JP4482478B2 - Test piece measuring device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a test piece measuring apparatus for quantifying the concentration of an object to be measured in a liquid sample using a test piece, and particularly to a technique for positioning the test piece with high accuracy.

  The test piece measuring apparatus is put into practical use in medical fields. For example, as an example of a test piece measuring apparatus, there is one intended for a pregnancy test using a chromatographic method. As a liquid sample, thrombus, plasma, whole blood, urine, etc. are added to a test piece, and it is detected whether it is colored by an antigen-antibody reaction with a specific reagent immobilized on the test piece. . In this method, it is possible to measure easily and quickly, but it is only possible to determine whether the result is positive or negative (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, in order to facilitate the handling of the test piece by the user, the test piece is arranged in the hollow casing, and this color gamut is observed from the observation window provided in the hollow casing corresponding to the color gamut of the test piece. There is also disclosed a qualitative technique for visually confirming changes and obtaining test results (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this case, since the test piece is covered with the hollow casing, the user is less likely to directly touch the liquid sample and can be used in a sanitary and safe manner. On the other hand, since the measurement result is left to the judgment of the user, the diagnosis is ambiguous. Furthermore, the test piece becomes larger due to the hollow casing, which is not only inconvenient for storage and transport, but also the hollow casing itself becomes a single-use disposable consumable, which has a problem of a large environmental load.

  In recent years, research and development have been conducted on devices that can be measured easily, quickly, and quantitatively without using a hollow casing. This apparatus irradiates a test piece with light, reads the absorbance of reflected light, and converts it into a concentration (see, for example, Patent Document 3). When performing such quantitative measurement, unlike the above-described qualitative judgment, a method of irradiating light emitted from a laser, an LED, or the like to a color gamut and performing measurement is generally performed. It is necessary to accurately illuminate the color gamut. For this reason, in a device that performs quantitative measurement, it is necessary to newly provide a mechanism that enables highly accurate positioning or a mechanism that detects the positions of light and a test piece and adjusts the relative positions. For example, in the prior art shown in FIG. 7, a protrusion (positioning pin) 1006 provided on the measuring table 1001 on the measuring apparatus main body side is fitted into a positioning guide hole (positioning hole) 1004 provided in the test piece 1002. Thus, the positioning of the test piece 1002 placed on the measurement table 1001 is performed.

  In this case, when the positioning pins 1006 of the measuring table 1001 on the measuring apparatus main body side are produced, the positions and sizes of the protrusions vary, or the positioning holes 1004 formed in the test piece 1002 vary between lots. In addition, a gap of about 1 mm is generated between the positioning hole 1004 of the test piece 1002 and the positioning pin 1006 of the measuring table 1001, so that accurate positioning cannot be performed, and the positional relationship between the light irradiation position and the color gamut 1003 is shifted. There was a problem that the reliability of the measured value was impaired. Further, the position of the test piece 1002 may be displaced due to vibration during measurement, impact from the outside, or the like, which may deteriorate the measured value.

In this example, since the test piece is handled directly, it is necessary to be careful in handling, and it is difficult to handle, and since the spotted and unfolded portion of the solution to be inspected is exposed, There was a high risk of contact with infectious sources such as blood during disposal. In addition, when blood is required as a solution to be tested, it is necessary to collect the sample with a syringe or the like in order to collect the sample. In order to reduce the burden on the patient, the fingertip can be In some cases, an extremely small amount of sample, for example, about 10 μl, is collected from a site where it is difficult to feel pain, such as the ear, and measurement is performed. The way to do is taken. In this case, it is necessary to further reduce the area of the colored portion, and as a result, the conventional positioning method cannot perform sufficient positioning.
JP-A-8-94618 JP-A-6-180320 JP 2003-28876 A

  As described above, in the conventional test piece measuring apparatus described above, since the qualitative measurement is performed, it is left to the user to judge the measurement result from the degree of coloration. Was low. Moreover, in the test piece using a hollow casing, the cost concerning a casing has been a problem. In addition, in an apparatus for quantifying by attaching a test piece to a measurement table, rattling occurs between the guide hole of the test piece and a protrusion provided on the measurement table, and the irradiation light from the light source is in a predetermined color gamut. In other words, the reliability of the measured value may be impaired.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and has an object to provide a test piece measuring apparatus capable of accurately quantifying at low cost, and in particular, irradiation light from a light source is present in a color gamut of the test piece. An object of the present invention is to provide a test piece measuring apparatus capable of accurately positioning a test piece so as to be irradiated with high accuracy.

  In order to solve the above problems, a test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is a test piece measuring apparatus in which a test piece having at least two protrusions on a side surface is inserted, wherein the at least two pieces are provided. A contact surface that comes into contact with the protrusion, a drive mechanism that changes an irradiation position of the light on the test piece, so that light irradiated on the test piece forms a constant scanning axis on the test piece, and on the test piece At least one elastic body that presses the side surface of the test piece opposite to the side surface on which the at least two protrusions are provided with respect to the formed scanning axis, and the elastic body comprises the test piece The test piece is positioned relative to the test piece measuring device by pressing the elastic body so that the pressing direction vector of the elastic body passes through the region between the at least two protrusions. .

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the test piece measuring apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the at least two test pieces are arranged with respect to the scanning axis formed on the test piece. An inclined portion is provided on the side surface of the test piece opposite to the side surface on which the protrusion is provided, and the inclined portion has a normal vector of the inclined portion indicating a region between the at least two protrusions. The test piece is positioned at a passing position, and the test piece is positioned with respect to the measuring device by the at least one elastic body coming into contact with the inclined portion.

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention is the test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein two elastic bodies are provided to press the test piece. And

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the test piece is detachable.

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the contact surface that contacts the at least two protrusions includes A convex body is provided that is in point contact with at least two protrusions.

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention is the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the test piece is detachable from the measuring apparatus main body. It is characterized by being inserted into the test piece measuring apparatus main body through a body.

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention is the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the test piece is a chromatographic test piece. And

  The test strip measurement apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention is the test strip measurement apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the test member placed on the test strip is a chromatography carrier.

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 9 of the present invention is the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the number of lights irradiated on the test piece is on the test piece. This is characterized in that the number is equal to or more than the number of signal regions which are sample addition regions.

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a test piece measuring apparatus in which a substantially rectangular test piece is removably inserted into a measurement table, and is in the longitudinal direction of the test piece. On the first side surface, two protrusions are provided in the longitudinal direction, and on the inner side surface of the measuring table facing the second side surface in the longitudinal direction opposite to the first side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece, At least one elastic body is provided on the second side surface in the longitudinal direction so as to abut at a position between the positions corresponding to the two protrusions on the first side surface on the second side surface, and the elastic body However, the test piece is brought into contact with the second side surface and pressed toward the first side surface, thereby bringing the two protrusions into contact with the inner side surface of the measuring table facing the first side surface. The positioning of the piece with respect to the measuring table is performed.

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the test piece measuring apparatus according to the tenth aspect, wherein the measuring stage has a longitudinal direction opposite to the first side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece. On the inner side surface opposite to the second side surface, two elastic bodies are located on the second side surface in the longitudinal direction between the positions corresponding to the two protrusions on the first side surface on the second side surface. It is provided so that it may contact | abut.

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is a test piece measuring apparatus in which a substantially rectangular test piece is removably inserted into a measurement table, and is in the longitudinal direction of the test piece. The first side surface is provided with two projections in the longitudinal direction, and corresponds to the two projections on the first side surface of the measuring table on the inner side surface facing the second side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece. An elastic body that engages with a concave portion or a convex portion provided in the test piece is provided between the positions to be engaged, and the elastic body is engaged with the concave portion or the convex portion of the test piece, The test piece is pressed against the first side surface side and the front end surface side of the test piece, the two protrusions are brought into contact with the inner side surface of the measuring table, and the front end surface of the test piece is The test specimen is positioned with respect to the measurement table by contacting the inner wall seating surface of the measurement table. I am characterized in.

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the test piece measuring apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the inner surface of the measuring table is opposed to a second side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece. Between a position corresponding to the two protrusions on the first side surface, a first elastic body that comes into contact with a concave portion or a convex portion provided on the test piece, and a second elastic body that comes into contact with the second side surface The first elastic body is provided such that the first elastic body engages with a concave portion or a convex portion of the test piece, whereby the test piece is placed on the first side surface side and the tip of the test piece. The two projections are brought into contact with the inner surface of the measuring table, the tip surface of the test piece is brought into contact with the inner wall seat surface of the measuring table, and the second The elastic body presses the test piece in the short direction of the test piece to bring the two protrusions on the test piece forward. Into contact with the inner surface of the measuring table, wherein the positioning is performed with respect to the measuring table of the test piece.

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, wherein the inside of the measuring table facing the first side surface in the longitudinal direction. A convex body that is in point contact with each of the two protrusions is provided on the side surface.

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 15 of the present invention is a test in which a substantially rectangular test piece is removably inserted into a cover body, and the cover body is removably inserted into a measurement table. A test piece measuring apparatus, wherein a first side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece is provided with two protrusions in the longitudinal direction, and an inner side of the cover body facing the second side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece. A first elastic body that engages with a first concave portion or a convex portion provided in the test piece, and a second side surface and a contact between positions corresponding to the two protrusions on the first side surface of the side surface. A second elastic body is provided, and the first elastic body is engaged with the first concave portion or the convex portion of the test piece, so that the first elastic body is engaged with the first elastic body. The two protrusions of the test piece are pressed inside the cover body by pressing on the side surface side and the front end surface side of the test piece. At the same time, the front end surface of the test piece is brought into contact with the inner wall seat surface of the cover body, and the second elastic body presses the test piece in its short direction to The two protrusions are brought into contact with the inner surface of the cover body, and two protrusions are provided in the longitudinal direction on the first outer surface of the cover body, and the first outer surface of the measurement table A third elastic body in contact with a second concave portion or a convex portion provided on the second outer surface on the inner surface facing the second outer surface opposite to the second outer surface, and the second outer surface A fourth elastic body is provided, and the third elastic body engages with the second concave portion or the convex portion of the cover body so that the cover body is moved to the third elastic body. By pressing the first outer surface side and the front end surface side of the cover body, the two protrusions of the cover body are moved inside the measuring table. And the front end surface of the cover body abuts against the inner wall seat surface of the measurement table, and the fourth elastic body presses the cover body toward the first outer surface side. Two protrusions on the cover body are brought into contact with the inner surface of the measuring table, and the test piece is positioned with respect to the cover body and the cover body is positioned with respect to the measuring table.

  A test piece measuring apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of the tenth to fifteenth aspects, wherein the test piece is a chromatographic test piece.

  The test strip measurement apparatus according to claim 17 of the present invention is the test strip measurement apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the test strip is composed of a chromatography carrier and an attachment to which the chromatography carrier is attached. It is characterized by.

  The test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 18 of the present invention is the test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the test piece irradiates a sample on the test piece with light. It is characterized by quantitatively measuring the concentration of.

  According to the test piece measuring apparatus according to the present invention, it is not necessary to create guide holes and protrusions that cause variations in positioning on the test piece and the main body of the measuring apparatus, and positioning is always accurately performed during measurement. It becomes possible to do. In addition, the chromatography carrier of the test piece is configured to be protected by an attachment, and the part on the measurement device side on which the test piece is placed is configured using a cover member that can be attached to and detached from the measurement device main body. Therefore, the contamination from the liquid sample can be suppressed, and the contamination-convenient location can be removed from the device and cleaned.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment shown here is an example and this invention is not limited to the following embodiment.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a test piece measuring apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Hereinafter, the outline of the test piece measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 1, 101 shows a test piece. The test piece 101 includes an attachment 108 and a chromatography carrier 109, and has a coloration area 102 (signal area). The light emitted from the light source 103 passes through the lens 104 and is applied to the test piece 101. The light scattered on the surface and inside of the test piece 101 is detected by the light receiving unit 105 and replaced with an electric signal, and then sent to the arithmetic unit 106 to be converted into a concentration. Then, the numerical value whose density has been converted is displayed on the display device 107. The test piece 101 is transported in the direction of the arrow 111 using a movable drive mechanism (not shown) in the measuring apparatus, whereby the position of the light irradiated on the test piece 101 is relatively changed and measurement is performed. Done. In the first embodiment, the locus of the light irradiation position at this time is called a scanning axis 110. In the first embodiment, the irradiation position of light is changed by moving the test piece 101. However, the light source 103 is moved, or a variable mirror, a polarizing plate, or the like is provided in the light path. By arranging, the scanning axis 110 may be formed by changing the light irradiation position. Further, although the light scanning axis 110 is a straight line, it is sufficient that the light is applied to the signal region, and the light scanning axis 110 may be scanned in a zigzag manner or may be moved in a circular shape or a spiral shape. Further, the number of lights irradiated on the test piece 101 may be measured as the same number or more as the number of the color areas 102 (signal areas). In this case, it is preferable because the transfer distance of the test piece 101 can be shortened or measurement can be performed without performing the transfer at the time of measurement, and there is no deviation in the scanning axis 110 direction when the light moves.

  The chromatography carrier 109 has a rectangular shape with a width of about 6 mm and a length of about 30 mm, and has a color region 102 (signal region). The test piece 101 is detachable from the test piece measuring apparatus, and is exchanged for a new one every measurement. In the first embodiment, the width of the light applied to the test piece 101 is larger in the longitudinal direction of the chromatographic carrier in the color region 102 (signal region) in order to incorporate more information of the color region 102 (signal region). The width of light was about 0.9 mm with respect to the width of about 1.1 mm. In order to place light in the color gamut 102 (signal area), the relative position of the light and the color gamut 102 must be positioned within ± 0.1 mm. For this reason, positioning with higher accuracy than before is required. It should be noted that more signals can be obtained by making the shape of the light related to the test piece measuring apparatus similar to the shape of the color gamut 102 (signal area), and the color gamut 102 (signal area 102). ) Is more preferable because the measurable range is widened, the measurement accuracy is improved, and various functions can be added.

Next, the attachment of the test strip measurement apparatus according to the first embodiment and the chromatography carrier will be described.
2A to 2C are schematic views of a test piece in which a chromatography carrier according to the test piece measurement apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is attached to an attachment. Hereinafter, the test piece in the present invention refers to an attachment (a test piece for chromatography) equipped with a chromatography carrier.

  2A to 2C, the attachment is divided into an attachment upper portion 203 and an attachment lower portion 202. On the other hand, the chromatography carrier 201 is mounted so as to be inserted into a predetermined position provided between the attachment lower portion 202 and the attachment upper portion 203. The attachment upper part 203 can be slid to three positions with respect to the attachment lower part 202, and can be transformed into a mounting position (a), a measurement position (b), and a disposal position (c), respectively. The attachment avoids the risk of contamination to the measurer from the sample liquid spotted on the chromatography carrier 201, makes the chromatography carrier 201 easy to handle, and makes it easy to attach to the test strip measuring device. It has a function of accurately positioning the colored portion with respect to the irradiated light. Further, since the chromatography carrier 201 protrudes from the attachment lower portion 202 and the restriction in the vertical direction is automatically removed, the chromatography carrier 201 is automatically discarded, so that contamination by the sample liquid can be prevented.

  The chromatographic carrier 201 is fixed between the attachment lower part 202 and the attachment upper part 203, and the attachment lower part 202 is further mounted on a measurement table on the test strip measuring apparatus main body side. For each measurement, only the chromatography carrier 201 is replaced between the attachment lower part 202 and the attachment upper part 203, and the attachment lower part 202 and the attachment upper part 203 can be used repeatedly. Further, the measurement is automatically started by attaching the attachment and the lower part 202 to the measuring table on the test piece measuring apparatus main body side. When the measurement is completed, the attachment lower part 202 can be pulled out and only the chromatography carrier 201 can be replaced. However, even when the chromatographic carrier 201 is replaced, the new chromatographic carrier 201 must be accurately fixed to the attachment, and the test piece including the chromatographic carrier 201 must be accurately positioned with respect to the light scanning direction axis 208.

Next, the test piece measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below.
FIG. 3 is a top view showing a state in which the attachment 302 is attached to the measurement table 303 of the test piece measurement apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, reference numerals 301 and 302 denote the above-described chromatography carrier and attachment, respectively. A first protrusion 304 and a second protrusion 305 are provided on the first side surface 309 in the longitudinal direction of the attachment 302. The first and second protrusions 304 and 305 can be easily and accurately configured by embedding a ready-made round bar in the side surface of the attachment. In addition, it is more preferable that the protrusion is configured so that its shape does not change due to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. Further, the test piece may be configured by providing the first and second protrusions 304 and 305 on the chromatography carrier 301 itself without providing the attachment 302.

  Reference numeral 303 denotes a measurement table provided on the measurement apparatus main body side, and holds the attachment 302 in a detachable manner. The cross section of the measuring table 303 is U-shaped, and a first elastic body that presses the second side surface 310 in the longitudinal direction on the first inner side surface 312 opposite to the first side surface 309 in the longitudinal direction. 306 and the second elastic body 307 are fixed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the first and second elastic bodies 306 and 307 are arranged in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the gap between the first protrusion 304 and the second protrusion 305. It arrange | positions so that it may contact | abut in the position on 2 side surfaces. Specifically, the position of the first protrusion 304 is disposed in a region outside the force line 1 (extension line in the pressing direction) 316 in the pressing direction of the opposing elastic body 306. The position of the second protrusion 305 is arranged in a region outside the force line 2 (extension line in the pressing direction) 317 in the pressing direction of the opposing elastic body 307. Thus, even if the test piece is inserted in an inclined state or is inclined after being mounted, a rotational force is generated by the action of the elastic bodies 306 and 307 from the balance of force, and the test piece is The position can be regulated. In the first embodiment, the first elastic body 306 and the second elastic body 307 are connected by the table portion 308, thereby reducing the installation space and facilitating assembly.

With respect to the test piece measuring apparatus configured as described above, the operation of placing and fixing the attachment 302 in the measuring table 303 and positioning it will be described below.
First, as described above, the chromatography carrier 301 is attached to the attachment 302.

  Next, the attachment 302 is inserted into the concave space of the measuring table 303 having a U-shaped cross section. The attachment 302 has projections 304 and 305 on the first side surface 309 in the longitudinal direction sliding with the inner side surface 313 of the measuring table 303, and the second side surface 310 in the longitudinal direction has the first elastic body 306 and the first elastic body 306. The second elastic body 307 is inserted into the measurement table 303 while being in contact with it. The side surfaces of the first and second protrusions 304 and 305 are chamfered or rounded, and a curved portion 315 with respect to the insertion direction is provided near the tips of the first and second elastic bodies 306 and 307. The resistance at the time of insertion can be further reduced, which is more preferable.

  When the attachment 302 is inserted to the end in this way, the distal end surface 311 of the attachment 302 comes into contact with the inner wall seat surface 314 of the measurement table 303, and the two protrusions 304 and 305 are the first inner surfaces of the measurement table 303. The attachment 302 is fixed and held on the measurement table 303 in a state where the first and second elastic bodies 306 and 307 are in contact with the side surface 313 and the second side surface 310 in the longitudinal direction of the attachment 302.

  Here, the first and second elastic bodies 306 and 307 act in a direction in which the force acting on each elastic body suppresses the rotational force from each other based on the positional relationship with the first and second protrusions 304 and 305. It is resistant to disturbances such as vibration, and the attachment 302 can be accurately positioned and fixedly held in the measurement table 303. In addition to the first and second elastic bodies 306 and 307, by providing an elastic body that presses the attachment 302 in the longitudinal direction, the attachment 302 can be positioned in the longitudinal direction, which is more preferable. Further, the position where the first and second elastic bodies 306 and 307 come into contact with the test piece needs to strictly manage the positioning accuracy in the direction perpendicular to the scanning axis 318. Therefore, it is desirable that the first and second elastic bodies 306 and 307 are on the opposite side of the scanning axis 318 with respect to the first and second protrusions 304 and 305 provided on the side surface of the test piece. The shape of the test piece is such that the first and second protrusions 304 and 305 are in direct contact with the inner wall of the measuring device, and the first and second elastic bodies 306 and 307 are the first and second The projection shape of the test piece can be freely determined as long as it is at a position where a force can be applied in the direction in which the protrusions 304 and 305 and the measuring device are in close contact with each other. However, it is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped shape that can clearly indicate the direction of insertion into the measuring apparatus and that is easy to manufacture, a shape in which a part of the rectangular parallelepiped is missing, or a shape in which a part is protruded.

  In this way, the test piece mounted on the test piece measuring apparatus main body is reciprocated along the direction of the scanning axis 318 by a transfer mechanism (not shown) at the time of measurement, and at that time, the test piece is irradiated with light. The At this time, since the test piece does not move in the direction perpendicular to the scanning axis 318, when the test piece is installed in the measuring apparatus, the test piece is positioned with high accuracy, and the signal region is accurately irradiated with light. Then, the test piece measured by the test piece measuring apparatus is transferred in such a manner that only the handle part 207 protrudes from the apparatus after the measurement, and the measurement is completed. Thereafter, the attachment 302 is withdrawn from the apparatus and only the chromatography carrier 301 is discarded.

  As described above, according to the test piece measurement apparatus of the first embodiment, the attachment 302 is provided with the first and second protrusions 304 and 305, and the measurement table 303 is provided with the first and second elastic bodies 306 and 307. And the first and second elastic bodies 306 and 307 are arranged at positions on the second side surface in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the two protrusions. The attachment 302 including the carrier 301 can be positioned in contact with the second inner side surface of the measurement table 303 with high accuracy without causing positional displacement due to the posture during insertion or vibration during scanning. Can be accurately irradiated and measured, and high-precision quantitative measurement becomes possible. Specifically, in the past, the deviation of the chromatographic carrier 301 was ± 50 μm or more, and the variation in the measurement result was 15% or more. By applying the present invention, the deviation of the chromatographic carrier 301 was measured by about ± 10 μm. Variation in results can be suppressed to 2%, and measurement accuracy can be improved.

  In addition, although the above-mentioned test piece measuring apparatus is provided with two elastic bodies, the number of elastic bodies is not restricted to this, One piece or multiple pieces may be provided. FIG. 3B is a top view of the test piece measuring apparatus when there is one elastic body, and shows a state in which the attachment 302 is mounted on the measuring table 303 on the test piece measuring apparatus main body side.

  In FIG. 3B, the elastic body 319 presses the side surface of the attachment 302, and the first protrusion 304 and the second protrusion 305 come into contact with the inner wall of the measurement table 303. The elastic body 319, the first protrusion 304, and the second protrusion 305 are disposed so as to be opposite to the scanning axis 318, whereby positioning in a direction perpendicular to the scanning axis 318 is performed. Since the elastic body 319 is in contact with and pressed inside the area sandwiched between the first protrusion 304 and the second protrusion 305, the test piece is accurately positioned in the direction perpendicular to the scanning axis 318. Thus, the measurement accuracy of the test piece measuring apparatus can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, a test piece to which a chromatography method is applied is used. However, this is an example of a test piece, and this measurement apparatus requires high-precision positioning in addition to this. Can be applied to measurement using various test pieces such as a fluorescence detection test piece, an absorption detection test piece, and a colorimetric detection test piece.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a top view of the test piece measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the attachment 302 is attached to the test piece measuring apparatus.
In FIG. 4, 401 is a chromatography carrier, and 402 represents an attachment. A first protrusion 404 and a second protrusion 405 are provided on the first side surface 409 in the longitudinal direction of the attachment 402. The shape of each protrusion 404,405 is a semicylindrical shape, and the space | interval of protrusion is about 30 mm. The protrusion can be easily and accurately configured by embedding a round bar having a length of about 5 mm in a ready-made round bar in the side surface of the attachment. A recess 415 is provided on the second side surface 410 in the longitudinal direction on the opposite side of the first side surface 409 in the longitudinal direction. The concave portion 415 is provided at a position where it engages with a first elastic body 406 to be described later, and has an open shape in which the opening region widens from the bottom toward the opening. In addition, it is good also as providing the protrusion shape which has an inclined surface instead of the recessed part 415. FIG. Reference numeral 416 denotes an inclined surface that widens in the lateral direction of the attachment 402 among the inner wall surfaces of the open-shaped recess 415. Note that the first protrusion 404, the second protrusion 405, and the recess 415 may be applied to a case for fixing the test piece to have the same configuration as the attachment 402.

  Reference numeral 403 denotes a measuring table, and a first elastic surface that engages with the inclined surface 416 of the recess 415 and presses the attachment 402 on the first inner side surface 412 at a position facing the second side surface 410 in the longitudinal direction. A body 406 and a second elastic body 407 that presses the second side surface 410 in the longitudinal direction are fixed. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the first and second elastic bodies 406 and 407 are positioned on the second side surface 410 in the longitudinal direction corresponding to between the first protrusion 404 and the second protrusion 405. The pressing direction at this time corresponds to the force line 1 indicated by 417 and the force line 2 indicated by 418, which is sandwiched between the first protrusion 404 and the second protrusion 405. It is inside the area. The material of the first and second elastic bodies 406 and 407 can be arbitrarily selected from metals such as piano wire, copper wire, and stainless steel, and polymer materials such as plastic and nylon as long as they have elasticity. However, it is more preferable that the material is strong against repetitive force, such as polyacetal or stainless spring steel. In the second embodiment, the first elastic body 406 and the second elastic body 407 are connected by the table portion 408.

With respect to the test piece measuring apparatus configured as described above, the operation of housing and fixing the attachment 402 in the measuring table 403, positioning it, and installing the apparatus will be described below.
Similarly to the first embodiment described above, when the chromatography carrier 401 is attached to the attachment 402 and the attachment 402 is inserted into the concave space of the U-shaped measuring table 403, the distal end surface 411 of the second side surface 410. The region between the concave portion 415 and the concave portion 415 is inserted into the measurement table 403 while abutting against the first elastic body 406. At this time, the first elastic body 406 is deformed in the counter-pressing direction. Here, by bending the tip of the first elastic body 406 as shown in FIG. 4 and making the second elastic body 407 semicircular, the resistance when the attachment 402 is mounted can be reduced. It is more preferable that the side surface of the first and second protrusions 404 and 405 be inclined or rounded to reduce the resistance when the attachment 402 is detached.

When the insertion of the attachment 402 is continued, the pressing surface of the first elastic body 406 reaches the end side of the inclined surface 416 of the concave portion 415, and when the attachment 402 is further inserted, the first elastic body 406 and the second side surface 410 described above. The contact with the upper region is released.
Then, the deformed first elastic body 406 is restored, the pressing surface of the first elastic body 406 is engaged with the inclined surface 416 of the concave portion 415, and the attachment 402 is moved in the longitudinal direction and the short direction. Press. Here, by setting the angle of the inclined surface 416 of the recess 415 to 90 degrees to 20 degrees with respect to the short direction of the attachment 402, the resistance at the time of attachment / detachment can be reduced, and the length of the measurement table 403 is short and short. Sufficient pressing force in the hand direction can be obtained.

  When the first elastic body 406 presses the attachment 402, the front end surface 411 of the attachment 402 comes into contact with the inner wall seat surface 414 of the measurement table 403, and the two protrusions 404 and 405 are connected to the first inner surface of the measurement table 403. The attachment 402 can be accurately positioned and fixedly held in contact with the side surface 413 in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction in the measurement table 403. By providing projections similar to the first and second projections 404 and 405 on the distal end surface 411 of the attachment 402 or the inner wall seat surface 414 of the measurement table 403, precise longitudinal positioning is possible.

  As described above, according to the test piece measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment, the attachment 402 is provided with the open recess 415 and the inclined surface 416 of the open recess 415 is pressed by the first elastic body 406. Then, since the attachment 402 is brought into contact with the longitudinal direction and the short direction of the measurement table 403, the attachment 402 can be accurately positioned in the longitudinal direction and the short direction. It becomes possible to improve the measurement accuracy of the apparatus.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5A is a top view of the test piece measuring apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the attachment 502 is attached to the test piece measuring apparatus.

  The test piece measuring apparatus according to the third embodiment is different from the above-described test piece measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment in that a convex body 516 is provided on the second inner side surface 513 of the measuring table 503. . In FIG. 5A, the constituent elements other than the convex body 516 are the same as those in the second embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion where the second inner side surface 513 of the measurement table 503 is in contact with the first protrusion 504 of the attachment 502. As shown in FIG. 5B, the first protrusion 504 of the attachment 502 is in contact with the second inner surface 513 of the measurement table 503 so as to be orthogonal to the convex body 516. The first and second protrusions 504 and 505 and the convex body 516 may have any direction and size as long as they intersect each other. And, it can be configured easily and accurately by embedding a ready-made round bar in the inner surface of the measuring table.

  As described above, according to the test piece measurement apparatus according to the third embodiment, the attachment 502 is provided with the first and second protrusions 504 and 505 and the measurement table 503 is provided with the convex body 516. Since the measurement table 503 is brought into point contact, the positioning accuracy of the attachment 502 can be improved as compared with surface contact that is easily influenced by surface roughness, processing accuracy, and a small deviation in the set position.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 6 is a top view of the test piece measuring apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and shows a state in which the attachment 602 is mounted on the test piece measuring apparatus.

  In FIG. 6, the first protrusion 611 is provided on the first longitudinal side surface 618 of the attachment 602, and the first longitudinal side surface 619 on the opposite side of the first longitudinal side surface 618 includes the first projection 611. The recess 614 is provided. The 1st recessed part 614 is provided in the position engaged with the 1st elastic body 605 mentioned later, and takes the open shape which an opening area | region spreads toward the opening part from the bottom part. Reference numeral 615 denotes a first inclined surface that expands in the lateral direction of the attachment 602 in the inner wall surface of the first recess 614.

  Reference numeral 603 denotes a cover body that holds the attachment 602, and has a U-shaped cross section. The second inner side surface 622 of the cover body 603 includes a first elastic body 605 that engages with the first inclined surface 615 of the first recess 614 and presses the attachment 602, and a second side surface 619 in the longitudinal direction. A second elastic body 606 to be pressed is fixed. As shown in FIG. 6, the first and second elastic bodies 605 and 606 are positioned on the second side surface 619 in the longitudinal direction corresponding to two projections on the first side surface 618 in the longitudinal direction. They are arranged to transmit force in the direction of force lines 1 to 3 indicated by 630, 631 and 632, respectively. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the first and second elastic bodies 605 and 606 are one-piece plate spring elastic bodies connected by the first table portion 609, thereby saving space and reducing the cost. The required function can be realized. 616 is a 2nd recessed part, Since it is the structure similar to the 1st recessed part 614 mentioned above, the description is abbreviate | omitted. Reference numeral 613 denotes a third protrusion provided on the front end surface 626 of the cover body 603.

  Reference numeral 604 denotes a measuring table that detachably holds the cover body 603, and has a U-shaped cross section. The fourth inner surface 628 of the measurement table 604 is engaged with the second inclined surface 617 of the second recess 616 and presses the cover body 603, and the second elastic body 607 of the cover body 603. A fourth elastic body 608 that presses the outer side surface 625 of the rim is fixed. The third elastic body 607 transmits the force to the force lines 4 and 5 in the directions of 633 and 634, and the fourth elastic body 608 transmits the force to the force line 6 in the direction of 635.

  With respect to the test piece measuring apparatus configured as described above, the attachment 602 is housed and fixed in the cover body 603 for positioning, and the cover body 603 is housed and fixed in the measuring table 604 for positioning and the apparatus is installed. The operation will be described below.

  Similarly to the first embodiment described above, when the chromatography carrier 601 is attached to the attachment 602 and the attachment 602 is inserted into the recessed space of the U-shaped cover body 603, the distal end surface on the second side surface 619 The region between 620 and the first recess 614 is inserted into the cover body 603 while abutting against the first elastic body 605. At this time, the first elastic body 605 is deformed in the counter-pressing direction.

  When the insertion of the attachment 602 is continued, the pressing surface of the first elastic body 605 reaches the end of the inclined surface 615 of the first recess 614, and when the attachment 602 is further inserted, the first elastic body 605 and the first elastic body 605 described above. The contact with the region on the two side surfaces 619 is released.

  Then, the deformed first elastic body 605 is restored, the pressing surface of the first elastic body 605 is engaged with the inclined surface 615 of the concave portion 614, and the attachment 602 is moved in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. Press. Here, by setting the angle of the inclined surface of the first recess 614 to 90 degrees to 20 degrees with respect to the short direction of the attachment 602, the resistance at the time of attachment / detachment can be reduced, and a sufficient pressing force can be obtained. Obtainable.

  When the first elastic body 605 presses the attachment 602, the front end surface 620 of the attachment 602 comes into contact with the first inner wall seat surface 623 of the cover body 603, and the two first protrusions 611 are formed on the cover body 603. The attachment 602 can be accurately positioned in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction in the cover body 603 and fixedly held by coming into contact with the first inner surface 621.

  Next, in order to fix and hold the cover 603 in which the attachment 602 is inserted and fixed as described above, the attachment 602 is fixed to the measurement table 604, the cover 603 is measured in a U-shaped cross section. The operation of inserting the attachment 602 into the cover body 603 except that the cover body 603 comes into contact with the measurement table 604 via the third protrusion 613 is inserted into the recess 604. Since it is almost the same, the description is omitted. In addition, it is good also as a structure which contact | abuts the front end surface 626 of the cover body 603 directly on the 2nd inner wall seat surface 629 of the measurement stand 604, without providing the 3rd protrusion 613, and the 1st provided in the cover body 603 is also possible. The second protrusions 612 and 613 may be provided on the inner surface side of the measurement table 604.

  As described above, according to the test piece measuring apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, the attachment 602 is provided with the first concave portion 614 having an open shape, and the first inclined surface 615 of the first concave portion 614 is covered with the cover body. Since the attachment 602 is brought into contact with the cover body 603 in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction by being pressed by the first elastic body 605 provided on the attachment 602, accurate positioning of the attachment 602 in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction is performed. In addition, the cover body 603 is provided with a second concave portion 616 having an open shape, and the second inclined surface 617 of the second concave portion 616 is pressed by the third elastic body 607 provided on the cover body 603. Since the cover body 603 is brought into contact with the longitudinal direction and the short direction of the measuring table 605, the cover body 603 can be accurately positioned in the longitudinal direction and the short direction. , It is possible to improve the measurement accuracy of the test strip measuring device.

  The test piece measuring apparatus according to the present invention can perform quantitative measurement with high precision positioning with a small apparatus and a small test piece, and can perform medical clinical examination capable of high precision measurement with a small number of samples. In addition, it is useful in that it is possible to provide R & D equipment that can measure with high accuracy with a small number of samples.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a test piece measuring apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is the schematic which mounted | wore the attachment with the chromatography carrier of the test strip measuring apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which mounted | wore the attachment with the chromatography carrier of the test strip measuring apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which mounted | wore the attachment with the chromatography carrier of the test strip measuring apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which attached the attachment to the measurement stand of the test piece measuring apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which attached the attachment to the measurement stand of the test piece measuring apparatus by the modification of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which mounted | wore the measurement stand with the attachment holding the test piece of the test piece measuring apparatus by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is the schematic which mounted | wore the measurement stand with the attachment of the test piece measuring device by Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is an enlarged view of the part which the measurement stand and attachment of the test piece measuring device by Embodiment 4 of this invention contact. It is the figure which looked at the measuring stand of the test piece measuring apparatus by Embodiment 4 of this invention from the upper surface. It is the schematic of the measurement stand of the conventional test piece measuring apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Test piece 102 Coloration area 103 Light source 104 Lens 105 Light receiving part 106 Computer 107 Display device 108 Attachment 109, 201 Chromatographic carrier 110 Scanning direction axis 111 Scanning direction 202 Attachment lower part 203 Attachment upper part 204 First protrusion 205 Second protrusion 206 Notch 207 Handle 208 Scanning direction axis 301 Chromatographic carrier 302 Attachment 303 Measuring base 304 First protrusion 305 Second protrusion 306 First elastic body 307 Second elastic body 308 Table sections 309, 310 First, longitudinal Second side surface 311 in the direction Tip surfaces 312, 313 First and second inner side surfaces 314 Inner wall seating surface 315 Curved portion 316 Force line 1
317 Force line 2
401 Chromatographic Carrier 402 Attachment 403 Measurement Base 404 First Projection 405 Second Projection 406 First Elastic Body 407 Second Elastic Body 408 Table Units 409, 410 First, Longitudinal Second Side Surface 411 Tip Surface 412, 413 First and second inner side surfaces 414 Inner wall seating surface 415 Recessed portion 416 Inclined surface 417 Force line 1
418 Power line 2
501 Chromatography carrier 502 Attachment 503 Measuring base 504 First protrusion 505 Second protrusion 506 First elastic body 507 Second elastic body 508 Table portion 509, 510 First, second side surface 511 in the longitudinal direction Front end surface 512, 513 First and second inner side surfaces 514 Inner wall seating surface 515 Concave portion 516 Convex body 517 Force line 1
518 Force line 2
601 Chromatographic carrier 602 Attachment 603 Cover body 604 Measuring table 605-608 First to fourth elastic bodies 609 First table portion 610 Second table portions 611-613 First to third protrusions 614 First recess 615 First inclined surface 616 Second recessed portion 617 Second inclined surfaces 618, 619 First, second side surface 620 in the longitudinal direction Front end surface 621, 622 First, second inner side surface 623 First inner wall seat surface 624 , 625 First and second outer side surfaces 626 Front end surfaces 627 and 628 of the cover body Third and fourth inner side surfaces 629 Second inner wall seating surface 630 Force line 1
631 Power line 2
632 Power Line 3
633 Force Line 4
634 Force Line 5
635 force line 6

Claims (18)

A test piece measuring device in which a test piece having at least two protrusions on a side surface is inserted,
A contact surface in contact with the at least two protrusions;
A drive mechanism for changing the irradiation position of the light on the test piece so that the light applied to the test piece forms a constant scanning axis on the test piece;
And at least one elastic body that presses the side surface of the test piece opposite to the side surface on which the at least two protrusions are provided with respect to the scanning axis formed on the test piece,
The elastic body presses the test piece so that the pressing direction vector of the elastic body passes through the region between the at least two protrusions, thereby positioning the test piece with respect to the test piece measuring apparatus. The
A test piece measuring apparatus. In the test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 1,
The test piece is provided with an inclined portion on a side surface of the test piece opposite to a side surface on which the at least two protrusions are provided with respect to the scanning axis formed on the test piece,
The inclined portion is disposed at a position where a normal vector of the inclined portion passes through a region between the at least two protrusions.
The at least one elastic body is brought into contact with the inclined portion, thereby positioning the test piece with respect to the measuring device.
A test piece measuring apparatus. In the test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
Two elastic bodies for pressing the test piece are provided,
A test piece measuring apparatus. In the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The test piece is removable;
A test piece measuring apparatus. In the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The contact surface that contacts the at least two protrusions is provided with a convex body that makes point contact with the at least two protrusions, respectively.
A test piece measuring apparatus. In the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The test piece is inserted into the test piece measuring apparatus body through a cover body that is detachable from the measuring apparatus body.
A test piece measuring apparatus. In the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The test piece is a test piece for chromatography,
A test piece measuring apparatus. In the test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 7,
The test member placed on the test piece is a chromatography carrier,
A test piece measuring apparatus. In the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The number of lights irradiated on the test piece is equal to or more than the number of signal areas that are sample addition areas on the test piece,
A test piece measuring apparatus. A test piece measuring device in which a substantially rectangular test piece is removably inserted into a measurement table,
On the first side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece, two protrusions are provided in the longitudinal direction,
At least one elastic body is provided on the second side surface in the longitudinal direction on the inner side surface of the measuring table facing the second side surface in the longitudinal direction opposite to the first side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece. Provided to contact at a position between positions corresponding to the two protrusions on the first side surface on the second side surface;
The elastic body abuts the test piece against the second side surface and presses the test piece toward the first side surface, thereby bringing the two protrusions into contact with the inner side surface of the measuring table facing the first side surface. ,
Positioning of the test piece with respect to the measurement table is performed.
A test piece measuring apparatus. In the test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 10,
Two elastic bodies are disposed on the second side surface in the longitudinal direction on the inner side surface of the measurement table facing the second side surface in the longitudinal direction opposite to the first side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece. Provided to contact at a position between positions corresponding to the two protrusions on the first side surface on two side surfaces;
A test piece measuring apparatus. A test piece measuring device in which a substantially rectangular test piece is removably inserted into a measurement table,
On the first side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece, two protrusions are provided in the longitudinal direction,
A concave portion or a convex portion provided on the test piece between positions corresponding to the two protrusions on the first side surface of the inner side surface of the measuring table facing the second side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece; An elastic body to be engaged is provided,
The elastic body presses the test piece against the first side surface and the tip surface side of the test piece by engaging the elastic body with the concave portion or the convex portion of the test piece, Two protrusions are brought into contact with the inner surface of the measurement table, and the tip surface of the test piece is brought into contact with an inner wall seat surface of the measurement table,
Positioning of the test piece with respect to the measurement table is performed.
A test piece measuring apparatus. The test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 12, wherein
A concave portion or a convex portion provided on the test piece between positions corresponding to the two protrusions on the first side surface of the inner side surface of the measuring table facing the second side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece; A first elastic body that abuts and a second elastic body that abuts the second side surface;
The first elastic body is configured such that the first elastic body engages with a concave portion or a convex portion of the test piece, so that the test piece is placed on the first side surface side and on the front end surface side of the test piece. And pressing the two projections against the inner surface of the measurement table, bringing the tip surface of the test piece into contact with the inner wall seat surface of the measurement table, and the second elastic body , Pressing the test piece in the short direction of the test piece to bring the two protrusions on the test piece into contact with the inner surface of the measurement table,
Positioning of the test piece with respect to the measurement table is performed.
A test piece measuring apparatus. In the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
On the inner side surface of the measuring table facing the first side surface in the longitudinal direction, a convex body that makes point contact with each of the two protrusions is provided.
A test piece measuring apparatus. A test piece measuring device in which a substantially rectangular test piece is removably inserted into a cover body, and the cover body is removably inserted into a measurement table,
On the first side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece, two protrusions are provided in the longitudinal direction,
A first recess provided in the test piece between positions corresponding to the two protrusions on the first side surface of the inner surface of the cover body facing the second side surface in the longitudinal direction of the test piece; A first elastic body that engages with the convex portion, and a second elastic body that contacts the second side surface;
The first elastic body is configured such that the first elastic body engages with the first concave portion or the convex portion of the test piece, so that the test piece is placed on the first side surface side and the tip of the test piece. Pressing the two sides of the test piece into contact with the inner side surface of the cover body, causing the front end surface of the test piece to contact the inner wall seat surface of the cover body, and The elastic body of 2 presses the test piece in the short direction so that the two protrusions on the test piece come into contact with the inner surface of the cover body,
Two protrusions are provided in the longitudinal direction on the first outer surface of the cover body,
A third abutting portion of the measuring table is in contact with a second concave portion or a convex portion provided on the second outer surface on the inner surface facing the second outer surface opposite to the first outer surface. An elastic body and a fourth elastic body in contact with the second outer surface are provided;
The third elastic body is configured such that when the third elastic body engages with the second concave portion or the convex portion of the cover body, the cover body is placed on the first outer surface side and the cover Pressing the front end surface side of the body so that the two protrusions of the cover body abut on the inner surface of the measurement table, the front end surface of the cover body abuts on the inner wall seat surface of the measurement table, and The fourth elastic body is configured to press the cover body toward the first outer surface side so that two protrusions on the cover body are brought into contact with the inner surface of the measurement table,
Positioning of the test piece with respect to the cover body and positioning of the cover body with respect to the measurement table are performed.
A test piece measuring apparatus. In the test piece measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 15,
The test strip is a chromatographic test strip,
A test piece measuring apparatus. The test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 15,
The test piece is composed of a chromatography carrier and an attachment to which the chromatography carrier is attached.
A test piece measuring apparatus. The test piece measuring apparatus according to claim 15 or 16,
The test piece is for quantitatively measuring the concentration of the sample by irradiating the sample on the test piece with light.
A test piece measuring apparatus.

Images