Optical unit and concentration measuring device having the same

Abstract

The present application provides an optical unit for housing a sample when measuring the concentration of the sample by absorbance photometry, and can improve workability and measurement accuracy compared with the past. An optical unit (2) is an optical unit for housing a sample used in a concentration measuring device that measures the concentration of a sample by absorbance photometry, and the optical unit (2) includes a housing portion (21) having a long side direction and a short side direction in a horizontal cross section, and a protruding portion (24) extending outward along the short side direction from a side surface of the housing portion (21) along the long side direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical unit and a concentration measuring device having the optical unit, the optical unit being used to contain a sample when the concentration of the sample is determined by spectrophotometry. Background Technology

[0002] In medical settings, medical instruments used in surgeries are cleaned, sterilized, and disinfected for reuse. However, for the safety of patients, the cleaning of endoscopes requires wiping away visible dirt and then cleaning with a high-level disinfectant of a specified concentration (reference: "Guidelines for Standardization of Cleaning and Disinfection of Gastrointestinal Endoscopes" issued by the Japanese Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Japanese Society of Infectious Diseases).

[0003] The disinfectants used for cleaning are relatively expensive, so they are usually reused a certain number of times or for a certain period of time. When using them, a concentration test is performed to confirm that they have the prescribed concentration.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses technology related to an apparatus for determining the concentration of such disinfectant by spectrophotometry.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-69969 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] In a concentration measuring apparatus that determines the concentration of a sample by spectrophotometry, an optical unit is provided for containing the sample. This optical unit is detachable from the apparatus and can be replaced each time it is used (disposable after use). It is the component most frequently touched by the user during the measurement operation. Furthermore, it is a component that contains the sample and also affects the accuracy of the measurement.

[0010] Thus, the optical unit is a component that affects workability and measurement accuracy, and there is a requirement for optical units that can improve these aspects.

[0011] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide an optical unit that can improve workability or measurement accuracy, and a concentration measuring device having the optical unit.

[0012] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0013] (Structure 1)

[0014] An optical unit for housing a sample in a concentration measuring device for determining the concentration of a sample by spectrophotometry, the optical unit comprising: a housing portion having a long side direction and a short side direction in a horizontal cross section; and a protrusion extending outward from the side of the housing portion along the short side direction.

[0015] (Structure 2)

[0016] According to the optical unit of structure 1, the protrusion forms a short side extension in the bottom surface shape of the receiving portion, extending outward along the short side direction.

[0017] (Structure 3)

[0018] According to the optical unit of structure 1 or 2, the receiving portion has a generally rectangular shape in a horizontal cross section, and the protrusion is formed such that the side surface extends along the short side of the generally rectangular shape.

[0019] (Structure 4)

[0020] According to any one of structures 1 to 3, the optical unit has an injection port, the cross-sectional area of ​​the horizontal section of the injection port is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the horizontal section of the receiving portion, and is formed at the upper end of the optical unit.

[0021] (Structure 5)

[0022] According to the optical unit of structure 4, the optical unit has an inlet portion, the cross-sectional area of ​​the horizontal section of the inlet portion is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the horizontal section of the receiving portion, and is located between the injection port portion and the receiving portion.

[0023] (Structure 6)

[0024] According to the optical unit of structure 5, the receiving portion and the side of the inlet portion opposite to the side on which the protrusion is formed are formed as a continuous plane.

[0025] (Structure 7)

[0026] A concentration measuring device is a concentration measuring device having an optical unit having any one of structures 1 to 6, the concentration measuring device having a receiving portion that receives the optical unit and having a recess that receives the protrusion only in a given direction.

[0027] (Structure 8)

[0028] According to the concentration measuring device described in structure 7, the concentration measuring device is configured to irradiate the sample with light and receive light by having a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part located opposite the side of the receiving part along the short side direction, thereby receiving the light transmitted through the sample along the long side direction of the receiving part.

[0029] (Structure 9)

[0030] According to the concentration measuring device of structure 8, the concentration measuring device has a sample temperature sensor at a position opposite to the side of the receiving part along the long side direction.

[0031] (Structure 10)

[0032] According to the concentration measuring device of structure 9, the concentration measuring device is configured such that the height of the optical path from the light-emitting part to the light-receiving part is within the height range of the measurement object range of the sample temperature sensor.

[0033] (Structure 11)

[0034] According to the concentration measuring device of structure 9 or 10, the sample temperature sensor is configured to be opposite to the side opposite to the side on which the protrusion is formed.

[0035] (Structure 12)

[0036] According to any one of structures 8 to 11, the concentration measuring device includes a unit insertion sensor disposed at a position lower than the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part and opposite to the receiving part. After the insertion of the optical unit is detected by the unit insertion sensor, processing is performed to obtain transmittance or absorbance information of the optical unit itself as a reference through the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part.

[0037] (Structure 13)

[0038] According to any one of structures 9 to 12, the concentration measuring device includes a sample detection sensor disposed above the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part and opposite the receiving part. After a given time has elapsed since the sample is detected by the sample detection sensor to be injected into the optical unit, the device performs processing to obtain temperature information using the sample temperature sensor and processing to obtain transmittance or absorbance information of the sample using the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part.

[0039] Invention Effects

[0040] The optical unit or concentration measuring device equipped with the optical unit according to the present invention can improve workability or measurement accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the concentration measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram showing the structure of the concentration measuring device according to the embodiment.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the optical unit in the embodiment.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the optical unit of the implementation method.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the optical unit of the embodiment.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the housing of the optical unit of the concentration measuring device according to the embodiment.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the unit support assembly of the concentration measuring device according to the embodiment.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the general processing operation of the concentration measuring device according to the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are one way of embodying the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the concentration measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram showing the structure of the concentration measuring device according to the embodiment.

[0051] The concentration measuring device 1 of this embodiment is a concentration measuring device for measuring the concentration of a disinfectant based on temperature and transmittance or absorbance. The disinfectant is an acetal aqueous solution, acetal aqueous solution, etc., in which temperature, transmittance or absorbance, and concentration are correlated. The concentration measuring device includes:

[0052] Optical unit 2, which contains disinfectant;

[0053] The radiation temperature sensor 103 functions as both a sample temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the disinfectant solution and an ambient temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature.

[0054] The light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142 serve as optical sensors for measuring the transmittance or absorbance of the disinfectant solution.

[0055] Storage unit 102, which always or temporarily stores various data, programs, etc. required for the operation of the device;

[0056] The input unit 105 includes input units such as a power button 1051 and operation buttons, and serves as a user interface.

[0057] The output unit 106 includes output units such as a display screen 1061 and an indicator, and serves as a user interface.

[0058] Cover 107, which, when the optical unit 2 is installed in the device, becomes a cover that prevents light from the outside of the device from entering the optical unit 2;

[0059] The cover sensor 171 senses the opening and closing of the cover 107;

[0060] A unit insertion sensor 182 is used to detect optical unit 2 mounted on the device;

[0061] Sample detection sensor 181 detects the injection of a sample (disinfectant) into the optical unit 2 installed in the device; and

[0062] The control and calculation unit 101 controls various parts of the device, performs various calculations, and also functions as a concentration measurement unit.

[0063] It should be noted that, regarding the point that is referred to as "transmittance or absorbance" above, absorbance is the logarithm of the reciprocal of transmittance. The difference between transmittance and absorbance does not lead to a conceptual difference in the application of this invention (for example, when treated as absorbance, a conversion based on the above relationship can be performed, etc.), so it will be referred to as "transmittance" for short.

[0064] Figures 3-5 This is a diagram representing optical units, respectively. Figure 3 (a): A three-dimensional view viewed from above. Figure 3 (b): A three-dimensional view viewed 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 4Cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of (d); Figure 5 of (c): Figure 4 Cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of (d); Figure 5 of (d): Figure 4 Cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of (d).

[0065] The optical unit 2 is a container formed of a member that allows light emitted from the light-emitting portion 141 to pass through, and houses a sample (disinfectant) of about several cc. The optical unit 2 is a member that can be attached to and detached from the concentration measuring device 1 and is basically disposable (single-use).

[0066] The optical unit 2 of the present embodiment is as Figures 3-5 shown and has the following structure:

[0067] A housing portion 21 that is a housing portion for housing a sample, and has a shape with a long side direction and a short side direction in a horizontal cross-section on the lower side of the optical unit 2;

[0068] An injection port portion 23, the cross-sectional area of which in a horizontal cross-section (outer diameter shape of the horizontal cross-section) is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the horizontal cross-section of the housing portion 21, and is formed at the upper end portion of the optical unit 2;

[0069] A guiding portion 22, the cross-sectional area of which in a horizontal cross-section (outer diameter shape of the horizontal cross-section) is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the horizontal cross-section of the housing portion 21 and smaller than the cross-sectional area of the horizontal cross-section of the injection port portion 23, and is located between the injection port portion 23 and the housing portion 21; and<X

[0070] A convex portion 24 that extends outward in the short side direction from the side surface of the housing portion 21 along the long side direction.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the housing portion 21 has a substantially rectangular shape in a horizontal cross-section, and the guiding portion 22 has a substantially square shape in a horizontal cross-section. In addition, the injection port portion 23 continuous with the guiding portion 22 has a rounded square shape at its upper end portion. There are shape transition portions where the shape gradually changes from one cross-sectional shape to another between the housing portion 21 and the guiding portion 22 and between the guiding portion 22 and the injection port portion 23, respectively.

[0072] By having the above structure, the optical unit 2 of the present embodiment has excellent workability for injecting a sample, and can maintain the measurement accuracy while reducing the required amount of the sample for measurement.

[0073] That is, because the injection port 23 has a rounded square shape that is close to a circle, the workability of injecting samples using pipettes or syringes is excellent. In addition, by making the receiving part 21 a rectangular cross-section, the volume of the sample entering the receiving part 21 is reduced (specifically, from about 5 ml to about 2 ml). By reducing the amount of liquid that must be injected, the workability is improved and the waste of disinfectant is avoided.

[0074] Furthermore, the housing 21 has a rectangular cross-section, meaning that since it has a long side direction when viewed in a horizontal cross-section, the optical path length for measurement using the optical sensor can be ensured, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while miniaturizing the capacity. Moreover, since it has a shape with a long side direction (i.e., a large side area), the measurement area for the radiation temperature sensor 103 can be ensured, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while miniaturizing the capacity.

[0075] In addition, due to its smaller capacity and the fact that its rectangular cross-section results in a larger surface area per unit volume than that of a square cross-section, it is also possible to achieve faster thermal equilibrium of the disinfectant (when the temperature of the optical unit and the disinfectant are different).

[0076] The rectangular receiving portion 21 is offset to one side (right side) relative to the square receiving portion 22. As a result, the side surfaces (right sides) of the receiving portion 21 and the receiving portion 22 opposite to the side surface where the protrusion 24 is formed are formed as continuous planes. Thus, the side surface (right side) of the receiving portion 21 and the receiving portion 22 is formed as a continuous plane without any bumps or depressions, increasing the degree of freedom for the radiation temperature sensor 103 to be positioned opposite this side surface.

[0077] In this embodiment, the protrusion 24 is formed such that the side (back side) of the receiving portion 21 extends along the short side direction, and the bottom surface shape of the receiving portion 21 (see reference) Figure 4 In (f), a short side extension is formed that extends outward along the short side of the receiving part 21.

[0078] Since the protrusion 24 forms a short side extension at the bottom of the optical unit 2 that extends the short side of the receiving part 21, the stability of the optical unit 2 when it is erected is improved.

[0079] Furthermore, the protrusion 24 is a non-rotationally symmetrical protrusion in the cross-sectional view of the optical unit 2, and the receiving portion 109 of the concentration measuring device 1, as described below, has a corresponding shape, thereby enabling the optical unit 2 to be installed in a fixed orientation at all times. By keeping the insertion direction of the optical unit constant, the stability of the measurement accuracy is improved.

[0080] The concentration measuring device 1 has a receiving part 109 for inserting the optical unit 2.

[0081] Figure 6 (a) is a diagram showing the state where the cover 107 of the concentration measuring device 1 is open. Figure 6 (b) is a magnified perspective view of the receiving part 109. Figure 6 (c) indicates that in Figure 6 The diagram in (b) shows the state in which optical unit 2 is installed.

[0082] The receiving portion 109 has a shape corresponding to the outer diameter shape of the optical unit 2, and has a recess 191 that accommodates the protrusion 24 of the optical unit 2 only in a given direction, so that the optical unit 2 is always installed in a specific direction.

[0083] Since the housing 109 has a shape corresponding to the outer diameter of the optical unit 2, the optical unit 2 is mounted in a fixed position relative to the concentration measuring device 1 without any shaking. As a result, the stability of the measurement accuracy is improved.

[0084] In addition, a mark 192 indicating the correct insertion direction of the optical unit 2 is provided in the receiving part 109. By making a mark that mimics the cross-sectional shape of the optical unit 2 (indicating the direction of the protrusion 24), usability is improved.

[0085] The radiation temperature sensor 103 is positioned opposite to the range into which the disinfectant solution enters the optical unit 2 installed in the concentration measuring device 1. The radiation temperature sensor 103 measures the temperature of the sample (disinfectant solution) in a non-contact manner.

[0086] When the optical unit 2 is installed in the concentration measuring device 1, the radiation temperature sensor (sample temperature sensor) 103 is positioned opposite the side (right side) of the optical unit 2 that runs along the long side of the housing portion 21 and is the side with the protrusion 24 formed thereon. As described above, the right side of the housing portion 21 is formed as a continuous plane without any bumps or depressions. By positioning the radiation temperature sensor 103 opposite to this side, the freedom of placement of the radiation temperature sensor 103 is increased. In addition, the right side of the housing portion 21 is a large-area side along the long side, thus making it easy to ensure the measurement area of ​​the radiation temperature sensor 103.

[0087] The radiation temperature sensor 103 is connected to the control and calculation unit 101, and the reading of the sensor value is controlled by the control and calculation unit 101.

[0088] The light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142, which are optical sensors used to measure the transmittance of disinfectant, are respectively arranged such that the light-emitting part 141 passes through the disinfectant in the optical unit 2 along the optical axis of the light-emitting part 141, and the light-receiving part 142 is able to receive the light that has passed through the disinfectant.

[0089] The light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142 are configured such that, when the optical unit 2 is installed in the concentration measuring device 1, they are positioned opposite the side of the optical unit 2 along the short side direction of the housing portion 21, irradiating the sample with light along the long side direction of the housing portion 21, and receiving the light transmitted through the sample. In this embodiment, the light-emitting part 141 is positioned opposite the back side of the housing portion 21, and the light-receiving part 142 is positioned opposite the front side of the housing portion 21.

[0090] In addition, the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142 are configured such that the height of the light path from the light-emitting part 141 to the light-receiving part 142 is within the height range of the measurement area (measurement object range) of the radiation temperature sensor (sample temperature sensor) 103.

[0091] It should be noted that, here, the light-emitting part 141 is arranged opposite to one side (back) of the optical unit 2 and the light-receiving part 142 is arranged opposite to the opposite side (front), and the structure is such that the light path is within the height range of the measurement object of the sample temperature sensor. However, the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142 can be arranged arbitrarily as long as they are structures that can receive light that has passed through the disinfectant.

[0092] The light-emitting unit 141 is connected to the control and calculation unit 101 via the driving circuit 1411 that drives the light emission, and the timing of the light emission is controlled by the control and calculation unit 101.

[0093] The light-receiving unit 142 is also connected to the control and calculation unit 101, and the control and calculation unit 101 performs the control of reading the sensor value and the calculation of the transmittance based on the sensor value.

[0094] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the unit support assembly that holds the optical unit 2 of the insertion device and holds the substrate on which each sensor is mounted. Figure 7 (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view. Figure 7 (b) is Figure 7 (a) is a horizontal cross-sectional view along the EE line.

[0095] from Figure 7It is understood that the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142 are configured such that light is irradiated onto the disinfectant solution AS, which is a sample, along the long side of the receiving part 21, and the light transmitted through the disinfectant solution AS is received. As a result, the optical path length measured by the optical sensor can be ensured, and thus, while achieving a small volume, the accuracy of the transmittance measurement of the disinfectant solution AS can be good.

[0096] Furthermore, the radiation temperature sensor 103 is configured such that it faces the surface of the receiving portion 21 along its long side (a surface with a large area) and is opposite to the surface on which the protrusion 24 is formed.

[0097] Furthermore, the radiation temperature sensor 103, the light-emitting part 141, and the light-receiving part 142 are arranged at the same height position, which is set so that "the light path is within the height range of the measurement object of the sample temperature sensor".

[0098] This structure enables accurate measurement because it allows for the determination of liquid temperature in the optical path (i.e., the portion where transmittance is measured).

[0099] Both the sample detection sensor 181 and the unit insertion sensor 182 are composed of optical sensors (light-emitting part and light-receiving part).

[0100] like Figure 7 As shown in (a), the sensor for detecting that the optical unit 2 is mounted on the device, namely the unit insertion sensor 182, is positioned below the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142 and opposite the receiving part 21. By being positioned below the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142, it is ensured that when the optical unit 2 is detected by the unit insertion sensor 182, the optical unit 2 exists in the position opposite the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142.

[0101] The sample detection sensor 181, used to detect the injection of disinfectant AS into the optical unit 2 installed in the device, is positioned above the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142 and opposite the receiving part 21. By being positioned above the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142, it is ensured that when the sample detection sensor 181 detects disinfectant AS in the optical unit 2, disinfectant AS is present in the optical unit 2 at the position opposite the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142.

[0102] Both the sample detection sensor 181 and the unit insertion sensor 182 detect the insertion of the optical unit 2 and the injection of disinfectant AS based on the change in reflectivity (the light-receiving level in the light-receiving part).

[0103] The sample detection sensor 181 and the unit insertion sensor 182 are connected to the control and calculation unit 101. The control and calculation unit 101 performs the reading of sensor values ​​(and the emission of light for this purpose), and the aforementioned judgment processing based on the sensor values ​​(changes in reflectivity).

[0104] The input section 105 and output section 106, which serve as user interfaces, can use any input interface such as buttons, touch panels, or voice input sections, as well as any output interface such as visual display devices such as indicators and display screens, and auditory output sections such as speakers.

[0105] It should be noted that the input / output unit is not limited to an interface for the user, but can also be any input / output unit used for inputting and outputting information between other devices.

[0106] The cover sensor 171 is also composed of an optical sensor (light-emitting part and light-receiving part), and is positioned opposite the cover 107 in the closed state. It detects the opening and closing of the cover 107 based on the change in reflectivity (the light-receiving level of the light-receiving part).

[0107] The cover sensor 171 is also connected to the control and calculation unit 101, which performs functions such as reading the sensor value (and emitting light accordingly), and determining whether the cover 107 is open or closed based on the sensor value (change in reflectivity).

[0108] It should be noted that, here, the unit insertion sensor 182 and the cover sensor 171 are used as examples of optical sensors, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the unit insertion sensor and the cover sensor may also be composed of sensors that sense the physical contact state.

[0109] The storage unit 102 stores (either permanently or temporarily) the program for performing the processes described below, the data required for performing the processes described below (in addition, various data, programs, etc. required for the operation of the device).

[0110] Storage unit 102 can use any storage device capable of storing this information permanently or temporarily.

[0111] The control and arithmetic unit 101 controls various parts of the device and performs various calculations. It is configured using any semiconductor device, such as a microcomputer, equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for calculations. The control and arithmetic unit 101 controls various sensors and performs operations based on a program stored in the storage unit 102. Figure 8 The description explains the processing functions.

[0112] It should be noted that, although omitted in the figure, the control arithmetic unit 101 is connected to each other via A / D conversion circuits, various filtering circuits, etc., as needed (the circuit for forming signals is appropriately set up so that the signals are suitable as inputs and outputs to the control arithmetic unit 101).

[0113] Here, the processing units for each function are shown as being installed in software (consisting of programs that operate on the control and arithmetic unit 101) on a general-purpose device, but they may also be partially or entirely constructed in hardware (e.g., by a dedicated IC).

[0114] Next, refer to Figure 8 The processing operations of the main parts of the concentration measuring device 1 that are relevant to the present invention will be described.

[0115] When the concentration measurement process is initiated, for example by pressing the power button 1051, the following steps are performed: Figure 8 The processing.

[0116] In step 801, the following process is performed: a message indicating that an empty optical unit 2 should be placed in the concentration measuring device 1 is displayed on the display screen 1061.

[0117] In the next step 802, based on the sensor value of the unit insertion sensor 182, it is monitored whether the optical unit 2 has been inserted. The message display process of step 801 continues until the optical unit 2 is inserted (step 802: No → step 801). If it is determined that the optical unit 2 has been inserted (step 802: Yes), the process proceeds to step 803.

[0118] In step 803, after placing the empty optical unit 2 into the concentration measuring device 1, a calibration process for the optical sensor (light-emitting part 141 and light-receiving part 142) is performed. During this calibration, the transmittance (reference) of the empty optical unit 2 is measured, and based on this value (the inherent value of the empty optical unit 2), the measurement using the optical sensor is corrected. Since the optical unit 2 is replaced with a different (new) optical unit each time, the sensor is calibrated based on the inherent transmittance of each optical unit 2, thus improving the accuracy of the measurement. The calibration process itself is based on the same calculation method as before, so a detailed description is omitted here.

[0119] Steps 802 and 803 involve "processing that, after the insertion of the optical unit is detected by the unit insertion sensor, the transmittance or absorbance information of the optical unit itself as a reference is obtained by the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part".

[0120] It should be noted that in the process of step 802, if it is determined that the optical unit that has been filled with disinfectant is placed in the device, a warning display requiring the insertion of an empty unit may be displayed, causing the concentration measuring device 1 to perform error processing.

[0121] If the calibration process of the optical sensor is completed, proceed to step 804, and display a message indicating that the disinfectant solution will be injected into the unit on display screen 1061.

[0122] 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 in step 804 continues until the necessary amount of disinfectant has been injected into the optical unit 2 (step 805: No → step 804). If it is determined that the necessary amount of disinfectant has been injected (step 805: Yes), the process proceeds to step 806, and timer 1 is started (timing begins). It should be noted that, here, the case where timer 1 is started after the necessary amount of disinfectant has been injected into the optical unit 2 is taken as an example, but timer 1 can also be started after the cover 107 is closed (timing begins after step 808).

[0123] In the next step 807, a message indicating that the cover 107 should be closed is displayed on the display screen 1061.

[0124] In the next step 808, the sensor value of the cover sensor 171 is used to monitor whether the cover 107 is closed. The message display process of step 807 continues until the cover 107 is closed (step 808: No → step 807). If it is determined that the cover 107 is closed (step 808: Yes), the process proceeds to step 809.

[0125] In step 809, it is determined whether timer 1 is above a given value. If it is above the given value, the process proceeds to step 810 for concentration determination.

[0126] In step 809, after injecting disinfectant into the optical unit 2, a waiting period of a given time is performed.

[0127] Immediately after the disinfectant is injected, the measured values ​​of temperature and transmittance may be deviated due to liquid convection and air bubbles. Alternatively, if there is a temperature difference between the unit and the disinfectant, the liquid temperature may be unstable immediately after injection. Step 809 improves the accuracy of transmittance and liquid temperature measurements by performing the measurements after a given time (waiting for the injected disinfectant to stabilize).

[0128] The "given time" can be appropriately determined based on the structure of the device and the problem being addressed. For example, for issues related to liquid movement or bubbles immediately after the disinfectant is injected, it could be set to approximately 10-15 seconds.

[0129] In step 810, concentration determination processing is performed.

[0130] In this process, the transmittance and temperature of the disinfectant solution (and, if necessary, the ambient temperature) are measured, and the concentration of the disinfectant solution is calculated based on these measurements. The process of calculating the concentration based on the transmittance and temperature measurements is itself based on the same calculation method as before, therefore, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0131] Steps 805 to 810 involve "processing for obtaining temperature information using a sample temperature sensor and processing for obtaining transmittance or absorbance information of the sample using a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part after a given time has elapsed since the sample was detected by the sample detection sensor to inject the sample into the optical unit".

[0132] In step 811, based on the concentration measured in step 810, the concentration is output from the output unit 106.

[0133] The output processing can be a process that uses an indicator to show whether a given concentration (e.g., 0.3%) is met (e.g., lighting up the Fail or Pass indicator), or a process that specifically displays the concentration as a numerical value.

[0134] As described above, the optical unit 2 according to this embodiment can improve workability and measurement accuracy.

[0135] Specifically, since the injection port 23 has a rounded square shape that is close to a circle, the workability of injecting samples into the optical unit using a pipette or syringe is excellent.

[0136] In addition, by making the receiving part 21 rectangular in cross-section, the volume of the sample entering the receiving part 21 is reduced, improving workability and preventing waste of disinfectant.

[0137] Furthermore, the housing 21 has a long side direction when viewed in a horizontal cross section, which ensures the optical path length measured by the optical sensor, thereby improving measurement accuracy while achieving miniaturization.

[0138] Furthermore, due to its shape along the long side (i.e., with a large side area), the measurement area of ​​the radiation temperature sensor 103 can be ensured, thus improving measurement accuracy while achieving a smaller capacity.

[0139] The side surface (right side) of the receiving part 21 and the inlet part 22 is formed as a continuous plane without any bumps or depressions, so the radiation temperature sensor 103 has a high degree of freedom in being positioned opposite this side surface.

[0140] By means of the protrusion 24, a short side extension is formed in the bottom surface shape of the receiving portion 21, extending outward along the short side direction of the receiving portion 21, thereby improving the stability of the optical unit 2 when it is erected.

[0141] Furthermore, the protrusion 24 is a non-rotationally symmetrical protrusion in the cross-sectional view of the optical unit 2, and the receiving portion 109 of the concentration measuring device 1 has a corresponding shape, thereby enabling the optical unit 2 to be installed in a fixed orientation at all times. By keeping the insertion direction of the optical unit fixed, the stability of the measurement accuracy is improved.

[0142] Furthermore, the concentration measuring device 1 equipped with the optical unit 2 of this embodiment also improves workability and measurement accuracy.

[0143] Specifically, the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142 are arranged such that their light paths are within the height range of the measurement area of ​​the radiation temperature sensor 103, thereby enabling the measurement of the liquid temperature in the light path (i.e., the part where the transmittance is measured), thus enabling good measurement accuracy.

[0144] By configuring the sample detection sensor 181 at a position lower than the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142, it is possible to detect the state that the optical unit 2 is present at the position opposite to the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142, and automatically perform calibration processing, thereby improving workability and measurement accuracy.

[0145] By inserting the sensor 182 into a unit positioned above the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142, it is possible to detect the presence of disinfectant in the optical unit 2 at a position opposite to the light-emitting part 141 and the light-receiving part 142 (on the optical path). Furthermore, by detecting whether the cover 107 is closed using the cover sensor 171, concentration measurement is automatically performed (conversely, concentration measurement is not performed as long as the cover 107 is not closed), thus improving workability and measurement accuracy.

[0146] It should be noted that, in the embodiment, the structure in which the protrusion 24 of the optical unit 2 extends from its upper part to its 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 protrusion is not limited to a plate-shaped or wing-shaped member). As long as the protrusion is at least "a protrusion that extends outward from the side of the receiving portion along the short side direction along the long side direction", it is possible to obtain the effect of determining the insertion direction of the optical unit, and it can be formed only in a part of the height direction of the receiving portion 21, etc. In this case, by setting the protrusion to form a "short side extension" on the bottom surface, the same as in the embodiment, the effect of improving the self-support of the optical unit can be obtained.

[0147] Furthermore, the protrusion is not limited to one location; multiple protrusions can be set as long as they do not become rotationally symmetric when viewed in a horizontal cross-section.

[0148] In this embodiment, the protrusion 24 is formed in a structure that extends the side (back side) of the receiving portion 21 along the short side direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. The protrusion is any part that is at least "a protrusion that extends outward from the side of the receiving portion along the long side direction along the short side direction". For example, it may be a protrusion that extends outward from near the center of the side of the receiving portion along the long side direction along the short side direction.

[0149] In the embodiments, a concentration measuring device for measuring the concentration of disinfectants such as propionaldehyde aqueous solution 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 uses an optical unit such as spectrophotometry to measure the sample.

[0150] In this embodiment, a non-contact temperature sensor, namely a radiation temperature sensor, is used as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, any temperature sensor, such as a contact temperature sensor like a thermocouple, can be used.

[0151] (Label Explanation)

[0152] 1. Concentration measuring device

[0153] 101··· Control and Computation Department

[0154] 102 Storage Department

[0155] 103···Radiation Temperature Sensor (Sample Temperature Sensor)

[0156] 141···Light-emitting part

[0157] 142···Light Receiving Section

[0158] 109···Accommodation Department

[0159] 191···Concave part

[0160] 181···Sample detection sensor

[0161] 182··· Unit Insertion Sensor

[0162] 2···Optical Unit

[0163] 21. Containment Department

[0164] 22···Introduction Section

[0165] 23···Inject into the mouth

[0166] 24···Protrusion (Extension of the short side).

Claims

1. An optical unit for housing a sample in a concentration measuring device for determining the concentration of a sample by spectrophotometry, the optical unit comprising: The receiving section has a roughly rectangular shape in horizontal cross-section, with both long and short sides. A protrusion that extends outward from the side of the receiving portion along the long side direction and along the short side direction; The inlet portion has a horizontal cross-sectional area that is larger than that of the receiving portion, and it is formed at the upper end of the optical unit. as well as The inlet portion has a horizontal cross-sectional area larger than that of the receiving portion, and is located between the injection port and the receiving portion. The receiving portion and the side of the inlet portion opposite to the side on which the protrusion is formed are formed as a continuous plane.

2. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion is a plate-shaped or wing-shaped component.

3. A concentration measuring device comprising the optical unit as described in claim 1 or 2 and for measuring the concentration of a sample by spectrophotometry, the concentration measuring device comprising a receiving portion accommodating the optical unit and having a recess accommodating a protrusion only in a given direction. The concentration measuring device is configured such that it has a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part located opposite the side of the receiving part along the short side direction, thereby irradiating the sample with light along the long side direction of the receiving part and receiving the light transmitted through the sample. The concentration measuring device has a sample temperature sensor positioned opposite the side of the receiving part along its long side.

4. The concentration measuring device according to claim 3, wherein, The concentration measuring device is configured such that the height of the optical path from the light-emitting part to the light-receiving part is within the height range of the measurement target area of ​​the sample temperature sensor.

5. The concentration measuring device according to claim 3, wherein, The sample temperature sensor is positioned opposite the side on which the protrusion is formed.

6. The concentration measuring device according to claim 3, wherein, The concentration measuring device includes a unit insertion sensor, which is positioned below the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part and opposite the receiving part. After the insertion of the optical unit is detected by the unit insertion sensor, a process is performed to obtain the transmittance or absorbance information of the optical unit itself as a reference through the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part.

7. The concentration measuring device according to claim 3, wherein, The concentration measuring device includes a sample detection sensor, which is positioned above the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part and opposite the receiving part. After a given time elapses since the injection of the sample into the optical unit was detected by the sample detection sensor, processing for obtaining temperature information using the sample temperature sensor and processing for obtaining transmittance or absorbance information of the sample using the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part are performed.

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