JP2008082898A - Component measuring instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a component measuring instrument capable of supplying body fluids to a component detection part in proper quantities. <P>SOLUTION: The component measuring instrument 1 is equipped with a chip 3, which has a tube 32 having a blood introducing port 322 and permitting the blood introduced from the blood introducing port 322 to pass, test paper 33 for detecting glucose in the blood passed through the tube 32 and a chip main body 31 for respectively supporting the tube 32 and the test paper 33, a mounting part 21 for mounting the chip 3, a measuring means 4 for measuring glucose detected by the test paper 33, a passage preventing means (water repellent layer 36) for temporarily preventing the passage of the blood which flows in the tube 32 on the way of the tube 32 and the flow channel compressing means 7 installed at a position different from the passage preventing means to compress the tube 32 in its diametric direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a component measuring apparatus.

  A blood glucose measurement device (blood component measurement device) that measures blood glucose levels is known. This blood glucose measurement device supplies and develops blood (specimen) on a test paper that is colored according to the amount of glucose in the blood, and optically measures (colorimetry) the degree of coloration of the test paper to determine the blood glucose level Is quantified.

  In such a conventional blood glucose measurement device, a component measurement chip is attached, and blood is collected from the component measurement chip. The collected blood is absorbed by the test paper installed on the component measuring chip. The color measurement of the test paper is performed by irradiating the test paper with light and measuring the intensity of the reflected light in a photometry unit including a light emitting element and a light receiving element.

  As a component measuring chip (blood test tool), a plate-shaped chip body (support part), a test paper (test matrix layer) installed on one surface side of the chip body, and the other surface of the chip body It has a protruding capillary tube (capillary tube) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When blood is brought into contact with the tip of a thin tube with such a component measuring chip mounted on a blood glucose measuring device, the blood is sucked into the thin tube by capillary action and reaches (supplied) the test paper.

  However, in the component measurement chip, depending on the outflow amount of blood, the blood is excessively supplied to the test paper, or the blood is not supplied to the test paper to an extent sufficient to measure the blood glucose level. That is, blood could not be stably (constantly) supplied to the test paper. For this reason, the blood glucose level to be measured varies.

JP-T-2001-527216

  The objective of this invention is providing the component measuring apparatus which can supply a bodily fluid to a component detection part without excess and deficiency.

Such an object is achieved by the present inventions (1) to (13) below.
(1) A body fluid passage having a body fluid introduction port and an outflow port through which the body fluid introduced from the introduction port passes, and a body fluid passing through the body fluid passage and flowing out from the exit port are supplied. A component detection unit for detecting a predetermined component in the body fluid; a support unit for supporting the body fluid channel and the component detection unit; and a vicinity of an outlet of the body fluid channel and flowing into the body fluid channel A body fluid collecting device having passage blocking means for temporarily blocking the passage of the body fluid
An installation part in which the body fluid collecting tool is installed;
Measuring means for measuring the amount and / or property of the predetermined component detected by the component detector;
Component measurement comprising: a channel compression means for compressing at least the inlet of the body fluid channel and a portion where the body fluid is blocked by the passage blocking unit in the radial direction of the body fluid channel apparatus.

  (2) By the operation of the flow path compression means, the body fluid in the body fluid flow path is supplied to the component detection unit beyond the part where the body fluid in the body fluid flow path is blocked by the passage blocking means. The component measuring apparatus according to (1) above.

  (3) The component measuring apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the body fluid flow path is configured by a deformable tube.

  (4) The component according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the flow path compression means operates to gradually compress the body fluid flow path from the introduction port side toward the passage prevention means side. measuring device.

  (5) The component according to (4), wherein the flow path compression unit includes a contact member that contacts an outer peripheral portion of the body fluid flow path, and a pressing mechanism that includes a pressing pin that presses the corresponding contact member. measuring device.

  (6) The component according to (5), wherein the contact member has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the body fluid flow path, and the pressing pin presses while being in contact with the inclined surface. measuring device.

  (7) The flow path compression means further includes two plate members that are cantilevered and supported in parallel by the support portion and arranged in parallel, and the abutting member is formed of the two plate members. The component measuring apparatus according to (5) or (6), which is located between and supported near the free end of each plate member.

  (8) The flow path compression means starts when the body fluid is introduced from the introduction port and reaches a portion where the passage of body fluid is blocked by the passage blocking means of the body fluid flow path. The component measuring apparatus according to any one of (7).

  (9) The above-described (1) to (8) having body fluid arrival detection means for detecting whether or not the body fluid introduced from the introduction port has reached a portion of the body fluid flow path that is blocked by the passage blocking means. The component measuring apparatus in any one of.

(10) The component detection unit is composed of a test paper carrying a reagent that reacts with the predetermined component and colors.
The measuring means includes a light emitting unit that emits light toward the test paper, and a measurement side light receiving unit that receives reflected light reflected by the test paper from the light emitting unit,
The component measurement apparatus according to (9), wherein the body fluid arrival detection unit includes an arrival detection side light receiving unit that receives light, and uses the light emitting unit as a light source for the arrival detection side light receiving unit.

  (11) Any of the above (1) to (10), wherein the outlet of the body fluid flow channel and the component detection unit are adjacent to each other, and the passage blocking means is disposed in the vicinity of the boundary portion thereof. The component measuring apparatus of crab.

  (12) The passage prevention unit according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the passage blocking unit is formed on a water repellent layer that is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the body fluid flow path and has water repellency with respect to the body fluid. Component measuring device.

  (13) The component measuring apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the body fluid collecting tool is configured to be detachably attached to the installation unit.

  According to the present invention, a predetermined amount (a sufficient amount for component measurement) of bodily fluid is temporarily (temporary) in the bodily fluid channel, that is, between the inlet and the portion where the bodily fluid is blocked by the passage blocking means. Can be stored. In this state, by operating the flow path compression means, a predetermined amount of blood in the body fluid flow path is supplied to the component detection unit without excess or deficiency. Thereby, the quantity and / or property of the predetermined component of the bodily fluid detected by the component detection part can be measured correctly.

  Further, when the flow path compression means operates to gradually compress the body fluid flow path from the inlet side toward the passage blocking means side, the blood in the body fluid flow path is prevented from flowing back, and accordingly Blood can be reliably supplied to the component detector without excess or deficiency.

  Hereinafter, the component measuring apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of the component measuring apparatus of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are enlarged detailed views of the vicinity of the body fluid collecting tool of the component measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 1 (component measuring apparatus). 5 and FIG. 6 are perspective views of the body fluid sampling device of the component measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the body fluid sampling device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the component measuring apparatus shown in FIG. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the right side in FIGS. 1 to 7 (also in FIG. 9) is referred to as “base end”, the left side is referred to as “tip”, the upper side is “up” or “upward”, and the lower side. Is referred to as “down” or “down”.

  The component measuring apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 (the same applies to FIGS. 2 to 4) includes an apparatus main body 2 and a component measuring chip (hereinafter referred to simply as “chip”) that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 2. Say)) 3). This component measuring apparatus 1 measures a predetermined component in a body fluid. The body fluid can be collected, for example, through the epidermis (skin). The part of the epidermis involved in the collection of body fluid (body fluid collection part) is preferably a finger, but in addition, for example, the hand (palm, back of hand, side of hand), arm, thigh, earlobe, etc. Also good. Hereinafter, blood will be described as a representative body fluid, glucose as a predetermined component, and a fingertip (finger) as a body fluid collection site.

First, the chip 3 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the chip 3 includes a chip body (supporting part) 31 having a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a tube (tubular body) 32 that protrudes from the bottom 311 of the chip body 31 in the distal direction. A test paper (component detection unit) 33 installed on the inner side (bottom 311) of the chip body 31, a contact member 34 that contacts the outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral portion) 321 of the tube 32, and the support member 34. And two leaf springs (plate members) 35 to be used.

  The chip body 31 is a part that is detachably attached to an attachment part (installation part) 21 of the component measuring apparatus 1 described later. Since the chip 3 is detachable from the component measuring apparatus 1, the used chip 3 can be removed, the unused chip 3 can be mounted, and the chip 3 can be used. That is, the blood glucose level can be measured by exchanging the used chip 3 and the unused chip 3.

The chip body 31 has a substantially cylindrical shape.
The chip body 31 has an auxiliary contact portion 312 that contacts the tube 32. The auxiliary contact portion 312 has a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape, and is formed on the bottom portion 311 so as to protrude in the distal direction.

  The auxiliary contact portion 312 is formed with a through hole 313 that opens upward (outward). The through-hole 313 is in the state where the chip 3 is mounted on the component measuring apparatus 1 (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as “mounted state”), and the arrival detection side of the apparatus main body 2 (component measuring apparatus 1). It is formed at a position corresponding to the light receiving portion 51. Such a through-hole 313 functions as an optical path through which the pulsed light L1 (transmitted light L3) from the light emitting unit 41 of the apparatus main body 2 passes (see FIG. 2).

  In addition, two guide rails 314 are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the chip body 31 at the upper portion thereof. Each of these guide rails 314 is formed along the central axis direction of the chip body 31 and is arranged in parallel to each other.

  By forming such guide rails 314, when the chip 3 is mounted on the apparatus main body 2, each guide rail 314 slides along the guide groove 22 of the apparatus main body 2. Operation) can be performed smoothly.

  Further, the chip 3 is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body 2, that is, the mounting direction (vertical direction in FIG. 1) is constant. Thereby, for example, in the mounted state, the through hole 313 of the chip 3 surely corresponds (opposes) the arrival detection side light receiving part 51, or the contact member 34 reliably presses the pressing mechanism 6 described later. Can be. In other words, the component measuring apparatus 1 can operate normally.

  A tube 32 supported at the center is installed on the bottom 311 of the chip body 31. The tube 32 constitutes a bodily fluid flow path through which blood passes through the lumen portion (hollow portion). In the tube 32, the opening on the distal end side functions as an introduction port 322 for introducing blood, and the opening on the proximal end side functions as an outlet (outlet) 323 through which blood flows out toward the test paper 33. When blood is brought into contact with the inlet 322 of the tube 32, blood is sucked into the tube 32 by capillary action.

  The constituent material of the tube 32 is not particularly limited. For example, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, acrylic rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, hydrin rubber, urethane rubber, Various rubber materials (especially those vulcanized) such as silicone rubber and fluoro rubber, styrene, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polybutadiene, trans polyisoprene, fluorine Various thermoplastic elastomers such as rubber and chlorinated polyethylene can be mentioned, and one or more of these can be used in combination. When the tube 32 is made of such an elastic material, the tube 32 is easily deformed, and thus the tube 32 can be easily and reliably compressed in the radial direction (FIGS. 3 and 3). 4).

  Moreover, although the internal diameter of the tube 32 is not specifically limited, For example, it is preferable that it is 0.1-1 mm, and it is more preferable that it is 0.4-0.6 mm.

  A test paper 33 adjacent to the outflow port 323 of the tube 32 is installed (supported) at the center of the bottom 311 of the chip body 31. The test paper 33 detects glucose in the blood that has passed through the tube 32.

  The overall shape of the test paper 33 is preferably a circular shape, but is not limited thereto, and for example, an elliptical shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a rectangular shape such as a rhombus, a triangular shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, etc. be able to.

  Such a test paper 33 is obtained by carrying (impregnating) a reagent (coloring reagent) on a carrier capable of absorbing blood. This carrier is preferably composed of a porous sheet.

  By using a carrier made of a porous sheet, when the reagent to be impregnated is a reagent system including a process using oxygen, such as an oxidase reaction, sufficient supply of oxygen in the atmosphere after blood is spread on the test paper 33 As a result, the reaction can proceed rapidly, and the color development state can be detected without removing blood or its filtered components (such as red blood cells).

  Examples of the carrier using the porous sheet include a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a stretched sheet, a membrane filter, and filter paper. Examples of the constituent material include polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, polysulfones, celluloses, silicates, and fluorine resins. More specifically, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethersulfone, nitrocellulose, cellulose, glass, polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon: “Teflon” is a registered trademark) and the like can be mentioned.

  A material constituting such a carrier is preferably a material manufactured by impregnating an aqueous solution in which a reagent is dissolved, or a hydrophilic material or a material that has been hydrophilized in order to rapidly absorb and develop blood. .

  Examples of the reagent carried on the test paper 33 include glucose oxidase (GOD), peroxidase (POD), 4-aminoantipyrine, N-ethyl-N- (2-hydroxy-3-, for blood glucose measurement. Examples include color formers (color development reagents) such as sulfopropyl) -m-toluidine, and others that react with blood components such as ascorbate oxidase, alcohol oxidase, cholesterol oxidase, etc., depending on the measurement components, And the same color former (coloring reagent). Further, a buffering agent such as a phosphate buffer may be included. Needless to say, the types and components of the reagents are not limited to these.

  An abutting member 34 disposed opposite to the auxiliary abutting portion 312 via the tube 32 is installed on the tip side of the bottom portion 311 of the chip body 31. In the component measuring apparatus 1, the tube 32 can be compressed (deformed) between the contact member 34 and the auxiliary contact portion 312 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

  The contact member 34 is configured by a block body, and has a contact surface 341 that contacts the outer peripheral surface 321 of the tube 32 and an inclined surface 342 that is inclined with respect to the contact surface 341.

  The contact surface 341 takes a posture parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tube 32 in the state shown in FIG. 1 (also in FIG. 2) and the state shown in FIG. Here, the state shown in FIG. 1 (also in FIG. 2) is a state where the pressing mechanism 6 of the apparatus main body 2 is not operated, and the state shown in FIG. 4 is the state where the pressing mechanism 6 is fully operated (operation). Is completed).

  An inclined surface 342 is disposed on the side opposite to the direction in which the contact surface 341 of the contact member 34 faces. The inclined surface 342 is a flat surface and faces the pressing mechanism 6 side (lower right side) in the mounted state (the state shown in FIG. 1).

  Two leaf springs 35 projecting in the same direction as the projecting direction of the tube 32 are formed integrally with the bottom 311 on the bottom 311 of the chip body 31. These leaf springs 35 are arranged in parallel via the contact member 34.

  Each leaf spring 35 has a base end supported by the bottom 311, that is, is cantilevered by the bottom 311.

  Each leaf spring 35 has an arm portion 351 formed toward the contact member 34 in the vicinity of the free end (tip) (see FIG. 7). The side surface 345 of the contact member 34 is supported by the arm portion 351 of each leaf spring 35.

  In the chip 3 having such a configuration, it is preferable that the chip body 31, the plate springs 35, and the contact member 34 are integrally formed. In this case, the constituent material of the chip body 31 (including each leaf spring 35 and the contact member 34) is not particularly limited. For example, ABS resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride resin, Thermoplastic resins such as polyphenylene oxide, thermoplastic polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, polyoxyethylene, fluorine resin, polycarbonate, polyamide, acetal resin, acrylic resin, polyethylene terephthalate, phenol resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, unsaturated polyester, etc. And thermosetting resin.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the tip 3 has a water repellent layer near the boundary between the outlet 323 of the tube 32 and the test paper 33, that is, near the outlet 323 on the inner peripheral surface of the tube 32. A (hydrophobic layer) 36 is provided.

  The water repellent layer 36 has water repellency against blood. The water repellent layer 36 can be formed by subjecting the inner peripheral surface of the tube 32 to hydrophobic treatment in the vicinity of the outlet 323. Examples of the hydrophobizing treatment include formation of a film composed of a water-repellent material (hydrophobic material) such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or a fluorine-based resin such as an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer. It is done.

  By forming such a water-repellent layer 36, blood that has flowed into the tube 32 through the inlet 322 passes through the tube 32 in the middle of the tube 32, that is, through the water-repellent layer 36 ( (Toward the test paper 33 side) is temporarily blocked. Accordingly, the water repellent layer 36 functions as a passage blocking means for temporarily blocking the passage of blood flowing into the tube 32.

  Further, the blood that has been prevented from passing through the tube 32 in this way, that is, the blood that has filled (stayed) in the tube 32 is supplied to the test paper 33 until the tube 32 is compressed by the pressing mechanism 6. Will be prevented.

  Further, since the water repellent layer 36 is positioned near the outlet 323 of the tube 32, the blood in the tube 32 reaches the vicinity of the test paper 33 and stops. As a result, blood can be rapidly supplied to the test paper 33 thereafter, that is, after the pressing mechanism 6 is actuated.

  Further, the inner surface of the tube 32 may be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment (for example, a hydrophilic coat such as a surfactant) on the portion excluding the water repellent layer 36 in order to improve blood flow (passage).

Next, the apparatus main body 2 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1 (the same applies to FIGS. 2 to 4), a recess 23 can be formed at the tip of the apparatus main body 2. A mounting portion 21 to which the chip 3 is mounted (installed) is provided at the bottom of the concave portion 23.

  The mounting portion 21 has a cylindrical shape and is fitted to the chip body 31 in a mounted state. Thereby, the chip 3 is prevented from being unintentionally detached from the apparatus main body 2.

  Further, by moving the mounted chip 3 in the distal direction, the fitting between the chip 3 (chip body 31) and the mounting portion 21 is released. Thereby, the chip 3 can be taken out (removed) from the apparatus main body 2.

  The mounting portion 21 is formed with a measuring means installation portion 211 that is configured by a concave portion (hollow portion) that opens at the tip of the mounting portion 21 and in which the light emitting portion 41 of the measuring means 4 and the measurement side light receiving portion 42 are installed.

  A power button 24 is installed in the recess 23 of the apparatus body 2. The power button is disposed adjacent to the mounting portion 23 and is pressed by the chip 3 in the mounted state. The power switch of the apparatus main body 2 can be turned on / off by pressing / release (press release) of the power button 24.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the apparatus main body 2 is provided with a control means 10 composed of a microcomputer. This control means 10 controls various operations of the component measuring apparatus 1. The control means 10 has a built-in arithmetic unit that calculates the target glucose based on the signal from the measuring means 4.

  The measuring means 4 has a light emitting part (light emitting diode) 41 and a measuring side light receiving part (photodiode) 42. As described above, the light emitting unit 41 and the measurement side light receiving unit 42 are respectively installed (stored and held) in the measurement means installation unit 211. The light emitting unit 41 is disposed on an extension line of the tube 32. The measurement-side light receiving unit 42 is disposed at a position inclined (rotated) by a predetermined angle (for example, 30 degrees) with respect to the optical axis of the light emitting unit 41.

  The light emitting unit 41 is electrically connected to the control unit 10, and the measurement side light receiving unit 42 is electrically connected to the control unit 10 via an amplifier and an A / D converter 44 (not shown).

  The light emitting unit 41 is activated by a signal from the control means 10 and emits pulsed light L1 at a predetermined time interval. For example, the period of the pulsed light L1 is about 0.5 to 3.0 msec, and the emission time of one pulse is about 0.05 to 0.3 msec. The wavelength of the pulsed light L1 is preferably about 500 to 720 nm, more preferably about 580 to 650 nm.

  When the light emitting unit 41 is turned on in the mounted state, the pulsed light L1 emitted from the light emitting unit 41 is irradiated onto the test paper 33, and the reflected light L2 is received by the measurement side light receiving unit 42 and subjected to photoelectric conversion ( (See FIG. 2). An analog signal corresponding to the amount of received light is output from the measurement-side light receiving unit 42, amplified as desired, converted to a digital signal by the A / D converter 44, and input to the control means 10. In the control means 10, the calculation unit calculates glucose based on the digital signal, that is, measures the amount and / or property of glucose. The calculated value (blood glucose level) is displayed on a liquid crystal display (LCD) 11.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the component measurement apparatus 1 includes a power supply unit 12, a switch circuit 13, a control oscillation unit 14, and a data storage unit 15.

  The power supply unit 12 is loaded with a battery (not shown). Thereby, electric power can be supplied to each part of the apparatus main body 2.

  The switch circuit 13 detects inputs of various switches as described below and inputs the signals to the control means 10. Examples of the type of switch include a power switch, a stored data read switch, a time setting / change switch, a reset switch, and a buzzer operation / non-operation selection switch.

  As described above, the power switch can be turned on / off by pressing / release (press release) of the power button 24. The other switches can be operated by operating any one or a combination of two or more buttons (not shown).

  The control oscillating unit 14 constitutes a timer, oscillates a clock pulse at a constant time interval, and supplies a reference signal for operation of a microcomputer (microprocessing unit: MPU) of the control means 10.

  The data storage unit 15 includes a first memory (RAM), a second memory (ROM), and a third memory (nonvolatile RAM). The photometric value (photometric data) input from the measuring means 4 is stored in the first memory according to a predetermined format. The second memory stores in advance a table (calibration curve) between the absorbance obtained from the photometric value and the blood glucose level (calibration curve). In the third memory, calibration values unique to each device are stored in advance.

  Further, body fluid arrival detection means 5 is installed in the apparatus main body 2. This body fluid arrival detection means 5 detects whether or not the blood introduced from the inlet 322 of the tube 32 has reached the water repellent layer 36 (portion blocked by the passage blocking means) in the tube 32. is there. Hereinafter, this detection is referred to as “blood detection”.

  The body fluid arrival detection means 5 has an arrival detection side light receiving portion (photodiode) 51 that receives light. The arrival detection side light receiving unit 51 is installed in a recess (light receiving unit installation unit) 25 provided above (on the extension line) of the through hole 313 of the mounted chip 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the light emitting unit 41 of the measuring unit 4 is used in the component measuring apparatus 1 as a light source for the arrival detection side light receiving unit 51. Since the light emitting unit 41 is shared by the measurement unit 4 and the body fluid arrival detection unit 5 in this way, it is not necessary to separately install a light emitting unit for only the arrival detection side light receiving unit 51. (Apparatus body) The configuration can be simplified.

  The arrival detection side light receiving unit 51 is electrically connected to the control means 10 via an amplifier and an A / D converter 44 (not shown). The control means 10 performs blood detection based on the signal from the arrival detection side light receiving unit 51.

  Specifically, when the light emitting unit 41 is turned on, a part of the pulsed light L <b> 1 emitted from the light emitting unit 41 enters the tube 32 through the test paper 33. When the blood reaches the water repellent layer 36 (the tube 32 is filled with blood), the light incident on the tube 32 (incident light (transmitted light L3)) is irregularly reflected by the blood. A part of the light reaches the arrival detection side light receiving unit 51 through the through-hole 313, that is, is received by the arrival detection side light receiving unit 51 and subjected to photoelectric conversion. The arrival detection side light receiving unit 51 outputs an analog signal corresponding to the amount of received light, is amplified as desired, is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 44, and is input to the control means 10 ( (See FIG. 8). When the blood does not reach the water repellent layer 36, the light incident on the tube 32 is emitted from the introduction port 322 through the tube 32, and the arrival detection side light receiving unit 51 transmits the transmitted light. L3 receives little (or no) light. Thus, the amount of light received by the arrival detection side light receiving unit 51 changes (decreases) depending on whether or not the blood reaches the water repellent layer 36. Blood detection is performed using the change in the amount of received light.

  Such control makes it possible to reliably detect blood. When blood is detected, the blood is reliably filled from the inlet 322 to the water repellent layer 36 in the tube 32. If the pressing mechanism 6 is operated in this state, a predetermined amount of blood can be reliably supplied to the test paper 33, that is, without excess or deficiency.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (the same applies to FIGS. 2 to 4), a part of the inner peripheral portion of the recess 23 of the apparatus body 2 (the lower portion in the configuration shown in FIG. 1) is the contact member 34 of the chip 3. The inclined surface 231 is opposed to the inclined surface 342. The inclined surface 231 is formed with a concave portion (pressing pin storage portion) 232 having a columnar shape (for example, a cylindrical shape).

  A pressing pin 61 is accommodated in the recess 232. The pressing pin 61 can be slid (moved) in the recess 232 by an operation of a driving unit (not shown) that drives the pressing pin 61 (see FIGS. 2 to 4). Thereby, the pressing pin 61 can protrude from the recessed part 232, or can be immersed, and if it protrudes from the recessed part 232, it will press the contact member 34 (inclined surface 342) of the chip | tip 3 (refer FIG. 3, FIG. 4). ).

  The pressing pin 61 has a shape corresponding to the concave portion 232, that is, a cylindrical shape. The top surface 611 of the pressing pin 61 is a flat surface. Further, the top surface 611 faces the inclined surface 342 of the contact member 34.

  In addition, although it does not specifically limit as a constituent material of the press pin 61, For example, various metal materials, various plastics, etc. can be used individually or in combination.

  Further, the top surface 611 may be subjected to a friction reducing process for reducing friction with the contact member 34 (the inclined surface 342). Thereby, it is possible to prevent or suppress the top surface 611 from being worn by friction. In addition, although it does not specifically limit as a friction reduction process, For example, a fluorine coat is mentioned.

  Further, the driving unit is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a compressor and a solenoid.

  As described above, in the component measuring apparatus 1, the pressing mechanism 6 that presses the contact member 34 of the chip 3 is configured by the pressing pin 61 and the drive unit that drives the pressing pin 61.

Next, the operating state of the pressing mechanism 6 and the chip 3 will be described.
First, in the state shown in FIG. 2, the pressing pin 61 of the pressing mechanism 6 is in the most immersed state in the recess 232 and is separated from the contact member 34 of the chip 3.

  In the tip 3, the tube 32 is not deformed, that is, communicates from the introduction port 322 to the outflow port 323.

When the pressing mechanism 6 operates from the state shown in FIG. 2, that is, when the pressing pin 61 protrudes, the entire top surface 611 of the pressing pin 6 once contacts the inclined surface 342 of the contact member 34 of the chip 3. Touch. When the pressing pin 61 further protrudes, the leaf spring 35 is bent. For this reason, a gap is generated between the top surface 611 of the pressing pin 6 and the inclined surface 342 of the contact member 34 (in the configuration of FIG. 3, below the inclined surface 342) (FIG. 3). reference).
In the state shown in FIG. 3, the tube 32 is first compressed on the inlet 322 side.

  When the protrusion (pressing) of the pressing pin 61 further proceeds from the state shown in FIG. 3, the arm portion 351 of the leaf spring 35 is twisted, and the contact member 34 is connected to the introduction port 322 side of the tube 32 (the tip of the contact surface 341). Part) as a center and rotate counterclockwise.

  As a result, the tube 32 is gradually compressed from the inlet 322 side toward the outlet 323 (water repellent layer 36), and when the pressing pin 61 protrudes to the maximum, the tube 32 finally reaches the outlet 323. It is compressed across (see FIG. 4).

  Thus, in the component measuring apparatus 1, the flow path compression that compresses the tube 32 in the radial direction by the contact member 34, the leaf spring 35 that supports the contact member 34, and the pressing mechanism 6 that presses the contact member 34. It can be said that the means 7 is configured.

  Further, in the component measuring apparatus 1, when the flow path compressing means 7 is operated to fill the tube 32, that is, the blood from the inlet 322 to the water repellent layer 36 (state shown in FIG. 2), the blood Is substantially supplied to the test paper 33 beyond the water-repellent layer 36 (extruded to the base end side) (state shown in FIG. 4).

  With the above configuration, the component measuring apparatus 1 temporarily (temporarily) a predetermined amount (a sufficient amount for component measurement) of blood into the tube 32 (between the inlet 322 and the water repellent layer 36). ) Can be stored. By operating the flow path compression means 7 in this state, as described above, a predetermined amount of blood in the tube 32 is supplied to the test paper 33 without excess or deficiency. Thereby, a blood glucose level can be measured correctly.

  The operation of the flow path compression means 7 is started when the blood introduced from the introduction port 322 reaches the water repellent layer 36 of the tube 32, that is, the body fluid arrival detection means 5 performs blood detection. When By starting the flow path compression means 7 in this way, it is possible to reliably fill the tube 32 with a predetermined amount (without excess or deficiency) of blood.

  Moreover, the timing at which the compression of the tube 32 of the flow path compression unit 7 is released is, for example, after the measurement of the blood sugar level is completed (terminated).

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a second embodiment of the component measuring apparatus of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the component measuring apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to this figure, but the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiment, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.

  The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the passage blocking means is different.

  In the component measuring apparatus 1 </ b> A shown in FIG. 9, a gap (gap) 37 is formed between the outlet 323 of the tube 32 and the test paper 33. Thereby, the flow of blood introduced from the inlet 322 is temporarily stopped (blocked) at the outlet 323.

  As described above, the gap 37 functions as a passage blocking means for temporarily blocking the passage of the blood that has flowed into the tube 32 when the blood flows into the tube 32, similarly to the water-repellent layer 36 of the first embodiment. To demonstrate.

  As mentioned above, although the component measuring device of this invention was demonstrated about embodiment of illustration, this invention is not limited to this, Each part which comprises a component measuring device is arbitrary structures which can exhibit the same function. Can be substituted. Moreover, arbitrary components may be added.

  Further, the tube is not limited to being elastically deformed, but may be plastically deformed (for example, composed of aluminum).

  Further, the body fluid arrival detection means (arrival detection side light receiving unit) may be omitted. In this case, blood detection may be performed visually, and then the flow path compression means may be activated.

  Further, the flow path compressing means is not limited to the contact member, the leaf spring, and the pressing mechanism that presses the contact member. For example, the flow path compressing means is a roller that rotates along the longitudinal direction of the tube. It may be configured.

  Further, the top surface of the pressing pin is not limited to a flat surface, and may be, for example, a sharp one or a round one.

It is a longitudinal section showing a 1st embodiment of a component measuring device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail view of the component measuring device and its vicinity in the vicinity of the body fluid collecting tool (the diagrams sequentially showing the operation state of the component measuring device). FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail view of the component measuring device and its vicinity in the vicinity of the body fluid collecting tool (the diagrams sequentially showing the operation state of the component measuring device). FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail view of the component measuring device and its vicinity in the vicinity of the body fluid collecting tool (the diagrams sequentially showing the operation state of the component measuring device). It is a perspective view of the bodily fluid collection tool of the component measuring device shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the bodily fluid collection tool of the component measuring device shown in FIG. It is the figure which looked at the bodily fluid collection tool shown in FIG. 5 from the arrow A side. It is a block diagram of the component measuring apparatus shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the component measuring apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1A component measuring apparatus 2 apparatus main body 21 mounting part (installation part)
211 Measuring means installation part 22 Guide groove 23 Recessed part 231 Inclined surface 232 Recessed part (Pressing pin storage part)
24 Power button 25 Recessed part (light receiving part installation part)
3 chips (component measuring chip (body fluid collecting tool))
31 Chip body (support)
311 Bottom portion 312 Auxiliary contact portion 313 Through hole 314 Guide rail 32 Tube (tube)
321 Outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral part)
322 Inlet 323 Outlet (exit)
33 Test paper (component detection unit)
34 Contact member 341 Contact surface 342 Inclined surface 345 Side surface 35 Leaf spring (plate member)
351 Arm 36 Water-repellent layer (hydrophobic layer)
37 Gap
4 Measuring means 41 Light emitting part (light emitting diode)
42 Measurement-side photo detector (photodiode)
44 A / D converter 5 Body fluid arrival detection means 51 Arrival detection side light receiving part (photodiode)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 6 Pressing mechanism 61 Pressing pin 611 Top surface 7 Flow path compression means 10 Control means 11 Liquid crystal display device (LCD)
12 power supply unit 13 switch circuit 14 control oscillation unit 15 data storage unit L1 pulsed light L2 reflected light L3 transmitted light

Claims (13)

A bodily fluid passage having a body fluid introduction port and an outflow port through which the body fluid introduced from the introduction port passes, and a body fluid passing through the body fluid channel and flowing out from the outflow port are supplied, and the body fluid A component detection unit for detecting a predetermined component therein, a support unit for supporting the body fluid flow channel and the component detection unit, and a vicinity of an outlet of the body fluid flow channel, and the body fluid flowing into the body fluid flow channel A body fluid collecting device having passage blocking means for temporarily blocking passage;
An installation part in which the body fluid collecting tool is installed;
Measuring means for measuring the amount and / or property of the predetermined component detected by the component detector;
Component measurement comprising: a channel compression means for compressing at least the inlet of the body fluid channel and a portion where the body fluid is blocked by the passage blocking unit in the radial direction of the body fluid channel apparatus.   By the operation of the flow path compressing means, the bodily fluid in the bodily fluid flow path is configured to be supplied to the component detection unit beyond the portion where the bodily fluid in the bodily fluid flow path is blocked by the passage blocking means. The component measuring apparatus according to claim 1.   The component measurement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the body fluid flow path is configured by a deformable tube.   The component measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow path compressing means operates to gradually compress the body fluid flow path from the inlet side toward the passage blocking means side.   The component measurement device according to claim 4, wherein the flow path compression unit includes a contact member that contacts an outer peripheral portion of the body fluid flow path, and a pressing mechanism that includes a pressing pin that presses the corresponding contact member.   The component measurement apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the contact member has an inclined surface inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the body fluid flow path, and the pressing pin presses while contacting the inclined surface.   The flow path compression unit further includes two plate members that are cantilevered and supported in parallel by the support portion and arranged in parallel, and the contact member is positioned between the two plate members. And the component measuring apparatus of Claim 5 or 6 currently supported by the free end vicinity of this each plate member.   8. The flow path compressing means is started when body fluid is introduced from the introduction port and reaches a portion where passage of bodily fluid is blocked by the passage blocking means of the bodily fluid flow path. The component measuring apparatus described in 1.   9. The body fluid arrival detection means for detecting whether or not the body fluid introduced from the introduction port has reached a portion of the body fluid flow path that is blocked by the passage blocking means. Component measuring device. The component detection unit is composed of a test paper carrying a reagent that reacts with the predetermined component and colors.
The measuring means includes a light emitting unit that emits light toward the test paper, and a measurement side light receiving unit that receives reflected light reflected by the test paper from the light emitting unit,
The component measurement apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the body fluid arrival detection unit includes an arrival detection side light receiving unit that receives light, and the light emitting unit is used as a light source for the arrival detection side light receiving unit.   The component measurement according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outlet of the bodily fluid flow channel and the component detection unit are adjacent to each other, and the passage blocking means is disposed in the vicinity of the boundary portion. apparatus.   The component measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the passage blocking means is formed of a water repellent layer that is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the body fluid flow path and has water repellency with respect to the body fluid.   The component measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the body fluid collecting tool is configured to be detachably attached to the installation section.

Images