Measuring device and measuring method

Abstract

To obtain a new improved measuring apparatus and measuring method capable of visually grasping the oxygen concentration of a sample, for example.SOLUTION: A measuring apparatus, for example, comprises: a first portion in which a first chamber housing a sample is provided; an oxygen permeable film capable of transmitting oxygen; a second portion in which a second chamber housing an electrolytic solution and separated from the first chamber through the oxygen permeable film is provided; a third portion in which a third chamber housing a reagent is provided; a first electrode in contact with the electrolytic solution; a second electrode in contact with the reagent; a third electrode in contact with both the electrolytic solution and the reagent; and a voltage source for generating a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode. A contact portion with the reagent of the third electrode is provided so as to be visually recognized, and a visual change of state occurs according to a current flowing between the second electrode and the third electrode in the reagent housed in the third chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device and a measuring method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, measuring devices are known that introduce oxygen from a sample into an electrolyte via an oxygen permeable membrane and measure the oxygen concentration of the sample based on the current value of the oxygen electrode in the electrolyte (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-139818 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The measuring device described in Patent Document 1 allows for the determination of oxygen concentration as a numerical value. On the other hand, there is also a need to visually determine the oxygen concentration of a sample when measuring oxygen concentration.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to obtain a novel and improved measuring device and measuring method that enables, for example, the visual determination of the oxygen concentration of a sample. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The measuring device of the present invention comprises, for example, a first section provided with a first chamber for containing a sample, an oxygen permeable membrane capable of permeating oxygen, a second section provided with a second chamber for containing an electrolyte and separated from the first chamber via the oxygen permeable membrane, a third section provided with a third chamber for containing a reagent, a first electrode in contact with the electrolyte, a second electrode in contact with the reagent, a third electrode in contact with both the electrolyte and the reagent, and a voltage source that generates a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the contact portion of the third electrode with the reagent is provided to be visible, and a visual state change occurs in the reagent contained in the third chamber in accordance with the current flowing between the second electrode and the third electrode.

[0007] In the measuring device, the first part is provided with a plurality of first chambers as the first chambers, and the second part is provided with a plurality of second chambers corresponding to each of the first chambers, separated from each of the first chambers by the oxygen permeable membrane, and the measuring device may also include a plurality of third electrodes corresponding to each of the second chambers, each having a first contact portion exposed in the second chamber and in contact with the electrolyte, a second contact portion exposed in the third chamber as the contact portion, and a wiring portion electrically connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

[0008] In the measuring device, the plurality of first chambers and the plurality of second contact portions, which are the second contact portions, may each be arranged in a matrix of m rows × n columns (where m and n are integers of 1 or more, and m × n is an integer of 2 or more).

[0009] In the aforementioned measuring device, the component in the first matrix of the first chamber, of the plurality of first chambers, is M1 ij Let (where i=1,2,···,m, j=1,2,···,n), and the component of the second contact portion corresponding to the first chamber and the second chamber in the second matrix of the plurality of second contact portions be M2 ijIn this case, in the first matrix and the second matrix, one of the row direction, which is the direction in which j increases, and the column direction, which is the direction in which i increases, may be parallel, while the other may be parallel or antiparallel.

[0010] In the measuring device, the second part is provided with a plurality of second chambers that communicate with each of the plurality of positions in the first chamber, and from each of the samples at each position, oxygen can be introduced into the electrolyte contained in the second chamber via the oxygen permeable membrane. The measuring device may also include a plurality of third electrodes corresponding to each of the positions, each having a first contact portion exposed in the second chamber and in contact with the electrolyte, a second contact portion exposed in the third chamber as the contact portion, and a wiring portion electrically connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

[0011] In the measuring device, the plurality of positions and the plurality of second contact portions, which are the second contact portions, may each be arranged in a matrix of m rows × n columns (where m and n are integers of 1 or more, and m × n is an integer of 2 or more).

[0012] In the aforementioned measuring device, the component of each position in the first matrix of the plurality of positions is M1 ij Let (where i=1,2,···,m, j=1,2,···,n), and the component of the second contact portion corresponding to the position and the second chamber in the second matrix of the plurality of second contact portions be M2 ij In this case, in the first matrix and the second matrix, one of the row direction, which is the direction in which j increases, and the column direction, which is the direction in which i increases, may be parallel, while the other may be parallel or antiparallel.

[0013] In the measuring device, the multiple wiring sections, which constitute the wiring section, may be arranged in a planar manner without intersecting each other.

[0014] The measuring device may be provided with multiple air vents that communicate with the second chambers.

[0015] In the measuring device, a plurality of second chambers may be provided as the second chamber, and communication holes connecting the plurality of second chambers may be provided as the air vents.

[0016] In the aforementioned measuring device, the reagent may be an electrochemiluminescent solution.

[0017] In the aforementioned measuring device, the reagent may be a pH test solution.

[0018] Furthermore, the measurement method of the present invention, for example, uses a measuring device comprising: a first part provided with a first chamber for containing a sample; an oxygen permeable membrane capable of permeating oxygen; a second part provided with a second chamber for containing an electrolyte and separated from the first chamber via the oxygen permeable membrane; a third part provided with a third chamber for containing a reagent; a first electrode in contact with the electrolyte; a second electrode in contact with the reagent; a third electrode in contact with both the electrolyte and the reagent; and a voltage source that generates a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the contact portion of the third electrode with the reagent is visibly provided, and a visual state change occurs in the reagent contained in the third chamber in accordance with the current flowing between the second electrode and the third electrode. The measurement method of the present invention uses a measuring device to generate a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode with the voltage source while the sample is contained in the first chamber, thereby causing a visual state change in the reagent.

[0019] In the measurement method, in the measurement device, in the first part, a plurality of first chambers are provided as the first chambers, and in the second part, a plurality of second chambers separated from each of the first chambers through the oxygen permeable membrane are provided as the second chambers corresponding to each of the first chambers. As the third electrodes corresponding to each of the second chambers, a plurality of third electrodes each having a first contact part exposed in the second chamber and contacting the electrolytic solution, a second contact part as the contact part exposed in the third chamber, and a wiring part electrically connecting the first contact part and the second contact part are provided. The sample is accommodated in at least one of the plurality of first chambers, and a reference solution with a known oxygen concentration is accommodated in a first chamber different from the first chamber accommodating the sample. A potential difference may be generated between the first electrode and the second electrode by the voltage source, causing a visual state change of the reagent.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, for example, a novel and improved measurement device and measurement method that enable visually grasping the oxygen concentration of a sample can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view of the measurement device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view of the measurement device of the second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary and schematic exploded perspective view of the measurement device of the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary and schematic plan view of a part of the first electrode, second electrode, and third electrode of the measurement device of the second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary and schematic plan view showing the first matrix of the first chamber and the second matrix of the second contact part of the measurement device of the second embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is an illustrative and schematic plan view of a portion of the first electrode, second electrode, and third electrode of the measuring device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exemplary and schematic plan view showing the first matrix of the first chamber and the second matrix of the second contact portion of the measuring device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an illustrative and schematic plan view showing the first matrix at each position in the first chamber of the measuring device of the fourth embodiment that communicates with the second chamber, and the second matrix at the second contact portion. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are disclosed below. The configurations of the embodiments shown below, as well as the functions and effects brought about by such configurations, are examples only. The present invention can also be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the following embodiments. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain at least one of the various effects (including derived effects) that can be obtained by the configuration.

[0023] The multiple embodiments shown below have similar configurations. Therefore, the configuration of each embodiment yields similar functions and effects based on the same configuration. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for these similar configurations below, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0024] In this specification, ordinal numbers are assigned for convenience to distinguish parts, components, etc., and do not indicate priority or order.

[0025] In each figure, the X direction is indicated by arrow X, the Y direction by arrow Y, and the Z direction by arrow Z. The X and Y directions are along the surface of the substrate, while the Z direction is the thickness direction of the substrate, as well as the stacking direction of the substrate and each layer stacked on the substrate. The X, Y, and Z directions intersect and are also orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, in the operating state of the measuring device 100, the X and Y directions are approximately horizontal, and the Z direction is approximately vertically upward.

[0026] Furthermore, the dimensional ratios in each diagram may differ from those of the actual structure.

[0027] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the measuring device 100A(100). As shown in Figure 1, the measuring device 100 comprises a first section 11 provided with a first chamber R1, a second section 12 provided with a second chamber R2, and a third section 13 provided with a third chamber R3.

[0028] The first chamber R1 is formed in the first section 11 by being surrounded by the housing 10, walls 16, oxygen permeable membrane 14, etc. A liquid sample S is contained in the first chamber R1. The top of the first chamber R1 is open, and the operator can inject the sample S into the first chamber R1 from above. The housing 10 and walls 16 are made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material. The oxygen permeable membrane 14 is made of, for example, silicone.

[0029] The second chamber R2 is formed in the second section 12 by being surrounded by the housing 10, the wall 16, the oxygen permeable membrane 14, etc. The electrolyte E is contained in the second chamber R2. The electrolyte is, for example, a potassium chloride solution. The second chamber R2 is separated from the first chamber R1 via the oxygen permeable membrane 14. However, oxygen is introduced into the electrolyte E contained in the second chamber R2 from the sample S contained in the first chamber R1 via the oxygen permeable membrane 14.

[0030] The first chamber R1 is positioned above the second chamber R2. This prevents the measuring device 100 from becoming larger in the direction intersecting the Z direction.

[0031] The third chamber R3 is formed in the third section 13 by being surrounded by the housing 10, the wall 16, the lid member 15, etc. Reagent I is contained in the third chamber R3. Reagent I is, for example, an electrochemiluminescence solution (hereinafter referred to as ECL solution, electrochemiluminescence: ECL) or a pH reagent. The ECL solution is, for example, 1 M KCl, 5 mM [Ru(bpy)3] 2+ The reagent is a 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) containing 25 M tripropylamine. The pH test solution is, for example, 1 M KCl containing a universal pH indicator. The lid member 15 is transparent and is configured so that the brightness, color, and other conditions of reagent I can be seen from the outside (from above). The third chamber R3 is separated from the first chamber R1 and the second chamber R2 by a wall 16, etc. The lid member 15 is also called a window member.

[0032] The second chamber R2 exposes the first electrode 21 and the first contact portion 23a of the third electrode 23. The first electrode 21 and the first contact portion 23a are in contact with the electrolyte E. The third chamber R3 exposes the second electrode 22 and the second contact portion 23b of the third electrode 23. The second electrode 22 and the second contact portion 23b are in contact with the reagent I. The third electrode 23 penetrates the wall 16 and is in contact with both the electrolyte E and the reagent I. The lid member 15 is configured so that at least the second contact portion 23b of the third electrode 23, which is the contact portion with the reagent I, can be seen from the outside. The portion of the third electrode 23 between the first contact portion 23a and the second contact portion 23b is referred to as the wiring portion 23c.

[0033] The measuring device 100 is equipped with a voltage source 30. The voltage source 30 generates a potential difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22.

[0034] In this embodiment, an appropriate voltage is applied so that the first electrode 21 becomes the anode and the second electrode 22 becomes the cathode.

[0035] The first electrode 21 is made of, for example, silver. However, it is not limited to this, and the first electrode 21 may be made of other materials such as platinum or gold.

[0036] The second electrode 22 is made of, for example, platinum. However, it is not limited to this, and the second electrode 22 may be made of another material, such as gold or silver.

[0037] Furthermore, the third electrode 23 is made of, for example, platinum. However, it is not limited to this, and the third electrode 23 may be made of other materials such as gold, carbon, or ITO (transparent electrode).

[0038] In this configuration, when the voltage source 30 is activated and a voltage is applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22, an oxidation reaction occurs at the first electrode 21 and the second contact portion 23b, and a reduction reaction occurs at the second electrode 22 and the first contact portion 23a. This phenomenon is called bipolar electrochemistry, and the third electrode 23 is called a bipolar electrode. The voltage applied by the voltage source 30 is set to a voltage lower than the voltage at which electrolysis of the electrolyte E or reagent I occurs.

[0039] In this configuration, the higher the oxygen concentration in the electrolyte E in the second chamber R2, the more the reduction reaction in the first contact area 23a is promoted, and consequently, the oxidation reaction in the reagent I in the third chamber R3 proceeds in the second contact area 23b.

[0040] In reagent I, a visual change in state occurs depending on the current flowing between the second contact portion 23b (third electrode 23) and the second electrode 22.

[0041] When reagent I is an ECL solution, reagent I emits light in the vicinity of the second contact portion 23b due to the current flowing through the third electrode 23 as a result of the oxidation reaction, and the emission intensity increases as the current value increases. That is, the higher the oxygen concentration in sample S, the higher the oxygen concentration in electrolyte E, and the greater the current flowing between the second contact portion 23b and reagent I in relation to the voltage applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 by the voltage source 30, the greater the emission intensity of reagent I in the vicinity of the second contact portion 23b. Conversely, the lower the oxygen concentration in sample S, the lower the oxygen concentration in electrolyte E, and the smaller the current flowing between the second contact portion 23b and reagent I in relation to the voltage applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 by the voltage source 30, the smaller the emission intensity of reagent I in the vicinity of the second contact portion 23b. Therefore, the operator can visually determine the oxygen concentration in the sample S by observing the luminescence intensity of reagent I near the second contact portion 23b from outside the measuring device 100, i.e., by its brightness. Alternatively, a computer may acquire the brightness value of the luminescence region of reagent I via an imaging device such as a camera, and calculate the oxygen concentration corresponding to that brightness value by referring to data showing the correlation between the brightness value and the oxygen concentration.

[0042] If reagent I is a pH test solution, reagent I changes to an acidic color in the vicinity of the second contact portion 23b due to oxidation reactions occurring in the vicinity of the second contact portion 23b. The color changes to one corresponding to a lower pH as the current value between the second contact portion 23b and reagent I increases. In other words, the higher the oxygen concentration in sample S, the higher the oxygen concentration in electrolyte E, and the greater the current flowing between the second contact portion 23b and reagent I relative to the voltage applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 by the voltage source 30. As a result, the color of reagent I in the vicinity of the second contact portion 23b changes to one corresponding to a lower pH. Conversely, the lower the oxygen concentration in sample S, the lower the oxygen concentration in electrolyte E, and the smaller the current flowing between the second contact portion 23b and reagent I relative to the voltage applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 by the voltage source 30. As a result, the color of reagent I in the vicinity of the second contact portion 23b changes to one corresponding to a higher pH. Therefore, the operator can visually determine the oxygen concentration in the sample S by observing the color of reagent I near the second contact area 23b from outside the measuring device 100, for example. Alternatively, a computer may acquire the RGB brightness values ​​of the colored area of ​​reagent I via an imaging device such as a camera, and calculate the oxygen concentration corresponding to the RGB brightness value by referring to data showing the correlation between the RGB brightness value and the oxygen concentration.

[0043] As described above, in the measuring device 100A(100) of this embodiment, a visual change corresponding to the oxygen concentration of the sample S can be produced in the reagent I near the second contact portion 23b (contact portion) of the third electrode 23 that comes into contact with the reagent I in the third chamber R3. Therefore, the operator can visually grasp the oxygen concentration of the sample S by observing the brightness and color of the reagent I.

[0044] [Second Embodiment] [Configuration of the measuring device] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the measuring device 100B(100) of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, a plurality of first chambers R1 are arranged in a matrix (array) in the first part 11, and a plurality of second contact parts 23b are arranged in a matrix in the third part 13. That is, the first part 11 is provided with a matrix M1 of the first chambers R1, and the third part 13 is provided with a matrix M2 of the second contact parts 23b. Each of the second contact parts 23b is provided corresponding to a first chamber R1. As described above, the visual state of reagent I changes in the vicinity of the second contact parts 23b in accordance with the oxygen concentration of the sample S. Therefore, by knowing in advance the correspondence between the position of the second contact parts 23b in matrix M2 and the position of the first chambers R1 in matrix M1, the oxygen concentrations of multiple samples S can be determined simultaneously. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the matrix M1 and matrix M2 are arranged side by side in the Y direction, making it easy to visually grasp the correspondence between each position in matrix M1 and each position in matrix M2. This provides the advantage of easily grasping the visual state of reagent I corresponding to each sample S, i.e., the oxygen concentration. Moreover, according to this embodiment, by comparing the visual state of reagent I at the positions of multiple second contact portions 23b in matrix M2, i.e., brightness, color, etc., it becomes possible to compare the oxygen concentration among multiple samples S.

[0045] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the measuring device 100B. As shown in Figure 3, the measuring device 100B comprises a substrate 101, an insulating layer 102, an intermediate member 103, an oxygen permeable membrane 14, a lid member 15, and an upper member 104.

[0046] The substrate 101 is made of an insulator. The first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 23 are formed on the surface 101a of the substrate 101.

[0047] The first electrode 21 has a terminal portion 21a, a wiring portion 21b, and a contact portion 21c that is exposed to the second chamber R2 and in contact with the electrolyte E. The contact portion 21c is electrically connected to the terminal portion 21a via the wiring portion 21b.

[0048] The second electrode 22 has a terminal portion 22a, a wiring portion 22b, and a plurality of contact portions 22c that are exposed to the third chamber R3 and come into contact with reagent I. The contact portions 22c are electrically connected to the terminal portion 22a via the wiring portion 22b.

[0049] The third electrode 23 is provided corresponding to each of the second chambers R2, which are in a one-to-one correspondence with the first chamber R1. The third electrode 23 has a first contact portion 23a exposed to each second chamber R2, a second contact portion 23b exposed to the third chamber R3, and a wiring portion 23c that electrically connects the first contact portion 23a and the second contact portion 23b.

[0050] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the third electrode 23 and the first electrode 21 and second electrode 22 in its vicinity. As shown in Figure 4, the first contact portion 23a is formed in a substantially circular shape. The contact portion 21c of the first electrode 21 is provided with a notch that accommodates (surrounds) the first contact portion 23a with a substantially C-shaped gap g1. That is, the first contact portion 23a faces the contact portion 21c of the first electrode 21 through the gap g1.

[0051] Each of the second contact portions 23b is formed in a substantially circular shape. The contact portion 22c of the second electrode 22 is provided with a notch that accommodates (surrounds) the second contact portion 23b with a substantially C-shaped gap g2. That is, the second contact portion 23b faces the contact portion 22c of the second electrode 22 through the gap g2.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the insulating layer 102 has a substantially constant thickness in the Z direction and extends intersecting the Z direction. The insulating layer 102 partially covers the surface 101a of the substrate 101, the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 23, and together with the substrate 101, insulates the electrodes from each other. The insulating layer 102 is provided with openings 102a and 102b, and in the regions overlapping with these openings 102a and 102b, the electrodes are not insulated from each other by the insulating layer 102. Furthermore, the insulating layer 102 does not cover the terminal portions 21a and 22a of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22, respectively. In other words, the terminal portions 21a and 22a are not covered by the insulating layer 102 and are exposed. The insulating layer 102 is made of an insulator such as polyimide.

[0053] The openings 102a are provided corresponding to each of the second chambers R2, have a substantially circular shape in plan view, and penetrate the insulating layer 102 in the Z direction. The insulating layer 102 covers the wiring portion 21b of the first electrode 21 and the portion of the contact portion 21c that is outside the portion along the edge of the notch described above (the portion outside the dashed line of the second chamber R2 in Figure 4). The insulating layer 102 also exposes the first contact portion 23a of the third electrode 23 and the portion of the contact portion 21c of the first electrode 21 that is along the edge of the notch surrounding the first contact portion 23a (the portion inside the dashed line of the second chamber R2 in Figure 4) inside the openings 102a.

[0054] The opening 102b is provided corresponding to the third chamber R3, has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view, and penetrates the insulating layer 102 in the Z direction. Protrusions 102c are provided at the edge of the opening 102b, each corresponding to the second contact portion 23b of the third electrode 23, and projecting into the opening 102b. An annular portion is provided at the tip of the protrusion 102c. This annular portion covers the annular gap g2 (see Figure 4) between the second contact portion 23b and the notch of the contact portion 22c of the second electrode 22 that surrounds it. The insulating layer 102 covers the gap g2 and the wiring portion 23c of the third electrode 23. Furthermore, the insulating layer 102 exposes the second contact portion 23b of the third electrode 23 and a relatively wide area of ​​the contact portion 22c of the second electrode 22 inside the opening 102b.

[0055] The intermediate member 103 is placed on the insulating layer 102. The intermediate member 103 has a substantially constant thickness in the Z direction and extends intersecting the Z direction. The intermediate member 103 is provided with an opening 103a that forms the side surface of the second chamber R2 and an opening 103c that forms the side surface of the third chamber R3. The opening 103a has a substantially circular shape in plan view and penetrates the intermediate member 103 in the Z direction. The opening 103c has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view and penetrates the intermediate member 103 in the Z direction.

[0056] As is clear from Figure 3, the second chamber R2 is provided corresponding to each of the multiple first contact portions 23a (third electrode 23), while the third chamber R3 is shared by multiple second contact portions 23b (third electrode 23). Since the visual state change of reagent I mainly occurs in the vicinity of the second contact portions 23b, there is no problem even if the third chamber R3 is shared by multiple third electrodes 23 in this way. The intermediate member 103 is made of an insulator such as epoxy resin. In this embodiment, the number of third chambers R3 is 1, but there may be 2 or more.

[0057] Furthermore, the intermediate member 103 is provided with slits 103b1 and 103b2, which constitute air vents for removing air from the opening 103a (second chamber R2) during assembly or before measurement. The air vents are formed by being surrounded by the sides of the slits 103b1 and 103b2, the insulating layer 102 below, and the oxygen permeable membrane 14 above. Slit 103b2 connects multiple openings 103a, i.e., multiple second chambers R2. Also, slit 103b1 is connected to multiple openings 103a, i.e., multiple second chambers R2, via slit 103b2, and is also connected to the outer edge of the intermediate member 103, i.e., outside the measuring device 100B. With this configuration, by performing air venting, it is possible to suppress the remaining air in the multiple second chambers R2. Note that slit 103b1 may be closed when measurement is performed.

[0058] Furthermore, the intermediate member 103 is provided with a slit 103d that constitutes an air vent hole for removing air from the opening 103c (third chamber R3) during assembly or before measurement. The air vent hole is formed by being surrounded by the side surface of the slit 103d, the insulating layer 102 below it, and the cover member 15 above it. The slit 103d is in communication with the opening 103c, i.e., the third chamber R3, and also with the outer edge of the intermediate member 103, i.e., outside the measuring device 100B. With this configuration, by performing the air venting operation, it is possible to suppress the remaining air in the third chamber R3. Note that the slit 103d may be closed when measurement is performed.

[0059] The oxygen permeable membrane 14 covers the intermediate member 103 from above, in a range that includes multiple openings 103a on its interior.

[0060] The lid member 15 covers the intermediate member 103 from above, in the area that includes the opening 103c on its inside.

[0061] The upper member 104 is placed on the oxygen permeable membrane 14. The upper member 104 has a substantially constant thickness in the Z direction and extends intersecting the Z direction. The upper member 104 is provided with an opening 104a that is aligned in the Z direction with the first contact portion 23a of the third electrode 23, the opening 102a of the insulating layer 102, and the opening 103a of the intermediate member 103. The opening 104a has a substantially circular shape in plan view and penetrates the upper member 104 in the Z direction.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first portion 11 includes an upper member 104 and an oxygen permeable membrane 14. The upper member 104 forms the side surface of the first chamber R1, and the oxygen permeable membrane 14 forms the bottom surface of the first chamber R1.

[0063] Furthermore, the second part 12 includes an oxygen permeable membrane 14, an intermediate member 103, an insulating layer 102, and a substrate 101. The oxygen permeable membrane 14 forms the top surface of the second chamber R2, the intermediate member 103 and the insulating layer 102 form the sides of the second chamber R2, and the substrate 101 forms the bottom surface of the second chamber R2. At the bottom surface of the second chamber R2, a part of the contact portion 21c of the first electrode 21 and the first contact portion 23a of the third electrode 23 are exposed.

[0064] In this embodiment as well, the second chamber R2 is separated from the first chamber R1 via the oxygen permeable membrane 14. However, oxygen is introduced into the electrolyte E contained in the second chamber R2 from the sample S contained in the first chamber R1 via the oxygen permeable membrane 14.

[0065] Furthermore, the third portion 13 includes a lid member 15, an intermediate member 103, an insulating layer 102, and a substrate 101. The lid member 15 forms the top surface of the third chamber R3, the intermediate member 103 forms the side surface of the third chamber R3, and the insulating layer 102 and substrate 101 form the bottom surface of the third chamber R3. At the bottom surface of the third chamber R3, a part of the contact portion 22c of the second electrode and the second contact portion 23b of the third electrode 23 are exposed.

[0066] [Arrangement of the matrices of multiple first chambers and the matrix of the second contact portion of the third electrode] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the matrix M1 of multiple first chambers R1 and the matrix M2 of multiple second contact portions 23b in the measuring device 100B of this embodiment. Matrix M1 is an example of a first matrix, and matrix M2 is an example of a second matrix.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, matrices M1 and M2 are each arranged in an m x n matrix. In this embodiment, m and n are both 4, but are not limited to this; m and n can be integers of 1 or greater, as long as m x n is an integer of 2 or greater.

[0068] Here, as shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the wiring portion 23c that electrically connects the first contact portion 23a and the second contact portion 23b of the third electrode 23 is arranged planarly on the surface 101a in a manner that does not intersect with each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to make the wiring portion 23c as short as possible, it is arranged on the surface 101a in the region between the contact portion 21c of the first electrode 21 and the contact portion 21c of the second electrode 22, and in the region adjacent to the contact portions 21c and 22c in the X direction. For this reason, the first contact portion 23a of the third electrode 23B is separated from the first contact portion 23a of the third electrode 23A in the opposite direction in the Y direction (to the right in Figure 4), while the second contact portion 23b of the third electrode 23B is separated from the second contact portion 23b of the third electrode 23A in the Y direction (to the left in Figure 4). Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first chamber R1 (not shown in Figure 4) in which the sample S is contained is aligned in the Z direction with respect to the first contact portion 23a.

[0069] Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the component of the first chamber R1 in matrix M1 is M1 ij Let (where i=1,2,···,m, j=1,2,···,n), and the component of the second contact portion 23b corresponding to the first chamber R1 and the second chamber R2 in the matrix M2 be M2 ijIn this case, the column directions Dc are parallel between matrix M1 and matrix M2, while the row directions Dr are antiparallel (parallel and opposite). In this case, in a plan view, the components of matrix M1 and matrix M2 are symmetric with respect to a virtual line VL extending in the X direction between matrices M1 and M2. Thus, in this embodiment, since the column directions Dc are parallel, the row directions Dr are antiparallel, and the corresponding components of matrices M1 and M2 are arranged regularly, the measurer can easily grasp the second contact portion 23b corresponding to the first chamber R1.

[0070] Furthermore, in Figure 5, in the third chamber R3, a luminescence region or discoloration region of reagent I occurs, overlapping with the second contact area 23b. In Figure 5, as an example, when reagent I is an ECL solution, the higher the brightness of the luminescence region, the finer the dot pattern inside the second contact area 23b (≒luminescence region), and the lower the brightness, the coarser the dot pattern. As can be seen from Figure 5, when there is a difference in oxygen concentration among multiple samples S, a difference in brightness occurs in the luminescence region overlapping with the second contact area 23b, as shown in Figure 5, allowing the measurer to make a relative comparison of the oxygen concentration of the samples S contained in each first chamber R1. Similar results can be obtained when reagent I is a pH test solution.

[0071] Furthermore, during measurement, a reference solution with a known oxygen concentration may be placed in at least one of the multiple first chambers R1. In this case, the brightness or color of reagent I near the second contact section 23b (for example, the second contact section 23bR in Figure 5) corresponding to the first chamber R1 containing the reference solution (for example, the first chamber R1R in Figure 5) can be used as a reference to visually determine the relative magnitude of the oxygen concentration of sample S placed in another first chamber R1 compared to the oxygen concentration of the reference solution, by measuring the difference in brightness relative to the reference brightness or the difference in color relative to the reference color.

[0072] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to simultaneously determine the oxygen concentrations of multiple samples S. Furthermore, by comparing the oxygen concentrations of multiple samples S, and by comparing them with the visual state (brightness, color, etc.) corresponding to a reference solution with a known oxygen concentration, it becomes possible to determine the relative magnitude of the oxygen concentration of each sample to a known value.

[0073] Furthermore, in conventional measuring devices in which an oxygen electrode is provided for each of the first chambers R1 that contain the sample, the number of external connection terminals electrically connected to each of the oxygen electrodes and the number of wires electrically connecting the oxygen electrodes to the external connection terminals increase as the number of first chambers R1 increases, which may lead to the measuring device becoming larger. In this regard, according to the measuring device 100B(100) of this embodiment, the terminal sections 21a and 22a as external connection terminals can be common to multiple first chambers R1, and consequently, the number of wiring sections 21b and 22b that electrically connect the terminal sections 21a and 22a to the contact sections 21c and 22c as oxygen electrodes can be reduced compared to the conventional measuring device, thus providing the advantage of being able to construct a more compact measuring device that can measure the oxygen concentration of more samples.

[0074] [Third Embodiment] Figure 6 is a plan view showing the third electrode 23 and the first electrode 21 and second electrode 22 in the vicinity of the measuring device 100C(100) of this embodiment. The measuring device 100C(100) of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the measuring device 100B of the second embodiment. Therefore, the measuring device 100C of this embodiment can also obtain the same effects as the second embodiment.

[0075] However, this embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the shape of the third electrode 23 and the layout of the wiring portion 23c. As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment as well, the wiring portion 23c that electrically connects the first contact portion 23a and the second contact portion 23b of the third electrode 23 is arranged planarly on the surface 101a without intersecting each other. However, in this embodiment, the wiring portion 23c is arranged on the surface 101a in the region between the contact portion 21c of the first electrode 21 and the contact portion 21c of the second electrode 22, in the region adjacent to the contact portions 21c and 22c in the X direction, and in the region adjacent to the contact portions 21c and 22c in the opposite direction in the X direction. For this reason, a part of the wiring portion 23c can be arranged in an S-shape in a plan view. In this case, the first contact portion 23a and the second contact portion 23b can be arranged in the same order for multiple third electrodes 23.

[0076] Figure 7 is a plan view showing the matrix M1 of multiple first chambers R1 and the matrix M2 of multiple second contact portions 23b in the measuring device 100C of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, both the column direction Dc and the row direction Dr are parallel in matrices M1 and M2, and the positions of the components of the first chambers R1 in matrix M1 and the positions of the components of the second contact portions 23b in matrix M2 are the same for corresponding elements. In this case as well, since the corresponding components of matrices M1 and M2 are arranged regularly, the operator can easily grasp the position of the second contact portion 23b corresponding to the first chamber R1.

[0077] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 8 is a plan view of the measuring device 100D(100) of this embodiment. The measuring device 100D(100) of the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the measuring device 100B of the second embodiment. Therefore, the measuring device 100D of this embodiment can also obtain the same effects as the second embodiment.

[0078] However, in this embodiment, the configuration of the upper member 104D is different from that of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the opening 104a that forms the first chamber R1 in the upper member 104D is a through hole that opens wider than in the second and third embodiments, has a substantially rectangular cross section, and extends in the Z direction. Also in this embodiment, the side surface of the first chamber R1 is formed by the upper member 104D, and the bottom surface of the first chamber R1 is formed by the oxygen permeable membrane 14.

[0079] And a plurality of second chambers R2 arranged in a matrix communicate with the first chamber R1 through the oxygen permeable membrane 14. Each of the second chambers R2 communicates with a position P in the first chamber R1 arranged in the Z direction with respect to the second chamber R2 through the oxygen permeable membrane 14. In this embodiment, a matrix M1 of a plurality of different positions P in the first chamber R1 is an example of a first matrix.

[0080] Oxygen is introduced into each of the second chambers R2 from the sample S located at the position P in the first chamber R1 through the oxygen permeable membrane 14. That is, oxygen corresponding to the local concentration of dissolved oxygen in the relatively wide first chamber R1 is introduced into the second chamber R2. In this embodiment, for each position P, the second chamber R2 and the second contact portion 23b of the third electrode 23 having the first contact portion 23a exposed to the second chamber R2 correspond to each other. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the measurer can measure the distribution of the dissolved oxygen concentration in the sample S based on the luminance and color of the reagent I in the vicinity of the second contact portion 23b corresponding to the position P.

[0081] The matrix M1 of the plurality of positions P and the matrix M2 of the plurality of second contact portions 23b can be set in the same manner as the matrix M1 of the second chamber R2 and the matrix M2 of the second contact portion 23b in the above embodiment. That is, the component of the position P in the matrix M1 is M1 ij (where i = 1, 2, ···, m, j = 1, 2, ···, n), and the component of the second contact portion 23b corresponding to the position P through the second chamber R2 in the matrix M2 is M2 ijIn this case, the columns Dc of matrix M1 and matrix M2 can be made parallel, and the rows Dr can be made antiparallel (same as in the second embodiment) or parallel (same as in the third embodiment). This allows the measurer to easily grasp the second contact portion 23b corresponding to each position P.

[0082] Although embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, each configuration, shape, and other specifications (structure, type, orientation, model, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) can be modified as appropriate.

[0083] For example, the rows of the first matrix and the second matrix may be parallel, and the columns may be parallel or antiparallel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10…Cabinet 11...First part 12…Second part 13…Third part 14…Oxygen permeable membrane 15…Lid component 16... Wall 21...First electrode 21a...Terminal section 21b...Wiring section 21c...Contact part 22…Second electrode 22a...Terminal section 22b...Wiring section 22c…Contact part 23,23A,23B…Third electrode 23a...first contact part 23b, 23bR…Second contact part 23c...Wiring section 30...Voltage source 100, 100A~100D... Measuring device 101... Circuit board 101a...side 102...Insulating layer 102a...Aperture 102b…Aperture 102c…Protrusion 103...Intermediate member 103a...Aperture 103b1... Slit (air vent hole) 103b2... Slit (air vent hole) 103c…Aperture 103d... Slit (air vent hole) 104, 104D… Upper member 104a...Aperture Dc…column direction Dr…row direction E...Electrolyte g1, g2... gaps I… Reagent M1…Matrix (First Matrix) M2…Matrix (Second Matrix) P…Position R1,R1R…First room R2…Second room R3…Third room S... Sample X…direction Y... Direction Z…direction

Claims

1. The first section is provided with the first chamber for containing the sample, An oxygen permeable membrane that can permeate oxygen, A second section is provided which contains an electrolyte solution and is separated from the first chamber by the oxygen permeable membrane, A third section is provided, which contains a third chamber for housing reagents. A first electrode in contact with the electrolyte, A second electrode that comes into contact with the reagent, A third electrode that comes into contact with both the electrolyte and the reagent, A voltage source that generates a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, Equipped with, The contact portion of the third electrode with the reagent is provided so as to be visible. A measuring device wherein a visual change in state occurs in the reagent contained in the third chamber in accordance with the current flowing between the second electrode and the third electrode.

2. The first part is provided with a plurality of first chambers, which are the first chambers. The second portion is provided with a plurality of second chambers, each corresponding to one of the first chambers, separated from each of the first chambers by the oxygen permeable membrane. Each of the second chambers is associated with a plurality of third electrodes, each having a first contact portion exposed to the second chamber and in contact with the electrolyte, a second contact portion exposed to the third chamber and acting as the contact portion, and a wiring portion electrically connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The measuring device according to claim 1.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of first chambers and the plurality of second contact portions, which are the second contact portions, are each arranged in a matrix of m rows × n columns (where m and n are integers of 1 or more, and m × n is an integer of 2 or more).

4. The component of the first matrix of the plurality of first chambers in the first chamber is M1 ｉｊ Let (where i = 1, 2, ..., m, j = 1, 2, ..., n), and the component of the second contact portion corresponding to the first chamber and the second chamber in the second matrix of the plurality of second contact portions be M2 ｉｊ In that case, The measuring device according to claim 3, wherein in the first matrix and the second matrix, one of the row direction, which is the direction in which j increases, and the column direction, which is the direction in which i increases, are parallel, and the other is either parallel or antiparallel.

5. The second portion is provided with a plurality of second chambers, each communicating with a plurality of positions within the first chamber, and capable of introducing oxygen from the sample at each position into the electrolyte contained in the second chamber via the oxygen permeable membrane. The measuring device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of third electrodes, each corresponding to one of the aforementioned positions, having a first contact portion exposed in the second chamber and in contact with the electrolyte, a second contact portion exposed in the third chamber and serving as the contact portion, and a wiring portion electrically connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

6. The measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of positions and the plurality of second contacts as second contacts are each arranged in a matrix of m rows × n columns (wherein m and n are integers of 1 or more, and m × n is an integer of 2 or more).

7. The component of each position in the first matrix of the aforementioned plurality of positions is M1 ｉｊ Let (where i = 1, 2, ..., m, j = 1, 2, ..., n), and the component of the second contact portion corresponding to the position and the second chamber in the second matrix of the plurality of second contact portions be M2 ｉｊ In that case, The measuring device according to claim 6, wherein in the first matrix and the second matrix, one of the row direction, which is the direction in which j increases, and the column direction, which is the direction in which i increases, are parallel, and the other is either parallel or antiparallel.

8. The measuring device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the plurality of wiring sections, which constitute the wiring section, are arranged in a planar manner without intersecting each other.

9. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an air vent hole is provided that communicates with the second chamber.

10. Multiple second rooms are provided as the aforementioned second rooms. The measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the air vents are provided with communication holes that connect the plurality of second chambers.

11. The measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the reagent is an electrochemiluminescent solution.

12. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the reagent is a pH test solution.

13. The first section is provided with the first chamber for containing the sample, An oxygen permeable membrane that can permeate oxygen, A second section is provided which contains an electrolyte solution and is separated from the first chamber by the oxygen permeable membrane, A third section is provided, which contains a third chamber for housing reagents. A first electrode in contact with the electrolyte, A second electrode that comes into contact with the reagent, A third electrode that comes into contact with both the electrolyte and the reagent, A voltage source that generates a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, Equipped with, The contact portion of the third electrode with the reagent is provided so as to be visible. Using a measuring device in which a visual state change occurs in the reagent contained in the third chamber in accordance with the current flowing between the second electrode and the third electrode, A measurement method comprising: placing the sample in the first chamber; generating a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode using the voltage source; and causing a visual change in the state of the reagent.

14. In the aforementioned measuring device, The first part is provided with a plurality of first chambers, which are the first chambers. The second portion is provided with a plurality of second chambers, each corresponding to one of the first chambers, separated from each of the first chambers by the oxygen permeable membrane. As the third electrode corresponding to each of the second chambers, a plurality of third electrodes are provided, each having a first contact portion exposed in the second chamber and in contact with the electrolyte, a second contact portion exposed in the third chamber and acting as the contact portion, and a wiring portion electrically connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The sample is placed in at least one of the plurality of first chambers, and a reference solution with a known oxygen concentration is placed in a first chamber separate from the first chamber containing the sample. The measurement method according to claim 13, wherein a potential difference is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode by the voltage source, causing a visual change in the state of the reagent.

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