JP4773178B2 - Blood pressure measurement cuff and blood pressure measurement device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a blood pressure measurement cuff and a blood pressure measurement device, and more particularly to a technique in which an outer ear and its peripheral part are measured parts.

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

  When blood pressure is regularly measured with a conventional blood pressure measurement device, for example, the blood pressure is measured by wrapping a cuff around the upper arm of the subject. In this case, it is necessary to wear on the body a large-sized cuff that covers the upper arm and the main body of the blood pressure measurement device connected to the cuff. For this reason, the test subject needs to wear a cuff on the upper arm and send a daily life with the body of the blood pressure measurement device connected to the cuff attached to the body, but this causes a great hindrance in the daily life. In addition, the subject may be burdened by feeling pain because the upper arm is compressed each time pressure is measured.

In order to solve such a problem, there is a measurement method for measuring blood pressure in a state where a small cuff is wound around a finger instead of measuring blood pressure with the upper arm. In this measuring method, since the size of the finger is smaller than that of the upper arm, the cuff and the main body can be reduced in size. (Non-Patent Document 1)
Furthermore, there is a method of measuring a pulse wave by attaching a cuff to the earlobe and pressing the earlobe (Patent Document 1).

As described above, according to the method using the earlobe as the detected portion, the cuff and the main body can be made smaller than the sphygmomanometer that measures the blood pressure by attaching the cuff to the upper arm, and the burden on the subject can be reduced.
Osamu Tochikubo, “Measurement method and clinical evaluation of blood pressure”, Medical Tribune, Inc., published in 1988, pp. 59-61 JP 2005-6906 A

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

  Therefore, it is considered that blood pressure, which is relatively close to the upper arm, can be stably measured by attaching a cuff to a tragus with a larger blood vessel than the earlobe and measuring blood pressure or the like.

  However, since the earlobe is soft and relatively large and highly exposed, the cuff is easy to wear. However, since the tragus is relatively hard and has a great individual difference in shape, the structure of the ear tab wearing cuff disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used. It cannot be used for tragus as it is. That is, even if the structure of the mounting portion disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, it is difficult to stably obtain the blood pressure measurement result in the tragus. Moreover, there is a risk that the degree of invasiveness to the subject will increase if it is forced to wear.

  On the other hand, it is known that the tragus has a large individual difference in terms of relative positional relationship, shape, size and the like with the ear canal. Moreover, in order to perform an accurate blood pressure measurement, it is necessary to be able to maintain a state in which the inner and outer cuffs can reliably contact the tragus.

  In addition, even if the cuff is repeatedly attached after setting and fixing the pinching width of the tragus, there is no sense of incongruity when attached to the tragus and it is more accurate without being affected by the pinching width and depth of the cuff. It is necessary to be able to measure blood pressure.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when the inner and outer cuffs are attached to the tragus having a large solid difference, the inner and outer cuffs can reliably contact the tragus. Even if the cuff is repeatedly attached after setting and fixing the width of the tragus, there is no sense of incongruity when attached to the tragus, and it is not affected by the width of the tragus and the depth to the tragus An object of the present invention is to provide a blood pressure measurement cuff and a blood pressure measurement device that can always measure blood pressure accurately.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a blood pressure measurement cuff for measuring blood pressure using an inner cuff inserted into the ear canal and an outer cuff positioned outside the tragus, The cuff and the outer cuff are configured by a cuff member communicating with the pipe, and a cuff bag body having a body portion that is fixed in an airtight state with respect to the cuff member and expands and contracts, and in the lid portion of the cuff bag body It is characterized in that a pressing surface formed in a depressed convex shape is formed.

  The lid is formed in a circular, elliptical or oval shape, and the pressing surface is formed in a similar shape with an area ratio of about 50 to 70%, preferably about 65% with respect to the lid. In addition, the cuff member is formed in a shape that matches the body portion.

  Moreover, when the said cover part is the said circle, the diameter dimension of the said cuff bag body is the range of 5-10 mm, the diameter dimension of the said press surface is the range of 3-6 mm, and the thickness of the said press surface The dimensions are in the range of 0.4-1 mm, preferably about 0.6 mm, and the thickness of the barrel is 0.1-0.8 mm, preferably about 0.25 mm.

  Further, when the lid portion has the elliptical shape or the oval shape, the major axis dimension is in the range of 15 to 5 mm, preferably about 10 mm, and the minor axis dimension is in the range of 10 to 4 mm, preferably about 8 mm. The thickness of the pressing surface is in the range of 0.4 to 1 mm, preferably about 0.6 mm, and the thickness of the barrel is 0.1 to 0.8 mm, preferably about 0.00 mm. It is characterized by being 25 mm.

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

  The pulse wave detection means is an optical type that includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that are built in the inner cuff and obtain a signal obtained by absorption and reflection of light by blood flowing in the blood vessel. A hole is formed in the pressing surface after molding from a light blocking material, and a light transmitting layer is inserted and vulcanized in the hole to integrally mold a light blocking layer other than the predetermined range of the pressing surface of the inner cuff. It is characterized by that.

  The light transmission layer has a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or an oval shape, and is characterized by being formed on a concentric circle or offset.

  According to the blood pressure measurement device of the present invention, the inner cuff inserted into the ear canal, the outer cuff positioned outside the tragus, the holding means for holding the inner cuff and the outer cuff, the inner cuff A pulse wave detecting means that is built in at least one of the cuff or the outer cuff and detects a pulse wave signal from blood flowing through a blood vessel, and after holding the tragus between the inner cuff and the outer cuff, the inner cuff and the A pressurizing / depressurizing unit that pressurizes and depressurizes the outer cuff with a fluid containing air, a pipe connected between the inner cuff, the outer cuff, and the pressurizing / depressurizing unit for sending the fluid, and the pipe A pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the inner cuff and the outer cuff; a blood pressure measurement control means for measuring a blood pressure value from the pulse wave signal; and between the pulse wave detection means and the blood pressure measurement control means. Connected to The inner cuff and the outer cuff include a cuff member that communicates with the pipe, and a cuff bag body that is fixed in an airtight state with respect to the cuff member and has a body portion that expands and contracts. In the lid portion of the cuff bag body, a pressing surface formed in a depressed convex shape is formed.

  According to the present invention, the inner and outer cuffs can be brought into contact with the tragus in an even state, and even when the cuff is repeatedly mounted after the clamping width of the tragus is fixed, there is no sense of incongruity, Regardless of the width and depth to the tragus, it is possible to always perform accurate single blood pressure measurement or intermittent blood pressure measurement every 2 to 30 minutes.

  First, the greatest feature point of the present invention is that the tragus is used as a blood pressure measurement site. The reason for selecting the tragus as the site for measuring blood pressure in this manner is that the tragus is a part of the auricle and is quite small, and thus has an advantage that the blood pressure detection unit can be downsized. Moreover, since the tragus is a part of the head, it has little positional fluctuation and is suitable for blood pressure measurement. In addition, trabeculae are not used for purposes other than sound collection, so even if you are wearing a cuff, even when you are sleeping, there are fewer problems with daily life compared to fingers, etc., and the blood pressure detector can be downsized. For example, the degree of invasiveness that causes pain to the subject during measurement can be reduced.

  Here, to further supplement the point that pain can be reduced during blood pressure measurement by using the tragus as a blood pressure measurement site, the upper arm and fingers perform complicated work as important parts of the body, so that those work can be done Many nerves are stretched around these blood vessels.

  On the other hand, the tragus, which is part of the pinna, is fixed to the head and used mainly for sound collection purposes. Less than fingers. For this reason, when measuring blood pressure using the outer ear and its peripheral part, the tragus is the least painful part, and the tragus is a small part and the cuff can be made small. There is an advantage that pain at the time of blood pressure measurement can be reduced compared to the blood pressure measurement to be used.

  However, since the tragus is a small part of the auricle, if the small blood pressure measurement unit cannot be fixed securely and stably to the tragus, the blood pressure detection unit will move during measurement and accuracy Blood pressure cannot be measured well.

  For example, the blood pressure detection unit includes a pipe for supplying pressurized fluid, pressurized air or pressurized liquid to the cuff for pressurizing the tragus, and power for driving the blood pressure detection unit and blood pressure measurement from the blood pressure detection unit A wiring that is a signal line for an output signal to be transmitted to the apparatus main body is connected. The piping and wiring are generally connected to the main body side of the blood pressure measurement device.

  For this reason, when blood pressure is measured over a long period of time, for example, when operating the main body of the blood pressure measurement device, if the hand touches the piping or wiring and the mounting position of the blood pressure detection unit is shifted, it is correct. It becomes impossible to measure blood pressure.

  A blood pressure measuring device according to each preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below as an ear blood pressure monitor 1 with reference to the drawings. In addition, it cannot be overemphasized that the structure of each part of the blood pressure measuring device of each embodiment shown below, a shape, and a dimension are only an example, and the technical scope of this invention is not interpreted limitedly by these.

  First, FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the left auricle 220 on which the ear blood pressure monitor 1 which is a blood pressure measurement device of the present invention is loaded.

  In this figure, an auricle 220 which is a so-called ear has an tragus 221, an antitragus 222, an ear conch 223, an antipod 224, an earring 225, and an antipodal leg 226 formed continuously from the edge of the ear canal 230. The positional relationship is as shown in the figure. Further, on the back side of the opposite wheel 224, an extending portion (not shown) in which cartilage is built as an ear-hanging portion continuous with the side surface of the head is formed. It is known that the shape and size of each of these parts vary greatly by sex, sex, age, or individual type.

<Configuration of ear sphygmomanometer 1>
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the overall configuration of the ear sphygmomanometer 1 according to the present embodiment. In this figure, an ear-type sphygmomanometer 1 includes a device main body 2 for executing blood pressure measurement calculation, a cuff assembly 6 serving as an inner cuff on the subject's tragus 221, and a cuff assembly 7 serving as an outer cuff. A holding member 3 for making the holding member 3 detachable, and an ear hooking member 51 configured to be hung from the upper end of the ear hooking member 51 via the pipes 4 and 4 in order to suspend the holding member 3. I have. In other words, the ear-type sphygmomanometer 1 includes an inner cuff assembly 6 serving as an inner cuff inserted and set in the external auditory canal 230 and an outer cuff assembly 7 serving as an outer cuff positioned outside the tragus 221. The holding member 3 held in this way, and the apparatus main body 2 connected from the holding member 3 via the pipe 4 and the wiring 5 are configured.

  The ear hook member 51 is formed in a shape that can be mounted along the base of the ear ring 225, and a covering member 9 containing wiring and piping as will be described later is generally attached to the edge of the ear hook member 51 as shown in the figure. A plurality of ring portions 52 integrally formed at equal intervals are passed and fixed.

  On the other hand, the end portion 54 of the ear hooking member 51 is formed to bend toward the front side as shown in the figure, and a sphere 54 is formed at the tip thereof. The ear hook 51 has a shape substantially similar to that of the ear hook of the eyeglass frame, and is configured to be stable after being attached to the ear ring 225. Resin materials such as polycarbonate, ABS, POM, and PPS can be used as the resin material to be used for forming the ear hook portion 51 as shown in the figure. In addition, as a material used, a resin material is usually used in view of mass productivity, dimensional stability, cost, and the like, but the material is not limited to this, and a hybrid configuration combining light metal, wood, paper, and various materials may be used. In addition, the color of each part may be classified according to various sizes, such as orange for hospitals, blue for general use, and white for children.

  The covering member 9 includes a coupling portion 300 serving as a dual-purpose connector for coupling the apparatus main body 2 to the pipe 4 and the wiring 5 at the other end. In addition, a branch pipe 35 (shown by a broken line) is connected to the pipe 4 after being inserted into the last ring portion 52. The branch pipe 35 is connected to the cuff assemblies 6 and 7 by branching into two flow paths. The tube 35 is configured to be covered with a protective cover 55.

  The coupling portion 300 is for coupling the pipe 4 and the wiring 5 covered with the covering member 9 to the apparatus main body 2 and is configured to be detachable by providing a connector function for both. Specifically, the coupling portion 300 is inserted into the apparatus main body 2 until the pair of left and right locking portions 322 of the coupling portion 300 are locked in the locking holes 320 of the device main body 2. Then, the female connector 305 of the coupling part 300 is engaged with the male connector 318 of the apparatus main body 2, and the piping plug 304 of the coupling part 300 is engaged with the piping plug hole 319 of the apparatus main body 2. On the other hand, the coupling part 300 can be detached from the apparatus main body 2 by depressing the detachable button 303 to remove the locking part 322 from the locking hole 320 and pulling the coupling part 300 out of the apparatus main body 2. Yes.

  The outer cuff assembly 7 and the inner cuff assembly 6 are attached to the holding member 3 so as to be able to swing freely, or provided in an immovable state, whereby a pressing surface to be described later on the tragus 221 is provided. It is possible to contact evenly.

  And while holding the holding member 3 in the tragus 221 of the left ear, the apparatus main body 2 is accommodated in a subject's breast pocket or a dedicated pouch, for example. Here, in the case of setting to the right ear, the holding member 3 and the ear hooking member 51 having different shapes on the left and right sides are prepared. Further, by putting the apparatus main body 2 in a breast pocket of clothes and then sandwiching it with a clip or the like, it can be prevented from falling off during daily movement. In addition, a liquid crystal display unit, a start switch, and the like may be arranged on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2 so that the apparatus main body 2 can be performed without taking it out from a pocket or the like when performing necessary operations necessary for blood pressure measurement. .

<Configuration of Holding Member 3 of Cuff Assemblies 6 and 7>
Referring to FIG. 2, the holding member 3 as the holding means is made of a resin first holding member 11 for holding the inner cuff assembly 6 and a resin holding the outer cuff assembly 7. The second holding member 12. Each holding member 11, 12 is configured to be described later so as to be able to move in parallel with each other and to be fixed at a position after the parallel movement in order to adjust the holding width dimension of the inner and outer cuffs relative to the tragus.

  Further, the first holding member 11 is provided with a counter wheel member 16 for maintaining a stationary state by contacting the counter wheel 224. The counter ring member 16 is made of resin and has a head as a sphere as shown in the figure. Further, a male screw portion that is screwed into the female screw portion formed in the first holding member 11 is formed as described later. The projecting amount of the counter ring member 16 can be adjusted so as to cope with the individual difference.

<Configuration of protector 10>
A shaft support portion 53 is formed on the side surface of the ear hook member 51, and the resin protector 10 is provided so as to be attachable / detachable, rotatable, or attachable / detachable to / from the shaft support portion 53. In FIG. 2, the protector 10 has a shape that covers the holding member 3 after being attached to the tragus with the tip part in contact with the temporal region, and is mainly configured to protect when turning over. Has been. For this reason, the protector 10 can be set with respect to the shaft support portion 53 by elastically deforming the tip portions 10a and 10a formed by facing the protrusions entering the upper and lower holes formed in the shaft support portion 53 in the direction of the arrow. The protector 10 can be fixed before going to bed.

  FIG. 3A is an external perspective view showing another embodiment of the protector 10 that is set in the shaft support portion 53 on the side surface of the ear hook member 51 using the shaft body 14 and is in a use state. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view in an opened state.

  In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to components or parts already described, and a description thereof is omitted. A sponge cushion 15 is laid on the end of the protector 10 and abuts against the temporal region. Sometimes I have no pain.

  Further, the extending portion 10b is integrally formed so as to be substantially orthogonal to the rounded main body portion 10c, and the tip portion 10a has a shape that sandwiches the shaft support portion 53 from the up and down direction at the end of the extending portion 10b. 10a is formed, and the shaft body 14 is passed through a through hole (not shown) drilled in the shaft support portion 53 with respect to the tip portion, and then the shaft body 14 is screwed and fixed. Is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the ear hook member 51.

<Configuration of holding member 3>
FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the holding member 3. In this drawing, the components or components already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted, and the inner cuff assembly 6 is held. The resin-made first holding member 11 forms a female screw portion 11c (shown by a broken line) to which a male screw portion 16b of a counter wheel member 16 having a spherical head portion 16a is screwed as shown. The first holding member 11 has a sliding surface 11a formed with side walls on the front side and the right side, and a fixing screw 11b is insert-molded or integrally formed on the sliding surface 11a. In addition, an extending portion 11d that fixes the cuff member 40 of the cuff assembly 6 extends substantially orthogonally. Further, a scale (reference) for fine adjustment of the distance between the cuffs and a groove portion 11f for gripping are formed as shown in the figure.

  On the other hand, the resin-made second holding member 12 includes a sliding surface 12a that slides on the sliding surface 11a, a long hole portion 12b that allows the fixing screw 13 to pass therethrough, and an extending portion 12d that fixes the cuff assembly 7. Since the second holding member 12 is set to the first holding member 11 as shown in the figure, the second holding member 12 can be made immovable except in the parallel movement direction. It is configured so that it can be fixed at a position after translation by tightening. With the above configuration, the adjustment of the grip width (pressing width) of the cuff assemblies 6 and 7 can be flexibly adapted to the solid difference in the thickness of the tragus.

<Configuration of universal bearing>
The tragus has large individual differences in terms of relative positional relationship, shape, size, etc. with the external auditory canal, and there are also large individual differences by gender, type, and age, so the inner and outer cuffs can be securely attached to the tragus. It becomes difficult to maintain a state in which contact is possible.

  Therefore, by attaching the cuff to the holding member 3 through a universal bearing, it becomes possible to flexibly cope with a difference between solids.

  FIG. 5A is an exploded view of the universal bearing, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the main part after completion. In both drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description is omitted. The outer cuff assembly 7 includes a cuff member 40 in which a pipe portion 40a communicating with the pipe is formed. The fitting hole 40b is formed in the cuff member 40. A fitting member 42 into which a screw 41 is inserted is press-fitted into the fitting hole 40b and fixed. The screw 41 is screwed into the screw hole portion of the extending portion 12d of the second holding member 12 described above. After the fitting, as shown in FIG. 5B, the head of the screw 41 can be moved in the up / down / left / right / front / back directions inside the fitting member 42, so that the cuff assembly 7 can be swung.

  6A is an external perspective view after setting the ear-type blood pressure monitor 1 illustrated in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6B is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which the protector 10 is used.

  First, in (a), the ear-hook member 51 is set on the ear ring 225, so that the spherical body 54 at the tip comes into contact with the opposite wheel 224. Further, when the holding member 3 having a fixed clamping width is held and inserted into the tragus 221 in order to set the inner and outer cuffs on the tragus, the opposite wheel member 16 comes into contact with the opposite wheel 224 and is stable. become.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6B, the protector 10 is rotated to a position where the cushion material 15 contacts the temporal region.

<Composition of cuff bag>
7A is a plan view of the cuff bag body 22, FIG. 7B is a front view, FIG. 7C is a bottom view, and FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. . The cuff bag body 22 is formed with a body portion 27 that is elastically deformed between a pressurized state and a decompressed state, and a flat pressing surface 25 that extends from the body portion 27 and becomes a convex portion that contacts the tragus. It is integrally formed as a hat shape having a lid portion 23.

  Further, the edge portion of the opening 28 is integrally formed as a flange portion 26. Moreover, in FIG.7 (d), by setting the 1st dimension T1 of the thickness of the press surface 25 larger than the 2nd dimension T2 of the thickness of the trunk | drum 27, it is the press surface 25 with respect to the tragus. Is configured so that it can always contact in a flat state. Further, the pressing surface 25 is formed to protrude by about 1.5 mm.

  Further, in consideration of the size of the auricle, the diameter D1 of the lid 23 is in the range of 5 to 10 mm in order to enable appropriate pulse wave detection, and the pressing surface 25 is secured in order to ensure a reliable ischemic area. The diameter dimension d1 is in the range of 3 to 6 mm, the first dimension T1 is in the range of 0.4 to 1 mm, desirably about 0.6 mm, and the second dimension T2 is desirably 0.1 to 0.8 mm. Is set to about 0.25 mm. Moreover, height H1 is set to 4-8 mm, and h1 is set to 2.5-6.5 mm. Thus, reliable ischemia can be performed, appropriate pulse wave detection can be performed, and blood pressure can be measured with high accuracy. Further, the cuff assemblies 6 and 7 having a plurality of types of cuff bag bodies 22 may be selected in accordance with the user (for example, adult, dwarf, male, female, etc.) within the range of the numerical values. . Other dimensions are shown as numbers (mm) in the drawings.

  The lid portion 23 is formed in a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or an oval shape close to the track shape of the stadium, and the pressing surface 25 is also formed in a similar circular cylindrical shape, elliptical cylindrical shape, or elliptical cylindrical shape. Thus, the cuff member is formed in a shape that matches these cylindrical portions.

  8A is a plan view of the cuff bag body 22 in the case where the lid portion has an elliptical shape or an oval shape, FIG. 8B is a front view, FIG. 8C is a right side view, and FIG. 8D is a bottom view. is there. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 8A, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 8A.

  In FIGS. 8 and 9, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description is omitted. The major axis dimension of the lid portion 23 is in the range of 15 to 5 mm, preferably about 8, 10 mm. The minor axis dimension D2 is in the range of 4 to 10 mm, preferably about 6 to 8 mm, and the pressing surface 25 has a similar shape with an area ratio of about 50 to 70%, preferably about 65% with respect to the lid portion 23. It is formed. The thickness T1 of the pressing surface is in the range of 0.4 to 1 mm, preferably about 0.6 mm, and the thickness T2 of the body is 0.1 to 0.8 mm, preferably about 0.25 mm. Is set. Other dimensions are shown as numbers (mm) in the drawings.

  The cuff bag body 22 is integrally formed from an elastic material having a Shore hardness of 30 to 60, preferably about 50, including silicon rubber, natural rubber, and a predetermined synthetic resin. As described above, the thickness T1 of the lid portion of the cap-shaped cuff bag body 22 having the lid portion 23 formed with the flat pressing surface 25 contacting the tragus 221 as a convex portion is the thickness dimension of the trunk portion. By making it larger than T2, at the time of pressurization, the pressing surface 25 can move to the pressurizing position while maintaining the flat state. In addition, the pressing surface 25 can move to the decompression position while maintaining the flat state even during decompression. Further, the pressing surface 25 may be moved substantially in parallel by forming the body portion 27 of the cuff bag body as a bellows bellows (not shown).

  In particular, the cuff assembly 6 serving as the inner cuff can be inserted into the external auditory canal naturally along the longitudinal direction by using an ellipse or an ellipse.

<Configuration of the pressing surface formed in a depressed convex shape>
FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the cuff bag body 22 having a pressing surface formed in a depressed convex shape when the pressure is reduced, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view when the pressure is applied.

  In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description of dimensions, materials, etc. is omitted, and the pressing surface 25 may be formed as a convex portion as described above. In some cases, the feeling of wearing may be uncomfortable.

  Therefore, the cuff bag body 22 is formed so that the pressing surface 25 is positioned substantially flush with the edge 27a of the body 27 during decompression and elastically deforms so as to protrude above the edge 27a during pressurization. This makes it possible to obtain a better wearing feeling.

  In order to continuously and accurately measure blood pressure with the ear-type sphygmomanometer 1 using the tragus as a blood pressure measurement site, pressurized air is sent to each cuff by a battery-driven pressure pump. If the pressure pump used is used, the battery is consumed very much, and measurement over a long period of time becomes impossible. Therefore, a manual pressure pump may be used. In addition, there are various fluids as the fluid medium to be pressurized. In the case of gas, there is air, and in the case of liquid, there are water, fats and oils including silicon oil, alcohol, and the like, which are appropriately selected. .

<Configuration of Light Transmission Layer 30>
If the LED element 20 for optically detecting the pulse wave and the phototransistor 21 are built in the cuff, a part of the cuff is exposed to the outside when the inner and outer cuffs are attached to the tragus. It becomes a state to be. For this reason, it is affected by disturbance light, and it is difficult to measure blood pressure accurately under the usage condition where it goes out outdoors and is directly exposed to sunlight including ultraviolet rays, even if it does not cause much trouble indoors.

  FIGS. 11A to 11D are front views of the cuff bag body 22 with a light shielding measure. In this figure, components and components that have already been described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted, and the cuff bag body 22 has a shore hardness including transparent or light transmissive silicon rubber, natural rubber, and a predetermined synthetic resin. Is integrally formed from 30-60, preferably around 50 elastic material. The cuff bag body 22 is provided in an airtight state with respect to the cuff member 40, and is elastically deformed between a pressurized state and a reduced pressure state by the pressing surface 25 being substantially translated.

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

  Therefore, as shown in the figure, the cuff bag body 22 is formed of a material that does not allow light to pass therethrough, and the light transmitting layer 30 (indicated by dots in the figure) is formed on the pressing surface 25, so that disturbance light enters the inside. Thus, only the blood pressure measurement site is irradiated with light, and the reflected light is received so that accurate blood pressure measurement can always be performed regardless of the location. When the pressing surface 25 is circular, the light transmission layer 30 is formed as a small circle having a similar shape, and is set to have a diameter of about 3 mm. In the case of an ellipse, the ellipse has a major axis of 3.4 mm and a minor axis of 2.9 mm. Further, as shown in FIG. 11 (d), it may be set so that it is offset to one side and is close to the temporal region of the tragus.

<Configuration of cuff assembly>
12 is a cross-sectional view of a cuff assembly using the cuff bag body 22 shown in FIG. In this drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description is omitted. First, the inner cuff assembly 6 set in the ear canal inside the tragus is composed of the LED 20 and the phototransistor 21. And a cuff bag body 22 fixed using an O-ring 33 in a cuff member 40 having a flow path 40 a communicating with the pipe 4.

  Further, the outer cuff assembly 7 located outside the tragus is fixed to the cuff member that branches from the pipe 4 and communicates with the pipe 4 that is connected using the O-ring 33. 22 is provided. Each of these cuff bag bodies 22 has basically the same shape, and an elliptical shape or an oval shape can be used in addition to the circular shape as described above. The cuff bag body 22 is made of, for example, silicon rubber and is fixed as shown in the figure so as to be airtight with an O-ring 33.

  With the above configuration, the body 27 is inflated by the air pressure relayed through the condenser tank 107 from the pressurizing pump 108, which will be described later, into the cuff bag body 22, while it contracts when the pressure is reduced. Is configured to be repeated.

  Here, in the case where the tragus is used as a measurement site, in order to perform accurate blood pressure measurement, as an important function of the cuff bag body 22, in addition to being able to make the tragus pressurized and depressurized as described above. It has been noted that it is important that the inner and outer cuffs are brought into contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the tragus evenly in a flat state and that the inner and outer cuffs are held opposite to each other. The inner and outer cuffs can be held opposite to each other by using a freely adjustable three-dimensional adjustable bearing as described above, but the inner and outer cuffs are flat against the inner and outer surfaces of the tragus. It was difficult to make contact evenly. Therefore, as a result of repeated trial and error with respect to the shape in which the cuff bag body 22 can be uniformly contacted with the inner and outer surfaces of the tragus, it is best to make the pressing surface 25 convex as described above. It was confirmed.

<Effect of convex pressing surface 25>
FIG. 13 (a) shows a claw bag body 22 in the case where the lid portion is flat for comparison, and the tragus 221 using the cuff bag body 22 having the pressing surface 25 convex as described above. The comparison figure which showed the relationship with the beat point obtained when setting with the insertion amount H, (b) is the schematic diagram which showed the mode of the setting.

  As can be seen from this figure, in the case of the cuff bag body 22 with the pressing surface 25 convex, the same 50 mmHg stroke point was obtained with an insertion amount of 1 mm and 2 mm, and the tendency was slightly lowered at 3 mm and stabilized. On the other hand, in the cuff bag body 22 in the case where the lid portion is flat, it has been found that the stroke point varies greatly depending on the insertion amounts of 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm. From the above, it was confirmed that by using the cuff bag body 22 having the pressing surface 25 convex, it is possible to perform accurate blood pressure measurement even if repeated mounting is performed without being affected by the amount of insertion.

  Further, FIG. 14 (a) shows a tragus using the cuff bag body 22 when the lid portion is flat for comparison and the cuff bag body 22 having the pressing surface 25 as a convex shape as described above. FIG. 22B is a comparative diagram showing the relationship with the starting point obtained when set to 221 with the tightening amount K (clamping dimension), and FIG.

  As can be seen from the figure, in the case of the cuff bag body 22 having the pressing surface 25 convex, a similar 50 mmHg stroke point was obtained with a tightening amount K in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm. On the other hand, in the cuff bag body 22 in the case where the lid portion is flat, it has been found that the stroke point gradually decreases from the tightening amount K of 1 mm to 3 mm. From the above, it was confirmed that by using the cuff bag body 22 having the pressing surface 25 in a convex shape, accurate blood pressure measurement can be performed even if repeated mounting is performed without being affected by the tightening amount.

<Integrated configuration of piping 4 and wiring 5>
In FIG. 2, the pipe 4 and the wiring 5 are covered with the covering member 9 so that they are not tangled with each other in use. On the other hand, the pipe 4 is formed so that a hollow portion serving as a flow path for a fluid containing air is formed along the longitudinal direction, so that the wiring 5 is not exposed to the outside by passing the wiring 5 through the hollow portion. can do. However, with such a configuration, a seal portion for securing airtightness is required at a portion where the wiring 5 is pulled out of the pipe 4. However, since the pipe 4 is freely bent, it is difficult to ensure the sealing performance, and the long term Leave a problem with endurance. In addition, the assembly work will be hindered. In view of this, various studies have been made on configurations that can simultaneously improve the sealing performance and increase the working efficiency when the pipe 4 and the wiring 5 are integrated.

  As a result of the examination, the wirings 5 and 5 are laid along the longitudinal direction on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 4 as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 15, and the wirings 5 and 5 and the pipe 4 are expanded and contracted. It was concluded that it is best to cover and integrate with the covering member 9 having the property.

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

  When the pipe 4 and the wiring 5 are integrated as described above, for example, when one of them is gripped in FIG. Furthermore, since the wiring 5 can be drawn directly from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 4, no seal member is required. Moreover, when metal processing is given to the covering member 9, noise resistance can be further improved. Further, the branch pipe 35 can be arranged in a good manner at the end of the above-described ear hook member 51 by reducing the size as shown in the figure.

<Cuff bag body with light-shielding layer>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart in which a light shielding layer is formed inside the cuff bag body 22 and the light transmission layer 30 is provided, and is shown together with a central sectional view of the cuff bag body 22.

  In this figure, in step S1, an opening 25a is integrally formed on the pressing surface 25 as shown in the figure from a silicon-based material mixed with a pigment containing carbon black by a rubber molding device. At this time, it is in a semi-vulcanized state. In addition, non-defective products are selected. Next, it progresses to step S2 and the light transmissive layer 30 shape | molded from the transparent silicon type material is inserted in the opening part 25a. Then, in order to form again in step S3, it is set in a predetermined mold and integrated by full vulcanization.

  Then, if necessary, post-crosslinking in step S4 is performed, appearance inspection is performed in the final step, inspection of foreign matter and protrusion of the opening is performed, and non-defective products are selected and the process ends. The cuff bag body 22 completed through the above steps is attached and used as shown in FIG.

  Note that the light shielding layer may be formed inside the cuff bag body, or the light shielding layer may be formed outside the cuff bag body.

<Configuration of coupling unit 300>
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the coupling unit 300. In FIG. 17, the coupling part 300 is composed of an upper lid member 301 and a housing member 302. The accommodating member 302 accommodates the pipe 4 and the wiring 5. A pipe plug 304 is attached to the end of the pipe 4, and a female connector 305 is attached to the end of the wiring 5. The female connector 305 is disposed in the connector housing 309. Further, the pipe plug 304 is installed in the plug installation unit 311 and is fixed to the place by the E ring 307 from above. When the pipe plug 304 is installed, a predetermined length of the tip of the pipe plug 304 projects from the plug projecting hole 308.

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

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state when the coupling unit 300 is coupled to the apparatus main body 2. In FIG. 18, in order to facilitate understanding of the state of coupling, the coupling portion 300 represents only the upper lid member 301 before coupling and a part of the housing member 302 after coupling.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the push button 303 is attached to the upper lid member 301 via a spring 321 (see FIG. 18). When the coupling part 300 is coupled to the apparatus main body 2, the push button 303 is pressed to slightly narrow the width between the locking parts 322. When the coupling portion 300 is inserted into the coupling recess of the apparatus main body 2, the female connector 305 is fitted with the male connector 318 of the apparatus main body 2, and the piping plug 304 is fitted into the piping plug hole 319. Further, the locking portion 322 is locked in a locking hole 322 provided in the apparatus main body 2. Thereby, the connection part 300 and the apparatus main body 2 are firmly fixed.

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

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

<Circuit configuration of photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer>
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the operation circuit 100 in the apparatus main body 2 when the ear sphygmomanometer 1 of FIG. 2 is configured as a photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer.

  In FIG. 19, inside the inner cuff assembly 6 of the mounting portion 3 attached to the tragus 221, an LED 20 that is a light emitting element that constitutes a photoelectric sensor (pulse wave sensor), and a phototransistor 21 that is a light receiving element. include. As described above, the pipe 4 is a rubber tube (air tube) and forms a flow path of air into the inner cuff 6. The pressure pump 108 uses an electric small motor as a drive source, sends compressed air into the condenser tank 107, and sends pressure air into the inner cuff assembly 6 and the outer cuff assembly 7 after rectification. Further, the sudden exhaust valve 104 branched and connected from the pipe 4 is provided with an electromagnetic valve mechanism (not shown), and rapidly reduces the pressure in the cuff assemblies 6 and 7. Further, the fine exhaust valve 105 branched and connected similarly reduces the pressure in the inner cuff assembly 6 at a constant speed (for example, 2 to 3 mmHg / sec). Further, the pressure sensor 106 branched from the pipe 4 changes the electrical parameter according to the pressure in the cuff 6. A pressure detection amplifier (AMP) 107 connected to the pressure sensor 106 detects an electrical parameter of the pressure sensor 106, converts it into an electrical signal, amplifies it, and outputs an analog cuff pressure signal P. .

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the actual arrangement of the apparatus main body 2 of FIG. 2 with the lid removed. In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description is omitted. The apparatus body 2 has a vertical dimension of about 120 mm, a width dimension of about 80 mm, and a thickness dimension of 27 mm. The weight is 180 grams. In this way, by making it as small and light as possible, even if it is always carried, it does not interfere with daily life.

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

<Operation of photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer>
Next, the operation of the ear sphygmomanometer 1 as the photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer according to the present embodiment will be described below. FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining measurement processing of the ear sphygmomanometer (photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer) 1. In this figure, when the apparatus is turned on by a power switch, self-initial diagnosis processing (not shown) is first performed to initialize the apparatus. Thereafter, the process is started by pressing the measurement start switch.

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

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

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

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

  When the adjustment of the light amount / gain is completed, the fine exhaust valve 105 is opened in step S115. This is the start of the measurement process during pressure reduction (pressure reduction), and the cuff pressure starts to decrease at a constant speed (for example, 2 to 3 mmHg / sec). During this time, data processing by each functional block is performed in step S116, and the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure are measured. In step S117, it is determined whether or not a minimum blood pressure value is detected during decompression. If not detected, continue measurement. In step S118, it is determined whether or not the cuff pressure is lower than a predetermined value L (for example, 40 mmHg). If P <L, it is still in the normal measurement range, and the flow returns to step S116. On the other hand, when P <L, the cuff pressure is already lower than the normal measurement range, so “measurement error” is displayed on the LCD 114 in step S119. If necessary, display detailed information such as “signal anomaly during decompression”.

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

<Blood pressure calculation operation>
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the correlation between the cuff pressure and the pulse wave signal. In this figure, the waveforms in the time from the start of measurement during pressurization (step S108) to the end of measurement during depressurization (step S116) are respectively shown.

  The blood pressure measurement is generally performed on the graph of FIG. 22 as follows. That is, in the measurement at the time of pressurization, the cuff pressure at the point (a) at which the change in the magnitude of the pulse wave signal has started is set as the minimum blood pressure, and the cuff pressure at the time point (b) when the pulse wave signal disappears is set as the maximum blood pressure. On the other hand, the blood pressure measurement at the time of decompression is opposite to the blood pressure measurement at the time of pressurization. The cuff pressure is the minimum blood pressure. The maximum blood pressure and the minimum blood pressure may be obtained from the pulse wave only when the cuff is decompressed.

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

  As described above, the photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer according to the present embodiment makes it possible to adjust the signal level so that the signal level of the pulse wave signal is within a predetermined standard range, and at the same time enables highly accurate measurement, By making it possible to shorten the blood pressure measurement time, it is possible to provide a photoelectric volumetric pulse wave sphygmomanometer that can reduce the physical burden on the user due to the cuff pressure. In addition, since the tragus and its peripheral part are insensitive to pain, there is also an effect that pain due to cuff pressure can be reduced, and further, this allows continuous measurement of blood pressure once or at intervals of 2 to 30 minutes. This also has the effect that it can be easily applied.

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

<Other embodiments>
In the above-described embodiment, the irradiation unit (LED 20) and the blood flow that irradiate light to the blood flow of the blood vessel only on one side (inside the inner cuff assembly 6) of the pair of cuffs configured to sandwich the tragus 221. The light receiving portion (phototransistor 21) for detecting the reflected light from the LED 20 is provided, but the LED 20 serving as a light irradiating portion for both the inner cuff assembly 6 and the outer cuff assembly 7 for sandwiching the tragus 221. A phototransistor 21 serving as a light receiving unit for detecting reflected light may be built in, and thus the blood pressure on the back side and front side of the tragus can be measured simultaneously by providing the sensor on the inner and outer cuffs. You may do it.

  With this configuration, the cuff on one side compresses the blood vessels (arterioles) on the back side of the outer ear and its peripheral part, and the cuff on the other side has a superficial temporal artery on the front side of the outer ear and its peripheral part or The branch vessel can be compressed. In addition, there are the following reasons for measuring the blood pressure of the outer ear and its peripheral part (more specifically, the tragus and the peripheral part) in this way.

  That is, it is known that the tragus and its surrounding blood vessels (arterioles) are close to blood vessels in the brain, and it is thought that changes in blood pressure originating in the brain can be measured. On the other hand, in addition to blood vessels (arterioles) present in the cartilage portion (mainly tragus) of the ear, an artery (superficial temporal artery) directly connected to the heart is also located in the vicinity of the tragus. Therefore, there is an advantage that blood pressure having different information (that is, blood pressure derived from the brain and blood pressure derived from the heart) can be measured simultaneously with a small device in the periphery of the tragus. The photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer of the present embodiment makes it possible to set the signal level of the pulse wave signal so that it falls within a predetermined standard range, and it is possible to measure blood pressure with high accuracy in the outer ear periphery. At the same time, by making it possible to shorten the blood pressure measurement time, it is possible to reduce the physical burden on the user due to the cuff pressure.

  As described above, the photoelectric volume pulse wave sphygmomanometer according to the present embodiment makes it possible to adjust the signal level so that the signal level of the pulse wave signal is within a predetermined standard range, and at the same time enables highly accurate measurement, By making it possible to shorten the blood pressure measurement time, it is possible to provide a photoelectric volumetric pulse wave sphygmomanometer that can reduce the physical burden on the user due to the cuff pressure.

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

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the mode of an auricle. 1 is an external perspective view showing an overall configuration example of an ear sphygmomanometer 1. (A) is the external appearance perspective view which showed another embodiment of the protector 10 set to the shaft support part 53 on the side surface of the ear hooking member 51 using the shaft body 14, and was made into the use state, (b) is open. It is the external appearance perspective view made into the state. It is a three-dimensional exploded view of a holding member. (A) is an exploded view of a universal bearing, (b) is a principal part sectional drawing after completion. (A) is an external perspective view after setting the ear-type blood pressure monitor 1 illustrated in FIG. 2, and (b) is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which the protector 10 is used. (a) is a plan view of the cuff bag body 22, (b) is a front view of the cuff bag body, (c) is a bottom view of the cuff bag body, and (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of (a). It is. (A) is a top view of the cuff bag body 22 when a cover part is elliptical shape or an oval shape, (b) is a front view, (c) is a right view, (d) is a bottom view. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. (a) is sectional drawing at the time of pressure_reduction | reduced_pressure of the cuff bag body 22 provided with the pressing surface formed in a depression convex shape, (b) is sectional drawing at the time of pressurization. (a)-(d) is a front view of the cuff bag body 22 which took a light shielding measure. It is principal part sectional drawing which showed a mode that the cuff bag body was attached to a cuff member. (A) is set to the tragus 221 with the insertion amount H using the cuff bag body 22 when the lid is flat for comparison and the cuff bag body 22 with the pressing surface 25 convex. The comparison figure which showed the relationship with the beat point obtained sometimes, (b) is the schematic diagram which showed the mode of the set. (A) shows a tightening amount K (clamping dimension) on the tragus 221 using a cuff bag body 22 when the lid portion is flat for comparison and a cuff bag body 22 having a pressing surface 25 as a convex shape. The comparison figure which showed the relationship with the starting point obtained when setting in (), (b) is the schematic diagram which showed the mode of the setting. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows a mode that wiring and piping were integrated. 4 is a flowchart in which a light shielding layer is formed inside the cuff bag body 22 and a light transmission layer 30 is provided, and is shown together with a central sectional view of the cuff bag body 22. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a coupling unit 300. FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram of a combining unit 300. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the operation circuit 100 in the apparatus main body 2 at the time of comprising the ear | style blood pressure meter 1 of FIG. 2 as a photoelectric volumetric pulse wave blood pressure meter. FIG. 3 is an entity layout diagram of the apparatus main body 2 of FIG. 2. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the measurement process of the ear-type blood pressure meter (photoelectric volume pulse wave blood pressure meter) 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the correlation of a cuff pressure and a pulse wave signal.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ear type blood pressure monitor 2 Apparatus main body 3 Holding member 4 Piping 5 Wiring (signal / power supply line)
6, 7 Cuff assembly 9 Cover member 10 Protector 11 First holding member 12 Second holding member 20 Light emitting element (LED)
21 Light receiving element (phototransistor)
22 Cuff bag body 23 Lid 25 Press surface 27 Body 33 0-ring 40 Cuff member

Claims (8)

A blood pressure measurement cuff that measures blood pressure using an inner cuff inserted into the ear canal and an outer cuff located outside the tragus,
The inner cuff and the outer cuff are
A cuff member communicating with the piping;
The cuff bag body is fixed in an airtight state with respect to the cuff member and has a trunk portion that expands and contracts.
A cuff for measuring blood pressure, wherein a pressing surface formed in a depressed convex shape is formed in the lid portion of the cuff bag body.   The lid portion is formed in a circular, elliptical or oval shape, the pressing surface is formed in a similar shape with an area ratio of about 50 to 70% with respect to the lid portion, and the cuff member is formed in the body. The blood pressure measurement cuff according to claim 1, wherein the blood pressure measurement cuff is formed in a shape that matches the portion. When the lid is the circular shape, the cuff bag body has a diameter of 5 to 10 mm, and the pressing surface has a diameter of 3 to 6 mm.
3. The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 2, wherein a thickness dimension of the pressing surface is in a range of 0.4 to 1 mm, and a thickness dimension of the trunk portion is 0.1 to 0.8 mm. Cuff. When the lid is the elliptical shape or the oval shape, the major axis dimension is in the range of 15 to 5 mm, preferably about 10 mm, and the minor axis dimension is in the range of 10 to 4 mm.
The thickness dimension of the pressing surface is in the range of 0.4 to 1 mm, preferably about 0.6 mm, and the thickness dimension of the barrel is 0.1 to 0.8 mm. 2. A blood pressure measurement cuff according to 2.   5. The cuff bag body is integrally formed from an elastic material having a Shore hardness of 30 to 60, preferably about 50, including silicon rubber, natural rubber, and a predetermined synthetic resin. The blood pressure measurement cuff according to claim 1.   The pulse wave detecting means is an optical type comprising a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that are built in the inner cuff and obtain a signal obtained by absorption and reflection of light by blood flowing in the blood vessel, and light-blocks the cuff bag body. A hole is formed in the pressing surface after molding from a material, and a light transmitting layer is inserted into the hole and vulcanized to integrally mold a light blocking layer other than the predetermined range of the pressing surface of the inner cuff. The blood pressure measurement cuff according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:   The blood pressure measurement cuff according to claim 6, wherein the light transmission layer has a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or an oval shape, and is formed concentrically or offset. An inner cuff inserted into the ear canal and an outer cuff located outside the tragus;
Holding means for holding the inner cuff and the outer cuff;
A pulse wave detecting means built in at least one of the inner cuff or the outer cuff and detecting a pulse wave signal from blood flowing in the blood vessel;
Pressurizing and depressurizing means for pressurizing and depressurizing the inner cuff and the outer cuff with a fluid containing air after pinching the tragus with the inner cuff and the outer cuff;
A pipe connected between the inner cuff, the outer cuff and the pressure-increasing / decreasing means for sending the fluid;
A pressure detecting means connected to the pipe for detecting the pressure of the inner cuff and the outer cuff; a blood pressure measurement control means for measuring a blood pressure value from the pulse wave signal;
A wiring connected between the pulse wave detection means and the blood pressure measurement control means,
The inner cuff and the outer cuff are
A cuff member communicating with the pipe;
The cuff bag body is fixed in an airtight state with respect to the cuff member and has a trunk portion that expands and contracts.
A blood pressure measurement device, wherein a pressing surface formed in a depressed convex shape is formed in the lid portion of the cuff bag body.

Images