JP2004004046A - Biosensor cartridge and biosensor allocator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact biosensor cartridge allowing biosensors to be set one by one in a testable state by simple operation and protecting the biosensors from humidity until they are set, and to provide a biosensor allocator. <P>SOLUTION: The biosensor cartridge 6 to be mounted on the biosensor allocator 1 is structured so that a plurality of biosensors 10 are layered/ stored in a case, and an extruding member 31 and an extruding rotary member 34 are incorporated therein as sensor send-out means for one by one sending out the biosensors 10 in this case and discharging them from a sensor discharge port 26. The biosensors 10 can be discharged out of the case by driving the sensor send-out means by a sensor send-out mechanism in the exterior of the cartridge 6, and also the cartridge 6 can be made smaller and thinner. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a biosensor cartridge and a biosensor dispensing device for storing a plurality of biosensors for measuring a specific component in a sample and dispensing the biosensors one by one.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, various biosensors utilizing the specific catalysis of enzymes have been developed and applied to the clinical field, and biosensors that can quickly and accurately test and quantify specific components in samples have been put into practical use. Has been
[0003]
Taking a glucose sensor as an example, today, when the number of diabetic patients is increasing remarkably, it is very complicated to measure and control blood sugar levels by centrifuging blood and measuring plasma as a conventional sample. Since a procedure is required, a biosensor capable of measuring whole blood has been demanded and put into practical use.
[0004]
As such a biosensor, a dedicated measuring device supplies a predetermined voltage to the electrode system of the sensor to which whole blood is adhered, measures the value of the current flowing between the electrodes, and uses the measured value to measure the current in the sample liquid. There is a device that calculates the glucose concentration of a sample and displays the value on a display unit of a measuring device (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
A biosensor dispensing device in which a sensor pack or a sensor bottle in which a plurality of biosensors are set is loaded in a measuring device and the biosensor is dispensed one by one (for example, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 2) 3).
[0006]
With such a biosensor dispensing device, even a user such as a diabetic patient with many elderly people may accidentally drop the biosensor when loading it, attach it in the opposite direction, or even attach it in the opposite direction. It has become difficult to cause erroneous operations such as measurement.
[0007]
As shown in FIGS. 19 (a) and (b), the biosensor dispensing device described in Patent Literature 2 has a housing 201 in which an upper case and a lower case are openably and closably connected like a bivalve shell. , The sensor pack 202 having a substantially disk shape. The sensor pack 202 has a blood glucose sensor in each of a plurality of sensor holding cavities and communicates a desiccant cavity. A sliding latch 203 for operating a sliding actuator is arranged on the upper case. By sliding the sliding latch 203 with a thumb, the device can be set to a display / data processing mode or a test mode.
[0008]
For example, by placing the sliding latch 203 in the lateral display position and then pushing it forward of the housing, the device can be set to the display / data processing mode, and the user can access the display 204 located on the upper case. The user can visually check the displayed data, or input data to electrical components in the housing and obtain information on the test to be performed from a manual button 205 disposed adjacent to the data port connector at the rear of the housing. Can be performed.
[0009]
Alternatively, the device can be set to the test mode by placing the sliding latch 203 in the side test position and then pushing forward of the housing. Thereby, the biosensor is released from one of the sensor cavities of the sensor pack 202 and protrudes from the test end 206 of the housing 201, and the electrical contacts on the biosensor are connected to the microprocessor and / or other data in the housing. It is coupled to a processing circuit. Thereby, the user attaches a sample such as blood to the protruding biosensor, thereby taking out data related to the sample and displaying the data on the display 204 described above, or to other monitoring or analysis equipment through the data port connector. Can be stored for communication.
[0010]
When the slide latch 203 is pushed rearward of the housing after the end of the test and is returned to the standby position, the biosensor used for the test is ejected out of the housing, and an unused biosensor is projected from the test end 206. The sensor pack 202 is rotated to a possible position.
[0011]
The biosensor dispensing device described in Patent Literature 3 mounts a sensor bottle 300 shown in FIG. A plurality of biosensor storage chambers 301a, a desiccant storage chamber 301b, and a flow path 301c communicating between the biosensor storage chambers 301a and the desiccant storage chamber 301b are formed in the bottle case 301 of the sensor bottle 300. One biosensor (not shown) is stored in each biosensor storage chamber 301a, and one desiccant (not shown) is stored in each desiccant storage chamber 301b. , The aluminum seal 302 and the aluminum seal 303 are welded, and the desiccant absorbs the moisture contained in the biosensor bottle 300 to prevent a change in the performance of the biosensor.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 20 (b), when the biosensor bottle 300 is mounted on a biosensor dispensing device having a rotating shaft 305 and a protruding shaft 306, a biosensor bottle driving motor is started to rotate the rotating shaft 305. To set the biosensor bottle 300 at the initial position. The rotation of the rotating shaft 305 is performed while the position is recognized by a photo sensor (not shown).
[0013]
Next, when a measurement button (not shown) is pressed, the protruding shaft drive motor is activated to slide the protruding shaft 306 to the left, and the protruding shaft 306 breaks the aluminum seal 303 to push the biosensor 304. The pressed biosensor 304 breaks the aluminum seal 302, moves to a predetermined position, and can measure.
[0014]
When the measurement button is pressed again after the measurement, the protruding shaft drive motor is activated to slide the protruding shaft 306 slightly to the left to discharge the biosensor 304 out of the apparatus. Thereafter, the protruding shaft drive motor reverses and slides the protruding shaft 306 to the right to return to the initial position. Next, the biosensor bottle drive motor is activated to rotate the biosensor bottle 300 to a position where the next biosensor 304 can protrude.
[0015]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-61-294351
[0016]
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-262,026
[0017]
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-08-285858
[0018]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the biosensor dispensing device described in Patent Literature 2, each time the test is completed, the user must grasp and remove the biosensor held by the test end 206. At present, it is grasped using paper or the like because a sample such as blood is attached, but it is not only complicated but also has a problem in hygiene.
[0019]
Further, since the sensor pack 202 can be loaded into the housing 201 at an arbitrary position, the sensor pack 202 may be erroneously loaded. That is, when the sensor pack 202 in use is taken out for some reason and is to be newly loaded, the sensor holding cavity having no biosensor is made to correspond to the test end 206, and the sensor pack 202 is loaded. There was sometimes. In such a case as well, the device starts operating without recognizing erroneous loading, so that the user has to uselessly perform the latch operation several times.
[0020]
Further, when the apparatus is set to the display / data processing mode or the test mode, the sliding latch 203 is slid in two stages as described above, which may cause an erroneous operation, which is very inconvenient for the user. . Further, since a cutter (not shown) for discharging the biosensor in the sensor pack 202 is disposed in the housing 201, the user may be injured when loading the biosensor.
[0021]
In the biosensor dispensing device described in Patent Literature 3, one biosensor storage chamber 301a that stores one biosensor 304, a desiccant storage chamber 301b that stores one desiccant, and a flow path 301c that communicates the two chambers with each other. Since a plurality of sets are formed around the central through hole 301f, the number of stored biosensors 304 is small, but the thickness of the biosensor bottle 300 is large, and the dispensing device including the biosensor bottle 300 is thin. Could not be converted.
[0022]
In addition, in order to properly project and set the biosensor 304 from the biosensor bottle 300 mounted on the device, it is necessary to set the positional accuracy between the biosensor bottle 300 and the biosensor dispensing device quite severely. Was.
[0023]
In addition, when the biosensor bottle 300 is removed from the apparatus and then reloaded and used, the biosensor bottle 300 is set to the initial position. Therefore, the first biosensor storage chamber 301a corresponding to the initial position, The setting operation of the biosensor 304 has to be sequentially performed in the sensor storage chambers 301a, and wasteful time is required until the biosensor 304 is actually protruded and set.
[0024]
Further, since the aluminum sheets 302 and 303 are welded to the end surface of the biosensor bottle 300, the aluminum sheets 302 and 303 may be damaged during handling. On the other hand, the biosensor 304 needs to be able to come out easily by breaking the aluminum sheet 302, and thus the tip 304a of the biosensor 304 is sharpened. She sometimes touched the edge and felt pain. Although it is conceivable to make the tip 304 of the biosensor 304 into a square shape even if the aluminum sheet 302 is not easily broken, the point where blood is to be adhered is difficult to understand with the square shape, and the usability is poor.
[0025]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems. A compact biosensor cartridge and a biosensor capable of setting the biosensors one by one in a testable state by a simple operation and protecting the biosensor from moisture until the time of setting. It is an object to provide a dispensing device.
[0026]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a biosensor cartridge in which a plurality of biosensors are housed in a case, and a biosensor dispensing device incorporating the biosensor cartridge. The biosensors are sequentially sent out only by a simple manual operation, so that the biosensors can be set at a predetermined test position and the replacement of the biosensor cartridge can be easily performed.
[0027]
That is, in the biosensor cartridge of the present invention, a plurality of biosensors are stacked and stored in a case, and the biosensors in the case are sent out one by one, and discharged from a sensor outlet opened in the case. It has built-in means. According to this, by driving the sensor sending means by the external sensor sending mechanism, the biosensor can be discharged out of the case, and the size and thickness of the biosensor cartridge can be reduced.
[0028]
For example, the following configuration is assumed.
The sensor sending means is engaged with a cylindrical rotating member rotated by an external sensor sending mechanism and in a state where a sliding pair is possible with the rotating member, and slides with the rotation of the rotating member. A slide member for pushing the rear end of the lowermost biosensor. According to this, since the slide member feeds the biosensor linearly, the load on the biosensor is small. Further, a complicated mechanism is not required for the disposal operation of the used biosensor.
[0029]
A spiral groove with which the slide member is engaged is formed on the cylindrical surface of the rotating member. As a result, the sliding member slides in the axial direction of the rotating member, which occupies a small area in the case, and the biosensor cartridge can be made compact.
[0030]
The spiral groove is formed in a range of 360 ° or more around the rotation axis of the rotating member. This makes it possible to absorb backlash and displacement of the rotating member and the sliding member, and to surely move the biosensor to a predetermined position.
[0031]
A seal member is provided at an end of the rotating member to seal an opening formed in the case to support the rotating member. Thereby, the biosensor in the case can be reliably shut off from the outside air which causes deterioration.
[0032]
In the case, a biosensor storage chamber for storing a plurality of biosensors in a stacked manner and a slide member storage chamber for storing a slide member retracted to an initial position where the rear end of the biosensor can be pressed are provided. Partition by a partition having an opening narrower than the sensor. Thus, when the slide member returns to the slide member storage chamber, the biosensor is not pulled in by friction, so that the next slide operation of the slide member is not hindered, and the reliability of sending the biosensor is high.
[0033]
The opening of the partition wall is set to a width that allows the protrusion formed on the slide member to pass through the rear end of the lowermost biosensor so that the protrusion can pass therethrough. According to this, it is only necessary to move the slide member back and forth without changing its posture and direction, and a simple mechanism can be used.
[0034]
On the outer surface of the case around the sensor outlet, a recess is provided along the outer shape of the valve means for opening and closing the sensor outlet. Thus, the valve means can be reliably positioned in the concave portion and the sensor outlet can be closed.
[0035]
The sensor sending means has a slide member that slides by an external sensor sending mechanism and pushes the rear end of the lowermost biosensor. Accordingly, the slide member feeds the biosensor linearly, and the load on the biosensor is small. No complicated mechanism is required for the disposal operation of the used biosensor.
[0036]
A seal plate for opening and closing the sensor discharge port in synchronization with the sensor discharge operation by the slide member is provided. Thereby, the inside of the case can be shut off from the outside air except during the sensor discharging operation.
[0037]
For example, the seal plate is opened by a slide member.
A spring member that presses the seal plate toward the sensor outlet, and the slide member is located below the biosensor at the initial position where the rear end of the lowermost biosensor can be pressed, compared to the front end of the biosensor. The biosensor is disposed to a position close to the sensor discharge port, and has a protrusion that guides the biosensor toward the sensor discharge port during the sensor discharge operation and that opens the seal plate against the spring member. Thereby, when sending out the biosensor, the tip can be protected by the protrusion. In addition, the shape of the biosensor can be freely determined, for example, by rounding the tip of the biosensor.
[0038]
An elastic seal member is provided on the seal plate for pressing against the outer surface of the case around the sensor outlet. Thereby, the sealing performance when the seal plate closes the sensor outlet is enhanced.
[0039]
A small protrusion to which the elastic seal member is pressed is provided on the outer surface of the case around the sensor outlet. This ensures that the elastic seal member is pressed against the outer surface of the case.
When the slide member is at an initial position where the rear end of the biosensor can be pressed, a seal member is provided for sealing an opening formed in the case for an external sensor delivery mechanism connected to the slide member. Thereby, the hermeticity of the biosensor cartridge other than during the sensor discharging operation is enhanced.
[0040]
Return means is provided for returning the slide member to an initial position where the rear end of the biosensor can be pressed. Accordingly, the slide member can be slid in the direction in which the biosensor is discharged immediately after the biosensor is discharged or immediately after the biosensor cartridge is attached to the biosensor dispensing device, and unnecessary operation time is eliminated.
[0041]
The slide member has a protrusion disposed below the biosensor when the slide member is at an initial position where the rear end of the biosensor can be pressed. Accordingly, the next biosensor can be reliably sent out by the slide member that has returned to the initial position after the sensor discharging operation.
[0042]
The interior of the case is partitioned by a partition into a biosensor storage chamber for storing a plurality of biosensors in a stacked manner and a desiccant storage chamber for storing a desiccant, and an air passage communicating between the two storage chambers is formed. Thus, a large number of biosensors and desiccants can be stored in a narrow space, and the biosensors can be moisture-proof.
[0043]
A partition wall is provided in the desiccant storage chamber to form an air passage following the air passage communicating with the biosensor storage chamber, and the desiccant is stored along the air passage. Thereby, the drying effect of the desiccant can be exerted almost uniformly over a long period of time.
[0044]
The desiccant is molded as a single unit or divided into a plurality of units according to the shape of the air passage in the desiccant storage chamber. This facilitates storage and handling of the desiccant during assembly of the biosensor cartridge.
[0045]
A holding plate is provided on the biosensor in sliding contact with the inner surface of the case along the stacking direction, and an elastic body for holding the biosensor in the stacking direction via the holding plate. Thereby, even if there is an impact from the outside of the case or the like, the laminated state of the biosensor can be maintained in a good state, and the rear end of the biosensor can be pushed with a uniform and stable force.
[0046]
The biosensor has a stepped shape with a large thickness on the front end side and a small thickness on the rear end side, and a slide member for pushing the rear end of the biosensor has a concave portion sandwiching the small rear end. I do. Thereby, the biosensor can be reliably sent.
[0047]
The biosensor has a stepped shape with a large thickness at the front end portion and a small thickness at the rear end portion, and the elastic body that presses the biosensor through the holding plate is a back surface of the holding plate corresponding to the thick tip region. Place on top. Thereby, pressure can be applied to the stacked biosensors in a well-balanced and even manner.
[0048]
The biosensor dispensing device of the present invention is a sensor sending means for stacking and storing a plurality of biosensors in a case, sending out the biosensors in the case one by one, and discharging the biosensors from a sensor outlet opening in the case. A cartridge storage chamber for detachably holding a biosensor cartridge incorporating a biosensor cartridge, a sensor sending mechanism for driving a sensor sending means in the biosensor cartridge, and a biosensor discharged from a sensor outlet by the sensor sending means as a sample. And a sensor transport mechanism for transporting the sensor to a predetermined test position where the sensor can be spotted is provided inside the main body, and an operation section for turning on and off the sensor sending mechanism is provided to be exposed outside the main body. According to this, it is possible to sequentially arrange the biosensors at the test position only by operating the operation unit, and it is possible to perform a plurality of tests reliably and continuously.
[0049]
For example, the following configuration is assumed.
A display unit for acquiring electrical data from the biosensor conveyed to the test position through an electric circuit in the main body and displaying the acquired data is provided on the outer surface of the main body. Thereby, the test result of the biosensor transported to the test position can be easily confirmed.
[0050]
Sensor conducting means for pressing and holding the biosensor conveyed to the test position and conducting to the electric circuit in the main body is provided. As a result, the biosensor conveyed to the test position can be held at that position and set in an electrically conductive state.
[0051]
The cartridge storage chamber can hold a biosensor cartridge incorporating a cylindrical rotating member and a sliding member that slides with the rotation of the rotating member and pushes the rear end of the biosensor as sensor sending means, The sensor sending mechanism has a rotating means for rotating a rotating member of the biosensor cartridge, and the operation unit is configured to be able to operate the sensor sending mechanism with an index finger while holding the main body with one hand. Thus, the biosensor can be arranged at the test position only by holding the main body with one hand and operating the operation unit, so that a plurality of tests can be performed reliably and continuously.
[0052]
The operation unit is movable in and out of the main body, and operates the sensor sending mechanism when pushed into the main body. Thus, the operation of the operation unit for disposing the biosensor at the test position can be performed without difficulty and reliably.
[0053]
The sensor sending mechanism drives the sensor sending means so as to eject the biosensor in a direction opposite to the pushing direction of the operation unit. Thereby, the width dimension of the device can be set small.
[0054]
A valve means for opening and closing a sensor discharge port opened in a case of the biosensor cartridge is provided. Thus, the sensor outlet can be opened only when necessary, so that deterioration of an unused biosensor in the case can be prevented.
[0055]
The valve means is a roller that rolls on the outer surface of the case including the sensor outlet. Thus, the sensor outlet can be reliably opened and closed without obstructing the movement of the sensor sending means and the like.
[0056]
The sensor conducting means and the valve means are operatively connected to the sensor sending mechanism. This allows the user to operate the operating unit without any particular awareness, so that the biosensor in the biosensor cartridge is discharged from the sensor outlet and placed at the test position, while the sensor outlet is opened and closed at an appropriate time. In addition, a series of operations of holding the biosensor disposed at the test position at that position and setting the biosensor in an electrically conductive state can be easily and reliably performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the biosensor from being erroneously discharged and the biosensor cartridge from being inadvertently opened to the atmosphere.
[0057]
For example, each link member supporting the sensor conducting means and the valve means at one end is pivotally supported on the main body, and a cam for holding and rotating the other end of each link member is provided on the operation unit.
[0058]
With a single operation of the operation unit, the biosensor is conveyed to the test position, is electrically connected to the electric circuit in the main body, and is set in a state where the test can be performed. Thus, the biosensor can be reliably set without wasteful operation.
[0059]
The configuration is such that the power supply of the main body is driven at the same time that the biosensor is set in a testable state. This makes it possible to acquire an electric signal from the biosensor at the start of the test for attaching the sample to the biosensor, so that the test can be performed smoothly.
[0060]
The biosensor at the test position is discharged to the outside of the main body by operating the operation unit after the biosensor is set in a testable state. As a result, when a new biosensor is set to a testable state by the operation unit or when a standby state for setting is entered, the used biosensor is automatically discharged, and a plurality of biosensors are discharged. Test can be performed smoothly.
[0061]
A cartridge holding mechanism for irremovably holding the biosensor cartridge is provided. This can prevent the cartridge from being inadvertently removed during the operation.
[0062]
The cartridge holding mechanism is operatively connected to the operation unit. Thus, the cartridge holding mechanism can be reliably operated without using special electric power or the like.
[0063]
A detection unit is provided for detecting whether the operation unit has returned to the initial position. This makes it possible to reliably detect the position of the operation unit and prevent a failure of the device.
The detecting means recognizes contact with a member that constitutes a part of the operation unit. Thus, the position of the operation unit can be detected using the members provided in the operation unit.
[0064]
The sensor sending mechanism has connection switching means for connecting or disconnecting to / from the sensor sending means of the biosensor cartridge in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the lid for opening / closing the cartridge storage chamber when the biosensor cartridge is attached / detached. And Accordingly, the connection is automatically released with the opening movement of the lid prior to the attachment / detachment of the biosensor cartridge, which does not hinder the attachment / detachment operation and improves the ease of handling. After the biosensor cartridge is mounted, it is automatically connected with the closing movement of the lid, so that the biosensor in the cartridge can be efficiently discharged.
[0065]
A claw member is swingably provided on the operation portion, and a slideway on which the tip of the claw member slides is formed on the inner wall of the main body. The tip of the claw member is stopped when the operation of the operation portion is stopped. And a saw-toothed uneven portion for fixing the position of the operation portion by locking the operation portion. Thus, even when the operation of the operation unit is interrupted, the operation unit does not return to the initial position, and the setting operation can be continued. Therefore, biting of the biosensor can be avoided.
[0066]
The runway has a loop shape in which a forward path in which the distal end of the claw member slides when the operating section is pushed in and a return path in which the distal end of the claw member slides when returning the operating section to the initial position. And a saw-toothed uneven portion is arranged on the outward path. Thereby, the movement of the operation unit can be reliably controlled, and the mechanism for holding a series of positions at that time can be downsized.
[0067]
A latch mechanism is provided for locking the operation unit at a position where the biosensor is set in a testable state with respect to the main body. Accordingly, by holding the position of the operation unit, the biosensor can be held in the set state, and the test operation can be easily and stably performed.
[0068]
As a latch mechanism, a latch projection is provided on the operation unit, and a latch main body for locking the latch projection is provided on the main body. According to this, the latch mechanism can be realized with a simple member.
[0069]
The cartridge storage chamber can hold a biosensor cartridge having a built-in slide member for pushing the rear end of the biosensor as sensor sending means, and the sensor sending mechanism presses the slide member of the biosensor cartridge by pressing the slide member. The operation unit is configured to electrically operate the sensor sending mechanism. Thus, the biosensor can be arranged at the test position only by operating the operation unit, and a plurality of tests can be performed reliably and continuously.
[0070]
The seal plate for opening and closing the sensor outlet of the biosensor cartridge is opened only when the biosensor is discharged. This makes it possible to minimize the inflow time of outside air into the biosensor cartridge.
[0071]
A pressing member of the sensor sending mechanism is provided so as to be able to move back and forth toward the slide member of the biosensor cartridge, and a detecting means for detecting an operation stroke of the pressing member is provided. Thus, the pressing member can be accurately arranged at the protruding position where the biosensor is arranged at the predetermined test position and the initial position while detecting the operation stroke of the pressing member by the detecting means.
[0072]
Detection means is provided for detecting the position of the biosensor conveyed to a predetermined test position by the sensor conveyance mechanism. Thereby, the biosensor can be accurately arranged at the test position.
[0073]
The sensor sending mechanism and the sensor transport mechanism can operate independently. Thus, a highly reliable dispensing device can be configured with a simple configuration, and the operation time can be reduced.
[0074]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(1st Embodiment)
The biosensor dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This biosensor dispensing device is used, for example, for measuring blood glucose.
[0075]
1 and 2, the biosensor dispensing device 1 has a substantially rectangular main body 4 configured by arranging a main body upper case 2 and a main body lower case 3 to face each other. The biosensor cartridge 6 can be stored in the cartridge storage chamber 5 near the opened opening. On both sides of the cartridge storage chamber 5, a biosensor delivery mechanism A for discharging the biosensor from the biosensor cartridge 6, and a biosensor transport mechanism for transporting the biosensor discharged from the biosensor cartridge 6 to a predetermined test position B is arranged.
[0076]
The opening of the main body 4 is opened and closed by a cartridge loading cover 7 rotatably mounted around the axis of the shaft 4a. On the inner surface of the cartridge loading cover 7, a cover hook portion 8 for locking the cartridge loading cover 7 to the main body 4 and the biosensor cartridge 6 are pressed toward a rib (not shown) on the inner surface of the main body supporting the bottom thereof. Press spring 9 is provided. Hereinafter, the illustrated direction will be described as a vertical direction.
[0077]
From the biosensor cartridge 6, the upper part (approximately 部分 part near the opening) and the side part (for example, the left side in the direction in which the upper body case 2 is arranged in the front as shown in the drawing) of the main body 4. A sensor guide 11 for guiding the biosensor 10 to a test position is provided.
[0078]
The lower part of the body 4 (approximately half the part opposite the opening) is dimensioned as a grip 12 for the user and is somewhat narrower than the upper part of the body 4. One end of a column-shaped actuating actuator 13 for sending out the biosensor 10 protrudes from an upper side and a side (a left side similar to the sensor guide 11) of the grip portion 12.
[0079]
A printed circuit board 14 on which a signal processing circuit and a control circuit are formed, battery electrodes 15 and 16, and a battery 17 are arranged inside the holding unit 12, and a display screen of a liquid crystal display unit is provided on an outer surface of the holding unit 12. 18 and operation buttons 19 for inputting information to be displayed on the display screen 18 and information to a circuit on the printed wiring board 14 in accordance with the display on the display screen 18. The circuit on the printed wiring board 14 is also provided with a microprocessor (not shown) for processing, storing and / or displaying the data generated during the test operation on the display screen 18.
[0080]
As shown in FIG. 3, the biosensor 10 is formed by laminating a short upper layer sheet 20 a having a rounded end and a long lower layer sheet 20 b made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or the like. A reagent part 21 (or a biological sensing part) containing an enzyme is provided in the vicinity of the one end part, and the one end part which communicates with the reagent part 21 by a capillary is defined as a spotting part 22 to expose the lower sheet 20b. An electrode section 23 reaching the reagent section 21 is provided on the surface.
[0081]
In the biosensor cartridge 6, as shown in FIG. 4, a biosensor outlet 26 is formed at a lower portion of the cartridge case 25, and a biosensor storage chamber 27 facing the biosensor outlet 26 is provided with a vertical partition 27 a. Are divided by The cartridge case 25 has a cartridge upper case and a cartridge lower case arranged to face each other, and is made of a material having almost no water permeability such as PP and has a thickness of 1 mm or more, thereby making the biosensor cartridge 6 waterproof. Is secured.
[0082]
A plurality of biosensors 10 are stacked inside the biosensor storage chamber 27, and a holding plate 28 is disposed on the stacked biosensors 10, and the holding plate 28 and the top surface of the cartridge case 25 A sensor pressing spring 29 is disposed between them. A rib 28a and a rib 25a are formed on the top surfaces of the holding plate 28 and the cartridge case 25 so as to surround the sensor pressing spring 29 and slidably contact each other. The pressing plate 28 is pressed by the sensor pressing spring 29. The biosensor 10 is guided by the ribs 28a and 25a and pressed in the stacking direction. The position of the sensor pressing spring 29 is a position corresponding to the upper sheet of the biosensor 10.
[0083]
A projecting member 31 that projects the lowermost biosensor 10 toward the biosensor outlet 26 is stored inside the projecting member storage chamber 30 that communicates with the biosensor storage chamber 27 at the lower end opening of the partition wall 27a.
[0084]
The biosensor storage chamber 27 has a sealing structure as described later, and communicates with a desiccant chamber 33 filled with a desiccant 32 at the upper end opening of the partition wall 27a. It is to be kept in a state.
[0085]
A cylindrical protruding rotation member 34 for operating the protruding member 31 is housed at the bottom of the cartridge case 25. The protruding rotation member 34 is rotatably supported by the cartridge case 25 at support portions protrudingly formed at both ends, and a spiral groove in which an engagement protrusion 35 formed on the lower surface of the protruding member 31 is slidably engaged. 36.
[0086]
The support portion at one end of the protruding rotary member 34 penetrates the cartridge case 25, and has a concave drive connecting portion 37 for transmitting an external rotation drive to the protruding rotary member 34, and a penetrating portion of the cartridge case 25. Is provided with a ring-shaped packing 38 for sealing.
[0087]
As shown in FIG. 5, near the cartridge case 25, a third drive gear 40 having a drive transmission pin 39 at one end capable of being fitted to the drive connection portion 37 of the protruding rotary member 34, and a third drive gear 40 A gear thrust spring 41 for urging the third drive gear 40 away from the biosensor cartridge 6 against the gear thrust spring 41 is disposed. The gear slide lever 42 is rotatable around a shaft 42a by an operation protrusion 7a protruding from the cartridge loading cover 7.
[0088]
With the cartridge loading cover 7 closed, the third drive gear 40 is approaching the biosensor cartridge 6 by the urging force of the gear thrust spring 41, and the drive transmission pin 39 is connected to the drive connection part 37. When the third drive gear 40 is rotated in this state, the protruding rotary member 34 connected to the third drive gear 40 via the drive transmission pin 39 and the drive connecting portion 37 rotates, and the spiral groove of the protruded rotary member 34 is rotated. The protruding member 31 engaged with the engagement projection 35 at 36 engages and retracts. When the cartridge loading cover 7 is opened, the operation protrusion 7a rotates the gear slide lever 42 counterclockwise, and the gear slide lever 42 moves the third drive gear 40 in a direction away from the biosensor cartridge 6. As a result, the connection between the drive transmission pin 39 and the drive connection portion 37 is released.
[0089]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a sealing roller 43 that can seal the biosensor outlet 26 is arranged near the biosensor cartridge 6.
The sealing roller support link 44 supporting the sealing roller 43 at one end is composed of two members. The link 44 is attached to the operation actuator 13 at the other end, and presses the sealing roller 43 to the biosensor discharge port 26 at the connecting portion. A sealing roller pressing spring 46 for applying a force is arranged.
[0090]
The sealing roller pressure spring 46 is set to a load that does not hinder operability when the biosensor cartridge 6 is mounted on the main body 4, for example, a load of 1 to 2 N (about 100 to 200 gf) or less. The surface of the sealing roller 43 is made of an elastic material or an elastomer such as silicon rubber, NBR (nitrile rubber) or EPDM (ethylene propylene copolymer), which is a material having a low residual compression strain, as described above. In addition, familiarity and adhesion to the biosensor cartridge 6 made of PP or the like are ensured.
[0091]
The surface area of the cartridge case 25 including the biosensor outlet 26 is formed in a concave shape along the outer shape of the sealing roller 43 so that the contact area of the sealing roller 43 increases.
[0092]
As shown by the solid line, in the state where the sealing roller support link 44 is extended, the sealing roller 43 is pressed against the biosensor outlet 26 due to the action of the sealing roller pressing spring 46, and the biosensor outlet is opened. 26 is sealed. From this state, when the other end of the sealing roller support link 44 is moved as indicated by a broken line, the sealing roller support link 44 is bent, whereby the sealing roller 43 is separated from the biosensor outlet 26. Then, the biosensor 10 can be sent. In this manner, when the biosensor 10 is sent out, in which the sealing roller 43 is separated from the biosensor outlet 26, the biosensor storage chamber 38 is opened to the atmosphere, but for the unused biosensor 10 inside, the biosensor storage chamber 38 is short-lived. It is only exposed to the atmosphere and does not significantly affect dryness.
[0093]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an electrode arm 48 capable of supplying a voltage to the electrode unit 23 of the biosensor 10 sent into the sensor guide 11 is provided near the sensor guide 11. It is arranged to be attached to. The electrode arm rotation action part 49 is attached to one end of the electrode arm rotation link 50, and the electrode arm rotation action part 49 rotates as the other end of the electrode arm rotation link 50 is moved. As a result, the electrode arm 48 is arranged at a position distant from the biosensor 10 shown by a solid line and at a position pressed against the electrode portion 23 of the biosensor 10 shown by a broken line.
[0094]
As shown in FIG. 10 (a), on the outer surface of the cartridge case 25, in order to prevent erroneous mounting in the cartridge storage chamber 5, erroneous mounting prevention that engages with the uneven portion 4 b provided on the inner wall of the main body 4. A member 51 is provided. The inner surface of the cartridge case 25 has a sensor return rib 52 in contact with the end surface of the stacked biosensors 10 and a projecting member guide groove 53a for guiding the movement of the projecting member 31 at the center. And a sensor receiving rib 53 for receiving the same.
[0095]
The gap Wb between the sensor return ribs 52 is set to be larger than the width Wc of the protrusion 31a of the protrusion member 31 and smaller than the width Wa of the biosensor 10, and the slide operation of the protrusion member 31 when the biosensor 10 is protruded. Do not disturb. In addition, the biosensor 10 does not enter the protrusion member storage chamber 30 during the return operation in which the protrusion member 31 returns to the initial position after the completion of the protrusion operation or when the biosensor dispensing device 1 is carried. The height H of the protruding portion 31a of the protruding member 31 is set smaller than the thickness of one of the biosensors 10 so that the lowermost biosensor 10 can be reliably protruded.
[0096]
As shown in FIG. 10B, the spiral groove 36 of the cylindrical surface of the protruding rotary member 34 with which the engaging protrusion 35 of the protruding member 31 engages has an angle of 360 degrees or more around the axis in the direction surrounding the axis. Both ends of the spiral groove 36 are formed at a predetermined length in a direction (circumferential direction) perpendicular to the axis, and play and displacement of the protruding rotation member 34 and the protruding member 31 are prevented. The absorbing and projecting member 31 is moved by a distance for surely disposing the biosensor 10 at a predetermined position.
[0097]
Referring again to FIG. 2, the third drive gear 40 for rotating the protruding rotation member 34 is a rack integrally formed on the operation actuator 13 via the second drive gear 54 and the first drive gear 55. The protruding direction of the biosensor 10 is inverted by 180 degrees with respect to the sliding direction of the operation actuator 13. As a result, the width of the device is reduced.
[0098]
The position of the protruding member 31, the lowermost biosensor 10, and the electrode arm 48 are set so as to be substantially on the same straight line, and the movement of the operating actuator 13 from the protruding of the biosensor 10 to the setting to the test position. It happens continuously in conjunction with it.
[0099]
The electrode arm rotation link 50 for rotating the electrode arm 48 is driven by the electrode arm rotation link cam 58 starting contact with the electrode arm rotation link follower 50a from a certain position.
[0100]
The sealing roller support link 44 to which the sealing roller 43 is attached at one end is held by the sealing roller support link cam 57 of the operation actuator 13 by a sealing roller support link follower 44a at the other end.
[0101]
As shown in FIG. 11, an electrode arm rotation spring 59 that rotates the electrode arm rotation operation part 49 in a direction to push down the electrode arm 48 is attached to the electrode arm rotation operation part 49 to which the electrode arm 48 is attached. In the sensor guide 11, a biosensor receiving rib 60 is provided at the bottom, and a sensor return 61 made of an elastic member such as a resin spring for returning the biosensor 10 is provided obliquely downward on the top. I have.
[0102]
Therefore, the biosensor 10 sent into the sensor guide 11 slides in the axial direction until the step portion 20 passes through the sensor detent 61 and the electrode arm 48 pushes the electrode portion 23. However, the electrode arm 48 pushes the electrode section 23 while rotating about the axis of the electrode arm rotation action section 49, so that the biosensor 10 is pulled back. However, since the biosensor detent 61 hits the step part 20 of the biosensor 10 and stops, the biosensor 10 is surely set to a test position in which the tip part projects a predetermined amount outside the main body 4.
[0103]
Referring again to FIG. 2, an operation actuator fixing pin 62 that can be engaged with a recess 13 a formed on the upper surface of one end of the operation actuator 13 is connected to a lock button 63 disposed on the outer surface of the main body 4. By sliding the lock button 63 downward, the operation actuator fixing pin 60 can be engaged with the concave portion 13a, whereby the operation actuator 13 can be locked.
[0104]
The lock button 63 is integrally formed with a lock connecting rod 64 capable of pressing the cover hook portion 8 of the cartridge loading cover 7. By sliding the lock button 63 upward, the lock connecting rod 64 is raised. By pressing the cover hook portion 8 to engage the hole portion 4c formed in the main body 4, the cartridge loading cover 7 can be locked from rotating with respect to the main body 4.
[0105]
Hereinafter, a series of operations of the biosensor dispensing device 1 will be described.
The biosensor cartridge 6 is loaded into the main body 4, the cartridge loading cover 7 is closed, and the lock button 63 is slid upward. As a result, the operation actuator fixing pin 62 is raised, the operation actuator 13 is unlocked, and the lock connecting rod 64 is raised to hold the tip of the cover hook portion 8 of the cartridge loading cover 7, and the cartridge loading cover 7 Is locked to the main body 4.
[0106]
Thereafter, the operation actuator 13 is pushed into the main body 4. As a result, the seal roller support link follower 44a slides on the seal roller support link cam 57 of the operation actuator 13, and the seal roller 43 at one end of the seal roller support link 44 is moved to the surface of the biosensor cartridge 6. Is moved while rolling, and the sealing of the biosensor outlet 26 is released.
[0107]
Further, the first drive gear 55 engaged with the rack portion 56 of the operation actuator 13 rotates, and the rotation is transmitted to the second drive gear 54 and then to the third drive gear 40, and the drive transmission of the third drive gear 40 The protruding rotating member 34 connected to the pin 39 at the drive connecting portion 37 is rotated, and the protruding member 31 engaged with the protruding rotating member 34 slides.
[0108]
As a result, the lowermost biosensor 10 protrudes, is discharged from the biosensor outlet 26, is sent out into the sensor guide 11, and is placed at a test position where the tip spotting portion 22 is exposed to the outside. At this time, when the biosensor 10 comes into contact with the detection switch 11a provided on the sensor guide 11, the power of the sensor dispensing device 1 is turned on, and the sensor dispensing device 1 is set to the test mode.
[0109]
Further, the electrode arm rotation link 50 connected to the electrode arm rotation link cam 58 of the actuation actuator 13 via the electrode arm rotation link follower 50a is pulled, and the electrode arm rotation action portion 49 at one end rotates, thereby causing the rotation. As a result, the electrode arm 48 rotates to electrically contact the electrode portion 23 of the biosensor 10 and press and hold the biosensor 10.
[0110]
In this state, when a fluid (for example, blood accumulated on a finger after puncturing a human finger) is attached to the spotting portion 22 of the biosensor 10, the fluid extends from the spotting portion 22 to the reagent portion 21. A part of the fluid is sucked into the existing capillary, and a sufficient amount of fluid for the test is led to the reagent section 21. Then, as a result of the blood glucose, which is the component to be measured in the fluid, chemically reacting with the reagent, an electric signal corresponding to the blood glucose level is taken out to the printed wiring board 14 via the electrode section 23 and the electrode arm 48. The data is processed and stored by the circuit.
[0111]
At this time, the biosensor dispensing device 1 is activated to the display mode as the biosensor 10 is arranged at the test position. Information can be displayed on the display screen 18. According to the display on the display screen 18, information can be input to the circuit of the printed wiring board 14.
[0112]
At this time, since the operation actuator 13 is attached to the side of the main body 4 so that one end protrudes, the display screen is displayed when the gripper 12 is gripped and the operation of the operation actuator 13 is performed (especially with the right hand). The visibility of 18 is not hindered.
[0113]
After the test is completed and information acquisition or data input is completed, when the operating actuator 13 is further pushed into the main body 4, the cam 58 for the electrode arm rotation link of the operation actuator 13 is connected via the electrode arm rotation link follower 50 a. The connected electrode arm rotation link 50 is pulled, and the electrode arm rotation operation portion 49 at one end rotates, whereby the biosensor 10 is discharged to the outside of the main body 4 by the return operation of the electrode arm 48 that rotates. Further, the protruding member 31 returns to the initial position, and the biosensor dispensing device 1 is set to its off or standby state.
[0114]
The operation actuator 13 will be described in detail.
As described above, the rack 56, the electrode arm rotation link cam 58, and the sealing member 58 are formed integrally with the operation actuator 13 so that the biosensor 10 is set and ejected by operating the operation actuator 13. A series of operations are output from the stop roller support link cam 57.
[0115]
For this purpose, a latching projection 65 is formed on the operating actuator 13, a latch body 66 engaging with the latching projection 65 is provided on the main body 4, and a return spring for returning the operating actuator 13 to the initial position. 67 are provided.
[0116]
Thus, when the operation actuator 13 is pushed into the main body 4 to the maximum, the latch projection 65 and the latch main body 66 are engaged, and the operation actuator 13 is fixed. When the operation actuator 13 is further pushed into the main body 4 after the test, the engagement between the latch projection 65 and the latch main body 66 is released, and the operation actuator 13 is returned to the initial position by the return spring 67.
[0117]
In a case where the pushing operation of the operation actuator 13 is interrupted, when the operation of returning the sealing roller 43 to the sealing position in a state where the biosensor 10 has reached the middle from the biosensor outlet 26 is performed, the biosensor 10 is turned off. The device may be pinched or cause a malfunction of the device. Therefore, a mechanism is provided in which the operation actuator 13 does not return to the initial position even when the pushing operation of the operation actuator 13 is interrupted.
[0118]
As shown in FIG. 12A, a claw member 68 is provided on the actuation actuator 13, and a ratchet portion 69 slidable by the claw member 68 is provided on the inner wall of the main body upper case 2.
[0119]
The claw member 68 is pivotally supported on the operating actuator 13 and is swingable in a vertical direction approaching and separating from the inner wall of the main body upper case 2 and in a lateral direction along the inner wall. And is urged toward the inner wall.
[0120]
As shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the ratchet portion 69 has a serrated cam outward path 71 and a smooth cam return path 72 formed in parallel with a cam partition wall 73 interposed therebetween. The end portions of the cam return path 72 are connected to the end portions of the cam return paths 74a and 74b to form an endless shape.
[0121]
For this reason, in the outward path in which the operating actuator 13 is pushed by a predetermined amount, the tip of the claw member 68 is disposed on the serrated cam outward path 71 and is urged upward by the pressing spring 70 to trace the serrated ratchet surface. While sliding. When the pushing operation of the operation actuator 13 is stopped halfway, the tip of the claw member 68 is caught on the surface of the serrated cam outward path 71, and the operation actuator 13 stops at that position.
[0122]
When the actuating actuator 13 is pushed down to a predetermined amount, the tip of the claw member 68 is located at the cam landing 74a where it returns from the cam outward path 71 to the cam return path 72. At this time, the engagement between the latch main body 66 and the latch projection 65 has been achieved for the operation actuator 13, and the claw member 68 in the cam landing 73 is not caught in the return direction of the operation actuator 13. Absent. During the return operation of the operation actuator 13, the tip of the claw member 68 is disposed on the cam return path 72, and returns to the initial position (the cam landing 74b) while sliding on a surface where there is no catch.
[0123]
In the vicinity of the operation actuator 13, a position sensor 75 for detecting that the operation actuator 13 has returned to the initial position within a predetermined time, and a buzzer 76 for issuing a warning to the user when the detection by the position sensor 75 is not performed. Is provided. This warning is issued when the actuator 13 is not returned to the initial position, because the sensor outlet 26 of the biosensor cartridge 6 is open, so that the unused biosensor 10 in the cartridge is exposed to air by leaving it untouched. This is continued to prevent performance degradation.
[0124]
In detail, the position sensor 75 is provided at a position where the operation actuator 13 is in contact with the projection 13a when the operation actuator 13 is at the initial position. The time until returning is measured by a timing means (not shown) inside the apparatus based on the contact / non-contact of the position sensor 75 / projection 13a, and when the measured value exceeds a predetermined time, the buzzer 76 A warning is issued.
[0125]
As described above, the biosensor dispensing device 1 of the first embodiment is relatively compact, and the user can easily carry and handle it.
At the time of the test, by pressing the operation actuator 13, one of the plurality of biosensors 10 in the biosensor cartridge 6 can be reliably discharged and placed at the test position. On the other hand, the unused biosensor 10 can be sealed in the cartridge 6. The used biosensor 10 can be discharged from the device by further pushing the actuation actuator 13.
[0126]
Further, by manually operating the operation buttons 19, information regarding the test being performed is given, data generated by the biosensor 10 is obtained, and the obtained and accumulated information is displayed on the display screen 18. , Can be provided to other analytical or computer equipment via a data port connector (not shown).
[0127]
Therefore, as compared with the above-described conventional device in which the biosensor pack is loaded, the setting operation and the disposal operation of the biosensor 10 can be reliably performed, and the device is easy to use. It can be made thinner than a conventional device equipped with a sensor bottle.
(2nd Embodiment)
The biosensor dispensing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This biosensor dispensing device is used, for example, for measuring blood glucose.
[0128]
As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the biosensor dispensing device 101 has a cartridge storage chamber 104 for storing a biosensor cartridge 103 in a central part in a casing 102, and a cartridge storage chamber 104 on both sides of the cartridge storage chamber 104. A biosensor sending mechanism 105 and a biosensor transport mechanism 106 are provided.
[0129]
A lock lever 107 for fixing the biosensor cartridge 103 is provided near the cartridge storage chamber 104. The lock lever 107 is urged toward the cartridge storage chamber 104 by the lock lever SP107a. Further, a control mechanism 108 including a printed wiring board on which a signal processing circuit and a control circuit for operating the biosensor sending mechanism 105, the biosensor transport mechanism 106, and the like are formed, a battery electrode, a battery, a microprocessor, and the like is provided. .
[0130]
In the casing 102, a sensor outlet 102a is formed, and a cutout portion 102b is formed in a portion corresponding to the cartridge storage chamber 104. The biosensor cartridge is formed in the cartridge storage chamber 104 through the cutout portion 102b. 103 can be easily attached and detached.
[0131]
On the outer surface of the casing 102, a biosensor cartridge detection SW 109 for detecting the presence or absence of the biosensor cartridge 103, a set button 110 for a user to instruct the biosensor sending mechanism 105, the biosensor transport mechanism 106, and the like, A display unit 111 for displaying information such as a measurement result is provided.
[0132]
As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the biosensor cartridge 103 has a sensor storage chamber 114 in which a plurality of biosensors 113 are stacked and stored inside a cartridge case 112. Further, a sensor sending means 116 for sending out the biosensors 113 in the sensor storage chamber 114 one by one and discharging the biosensors 113 from a sensor outlet 115 opened in the cartridge case 112 is built in. On the outer surface of the cartridge case 112, a concave lock groove 112a for locking the above-mentioned lock lever 107 is formed.
[0133]
In detail, the cartridge case 112 has a ridge 112b formed on the inner surface of the opposite case, and one area sandwiching the ridge 112 is partitioned into a sensor storage chamber 114 and a desiccant storage chamber 117 by a partition 118. Most of the sensor sending means 116 is provided in the other area.
[0134]
In the sensor storage chamber 114, the biosensors 113 are stacked on the ridges 112 b in the same direction, and are pressed by the pressing plate 119. The holding plate 119 has guide ribs 120 that are in sliding contact with the inner surface of the cartridge case 112 and the partition wall 118, and is pressed by a spring 121 so that it can move smoothly and stably in the biosensor storage chamber 114.
[0135]
The biosensor 113 is formed by laminating a short upper sheet and a long lower sheet, each of which is rounded at one end, with their one ends aligned in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. A reagent part (containing an enzyme or a biological sensing part) is provided in the vicinity of the part, and the one end connected to the reagent part by a capillary tube is a spotting part for attaching a sample, and an electrode part reaching the reagent part is a lower layer. It is provided on the exposed surface of the sheet. The above-described spring 121 is disposed on the back surface of the holding plate 119, on the left side of the step 113a of the biosensor 113, at a position corresponding to the upper layer sheet.
[0136]
The sensor sending means 116 has a slider 122 that slides along the inner surface of the cartridge case 112. The slider 122 is integrally formed with a biosensor guide 123 that sends out the biosensor 113 and a slider guide 124 that engages with a guide groove 112c formed along the ridge 112b.
[0137]
The slider 122 has a convex portion 122a that can be fitted into a hole 112d formed in the cartridge case 112, and is pressed by a slider spring 125 to fit into a concave portion 122b formed in the center of the convex portion 122a. When it is not added by a protruding shaft (described later), it is pressed against the hole 112d. Hereinafter, the position of the slider 122 is referred to as an initial position.
[0138]
A slider seal ring 126 made of an elastic material such as EPDM, NBR, or silicone is attached to the protrusion 122a to seal between the slider 122 and the cartridge case 112 when the slider 122 is at the initial position.
[0139]
A seal plate 127 for opening and closing the sensor outlet 115 is attached to the outside of the cartridge case 112. The seal plate 127 is rotatable around the support shaft 127a, and is pressed by the seal plate spring 128 when the slider 122 is at the initial position to close the sensor outlet 115.
[0140]
As shown in FIG. 15A, a seal ring 129 made of an elastic material such as EPDM, NBR, or silicon is attached to the seal plate 127 so as to press against the outer surface of the cartridge case 112 around the sensor outlet 115. . On the outer surface of the cartridge case 112 around the sensor outlet 115, a small protrusion 112e for further improving the sealing performance of the seal ring 129 is formed. However, the seal ring 129 may be attached to the cartridge case 112 side.
[0141]
As shown in FIG. 15B, the biosensor guide 123 integrally formed with the slider 122 includes an upper guide 123b and a lower guide 123c which are formed in a step shape so as to have a slit 123a. The size of the biosensor guide 123 is such that when the slider 122 is at the initial position, the tip of the lower guide 123c is located near the biosensor outlet 115, and the biosensor 113 is placed on the lower guide 123c inside the tip. And the slit 123a of the upper guide 123b faces the rear end of the lower sheet of the lowermost biosensor 113. Therefore, when the biosensor 113 is discharged, the upper guide 123b sandwiches the lower layer sheet of the biosensor 113 in the slit 123a and pushes it reliably, and the lower guide 123c protects the tip of the biosensor 113.
[0142]
In the desiccant storage chamber 117, a meandering air flow path 131 following the opening 118a communicating with the biosensor storage chamber 114 is formed by disposing the partitions 130 in multiple stages. The desiccant 132 is filled. The desiccant 132 is formed and stored in a preferable shape conforming to the shape of the desiccant storage chamber 117, that is, a granule having an outer diameter corresponding to the width of the air passage 131.
[0143]
The desiccant 132 absorbs moisture in the cartridge case 112 to keep the individual biosensors 113 in a dry state. Since the moisture absorption capacity of the desiccant 132 is usually initially high and gradually saturates, by storing the desiccant 132 along the meandering air flow path 131, the desiccant 132 is discharged from the desiccant 132 at the inflow end of the air flow path 131. The drying ability can be exhibited sequentially over the desiccant 132 in the above, and the drying ability can be effectively exhibited for a long period of time. Further, by forming the desiccant 132 into a shape conforming to the shape of the desiccant storage room 117, the space of the desiccant storage room 117 can be effectively used, and the desiccant 132 can be used when assembling the biosensor cartridge 103. Handling becomes easy.
[0144]
As described above, the biosensor cartridge 103 suitably stores the desiccant 132 and, when the biosensor 113 is not discharged, seals the sensor outlet 115 and the hole 112d of the cartridge case 112, The inside of the cartridge case 112 is shut off from the outside air. Therefore, performance degradation of the biosensor 113 due to moisture can be suppressed. This effect is irrespective of whether the biosensor cartridge 103 is attached to the biosensor dispensing device 101 or detached from the biosensor dispensing device 101.
[0145]
FIGS. 16A and 16B show a biosensor sending mechanism 105 for discharging the biosensor 113 from the biosensor cartridge 103.
The biosensor delivery mechanism 105 has a sensor protrusion shaft 133 and a shaft drive motor 135 that drives the sensor protrusion shaft 133 via a shaft gear 134. The bottom case 102a forms the casing 102 in combination with the top case.
[0146]
In detail, the sensor protrusion shaft 133 has a spiral groove 133a formed on the outer peripheral surface so as to surround the axis thereof, and a tapered tip portion 133b that fits into the concave portion 122b of the slider 122 in the biosensor cartridge 103. And is inserted through a shaft gear 134 having a pin 134a slidably engaged with the spiral groove 133a.
[0147]
The shaft drive motor 135 is meshed with the shaft gear 134 at a motor gear 135a attached to the shaft, and by rotating the shaft gear 134 forward and backward, the sensor projecting shaft 133 moves out and retreats, and the slider 122 slides.
[0148]
A shaft regulating knob 136 having a regulating rib 136a and a shielding rib 136b is attached to the rear end of the sensor projecting shaft 133.
The regulating rib guide 137 is disposed opposite to the bottom case 102a and the top case so as to sandwich the regulating rib 136a, and regulates the rotation of the sensor protrusion shaft 133 and guides the slide operation.
[0149]
Each of the position detection sensors 138 and 139 has a light emitting photosensor and a light receiving photosensor disposed inside a slit through which the shielding rib 136b can pass, and is disposed at intervals along the sensor protrusion shaft 133. The sensor protrusion shaft 133 detects the home position where the shielding rib 136b has entered the position detection sensor 138 and the projecting position where the shielding rib 136b has entered the position detection sensor 139.
[0150]
FIGS. 17A and 17B show a transport mechanism 106 that transports the biosensor 113 discharged from the biosensor cartridge 103 to a predetermined test position.
The transport mechanism 106 has transport rollers 140 and 141 for transporting the biosen 113, and a transport motor 143 that rotates the transport rollers 140 and 141 via a reduction gear 142 having a two-stage gear configuration. The transport motor 143 meshes with the worm wheel portion 142a of the reduction gear 142 at the worm 143a.
[0151]
The transport roller 140 is made of an elastic material, is attached to the transport roller shaft 140b together with the transport roller gear 140a meshing with the reduction gear 142, is disposed near the sensor outlet 115, and is rotated by the transport motor 143 and the reduction gear 142, The biosensor 113 discharged from the sensor discharge port 115 is sandwiched between the slider biosensor guide 123 pressed by the seal plate 127 and sent out.
[0152]
The transport roller 141 is made of an elastic material, is attached to the transport roller shaft 141b together with the transport roller gear 141a that meshes with the reduction gear 142, and is disposed near the transport roller 140. A driven roller 144 attached to a driven roller shaft 144a is pressed against the transport roller 141 by a driven roller pressing spring 144b. For this reason, the transport roller 141 is rotated by the transport motor 143 and the reduction gear 142 to pinch the biosensor 113 sent out by the transport roller 140 with the driven roller 144 and send it out.
[0153]
A biosensor detection SW 145 that detects the position of the biosensor 113 is provided in the middle of the conveyance path from the conveyance roller 140 to the conveyance roller 141. The biosensor detection SW 145 has a rotatable detection knob 145a, and switches between when the biosensor 113 starts sliding and ends when sliding on the detection knob 145a. An electrode arm 146 that contacts an electrode portion of the biosensor 113 and transmits an electric signal to an electric circuit is also provided in the middle of the transport path.
[0154]
A series of operations of the biosensor dispensing device 101 and the biosensor cartridge 103 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.
When the biosensor dispensing device 101 is not operating, the sensor protrusion shaft 133 is stopped at the home position, and does not affect the attachment / detachment of the biosensor cartridge 103.
[0155]
When the biosensor cartridge 103 is mounted in the cartridge storage chamber 104, the lock lever 107 enters the lock groove 112a of the cartridge case 112 to lock the biosensor cartridge 103, and the biosensor cartridge detection SW 109 detects the presence of the biosensor cartridge 103. , Measurement operation becomes possible.
[0156]
When the set button 110 is turned on, the shaft drive motor 135 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the output shaft, rotates the shaft gear 134 clockwise, and advances the sensor protrusion shaft 133 toward the biosensor cartridge 103.
[0157]
The sensor protruding shaft 133 slides the slider 122 against the slider spring 125, and the sensor lower guide 123c integrated with the slider 122 pushes the seal plate 127 to open the biosensor outlet 115, and the sensor upper guide 123b. Pushes the biosensor 113 and protrudes out of the biosensor outlet 115.
[0158]
When the sensor protrusion shaft 133 reaches the protrusion position, the shaft drive motor 135 is stopped, and the sensor protrusion shaft 133 and the slider 122 also stand still. The protruding position is set at a position where the tip of the biosensor 113 protruded out of the biosensor outlet 115 by the sensor protruding shaft 133 and the slider 122 overlaps the transport roller 140. Therefore, the protruding biosensor 113 is sandwiched between the transport roller 140 and the seal plate 127 pressed by the seal plate spring 128 while being placed on the lower guide 123c.
[0159]
With the stop of the shaft drive motor 135, the transport motor 143 is activated, the reduction gear 142 rotates counterclockwise, and the transport rollers 140 and 141 rotate clockwise to transport the biosensor 113. The transport motor 143 may be activated at the start of the drive of the shaft drive motor 135 or after some time delay. When the biosensor 113 finishes passing over the detection knob 145a of the biosensor detection SW 145, the transport motor 143 is stopped.
[0160]
As a result, the biosensor 113 is sandwiched between the transport roller 141 and the driven roller 144, and is disposed at a predetermined test position where the tip spot is exposed from the sensor outlet 102a of the casing 102. In addition, the electrode arm 146 electrically contacts the electrode pattern of the biosensor 113, and the measurement can be performed.
[0161]
On the other hand, when the end of the passage of the biosensor 113 is detected by the biosensor detection SW 145, the shaft drive motor 135 rotates in the reverse direction to retract the sensor projecting shaft 133, and when the projecting shaft 133 reaches the home position, the shaft The drive motor 135 is stopped, and the sensor protrusion shaft 133 stops.
[0162]
Further, the slider 122 pressed by the sensor protrusion shaft 133 returns to the initial position by the slider spring 125, and the slider seal ring 126 seals between the slider 122 and the cartridge case 112.
[0163]
Further, the seal plate 127 pressed by the slider 122 is rotated by the seal plate spring 128 to close the sensor outlet 115, and the seal ring 129 attached to the seal plate 127 seals between the seal plate 127 and the cartridge case 112. I do.
[0164]
When blood is attached to the spotting portion of the biosensor 113 disposed at the test position, the blood is sucked into the reagent portion through a capillary tube, and the blood glucose, which is a component to be measured, chemically reacts with the reagent, and reaches the blood glucose level. The corresponding electric signal is taken into the signal processing circuit through the electrode pattern and the electrode arm 146. If the information has been set by the user, the information is displayed on the display unit 111.
[0165]
When the set button 110 is turned on again after the measurement is completed, the conveyance motor 143 is started, and the reduction gear 142 is rotated counterclockwise, whereby the conveyance roller 141 is rotated clockwise, and between the driven roller 144 and the driven roller 144. The sandwiched biosensor 113 is further transported and discharged to the outside of the casing 102.
[0166]
As described above, the biosensor dispensing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment has a simple configuration in which the biosensor cartridge storage chamber 104, the biosensor sending mechanism 105, and the biosensor transport mechanism 106 are linearly arranged, Compact and easy for the user to carry and handle.
[0167]
At the time of the test, the biosensors 113 can be set one by one at a test position by a simple operation with the biosensor cartridge 103 mounted, and can be discharged out of the apparatus after the test.
[0168]
In addition, information on the test being performed is provided, data generated by the biosensor 113 is obtained, the obtained information and accumulated information are displayed on the display unit 111, and a data port connector (not shown) is connected. It can also be provided to other analytical or computer equipment via
[0169]
In addition, the biosensor cartridge 103 has a large number of biosensors 113 compactly housed together with the desiccant 132 and the like, and independently secures sealing properties. The biosensor cartridge 103 has high reliability, is easy to handle, and can be made thin. is there.
[0170]
Therefore, as compared with the above-described conventional device in which the biosensor pack is loaded, the setting operation and the disposal operation of the biosensor 10 can be reliably performed, and the device is easy to use. It can be made thinner than a conventional device equipped with a sensor bottle.
[0171]
The above-described first and second embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. For example, the biosensor dispensing devices 1 and 101 can be used for testing any kind of fluid that can be analyzed using a reagent material, in addition to the blood glucose test described above.
[0172]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the biosensor cartridge of the present invention is of a type in which biosensors are stacked, so that a large number of biosensors can be stored, but the biosensor cartridge can be made compact and easy to handle. Further, since the sealing property and the moisture-proof effect are high, even if it takes a certain number of days until all the biosensors are consumed, the performance is hardly deteriorated and the reliability is high.
[0173]
The biosensor dispensing device of the present invention mounts a biosensor cartridge, sets the biosensors in a testable state one by one by a simple operation in cooperation with the biosensor cartridge, and sets the device after the test. Can be discharged outside. It is possible to reduce the thickness and size according to the biosensor cartridge.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a biosensor dispensing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the biosensor dispensing device of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a biosensor dispensed by the biosensor dispenser of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a biosensor cartridge loaded in the biosensor dispenser of FIG.
5 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of a sensor sending mechanism for discharging a biosensor from the biosensor cartridge of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an operation of a sealing mechanism for sealing the biosensor cartridge of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the seal mechanism of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of an electric conduction mechanism that electrically conducts the biosensor discharged from the biosensor cartridge of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the electrical conduction mechanism of FIG. 8;
10A is a longitudinal sectional view of the biosensor cartridge of FIG. 4, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a protruding rotary member provided at a lower portion.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a set state of the biosensor in the biosensor dispensing device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 12A is a side view, FIG. 12B is a rear view, and FIG.
13A and 13B are an external view and an internal view of a biosensor dispensing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the biosensor cartridge loaded in the biosensor dispensing device of FIG.
15 is a perspective view of (a) a seal plate provided in the biosensor cartridge of FIG. 14 and (b) a partial perspective view of a slider member.
FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the sensor sending mechanism of the biosensor dispensing device of FIG.
FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the sensor transport mechanism of the biosensor dispensing device of FIG.
FIG. 18 is a timing chart of the biosensor dispenser of FIG.
19A and 19B are a perspective view and an internal view of a conventional biosensor dispensing apparatus.
FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of (a) a sensor bottle and (b) a partial side view of a conventional biosensor dispensing apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Biosensor dispensing device
6 Biosensor cartridge
10 Biosensor
13 Actuator
31 Projecting member
33 desiccant
34 Projection rotating member
A Biosensor delivery mechanism
B Biosensor transport mechanism
101 Biosensor dispensing device
103 Biosensor cartridge
105 Biosensor delivery mechanism
106 Biosensor transport mechanism
110 Set button
113 Biosensor
116 Sensor sending means
132 desiccant

Claims (50)

A biosensor cartridge in which a plurality of biosensors are stacked and stored in a case, and the biosensor in the case is sent out one by one, and a sensor sending means for discharging the biosensors from a sensor outlet opening in the case. The sensor sending means is engaged with a cylindrical rotating member rotated by an external sensor sending mechanism and in a state where a sliding pair is possible with the rotating member, and slides with the rotation of the rotating member. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a slide member that presses a rear end of the lowermost biosensor. 3. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 2, wherein a spiral groove with which the slide member is engaged is formed on the cylindrical surface of the rotating member. 4. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the helical groove is formed in a range of 360 ° or more around the rotation axis of the rotation member. 3. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 2, further comprising a sealing member at an end of the rotating member for sealing an opening formed in the case to support the rotating member. A biosensor storage chamber for stacking and storing a plurality of biosensors in the case, and a slide member storage chamber for storing a slide member retracted to an initial position where the rear end of the biosensor in the biosensor storage chamber can be pressed. 3. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the partition is partitioned by a partition having an opening narrower than the biosensor. 7. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 6, wherein an opening of the partition wall is set to a width that allows a protrusion formed on the slide member to pass through a rear end of the lowermost biosensor. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 2, wherein a concave portion is provided on an outer surface of the case including the sensor outlet, the concave portion being provided along an outer shape of the valve means for opening and closing the sensor outlet. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the sensor sending means has a slide member that slides by an external sensor sending mechanism and pushes a rear end portion of the lowermost biosensor. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 9, further comprising a seal plate that opens and closes a sensor discharge port in synchronization with a sensor discharge operation by the slide member. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the seal plate is moved by the slide member. A spring member that presses the seal plate toward the sensor outlet, and the slide member is located below the biosensor at the initial position where the rear end of the lowermost biosensor can be pressed, compared to the front end of the biosensor. 12. The biosensor according to claim 11, further comprising a protrusion disposed near the sensor outlet, for guiding the biosensor toward the sensor outlet during the sensor discharging operation, and for opening a seal plate against a spring member. cartridge. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the seal plate has an elastic seal member that presses against the outer surface of the case around the sensor outlet. 14. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 13, wherein a small projection to which the elastic seal member is pressed is provided on the outer surface of the case around the sensor outlet. A seal member for sealing an opening formed in a case for an external sensor delivery mechanism connected to the slide member when the slide member is at an initial position where the rear end of the biosensor can be pressed. Item 10. A biosensor cartridge according to item 9. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 9, further comprising a return unit that returns the slide member to an initial position where the rear end of the biosensor can be pressed. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the slide member has a protrusion disposed below the biosensor when the slide member is at an initial position where the rear end of the biosensor can be pressed. The case is partitioned by a partition into a biosensor storage chamber for storing a plurality of biosensors in a stacked manner and a desiccant storage chamber for storing a desiccant, and an air passage communicating between the two storage chambers is formed. The biosensor cartridge according to any one of items 2 and 9. 19. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 18, wherein a partition wall is provided in the desiccant storage chamber to form an air passage following an air passage communicating with the biosensor storage chamber, and the desiccant is stored along the air passage. 20. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 19, wherein the desiccant is molded alone or divided into a plurality of pieces in accordance with the shape of the air passage in the desiccant storage chamber. 3. A holding plate disposed on the biosensor in sliding contact with the inner surface of the case along the stacking direction, and an elastic body for pressing the biosensor in the stacking direction via the holding plate. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 9. The biosensor has a stepped shape having a large thickness on the front end side and a small thickness on the rear end side, and a slide member for pushing the rear end of the biosensor has a concave portion for sandwiching the small thickness rear end. 10. The biosensor cartridge according to item 9. The biosensor has a stepped shape with a large thickness at the front end portion and a small thickness at the rear end portion, and the elastic body that presses the biosensor through the holding plate is a back surface of the holding plate corresponding to the thick tip region. 22. The biosensor cartridge according to claim 21, disposed thereon. A plurality of biosensors are stacked and stored in a case, and a biosensor cartridge with a built-in sensor sending means for sending out the biosensors in the case one by one and discharging from a sensor outlet opening in the case is detachably mounted. A cartridge storage chamber for holding, a sensor sending mechanism for driving a sensor sending unit in the biosensor cartridge, and a biosensor discharged from the sensor outlet by the sensor sending unit to a predetermined test position where a sample can be spotted. A biosensor dispensing device, wherein a sensor transport mechanism for transporting is provided inside a main body, and an operation unit for turning on and off the sensor sending mechanism is provided to be exposed outside the main body. 25. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 24, further comprising sensor conducting means for pressing and holding the biosensor conveyed to the test position, and conducting the electric current to an electric circuit in the main body. 26. The biosensor dispensing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein a display unit for acquiring and displaying electrical data from the biosensor conveyed to the test position through an electric circuit in the main body is provided on an outer surface of the main body. The cartridge storage chamber can hold a biosensor cartridge incorporating a cylindrical rotating member and a sliding member that slides with the rotation of the rotating member and pushes the rear end of the biosensor as sensor sending means, 25. The sensor sending mechanism according to claim 24, wherein the sensor sending mechanism has a rotating unit for rotating a rotating member of the biosensor cartridge, and the operation unit is configured to be able to operate the sensor sending mechanism with an index finger while holding the main body with one hand. 27. The biosensor dispensing device according to any one of 26. 28. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 27, wherein the operation unit is movable in and out of the main body, and activates the sensor sending mechanism when pushed into the main body. 29. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 28, wherein the sensor sending mechanism drives the sensor sending means so as to discharge the biosensor in a direction opposite to a pushing direction of the operation unit. 28. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 27, further comprising valve means for opening and closing a sensor outlet opened in a case of the biosensor cartridge. 31. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 30, wherein the valve means is a roller that rolls on the outer surface of the case including the sensor outlet. 31. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 30, wherein the sensor conducting means and the valve means are linked to the sensor sending mechanism. 33. The biotechnology according to claim 32, wherein each link member supporting the sensor conducting means and the valve means at one end is pivotally supported on the main body, and a cam for holding and rotating the other end of each link member is provided on the operation unit. Sensor dispenser. 27. The biosensor according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the biosensor is transported to the test position by one operation of the operation unit, is electrically connected to an electric circuit in the main body, and is set in a testable state. Sensor dispenser. 35. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 34, wherein the power supply of the main body is driven at the same time when the biosensor is set to a testable state. 35. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 34, wherein the biosensor at the test position is discharged to the outside of the main body by operating the operation unit after the biosensor is set in a testable state. 28. The biosensor sorting device according to claim 27, further comprising a cartridge holding mechanism for holding the biosensor cartridge in an undetachable state while operating the operation unit. 38. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 37, wherein the cartridge holding mechanism is linked to the operation unit. 29. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 28, further comprising a detecting unit configured to detect whether the operation unit has returned to the initial position. 40. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 39, wherein the detection unit recognizes contact with a member constituting a part of the operation unit. The sensor sending mechanism includes connection switching means for connecting or disconnecting to / from the sensor sending means of the biosensor cartridge in conjunction with an opening / closing operation of a lid for opening / closing the cartridge storage chamber when the biosensor cartridge is attached / detached. Item 28. The biosensor dispensing device according to item 27. A claw member is swingably provided on the operation portion, and a slideway on which the tip portion of the claw member slides is formed on the inner wall of the main body, and the tip portion of the claw member is stopped when the operation of the operation portion is stopped. 28. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 27, further comprising a saw blade-shaped concave / convex portion for locking the operation portion and fixing the position of the operation portion. The runway has a loop shape in which a forward path in which the distal end of the claw member slides when the operating section is pushed in and a return path in which the distal end of the claw member slides when returning the operating section to the initial position are formed in a loop. 43. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 42, wherein a saw blade-shaped uneven portion is arranged on the outward path. 28. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 27, further comprising a latch mechanism for locking the operation unit at a position where the biosensor is set in a testable state with respect to the main body. 45. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 44, wherein a latch projection is provided on the operation unit as the latch mechanism, and a latch body that locks the latch projection is provided on the main body. The cartridge storage chamber can hold a biosensor cartridge having a built-in slide member for pushing the rear end of the biosensor as sensor sending means, and the sensor sending mechanism presses the slide member of the biosensor cartridge by pressing the slide member. The biosensor dispensing device according to any one of claims 24 to 26, further comprising an operation unit configured to electrically operate the sensor sending mechanism. 47. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 46, wherein the biosensor cartridge has a seal plate that opens the sensor outlet only when the biosensor is discharged. 47. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 46, wherein the pressing member of the sensor sending mechanism is freely movable toward and away from the slide member of the biosensor cartridge, and further includes a detecting unit configured to detect an operation stroke of the pressing member. 47. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 46, further comprising detecting means for detecting a position of the biosensor conveyed to a predetermined test position by the sensor conveyance mechanism. 47. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 46, wherein the sensor sending mechanism and the sensor transport unit can operate independently.

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