Detection device and method for manufacturing the detection device

Abstract

The present invention provides an outer cover structure, a detection device, and a method for manufacturing the detection device, and provides an outer cover structure that can reliably protect the detection part, a detection device having the outer cover structure, and a method for manufacturing the detection device. The detection device 1 of the present invention comprises: a temperature sensor (4) for detecting the temperature of a human eardrum; a support member (2) including a columnar portion (11) at the front end (11a) of which the temperature sensor (4) is mounted; an outer cover (8) covering the temperature sensor (4); and a heat shrinkable tube (10) that is tightly attached to the peripheral wall (8a) of the outer cover (8) and the side surface (11b) of the columnar portion (11) in a shrunken state after heating.

Description

[0001] References to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2019-172667 and 2019-172167, and the entirety of the specifications, claims, abstracts, and drawings of these Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 2019-172667 and 2019-172167 are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to, for example, a housing structure, a detection device, and a method for manufacturing the detection device. Background Art

[0004] In the past, a known eardrum thermometer includes a probe inserted into the external auditory canal of a human ear and a sensor element provided near the tip of the probe facing the eardrum (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-340681). The sensor element detects infrared radiation radiated from near the eardrum.

[0005] According to the above-mentioned conventional tympanic membrane thermometer, since the sensor element is inserted and arranged in the external auditory canal, it is inevitable that earwax and moisture will adhere to the sensor element. Therefore, rust may be generated on a part of the sensor element, resulting in wiring short circuit or wiring disconnection, and harmful substances such as verdigris may be generated. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a cover structure capable of reliably protecting a target portion, a detection device including the cover structure, and a method for manufacturing the detection device.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a cover structure comprising: a cover that covers a target portion; and a contact portion that contacts closely with a support portion that supports the target portion and the cover by shrinking.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides a detection device, comprising: the above-mentioned housing structure; the support portion; and a detection portion for detecting biological information of a living being as the target portion.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a detection device, characterized in that it includes the following steps: providing a detection unit for detecting object information on a support unit; covering the detection unit with an outer cover; in a state where the detection unit is covered with the outer cover, configuring a close-fitting unit so that it overlaps with the outer cover and the support unit; and making the close-fitting unit close to the outer cover and the support unit by shrinking the close-fitting unit that is configured to overlap with the outer cover and the support unit.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a cover structure that can reliably protect a detection unit, a detection device having the cover structure, and a method for manufacturing the detection device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the main part of the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 Cut along F2-F2 Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure.

[0014] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 A partially enlarged perspective view of the step difference between the heat shrink tube and the supporting member.

[0015] Figure 4 is used for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view illustrating a method for manufacturing the detection device is also provided.

[0016] Figure 5 is used for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view illustrating a method for manufacturing the detection device is also provided.

[0017] Figure 6A to Figure 6C It is used to illustrate Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a method for manufacturing a cover.

[0018] Figure 7 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a modified example of forming a thin-walled portion of the outer cover.

[0019] Figure 8 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing other modified examples of the outer cover.

[0020] Fig. 9 This is a perspective view showing a state in which an ear-type thermometer, which is a detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, is mounted on the ear of a subject.

[0021] Fig.10 It is a side view showing the ear thermometer.

[0022] Fig.11 It is a front view showing the ear thermometer.

[0023] Fig.12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a body temperature sensor incorporated into the ear-type thermometer.

[0024] Fig.13This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the relationship between the eardrum, the sensor cover, and the infrared temperature sensor in the ear-type thermometer.

[0025] Fig.14 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the relationship between the eardrum, the sensor cover, and the infrared temperature sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0027] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the detection device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a support member 2 (support part), a temperature sensor 4 (target part, detection part), a flexible printed circuit board 6 (hereinafter referred to as FPC6), a cover 8 and a heat shrink tube 10 (close contact part). The detection device 1 includes a housing (not shown) that accommodates the above-mentioned components 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. On the side of the cover 8 that faces the detection target (not shown in the figure, the eardrum of a human ear in this embodiment), objects such as the housing and the heat shrink tube 10 are not provided.

[0028] The supporting member 2 includes a columnar portion 11, which includes metal, resin, etc. The columnar portion 11 can be set as a columnar body with a D-shaped cross section in addition to a circular column or a square column. In the present embodiment, the columnar portion 11 is set as a roughly square column, and its four edges are set to be rounded. The shape of the columnar portion 11 can be arbitrarily selected as long as it is thick and shaped enough to pass through the external auditory canal of a human ear. The other parts of the supporting member 2 can be any shape that can be accommodated in a shell (not shown) of a shape that matches the shape of the ear equipped with the detection device 1.

[0029] The temperature sensor 4 is mounted on the surface of the FPC 6. The FPC 6 is mounted on the front end 11a of the columnar portion 11 with the reinforcing plate 13 interposed therebetween. In other words, the temperature sensor 4 is mounted on the front end 11a of the columnar portion 11 with the FPC 6 and the reinforcing plate 13 interposed therebetween. A printed wiring (wiring pattern of copper foil) not shown is provided on the surface of the FPC 6, and the temperature sensor 4 is electrically connected to the printed wiring by solder.

[0030] The temperature sensor 4 is, for example, a thermopile, a bolometer, etc., and detects infrared rays radiated from the detection object in a non-contact manner and converts them into a voltage. Specifically, the temperature sensor 4 has a light receiving surface 4a, and receives infrared rays from the detection object on the light receiving surface 4a, thereby detecting infrared rays. The detection device 1 has a control unit CP electrically connected to the FPC6, and the control unit CP measures (calculates) the temperature of the detection object based on the intensity of infrared rays detected by the temperature sensor 4, and displays the measurement result through a display unit not shown. The control unit CP, for example, has an I / O interface, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The temperature of the detection object in this case is calculated by correcting the intensity of infrared rays detected by the temperature sensor 4 based on the infrared attenuation rate pre-stored in the ROM. When the temperature sensor 4 is manufactured, the infrared attenuation rate is set by obtaining the infrared transmission attenuation based on the cover 8 when the cover 8 is installed on the temperature sensor 4.

[0031] The FPC 6 on which the temperature sensor 4 is mounted is bent into an L shape and attached to the side 11b of the columnar portion 11 via the adhesive member 12. The adhesive member 12 can be divided into the side 11b and the front end 11a of the columnar portion 11. The adhesive member 12 provided at the front end 11a adheres the reinforcing plate 13 to the front end 11a. The reinforcing plate 13 is provided at a position opposite to the temperature sensor 4. The back surface of the FPC 6 and the reinforcing plate 13 are fixed by an adhesive agent or the like not shown in the figure.

[0032] The outer cover 8 includes a material that can transmit infrared rays. In the present embodiment, the outer cover 8 integrally includes: a peripheral wall 8a that is approximately rectangular and cylindrical and is one size larger than the columnar portion 11 of the support member 2; and a top wall 8b that is approximately rectangular and plate-shaped and blocks one end of the peripheral wall 8a in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the outer cover 8 is formed of polyethylene, and at least the thickness of the top wall 8b is set within a range of 50 μm to 300 μm. As a material for the outer cover 8, polypropylene can also be used instead of polyethylene. In addition, as a material that can transmit infrared rays well, there are single crystals of silicon, crystals of germanium, and the like.

[0033] When polyethylene is used as the material of the outer cover 8, the outer cover 8 can be easily processed at a lower temperature than when polypropylene is used during hot pressing. In addition, polyethylene is a more common material as an outer cover material than polypropylene. Therefore, when polyethylene is used as the material of the outer cover 8, the outer cover 8 can be formed at a lower cost than when polypropylene is used. On the other hand, polypropylene has a higher softening temperature than polyethylene, so it is useful when used as the material of the outer cover 8 in a situation such as using the temperature sensor 4 at a high temperature.

[0034] The cover 8 is placed on the front end 11a of the columnar portion 11 of the support member 2 in such a manner that the back of the top wall 8b faces the light receiving surface 4a on the detection object side of the temperature sensor 4, thereby covering the temperature sensor 4. In the present embodiment, the cover 8 is mounted on the front end 11a of the columnar portion 11 by making the back of the top wall 8b of the cover 8 contact (closely contact) with the light receiving surface 4a of the temperature sensor 4, but a gap may be provided between the temperature sensor 4 (light receiving surface 4a) and the top wall 8b of the cover 8. In this way, by closely contacting the light receiving surface 4a and the cover 8, the mutually closely contacted parts of the two 4a and 8 become isothermal. In any case, the cover 8 covers the entire temperature sensor 4, and covers a part of the front end 11a side of the columnar portion 11 and a part of the FPC 6. An annular seal 14 made of a resin or the like having heat softening properties is provided between the annular edge 8c on the opposite side of the top wall 8b of the cover 8 and the side 11b of the columnar portion 11.

[0035] The heat shrinkable tube 10 is formed of a heat shrinkable material including polyethylene into a cylindrical shape that is slightly larger than the peripheral wall 8a of the outer cover 8. The length of the heat shrinkable tube 10 along the axial direction is substantially the same as the length of the columnar portion 11. The heat shrinkable tube 10 is installed to cover at least the outer side of the peripheral wall 8a of the outer cover 8 so as to overlap with the edge 8c of the outer cover 8 (and the seal 14). In other words, the heat shrinkable tube 10 is closely attached to and overlaps with the portion of the outer cover 8 (i.e., the peripheral wall 8a) other than the top wall 8b of the outer cover 8 disposed between the temperature sensor 4 and the detection object. In the state of shrinkage after heating, the heat shrinkable tube 10 is closely attached to the side surface 11b (outer peripheral surface) of the columnar portion 11, the peripheral wall 8a of the outer cover 8, the edge 8c of the outer cover 8, and the FPC 6.

[0036] An annular seal 15 ( Figure 1 The seal 15 is sealed so that moisture will not Figure 3 As shown, the light penetrates through the step 16 between the FPC 6 attached to the side surface 11 b of the columnar portion 11 and the side surface 11 b of the columnar portion 11 . Figure 3The heat shrink tube 10 is shown in a state before shrinkage. The seal 15 may be provided at least at a position to block the step 16, and does not necessarily need to be provided in a ring shape. The seal 15 is, for example, a resin having thermal softening properties.

[0037] In this and Figure 2 Reference together Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 , to illustrate the assembly method of the detection device 1.

[0038] When assembling the detection device 1 of the above structure, first, the FPC 6 with the temperature sensor 4 installed is attached to the front end 11a and the side 11b of the columnar portion 11 of the support member 2 via the adhesive member 12. At this time, the FPC 6 only needs to be temporarily fixed to the columnar portion 11, and the adhesive member 12 can be, for example, a double-sided tape. In addition, at this time, the reinforcing plate 13 is installed between the FPC 6 and the front end 11a of the columnar portion 11.

[0039] Then, the outer cover 8 is put on so as to cover the temperature sensor 4, and the seal 14 is provided between the edge 8c of the outer cover 8 and the side 11b of the columnar portion 11. Furthermore, the heat shrink tube 10 is arranged to overlap the outer side of the peripheral wall 8a of the outer cover 8 so that the heat shrink tube 10 overlaps at least the outer side of the edge 8c of the outer cover 8 (and the seal 14). Then, the heat shrink tube 10 is placed along the lower edge 10a ( Figure 2 ) The seal 15 is provided in an annular shape. Figure 4 Shown.

[0040] from Figure 4 The heat shrink tube 10 is heated to shrink and soften, and the heat shrink tube 10 is brought into close contact with the side 11b of the columnar portion 11 of the support member 2, the FPC 6, the peripheral wall 8a of the outer cover 8, the edge 8c and the seal 14. Figure 5 Shown.

[0041] Furthermore, due to the heating of the heat shrink tube 10, the outer cover 8 is also heated and softened, and the heat shrink tube 10 further shrinks, so that the outer cover 8 (peripheral wall 8a, edge 8c) is closely attached to the side surface 11b of the columnar portion 11 and the FPC 6, and the adhesion at the interface between the outer cover 8 and the heat shrink tube 10 is improved. Figure 2 In this embodiment, since the outer cover 8 and the heat shrinkable tube 10 are formed of a material containing polyethylene, the materials have good affinity with each other, and the outer cover 8 and the heat shrinkable tube 10 can be brought into close contact with each other.

[0042] In addition, when the heat shrink tube 10 is heated, the heat-softening sealants 14 and 15 are also softened, the gap between the edge 8c of the outer cover 8 and the side 11b of the columnar portion 11 is sealed, and the gap between the lower end edge 10a of the heat shrink tube 10 and the side 11b of the columnar portion 11 is sealed, and the step 16 between the FPC 6 is buried.

[0043] This can reliably protect the temperature sensor 4, prevent the printed wiring and solder of the FPC 6 from being rusted due to moisture or the like, and prevent the wiring from being disconnected or short-circuited.

[0044] In fact, since the seal 15 is located outside the external auditory canal, it is a portion with a relatively low risk of water intrusion. Therefore, the seal 15 is not a necessary structure for the present invention. Similarly, the seal 14 is not a necessary structure for the present invention. In addition, since the FPC 6 is strongly pressed (tightened) by the side 11b of the columnar portion 11 due to the shrinkage of the heat shrink tube 10, the bonding of the FPC 6 to the columnar portion 11 based on the bonding member 12 is only temporary fixing, and the bonding member 12 can be omitted according to the situation.

[0045] In addition, in order to waterproof the printed wiring and solder, a method of applying an adhesive or the like on the surface of the FPC 6 is also considered. However, since it is difficult to manage the shape of the temperature sensor 4, there is a possibility that the adhesive adheres to the light receiving part (light receiving surface 4a) of the temperature sensor 4, making it difficult to stabilize the quality. In addition, it is difficult to make the adhesive coating thick and the coating position fixed, and it is difficult to ensure the reliability of waterproofing. Therefore, it is unrealistic to adopt a waterproofing method of directly applying an adhesive on the surface of the FPC 6.

[0046] However, the detection device 1 of this embodiment is an eardrum thermometer that measures the body temperature of a person by inserting the columnar portion 11 into the external auditory canal of the ear. In this case, the biological information is the body temperature of the person, and the detection object is the eardrum located on the inner side of the external auditory canal and the skin around it. The temperature sensor 4 detects far infrared rays with a wavelength of about 10 μm emitted from the eardrum and its surroundings in a non-contact manner. When the temperature of the detection object is about the body temperature of a person, the wavelength of the detected infrared rays is about 10 μm.

[0047] Therefore, the cover 8 covering the temperature sensor 4 needs to transmit far infrared rays having a wavelength of about 10 μm well. In the present embodiment, since the cover 8 is formed of polyethylene that transmits infrared rays, in order to sufficiently increase the transmittance of infrared rays and maintain sufficient mechanical strength of the cover 8, the thickness of at least the top wall 8b of the cover 8 is set within a range of 50 μm to 300 μm. The thickness of the top wall 8b of the cover 8 is preferably 50 μm or more in order to give the cover 8 a certain mechanical strength, and is preferably 300 μm or less in order to ensure sufficient transmittance of infrared rays required for temperature detection.

[0048] By providing the above-mentioned outer cover 8, the temperature sensor 4 can be reliably protected, and on this basis, infrared rays can be detected by the temperature sensor 4. In addition, according to this embodiment, since the waterproof reliability of the temperature sensor 4 can be improved, the temperature sensor 4 can be installed at the front end 11a of the columnar part 11, and the temperature sensor 4 can be arranged near the eardrum, which can further improve the detection sensitivity of the temperature sensor 4.

[0049] However, it is not easy to manufacture the outer cover 8 having the top wall 8b of the above thickness using polyethylene. For example, when the outer cover 8 is manufactured by injection molding, the thickness of the outer cover 8 is limited to about 500 μm and cannot be thinner. Therefore, in this embodiment, the outer cover 8 of the above thickness is manufactured by heat pressing such as vacuum forming or pressure forming by applying heat to a thin sheet of polyethylene and extruding it.

[0050] Here, reference Figure 6A to Figure 6C An example of a method for manufacturing the outer cover 8 will be briefly described.

[0051] When manufacturing the outer cover 8, first Fig. 6A As shown in the figure, a polyethylene sheet S having a thickness of about 0.2 mm is arranged between a male mold 22 having a rectangular columnar convex portion 21 and a female mold 24 having a rectangular concave portion 23 having a larger cross section than the convex portion 21. Next, in this state, as shown in FIG. Figure 6B As shown, the polyethylene sheet S is sandwiched between the male die 22 and the female die 24 and pressed by heat pressing. Thus, a bottomed cylindrical portion 25 having the same outer shape as the recessed portion 23 of the female die 24 is formed on the polyethylene sheet S.

[0052] Then as Figure 6C As shown in the figure, the outer cover 8 can be obtained by cutting the side surface of the cylindrical portion 25 in the direction of the arrow in the figure. In this case, if the portion of the polyethylene sheet S that is continuous with the edge of the cylindrical portion 25 is cut, a flange (not shown) will be formed at the edge of the outer cover 8, and when the heat shrink tube 10 is covered, the heat shrink tube 10 can no longer be properly attached to the outer cover 8. Therefore, in this embodiment, the side surface of the cylindrical portion 25 is cut to improve the adhesion with the heat shrink tube 10.

[0053] As described above, according to the present embodiment, by forming the outer cover 8 by heat pressing the polyethylene sheet S, the outer cover 8 having a desired thickness can be obtained.

[0054] From the viewpoint of waterproofing, it is desirable to make the outer cover 8 sufficiently long in the axial direction so that the substantially entire length of the columnar portion 11 is covered by the outer cover 8. However, in the above-mentioned hot pressing, the cylindrical peripheral wall 8a of the outer cover 8 can only be extended to the length of one side of the top wall 8b. Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the outer cover 8 having a waterproof function and an infrared transmission function, a heat shrink tube 10 is used to make up for the length of the outer cover 8.

[0055] In addition, the thickness of the top wall 8b of the outer cover 8 is related to the amount of infrared light transmitted, so it is desirable to form a fixed thickness without individual differences. However, in the method of extruding the polyethylene sheet S by the above-mentioned hot press, there is a possibility that a slight deviation occurs in the thickness of the top wall 8b. If there is a deviation in the thickness of the top wall 8b, there will be a deviation in the infrared detection sensitivity of the temperature sensor 4.

[0056] Therefore, Figure 7 As shown in the modified example, it is conceivable to provide protrusions 35 and 36 for partially reducing the thickness of the top wall 8b in the die for extruding the polyethylene sheet S. That is, the protrusion 35 may be provided at the top 31a of the convex part 31 of the convex die 32, and the protrusion 36 may be provided at the bottom 33a of the concave part 33 of the concave die 34 opposite to the protrusion 35, so that the wall thickness of the polyethylene sheet S between the two protrusions 35 and 36 is thinner than the wall thickness of other parts.

[0057] Thus, the thickness of the sheet of the thinned portion S' can be controlled to a desired thickness, and the detection sensitivity of the temperature sensor 4 can be fixed. In addition, by providing the thin-walled portion S' in the cover 8, the amount of infrared light transmitted through the portion can be increased, and the infrared light detection sensitivity of the temperature sensor 4 can be improved accordingly.

[0058] In addition, instead of thinning a portion of the top wall 8b of the outer cover 8 as in the above-mentioned modification, Figure 8It is also effective to make the top wall 8b thinner than the peripheral wall 8a as in the other modified examples shown. The cover 8 in which the thickness of the top wall 8b is made thinner than the thickness of the peripheral wall 8a can be manufactured by adjusting the height of the convex portion 31 of the convex mold 32 and the depth of the concave portion 33 of the concave mold 34. That is, according to this modified example, not only can the thickness of the top wall 8b of the cover 8 be made to be 50μm to 300μm, which is easy to transmit infrared rays, but also the thickness of the peripheral wall 8a can be made thicker than 300μm. In this case, not only can infrared rays be transmitted well, but the mechanical rigidity of the cover 8 can also be improved to a desired degree, and the mounting strength of the cover 8 to the columnar portion 11 of the support member 2 can be improved.

[0059] As described above, according to the detection device 1 involved in this embodiment, in order to cover the temperature sensor 4 provided on the support member 2, the outer cover 8 formed by the extrusion process based on the heat pressing of the thin polyethylene sheet is installed, and the infrared rays radiated from the vicinity of the eardrum can be transmitted so as to detect at the temperature sensor 4, and the temperature sensor 4 can be surely protected. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent earwax and moisture from adhering to the temperature sensor 4, and it is possible to prevent the undesirable situation that rust is generated in the printed wiring and solder of the FPC 6 on which the temperature sensor 4 is installed.

[0060] In addition, according to this embodiment, the temperature sensor 4 can be mounted on the front end 11a of the columnar portion 11 of the support member 2, so that the temperature sensor 4 can be arranged close to the eardrum to be detected and the skin around it, and the detection sensitivity of the temperature sensor 4 can be improved. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the temperature sensor 4 can be waterproofed reliably, the detection device 1 can be continuously mounted on the ear for a long time and used, and the body temperature of a person can be continuously and accurately measured.

[0061] According to the present embodiment, the polyethylene (or polypropylene) outer cover 8 is known as a difficult-to-bond material, and the outer cover 8 can be appropriately fixed to the support member 2 by the heat shrink tube 10 being closely attached to the outer cover 8 and the support member 2 .

[0062] In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the heat shrink tube 10 is shrunk and closely attached to the outer cover 8 and the supporting member 2, the cross-sectional dimensions of the probe inserted into the external auditory canal, including the columnar portion 11, the FPC 6, the outer cover 8, and the heat shrink tube 10, can be reduced. Therefore, the probe can be easily inserted into the external auditory canal, the temperature sensor 4 can be reliably inserted into the inner side of the external auditory canal, and the detection accuracy can be improved.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the outer cover 8 (top wall 8b) is in close contact with the light receiving surface 4a of the temperature sensor 4, the mutually close contact parts of the two 8 and 4a become isothermal, so infrared radiation will not be generated between the temperature sensor 4 and the outer cover 8, and thus the infrared energy will not change during use. Therefore, unlike the case of the sensor disclosed in the Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-94533, real-time correction is not required while detecting the temperature of the outer cover 8. Therefore, a sensor for detecting the temperature of the outer cover 8 is no longer required, which can be conducive to miniaturization and power saving. In addition, since the correction algorithm is also simplified in the control unit CP, memory reduction, processing speed improvement, and development period reduction can be achieved. Therefore, cost reduction can be achieved in the entire detection device 1.

[0064] As mentioned above, the present invention has been described based on the first embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned first embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0065] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the present invention is applied to the detection device 1 that is mounted on a human ear to measure body temperature. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a device that inserts a probe into a human body to detect biological information other than body temperature (such as pulse, etc.), a device that detects biological information of a living being other than a human, etc. In addition, the present invention can be applied to a housing structure that protects a human sensor of an air conditioner, a sensor portion of a human sensor of a bathroom lighting, a thermometer that detects water temperature and oil temperature provided in an IR cooker, etc., a sensor portion of an ultraviolet light receiving amount sensor for outdoor jogging, sea bathing, etc., a sensor portion of a deep temperature sensor of the soil, an illuminometer using visible light, a sensor portion of a sensor that detects ultraviolet radiation from a flame when a fire occurs, etc., and a housing structure that protects other appropriate objects.

[0066] In the first embodiment described above, the case where the outer cover 8 is manufactured by processing a polyethylene sheet is described, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the outer cover 8 may be formed of polypropylene that transmits infrared rays. In addition, when the biological information to be detected is not body temperature, a material that can detect biological information at the detection part may be appropriately selected to form the outer cover having a certain thickness. In either case, the heat shrinkable tube 10 is brought into close contact with the support member 2 and the outer cover 8 for protection of the detection part, so that the edge 8c of the outer cover 8 is brought into close contact with the side 11b of the columnar part 11.

[0067] In the first embodiment described above, the cover 8 is formed of a relatively thin polyethylene sheet, and the cover 8 is deformed as the heat shrink tube 10 shrinks, so that the cover 8 is closely attached to the side surface 11b of the columnar portion 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cover 8 may be formed of a rigid body that can transmit infrared rays, and the gap between the cover 8 and the columnar portion 11 may be covered with the heat shrink tube 10. That is, regardless of the material and hardness of the cover 8, the heat shrink tube 10 that shrinks by heat is closely attached to both the cover 8 and the columnar portion 11, so that the internal space of the cover 8 can be airtightly sealed.

[0068] In addition, in the first embodiment described above, the heat shrink tube 10 that is in close contact with the outer cover 8 and the columnar portion 11 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a heat shrink member having a C-shaped or U-shaped cross section may also be used. In addition, in the first embodiment described above, the heat shrink tube 10 is in close contact with the outer cover 8 and the columnar portion 11, but the support portion in the present invention further includes the FPC 6, and the airtightness of the outer cover 8 is maintained by making the heat shrink tube 10 and the FPC 6 in close contact.

[0069] In addition, a normal temperature shrink tube that shrinks at room temperature without heating may be used instead of the heat shrink tube 10. The normal temperature shrink tube includes a core material that suppresses the shrinkage of the tube from the inside and a tubular shrinking member containing an elastic member. The normal temperature shrink tube is arranged on the outside of the core material in a state where the shrinking member is stretched from the inside to the outside in the radial direction. During construction, a columnar portion 11 and an outer cover 8 to be covered are arranged inside the core material, and the core material is removed to shrink the shrinking member. Thus, the shrinking member is installed so as to span the columnar portion 11 and the outer cover 8.

[0070] Next, refer to Figures 9 to 14 An ear-type thermometer 110 as a detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 9 1 is a perspective view showing a state where an ear thermometer 110 is mounted on the ear E of a subject. Fig.10 1 is a side view showing the ear-type thermometer 110. Fig.11 1 is a front view showing an ear-type thermometer 110. Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view showing a sensor device 140 incorporated into an ear-type thermometer 110, Fig.13 14 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the relationship between the eardrum K, the sensor cover 143 and the infrared temperature sensor 142 in the ear-type thermometer 110. Fig.13 UR1 stands for infrared.

[0071] The ear thermometer 110 includes a device body 120 , an inserting body (housing) 130 protruding from the device body 120 and inserted into the external auditory canal of the ear E, and a sensor device 140 attached to the front end of the inserting body 130 .

[0072] The device body 120 is formed to be sufficiently larger than the external auditory canal, and is shaped so as to be locked with the auricle and the cavum conchae by the positional relationship with the insertion body 130 inserted into the external auditory canal. In addition, the control unit 1100 and the battery (power source) 1110 for supplying power to the control unit 1100 and the sensor device 140 are stored inside the device body 120.

[0073] The inserting body 130 includes: an earplug cover 131 formed in a truncated cone shape with the front end side tapered compared to the base end side so as to facilitate insertion into the external auditory canal and reach the eardrum K; a light receiving portion 131a provided at the front end of the earplug cover 131; and an insertion hole 132 into which the sensor device 140 is inserted. The earplug cover 131 is formed of a soft material (such as silicone rubber) that is highly safe when in contact with the human body.

[0074] The sensor device 140 includes a cylindrical housing 141. A pair of leaf springs 141a are attached to the housing 141. When inserted into the insertion hole 132, the leaf springs 141a expand due to their elastic force, thereby fixing the housing 141 inside the insertion hole 132.

[0075] An infrared temperature sensor 142 is mounted on the front end of the housing 141, with its light receiving surface 142a facing Fig.12 The sensor cover 143 made of polyethylene is installed in front of the infrared temperature sensor 142. The thickness of the sensor cover 143 is 50 μm to 300 μm. If it is less than 50 μm, the strength is insufficient. If it exceeds 300 μm, the infrared attenuation amount becomes large and the measurement accuracy decreases. The thickness of the sensor cover 143 is correctly set, and the infrared attenuation rate is calculated by a known calculation formula. The calculated infrared attenuation rate is stored in the control unit 1100.

[0076] The sensor cover 143 covers the entire light receiving surface 142a of the infrared temperature sensor 142, and the peripheral portion is bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 141 with a heat conductive adhesive, or as described in the first embodiment, is fixed by pressing the side surface with a heat shrink tube or the like. The output terminal of the infrared temperature sensor 142 is connected to the control unit 1100 housed in the device body 120 using a flexible substrate, a lead wire, or the like.

[0077] The light receiving surface 142a of the infrared temperature sensor 142 and the sensor cover 143 are in close contact with each other without forming any gap, and the respective close contact portions are isothermal.

[0078] The ear thermometer 110 thus constructed is used as follows. That is, when the power supply of the ear thermometer 110 is turned on, power is supplied from the battery 1110 to the control unit 1100. The infrared temperature sensor 142 connected to the control unit 1100 is activated to measure the infrared intensity input to the infrared temperature sensor 142. The measured infrared intensity is output as a detection signal and input to the control unit 1100. The detection signal is input to the processor after amplification and A / D conversion by the control unit 1100. Here, correction is performed based on the pre-stored infrared attenuation rate, and a temperature signal is output.

[0079] At this time, if Fig.13 As shown in the figure, after the infrared ray UR1 is incident, since no infrared radiation is generated between the infrared temperature sensor 142 and the sensor cover 143, no change in infrared energy is generated during use. Therefore, it is not necessary to detect the temperature of the sensor cover 143 and make a real-time correction. Therefore, the processor outputs the correction based on the infrared attenuation rate as a temperature signal. The temperature signal is stored in a memory or the like in the control unit 1100, and then displayed and sent to the outside.

[0080] According to the ear-type thermometer 110 thus constructed, if the correction setting of the transmission attenuation is initially performed (during manufacturing, etc.) in the state where the sensor cover 143 is installed, it is not necessary to perform real-time correction while detecting the temperature of the sensor cover 143. Therefore, a sensor for detecting the temperature of the sensor cover 143 is no longer required, which can contribute to miniaturization and power saving. In addition, since the correction algorithm is also simplified in the control unit 1100, it is possible to reduce memory, improve processing speed, and reduce development time. Therefore, cost reduction can also be achieved in the entire ear-type thermometer 110.

[0081] In addition, the sensor cover 143 can be made of polyethylene which is cheap and easy to mold, and the waterproof and antifouling functions of the infrared temperature sensor 142 can be maintained. Even if the sensor cover 143 is provided, sufficient measurement performance can be maintained as a thermometer.

[0082] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the second embodiment described above. For example, in the above example, a polyethylene member is illustrated as the sensor cover, but as long as it has infrared transmittance and its transmittance is determined, it can also be other resin members or glass members. In addition, it is of course possible to implement the modified embodiment within the scope of the gist of the present invention. In addition, it is of course possible to appropriately apply the above-mentioned variations of the first embodiment to the second embodiment.

[0083] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is intended to be included in the invention described in the scope of the claims and the scope of equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A detection device, characterized in that: have: An outer cover covering a detection portion for detecting a body temperature of a living being; A support portion including a columnar portion at the front end of which the detection portion is mounted, supporting the detection portion; and a close contact portion that is in close contact with the support portion and the edge of the outer cover by shrinking, so that the close contact portion is not provided at a portion of the outer cover that faces a detection surface of the detection portion, The outer cover and the clinging part are formed of a material containing polyethylene or polypropylene. The close contact portion is formed into a cylindrical shape surrounding the edge of the outer cover from the outside, and the edge of the outer cover is brought into close contact with the support portion by shrinking. Due to the heating of the close contact portion, the cover is also heated and softened, thereby coming into close contact with the edge of the support portion.

2. The detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover covers the detection portion and a portion of the support portion on the detection portion side.

3. The detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection unit and the support unit are inserted into the external auditory canal of the living being in detecting the body temperature of the living being.

4. The detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection unit is a temperature sensor that detects infrared radiation radiated from the detection object of the living being as the body temperature of the living being, The cover is formed of a material that transmits the infrared rays.

5. The detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cover and the temperature sensor are in close contact with each other so that their respective contact portions become isothermal.

6. The detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The detection object is the eardrum of the organism and the surrounding skin.

7. The detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer cover has a thickness of 50 μm to 300 μm.

8. The detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer cover covers the temperature sensor and a front end of the columnar portion.

9. The detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cover has at least a portion covering the temperature sensor that is thinner than a portion disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the columnar portion.

10. The detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The close contact portion is in close contact with a portion of the cover other than a portion of the cover located between the temperature sensor and the detection object.

11. A method for manufacturing a detection device, characterized in that: The process includes the following: The detection part for detecting the body temperature of the living being is provided at the front end of the columnar part included in the support part; covering the detection portion with an outer cover; In a state where the detection portion is covered by the outer cover, a close contact portion is arranged so as to overlap with the outer cover and the support portion; The close contact portion is made to be in close contact with the edge of the outer cover and the support portion by shrinking the close contact portion that is arranged to overlap with the outer cover and the support portion, so that the close contact portion is not provided at a portion of the outer cover that is opposite to a detection surface of the detection portion. The outer cover and the clinging part are formed of a material containing polyethylene or polypropylene. The close contact portion is formed into a cylindrical shape surrounding the edge of the outer cover from the outside, and the edge of the outer cover is brought into close contact with the support portion by shrinking. Due to the heating of the close contact portion, the cover is also heated and softened, thereby coming into close contact with the edge of the support portion.

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