Infrared temperature wave guide device

• US 6,425,688 B1
• Filed: 04/21/2000
• Issued: 07/30/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Actherm Inc.
• Original Assignee: Actherm Inc.
• Inventors: Hsu, Yi-Shou
• Primary Examiner(s): Gutierrez, Diego
• Assistant Examiner(s): Guadalupe, Yaritza
• Application Number:
  US09/553,750
• Time in Patent Office: 830 Days
• Field of Search: 374/130, 374/131, 374/132, 374/133, 374/121, 374/208
• US Class Current: 374/131
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/02 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0205 Mechanical elements; Supports for optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/04 Casings
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/046 Materials; Selection of thermal materials
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/049 Casings for tympanic thermometers
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/064 Ambient temperature sensor; Housing temperature sensor; Constructional details thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/08 Optical arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0818 Waveguides

Abstract

An infrared temperature wave guide device that is adapted for use in all kinds of precision detecting and temperature sensing apparatus directed to apply in a contact or non-contact manner measuring, control, recording, monitoring, and inspecting on a temperature source to be measured, the structure including a wave guide tube, a housing accommodating a thermopile, a thermistor, and a circuit board, and a rear cap for securing purposes. A front end of the wave guide tube is provided with a cover to prevent entry of dusts. The housing and rear cap are formed from plastic material. The connection of the housing and the rear cap is suitably adjustable to allow mounting of different thermopiles. The structure as a whole is durable, light and compact, and has longer service life, preferred anti-oxidization capability. Besides, it ensures stable quality during mass production and is easy to process.

Claims

1. An infrared temperature sensing apparatus comprising:

(a) a housing having an axially extended base portion defining an inner space, said housing having formed externally thereon a plurality of annular retaining steps axially offset one from the others;

(b) a wave guide tube projecting coaxially from said housing, said wave guide tube including a transparent cover disposed at an outer free end thereof;

(c) a temperature sensing device disposed in said inner space of said housing; and

,

(d) a rear cap adjustably coupled to said housing for substantially enclosing said inner space, said rear cap having a rear end portion and a plurality of resilient retaining columns extending transversely therefrom to releasably engage a selective one of said retaining steps;

each of said housing, wave guide, and rear cap being formed of a plastic material having a metallic surface layer.

2. The infrared temperature sensing apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a circuit board disposed in said inner space of said housing, said circuit board having said temperature sensing device coupled thereto.

3. The infrared temperature sensing apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature sensing device includes a thermopile.

4. The infrared temperature sensing apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said waveguide tube includes an inner free end disposed in said inner space of said housing, said thermopile capturing coaxially against said inner free end of said waveguide tube an annular packing ring.

5. The infrared temperature sensing apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said base portion of said housing includes a plurality of substantially L-shaped securing mounts extending axially into said inner space, each said securing mount supportingly engaging a portion of said thermopile.

6. The infrared temperature sensing apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said rear cap includes a plurality of retaining posts extending transversely from said rear end portion, said retaining posts each passing through said circuit board to supportingly engage said thermopile.

7. The infrared temperature sensing apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein a plurality of electrical signal connecting legs extending from said thermopile are soldered to said circuit board.

8. The infrared temperature sensing apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature sensing device includes a thermistor.

9. The infrared temperature sensing apparatus as recited in claim 2 comprising a plurality of said temperature sensing devices, said temperature sensing devices including a thermopile and a thermistor.

10. The infrared temperature sensing apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said rear cap includes a plurality of retaining posts extending transversely from said rear end portion, said retaining posts each passing through said circuit board to supportingly engage said thermopile.

11. The infrared temperature sensing apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said rear cap includes a central cylindrical post extending transversely from said rear end portion, said central cylindrical post having a terminal end passing through said circuit board, said terminal end having formed therein a notch receiving said thermistor.

12. The infrared temperature sensing apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said rear cap includes a plurality of mounting lugs extending radially from said rear end portion, each said mounting lug having a securing hole formed therethrough for mounting to a support surface.