The supplied optical cell and concentration meter set includes an optical cell.

Abstract

DEPCT6907 / 10 / 2568 What is provided is an optical cell for receiving the sample in order to measure the concentration of the sample. Methods for measuring light absorption may improve operational capabilities and measurement accuracy. More than a typical device. Optical cell 2 for sample packing used in concentration meter sets for measurement. The sample concentration is measured using an absorbance method that includes a directional packed section 21. Longitudinal and short directions in the horizontal cross-section and 24 projections extending from the sides in the longitudinal direction. Along the length of the packing section 21 in the short direction;

Description

Optical cell and concentration measuring device equipped with the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical cell for containing a sample when measuring the concentration of the sample by absorptiometry, and a concentration measuring device including the same.

[0002] In medical settings, medical instruments used in surgeries and other procedures are cleaned, sterilized, and reused. For patient safety, endoscopes must be cleaned using a specified concentration of high-level disinfectant after wiping off visible dirt (see "Guidelines for Standardization of Cleaning and Disinfection of Gastrointestinal Endoscopes" published by the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society and the Japanese Association of Infectious Diseases). Because disinfectants used for cleaning are relatively expensive, they are typically used repeatedly a certain number of times or for a certain period of time, and their concentration is measured before use to ensure they meet the specified concentration. Patent Document 1 discloses technology related to a device that uses absorptiometry to measure the concentration of such disinfectants.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-69969

[0004] Concentration measuring devices that measure the concentration of a sample by absorptiometry are equipped with an optical cell to contain the sample. The optical cell is detachable from the device and is replaced after each use (disposable), and is the part that users touch most frequently during measurement. It also contains the sample and affects measurement accuracy. As such, the optical cell is a part that affects operability and measurement accuracy, and there is a demand for optical cells that can improve these aspects.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical cell that can improve workability or measurement accuracy, and a concentration measuring device including the same.

[0006] (Configuration 1) In a concentration measurement device that measures the concentration of a sample by absorptiometry, an optical cell in which the sample is contained comprises a container section having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction in a horizontal cross section, and a convex portion extending outward from the longitudinal side of the container section along the lateral direction.

[0007] (Configuration 2) The optical cell according to Configuration 1, wherein the convex portion forms a short extension portion that extends outward along a short side direction in the shape of the bottom surface of the container portion.

[0008] (Configuration 3) The optical cell according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the container portion has a substantially rectangular shape in horizontal cross section, and the convex portion is formed so as to extend a side surface along the short direction of the substantially rectangle.

[0009] (Configuration 4) The optical cell according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising an inlet portion formed at an upper end of the optical cell, the inlet portion having a horizontal cross-sectional area larger than that of the storage portion.

[0010] (Configuration 5) The optical cell according to Configuration 4, further comprising an introduction section whose horizontal cross-sectional area is formed larger than that of the storage section and which is positioned between the injection inlet section and the storage section.

[0011] (Configuration 6) The optical cell according to Configuration 5, wherein the side surfaces of the storage section and the introduction section opposite to the side surfaces on which the convex sections are formed are formed as a continuous flat surface.

[0012] (Configuration 7) A concentration measuring device including the optical cell according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, the concentration measuring device including a receiving portion that receives the optical cell, the receiving portion having a recess that receives the convex portion only in a predetermined direction.

[0013] (Configuration 8) The concentration measuring device according to Configuration 7, which is configured to irradiate light onto the sample along the longitudinal direction of the storage unit and receive light that has passed through the sample, by providing a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit at positions facing a side surface along the short direction of the storage unit.

[0014] (Configuration 9) The concentration measuring device according to Configuration 8, further comprising a sample temperature sensor at a position facing a side surface along the longitudinal direction of the storage section.

[0015] (Configuration 10) The concentration measuring device according to Configuration 9, wherein the sample temperature sensor is disposed so that the height of the optical path from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit is positioned within the height range of the measurement target range.

[0016] (Configuration 11) The concentration measuring device according to configuration 9 or 10, wherein the sample temperature sensor is provided so as to face a side surface opposite to the side surface on which the protrusion is formed.

[0017] (Configuration 12) A concentration measuring device described in any of configurations 8 to 11, which is provided with a cell insertion sensor arranged below the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit and facing the storage unit, and after the cell insertion sensor detects the insertion of the optical cell, the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit perform a process of obtaining transmittance or absorbance information of the optical cell itself as a reference.

[0018] (Configuration 13) A concentration measuring device described in any of configurations 9 to 12, which includes a sample detection sensor arranged above the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit and facing the storage unit, and which, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the sample detection sensor detected the injection of a sample into the optical cell, executes a process of acquiring temperature information using the sample temperature sensor and a process of acquiring transmittance or absorbance information of the sample using the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit.

[0019] According to the optical cell of the present invention or a concentration measuring device including the same, it is possible to improve workability or measurement accuracy.

[0020] A perspective view showing the appearance of a concentration measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. A block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the concentration measurement device according to an embodiment. A perspective view showing the appearance of an optical cell according to an embodiment. A plan view showing an optical cell according to an embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing an optical cell according to an embodiment. A diagram showing an optical cell receiving portion of the concentration measurement device according to an embodiment. A cross-sectional view of a cell holder unit of the concentration measurement device according to an embodiment. A flowchart showing an outline of the processing operation of the concentration measurement device according to an embodiment.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of how the present invention can be realized, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a concentration measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the concentration measuring apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0023] The concentration measuring device 1 of this embodiment is a concentration measuring device that measures the concentration of a disinfectant solution such as a glutaral aqueous solution or a phthalaral aqueous solution, which has a correlation between temperature, transmittance or absorbance, and concentration, based on measurement of the temperature and transmittance or absorbance, and comprises an optical cell 2 that contains the disinfectant solution, a radiation temperature sensor 103 that functions as both a sample temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the disinfectant solution and an environmental temperature sensor for measuring the environmental temperature, a light emitting unit 141 and a light receiving unit 142 that are optical sensors for measuring the transmittance or absorbance of the disinfectant solution, a memory unit 102 in which various data and programs required for operation of the device are permanently or temporarily stored, an input unit 105 that serves as a user interface and has input means such as a power button 1051 and operation buttons, an output unit 106 that serves as a user interface and has output means such as a display screen 1061 and indicators, a cover 107 that covers the optical cell 2 when the optical cell 2 is attached to the device to prevent light from entering from outside the device, and a lid sensor 171 that senses whether the cover 107 is open or closed. The device comprises a cell insertion sensor 182 for detecting that the optical cell 2 has been attached to the device, a sample detection sensor 181 for detecting that a sample (disinfectant) has been poured into the optical cell 2 attached to the device, and a control / calculation unit 101 for controlling each part of the device, performing various calculation processes, and also functioning as a concentration measurement unit. Note that with regard to the above-mentioned "transmittance or absorbance," absorbance is the logarithm of the reciprocal of transmittance, and the difference between transmittance and absorbance does not bring about a conceptual difference in the application of the present invention (for example, when treated as absorbance, a conversion based on the above-mentioned relational expression can be performed), and therefore, hereinafter, it will be simply referred to as "transmittance."

[0024] 3 to 5 are diagrams showing the optical cell, respectively: FIG. 3(a): a perspective view seen from above; FIG. 3(b): a perspective view seen from below; FIG. 4(a): a top view; FIG. 4(b): a right side view; FIG. 4(c): a left side view; FIG. 4(d): a front view; FIG. 4(e): a rear view; FIG. 4(f): a bottom view; FIG. 5(a): a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 4(c); FIG. 5(b): a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 4(d); FIG. 5(c): a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 4(d); and FIG. 5(d): a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 4(d). The optical cell 2 is a container formed of a material that transmits light emitted by the light-emitting unit 141 and contains approximately several cc of sample (disinfectant). The optical cell 2 is detachable from the concentration measurement device 1 and is basically a disposable (throw-away) component. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the optical cell 2 of this embodiment is a storage section for storing a sample, and is configured to include: a storage section 21 at the lower side of the optical cell 2, which has a shape having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction in a horizontal cross section; an injection inlet section 23 formed at the upper end of the optical cell 2 and having a cross-sectional area in the horizontal cross section (outer diameter shape of the horizontal cross section) larger than that of the storage section 21; an introduction section 22 located between the injection inlet section 23 and the storage section 21, which has a cross-sectional area in the horizontal cross section (outer diameter shape of the horizontal cross section) larger than that of the storage section 21 but smaller than that of the injection inlet section 23; and a convex section 24 extending outward in the lateral direction from the side surface along the longitudinal direction of the storage section 21.

[0025] In this embodiment, the storage section 21 has a substantially rectangular shape in horizontal cross section, and the introduction section 22 has a substantially square shape in horizontal cross section. Furthermore, the injection port 23 connected to the introduction section 22 has a rounded square shape at its upper end. Between the storage section 21 and the introduction section 22, and between the introduction section 22 and the injection port 23, there are shape transition sections that gradually change from one cross-sectional shape to the other. The optical cell 2 of this embodiment, with its configuration described above, offers excellent operability for sample injection and can maintain measurement accuracy while reducing the amount of sample required for measurement. Specifically, the injection port 23 has a rounded square shape that is close to a circle, which improves operability for sample injection using a pipette or syringe. Furthermore, by making the storage section 21 rectangular in cross section, the volume of the storage section 21 into which the sample is placed is reduced (specifically, from approximately 5 ml to approximately 2 ml). Reducing the amount of liquid that needs to be injected improves operability and prevents waste of disinfectant. In addition, the rectangular cross-section of the storage section 21, i.e., having a longitudinal direction in a horizontal cross-section, ensures a sufficient optical path length for measurement by the optical sensor, thereby enabling a small volume while maintaining measurement accuracy. Furthermore, the longitudinal shape (i.e., having a wide side surface) ensures a sufficient measurement area for the radiation temperature sensor 103, thereby enabling a small volume while maintaining measurement accuracy. Furthermore, the small volume and the rectangular cross-section, which provides a larger surface area per volume than a square cross-section, also contribute to faster thermal equilibrium of the disinfectant (faster thermal equilibrium when the temperatures of the optical cell and the disinfectant are different). The rectangular cross-section of the storage section 21 is offset to one side (right side) relative to the square cross-section of the introduction section 22. As a result, the side (right side) opposite the side on which the convex portion 24 of the storage section 21 and introduction section 22 is formed is formed as a continuous flat surface.As a result, one side surface (right side surface) of the storage section 21 and the introduction section 22 is formed as a continuous flat surface without any irregularities, which increases the degree of freedom in installing the radiation temperature sensor 103 in a position opposite this side surface.

[0026] In this embodiment, the convex portion 24 is formed so as to extend the side surface (rear surface) along the short side of the storage unit 21, and forms a short extension extending outward along the short side of the storage unit 21 in the bottom shape of the storage unit 21 (see FIG. 4( f)). The convex portion 24 forms a short extension extending in the short side of the storage unit 21 at the bottom of the optical cell 2, thereby improving the stability of the optical cell 2 when it is upright. Furthermore, the convex portion 24 is not rotationally symmetrical in a cross-sectional view of the optical cell 2, and the receiving unit 109 of the concentration measuring device 1, described below, has a shape corresponding to this. This allows the optical cell 2 to be attached in a constant orientation. Since the insertion direction of the optical cell is always constant, the stability of measurement accuracy is improved.

[0027] The concentration measuring device 1 includes a receiving section 109 into which the optical cell 2 is inserted. FIG. 6( a ) shows the concentration measuring device 1 with the cover 107 open, FIG. 6( b ) is an enlarged perspective view of the receiving section 109, and FIG. 6( c ) shows the state in FIG. 6( b ) with the optical cell 2 attached. The receiving section 109 has a shape corresponding to the outer diameter of the optical cell 2 and has a recess 191 that receives the convex portion 24 of the optical cell 2 only in a predetermined direction so that the optical cell 2 is always attached in a specific direction. Because the receiving section 109 has a shape corresponding to the outer diameter of the optical cell 2, the optical cell 2 is attached in a fixed position in the concentration measuring device 1 without any rattle or play. This improves the stability of measurement accuracy. The receiving section 109 also has a marking 192 that indicates the correct insertion direction of the optical cell 2. Usability is improved by providing a marking that resembles the cross-sectional shape of the optical cell 2 (indicating the direction of the convex portion 24).

[0028] The radiation temperature sensor 103 is provided at a position facing the area of ​​the optical cell 2 attached to the concentration measuring device 1 where the disinfectant is contained, and measures the temperature of the sample (disinfectant) in a non-contact manner. The radiation temperature sensor (sample temperature sensor) 103 is disposed on a side surface along the longitudinal direction of the housing section 21 of the optical cell 2 when the optical cell 2 is attached to the concentration measuring device 1, facing the side surface (right side surface) opposite the side surface on which the convex portion 24 is formed. As described above, the right side surface of the housing section 21 is formed as a continuous flat surface without any irregularities. By disposing the radiation temperature sensor 103 at a position facing this side surface, the degree of freedom in installing the radiation temperature sensor 103 is increased. Furthermore, since the right side surface of the housing section 21 is a surface along the longitudinal direction and has a large area, it is easy to ensure a measurement area for the radiation temperature sensor 103. The radiation temperature sensor 103 is connected to the control / calculation unit 101, and the reading of the sensor value, etc., is controlled by the control / calculation unit 101.

[0029] The light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142, which are optical sensors for measuring the transmittance of the disinfectant solution, are each positioned so that the optical axis of the light-emitting unit 141 passes through the disinfectant solution in the optical cell 2 and so that the light-receiving unit 142 can receive light that has passed through the disinfectant solution. When the optical cell 2 is attached to the concentration measurement device 1, the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142 are positioned opposite a side surface of the optical cell 2 along the shorter direction of the storage unit 21, and are configured to irradiate light onto the sample along the longer direction of the storage unit 21 and receive light that has passed through the sample. In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 141 is positioned opposite the rear surface of the storage unit 21, and the light-receiving unit 142 is positioned opposite the front surface of the storage unit 21. The light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142 are also positioned so that the height of the optical path from the light-emitting unit 141 to the light-receiving unit 142 is within the height range of the measurement area (measurement target range) of the radiation temperature sensor (sample temperature sensor) 103. Note that, here, an example is shown in which the light-emitting unit 141 is arranged to face one side (rear face) of the optical cell 2, and the light-receiving unit 142 is arranged to face the opposite side (front face), with the optical path being within the height range of the measurement target range of the sample temperature sensor, but the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142 may be arranged in any manner as long as they are configured to receive light that has passed through the disinfectant. The light-emitting unit 141 is connected to the control / calculation unit 101 via a driver circuit 1411 that drives the light emission, and the timing of the light emission, etc. are controlled by the control / calculation unit 101. The light-receiving unit 142 is also connected to the control / calculation unit 101, and the control / calculation unit 101 controls the reading of the sensor value and calculates the transmittance based on the sensor value, etc.

[0030] FIG. 7 shows cross-sectional views of the cell holder unit that holds the optical cell 2 inserted into the device and the substrate on which each sensor is mounted. FIG. 7(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view, and FIG. 7(b) is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG. 7(a). As can be seen from FIG. 7, the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142 are configured to irradiate the disinfectant solution AS (sample) with light along the longitudinal direction of the storage unit 21 and receive the light transmitted through the disinfectant solution AS. This ensures a sufficient optical path length for measurement by the optical sensor, thereby enabling improved measurement accuracy of the disinfectant solution AS transmittance while reducing the volume. The radiation temperature sensor 103 is positioned facing a surface (a surface having a large area) along the longitudinal direction of the storage unit 21, opposite the surface on which the convex portion 24 is formed. The radiation temperature sensor 103, the light-emitting unit 141, and the light-receiving unit 142 are positioned at the same height, so that the optical path is within the height range of the measurement target range of the sample temperature sensor. This configuration makes it possible to measure the liquid temperature in the optical path (i.e., the portion where the transmittance is measured), thereby improving the measurement accuracy.

[0031] The sample detection sensor 181 and the cell insertion sensor 182 are both composed of optical sensors (light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit). The cell insertion sensor 182, which is a sensor for detecting that the optical cell 2 has been attached to the device, is disposed below the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142 and facing the storage unit 21, as shown in FIG. 7( a). By being disposed below the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142, it is ensured that the optical cell 2 is present in a position facing the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142 when the optical cell 2 is detected by the cell insertion sensor 182. The sample detection sensor 181, which is a sensor for detecting that the disinfectant solution AS has been poured into the optical cell 2 attached to the device, is disposed above the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142 and facing the storage unit 21. By being positioned above the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142, when the disinfectant solution AS in the optical cell 2 is detected by the sample detection sensor 181, it is ensured that the disinfectant solution AS is present in the optical cell 2 at a position facing the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142. Both the sample detection sensor 181 and the cell insertion sensor 182 detect the insertion of the optical cell 2 and the injection of the disinfectant solution AS by changes in reflectance (the level of light received by the light-receiving unit). The sample detection sensor 181 and the cell insertion sensor 182 are connected to the control and calculation unit 101, and the control and calculation unit 101 controls the reading of the sensor values ​​(and the light emission therefor) and performs the above-mentioned various determination processes based on the sensor values ​​(changes in reflectance).

[0032] The input unit 105 and output unit 106, which are user interfaces, can be any input interface such as a button, a touch panel, or a voice input unit, or any output interface such as a visual display device such as an indicator or a display screen, or an auditory output unit such as a speaker. Note that the input / output unit is not limited to an interface for the user, and may be any input / output unit for inputting and outputting information to and from other devices.

[0033] The lid sensor 171 is also composed of an optical sensor (light-emitting element and light-receiving element), is positioned opposite the cover 107 in the closed state, and detects whether the cover 107 is open or closed by changes in reflectance (the level of light received by the light-receiving element). The lid sensor 171 is also connected to the control and calculation unit 101, and the control and calculation unit 101 controls the reading of the sensor value (and the light emission for that purpose), and determines whether the cover 107 is open or closed based on the sensor value (change in reflectance). Note that, although the cell insertion sensor 182 and the lid sensor 171 are composed of optical sensors in this example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cell insertion sensor and the lid sensor may be composed of a sensor that detects a physical contact state.

[0034] The storage unit 102 stores (either permanently or temporarily) programs for executing the processes described below and data necessary for executing the processes described below (as well as various other data and programs necessary for the operation of the device). The storage unit 102 may use any storage device that can permanently or temporarily store this information.

[0035] The control / calculation unit 101 controls each component of the device and performs various calculations. It is configured using any semiconductor device equipped with a central processing unit (CPU), such as a microcomputer, that performs calculations. The control / calculation unit 101 controls each sensor and executes the process described below with reference to FIG. 8 based on a program stored in the storage unit 102. While not shown in the figure, the control / calculation unit 101 may be connected to each component via an analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion circuit, various filter circuits, and the like, as needed (i.e., circuits may be provided to convert signals into appropriate inputs and outputs to the control / calculation unit 101). While the processing units for each function are implemented as software on a general-purpose device (i.e., configured by a program running on the control / calculation unit 101), some or all of the components may be configured as hardware (e.g., by a dedicated IC).

[0036] Next, with reference to Figure 8, the processing operation of the concentration measuring device 1, mainly related to the present invention, will be described. For example, when an instruction to start the concentration measurement process is given, such as when the power button 1051 is pressed, the processing of Figure 8 is executed. In step 801, a process is executed to display on the display screen 1061 a message instructing the user to set an empty optical cell 2 in the concentration measuring device 1. In the following step 802, it is monitored whether the optical cell 2 has been inserted based on the sensor value of the cell insertion sensor 182. The message display process of step 801 continues until the optical cell 2 is inserted (step 802: No → step 801), and if it is determined that the optical cell 2 has been inserted (step 802: Yes), the process proceeds to step 803.

[0037] In step 803, after the empty optical cell 2 is set in the concentration measuring device 1, a calibration process of the optical sensor (light-emitting unit 141 and light-receiving unit 142) is performed. This calibration involves measuring the transmittance (reference) of the empty optical cell 2 and calibrating the measurement by the optical sensor based on the obtained value (a value specific to the empty optical cell 2). Since the optical cell 2 is intended to be disposable and is replaced with a different (new) optical cell each time, the sensor is calibrated based on the transmittance specific to each optical cell 2 to improve measurement accuracy. The calibration process itself is based on a conventional calculation method, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted here. In steps 802 and 803, "after the insertion of the optical cell is detected by the cell insertion sensor, the light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit acquire transmittance or absorbance information of the optical cell itself as a reference." Note that if the process in step 802 determines that an optical cell already containing disinfectant has been set in the device, an error process may be performed, such as displaying a warning message requesting the insertion of an empty cell.

[0038] Once the optical sensor calibration process is complete, the process proceeds to step 804, where a message instructing the user to inject disinfectant into the cell is displayed on the display screen 1061. In the following step 805, it is monitored, based on the sensor value of the sample detection sensor 181, whether the required amount of disinfectant has been injected into the optical cell 2. The message display process of step 804 continues until the required amount of disinfectant has been injected into the optical cell 2 (step 805: No → step 804). If it is determined that the required amount of disinfectant has been injected into the optical cell 2 (step 805: Yes), the process proceeds to step 806, where timer 1 is started (timekeeping begins). Note that, although an example is shown in which timer 1 is started after the required amount of disinfectant has been injected into the optical cell 2, timer 1 may also be started after the cover 107 is closed (timekeeping begins after step 808).

[0039] In the following step 807, a message instructing the user to close the cover 107 is displayed on the display screen 1061. In the following step 808, it is monitored whether or not the cover 107 is closed based on the sensor value of the lid sensor 171. The message display processing in step 807 continues until the cover 107 is closed (step 808: No → step 807), and if it is determined that the cover 107 is closed (step 808: Yes), the process proceeds to step 809.

[0040] In step 809, it is determined whether Timer 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If it is, the process proceeds to step 810 for determining the concentration. Step 809 involves waiting a predetermined time after the disinfectant is injected into the optical cell 2. Immediately after the disinfectant is injected, variations in the temperature and transmittance measurements may occur due to liquid convection, air bubbles, and other factors. Alternatively, if there is a difference between the cell temperature and the disinfectant temperature, the liquid temperature may not stabilize immediately after the disinfectant is injected. Step 809 improves the accuracy of the transmittance and liquid temperature measurements by waiting a predetermined time (after waiting for the injected disinfectant to settle). The "predetermined time" may be determined appropriately depending on the device configuration and the problem being addressed. For example, to address issues such as liquid movement or air bubbles immediately after the disinfectant is injected, the device may be left to stand for approximately 10 to 15 seconds.

[0041] In step 810, a concentration determination process is executed. In this process, the transmittance and temperature of the disinfectant (and the ambient temperature, if necessary) are measured, and the concentration of the disinfectant is calculated based on these measured values. The process of calculating the concentration based on the measured transmittance and temperature is based on a conventional calculation method, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. In steps 805-810, "after a predetermined time has elapsed since the sample detection sensor detected the injection of the sample into the optical cell, the sample temperature sensor acquires temperature information, and the light emitter and light receiver acquire transmittance or absorbance information of the sample." is executed.

[0042] In step 811, a process is performed in which the concentration measured in step 810 is output from the output unit 106. This output process may be a process in which an indicator is displayed to indicate whether or not a predetermined concentration (e.g., 0.3%) is satisfied (e.g., by turning on a Fail or Pass lamp), or a process in which the concentration is specifically displayed as a numerical value, etc.

[0043] As described above, the optical cell 2 of this embodiment can improve operability and measurement accuracy. Specifically, the injection port 23 has a rounded square shape that is close to a circle, which improves operability when injecting a sample into the optical cell using a pipette or syringe. Furthermore, the rectangular cross-section of the storage section 21 reduces the volume of the storage section 21 into which the sample is placed, improving operability and preventing waste of disinfectant. Additionally, the storage section 21 has a longitudinal direction in a horizontal cross-section, which ensures a sufficient optical path length for measurement by the optical sensor, thereby improving measurement accuracy while reducing volume. Furthermore, the longitudinal shape (i.e., having a wide side surface) ensures a sufficient measurement area for the radiation temperature sensor 103, thereby improving measurement accuracy while reducing volume. One side surface (the right side surface) of the storage section 21 and the introduction section 22 is formed as a continuous flat surface without any irregularities, which allows for a high degree of freedom in installing the radiation temperature sensor 103 at a position opposite this side surface. The convex portion 24 forms a short extension portion that extends outward along the short direction of the storage portion 21 on the bottom surface of the storage portion 21, thereby improving stability when the optical cell 2 is stood upright. Furthermore, the convex portion 24 is a convex portion that is not rotationally symmetrical in a cross-sectional view of the optical cell 2, and the receiving portion 109 of the concentration measuring device 1 has a corresponding shape, so that the optical cell 2 can always be attached in a fixed direction. Since the insertion direction of the optical cell is always constant, the stability of measurement accuracy is improved.

[0044] Furthermore, the concentration measuring device 1 including the optical cell 2 of this embodiment also improves operability and measurement accuracy. Specifically, the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142 are arranged so that their optical paths are located within the height range of the measurement area of ​​the radiation temperature sensor 103, thereby enabling measurement of the liquid temperature in the optical path (i.e., the portion where transmittance is measured), thereby improving measurement accuracy. The sample detection sensor 181, which is arranged below the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142, can detect a state in which the optical cell 2 is present at a position opposite the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142, and calibration processing is automatically performed, thereby improving operability and measurement accuracy. The cell insertion sensor 182, which is arranged above the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142, can detect a state in which the disinfectant solution is present in the optical cell 2 at a position opposite the light-emitting unit 141 and the light-receiving unit 142 (on the optical path). In addition, the lid sensor 171 detects that the cover 107 is closed and the concentration measurement process is automatically performed (conversely, the concentration measurement process is not performed unless the cover 107 is closed), thereby improving workability and measurement accuracy.

[0045] In the embodiment, the convex portion 24 of the optical cell 2 is formed from the top to the bottom along the storage section 21 (i.e., a plate-shaped or fin-shaped member), but the present invention is not limited to this (the convex portion is not limited to a plate-shaped or fin-shaped member). As long as the convex portion is at least a "convex portion extending outward along the short side from the side along the longitudinal direction of the storage section," it can have the effect of specifying the insertion direction of the optical cell, and may be formed only in a portion of the height direction of the storage section 21. In this case, by forming a convex portion that forms a "short side extension" on the bottom surface, it is possible to obtain the effect of improving the self-supporting ability of the optical cell, as in the embodiment. Furthermore, the convex portion is not limited to one location, and multiple convex portions may be provided as long as they are not rotationally symmetric in a horizontal cross section. In the present embodiment, the convex portion 24 is formed so as to extend the side surface (rear surface) along the short side of the storage section 21, but the present invention is not limited to this. The convex portion may be at least a "convex portion extending outward along the short side from the side surface along the longitudinal direction of the storage section." For example, it may be a protrusion formed so as to extend outward along the short side from near the center of the side surface along the longitudinal direction of the storage section.

[0046] In the embodiment, a concentration measuring device that measures the concentration of disinfectants such as a glutaral aqueous solution or a phthalaral aqueous solution is used as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the concept of the present invention can be applied to any measuring device that measures a sample using an optical cell such as in absorptiometry.

[0047] In the embodiment, a radiation temperature sensor, which is a non-contact temperature sensor, is used as an example of the temperature sensor, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, any temperature sensor, such as a contact temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, can be used.

[0048] 1. Concentration measuring device 101. Control and calculation unit 102. Memory unit 103. Radiation temperature sensor (sample temperature sensor) 141. Light-emitting unit 142. Light-receiving unit 109. Receptacle 191. Recess 181. Sample detection sensor 182. Cell insertion sensor 2. Optical cell 21. Storage unit 22. Introduction unit 23. Inlet unit 24. Convex unit (short extension)

Claims

DEPCT6907 / 10 / 25681. Concentration meter assembly for measuring sample concentration using absorbance measurement method, comprising an optical cell in which the optical cell consists of a packing with longitudinal and short-direction directions in the horizontal cross-section and projections extending from the longitudinal side of the packing in the short-direction, where the sample is packed in the optical cell, and the concentration meter assembly comprising a receiver for receiving the optical cell and a recess for receiving specific projections in predetermined directions.

2. Concentration meter assembly according to claim 1, comprising a light emitter and a light receiver positioned facing the short-direction side of the packing so that they are configured to project light onto the sample in the longitudinal direction of the packing and to receive the light transmitted to the sample.

3. Concentration meter assembly according to claim 2, comprising a sample temperature sensor positioned facing the longitudinal side of the packing.4.The concentration meter assembly under claim 3 is positioned so that the height of the optical path from the emitting element to the receiving element is within the height range of the sample temperature sensor's target measurement range.

5. The concentration meter assembly under claim 3 where the sample temperature sensor is positioned facing the opposite side of the side on which the protrusion is formed.

6. The concentration meter assembly under claim 2, which includes an insertable cell sensor positioned below the emitting and receiving elements and is positioned facing the housing, where, after the insertion of the optical cell is detected by the insertable cell sensor, the emitting and receiving elements perform a process to obtain the optical cell's own light transmission or absorption information as a reference. 7.The concentration meter assembly under claim 3 consists of a sample sensor positioned above the emitting and receiving parts and arranged facing the container, where, after a predetermined time period after the sample sensor detects the injection of the sample into the optical cell, the process of obtaining temperature data by the sample temperature sensor and the process of obtaining data on the light transmission or absorption of the sample by the emitting and receiving parts are performed.8.An optical cell for sample packing in a concentration meter for measuring sample concentration by the absorbance measurement method, in which the optical cell consists of a packing with longitudinal and short-direction directions in the horizontal cross-section and is predominantly rectangular in shape; projections extending from the sides in the longitudinal direction of the packing in the short-direction; an injection inlet constructed at the upper end of the optical cell with a constructed horizontal cross-sectional area larger than the packing; and an inlet positioned between the injection inlet and the packing with a constructed horizontal cross-sectional area larger than the packing, where the sides of the packing and inlet opposite the sides on which the projections are constructed are formed as continuous planes.

9. An optical cell according to claim 8 in which the projections are plates or wing-shaped parts;

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