阅读说明：本技术 分析装置以及流路板 (Analysis device and flow path plate ) 是由 伊藤淳子 于 2018-07-05 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明的分析装置(10)具有：流路板(20),在内部具备供液体通过的流路,形成为矩形状,具有透光性；发光部(30),具备发光透镜,照射出光；以及受光部(40),具备受光透镜,接收所述光,所述分析装置对在所述流路板内流动的所述液体进行分析,流路板(20)在端面具有形成为隔着所述流路的一部分而对置的一对缺口部,所述一对缺口部是供所述发光部配置的第一缺口部和供所述受光部配置的第二缺口部。(An analysis device (10) of the present invention comprises: a channel plate (20) which is provided with a channel for passing liquid therein, is formed in a rectangular shape, and has translucency; a light emitting unit (30) that is provided with a light emitting lens and emits light; and a light receiving unit (40) having a light receiving lens for receiving the light, wherein the analyzer analyzes the liquid flowing in the flow path plate, and the flow path plate (20) has a pair of notches formed on an end surface thereof so as to face each other with a part of the flow path interposed therebetween, the pair of notches being a first notch in which the light emitting unit is disposed and a second notch in which the light receiving unit is disposed.)

1. An analysis apparatus, comprising:

a flow path plate which is provided with a flow path for passing a liquid therein, is formed in a rectangular shape, and has translucency;

a light emitting unit including a light emitting lens for irradiating light; and

a light receiving unit having a light receiving lens for receiving the light,

the analyzing device analyzes the liquid flowing in the flow path plate,

the flow path plate has a pair of cutout portions formed on an end surface thereof so as to face each other with a part of the flow path interposed therebetween,

the pair of cutout portions is a first cutout portion in which the light-emitting portion is disposed and a second cutout portion in which the light-receiving portion is disposed.

2. The analysis device according to claim 1,

the light emitting section has a light emitting barrel,

the light receiving unit has a light receiving lens barrel,

the light-emitting lens barrel and the light-receiving lens barrel each have a protrusion portion protruding outward on a side surface,

the first cutout portion and the second cutout portion each have a groove portion corresponding to the shape of the protruding portion.

3. The analysis device according to claim 1 or 2,

the light emitting section and the light receiving section are disposed so as to face each other such that an optical axis of the light emitting lens and an optical axis of the light receiving lens are aligned with each other,

an optical detection unit portion formed of a space having a larger cross-sectional area than the flow path is provided along the flow path in a part of the flow path provided between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion.

4. The analysis device according to claim 3,

the flow channel plate is composed of two plate-shaped plates,

the optical detection unit portion is formed on one of the two plate-shaped plates.

5. The analysis device according to claim 4,

the flow path is formed in a U shape with the optical detection unit part being sandwiched in the flow path in a plan view of the flow path plate.

6. The analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the flow path plate has a separation element housing section in a flow path on an upstream side of the flow path through which the light passes,

a separating element is disposed in the separating element housing.

7. A flow path plate formed in a rectangular shape and having translucency, characterized by comprising:

a flow path through which a liquid passes; and

an optical detection unit section provided along the flow path at a part of the flow path and formed of a space having a larger cross-sectional area than the flow path,

a pair of cutout portions formed on an end surface of the flow path plate so as to face each other with a part of the flow path interposed therebetween,

the pair of cutouts are a first cutout in which a light-emitting portion for emitting light is disposed and a second cutout in which a light-receiving portion for receiving light is disposed.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an analysis device and a flow path plate.

Background

Comprises the following analysis device: in analyzing components such as proteins and nucleic acids contained in body fluids (blood or liquids excreted or excreted in and out of the body (including sweat and saliva)) and trace substances such as chemical substances contained in drainage discharged from factories and the like, a liquid (fluid) to be measured is analyzed using a flow path plate (also referred to as a flow path chip).

The flow channel plate can analyze a small amount of a sample or a reagent with high accuracy in a short time. Therefore, the flow path plate is expected to be used for various purposes such as clinical examination, food examination, and environmental examination. In particular, in recent years, it is expected to be used in Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) for performing a simple and rapid examination in medical practice such as medical Care and nursing Care.

As a flow path plate, for example, a flow path unit including a column for liquid chromatography and a support for supporting the column is disclosed (for example, see patent document 1). The flow path unit includes a support body formed of a first plate and a second plate, and a column holding portion and a fluid flow path are formed by bonding the first plate and the second plate, and an inlet and an outlet for a liquid are provided on a surface of the first plate.

When a liquid to be measured is analyzed, the flow path unit is inserted into the analyzer, and when the liquid is injected into the flow path unit, components in the liquid are separated in the flow path unit. Then, the liquid flowing out of the flow path unit is supplied to the flow cell irradiated with light from the light source. The liquid is analyzed by detecting light passing through the flow cell and calculating absorbance of the light absorbed by a component in the liquid (see, for example, patent document 2).

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, since a plurality of samples can be analyzed as a liquid to be analyzed in a conventional analyzer, it is necessary to sufficiently clean the flow cell with a cleaning liquid or the like in advance every time the liquid is analyzed by the analyzer, thereby avoiding an influence on the analysis.

In addition, when it becomes difficult to reuse the flow cell from which dirt and the like in the flow cell cannot be sufficiently removed even when the flow cell is cleaned, the flow cell is replaced. When the flow cell is replaced, it is necessary to accurately adjust the position between the optical member provided in the main body of the analyzer and a new flow cell, and therefore, it takes time to replace the flow cell.

An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an analyzer capable of easily and accurately adjusting the position of the optical axis of light emitted from an optical member.

Means for solving the problems

An analysis device according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a flow path plate which is provided with a flow path for passing a liquid therein, is formed in a rectangular shape, and has translucency; a light emitting unit having a light emitting lens and emitting light; and a light receiving unit including a light receiving lens for receiving the light, wherein the analyzer analyzes the liquid flowing in the flow path plate, and the flow path plate has a pair of cutout portions on an end surface, the pair of cutout portions being formed to face each other with a part of the flow path interposed therebetween, and the pair of cutout portions being a first cutout portion in which the light emitting unit is disposed and a second cutout portion in which the light receiving unit is disposed.

Effects of the invention

An analysis device according to an aspect of the present invention can easily and accurately adjust the position of the optical axis of light emitted from an optical member.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an analysis device including a flow path plate according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the flow path plate.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the flow path plate.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the flow path plate.

Fig. 5 is a front view of the flow path plate.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the separation column.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the separation column of section I-I of fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the light-emitting barrel.

Fig. 9 is a side view of the light-emitting barrel.

Fig. 10 is an explanatory view showing a state where the light-emitting lens barrel and the light-receiving lens barrel are lowered to the flow path plate.

Fig. 11 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the light-emitting lens barrel and the light-receiving lens barrel are provided in the flow path plate.

Fig. 12 is a plan view of the flow path plate in a state where the light-emitting lens barrel and the light-receiving lens barrel are provided.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. In addition, for easy understanding, the scale of each member in the drawings is different from that in reality. In the following description, one of the height directions of the analyzer is sometimes referred to as "upper" or "upper", and the other of the height directions of the analyzer is sometimes referred to as "lower" or "lower". In the present specification, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system in three-axis directions (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction) is used, and the width direction of the analyzer is defined as the X-direction, the depth direction is defined as the Y-direction, and the height direction is defined as the Z-direction.

< analytical device >

An analysis device according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an analysis device including a flow channel chip according to an embodiment. As shown in fig. 1, an analyzer 10 according to one embodiment includes a flow path plate 20, a light emitting unit 30, a light receiving unit 40, and a driving unit 50, and analyzes a liquid to be examined. The analyzer 10 shown in fig. 1 shows a state in which the light emitting unit 30 and the light receiving unit 40 are not yet attached to the flow path plate 20. Examples of the liquid (sample) to be tested include substances derived from living bodies (blood, sweat, saliva, urine, and the like), synthetic chemical substances (pesticides, pharmaceuticals, food additives, and the like), environmental load substances (drainage, waste liquid, groundwater, and the like), and the like.

The flow path plate 20 will be explained. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the flow path plate 20, fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the flow path plate 20, fig. 4 is a plan view of the flow path plate 20, and fig. 5 is a front view of the flow path plate 20. As shown in fig. 2 to 5, the flow channel plate 20 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view and has translucency. The flow channel plate 20 has a plate-shaped first plate 201 and a plate-shaped second plate 202, and is configured by stacking the first plate 201 and the second plate 202 in the plate thickness direction.

The first plate 201 and the second plate 202 are formed using a material having light-transmitting properties. Examples of the material include acrylic resins, cycloolefin resins, and polyester resins. Among them, cycloolefin resins are preferably used from the viewpoint of chemical resistance.

The first plate 201 and the second plate 202 are bonded by bonding, for example, thermocompression bonding. The first plate 201 and the second plate 202 may be bonded to each other using an adhesive such as an ultraviolet curable resin.

The channel plate 20 has a liquid channel (channel) 21, a separation element housing section 22, an optical detection unit section 23, and a pair of notches 24. The liquid channel 21, the separation element housing section 22, and the optical detection unit section 23 are provided inside the channel plate 20, and the separation element housing section 22 and the optical detection unit section 23 are provided in the middle of the liquid channel 21.

The first plate 201 and the second plate 202 constituting the liquid channel 21 and the separation element housing section 22 are formed with recesses or holes having shapes corresponding to those of the liquid channel 21 and the separation element housing section 22. The concave portions of the first plate 201 and the second plate 202 are formed symmetrically in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction when viewed from the center line of the concave portions. In addition, a concave portion having a shape corresponding to the optical detection unit portion 23 is formed in the second plate 202. Therefore, the liquid channel 21, the separation element housing section 22, and the optical detection unit section 23 are formed by joining the first plate 201 and the second plate 202.

The liquid flow path 21 is a path for passing a liquid through the inside of the channel plate 20. The inlet 25 and the outlet 26 of the liquid channel 21 are provided on the main surface of the first plate 201. The inlet 25 and the outlet 26 are disposed to face end faces of the main surface of the first plate 201 in the-Y axis direction. As shown in fig. 4, the inlet 25 and the outlet 26 are each formed in a substantially circular shape in plan view.

The liquid channel 21 includes a first liquid channel 211 connecting the inlet 25 and the separation element housing section 22, a second liquid channel 212 connecting the separation element housing section 22 and the optical detection unit section 23, and a third liquid channel 213 connecting the optical detection unit section 23 and the outlet 26. The liquid channel 21 is formed in a substantially U shape in the liquid channel 21 so as to sandwich the separation element housing section 22 and the optical detection unit section 23 from the inlet 25 to the outlet 26 when the channel plate 20 is viewed in plan. That is, the liquid channel 21 has a folded structure in which the separation element housing section 22 and the optical detection unit section 23 are sandwiched between the inlet 25 and the outlet 26 when the channel plate 20 is viewed in plan.

The first liquid channel 211 extends from the inlet 25 toward the second plate 202, is bent at the boundary between the first plate 201 and the second plate 202, and communicates with the separation element housing section 22.

The second liquid flow path 212 extends from the separation element housing section 22 in the longitudinal direction (+ Y axis direction) of the flow path plate 20 along the boundary portion between the first plate 201 and the second plate 202, and is connected to the optical detection unit section 23.

The third liquid channel 213 extends from the optical detection unit 23 along the boundary between the first plate 201 and the second plate 202 in the longitudinal direction (the (-Y axis direction) of the channel plate 20, is bent in the middle, extends toward the main surface of the first plate 201, and communicates with the outflow port 26.

The separation element housing portion 22 is a space for housing a separation column (separation element) 27 for liquid chromatography. The separation element housing section 22 is provided on the upstream side of the liquid flowing through the liquid channel 21 from the optical detection unit section 23.

The separation column 27 is disposed in the separation element housing 22, and is disposed in a state of being sandwiched between the first plate 201 and the second plate 202. Fig. 6 shows an example of the separation column 27. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the separation column 27, and fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the separation column 27 taken along the line I-I in fig. 4. In fig. 6, the covering portion 273 is shown by a two-dot chain line for convenience of explanation. As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the separation column 27 includes a porous stationary phase 271, pressure adjustment portions 272 provided at both the inflow end 271a and the outflow end 271b of the stationary phase 271, and a covering portion 273 covering the stationary phase 271 and the pressure adjustment portions 272.

The stationary phase 271 is formed in a columnar shape. The stationary phase 271 has a function of separating components from each other by an interaction (for example, hydrophobic interaction, ion exchange, or the like) corresponding to each component of the liquid of the stationary phase 271. The stationary phase 271 is formed of a porous material or a collection of fine particles. The material of the stationary phase 271 may be selected from various ceramics, polymers, and the like according to the type of liquid and the type of component to be separated. In the present embodiment, as the stationary phase 271, sintered ceramics of a monolithic structure is included. The sintered ceramic includes, for example, porous silica. In particular, a silica monolith formed entirely of a monolithic silica gel may be used.

The pressure adjustment portion 272 is formed in a columnar shape. The pressure adjustment portion 272 is formed to have an outer diameter larger than that of the stationary phase 271. The pressure adjustment portion 272 has a function of adjusting the flow of the liquid. The pressure adjustment portion 272 can be formed of, for example, a porous body. As a material for forming the pressure adjustment portion 272, known ceramics, polymers, or the like can be used. Since the pressure adjustment portions 272 are provided at both ends of the stationary phase 271, the flows of the liquid flowing into the stationary phase 271 and the liquid flowing out from the separation column 27 are adjusted, and the turbulence of the liquid passing through the stationary phase 271 and the liquid flowing out from the separation column 27 is suppressed.

The covering portion 273 is formed in a tubular shape. The covering portion 273 can be manufactured using, for example, a heat-shrinkable resin that shrinks by heating. The kind of the heat-shrinkable resin is not particularly limited. Examples of the heat-shrinkable resin include tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Among them, PEEK is preferably used because it is difficult to form a gap between the stationary phase 271 and the covering portion 273 to stably cover the stationary phase 271.

In this way, the stationary phase 271 and the pressure adjusting portion 272 are accommodated in the tubular cover portion 273 and heated, thereby forming the column-shaped separation column 27.

The separation column 27 is held in the separation element housing portion 22 in a state of being sandwiched between the first plate 201 and the second plate 202 constituting the separation element housing portion 22. In particular, since the outer diameter of the pressure adjustment portion 272 is larger than the outer diameter of the stationary phase 271, the pressure adjustment portion 272 receives a larger pressure from the first plate 201 and the second plate 202 than the stationary phase 271. Therefore, the adhesion between the first plate 201 and the second plate 202 and the pressure adjustment portion 272 can be further improved, and thus the pressure resistance when supplying the liquid can be improved. In addition, it is possible to reduce the case where the stationary phase 271 receives a large pressure from the first plate 201 and the second plate 202 to a degree more than necessary. Therefore, the porous pores of the stationary phase 271 can be prevented from being damaged, and thus the flow of the liquid through the stationary phase 271 can be prevented from being obstructed.

Next, the configuration of the optical detection unit 23 and the pair of notches 24 will be described with reference to fig. 2 to 5.

The optical detection unit 23 is a space to which light from the light emitting unit 30 is irradiated. The optical detection unit 23 is provided in a part of the liquid flow path 21 (between the second liquid flow path 212 and the third liquid flow path 213) provided between the light emitting section 30 and the light receiving section 40. The optical detection unit 23 is provided on the bonding surface side where the second plate 202 is bonded to the first plate 201 in the X-axis direction of the flow path plate 20. The optical detection unit 23 has a larger cross-sectional area than the second liquid flow path 212 and the third fluid flow path. The optical detection unit 23 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the second liquid flow channel 212 is connected to the-X-axis direction side of the-Y-axis direction end surface of the optical detection unit section 23 in a plan view of the flow channel plate 20. The third liquid channel 213 is connected to the + X-axis direction side of the-Y-axis direction end surface of the optical detection unit 23 in a plan view of the channel plate 20.

The pair of cutout portions 24 includes a first cutout portion 24A and a second cutout portion 24B provided to face the first cutout portion 24A. The first notch 24A and the second notch 24B are disposed so as to face each other with the optical detection unit 23 interposed therebetween on the end surface of the flow channel plate 20 in the X-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 30 is disposed in the first notch 24A. The light receiving unit 40 is disposed in the second notch 24B.

The first cutout 24A and the second cutout 24B have grooves 28A and 28B, respectively, in the Y-axis direction. The grooves 28A and 28B are formed in a substantially V shape.

The flow path plate 20 has an inclined portion 20a formed along the Y-axis direction on the end surface side in the + X-axis direction of the main surface. The inclined portion 20a allows the insertion direction of the flow path plate 20 into the analyzer 10 to be easily determined. In the present embodiment, the flow path plate 20 includes the inclined portion 20a, but the inclined portion 20a may not be provided.

An example of a method for manufacturing the flow channel plate 20 of the present embodiment will be described. First, recesses and holes for the liquid flow path 21, the separation element housing section 22, the optical detection unit section 23, the pair of notches 24, the inlet 25, and the outlet 26 of the flow path plate 20 are formed on the bonding surface side of each of the two rectangular plates. Thereby, the first plate 201 and the second plate 202 are manufactured. The recesses and holes of the first plate 201 and the second plate 202 may be formed by injection molding, press working, or the like, or may be formed by laser processing or the like. Next, the first plate 201 and the second plate 202 are overlapped so as not to deviate the positions of the first plate 201 and the second plate 202. Thereafter, the first board 201 and the second board 202 are bonded, for example, by thermocompression bonding or the like. Thereby, the flow path plate 20 is obtained.

Next, the structure of the light emitting unit 30, the light receiving unit 40, and the driving unit 50 will be described with reference to fig. 1.

As shown in fig. 1, the light emitting unit 30 includes a light source 31, a light emitting lens 32, and a light emitting barrel 33. The light source 31 and the light emitting lens 32 are provided in the light emitting barrel 33.

As the light source 31, a known light source such as an LED, a tungsten lamp, or a laser can be used.

The light emitting lens 32 condenses light irradiated from the light source 31. In fig. 1, for convenience of explanation, only one light-emitting lens 32 is provided in the light-emitting barrel 33, but a plurality of light-emitting lenses may be provided. The shape and number of the light-emitting lenses 32 provided in the light-emitting barrel 33 are not particularly limited, and may be designed according to the size of the light-emitting barrel 33, the light-condensing position, and the like.

The light-emitting barrel 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape as shown in fig. 8 and 9. The light-emitting barrel 33 has a projection 331 formed to project outward in a ring shape over the entire circumference of the side surface thereof. The protruding portion 331 is formed to have a width that decreases toward the outside, and is fitted into the groove portion 28A.

The light emitting unit 30 is connected to a control board 35 via an electric wire 34, and can control the light source 31, adjust the position of the light emitting lens 32, and the like.

The light receiving part 40 receives the light irradiated from the light emitting part 30. The light receiving unit 40 includes a light receiving lens 41, a light receiving detection unit 42, and a light receiving lens barrel 43. The light receiving lens 41 and the light receiving detection unit 42 are provided in the light receiving barrel 43. In the present embodiment, the light receiving unit 40 is provided so as to face the light emitting unit 30 with the optical detection unit 23 (see fig. 2) interposed therebetween so that the optical axis of the light emitting lens 32 and the optical axis of the light receiving lens 41 are substantially aligned.

The light receiving lens 41 condenses the light having passed through the optical detection unit 23 on the light receiving detection unit 42. In fig. 1, for convenience of explanation, only one light receiving lens 41 is provided in the light receiving barrel 43, but a plurality of light receiving lenses may be provided. The shape and number of the light receiving lenses 41 provided in the light receiving barrel 43 are not particularly limited, and may be designed according to the size of the light receiving barrel 43, the detection position of the light receiving detector 42, and the like.

The light receiving detector 42 may be any detector as long as it can detect light, and a known detector may be used. The detection result detected by the light receiving detector 42 is sent to the control board 45 via the electric wire 44 and analyzed.

The light receiving barrel 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape, similar to the light emitting barrel 33. The light receiving lens barrel 43 has a protruding portion 431 formed to protrude outward in a ring shape on a side surface of the light receiving lens barrel 43, similarly to the light emitting lens barrel 33. The protruding portion 431 is formed to have a width that decreases toward the outside, and is fitted into the groove portion 28B.

The light receiving unit 40 is connected to the control board 45 via a wire 44, and can adjust the position of the light receiving lens 41, transmit the detection result of the light reception detecting unit 42, and the like.

The driving unit 50 moves the light-emitting barrel 33 and the light-receiving barrel 43 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The driving unit 50 includes a support 51, a coupling portion 52, support portions 53A and 53B, and a gear 54.

A pair of the support columns 51 is provided facing each other in the analyzer 10. The coupling portion 52 couples the pair of support columns 51 to each other. The support portions 53A and 53B support the light-emitting lens barrel 33 and the light-receiving lens barrel 43 on the connection portion 52 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction, respectively. As the moving mechanism of the support portions 53A, 53B in the horizontal direction, a known moving mechanism such as a roller can be used. The gear 54 is provided to be capable of meshing with teeth (not shown) such as a rack provided on the column 51. The gear 54 moves the connection portion 52 in the vertical direction by a motor not shown.

An example of a case where the liquid is analyzed in the analyzer 10 using the flow path plate 20 will be described. When the channel plate 20 is inserted into the analyzer in the + Y axis direction, the channel plate 20 is fixed in the analyzer 10 as shown in fig. 1. Thereafter, as shown in fig. 10, the gear 54 is driven, and the coupling portion 52 is lowered. Thus, the light-emitting lens barrel 33 and the light-receiving lens barrel 43 supported by the support portions 53A and 53B are arranged in the first cutout portion 24A and the second cutout portion 24B in the flow path plate 20 as shown in fig. 11. Thereafter, the support portions 53A and 53B are moved in the horizontal direction, and the positions of the light-emitting lens barrel 33 and the light-receiving lens barrel 43 are adjusted. Thus, as shown in fig. 12, the light-emitting barrel 33 and the light-receiving barrel 43 are appropriately fitted into the first cutout portion 24A and the second cutout portion 24B in the flow path plate 20.

Thereafter, a liquid supply pipe, not shown, is inserted into the inlet 25, a liquid discharge pipe, not shown, is inserted into the outlet 26, and liquid is injected into the inlet 25 from the supply pipe. Further, light is irradiated from the light emitting section 30 toward the light receiving section 40. The liquid is supplied from the inlet 25 to the separation element housing section 22 through the first liquid channel 211. The liquid is separated from the components in the liquid by the separation column 27 in the separation element housing portion 22. Thereafter, the liquid from which the components have been separated by the separation column 27 is supplied to the optical detection unit 23 through the second liquid channel 212. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 30 irradiates the liquid supplied into the optical detection unit 23 so as to be condensed in the optical detection unit 23. The light irradiated into the optical detection unit portion 23 generates scattered light when passing through the liquid in the optical detection unit portion 23. The scattered light generated in the optical detection unit 23 is collected by the light receiving lens 41 of the light receiving unit 40 and detected by the light receiving detection unit 42. The detection result of the scattered light detected by the light receiving detector 42 is sent to the control board 45, and the liquid passing through the optical detection unit 23 of the flow path plate 20 can be analyzed. The liquid in the optical detection unit 23 passes through the third liquid channel 213 from the inside of the optical detection unit 23 and is discharged from the outlet 26.

In this manner, the analyzer 10 according to one embodiment analyzes the liquid using the flow path plate 20. Since the flow path plate 20 has the first cutout portion 24A and the second cutout portion 24B, the light-emitting lens barrel 33 and the light-receiving lens barrel 43 can be easily positioned with respect to the flow path plate 20 only by disposing the light-emitting lens barrel 33 and the light-receiving lens barrel 43 in the first cutout portion 24A and the second cutout portion 24B. This allows the position adjustment between the flow channel plate 20, the light emitting section 30, and the light receiving section 40 to be easily performed so that the optical axis of the light emitted from the light emitting section 30 passes through the optical detection unit section 23. Thus, according to the analyzer 10, the position of the optical axis of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 30 can be easily and accurately adjusted. Therefore, the analyzer 10 can analyze the liquid easily and accurately in a short time.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the light-emitting lens barrel 33 and the light-receiving lens barrel 43 have the protruding portions 331 and 431 on the side surfaces, and the first cutout portion 24A and the second cutout portion 24B of the flow path plate 20 have the groove portions 28A and 28B. The grooves 28A and 28B are formed corresponding to the protruding portions 331 and 431. Therefore, by providing the grooves 28A and 28B in the first cutout 24A and the second cutout 24B, when the light-emitting lens barrel 33 and the light-receiving lens barrel 43 are provided in the first cutout 24A and the second cutout 24B, the light-emitting lens barrel 33 and the light-receiving lens barrel 43 can be more easily positioned in the first cutout 24A and the second cutout 24B with high accuracy.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the flow path plate 20 includes the optical detection unit 23 in a part of the flow path between the light emitting section 30 and the light receiving section 40 (between the second liquid flow path 212 and the third liquid flow path 213). Therefore, by replacing the flow path plate 20, the optical detection unit 23 can be replaced at the same time. In a conventional analysis apparatus, a liquid to be analyzed is analyzed using a flow cell. Since a plurality of samples pass through the flow cell as a liquid, it is necessary to sufficiently clean the flow cell with a cleaning liquid or the like in advance every time the liquid is analyzed so as not to affect the analysis of the liquid. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, since the optical detection unit 23 is provided in the flow path plate 20, the optical detection unit 23 is replaced together with the flow path plate 20. Therefore, when the flow channel plate 20 is used, the optical detection unit 23 can be used in a clean state, and therefore the analysis accuracy of the liquid in the optical detection unit 23 can be stably maintained.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the separation element housing section 22 is provided in the channel plate 20 on the upstream side of the liquid flowing through the liquid channel 21 from the optical detection unit section 23, and the separation column 27 is housed in the separation element housing section 22. Therefore, by merely replacing the flow path plate 20, the separation column 27 can be replaced at the same time as the optical detection unit 23. This enables easy maintenance, inspection, and the like of the analyzer 10.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 30 and the light receiving unit 40 are disposed so that the optical axis of the light emitting lens 32 and the optical axis of the light receiving lens 41 are substantially aligned, and the optical detection unit 23 of the flow channel plate 20 is substantially aligned. Therefore, by using the flow path plate 20 having a large size, even if the distance between the light emitting lens 32 and the light receiving lens 41 is long, the optical axes can be aligned stably and with high accuracy.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the optical detection unit section 23 is formed on the second plate 202 of the flow path plate 20. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting section 30 can be prevented from passing through the boundary portion between the first plate 201 and the second plate 202. This can suppress scattering of light emitted from the light emitting section 30 at the boundary, and thus can reduce the occurrence of detection errors in the light receiving section 40.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the liquid channel 21 is formed in a substantially U shape with the separation element housing section 22 and the optical detection unit section 23 interposed therebetween from the inlet 25 to the outlet 26 in the middle of the liquid channel 21 when the channel plate 20 is viewed in plan. In the flow channel plate 20, the liquid can be caused to flow into and out of the flow channel plate 20 on the side of the end face in the-Y axis direction of the flow channel plate 20, and the liquid can be caused to flow in the flow channel plate 20 in a substantially U shape when the flow channel plate 20 is viewed in plan. This makes it possible to secure a wide space for installing the optical detection unit 23 in the flow channel plate 20, and hence the size of the optical detection unit 23 and the installation space in the flow channel plate 20 can be easily designed. Accordingly, by designing the optical detection unit 23 to be large, the range through which the optical axis of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 30 passes can be widened, and thus the position adjustment of the optical axis can be made easier.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the optical detection unit 23 is provided between the second liquid channel 212 and the third liquid channel 213. Therefore, since the liquid can flow into the optical detection unit section 23 from the second liquid channel 212 and the liquid in the optical detection unit section 23 can flow out to the third liquid channel 213, the liquid can be continuously measured while flowing in the optical detection unit section 23.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the concave portions of the first plate 201 and the second plate 202 are formed symmetrically with respect to the liquid channel 21 when viewed from the center line of the concave portions. Therefore, since the liquid can stably flow through the liquid channel 21, the occurrence of turbulence in the flow of the liquid in the liquid channel 21 can be suppressed.

As described above, the analyzer 10 of the present embodiment can analyze a small amount of substances such as blood components including proteins and nucleic acids contained in blood, chemical substances contained in wastewater discharged from a factory, and components contained in groundwater with high accuracy and in a short time and in a simple manner. Therefore, the analyzer 10 can be suitably used in medical fields such as clinical examinations, food examinations, environmental examinations, medical examinations, and care fields. In particular, it can be effectively used as POCT.

In the present embodiment, the flow channel plate 20 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed in other shapes such as a circular shape.

In the present embodiment, only one separation element housing section 22 is provided in the flow channel plate 20, but a plurality of separation element housing sections may be provided in series or in parallel. In this case, the number of the separation columns 27 provided in the flow channel plate 20 may be one or more than one depending on the number of the separation element housing parts 22.

In the present embodiment, the optical detection unit 23 is formed on the second plate 202, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed on the first plate 201.

In the present embodiment, the light-emitting portion 30 is disposed in the first cutout portion 24A, and the light-receiving portion 40 is disposed in the second cutout portion 24B, but the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 30 may be passed through the optical detection unit 23, and the light-receiving portion 40 may be disposed in the first cutout portion 24A, and the light-emitting portion 30 may be disposed in the second cutout portion 24B.

In the present embodiment, the outlet 26 is provided near the inlet 25, but the position of the outlet 26 is not limited to this, and may not be near the inlet 25. For example, the outflow port 26 may be provided on the main surface of the flow channel plate 20 at a position corresponding to the vicinity of the third liquid flow channel 213 extending from the optical detection unit 23 in the longitudinal direction (-Y axis direction) of the flow channel plate 20.

In the present embodiment, the pressure adjustment portions 272 of the separation column 27 are provided at both the inflow end 271a and the outflow end 271b of the stationary phase 271, but may be provided at only one of them or at both of them.

In the present embodiment, the separation column 27 includes the covering portion 273, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the covering portion 273 may not be provided when the stationary phase 271 alone can be disposed in a state of being sandwiched by the separation element housing portion 22.

In the present embodiment, the protruding portions 331 and 431 are provided on the entire circumference of the side surfaces of the light-emitting lens barrel 33 and the light-receiving lens barrel 43, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the protruding portions 331 and 431 are fitted into the groove portions 28A and 28B of the first and second cutout portions 24A and 24B, the protruding portions 331 and 431 may be formed only on a part of the side surfaces of the light-emitting lens barrel 33 and the light-receiving lens barrel 43.

In the present embodiment, the protruding portions 331 and 431 are formed so as to have a width that decreases toward the outside.

In the present embodiment, the light-emitting barrel 33 and the light-receiving barrel 43 of the light-emitting section 30 and the light-receiving section 40 have the protruding portions 331 and 431 on the side surfaces, respectively, but the protruding portions 331 and 431 may not be provided. The protruding portions 331 and 431 may be provided only on one of them. In this case, when the projection portions 331 and 431 are not provided in the light-emitting barrel 33 and the light-receiving barrel 43, the groove portions 28A and 28B may not be provided in the first cutout portion 24A and the second cutout portion 24B. In addition, when only one of the protruding portions 331 and 431 is provided, one of the groove portions 28A and 28B is provided in accordance with the protruding portion.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described, the above embodiments are provided as examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various combinations, omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope and equivalents of the invention described in the claims.

The application claims that the entire contents of the Japanese patent application No. 2017 & 136157 are cited in the present application based on the priority of the Japanese patent application No. 2017 & 136157 filed on 12.7/2017.

Description of the reference numerals

10 analysis device

20 flow path plate

201 first plate

202 second plate

21 liquid flow path (flow path)

211 first liquid flow path

212 second liquid flow path

213 third liquid channel

22 separating element housing part

23 optical detection unit part

24 notch part

24A first notch part

24B second notch part

27 separation column (separation element)

28A and 28B groove parts

30 light emitting part

32 luminous lens

33 lens barrel for light emission

331. 431 projecting setting part

40 light receiving part

41 light receiving lens

43 lens barrel for receiving light

50 drive part