JPH11155817A - Radiation thermometer storage case - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] When trying to measure a temperature with a radiation thermometer stored in a place where the environmental temperature is low, a very large heat flow is generated from the hand and the ear canal to the radiation thermometer, which causes a temperature measurement error. SOLUTION: A radiation thermometer storage case 25 having a temperature control means 26 for storing a radiation thermometer 14 and keeping the temperature at a constant temperature hardly generates an external heat flow from a hand or an external auditory canal to the radiation thermometer 14 during use. So
Extremely high temperature accuracy can be obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a storage case for a radiation thermometer for measuring body temperature by detecting infrared energy near the eardrum.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, an eardrum thermometer (hereinafter referred to as a radiation thermometer) which detects infrared rays radiated from the vicinity of the eardrum and measures the body temperature of the human body in about 1 to 2 seconds is applied to the measurement of the body temperature. It has become. In such a radiation thermometer, a probe inserted into the ear canal and an infrared ray incident from the tip of the probe are detected by an infrared sensor arranged in the main body of the thermometer and converted into body temperature information. The difference from the mercury thermometer and the electronic thermometer that are usually used in the armpit is that the measurement time of the axillary thermometer is 5 to 10 minutes, whereas the measurement of the radiation thermometer only takes a few seconds. is there. In other words, the underarm-type thermometer uses the temperature at the time when the temperature sensing part of the thermometer has sufficiently adjusted to the ambient temperature as the body temperature.
In other words, it is when the thermometer temperature sensing part and the armpit temperature of the human body are in a thermal equilibrium state.
Even in the vicinity of ℃, it is placed in a closed environment of approximately 36 ° C with the armpit closed. For this reason, it is said that an axillary thermometer can more accurately measure the body temperature as the measurement time is longer. On the other hand, a radiation thermometer only takes a few seconds to measure, at which time a complex heat flow is generated in the radiation thermometer. One is the heat flow generated from the hand by grasping the main body with the hand, and the other is the heat flow from the ear canal. Furthermore, the temperature of the radiation thermometer itself at the time of temperature measurement and the environmental temperature at that time have an important influence.
That is, when trying to measure the temperature with the radiation thermometer stored in a place where the environmental temperature is low, a very large heat flow is generated from the hand and the ear canal to the radiation thermometer, and a temperature measurement error occurs. Minimizing these heat flows is an important point for improving the accuracy of temperature measurement of the radiation thermometer.

As a countermeasure against this, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-117422
In the radiation thermometer disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-208, a system as shown in FIG. 8 is employed. That is, a probe unit 2 having an infrared sensor 1, a chopper unit 4 having a target 3,
The charging unit 5 has a three-unit configuration. A heating control means 6 for preheating the infrared sensor 1 and the target 3 to a reference temperature (36.5 ° C.) of the external ear canal is provided, and the heating control means 6 is driven by charging energy from the charging unit 5. ing.

FIG. 9 is a detailed configuration diagram of the probe 7.
The probe 7 of the probe unit 2 is made of plastic or the like having a very low thermal conductivity, and includes a cylindrical hollow base 8, an intermediate cylinder 9, and a tip 10. Also,
The infrared sensor 1 is embedded in a cylindrical metal housing 11, and a rear end of a metal tube 12 is fixed to the metal housing 11. The metal tube 12 serves as a waveguide for guiding infrared light to the infrared sensor 1. The probe 7 is arranged around the metal housing 11 and the metal tube 12, and the temperature detecting cover 13 is attached outside the probe 7. A heating resistor 11a is embedded in the metal housing 11, and the infrared sensor 1 is set at a reference temperature (36.5 ° C.).
Heat to

At the time of measuring the body temperature, the probe unit 2 is set on the chopper unit 4 and the heating control means 6 performs calibration with the infrared sensor 1 and the target 3 preheated to the reference temperature (36.5 ° C.). Thereafter, the probe unit 2 is removed and inserted into the external ear canal to detect infrared radiation from the eardrum, and the body temperature is measured by comparing the infrared radiation from the target 3 with the infrared radiation.

[0006]

However, the above-mentioned conventional radiation thermometer has the following problems. Conventionally, the purpose is not to heat the entire radiation thermometer but to heat the infrared sensor portion at a point. Therefore, the entire radiation thermometer cannot be preheated to the reference temperature (36.5 ° C.). As a result, heat flows from the hand and the ear canal to the radiation thermometer. Furthermore, at the time of temperature measurement, a temperature measurement cover is attached to the probe to measure the temperature. However, since the temperature measurement cover is not preheated, the heat flow from the ear canal to the probe is large. These heat flows cool the ear canal and generate a temperature difference between the waveguide and the infrared sensor, causing a temperature measurement error.
In order to make the temperature measurement accuracy of the radiation thermometer within ± 0.1 ° C, including the circuit error and the temperature characteristics of the infrared sensor as the temperature measurement error, the temperature environment at the time of the temperature measurement and the heat flow from the hand and the ear canal will be almost zero. There is a need to.

An object of the present invention is to provide a radiation thermometer in which the external heat flow to the radiation thermometer is reduced to almost zero and the accuracy of the temperature measurement is improved.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is not limited to a case in which a radiation thermometer is stored when the temperature measurement is completed. Since the temperature can be kept close to the body temperature, the external heat flow can be reduced to almost zero at the time of the temperature measurement, and the temperature measurement accuracy is improved.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A radiation thermometer storage case according to the present invention includes a probe inserted into an external auditory canal, an infrared sensor for detecting infrared radiation radiated from the vicinity of the eardrum via the probe, and an output of the infrared sensor as body temperature information. A temperature control means for keeping the radiation thermometer at a constant temperature, comprising an arithmetic processing means for converting the temperature into a constant value, is provided.

In addition, at least a plurality of radiation thermometers can be stored. Also, a temperature detection cover to be attached to the outer surface of the probe at the time of temperature measurement can be stored.

Further, the temperature control means keeps the radiation thermometer at a constant temperature near the body temperature.

In addition, the temperature control means keeps the temperature detection cover attached to the outer surface of the probe at the time of temperature measurement at a constant temperature near the body temperature.

The temperature control means is provided with an air circulation means. Further, the temperature control means is configured to include a Peltier element.

Further, the apparatus is provided with a means for informing whether or not the temperature has been maintained at a constant temperature.

[0015] Further, the charged part is provided in the radiation thermometer, and the charged part is provided in the storage case.

[0016]

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

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a general radiation thermometer. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 14 denotes a radiation thermometer main body, and reference numeral 7 denotes a portion to be inserted into the ear canal 8, which is a probe. Reference numeral 15 denotes a waveguide that is disposed in the probe and guides infrared light emitted from the eardrum to the infrared sensor 1. 16
Is a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the infrared sensor 1 itself. Pyroelectric sensors are often used for radiation thermometers that detect infrared rays. Reference numeral 17 denotes a filter amplifier that amplifies a voltage value output from the infrared sensor 1. An AD converter 18 converts the output of the filter amplifier 17 and the output of the temperature detector 16 from an analog value to a digital value.
Reference numeral 9 denotes arithmetic processing means for converting and calculating body temperature information based on the output of the AD converter 18, and reference numeral 20 denotes display means for displaying the body temperature information calculated by the arithmetic processing means 19. The position of the temperature detector 16 may be any position at which the temperature of the infrared sensor 1 can be detected, and is desirably combined with or adjacent to the infrared sensor 1. Reference numeral 21 denotes a chopper for intermittently intermitting infrared rays to be incident on the infrared sensor 1, and is disposed in front of the infrared sensor 1. 22 is a power supply,
Consists of batteries. 23 is a power switch and 24 is a switch for measurement.

Such a radiation thermometer 14 requires only a few seconds for measurement, but at that time, a complicated heat flow is generated by the radiation thermometer 1.
Occurs at 4. In particular, when the radiation thermometer 14 is stored at a low environmental temperature and attempts to measure the temperature, if the temperature of the human body is 30 ° C. or more but the temperature of the radiation thermometer 14 itself is about 5 ° C., the user can grasp the main body by hand and A heat flow is generated in the radiation thermometer 14, and further, since the probe 7 is inserted into the ear canal, a heat flow is also generated from the ear canal. This means that the waveguide 1
5 generates a heat flow, and a temperature distribution occurs in the waveguide 15. That is, a temperature difference occurs between the infrared sensor 1 and the waveguide 15. When there is no temperature difference between the infrared sensor 1 and the waveguide 15, no temperature detection error occurs, but if a temperature difference occurs, a temperature detection error is generated by the temperature difference. The accuracy required for the radiation thermometer is within ± 0.1 ° C., and errors in temperature measurement due to these heat flows cannot be ignored.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the radiation thermometer 14 itself is kept at a temperature close to the body temperature, so that heat flow with the human body is hardly generated at the time of temperature measurement.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
2 (a) is an external view thereof, and FIG. 2 (b) is a cross-sectional configuration diagram. Reference numeral 26 denotes a temperature control unit, which is a surface heater 27, a temperature detection unit 28 for the surface heater 27, and a surface heater 27 based on information from the temperature detection unit 28.
And a heating control means 29 for heating and maintaining the temperature of the at a constant temperature.
In this embodiment, the radiation thermometer 14 housed in the housing case 25 is uniformly heated and maintained by the surface heater 27. Further, the heat retention temperature is set at 37 ° C. near the body temperature, but it goes without saying that there is no problem if the temperature is near the body temperature. Reference numeral 25a denotes a lid of the storage case 25. 30
Is a heat keeping completion notifying means for notifying whether or not the radiation thermometer 14 has been kept at a constant temperature, and is composed of a light emitting diode. However, the heat retention completion notifying means 30 may be another means. In operation, the storage case 25 is always kept warm, and when the temperature measurement is completed, the radiation thermometer 14 is moved to the storage case 25.
Only need to be stored. When the temperature is to be measured, the completion of the heat retention is confirmed by the heat retention completion informing means 30, and the storage case 25 is checked.
The radiation thermometer 14 is taken out from the apparatus and the temperature is measured.
In the present embodiment, the radiation thermometer 14 is stored in the storage case 25 in the horizontal direction, but may be stored in a direction in which the tip of the probe 7 is downward.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the radiation thermometer 14 is always kept at a temperature close to the body temperature in the storage case, the radiation thermometer 14 is not affected by the environmental temperature in the room at the time of temperature measurement, and is not affected by the external temperature. Highly accurate temperature measurement with almost no temperature measurement error due to heat flow can be realized.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 is an external view of a radiation thermometer storage case according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The configuration is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, except that a plurality of radiation thermometers 14 can be stored, and the temperature can be kept constant at a temperature near the body temperature. The operation is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. In a hospital or the like, it is conceivable to store a plurality of radiation thermometers 14. However, if the configuration of this embodiment is employed, not only mere storage and storage but also a heat retaining function is provided, so that the accuracy of temperature measurement can be significantly improved. .

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 4 is an external view of a radiation thermometer storage case according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The configuration is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, except that a temperature detection cover 31 attached to the probe at the time of temperature measurement can be stored and a constant temperature can be maintained at a temperature near the body temperature. When the temperature is measured by the radiation thermometer 14, the probe 7 is often provided with a temperature detection cover 31 for hygienic reasons. In this embodiment, even when the temperature detecting cover 31 is attached to the probe 7, an external heat flow is hardly generated in the radiation thermometer, so that the temperature detecting cover 31 can also be stored in the storage case 25.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained even when the temperature detecting cover 31 is attached.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a radiation thermometer storage case according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The configuration is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, except that an air circulation unit 32 is provided as a configuration of the temperature control unit 26 in order to keep the radiation thermometer 14 uniform. In this embodiment, a motor fan 32 is used as the air circulation means 32. With such a configuration, air circulation becomes possible, and uniform warming heating can be realized by warm air circulation in combination with heating to the heater 33.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the accuracy of temperature measurement as a radiation thermometer is further improved.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a radiation thermometer storage case according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. The configuration is substantially the same as that of the fifth embodiment, except that the temperature control means 26 includes a Peltier element 34 and a heat exchanger 35 in order to keep the radiation thermometer 14 uniform. With such a configuration, the room temperature may be higher than the body temperature in a very hot environment such as summer, but since the Peltier element 34 is mounted on the temperature control means 26, the radiation thermometer 14 and the temperature measurement cover 31 can be cooled and kept at a temperature close to the body temperature.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to maintain a high temperature detection accuracy as a radiation thermometer regardless of whether the environmental temperature is lower or higher than the temperature near the body temperature.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a radiation thermometer storage case according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. Although the configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, the charged part 36 is provided on the radiation thermometer 14.
And the storage case 25 is provided with a charging section 37. The storage case 25 needs electric power to keep the heat warm. Therefore, electric power is supplied from a commercial power supply. In the first embodiment, the radiation thermometer 14 is driven by using a battery as a power supply. However, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the battery can be supplied from the storage case 25 while being stored in the storage case 25. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the battery running down, and the usability is improved.

[0030]

As apparent from the above description, the radiation thermometer of the present invention has the following advantages.

Rather than simply storing the storage case for the radiation thermometer, the radiation thermometer is always kept at a uniform temperature around the body temperature, so that the radiation thermometer is not affected by the environmental temperature in the room at the time of the temperature measurement, and is not affected by the ambient temperature of the room. Since almost no external heat flow to the radiation thermometer is generated, a radiation thermometer with extremely high temperature measurement accuracy can be realized.

In addition, since a plurality of radiation thermometers are simultaneously stored and uniformly warmed, it is extremely easy to use when used in a hospital or the like, and the accuracy of temperature measurement is improved without being affected by the environmental temperature at the time of temperature measurement. Can be.

Further, the temperature detection cover attached to the probe at the time of temperature measurement is configured so as to be able to store and maintain the temperature uniformly, so that the temperature measurement accuracy can be improved even when the temperature detection cover is attached.

In addition, since the heat is kept warm by hot air by forced air circulation as a means for keeping the temperature uniform, the uniformity is further improved, and the error in temperature detection due to an external heat flow is further reduced.

In addition, since the Peltier element is incorporated in the thermal control means, even in an environment such as summertime where the temperature is higher than the body temperature, the temperature can be cooled and kept at a temperature near the body temperature. Even when the temperature is low or high, the accuracy of the temperature measurement as the radiation thermometer can be maintained at a high level.

In addition, charging can be supplied from the storage case while the radiation thermometer is stored in the storage case. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the battery running down of the radiation thermometer, and the usability is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of a radiation thermometer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a configuration external view of the radiation thermometer storage case. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the radiation thermometer storage case.

FIG. 3 is an external configuration diagram of a radiation thermometer storage case according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an external configuration diagram of a radiation thermometer storage case according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional configuration diagram of a radiation thermometer storage case of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sectional configuration diagram of a radiation thermometer storage case according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional configuration diagram of a radiation thermometer storage case of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a configuration block diagram of a conventional radiation thermometer.

FIG. 9 is a detailed configuration diagram of a conventional probe.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Infrared sensor 7 Probe 14 Radiation thermometer 19 Arithmetic processing means 25 Storage case 30 Insulation completion informing means 31 Heat detection cover 32 Air circulation means 34 Peltier element 36 Charged part 37 Charged part

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Makoto Shibuya 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A radiation thermometer comprising a probe inserted into an ear canal, an infrared sensor for detecting infrared rays radiated from the vicinity of the eardrum via the probe, and an arithmetic processing means for converting an output of the infrared sensor into body temperature information. A radiation thermometer storage case that has temperature control means for storing and keeping the temperature constant. 2. The radiation thermometer storage case according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of radiation thermometers can be stored. 3. The radiation thermometer storage case according to claim 1, wherein a temperature detection cover attached to an outer surface of the probe is stored at the time of temperature measurement, and the temperature is kept at a constant temperature. 4. A temperature control means for keeping a radiation thermometer at a constant temperature near a body temperature.
The radiation thermometer storage case described. 5. The radiation thermometer according to claim 3, wherein the temperature control means keeps a temperature detection cover attached to an outer surface of the probe at a constant temperature near the body temperature at the time of temperature measurement. 6. The radiation thermometer storage case according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control means includes an air circulation means. 7. The radiation thermometer storage case according to claim 1, wherein the thermal control means includes a Peltier element. 8. The radiation thermometer storage case according to claim 1, further comprising a heat retention completion notifying means for notifying whether the temperature has been kept at a constant temperature. 9. The radiation thermometer storage case according to claim 1, wherein the charged part is provided in the radiation thermometer, and the charging part is provided in the storage case.