JPH0856909A - Clinical thermometer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a clinical thermometer capable of measuring eardrum temperature with high accuracy matching with the shape of outer ear of an examinee. CONSTITUTION: This clinical thermometer consists of a main body part 2 and a probe 4 loadable on the main body part 2, and the probe 4 is formed in tapered shape as reducing its outer diameter toward a tip part smoothly, and formed in plural kinds of shape so as to be selected to match with the shape of the external auditory miatus of the examinee.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermometer in which the shape of a probe tip can be appropriately selected according to the shape of the ear canal of a subject.

In particular, the ear canal of the eardrum and / or its vicinity,
That is, the present invention relates to a clinical thermometer that measures a body temperature by substantially infrared rays from the eardrum.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Rapid and accurate reading of the temperature of the human body is useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of many diseases. From this viewpoint, in recent years, the tympanic membrane and / or near the tympanic membrane, that is, substantially from the tympanic membrane, is detected. Infrared thermometers that measure body temperature by detecting infrared rays have been developed.

The tympanic membrane shares important blood temperature information as brain temperature because it shares blood flow with the hypothalamus, which is said to be a body temperature control center.

On the other hand, the temperature of the ear canal is essentially different from the eardrum temperature because it is due to venous blood cooled on the surface of the head.

As a typical device for measuring the eardrum temperature,
It is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,840. In this device, in order to measure the temperature of the human body, a probe is inserted into the external auditory meatus of the human body, infrared rays emitted from the eardrum are detected, and the body temperature is quickly measured without contact.

However, the shape of the external auditory meatus of the human body, including the inner diameter, length, etc., varies greatly among individuals due to differences in race, sex, age, etc., and the probe integrated with the eardrum thermometer generally has an excessively large outer diameter. Cannot be fully inserted into the ear canal,
Infrared rays emitted from the eardrum cannot be detected accurately, and there is a problem that the ear canal temperature is often measured.

On the contrary, in the case of a probe having a small outer diameter, there is a risk that the tip of the probe is excessively inserted into the ear canal and the eardrum is damaged.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an optimum probe for measuring the substantial eardrum temperature in accordance with the outer ear shape of the subject. The purpose is to obtain a thermometer in which the probe can be attached and detached.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermometer in which the switch operability and the display of the measured body temperature are easily visible.

[0011]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention for achieving the above object is a thermometer for detecting infrared radiation, comprising a main body portion having a mounting portion and a probe detachable from the mounting portion. , The probe has a taper-shaped portion in which the outer diameter is smoothly reduced from the main body toward the tip of the probe,
It is a thermometer formed in a plurality of shapes.

[0012] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the tapered portion is a thermometer having at least one protrusion on its outer side.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting portion is made of a relatively hard synthetic resin such as ABS resin, polyurethane, polycarbonate and polypropylene, or a metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy and / or the like. At least one selected from the group consisting of alloys or composite materials in which fibers such as glass fibers and carbon fibers and / or whiskers such as silicon nitride whiskers and silicon carbide whiskers are blended using these materials as a base material. It is a thermometer formed by.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the probe has a base and a tip, and the ratio of the outer diameter of the base to the outer diameter of the tip is 2: 1 to 6: 1 and the outer diameter of the base. A thermometer with a ratio of 1: 1.5 to 1: 5 with the length of the probe.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the probe is a thermometer in which a plurality of engaging portions adapted to the probes of a plurality of types are provided on the outer surface of the mounting portion.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The eardrum thermometer having a detachable probe unit according to the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a cross-sectional view of a probe.

1 and 2, the thermometer 1 according to the present invention
Is an infrared ray for detecting infrared rays emitted from the main body section 2 having a control circuit for processing temperature information and the like from the infrared sensor section 6 and a measuring circuit, the eardrum and / or the ear canal near the eardrum, that is, substantially the eardrum. Built-in sensor unit 6,
The probe 4 is composed of a mounting portion 3 extending from the main body portion and a probe 4 so as to be mounted by locking the probe 4 by screwing or fitting. The infrared sensor may be any of thermopile type, bolometer type, and pyroelectric type.

A light guide 7 for guiding the infrared rays emitted from the eardrum to the infrared sensor section 6 with the probe 4 mounted on the mounting section 3 extends from the tip of the probe 4 to the infrared sensor section 6. It is configured to be installed internally.

The mounting portion 3 is formed in a taper shape in which the outer diameter is slightly reduced toward its tip, and the light guide 7
In order to improve the reflectance of infrared rays, the inner surface thereof is treated with gold plating or the like to have a surface roughness of about 0.1 to 5 μm.

In use (at the time of temperature measurement), a synthetic resin thin film (film thickness of about 5 to 100 μm, preferably 10 to 3) that substantially transmits infrared rays, such as polypropylene or polyethylene.
The probe 4 is covered with a probe cover (not shown) formed of, for example, 0 μm), and the probe 4 is inserted to a predetermined position in the ear canal of the subject (not shown) to substantially detect infrared rays emitted from the eardrum. Then, the detected infrared rays and the temperature due to the external atmosphere such as the external auditory meatus are corrected by the control circuit, and the body temperature is obtained in a few seconds to a few tens of seconds. Incidentally, the body temperature can be obtained for each different subject at intervals of several seconds to several tens of seconds.

It is preferable that the outer diameter of the mounting portion 3 decreases smoothly from the base end portion to the distal end portion in order to fit and engage the probe 4, and the outer surface of the mounting portion 3 and the probe 4 are also preferable. By providing the engaging portions 3a and 4a on the inner surface of the, there is no risk that the probe 4 will come off or be displaced from the mounting portion 4 during use. Either of the engaging portions 3a and 4a may be a recess. Further, the engaging portions 3a, 4a may be screw-fitted (screwed) by a male, and either may be a male screw.

The material of the mounting portion 3 is a relatively hard synthetic resin such as ABS resin, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or a metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, and / or alloys thereof. The above material is used as a base material by appropriately selecting from materials such as a composite material in which fibers such as glass fibers and carbon fibers and / or whiskers such as silicon nitride whiskers and silicon carbide whiskers are mixed.

The probe 4 is formed on the outer surface of the base portion 4c on the substantially same circumference at predetermined intervals, for example, every 15 to 60 ° or continuously, and by providing the protrusion portion 4b as a non-slip member, the probe 4 is formed. The rotational attachment / detachment to / from the mounting portion 3 becomes easy. As the material of the probe 4, a relatively hard synthetic resin such as the above ABS resin, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, a soft vinyl chloride resin, a relatively soft synthetic resin such as a silicone resin, aluminum,
Metals such as aluminum-based alloys, titanium, titanium-based alloys and / or their alloys, or these materials as the base material, and fibers such as glass fibers and carbon fibers and / or whiskers such as silicon nitride whiskers and silicon carbide whiskers The composite material is used.

FIG. 3 shows the cross-sectional shapes of various probes 4. In FIG. 3 (a), the taper of the probe 4 decreases sharply and smoothly in the outer diameter from the base portion 4c to the tip 4d, and thereafter, the tip. The outer diameter gradually decreases toward 4d.

The ratio of the outer diameter D of the base 4c to the outer diameter d of the tip 4d is about 4: 1 to 6: 1, and the ratio of the outer diameter D of the base 4c to the length L of the probe 4 is 1 :. It is about 1.5 to 1: 3. The outer diameter d of the tip portion 4d is about 3 to 5 mm, preferably 4 to 4.5 mm.

In (b), after the taper of the outer diameter of the probe 4 sharply and smoothly decreases from the base portion 4c to the tip 4d to reduce the outer diameter, the taper gradually becomes smoother toward the tip 4d. Formed, and the outer diameter is reduced. The ratio of the outer diameter D of the base 4c to the outer diameter d of the tip 4d is about 4: 1 to 2: 1, and the ratio of the outer diameter D of the base 4c to the length L of the probe 4 is 1: 1.5. It is about 1: 3. Outer diameter d of tip 4d
Is about 3 to 5 mm, preferably 4 to 4.5 mm.

In (c), the taper portion whose outer diameter is gradually formed smoothly extends longer than that in (b), and the outer diameter is reduced. The ratio of the outer diameter D of the base portion 4c and the outer diameter d of the tip portion 4d is about 6: 1 to 2: 1, and the ratio of the outer diameter D of the base portion 4c and the length L of the probe 4 is 1: 3-1. : It is about 5. The outer diameter d of the tip portion 4d is about 3 to 5 mm, preferably 4 to
It is 4.5 mm.

In (d), a bump-shaped projection 5 as a locking portion (slip prevention portion) is provided in the middle of the substantially tapered portion of the probe 4 as in (a). The bump-shaped protrusions 5 are preferably provided in an annular shape, and are formed at a predetermined interval, for example, every 15 to 60 ° or continuously on substantially the same circumference of the outer surface. The ratio of the outer diameter d ′ of the bump-shaped projection 5 to the outer diameter d of the tip 4 d is about 1.1: 1 to 2: 1 and the length L of the probe 4 is L.
And the length 1 from the tip 4d to the rib 5 is 2: 1 to
It is about 10: 1. The outer diameter d of the tip portion 4d is 3 to 5 m.
It is about m, preferably 4 to 4.5 mm.

The bump-shaped protrusion 5 can be provided in the middle of the substantially tapered portion of (b) and (c). By providing the bump-like projection 5 in this way, the probe 4 having a thin tip 4d is excessively inserted into a subject having a large ear canal as compared with the length of the external auditory meatus, which may damage the eardrum. The danger can be prevented. In order to reduce discomfort when the probe 4 is inserted into the ear canal, the protrusion 5 is preferably formed in a smooth shape such as a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape.

At the time of mounting, the probe 4 having the length L substantially coincides with the tip of the light guide 7 provided so as to project from the main body, or 1/40 to 3 of the inner diameter d ″ of the light guide 7.
It is preferably about twice as long as the light guide 7. Therefore, it is preferable to provide another engaging portion 3c for the probe 4 having a long L as shown in (c) on the outer surface of the mounting portion 3. Further, the infrared sensor 6 and the light guide 7 can be retracted when the probe 4 is mounted on the mounting portion 3. In this case, it is possible to prevent accidental damage to the light guide when the probe is attached.

From the viewpoint of maintaining the strength of the probe 4 and making the tip portion 4d of the probe 4 flexible, the thickness of the probe 4 may be substantially the same for the base portion 4c and the tip portion 4d. It is preferable that the amount decreases substantially slightly from the base portion 4c toward the tip portion 4d.

The base 4d has a wall thickness of about 0.2 to 2.0 mm, and the tip 4d has a wall thickness of about 0.15 to 1.0 mm.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a cross-sectional view of a probe showing Embodiment 2 which is another embodiment of the present invention.

The small infrared sensor 6 has a sensor supporting portion 8
Is supported by, and is arranged near the tip of the probe 4,
No light guide as in Example 1 is used. The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

By adopting such a structure, there are causes of deterioration of the internal reflectance of the light guide and deterioration of temperature detection accuracy due to a change in relative position between the light guide and the infrared sensor which may occur when the probe 4 is replaced. It is preferable because it decreases.

The overall shape of the thermometer may be a so-called pen type straight type as shown in FIG. 5 or a separate type in which the temperature processing part and the like are formed by separate members as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, 9 is a measurement switch for starting measurement and measurement of eardrum temperature (body temperature), 10 is a power switch, 11 is a display unit for temperature and the like, and 12 is a grip unit for using a thermometer. The central axis X of the main body 2 and the central axis X'of the probe 4 provided in the mounting portion 3 are formed in substantially the same direction, and therefore the directivity of the probe 4 is good and the operability is improved. The same symbols as those in the first embodiment have the same configurations as those in the first embodiment.

In FIG. 6, 13 is a lead wire such as a signal line, 11 is a display section for temperature and the like, and 14 is a temperature processing section having a temperature processing circuit, a power source and the like built therein. The temperature display unit 11 can be enlarged, and the temperature change for each subject can be displayed as a trend. In addition, if the printout is possible, the temperature change and the like for each subject can be trend printed.

[0039]

As described above in detail, the thermometer according to the present invention comprises a main body portion having a mounting portion and a detachable probe on the mounting portion, and the probe is a tip portion of the probe portion from the main body portion. Since it has a taper-shaped part whose outer diameter decreases smoothly toward, and is formed in multiple types, the most suitable probe can be selected according to the outer ear shape of the subject, and the eardrum with high accuracy can be selected. The temperature (body temperature) can be measured.

At least one tapered portion is provided on the outer side of the tapered portion.
Since it has two protrusions, it is possible to prevent the risk of damaging the eardrum by excessively inserting the probe.

The mounting portion is made of a relatively hard synthetic resin such as ABS resin, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or a metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, and / or their alloys, or these materials. The base material is formed by selecting at least one selected from the group consisting of a composite material containing fibers such as glass fiber and carbon fiber and / or whiskers such as silicon nitride whiskers and silicon carbide whiskers. Therefore, there is little risk of damage and the like, and the probe can be reliably locked.

The probe has a base and a tip, and the ratio of the outer diameter of the base to the outer diameter of the tip is 2: 1 to.
6: 1, the ratio of the outer diameter of the base to the length of the probe is 1: 1.
Since the ratio is 5 to 1: 5, the probe can be easily inserted into the ear canal of the subject, the tip of the probe can be easily inserted to a predetermined position, and more accurate eardrum temperature can be measured.

Since the probe is provided with a plurality of engaging portions adapted to a plurality of types of probes on the outer surface of the mounting portion, the tip of the probe can be easily inserted to a predetermined position, resulting in higher accuracy. High eardrum temperature can be measured.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a thermometer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a probe of the thermometer of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the shape of a probe of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the thermometer according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the thermometer according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the thermometer according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... thermometer 2 ... main body 3 ... mounting part 4 ... probe 5 ... projection 6 ... infrared sensor 7 ... light guide

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A thermometer for detecting infrared radiation, comprising: a main body portion having a mounting portion, and a probe detachable from the mounting portion, wherein the probe is a tip of the probe portion from the main body portion. A thermometer, characterized in that it has a taper-shaped portion whose outer diameter smoothly decreases toward the part, and is formed in a plurality of types of shapes. 2. The thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the tapered portion has at least one protrusion on its outer side. 3. The mounting portion is made of a relatively hard synthetic resin such as ABS resin, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, and / or an alloy thereof. Is formed by selecting at least any one of the group consisting of glass fiber, carbon fiber, and / or a composite material containing silicon nitride whiskers, silicon carbide whiskers, and other whiskers. The thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the thermometer is a thermometer. 4. The probe has a base and a tip,
The ratio of the outer diameter of the base portion to the outer diameter of the tip portion is 2: 1 to 6:
1, the ratio of the outer diameter of the base to the length of the probe is 1: 1.5
The thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the thermometer is ˜1: 5. 5. The thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the probe is provided with a plurality of engaging portions adapted to the probes of the plurality of types on the outer surface of the mounting portion.