WO2012042760A1

WO2012042760A1 - Ear thermometer

Info

Publication number: WO2012042760A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/005044
Authority: WO
Inventors: 近藤　晃
Original assignee: テルモ株式会社
Priority date: 2010-09-28
Filing date: 2011-09-08
Publication date: 2012-04-05
Also published as: CN103179898A; JP2012070919A; CN103179898B

Abstract

Disclosed is an ear thermometer capable of easy and accurate insertion of a probe into a subject's aural cavity. The disclosed ear thermometer is provided with a temperature detection element and an infrared detection element, and by using the ambient temperature detected by said temperature detection element and the relative temperature detected by said infrared detection element, the ear thermometer (100) measures the subject's body temperature. The ear thermometer is provided with: a probe (101) which is configured from a hollow tubular body and inserted into the aural cavity; and mounting units (102, 104) which have mounting features (106-108) for mounting on a finger of the subject and which support the probe so that the support position of the probe (101) opposes the palmar surface of the subject's distal phalanx when mounted on the subject's finger using said mounting features (106-108).

Description

Ear thermometer

The present invention relates to an ear-type 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. Thermopile consisting of a contact point and a hot contact point), and the body temperature of the subject is calculated based on the detection temperature of each detection element. Compared with other types of thermometers, It has the advantage that the measurement can be performed with high accuracy in a short time.

JP 2008-241362 A

However, in the case of an ear-type thermometer, the probe is not properly inserted into the ear cavity (that is, an appropriate measurement state cannot be ensured), and infrared rays emitted from the temperature measurement site in the ear cavity cannot be detected properly. In this case, there is a problem that the measurement error increases. In particular, such a problem becomes conspicuous in the case of a subject who is difficult to remain stationary for a certain period of time such as an infant or the like and needs to be supported by a measurer.

On the other hand, the conventional ear thermometer is based on the premise that the measurement person or the subject himself / herself performs the measurement while supporting the lower part of the main body as shown in FIG. In the insertion into the probe, it is not always easy to align the tip of the probe portion with high accuracy. In addition, since one hand is completely closed when supporting the main body, it is more difficult to measure with high accuracy in the case of a subject who needs to be supported by the hand during measurement, such as an infant. It was.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ear-type thermometer capable of accurately and easily inserting a probe portion into an ear cavity of a subject.

In order to achieve the above object, an ear thermometer according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
A temperature detection element that detects an environmental temperature; and an infrared detection element that detects a relative temperature of the temperature measurement part by detecting infrared rays emitted from the temperature measurement part in the ear cavity of the subject. An ear-type thermometer that measures the body temperature of the subject using the environmental temperature detected by the detection element and the relative temperature detected by the infrared detection element,
A probe part formed by a hollow cylindrical body and inserted into the ear cavity;
A mounting function for mounting on a measurer's finger, and when the mounting function is used to mount the measurer's finger, the support position of the probe is on the palm surface of the measurer's finger end node And a mounting portion that supports the probe so as to face each other.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ear-type thermometer capable of accurately and easily inserting a probe portion into an ear cavity of a 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.
It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the ear-type thermometer 100 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 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 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 which shows the external appearance structure of the ear-type thermometer 800 which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the front view and side view of the ear-type thermometer 800. It is a figure which shows a measurer's mode that the ear-type thermometer 800 was mounted | worn. It is the figure which showed a mode that body temperature measurement was performed using the ear-type thermometer. It is a figure which shows the structure of the probe part of the ear-type thermometer 1200 which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the ear-type thermometer 1200 whole. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the body temperature measurement process in the ear-type thermometer 1200. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the ear-type thermometer 1500 whole which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of a body temperature measurement process in the ear thermometer 1500. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the conventional ear-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. External configuration of ear thermometer>
First, the external configuration of the ear thermometer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an ear thermometer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

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 radiated from a temperature measurement site in the ear cavity (preferably the eardrum and / or its surroundings). The probe unit 101 has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of the tip of about 7 mm so that it can be inserted into the ear cavity.

102 is a probe support part, which supports the probe part 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 (plus direction).

Note that the length of the surface 111 of the probe support portion 102 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. The position 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 position opposite to the supporting position to be supported. 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 controls the entire ear thermometer 100, and has a surface 112 that forms the same plane as the surface 111 of the probe support unit 102, and the ear thermometer 100 is attached to the finger of the measurer. Further, a portion closer to the root side than the first joint of the measurer's finger is configured to contact. In the ear thermometer 100 according to the present embodiment, the length of the fixing unit 104 in the Y-axis direction is approximately the length from the first joint to the second joint of the measurer's finger. And Thereby, the measurer can freely perform the operation of bending the finger at the second joint, and when the ear thermometer 100 is inserted into the ear cavity of the subject, the minute angle can be adjusted with the fingertip. become able to. 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, mounting

bands

106 and 108 wound around the measurer's finger are provided on the side surface of the fixing unit 104, and the measurer's finger is placed on the surface 111 of the probe support unit 102 and the surface 112 of the fixing unit 104. In such a state, the wearing band 106 is wound around the finger of the measurer, and the wearing band 108 is passed through the wearing ring 107 at the tip, and then pulled in the X-axis direction (minus direction). Can be stably fixed to the ear-type thermometer 100 (that is, the wearing

bands

106 and 108 and the wearing ring 107 realize a mounting function for mounting the ear-type thermometer 100 on the finger of the measurer. The probe support portion 102 and the fixing portion 104 to be mounted by the mounting function are integrated and serve 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. Front and side configuration of ear thermometer 100>
Next, the front and side configurations of the ear thermometer 100 will be described. 2a is a front view of the

ear thermometer

100, and 2b of FIG. 2 is a side view of the ear thermometer 100. FIG.

As shown in 2a of FIG. 2, the display unit 201 is provided on the surface 211 (the surface on the same side as the support position for supporting the probe unit 101) facing the surface 112 of the fixed unit 104, and measured. Display the temperature of the subject. 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 2b of FIG. 2, a measurement start switch 203 is provided on the side surface of the fixed portion 104, and the start of measurement is instructed by being pressed while the power is on. be able to. A speaker 204 outputs sound when the measurement start switch 203 is pressed or when body temperature measurement is completed. Reference numeral 205 denotes an LED element, and lighting is controlled corresponding to the internal state of the ear thermometer 100.

<3. Wearing state of ear thermometer 100>
Next, a state in which 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 tip of the attachment band 106, and the attachment band 108 is pulled in the X-axis direction (minus direction), whereby the first joint and the second joint of the measurer's finger are pulled. A portion between the joints is fixed to the fixing portion 104.

As described above, in a state where the ear thermometer 100 is attached to the finger of the measurer, the measurer can bend the second joint of the finger, and thereby the probe unit 101 into the ear cavity of the subject. When inserting, the measurer can finely adjust the position of the tip of the probe unit 101.

Further, since the measurer's finger belly is on the surface 111 of the probe support unit 102 and the probe support unit 102 contacts the surface 111 at a position facing the support position for supporting the probe unit 101, The sensation that the tip of the probe unit 101 contacts the ear wall can be sensed with a 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 used freely.

<4. Body temperature measurement with ear thermometer 100>
Next, how the measurer wears the ear thermometer 100 and measures the 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 subject's face 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 during measurement, so that the body temperature can be measured in a stable state (the subject is stationary). Thus, 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. The probe unit 101 is formed of a hollow cylindrical body having an opening formed at the tip, and in the vicinity of the opening, a temperature detection element (for example, a thermistor) that detects the environmental temperature and a temperature measurement site in the ear cavity. A detection element storage body in which an infrared detection element (for example, a thermopile composed of a cold junction and a warm junction) that detects infrared rays radiated from (the eardrum or the vicinity thereof) is fixed.

FIG. 5 is an external perspective view in which a part of the detection element housing is broken. As shown in FIG. 5, the detection element housing includes an attachment base member 503. On the attachment base member 503, a thermistor 501 that is a temperature detection element for detecting an environmental temperature, and a temperature measurement site in the ear cavity. An infrared detecting element 502 that detects the emitted infrared light is fixed.

The thermistor 501 is adjusted so as to be able to detect the absolute temperature that is the use environment temperature. Further, the mounting base member 503 is made of a good heat conductor such as an aluminum material so that the outside air temperature is transmitted to the thermistor 501, and the thermistor 501 has a mounting base member with a large surface area. 503 is fixed.

Furthermore, 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 detection element 502 that detects infrared IR is adjusted to detect 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. 5, on the wafer carrier 502c fixed on the pedestal 503b of the mounting base member 503, a hot junction 502a and a cold junction 502b formed in a petal shape 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.

With this configuration, the infrared detection element 502 detects the relative temperature based on the electromotive force generated between the contacts.

In the ear thermometer 100, the body temperature of the subject is calculated 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.

Further, the detection element storage body 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 container member 505 is also formed of a good heat conductor such as an aluminum material or a stainless material like the mounting base member 503, and has a configuration in which 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 shown in FIG. 5, the mounting base member 503 has an outer flange 503 a extending radially from the edge of the mounting base member 503. It will be held on the inner wall of.

<6. Functional configuration of ear thermometer 100>
Next, the functional configuration of the ear thermometer 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the ear thermometer 100. Of the components or components shown in FIG. 6, 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. 6, the thermistor 501 built in the detection element housing of the probe unit 101 is connected to the amplification unit 605 on the mounting substrate via the electrode lead 507. The infrared detection element 502 that detects infrared IR is connected to the amplification unit 606 on the mounting substrate via the electrode lead 508.

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 with an LED element 205, a display unit 201, a speaker 204, a power switch 202, and a measurement start switch 203, respectively.

The display unit 201 displays the body temperature of the subject calculated by the control unit 601. Further, when the measurement start switch 203 is pressed, a character such as a pictograph indicating that the measurement mode has been shifted is displayed.

The LED element 205 lights up in green when the measurement start switch 203 is pressed, and lights up in red when the measurement of the body temperature of the subject is completed. The speaker 204 outputs sound when the measurement start switch 203 is pressed or when measurement of the body temperature of the subject is completed.

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 temperature measurement process>
Next, the flow of the body temperature measurement process in the ear thermometer 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the body temperature measurement process in the ear thermometer 100.

When the power switch 202 is pressed, the body temperature measurement process is started. In step S701, it is determined whether or not the measurement start switch 203 is pressed. If it is determined in step S701 that the measurement start switch 203 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S702.

In step S702, the detected temperature detected by the thermistor 501 and the infrared detecting element 502 is acquired.

In step S703, based on the detected temperature acquired in step S702, the control unit 601 calculates the body temperature of the subject. The calculated body temperature of the subject is displayed on the display unit 201.

In step S704, 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.

As is apparent 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 that the mounting can be performed on the finger of the measurer. By providing a finger fixing wall (regulating member) on the

surfaces

111 and 112 that are sometimes contacted by the measurer's finger and defining the position of the measurer's finger at the time of wearing, the measurer's finger of the ear thermometer 100 is configured. As a result of realizing stable wearing, the measurer can use both hands when measuring the body temperature of the subject.

Even when the ear thermometer 100 is worn, the length of the fixing portion 104 is regulated so that the measurer can bend the second joint of the finger freely. During insertion into the probe, the position of the tip of the probe unit 101 can be finely adjusted.

Further, when the ear thermometer 100 is worn, the measurer's finger belly is configured to come into contact with the surface 111 at a position on the surface 111 of the probe support unit 102 that faces the support position of the probe unit 101. As a result, the measurer can feel the sensation that the tip of the probe unit 101 contacts the ear wall with the fingertip.

As a result, in the ear-type thermometer, the probe part can be accurately and easily inserted into the ear cavity of the subject.

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.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the ear thermometer 100 is mounted on the finger of the measurer using the mounting portions (102 and 104) and the mounting

bands

106 and 108, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a structure mounted | worn with a finger suck type mounting part. In the first embodiment, when the ear thermometer 100 is worn, the probe support portion 102 and the fixing portion 104 are on the same side (that is, the probe portion 101 and the fixing portion 104 are on the same side). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the probe part and the fixing part may be arranged on different sides. Hereinafter, an ear-type thermometer having a finger sack-type mounting portion and arranged so that the probe portion and the fixing portion are positioned on the opposite sides when mounted will be described.

<1. External configuration of ear thermometer>
First, an external configuration of an ear thermometer 800 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an ear thermometer 800 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a probe unit, which is inserted into the ear cavity (the ear canal) in order to detect infrared rays radiated from a temperature measurement site (preferably the eardrum and / or its periphery) in the ear cavity. The probe unit 801 has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of the tip of about 7 mm so that it can be inserted into the ear cavity.

802 is a probe support / finger fixing unit, which is configured by a hollow cylindrical body with a bottom so that the finger of the measurer is inserted and the ear thermometer 800 is fixed to the finger of the measurer.

803 is a main body unit that controls the entire ear thermometer 800 and is disposed on the probe support / finger fixing unit 802 at a position facing the support position where the probe unit 801 is supported. The main body 803 is provided with a display unit 821 in the Z-axis direction (plus direction, the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the probe unit 801), and displays the measured body temperature of the subject. In addition, the main body 803 is provided with a power switch 822, and the power supply of the ear thermometer 800 can be controlled by pressing operation.

Furthermore, the main body 803 is provided with a measurement start switch 823, and can be instructed to start measurement by being pressed while the power is turned on. Note that reference numeral 824 denotes a speaker, which outputs a sound when the measurement start switch 823 is pressed or when body temperature measurement is completed. Reference numeral 825 denotes an LED element, and lighting is controlled in accordance with the internal state of the ear thermometer 800.

<2. Front and side configuration of ear thermometer 800>
Next, the configuration of the front and side surfaces of the ear thermometer 800 will be described. 9a is a front view of the

ear thermometer

800, and 9b of FIG. 9 is a side view of the ear thermometer 800.

As shown in 9a and 9b of FIG. 9, the probe support / finger fixing portion 802 has a shape that conforms to the shape of the finger of the measurer as a whole (having a hollow cylindrical shape, as it approaches the tip portion. Thus, the measurer can stably hold the ear thermometer 800 during temperature measurement (that is, the inner wall of the probe support / finger fixing portion 802 is inserted). By grasping the finger, the mounting function for mounting the ear thermometer 800 on the finger of the measurer is realized).

The probe support / finger fixing unit 802 supports the probe unit 801 at a position where the belly of the measurer's finger comes to the state where the measurer's finger is inserted up to the tip 901 thereof. That is, the length from the distal end portion 901 of the probe support / finger fixing portion 802 to the support position of the probe portion 801 is approximately half the length from the distal end of the measurer's finger to the first joint.

Thereby, when the tip of the probe unit 801 is inserted into the ear cavity of the subject, the measurer can feel the sensation that the tip of the probe unit 801 contacts the ear wall with the fingertip.

Also, the length from the front end 901 to the rear end 902 of the probe support / finger fixing unit 802 is configured to be shorter than the length from the front end of the measurer's finger to the second joint. Thereby, the measurer can freely perform the operation of bending the finger at the second joint, and when the ear thermometer 800 is inserted into the ear cavity of the subject, the minute angle can be adjusted with the fingertip. become able to. In other words, it is possible to align the tip of the probe portion with high accuracy.

9A and 9B, the main body portion 803 is disposed so as to protrude from the rear end portion 902 of the probe support / finger fixing portion 802. However, the main body portion 803 is provided on the probe portion 801. Since it is located on the side opposite to the support position (that is, on the side opposite to the bending direction of the inserted measurer's finger), it does not interfere with the movement of the fingertip.

<3. Wearing state of ear thermometer 800>
Next, a state in which the measurer wears the ear thermometer 800 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the ear thermometer 800 is stably attached to the finger of the measurer by inserting the tip of the measurer's finger into the probe support / finger fixing unit 802.

As described above, in the state where the ear thermometer 800 is attached to the measurer's finger, the measurer can freely bend the second joint of the finger, and thereby the probe into the ear cavity of the subject. When the portion 801 is inserted, the measurer can finely adjust the position of the tip of the probe portion 801.

Further, since the belly of the measurer's finger is an inner wall in the probe support / finger fixing unit 802 and contacts at a position corresponding to the support position of the probe unit 801, the measurer has the tip of the probe unit 801 at the ear. The feeling of touching the wall can be sensed with a fingertip.

As shown in FIG. 10, the ear thermometer 800 is stably fixed to one of the measurer's fingers (usually the index finger), so that the measurer can measure the ear temperature when measuring the body temperature of the subject. Fingers other than the finger to which the thermometer 800 is attached can be used freely.

<4. Body temperature measurement with ear thermometer 800>
Next, how the measurer wears the ear thermometer 800 and measures the temperature of the subject will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, when the ear thermometer 800 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 subject's face 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 800 according to the present embodiment, the subject can be pressed with both hands at the time of measurement, and thus the body temperature can be measured in a stable state (the state where the subject is stationary). Thus, the occurrence of measurement errors can be reduced.

As is clear from the above description, the ear thermometer 800 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the probe support / finger fixing unit 802 is provided and can be stably attached to the finger of the measurer. Both hands can now be used to measure the body temperature of subjects.

Further, even when the ear thermometer 800 is worn, the probe unit 801 is regulated by restricting the length of the probe support / finger fixing unit 802 so that the measurer can freely bend the second joint of the finger. In the insertion into the ear cavity, the position of the tip of the probe unit 801 can be finely adjusted.

Further, when the ear thermometer 800 is worn, the prober's finger belly is in contact with the position corresponding to the support position of the probe unit 101 in the probe support / finger fixing unit 802. The measurer can feel the sensation that the tip of the portion 801 is in contact with the ear wall with a fingertip.

In the above description, the probe unit 801 is projected in a direction substantially orthogonal to the probe support / finger fixing unit 802. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the probe support / finger fixing unit 802 is not limited thereto. And may be configured to protrude obliquely.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, the measurement start switch 203 (or 823) is arranged on the side surface of the fixed portion 104 (or main body portion 803). However, when the subject is an infant or the like, the finger other than the finger to which the

ear thermometer

100 or 800 is attached is used to press the subject when measuring the body temperature. For this reason, it is not always easy to press the measurement start switch 203 (or 823) while the probe unit 101 (or 801) is inserted into the ear cavity.

Therefore, the ear thermometer (referred to as the ear thermometer 1200) according to the present embodiment is configured to detect this and automatically start measurement when the probe portion is accurately inserted into the ear cavity. . Details of this embodiment will be described below.

<1. Configuration of Probe Unit of Ear Thermometer 1200>
First, the configuration of the probe unit 1201 of the ear thermometer 1200 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a probe unit 1201 of an ear thermometer 1200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown at 12a in FIG. 12, four capacitive sensors 1202 (detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of contact) are attached to the tip of the probe unit 1201 in the circumferential direction. Thereby, in the ear-type thermometer 1200, it can detect that the front-end | tip of the probe part 1201 contacted the subject.

12b-1 in FIG. 12 shows a state in which the probe unit 1201 is accurately inserted into the ear cavity of the subject. As shown at 12b-1 in FIG. 12, at the tip of the probe unit 1201, it is detected that the four capacitive sensors 1202 provided in the circumferential direction are in contact with the front part of the side wall forming the ear hole. Then, the ear thermometer 1200 recognizes that the probe unit 1201 has been accurately inserted into the ear cavity of the subject.

On the other hand, 12b-2 in FIG. 12 shows a state where the probe unit 1201 has not been properly inserted into the ear cavity of the subject. As shown at 12b-2 in FIG. 12, at the tip of the probe unit 1201, any one or more of the four capacitive sensors 1202 provided in the circumferential direction are When it is detected that the front portion of the side wall forming the ear hole has not been contacted, the ear thermometer 1200 recognizes that the probe unit 1201 has not been accurately inserted into the ear cavity of the subject.

<2. Functional configuration of ear thermometer 1200>
Next, the functional configuration of the ear thermometer 1200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the ear thermometer 1200. In addition, about the block which overlaps with the function structure demonstrated in FIG. 6, description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting a common reference number, and demonstrates here centering on difference with FIG.

In the ear thermometer 1200 according to the present embodiment, instead of providing the measurement start switch 203, a capacitive sensor 1202 is arranged in the probe unit 1201, and is connected to the amplifying unit 1302 via the wiring 1301. . As a result, the detection result of the capacitive sensor 1202 is transmitted to the control unit 601, and the control unit 601 recognizes whether or not the probe unit 1201 has been correctly inserted into the ear cavity of the subject. can do.

<3. Flow of temperature measurement process>
Next, the flow of the body temperature measurement process in the ear thermometer 1200 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the body temperature measurement process in the ear thermometer 1200. Note that steps that overlap the steps described in FIG. 7 are denoted by common reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Here, differences from FIG. 7 will be mainly described.

When the power switch 202 is pressed and the body temperature measurement process is started, the ear thermometer 1200 according to the present embodiment determines in step S1401 whether all the outputs of the capacitive sensor 1202 are ON. To do. If it is determined in step S1401 that all outputs of the capacitive sensor 1202 are ON, the process proceeds to step S1402 to notify that the measurement state is in an appropriate state. Specifically, the display unit 201 displays a pictograph indicating the measurement mode. Further, the LED element 205 is lit in green. Thereafter, the processing of steps S702 to S704 is executed.

As is clear from the above description, in the ear thermometer 1200 according to the present embodiment, instead of providing a measurement start switch, a capacitive sensor 1202 is provided at the tip of the probe unit 1201, and the probe unit 1201 is connected to the ear. It was set as the structure which can detect whether it was correctly inserted in the cavity.

Also, as a result of detection by the capacitive sensor 1202, when it is recognized that the probe unit 1201 has been accurately inserted into the ear cavity, the measurement is automatically started.

As a result, at the time of body temperature measurement, it is no longer necessary for the measurer to press the measurement start switch while the probe unit 1201 is inserted into the ear cavity.

That is, it is possible to simplify the operation procedure by the measurer's hand when the tip of the probe unit 1201 is inserted into the ear cavity and the body temperature is measured.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, instead of arranging the measurement start switch 203 (or 823) on the side surface of the fixed unit 104 (or the main body unit 803), the capacitive sensor 1202 is arranged at the tip of the probe unit 1201. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a voice recognition unit for recognizing a predetermined sound and a microphone may be provided, and when a predetermined sound is input, this may be detected and measurement may be automatically started. This is because even when the voice recognition unit and the microphone are arranged, similarly, it is possible to enjoy the advantage that the operation procedure by the measurer's hand can be simplified when measuring the body temperature. Hereinafter, the details of the ear thermometer (referred to as the ear thermometer 1500) of the present embodiment will be described.

<1. Functional configuration of ear thermometer 1500>
First, the functional configuration of the ear thermometer 1500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the ear thermometer 1500. In addition, about the block which overlaps with the function structure demonstrated in FIG. 6, description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting a common reference number, and demonstrates here centering on difference with FIG.

In the ear thermometer 1500 according to the present embodiment, instead of the measurement start switch 203, a voice recognition unit 1501 and a microphone 1502 are arranged, thereby recognizing a specific voice uttered by the measurer. When the voice recognition unit 1501 recognizes a specific voice, the voice recognition unit 1501 transmits the recognition result to the control unit 601.

<2. Flow of temperature measurement process>
Next, the flow of the body temperature measurement process in the ear thermometer 1500 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the body temperature measurement process in the ear thermometer 1500. Note that steps that overlap the steps described in FIG. 7 are denoted by common reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Here, differences from FIG. 7 will be mainly described.

When the power switch 202 is pressed and the body temperature measurement process is started, the ear thermometer 1500 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not a specific sound is recognized in step S1601. If it is determined in step S1601 that the specific voice has been recognized, the process proceeds to step S702. Thereafter, the processing of steps S702 to S704 is executed.

As is clear from the above description, the ear thermometer 1500 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a voice recognition unit and a microphone are provided instead of the measurement start switch to recognize a specific utterance by the measurer. .

This eliminates the need for the measurer to press the measurement start switch while the probe portion is inserted into the ear cavity during body temperature measurement, and allows the body temperature measurement to be automatically started only by performing a specific utterance. Became possible.

That is, it is possible to simplify the operation procedure by the measurer's hand when measuring the body temperature by inserting the tip of the probe portion into the ear cavity.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, instead of arranging a measurement start switch, a capacitive sensor is arranged. In the fourth embodiment, a voice recognition unit and a microphone are arranged instead of arranging a measurement start switch. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a structure which distributes both an electrostatic capacitance type sensor, a voice recognition part, and a microphone.

In this case, when the ear thermometer recognizes that the probe 1201 has been accurately inserted into the ear cavity based on the detection result of the capacitive sensor, the ear thermometer reports this (for example, When the measuring device makes a specific utterance in response to the notification, the body temperature measurement is automatically started.

With such a configuration, the measurer can instruct the start of body temperature measurement after recognizing that the probe unit 1201 has been accurately inserted into the ear cavity.

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 No. 2010-217718 filed on Sep. 28, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

A temperature detection element that detects an environmental temperature; and an infrared detection element that detects a relative temperature of the temperature measurement part by detecting infrared rays emitted from the temperature measurement part in the ear cavity of the subject. An ear-type thermometer that measures the body temperature of the subject using the environmental temperature detected by the detection element and the relative temperature detected by the infrared detection element,
A probe formed by a hollow cylindrical body and inserted into the ear cavity;
A mounting function for mounting on a measurer's finger, and when the mounting function is used to mount the measurer's finger, the support position of the probe is on the palm surface of the measurer's finger end node An ear thermometer comprising: a mounting portion that supports the probe so as to face each other.
The mounting portion is configured to fit between a tip of the measurer's finger and the second joint of the measurer when the mount is attached to the measurer's finger. The ear thermometer according to 1.
The mounting unit further includes a display unit that displays the measured body temperature of the subject, and the display unit is on the mounting unit and forms a surface on the same side as the support position of the probe. The ear-type thermometer according to claim 2, wherein the ear-type thermometer is arranged on the surface of the ear.
The mounting function is a mounting band extending from a second surface forming a side surface of the mounting portion, and the measurer's finger is placed on a third surface facing the first surface. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein when mounted, the device is realized by a wearing band that fixes the finger on the third surface by winding the finger in a circumferential direction with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the finger. Ear thermometer.
5. The regulating member according to claim 4, wherein a defining member is provided on the third surface to define a position of a tip of the finger when the finger of the measurer is placed. Ear thermometer.
The mounting portion is formed by a hollow cylindrical body into which the measurer's finger is inserted, and the mounting function is realized by an inner wall of the hollow cylindrical body that grips the inserted finger. The ear-type thermometer according to claim 2.
The display unit further displays a measured body temperature of the subject, and the display unit is on the mounting unit and in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the probe at a position facing the support position of the probe. The ear-type thermometer according to claim 6, wherein the ear-type thermometer is disposed toward the front.