Non-contact thermometer

Abstract

Handheld non-contact thermometer 1, wherein a measuring point is a forehead, the non-contact thermometer comprises: a rod-shaped housing 2, which includes a front end section 2a with a built-in infrared sensor 11; and a measuring button 13 provided in the housing 2 for actuating the infrared sensor 11. The front end section 2a of the housing 2 comprises a foremost end section 2c and a flat sensor surface 4b extending from the foremost end section 2c towards the base end section 2b, such that it is inclined. The measuring button 13 is provided in a side view on the same side of the housing 2 as the sensor surface 4b.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-contact thermometer. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A non-contact thermometer is known that detects infrared radiation emitted by the human body to measure temperature (Patent Document 1). Particularly in response to the recent pandemic of infectious diseases and the like, handheld or stationary non-contact thermometers have become widespread in medical facilities, various other institutions, and the like.

[0003] In households and small facilities, there is also a need for temperature measurement, not only of other people but also of oneself, using a non-contact thermometer. Furthermore, there is a particularly high demand for handheld non-contact thermometers for home use, as handheld models are advantageous compared to stationary ones due to their smaller size. STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY PATENT DOCUMENT

[0004] Patent Document 1: JP-S-1744710 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] In a non-contact thermometer, the temperature is measured by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the measuring point, corresponding to the temperature. For accurate temperature measurement, it is therefore crucial that the positional relationship between the infrared sensor and the measuring point, the angle (the direction of the infrared sensor should coincide with a perpendicular line passing through the center of the measuring point), and the distance between the infrared sensor and the measuring point (perpendicular direction) are properly adjusted and that this positional relationship can be maintained throughout the measurement.It should be noted that some stationary non-contact thermometers include a camera and a display unit, and the display unit shows instructions on the position and size of the face via a real-time moving image captured by the camera, so that the person being measured can hold their face in a suitable position and distance.

[0006] When measuring temperature with a handheld non-contact thermometer using the forehead as the measuring point, it is also important not to cause the person being measured any discomfort.

[0007] Patent document 1 discloses a handheld non-contact thermometer. This non-contact thermometer is a so-called pistol-shaped non-contact thermometer and comprises a handle section and a cylindrical section extending from a front end of the handle section in a direction opposite to that of the handle section; that is, a connecting section between the handle section and the cylindrical section is curved. A sensor surface is provided at a front end of the cylindrical section. The angle of the sensor surface is not perpendicular to the direction of extension of the cylindrical section and has an inclination corresponding to the inclination of the front. Furthermore, a measuring button is provided at a connecting section between the handle section and the cylindrical section.When taking another person's temperature with this pistol-shaped non-contact thermometer, the person taking the measurement observes visually and aligns the cylindrical section essentially horizontally towards the person being measured, so that the sensor surface can be easily directed towards the person's forehead. This means the person taking the measurement can easily adjust the positional relationship between the infrared sensor and the measurement point, and adapt the distance between the infrared sensor and the measurement point, primarily by visually observing the cylindrical section of the pistol-shaped non-contact thermometer. Simultaneously, the angle of the infrared sensor relative to the forehead, which forms the measurement area, is adjusted by the angle of the sensor surface, which is tilted to match the angle of the forehead.As described above, it is advantageous for the cylindrical section to have a specific length, allowing for precise adjustment of the position, distance, and angle by visually observing the section when measuring another person's temperature. However, using a pistol-grip non-contact thermometer to measure one's own forehead is challenging. With a pistol-grip non-contact thermometer, adjusting the distance and angle by direct visual observation of the sensor area is particularly difficult because the forehead is located close to and above the eyes.Furthermore, if the cylindrical section is long, the arm holding the non-contact thermometer must be stretched forward and raised upwards, and depending on the person taking the measurement, it is cumbersome to maintain such a posture of the arm, elbow and wrist during the measurement.

[0008] Furthermore, when measuring the temperature of another person with the pistol-shaped non-contact thermometer disclosed in patent document 1, the person being measured, whose face is being measured by a person holding a handle section with a finger on a measuring button provided on a connecting section, may experience an unpleasant sensation or a feeling of discomfort, as if the muzzle of a pistol were being pointed at the person being measured. The same applies to measuring one's own temperature, i.e., when one encloses the handle section and points the cylindrical section at one's own face.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a handheld non-contact thermometer that: facilitates the adjustment of a sensor surface of the non-contact thermometer to the appropriate position, angle, and distance from the forehead, which is the measuring point, not only when measuring the temperature of another person but also one's own temperature; does not require an unnatural posture of the arm, elbow, and wrist to bring the sensor surface into the appropriate position, angle, and distance and to hold it there; and can reduce a feeling of discomfort when measuring temperature. SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROBLEMS

[0010] One aspect of the present invention relates to a handheld non-contact thermometer in which a measuring point is the forehead, wherein the non-contact thermometer comprises: a housing with a rod shape extending along an axis and comprising a front end section with a built-in infrared sensor and a base end section on a side opposite the front end section; and a measuring button provided in the housing and performing a measuring function of the non-contact thermometer, wherein the front end section of the housing comprises a foremost end section and a flat sensor surface extending from the foremost end section towards the base end section, such that it is inclined with respect to the axis, the infrared sensor is arranged in the housing so that it faces directly towards the sensor surface, and the measuring button is provided in a side view on the same side of the housing as the sensor surface.

[0011] In this context, with regard to the housing, a rod shape means that a line connecting the centroids of several cross-sections orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the housing is an axis that is a straight line. The fact that the measuring knob is located on the same side of the housing as the sensor surface in a side view means that the measuring knob is aligned along the axis with the side of the sensor surface furthest from the base end section. This alignment is not limited to cases where both are positioned on a straight line parallel to the axis, but also includes cases where their positions differ in the direction orthogonal to the axis.

[0012] At the time of measurement, the sensor surface is directed towards the forehead, which is the measurement site. The measuring button is located on the same side of the device as the sensor surface. Therefore, the sensor surface can be positioned for both measuring another person's temperature and for measuring one's own temperature by placing a finger on the measuring button. Specifically, when measuring another person's temperature, the person taking the measurement holds the device so that their index finger touches the measuring button, ensuring that the sensor surface, located on the same side as the measuring button, points towards the forehead of the person being measured. When measuring one's own temperature, the person taking the measurement holds the device so that their thumb touches the measuring button, ensuring that the sensor surface, located on the same side as the measuring button, points towards their own forehead.As described above, the contactless thermometer of the present invention can measure both the temperature of another person and its own temperature.

[0013] The housing is rod-shaped, the sensor surface is flat and angled to the axis, and the measuring button is located on the same side as the sensor surface in a side view. Therefore, when measuring another person, the person taking the measurement holds the housing with their index finger on the measuring button and points the entire housing towards the person being measured. This makes it easy to keep the sensor surface properly aligned with the correct position, angle, and distance relative to the forehead (the measurement point) without forcing the arm, elbow, and wrist into an unnatural position, and without requiring the person being measured to change the direction or posture of their face.Furthermore, when taking self-measurements by holding the device, the thumb rests on the measuring button, and by adjusting the height position to the eyes through visual observation of the thumb, it is easy to hold the sensor surface by appropriately adjusting the position relationship, angle, and distance in relation to the forehead, which is the measuring point, without placing the arm, elbow, and wrist in an unnatural position.

[0014] Since the housing has a rod shape, in both cases – i.e., when measuring the temperature of another person, where the sensor surface and thus the front end section of the housing is directed by the person measuring towards the forehead of the person being measured, and when measuring one's own temperature, where the front end section of the housing is directed by the person measuring towards their own forehead – the unpleasant feeling or sensation of discomfort is reduced compared to the case where a pistol-shaped object is pointed at the face.

[0015] The front end of the housing is not pointed, as it does not consist solely of the inclined surface, but rather comprises the foremost end section and a flat sensor surface extending obliquely from the foremost end section. Therefore, in both cases—that is, when measuring another person's temperature, where the front end of the housing is directed by the person taking the measurement toward the forehead of the person being measured, and when measuring one's own temperature, where the front end of the housing is directed by the person taking the measurement toward their own forehead—the unpleasant sensation or feeling of discomfort is reduced compared to the case where the pointed end is directed toward the face.

[0016] The tilt angle of the sensor surface relative to the axis is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0017] The housing may have a recess, and the measuring button may be located in the recess.

[0018] The measuring knob can have a concave shape.

[0019] The distance between the foremost end section and the center of the measuring knob in the direction of the axis can be 95 mm or less.

[0020] The housing may have a flat section on one side that is opposite the sensor surface in a side view.

[0021] A display unit can be provided on the flat section.

[0022] An outline, viewed from the direction of the axis of the casing, may have a convexly curved surface shape, with the exception of the flat section. EFFECTS OF INVENTION

[0023] A handheld non-contact thermometer with the forehead as the measuring point according to the present invention facilitates the adjustment of a sensor surface of the non-contact thermometer to the appropriate position, angle, and distance with respect to the forehead, which is a measuring point, not only in cases where the temperature of another person is measured, but also that of the user himself, does not require an unnatural posture of the arm, elbow, and wrist to bring the sensor surface into and hold it in the appropriate position, angle, and distance, and can reduce a feeling of discomfort when measuring the temperature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a non-contact thermometer according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the non-contact thermometer according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from below. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view of the non-contact thermometer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a bottom view of the non-contact thermometer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of the non-contact thermometer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 is a front view of the non-contact thermometer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 7 is a front view of a sensor surface of the non-contact thermometer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 8 is a rear view of the non-contact thermometer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view along line IX-IX in Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 10 is a block diagram of a non-contact thermometer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic view showing different modes of use of the non-contact thermometer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the manner of holding, the positional relationship between the forehead and the sensor surface and the distance (at the time of measuring the temperature of another person) of the non-contact thermometer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the manner of holding, the positional relationship between the forehead and the sensor surface and the distance (at the time of temperature measurement on itself) of the non-contact thermometer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 14 is a front view of a sensor surface of the non-contact thermometer according to a first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 15 is a front view of a sensor surface of the non-contact thermometer according to a second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Next, a non-contact thermometer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, reference can be made only to the Fig. 1 and Fig. Reference is made to the XYZ coordinate system shown in Figure 3. In this XYZ coordinate system, the longitudinal direction of the non-contact thermometer 1, which has a rod-like overall shape, is defined as the Y-axis, the lateral direction of the non-contact thermometer 1 is defined as the X-axis, and the thickness direction of the non-contact thermometer 1 is defined as the Z-axis. The origin of the XYZ coordinate system is located on an axis AY described later. The following description refers to the fact that... Fig. Reference is made to the X'Y'Z' coordinate system shown in Figure 7. In the X'Y'Z' coordinate system, the center of the sensor surface 4b to be described later is defined as the origin, an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the non-contact thermometer 1 in the sensor surface 4b is defined as the Y'-axis, an axis orthogonal to the Y'-axis in the sensor surface 4b is defined as the X'-axis, and an axis perpendicular to the sensor surface 4b is defined as the Z'-axis.

[0025] With reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 The non-contact thermometer 1 is a handheld device in which the forehead serves as the measuring point. The non-contact thermometer 1 comprises an infrared sensor 11, a measuring button 13, a liquid crystal display (display unit) 14, an on / off switch 15, and a recording confirmation button 16. The housing 2 of the non-contact thermometer 1 includes, in addition to the infrared sensor 11, a substrate on which various electrical and electronic elements such as a battery, a CPU, memory, and a buzzer are mounted, as well as a battery and the like (all of which are not shown). The infrared sensor 11 detects infrared rays emitted from the measuring point, i.e., in the present embodiment, from the forehead of the person being measured, and measures the body temperature of the person being measured based on the intensity of the detected infrared rays. With reference to Fig. 10 The control unit 17 (including the CPU and memory described above) controls the operation of the infrared sensor 11, the liquid crystal display 14, and the power source 18 (including a battery in the present embodiment) according to the actuations of the measuring button 13, the on / off switch 15, and the recording confirmation button 16. That is, the control unit 17 includes a program for controlling the operation as a thermometer and a function as a memory unit in which a body temperature is stored as a measured value.

[0026] The housing 2 of the non-contact thermometer 1 has a rod shape extending along a virtual straight axis AY, and exhibits, as most clearly in Fig. 6 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the housing 2 has a substantially constant outline in the direction in which the axis AY extends, i.e., longitudinally (in the Y-axis direction), except for sections of a sensor surface 4b and a recess 4e, which will be described later. The housing 2 comprises a front end section 2a with the built-in infrared sensor 11 and a base end section 2b, which is an end section on the side opposite the front end section 2a of the housing 2. With respect to the housing 2, a rod shape here means that a line connecting the centroids of several cross-sections orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the housing is an axis AY, which is a straight line.

[0027] The housing 2 in the present embodiment comprises an upper housing 3, a lower housing 4, and a battery cover 5. The lower housing 4 extends from the front end section 2a to the base end section 2b of the housing 2, but does not reach the base end section 2b and terminates midway along this distance. The battery cover 5 extends to the base end section 2b. The lower housing 4 and the battery cover 5 face the upper housing 3 in the Z-axis direction. The battery cover 5 is removable, and the battery housed in the housing 2 can be replaced by removing the battery cover 5. If the power source of the non-contact thermometer 1 consists of a rechargeable battery, it is not necessary to replace the battery, and thus the battery cover 5 is not required. Therefore, the lower housing 4 can have an integrated structure extending from the front end section 2a to the base end section 2b.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 The outline, viewed from the direction in which the axis AY of the lower housing 4 and the battery cover 5 extends (the longitudinal direction, i.e., the Y-axis direction), consists of partial arcs 4a and 5a, with the exception of a sensor area 4b and a recess 4e in which the measuring knob 13 is located, which will be described later. With reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 the front end section 2a of the lower housing 4 is spherical except for a sensor area 4b described later, and the side of the base end section 2b of the battery cover 5 is also spherical.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 2, 4 to 6 and 9, the front end section 2a of the housing 2 comprises a foremost end section 2c and a flat sensor surface 4b. The lower housing 4 is equipped with the measuring knob 13, and the upper housing 3 is equipped with a liquid crystal display (display unit) 14, an on / off switch 15 and a recording confirmation button 16.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the upper housing 3 extends from the front end section 2a to the base end section 2b of the housing 2. According to Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 The outline, viewed from the direction in which the axis AY of the upper casing 3 extends, is formed by a straight line 3a and partial arcs 3b and 3c extending from both sides of the straight line 3a. That is, the upper casing 3 includes the flat section 3d extending from the front end section 2a to the base end section 2b.

[0031] Sub-arcs 3b and 3c, contained in the outline of the upper housing 3, are continuously connected to sub-arcs 4a and 5a of the outline of the lower housing 4 and the battery cover 5, and sub-arcs 4a and 5a together with sub-arcs 3b and 3c form a sub-arc. With reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 Both the front end section 2a and the base end section 2b of the upper casing 3 are spherical, with the exception of the flat section 3d.

[0032] In other words, the housing 2 has a shape in which a portion of a cylinder with a hemisphere having the same diameter as the diameter of the cylinder attached at both ends is cut off parallel to the AY axis, more precisely parallel to the XY plane. Furthermore, it has a shape in which a portion of the front end section 2a is cut off to form the sensor surface 4b, while the foremost end section 2c is retained. Details of the sensor surface 4b will be described later. The position at which the housing 2 is cut off and the flat section 3d is provided can be arbitrarily determined according to the size of the element housed in the housing 2 or the like, but in the present embodiment, the height of the cut-off section is preferably less than the radius of the cylinder.If the height of the cut-off section is too large and the cut-off section includes the central axis of the cylinder, it is difficult to store various elements in the housing 2, it is difficult to ensure the size of the sensor area 4b to be described later, and the front end section 2c has a pointed shape.

[0033] As described above, in the present embodiment, the housing 2, without the sensor surface 4b and the recess 4e, has a shape (rod shape) in which the flat section 3d is formed by cutting off a portion of the cylinder without a curved section along the longitudinal direction. Thus, it has a shape in which part of the arc is cut off when the housing 2 is viewed from the direction in which the axis AY extends. However, the shape, viewed from the direction in which the axis AY extends before the flat section 3d is provided in the housing 2, is not limited to a circle and can be any shape, such as an ellipse, a polygon, or a path. Furthermore, the flat section 3d is not provided in the housing 2, and the shape, viewed from the direction in which the axis AY extends, can be a circle or any other shape that is not partially cut off.Although the base end section 2b is essentially spherical in the present embodiment, it can be a plane perpendicular to the axis AY, allowing the non-contact thermometer 1 to be placed upright on a table. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the housing 2 has a shape obtained by cutting a cylinder of uniform thickness, but the thickness of the housing 2 can vary along the axis AY. For example, the housing 2 can be thicker towards the front end section 2a or the base end section 2b, or thicker from the front end section 2a and the base end section 2b to the middle section. In addition, the external shape of the housing 2 can be non-linear and wave-like. The area and shape of the cross-section orthogonal to the axis AY of the housing 2 can vary continuously or discontinuously along the direction in which the axis AY extends.

[0034] The overall length L11 of the housing 2 in the present embodiment can have a minimum value, as long as various elements can be accommodated within it, and the maximum value can be appropriately determined taking into account the installation and storage conditions at home and the like, and, for example, set at 300 mm with reference to a 30 cm ruler, assuming it is stored with stationery. More precisely, the overall length L11 is defined by a length L12 from the center of the measuring knob 13 to the foremost end section 2c and a length L13 from the center of the measuring knob 13 to the base end section 2b. These lengths are described later.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the thickness of the housing 2 can be defined by the diameter CD of a partial arc formed by partial arcs 4a and 5a, as well as partial arcs 3b and 3c. The minimum diameter CD can be any value as long as it can accommodate various elements, and the maximum diameter CD can be any value as long as it is large enough for the person measuring to grasp it. Assuming the person measuring is a primary school child or older, the maximum diameter CD can, for example, be set at 57.8 mm, which is twice the length of the arc of a semicircle, i.e., the inner diameter of the handle. This can be compared to the inner diameter of a Japanese 6-year-old child, i.e., the average inner diameter of the rings formed by the thumb and middle finger, which is 28.9 mm.A preferred setting range for the diameter CD may be one that the person measuring can easily grasp. As a specific example of a preferred range for the diameter CD, a value of approximately 30 to 40 mm, which has been experimentally determined to be an "easily graspable thickness," may be used. In the present embodiment, the diameter CD is 37 mm.

[0036] With reference to Fig. In Figures 2, 4 to 6 and 9, the front end section 2a of the housing 2 comprises a foremost end section 2c and a flat sensor surface 4b. The foremost end section 2c of the housing 2 consists of the foremost end section 4c of the lower housing 4, which is spherical, and the foremost end section 3e of the upper housing 3, which is also spherical. The sensor surface 4b is provided in the lower housing 4 and extends from the foremost end section 4c of the lower housing 4 to the base end section 2b of the housing 2, such that it is inclined at an angle θ to the axis AY. In the present embodiment, the outer edge of the sensor surface 4b is circular.The diameter SD of the sensor surface 4b can be arbitrarily set such that the infrared sensor 11 can be accommodated and the sensor surface 4b, which is positioned at the front end of the housing 2, does not appear to have a pointed shape, for example, within a region that is not less than 1 / 2 the diameter CD. As in . Fig. As shown in Figure 5, in the present embodiment the dividing line between the upper housing 3 and the lower housing 4 is curved upwards in the side view at the front end section 2a (on the side where the flat section 3d is provided) and extends substantially to the middle of the foremost end section 2c, such that the foremost end section 2c is formed by the foremost end section 4c of the lower housing 4 and the foremost end section 3e of the upper housing 3.However, due to the way the flat section 3d and the sensor surface 4b are provided, due to manufacturing reasons, or similar factors, the foremost end section 2c may consist of only a portion of the upper housing 3 or only a portion of the lower housing 4, and the end of the dividing line may coincide with the upper end of the sensor surface 4b, lie within the area where the sensor surface 4b is provided, coincide with the lower end of the sensor surface 4b, or lie in an area below the sensor surface 4b. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the lower end of the sensor surface 4b (in the cross-sectional view) essentially coincides with the line of the lower end of the lower housing 4; that is, in the side view, the sensor surface 4b extends to the lower end of the housing 2. However, in the side view, the lower end of the sensor surface 4b (in the cross-sectional view) may lie above the lower end of the lower housing 4.Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the sensor area 4b is configured by attaching a separate element to the lower housing 4, but the sensor area 4b can also not be configured by a separate element and be formed as part of the upper housing 3 and / or the lower housing 4.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 2, Fig. 4, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 9 The infrared sensor 11 is housed in the casing 2 such that it faces directly towards the sensor surface 4b, i.e., the direction of the infrared sensor 11 coincides with the direction of the normal line (Z'-axis) of the sensor surface 4b. Referring to Fig. 7, when viewing the sensor area 4b from the front in the present embodiment, the largest part of the infrared sensor 11 is located on one side (in Fig. 7 the upper side) in the direction of the Y'-axis with respect to the center of the sensor surface 4b, i.e. the center of the X'Y'Z' coordinate system, i.e. the center of the infrared sensor 11 is on the plus side of the Y'-axis.

[0038] With reference to Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is the housing 2 with the measuring knob 13 on the side opposite the flat section 3b with respect to the axis AY and thus on the same side as the sensor surface 4b in a side view ( Fig. 5) provided. The fact that the measuring knob 13 is provided on the same side of the housing 2 as the sensor surface 4b in a side view means that the measuring knob 13 is aligned with the side of the sensor surface 4b furthest from the base end section 2b in the direction in which the axis AY extends when the housing 2 is viewed from the side, and is not limited to a case in which the measuring knob 13 and the side of the sensor surface 4b furthest from the base end section 2b are on a straight line parallel to the axis AY. A case in which these positions are different in the direction orthogonal to the axis AY is also included. More precisely, a recess 4e with a circular shape in a front view is formed in the lower housing 4 by hollowing out a portion of the lower housing 4; that is, the recess 4e has a concave shape in a side view.The measuring knob 13, which has a circular shape in a front view, is arranged in the recess 4e. In a side view, the measuring knob 13 has a concave shape, similar to the recess 4e. In the present embodiment, the side view shape of the measuring knob 13 generally consists of a portion of the cylindrical surface extending in the X-axis direction, but the side view shape of the measuring knob 13 can also be a curved surface with a smaller radius of curvature on the side of the base end section 2b than on the side of the front end section 2a, or it can be a flat surface. Furthermore, without the recess 4e, the measuring knob 13 can appear in a side view as an integral part of the lower housing 4, or the measuring knob 13 can project downwards from the lower housing 4 in a side view.Furthermore, from the point of view of ease of use for the person measuring, a rib can be provided on the edge of the measuring knob 13 on the side of the base end section 2b, or the surface of the measuring knob 13 can be made of a material with higher frictional resistance.

[0039] In the housing 2 of the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display (display unit) 14, the on / off switch 15, and the recording confirmation button 16 are arranged in the flat section 3b of the upper housing 3 such that they are aligned in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the housing 2. Specifically, the liquid crystal display 14 is located on the side of the front end section 2a with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction of the housing 2, and the on / off switch 15 and the recording confirmation button 16 are aligned in the longitudinal direction on the side of the base end section 2b with respect to the liquid crystal display 14. The arrangement and sequence of the liquid crystal display 14, the on / off switch 15, and the recording confirmation button 16 are not limited thereto, and the on / off switch 15 and the recording confirmation button 16 can be arranged side by side (i.e.,(aligned in the X-axis direction) on the flat section 3b, and either the on / off switch 15 or the recording confirmation button 16 or both may not be located on the flat section 3b, but at any point on the housing 2, for example on a side surface of the housing 2 within an area where confusion with the measuring knob 13 is not possible.

[0040] By pressing the recording confirmation button 16 before the start of the measurement or after the measurement has been completed, the previous measurement result can be retrieved from the memory unit contained in the control unit 17 and displayed on the liquid crystal display 14. If, for example, the memory unit can store measurement records of the last five measurements, each press of the recording confirmation button 16 before the measurement will display the measurement results of the last one to five measurements in that order, and each press of the recording confirmation button 16 after the measurement will display the measurement results of the last four measurements in that order.If the non-contact thermometer 1 has a function for transferring a measurement result to an external device such as a smartphone, the transfer function can also be activated in parallel with reading and displaying the recording at the time when the recording confirmation button 16 is pressed once, and the stored measurement value can be fully transferred to the external device.

[0041] When measuring temperature with the non-contact thermometer 1 of the present embodiment, the person taking the measurement first presses the on / off switch 15 to switch on the non-contact thermometer 1, both when measuring the temperature of another person and when measuring their own temperature. The person then grasps the housing 2 of the non-contact thermometer 1 and aligns the sensor surface 4b in a suitable position, at a suitable angle, and at a suitable distance from the forehead, which constitutes the measuring surface. The person then presses the measuring button 13 to perform the temperature measurement (body temperature measurement).The method for measuring temperature is not limited to this, and, for example, after pressing the on / off switch 15 to switch on the non-contact thermometer 1, the person taking the measurement can hold the housing 2 of the non-contact thermometer 1 while pressing the measuring button 13, position the sensor surface 4b at a suitable angle and distance from the forehead, which represents the measuring surface, and then perform the temperature measurement by removing their finger from the measuring button 13. The following description omits the process of pressing the on / off switch 15 to switch the thermometer on.

[0042] As described above, the sensor surface 4b has a shape in which the front end section 2a of the housing 2 is truncated with an inclination relative to the axis AY, while the foremost end section 2c is retained, such that the inclination angle θ of the sensor surface 4b relative to the axis AY is given by the following formula: Fig. The axis AY shown in Figure 5 is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Since the sensor surface 4b is obtained by cutting off the front end section 2a of the housing 2 with a hemispherical shape while leaving the foremost end section 2c, the upper end section of the sensor surface 4b does not reach the flat surface 3d in the side view. Assuming that the upper end section of the sensor surface 4b does reach the flat surface 3d in the side view, then the flat surface 3d is a section cut off parallel to the axis AY, and the line forming the lower end of the lower housing 4 and the battery cover 5 in the side view is parallel to the axis AY, and the sensor surface 4b is inclined at an angle θ to the axis AY. Therefore, the angle formed by the sensor surface 4b, whose upper end reaches the flat section 3d, and the flat section 3d is an angle obtained by subtracting θ from 180 degrees.As described above, θ is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, i.e., an obtuse angle, and an angle obtained by subtracting θ from 180 degrees is an acute angle. That is, when the upper end section of the sensor surface 4b reaches the flat surface 3d, an acute angle is formed at the front end section 2a of the housing 2. When measuring temperature with a non-contact thermometer of this shape, the person being measured may experience an unpleasant sensation or discomfort, as the rod-shaped object with its pointed end is directed towards the person's forehead.Since in the housing 2 of the present embodiment the foremost end section 2c, which is part of the sphere, is located between the upper end of the sensor surface 4b and the flat section 3d, the front end section 2a does not have a pointed shape. Therefore, an unpleasant sensation or feeling of discomfort is reduced compared to a case in which the pointed end is directed towards the face.

[0043] Whether measuring the temperature of another person or their own, the person taking the measurement holds the housing 2 at an angle and directs the front end section 2a towards the forehead of another person or their own forehead. The angle of inclination θ of the sensor surface 4b with respect to the axis AY can be set arbitrarily within a range of more than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees; preferably, the angle of inclination θ can be set within such a range that the sensor surface 4b points directly towards the forehead when the person taking the measurement, who naturally holds the housing 2 at an angle without special attention, directs the front end section 2a towards the forehead of another person or their own forehead.When the operator holds the rod-shaped object at an angle, the angle of the rod-shaped object, held naturally without special attention, is often about 45 degrees to the horizontal plane, unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the angle of the axis AY of the tilted housing 2 to the horizontal plane is also about 45 degrees, and the inclination angle of the sensor surface 4b to the axis AY, to form the angle perpendicular to the horizontal plane, is 135 degrees. Since the front is slightly inclined backward, it is advantageous to increase the angle of the sensor surface 4b with respect to the axis AY by this amount. In particular, assuming a range in which the front is inclined backward by about 15 degrees from a right angle with respect to the horizontal plane, it is advantageous to set the corresponding inclination angle θ to 135 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less.In the present embodiment, the tilt angle θ is set to 142 degrees.

[0044] According to Fig. 4 The center point of the measuring knob 13 coincides with the AY axis in the X-axis direction, i.e., the measuring knob, together with the sensor surface 4b and the infrared sensor 11, is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the housing 2. Therefore, it is possible to perform a suitable measurement regardless of whether the person measuring uses their right or left hand.

[0045] Since the measuring button 13 is located on the same side as the sensor surface 4b in a side view, the measuring button 13 is also located on the side of the person being measured, i.e., on the side furthest from the person taking the measurement, when the housing 2 is held so that the sensor surface 4b points towards the person being measured during temperature measurement. Furthermore, since the sensor surface 4b is designed to be inclined at an angle θ to the axis AY of the housing 2, the person taking the measurement, who wishes to point the sensor surface 4b obliquely towards the forehead of the person being measured, holds the housing 2 at an angle corresponding to the inclination angle θ of the sensor surface 4b.In this case, the person performing the measurement, who intends to press the measuring button 13 on the side furthest from the person performing the measurement, with the entire housing 2 in an oblique position, presses the measuring button 13 with the index or middle finger and holds the housing 2 so that at least part of the thumb comes into contact with the flat surface 3d.

[0046] The section near the side of the front end of the housing 2, which is held in this way, protrudes between the thumb and index finger of the person measuring, in the direction of the person being measured, regardless of whether the measuring button 13 is operated with the index finger or the middle finger. If the size of the individual fingertips is disregarded, on the side of the sensor surface 4b the length of the protruding section corresponds to the length L12 from the center of the measuring button 13 in the direction of the axis AY to the foremost end section 2c of the housing 2 when the measuring button 13 is actuated with the index finger, and corresponds to the length obtained when the length from the center of the measuring button 13 to the position where the index finger touches the housing 2 is subtracted from the length L12 from the center of the measuring button 13 in the direction of the axis AY to the foremost end section 2c of the housing 2 when the measuring button 13 is actuated with the middle finger.

[0047] If the overall weight of the non-contact thermometer 1 is sufficiently low in relation to the user's muscle strength, or similarly, it is conceivable that the user could grip the housing 2 of the non-contact thermometer 1 using only their thumb and index or middle finger. However, in general, to maintain the grip on the housing 2 and to facilitate the measurement, it is conceivable that the user could grip the housing 2 with other fingers, the palm of the hand, the wrist, part of the forearm, or the like, in addition to their thumb and the finger operating the measuring button 13. If a different finger is used, the position of the user's finger relative to the housing 2 (i.e., the positional relationship of the individual fingers) remains the same regardless of whether the finger operating the measuring button 13 is the index or middle finger.Therefore, in the description of the finger's position at the time of measuring another person's temperature, the finger that operates the measuring button 13 is described as the index finger.

[0048] In a case where the length L13 in the direction from the center of the measuring knob 13 to the base end section 2b of the housing 2 is long with respect to the size of the palm of the person measuring, the person measuring who wishes to take another person's temperature measurement can hold the housing 2 by gripping the housing 2 in one of the following ways: in such a way that the middle finger, ring finger and little finger are positioned so that they are substantially aligned and lie around the lower housing 4 and the battery cover 5 of the housing 2, and a section of the housing 2 which is closer to the base end section 2b with respect to the little finger does not come into contact with any other section of the body of the person measuring;and a manner in which the middle finger, ring finger and little finger are arranged so that they are substantially aligned and wrapped around the lower case 4 and battery cover 5 of the case 2, or the fingertips of these fingers are arranged along the central axes of the lower case 4 and battery cover 5, and at least one point of the section which is closer to the base end section 2b with respect to the little finger is brought into contact with a section of the palm on the side of the little finger, the wrist or the forearm.

[0049] In a case where the length L13 in the direction from the center of the measuring knob 13 to the base end section 2b of the housing 2 is shorter than the size of the measuring hand, the measuring hand who wishes to take a temperature measurement of another person can hold the housing 2 so that part of the base end section 2b of the housing 2 is in contact with the inside of the palm to support the housing 2, and the middle finger, ring finger and little finger can assume any positions.

[0050] Since the measuring button 13 is located on the same side as the sensor surface 4b in a side view, when measuring one's own temperature, if the housing 2 is held so that the sensor surface 4b faces the person being measured, the measuring button 13 is also located on the side closest to the person being measured. Furthermore, since the sensor surface 4b is designed to be inclined at an angle θ to the axis AY of the housing 2, the person being measured, who wants to point the sensor surface 4b at their own forehead, holds the housing 2 at an angle corresponding to the inclination angle θ of the sensor surface 4b.In this case, the person measuring, who intends to press the measuring button 13 on the side near the person measuring, with the entire housing 2 in an oblique position, holds the housing 2 in such a way that they place their thumb on the measuring button 13 and bring at least part of their index or middle finger into contact with the flat surface 3d.

[0051] The section grasped in this way, near the side of the front end of the housing 2, protrudes between the thumb and forefinger of the person taking the measurement, towards the person being measured. Ignoring the size of the thumb's tip, the length of the protruding section corresponds to a length L12 from the center of the measuring knob 13 in the direction of axis AY to the foremost end section 2c of the housing 2 on the side of the sensor surface 4b.

[0052] The following description assumes that a person measuring their own temperature grasps the housing 2 not only with their thumb and the two fingers of their index or middle finger, but also with other fingers, a palm, a wrist, part of the forearm, and the like, as is the case when measuring the temperature of another person.

[0053] In a case where the length L13 in the direction from the center of the measuring knob 13 to the base end section 2b of the housing 2 is long relative to the size of the measuring hand, the side of the base end section 2b of the housing 2 extends away from the measuring hand at the time of the measurement of their own temperature. Therefore, the measuring hand, who wishes to perform their own temperature measurement, can grip the housing 2 such that the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are essentially aligned and placed around the upper housing 3 of the housing 2, or the fingertips of these fingers are arranged so that they are in contact with the flat surface 3d of the upper housing 3 side by side, and a section near the base end section 2b of the housing 2 protrudes from the side of the little finger of the measuring hand.In this case, a part of the side surface that is closer to the base end section 2b than the little finger of the enclosed housing 2 may or may not be brought into contact with the part of the palm that is closer to the little finger.

[0054] If the length L13 in the direction from the center of the measuring knob 13 to the base end section 2b of the housing 2 is short in relation to the size of the measuring person's palm, the measuring person who wants to measure their own temperature can bring part of the base end section 2b of the housing 2 into contact with the inside of the palm while supporting the housing 2 with their thumb on the measuring knob 13 and their index finger on the flat surface 3d, and position their middle finger, ring finger and little finger as desired, or they can bring a point of the base end section 2b of the housing 2 that is furthest from the front end section into contact with the area around the center of the palm and grip the housing 2 such that, viewed from the front end section 2a, the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger are arranged side by side along the partial arc 3b, the straight line 3a and the partial arc 3c.

[0055] As described above, in the housing 2 of the non-contact thermometer 1 of the present embodiment, the front end section 2a of the housing 2 protrudes between the thumb and forefinger of the person taking the measurement. The length of the protruding section can be described by the length L12 from the center of the measuring button 13 in the direction of the axis AY to the foremost end section 2c of the housing 2, both when measuring the temperature of another person and when measuring one's own temperature. The length L12 can be set arbitrarily and should preferably be within a range that facilitates the adjustment of the positional relationship between the sensor surface 4b and the forehead and reduces the feeling of discomfort during measurement.

[0056] In a case where L12 is long, i.e., where the position of the measuring button 13 is far from the sensor surface 4b, it is difficult to align the sensor, especially when measuring self-temperature. Since the forehead, which represents the measuring surface, is located above the eyes, it is difficult for the person measuring their own temperature to visually observe the sensor surface 4b near their forehead. Therefore, the person measuring must adjust the positional relationship between the forehead and the sensor surface 4b using a different adjustment method, for example, a method in which the positional relationship between the forehead and the sensor surface 4b is adjusted indirectly by visually observing a section other than the sensor surface 4b and by adjusting the positional relationship between this section and the person measuring the temperature.

[0057] When the measuring button 13 is positioned away from the sensor surface 4b, the thumb placed on the measuring button 13 is below the measurer's eye level. Therefore, when the measurer looks forward, only an empty portion of the lower housing 4 is visible, making it difficult to align the device by visually observing any part other than the sensor surface 4b of the housing 2. To indirectly adjust the positional relationship between the forehead and the sensor surface 4b by visually observing the thumb placed on the measuring button 13, the measurer must look downwards while maintaining the head position to visually observe the thumb. This places a significant burden on the measurer.

[0058] In a case where L12 is short, i.e., in a case where the position of the measuring button 13 is close to the sensor surface 4b, there is a risk that the index finger of the person taking the measurement, who is attempting to operate the measuring button 13 with their middle finger, will touch the infrared sensor 11 while measuring another person's temperature. Furthermore, if the person taking the measurement, who is placing their index or middle finger on the measuring button 13, which is located near the sensor surface 4b, brings the front end section 2a of the housing 2 close to the forehead of the person being measured, part of the index or middle finger will protrude from the sensor surface 4b on the side of the person being measured and approach the face of the person being measured at eye level, which may cause an unpleasant sensation or feeling of discomfort, as if the person being measured were being punched.

[0059] If the measuring button 13 is in such a position that the thumb placed on the measuring button 13 is in front of the person taking their own temperature measurement, the person taking the measurement can indirectly adjust the positional relationship between their forehead and the sensor surface 4b by visually observing their thumb. Since the infrared sensor 11 is located above the sensor surface 4b, see Fig. 4, it is advantageous if the length resulting from the multiplication of the length L23 between the infrared sensor 11 and the center of the measuring button 13 with the sine of the angle of the axis AY to the horizontal line when the housing 2 is held at an angle approximates the distance in the vertical direction from the eyes of the person measuring (the person being measured) to the center of the forehead, since the positional relationship between the forehead and the sensor surface 4b can be easily adjusted.

[0060] The following describes the area of ​​L12 in more detail, assuming the user's own temperature measurement. The shape of the human head varies depending on race and age, and the differences between individuals are significant, but a section above eye level (L31 in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13) can be considered approximately hemispherical. Since the average head circumference of Japanese adult men is 575.9 mm, which corresponds to the circumference of the hemisphere, the head circumference of a person measuring themselves is assumed to be in the range of approximately up to 600 mm. In a side view of the head, the section above eye level, including the forehead, is essentially semicircular, and the angle of the tangent plane to the forehead at its midpoint, i.e., the area above the eyes, is inclined backward to the vertical. The forehead generally refers to an area from the hairline to the eyebrow. The hairline is closer to the eyes than to the top of the head, and the eyebrow is closer to the top of the head than the eyes; that is, the forehead can be described as another portion of the anterior half of the semicircle when viewing the top of the head from the side.Assuming a height where the angle from the center of the head is approximately 45 degrees, i.e., a length approximately 0.7 times the radius as height (L32 in . Fig. 12 and Fig. 13) the center of the forehead, it is preferable to assume a distance of approximately 0.7 times the radius corresponding to the circumferential length of 600 mm, i.e., up to approximately 67 mm, as the distance between the height L31 of the eyes and the height L32 of the center of the forehead. As described above, the height is a length obtained by multiplying L23 by the sine of the angle of the axis AY of the housing 2 from the horizontal line, and if the angle of the axis AY of the housing 2 is 45 degrees, L23 can be adjusted in a range up to 95 mm, and L12 can be adjusted up to approximately 100 mm, taking into account the mounting position of the infrared sensor 11 in the sensor surface 4b. In the present embodiment, L12 is 72 mm.

[0061] Furthermore, the length L13 of the housing 2 of the non-contact thermometer 1 of the present embodiment can be arbitrarily adjusted on the side of the base end section 2b; however, a length that allows the housing 2 to be gripped stably at the time of body temperature measurement is preferable. If the length L13 is short and the four fingers, excluding the thumb, cannot be placed on it, the grip stability is poor. Therefore, the length L13 is preferably 60 mm or more, based on 59.5 mm, which corresponds to the sum of the average widths of the first joint segments of the four fingers, excluding the thumb, of Japanese adult men.

[0062] Furthermore, since it is easier to adjust and maintain the grip of the grasped housing 2 when the base end section 2b is in contact with the palm of the hand than when the base end section 2b protrudes from the side of the little finger of the measuring hand, the maximum value of L13 can, for example, be set to 123.9 mm, using, for example, 71.1 mm, which is the average length of the index finger of Japanese adult men, and 52.8 mm, which is half the average length from the wrist to the base of the middle finger of Japanese adult men, such that the position of the base end section 2b is within the palm of the hand while the housing 2 is gripped with the thumb or index finger. In the present embodiment, L13 is 85 mm.

[0063] The temperature measurement of another person is described in detail (measurement examples 1 to 3 in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12) A person taking the measurement, A, places an index finger on the measuring button 13, holds the housing 2 between their index finger and thumb, and grasps the non-contact thermometer 1 so that the base end section 2b of the housing 2 touches the palm of their hand. The person taking the measurement, A, can then direct the sensor surface 4b towards the forehead of the person being measured, B, by naturally extending their arm towards B while holding the housing 2. Measurement example 1 is a case where there is no height difference between the person taking the measurement, A, and the person being measured, B. In this case, the person taking the measurement, A, holds the housing 2 at an upward angle, and their elbow is bent while their forearm extends diagonally upward; that is, the angle of the person taking the measurement, A, has some leeway, and the measuring posture is appropriate. Measurement example 3 is a case where the person taking the measurement, A, is taller than the person being measured, B.The person taking the measurement, A, extends their arm downwards and holds the housing 2 with their wrist at an angle close to the horizontal, corresponding to the angle of the upward-facing face of the person being measured, B. When the arm is extended downwards, the index finger is positioned below the thumb. Therefore, the person taking the measurement, A, who places their index finger on the measuring knob 13, can easily adjust the angle of the housing 2 around their index finger.

[0064] Measurement Example 2 is a case in which the height of the person taking the measurement, A, is significantly lower than the height of the person being measured, B, and the arm must be extended upwards. With a large height difference, the person taking the measurement must fully extend their elbow joint, also extending their thumb along the flat surface 3d. If the measuring button is located on the side of the flat surface 3d, there is a possibility that the arm and finger will experience a feeling of tension and pain, as the button is operated with the thumb fully extended. However, since the measuring button 13 of the present embodiment is located on the side of the sensor surface 4b, the button can be operated with the index finger bent.The thumb joint is relaxed sufficiently to allow the measuring button 13 to be operated with the index finger, and the thumb is brought closer to the base end section 2b than in its fully extended state. This allows the sensor surface 4b to be directed towards the forehead of the person being measured, B, without causing any tension in the arm and finger. In other words, by positioning the measuring button 13 on the same side as the sensor surface 4b, the person taking the measurement, A, can perform the measurement in a comfortable posture.

[0065] The case of measuring one's own temperature is described in detail (measurement example 4 in Fig. 11 and Fig. 13) The user A places their thumb on the measuring button 13, holds the housing 2 between their thumb and index finger, and grasps the non-contact thermometer 1 in such a way that the base end section 2b of the housing 2 is in contact with the palm of their hand. The user A then bends their arm naturally while holding the housing 2 and looks at their thumb resting on the measuring button 13. The thumb is at eye level, its position relative to the face is close to midline, and the distance between the eyes and the thumb is often 50 mm or more, allowing the thumb to be visually observed with both eyes without strain, such as squinting. Furthermore, the angle of the forearm is essentially a right angle, and the sensor surface 4b can be directed towards the user's forehead without bending the palm relative to the forearm.Since the elbow is positioned slightly in front of the chest, the upper arm and forearm are not tensed.

[0066] With reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 12. Does the person measuring A match the temperature of another person at the time of measurement (measurement examples 1 to 3 in Fig. 11) Adjust the position and posture of the housing 2 of the non-contact thermometer 1 in the switched-on state so that the sensor surface 4b has a suitable positional relationship, a suitable angle and a suitable distance to the forehead of the person B to be measured, which represents the measuring surface, and then presses the measuring button 13 with the index finger. Alternatively, with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 13. Does the person measuring A match themselves at the time of the temperature measurement (measurement example 4 in Fig. 11) Adjust the position and posture of the housing 2 of the non-contact thermometer 1 in the switched-on state so that the sensor surface 4b has a suitable positional relationship, a suitable angle and a suitable distance to the forehead of the person measuring A itself, which represents the measuring surface, and then press the measuring button 13 with the thumb. The setting of the positional relationship between the sensor surface 4b and the measuring surface is described in detail below.

[0067] In general, with an infrared sensor used in a non-contact thermometer, the measuring area is a surface, and this area increases with increasing distance from the sensor. Furthermore, if an object other than the intended object is within the measuring area, its temperature will also be measured. Therefore, the measuring area must be sufficiently small relative to the object. Temperature measurement with the infrared sensor can still be performed even if the sensor is tilted relative to the object (measuring area). However, because the measuring area is elliptical in shape, there is a high probability, depending on the distance and angle, that an object other than the intended object will be included in the measurement area. This probability increases further if the object (measuring area) is spherical.For this reason, with the non-contact thermometer with infrared sensor, it is necessary to point the infrared sensor towards the center of the measuring surface and to align the infrared sensor directly with the measuring surface within a certain distance range in order to ensure the accuracy required for body temperature measurement.

[0068] This means that when measuring temperature with a handheld non-contact thermometer using the forehead as the measuring point, the infrared sensor must be directed towards the center of the forehead as the measuring surface, and the infrared sensor must be essentially aligned directly with the forehead as the measuring surface within a certain distance range (i.e., the direction of the infrared sensor essentially coincides with the normal to the tangent plane of the forehead near the center of the forehead), so that the entire measuring range of the infrared sensor is contained within the forehead. The specific distance range can vary depending on the characteristics of the infrared sensor used, but is generally within 10 cm in many cases.Since the infrared sensor 11 is arranged according to the present embodiment such that it faces the sensor surface 4b, in the contactless thermometer according to the present embodiment, the substantially direct alignment of the infrared sensor 11 with the forehead means the substantially direct alignment of the sensor surface 4b with the forehead, i.e., the substantially parallel alignment of the tangent plane between the sensor surface 4b and the forehead. It should be noted that the center of the forehead includes both the center in the vertical direction and the center in the horizontal direction, the center in the horizontal direction being the center of the face, and the measuring knob 13 of the present embodiment being located at the center with respect to the width direction of the housing 2. Therefore, in the following description, the center in the vertical direction will be described.

[0069] According to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 is the height of the infrared sensor 11 when the infrared sensor 11 is directed towards the center of the forehead, which represents the measuring surface; the height of a line L32, which represents the height of the center of the forehead, is also the height of a line L32, which represents the height of the center of the forehead. Furthermore, when the infrared sensor 11 is directed towards the forehead, a line L41, which represents the tangent plane of the forehead, and a line L42, which represents the sensor surface, are parallel. In addition, the distance between the forehead and the infrared sensor 11 can be expressed by the distance between L41 and L42.

[0070] With reference to Fig. 12. The operator, holding the housing 2 of the non-contact thermometer 1, adjusts the position, angle, and distance of the sensor surface 4b obliquely so that they are suitable for the forehead of the person being measured at the time of the temperature measurement. Specifically, the operator adjusts the position and distance of the sensor surface 4b by visually observing the section of the flat surface 3d contained within the front end section 2a. Regarding the angle, the operator cannot directly observe the sensor surface 4b visually, but since the sensor surface 4b is positioned at an angle relative to the axis AY of the rod-shaped housing 2, the sensor surface 4b is naturally oriented towards the forehead of the person being measured; that is, it is slightly inclined towards the forehead of the person being measured when the housing 2 is held obliquely.

[0071] With reference to Fig. 13 The person taking the measurement, who is holding the housing 2 of the non-contact thermometer 1, adjusts the position, angle, and distance of the sensor surface 4b obliquely so that it is suitable for their own forehead, which is the measuring surface at the time of the temperature measurement. Since the person taking the measurement cannot adjust the position, angle, and distance by direct visual observation of the sensor surface 4b, they adjust it indirectly by visually observing their thumb placed on the measuring button 13 and adjusting the position and distance of their thumb. In the example of Fig. 3. The position of the thumb is adjusted to eye level (indicated by line L31). Regarding the angle, the person taking the measurement cannot directly observe the sensor surface 4b visually, and it is difficult to visually observe the angle of the housing 2. However, since the sensor surface 4b is positioned so that it is inclined with respect to the axis AY of the rod-shaped housing 2, the sensor surface 4b is naturally, i.e., slightly oriented towards the forehead of the person being measured, as the housing 2 is held at an essentially vertical angle by the thumb.

[0072] In the non-contact thermometer 1 of the present embodiment, the housing 2 has a rod shape, the sensor surface 4b has a flat shape extending obliquely to the axis AY, and the measuring button 13 is provided on the same side as the sensor surface 4b in a side view. When the housing 2 is held so that the index finger touches the measuring button 13 when measuring another person, the sensor surface 4b can easily be directed towards one's own forehead, the measuring point, which facilitates the alignment of the sensor surface 4b with respect to the forehead of the person being measured and the adjustment of the distance.

[0073] In the non-contact thermometer 1 of the present embodiment, the housing 2 has a rod shape, the sensor surface 4b has a flat shape extending obliquely to the axis AY, and the measuring knob 13 is provided on the same side as the sensor surface 4b in a side view. When the housing is held so that the user's thumb rests on the measuring knob 13 at the time of measurement, the sensor surface 4b can be easily directed towards the user's forehead, the measurement point, and by visually observing the thumb resting on the measuring knob 13, the alignment of the sensor surface 4b with respect to the user's forehead and the adjustment of the distance are facilitated.

[0074] Since the measuring button 13 is located on the same side of the housing 2 as the sensor surface 4b, the sensor surface 4b can be directed towards the forehead with a finger placed on the measuring button 13, both when measuring the temperature of another person and when measuring one's own temperature. In particular, since the sensor surface 4b is provided at the front end section of the rod-shaped housing 2 and the measuring button 13 is located on the same side as the sensor surface 4b in the housing 2, it is possible to perform the temperature measurement using the arms, elbows, and wrists in appropriate body positions, even when there is a significant difference in height between the person taking the measurement and the person being measured, or when taking the temperature of a person standing next to the seated person taking the measurement.

[0075] Since the housing 2 has a rod shape, in both cases, i.e., when measuring the temperature of another person, where the forehead of the person B to be measured is aimed at the sensor surface 4b and thus the front end section 2a of the housing 2 by the person measuring A, and when measuring the temperature of oneself, where the forehead of the person measuring A is aimed at themselves with the front end section 2a of the housing 2, an unpleasant feeling or a feeling of discomfort is reduced compared to the case in which a pistol-shaped object is pointed at the face.

[0076] The front end section 2a of the housing 2 is not pointed, as it comprises not only the inclined surface but also the foremost end section 2c and the flat sensor surface 4b, which extends obliquely from the foremost end section 2c. The foremost end section 2c has a spherical shape. Therefore, in both cases—that is, when measuring the temperature of another person, where the forehead of the person being measured (B) is aimed at by the person taking the measurement (A) with the front end section 2a of the housing 2, and when measuring one's own temperature, where the forehead of the person taking the measurement (A) is aimed at themselves with the front end section 2a of the housing 2—any unpleasant sensation or feeling of discomfort is reduced compared to the case where the pointed end is directed at the face.

[0077] When measuring the temperature of another person as well as their own, the person taking the measurement can hold the non-contact thermometer 1 in such a way that the base end section 2b of the housing 2 comes into contact with the palm of their hand. Since the base end section 2b of the housing 2 has a spherical shape, it is possible to suppress any sensation of discomfort on the area with which the base end section 2b is in contact.

[0078] Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 15 shows modifications of the present invention. Configurations and the like not specifically mentioned in these modifications are the same as those of the embodiment.

[0079] The in Fig. The non-contact thermometer 1 shown in Figure 14, according to the first modification, comprises a built-in distance sensor 12 in which a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are integrated. The laser light emitted by the light-emitting element and reflected by the human body (forehead) is received by the light-receiving element, thereby measuring the distance to the measuring point (forehead).Whether measuring another person's temperature or one's own, the non-contact thermometer 1, which has been switched on by pressing the on / off switch 15, is brought close to the measuring point (forehead). When the distance sensor 12 detects that the sensor surface 4b has approached the measuring point to within a distance suitable for temperature measurement by the infrared sensor 11, the person taking the measurement is prompted by a beep or vibration of the buzzer to press the measuring button 13. This allows the non-contact thermometer 1 to be easily positioned correctly, at a suitable angle, and at a suitable distance from the forehead, the measuring point, even by an inexperienced user or in cases of physical differences between the user and the person being measured.This means it is possible to assist the user in adjusting the non-contact thermometer 1 to a suitable position, angle, and distance from the forehead. When the distance sensor 12 detects that the sensor surface 4b is approaching the measuring point to a distance suitable for temperature measurement by the infrared sensor 11, the temperature measurement by the infrared sensor 11 can be performed automatically.

[0080] The non-contact thermometer 1 according to the in Fig. The second modification shown in Figure 15 comprises a built-in distance sensor 19 with a pair of light-emitting elements 19a and 19b and a single light-receiving element 19b. The function of the distance sensor 19 is similar to that of the first modification ( Fig.14) By providing the pair of light-emitting elements 19a and 19a, the operator can also be assisted in adjusting the left and right positions of the non-contact thermometer 1. For example, it is possible to inform the operator by a buzzer or vibration that the left and right positions of the non-contact thermometer 1 are now suitable. It should be noted that when the distance sensor 19 detects that the sensor surface 4 is approaching the measuring point to within a distance suitable for temperature measurement by the infrared sensor 11, and the left and right positions of the non-contact thermometer 1 become suitable, the temperature measurement by the infrared sensor 11 can be carried out automatically. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 non-contact thermometer 2 cases 2a front end section 2b Base end section 2c foremost end section 3 upper case 3a straight line 3b, 3c Sub-arc 3D flat section 3e foremost end section 4 lower case 4a Sub-arc 4b Sensor area 4c foremost end section 4e recess 5 Battery cover 5a Partial arc 11 Infrared sensor 12 Distance sensor 13 Measuring button 14 Liquid crystal display (display unit) 15 On / Off switches 16 Recording confirmation button 17 Control unit 18 Power source 19 Distance sensor 19a Light-emitting element 19b Light-receiving element QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP-S-1744710

[0004]

Claims

[1] Handheld non-contact thermometer in which one measuring point is a forehead, wherein the non-contact thermometer has: a housing with a rod shape extending along an axis and having a front end section with a built-in infrared sensor and a base end section on a side opposite the front end section; and a measuring button that is provided in the housing and enables a measuring function of the non-contact thermometer, wherein the front end section of the housing comprises a foremost end section and a flat sensor surface extending from the foremost end section towards the base end section, such that it is inclined with respect to the axis, the infrared sensor is arranged in the housing in such a way that it faces the sensor surface, and The measuring button is positioned on the same side of the housing as the sensor surface in a side view. [2] Non-contact thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the angle of inclination of the sensor surface with respect to the axis is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. [3] Non-contact thermometer according to claim 1, wherein a recess is provided in the housing and the measuring button is arranged in the recess. [4] Non-contact thermometer according to claim 3, wherein the measuring button has a concave shape. [5] Non-contact thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the foremost end section and the center of the measuring knob in one direction of the axis is 100 mm or less. [6] Non-contact thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a flat section on one side opposite the sensor surface in a side view. [7] Non-contact thermometer according to claim 6, wherein a display unit is provided on the flat section. [8] Non-contact thermometer according to claim 6, wherein an outline, viewed from the direction of the axis of the housing, has a convexly curved surface shape except for the flat section.

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