JP2009195359A - Blood test instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve such a problem that it is troublesome for a diabetic patient that a sensor has to be loaded several times a day. <P>SOLUTION: A blood test instrument is provided with a casing 12 which has a puncture part 13 and is nearly rectangular; a puncture means (laser puncture unit) 15 provided within the casing 12 and provided opposite the puncture part 13; a sensor cartridge 16 in which sensors 14 are stacked and housed; a conveyance means 17 which conveys to the puncture part 13 a sensor 14 housed in the sensor cartridge 16; and a measurement circuit part 18 electrically connected with the sensor 14 conveyed to the puncture part 13. A puncture part protection cover 21 which covers the puncture part 13 and which is freely openable is provided. Interlocking with opening of the puncture part protection cover 21, the sensor 14 housed in the sensor cartridge 16 is loaded to the puncture part 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a blood test apparatus for testing blood sugar levels and the like.

  Hereinafter, a conventional blood test apparatus will be described. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional blood test apparatus, and FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a test method using the blood test apparatus.

  In FIG. 20, a conventional blood test apparatus 1 includes a housing 2, a puncture unit 3 provided in the housing 2, a holder 4 constituting the puncture unit 3, and a blood sensor loaded in the puncture unit 3. (Hereinafter referred to as a sensor) 5, a measurement circuit unit 6 connected to the sensor 5, a laser puncture unit 7 provided facing the puncture unit 3, and a battery 8 for supplying power to them. It was.

  A test method using the blood test apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as a preparation stage, the holder 4 constituting the puncture unit 3 is opened, and a new sensor 5 is inserted into the holder 4. The holder 4 in which the sensor 5 is inserted is loaded into the puncture unit 3.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 21, blood test apparatus 1 is held in the right hand, for example, and puncture portion 3 is brought into contact with skin 9 of the index finger of the left hand. Then, the puncture button 7a is pressed with the middle finger of the right hand. Then, the laser beam 7b is emitted from the laser puncture unit 7. Skin 9 is punctured by this laser beam 7b. Blood 10 exudes from the skin 9. The exuded blood 10 is taken into the sensor 5. The signal output from the sensor 5 is transmitted to the measurement circuit unit 6. The measurement circuit unit 6 measures the blood glucose level.

As prior art document information related to the invention of this application, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are known.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-21556 Special table 2003-52496

  However, in such a conventional blood test apparatus 1, before puncturing with the blood test apparatus 1, the holder 4 constituting the puncture unit 3 is opened and a new sensor 5 is inserted into the holder 4 as a preparation stage. And the complicated operation of loading the holder 4 in which the sensor 5 is inserted into the puncture unit 3 had to be performed. Moreover, diabetic patients have to perform this complicated operation several times a day, which is troublesome.

  The present invention solves such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a blood test apparatus in which a blood sensor can be easily loaded.

  In order to achieve this object, the blood test apparatus of the present invention comprises a housing having a puncture portion and a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a puncture means provided in the housing and provided facing the puncture portion. A sensor cartridge in which blood sensors are stacked and stored, a transport means for transporting the blood sensor stored in the sensor cartridge to the puncture unit, and the blood sensor transported to the puncture unit. A measurement circuit unit that covers the puncture unit and is provided with a puncture unit protection cover that can be opened and closed. The blood sensor housed in the sensor cartridge is linked to the opening operation of the puncture unit protection cover. It is to be loaded into the part.

  Also, a housing having a puncture portion and a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, puncture means provided in the housing and facing the puncture portion, a sensor cartridge in which blood sensors are stacked and housed, and the sensor A cartridge protective cover provided on the sensor cartridge, comprising: conveying means for conveying the blood sensor accommodated in the cartridge to the puncture unit; and a measurement circuit unit electrically connected to the blood sensor conveyed to the puncture unit. The outlet of the sensor cartridge is opened and closed by reciprocating sliding of the cartridge protective cover, and the blood sensor housed in the sensor cartridge is loaded into the puncture portion in conjunction with the opening operation of the cartridge protective cover. A blood test apparatus is also provided.

  Furthermore, a blood test apparatus provided with a cartridge protective cover on the sensor cartridge, opens and closes the outlet of the sensor cartridge by reciprocating sliding of the cartridge protective cover, and slides in conjunction with the cartridge protective cover and the puncture portion protective cover Is also provided.

  Thereby, the intended purpose can be achieved.

  As described above, the blood test apparatus of the present invention includes a housing having a puncture portion and a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, puncture means provided in the housing and provided facing the puncture portion, and a blood sensor. Sensor cartridges stacked and stored, transport means for transporting the blood sensor stored in the sensor cartridge to the puncture unit, and a measurement circuit unit electrically connected to the blood sensor transported to the puncture unit And provided with a puncture portion protection cover that can be opened and closed and covers the puncture portion, and loads the blood sensor housed in the sensor cartridge in conjunction with opening of the puncture portion protection cover. Thus, the blood sensor housed in the sensor cartridge can be loaded into the puncture section simply by opening the puncture section protection cover. Therefore, the blood sensor can be remarkably easily loaded.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective plan view of blood test apparatus 11. In FIG. 1, 12 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing, which is mainly formed of a resin material. A puncture portion 13 is provided at an end of the lower side of the housing 12 (downward in FIG. 1). The puncture portion 13 is composed of an upper holder 13a (not shown) and a lower holder 13b (not shown), and a blood sensor (hereinafter referred to as a sensor) 14 is sandwiched between the upper holder 13a and the lower holder 13b. Fix it.

  A laser puncture unit 15 (used as an example of puncture means) is mounted facing the puncture unit 13. In addition to the laser puncture unit 15, a needle puncture unit using a puncture needle can also be used as the puncture means.

  A sensor cartridge 16 in which sensors 14 are stacked and housed is inserted into the lower side of the housing 12 so as to be freely inserted and removed. The sensor cartridge 16 is provided with a transport means 17, and the sensor 14 stored at the bottom of the sensors 14 stacked and stored by using the transport means 17 is transported to the puncture unit 13.

  A measurement circuit unit 18 is provided adjacent to the upper side of the sensor cartridge 16. The measurement circuit unit 18 is connected to a connector 49 (not shown) provided on the upper holder 13 a, and is connected to the sensor 14 via the connector 49.

  The output of the measurement circuit unit 18 is displayed on the display unit 20 mounted on the upper front surface of the housing 12. A battery 19 (not shown) is removably inserted into the back side (inside) of the display unit 20.

  Reference numeral 21 denotes a puncture part protective cover for protecting the puncture part 13. The puncture part protective cover 21 also serves to load the sensor 14 into the puncture part. That is, the puncture portion protective cover 21 is slid in the horizontal direction (the direction of the arrow 22a or the direction of the arrow 22b) with respect to the housing 12, and the sensor 14 is loaded into the puncture portion 13.

  In the blood test apparatus 11 configured as described above, the use operation will be described below. First, the puncture part protective cover 21 is slid in the direction of the arrow 22a. By sliding the puncture portion protective cover 21, the puncture portion 13 is exposed, and the sensor 14 accommodated in the sensor cartridge 16 is loaded into the puncture portion 13.

  The patient brings the skin 9 of the finger 9 a into contact with the puncture unit 13. The puncture button 15a (see FIG. 7) is pressed while the skin 9 is in contact with the puncture unit 13. When the puncture button 15a is pressed, the laser puncture unit 15 emits laser light 15b.

  Laser light 15 b emitted from the laser puncture unit 15 penetrates the skin 9 through the sensor 14 loaded in the puncture unit 13. Blood 10 exudes from the punctured skin 9. This blood 10 is taken into the sensor 14. Then, it chemically reacts with the reagent (see FIG. 4) placed in the sensor 14. The result of this chemical reaction is guided to the measurement circuit unit 18.

  The measurement circuit unit 18 measures the blood glucose level based on the signal transmitted from the sensor 14. The measured blood glucose level and the like are displayed on the display unit 20. The patient removes the skin 9 from the puncture part 13. Then, after the measurement is completed, the puncture part 13 can be covered by sliding the puncture part protective cover 21 in the direction of the arrow 22b contrary to that before the measurement.

  As described above, the sensor 14 accommodated in the sensor cartridge 16 can be loaded into the puncture unit 13 only by sliding the puncture unit protection cover 21 in the direction of the arrow 22a. That is, the sensor 14 can be automatically loaded into the puncture unit 13 in conjunction with the sliding operation of the puncture unit protective cover 21. Therefore, loading of the sensor 14 is easier and easier to operate than the conventional blood test apparatus 1.

  Next, details of loading of the sensor 14 housed in the sensor cartridge 16 will be described. There are two methods for loading the sensor 14: an electrical method and a mechanical method. In the electrical loading method, the housing 12 is equipped with an open detection sensor for detecting the opening of the puncture portion protective cover 21. Then, the conveying means is driven by the output signal of the open detection sensor, and the sensor 14 accommodated in the sensor cartridge 16 is conveyed to the puncture unit 13. Then, the conveyed sensor 14 is loaded into the puncture unit 13.

  Next, a mechanical loading method will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A is a front view of the sensor cartridge 16 and its periphery when the puncture portion protective cover 21 is closed, and FIG. 2B is a sectional view thereof. In FIG. 2, 16a is a cartridge case having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and in this cartridge case 16a, a sensor chamber 16b in which the sensors 14 are stacked and stored, and a desiccant 16c are stored in parallel with the sensor chamber 16b. A desiccant chamber 16d is provided.

  The reason why the desiccant 16c is accommodated in the cartridge case 16a is to prevent this performance change because the performance of the sensor 14 is affected by moisture. Reference numeral 16e denotes a spring that urges the sensor 14 downward. An outlet 16f of the sensor 14 is formed at the lower end of the sensor chamber 16b. The outlet 16 f is provided at a position where the sensor cartridge 16 is connected to the puncture unit 13 in a state where the sensor cartridge 16 is inserted into the housing 22.

  Below the cartridge case 16a, a cartridge protective cover 17a (see FIG. 2B) having a U-shaped cross section is provided so as to cover the cartridge case 16a. The cartridge protection cover 17a is provided to be slidable in the horizontal direction (in the direction of the arrow 22a or the arrow 22b) with respect to the cartridge case 16a.

  On the side surface of the cartridge case 16a, a crescent-shaped concave groove 16g is provided from the vicinity of the outlet 16f toward the center downward. Further, a fulcrum 17b is planted on the lower front side (exit 16f side) of the side surface of the cartridge protective cover 17a. One of the outlet opening / closing members 17c for opening and closing the outlet 16f of the sensor chamber 16b is planted on the fulcrum 17b. The end is rotatably attached. The other end 17d of the outlet opening / closing member 17c is slidably attached in the slit 16g. A shutter 17e that closes the outlet 16f is attached to the other end 17d.

  Therefore, when the cartridge protection cover 17a is slid in the direction of the arrow 22a, the other end 17d slides in the slit 16g. As the other end 17d slides, the shutter 17e moves along with the shape of the slit 16g of the cartridge case 16a, and the outlet 16f is opened.

  In contrast, when the cartridge protection cover 17a is slid in the direction of the arrow 22b, the other end 17d slides in the slit 16g in the direction of the outlet 16f. As the other end 17d slides, the shutter 17e also moves in the direction of the outlet 16f, and the outlet 16f is closed. That is, the outlet 16f is closed by the shutter 17e. In this way, by closing the outlet 16f with the shutter 17e, external moisture or the like is prevented from entering the cartridge case 16a from the outlet 16f. This prevents performance deterioration of the sensor 14, and improves the effect together with the desiccant 16c.

  Hereinafter, the conveying means 17 provided on the lower side of the sensor cartridge 16 will be described. Reference numeral 17f denotes a slide plate that slides on the lower side of the cartridge case 16a, and conveys the sensor 14 stored at the bottom of the sensors 14 stacked and stored in the sensor chamber 16b to the puncture unit 13. Teeth 17g are formed on the side surface of the slide plate 17f. On the other hand, a gear 17h that meshes with the teeth 17g is rotatably fixed to the center of the lower side of the cartridge case 16a. Further, teeth 17j that mesh with the gear 17h are also formed inside the cartridge protective cover 17a.

  Accordingly, when the cartridge protection cover 17a is slid in the direction of the arrow 22a, the gear 17h rotates in the direction of the arrow 22c. When the gear 17h rotates in the direction of the arrow 22c, the slide plate 17f meshed with the gear 17h and provided with the teeth 17g slides in the direction of the arrow 22b. That is, the slide plate 17 f conveys the sensor 14 stored at the bottom to the puncture unit 13.

  Conversely, when the cartridge protection cover 17a is slid in the direction of the arrow 22b, the gear 17h rotates in the direction of the arrow 22d. When the gear 17h rotates in the direction of the arrow 22d, the slide plate 17f meshed with the gear 17h and provided with the teeth 17g slides in the direction of the arrow 22a. That is, the slide plate 17f returns to the original position in the cartridge case 16a. Thus, the sensor 14 can be loaded into the puncture unit 13 by sliding the cartridge protective cover 17a.

  The puncture portion protective cover 21 is provided so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction (arrows 22a and 22b) by a rail (not shown) between the puncture portion protective cover 21 and the housing 22. A pair of convex portions 17k are provided on the lower rear side of the cartridge protective cover 17a (opposite the outlet 16f). The convex portions 17k are fitted with the pair of concave portions 21b formed in the puncture portion protective cover 21. Match.

  Therefore, by sliding the puncture portion protection cover 21 in the horizontal direction, the sensor 14 is loaded into the puncture portion 13 by opening and closing the outlet 16f by the shutter 17e and sliding the slide plate 17f through the cartridge protection cover 17a. Can do.

  2A is a front view of the puncture portion 13 covered with the puncture portion protective cover 21, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the puncture portion 13 as viewed from above. In contrast, FIG. 3A is a front view when the puncture portion protective cover 21 is slid in the direction of the arrow 22a, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the puncture portion protection cover 21 as viewed from above.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3, since the concave portion 21b and the convex portion 17k are fitted by sliding the puncture portion protective cover 21 in the direction of arrow 22a, the cartridge protective cover 17a also slides in the direction of arrow 22a. As the cartridge protective cover 17a slides in the direction of the arrow 22a, the shutter 17e moves downward and opens the outlet 16f. Further, when the cartridge protection cover 17a slides in the direction of the arrow 22a, the gear 17h rotates in the direction of the arrow 22c, and the slide plate 17f carries out the sensor 14 from the outlet 16f and loads it into the puncture unit 13.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor 14. The sensor 14 includes a substrate 31, a spacer 32 bonded to the upper surface of the substrate 31, and a cover 33 bonded to the upper surface of the spacer 32.

  Reference numeral 34 denotes a reservoir for blood 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 21). The reservoir 34 is formed in the spacer 32 corresponding to the substrate hole 31a formed in the approximate center of the substrate 31 and the substrate hole 31a. The formed spacer hole 32a and the cover hole 33a formed in the cover 33 corresponding to the substrate hole 31a are formed in communication.

  Reference numeral 35 denotes a supply path for blood 10 having one end connected to the storage section 34, and a path for guiding the blood 10 stored in the storage section 34 to the detection section 37 all at once by capillary action. The other end of the supply path 35 is connected to the air hole 38. The volume of the reservoir 34 is 0.904 μL, and the volume of the supply path 35 is 0.144 μL. In this way, it is possible to test with a small amount of blood 10, thereby reducing the burden on the patient.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes a reagent placed on the detection unit 37. This reagent 40 is a 0.01 to 2.0 wt% CMC aqueous solution, PQQ-GDH 0.1 to 5.0 U / sensor, potassium ferricyanide 10 to 200 mM, maltitol 1 to 50 mM, and taurine 20 to 200 mM. A reagent solution is prepared by adding and melting the solution, and the reagent solution is dropped on the detection electrodes 41 and 43 (see FIG. 5) formed on the substrate 31 and dried. When the reagent 40 absorbs moisture, the performance is affected. In order to prevent this influence, the desiccant 16c is normally stored in the sensor cartridge 16.

  A conductive layer is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 31 by a sputtering method or a vapor deposition method using gold, platinum, palladium or the like as a material, and this is subjected to laser processing to detect electrodes 41 to 45 (see FIG. 5) and the detect electrodes 41 to 41. The connection electrodes 41a to 45a and the identification electrode 47a respectively led out from 45 are integrally formed.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective plan view of the sensor 14, and connection electrodes 41 a to 45 a and an identification electrode 47 a are formed at one end. An identification portion 47 formed of a conductor pattern is formed between the connection electrode 43a and the identification electrode 47a.

  Reference numeral 34 denotes a reservoir 10 of blood 10 provided substantially at the center of the sensor 14, and a supply path 35 having one end connected to the reservoir 34 is provided toward the detection electrode 42. The other end of the supply path 35 is connected to the air hole 38. On the supply path 35, the detection electrode 44 connected to the connection electrode 44a in order from the reservoir 34 side, the detection electrode 45 connected to the connection electrode 45a, the detection electrode 43 connected to the connection electrode 43a, A detection electrode 41 connected to the connection electrode 41a and a detection electrode 42 connected to the connection electrode 42a are provided. A reagent 40 (see FIG. 4) is placed on the detection electrodes 41 and 43.

  Whether or not the sensor 14 is attached to the puncture unit 13 can be identified based on whether or not there is electrical continuity between the connection electrode 43a and the identification electrode 47a. That is, when the sensor 14 is transported to the puncture unit 13, it is detected whether the sensor 14 is securely attached to the puncture unit 13 by detecting electrical continuity between the connection electrode 43 a and the identification electrode 47 a. be able to. If there is no electrical continuity, the sensor 14 is not attached to the puncture unit 13. In this case, a warning can be displayed on the display unit 20 (see FIG. 1) of the blood test apparatus 11.

In addition, by changing the electric resistance value of the identification unit 47, it is possible to store information on a calibration curve to be used or store manufacturing information. Therefore, a more precise blood test can be performed using these pieces of information. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sensor 14 having a rectangular shape and formed of a plate. In the present embodiment, the difference between conduction / non-conduction of the identification unit 47 is used as an open detection sensor for the puncture portion protection cover 21.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the measurement circuit unit 20 and its vicinity. In FIG. 7, the connection electrodes 41a to 45a (see FIG. 5) of the sensor 14 are connected to the switching circuit 18a via connectors 49 (49a to 49e). The output of the switching circuit 18a is connected to the input of the current / voltage converter 18b. The output is connected to the input of the arithmetic unit 18d through an analog / digital converter (hereinafter referred to as A / D converter) 18c. The output of the calculation unit 18d is connected to the display unit 20 and the communication unit 18e formed of liquid crystal. A reference voltage source 18f is connected to the switching circuit 18a. The reference voltage source 18f may be a ground potential.

  Reference numeral 18g denotes a control unit. The output of the control unit 18g is connected to the high voltage generation circuit 18h connected to the laser puncture unit 15, the control terminal of the switching circuit 18a, the calculation unit 18d, and the communication unit 18e. Yes. Further, a puncture button 15a, a timer 18k, and a connector 49f are connected to the input of the control unit 18g.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the measurement circuit unit 18 will be described. In the measurement operation, first, the switching circuit 18a is switched to connect the detection electrode 41 to the current / voltage converter 18b. Further, a detection electrode 42 serving as a detection electrode for detecting inflow of blood 10 is connected to the reference voltage source 18f. A constant voltage is applied between the detection electrode 41 and the detection electrode 42. In this state, when blood 10 flows in, a current flows between detection electrodes 41 and 42, and it is detected that blood 10 has sufficiently flowed.

  Next, glucose, which is a blood component, is measured. The glucose component amount is measured by switching the switching circuit 18a according to a command from the control unit 18g and connecting the detection electrode 41 serving as a working electrode for measuring the glucose component amount to the current / voltage converter 18b. In addition, a detection electrode 43 serving as a counter electrode for measuring the glucose component amount is connected to the reference voltage source 18f.

  Then, after a certain time (1 to 10 seconds) has elapsed, a certain voltage (0.2 to 0.5 V) is applied between the detection electrodes 41 and 43 according to a command from the control unit 18g. Then, a current flows between the detection electrodes 41 and 43. Based on this electric current value, it converts into the amount of glucose components.

  After the measurement of the glucose component amount, the detection electrode 45 serving as a working electrode for measuring the Hct value is connected to the current / voltage converter 18b. Further, a detection electrode 41 serving as a counter electrode for measuring the Hct value is connected to the reference voltage source 18f.

  Next, a constant voltage (2 V to 3 V) is applied between the detection electrodes 45 and 41 from the current / voltage converter 18b and the reference voltage source 18f according to a command from the control unit 18g, and based on the value of the current flowing at this time. Convert to Hct value.

  Using the Hct value and the glucose component amount obtained in this measurement, the glucose component amount is corrected with the Hct value with reference to a calibration curve or a calibration curve table obtained in advance, and the corrected result is displayed on the display unit 20. To display. Further, the result is transmitted from the communication unit 18e to the injection device for injecting insulin.

  As described above, the measurement of glucose has been described as an example. However, the reagent 40 of the sensor 14 can be replaced, and in addition to the measurement of glucose, the measurement can be applied to the measurement of blood components such as lactic acid level and cholesterol.

  Next, a test method using the blood test apparatus 11 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 51, the puncture part protective cover 21 of the blood test apparatus 11 is slid to an arrow 22a (see FIG. 1). That is, the puncture part 13 is exposed. At this time, the sensor 14 is simultaneously loaded into the puncture unit 13 by the slide of the puncture unit protective cover 21. This loading confirmation is performed by detecting the continuity between the connection electrode 43a of the sensor 14 and the identification electrode 47a.

  When it is confirmed that the sensor 14 is loaded, the process proceeds to step 52. In step 52, the high voltage generation circuit 18h is operated to generate a high voltage necessary for puncture. When high voltage is generated, “Puncture OK” is displayed on the display unit 20, and the process proceeds to Step 53 to wait for pressing of the puncture button 15a.

  In step 53, when the puncture button 15a is pressed, the laser beam 15b is emitted from the laser puncture unit 15 to puncture the skin 9 of the patient. It should be noted that the display of “puncture allowed” is turned off at the timing of pressing the puncture button 15a. The blood 10 exuded by the puncture of the skin 9 is taken into the storage part 34 of the sensor 14. The blood 10 taken into the storage part 34 is taken into the detection part 37 at a stroke (at a fixed flow rate) by capillary action by the supply path 35. Then, the process proceeds to step 54 where the blood sugar level of the blood 10 is measured.

  When the blood glucose level is measured in step 54, the process proceeds to step 55, and the measured blood glucose level is displayed on the display unit 20. This completes the measurement of blood 10 and proceeds to step 56. In step 56, the puncture portion protective cover 21 is slid to the arrow 22b (see FIG. 1). That is, the puncture part 13 is covered with the puncture part protective cover 21.

  As described above, in step 51, the puncture unit 13 is loaded with the sensor 14 only by sliding the puncture unit protective cover 21 in the direction of the arrow 22a. Therefore, the loading operation of the sensor 14 is greatly simplified as compared with the conventional case.

(Embodiment 2)
In blood test apparatus 61 in Embodiment 2 (corresponding to blood test apparatus 11 in Embodiment 1), puncture part protective cover 62 (corresponding to puncture part protective cover 21 in Embodiment 1) is provided in housing 12. On the other hand, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it slides in the vertical direction (direction of arrows 22e and 22f). Therefore, in the second embodiment, this different point will be described, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals to simplify the description. The same applies to the following embodiments.

  As shown in FIG. 9, an insertion hole 62a for the finger 9a is provided above the puncture portion protection cover 62, and is covered when the puncture portion protection cover 62 is slid downward (in the direction of the arrow 22e). The puncture portion 13 portion can be seen from the insertion port 62a. Therefore, the patient can puncture the finger 9a in contact with the puncture portion 13 by inserting the finger 9a into the insertion hole 62a. Moreover, in the state where the puncture part protection cover 62 is slid upward (in the direction of the arrow 22f), the puncture part 13 is covered and protected by the puncture part protection cover 62.

  Also, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the sensor 14 accommodated in the sensor cartridge 16 can be loaded into the puncture section 13 only by sliding the puncture section protection cover 62 in the direction of the arrow 22e. it can. Therefore, the loading of the sensor 14 improves the operability as compared with the conventional blood test apparatus 1 and makes the operation very easy.

  Next, loading of the sensor 14 housed in the sensor cartridge 16 into the puncture unit 13 will be described. There are also an electrical method and a mechanical method in the loading method of the sensor 14 as in the first embodiment. In the electrical loading method, an opening detection sensor for detecting a downward slide of the puncture portion protection cover 62 is attached to the housing 12. Then, the conveying means is driven by the output signal of the open detection sensor, and the sensor 14 accommodated in the sensor cartridge 16 is conveyed to the puncture unit 13. Then, the conveyed sensor 14 is loaded into the puncture unit 13.

  Next, a mechanical loading method will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A is a front view of the sensor cartridge 16 and its periphery when the puncture portion protective cover 62 is slid upward and the puncture portion 13 is closed, and FIG. 10B is a sectional view thereof. . 10A and 10B, a groove 62b into which the convex portion 17k generated in the cartridge protective cover 17a is fitted is formed inside the puncture portion protective cover 62. The groove 62b is provided obliquely upward from the vicinity of the lower side of the cartridge protective cover 17a to the rear side (the side opposite to the outlet 16f of the sensor cartridge 16). Therefore, by sliding the puncture portion protection cover 62 in the vertical direction, the cartridge protection cover 17a is slid in the front-rear direction (arrow 22a or arrow 22b direction) as in the first embodiment.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the puncture portion protection cover 62 is slid upward (in the direction of the arrow 22f), the cartridge protection cover 17a slides forward (in the direction of the arrow 22b). When the cartridge protection cover 17a slides forward, the outlet opening / closing member 17c moves obliquely upward along the slit 16g. Then, the shutter 17e mounted on the other end 17d of the outlet opening / closing member 17c closes the outlet 16f of the sensor cartridge 16. As a result, the inside of the sensor cartridge 62 is blocked from the outside, and the sensor 14 housed in the sensor cartridge 62 is protected from the influence of external moisture and the like.

  Further, as the cartridge protection cover 17a slides forward, as shown in FIG. 10B, the teeth 17j formed inside the side surface of the cartridge protection cover 17a also slide in the direction of the arrow 22b. Then, the gear 17h rotates in the direction of the arrow 22d. When the gear 17h rotates in the direction of the arrow 22d, the teeth 17g meshed with the gear 17h move in the direction of the arrow 22a. That is, the slide plate 17f on which the teeth 17g are formed moves in the direction of the arrow 22a and is stored in the cartridge case 16a.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the puncture portion protection cover 62 is slid downward (in the direction of arrow 22e), the cartridge protection cover 17a is slid in the rear (in the direction of arrow 22a). When the cartridge protection cover 17a slides rearward, the outlet opening / closing member 17c moves obliquely downward to the right (in FIG. 11A) along the slit 16g. Then, the shutter 17e provided at the other end 17d of the outlet opening / closing member 17c is detached from the outlet 16f of the sensor cartridge 16, and the outlet 16f is opened. As a result, the sensor 14 can be carried out from the outlet 16f.

  Further, as the cartridge protection cover 17a slides backward, as shown in FIG. 11B, the teeth 17j formed on the cartridge protection cover 17a also slide in the direction of the arrow 22a. Then, the gear 17h rotates in the direction of the arrow 22c. When the gear 17h rotates in the direction of the arrow 22c, the teeth 17g meshed with the gear 17h move in the direction of the arrow 22b. That is, the slide plate 17f on which the teeth 17g are formed moves in the direction of the arrow 22b (leftward in FIG. 11B). Therefore, the sensor 14 is loaded by being conveyed in the direction of the arrow 22b and being pinched by the puncture unit 13.

(Embodiment 3)
Blood test apparatus 65 according to the third embodiment (corresponding to blood test apparatus 11 according to the first embodiment) has puncture part protective cover 66 (corresponding to puncture part protective cover 21 according to the first embodiment) provided on housing 12. On the other hand, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it freely rotates around the fulcrum 65a (in the directions of arrows 22g and 22h). Therefore, in the third embodiment, this different point will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the puncture portion protection cover 66 rotates around a fulcrum 65 a provided in the direction opposite to the puncture portion 13. When the puncture portion protective cover 66 is rotated in the opening direction (arrow 22g direction), the puncture portion 13 appears, and puncture is possible by contacting the skin. On the other hand, when the puncture part protective cover 66 is rotated in the closing direction (arrow 22h direction) from the state where the puncture part 13 appears, the puncture part 13 is covered and the puncture part 13 is protected.

  Also in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the sensor 14 housed in the sensor cartridge 16 is simply moved by rotating the puncture portion protective cover 66 in the opening direction (the direction of the arrow 22g in FIG. 12). It can be discharged from the outlet 16f of the cartridge 16 and conveyed to the puncture unit 13 for loading. Therefore, the loading of the sensor 14 is superior in operability as compared with the conventional blood test apparatus 1, and the loading operation of the sensor becomes very easy.

  Next, the loading operation of the sensor 14 housed in the sensor cartridge 16 to the puncture unit 13 will be described. There are also an electrical method and a mechanical method in the loading method of the sensor 14 as in the first embodiment. In the electrical loading method, an opening detection sensor that detects rotation of the puncture portion protection cover 66 in the opening direction is provided in the housing 12. Then, the conveying means is driven by the output signal of the open detection sensor, and only one sensor 14 accommodated in the sensor cartridge 16 is discharged from the outlet 16f and conveyed to the puncture unit 13. And the conveyed sensor 14 is pinched | interposed in the puncture part 13, and loading is completed.

  Next, a mechanical loading method will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A is a front cross-sectional view of the sensor cartridge 16 and its peripheral part when the puncture part protective cover 66 is rotated in the closing direction (arrow 22h direction) to close the puncture part 13. FIG. FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the sensor cartridge 16 and its peripheral portion viewed from above in FIG. 13A and 13B, a groove 66b into which the convex portion 17k generated in the cartridge protective cover 17a is fitted is formed inside the puncture portion protective cover 66. The groove 66b is provided obliquely upward from the vicinity of the lower side of the puncture portion protective cover 66 to the rear side (the side opposite to the outlet 16f in FIG. 13A). Therefore, by opening and closing the puncture portion protection cover 66 around the fulcrum 65a, the cartridge protection cover 17a slides in the front-rear direction (in the direction of the arrow 22a or the arrow 22b) as in the first embodiment.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, when the puncture portion protection cover 66 is rotated in the closing direction (arrow 22h direction), the cartridge protection cover 17a slides forward (arrow 22b direction). Then, as described in the first and second embodiments, the shutter 17e attached to the other end 17d of the outlet opening / closing member 17c closes the outlet 16f of the sensor cartridge 16. As a result, the sensor 14 housed inside the sensor cartridge 16 is protected from the influence of external moisture and the like.

  Further, as the cartridge protective cover 17a slides forward, as shown in FIG. 13B, the slide plate 17f moves in the direction of the arrow 22a and is stored in the cartridge case 16a.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14A, when the puncture portion protection cover 66 is rotated in the opening direction (arrow 22g direction), the cartridge protection cover 17a slides backward (arrow 22a direction). When the cartridge protective cover 17a slides backward, the shutter 17e is detached from the outlet 16f of the sensor cartridge 16, and the outlet 16f is opened. As a result, the sensor 14 can be carried out from the outlet 16f.

  Further, as the puncture portion protection cover 66 rotates in the opening direction, as shown in FIG. 14B, the teeth 17j formed on the cartridge protection cover 17a also slide in the direction of the arrow 22a. Then, the gear 17h rotates in the direction of the arrow 22c. When the gear 17h rotates in the direction of the arrow 22c, the teeth 17g meshed with the gear 17h move in the direction of the arrow 22b. That is, the slide plate 17f on which the teeth 17g are formed moves in the direction of the arrow 22b. Accordingly, the sensor 14 is transported in the direction of the arrow 22b and is sandwiched by the puncture unit 13. This completes the loading.

(Embodiment 4)
The sensor cartridge 72 (corresponding to the sensor cartridge 16 in the first embodiment) in the blood test apparatus 71 (not shown) in the fourth embodiment is different in that a double loading prevention function is added. Therefore, the sensor 14 is not redundantly loaded into the puncture unit 13.

  The sensor cartridge 72 in the fourth embodiment can be used for the blood test apparatuses 11, 61, 65 described above. In the fourth embodiment, the description will focus on the parts different from the sensor cartridge 16.

  In FIG. 15, a cartridge protective cover 73 is mounted on a cartridge case 72a (corresponding to the cartridge case 16a) so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction (arrow 22a, arrow 22b) with respect to the cartridge case 72a. The cartridge protective cover 73 is provided with a stopper 73b that rotates about a fulcrum 73a. One end 73c of the stopper 73b is bent in an L shape, and is adapted to lock the slide plate 17f. The other end 73d is biased upward (in the direction of the arrow 22f) by a spring 73e. An electromagnet 73f that electromagnetically attracts the other end 73d downward (in the direction of the arrow 22e) is provided in the vicinity of the other end 73d.

  The electromagnet 73f is connected to and controlled by the control unit 18g (see FIG. 7) of the measurement circuit unit 18. The control unit 18g is connected to the identification electrode 47a and the connection electrode 43a of the sensor 14 via the connector 49. Therefore, when the sensor 14 is loaded in the puncture unit 13, the identification electrode 47a and the connection electrode 43a are electrically connected. On the other hand, when the sensor 14 is not loaded in the puncture unit 13, the identification electrode 47a and the connection electrode 43a are not electrically connected. Therefore, whether or not the sensor 14 is loaded in the puncture unit 13 can be identified based on whether the identification electrode 47a is connected to the connection electrode 43a or not.

  When the sensor 14 is loaded in the puncture unit 13, as shown in FIG. 15, the identification electrode 47a and the connection electrode 43a become conductive, and the electromagnet 73f connects the other end 73d of the stopper 73b to the electromagnetic force of the electromagnet 73f. Will be attracted by. Accordingly, one end 73c of the stopper 73 is rotated upward (in the direction of the arrow 22f) around the fulcrum 73a, and the slide plate 17f is locked. Therefore, the conveyance by the slide plate 17f is prohibited, and the sensor 14 is not double loaded. That is, the transport operation by the transport means 17 is prohibited.

  On the other hand, when the sensor 14 is not loaded in the puncture portion 13, as shown in FIG. 16, the identification electrode 47a and the connection electrode 43a become non-conductive, and the electromagnetic force of the electromagnet 73f does not function. The other end 73d of the stopper 73b cannot be attracted. That is, the other end 73d of the stopper 73 is biased upward (in the direction of the arrow 22f) by the spring 73e. Accordingly, one end 73c of the stopper 73 is rotated downward (in the direction of the arrow 22e) around the fulcrum 73a, and the locking of the slide plate 17f is released. That is, the transfer operation by the transfer means 17 is permitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, the identification unit 47 provided in the sensor 14 is also used as a double loading detection sensor as a sensor for determining whether or not the sensor 14 is present in the puncture unit 13. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a separate sensor as a double loading detection sensor, and a small and low-priced blood test apparatus 71 can be realized.

  In addition to the method of using the identification unit 47 provided in the sensor 14, the double loading detection sensor is provided with a switch that is connected when the sensor 14 is inserted and opened when the sensor 14 is not present. Also good.

(Embodiment 5)
The sensor cartridge 82 (corresponding to the sensor cartridge 16 in the first embodiment) loaded in the blood test apparatus 81 (not shown) in the fifth embodiment is provided with a regression prohibiting function during the conveyance by the conveying means 17. Is different. Therefore, the sensor 14 does not stop in the middle of conveyance or clog the conveyance path.

  The sensor cartridge 82 according to the fifth embodiment can also be used for the blood test apparatuses 11, 61, 65, 71 described above in other embodiments. In the fifth embodiment, the description will focus on parts different from the sensor cartridge 16.

  17 and 18, in the cartridge case 82a (corresponding to the cartridge case 16a), a cartridge protective cover 83 is provided so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction (the direction of the arrows 22a and 22b) with respect to the cartridge case 82a. . The cartridge case 82a is equipped with a ratchet claw 83b that rotates about a fulcrum 83a. On the other hand, the cartridge protection cover 83 is provided with a ratchet tooth member 83c that can be engaged with the ratchet pawl 83b. The ratchet teeth member 83c is composed of ratchet teeth 83d and a smooth surface 83e.

  For example, when the cartridge protection cover 83 slides in the direction of the arrow 22a (when the slide plate 17f carries out the sensor 14), the ratchet pawl 83b slides while engaging with the ratchet teeth 83d as shown in FIG. Therefore, since the halfway conveyance which stops conveyance in the middle of the sensor 14 by the slide plate 17f is prohibited, the sensor 14 is not blocked in the conveyance path. That is, the return in the middle of the conveyance by the conveyance means 17 is prohibited.

  On the other hand, when the cartridge protection cover 83 slides in the direction of the arrow 22b (when the slide plate 17f finishes carrying out the sensor 14 and returns to its original state), as shown in FIG. 18, the ratchet pawl 83b has a smooth surface 83e. Slide up.

  FIG. 19 is a main part plan view showing the relationship between the ratchet pawl 83b and the ratchet tooth member 83c with respect to the movement of the cartridge protective cover 83. FIG. 19A is a plan view showing the relationship between the ratchet pawl 83 b and the ratchet tooth member 83 c at the slide start position of the cartridge protective cover 83. The ratchet pawl 83b is on the ratchet tooth 83d side of the ratchet tooth member 83c.

  FIG. 19B is a plan view showing the relationship between the ratchet pawl 83b and the ratchet tooth member 83c in the middle of sliding the cartridge protective cover 83 in the direction of the arrow 22a. At this time, the sensor 14 is in the state of being conveyed to the puncture unit 13 (in the direction opposite to the arrow 22a in FIG. 19B).

  The ratchet pawl 83b slides in the direction of the arrow 22g on the ratchet teeth 83d while engaging with the ratchet teeth 83d. Since the ratchet pawl 83b engages with the ratchet teeth 83d, the ratchet pawl 83b does not return in the reverse direction. That is, in this state, the cartridge protective cover 83 cannot be returned in the direction opposite to the arrow 22a (leftward in FIG. 19B).

  FIG. 19C is a plan view showing the relationship between the ratchet pawl 83b and the ratchet tooth member 83c at the final slide position of the cartridge protective cover 83 (the position where the sensor 14 is loaded in the puncture portion 13). The ratchet pawl 83b is disengaged from the ratchet teeth 83d of the ratchet tooth member 83c and moves toward the smooth surface 83e.

  FIG. 19D shows the relationship between the ratchet pawl 83b and the ratchet tooth member 83c in the middle of sliding the cartridge protective cover 83 in the direction of the arrow 22b (return direction of the slide plate 17f: leftward in FIG. 9D). It is a top view. The ratchet pawl 83b slides on the smooth surface 83e in the direction of the arrow 22h. When sliding to the end (start position), the ratchet pawl 83b moves to the ratchet teeth 83d side.

  As described above, in the sensor cartridge 82 according to the fifth embodiment, the ratchet pawl 83b slides while engaging with the ratchet teeth 83d as described with reference to FIG. 19B. It cannot be returned in the direction. That is, the operation such as stopping or returning in the middle of the conveyance can be regulated, so that the sensor 14 is not blocked by the conveyance path.

  The blood test apparatus according to the present invention can be easily loaded into the puncture portion of the blood sensor and can be applied to a blood test apparatus or the like.

The perspective front view of the blood test apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention Explanatory drawing of the 1st state of the sensor cartridge which comprises the blood test apparatus, (a) is the see-through | perspective front view, (b) is the plane sectional drawing Explanatory drawing of the 2nd state of the sensor cartridge which comprises the blood test apparatus, (a) is the transparent front view, (b) is the plane sectional view Sectional view of the sensor housed in the cartridge Perspective plan view of the sensor External perspective view of the sensor Block diagram of the measurement circuit and its vicinity Flow chart of the inspection method A perspective front view of the blood test apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Explanatory drawing of the 1st state of the sensor cartridge which comprises the blood test apparatus, (a) is the same front sectional view, (b) is the same plane sectional view Explanatory drawing of the 2nd state of the sensor cartridge which comprises the blood test apparatus, (a) is the front sectional drawing, (b) is the plane sectional drawing A perspective front view of a blood test apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention Explanatory drawing of the 1st state of the sensor cartridge which comprises the blood test apparatus, (a) is the same front sectional view, (b) is the same plane sectional view Explanatory drawing of the 2nd state of the sensor cartridge which comprises the blood test apparatus, (a) is the front sectional drawing, (b) is the plane sectional drawing Front sectional drawing of the 1st state of the sensor cartridge in Embodiment 4 of this invention Front sectional view of the second state Front sectional drawing of the 1st state of the sensor cartridge in Embodiment 5 of this invention Front sectional view of the second state The principal part top view of the sensor cartridge which comprises the blood test apparatus, (a) is the top view of the 1st state, (b) is the top view of the 2nd state, (c) is the 3rd state (D) is a plan view of the fourth state Sectional view of a conventional blood test device Perspective view of the inspection method

Explanation of symbols

11, 61, 65 Blood test apparatus 12 Housing 13 Puncturing unit 14 Sensor 15 Puncturing means (laser puncturing unit)
16 Sensor cartridge 17 Conveying means 18 Measurement circuit part 21, 62, 66 Puncture part protective cover

Claims (10)

A housing having a puncture portion and having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, puncture means provided in the housing and opposed to the puncture portion, a sensor cartridge in which blood sensors are stacked and housed, and the inside of the sensor cartridge The blood sensor housed in the puncture unit, and a measurement circuit unit electrically connected to the blood sensor transported to the puncture unit, covering the puncture unit and movable open / close A blood test apparatus provided with a puncture part protective cover and loading the puncture part with the blood sensor housed in the sensor cartridge in conjunction with the opening operation of the puncture part protective cover. The sensor cartridge is provided with a cartridge protective cover, and the cartridge protective cover is opened and closed by reciprocating sliding of the cartridge protective cover, and the cartridge protective cover and the puncture portion protective cover slide in conjunction with each other. Blood test device. The blood test apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sensor cartridge protective cover and the puncture portion protective cover are integrally formed. The blood test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the puncture part protective cover slides in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing. The blood test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the puncture portion protective cover slides in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing. The blood test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the puncture portion protective cover rotates around one point inside or outside the housing. The blood test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing operation of the puncture part protective cover is prohibited based on a signal from a blood sensor loaded in the puncture part. The blood test apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the opening / closing operation of the cartridge protection cover is prohibited based on a signal from a blood sensor loaded in the puncture unit. The blood test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blood sensor transport operation by the transport means is prohibited based on a signal from a blood sensor loaded in the puncture unit. The blood test apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a regression of the conveyance operation during the blood sensor conveyance by the conveyance means is prohibited.

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