JPH0631702U - Pulse wave detector - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] When detecting a pressure pulse wave by pressing a pressing surface having a convex portion provided with a pressure detecting element on the distal end surface onto an artery,
(EN) Provided is a pulse wave detecting device which can surely realize an optimum pressing condition regardless of the depth position of an artery from the body surface, can stably detect a pressure pulse wave, and does not cause pain to a living body. A rectangular frame-shaped contact member 78 is attached to one surface 64 of the pulse wave sensor 60, and a convex portion 70 is projected from a central hole of the contact member 78. The pair of abutting plate portions 86 and 88 are provided in the hinge portion 84 so as to be rotatable about one axis parallel to each other and close to the one surface 64, and the first rotating position in which the one contact plate portion and the one surface 64 are in close contact with each other. It can rotate between the second rotation position shown in FIG. A C-shaped spring 102 is provided that urges the contact plate portions 86 and 88 in a direction away from the one surface 64 and moves together when they rotate. At the first rotation position, the uniaxial line is substantially located on a straight line connecting both ends of the spring 102.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to an improvement of a pulse wave detection device for detecting a pressure pulse wave from an artery of a living body.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 There is known a pulse wave detecting device in which a convex portion is formed on a pressing surface pressed by a living body, and a pressure detecting element for detecting a pressure pulse wave generated from an artery is provided on the tip surface of the convex portion. There is. For example, that described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 1-126205 is that. Since tendons and bones are often located near the arteries of the living body where pulse waves are detected by such pulse wave detectors, pressure is applied to the tip surface of the protrusion protruding from the pressing surface as described above. By providing the detection element, the artery can be appropriately pressed without being obstructed by the tendon or the bone.

[0003]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 By the way, when detecting the above-mentioned pulse wave, the optimum pressing condition for pressing so that a flat part is formed on a part of the artery wall for the purpose of detecting the pressure that is as close as possible to the pressure inside the artery. May be required to be maintained. Therefore, if the protruding amount of the convex portion is set to be relatively small so that the artery at a position shallow from the body surface can be appropriately pressed, the pressure surface and tendons or bones are not affected by the artery at a position deep from the body surface. Due to the interference of the above, it is necessary to press with an excessive pressing force, which causes pain, and in some cases, the optimum pressing conditions cannot be realized. On the other hand, if the protruding amount of the convex portion is set to be relatively large so that it can be appropriately pressed against the artery at a deep position from the body surface, the convex portion with an extremely weak pressing force is applied to the artery at a position shallow from the body surface. As a result, the pressing surface around the convex portion floats from the body surface, and the pressing posture of the convex portion becomes unstable, and the pulse wave cannot be detected stably. In other words, since there are large individual differences in the depth position of the artery of the living body from the skin surface, using a pulse wave detection device with a convex portion with a constant protruding dimension may cause pain or may cause an optimum pressing condition. In some cases, it could not be realized, or the pulse wave could not be detected stably.

On the other hand, as described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 3-114207, which was filed by the applicant of the present invention and published earlier, the compression is performed with a height substantially equal to or higher than that of the convex portion. If a deformable soft elastic member such as rubber is provided around the convex part, when pressing the artery with the convex part, the depth position from the body surface of the artery is determined based on the compressive deformation of the soft elastic member. Accordingly, it is considered that the above-mentioned problem can be suitably solved because the convex portion can be appropriately projected from the surface of the soft elastic member.

However, even in this case, there is still a problem to be solved. That is, since the soft elastic member such as rubber has a non-linear spring characteristic between the load and the elastic compression deformation amount, when pressing an artery at a deep position from the body surface, the depth of the pulsation In some cases, the amount of compressive deformation of the soft elastic member may not be sufficiently obtained, and the pressing force may be relatively large, which may not necessarily prevent the living body from suffering pain.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a pressing surface having a convex portion with a pressure detecting element provided on the tip surface on an artery on the body surface. When the pressure pulse wave is detected by pressing on, the optimal pressure condition can be surely realized and the pressure pulse wave can be detected stably regardless of the depth position from the body surface of the artery. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pulse wave detecting device that does not cause pain to the living body.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] A gist of a first invention for achieving the above object is to provide a convex portion on a pressing surface that is pressed by a living body, and a tip surface of the convex portion. A pulse wave detection device of the type in which a pressure detection element for detecting a pressure pulse wave generated from an artery is provided in (a) an area that is arranged around the convex portion and faces the pressing surface. A contact plate, (b) a guide means for movably guiding the contact plate in a direction of approaching and separating from the pressing surface, and (c) a certain limit in a direction of separating the contact plate from the pressing surface. Is provided between the stopper that restricts the movement of the contact plate and (d) the contact plate and the pressing surface, and compresses and deforms between the contact plate and the pressing surface when the convex portion presses the living body. Included in the compression coil spring.

[0008]

According to the pulse wave detecting apparatus of the first aspect, the contact plate disposed around the convex portion so as to face the pressing surface approaches and separates from the pressing surface by the guide means. The movable body is guided so as to be movable in any direction, and the movement of the contact plate beyond a certain limit in the direction away from the pressing surface is restricted by a stopper, and the living body is pressed by a convex portion between the contact plate and the pressing surface. Since a compression coil spring is provided that is compressed and deformed between the abutment plate and the pressing surface when the pressure is applied, in the pressed state where the convex portion presses the artery of the living body in order to detect the pressure pulse wave, , The abutment plate is pressed against the tendon or bone located in the vicinity of the artery and the compression coil spring is compressed and deformed, so that the convex portion is appropriately projected from the surface of the abutment plate opposite to the pressing surface. . That is, the height of the convex part from the pressing surface is set larger than before, and the total size of the axial dimension of the compression coil spring and the thickness of the contact plate when the artery is not pressed by the convex part is By setting the height approximately equal to or higher than the height of the convex portion, there is no interference between the pressing surface and the tendons or bones for arteries deeper than the body surface, and the pressing force is generated by the compressive deformation of the compression coil spring. Since the optimum pressing condition can be obtained without raising the pressure excessively, it is possible to preferably prevent the living body from suffering pain and surely realize the optimum pressing condition. In addition, for arteries at a shallow position from the body surface, the compression coil spring is pressed against the tendons and bones via the abutment plate to stabilize the pressing posture of the convex part, so that the pressure pulse wave can be detected stably. You can

Moreover, since the compression coil spring has a substantially linear spring characteristic, even when an artery at a deep position from the body surface is pressed by a convex portion, a soft elastic material such as rubber having a non-linear spring characteristic is used. Compared to the case where a member is used, the amount of compressive deformation of the compression coil spring can be sufficiently secured according to the depth from the body surface of the artery, and the increase in pressing force can be suppressed appropriately, resulting in less pain to the living body. Can be prevented more suitably.

[0010]

Second Means for Solving the Problem Further, the gist of a second invention for achieving the above object is that a convex portion is formed on a pressing surface to be pressed by a living body, and the convex portion is formed. A pulse wave detection device of the type in which a pressure detection element for detecting a pressure pulse wave generated from an artery is provided on the distal end surface of (a) is arranged on the pressing surface with the convex portion in between. And a pair of abutting plate portions which are parallel to each other at one end portion located on the side of the convex portion and which are rotatable around an axis close to the pressing surface, and which are abutting plates. Both abutting between a first turning position where the other end of the part substantially contacts the pressing surface and a second turning position where the other end is positioned at a height position substantially equal to or higher than the convex part. (B) It has a substantially C shape, and both ends are engaged with the pair of contact plate parts, respectively. The contact plates are moved to the second rotation position by urging the contact plates in the rotation direction away from the pressing surface, but both contact plates are moved from the second rotation position. When it is rotated to the first rotation position, it is moved together with both contact plate parts, and at the first rotation position of both contact plate parts, both contact plate parts are on a straight line connecting the both ends. C-shaped spring in which the uniaxial line is substantially positioned.

[0011]

According to the pulse wave detecting device of the second aspect of the invention configured as described above, the pair of contact plate portions of the abutting member are respectively placed on the pressing surface with the convex portion therebetween. The two contact plates are arranged so as to be rotatable about one axis which is parallel to each other at one end located on the convex side and close to the pressing surface, and the other ends of both abutting plate parts are pressing surfaces. And a second rotation position in which the other end portions of both contact plate portions are located at a height position substantially equal to or higher than the convex portion. On the other hand, both end portions of a C-shaped spring are engaged with both abutting plate portions, respectively, and both abutting plate portions are always attached in a rotating direction away from the pressing surface by the C-shaped spring. It is urged to move to the second rotation position, but when the artery is pressed by the convex part, the C-shaped springs contact both sides. Since the contact plate portion is rotated toward the first rotation position while being moved together with the section, in the pressed state in which the convex portion presses the artery to detect the pressure pulse wave, the contact plate portion is brought close to the artery. Both abutment plates are pressed against the tendons or bones located and rotated toward the pressing surface against the urging force of the C-shaped spring, so that the abutment plates project from the other ends. The part is properly projected. That is, by setting the height of the convex portion from the pressing surface to be larger than that of the conventional one, there is no interference between the pressing surface and the tendon or bone with respect to the artery deep in the body surface, and both contact plates Since the optimum pressing condition can be obtained without excessively increasing the pressing force by rotating the part toward the pressing surface side, it is possible to preferably prevent the living body from suffering pain and surely realize the optimum pressing condition. For the artery at a shallow position from the body surface, the abutting plate portions, which are urged by the C-shaped spring in the direction away from the pressing surface, are pressed by the tendons and bones, and the pressing posture of the convex portion is changed. Since it becomes stable, the pressure pulse wave can be detected stably.

Moreover, when the pair of contact plate portions are rotated from the second rotation position to the first rotation position, the C-shaped spring is moved together with both contact plate portions, and both contact plate portions are moved. At the first rotation position of the plate portion, the uniaxial line, which is the rotation center line of both contact plate portions, is substantially positioned on the straight line connecting both ends of the C-shaped spring, so that the convex portion is pressed against the artery. At this time, the urging force of the C-shaped spring in the direction of separating both contact plate portions from the pressing surface gradually decreases as both contact plate portions are rotated from the second rotation position to the first rotation position. And becomes substantially zero at the first rotation position. As a result, it is possible to suitably prevent the optimal pressing force from unnecessarily increasing due to the above-mentioned biasing force of the C-shaped spring when the convex portion presses the artery at a deep position from the body surface. It is possible to more preferably prevent the pain from being applied.

[0013]

【Example】

 An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a bottomed rectangular cylindrical housing, which is detachably attached to a wrist by a band 14 with its open end facing the body surface 12 of the human body. There is. A pulse wave sensor 18 is provided inside the housing 10 via a diaphragm 16 so as to project from an open end of the housing 10. The housing 10 and the diaphragm 16 form a pressure chamber 20. A pressure fluid such as pressure air is supplied to the pressure chamber 20 from an air pump 22 via a pressure regulating valve 24, whereby the pulse wave sensor 18 responds to the pressure in the pressure chamber 20. The body surface 12 is pressed by the pressing force.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pulse wave sensor 18 has a rectangular plate-like portion 26 and a first convex portion projecting from a central portion of one surface 28 of the plate-like portion 26. It is provided with a portion 30 and a second convex portion 34 protruding from the center of the other surface 32 of the plate-like portion 26, and is integrally attached to the diaphragm 16 at the first convex portion 30. The tip end surface 36 of the second convex portion 34 is projected toward the body surface 12 side. On the tip surface 36 of the second convex portion 34, a plurality of pressure detecting elements 38 such as a semiconductor pressure sensitive element are arranged at intervals of 0.3 mm, for example, in a direction crossing the radial artery 40. The pulse wave sensor 18 is pressed by the distal end surface 36 of the second convex portion 34 onto the radial artery 40 on the body surface 12 to generate a pressure vibration wave generated from the radial artery 40 and transmitted to the body surface 12, that is, Detect pressure pulse wave. The electric signal output from the pulse wave sensor 18, that is, the pulse wave signal SM representing the pressure pulse wave is supplied to the control device 42. In this embodiment, the other surface 32 constitutes a pressing surface and the second convex portion 34 constitutes a convex portion.

The control device 42 is configured by including a microcomputer, processes an input signal according to a program stored in advance, and outputs a drive signal SD to the pressure regulating valve 24 to control the pressure in the pressure chamber 20. While adjusting, the pressure of the pressure chamber 20 where the wall of the radial artery 40 is partially flat, that is, the pulse wave sensor 18 In addition to determining the optimum pressing force, the element that outputs the signal with the maximum amplitude among the pressure detection elements 38 is determined as the active element located directly above the center of the radial artery 40, and the pressure regulating valve 24 of the pulse wave sensor 18 is determined. The pressure pulse wave is detected based on the pulse wave signal SM sequentially acquired from the active element while controlling so as to maintain the optimum pressing force, and the display recording signal SI is output to display the detected pressure pulse wave. -Display and record on the recording device 44. As described above, it is considered that the pressure pulse wave detected by the pressure detecting element 38 located right above the center of the radial artery 40 is hardly affected by the elastic force (tension) of the wall of the radial artery 40. , Its waveform is displayed as a pressure fluctuation in the radial artery 40, that is, a fluctuation wave of blood pressure.

Here, in this embodiment, from the other surface 32 of the second convex portion 34 of the pulse wave sensor 18 to correspond to the individual difference in depth from the body surface 12 to the radial artery 40. The height is set to about 1.2 times higher than the conventional height (about 1 mm). Further, on both sides of the plate-shaped portion 26 of the pulse wave sensor 18 in the plate thickness direction, a first annular plate 46 is arranged around the first convex portion 30 and a second annular plate 48 is arranged around the second convex portion 34. The first annular plate 46 and the second annular plate 48 are slidably fitted in the guide holes 50 provided at the four corners of the plate-like portion 26, respectively. The rods 52 are integrally fixed to both ends of the rod 52 in parallel with each other. Between the plate-shaped portion 26 and the second annular plate 48, four compression coil springs 54 (only two of which are shown in FIG. 1) are provided with a predetermined preload so that the four guide rods 52 are inserted inside. The second annular plate 48 is constantly urged by the compression coil spring 54 in a direction away from the plate-like portion 26, and the plate-like portion 26 of the second annular plate 48 is inserted. Movement above a certain limit in the direction away from is regulated based on the contact between the first annular plate 46 and the one surface 28 of the plate-like portion 26. Accordingly, when the second convex portion 34 presses the radial artery 40 on the body surface 12, the second annular plate 48 abuts on the body surface 12 and the guide rod 52 as shown in FIG. 1, for example. Further, the compression coil spring 54 is guided to the guide hole 50 and moved to the plate-shaped portion 26 side so that the compression coil spring 54 is compressed and deformed. In the present embodiment, the second annular plate 48 corresponds to the contact plate, the guide hole 50 and the guide rod 52 correspond to the guide means, and the first annular plate 46 corresponds to the stopper.

The spring constant of the compression coil spring 54 and the second convex portion of the second annular plate 48 and the tip surface 36 of the second convex portion 34 when the body surface 12 is not pressed by the pulse wave sensor 18. When the radial artery 40 is shallow from the body surface 12, the second annular plate 48 is pressed by the tendon 56 and the radius 58 from the body surface 12 according to the biasing force of the compression coil spring 54. When the pulse wave sensor 18 can be maintained in a stable posture and in an optimally pressed state, and when the radial artery 40 is deep from the body surface 12, the tendon 56 and the radius 58 are inserted into the tendon 56 and the radius 58 from the body surface 12 via the second annular plate 48. Even if the abutting compression coil spring 54 is easily deformed by compression and the pressure in the pressure chamber 20 is not increased so much, the second convex portion 34 flattens a part of the radial artery 40 as shown in FIG. Up to It is decided that it can be crushed. That is, in the present embodiment, the spring constants of the four compression coil springs 54 are determined to be sufficiently smaller than the elastic constant of the tendon 56 and sufficiently larger than the elastic constant of the wall of the radial artery 40. In addition, the surface of the second annular plate 48 opposite to the plate-like portion 26 in the state where the body surface 12 is not pressed by the pulse wave sensor 18 is the second line as indicated by the chain line in FIG. It is located at a position slightly protruding from the tip end surface 36 of the convex portion 34.

As described above, according to the pulse wave detecting apparatus of the present embodiment, the second annular plate 48 disposed around the second convex portion 34 of the pulse wave sensor 18 so as to face the plate-like portion 26 has The protruding guide rod 52 and the guide hole 50 of the plate-like portion 26 are movably guided in the direction of approaching and separating from the plate-like portion 26 and in the direction of separating from the plate-like portion 26 of the second annular plate 48 thereof. Movement beyond a certain limit is restricted by the first annular plate 46, and a compression coil spring 54 is provided in a preloaded state with the guide rod 52 inserted between the second annular plate 48 and the plate-like portion 26. Therefore, in the pressed state in which the second convex portion 34 presses on the radial artery 40 on the body surface 12 to detect the pressure pulse wave, the tendon 56 and the radial bone 58 located in the vicinity of the radial artery 40 have a second annular shape. The plate 48 is pressed and the compression coil When the le spring 54 is compressed and deformed, the second convex portion 34 is appropriately projected from the surface of the second annular plate 48 opposite to the plate-shaped portion 26. That is, the height of the second convex portion 34 from the other surface 32 of the plate-like portion 26 is set larger than that of the conventional one, the spring constant of the compression coil spring 54, and the non-pressing of the body surface 12 by the pulse wave sensor 18. By setting the relative position between the surface of the second annular plate 48 on the side opposite to the plate-like portion 26 and the tip end surface 36 of the second convex portion 34, which is urged by the compression coil spring 54, as described above, As for the radial artery 40 at a position deep from the body surface 12, there is no interference between the other surface 32 of the plate-like portion 26 of the pulse wave sensor 18 and the tendon 56 or the radius 58, and the compression coil spring 54 compresses and compresses it. Since the optimum pressing condition can be obtained without raising the pressure excessively, it is possible to preferably prevent the living body from suffering pain and to surely realize the optimum pressing condition. Further, for the radial pulsation 40 at a position shallower than the body surface 12, the second annular plate 48 is pressed by the tendon 56 and the radius 58 via the compression coil spring 54, and the pressing posture of the pulse wave sensor 18 becomes stable. Therefore, the pressure pulse wave can be stably detected.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the compression coil spring 54 has a substantially linear spring characteristic, when the radial artery 40 at a deep position from the body surface 12 is pressed by the second convex portion 34, Also, as compared with the case where a soft elastic member such as rubber having a non-linear spring characteristic is used, a sufficient compression deformation amount of the compression coil spring 54 is secured according to the depth from the body surface 12 of the radial artery 40. Since it is possible to suppress the increase of the pressing force, it is possible to more preferably prevent the living body from suffering pain.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIGS. 3 to 5, a pulse wave sensor 60 is integrally attached to a case 62 made of a resin such as polycarbonate, and the case 62. The pulse wave sensor 60 protrudes from one surface 64 of the case 62 and has a tip end surface. A sensor main body 72 having a convex portion 70 provided with a plurality of pressure detecting elements 68 is provided at 66, and is attached to the diaphragm 16 in the above-described embodiment on the side opposite to the convex portion 70 of the case 62. It is supposed to be. In this embodiment, the one surface 64 corresponds to the pressing surface.

The case 62 is made of a resin such as polypropylene and is disposed around the convex portion 70 of the pulse wave sensor 60, and when the convex portion 70 presses the radial artery 40 on the body surface 12. An abutting member 78 is provided which is abutted against the body surface 12 in a pressed state. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, the contact member 78 includes a pair of fixing portions 80 and 82 which are located at a predetermined distance from each other and fixed to the one surface 64 of the case 62, and have a U-shape as a whole. And a pair of abutting plate portions 86 and 88, which are located on both sides of the fixed portions 80 and 82 and are respectively connected to the fixed portions 80 and 82 via hinge portions 84 at both ends of the U shape. The pulse wave sensor 60 is provided with a rectangular frame shape so that the convex portion 70 of the pulse wave sensor 60 can be projected from the central hole 89 of the contact member 78. L-shaped engaging protrusions 90 are provided at the outer end portions of the fixing portions 80 and 82, respectively, which face each other and project in the directions in which the tips approach each other. In addition, at both ends in the direction connecting the fixing portions 80 and 82 of the one abutting plate portion 86, and at a position close to the engaging protrusion 90, an engaging protrusion protruding substantially in the same manner as the engaging protrusion 90. 92 are provided respectively, and at the positions at both ends in the direction of connecting the fixing portions 80 and 82 of the other contact plate portion 88 and in the vicinity of the engaging protrusion 90, the same as the engaging protrusion 92. Engaging protrusions 94 are provided respectively.

On the other hand, on both side surfaces of the case 62 facing the vertical direction in FIG. 5, as shown in FIG. 9, three notches 96, 98, 100 (one side surface) that open to the one surface 64 side of the case 62 are provided. (Not shown) are formed respectively, and the notch 98 has a recess 102 into which the tips of the engaging projections 90 of the fixing portions 80 and 82 are fitted at positions separated by a predetermined distance from the one surface 64. Have As a result, the pair of engaging projections 90 provided on the fixing portions 80 and 82 of the abutting member 78 are fitted in the notches 98 on the both side surfaces of the case 62, respectively, and the pair of engaging plate portions 86 engage with each other. By fitting the projection 92 and the pair of engaging projections 94 of the contact plate portion 88 into the notches 96 and 100 on the both side surfaces of the case 62, the contact member 78 is fixed to the case 62 at the fixing portions 80 and 82. The abutting plate portions 86 and 88 of the abutting member 78 that are fixed and are parallel to each other in the hinge portion 84 and are rotatable about an axis close to the one surface 64. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the contact plate 86 has a fixed direction in which it separates from the case 62 based on the contact between the tip of the engaging projection 92 and the side surface of the notch 96 located on the side opposite to the notch 98. Rotation beyond the limit is prevented, and the contact plate portion 88 is fixed in a direction in which it separates from the case 62 based on the contact between the tip end portion of the engaging projection 94 and the side surface of the notch 100 opposite to the notch 98. Rotation beyond the limit is prevented, and the contact plate portions 86 and 88 are in contact with the one surface 64 of the case 62 at the first rotation position shown in FIG. 4 and the contact plate portions 86 and 88. The height position of the end portion of the opposite side of the fixed portions 80 and 82 from the one surface 64 is relatively higher than the tip end surface 66 of the convex portion 70 of the pulse wave sensor 60. Second rotation shown in FIGS. 3 and 9. It can be rotated to and from the position.

The abutting plate portions 86 and 88 are biased in a rotating direction away from the one surface 64 of the case 62 by a pair of C-shaped springs 102 and 104 shown in FIGS. ing. A pair of spring engaging portions 106 is provided adjacent to both the engaging protrusions 92 on the surface of the abutting plate portion 86 located inside the pair of engaging protrusions 92 and facing the case 62. In addition, a portion of the abutting plate portion 88 located inside the pair of engagement projections 94 and facing the case 62 also has a pair of spring engagement members adjacent to both engagement projections 94. A joining portion 108 is provided, and both ends of the C-shaped springs 102 and 104 are engaged with the spring engaging portion 106 and the spring engaging portion 108, respectively. The C-shaped springs 102 and 104 are respectively housed in a pair of narrow recesses 110 (only one of which is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) provided on the one surface 64 of the case 62, and the abutting plate. With the rotation of the portions 86 and 88, the contact plate portions 86 and 88 can be moved in the vertical direction in FIGS. 3 and 4. In the first rotation position of the contact plate portions 86, 88 shown in FIG. 4, the uniaxial line, that is, the rotation center line of the hinge portion 84 of the contact plate portions 86, 88 is the C-shaped spring 102, 104. The contact plates 86, 88 are separated from the case 62 by the C-shaped springs 102, 104 at the first turning position so that they can be positioned substantially on a straight line connecting both ends. The urging force in the direction in which the force is applied becomes substantially zero, and when the pressing force on the case 62 side against the contact plate portions 86 and 88 is released, the urging force can automatically return to the second rotation position. There is.

The spring constants of the C-shaped springs 102 and 104, the distance between the both ends of the C-shaped springs 102 and 104, and the fixed portions 80 and 82 of the contact plate portions 86 and 88 at the second rotation position. When the radial artery 40 is shallow from the body surface 12, the contact plate portions 86 and 88 are C-shaped so that the relative position of the end on the opposite side and the tip surface 66 of the convex portion 70 in the height direction of the convex portion 70 is C. The pulse wave sensor 60 can be maintained in an optimum pressed state in a stable posture by being pressed against the tendon 56 and the radius 58 from the body surface 12 according to the biasing force of the V-shaped springs 102 and 104, and the radial artery 40 can be maintained on the body surface. When it is deep from 12, the contact plates 86 and 88 which are in contact with the tendon 56 and the radius 58 from the body surface 12 are pushed toward the case 62 side against the urging force of the C-shaped springs 102 and 104. The pressure in the pressure chamber 20 It is determined that the convex portion 70 can be appropriately crushed until a part of the radial artery 40 is flattened without being raised so much. Specifically, the C-shaped springs 102, 104 are made of, for example, a wire made of stainless steel SUS304 for springs having a linear shape of about 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the pair of abutting plate portions 86 and 88 of the abutting member 78 provided on the one surface 64 around the convex portion 70 of the pulse wave sensor 60 includes the hinge portion 84. Are rotatably provided around the uniaxial line parallel to each other and close to the one surface 64, and can be rotated between the first rotation position and the second rotation position. On the other hand, the pair of C-shaped springs 102, 104 provided between the contact plate portions 86, 88 always attaches the contact plate portions 86, 88 in the direction of rotation away from the case 62. When the body surface 12 is pressed by the pulse wave sensor 60, the C-shaped springs 102 and 104 are moved together with the abutting plate portions 86 and 88 while abutting while being moved to the second rotation position. When the plate portions 86 and 88 are rotated toward the first rotation position, Therefore, in the pressed state in which the convex portion 70 of the pulse wave sensor 60 presses the radial artery 40 to detect the pressure pulse wave, both contact plate portions 86 and 88 are pressed against the tendon 56 and the radial bone 58 and C By being rotated toward the case 62 side against the urging force of the V-shaped springs 102 and 104, the convex portion 70 is formed from the end portions of the contact plate portions 86 and 88 opposite to the fixed portions 80 and 82. It is properly projected. That is, by setting the height of the convex portion 70 from the one surface 64 of the case 62 to be larger than that of the conventional art, the radial surface 40 deep from the body surface 12 is prevented from having the one surface 64 of the case 62 and the tendon 56 or the radius. Since there is no interference with 58, the optimum pressing condition can be obtained without excessively increasing the pressing force by rotating both contact plate portions 86, 88 toward the case 62 side, it is preferable to give pain to the living body. In addition to being prevented, the optimum pressing condition can be surely realized. For the radial artery 40 at a position shallower than the body surface 12, the abutment plates 86 and 88 urged by the C-shaped springs 102 and 104 in a direction away from the case 62 are tendons. Since the pressing posture of the convex portion 70 of the pulse wave sensor 60 is stabilized by being pressed by 56 and the radius 58, the pressure pulse wave can be stably detected.

Further, according to this embodiment, the C-shaped springs 102 and 104 are moved in the vertical direction in FIGS. 3 and 4 as the contact plate portions 86 and 88 are rotated, and At the first rotation position of the portions 86 and 88, the rotation center line of the abutting plate portions 86 and 88 is substantially positioned on the straight line connecting both ends of the C-shaped springs 102 and 104. The urging force of the C-shaped springs 102, 104 in the direction of separating the contact plate portions 86, 88 from the case 62 when pressing the radial artery 40 causes the contact plate portions 86, 88 to move from the second rotational position to the second rotation position. When the radial artery 40 at a deep position from the body surface 12 is pressed by the convex portion 70, it gradually decreases as it is rotated to one rotation position and becomes substantially zero at the first rotation position. C-shaped spring 102, 1 Since the optimum pressing force is prevented from unnecessarily increasing due to the above-mentioned biasing force of No. 04, compared with the case where a soft elastic member such as rubber is used, the compression coil spring 54, etc. of the above-mentioned embodiment is further improved. Compared with the case of using, it is possible to more preferably prevent the living body from suffering pain.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be implemented in other modes.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above, the compression coil spring 54 is provided between the plate-shaped portion 26 of the pulse wave sensor 18 and the second annular plate 48 in a preloaded state. However, even if it is not provided in such a preloaded state, when the second convex portion 34 of the pulse wave sensor 18 is pressed against the radial artery 40, compression is performed between the plate-like portion 26 and the second annular plate 48. It only has to be transformed.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the height of the second annular plate 48 from the other surface 32 of the plate-like portion 26 when the body surface 12 is not pressed by the pulse wave sensor 18 is equal to The height is slightly higher than the tip end surface 36 of the second convex portion 34, but it is not always necessary. For example, when the height is slightly lower than the tip end surface 36 of the second convex portion 34 by a predetermined amount, the same is true. It is possible to obtain an effect.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the guide rods 52 and the compression coil springs 54 and the like are provided in four pieces, respectively, but it is not always necessary, and for example, three pieces are provided. Alternatively, five or more pieces may be provided, and one compression coil spring may be arranged around the convex portion 34 of the pulse wave sensor 18.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above, the contact plate is composed of the second annular plate 48, but it is not always necessary. For example, a pair of elongated plate members may be used. It is also possible to form contact plates and arrange them on both sides of the second convex portion 34 so as to contact the body surface 12 on both sides of the radial artery 40.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 9 described above, one contact member 78 having a pair of contact plate portions 86 and 88 is used. A pair of contact plate portions may be provided by using two contact members having plate portions. In this case, the pair of abutting plate portions are rotatably provided on the case 62 by, for example, protrusions or pins provided on them.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 9 described above, from the one surface 64 of the case 62 at the end opposite to the fixing portions 80 and 82 of the contact plate portions 86 and 88 in the second rotation position. The height of the pulse wave sensor 60 is set to about twice the height from the one surface 64 of the convex portion 70 of the pulse wave sensor 60, but it is not always necessary. For example, it is relatively smaller than the height of the convex portion 70. The same effect can be obtained even when the amount is lower by a predetermined amount.

Further, although the pulse wave sensor 20 is configured to be pressed by the air pressure in the above-described embodiment, it is configured to be pressed by the feed screw mechanism or the like driven by the electric motor. Good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case of detecting the pressure pulse wave from the radial artery 40 has been described, but the same applies to the case of detecting the pressure pulse wave from an artery other than the radial artery, for example, the dorsalis pedis artery. The effect can be obtained.

Besides, the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit thereof.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a pulse wave detecting device according to an embodiment of the first invention, and is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a pulse wave sensor presses a radial artery with an optimum pressing force.

FIG. 2 is a view of the pulse wave sensor and the like shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the radial artery side.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second rotation position of the contact plate portion in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a cross section taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 5, showing the first rotation position of the contact plate portion.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a main part of a pulse wave detecting device according to an embodiment of the second invention, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2;

6 is a view of the contact member of FIG. 5 viewed from the back side.

7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.

8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the pulse wave sensor in FIG. 3, and is a diagram for explaining a method of attaching the contact member to the pulse wave sensor and the like.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12: Body surface 32: Other surface (pressing surface) 34: Second convex portion (convex portion) 36, 66: Tip surface 38, 68: Pressure detecting element 40: Radial artery 48: Second annular plate (contact plate) {50: Guide hole, 52 guide rod} Guide means 54: Compression coil spring 64: One surface (pressing surface) 70: Convex portion 78: Contact member 86, 88: Contact plate portion 102, 104: C-shaped spring

Claims (2)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A pulse wave detection method in which a convex portion is formed on a pressing surface to be pressed by a living body, and a pressure detecting element for detecting a pressure pulse wave generated from an artery is provided on a tip end surface of the convex portion. An apparatus, comprising: a contact plate disposed around the convex portion so as to face the pressing surface; guide means for movably guiding the contact plate in a direction of approaching and separating from the pressing surface; A stopper that restricts movement of the contact plate in a direction away from the pressing surface beyond a certain limit, and a contact plate that is provided between the contact plate and the pressing surface and that presses the living body by the convex portion. A pulse wave detecting device comprising: a compression coil spring that is compressed and deformed between the pressing surface and the pressing surface. 2. A pulse wave detection method in which a convex portion is formed on a pressing surface that is pressed against a living body, and a pressure detecting element for detecting a pressure pulse wave generated from an artery is provided on a tip end surface of the convex portion. A device, which is arranged on the pressing surface with the convex portion in between and is parallel to each other at one end located on the convex portion side and is rotatable about one axis close to the pressing surface. A pair of abutting plate portions that are provided so that the other end portion of the contact plate portion substantially abuts the pressing surface, and the other end portion has a height substantially equal to or higher than the convex portion. A contact member whose both contact plate parts are rotated between the second contact position and the second contact position, which are substantially C-shaped, and whose both ends are respectively engaged with the pair of contact plate parts. The two contact plates are normally urged in the rotation direction away from the pressing surface to be positioned at the second rotation position. When the plate portion is rotated from the second rotation position to the first rotation position, it is moved together with both contact plate portions, and both end plates are at the first rotation position of both contact plate portions. A pulse wave detecting device, comprising: a C-shaped spring in which the uniaxial lines of both contact plate portions are substantially positioned on a straight line connecting the portions.