BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT DEVICE

A blood pressure measurement device includes a curler, a cuff structure on an inner surface of the curler, a case including a tubular shaped outer case and a rear cover fixed to an end portion on a living body side of the outer case and the curler, a portion of the rear cover facing the curler being open, and the rear cover and curler covering the end portion on the living body side of the outer case, a base portion housed in the case, a first sealing member between the rear cover and the curler, that is configured to seal between the rear cover and the curler, and a second sealing member having a higher sealing property than the first sealing member, between an inner circumferential surface of the outer case and the base portion, that is configured to seal between the inner circumferential surface and the base portion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a blood pressure measurement device for measuring blood pressure.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, blood pressure measurement devices for measuring blood pressure are being used to monitor health status at home, as well as in medical facilities. A blood pressure measurement device detects vibration of the artery wall to measure blood pressure by, for example, inflating and contracting a cuff wrapped around the upper arm or the wrist of a living body and detecting the pressure of the cuff using a pressure sensor.

As such a blood pressure measurement device, for example, a so-called integral type is known in which a cuff is integrated with a device body supplying a fluid to the cuff. Known examples of an integral type blood pressure measurement device include the blood pressure measurement devices described in JP H06-011701 A and JP S63-200144 A in which a cuff is disposed on the inner side of a belt and a flow path connecting from a pump disposed inside a device body to the cuff is provided (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, for example).

Also, technology is known that uses a curler between a belt and a cuff to bring the inflated cuff to be close contact with the wrist. Such blood pressure measurement devices inflate the cuff after the cuff is brought into close contact with the wrist by the belt and the curler to suitably occlude the blood vessel when the cuff is inflated.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: JP H06-011701 A

Patent Document 2: JP S63-200144 A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

The blood pressure measurement device described above needs to be configured to allow the cuff to be removed at the time of failure or maintenance of the cuff. Also, blood pressure measurement devices are being designed as wearable devices attached on the wrist, and thus there is a demand to have a waterproof function.

In light of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a blood pressure measurement device with a replaceable cuff and the waterproof function.

Solution to Problem

According to an aspect, a blood pressure measurement device is provided which is attachable to a living body and includes, a curler, a cuff disposed on an inner surface of the curler, a case including an outer case having a tubular shape and a rear cover fixed to an end portion on a living body side of the outer case and the curler, a portion of the rear cover facing the curler being open, and the rear cover covering, together with the curler, the end portion on the living body side of the outer case, a base portion housed in the case, a first sealing member provided between the rear cover and the curler, the first sealing member being configured to seal between the rear cover and the curler, and a second sealing member provided between an inner circumferential surface of the outer case and the base portion, the second sealing member being constituted in an annular shape that seals between the inner circumferential surface and the base portion and seals between the rear cover and the base portion, and the second sealing member having a higher sealing property than the first sealing member.

Here, the living body is the wrist, for example.

According to this aspect, the configuration includes the first sealing member and the second sealing member. This gives the blood pressure measurement device a high sealing property. Furthermore, with the two level structure including the first sealing member and the second sealing member functioning as a waterproof structure for inside the case, the sealing property required for the blood pressure measurement device can be satisfied by the combined sealing properties of the first sealing member and the second sealing member, allowing the individual sealing properties of the first sealing member and the second sealing member to be set not as high. Thus, the first sealing member and the second sealing member are not made as a seal with a complex mechanism, for example. As a result, the curler can be detached from the rear lid, and the cuff can be replaced. Furthermore, even in a case where the first sealing member needs to be replaced due to the curler being detached from the rear cover during such as maintenance or cuff replacement, the cost of the replacement can be kept low.

In the blood pressure measurement device according to the one aspect described above, the blood pressure measurement device is provided in which the outer case includes a first abutting portion, and the base portion includes a second abutting portion configured to abut on the first abutting portion in an axial direction of the outer case.

According to this aspect, misalignment of the outer case and the base portion can be prevented.

In the blood pressure measurement device according to the one aspect described above, the blood pressure measurement device is provided in which the first sealing member is constituted by a double-sided tape.

According to this aspect, the first sealing member can have a simple configuration. Also, by using the first sealing member itself to fix the curler to the rear cover, the curler and the rear cover can be strongly fixed. Furthermore, the replacement work of the first sealing member can be made simple, and the cost of replacing the first sealing member can be kept low.

In the blood pressure measurement device according to the one aspect described above, the blood pressure measurement device is provided in which the second sealing member is integrally formed with the base portion.

According to this aspect, the second sealing member can be prevented from falling off from the base portion.

In the blood pressure measurement device according to the one aspect described above, the blood pressure measurement device is provided in which, the second sealing member in a pre-deformation state, is formed with an intermediate portion, in an axial direction of the outer case, of an outer circumferential surface of the second sealing member having a larger diameter than other portions.

According to this aspect, the sealing properties of the second sealing member and the inner circumferential surface of the outer case can be improved.

In the blood pressure measurement device according to the one aspect described above, the blood pressure measurement device is provided in which, an outer circumferential surface of the base portion includes an annular protrusion portion disposed inside the second sealing member protruding toward an inner circumferential surface of the outer case.

According to this aspect, the second sealing member can be further prevented from falling off from the base portion.

In the blood pressure measurement device according to the one aspect described above, the blood pressure measurement device is provided in which, an intermediate portion in a radial direction of an end surface on the living body side of the second sealing member protrudes further to the living body side than an end on the living body side of the outer case, in a state before the rear cover is fixed to the case.

According to this aspect, the end surface on the living body side of the second sealing member is pressed by the rear cover and the second sealing member is deformed. As a result, the pressing force of the second sealing member against the inner circumferential surface of the outer case increases, further increasing the sealing properties of the second sealing member and the inner circumferential surface of the outer case. Furthermore, because the intermediate portion of the end surface is formed in a protruding shape, even in a case where the second sealing member is deformed, the second sealing member can be prevented from being caught between the outer case and the rear cover.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present invention can provide a blood pressure measurement device with a replaceable cuff and waterproof function.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An example of a blood pressure measurement device1according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference toFIGS. 1 to 32.

FIG. 1is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the blood pressure measurement device1according to a first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measurement device1.FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measurement device1and is a perspective view of the blood pressure measurement device1from a different angle to that ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4is a side view illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measurement device1.FIG. 5is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the blood pressure measurement device1is attached to the wrist200.FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measurement device1.

FIG. 7is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measurement device1with some configurations removed.FIG. 8is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measurement device1with some configurations removed.FIG. 9is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measurement device1with some configurations removed.

FIG. 10is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the blood pressure measurement device1with some configurations removed.FIG. 11is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a base portion33and a first sealing member36of the blood pressure measurement device1.FIG. 12is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the first sealing member36and the surrounding region of the blood pressure measurement device1. Specifically,FIG. 12is a cross-sectional view illustrated as a line cross-section along XIII-XIII illustrated inFIG. 5.FIG. 13is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the first sealing member36of the blood pressure measurement device1as seen from a windshield32side.

FIG. 14is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a curler5and a cuff structure6of the blood pressure measurement device1.FIG. 15is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the curler5and the cuff structure6of the blood pressure measurement device1.FIG. 16is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the curler5and the cuff structure6of the blood pressure measurement device1.FIG. 17is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a tensile cuff74of the blood pressure measurement device1.FIG. 18is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the tensile cuff74of the blood pressure measurement device1.FIG. 19is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the curler5of the blood pressure measurement device1.FIG. 20is a plan view illustrating a configuration of the cuff structure6of the blood pressure measurement device1on the wrist200side.FIG. 21is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the curler5of the cuff structure6on the inner circumferential surface side.

FIG. 22is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a pressing cuff71of the blood pressure measurement device1.FIG. 23is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the pressing cuff71, which is a line cross-section along XVIII-XVIII illustrated inFIG. 22.FIG. 24is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a sensing cuff73of the blood pressure measurement device1.FIG. 25is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the sensing cuff73of the blood pressure measurement device1, which is a line cross-section along XX-XX illustrated inFIG. 24.

FIG. 26is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing the blood pressure measurement device1.FIG. 27is a flowchart illustrating an example of usage of the blood pressure measurement device1.FIG. 28is a perspective view illustrating an example in which the blood pressure measurement device1is attached to the wrist200.FIG. 29is a perspective view illustrating an example in which the blood pressure measurement device1is attached to the wrist200.FIG. 30is a perspective view illustrating an example in which the blood pressure measurement device1is attached to the wrist200.FIG. 31is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which the blood pressure measurement device1is attached to the wrist200.FIG. 32is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the first sealing member36and the surrounding region of the blood pressure measurement device1according to a modified example.

The blood pressure measurement device1is an electronic blood pressure measurement device attached to a living body. The present embodiment will be described using an electronic blood pressure measurement device having an aspect of a wearable device attached to the wrist200of the living body.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 9, the blood pressure measurement device1includes the device body3, a belt4that fixes the device body3at the wrist, the curler5disposed between the belt4and the wrist, the cuff structure6including the pressing cuff71, the sensing cuff73, and the tensile cuff74, a fluid circuit7fluidly connecting the device body3and the cuff structure6, and a power feeding unit8provided on the curler5.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 9, the device body3includes, for example, a case11, a display unit12, an operation unit13, a pump14, the flow path portion15, the on-off valve16, the pressure sensor17, a power supply unit18, a vibration motor19, and a control substrate20. The device body3supplies a fluid to the cuff structure6using the pump14, the on-off valve16, the pressure sensor17, the control substrate20, and the like.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 4, the case11includes an outer case31, the windshield32covering an opening of the outer case31on the opposite side (outer side) to the wrist200, the base portion33provided inside the outer case31on the wrist200side, the rear cover35covering the wrist200side of the outer case31, the first sealing member36provided on the lower surface of the rear cover35, and a second sealing member37provided on the base portion33.

The outer case31is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer case31includes pairs of lugs31aprovided at respective symmetrical positions in the circumferential direction of an outer circumferential surface, and spring rods31beach provided between each of the two pairs of lugs31a.In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 9, for example, the outer case31includes screw holes31cat four sections on the surface (rear surface) on the wrist200side that are at the roots of the pairs of lugs31arespectively provided at symmetrical positions in the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface. The windshield32is, for example, a circular glass plate.

Specifically, the outer case31is configured to have a flat plate-like shape between the first pair of lugs31aand between the second pair of lugs31a,and is configured to have a plate-like shape with an arcuate curve in the portions between the first pair of lugs31aand the second pair of lugs31a.

Also, as illustrated inFIG. 8, in the outer case31, a hole31gis formed between the first pair of lugs31aand between the second pair of lugs31a.The holes31gcommunicate from the inside of the outer case31to the outside. A filter is provided at an opening end of the hole31gdisposed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer case31. The filter functions so as to allow air to pass through but to restrict the passage of water. Here, “restrict” refers to limiting the amount of water passed through. The filter is preferably capable of preventing the passage of water.

Also, as illustrated inFIG. 12, a sealing groove31eis formed in the end portion on the wrist200side of an inner circumferential surface31dof the outer case31. The sealing groove31ehas a configuration in which a region of the sealing groove31efrom one end on the wrist200side of the inner circumferential surface31dto an intermediate portion between the one end and the other end on the windshield32side in the axial direction D of the outer case31is formed to have a distance from a center line of the outer case31being longer than that of a region adjacent to this region on the windshield32side.

The sealing groove31eis configured in a rectangular cross section, for example. An end surface31e1of the sealing groove31ein the axial direction D of the outer case31is an abutting portion that restricts movement of the base portion33inside the outer case31by abutting against the base portion33. The end surface31e1is constituted in a flat surface orthogonal to the axial direction D of the outer case31, for example.

The base portion33holds the display unit12, the operation unit13, the pump14, the on-off valve16, the pressure sensor17, the power supply unit18, the vibration motor19, and the control substrate20. Additionally, the base portion33constitutes a portion of the flow path portion15that makes the pump14and the cuff structure6fluidly continuous. The base portion33is configured tin a planar shape that is substantially similar to the shape of the opening of the outer case31.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, an outer circumference surface33aof the base portion33is formed with a first protrusion portion33bhaving an annular shape, which is disposed in the sealing groove31eof the outer case31and protruding toward an inner circumferential surface31e2of the sealing groove31e.At least a portion of an end surface33con the windshield32side of the first protrusion portion33bis configured to abut on the end surface31e1of the sealing groove31eof the outer case31. For example, the outer edge portion of the end surface33cabuts on the end surface31e1. The end surface33cis configured in a planar shape.

A second protrusion portion33dhaving an annular shape protruding toward the inner circumferential surface31e2of the sealing groove31eis formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first protrusion portion33b.The second protrusion portion33d,for example, is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the first protrusion portion33bat an intermediate portion between one end on the windshield32side and one end on the wrist200side. A cross section of the second protrusion portion33dis configured in a rectangular shape, for example.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, the rear cover35is configured as an annular shape with an open center. The rear cover35covers the end portion on the outer peripheral edge side of the outer case31on the wrist200side. With the rear cover35configured as such being integrally assembled with the curler5, the central opening is covered by the curler5, and the rear cover35together with the curler5forms a rear lid covering the end portion of the outer case31on the wrist200side. Specifically, the rear cover35is fixed to the curler5with four first joining members35aand fixed to the end portion of the outer case31on the wrist200side with four second joining members35b.The rear cover35includes four hole portions35cinto which the first joining members35athat are provided at the bottom portion and fixed to the curler5are inserted, and four hole portions35dprovided at four portions of the outer circumferential portion that radially project out, into which the second joining members35bthat are fixed to the outer case31are inserted. A surface of the rear cover35that abuts on the curler5is configured in a planar shape.

Also, as illustrated inFIG. 12, an edge portion35fof the outer circumference of a surface35eon the windshield32side of the rear cover35is configured to abut on an end surface31fon the wrist200side of the outer case31and a surface on the wrist200side of the first protrusion portion33bof the base portion33.

In the present embodiment, the end surface31fon the wrist200side of the outer case31and an end surface33eon the wrist200side of the first protrusion portion33bof the base portion33are disposed on the same plane in a state where the end surface33cof the first protrusion portion33bof the base portion33is abutting on the end surface31e1of the outer case31. The edge portion35fis configured in a planar shape.

The first joining members35aand the second joining members35bare members for mechanically fixing two components, such as a screw, a bolt, a machine screw, a rivet, or the like. In the present embodiment, the first joining members35aand the second joining members35bare screws.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 9, the four first joining members35ascrew into the screw holes5eprovided at four sections of the cover portion5a,described below, of the curler5. The four second joining members35bscrew into the screw holes31cprovided at four sections in the outer case31.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 10, the four hole portions35care provided in the bottom surface of the rear cover35and provided at positions facing the cover portion5a,described below, of the curler5. For example, for the four hole portions35c,the interval in the extension direction of the curler5is less than the interval in the direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the curler5.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 9, the four hole portions35dare provided in projections facing four sections of the roots of the pairs of lugs31arespectively provided at symmetrical positions in the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface and provided in the surface (rear surface) on the wrist200side of the outer case31on the outer circumferential portion of the rear cover35. The four hole portions35dface the screw holes31cof the outer case31when the outer case31and the rear cover35are integrally combined.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3, 8, and 10, the first sealing member36is a double-sided tape, for example, formed in the shape of the region of the rear cover35that comes into contact with the curler5. The first sealing member36is configured in an annular shape disposed on the inner side of the opening of the rear cover35. The first sealing member36seals between the curler5and the rear cover35by being provided between the abutting surfaces of the curler5and rear cover35abut each other.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3, and 11 to 14, the second sealing member37is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the first protrusion portion33bof the base portion33. The second sealing member37is configured in an annular shape. The second sealing member37is formed of a resin material. The second sealing member37is integrally formed with the base portion33. The second sealing member37is formed by insert molding, for example. The second sealing member37seals between the inner circumferential surface31dof the outer case31and the base portion33and between the rear cover35and the base portion33.

Specifically, the second sealing member37is constituted such that, during a process in which the integral member of the base portion33and the second sealing member37is inserted in the outer case31, the second sealing member37abuts on the inner circumferential surface31e2of the sealing groove31e,is pressed to the center of the outer case31, and deformed into a shape close contact with the inner circumferential surface31e2. Furthermore, the second sealing member37is constituted in a shape such that it comes into close contact with the rear cover35in the axial direction D of the outer case31. Furthermore, the second sealing member37is constituted such that, the second sealing member37is pressed in the axial direction D of the outer case31by the rear cover35and compressed between the outer case31and the rear cover35, and thus the second sealing member37comes to have a shape close contact with the inner circumferential surface31dof the outer case31.

The second sealing member37is close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer case31and the rear cover35in this manner, and thus the second sealing member37has a higher sealing property than the first sealing member36.

For the second sealing member37, as illustrated inFIG. 12by the two-dot dash line, in a state where the integral member of the base portion33and the second sealing member37is separated from the outer case31, i.e., in a state before deformation, a distance L1from the center of the outer case31in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction D of the outer case31to the outermost edge of the second sealing member37is longer than a distance L2from the center of the outer case31in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction D of the outer case31to the inner circumferential surface31e2of the sealing groove31eof the outer case31.

Also, as illustrated by the two-dot dash line, an intermediate portion37bbetween the end of the windshield32side and the end on the rear cover35side of an outer circumferential surface37aof the second sealing member37in a state before deformation corresponds to the outermost edge protruding the furthest out in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction D of the outer case31. Also, a region37cfrom the end on the windshield32side of the outer circumferential surface37ato the intermediate portion37bis constituted as a surface that progressively expands in diameter from the end to the intermediate portion37b.Furthermore, in a state before the second sealing member37is housed inside the outer case31, the end on the windshield32side of the outer circumferential surface37ais constituted in a smaller diameter than the opening end on the wrist200side of the sealing groove31e.

An end surface37don the windshield32side of the second sealing member37is constituted on the same plane as the end surface33cof the first protrusion portion33b.In addition, in a state before the rear cover35is fixed to the outer case31, an intermediate portion of the second sealing member37in the radial direction of an end surface37eon the rear cover35side is configured as a protrusion protruding further to the rear cover35side than the end surface33con the rear cover35side of the first protrusion portion33bof the base portion33and the end surface31fon the wrist200side of the outer case31. The end surface37eis constituted in a shape that progressively narrows in width toward to the rear cover35side, for example.

The display unit12is disposed on the base portion33of the outer case31and directly below the windshield32. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the display unit12is electrically connected to the control substrate20. The display unit12is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display. The display unit12displays various types of information including the date and time and measurement results of blood pressure values such as the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and the like.

The operation unit13is configured to be capable of receiving an instruction input from a user. For example, the operation unit13includes a plurality of buttons41provided on the case11, a sensor42that detects operation of the buttons41, and a touch panel43provided on the display unit12or the windshield32, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 6. When operated by the user, the operation unit13converts an instruction into an electrical signal. The sensor42and the touch panel43are electrically connected to the control substrate20to output electrical signals to the control substrate20.

As the plurality of buttons41, for example, three buttons are provided. The buttons41are supported by the base portion33and protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the outer case31. The plurality of buttons41and a plurality of the sensors42are supported by the base portion33. The touch panel43is integrally provided on the windshield32, for example.

The pump14is, for example, a piezoelectric pump. The pump14compresses air and supplies compressed air to the cuff structure6through the flow path portion15. The pump14is electrically connected to the control substrate20.

The flow path portion15constitutes the flow path connecting from the pump14to the pressing cuff71and the tensile cuff74and a flow path connecting from the pump14to the sensing cuff73, as illustrated inFIG. 6. Additionally, the flow path unit15constitutes a flow path connecting from the pressing cuff71and the tensile cuff74to the atmosphere, and a flow path connecting from the sensing cuff73to the atmosphere. The flow path unit15is a flow path of air constituted by a hollow portion, a groove, a flow path tank, a tube, or the like provided in the base portion33and the like.

The on-off valve16opens and closes a portion of the flow path portion15. Specifically, a plurality of on-off valves16, specifically four on-off valves16are provided, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 6, and selectively open and close the flow path connecting from the pump14to the pressing cuff71and the tensile cuff74, the flow path connecting from the pump14to the sensing cuff73, the flow path connecting from the pressing cuff71and the tensile cuff74to the atmosphere, and the flow path connecting from the sensing cuff73to the atmosphere, by the combination of opening and closing of each of the on-off valves16. As a specific example, the four on-off valves16are constituted by the first on-off valve16A, the second on-off valve16B, the third on-off valve16C, and the fourth on-off valve16D. The first on-off valve16A opens and closes the flow path connecting the pump14and the sensing cuff73. The second on-off valve16B opens and closes the flow path connecting the pump14and the tensile cuff74. The second on-off valve16B and the third on-off valve16C open and close the flow path connecting the pump14and the pressing cuff71. The second on-off valve16B, the third on-off valve16C, and the fourth on-off valve16D open and close the flow path connecting the pump14and the atmosphere.

The pressure sensor17at least detects the pressure of the sensing cuff73. The pressure sensor17is provided with the first pressure sensor17A and the second pressure sensor17B, for example. The pressure sensor17converts a detected pressure into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the control substrate20. For example, the first pressure sensor17A and the second pressure sensor17B are provided in the flow path connecting the first pressure sensor17A of the flow path portion15and the sensing cuff73. The flow path is continuous through the pressing cuff71, the sensing cuff73, and the tensile cuff74to the pump14by the opening and closing of each of the on-off valves, and thus the pressure in these flow paths corresponds to the pressure in the internal space of the pressing cuff71, the sensing cuff73, and the tensile cuff74connecting to the pump14.

Specifically, for example, the pressure sensor17detects the pressure of the sensing cuff73, i.e., the pressure of the flow path portion15connecting the pump14and the sensing cuff73, when the first on-off valve16A is open and the second on-off valve16B is closed. Also, the pressure sensor17detects the pressure of the sensing cuff73and the tensile cuff74, i.e., the pressure of the flow path portion15connecting the pump14, the sensing cuff73, and the tensile cuff74, when the first on-off valve16A and the second on-off valve16B are open and the third on-off valve16C is closed. Furthermore, the pressure sensor17detects the pressure of the pressing cuff71, the sensing cuff73, and the tensile cuff74, i.e., the pressure of the flow path portion15connecting the pump14, the pressing cuff71, the sensing cuff73, and the tensile cuff74, when the first on-off valve16A, the second on-off valve16B, and the third on-off valve16C are open and the fourth on-off valve16D is open or closed.

The power supply unit18is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The power supply unit18is electrically connected to the control substrate20, as illustrated inFIG. 6. The power supply unit18supplies power to the control substrate20.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the control substrate20includes, for example, a substrate51, an acceleration sensor52, a communication unit53, a storage unit54, and a control unit55. The control substrate20is constituted by the acceleration sensor52, the communication unit53, the storage unit54, and the control unit55that are mounted on the substrate51.

The substrate51is fixed to the base portion33of the case11using screws or the like.

The acceleration sensor52is, for example, a 3-axis acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor52outputs, to the control unit55, an acceleration signal representing acceleration of the device body3in three directions orthogonal to one another. For example, the acceleration sensor52is used to measure, from the detected acceleration, the amount of activity of a living body to which the blood pressure measurement device1is attached.

The communication unit53is configured to be capable to transmit and receive information to and from an external device wirelessly or by wire. For example, the communication unit53transmits information controlled by the control unit55, and information of a measured blood pressure value, a pulse, and the like to an external device via a network, and receives a program or the like for software update from an external device via a network and sends the program or the like to the control unit55.

In the present embodiment, the network is, for example, the Internet, but is not limited to this. The network may be a network such as a Local Area Network (LAN) provided in a hospital or may be direct communication with an external device using a cable or the like including a terminal of a predetermined standard such as a USB.

Thus, the communication unit53may be configured to include a plurality of wireless antennas, micro-USB connectors, or the like.

The storage unit54pre-stores program data for controlling the overall blood pressure measurement device1and a fluid circuit7, settings data for setting various functions of the blood pressure measurement device1, calculation data for calculating a blood pressure value and a pulse from pressure measured by the pressure sensors17, and the like. Additionally, the storage unit54stores information such as a measured blood pressure value and a measured pulse.

The control unit55is constituted by one or more CPUs, and controls operation of the overall blood pressure measurement device1and operation of the fluid circuit. The control unit55is electrically connected to and supplies power to the display unit12, the operation unit13, the pump14, each of the on-off valves16and the pressure sensors17. Additionally, the control unit55controls operation of the display unit12, the pump14, and the on-off valves16, based on electrical signals output by the operation unit13and the pressure sensors17.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the control unit55includes a main Central Processing Unit (CPU)56that controls operation of the overall blood pressure measurement device1, and a sub-CPU57that controls operation of the fluid circuit7. For example, the main CPU56obtains measurement results such as blood pressure values, for example, the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure, and the heart rate, from electrical signals output by the pressure sensor17, and outputs an image signal corresponding to the measurement results to the display unit12.

For example, the sub-CPU57drives the pump14and the on-off valves16to feed compressed air to the pressing cuff71and the sensing cuff73when an instruction to measure the blood pressure is input from the operation unit13. In addition, the sub-CPU57controls driving and stopping of the pump14and opening and closing of the on-off valves16based on electrical signal output by the pressure sensors17. The sub-CPU57controls the pump14and the on-off valves16to selectively feed compressed air to the pressing cuff71and the sensing cuff73and selectively depressurize the pressing cuff71and the sensing cuff73.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 and 9, the belt4includes a first belt61provided on the first pair of lugs31aand the spring rod31b,and a second belt62provided on the second pair of lugs31aand the spring rod31b.The belt4is wrapped around the wrist200with a curler5in between.

The first belt61is referred to as a so-called a parent and is configured like a band capable of being joined to the second belt62. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 4, the first belt61includes a belt portion61aand a buckle61b.The belt portion61ais configured like a band. The belt portion61ais formed of an elastically deformable resin material. In addition, the belt portion61ais flexible and includes a sheet-like insert member inside the belt portion61afor suppressing stretching in the longitudinal direction of the belt portion61a.The belt portion61aincludes a first hole portion61cthat is formed at one end portion and extends orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the belt portion61a,and a second hole portion61dthat is formed at the other end portion and extends orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first belt61.

As illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 9, the first hole portion61cis provided at the end portion of the belt portion61aThe first hole portion61chas an inner diameter at which the spring rod31bcan be inserted into the first hole portion61cand at which the first belt61can rotate with respect to the spring rod31b. In other words, the first belt61is rotatably held by the outer case31by disposing the first hole portion61cbetween the pair of lugs31aand around the spring rod31b.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 4, the second hole portion61dis provided at the leading end of the belt portion61a.The buckle61bis attached to the second hole portion61d.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 4, the buckle61bincludes a frame body61ein a rectangular frame shape and a prong61frotatably attached to the frame body61e.A side of the frame body61eto which the prong61fis attached is inserted into the second hole portion61d,and the frame body61eis mounted rotatably with respect to the belt portion61a.

The second belt62is referred to as a so-called blade tip, and is configured in a band-like shape having a width at which the second belt62can be inserted into the frame body61e.The second belt62is formed of an elastically deformable resin material. In addition, the second belt62is flexible and includes a sheet-like insert member inside the second belt62for suppressing stretching in the longitudinal direction of the second belt62.

In addition, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 and 7, the second belt62includes a plurality of small holes62ainto which the prong61fis inserted. Additionally, the second belt62includes a third hole portion62bprovided at first end portion of the second belt62and extending orthogonally to the longitudinal direction of the second belt62. The third hole portion62bhas an inner diameter at which the spring rod31bcan be inserted into the third hole portion62band at which the second belt62can rotate with respect to the spring rod31b. In other words, the second belt62is rotatably held by the outer case31by disposing the third hole portion62bbetween the pair of lugs31aand around the spring rod31b.

The second belt62is inserted into the frame body61e,and the prong61fis inserted into the small hole62a,and thus the first belt61and the second belt62are integrally connected together, and the belt4as described above, together with the outer case31, comes to have an annular shape following along the circumferential direction of the wrist200. By shaping the belt4in an annular shape following along the circumferential direction of the wrist200, the curler5is pressed and elastically deformed to follow along the circumferential direction of the wrist of the wearer of the blood pressure measurement device1.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5, the curler5is configured in a band-like shape that curves in such a manner as to follow along the circumferential direction of the wrist200. The curler5is formed with a first end and a second end spaced apart from each other. For example, a first end side outer surface of the curler5is fixed to the rear cover35of the device body3. The curler5is disposed at a position where the first end and the second end protrude more to one side of the wrist200than the rear cover35. Accordingly, the curler5is disposed with the first end and the second end to one side of the wrist200when the blood pressure measurement device1is attached to the wrist200. Furthermore, the first end and the second end of the curler5are located adjacent to each other at a predetermined distance from each other. The curler5is formed of a resin material, for example. In a specific example, the curler5is formed of a polypropylene with a thickness of approximately 1 mm.

In a specific example, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5, the curler5is configured in a band-like shape that curves in such a manner as to follow along the circumferential direction of the wrist. Furthermore, the curler5includes the disk-like cover portion5athat is provided at a position facing the hand back side of the wrist200on the first end side, and constitutes the rear lid together with the rear cover35, and an escape portion5bthat is provided in the peripheral region of the cover portion5aand allows the second joining members35bthat fix the outer case31and the rear cover35to be moveable. For example, the cover portion5aand the adjacent portion of the cover portion5aof the curler5are formed in a plate-like shape, and the first and second end sides is formed curving with a predetermined curvature more than the cover portion5a.Furthermore, the length of the curler5from the cover portion5ato the first end is less than the length from the cover portion5ato the second end. In a specific example, the shorter side of the curler5from the cover portion5ato the first end is disposed on the hand back side of the wrist, and the longer side from the cover portion5ato the second end extends from the hand back side of the wrist, passing through one side, to the hand palm-side of the wrist200.

Additionally, as illustrated inFIGS. 4, 7, and 19, the curler5is formed in a shape with the second end located at the inner circumferential surface side of the first end side when the first end and the second end are brought close. In a specific example, the width of the curler5in the width direction of the wrist200is set to be greater on the hand back side of the wrist200than on the hand palm-side of the wrist200. Furthermore, the radius of curvature of the first end of the curler5on the hand back side of the wrist200is set to be greater than the radius of curvature of the second end on the hand palm-side of the wrist200. According to such a configuration, when both end sides of the curler5are brought to abut, the second end is disposed further to the inward side of the curler5than the first end. Furthermore, the curler5is provided with a recess5cprovided adjacent to the cover portion5aon a portion of the cover portion5a,on the outer surface on the first end side from the cover portion5a,and also on the outer surface on the shorter side extending from the cover portion5a.

The cover portion5aincludes an insert member5dfor reinforcement which is inserted. The cover portion5ais fixed to the wrist200side of the outer case31with the fixed rear cover35in between. The cover portion5aincludes screw holes5eprovided at positions facing the four hole portions35cof the rear cover35, into which the first joining members35afor fixing the rear cover35are screwed, and includes three hole portions5ffor connecting the cuff structure6to the device body3. The surface of the cover portion5athat abuts on the rear cover35is set as a flat surface.

The escape portion5bis a relief for disposing the second joining members35bin the rear cover35and for disposing a tool for rotating the second joining members35bin a manner so that the second joining members35bdo not interfere with the curler5when the rear cover35is fixed to the outer case31from the rear cover35side with the second joining members35b.

As illustrated inFIG. 19, the insert member5dis a thin plate which is formed in the same shape as a shape of the main surface of the cover portion5aor formed in a shape that is slightly smaller than a shape of the main surface of the cover portion5a.The insert member5dis formed of a material with a higher bending strength than the curler5such as a metal material. In a specific example, the insert member5dis formed of a SUS material.

The three hole portions5finclude a first hole portion5f1formed with an inner diameter into which a connection portion84described below of the pressing cuff71can be inserted, a second hole portion5f2formed with an inner diameter into which a connection portion93described below of the sensing cuff73can be inserted, and the third hole portion5f3formed with an inner diameter into which a connection portion103described below of the tensile cuff74can be inserted. In the present embodiment, the second hole portion5f2is disposed in the cover portion5acloser to the second end side on the hand palm-side of the curler5than the first hole portion5f1and the third hole portion5f3.

The curler5with such a configuration is fixed to the outer case31with the first end and the second end orientated to face the second belt62of the belt4. Also, the curler5at least at the position facing the hand palm-side of the wrist200curves along the circumferential direction along with the hand palm-side of the wrist200, and thus the cuff structure6facing the hand palm-side of the wrist200is held in a curved state following along the shape of the hand palm-side of the wrist200.

The curler5has a hardness appropriate to provide flexibility and shape retainability. Here, “flexibility” refers to deformation of the shape of the curler5in a radial direction at the time of application of an external force of the belt4to the curler5. For example, “flexibility” refers to deformation of the shape of the curler5in a side view in which the curler5approaches the wrist, is along the shape of the wrist, or follows to the shape of the wrist when the curler5is pressed by the belt4. Furthermore, “shape retainability” refers to the ability of the curler5to maintain a pre-imparted shape when no external force is applied to the curler5. For example, “shape retainability” refers to, in the present embodiment, the ability of the curler5to maintain the shape in a shape curving along the circumferential direction of the wrist.

The cuff structure6is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the curler5, and is held along the shape of the inner circumferential surface of the curler5. As a specific example, the cuff structure6is held by disposing the pressing cuff71and the tensile cuff74on the inner circumferential surface of the curler5, and fixing the cuff structure6by a joining layer75provided between the curler5and the pressing cuff71and the tensile cuff74. In the present embodiment, the joining layer75is adhesive or double-sided tape.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 7 and 14 to 25, the cuff structure6includes the pressing cuff71, a back plate72, the sensing cuff73, and the tensile cuff74. Also, the cuff structure6is provided with the joining layer75for joining components each other and joining the curler5and the cuffs71and74. The cuff structure6is fixed to the curler5. The cuff structure6includes the pressing cuff71, the back plate72, and the sensing cuff73that are stacked one another and disposed on the curler5, and the tensile cuff74that is spaced apart from the pressing cuff71, the back plate72, and the sensing cuff73and disposed on the curler5.

In a specific example, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the cuff structure6is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the curler5on the hand palm-side of the wrist200with the pressing cuff71, the back plate72, and the sensing cuff73stacked in this order from the inner circumferential surface of the curler5toward the wrist200side. In addition, the cuff structure6includes the tensile cuff74disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the curler5on the hand back side of the wrist200. Each of the members of the cuff structure6is fixed to an adjacent member of the cuff structure6in a stacking direction by the joining layer75.

The pressing cuff71is fluidly connected to the pump14through the flow path portion15. The pressing cuff71is inflated to pressing the back plate72and the sensing cuff73toward the wrist200side. As illustrated inFIGS. 15, 16 and 20 to 23, the pressing cuff71includes a plurality of, for example, two-layer, air bags81, a target join portion82provided on the air bag81facing the curler5, a flow path body (first flow path body)83communicating with air bags81, and the connection portion (first connection portion)84provided on the leading end of the flow path body83. The pressing cuff71with such a configuration is configured by integrally welding a plurality of sheet members86together.

Here, the air bags81are bag-like structures (first bag-like structures), and in the present embodiment, the blood pressure measurement device1is configured to use air with the pump14, and thus the present embodiment will be described using the air bags. However, in a case where a fluid other than air is used, the bag-like structures may be fluid bags that are inflated by a fluid. The plurality of air bags81are stacked and are in fluid communication with one another in the stacking direction.

Each of the air bags81is formed in a rectangular bag-like shape that is long in one direction. Additionally, the air bags81are set so that the width in the lateral direction is the same as the width in the lateral direction of the curler5. The air bags81are each constituted by, for example, combining two sheet members86and, as illustrated inFIGS. 15, 16, and 20 to 23, welding a weld portion81ausing heat into a rectangular frame shape long in one direction. In addition, the two-layer air bags81are constituted by forming with integrally combining two air bags81by welding using heat, or with welding together a pair of sheet members86facing adjacent air bag81and welding to the air bag81. In a specific example, the two-layer air bags81are fluidly continuous through openings provided in the sheet members86facing one another. In addition, in the two-layer air bags81, by welding the opposing sheet members86together in a quadrilateral frame shape smaller than the weld portion81alocated on the outer peripheral edge and surrounding the plurality of openings with this weld portion (join portion)81b,the adjacent air bags81are integrally formed and made to be fluidly continuous on the inner side of the weld portion81b.

A single or a plurality of target join portions82are provided at at least a portion of the edge portion of the air bag81disposed adjacent to the curler5. The target join portion82is formed by a portion of the sheet member86forming the air bag81.

An example of the present embodiment will be described using the examples illustrated inFIGS. 15, 16, and 20 to 23in which one target join portion82is provided on the edge portion in the lateral direction of each of the air bags81. Note that, for example, the target join portion82may be divided in the longitudinal direction of the air bag81by a slit, or a plurality of target join portions82may be provided in the longitudinal direction of the air bag81. The target join portion82is at least joined to the outer circumferential surface of the curler5when the pressing cuff71is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the curler5. Furthermore, for example, two target join portions82are stacked and welded.

Note that the two target join portions82are set to have a different length to the length in the lateral direction of the air bags81, for example. In this example, the two target join portions82are stacked and welded at the first end side in the lateral direction of the curler5. Note that as long as the two target join portions82are able to be disposed with the leading end on the outer circumferential surface of the curler5, the length is able to be set as appropriate, and the two target join portions82may be stackable or not. However, in a case where the length is set to a stackable length, the length is preferably a length such that the leading end does not extend further out than the outer edge of the outer circumferential surface of the curler5.

As illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 20 to 23, the flow path body83is integrally provided on a single air bag81, for example, on a portion of one edge portion in the longitudinal direction of the air bag81adjacent to the curler5. As a specific example, the flow path body83is provided at the end portion of the air bag81near the device body3. Additionally, the flow path body83is formed in a shape that is long in one direction and has less width than the width of the air bag81in the lateral direction and formed with a leading end having a circular shape. The flow path body83includes the connection portion84on the leading end. The flow path body83is connected to the flow path portion15through the connection portion84and constitutes a flow path between the flow path portion15of the device body3and the air bag81.

The flow path body83is constituted by welding a portion of sheet members86, which is adjacent to a region of the sheet members86constituting the air bags81, in a frame shape long in one direction using heat, in a state where the connection portion84is disposed on the two sheet members86. The flow path body83with such a configuration is disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the curler5and the tensile cuff74, and the leading end is disposed at a position facing the first hole portion5f1on the main surface on the wrist200side of the region where the cover portion5aof the curler5is provided. In addition, the width of the flow path body83not including a weld portion83ais formed to be 3.8 mm, for example.

Note that, a portion of the weld portion81a,where the two sheet members86are welded in a rectangular frame shape, is not welded and the air bags81provided with the flow path body83are constituted to be continuous with the weld portion83aconstituting the flow path body83, and thus the air bags81are fluidly continuous with the flow path body83.

The connection portion84is, for example, a nipple. The connection portion84is provided at the leading end of the flow path body83. The leading end of the connection portion84is exposed from the sheet member86, facing the curler5, of the two sheet members86constituting the flow path body83. The connection portion84is inserted in the first hole portion5f1of the cover portion5aand is connected to the flow path portion15.

As a specific example, as illustrated inFIGS. 15, 16, and 31, the pressing cuff71includes a first sheet member86a,a second sheet member86b,a third sheet member86c,and a fourth sheet member86din this order from the wrist200side. The second sheet member86bconstitutes a first-layer air bag81along with the first sheet member86a,the third sheet member86cis integrally joined to the second sheet member86band constitutes the target join portion82, and the fourth sheet member86dconstitutes a second-layer air bag81and the flow path body83along with the third sheet member86c.Note that the pressing cuff71is integrally constituted by joining adjacent sheet members86by welding using heat.

The first sheet member86aand the second sheet member86bare configured in a similar rectangular shape to the air bags81, and peripheral edge portions of the four sides are welded to constitute the air bags81. The second sheet member86band the third sheet member86care disposed facing each other, and each includes a plurality of openings86b1and86c1through which the two air bags81are fluidly continuous. Additionally, the second sheet member86band the third sheet member86care integrally joined by the peripheral region of the plurality of openings86b1and86c1being welded using heat in a quadrilateral frame shape smaller than the welded four sides of the air bags81.

The third sheet member86c,for example, is constituted in a shape that allows the air bags81, the target join portion82, and the flow path body83to be constituted. The fourth sheet member86d,for example, is constituted in a shape that allows the air bags81and the flow path body83to be constituted. Furthermore, the fourth sheet member86dincludes a hole portion86d1into which the leading end of the connection portion84can be inserted, for example.

The air bags81, the target join portion82, and the flow path body83are constituted by the third sheet member86cand the fourth sheet member86dbeing disposed facing one another, welded using heat along the peripheral edge shape of the air bag81and the flow path body83so that the air bag81and the flow path body83are fluidly continuous, and cut in a predetermined shape.

The hole portion86d1of the fourth sheet member86dis disposed with the connection portion84, and the peripheral region of the hole portion86d1is welded to the connection portion84using heat. Furthermore, the fourth sheet member86dis joined with the inner circumferential surface of the curler5with the joining layer75in between, and the target join portion82of the third sheet member86cis joined to the outer circumferential surface of the curler5with the joining layer75in between.

As illustrated inFIGS. 15, 16, and 31, the back plate72is applied to the outer surface of the first sheet member86aof the pressing cuff71by the joining layer75. The back plate72is formed in a plate shape using a resin material. The back plate72is made of polypropylene, for example, and is formed into a plate shape having a thickness of approximately 1 mm. The back plate72has shape followability.

Here, “shape followability” refers to a function of the backplate72by which the back plate72can be deformed in such a manner as to follow the shape of a contacted portion of the wrist200to be disposed, the contacted portion of the wrist200refers to a region of the wrist200that is faced by the back plate72. Here, the contact as used herein includes both direct contact and indirect contact with the sensing cuff73in between.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 16, the back plate72includes a plurality of grooves72aextending in both main surfaces of the back plate72in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The plurality of grooves72aface the corresponding grooves72aprovided in the other main surface in the thickness direction of the back plate72. Additionally, the plurality of grooves72aare disposed at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the back plate72.

In the back plate72, portions including the plurality of grooves72aare thinner than portions including no grooves72aand thus the portions including the plurality of grooves72aare easily deformed. Accordingly, the back plate72is deformed in such a manner as to follow to the shape of the wrist200, and has shape followability of extending in the circumferential direction of the wrist. The back plate72is formed such that the length of the back plate72is sufficient to cover the hand palm-side of the wrist200. The back plate72transfers the pressing force from the pressing cuff71to the back plate72side main surface of the sensing cuff73in a state in which the back plate72is extending along the shape of the wrist200.

The sensing cuff73is fluidly connected to the pump14through the flow path portion15. The sensing cuff73is fixed to the main surface of the back plate72on the wrist200side. The sensing cuff73is in direct contact with a region of the wrist200where an artery210resides, as illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 31. The artery210as used herein is the radial artery and the ulnar artery. The sensing cuff73is formed in the same shape as that of the back plate72or a shape that is smaller than that of the back plate72, in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the back plate72. The sensing cuff73is inflated to compress a hand palm-side region of the wrist200in which the artery210resides. The sensing cuff73is pressed by the inflated pressing cuff71toward the wrist200side with the back plate72in between.

In a specific example, as illustrated inFIGS. 15, 16, and 24 to 25, the sensing cuff73includes one air bag91, a flow path body (second flow path body)92that communicates with the air bag91, and the connection portion93provided at the leading end of the flow path body92. One main surface of the air bag91of the sensing cuff73is fixed to the back plate72. For example, the sensing cuff73is joined to the main surface of the back plate72on the wrist200side by the joining layer75. The sensing cuff73with such a configuration is constituted by welding two sheet members96.

Here, the air bags91are bag-like structures (second bag-like structures), and in the present embodiment, the blood pressure measurement device1is configured to use air with the pump14, and thus the present embodiment will be described using the air bags. However, in a case where a fluid other than air is used, the bag-like structures may be fluid bags that are inflated by a fluid.

The air bag91is constituted in a rectangular shape that is long in one direction. The air bags91are each constituted by, for example, combining two sheet members96long in one direction and, as illustrated inFIGS. 15, 16, and 24 to 25, welding a weld portion91ausing heat into a rectangular frame shape long in one direction. Also, the air bag91, for example, includes a junction margin91bfor ensuring area for joining the air bag91to the back plate72using the joining layer75. The junction margin91bis formed by the sheet member96facing the back plate72, for example.

The flow path body92is integrally provided at a portion of one edge portion of the air bag91in the longitudinal direction. As a specific example, the flow path body92is provided at the end portion of the air bag91near the device body3. Additionally, the flow path body92is formed in a shape that is long in one direction and has less width than the width of the air bag91in the lateral direction, and formed with a leading end having a circular shape. The flow path body92includes the connection portion93on the leading end. The flow path body92is connected to the flow path portion15through the connection portion93and constitutes a flow path between the flow path portion15of the device body3and the air bag91.

The flow path body92is constituted by welding a portion of sheet members96, which is adjacent to a region of the sheet members96constituting the air bag91, in a frame shape long in one direction using heat, in a state where the connection portion93is disposed on the two sheet members96. Note that, a portion of the weld portion91a,where the two sheet members96are welded in a rectangular frame shape, is not welded and the air bag91is constituted to be continuous with the weld portion92aconstituting the flow path body92, and thus the air bag91and the flow path body92are fluidly continuous. The flow path body92with such a configuration is disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the curler5and the tensile cuff74, and the leading end is disposed at a position facing the second hole portion5f2on the main surface on the wrist200side of the region where the cover portion5aof the curler5is provided. In addition, the width of the flow path body92not including the weld portion92ais 3.8 mm, for example.

The connection portion93is, for example, a nipple. The connection portion93is provided at the leading end of the flow path body92. Also, the leading end of the connection portion93is externally exposed from the sheet member96facing the curler5and the back plate72, of the two sheet members96constituting the flow path body92. The connection portion93is inserted in the second hole portion5f2of the cover portion5aand is connected to the flow path portion15.

In a specific example, the sensing cuff73includes a fifth sheet member96aand a sixth sheet member96bin this order from the wrist200side as illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16. Note that the sensing cuff73is constituted by joining adjacent sheet members96by welding using heat.

For example, the fifth sheet member96aand the sixth sheet member96bare constituted in a shape that allows the air bag91, the junction margin91b,and the flow path body92to be constituted. The air bag91and the flow path body92are constituted by the fifth sheet member96aand the sixth sheet member96bbeing disposed facing one another, welded using heat along the peripheral edge shape of the air bag91and the flow path body92so that the air bag91and the flow path body92are fluidly continuous, and cut in a predetermined shape.

Furthermore, the sixth sheet member96bincludes a hole portion96b1into which the leading end of the connection portion93can be inserted, for example. The connection portion93is disposed in the hole portion96b1, and the peripheral region of the hole portion96b1is welded to the connection portion93using heat. The sixth sheet member96bis joined to the inner circumferential surface of the back plate72with the joining layer75in between.

The tensile cuff74is fluidly connected to the pump14through the flow path portion15. The tensile cuff74is inflated to press the curler5such that the curler5is spaced apart from the wrist200, pulling the belt4and the curler5toward the hand back side of the wrist200. As illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18, the tensile cuff74includes a plurality of, for example, six-layer air bags101, a target join portion102provided on the air bag101facing the curler5, and the connection portion (third connection portion)103provided on the air bag101facing the curler5. The tensile cuff74with such a configuration is constituted by welding a plurality of sheet members106. In addition, the tensile cuff74is fixed to the region where the flow path bodies83and92are provided and the curler5, including the cover portion5a,on the hand back side of the wrist200. In other words, the flow path body83of the pressing cuff71and the flow path body92of the sensing cuff73are disposed between the curler5on the hand back side of the wrist200and the tensile cuff74.

Additionally, the tensile cuff74is configured such that the thickness of the tensile cuff74in an inflating direction, in the present embodiment, in the direction in which the curler5and the wrist200face each other, during inflation, is larger than the thickness of the pressing cuff71in the inflating direction during inflation and than the thickness of the sensing cuff73in the inflating direction during inflation. Specifically, the air bags101of the tensile cuff74include more layer structures than the air bags81in the pressing cuff71and the air bag91in the sensing cuff73, and have thicker thickness than the pressing cuff71and the sensing cuff73when the air bags101are inflated from the curler5toward the wrist200.

Here, the air bags101are bag-like structures (third bag-like structures), and in the present embodiment, the blood pressure measurement device1is configured to use air with the pump14, and thus the present embodiment will be described using the air bags. However, in a case where a fluid other than air is used, the bag-like structures may be fluid bags that are inflated by a fluid. A plurality of the air bags101are stacked and are in fluid communication in the stacking direction.

Each of the air bags101is formed in a rectangular bag-like shape that is long in one direction. Additionally, the air bags101are set so that the width in the lateral direction is the same as the width in the lateral direction of the curler5. The air bags101are each constituted by, for example, combining two sheet members106and, as illustrated inFIGS. 17, 18, 20, and 21, welding a weld portion101ausing heat into a rectangular frame shape long in one direction. In addition, the six-layer air bags101are, for example, constituted by forming with integrally combining six air bags101by welding using heat, or with welding together a pair of sheet members106facing adjacent air bag101and welding to the air bag101. The six-layer air bags101are fluidly continuous through openings provided in the sheet members106facing one another. In addition, in the six-layer air bags101, by welding the opposing sheet members106together in a quadrilateral frame shape smaller than the weld portion81alocated on the outer peripheral edge and surrounding the plurality of openings with a weld portion (join portion)101b,the adjacent air bags101are integrally formed and made to be fluidly continuous on the inner side of the weld portion101b.

A single or a plurality of target join portions102are provided at at least a portion of the edge portion of the air bag101disposed adjacent to the curler5. The target join portion102is formed by a portion of the sheet member106forming the air bag101.

An example of the present embodiment will be described using examples in which two target join portions102are each provided in the longitudinal direction of the air bags101on the edge portion in the lateral direction of each of the air bags101. Note that, for example, the target join portions102are provided on the air bags101avoiding the positions facing the cover portion5aof the curler5. Furthermore, for example, the target join portion102includes an escape portion102a,which is for externally exposing a power feeding terminal8bdescribed below of the power feeding unit8provided on the curler5, at a portion facing the power feeding terminal8b.The escape portion102a,for example, is an opening through which the power feeding terminal8bcan be externally exposed and has a circular shape as an example.

The target join portion102is at least joined to the outer circumferential surface of the curler5when the tensile cuff74is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the curler5. Additionally, the target join portions102disposed at the same position in the lateral direction of the air bags101are stacked and welded.

Note that the two target join portions102are set to have a different length to the length in the lateral direction of the air bags101, for example. In this example, the two target join portions102are stacked and welded at the first end side in the lateral direction of the curler5. Note that as long as the two target join portions102are able to be disposed with the leading end on the outer circumferential surface of the curler5, the length is able to be set as appropriate and the two target join portions102may be stackable or not. However, in a case where the length is set to a stackable length, the length is preferably a length such that the leading end does not extend further out than the outer edge of the outer circumferential surface of the curler5.

The connection portion103is, for example, a nipple. The connection portion103is provided at a position facing the third hole portion5f3of the cover portion5ain a central region in the longitudinal direction of the air bag101disposed adjacent to the curler5. The leading end of the connection portion103is exposed from the sheet member106facing the curler5, of the two sheet members106forming the air bag101. The connection portion103is inserted in the third hole portion5f3of the cover portion5aand is connected to the flow path portion15.

In a specific example, as illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18, the tensile cuff74includes a seventh sheet member106a,an eighth sheet member106b,a ninth sheet member106c,a tenth sheet member106d,an eleventh sheet member106e,a twelfth sheet member106f,a thirteenth sheet member106g, a fourteenth sheet member106h, a fifteenth sheet member106i,a sixteenth sheet member106j,a seventeenth sheet member106k,and an eighteenth sheet member106lin this order from the wrist200side. Note that the tensile cuff74is integrally constituted by joining adjacent sheet members106by welding using heat.

The seventh sheet member106ato the eighteenth sheet member106lare constituted in a similar rectangular shape to the air bags101. Edge portions of four sides of the seventh sheet member106aare welded to corresponding peripheral edge portions of four sides of the eighth sheet member106bto constitute a first-layer air bag101. The eighth sheet member106band the ninth sheet member106care disposed facing each other, and each includes a plurality of openings106b1and106c1through which the two air bags101are fluidly continuous. Additionally, the eighth sheet member106band the ninth sheet member106care integrally joined by the peripheral region of the plurality of openings106b1and106c1being welded using heat in a quadrilateral frame shape smaller than the welded four sides of the air bags101.

Edge portions of four sides of the ninth sheet member106care welded to corresponding peripheral edge portions of four sides of the tenth sheet member106dto constitute a second-layer air bag101.

As illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18, the tenth sheet member106dand the eleventh sheet member106einclude a plurality of openings106d1and106e1disposed facing one another and through which the two air bags101are fluidly continuous.

Additionally, the tenth sheet member106dand the eleventh sheet member106eare integrally joined by the peripheral region of the plurality of openings106d1and106e1being welded using heat in a quadrilateral frame shape smaller than the welded four sides of the air bags101. Edge portions of four sides of the eleventh sheet member106eare welded to corresponding peripheral edge portions of four sides of the twelfth sheet member106fto constitute a third-layer air bag101.

As illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18, the twelfth sheet member106fand the thirteenth sheet member106ginclude a plurality of openings106f1and106g1disposed facing one another and through which the two air bags101are fluidly continuous. Additionally, the twelfth sheet member106fand the thirteenth sheet member106gare integrally joined by the peripheral region of the plurality of openings106f1and106g1being welded using heat in a quadrilateral frame shape smaller than the welded four sides of the air bags101. Edge portions of four sides of the thirteenth sheet member106gare welded to corresponding peripheral edge portions of four sides of the fourteenth sheet member106hto constitute a fourth-layer air bag101.

As illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18, the fourteenth sheet member106hand the fifteenth sheet member106iinclude a plurality of openings106h1and106i1disposed facing one another and through which the two air bags101are fluidly continuous. Additionally, the fourteenth sheet member106hand the fifteenth sheet member106iare integrally joined by the peripheral region of the plurality of openings106h1and106i1being welded using heat in a quadrilateral frame shape smaller than the welded four sides of the air bags101. Edge portions of four sides of the fifteenth sheet member106iare welded to corresponding peripheral edge portions of four sides of the sixteenth sheet member106jto constitute a fifth-layer air bag101.

As illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18, the sixteenth sheet member106jand the seventeenth sheet member106kinclude a plurality of openings106j1and106k1disposed facing one another and through which the two air bags101are fluidly continuous. Also, the seventeenth sheet member106k,for example, is constituted in a shape that allows the air bag101and the target join portion102to be constituted. Additionally, the sixteenth sheet member106jand the seventeenth sheet member106kare integrally joined by the peripheral region of the plurality of openings106j1and106k1being welded using heat in a quadrilateral frame shape smaller than the welded four sides of the air bags101. The seventeenth sheet member106kand the eighteenth sheet member106lare welded using heat along the peripheral edge shape of the air bag101and cut in a predetermined shape to constitute a sixth-layer air bag101and the target join portion102.

Furthermore, the eighteenth sheet member106lincludes a hole portion106l1into which the leading end of the connection portion103can be inserted, for example. The eighteenth sheet member106lis disposed with the connection portion103at the hole portion106l1, and the peripheral region of the hole portion106l1is welded to the connection portion103using heat. Furthermore, the eighteenth sheet member106lis joined with the inner circumferential surface of the curler5with the joining layer75in between, and the target join portion102of the seventeenth sheet member106kis joined to the outer circumferential surface of the curler5with the joining layer75in between.

Additionally, each of the sheet members86,96, and106forming the pressing cuff71, the sensing cuff73, and the tensile cuff74are formed of a thermoplastic resin material. The thermoplastic resin material is a thermoplastic elastomer. Examples of thermoplastic resin material constituting the sheet members86,96, and106include thermoplastic polyurethane based resin (hereinafter referred to as TPU), polyvinyl chloride resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate resin, thermoplastic polystyrene based resin, thermoplastic polyolefin resin, thermoplastic polyester based resin, and thermoplastic polyamide resin. Note that, in the pressing cuff71and the sensing cuff73, of at least the plurality of sheet members86and106constituting the air bags81and101, at least the sheet members86and106welded to the curler5are constituted by a material similar to the material of the curler5.

For example, the sheet members86,96, and106are formed using a molding method such as T-die extrusion molding or injection molding. After being molded by each molding method, the sheet members86,96, and106are sized into predetermined shapes, and the sized individual pieces are joined by welding or the like to constitute bag-like structures81,91, and101. A high frequency welder or laser welding is used as the welding method.

The fluid circuit7is constituted by the case11, the pump14, the flow path portion15, the on-off valves16, the pressure sensors17, the pressing cuff71, the sensing cuff73, and the tensile cuff74. A specific example of the fluid circuit7will be described below.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, for example, the fluid circuit7includes a first flow path7ain which the pump14, the sensing cuff73, the first pressure sensor17A and the second pressure sensor17B are continuous through the first on-off valve16A, a second flow path7bwhich is constituted by branching from the first flow path7abetween the pump14and the first on-off valve16A and is continuous from the pump14to the atmosphere through the second on-off valve16B, the third on-off valve16C, and the fourth on-off valve16D in this order, a third flow path7cwhich is constituted by branching from an intermediate portion of the second flow path7bbetween the second on-off valve16B and the third on-off valve16C and is continuous from the pump14to the tensile cuff74, and a fourth flow path7dwhich is constituted by branching from an intermediate portion of the second flow path7bbetween the third on-off valve16C and the fourth on-off valve16D and is continuous from the pump14to the pressing cuff71.

In the fluid circuit7with such a configuration, by the second on-off valve16B and the third on-off valve16C being open and the first on-off valve16A and the fourth on-off valve16D being closed, the third flow path7cand the fourth flow path7dbranching from the second flow path7bare connected to the pump14, and the pump14, the pressing cuff71, and the tensile cuff74are fluidly connected.

In the fluid circuit7, by the first on-off valve16A, the second on-off valve16B, and the third on-off valve16C being open and the fourth on-off valve16D being closed, the first flow path7aand the third flow path7cand the fourth flow path7dbranching from the second flow path7bare connected to the pump14, and the pump14, the pressing cuff71, and the tensile cuff74and the pump14and the sensing cuff73are fluidly connected. In the fluid circuit7, by the second on-off valve16B, the third on-off valve16C, and the fourth on-off valve16D being open and the first on-off valve16A being closed, the second flow path7b,the third flow path7c,and the fourth flow path7dare connected to the pump14, and the pump14, the pressing cuff71, the tensile cuff74, and the atmosphere are fluidly connected. In the fluid circuit7, by the first on-off valve16A, the second on-off valve16B, the third on-off valve16C, and the fourth on-off valve16D being open, the first flow path7a,the second flow path7b,the third flow path7c,and the fourth flow path7dare connected to the pump14, and the pump14, the pressing cuff71, the sensing cuff73, the tensile cuff74, and the atmosphere are fluidly connected.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2, 9, and 14, the power feeding unit8is provided in the recess5cformed in the outer surface of the curler5on the first end side that protrudes from the device body3. For example, the power feeding unit8is configured to be capable to connect to a connector provided on a charging cable of a charger.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2, 9, and 14, the power feeding unit8is provided with a wiring portion8a,the power feeding terminal8b,and a cover8cthat covers the wiring portion8adisposed in the recess5cof the curler5. The first end of the wiring portion8ais connected to the power feeding terminal8b,and the second end is connected to the control unit55. The power feeding terminal8bis constituted by two circular terminals, for example. For example, the wiring portion8aand the power feeding terminal8bare formed of flexible printed circuits (FPC) and the like including a base film, such as polyimide, provided with an electrically conductive metal film and the like. The cover8cis formed in the same shape as the recess5cand covering the recess5c,and the upper surface runs flush with the outer surface of the curler5on the shorter side when the cover8cis provided in the recess5c.

Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the blood pressure measurement device1will be described usingFIG. 26.

First, the power feeding unit8is formed on the curler5(step ST11). The FPC constituting the wiring portion8aand the power feeding terminal8bis joined to the cover portion5aand the recess5cof the curler5by double-sided tape or the like and the cover8cis joined to the recess5cby double-sided tape of the like.

Next, the cuff structure6is joined to the curler5(step ST12). In a specific example, first, the back plate72is disposed in a jig for curving and heated in a heating furnace to heat treat the back plate72and curve it in a predetermined shape. Next, the joining layer75, i.e., double-sided tape, is attached to a region of the fourth sheet member86dof the pressing cuff71facing the curler5and the target join portion82, and the pressing cuff71is attached to the curler5. Then, double-sided tape is attached to the region of the sixth sheet member96bof the sensing cuff73facing the back plate72, and the sensing cuff73is attached to the back plate72. Note that in these steps, the connection portion84of the pressing cuff71and the connection portion93of the sensing cuff73are inserted into the first hole portion5f1and the second hole portion5f2of the cover portion5aof the curler5.

Next, double-sided tape is attached to the region of the back plate72facing the pressing cuff71, and the back plate72is attached to the first sheet member86aof the pressing cuff71. Then, double-sided tape is attached to the region of the eighteenth sheet member1061of the tensile cuff74facing the curler5and the target join portion102, and the tensile cuff74is attached to the curler5as well as the flow path body83of the pressing cuff71disposed on the inner surface of the curler5and the flow path body92of the sensing cuff73. These steps join the cuff structure6to the curler5.

Next, the first sealing member36and the rear cover35are disposed on the cover portion5aand the rear cover35is fixed to the cover portion5awith the first joining members35a(step ST13) to constitute a rear lid.

Then, the device body3is integrally assembled except for the rear cover35(step ST14). In a specific example, first, the second sealing member37is formed by insert molding in the base portion33. Next, the component to be fixed to the base portion33is fixed to the base portion33. For example, the pump14is fixed to the base portion33by double-sided tape. The first on-off valve16A, the second on-off valve16B, the third on-off valve16C, the fourth on-off valve16D, the first pressure sensor17A, and the second pressure sensor17B are installed in the flow path portion15. The first tube, the second tube, and the third tube are fixed to the on-off valves16and the base portion33. The first tube, the second tube, and the third tube constitute a portion of the flow path portion15.

Next, the windshield32is attached to the outer case31. The base portion33is then inserted from the opening on the rear cover35side of the outer case31. At this time, for example, the base portion33is pressed to inside the sealing groove31euntil the end surface33con the windshield32side of the first protrusion portion33bof the base portion33abuts on the end surface31e1of the sealing groove31eof the outer case31.

When the base portion33is inserted inside the outer case31, the intermediate portion37band the surrounding region of the second sealing member37abut on the inner circumferential surface31e2of the sealing groove31eof the outer case31. And thus the second sealing member37is pressed toward the center region of the outer case31and deformed. This deformation causes the second sealing member37to come into close contact with the inner circumferential surface31d.

Next, the power supply unit18is fixed to the pump14by double-sided tape. After completing these steps, the assembly of the device body3is complete.

Next, the rear cover35is disposed on the end portion on the wrist200side of the outer case31of the device body3, and the outer case31and the rear cover35are fixed with the second joining members35b(step ST15).

Because the second joining members35bare screws, the rear cover35is pressed to the windshield32side by the second joining members35bbeing screwed into the screw holes31cby using a screwdriver and the like. Accordingly, the edge portion35fof the rear cover35presses the end surface37eof the second sealing member37to the windshield32side and deforms the end surface37e,and thus the edge portion35fabuts on the end surface31fof the outer case31and the end surface33eof the first protrusion portion33b.Furthermore, by the second sealing member37being deformed by this pressing, the second sealing member37is pressed against the inner circumferential surface31e2of the sealing groove31eof the outer case31and is further put into close contact with the inner circumferential surface31e2.

In addition, the end surface33cof the base portion33abuts on the end surface31e1of the outer case31, and the edge portion35fof the rear cover35abuts on the end surface31fon the wrist200side of the outer case31and the end surface33eon the wrist200side of the base portion33. This allows the base portion33and the rear cover35to be aligned with respect to the outer case31.

Then, the first belt61and the second belt62are assembled on the outer case31(step ST16). With these steps, the blood pressure measurement device1is manufactured. Note that, after manufacturing the blood pressure measurement device1, adjustments of various parameters in the device body, an appearance inspection, a leak inspection and the like are performed. And the blood pressure measurement device1is engraved with a serial number and the like, and packed in an individual box and the like, and thus the blood pressure measurement device1is in a shipment state.

Next, an example of measurement of a blood pressure value using the blood pressure measurement device1will be described usingFIGS. 27 to 30.FIG. 27is a flowchart illustrating an example of a blood pressure measurement using the blood pressure measurement device1, illustrating both an operation of a user and an operation of the control unit55. Additionally,FIGS. 28 to 30illustrate an example of the user wearing the blood pressure measurement device1on the wrist200.

First, the user attaches the blood pressure measurement device1to the wrist200(step ST21). As a specific example, for example, the user inserts one of the wrists200into the curler5, as illustrated inFIG. 28.

At this time, in the blood pressure measurement device1, the device body3and the sensing cuff73are disposed at opposite positions in the curler5, and thus the sensing cuff73is disposed in a region on the hand palm-side of the wrist200in which the artery210resides. Thus, the device body3and the tensile cuff74are disposed on the hand back side of the wrist200. Then, as illustrated inFIG. 29, the user passes the second belt62through the frame body61eof the buckle61bof the first belt61with the hand opposite to the hand on which the blood pressure measurement device1is disposed. The user then pulls the second belt62to bring the member on the inner circumferential surface side of the curler5, that is, the cuff structure6, into close contact with the wrist200, and inserts the prong61finto one of the small holes62a. Thus, as illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 31, the first belt61and the second belt62are connected, and the blood pressure measurement device1is attached to the wrist200.

Next, the user operates the operation unit13and inputs an instruction corresponding to the start of measurement of the blood pressure value. The operation unit13on which an input operation of the instruction has been performed, outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the start of the measurement to the control unit55(step ST22). The control unit55receives the electrical signal, and then for example, opens the first on-off valve16A, the second on-off valve16B, and the third on-off valve16C, closes the fourth on-off valve16D, and drives the pump14to supply compressed air to the pressing cuff71, the sensing cuff73, and the tensile cuff74through the first flow path7a,the second flow path7b,the third flow path7c,and the fourth flow path7d(step ST23). Thus, the pressing cuff71, the sensing cuff73, and the tensile cuff74start to be inflated.

The first pressure sensor17A and the second pressure sensor17B detect the pressures in the pressing cuff71, the sensing cuff73, and the tensile cuff74, and output, to the control unit55, electrical signals corresponding to the pressures (step ST24). On the basis of the received electrical signals, the control unit55determines whether the pressures in the internal spaces of the pressing cuff71, the sensing cuff73, and the tensile cuff74have reached a predetermined pressure for measurement of the blood pressure (step ST25). For example, in a case where the internal pressures of the pressing cuff71and the tensile cuff74have not reached the predetermined pressure and the internal pressure of the sensing cuff73has reached the predetermined pressure, the control unit55closes the first on-off valve16A and supplies the compressed air through the second flow path7b,the third flow path7c,and the fourth flow path7d.

When the internal pressures of the pressing cuff71and the tensile cuff74and the internal pressure of the sensing cuff73all have reached the predetermined pressure, the control unit55stops driving the pump14(YES in step ST25). At this time, as illustrated by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 5, the pressing cuff71and the tensile cuff74are sufficiently inflated, and the inflated pressing cuff71presses the back plate72. Additionally, the tensile cuff74presses against the curler5in a direction away from the wrist200, and then the belt4, the curler5, and the device body3move in a direction away from the wrist200, and as a result, the pressing cuff71, the back plate72, and the sensing cuff73are pulled toward the wrist200side. In addition, when the belt4, the curler5, and the device body3move in a direction away from the wrist200due to the inflation of the tensile cuff74, the belt4and the curler5move toward both lateral sides of the wrist200, and the belt4, the curler5, and the device body3move in a state of close contact with both lateral sides of the wrist200. Thus, the belt4and the curler5, which are in close contact with the skin of the wrist200, pull the skin on both lateral sides of the wrist200toward the hand back side. Note that the curler5may be configured to indirectly contact the skin of the wrist200with the sheet members86or106in between, for example, as long as the curler5can pull the skin of the wrist200.

Furthermore, the sensing cuff73is inflated by being supplied with a predetermined amount of air such that the internal pressure equals the pressure required to measure blood pressure, and is pressed toward the wrist200by the back plate72that is pressed by the pressing cuff71. Thus, the sensing cuff73presses the artery210in the wrist200and occludes the artery210as illustrated inFIG. 31.

Additionally, the control unit55, for example, controls the third on-off valve16C and repeats the opening and closing of the third on-off valve16C, or adjusts the degree of opening of the third on-off valve16C to pressurize a pressure of the internal space of the pressing cuff71. In the process of pressurization, based on the electrical signal output by the second pressure sensor17B, the control unit55obtains measurement results such as blood pressure values, for example, the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure, and the heart rate and the like (step ST26).

The control unit55outputs an image signal corresponding to the obtained measurement results to the display unit12, and displays the measurement results on the display unit12(step ST27). In addition, after the end of the blood pressure measurement, the control unit55opens the first on-off valve16A, the second on-off valve16B, the third on-off valve16C, and the fourth on-off valve16D.

The display unit12receives the image signal, and then displays the measurement results on the screen. The user views the display unit12to confirm the measurement results. After the measurement is complete, the user removes the prong61ffrom the small hole62a,removes the second belt62from the frame body61e,and pulls out the wrist200from the curler5, thus detaching the blood pressure measurement device1from the wrist200.

The blood pressure measurement device1according to an embodiment with such a configuration is configured to include the first sealing member36and the second sealing member37. This gives the blood pressure measurement device1high sealing properties. Furthermore, with the two level structure including the first sealing member36and the second sealing member37functioning as a waterproof structure for inside the case11, the sealing property required for the blood pressure measurement device1can be satisfied by the combined sealing properties of the first sealing member36and the second sealing member37, allowing the individual sealing properties of the first sealing member36and the second sealing member37to be set not as high.

Thus, the first sealing member36and the second sealing member37are not made as a seal with a complex mechanism, for example. As a result, the curler5is made easy to detach from the rear cover35, allowing the cuff structure6to be replaceable. Furthermore, even when the curler5is detached from the rear cover35for maintenance or cuff replacement, only the seal of the first sealing member36needs to be removed. “Removing the seal of the first sealing member36” here refers to detaching the first sealing member36or breaking a portion of the first sealing member36, for example. In the present embodiment, the first sealing member36is configured to be formed from adhesive tape, and thus the first sealing member36is peeled off from the rear cover35or the curler5.

Furthermore, even in a case where, after breaking the seal, the first sealing member36needs to be replaced, the cost of the replacement can be kept low.

Also, because the base portion33abuts on the end surface31e1of the outer case31in the axial direction D of the outer case31, misalignment of the outer case31and the base portion33can be prevented.

Furthermore, because the first sealing member36is constituted by a double-sided tape, the first sealing member36can be given a simple configuration. Also, the first sealing member36itself, by fixing the curler5to the rear cover35, allows the curler5and the rear cover35to be strongly fixed. Furthermore, the replacement work of the first sealing member36can be made simple, and the cost of replacing the first sealing member36can be kept low.

The second sealing member37is formed by insert molding, for example, and integrally formed with the base portion33. Thus, the second sealing member37can be prevented from falling out from the base portion33. Furthermore, as in the present embodiment, even in a case where the inner circumferential surface of the outer case31is not a perfect circle, but a portion of the inner circumferential surface is constituted in a flat surface and the other portion of the inner circumferential surface is constituted in a curved surface, the second sealing member37is integrally formed with the base portion33, and the second sealing member37is integrally disposed with the base portion33inside the outer case31, and thus the work of detaching the second sealing member37is made easy.

Furthermore, the diameter of the intermediate portion37bof the outer circumferential surface37aof the second sealing member37, when the second sealing member37is in a state before being housed inside the sealing groove31e,is greater than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface31e2of the sealing groove31e. Thus, the second sealing member37is squashed in the radial direction when housed in the sealing groove31eand comes into close contact with the inner circumferential surface31e2. In this manner, the sealing property of the second sealing member37can be improved.

Furthermore, the region37cof the outer circumferential surface of the second sealing member37, when the second sealing member37is in a state before being deformed, is constituted as a surface that progressively decreases in diameter from the intermediate portion37b,and the diameter of the end on the windshield32side of the outer circumferential surface of the second sealing member37is less than the diameter of the opening on the wrist200side of the sealing groove31e.Thus, when the base portion33is moved to inside the outer case31, the second sealing member37can be smoothly housed in the sealing groove31e,and the region37cabuts on the opening of the sealing groove31e,acting as a guide, allowing for smooth movement of the base portion33to inside the outer case31. Furthermore, this can help prevent the second sealing member37getting caught on the opening edge of the sealing groove31eof the outer case31, thus preventing the second sealing member37from falling out from the base portion33.

Also, the outer circumference surface33aof the base portion33includes the second protrusion portion33ddisposed inside the second sealing member37. This helps to further prevent the second sealing member37from falling out from the base portion33.

Furthermore, the intermediate portion in the radial direction of the end surface37eof the second sealing member37is constituted in a shape protruding toward the wrist200side. Thus, even in a case where the second sealing member37is pressed and deformed by the rear cover35, the second sealing member37can be prevented from being caught between the rear cover35and the end surface31fof the outer case31.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In the example described above, the configuration is described in which the end surface37don the windshield32side of the second sealing member37is constituted on the same plane as the end surface33cof the first protrusion portion33bof the base portion33. However, no such limitation is intended. For example, as illustrated by the two-dot dash line inFIG. 32of the second sealing member37before deformation, the end surface37don the windshield side of the second sealing member37may be constituted in a protruding shape, which protrudes toward the windshield32side and is pressed by the end surface31e1of the outer case31in a state where the rear cover35is in a fixed state. When the end surface37dis pressed by the end surface31e1, the second sealing member37is deformed. As a result, the sealing properties between the outer case31and the base portion33is improved.

That is, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made in an implementation stage within a range that does not depart from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the embodiments may be implemented in combination as appropriate to the extent possible, and in this case, combined effects can be obtained. Also, the embodiments described above include various stages of invention, and various inventions may be extracted by appropriately combining the described plurality of disclosed constituent elements.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1Blood pressure measurement device

5f1First hole portion

5f2Second hole portion

5f3Third hole portion

7aFirst flow path

7bSecond flow path

7cThird flow path

7dFourth flow path

8Power feeding unit

15Flow path portion

17A First pressure sensor

17B Second pressure sensor

18Power supply unit

35aFirst joining member

35bSecond joining member

36First sealing member

37Second sealing member

61cFirst hole portion

61dSecond hole portion

62bThird hole portion

82Target join portion

86aFirst sheet member

86bSecond sheet member

86cThird sheet member

86dFourth sheet member

96aFifth sheet member

96bSixth sheet member

102Target join portion

106aSeventh sheet member

106bEighth sheet member

106cNinth sheet member

106dTenth sheet member

106eEleventh sheet member

106fTwelfth sheet member

106gThirteenth sheet member

106hFourteenth sheet member

106iFifteenth sheet member

106jSixteenth sheet member

106kSeventeenth sheet member

106lEighteenth sheet member