Patent Publication Number: US-2013243034-A1

Title: Temperature sensing portion cap and electronic thermometer

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to structures of a temperature sensing portion cap and an electronic thermometer. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Generally, an electronic thermometer that measures body temperature by being placed in a measurement site, such as in the armpit or under the tongue, is provided with a hollow main body housing that has an opening portion at a tip, a temperature sensing portion that is drawn from inside the main body housing to outside the main body housing through the opening portion by a lead, and a temperature sensing portion cap that accommodates the temperature sensing portion and occludes the opening portion (e.g., JP 2007-120963A and JP 2009-300310A). 
     The temperature sensing portion is fixed to an accommodating portion inside the temperature sensing portion cap, with the performance of the electronic thermometer being greatly affected by variation in the fixing of the temperature sensing portion. The method of fixing the temperature sensing portion to the temperature sensing portion cap will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 19 to 22 . 
       FIG. 19  is an overall perspective view showing the structure of a temperature sensing portion cap  200 , and  FIG. 20  is a longitudinal sectional view of the temperature sensing portion cap  200 . This temperature sensing portion cap  200  consists of a metal material such as stainless steel, and has a U-shaped cross-section. The temperature sensing portion cap  200  has a diameter (ΦD) of approximately 3-5 mm, and a length (L) of approximately 7-11 mm. Also, the size (volume) of a temperature sensing portion  73  discussed later is small at approximately 1 mm3, and the thickness of one lead  72  is thin at approximately 0.1 mm. 
     Methods of fixing the temperature sensing portion to the temperature sensing portion cap include: (a) packing the temperature sensing portion cap with adhesive and simultaneously fixing the temperature sensing portion to the temperature sensing portion cap and fixing the temperature sensing portion cap to the main body housing; and (b) fixing the temperature sensing portion to the temperature sensing portion cap by affixing a small amount of adhesive to a tip portion of the temperature sensing portion, and fixing the temperature sensing portion cap to the main body housing by applying more adhesive to the main body housing. 
       FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view showing the case of (a). The temperature sensing portion cap  200  is packed with an adhesive  50 , and the temperature sensing portion  73  to which the leads  72  are coupled is fixed to a bottom portion (tip portion) of the temperature sensing portion cap  200 . 
       FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view showing the case of (b). A small amount of adhesive is affixed to a tip portion of the temperature sensing portion  73  inside the temperature sensing portion cap  200 , and the temperature sensing portion  73  to which the leads  72  are coupled is fixed to the bottom portion (tip portion) of the temperature sensing portion cap  200 . 
     Here, with method (a), the temperature sensing portion cap  200  and the temperature sensing portion  73  are thermally bonded by the presence of the adhesive  50 . However, heat diffuses throughout the layer of adhesive  50  inside the temperature sensing portion cap  200 , slowing heat transfer to the temperature sensing portion  73 . 
     Also, with method (b), a layer of air is provided inside the temperature sensing portion cap  200 , thus allowing heat to be quickly transferred from the temperature sensing portion cap  200  to the temperature sensing portion  73  without diffusing. Also, the temperature sensing portion  73  need only be inserted until it butts against the bottom portion (tip portion) of the temperature sensing portion cap  200 , making positioning of the temperature sensing portion  73  relative to the temperature sensing portion cap  200  comparatively easy. However, depending on how the adhesive  50  is affixed, the temperature sensing portion  73  may not be properly thermally bonded to the temperature sensing portion cap  200 . 
     Thus, even though thermal bonding between the temperature sensing portion cap  200  and the temperature sensing portion  73  is strengthened when the packed amount of adhesive is large, thermal diffusion arises, slowing heat transfer to the temperature sensing portion  73 . On the other hand, heat transfer to the temperature sensing portion  73  is faster when the packed amount of adhesive is small, but thermal bonding between the temperature sensing portion cap  200  and the temperature sensing portion  73  is weakened, resulting in product variation (instrumental error) between electronic thermometers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a temperature sensing portion cap and an electronic thermometer that are provided with a structure that secure thermal bonding between the temperature sensing portion cap and a temperature sensing portion, significantly reduces or prevents variation in the fixing position of the temperature sensing portion and thermal diffusion, through the packing of adhesive. 
     A temperature sensing portion cap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is preferably for use with an electronic thermometer, the electronic thermometer being provided with a hollow main body housing including an opening portion at a tip, a temperature sensing portion that is drawn from inside the main body housing to outside the main body housing through the opening portion by a lead, and the temperature sensing portion cap that accommodates the temperature sensing portion and occludes the opening portion, the temperature sensing portion cap including a tubular or substantially tubular body portion that is located toward the opening portion of the main body housing, and a bottomed accommodating portion that is in communication with the body portion and accommodates the temperature sensing portion. A temperature sensing portion supporting region is provided inside the accommodating portion, by an indented region that is indented toward the body portion located on a tip portion side of an outer surface of the accommodating portion. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inside of the accommodating portion is divided into two or more temperature sensing portion supporting regions by the indented region, and the temperature sensing portion is accommodated in one of the temperature sensing portion supporting regions. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the indented region includes a linear recessed groove that is recessed toward the body portion from the tip portion side of the accommodating portion, and the accommodating portion is divided into two or more temperature sensing portion supporting regions by the recessed groove. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the indented region includes a tubular or substantially tubular recessed groove that is recessed toward the body portion from a central tip portion side of the accommodating portion, and the temperature sensing portion supporting region is annularly arranged inside the accommodating portion by the recessed groove. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensing portion supporting region which narrows toward the tip portion is defined in an inner space of the accommodating portion by the indented region, and the temperature sensing portion is accommodated in the tip portion of the temperature sensing portion supporting region. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the indented region includes a first inclined surface that is located toward the body portion and has a first inclination angle and a second inclined surface that is located toward the tip portion and has a second inclination angle that is greater than the first inclination angle, and the temperature sensing portion is accommodated in the tip portion of the temperature sensing portion supporting region which is partitioned by the second inclined surface. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the indented region includes an inclined surface that has a predetermined inclination angle, and the temperature sensing portion is accommodated in the tip portion of the temperature sensing portion supporting region which is partitioned by the inclined surface. 
     An electronic thermometer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a hollow main body housing including an opening portion at a tip, a temperature sensing portion that is drawn from inside the main body housing to outside the main body housing through the opening portion by a lead, and a temperature sensing portion cap that accommodates the temperature sensing portion and occludes the opening portion, the temperature sensing portion cap being a temperature sensing portion cap according to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention described above. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main body housing includes a display unit, and a display surface of the display unit faces in a direction rotated approximately 90 degrees from the temperature sensing portion, when the temperature sensing portion cap is seen from a tip side. 
     Various preferred embodiments of the present invention enables provision of a temperature sensing portion cap and an electronic thermometer that are provided with a structure that secures thermal bonding between the temperature sensing portion cap and a temperature sensing portion, significantly reduces or prevents variation in the fixing position of the temperature sensing portion and thermal diffusion, through the packing of adhesive. 
     The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the outer structure of an electronic thermometer according to Preferred Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows the configuration of functional blocks of the electronic thermometer according to Preferred Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly structure of the electronic thermometer according to Preferred Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the outer structure of a temperature sensing portion cap of Preferred Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  show the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap of Preferred Embodiment 1, with  FIG. 5A  being a front view,  FIG. 5B  being a side view and  FIG. 5C  being a bottom view taken from the tip. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows VI-VI in  FIG. 5B . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the outer structure of a temperature sensing portion cap of Preferred Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  show the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap of Preferred Embodiment 2, with  FIG. 8A  being a front view,  FIG. 8B  being a side view and  FIG. 8C  being a bottom view taken from the tip. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows IX-IX in  FIG. 8C . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing the outer structure of a temperature sensing portion cap of Preferred Embodiment 3 of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11A-11C  show the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap of Preferred Embodiment 3, with  FIG. 11A  being a front view,  FIG. 11B  being a side view and  FIG. 11C  being a bottom view taken from the tip. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows XII-XII in  FIG. 11B . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing the outer structure of a temperature sensing portion cap of Preferred Embodiment 4 of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  show the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap of Preferred Embodiment 4, with  FIG. 14A  being a front view and  FIG. 14B  being a side view. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows XV-XV in  FIG. 14B . 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view showing the outer structure of a temperature sensing portion cap of Preferred Embodiment 5 of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 17A and 17B  show the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap of Preferred Embodiment 5, with  FIG. 17A  being a front view and  FIG. 17B  being a side view. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows XVIII-XVIII in  FIG. 17B . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view showing the outer structure of a temperature sensing portion cap of the background art. 
         FIG. 20  is a longitudinal sectional view of the temperature sensing portion cap of the background art. 
         FIG. 21  is a longitudinal sectional view showing a method of fixing a temperature sensing portion to the temperature sensing portion cap of the background art, by packing the temperature sensing portion cap with adhesive. 
         FIG. 22  is a longitudinal sectional view showing a method of fixing a temperature sensing portion to the temperature sensing portion cap of the background art, by using adhesive on a portion of the temperature sensing portion cap. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, a temperature sensing portion cap according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the case where numbers, amounts or the like are referred to in the following preferred embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not necessary limited to those numbers, amounts or the like, unless expressly stated otherwise. Note also that, in the multiple preferred embodiments described hereinafter, appropriately combining the configurations of individual preferred embodiments was intended from the outset, unless expressly stated otherwise. The same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same or equivalent portions, and redundant description may not be reiterated. 
     Preferred Embodiment 1 
     A schematic configuration of an electronic thermometer  1  in the present preferred embodiment will be described, with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 .  FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the outer structure of the electronic thermometer  1  in Preferred Embodiment 1 of the present invention,  FIG. 2  shows the configuration of functional blocks of the electronic thermometer  1  shown in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly structure of the electronic thermometer. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic thermometer  1  in the present preferred embodiment is provided with a main body housing  10 , a temperature sensing portion cap  100 A serving as a temperature measuring unit, and an occluding member  16 . The main body housing  10  is a hollow tubular member made of a resin material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, for example. 
     A face plate is stuck on a predetermined position of the surface of the main body housing  10 , and a display unit  4  and an operation unit  5  are provided on predetermined positions of the surface of the face plate. The temperature sensing portion cap  100 A is a bottomed tubular member that is occluded at one end. The temperature sensing portion cap  100 A is formed with an arbitrary material, examples of which include a metal material such as stainless alloy and a resin material. The occluding member  16  is a block-shaped member preferably made of a resin material such as ABS resin, for example. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A is attached to an opening portion  11  that defines one end of the main body housing  10  in the axial direction (longitudinal direction). The occluding member  16  is attached to aback end portion  12  that defines the other end of the main body housing  10  in the axial direction (longitudinal direction). The casing of the electronic thermometer  1  of the present preferred embodiment includes the main body housing  10 , the temperature sensing portion cap  100  disposed at the tip of the main body housing  10 , and the occluding member  16  disposed at the back end of the main body housing  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the electronic thermometer  1  in the present preferred embodiment is provided with a control unit  2 , a memory unit  3 , a notification unit  6 , a power supply unit  7 , and a temperature measuring unit  8 , in addition to the display unit  4  and the operation unit  5  mentioned above. The control unit  2  is constituted by a central processing unit (CPU), for example, and is programmed to perform overall control of the electronic thermometer  1 . 
     The memory unit  3  is constituted by a read only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM), for example, and stores a program to cause the control unit  2  or the like to execute a processing procedure to measure body temperature, and to store measurement results and the like. 
     The display unit  4  is constituted by a display panel such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), for example, and displays measurement results and the like. The operation unit  5  includes push buttons, for example, and is arranged to receive operations by a user and input external commands to the control unit  2 , the power supply unit  7 , and the like. The notification unit  6  is constituted by a buzzer, for example, and provides notification to the user that measurement has ended, operations by the user have been received, and the like. 
     The power supply unit  7  is constituted by a button cell, for example, and is supplies electric power as the power supply to the control unit  2 . The temperature measuring unit  8  is a site that includes the abovementioned temperature sensing portion cap  100 A and the temperature sensing portion  73  accommodated inside the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A, and detects body temperature by being placed in a measurement site such as in the armpit or under the tongue. 
     The control unit  2  includes a processing circuit arranged and programmed to execute body temperature measurement, and measures body temperature based on a program read from the memory unit  3 . At this time, the control unit  2  calculates body temperature as a measurement result by processing temperature data input from the temperature measuring unit  8 . The control unit  2  further controls the electronic thermometer  1 , so as to display the calculated body temperature on the display unit  4 , store the calculated body temperature in the memory unit  3 , inform the user that measurement has ended using the notification unit  6 , and the like. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the electronic thermometer  1  in the present preferred embodiment is provided with the main body housing  10 , the temperature sensing portion cap  100  and the occluding member  16  as the casing mentioned above, and an assembly  18  as a subassembly to which various internal constituent components are attached. The main body housing  10  includes a hollow main body portion  10   a  that accommodates the assembly  18 , and a hollow probe portion  10   b  that is disposed between the temperature sensing portion cap  100  defining the temperature measuring unit and the main body portion  10   a.    
     The temperature sensing portion  73  and the leads  72  define a radial lead thermistor (temperature sensor)  74  in which the leads  72  extend parallel or substantially parallel in the same direction. Note that although the shape of the temperature sensing portion  73  is illustrated as preferably being a chip type in  FIG. 3 , the present invention is not limited thereto, and the temperature sensing portion  73  can be teardrop shaped or other suitable shape, for example. This also applies in the following preferred embodiments. 
     The temperature sensing portion cap  100 A is fixed to the opening portion  11  defining the front end of the main body housing  10  by adhesion, for example. The assembly  18  is accommodated in a hollow portion  13  inside the main body housing  10 , by being inserted through the opening in the back end portion  12  of the main body housing  10 . 
     The occluding member  16  is fixed to the main body housing  10  by adhesion, ultrasonic welding or the like, for example, so as to occlude the opening in the back end portion  12  of the main body housing  10 . Here, using ultrasonic welding to fix the occluding member  16  to the main body housing  10  enables processing to be performed in a short time, compared with when adhesion is used. 
     Next, a detailed structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A in the present preferred embodiment will be described, with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 6 . Note that  FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A,  FIGS. 5A-5C  show the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A, with  FIG. 5A  being a front view,  FIG. 5B  being a side view and  FIG. 5C  being a bottom view taken from the tip, and  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows VI-VI in  FIG. 5B . Note also that, in  FIG. 4 , only the display portion  4  is schematically illustrated for convenience of description. 
     The temperature sensing portion cap  100 A includes a tubular or substantially tubular body portion  110  that is located toward the opening portion  11  of the main body housing  10 , and a bottomed accommodating portion  120  that is in communication with the body portion  110  and accommodates the temperature sensing portion  73 . The temperature sensing portion cap  100 A is preferably made of a metal material such as stainless steel of about 0.1-0.5 mm in thickness, and has a U-shaped cross-section, for example. The temperature sensing portion cap  100 A preferably has a length (L) of approximately 7-11 mm, the body portion  110  preferably has a diameter (ΦD) of approximately 3-5 mm, the accommodating portion  120  preferably has a length (ΦD/ 2 ) of approximately 1.5-2.5 mm, and the body portion  110  preferably has a length of (L)−(ΦD/2), for example. 
     In the accommodating portion  120 , an indented region  130  that is indented toward the body portion  110  is provided on the tip portion side of the outer surface thereof. The indented region  130  in the present preferred embodiment preferably is shaped like a minus screw head. Here, the indented region  130  denotes a region that is located toward the body portion  110  relative to a virtual curved surface V of the accommodating portion  120  assuming that the indented region  130  is not provided. The indented region  130  in the present preferred embodiment preferably has the shape of a recessed linear groove that is recessed toward the body portion  110  from the tip portion side of the accommodating portion  120 . The indented region  130  preferably has a depth (d) of approximately 0.5-2.0 mm, for example. 
     Temperature sensing portion supporting regions  130   a  are provided inside the accommodating portion  120 , by providing the indented region  130  in the outer surface of the accommodating portion  120 . Specifically, as a result of the indented region  130 , a raised portion is provided inside the accommodating portion  120 , and the inside of the accommodating portion  120  is divided by the raised portion into two temperature sensing portion supporting regions  130   a , across a central axis A 1 . 
     Also, as clearly shown in  FIG. 6 , the temperature sensing portion  73  of the thermistor (temperature sensor)  74  is accommodated in one of the temperature sensing portion supporting regions  130   a  into which the inside of the accommodating portion  120  is divided, and is fixed using the adhesive  50 . 
     According to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A in the present preferred embodiment and the electronic thermometer  1  including the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A, the temperature sensing portion supporting regions  130   a  result in the wall surface of the accommodating portion  120  being located so as to surround the temperature sensing portion  73 , and when inserted into the accommodating portion  120  of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A, the temperature sensing portion  73  of the thermistor (temperature sensor)  74  reaches one of the temperature sensing portion supporting regions  130   a.  The temperature sensing portion  73  can thus be easily positioned relative to the temperature sensing portion supporting regions  130   a  with a small amount of adhesive  50 . 
     Also, since the adhesive  50  can be disposed between the wall surface of the accommodating portion  120  and the temperature sensing portion  73  so as to surround the temperature sensing portion  73 , an adhesion surface with the adhesive  50  can be secured over substantially the entire surface of the temperature sensing portion  73  even when the amount of adhesive  50  is small, and fixing of the temperature sensing portion  73  to the accommodating portion  120  can be stabilized. 
     As a result, it is possible to secure thermal bonding between the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A and the temperature sensing portion  73 , significantly reduce or prevent variation in the fixing position of the temperature sensing portion  73  and thermal diffusion, through the packing of adhesive  50 . 
     Also, given that fixing of the temperature sensing portion  73  to the accommodating portion  120  can be stabilized, omission of thermal response testing for checking for variation in the fixed state of the temperature sensing portion  73  after assembly of the electronic thermometer  1  can be anticipated. 
     Also, given that the amount of adhesive  50  is small, heat is quickly transferred from the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A to the temperature sensing portion  73 , enabling use as a fast measurement electronic thermometer to be anticipated. Also, since the accommodating portion does not need to be constituted using any small resin parts in addition to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A, there no increase in production cost. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , note that in the case where the electronic thermometer is placed in the subject&#39;s armpit, it is better for the temperature sensing portion  73  to be positioned on either the arm side (upper arm side) or the body side of the subject. In view of this, the display surface of the display unit  4  of the electronic thermometer preferably faces in a direction rotated approximately 90 degrees from the temperature sensing portion  73  (A or B direction in the diagram), when the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A is seen from the tip side. 
     Given that the subject places the electronic thermometer in his or her armpit so as to be in a position that allows the display surface of the display unit  4  of the electronic thermometer to be seen, it is possible to ensure that the temperature sensing portion  73  is positioned on either the arm side (upper arm side) or the body side of the subject, irrespective of whether the subject places the electronic thermometer in his or her left armpit or right armpit. 
     Preferred Embodiment 2  
     Next, an electronic thermometer and a temperature sensing portion cap in Preferred Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the basic configuration of the electronic thermometer is preferably the same or substantially the same as Preferred Embodiment 1, the only difference being the shape of the temperature sensing portion cap. Accordingly, only the shape of the temperature sensing portion cap in the present preferred embodiment will be described in detail here. 
     A detailed structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 B in the present preferred embodiment will be described, with reference to  FIGS. 7 to 9 . Note that  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 B,  FIGS. 8A-8C  show the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 B, with  FIG. 8A  being a front view,  FIG. 8B  being a side view and  FIG. 8C  being a bottom view, and  FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows IX-IX in  FIG. 8 . Note also that, in  FIG. 7 , only the display unit  4  is schematically illustrated for convenience of description. 
     This temperature sensing portion cap  100 B includes a tubular or substantially tubular body portion  110  that is located toward the opening portion  11  of the main body housing  10 , and a bottomed accommodating portion  120  that is in communication with the body portion  110  and accommodates the temperature sensing portion  73 , similarly to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A in Preferred Embodiment 1. The temperature sensing portion cap  100 B is preferably made of a metal material such as stainless steel of about 0.1-0.5 mm in thickness, and has a U-shaped cross-section. The temperature sensing portion cap  100 B preferably has a length (L) of approximately 7-11 mm, the body portion  110  preferably has a diameter (ΦD) of approximately 3-5 mm, the accommodating portion  120  preferably has a length (ΦD/2) of approximately 1.5-2.5 mm, and the body portion  110  preferably has a length of (L)−(ΦD/2), for example. 
     In the accommodating portion  120 , an indented region  140  that is indented toward the body portion  110  is provided on the tip portion side of the outer surface thereof. The indented region  140  in the present preferred embodiment is shaped like a plus screw head. Here, the indented region  140  denotes a region that is located toward the body portion  110  relative to a virtual curved surface V of the accommodating portion  120  assuming that the indented region  140  is not provided. The indented region  140  in the present preferred embodiment preferably has the shape of a recessed cross-shaped groove that is recessed toward the body portion  110  from the tip portion side of the accommodating portion  120 . The indented region  140  preferably has a depth (d) of approximately 0.5-2.0 mm, for example. 
     Temperature sensing portion supporting regions  140   a  are provided inside the accommodating portion  120 , by providing the indented region  140  in the outer surface of the accommodating portion  120 . Specifically, as a result of the indented region  140 , a raised portion is provided inside the accommodating portion  120 . The inside of the accommodating portion  120  is divided by the raised portion into four temperature sensing portion supporting regions  140   a,  so as to surround a central axis A 1 . 
     Also, as is clearly shown in  FIG. 9 , the temperature sensing portion  73  of the thermistor (temperature sensor)  74  is accommodated in one of the temperature sensing portion supporting regions  140   a  into which the inside of the accommodating portion  120  is divided, and is fixed using the adhesive  50 . 
     According to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 B in the present preferred embodiment and an electronic thermometer including the temperature sensing portion cap  100 B, the temperature sensing portion supporting regions  140   a  result in the wall surface of the accommodating portion  120  being located so as to surround the temperature sensing portion  73 , and when inserted into the accommodating portion  120  of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 B, the temperature sensing portion  73  of the thermistor (temperature sensor)  74  reaches one of the temperature sensing portion supporting regions  140   a.  The temperature sensing portion  73  can thus be easily positioned relative to the temperature sensing portion supporting regions  140   a  with a small amount of adhesive  50 . 
     Also, since the adhesive  50  can be disposed between the wall surface of the accommodating portion  120  and the temperature sensing portion  73  so as to surround the temperature sensing portion  73 , an adhesion surface with the adhesive  50  can be secured over substantially the entire surface of the temperature sensing portion  73  even when amount of adhesive  50  is small, and fixing of the temperature sensing portion  73  to the accommodating portion  120  can be stabilized. 
     As a result, it is possible to secure thermal bonding between the temperature sensing portion cap  100 B and the temperature sensing portion  73 , significantly reduce or prevent variation in the fixing position of the temperature sensing portion  73  and thermal diffusion, through the packing of adhesive  50 . 
     Also, given that fixing of the temperature sensing portion  73  to the accommodating portion  120  can be stabilized, omission of thermal response testing for checking for variation in the fixed state of the temperature sensing portion  73  after assembly of the electronic thermometer  1  can be anticipated. 
     Also, given that the amount of adhesive  50  is small, heat is quickly transferred from the temperature sensing portion cap  100 B to the temperature sensing portion  73 , enabling use as a fast measurement electronic thermometer to be anticipated. Also, since the accommodating portion does not need to be constituted using any small resin parts in addition to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 B, there no increase in production cost. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 7 , note that in the case where the electronic thermometer is placed in the subject&#39;s armpit, it is better for the temperature sensing portion  73  to be positioned on either the arm side (upper arm side) or the body side of the subject. In view of this, the display surface of the display unit  4  of the electronic thermometer preferably faces in a direction rotated approximately 90 degrees from the temperature sensing portion  73  (A or B direction in the diagram), when the temperature sensing portion cap  100 B is seen from the tip side. 
     Given that the subject places the electronic thermometer in his or her armpit so as to be in a position that allows the display surface of the display unit  4  of the electronic thermometer to be seen, it is possible to ensure that the temperature sensing portion  73  is positioned on either the arm side (upper arm side) or the body side of the subject, irrespective of whether the subject places the electronic thermometer in his or her left armpit or right armpit. 
     Preferred Embodiment 3  
     Next, an electronic thermometer and a temperature sensing portion cap in Preferred Embodiment 3 will be described, with reference to the drawings. Note that the basic configuration of the electronic thermometer is preferably the same or substantially the same as Preferred Embodiment 1, the only difference being the shape of the temperature sensing portion cap. Accordingly, only the shape of the temperature sensing portion cap in the present preferred embodiment will be described in detail here. 
     A detailed structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 C in the present preferred embodiment will be described, with reference to  FIGS. 10 to 12 . Note that  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 C,  FIGS. 11A-11C  show the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 C, with  FIG. 11A  being a front view,  FIG. 11B  being a side view and  FIG. 11C  being a bottom view, and  FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows XII-XII in  FIG. 11B . Note also that, in  FIG. 10 , only the display unit  4  is schematically illustrated for convenience of description. 
     This temperature sensing portion cap  100 C includes a tubular or substantially tubular body portion  110  that is located toward the opening portion  11  of the main body housing  10 , and a bottomed accommodating portion  120  that is in communication with this body portion  110  and accommodates the temperature sensing portion  73 , similarly to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A in Preferred Embodiment 1. The temperature sensing portion cap  100 C is preferably made of a metal material such as stainless steel of about 0.1-0.5 mm in thickness, and has a U-shaped cross-section, for example. The temperature sensing portion cap  100 C preferably has a length (L) of approximately 7-11 mm, the body portion  110  preferably has a diameter (ΦD) of approximately 3-5 mm, the accommodating portion  120  preferably has a length (ΦD/2) of approximately 1.5-2.5 mm, and the body portion  110  preferably has a length of (L)−(ΦD/2), for example. 
     In the accommodating portion  120 , an indented region  150  that is indented toward the body portion  110  is provided on the tip portion side of the outer surface thereof. Here, the indented region  150  denotes a region that is located toward the body portion  110  relative to a virtual curved surface V of the accommodating portion  120  assuming that the indented region  150  is not provided. The indented region  150  in the present preferred embodiment preferably has the shape of a recessed tubular groove that is recessed toward the body portion  110  from a central tip portion side of the accommodating portion  120 . The indented region  150  preferably has a depth (d) of approximately 0.5-2.0 mm, for example. 
     A temperature sensing portion supporting region  150   a  is provided inside the accommodating portion  120 , by providing the indented region  150  in the outer surface of the accommodating portion  120 . Specifically, an annular temperature sensing portion supporting region  150   a  that surrounds a central axis A 1  is provided inside the accommodating portion  120  by the indented region  150 . 
     Also, as clearly shown in  FIG. 12 , the temperature sensing portion  73  of the thermistor (temperature sensor)  74  is accommodated in the annular temperature sensing portion supporting region  150   a  into which the inside of the accommodating portion  120  is divided, and is fixed using the adhesive  50 . 
     According to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 C in the present preferred embodiment and an electronic thermometer including this temperature sensing portion cap  100 C, the temperature sensing portion supporting region  150   a  results in the wall surface of the accommodating portion  120  being located so as to surround the temperature sensing portion  73 , and when inserted into the accommodating portion  120  of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 C, the temperature sensing portion  73  of the thermistor (temperature sensor)  74  reaches the annular temperature sensing portion supporting region  150   a.  The temperature sensing portion  73  can thus be easily positioned relative to the temperature sensing portion supporting regions  150   a  with a small amount of adhesive  50 . 
     Also, since the adhesive  50  can be disposed between the wall surface of the accommodating portion  120  and the temperature sensing portion  73  so as to surround the temperature sensing portion  73 , an adhesion surface with the adhesive  50  can be secured over substantially the entire surface of the temperature sensing portion  73  even when the amount of adhesive  50  is small, and fixing of the temperature sensing portion  73  to the accommodating portion  120  can be stabilized. 
     As a result, it is possible to secure thermal bonding between the temperature sensing portion cap  100 C and the temperature sensing portion  73 , significantly reduce or prevent variation in the fixing position of the temperature sensing portion  73  and thermal diffusion, through the packing of adhesive  50 . 
     Also, given that fixing of the temperature sensing portion  73  to the accommodating portion  120  can be stabilized, omission of thermal response testing for checking for variation in the fixed state of the temperature sensing portion  73  after assembly of the electronic thermometer  1  can be anticipated. 
     Also, given that the amount of adhesive  50  is small, heat is quickly transferred from the temperature sensing portion cap  100 C to the temperature sensing portion  73 , enabling use as a fast measurement electronic thermometer to be anticipated. Also, since the accommodating portion does not need to be constituted using any small resin parts in addition to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 C, there no increase in production cost. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 10 , note that in the case where the electronic thermometer is placed in the subject&#39;s armpit, it is better for the temperature sensing portion  73  to be positioned on either the arm side (upper arm side) or the body side of the subject. In view of this, the display surface of the display unit  4  of the electronic thermometer preferably faces in a direction rotated approximately 90 degrees from the temperature sensing portion  73  (A or B direction in the diagram), when the temperature sensing portion cap  100 C is seen from the tip side. 
     Given that the subject places the electronic thermometer in his or her armpit so as to be in a position that allows the display surface of the display unit  4  of the electronic thermometer to be seen, it is possible to ensure that the temperature sensing portion  73  is positioned on either the arm side (upper arm side) or the body side of the subject, irrespective of whether the subject places the electronic thermometer in his or her left armpit or right armpit. 
     Preferred Embodiment 4 
     Next, an electronic thermometer and a temperature sensing portion cap in Preferred Embodiment 4 will be described, with reference to the drawings. Note that the basic configuration of the electronic thermometer is preferably the same or substantially the same as Preferred Embodiment 1, the only difference being the shape of the temperature sensing portion cap. Accordingly, only the shape of the temperature sensing portion cap in the present preferred embodiment will be described in detail here. 
     A detailed structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 D in the present preferred embodiment will be described, with reference to  FIGS. 13 to 15 . Note that  FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 D,  FIGS. 14A and 14B  show the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 D, with  FIG. 14A  being a front view and  FIG. 14B  being a side view, and  FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows XV-XV in  FIG. 14B . Note also that, in  FIG. 13 , only the display unit  4  is schematically illustrated for convenience of description. 
     The temperature sensing portion cap  100 D includes a tubular or substantially tubular body portion  110  that is located toward the opening portion  11  of the main body housing  10 , and a bottomed accommodating portion  120  that is in communication with the body portion  110  and accommodates the temperature sensing portion  73 , similarly to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A in Preferred Embodiment 1. The temperature sensing portion cap  100 D is preferably made of a metal material such as stainless steel of about 0.1-0.5 mm in thickness, and has a U-shaped cross-section, for example. The temperature sensing portion cap  100 D preferably has a length (L) of approximately 7-11 mm, the body portion  110  preferably has a diameter (ΦD) of approximately 3-5 mm, the accommodating portion  120  preferably has a length (ΦD/2) of approximately 1.5-2.5 mm, and the body portion  110  preferably has a length of (L)−(ΦD/2), for example. 
     In the accommodating portion  120 , an indented region  160  that is indented toward the body portion  110  is provided on the tip portion side of the outer surface thereof. Here, the indented region  160  denotes a region that is located toward the body portion  110  relative to a virtual curved surface V of the accommodating portion  120  assuming that the indented region  160  is not provided. The indented region  160  in the present preferred embodiment includes a first inclined surface  161   a  that is located toward the body portion  110  and has a first inclination angle (α 1 ), and a second inclined surface  161   b  that is located toward the tip portion and has a second inclination angle (α 2 ) greater than the first inclination angle (α 1 ). 
     Here, the inclination angle denotes an angle defined when a virtual plane perpendicular to the central axis A 1  intersects each inclined surface, as shown in  FIG. 15 . In the present preferred embodiment, the first inclination angle (α 1 ) preferably is approximately 20 degrees, and the second inclination angle (α 2 ) preferably is approximately 70 degrees, for example. Also, an intersection angle (α 3 ) of the first inclined surface  161   a  and the second inclined surface  161   b  preferably is approximately 130 degrees, for example. 
     The temperature sensing portion  73  will thus be accommodated in the tip portion of a temperature sensing portion supporting region  160   a  defined by the second inclined surface  161   b , as a result of the indented region  160  including the first inclined surface  161   a  and the second inclined surface  161   b.    
     The temperature sensing portion supporting region  160   a  is provided inside the accommodating portion  120 , by thus providing the indented region  160  in the outer surface of the accommodating portion  120 . Specifically, the temperature sensing portion supporting region  160   a  is defined in the tip portion of the accommodating portion  120  by the indented region  160 . 
     Also, as is clearly shown in  FIG. 15 , the temperature sensing portion  73  of the thermistor (temperature sensor)  74  is accommodated in the temperature sensing portion supporting region  160   a  into which the inside of the accommodating portion  120  is divided, and is fixed using the adhesive  50 . 
     According to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 D in the present preferred embodiment and an electronic thermometer including this temperature sensing portion cap  100 D, the temperature sensing portion supporting region  160   a  results in the wall surface of the accommodating portion  120  being located so as to surround the temperature sensing portion  73 , and when inserted into the accommodating portion  120  of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 D, the temperature sensing portion  73  of the thermistor (temperature sensor)  74  reaches the tapered temperature sensing portion supporting region  160   a.  The temperature sensing portion  73  can thus be easily positioned relative to the temperature sensing portion supporting region  160   a  with a small amount of adhesive  50 . 
     Also, since the adhesive  50  can be disposed between the wall surface of the accommodating portion  120  and the temperature sensing portion  73  so as to surround the temperature sensing portion  73 , an adhesion surface with the adhesive  50  can be secured over substantially the entire surface of the temperature sensing portion  73  even when the amount of adhesive  50  is small, and fixing of the temperature sensing portion  73  to the accommodating portion  120  can be stabilized. 
     As a result, it is possible to secure thermal bonding between the temperature sensing portion cap  100 D and the temperature sensing portion  73 , significantly reduce or prevent variation in the fixing position of the temperature sensing portion  73  and thermal diffusion, through the packing of adhesive  50 . 
     Also, given that fixing of the temperature sensing portion  73  to the accommodating portion  120  can be stabilized, omission of thermal response testing for checking for variation in the fixed state of the temperature sensing portion  73  after assembly of the electronic thermometer can be anticipated. 
     Also, given that the amount of adhesive  50  is small, heat is quickly transferred from the temperature sensing portion cap  100 D to the temperature sensing portion  73 , enabling use as a fast measurement electronic thermometer to be anticipated. Also, since the accommodating portion does not need to be constituted using any small resin parts in addition to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 D, there no increase in production cost. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 13 , note that in the case where the electronic thermometer is placed in the subject&#39;s armpit, it is better for the temperature sensing portion  73  to be positioned on either the arm side (upper arm side) or the body side of the subject. In view of this, the display surface of the display unit  4  of the electronic thermometer preferably faces in a direction rotated approximately 90 degrees from the temperature sensing portion  73  (A or B direction in the diagram), when the temperature sensing portion cap  100 D is seen from the tip side. 
     Given that the subject places the electronic thermometer in his or her armpit so as to be in a position that allows the display surface of the display unit  4  of the electronic thermometer to be seen, it is possible to ensure that the temperature sensing portion  73  is positioned on either the arm side (upper arm side) or the body side of the subject, irrespective of whether the subject places the electronic thermometer in his or her left armpit or right armpit. 
     Preferred Embodiment 5 
     Next, an electronic thermometer and a temperature sensing portion cap in Preferred Embodiment 5 will be described, with reference to the drawings. Note that the basic configuration of the electronic thermometer preferably is the same or substantially the same as Preferred Embodiment 1, the only difference being the shape of the temperature sensing portion cap. Accordingly, only the shape of the temperature sensing portion cap in the present preferred embodiment will be described in detail here. 
     A detailed structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 E in the present preferred embodiment will be described, with reference to  FIGS. 16 to 18 . Note that  FIG. 16  is a perspective view showing the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 E,  FIGS. 17A and 17B  show the outer structure of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 E, with  FIG. 17A  being a front view and  FIG. 17B  being a side view, and  FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows XVIII-XVIII in  FIG. 17B . Note also that, in  FIG. 16 , only the display unit  4  is schematically illustrated for convenience of description. 
     The temperature sensing portion cap  100 E includes a tubular or substantially tubular body portion  110  that is located toward the opening portion  11  of the main body housing  10 , and a bottomed accommodating portion  120  that is in communication with the body portion  110  and accommodates the temperature sensing portion  73 , similarly to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 A in Preferred Embodiment 4. The temperature sensing portion cap  100 E is preferably made of a metal material such as stainless steel of about 0.1-0.5 mm in thickness, and has a U-shaped cross-section, for example. The temperature sensing portion cap  100 E preferably has a length (L) of approximately 7-11 mm, the body portion  110  preferably has a diameter (ΦD) of approximately 3-5 mm, the accommodating portion  120  preferably has a length (ΦD/2) of approximately 1.5-2.5 mm, and the body portion  110  preferably has a length of (L)−(ΦD/2). 
     In the accommodating portion  120 , an indented region  170  that is indented toward the body portion  110  is provided on the tip portion side of the outer surface thereof. Here, the indented region  170  denotes a region that is located toward the body portion  110  relative to a virtual curved surface V of the accommodating portion  120  assuming that the indented region  170  is not provided. The indented region  170  in the present preferred embodiment includes an inclined surface that is located toward the body portion  110  and has a predetermined inclination angle (α). 
     Here, the inclination angle denotes an angle defined when a virtual plane perpendicular to the central axis A 1  intersects the inclined surface, as shown in  FIG. 18 . In the present preferred embodiment, the inclination angle (α) is from approximately 45 degrees to approximately 90 degrees, and preferably is about 60 degrees, for example. 
     The temperature sensing portion  73  will thus be accommodated in the tip portion of a temperature sensing portion supporting region  170   a  partitioned by the indented region  170 , as a result of the indented region  170  including an inclined surface. 
     The temperature sensing portion supporting region  170   a  is provided inside the accommodating portion  120 , by thus providing the indented region  170  in the outer surface of the accommodating portion  120 . Specifically, the temperature sensing portion supporting region  170   a  is provided in the tip portion of the accommodating portion  120  by the indented region  170 . 
     Also, as is clearly shown in  FIG. 18 , the temperature sensing portion  73  of the thermistor (temperature sensor)  74  is accommodated in the temperature sensing portion supporting region  170   a  provided inside the accommodating portion  120 , and is fixed using the adhesive  50 . 
     According to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 E in the present preferred embodiment and an electronic thermometer including this temperature sensing portion cap  100 E, the temperature sensing portion supporting region  170   a  results in the wall surface of the accommodating portion  120  being located so as to surround the temperature sensing portion  73 , and when inserted into the accommodating portion  120  of the temperature sensing portion cap  100 E, the temperature sensing portion  73  of the thermistor (temperature sensor)  74  reaches the tapered temperature sensing portion supporting region  170   a.  The temperature sensing portion  73  can thus be easily positioned relative to the temperature sensing portion supporting region  170   a  with a small amount of adhesive  50 . 
     Also, since the adhesive  50  can be disposed between the wall surface of the accommodating portion  120  and the temperature sensing portion  73  so as to surround the temperature sensing portion  73 , an adhesion surface with the adhesive  50  can be secured over substantially the entire surface of the temperature sensing portion  73  even when the amount of adhesive  50  is small, and fixing of the temperature sensing portion  73  to the accommodating portion  120  can be stabilized. 
     As a result, it is possible to secure thermal bonding between the temperature sensing portion cap  100 E and the temperature sensing portion  73 , significantly reduce or prevent variation in the fixing position of the temperature sensing portion  73  and thermal diffusion, through the packing of adhesive  50 . 
     Also, given that fixing of the temperature sensing portion  73  to the accommodating portion  120  can be stabilized, omission of thermal response testing for checking for variation in the fixed state of the temperature sensing portion  73  after assembly of the electronic thermometer can be anticipated. 
     Also, given that the amount of adhesive  50  is small, heat is quickly transferred from the temperature sensing portion cap  100 E to the temperature sensing portion  73 , enabling use as a fast measurement electronic thermometer to be anticipated. Also, since the accommodating portion does not need to be constituted using any small resin parts in addition to the temperature sensing portion cap  100 E, there no increase in production cost. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 16 , note that in the case where the electronic thermometer is placed in the subject&#39;s armpit, it is better for the temperature sensing portion  73  to be positioned on either the arm side (upper arm side) or the body side of the subject. In view of this, the display surface of the display unit  4  of the electronic thermometer preferably faces in a direction rotated approximately  90  degrees from the temperature sensing portion  73  (A or B direction in the diagram), when the temperature sensing portion cap  100 E is seen from the tip side. 
     Given that the subject places the electronic thermometer in his or her armpit so as to be in a position that allows the display surface of the display unit  4  of the electronic thermometer to be seen, it is possible to ensure that the temperature sensing portion  73  is positioned on either the arm side (upper arm side) or the body side of the subject, irrespective of whether the subject places the electronic thermometer in his or her left armpit or right armpit. 
     Note that although cases where the outer configuration of the temperature sensing portion cap preferably has a transverse cross-section that is a circular cylindrical shape were described in the above preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the temperature sensing portion cap can also have a transverse cross-section that is an elliptical cylindrical shape, a rectangular cylindrical shape or the like, for example. 
     Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the preferred embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.