U.S. patent application number 09/819805 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-16 for probe cover detaching mechanism and ear type clinical thermometer.
Invention is credited to Yamaka, Masataka.
Application Number | 20010014112 09/819805 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 17770469 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010014112 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamaka, Masataka |
August 16, 2001 |
Probe cover detaching mechanism and ear type clinical
thermometer
Abstract
A probe cover detaching mechanism for detaching a probe cover
mounted to abut against a probe that is to be inserted into the
earhole from the probe includes an operating member to which is
applied an operating force for detaching the probe cover from the
probe, a push member pushing the probe cover toward the distal end
of the probe upon receipt of the operating force applied to the
operating member and transmitted from the operating member, and a
mechanism joining the operating member with the push member and
changing the direction of the operating force applied to the
operating member by substantially 90.degree. so as to transmit the
operating force to the push member.
Inventors: |
Yamaka, Masataka; (Fuji-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BURNS DOANE SWECKER & MATHIS L L P
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Family ID: |
17770469 |
Appl. No.: |
09/819805 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09819805 |
Mar 29, 2001 |
|
|
|
PCT/JP99/05337 |
Sep 29, 1999 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
374/158 ;
374/121; 374/209; 374/E1.013 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01J 5/04 20130101; G01J
5/025 20130101; G01J 5/049 20130101; G01J 5/021 20130101; G01J 5/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
374/158 ;
374/209; 374/121 |
International
Class: |
G01K 001/08; G01J
005/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 29, 1998 |
JP |
10-291557 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A probe cover detaching mechanism for detaching a probe cover
mounted to abut against a probe that is to be inserted into an
earhole from the probe, comprising: an operating member to which is
applied an operating force for detaching the probe cover from the
probe; a push member which pushes the probe cover toward the distal
end of the probe upon receipt of the operating force applied to the
operating member and transmitted from the operating member; and a
mechanism joining the operating member and the push member, said
mechanism changing the direction of the operating force applied to
the operating member by substantially 90.degree. so as to transmit
the operating force to the push member.
2. The probe cover detaching mechanism according to claim 1,
wherein said pushing member is mounted to the outer circumferential
portion of the proximal end of the probe so as to be movable in the
axial direction of the probe.
3. The probe cover detaching mechanism according to claim 1,
wherein that portion of the pushing member which abuts against the
probe cover is substantially in the shape of truncated cone.
4. The probe cover detaching mechanism according to claim 1,
wherein said operating force transmitting mechanism is constructed
by a cam mechanism.
5. The probe cover detaching mechanism according to claim 4,
wherein said cam mechanism comprises a tapered cam surface formed
in said operating member and an inclined surface formed in said
pushing member and mating with said cam surface.
6. The probe cover detaching mechanism according to claim 1,
wherein said operating member comprises a push button and a
deforming section that is elastically deformed upon depression of
said push button and is constructed such that the push button is
brought back to the original position by the elastic force of the
deforming section.
7. The probe cover detaching mechanism according to claim 6,
wherein said deforming section is formed of a pair of substantially
semicircular arcuate plate pieces.
8. The probe cover detaching mechanism according to claim 6,
wherein said push button and said deforming section are integrally
formed.
9. The probe cover detaching mechanism according to claim 1,
further comprising an auxiliary means for increasing the moving
amount of said pushing member.
10. The probe cover detaching mechanism according to claim 9,
wherein said auxiliary means is constructed by a cam mechanism.
11. An ear type clinical thermometer, comprising the probe cover
detaching mechanism defined in claim 1.
12. The ear type clinical thermometer according to claim 11,
wherein a measuring switch is mounted to the back surface of the
probe cover detaching mechanism.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a Continuation Application of PCT Application No.
PCT/JP99/05337, filed Sep. 29, 1999, which was not published under
PCT Article 21(2) in English.
[0002] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 10-291557,
filed Sep. 29, 1998, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a probe cover detaching
mechanism for detaching a probe cover mounted to a probe of an ear
type clinical thermometer and an ear-type clinical thermometer
comprising the probe cover detaching mechanism.
[0004] An ear type clinical thermometer has been developed as a
clinical thermometer for measuring the body temperature in the
medical institution such as a hospital and at home. The ear type
clinical thermometer comprises a projection-like probe (infrared
ray intake portion) that is inserted into the earhole (external
auditory miatus). The infrared ray (heat ray) radiated from and
around the eardrum is taken into the clinical thermometer through
the probe and detected by a sensor housed in the body of the
clinical thermometer. The intensity of the detected infrared ray
corresponds to the body temperature. The ear type clinical
thermometer of this type permits measuring the body temperature in
such a short time as about 1 to 2 seconds and, thus, is greatly
advantageous in the case of measuring the body temperature of,
particularly, a suckling and an infant who are unable to withstand
a long waiting time.
[0005] In the ear type clinical thermometer, the probe is not
directly inserted into the earhole, and the probe is covered with a
resin probe cover that is discarded after the use in view of,
particularly, the sanitation. After measurement of the body
temperature, the probe cover is detached from the probe so as to be
discarded.
[0006] The probe cover is shaped cylindrical to conform with the
probe. The distal end of the probe cover that is inserted into the
earhole is closed with a thin film through which the infrared rays
can be transmitted, and the proximal end of the probe cover is
open. The probe is inserted into the probe cover through the open
proximal end of the probe cover.
[0007] Particularly, in a medical institution such as a hospital,
it is required for the used probe cover not to be touched directly
by hands and to be promptly detached from the probe mounted to the
body of the clinical thermometer. Such being the situation,
developed is a probe cover detaching mechanism that permits
detaching the probe cover by a one-touch operation. The particular
probe cover detaching mechanism is disclosed in, for example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,487,607.
[0008] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 that collectively show
schematically the conventional probe cover detaching mechanism, the
conventional probe cover detaching mechanism 30 comprises a pushing
portion 31 arranged movable in an axial direction (longitudinal
direction) of a probe 35 relative to a casing 34 of a clinical
thermometer for pushing a probe cover 36, a push or press button 32
for pushing or pressing the probe cover 36, and a spring 33 for
bringing the depressed push button 32 back to the original
position.
[0009] After the probe 35 is covered with the probe cover 36, the
probe 35 is pushed toward the distal end of the probe cover 36 so
as to achieve, for example, a tight fit between the open portion at
the proximal end of the probe cover 36 and the probe 35, thereby
mounting fitting the probe cover 36 to the probe 35. At the same
time, a flange portion 37 of the probe cover 36 is allowed to abut
against the pushing member (see FIG. 10).
[0010] When the probe cover 36 is detached, the push button 32 is
pushed or pressed in a direction denoted by an arrow C against the
elastic force of the spring 33. As a result, the pushing member 31
is moved toward the distal end of the probe 35 so as to push the
flange portion 37 of the probe cover 36 (see FIG. 11), thereby
releasing the mounted state by, for example, the tight fit between
the probe cover 30 and the probe 35 and allowing the probe cover 36
to rise up from the probe 35. In this fashion, the probe cover 36
can be manually detached easily from the probe 5.
[0011] Then, if the pushing force applied to the push button 32 is
released, the push button 32 is brought back to the original
position shown in FIG. 10 by the elastic force of the spring
33.
[0012] In the conventional probe cover detaching mechanism 30 of
the construction described above, however, the moving direction of
the pushing member 31 is equal to the pushing direction of the push
button 32 denoted by the arrow C in FIG. 11. Therefore, it is
necessary to arrange the push button 32 on the backside of the
probe 35. In addition, it is necessary to arrange the entire
detaching mechanism 30 in a manner to extend to reach the back
surface of the casing 34. As a result, it is necessary to provide a
mounting space of the push button 32 on the backside of the probe
35. In addition, a large mounting space is required. What should
also be noted is that it is impossible to mount switches such as a
measuring switch to a portion on the back surface of the casing 34
that corresponds to the probe 35, leading to restriction in the
design. Also, the conventional probe cover detaching mechanism 30
cannot be handled easily.
[0013] Further, the conventional probe cover detaching mechanism 30
requires the spring 33 separately from the push button 32, leading
to an increase in the number of parts required and to a troublesome
assembling operation. This is clearly disadvantageous in the
process of manufacturing the probe cover detaching mechanism.
[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a probe
cover detaching mechanism simple in construction, requiring a small
mounting space, and permitting the probe cover to be detached from
the probe easily and without fail, and an ear type clinical
thermometer comprising the particular probe cover detaching
mechanism.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] According to the present invention, the above object has
been achieved by a probe cover detaching mechanism for detaching a
probe cover mounted to abut against a probe that is to be inserted
into an earhole from the probe, comprising an operating member to
which is applied an operating force for detaching the probe cover
from the probe; a push member which pushes the probe cover toward
the distal end of the probe upon receipt of the operating force
applied to the operating member and transmitted from the operating
member; and a mechanism joining the operating member with the push
member, the mechanism changing the direction of the operating force
applied to the operating member by substantially 90.degree. so as
to transmit the operating force to the push member.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the push
member is mounted in an outer circumferential portion of the
proximal end of the probe and movable in an axial direction of the
probe.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, that
portion of the push member which abuts against the probe cover is
substantially in the shape of a truncated cone.
[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the transforming-transmitting mechanism of the operating
force is constructed by a cam mechanism. It is desirable for the
cam mechanism to be formed of a tapered cam plane formed in the
operating member and an inclined plane formed in a push member and
mating with the cam plane.
[0019] Further, in the present invention, it is desirable for the
operating member to comprise a push button and a deforming section
elastically deformed upon depression of the push button and to be
constructed such that the push button is brought back to the
original position by the elastic force of the deforming section.
The deforming section can be formed of a pair of substantially
semicircular arcuate plate pieces. Preferably, the push button and
the deforming section are formed integral.
[0020] It is possible for the probe cover detaching mechanism of
the present invention to comprise further an auxiliary means for
increasing the moving amount of the push member. It is desirable
for the auxiliary means to be constructed by a cam mechanism.
[0021] According to the present invention, there is also provided
an ear type clinical thermometer comprising the probe cover
detaching mechanism of the present invention. In the ear type
clinical thermometer of the present invention, it is possible for a
measuring switch to be mounted on the backside of the probe cover
detaching mechanism.
[0022] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the
general description given above and the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles
of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an ear type clinical
thermometer of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the ear type clinical
thermometer shown in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a side view, partly broken away, showing the probe
cover detaching mechanism of the present invention in the state
that the probe cover is mounted to a probe;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a front view of the probe cover detaching
mechanism shown in FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a side view, partly broken away, showing the
construction when the probe cover is detached from the probe cover
detaching mechanism shown in FIG. 3;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a front view of the probe cover detaching
mechanism shown in FIG. 5;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a partial oblique view showing the probe cover
detaching mechanism according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a partial oblique view showing the construction
when the probe cover is detached from the probe cover detaching
mechanism shown in FIG. 7;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a front view showing an ear type clinical
thermometer according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a side view, partly broken away, schematically
showing the construction of the conventional probe cover mounting
mechanism with the probe cover mounted; and
[0034] FIG. 11 is a partially sectional side view, partly broken
away, schematically showing the construction when the probe cover
is detached from the probe cover detaching mechanism shown in FIG.
10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Preferred embodiments of the probe cover detaching mechanism
and the ear type clinical thermometer of the present invention will
now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0036] First of all, the ear type clinical thermometer according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be
described together with the probe cover detaching mechanism with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. Incidentally, the upper and lower sides
of FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5 are called upper portions and lower
portions, respectively, in the following description for the sake
of convenience in description. Also, the left sides of FIGS. 2, 3
and 5 are called the front surfaces or distal ends, with the right
sides being called the back surfaces or proximal ends.
[0037] The ear type clinical thermometer is an infrared clinical
thermometer for measuring the body temperature by measuring the
intensity of the infrared rays emitted from or around the
eardrum.
[0038] The entire construction of the ear type clinical thermometer
1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will
now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in the
drawing, the clinical thermometer 1 comprises a clinical
thermometer body 2 housing a body temperature detecting section 9
(FIG. 2), a power switch 3 and a display section 5 (FIG. 1) mounted
on the front surface of the clinical thermometer body 2, a
measuring switch 4 (FIG. 2) mounted in an upper portion on the back
surface of the clinical thermometer body 2, a probe 6 inserted into
the earhole, and a probe cover detaching mechanism 7 for detaching
a probe cover 10 from the probe 6.
[0039] The clinical thermometer body 2 comprises a casing 21. The
casing 21 is constructed mainly by three members, a front casing
member 22 positioned in the front portion of the casing 21, a back
casing member 23 (FIG. 2) positioned on a back portion of the
casing 21, and a lid member 24.
[0040] A window (opening) 50 for displaying the body temperature is
formed on the front surface of the front casing member 22. A
display device 5 (FIG. 1) formed of a liquid crystal display
element (LCD) is arranged in the window 50 for displaying the
measured body temperature and other information such as the
remaining battery amount and the waiting time before the
measurement. The window 50 is covered with a transparent plate 51
(FIG. 1).
[0041] The power switch 3 (FIG. 1) for turning on/off the power
supply is arranged on the front surface of the front casing member
22.
[0042] The measuring switch 4 (FIG. 2) is arranged in an upper
portion of the back casing member 23. The back casing member 23 is
fixed stationary to the front casing member 22 by, for example,
screws.
[0043] The lid member 24, which is detachably mounted to a lower
portion of the front casing member 22, is opened or closed when a
battery (not shown) is put into or renewed in a battery chamber
(not shown) formed within the clinical thermometer body.
[0044] Housed in the casing 21 are the body temperature detecting
section 9 as well as a micro computer (not shown) acting as a
control means, a buzzer, etc., which are mounted on a circuit
board. Incidentally, these members are omitted in FIGS. 3 to 6.
[0045] The probe 6 is mounted on the side of the front surface in
an upper portion of the clinical thermometer body 2. As shown in
FIG. 2 as well as in FIGS. 3 and 5, the probe 6 has a cylindrical
shape whose outer diameter is gradually diminished toward the
distal end. It is desirable for the outer circumferential portion
at the distal end of the probe 6 (edge portion) to be roundish in
view of the safety when the probe 6 is inserted into the earhole.
Arranged inside the probe 6 is a light guide (a wave guide), which
is not shown, for guiding the infrared rays (heat rays) introduced
from the opening 61 at the distal end to an infrared ray sensor,
e.g., a thermopile structure, included in the body temperature
detecting section 9. An annular convex portion 62 is formed on the
entire outer circumferential surface at the proximal end portion of
the probe 6. When the probe cover 10 described herein later is
mounted to the probe 6, an annular concave portion 15 formed in the
inner circumferential surface of the probe cover 10 is engaged with
the annular convex portion 62.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the probe cover 10 comprises a
cylindrical first portion (distal end portion) 11 covering the
probe 6 and a second portion (proximal end portion) 12 positioned
closer to the proximal end than the first portion 11 and having a
diameter larger than that of the first portion 11. In a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, a stepped portion 13 is formed
at the boundary region between the first portion (distal end
portion) 11 and the second portion (proximal end portion) 12.
[0047] The distal end portion 11 of the probe cover 10 is shaped
like a cylinder having the outer diameter and the inner diameter
that are gradually diminished toward the distal end to conform with
the outer shape of the probe 6. The opening at the distal end of
the distal end portion 11 is closed by a thin film 14. The thin
film 14 is capable of transmitting the infrared rays emitted from
within the ear.
[0048] An engaging section (fitting section) capable of engagement
(fitting) with the annular convex portion 62 formed in the outer
circumferential portion of the probe 6 is formed in the proximal
end portion, i.e., in the vicinity of the stepped portion 13, of
the distal end portion 11 of the probe cover 10. The engaging
section is formed of an annular concave portion (groove) 15 formed
in the inner circumferential surface 111 of the distal end portion
11. As described previously, the annular concave portion 15 is
engaged with the annular convex portion 62 formed in the probe 6
when the probe cover 10 is mounted to the probe 6, thereby fixing
the probe cover 10 to the probe 6 without fail. In this embodiment,
the distal end portion 11 in which the annular concave portion 15
is to be formed is made relatively thick by the injection molding,
etc. so as to form the annular concave portion 15 within the wall
of the distal end portion 11 without forming a projecting portion
on the outer circumferential portion of the distal end portion
11.
[0049] The annular concave portion 15 is formed over the entire
inner circumferential surface of the distal end portion 11.
Therefore, the annular concave portion 15 does not exhibit any
directivity in respect of the circumferential direction. In other
words, the annular concave portion 15 is capable of fitting with
the annular convex portion 62 in any desired rotating direction
(rotating angle) relative to the probe 6, thus making it possible
to perform the mounting operation of the probe cover 10 to the
probe 6.
[0050] Further, since the engaging section (annular convex portion
15) is formed in the distal end portion 11 of the probe cover 10,
the distance between the engaging section and the infrared ray
transmitting film 14 can be made shorter, compared with the case
where the engaging section is formed in the proximal end portion
12. Therefore, when the probe cover 10 is mounted to the probe 6,
the probe cover 10 abuts against the distal end of the probe 6. As
a result, where tension is applied to the infrared ray transmitting
film 14, it is possible to stretch the infrared ray transmitting
film 14 uniformly with sufficient tension. Naturally, wrinkles or
loosening does not take place in the infrared ray transmitting film
14 so as to permit the infrared rays to be transmitted uniformly
through the film 14.
[0051] It is possible to form a plurality of annular convex
portions 62 arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal
direction of the probe 6. It is also possible to form a plurality
of annular concave portions 15 in a manner to correspond to the
annular convex portions 62 in the distal end portion 11 of the
probe cover 10.
[0052] The proximal end portion 12 of the probe cover 10 is in the
form of a truncated cone. In other words, the outer diameter and
the inner diameter of the proximal end portion 12 are gradually
diminished toward the distal end in a manner to conform with the
outer shape of a probe cover abutting section or portion 71 of a
pushing member 70 described herein later in detail. The proximal
end of the proximal end portion 12 is open to form an opening 16,
and a flange 17 is formed along the outer circumferential portion
of the proximal end opening 16.
[0053] A plurality of projections 18 are formed along the
circumferential direction in the outer circumferential surface
(tapered surface) 121 of the proximal end portion 12 of the probe
cover 10. In this embodiment, four projections 18 of the same shape
are equidistantly formed, i.e., apart from each other by
90.degree., along the circumferential direction of the outer
circumferential surface 121 of the proximal end portion 12. Where a
large number of probe covers are superposed one upon the other for
preservation, the spacer (projection 18) serves to prevent the
adjacent probe covers from being tightly attached to each other,
making it possible to separate and take out the probe cover 10 one
by one without fail. It follows that the probe cover 10 can be
mounted to the probe 6 easily. It should also be noted that, since
the projection 18 protrudes outward from the outer circumferential
surface 121 of the proximal end portion 12, the projection 18 does
not abut against the outer circumferential surface of the probe
cover abutting section 71, with the result that, when the probe
cover 10 is mounted to the probe 6, the mounting is not inhibited
by the projection 18.
[0054] When the probe cover 10 is mounted to the probe 6, the inner
surface of the stepped portion 13 between the distal end portion 11
and the proximal end portion 12 of the probe cover 10 abuts against
a distal end surface 73 of the pushing member 7.
[0055] It is possible to form the infrared ray transmitting film 14
and the body portion (the distal end portion 11 and the proximal
end portion 12 including the stepped portion 13) by different
members. However, where these two portions are fused together or
integrally formed, it is desirable to form these two portions by
the same material. Therefore, it is desirable to use resin
materials capable of transmitting the infrared rays such as
polyethylene or polypropylene for forming these two portions. Also,
the thickness of the body portion including the distal end portion
11 and the proximal end portion 12 is suitably set to enable the
body portion to exhibit a sufficient hardness and a reasonable
flexibility such that the body portion can be engaged with and
detached from the probe 6.
[0056] Incidentally, the relative ratio of the thickness of the
infrared ray transmitting film 14 of the probe cover 10 to the size
of the entire probe cover 10, the relative ratio of the thickness
of the body portion of the probe cover 10 to the size of the entire
probe cover 10, and relative ratio of the depth of the concave
portion 15 of the probe cover 10 to the size of the entire probe
cover 10 are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.
[0057] The probe cover detaching mechanism will now be described in
detail. In principle, the probe cover detaching mechanism of the
present invention comprises an operating member to which is applied
an operating force for detaching the probe cover from the probe,
and a pushing member for pushing the probe cover toward the distal
end of the probe upon receipt of the operating force applied to the
operating member and transmitted from the operating member. The
operating member is joined to the pushing member via a mechanism
for changing the direction of the operating force applied to the
operating member by substantially 90.degree..
[0058] The probe cover detaching mechanism 7 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in
FIGS. 3 to 6, comprises a pushing member 70 abutting against the
proximal end portion 12 of the probe cover 10 and pushing the probe
cover 10 toward the distal end of the probe 6 and an operating
member 8 for moving the pushing member 70 in the axial direction of
the probe 6. In this embodiment, the pushing member 70 and the
operating member 8 are joined to each other via a cam mechanism
described herein later.
[0059] The pushing member 70 comprises the probe cover abutting
portion or section 71 abutting against the proximal end portion 12
of the probe cover 10 and a cylindrical portion or section 72
positioned closer to the proximal end than the probe cover abutting
portion 71. It is desirable for the probe cover abutting portion 71
and the cylindrical portion 72 to be formed integral in order to
decrease the number of parts forming the probe cover detaching
mechanism.
[0060] The probe cover abutting portion 71 is formed of a hollow
member substantially shaped like a truncated cone such that the
outer diameter of the hollow member is gradually diminished toward
the distal end, and is exposed from the outer front surface of the
casing 21. The proximal end portion of the probe 6 is inserted into
the probe cover abutting portion 71.
[0061] The distal end surface 73 of the probe cover abutting
portion 71 forms a substantially flat plane. When the probe cover
10 is fitted over the probe 6, the inner surface of the stepped
portion 13 of the probe cover 10 abuts against the distal end
surface 73 noted above. When the probe 6 covered with the probe
cover 10 is inserted into the earhole, the stepped portion 13 abuts
against the region in the vicinity of the entrance to the earhole
so as to regulate the insertion depth of the probe 6 into the
earhole at a predetermined depth. Therefore, the measuring error
caused by the change in the insertion depth of the probe 6 into the
earhole can be prevented so as to permit the body temperature to be
measured under optimum conditions. It is also possible to prevent
an inconvenience that damage is done to the deep portion of the ear
by the probe 6 excessively inserted into the earhole.
[0062] The cylindrical portion 72 of the pushing member 70 is
inserted into a circular opening 25 formed in an upper portion of
the front casing 22 so as to be positioned within the casing 21.
The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 72
included in the pushing member 70 is slidable along the inner
circumferential surface of the opening 25 so as to permit the
pushing member 70 to be moved in the axial direction of the probe
6.
[0063] The proximal end surface of the cylindrical portion 72 of
the pushing member 70 has a pair of projections 74 each having an
inclined surface 75 and each being shaped like substantially a
right-angled trapezoid and forming a cam mechanism.
[0064] On the other hand, the operating member 8 comprises a push
or press button 81 depressed in a direction denoted by an arrow A
in FIG. 6 by the operating force applied by, for example, a finger
and a deforming section 82 that is elastically deformed by the
depression of the push button 81. It is desirable for the push
button 81 and the deforming section 82 to be formed integrally in
order to decrease the number of parts of the probe cover detaching
mechanism.
[0065] The push button 81 protrudes outside the casing 21 through
an opening 28 formed within the upper end wall of the front casing
22.
[0066] As shown most clearly in FIGS. 4 and 6, the elastic
deforming section 82 is formed of a pair of elastically deformable
plate pieces 83 housed inside a cylindrical support member 26
arranged within the clinical thermometer body 2 and each bent in an
arcuate form. The upper ends of these plate pieces 83 are joined to
the lower surface of the push button 81 and, thus, the plate pieces
83 are made integral with the push button 81. Under the free state
that the operating force is not applied to the deforming section
82, the lower free ends of these two plate pieces 83 are positioned
a predetermined distance apart from each other. When the operating
force, i.e., force for depressing the push button 81, is applied to
the push button 81, the two plate pieces 83 are deformed to permit
the free lower ends thereof to abut against each other. If the
operating force is released, the elastic force (restoring force) of
the two plate pieces 83 brings the push button 81 back to the
original position.
[0067] An annular rib 27 projecting inward the support member 26 is
formed along the inner circumference of the support member 26 in
the proximal end portion of the support member 26 (see FIG. 3,
too). The proximal end surfaces of the two plate pieces 83 abut
against the side surface of the annular rib 27 so as to inhibit the
movement of the plate pieces 83 toward the proximal end.
[0068] The deforming section 82 (plate pieces 83) is arranged to
surround the temperature detecting section 9 or the optical guide
of the infrared rays ranging between the proximal end portion of
the probe 6 and the temperature detecting section 9 so as not to be
a hindrance to the arrangement of the temperature detecting section
9 or the optical guide of the infrared rays.
[0069] A recessed portion 84 forming a cam mechanism is formed in
the distal end surface of each of the plate pieces 83 (or front
side in each of FIGS. 4 and 6). The recessed portion 84 has a depth
substantially equal to the height of the right-angled trapezoidal
projection 74 formed in the cylindrical portion 72 of the pushing
member 70 and includes a tapered cam surface 85 formed in an upper
portion and mating with the inclined surface 75 of the cylindrical
portion 72.
[0070] The projection 74 formed in the cylindrical portion 72 of
the pushing member 70 is inserted into the corresponding recessed
portion 84 such that the inclined surface 75 is mated with the cam
surface 85 and the proximal end surface of the cylindrical portion
72 abuts against the distal end surface of the plate piece 83 so as
to achieve the engagement. If the push button 81 is depressed
downward as denoted by the arrow A in FIGS. 5 and 6, the two plate
pieces 83 are deformed so as to permit the cam surface 85 to be
moved downward. As a result, the projection 74 is slid along the
cam surface 85 via the inclined surface 75, thereby moving the
pushing member 70 toward the distal end as denoted by an arrow B in
FIG. 5. In other words, the projection 74 and the recessed portion
84 collectively form a cam mechanism for converting the
displacement of the deforming portion 82 caused by the operation of
the operating member 8 into the movement of the pushing member 70
toward the distal end.
[0071] As described above, in the probe cover detaching mechanism
7, the pushing direction of the push button 81 is substantially
perpendicular to the moving direction of the push member 70, making
it possible to mount the push button 81 in the upper end of the
clinical thermometer body 2. Therefore, the operating member 8 does
not occupy a large space on the backside of the probe 6 and, thus,
the measuring switch 4 can be mounted in the upper portion on the
back surface of the clinical thermometer body 2. As a result, these
plural functional members such the button and the switch can be
arranged in a concentrated fashion in the vicinity of the upper
portion of the clinical thermometer body 2, leading to a good
operability of the clinical thermometer. Also, since the probe
cover detaching mechanism 7 can be formed of the two members, i.e.,
the pushing member 70 and the operating member 8, the mechanism 7
is small in the number of parts used, is simple in construction,
necessitates a small mounting space, and can be assembled
easily.
[0072] The pushing member 70 can be formed of a general resin
material (high molecular compound material) such as an olefin-based
resin, a styrene-based resin or an acetal resin. Particularly, it
is desirable for the pushing member 70 to be formed of a resin
having a high sliding property, particularly, AES
(acrylonitrile-ethylene propylene rubber-styrene), which is a
styrene-based resin, or POM (polyoxymethylene), which is an acetal
resin.
[0073] Also, the operating member 8, particularly, the two plate
pieces 83, can be formed of a general resin material (high
molecular compound material) capable of having a spring action such
as an olefin-based resin, a styrene-based resin or an acetal resin.
Particularly, it is desirable to use POM, which is an acetal resin,
for forming the operating member 8.
[0074] It is also possible for the pushing member 70 and the
operating member 8 to be formed of metallic material such as iron
or an iron alloy, e.g., stainless steel, copper or a copper alloy,
aluminum or an aluminum alloy, titanium or a titanium alloy.
[0075] The support member 26 can be formed of a general resin
material (high molecular compound materials) such as an
olefin-based resin, a styrene-based resin or an acetal resin.
Particularly, it is desirable to form the support member 26
integrally with the front casing 22 by using an ABS resin, which is
a styrene-based resin generally used for various purposes.
[0076] How to use the ear type clinical thermometer 1 will now be
described.
[0077] In the first step, the ear type clinical thermometer 1 is
manually held and the probe 6 is inserted into the probe cover 10.
Under this condition, the probe cover 10 is depressed so as to
permit the annular concave portion 15 of the probe cover 10 to be
engaged with the annular convex portion 62 of the probe 6 so as to
mount and fix the probe cover 10 to the probe 6. In this case, the
probe cover 10 can be mounted and fixed without fail and with a
high stability by the engagement between the annular convex portion
62 and the annular concave portion 15. By the pushing force in the
step of mounting the probe cover 10, the pushing member 70 is
pushed toward the proximal end so as to be moved to the position
shown in FIG. 3.
[0078] Then, the operator turns on the power switch 3 of the ear
type clinical thermometer 1 and, a predetermined time later, holds
the clinical thermometer body 2 so as to push the probe 6 covered
with the probe cover 10 into the earhole of the subject. Then, the
measuring switch 4 is kept pushed for a predetermined time so as to
measure the body temperature. To be more specific, the infrared
rays (heat rays) radiated from the eardrum pass through the
infrared ray transmitting film 14 so as to be introduced into the
light guide. The infrared rays introduced into the light guide are
repeatedly reflected from the inner surface of the light guide so
as to irradiate the infrared ray sensor in the temperature
detecting section 9.
[0079] The signal corresponding to the intensity of the infrared
rays, which is generated from the temperature detecting section 9,
is supplied to a micro computer so as to permit a predetermined
arithmetic processing to be carried out within the micro computer
and, thus, to obtain the body temperature. The body temperature
thus obtained is displayed in the display section 5. After
completion of the body temperature measurement, a buzzer is buzzed
to indicate the completion of the body temperature measurement.
[0080] After completion of the body temperature measurement, the
probe 6 covered with the probe cover 10 is withdrawn out from the
earhole. It should be noted that, since the probe cover 10 is fixed
without fail to the probe 6, the inconvenience does not take place
that the probe cover 10 is released from the probe 6 so as to
remain within the earhole.
[0081] In the next step, the push button 81 is depressed downward
as denoted by the arrow A in FIGS. 5 and 6. As a result, the two
plate pieces 83 forming the deforming section 82 are deformed
(warped) to increase the curvature thereof so as to move downward
the cam surface 85. In accordance with the downward movement of the
cam surface 85, the inclined surface 75 of the projection 74 of the
cylindrical portion 72 slides along the cam surface 85 mated with
the inclined surface 75. As a result, the pushing member 70 is
pushed toward the distal end as denoted by the arrow B in FIG.
5.
[0082] By the movement of the pushing member 70, the probe cover
abutting portion 71 of the pushing member 70 pushes the proximal
end portion 12 and the stepped portion 13 of the probe cover 10 in
the same direction. As a result, the engagement between the annular
concave portion 15 of the probe cover 10 and the annular convex
portion 62 of the probe 6 is released, with the result that the
probe cover 10 is pushed toward the distal end and the used probe
cover 10 is detached from the probe 6. The used probe cover 10 thus
detached is disposed of as a waste material.
[0083] Incidentally, when the push button 8 is depressed downward,
the proximal end surfaces of the two plate pieces 83 are allowed to
abut against the annular rib 27 of the support member 26 and, thus,
the two plate pieces 83 are not moved toward the proximal end by
the reaction of the force for pushing the pushing member 70 toward
the distal end. It follows that the moving distance of the pushing
member 70 toward the distal end is maintained constant.
Incidentally, the downward movement of the push button 8 is limited
by the mutual abutment of the lower free ends of the two plate
pieces 83.
[0084] If the finger is released from the push button 81 so as to
release the depressing force, the push button 81 is brought back to
the original position by the elastic force (restoring force) of the
plate piece 83. To be more specific, the operating member 8 is
brought back to the original position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0085] For performing the next body temperature measurement, the
operations described above are repeated.
[0086] FIGS. 7 and 8 are partial oblique views collectively showing
another construction of a probe cover detaching mechanism 7'. The
probe cover detaching mechanism 7' shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is
substantially equal in the basic construction to the probe cover
detaching mechanism 7 described previously in detail with reference
to FIGS. 3 to 6, except that the probe cover detaching mechanism 7'
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 further comprises an auxiliary means 90 for
increasing the moving amount of the pushing member 70 toward the
distal end. The auxiliary means 90 is formed mainly of a cam
mechanism. The probe cover detaching mechanism 7' will now be
described with an emphasis put on the auxiliary means 90.
[0087] In the probe cover detaching mechanism 7', it is desirable
for a guide bar 95 extending from about the lower portion of the
cylindrical portion 72 of the pushing member 70 toward the plate
piece 83 to be formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 72.
That portion of the guide bar 95 which extends from the cylindrical
portion 72 has a thickness corresponding to the sum of the
thickness of the cylindrical portion 72 and the thickness of that
portion of the guide bar 95 which is positioned on the cylindrical
portion 72 and is inserted into a guide groove 96 and regulated by
the guide groove 96, as described herein later.
[0088] On the other hand, a pair of abutting portions 91 projecting
toward the pushing member 70 are formed in the annular rib 27
formed in the support member 26, which is not shown in FIGS. 7 and
8 for the sake of brevity. It is desirable for these abutting
portions 91 to be formed integrally with the annular rib 27. As
apparent from the drawings, the guide groove 96 into which the
guide bar 95 is inserted is defined between these abutting portions
91. The guide bar 95 is slidable along the guide groove 96 so as to
move the pushing member 70 in the same direction. Also, inclined
cam surfaces 92 are formed on the side surfaces of the abutting
portions 91 on the opposite sides of the guide groove 96.
[0089] The free lower end surfaces of the two plate pieces 83 are
positioned to face each other with the guide bar 95 interposed
therebetween and constitute inclined surfaces 94 inclined in the
direction same as the inclining direction of the corresponding cam
surface 92.
[0090] As shown in FIG. 7, under the state before depression of the
push button 81, e.g., the state shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
projections 74, each of which has the inclined surface 75, are
inserted into the corresponding recessed portions 84, and the
inclined surfaces 94 of the two plate pieces 83 are in contact with
or are positioned to face the cam surfaces 92 of the corresponding
abutting portions 91.
[0091] If the push button 81 is depressed under this condition in
the direction denoted by the arrow A in FIG. 6, the two plate
pieces 83 are deformed (warped) to increase the curvature thereof
so as to move downward the cam surface 85. In accordance with the
downward movement of the cam surface 85, the projection 74 mating
with the cam surface 85 is slid along the cam surface 85 via the
inclined surface 75 so as to push the pushing member 70 toward the
distal end. At the same time, the lower end portions of the two
plate pieces 83 are moved closer to each other such that the
inclined surfaces 94 at the lower free ends of the two plate pieces
83 are allowed to abut against the corresponding cam surfaces 92 so
as to be slid along the cam surfaces 92. As a result, the lower end
portions of the two plate pieces 83 are pushed toward the distal
end, and side surfaces 93 of the edge portions on the side of the
distal end of the two plate pieces 83 push the regions in the
vicinity of the guide bar 95 of the cylindrical portion 72 of the
pushing member 70 in the direction denoted by arrows in FIG. 8. In
accordance with the movement of the cylindrical portion 72 toward
the distal end, the guide bar 95 slides along the groove 96 while
regulating the movement of the cylindrical portion 72 in the
lateral direction. In this fashion, the pushing member 70 is pushed
toward the distal end by the auxiliary means 90 even in the
vicinity of the lower end portion so as to increase the moving
amount of the pushing member 70 toward the distal end.
[0092] The probe cover abutting portion 71 pushes the proximal end
portion 12 and the stepped portion 13 of the probe cover 10 in the
same direction in accordance with the movement of the pushing
member 70 toward the distal end, thereby releasing the engagement
between the concave portion 15 and the convex portion 62 and, thus,
pushing the probe cover 10 toward the distal end so as to detach
the probe cover 10 from the probe 6, as in the embodiment described
previously in conjunction with FIGS. 3 to 6.
[0093] Although the auxiliary means 90 has been described as being
constructed by a cam mechanism, the construction of the auxiliary
means is not limited to that shown in the drawings.
[0094] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the push button 81
is mounted to the upper end of the clinical thermometer body 2.
However, it is also possible to mount the push button 81 on, for
example, the right side surface (or left side surface) of the
clinical thermometer body 2 as shown in FIG. 9 such that the
depressing direction of the push button 81 is substantially
perpendicular to the moving direction of the pushing member 70.
[0095] As described above, the present invention provides a probe
cover detaching mechanism simple in construction, requiring a small
mounting space, and capable of easily detaching the probe cover
from the probe.
[0096] It should be noted in particular that the operating
direction of the operating member is substantially perpendicular to
the moving direction of the pushing member, making it possible to
mount the push button of the operating member in an edge portion of
the clinical thermometer body. As a result, the operating member
does not occupy a large space on the backside of the probe and,
thus, the particular space can be utilized effectively. For
example, it is possible to arrange the switches such as the
measuring switch on the back surface of the probe. Since a
plurality of members for operation such as a button and a switch
can be arranged in a concentrated fashion around the edge portion
of the clinical thermometer body, it is possible to obtain an
excellent operability.
[0097] It should also be noted that, since the probe cover
detaching mechanism can be formed of two members, i.e., the pushing
member and the operating member, the number of parts used is small
so as to contribute to the miniaturization of the mechanism and the
reduction of the manufacturing cost of the mechanism. In addition,
the probe cover detaching mechanism can be assembled easily.
[0098] Further, in the case of mounting the auxiliary member, the
moving amount of the pushing member can be increased so as to
further ensure the operation of detaching the probe cover.
[0099] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and
representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *