JP2013064702A - Electrode protection body - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrode protection body for keeping a usable state by appropriately protecting ion selective electrodes even in a state where an electrode cartridge is removed from an analyzer, and suppressing the deterioration and damage of the electrodes.SOLUTION: An electrode protection body includes a plug part 11 to be inserted to a measurement tank 51 of an electrode cartridge 50. The plug part 11 is inserted to the measurement tank 51. Ring shape seal bodies are allowed to respectively adhere on the inner periphery of the measurement tank 51 on the upper side from the electrode films and the bottom of the measurement tank 51 on the lower side from the electrode films without allowing the outer periphery of the plug part 11 to come into contact with electrode films 52a, 54a forming ion selective electrodes exposed on the inner peripheral side of the measurement tank 51. A space between the measurement tank 51 and the plug part 11 is divided into an electrode film existence part held between the two seal bodies and the other part. The electrode films 52a, 54a are allowed to come into contact with only a gap part held between the seal bodies. Consequently, the electrode films are prevented from becoming a dry state due to contact with external air thereby to keep the ion selective electrodes 52, 54 in a usable state.

Description

  The present invention analyzes an ion-selective electrode that is detachably handled as a cartridge in an analyzer that measures the concentration of a specific ion in a solution to be measured using an ion-selective electrode (ISE). The present invention relates to a protector that protects a device when it is removed from a device.

In applications such as clinical diagnosis, an electrolyte analyzer that analyzes specific ion components such as sodium, potassium, and chlorine contained in a biological sample such as blood and urine is used. As such an analysis device, a solution to be measured such as blood is injected into a measurement tank or a channel provided with an ion selective electrode corresponding to a specific ion and a comparison electrode, and compared with an ion selective electrode in contact with the solution. An automatic analyzer of the type that detects the electromotive force that appears between the electrodes and calculates and measures the concentration of specific ions in the solution is most frequently used.
As an example of an analyzer using such a conventional ion-selective electrode, there are those disclosed in International Publications WO2011 / 034169 and JP2011-122823.

  There is a limit to the number of times that the ion selective electrode, which is the main part of such a conventional analyzer, can be used, and eventually measurement cannot be performed properly. That is, the ion selective electrode has a life as a part. In addition, since replacement is unavoidable for a certain period or a certain number of times of use, as shown in the International Publication WO2011 / 034169 (Patent Document 1), an apparatus predetermined range portion including electrodes can be easily used as an electrode cartridge. In general, a configuration that can be replaced with a new one.

  An example of the ion concentration measurement operation executed by such a conventional analyzer will be briefly described. Note that, in a state where the ion concentration can be measured, the analyzer normally measures the ion concentrations of a plurality of specific ions, for example, sodium ions, potassium ions, and chlorine ions, simultaneously for one solution to be measured.

  As a series of measurement operations, first, the probe is rotationally driven to the diluent storage position to suck a predetermined amount of diluent. Subsequently, the probe is rotationally driven to the measurement target solution storage position and sucks a predetermined amount of the measurement target solution.

  Further, the probe is rotationally driven to the installation position of the electrode cartridge, and the measurement target solution and the diluted solution are discharged from the probe into the measurement tank of the electrode cartridge in which no residual liquid or the like is previously present. At this time, the stirring operation of the mixed solution of the measurement target solution and the diluted solution is executed by the probe.

After that, the probe moves to the cleaning position, and in parallel with the probe being cleaned with purified water, measurement of the ion concentration contained in the mixed solution of the electrode cartridge is started. The ion concentration is measured for each ion selective electrode, and for example, an electromotive force appearing between the ion selective electrode corresponding to sodium ion, potassium ion, and chlorine ion and the reference electrode is measured.
After completion of the measurement, the mixed solution of the electrode cartridge is sucked into the probe and discarded. After discarding, the probe is newly moved to the washing position and washed with purified water as described above.

  Next, the probe is rotationally driven to the reference liquid accommodation position and sucks a predetermined amount of the reference liquid. Further, the probe is rotated to the position where the ion selective electrode cartridge is installed, and a part of the reference solution is discharged from the probe to the measurement tank of the electrode cartridge, and used for rinsing the measurement tank. Then, after the reference liquid in the measurement tank is discharged through the discharge hole, the reference liquid remaining in the probe is discharged into the measurement tank, and at the same time, the reference liquid is stirred by the probe.

  After a predetermined time from the end of the stirring operation, the measurement of the ion concentration for the reference solution is performed for each ion selective electrode. For example, the ion selective electrode and the reference electrode corresponding to sodium ion, potassium ion, and chlorine ion, respectively. The electromotive force appearing between and is measured. After this measurement, the analyzer calculates the concentration value of the specific ion in the measurement target solution, and the measurement operation of the specific ion for the solution to be inspected is completed.

International Publication WO2011 / 034169 JP 2011-122823 A

  Conventional analyzers have configurations shown in the above-mentioned patent documents. Among them, in the electrode cartridge of the exchangeable analyzer as shown in the above-mentioned patent document 1, the polymer of the ion selective electrode is used. The electrode film that faces the measurement tank into which the solution to be measured is injected has a structure capable of reacting with specific ions in the solution, but this electrode film has a problem that it is vulnerable to drying. .

  The electrode cartridge provided with the ion-selective electrode is in a state in which it is covered and sealed with a package made of a synthetic resin material, etc., and is isolated from the outside air before being attached to the analyzer for replacement. In the state where the electrode cartridge is installed in the analyzer after the package is opened, there is usually some liquid in the measuring tank, and the electrode film facing the measuring tank In many cases, these liquid components are in contact with each other, and the electrode film can be prevented from drying.

  However, the electrode cartridge may be mounted on the analyzer and used for a short time, then removed from the analyzer main body and stored for a while, and then mounted on the analyzer again for use. When this electrode cartridge is removed from the analyzer, it is difficult to protect the electrode film from drying, such as there is a possibility that the electrode film may come into contact with the outside air because there is no thing covering the electrode film. There was a problem that the risk of electrode deterioration due to drying of the film was high.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. Even when the electrode cartridge is removed from the analyzer, the ion-selective electrode is appropriately protected, and deterioration and damage of the electrode are suppressed, so that the electrode can be used. It aims at providing the electrode protector which maintains.

  The electrode protector according to the present invention has a structure in which an ion selective electrode and a comparative electrode are exposed in a measurement tank into which a measurement target solution is injected in an electrolyte analyzer using the ion selective electrode. A rod-shaped plug portion that can be inserted into a measurement tank of the electrode cartridge with respect to the electrode cartridge that is detachably attached, and the plug portion is formed integrally with the plug portion, and the plug portion is inserted into the measurement tank of the electrode cartridge. A base portion located outside the electrode cartridge, a distal end portion of the plug portion, and an elastically deformable annular seal body that is attached and fixed to the outer peripheral position of the plug portion that is separated from the distal end portion by a predetermined dimension, The plug part has an insertion state in which the tip of the plug part reaches the innermost part of the measurement tank, and the outer peripheral surface has a thickness positioned to be separated from the inner peripheral surface of the measurement tank. The seal body at the end is positioned below the electrode, and the seal body that is a predetermined distance away from the tip of the plug is positioned above the electrode. Of the seal bodies, the plug at the tip of the plug is not yet In a deformed state, the outer diameter of the measuring tank is smaller than that of the inner peripheral surface of the measuring tank, and the plug part tip is inserted into the innermost part of the measuring tank. Among the sealing bodies, those that are separated from the plug portion tip by a predetermined dimension are larger than the inner circumferential surface of the measurement tank in an undeformed state, and are elastically deformed in the measurement tank when inserted into the measurement tank. The outer shape is in close contact with the entire circumference.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the plug portion that can be inserted into the concave portion forming the measurement tank of the electrode cartridge is provided, and the plug portion is inserted into the measurement tank, and the ion selectivity exposed on the inner peripheral side of the measurement tank Without bringing the outer periphery of the plug portion into contact with the electrode film forming the electrode, the annular sealing body is brought into close contact with the inner circumference of the measurement tank above the electrode film and the bottom of the measurement tank below the electrode film. By partitioning the space between the plug part into an electrode film existing part sandwiched between two seal bodies and the other part, the electrode film is in contact with only the gap part sandwiched between the seal bodies, The membrane can be isolated from the outside, the electrode membrane does not come into contact with the outside air, and does not reach the dry state, and can be used without deteriorating the function of the ion selective electrode even when the electrode cartridge is removed from the analyzer Can maintain state, Proper storage of electrode cartridge that was used did Tsu is possible to realize.

  In addition, the electrode protector according to the present invention has a hole that penetrates in the longitudinal direction of the plug part, having one opening part on the distal end side further than the seal body of the plug part tip part, if necessary, in the plug part. It is provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the through hole is provided in the plug portion, and when the plug portion is inserted into the measurement tank of the electrode cartridge, the air in the measurement tank flows out from the tip side of the plug section to the outside through the hole. In order to prevent the pressure in the measurement tank from becoming excessively high, or when the plug part is removed from the measurement tank, air flows into the measurement tank from the outside through the hole in the plug part, By suppressing the pressure in the measurement tank from becoming excessively low, when the plug part is inserted into the measurement tank, pressure may be applied to the electrode film from the measurement tank side, leading to damage to the electrode film. When the plug is removed from the hole of the plug part, the situation where the pressure of the measuring tank is reduced and the electrode film is relatively high from the outside and the electrode film is damaged can be avoided. Regardless of whether the plug is inserted or removed, State can be maintained stably.

  Further, in the electrode protector according to the present invention, if necessary, the base portion has a substantially cylindrical portion that overlaps the outer periphery of the electrode cartridge, and at least a part of a tip portion of the substantially cylindrical portion is an electrode. The cartridge extends beyond the connection terminal position outside the electrode in the cartridge.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the base portion is formed with such a length that the tip reaches the electrode position of the electrode cartridge, and the electrode connection terminal exposed to the outer peripheral portion of the electrode cartridge when the protective body is mounted on the electrode cartridge. The connection terminal on the outer periphery of the electrode cartridge is protected by the front end of the base unit, and the connection terminal may be damaged by contact with other objects when the electrode cartridge is detached from the analyzer. It is possible to reliably prevent other objects from being scratched.

  Further, in the electrode protector according to the present invention, if necessary, the base portion has an approximately cylindrical portion corresponding to an electrode cartridge having an outer peripheral surface formed in a substantially cylindrical surface, The base portion is formed as a convex portion projecting from the inner periphery of the substantially cylindrical portion with a projecting amount larger than the difference between the inner diameter of the approximately cylindrical portion and the outer diameter of the electrode cartridge, and is formed at the outer peripheral end of the electrode cartridge. A guide that can be inserted into a groove or a notch is provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the base portion is provided with the convex positioning guide that engages with the groove or notch on the electrode cartridge side, and the position of the guide on the base portion is changed to the groove or notch of the electrode cartridge. Only when the plug portion and the base portion can be attached to the electrode cartridge, the base portion can always be positioned on the outer periphery of the electrode cartridge in a fixed orientation. For example, when the plug portion is inserted into the measurement tank, The lower end of the base part can be reliably positioned outside the connection terminal of the electrode, and there is no need to rotate and align the base part after inserting the plug part. In addition to avoiding accidental touching of the hand, circumferential friction is not generated in the sealing body of the plug portion, and a burden is not applied to the sealing body.

  Further, in the electrode protector according to the present invention, if necessary, the base portion has an approximately cylindrical portion corresponding to an electrode cartridge having an outer peripheral surface formed in a substantially cylindrical surface, A groove or cut continuous in parallel with the plug portion longitudinal direction, in which a protrusion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the electrode cartridge with a protruding amount larger than the difference between the inner diameter of the substantially cylindrical portion and the outer diameter of the electrode cartridge can be inserted into the base portion. The notch is drilled.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the base portion is provided with a positioning groove or notch for engaging the convex portion on the electrode cartridge side, and the position of the groove or notch in the base portion is determined by the convex portion of the electrode cartridge. Only when the plug portion and the base portion can be attached to the electrode cartridge, the base portion can always be positioned on the outer periphery of the electrode cartridge in a fixed orientation. For example, when the plug portion is inserted into the measurement tank, Therefore, the lower end of the base part can be surely positioned outside the connection terminal of the electrode part, and there is no need to rotate the base part after the plug part is inserted, and the connection terminal can be used during such work. In addition to avoiding a situation where the hand is accidentally touched, there is no friction in the circumferential direction on the seal body of the plug portion and no burden is imposed on the seal body.

It is the perspective view from the upper part of the electrode protector which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and the perspective view from the downward direction. It is the top view and front view of the electrode protector which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view of the electrode protector which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and AA sectional drawing of FIG. It is the top view and front view of an electrode cartridge which apply the electrode protector which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is BB sectional drawing and CC sectional drawing of FIG. It is state explanatory drawing just before mounting to the electrode cartridge of the electrode protector which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a mounting state explanatory view to the electrode cartridge of the electrode protector concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is an expanded sectional view of the mounting state to the electrode cartridge of the electrode protector which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a corresponding structure explanatory drawing to the electrode cartridge which has three electrodes of the electrode protector which concerns on other embodiment of this invention, and a corresponding structure explanatory drawing to the electrode cartridge which has two electrodes. It is an expanded sectional view of the mounting state to the electrode cartridge of the electrode protector which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, an electrode protector according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In each of the drawings, the electrode protector 1 according to the present embodiment is formed integrally with the plug portion 11 and a rod-shaped plug portion 11 having a size that can be inserted into the measurement tank 51 at the center of the electrode cartridge 50. A base portion 12 arranged so as to surround 11 from the outside, a distal end portion of the plug portion 11, and an O-ring 13 as the elastically deformable seal body fixed at a position away from the distal end portion by a predetermined dimension, 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the electrode cartridge 50 to which the electrode protector 1 of this embodiment is attached includes a measurement tank 51 for injecting a measurement target solution and the like, and an electrode film in the measurement tank 51. The reference electrode 52 provided around the measurement tank 51 in the arrangement facing the 52a and the arrangement in which the electrode films 53a, 54a, 55a face the same in the measurement tank 51, and are used for measuring the concentration of specific ions. Measured by a probe having ion selective electrodes 53, 54, and 55, which is detachably accommodated in an electrode cartridge housing portion of the analyzer as a specific positional relationship, and is driven vertically or rotationally by the analyzer. The liquid is discharged into the tank 51 or the liquid is sucked from the measurement tank 51.

  In this electrode cartridge 50, a measurement tank 51 into which a liquid such as a solution to be measured is injected is formed as a concave portion having a circular cross section, and is arranged along the central axis of a substantially cylindrical cartridge housing. . The innermost part (bottom part) of the measurement tank 51 is formed as a bottom surface 51a inclined in a mortar shape, and has a structure in which a discharge hole 51b that allows a residual liquid or the like to be forcibly discharged is formed in the center.

  In addition, a cutout portion 51c that opens sideways is provided at the lower peripheral edge of the discharge hole 51b at the lower end of the electrode cartridge 50. For example, a finger or the like may be placed on the lower opening of the discharge hole 51b from below. Even if it is pressed, a gap based on the notch 51c that is not easily blocked serves as an air flow path to prevent the discharge hole 51b from being blocked, and air is discharged to the discharge hole 51b. The state where it can go in and out can be maintained.

  The plug portion 11 is a rod-shaped body, specifically, an electrode cartridge 50 in a state of being removed from the analyzer, and is inserted into the measurement tank 51, and has an outer peripheral surface on the inner side of the cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the measurement tank 51. It is the structure made into the substantially cylindrical body of the thickness located. This plug portion 11 has a configuration in which one opening portion is provided at the most distal end portion of the plug portion, and a through hole 11a for air circulation penetrating in the longitudinal direction of the plug portion is formed.

In addition, O-rings 13 and 14 as the sealing bodies are disposed in a fixed state at the distal end portion of the plug portion 11 and at positions away from the distal end portion by a predetermined dimension.
The base portion 12 protrudes in the same direction as the plug portion 11 from the substantially disc-shaped portion that is connected and integrated with one end portion of the plug portion 11, and has a predetermined interval from the plug portion 11. Thus, it has a substantially cylindrical portion surrounding this.

  The other opening portion of the through hole 11a is located at the central portion of the substantially disc-shaped portion of the base portion 12, and a plurality of protrusions 12f are formed at predetermined intervals around the other opening portion. Even if, for example, a finger or the like is pressed from the upper side of the through-hole opening portion, the gap between the projecting portions 12f that is not easily blocked becomes an air flow path, and the through-hole 11a is formed. It is possible to prevent obstruction and maintain a state in which air can enter and exit the through hole 11a.

  By providing the protrusion 12f and the cutout portion 51c of the electrode cartridge 50, the base portion 12 is temporarily installed in order to insert the plug portion 11 of the electrode protector 1 into the measurement tank 51 of the electrode cartridge 50. Even when the finger is pressed against the opening portion of the through hole and the lower opening portion of the discharge hole 51b of the electrode cartridge 50, and the electrode protector 1 and the electrode cartridge 50 are sandwiched between the fingers, 11a and the discharge hole 51b are not blocked by the finger, and the air in the measurement tank 51 can flow out through the through hole 11a and the discharge hole 51b, and the electrode films 52a, 53a, and 54a are changed by the pressure change in the measurement tank 51. , 55a can be avoided.

  The substantially cylindrical portion of the base portion 12 corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the electrode cartridge 50 formed in a substantially cylindrical surface shape, and at the same time the plug portion 11 is inserted into the measurement tank 51 of the electrode cartridge 50. In the state along the outer peripheral surface of the electrode cartridge 50 and partially contacting the outer peripheral surface of the electrode cartridge 50, the plug portion 11 cannot be moved to the center of the electrode cartridge 50 (measurement tank 51) when the plug portion 11 is inserted or removed. It plays the role of positioning without.

  In addition, the base portion 12 is formed so that the protruding length of the substantially cylindrical portion is a predetermined length that reaches the vicinity of the electrode position when mounted on the outer side of the electrode cartridge 50, and a part of each of the base portion 12 serves as a tip portion 12a. The connection terminals 52b, 53b, 54b and 55b outside the electrodes 52, 53, 54 and 55 are formed so as to protrude beyond the position, and at the four end portions 12a of the base body portion 12, the connection terminals 52b, 53b, It is a mechanism that covers and protects the periphery of 54b and 55b.

  On the inner peripheral side of the base body portion 12, a convex portion serving as a guide 12 b for positioning with the electrode cartridge 50 is provided, and only when this guide 12 b is fitted into a notch 56 provided on the electrode cartridge 50 side. The plug part 11 and the base part 12 can be attached to the electrode cartridge 50.

  Further, a groove portion 12c for positioning with the electrode cartridge 50 is continuously drilled in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the plug on the inner peripheral side of the base portion 12, and the groove portion 12c is a convex portion provided on the outer periphery of the electrode cartridge 50. The plug part 11 and the base part 12 can be attached to the electrode cartridge 50 only when engaged with the electrode cartridge 57. By using the guide 12b and the groove portion 12c in this way, it is a mechanism that can restrict the mounting position relationship of the base portion 12 to the electrode cartridge 50 so that only one way can be always taken.

  In addition, apart from the substantially cylindrical part, the peripheral part of the substantially disk-like part connected and integrated with the plug part 11 of the base part 12 is formed to protrude in the same direction and in the opposite direction to the substantially cylindrical part. Two knob portions 12d are provided. When the base portion 12 is mounted on the electrode cartridge 50, the claw portion 12 e at the tip of the knob portion 12 d is engaged with the step portion provided at the end portion of the electrode cartridge 50, so that the plug portion 11 and the base portion 12 are connected. In this mechanism, the electrode cartridge 50 is not easily detached. On the other hand, by strongly picking these two knob portions 12d with a finger, the claw portion 12e at the tip of the knob portion 12d is detached from the stepped portion provided at the end portion of the electrode cartridge 50, and the electrodes of the plug portion 11 and the base portion 12 are provided. The detachment from the cartridge 50 is allowed.

The O-rings 13 and 14 are formed as an annular body made of a flexible material that is elastically deformed, and are fixedly disposed so as not to be displaced at two locations of the plug portion 11.
Among these O-rings, the O-ring 13 at the tip of the plug 11 is smaller than the inner peripheral surface of the measurement tank 51 and is sized so as not to contact the electrode films 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, while the tip of the plug 11 is measured. In the insertion state reaching the innermost part of the tank 51, the bottom surface 51 a inclined in a mortar shape at the innermost part of the measurement tank 51 can be closely attached to the entire circumference while being accompanied by elastic deformation. A diameter-expanded portion 11b for preventing the O-ring 13 from coming off is formed at the tip of the plug portion 11 to which the O-ring 13 is attached.

  Among the O-rings, the O-ring 14 at the upper position away from the tip of the plug part 11 by a predetermined dimension has an outer diameter larger than the inner peripheral surface of the measurement tank 51 in a state before the plug part 11 is inserted into the measurement tank 51. In the inserted state, it is elastically deformed and can be brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the measurement tank 51 on the entire circumference.

  Next, the mounting state of the electrode protector according to the present embodiment on the cartridge will be described. First, the user directs the plug portion 11 of the electrode protector 1 toward the measurement tank 51 of the electrode cartridge 50, the guide 12b of the base portion 12 into the notch 56 of the electrode cartridge 50, and the groove portion 12c of the base portion 12 as the electrode cartridge. When the electrode protector 1 is pressed against the electrode cartridge 50 in accordance with the convex portions 57 of the 50, the guide of the base portion 12 is engaged with the notch 56 of the electrode cartridge 50, and the groove portion 12c of the base portion 12 is In parallel with the state in which the convex portion 57 of the electrode cartridge 50 is inserted, the plug portion 11 is inserted into the measurement tank 51 and the base portion 12 advances along the outer peripheral surface of the electrode cartridge 50 and overlaps. Will increase.

  In the state where the guide 12 b of the base portion 12 is displaced from the notch 56 of the electrode cartridge 50 and the groove portion 12 c of the base portion 12 is also away from the convex portion 57 of the electrode cartridge 50, the electrode protector 1 is attached to the electrode cartridge 50. Even if pressed, the guide 12b of the base 12 contacts the end of the electrode cartridge 50, and the convex portion 57 of the electrode cartridge 50 contacts the end of the base 12, so that the electrode cartridge of the electrode protector 1 is used. The electrode protector 1 cannot be attached to the electrode cartridge 50 because the movement toward the side 50 is prevented.

In a state in which the plug portion 11 is inserted into the measurement tank 51, the O-ring 14 at the upper position that is a predetermined distance away from the tip end portion of the plug section 11 is inserted into the measurement tank 51 in the surrounding measurement tank. It is elastically deformed in the form of receiving a compressive force relatively from the inner peripheral surface, and proceeds in the measurement tank in a state of being in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the measurement tank. On the other hand, the outer peripheral surface of the plug portion 11 and the O-ring 13 at the tip thereof are smaller than the inner peripheral surface of the measurement tank 51 and have an outer diameter that does not contact the electrode films 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a. Since the plug part 11 is maintained in a state of being hardly inclined with respect to the measurement tank 51 by the contact between the part 12 and the outer peripheral part of the electrode cartridge 50, the outer peripheral surface of the plug part 11 and the O-ring 13 are connected to the inner peripheral surface of the measurement tank. It proceeds in the measuring tank 51 without contact.
For this reason, each part of the plug part 11 including the O-ring 13 does not come into contact with the electrode films 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a of the electrodes exposed on the inner peripheral side of the measurement tank 51.

  In the process of inserting the plug portion 11 into the measurement tank 51, the O-ring 14 at the upper position advances through the measurement tank 51 in a state of being in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the measurement tank, so that the air in the measurement tank 51 is Although the plug 11 is provided with a through hole 11a, the air in the measurement tank 51 passes through the through hole 11a from the distal end side of the plug 11. It is possible to suppress the pressure in the measurement tank 51 from becoming excessively high, and pressure is applied to the electrode films 52a, 53a, 54a, and 55a from the measurement tank 51 side. You can avoid the situation that leads to damage.

  When the tip of the plug part 11 reaches the innermost part of the measurement tank 51, the O-ring 13 at the tip part of the plug part 11 is fully deformed while elastically deforming the bottom face 51 a inclined in the shape of a mortar at the innermost part of the measurement tank 51. Closely contact with the periphery to prevent air from entering beyond the O-ring 13 from a portion ahead of the O-ring 13, such as the through-hole 11 a of the plug portion 11 or the discharge hole 51 b at the center of the measurement tank bottom. It becomes.

  On the other hand, the O-ring 14 at the upper position that is a predetermined distance away from the tip of the plug part 11 is elastically deformed when the plug part 11 is inserted, and maintains a state in which the O-ring 14 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the measurement tank 51 all around. It reaches the position above the electrode film exposed portion of the tank 51 and prevents air from entering beyond the O-ring 14 from the portion above the O-ring 14.

  Thus, the annular O-rings 13 and 14 are brought into close contact with the bottom surface of the measurement tank 51 below the electrode films 52a, 53a, 54a and 55a and the inner periphery of the measurement tank 51 above the electrode films 52a, 53a, 54a and 55a, respectively. The space between the measuring tank 51 and the plug portion 11 is partitioned into an electrode film existing portion sandwiched between the two O rings 13 and 14 and the other, and the electrode films 52a, 53a, 54a and 55a are O-rings. The electrode films 52a, 53a, 54a and 55a can be isolated from the outside by being in contact with only the gap between the electrodes 13 and 14, and the electrode films 52a, 53a, 54a and 55a are in contact with the outside air and dried. It can prevent reaching a state.

  Further, on the outer peripheral side of the electrode cartridge 50, the tip end portion 12 a of the base portion 12 reaches the positions of the connection terminals 52 b, 53 b, 54 b, 55 b outside the electrode 52 in the electrode cartridge 50 and covers this. The connection terminals 52b, 53b, 54b, and 55b can be protected by the portion 12a.

  Thus, when the tip of the plug part 11 reaches the innermost part of the measuring tank 51 and the tip part 12a of the base part 12 reaches the positions of the connection terminals 52b, 53b, 54b, 55b, the claw part 12e of the knob part 12d becomes the electrode cartridge. The electrode protector 1 is fixed so as not to be easily detached from the electrode cartridge 50 by engaging with the stepped portion at the end of 50. Thus, the electrode protector 1 can maintain a usable state without deteriorating the function of the ion selective electrode, and can appropriately store the electrode cartridge.

  On the other hand, when removing the electrode protector 1 from the state where the electrode protector 1 is mounted on the electrode cartridge 50, when both the knob portions 12d are strongly picked with fingers, the claw portions 12e of the knob portion 12d are moved to the electrode cartridge. The electrode protector 1 is moved outwardly from the stepped portion of the end portion 50 so as to be moved away from the electrode cartridge 50. If the electrode protector 1 is pulled by holding the knob portion 12d as it is, the electrode protector 1 is gradually removed from the state where it is mounted on the electrode cartridge 50. By grasping the knob portion 12d protruding from the base portion 12, the entire electrode protector 1 can be easily detached from the electrode cartridge 50, and no extra force is applied to the cartridge side.

  At this time, the plug part 11 is also in a state of being removed from the measurement tank 51, and in the process, the O-ring 14 at the upper position advances through the measurement tank 51 in a state of being in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the measurement tank. Although the air in the tank 51 is expanded and the pressure is lowered, the air can flow into the measurement tank 51 from the outside through the through hole 11 a opened at the tip of the plug portion 11. It can suppress that the inside pressure becomes too low.

  Accordingly, as the pressure of the measurement tank 51 decreases when the plug portion 11 is removed from the measurement tank 51, a relatively high pressure is applied to the electrode films 52a, 53a, 54a, and 55a from the outside, and the electrode films 52a and 53a. , 54a, 55a can be avoided. When the electrode protector 1 is completely removed from the electrode cartridge 50, the electrode cartridge 50 can be attached to the analyzer again for use.

  As described above, the electrode protector according to the present embodiment is provided with the plug portion 11 that can be inserted into the measurement tank 51 of the electrode cartridge 50, and the plug portion 11 is inserted into the measurement tank 51, so The electrode film 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a of each electrode exposed to the electrode film 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, and the electrode film 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a and the inner periphery of the electrode 51 The annular O-rings 13 and 14 are brought into close contact with the bottom of the measurement tank 51 below 52a, 53a, 54a and 55a, respectively, so that the space between the measurement tank 51 and the plug part 11 is separated into two O-rings 13 and 14. Since the electrode film 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a is in contact with only the void part sandwiched between the O-rings 13, 14, the electrode film 52a, 5 a, 54a, 55a can be isolated from the outside, and the electrode membranes 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a do not touch the outside air to reach a dry state, and the ion selection is possible even when the electrode cartridge 50 is removed from the analyzer. Thus, the usable state can be maintained without deteriorating the function of the conductive electrode, and the cartridge can be properly stored.

  Note that the electrode protector according to the embodiment is configured to correspond to the electrode cartridge 50 having three ion-selective electrodes 53, 54, and 55 and one reference electrode 52. Depending on the purpose of analysis, the number of ion selective electrodes of the electrode cartridge 50 is reduced, for example, two ion selective electrodes 53 and 54 are used as shown in FIG. 9A, or FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to adopt a configuration corresponding to a single ion selective electrode 53. In these examples, since the electrodes are at the same height position, the plug portion 11 does not need to be changed, and the arrangement position of the protruding tip portion 12a of the base portion 12 can be changed to the ion selective electrode in the electrode cartridge 50. This can be dealt with by adjusting according to the positional relationship of the comparison electrodes.

  Further, in the electrode protector according to the above embodiment, the upper and lower two O electrodes in the plug portion 11 correspond to the structure in which the plurality of electrodes 52, 53, 54, 55 in the electrode cartridge 50 are arranged at the same height position. The rings 13 and 14 are arranged so as to be positioned above and below the electrode films 52a, 53a, 54a, and 55a at a necessary minimum interval in a state where they are attached to the electrode cartridge 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 5, when the plurality of electrodes 58 and 59 in the electrode cartridge 50 are arranged at different heights, any of the electrode films 58a and 59a is attached to the electrode cartridge 50 in the O-rings 15 and 16. The spacing between the two upper and lower O-rings 15 and 16 in the plug portion 11 is set so as to be isolated between the electrode cartridge 50 and the electrode cartridge 50. Can also be configured to set spread appropriately in response to location, regardless of the structure of the electrode cartridge 50, the embodiment can likewise be protected from deterioration of the ion-selective electrode.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrode protector 11 Plug part 11a Through-hole 11b Expanded diameter part 12 Base part 12a Tip part 12b Guide 12c Groove part 12d Knob part 12e Claw part 12f Protrusion part 13, 14 O-ring 15, 16 O-ring 50 Electrode cartridge 51 Measurement tank 51a Bottom 51b Ejection hole 51c Notch 52 Comparative electrode 53, 54, 55 Ion selective electrode 52a, 53a Electrode film 54a, 55a Electrode film 52b, 53b Connection terminal 54b, 55b Connection terminal 56 Notch 57 Protrusion 58, 59 Electrode

Claims (5)

In an electrolyte analyzer using an ion-selective electrode, an ion cartridge provided in a removable manner with a structure in which an ion-selective electrode and a comparative electrode are exposed in a measurement tank into which a solution to be measured is injected. In contrast,
A rod-shaped plug portion that can be inserted into the measurement tank of the electrode cartridge;
A base portion formed integrally with the plug portion and positioned outside the electrode cartridge in a state where the plug portion is inserted into the measurement tank of the electrode cartridge;
An elastically deformable annular seal body that is attached and fixed to a distal end portion of the plug portion and a plug portion outer peripheral position separated from the distal end portion by a predetermined dimension,
The plug part has an insertion state in which the tip of the plug part reaches the innermost part of the measurement tank, and has an outer peripheral surface that is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the measurement tank. Is positioned below the electrode, and a seal body separated from the tip of the plug portion by a predetermined dimension is positioned above the electrode,
Among the sealing bodies, the one at the tip of the plug part has an outer shape smaller than the inner peripheral surface of the measurement tank in an undeformed state, and in an inserted state where the tip of the plug part reaches the innermost part of the measurement tank, It is an arrangement that closely adheres to the bottom of the innermost part with elastic deformation,
Among the sealing bodies, those that are separated from the tip of the plug part by a predetermined dimension are larger than the inner circumferential surface of the measurement tank in an undeformed state, and elastically deformed when inserted into the measurement tank, and the entire circumference of the inner circumference of the measurement tank. An electrode protector characterized by having an outer shape that is closely attached to. The electrode protector according to claim 1,
An electrode protector, wherein the plug portion is provided with a hole having one opening portion further on the tip side than the seal member at the tip portion of the plug portion and penetrating in the longitudinal direction of the plug portion. In the electrode protector according to claim 1 or 2,
The base portion has a substantially cylindrical portion that overlaps the outer periphery of the electrode cartridge, and at least a part of the tip portion of the substantially cylindrical portion extends beyond the connection terminal position outside the electrode in the electrode cartridge. An electrode protector characterized by that. In the electrode protector according to claim 3,
The base portion corresponds to an electrode cartridge whose outer peripheral surface is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the substantially cylindrical portion is cylindrical,
The base portion is formed as a convex portion that protrudes from the inner periphery of the substantially cylindrical portion with a protruding amount larger than the difference between the inner diameter of the approximately cylindrical portion and the outer diameter of the electrode cartridge, and is formed in the outer peripheral end of the electrode cartridge. An electrode protector comprising a guide that can be inserted into a groove or a notch. In the electrode protector according to claim 3,
The base portion corresponds to an electrode cartridge whose outer peripheral surface is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the substantially cylindrical portion is cylindrical,
A groove continuous in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the plug portion, into which the convex portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the electrode cartridge with a protruding amount larger than the difference between the inner diameter of the substantially cylindrical portion and the outer diameter of the electrode cartridge can be inserted into the base portion. An electrode protector characterized in that a notch is drilled.

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