JP2016070705A - Ingredient measuring apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance a fit between a measuring chip and a main body of a device and further ensure electrical conduction when they are fitted to each other.SOLUTION: A measuring chip 12 of a blood glucose meter 10 includes: a base portion 18; a working electrode 32 and a counter electrode 34 for electrically detecting a blood glucose level; and first and second electrode terminals 36, 38 that concentrically circles on the base portion 18. A main body 14 of the blood glucose meter 10 comprises first and second connector terminal groups 106, 108. The first connector terminal group 106 has probes 92B, 92C that can contact the first electrode terminal 36, and the pair of probes 92B, 92C is provided so as to be separated from each other for a distance larger than a size of a measuring object portion 26 of the base portion 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a component measuring apparatus for measuring a component of a liquid.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a component measuring device (blood glucose meter) that measures glucose in blood (liquid) has been used to diagnose diabetes and determine the dose of insulin. The measurement principle of this type of blood glucose meter is based on the “electrode type” in which a reagent is applied to the periphery of the electrode to measure the electrical change at the time of blood introduction, and the coloration degree of the blood or reagent that reacts with flowing or staying blood is reacted. There is a “colorimetric method” for optically measuring the color.

  For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a blood glucose meter that employs an electrode type has blood in a measurement position of the measurement chip with the measurement chip (sensor unit) and the apparatus main body (main body unit) attached. Is introduced, and the reagent previously applied to the part to be measured is reacted with blood. And the electric current which arises between the working electrode (detection electrode) arrange | positioned at a to-be-measured part and a counter electrode (connection electrode) is detected, and a blood glucose level is calculated within an apparatus main body. Further, after the measurement, the measuring chip mounted on the apparatus main body is discarded.

  In particular, the blood glucose meter disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of electrodes (a plurality of terminals) provided on the measurement chip protruding from the inner surface of the measurement chip, and a plurality of connectors provided on the apparatus body are ring-shaped and They are arranged concentrically with different diameters. As a result, the blood glucose meter has a plurality of concentric connectors and each of the measurement chips regardless of the circumferential direction when the measurement chip is attached to the apparatus main body when the measurement chip and the apparatus main body are connected. The protruding portion of the electrode is electrically connected.

JP 2009-31118 A

  By the way, in the blood glucose meter disclosed in Patent Document 1, the protruding portions of the electrodes of the measuring chip protrude one by one from the plurality of connectors formed concentrically on the apparatus body. In such a configuration, if an electrical contact failure occurs between the protruding portion of the measuring chip and the connector of the apparatus main body, blood glucose measurement cannot be performed immediately.

  In particular, since the measuring chip is disposable, it is mass-produced, and the electrodes (protruding portions) are formed with an insufficient protruding amount, which may cause poor contact with the connector. On the contrary, if the protruding amount of the protruding portion is large, there is a possibility that the mounting of the measuring chip and the apparatus main body may be hindered (the protruding portion interferes). In addition, when using a blood glucose meter, an unforeseen situation such as a patient whose visual acuity has deteriorated due to diabetes or the like incliningly connects the measuring chip and the apparatus main body, or blood adheres to the terminal of the measuring chip is likely to occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and improves the mounting property of the measuring chip configured in an electrode type and the apparatus main body, and more reliably conducts electricity in the mounted state. An object of the present invention is to provide a component measuring apparatus capable of performing the above.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a component measuring apparatus having a measuring chip and an apparatus main body for measuring a component of a liquid taken into the measuring chip with the measuring chip mounted. The measurement chip includes a base portion having a surface portion facing the apparatus main body, first and second electrodes that electrically detect a component of the liquid guided to the measurement target portion of the base portion, First and second electrode terminals that are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes, respectively, and concentrically circulate on the surface portion, and the apparatus body holds the measurement chip mounted and held A first connector terminal portion that is in electrical contact with the first electrode terminal and electrically connected in contact with the second electrode terminal in a mounted state of the contact portion, the measuring chip, and the holding portion. A second connector terminal portion, At least one of the first and second connector terminal portions has a plurality of contact portions that can contact the first or second electrode terminal, and the plurality of contact portions are separated from each other than the size of the measurement target portion. It is provided in a position.

  According to the above, the component measuring apparatus has the first and second electrode terminals that circulate concentrically on the surface portion, so that the measuring chip and the holding unit can be in any posture around the measuring chip. Can be satisfactorily engaged, that is, the wearability can be improved. In addition, since at least one of the first and second connector terminal portions is configured by a plurality of contact portions, the first or second electrode terminal can be contacted at a plurality of locations. For this reason, even when one of the contact portions is in a poor contact state with the measuring chip and the apparatus main body mounted, the other contact portion can contact the electrode terminal and can be more electrically connected. In particular, since the plurality of contact portions are provided at positions separated from each other than the size of the measurement target portion, even if one contact portion overlaps the measurement target portion, the other contact portion contacts the electrode terminal, The signal detected by the electrode can be sent.

  In this case, the contact portion extends from the holding portion toward the base portion and contacts the first or second electrode terminal, and is electrically connected to the rod portion. Preferably, the probe includes a spring portion that is elastically displaced in the extending direction.

  As described above, the component measuring device can positively contact the first or second electrode terminal by urging the rod portion by the spring portion by configuring the contact portion by the probe. Further, since the probe elastically allows the uneven portion of the measuring chip, the mounting state can be satisfactorily formed without obstructing the mounting of the measuring chip and the apparatus main body.

  Further, a pair of the contact portions may be provided with the central portion of the holding portion being axially symmetrical.

  In this way, the pair of contact portions are provided with the central portion of the holding portion being axially symmetrical, so that, for example, even when the measurement chip is attached to the holding portion at an angle and one contact portion cannot contact the electrode terminal The other contact portion comes into contact. Therefore, the measurement chip and the apparatus main body can be electrically connected more reliably.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that both the first and second electrodes and the first and second electrode terminals are provided on the surface portion.

  As described above, the measurement chip includes all of the first and second electrodes and the first and second electrode terminals on the surface portion, thereby simplifying the configuration and reducing the size. Therefore, the measurement chip can be easily manufactured, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the measurement chip includes a blocking unit that blocks the contact unit from contacting the measurement target unit.

  As described above, since the measurement chip includes the blocking portion, the measurement target portion can be reliably protected from the contact portion, and the liquid can be detected satisfactorily by the first and second electrodes.

  According to the present invention, the component measuring apparatus can improve the mountability of the measuring chip configured in an electrode form and the apparatus main body, and can be more reliably electrically connected in a mutually mounted state.

It is a top view which shows roughly the blood glucose meter (component measuring device) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 2A is a rear view of the measurement chip of FIG. 1 as viewed from the base end side, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIB-IIB of FIG. 2A. 3A is a front view of the holding portion of the apparatus main body of FIG. 1 as viewed from the distal end side, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB of FIG. 3A. 4A is a first explanatory diagram showing a flow of blood glucose measurement of the blood glucose meter of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4B is a second explanatory diagram showing a flow of blood glucose measurement following FIG. 4A. 5A is a third explanatory diagram showing the flow of blood glucose measurement subsequent to FIG. 4B, and FIG. 5B is a fourth explanatory diagram showing the flow of blood glucose measurement following FIG. 5A. It is a 5th explanatory view showing the flow of blood glucose measurement following Drawing 5B.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the component measuring apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a component measuring apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured as a device that measures glucose components in blood (liquid), a so-called blood glucose meter (henceforth, the blood glucose meter 10 hereinafter). Also called). This blood glucose meter 10 is mainly used as a personal use operated by a user (patient). For example, the user measures blood glucose before meals and manages his / her blood sugar. Needless to say, the blood glucose meter 10 can be used by a medical staff to measure the blood glucose of the patient. In this case, the blood glucose meter 10 may be appropriately modified and installed in a medical facility or the like.

  The blood glucose meter 10 employs an electrode-type blood glucose measurement principle in which the amount of glucose (blood glucose level) contained in blood is measured using the electrode 16. This blood glucose meter 10 has an electrode 16 and a measurement chip 12 that takes in the blood of the user, and an apparatus main body 14 that measures glucose in the blood that is taken in by being electrically connected to the electrode 16 when the measurement chip 12 is attached. With.

  The measurement chip 12 of the blood glucose meter 10 is a member that is detachably attached to the distal end portion of the apparatus main body 14, and is configured as a so-called disposable type that is discarded every measurement. The measurement chip 12 includes a base portion 18 provided with an electrode 16, a nozzle portion 20 that protrudes in the distal direction from the distal end surface of the base portion 18, and a protrusion that projects in the proximal direction from the proximal end surface of the base portion 18. And a stop portion 22. The base part 18, the nozzle part 20, and the locking part 22 are integrally formed of a resin material.

  The base portion 18 is a disc-shaped portion formed in a perfect circle when viewed from the front, and has a relatively thick plate thickness so that elastic deformation is suppressed. Further, the outer diameter of the outer peripheral edge 18a of the base portion 18 is set to a size that is easy for the user to handle. In the vicinity of the center portion of the tip surface 18b of the base portion 18, a nozzle portion 20 is formed to protrude.

  The nozzle portion 20 has a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the distal end surface 18b by a predetermined length toward the distal end. A sampling hole 24 penetrating from the distal end of the nozzle portion 20 to the base end face 18 c of the base portion 18 is provided in the axial center of the nozzle portion 20 and the central portion of the base portion 18. The sampling hole 24 has a predetermined inner diameter and communicates with the tip opening 24 a of the nozzle unit 20. When blood is brought into contact with the distal end opening 24a, the collection hole 24 takes the blood into the measurement chip 12 (base end face 18c of the base portion 18) through the inside by capillary action. In addition, the outer shape of the nozzle portion 20 is preferably formed in a tapered shape (conical shape) that tapers toward the distal direction so that the user can easily spot blood.

  The base end surface 18c of the base portion 18 is a surface portion facing the apparatus main body 14, and includes a plurality of the electrodes 16 described above, in addition to the locking portion 22 protruding, and a measurement target for measuring blood using these electrodes 16. Part 26 is configured. As shown in FIG. 2A, the locking portion 22 is configured by three hooks 28 provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction at a slightly inner position from the outer peripheral edge 18 a of the base portion 18.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the three hooks 28 project in a predetermined length in the base end direction, and the base end side projecting ends 28a can be elastically displaced radially inward. Each hook 28 is provided with a claw portion 30 on the outer surface of the base end side protruding end 28 a, and this claw portion 30 is caught in the engaging groove 96 of the holding portion 80 in a mounted state of the measuring chip 12 and the holding portion 80. (See also FIG. 4B). As a result, the measuring chip 12 is mounted and held on the holding unit 80. In addition, the structure of the latching | locking part 22 is not specifically limited, For example, you may set the number of formation of the hook 28 freely.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the plurality of electrodes 16 of the measurement chip 12 are provided on the base end surface 18 c of the base portion 18 on the radial inner side of the locking portion 22. Specifically, the electrode 16 includes a working electrode 32 (first electrode) and a counter electrode 34 (second electrode). The base end surface 18 c of the base portion 18 is provided with a first electrode terminal 36 that is electrically connected to the working electrode 32 and a second electrode terminal 38 that is electrically connected to the counter electrode 34.

  The working electrode 32, the counter electrode 34, and the first and second electrode terminals 36 and 38 are made of a metal wire such as copper having high conductivity, and are fixed to the base portion 18 by a known processing method. Examples of this type of processing method include a method in which metal wires are individually formed into the shape shown in FIG. 2A and bonded to each other. Of course, as other processing methods, printing method, film formation method (evaporation method or sputtering method, etc.), plating (electrolytic plating method or electroless plating, etc.), etching, cutting, laser processing (laser tracking), etc. are applied. Also good. As shown in FIG. 2B, the working electrode 32, the counter electrode 34, and the first and second electrode terminals 36 and 38 provided by processing the base portion 18 protrude with a substantially uniform thickness from the base end face 18c.

The working electrode 32 is an electrode that receives an electron e ⁻ generated by a reaction between the reagent 40 (enzyme) and blood. The working electrode 32 has a working side electrode surface 42 formed in a small-diameter disk shape and a function of connecting the working side electrode surface 42 and the first electrode terminal 36 in a rear view of the base portion 18 (see FIG. 2A). And a side pole wire 44. The working side polar surface 42 is formed in a circular shape having a predetermined area according to the amount of blood taken in, the amount of reagent 40 (enzyme) applied, and the like. The working-side pole wire 44 is formed with a single wire that is formed to be sufficiently narrower than the diameter of the working-side pole surface 42 and extends radially outward from the predetermined position of the working-side pole surface 42 and in the normal direction. .

  The counter electrode 34 is an electrode that causes a current to flow with respect to the working electrode 32. When hydrogen ions are present in the surroundings due to a reaction of blood, electrons are supplied to the hydrogen ions. The counter electrode 34 is C-shaped in a rear view and surrounds the radially outer side of the working electrode surface 42 in the radial direction, and the counter electrode that connects the counter electrode 46 and the second electrode terminal 38. And a polar line 48. The counter-side orbiting pole line 46 circulates at a position spaced equidistantly radially outward from the outer edge of the working-side pole face 42. Further, the counter-side circumferential electrode wire 46 extends the working-side electrode wire 44 from the opening of the counter-side circuit electrode wire 46 so that the working electrode 32 and the counter electrode 34 are not in contact with each other. The counter-side electrode wire 48 is formed to be slightly narrower than the width of the counter-side electrode wire 46 and is formed of a single wire extending radially outward and tangentially from a predetermined position of the counter-side electrode wire 46. .

  Here, the measurement chip 12 constructs a measurement target portion 26 that detects blood glucose by introducing blood to the formation positions of the working electrode 32 and the counter electrode 34 on the base end face 18 c side of the base portion 18. The measurement target unit 26 includes the electrode 16 (the working electrode 32 and the counter electrode 34), and further includes a reagent 40 applied on the electrode 16 and an enclosure 50 that covers the electrode 16 and the reagent 40. The measurement target portion 26 is provided at a position (near position) adjacent to the base end opening 24b of the sampling hole 24 and the edge of the base end opening 24b.

  Various enzymes that react with glucose in the blood can be applied to the reagent 40 of the measurement target unit 26 according to the measurement principle. For example, when the measurement principle by the GOD method is adopted, glucose oxidase and potassium ferricyanide are applied as the reagent 40. In the case of the GDH method, glucose dehydrogenase and potassium ferricyanide are applied as the reagent 40. The reagent 40 is applied in a range that covers the working side electrode surface 42 of the working electrode 32 and the counter-side circuit line 46 of the counter electrode 34.

  The enclosure portion 50 of the measurement target portion 26 includes a pair of fixing portions 52 fixed to the base end surface 18 c, a pair of protruding wall portions 54 protruding a little from the fixing portion 52, and protruding end portions of the pair of protruding wall portions 54. And a cross-linking portion 56 that cross-links between the two. The enclosure portion 50 forms a space portion 58 between the projecting wall portion 54 and the bridging portion 56 and the base end surface 18 c of the base portion 18, and the working side polar surface 42 and the counter-side circumferential polar line 46 are formed in the space portion 58. And the reagent 40 is accommodated. Thereby, the enclosure part 50 plays the role of the interruption | blocking part which interrupt | blocks that the probe 92 of the apparatus main body 14 mentioned later contacts the electrode 16. FIG.

  The bridging portion 56 of the enclosure 50 is formed in a rectangular shape having a size that covers substantially half of the sampling hole 24 and that overlaps with the installation range of the working side polar surface 42 and the counter-side circumferential polar line 46. For this reason, the enclosure portion 50 communicates the sampling hole 24 with the space portion 58 that overlaps the proximal end opening 24 b of the sampling hole 24. In addition, a slope 56a (blood guide part) that guides blood from the collection hole 24 to the electrode 16 (working-side polar surface 42, opposite-side circumferential polar line 46) is provided at a position facing the collection hole 24 of the bridging part 56. The slope 56a has a simple configuration in which the intermediate portion in the width direction of the bridging portion 56 is cut out and inclined toward the sampling hole 24 side.

  The space 58 (the other part that does not overlap the collection hole 24) where the bridging part 56 faces the base end face 18c is a holding space 58a that retains and holds the blood guided from the collection hole 24. In the holding space 58a, the working side electrode 42, the counter-circumferential electrode line 46, and the reagent 40 are present, and the blood staying in the holding space 58a easily reacts with the reagent 40 and acts on the electrons generated by the reaction. Move to electrode 32.

  In addition, the working-side polar line 44 connected to the working-side polar surface 42 is provided so as to pass below the fixing portion 52 of the enclosure 50. On the other hand, the counter electrode line 48 connected to the counter electrode line 46 is disposed so as to pass through the penetrating portion of the enclosure 50 opposite to the sampling hole 24.

  The first electrode terminal 36 connected to the working-side electrode wire 44 has a C-shape that circulates around the central portion of the sampling hole 24 as viewed from the rear. The first electrode terminal 36 has a predetermined width and is protruded from the base end face 18c with a certain thickness in the base end direction, and the protruding face 36a is formed flat. The enclosure 50 (measurement target portion 26) is disposed in a non-contact manner in the opening portion of the first electrode terminal 36. In other words, the first electrode terminal 36 is an arc-shaped terminal having an uncirculated portion only at the place where the enclosure 50 is installed.

  On the other hand, the second electrode terminal 38 connected to the counter electrode line 48 is an annular terminal formed concentrically with the first electrode terminal 36 in the rear view. That is, the second electrode terminal 38 has a central portion of the sampling hole 24 as a base point and largely circulates on the outer side in the radial direction of the first electrode terminal 36. The second electrode terminal 38 has the same width and thickness as the first electrode terminal 36, and the protruding surface 38a is formed flat. Further, the second electrode terminal 38 is disposed at a position relatively far from the first electrode terminal 36 (position spaced apart from the working electrode surface 42 and the counter-circumferential electrode wire 46).

  The probe 92 provided in the apparatus main body 14 is in contact with the projecting surfaces 36 a and 38 a of the first and second electrode terminals 36 and 38 in the mounted state of the measurement chip 12 and the apparatus main body 14. This configuration will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the measurement chip 12 is accommodated in a mounting cap 60 and provided to the user (the cap 60 is not shown in FIG. 2A). The cap 60 has an accommodation space 62 that accommodates the entire measurement chip 12, and a wall 64 of the accommodation space 62 is provided with a step 64 a that can contact the tip surface 18 b of the base portion 18. The step 64 a is provided with a temporary fixing means (not shown) for temporarily fixing the measuring chip 12, and the temporary fixing means is the base portion 18 (first and second electrode terminals 36, 38) with respect to the axial center portion of the cap 60. And the measurement chip | tip 12 is fixed so that the center part of the latching | locking part 22 may correspond. Accordingly, the locking portion 22 protrudes in the proximal direction at a position spaced apart from the wall portion 64 of the accommodation space 62 at equal intervals.

  Next, the apparatus main body 14 of the blood glucose meter 10 will be described. The apparatus main body 14 is configured as a portable and robust device so that the user can easily repeat blood glucose measurement with respect to the measurement chip 12 configured as a disposable type.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 14 includes a housing 70 that forms an appearance. The housing 70 includes a box part 72 that is formed in a size that is easy for a user to hold and operate, and a cylindrical protruding block 74 that protrudes from one side (tip side) of the box part 72 in the tip direction. Inside the box part 72 are housed a control part 76 for measuring blood glucose and a power supply part 78 for supplying power to various electronic components provided in the blood glucose meter 10. On the other hand, a holding portion 80 to which the measuring chip 12 can be detachably attached is provided at the tip of the protruding block 74 (see also FIGS. 3A and 3B).

  Further, a power button 82, an operation button 84, and a display 86 are provided on the upper surface of the box portion 72, and an eject lever 88 is provided on the upper surface of the protruding block 74. The power button 82 switches activation and deactivation of the blood glucose meter 10 under the operation of the user. The operation button 84 has an operation function such as measuring or displaying a blood glucose level and switching display of a measurement result (including past blood glucose level) in the activated blood glucose meter 10 based on a user operation. . The display 86 is configured by a liquid crystal, an organic EL, or the like, and displays information to be provided to the user in blood glucose level measurement such as blood glucose level display or error display.

  Further, the eject lever 88 is provided so as to be movable in the distal end and proximal end directions, and is connected to a protruding member 74 and a sliding member 89 provided in the holding portion 80. As shown in FIG. 3B, the sliding member 89 is provided at a position near the inside of the peripheral wall of the protruding block 74 and the holding portion 80, and is slidable in the distal end and proximal direction along with the eject lever 88. Then, with the measurement chip 12 mounted on the holding portion 80, the distal end portion of the sliding member 89 comes into contact with and pushes out the proximal end side protruding end 28 a of the locking portion 22 as it moves in the distal end direction. As a result, the measuring chip 12 is detached from the holding unit 80.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the protruding block 74 is formed to be relatively thin so as to make it easy to press the tip against a user's finger or the like, and extends long from the box part 72 in the tip direction. The protruding block 74 includes a plurality of conducting wires 90 in the cylinder, and these conducting wires 90 are provided from the power supply unit 78 in the box body 72 to the probe 92 of the holding unit 80.

  The holding part 80 is formed as a hollow cylindrical part from an insulating resin material, and protrudes from the front end surface of the protruding block 74 by a predetermined length toward the front end. The outer diameter of the peripheral wall 80a protruding in the distal direction of the holding portion 80 matches the outer diameter of the outer peripheral edge 18a of the measuring chip 12. In addition, the protrusion block 74 and the holding | maintenance part 80 may be integrally molded.

  A mounting space 94 for the measurement chip 12 is provided inside the peripheral wall 80 a of the holding unit 80, and the mounting space 94 communicates with the outside through an exposure port 94 a provided at the tip of the holding unit 80. . Further, an engaging groove 96 is formed near the proximal end of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 80a so that the hook 28 (claw portion 30) of the measuring chip 12 is hooked along the circumferential direction. The engagement groove 96 is provided over the entire circumference (360 °) of the peripheral wall 80a, so that the engagement with the engagement portion 22 is realized regardless of the posture of the measurement chip 12 inserted.

  A bottom surface 80b (base end facing surface) of the holding portion 80 constituting the mounting space 94 is formed in a flat shape, and four probes 92 (contact portions) are provided at predetermined positions. Each probe 92 constitutes first and second connector terminal portions for connection to the working electrode 32 and the counter electrode 34. Each probe 92 includes a cylindrical guide tube 98 projecting from the bottom surface toward the distal end, a spring portion 100 housed in the guide tube 98 and elastically deformable, and a rod fixedly supported on the distal end portion of the spring portion 100. Unit 102.

  The guide tube 98 of the probe 92 is formed in a hollow cylindrical body having a sliding space 99, and an internal terminal 104 is provided at the base end thereof. The above-described conducting wires 90 are connected to the four internal terminals 104 one by one, and a total of four conducting wires 90 are connected to the holding portion 80.

  The spring portion 100 is formed in a spiral shape from a conductive material, and is provided in the guide tube 98 so as to be capable of contraction and elastic recovery (extension). Therefore, the rod portion 102 supported at the tip of the spring portion 100 is elastically movable back and forth along the extending direction of the guide tube 98. In addition, the base portion of the spring portion 100 is electrically connected to the internal terminal 104, and electricity can be conducted between the spring portion 100 and the rod portion 102.

  The rod portion 102 is formed of a conductive material into a solid cylindrical body having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the sliding space portion 99 of the guide cylinder 98. The spring portion 100 is joined to the base end surface of the rod portion 102 by fixing means such as welding. The rod portion 102 protrudes from the guide tube 98 in a state where the measuring chip 12 is not attached to the holding portion 80, and the tip portion connected to the barrel portion reaches the vicinity of the exposure port 94a. The tip of the rod portion 102 is a portion that contacts the electrode 16 of the measuring chip 12 and is formed in a hemispherical shape so as to contact the electrode 16 without damaging it.

  The four probes 92 having the above configuration are electrically connected to the first and second electrode terminals 36 and 38 of the measuring chip 12 when the measuring chip 12 and the holding unit 80 are mounted. It is possible to conduct. The rod part 102 is pushed in the proximal direction with the contact of the electrode 16 by being displaced so as to freely advance and retract. In other words, the rod portion 102 is urged in the distal direction by the elastic restoring force of the spring portion 100 and positively contacts the first and second electrode terminals 36 and 38.

  The four probes 92 are arranged in a straight line through the central portion O of the holding portion 80 in a front view. Hereinafter, the signs A to D are attached from the upper side to the lower side in FIG. 3A to distinguish them from the probes 92A to 92D. More specifically, the pair of inner probes 92B and 92C with respect to the center portion O are provided symmetrically with respect to each other (180 ° opposite side), and the pair of outer probes 92A and 92D with respect to the center portion O are shafts. It is provided symmetrically.

  The pair of inner probes 92 </ b> B and 92 </ b> C constitute a first connector terminal group 106 (first connector terminal portion) disposed at a position facing the first electrode terminal 36. These probes 92 </ b> B and 92 </ b> C are electrically connected to the working electrode 32 through the first electrode terminal 36 when the measurement chip 12 and the holding unit 80 are mounted. The internal terminals 104 of the pair of probes 92B and 92C are connected to the conductive wires 90b and 90c inside the protruding block 74, respectively. The conductive wires 90b and 90c are connected to the conductive wire 90e at the contact A, and the conductive wire 90e is connected to the power supply unit. 78 is connected to the positive electrode.

  Similarly, the pair of outer probes 92 </ b> A and 92 </ b> D constitute a second connector terminal group 108 disposed at a position facing the second electrode terminal 38. These probes 92 </ b> A and 92 </ b> D are electrically connected to the counter electrode 34 via the second electrode terminal 38 when the measurement chip 12 and the holding unit 80 are mounted. The internal terminals 104 of the pair of probes 92A and 92D are respectively connected to the conductive wires 90a and 90d inside the protruding block 74. The conductive wires 90a and 90d are connected to the conductive wire 90f at the contact point B, and the conductive wire 90f is connected to the power supply section 78. Is connected to the negative electrode.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the control unit 76 of the apparatus main body 14 includes, for example, a control circuit having a calculation unit, a storage unit, and an input / output unit (not shown). The control unit 76 can be a known computer. Although illustration of the control unit 76 is omitted in FIG. 3B, for example, the control unit 76 is provided between the power supply unit 78 and the probe 92, and controls and detects the energization state from the power supply unit 78 to the probe 92. Perform the measurement. At the time of blood glucose measurement, under the operation of the operation button 84 of the user, the measurement chip 12 is energized from the power supply unit 78 to detect and calculate glucose in the blood, and the calculated blood glucose level is displayed on the display 86.

  The measurement chip 12 and the apparatus main body 14 of the blood glucose meter 10 are basically configured as described above. Next, operations and effects of the blood glucose meter 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 6.

  When performing blood glucose measurement, the user performs an operation of attaching the measurement chip 12 accommodated in the accommodation space 62 of the cap 60 to the apparatus main body 14 as shown in FIG. 4A. The user opposes the measurement chip 12 and the cap 60 to the front surface of the holding unit 80 of the apparatus main body 14, moves the cap 60 in the proximal direction relative to the apparatus main body 14, and fits the peripheral wall 80 a of the holding unit 80. . Then, the peripheral wall 80a of the holding portion 80 just enters between the locking portion 22 of the measuring chip 12 and the wall portion 64 of the cap 60, and the locking portion 22 moves smoothly along the inside of the peripheral wall 80a.

  4B, when the cap 60 is fully inserted in the proximal direction, the three hooks 28 (claw portions 30) of the measurement tip 12 are caught in the engagement grooves 96 of the holding portion 80, and the measurement tip is inserted. 12 and the holding part 80 are attached. At the time of engagement, the catch of the claw portion 30 and the engagement groove 96 is transmitted to the user by touch or sound. When the user recognizes that the measurement chip 12 is attached to the holding portion 80, the user pulls back the cap 60 in the distal direction, releases the temporary fastening with the measurement chip 12, and removes the cap 60 from the measurement chip 12.

  When the measurement chip 12 and the holding unit 80 are attached, the probes 92B and 92C of the first connector terminal group 106 are in contact with the first electrode terminal 36. At this time, either one of the probes 92B and 92C may come into contact with the enclosure 50 (FIG. 4B shows a state in which the probe 92C is in contact with the enclosure 50). However, since the probes 92B and 92C of the first connector terminal group 106 are provided at axially symmetrical positions, the other probe 92B comes into contact with the first electrode terminal 36 and is electrically connected. As a result, the first electrode terminal 36 and the first connector terminal group 106 connected to the working electrode 32 can reliably establish ohmic connection.

  In the probe 92C in contact with the enclosure portion 50, the spring portion 100 contracts more than the other probes 92A, 92B, and 92D, and the rod portion 102 is easily displaced in the proximal direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the probe 92C from strongly pressing the measurement chip 12 in the mounted state of the measurement chip 12 and the holding unit 80, thereby causing a mounting failure or dropping.

  On the other hand, the probes 92A and 92D of the second connector terminal group 108 are both in electrical contact with the second electrode terminal 38. As a result, the second electrode terminal 38 and the second connector terminal group 108 connected to the counter electrode 34 can be reliably connected to each other. The control unit 76 (see FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body 14 detects the mounting of the measurement chip 12 by a predetermined detection means (for example, detects the energization state of the electrode 16 and the power supply unit 78), and mounting failure occurs. If this happens, notify the user accordingly.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, after the measurement chip 12 is attached to the apparatus main body 14, the user's blood is taken into the measurement chip 12. The user causes a small amount of blood to flow out from a finger or the like by puncturing with a puncture tool (not shown), and drops this blood on the tip opening 24 a of the nozzle portion 20. As shown in FIG. 5B, this blood flows in the proximal direction in the collection hole 24 by capillary action.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the blood thus taken moves to the measurement target portion 26 along the slope 56 a of the enclosure portion 50 on the base end face 18 c side of the measurement chip 12. Then, the blood reacts with the reagent 40 of the measurement target portion 26. For example, when GOD is applied to the reagent 40, glucose in the blood is converted to gluconic acid by GOD, and at the same time, electrons are given to ferricyan ions, which are electron carriers, to convert them to ferrocyan ions. When a constant voltage is applied to the electrode 16 from the power supply unit 78, ferrocyan ions give electrons to the working electrode 32 and return to ferricyan ions, and at the counter electrode 34, hydrogen ions receive electrons and generate oxygen and water. To do. The control unit 76 measures the amount of electrons (current amount) generated according to the glucose concentration, calculates the blood glucose level, and displays it on the display 86.

  After the blood glucose measurement, the measuring chip 12 is detached from the holding unit 80 by the forward operation of the eject lever 88 by the user, and the measuring chip 12 is discarded.

  As described above, the blood glucose meter 10 according to the present embodiment includes the first and second electrode terminals 36 and 38 that concentrically circulate on the base portion 18, so that the measurement chip 12 can be rotated around the circumference. Even in the posture, the measurement chip 12 and the holding portion 80 can be satisfactorily engaged. That is, the mountability of the measuring chip 12 and the apparatus main body 14 is improved.

  Further, the first and second connector terminal groups 106 and 108 are configured by a pair of probes 92B and 92C and a pair of probes 92A and 92D, so that a plurality of positions are provided for the first or second electrode terminals 36 and 38. It becomes possible to contact with. Even when one probe is in poor contact with the measurement chip 12 and the apparatus main body 14 attached, the other probe contacts the electrode terminal and can be more electrically connected. In particular, since the probes 92B and 92C are provided at positions away from each other than the size of the measurement target portion 26, even if one probe 92C overlaps the measurement target portion 26, the other probe 92B is not connected to the first electrode terminal 36. To make sure it comes into contact. Therefore, the current of the measuring chip 12 can be reliably detected.

  In this case, the probe 92 elastically allows the concave and convex portions (the measurement target portion 26 and the like) of the measurement chip 12, so that the mounting state is improved without interfering with the mounting of the measurement chip 12 and the apparatus main body 14. Can be formed. In the blood glucose meter 10, a pair of probes 92 </ b> B and 92 </ b> C and a pair of probes 92 </ b> A and 92 </ b> D are provided symmetrically about the central portion O of the holding unit 80. Thereby, for example, even when the measuring chip 12 is attached to the holding unit 80 at an angle and one probe cannot contact the electrode terminal, the other probe contacts the electrode terminal. Therefore, the measurement chip 12 and the apparatus main body 14 can be electrically connected more reliably.

  Further, the measurement chip 12 includes the working electrode 32, the counter electrode 34, and the first and second electrode terminals 36 and 38 all on the base end face 18c of the base portion 18, thereby simplifying the configuration and reducing the size. Can do. Therefore, the measurement chip 12 to be mass-produced can be easily manufactured, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Furthermore, since the measuring chip 12 includes the enclosure portion 50, the measurement target portion 26 can be reliably protected from the probe 92, and blood glucose can be detected well by the working electrode 32 and the counter electrode 34.

  In addition, the component measuring apparatus (blood glucose meter 10) according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various application examples or modifications can be taken. For example, since the measuring chip 12 does not have a configuration in which the second electrode terminal 38 is formed in an annular shape and the contact is not cut off like the surrounding portion 50, only one probe 92 is included in the second connector terminal group 108. But you can. Further, if the first and second connector terminal groups 106 and 108 are constituted by three or more probes 92, the electrical continuity can be further ensured.

  In addition, the two probes 92B and 92C contacting the first electrode terminal 36 are not limited to the configuration provided at positions opposite to 180 °, and the mutual probes 92B and 92C are at least the measurement target portion 26 (the enclosure portion 50). It is only necessary to set an interval apart from the size of). As a result, even if one probe 92 </ b> C contacts the enclosure 50, the other probe 92 </ b> B reliably contacts the first electrode terminal 36.

  Moreover, although the blood glucose meter 10 according to the present embodiment configures the electrode 16 with two electrodes of the working electrode 32 and the counter electrode 34, the number of electrodes 16 formed is not particularly limited. For example, the blood glucose meter 10 may be configured to further include a reference electrode and an auxiliary electrode for detecting a hematocrit value in addition to the working electrode 32 and the counter electrode 34. In this case, it is a matter of course that the electrode terminal of the measuring chip 12 and the connector terminal portion (probe 92) of the apparatus main body 14 are appropriately provided according to the type of electrode formed.

  In the above description, the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Yes.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Component measuring apparatus (blood glucose meter) 12 ... Measuring chip 14 ... Apparatus main body 16 ... Electrode 18 ... Base part 18c ... Base end surface 26 ... Measurement object part 32 ... Working electrode 34 ... Counter electrode 36 ... 1st electrode terminal 38 ... 1st 2 electrode terminals 40 ... reagent 50 ... enclosure 80 ... holding portion 92 (92A to 92D) ... probe 100 ... spring portion 102 ... rod portion 106 ... first connector terminal group 108 ... second connector terminal group

Claims (5)

A component measuring apparatus having a measuring chip and an apparatus main body for measuring a component of a liquid taken into the measuring chip with the measuring chip mounted thereon,
The measuring chip has a base portion having a surface portion facing the device main body,
First and second electrodes that electrically detect a component of the liquid guided to the measurement target portion of the base portion;
First and second electrode terminals electrically connected to the first and second electrodes, respectively, and concentrically circulating on the surface portion,
The apparatus body includes a holding unit for mounting and holding the measurement chip;
A first connector terminal portion that contacts and electrically connects to the first electrode terminal and a second contact that contacts and electrically connects to the second electrode terminal when the measurement chip and the holding portion are mounted. A connector terminal, and
At least one of the first and second connector terminal portions has a plurality of contact portions that can contact the first or second electrode terminal, and the plurality of contact portions are mutually greater than the size of the measurement target portion. The component measuring device is provided at a spaced position. In the component measuring device according to claim 1,
The contact portion is
A rod portion extending from the holding portion toward the base portion and contacting the first or second electrode terminal;
A component measuring device comprising: a probe that is electrically connected to the rod portion and elastically displaces the contact portion in the extending direction. In the component measuring device according to claim 1 or 2,
A pair of the contact portions are provided with the central portion of the holding portion being axially symmetric. In the component measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The component measuring apparatus, wherein both the first and second electrodes and the first and second electrode terminals are provided on the surface portion. In the component measuring device according to claim 4,
The measurement chip includes a blocking unit that blocks the contact unit from contacting the measurement target unit.

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