JP2000102512A - Probe cover and probe cover housing case - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a probe cover which can be stably attached to a probe without lowering the precision of measurement of body temperature and can be taken out one by one easily and securely from a probe cover housing case in which plural probe covers layered in the same direction are stored. SOLUTION: This probe cover 10 has a first cylindrical part 11 to cover the probe of an ear thermometer, a second truncated cone part 12 whose diameter is larger than the first part and a step part 13 positioned between the first and second parts. The top of the first part is shielded by a thin film 14 which transmits infrared rays. A ring-shaped dent 15, which can be engaged with a protrusion formed on the outer surface of the probe, is formed on the inner surface 111 of the first part 11 near the step part 13. And plural protrusions 18 are formed on the outer surface 121 of the second part 12. Each protrusion 18 functions as a spacer to keep adjacent probe covers 10 separated from each other with a prescribed gap in between when plural probe covers 10 are layered in the same direction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a probe cover which is used by being attached to a probe of an ear thermometer for measuring a body temperature by detecting infrared rays emitted from the inside of an ear, and a probe cover storage case for storing the probe cover.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a thermometer for measuring body temperature at a medical institution such as a hospital or at home, a protruding probe (infrared ray intake section) is inserted into an ear canal (external auditory canal) and emitted from the eardrum and its surroundings. Ear-type thermometers have been proposed in which infrared rays (heat rays) are detected by a sensor and the body temperature is measured based on the intensity of the infrared rays.

[0003] The ear thermometer requires only a short time of about 1 to 2 seconds to measure the temperature of the ear, and is particularly advantageous when measuring the temperature of infants and infants who are not good at waiting for a long time. Is big.

[0004] By the way, when measuring the body temperature with an ear-type thermometer, the probe is not directly inserted into the ear cavity, but is covered with a disposable resin probe cover for the purpose of hygiene management. After inserting into the ear cavity and measuring the body temperature, the used probe cover is removed from the probe and discarded.

[0005] The probe cover has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the probe, has a thin film at its distal end through which infrared light can pass, and has a structure in which the proximal end is open.
Then, a probe is inserted from the base end opening and mounted.

[0006] Then, when the probe with the probe cover attached thereto is removed from the ear cavity, the probe cover is fitted to the probe so that the probe cover does not come off the probe and remains in the ear cavity. It is designed to be fixed together. However, in all of these types, the fitting and fixing position is at the base end (near the open end) of the entire probe cover, so that the portion near the base end of the probe cover is at the front end of the probe cover. In a probe cover that forms a second portion that is larger in diameter than a nearby portion (first portion), the probe cover should be sufficiently pressed against the tip of the probe, and in particular, should be sufficiently attached to the tip of the probe cover. High tension cannot be applied.
As a result, the thin film provided at the tip of the probe cover becomes slack (a state in which wrinkles are formed), and uneven transmission of infrared rays occurs, which adversely affects the measurement accuracy of body temperature.

[0007] The unused probe cover is formed by stacking a plurality of probe covers in the same direction, and is stored and stored in a case in this state. At the time of use, the probe covers are taken out one by one and used.

However, there is a disadvantage that the probe covers overlap with each other and the probe covers cannot be taken out one by one. Therefore, it takes time and effort to attach the probe cover to the probe.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a probe cover which can be easily and reliably attached to and detached from a probe, and more particularly, to a probe cover which is stably attached to a probe and which is capable of measuring body temperature. Without lowering
Another object of the present invention is to provide a probe cover that can be easily and surely taken out one by one from a plurality of probe covers stacked and integrated, and a storage case for the probe cover.

[0010]

This and other objects are achieved by the present invention which is defined below as (1) to (12).

(1) A probe cover used by being attached to a probe inserted into an ear of an ear thermometer,
A first cylindrical portion enclosing the probe and having a membrane provided at a tip thereof; and a second portion having a diameter larger than the first portion, wherein the first portion includes the probe. A probe cover having an engaging portion capable of engaging with an outer peripheral portion of the probe cover.

(2) The engaging portion is located near a boundary between the first portion and the second portion.
The probe cover according to the above.

(3) The probe cover according to the above (1) or (2), wherein the engaging portion is constituted by a concave portion formed on an inner peripheral surface of the first portion.

(4) The probe cover according to (3), wherein the recess is formed in a ring shape over the entire inner circumference of the first portion.

(5) The probe cover according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein a step portion is formed between the first portion and the second portion.

(6) The probe cover according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the second portion has a truncated cone shape.

(7) The second portion is provided with a spacer for keeping a state of being separated from an adjacent probe cover by a predetermined distance when a plurality of probe covers are stacked in the same direction. The probe cover according to any one of (6).

(8) A probe cover used by being attached to a probe inserted into an ear of an ear thermometer,
A probe cover having a spacer for keeping a state of being separated from an adjacent probe cover by a predetermined distance when a plurality of probe covers are stacked in the same direction.

(9) The probe cover according to the above (7) or (8), wherein the spacer comprises at least one projection projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the probe cover.

(10) The probe cover according to (9), wherein a plurality of the protrusions are formed along a circumferential direction.

(11) A probe cover storage case, wherein a plurality of probe covers are placed one on top of the other, and a holder for protecting the tip portion of the probe cover and being able to be sequentially pulled out is provided inside.

(12) When the width of the side of the holder is W and the diameter of the base end of the probe cover is D,
The probe cover storage case according to (11), wherein W / D is 1/4 to 1/2.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a probe cover according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are a front view and a side view, respectively, showing an example of an ear thermometer to which a probe cover 10 according to the present invention is attached. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a half sectional view showing an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, the upper side in FIGS. 1 and 2 is “upper”, the lower side is “lower”, the left side in FIG. 2 is “front”, the right side is “back”, and the upper side in FIG. , The lower side is referred to as the “proximal end”.

First, the configuration of the ear thermometer 1 to which the probe cover 10 of the present invention is attached will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ear thermometer 1 is an infrared thermometer for detecting a body temperature by measuring the intensity of infrared rays emitted from the eardrum and its surroundings, and has a thermometer 9 built therein. Body 2 and thermometer body 2
Power switch 3 and display unit 5 installed in front of
Measurement switch 4 installed on the upper back of the thermometer body 2
A probe 6 inserted into the ear cavity, and a ring 7 serving as a member for removing the probe cover 10 from the probe 6.
And an operation button 8 for moving the ring 7.

The thermometer main body 2 has a casing 21. The casing 21 is mainly composed of three members: a front housing 22 at a front portion of the casing, a back housing 23 at a back portion of the casing, and a lid 24.

A window (opening) 50 for displaying body temperature is formed in the front of the front case 22. A display device (not shown) including a liquid crystal display element (LCD) is installed in the window 50, and displays the measured body temperature and other information (for example, the remaining battery level and the waiting time for measurement). . In addition, window 5
0 is covered with a transparent plate 51.

Also, on the front of the front case 22, the power is turned on.
A power switch 3 for turning ON / OFF is provided.

On the upper part of the back case 23, the measurement switch 4 is installed. The back housing 23 is fixed to the front housing 22 by screws or the like.

The lid 24 is removably installed below the front case 22. The lid 24 is opened and closed when a battery (not shown) is inserted into or replaced with a battery chamber.

In the casing 21, the temperature detector 9, a microcomputer (control means), a buzzer and the like are housed in a state mounted on a circuit board (not shown).

The probe 6 is installed on the upper front side of the thermometer main body 2. The probe 6 has a cylindrical shape whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the tip. Probe 6
Has a rounded shape in consideration of safety when inserted into the ear cavity.

The probe 6 has an opening 61 at its tip end.
A light guide (waveguide) (not shown) for guiding infrared rays (heat rays) introduced from the apparatus to an infrared sensor (for example, a thermopile configuration) of the temperature detecting unit 9 is provided.

A ring-shaped convex portion 62 is formed on the entire outer periphery of the base end of the probe 6. When a probe cover 10 to be described later is attached to the probe 6,
The recess 15 of the probe cover 10 is fitted (engaged) with 2.

At the base end of the probe 6, a ring 7 is provided. The ring 7 has a truncated cone shape, and its outer diameter gradually increases toward the base end. The minimum outer diameter of the ring 7 is set larger than the outer diameter of the proximal end of the probe 6.

The ring 7 is installed so as to be movable in the axial direction of the probe 6 (lateral direction in FIG. 2). With the probe cover 10 attached to the probe 6, the ring 7
As shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, it is located on the base end side. When the operation button 8 is pressed from this state, the ring 7
Moves in the direction of the front end as shown by the dashed line in FIG. Thereby, the fitting between the concave portion 15 of the probe cover 10 and the convex portion 62 of the probe 6 is released, and the probe cover 10 is removed from the probe 6.

The distal end surface 71 of the ring 7 forms a substantially flat surface. When the probe 6 with the probe cover 10 is inserted into the ear cavity, the distal end surface 71 abuts near the entrance of the ear cavity, and regulates the insertion depth of the probe 6 into the ear cavity to a certain depth. Therefore, the body temperature can always be measured under appropriate conditions, and a measurement error due to a variation in the insertion depth into the ear cavity can be prevented. There is no inconvenience such as damage.

Next, the structure of the probe cover 10 will be described.

The probe cover 10 has a cylindrical first portion 11 that encloses the probe 6, and a second portion that is located closer to the proximal end than the first portion 11 and has a larger diameter than the first portion 11. 1
And 2. Then, the first part 11 and the second part 1
A stepped portion 13 is formed between the two (a boundary portion).

The first portion 11 has a cylindrical shape whose outer diameter and inner diameter gradually decrease toward the tip so as to correspond to the outer shape of the probe 6. And the first part 11
Is shielded (closed) by providing a thin film 14. This film 14 can transmit infrared rays emitted from the inside of the ear.

The film 14 may be formed integrally with the cylindrical portion of the first portion 11 by vacuum forming or the like, but may be formed by bonding another member, for example, with an adhesive or by fusion (thermal fusion, ultrasonic wave, etc.). (For example, by fusion).

The thickness of the film 14 is not particularly limited.
It is preferably about 0 to 100 μm, more preferably about 15 to 30 μm. If the thickness of the film 14 is too thin, the strength of the film 14 is reduced, and the film 14 is easily damaged. On the other hand, if the thickness of the film 14 is too large, the transmittance of infrared rays decreases, and the measurement accuracy of body temperature decreases.

At the base end of the first portion 11, that is, near the step portion 13, an engaging portion (fitting) capable of engaging (fitting) with the convex portion 62 formed on the outer peripheral portion of the probe 6. Joint) is formed. This engaging portion is constituted by a concave portion (groove) 15 formed on the inner peripheral surface 111 of the first portion 11. The concave portion 15 is formed in a ring shape over the entire inner periphery of the first portion 11, and is fitted with the convex portion 62 formed on the probe 6 when the probe cover 10 is mounted on the probe 6. Thereby, the probe cover 10 is securely fixed to the probe 6.

In this embodiment, the concave portion 15 is formed by deforming the outer peripheral wall of the first portion 11 outwardly.

When the concave portion 15 and the convex portion 62 are fitted with each other, the tip of the probe 6 comes into contact with the outer peripheral portion of the inner surface of the membrane 14, and the membrane 14 is stretched with a predetermined tension. In particular, this tension acts uniformly on the membrane 14. This prevents wrinkles and loosening of the film 14 and contributes to improvement of the measurement accuracy of the body temperature.

Further, since the recess 15 is formed over the entire inner circumference of the first portion 11, there is no directivity in the circumferential direction, that is, an arbitrary rotation direction (rotation angle) with respect to the probe 6. Thus, the fitting of the probe cover 10 to the probe 6 can be easily performed. The fact that the concave portion 15 is formed over the entire inner periphery of the first portion 11 is also advantageous in making the tension acting on the film 14 uniform.

In the present invention, such an engaging portion (the concave portion 1) is used.
5) is formed on the first portion 11, in particular, the base end of the first portion 11 (the first portion 11 and the second portion 1).
(Near the boundary of No. 2).
This will be described below.

In general, the resin material forming the probe cover is a soft resin, and elongation is caused by tensile stress. However, the same engaging portion as the concave portion 15 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the second portion 12 or the flange 17, for example. When formed, the distance between the engaging portion and the membrane 14 becomes long, so that the amount of elongation of the resin constituting the probe cover between them increases, so that the membrane 14 cannot be tensioned with sufficient tension. The film 14 is likely to be wrinkled or loose. As a result, irregularities occur in the transmittance of infrared rays, resulting in a decrease in the accuracy of measuring body temperature.

On the other hand, in the present invention, the engaging portion (the concave portion 1) is used.
5) is formed at the first portion 11, particularly at the base end of the first portion 11, so that the distance between the engaging portion and the membrane 14 is shorter, and thus the membrane 14 is held with sufficient tension. The film can be stretched uniformly, and the film 14 does not wrinkle or loose, and as a result, there is no unevenness in the transmittance of infrared rays to the film 14. Further, since the probe cover 10 is fitted and fixed at an intermediate portion in the axial direction, the fixing of the probe cover 10 to the probe 6 can be performed more reliably and firmly. In particular, since the distal end of the probe 6 is pressed against the inner surface of the membrane 14 with a sufficient pressing force, the distal end of the probe cover 10 is displaced from the probe 6 at the time of insertion into the ear cavity (during measurement). Can be prevented. For this reason, the measurement accuracy of the body temperature can be kept high.

The position at which the engaging portion (recess 15) is formed with respect to the first portion 11 is not particularly limited.
Is preferably about 5 to 15 mm (position of the base end of the first portion 11). If the distance L is too large, the film 14 tends to be wrinkled or loose. If the distance L is too small, when the engagement by moving the ring 7 in the distal direction is released, the engaging portion becomes farther than the distal end surface 71 of the ring 7.
Is more difficult to remove than the probe 6. Also, the recess 15
Is formed by projecting the outer peripheral wall of the first portion 11 outward, when the probe 6 near the probe cover 10 is inserted into the ear, the engaging portion (the first portion 1) is formed.
1 protruding from the outer peripheral surface) can easily come into contact with the inner surface of the ear cavity, which may give an uncomfortable feeling.

Incidentally, a plurality of recesses 15 may be formed along the longitudinal direction of the first portion 11.

When forming the recess 15, the thickness of the entire first portion 11 is increased by injection molding or the like.
The recess 15 can be formed on the inner peripheral surface 111 without causing the outer peripheral wall portion to protrude and change outward by making the thickness of only a portion having the portion 5 relatively thin.

Further, as the engaging portions other than the concave portion 15,
For example, as shown in FIG.
1 and a pair of protrusions 19 and 20 that can be engaged with the protrusion 62 of the probe 6. These convex portions 19, 2
0 may be formed in a ring shape over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface 111, or may be formed intermittently along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 111.

It is to be noted that, of the convex portions 19 and 20, only the convex portion 20 may be formed. Even in this case, the projection 20
Engages with the convex portion 62 of the probe 6, and the probe cover 10
Can be stably held.

The second portion 12 has a truncated cone shape whose outer diameter and inner diameter gradually decrease toward the tip so as to correspond to the outer shape of the ring 7.

The proximal end of the second part 12 is open,
A flange 17 having a flange shape is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the base opening 16.

A plurality of projections 18 are formed on the outer peripheral surface (tapered surface) 121 of the second portion 12 along the circumferential direction. In the case of this embodiment, four protrusions 1 of the same shape
8 are formed at equal intervals (90 ° intervals) along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface 121 of the second portion 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, these projections 18
When a plurality of probe covers 10 are stacked in the same direction, they function as spacers for keeping adjacent probe covers 10 separated by a predetermined distance in the axial direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3). That is, the probe cover 1
The zero protrusion 18 abuts near the edge of the base end opening 16 of another probe cover 10 that is stacked adjacent to the upper side in FIG. 3, and the two probe covers 10 maintain the separation distance S.

The provision of such spacers (projections 18) prevents the overlapped probe covers from adhering to each other, and a plurality of probe covers 10 stacked and integrated (hereinafter referred to as "probe cover integration"). Body)
The probe covers 10 can be securely separated and removed one by one. Thereby, the operation of attaching the probe cover 10 to the probe 6 can be easily performed.

The projection 18 projects outward from the outer peripheral surface 121 of the second portion 12, so that when the probe cover 10 is mounted on the probe 6, the projection 18 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the ring 7. There is no adverse effect such as contact and hindrance.

Although the distance S is not particularly limited, it is 2 to 2.
It is preferably about 7 mm, more preferably about 3-5 mm. If the distance S is too small, it may not be possible to reliably separate the overlapped probe covers 10, and if the distance S is too large, the efficiency of the storage space for the probe cover 10 may be reduced.

As a spacer other than the illustrated projection 18, for example, a ring-shaped projection may be formed over the entire outer peripheral surface of the second portion 12. The area of the portion is reduced so that air can easily enter between the probe covers, and
In that they can be more reliably separated from each other,
It is preferable to provide the plurality of protrusions 18 intermittently as in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the projections 18 have the same shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and projections 18 having different shapes and dimensions may be included. Further, each projection 18 may not be formed at an equal angle.

When the probe cover 10 is mounted on the probe 6, the inside of the step portion 13 is in contact with the distal end surface 71 of the ring 7.

As a constituent material of the probe cover 10,
Various resin materials such as styrene-based resin, olefin-based resin, and polyester resin are used, and each part of the probe cover 10 (the membrane 14, the first part 11, the step 13,
The second portion 12) is preferably made of the same material both in the case of being integrally molded and in the case of being fused, and is particularly preferably made of an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene having a higher infrared transmittance at an infrared wavelength generated from the human body. Also, unlike the membrane 14, the first portion 11, the step portion 13, and the second portion 12 form the same body portion of the same probe cover, and therefore are preferably integrally formed.

In the probe cover of the present invention,
Needless to say, the conditions such as the form, shape, number, and position of the engaging portions (recessed portions 15) and spacers (projections 18) are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

For example, the spacer is provided at the base end of the first portion 11 (particularly at the base end side of the recess 15) or at the flange 17.
May be provided.

As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of such probe covers 10 are stacked and integrated in the same direction, and housed in a case 30 which is a probe cover housing case of the present invention as a probe cover integrated body. Will be retained.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the case (probe cover storage case) 30 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the probe cover storage case of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line AA 'in FIG.

The case 30 includes an outer box 31 and a holder (inner box) 34 inserted into the outer box 31.

The outer case 31 includes an outer case main body 32 and an outer case main body 3.
2 and a lid 33 rotatably provided at the upper end in FIG.

The holder 34 is formed by bending a plate piece (paper piece) into a predetermined shape (substantially U-shape), and can store and hold a probe cover assembly.

A holder 35 for pulling out the holder 34 from the outer box 31 is provided at the upper part of the holder 34 in FIG.

A bottom plate 36 for supporting the probe cover assembly is provided below the holder 34 in FIG. The bottom plate 36 has a circular opening 37 into which the first portion 11 of the probe cover 10 can be inserted.

A pair of opposing legs 38 is provided below the bottom plate 36 so that the bottom plate 36 is positioned a predetermined distance above the lowermost end of the holder 34, that is, the bottom plate 36 is kept raised. Have been. In addition, both legs 3
Numerals 8 are formed so as to be connected to a pair of opposing sides of the bottom plate 36, respectively, and make an angle of about 90 ° with the bottom plate 36.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first portion 11 of the probe cover 10 at the lowermost portion is inserted into an opening 37 formed in the bottom plate 36 and protrudes downward from the bottom plate 36. The portion 13 contacts the outer edge of the opening 37. In this case, the height of the leg portion 38 is set to be larger than the length of the first portion 11, so that the tip (membrane 14) of the probe cover 10 is kept in a non-contact state. This protects the first portion 11 and the like from being deformed and the distal end portion of the probe cover 10, particularly the membrane 14, from being damaged or contaminated.

In this embodiment, the holder 34 having such a lower structure (the bottom plate 36, the leg 38, etc.)
It is formed by appropriately folding a piece of paper,
It is also possible to form a similar lower structure with another piece of paper and bond it. Further, they can be integrally formed by a plastic plate.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the probe cover storage case of the present invention. Hereinafter, the configuration of the case (probe cover storage case) 30 ′ shown in FIG. 7 will be described focusing on differences from the case 30.

In the case 30 ', the width of the pair of side plates 341 of the holder 34 is set to be small. That is, when the width of the side plate 341 is W and the diameter of the base end of the probe cover 10 is D, W / D is set to be 1/4 to 1/2. Thereby, the probe 6 of the ear thermometer 1
Is inserted into the probe cover 10 supported by the holder 34 and located at the uppermost end of the probe cover assembly in FIG. 7, and when the probe cover 10 is mounted by pressing, the side plate 341 does not interfere. The probe cover 10 can be easily mounted. W / D is 1/4
If it is less than the above, the strength of the holder 34 decreases, and
If / D exceeds １ ／, when the probe 6 is inserted into the probe cover 10, the peripheral portion of the probe 6 of the ear thermometer 1 abuts on the side plate 341, which may make it difficult to perform the mounting operation.

The width W of the side plate 341 is continuous up to near the lower end of the side plate 341 in FIG. Therefore,
Regardless of the number of holders 34 holding the probe covers 10, ie, the number of probe covers 10 held
Even if the remaining amount becomes small, the above-mentioned effect is maintained. However, at the lower end, the lower structure (the bottom plate 36 and the leg 3
8), the width W of the side plate 341 is wide.

The case 30 'is shaped so that the height of the lid 33 increases as the distance from the center of rotation increases.

On the front side of the outer box body 32, a front plate 39 made of a member different from the outer box body 32 is provided.
Is stuck from the inside. The front plate 39 is formed by bending a piece of paper into a substantially U-shape, has an arc-shaped notch 391 at the center of the upper end thereof, and has both ends of the upper end in the outward direction (lid). (In the direction in which it comes into contact with 33), a slight protrusion 392 of a paper piece is formed.

By providing such a front plate 39,
After the outer box 31 is opened and the lid 33 is opened, when the lid 33 is closed again, the lid 33 covers the front plate 39 and the projection 392 of the paper piece presses against the inside of the lid 33. , The closed state of the lid 33 can be maintained.
3 is prevented from being unintentionally opened.

Further, in order to maintain and strengthen the closed state of the lid 33, a cut portion is formed in the front plate 39, and a part of the side surface of the cover 33 facing the front plate 39 is sandwiched between the cut portions. It is also possible.

The front upper end of the outer box main body 32 (the front plate 39)
(Corresponding to the lower end portion of the belt) is formed with a deficient portion 40 which is deficient in a strip shape. When the outer box 31 is opened, the defective portion 40 is a portion after the peeling strip (not shown) connecting the outer box main body 32 and the lid 33 through the perforation is removed and removed. is there.

The notch 391 is provided to facilitate the operation of removing the probe cover 10.

Although the probe cover storage case shown in the above embodiment is suitable for storing the probe cover of the present invention, a cylindrical probe cover having a larger diameter at the base end than at the tip (for example, from the tip to the base). A cylindrical probe cover whose diameter gradually increases toward the end can be applied.

Hereinafter, a method of using the ear thermometer 1 will be described.

First, the holder 34 is pulled out from the outer case 31 of the case 30 by a predetermined length.

Next, the ear thermometer 1 is grasped, and the probe 6 is inserted into the probe cover 10 supported by the holder 34 and located inside the probe cover 10 located at the uppermost end in FIG. 5 (or FIG. 7) of the probe cover assembly. And press. As a result, the concave portion 15 of the probe cover 10 is
2 and the probe cover 10 is attached to the probe 6.
Fixed. The mounting / fixing of the probe cover 10 to the probe 6 is directly performed in this manner, and the probe covers 10 of the probe cover integrated body are removed one by one by hand.
The probe 6 can be securely attached and fixed to the probe 6 by hand.

Next, the ear thermometer 1 is moved away from the probe cover assembly. Thus, the probe cover 10 fixed to the probe 6 is separated from the probe cover 10 adjacent thereto and pulled out. At this time, by the action of the spacer (projection 18) described above,
Separation from the adjacent probe cover 10 is ensured. In addition, the fitting and fixing of the probe cover 10 is reliably and stably performed by the fitting between the convex portion 62 and the concave portion 15,
Moreover, the film 14 at the tip of the probe cover 10 is also uniformly stretched without wrinkling or loosening.

Next, the measurer turns on the power switch 3 of the ear thermometer 1, holds the thermometer main body 2 after a lapse of a predetermined time, and puts the probe 6 covered with the probe cover 10 on the subject. Insert into the ear cavity.

Next, the measurement switch 4 is pressed for a predetermined time. Thereby, the measurement of the body temperature is performed. That is, the infrared rays (heat rays) emitted from the eardrum and its surroundings pass through the membrane 14 and are introduced into the light guide, and are repeatedly reflected on the inner surface to irradiate the infrared sensor of the temperature detector 9.

[0096] The signal from the temperature detector 9 is input to the microcomputer, and predetermined arithmetic processing is performed to determine the body temperature. The obtained body temperature is displayed on the display unit 5.

When the body temperature measurement is completed in this way, a buzzer sounds and a notification to that effect is given.

After the measurement of the body temperature, the probe 6 covered with the probe cover 10 is removed from the ear cavity. At this time,
Since the probe cover 10 is securely fixed to the probe 6, there is no inconvenience that the probe cover 10 separates from the probe 6 and remains in the ear.

When the operation button 8 is pressed, the ring 7 is extended in the distal direction, and the probe cover 10 is pressed in the distal direction. Thereby, the concave portion 1 of the probe cover 10
The fitting between the probe 5 and the convex portion 62 of the probe 6 is released, and the used probe cover 10 is removed from the probe 6. The removed used probe cover 10 is provided for disposal.

For the next measurement of body temperature, the above-described operation is repeated.

[0101]

As described above, according to the probe cover of the present invention, attachment / detachment to / from the probe, in particular, attachment can be performed easily and reliably.

In particular, the provision of the engaging portion on the first portion of the probe cover allows the probe cover to be stably mounted on the probe, and prevents wrinkles and loosening of the film at the tip. And a decrease in the measurement accuracy of the body temperature can be prevented.

Further, when a plurality of probe covers are stacked in the same direction, a spacer is provided for maintaining a state of being separated from the adjacent probe cover by a predetermined distance, thereby preventing the adjacent probe covers from sticking to each other, and The probe covers can be easily and reliably taken out one by one from the cover assembly.

Further, according to the probe cover storage case of the present invention, a plurality of probe covers can be stored in a stacked manner, and the storage efficiency is good. In addition, the holder can be easily pulled out while protecting the tip of the probe cover,
The probe cover can be easily removed from the case and attached to the probe.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration example of an ear thermometer to which a probe cover of the present invention is attached.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing a configuration example of an ear thermometer to which the probe cover of the present invention is attached.

FIG. 3 is a half sectional view showing a state in which a plurality of probe covers of the present invention are stacked.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a probe cover showing another example of the configuration of the engaging portion.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a probe cover storage case of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line A-A 'in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the probe cover storage case of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ear-type thermometer 2 Thermometer main body 21 Casing 22 Front case 23 Back case 24 Cover 3 Power switch 4 Measurement switch 5 Display unit 50 Window 51 Transparent plate 6 Probe 61 Tip opening 62 Convex part 7 Ring 8 Operation button 9 Temperature sensor DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Probe cover 11 1st part 111 Inner peripheral surface 12 2nd part 121 Outer peripheral surface 13 Step part 14 Film 15 Depression 16 Base opening 17 Flange 18 Protrusion 19, 20 Convex part 30, 30 'Case 31 Outer box 32 Outer box main body 33 Lid 34 Holder 341 Side plate 35 Grip portion 36 Bottom plate 37 Opening 38 Leg 39 Front plate 391 Notch 392 Projection 40 Missing portion

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A probe cover attached to a probe to be inserted into an ear of an ear thermometer, the probe cover being used for enclosing the probe and having a membrane provided at a tip thereof. And a second portion having a diameter larger than that of the first portion, wherein the first portion has an engaging portion capable of engaging with an outer peripheral portion of the probe. 2. The probe cover according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion is located near a boundary between the first portion and the second portion. 3. The probe cover according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion is formed by a concave portion formed on an inner peripheral surface of the first portion. 4. The probe cover according to claim 3, wherein the concave portion is formed in a ring shape over the entire inner periphery of the first portion. 5. The probe cover according to claim 1, wherein a step portion is formed between the first portion and the second portion. 6. The probe cover according to claim 1, wherein the second portion has a truncated cone shape. 7. A spacer according to claim 1, wherein said second portion is provided with a spacer for keeping a predetermined distance from an adjacent probe cover when a plurality of probe covers are stacked in the same direction. The probe cover according to any one of the above. 8. A probe cover attached to a probe inserted into an ear of an ear thermometer, wherein the probe cover is separated from an adjacent probe cover by a predetermined distance when a plurality of probe covers are stacked in the same direction. A probe cover having a spacer for maintaining a state. 9. The probe cover according to claim 7, wherein the spacer includes at least one protrusion protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the probe cover. 10. The probe cover according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of the protrusions are formed along a circumferential direction. 11. A method for storing a plurality of probe covers in an overlapping manner,
A probe cover storage case having a holder inside which protects a tip portion of a probe cover and can be sequentially pulled out. 12. When the width of the holder side is W and the diameter of the base end of the probe cover is D, the holder has a ratio of W /
The probe cover storage case according to claim 11, wherein D is 1/4 to 1/2.