JP2011218012A - Sphygmomanometer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sphygmomanometer with the rubber bulb attached to a measuring instrument body, wherein attachment and detachment of a rubber bulb can be performed more easily and in a shorter time than in the case when a screw type structure is adopted for mounting the rubber bulb.SOLUTION: The sphygmomanometer includes a sphygmomanometer body which is connected to a cuff unit by the medium of a tube. The sphygmomanometer body has a receiving member 33 which is held in a fixed state by a body case, while a rubber bulb unit has a connecting member 73 which is attached to the rubber bulb. The receiving member 33 has a tubular part 33a one end of which is opened, while the connecting member 73 has a pair of flexible locking pieces 75a. Each of the paired locking pieces 75a has a projection-shaped hook part 75e, and this hook part 75e is constituted, so as to contact with the inner surface of the tubular part 33a by a deflection reaction force of the locking piece 75a inside the tubular part 33a, while being caught on the opening edge of the tubular part 33a by release of the deflection reaction force of the locking piece 75a at the opening edge of the tubular part 33a.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sphygmomanometer used for blood pressure measurement.

  One form of sphygmomanometer is one in which a sphygmomanometer body and a cuff unit are connected by a tube, and a rubber ball is assembled to the sphygmomanometer body. When measuring blood pressure using this type of sphygmomanometer, the following procedure is taken. First, a cuff unit is wrapped around and attached to the arm of a person to be measured for blood pressure measurement. Next, air is sent into the cuff unit through the tube from the sphygmomanometer body side by repeatedly grasping the rubber ball. Then, since the arm of the person to be measured is tightened by the cuff unit, the artery in that portion is compressed and the blood flow is stopped. Next, gradually remove air from the cuff unit. Then, as the air is released, the cuff unit is loosened and blood starts to flow again. At this time, the sound that the blood that has started to flow collides with the blood vessel, that is, the Korotkoff sound, is detected by, for example, a sensor built in the sphygmomanometer body, and based on the detection result, blood pressure measurement values (maximum blood pressure value and minimum blood pressure value) are obtained. obtain.

  In general, rubber balls used for blood pressure measurement are deteriorated in characteristics such as elasticity due to an increase in the number of uses and factors over time. For this reason, it is necessary to replace the rubber balls when they are used for a certain period of time. As a structure for attaching the rubber ball to the sphygmomanometer body, a structure in which a male screw and a female screw are combined (hereinafter referred to as a “screw structure”) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-75439 A

However, when attaching a rubber ball with a screw type structure, there were the following problems.
That is, each time a rubber ball is attached to the sphygmomanometer body, it is necessary to hold the rubber ball with a hand and rotate it. Moreover, in order to attach a rubber ball stably, it is necessary to ensure the length of a screw long to some extent. If it does so, the frequency | count of turning the rubber ball required at the time of attachment will increase. For this reason, the mounting operation of the rubber ball becomes troublesome.

  In addition, the rubber ball itself has a flexible elasticity unique to rubber. For this reason, when the rubber ball is turned by hand, the rubber ball is likely to be elastically deformed. The elastic deformation of a rubber ball is, for example, a psychological phenomenon that says, “If the rubber ball is rotated with a stronger force, the rubber ball mounting part will be damaged.” Give a feeling of oppression. Therefore, a psychological hesitation occurs when the rubber ball is rotated and fixed. As a result, there is a drawback in that the rubber ball mounting portion tends to be insufficiently tightened. Also, if the tightening is weak, the tightening may gradually loosen during subsequent use, and if it is tightened too much to avoid it, it will be difficult to remove this time. This is because if the rubber ball is tightened strongly, the rotational torque required for removal increases accordingly.

  The main object of the present invention is to attach and detach rubber balls in a sphygmomanometer with a rubber ball assembled to the measuring instrument body in a simple and short time compared to the case where a screw type structure is adopted for the rubber ball mounting structure. It is to provide a technology that can be performed in

The first aspect of the present invention is:
A cuff unit wound around a passage of an artery of a subject to be measured for blood pressure;
A sphygmomanometer body connected to the cuff unit via a tube,
The blood pressure monitor body is
A measuring instrument unit having a blood pressure measurement function;
A rubber ball unit for sending air to the cuff unit through the tube;
The rubber ball unit is
With rubber balls,
A connecting member attached to the rubber ball for connecting the rubber ball to the measuring instrument unit;
The instrument unit is
A body case,
A holding member that is held in a fixed state in the main body case and receives the connecting member;
The receiving member has a cylindrical portion having one end opened;
The connecting member is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the receiving member, and has a pair of locking pieces having flexibility in the radial direction of the opening of the receiving member,
Each of the pair of locking pieces has a hooking portion that is convex in the diameter-expanding direction of the opening of the receiving member, and the hooking portion is caused by the reaction force of the locking piece inside the cylindrical portion. The sphygmomanometer is configured to come into contact with the inner surface of the cylinder part and to be caught at the opening edge of the cylinder part by releasing the bending reaction force of the locking piece at the opening edge of the cylinder part. .

The second aspect of the present invention is:
The cylindrical portion has a pair of engaging portions formed in a concave shape in a part of the opening edge of the cylindrical portion,
The sphygmomanometer according to the first aspect, wherein each of the pair of locking pieces is configured to be hooked by the pair of engaging portions corresponding to the pair of locking pieces.

The third aspect of the present invention is:
Each of the pair of locking pieces has a tapered portion that is located on one side in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion and is formed at one end of the hooking portion. 1. The blood pressure monitor according to 1.

The fourth aspect of the present invention is:
In the first, second, or third aspect, an operation direction notifying unit that indicates an operation direction when the rubber ball is removed from the measuring instrument unit is formed on an outer surface of the main body case. The blood pressure monitor as described.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention,
The sphygmomanometer according to the fourth aspect, wherein the operation direction notation unit is formed by a combination of an arrow indicating the operation direction and a character indicating the content of the operation.

The sixth aspect of the present invention is:
The connecting member is connected to the main body case using the receiving member, and located at the connecting portion, the connecting member and the case main body are provided with marks respectively. The blood pressure monitor according to any one of the fifth aspect.

  According to the present invention, in a sphygmomanometer in which a rubber ball is assembled to the measuring instrument main body, the rubber ball can be attached and detached easily and in a shorter time than when a screw-type structure is adopted for the rubber ball mounting structure. be able to.

It is the schematic which shows the whole structure of the blood pressure meter which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of a blood pressure meter main body. (A) is an exploded perspective view of the upper case unit, and (B) is an assembled perspective view of the upper case unit. (A) is the perspective view which looked at the case half of the upper case unit from the upper side (front side), (B) is the perspective view which looked at the case half of the upper case unit from the lower side (back side). It is a figure for demonstrating the function of a pressurization assistance part. (A) is a perspective view when the substrate unit is viewed from above, and (B) is a perspective view when the substrate unit is viewed from below. It is a disassembled perspective view of a connector unit. It is an assembly transition diagram of a connector unit. It is a figure which shows the state after the assembly of a connector unit. (A), (B), (C) is a perspective view which shows the structure of a receiving member. (A), (B) is a perspective view which shows the structure of an air plug. (A) is the perspective view which looked at the bottom case unit from the upper side, (B) is the perspective view which looked at the bottom case unit from the lower side. (A) is an exploded perspective view when the bottom case unit is viewed from the upper side, and (B) is an exploded perspective view when the bottom case unit is viewed from the lower side. (A)-(C) is a perspective view which shows the structure of a rubber ball unit, and its assembly procedure. (A), (B), (C) is a perspective view which shows the structure of a connection member. It is FIG. (1) explaining the assembly procedure of a blood pressure meter main body. It is FIG. (2) explaining the assembly procedure of a blood pressure meter main body. It is FIG. (3) explaining the assembly procedure of a blood pressure meter main body. It is FIG. (4) explaining the assembly procedure of a blood pressure meter main body. It is FIG. (5) explaining the assembly procedure of a blood pressure meter main body. (A), (B) is a figure which shows the state after the assembly of the blood pressure meter main body. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the tube connection part (JJ arrow part of FIG. 21) of the blood pressure meter main body, (B) is the perspective view. (A), (B) is a figure which shows an example of the swing operation | movement of an air plug. (A) is a bottom view of the case half of the bottom case unit, and (B) is a partially enlarged view thereof. It is a perspective view which shows a state when mounting | wearing a measuring device unit with a rubber ball unit. It is a transition figure when connecting a receiving member and a connection member. It is a figure explaining rotation operation when removing a rubber ball unit from a measuring instrument unit.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
In the embodiment of the present invention, description will be given in the following order.
1. 1. Overall configuration of sphygmomanometer 2. Configuration of sphygmomanometer body Assembling procedure of blood pressure monitor body 4. 4. Air connector and air plug mounting condition 5. Mounting state of receiving member and connecting member Effects of the embodiment 7. Modified example

<1. Overall configuration of sphygmomanometer>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a sphygmomanometer according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, main components of the sphygmomanometer 1 are listed so that the configuration of the sphygmomanometer 1 can be easily understood, and then an outline of each component is described.
The sphygmomanometer 1 includes a sphygmomanometer body 2, a cuff unit 3, and a tube 4.

(Overview of blood pressure monitor)
The sphygmomanometer body 2 has various functions necessary for blood pressure measurement. As a specific example, the sphygmomanometer body 2 has various sensor functions necessary for blood pressure measurement, functions for displaying blood pressure measurement results and measurement history, air supply and exhaust functions, and operation functions. Etc. The sphygmomanometer body 2 can be held and handled by a person who measures blood pressure (hereinafter referred to as “measurer”). Details of the sphygmomanometer body 2 will be described later.

(Outline of cuff unit)
The cuff unit 3 is used for compressing the passage part of the artery of the measurement subject who is the subject of blood pressure measurement. The “arterial passage site” described here is a part of the body of the subject, for example, a part where the blood pressure can be measured by compressing the artery, such as an arm, wrist, ankle, thigh, or finger. Say. In the present embodiment, as an example, a cuff unit wound around the arm (generally, the upper arm) of the measurement subject is used. The cuff unit 3 is configured using a blood vessel compression band with an air bag called a cuff. The cuff unit 3 is used by being wound around the arm of the subject to press the arm of the subject. The cuff is entirely covered with a cloth or the like, and is fastened by, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener when wrapped around the arm of the person being measured. Incidentally, since the sphygmomanometer 1 can be handled by one person, the measurer and the person to be measured may be the same person.

(Outline of the tube)
The tube 4 is configured using, for example, an elongated rubber tube. The tube 4 is used between the sphygmomanometer body 2 and the cuff unit 3 when air is fed from the sphygmomanometer body 2 side to the cuff unit 3 or when air is taken from the cuff unit 3 to the sphygmomanometer body 2 side. It is what makes air go back and forth between.

<2. Configuration of sphygmomanometer body>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the sphygmomanometer body 2 will be described in detail.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sphygmomanometer body. The sphygmomanometer main body 2 is mainly composed of a measuring instrument unit 5 having a blood pressure measuring function and a rubber ball unit 6 for sending air to the cuff unit 3 through the measuring instrument unit 5.

(Overall configuration of measuring instrument unit)
The measuring instrument unit 5 includes an upper case unit 7, a board unit 8, a connector unit 9, and a bottom case unit 10.
Hereinafter, each component of the measuring instrument unit 5 will be described.

(Configuration of upper case unit)
3A is an exploded perspective view of the upper case unit, and FIG. 3B is an assembled perspective view of the upper case unit. 4A is a perspective view of the case half of the upper case unit as viewed from the upper side (front side), and FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the case half of the upper case unit as viewed from the lower side (back side). It is.

  The upper case unit 7 constitutes the upper case of the measuring instrument unit 5. The upper case unit 7 is configured by using a case half 11 and a display panel 12. The case half 11 is a molded body obtained by integral molding of resin, for example. The case half 11 is generally formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and the pressure assisting portion 13 is provided so as to protrude from one side of the rectangle.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the case half 11 has a backlight sensor hole 14, an air connector fixing holding portion 15a, an air plug fixing holding portion 15b, and a connecting member receiving member fixing. A holding portion 15c for use, a screw hole 16, a boss 17 for holding the substrate, a display window 18 and an operation button 19 are provided.

  The hole 14 and the holding portions 15a and 15b are provided on one side of the case half 11 opposite to the pressure assisting portion 13. The holding portion 15 c is provided at the base portion of the pressure assisting portion 13 of the case half 11. The screw holes 16 are provided at three locations around the window 18. The boss 17 is provided at one of the four corners of the case half 11. The window 18 is formed in a rectangular opening shape. When the sphygmomanometer 1 is used, the button 19 is pressed by the user when, for example, switching the power on / off state or changing the display content. A plurality of buttons 19 (four in the illustrated example) are provided side by side on one side of the case half 11 on the side where the pressure assisting portion 13 is provided.

  The pressure assisting part 13 is formed so as to be curved in accordance with the outer surface of a rubber ball described later. An elliptical hole 13 a is provided at the center of the pressure assisting part 13. The pressurizing assisting unit 13 suppresses shaking on the blood pressure monitor main body 2 side when the rubber ball is repeatedly gripped and pressurized. In the actual pressurizing operation, the measurer places the thumb and the base portion of the hand on the outer surface (upper surface) of the pressurizing assisting portion 13 and grips the rubber ball with four fingers other than the thumb. Then, as compared with the case where the pressurizing assisting portion 13 is not provided, the shaking of the measuring instrument unit 5 in the arrow direction in FIG. 5 is suppressed. Further, since the measurer can hold the rubber ball with the thumb part placed on the pressure assisting portion 13, the pressurizing operation can be easily performed.

  The display panel 12 is formed using, for example, a transparent or translucent resin so that at least a portion corresponding to the window 18 of the case half 11 transmits light. The display panel 12 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view with an outer dimension larger than the opening dimension of the window 18. The display panel 12 is formed with long holes 12a in accordance with the arrangement of the plurality of buttons 19. For example, the display panel 12 is provided with small claws over a plurality of locations on the outer periphery. The display panel 12 is attached (fixed) to the upper surface of the case half 11 by hooking these claw portions to the corresponding slits formed in the case half 11. In this mounted state, the window 18 of the case half 11 is covered with the display panel 12.

(Configuration of board unit)
FIG. 6A is a perspective view when the substrate unit is viewed from above, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view when the substrate unit is viewed from below. The board unit 8 includes a display function, a measurement function, an operation function, and the like as an example of functions related to blood pressure measurement. The board unit 8 includes a printed wiring board 20 serving as a base, a liquid crystal display unit 21, a holding claw 22, a backlight (not shown), a backlight sensor 23, a plurality of bosses 24, a pressure sensor 25, and a connector 26. It is the composition provided with.

  The printed wiring board 20 constitutes an electric circuit for realizing the various functions exemplified above. For example, electronic components such as transistors, switches, resistors, and capacitors (not shown) are mounted on the printed wiring board 20. A plurality of notches 20 a and 20 b are formed on the outer peripheral edge of the printed wiring board 20. Among these, the notch part 20a is formed in a round shape, and a total of three, one on each of the three sides of the printed wiring board 20, are provided. The cutout portion 20 b is formed in a rectangular shape, and only one cutout portion 20 b is provided on one side of the printed wiring board 20.

  The liquid crystal display unit 21 displays, for example, measurement related information such as a situation during measurement, a measurement result, and a measurement history. The backlight irradiates the liquid crystal display unit 21 with planar light from the back side (back side) of the liquid crystal display unit 21.

  The pressing claw 22 fixes the liquid crystal display unit 21 by pressing one side of the four sides of the liquid crystal display unit 21 at two locations. The backlight sensor 23 is a sensor for detecting ambient brightness and automatically controlling on / off of the backlight according to the ambient brightness. The backlight sensor 23 is visually recognized through the hole 14 (see FIG. 3) described above. The boss 24 is provided corresponding to the operation button 19 described above. Each boss 24 is configured to turn on a switch (not shown) with the pressing force of the pressing operation when the corresponding button 19 is pressed. The pressure sensor 25 is mounted on the printed wiring board 20. The pressure sensor 25 detects the pressure of air pressurized using rubber balls, which will be described later, and the pressure of air decompressed by exhaust. The connector 26 is a relay terminal for receiving power supply from a power source and exchanging electrical signals for measurement.

(Configuration of connector unit)
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit. FIG. 8 is an assembly transition diagram of the connector unit, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state after the connector unit is assembled.

  The connector unit 9 spatially connects the above-described tube 4 and the rubber ball of the rubber ball unit 6. The connector unit 9 includes a connector main body 31, a check valve 32, a receiving member 33, an air connector 34, and an air plug 35.

  The connector main body 31 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape as a whole. An elongated through hole is formed in the connector main body 31 along the central axis direction. A reduced diameter portion 36 having a reduced outer diameter is integrally formed at one end portion in the central axis direction (longitudinal direction) of the connector main body 31. As shown in FIG. 9B, the inner diameter of the connector main body 31 (the diameter of the through hole) gradually decreases from the substantially middle portion in the central axis direction toward the reduced diameter portion 36. The formation site has a substantially constant diameter.

  A mounting portion 37 is integrally formed on the other end side of the connector main body 31 in the central axis direction. The mounting portion 37 is formed for mounting the check valve 32 and the receiving member 33. The mounting portion 37 is formed so that its diameter changes in a stepped shape. The inner diameter and the outer diameter of the mounting portion 37 are increased toward the end of the connector main body 31. The mounting portion 37 opens at the end of the connector main body 31 with the maximum opening diameter.

  A plurality of notches 37 a and 37 b are formed on the inner peripheral edge of the opening of the mounting portion 37. The plurality of notches 37 a and 37 b include two notches 37 a that face each other across the central axis of the connector main body 31 and two notches 37 b that also face each other. The positions of the two notches 37 a and the positions of the two notches 37 b are shifted by 90 degrees in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the connector body 31.

  The connector main body 31 is integrally formed with two branch portions 38a and 38b. The two branch portions 38a and 38b each have a hollow structure. The two branch portions 38 a and 38 b are provided side by side between the reduced diameter portion 36 and the mounting portion 37 in the central axis direction of the connector main body 31. That is, the branch portion 38a is provided on the reduced diameter portion 36 side, and the branch portion 38b is provided on the mounting portion 37 side. Each branch part 38a, 38b is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the connector body 31 (a direction in which the outer diameter of the connector body 31 increases).

  The check valve 32 is mounted inside the connector main body 31 through the opening of the mounting portion 37. The check valve 32 functions to prevent the backflow of air inside the connector body 31.

  The receiving member 33 is a member that coaxially receives a connecting member (a portion that becomes one element of the rubber ball unit 6) described later. The receiving member 33 is formed in a stepped shape having a circular cross section corresponding to the stepped structure of the mounting portion 37. As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C, the receiving member 33 has a cylindrical portion 33a, a seal mounting portion 33b, a fitting portion 33c, and a flange portion 33d. Yes. The cylindrical portion 33 a, the seal mounting portion 33 b, the fitting portion 33 c, and the collar portion 33 d are formed continuously in the central axis direction of the receiving member 33. Moreover, the cylinder part 33a, the seal mounting part 33b, and the fitting part 33c are each formed in a substantially cylindrical shape.

  The cylindrical portion 33 a is formed so as to protrude to one side in the central axis direction of the receiving member 33. One end of the cylindrical portion 33a opposite to the seal mounting portion 33b is open in a circular shape when viewed from the front. The opening edge of the cylindrical portion 33 a is mainly divided into four portions in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the receiving member 33. Of these four parts, two parts are engaging portions 33e that are recessed in the central axis direction of the receiving member 33, and the other two parts are fixed in the central axis direction of the receiving member 33. The guide portion 33f protrudes from the portion 33e. In FIG. 10C, the engaging portions 33e are arranged in pairs in the vertical direction in the drawing, and the guide portions 33f are arranged in pairs in the horizontal direction in the drawing. Further, the width W1 of the pair of upper and lower engaging portions 33e is set to be equal to each other. However, the formation position of the upper engagement portion 33e is shifted to the right side in the drawing with respect to the position of the central axis of the receiving member 33, and the formation position of the lower engagement portion 33e is shifted to the left side in the drawing. Yes. Further, four protrusions 33g are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 33a at a pitch of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. Each protrusion 33g is formed in a convex shape in cross section on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 33a along the central axis direction of the receiving member 33.

  The inner diameter and outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 33a are set smaller than the inner diameter and outer diameter of the seal mounting portion 33b, respectively. The seal mounting portion 33b is a portion for mounting an O-ring 39 described later. The inner diameter and outer diameter of the seal mounting portion 33b are set smaller than the inner diameter and outer diameter of the fitting portion 33c, respectively. The fitting part 33 c is a part fitted inside the mounting part 37. A plurality of convex portions 33h and 33i are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 33c.

  More specifically, the convex portion 33h is provided corresponding to the aforementioned notch portion 37b (see FIG. 8), and the convex portion 33i corresponds to the aforementioned notch portion 37a (see FIG. 8). It is provided. The two convex portions 33h are provided on the first axis among the two axes orthogonal to the central axis of the receiving member 33, and the other two convex portions 33i are provided on the second axis. . Further, the positions of the two convex portions 33 h and the positions of the two convex portions 33 i are shifted by 90 degrees in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the receiving member 33.

  The flange portion 33d is formed so as to protrude in the radial direction of the receiving member 33 from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 33c. The collar portion 33d is formed in accordance with the shape of the opening edge of the mounting portion 37 so that the collar portion 33d just overlaps the opening portion of the mounting portion 37 when the receiving member 33 is mounted on the mounting portion 37 described above. Yes.

  The receiving member 33 is mounted on the mounting portion 37 of the connector body 31 with the O-ring 39 mounted. The O-ring 39 is an airtight sealing member that prevents air leakage from a gap between the inner peripheral portion of the mounting portion 37 and the outer peripheral portion of the receiving member 33 corresponding thereto. The O-ring 39 is mounted on the seal mounting portion 33 b of the receiving member 33. The O-ring 39 fulfills an airtight sealing function by being pressed against the stepped portion on the inner peripheral side of the mounting portion 37 when the receiving member 33 is mounted on the mounting portion 37.

  The air connector 34 is a member that connects the connector main body 31 and the air plug 35. The air connector 34 is made of, for example, a rubber-like elastic body such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). When the air connector 34 is made of rubber, it is desirable to use a rubber having a hardness of about 70 degrees according to the Hs (JIS spring type) standard, for example.

  The air connector 34 is attached by being inserted into the reduced diameter portion 36 of the connector main body 31. The air connector 34 has a hollow structure with a circular cross section having a hole penetrating in the central axis direction of the air connector 34. Two flange portions 40 a are integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the air connector 34. The two flange portions 40 a are formed in a positional relationship adjacent to each other in the central axis direction of the air connector 34. A concave groove 40b is formed between the two flange portions 40a. The concave groove 40 b has a groove structure that is continuous over the entire circumference of the air connector 34. Further, when the air connector 34 is divided into the first connector portion 34a and the second connector portion 34b with the flange 40 formed as a boundary, the first connector portion 34a is arranged facing the connector main body 31 side, The second connector portion 34b is arranged facing the air plug 35 side.

  The inner diameter on the first connector portion 34a side and the inner diameter on the second connector portion 34b side are set to different diameters so as to match the corresponding portions. Specifically, the inner diameter on the first connector portion 34 a side is set to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the reduced diameter portion 36, for example, corresponding to the outer diameter of the reduced diameter portion 36 of the connector main body 31. On the other hand, the inner diameter on the second connector portion 34b side is set to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 44, for example, corresponding to the outer diameter of the insertion portion 44 of the air plug 35 described later. The reason why the relationship between the inner and outer diameters is set in this way is to prevent air leakage from each fitting portion.

  A mark 41 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first connector portion 34a. Corresponding to this mark 41, a mark 42 is also formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connector main body 31 and in the vicinity of the reduced diameter portion 36. Each of the marks 41 and 42 is formed in a V shape. And the direction (direction) of attachment of the air connector 34 with respect to the connector main body 31 is set to an appropriate direction by setting the V-shaped tip portions (acute angle portions) to face each other.

  The air plug 35 is a member for connecting the tube 4 described above to the sphygmomanometer body 2 and is disposed in a state of protruding from the sphygmomanometer body 2. The air plug 35 is a molded body obtained by integral molding of resin, for example. The air plug 35 is configured using, for example, a hard resin such as an ABS resin so that the tube 4 can be easily inserted. 11A and 11B, the air plug 35 includes an insertion portion 44, a plurality of claw portions 45a and 45b, a tube introduction portion 46, a circumferential groove 47, and a constricted portion 48. And the stopper part 49 is integrally formed. Inside the air plug 35, an elongated hole penetrating the air plug 35 in the central axis direction is formed.

  The insertion part 44 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The insertion part 44 is a part that is inserted into the air connector 34 described above. The plurality of claw portions 45 a and 45 b are formed in a state of being divided into four in the circumferential direction of the air plug 35. Among these, the two claw portions 45 a are arranged in a state of facing each other across the central axis of the air plug 35. Similarly, the remaining two claw portions 45b are also arranged to face each other across the central axis of the air plug 35. Each of the claw portions 45a and 45b is slightly bent in the radial direction of the air plug 35 by its own elastic deformation. Further, the end portions of the two claw portions 45a each have a hook structure that is bent outward (in a direction in which the diameter of the air plug 35 increases).

  The tube introduction portion 46 is a portion that guides insertion of the tube 4 when the end portion of the tube 4 described above is attached to the air plug 35. The tube introduction part 46 is formed in a tapered trapezoidal cone shape. Further, the outer diameter of the end portion of the tube introduction portion 46 on the circumferential groove 47 side is set slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tube 4.

  The circumferential groove 47 is formed to be continuous over the entire circumference of the air plug 35. The circumferential groove 47 is formed between the tube introducing portion 47 and the constricted portion 48 in the central axis direction of the air plug 35. The constricted portion 48 is formed at a substantially intermediate portion in the central axis direction of the air plug 35 and next to the circumferential groove 47. The constricted portion 48 is formed by constricting a part of the outer peripheral surface of the air plug 35. Further, in the central axis direction of the air plug 35, a boundary portion between the circumferential groove 47 and the constricted portion 48 protrudes in the radial direction of the air plug 35, and the outer diameter of the protruding portion 50 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the tube 4. It is set large. The reason for setting such a dimensional relationship is that when the tube 4 is inserted into the air plug 35, the protruding portion 50 is always brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tube 4 to prevent air leakage therefrom. .

  The stopper portion 49 regulates the terminal position of the insertion of the tube 4 attached through the tube introduction portion 46. The stopper portion 49 is provided on one end side of the constricted portion 48 and on the side opposite to the circumferential groove 47 in the central axis direction of the air plug 35. The stopper portion 49 is formed in a tapered shape so as to continue from the constricted portion 48. The maximum outer diameter of the stopper portion 49 is set larger than the inner diameter of the tube 4 in order to regulate the terminal end position of the insertion of the tube 4 by abutment.

(Configuration of bottom case unit)
FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the bottom case unit as viewed from above, and FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the bottom case unit as viewed from below. FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view when the bottom case unit is viewed from above, and FIG. 13B is an exploded perspective view when the bottom case unit is viewed from below.

  The bottom case unit 10 constitutes a lower case of the measuring instrument unit 5. Further, the bottom case unit 10 constitutes a main body case of the sphygmomanometer main body 2 in combination with the above-described upper case unit 7. The bottom case unit 10 is configured using a case half 51 and a battery cover 52. The case half 51 is combined with the case half 11 of the upper case unit 7 described above. Similar to the case half 11, the case half 51 is a molded body obtained by integral molding of a resin, for example, and is generally formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view.

  A battery mounting portion 53 is integrally formed on the outer surface side of the case half 51. The battery mounting portion 53 is a portion for detachably mounting a battery that is a main power source of the sphygmomanometer 1. A battery terminal 54 that is in electrical and mechanical contact with the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery mounted on the battery mounting portion 53 is mounted on both ends of the battery mounting portion 53. In addition, a seal 59 (see FIG. 2) is attached to a portion 51a edged in a rectangle on the outer surface of the case half 51. For example, the seal 59 is attached to indicate the product model number of the sphygmomanometer 1.

  In addition, a flange 66 is provided at one end of the case half 51 as shown in FIGS. The collar portion 66 is formed integrally with the case half 51 so as to protrude like a “cap collar”. On the outer surface of the case half 51, there are formed a mark 67 and an operation direction notation 68 that are positioned in the vicinity of the collar 66. The mark 67 and the operation direction notation portion 68 are formed in the vicinity of a portion where the rubber ball 71 is attached, in a state of being close to each other. Further, the mark 67 is formed in a triangular shape (which may be V-shaped) in which one top portion is arranged outward. The operation direction notation unit 68 is a part that indicates the operation direction when the rubber ball 71 is removed from the measuring instrument unit 5. The operation direction notation section 68 is formed by a combination of the arrow indicating the operation direction and characters indicating the content of the operation (“OPEN” in the illustrated example).

  On the inner surface side of the case half 51, a plurality (three in the illustrated example) of bosses 55 that support the substrate unit 8 described above and a plurality (four in the illustrated example) that both support the substrate unit 8 and guide the mounting position. Bosses 56, a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) bosses 57 that serve both for fixing the substrate unit 8 and guiding the mounting position, and presser claws 58 for pressing the substrate unit 8.

  The plurality of bosses 55 support the substrate unit 8 from below by placing the substrate unit 8 on each boss 55. Projections are formed on the upper ends of the plurality of bosses 56, respectively. Each of the bosses 56 is attached to the board unit 8 in such a manner that the protruding portion at the upper end thereof is hooked correspondingly to a notch part or a part near the board edge provided on the printed wiring board 20 of the board unit 8. Regulate the position. The plurality of bosses 57 are portions through which screws 84 (see FIG. 2) described later are passed when the entire measuring instrument unit 5 is fixed together by screwing. Protrusions that restrict the mounting position of the substrate unit 8 are also formed on the upper ends of the bosses 57, respectively.

  In addition, a tray portion 60 is provided on the inner surface side of the case half 51. The saucer part 60 is a part for mounting the buzzer 63. For this reason, the tray part 60 is formed in a circular shape in accordance with the size and shape of the buzzer 63. The buzzer 63 is for informing the measurer or the person to be measured of the occurrence of any abnormality or measurement error, or the confirmation of the operation when the button 19 is operated or the end of blood pressure measurement, etc. by the generation of a buzzer sound. Further, on the inner surface side of the case half 51, holding portions 61a, 61b, 61c for holding the receiving member 33, the air connector 34, and the air plug 35 with the case half 11 of the upper case unit 7 described above, respectively. Is provided.

  Of the three holding portions 61a, 61b, 61c, the holding portion 61a is a combination of the above-described holding portion 15a on the upper case unit 7 side and a slit space for accommodating the flange portion 40a of the air connector 34, or an air connector. A plate-like portion fitted into the 34 concave grooves 40b is formed. The holding portion 61b has a circular cross-sectional peripheral wall portion where the claw portion 45a of the air plug 35 is hooked or a circular cross-section where the claw portion 45b of the air plug 35 contacts by combination with the holding portion 15b on the upper case unit 7 side described above. A peripheral wall portion is formed. The holding portion 61c is a circumferential groove having a circular cross section that holds the receiving member 33 and the end portion of the connector main body 31 (opening edge portion of the mounting portion 37) in combination with the holding portion 15c on the upper case unit 7 side described above. A part is formed. The holding portion 61 c is formed inside the root portion of the flange portion 66.

  The battery cover 52 is an insulating cover that covers the battery mounting portion 53 formed in the case half 51. The battery cover 52 is integrally formed with two support shafts 52a and one hooking claw 52b. The two support shafts 52a are formed so as to face each other on the same axis. The two support shafts 52a support the battery cover 52 so that the battery cover 52 can be freely opened and closed by fitting into two small holes provided in the case half 51 when the battery cover 52 is attached to the case half 51. is there. When the case halves 11 and 51 are combined, the hooking claw 52b is hooked on a part of the case half 11 to hold the battery cover 52 in a closed state.

(Configuration of rubber ball unit)
14A to 14C are perspective views showing the configuration of the rubber ball unit and its assembling procedure. The rubber ball unit 6 is configured using a rubber ball 71, an intake valve 72, and a connecting member 73. The rubber ball 71 is formed in an egg shape as a whole. The inside of the rubber ball 71 is a space that is substantially similar to the outer shape of the rubber ball 71. Holes are provided in one and the other of the rubber balls 71 in the central axis direction.

  The intake valve 72 is mounted so as to close one hole of the rubber ball 71. The intake valve 72 takes in external air into the rubber ball 71 and repeatedly rectifies the air flow so that the taken-in air does not escape to the outside when the rubber ball 71 is gripped repeatedly to send air. is there.

  The connecting member 73 is a member for connecting the rubber ball 71 to the measuring instrument unit 5. The joint 73 is connected to the main body case (11, 51) using the receiving member 33 described above when the rubber ball unit 6 is attached to the measuring instrument unit 5. The connecting member 73 is mounted so as to be inserted into the other hole of the rubber ball 71 on the side opposite to the intake valve 72. A through hole is provided inside the connecting member 73 along the central axis direction of the connecting member 73.

  As shown in FIGS. 15A, 15 </ b> B, and 15 </ b> C, the connecting member 73 integrally includes a first insertion portion 74 and a second insertion portion 75. The first insertion portion 74 is located on one side of the connecting member 73 in the central axis direction, and the second insertion portion 75 is located on the other side of the connecting member 73 in the central axis direction.

  The first insertion portion 74 is a portion that is inserted into the hole of the rubber ball 71. In the first insertion portion 74, an insertion introduction portion 74a and a circumferential groove portion 74b are integrally formed. The first insertion portion 74 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. The insertion introducing portion 74 a serves as a guide when inserting the connecting member 73 into the hole of the rubber ball 71. In order to have this guide function, the insertion introducing portion 74a is formed in a trapezoidal cone shape. The circumferential groove 74b is a portion that is fastened by the ring 78 (see FIG. 14) when the connecting member 73 is fixed to the rubber ball 71 by a ring 78 described later.

  On the other hand, the 2nd insertion part 75 becomes a part inserted in the receiving member 33 of the connector main body 31 mentioned above. In the second insertion portion 75, a pair of locking pieces 75a, a seal mounting portion 75b, a fitting portion 75c, and a collar portion 75d are integrally formed. The 2nd insertion part 75 is formed in the cylindrical shape with a step except the part of a pair of locking piece 75a.

  The pair of locking pieces 75 a are arranged in a state of facing each other across the central axis of the connecting member 73. The pair of locking pieces 75a are formed in a form in which both sides of the cylindrical structure are equally cut out when the connecting member 73 is viewed from the central axis direction. The width W2 of each locking piece 75a is set smaller than the width W1 (see FIG. 10) of the engaging portion 33e described above. Each locking piece 75a protrudes in the direction of the central axis of the connecting member 73 in the form of a so-called cantilever having a base end fixed and a free end at the opposite end. With this configuration, the pair of locking pieces 75a have flexibility (property that can be elastically deformed) in a direction approaching and separating from each other. Each of the locking pieces 75a bends in a direction corresponding to the radial direction of the opening of the receiving member 33 when the connecting member 73 is attached to the receiving member 33.

  A hook 75e is formed at the tip of each locking piece 75a. The hook portion 75e is formed in a state bent in a hook shape toward the outer side in the radial direction of the connecting member 73. The hook portion 75e is formed to have a convex shape in the diameter expansion direction of the opening of the receiving member 33 when the connecting member 73 is attached to the receiving member 33. The outermost edges of the pair of hook portions 75e are formed to have the same circumference, and the outer diameter thereof is set larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 33a described above. Moreover, the outer diameter of the outermost edge of a pair of locking piece 75a is set slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder part 33a except for the convex part of the hook part 75e.

  Each hook portion 75e is formed with a tapered portion 75f. When attaching the connecting member 73 to the receiving member 33, the taper portion 75f is inclined at one end of the hook portion 75e so as to be positioned on one side in the circumferential direction of the tube portion 33a. It is formed in a state of being cut out in an arc shape. Therefore, when the second insertion portion 75 of the connecting member 73 is viewed from the front as shown in FIG. 15C, the taper portion 75f formed on one hook portion 75e and the other hook portion 75e are formed. The positional relationship with the tapered portion 75f is a point-symmetrical positional relationship with the central axis of the connecting member 73 as a reference (center point). Further, when considering an oblique axis passing through the central axis of the connecting member 73, one tapered portion 75f and the other tapered portion 75f are formed obliquely on the axis.

  The seal mounting portion 75b is a portion where the O-ring 77 (see FIG. 14) is mounted. The fitting portion 75 c is a portion fitted inside the receiving member 33. A V-shaped mark 79 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 75c. The mark 79 is used for visually confirming whether or not the rubber ball unit 6 is properly oriented when the rubber ball unit 6 is attached to the measuring instrument unit 5. The collar portion 75d is formed in a state protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 75c in the radial direction of the connecting member 73 at the boundary portion with the first insertion portion 74 described above. The collar portion 75d is arranged in a state in which the collar portion 73d of the receiving member 33 is close to or in surface contact with the collar portion 33d of the receiving member 33 when the connecting member 73 is attached to the receiving member 33.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the connecting member 73 is fixed to the rubber ball 71 using a ring 78. The ring 78 is configured using, for example, a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. The ring 78 is formed in a C shape so that it can be appropriately deformed in the radial direction.

<3. Assembly procedure for blood pressure monitor body>
Subsequently, an assembly procedure of the sphygmomanometer body 2 will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 16A, the air connector 34 is attached to one end of the connector main body 31. Specifically, the hole of the first connector portion 34 a of the air connector 34 is fitted into the reduced diameter portion 36 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) of the connector main body 31. At this time, the mark 42 attached to the connector main body 31 and the mark 41 attached to the air connector 34 are abutted with each other.

  When the air connector 34 is attached to the connector main body 31 as described above, the electronically controlled exhaust valve 82 and the microphone sensor 83 are connected to the two branch portions 38a and 38b of the connector main body 31 via the relay members 81a and 81b, respectively. Connect. The relay member 81 a is a member that connects the connector main body 31 and the electronically controlled exhaust valve 82, and the relay member 81 b is a member that connects the connector main body 31 and the microphone sensor 83. An upper end portion of the relay member 81b is opened, and the pressure sensor 25 (see FIG. 6) described above is connected to the opening portion.

  The electronically controlled exhaust valve 82 is a valve that exhausts compressed air sent via the relay member 81a by electronic control. The microphone sensor 83 is a sensor that detects Korotkoff sounds. The Korotkoff sound is necessary when measuring blood pressure using a well-known auscultation method (Rivalod Korotkoff method). When the passage of the subject's artery, such as the upper arm, is compressed with the cuff unit 3 The peripheral side of the cuff unit 3 during a period in which the internal pressure (Pcuff) of the cuff and the blood pressure of the subject (maximum blood pressure: Psys., Minimum blood pressure: Pdia.) Are in the relationship of “Psys.> Pcuff> Pdia.” This sound is generated when a blood vortex caused by blood flow hits the wall of a blood vessel near the edge.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 16B, the connector unit 9 is attached to the case half 51 of the bottom case unit 10. At this time, the battery cover 52 is attached to the case half 51 prior to attachment to the bottom case unit 10, and the O-ring 39, the check valve 32 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) and the receiving member described above are attached. 33 is attached to the connector main body 31. The connector unit 9 is mounted on the case half 51 together with the electronic control exhaust valve 82 and the microphone sensor 83 described above.

  When attaching the connector unit 9 to the bottom case unit 10, the air connector 34 is fitted into the holding portion 61a, and the air plug 35 is fitted into the holding portion 61b. Further, the flange portion 33d of the receiving member 33 and the opening edge portion of the mounting portion 37 are fitted into the holding portion 61c. Further, the electronic control exhaust valve 82 and the microphone sensor 83 are accommodated in predetermined positions in the case half 51, respectively.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the substrate unit 8 is attached to the case half 51. The board unit 8 is attached so as to cover the connector unit 9 attached earlier. At this time, the opening at the upper end of the relay member 81b is connected to the pressure sensor 25 (see FIG. 6). Further, the connector 26 (see FIG. 6) provided on the printed wiring board 20 is connected to a connector (not shown) provided inside the case half 51 correspondingly. Further, the holding claw 58 of the case half 51 is hooked on the cutout portion 20b (see FIG. 6) of the printed wiring board 20.

  When the board unit 8 is attached, the printed wiring board 20 is placed on the plurality of bosses 55 and 56 provided in the case half 51 and the three notches 20a provided in the printed wiring board 20 are provided. Correspondingly, the three bosses 57 provided on the case half 51 are aligned. Then, in a state where the printed wiring board 20 of the board unit 8 is placed on the three bosses 57, the movement of the printed wiring board 20 is restricted by being caught by the protrusions of the bosses 56 and 57. For this reason, the mounting position of the substrate unit 8 is determined with respect to the case half 51.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18, the case half 11 of the upper case unit 7 is attached to the case half 51 of the bottom case unit 10. The case half 11 is attached so as to cover the board unit 8 attached earlier. At this time, the air connector 34 of the connector unit 9 is held so as to be sandwiched between the holding portion 61 a of the case half 51 and the holding portion 15 a of the case half 11. Further, the air plug 35 of the connector unit 9 is held so as to be sandwiched between the holding portion 61 b of the case half 51 and the holding portion 15 b of the case half 11. In this case, the four claw portions 45 a and 45 b provided on the air plug 35 are sandwiched between the holding portions 15 b of the case half 11. Further, the mounting portion 37 of the connector unit 9 and the receiving member 33 mounted thereon are held so as to be sandwiched between the holding portion 61 c of the case half 51 and the holding portion 15 c of the case half 11.

  By combining the case halves 11 and 51 in this way, the body case of the sphygmomanometer body 2 is configured. An annular portion 64 as shown in FIG. 5 is formed on the side of the body case (11, 51) where the air plug 35 is mounted. The inner diameter of the annular portion 64 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the air plug 35 inserted inside the annular portion 64 in order to allow a swinging operation of the air plug 35 described later. On the other hand, a “mortar-shaped” insertion port 65 shown in FIG. 20 is formed on the side of the main body case (11, 51) where the receiving member 33 is mounted. The opening diameter of the insertion port 65 is set so as to gradually increase from the attachment site of the receiving member 33 toward the opening end of the insertion port 65.

Next, as shown in FIG. 19, the case halves 11 and 51 are fixed to each other using a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) screws 84. Specifically, the case halves 11 and 51 are fixed to each other by inserting three screws 84 from below into the case half 51 of the bottom case unit 10 and tightening the screws 84 with a screwdriver or the like. In this case, the case halves 11 and 51 are fastened by screwing the corresponding screws 84 into the screw holes 16 provided in the case half 11 of the upper case unit 7.
At this stage, the assembly of the measuring instrument unit 5 is completed.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 20, the rubber ball unit 6 is attached to the measuring instrument unit 5. The rubber ball unit 6 is attached in the following procedure. First, prior to mounting on the measuring instrument unit 5, the rubber ball unit 6 is assembled. In the assembly process of the rubber ball unit 6, the operation of mounting the intake valve 72 on the rubber ball 71, the operation of mounting the O-ring 77 on the connection member 73, and the connection member 73 using the ring 78 on the rubber ball 71. Work. When the rubber ball unit 6 thus obtained is assembled to the measuring instrument unit 5, the connecting member 73 attached to the rubber ball 71 is connected to the receiving member 33 through the insertion port 65 of the main body case (11, 51) of the measuring instrument unit 5. Try to plug in. At this time, the connecting member 73 of the rubber ball unit 6 is attached to the receiving member 33 of the connector main body 31 in an airtight state by the interposition of the O-ring 77 attached thereto. Further, the hooking portions 75e of the pair of locking pieces 75a formed on the connecting member 73 are hooked on the engaging portions 33e of the receiving member 33, thereby preventing the rubber ball unit 6 from coming off.

  The sphygmomanometer body 2 is assembled by the procedure as described above as shown in FIGS. The sphygmomanometer body 2 assembled in this way is connected to the cuff unit 3 using the tube 4 described above. At that time, the tube 4 is inserted into the air plug 35 attached to the connector main body 31, and the inner peripheral surface of the tube 4 contacts the protruding portion 50 of the air plug 35 during the insertion. Thereby, it will be in the state where the hole of tube 4 was pushed and expanded by contact with projection part 50, ie, the state where air leak was blocked. In this state, the end portion of the tube 4 is abutted against the stopper portion 49 of the air plug 35.

  In addition, you may perform the attachment of the tube 4 with respect to the blood pressure meter main body 2 in the following procedures. First, the tube 4 is attached to the air plug 35 removed from the sphygmomanometer body 2. Next, the air plug 35 and the air connector 34 are connected to each other by inserting the air plug 35 with a tube inside the annular portion 64 (see FIG. 5) of the sphygmomanometer body 2.

<4. Mounting condition of air connector and air plug>
FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the tube connection portion (the JJ arrow portion in FIG. 21) of the sphygmomanometer body, and FIG. 22B is a perspective view thereof. As illustrated, the recessed groove 40b formed by the two flange portions 40a of the air connector 34 is fitted into the holding portions (15a, 61a) of the main body case (11, 51). By this fitting structure, the movement of the air connector 34 in the central axis direction of the connector main body 31 and the movement of the air connector 34 in the radial direction of the connector main body 31 are restricted.

  In addition, the air connector 34 and the air plug 35 are coupled as follows in the form of being connected in series in the direction of the central axis of the connector body 31. That is, the insertion portion 44 of the air plug 35 is inserted into the hole of the air connector 34. In this insertion structure, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 44 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the hole of the air plug 35, and the hole that penetrates the center of the air plug 35 in this state is a hole that penetrates the center of the connector body 31. Spatial connection. In addition, one end portion of the air connector 34 is inserted into a space portion inside the four claw portions 45 a and 45 b of the air plug 35. In this state, a slight gap is secured between the inner peripheral surfaces of the four claw portions 45a and 45b and the outer peripheral surface of the second connector portion 34b of the air connector 34 inserted into the inside thereof.

  Of the four claw portions 45a and 45b provided on the air plug 35, the two claw portions 45a having a hook structure at the tip thereof are respectively connected to the holding portions (15b and 61b) of the main body case (11 and 51). The hook 45a is hooked in a state of elastic contact by the elasticity of the claw portion 45a itself. The other two claw portions 45b are also abutted against the holding portions (15b, 61b) of the main body case (11, 51) in a state of elastic contact with the elasticity of the claw portions 45b themselves. ing.

  With the above-described hook structure, the movement of the air plug 35 in the central axis direction of the connector main body 31 and the movement of the air plug 35 in the radial direction of the connector main body 31 are restricted. At the same time, the movement of the air plug 35 in the central axis direction of the connector main body 31 is restricted, so that the air plug 35 is prevented from coming off from the main body case (11, 51). Moreover, the air plug 35 receives force from the four claw portions 45a and 45b in a balanced manner by the above-described abutting structure and the above-described hook structure. For this reason, in a state where no external force is applied, the posture of the air plug 35 is maintained without inclination with respect to the central axis of the connector main body 31.

  In this state where the air connector 34 and the air plug 35 are attached, one end of the tube 4 is actually connected to the tube introduction portion 46 of the air plug 35 and the other end of the tube 4 is connected to the cuff unit 3 to When the total 1 is used, the air plug 35 is supported in a swingable manner. Hereinafter, the principle of swinging the air plug 35 will be described.

  First, the insertion portion 44 of the air plug 35 is inserted into the air connector 3 having rubber-like elasticity as a whole. For this reason, when an external force that inclines the air plug 35 with respect to the central axis of the connector main body 31 is applied, a part of the air connector 34 (a portion where the insertion portion 44 is in close contact) is compressed and deformed under the external force. As a result, as illustrated in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the air plug 35 performs a so-called swinging operation that tilts in a direction in which an external force acts.

  The direction of inclination of the air plug 35 (swing direction) is not limited to a specific direction, and is allowed in all directions around the central axis of the connector main body 31. This is because the insertion portion 44 of the air plug 35 has a cylindrical shape, and the air connector 34 wraps the insertion portion 44 with an appropriate thickness over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface thereof. The inclination angle of the air plug 35 by swinging depends on the hardness and thickness of the air connector 34, but is preferably an angle range of 5 to 10 ° at the maximum with respect to the central axis of the connector body 31, more preferably It may be designed to allow up to about 8 degrees.

<5. Mounting state of receiving member and connecting member>
As described above, when the rubber ball unit 6 is attached to the measuring instrument unit 5, as shown in FIG. 25, the mark 67 formed on the measuring instrument unit 5 side of the sphygmomanometer body 2 and the rubber ball unit 6 side are formed. The rubber ball unit 6 is attached to the measuring instrument unit 5 so as to abut each other with the marked mark 79. Thereby, the mounting direction of the rubber ball unit 6 with respect to the measuring instrument unit 5 becomes an appropriate direction.

  When the measuring instrument unit 5 is attached to the rubber ball unit 6, the second insertion portion 75 of the connecting member 73 is inserted into the receiving member 33 as shown in FIG. In the middle of this insertion, as shown in FIG. 26B, the hook portions 75e provided on the pair of locking pieces 75a are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 33a of the receiving member 33, respectively. In this state, the pair of locking pieces 75a bend inward so as to approach each other, and the respective hook portions 75e are brought into contact (pressure contact) with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 33a by the bending reaction force.

  Thereafter, at the end of the insertion, as shown in FIG. 26C, the hook portions 75e of the pair of locking pieces 75a are respectively positioned at the open ends of the cylindrical portion 33a. In this state, the hook portions 75e of the pair of locking pieces 75a are hooked on the engaging portions 33e at the open ends of the cylindrical portions 33a. Specifically, the engaging portion 33e is formed in a concave shape, and the hook portion 75e of the locking piece 75a is fitted into the concave portion. Such a state is obtained by releasing the bending reaction force of the locking piece 75a at the opening end of the cylindrical portion 33a.

  Incidentally, the “appropriate direction” described above is the direction of the rotation direction (circumferential direction) of the rubber ball unit 6, and when the second insertion portion 75 of the connecting member 73 is inserted into the receiving member 33, The direction in which the hook portion 75e of the locking piece 75a is fitted to the engaging portion 33e of the cylindrical portion 33a corresponding thereto.

  On the other hand, when the rubber ball unit 6 attached to the measuring instrument unit 5 is removed as described above, the rubber ball unit 6 is turned in the operation direction indicated in the operation direction notation unit 68. In this case, as shown in FIG. 27 (A), the operation direction described in the operation direction notation unit 68 is a tapered portion 75f (see FIG. 27) formed at one end of the hook portion 75e for each of the pair of locking pieces 75a. 15) is set in a direction (clockwise direction in the drawing) pressed against the side wall of the concave engaging portion 33e (see FIG. 10). For this reason, when the rubber ball unit 6 is actually turned according to the notation of the operation direction notation part 68, the taper part 75f of the hook part 75e is pressed against the side wall of the cylinder part 33a by the rotation of the connecting member 73 accompanying this. The pressing force acts as a compressive force that attempts to displace the locking piece 75a inward. For this reason, the pair of locking pieces 75a bend in the direction (inner side) approaching each other as the connecting member 73 rotates, and when the amount of bending reaches a predetermined amount, each locking piece 75a is engaged with the cylindrical portion 33a. Detach from the portion 33e. As a result, as shown in FIG. 27B, the locking piece 75 a of the connecting member 73 is completely detached from the engaging portion 33 e of the receiving member 33. In this state, when the rubber ball unit 6 is pulled in a direction away from the measuring instrument unit 5, the connecting member 73 is pulled out from the receiving member 33.

  Incidentally, when the rubber ball unit 6 is turned in the direction opposite to the operation direction described in the operation direction notation portion 68, the end surface of the hook portion 75e where the taper portion 75f is not formed is pressed against the side wall of the engaging portion 33e. . In this case, since there is no taper portion 75f, the pressing force does not act as a compressive force to displace the locking piece 75a inward as described above. For this reason, compared with the case where the rubber ball unit 6 is turned in the operation direction, the operation force required to disengage the hook portion 75e from the engaging portion 33e is significantly increased.

<6. Effects of the embodiment>
In the blood pressure monitor 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the following effects are obtained.

(First effect)
When the rubber ball unit 6 is attached to the measuring instrument unit 5, the attaching operation can be completed by an operation of simply inserting the connecting member 73 into the receiving member 33, that is, a one-touch operation. For this reason, the operation | work which rotates a rubber ball required by a screw-type structure becomes unnecessary. Further, when the connecting member 73 is received by the receiving member 33, the pair of locking pieces 75a are hooked on the opening edge of the cylindrical portion 33a, thereby preventing the rubber ball 71 from coming off. For this reason, the problem of “tightening looseness” like the screw type structure does not occur. Therefore, the attaching / detaching operation of the rubber ball can be performed easily and in a short time as compared with the case where the screw type structure is adopted for the rubber ball mounting structure.

(Second effect)
Due to the configuration of the sphygmomanometer 1, each of the pair of locking pieces 75 a provided on the connecting member 73 corresponds to the pair of engaging portions 33 e formed at the opening end of the cylindrical portion 33 a of the receiving member 33 correspondingly. Since it is configured to be hooked, the rubber ball 71 can be prevented from rotating only by the one-touch operation described above.

(Third effect)
Due to the configuration of the sphygmomanometer 1, each of the pair of locking pieces 75a has a tapered portion 75f that is located on one side in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 33a and is formed at one end of the hook portion 75e. Therefore, the operation force required to remove the rubber ball unit 6 can be reduced by using the tapered portion 75f. Further, due to the presence of the tapered portion 75f, the difference in the rotation direction when the rubber ball unit 6 is turned appears as the difference in the resistance of the operation given to the operator. For this reason, the operation direction when removing the rubber ball unit 6 can be limited to one direction using the difference in the resistance force of the operation.

(Fourth effect)
In view of the configuration of the sphygmomanometer 1, the operation direction notation unit 68 is formed on the outer surface of the main body case (11, 51) of the sphygmomanometer body 2, and the rubber ball unit 6 is turned according to the notation of the operation direction notation unit 68. If operated as described above, the rubber ball unit 6 can be removed easily and appropriately. Further, since the operation direction notifying unit 68 is formed by a combination of an arrow indicating the operation direction and characters indicating the content of the operation, the operator can visually recognize the operation of attaching and detaching the rubber ball unit 6. It is possible to accurately recognize how to operate.

(Fifth effect)
In the configuration of the sphygmomanometer 1, since the connecting member 73 and the case main body are provided with marks 67 and 79 at the connecting portion between the connecting member 73 and the case main body (11, 51), the marks are provided. By aligning the positions 67 and 79, the rubber ball unit 6 can be attached to the measuring instrument unit 5 in an appropriate direction.

<7. Modification>
The tube 4 that connects the sphygmomanometer body 2 and the cuff unit 3 is not limited to a rubber tube, and may be a soft resin tube that is rich in flexibility.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Blood pressure monitor, 2 ... Blood pressure monitor main body, 3 ... Cuff unit, 4 ... Tube, 5 ... Measuring instrument unit, 6 ... Rubber ball unit, 7 ... Upper case unit, 8 ... Substrate unit, 9 ... Connector unit, 10 ... Bottom case unit, 31 ... Connector body, 33 ... Receiving member, 33a ... Tube portion, 33e ... Engagement portion, 34 ... Air connector, 35 ... Air plug, 41, 42, 67, 79 ... Mark, 68 ... Operation direction notation 71, rubber balls, 73 connecting members, 75a ... locking pieces, 75e ... hooks, 75f ... taper parts

Claims (6)

A cuff unit wound around a passage of an artery of a subject to be measured for blood pressure;
A sphygmomanometer body connected to the cuff unit via a tube,
The blood pressure monitor body is
A measuring instrument unit having a blood pressure measurement function;
A rubber ball unit for sending air to the cuff unit through the tube;
The rubber ball unit is
With rubber balls,
A connecting member attached to the rubber ball for connecting the rubber ball to the measuring instrument unit;
The instrument unit is
A body case,
A holding member that is held in a fixed state in the body case and receives the connecting member;
The receiving member has a cylindrical portion having one end opened;
The connecting member is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the receiving member, and has a pair of locking pieces having flexibility in the radial direction of the opening of the receiving member,
Each of the pair of locking pieces has a hooking portion that is convex in the diameter-expanding direction of the opening of the receiving member, and the hooking portion is caused by the reaction force of the locking piece inside the cylindrical portion. The sphygmomanometer, wherein the sphygmomanometer is configured to come into contact with the inner surface of the cylinder part and to be caught at the opening edge of the cylinder part by releasing the bending reaction force of the locking piece at the opening edge of the cylinder part. The cylindrical portion has a pair of engaging portions formed in a concave shape in a part of the opening edge of the cylindrical portion,
The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of locking pieces is configured to be hooked on the pair of engaging portions corresponding to the pair of locking pieces. Each of the pair of locking pieces has a tapered portion that is located on one side in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion and is formed at one end of the hooking portion. Sphygmomanometer. The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein an operation direction notation part for indicating an operation direction when the rubber ball is removed from the measuring instrument unit is formed on an outer surface of the main body case. . The sphygmomanometer according to claim 4, wherein the operation direction notation unit is formed by a combination of an arrow indicating the operation direction and a character indicating the content of the operation. The connecting member is connected to the main body case using the receiving member, and the connecting member and the case main body are each provided with a mark at the connecting portion. 5. The blood pressure monitor according to any one of 5 above.

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