JP4049243B2 - Ear thermometer probe cover - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a probe cover attached to a probe tip of an ear-type thermometer that measures the temperature in the ear canal in a short time.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Human thermometers are measured in the mouth, armpit, or rectum. By the way, in the human body, since the brain circulates a large amount of blood, an accurate body temperature can be obtained by measuring the temperature of the brain. Since the ear canal is close to the brain and is suitable for rapid body temperature measurement, ear-type thermometers that measure by inserting a probe into the ear canal have been commercialized recently.
[0003]
In this type of thermometer, a probe for insertion into the ear canal is formed to protrude, and a thin and flexible cap-like probe cover for covering the probe is attached to the tip of the probe. The probe cover covers the probe as well as allows the cover portion 1a to transmit infrared light emitted from the light guide tube inside the probe, thereby preventing entry of dust and the like into the probe (in the light guide tube). In addition, it is required to have a rigidity that does not damage the inside of the ear canal and that the cover mounting portion 1b can be securely fixed to the thermometer body.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-42872 is a conventional example of this type of probe cover. As shown in FIG. 8, the probe cover 1 is formed in a substantially truncated cone shape as a whole following the outer shape of the probe P, and the top surface of the cover portion 1a covering the tip opening of the probe P is thin (film-like). Infrared transparency and flexibility are ensured. The base ring 1b, which is a cover mounting portion held on the outer periphery of the probe P, is formed thicker than the cover portion 1a so as to have rigidity, and is fitted and fixedly held on the outer peripheral surface of the probe 1.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described conventional probe cover has an integrally molded structure in which the thickness varies from the top surface of the cover portion 1a to the lower end of the base ring (cover mounting portion) 1b according to the role of each part. For this reason, there has been a problem that the structure of the molding die and the molding process are complicated, and the cost is increased accordingly.
[0005]
Also, in order not to damage the inside of the ear hole, the thickness of the cover portion 1a must be made thin so as to be flexible. On the other hand, in order to secure the probe P to the outer peripheral surface, It is desirable that the rigidity of the part is high, but since the entire probe cover must be made of a single material, there is a limit to satisfy both conflicting characteristics (flexibility of the cover part and rigidity of the cover mounting part). was there.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to integrally integrate a cap-shaped cover portion and a cylindrical cover mounting portion that are separately molded in the vertical direction. Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide an ear-type thermometer probe cover that can sufficiently satisfy both the infrared transparency and flexibility of the cover portion and the rigidity of the cover mounting portion, and a manufacturing method thereof.
[0007]
[Means and Actions for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the ear thermometer probe cover according to claim 1, a flexible cap-shaped upper cover portion covering the probe tip of the ear thermometer, and the cover portion including the ear thermometer main body. In a synthetic resin ear thermometer probe cover integrally provided with a rigid cylindrical lower cover mounting portion to be mounted and held on the overlapping surface formed on the lower end of the cover portion and the upper end of the cover mounting portion, respectively Are configured to be integrated by joining in the vertical direction.
[0008]
In order to manufacture the probe cover shown in claim 1, as shown in claim 5, a flexible cap-shaped upper cover portion covering the probe tip of the ear thermometer, and the cover portion is used as the ear thermometer. In a manufacturing method of a synthetic resin ear-type thermometer probe cover integrally provided with a rigid cylindrical lower cover mounting portion that is mounted and held on the main body, an annular outer flange portion that extends outward is formed at the lower end. A cover part and a cover part formed with an annular outer flange part extending inward at the upper end are formed separately, and then the outer flange part of the cover part and the inner flange part of the cover mounting part are overlapped in the vertical direction. Can be joined.
(Operation) Compared to the conventional example (when the cover part and the cover mounting part having different thicknesses are integrally formed), the cover part and the cover mounting part are separately molded. Since the cavity shape is simple, the mold structure is simple and molding is easy.
[0009]
Moreover, a cover part and a cover attaching part can be integrated easily by joining each overlapping surface to an up-down direction with welding or an adhesive agent.
[0010]
In addition, the cover part and cover mounting part not only have different thicknesses but also different materials, so that both flexibility and infrared light transmission in the cover part and rigidity in the cover mounting part can be secured. Of course, it is possible to cope with various changes, for example, by making the cover mounting portion a predetermined color so that the color of the ear thermometer body is unified.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the probe cover for the ear thermometer according to the first aspect, an annular outer flange portion that extends outward is formed at the lower end of the cover portion, and the outer outer portion is formed at the upper end of the cover mounting portion. An annular flange portion having the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the flange portion is formed, and the upper surface of the outer flange portion and the lower surface of the inner flange constitute the overlapping surface according to claim 1.
[0012]
In order to manufacture the probe cover shown in claim 2, as shown in claim 6, in the method of manufacturing the probe cover for an ear thermometer according to claim 5, the inner diameter of the outer flange part of the cover part The outer diameter of the inner flange portion of the cover mounting portion is formed to have the same dimension, and the cover portion and the cover mounting portion are engaged in the vertical direction so that the cover mounting portion is covered with the cover portion. What is necessary is just to join the upper surface of a flange part, and the lower surface of an inner flange.
(Operation) When the cover mounting portion is put on the cover portion and engaged with each other in the vertical direction, the lower surface of the inner flange portion of the cover mounting portion and the upper surface of the outer flange portion of the cover portion overlap, and the cover mounting portion and the cover portion are Positioned vertically. At the same time, the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange portion of the cover attachment portion is held in pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion (the base portion of the outer flange portion), and the cover portion and the cover attachment portion are positioned in the radial direction. For this reason, the joining operation | work which welds the upper and lower flange part which overlap | superposed or adhere | attaches with an adhesive agent becomes easy.
[0013]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the ear thermometer probe cover according to the first or second aspect, a reinforcing rib extending in the axial direction or / and the circumferential direction is formed on a side wall of the cover mounting portion.
(Operation) The reinforcing rib formed on the side wall of the cover mounting portion increases the rigidity of the probe cover (cover mounting portion), and suppresses excessive deformation generated in the probe cover when the probe cover is attached and detached by pinching with a finger. .
[0014]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the ear thermometer probe cover according to any one of the first to third aspects, an annular outer flange portion extending outward is formed at the rear end of the cover mounting portion.
(Operation) To remove the probe cover attached to the thermometer body, pinch the outer periphery of the probe cover with your fingers (for example, thumb and forefinger) and pull it out from the probe part of the thermometer body. Since the finger is caught by the outer flange portion protruding outward, the probe cover can be smoothly extracted. Conversely, to attach the probe cover to the thermometer body, pinch the probe cover with your finger and push it into the outer periphery of the probe part of the thermometer body, but your finger will be caught by the outer flange part at the rear end of the cover mounting part, The probe cover can be covered smoothly.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on examples.
[0016]
1 to 5 show a probe cover according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the probe cover and the vicinity of a probe portion of a thermometer. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the probe cover. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the probe cover, Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the probe cover attached to the probe portion of the thermometer, and Fig. 5 is a process explanatory view for joining the cover portion and the cover mounting portion.
[0017]
In these drawings, the ear thermometer 10 includes a thermometer main body 11 whose outer shape is formed of a synthetic resin case, and a synthetic resin probe portion 12 protruding from the main body 11.
[0018]
In the main body 11, an infrared sensor as temperature measuring means, a circuit board to which the infrared sensor is connected, and the like are accommodated. The probe portion 12 is formed in a tapered substantially truncated cone shape that can be inserted into the ear hole, and is fixed to the upper end opening along the center of the main body 11.
[0019]
A waveguide 14 (see FIG. 1) formed in a straight tube shape, for example, of brass or aluminum, is provided in the probe portion 12, and this waveguide 14 is disposed in the ear canal via a tip opening 14a. It has a function of introducing infrared rays based on heat in a measurement target site such as the eardrum to lead to an infrared sensor inside the main body 11.
[0020]
Reference numeral 18 denotes a probe cover made of a transparent synthetic resin (for example, polyester resin) attached to the main body 11 so as to cover the probe portion 12, a flexible cap-shaped upper cover portion 20 that covers the probe portion 12, and a thermometer. The structure is integrated with a cylindrical cover mounting portion 30 having a rigid shape (stiffer than the cover portion 20) that is fixedly held by the main body 11. Is provided.
[0021]
The cover portion 20 is formed in a thin film shape (for example, a thickness of 10 μm) so as to have good infrared transparency and flexibility that does not damage the inside of the ear hole. The cover attaching part 30 is formed thicker than the cover part 20 (for example, 40 μm thick) so as to ensure rigidity that can be secured by being engaged with the latching protrusion 11a on the thermometer body 11 side. Yes.
[0022]
Further, the side wall 31 of the cover mounting portion 30 is formed so that the reinforcing rib 31a extending in the vertical direction intersects with the reinforcing ribs 31b and 31c extending in the circumferential direction, thereby further increasing the rigidity of the cover mounting portion 30. The probe cover 18 is not excessively deformed when the probe cover 18 is pinched with a finger and attached, and the durability of the probe cover 18 is ensured.
[0023]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the lower reinforcing rib 31 c formed on the side wall 31 of the cover mounting portion 30 engages with the latching protrusion 11 a provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 11 in the vertical direction. Then, the probe cover 18 (cover mounting portion 30) is prevented from coming off. When the probe cover 18 is attached to the main body 11 (the reinforcing rib 31c engages with the latching protrusion 11a), the entire probe cover 18 is pulled downward, and in particular, the distal end opening 14a of the waveguide 14 in the cover portion 20 is. The region (cover top surface 20a) that faces is held in a tension state. Thereby, the tip opening 14a of the waveguide 14 is sealed by the tension region (cover top surface 20a) in the cover portion 20 in a state where infrared rays can be transmitted. That is, the cover top surface 20a is maintained in a tension state in which wrinkles do not occur, and a constant infrared transmittance is always guaranteed.
[0024]
Further, since the cover mounting portion 30 including the reinforcing ribs has high rigidity, the engagement between the reinforcing ribs 31c and the latching protrusions 11a cannot be easily disengaged, and the probe portion 12 with the probe cover 18 attached is inserted into the ear hole. During use of the thermometer including the operation of pulling out or pulling out, there is no possibility that defects such as wrinkles occur on the cover top surface 20a or the probe cover 18 is detached.
[0025]
Further, a flange portion 34 that extends outward is formed at the lower end of the cover mounting portion 30, and the operation of attaching and detaching the probe cover 18 by pinching with fingers is easy. That is, in order to remove the probe cover 18 attached to the thermometer main body 11, the outer periphery of the probe cover 18 (cover attachment portion 30) is pinched with fingers (for example, thumb and index finger) and extracted from the probe portion 12. Since the finger is caught by the outer flange portion 34 protruding outward in the radial direction at the lower end of the portion 30, the probe cover 18 can be easily extracted. Conversely, in order to attach the probe cover 18 to the thermometer main body 11, the probe cover 18 is pinched with a finger and put on the probe portion 12, but the finger is caught on the outer flange portion 34 of the cover mounting portion 30. The lower edge opening side inner periphery can be pushed in efficiently so as to get over the latching protrusion 11a on the main body 11 side.
[0026]
If the probe cover 18 is extremely dirty, it can be removed from the main body 11 and wiped off with alcohol or the like. However, the probe cover itself may be replaced, and anyone can easily replace the probe cover 18. Is possible.
[0027]
Moreover, the probe cover 18 is integrated by joining the cover part 20 and the cover attachment part 30 which were independently molded in the vertical direction.
[0028]
That is, an annular flange portion 22 that extends outward is formed at the rear end of the cover portion 20 that is formed with a thin wall as a whole. An annular flange portion 32 having the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the outer flange portion 22 of the cover portion 20 is formed. As shown in FIG. 2, when the cover mounting portion 30 is put on the cover portion 20 and the both portions 20 and 30 are engaged in the vertical direction, the lower surface 32 a of the inner flange portion 32 on the cover mounting portion 30 side and the cover portion. The cover mounting portion 30 and the cover portion 20 are positioned in the vertical direction by overlapping the upper surface 32a of the 20 inner flange portions 22. At the same time, the inner peripheral edge 32b of the inner flange portion of the cover mounting portion 30 is held in pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion 20 (the base portion of the outer flange portion 22), and the cover portion 20 and the cover mounting portion 30 are positioned in the radial direction. Is done. For this reason, the cover part 20 and the cover attaching part 30 can be simply joined and integrated by welding the upper and lower flange parts 32 and 22 which were overlapped, or bonding them with an adhesive.
[0029]
The reinforcing ribs 31a, 31b, 31c of the cover mounting portion 30 need to be considered so as not to be an undercut portion in consideration of separation (removal) from the mold of the cover mounting portion that is a molded product. In order to engage with the latching protrusion 11a on the main body 11 side and be prevented from coming off, it is necessary to provide a reinforcing rib 31c which is a concave groove serving as an undercut portion on the inner peripheral surface side of the cover mounting portion 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, a cover mounting which is a molded product is provided by providing a concave groove (reinforcing rib 31c) serving as an undercut portion in the vicinity of the skirt-like lower end opening of the cover mounting portion 30 that is relatively elastically deformable. The portion 30 (the reinforcing rib 31c) can be forcibly removed from the mold.
[0030]
Next, a method for manufacturing the probe cover 18 will be described.
[0031]
First, the cover attaching part 30 and the cover part 20 are each molded with separate dies. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the cover portion 20 is put on the tip portion 42 of the stepped base 40 having a shape substantially corresponding to the outer shape of the probe portion 12. At this time, the outer flange portion 22 of the cover portion 20 is located at the step portion 44 of the base 40. Next, when the cover mounting portion 30 is covered with the cover mounting portion 30 in the vertical direction, the inner flange portion 32 of the cover mounting portion 30 overlaps the outer flange portion 22 of the cover portion 20, and the cover The part 20 and the cover attaching part 30 are positioned in the up-down direction. At the same time, the inner flange portion 32 of the cover mounting portion 30 and the outer flange portion 22 of the cover portion 20 are also positioned in the radial direction. In this state, the ring-shaped cone (vibrator) 50 is pressed against the outer flange portion 22 of the cover portion 20 to ultrasonically weld the inner flange portion 32 and the outer flange portion 22. The method for joining the inner flange portion 32 and the outer flange portion 22 may be resistance heating welding or other welding or adhesive bonding instead of ultrasonic welding.
[0032]
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a probe cover according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0033]
The probe cover 18 in the first embodiment described above is configured such that the lower surface 32a of the inner flange portion 32 of the cover rear end portion 30 is overlapped and joined to the upper surface 22a of the outer flange portion 22 of the cover portion 20. However, in the probe cover 18A in the second embodiment, the lower surface 22c of the outer flange portion 22 of the cover portion 20 is overlapped and joined to the upper surface 32c of the inner flange portion 32 of the cover rear end portion 30. Yes.
[0034]
Others are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and the same reference numerals are given to omit redundant description.
[0035]
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a probe cover according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0036]
In the probe covers 18 and 18A in the first and second embodiments described above, the annular outer flange portion 22 of the cover portion 20 and the annular inner flange portion 32 of the cover mounting portion 30 are overlapped and joined in the vertical direction. In the probe cover 18B according to the third embodiment, the upper end side outer peripheral surface 30c of the cover mounting portion 30B and the lower end side inner peripheral surface 20c of the cover portion 20B are obliquely overlapped in the vertical direction. Both overlapping surfaces 30b and 20b are joined and integrated by welding or an adhesive.
[0037]
Others are almost the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and the same reference numerals are given to omit redundant description.
[0038]
In the first, second, and third embodiments described above, the cover portion and the cover rear end portion, which are probe cover constituent members, have the same material and have different thicknesses. Is composed of a first resin that is more effective due to its flexibility and infrared light transmission, and the cover mounting portion is a second resin that is more effective in increasing rigidity (the same type of component that differs from the first resin in its components). By making the materials different from each other as well as the thickness of each of the cover part and the cover rear end part, such as a resin or a resin different from the first resin), more preferable flexibility, infrared light transmission and A configuration having rigidity can also be adopted.
[0039]
Furthermore, in order to ensure infrared transparency, the cover part is limited to transparent resin, but the cover mounting part is made of a resin with a predetermined color, so that various colors can be provided, such as a unity of color with the thermometer body. Can respond to changes in
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first and fifth aspects, the cover portion is sufficiently flexible and infrared light transmissive, and the cover mounting portion has sufficient rigidity, so that the inside of the ear canal is not damaged. A probe cover having excellent durability is provided.
[0041]
Moreover, the choice of the material which can be used for a cover part and a cover attaching part becomes wide, and the probe cover which matched more with the required characteristic can be provided.
[0042]
According to the second and sixth aspects, when the cover portion and the cover mounting portion are engaged in the vertical direction, the respective overlapping surfaces are naturally positioned and held at the overlapping positions. The joining work is simplified, making it ideal for mass production.
[0043]
According to the third aspect, since the durability is excellent, the life of the probe cover is extended accordingly.
[0044]
According to the fourth aspect, the probe cover can be easily attached and detached, and the probe cover replacement operation is simplified.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a probe portion of a probe cover and a thermometer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the probe cover.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the probe cover.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a probe cover attached to a thermometer main body.
FIG. 5 is a process explanatory diagram for joining a cover portion and a cover attachment portion.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a probe cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a probe cover according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional probe cover.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ear-type thermometer 11 Thermometer main body 11a Hanging protrusion 12 Probe part 14 Waveguide 18, 18A, 18B Probe cover 20 Cap-shaped cover part 30 Cylindrical cover attaching part 22a, 32a, 22a, 32a, 20a, 30b Overlap Matching surface 22 Annular outer flange part 32 Annular inner / outer flange part 31 Side wall 31a of the cover mounting part Reinforcing ribs 31b, 31c extending in the axial direction Reinforcing ribs extending in the circumferential direction

Claims (6)

Synthetic resin in which a flexible cap-shaped upper cover portion that covers the probe tip of the ear thermometer and a rigid cylindrical lower cover mounting portion that attaches and holds the cover portion to the ear thermometer main body are integrally provided A probe cover for an ear thermometer manufactured by joining the overlapping surfaces formed on the lower end of the cover portion and the upper end of the cover mounting portion in the vertical direction, respectively. . An annular outer flange portion extending outward is formed at the lower end of the cover portion, and an annular flange portion having the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the outer flange portion is formed at the upper end of the cover mounting portion. The probe cover for an ear-type thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the outer flange portion and the lower surface of the inner flange form the overlapping surface according to claim 1. The probe cover for an ear-type thermometer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a reinforcing rib extending in an axial direction and / or a circumferential direction is formed on a side wall of the cover attaching portion. The probe cover for an ear-type thermometer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an annular outer flange portion extending outward is formed at a lower end of the cover attaching portion. Synthetic resin in which a flexible cap-shaped upper cover portion covering the probe tip of the ear thermometer and a rigid cylindrical lower cover mounting portion for mounting and holding the cover portion on the ear thermometer main body are integrally provided In the manufacturing method of the manufactured ear-type thermometer probe cover, a cover portion in which an annular outer flange portion extending outward is formed at the lower end, and a cover portion in which an annular outer flange portion extending inward is formed at the upper end, respectively. After forming separately, the outer flange part of the said cover part and the inner flange part of a cover attaching part are piled up and joined in the up-down direction, The manufacturing method of the probe cover for ear-type thermometers characterized by the above-mentioned. The inner diameter of the outer flange portion of the cover portion and the outer diameter of the inner flange portion of the cover mounting portion are formed to be the same size, and the cover portion and the cover mounting portion are vertically moved so that the cover mounting portion is covered with the cover portion. 6. The method of manufacturing an ear-type thermometer probe cover according to claim 5, wherein the upper surface of the outer flange portion and the lower surface of the inner flange are joined.

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