Patent Description:
A biometric information measurement device is known that, in a state where a sensor is directly contacted with a living body portion through which an artery such as the radial artery in the wrist passes, can measure biometric information such as the pulse rate or the blood pressure by using information detected by the sensor (for example, see Patent Literatures <NUM> and <NUM>).

A blood pressure measurement device disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> calculates a blood pressure value by using a cuff in a portion different from a living body portion with which a pressure sensor is contacted, and produces calibration data from the calculated blood pressure value. A pressure pulse wave detected by a pressure pulse wave sensor which is attached to the wrist is calibrated by using the calibration data, thereby calculating the blood pressure value for every pulse. The pressure pulse wave sensor has a configuration where the sensor is accommodated in a housing, and the housing is secured to the wrist with a replaceable band.

A biometric information measurement device disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> is of the wristwatch type. In the device, a housing accommodating a sensor is secured to the wrist with a replaceable band.

Patent Literature <NUM> describes a pulse wave detector including a housing and a band for attaching the housing to a wrist, wherein the band is attached to engagement portions provided at opposite side ends of the housing.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a pulse wave detector comprising a housing and a band, wherein a band insertion portion having an attachment hole is provided at a left side end portion of the housing. An end edge portion of a second band portion of the band can be inserted into said attachment hole. Further, a band attachment portion is provided at a right side end portion of the housing, wherein the band attachment portion has an attachment portion to which a left side end portion of the second band portion is attached.

A pulse wave detector which detects a pulse wave from an artery in the wrist while being attached to the wrist is required to have superior attachability to the wrist, and accuracy of positional alignment between a pulse wave detecting section and the artery. In a band structure such as disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> and Patent Literature <NUM>, however, a band is singly wound around the wrist of the measurement subject. Therefore, the stability during attachment is low, and there is a possibility that positional displacement of the pressure detecting section may occur after attachment.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pulse wave detector which can accurately detect a pulse wave while realizing superior attachability and preventing positional displacement of a pulse wave detecting section with respect to the radial artery from occurring, and also a biometric information measurement device including the detector.

The present invention provides a pulse wave detector in accordance with claim <NUM>. The pulse wave detector according to the present invention is used while being attached to a wrist of a measurement subject and includes: a body portion which includes a detecting section disposed in a position which is opposed to a radial artery of the measurement subject and configured to detect a pulse wave from the radial artery of the measurement subject; a band which is configured to be wound around the wrist in a state where the band is engaged with the body portion, so as to maintain a state where the detecting section is opposed to the radial artery; a basal-end engaging portion which is disposed on a first end portion of the body portion in a circumferential direction of the wrist and on a side of a surface opposite to a detection surface in the body portion, and with which a basal end portion of the band is engaged; an arbitrary-position engaging portion which is disposed on a second end portion of the body portion in the circumferential direction and on the detection surface, and with which an arbitrary position between the basal end portion engaged with the basal-end engaging portion and a tip end portion of the band is engaged in a folded back state; and engagement members which are configured to detachably engage the tip end portion with the band in a state where the band which is folded back in the arbitrary-position engaging portion and the basal end portion engaged with the basal-end engaging portion overlap with each other. The basal-end engaging portion is configured by a first member which is erected from the first end portion of the body portion and which has a Π-shape, and a first hole portion is formed between the first member and the first end portion of the body portion. The arbitrary-position engaging portion is configured by a second member which is erected from the second end portion of the body portion and which has a Π-shape, and a second hole portion is formed between the second member and the second end portion of the body portion. The engagement members are formed on surfaces of the basal end portion and the tip end portion of the band.

A biometric information measurement device according to the present invention includes the above pulse wave detector; and a biometric information calculating section which is configured to calculate biometric information based on the pulse wave detected by the detecting section.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pulse wave detector which can accurately detect a pulse wave while realizing superior attachability and preventing positional displacement of a pulse wave detecting section with respect to the radial artery from occurring, and also a biometric information measurement device including the detector.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically showing the external configuration of a biometric information measurement device <NUM> of a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the biometric information measurement device <NUM> is used while being attached to the wrist W of the left hand H of a measurement subject. <FIG> is a side view of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, as seen from the side (the direction A in <FIG>) of the elbow of the left hand H of the measurement subject.

The biometric information measurement device <NUM> has: a housing <NUM> which constitutes a body portion including a pulse wave detecting section <NUM> that can detect a pulse wave (a pressure pulse wave or a volume pulse wave) from the radial artery TD extending along the radius T in the wrist W of the measurement subject, and which is formed of a metal or a resin; a band <NUM> which is engaged with the housing <NUM>.

The pulse wave detecting section <NUM> may have a known configuration. For example, the pulse wave detecting section <NUM> has a pressure sensor, and a mechanism which presses it against the skin, and detects a pressure pulse wave by using the pressure sensor. Alternatively, the pulse wave detecting section <NUM> has a photoelectric sensor, and detects a volume pulse wave from a signal detected by the photoelectric sensor.

In the example of <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is a member having an approximately box-like shape, and includes the pulse wave detecting section <NUM>, and a biometric information calculating section (not shown) which calculates biometric information such as the heart rate, the pulse rate, or the blood pressure value based on the pulse wave detected by the pulse wave detecting section <NUM>.

The biometric information calculating section may be disposed in an apparatus other than the biometric information measurement device <NUM>. Namely, the housing <NUM> of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> may need to have at least the pulse wave detecting section <NUM>. In this case, the biometric information measurement device <NUM> functions as the pulse wave detector.

The surface (the surface opposed to the wrist W) of the housing <NUM> which, in the case where the biometric information measurement device <NUM> is attached to the wrist W, is opposed to the wrist W constitutes a detection surface <NUM>. The detection surface <NUM> may have an approximately flat shape, or a part or the whole of the surface may be arcuate so as to extend along the outer shape of the wrist W. The pulse wave detecting section <NUM> is disposed in a position which is opposed to the radial artery TD in a state where the detection surface <NUM> is opposed to the wrist W.

In the housing <NUM>, the surface (the opposite surface) opposite to the detection surface <NUM> constitutes a display surface <NUM>. In the display surface <NUM>, a displaying portion <NUM> configured by a liquid crystal display device or the like for displaying measurement results, and an operating section <NUM> for operating the biometric information measurement device <NUM> are disposed. The positions where the displaying portion <NUM> and the operating section <NUM> are respectively disposed are not limited to those shown in <FIG>. A configuration where the displaying portion <NUM> is omitted may be employed.

A first engaging portion <NUM> is disposed on a first end portion <NUM> (in the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, an end surface of the housing <NUM> on the side of the ulna S) which is one of end portions of the housing <NUM> on the side of the ulna S in the circumferential direction of the wrist W. The first engaging portion <NUM> is disposed on the first end portion <NUM>, and on the side of the display surface <NUM>. Namely, the first engaging portion <NUM> is disposed on a part which is in the first end portion <NUM>, and which is on the side that is close to the display surface <NUM> in the case where the housing <NUM> is divided into halves in a direction perpendicular to the display surface <NUM>.

A second engaging portion <NUM> is disposed on a second end portion <NUM> (in the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, an end surface of the housing <NUM> on the side of the radius T) which is one of end portions of the housing <NUM> on the side of the radius T in the circumferential direction of the wrist W.

The first engaging portion <NUM> and the second engaging portion <NUM> are used for causing the band <NUM> to engage with the housing <NUM>. Each of the first engaging portion <NUM> and the second engaging portion <NUM> has a shape that has a hole portion into which the band <NUM> can be inserted.

<FIG> is a view of the vicinity of the first engaging portion <NUM> of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, as seen from the side of the display surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first engaging portion <NUM> is configured by a member which is erected from the first end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and which has a shape approximately similar to a Greek character Π, and a hole portion <NUM> is formed between this member and the first end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The band <NUM> can be inserted into the hole portion <NUM>. The second engaging portion <NUM> is configured in a similar manner to the first engaging portion <NUM>.

The first engaging portion <NUM> is disposed on the first end portion <NUM>, and is disposed on the display surface <NUM> of the first end portion <NUM>.

The second engaging portion <NUM> is be disposed on the second end portion <NUM>, and is disposed on the detection surface <NUM> of the second end portion <NUM>.

The band <NUM> is configured to be wound around the wrist W in a state where one end is engaged with the housing <NUM> (routed so as to form a state where the wrist W is sandwiched between the band <NUM> and the housing <NUM>), so as to maintain the state where the pulse wave detecting section <NUM> is opposed to the radial artery TD.

For example, the band <NUM> is a strip-like member which is lower in rigidity than the housing <NUM>. As the material of the band <NUM>, for example, cloth, leather, rubber, thin resin, or the like may be used. Therefore, the band <NUM> can be easily folded back.

A basal end portion <NUM> which constitutes one end of the band <NUM> in the longitudinal direction is detachably engaged with the first engaging portion <NUM> which is disposed on the first end portion <NUM>.

Specifically, the basal end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is inserted into the hole portion <NUM> of the first engaging portion <NUM>, in a direction from the side of the detection surface <NUM> toward the display surface <NUM>. The basal end portion <NUM> which has passed through the hole portion <NUM> is folded back in an approximately U-like shape in a direction to be separated from the housing <NUM>. A hook and loop fastener <NUM> is formed on the surface of the non-folded back part of the basal end portion <NUM> and directed in the direction opposite to the housing <NUM>, and the surface of the folded back part of the basal end portion <NUM> and directed to the housing <NUM>. Because of the hook and loop fastener <NUM>, the folded back part of the basal end portion <NUM> is detachably engaged with the band <NUM>.

The hook and loop fastener <NUM> is an engagement member for causing the basal end portion <NUM> to detachably engage with the band <NUM>. Incidentally, a configuration may be employed where, in the state shown in <FIG>, a convex portion or concave portion which is disposed on the surface of the folded back part of the basal end portion <NUM> and directed to the housing <NUM> is fitted into a concave portion or convex portion which is disposed on the surface of the non-folded back part of the basal end portion <NUM> and directed in the direction opposite to the housing <NUM>, whereby the basal end portion <NUM> is detachably engaged with the band <NUM>.

In this case, the concave portion and the convex portion constitute the engagement member. Alternatively, the non-folded back part and folded back part of the basal end portion <NUM> may be completely secured to each other by an adhesive agent, sewing, or the like. Namely, the basal end portion <NUM> may be non-detachably engaged with the first engaging portion <NUM>.

An arbitrary position <NUM> between the basal end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> which is engaged with the first engaging portion <NUM>, and a tip end portion <NUM> which is the end portion that is opposite in the longitudinal direction to the basal end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged in the state where the band is folded back in a direction to be separated from the housing <NUM>, in the second engaging portion <NUM> that is disposed on the second end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Specifically, in the band <NUM> which is engaged with the first engaging portion <NUM>, the tip end portion <NUM> is inserted into the hole portion of the second engaging portion <NUM> from the side of the detection surface <NUM> toward the display surface <NUM>. The band <NUM> which is inserted into the hole portion of the second engaging portion <NUM> is folded back in the arbitrary position <NUM> in an approximately U-like shape in a direction to be separated from the housing <NUM>. In the state where the tip end portion <NUM> of the folded back band <NUM> overlaps with the first end portion <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the wrist W, the tip end portion <NUM> is engaged with the basal end portion <NUM> with a hook and loop fastener <NUM> which is formed on the surfaces of the basal end portion <NUM> and tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM>.

The hook and loop fastener <NUM> is an engagement member for causing the tip end portion <NUM> to detachably engage with the basal end portion <NUM>.

Incidentally, a configuration may be employed where, in the state shown in <FIG>, a convex portion or concave portion which is disposed on the surface of the tip end portion <NUM> and directed to the housing <NUM> is fitted into a concave portion or convex portion which is disposed on the surface of the basal end portion <NUM> and directed in the direction opposite to the housing <NUM>, whereby the tip end portion <NUM> is detachably engaged with the basal end portion <NUM>. In this case, the concave portion and the convex portion constitute the engagement member.

An example of a method of attaching the thus configured biometric information measurement device <NUM> to the wrist W will be described.

Firstly, the measurement subject makes the basal end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> pass through the hole portion <NUM> of the first engaging portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> from the side of the detection surface <NUM> toward the display surface <NUM>. Then, the measurement subject makes the basal end portion <NUM> which has passed through the hole portion <NUM>, to be folded back in the direction to be separated from the housing <NUM> to be engaged with the band <NUM> through the hook and loop fastener <NUM>. As a result, the basal end portion <NUM> is engaged with the first engaging portion <NUM>.

Next, the measurement subject makes the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> pass through the hole portion of the second engaging portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> from the side of the detection surface <NUM> toward the display surface <NUM>, and folds back the band <NUM> which has passed through the hole portion of the second engaging portion <NUM>, in the direction to be separated from the housing <NUM>. As a result, the arbitrary position <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged with the second engaging portion <NUM>. In this state, the measurement subject makes the arm pass through a space interposed between a portion between the basal end portion <NUM> and arbitrary position <NUM> of the band <NUM>, and the detection surface <NUM>.

After the measurement subject positions the housing <NUM> so that the pulse wave detecting section <NUM> is opposed to the radial artery TD, then, the measurement subject wounds the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> around the wrist W, and pulls up the tip end portion <NUM> to the vicinity of the first end portion <NUM> while directing from the hand back side to the palm side, i.e., from the side of the detection surface <NUM> toward the display surface <NUM>.

The measurement subject adjusts the force of pulling the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM>, so as to cause the housing <NUM> to be in close contact with the wrist W at an adequate pressure. In this state, the measurement subject makes the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> overlap with the basal end portion <NUM> engaged with the first engaging portion <NUM> to be engaged with the basal end portion <NUM> through the hook and loop fastener <NUM>.

At this time, the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged in a state where the tip end is directed from the detection surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> toward the display surface <NUM>. In other words, the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged with the basal end portion <NUM> in a state where the position of the tip end of the tip end portion <NUM> in a direction in which the detection surface <NUM> and display surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> are juxtaposed (the vertical direction in <FIG>) is on the side of the display surface <NUM> with respect to the position of the detection surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> in this direction.

According to the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, as described above, the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged in the state where the tip end is directed from the side of the detection surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> toward the display surface <NUM>. Therefore, a force which is applied to the wrist W when the band <NUM> is pulled is facilitated to evenly act on the side of the thumb and on the side of the little finger, and it is possible to prevent positional displacement of the pulse wave detecting section <NUM> from being caused. The attachment of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> can be performed while the back of the hand on a table remains to be opposed to the table surface. Therefore, it is possible to prevent positional displacement of the pulse wave detecting section <NUM> due to a motion of raising the hand from the table, from occurring.

According to the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is secured to the wrist W in the state where the band <NUM> is doubly wound around the wrist W. In this manner, the wrist W can be covered by the double portions of the band <NUM>, and therefore it is possible to prevent positional displacement of the housing <NUM> from occurring after attachment of the biometric information measurement device <NUM>.

During attachment of the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, the band <NUM> can be fastened in the state where the wrist W is inserted into the space interposed between the housing <NUM> and the band <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> is positioned. As compared with the case where the band <NUM> is singly wound, therefore, the biometric information measurement device <NUM> can be easily attached. Moreover, the accuracy of positioning the pulse wave detecting section <NUM> can be improved.

Preferably, a configuration may be employed where the friction coefficient of the surface of the band <NUM> opposite to the side which is in contact with the wrist W is smaller than that of the surface on the side which is in contact with the wrist W.

According to the configuration, when the band <NUM> which is folded back in the second engaging portion <NUM> is to be wound around the wrist W, the band <NUM> easily slips over a portion of the band <NUM> which has been already wound around the wrist W. Therefore, the fastening manner of the band <NUM> can be easily adjusted, and the attachability and the accuracy of positioning the pulse wave detecting section <NUM> can be improved. With respect to the surface which is in contact with the wrist W, moreover, the band <NUM> and the wrist W hardly slip over each other, and therefore it is possible to prevent positional displacement of the housing <NUM> from occurring after attachment of the biometric information measurement device <NUM>.

The biometric information measurement device <NUM> has the configuration where the first engaging portion <NUM> is disposed on the first end portion <NUM> and on the side of the display surface <NUM>. According to the configuration, when the wrist W on a table is turned from a state where, for example, the back of the hand is directed to the table surface, toward the side of the little finger, the first engaging portion <NUM> is hardly contacted with the table surface. Therefore, a superior usability is obtained, and positional displacement of the pulse wave detecting section <NUM> can be prevented from occurring.

The biometric information measurement device <NUM> has the configuration where the basal end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is detachably engaged with the first engaging portion <NUM>. According to the configuration, the band <NUM> can be completely detached from the housing <NUM>. In the case where the band <NUM> is contaminated with human sweat or external environment (dust, scratch, or the like), therefore, this situation can be dealt with by replacement of the band <NUM>.

The diameter and shape of the wrist of the measurement subject are different among individuals. When the band <NUM> is replaceable, a configuration may be possible where, for example, a plurality of kinds of bands <NUM> are selectively used in accordance with the measurement subject. As a result, regardless of individual variations, it is possible to realize superior attachability.

The biometric information measurement device <NUM> has the configuration where the basal end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged with the first engaging portion <NUM> in the state where the basal end portion is folded back to be separated from the housing <NUM>. According to the configuration, a work of detaching the band <NUM> from the housing <NUM> is easily performed, and the usability can be improved.

The biometric information measurement device <NUM> has the configuration where the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged with the basal end portion <NUM> on the side of the ulna S in the wrist W. The measurement subject performs a work of routing the band <NUM> with using the right hand. Therefore, the engagement of the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> can be performed on the side of the ulna S where the right hand exists, whereby attachment of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> can be easily performed.

The biometric information measurement device <NUM> has the configuration where the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged with the basal end portion <NUM> with the hook and loop fastener <NUM>. According to the configuration, the function of the hook and loop fastener <NUM> facilitates adjustment of the winding force of the band <NUM>. Therefore, the attachability can be improved.

<FIG> is a side view of a biometric information measurement device <NUM> which is a modification of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, as seen from the side of the elbow of the left hand of the measurement subject. In <FIG>, portions which are in common with the biometric information measurement device <NUM> are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description is omitted.

In the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, the folding-back direction of the basal end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is opposite to that in the biometric information measurement device <NUM>. The tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged on the surface which is in the non-folded back part of the basal end portion <NUM>, and which is directed in the direction opposite to the housing <NUM>. The other configuration is identical with that of the biometric information measurement device <NUM>.

Specifically, the basal end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> passes through the hole portion <NUM> of the first engaging portion <NUM> which is disposed on the first end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, from the side of the display surface <NUM> toward the detection surface <NUM>. Then, the folded back part of the basal end portion <NUM> is engaged with the non-folded back part of the basal end portion <NUM> with the hook and loop fastener <NUM>.

The tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> is engaged with the basal end portion <NUM> with the hook and loop fastener <NUM>, at a position where the portion overlaps with the first end portion <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the wrist W.

According to the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, the part of the basal end portion <NUM> with which the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged has an approximately flat surface. Therefore, a work of attaching or detaching the tip end portion <NUM> can be easily performed.

The biometric information measurement device <NUM> has the configuration where the basal end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged with the first engaging portion <NUM> in a state where the basal end portion is folded back in a direction approaching the housing <NUM>. When the engagement state of the tip end portion <NUM> with respect to the basal end portion <NUM> is to be released, therefore, the engagement state between the parts of the basal end portion <NUM> is hardly released. Consequently, the engagement state of the basal end portion <NUM> with respect to the first engaging portion <NUM> can be stably maintained.

In the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, the above-described first engaging portion <NUM> is not disposed on the first end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Instead, the basal end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> is engaged with the first end portion <NUM> through a hook and loop fastener 42A. In the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, the hook and loop fastener 42A which is formed on the first end portion <NUM> constitutes the first engaging portion.

The hook and loop fastener 42A is an engagement member for detachably engaging the basal end portion <NUM> to the first end portion <NUM>. Instead of the hook and loop fastener 42A, the above-described concavo-convex structure may be employed.

The tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> is detachably engaged through the hook and loop fastener <NUM> with the surface of the basal end portion <NUM> which is engaged with the first end portion <NUM>, the surface being directed in the direction opposite to the housing <NUM>.

The other configuration is similar to that of the biometric information measurement device <NUM>.

In the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, alternatively, the basal end portion <NUM> may be non-detachably engaged with the first end portion <NUM> by adhesion, screws, or the like. According to the configuration, the engagement state of the basal end portion <NUM> can be stably maintained.

<FIG> is a side view of a biometric information measurement device <NUM> which is a modification of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, as seen from the side of the elbow of the left hand of the measurement subject. In <FIG>, portions which are in common with those of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description is omitted.

The biometric information measurement device <NUM> is configured in the same manner as the biometric information measurement device <NUM> shown in <FIG> except that the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged with the first end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> with a hook and loop fastener 45A.

The tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> is engaged with the first end portion <NUM> with the hook and loop fastener 45A in a state where the tip end portion overlaps with the basal end portion <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the wrist W.

The hook and loop fastener 45A is an engagement member for causing the tip end portion <NUM> to detachably engage with the first end portion <NUM>. Instead of the hook and loop fastener 45A, the above-described concavo-convex structure may be employed.

The biometric information measurement device <NUM> can attain effects similar to those of the biometric information measurement device <NUM>. According to the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, when the engagement state of the tip end portion <NUM> with respect to the housing <NUM> is to be cancelled, it is possible to easily prevent the engagement state between the basal end portion <NUM> and the housing <NUM> from being cancelled.

The biometric information measurement device <NUM> may be configured so that the hook and loop fastener 45A is extended onto the display surface <NUM>, and the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged with the housing <NUM> by two surfaces or the end surface of the housing <NUM> and the display surface <NUM>. According to the configuration, it is possible to prevent the vicinity of the tip end of the tip end portion <NUM> from being in a free state, and the beauty of the device can be improved. Moreover, it is possible to prevent the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> from peeling off after attachment of the biometric information measurement device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of a biometric information measurement device <NUM> which is a modification of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, as seen from the side of the fingers of the left hand of the measurement subject. In <FIG>, portions which are in common with the biometric information measurement device <NUM> are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description is omitted.

In the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, the band <NUM>, which is attached to the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, is attached to the housing <NUM> in a laterally reversed manner.

In the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, namely, the basal end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is folded back in the second engaging portion <NUM> disposed on the second end portion <NUM>, and engaged with the hook and loop fastener <NUM>. Moreover, an arbitrary position <NUM> in the longitudinal direction of the band <NUM> is folded back in the first engaging portion <NUM> disposed on the first end portion <NUM>. Then, the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is engaged by the hook and loop fastener <NUM> with the basal end portion <NUM> engaged with the second engaging portion <NUM>.

The biometric information measurement device <NUM> can attain effects similar to those of the biometric information measurement device <NUM>. In the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, it is preferable that, similarly with the biometric information measurement device <NUM>, the first engaging portion <NUM> on the first end portion <NUM> is disposed on the side of the display surface <NUM>. According to the configuration, it is possible to improve the usability of the biometric information measurement device <NUM>.

The biometric information measurement device <NUM> has a configuration where the tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> is folded back in a third engaging portion 29A in a direction to be separated from the housing <NUM>, and the folded back part of the tip end portion <NUM> is engaged with the band <NUM> by a hook and loop fastener 45B. The other configuration is identical with that of the biometric information measurement device <NUM>.

The third engaging portion 29A has the same configuration as the first engaging portion <NUM>, and is configured by an approximately Π-shaped member. The tip end portion <NUM> of the band <NUM> of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> is inserted into the hole portion of the third engaging portion 29A from the side of the detection surface <NUM> toward the display surface <NUM>, and the tip end portion <NUM> which has passed through the hole portion is folded back in a direction to be separated from the housing <NUM>. Then, the folded back tip end portion <NUM> is engaged with the band <NUM> through the hook and loop fastener 45B which is formed on the band <NUM>.

The hook and loop fastener 45B is an engagement member for causing the tip end portion <NUM> to detachably engage with the band <NUM>. Instead of the hook and loop fastener 45B, the above-described concavo-convex structure may be employed.

The biometric information measurement device <NUM> can attain effects similar to those of the configuration of the biometric information measurement device <NUM>. The biometric information measurement device <NUM> has the configuration where the tip end portion <NUM> is folded back in the third engaging portion 29A and then engaged, and therefore the band <NUM> is fastened more firmly.

Although the examples in which the body portion of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> is configured by the single housing <NUM> have been described, the configuration is not limited thereto. <FIG> is a view showing a modification of the body portion of the biometric information measurement device <NUM>. In <FIG>, configurations which are identical with those of <FIG> are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The body portion <NUM> of the biometric information measurement device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is configured by: the above-described housing <NUM>; a housing 20B; and a coupling portion 20C which swingably couples together the housing <NUM> and the housing 20B, such as a hinge. In the example of <FIG>, for example, the housing 20B accommodates batteries or the like for driving the biometric information measurement device <NUM>.

The body portion <NUM> has a longitudinal shape which extends along the circumferential direction of the wrist, as a whole, and a shape which is opened at least on the side of the ulna S in the wrist. The body portion <NUM> has a configuration where, in a state where the body portion is attached to the wrist by the band <NUM>, the portion between the end portions in the circumferential direction of the wrist does not cover the wrist at a degree that a part of the band <NUM> is in contact with the wrist.

In the example of <FIG>, an end portion which is one of the end portions of the housing 20B on the side opposite to the housing <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the wrist constitutes the above-described second end portion <NUM>, and the second engaging portion <NUM> is formed on the second end portion <NUM>.

The above-disclosed embodiment should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is represented by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be covered therein.

The pulse wave detector of the present invention is effective particularly in application to a portable blood pressure monitor or the like.

Claim 1:
A pulse wave detector which is used while being attached to a wrist (W) of a measurement subject, the pulse wave detector comprising:
a body portion (<NUM>) which includes a detecting section (<NUM>) disposed in a position which is opposed to a radial artery (TD) of the measurement subject and configured to detect a pulse wave from the radial artery (TD);
a band (<NUM>) which is configured to be wound around the wrist (W) in a state where the band (<NUM>) is engaged with the body portion (<NUM>);
a basal-end engaging portion (<NUM>) which is disposed on a first end portion (<NUM>) of the body portion (<NUM>) in a circumferential direction of the wrist (W) and on a side of a surface (<NUM>) opposite to a detection surface (<NUM>) in the body portion (<NUM>), and with which a basal end portion (<NUM>) of the band (<NUM>) is engaged;
an arbitrary-position engaging portion (<NUM>) which is disposed on a second end portion (<NUM>) of the body portion (<NUM>) in the circumferential direction and on the detection surface (<NUM>), and with which an arbitrary position (<NUM>) between the basal end portion (<NUM>) engaged with the basal-end engaging portion (<NUM>) and a tip end portion (<NUM>) of the band (<NUM>) is engaged in a folded back state; and
engagement members (<NUM>) which are configured to detachably engage the tip end portion (<NUM>) with the band (<NUM>) in a state where the band (<NUM>) which is folded back in the arbitrary-position engaging portion (<NUM>) and the basal end portion (<NUM>) engaged with the basal-end engaging portion (<NUM>) overlap with each other,
wherein the basal-end engaging portion (<NUM>) is configured by a first member which is erected from the first end portion (<NUM>) of the body portion (<NUM>) and which has a Π-shape, and a first hole portion (<NUM>) is formed between the first member and the first end portion (<NUM>) of the body portion (<NUM>),
wherein the arbitrary-position engaging portion (<NUM>) is configured by a second member which is erected from the second end portion (<NUM>) of the body portion (<NUM>) and which has a Π-shape, and a second hole portion is formed between the second member and the second end portion (<NUM>) of the body portion (<NUM>), and
wherein the engagement members (<NUM>) are formed on surfaces of the basal end portion (<NUM>) and the tip end portion (<NUM>) of the band (<NUM>).