Light source, automatic analysis device, and reuse method

Abstract

Provided is a light source, etc., with which it is possible to determining the use time of a reusable member without relying on recording of the use time, etc., by an external device or complicated testing, and to reuse a reusable member that has not reached the expected lifespan. This light source (120) is mounted on an automatic analysis device (100), and is characterized in that: the light source (120) includes a non-reusable member (300) and a reusable member (400); the non-reusable member (300) includes an LED, which is a light-emitting element; the reusable member (400) includes an optical element that transmits light emitted from the LED and an optical element that reflects the light emitted from the LED; and the reusable member (400) is provided, at a position that faces the LED, with a resin (407) that changes color in accordance with the irradiation time of the light.

Description

Light source, automatic analyzer, and reuse method

[0001] The present invention relates to a light source, an automatic analyzer, and a recycling method.

[0002] There are automated analyzers that analyze the amounts of components, such as proteins, sugars, lipids, enzymes, hormones, and disease markers, contained in biological samples such as blood and urine. Such automated analyzers dispense specimens and reagents into containers containing the samples, and perform analysis based on changes in optical properties such as absorbance and fluorescence. Absorption analysis in automated analyzers involves irradiating light onto a sample or a reaction solution containing a mixture of the sample and reagents, measuring the light of a single wavelength or multiple wavelengths that passes through the sample or reaction solution with a photodetector, calculating the absorbance, and determining the amount of a component from the relationship between absorbance and concentration.

[0003] In order to perform various tests with high accuracy, a light source for absorption spectrometry is required to have a wide emission spectrum, constant emission intensity at each wavelength of the spectrum, and high stability of the emission intensity. For this reason, xenon lamps, halogen lamps, etc. have traditionally been used. In recent years, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been considered as light sources for absorption spectrometry.

[0004] Automated analyzers use different reagents and corresponding light wavelengths depending on the components to be measured, and the wavelength range is wide, for example, from 340 nm to 800 nm. For this reason, it is difficult to cover the entire wavelength range with a single LED, and methods using a halogen lamp and an LED, or methods using multiple LEDs, are being considered.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a light source having the following configuration. This light source includes a first LED emitting ultraviolet light and a second LED having a different emission spectrum from the first LED, arranged in parallel. This light source includes a reflective surface facing the first LED to reflect the light from the first LED, and a dichroic surface facing the second LED to reflect the light from the first LED and transmit the light from the second LED. When the optical element having the dichroic surface is a dichroic prism, the reflective surface reflects the light from the first LED toward the second LED. This light source also includes a light-shielding portion between the light-emitting surface of the second LED and the dichroic prism. This configuration of the light source enables light emitted from the multiple LEDs to be converted into a single light ray (beam) and incident on a downstream optical system.

[0006] The advantages of using an LED as a light source, such as the light source described in Patent Document 1, include a longer lifespan compared to a halogen lamp and improved maintainability due to reduced light source replacement frequency. In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the light source includes an LED, a dichroic filter, a mirror, a diffuser, etc. While LEDs generally have a longer lifespan compared to halogen lamps, after a certain period of illumination, the light output decreases from its initial state due to an increase in crystal defects in the LED element, diffusion of impurities, and other degradation of electrical characteristics. In contrast, the degradation rate of optical elements such as dichroic filters, mirrors, and diffusers is generally considered to be slower than that of LEDs, although this depends on factors such as the usage environment and element quality. In other words, it can be said that the LED is the bottleneck that determines the lifespan of the light source.

[0007] Here, in consideration of environmental issues and the achievement of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), it is unavoidable to discard LEDs that have reached the end of their lifespan, but it is not preferable to discard optical elements that have not yet reached the end of their lifespan, and it is desirable that they be recycled or reused.

[0008] In order to meet such demands, for example, reuse of light sources has been proposed in Patent Documents 2 and 3. Patent Document 2 discloses a method for recycling optical elements in which an identification element is provided in a packaging member of an optical element package, and recyclable optical elements are identified from among the optical elements contained in the optical element package based on information stored in the identification element.

[0009] Patent Document 3 discloses a light source recycling method including the following steps: (a) a step of reading identification information of a recycled light source from an electronic tag attached to the recycled light source that uses a light emitting diode as a light source; (b) a step of making a primary determination as to whether the recycled light source can be reused based on information about the recycled light source that is stored in a light source database in association with the identification information; (c) a step of inspecting whether the recycled light source that has been determined to have the potential for reuse by the primary determination can be reused; and (d) a step of storing information about the results of the inspection of the recycled light source in the light source database.

[0010] JP 2020-193838 A JP 2010-23304 A JP 2013-140911 A

[0011] Patent Document 1 does not address the idea of ​​reusing optical elements, and therefore does not disclose any specific means for realizing this. Furthermore, in the method described in Patent Document 2, information about the optical element is first recorded in an identification element, such as a barcode or IC tag, related to the optical element. Then, in this method, the reusability of each component made of a single material is determined, and the optical characteristics are inspected to reuse the optical element. Examples of such optical characteristics include total light transmittance, haze, refractive index, chromaticity, film thickness, optical shape of the optical element, pitch, size, electrical resistance, weight, volume, and density. This method requires a process of removing various optical elements from an optical element package, inspecting their optical characteristics individually, and then reusing them. The process is complicated. Furthermore, the greater the number of optical elements, the more complicated the process. The more complicated the process, the higher the cost of reuse, making reuse less feasible.

[0012] In the method described in Patent Document 3, an identification element for a light source, such as an IC tag, is used to record information about the manufacturing date of the light source within the identification element. The remaining life is estimated by comparing this information with the current date and time, and the light source is then inspected to determine whether it can be reused. While this method of estimating the remaining life from the manufacturing date and current date and time is simple, it is difficult to accurately estimate the remaining life for light sources used in automatic analyzers, whose operating frequencies and daytime operating hours vary. Patent Document 3 also describes a method in which the power-on time is recorded using a microcomputer or the like, and the accumulated power-on time is compared with the lifespan to determine reuse. Installing a microcomputer or the like requires dedicated electrical and electronic circuits and a space for installing them, and a constant power supply is also required to record and maintain the power-on record.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a light source, an automatic analyzer, and a recycling method that can determine the usage time of reusable components without relying on complicated testing or recording of usage time and the like by an external device, and that can reuse reusable components that have not reached the end of their expected lifespan.

[0014] The light source of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, is a light source mounted on an automatic analyzer, and is characterized in that the light source comprises non-reusable components and reusable components, the non-reusable components include an LED which is a light-emitting element, the reusable components include an optical element that transmits and an optical element that reflects light irradiated from the LED, and the reusable components are provided with a resin, located opposite the LED, whose color changes depending on the irradiation time of the light.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a light source, an automatic analyzer, and a recycling method that can determine the usage time of reusable components without relying on complicated testing or recording of usage time by external devices, and that can reuse reusable components that have not reached the end of their expected lifespan. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become clear from the description of the following embodiments. Further features related to the present invention will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0016] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an automatic analyzer 100. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a light source 120 and a spectroscope 107 that play a role in measuring absorbance in the automatic analyzer 100. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a light source 120 of the automatic analyzer 100. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a more specific example of the configuration of the light source 120. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical element composite 406, in which the optical element composite 406 is viewed from the direction of the LED substrate 303. FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between usage time and color change of a resin 407 for the optical element composite 406, the graph showing the change in luminance value of the resin 407 at a first application position 501 affected by light irradiated by a first LED 301. FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between usage time and color change of a resin 407 for the optical element composite 406, the graph showing the change in luminance value of the resin 407 at a second application position 502 affected by light irradiated by a second LED 302. FIG. 5 is a graph showing another example of the relationship between usage time and color change of a resin 407 for the optical element composite 406. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a light source reuse inspection device 801 relating to the reuse of a light source 120. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a reuse method according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a detailed diagram of a workflow relating to the reuse of a light source 120.

[0017] A light source, an automatic analyzer, and a reuse method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that common components in the following description and drawings may be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description may be omitted. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the descriptions in this specification are merely typical examples and do not limit the scope of the claims or application examples in any sense.

[0018] First, an automatic analyzer 100 equipped with a light source 120 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Next, the light source 120 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0019] (Automated analyzer 100) Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the automated analyzer 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the automated analyzer 100 is composed of a conveying line 101, a rotor 102, a reagent disk 103, a reaction disk 104, dispensing mechanisms 105a and 105b, a stirring mechanism 106, a spectroscope 107, a reaction cell cleaning mechanism 108, nozzle cleaning mechanisms 109a and 109b, a control unit 115, an input unit 123, a display unit 124, and the like.

[0020] The transport line 101 transports a required amount of sample racks 111 holding sample containers 110 containing samples to a sample dispensing position 121. A dispensing mechanism 105a dispenses the sample from the sample containers 110 into reaction cells 112 (reaction containers) at the sample dispensing position 121. The transport line 101 is further connected to a rotor 102. By rotating the rotor 102, the sample racks 111 are exchanged with other transport lines 101.

[0021] The reagent disk 103 holds a reagent container 113 containing a reagent and transports the reagent container 113 to a position where the dispensing mechanism 105b can perform a dispensing operation. The dispensing mechanism 105b dispenses the reagent from the reagent container 113 into the reaction cell 112 at a reagent dispensing position 122. The reagent is dispensed into the reaction cell 112 in an amount required for colorimetric analysis, and reacts with components in the sample to be analyzed.

[0022] The reaction disk 104 holds the reaction cell 112 and transports the reaction cell 112 to the positions where the spectrometer 107 that performs colorimetric analysis, the stirring mechanism 106, the reaction cell cleaning mechanism 108, etc., which are the target of each operation, operate. The reaction cell 112 is kept warm by a constant temperature medium such as temperature-controlled water. This promotes chemical reactions in the reaction liquid, which is a mixture of the specimen and the reagent.

[0023] The dispensing mechanism 105a aspirates a sample to be subjected to colorimetric analysis from a sample container 110 and dispenses it into a reaction cell 112. The dispensing mechanism 105a includes an arm 118a, a nozzle 116a, and a dispensing mechanism motor 119a. The arm 118a holds the nozzle 116a and a liquid level sensor 117. The dispensing mechanism motor 119a moves the dispensing mechanism 105a up and down and in a rotational direction. The dispensing mechanism 105b aspirates a reagent appropriate for the analysis target from a reagent container 113 and dispenses it into the reaction cell 112. The dispensing mechanism 105b includes an arm 118b, a nozzle 116b, and a dispensing mechanism motor 119b. The arm 118b holds the nozzle 116b and a liquid level sensor 117. The dispensing mechanism motor 119b moves the dispensing mechanism 105b up and down and in a rotational direction. The nozzle 116a and the nozzle 116b are each connected to a liquid level sensor 117. The liquid level sensor 117 detects the liquid level position based on, for example, a change in capacitance of the liquid.

[0024] The specimen is dispensed by inserting nozzle 116a into specimen container 110 containing the specimen, aspirating a predetermined amount of specimen, moving dispensing mechanism 105a vertically and rotationally, and dispensing the aspirated specimen into reaction cell 112. A shield unit 114 is installed near the position where dispensing mechanism 105a performs the dispensing operation. The shield unit 114 prevents specimen from scattering or becoming contaminated. The reagent is dispensed by inserting nozzle 116b into reagent container 113 containing the reagent, aspirating a predetermined amount of reagent, moving dispensing mechanism 105b vertically and rotationally, and dispensing the aspirated reagent into reaction cell 112.

[0025] The stirring mechanism 106 stirs the reaction liquid in the reaction cell 112. This promotes a chemical reaction between the analyte component in the specimen discharged from the specimen container 110 into the reaction cell 112 and the reagent discharged from the reagent container 113 into the reaction cell 112.

[0026] The light source 120 irradiates light onto the reaction solution in which the chemical reaction has been promoted by being stirred by the stirring mechanism 106. The spectroscope 107 is provided on the optical axis of the light irradiated from the light source 120. The spectroscope 107 separates the transmitted light that has passed through the reaction solution. The automated analyzer 100 performs colorimetric analysis by measuring absorbance based on the separated transmitted light. Note that this colorimetric analysis is generally performed simultaneously while the reaction cells 112 are being transported, and absorbance measurements are performed sequentially at preset timings.

[0027] The reaction cell cleaning mechanism 108 aspirates the reaction liquid from the reaction cell 112 after colorimetric analysis has been completed, and then dispenses detergent or the like to clean the reaction cell 112. The nozzle cleaning mechanism 109a cleans the tip of the nozzle 116a of the dispensing mechanism 105a that dispensed the sample. The nozzle cleaning mechanism 109b cleans the tip of the nozzle 116b of the dispensing mechanism 105b that dispensed the reagent. This removes any residue adhering to the nozzles 116a and 116b, preventing them from affecting the next analysis target. The control unit 115 is composed of a processor, memory, etc., and controls the above-mentioned mechanisms and devices. The input unit 123 is composed of a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc., and inputs instructions from the user to the control unit 115. The display unit 124 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays an operation screen, etc.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the light source 120 and the spectroscope 107 that play a role in measuring absorbance in the automated analyzer 100. As shown in FIG. 2 , the illumination light generated by the light source 120 is emitted along an optical axis 201, condensed by a condenser lens 203, and irradiated onto the reaction cell 112. At this time, a light source-side slit 202 may be disposed to limit the width of the illumination light from the light source 120 in order to extract a region of the illumination light from the light source 120 with as uniform a light intensity distribution as possible within the illumination surface. Furthermore, the light source 120 may be provided with optical filters, such as a short-pass filter, a long-pass filter, a band-pass filter, or an ND (neutral density) filter, at appropriate positions on the optical axis 201. By providing these filters, light with desired optical characteristics can be obtained.

[0029] The light that has passed through the reaction solution 205 in the reaction cell 112 is split by a diffraction grating 206 in the spectroscope 107 and received by a detector array 207 equipped with a large number of light receivers. At this time, the light that has not passed through the reaction solution 205 becomes noise as stray light. Therefore, a spectroscope-side slit 204 may be provided to prevent the light from entering the spectroscope 107.

[0030] Examples of wavelengths of light measured by the detector array 207 include 340 nm, 376 nm, 405 nm, 415 nm, 450 nm, 480 nm, 505 nm, 546 nm, 570 nm, 600 nm, 660 nm, 700 nm, 750 nm, and 800 nm. A light reception signal from the light receiver of the detector array 207 is transmitted to the control unit 115 via the light quantity measurement circuit 208, and absorbance measurement is performed from the signal.

[0031] (Light Source 120) Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the light source 120 of the automatic analyzer 100. Fig. 3 shows an example in which light from two LEDs (light-emitting elements) is combined by an optical element, but the configuration of the light source 120 is not necessarily limited to this.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3 , an LED substrate 303 is held by a support 304. A first LED 301 and a second LED 302 are mounted on the LED substrate 303. The LED substrate 303 supplies power to the first LED 301 and the second LED 302, for example, via a constant current source. Because the LED generates heat due to the current flowing through it when it is lit and the light emission intensity of the LED is temperature-dependent, it is desirable to maintain a constant ambient temperature when the LED is lit. For example, the LED substrate 303 and the support 304 are preferably made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper. This allows the ambient temperature of the LED to quickly stabilize to a constant value. It is also effective to surround the light source 120 with a temperature-controlled metal block or a constant-temperature fluid.

[0033] A dichroic filter 305 is disposed on the optical path of the first LED 301, and light is incident at an angle of 45°. Furthermore, a reflector 306, such as a mirror, is disposed on the optical path of the second LED 302, and light is incident at an angle of 45°. In this manner, the light emitted from the second LED 302 is reflected in two stages by both the reflector 306 and the dichroic filter 305, and then combined with the light emitted from the first LED 301. The combined light then enters the spectroscope 107 along the optical axis 201.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a more specific configuration example of the light source 120. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 4, the light source 120 includes a first LED 301, a second LED 302, a dichroic filter 305, and a reflector 306, similar to Fig. 3. The light source 120 also includes a first optical element 401 and a second optical element 402.

[0035] Specific examples of the first optical element 401 and the second optical element 402 include lenses, diffusers, filters, etc., and various elements can be used depending on the application. For example, a diffuser can be used to uniformly distribute the in-plane intensity of light emitted from an LED. While one optical element is used for one LED in the figure, a diffuser and a filter can also be combined. Examples of filters include short-pass filters, long-pass filters, and band-pass filters. When multiple optical elements are arranged in this manner, it is preferable to provide a holder 403 on which the optical elements can be appropriately positioned.

[0036] The holder 403 has an optical path 404 for passing light emitted from the LED. The holder 403 and the dichroic filter 305 are fixed onto the optical path 404. The holder 403 and the reflector 306 are also fixed onto the optical path 404. These can be fixed using, for example, an adhesive. Examples of the adhesive that can be used include an ultraviolet light curing adhesive, a visible light curing adhesive, a heat curing adhesive, and an anaerobic curing adhesive.

[0037] The first optical element 401 is fixed to the holder 403 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 201 ( FIG. 3 ). The second optical element 402 is also fixed to the holder 403 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 201. These optical elements and the holder 403 may be directly fixed with an adhesive or the like, but more preferably, a fixing plate 405 having an opening 409 ( FIG. 5 ) formed therein so as to allow the light emitted from the LED to pass through is used. For example, the first optical element 401 is fixed so as to cover the opening 409 of the fixing plate 405. Similarly, the second optical element 402 is fixed so as to cover the opening 409 of the fixing plate 405.

[0038] Then, the fixing plate 405 to which the first optical element 401 is fixed and the fixing plate 405 to which the second optical element 402 is fixed are each fixed to the holder 403. The fixing plate 405 to which the first optical element 401 is fixed is fixed to the holder 403 so that one surface (non-fixing surface) to which the first optical element 401 is not fixed faces the first LED 301. In other words, the other surface (fixing surface) to which the first optical element 401 is fixed is fixed to the holder 403. Similarly, the fixing plate 405 to which the second optical element 402 is fixed is fixed to the holder 403 so that one surface (non-fixing surface) to which the second optical element 402 is not fixed faces the second LED 302. In other words, the other surface (fixing surface) to which the second optical element 402 is fixed is fixed to the holder 403. Adhesives can be used to fix the first optical element 401 to the fixing plate 405, the second optical element 402 to the fixing plate 405, and the fixing plate 405 to the holder 403. By using such a configuration and making the fixing plate 405 out of a highly light-blocking material such as metal, it is possible to prevent light from the LED from directly irradiating the adhesive that fixes them, thereby reducing denaturation and deterioration of the adhesive caused by light. By using a material with high thermal conductivity such as aluminum or copper for the holder 403, it is possible to quickly stabilize the temperature around the LED and the optical components to a constant value when the LED is turned on.

[0039] With the above configuration, the multiple optical elements can be handled as an integrated component. Hereinafter, this component will be referred to as the optical element composite 406. Therefore, in this case, the light source 120 is composed of the support 304, the LED substrate 303 on which the first LED 301 and the second LED 302 are mounted, and the optical element composite 406. Note that if the LEDs are continuously lit, the light output decreases due to changes in the semiconductor elements and electrical characteristics, and at some point, the LED substrate 303 (the first LED 301 and the second LED 302) reaches the end of its life. Research has shown that the optical element composite 406 has a sufficiently long life compared to the LED substrate 303. In other words, when replacing the LED substrate 303 whose light output has decreased, there is no need to also replace the optical element composite 406; the optical element composite 406 can be reused. However, because the optical element composite 406 also has a finite life, it is preferable to monitor the usage time of the optical element composite 406 alone and reuse only those optical element composites 406 within a predetermined life.

[0040] As described above, the light source 120 includes a non-reusable member 300 and a reusable member 400. The non-reusable member 300 includes an LED, which is a light-emitting element. Specifically, the non-reusable member 300 includes the support 304 and the LED substrate 303 on which the first LED 301 and the second LED 302 are mounted. The reusable member 400 includes optical elements that transmit and reflect light emitted from the LEDs. Specifically, the reusable member 400 includes the optical element composite 406. In the following description, the non-reusable member 300 may be simply referred to as the LED substrate 303, and the reusable member 400 may be referred to as the optical element composite 406. In this embodiment, the reusable member 400 includes a resin 407, located opposite the LED, that changes color depending on the irradiation time of light emitted from the LED. It is preferable that the color change occurs continuously, discretely, or stepwise depending on the irradiation time of the light irradiated from the LED. In this manner, in this embodiment, by applying the resin 407 to the reusable member 400 (optical element composite 406), the usage time of the reusable member 400 can be determined from the color change of the resin 407 due to the irradiation time of the light from the LED.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a structural diagram showing an example of the configuration of the optical element composite 406, viewed from the direction of the LED substrate 303. As shown in FIG. 5 , a fixing plate 405 is installed relative to the holder 403. The fixing plate 405 has an opening 409 near the center of the fixing plate 405, corresponding to the position of the optical axis 201, to allow light emitted from the LED to pass through. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the first optical element 401 and the second optical element 402 fixed to the rear surface (the fixing surface) of the fixing plate 405 can be seen through the opening 409. Resin 407 is applied to the non-fixing surface of the fixing plate 405. Specifically, the resin 407 is applied to first application positions 501 at the four corners of the non-fixing surface so as to face the first LED 301. Similarly, the resin 407 is applied to second application positions 502 at the four corners of the non-fixing surface so as to face the second LED 302. The resin 407 is, for example, an ultraviolet light curing adhesive.

[0042] UV-curable adhesives are adhesives that harden when irradiated with ultraviolet light (light with a wavelength of 100 nm to 400 nm). UV-curable adhesives can be broadly divided into those in which curing proceeds through radical polymerization caused by a radical catalyst, and those in which curing proceeds through cationic polymerization caused by a cationic catalyst. For example, in the case of radical polymerization, the photopolymerization initiator is activated by ultraviolet light, radicals are generated, polymerization proceeds, and the adhesive hardens. If UV light continues to be irradiated after hardening, radicals are generated from the photopolymerization initiator, and the components of the adhesive begin to absorb blue light in the visible range. As a result, the light reflected from the adhesive appears to turn yellow. This is called yellowing.

[0043] Such yellowing adhesives are not normally used as adhesives for components that include optical elements because they can lead to deterioration of optical properties. However, in this embodiment, the yellowing adhesive (resin 407) is applied at a position away from the optical axis 201, and the yellowing does not affect the light emitted from the light source 120. In other words, the yellowing of the adhesive (resin 407) does not lead to deterioration of the optical properties of the light source 120.

[0044] Furthermore, the optical element composite 406 includes a light-shielding portion 408 between a fixing plate 405 to which the first optical element 401 is fixed and a fixing plate 405 to which the second optical element 402 is fixed. The light-shielding portion 408 is formed one step higher than the first optical element 401 and the second optical element 402, and is preferably formed so as to abut against the LED substrate 303. This prevents the light irradiated from the first LED 301 and the light irradiated from the second LED 302 from leaking into each other. This allows the light irradiated from the first LED 301 to be irradiated only toward the first optical element 401, and the light irradiated from the second LED 302 to be irradiated only toward the second optical element 402. Therefore, in FIG. 5 , the resin 407 at the first application position 501 is only affected by the first LED 301. Furthermore, the resin 407 at the second application position 502 is only affected by the second LED 302. The resin 407 turns yellow when irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0045] FIG. 6 shows an example of the relationship between usage time and color change of resin 407 for optical element composite 406. Here, a white LED emitting light with a wavelength ranging from approximately 370 nm to 800 nm was used as the first LED 301. A UV LED emitting light with a wavelength of 340 nm was used as the second LED 302. Optical element composite 406, which is a reusable component 400, includes resin 407 for each of two or more LEDs. While resin 407 may be any material that undergoes a chemical change in response to light of any of the wavelengths described above, resin that undergoes a chemical change in response to UV light was used here. In other words, in this example, non-reusable component 300 includes two or more LEDs. One of the two or more LEDs is an ultraviolet LED (second LED 302) that emits ultraviolet light with a central wavelength of 400 nm or less. Another of the two or more LEDs is an LED (first LED 301, white LED) that emits light with a wavelength not included in the UV LEDs. Furthermore, the reusable member 400 (optical element composite 406) includes a resin 407 for each of the two or more LEDs. The luminance value of the resin 407 is a value obtained by capturing an image with a color camera while irradiating the optical element composite 406 with white light as illumination and extracting the luminance value of the pixel at each of the first application position 501 and the second application position 502. In this example, the luminance value was calculated by converting a value acquired in the RGB color space (R: red, G: green, B: blue) into the HSV color space (H: hue, S: saturation, V: luminance), and using this value was the luminance value V.

[0046] 6A is a graph showing an example of the relationship between usage time and color change of the resin 407 for the optical element composite 406, and is a graph showing the change in the luminance value of the resin 407 at the first application position 501 affected by the light emitted by the first LED 301 versus usage time. In the graph, the vertical axis represents the luminance value (V value) at the first application position 501. The horizontal axis represents usage time. As shown in FIG. 6A, the luminance value of the resin 407 at the first application position 501 remained roughly constant over the usage time of the optical element composite 406. This indicates that the light irradiated from the first LED 301 contains almost no ultraviolet light component, and therefore yellowing of the resin 407 did not occur.

[0047] FIG. 6B is a graph showing an example of the relationship between usage time and color change of the resin 407 for the optical element composite 406. The graph shows the change in luminance value of the resin 407 at the second application position 502, which is affected by the light emitted by the second LED 302, versus usage time. In the graph, the vertical axis represents the luminance value (V value) at the second application position 502. The horizontal axis represents usage time. As shown in FIG. 6B , the luminance value of the resin 407 at the second application position 502 was negatively correlated with the usage time of the optical element composite 406. This means that the color of the resin 407 became darker as the usage time of the optical element composite 406 increased. As shown in FIG. 6B , there was a good linear relationship between the luminance value of the resin 407 and usage time.

[0048] This can be physically interpreted as follows: The main component of the light irradiated from the second LED 302 is ultraviolet light, which causes yellowing of the resin 407. Furthermore, since the second LED 302 is turned on so that the amount of light emitted is constant, and the amount of light irradiated onto the resin 407 per unit time is also constant, the degree of yellowing of the resin 407 correlates with the usage time. From the above relationship, it is possible to estimate the approximate usage time of the optical element composite 406 by measuring the luminance value of the resin 407.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a graph showing another example of the relationship between usage time and color change of the resin 407 for the optical element composite 406. In FIG. 7, the vertical axis represents the difference between the luminance value (V value) at the first application position 501 and the luminance value (V value) at the second application position 502. By calculating the difference between the luminance values ​​at different application positions in this manner, the effects of variations in the amount of light when the optical element composite 406 is captured by a camera can be minimized. Furthermore, the correlation coefficient improves. From FIG. 7, it can be seen that the color difference of the resin 407 provided for each of two or more LEDs (white LEDs and ultraviolet LEDs) continuously changes depending on the LED irradiation time. Therefore, the usage time of the optical element composite 406 can be estimated based on the continuously changing color difference of the resin 407. Furthermore, if the usage time can be estimated, the replacement time can also be estimated. In view of this, in this embodiment, it is preferable to obtain the relationship between the luminance value and the usage time in advance, and approximate it with an arbitrary function such as a linear function by the least squares method or the like to obtain the corresponding relationship. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the luminance value of the resin 407 is calculated from this corresponding relationship. １ When １ The current usage time T １ <If the lifetime is within the range of T, the optical element complex 406 can be reused.

[0050] Here, in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7, the luminance value of the resin 407 has been described using the V value in the HSV color space. Generally, when the resin 407 yellows due to UV light irradiation after curing, it changes over time from yellow to brown to black, depending on the characteristics of the resin 407. Therefore, in the RGB color space, the luminance values ​​of R, G, and B all tend to decrease, and it is no problem to estimate the usage time using any one of these values. The luminance value of the resin 407 gradually changes over a usage time of several hundred to several thousand hours. Therefore, in this embodiment, the usage time can be estimated from the start of use to a maximum range of approximately tens of thousands to one hundred thousand hours.

[0051] (Method for More Accurate Estimation of Usage Time) Next, a method for more accurately estimating the usage time of the optical element composite 406 (reusable member 400) will be described. As described above, the amount of change in color of the resin 407 correlates with usage time. Here, if the thickness of the resin 407 changes, the amount of light absorbed by the resin 407 during imaging also changes. Therefore, it is desirable to apply a constant amount of resin 407. For example, one method is to provide recesses of a constant height at the first application position 501 and the second application position 502 of the fixed plate 405, apply the resin 407 to the recesses, and then remove any unnecessary resin to achieve a constant thickness. In addition to this method, another method is also preferred in which the volume is controlled by measuring the applied mass of the resin 407 or by extruding a constant amount with a syringe, thereby forming a resin layer of a constant thickness. While there are no restrictions on the thickness of the resin 407, a thickness in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm is preferred, for example. By doing so, the amount of change in color of the resin 407 becomes roughly constant, and the usage time of the optical element composite 406 can be estimated with higher accuracy.

[0052] 5, the resin 407 is applied to the four corners of the fixing plate 405 as an example. In this way, the resin 407 may be applied to multiple locations for one LED, and the average, median, maximum, or minimum luminance value at each application location may be calculated as a representative value, and the usage time may be calculated using this representative value. In this way, the influence of the thickness of the resin 407 and the influence of variations in application are suppressed, allowing for a more accurate estimation of the usage time of the optical element composite 406. Note that the fixing plate 405 may be circular instead of square. The number and area of ​​the application locations of the resin 407 may also be increased or decreased as desired.

[0053] Furthermore, this embodiment can also determine if the light source 120 has been used under exceptional conditions that are different from normal. As shown in FIG. 6A , the color of the resin 407 at the first application position 501 barely changes, and the luminance value remains generally constant. This is because the light emitted from the first LED 301 contains almost no ultraviolet light components. Therefore, under exceptional conditions that are different from normal, such as when the light-shielding portion 408 is not functioning or when the optical path determined by the first optical element 401, the second optical element 402, the reflector 306, and the dichroic filter 305 is not as designed, light containing ultraviolet light components from the second LED 302 may be irradiated onto the first application position 501 due to stray light or the like. In such cases, the color of the resin 407 at the first application position 501 changes, indicating that the resin 407 has not been used under appropriate conditions. Therefore, if the luminance value of the resin 407 at the first application position 501 deviates from a certain range, it is possible to prevent the optical element composite 406 from being reused.

[0054] (Regarding the material of resin 407) The characteristics of resin 407 required in this embodiment can be broadly classified into (1) a case where the absorption wavelength of the photopolymerization initiator contained in resin 407 matches the emission wavelength of second LED 302 and does not contain components of the emission wavelength of first LED 301, and (2) a case where the absorption wavelength of the photopolymerization initiator contained in resin 407 matches the emission wavelength of first LED 301 and does not contain components of the emission wavelength of second LED 302.

[0055] Here, the case of (1) is the same as the case shown in Fig. 6. In the case of (2), the results shown in Fig. 6A and 6B are reversed, and yellowing of the resin 407 is observed at the first application position 501, while the color of the resin 407 does not change at the second application position 502. In both cases (1) and (2), the difference between the brightness values ​​of both is obtained, which makes it possible to determine the usage time of the optical element composite 406 (see Fig. 7).

[0056] The resin 407 is preferably a photocurable resin that cures by radical polymerization or cationic polymerization. More specifically, the photocurable resin preferably contains a photopolymerizable resin, a polymerization initiator, and a polymerization accelerator. Examples of the photopolymerizable resin include acrylate, methacrylate, epoxy compound, epoxy resin, oxetane compound, polyfunctional oxetane compound, vinyl ether, epoxy acrylate, urethane acrylate, polyester acrylate, copolymer acrylate, polybutadiene acrylate, silicon acrylate, and polyester vinyl ether. Examples of the polymerization initiator include benzophenone-based compounds, acetophenone-based compounds, benzoin-based compounds, thioxanthone-based compounds, phosphine oxide-based compounds, sulfonium salts, and iodonium salts. Examples of the polymerization accelerator include tertiary amines. The photopolymerizable resin, polymerization initiator, and polymerization accelerator are not limited to these materials, and conventionally known materials can be used as appropriate. In addition to the raw materials, the photocurable resin may contain various modifiers, diluents, colorants, auxiliary agents, etc. Such resin 407 changes color (turns yellow) depending on the irradiation time of light (ultraviolet light) emitted from the LED.

[0057] 4, the resin 407 and the adhesive that fixes the first optical element 401 and the second optical element 402 to the holder 403 may be the same resin (adhesive) or may be different. If the same resin (adhesive) can be used, it is preferable because it makes management easier in the manufacturing process.

[0058] (Method for Reusing Some of the Components of the Light Source 120) Next, as described above, a method for reusing some of the components of the light source 120 will be described using the determination of the usage time of the optical element composite 406, which is the reusable member 400. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a light source reuse inspection device 801 for reusing the light source 120. First, the light source 120 or a part of the light source 120 is input into the light source reuse inspection device 801. A part of the light source 120, specifically the optical element composite 406, is imaged by an imaging device 802. The imaging conditions of the imaging device 802, such as the exposure time and the amount of illumination light, are controlled by a control unit 803. The control unit 803 also performs correction processes for the brightness, gamma, rotation angle, etc. of the image from the acquired image, automatic area extraction of the position of the resin 407, calculation of the luminance value, etc., and determines the usage time of the optical element composite 406 from a correspondence relational expression acquired in advance.

[0059] Here, it is preferable to refer to a database 804 to determine the position of the resin 407 and the relational expression between the luminance value and the usage time of the optical element composite 406, and to use optimal values ​​and relational expressions depending on the model number and lot. The judgment result is displayed on an input / output device 805, and the user can check the result and select whether to carry out the next inspection, etc.

[0060] Next, the light source 120 is inspected by a light source inspection device 806. The light source inspection device 806 is a device that inspects the light source 120, which is an integrated assembly of the optical element composite 406 (reusable component 400) and the LED substrate 303 (non-reusable component 300). Here, it is preferable to use the optical element composite 406 inspected by the imaging device 802 described above, and to use a new LED substrate 303 for assembly. The light source inspection device 806 uses, for example, an automatic inspection analyzer to evaluate whether the assembled light source 120 has a desired or higher light emission output at a desired inspection wavelength, whether the light intensity stability is above a certain reference value, etc. The light source inspection device 806 may also acquire an emission image of the light source 120 using a camera or the like, and inspect whether the emission image is aligned with the optical axis 201, whether there are any foreign objects on the optical path, whether the emission image is uniform, etc. A light source that passes the above reuse inspection becomes a reusable light source 807 and is installed in the automatic analyzer 100.

[0061] As described above, according to this embodiment, the usage time of the reusable member 400 can be determined without relying on (without recording) complicated inspections or recording of usage time and the like using external devices as in the conventional case, and a light source 120 can be provided that reuses the reusable member 400 that has not reached the end of its expected lifespan.

[0062] (Automated analyzer 100 reusing optical element composite 406) In other words, as described above, this automated analyzer 100 calculates the usage time of the optical element composite 406 (reusable member 400) from the color of the resin 407, and reuses the optical element composite 406 whose usage time has not reached its expected lifespan. The automated analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 1 determines the usage time of the reusable member 400 without relying on complicated testing or recording of usage time by an external device as in the conventional technology, and can use a light source 120 (reusable light source 807) that reuses the reusable member 400 that has not reached its expected lifespan.

[0063] (Recycling Method) FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a recycling method according to one embodiment. The recycling method illustrated in FIG. 9 is a method for reusing components of the light source 120 installed in the automated analyzer 100. The configuration of the light source 120 has already been described in detail, so a brief description will be provided here. The light source 120 includes a non-recyclable component 300 and a recyclable component 400. The non-recyclable component 300 includes an LED, which is a light-emitting element. The recyclable component 400 includes optical elements that transmit and reflect light emitted from the LED. The recyclable component 400 includes a resin 407 facing the LED, whose color changes depending on the duration of light irradiation. It is preferable that the color change occur continuously, discretely, or stepwise depending on the duration of light irradiation from the LED. The non-recyclable component 300 includes an LED board 303 on which a first LED 301 and a second LED 302 are mounted, and an LED board 303 that supports the LED board 303. The reusable member 400 corresponds to the optical element complex 406 .

[0064] As shown in FIG. 9 , the recycling method includes a calculation step S901, a determination step S902, and a fabrication step S903. The calculation step S901 calculates the usage time of the reusable member 400 based on the color of the resin 407. The determination step S902 determines whether the reusable member 400 is reusable by comparing the usage time with the expected lifespan. The fabrication step S903 fabricates the light source 120 (reusable light source 807) by assembling the reusable member 400 determined to be reusable with a new non-reusable member 300. The calculation step S901 and the determination step S902 are performed by the control unit 803. Because the recycling method includes these steps, the usage time of the reusable member 400 can be determined without relying on cumbersome inspections or recording of usage time and the like using external devices, and the reusable member 400 that has not yet reached its expected lifespan can be reused.

[0065] In the reuse method, as described above, it is preferable that the resin 407 is provided at multiple locations for one LED. Then, it is preferable that the calculation step S901 calculates the average, median, maximum, or minimum value of the luminance values ​​of the resin 407 at the multiple locations as a representative value, and calculates the usage time of the reusable member 400 using the representative value. In this way, the influence of the thickness of the resin 407 and the influence of coating variations are suppressed, so that the usage time of the reusable member 400 can be estimated more accurately. The usage time of the reusable member 400 can be estimated in the same manner as in FIG. 7 . For example, by calculating the difference between the luminance value (V value) at the first application position 501 and the luminance value (V value) at the second application position 502 using the representative value, a correspondence relationship as shown in FIG. 7 can be obtained. Then, from this correspondence relationship, the luminance value of the resin 407 is calculated as V １ When １ The current usage time T １ <If the life span is within the range of T, the optical element complex 406 can be reused.

[0066] (Workflow for Reusing Light Source 120) Figure 10 is a detailed diagram of the workflow for reusing the light source 120. First, in step S1001, the light source 120 is collected from the automated analyzer 100. In this step, for example, the light source 120 is collected if it no longer meets the reference value for light intensity in the light source inspection device 806, if the total power-on time of the light source 120 is stored inside the device and this total power-on time exceeds a predetermined reference, or if it is a light source 120 that is subject to periodic replacement during regular maintenance of the automated analyzer 100. This step also includes transportation of the automated analyzer 100 from the location where it is installed to the testing location.

[0067] Next, in step S1002, the light source 120 is identified. For example, it is preferable that the LED substrate 303 and the optical element composite 406 are provided with markings or tags (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, RFID) indicating serial numbers, and if they are provided, the serial numbers are identified by these. Based on the identified serial numbers, management is performed in subsequent steps to determine which parts have been discarded and which have been reused. Note that in this embodiment, serial numbers or the like are not necessary, and it can be determined whether the optical element composite 406 is reusable in step S1004, which will be described later.

[0068] In step S1003, the light source 120 is separated into the LED (support portion 304, LED substrate 303, etc.), which is a non-reusable member 300, and the optical element composite 406, which is a reusable member 400. The light source 120 is composed of the non-reusable member 300 and the reusable member 400, which are preferably fastened together with precision screws, for example. This allows these components to be assembled, facilitating the separation in this step and subsequent assembly. Of the separated parts, the non-reusable member 300 (LED) is discarded, and the reusable member 400 (optical element composite 406) is inspected in the next step.

[0069] In step S1004, the optical element composite 406, which is the reusable member 400, is inspected. In this step, the usage time of the optical element composite 406 is determined from the luminance value and / or the difference between the luminance values ​​of the resin 407 applied to the optical element composite 406. Using the determined usage time value, if the relationship (current usage time + expected lifespan of the LED substrate 303) < (expected lifespan of the optical element composite 406) is satisfied, the optical element composite 406 is deemed reusable, and the next step is proceeded to (OK in step S1004). In addition, in this step, it is preferable to also inspect the optical element for appearance abnormalities such as scratches, dirt, and chips using images captured during inspection. Optical element composites 406 that fail this step are discarded (NG in step S1004).

[0070] In step S1005, the optical element composite 406, which is the reusable member 400, is cleaned. In this step, dust and dirt that have adhered to the optical element composite 406 during use in the automated analyzer 100 and during steps S1001 to S1004 are cleaned. Cleaning is performed, for example, by removing the dust and dirt with compressed air or tweezers, or by wiping it with lens paper or the like.

[0071] In step S1006, the optical element composite 406, which is the reusable member 400, is assembled with a new non-reusable member 300 (such as the LED substrate 303). That is, a new light source 120 is assembled using these.

[0072] In step S1007, the assembled light source 120 is inspected. For example, an automated inspection analyzer is used to evaluate whether the light source 120 emits a desired amount of light at a desired inspection wavelength, whether the light intensity stability is above a certain reference value, and so on. The inspection may also involve capturing an image of the light source 120 using a camera or the like to check whether the image is aligned with the optical axis 201, whether there are any foreign objects on the optical path, whether the image is uniform, and so on. If the optical element composite 406 fails inspection in this step, the process returns to step S1003 (NG in step S1007), for example, to fine-tune the assembly or to try a combination with a new non-reusable component 300 (e.g., LED board 303) different from the previous one. In this embodiment, repeated inspections are performed to find a good combination that will pass the inspection of the light source 120. If the light source 120 (reusable light source 807) passes the above inspection, the process proceeds to step S1008 (OK in step S1007) and the light source 120 is installed in the automated inspection apparatus 100. The light source 120 installed in the automatic analyzer 100 is collected after being used for a predetermined period of time, and step S1001 and subsequent steps are performed again.

[0073] In this embodiment, by implementing the above workflow, it is possible to detect a change in the color of the resin 407 applied to the optical element composite 406 consisting of multiple optical elements, and determine the usage time of the reusable component 400 without relying on complicated inspections or recording of usage time, etc. using external equipment, and to reuse the reusable component 400 that has not reached its expected lifespan.

[0074] The light source, automatic analyzer, and recycling method according to the present invention have been described in detail above using embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0075] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Automated analyzer 120 Light source 300 Non-reusable member 301 First LED 302 Second LED 303 LED substrate 304 Supporting portion 305 Dichroic filter 306 Reflecting plate 400 Reusable member 401 First optical element 402 Second optical element 403 Holding portion 404 Optical path portion 405 Fixing plate 406 Optical element composite 407 Resin (resin that changes color depending on the irradiation time of light irradiated from the LED) 408 Light-shielding portion 409 Opening 501 First application position 502 Second application position S901 Calculation step S902 Determination step S903 Fabrication step

Claims

1. A light source mounted in an automatic analyzer, comprising non-reusable and reusable components, the non-reusable components including an LED which is a light emitting element, the reusable components including optical elements which transmit and reflect light emitted from the LED, and the reusable components including a resin located opposite the LED which changes color depending on the duration of irradiation with the light.

2. A light source according to claim 1, wherein the non-recyclable member comprises two or more LEDs, and the recyclable member comprises the resin for each of the two or more LEDs, and the difference in color of the resin provided for each of the two or more LEDs changes depending on the irradiation time of the LEDs.

3. A light source according to claim 1, wherein the non-recyclable member comprises two or more LEDs, one of which is an ultraviolet LED that emits ultraviolet light having a central wavelength of 400 nm or less, and the resin is a resin that undergoes a chemical change in response to the ultraviolet light.

4. A light source according to claim 2, wherein one of the two or more LEDs is an ultraviolet LED that emits ultraviolet light having a central wavelength of 400 nm or less, another of the two or more LEDs is an LED that emits light of a wavelength not included in the wavelengths of the ultraviolet LEDs, and the resin is a resin that undergoes a chemical change in response to light of any of the wavelengths.

5. A light source according to claim 1, characterized in that the reusable member comprises any one of an optical element selected from the group consisting of a dichroic filter, a reflector, a diffuser, and a lens.

6. A light source according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the resin is 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm.

7. A light source according to claim 1, characterized in that the resin is applied to a fixing plate having an opening that transmits light emitted from the LED, at a position facing the LED.

8. A light source according to claim 1, wherein the resin is a photocurable resin that is cured by radical polymerization or cationic polymerization.

9. A light source according to claim 1, characterized in that the resin contains one or more photopolymerizable resins selected from the group consisting of acrylates, methacrylates, epoxy compounds, epoxy resins, oxetane compounds, polyfunctional oxetane compounds, vinyl ethers, epoxy acrylates, urethane acrylates, polyester acrylates, copolymer acrylates, polybutadiene acrylates, silicone acrylates, and polyester vinyl ethers.

10. A light source according to claim 1, wherein the resin is provided at a plurality of locations for one LED.

11. An automatic analyzer equipped with a light source according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the light source calculates the usage time of the reusable component from the color of the resin, and reuses the reusable component whose usage time has not reached its expected lifespan.

12. A method for recycling components of a light source mounted in an automatic analyzer, wherein the light source comprises non-reusable components and reusable components, the non-reusable components include an LED which is a light emitting element, the reusable components include optical elements which transmit and reflect light irradiated from the LED, and the reusable components are provided with a resin facing the LED which changes color depending on the irradiation time of the light, the method comprising: a calculation step of calculating the usage time of the reusable components from the color of the resin; a determination step of determining whether the reusable components are reusable by comparing the usage time with an expected lifespan; and a fabrication step of fabricating a light source by assembling the reusable components determined to be reusable with new non-reusable components.

13. A recycling method according to claim 12, wherein the resin is provided at a plurality of locations for one LED, and the calculation step calculates the average, median, maximum or minimum value of the brightness values ​​of the resin at the plurality of locations as a representative value, and calculates the usage time using the representative value.

Images