JP2015114578A - Light measurement instrument and safety device for use in the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light measurement instrument capable of preventing irradiation on an operator in a high level.SOLUTION: A light measurement instrument 1 includes a sample installation unit 10 in which a measurement sample S is installed, a light source unit 20 for emitting measurement light to the measurement sample S installed in the sample installation unit 10, and a detector 30 for detecting sample information from the measurement sample S installed in the sample installation unit 10. A cover 12 capable of being opened and closed for access to the inside of the sample installation unit 10 is formed on the sample installation unit 10. The light measurement instrument further includes an optical element member 71 not transmitting light at least in a prescribed wavelength region out of the measurement light and a driving mechanism 80 mechanically interlocking with opening/closing of the cover 12 to move the optical element member 71. The driving mechanism 80 is configured to dispose the optical element member 71 in an optical path extending from the light source unit 20 to the measurement sample S in the case of the cover 12 being in the opened state and disposes the optical element member 71 off the optical path extending from the light source unit 20 to the measurement sample S in the case of the cover 12 being in a closed state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a light measurement device that irradiates a sample with light from a light source and detects transmitted light, reflected light, fluorescence, and the like with a photodetector, and a safety device used therefor.

  A light measurement device that irradiates measurement light onto a sample surface and detects light emitted from a substance contained in the sample has been put into practical use. For example, a fluorescence measurement device, which is an example of a light measurement device, irradiates a sample surface with excitation light (measurement light) in a specific wavelength region. Fluorescence (sample information) peculiar to the element (fluorescent substance) contained in the sample surface is generated from the analysis position on the sample surface irradiated with the excitation light, and this fluorescence is imaged by detecting this fluorescence. An element existing at an analysis position on the surface is identified and quantified (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the fluorescence measuring apparatus. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing the measurement state of the measurement sample, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the exchange state of the measurement sample. One direction parallel to the ground is defined as an X direction, a direction parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the X direction is defined as a Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction is defined as a Z direction.
The fluorescence measurement apparatus 101 includes a box-shaped sample placement unit 10 in which a measurement sample S is disposed, a box-shaped device housing 150 in which a light source unit 20 and a photodetector 30 are disposed, and fluorescence measurement. And a control unit (computer) 160 that controls the entire apparatus 101.

  The sample placement unit 10 includes a quadrangular base plate 11 and a lid 12 having a quadrangular upper surface and a rectangular tubular side wall that is erected downward on the peripheral edge of the upper surface. An opening 11 a is formed at the center of the base plate 11. The lid portion 12 is an upward flip-up type that is attached to the base plate 11 so as to be rotatable about the Y direction as a rotation axis so that the upper surface of one side wall becomes the rotation axis 12a. According to such a sample placement unit 10, by opening the lid 12, the measurement sample S can be placed so that the analysis surface of the measurement sample S closes the opening 11 a, and the lid is placed after the measurement sample S is placed. When the portion 12 is closed, it is possible to prevent external light from entering the sample placement portion 10.

The apparatus housing 150 has a rectangular lower surface and a substantially rectangular tube-shaped side wall erected upward at the peripheral edge of the rectangular lower surface. While being attached, the rotating shaft 12a of the cover part 12 is attached.
The light source unit 20 emits excitation light L in a specific wavelength region, and is disposed inside the apparatus housing 150. The emitted excitation light L enters the opening 11a from the Z direction via the half mirror 25 and the like. It is like that. Therefore, by placing the analysis surface of the measurement sample S so as to block the opening 11a, the lower surface (analysis surface) of the measurement sample S is irradiated to the excitation light L from the Z direction.

  The photodetector 30 detects the intensity of fluorescence, and is arranged inside the apparatus housing 150 so that the fluorescence passes through the half mirror 25 and the like and enters. Therefore, when the analysis surface of the measurement sample S is irradiated with the excitation light L, fluorescence is generated on the analysis surface of the measurement sample S, and the fluorescence intensity is detected by the photodetector 30.

  The control unit 160 is disposed inside the apparatus housing 150. The function processed by the control unit 160 will be described as a block. A light source unit control circuit (not shown) for controlling the power ON / OFF of the light source unit 20 based on an input signal from the input unit 51, and the photodetector 30. And a sample information acquisition control circuit (not shown) for acquiring the intensity of the fluorescence.

  In such a fluorescence measurement apparatus 101, in order to replace the measurement sample S, the operator opens the lid 12 and works. However, when ultraviolet rays are used as the excitation light L, the operator When opened, the operator may be exposed to ultraviolet rays, which is undesirable optically and thermally. Therefore, as a safety device when the operator forgets to turn off the power using the input unit 51, a rod-shaped claw portion 12b is formed on the lid portion 12 and a micro pressed by the claw portion 12b. A switch 140 is disposed in the apparatus housing 150. Thereby, when the cover part 12 is closed, the claw part 12 b presses the micro switch 140, and a signal indicating the micro switch ON state is input from the micro switch 140 to the control part 160, and the control part 160 receives the light source part 20. A signal that enables the light source to be turned on is output. On the other hand, when the lid portion 12 is opened, the claw portion 12b stops the pressing of the micro switch 140, so that a signal indicating the micro switch ON state from the micro switch 140 to the control portion 160 is not input, and the control portion 160 A signal that makes it impossible to turn on the power is output. That is, the control unit 160 has a circuit that controls power ON / OFF of the light source unit 20 based on an input signal from the microswitch 140.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-245979

However, in the fluorescence measuring apparatus 101 as described above, when the micro switch 140 fails, a signal indicating the micro switch ON state is not input from the micro switch 140 to the control unit 160, and as a result, when the lid unit 12 is opened, ultraviolet light is not emitted. May be irradiated to the operator. In addition, even when the control unit 160 that determines the signal from the micro switch 140 fails, a signal that makes it impossible to turn on the light source is not output, and the operator is irradiated with ultraviolet rays when the lid 12 is opened. There was. That is, not only the failure of the micro switch 140 but also a problem due to a trouble such as a circuit such as the control unit 160 and a logic operation unit exists.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a light measuring device and a safety device used therefor that can prevent the operator from being irradiated with light at a high level.

  The light measurement device of the present invention made to solve the above problems includes a sample placement portion in which a measurement sample is placed, a light source portion that emits measurement light to the measurement sample placed in the sample placement portion, And a detector that detects sample information from a measurement sample arranged in the sample arrangement unit, and the sample arrangement unit is provided with a lid that can be opened and closed to access the inside. An optical element member that does not transmit light of at least a predetermined wavelength region of the measurement light, and a drive mechanism that moves the optical element member mechanically in conjunction with opening and closing of the lid, The drive mechanism places the optical element member in an optical path from the light source part to the measurement sample when the lid part is open, and moves the optical element member to the light source when the lid part is closed. To the measurement sample It is characterized by placing outside the optical path that.

  Here, “mechanically interlocking with the opening and closing of the lid” means that the operation is performed according to the mechanical properties without making a determination by the control unit or the like. For example, driving using a lever and a wire Mechanisms and the like.

  As described above, according to the light measurement device of the present invention, since the optical mechanism member is moved mechanically in conjunction with the opening and closing of the lid, a trouble caused by a circuit, a logic operation unit, or the like is provided. The possibility can be eliminated, and the operator can be prevented from being irradiated with light at a high level.

(Means and effects for solving other problems)
In the above invention, the optical element member is rotatable about one end portion as a rotation axis, and the drive mechanism includes a lever and a wire connecting the one end portion of the lever and the optical element member. The other end of the lever may be pressed by the lid when the lid is closed, and may not be pressed by the lid when the lid is open.

  And in said invention, the said sample arrangement | positioning part is equipped with the base plate which has an opening part, and the cover part which can open and close the upper surface of the said base board, The said base is so that the said measurement sample may block | close the said opening part You may make it mount on the upper surface of a board.

  Furthermore, the safety device of the present invention is arranged in the sample arrangement part in which the measurement sample is arranged, the light source part for emitting measurement light to the measurement sample arranged in the sample arrangement part, and the sample arrangement part A safety device for use in an optical measurement device comprising a detector for detecting sample information from a measurement sample, wherein the sample placement portion is formed with a lid that can be opened and closed to access the inside. An optical element member that does not transmit light in at least a predetermined wavelength region of the measurement light; and a drive mechanism that moves the optical element member mechanically in conjunction with opening and closing of the lid. When the lid is open, the optical element member is disposed in the optical path from the light source part to the measurement sample. When the lid is closed, the optical element member is removed from the light source part. Light reaching the measurement sample It is characterized in that arranged outside.

The schematic block diagram which shows an example of the fluorescence measuring apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view for demonstrating the movement of a shutter. The top view of the principal part for demonstrating the movement of a shutter. The schematic block diagram of the conventional fluorescence measuring apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and it goes without saying that various aspects are included without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a fluorescence measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing the measurement state of the measurement sample, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the exchange state of the measurement sample. Moreover, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those of the fluorescence measuring apparatus 101.
The fluorescence measuring apparatus 1 includes a box-shaped sample placement unit 10 in which a measurement sample S is arranged, a box-shaped device housing 50 in which a light source unit 20 and a detector 30 are arranged, and a safety device 70. And a control unit (computer) 60 that controls the entire fluorescence measuring apparatus 1.

  The sample placement unit 10 includes a quadrangular base plate 11 and a lid 12 having a quadrangular upper surface and a rectangular tubular side wall that is erected downward on the peripheral edge of the upper surface. An opening 11 a is formed at the center of the base plate 11. The lid portion 12 is an upward flip-up type that is attached to the base plate 11 so as to be rotatable about the Y direction as a rotation axis so that the upper surface of one side wall becomes the rotation axis 12a. According to such a sample placement unit 10, by opening the lid 12, the measurement sample S can be placed so that the analysis surface of the measurement sample S closes the opening 11 a, and the lid is placed after the measurement sample S is placed. When the portion 12 is closed, it is possible to prevent external light from entering the sample placement portion 10.

  Further, a bar-shaped claw portion 12 b protruding in the X direction is formed at the lower portion of one side wall of the lid portion 12. In the fluorescence measuring apparatus 1 according to the present invention, the claw portion 12b does not press the micro switch 140 (see FIG. 4), but moves the end portion of the bar-shaped lever 81 described later in the X direction. ing.

  The device housing 50 has a rectangular lower surface and a substantially rectangular tube-shaped side wall erected upward at the peripheral edge of the rectangular lower surface. The base plate 11 is disposed on the upper portion of the device housing 50. The rotary shaft 12a of the lid 12 and the rotary shaft 81a of the lever 81 are attached.

The safety device 70 includes a shutter (optical element member) 71 and a drive mechanism 80 for moving the shutter 71. FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the movement of the shutter 71, and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the main part in the movement of the shutter 71. FIG. 3 (a) shows the measurement state of the measurement sample, and FIG. 3 (b) shows the exchange state of the measurement sample.
The shutter 71 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped body that is larger than the opening 11a, and is formed of a material that does not transmit the excitation light L. The shutter 71 is arranged in parallel with the XY plane, and is movable in the XY plane with one end portion (rotating portion) 71a as a rotation axis. At this time, the shutter 71 is rotated so as to be disposed at a CLOSE position in the optical path from the light source unit 20 to the opening 11a or at an OPEN position outside the optical path from the light source unit 20 to the opening 11a. It is possible. Thus, when the shutter 71 is disposed at the CLOSE position, the excitation light L from the light source unit 20 does not reach the opening 11a (see FIGS. 1B and 3B), while the shutter 71 is open. When arranged at the position, the excitation light L from the light source unit 20 reaches the opening 11a (see FIGS. 1A and 3A).

The drive mechanism 80 includes a lever 81, a wire 82, and a spring 83.
The lever 81 is a substantially quadrangular plate-like body, is disposed in parallel with the YZ plane, and is movable with the one end 81a as a rotation axis. At this time, when the lid portion 12 is opened, the claw portion 12a does not contact the other end portion of the lever 81 (see FIG. 1B), and when the lid portion 12 is closed, the claw portion 12a is The other end of the lever 81 is pressed (see FIG. 1A), and the other end of the lever 81 moves a predetermined distance in the X direction.

  The wire 82 connects the other end of the lever 81 and one end of the rotating portion 71a of the shutter 71 in a substantially X direction. The spring 83 connects the other end side of the rotating portion 71a of the shutter 71 and the apparatus housing 50, and acts to pull the other end side of the rotating portion 71a of the shutter 71 in the X direction. As a result, when the wire 82 pulls one end of the rotating portion 71a of the shutter 71 in the substantially X direction, the rotating portion 71a of the shutter 71 rotates counterclockwise against the elastic force (torque) of the spring 83. If the wire 82 does not pull one end of the rotating portion 71a of the shutter 71 in the substantially X direction, the rotating portion 71a of the shutter 71 is rotated clockwise by the elastic force of the spring 83.

  According to such a fluorescence measurement device 1, when the operator forgets to turn off the power using the input unit 51, the claw portion 12 a is the other end portion of the lever 81 when the lid portion 12 is opened. By stopping the pressing, the wire 82 does not pull one end side of the rotating portion 71a of the shutter 71 in the substantially X direction, and the rotating portion 71a of the shutter 71 rotates clockwise by the elastic force of the spring 83. As a result, the shutter 71 is disposed at the CLOSE position, that is, inserted into the optical path from the light source unit 20 to the opening 11a, so that the excitation light L from the light source unit 20 does not reach the opening 11a.

  On the other hand, when the operator closes the lid portion 12, the claw portion 12 a presses the other end portion of the lever 81, whereby the wire 82 pulls one end side of the rotating portion 71 a of the shutter 71 in the substantially X direction. Rotating portion 71a rotates counterclockwise. As a result, the shutter 71 is disposed at the OPEN position, that is, retreats from the optical path from the light source unit 20 to the opening 11a, and the excitation light from the light source unit 20 reaches the opening 11a.

  In addition, the control unit 60 is disposed inside the apparatus housing 50, and the function processed by the control unit 60 will be described as a block. Based on an input signal from the input unit 51, the power source 20 is turned on / off. And a sample information acquisition control circuit (not shown) for acquiring fluorescence intensity from the light detector 30. The fluorescence measuring apparatus 1 according to the present invention may have a microswitch 140 (see FIG. 4) or a circuit that controls power ON / OFF of the light source unit 20 based on an input signal from the microswitch 140. Good.

  As described above, according to the fluorescence measuring apparatus 1 of the present invention, the drive mechanism 80 that moves the shutter 71 mechanically in conjunction with the opening and closing of the lid 12 is provided, so that troubles due to circuits, logic operation units, and the like are possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the excitation light L from being irradiated to the operator at a high level.

<Other embodiments>
(1) In the fluorescence measuring apparatus 1 described above, the shutter 71 is formed of a material that does not transmit the excitation light L. However, the shutter 71 is formed of a material that transmits visible light but does not transmit excitation light in a predetermined wavelength region. It is good also as a structure which uses the made filter. According to such a fluorescence measurement device, if a visible light camera is incorporated, the visible light imaging result can be observed even when the lid is opened, and the measurement sample is placed at an appropriate position. Can move.

(2) In the fluorescence measuring apparatus 1 described above, the drive mechanism 80 includes the lever 81, the wire 82, and the spring 83, and the shutter 71 is moved by the drive mechanism 80. However, the present invention is limited only to this means. Is not to be done. When the shutter is mechanically interlocked with the movement of the lid, the shutter is inserted into the optical path of the excitation light from the light source when the lid is open, that is, when the operator can access the measurement sample, In addition, when the lid is closed, that is, when the operator cannot access the measurement sample, the shutter may be configured to be retracted out of the optical path of the excitation light.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for an optical measurement device that irradiates a sample with light from a light source and detects transmitted light, reflected light, fluorescence, and the like with a photodetector.

1 Fluorescence measurement device (light measurement device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Sample arrangement | positioning part 12 Cover part 20 Light source part 30 Detector 71 Shutter (optical element member)
80 Drive mechanism

Claims (4)

A sample placement section in which a measurement sample is placed;
A light source unit that emits measurement light to the measurement sample arranged in the sample arrangement unit;
A detector for detecting sample information from a measurement sample arranged in the sample arrangement unit,
The sample placement unit is a light measurement device in which a lid that can be opened and closed to access the inside is formed,
An optical element member that does not transmit at least a predetermined wavelength region of the measurement light; and
A drive mechanism that moves the optical element member mechanically in conjunction with opening and closing of the lid,
The drive mechanism places the optical element member in an optical path from the light source part to the measurement sample when the lid part is open, and moves the optical element member to the light source when the lid part is closed. An optical measurement apparatus, which is disposed outside the optical path from the section to the measurement sample. The optical element member is rotatable around one end as a rotation axis,
The drive mechanism includes a lever, and a wire that connects one end of the lever and the optical element member,
The optical measurement according to claim 1, wherein the other end of the lever is pressed by the lid when the lid is closed, and is not pressed by the lid when the lid is open. apparatus. The sample placement unit includes a base plate having an opening, and a lid that can open and close the upper surface of the base plate.
The optical measurement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement sample is placed on an upper surface of the base plate so as to block the opening. A sample placement section in which a measurement sample is placed;
A light source unit that emits measurement light to the measurement sample arranged in the sample arrangement unit;
A detector for detecting sample information from a measurement sample arranged in the sample arrangement unit,
The sample placement unit is a safety device used in an optical measurement device in which a lid that can be opened and closed to access the inside is formed,
An optical element member that does not transmit at least a predetermined wavelength region of the measurement light; and
A drive mechanism that moves the optical element member mechanically in conjunction with opening and closing of the lid,
The drive mechanism places the optical element member in an optical path from the light source part to the measurement sample when the lid part is open, and moves the optical element member to the light source when the lid part is closed. A safety device, wherein the safety device is disposed outside an optical path from a part to the measurement sample.

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