JP6677452B2 - measuring device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a measurement device that measures a physical quantity of a measurement target using a sensor.

  2. Description of the Related Art As a device that can measure a blood glucose level at home or at work, there is known a measuring device called a blood glucose self-meter or the like that measures a blood glucose level using a disposable sensor (sensor chip).

  Such a measuring device includes a measuring device (hereinafter, referred to as a non-sensor built-in device) that sets and uses a sensor each time a blood glucose level is measured, and a plurality of sensors housed therein, and a predetermined sensor is used for measurement. The operation can be broadly classified into a measuring device in which one sensor in the device moves to a measuring position (hereinafter referred to as a sensor built-in device).

  In a device without a built-in sensor, an electrode is usually provided at one end (hereinafter, referred to as a rear end) in a longitudinal direction of a strip, and at the other end (hereinafter, referred to as a front end). A sensor provided with a blood inlet is used, and a sensor insertion port for inserting such a sensor is provided in the housing of the non-sensor built-in device. In order to facilitate the work of bringing blood into contact with the blood inlet of the sensor (hereinafter referred to as spotting work), the device without the sensor has a rear end side of the sensor in the sensor insertion port. The device is configured such that when inserted and fixed, the tip side of the sensor projects about 2 cm from the housing of the device.

  In addition, in order to easily perform the spotting operation on a general sensor-incorporated type device, the tip side of the sensor taken out from a sensor accommodating portion (usually a sensor cartridge) in the device is about 1 to 2 cm. It is configured as a device that protrudes from the body.

  In addition, although a device with a built-in sensor using a detachable multi-area sensor having a shape in which a plurality of sensors are connected (for example, Patent Document 1) is also known, the device with a built-in sensor is also removable. Part of the area sensor (for one sensor) is a device protruding from the housing.

  Further, a sensor accommodated in a sensor cartridge for a measuring device which is used by setting a sensor cartridge accommodating a plurality of sensors can be deteriorated by moisture (humidity). A sensor built-in device that uses a removable multi-area sensor having a shape like connecting multiple sensors, so that it can be used to put a desiccant in the sensor cartridge and to seal the sensor cartridge when the measurement device is not used. It has been proposed to incorporate a sealing mechanism into the sensor cartridge or the measuring device (for example, see Patent Documents 2 to 4).

JP-A-7-151721 Japanese Patent No. 3954393 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-504532 Japanese Patent No. 5095850

From the viewpoint of reducing the manufacturing cost and the selling price of the sensor, it is preferable to reduce the size of the sensor of the measuring device (device with built-in sensor, device without built-in sensor) as described above. However, when the sensor is miniaturized, the blood introduction port of the sensor is close to the housing of the device during measurement, so that it is difficult to perform the spotting operation.

  The problem that spotting work becomes difficult due to the downsizing of the sensor occurs in a measuring device using a disposable sensor (for example, a measuring device for measuring the temperature of sewage, filth, etc. using a disposable sensor). What you get.

  In addition, all of the existing sealing mechanisms have relatively complicated configurations. If a sealing mechanism having a complicated configuration is incorporated in the sensor cartridge or the measuring device, the manufacturing cost of the sensor cartridge or the measuring device increases.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of reducing the size of a sensor in such a manner that spotting work is not difficult to perform.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a measurement device for measuring a physical quantity related to a measurement target using a sensor according to the present invention includes a housing, a control unit electrically connected to the sensor, and the sensor. A moving member provided with a sensor holding portion, wherein the moving member is movable so as to project the sensor holding portion to the outside of the housing, and the moving member further comprises the sensor and the control device. A conductive member for electrically connecting the parts.

  That is, the measuring device according to the present invention has a configuration in which the portion for holding the sensor (sensor holding portion) protrudes from the housing of the device. If the portion holding the sensor protrudes from the housing of the apparatus, the spotting operation can be easily performed even if the size of the sensor is small. Therefore, it can be said that the measuring device according to the present invention is a device that does not make it difficult to perform spotting work even if the sensor is downsized.

  The measuring device according to the present invention may be realized as a device including a flexible substrate that electrically connects the conductive member and the control unit. Further, the "moving member" of the measuring device according to the present invention may be a member integrally formed with the conductive member.

  Further, even if the measuring device according to the present invention is implemented as a device in which the sensor holding section is housed in the housing during standby, the moving device may include a main slider and a sub slider. And the sensor is sandwiched and held between the main slider and the sub-slider. "

  Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a measuring apparatus for measuring a physical quantity related to an object to be measured using a sensor, a housing, a housing for housing a sensor cartridge in which a plurality of sensors are built, and projecting the sensor out of the housing. A moving member that moves so as to cause the sensor cartridge to close the opening of the sensor cartridge during standby.

  That is, in the measuring device of the present invention, the opening portion of the sensor cartridge housed in the housing portion has the moving member that causes the sensor in the sensor cartridge to protrude outside the device (housing) during standby. It has a configuration that is closed by a sealing part. Such a configuration can be realized with a small number of components. Therefore, according to the present invention, a measuring device capable of sealing the set sensor cartridge during standby can be realized (manufactured) at low cost.

In addition, if the above configuration is adopted, a sensor cartridge having no sealing configuration / mechanism can be used as the sensor cartridge. Therefore, according to the present invention, the sensor cartridge, which is a consumable item, can be provided to the user at low cost.

The "sealed portion" of the measuring device according to the present invention may be any as long as it can close the opening of the sensor cartridge. For example, a flexible member may be used as the “sealing portion” in order to improve the sealing property of the sensor cartridge by the sealing portion. Further, as a “sealing portion”, a housing may be provided with a pressing member that presses the sealing portion toward the opening of the sensor cartridge. Both the pressing member and the bending member may be provided. Further, a material containing elastic rubber may be adopted as the “sealing portion”.

  Further, in implementing the measuring device according to the present invention, "the moving member includes a sensor holding portion for holding the sensor, and is movable so as to project the sensor holding portion out of the housing at the time of measurement. The configuration may be adopted.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a sensor can be miniaturized in the form which does not become difficult to perform spotting work.

FIG. 1 is an external view of the measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main part of the measuring device according to the first embodiment in which a sensor cartridge is set, taken along a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction. FIG. 3 is an external view of a reel hub in which a sensor body is wound and housed in a sensor cartridge. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a film sensor. FIG. 4B is a sectional view of a configuration example of the sensor body. FIG. 4C is a top view of a configuration example of the sensor body. FIG. 5 is an external view of the sensor cartridge. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the function of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the front surface near the front surface of the measurement device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of each unit of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of each unit of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of each unit of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an external view of the slider viewed from the upper surface side. FIG. 12 is an external view of the slider viewed from the lower surface side. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a mounting position of the sealing rubber. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the sensor disposal mechanism included in the measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a sensor cartridge that can be set in the measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a sensor body used in a sensor cartridge set in the measuring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19A is a diagram for explaining the configuration and functions of a measuring device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19B is a diagram for describing the configuration and functions of the measuring device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19C is a diagram for describing the configuration and functions of the measuring device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 20A is a diagram for describing the configuration and functions of a measuring device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20B is a diagram for describing the configuration and functions of the measuring device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20C is a diagram for describing the configuration and functions of the measuring device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a technique that can be employed to improve the tightness of the sensor cartridge. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining another technique that can be employed to improve the sealing performance of the sensor cartridge.

<< 1st Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 shows an appearance of a measuring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  The measuring device according to the present embodiment is a blood glucose level measuring device in which a sensor cartridge is set and used. As shown in FIG. 1, the measuring device includes a housing 10, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 11 disposed on a front surface (a front surface in FIG. 1) of the housing 10, and three push-button switches 12. And a speaker 13. The measuring device includes a slider 15 that slides up and down together with the slider knob 15a by operating the slider knob 15a disposed on the side surface of the housing 10.

  First, the configuration of the sensor cartridge 30 set in the measuring device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the measuring device in which the sensor cartridge 30 is set, taken along a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction (a plane passing substantially the center of the slider knob 15a). is there. FIG. 3 is an external view of the reel hub 32 in which the sensor body 40 is wound and housed in the sensor cartridge 30. 4A is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the film sensor 45, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of the sensor body 40, and FIG. 4C is a top view of the sensor body 40. FIG. 5 is an external view of the sensor cartridge 30 as viewed from the same side as FIG.

  As is clear from the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2, the sensor cartridge 30 is such that the reel hub 32 around which the sensor body 40 is wound is housed in the case 31. The housing 10 of the measuring device is provided with a cartridge accommodating portion 10a for accommodating the sensor cartridge 30.

  The sensor body 40 (FIG. 3) is a tape in which a plurality of small film-shaped sensors 45 are adhered on the backing film 41 at a regular interval in the length direction of the backing film 41 using a material having a relatively low adhesive strength. Shaped member. In the portion of the sensor body 40 where the film-shaped sensors 45 are not arranged, the arrangement interval of the film-shaped sensors 45 (interval between the centers of two adjacent film-shaped sensors 45; hereinafter, referred to as sensor arrangement interval). At the same intervals as above, rounded rectangular holes 42 are provided.

The backing film 41 of the sensor body 40 is formed of a film that is flexible and relatively hard to extend. Therefore, as the backing film 41, a resin film, a laminate of two or more resin films, a laminate of a resin film and a metal film, a resin film in which a metal wire or the like is embedded in a resin film, or the like can be used. However, the backing film 41 may have a hygroscopic property so that the deterioration of the film-like sensor 45 due to moisture can be suppressed. In this case, the backing film 41 is preferably formed of a material containing a hygroscopic substance (such as a laminate of a hygroscopic film and another film).

  Each film-like sensor 45 arranged on the backing film 41 is, for example, a sensor having a configuration as schematically shown in FIG. 4A. That is, the film-shaped sensor 45 includes, for example, an enzyme film 57 that holds an enzyme that reacts with glucose, an electron acceptor, and the like, and a plurality of electrodes 56a and 56b for detecting an oxidation-reduction potential or an oxidation-reduction current. A cover 59 provided with a through-hole 59a is laminated on a substrate 55 via a U-shaped spacer 58, and a flow path 68 for supplying blood spotted at the tip to the enzyme membrane is provided. Is a sensor defined by the substrate 55, the spacer 58, and the cover 59.

  For the sensor cartridge 30, a sensor body 40 is used in which the film-shaped sensor 45 is peeled off from the backing film 41 when the film-shaped sensor 45 is bent so that the surface on which the film-shaped sensor 45 is disposed is convex. More specifically, as the sensor body 40, when a portion where a certain film-like sensor 45 is arranged is curved with a curvature equal to or less than a predetermined curvature so that the arrangement surface side of the film-like sensor 45 becomes convex, the sensor body 40 is curved. At the end of the film-like sensor 45 disposed on the portion where the bending stress is generated, the bending stress exceeding the adhesive force with the backing film 41 is used.

  The sensor body 40 satisfying the above specifications can be manufactured, for example, by adopting the configuration shown in FIG. 4B. That is, as the film-like sensor 45, a sensor in which electrodes and the like are formed and a double-sided sheet tape as the spacer 58 and a hydrophilic film as the cover 59 are laminated on a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheet as the substrate 55 is used. . Further, as the backing film 41, a base material sheet (for example, PET sheet) laminated on a desiccant sheet (hygroscopic sheet) is used, and an adhesive sheet is used for adhesion between the film sensor 45 and the backing film 41. (For example, Easy peel sheet).

The sensor body 40 satisfying the above specifications can be manufactured, for example, by adopting the configuration shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. That is, a film sensor 45 in which electrodes and the like are formed and a double-sided sheet tape as a spacer 58 and a hydrophilic film as a cover 59 are laminated on a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheet as a substrate 55 is used. . Further, as the backing film 41, a base material sheet (for example, a PET sheet) 41a laminated on a desiccant sheet (hygroscopic sheet) 41b is used, and for bonding between the film sensor 45 and the backing film 41, Adhesive sheet (eg Easy peel sheet) 4
Use 5a.

  The sensor body 40 having the configuration shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C forms an unneeded portion above the adhesive sheet (between the film sensors 45) after forming a laminate in which a film also exists between the film sensors 45. Is cut halfway to the middle of the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, and the hole 42 is formed (or, after the hole 42 is formed, the unnecessary portion above the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet is cut halfway to the middle of the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet. Cut and removed). The half cut can be performed with a pinnacle blade, a Thomson blade, a mold, a laser cutter, or the like.

  In the sensor body 40 according to the present embodiment, as is apparent from FIG. 3, the width of each film-shaped sensor 45 is smaller than the width of the backing film 41, and each film-shaped sensor 45 is the width of the backing film 41. It is arranged at the center in the direction. Therefore, the sensor body 40 can be manufactured by removing unnecessary portions in a lump by half cutting.

  The reel hub 32 (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) around which the sensor body 40 is wound has an interval between the central openings of the two donut-shaped flanges 32 b slightly wider than the width of the sensor body 40 by the cylindrical portion 32 a. The members connected by.

  The reel hub 32 is housed in the case 31 in a state where the sensor body 40 is wound when the cartridge 30 is assembled. More specifically, the case 31 has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 32a of the reel hub 32 extending in the thickness direction of the case 31 (perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2). A shaft is provided. The reel hub 32 is housed in the case 31 such that a reel hub mounting shaft is inserted into the cylindrical portion 32a after the sensor body 40 is wound around the cylindrical portion 32a when the cartridge 30 is assembled. It has become.

  When the sensor body 40 is wound around the reel hub 32 with the surface on which the film-shaped sensor 45 is provided facing outward, the sensor body 40 wound around the reel hub 32 is caused by vibration of the measuring device and the like. There is a possibility that the film-shaped sensor 45 at the outermost periphery is peeled off from the backing film 41. Therefore, it is preferable to wind the sensor body 40 around the reel hub 32 with the surface on which the film-shaped sensor 45 is provided facing inward, as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows the sensor body 40 in which the film-shaped sensor 45 is provided up to the leading end of the backing film 41. The sensor body 40 wound around the reel hub 32 incorporated in the cartridge 30 has the leading end. The film-shaped sensor 45 is not provided in a portion of a predetermined length on the side (hereinafter, referred to as a lead portion), and holes 42 are formed at sensor arrangement intervals.

  Around the reel hub mounting shaft of the case 31 (FIG. 2), a projection provided on a flange 32b of the reel hub 32 facing the case 31 is engaged, so that the sensor body 40 is wound in the winding direction. A plurality of protrusions for suppressing the rotation of the reel hub 32 are provided.

  The case 31 is also provided with a roller mounting shaft extending in the thickness direction of the case 31. In the case 31, a roller 34 having a cylindrical shape in which a plurality of pins are arranged at equal intervals on its outer surface is housed so as to be rotatable around a roller mounting shaft.

  The hole 42 (FIG. 3) of the sensor body 40 is a hole into which the pin of the roller 34 enters. Therefore, the diameter of the roller 34, the number of pins arranged on the outer surface of the roller 34, and the sensor arrangement interval are determined so that each pin enters each hole 42 of the sensor body 40.

  On the front side in FIG. 2 of the roller 34, a fitting portion 38 which rotates together with the roller 34 and has a shape as shown in FIG. 5 is provided.

  That is, on the front side of the roller 34, a fitting portion 38 in which a circular concave portion 38a having a portion protruding toward the center side is formed. An opening is provided in a portion of the case 31 of the sensor cartridge 30 facing the fitting portion 38.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a sensor outlet 35, which is an opening having a shape through which the film-like sensor 45 passes, is provided at a portion of the case 31 on the front end side of the side wall facing the slider 15, and a backing film. A film collection port 36, which is an opening having a shape through which 41 passes, is provided at an interval shorter than the length of the film sensor 45. The shape of the side wall of the case 31 is such that the “sensor outlet 35, the film collecting port 36, and the side wall portion existing therebetween” (hereinafter, referred to as the port portion of the sensor cartridge 30) are slightly inside. It is determined to be recessed.

  A curved wall 39 extending in the thickness direction of the case 31 is also provided in the case 31. As shown in FIG. 2, the shape of the curved wall 39 is such that the sensor body 40 (mounting film 41) entering from a portion where the curved wall 39 is not provided is a film accommodating space defined by the curved wall 39. It is defined to be housed in a spiral inside.

  Then, the backing film 41 in the sensor cartridge 30 passes through the sensor outlet 35 and the film collecting port 36, is wound along the outer peripheral surface of the roller 34, and is collected in the film accommodating space. Note that, in the sensor cartridge 30 before the start of use, the above-described lead portion is accommodated in the film accommodation space.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and functions of the measuring device according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the measuring device according to the present embodiment, during standby (other than when measuring the blood sugar level), the slider knob 15a is moved to the position shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter referred to as a standby position), that is, near the center of the slider movable range. Located in. Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, the measuring device according to the present embodiment sets the slider knob 15a at the uppermost position (hereinafter, referred to as a sensor take-out position), that is, near one end of the slider movable range. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the slider is slid to the lowermost position (hereinafter referred to as a measurement position), that is, the end of the slider movable range close to the opening of the casing 10. For example, the slider 15 and the auxiliary slider 18 protrude from an opening (hereinafter, referred to as a slider protrusion) provided in the housing 10 with the film-shaped sensor 45 interposed therebetween. It is configured as follows.

  First, the mechanical configuration of the measuring device that functions when the slider knob 15a is slid to the sensor removal position will be described.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the measuring device according to the present embodiment, which is parallel to the front surface near the front surface.
As shown, the measuring apparatus includes a partition plate 51, a compound gear 52, a claw 53, and a drive gear 54. The partition plate 51 is a plate-like member on which the sensor cartridge 30 is set on the back surface (the surface not visible in FIG. 7). The drive gear 54 is a gear fixed to the partition plate 51 so as to be rotatable about its rotation axis. The rotation shaft of the drive gear 54 is provided at a position where the center coincides with the fitting portion 38 of the roller 34 of the sensor cartridge 30 set in the housing 10 so as to penetrate the partition plate 51. The rotation shaft of the drive gear 54 has a shape that fits with the fitting portion 38 (see FIG. 5) of the roller 34 of the sensor cartridge 30 when the sensor cartridge 30 is set.

  The compound gear 52 is a gear in which a normal gear 52a and a ratchet wheel 52b are overlapped with their rotation centers aligned. The compound gear 52 is rotatably fixed to the partition plate 51. Further, the position of the rotation shaft of the compound gear 52 is determined so that the gear 52 a meshes with the drive gear 54. The claw portion 53 is a member fixed to the slider 15. When the slider 15 is at the standby position, the claw portion 53 has a tip portion 53a having a shape that engages with the claw wheel 52b of the compound gear 52.

And the shape of each part of the measuring device according to the present embodiment and / or the moving distance of the slider 15 from the standby position to the sensor take-out position are determined so as to satisfy the following two conditions. [Condition 1] When the slider 15 moves to the sensor take-out position, the slider 15 does not exist on the sensor outlet 35.
[Condition 2] When the slider 15 moves from the standby position to the sensor take-out position, the “rotation angle of the roller 34 in radians × radius of the roller 34” is the sensor arrangement interval of the sensor body 40 (adjacent to the sensor body 40). (Center distance between the two film sensors 45).

  In short, as shown in FIG. 8, when the slider 15 moves from the standby position to the sensor removal position by operating the slider knob 15a, the compound gear 52 rotates clockwise, and the driving gear 54 rotates counterclockwise. Rotate. Further, since the rotation shaft of the driving gear 54 is fitted to the fitting portion 38 of the roller 34, the roller 34 rotates counterclockwise by the same angle as the driving gear 54. Therefore, when the slider 15 moves from the standby position to the sensor take-out position, the shape of each part and the like are adjusted so that “the rotation angle of the roller 34 in radians × radius of the roller 34” matches the sensor arrangement interval of the sensor body 40. If determined, the sensor body 40 in the sensor cartridge 30 is moved in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 9, that is, in the direction in which each film-like sensor 45 advances toward the sensor outlet 35, by the “sensor arrangement interval”. I can do it.

When the sensor body 40 bends so that the surface on which the film-shaped sensor 45 is disposed becomes convex, the film-shaped sensor 45 is peeled off from the backing film 41. Therefore, when the sensor body 40 is sent by the "sensor arrangement interval" and the backing film 41 of the sent portion bends at about 90 degrees near the exit of the sensor outlet 35, it is stuck to the bent portion. The film sensor 45 is peeled off from the backing film 41. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the film sensor 45 protrudes from the sensor outlet 35.

  At this time, when the slider 15 is positioned above the sensor outlet 35 when the film sensor 45 projects from the sensor outlet 35, the film sensor 45 projecting from the sensor outlet 35 is transported by the slider 15. Can not do it. Therefore, the shape and the like of each part of the measuring device are determined so as to satisfy the above condition 1.

  Next, the mechanical configuration of the measuring device that functions when the slider knob 15a is slid from the sensor removal position to the measurement position will be described.

  FIG. 11 shows an external view of the slider 15 as viewed from the top side (the side on which the slider knob 15a is provided). FIG. 12 is an external view of the slider 15 as viewed from the lower surface side.

  As shown in FIG. 12, two protrusions 16b are provided at the center of the tip end of the slider 15 to push the film-shaped sensor 45 projecting from the sensor outlet 35 of the sensor cartridge 30 forward. . As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, on both sides of the distal end of the slider 15, a structure 16a having a shape to be fitted with the structure provided on the distal end of the auxiliary slider 18 is provided. Here, the auxiliary slider 18 is provided in the housing 10 so as to move together with the slider 15 only when the slider 15 is located between the standby position and the measurement position.

  The distal end of the auxiliary slider 18 is provided with a structure for sandwiching the film-shaped sensor 45 between the auxiliary slider 18 and the distal end of the slider 15 in addition to the above-described structure for engaging with the structure 16a. When the slider 15 is moved from the sensor take-out position to the measurement position by operating the slider knob 15a, first, the film-shaped sensor 45 is pushed forward by the two protrusions 16b of the slider 15. Next, the structure 16a provided at the distal end of the slider 15 and the structure provided at the distal end of the auxiliary slider 18 are fitted to each other, so that the film sensor 45 causes the distal end of the slider 15 and the auxiliary slider 18 to be fitted to each other. A state in which the auxiliary slider 18 moves together with the slider 15 in a state where the auxiliary slider 18 is sandwiched between the front end portion and the front end portion is formed. Then, in this state, when the slider 15 and the auxiliary slider 18 complete the sliding to the measurement position of the slider knob 15a, as shown in FIG. 6 (B), the film sensor 45 moves the slider 15 and the auxiliary slider 18.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the slider 15 has a bending portion 15c formed so that the distal end side (the left side in each drawing) can move up and down. A sealing rubber 17 is attached to the lower surface on the distal end side of the bending portion 15c. As shown in FIG. 13, the position and shape of the bending portion 15c and the shape of the sealing rubber 17 are such that at least when the slider 15 is at the standby position, the sealing rubber 17 is (Portion consisting of the sensor outlet 35, the film collecting port 36, and the side wall therebetween), and the flexible portion 15c and the sealing rubber 17 make the sensor outlet 35 The film collection port 36 is closed, and in the standby state, the opening (port) of the cartridge 30 is sealed. The shape of the sealing rubber 17 may be flat, but is preferably the same or similar to the shape of the port of the sensor cartridge 30.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a truncated cone-shaped projection 15d is provided on a portion of the upper surface of the bending portion 15c substantially corresponding to the center of the sealing rubber 17. A hole 15g is provided in a central portion on the end side (right side in FIG. 11) of the slider 15, and a protrusion 15e projecting in the width direction is provided on each side surface of the slider 15 in the width direction. I have. The slider 15 is also provided with an opening 15f for facilitating displacement of each protrusion 15e in the width direction of the slider 15.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a coil spring connects between the hole 15g of the slider 15 and a specific location in the housing 10. In the housing 10, three sets of protrusions 71x (x = a to c) are provided at positions as shown in FIG. That is, a pair of projections 71a for stopping the slider 15 urged by the coil spring at the measurement position by engaging with the pair of projections 15e of the slider 15 are provided in the housing 10. Have been. Further, in the housing 10, a pair of protrusions 71b for stopping the slider 15 at the standby position by engaging with a pair of protrusions 15e of the slider 15 and a pair of protrusions of the slider 15 are provided. A set of projections 71c for engaging the portion 15e to stop the slider 15 at the sensor removal position is also provided.

  Further, on a portion of the inner surface of the housing 10 opposite to the protrusion 15d of the slider 15 located at the standby position, an urging means (FIG. 9) for pushing down the protrusion 15d in the direction of the port of the sensor cartridge 30. 14, a leaf spring 72 is provided. As described above, the sealing rubber 17 is provided on the back side of the protrusion 15d. Therefore, when the slider 15 is located at the standby position, the port of the sensor cartridge 30 is sealed by the sealing rubber 17. When the bending portion 15c is firmly pressed down so as to be in close contact with the opening (port portion) of the sensor cartridge 30, the sealing rubber 17 may not be used.

  As shown in FIG. 15, near the slider protrusion (opening from which the slider 15 and the auxiliary slider 18 protrude) of the housing 10 of the measuring device, a disposal pin 60, a rotating shaft 61, and a rotating member are provided. A sensor disposal mechanism including a pressing member 62 and an urging member 63 is provided. The rotation shaft 61 of the sensor disposal mechanism is a rotation shaft fixed to the housing 10 and parallel to the width direction of the slider 15. The rotation member 62 is a member that rotates about the rotation shaft 61. The disposal pin 60 is a rod-like member fixed to the rotating member 62 so as to be orthogonal to the rotating shaft 61. The urging member 63 (a coil spring in FIG. 15) is a member that urges the disposal pin 60 via the rotating member 62 in a direction in which the disposal pin 60 is parallel to the lower surface of the housing 10.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the length of the disposal pin 60 of the sensor disposal mechanism is parallel to the lower surface of the housing 10, the length of the disposal pin 60 is between the slider 15 and the auxiliary slider 18. Is set so as to intersect with the plane on which the film sensor 45 moves. Further, the length of the disposal pin 60 is determined so as not to come into contact with each part of the slider 15 (a part existing between the two projections 16b; see FIG. 12). Further, a groove through which the disposal pin 60 passes is formed at a tip portion of the auxiliary slider 18.

  In short, when the film-like sensor 45 comes out of the slider protrusion, the disposal pin 60 of the sensor disposal mechanism is pushed by the film-like sensor 45 and falls down (see an arrow 65), and the tip of the film-like sensor 45 Is slid on the lower surface of. However, the disposal pin 60 is urged by the urging member 63. Therefore, once the film-shaped sensor 45 has passed, the disposal pin 60 rises (see arrow 66), and as a result, the state in which the tip of the disposal pin 60 is in the auxiliary slider 18 and the slider 15 is obtained. It is formed. When the operation of returning the slider 15 to the standby position is performed in this state, the film sensor 45 used for the measurement contacts the disposal pin 60 before the position of the slider 15 becomes the standby position. Then, the film-shaped sensor 45 cannot move when it comes into contact with the disposal pin 60, but the slider 15 and the auxiliary slider 18 can slide even when the disposal pin 60 stands. Therefore, in the measuring device according to the present embodiment provided with the sensor discarding mechanism, the used film sensor 45 can be discarded only by returning the position of the slider knob 15a to the standby position after measuring the blood glucose level.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the measuring device will be described.

  The electrical configuration (circuit configuration) of the measurement device according to the present embodiment is the same as that of an existing blood glucose level measurement device. However, the measuring device according to the embodiment holds the film sensor 45 at the tip of the moving slider 15 during measurement. Therefore, the slider 15 is provided with wiring and the like for connecting each electrode of the film sensor 45 to a corresponding electrode of the control unit 14 in the measuring device. For example, when the film sensor 45 has two electrodes, as shown schematically in FIG. 16A, an electrode to be brought into contact with each electrode of the film sensor 45 is provided on the lower surface of the slider 15. 81, an electrode 82 connected to the control unit 14 (FIG. 10B) in the measuring device, and a wiring 83 connecting the electrodes 81 are formed. Here, the control unit 14 is a processor that performs a process of measuring an oxidation-reduction potential of the film sensor 45, a process of calculating a blood glucose level from the measurement result, and a process of controlling the LCD 11 (not shown) and the speaker 13. (One-chip microcomputer, etc.). The electrodes and wires are formed on the lower surface of the slider 15 by printing a conductive material on the lower surface of the slider 15 or by using in-mold molding (integrating the slider 15 with each of the electrodes and wires). Molding) or by printing a conductive material on the upper surface of the auxiliary slider 18. Further, as the electrode 81, a leaf spring type electrode or a pin probe can be used.

  In the measuring device according to the present embodiment, the position of the slider 15 in the device changes. Therefore, if each electrode 82 and the control unit 14 are connected with a lead wire, the lead wire will It is conceivable that the sheet is entangled with members in the apparatus and cut. Therefore, as schematically shown in FIG. 16B, the connection between each electrode 82 and the control unit 14 is preferably performed using a flexible printed board 84 or the like.

In addition, each wiring 83 (or electrode 82) of the slider 15 is formed such that a portion parallel to the length direction of the slider 15 is long, and for each wiring 83 (or electrode 82), regardless of the position of the slider 15, The housing-side electrode is fixed to the housing 10 so as to be in contact with the wiring 83 (or the electrode 82), and the control unit 14 is electrically connected between the housing-side electrode fixed to the housing 10 and the control unit 14 by a cable or the like. It may be connected in advance. Further, the length of each wiring 83 or electrode 82 of the slider 15 and the position of each housing-side electrode are determined only when the slider 15 is located near the measurement position. Can also be in contact with

  As described above, in the measuring device according to the present embodiment, the sensor 45 accommodated in the sensor cartridge 30 is fixed to the bending portion 15c of the slider 15 for carrying out the device (housing 10). When the device is not used (when the slider 15 is at the standby position), the sensor cartridge 30 is sealed (the port portion of the sensor cartridge 30 is closed) by the sealing rubber 17 that is used. Is adopted. Therefore, the measuring device according to the present embodiment can be manufactured extremely inexpensively. In addition, since the above configuration is adopted, the sensor cartridge 30 for the measuring device according to the present embodiment does not require a dedicated member for sealing (that is, it can be manufactured at low cost). Therefore, according to the measuring device of the present embodiment, the sensor cartridge 30 as a consumable can be provided to the user at low cost.

  Further, the measuring device according to the present embodiment is a device that does not require setting a glucose sensor (film sensor 45) every time the blood glucose level is measured, and uses a small film sensor 45. Instead, the apparatus is capable of performing the work of spotting blood on the film-shaped sensor 45 at a position slightly away from the housing 10 of the measuring apparatus, at a position where the spotting work is easily performed. Further, even when the sensor is a small sensor and the portion protruding from the housing 10 in a state set in the measuring device is small, blood may adhere to the housing 10 when the blood is spotted. Can be prevented and sanitary. In addition, if a measuring device is used, the operation from preparation of the film sensor 45 to disposal thereof can be performed only by operating the slider knob 15a. When all the film sensors 45 in the sensor cartridge 30 are used, if the sensor cartridge 30 is replaced, the measurement can be performed a plurality of times. Therefore, the measuring device according to the present embodiment is extremely It can be said that the device has good operability.

  The measuring device according to the present embodiment is a device that does not collect the measured film sensor 45 on which the sample (blood) has been spotted into the measuring device. Therefore, the measuring device according to the present embodiment is also a device that can keep the inside of the device in a sanitary state. Further, the measuring device is provided with a mechanism for sealing the sensor cartridge 30 on the device side. Therefore, if the measuring device is used, deterioration of the sensor in the sensor cartridge 30 due to moisture / outside air can be suppressed without increasing the price of the sensor cartridge 30.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the sensor cartridge 30b developed to be set in the measurement device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  17 and 2, the sensor cartridge 30b has a configuration in which the roller 34 of the sensor cartridge 30 is replaced with a roller 34a and a roller 34b.

  The roller 34a is a roller in which a plurality of pins are not provided on the outer surface. The roller 34b is a so-called pinch roller for pressing the mount film 41 against the roller 34a.

  In short, the sensor cartridge 30b has a configuration in which a sensor body 40 having no hole 42 (FIG. 3) can be used. Therefore, it can be said that the sensor cartridge 30b can be manufactured at a lower cost than the sensor cartridge 30 because the step of forming the hole 42 is unnecessary.

<< 2nd Embodiment >>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on the differences from the measuring apparatus according to the above-described first embodiment.

  The sensor cartridge according to the second embodiment, which is set in the measuring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, is configured such that the sensor body 40 in the sensor cartridge 30b (FIG. 17) is replaced with the sensor body 40b having the configuration shown in FIG. Is replaced by Then, the measuring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is configured as a device different from the measuring device according to the first embodiment only in the shape of the tip portion of the slider 15.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 18, the sensor body 40b in the sensor cartridge according to the second embodiment is provided with the protruding portion 46 at a portion slightly closer to the tip side than the center portion of both edges in the width direction. The plurality of film-shaped sensors 45b are bonded on the backing film 41 such that the width direction of each of the film-shaped sensors 45b is parallel to the width direction of the backing film 41.

  Since each film-shaped sensor 45b has such a shape, the film-shaped sensor 45b is separated from the mount film 41 by the film-shaped sensor 45b from the sensor outlet 35 of the sensor cartridge according to the second embodiment. Projecting (that is, a state where a member can be inserted below the lower end of each projecting portion 46).

  If a member is inserted below the lower end of each protrusion 46 of the film-like sensor 45b projecting from the sensor outlet 35, the shape of the slider 15 and the positional relationship of each part may be reduced in design due to manufacturing errors and the like. Even if the shape and design positional relationship are slightly different from each other, the film-like sensor 45b, a part of which is stuck to the backing film 41, can be peeled off from the backing film 41 and held by the slider 15.

  For this reason, the slider 15 of the measuring device according to the present embodiment detaches and holds the film sensor 45b from the backing film 41 by engaging with the lower ends of both projecting portions 46 of the film sensor 45b projecting from the sensor outlet 35. The shape of the tip part is designed so that it can be performed.

<< 3rd Embodiment >>
Hereinafter, the configuration and function of the measuring device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 19A to 19C.

  The measuring device according to the present embodiment is a device in which a sensor cartridge is set and used similarly to the measuring devices according to the first and second embodiments. However, the measuring device according to the present embodiment is configured as a device that sets and uses a sensor cartridge 130 housed therein in a form in which a plurality of sensors 45 are stacked. 19A to 19C, the sensor 45 is shown as a sensor having a relatively large size, but the sensor 45 accommodated in the sensor cartridge 130 set in the measuring device according to the present embodiment is shown. 45 is a small sensor.

  As shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, the sensor cartridge 130 includes a case 131, a sensor mounting plate 132 disposed in the case 131, and an opening of the case 131 (see FIGS. 19A to 19C). Biasing means 133 for biasing in the direction of the upper surface (19C). The sensor cartridge 130 includes a plurality of sensors 45 stacked on the sensor mounting plate 132.

The sensor cartridge 130 is distributed to the user in a state where the opening is sealed with a thin plastic film. When the sensor cartridge 130 is set in the measuring device, the sensor cartridge 130 whose opening is sealed is placed in the housing 10 of the measuring device.
After being set (accommodated) in the cartridge accommodating section provided in the printer, an operation of peeling (pulling out) the plastic film covering the opening is performed.

  The operation of setting the sensor cartridge 130 in the measuring device is performed in a state where the slider 150 is located at the position shown in FIG. 19A (hereinafter, referred to as a standby position). Like the slider 15, the slider 150 is a member that can be moved between a standby position, a sensor removal position, and a measurement position by sliding a slider knob (not shown). Note that the sensor removal position and the measurement position are the positions of the slider 150 shown in FIGS. 19B and 19C, respectively.

  A connector 151 to which the sensor 45 can be connected is provided at the tip of the slider 150. When the slider 150 is located at the standby position, the portion facing the opening of the sensor cartridge 130 (case 131) is formed of an elastic material (rubber or the like) that covers the opening. Is provided. In addition, the portion of the slider 150 that faces the opening of the sensor cartridge 130 (case 131) when located at the standby position may have a flexure structure or the like in order to facilitate the close contact with the opening. . Further, the slider 150 is provided with wiring and the like for electrically connecting each electrode of the connector 151 and each electrode of the control unit 14 via the flexible printed circuit board 88.

  Further, the measuring device includes a pressing member 155 urged toward the sensor cartridge 130 by a coil spring. The pressing member 155 functions as a member for pressing the sealing member 152 of the slider 150 against the opening of the sensor cartridge 130 when the slider 150 is located at the standby position (FIG. 19A). However, the pressing member 155 is a member for allowing the sensor 45 to protrude from the opening of the sensor cartridge 130 by an appropriate amount when the slider 150 is located at the sensor removal position (FIG. 19B). Function as Note that the appropriate amount is an amount by which the sensor 45 is set to the connector 151 of the slider 150 that is moving from the sensor removal position to the measurement position.

  Like the devices according to the other embodiments, the measuring device according to the present embodiment can easily spot blood on the sensor 45 despite the use of the small sensor 45 (the measuring device). (In such a manner that the housing 10 does not interfere with the housing), and the adhesion of blood to the housing can be prevented. In addition, the measuring device according to the present embodiment has a mechanism for sealing the sensor cartridge 130 provided on the device side. Therefore, if the measuring device according to the present embodiment is used, deterioration of the sensor in the sensor cartridge 130 due to moisture / outside air can be suppressed without increasing the price of the sensor cartridge 130.

  In the measuring device according to the present embodiment, the slider 150 for carrying out the sensor 45 housed in the sensor cartridge 130 to the outside of the device (housing 10) is pressed by the pressing member 155, so that the non-operation of the device is prevented. In use (when the slider 150 is at the standby position), a configuration is adopted in which the sensor cartridge 130 is sealed (the opening of the sensor cartridge 30 is closed). This configuration requires a small number of components, as in the measuring devices according to the other embodiments. Therefore, the measuring device according to the present embodiment can be manufactured at extremely low cost.

<< 4th Embodiment >>
Hereinafter, the configuration and function of the measuring device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 20A to 20C.

  The measuring device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is also a device that measures a blood glucose level using a small film-shaped sensor 45, similarly to the measuring devices according to the above-described first and second embodiments. However, the measuring device according to the present embodiment is configured as a device that directly sets and uses the film sensor 45.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, the measuring device according to the present embodiment is a device without a built-in sensor, and the sensor cartridge is not built in the measuring device, and each time a measurement is performed. The user sets a sensor on the. A housing 10 and an LCD 11 arranged on the front of the housing 10 are provided. In addition, the measurement device includes a slider knob 85a that is arranged on the front surface of the housing 10 and that can be slid up and down, and a slider 85 that moves together with the slider knob 85a. Note that a plurality of push button switches are provided on the side of the housing 10 of the measurement device according to the present embodiment that is hidden in FIGS. 20A to 20C. A control unit having the same configuration and function as the control unit 14 described above is provided in the housing 10.

  A connector 85 b to which the film-shaped sensor 45 can be connected is provided at the tip of the slider 85. Each electrode of the connector 85b is electrically connected to the control unit of the measuring device according to the third embodiment by a connection method similar to that described with reference to FIG. When the slider knob 85a is located at the position shown in FIG. 20 (hereinafter, referred to as a standby position), the connector 85b is housed in the housing 10.

  When measuring the blood glucose level using the measurement device according to the present embodiment, the user first slides the slider knob 85a located at the standby position to the measurement position (the position shown in FIG. 20B).

  When this operation is performed, the connector 85a of the slider 85 protrudes from the opening provided in the housing 10 (FIG. 20B), and the user sets the film sensor 45 on the connector 85a. At this time, since the connector protrudes from the housing 10, even if the sensor is small, it is possible to easily set the sensor on the connector.

  The film sensor 45 is small. Therefore, in the measuring device according to the present embodiment, the film sensor 45 is set to the connector 85a by using a jig 88 for facilitating the work of setting the small film sensor 45 to the connector 85a. It may be.

  Thereafter, the user performs an operation of dropping blood on the film-shaped sensor 45 set on the connector 85a. As shown in FIG. 20C, in the measuring device according to the present embodiment, the film-shaped sensor 45 is connected to the connector 85a. , The film-shaped sensor 45 is located at a position slightly away from the housing 10 of the measuring device.

  Therefore, even when the measuring device according to the present embodiment is used, as in the case where the measuring devices according to the first and second embodiments described above are used, the operation of spotting blood on the small film-shaped sensor 45 is performed. Can be easily performed. Furthermore, at the time of spotting, blood is prevented from adhering to the housing 10 of the measuring device, which is sanitary.

《Modified form》
The various techniques described above can perform various modifications. For example, the sensor body 40b in the sensor cartridge according to the second embodiment can be transformed into a sensor body having holes 42 at sensor arrangement intervals, as in the sensor body 40 shown in FIG. Further, a desiccant may be included in each sensor cartridge.

  Each of the measuring devices described above uses a slider as a moving member, and the film-shaped sensor 45 protrudes in a state of being sandwiched between the slider 15 and the auxiliary slider 18. It can be transformed into a device without. In addition, the deformation of each measuring device to a device without the auxiliary slider 18 can be realized by adopting, for example, the following configuration. A connector that can fix the film-shaped sensor 45 and electrically connect the film-shaped sensor 45 to the control unit 14 is provided at the tip of the slider 15 by inserting the film-shaped sensor 45. In addition, the tip of the slider 15 (the portion near the connector) is made flexible. An urging mechanism for moving the leading end of the slider 15 toward the sensor cartridge 30 when passing over the sensor outlet 35 is provided in the measuring device.

In order to make the sealing (sealing) of the sensor cartridges 30 and 30b better with the sealing rubber 17, as shown schematically in FIG. A closed curved elastic member 50 may be provided so as to surround it. Of course, in order to better seal the sensor cartridge 130 with the sealing member 152, the opening of the sensor cartridge 130 (in the sensor cartridge 130).
An elastic member having a closed curve shape may be provided so as to surround the port portion ") where the sensor protrusion is formed.

  Further, in order to make the sealing of the sensor cartridges 30 and 30b more excellent, as shown schematically in FIG. 22, the sealing rubber 17 is provided with the port portions of the sensor cartridges 30 and 30b. The sealing member 152 may have a shape that fits with the opening of the sensor cartridge 130. However, if the length of the fitting portion is excessively long, it is difficult to slide the sliders 15 and 150. Therefore, when the sealing rubber 17 / sealing member 152 having the above-described shape is employed, it is preferable that the length of the fitting portion is not excessively long.

  The measuring device according to each embodiment may be modified to a device in which the distal ends of the sliders 15 and 150 do not protrude from the housing 10 during measurement. In addition, the sliders 15 and 150 may be modified to hold the sensor at a portion other than the tip portion. The measuring device according to each embodiment is connected to a device whose second position is independent of the sealing of the sensor cartridge (for example, the slider is moved to the first position or the position between the first position and the second position). (A device for sealing the sensor cartridge when the sensor cartridge is located at the position (1)). A device in which the sensor cartridge is sealed even at the time of measurement (dot application) by increasing the length of the sealing rubber 17 and the sealing member 152 of the measuring device according to each embodiment. Can be transformed into In addition, some functions can be removed from each of the above-described measuring device / sensor cartridges. It goes without saying that each measuring device / sensor cartridge may be modified to a device / cartridge for measuring some physical quantity relating to a measurement object other than blood.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Case 10a Cartridge accommodation part 11 LCD
Reference Signs List 12 button switch 13 speaker 14 control unit 15, 85, 150 slider 15a, 85a slider knob 17 rubber for sealing 18 auxiliary slider 30, 30b, 130 sensor cartridge 31, 131 case 32 reel hub 35 sensor outlet 36 film collecting port 40, 40b Sensor body 41 Backing film 45, 45b Film sensor 152 Sealing member

Claims (10)

In a measurement device that measures a physical quantity related to a measurement target using a sensor,
A housing,
A control unit electrically connected to the sensor,
A moving member including a sensor holding unit that holds the sensor,
A disposal mechanism for removing the sensor from the sensor holding unit and disposing the sensor ,
The measuring device, wherein the moving member projects the sensor holding unit to the outside of the housing at the time of measurement , and further includes a conductive member that electrically connects the sensor and the control unit.   The measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible substrate that electrically connects the conductive member and the control unit.   The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the moving member is integrally formed with the conductive member.   The measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor holding unit is housed in the housing during standby.   5. The moving member according to claim 1, wherein the moving member includes a main slider and a sub-slider, and the sensor is held between the main slider and the sub-slider. 6. measuring device. A housing unit for housing a sensor cartridge containing a plurality of sensors is provided,
The moving member has a sealing portion that closes an opening of the sensor cartridge during standby, and moves so that the sensor projects outside the housing.
The measuring device according to claim 1.   The measuring device according to claim 6, wherein the housing includes a pressing member that presses the sealed portion toward an opening of the sensor cartridge.   The measuring device according to claim 6, wherein the sealing portion is a flexible member.   The measuring device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the sealing unit includes an elastic rubber.   The said moving member is provided with the sensor holding part which holds the said sensor, The sensor holding part which hold | maintained the said sensor at the time of measurement is made to protrude out of the said housing | casing, The Claims any one of Claims 6-9. measuring device.

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