WO2021065996A1

WO2021065996A1 - Analysis apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2021065996A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/037112
Authority: WO
Inventors: 大市草場
Original assignee: Ｎｓマテリアルズ株式会社
Priority date: 2019-10-03
Filing date: 2020-09-30
Publication date: 2021-04-08
Also published as: JPWO2021065996A1

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an analysis apparatus having an improved utilization rate of light from a light source and having a simple structure. [Solution] This analysis apparatus 10 analyzes a sample using an analysis chip 20 provided with a plurality of reaction chambers 24 for causing a coloring reaction between the sample and a reagent. The analysis apparatus 10 comprises a light source 40, a light guide plate 50, and an image sensor 60 that photographs an area including the plurality of reaction chambers 24. The light guide plate 50 has: a first surface 51 located on a side where light from the light source 40 is incident on the light guide plate 50; a second surface 52 that is located on an opposite side of the first surface 51 and reflects the light incident from the first surface 51 and traveling inside the light guide plate 50; and a third surface 53 that intersects the first surface 51 and the second surface 52 and is photographed by the image sensor 60, wherein the third surface 53 is provided with an emission region 53a that faces the reaction chamber 24 and emits light inside the light guide plate 50.　

Description

Analysis equipment

The present invention relates to an analyzer that analyzes a sample using an image sensor.

An analysis method is known in which a sample such as blood or body fluid is subjected to a color reaction with a reagent, and the components in the sample are analyzed according to the degree of coloration. Patent Document 1 discloses an analyzer that photographs a sample in which a color reaction occurs by irradiating an analysis chip provided with a plurality of reaction chambers with light with an image sensor.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-04049

However, the analyzer disclosed in Patent Document 1 diffuses the light from the light source through the light scattering plate and then irradiates the plurality of reaction chambers of the analysis chip. Therefore, depending on the size of the light scattering plate, the amount of light emitted to other than the reaction chamber increases, and the utilization rate of the light from the light source decreases.

Further, in the analyzer disclosed in Patent Document 1, an analysis chip made of a flat plate is horizontally arranged, and a light source is located below the analytical chip. Therefore, the light source, the light scattering plate, and the analysis chip need to be arranged in the vertical direction, and the vertical dimension of the analyzer becomes relatively large.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer that is compact and can efficiently irradiate a plurality of reaction chambers of an analysis chip with light. ..

(1) The analyzer according to the present invention is an apparatus for analyzing the sample using an analysis chip provided with a plurality of reaction chambers for causing a color reaction between the sample and the reagent. The analyzer includes a light source, a light guide plate, and an image sensor that captures a range including the plurality of reaction chambers. The light guide plate is located on the first surface located on the side where the light from the light source is incident on the light guide plate and on the opposite side of the first surface, and is incident on the light guide plate from the first surface. It has a second surface that reflects light traveling inside the surface, and a third surface that intersects the first surface and the second surface and is photographed by the image sensor. On the third surface, an emission region for emitting light inside the light guide plate is provided facing the reaction chamber.

According to the above configuration, the third surface of the light guide plate is provided with an emission region for emitting light inside the light guide plate facing the reaction chamber. Therefore, if the emission region corresponds to the reaction chamber, the light can be emitted. Most of the light can illuminate only the reaction chamber. Therefore, the utilization rate of the light from the light source is improved. Further, in the light guide plate, since the first surface located on the side where the light from the light source is incident on the light guide plate and the third surface photographed by the image sensor intersect, the light source and the image sensor are aligned on a straight line. Instead, they can be arranged so that their central axes are orthogonal to each other. As a result, the size of the analyzer can be reduced.

(2) Preferably, the second surface is curved so as to collect the internally reflected light. According to this, the internally reflected light is condensed, and the amount of light at the focused portion is increased. Therefore, if the emission region is provided on the third surface near the focused portion, bright light is irradiated to the reaction chamber through the emission region.

(3) Preferably, a plurality of the above light sources are arranged in parallel with respect to the first surface, and the first surface is curved so that the central portion in the longitudinal direction projects outward. According to this, the optical axes of the plurality of light sources are not parallel but intersect in the light guide plate. Therefore, the light in the light guide plate is easily collected.

(4) Preferably, the width of the light guide plate gradually decreases from the first surface to the second surface. According to this, the distance between the first surface and the two side surfaces intersecting the second surface gradually becomes smaller from the first surface to the second surface. The light reflected by these side surfaces has a smaller reflection angle than when the distance between the side surfaces is constant. Therefore, even if the length connecting the first surface and the second surface of the light guide plate is reduced, light having a uniform intensity can be obtained in the vicinity of the second surface.

(5) Preferably, the emission region is composed of a plurality of emission portions. According to this, if the dimensions and shapes and arrangements of the plurality of emitting parts are matched with the corresponding reaction chambers, the utilization rate of the light from the light source is further improved.

(6) Preferably, the second surface has a plurality of parts that are at different positions in the direction orthogonal to the third surface. Each of the plurality of portions is curved so as to collect the light internally reflected according to the corresponding emitting portion. Therefore, if each emitting portion is provided on the third surface near each location where the light is collected, bright light is irradiated to each reaction chamber through each emitting portion.

(7) The analyzer according to the present invention is an apparatus for analyzing the sample using an analysis chip provided with a plurality of reaction chambers for causing a color reaction between the sample and the reagent. The analyzer includes a light source, a light guide plate, and an image sensor that captures a range including the plurality of reaction chambers. The light guide plate has an incident portion facing the light source, an inner surface that reflects light incident from the incident portion, and an emitting portion facing a second direction in which the incident portion and the light source intersect the first direction facing each other. And a diffuser plate facing the light source portion in the second direction. The reaction chamber faces the exit portion in the second direction.

According to the above configuration, the light incident on the incident portion of the light guide plate from the light source is emitted from the exit portion while being reflected by the inner surface. The light emitted from the emitting unit is diffused by the diffuser plate and is incident on a plurality of reaction chambers. This improves the utilization rate of the light from the light source. Further, in the light guide plate, since the light is emitted in the second direction intersecting the first direction in which the incident portion and the light source face each other, it is not necessary to arrange the light source and the image sensor in a straight line. As a result, the size of the analyzer can be reduced.

(8) Preferably, a plurality of the above light sources are arranged in parallel with respect to the incident portion.

(9) Preferably, the shortest distance between the inner surface and the pair of surfaces facing the first direction and the third direction intersecting with the second direction gradually decreases from the incident portion to the exit portion. There is.

(10) Preferably, the light guide plate has a box shape, and the incident portion and the exit portion are openings.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an analyzer that is compact and can efficiently irradiate a plurality of reaction chambers of an analysis chip with light.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the analyzer 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a schematic side view. FIG. 2A is a top view of the analytical chip 20 used in the analyzer 10 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a side sectional view taken along the line II (b) -II (b). FIG. 3 is a top view of the light guide plate 50 and the light source 40 of the analyzer 10 of FIG. 4A and 4B are explanatory views of the upper surface of the light guide plate 50, FIG. 4A is a comparative example, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the light guide plate 50A of the analyzer 10 of the modified example. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the upper surface of the light guide plate 50A of FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the light guide plate 70 according to the modified example. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the main body 71. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the reflection of light on the main body 71.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. Needless to say, the present embodiment is only one embodiment of the present invention, and the embodiments can be changed without changing the gist of the present invention.

[Analyzer 10]
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the analyzer 10 according to the present embodiment is an apparatus for analyzing a sample using the analysis chip 20, and includes a support structure 30, a light source 40, and the like. A light guide plate 50 and an image sensor 60 are provided.

[Analytical chip 20]
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the analysis chip 20 has a substantially flat base portion 21 and a projecting portion 22 projecting upward from a part of the base portion 21. The analysis chip 20 is made of a transparent resin. A mortar-shaped injection portion 23 into which a sample is injected is defined in the protrusion portion 22. A plurality of (seven in the illustrated example) reaction chambers 24 are defined inside the base 21. In the reaction chamber 24, the other reaction chambers 24 are arranged in a substantially arc shape in the horizontal direction with one of the reaction chambers 24 as the center. These reaction chambers 24 are connected to the injection unit 23 via the flow path 25, and the sample injected into the injection unit 23 is guided. The plurality of reaction chambers 24 have a cylindrical shape having the same dimensions as each other. The sample is, for example, diluted serum, but is not limited to this. Reagents that cause a color reaction in the sample are pre-distributed in the plurality of reaction chambers 24. These reagents are different types of reagents. Therefore, when the sample is injected into the injection unit 23 and reaches each reaction chamber 24, different color reactions occur in the plurality of reaction chambers 24. As a result, as many items as the number of reaction chambers 24 can be inspected at one time.

[Support structure 30]
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the support structure 30 horizontally holds the base 31, the chip receiving portion 32 formed on the base 31, and the lower portion of the lens barrel 61 of the image sensor 60. Image of the lens barrel lower positioning unit 33 for positioning in the direction, the two

support columns

34 and 34 that are the columns of the support structure 30, and the lens barrel upper positioning unit 35 for horizontally positioning the upper part of the lens barrel 61. An image sensor support portion 36 that supports the sensor 60 and a top portion 37 are provided. The analyzer 10 is assembled by the support structure 30.

[Light source 40]
As shown in FIG. 3, the light source 40 in the present embodiment includes a plurality of LED (light emitting diode) light sources 40a to 40f (collectively referred to as "light source 40"). The LED light sources 40a to 40f are all short-wavelength LEDs, and the central wavelengths of light are different from each other. The LED light source 40 has a wavelength such that the LED light source has a wavelength such that the contrast with the color density of the portion where the color reaction occurs in the reaction chamber 24 becomes large. The LED light sources 40a to 40f are connected to a control device (not shown). By controlling this control device, the operation and stop of the LED light source can be switched. These plurality of LED light sources 40a to 40f are not operated at the same time. By switching the plurality of LED light sources 40a to 40f, the LED light sources 40 having a wavelength suitable for the color reaction in one or several of the plurality of reaction chambers 24 are sequentially adopted. As a result, a wavelength that produces colored light suitable for the color reaction in all the reaction chambers 24 is adopted.

[Light guide plate 50]
As shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) and FIG. 3, the light guide plate 50 has a flat plate shape. The dimensions of the light guide plate 50 are, for example, the maximum dimension in the width direction W is about 35 mm to about 40 mm, the dimension in the longitudinal direction is about 50 mm to about 60 mm, and the dimension in the thickness direction is about 5 mm. In the present specification, the term "light guide plate" is generally understood to diffuse light incident from an end surface and emit light from one main surface.

A part of the light guide plate 50 is fitted in the support structure 30. The light guide plate 50 connects two end faces 51, 52, two

main faces

53, 54 connecting these two end faces 51, 52, two end faces 51, 52, and two

main faces

53, 54. It has one

side surface

55, 56. Of the two end faces 51 and 52, the incident end face (first surface) 51 is located on the side where the light from the light sources 40a to 40f is incident on the light guide plate 50.

The incident end face 51 is preferably curved so that the central portion 51aa in the longitudinal direction thereof protrudes outward. Specifically, the incident end face 51 may be arcuate when viewed from above. In the present embodiment, a plurality of notches 51a to 51f are formed on the incident end surface 51, and light sources 40a to 40f are provided for each of the notches 51a to 51f. The incident end face 51 may be a flat surface without a notch. In that case, the light sources 40a to 40f are arranged in parallel on the outside of the incident end surface 51 (that is, the outside of the light guide plate 50). The optical axes La to Lf of the LED light sources 40a to 40f intersect in the light guide plate 50. As a result, the light in the light guide plate 50 is easily collected, and the amount of light in the central portion of the light guide plate 50 in the width direction W is increased.

The opposite end surface (second surface) 52 is located on the opposite side of the incident end surface 51, and reflects the light emitted from the light source 40 and traveling inside the light guide plate 50. Of the two

main surfaces

53 and 54, the imaged surface (third surface) 53, which is the upper main surface, intersects the incident end surface 51 and the opposite end surface 52, and is photographed by the image sensor 60. In the present embodiment, the upper main surface 53 of the light guide plate 50 is the surface to be photographed, but the lower main surface 54 may be the surface to be photographed. In that case, the image sensor 60 is arranged below the light guide plate 50.

Each surface 51 to 56 of the light guide plate 50 is a type that totally reflects the light incident on the light guide plate 50 except for a part of the surface to be imaged 53. The light guide plate 50 is made of, for example, glass or acrylic. The light guide plate 50 may also be made of polycarbonate, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or vinyl chloride. A reflective sheet may be attached to each of the surfaces 51 to 56 of the light guide plate 50, except for the above-mentioned part of the surface to be photographed 53.

The width (dimension of W in the width direction) of the light guide plate 50 gradually decreases from the incident end surface 51 to the opposite end surface 52. That is, the distance between the side surface 55 and the side surface 56 gradually decreases from the incident end surface 51 to the opposite end surface 52. According to this, the light reflected by the side surfaces 55 and 56 has a smaller reflection angle than the case where the distance between the side surface 55 and the side surface 56 is constant. That is, the light reflected by the side surfaces 55 and 56 is reflected near the incident end surface 51. Therefore, even if the length of the light guide plate 50 in the longitudinal direction L is reduced, light having a uniform intensity can be obtained in the vicinity of the opposite end surface 52.

The opposite end surface 52 is curved so as to collect the light reflected in the light guide plate 50. For example, the opposite end surface 52 is a semi-cylindrical peripheral surface. According to this, the light internally reflected by the opposite end surface 52 is likely to be focused in the vicinity of the central axis of the semi-cylindrical peripheral surface. Therefore, if the surface to be imaged 53 on the central axis is provided with the emission region 53a, bright light is irradiated to the reaction chamber 24 (FIG. 2A) through the emission region 53a. However, the emission region 53a of the surface to be photographed 53 does not have to be on the central axis. The opposite end surface 52 may be a cylindrical peripheral surface of an arc smaller than a semi-cylinder. Also in this case, preferably, the emission region 53a is provided on the surface to be imaged 53 on the central axis of the peripheral surface of the cylinder. Further, the peripheral surface of the cylinder is not limited to the peripheral surface of the equirectangular cylinder, and may be, for example, the peripheral surface of the elliptical cylinder. In the case of the peripheral surface of the elliptical cylinder, the emission region 53a is preferably provided on the imaged surface 53 on the axis of the intermediate portion between the two focal axes. The opposite end surface 52 may also be, for example, a curved surface obtained by smoothing a polygonal surface obtained by connecting the tangent surfaces of a plurality of cylindrical arcs. In addition to this, the opposite end surface 52 may be made of a fine polygonal surface. Regardless of the shape of the reflection side end surface 52, it is preferable that the emission region 53a is provided on the imaged surface 53 on the axis where the internally reflected light is most collected.

By the way, the light emitted from the LED light source has a spread. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the opposite end surface 52 is flat without being curved, the light emitted from the LED light source 40 has an intensity in the light guide plate 50 of AA near the opposite end surface 52. Although it is uniform, the amount of light is small due to its spread. On the other hand, the amount of light emitted from the LED light source 40 at AB near the incident end surface 51 in the light guide plate 50 is sufficient, but the intensity is non-uniform. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the opposite end surface 52 is curved, the light emitted from the LED light source 40 is inside in the vicinity B near the opposite end surface 52 in the light guide plate 50. The amount of light is sufficient due to the reflection. From this, in the vicinity B near the opposite end surface 52, the light intensity is uniform and the amount of light is sufficient. Note that FIGS. 4A and 4B are simplified for the purpose of explanation and are not consistent with other drawings.

As shown in FIG. 3, the surface to be photographed 53 has an emission region 53a that emits light inside the light guide plate 50. The emission region 53a is located closer to the opposite end surface 52 of the surface to be imaged 53. Specifically, it is located on the end surface 52 side opposite to the center in the longitudinal direction L of the light guide plate 50. Here, as described in relation to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in the light guide plate 50 of FIG. 3, the incident end surface located on the side where the light from the light sources 40a to 40f is incident on the light guide plate 50. The light intensity is more uniform in the vicinity of the opposite end surface 52 located on the opposite side than in 51. Therefore, by locating the emission region 53a closer to the end surface 52 on the opposite side of the incident end surface 51 in this way, the reaction chamber 24 (FIG. 2A) is irradiated with light having a uniform intensity.

The emission region 53a is composed of a plurality of emission portions 53a. The emitting portion 53aa is realized by subjecting the surface to be photographed 53 to surface processing such as uneven processing. That is, a known technique for causing the light guide plate to emit light from the surface is adopted. Each emitting portion 53aa has a circular shape having the same dimensions. The diameter of this circle is, for example, about 1.5 mm to about 2 mm. In the present embodiment, the shape of each exit portion 53aa matches the circular shape of the bottom surface of each columnar reaction chamber 24 of the analysis chip 20. Further, the number of the emitting portions 53aa is the same as the number of the reaction chambers 24 of the analysis chip 20 (7 in the illustrated example), and the arrangement is also supported. When the opposite end surface 52 is a semi-cylindrical peripheral surface, the centers of the plurality of emitting portions 53aa arranged in an arc shape may be located on the central axis of the semi-cylindrical peripheral surface. According to this, since the emission region 53a is provided at the position where the light is collected by the internal reflection of the opposite end surface 52, bright light is irradiated to the reaction chamber 24 through the emission region 53a.

[Chip receiving unit 32]
The chip receiving portion 32 of the support structure 30 shown in FIG. 1 (b) has an extension extending outside the projecting portion 22 of the base 21 of the analytical chip 20 shown in FIG. 2 (b). A space for receiving the part 26 is defined. When the extending portion 26 of the analysis chip 20 is inserted, the projecting portion 22 abuts on the chip receiving portion 32 and is locked. As a result, the analysis chip 20 is positioned with respect to the chip receiving portion 32.

When the analysis chip 20 is positioned with respect to the chip receiving portion 32, the bottom surface of the reaction chamber 24 corresponding directly above each of the plurality of emitting portions 53aa is located. Therefore, almost all the light emitted from each emission unit 53aa irradiates the corresponding reaction chamber 24 from below. Therefore, there is almost no light that irradiates other than the reaction chamber 24, and the utilization rate of the light from the light source 40 is improved.

The emission region 53a may be composed of one emission unit 53aa. In this case, if the size of this one exit portion 53aa is set to substantially the same size as the region surrounding all the reaction chambers 24, the amount of light emitted to other than the reaction chamber can be suppressed. On the other hand, since there is only one emitting portion 35aa, the surface processing of the light guide plate is easy.

[Image sensor 60]
As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the image sensor 60 is arranged above the chip receiving portion 32, and photographs the range including all the reaction chambers 24 of the analysis chip 20. The image sensor 60 is, for example, a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor, but any image sensor may be used as long as it can acquire a two-dimensional image. The light irradiated to all the reaction chambers 24 of the analysis chip 20 is first narrowed down by the lens barrel 61. Next, it is taken into the image sensor 60 via the lens 62 having a color filter. As a result, the color information of each pixel is added to the image captured by the image sensor 60. Therefore, a color image of a range including all the reaction chambers 24 of the analysis chip 20 can be obtained.

A processing device (not shown) is connected to the image sensor 60. With this processing device, the color reaction in each reaction chamber 24 can be determined from the captured image by a known method.

[How to use the analyzer 10]
The usage of the analyzer 10 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the extending portion 26 of the analytical chip 20 in which the color reaction occurs in each reaction chamber 24 is inserted into the space of the chip receiving portion 32. The light source 40 is activated when the extending portion 26 engages with this space or when the operator operates a button (not shown). Specifically, a control device (not shown) operates only one of the light sources 40 (for example, the LED light source 40a), and the LED light source 40a irradiates the light. The light emitted from the LED light source 40a enters the light guide plate 50 and travels inside the light guide plate 50. The light internally reflected by various surfaces including the opposite end surface 52 passes through the exit portion 53aa and is emitted to the outside. Here, the opposite end surface 52 is curved so as to collect the light reflected in the light guide plate 50, and the emission region 53a is located closer to the opposite end surface 52 of the imaged surface 53. The transmitted light has a uniform intensity and a sufficient amount of light.

The light transmitted to the outside through each emission unit 53aa irradiates the corresponding reaction chamber 24 from below. Of these reaction chambers 24, the colored portion in the reaction chamber corresponding to the light having the wavelength of the LED light source 40a clearly appears in the image captured by the image sensor 60. The image captured in this way is stored in a storage area (not shown).

The control device of the light source 40 and the control device connected to the image sensor 60 are interlocked with each other or realized by the same device. Therefore, after confirming that the image was taken while the first LED light source 40a was operating, the control device stops the LED light source 40a and operates another LED light source (for example, the LED light source 40b). As a result, of these reaction chambers 24, the colored portion in the reaction chamber corresponding to the light having the wavelength of the LED light source 40b clearly appears in the image captured by the image sensor 60. The image captured in this way is stored in a storage area (not shown).

The above process is repeated in order for all the LED light sources 40a to 40f. As a result, as many images as the number of LED light sources 40a to 40f can be obtained. A processing device (not shown) connected to the image sensor 60 can determine the color reaction for each of these images. The operator's intervention is only to insert the analysis chip 20 into the space of the chip receiving portion 32, or in addition to that, only to operate a button that triggers the analysis. Therefore, it is possible to analyze a sample for a plurality of reagents almost automatically.

[Action and effect of this embodiment]
According to the present embodiment, since the third surface 53 of the light guide plate is provided with an emission region 53a that faces the reaction chamber 24 and emits light inside the light guide plate 50, the emission region 53a is used as the reaction chamber 24. Most of the emitted light can irradiate only the reaction chamber 24. Therefore, the utilization rate of the light from the light source 40 is improved. Further, in the light guide plate 50, since the first surface 51 located on the side where the light from the light source 40 is incident on the light guide plate 50 and the third surface 53 photographed by the image sensor 60 intersect with each other, the light source The 40 and the image sensor 60 can be arranged so that their central axes are orthogonal to each other, not on a straight line. As a result, the size of the analyzer 10 can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the light internally reflected by the second surface 52 is condensed, so that the amount of light at the focused portion is increased. Therefore, if the emission region 53a is provided on the third surface 53 near the focused portion, the reaction chamber 24 is irradiated with bright light through the emission region 53a.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the plurality of light sources 40a to 40f are arranged in parallel with respect to the first surface 51, so that the central portion 51aa in the longitudinal direction of the first surface 51 projects outward. Since it is curved, the optical axes La to Lf of the plurality of light sources 40a to 40f are not parallel but intersect in the light guide plate 50. Therefore, the light in the light guide plate 50 is easily collected.

Further, since the width of the light guide plate 50 gradually decreases from the first surface 51 to the second surface 52, the two

side surfaces

55 and 56 intersecting the first surface 51 and the second surface 52. The interval gradually decreases from the first surface 51 to the second surface 52. The light reflected by the side surfaces 55 and 56 has a smaller reflection angle than the case where the distance between the side surfaces 55 and 56 is constant. Therefore, even if the length connecting the first surface and the second surface of the light guide plate is reduced, light having a uniform intensity can be obtained in the vicinity of the second surface 52.

Further, since the emission region 53a is composed of a plurality of emission portions 53aa, if the dimensions and shapes and arrangements of the plurality of emission portions 53aa are matched with the corresponding reaction chambers 24, the utilization rate of the light from the light source 40 is achieved. Is further improved.

[Modification example]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the above description is merely an example of the present invention in all respects. Needless to say, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. With respect to each component of the analyzer 10 according to the above embodiment, the component may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate according to the embodiment. Further, the shape and size of each component of the analyzer 10 may be appropriately set according to the embodiment. For example, the following changes can be made.

As shown in FIG. 5, the opposite end surface (second surface) 52A of the light guide plate 50A has a plurality of portions 52Aa to 52Ag at different positions in the direction orthogonal to the surface to be imaged, that is, in the thickness direction D of the light guide plate 50A. Has. Each of these collects internally reflected light at different positions Pa to Pf, as shown in FIG. Therefore, if each emission unit 53aa (FIG. 3) is provided above these, bright light is irradiated to each reaction chamber 24 through each emission unit 53aa.

These plurality of parts 52Aa to 52Ag are semi-cylindrical peripheral surfaces, respectively. According to this, the light internally reflected at each portion 52Aa to 52Ag is likely to be focused in the vicinity of the central axis of the semi-cylindrical peripheral surface. Therefore, if each emitting portion 53aa is provided on the surface to be imaged 53 on the central axis, brighter light is irradiated to the reaction chamber 24 (FIG. 2A) through each emitting portion 53aa.

In the above embodiment, seven exit portions 53aa are provided, but any number may be provided. Preferably, it corresponds to the reaction chamber 24 of the analytical chip 20. That is, the analyzer 10 may be specialized for a specific analysis chip 20.

In the above embodiment, the light sources 40a to 40f have been described as entering the inside of the light guide plate 50 from the incident end surface 51, but the light sources 40a to 40f may be arranged outside the incident end surface 51. That is, the "first surface located on the side where the light from the light source is incident on the light guide plate" is not limited to the form in which the light source is arranged inside the first surface 51, but also the first surface 51. A form in which a light source is arranged on the outside is also included.

In the above embodiment, a plurality of light sources are provided, but the number of light sources 40 may be one. Further, although the light source has been described as a short wavelength LED light source, the wavelength of the long wavelength LED light source may be switched and used. Further, although the light source has been described as an LED light source, any light source may be used as long as it can emit light having a desired wavelength from the light guide plate 50 emission region 53a.

Further, in the above embodiment, the light guide plate 70 described later may be used instead of the light guide plate 50.

As shown in FIG. 7, the light guide plate 70 has a main body 71 and a diffusion plate 72. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main body 71 has a box shape. The main body 71 has, for example, the same dimensions as the light guide plate 50 described above. That is, as for the dimensions of the main body 71, for example, the maximum dimension in the width direction W (an example in the third direction) is about 35 mm to about 40 mm, the dimension in the longitudinal direction L (an example in the first direction) is about 50 mm to about 60 mm, and the thickness. The dimension of the direction D (an example of the second direction) is about 5 mm.

The main body 71 has a box shape having an end surface 73, side surfaces 74 and 75, and

main surfaces

76 and 77. The end face 73 connects the side surfaces 74 and 75. The main surface 76 connects the side surfaces 74 and 75. The main surface 77 connects the end surface 73 and the side surfaces 74 and 75. The main body 71 has an opening 78 on one side of the longitudinal direction L and opposite to the end face 73. The opening 78 opens all of one end of the main body 71 in the longitudinal direction L. The opening 78 is an example of an incident portion. The main body 71 has an upward opening 79 on the other side of the longitudinal direction L, that is, on the end surface 73 side and where the main surface 76 is located. The opening 79 opens a part of the main surface 76. The opening 79 is an example of the exit portion.

As shown in FIG. 7, five light sources 80a to 80e are arranged in a row in the width direction W. The light sources 80a to 80e are LED light sources. The light sources 80a to 80e face the opening 78 in the longitudinal direction L. The opening 78 has a width facing all of the light sources 80a to 80e. The light emitted from the light sources 80a to 80e enters the internal space of the main body 71 through the opening 78.

As shown in FIG. 7, the opening 79 and the diffusion plate 72 face each other in the thickness direction D. The opening 79 is a part of the main surface 76 on the end face 73 side, and the opening area thereof is larger than the region including all the reaction chambers 24 of the analytical chip 20. Therefore, when the analytical chip 20 is mounted on the analyzer 10, all reaction chambers 24 are located within the projection area of the opening 79. The opening 79 may be located on the main surface 77. In that case, the image sensor 60 is arranged below the light guide plate 50.

All inner surfaces of the main body 71 totally reflect light. The main body 71 is made of, for example, a material having a relatively high reflectance such as white acrylic or ABS, or a mirror-finished or plated metal plate. Further, a reflective sheet may be attached to the inner surface of the main body 71.

The width (dimension of W in the width direction) of the main body 71 gradually decreases from the opening 78 toward the end face 73. That is, the shortest distance between the side surfaces 74 and 75 gradually decreases from the opening 78 toward the end surface 73. As a result, the reflection angle of the light reflected on the inner surface corresponding to the side surfaces 74 and 75 is smaller than the reflection angle when the shortest distance between the side surfaces 74 and 75 is constant. Therefore, even if the length of the main body 71 in the longitudinal direction L is reduced, it is easy to obtain light having a uniform intensity near the end face 73.

The end face 73 is curved so as to collect the light reflected in the main body 71. For example, the end face 73 is a semi-cylindrical peripheral surface. According to this, the light reflected on the inner surface of the end surface 73 is likely to be focused in the vicinity of the central axis of the semi-cylindrical peripheral surface.

The diffuser plate 72 is a flat plate having a main surface having an area sufficiently larger than the opening area of the opening 79. The diffuser plate 72 is, for example, a glass or acrylic main surface on which fine irregularities are processed. The diffuser plate 72 transmits light in the thickness direction D. The light transmitted through the diffuser plate 72 is randomly refracted and diffused on each main surface of the diffuser plate 72.

As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the light emitted from one of the light sources 80a to 80e, for example, from the light source 80b, enters the internal space of the main body 71 through the opening 78 of the main body 71. The light diffused from the light source 80b travels straight toward the end face 73, or travels toward the end face 73 while being reflected by each inner surface of the internal space of the main body 71. The reflected light gathers in the vicinity of the end face 53, but the light is not always in a uniform state in the entire region of the opening 79. The light emitted from the main body 71 through the opening 79 is diffused when passing through the diffuser plate 72 to have uniform brightness, and irradiates each reaction chamber 24.

Also in the above modification, the light sources 80a to 80ef may be located outside the main body 71, or a part of them may be located in the internal space of the main body 71. Further, the number of light sources is not limited, and may be one, for example.

10 ... Analytical apparatus 20 ... Analytical chip 24 ... Reaction chamber 40 ... Light source 50 (50A) ... Light guide plate 51 ... First surface 52 (52A) ... Second surface 52Aa to 52Af ... Part 53 ... Third surface 53a ... Emission area 53aa ... Emission part 60 ... Image sensor 70 ... Light guide plate 71 ... Diffusion plate 78 ... Opening ( Incident part)
79 ... Aperture (exit part)

Claims

An analyzer that analyzes the sample using an analytical chip provided with a plurality of reaction chambers for causing a color reaction between the sample and the reagent.
Light source and
Light guide plate and
It is equipped with an image sensor that captures the range including the above-mentioned multiple reaction chambers.
The light guide plate
The first surface located on the side where the light from the light source is incident on the light guide plate,
The second surface, which is located on the opposite side of the first surface and reflects light incident from the first surface and traveling inside the light guide plate, and
It intersects the first surface and the second surface, and has a third surface photographed by the image sensor.
An analyzer in which an emission region for emitting light inside the light guide plate is provided on the third surface so as to face the reaction chamber.
The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the second surface is curved so as to collect internally reflected light.
The analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of the light sources are arranged in parallel with respect to the first surface, and the first surface is curved so that the central portion in the longitudinal direction projects outward.
The analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light guide plate has a width gradually decreasing from the first surface to the second surface.
The analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the emission region is composed of a plurality of emission units.
The second surface has a plurality of portions at different positions in a direction orthogonal to the third surface.
The analyzer according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of portions is curved so as to collect light internally reflected according to the corresponding emitting portion.
An analyzer that analyzes the sample using an analytical chip provided with a plurality of reaction chambers for causing a color reaction between the sample and the reagent.
Light source and
Light guide plate and
It is equipped with an image sensor that captures the range including the above-mentioned multiple reaction chambers.
The light guide plate
The incident part facing the light source and
The inner surface that reflects the light incident from the incident part and
An exit portion facing the second direction where the incident portion and the light source intersect the first direction facing each other,
It has the above-mentioned emitting portion and a diffusion plate facing in the second direction.
The reaction chamber is an analyzer that faces the exit portion in the second direction.
The analyzer according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of light sources are arranged in parallel with respect to the incident portion.
Claim 7 or 8 in which the shortest distance between the pair of surfaces facing the first direction and the third direction intersecting the second direction is gradually reduced from the incident portion to the exit portion. The analyzer described in.
The light guide plate is box-shaped and has a box shape.
The analyzer according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the incident portion and the emitting portion are openings.