Optical unit and concentration measuring device provided with same

Abstract

Provided is an optical unit for accommodating a sample when measuring the concentration of the sample by absorbance spectrophotometry, the optical unit being capable of improving workability and measurement accuracy compared with conventional optical units. An optical unit (2) for accommodating a sample is used in a concentration measurement device for measuring the concentration of the sample by absorbance spectrophotometry, and is provided with: an accommodating part (21) having a long-side direction and a short-side direction in a horizontal cross-section; and a protruding portion (24) extending outward in the short-side direction from a side surface of the accommodating portion (21) in the long-side direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical unit for accommodating a sample when measuring the concentration of the sample by an absorptiometry method, and a concentration measuring device including the optical unit. Background Art

[0002] In medical settings, medical instruments used in surgeries, etc., are cleaned, sterilized, and reused. However, for the sake of patient safety, endoscopes are cleaned with a high-level disinfectant of a specified concentration after wiping off visible dirt (reference: "Guidelines for Standardization of Cleaning and Disinfection of Gastrointestinal Endoscopes" issued by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Endoscopy and the Japanese Society of Infectious Diseases).

[0003] Disinfectants used for cleaning are relatively expensive, and therefore are usually used repeatedly a certain number of times or for a certain period of time, and concentration measurements are performed during use to confirm that the disinfectants have a predetermined concentration.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to an apparatus for measuring the concentration of such a disinfectant by absorptiometry.

[0005] Prior Art Literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-69969 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention In a concentration measuring device that measures the concentration of a sample by the absorbance spectrophotometry, an optical unit for accommodating the sample is provided. The optical unit can be attached to and detached from the device, and is replaced each time it is used (and discarded after use). It is the part that the user touches most frequently during the measurement operation. In addition, it is a part that accommodates the sample and also affects the measurement accuracy.

[0007] As described above, the optical unit is a component that affects workability and measurement accuracy, and an optical unit capable of improving these aspects is required.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical unit capable of improving workability or measurement accuracy, and a concentration measurement device including the optical unit.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems (Structure 1) An optical unit is an optical unit for accommodating a sample in a concentration measuring device for measuring the concentration of the sample by an absorbance spectrophotometer, the optical unit comprising: a accommodating portion having a long side direction and a short side direction in a horizontal cross section; and a convex portion extending outward along the short side direction from a side surface of the accommodating portion in the long side direction.

[0010] (Structure 2) The optical unit according to configuration 1, wherein the convex portion forms a short side extension portion extending outward along a short side direction in a bottom surface shape of the housing portion.

[0011] (Structure 3) The optical unit according to Structure 1 or 2, wherein the housing portion has a substantially rectangular shape in horizontal cross section, and the convex portion is formed so as to extend a side surface along a short side direction of the substantially rectangular shape.

[0012] (Structure 4) The optical unit according to any one of Structures 1 to 3, wherein the optical unit includes an injection port portion, the injection port portion has a horizontal cross-sectional area formed to be larger than a horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the housing portion, and is formed at an upper end portion of the optical unit.

[0013] (Structure 5) The optical unit according to configuration 4 includes an introduction portion having a horizontal cross-sectional area formed to be larger than a horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the housing portion and located between the injection port portion and the housing portion.

[0014] (Structure 6) The optical unit according to the configuration 5, wherein the side surfaces of the housing portion and the introduction portion opposite to the side surface on which the convex portion is formed are formed as continuous flat surfaces.

[0015] (Structure 7) A concentration measuring device is a concentration measuring device including the optical unit according to any one of structures 1 to 6, wherein the concentration measuring device includes a housing portion that houses the optical unit and has a recessed portion that houses the convex portion only in a given direction.

[0016] (Structure 8) According to the concentration measuring device described in Structure 7, the concentration measuring device is constructed by providing a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion at a position opposite to the side surface of the housing portion along the short side direction, thereby irradiating light to the sample along the long side direction of the housing portion and receiving light transmitted through the sample.

[0017] (Structure 9) The concentration measuring device according to Configuration 8 includes a sample temperature sensor at a position facing a side surface of the storage portion along the longitudinal direction.

[0018] (Structure 10) The concentration measuring device according to Configuration 9 is configured such that the height of the optical path from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit is within the height range of the measurement target range of the sample temperature sensor.

[0019] (Structure 11) In the concentration measuring device according to configuration 9 or 10, the sample temperature sensor is provided to face a side surface opposite to a side surface on which the convex portion is formed.

[0020] (Structure 12) A concentration measuring device according to any one of structures 8 to 11, wherein the concentration measuring device includes a unit insertion sensor, and the unit insertion sensor is arranged at a position lower than the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion and opposite to the accommodation portion, and after the unit insertion sensor detects the insertion of the optical unit, a process is performed to obtain the transmittance or absorbance information of the optical unit itself as a reference through the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion.

[0021] (Structure 13) A concentration measuring device according to any one of structures 9 to 12, wherein the concentration measuring device includes a sample detection sensor, which is arranged at a position above the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion and opposite to the storage portion, and performs a process of obtaining temperature information using the sample temperature sensor and a process of obtaining transmittance or absorbance information of the sample using the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion after a given time has passed since the injection of the sample into the optical unit is detected by the sample detection sensor.

[0022] Effects of the Invention According to the optical unit of the present invention or the concentration measuring device including the optical unit, it is possible to improve workability and measurement accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a concentration measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of a concentration measuring device according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the optical unit according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a top view showing the optical unit according to the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing an optical unit according to the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a housing portion of an optical unit of the concentration measuring device according to the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of a unit holder assembly of the concentration measuring device according to the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a flowchart schematically showing the processing operation of the concentration measuring device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiment is one mode for implementing the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a concentration measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of a concentration measuring device according to an embodiment.

[0033] The concentration measuring device 1 of this embodiment is a concentration measuring device for measuring the concentration of a disinfectant based on the measurement of temperature and transmittance or absorbance. The disinfectant is an acetal aqueous solution, an acetal aqueous solution, or the like having a correlation with temperature, transmittance or absorbance, and concentration. The concentration measuring device comprises: an optical unit 2, which contains a disinfectant; The radiation temperature sensor 103 functions as both a sample temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the disinfectant and an environment temperature sensor for measuring the environment temperature; A light emitting unit 141 and a light receiving unit 142, which serve as optical sensors for measuring the transmittance or absorbance of the disinfectant; A storage unit 102 that permanently or temporarily stores various data, programs, etc. required for the operation of the device; The input unit 105 includes input means such as a power button 1051 and operation buttons, and serves as a user interface; The output unit 106 includes a display screen 1061, an indicator and other output units, which serve as a user interface; a cover 107 which, when the optical unit 2 is mounted on the device, covers the optical unit 2 so that light from outside the device does not enter; a cover sensor 171 that senses the opening and closing of the cover 107; a unit insertion sensor 182 for detecting that the optical unit 2 is installed in the device; a sample detection sensor 181 that detects injection of a sample (disinfectant) into an optical unit 2 mounted on the device; and The control and calculation unit 101 controls each unit of the device and performs various calculation processes, and also functions as a concentration measurement unit.

[0034] It should be noted that regarding the above-mentioned point recorded as "transmittance or absorbance", absorbance is the logarithm of the reciprocal of transmittance, and the difference between transmittance and absorbance does not bring about a conceptual difference in the application of the present invention (for example, when it is treated as absorbance, it is sufficient to perform a conversion based on the above-mentioned relationship, etc.), so it is hereinafter referred to as "transmittance".

[0035] Figure 3~Figure 5 are diagrams representing optical units, respectively Figure 3 (a): A three-dimensional image viewed from above, Figure 3 (b): Stereoscopic view from below, Figure 4 (a): top view, Figure 4 (b): right view, Figure 4 (c): left view, Figure 4 (d): main view, Figure 4 (e): rear view, Figure 4 (f): Bottom view, Figure 5 (a): along Figure 4 (c) sectional view of line AA, Figure 5 (b): Along Figure 4 (d) BB line cross-sectional view, Figure 5 (c): Figure 4 (d) is a cross-sectional view along the CC line, Figure 5 (d): Figure 4 (d) Cross-sectional view along line DD.

[0036] The optical unit 2 is a container formed of a member that transmits light emitted by the light emitting unit 141 and contains a sample (disinfectant) of about several cc. The optical unit 2 is detachable from the concentration measuring device 1 and is basically a disposable member.

[0037] The optical unit 2 of this embodiment is as follows Figure 3~Figure 5 The following structure is shown: The storage section 21 is a storage section for storing a sample, and has a shape having a long side direction and a short side direction in a horizontal cross section on the lower side of the optical unit 2; The injection port 23 has a horizontal cross-sectional area (outer diameter shape of the horizontal cross-section) formed to be larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the housing portion 21 and is formed at the upper end of the optical unit 2; The introduction portion 22 has a horizontal cross-sectional area (horizontal cross-sectional outer diameter shape) formed to be larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the housing portion 21 and smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the injection port portion 23, and is located between the injection port portion 23 and the housing portion 21; and The protrusion 24 extends outward along the short-side direction from the side surface along the long-side direction of the housing portion 21 .

[0038] In this embodiment, the receiving portion 21 has a substantially rectangular shape in a horizontal cross section, and the introduction portion 22 has a substantially square shape in a horizontal cross section. In addition, the injection port portion 23 continuous with the introduction portion 22 has a rounded square shape at its upper end. There are shape transition portions between the receiving portion 21 and the introduction portion 22 and between the introduction portion 22 and the injection port portion 23, respectively, in which the shape gradually changes from one cross-sectional shape to another cross-sectional shape.

[0039] The optical unit 2 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure, and thus has excellent workability in injecting the sample, and can maintain measurement accuracy while reducing the amount of sample required for measurement.

[0040] That is, since the injection port 23 has a rounded square shape close to a circle, the workability of injecting the sample using a pipette or a syringe is excellent. In addition, by making the receiving portion 21 rectangular in cross section, the volume of the receiving portion 21 into which the sample enters is reduced (specifically, from about 5 ml to about 2 ml). By reducing the amount of liquid that must be injected, the effect of improving workability and not wasting disinfectant is obtained.

[0041] In addition, the storage portion 21 has a rectangular cross section, that is, since it has a long side direction when viewed in a horizontal cross section, it is possible to ensure the optical path length for measurement by the optical sensor, so that the measurement accuracy can be maintained while reducing the capacity. Moreover, since it has a shape in the long side direction (that is, it has a large side surface), it is possible to ensure the measurement area for the radiation temperature sensor 103, so that the measurement accuracy can be maintained while reducing the capacity.

[0042] In addition, due to the reduced capacity and the larger surface area per unit volume due to the rectangular cross section than the surface area per unit volume of the square cross section, the thermal equilibrium of the disinfectant can be accelerated (the thermal equilibrium is accelerated when the temperature of the optical unit and the disinfectant is different).

[0043] The receiving portion 21 having a rectangular cross section is configured to be offset to one side (right side) relative to the introduction portion 22 having a square cross section, and as a result, the side surface (right side surface) of the receiving portion 21 and the introduction portion 22 opposite to the side surface having the convex portion 24 is formed as a continuous plane. Thus, the side surface (right side surface) of one side of the receiving portion 21 and the introduction portion 22 is formed as a continuous plane without concave and convex, and the degree of freedom of installing the radiation temperature sensor 103 at a position opposite to the side surface becomes high.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the convex portion 24 is formed so as to extend the side surface (back surface) of the receiving portion 21 along the short side direction, and the bottom surface shape of the receiving portion 21 (see Figure 4 In (f)), a short side extension portion extending outward along the short side direction of the housing portion 21 is formed.

[0045] Since the convex portion 24 constitutes a short side extension portion extending the short side direction of the housing portion 21 at the bottom of the optical unit 2, the stability of the optical unit 2 when standing is improved.

[0046] The convex portion 24 is a convex portion that is not rotationally symmetrical in the cross-sectional view of the optical unit 2. The receiving portion 109 of the concentration measuring device 1 described below has a shape corresponding thereto, so that the optical unit 2 can always be installed in a fixed direction. By making the insertion direction of the optical unit always constant, the stability of the measurement accuracy is improved.

[0047] The concentration measuring device 1 includes a housing portion 109 into which the optical unit 2 is inserted.

[0048] Figure 6 (a) is a diagram showing a state where the cover 107 of the concentration measuring device 1 is opened. Figure 6 (b) is a perspective view of an enlarged portion of the accommodation portion 109. Figure 6 (c) means Figure 6 (b) is a diagram showing a state where the optical unit 2 is installed.

[0049] The receiving portion 109 has a shape corresponding to the outer diameter shape of the optical unit 2 and has a recess 191 for receiving the projection 24 of the optical unit 2 only in a given direction so that the optical unit 2 is always mounted in a specific direction.

[0050] Since the housing portion 109 has a shape corresponding to the outer diameter of the optical unit 2, the optical unit 2 is mounted at a fixed position without any play with respect to the concentration measuring device 1. This improves the stability of the measurement accuracy.

[0051] In addition, a mark 192 indicating the correct insertion direction of the optical unit 2 is provided in the housing portion 109. By providing a mark imitating the cross-sectional shape of the optical unit 2 (indicating the direction of the convex portion 24), usability is improved.

[0052] The radiation temperature sensor 103 is provided at a position facing the range into which the disinfectant enters of the optical unit 2 mounted on the concentration measuring device 1 , and measures the temperature of the sample (disinfectant) in a non-contact manner.

[0053] The radiation temperature sensor (sample temperature sensor) 103 is arranged at a position opposite to the side surface (right side surface) of the optical unit 2 along the long side direction of the storage section 21 and opposite to the side surface on which the convex portion 24 is formed, when the optical unit 2 is mounted on the concentration measuring device 1. As described above, the right side surface of the storage section 21 is formed as a continuous plane without concave and convex surfaces, and by arranging the radiation temperature sensor 103 at a position opposite to the side surface, the degree of freedom of setting the radiation temperature sensor 103 is increased. In addition, the right side surface of the storage section 21 is a surface along the long side direction and has a large area, so it is easy to ensure the measurement area using the radiation temperature sensor 103.

[0054] The radiation temperature sensor 103 is connected to the control calculation unit 101 , and the reading of the sensor value and the like are controlled by the control calculation unit 101 .

[0055] Light emitting unit 141 and light receiving unit 142 as optical sensors for measuring transmittance of disinfectant are arranged so that the optical axis of light emitting unit 141 passes through the disinfectant in optical unit 2 and light receiving unit 142 can receive light that has passed through the disinfectant.

[0056] The light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 are configured in such a manner that, when the optical unit 2 is mounted on the concentration measuring device 1, the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 are arranged at positions opposite to the side surfaces of the optical unit 2 along the short side direction of the receiving unit 21, irradiate the sample with light along the long side direction of the receiving unit 21, and receive light transmitted through the sample. In the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 141 is arranged at a position opposite to the back side of the receiving unit 21, and the light receiving unit 142 is arranged at a position opposite to the front side of the receiving unit 21.

[0057] The light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 are arranged so that the height of the optical path from the light emitting unit 141 to the light receiving unit 142 is within the height range of the measurement region (measurement target range) of the radiation temperature sensor (sample temperature sensor) 103 .

[0058] It should be noted that, here, the light emitting unit 141 is arranged opposite to one side surface (back side) of the optical unit 2, and the light receiving unit 142 is arranged opposite to the opposite side surface (front side), and its optical path is within the height range of the measurement object range of the sample temperature sensor. However, the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 can be set to any configuration as long as they are structures that can receive light that has passed through the disinfectant.

[0059] The light emitting unit 141 is connected to the control operation unit 101 via a driving circuit 1411 that drives the light emission, and the timing of light emission and the like are controlled by the control operation unit 101 .

[0060] The light receiving unit 142 is also connected to the control and calculation unit 101 , and the control and calculation unit 101 performs control of reading of sensor values, calculation processing of transmittance based on the sensor values, and the like.

[0061] Figure 7 2 is a cross-sectional view of a unit holder assembly for holding the optical unit 2 of the insertion device and for holding the substrate on which each sensor is mounted. Figure 7 (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view, Figure 7 (b) is Figure 7 (a) Horizontal cross-section along line EE.

[0062] from Figure 7 It can be understood that the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 are configured in the following manner: light is irradiated to the disinfectant AS as a sample along the long side direction of the storage unit 21, and light transmitted through the disinfectant AS is received. In this way, the optical path length for measurement using the optical sensor can be ensured, so that the transmittance of the disinfectant AS can be measured with good accuracy while achieving a small capacity.

[0063] The radiation temperature sensor 103 is configured to face a surface (surface having a large area) along the longitudinal direction of the housing portion 21 and opposite to the surface on which the convex portion 24 is formed.

[0064] Furthermore, the radiation temperature sensor 103 , the light emitting unit 141 , and the light receiving unit 142 are arranged at the same height position so that “the optical path is within the height range of the measurement target range of the sample temperature sensor”.

[0065] With this configuration, since the liquid temperature in the optical path (that is, the portion where the transmittance is measured) can be measured, the measurement accuracy can be improved.

[0066] The sample detection sensor 181 and the unit insertion sensor 182 are both composed of optical sensors (a light emitting section and a light receiving section).

[0067] like Figure 7As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the unit insertion sensor 182, which is a sensor for detecting that the optical unit 2 is installed in the device, is arranged at a position lower than the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 and opposite to the storage unit 21. By being located at a position lower than the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142, it is ensured that the optical unit 2 is present at a position opposite to the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 when the optical unit 2 is detected by the unit insertion sensor 182.

[0068] The sample detection sensor 181, which is a sensor for detecting the injection of the disinfectant AS into the optical unit 2 installed in the device, is arranged at a position above the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 and opposite to the storage unit 21. By being located at a position above the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142, it is ensured that the disinfectant AS exists in the optical unit 2 at a position opposite to the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 when the disinfectant AS in the optical unit 2 is detected by the sample detection sensor 181.

[0069] The sample detection sensor 181 and the unit insertion sensor 182 both detect the insertion of the optical unit 2 and the injection of the disinfectant AS based on changes in reflectivity (the light reception level in the light receiving section).

[0070] The sample detection sensor 181 and the unit insertion sensor 182 are connected to the control operation unit 101 , and the control operation unit 101 controls the reading of sensor values ​​(and the light emission therefor) and the above-mentioned determination processes based on the sensor values ​​(changes in reflectivity).

[0071] The input unit 105 and the output unit 106 as user interfaces can use any input interface such as buttons, touch panels, or voice input units, and any output interface such as visual display devices such as indicators and display screens, and auditory output units such as speakers.

[0072] It should be noted that the input / output unit is not limited to an interface for a user, and may be any input / output unit for inputting and outputting information with other devices.

[0073] Cover sensor 171 is also composed of an optical sensor (a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit), and is disposed at a position facing cover 107 in a closed state to detect opening or closing of cover 107 based on changes in reflectivity (light receiving level of the light receiving unit).

[0074] The cover sensor 171 is also connected to the control operation unit 101 , and the control operation unit 101 performs control of reading sensor values ​​(and light emission therefor), and determining whether the cover 107 is open or closed based on the sensor values ​​(changes in reflectivity).

[0075] It should be noted that, here, the unit insertion sensor 182 and the cover sensor 171 are constituted by optical sensors, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the unit insertion sensor and the cover sensor may be constituted by sensors that sense a physical contact state.

[0076] The storage unit 102 stores (always or temporarily stores) a program for executing the processing described below and data required for executing the processing described below (in addition, various data and programs required for the operation of the device).

[0077] The storage unit 102 may use any storage device that can always or temporarily store such information.

[0078] The control operation unit 101 controls each unit of the device and performs various operations. For example, it is composed of any semiconductor device that performs operations such as a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control operation unit 101 has a function to control each sensor based on a program stored in the storage unit 102 and execute the following operations: Figure 8 Description of the processing function.

[0079] It should be noted that, although omitted in the figure, the control operation unit 101 is of course connected to each part via an A / D conversion circuit, various filter circuits, etc. as needed (a circuit for forming a signal suitable as an input and output to the control operation unit 101 is appropriately set).

[0080] Here, the processing unit of each function is illustrated as being installed in a general-purpose device in the form of software (composed of a program running on the control operation unit 101), but a part or all of each may be composed of hardware (for example, composed of a dedicated IC, etc.).

[0081] Next, refer to Figure 8 , the processing operations of the main parts of the concentration measuring device 1 related to the present invention are described.

[0082] When the concentration measurement process is started, for example, by pressing the power button 1051, the Figure 8 processing.

[0083] In step 801 , a process is executed for displaying, on the display screen 1061 , a message instructing to place an empty optical cell 2 in the concentration measurement device 1 .

[0084] In the next step 802, it is monitored whether the optical unit 2 is inserted based on the sensor value of the unit insertion sensor 182. The message display process of step 801 is continued until the optical unit 2 is inserted (step 802: No→step 801), and when it is determined that the optical unit 2 is inserted (step 802: Yes), the process moves to step 803.

[0085] In step 803 after placing the empty optical cell 2 in the concentration measuring device 1, the calibration process of the optical sensor (light emitting unit 141 and light receiving unit 142) is performed. In this calibration, the transmittance (reference) of the empty optical cell 2 is measured, and based on the value obtained thereby (the value inherent to the empty optical cell 2), the measurement using the optical sensor is corrected. The optical cell 2 is assumed to be disposable, and each time it is replaced with a different (new) optical cell, the sensor is calibrated based on the transmittance inherent to each optical cell 2 to improve the accuracy of the measurement. The calibration process itself is based on the same calculation method as in the past, so the detailed description here is omitted.

[0086] Through steps 802 and 803, "processing of obtaining transmittance or absorbance information of the optical unit itself as a reference by the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit after the insertion of the optical unit is detected by the unit insertion sensor" is performed.

[0087] It should be noted that in the process of step 802, when it is determined that an optical cell containing disinfectant is placed in the device, for example, a warning display requesting the insertion of an empty cell may be performed, so that the concentration measuring device 1 performs error processing.

[0088] When the calibration process of the optical sensor is completed, the process proceeds to step 804 , and a message instructing to inject the disinfectant into the unit is displayed on the display screen 1061 .

[0089] In the next step 805, based on the sensor value of the sample detection sensor 181, it is monitored whether the necessary amount of disinfectant has been injected into the optical unit 2. The message display process of step 804 is continued until the necessary amount of disinfectant has been injected into the optical unit 2 (step 805: No → step 804), and when it is determined that the necessary amount of disinfectant has been injected (step 805: Yes), the process shifts to step 806 and starts the timer 1 (starts counting). It should be noted that here, the case where the timer 1 is started after the necessary amount of disinfectant has been injected into the optical unit 2 is taken as an example, but the timer 1 may also be started after the cover 107 is closed (starting counting after step 808).

[0090] In the next step 807 , a message instructing to close the cover 107 is displayed on the display screen 1061 .

[0091] In the next step 808, whether cover 107 is closed is monitored based on the sensor value of cover sensor 171. The message display process of step 807 is continued until cover 107 is closed (step 808: No→step 807), and when it is determined that cover 107 is closed (step 808: Yes), the process moves to step 809.

[0092] In step 809 , it is determined whether the timer 1 is equal to or greater than a given value. When it is equal to or greater than the given value, the process proceeds to the concentration determination process in step 810 .

[0093] In the process of step 809 , after the disinfectant is injected into the optical unit 2 , a process of waiting for a given time is performed.

[0094] Immediately after the disinfectant is injected, the measured values ​​of temperature and transmittance may be easily deviated due to liquid convection, bubbles, etc. Alternatively, if there is a difference between the temperature of the cell and the temperature of the disinfectant, the liquid temperature may be unstable immediately after the disinfectant is injected. The processing of step 809 improves the accuracy of the measurement of transmittance and liquid temperature by performing the measurement after a given time has passed (waiting for the injected disinfectant to stabilize).

[0095] The "given time" may be appropriately determined according to the structure of the device and the problem being addressed. For example, for a problem involving liquid movement or bubbles immediately after the disinfectant is injected, the time may be set to about 10 to 15 seconds.

[0096] In step 810, a concentration determination process is performed.

[0097] In this process, the transmittance and temperature of the disinfectant are measured (and the ambient temperature is measured as needed), and the concentration of the disinfectant is calculated based on these measured values. The process of calculating the concentration based on the transmittance and temperature measured values ​​is based on the same calculation method as in the past, so a detailed description is omitted here.

[0098] Through steps 805 to 810, "after a given time has passed since the sample detection sensor detected the injection of the sample into the optical unit, the temperature information is obtained by using the sample temperature sensor, and the transmittance or absorbance information of the sample is obtained by using the light emitting part and the light receiving part."

[0099] In step 811 , based on the concentration measured in step 810 , a process is performed to output the concentration from the output unit 106 .

[0100] The output processing may be processing of displaying whether a given concentration (eg, 0.3%) is satisfied using an indicator (eg, lighting a Fail or Pass lamp), or specifically, processing of displaying the concentration as a numerical value.

[0101] As described above, according to the optical unit 2 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve workability and measurement accuracy.

[0102] Specifically, since the injection port 23 has a rounded square shape close to a circle, the workability of injecting the sample into the optical cell using a pipette or a syringe is excellent.

[0103] Furthermore, by making the storage section 21 rectangular in cross section, the volume of the storage section 21 into which the sample enters is reduced, thereby improving workability and preventing waste of disinfectant.

[0104] Furthermore, the storage section 21 has a long side direction when viewed in a horizontal cross section, thereby ensuring an optical path length for measurement by an optical sensor, thereby achieving a small capacity and improving measurement accuracy.

[0105] Furthermore, since the shape is long-side (ie, has a side surface with a large area), it is possible to ensure a measurement area using the radiation temperature sensor 103 , thereby achieving a small capacity and improving measurement accuracy.

[0106] Since one side surface (right side surface) of the housing portion 21 and the introduction portion 22 is formed as a continuous plane without projections and depressions, the radiation temperature sensor 103 can be provided at a position facing the side surface with high freedom.

[0107] The convex portion 24 forms a short side extension portion extending outward along the short side direction of the housing portion 21 in the bottom surface shape of the housing portion 21 , thereby improving the stability of the optical unit 2 when standing up.

[0108] The convex portion 24 is a convex portion that is not rotationally symmetrical in the cross-sectional view of the optical unit 2, and the housing 109 of the concentration measuring device 1 has a shape corresponding thereto, thereby being able to always install the optical unit 2 in a fixed direction. By always fixing the insertion direction of the optical unit, the stability of the measurement accuracy is improved.

[0109] Furthermore, the concentration measurement device 1 including the optical unit 2 of the present embodiment also improves operability and measurement accuracy.

[0110] Specifically, the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 are arranged so that their optical paths are within the height range of the measurement area of ​​the radiation temperature sensor 103 , thereby being able to measure the liquid temperature in the optical path (ie, the portion where the transmittance is measured), thereby achieving good measurement accuracy.

[0111] The sample detection sensor 181 disposed below the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 can detect that the optical unit 2 is present at a position opposite to the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 and automatically perform calibration processing, thereby improving operability and measurement accuracy.

[0112] The unit insertion sensor 182 disposed above the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 can detect the state in which the disinfectant is ensured to be present in the optical unit 2 at a position (on the optical path) opposite to the light emitting unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142. In addition, the cover sensor 171 detects that the cover 107 is closed, and the concentration measurement process is automatically performed (conversely, the concentration measurement process is not performed as long as the cover 107 is not closed), thereby improving the operability and the measurement accuracy.

[0113] It should be noted that, in the embodiment, the structure in which the convex portion 24 of the optical unit 2 is formed from the upper part to the lower part along the receiving portion 21 (i.e., a plate-shaped or wing-shaped member) is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this (the convex portion is not limited to a plate-shaped or wing-shaped member). As long as the convex portion is at least "a convex portion extending outward along the short side direction from the side surface along the long side direction of the receiving portion", the effect of determining the insertion direction of the optical unit can be obtained, and it can be formed only in a part of the height direction of the receiving portion 21. In this case, by setting the convex portion as a "short side extension portion" formed on the bottom surface, the effect of improving the self-sustaining property of the optical unit can be obtained as in the embodiment.

[0114] In addition, the number of convex portions is not limited to one, and a plurality of convex portions may be provided as long as they are not rotationally symmetrical when viewed in a horizontal cross section.

[0115] In the present embodiment, the convex portion 24 is formed by extending the side surface (back surface) of the receiving portion 21 along the short side direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the convex portion can be at least "a convex portion extending outward along the short side direction from the side surface along the long side direction of the receiving portion". For example, it can also be a convex portion extending outward along the short side direction from the center of the side surface along the long side direction of the receiving portion.

[0116] In the embodiment, a concentration measuring device for measuring the concentration of a disinfectant such as an aqueous solution of propionaldehyde or an aqueous solution of propionaldehyde is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The concept of the present invention can be applied to any measuring device that measures a sample using an optical unit such as an absorbance spectrophotometer.

[0117] In the embodiment, a non-contact temperature sensor, that is, a radiation temperature sensor is used as an example as the temperature sensor, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, any temperature sensor such as a contact temperature sensor such as a thermocouple can be used.

[0118] (Description of the label) 1. Concentration measuring device 101···Control and calculation unit 102···Storage Department 103···Radiation temperature sensor (sample temperature sensor) 141···Luminous part 142···Light receiving part 109···Accommodation 191···Concave part 181···Sample detection sensor 182···Unit Insertion Sensor 2···Optical unit 21. Containment Department 22···Introduction 23···Inject into the mouth 24···Convex portion (extended portion of the short side).

Claims

1. An optical unit for accommodating a sample in a concentration measuring device for measuring the concentration of the sample by an absorptiometry method, the optical unit comprising: a receiving portion having a long side direction and a short side direction in a horizontal cross section; and The convex portion extends outward along the short side direction from the side surface of the receiving portion along the long side direction.

2. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein: The convex portion forms a short side extension portion extending outward along the short side direction in the bottom surface shape of the housing portion.

3. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein: The housing portion has a substantially rectangular shape in horizontal cross section, and the convex portion is formed so as to extend a side surface along a short side direction of the substantially rectangular shape.

4. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein: The optical unit includes an injection port portion, the injection port portion has a horizontal cross-sectional area formed to be larger than a horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the housing portion, and is formed at an upper end portion of the optical unit.

5. The optical unit according to claim 4, wherein: The optical unit includes an introduction portion, the introduction portion having a horizontal cross-sectional area formed to be larger than a horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the housing portion, and located between the injection port portion and the housing portion.

6. The optical unit according to claim 5, wherein: The side surfaces of the housing portion and the introduction portion opposite to the side surface on which the convex portion is formed are formed as continuous flat surfaces. 7 . A concentration measuring device comprising the optical unit according to claim 1 , wherein the concentration measuring device comprises a housing portion that houses the optical unit and has a recessed portion that houses the convex portion only in a predetermined direction.

8. The concentration measuring device according to claim 7, wherein: The concentration measuring device is configured to irradiate light to a sample along the long side of the storage section and receive light transmitted through the sample by providing a light emitting section and a light receiving section at positions facing the side surfaces of the storage section along the short side direction.

9. The concentration measuring device according to claim 8, wherein: The concentration measuring device includes a sample temperature sensor at a position facing a side surface along the longitudinal direction of the storage portion.

10. The concentration measuring device according to claim 9, wherein: The concentration measurement device is arranged so that the height of the optical path from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit is within the height range of the measurement target range of the sample temperature sensor.

11. The concentration measuring device according to claim 9, wherein: The sample temperature sensor is provided to face the side surface opposite to the side surface on which the convex portion is formed.

12. The concentration measuring device according to claim 8, wherein: The concentration measuring device includes a unit insertion sensor, the unit insertion sensor being arranged below the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit and facing the storage unit. After the insertion of the optical unit is detected by the unit insertion sensor, a process of acquiring transmittance or absorbance information of the optical unit itself as a reference by the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit is performed.

13. The concentration measuring device according to claim 9, wherein: The concentration measuring device includes a sample detection sensor, the sample detection sensor being arranged above the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit and facing the storage unit. After a given time has passed since the sample detection sensor detected injection of the sample into the optical unit, the sample temperature sensor acquires temperature information and the light emitter and light receiver acquire transmittance or absorbance information of the sample.

Images