Cells and cell members

Abstract

To realize a cell more suitable for measurement than a conventional art.SOLUTION: A cell (4a) can be attached to a movable body provided in a measurement device having the movable body capable of attaching a plurality of cells for storing a specimen or reagent, and a drive mechanism for reciprocating the movable body. The cell has a plurality of side walls (41a) and bottom parts (41b) with respect to the side walls. A boundary part (41c) between the side wall and the bottom is rounded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell and a cell member used in a measuring device that optically measures the concentration of a substance in a sample. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an apparatus for measuring the concentration of a specific substance contained in a sample by an optical method. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a nitrate nitrogen measurement system that determines the nitrate nitrogen concentration based on the attenuation spectrum of soil. The nitrate nitrogen measurement system includes a sample chamber (cell) configured to contain a mixture of soil and an extracting solvent. The sample chamber is optically disposed between the light source and the detector such that light from the light source propagates through the mixture of soil and the extracting solvent to the detector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-75692 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a cell and a cell component that are more suitable for measurement than conventional ones. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a cell according to one aspect of the present invention is a cell that can be attached to a movable body provided in a measuring device that includes a movable body capable of attaching a plurality of cells for storing a specimen or a reagent, a drive mechanism for reciprocating the movable body, a light-emitting unit that emits test light to at least one of the plurality of cells, and a light-receiving unit that receives the test light that has passed through the cells, the cell comprising an opening for receiving the specimen or the reagent, a bottom located on the opposite side of the opening, and a plurality of side walls provided between the opening and the bottom, the plurality of side walls including a pair of first side walls opposed to each other in a transmission direction of the test light from the light-emitting unit to the light-receiving unit, and a pair of second side walls opposed to each other in a direction different from the transmission direction, a boundary portion between the pair of second side walls and the bottom is rounded, and at least one of the plurality of side walls has a step that changes the distance between the pair of first side walls or the distance between the pair of second side walls. oh One of the pair of first side walls has a first surface facing the light-emitting section, and the other has a second surface facing the light-receiving section, the step is provided on one of the pair of first side walls, and the step forms a protruding portion protruding from the first surface or the second surface in the transmission direction, the distance between the pair of first side walls at the protruding portion is larger than the distance between the pair of first side walls outside the protruding portion, the step extends in a direction from the opening to the bottom, and forms the protruding portion from the opening to the bottom, and a pair of the steps are provided to face each other in a direction different from the transmission direction with the protruding portion in between. The bottom is generally rounded. A cell member according to one aspect of the present invention is an assembly of the cells, and a plurality of the cells are integrally formed.

[0006] Moreover, a cell according to one aspect of the present invention is A measuring device includes a movable body capable of mounting a plurality of cells for storing a specimen or a reagent, a drive mechanism for reciprocating the movable body, a light-emitting unit for emitting an inspection light to at least one of the plurality of cells, and a light-receiving unit for receiving the inspection light transmitted through the cell. The cell is mountable on the movable body and includes an opening for receiving the specimen or the reagent, a bottom portion located on the opposite side of the opening, and a plurality of side walls provided between the opening and the bottom portion, and the plurality of side walls are spaced apart from each other in the transmission direction of the inspection light from the light-emitting unit to the light-receiving unit. The cell member according to one aspect of the present invention includes a pair of first side walls facing each other in a direction different from the transmission direction, and a pair of second side walls facing each other in a direction different from the transmission direction, a boundary portion between the pair of second side walls and the bottom is rounded, and at least one of the side walls has a step that changes the distance between the pair of first side walls or the distance between the pair of second side walls, and the step is provided on at least one of the pair of second side walls, and the distance between the pair of second side walls from the step on the opening side is larger than the distance between the pair of second side walls from the step on the bottom side. The bottom is rounded overall. A cell member according to one aspect of the present invention is an assembly of the cells, and a plurality of the cells are integrally formed.

[0007] Moreover, a cell according to one aspect of the present invention is a measuring device including a movable body capable of mounting a plurality of cells for storing a specimen or a reagent, a drive mechanism for reciprocating the movable body, a light-emitting unit for emitting an inspection light to at least one of the plurality of cells, and a light-receiving unit for receiving the inspection light that has passed through the cell; the cell is mountable on the movable body and includes an opening for receiving the specimen or the reagent, a bottom located on the opposite side of the opening, and a plurality of side walls provided between the opening and the bottom, the plurality of side walls including a pair of first side walls opposed to each other in a transmission direction of the inspection light from the light-emitting unit to the light-receiving unit, and a pair of second side walls opposed to each other in a direction different from the transmission direction, a boundary portion between the pair of second side walls and the bottom is rounded, and at least one of the plurality of side walls has a step that changes the distance between the pair of first side walls or the distance between the pair of second side walls; The step is provided in a pair, each step being provided on each of the pair of second side walls, and the distance between the step of the pair of second side walls on the opening side is greater than the distance between the step of the pair of second side walls on the bottom side. The bottom is generally rounded. A cell member according to one aspect of the present invention is an assembly of the cells, and a plurality of the cells are integrally formed. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a cell and a cell member that are more suitable for measurement than conventional ones. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a measurement device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a turntable provided in the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the shape of a cell member. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a specific shape of a cell. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another shape of the cell member. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a specific shape of a cell. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the shape of a container for dissolving a reagent. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a specific shape of a cell. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the measuring device according to the first embodiment with the turntable removed. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an arm, a tube, and a nozzle in the measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a storage section, a cleaning section, and a solvent supply section inside the main body. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical system. [Figure 13] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of a measuring device with a cell according to a second embodiment attached thereto. [Figure 15] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of cell shapes according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of cell shapes according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of a measuring device with a cell according to a third embodiment attached thereto. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a cell shape according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a cell shape according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0011] (Configuration of measuring device 1) Fig. 1 is a plan view of a measuring device 1. Fig. 2 is a plan view of a turntable 3 included in the measuring device 1. The measuring device 1 is a measuring device that optically measures the concentration of a substance in a sample, for example, a measuring device that measures components of a soil extract. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the measuring device 1 includes a main body 2, a turntable (moving body) 3 that is driven to rotate relative to the main body 2, and a nozzle 13 that injects a liquid (sample or reagent) into at least one of a plurality of cells 4a and a plurality of cells 5a arranged on the turntable 3.

[0012] The multiple cells 4a and 5a are cells for storing samples or reagents. The multiple cells 4a and 5a can be attached to the turntable 3. In other words, the multiple cells 4a and 5a can be attached to the turntable 3. Specifically, the multiple cells 4a and 5a are positioned along the outer edge of the circular turntable 3. That is, the multiple cells 4a and 5a are arranged along an imaginary circle or a part of it.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the shape of the cell member 4. The cell member 4 is an assembly of a plurality of cells 4a. As shown in FIG. 3, the cell member 4 includes a plurality of cells 4a and a connecting portion 4b that connects the cells 4a. The connecting portion 4b connects the edges of the cells 4a to each other so that the cells 4a can be arranged along the imaginary circle. In other words, the connecting portion 4b is a plate-like member having a shape along the imaginary circle and having a plurality of openings formed therein, and the connecting portion 4b and the cells 4a are connected so that the respective openings coincide with the openings of the cells 4a. The cell member 4 may be integrally formed as a resin molded product. Although the plurality of cells 4a may be formed as individual cells, by forming the plurality of cells 4a integrally as the cell member 4, removal of the plurality of cells 4a from the turntable 3 becomes efficient. In the example shown in FIG. 1, five cell members 4 each including ten cells 4a are arranged on the turntable 3. However, the number of cells 4a included in each cell member 4 and the number of cell members 4 arranged on the turntable 3 are not limited to those shown in FIG.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a specific shape of the cell 4a. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 is a top view of the cell 4a, and reference numeral 402 is a side view of the cell 4a mounted on the turntable 3 as viewed from the center of the turntable 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the cell 4a has two opposing side walls 41a, two opposing side walls 41e that are wider than the side walls 41a, and a bottom 41b facing the side walls 41a and the side walls 41e. The bottom 41b has a convex shape. A flat surface 41d is formed at the tip of the convex shape of the bottom 41b. Therefore, the cell 4a can be stably placed on a stand.

[0015] When the cell 4a mounted on the turntable 3 is viewed from the center of the turntable 3, the boundary portion between the bottom 41b and the sidewall 41a, i.e., the portion between the sidewall 41a and the flat surface 41d, is referred to as boundary portion 41c. Boundary portion 41c is rounded. In other words, the rounded boundary portion 41c is located between the two sidewalls 41a with smaller areas among the four sidewalls 41a-41e of the cell 4a and the flat surface 41d.

[0016] In the cell 4a, the length of the flat surface 41d projected on a plan view when the sidewall 41e is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the sidewall 41e is not particularly limited, but can be arbitrarily determined within a range of, for example, 50% or less of the distance between the sidewalls 41a. In addition, the curvature of the boundary portion 41c when the sidewall 41e is viewed in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the sidewall 41e is preferably 0.5 rad / m or less.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the shape of the cell member 5. The cell member 5 is an assembly of a plurality of cells 5a. As shown in FIG. 5, the cell member 5 includes a plurality of cells 5a and a connecting portion 5b that connects the cells 5a. The connecting portion 5b connects the edges of the cells 5a to each other so that the cells 5a can be arranged along the imaginary circle. In other words, the connecting portion 5b is a plate-like member that has a shape along the imaginary circle and has a plurality of openings formed therein, and the connecting portion 5b and the cells 5a are connected so that the respective openings match the openings of the cells 5a. The cell member 5 may be integrally formed as a resin molded product. By integrally forming the plurality of cells 5a as the cell member 5, the removal of the plurality of cells 5a from the turntable 3 becomes efficient. The cell member 5 may also be formed as individual cells, each of which is made of a plurality of cells 5a. The number of cells 5a included in each cell member 5 and the number of cell members 5 arranged on the turntable 3 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a specific shape of the cell 5a. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 is a top view of the cell 5a, and reference numeral 602 is a side view of the cell 5a mounted on the turntable 3 as viewed from the center of the turntable 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the cell 5a includes two opposing side walls 51a, two opposing side walls 51e that are wider than the side walls 51a, and a bottom 51b facing the side walls 51a and the side walls 51e. The bottom 51b has a convex shape. A flat surface 51d is formed at the tip of the convex shape of the bottom 51b. Therefore, the cell 5a can be stably placed on a stand.

[0019] When the cell 5a attached to the turntable 3 is viewed from the center of the turntable 3, the boundary portion between the bottom 51b and the sidewall 51a, i.e., the portion between the sidewall 51a and the flat surface 51d, is referred to as boundary portion 51c. Boundary portion 51c is rounded. In other words, the rounded boundary portion 51c is located between the two sidewalls 51a with smaller areas among the four sidewalls 51a-51e of the cell 5a and the flat surface 51d.

[0020] The length of the flat surface 51d projected on the plan view when the side wall 51e is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the side wall 51e is not particularly limited, but can be arbitrarily determined within a range of, for example, 50% or less of the distance between the side walls 51a. In addition, the curvature of the boundary portion 51c when the side wall 51e is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the side wall 51e is preferably 0.25 rad / m or less.

[0021] In general component measurements, a liquid reagent made by dissolving a powder in a solvent is used, as described below. However, depending on the component to be measured, the reagent may be used in powder form without being dissolved in a solvent. Cell 5a is a cell that allows measurement using a powdered reagent. The powdered reagent is pre-loaded into cell 5a by the user. Cell 5a is formed larger than cell 4a to make it easier to load the reagent and to reduce variation in the concentration of the reagent.

[0022] The nozzle 13 injects liquid into at least one of the cells 4a and 5a. The nozzle 13 is supported by an arm 11 that serves as a moving mechanism for moving the nozzle 13. The nozzle 13 may be a consumable item and may be replaced as necessary.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, the turntable 3 has recesses or openings in which a plurality of cell members 4 and 5 can be placed. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the turntable 3 has an opening 3a in which the cell member 4 can be placed, and an opening 3b in which the cell member 5 can be placed. The cell members 4 and 5 may be consumables and are replaced for each measurement, for example. Therefore, the cell members 4 and 5 do not need to be considered as components of the measurement device 1.

[0024] The measuring device 1 further includes a container 6 including a plurality of cells 6a (compartments) different in size from the plurality of cells 4a and 5a. The container 6 is a container for dissolving a reagent. The cell 6a is larger than the cells 4a and 5a in order to prepare a sufficient amount of reagent to be injected into the plurality of cells 4a and 5a. The turntable 3 includes an opening 3c in which the container 6 can be placed. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the opening 3c is provided so that the outer edge of the opening 3c is aligned with a virtual circle defined by the radially outer outer edges of the openings 3a and 3b. The radially outer outer edge of the opening 3c does not need to coincide with the virtual circle, and may be located inside the virtual circle.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the shape of the container 6. The container 6 is an assembly of a plurality of cells 6a. The container 6 is provided with a plurality of cells 6a arranged along the radial direction of the turntable 3. The container 6 also includes a connecting portion 6b that connects the plurality of cells 6a. The connecting portion 6b connects the edge portions of the cells 6a to each other so that the cells 6a can be arranged along the imaginary circle. In other words, the connecting portion 6b is a plate-like member having a shape along the imaginary circle and having a plurality of openings, and the connecting portion 6b and the cells 6a are connected so that the respective openings coincide with the openings of the cells 6a. The container 6 may be integrally formed as a resin molded product. By integrally forming the plurality of cells 6a as the container 6, the removal of the plurality of cells 6a from the turntable 3 becomes efficient.

[0026] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the container 6 is provided with two cells 6a along the radial direction of the turntable 3. The reason why the multiple cells 6a are provided in the radial direction of the turntable 3 is to efficiently dissolve the reagent. This will be described in detail later. In addition, the container 6 is provided with three pairs of cells 6a along the circumferential direction of the turntable 3. Therefore, six cells 6a are provided in the container 6 in total. The container 6 may be provided with cells 6a equal to or greater than the number of reagents used in the measurement by the measuring device 1. The user may put the reagent in a powder state into each cell 6a before the measurement. During the measurement, the measuring device 1 uses the powdered reagent by dissolving it in a solvent (dilution liquid) for the measurement. The container 6 may be a consumable item like the cell members 4 and 5, and may be replaced as necessary. Therefore, the container 6 may not be regarded as a component of the measuring device 1.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a specific shape of the cell 6a. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 is a top view of the cell 6a, and reference numeral 802 is a side view of the cell 6a mounted on the turntable 3 as viewed from the center of the turntable 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the cell 6a includes two opposing side walls 61a, two opposing side walls 61e that are wider than the side walls 61a, and a bottom 61b facing the side walls 61a and the side walls 61e. The bottom 61b has a convex shape. A flat surface 61d is formed at the tip of the convex shape of the bottom 61b. Therefore, the cell 6a can be stably placed on a stand.

[0028] When the cell 6a attached to the turntable 3 is viewed from the center of the turntable 3, the boundary portion between the bottom 61b and the sidewall 61a, i.e., the portion between the sidewall 61a and the flat surface 61d, is referred to as boundary portion 61c. Boundary portion 61c is rounded. In other words, the rounded boundary portion 61c is located between the two sidewalls 61a with smaller areas among the four sidewalls 61a-61e of the cell 6a and the flat surface 61d.

[0029] The length of the flat surface 61d projected on a plan view of the side wall 61e when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the side wall 61e is not particularly limited, but can be arbitrarily determined within a range of, for example, 50% or less of the distance between the side walls 61a. In addition, the curvature of the boundary portion 61c when the side wall 61e is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the side wall 61e is preferably 0.25 rad / m or less.

[0030] The measurement device 1 further includes a plurality of specimen storage units 7 for storing specimens. The turntable 3 includes a recess 3d in which the plurality of specimen storage units 7 can be arranged along a concentric circle or a part of a virtual circle defined by the outer edge of the turntable 3. The recess 3d is located inside the openings 3a and 3b in the turntable 3. That is, in the measurement device 1, the cells 4a and 5a are arranged outside the circle formed by the plurality of specimen storage units 7. The specimen storage units 7 may be consumables and need not be considered as a component of the measurement device 1.

[0031] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the measuring device 1 with the turntable 3 removed. Fig. 9 shows the internal configuration of the main body 2. As shown in Fig. 9, the measuring device 1 further includes a rotation mechanism 15, a drive mechanism 16, a pump 17, and a gas ejection unit 18. In Fig. 9, members supporting the internal members of the main body 2 (the drive mechanism 16, the pump 17, the light emitter 21, and the light receiver 22) are omitted.

[0032] The rotation mechanism 15 is a mechanism that reciprocates the turntable 3. Specifically, the rotation mechanism 15 rotates the turntable 3 in a reciprocating manner. The reciprocating rotation is a motion that alternately repeats a rotation in a first direction and a rotation in a second direction multiple times. In addition, the rotation mechanism 15 rotates the turntable 3 such that any one of the cells 4a, 5a, and 6a is located on the arc C.

[0033] Nozzle 13 communicates with pump 17 housed inside main body 2 via tube 12. Pump 17 draws and discharges fluid inside nozzle 13. Pump 17 is, for example, a syringe pump. Arm 11 supporting nozzle 13 is rotated by drive mechanism 16 housed inside main body 2. As a result, the tip of nozzle 13 moves to describe arc C shown in FIG. 1. Drive mechanism 16 also moves arm 11 in the vertical direction. As a result, the tip of nozzle 13 also moves in the vertical direction.

[0034] Arc C intersects with an imaginary circle defined by the multiple cells 4a, 5a and 6a on the turntable 3, and with an imaginary circle defined by the multiple specimen storage portions 7. The center of the imaginary circle coincides with the center of rotation of the turntable 3. Therefore, by combining the rotation of the turntable 3 with the pivoting and up-down movement of the arm 11, the nozzle 13 can aspirate or dispense liquid into any of the cells 4a, 5a, 6a and specimen storage portions 7.

[0035] Furthermore, the measurement device 1 includes an optical system 20 for measuring the samples stored in the cells 4a and 5a, which includes a light-emitting section 21 and a light-receiving section 22 inside the main body 2. The specific configuration of the optical system 20 will be described later.

[0036] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of arm 11, tube 12, and nozzle 13 in measuring device 1. As shown in Fig. 10, a connection part 11a to which tube 12 and nozzle 13 are connected is provided at the tip of arm 11. A passage that connects tube 12 and nozzle 13 is provided inside connection part 11a. Therefore, the nozzle 13 can suck in and discharge a specimen or reagent by operating pump 17.

[0037] Furthermore, the main body 2 is provided with a liquid storage section 8 that stores the liquid to be supplied to the nozzle 13, and a cleaning section 9 and a cleaning section 10 that clean the inside of the nozzle 13. The cleaning section 10 functions as a liquid receiving section that receives the liquid discharged from the nozzle 13 and cleans the outside of the nozzle 13. The liquid stored in the liquid storage section 8 is, for example, a solvent used for dissolving and liquefying a reagent. The cleaning section 9 and the cleaning section 10 clean the nozzle 13 using the same type of liquid as the solvent. The liquid storage section 8, the cleaning section 9, and the cleaning section 10 are arranged at positions that overlap with a part of the arc C drawn by the tip of the nozzle 13 when the measuring device 1 is viewed in plan in a state in which the nozzle 13 is moved by the arm 11. Therefore, the arm 11 can move the nozzle 13 directly above the liquid storage section 8, the cleaning section 9, and the cleaning section 10, respectively, to suck in the solvent and clean the nozzle 13. The main body 2 is also provided with a solvent supply section 14 that supplies the solvent used to clean the outside of the nozzle 13 in the cleaning section 10.

[0038] The measurement device 1 may include a liquid receiving section that receives the liquid discharged from the nozzle 13, separate from the cleaning section 10. In this case, the liquid receiving section is also disposed at a position that overlaps with a part of the arc C. Furthermore, the measurement device 1 does not necessarily need to include all of the liquid storage section 8, the cleaning section 9, and the cleaning section 10, and it is sufficient to include at least one of these.

[0039] The liquid storage unit 8, the cleaning unit 9, and the cleaning unit 10 are provided outside the turntable 3. Therefore, the arm 11 can move the nozzle 13 to directly above the liquid storage unit 8, the cleaning unit 9, and the cleaning unit 10, respectively, regardless of the rotation of the turntable 3, and can perform aspirating the solvent and cleaning the nozzle 13.

[0040] (Internal structure of main body 2) Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the liquid storage section 8, the cleaning section 9, the cleaning section 10, and the solvent supply section 14 inside the main body 2. However, the positional relationship between the liquid storage section 8, the cleaning section 9, the cleaning section 10, and the solvent supply section 14 in Fig. 11 is shown conceptually, and does not coincide with the positional relationship between them in the measurement device 1 shown in Fig. 1.

[0041] 11, the liquid storage unit 8 stores a solvent to be sucked by the nozzle 13 for use in dissolving and liquefying the reagent. The cleaning unit 9 stores a solvent for cleaning the inside of the nozzle 13.

[0042] In addition, a cleaning nozzle 14a communicating with the solvent supply unit 14 is disposed below the cleaning unit 10. The solvent supplied from the solvent supply unit 14 is sucked by a pump (not shown) and sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 14a onto the nozzle 13 inserted into the cleaning unit 10, thereby cleaning the outside of the nozzle 13. For simplicity, only one cleaning nozzle 14a is shown in Figs. 9 and 11. However, the measuring device 1 may be provided with multiple cleaning nozzles 14a that spray cleaning solvent onto the nozzle 13 from multiple directions different from each other.

[0043] In addition, a gas ejection unit 18 is disposed below the cleaning unit 10, which ejects gas 18a toward the nozzle 13 inserted into the cleaning unit 10 to remove droplets 13a from the nozzle 13. Furthermore, a container 19 is disposed below the gas ejection unit 18 to accommodate the liquid discharged from the nozzle 13 and the falling droplets 13a.

[0044] (Configuration of optical system 20) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the optical system 20. As described above, the measurement device 1 includes the light-emitting unit 21 and the light-receiving unit 22 as the optical system 20. The light-emitting unit 21 emits the inspection light 23 to at least one of the cells 4a and 5a. The light-emitting unit 21 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light-receiving unit 22 receives the inspection light 23 that has passed through the cells 4a and 5a. The light-receiving unit 22 is, for example, a photodiode. The measurement device 1 performs absorption analysis using the intensity of the inspection light 23 emitted from the light-emitting unit 21 and the intensity of the inspection light 23 received by the light-receiving unit 22. However, the light-emitting unit 21 and the light-receiving unit 22 are not limited to these.

[0045] The cell member 4 has an outer side surface 4c located on the outer edge side of the turntable 3. A plurality of cells 4a can be arranged on the turntable 3 such that the outer side surfaces 4c are aligned along the outer edge of the turntable 3. Similarly, the cell member 5 and the container 6 also have outer sides located on the outer edge side of the turntable 3, and are arranged such that the outer sides are aligned along the outer edge of the turntable 3. The same is true for the cells 6a located on the outer side in the radial direction of the turntable 3.

[0046] 1, the cell 6a located on the inside in the radial direction of the turntable 3 is located closer to the center than the cells 4a and 5a. In other words, the container 6 protrudes closer to the center of the turntable 3 than the cells 4a and 5a. For this reason, in the optical system 20, a component (light-emitting unit 21) located closer to the center of the turntable 3 is located away from the cells 4a and 5a so as not to collide with the container 6 due to the rotation of the turntable 3.

[0047] In the measuring device 1, the light emitting unit 21 is provided on the side closer to the center of the turntable 3. The inspection light 23 is emitted in a direction from the side closer to the center of the turntable 3 toward the side farther from the center. The light receiving unit 22 is provided at a position facing the outer surface 4c. As described above, the outer surfaces of the cell members 4·5 and the container 6 are arranged to be aligned along the outer edge of the turntable 3. Since the width of the container 6 in the radial direction of the turntable 3 is larger than the width of the cell members 4·5, when the light receiving unit 22 is arranged on the side closer to the center of the turntable 3, the distance between the light receiving unit 22 and the cells 4a·5a becomes large. By providing the light receiving unit 22 at a position facing the outer surface, the light receiving unit 22 can be arranged closer to the cells 4a·5a than when the light receiving unit 22 is provided on the side closer to the center of the turntable 3. Therefore, the ratio of the light received by the light receiving unit 22 to the inspection light 23 transmitted through the cells 4a·5a can be improved. Furthermore, since cell members 4 and 5 and containers 6 of different sizes can be mounted on one turntable 3 for measurement, measurement efficiency can be improved compared to the past.

[0048] In FIG. 12, a stirrer 4d is placed in the cell 4a. The stirrer 4d is a member that improves the efficiency of stirring when the cell 4a is rocked by the reciprocating rotation of the turntable 3 to stir the specimen and the reagent. The stirrer 4d is, for example, a ceramic sphere. In the measurement device 1, even if the stirrer 4d exists in the cell 4a, the positional relationship between the light-emitting unit 21 and the light-receiving unit 22 is specified so that the optical path of the inspection light 23 is not blocked by the stirrer 4d. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the stirrer 4d is located at the bottom of the cell 4a. In contrast, the positional relationship between the light-emitting unit 21 and the light-receiving unit 22 is specified so that the optical path of the inspection light 23 is above the stirrer 4d. Therefore, even if the stirrer 4d exists in the cell 4a, no problem occurs in the measurement. Stirrers may also be placed in the cells 5a and 6a.

[0049] (Operation of measuring device 1) FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the measuring device 1. The measuring method shown here is merely an example, and a liquid reagent may be used instead of a powdered reagent. Also, only one of the cell 4a and the cell 5a may be used. Also, there is no particular limitation as to which of the specimen and the reagent is injected first into the cell 4a or the cell 5a. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the measuring device 1 first injects the specimen into the cells 4a and 5a (S1). Next, the measuring device 1 prepares the reagent (S2). Specifically, the measuring device 1 aspirates the solvent from the liquid storage section 8 by the nozzle 13, and injects the solvent into the cell 6a in which the powdered reagent has been placed. Furthermore, the measuring device 1 rocks the cell 6a by the reciprocating rotation of the turntable 3 to stir and dissolve the reagent.

[0050] As described above, the container 6 is provided with a plurality of cells 6a arranged along the radial direction of the turntable 3. The cells 6a arranged on the outer side in the radial direction move faster with the rotation of the turntable 3 than the cells 6a arranged on the inner side in the radial direction. For this reason, by introducing a reagent that is difficult to dissolve in the solvent into the cells 6a arranged on the outer side in the radial direction, the reagent can be efficiently stirred and dissolved in step S2.

[0051] The measuring device 1 injects the prepared reagent into the cell 4a (S3). At this time, the measuring device 1 mixes the cell 4a into which the reagent has been injected by rocking it with the reciprocating rotation of the turntable 3. Furthermore, the reciprocating rotation of the turntable 3 in steps S2 and S3 also mixes the specimen injected into the cell 5a with the powdered reagent that was previously placed in the cell 5a. The measuring device 1 moves the cell 4a / 5a in which the specimen and reagent have been mixed to a measurement position by the optical system 20 (S4). In this state, the measuring device 1 measures the intensity of the test light 23 that has passed through the specimen in the cell 4a / 5a (S5).

[0052] In general, when a powdered reagent is placed in a cell that has a corner, the reagent may accumulate at the corner. The reagent that accumulates at the corner of the cell is less likely to dissolve in a solvent when the solvent is poured into the cell and stirred.

[0053] In contrast, as described above, in the cell 6a, the boundary portion 61c between the side wall 61a and the bottom portion 61b is rounded. Therefore, when the turntable 3 is rotated back and forth in step S2, the reagent is easily dissolved in the solvent. Also, in the cell 5a, the boundary portion 51c between the side wall 51a and the bottom portion 51b is rounded. Therefore, when the turntable 3 is rotated back and forth in step S2, the reagent is easily dissolved in the specimen. That is, in the cells 5a and 6a, the powdered reagent is easily dissolved in the solvent or specimen. Therefore, compared with the case where the cells 5a and 6a do not have the above-mentioned shape, the possibility that the measurement accuracy is reduced due to the powdered reagent not being sufficiently dissolved in the solvent or specimen in step S2 can be reduced, and the measurement accuracy of the measurement device 1 can be improved. That is, the cells 5a and 6a are cells suitable for measurement compared to cells not having the above-mentioned shape.

[0054] Similarly, since the boundary portion 41c of the cell 4a is rounded, the sample and the reagent are easily mixed. This reduces the possibility that the measurement accuracy will decrease due to the sample and the reagent not being mixed sufficiently, and improves the measurement accuracy of the measurement device 1.

[0055] After the powdered reagent is dissolved, the components of the reagent may change over time, or after the sample and the reagent are mixed, the components of the mixed liquid may change over time. It also takes some time for the powdered reagent to completely dissolve. For this reason, it is preferable to control the operation of the measurement device 1 in consideration of the time required for dissolving the reagent in the cell 6a or the cell 5a and the timing of dissolution, the timing of injecting the prepared reagent into the cell 4a, and the timing of measuring the cells 4a and 5b.

[0056] During operation of the measurement device 1, in a standby state in which the nozzle 13 is not injecting a specimen or a reagent, the tip of the nozzle 13 is located above the cleaning unit 10. Therefore, even if a droplet 13a of the specimen or reagent adheres to the tip of the nozzle 13, the possibility that the droplet 13a will fall into the cells 4a, 5a, 6a into which other specimens or reagents have been injected, or into the specimen storage unit 7 is low.

[0057] Furthermore, in the measurement device 1, a plurality of different types of liquids are aspirated and discharged by the nozzle 13. If the plurality of types of liquids are mixed, the measurement accuracy decreases. For this reason, the nozzle 13 may be washed as necessary during the measurement.

[0058] When cleaning the nozzle 13, the measuring device 1 first discharges the liquid remaining inside the nozzle 13 into the container 19 (see FIG. 11) in the cleaning unit 10 and cleans the outside of the nozzle 13. Next, the measuring device 1 sucks the solvent from the cleaning unit 9 by the nozzle 13. The measuring device 1 agitates the solvent inside the nozzle 13 by swinging the nozzle 13, and then discharges the solvent into the container 19 in the cleaning unit 10. In this state, the measuring device 1 removes the droplets 13a by the gas ejection unit 18, thereby completing the cleaning. Cleaning the nozzle 13 in this manner prevents the liquids from mixing, and enables highly accurate measurement.

[0059] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0060] 14 is a partial enlarged view of the measuring device 1 in a state in which the cell members 34 and 35 according to the embodiment 2 are attached. In FIG. 14, the cell members 34 and 35 are arranged on the turntable 3 instead of the cell members 4 and 5. The cell member 34 includes a plurality of cells 42. The cell member 35 includes a plurality of cells 52.

[0061] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the cell 42 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 15, reference numeral 1501 denotes a top view of the cell 42, and reference numeral 1502 denotes a side view of the cell 42 mounted on the turntable 3 as viewed from the center of the turntable 3. As shown in FIG. 15, the cell 42 has a first surface 42a and a second surface 42b which are side surfaces facing each other. The cell 42 also has an opening 42d for receiving a sample or a reagent, and a bottom 42e located on the opposite side to the opening 42d. The bottom 42e is generally rounded. During measurement by the optical system 20, the first surface 42a faces the light-emitting unit 21, and the second surface 42b faces the light-receiving unit 22. The second surface 42b has a distance between the first surface 42a and the second surface 42b. Larger than other areas The protrusion 42c extends from the opening 42d to the bottom 42e.

[0062] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the cell 52 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 16, reference numeral 1601 denotes a top view of the cell 52, and reference numeral 1602 denotes a side view of the cell 52 mounted on the turntable 3 as viewed from the center of the turntable 3. As shown in FIG. 16, the cell 52 has a first surface 52a and a second surface 52b, which are side surfaces facing each other. The cell 52 also has an opening 52d for receiving a sample or a reagent, and a bottom 52e located on the opposite side to the opening 52d. The bottom 52e is generally rounded. During measurement by the optical system 20, the first surface 52a faces the light-emitting unit 21, and the second surface 52b faces the light-receiving unit 22. The second surface 52b has a protruding portion 52c in which the distance between the first surface 52a and the second surface 52b is larger than other portions, from the opening 52d to the bottom 52e of the cell 52.

[0063] When measuring the cell 42, the inspection light 23 passes through the protrusion 42c. When measuring the cell 52, the inspection light 23 passes through the protrusion 52c. Therefore, when measuring the cells 42 and 52, the distance that the inspection light 23 passes through the sample is longer than when measuring a cell that does not have the protrusions 42c and 52c. The longer the distance that the inspection light 23 passes through the sample, the greater the change in intensity of the inspection light 23 when the inspection light 23 passes through the sample. In other words, the effect of disturbances on the inspection light 23 is relatively small. Therefore, according to the cells 42 and 52, the effect of disturbances is reduced, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the measurement device 1. That is, the cells 42 and 52 are more suitable for measurement than cells that do not have the above-mentioned shape.

[0064] Specifically, the distance between the first surface 42a and the second surface 42b of the protrusion 42c is preferably 10 mm or more. The same applies to the distance between the first surface 52a and the second surface 52b of the protrusion 52c. When the inspection light 23 passes through such a distance, the measurement accuracy can be sufficiently improved.

[0065] In the cell 42, the first surface 42a, rather than the second surface 42b, may have a protruding portion in which the distance between the first surface 42a and the second surface 42b is larger than other portions. Similarly, in the cell 52, the first surface 52a, rather than the second surface 52b, may have a protruding portion in which the distance between the first surface 52a and the second surface 52b is larger than other portions.

[0066] [Embodiment 3] Other embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0067] 17 is a partial enlarged view of the measuring device 1 with the cells 43 and 53 according to the third embodiment attached. In FIG. 17, cell members 64 and 65 are arranged on the turntable 3 instead of the cell members 4 and 5. The cell member 64 includes a plurality of cells 43. The cell member 65 includes a plurality of cells 53.

[0068] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the cell 43 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 18, reference numeral 1801 is a top view of the cell 43, and reference numeral 1802 is a side view of the cell 43 mounted on the turntable 3 as viewed from the center of the turntable 3. As shown in FIG. 18, the cell 43 has a first surface 43a and a second surface 43b which are side surfaces facing each other. The first surface 43a faces the light-emitting unit 21, and the second surface 43b faces the light-receiving unit 22. The cell 43 also has a plurality of side surfaces 43c other than the first surface 43a and the second surface 43b, an opening 43e for receiving a sample or a reagent, and a bottom 43f located on the opposite side to the opening 43e. The bottom 43f is generally rounded.

[0069] The cell 43 further includes a wide portion 43g in which the distance between the side surfaces 43c is greater than the distance between the side surfaces 43c at the bottom 43f. When the first surface 43a or the second surface 43b is viewed in a plane from a direction perpendicular to the first surface 43a or the second surface 43b, a step 43h is formed at the boundary between the wide portion 43g and the bottom 43f, as shown by reference numeral 1802 in FIG. 18. That is, when the first surface 43a or the second surface 43b is viewed in a plane from a direction perpendicular to the first surface 43a or the second surface 43b, the distance between the side surfaces 43c at the opening 43e is greater than the distance between the side surfaces 43c at the bottom 43f. Furthermore, when viewed in a plane from the above direction, there are places where the change in the distance between the side surfaces 43c is discontinuous.

[0070] By providing the cell 43 with such a wide portion 43g, the volume of the cell 43 becomes larger than that of a cell without the wide portion 43g. Therefore, the specimen and the reagent injected into the cell 43 are easily stirred. Therefore, the possibility that the measurement accuracy decreases due to the specimen and the reagent injected into the cell 43 not being sufficiently stirred can be reduced, and the measurement accuracy of the measurement device 1 can be improved. That is, the cells 43 and 53 are cells suitable for measurement compared to cells not having the above-mentioned shape. Specifically, it is preferable that the distance between the side surfaces 43c on the opening 43e side of the step 43h is increased by 20% or more compared to the distance between the side surfaces 43c on the bottom 43f side of the step 43h.

[0071] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the cell 53 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 19, reference numeral 1901 denotes a top view of the cell 53, and reference numeral 1902 denotes a side view of the cell 53 mounted on the turntable 3 as viewed from the center of the turntable 3. As shown in FIG. 19, the cell 53 has a first surface 53a and a second surface 53b which are side surfaces facing each other. The first surface 53a faces the light-emitting unit 21, and the second surface 53b faces the light-receiving unit 22. The cell 53 also has a plurality of side surfaces 53c other than the first surface 53a and the second surface 53b, an opening 53e for receiving a sample or a reagent, and a bottom 53f located on the opposite side to the opening 53e. The bottom 53f is generally rounded.

[0072] The cell 53 further includes a wide portion 53g in which the distance between the side surfaces 53c is greater than the distance between the side surfaces 53c at the bottom 53f. When the first surface 53a or the second surface 53b is viewed in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the first surface 53a or the second surface 53b, a step 53h is formed at the boundary between the wide portion 53g and the bottom 53f, as shown by reference numeral 1902 in Fig. 19. By including the wide portion 53g in the cell 53, the volume of the cell 53 is larger than that of a cell not including the wide portion 53g, as in the case of the cell 43, and the sample and the reagent injected into the cell 53 are more easily stirred.

[0073] The cells 43 and 53 may have protrusions similar to the cells 42 and 52 described in embodiment 2. When the cells 43 and 53 have protrusions, the measurement accuracy of the measurement device 1 can be improved, similar to the cells 42 and 52.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. Measuring equipment 3 Turntable (moving object) 4a, 5a, 6a, 42, 52, 43, 53 セル 41a, 51a, 61a Side wall 41b, 43f, 51b, 53f, 61b bottom 41c, 51c, 61c realms 41d, 51d, 61d flat surface 42c, 52c protrusion 43c, 53c side 43g, 53g width 43h, 53h step difference 21 Ministry of Light 22 Light receiving part

Claims

1. A measuring device including a moving body capable of mounting a plurality of cells for storing a specimen or a reagent, a drive mechanism for reciprocating the moving body, a light-emitting unit for emitting test light to at least one of the plurality of cells, and a light-receiving unit for receiving the test light that has passed through the cells, the measuring device including a cell that can be mounted on the moving body, an opening for receiving the sample or the reagent; a bottom portion located on the opposite side of the opening; a plurality of side walls provided between the opening and the bottom; the plurality of side walls include a pair of first side walls opposed to each other in a transmission direction of the inspection light from the light-emitting unit to the light-receiving unit, and a pair of second side walls opposed to each other in a direction different from the transmission direction, Boundaries between the pair of second side walls and the bottom are rounded, At least one of the plurality of side walls has a step that changes a distance between the pair of first side walls or a distance between the pair of second side walls, one of the pair of first side walls has a first surface facing the light-emitting portion, and the other has a second surface facing the light-receiving portion; the step is provided on one of the pair of first side walls, and the step forms a protruding portion that protrudes in the transmission direction from the first surface or the second surface, a distance between the pair of first side walls in the protruding portion is greater than a distance between the pair of first side walls outside the protruding portion, the step extends in a direction from the opening to the bottom, forming the protrusion from the opening to the bottom, The step is provided as a pair of cells facing each other in a direction different from the transmission direction, with the protrusion therebetween.

2. A measuring device including a moving body capable of mounting a plurality of cells for storing a specimen or a reagent, a drive mechanism for reciprocating the moving body, a light-emitting unit for emitting test light to at least one of the plurality of cells, and a light-receiving unit for receiving the test light that has passed through the cells, the measuring device including a cell that can be mounted on the moving body, an opening for receiving the sample or the reagent; a bottom portion located on the opposite side of the opening; a plurality of side walls provided between the opening and the bottom; the plurality of side walls include a pair of first side walls opposed to each other in a transmission direction of the inspection light from the light-emitting unit to the light-receiving unit, and a pair of second side walls opposed to each other in a direction different from the transmission direction, Boundaries between the pair of second side walls and the bottom are rounded, At least one of the plurality of side walls has a step that changes a distance between the pair of first side walls or a distance between the pair of second side walls, the step is provided on at least one of the pair of second side walls, A cell in which the distance between the pair of second side walls on the opening side from the step is greater than the distance between the pair of second side walls on the bottom side from the step.

3. A cell that can be attached to a moving body provided in a measuring device that includes a moving body capable of attaching a plurality of cells for storing a specimen or a reagent, a drive mechanism for reciprocating the moving body, a light-emitting unit that emits test light to at least one of the plurality of cells, and a light-receiving unit that receives the test light that has passed through the cells, an opening for receiving the sample or the reagent; a bottom portion located on the opposite side of the opening; a plurality of side walls provided between the opening and the bottom; the plurality of side walls include a pair of first side walls opposed to each other in a transmission direction of the inspection light from the light-emitting unit to the light-receiving unit, and a pair of second side walls opposed to each other in a direction different from the transmission direction, Boundaries between the pair of second side walls and the bottom are rounded, At least one of the plurality of side walls has a step that changes a distance between the pair of first side walls or a distance between the pair of second side walls, a pair of steps are provided, each of the steps being provided on each of the pair of second side walls; A cell in which the distance between the pair of second side walls from the step of the pair of second side walls on the opening side is greater than the distance between the pair of second side walls from the step on the bottom side.

4. 4. The cell of claim 1, wherein the base is generally rounded.

5. A cell assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A cell member in which a plurality of the cells are integrally formed.

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