength necessary for measurement (in the case of a pulse oximeter, about 660 nm: red light and about 880 nm: two different wavelengths of infrared light) to the finger. I have. Although the LED is used as the light emitting unit 12, the light emitting unit 12 is not limited thereto, and a light source (for example, a discharge tube, a laser light source, etc.) capable of emitting light of a predetermined wavelength can be widely used. It is. The lower hold unit 21 is provided with a light receiving unit 22 that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 12 and transmitted through the finger and converts the light amount into an electrical signal. The light receiving unit 22 is a silicon photodiode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an element that can convert light emitted from the light emitting unit 12 and transmitted through the finger into an electric signal can be widely used.

  The connecting portion 3 has an upper connecting portion 31 formed at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 1 and a lower connecting portion 32 formed at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the lower housing 2. The upper connecting portion 31 and the lower connecting portion 32 are arranged so as to overlap with each other, and are supported by the lower housing 2 and the upper housing 1 in contact with each other. The upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 rotate freely within the movable range around the connecting portion 3, so that the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21 approach or separate from each other. In addition, the axis | shaft may be penetrated so that the upper connection part 31 and the lower connection part 32 may not rotate a rotation center. Further, the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 are made to approach / separate an end portion on the opposite side to the upper holding portion 11 and the lower holding portion 21 with the connecting portion 3 interposed therebetween, so that the upper holding portion 11 and the lower holding part 21 can be separated / approached.

  The spring 4 is a coil spring. The spring 4 is disposed on the opposite side of the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21 with the connecting portion 3 interposed therebetween. The spring 4 is arranged so that its axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 when the probe A is closed. The spring 4 is attached (compressed) so as to be shorter than the natural length. When the probe A is not attached to the finger (hereinafter referred to as the initial state), the repulsive force of the spring 4 acts on the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2, and the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21. And are in pressure contact. The spring 4 is attached to the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 via a force amount adjusting mechanism 5, and the force amount of the spring 4 is adjusted by the force amount adjusting mechanism 5.

  The force adjustment mechanism 5 includes an adjustment gear 51 that is a spur gear rotatably supported by the upper housing 1, and a spur gear that meshes with the adjustment gear 51, and a part thereof is exposed to the outside of the upper housing 1. The adjustment dial 52, the movable support portion 53 protruding in the axial direction from the side surface of the adjustment gear 51, and supporting the upper end portion of the spring 4, and the immovable portion fixed to the lower housing 2 and supported by the lower end portion of the spring 4. And a support portion 54. The movable support portion 53 is a movable support portion, and the non-movable support portion 54 is a support portion that can only rotate in response to the movement of the movable support portion 53.

  The repulsive force of the spring 4 is transmitted to the adjustment gear 51 through the movable support portion 53. Then, it is transmitted to the upper housing 1 via the rotation shaft of the adjustment gear 51. On the other hand, the repulsive force of the spring 4 also acts on the stationary support portion 54, and acts on the lower housing 2 via the stationary support portion 54. The upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 are urged by the repulsive force of the spring 4 so that the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21 are in pressure contact with each other.

  When the probe A is stably attached to the finger, the upper hold unit 11 and the lower hold unit 21 hold the finger with a contact pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure. Due to this contact pressure, a frictional force is generated between the finger and the upper hold unit 11 and the lower hold unit 21 so that the probe A does not fall off. Further, when the contact pressure between the upper hold unit 11 and the lower hold unit 21 exceeds a certain pressure, the subject feels discomfort or pain in the fingers. In the probe A, the contact pressure is structurally determined by the amount of force of the spring 4. When the force of the spring 4 is within a certain range when attached to a finger, the probe A does not slide down. The subject is less likely to feel discomfort and / or pain.

  Details of the force adjustment mechanism 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the force adjustment mechanism. In FIG. 3, the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 are partially omitted, and only the position of the connecting portion 3 is shown.

  The portion of the adjustment dial 52 exposed from the upper housing 1 is moved, and the adjustment dial 52 is rotated. As the adjustment dial 52 rotates, the adjustment gear 51 meshed with the adjustment dial 52 is rotated, and the position of the movable support portion 53 is changed. As a result, the relative distance between the movable support portion 53 and the immobile support portion 54 changes.

  The probe A can change the distance between the movable support portion 53 and the immobile support portion 54 in three stages. The force adjustment mechanism 5 is provided with a positioning stationary portion 55 for stopping the movable support portion 53 at a predetermined position. The positioning stationary portion 55 is fixed to the upper housing 1, and includes a beam-shaped arm portion 551 that is elastically bent and an engagement portion 552 that is formed at the tip of the arm portion and that contacts the side surface of the adjustment dial 52. I have.

  The side surface of the adjustment dial 52 is provided with three concave holes 521 formed side by side on a pitch circle C1 centered on the rotation center. The concave hole 521 is a curved concave, and the engaging portion 552 is a convex portion formed with a curved surface whose tip is inserted and engaged with the concave hole 521. The concave hole 521 has a groove shape extending in the radial direction of the adjustment dial 52 so that the engaging portion 552 is inserted and engaged with the concave hole 521 even if the positions of the adjustment dial 52 and the stationary portion 55 are shifted. is doing.

  The positioning stationary portion 55 is disposed in a state where the arm portion 551 is bent, and the engaging portion 552 is pressed against the side surface of the adjustment dial 52 by a repulsive force due to the bending of the arm portion 551. The engaging portion 552 is disposed on the pitch circle C1.

  When the adjustment dial 52 is rotated and the concave hole 521 and the engaging portion 552 overlap, the engaging portion 552 engages with the concave hole 521, and the adjustment dial 52 does not rotate with the force so far. When the engaging portion 552 is fitted into the recessed hole 521, the rotation of the adjustment dial 52 is stopped. In addition, the larger the radius of the pitch circle C <b> 1, the larger the moment, and the smaller the force due to the engagement between the engagement portion 552 and the recessed hole 521. Since the engaging portion 552 engages with the respective recessed holes 521, the adjustment dial 52 and the adjustment gear 51 are suppressed from being rotated by the amount of force of the spring 4. It is possible to disengage the engagement portion 552 and the recessed hole 521 by moving the adjustment dial 52 with a force larger than the force of the spring 4. Moreover, the convex part which the engaging part 552 cannot get over easily instead of the concave hole 521 may be formed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the distance between the movable support 53 and the stationary support 54 changes, the length of the spring 4 supported at both ends by the movable support 53 and the stationary support 54 also changes. Since the spring 4 is compressed and attached to the probe A, when the length is shortened, the force of the repulsive force is increased, and conversely, when the length is increased, the force of the repulsive force is decreased. The probe A uses the change in the amount of repulsive force by the spring 4 to adjust the contact pressure when worn on the finger.

  The force amount of the spring 4 when the finger is held with the force amount of the spring 4 changed will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the probe opening amount and the spring force amount. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents the opening amount of the probe A, that is, the distance between the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21, and the vertical axis represents the amount of spring force. The distance between the upper hold unit 11 and the lower hold unit 21 is used instead of the thickness of the fingers.

  In FIG. 4, the force amount P <b> 1 is the force amount of the spring 4 that is the minimum necessary for suppressing the attached probe A from falling off the finger. Further, the force P2 is the maximum force of the spring 4 in which the subject is less likely to feel discomfort and / or pain in the finger wearing the probe A. That is, if the amount of force of the spring 4 is within P1-P2 (the shaded area in FIG. 4) regardless of the degree of opening of the probe A, it is difficult to shift and uncomfortable and / or painful. Hard to feel.

  The amount of force of the spring 4 is adjusted by moving the adjustment dial 52 and engaging the engaging portion 552 with one of the three recessed holes 521 formed in the adjustment dial 52. Here, for the sake of convenience, the concave hole 521 engages with the engaging portion 552 when the force of the spring 4 when the probe A is closed is the largest, and the concave hole engaged when the probe A is next large. Reference numeral 521b and a recessed hole 521c that is engaged when it is the smallest.

  First, the case where the engaging portion 552 is engaged with the intermediate concave hole 521b will be described. The relationship between the degree of opening of the probe A and the amount of force of the spring 4 at this time is shown by a straight line K1. As shown in FIG. 4, when the opening amount of the probe A changes to O2-O3, the force amount of the spring 4 falls between P1-P2. In other words, when the probe A is attached to a finger having a thickness with an opening amount of O2-O3, the probe A does not fall off, and it is difficult for the subject to feel uncomfortable and / or painful. The reason why the intermediate portion (opening amount O2-O3) is wider than the other portions is to deal with more subjects without operating the force adjustment mechanism 5.

  Next, consider the case where the probe A is attached to a thin finger. In the probe A, the engaging portion 552 is engaged with the recessed hole 521b, and the amount of force of the spring 4 changes along a straight line indicated by K1 with respect to the opening amount of the probe A. In this state, if the fingers held between the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21 are thin and the opening amount of the probe A is smaller than O2, the force amount of the spring 4 becomes smaller than P1. If the amount of force of the spring 4 is smaller than P1, the frictional force generated between the upper hold part 11 and the lower hold part 21 and the finger is reduced, and the probe A is not stably attached to the finger. .

  Therefore, the adjustment dial 52 is moved in the direction of the arrow a1 to change the concave hole with which the engaging portion 552 is engaged from the concave hole 521b to the concave hole 521a. Due to the movement of the adjustment dial 52, the adjustment gear 51 rotates in the direction of the arrow a2, and the spring 4 is shortened (compressed). Thereby, when the probe A is in an initial state (opening degree is 0), the force of the spring 4 is increased. The relationship between the opening amount of the probe A and the force amount of the spring 4 is as shown by a straight line K2 in FIG.

  When the opening amount of the probe A is between O1 and O2, the amount of force of the spring 4 falls between P1 and P2, as indicated by a straight line K2 in FIG. As a result, even when the fingers are thin and the opening amount of the probe A is between O1 and O2, sufficient frictional force is generated between the upper hold unit 11 and the lower hold unit 21 and the fingers. And can be stably attached to fingers. Further, since the force of the spring 4 does not exceed P2, the subject is less likely to feel discomfort or pain.

  Finally, consider the case where the probe A is attached to a thick finger. In the probe A, the engaging portion 552 is engaged with the recessed hole 521b, and the amount of force of the spring 4 changes along a straight line indicated by K1 with respect to the opening amount of the probe A. In this state, if the attached finger is thick and the opening amount of the probe A becomes larger than O3, the force amount of the spring 4 becomes larger than P2. When the force amount of the spring 4 becomes larger than P2, the contact pressure to the finger by the upper hold unit 11 and the lower hold unit 21 increases, and the subject feels discomfort and / or pain in the finger.

  Therefore, the adjustment dial 52 is moved in the direction of the arrow b1, and the concave hole with which the engaging portion 552 is engaged is changed from the concave hole 521b to the concave hole 521c. By the movement of the adjustment dial 52, the adjustment gear 51 is rotated in the direction of the arrow b2, and the spring 4 becomes longer (repulsive force is released). Thereby, when the probe A is in an initial state, the force of the spring 4 is reduced. The relationship between the opening amount of the probe A and the force amount of the spring 4 is as shown by a straight line K3 in FIG.

  When the opening amount of the probe A is between O3 and O4, as indicated by a straight line K3 in FIG. 4, the force amount of the spring 4 falls between P1 and P2. Thereby, even when the fingers are thick and the opening amount of the probe A is between O3 and O4, the force amount of the spring 4 becomes P1 or more, and the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21 are Sufficient frictional force is generated between them and it can be attached to the fingers stably. Further, since the force of the spring 4 does not exceed P2, the subject is less likely to feel discomfort or pain.

  As described above, the adjustment dial 52 is moved in accordance with the thickness of the finger and the force of the spring 4 when the probe A is in the initial state is adjusted (large when attached to a thin finger, when attached to a thick finger. The contact pressure to the fingers of the upper hold unit 11 and the lower hold unit 21 can be suppressed within a certain pressure range regardless of the thickness of the fingers. Thereby, even if the probe A is continuously worn for a long time, it is possible to make it difficult for the subject to feel discomfort and / or pain in the fingers. Further, even in the case of continuous wearing for a long time, the probe A can be prevented from being displaced or distorted with respect to the fingers. Thereby, the exact value of biological information (SpO2, a pulse, etc.) can be measured continuously for a long time.

  The position of the recessed hole 521 is not limited to the above. The position of the concave hole 521a is the relationship between the opening amount of the probe A and the force amount of the spring 4 when the engaging portion 552 is engaged with the concave hole 521a (indicated by K2 in FIG. 4). Any position that lies below the straight line PU is acceptable. In the straight line PU, the force amount of the spring 4 at the maximum value O2 of the opening amount of the probe A assuming that the finger is thin is P2, and when it is larger than this, when the opening amount is O2, the subject moves to the finger. Feeling uncomfortable and / or painful. Further, the position of the recessed hole 521c is the relationship between the opening amount of the probe A and the force amount of the spring 4 when the engaging portion 552 is engaged with the recessed hole 521c (indicated by K3 in FIG. 4). Any position may be used as long as it is above the middle straight line PD. In the straight line PD, the amount of force of the spring 4 when the opening amount of the probe A is O3 is P1.

  Note that the position of the concave hole 521 may be determined so that the straight line K3 is above the line (PD2 in FIG. 4) where the force amount of the spring 4 becomes zero when the opening amount of the probe A is zero. By adjusting the position of the recessed hole 521c (indicated by K3 in FIG. 4) to be larger than PD2, the probe A can be moved even when the degree of opening of the probe A is 0 (that is, the finger is not pinched). It can be closed by the amount of force of the spring 4.

  Since the opening amount of the probe A may exceed the minimum value or the maximum value of the setting range when worn on the finger, when the opening amount of the probe A is the minimum value, the force amount of the spring 4 is P1. When the opening amount is a maximum value, the force amount of the spring 4 is preferably set to be smaller than P2.

  Depending on the amount of force of the spring 4, the rotation of the adjustment gear 51 may be limited by appropriately determining the outer diameters of the adjustment gear 51 and the adjustment dial 52. In this case, the engaging portion 552 and the recessed hole 521 may be engaged to such an extent that a click feeling that allows the user to confirm the position of the adjustment dial 52 is generated, and the recessed hole 521 may be shallow.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the adjustment of the force amount of the spring 4 is described as an example in three steps. However, the adjustment is not limited to this, and the adjustment can be performed in two or more steps. That's fine. Moreover, what can be adjusted continuously may be used. In this case, the force adjustment mechanism is not as described above, and includes a mechanism that contacts the adjustment gear 51 and / or a part of the adjustment dial 52 and suppresses the rotation due to the force of the spring 4 by the frictional force. Can do. Examples of the rotation suppression member that generates such a frictional force include shims disposed between the adjustment gear 51 and / or the adjustment dial 52 and the rotation shaft. If the rotation of the adjustment gear 51 by the amount of force of the spring 4 can be limited by appropriately determining the sizes of the adjustment dial 52 and the adjustment gear 51, a member that generates a frictional force may not be provided.

  Furthermore, although the coil spring attached so that it may repel by compression is mentioned as the spring 4 used for the probe A, you may attach so that it may repel by being pulled. The spring 4 was disposed on the opposite side of the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21 with the connecting portion 3 interposed therebetween. However, when used for pulling, the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion with respect to the connecting portion 3 are used. It is arranged on the same side as the part 21. Moreover, since it is pulled and generates a repulsive force, when it is attached, it is attached in a pulled state. Further, the force amount adjusting mechanism is configured to adjust the length of the spring by increasing the length of the spring and by adjusting the length of the spring by decreasing the length of the spring.

  Another example of the probe according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a side view of another example of the probe according to the present invention. The probe B shown in FIG. 5 has the same configuration as the probe A except that the force adjustment mechanism 6 is different, and substantially the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the probe B, the spring 4 is attached so as to generate a force in the pulling direction. Detailed descriptions of substantially the same parts are omitted.

  In the probe B shown in FIG. 5, the force adjustment mechanism 6 is disposed on the same side as the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21 with respect to the connecting portion 3, and is formed in a cam groove 60 formed in the upper housing 1. The movable support part 63 arrange | positioned so that sliding is possible, the immovable support part 64 attached to the lower housing 2, and the link 61 by which the edge part was attached to the movable support part 63 are provided.

  The link 61 includes a rotation support portion 611 that is rotatably supported by the lower housing 2 and a rotation engagement portion 612 that is rotatably engaged with the movable support portion 63. Both the rotation support portion 611 and the stationary support portion 64 of the link 61 are disposed in the lower housing 2, and the rotation support portion 611, the rotation engagement portion 612, and the stationary support portion 64 regardless of the position of the movable support portion 63. Is always placed at the position of the vertex of the triangle.

  The cam groove 60 is formed in the side portion of the upper housing 1. The probe B shown in FIG. 5 is a through-hole penetrating from the inside of the side portion of the upper housing 1 to the outside, but is not limited thereto, and is a concave groove formed inside the side portion of the upper housing 1. Also good. The movable support portion 63 is engaged with the cam groove 60. The cam groove 60 has a shape that can guide the movable support 63 so that when the probe B is opened, the angle of the link 61 with respect to the lower housing 2 is constant or substantially constant. Thereby, the length of the spring 4 is always constant, and the amount of repulsive force acting on the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 from the spring 4 can be suppressed.

  The spring 4 has an upper end portion attached to the movable support portion 63 and a lower end portion attached to the immobile support portion 64. The spring 4 is a coil spring, and includes fitting portions 41 that can be engaged with the movable support portion 63 or the non-moving support portion 64 at both ends so as to intersect (orthogonal to) the central axis of the coil. The fitting portion 41 may be in a coil shape or may be only bent in a curved shape. Moreover, in order to balance, two springs 4 may be provided on both sides of the probe B, respectively.

  The operation of the probe B will be described with reference to the drawings. 6 and 7 are sectional views of the probe in a small open state and a wide open state, respectively. In the probe B, the spring 4 is attached to the movable support portion 63 and the non-movable support portion 64 in a state where a force in the pulling direction is generated. As shown in FIG. 5, when the probe B is in the closed state, the movable support portion 63 is located at the upper end portion of the cam groove 60 (in other words, the farthest place from the lower housing 2).

  The spring 4 generates a force in a contracting direction, and the force acts on the upper housing 1 via the movable support portion 63 and the cam groove 60 and acts on the lower housing 2 via the immobile support portion 64. The upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21 are pressed against each other by the force of the spring 4 (see FIG. 5).

  When the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 of the probe B are rotated around the connecting portion 3 so that the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21 are separated, the movable support portion 63 is pulled by the link 61, The cam groove 60 moves downward (in other words, in a direction approaching the lower housing 2). Since the distance between the cam groove 60 and the stationary support portion 64 is constant, the amount of force of the spring 4 does not change, and the amount of force acting on the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 is also constant or substantially constant. Accordingly, the contact pressure acting on the finger from the upper hold part 11 and the lower hold part 21 when the finger is sandwiched is also constant or substantially constant (see FIG. 6).

  When the opening amount of the probe B is further increased, the movable support portion 63 is pulled by the link 61 and moves further down the cam groove 60 (in other words, in a direction approaching the lower housing 2). Then, when the opening amount of the probe B reaches the limit, the movable support portion 63 reaches the lower end portion of the cam groove 60. Until the link 61 reaches the lower end of the cam groove 60, the length of the spring 4, that is, the amount of force is constant or substantially constant (see FIG. 7).

  As described above, in the probe B, the movable support portion 62 moves along the cam groove 60, and the movement is adjusted by the link 61. Therefore, even if the distance between the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21 changes. The amount of force acting on the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 by the tension of the spring 4 falls within a certain range. By using the probe B, the contact pressure can be kept within a certain range regardless of the thickness of the fingers, and even if the thickness of the fingers changes, the probe B can be stably worn and applied to the subject. It is difficult to feel discomfort and pain, and biological information can be accurately measured continuously for a long time.

  In the probe B, the cam groove 60 has a shape that guides the movable support portion 63 so that the angle of the link 61 with respect to the lower housing 2 is constant. However, the cam groove 60 is not limited thereto, and is not limited thereto. It is possible to widely adopt a shape for guiding the movable support portion 63 so that the amount of force acting on the first and lower housings 2 is constant or substantially constant.

  Further, the force of the spring 4 can be adjusted by changing the cam groove, and the contact pressure when contacting the fingers of the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21 can be made more accurate. In the probe B shown in FIG. 5, when the probe B is closed, the direction in which the upper hold unit 11 and the lower hold unit 21 press the fingers and the direction in which the force of the spring 4 is generated are directed in substantially the same direction (FIG. reference). However, when the probe B is opened, the angle of the spring 4 with respect to the upper hold part 11 and the lower hold part 21 changes, and the force of the spring 4 and the direction in which the upper hold part 11 and the lower hold part 21 press the fingers are determined. They do not match (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  Therefore, in the probe B, as the shape of the cam groove 60 is moved to the lower end portion (portion close to the lower housing 2), the distance between the movable support portion 63 and the stationary support portion 64, that is, the spring 4 is changed. You may form so that the length of may become long. By forming the cam groove 60 so that the amount of force of the spring 4 is increased, even if the direction of the force of the spring 4 is deviated from the direction in which the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21 contact and press the fingers, The contact pressure when the holding unit 11 and the lower holding unit 21 come into contact with fingers can be made constant. As a result, even if the opening amount of the probe B changes in the probe B, the contact pressure acting on the finger can always be kept constant, the probe B may be displaced, and the subject may feel uncomfortable or painful. It is difficult to measure biological information continuously for a long time.

  In the probe B, the cam groove 60 is formed in the upper housing 1, and the rotation support portion 611 and the non-moving support portion 64 of the link 61 are attached to the lower housing 2. However, the probe B is not limited to this. Alternatively, the cam groove 60 may be formed in the lower housing 2, and the rotation support portion 611 and the non-moving support portion 64 of the link 61 may be attached to the upper housing 1. The rotation support part 611 and the non-moving support part 64 of the link 61 are attached to the same side, and the cam groove 60 should just be formed in the opposite side.

  Still another example of the probe of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a closed state of still another example of the probe according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a state where the probe shown in FIG. 8 is opened. The probe C shown in FIG. 8 has the same configuration as the probe B shown in FIG. 5 and the like except that the force adjustment mechanism 7 is different, and substantially the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of substantially the same parts are omitted.

  In the probe C shown in FIG. 8, the force adjustment mechanism 7 is slidable in the upper cam groove 701 formed in the upper housing 1, the lower cam groove 702 formed in the lower housing 2, and the upper cam groove 701. An upper movable support portion 71 engaged with one end of the spring 4 and a lower movable support portion 72 slidably engaged with the lower cam groove 702 and supported with the other end of the spring 4. I have.

  The upper cam groove 701 is a through hole that is curved toward the upper side, and is formed in a side portion of the upper housing 1. As shown in FIG. 8, the upper cam groove 701 is formed so as to approach the lower housing 2 as it approaches the upper hold portion 11. An upper movable support 71 is engaged with the upper cam groove 701 so as to be slidable in the upper cam groove 701. The upper movable support 71 has a shape that is difficult to drop off from the upper cam groove 701 and is slidable (for example, a retaining member is provided on both sides of the upper cam groove 701).

  The lower cam groove 702 is a through hole having a shape curved toward the lower side, and is formed in a side portion of the lower housing 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the lower cam groove 702 is formed so as to approach the upper housing 1 as it approaches the lower hold portion 21. The lower movable support portion 72 is engaged with the lower cam groove 702 so as to be slidable in the lower cam groove 702. The lower movable support portion 72 has a slidable shape (for example, a retaining member is provided on both sides penetrating the lower cam groove 702) and is not easily dropped from the lower cam groove 702.

  In the closed state of the probe C, the spring 4 is pulled in advance and engaged with the upper movable support portion 71 and the lower movable support portion 72. Even when the probe C is closed, the spring 4 generates a tensile force, and the tensile force is applied to the upper housing 1 via the upper movable support 71 and the upper cam groove 701, and the lower movable support 72 and the lower side. It acts on the lower housing 2 via the cam groove 702. In the probe C, the upper hold portion 11 and the lower hold portion 21 are pressure-bonded by the tensile force of the spring 4. The spring 4 is orthogonal to the center line CL between the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2.

  At this time, the upper movable support portion 71 is disposed at the end portion on the upper hold portion 11 side of the upper cam groove 701, and the lower movable support portion 72 is an end portion on the lower hold portion 21 side of the lower cam groove 702. Is arranged. When the probe C is opened and the amount of opening is increased, the portion where the upper movable support portion 71 has been engaged is far from the lower housing 2. The upper movable support portion 71 is pulled by the tensile force of the spring 4, and the upper movable support portion 71 slides inside the upper cam groove 701 by the amount of force of the spring 4. Similarly, the lower movable support portion 72 slides inside the lower cam groove 702 by the amount of force of the spring 4.

  When the upper movable support 71 and the lower movable support 72 are moved by the amount of force of the spring 4, the upper cam groove 701 and the lower cam groove 702 have a certain distance between the upper movable support 71 and the lower movable support 72. It is formed in the shape that keeps. At the same time, when the upper movable support portion 71 and the lower movable support portion 72 slide, the spring 4 maintains a state orthogonal to the center line CL between the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 (FIG. 9).

  Since the length of the spring 4 does not change, even if the opening amount of the probe C changes, the force amount of the spring 4 remains constant. Further, since the upper movable support portion 71 and the lower movable support portion 72 move so that the spring 4 is always kept orthogonal to the center line CL, the upper movable support portion 71 and the lower movable support portion are moved. 72 easily slide in the upper cam groove 701 and the lower cam groove 702, respectively.

  Even when the opening amount of the probe C is changed, the force amount and the acting direction of the spring 4 are constant. As a result, the probe C clamps the finger with a constant or substantially constant contact pressure regardless of the thickness of the finger. By setting the contact pressure within a range in which the probe C is less likely to be displaced and the subject is less likely to feel discomfort and pain in the finger, the probe C causes discomfort and pain to the subject continuously for a long time. It is possible to measure the measurement of biological information without any problem.

  In the present embodiment, the upper movable support portion 71 and the lower movable support portion 72 are described as being movable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the support portion is provided as one of them. May be fixed. Further, since the spring 4 is always orthogonal to the center line CL, there is a case where the force in the closing direction when the force is constant, that is, the force in the direction of closing the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 around the connecting portion 3 is insufficient. is there. Therefore, in order to suppress a shortage of force, the upper cam groove 701 and the lower cam groove 702 may be formed so that the length of the spring 4 gradually increases as the opening amount of the probe C increases. .

  The above description of the embodiment is for explaining the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention described in the claims or reducing the scope thereof. It is needless to say that each part configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the technical scope described in the claims.

  The probe according to the present invention can be used as a measurement probe of a photoelectric pulse wave measuring apparatus that is attached to a finger and continuously measures a pulse and blood oxygen saturation for a long time.

A Probe 1 Upper housing 11 Upper hold portion 12 Light emitting portion 2 Lower housing 21 Lower hold portion 22 Light receiving portion 3 Connection portion 4 Spring 5 Force adjustment mechanism 51 Adjustment gear 52 Adjustment dial 53 Movable support portion 54 Non-moving support portion 55 Positioning stationary Part

Claims (11)

A pair of housings formed to be openable and closable;
A probe for biasing a force in the closing direction of the pair of housings, and measuring biological information by sandwiching fingers.
A biological information measuring probe comprising a force adjustment mechanism for adjusting the force of the spring. The spring is a coil spring, and the force adjustment mechanism includes a pair of spring support portions that respectively support both ends of the spring.
The biological information measuring probe according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the pair of spring support portions is movable. The force adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment gear rotatably attached to one of the pair of housings,
The pair of spring support portions includes a movable support portion attached to the adjustment gear, and a stationary support portion attached to the other housing.
The biological information measuring probe according to claim 2, further comprising a gear that meshes with the adjustment gear, and an adjustment dial that rotates the adjustment gear to adjust a length of a spring. The adjustment dial includes a locking portion formed on the side surface at a predetermined interval in a single pitch circle,
The biological information measuring probe according to claim 3, wherein the force adjustment mechanism includes a positioning stationary portion having an engaging portion that engages with the locking portion.   5. The biological information measuring probe according to claim 3, wherein the force adjustment mechanism includes a rotation suppressing member that suppresses free rotation of at least one of the adjustment gear and the adjustment dial. The pair of spring support portions includes a movable support portion that can move and a non-moving support portion that does not move.
The movable support portion is slidably supported in a cam groove formed on one side of the pair of housings,
The biological information measuring probe according to claim 2, wherein the stationary support portion is disposed in the other housing.   The biological information measuring probe according to claim 6, wherein the cam groove is formed so that an angle rising from the other housing of the link is constant when the pair of housings are opened. The force adjustment mechanism includes a link rotatably supported at a position different from the stationary support portion of the other housing;
The biological information measuring probe according to claim 6, wherein the link supports the movable support portion. Independent cam grooves are formed on both sides of the pair of housings,
The biological information measuring probe according to claim 2, wherein the pair of spring support portions includes a pair of movable support portions slidably supported in cam grooves formed in each housing.   The biological information measuring probe according to claim 1, wherein the spring is a compression spring that is compressed to output a repulsive force.   The biological information measuring probe according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the spring is a tension spring that is pulled to output a repulsive force.

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