JP2000210262A - Radiation clinical thermometer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable body temperature to be accurately measured by equipping a waterproof means on the clinical thermometer so that liquid does not infiltrate into the probe. SOLUTION: This clinical thermometer is equipped with at least an infrared detector 2, probe 1, waveguide 12, temperature measurement element 3 to detect the temperature of the infrared detector 2, a signal processing means to calculate temperature, and a waterproof means 13 so that at least liquid does not infiltrate into the probe 11. Accordingly the probe 11 can be cleaned by liquid after measuring body temperature and the probe 11 can be kept in a good hygienic condition since liquid does not infiltrate into the inside of the probe 11. Consequently a probe cover which causes an error of measurement by attenuation of infrared rays is not required to enable accurate body temperature measurement is enabled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radiation thermometer for detecting infrared rays emitted from an object.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional radiation thermometer of this type is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
As a sanitary cover used in Japanese Patent No. 254466 and a radiation thermometer, those described in Japanese Patent No. 2712024 were generally used. A conventional example of the radiation thermometer 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. A radiation thermometer 1 shown in FIG. 4 includes an infrared detector 2, a temperature measuring element 3 such as a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the infrared detector 2, a probe 4 having an opening through which infrared light passes, and an infrared detector 2. An electric circuit (signal processing means) 5 including a microcomputer for calculating body temperature from the output signal and the output signal of the temperature measuring element 3
And a main body case 6 for accommodating them. The probe 4 and the main body case 6 are generally formed of resin. The waveguide 7 extends to the tip 4 a of the probe 4 so as to penetrate the probe 4. A dustproof cover 8 made of an infrared transmitting member is attached to the waveguide tip 7a so that ears and dust do not enter the waveguide 7.

When measuring the body temperature, the probe 4 is inserted into the ear canal (measurement object) 9 so that the infrared detector 2 receives the infrared radiation radiated from the eardrum and its vicinity and outputs a signal. The signal processing means 6 includes a signal related to the temperature difference between the eardrum and its vicinity and the infrared light receiving element 2 output from the infrared light receiving element 2 and a signal related to the temperature of the infrared light receiving element 2 output from the temperature measuring element 3. Calculate the temperature of the eardrum and its vicinity from both. At the time of measurement, the probe cover 10 is attached to the probe 4. Probe cover 1
Reference numeral 0 includes the opening 4a of the probe 4, and is attached so as to cover almost the entire probe 4. This probe cover 1
The reason why 0 is worn is to prevent transmission of an infectious disease when one radiation thermometer 1 is used by a plurality of subjects. Therefore, the used probe cover 9 is discarded for each measurement and replaced with a new probe cover 10. The probe cover 10 is made of a resin having a high infrared transmittance. However, since the attenuation of the infrared ray is not 0, it is adjusted so that the correct body temperature is measured in consideration of the attenuation by the probe cover 10. The reason why the body temperature is measured in the ear canal 9 is that there is an arterial blood flow to the hypothalamus, which is a center for controlling the body temperature, near the eardrum in the back of the ear canal 9, and the temperature of the eardrum reflects the body temperature deep in the human body. It is said that Therefore, the radiation thermometer 1 has been put into practical use as a type that is inserted into the external auditory meatus 9 and measures the temperature of the eardrum and its vicinity. Next, the reason why the waveguide 7 is penetrated to the tip of the probe 4 will be described. When measuring the body temperature, the probe 4 is inserted into the ear canal 9, so that the temperature of the probe 4 in contact with the ear canal 9 increases. Since the light receiving area of the infrared detector 1 is wide, if infrared light emitted from the probe 4 whose temperature has risen enters the infrared light receiving element 2, the infrared light will cause a measurement error, thereby preventing accurate measurement. Therefore, the waveguide 7 is made to penetrate to the tip of the probe 4 so that unnecessary infrared rays from the probe 4 whose temperature rises do not enter, and the inner surface of the waveguide 7 is mirror-finished so as to suppress infrared radiation as much as possible to reduce the emissivity. It is configured to be lower. As a result, the temperature of the ear canal 5 is reduced
Even when the temperature is increased and transmitted to the waveguide 8, the infrared radiation from the inner surface of the waveguide 8 is reduced, and the measurement error is suppressed.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional radiation thermometer, when a probe cover is used for preventing infection, infrared rays are attenuated by the probe cover, which causes a measurement error. In particular, when the room temperature is low as in winter, the effect is large, and there is a problem that it is difficult to perform an accurate measurement in which the measured value is lower than the actual value.

On the other hand, in the above-described conventional configuration, if the probe cover is to be eliminated, it is necessary to clean the probe after the measurement. However, in the above-described conventional configuration, the probe tip is open, and there is a gap between the waveguide and the probe tip. Also, the dustproof cover and other joints at the tip of the waveguide are not configured to prevent liquid from entering.

When water or a cleaning liquid enters the probe by washing the probe, water comes into contact with the infrared sensor or the like, causing an operation failure and making measurement impossible. In addition, when liquid enters the waveguide provided in the probe, infrared rays do not reach the infrared detector, and the body temperature cannot be measured correctly. That is, in the conventional configuration, it is extremely difficult to clean the probe with the liquid.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides at least an infrared detector for receiving infrared rays emitted from an object to be measured, and an infrared ray passing from the object to the infrared detector passing therethrough. A cylindrical probe, a waveguide for guiding infrared radiation emitted from the object to be measured to the infrared detector, a temperature measuring element for detecting the temperature of the infrared detector, and the infrared detector and the temperature measuring element. Signal processing means for calculating the temperature from the output of the infrared detector, the temperature measuring element, and a main body case containing the signal processing means, provided with a waterproof means so that at least liquid does not enter the probe. Was.

According to the above-mentioned invention, since a good hygiene condition can be maintained by washing the probe, no probe cover is required. Therefore, it is possible to provide a radiation thermometer that does not attenuate infrared rays due to the probe cover and that can accurately measure body temperature.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A radiation thermometer according to a first aspect of the present invention includes at least an infrared detector for receiving infrared rays emitted from an object to be measured and an infrared ray passing from the object to the infrared detector. A cylindrical probe, a waveguide for guiding infrared radiation emitted from the object to be measured to the infrared detector, a temperature measuring element for detecting the temperature of the infrared detector, and the infrared detector and the temperature measuring element. Signal processing means for calculating the temperature from the output of the above, and a main body case containing the infrared detector, the temperature measuring element, and the signal processing means.

[0010] Since the waterproof means is provided so that at least the liquid does not enter the probe, the probe can be washed with the liquid.

A radiation thermometer according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises:
Waterproof means is provided between the tip of the waveguide and the tip of the probe.

Since the liquid does not enter the probe from the tip of the probe, the probe can be washed with the liquid.

The radiation thermometer according to claim 3 of the present invention has a configuration in which at least the inside of the probe is resin-molded.

Since the liquid does not enter the probe from the tip of the probe, the probe can be washed with the liquid.

The radiation thermometer according to a fourth aspect of the present invention has a structure in which waterproof means is provided between the probe and the main body case.

Since the liquid does not enter the probe from the portion where the probe and the main body case are attached, the probe can be washed with the liquid.

A radiation thermometer according to a fifth aspect of the present invention comprises:
It has a waveguide and a dustproof cover for guiding infrared rays emitted from the device under test to the infrared detector, and a waterproof means is provided between the dustproof cover and the waveguide.

Since the liquid does not enter the waveguide from the portion where the waveguide and the dust cover are attached,
The probe can be washed with a liquid.

A radiation thermometer according to a sixth aspect of the present invention comprises:
A main body case formed by combining two or more members is configured to be combined via a waterproofing means.

Since the radiation thermometer does not enter into the inside from the joint of the combination of the main body cases, the entire radiation thermometer can be washed with the liquid.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of a radiation thermometer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The description of the same configuration as the conventional example is omitted.

In the probe 11 of the present invention, an O-ring (waterproof means) 13 is arranged between the probe tip 11a and the waveguide tip 12a so as to prevent liquid from entering the inside of the probe 11. The waveguide tip 12a is provided with a dust-proof cover 14 for preventing dust from entering, and the joint between the dust-proof cover 14 and the waveguide 12 also prevents liquid from entering the inside of the waveguide 12. It is attached without gaps by a water-resistant adhesive or the like.

Further, an O-ring (waterproofing means) 16 is also provided at a portion where the probe 11 and the main body case 15 are attached so that liquid does not enter.

With the above configuration, since the liquid does not enter the inside of the probe 11 or the inside of the waveguide 12, the probe 11 is washed with the liquid after the measurement of the body temperature and the sanitary condition of the probe 11 is improved. Can be kept.

Therefore, accurate measurement of body temperature is possible without requiring a probe cover which causes a measurement error due to attenuation of infrared rays.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main part of a radiation thermometer 10 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the resin 1 is provided inside the probe 11.
7 is filled. The components having the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same structure, and a description thereof will be omitted.

This resin is filled so as to completely fill the gap between the probe tip 11a and the waveguide tip 12a penetrating through the probe 11. Needless to say, this resin should be selected to have sufficient resistance to liquids such as hot water, water, and alcohol which will be used for washing.

With the above configuration, liquid does not enter the inside of the probe 11 or the waveguide 12, so that the probe 11 is washed with the liquid after measuring the body temperature, and the sanitary condition of the probe 11 is improved. Can be kept.

Therefore, accurate measurement of body temperature is possible without requiring a probe cover which causes a measurement error due to attenuation of infrared rays.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a radiation thermometer according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The third embodiment differs from the first or second embodiment in that waterproof means is provided also in the main body case 15 in addition to waterproofing of the probe 11 and the waveguide 12. The components having the same reference numerals as those of the first or second embodiment have the same structure, and the description is omitted.

The main body case 15 is composed of a plurality of parts. For example, in this embodiment, the front 15a of the case, the rear 15b of the case, the battery lid 15c, and the power switch 15
d, consisting of five resin parts of the measurement switch 15e. All these joints are joined via waterproof means.

With the above configuration, the inside of the probe 11, the inside of the waveguide 12, and the inside of the
No liquid enters the Therefore, the entire radiation thermometer can be washed or the probe 11 can be washed without worrying that the liquid is splashed on the main body while the probe 11 is being washed, and the sanitary state of the probe 11 can be kept good.

Therefore, accurate measurement of body temperature is possible without requiring a probe cover which causes a measurement error due to attenuation of infrared rays.

In the above embodiments, the waterproof means is mainly an O-ring, but a waterproof or chemical-resistant adhesive may be applied without any gap.

[0036]

As described above, the radiation thermometer according to the first aspect of the present invention has at least an infrared detector for receiving infrared radiation radiated from an object to be measured, and an infrared detector from the object to the infrared detector. A cylindrical probe through which infrared light passes, a waveguide for guiding infrared light radiated from the object to be measured to the infrared detector, a temperature measuring element for detecting the temperature of the infrared detector, the infrared detector, and the measuring device. A signal processing means for calculating a temperature from an output from the temperature element, and a main body case for accommodating the infrared detector, the temperature measuring element, and the signal processing means, so that at least liquid does not enter the probe, and is waterproof. Since the structure is provided with the means, the liquid does not enter the inside of the probe, the probe is washed with the liquid after the measurement of the body temperature, and the sanitary state of the probe can be maintained in a good condition. Therefore, accurate body temperature measurement is possible without requiring a probe cover that causes a measurement error due to the attenuation of infrared rays.

The radiation thermometer according to the second aspect of the present invention has a structure in which a waterproof means is provided at the tip of the waveguide and at the tip of the probe. The probe can be washed with a liquid to maintain good hygiene of the probe. Therefore, accurate body temperature measurement is possible without requiring a probe cover that causes a measurement error due to the attenuation of infrared rays.

Further, since the radiation thermometer according to the third aspect has a structure in which at least the inside of the probe is resin-molded, the liquid does not enter the inside of the probe. The state can be kept good. Therefore, accurate body temperature measurement is possible without requiring a probe cover that causes a measurement error due to the attenuation of infrared rays.

Further, since the radiation thermometer according to the fourth aspect has a structure in which waterproof means is provided at the joint between the probe and the main body case, the liquid does not enter the inside of the probe, and the probe is washed with the liquid after measuring the body temperature. In addition, the probe can be kept in good hygiene. Therefore, accurate body temperature measurement is possible without requiring a probe cover that causes a measurement error due to the attenuation of infrared rays.

A radiation thermometer according to a fifth aspect of the present invention has a waveguide and a dust cover for guiding infrared radiation radiated from an object to be measured to an infrared detector, and a junction between the dust cover and the waveguide. The structure is provided with waterproof means, so that liquid does not enter the inside of the probe, the probe can be washed with the liquid after the measurement of body temperature, and the sanitary condition of the probe can be kept good. Therefore, accurate body temperature measurement is possible without requiring a probe cover that causes a measurement error due to the attenuation of infrared rays.

Further, since the radiation thermometer according to claim 6 has a structure in which waterproof means is provided at the joint of the main body case formed by combining two or more members, liquid does not enter the inside of the main body case. When the main body is washed with the liquid after the measurement of the body temperature, and the probe is washed with the liquid, there is an effect that the liquid does not enter the inside of the main body case even if the liquid is applied to the main body.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of a radiation thermometer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main part of a radiation thermometer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a radiation thermometer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a conventional radiation thermometer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 2 infrared detector 3 temperature measuring element 5 signal processing means 11 probe 11a probe tip 12 waveguide 12a waveguide tip 13 O-ring (waterproofing means) 14 dustproof cover 15 main body case 15a case (main body case) 15b after case ( 15c Battery cover (body case) 15d Power switch (body case) 15e Measurement switch (body case) 16 O-ring (waterproof means) 17 Resin (waterproof means)

Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuyuki Kanazawa 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Miki Moriguchi 1006 Oji Kadoma Kadoma City Osaka Pref. 2G066 AC13 BA09 BA30 BA57 BB15 BC15

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An infrared detector for receiving at least infrared light emitted from an object to be measured, a cylindrical probe through which infrared light from the object to be measured passes to the infrared detector, and an infrared light emitted from the object to be measured. A waveguide that guides infrared light to an infrared detector, and a temperature measuring element that detects the temperature of the infrared detector,
Signal processing means for calculating the temperature from the output from the infrared detector and the temperature measuring element, and a main body case containing the infrared detector, the temperature measuring element, the signal processing means,
At least so that liquid does not enter the probe,
Radiation thermometer with waterproofing means. 2. A radiation thermometer according to claim 1, wherein waterproof means is provided between the tip of the waveguide and the tip of the probe. 3. The radiation thermometer according to claim 1, wherein at least the inside of the probe is resin-molded. 4. The radiation thermometer according to claim 1, wherein waterproof means is provided between the probe and the main body case. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a waveguide for guiding infrared radiation radiated from an object to be measured to an infrared detector; and a dustproof cover, wherein waterproof means is provided between the dustproof cover and the waveguide. 4
The radiation thermometer according to claim 1. 6. A body case formed by combining two or more members via a waterproof means.
The radiation thermometer according to claim 1.