Optical measuring device

Abstract

To provide an optical measuring device with which it is possible to simultaneously obtain observation light of multiple types of measurement samples.SOLUTION: An optical measuring device 1 comprises: a light source unit 20 for irradiating a plurality of reaction vessels corresponding to a plurality of reagents with excitation light; a sensor unit 60 for measuring observation light radiated from measurement samples respectively accommodated in reaction vessels 108a-108d; and a light guide mechanism 40 composed of light guide paths 42a-42d for guiding observation light radiated from the measurement samples to the sensor unit 60 and a shieling member 44 that encloses the light guide paths 42a-42d. The light guide paths 42a-42d are provided corresponding one for one to a reaction vessel 108a, a reaction vessel 108b, a reaction vessel 108c, and a reaction vessel 108d, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical measurement device that optically measures the presence or absence of a target substance such as a pathogen in a measurement sample.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a method for inspecting a target substance such as bacteria or viruses in a specimen, excitation light composed of visible light or ultraviolet light is irradiated onto a measurement sample obtained by reacting the target substance in the specimen with a reagent, and the observation light from the measurement sample is received by a sensor to examine the presence or absence of the target substance. An optical measurement method is known. An optical measurement device using such an optical measurement method is described in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below. In the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is one light guide path in the optical path between one measurement sample and one light receiving sensor, and the light guide path is configured such that the observation light from the measurement sample passes through.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above conventional technology, the observation light from one measurement sample is guided to one sensor through one light guide path. Therefore, it is not possible to simultaneously guide the observation lights of a plurality of types of measurement samples to the sensor, and it is not possible to simultaneously measure the plurality of types of observation lights with a plurality of sensors or to sequentially switch and measure with one sensor. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical measurement device capable of simultaneously guiding the observation lights of a plurality of types of measurement samples to the sensor side.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the optical measurement apparatus according to the present invention irradiates excitation light onto a measurement sample composed of a specimen mixed with a reagent and accommodated in a reaction vessel disposed in a housing, and measures observation light from the measurement sample. In the optical measurement apparatus, a light source unit disposed in the housing and irradiating excitation light onto each of the measurement samples accommodated in a plurality of reaction vessels respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of reagents, a sensor unit disposed in the housing and measuring the observation light emitted from each of the measurement samples, and a first light guiding mechanism including a first light guiding path that guides the observation light emitted from each of the measurement samples to the sensor unit and a first light shielding member surrounding the first light guiding path are provided. The first light guiding mechanism has the same number of the first light guiding paths as the plurality of reaction vessels, and each of the first light guiding paths is provided so as to correspond one-to-one to each of the reaction vessels. Further, in the above optical measurement apparatus, the light source unit may have the same number of light sources as the plurality of reaction vessels, and each light source may be provided so as to correspond one-to-one to each of the reaction vessels.

[0006] Further, in the above optical measurement apparatus, a second light guiding mechanism including a second light guiding path that guides each excitation light emitted from the plurality of light sources to the plurality of reaction vessels and a second light shielding member surrounding the second light guiding path is further provided in the housing. The second light guiding mechanism has the same number of the second light guiding paths as the plurality of light sources, and each second light guiding path may be provided so as to correspond one-to-one to each of the light sources. Further, in the above optical measurement apparatus, the light source unit is composed of one light source, and may further include a diffusion member that diffuses the excitation light emitted from the one light source and irradiates each of the reaction vessels. Further, in the above optical measurement apparatus, the light source unit is composed of one light source, and may further include an optical fiber that branches the excitation light emitted from the one light source and irradiates each of the reaction vessels. In the above-described optical measurement device, the sensor unit may have the same number of light-receiving sensors as the plurality of first light guide paths, and each light-receiving sensor may be provided so as to correspond one-to-one with each of the first light guide paths. In the above-described optical measurement device, the sensor unit may have one light-receiving sensor that commonly receives the observation light emitted from each of the first light guide paths.

[0007] In the above-described optical measurement device, an optical path selection member is further provided in the housing, which selectively opens the incident end or the exit end of the observation light of any one of the plurality of first light guide paths, and shields the incident end or the exit end of the remaining first light guide paths. The one light-receiving sensor may be configured to receive only the observation light emitted from the first light guide path opened by the optical path selection member among the plurality of first light guide paths. In the above-described optical measurement device, each of the observation lights received by the plurality of first light guide paths may be an observation light that has reacted individually with one or more reagents containing a type of reagent different from other observation lights. In the above-described optical measurement device, a heating mechanism for heating the plurality of reaction vessels may be further provided in the housing. In the above-described optical measurement device, the heating mechanism may have the same number of heating parts capable of individually adjusting the temperature as the plurality of reaction vessels, and each heating part may be provided so as to correspond one-to-one with each of the reaction vessels.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] The optical measurement device of the present invention can simultaneously guide the observation lights of a plurality of types of measurement samples to the sensor side.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, various modes for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely examples of means for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the vertical and horizontal dimensions and scales of the members or parts are different from the actual ones. Therefore, specific dimensions and scales should be determined with reference to the following description. Of course, there are also parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios are different between the drawings.

[0012] 〔First Embodiment〕 〔Configuration〕 Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 4 are diagrams showing the first embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the optical measurement device 1 in the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line B-B' in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a plan cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the optical measurement device 1 in the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line A-A' in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the optical measurement device 1 in the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line C-C' in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the cartridge 100.

[0014] The optical measurement device 1 in the present embodiment is a device that performs photoinduced fluorescence measurement for irradiating a measurement sample with visible light or ultraviolet light (excitation light) and measuring observation light (fluorescence) emitted from the measurement sample irradiated with the excitation light. This optical measurement device 1 is a device that excites the measurement sample by irradiating it with visible light or ultraviolet light, and detects the physical properties of the measurement sample by measuring the degree of fluorescence caused thereby. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the height direction of the optical measurement device 1 is defined as the Z direction, the longitudinal direction is defined as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to the X direction in the plane direction is defined as the Y direction. The same applies to FIGS. 4 and later. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the optical measurement device 1 includes a housing 10, a light source unit 20, a heating mechanism 30, a light guide mechanism 40, a filter unit 50, and a sensor unit 60. The light source unit 20, the heating mechanism 30, the light guide mechanism 40, the filter unit 50, and the sensor unit 60 are disposed inside the housing 10. Furthermore, a cartridge 100 is inserted inside the housing 10 through an insertion port (not shown). The inserted cartridge 100 is detachably held in the housing 10 by a holding portion (not shown).

[0015] The housing 10 can be made of, for example, aluminum. By making the housing 10 of aluminum, a heat sink function can be provided. Also, if the housing 10 is made of resin or the like, UV degradation may occur when the excitation light L1 emitted from the LED light sources 20a to 20d is UV light. By making the housing 10 of aluminum, such UV degradation can be suppressed. Also, the generation of autofluorescence due to UV light in the housing 10 can be suppressed. Note that the material constituting the housing 10 may be an aluminum alloy such as duralumin. However, the material constituting the housing 10 is not limited to the above. For example, in order to ensure heat dissipation, a heat sink may be provided separately. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the cartridge 100 has a rectangular planar shape. The cartridge 100 includes a rectangular parallelepiped main body 101 and an injection tank 102 having a circular opening in a plan view provided at the center in the Y direction at the end on the -X direction side of the main body 101. The injection tank 102 is a tank for injecting a liquid specimen such as blood, urine, or saliva.

[0016] Furthermore, the cartridge 100 includes four first reagent tanks 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d having circular reagent placement portions in a plan view that are provided at equal intervals along the Y direction at positions spaced a predetermined distance from the injection tank 102 on the +X direction side of the injection tank 102 of the main body 101. Furthermore, the cartridge 100 includes four second reagent tanks 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d having circular reagent placement portions in a plan view that are provided at positions spaced a predetermined distance from each of the first reagent tanks 104a to 104d of the main body 101 on the +X direction side.

[0017] The first reagent tanks 104a to 104d and the second reagent tanks 106a to 106d are tanks for accommodating reagents that react with a specimen. The reagents include fluorescent reagents containing fluorescent dyes, amplification reagents for amplifying target DNA, and the like. In the first embodiment, a liquid in which the specimen is mixed with at least the amplification reagent and the fluorescent reagent serves as a measurement sample. In addition, as the fluorescent reagent, for example, as a fluorescent reagent for diagnosing sexually transmitted diseases, there are reagents for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis DNA in cervical scrapings or male urine, reagents for detecting Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA in cervical scrapings or male urine, and the like. Note that the fluorescent reagent is not limited to the above, and there are various reagents according to the type of bacteria or virus to be measured.

[0018] Furthermore, the cartridge 100 includes four reaction tanks 108a, 108b, 108c, and 108d each having a circular sample accommodation portion in a plan view provided at a predetermined interval on each +X direction side of the second reagent tanks 106a to 106d of the main body 101. These reaction tanks 108a to 108d are provided at the end portion on the +X direction side of the main body 101. The reaction tanks 108a to 108d are tanks for accommodating a measurement sample which is a liquid in which a specimen and a reagent are mixed. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the intervals between the first reagent tanks 104a to 104d and the second reagent tanks 106a to 106d, and the intervals between the second reagent tanks 106a to 106d and the reaction tanks 108a to 108d are configured to be equal intervals. Furthermore, the cartridge 100 includes first flow paths 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d, second flow paths 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d, and third flow paths 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d formed inside the main body 101. One end of each of the first flow paths 110a to 110d communicates with the injection tank 102.

[0019] The other end of the first flow path 110a communicates with the first reagent tank 104a, the other end of the first flow path 110b communicates with the first reagent tank 104b, the other end of the first flow path 110c communicates with the first reagent tank 104c, and the other end of the first flow path 110d communicates with the first reagent tank 104d. Furthermore, one end of the second flow path 112a communicates with the second reagent tank 106a, and the other end communicates with the reaction tank 108a. One end of the second flow path 112b communicates with the second reagent tank 106b, and the other end communicates with the reaction tank 108b. Furthermore, one end of the second flow path 112c communicates with the second reagent tank 106c, and the other end communicates with the reaction tank 108c. One end of the second flow path 112d communicates with the second reagent tank 106d, and the other end communicates with the reaction tank 108d. That is, each flow path and each tank with the last symbol 'a', each flow path and each tank with the last symbol 'b', each flow path and each tank with the last symbol 'c', and each flow path and each tank with the last symbol 'd' after the injection tank 102 are formed independently without communicating with each other.

[0020] Note that at least the portions of the cartridge 100 that constitute the reaction tanks 108a to 108d are made of a light-transmissive material through which excitation light for exciting the measurement sample and observation light emitted from the measurement sample pass. Examples of this light-transmissive material include resins such as PP (polypropylene), PC (polycarbonate), and POC (cyclic olefin polymer), quartz glass, and high-purity transparent silicone.

[0021] In the first embodiment, different types of reagents can be arranged in each of the first reagent tanks 104a to 104d and each of the second reagent tanks 106a to 106d. Also, the same type of reagent can be arranged in each layer of one of the first reagent tanks 104a to 104d and the second reagent tanks 106a to 106d, and different types of reagents can be arranged in each layer of the other.

[0022] The light source unit 20 is disposed at the end on the +Z direction side (ceiling side) within the housing 10, and includes an LED light source 20a that irradiates the reaction tank 108a with the excitation light L1, and a light source 20b that irradiates the reaction tank 108b with the excitation light L1. In addition, it includes a light source 20c that irradiates the reaction tank 108c with the excitation light L1, and a light source 20d that irradiates the reaction tank 108d with the excitation light L1. The LED light sources 20a to 20d emit visible light with a peak wavelength of, for example, 470 nm or 525 nm, or ultraviolet light (UV light) with a peak wavelength of, for example, 340 nm. In order to ensure heat dissipation, the LED light sources 20a to 20d can be mounted on a substrate made of, for example, aluminum. The heating mechanism 30 is provided at a position below the cartridge 100 held within the housing 10 and at a position overlapping the reaction tanks 108a to 108d in the Z direction.

[0023] The heating mechanism 30 is a mechanism for chemically or physically heat-treating the measurement sample that has reached the reaction tanks 108a to 108d, or for heating it for optical measurement under certain temperature conditions. For example, by heating the measurement sample in a state of being mixed with a reagent, the reaction between the sample and the reagent is promoted. Strictly speaking, the reaction between the target substance such as a pathogen in the sample and the reagent is promoted. The heating mechanism 30 is disposed at the end on the -Z direction side (bottom surface side) within the housing 10, and heats the reaction tanks 108a to 108d from below by a common heating unit. The heating mechanism 30 can be composed of, for example, a heater member disposed at a predetermined interval or in contact with the lower surface of the cartridge 100. As the heater member, for example, a sheet heater having a meandering pattern or a Peltier element can be used.

[0024] The light guiding mechanism 40 is provided on the +X direction side with respect to the held cartridge 100, and is provided at a position facing the reaction tanks 108a to 108d in the X direction. The light guiding mechanism 40 includes light guiding paths 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d, and a light shielding member 44 that surrounds these light guiding paths 42a to 42d. The light guide path 42a corresponds one-to-one with the reaction tank 108a, the light guide path 42b corresponds one-to-one with the reaction tank 108b, the light guide path 42c corresponds one-to-one with the reaction tank 108c, and the light guide path 42d corresponds one-to-one with the reaction tank 108d.

[0025] That is, the light guide path 42a guides the light emitted from the measurement sample accommodated in the reaction tank 108a to the filter unit 50. Similarly, the light guide path 42b guides the light emitted from the measurement sample in the reaction tank 108b, the light guide path 42c guides the light emitted from the measurement sample in the reaction tank 108c, and the light guide path 42d guides the light emitted from the measurement sample in the reaction tank 108d to the filter unit 50, respectively. The light guide paths 42a to 42d are made of a resin (for example, silicone resin) that is transparent to the light emitted from each measurement sample.

[0026] Also, the light shielding member 44 surrounding the light guide paths 42a to 42d is made of a pigment-containing resin. The pigment-containing resin is a resin having light transmission characteristics (for example, silicone resin) containing a pigment having the characteristic of absorbing stray light. As the above pigment, for example, carbon black which is a black pigment can be adopted.

[0027] Here, it is preferable that the materials of the transparent resin constituting the light guide paths 42a to 42d and the resin containing the pigment-containing resin are the same. With this configuration, since the refractive indices of both resins are the same, reflection and scattering at the interface between the two resins are suppressed. Note that the stray light incident on the pigment-containing resin is absorbed by the pigment-containing resin and hardly returns to the light guide paths 42a to 42d, and hardly any complex multiple reflections of stray light occur.

[0028] Note that the external light incident on the pigment and its scattered light are almost absorbed by the pigment, but are slightly scattered on the pigment surface. However, the scattered light often enters the light shielding member 44 made of the pigment-containing resin again and is absorbed by the pigment in the pigment-containing resin. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, most of the light extracted from the light guide paths 42a to 42d becomes direct light L3a, L3b, L3c, and L3d along the respective optical axes of the light guide paths 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d.

[0029] Here, the light guide paths 42a to 42d can also be configured as cavities provided in the light-shielding member 44 made of a pigment-containing resin. In this case, reflection and scattering occur at the interface between the light guide paths 42a to 42d formed by the cavities and the light-shielding member 44, and a part of the reflected light and scattered light is emitted as noise light from the emission ends of the light guide paths 42a to 42d. However, the noise light emitted from the emission ends is small, and even in this case, most of the light extracted from the light guide paths 42a to 42d becomes direct light along the optical axes of the light guide paths 42a to 42d. The filter unit 50 includes fluorescence filters 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d. The fluorescence filter 50a is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the light guide path 42a, the fluorescence filter 50b is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the light guide path 42b, the fluorescence filter 50c is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the light guide path 42c, and the fluorescence filter 50d is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the light guide path 42d.

[0030] Specifically, the fluorescence filter 50a is a filter for filtering the direct light L3a emitted from the light guide path 42a. Similarly, the fluorescence filter 50b is a filter for filtering the direct light L3b emitted from the light guide path 42b, the fluorescence filter 50c is a filter for filtering the direct light L3c emitted from the light guide path 42c, and the fluorescence filter 50d is a filter for filtering the direct light L3d emitted from the light guide path 42d.

[0031] That is, the light guide path 42a of the light guide mechanism 40 is a light guide path for guiding the observation light L2a as direct light L3a to the fluorescence filter 50a, and the light guide path 42b of the light guide mechanism 40 is a light guide path for guiding the observation light L2b as direct light L3b to the fluorescence filter 50b. Similarly, the light guide path 42c of the light guide mechanism 40 is a light guide path for guiding the observation light L2c as direct light L3c to the fluorescence filter 50c, and the light guide path 42d of the light guide mechanism 40 is a light guide path for guiding the observation light L2d as direct light L3d to the fluorescence filter 50d.

[0032] The fluorescence filters 50a to 50d have a function of transmitting light (fluorescence) of each observed light wavelength emitted from each measurement sample among the lights of each wavelength included in the direct light L3a to L3d. In addition, they have a function of cutting (blocking) the transmission of light having at least the same wavelength as the excitation light L1 emitted from the LED light sources 20a to 20d among the lights of each wavelength included in the direct light L3a to L3d. That is, the fluorescence filters 50a to 50d filter the direct light L3a to L3d and make the fluorescence L4a to L4d enter the sensor unit 60.

[0033] In the examples of FIGS. 1 to 2, the fluorescence filters 50a to 50d can be constituted by interference filter members. The interference filter member may be constituted by a band-pass filter, or may be constituted by a combination of a high-pass filter and a low-pass filter.

[0034] For example, the fluorescence filters 50a to 50d can be configured as band-pass filters that transmit only the wavelength regions of the respective observed lights. Further, the fluorescence filters 50a to 50d may be configured by combining a first interference filter member configured as a high-pass filter that transmits light on the longer wavelength side than the short wavelength side of the wavelength region of each observed light, and a second interference filter member configured as a low-pass filter that transmits light on the shorter wavelength side than the long wavelength side of the wavelength region of the observed light. Here, as described above, the light emitted from the light guide paths 42a to 42d is substantially direct light. Therefore, the fluorescence filters 50a to 50d constituted by interference filter members having incident angle dependency can efficiently exhibit the wavelength selection function.

[0035] The sensor unit 60 includes light receiving sensors 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d. The light receiving sensors 60a to 60d are optical sensors that measure the degree of fluorescence emitted from the measurement sample. The light-receiving sensor 60a and the fluorescence filter 50a, the light-receiving sensor 60b and the fluorescence filter 50b, the light-receiving sensor 60c and the fluorescence filter 50c, and the light-receiving sensor 60d and the fluorescence filter 50d are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each other. That is, the light-receiving sensor 60a is a sensor that receives the fluorescence L4a that has passed through the fluorescence filter 50a and measures the degree of the received fluorescence L4a.

[0036] Similarly, the light-receiving sensor 60b measures the degree of the fluorescence L4b that has passed through the fluorescence filter 50b, the light-receiving sensor 60c measures the degree of the fluorescence L4c that has passed through the fluorescence filter 50c, and the light-receiving sensor 60d measures the degree of the fluorescence L4d that has passed through the fluorescence filter 50d.

[0037] 〔Operation〕 Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the operation of the optical measurement device 1 will be described. Here, the route Ra that reaches the reaction tank 108a through the first reagent tank 104a and the second reagent tank 106a shown in FIG. 4 is set as a route for positive control. In addition, the route Rd that reaches the reaction tank 108d through the first reagent tank 104d and the second reagent tank 106d shown in FIG. 4 is set as a route for negative control. Therefore, reagents that can surely obtain a fluorescence reaction with respect to the specimen are arranged in the first reagent tank 104a and the second reagent tank 106a of the route Ra. On the other hand, no reagent is arranged in the first reagent tank 104d and the second reagent tank 106d of the route Rd.

[0038] Also, here, an amplification reagent and a fluorescence reagent for detecting Chlamydia are arranged in the first reagent tank 104b and the second reagent tank 106b of the route Rb. In addition, an amplification reagent and a fluorescence reagent for detecting Neisseria gonorrhoeae are arranged in the first reagent tank 104c and the second reagent tank 106c of the route Rc.

[0039] First, when a sample (e.g., male urine) is dropped into the injection tank 102 of the cartridge 100, the sample passes through the first flow paths 110a to 110d and first reaches the first reagent tanks 104a to 104d. The sample that reaches the first reagent tanks 104a to 104c is mixed with the arranged amplification reagents. Then, the sample that has passed through the first reagent tanks 104a to 104d reaches the second reagent tanks 106a to 106d through the second flow paths 112a to 112d. The sample that reaches the second reagent tanks 106a to 106c is mixed with the arranged fluorescent reagents. Further, the sample that has passed through the second reagent tanks 106a to 106d reaches the reaction tanks 108a to 108d through the third flow paths 114a to 114d. The sample that reaches the reaction tanks 108a to 108c becomes a measurement sample mixed with the amplification reagent and the fluorescent reagent, and the sample that reaches the reaction tank 108d becomes the measurement sample itself. Next, the cartridge 100 in a state where the measurement samples are accommodated in the reaction tanks 108a to 108d is inserted into and held within the housing 10 of the optical measurement device 1.

[0040] When the cartridge 100 is held, the optical measurement device 1 first heats the reaction tanks 108a to 108d by the heating mechanism 30. Thereby, the reaction between the sample and the reagent in the measurement sample is promoted to prepare the measurement sample. In the first embodiment, the heating mechanism 30 is configured to heat the reaction tanks 108a to 108d in a common heating part. When the preparation of the measurement sample by heating is completed, the optical measurement device 1 then drives the light source unit 20 to irradiate the reaction tanks 108a to 108d with excitation light L1 by the light sources 20a to 20d. The irradiation of the excitation light L1 by the light sources 20a to 20d is performed simultaneously.

[0041] By irradiating the reaction tanks 108a to 108d with the excitation light L1, observation lights L2a to L2c are emitted from at least the measurement samples in the reaction tanks 108a to 108c. When the sample contains a substance having a unique biological property that emits natural fluorescence, the observation light L2d may be emitted from the measurement sample in the reaction tank 108d. Hereinafter, the subsequent operations will be described assuming that the observation light L2d is emitted. That is, the observation light L2a is incident on the light guide path 42a, the observation light L2b is incident on the light guide path 42b, the observation light L2c is incident on the light guide path 42c, and the observation light L2d is incident on the light guide path 42d. Note that the observation lights L2a to L2c are lights with wavelengths corresponding to the types of reagents. For example, they are lights with different wavelengths respectively, lights with the same wavelength respectively, lights with at least a part having the same wavelength, etc. Also, for the observation light L2d, it is a light with a wavelength corresponding to the type of substance that emits natural fluorescence. Subsequently, the observation lights L2a to L2d incident on the light guide paths 42a to 42d are emitted from the light guide paths 42a to 42d as straight - through lights L3a to L3d.

[0042] As a result, the straight - through light L3a emitted from the light guide path 42a is incident on the fluorescence filter 50a, the straight - through light L3b emitted from the light guide path 42b is incident on the fluorescence filter 50b, and the straight - through light L3c emitted from the light guide path 42c is incident on the fluorescence filter 50c. In addition, the straight - through light L3d emitted from the light guide path 42d is incident on the fluorescence filter 50d.

[0043] The straight - through lights L3a to L3d incident on the fluorescence filters 50a to 50d pass, through the filter function of the fluorescence filters 50a to 50d, the light with the wavelength of fluorescence among the lights with each wavelength contained in these lights, and block the light with the wavelength of the excitation light L1. That is, the fluorescence lights L4a to L4d obtained by filtering the straight - through lights L3a to L3d are incident on the sensor unit 60.

[0044] That is, the fluorescence L4a that has passed through the fluorescence filter 50a is received by the light - receiving sensor 60a, the fluorescence L4b that has passed through the fluorescence filter 50b is received by the light - receiving sensor 60b, and the fluorescence L4c that has passed through the fluorescence filter 50c is received by the light - receiving sensor 60c. In addition, the fluorescence L4d that has passed through the fluorescence filter 50d is received by the light - receiving sensor 60d.

[0045] As a result, fluorescence measurement corresponding to the positive control is performed based on the light reception intensity of the light receiving sensor 60a, and fluorescence measurement corresponding to Chlamydia DNA is performed based on the light reception intensity of the light receiving sensor 60a. In addition, fluorescence measurement corresponding to Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA is performed based on the light reception intensity of the light receiving sensor 60b, and fluorescence measurement corresponding to the negative control is performed based on the light reception intensity of the light receiving sensor 60d. Note that these measurements are performed simultaneously.

[0046] 〔Effect of the First Embodiment〕 As described above, the optical measurement device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a light source unit 20 that irradiates excitation light to the reaction tanks 108a to 108d formed in the cartridge 100 inserted into the housing 10, a sensor unit 60 that measures the observation light emitted from each measurement sample accommodated in the reaction tanks 108a to 108d, and light guide paths 42a to 42d that guide the respective observation lights L2a to L2d emitted from each measurement sample to the sensor unit 60 and a light shielding member 44 that surrounds the light guide paths 42a to 42d. In addition, the light guide path 42a is provided to correspond one-to-one to the reaction tank 108a, the light guide path 42b is provided to correspond one-to-one to the reaction tank 108b, the light guide path 42c is provided to correspond one-to-one to the reaction tank 108c, and the light guide path 42d is provided to correspond one-to-one to the reaction tank 108d. Furthermore, the light source unit 20 is configured to include a plurality of light sources 20a to 20d. In addition, the light source 20a is provided to correspond one-to-one to the reaction tank 108a, the light source 20b is provided to correspond one-to-one to the reaction tank 108b, the light source 20c is provided to correspond one-to-one to the reaction tank 108c, and the light source 20d is provided to correspond one-to-one to the reaction tank 108d.

[0047] With such a configuration, a plurality of observation lights can be obtained simultaneously. For example, since there is no delay element such as moving the light source with respect to the reaction tanks 108a to 108d, high-speed measurement is possible. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a slit or a filter between the light source unit 20 and the reaction tanks 108a to 108d, the device can be miniaturized.

[0048] Further, in the optical measurement device 1 according to the first embodiment, the sensor unit 60 is configured to include a plurality of light receiving sensors 60a to 60d. In addition, the light receiving sensor 60a is provided so as to correspond one-to-one with the light guide path 42a, the light receiving sensor 60b is provided so as to correspond one-to-one with the light guide path 42b, the light receiving sensor 60c is provided so as to correspond one-to-one with the light guide path 42c, and the light receiving sensor 60d is provided so as to correspond one-to-one with the light guide path 42d.

[0049] With such a configuration, since the observation lights from a plurality of measurement samples can be measured simultaneously, faster measurement of a plurality of observation lights becomes possible. In addition, since a moving mechanism for moving the sensor unit 60 can be made unnecessary, cost reduction and downsizing of the device are possible.

[0050] Further, in the optical measurement device 1 according to the first embodiment, each of the observation lights received by the light guide paths 42a to 42d is an observation light that has reacted individually with one or a plurality of reagents containing a reagent of a type different from other observation lights. Thereby, measurement of the observation lights for a plurality of types of target substances such as a plurality of types of pathogens can be performed simultaneously. Further, the optical measurement device 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to further include a heating mechanism 30 that heats the reaction vessels 108a to 108d. With such a configuration, the reaction vessels 108a to 108d can be heated, and the reaction between the specimen and the reagent can be promoted. Thereby, erroneous determination of the observation light due to insufficient reaction with the reagent and the like can be reduced.

[0051] 〔Corresponding relationship〕 In the first embodiment, the light guide mechanism 40 corresponds to the first light guide mechanism, the light guide paths 42a to 42d correspond to a plurality of first light guide paths, and the light shielding member 44 corresponds to the first light shielding member.

[0052] 〔Second Embodiment〕 〔Configuration〕 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 5 to 6 are diagrams showing the second embodiment. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a light guiding mechanism is added between the LED light sources 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20 and the reaction vessels 108a to 108d. Hereinafter, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the optical measurement device 1A in the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the optical measurement device 1A in the second embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the optical measurement device 1A according to the second embodiment has a configuration in which a light guiding mechanism 84 is added between the light source unit 20 and the reaction vessels 108a to 108d in the optical measurement device 1 of the first embodiment. The light guiding mechanism 84 has the same configuration as the light guiding mechanism 40 of the first embodiment, and includes light guiding paths 86a, 86b, 86c, and 86d, and a light shielding member 88 that surrounds these light guiding paths 86a to 86d. The light guiding path 86a is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the LED light source 20a, the light guiding path 86b is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the LED light source 20b, the light guiding path 86c is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the LED light source 20c, and the light guiding path 86d is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the LED light source 20d.

[0054] That is, the light guiding path 86a is a light guiding path for guiding the excitation light L1 emitted from the LED light source 20a to the reaction vessel 108a, and the light guiding path 86b is a light guiding path for guiding the excitation light L1 emitted from the LED light source 20b to the reaction vessel 108b. Similarly, the light guiding path 86c is a light guiding path for guiding the excitation light L1 emitted from the LED light source 20c to the reaction vessel 108c, and the light guiding path 86d is a light guiding path for guiding the excitation light L1 emitted from the LED light source 20d to the reaction vessel 108d. With the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, most of the light (excitation light) taken out from the light guiding paths 86a to 86d becomes the direct light L1' along the optical axes of the light guiding paths 86a, 86b, 86c, and 86d.

[0055] That is, the straight - traveling light L1' emitted from the light - guiding path 86a is irradiated onto the reaction tank 108a, the straight - traveling light L1' emitted from the light - guiding path 86b is irradiated onto the reaction tank 108b, and the straight - traveling light L1' emitted from the light - guiding path 86c is irradiated onto the reaction tank 108c. In addition, the straight - traveling light L1' emitted from the light - guiding path 86d is irradiated onto the reaction tank 108d.

[0056] 〔Effect of the Second Embodiment〕 As described above, the optical measurement device 1A of the second embodiment is configured such that, in the optical measurement device 1 of the first embodiment, it further includes a light - guiding mechanism 84 composed of light - guiding paths 86a to 86d that guide each excitation light L1 emitted from the LED light sources 20a to 20d to the reaction tanks 108a to 108d and a light - shielding member 88 that surrounds the light - guiding paths 86a to 86d. In addition, the light - guiding path 86a is provided so as to correspond one - to - one with the light source 20a, the light - guiding path 86b is provided so as to correspond one - to - one with the light source 20b, the light - guiding path 86c is provided so as to correspond one - to - one with the light source 20c, and the light - guiding path 86d is provided so as to correspond one - to - one with the light source 20d.

[0057] With such a configuration, the optical path through which the excitation light emitted from the LED light sources 20a to 20d travels can be narrowed, and the excitation light can be irradiated onto the measurement sample accommodated in the target reaction tank. As a result, it is possible to suppress the excitation light emitted from the LED light source from irradiating a wide range other than the target reaction tank, and it is possible to suppress secondary light emission (autofluorescence) by the excitation light.

[0058] 〔Corresponding Relationship〕 In the second embodiment, the light - guiding mechanism 84 corresponds to the second light - guiding mechanism, the light - guiding paths 86a to 86d correspond to a plurality of second light - guiding paths, and the light - shielding member 88 corresponds to the second light - shielding member.

[0059] 〔Third Embodiment〕 〔Configuration〕 Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the third embodiment. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the light source unit is composed of one LED light source, and the light emitted from this LED light source is diffused by a diffusion member and irradiated onto the reaction tanks 108a to 108d. Hereinafter, parts different from the first embodiment will be described in detail, and descriptions of overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a front sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the optical measurement apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the optical measurement apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment is configured to include a light source unit 20B instead of the light source unit 20 of the first embodiment, and further includes a diffusion member 80. The light source unit 20B is composed of a single LED light source. The diffusion member 80 diffuses the light emitted from the light source unit 20B and emits the diffused light as excitation light L1. As the diffusion member 80, for example, a member having a function of diffusing light such as a diffusion lens or a lens diffusion plate can be adopted. With the above configuration, the light emitted from the light source unit 20B is diffused by the diffusion member 80, and the diffused light is irradiated onto the reaction vessels 108a to 108d as the excitation light L1.

[0061] 〔Effect of the Third Embodiment〕 As described above, the optical measurement apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment is configured to include a light source unit 20B composed of one LED light source instead of the light source unit 20 of the optical measurement apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. In addition, a diffusion member 80 that diffuses the light emitted from one light source of the light source unit 20B and irradiates the reaction vessels 108a to 108d is added. With such a configuration, since the number of light sources can be one, the amount of heat generated from the light source can be suppressed as compared with a configuration including a plurality of light sources.

[0062] 〔Fourth Embodiment〕 〔Configuration〕 Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the light source unit is composed of one LED light source, and the light emitted from this LED light source is branched by an optical fiber and irradiated onto reaction vessels 108a to 108d. Hereinafter, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the optical measurement apparatus 1C in the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the optical measurement apparatus 1C in the fourth embodiment is configured to include a light source unit 20C instead of the light source unit 20 in the first embodiment, and further includes an optical fiber 82. The light source unit 20C is composed of a single LED light source. The optical fiber 82 includes an incident optical path 82i of the light emitted from the light source unit 20C, and branching optical paths 82a, 82b, 82c, and 82d that branch into four at the end of the incident optical path 82i. The branching optical path 82a corresponds to the reaction vessel 108a, the branching optical path 82b corresponds to the reaction vessel 108b, the branching optical path 82c corresponds to the reaction vessel 108c, and the branching optical path 82d corresponds to the reaction vessel 108d, respectively, and is provided in a one-to-one correspondence. That is, the light incident on the incident optical path 82i of the optical fiber 82 from the light source unit 20C branches into four optical paths of the branching optical paths 82a to 82d, and is irradiated onto the reaction vessels 108a to 108d as excitation light L1.

[0064] Specifically, the excitation light L1 branched into the branching optical path 82a is irradiated onto the reaction vessel 108a, the excitation light L1 branched into the branching optical path 82b is irradiated onto the reaction vessel 108b, and the excitation light L1 branched into the branching optical path 82c is irradiated onto the reaction vessel 108c. In addition, the excitation light L1 branched into the branching optical path 82d is irradiated onto the reaction vessel 108d.

[0065] 〔Effects of the Fourth Embodiment〕 As described above, the optical measurement device 1C of the fourth embodiment is configured to include a light source unit 20C composed of one LED light source instead of the light source unit 20 of the optical measurement device 1 of the first embodiment. In addition, an optical fiber 82 that branches the light emitted from one light source of the light source unit 20C and irradiates the reaction vessels 108a to 108d is added. With such a configuration, since the number of light sources can be one, the amount of heat generated from the light source can be suppressed as compared with a configuration including a plurality of light sources.

[0066] 〔Fifth Embodiment〕 〔Configuration〕 Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the heating mechanism includes heating parts that correspond one-to-one to each of the reaction vessels 108a to 108d. Hereinafter, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an optical measurement device 1D in the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the optical measurement device 1D in the fifth embodiment includes a heating mechanism 32 instead of the heating mechanism 30 of the first embodiment. The heating mechanism 32 includes four heating parts 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d that can be independently temperature-controlled. The heating part 32a corresponds to the reaction vessel 108a, the heating part 32b corresponds to the reaction vessel 108b, the heating part 32c corresponds to the reaction vessel 108c, and the heating part 32d corresponds to the reaction vessel 108d one-to-one. The heating parts 32a to 32d are arranged at the end on the -Z direction side (bottom surface side) in the housing 10, and heat the reaction vessels 108a to 108d from below. The heating parts 32a to 32d can be composed of heater members arranged at a predetermined interval or in contact with the lower surface of each corresponding reaction vessel.

[0068] In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the optical measurement device 1D includes four temperature sensors that respectively detect the temperatures of the measurement samples accommodated in the reaction vessels 108a to 108d, and a controller that controls the calorific value (for example, the applied voltage) of the heating units 32a to 32d based on the temperatures detected by the respective temperature sensors. That is, the controller controls the calorific value of the heating units 32a to 32d so that each becomes constant at a temperature optimal for the reaction with the reagent according to the content of each measurement sample in the reaction vessels 108a to 108d.

[0069] 〔Effects of the Fifth Embodiment〕 As described above, the optical measurement device 1D of the fifth embodiment is configured to include a heating mechanism 32 having heating units 32a to 32d capable of independently controlling the calorific value for each of the measurement samples accommodated in the reaction vessels 108a to 108d, instead of the heating mechanism 30 of the first embodiment. With such a configuration, appropriate temperature control can be performed for each of the measurement samples accommodated in the reaction vessels 108a to 108d.

[0070] 〔Sixth Embodiment〕 〔Configuration〕 Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 10 to 11 are diagrams showing the sixth embodiment. The sixth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it includes a sensor unit composed of one light receiving sensor common to each of the reaction vessels 108a to 108d, instead of the sensor units 60 having the light receiving sensors 60a to 60d. In addition, it is different from the first embodiment in that it includes a shielding mechanism for selectively receiving the observation light from each of the reaction vessels 108a to 108d by the sensor unit. Hereinafter, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the optical measurement device 1E in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of the shielding mechanisms 70a to 70d. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the optical measurement device 1E in the sixth embodiment includes a sensor unit 60A instead of the sensor unit 60 in the first embodiment. In addition, a shielding mechanism 70a to 70d is added. The sensor unit 60A is composed of a single light receiving sensor that is long in the Y direction as compared with each of the light receiving sensors 60a to 60d in the first embodiment, and serves as a common sensor for the observation light L2 emitted from the measurement samples in the reaction vessels 108a to 108d. That is, the sensor unit 60A is formed in a dimension capable of receiving the fluorescence L4a to L4d emitted from the fluorescence filters 50a to 50d without being moved by a moving mechanism or the like. The shielding mechanisms 70a to 70d are provided on the surfaces on the emission end sides of the light guide paths 42a to 42d of the light guide mechanism 40.

[0072] Specifically, the shielding mechanism 70a corresponds to the light guide path 42a, the shielding mechanism 70b corresponds to the light guide path 42b, the shielding mechanism 70c corresponds to the light guide path 42c, and the shielding mechanism 70d corresponds to the light guide path 42d one-to-one. Each of the shielding mechanisms 70a to 70d includes a rotary solenoid 72, an arm 74, and a shutter 76. The rotary solenoid 72 has a configuration in which the rotary drive shaft rotates in the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction according to the energization polarity and does not require energization to hold the rotational position. One end of the arm 74 is fixed to the rotary drive shaft of the rotary solenoid 72, and the other end is fixed to the shutter 76. Therefore, when the rotary drive shaft rotates, the other end of the arm 74 rotates, and the shutter 76 rotates together with the other end of the arm 74.

[0073] The shielding mechanisms 70a to 70d are provided in a positional relationship such that the shutter 76 can open and close the emission ends of the light guide paths 42a to 42d by rotating the arm 74 clockwise and counterclockwise with the rotary solenoid 72. Further, the shielding mechanisms 70a to 70d are controlled by a controller (not shown) to control the energization, non-energization, and energization polarity of the rotary solenoid 72, open one of the emission ends of the light guide paths 42a to 42c, and shield the other three emission ends with the shutter 76. Specifically, the controller of the shielding mechanism controls the direct light L3 from these in order of the light guide paths 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d to be received by the sensor unit 60A via the filter unit 50 one by one. The shutter 76 is composed of a member having a rectangular plate-like light shielding function. That is, the direct light L3 emitted from the light guide path shielded by the shutter 76 is shielded by the shutter 76 and does not reach the filter unit 50. The shutter 76 can be composed of, for example, a member in which a black pigment such as carbon black is kneaded into a resin material such as polyester.

[0074] First, the light guide path 42a is opened by the shielding mechanism 70a, and the light guide paths 42b to 42d are shielded by the shielding mechanisms 70b to 70c. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, only the direct light L3a emitted from the light guide path 42a is incident on the sensor unit 60A via the fluorescence filter 50a. Similarly hereinafter, the rotary solenoids 72 of the shielding mechanisms 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d are controlled so that only the direct light L3b, only the direct light L3c, and only the direct light L3d are incident on the sensor unit 60A in order.

[0075] Thereby, the fluorescence L4a to L4d of the observation lights L2a to L2d emitted from the respective measurement samples of the reaction vessels 108a to 108d can be measured by the sensor unit 60A composed of a single common light receiving sensor via the light guide paths 42a to 42d and the fluorescence filters 50a to 50d.

[0076] 〔Effects of the Sixth Embodiment〕 As described above, the optical measurement device 1E of the sixth embodiment is configured to include a sensor unit 60A instead of the sensor unit 60 of the first embodiment. In addition, a configuration is adopted in which shielding mechanisms 70a to 70d are added. With such a configuration, only one light-receiving sensor can be used, which can reduce costs. 〔Corresponding relationship〕 In the sixth embodiment, the shielding mechanisms 70a to 70d correspond to the optical path selection members.

[0077] 〔Modification example〕 In the above-described first, second, fifth, and sixth embodiments, the light emitted from the LED light sources 20a to 20d is directly irradiated onto the reaction vessels 108a to 108d or the light guide paths 86a to 86d of the light guide mechanism 84. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, each light emitted from the LED light sources 20a to 20d may be condensed by a condensing mechanism and then irradiated onto the reaction vessels 108a to 108d or the light guide paths 86a to 86d. As the condensing mechanism, for example, a configuration including a hemispherical lens and a ball lens provided in order from the side closer to the LED light sources 20a to 20d can be adopted. Alternatively, a configuration in which a plurality of hemispherical lenses are arranged for each LED light source may be used. That is, the condensing mechanism only needs to include at least one hemispherical lens for each LED light source.

[0078] Also, in each of the above embodiments and their modification examples, a filter may be provided on the light emission side of the LED light source. This filter is provided for each LED light source and has a function of transmitting light of the excitation light wavelength to be irradiated onto the measurement samples in the reaction vessels 108a to 108d and cutting (blocking) the transmission of light having at least the same wavelength as the observation light wavelength emitted from the measurement samples. Here, the observation light emitted from the measurement sample is light having a wavelength longer than the excitation light wavelength and can be, for example, visible light with a wavelength of 450 nm to 500 nm. Since the LED light source emits light with a relatively broad-band spectrum, it emits not only light of the excitation light wavelength but also light having the same wavelength as the observation light wavelength emitted from the measurement sample, although it is weak. The filter can block light having the same wavelength as the observation light wavelength contained in the light emitted from the LED light source. In addition, the filter can also block light of secondary light emission (self-fluorescence) that may be generated by the UV light emitted from the LED light source. Here, the secondary light emission (self-fluorescence) has a wavelength equivalent to the observation light wavelength and can be noise light for optical measurement. Further, the filter is not limited to the configuration of being disposed on the light incident side of the light guiding mechanism 84, and may be disposed on the light emitting side of the light guiding mechanism 84.

[0079] When filling the light guide paths 86a to 86d with silicone resin, if the silicone resin is not high-purity transparent silicone, there is a possibility that self-fluorescence may be generated by the excitation light (UV light) passing through the light guide paths 86a to 86d. If the filter is disposed on the light emitting side of the light guiding mechanism, even when self-fluorescence is generated in the light guide paths 86a to 86d, this can be appropriately blocked, and the influence of the noise light on the optical measurement can be suppressed. In other words, if the filter is disposed on the light emitting side of the light guiding mechanism 84, it is not necessary to use high-purity transparent silicone for the resin filled in the light guide paths 86a to 86d for suppressing self-fluorescence, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

[0080] Also, in the above-described first to fifth embodiments and their modified examples, the case where the filter unit 50 is disposed on the light emitting side of the light guiding mechanism 40 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the filter unit 50 may be disposed on the light incident side of the light guiding mechanism 40. By disposing the filter unit 50 on the light incident side of the light guiding mechanism 40, the UV light can be blocked on the light incident side of the light guiding mechanism 40. Therefore, the generation of self-fluorescence due to the UV light can be suppressed in the optical path up to the sensor unit 60 including the light guide paths 42a to 42d after the filter unit 50. Thus, the effect of suppressing the noise light can be obtained. Also, in the above-described sixth embodiment, the configuration in which the shielding mechanisms 70a to 70d are provided on the emission end side of the light guiding mechanism 40 and the emission ends of the light guide paths 42a to 42d are opened and closed by the shutter 76 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The shielding mechanisms 70a to 70d may be provided on the incident end side of the light guiding mechanism 40, and the incident ends of the light guide paths 42a to 42d may be opened and closed by the shutter 76.

[0081] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments and their modifications, although the photoinduced fluorescence measurement device has been described as the optical measurement device, the present invention is also applicable to a turbidity measurement device that measures the turbidity of a measurement sample. In this case, the turbidity measurement device irradiates the measurement sample with UV light emitted from a UV-LED light source, and measures the scattered light (UV light) emitted from the measurement sample irradiated with the UV light. That is, the observation light is the scattered light emitted from the measurement sample. In this case, the filter unit 50 shown in FIG. 1 is unnecessary.

[0082] Further, in the first, second, fifth, and sixth embodiments and their modifications described above, the configuration in which the reaction vessels 108a to 108d are irradiated with excitation light L1 or L1' having the same wavelength has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which each reaction vessel is irradiated with excitation light having an individual wavelength corresponding to the type of the measurement sample. When this configuration is adopted, in order to suppress interference with other light sources, it is desirable to adopt a configuration including a light guide mechanism 84 and a filter for removing light having an unnecessary wavelength as in the second embodiment. Further, the filter unit 50 and the sensor unit 60 may be configured to include a fluorescence filter and a light receiving sensor corresponding to each wavelength of the excitation light.

[0083] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments and their modifications, the case where the present invention is applied to the cartridge 100 in which four reaction vessels 108a to 108d are formed has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the present invention may be applied to a cartridge in which two or more and three or less or five or more reaction vessels are formed. In this case, the number of light guide paths of the light guide mechanism is also configured to be the same as the number of reaction vessels. Also, in each of the above embodiments and their modifications, excitation light is irradiated onto the reaction vessels 108a to 108d formed in the cartridge 100, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of reaction vessels configured as transparent containers for containing a measurement sample may be detachably held in a holding portion provided in the housing 10, and excitation light may be irradiated from a light source unit onto these plurality of reaction vessels, or other configurations may be adopted. Further, a configuration in which only a plurality of reaction vessels are provided without providing an injection tank or reagent tanks in the cartridge is also acceptable. In this case, for example, a light source unit may be installed on the -X direction side of the reaction vessel, and excitation light may be irradiated from an LED light source toward the side surface of the reaction vessel.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0084] 1, 1A~1E… Optical measurement device, 10… Housing, 20, 20B, 20C… Light source unit, 20a~20d… LED light source, 30, 30A… Heating mechanism, 30a~30d… Heating portion, 40, 84… Light guide mechanism, 50… Filter unit, 50a~50d… Fluorescent filter, 60… Sensor unit, 60a~60d… Light receiving sensor, 70a~70d… Shielding mechanism, 72… Rotary solenoid, 74… Arm, 76a~76d… Shutter, 100… Cartridge, 101… Main body, 102… Injection tank, 104a~104d… First reagent tank, 106a~106d… Second reagent tank, 108a~108d… Reaction vessel, 110a~110d… First flow path, 112a~112d… Second flow path, 114a~114d… Third flow path

Claims

1. In an optical measurement device that irradiates a measurement sample composed of a specimen mixed with a reagent, which is accommodated in a reaction tank disposed in a housing, with excitation light and measures observation light from the measurement sample, a light source unit disposed in the housing and irradiating each of the measurement samples accommodated in a plurality of reaction tanks respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of reagents with excitation light; a sensor unit disposed in the housing and measuring observation light emitted from each of the measurement samples; a first light guiding mechanism disposed in the housing and including a first light guiding path that guides the observation light emitted from each of the measurement samples to the sensor unit and a first light shielding member that surrounds the first light guiding path, wherein the first light guiding mechanism has the same number of the first light guiding paths as the plurality of reaction tanks, and each of the first light guiding paths is provided so as to correspond one-to-one to each of the reaction tanks. The optical measurement device is characterized by this.

2. In Claim 1, the light source unit has the same number of light sources as the plurality of reaction tanks, and each light source is provided so as to correspond one-to-one to each of the reaction tanks. The optical measurement device is characterized by this.

3. In Claim 2, the housing further includes a second light guiding mechanism including a second light guiding path that guides each excitation light emitted from the plurality of light sources to the plurality of reaction tanks and a second light shielding member that surrounds the second light guiding path, wherein the second light guiding mechanism has the same number of the second light guiding paths as the plurality of light sources, and each of the second light guiding paths is provided so as to correspond one-to-one to each of the light sources. The optical measurement device is characterized by this.

4. In Claim 1, the light source unit is composed of one light source, and the optical measurement device further includes a diffusion member that diffuses the excitation light emitted from the one light source and irradiates each of the reaction tanks. The optical measurement device is characterized by this.

5. In Claim 1, the light source unit is composed of one light source, and the optical measurement device further includes an optical fiber that branches the excitation light emitted from the one light source and irradiates each of the reaction tanks. The optical measurement device is characterized by this.

6. In Claim 1, the sensor unit has the same number of light receiving sensors as the plurality of first light guiding paths, and each light receiving sensor is provided so as to correspond one-to-one to each of the first light guiding paths. The optical measurement device is characterized by this.

7. In Claim 1, The optical measurement device is characterized in that the sensor unit has one light-receiving sensor that commonly receives the observation light emitted from each of the first light guide paths. **Claim 8** In claim 7, an optical path selection member is further provided, which is disposed in the housing and selectively opens an incident end or an exit end of the observation light of any one of the plurality of first light guide paths, and shields the incident end or the exit end of the remaining first light guide paths; the optical measurement device is characterized in that the one light-receiving sensor receives only the observation light emitted from the first light guide path opened by the optical path selection member among the plurality of first light guide paths. **Claim 9** In claim 1, the optical measurement device is characterized in that each of the observation lights received by the plurality of first light guide paths is observation light obtained from a reaction of the same sample with a separate reagent different from others. **Claim 10** In claim 1, the optical measurement device is characterized by further comprising a heating mechanism disposed in the housing for heating the plurality of reaction vessels. **Claim 11** In claim 10, the optical measurement device is characterized in that the heating mechanism has a plurality of heating parts each of which can be individually temperature-adjusted, and each heating part is provided so as to correspond one-to-one to each of the reaction vessels.

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