JP4566231B2 - Biosensor dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a biosensor that quantifies a specific component in various biological samples, a biosensor cartridge having a biosensor measurement function, and a biosensor dispensing apparatus to which the biosensor cartridge is attached, and particularly stores a plurality of biosensors. In addition, the present invention relates to a biosensor dispensing apparatus to which biosensors are sequentially sent and a biosensor cartridge capable of a plurality of measurements is attached.

  In recent years, various biosensors utilizing the specific catalytic action of enzymes have been developed, and biosensors that can be measured particularly quickly and accurately have been put into practical use, while application to clinical fields has been attempted. Has been.

  For example, with glucose sensors, where the number of diabetic patients is increasing rapidly, measuring blood glucose levels and managing blood plasma in the conventional manner requires a very complicated procedure to measure plasma by centrifuging blood. There has been a demand for a sensor that can measure whole blood. A biosensor described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-294351 can be cited as a means for realizing such a biosensor. According to the measurement method using this technology, a predetermined voltage is supplied from a dedicated measuring instrument to the electrode system of the sensor to measure the current value flowing between the electrodes, and the sample is obtained based on the signal obtained by measurement. The substrate concentration in the liquid is calculated and the value is displayed on the display unit of the measuring instrument.

  Also, regarding the form of the biosensor and its measuring instrument, use a biosensor cartridge described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-262026, which is loaded with a plurality of biosensors. Has developed a biosensor dispensing device that can perform multiple measurements, and it is not recommended for users such as diabetics who have many elderly people to attach a sensor to the attachment port of the measuring instrument when using it for measurement. For example, when the sensor is dropped, the sensor is inserted in the reverse direction, or the measurement is performed with the sensor inserted in the reverse direction, the complicated aspect has been improved.

  FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a biosensor dispensing apparatus using a conventional biosensor. A plurality of blood glucose sensors (biosensors) each disposed in a sensor holding cavity 312 in fluid communication with a corresponding desiccant cavity 311 having desiccant material disposed therein. A biosensor dispensing device 300 adapted to receive a generally circular biosensor pack (biosensor cartridge) 310, the biosensor dispensing device 300 having an upper case 301 and a lower case 302; The upper case 301 and the lower case 302 have an outer housing 303 that can rotate relative to each other like a bivalve shell and can be positioned to use the biosensor pack 310 therein. The biosensor pack 310 is so disposed within the housing and a slide latch 314 on the slide actuator 306 disposed on the upper case 301 of the housing controls the setting of the device to display / data processing mode or test mode. To do.

  The biosensor dispensing device is set to its display mode by moving the slide latch 314 to its display mode, ie, to the side on the slide actuator 306. When the slide actuator 306 is pushed from its standby position near the rear of the device housing to the front end of the device housing, the user of the device visually recognizes data displayed on a display unit (not shown) in the upper case 301. And / or data can be entered into the device via a manual button (not shown) at the rear of the upper case 301. On the other hand, when the slide latch 314 is in the test mode and the slide actuator 306 is pushed from its standby position to its test position near the front end of the device housing, the device is in its test position. When the slide actuator 306 is activated or pushed to the test position, the biosensor is released from each of the sensor holding cavities 312 and is therefore placed in the test position. A printed circuit board microprocessor (not shown) and / or a biosensor test end protruding from the test end 305 of the housing and a contact on the sensor disposed within the bivalve shell on top of the outer housing 304 Coupled to other data processing circuits. As a result, the data obtained from the sensor can be processed when inserted into the blood to be tested. The processed data can then be displayed on the display unit in the upper case 301 of the device or stored for later supply to other analytical instruments via a data port connector (not shown). it can.

  Once the blood analysis test is complete, the slide actuator 306 is moved to its standby position in the opposite direction toward the rear of the device housing. As the slide actuator 306 is returned from its test position, the biosensor is removed from the biosensor dispenser 300 and the biosensor pack 310 is advanced (rotated) so that the other biosensor becomes biosensor pack 310. And can be used for the next blood glucose test to be performed.

The biosensor dispensing device further includes a manual button (not shown) disposed at the rear of the upper bivalve shell portion of the outer housing 303 adjacent to the data port connector (not shown). These buttons are used by the user of the device to enter data into electrical components on the printed wiring board or to obtain information regarding the test being performed. If data regarding the tests performed were accumulated in the printed circuit board electrical circuitry, this data could be transferred to other monitoring devices via a data port connector, also attached to the rear of the upper bivalve shell portion of the device housing. Or can be communicated to computer equipment.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-294351 JP 08-262026 A

  However, according to the conventional biosensor cartridge and the biosensor dispensing apparatus to which the biosensor cartridge is attached, the area occupied by the biosensor cartridge itself increases because the individual biosensors must be arranged in a plane. There was a problem. Further, it is very inconvenient for the user, such as not knowing the remaining amount of biosensor stored in the biosensor cartridge.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and the biosensor cartridge to be mounted inside the biosensor dispensing device has a small occupation area, and the biosensor stored in the biosensor cartridge can be easily operated manually. It is an object of the present invention to provide a biosensor dispensing device that can sequentially send out sensors and can easily check the remaining amount of biosensors in a biosensor cartridge in use.

  A biosensor dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is a biosensor dispensing apparatus that acquires electrical data detected by a biosensor, and stacks and aligns a plurality of plate-like biosensors in the thickness direction. The biosensor cartridge can be stored, and when performing the target biometric value measurement, the biosensors are taken out one by one by the biosensor ejecting means that sequentially sends out the biosensor stored in the biosensor cartridge in the longitudinal direction thereof. Further, biosensor remaining amount confirmation means for confirming the remaining amount of the biosensor is provided, and the biosensor remaining amount confirmation means counts the number of operations of the biosensor ejecting means.

  A biosensor dispensing device according to claim 2 of the present invention is the biosensor dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the number of operations of the biosensor ejecting means is counted electrically or mechanically. It is what.

  A biosensor dispensing device according to claim 3 of the present invention is the biosensor dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the number of operations of the biosensor ejecting means is counted according to replacement of the biosensor cartridge. Is intended to be reset.

  The biosensor dispensing apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention is the biosensor dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the biosensor remaining amount checking means is further provided in the biosensor cartridge. It is intended to include those in which dummy sensors are arranged for every certain number of sheets.

  Moreover, the biosensor dispensing device according to claim 5 of the present invention is the biosensor dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the biosensor remaining amount checking means is further provided in the biosensor dispensing device. Including those that allow the remaining amount of the biosensor to be viewed through a transparent window.

  The biosensor dispensing apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention is the biosensor dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the biosensor remaining amount confirmation unit further assigns a serial number to the plurality of biosensors. In addition, it is intended to include the one that confirms the remaining amount of the biosensor by visually checking the serial number of the biosensor.

  The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 7 of the present invention is the biosensor dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the biosensor remaining amount checking means is further provided in the biosensor cartridge. A serial number is assigned to a plurality of biosensors, a dummy sensor is arranged for each fixed number of sheets, a remaining amount of the biosensor is visible through a transparent window provided in the biosensor dispensing device, and a plurality of biosensors. It is intended to include at least two of the biosensors for which the remaining amount of the biosensor is confirmed by visually checking the serial number of the biosensor.

  According to the biosensor dispensing apparatus according to the present invention, in the biosensor dispensing apparatus that acquires electrical data detected by the biosensor, a plurality of plate-like biosensors are stacked in the thickness direction and aligned. Since the sensor cartridge can be stored and the biosensor is taken out one by one when the target biometric value measurement is performed, and the biosensor remaining amount confirming means for confirming the remaining amount of the biosensor is provided, a small number of biosensors are provided. The measurement operation can be performed continuously, and the user can easily grasp the usage amount of the biosensor, thereby providing a system with good operability.

  A biosensor ejecting means for sequentially sending out the biosensors stored in the biosensor cartridge in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the biosensor remaining amount confirmation means counts the number of operations of the biosensor ejecting means; Therefore, even if the biosensor cartridge is replaced, the main body is reset every time, so that there is an effect that reliable measurement can be performed.

  In addition, since the number of operations of the biosensor ejecting means is counted electrically or mechanically, the number of uses of the biosensor can be measured, and the amount of use of the biosensor can be easily grasped. There is an effect that can be done.

  Further, since the count of the number of operations of the biosensor ejecting means is reset in accordance with the replacement of the biosensor cartridge, the main body device must be reset each time the biosensor cartridge is replaced. Thus, there is an effect that the number of used sheets can be reliably measured.

  In addition, since the biosensor remaining amount checking means is formed by arranging dummy sensors for every predetermined number of biosensors in the biosensor cartridge, it is possible to visually check even if the remaining amount of biosensor is not counted. In addition, the remaining amount of the biosensor can be determined.

  In addition, since the biosensor remaining amount confirmation means can visually check the remaining amount of the biosensor through a transparent window provided in the biosensor dispensing device, the remaining amount of the biosensor can be easily confirmed from the outside of the device. There is an effect that can be done.

  Further, since the biosensor remaining amount confirmation means assigns a serial number to a plurality of biosensors and visually confirms the remaining amount of the biosensor by visually checking the biosensor serial number, the biosensor can be easily operated by the operator. There is an effect that can check the remaining amount of.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
(Embodiment 1)
The biosensor cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and the biosensor dispensing apparatus to which the biosensor cartridge is attached include a plurality of stacked biosensor cartridges stored in a certain direction and attached to the biosensor dispensing apparatus. It is designed to be compact and to enable continuous measurement.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a biosensor dispensing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
1, the biosensor dispensing device 30 includes a main body case 34, and the main body case 34 is provided on the surface of the main body case 34 so that a biosensor cartridge 38 containing the biosensor 46 can be fitted into the main body case 34. In order to give information about the recessed portion (cartridge storage chamber) 70 and the test being performed, a display screen 52 that processes input from the display button unit 47 and outputs and displays information on the accumulated measurement results. In addition, a confirmation window (biosensor remaining amount confirming means) 206 that can visually recognize the biosensor cartridge 38 attached to the main body case 34 is provided. Further, a biosensor projecting window (biosensor holding member) 119 for sending the biosensor 46 to the outside of the main body case 34 is provided on the test end 44 side of the main body case, and the biosensor 46 is disposed on the side surface of the main body case 34. An operation button (operation button portion) 40 for performing an operation to be sent out from the sensor protruding window 119 is provided.

The operation of the biosensor dispensing apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the biosensor cartridge 38 includes a cartridge erroneous attachment preventing member (erroneous attachment preventing means) 124a formed on its side surface and a cartridge erroneous attachment preventing member engaging portion (uneven portion) formed in the recessed portion 70 of the main body case 34. ) 124b is inserted into engagement. When the opening / closing lid 54 provided at the end of the opening of the recessed portion 70 is closed, the cartridge pressing member 58 provided in the opening / closing lid 54 presses the biosensor cartridge 38 to complete the mounting.

  Subsequently, the operation button 40 is formed with a recess 213 for placing and pressing a finger, and further, a release member 210 for releasing an operation of a biosensor protrusion preventing mechanism described later is formed in the recess 213. . Then, the user slides the operation button 40 after pushing the release member 210. In this way, the biosensor 46 can be sent out from the biosensor ejection window 119 in accordance with the measurement position.

Next, the operation of taking out the biosensors stored in the biosensor cartridge one by one will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a side surface of the biosensor dispensing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body case 34 includes a biosensor cartridge loading port 55 for loading the biosensor cartridge 38 and a biosensor cartridge guide wall 32 for guiding loading of the biosensor cartridge 38. A biosensor pressing member (pressurizing means) 142 that pressurizes the biosensor 46 in the stacking direction is provided inside the biosensor cartridge 38 that houses the biosensor 46. In the recess (FIG. 1, reference numeral 70) in which the biosensor cartridge 38 is loaded, sealing rollers (sealing roller means) 105a and 105b for closing the opening provided in the bottom surface of the biosensor cartridge 38 are locked. Stop roller locking members 102a and 102b and sealing roller lifting / lowering members (sealing roller hanging members) 103 that lift and lower the sealing rollers 105a and 105b are provided. Further, on the test end 44 side of the main body case with respect to the portion including the biosensor cartridge 38, a base portion 41 for leading the biosensor 46 delivered from the biosensor cartridge 38 and an electrical connection with the biosensor 46 are connected. An electrode arm (electrode holding member) 95 to be performed, a contact portion 96 of the electrode arm that is electrically connected to the sensor electrode portion of the biosensor, and a rotating action portion 101 that rotates the electrode arm 95 are provided. Further, on the rear end 42 side of the main body case with respect to the portion including the biosensor cartridge 38, a biosensor protrusion member (biosensor protrusion) that sequentially sends out the biosensor 46 accommodated in the biosensor cartridge 38 in the longitudinal direction thereof. 48), and on the upper surface of the biosensor protruding member 48, there is provided an electrode arm tilting wall 220 that engages with the rotation action portion 101 when the biosensor 46 is delivered. In addition, about the other structure, the same site | part as FIG. 1 attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.

The operation of sending biosensors one by one from the biosensor dispensing apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.
After the biosensor cartridge 38 is disposed along the biosensor cartridge guide wall 32 from the biosensor cartridge loading port 55 of the main body case 34, if the opening / closing lid (FIG. 1, reference numeral 54) is closed, the back surface of the opening / closing lid 54 The cartridge pressing member 58 provided in the is fixed by pressing the biosensor cartridge 38.

  Subsequently, the operation button (FIG. 1, reference numeral 40) provided on the side surface of the main body case 34 is slid to the test end 44 side of the main body case or the rear end 42 side of the main body case, whereby the biosensor ejecting member 48. Pushes the biosensor 46 accommodated in the biosensor cartridge 38 in conjunction with the operation of the operation button. The bottom surface side of the biosensor 46 pushed out from the biosensor cartridge 38 is guided by the base portion 41 so that the base portion of the biosensor 46 is not caught. Then, the biosensor 46 is sent out from the biosensor ejection window (biosensor holding member) 119. Further, at this time, the electrode arm tilting wall 220 of the biosensor protruding member 48 is in contact with the rotating action portion 101 and rotated, and the contact portion 96 of the electrode arm is in contact with the biosensor 46 and is electrically connected. become.

Next, the configuration of the biosensor will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the biosensor according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the biosensor, and FIG. 3B is a diagram in which the portions of the biosensor of FIG. 3A are stacked.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the biosensor 46 has a counter electrode 5, a measurement electrode 4, a lead wire 2 connected thereto, and a lead on the surface of the base portion 56 in which a biosensor rear end notch (recess) 115 is formed at one end. The wire 3 and the insulating layer 6 are provided, and a sensor electrode portion (electrode portion) 109 that is electrically connected to the biosensor dispensing device 30 is formed on the biosensor rear end cutout portion 115 side. The surface of the base portion 56 is formed with a spacer 7 having a U-shaped cutout 8 serving as an air hole at a portion corresponding to the measurement electrode 4, and a sample supply hole communicating with the cutout 8 of the spacer 7. The biosensor 46 shown in FIG. 3B is configured by sequentially covering the cover 9 formed with 1 and fixing the base portion 56, the spacer 7 and the cover 9 together. 3B, the electrode step 151 is provided when the biosensor 46 is formed from FIG. 3A, and the spotted portion 100 is a portion where the sample is dropped.

  That is, when the sensor electrode unit 109 can be electrically connected to the biosensor dispensing device 30 via the contact point 96 of the electrode arm, the sample supply on the spotting unit 100 side including the enzyme of the biosensor 46 is supplied. When the sample is dropped into the hole 1, the sample is guided onto the counter electrode 5 and the measurement electrode 4 by capillary action, and the measurement result can be output by the biosensor electrode unit 109.

  The biosensor 46 is made of a resin sheet such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and the base portion 56 between the spotting portion 100 and the biosensor electrode portion 109 of the biosensor 46 is in the vicinity of the biosensor electrode portion 109. In the resin sheet region, the resin sheet is joined to the peripheral resin sheet.

Next, the configuration of the biosensor cartridge in which a plurality of biosensors are stored will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the biosensor cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and a side view of the sealing roller portion, and FIG. 4A shows the opening of the biosensor cartridge being closed. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a state in which an opening portion of the biosensor cartridge is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the biosensor cartridge 38 includes a cartridge case 110 provided with a biosensor storage chamber 98 that stores the biosensor 46, and a lid 114 that opens and closes the upper surface of the cartridge case 110. The biosensor 46 is stacked and stored in the biosensor storage chamber 98 in the same direction. When the upper surface of the cartridge case 110 is closed by the lid portion 114, the upper surface of the biosensor 46 on which the biosensor pressing member (pressurizing means) 142 is stacked is pressed and fixed. At this time, the area of the portion where the biosensor pressing member 142 abuts on the planar portion of the biosensor 46 is made larger than the area of the planar portion of the biosensor 46. In addition, a desiccant storage chamber in which the desiccant 112 is stored is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge case 110, and the inside of the biosensor storage chamber 98 is kept dry. A plurality of openings (not shown) are formed on the wall surface of the desiccant storage chamber in order to efficiently dry the biosensor storage chamber.

  A biosensor protrusion member inlet 141 into which the biosensor protrusion member 48 is inserted and a biosensor protrusion opening 140 from which the biosensor 46 is taken out when the biosensor protrusion member 48 is inserted are formed on the bottom surface portion of the cartridge case 110. It is open. Sealing rollers (sealing roller means) 105a and 105b for closing the biosensor protruding member inlet 141 and the biosensor protruding port 140 are installed. Further, a cylindrical sealing roller pressing recess 113 is formed on the outer surface side of the biosensor ejection member inlet 141 and the biosensor ejection port 140, and a sealing roller made of an elastic member having flexibility. 105a and 105b are in contact with each other to close the opening.

The operation of the biosensor cartridge configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when the biosensor cartridge 38 is attached to the biosensor dispensing device, the sealing rollers 105a and 105b are formed at the biosensor ejecting member inlet 141 and the biosensor ejecting opening 140 of the biosensor cartridge 38. It arrange | positions so that it may contact | abut to the recessed part 113 for a sealing roller press, and it may contact | adhere and block | close an opening part (FIG. 4 (a)). Next, when ejecting the biosensor 46, the operation button (FIG. 1, reference numeral 40) is operated to move the sealing rollers 105a and 105b to the upper surface of the movable range of the sealing roller, thereby protruding the biosensor. Retreat from the member inlet 141 and the biosensor outlet 140. The biosensor ejecting member 48 ejects the biosensor 46 from the biosensor ejecting member inlet 141 side, whereby the biosensor 46 can be discharged from the biosensor ejecting port 140 (FIG. 4B). At this time, by making the thickness of the biosensor protrusion member 48 smaller than the thickness of the biosensor 46, the biosensors 46 can be reliably protruded one by one.

  The biosensor cartridge 38 is formed of a material having extremely low water permeability such as polypropylene (PP) resin, and further, the thickness of the biosensor cartridge 38 is set to 1 mm or more by molding, so that the waterproofness as the cartridge case 110 can be reliably ensured. .

  The biosensor storage chamber 98 is hermetically sealed with the sealing rollers 105a and 105b so that the individual biosensors 46 are kept in a dry state without communicating with the outside air. Yes. As a result, the opening operation of the individual biosensors 46 to the atmosphere that occurs during the measurement operation of the individual biosensors 46 is performed on the unused biosensors 46 loaded in a stacked state in the biosensor storage chamber 98. Since it is only exposed to the atmosphere for a short time during measurement, it does not significantly affect any dry state.

  Further, the mounting force when attaching the biosensor cartridge 38 to the biosensor dispensing device 30 is set to a level that does not hinder operability, and is set to a low load of 1 N (100 gf) or less per one. Further, the surface of the sealing rollers 105a and 105b is made of an elastic body or elastomer such as silicon rubber, nitrile rubber (NBR), or ethylene propylene copolymer (EPDM), which is a material having low compression residual strain. The shape can be easily adapted to the cartridge case 110 which is the counterpart material when pressed, and the sealing performance and adhesion can be improved.

  As described above, the biosensor cartridge according to the first embodiment and the biosensor dispensing apparatus to which the biosensor cartridge is attached store the biosensor laminated in the thickness direction in the biosensor cartridge, and the biosensor cartridge is stored in the biosensor cartridge. Since it is attached to the sensor dispensing device and taken out one by one, the size and area of the biosensor cartridge can be reduced, so that the biosensor dispensing device can be reduced in size and more than once. The measurement operation can be performed continuously.

  In addition, since the biosensor cartridges are stacked and stored with the biosensors facing in the same direction, there is no need for a mechanism for changing the posture and direction when storing the biosensor, and the biosensor cartridge is a simple mechanism. Can be sent out.

  In addition, since the storage position of the biosensor stored in the biosensor cartridge and the desiccant is stored in a state where they overlap each other in the thickness direction of the biosensor cartridge, the biosensor cartridge in the biosensor dispensing apparatus The occupied area can be reduced, and downsizing can be achieved.

  In addition, the biosensor cartridge is provided with a biosensor pressing member that pressurizes the biosensor in the stacking direction from the upper surface to the lower surface. Can stick out.

  In addition, since the area of the portion of the biosensor pressing member provided in the biosensor cartridge that comes into contact with the planar portion of the biosensor is larger than the area of the planar portion of the biosensor, the biosensor is surely pressed. Can do.

  Further, when attaching the biosensor cartridge to the recessed portion of the main body case, the cartridge erroneous mounting preventing member provided on the side surface of the biosensor cartridge and the cartridge erroneous mounting preventing member engaging portion provided in the recessed portion are engaged. Since it is attached, it is possible to prevent erroneous mounting of the biosensor cartridge.

  The cartridge mismounting prevention member and the cartridge mismounting prevention member engaging portion may be provided in a portion other than the movable portion of the bottom surface portion, the upper surface portion, and the sealing roller of the biosensor cartridge. It does not restrict and you may make it provide two or more. With this configuration, the biosensor cartridge can be reliably mounted, and the sealing roller reliably seals and opens the biosensor cartridge without hindering the operation of the sealing roller. be able to.

  In addition, since the operation direction of the biosensor ejecting means and the electrical connection means are arranged in substantially the same straight line with respect to the longitudinal direction of the biosensor, the biosensor is sent to the biosensor in a straight line. Without applying a load, the disposal operation of the biosensor after measurement does not require a complicated mechanism.

  In addition, because multiple biosensors are stacked in the same direction on the biosensor cartridge, there is no need for a mechanism to change the posture and direction when storing the biosensor, and the biosensor can be sent out with a simple mechanism. Is possible.

  Further, since the desiccant is stored in the desiccant storage chamber formed on the lid of the biosensor cartridge, the capacity of the biosensor storage chamber can be increased, and a compact biosensor cartridge can be designed. it can.

  In addition, you may make it form a some opening part in the wall surface of a desiccant storage chamber, and it can dry a biosensor storage chamber efficiently by forming in this way.

  Moreover, since the thickness of the biosensor protruding member is formed to be smaller than the thickness of the biosensor, the biosensor can be reliably protruded one by one.

  In addition, since the opening of the biosensor cartridge is formed in the cylindrical recess, the sealing roller can be reliably brought into contact with the periphery including the opening of the biosensor cartridge, and the biosensor cartridge can be securely sealed. Can be done.

  Further, since the sealing roller is formed of a flexible elastic member, the opening of the biosensor cartridge can be reliably sealed.

  In addition, by forming the elastic body of the sealing roller with a material having a low compressive residual strain, even if the biosensor cartridge is used for a long time, the roller portion can be reliably sealed without remaining deformed.

  Further, the biosensor cartridge is formed of a material having almost no water permeability, so that the humidity control when the biosensor is stored can be reliably performed.

  Moreover, the water | moisture content which permeate | transmits the material of a biosensor cartridge can be suppressed because the thickness of a biosensor cartridge shall be 1 mm or more, and deterioration of a biosensor can be prevented.

  Further, since the operation button for discharging the biosensor is attached to the side surface of the main body case, the operation button can be slid to the test end without hindering the visibility of the display screen.

(Embodiment 2)
The biosensor cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the biosensor dispensing device to which the biosensor cartridge is attached are provided with a safety mechanism (biosensor ejection preventing mechanism) on the operation button that is linked to the biosensor ejection means that pushes out the biosensor. The biosensor is pushed out by releasing the safety mechanism.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the top surface of the biosensor dispensing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Moreover, FIG. 6 is sectional drawing which shows the rear-end part of the biosensor dispensing apparatus by Embodiment 2 of this invention.

  5 and 6, the release member 210 is formed in the recess 213 of the operation button 40. The release member pressing portion 212 is configured by an elastic member, and the release member 210 is formed to be biased toward the operation button 40 via the release member pressing portion 212. The biosensor protrusion member expansion gear (gear) 116 operates so that the operation button 40 can slide when the release member 210 is pushed into the back surface of the operation button 40. The pressure spring 108 applies pressure to the sealing rollers 105 a and 105 b that press the cartridge case 110. In addition, about another structure, the same site | part as FIG.1 and FIG.2 attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.

Operation buttons for sending out biosensors one by one from the thus configured biosensor dispensing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
A release member 210 for releasing the operation of the safety mechanism against an inadvertent operation is placed on the operation button 40 in the vicinity of or inside the operation button 40 which is an operation unit interlocked with the biosensor protruding member 48. Provided in the recess 213 for pressing. When the release member 210 is pushed in, the release member 210 can be slid with respect to the back surface of the operation button 40 when the operation button 40 slides or rotates by being submerged after being pushed into the back surface of the operation button 40. And is pushed toward the operation button 40 so as to be pushed back by the release member pressing means 212 formed of an elastic member at the pushed position. When the operation button 40 returns to the initial position after the series of operations is completed, if the user lifts the finger from the operation button 40, the release provided in the recess 213 formed in the operation button 40 is performed. The release member 210 protrudes from the viewing window 211 of the member 210 and returns to the home position.

  Further, the operation button 40 is interlocked with the biosensor ejecting member 48 and forms a part of a gear mechanism such as a gear or a rack for moving the biosensor ejecting member 48. As shown in FIG. When the member 210 is pushed, one end of the sealing roller elevating member 103 and one end of the release member 210 come into contact with each other, and then rotate around the fulcrum. The sealing roller locking member 102 locked to the other end of the sealing roller lifting / lowering member 103 performs the lifting / lowering operation, so that the sealing rollers 105a and 105b move upward, and the biosensor ejection port 140, And the opening / closing operation | movement of the biosensor protrusion member inlet 141 is attained.

  Thus, according to the biosensor cartridge according to the second embodiment and the biosensor dispensing apparatus to which the biosensor cartridge is attached, the operation button interlocked with the biosensor ejecting means for pushing out the biosensor is integrated with the safety mechanism including the release member. In order to prevent the biosensor from protruding due to inadvertent operation, the biosensor is sequentially sent out by the operation button integrated with the safety mechanism, and the used sensor is returned to perform return operation. Can be eliminated cleanly.

  Further, since the release member is provided in the recess formed in the operation button part, the release operation of the safety mechanism can be easily performed in the measurement operation.

  In addition, the release member slides on the back surface of the operation button part via a pressing member configured by an elastic member that urges the apparatus to the outside, and thus the posture of the release member after the operation button part slides is locked. By using the shape of the existing operation button without requiring a mechanism, a reliable operation can be performed.

  In addition, the operation button is configured to form a part of a gear mechanism such as a gear or a rack for moving the biosensor protrusion member in conjunction with the biosensor protrusion member. In addition, the biosensor protruding means can be shared.

  In addition, since the release member operates in conjunction with the sealing roller suspension member, it is possible to reliably release the sealing roller from the biosensor ejecting port and the biosensor ejecting member entrance. Removal can be made possible.

(Embodiment 3)
The biosensor cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and the biosensor dispensing apparatus to which the biosensor cartridge is attached, are surely electrically connected when the biosensor is installed at the measurement position, and the biosensor after measurement Is discharged outside the apparatus without entering the apparatus again.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrode contact portion in a state where the biosensor dispensing device of the present invention is set at the measurement position of the biosensor.

  From FIG. 7, the biosensor detent 122 is made of an elastic member such as a resin spring. When the biosensor 46 is discharged from the biosensor ejection window (biosensor holding member) 119, the biosensor Abutting on the electrode step 151 of the sensor, it acts as a resistance member so that the biosensor 46 does not enter the device again. In addition, about another structure, the same site | part as FIG.2 and FIG.3 attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.

The operation of the biosensor dispensing device configured as described above will be described.
First, when the biosensor 46 is sent to the position of the biosensor ejection window 119, the electrode arm tilting wall 220 provided by utilizing a part of the shape of the biosensor ejection member is attached to the electrode arm (electrode holding member) 95. By moving and stopping the provided rotation action unit 101 to the fully-depressed position, the setting operation of the biosensor 46 is completed, and the sensor electrode 109 of the biosensor 46 and the contact 96 of the electrode arm are electrically connected. It will be in the state. In this position, the biosensor 46 passes through the biosensor detent portion 122 provided in the biosensor ejection window 119 and gets over the electrode step portion 151 formed in the biosensor electrode portion 109. The biosensor 46 is slid in the longitudinal direction to operate the biosensor ejecting member until the biosensor detent 122 formed by an elastic member such as a resin spring is in a state of pressing the biosensor electrode 109. As a result, the biosensor electrode portion 109 in the base portion of the biosensor 46 is pushed down. Here, the biosensor detent 122, which is a resin spring as a resistance member, is brought into contact with the tip of the biosensor 46 and the electrode step 151 of the biosensor 46. Setting is made by protruding from the inside of the biosensor cartridge, and preparation for spotting a biological sample such as blood is completed.

  As described above, according to the biosensor cartridge according to the third embodiment and the biosensor dispensing device to which the biosensor cartridge is attached, the biosensor is provided with the biosensor ejection window that holds the biosensor at the measurement position, and the biosensor is disposed in the biosensor ejection window. A biosensor detent that locks the biosensor when it is placed prevents the biosensor from entering back into the measuring instrument after measurement and prevents biosensor malfunctions due to device failure. Can be prevented.

  In addition, since the tip portion of the biosensor detent portion is in contact with the electrode step portion of the biosensor, it is possible to prevent individual biosensors from falling into the apparatus main body.

  Moreover, since the contact part of the electrode arm is in contact with the sensor electrode part of the biosensor at a position sandwiching the biosensor detent part, electrical contact can be reliably maintained.

  In addition, since the electrode arm is rotated by operating the biosensor protrusion member, it does not require electrical power and can be reliably connected to the sensor electrode portion of the biosensor. .

(Embodiment 4)
The biosensor cartridge according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the biosensor dispensing apparatus to which the biosensor cartridge is attached have ribs formed on the inner wall of the cartridge case to prevent biosensor misloading and smooth biosensor slide operation. This is what I did.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge case and a biosensor housed in the cartridge case according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing the upper surface of the cartridge case, FIG. 8B is a view showing the upper surface of the biosensor, and FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view showing the front or rear of the cartridge case.

  From FIG. 8, the biosensor positioning ribs 111a to 111f are formed on the inner wall of the cartridge case 110 and determine the position when the biosensor 46 is stored. The cartridge bottom surface rib 155 is a rib formed on the bottom surface of the cartridge case 110, and determines the position when the biosensors are stacked. In addition, about another structure, the same site | part as FIG.3 and FIG.4 attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.

The operation of the thus configured cartridge case will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8A, when the biosensor 46 is stacked and stored in the cartridge case 110, the storage position can be roughly determined by the biosensor positioning rib 111. Among the biosensor positioning ribs 111, the height b of the rib of the biosensor positioning rib 111f provided on the inner wall on the biosensor ejection port 140 side and the biosensor positioning rib provided on the inner wall on the biosensor ejection member inlet 141 side The ribs 111b have different heights c. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, a biosensor rear end notch 115 is formed at the rear end of the biosensor 46, and the recess is notched by a distance of depth a. Yes. That is, when the biosensor 46 is loaded into the cartridge case 110, the biosensor rear end notch 115 is disposed on the biosensor positioning rib 111b.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 8B, the distance from the bottom position of the biosensor rear end notch 115 of the biosensor 46 to the spotted portion 100 at the front end is Ls, and FIG. As shown in the figure, when the distance between the biosensor positioning ribs 111f and 111b is Lc, erroneous loading during loading of the biosensor 46 into the cartridge case 110 in the assembly process is prevented and the biosensor 46 is directly attached to the inner wall surface of the cartridge case 110. In order to prevent a part of the biosensor 46 from coming into contact and keep the frictional force against the operation of the biosensor 46 low, only the apex of the biosensor positioning rib 111f is stored when the biosensor 46 is stored in the cartridge case 110. Need to be in contact with. As a countermeasure, by setting Lc> Ls, a> b, c> a, and (Lc + b + c)> (Ls + a), any part of the outer periphery of the biosensor 46 can contact only the biosensor positioning rib 111. .

  Further, the outer peripheral portion of the biosensor 46 is accommodated in the cartridge 110 so as not to contact the inner wall portion of the inner wall surface of the cartridge case 110 other than the surface on which the biosensor positioning ribs 111f and 111b are formed. Two biosensor positioning ribs 111c and 111d or 111a and 111e were provided on the inner wall surface corresponding to the side surface in the longitudinal direction of the biosensor 46, respectively.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, cartridge bottom ribs 155 are provided at both ends of the bottom of the opening of the cartridge case 110 that receives the stacked biosensors 46, and the height of the cartridge bottom rib 155 is set so as to project the biosensor. It formed so that it might become smaller than the thickness of a member. Further, the distance between the cartridge bottom ribs 155 provided at both ends was formed to be larger than the width of the biosensor protruding member.

  As described above, according to the biosensor cartridge according to the fourth embodiment and the biosensor dispensing apparatus to which the biosensor cartridge is attached, the ribs are formed on the inner wall of the biosensor cartridge. Smooth sliding operation is possible.

  Also, among the ribs formed on the inner wall of the biosensor cartridge, the height of the rib formed on the inner wall on the rear end side of the biosensor is formed to be higher than the height of the rib formed on the inner wall on the test end side. And since the recessed part was formed in the rear-end side of a biosensor, loading of a biosensor can be facilitated and erroneous loading can be prevented.

  In addition, the height of the rib formed on the inner wall of the biosensor cartridge may be set arbitrarily. By setting in this way, erroneous loading when the biosensor is loaded into the biosensor cartridge can be prevented. The frictional force with respect to the sliding operation of the sensor can be kept low.

  In addition, although two ribs are formed on the inner wall surface corresponding to the side surface in the longitudinal direction of the biosensor cartridge, the number of ribs can be arbitrarily set to at least two or more. By doing so, it is possible to prevent erroneous loading when loading the biosensor into the biosensor cartridge.

  In addition, since the height of the rib provided on the bottom surface of the biosensor cartridge is made smaller than the thickness of the biosensor protruding member, the biosensor can be reliably protruded from the biosensor cartridge one by one.

  In addition, since the distance between the ribs provided at both ends of the bottom surface of the opening of the biosensor cartridge is made larger than the width of the biosensor ejecting member, the biosensor cartridge does not strike the biosensor cartridge. It is possible to reliably project the biosensor arranged on the bottom surface of the.

(Embodiment 5)
The biosensor cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention and the biosensor dispensing apparatus to which the biosensor cartridge is attached can check the remaining amount of the biosensor housed in the biosensor cartridge.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the biosensor cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention and the side of the sealing roller.

  From FIG. 9, the biosensor remaining amount confirmation window 117 is for confirming the remaining amount of the biosensor made of a transparent member formed on the side surface of the cartridge case 110. The dummy sensor 200 is included for each of a plurality of biosensors 46 accommodated in the biosensor cartridge 38 and notifies the remaining amount of the biosensor 46. In addition, about another structure, the same site | part as FIG. 4 attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.

Next, an operation for confirming the remaining amount of the biosensor will be described.
The biosensor remaining amount confirmation window 117 provided in the cartridge case 110 of the biosensor cartridge 38 as a means for confirming the remaining amount of the biosensor allows the biosensor cartridge 38 inside the biosensor dispensing device 30 to be visually recognized at the same time. By providing a confirmation window (reference numeral 206 in FIG. 1), it is possible to visually confirm the remaining amount of the biosensor 46 easily.

  Further, as the biosensor remaining amount confirmation means, the dummy sensor 200 is included in the biosensor storage chamber 98 for every predetermined number of biosensors 46, and the color and shape of the dummy sensor 200 in which the remaining amount of the biosensor 46 is reduced. By changing, it is possible to easily notify the user that the remaining amount of the biosensor 46 has decreased.

  Further, instead of providing biosensor remaining amount confirmation means, serial numbers are assigned to the individual biosensors 46, and by visually checking the serial numbers, the number of the biosensor 46 currently in use is determined. The remaining number can be known, and the remaining amount of the biosensor 46 can be grasped for each measurement.

  As another remaining amount confirmation means, the number of times the biosensor 46 is used can be measured by counting the operation when the biosensor ejecting member 48 projects the biosensor 46 electrically or mechanically. The amount of use of the biosensor 46 can be easily grasped.

  As described above, according to the biosensor cartridge according to the fifth embodiment and the biosensor dispensing apparatus to which the biosensor cartridge is attached, by providing a transparent window for confirming the remaining amount of the biosensor, it is easily possible from the outside of the apparatus. The remaining amount of the biosensor can be confirmed.

  In addition, by including dummy sensors in a certain number in the biosensor cartridge, the remaining amount of the biosensor can be visually determined without counting the remaining amount of the biosensor.

  Further, it is possible to easily confirm the remaining number of biosensors by assigning a serial number to each biosensor and visually checking the serial number of the biosensor.

  Moreover, even if the biosensor cartridge is replaced by counting the operation of the biosensor ejecting member, the number of used sheets can be reliably measured by resetting the main body device each time.

  Note that the biosensor remaining amount confirmation described above may use any one of the means and methods, or may combine two or more means and methods.

  Hereinafter, the case where blood glucose of blood is measured using the biosensor cartridge of the present invention and the biosensor dispensing apparatus to which the biosensor cartridge is attached will be described as an example. In addition, this invention is not restrict | limited to the following Examples at all.

  First, when the user attaches the biosensor cartridge 38 to the recess 70, the user can hold the biosensor cartridge 38 inside the main body case 34 using a latch that engages with the recess 70. Further, the biosensor cartridge 38 can be taken out from the main body case 34 by releasing the latch engaged in the recess 70.

  If the biosensor 46 moves to the test end 44 by operating the operation button 40, the biosensor dispensing device 30 is set to the display mode. Information regarding the biosensor cartridge 38 and information regarding the test performed are displayed on the display screen 52. Information displayed on the display screen 52 can be controlled by operating a display button portion 47 protruding from the main body case 34. The display button unit 47 can also be used to input information to the electric circuit of the printed wiring board in accordance with the display on the display screen 52.

  Further, when performing the test, the user can set the test mode by rotating the operation button 40 toward the test end 44 side.

  When blood (for example, blood accumulated in a finger after puncturing a human finger) is spotted on the spotting portion 100 of the biosensor 46 protruding from the test end 44, the spotting portion 100 is A sufficient amount of blood to perform the test since a portion of the fluid is drawn into the capillary tube by capillary action because a capillary tube is provided that extends into the biological sensing or reagent material disposed therein. Is sucked into the biosensor 46. Next, as the blood sucked into the biosensor 46 chemically reacts with the reagent material in the biosensor 46, an electrical signal indicating the blood glucose level of the blood to be tested is printed on a printed wiring board (not shown). To the contact portion 96 of the electrode arm coupled to the electrical circuit (not shown).

  When the test is completed, the bias of the electrode arm 95 can be released by operating the operation button 40 for operating the electrode arm 95 biased to the biosensor 46 by a predetermined operation. 46 can be discharged from the biosensor dispensing device 30.

  The user can eject the biosensor 46 from the test end 44 by operating the operation button 40 when the input of information or data regarding the test is completed. At this time, the biosensor dispensing device 30 is turned off or in a standby state.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful for a biosensor dispensing apparatus to which a biosensor cartridge having a biosensor measurement function is attached because the remaining amount of biosensor in the biosensor cartridge in use can be easily confirmed.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the biosensor dispensing apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the side surface of the biosensor dispensing apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the biosensor by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the cross-sectional schematic diagram seen from the side of the biosensor cartridge by Embodiment 1 of this invention, and a sealing roller part. It is sectional drawing which shows the upper surface of the biosensor dispensing apparatus by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the rear-end part of the biosensor dispensing apparatus by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the electrode contact part in the state set to the measurement position of the biosensor of the biosensor dispensing apparatus of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the biosensor accommodated in the cartridge case by Embodiment 4 of this invention, and a cartridge case. It is the cross-sectional schematic diagram seen from the biosensor cartridge by Embodiment 5 of this invention, and the side of a sealing roller. It is a perspective view of the biosensor dispensing apparatus using the conventional biosensor.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sample supply hole 2, 3 Lead wire 4 Measuring electrode 5 Counter electrode 6 Insulating layer 7 Spacer 8 Notch part 9 Cover 30 Biosensor dispensing apparatus 32 Biosensor cartridge guide wall 34 Main body case 38 Biosensor cartridge 40 Operation button 41 Base part 42 Rear end of main body case 44 Test end of main body case 46 Biosensor 47 Display button portion 48 Biosensor ejecting member 52 Display screen 54 Opening / closing lid 55 Biosensor cartridge loading port 56 Base portion 58 Cartridge pressing member 70 Depression 95 Electrode arm 96 Contact portion of electrode arm 98 Biosensor storage chamber 100 Spotting portion 101 Rotating action portion 102 Sealing roller locking member 103 Sealing roller lifting member 105a, 105b Sealing roller 108 Pressure spring 109 Sensor electrode portion 110 Cartridge Case 111 Biosensor positioning rib 112 Desiccant 113 Sealing roller pressing recess 114 Lid 115 Biosensor rear end notch 116 Biosensor ejecting member expansion gear 117 Biosensor remaining amount confirmation window 119 Biosensor ejection window 122 Biosensor Non-returning portion 123 Sensor pressing spring 124a Cartridge erroneous mounting preventing member 124b Cartridge erroneous mounting preventing member engaging portion 140 Biosensor ejecting port 141 Biosensor ejecting member inlet 142 Biosensor pressing member 151 Electrode stepped portion 155 Cartridge bottom rib 200 Dummy sensor 206 Confirmation window 210 Release member 211 Viewing window 212 Release member pressing portion 213 Operation button recess 220 Electrode arm tilting wall 300 Biosensor dispensing device 301 Upper case 302 Lower case 303 Outer housing 304 Rear end of dispensing device body 305 Test end 306 Slide actuator 308 Sensor pack contact 309 Sensor pack holding claw 310 Biosensor pack 311 Desiccant cavity 312 Biosensor holding cavity 313 Notch 314 Slide latch

Claims (7)

In a biosensor dispensing device that acquires electrical data detected by a biosensor,
It is possible to store a biosensor cartridge in which a plurality of plate-shaped biosensors are stacked and aligned in the thickness direction, and when performing a target biometric measurement, the biosensor stored in the biosensor cartridge is moved in the longitudinal direction. The biosensor ejecting means for sequentially sending out the biosensors one by one, and further comprising biosensor remaining amount confirmation means for confirming the remaining amount of the biosensor,
The biosensor remaining amount confirmation means counts the number of operations of the biosensor ejection means,
A biosensor dispensing device characterized by that. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein
Counting the number of operations of the biosensor ejecting means is performed electrically or mechanically.
A biosensor dispensing device characterized by that. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein
In response to the replacement of the biosensor cartridge, reset the count of the number of operations of the biosensor ejecting means,
A biosensor dispensing device characterized by that. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein
The biosensor remaining amount confirmation means further includes:
A dummy sensor is arranged for every predetermined number of biosensors in the biosensor cartridge,
A biosensor dispensing device characterized by that. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein
The biosensor remaining amount confirmation means further includes:
The remaining amount of the biosensor can be visually confirmed through a transparent window provided in the biosensor dispensing device.
A biosensor dispensing device characterized by that. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein
The biosensor remaining amount confirmation means further includes:
Including assigning a serial number to a plurality of biosensors, and checking the remaining amount of the biosensor by visual inspection of the serial numbers of the biosensors,
A biosensor dispensing device characterized by that. The biosensor dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein
The biosensor remaining amount confirmation means further includes:
A dummy sensor is arranged for each predetermined number of biosensors in the biosensor cartridge,
Enabling the remaining amount of the biosensor to be visually confirmed through a transparent window provided in the biosensor dispensing device;
Giving a serial number to a plurality of biosensors, and checking the remaining amount of the biosensor by visual inspection of the serial number of the biosensor,
Including at least two of
A biosensor dispensing device characterized by that.

Images