WO2012042759A1

WO2012042759A1 - Clinical thermometer

Info

Publication number: WO2012042759A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/005043
Authority: WO
Inventors: 内山　城司; 河野　弘昌
Original assignee: テルモ株式会社
Priority date: 2010-09-29
Filing date: 2011-09-08
Publication date: 2012-04-05

Abstract

Provided is a non-heat-treated clinical thermometer with improved measuring precision. A clinical thermometer according to the present invention measures internal temperature by being brought into contact with a body surface of a subject, said clinical thermometer (400) comprising: first and second thermal resistance bodies (113, 123), with first temperature sensors (111, 121) positioned on the sides thereof that make contact with the body surface, and second temperature sensors (112, 122) respectively positioned on the sides thereof which are opposite to the surfaces of the sides thereof that make contact with the body surface; and a leveling member (130) which is configured to cover only the surfaces of the sides of the first and second thermal resistance bodies (113, 123) which are opposite to the surfaces of the sides thereof that make contact with the body surface. The first thermal resistance body (113) has a thickness of 0.5-10mm, and the second thermal resistance body (123) has a thickness of 1-20mm.

Description

Thermometer

The present invention relates to a thermometer.

Conventionally, a non-heated thermometer is known as a thermometer that is attached to the body surface of a subject and measures the body temperature in the deep part of the subject (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

In general, a non-heating type thermometer is disposed so as to face a first temperature sensor that is in contact with the body surface when the sample is attached to the body surface of the subject, and to the first temperature sensor via a heat insulating material. At least two temperature sensor pairs each including a second temperature sensor are provided. And it comprises so that the thickness of each heat insulating material in which each pair of temperature sensors was distribute | arranged mutually differs, and each temperature difference between the 1st temperature sensor in each temperature sensor pair and a 2nd temperature sensor is detected. Thus, the heat flow from the deep part is obtained, and the body temperature of the deep part is calculated.

JP 2007-212407 A JP 2009-222543 A

However, a non-heating type thermometer has a large measurement error, and it is difficult to measure a deep body temperature with high accuracy. For this reason, in practical use, it is considered essential to individually examine factors that affect measurement accuracy and to take measures to eliminate those factors.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve measurement accuracy in a non-heated thermometer that is attached to the body surface of a subject and measures the body temperature in the deep part of the subject. .

In order to achieve the above object, the thermometer according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
A thermometer that measures deep body temperature by contacting the body surface of a subject,
First and second thermal resistances in which a first temperature sensor is disposed on the side in contact with the body surface, and a second temperature sensor is disposed on a side opposite to the surface on the side in contact with the body surface. Body,
A uniformizing member configured to cover only the surface of the first and second thermal resistors that faces the surface that contacts the body surface; and
The first thermal resistor has a thickness of 0.5 to 10 mm, and the second thermal resistor has a thickness of 1 to 20 mm.

According to the present invention, measurement accuracy can be improved in a non-heated thermometer that is attached to the body surface of the subject and measures the body temperature in the deep part of the subject.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The accompanying drawings are included in the specification, constitute a part thereof, show an embodiment of the present invention, and are used to explain the principle of the present invention together with the description.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the heat flow in an unheated thermometer as an electric circuit using an electric circuit similarity method in order to explain the measurement principle of the non-heated thermometer. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a simulation result of the measurement error. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the cause of the measurement error. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a non-heating type thermometer. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a planar configuration of a non-heating type thermometer. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a body temperature measurement system including a non-heating type thermometer and a body temperature display device capable of communicating with the non-heating type thermometer. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a non-heating type thermometer including an antenna and a processing unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the body temperature display device. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a non-heating type thermometer. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a non-heating type thermometer. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a planar configuration of a non-heating type thermometer. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a planar configuration of a non-heating type thermometer.

Hereinafter, details of each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings as necessary. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following embodiment, It shall change suitably.

[First Embodiment]
<1. Principle of measuring deep body temperature with a non-heated thermometer>
First, the measurement principle of deep body temperature in a non-heated thermometer (a thermometer that is attached to the body surface of a subject and measures the body temperature of the deep part of the subject and does not have a heating function) Briefly described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the heat flow in an unheated thermometer as an electric circuit using an electric circuit similarity method in order to explain the measurement principle of the non-heated thermometer.

As shown in FIG. 1, the heat flow in the non-heated thermometer can be expressed by the equivalent circuit 100 by setting the heat flow to current I, the temperature to voltage T, and the heat resistance to electric resistance R.

In FIG. 1, Tb is the deep body temperature, Rt is the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue of the subject, Tt1 is the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 111, and Ta1 is the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 112. Ra1 indicates the thermal resistance value of the thermal resistor 113, respectively. Tt2 represents the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 121, Ta2 represents the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 122, and Ra2 represents the thermal resistance value of the thermal resistor 123. Further, Tc represents the external temperature, and Rc represents the thermal resistance value of the homogenizing member 130 for equalizing the measured temperature on the outside air side.

Here, if it is assumed that the deep body temperature is constant, the equivalent circuit 100 can be replaced with one in which the constant voltage Tb is applied. Therefore, it is assumed that a constant current I flows in the equivalent circuit 100. be able to.

Of these, assuming that the heat flow in the thermal resistor 113 is the current I1, and the heat flow in the thermal resistor 123 is the current I2, the current I1 and the current I2 can be expressed by the following equations (1) and (2).

And when each formula is transformed, the following formulas (3) and (4) are obtained.

Here, the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue varies from person to person and from site to site and is not constant. Therefore, when Rt is calculated to remove Rt from the above equations (3) and (4), the following equation (5) is obtained.

Then, the following equation (6) is obtained by substituting the above equation (5) into the above equation (4).

Here, since Ra1 and Ra2 are known, if the four temperatures (Tt1, Tt2, Ta1, Ta2) are detected, the deep body temperature Tb can be uniquely determined.

<2. Simulation of measurement error in thermometer>
Next, a description will be given of a measurement error simulation in a non-heating type thermometer that measures the deep body temperature based on the above-described measurement principle. In examining the measurement error in the non-heated thermometer, the applicant of the present application pays attention to the shape (diameter and thickness) of the thermometer, and the measurement error when the shape (diameter and thickness) of the thermometer is changed variously. A simulation was performed.

In FIG. 2, polyacetal (POM) having a thermal conductivity of 0.25 [W / mK] is used as the material of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123, and as a uniformizing member 130 for uniformizing the measured temperature on the outside air side. The simulation result of the measurement error by the difference in the shape (diameter and thickness) of each

thermal resistor

113, 123 when using aluminum with a thermal conductivity of 236 [W / mK] is shown.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a case in which the diameter of each of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 is changed between 10 mm and 30 mm when the thickness of the thermal resistor 113 is 10 mm and the thickness of the thermal resistor 123 is 20 mm. It is the graph which showed the change of the measured value.

Reference numeral 202 denotes a measured value when the diameter of each of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 is changed between 10 mm and 30 mm when the thickness of the thermal resistor 113 is 5 mm and the thickness of the thermal resistor 123 is 10 mm. It is the graph which showed change of.

Similarly, 203 is the case where the thickness of the thermal resistor 113 is 2.5 mm and the thickness of the thermal resistor 123 is 5 mm, and 204 is the thickness of the thermal resistor 113 is 1 mm and the thickness of the thermal resistor 123 is 2 mm. In the case where the thickness of the thermal resistor 113 is 0.5 mm and the thickness of the thermal resistor 123 is 1 mm, the diameter of each of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 is between 10 mm and 30 mm. It is the graph which showed the change of the measured value at the time of changing.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the measured values approach the set temperature (that is, the measurement error decreases) as the diameter of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 increases (toward the right side of the drawing). It can also be seen that the measured value approaches the set temperature (that is, the measurement error becomes smaller) as the thickness of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 becomes thinner (upward in the drawing).

Therefore, in the non-heating type thermometer, it is presumed that the measurement error decreases as the thickness of the thermal resistor is reduced and the diameter is increased.

<3. Examination of simulation results>
Consider the simulation results. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the cause of the measurement error examined based on the simulation result. In FIG. 3, 301 indicates the deep body temperature of the subject.

Considering the above-described measurement principle of the deep body temperature, all of the heat flow from the deep body temperature 301 passes through the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 (that is, the

first temperature sensors

111 and 121 and the second temperature sensor). Desirably, the light is dissipated to the outside from the uniformizing member 130 through either of the

temperature sensors

112 and 122. However, in practice, the heat flow from the deep body temperature 301 diffuses while passing through the subcutaneous tissue of the subject, and a part of the heat flows from the body surface around the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 (that is, Without passing through the

thermal resistors

113 and 123, they are directly diffused outside (see arrows 311 and 321).

Further, a part of the heat flow incident on the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 does not pass through the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 (that is, the first temperature sensor 111 or the second temperature). The sensor 112 does not pass through any one of the sensors 112 or passes through either the first temperature sensor 121 or the second temperature sensor 122), and is diffused to the outside from the side surfaces of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123. (See arrows 312, 322).

Here, for the heat flows 312, 322, by reducing the area of the side surfaces of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 (that is, by reducing the thickness of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123), Dissipation from the side surfaces of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 can be directly suppressed (this means that in FIG. 2, the thinner the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 are, the closer to the upper side of the paper in FIG. 2). And so on) can be derived from the fact that the measured value approaches the set temperature).

On the other hand, although the heat flows 311 and 321 cannot be directly suppressed, the

first temperature sensors

111 and 121 and the

second temperature sensors

312 and 322 of the heat flows 312 and 322 can be increased by increasing the diameters of the

heat resistors

113 and 123. It is considered that the influence on the

temperature sensors

121 and 122 can be suppressed indirectly (this is because in FIG. 2, the larger the diameter of the thermal resistors 113 and 123 (the right side of FIG. 2) Can be derived from the fact that the measured value approaches the set temperature).

Further, the heat flow through the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 is covered by the uniformizing member 130 having higher thermal conductivity than the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 so as to cover the entire upper surfaces of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 and expose the side surfaces. Is more dissipated from the side of the homogenizing member 130 having high thermal conductivity (that is, from the upper surface side of the thermal resistors 113 and 123) (in this case, the thermal resistor 113 of the homogenizing member 130). The surface on the opposite side (back side) to the side covering 123, 123 is assumed to be exposed, however, the exposure here refers not only to the case where the back side surface is in direct contact with the outside air, but also to the back side. Including contact with outside air through coatings and other materials applied to the side surfaces). In other words, by directing the direction of the heat flow passing through the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the body surface, it is possible to indirectly suppress the dissipation from the side surfaces of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123. Conceivable.

From the above, in the non-heating type thermometer,
-Reduce the thickness of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123,
-Increase the diameter of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123,
The entire upper surface of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 are covered by the uniformizing member 130 having a higher thermal conductivity than the

thermal resistors

113 and 123, and the side surfaces are exposed.
-The back surface of the uniformizing member 130 is exposed.
Thus, it is considered that the measurement error can be reduced.

<4. Cross-sectional configuration of a non-heating type thermometer with measures to reduce measurement errors>
Based on the above examination results, a non-heating type thermometer according to the present embodiment in which measures for reducing measurement errors are taken will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a non-heating type thermometer 400 according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 4,

reference numerals

111 and 121 denote first temperature sensors located on the side that comes into contact with the body surface of the subject when they are attached to the body surface. 112 and 122 denote the

first temperature sensors

111 and 121. It is the 2nd temperature sensor distribute | arranged to the side which opposes. In addition, the 1st and 2nd temperature sensors (111, 121, 112, 122) shall be comprised by the thermocouple, for example.

113 is a thermal resistor that is disposed between the first temperature sensor 111 and the second temperature sensor 112 and allows a heat flow from the body surface of the subject to pass therethrough. Similarly, 123 is a thermal resistor that is disposed between the first temperature sensor 121 and the second temperature sensor 122 and allows a heat flow from the body surface of the subject to pass therethrough.

Note that the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 are made of polyacetal, which is a non-foaming material having a thermal conductivity of 0.25 W / mK. The thermal resistor 113 has a flat plate shape with a thickness of 1 mm and a diameter of 20 mm, and the thermal resistor 123 has a flat plate shape with a thickness of 2 mm and a diameter of 20 mm. The

first temperature sensors

111 and 121 and the

second temperature sensors

112 and 122 are arranged at the center positions in the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123, respectively.

By having such a shape and arrangement, in the non-heating type thermometer 400 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the heat flow itself from the side surfaces of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123. Further, it is possible to suppress the influence on the

first temperature sensors

111 and 112 and the

second temperature sensors

121 and 122 as much as possible due to the heat flow dissipated from the body surface around the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123. It becomes.

Further, a uniformizing member 130 made of aluminum having a thermal conductivity of 236 W / mK is disposed on the upper surfaces of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123, and covers the entire upper surface of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123. ing. Thereby, the temperature of the upper surface of the thermal resistor 123 and the upper surface of the thermal resistor 123 (that is, the outside air side where the heat flow is dissipated) is made uniform, and the direction of the heat flow passing through the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 is changed. The heat flow from the side surfaces of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 can be indirectly suppressed by directing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the body surface.

As shown in FIG. 4, the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 are arranged with an interval of about 1 to 12 mm (preferably 6 mm), and the heat flow passing through the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor It is assumed that the heat flow passing through 123 is not mixed.

It is assumed that the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 are fixed to the uniformizing member 130 so that their bottom surfaces form the same plane. As a result, when pasted on the body surface of the subject, the bottom surface of the thermal resistor 113 and the bottom surface of the thermal resistor 123 are each pasted on the body surface of the subject without any gap.

The bottom surfaces of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 are respectively covered with heat

conductive members

401 and 402 having good thermal conductivity such as aluminum tape, and further, the body surface side of the non-heating type thermometer 400. The whole is covered with an adhesive tape (adhesive layer) 403 and an adhesive tape (release paper) 404.

<5. Planar configuration of non-heating thermometer with measures to reduce measurement errors>
Next, the planar configuration of the non-heating type thermometer 400 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing various planar configurations of the non-heating type thermometer 400 according to the present embodiment, and the surface on the side in contact with the body surface when pasted on the body surface of the subject. The top view at the time of seeing from the opposite side (namely, back side) and the top view at the time of cut | disconnecting in an intermediate position are shown.

As shown in FIG. 5, the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 may have a circular planar shape (5a) or a rectangular shape (5b).

<6. Appearance structure of body temperature measurement system with non-heated thermometer>
Next, a temperature measuring system including the non-heating type thermometer 400 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a body temperature measurement system including a non-heating type thermometer 400 and a body temperature display device 600 that can communicate with the non-heating type thermometer 400.

The non-heating type thermometer 400 includes an RF-ID tag (not shown) (an antenna unit for performing communication and a processing unit that processes the detected temperature value of each temperature sensor). The RF-ID tag receives power supply from the body temperature display device 600 via an antenna (for example, power supply by generation of induced electromotive force by electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 13.56 MHz), and a power supply circuit (not shown) included in the processing unit. ) Is activated, the entire processing unit is activated, and the acquired deep body temperature data is transmitted to the body temperature display device 600 together with various information.

The body temperature display device 600 includes an RF-ID reader / writer. When the body temperature display device 600 is brought close to the RF-ID tag, the body temperature display device 600 is magnetically coupled to the RF-ID tag and is included in the processing unit of the RF-ID tag. Power is supplied to the circuit, and deep body temperature data and various information are received from the RF-ID tag.

As described above, the body temperature measurement system shown in FIG. 6 has a configuration in which the non-heating type thermometer 400 includes the RF-ID tag and operates by receiving power supply from the RF-ID reader / writer of the body temperature display device 600. Therefore, it is not necessary to mount a power source inside, and it is possible to realize a reduction in size and weight. As a result, it becomes easy to attach to the measurement site of the subject for a long time.

In addition, the measurement result shows that the body temperature display device 600 having an RF-ID reader / writer that transmits an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency, for example, 13.56 MHz, is 5 to 15 mm of the measurement site where the non-heating type thermometer 400 is attached. Since reading can be performed simply by bringing the object closer to a certain position, it is possible to significantly reduce the burden of confirmation and recording work of measurement results by the measurer.

<7. Functional configuration of thermometer and temperature display device>
Next, the functional configuration of the non-heating type thermometer 400 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a non-heating type thermometer 400 including an RF-ID tag including an antenna 700 and a processing unit 710.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 711 denotes an excessive rise prevention unit that controls to stop the body temperature measurement process when the processing unit 710 enters a state that affects the accuracy of body temperature measurement. Here, the state that affects the accuracy of the body temperature measurement is, for example, that excessive power is supplied from the body temperature display device 600 via the antenna 700 and the entire processing unit 710 generates heat (temperature rise). A state that gives an error to the result.

712 is a wireless communication unit, which includes a rectifier circuit, a booster circuit, and the like. In the wireless communication unit 712, the AC voltage generated in the antenna 700 is converted into a predetermined DC voltage and supplied to the storage unit 713 and the control unit 715. Further, the deep body temperature data acquired by the control unit 715 is transmitted to the body temperature display device 600 through the antenna 700 in a predetermined format.

Reference numeral 713 denotes a storage unit that stores identification information unique to the RF-ID tag. Reference numeral 714 denotes a control unit that controls operations of the excessive rise prevention unit 711, the wireless communication unit 712, and the storage unit 713. In addition, the output from the temperature sensing unit 720 is processed and transmitted to the wireless communication unit 712 as deep body temperature data.

720 is a temperature sensing unit, and includes a sensor unit 721 including first and second temperature sensors (111, 112, 121, 122), and a circuit unit 722 that processes the output of the sensor unit 721.

<8. Functional configuration of body temperature display device>
Next, the functional configuration of the body temperature display device 600 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the body temperature display device 600. The body temperature display device 600 includes a power supply unit including a battery, a rechargeable battery, and an operation switch including a power ON / OFF switch, but is omitted here.

8, reference numeral 800 denotes an RF-ID reader / writer, which includes an antenna 801, a wireless communication unit 802, a signal conversion unit 803, and a signal processing unit 804.

The antenna 801 generates an electromagnetic wave having a predetermined frequency, for example, 13.56 MHz, and is magnetically coupled with the antenna 700 of the RF-ID tag of the non-heated thermometer 400, whereby the RF-ID tag Power is supplied to the processing unit 710 and data is received from the RF-ID tag.

In the wireless communication unit 802, in order to supply power to the RF-ID tag of the non-heating thermometer 400 via the antenna 801, the voltage applied to the antenna 801 is controlled, or the non-heating type thermometer 400 is connected via the antenna 801. Data received from the RF-ID tag of the thermometer 400 is transmitted to the signal conversion unit 803.

The signal conversion unit 803 converts the data transmitted from the wireless communication unit 802 into digital data and transmits the digital data to the signal processing unit 804.

The signal processing unit 804 processes the digital data received from the signal conversion unit 803 and transmits it to the control unit 811.

The control unit 811 controls operations of the wireless communication unit 802, the signal conversion unit 803, and the signal processing unit 804. Further, the deep body temperature data transmitted from the signal processing unit 804 is stored in the storage unit 812 together with the identification information, or displayed on the display unit 813. Further, the deep body temperature data stored in the storage unit 812 is transmitted together with the identification information to another information processing device (another information processing device connected by wire via the wired communication unit 814) via the wired communication unit 814. To do.

As is clear from the above description, in the non-heating type thermometer according to the present embodiment, the influence on the temperature sensor accompanying the dissipation of the heat flow from the body surface around the thermal resistor is suppressed, and the side surface of the thermal resistor By adopting a configuration that suppresses the dissipation of heat flow from the body, it becomes possible to improve the measurement accuracy of the deep body temperature of the non-heating type thermometer.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 have shapes (thickness and diameter) of 1 mm, 20 mm, 2 mm, and 20 mm, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. . The non-heating type thermometer according to the present invention is desirably thin because it is mounted on the body surface and measures body temperature. In the above-described simulation, the temperature of the upper surface (side in contact with the body surface) and the lower surface (opposite side) of the thermal resistor is measured in order to calculate the heat flow, but the thickness of the thermal resistor is too thin (heat The resistance value is low) and the temperature difference between the two points is small. For this reason, the temperature sensor is required to have high measurement resolution and accuracy capable of detecting the difference between them, but in actual measurement, it is difficult to detect the temperature difference in consideration of the influence of noise and the like. On the other hand, if the thickness of the thermal resistor is thick, it is difficult to mount the thermal resistor on the body surface, and the rate of heat flow dissipating increases, which may cause a reduction in measurement accuracy. That is, the thermal resistor needs to have a thickness that can obtain a temperature difference, and at the same time, it is required to be thin so as to be mounted on the body surface without reducing the measurement accuracy.

In view of the above, the thermal resistor 113 may have a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 10 mm and a diameter in the range of 10 to 30 mm. The thickness of the thermal resistor 123 may be in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm, and the diameter may be in the range of 10 to 30 mm. Furthermore, the thickness of the thermal resistor 113 is more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 mm, and the thickness of the thermal resistor 123 is more preferably in the range of 1.0 to 5.0 mm. However, the thickness ratio between the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 is desirably about 1: 2.

In the first embodiment, polyacetal, which is a non-foaming material, is used as the material of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the thermal conductivity is comparable. For example, PC (polycarbonate: thermal conductivity = 0.193 W / mK), PP (polypropylene: thermal conductivity = 0.117 W / mK), PET (polyethylene) may be used. Terephthalate: thermal conductivity = 0.152 W / mK), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate: thermal conductivity = 0.167 to 0.251 W / mK), ABS (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer: thermal conductivity = 0) .193 to 0.360 W / mK). In the first embodiment, aluminum is used as the material of the homogenizing member 130. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the material having higher thermal conductivity than the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 is used. Other materials may be used if they exist.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the adhesive material is applied to the bottom surfaces of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the entire upper surface of the uniformizing member 130 is covered. You may make it stick by arranging an adhesive tape.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, in the examination of the simulation result, instead of directly suppressing the heat flows 311 and 321, the diameters of the

heat resistors

113 and 123 are increased to increase the heat flows 312 and 322. Although the configuration is such that the influence on the

first temperature sensors

111 and 121 and the

second temperature sensors

121 and 122 is indirectly suppressed, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the heat flows 311 and 321 may be configured to suppress dissipation directly by disposing a heat insulating member on the body surface around the

thermal resistors

113 and 123. In this case, in order to reduce the measurement error in the non-heating type thermometer,
-Reduce the thickness of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123,
A heat insulating member is disposed on the side surfaces of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123;
The entire upper surface of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 is covered with a uniformizing member 130 having a higher thermal conductivity than the

thermal resistors

113 and 123.
-The back surface of the uniformizing member 130 is exposed.
Is considered effective.

<1. Cross-sectional configuration of a non-heating type thermometer with measures to reduce measurement errors>
Based on the above examination results, a non-heating type thermometer according to the present embodiment in which measures for reducing measurement errors are taken will be described. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a non-heating type thermometer 900 according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 9A, 111 and 121 are first temperature sensors located on the side that comes into contact with the body surface when pasted on the body surface of the subject, and 112 and 122 are the

first temperature sensors

111 and 121, respectively. It is the 2nd temperature sensor distribute | arranged to the side which opposes. In addition, the 1st and 2nd temperature sensors (111, 121, 112, 122) shall be comprised by the thermocouple, for example.

Note that the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 are each made of polyacetal having a thermal conductivity of 0.25 W / mK. The thermal resistor 113 has a flat plate shape with a thickness of 1 mm and a diameter of 10 mm, and the thermal resistor 123 has a flat plate shape with a thickness of 2 mm and a diameter of 10 mm. The

first temperature sensors

111 and 121 and the

second temperature sensors

By having such a shape / arrangement, in the non-heating type thermometer 900 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the heat flow itself from the side surfaces of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123. Further, since the heat flow itself is suppressed from the body surface around the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123, the influence on the

first temperature sensors

111 and 112 and the

second temperature sensors

121 and 122 by this can also be suppressed. It becomes possible.

In addition, on the side surfaces of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123, a heat insulating member 901 (for example, foamed rubber or polyurethane) having a lower thermal conductivity and higher flexibility than the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 is disposed. Has been. Thereby, dissipation of the heat flow from the body surface around the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 can be directly suppressed. Further, since the heat insulating member 401 can be deformed along the shape of the body surface, the heat insulating member 401 is suitable for sticking an unheated thermometer in close contact with the body surface.

The heat insulating member 901 has a thickness substantially equal to that of each of the adjacent

thermal resistors

113 and 123, and the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 are respectively fitted into opening holes provided in the center of the heat insulating member 901. It shall be included. Thereby, the side surfaces of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 are surrounded by the heat insulating member 901. Note that the upper surface of the heat insulating member 901 is covered with a plastic film 902.

By having such a shape / arrangement, in the non-heating type thermometer 900 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the heat flow itself from the side surfaces of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123. Further, it is possible to suppress the influence on the

first temperature sensors

111 and 112 and the

second temperature sensors

thermal resistors

As shown in FIG. 9A, the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 are juxtaposed via a heat insulating member 901 with an interval of about 1 to 10 mm (preferably 2 to 6 mm). It is assumed that the heat flow passing through the heat resistor and the heat flow passing through the thermal resistor 123 are not mixed.

It is assumed that the thermal resistor 113, the thermal resistor 123, and the heat insulating member 901 are arranged and fixed so that their bottom surfaces form the same plane. As a result, when pasted on the body surface of the subject, the bottom surface of the thermal resistor 113, the bottom surface of the thermal resistor 123, and the heat insulating member 901 are pasted on the body surface of the subject without any gaps. Become.

conductive members

903 and 904 having good thermal conductivity such as aluminum tape, and further, the body surface side of the non-heating type thermometer 900. It is assumed that the whole is covered with an adhesive tape (adhesive layer) 905 and an adhesive tape (release paper) 906.

<2. Planar configuration of non-heating thermometer with measures to reduce measurement errors>
Next, the planar configuration of the non-heating type thermometer 900 will be described. FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing various planar configurations of the non-heating type thermometer 900 according to the present embodiment, and the sides that come into contact with the body surface when pasted on the body surface of the subject, respectively. The top view when it sees from the side (namely, back side) which opposes the surface of this, the top view when it sees from the side which contacts a body surface, and the top view when it cut | disconnects in the intermediate position are shown .

10A, the outer peripheral shape of the heat insulating member 901 has a shape in which two linear portions along the direction in which the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 are juxtaposed are connected by two arc portions. And the case where the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 are arranged in the center position is shown. The thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 may have a circular planar shape (10A-a) or other shapes such as a rectangular shape (10A-b).

The example of FIG. 10B shows a case where the outer peripheral shape of the heat insulating member 901 has a shape in which four linear portions are connected, and the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 are arranged at the center position. Also in this case, as in FIG. 10A, the planar shapes of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 may be circular (10B-a) or other shapes such as a rectangle (10B). -B).

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, the temperature sensors (111, 121, 112, 122) are configured by, for example, thermocouples, but other temperature sensors such as a thermistor may be used.

In the fourth embodiment, the shape (thickness and diameter) of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 are 1 mm, 20 mm, 2 mm, and 20 mm, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. .

The thickness of the thermal resistor 113 may be in the range of 0.5 to 10 mm, and the diameter may be in the range of 5 to 20 mm. Further, the thermal resistor 123 may have a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm and a diameter in the range of 5 to 20 mm. However, the thickness ratio between the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123 may be any ratio as long as it is a predetermined value. However, in consideration of the depth temperature calculation accuracy and ease of manufacture, 1 : Desirably about 2. In addition, for the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123, members having different thermal conductivities may be used.

In the first embodiment, polyacetal is used as the material of the

thermal resistors

113 and 123. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any material having the same or lower thermal conductivity may be used. For example, other materials may be used. In the fourth embodiment, aluminum is used as the material of the homogenizing member 130. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the material having a higher thermal conductivity than the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 is used. Other materials may be used if they exist.

In the fourth embodiment, the thickness of the heat insulating member 901 is configured to be substantially equal to the thickness of the adjacent

thermal resistors

113 and 123, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the fourth embodiment, foamed rubber, polyurethane, or the like is used as the material of the heat insulating member 901. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the heat resistance is higher than that of the thermal resistor 113 and the thermal resistor 123. Other materials having low conductivity and high flexibility may be used (see FIG. 9B).

In the fourth embodiment, the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 are arranged without gaps with respect to the heat insulating member 901. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the

thermal resistors

113 and 123 and the heat insulating members are insulated. A gap may be provided between the member 901 and the member 901.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, in order to make the scope of the present invention public, the following claims are attached.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2010-218491 and 2010-218492 filed on Sep. 29, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

A thermometer that measures deep body temperature by contacting the body surface of a subject,
First and second thermal resistances in which a first temperature sensor is disposed on the side in contact with the body surface, and a second temperature sensor is disposed on a side opposite to the surface on the side in contact with the body surface. Body,
A uniformizing member configured to cover only the surface of the first and second thermal resistors that faces the surface that contacts the body surface; and
The thermometer characterized in that the first thermal resistor has a thickness of 0.5 to 10 mm, and the second thermal resistor has a thickness of 1 to 20 mm.
A thermometer that measures deep body temperature by contacting the body surface of a subject,
First and second thermal resistances in which a first temperature sensor is disposed on the side in contact with the body surface, and a second temperature sensor is disposed on a side opposite to the surface on the side in contact with the body surface. Body,
A uniformizing member configured to cover only the surface of the first and second thermal resistors that faces the surface that contacts the body surface;
A heat insulating member disposed so as to surround side surfaces of the first and second thermal resistors;
A thermometer comprising:
3. The thermometer according to claim 2, wherein the first thermal resistor has a thickness of 0.5 to 10 mm, and the second thermal resistor has a thickness of 1 to 20 mm.
The thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second thermal resistors have a thermal conductivity of 0.5 W / mK or less.
The thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the homogenizing member is made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the first and second thermal resistors.
The thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second thermal resistors are non-foaming.
The surface of the first thermal resistor that is in contact with the body surface and the surface of the second thermal resistor that is in contact with the body surface form the same plane. The thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a second thermal resistor is disposed.
The first and second thermal resistors are arranged so that a gap is formed between a side surface of the first thermal resistor and a side surface of the second thermal resistor. Item 4. The thermometer according to any one of Items 1 to 3.