JP2012073129A - Ear thermometer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate execution of a body temperature measurement in a state of appropriately placing a probe part at an external auditory canal of a subject.SOLUTION: An ear thermometer that has a cylindrical probe part and a housing body for housing an infrared detection element measures a body temperature of a subject from a signal obtained by detecting infrared rays emitted from a measurement part inside an external auditory canal of the subject and taken in from a tip of the probe part by using the infrared detection element. In the ear thermometer, a plurality of contact sensors capable of independently detecting existence or nonexistence of a contact with an external object are provided on an end face of the tip or a side face of a tip part of the probe part, and a light projecting/receiving sensor having a projector emitting light and an optical receiver receiving reflected light of light emitted by the projector is disposed inside the probe part. A control part of the ear thermometer enables the infrared detection element to start to measure a body temperature when a signal indicating existence or nonexistence of a contact from each of the plurality of contact sensors and intensity of the light received by the optical receiver satisfy predetermined requirements.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ear thermometer.

  Conventionally, an ear-type thermometer that measures the body temperature of a subject by inserting a probe into the ear cavity and detecting the temperature of the eardrum or its surroundings has been put into practical use.

  An ear thermometer generally includes a temperature detection element (for example, a thermistor) that detects an environmental temperature and an infrared detection element (for example, a cold detector) that detects infrared rays emitted from a temperature measurement site (the eardrum or its surroundings) in the ear cavity. And a body temperature of the subject is calculated based on the detection temperature of each detection element.

  In other words, ear-type thermometers use a method that directly measures the infrared rays emitted from the temperature measurement site that is the heat source, so compared to other types of thermometers (for example, armpit-type thermometers) The measurement takes a short time and is highly accurate.

  On the other hand, ear-type thermometers have the drawback of low reproducibility compared to other types of thermometers. As one of the causes, in the case of an ear thermometer, it is easy to be affected by the deviation of the direction of the infrared detection element with respect to the temperature measurement site.

  In general, the ear-type thermometer measures infrared rays that have reached the infrared detection element directly through an opening formed at the tip of the probe portion. For this reason, if the direction of the infrared detection element is deviated, the region (measurement range) that emits infrared rays that reach the infrared detection element via the opening is deviated, and the temperature that is the heat source in the region (measurement range) The ratio of the measurement site (the eardrum or its surroundings) is reduced, resulting in an increase in measurement error.

  For this reason, when measuring body temperature, the tip of the probe unit should be inserted into the ear hole securely, or if the ear hole is too small to be inserted, the tip of the probe unit should be closely attached to close the ear hole. It is essential to realize the measurement state.

JP 2008-241362 A

  In the case of children and infants, the ear hole is small and the probe tip cannot be inserted into the ear canal. In this case, it is necessary to measure the probe tip in close contact with the ear hole so as to cover the ear hole. . However, in the case of children and infants, the ears are small, it is difficult to apply the probe tip to the ear canal, and it is very difficult to keep it stationary for a certain period of time, and it is impossible to cry. Often not working.

  Therefore, when measuring, restraint or measurement while supporting the head is necessary, and it is often difficult for the measurer to visually confirm proper wearing of the probe, resulting in measurement errors. There were many cases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ear-type thermometer that facilitates the execution of body temperature measurement in a state where a probe unit is appropriately disposed with respect to the ear canal of a subject. To do.

In order to achieve the above object, an ear thermometer according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
It has a cylindrical probe part and a housing body containing an infrared detection element, and the infrared detection element detects infrared rays radiated from the measurement site in the ear canal of the subject and taken in from the tip of the probe part. An ear thermometer for measuring the temperature of the subject from the signal obtained by
A plurality of contact sensors provided on an end surface of the tip of the probe part or a side surface of the tip, each capable of independently detecting the presence or absence of contact with an external object;
A projector that is mounted inside the probe unit and generates light, a light projecting / receiving sensor having a receiver that receives reflected light of the light generated by the projector;
When the signal indicating the presence or absence of contact from each of the plurality of contact sensors and the signal of the reflected light intensity at the light receiver of the light projecting / receiving sensor satisfy a predetermined condition, the body temperature measurement by the infrared detection element is started. And a control unit that enables it.

  According to the present invention, in the case of a child or infant who cannot be stopped during measurement and needs to be restrained or supported, the tip of the probe is closely attached to the periphery of the ear hole without visual confirmation. Therefore, the apparatus automatically determines that the tip of the blob is properly attached to the ear hole, and an ear thermometer capable of measurement can be realized.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the ear-type thermometer 100 which concerns on embodiment. It is the front view and side view of the ear-type thermometer 100. It is a figure which shows a mode that the measurement person wears the ear-type thermometer. It is the figure which showed a mode that body temperature measurement was performed using the ear-type thermometer. It is a figure explaining the structure of the probe part by embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the detection element storage body of the ear-type thermometer. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the ear-type thermometer 100 whole. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the body temperature measurement process in the ear-type thermometer. It is a figure explaining the measurement start conditions of the probe part by embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of an ear-type thermometer. It is a figure explaining application to the probe part which has a light guide.

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

[First Embodiment]
1. External configuration of the ear thermometer First, the external configuration of the ear thermometer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of an ear thermometer 100 according to the embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a probe unit which is inserted into the ear cavity (the ear canal) in order to detect infrared rays emitted from a temperature measurement site (preferably the tympanic membrane and / or its periphery) in the ear canal. The probe unit 101 has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of the tip of about 7 mm so that an adult can be inserted into the ear canal. Further, four pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d are provided from the distal end surface to the side surface of the probe portion 101 with an attachment phase difference of 90 degrees with respect to the circumference of the distal end portion (see FIG. 2A). reference). These pressure-sensitive elements 110a to 110d may be of any type as long as they can detect physical contact as an electrical signal. However, in this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive elements 110a to 110d may be inserted into the ear canal, so that the subject is less likely to feel discomfort. The body was a pressure-sensitive rubber (rubber whose electrical resistance changes with pressure). Further, the number of pressure sensitive elements is not limited to four. As described above, the pressure-sensitive elements 110a to 110d are provided on the end face or the side face of the tip of the probe unit 101, and each function as a plurality of contact sensors that can independently detect the presence or absence of contact with an external object.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a probe support unit that supports the probe unit 101 on one surface. In addition, a finger fixing wall 103 is provided on the surface 111 that faces the surface that supports the probe unit 101, and the X-axis direction (plus) of the finger when the ear thermometer 100 is attached to the finger of the measurer. Direction and minus direction) and the position in the Y-axis direction (minus direction).

  Note that the length of the surface 111 in the Y-axis direction is generally the length from the tip of the finger of the measurer to the vicinity of the first joint, and is on the surface 111 and at a support position that supports the probe unit 101. It is configured such that the face of the measurer's finger (the part with the fingerprint, the part on the palm surface side of the finger end node part) is in contact with the opposite position. As a result, when the tip of the probe unit 101 is inserted into the ear cavity of the subject, the measurer can feel the sensation that the tip of the probe unit 101 contacts the ear wall with the fingertip.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes a fixing unit that incorporates a control circuit that controls the entire ear thermometer 100. The fixing unit 104 has a surface 112 that is coplanar with the surface 111 of the probe support unit 102, and the first joint of the measurer's finger when the ear thermometer 100 is attached to the measurer's finger. It is comprised so that the part of the front end side may contact. In the ear thermometer 100 according to the present embodiment, the length in the Y-axis direction of the fixing unit 104 is assumed to be approximately the length to the first joint of the measurer's finger. Accordingly, the measurer can freely perform the operation of bending the finger, and when the ear thermometer 100 is inserted into the ear cavity of the subject, the minute angle can be adjusted with the fingertip. . In other words, it is possible to align the tip of the probe portion with high accuracy. Note that a finger fixing wall 105 is provided on the surface 112 of the fixing portion 104, and the X-axis direction (plus direction and minus direction) of the finger when the ear thermometer 100 is worn on the finger of the measurer. Defines the position.

  Further, on the side surface of the fixed portion 104, wearing bands 106 and 108 that are wound around the finger of the measurer are provided. In a state where the finger of the measurer is placed on the surface 111 of the probe support unit 102 and the surface 112 of the fixing unit 104, the mounting band 106 is wound around the finger of the measurer, and the mounting band 108 is mounted on the mounting ring 107 at the tip. After passing, pull in the X-axis direction (minus direction). By such a procedure, the measurer's finger can be stably fixed to the ear thermometer 100. That is, the mounting bands 106 and 108 and the mounting ring 107 realize a mounting function for mounting the ear thermometer 100 on the finger of the measurer, and the probe support unit 102 and the fixing unit mounted by the mounting function. 104 is integrated and serves as a mounting portion.

  Each of the mounting band 106 and the mounting band 108 is provided with a male surface fastener and a female surface fastener (not shown), and the mounting band 108 is pulled in the X-axis direction (minus direction). Thus, the attachment band 108 can be fixed to the attachment band 106 with a ruled line.

2. Next, the configuration of the front and side surfaces of the ear thermometer 100 will be described. 2A is a front view of the ear thermometer 100, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the ear thermometer 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, a display unit 201 is provided on a surface 211 facing the surface 112 of the fixed unit 104 (the surface on the same side as the support position for supporting the probe unit 101), and measurement is performed. The body temperature of the subject is displayed. Further, a power switch 202 is provided on the surface 211, and the power supply of the ear thermometer 100 can be controlled by pressing operation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), a speaker 204 is provided on the side surface of the fixed portion 104. When the body temperature measurement is completed, or when the probe is properly attached, the speaker 204 is attached. Audio is output if not. Reference numeral 205 denotes an LED element, and lighting is controlled corresponding to the internal state of the ear thermometer 100. In this embodiment, when the power is turned on by the operation of the power switch 202, it is first lit in red, then lit in green while the body temperature measurement is being performed, and lit in red again after the body temperature measurement is completed.

3. Wearing state of the ear thermometer 100 Next, a state where the measurer wears the ear thermometer 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the position of the measurer's finger in the Y-axis direction (minus direction) and the X-axis direction (plus direction and minus direction) is obtained when the tip of the measurer's finger contacts the finger fixing wall 103. Is defined. Further, the attachment band 108 is passed through the attachment ring 107 provided at the distal end of the attachment band 106, and the attachment band 108 is pulled in the X-axis direction (minus direction), so that the distal end side of the first joint of the measurer's finger. This portion is fixed to the fixing portion 104.

  As described above, in a state where the ear thermometer 100 is mounted on the finger of the measurer, the measurer can bend the first joint of the finger, and thereby the probe portion around the ear hole of the subject. When the probe 101 is pressed and the probe 101 is inserted into the ear canal, the measurer can finely adjust the position of the probe 101. In addition, since the measurer's finger belly is directly above the surface of the probe support unit 102, the measurer can feel the sensation that the tip of the probe unit 101 contacts the ear wall with the fingertip.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ear thermometer 100 is stably fixed to any one of the measurer's fingers (usually the index finger). Fingers other than the finger to which the thermometer 100 is attached can be freely used for restraining the head.

4). Body Temperature Measurement Using Ear-Type Thermometer 100 Next, how the measurer wears the ear-type thermometer 100 and measures the body temperature of the subject will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, when the ear thermometer 100 is attached to the index finger of the right hand of the measurer, fingers other than the right index finger can be used freely. For this reason, the measurer can press the head of the subject with both hands (all fingers of the left hand and fingers other than the index finger of the right hand).

  As described above, according to the ear thermometer 100 according to the present embodiment, the subject can be pressed with both hands at the time of measurement, so that the tip of the probe portion is correctly opposed to the ear hole (test subject). The body temperature can be measured in a state where the person is stationary), and the occurrence of measurement errors can be reduced.

5. Configuration of Probe Unit 101 Next , the configuration of the probe unit 101 will be described. FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams schematically showing the structure of the probe unit 101 in the ear thermometer 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5A shows the probe unit 101 on the opening side (tip side). It is a figure which shows a mode seen from. 5B is a diagram showing a cross section AA in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5C is a diagram showing a BB cross section in FIG. 5A. The probe unit 101 is formed of a hollow cylindrical body having an opening formed at the tip. In the vicinity of the opening of the probe unit 101, a detection element housing 500 is fixed. The detection element housing 500 includes a temperature detection element (for example, a thermistor) that detects a cold junction temperature and an infrared detection element (for example, an infrared detection element that detects infrared rays radiated from a temperature measurement site (the eardrum or the vicinity thereof) in the ear cavity. A thermopile consisting of a cold junction and a warm junction is housed.

  FIG. 6 is an external perspective view in which a part of the detection element housing 500 is broken. As shown in FIG. 6, the detection element housing 500 includes an attachment base member 503. On the attachment base member 503, a thermistor 501 that is a temperature detection element for detecting a cold junction temperature, and temperature measurement in the ear cavity. An infrared detecting element 502 that detects infrared rays emitted from the part is fixed.

  The thermistor 501 is adjusted so as to detect an absolute temperature that is a cold junction temperature that is a reference of the thermopile. Further, the mounting base member 503 is made of a good heat conductor such as an aluminum material so that the ambient temperature is transmitted to the thermistor 501, and the thermistor 501 has a mounting base member with a large surface area. 503 is fixed. Further, an electrode lead 507 is attached to the thermistor 501, and the detected temperature is output via the electrode lead 507.

  On the other hand, the infrared detecting element 502 that detects the infrared IR is adjusted to detect the relative temperature. In the ear thermometer 100 according to the present embodiment, a thermocouple type (thermopile type) detection element is used as the infrared detection element 502. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6, on the wafer carrier 502c fixed on the pedestal 503b of the mounting base member 503, a hot contact 502a formed in a petal shape and a cold contact 502b are formed.

  Each hot junction 502a and cold junction 502b are made of dissimilar metals and are connected in series, and lead wires are connected toward the electrode leads 508 fixed to the mounting base member 503 in an insulated state. . The range H surrounded by the hot junction 502a is painted black to make it easier to absorb infrared rays. Under such a configuration, the infrared detection element 502 detects the relative temperature based on the electromotive force generated between the contacts.

  The ear thermometer 100 calculates the body temperature of the subject by adding the detection temperature detected by the infrared detection element to the detection temperature detected by the temperature detection element. Note that details of this calculation processing are described in detail in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-123179, and a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Furthermore, the detection element housing 500 includes a cylindrical container member 505 formed so as to surround the two detection elements, and the container member 505 includes an outer peripheral surface 505a and a ceiling surface having a hole 504. The Similarly to the mounting base member 503, the container member 505 is also formed of a good heat conductor such as an aluminum material or a stainless steel material, so that the outside air temperature is easily transmitted to the thermistor 501. A window member 506 made of a ceramic material that transmits infrared rays is fixed to the hole 504.

  In the case of the detection element housing 500 shown in FIG. 6, the mounting base member 503 has an outer flange 503 a extending from the edge thereof in the radial direction. It will be held on the inner wall of the part 101. Note that the detection element housing 500 is fixed to the inner wall of the probe unit 101 at three points by a mounting member (not shown). This is to prevent heat from the outer skin from being transmitted to the detection element housing 500.

  Returning to FIG. 5, a light projector 113 a and a light receiver 113 b are provided inside the probe unit 101, and these function as a light projecting / receiving sensor. The light projector 113a and the light receiver 113b are arranged at a position farther from the tip than the detection element storage body 500 arranged at the tip of the probe unit 101. The projector 113 a includes an LED that generates near-infrared light, and irradiates the near-infrared light to the outside through the tip of the probe unit 101 from between the inner wall of the probe unit 101 and the detection element housing 500. Although the projector 113a emits near-infrared light, the wavelength of light used in the projector / receiver sensor is not particularly limited. The light receiver 113b includes a phototransistor or a photodiode, and receives reflected light (near infrared light emitted from the light projector 113a) that is incident between the inner wall of the probe unit 101 and the detection element housing 500 through the tip of the probe unit 101. (Reflected light) is provided. The control unit 601 determines whether or not the probe unit 101 has correctly captured the ear hole based on the detection intensity of the reflected light in the light receiver 113b (details will be described later).

  Furthermore, a wall member 114 is provided inside the probe unit 101 of this embodiment so as to prevent direct light from the projector 113a or reflected light generated inside the probe unit 101 from reaching the light receiver 113b. It has been. As shown in FIG. 5, the wall member 114 is connected to the inner wall of the probe unit 101 to divide the internal space of the probe unit 101 into two parts, and the projector 113 a and the light receiver 113 b exist in each of the divided spaces. I have to. As described above, the detection element housing 500 is preferably fixed to the inner wall of the probe unit 101 at three points so that heat of the outer skin is not transmitted through the probe unit 101. However, the wall member 114 may also function as a part of a fixing member that fixes the detection element housing 500 inside the probe unit 101. For example, if the detection element housing 500 is supported by the wall member 114, the structure inside the probe unit 101 can be simplified.

  In FIG. 5, the projector 113 a and the light receiver 113 b are illustrated so as to be arranged so as to sandwich the center on a straight line passing through the center of the cross section orthogonal to the axial direction of the probe unit 101. It is not limited to this. Further, the length of the wall member 114 in the axial direction of the probe unit 101 is not limited to the illustration. Further, the number of divisions by the wall member and the arrangement of the light projecting / receiving sensors are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the space in the probe unit 101 is divided into four parts, a projector is disposed in one space, a light receiver is disposed in a space facing the one space, and the light projector and the light receiver are not adjacent to each other. It may be present.

6). Functional Configuration of Ear Thermometer 100 Next , the functional configuration of the ear thermometer 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the ear thermometer 100 according to the present embodiment. Of the components or components shown in FIG. 7, components or components that have already been described are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the thermistor 501 built in the detection element housing 500 of the probe unit 101 is connected to the detection unit 606 on the mounting substrate via the electrode lead 507. The detection unit 606 detects the resistance change of the thermistor 501 as a voltage change, and generates an electrical signal indicating the temperature around the thermistor 501. The electrical signal generated by the detection unit 606 is converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter 6001 built in the control unit 601 and used by the control unit 601. The infrared detection element 502 that detects infrared IR is connected to the amplifying unit 605 on the mounting substrate via the electrode lead 508. The amplification unit 605 amplifies the detection signal from the infrared detection element 502. The detection signal amplified by the amplification unit 605 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 6002 built in the control unit 601 and used by the control unit 601. The pressure sensitive elements 110 a to 110 d are connected to the detection unit 611. The detection unit 611 detects a resistance change in the pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d as a voltage change, and generates an electric signal. The electrical signal generated by the detector 611 is converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter 6003 built in the controller 601 and then used by the controller 601. Further, the projector 113 a is driven to be lit by the drive unit 609 according to a signal from the control unit 601. The light generated from the projector 113a is received by the light receiver 113b. The light receiver 113b generates an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light. The electrical signal generated by the light receiver 113b is converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter 6004 built in the control unit 601, and then used by the control unit 601.

  The control unit 601 disposed on the mounting board is provided with a CPU 602 and RAMs 603 and ROM 604 that are storage elements. The detected temperature detected by the thermistor 501, the detected temperature detected by the infrared detecting element 502, and the like. Based on the above, the body temperature of the subject is calculated.

  The control unit 601 is connected to an LED element 205, a display unit 201, a speaker 204, and a power switch 202. The control unit 601 determines whether or not to start measurement based on the detection signals from the pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d and the reflected light intensity signal from the light receiver 113b, and automatically determines body temperature when it is determined that measurement is started. Start. The display unit 201 displays the body temperature of the subject calculated by the control unit 601. The LED element 205 lights red when the power is turned on, lights green when the body temperature measurement is started, and lights red again when the measurement of the body temperature of the subject is completed. The speaker 204 is used when the measurement of the body temperature of the subject is completed, when the resistance changes of the four pressure-sensitive elements 110a to 110d are not the same, or when the light amount of the light receiver 113b is larger than a specified value. When the signal detected by the pressure sensitive element and the light receiver does not satisfy the body temperature measurement start condition, a sound is output. Note that the control unit 601 is configured to operate by receiving power supply from the button battery 608 (power supply unit) when the power switch 202 is pressed.

7). Flow of Body Temperature Measurement Process Next, the flow of the body temperature measurement process in the ear thermometer 100 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the body temperature measurement process in the ear thermometer 100 (the processing procedure of the program stored in the ROM 604).

  When the power switch 202 is pressed, first, the control unit 601 executes various circuit initialization processes (step S801). Next, in step S802, the control unit 601 checks whether each of the pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d is in uniform contact with an external object. In other words, as described above, in the present embodiment, pressure-sensitive rubber is used as the pressure-sensitive elements 110a to 110d. Therefore, the control unit 601 is equal to or higher than a preset threshold value with respect to the resistance value when there is no pressure. If there is a change in resistance, it is determined that there is contact, and if the change in resistance is less than a threshold value, it is determined that there is no contact. In step S803, it is detected whether or not a resistance change has occurred in all of the pressure sensitive elements by a certain value or more. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the resistance change in the four pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d falls within a predetermined range, it may be determined that each of the pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d is in uniform contact with an external object.

  If it is determined that all of the pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d are in contact, the process proceeds from step S803 to step S804. In other cases, the process returns from step S803 to step S802. In step S804, the control unit 601 acquires a reflected light intensity signal from the light receiver 113b, and detects the reflected light intensity. In step S805, the control unit 601 compares the reflected light intensity with a predetermined value. If the reflected light intensity is less than the predetermined value, the control unit 601 determines that the probe unit 101 is capturing the ear hole, and advances the process from step S805 to step S806. Otherwise (if the reflected light intensity is greater than or equal to a predetermined value), the process returns from step S805 to step S802. In the flowchart of FIG. 8, when the signal from the pressure sensitive element does not satisfy the condition, the detection signal of the light receiver 113b is not processed, but the present invention is not limited to this. Detection of signals from the pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110b and detection of signals from the light receiver 113b may be performed in parallel. In addition, as described above, when the resistance changes of the four pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d are not the same, or when the light amount of the light receiver 113b is larger than the specified value, the sound is output from the speaker 203 as described above. For example, when the signal of the pressure-sensitive element 110b is small, the sound output is an output such as “the contact on the left side is insufficient”, thereby indicating how the user should move the probe unit 101. Guidance may be provided.

  In step S806, the control unit 601 performs body temperature measurement. That is, the control unit 601 acquires detected temperatures detected by the thermistor 501 and the infrared detecting element 502, and calculates the body temperature of the subject based on the acquired detected temperatures. At this time, the control unit 601 lights the LED element 205 in green in order to notify that the subject's body temperature measurement is being performed. At this time, the near-infrared light emission by the projector 113a may be stopped. In step S807, the control unit 601 displays the calculated body temperature of the subject on the display unit 201. At this time, the LED element 205 is lit in red in order to notify the controller 601 that the process of calculating the body temperature of the subject has been completed. Also, sound is output from the speaker 204, and the body temperature measurement process is terminated.

  In steps S803 and S805 of the above-described processing, the control unit 601 determines whether the probe unit 101 correctly captures the ear hole based on the signals from the pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d and the light receiver 113b. . For example, the state shown in FIG. 9A is a state in which the probe unit 101 is properly disposed in the ear canal, and contact is detected by all of the pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d and also detected by the light receiver 113b. The intensity of the reflected light is smaller than a predetermined value. Therefore, YES is determined in steps S803 and S805, and body temperature measurement is automatically started. If the diameter of the ear canal of the subject is small like an infant, the probe unit 101 does not enter the ear canal, but the pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d are arranged so as to extend from the end surface of the probe unit 101 to the side surface. Even when the probe unit 101 does not enter the ear canal, it can be detected that the probe unit 101 is appropriately pressed around the ear canal by pressing the end face.

  On the other hand, FIG. 9B is an example of a state in which the probe unit 101 is arranged obliquely with respect to the ear canal and is inappropriately arranged. In this state, contact is detected by all of the pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d, but since the light receiver 113b receives reflected light from the surface of the ear canal, the intensity of the reflected light detected by the light receiver 113b is a predetermined value. That's it. Therefore, it is determined as NO in S805, and body temperature measurement is not started.

  Similarly, FIG. 9C is an example of a state in which the probe unit 101 is improperly arranged with respect to the ear canal. In FIG.9 (c), a part of front-end | tip of the probe part 101 has remove | deviated from the ear canal, and the element which cannot detect a contact exists among the pressure sensitive elements 110a-110d. Therefore, it is determined as NO in S803, and body temperature measurement is not started.

  In FIG. 9D, contact is detected in all four pressure-sensitive elements 110a to 110d at the tip of the probe unit 101, but the entire probe unit 101 is out of the ear canal. For example, the case where the end surface of the probe unit 101 hits the auricle or the like and contact is detected by all of the pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d can be mentioned. In this case, since the light receiver 113b detects the reflected light from the surface of the auricle, the reflected light intensity detected by the light receiver 113b is equal to or greater than a predetermined value as in FIG. 9B. Accordingly, NO is determined in step S805, and the body temperature measurement is not started.

  According to the processing of the present embodiment as described above, the probe unit 101 is correctly positioned toward the ear canal according to the signals from the pressure sensitive elements 110a to 110d and the light projecting / receiving sensors (light projector 113a, light receiver 113b). Body temperature measurement is started at the time of detection. For this reason, the user is released from the troublesome operation of pressing the measurement start switch from the state in which the probe unit 101 is correctly oriented toward the ear canal, and can easily perform the correct measurement using the ear thermometer. In addition, when the measurement start button for starting body temperature measurement must be operated after placing the probe in the ear canal, the measurement starts even if the probe is placed at the correct position immediately before the measurement start button is operated. The operation of the button may cause a deviation in the arrangement of the ear thermometer and cause a measurement error. However, according to the above embodiment, such a problem is solved.

  However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration for automatically executing the measurement start as described above. For example, while it is determined in steps S802 to S805 in FIG. 8 that the contact state between the probe unit 101 and the subject's ear satisfies the measurement start condition, the operation of the measurement start switch can be accepted in step S806. You may control so that it may be in a state. In this case, a measurement start button (not shown) is mounted on the ear thermometer 100. For example, a measurement start button may be provided on the surface 111 of the ear thermometer 100 so as to be pressed at the tip of the finger. In this case, there is a possibility that movement of the probe part causing measurement errors may occur due to the measurement start operation. However, since the measurement start operation is accepted only when the positional relationship between the probe part 101 and the ear hole is appropriate, the correct measurement is performed. Will be able to. If the operation of the measurement start button is rejected because the contact state between the probe unit 101 and the ear is poor, the user is notified using the speaker 204 and / or the LED element 205. Is preferred.

  Further, as is clear from the above description, the ear thermometer 100 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the mounting portions (102 and 104) and the mounting bands 106 and 107 are arranged so as to be mounted on the finger of the measurer. The measuring person of the ear thermometer 100 has a structure in which finger fixing walls (regulating members) are provided on the surfaces 111 and 112 on which the measuring person's finger contacts at the time of wearing so as to define the position of the measuring person's finger at the time of wearing. As a result of realizing stable wearing on the finger, the measurer can use both hands when measuring the body temperature of the subject.

  Further, even when the ear thermometer 100 is worn, the length of the fixing portion 104 is regulated so that the measurer can bend the first joint of the finger freely. During insertion, the position of the tip of the probe unit 101 can be finely adjusted by the movement of the measurer's finger, and the operability is very good.

  Further, when the ear thermometer 100 is attached, the tip of the probe unit 101 is configured such that the belly of the measurer's finger contacts the surface 111 at a position facing the support position of the probe unit 101. The sensation of touching the ear hole can be sensed with a fingertip by the measurer.

  As a result, in the ear thermometer, it is confirmed that the probe is correctly mounted so that the tip of the probe part is in contact with the ear hole of an infant or child who does not enter the probe without visual observation. Since body temperature measurement is automatically detected based on the signal from the light emitting / receiving sensor, the measurement start switch is operated after visually confirming that the probe is properly attached to the ear hole of the subject. There is no need to do. Therefore, the influence on the arrangement state of the ear thermometer due to the operation of the measurement switch can be eliminated, and the body temperature measurement is performed in a state where the ear thermometer is appropriately maintained with respect to the ear hole. In particular, the contact between the periphery of the ear hole and the tip of the probe is detected by the pressure-sensitive element, and whether the probe part correctly captures the ear hole is detected by the light emitting / receiving sensor, preventing the execution of body temperature measurement in an inappropriate state This makes it possible to measure the body temperature more reliably and accurately.

  In the above description, the probe portion 101 protrudes in a direction substantially orthogonal to the probe support portion 102. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the probe portion 101 protrudes obliquely with respect to the probe support portion 102. You may comprise. In the above description, the surface 111 of the probe support portion 102 and the surface 112 of the fixing portion 104 are flat surfaces. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be formed by a curved surface with a recessed center. In this case, it matches the shape of the finger, and the stability when wearing the ear thermometer 100 is further improved.

  In the above embodiment, the probe unit and the body temperature measurement start control of the present invention are exemplified by the finger-mounted ear thermometer, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is apparent that the present invention can be applied to the configuration of the probe unit 101 of a general ear thermometer 100 'as shown in FIG. In that case, as shown in FIG. 11, the probe unit 101 is provided with a cylindrical light guide 1001 therein, and the detection element storage body 500 is provided not on the distal end side of the probe unit 101 but on the main body side of the ear thermometer. It may be a configuration. Here, the probe unit 101 and the light guide 1001 are arranged concentrically. In the case of such a configuration having the light guide 1001, the projector 113 a and the light receiver 113 b are disposed in a space between the outer wall of the light guide 1001 and the inner wall of the probe unit 101. Preferably, a wall connecting the inner wall of the probe unit 101 and the outer wall of the light guide 1001 so as to prevent direct light from the projector 113a or reflected light generated in the probe unit 101 from reaching the light receiver 113b. A member 1002 is provided. The wall member 1002 divides the space between the light guide 1001 and the probe unit 101 into two parts, and a projector 113a and a light receiver 113b are respectively disposed. In this case, the wall member 1002 may be used as a member for fixing the light guide 1001 in the probe unit 101.

  Even when the probe unit 101 having the above-described configuration is used, the temperature measurement can be automatically started by the control unit 601 performing the processing described with reference to FIG. Is possible.

  In addition, about the kind of sensor: Although the pressure sensitive elements 110a-110d were used, it is not restricted to this. For example, a capacitive element may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100: Ear-type thermometer, 101: Probe part, 102: Probe support part, 103: Finger fixing wall, 104: Fixing part, 105: Finger fixing wall, 106: Wearing band, 107: Wearing ring, 202: Power switch, 500 : Detection element housing, 110a to 110d: pressure sensitive element, 113a: projector, 113b: light receiver, 114, 1002: wall member, 1001: light guide

Claims (9)

It has a cylindrical probe part and a housing body containing an infrared detection element, and the infrared detection element detects infrared rays radiated from the measurement site in the ear canal of the subject and taken in from the tip of the probe part. An ear thermometer for measuring the temperature of the subject from the signal obtained by
A plurality of contact sensors provided on an end surface of the tip of the probe part or a side surface of the tip, each capable of independently detecting the presence or absence of contact with an external object;
A projector that is mounted inside the probe unit and generates light, a light projecting / receiving sensor having a receiver that receives reflected light of the light generated by the projector;
When the signal indicating the presence or absence of contact from each of the plurality of contact sensors and the signal of the reflected light intensity at the light receiver of the light projecting / receiving sensor satisfy a predetermined condition, the body temperature measurement by the infrared detection element is started. An ear-type thermometer comprising a control unit that enables the ear-type thermometer. The storage body is disposed on the tip side of the probe unit, and the projector and the light receiver are disposed at a position farther from the tip than the storage body,
The projector irradiates light from between the inner wall of the probe part and the housing through the tip of the probe part, and the light receiver passes between the inner wall and the container through the tip of the probe part. The ear-type thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the ear-type thermometer is provided so as to receive reflected light incident thereon.   A wall member that divides the space of the probe unit so as to prevent direct light from the projector or reflected light generated in the probe unit from reaching the light receiver; The ear-type thermometer according to claim 2, wherein the projector is arranged in one divided space, and the light receiver is arranged in a space different from the one space divided by the wall member.   The ear-type thermometer according to claim 3, wherein the wall member has a function as a support portion that supports the storage body in the probe portion. Inside the probe part, further has a cylindrical light guide arranged concentrically with the probe part,
The ear-type thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the projector and the light receiver are disposed between an outer wall of the light guide and an inner wall of the probe unit.   A wall member that divides a space between the inner wall of the probe unit and the outer wall of the light guide so as to prevent direct light from the projector or reflected light generated in the probe unit from reaching the light receiver. The light projector is arranged in one space divided by the wall member, and the light receiver is arranged in a space different from the one space divided by the wall member. 5. The ear thermometer according to 5.   The ear-type thermometer according to claim 6, wherein the wall member has a function as a support portion for supporting the light guide in the probe portion.   The thermometer main body including the probe unit and the storage body is further provided with mounting means for mounting the thermometer main body on the finger of the measurer so that the probe unit is positioned on the fingertip of the measurer. The ear-type thermometer according to any one of 1 to 4.   The control unit includes the infrared detection element when a signal indicating presence / absence of contact from each of the plurality of contact sensors and a signal of reflected light intensity at the light receiver of the light projecting / receiving sensor satisfy the predetermined condition. The ear-type thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the measurement of the body temperature is automatically started.

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