Test piece for electrolyte analysis and electrolyte analysis device

Abstract

The test piece for electrolyte analysis of the present invention includes a substrate (31) extending along one direction (X direction). On one main surface (31a) of the substrate (31), there are provided: a first ion sensing film (41i) disposed in a specific area on the end (31e) side in the X direction; and a first lead electrode (43) extending from the first ion sensing film (41i) toward the other end (31f) side. On the other main surface (31b) of the substrate (31), there are provided: a second ion sensing film (42i) disposed in a specific area on the end (31e) side; and a second lead electrode (44) extending from the second ion sensing film (42i) toward the other end (31f) side. The first ion sensing film (41i) and the second ion sensing film (42i) are respectively in contact with the electrolyte, generating a first potential corresponding to the concentration of the first ion species and a second potential corresponding to the concentration of the second ion species.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a test piece for electrolyte analysis, and more particularly, to a test piece for measuring the concentration ratio between a first ionic species and a second ionic species contained in an electrolyte. In addition, the present invention relates to a test piece manufacturing method for manufacturing such a test piece for electrolyte analysis. In addition, the present invention relates to an electrolyte analysis device including such a test piece for electrolyte analysis and measuring the concentration ratio between the first ionic species and the second ionic species. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as such a test piece for electrolyte analysis, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 5809969), a structure in which a circular sodium ion electrode and a circular potassium ion electrode are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the substrate on the front end portion of one surface of a long and narrow substrate (laminated substrate) has been known to the public. The sodium ion electrode and the potassium ion electrode each include a circular ion sensing film that selectively reacts with sodium ions and potassium ions, and a conductive film formed directly below them.

[0003] In addition, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 6127460), a structure in which a circular sodium ion electrode and a circular potassium ion electrode are arranged in a direction (width direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the substrate on the front end portion of one surface of a long and narrow substrate has been known. Similar to the structure in Patent Document 1, the sodium ion electrode and the potassium ion electrode each include a circular ion sensing film that selectively reacts with sodium ions and potassium ions, and a conductive film formed directly below them.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5809969

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6127460

[0006] However, each ion sensing film is formed by coating a material liquid (a solution containing an organic solvent) on the substrate by using an inkjet printing method or the like and drying and curing the material liquid. Therefore, in the test piece methods of Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a problem that during the manufacturing process, before the organic solvent evaporates after coating the material liquid, different material liquids spread and contact each other. As a result, the characteristics of each formed ion sensing film are impaired.

[0007] To prevent this problem, the following solution was proposed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 5809969), that is, a convex wall or a groove for separating the sodium ion sensing film and the potassium ion sensing film is provided on the substrate. However, if such a convex wall or a groove is provided on the substrate, the size of the substrate becomes larger, which is disadvantageous. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a test piece for electrolyte analysis for measuring the concentration ratio between a first ion species and a second ion species contained in an electrolyte, the test piece for electrolyte analysis being capable of preventing the material liquids for forming the ion sensing films from contacting each other and being manufactured in a small size. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a test piece capable of manufacturing such a test piece for electrolyte analysis. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyte analysis device including the test piece for electrolyte analysis and measuring the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species.

[0009] To solve the above problems, in a first aspect, a test piece for electrolyte analysis according to the present disclosure is for measuring the concentration ratio between a first ion species and a second ion species contained in an electrolyte, and is characterized by including:

[0010] a substrate extending in one direction;

[0011] a first ion sensing film provided in a specific region on one end side in the one direction on one main surface of the substrate, contacting the electrolyte to generate a first potential corresponding to the concentration of the first ion species;

[0012] a first lead-out electrode extending from the first ion sensing film to the other end side opposite to the one end side on the one main surface;

[0013] a second ion sensing film provided in a specific region on the one end side on the other main surface of the substrate opposite to the one main surface, contacting the electrolyte to generate a second potential corresponding to the concentration of the second ion species; and

[0014] a second lead-out electrode extending from the second ion sensing film to the other end side on the other main surface,

[0015] the substrate includes a first substrate and a second substrate that are overlapped and bonded to each other,

[0016] the one main surface is the main surface on the side away from the second substrate among the two main surfaces of the first substrate,

[0017] The main surface of the other party is the main surface on the side of the two main surfaces of the second substrate that is far from the first substrate.

[0018] In this specification, the "one main surface" and the "other main surface" of the substrate refer to a pair of plate surfaces that extend in space and are different from the end surfaces.

[0019] The "one end side" refers to the side close to one of the one end and the other end in the one direction. In addition, the "other end side" refers to the side close to the other end of the one end and the other end in the one direction.

[0020] In the test piece for electrolyte analysis of the present disclosure, the first ion sensing film is provided on one main surface of the substrate, and the second ion sensing film is provided on the other main surface of the substrate opposite to the one main surface. That is, the first ion sensing film and the second ion sensing film are not arranged and disposed on one main surface of the substrate, but are disposed on the opposing main surfaces. More specifically, the first ion sensing film is provided on the main surface of the first substrate on the side far from the second substrate, and in addition, the second ion sensing film is provided on the main surface of the second substrate on the side far from the first substrate. According to this configuration, in the manufacturing stage of this test piece for electrolyte analysis, the coating and curing of the material liquid for forming the first ion sensing film on the one main surface and the coating and curing of the material liquid for forming the second ion sensing film on the other main surface are not carried out in parallel but on different main surfaces. More specifically, before the first substrate and the second substrate are overlapped and bonded to each other, the formation of the first ion sensing film on the one main surface of the first substrate and the formation of the second ion sensing film on the other main surface of the second substrate can be completely separated spatially. Therefore, this test piece for electrolyte analysis can be manufactured in such a way that the material liquids for forming the first ion sensing film and the second ion sensing film do not contact each other. As a result, according to this test piece for electrolyte analysis, the characteristics of the first ion sensing film and the second ion sensing film are not damaged. In addition, if the positions of the first ion sensing film and the first lead electrode on the one main surface of the first substrate and the positions of the second ion sensing film and the second lead electrode on the other main surface of the second substrate are set to be consistent on the front and back surfaces, then compared with the case where the two are arranged side by side along the width direction on one main surface, the size of the test piece is reduced to approximately half.

[0021] Further, for example, the formation of the first ion sensing film on one main surface of the first substrate and the formation of the second ion sensing film on the other main surface of the second substrate can be carried out with a time offset, such that the formation of the first ion sensing film on one main surface of the first substrate and the formation of the second ion sensing film on the other main surface of the second substrate are performed.

[0022] Further, in the use stage of the test piece for electrolyte analysis, for example, if one end side (front end portion) of the substrate is immersed in the electrolyte, the electrolyte comes into contact with the first ion sensing film and the second ion sensing film. Thereby, the first ion sensing film generates a first potential corresponding to the concentration of the first ion species, and the second ion sensing film generates a second potential corresponding to the concentration of the second ion species. The first potential generated by the first ion sensing film and the second potential generated by the second ion sensing film are respectively transmitted to the other end side of the substrate through the first lead electrode and the second lead electrode. Based on the potential difference between the first potential and the second potential, the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species is calculated. In this way, the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species contained in the electrolyte can be measured.

[0023] In a second aspect, the test piece manufacturing method of the present disclosure manufactures the test piece for electrolyte analysis of the first aspect, characterized in that

[0024] the first substrate and the second substrate are prepared,

[0025] on the surface of the first substrate that is one main surface, a first lead electrode extending from the specific region on one end side in one direction to the other end side opposite to the one end side is formed,

[0026] on the surface of the second substrate that is the other main surface, a second lead electrode extending from the specific region on the one end side to the other end side is formed,

[0027] Then,

[0028] on the surface of the first substrate that is one main surface, on the portion of the first lead electrode formed in the specific region, a material liquid of the first ion sensing film is coated, and the coated material liquid is dried and solidified to form the first ion sensing film,

[0029] On the surface of the second substrate, which is the other main surface, on the portion of the second lead electrode formed in the specific region, a material liquid of the second ion sensing film is coated, and the coated material liquid is dried and solidified to form the second ion sensing film.

[0030] Next,

[0031] The back surface of the first substrate, which is opposite to the surface that is one of the main surfaces, and the back surface of the second substrate, which is opposite to the surface that is the other main surface, are overlapped and bonded to each other.

[0032] In the method for manufacturing a test piece of the present disclosure, before the first substrate and the second substrate are overlapped and bonded to each other, the formation of the first ion sensing film and the formation of the second ion sensing film are performed. In this case, it is possible to spatially completely separate the formation of the first ion sensing film on one main surface of the first substrate and the formation of the second ion sensing film on the other main surface of the second substrate. Therefore, the first ion sensing film and the second ion sensing film can be manufactured in such a way that the material liquids for forming them do not contact each other. As a result, in the manufactured test piece for electrolyte analysis, the characteristics of the first ion sensing film and the second ion sensing film are not impaired. In addition, if the positions of the first ion sensing film and the first lead electrode on one main surface of the first substrate coincide with the positions of the second ion sensing film and the second lead electrode on the other main surface of the second substrate in terms of front and back, then compared with the case where both are arranged side by side along the width direction on a single main surface, the size of the test piece can be reduced to approximately half.

[0033] In addition, the formation of the first ion sensing film on one main surface of the first substrate and the formation of the second ion sensing film on the other main surface of the second substrate can be performed in parallel in time or staggered in time.

[0034] In addition, after the formation of the first ion sensing film and the formation of the second ion sensing film are performed, the back surface of the first substrate, which is opposite to the surface that is one of the main surfaces (that is, the remaining main surface on which the first ion sensing film is not formed), and the back surface of the second substrate, which is opposite to the surface that is the other main surface (that is, the remaining main surface on which the second ion sensing film is not formed), are opposed to each other and overlapped and bonded to each other.

[0035] In a third aspect, the test piece for electrolyte analysis of the present disclosure is used to measure the concentration ratio between a first ion species and a second ion species contained in an electrolyte, and is characterized by including:

[0036] A substrate extending in one direction;

[0037] A first ion sensing film disposed in a specific region on one end side in the one direction on one main surface of the substrate, contacting the electrolyte to generate a first potential corresponding to the concentration of the first ion species;

[0038] A first lead-out electrode extending from the first ion sensing film on the one main surface toward the other end side opposite to the one end side;

[0039] A second ion sensing film disposed in a specific region on the one end side on the other main surface of the substrate opposite to the one main surface, contacting the electrolyte to generate a second potential corresponding to the concentration of the second ion species; and

[0040] A second lead-out electrode extending from the second ion sensing film on the other main surface toward the other end side,

[0041] The substrate has a through-hole that penetrates from the one main surface to the other main surface in a region other than the regions occupied by the first ion sensing film, the second ion sensing film, the first lead-out electrode, and the second lead-out electrode on the one end side in the one direction.

[0042] In the test piece for electrolyte analysis of the present disclosure, in the use stage, the user drips the electrolyte onto the front end portion in a state where, for example, the one end side (front end portion) of the test piece faces obliquely downward. Then, the electrolyte contacts the ion sensing film on the upper surface side (for example, the first ion sensing film), bypasses through the through-hole to reach the lower surface side, and contacts the ion sensing film on the lower surface side (in this example, the second ion sensing film). Therefore, the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species contained in the electrolyte can be measured. In this way, the user can measure the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species contained in the electrolyte by a simple operation of dripping the electrolyte onto the front end portion of the test piece. In this case, the user does not need to specifically prepare an electrolyte for loading the measurement object.

[0043] In a fourth aspect, the test piece for electrolyte analysis of the present disclosure is used to measure the concentration ratio between a first ion species and a second ion species contained in an electrolyte, and is characterized by comprising:

[0044] A substrate extending in one direction;

[0045] The first ion sensing film is disposed in a specific area on one end side in the one direction on one main surface of the substrate, and comes into contact with the electrolyte solution to generate a first potential corresponding to the concentration of the first ion species;

[0046] The first lead-out electrode extends on the one main surface from the first ion sensing film toward the other end side opposite to the one end side;

[0047] The second ion sensing film is disposed in a specific area on the one end side on the other main surface of the substrate opposite to the one main surface, and comes into contact with the electrolyte solution to generate a second potential corresponding to the concentration of the second ion species; and

[0048] The second lead-out electrode extends on the other main surface from the second ion sensing film toward the other end side,

[0049] A permeable member made of a material that allows the electrolyte solution to permeate is provided,

[0050] The permeable member spans the end face of the substrate from the one main surface to the other main surface, and continuously covers the first ion sensing film and the second ion sensing film spatially.

[0051] The "material that allows the electrolyte solution to permeate" refers to, for example, fibers (threads) wound together, sponges, thin paper, gauze, absorbent cotton, etc.

[0052] In the test piece for electrolyte analysis of the present disclosure, during the use stage, the user drips the electrolyte solution onto the front end portion provided with the permeable member in a state where, for example, the one end side (front end portion) of the test piece faces obliquely downward. Then, the electrolyte solution permeates the permeable member in the thickness direction, comes into contact with the ion sensing film on the upper surface side (for example, the first ion sensing film), and permeates from the upper surface side to the lower surface side across the end face of the substrate along the permeable member, and comes into contact with the ion sensing film on the lower surface side (in this example, the second ion sensing film). Therefore, the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species contained in the electrolyte solution can be measured. In this way, the user can measure the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species contained in the electrolyte solution by a simple operation of dripping the electrolyte solution onto the front end portion (provided with the permeable member) of the test piece. In this case, the user does not need to specifically prepare a container for loading the electrolyte solution to be measured.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the test piece for electrolyte analysis, it is characterized in that

[0054] The electrolyte solution is urine,

[0055] The first ion species is sodium ion,

[0056] The second ion species is potassium ion.

[0057] In the test piece for electrolyte analysis of this embodiment, the concentration ratio between sodium ion and potassium ion in urine can be measured by a simple operation of the user (an operation of immersing the one end side (front end portion) of the test piece in urine, or an operation of dropping urine onto the one end side (front end portion) of the test piece).

[0058] In a test piece for electrolyte analysis of an embodiment, it is characterized in that

[0059] The sensitivity of the first ion sensing membrane is consistent with the sensitivity of the second ion sensing membrane, and the selectivity of the first ion sensing membrane is consistent with the selectivity of the second ion sensing membrane.

[0060] The "sensitivity" of an ion sensing membrane refers to the amount of change in the potential generated by the sensing membrane with respect to the change in the ion concentration of the measurement object. For example, the sensitivity is expressed in units of mV / dec as the amount of potential change when the ion concentration changes by one order. The "selectivity" of an ion sensing membrane refers to the amount of influence of interfering substances on the potential generated by the sensing membrane. For example, among crown ether-based sensing substances, the sodium ion sensing substance Bis(12-crown-4) has a selectivity of about 1 / 100 with respect to potassium ion. In addition, the potassium ion sensing substance Bis(benzo-15-crown-5) has a selectivity of more than 1 / 1000 with respect to sodium ion.

[0061] In the test piece for electrolyte analysis of this embodiment, for the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species, the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species can be calculated based only on the potential difference generated by the first and second ion sensing membranes without a reference electrode.

[0062] According to another aspect, an electrolyte analysis device of the present disclosure measures the concentration ratio between a first ion species and a second ion species contained in an electrolyte, and is characterized by comprising:

[0063] The test piece for electrolyte analysis; and

[0064] A main body,

[0065] The main body is equipped with:

[0066] A connector, into which the other end side of the test piece for electrolyte analysis is inserted, and the connector has a first contact electrode and a second contact electrode that are respectively in contact with the first lead electrode and the second lead electrode; and

[0067] An arithmetic unit calculates a concentration ratio between a first ion species and a second ion species contained in the electrolyte based on a potential difference between a first potential and a second potential obtained through the first contact electrode and the second contact electrode of the connector when the first ion sensing film and the second ion sensing film of the electrolyte analysis test piece are in contact with the electrolyte.

[0068] In the electrolyte analysis device of the present disclosure, at the usage stage of the electrolyte analysis test piece, the other end side of the electrolyte analysis test piece is inserted into the connector. The first contact electrode and the second contact electrode of the connector are respectively in contact with the first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode. Thus, when the first ion sensing film and the second ion sensing film of the electrolyte analysis test piece are in contact with the electrolyte, a first potential generated by the first ion sensing film and a second potential generated by the second ion sensing film can be respectively obtained at the first contact electrode and the second contact electrode. The arithmetic unit calculates a concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species contained in the electrolyte based on the potential difference between the first potential and the second potential. In this way, the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species contained in the electrolyte can be measured.

[0069] As described above, the electrolyte analysis test piece of the present disclosure is a test piece for measuring a concentration ratio between a first ion species and a second ion species contained in an electrolyte, and can be made such that the material liquids for forming the ion sensing films do not contact each other and can be made in a small size. In addition, the method for manufacturing the test piece of the present invention can manufacture such an electrolyte analysis test piece. In addition, the electrolyte analysis device of the present disclosure includes the electrolyte analysis test piece and can measure the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] Figure 1 (A) is a diagram showing a cross-section of the electrolyte analysis test piece according to the first embodiment of the present invention, cut along the long side direction (X direction). Figure 1 (B) is a perspective view showing the test piece in a disassembled state.

[0071] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a process flow of a manufacturing process for manufacturing the test piece.

[0072] Figure 3 (A1), Figure 3 (B1) is a perspective view showing the appearance of a semi-finished product in a part of the processes included in the manufacturing process. Figure 3 (A2), Figure 3(B2) respectively represent Figure 3 of (A1), Figure 3 (B1) is a diagram of a partial cross-section of a semi-finished product.

[0073] Figure 4 of (A1), Figure 4 (B1) is a perspective view showing the appearance of a semi-finished product in a process that is part of the manufacturing process, Figure 4 of (A2), Figure 4 (B2) respectively represent Figure 4 of (A1), Figure 4 (B1) is a diagram of a partial cross-section of a semi-finished product.

[0074] Figure 5 of (A1), Figure 5 (B1) is a perspective view showing the appearance of a semi-finished product in a process that is part of the manufacturing process, Figure 5 of (A2), Figure 5 (B2) respectively represent Figure 5 of (A1), Figure 5 (B1) is a diagram of a partial cross-section of a semi-finished product.

[0075] Figure 6 of (A1) is a perspective view showing the appearance of a test piece produced by the manufacturing process, Figure 6 of (A2) represents Figure 6 of (A1) is a diagram of a cross-section of the front end of the test piece. Figure 6 of (B1) represents Figure 6 of (A1) is a perspective view showing the appearance of a through-hole formed in the test piece. Figure 6 of (B2) represents Figure 6 of (B1) is a diagram of a cross-section of the test piece cut along the long side direction (X direction).

[0076] Figure 7 of (A1) represents Figure 6 of (A1) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the front end of the test piece covered with a permeable member. Figure 7 of (A2) represents Figure 7 of (A1) is a diagram of a cross-section of the front end of the test piece.

[0077] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining a method of setting an allowable reference range for the sensitivity difference between a sodium ion electrode as the first ion sensing electrode and a potassium ion electrode as the second ion sensing electrode.

[0078] Figure 9(A) is a diagram showing the block structure of an electrochemical sensor of an electrolyte analysis device as an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 (B) is a diagram for explaining a method of connecting the test piece to the main body of the electrochemical sensor.

[0079] Figure 10 (A) is a diagram showing a state where a user immerses the front end portion of the test piece in urine contained in a container to measure the concentration ratio between sodium ions and potassium ions. Figure 10 (B) is a diagram showing a state where a user drips urine onto the front end portion of the test piece having the through hole formed therein to measure the concentration ratio between sodium ions and potassium ions. Figure 10 (C) is a diagram showing a state where a user drips urine onto the front end portion of the test piece covered with the permeable member to measure the concentration ratio between sodium ions and potassium ions.

[0080] Figure 11 (A) is a diagram showing a cross section taken along the long side direction (X direction) of a test piece for electrolyte analysis according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 (A) is a perspective view showing the test piece in a disassembled state.

[0081] Figure 12 It shows the production of Figure 11 (A) is a diagram showing the process flow of the manufacturing process of the test piece.

[0082] Figure 13 (A1) Figure 13 (B1) is a perspective view showing the state of a semi-finished product in a part of the processes included in the manufacturing process. Figure 13 (A2) and (B2) respectively show Figure 13 partial cross sections of the semi-finished products in (A1) and (B1).

[0083] Figure 14 (A1) and (B1) are perspective views showing the state of a semi-finished product in a part of the processes included in the manufacturing process. Figure 14 (A2) and (B2) respectively show Figure 14 partial cross sections of the semi-finished products in (A1) and (B1).

[0084] Figure 15 (A1) and (B1) are perspective views showing the state of a semi-finished product in a part of the processes included in the manufacturing process. Figure 15 (A2) and (B2) respectively show Figure 15 partial cross sections of the semi-finished products in (A1) and (B1).

[0085] Figure 16(A1) is a perspective view showing the state of the process of bonding the first substrate to the second substrate back-to-back, which is included in the manufacturing process. Figure 16 (A2) of... shows Figure 16 (A1) of... is a view of a partial cross-section of the semi-finished product in (A1).

[0086] Figure 17 (A1) of... is a perspective view showing the state of a test piece manufactured by the manufacturing process. Figure 17 (A2) of... shows Figure 17 (A1) of... is a view of a cross-section taken along the width direction (Y direction) of the front end portion of the test piece. Figure 17 (B1) of... shows Figure 17 (A1) of... is a perspective view showing the state where the front end portion of the test piece is covered with a permeable member. Figure 17 (B2) of... shows Figure 17 (B1) of... is a view of a cross-section of the front end portion of the test piece in (B1). Detailed Embodiments

[0087] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0088] (First Embodiment)

[0089] Figure 1 (A) of... shows a cross-section of the test piece 30 for electrolyte analysis according to the first embodiment of the present invention, taken along the long side direction (X direction). Figure 1 (B) of... shows the test piece 30 in a disassembled state. In addition, for easy understanding, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is appropriately shown together in several figures described later. This test piece 30 is used to measure the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species contained in the electrolyte to be measured. In this example, the electrolyte is urine, the first ion species is sodium ion, and the second ion species is potassium ion.

[0090] It is composed of Figure 1 (A) of... Figure 1 (B) of... shows that the test piece 30 includes a single substrate 31 extending long in the X direction as one direction, a first lead electrode 43 formed on one main surface, that is, the surface 31a of the substrate 31, and a second lead electrode 44 formed on the other main surface, that is, the back surface 31b of the substrate 31 opposite to the surface 31a.

[0091] The first lead electrode 43 has the following pattern, which includes: a base portion 43a, a circular specific region provided on the end 31e side in the X direction on the surface 31a of the substrate 31; a lead portion 43b, which extends slenderly from the base portion 43a toward the other end 31f side; and an electrode piece portion 43c, which is connected to the lead portion 43b, provided on the other end 31f side, and has a width wider than the width of the lead portion 43b. The second lead electrode 44 has the following pattern on the back surface 31b of the substrate 31, which includes: a base portion 44a, a circular specific region provided on the end 31e side in the X direction; a lead portion 44b, which extends slenderly from the base portion 44a toward the other end 31f side; and an electrode piece portion 44c, which is connected to the lead portion 44b, provided on the other end 31f side, and has a width wider than the width of the lead portion 44b. The pattern of the first lead electrode 43 and the pattern of the second lead electrode 44 are set to be the same within the XY plane in which the substrate 31 extends.

[0092] In addition, the "end 31e side" refers to the side closer to the end 31e among the end 31e and the other end 31f in the X direction. In addition, the "other end 31f side" refers to the side closer to the other end 31f among the end 31e and the other end 31f in the X direction.

[0093] The surface 31a of the substrate 31 is substantially covered with an insulating film 51 as a protective layer. The insulating film 51 covers from the end 31e in the X direction up to the position just reaching the boundary between the lead portion 43b and the electrode piece portion 43c. Similarly, the back surface 31b of the substrate 31 is substantially covered with an insulating film 52 as a protective layer. The insulating film 52 covers from the end 31e in the X direction up to the position just reaching the boundary between the lead portion 44b and the electrode piece portion 44c. Therefore, the lead portions 43b, 44b are respectively protected by the insulating films 51, 52. On the other hand, the electrode piece portions 43c, 44c are exposed from the insulating films 51, 52 and are electrically connected to the connectors of the main body described later.

[0094] On the surface 31a side of the substrate 31, the insulating film 51 has a circular opening 51w corresponding to the base portion 43a of the first lead electrode 43. Through this opening 51w, a sodium ion sensing film 41i, which is the first ion sensing film, is disposed in electrical contact with the base portion 43a. Similarly, on the back surface 31b of the substrate 31, the insulating film 52 has a circular opening 52w corresponding to the base portion 44a of the second lead electrode 44. Through this opening 52w, a potassium ion sensing film 42i, which is the second ion sensing film, is disposed in electrical contact with the base portion 44a. Hereinafter, the base portion 43a and the sodium ion sensing film 41i are collectively referred to as the sodium ion sensing electrode 41. In addition, the base portion 44a and the potassium ion sensing film 42i are collectively referred to as the potassium ion sensing electrode 42. The sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the potassium ion sensing electrode 42 are in contact with the electrolyte to be measured (urine in this example), and respectively generate a first potential (referred to as E1.) corresponding to the concentration of sodium ions and a second potential (referred to as E2.) corresponding to the concentration of potassium ions. The effective areas (functional areas) of the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the potassium ion sensing electrode 42 are respectively defined by the sizes of the openings 51w and 52w (diameter is about 4 mm in this example).

[0095] The substrate 31 is formed of an insulating material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), glass, silicon, polyimide film, glass epoxy resin, polycarbonate, or acrylic resin. Therefore, both the surface 31a and the back surface 31b have insulating properties. As the size of the substrate 31, in this example, the size in the X direction (long side direction) is set to about 50 mm, the size in the Y direction (width direction) is set to about 10 mm to 15 mm, and the size in the Z direction (thickness direction) is set to about 200 μm.

[0096] Both the first lead electrode 43 and the second lead electrode 44 are formed of a conductive material such as Pt, Ag, Au, Ir, C, or IrO2. The thicknesses of the first lead electrode 43 and the second lead electrode 44 are both about 10 μm.

[0097] Both the insulating films 51 and 52 are formed of a photocurable or thermocurable insulating resist, or an insulating seal, sheet, tape, etc. The thicknesses of the insulating films 51 and 52 are both about 30 μm to 100 μm.

[0098] As the material liquid for forming the sodium ion sensing film 41i, a solution in which Bis(12 - corwn - 4), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 2 - nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE), and potassium tetrakis(4 - chlorophenyl)borate (K - TCPB) are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) was used in this example. As the material liquid for forming the potassium ion sensing film 42i, a solution in which Bis(benzo - 15 - crown - 5), PVC, NPOE, and K - TCPB are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) was used in this example. These material liquids are dried and solidified through the manufacturing process described later.

[0099] As can be seen from the above description, in the test piece 30, a sodium ion sensing film 41i is provided on the surface 31a of the substrate 31, and a potassium ion sensing film 42i is provided on the back surface 31b of the substrate 31 opposite to the surface 31a. That is, the sodium ion sensing film 41i and the potassium ion sensing film 42i are not arranged and disposed on one main surface (the surface 31a or the back surface 31b) of the substrate 31, but are disposed on the mutually opposed main surfaces.

[0100] (Method for manufacturing a test piece for electrolyte analysis)

[0101] Figure 2 Shows the process flow of the manufacturing process for manufacturing the test piece 30. In addition, Figure 3 (A1) of Figure 3 (B1) of Figure 4 (A1) of Figure 4 (B1) of Figure 5 (A1) of Figure 5 (B1) of Figure 6 (A1) of shows the appearance of the semi - finished product (or the manufactured test piece 30) in each process included in the manufacturing process when observed from a direction inclined with respect to the substrate 31. Figure 3 (A2) of Figure 3 (B2) of Figure 4 (A2) of Figure 4 (B2) of Figure 5 (A2) of Figure 5 (B2) of Figure 6 (A2) of respectively represent Figure 3 (A1) of Figure 3 (B1) of Figure 4 (A1) of Figure 4 (B1) of Figure 5 (A1) of Figure 5 (B1) of Figure 6 (A1) of shows the partial cross - section (specifically, for example, in Figure 3The cross-section of the portion corresponding to the front end of the fabricated test piece 30, as indicated by the arrow of line A2-A2 in (A1).

[0102] First, as Figure 2 shown in step S1 of, the first lead electrode 43 is formed on the surface 31a of the substrate 31 by screen printing. Specifically, as Figure 3 shown in (A1) of, on the surface 31a of the substrate 31 extending along the XY plane, the first lead electrodes 43, 43,... are formed in a matrix pattern in the X direction and the Y direction. Each first lead electrode 43 has a circular base portion 43a, a lead portion 43b, and an electrode piece portion 43c, and is formed into a pattern elongated in the X direction. As Figure 3 shown in (A2) of, the first lead electrode 43 (especially the base portion 43a) is formed into a flat film shape.

[0103] Next, as Figure 2 shown in step S2 of, the insulating film 51 is formed on the surface 31a of the substrate 31 by screen printing. Specifically, as Figure 3 shown in (B1) of, the insulating film 51 is formed into a striped pattern divided in the X direction for each column of the first lead electrodes 43 (each column arranged in the Y direction), extends along the Y direction across a plurality of first lead electrodes 43, 43,..., and exposes the electrode piece portions 43c, 43c,.... As Figure 3 shown in (B2) of, the insulating film 51 has circular openings 51w corresponding to the base portions 43a of the respective first lead electrodes 43.

[0104] Next, as Figure 2 shown in step S3 of, the second lead electrode 44 is formed on the back surface 31b of the substrate 31 by screen printing. Specifically, as Figure 4 shown in (A1) of, in a state where the front and back surfaces of the substrate 31 are flipped, on the back surface 31b of the substrate 31 extending along the XY plane, the second lead electrodes 44, 44,... are formed in a matrix pattern in the X direction and the Y direction. Each second lead electrode 44 has a circular base portion 44a, a lead portion 44b, and an electrode piece portion 44c, and is formed into a pattern elongated in the X direction. The pattern of the second lead electrode 44 is formed at the corresponding same position on the front and back surfaces of the substrate 31 with respect to the pattern of the first lead electrode 43. As Figure 4 shown in (A2) of, the second lead electrode 44 (especially the base portion 44a) is formed into a flat film shape. In addition, for easy understanding, in Figure 4 the (A2) and subsequent cross-sectional views, the front and back surfaces of the substrate 31 are drawn as they are without being flipped.

[0105] Next, asFigure 2 As shown in step S4, an insulating film 52 is formed on the back surface 31b of the substrate 31 by screen printing. Specifically, as Figure 4 shown in (B1), the insulating film 52 is formed in a striped pattern divided in the X direction for each column of the second lead electrodes 44 (each column arranged in the Y direction), extends along the Y direction across a plurality of second lead electrodes 44, 44,... and exposes the electrode piece portions 44c, 44c,.... The pattern of the insulating film 52 is also formed at the corresponding same position on the front and back surfaces of the substrate 31 with respect to the pattern of the insulating film 51. As Figure 4 shown in (B2), the insulating film 52 has circular openings 52w corresponding to the base portions 44a of the respective second lead electrodes 44.

[0106] In addition, Figure 2 the processes of steps S1 and S2 and the processes of steps S3 and S4 can be carried out in a swapped order or in parallel. In addition, the base portion 43a and the lead portion 43b can be printed and formed in two stages from mutually different materials. Similarly, the base portion 44a and the lead portion 44b can be printed and formed in two stages from mutually different materials.

[0107] Next, as Figure 2 shown in step S5, a material liquid for forming a sodium ion sensing film 41i to be used as a first ion sensing film is coated on the front surface 31a of the substrate 31 by inkjet printing. Specifically, as Figure 5 shown in (A1), in the front surface 31a of the substrate 31, the material liquid is coated in a manner connected to the base portion 43a in the regions corresponding to the circular openings 51w, 51w,... (refer to Figure 3 (B1)). Then, the coated material liquid is dried and cured, and sodium ion sensing films 41i, 41i,... are formed in the regions corresponding to the openings 51w, 51w,... respectively. As Figure 5 shown in (A2), the formed sodium ion sensing film 41i has a dome-shaped cross-section due to surface tension. The sodium ion sensing electrode 41 is composed of the base portion 43a and the sodium ion sensing film 41i.

[0108] Next, as Figure 2 shown in step S6, a material liquid for forming a potassium ion sensing film 42i to be used as a second ion sensing film is coated on the back surface 31b of the substrate 31 by inkjet printing. Specifically, as Figure 5 shown in (B1), in a state where the front and back surfaces of the substrate 31 are flipped, on the back surface 31b of the substrate 31, in the regions corresponding to the circular openings 52w, 52w,... of the insulating film 52 (refer to Figure 4The regions corresponding to (B1)) are coated with the material liquid in a manner connected to the base portion 44a. Then, the coated material liquid is dried and cured, and potassium ion sensing films 42i, 42i,... are respectively formed in the regions corresponding to the openings 52w, 52w,.... As Figure 5 As shown in (B2), the formed potassium ion sensing film 42i has a dome-shaped cross-section due to surface tension. The potassium ion sensing electrode 42 is composed of the base portion 44a and the potassium ion sensing film 42i.

[0109] In addition, Figure 2 The processing of step S5 and the processing of step S6 can be carried out in reverse order or in parallel.

[0110] Next, as Figure 2 shown in step S7, the sensitivities of the sodium ion sensing film 41i, which is the first ion sensing film formed on the surface 31a of the substrate 31 (referred to as S1), and the potassium ion sensing film 42i, which is the second ion sensing film formed on the back surface 31b of the substrate 31 (referred to as S2), are respectively inspected. Here, if the coated material liquid is of the same batch, then according to experience, it is known that within the XY plane of the substrate 31, the sensitivity S1 of the sodium ion sensing film 41i and the sensitivity S2 of the potassium ion sensing film 42i are respectively constant. Therefore, in step S7, within the XY plane of the substrate 31, it is only necessary to evaluate the sensitivity S1 of the representative sodium ion sensing film 41i and the sensitivity S2 of the potassium ion sensing film 42i.

[0111] Next, as Figure 2 shown in step S8, it is determined whether the sensitivity S1 of the sodium ion sensing film 41i is consistent with the sensitivity S2 of the potassium ion sensing film 42i, that is, whether the sensitivity difference |S1 - S2| between the two is within a predetermined reference range. Here, if the sensitivity difference |S1 - S2| is outside the reference range ( "No" in step S8), then this semi-finished product is treated as a defective product (for example, discarded) (step S9). The judgment criterion for the sensitivity difference in step S8 will be described later.

[0112] Here, it is also necessary that the selectivity of the sodium ion sensing film 41i formed on the surface 31a of the substrate 31 (referred to as k1) is consistent with the selectivity of the potassium ion sensing film 42i formed on the back surface 31b of the substrate 31 (referred to as k2). By respectively setting the material liquid for forming the sodium ion sensing film 41i and the material liquid for forming the potassium ion sensing film 42i as described above, this condition is satisfied. Therefore, in this manufacturing process, the inspection process for selectivity is omitted.

[0113] On the other hand, if the sensitivity difference |S1 - S2| in the step S8 is within the reference range (Yes in step S8), then as shown in step S10, the substrate 31 is sheared (or blanked). Thus, each test piece 30 as shown in (A1) of Figure 6 and (A2) of Figure 6 is obtained.

[0114] In addition, when blanking in step S10 of Figure 2 , through holes 30w, 30w can be formed in the substrate 31 as shown in (B1) of Figure 6 and (B2) of Figure 6 . Specifically, the through holes 30w, 30w are formed to penetrate from the surface 31a to the back surface 31b in a region other than the region occupied by the ion sensing electrodes 41, 42 and the first and second lead electrodes 43, 44 (especially the lead portions 43b, 44b) on the end 31e side (front end portion 30e) in the X direction. In this example, the through holes 30w, 30w are formed on both sides of the lead portions 43b, 44b in the Y direction. This is called the test piece 30A.

[0115] In addition, the processing of step S8 and the processing of step S10 of Figure 2 can be carried out by swapping the order.

[0116] In addition, step S11 of Figure 2 can be added. As shown in (A1) of Figure 7 and (A2) of Figure 7 , a permeable member 59 formed of a material that allows the electrolyte to be measured (urine in this example) to penetrate is installed around the front end portion 30e of the test piece 30 (especially the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the potassium ion sensing electrode 42). This is called the test piece 30B. The installed permeable member 59 spans the end face of the substrate 31 from the surface 31a to the back surface 31b and continuously covers the sodium ion sensing film 41i and the potassium ion sensing film 42i spatially. As the permeable member 59, for example, fibers (threads) wound together, sponges, thin papers, gauzes, absorbent cotton, etc. are used.

[0117] When manufacturing the test piece 30 (or 30A, 30B) in this way, in Figure 2In steps S5 to S6, the coating and curing of the material liquid for forming the sodium ion sensing film 41i on the surface 31a and the coating and curing of the material liquid for forming the potassium ion sensing film 42i on the back surface 31b are not carried out in parallel, but on different main surfaces. Therefore, the test piece 30 can be manufactured in such a way that the material liquids for forming the sodium ion sensing film 41i and the ion sensing film 42i do not contact each other. As a result, in the test piece 30, the characteristics of the sodium ion sensing film 41i and the potassium ion sensing film 42i are not impaired. In addition, in the test piece 30, for the substrate 31, the positions of the sodium ion sensing film 41i on the surface 31a and the first lead electrode 43 are the same as the positions of the potassium ion sensing film 42i on the back surface 31b and the second lead electrode 44 in the front and back. Therefore, compared with the configuration (existing example) in which two ion sensing films are arranged side by side along the Y direction (width direction) on one main surface, the size of the test piece 30 can be reduced to approximately half.

[0118] (Judgment criterion for sensitivity difference)

[0119] For Figure 2 the judgment criterion (permissible reference range) for the sensitivity difference in step S8 will be described. The measurement accuracy of the electrochemical sensor 90 for the concentration ratio Ms between sodium ions and potassium ions must be controlled within, for example, ±10% over the concentration range of sodium ions and potassium ions that can be obtained in the measurement target liquid (urine in this example). To meet this requirement, a reference for suppressing the difference (sensitivity difference) |S1 - S2| between the sensitivity S1 of the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the sensitivity S2 of the potassium ion sensing electrode 42 is set.

[0120] Generally, it is known that the sodium ion concentration C1 in urine is in the range of 50 mmol / L to 500 mmol / L, and the potassium ion concentration C1 is in the range of 10 mmol / L to 100 mmol / L. In addition, the sensitivities S1 and S2 of the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the potassium ion sensing electrode 42 are approximately around 55 mV / dec.

[0121] Here, regarding urine with a sodium ion concentration of C1 = 100 mmol / L and a potassium ion concentration of C2 = 10 mmol / L (referred to as "low-concentration urine"), the concentration ratio between sodium ions and potassium ions can be accurately measured as Ms = (C1 / C2) = 10. On this premise, regarding urine with a sodium ion concentration of C1 = 500 mmol / L and a potassium ion concentration of C2 = 50 mmol / L (referred to as "high-concentration urine"), assume a case where it can be measured with a measurement accuracy of ±10%.

[0122] i) First, the measurement accuracy is determined by the sensitivity and the potential reproducibility (the difference in potential output when repeatedly measuring the same liquid sample). When the sensitivities S1 and S2 of the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the potassium ion sensing electrode 42 are about 55 mV / dec, the reproducible potential satisfying the measurement accuracy of ±10% is ±2.3 mV.

[0123] ii) Next, let the potential difference (the potential difference ΔE between the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the potassium ion sensing electrode 42) obtained by measuring the low-concentration urine be E L , and let the potential difference obtained by measuring the high-concentration urine be E H . Using the calibration curve Cref1 for the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the calibration curve Cref2 for the potassium ion sensing electrode 42, graph these potential differences E Figure 8 as shown L 、E H . Here, if the sensitivity of the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 is fixed at S1 = 55 mV / dec and the sensitivity S2 of the potassium ion sensing electrode 42 is considered to float as S K [mV / dec], then the potential differences E L 、E H are respectively expressed as:

[0124] E L = 55log 10 (100) - S K log10(10)

[0125] E H = 55log 10 (500) - S K log10(50).

[0126] Therefore, the difference |E H - E L | becomes:

[0127] |E H - E L | = 55log 10 (5) - S K log 10 (5)

[0128] = log 10 (5)·(55 - S K ) (unit: mV).

[0129] iii) If the difference |E H - E L|If it is smaller than 2.3 mV (in magnitude) of the reproduction potential shown in the above i), then from the low-concentration urine to the high-concentration urine, that is, over the concentration range of sodium ions and potassium ions contained in urine, the measurement accuracy is controlled within the range of ±10%. Specifically, it is set as |E H -E L |<2.3. This condition is:

[0130] |log 10 (5)·(55 - S K )|<2.3,

[0131] Therefore, it is expressed as:

[0132] |55 - S K |<3.3.

[0133] Therefore, in this example, the judgment criterion (permissible reference range) of the sensitivity difference |S1 - S2| is set to 3.3 mV.

[0134] (Constitution of Electrochemical Sensor)

[0135] Figure 9 (A) of shows the block structure of the electrochemical sensor 90 of the electrolyte analysis device as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] The electrochemical sensor 90 generally includes the above-described test piece 30 and a main body 10 having a housing 10'. The main body 10 includes a connector 21, and the test piece 30 is detachably mounted on the connector 21. The connector 21 is provided through the wall surface of the housing 10'. The control unit 11, data input unit 12, operation unit 13, sensor head connection detection unit 14, and display unit 20 are mounted and housed in the main body 10.

[0137] In this example, the main body 10 has an elongated prismatic outer shape (for example, refer to Figure 10 (B)) that should be held by the user's hand. As a result, the electrochemical sensor 90 is configured as a hand-held device that the user holds in the hand for use.

[0138] As Figure 9 shown in (B) of, Figure 9The connector 21 in (A) has a slot 22 into which the other end 31f of the test piece 30 is inserted. Inside the slot 22, first contact electrodes 23 and second contact electrodes 24 formed by bent leaf springs are provided at positions corresponding to the electrode piece portions 43c and 44c of the test piece 30. If the user inserts the other end 31f of the test piece 30 into the slot 22 in the direction shown by the arrow X1, the electrode piece portions 43c and 44c come into contact with the first contact electrodes 23 and second contact electrodes 24, respectively, and conduction is established. As a result, the first potential E1 generated by the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the second potential E2 generated by the potassium ion sensing electrode 42 of the test piece 30 are respectively transmitted to the first contact electrodes 23 and second contact electrodes 24 and input to the main body 10.

[0139] The data input unit 12 mounted on the main body 10 inputs the potential difference ΔE between the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the potassium ion sensing electrode 42 of the test piece 30. The sensor head connection detection unit 14 detects whether the test piece 30 is mounted on the main body 10 based on whether the contact electrodes 23 and 24 of the connector 21 are disconnected. The operation unit 13 is formed by a push button switch in this example and is used to input an instruction from the user to start the measurement of the measurement target liquid. The display unit 20 is formed by an LCD (liquid crystal display element) in this example and displays various information such as the calculation result obtained by the display control unit 11. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that operates through software and controls the operation of the entire electrochemical sensor 90. In particular, the control unit 11 functions as an arithmetic unit and calculates the concentration ratio between the sodium ion concentration and the potassium ion concentration contained in the electrolyte of the measurement target (urine in this example) using the potential difference ΔE between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2 input to the main body 10. In addition, the control unit 11 has a memory 18 that stores the potential difference ΔE between the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the potassium ion sensing electrode 42 over time.

[0140] In this electrochemical sensor 90, the concentration ratio (C1 / C2) between the sodium ions and potassium ions contained in the measurement target liquid is obtained by the following principle. As already described, the sensitivity S1 and selectivity k1 of the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 are made to be the same as the sensitivity S2 and selectivity k2 of the potassium ion sensing electrode 42, respectively. That is, S1 - S2 ≈ 0, and k1 - k2 ≈ 0. In this case, as disclosed in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 6127460), the potential difference ΔE between the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the potassium ion sensing electrode 42 is simply expressed by the following formula (Eq. 1).

[0141] ΔE = E1 0 - E2 0 + S1log(C1 / C2) ……(Eq. 1)

[0142] Here, E1 0 -E2 0 is a constant. As long as ΔE is measured for an electrolytic solution (standard solution) having a known concentration ratio between sodium ions and potassium ions, and E1 0 -E2 0 which is a constant is obtained in advance, and the sensitivity S1, then by measuring the potential difference ΔE for the electrolytic solution to be measured, the concentration ratio Ms (= C1 / C2) between sodium ions and potassium ions in the electrolytic solution to be measured can be calculated based on the formula (Eq. 1).

[0143] (Measurement performed by the user)

[0144] For example, as shown in (A) of Figure 10 , the user fills the urine 99 into the container 98 and dips the front end portion 30e of the test piece 30 into the urine 99 while holding the main body 10. Then, the urine 99 comes into contact with the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the potassium ion sensing electrode 42 provided on both sides of the substrate 31. As a result, the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 generates a first potential E1 corresponding to the sodium ion concentration C1, and the potassium ion sensing electrode 42 generates a second potential E2 corresponding to the potassium ion concentration C2. The first potential E1 generated by the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the second potential E2 generated by the potassium ion sensing electrode 42 are input into the main body 10 via the first lead electrode 43, the second lead electrode 44, the first contact electrode 23, and the second contact electrode 24 of the connector 21, respectively. Then, as already described, the control unit 11 calculates the concentration ratio Ms (= C1 / C2) between sodium ions and potassium ions in the urine 99. The calculated concentration ratio Ms between sodium ions and potassium ions in the urine 99 is displayed on the display unit 20 provided on the outer surface of the main body 10. In this way, the concentration ratio Ms between sodium ions and potassium ions can be measured by a simple operation of the user.

[0145] In addition, the user uses the test piece 30A shown in (B1) of Figure 6 and (B2) of Figure 6 (that is, the test piece in which through holes 30w, 30w are formed in the test piece 30). In this case, as shown in Figure 10As shown in (B), the user holds the main body 10, for example, in a state where the front end portion 30e of the test piece 30A faces obliquely downward, and drips urine 99 onto the front end portion 30e. Then, the urine 99 comes into contact with the ion sensing electrode on the upper surface side (in this example, the sodium ion sensing electrode 41), and via the through holes 30w, 30w, it wraps around to the lower surface side and comes into contact with the ion sensing electrode on the lower surface side (in this example, the potassium ion sensing electrode 42). Therefore, the concentration ratio Ms (= C1 / C2) between the sodium ions and potassium ions contained in the urine 99 can be measured. In this way, the user can measure the concentration ratio Ms between the sodium ions and potassium ions contained in the urine 99 through a simple operation of dripping the urine 99 onto the front end portion 30e of the test piece 30A. In this case, the user does not need to specifically prepare a container 98 for loading the urine 99 to be measured.

[0146] In addition, in the example of the test piece 30A, in the width direction (Y direction) of the substrate 31, through holes 30w are provided on both sides of the first and second lead electrodes 43, 44 (especially the lead portions 43b, 44b), but it is not limited thereto. In the width direction (Y direction) of the substrate 31, the through hole may be provided in the center, and the first and second lead electrodes 43, 44 (especially the lead portions 43b, 44b) may be provided bypassing the through hole.

[0147] In addition, the user uses Figure 7 as shown in (A1) of Figure 7 the test piece 30B shown in (A2) of Figure 10 (that is, the test piece in the form where the front end portion 30e of the test piece 30 is covered with the permeable member 59). In this case, as shown in (C), the user holds the main body 10, for example, in a state where the front end portion 30e of the test piece 30B faces obliquely downward, and drips urine 99 onto the permeable member 59. Then, the urine 99 penetrates the permeable member 59 along the thickness direction, comes into contact with the ion sensing electrode on the upper surface side (in this example, the sodium ion sensing electrode 41), and penetrates across the end face of the substrate 31 from the upper surface side to the lower surface side along the permeable member 59, reaches the ion sensing electrode on the lower surface side (in this example, the potassium ion sensing electrode 42) and comes into contact with it. Therefore, the concentration ratio (C1 / C2) between the sodium ions and potassium ions contained in the urine 99 can be measured. In this way, the user can measure the concentration ratio (C1 / C2) between the sodium ions and potassium ions contained in the urine 99 through a simple operation of dripping the urine 99 onto the permeable member 59. In this case, the user does not need to specifically prepare a container 98 for loading the urine 99 to be measured.

[0148] In the example of the test strip 30B, the permeable member 59 covers only the front end portion 30e of the test strip 30B, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the permeable member 59 may cover substantially the entire region of the test strip 30B (regions other than the electrode sheet portions 43c and 44c).

[0149] Of course, the user can also perform measurement by immersing the test pieces 30A, 30B in the urine 99 contained in the container 98 .

[0150] (Second embodiment)

[0151] Figure 11 (A) shows a cross section of the test piece 30C for electrolytic solution analysis according to the second embodiment of the present invention, taken along the longitudinal direction (X direction). Figure 11 (B) shows the test piece 30C in a decomposed state. The test piece 30C is similar to the test piece 30 described above and is used to measure the concentration ratio between sodium ions as a first ion species and potassium ions as a second ion species contained in urine of a measurement object.

[0152] Depend on Figure 11 (A) Figure 11 As can be seen from (B), the main difference of the test piece 30C is that it includes two substrates (a first substrate 31A and a second substrate 31B) that are overlapped and bonded to each other instead of the one substrate 31 in the test piece 30 of the first embodiment. The first substrate 31A and the second substrate 31B are collectively referred to as substrates 31'. Figure 11 (A) Figure 11 (B) and subsequent figures, Figure 1 (A) Figure 1 The same components in (B) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0153] The first extraction electrode 43, the insulating film 51 having an opening 51w, and the sodium ion sensitive film 41i as the first ion sensitive film are provided on the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A, which is one of the main surfaces of the substrate 31'. The first extraction electrode 43 has the following pattern on the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A, which includes: a base portion 43a provided in a circular specific area on the side of one end 31e in the X direction; a lead portion 43b extending elongatedly from the base portion 43a to the other end 31f; and an electrode piece portion 43c connected to the lead portion 43b, provided on the side of the other end 31f, and having a width wider than the lead portion 43b. The sodium ion sensitive film 41i as the first ion sensitive film is provided on the base portion 43a in electrical contact via the opening 51w of the insulating film 51.

[0154] The second extraction electrode 44, the insulating film 52 having the opening 52w, and the potassium ion sensitive film 42i as the second ion sensitive film are provided on the other main surface of the substrate 31', that is, the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B. The second extraction electrode 44 has the following pattern on the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B, which includes: a base portion 44a provided in a circular specific area on the side of one end 31e in the X direction; a lead portion 44b extending elongatedly from the base portion 44a to the other end 31f; and an electrode piece portion 44c connected to the lead portion 44b, provided on the side of the other end 31f, and having a width wider than the lead portion 44b. The pattern of the first extraction electrode 43 is set identically to the pattern of the second extraction electrode 44 in the XY plane extending the substrate 31'. The potassium ion sensitive film 42i as the second ion sensitive film is provided on the base portion 44a in electrical contact via the opening 52w of the insulating film 52.

[0155] Hereinafter, similarly to the description of the first embodiment, the base portion 43a and the sodium ion sensitive membrane 41i are collectively referred to as the sodium ion sensitive electrode 41. In addition, the base portion 44a and the potassium ion sensitive membrane 42i are collectively referred to as the potassium ion sensitive electrode 42. The sodium ion sensitive electrode 41 and the potassium ion sensitive electrode 42 are in contact with the electrolyte solution (urine in this example) of the measurement object, and generate a first potential E1 corresponding to the concentration of sodium ions and a second potential E2 corresponding to the concentration of potassium ions, respectively. The effective areas (areas in which the functions are exerted) of the sodium ion sensitive electrode 41 and the potassium ion sensitive electrode 42 are defined by the sizes (in this example, the diameter is about 4 mm) of the openings 51w and 52w, respectively.

[0156] The first substrate 31A and the second substrate 31B forming the substrate 31' are both formed of insulating materials such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), glass, silicon, polyimide film, glass epoxy resin, polycarbonate or acrylic resin. Therefore, the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A and the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B are also insulating. The size of the first substrate 31A and the size of the second substrate 31B are set to be the same as each other. As the size of the first substrate 31A and the size of the second substrate 31B, in this example, the size in the X direction (long side direction) is set to about 50 mm, the size in the Y direction (width direction) is set to about 10 mm to 15 mm, and the size in the Z direction (thickness direction) is set to about 200 μm.

[0157] The first extraction electrode 43 , the second extraction electrode 44 , and the insulating films 51 and 52 are all formed of the same material as in the first embodiment, and are set to have the same dimensions as in the above-described example.

[0158] As the material liquid for forming the sodium ion sensing film 41i, the same solution as in the first embodiment, which is a solution of Bis(12 - corwn - 4), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 2 - nitrobenzene octyl ether (NPOE), and potassium tetrakis(4 - chlorophenyl)borate (K - TCPB) dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF), was used. As the material liquid for forming the potassium ion sensing film 42i, the same solution as in the first embodiment, which is a solution of Bis(benzo - 15 - crown - 5), PVC, NPOE, and K - TCPB dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF), was used. These material liquids are dried and solidified by the manufacturing process described later.

[0159] From the above description, it can be seen that in the test piece 30C, a sodium ion sensing film 41i is provided on the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A, and a potassium ion sensing film 42i is provided on the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B opposite to the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A. That is to say, the sodium ion sensing film 41i and the potassium ion sensing film 42i are not arranged on one main surface of the substrate 31 (the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A or the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B), but are arranged on the mutually opposed main surfaces.

[0160] (Manufacturing method of the test piece for electrolyte analysis)

[0161] Figure 12 Shows the process flow of the manufacturing process for manufacturing the test piece 30C. In addition, Figure 13 (A1) of Figure 13 (B1) of Figure 14 (A1) of Figure 14 (B1) of Figure 15 (A1) of Figure 15 (B1) of Figure 16 (A1) of Figure 17 (A1) of shows the part of the semi - finished product (or the completed test piece 30C) in each process included in the manufacturing process when observing the first substrate 31A or the second substrate 31B obliquely. Figure 13 (A2) of Figure 13 (B2) of Figure 14 (A2) of Figure 14 (B2) of Figure 15 (A2) of Figure 15 (B2) of Figure 16 (A2) of Figure 17 (A2) of respectively represent Figure 13 (A1) of Figure 13 (B1) of Figure 14 (A1) of Figure 14 (B1) ofFigure 15 of (A1), Figure 15 of (B1), Figure 16 of (A1), Figure 17 the partial cross-section in (A1) of (A1) (specifically, for example, Figure 13 the cross-section of the portion corresponding to the front end of the produced test piece 30C shown by the arrow of the A2-A2 line in (A1) of (A1)).

[0162] First, as Figure 12 shown in step S101 of Figure 13 the first lead electrode 43 is formed on the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A by screen printing. Specifically, as Figure 13 shown in (A1) of

[0163] the first lead electrodes 43, 43,... are pattern-formed on the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A extending along the XY plane in a matrix arrangement along the X direction and the Y direction. Each first lead electrode 43 has a circular base portion 43a, a lead portion 43b, and an electrode piece portion 43c, and is formed into a pattern elongated in the X direction. As Figure 12 shown in (A2) of Figure 13 the first lead electrode 43 (especially the base portion 43a) is formed into a flat film shape. Figure 13 shown in (B2) of

[0164] Next, as Figure 12 shown in step S102 of Figure 14 the insulating film 51 is formed on the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A by screen printing. Specifically, as Figure 14As shown in (A2), the second lead electrode 44 (especially the base portion 44a) is formed in a flat film shape.

[0165] Next, as shown in Figure 12 step S104, an insulating film 52 is formed on the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B by a screen printing method. Specifically, as shown in Figure 14 (B1), the insulating film 52 is formed in a striped pattern divided in the X direction for each column of the second lead electrodes 44 (columns arranged side by side along the Y direction), extends along the Y direction across a plurality of second lead electrodes 44, 44,... and exposes the electrode piece portions 44c, 44c,.... The pattern of the insulating film 52 on the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B is also formed at the corresponding same position with respect to the pattern of the insulating film 51 on the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A. As shown in Figure 14 (B2), the insulating film 52 has circular openings 52w corresponding to the base portions 44a of the respective second lead electrodes 44.

[0166] In addition, Figure 12 the processes of steps S101 and S102 and the processes of steps S103 and S104 can be carried out in a swapped order or in parallel.

[0167] Next, as shown in Figure 12 step S105, a material liquid for forming a sodium ion sensing film 41i as the first ion sensing film is coated on the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A by an inkjet printing method. Specifically, as shown in Figure 15 (A1), on the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A, the material liquid is coated in regions corresponding to the circular openings 51w, 51w,... (refer to Figure 13 (B1)) in contact with the base portion 43a. Then, the coated material liquid is dried and cured, and sodium ion sensing films 41i, 41i,... are formed in regions corresponding to the openings 51w, 51w,.... As shown in Figure 15 (A2), the formed sodium ion sensing film 41i has a dome-shaped cross section due to surface tension. The base portion 43a and the sodium ion sensing film 41i constitute a sodium ion sensing electrode 41.

[0168] Next, as shown in Figure 12 step S106, a material liquid for forming a potassium ion sensing film 42i as the second ion sensing film is coated on the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B by an inkjet printing method. Specifically, as shown in Figure 15 (B1), on the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B, in regions corresponding to the circular openings 52w, 52w,... of the insulating film 52 (refer to Figure 14In the regions corresponding to (B1)), the material liquid is coated in such a way as to be in contact with the base portion 44a respectively. Then, the coated material liquid is dried and cured, and potassium ion sensing films 42i, 42i,... are formed in the regions corresponding to the openings 52w, 52w,... respectively. As Figure 15 As shown in (B2), the formed potassium ion sensing film 42i has a dome-shaped cross section due to surface tension. The base portion 44a and the potassium ion sensing film 42i constitute the potassium ion sensing electrode 42.

[0169] In addition, Figure 12 The processing of step S105 and the processing of step S106 can be carried out in reverse order or in parallel.

[0170] Next, as Figure 12 shown in step S107, in the first substrate 31A, the sensitivity S1 of the sodium ion sensing film 41i as the first ion sensing film is inspected. At the same time, as shown in step S108, in the second substrate 31B, the sensitivity S2 of the potassium ion sensing film 42i as the second ion sensing film is inspected. Here, according to experience, it is known that if the coated material liquid is of the same batch, within the XY plane of the first substrate 31A and within the XY plane of the second substrate 31B, the sensitivity S1 of the sodium ion sensing film 41i and the sensitivity S2 of the potassium ion sensing film 42i are respectively constant. Therefore, in steps S107 and S108, it is only necessary to evaluate the sensitivity S1 of the representative sodium ion sensing film 41i and the sensitivity S2 of the potassium ion sensing film 42i within the XY plane of the first substrate 31A and within the XY plane of the second substrate 31B respectively.

[0171] Next, as Figure 12 shown in step S109, a combination of the first substrate 31A and the second substrate 31B is selected. Specifically, for example, a plurality of semi-finished products obtained by performing the processing up to step S107 on the first substrate 31A and a plurality of semi-finished products obtained by performing the processing up to step S108 on the second substrate 31B are prepared respectively. Among these semi-finished products, a combination of semi-finished products (the first substrate 31A and the second substrate 31B) in which the sensitivity S1 of the sodium ion sensing film 41i is the same as the sensitivity S2 of the potassium ion sensing film 42i is selected. Here, the meaning that the sensitivity S1 of the sodium ion sensing film 41i is the same as the sensitivity S2 of the potassium ion sensing film 42i is the same as that in the first embodiment, which means that the sensitivity difference |S1 - S2| is within a predetermined reference range. By selecting this combination, it is possible to avoid disposing of the semi-finished products as defective products (for example, discarding).

[0172] Here, similar to the first embodiment, as the combination of the selected semi-finished products (the first substrate 31A and the second substrate 31B), the selectivity k1 of the sodium ion sensing film 41i formed on the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A and the selectivity k2 of the potassium ion sensing film 42i formed on the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B need to be consistent. By setting the material liquid for forming the sodium ion sensing film 41i and the material liquid for forming the potassium ion sensing film 42i as described above, this condition is satisfied. Therefore, in this manufacturing process, as a selected element, the inspection process for selectivity is omitted.

[0173] Next, as shown in step S110 of Figure 12 , the first substrate 31A of the selected semi-finished product is bonded back-to-back with the second substrate 31B of the selected semi-finished product. Specifically, as shown in (A1) of Figure 16 and (A2) of Figure 16 , the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A is upward (+Z direction), the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B is downward (-Z direction), and the back surface 31Ab of the first substrate 31A on which nothing is formed is opposed to the back surface 31Bb of the second substrate 31B. Then, as shown by the arrow Z1 in (A1) of Figure 16 , for example, through an adhesive (not shown), the back surface 31Ab of the first substrate 31A and the back surface 31Bb of the second substrate 31B are overlapped and bonded. Of course, it can also be the following method: the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A is downward (-Z direction), the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B is upward (+Z direction), the back surface 31Ab of the first substrate 31A is opposed to the back surface 31Bb of the second substrate 31B, and they are bonded. In addition, the first substrate 31A and the second substrate 31B can be bonded using, for example, a double-sided adhesive tape.

[0174] Next, as shown in step S111 of Figure 12 , the substrate 31' is sheared (or blanked). As a result, as shown in (A1) of Figure 17 and (A2) of Figure 17 , each test piece 30C is obtained.

[0175] In addition, when blanking in step S111 of Figure 12 , similar to the cases shown in (B1) of Figure 6 and (B2) of Figure 6 in the first embodiment, through holes 30w, 30w can be formed in the substrate 31'.

[0176] In addition, step S112 of Figure 12 can also be added. As shown in (B1) of Figure 17 and (B2) of Figure 17As shown in (B2), a permeable member 59 formed of a material that allows the electrolyte to be measured (urine in this example) to penetrate is installed around the front end portion 30e (particularly the sodium ion sensing electrode 41 and the potassium ion sensing electrode 42) of the test piece 30C. This is called the test piece 30D. The installed permeable member 59 spans the end face of the substrate 31 from the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A to the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B, and spatially continuously covers the sodium ion sensing film 41i and the potassium ion sensing film 42i. As the permeable member 59, the same as in the first embodiment, for example, wound fibers (threads), sponges, thin papers, gauzes, absorbent cotton, etc. are used.

[0177] When manufacturing the test piece 30C (or 30D) in this way, in Figure 12 Steps S105 to S106, the coating and curing of the material liquid for forming the sodium ion sensing film 41i on the surface 31Aa of the first substrate 31A and the coating and curing of the material liquid for forming the potassium ion sensing film 42i on the surface 31Ba of the second substrate 31B are not carried out in parallel, but are carried out completely separately in space. Therefore, the test piece 30C can be manufactured in such a way that the material liquids for forming the sodium ion sensing film 41i and the potassium ion sensing film 42i do not contact each other. As a result, in the test piece 30C, the characteristics of the sodium ion sensing film 41i and the potassium ion sensing film 42i are not impaired. In addition, in the test piece 30C, in the substrate 31', the positions of the sodium ion sensing film 41i of the first substrate 31A and the first lead electrode 43 coincide with the positions of the potassium ion sensing film 42i of the second substrate 31B and the second lead electrode 44 on the front and back surfaces. Therefore, compared with the configuration (existing example) in which two ion sensing films are arranged side by side along the Y direction (width direction) on one main surface, the size of the test piece 30C can be reduced to approximately half.

[0178] According to the test pieces 30C and 30D of the second embodiment, the user can, in the same way as in the first embodiment, immerse the front end portion 30e of the test pieces 30C and 30D in the urine 99 contained in the container 98 (refer to Figure 10 (A)), or drip urine onto the front end portion 30e of the test pieces 30C and 30D (refer to Figure 10 (C)) for measurement. That is, the measurement can be performed by a simple operation.

[0179] In the above-described embodiment, the case of measuring the concentration ratio between sodium ions and potassium ions as the first and second ion species has been described, but it is not limited thereto. According to the test piece for electrolyte analysis and the electrochemical sensor including the test piece for electrolyte analysis of the present invention, in addition to sodium ions and potassium ions, it can also be applied to measuring the concentration ratio between various ions such as calcium ions, chloride ions, lithium ions, nitrate ions, nitrite ions, sulfate ions, sulfite ions, iodide ions, magnesium ions, bromide ions, bromide ions, and hydrogen ions. However, in order to perform arithmetic operations based only on the potential difference generated by the first and second ion sensing membranes without a reference electrode, the valences of the first and second ion species need to be the same.

[0180] The above embodiments are illustrative, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The above-described multiple embodiments can each be independent, but they can also be combined with each other. In addition, the various features in different embodiments can each be independent, but they can also be combined with each other.

[0181] Description of reference numerals

[0182] 10: Main body; 21: Connector; 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D: Test piece for electrolyte analysis; 30w: Through hole; 41: Sodium ion sensing electrode; 41i: Sodium ion sensing membrane; 42: Potassium ion sensing electrode; 42i: Potassium ion sensing membrane; 43: First lead electrode; 44: Second lead electrode; 59: Permeable member; 90: Electrochemical sensor.

Claims

1. A test piece for electrolyte analysis, which is used to measure the concentration ratio between a first ion species and a second ion species contained in an electrolyte, and is characterized in that, Comprising: A substrate extending in one direction; A first ion sensing film on one main surface of the substrate, having a material facing a specific area on one end side disposed in the one direction and contacting the electrolyte to generate a first potential corresponding to the concentration of the first ion species; A first lead electrode on the one main surface, extending from the first ion sensing film to the other end side opposite to the one end side; A second ion sensing film on the other main surface of the substrate opposite to the one main surface, having a material facing a specific area on the one end side and contacting the electrolyte to generate a second potential corresponding to the concentration of the second ion species; And A second lead electrode on the other main surface, extending from the second ion sensing film to the other end side, The substrate includes a first substrate and a second substrate that are overlapped and adhered to each other, The one main surface is the main surface on the side of the two main surfaces of the first substrate that is far from the second substrate, The other main surface is the main surface on the side of the two main surfaces of the second substrate that is far from the first substrate.

2. A method for manufacturing a test piece for manufacturing an electrolyte analysis test piece for measuring the concentration ratio between a first ion species and a second ion species contained in an electrolyte, characterized in that The electrolyte analysis test piece comprises: A substrate extending in one direction; A first ion sensing film on one main surface of the substrate, disposed in a specific area on one end side in the one direction and contacting the electrolyte to generate a first potential corresponding to the concentration of the first ion species; A first lead electrode on the one main surface, extending from the first ion sensing film to the other end side opposite to the one end side; A second ion sensing film on the other main surface of the substrate opposite to the one main surface, disposed in a specific area on the one end side and contacting the electrolyte to generate a second potential corresponding to the concentration of the second ion species; and A second lead electrode on the other main surface, extending from the second ion sensing film to the other end side, The substrate includes a first substrate and a second substrate that are overlapped and adhered to each other, The one main surface is the main surface on the side of the two main surfaces of the first substrate that is far from the second substrate, The other main surface is the main surface on the side of the two main surfaces of the second substrate that is far from the first substrate, The method for manufacturing the test piece includes the following steps: Prepare the first substrate and the second substrate, On the surface of the first substrate that is the one main surface, form the first lead electrode extending from the specific area on one end side in the one direction to the other end side opposite to the one end side, On the surface of the second substrate that is the other main surface, form the second lead electrode extending from the specific area on the one end side to the other end side, Then, On the surface of the first substrate, which is the main surface on one side, on the portion of the first lead electrode formed in the specific region, a material liquid of the first ion sensing film is coated, and the coated material liquid is dried and solidified to form the first ion sensing film. On the surface of the second substrate, which is the main surface on the other side, on the portion of the second lead electrode formed in the specific region, a material liquid of the second ion sensing film is coated, and the coated material liquid is dried and solidified to form the second ion sensing film. Next, The back surface of the first substrate, which is opposite to the surface that is the main surface on one side, and the back surface of the second substrate, which is opposite to the surface that is the main surface on the other side, are overlapped and bonded to each other.

3. A test piece for electrolyte analysis, which is used to measure the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species contained in the electrolyte, and is characterized in that, Comprising: A substrate extending in one direction; A first ion sensing film provided in a specific region on one end side in the one direction on one main surface of the substrate, contacting the electrolyte to generate a first potential corresponding to the concentration of the first ion species; A first lead electrode extending from the first ion sensing film to the other end side opposite to the one end side on the one main surface; A second ion sensing film provided in a specific region on the one end side on the other main surface of the substrate opposite to the one main surface, contacting the electrolyte to generate a second potential corresponding to the concentration of the second ion species; And A second lead electrode extending from the second ion sensing film to the other end side on the other main surface, The substrate has a through hole that penetrates from the one main surface to the other main surface in a region other than the regions occupied by the first ion sensing film, the second ion sensing film, the first lead electrode, and the second lead electrode on the one end side in the one direction.

4. A test piece for analyzing an electrolyte, for measuring the concentration ratio between a first ion species and a second ion species contained in the electrolyte, characterized in that A substrate extending in one direction; A first ion sensing film provided in a specific region on one end side in the one direction on one main surface of the substrate, contacting the electrolyte to generate a first potential corresponding to the concentration of the first ion species; A first lead electrode extending from the first ion sensing film to the other end side opposite to the one end side on the one main surface; A second ion sensing film provided in a specific region on the one end side on the other main surface of the substrate opposite to the one main surface, contacting the electrolyte to generate a second potential corresponding to the concentration of the second ion species; And A second lead electrode extending from the second ion sensing film to the other end side on the other main surface, Comprising a permeable member formed of a material that allows the electrolyte to permeate, The permeable member spans the end face of the substrate from the one main surface to the other main surface and continuously covers the first ion sensing film and the second ion sensing film in space.

5. The test piece for electrolyte analysis according to claim 1, 3 or 4, characterized in that the electrolyte is urine, the first ion species is sodium ion, the second ion species is potassium ion.

6. The test piece for electrolyte analysis according to claim 1, 3 or 4, characterized in that the sensitivity of the first ion sensing film is the same as that of the second ion sensing film, and the selectivity of the first ion sensing film is the same as that of the second ion sensing film.

7. An electrolyte analysis device for measuring the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species contained in an electrolyte, characterized in that, comprising: the test piece for electrolyte analysis according to claim 1, 3 or 4; and a main body, wherein the main body is equipped with: a connector, on the other end side of which the test piece for electrolyte analysis is inserted, and the connector has a first contact electrode and a second contact electrode that are respectively in contact with the first lead electrode and the second lead electrode; and an arithmetic unit that calculates the concentration ratio between the first ion species and the second ion species contained in the electrolyte based on the potential difference between the first potential and the second potential obtained through the first contact electrode and the second contact electrode of the connector when the first ion sensing film and the second ion sensing film of the test piece for electrolyte analysis are in contact with the electrolyte.

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