Temperature sensor unit and body thermometer

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a temperature sensor unit and an internal thermometer that can be manufactured at low cost. The temperature sensor unit (1) is used to measure the deep body temperature Ti as the internal body temperature of the subject. The temperature sensor unit (1) has a first to a fourth temperature sensor (111 to 114) for measuring the body surface temperature of the subject on the measuring surface side facing the body surface of the subject. In the first and second temperature sensors (111, 112), a first thermal resistor (121) is provided only on the measuring surface side of the first temperature sensor (111). The first temperature sensor (111) and the second temperature sensor (112) are arranged close to each other so that the temperature T2' on the measuring surface side of the first thermal resistor (111) is approximately equal to the temperature T2 measured by the second temperature sensor (112).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to temperature sensor units and intracorporeal thermometers, and particularly to temperature sensor units and intracorporeal thermometers that can be manufactured at low cost. Background Technology

[0002] As a device for measuring deep body temperature, a deep body thermometer is known, which uses two heat flow sensors, each with a temperature sensor (temperature sensing element) mounted on the upper and lower surfaces of a relatively large thermally resistant (insulating material), to measure deep body temperature (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, the specification, claims, and all drawings of Patent Document 1 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing the general structure of a conventional deep body thermometer. Figure 4 (b) is a diagram showing the thermal equivalent circuit of a conventional deep body thermometer.

[0004] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), when measuring deep body temperature using a conventional deep body thermometer 200, the first heat flow sensor 201 and the second heat flow sensor 202 are in close contact with the body surface of the subject.

[0005] Here, the thermal resistance value of the first thermal resistance element 221 of the first heat flow sensor 201 is set as R1, the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 211 on the upper surface of the first thermal resistance element 221 is set as T1, and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 212 on the lower surface is set as T2. Furthermore, the thermal resistance value of the second thermal resistance element 222 of the second heat flow sensor 202 is set as R2 (≠ R1), the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor 213 on the upper surface of the second thermal resistance element 222 is set as T3, and the temperature measured by the fourth temperature sensor 214 on the lower surface is set as T4. Then, the thermal resistance value of the subcutaneous tissue 230 of the subject is set as Rz, and the deep body temperature is set as Ti. Figure 4 (a) The deep body thermometer 200 shown in (a) can be used as... Figure 4 (b) shows the thermal equivalent circuit representation.

[0006] When the temperatures T1 on the upper surface and T2 on the lower surface of the first thermal resistor 221 are stable, the heat (heat flow) passing through the first thermal resistor 221 per unit time is equal to the heat flow from the subcutaneous tissue 230 of the subject to the lower surface of the first thermal resistor 221. Furthermore, when the temperatures T3 on the upper surface and T4 on the lower surface of the second thermal resistor 222 are stable, the heat flow of the second thermal resistor 222 is equal to the heat flow from the subcutaneous tissue 230 of the subject to the lower surface of the second thermal resistor 222. Therefore, equations (9) and (10) hold true for the first heat flow sensor 201 and the second heat flow sensor 202, respectively.

[0007] (Ti-T2) / Rz = (T2-T1) / R1… (9)

[0008] (Ti-T4) / Rz = (T4-T3) / R2… (10)

[0009] When the thermal resistance values ​​R1 of the first thermal resistance body 221 and R2 of the second thermal resistance body 222 are known, the only unknowns in equations (9) and (10) are the thermal resistance value Rz of the subcutaneous tissue 230 and the deep body temperature Ti. Therefore, by solving the simultaneous equations for the unknowns of the thermal resistance value Rz of the subcutaneous tissue 230 and the deep body temperature Ti, and eliminating the thermal resistance value Rz of the subcutaneous tissue 230, which varies depending on the location or has individual differences, from equations (9) and (10), the deep body temperature Ti can be measured (calculated) more accurately.

[0010] Existing technical documents

[0011] Patent documents

[0012] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-212407 Summary of the Invention

[0013] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0014] However, in previous deep body thermometers, a sandwich structure was required to manufacture the heat flow sensor, which involved two temperature sensors sandwiching a thermal resistor, resulting in high manufacturing costs.

[0015] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a temperature sensor unit and an in vivo thermometer that can be manufactured at low cost.

[0016] Problem-solving methods

[0017] To achieve the above objective, the temperature sensor unit (1) according to the first aspect of the present invention is used to measure the body temperature of a measured object, and has a plurality of temperature sensors (111 to 114) for measuring the body surface temperature of the measured object on the measuring surface side facing the body surface of the measured object. The feature is that, among the first and second temperature sensors (111, 112) included in the plurality of temperature sensors (111 to 114), only the first temperature sensor (111) has a first thermal resistance (121) on the measuring surface side, and the first temperature sensor (111) and the second temperature sensor (112) are arranged adjacent to each other so that the temperature on the measuring surface side of the first thermal resistance (121) is approximately equal to the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112).

[0018] Preferably, in the temperature sensor unit (1) described above, the first thermal resistor (121) is formed by attaching an insulating component (13) to one side of the measuring surface of the first temperature sensor (111).

[0019] In the temperature sensor unit (1) described above, a second thermal resistor (122) may be provided only on the measuring surface side of the third temperature sensor (113) and the fourth temperature sensor (114) included in the plurality of temperature sensors (111 to 114). The third temperature sensor (113) and the fourth temperature sensor (114) are arranged adjacent to each other so that the temperature on the measuring surface side of the second thermal resistor (122) is approximately equal to the temperature measured by the fourth temperature sensor (114). The heat insulation component (12, 13) is attached to the measuring surface side of the third temperature sensor (113) in a manner different from that of the first thermal resistor (121), thereby forming a second thermal resistor (122) having a different thermal resistance value than that of the first thermal resistor (121).

[0020] Preferably, in the temperature sensor unit (1) described above, the first temperature sensor (111) and the third temperature sensor (113) are configured to be more separated than the first temperature sensor (111) and the second temperature sensor (112), and more separated than the third temperature sensor (113) and the fourth temperature sensor (14).

[0021] Preferably, in the temperature sensor unit (1) described above, one side of the measuring surface of the plurality of temperature sensors (111 to 114) is covered by a thermally conductive material (14).

[0022] The temperature sensor unit (1001) according to the second aspect of the present invention is used to measure the body temperature of a measured object, and has a plurality of temperature sensors (111 to 114) for measuring the body surface temperature of the measured object on one side of the measuring surface facing the body surface of the measured object. The characteristic is that a conductor pattern (151) is formed on one side of the measuring surface, one end of the conductor pattern is connected to the first temperature sensor (111) of the first and second temperature sensors (111, 112) included in the plurality of temperature sensors (111 to 114), and the other end is arranged adjacent to the second temperature sensor (112) such that the temperature of the other end is approximately equal to the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112).

[0023] Preferably, in the temperature sensor unit (1001) described above, the other end of the second temperature sensor (112) and the conductor pattern (151) is covered by a thermally conductive material (1014) on one side of the measuring surface.

[0024] The third aspect of the present invention relates to an internal thermometer (100), characterized in that it comprises a plurality of temperature sensors (111 to 114) disposed on one side of the body surface facing the subject of measurement for measuring the temperature of the body surface of the subject of measurement, and an internal temperature measuring unit (4) for measuring the internal temperature of the subject of measurement based on the temperature measured by the plurality of temperature sensors (111 to 114); among the first and second temperature sensors (111, 112) included in the plurality of temperature sensors (111 to 114), only the first temperature sensor (111) has a first thermal resistance (121) disposed on the measuring surface side, and the first temperature sensor (111) and the second temperature sensor (112) are arranged adjacent to each other so that the temperature on the measuring surface side of the first thermal resistance (121) is approximately equal to the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112).

[0025] The above-mentioned body thermometer (100) may also include a warning unit (4) that issues a predetermined warning when the body temperature of the measured object meets a predetermined condition.

[0026] Invention Effects

[0027] According to the present invention, a temperature sensor unit and an in vivo thermometer that can be manufactured at low cost can be provided.

[0028] Attached Figure

[0029] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the overall structure of a deep body thermometer.

[0030] Figure 2 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a temperature sensor unit, and (b) is a view showing the measurement surface of deep body temperature.

[0031] Figure 3 (a) is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the temperature sensor unit, and (b) is a diagram showing the thermal equivalent circuit of the temperature sensor unit.

[0032] Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing the general structure of a conventional deep body thermometer, and (b) is a diagram showing the thermal equivalent circuit of a conventional deep body thermometer.

[0033] Figure 5 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the temperature sensor unit in the modified example, and (b) is a view showing the measurement surface of deep body temperature. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0035] First, the structure of the deep body thermometer (internal body thermometer) according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] The deep body thermometer described in this embodiment is installed on the surface of the head, torso, or other central parts of the body of the subject being measured. It calculates the heat flow from deep within the brain, internal organs, and other organs, and measures the deep body temperature. Furthermore, the body temperature measurement of this invention includes not only the measurement itself, but also the estimation of body temperature and the detection of changes in body temperature.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of the components of a deep body thermometer.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the deep body thermometer 100 includes a temperature sensor unit 1, an amplification unit 2, an analog-to-digital converter 3, and a deep body temperature measurement unit (internal body temperature measurement unit) 4.

[0039] Figure 2 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a temperature sensor unit. Figure 2 (b) is a diagram showing the measurement surface of deep body temperature.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown in (a) and (b), the temperature sensor unit 1 has a substrate 11 on the side of the measuring surface that is in contact with the body surface of the subject and measures the deep body temperature, which is in a resin housing (not shown), and four temperature sensors 111 to 114 are mounted thereon, a first heat insulation component 12, a second heat insulation component 13 and a thermally conductive material 14.

[0041] The substrate 11 is made of a material with insulating and heat-insulating properties, such as polyimide. In this embodiment, it is formed into a flexible substrate (film substrate) with a flat plate shape of 8mm × 10mm. In addition, the substrate 11 is not limited to a deformable flexible substrate, and may also be a non-deformable printed circuit board.

[0042] The first and second heat-insulating components 12 and 13 function as thermal resistors with predetermined thermal resistance values, and are made of heat-insulating materials such as polyimide. In this embodiment, the first and second heat-insulating components 12 and 13 are formed as thin sealing sheets with a thickness of about 0.01 mm, thereby providing flexibility to conform to the shape and movement of the subject's body surface. Furthermore, the shape of the first and second heat-insulating components 12 and 13 is not limited to rectangular, and can also be, for example, circular. Additionally, the material of the first and second heat-insulating components 12 and 13 is not limited to polyimide; any heat-insulating material can be used, such as polyethylene foam, polyurethane foam, etc. In this embodiment, the first heat-insulating component 12 is attached to cover the entire third temperature sensor 113. Furthermore, the second heat-insulating component 13 is attached to cover both the first temperature sensor 111 and the third temperature sensor 113 to which the first heat-insulating component 12 is attached.

[0043] The thermally conductive material 14 is made of a substance, such as aluminum or a metal, with a thermal conductivity greater than that of the subject being tested, and is formed in the form of a flat plate or a film. The thermally conductive material 14 allows the first to fourth temperature sensors 111 to 114 to measure the temperature of the subject's body surface through a resin housing. Furthermore, to ensure uniform heat conduction across the four temperature sensors 111 to 114, the thermally conductive material 14 is configured to cover the entire first to fourth temperature sensors 111 to 114.

[0044] Temperature sensors 111-114 (first to fourth) measure the temperature of the subject's body surface and are, for example, constructed from thermistors whose resistance changes with temperature. In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of improving responsiveness, it is preferable to have the smallest possible heat capacity; therefore, chip thermistors are used as temperature sensors 111-114. Alternatively, temperature sensors 111-114 can also be constructed from Peltier elements, thermocouples, thermopile, etc. Temperature sensors 111-114 are electrically connected to the deep body temperature measurement unit 4 via printed wiring 141-144. Temperature sensors 111-114 output electrical signals (voltage values) indicating the measured temperature via printed wiring 141-144.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown in (b), the distance 'a' between the first temperature sensor 111 and the second temperature sensor 112, and between the third temperature sensor 113 and the fourth temperature sensor 114, is shorter than the distance 'b' (b > a) between the first temperature sensor 111 and the third temperature sensor 113, and between the second temperature sensor 112 and the fourth temperature sensor 114. That is, in this embodiment, the first temperature sensor 111 and the second temperature sensor 112 are arranged adjacent to each other, while the first temperature sensor 111 is arranged at a distance from the second temperature sensor 112. The third temperature sensor 113 and the fourth temperature sensor 114 are arranged adjacent to each other, while the third temperature sensor 111 is arranged at a distance from the fourth temperature sensor 114.

[0046] Figure 1 The amplification unit 2 shown is composed of, for example, four general-purpose amplifiers, which amplify and output the electrical signals input from the first to the fourth temperature sensors 111 to 114.

[0047] The analog-to-digital conversion unit 3 is composed of, for example, four general-purpose A / D (Analog-to-digital) converters (ADCs), which convert the analog electrical signals input from the amplification unit 2 into digital electrical signals and output them.

[0048] The deep body temperature measurement unit 4 is composed of, for example, an MCU (Micro Control Unit) and is connected to a speaker, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), etc. The deep body temperature measurement unit 4 calculates the heat flow from the depths of the subject based on the temperature represented by the electrical signal input from the analog-to-digital converter 3, and measures the deep body temperature. In this embodiment, the deep body temperature measurement unit 4 determines whether the subject is at risk of heatstroke based on changes in deep body temperature. Then, if the deep body temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold (danger value), or the change in deep body temperature exceeds a predetermined range, etc., and the predetermined conditions are met, the deep body temperature measurement unit 4 determines that there is a risk of heatstroke, emits a warning sound from the speaker, illuminates or flashes the LED, and warns the subject of the risk of heatstroke.

[0049] Next, referring to the accompanying drawings, we will describe how to measure deep body temperature using the deep body thermometer described in this embodiment.

[0050] Figure 3 (a) is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the temperature sensor unit. Figure 3 (b) is a diagram showing the thermal equivalent circuit of the temperature sensor unit.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), when heat flow is measured by a deep body thermometer, the first to fourth temperature sensors 111 to 114 are in close contact with the body surface of the subject via the measuring surface.

[0052] like Figure 3As shown in (a), the second thermal insulation component 13 attached to the first temperature sensor 111 functions as a first thermal resistor 121 having a predetermined thermal resistance value R1. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown in (a), the first and second thermal insulation components 12 and 13 attached to the third temperature sensor 113 function as a second thermal resistance 122 having a thermal resistance value R2 (>R1) that is larger than the thermal resistance value R1 of the first thermal resistance 121. Furthermore, the thermal resistance values ​​R1 and R2 are known values ​​that can be determined from the materials and thicknesses of the first and second thermal insulation components 12 and 13, and are maintained... Figure 1 The deep body temperature measurement unit 4 shown.

[0053] The first temperature sensor 111 measures the temperature T1 of the upper surface of the first thermal resistor 121 and outputs an electrical signal indicating the measured temperature T1. The second temperature sensor 112 outputs an electrical signal indicating the measured temperature T2. The third temperature sensor 113 measures the temperature T3 of the upper surface of the second thermal resistor 122 and outputs an electrical signal indicating the measured temperature T3. The fourth temperature sensor 114 outputs an electrical signal indicating the measured temperature T4.

[0054] Furthermore, if the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue at 130°C is set as Rz, and the deep body temperature is set as Ti, then... Figure 3 The temperature sensor unit 1 shown in (a) can be derived from... Figure 3 (b) shows the thermal equivalent circuit representation.

[0055] When the temperature T1 of the upper surface of the first thermal resistor 121 and the temperature T2' of the lower surface (measuring surface side) are stable, the heat (heat flow) passing through the first thermal resistor 121 per unit time is equal to the heat flow from the subcutaneous tissue 130 of the subject to the lower surface of the first thermal resistor 121. Furthermore, when the temperature T3 of the upper surface of the second thermal resistor 122 and the temperature T4' of the lower surface (measuring surface side) are stable, the heat flow of the second thermal resistor 122 is equal to the heat flow from the subcutaneous tissue 130 of the subject to the lower surface of the second thermal resistor 122. Therefore, for the first thermal resistor 121 and the second thermal resistor 122, the following equations (1) and (2) hold true respectively.

[0056] (Ti-T2') / Rx=(T2'-T1) / R1…(1)

[0057] (Ti-T4′) / Rz=(T4′-T3) / R2…(2)

[0058] like Figure 3As shown in (b), since the second temperature sensor 112 is not connected in series with the first thermal resistor 121, the heat flow from the subcutaneous tissue 130 of the subject to the lower surface (measuring surface side) of the second temperature sensor 112 is different from the heat flow of the first thermal resistor 121. Furthermore, since the fourth temperature sensor 114 is not connected in series with the second thermal resistor 122, the heat flow from the subcutaneous tissue 130 of the subject to the lower surface (measuring surface side) of the fourth temperature sensor 114 is different from the heat flow of the second thermal resistor 122.

[0059] However, in this embodiment, since the first temperature sensor 111 and the second temperature sensor 112 are arranged adjacent to each other, the temperature T2' of the lower surface of the first thermal resistor 121 is approximately the same as the temperature T2 measured by the second temperature sensor 112. Furthermore, since the third temperature sensor 113 and the fourth temperature sensor 114 are arranged adjacent to each other, the temperature T4' of the lower surface of the second thermal resistor 122 is approximately the same as the temperature T4 measured by the fourth temperature sensor 114. Therefore, for the first thermal resistor 121 and the second thermal resistor 122, the following equations (3) and (4) respectively hold.

[0060] T2'≒T2…(3)

[0061] T4'≒T4…(4)

[0062] Substituting equation (3) into equation (1) and equation (4) into equation (2), we get equations (5) and (6) respectively.

[0063] (Ti-T2) / Rz=(T2-T1) / R1…(5)

[0064] (Ti-T4) / Rz=(T4-T3) / R2…(6)

[0065] Here, equation (5) is equal to equation (9) which applies to the first heat flow sensor 201 of the deep body thermometer 200, and equation (6) is equal to equation (10) which applies to the second heat flow sensor 202.

[0066] In other words, the first temperature sensor 111, the second temperature sensor 112, and the first thermal resistor 121 can perform functions that are substantially the same as those of the first heat flow sensor 201 with a sandwich structure in a conventional deep body thermometer 200. Furthermore, the third temperature sensor 113, the fourth temperature sensor 114, and the second thermal resistor 122 can perform functions that are substantially the same as those of the second heat flow sensor 202 with a sandwich structure.

[0067] Furthermore, to achieve substantially the same function as the first heat flow sensor 201, it is preferable to arrange the first temperature sensor 111 adjacent to the second temperature sensor 112, and preferably to arrange it at a distance from the third temperature sensor 113. Similarly, to achieve substantially the same function as the second heat flow sensor 202, it is preferable to arrange the third temperature sensor 13 adjacent to the fourth temperature sensor 114, and preferably to arrange it at a distance from the first temperature sensor 111. That is, as Figure 2 As shown in (b), the first temperature sensor 111 and the third temperature sensor 113 are preferably configured to be more separated than the first temperature sensor 111 and the second temperature sensor 112, and more separated than the third temperature sensor 113 and the fourth temperature sensor 114.

[0068] Since the thermal resistance values ​​R1 of the first thermal resistance body 121 and R2 of the second thermal resistance body 122 are known, the only unknowns in equations (5) and (6) above are the thermal resistance value Rz of the subcutaneous tissue 130 and the deep body temperature Ti. Therefore, by solving the simultaneous equations for the unknowns of the thermal resistance value Rz of the subcutaneous tissue 130 and the deep body temperature Ti, and eliminating the thermal resistance value Rz of the subcutaneous tissue 130 which has locational and individual differences from equations (5) and (6), we can obtain the following equation (7).

[0069]

[0070] Furthermore, if we define K = R1 / R2, it can be simplified to equation (8). Also, as mentioned above, since the thermal resistances R1 and R2 are known, K is also a known value and is maintained within the range of... Figure 1 The deep body temperature measurement unit 4 shown.

[0071]

[0072] Figure 1 The deep body temperature measurement unit 4 shown can measure (calculate) the deep body temperature Ti more accurately by substituting the temperatures T1 to T4 represented by the temperature signals input from the first to fourth temperature sensors 111 to 114 into equation (7) or (8).

[0073] As described above, the deep body thermometer (internal body thermometer) 100 according to this embodiment includes a temperature sensor unit 1 and a deep body temperature measuring unit (internal body temperature measuring unit) 4. The temperature sensor unit 1 is used to measure the deep body temperature Ti as the internal body temperature of the subject. The temperature sensor unit 1 has first to fourth temperature sensors 111 to 114 on the side facing the body surface of the subject to measure the body surface temperature of the subject. Among the first and second temperature sensors 111 and 112, only the measuring surface side of the first temperature sensor 111 is provided with a first thermal resistance 121. Furthermore, the first temperature sensor 111 and the second temperature sensor 112 are arranged adjacent to each other so that the temperature T2' on the measuring surface side of the first thermal resistance 121 is approximately equal to the temperature T2 measured by the second temperature sensor 112.

[0074] Therefore, the first temperature sensor 111, the second temperature sensor 112, and the first thermal resistor 121 can perform approximately the same function as the first heat flow sensor 201 of a conventional deep body thermometer 200. In this way, the temperature sensor unit 1 does not need to have the expensive sandwich structure of the first heat flow sensor 201; instead, it can achieve approximately the same function as the first heat flow sensor 201 using only the first temperature sensor 111, the second temperature sensor 112, and the first thermal resistor 121, thus reducing manufacturing costs compared to the past.

[0075] In addition, the first thermal resistance 121 can be formed by attaching the second thermal insulation component 13 to the measuring surface side of the first temperature sensor 111 in a simple way, which can further reduce manufacturing costs.

[0076] Furthermore, in the third and fourth temperature sensors 113 and 114, the second thermal resistor 122 is provided only on the measuring surface side of the third temperature sensor 113. The third temperature sensor 113 and the fourth temperature sensor 114 are arranged adjacent to each other so that the temperature T4' on the measuring surface side of the second thermal resistor 122 is approximately equal to the temperature T4 measured by the fourth temperature sensor 114. The second thermal resistor 122 is formed differently from the first thermal resistor 121; specifically, the first and second insulating members 12 and 13 are overlapped and attached to the measuring surface side of the third temperature sensor 113, thereby having a different thermal resistance value than the first thermal resistor 121. Therefore, the first and second thermal resistors 121 and 122 with different thermal resistance values ​​can be formed in a simple manner, thus further reducing manufacturing costs.

[0077] Furthermore, the first temperature sensor 111 and the third temperature sensor 113 are configured to be more separated than the first temperature sensor 111 and the second temperature sensor 112, and also more separated than the third temperature sensor 113 and the fourth temperature sensor 114. Therefore, the first temperature sensor 111, the second temperature sensor 112, and the first thermal resistor 121 can better perform substantially the same function as the first heat flow sensor 201. Similarly, the third temperature sensor 113, the fourth temperature sensor 114, and the second thermal resistor 122 can better perform substantially the same function as the second heat flow sensor 202.

[0078] The measuring surfaces of the first to fourth temperature sensors 111 to 114 are covered by a thermally conductive material 14. This allows the first to fourth temperature sensors 111 to 114 to measure the temperature of the subject's body surface through the resin housing. Furthermore, heat can be uniformly conducted across the four temperature sensors 111 to 114.

[0079] The deep body temperature measurement unit 4 measures the deep body temperature of the subject based on the temperatures measured by the first to fourth temperature sensors 111 to 114. Furthermore, the deep body temperature thermometer 100 is equipped with a speaker and an LED, and when the subject's deep body temperature meets specified conditions, it issues a warning indicating a potential risk of heatstroke. This helps prevent the subject from suffering heatstroke.

[0080] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. The following describes modifications of the above-described embodiments to which the present invention can be applied.

[0081] In the above embodiments, the measurement object, i.e. the person being tested, is described as a human being, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the measurement object may also be an animal.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the measurement of deep body temperature is described in which the temperature sensor unit 1 contacts the body surface of the subject. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and deep body temperature can also be measured without contact with the body surface of the subject (non-contact).

[0083] In the above embodiment, it is explained that when the deep body temperature of the person being tested meets the prescribed conditions, the deep body thermometer 100 issues a prescribed warning as a risk of heatstroke. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may also issue a warning for the risk of physical or mental abnormalities other than heatstroke when the deep body temperature of the person being tested meets the prescribed conditions. Any physical or mental abnormality related to deep body temperature is acceptable, such as hypothermia, sleep quality, basal body temperature, immunity, stress, etc.

[0084] In the above embodiments, an example of an internal thermometer according to the present invention, namely a deep body thermometer 100, is provided and described. This thermometer is installed on the surface of the body surface of the central part of the subject, such as the head or torso, to measure the deep body temperature Ti of the brain, internal organs, etc. However, the internal thermometer according to the present invention is not limited to this. It may also be an internal body temperature other than the deep body temperature Ti, which is installed outside the main body parts. For example, the internal thermometer according to the present invention may also be installed on the extremities of the subject, such as the arm or ankle, away from the main body parts, to measure (including estimate) the body temperature of the extremities.

[0085] In this scenario, the deep body temperature measurement unit 4 can also estimate the deep body temperature Ti based on the body temperature of the subject's extremities. Specifically, the body temperatures of the extremities and the deep body temperature of the central nervous system of multiple subjects are measured in advance, and the correlation between the two is determined and maintained in the deep body temperature measurement unit 4. Then, the deep body temperature measurement unit 4 can estimate the deep body temperature Ti based on the measured body temperature of the subject's extremities using the pre-determined correlation. For example, if a correlation is found where the deep body temperature Ti is slightly higher than the body temperature of the extremities by 5°C, and the measured body temperature of the subject's extremities is 32°C, a constant of 5°C can be added to estimate the deep body temperature Ti as 37°C. Then, the deep body temperature measurement unit 4 can warn the subject of a risk of heatstroke if the estimated deep body temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold or other specified conditions are met.

[0086] In the above embodiment, a first thermal resistor 121 is formed by attaching a second heat-insulating member 13 to one side of the measuring surface of the first temperature sensor 111, and a second thermal resistor 122 is formed by overlapping and attaching the first heat-insulating member 12 and the second heat-insulating member 13 to one side of the measuring surface of the third temperature sensor 113. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first and second thermal resistors 121 and 122 can also be implemented by patterned wiring formed on a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0087] Figure 5 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the temperature sensor unit in the modified example, and (b) is a view showing the measurement surface of deep body temperature. Furthermore, structures identical to the temperature sensor unit 1 described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0088] like Figure 5As shown in (a) and (b), the temperature sensor unit 1001 in this modified example has a printed circuit board 1011 and a thermally conductive material 1014 mounted on the measuring surface side that is in contact with the body surface of the subject to measure the deep body temperature inside a resin housing (not shown).

[0089] In this modified example, first and second patterned wirings 151 and 152 are formed on the printed circuit board 1011 for the sole purpose of heat conduction. The first and second patterned wirings 151 and 152 are made of thermally conductive materials such as copper foil with excellent thermal conductivity.

[0090] The first pattern wiring 151 has one end (hereinafter referred to as the "connection end") connected to the first temperature sensor 111, and the other end (hereinafter referred to as the "non-connection end") disposed adjacent to the second temperature sensor 112.

[0091] The second pattern wiring 152 has one end (hereinafter referred to as the "connection end") connected to the third temperature sensor 113, and the other end (hereinafter referred to as the "non-connection end") disposed adjacent to the fourth temperature sensor 114.

[0092] like Figure 5 As shown in (b), the distance c between the second temperature sensor 112 and the first patterned wiring 151, and the distance c between the fourth temperature sensor 114 and the second patterned wiring 152, are shorter than the distance d between the first patterned wiring 151 and the second patterned wiring 152 (d > c). That is, in this modified example, the first patterned wiring 151 is arranged adjacent to the second temperature sensor 112, and is arranged at a distance from the second patterned wiring 152, and further from the fourth temperature sensor 114. The second patterned wiring 152 is arranged adjacent to the fourth temperature sensor 114, and is arranged at a distance from the first patterned wiring 151, and further from the second temperature sensor 122.

[0093] In this modified example, in order to conduct heat uniformly at the non-connection ends of the second and fourth temperature sensors 122 and 114, and the first and second patterned wirings 151 and 152, the thermally conductive material 1014 is configured to cover the entire second and fourth temperature sensors 112 and 114, and the non-connection ends of the first and second patterned wirings 151 and 152.

[0094] In this modified example, the first patterned wiring 151 functions the same as the first thermal resistor 121 in the above embodiment, which has a thermal resistance value R1. Similarly, the second patterned wiring 152 functions the same as the second thermal resistor 122 in the above embodiment, which has a thermal resistance value R2 (>R1). The thermal resistance values ​​of the first and second patterned wirings 151 and 152 are determined based on the distance (length) from the thermally conductive material 1014 to the second and fourth temperature sensors 112 and 114, respectively, and the thickness (width) of the first and second patterned wirings 151 and 152. In this modified example, the distance (length) from the thermally conductive material 1014 to the second temperature sensor 112 and the distance (length) from the thermally conductive material 1014 to the fourth temperature sensor 114 are set to be the same. On the other hand, by making the thickness (width) of the second patterned wiring 152 smaller than the thickness (width) of the first patterned wiring 151, the thermal resistance value R2 of the second patterned wiring 152 is greater than the thermal resistance value R1 of the first patterned wiring 151.

[0095] In this modified example, since the non-connected end of the first wiring pattern 151 is disposed adjacent to the second temperature sensor 112, the temperature T2' of the non-connected end of the first wiring pattern 151 is approximately equal to the temperature T2 measured by the second temperature sensor 112. Furthermore, since the non-connected end of the second wiring pattern 152 is disposed adjacent to the fourth temperature sensor 114, the temperature T4' of the non-connected end of the first wiring pattern 151 is approximately equal to the temperature T4 measured by the fourth temperature sensor 114. Therefore, in this modified example, as in the above embodiment, equations (3) and (4) are valid. Therefore, the first temperature sensor 111, the second temperature sensor 112, and the first wiring pattern 151 can perform functions substantially the same as the first heat flow sensor 201 of the sandwich structure in the conventional deep body thermometer 200. Additionally, the third temperature sensor 113, the fourth temperature sensor 114, and the second wiring pattern 152 can perform functions substantially the same as the second heat flow sensor 202 of the sandwich structure.

[0096] As described above, the temperature sensor unit 1001 of this modification has a first wiring pattern 151 formed on one side of the measuring surface. One end of the first wiring pattern is connected to the first temperature sensor 111, and the other end is disposed adjacent to the second temperature sensor 112, such that the temperature of the other end is approximately equal to the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 112. In addition, the measuring surface side of the other end of the second temperature sensor 112 and the first wiring pattern 151 is covered by a thermally conductive material 1014.

[0097] Therefore, similar to the embodiments described above, the first temperature sensor 111, the second temperature sensor 112, and the first wiring pattern 151 can perform functions substantially the same as the first heat flow sensor 201 of the conventional deep body thermometer 200. Furthermore, in the method described above, where an insulating component is attached as a thermal resistor to the measuring surface of the temperature sensor, manual operation is required since the insulating component cannot be attached in an automated process. This not only introduces errors in the thermal resistance value but also prevents cost reduction through mass production due to the manual operation. In this modified example, the method using a patterned wiring formed on a printed circuit board as a thermal resistor eliminates the need for manual operation and can be performed automatically, thereby improving quality stability during mass production and reducing costs.

[0098] Furthermore, various embodiments and modifications of this invention can be made without departing from the broad spirit and scope of this invention. Additionally, the above embodiments are merely illustrative of one example of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0099] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application 2019-047122, filed on March 14, 2019, and Japanese Patent Application 2019-123485, filed on July 2, 2019. In this specification, reference is made to the entire description, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application 2019-047122 and Japanese Patent Application 2019-123485.

[0100] Symbol Explanation

[0101] 1 Temperature sensor unit

[0102] 2 Enlarged section

[0103] 3 Analog-to-Digital Conversion Section

[0104] 4. Deep Body Temperature Measurement Unit (Internal Body Temperature Measurement Unit)

[0105] 11 substrate

[0106] 12 First Insulation Component

[0107] 13 Second Insulation Component

[0108] 14 Thermally conductive materials

[0109] 100 Deep Body Thermometer (Internal Temperature Meter)

[0110] 111 First Temperature Sensor

[0111] 112 Second Temperature Sensor

[0112] 113 Third Temperature Sensor

[0113] 114 Fourth Temperature Sensor

[0114] 121 First thermal resistance element

[0115] 122 Second thermal resistance element

[0116] 130 subcutaneous tissue

[0117] 141 First Printing Wiring

[0118] 142 Second Printing Wiring

[0119] 143 Third Printing Wiring

[0120] 144 4th Printing Wiring

[0121] 151 Pattern 1 wiring

[0122] 152 Pattern 2 wiring

Claims

1. A temperature sensor unit (1) for measuring a body temperature of a subject, and provided with a plurality of four temperature sensors (111 to 114) for measuring a body surface temperature of the subject on a measurement surface side facing a body surface of the subject, characterized in that: first and second temperature sensors (111, 112) included in the four temperature sensors (111 to 114) are provided with a first thermal resistor (121) only on the measurement surface side of the first temperature sensor (111), the first thermal resistor (121) is arranged adjacent to the second temperature sensor (112) so that a temperature on the measurement surface side of the first thermal resistor (121) and a temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) reach a state of being equalized, the first thermal resistor (121) is formed by attaching a second thermal insulation member (13) on the measurement surface side of the first temperature sensor (111), third and fourth temperature sensors (113, 114) included in the four temperature sensors (111 to 114) are provided with a second thermal resistor (122) only on the measurement surface side of the third temperature sensor (113), the third temperature sensor (113) is arranged adjacent to the fourth temperature sensor (114) so that a temperature on the measurement surface side of the second thermal resistor (122) and a temperature measured by the fourth temperature sensor (114) reach a state of being equalized, the second thermal resistor (122) is formed by overlapping and attaching a first thermal insulation member (12) and the second thermal insulation member (13) on the measurement surface side of the third temperature sensor (113) in a manner different from the first thermal resistor (121), the first temperature sensor (111) and the third temperature sensor (113) are arranged to be more separated from each other than the first temperature sensor (111) and the second temperature sensor (112), and the first temperature sensor (111) and the third temperature sensor (113) are arranged to be more separated from each other than the third temperature sensor (113) and the fourth temperature sensor (114).

2. The temperature sensor unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: the measurement surface side of the four temperature sensors (111 to 114) is covered with a heat conductive material (14), the temperature sensor unit (1) is provided with a body temperature measuring unit (4) for measuring a body temperature of the subject based on temperatures measured by the four temperature sensors (111 to 114), and the four temperature sensors (111 to 114) are arranged on the measurement surface side facing the body surface of the subject.

3. The temperature sensor unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: the first and second temperature sensors (111, 112) included in the four temperature sensors (111 to 114) are provided with the first thermal resistor (121) only on the measurement surface side of the first temperature sensor (111), the first thermal resistor (121) is arranged adjacent to the second temperature sensor (112) so that a temperature on the measurement surface side of the first thermal resistor (121) and a temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) reach a state of being equalized, the first thermal resistor (121) is formed by attaching the second thermal insulation member (13) on the measurement surface side of the first temperature sensor (111), the third and fourth temperature sensors (113, 114) included in the four temperature sensors (111 to 114) are provided with the second thermal resistor (122) only on the measurement surface side of the third temperature sensor (113), the third temperature sensor (113) is arranged adjacent to the fourth temperature sensor (114) so that a temperature on the measurement surface side of the second thermal resistor (122) and a temperature measured by the fourth temperature sensor (114) reach a state of being equalized, the second thermal resistor (122) is formed by overlapping and attaching the first thermal insulation member (12) and the second thermal insulation member (13) on the measurement surface side of the third temperature sensor (113) in a manner different from the first thermal resistor (121), the first temperature sensor (111) and the third temperature sensor (113) are arranged to be more separated from each other than the first temperature sensor (111) and the second temperature sensor (112), and the first temperature sensor (111) and the third temperature sensor (113) are arranged to be more separated from each other than the third temperature sensor (113) and the fourth temperature sensor (114). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 3. An in-vivo thermometer (100), characterized by ​ ​ The first temperature sensor (111) and the second temperature sensor (112) are arranged adjacent to each other to the extent that the temperature on the measurement surface side of the first thermal resistor (121) and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (112) become equal to each other; The first thermal resistor (121) is formed by attaching a second thermal insulating member (13) to the measurement surface side of the first temperature sensor (111), Of the third and fourth temperature sensors (113, 114) included in the four temperature sensors (111 to 114), a second thermal resistor (122) is provided only on the measurement surface side of the third temperature sensor (113), The third temperature sensor (113) and the fourth temperature sensor (114) are arranged adjacent to each other to the extent that the temperature on the measurement surface side of the second thermal resistor (122) and the temperature measured by the fourth temperature sensor (114) become equal to each other, The first thermal insulating member (12) and the second thermal insulating member (13) are attached to the measurement surface side of the third temperature sensor (113) in a manner different from that of the first thermal resistor (121), thereby forming the second thermal resistor (122) having a different thermal resistance value from that of the first thermal resistor (121), The first temperature sensor (111) and the third temperature sensor (113) are arranged more apart from each other than the first temperature sensor (111) and the second temperature sensor (112), and the first temperature sensor (111) and the third temperature sensor (113) are arranged more apart from each other than the third temperature sensor (113) and the fourth temperature sensor (114).

4. The in-vivo thermometer (100) according to claim 3, wherein Further comprising a warning unit that issues a predetermined warning when the in-vivo temperature of the measured object satisfies a predetermined condition.

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