Patent Publication Number: US-2010128262-A1

Title: Analyzer Having Light Shield

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an analyzing apparatus structured such as to analyze a sample fed to an analytical tool in accordance with an optical method. More specifically, the present invention relates to an analyzing apparatus provided with a light shielding means for limiting an incoming radiation of an external light into an inner portion of the apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Conventionally, as a method of measuring a blood sugar level, there is a method using an analytical tool. As one example thereof, there is a method of automatically measuring a blood sugar level in a blood sugar level measuring apparatus by installing an analytical tool to a user in a portable blood sugar level measuring apparatus that can be carried around and dotted sampling blood with respect to the analytical tool (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). Further, there is a structure made such as to measure a blood sugar level by combining a cartridge accommodating a plurality of analytical tools with a blood sugar level measuring apparatus and picking up the analyzing tool from the cartridge in the blood sugar level measuring apparatus (for example, refer to Patent Documents 2 and 3). 
     On the other hand, as a principle for measuring the blood sugar level, for example, there is a principle utilizing an optical method. In the case that the optical method is utilized in the blood sugar level measurement, the analytical tool is structured such as to be provided with a reagent portion indicating a color in correspondence to a concentration of the blood sugar level, however, the blood sugar level measuring apparatus is structured such as to be provided with a light measuring mechanism for measuring a degree of the color of the reagent portion. 
     However, since the analytical tool used in the portable blood sugar level measuring apparatus is small, it is necessary to set the light measuring mechanism near a portion (an insertion port) where the analytical tool is installed in the case of employing the optical method in the portable blood sugar level measuring apparatus. Accordingly, there is a risk that the light incoming from the insertion port is received in the light measuring mechanism. If such a matter is generated, the matter affects the result of measurement. Further, since the amount of incoming light via the insertion port is affected by a used environment such as a brightness of a used place, a direction of the insertion port in the blood sugar level measuring apparatus and the like, the amount of incoming light is neither uniform in the measurement nor uniform during the measurement. Accordingly, if it is impossible to suitably suppress the light incoming radiation from the insertion port, it is hard to carry out an accurate blood sugar level measurement. 
     On the other hand, there is a case that a calibration of the light measuring mechanism is carried out until the insertion of the analytical tool to the blood sugar value measuring apparatus is started, and the sample is fed to the analytical tool. This calibration is carried out by outputting the light from a light source portion of the light measuring mechanism, and comprehending the amount of light received in the light receiving portion of the light measuring mechanism. Accordingly, if the amount of the light incoming from the insertion port is changed in the middle of the calibration, the change affects the result of calibration, and is reflected to a measuring precision as a result. 
     Further, in the case of measuring the light based on the light transmitting through the analytical tool in the light measuring mechanism, there is a case that the light source portion of the light measuring mechanism employs a light source portion provided with a light emitting device for emitting the light, and a light receiving device for monitoring an output from the light emitting device. In this case, if an amount of the light incoming from the insertion port is changed, the output of the light receiving device is erroneously recognized, and the result of measurement is affected as a result. 
     Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-114213 
     Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Republication No. 01-63272 
     Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-184819 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems to be Solved by the Invention 
     An object of the present invention is to suitably limit an incoming radiation of an external light into an inner portion of an analyzing apparatus via an insertion port and accurately analyze a sample, in the analyzing apparatus structured such as to analyze the sample in accordance with an optical method. 
     Means for Solving the Problems 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an analyzing apparatus including an installation portion having an insertion port and provided for installing an analytical tool; a light measuring mechanism irradiating light to the analytical tool and receiving the light making progress from the analytical tool for analyzing a sample in accordance with an optical method; and a light shielding means for limiting an incoming radiation of an external light from the insertion port, wherein the light shielding means is structured such as to limit the incoming radiation of the external light via the insertion port after starting the insertion of the analytical tool to the installation portion before the light measurement of the analytical tool is finished in the light measuring mechanism. 
     For example, the light shielding means has a contact member for bringing into contact with the analytical tool, in a state in which the analytical tool is installed to the installation portion. 
     The contact member is structured such as to have a light shielding portion which comes into contact with the analytical tool and is displaceable in a vertical direction. In this case, the contact member may be structured such as to have a leaf spring portion for pressing to the analytical tool via the light shielding portion. 
     The analyzing apparatus in accordance with the present invention is structured, for example, such as to pick up the analytical tool from the cartridge accommodating a plurality of analytical tools, and analyze the sample by using the analytical tool, and is structured such as to be further provided with an operation body which is made movable so as to reciprocate relatively with respect to a casing, and a movable body capable of reciprocating between a standby position and a pickup position capable of picking up the analytical tool from the cartridge, working with a reciprocating movement of the operation body, and engaging with the analytical tool accommodated in the cartridge so as to pick up the analytical tool from the cartridge, and provided for accommodating at least a part of the analytical tools in an inner portion of the casing. In this case, the light shielding portion is structured such as to be displaced upward by running on the movable body based on the movement of the movable body. 
     The movable body is provided such as to coming into contact with the light shielding portion at a time when the light shielding portion runs on, and has a guide surface in which a position becomes higher toward an inserting direction of the analytical tool. On the other hand, the light shielding portion is structured, for example, such that a portion coming into contact with the guide surface is formed as an inclined surface or a curved surface. 
     The contact member may be structured such that the light shielding portion turns. In this case, the light shielding portion is structured, for example, such that a portion brought into contact with the analytical tool is formed as an inclined surface or a curved surface. The light shielding portion may be energized in a direction of pressing the analytical tool. The light shielding portion is constituted, for example, by an elastic member. 
     The contact member may be structured such as to include a rubber-like elastic body or a foamed body arranged in an inner portion of the insertion port or at a position which is adjacent to the insertion port. 
     The contact member in this case is structured, for example, such as to have a penetration space through which the analytical tool is inserted. The penetration space is preferably formed such that at least a partial cross sectional area in an orthogonal direction which is orthogonal to the inserting direction of the analytical tool becomes smaller than a cross sectional area in an orthogonal direction in the analytical tool, and is formed, for example, into a taper shape in which the cross sectional area in the orthogonal direction becomes smaller along the inserting direction. The contact member may be structured such as to have a notch to which the analytical tool is inserted. 
     The light measuring mechanism is structured, for example, such as to include a light emitting device, a first light receiving device utilized for monitoring an output of the light emitted from the light emitting device, and a second light receiving device receiving the light transmitting the analytical tool, in the light emitted from the light emitting device. 
     The analytical tool is set, for example, to a state in which the analytical tool partly protrudes from the analyzing apparatus after starting the insertion of the analytical tool to the installation portion before the light measurement of the analytical tool is finished in the light measuring mechanism. The analytical tool may be structured such as to suck the sample fed from the portion protruding from the analyzing apparatus into the inner portion thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an analytical kit for explaining a first embodiment in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an overall perspective view of a cartridge in the analytical kit shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross sectional view taken along a line IIIA-IIIA in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 3B  is a cross sectional view taken along a line IIIB-IIIB in  FIG. 2B . 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view taken along a line IV-IV in  FIG. 2B . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of an analyzing apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view for explaining a substantial part of the analyzing apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view for explaining the substantial part of the analyzing apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a loading mechanism in the analyzing apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a movable body of the loading mechanism shown in  FIG. 8  as seen from a bottom surface side. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a second support member of the loading mechanism shown in  FIG. 8  as seen from a bottom surface side. 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevational view showing a movable body and an operation body in the loading mechanism shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view showing the movable body and the operation body in the loading mechanism shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view showing a substantial part for explaining a motion picking up an analytical tool from the cartridge shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 14A  is a cross sectional view showing a substantial part of an analyzing apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 14B  is an overall perspective view showing a pressing member of the analyzing apparatus shown in  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view corresponding to  FIG. 14A  showing a used state of the analyzing apparatus shown in  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view showing a substantial part of an analyzing apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17A  is a cross sectional view showing a substantial part of an analyzing apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 17B  is an overall perspective view showing a pressing member of the analyzing apparatus shown in  FIG. 17A , and  FIG. 17C  is a cross sectional view corresponding to  FIG. 17A  showing a used state of the analyzing apparatus shown in  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 18A  is a cross sectional view showing a substantial part for explaining the other embodiment of the analyzing apparatus in accordance with the present invention and  FIG. 18B  is an overall perspective view showing a pressing member of the analyzing apparatus shown in  FIG. 18A . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           2  Cartridge 
           20  Analytical tool 
           3  Analyzing apparatus 
           32  Light source apparatus (constructing light measuring mechanism) 
           33  Light receiving portion (constructing light measuring mechanism) 
           4  Casing (of analyzing apparatus) 
           5  Operation body (of analyzing apparatus) 
           6  Movable body (of analyzing apparatus) 
           63  Pressing member (contact member) 
           63 A Light shielding portion (of pressing member) 
           63 B Leaf spring portion (of pressing member) 
           67 A Upper surface side taper surface (guide surface) 
           8 ,  8 ′,  8 ″,  9 ,  9 ′ Analyzing apparatus 
           80  Pressing member (contact member) 
           80 ′,  80 ″ Rotary member 
           90 ,  90 ′ Elastic member (contact member) 
           91  Through hole (of elastic member) 
           91 ′ Notch (of elastic member) 
       
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     A description will be given below of first to fourth embodiments in accordance with the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     First of all, a description will be given of the first embodiment in accordance with the present invention with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 13 . 
     An analytical kit  1  shown in  FIG. 1  includes a cartridge  2  (see  FIG. 3 ) accommodating a plurality of analytical tools  20 , and an analyzing apparatus  3  for analyzing a sample in accordance with an optical method by using the analytical tool  20 . In this analytical kit  1 , one analytical tool  20  is picked up from the cartridge  2  by the analyzing apparatus  3  by installing the cartridge  2  to the analyzing apparatus  3 , and the analytical tool  20  is installed to the analyzing apparatus  3  and an analysis of the sample is carried out. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the cartridge  2  is structured such as to accommodate the plurality of analytical tools  20 , and has a main body portion  21  and a rotary member  22 . The cartridge  2  is structured such that one analytical tool  20  can be picked up by the analyzing apparatus  3 . 
     The analytical tool  20  corresponding to an accommodated subject in this cartridge  2  is structured such as to analyze the sample in accordance with the optical method by using a small amount of sample (for example, blood or urine) such as about 0.1 μL to 3 μL. In other words, the analytical tool  20  is structured as a color comparison sensor provided with a reagent portion indicating a color corresponding to a concentration of a detected component in the sample. The analytical tool  20  is structured, for example, such as to feed the sample fed to a suction port to the reagent portion based on a capillary force, and is formed such that at least a part thereof has a light transmitting performance in such a manner as to be capable of measuring in a photometrical manner the reagent portion and a reaction fluid of the sample. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , each of the analytical tools  20  is formed as a plate-like shaped as a whole, and has a pair of notches  20 A. Each of the notches  20 A is provided for engaging with an arm portion  65  of a movable body  60  in the analyzing apparatus  3  mentioned below. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the main body portion  21  of the cartridge  2  is provided for accommodating the plurality of analytical tools  20  in a state of laminating in their thickness direction, and has an accommodation space  23  and a pickup port  24 . 
     A support plate  26  coupled to a coil spring  25  is arranged in the accommodation space  23 . In other words, the plurality of analytical tools  20  are energized upward by the coil spring  25  in a state in which the analytical tools  20  are laminated on the support plate  26 . 
     The pickup port  24  is utilized at a time of picking up the analytical tool  20  from the accommodation space  23 . The pickup port  24  has a pair of wide portions  24 A for allowing an insertion of the arm portion  65  of the movable body  60  in the analyzing apparatus  3  mentioned below, and a narrow portion  24 B having a thickness corresponding to a thickness of one analytical tool  20 . 
     The rotary member  22  is provided for selecting a state in which the pickup port  24  in the main body portion  21  is exposed and a state (a covered state) in which the pickup port  24  is not exposed, and is rotatably coupled to the main body portion  21 . More specifically, the rotary member  22  is coupled to the main body portion  21  by inserting a shaft  28  provided in the main body portion  21  in a through hole  27 . In the through hole  27 , a spiral convex portion  27 A is formed only in one circle although it does not clearly appear on the drawing. On the other hand, the shaft  28  is provided with a spiral groove portion  28 A for engaging with the spiral convex portion  27 A. Accordingly, the rotary member  22  is relatively rotatable with respect to the main body portion  21  in a state in which the convex portion  28 A is engaged with the groove portion  28 A, and an angle of rotation is regulated to 180 degree. 
     The rotary member  22  is further provided with a closely contact member  29 . The closely contact member  29  is provided for shielding the pickup port  24  in a state in which the pickup port  24  is covered by the rotary member  22 . The closely contact member  29  is constructed by an elastic material such as rubber or the like. In the case that the closely contact member  29  is arranged as mentioned above, it is possible to completely close the pickup port  24  in a state in which the analytical tool  20  is not picked up from the cartridge  2 , and it is possible to suppress water content and light from going thereinto via the pickup port  24  so as to suppress a deterioration of the analytic tool  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the analyzing apparatus  3  is provided for analyzing the sample in accordance with the optical method by using the analytical tool  20  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), and is structured as a portable type. The analyzing apparatus  3  is provided with a casing  4 , an operation body  5 , a loading mechanism  6  and a light measuring table  7 . 
     The casing  4  is provided for accommodating various elements in addition to the operation body  5  and the loading mechanism  6  as well as defining an outer appearance shape of the analyzing apparatus  3 . The casing  4  is formed hollow by combining the first and second members  40  and  41 , and has an opening  42  and an insertion port  43 . 
     The opening  42  is provided for making the operation body  5  be exposed to an outer portion of the casing  4 , and allowing a movement of the operation body  5 , and is provided in the second member  41 . The insertion port  43  is utilized at a time of installing the analytical tool  20  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) to the analyzing apparatus  3 . The insertion port  43  is defined by a notch  44  provided in the second member  41 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 to 7 , the operation body  5  is a portion which is operated for moving the movable body  60  in the loading mechanism  6  mentioned below, and is structured such as to freely reciprocate in directions D 1  and D 2  with respect to the casing  4  in a state in which the operation body  5  is partly exposed from the opening  42 . The operation body  5  has a pair of hook portions  50  and a plurality of tooth portions  51 . 
     Each of the hook portions  50  is a portion with which one end portion of the coil spring  30  is engaged. The other end portion of the coil spring  30  is fixed near the opening  42  of the second member  41  in the casing  4 , although it is not clearly expressed in the drawing. The operation body  5  is energized in the direction D 1  by the coil spring  30  in a standby state. Accordingly, the operation body  5  is structured such as to move in the direction D 2  at a time when a load directed to the direction D 2  is applied, and return to the standby position at a time when the load in the direction D 2  is cancelled. 
     A plurality of tooth portions  51  are a portion which is utilized for transmitting a power to the movable body  60 , and are coupled to a rack portion  66  of the movable body  60  mentioned below via a gear  64  in the loading mechanism  6 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , the loading mechanism  6  is provided for picking up the analytical tool  20  (see  FIGS. 2 to 4 ) from the cartridge  2 , and has a movable body  60 , a first support member  61 , a second support member  62 , a pressing member  63  and a gear  64 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 to 9 , the movable body  60  is moved in the directions D 1  and D 2  working with a motion of the operation body  5 , and has a pair of arm portions  65  and a rack portion  66 . 
     A pair of arm portions  65  are provided for picking up the analytical tool  20  from the cartridge  2 . These arm portions  65  are reciprocated between a position at which the arm portions  65  protrude from the casing  4  and a position at which the arm portions  65  are accommodated in an inner portion of the casing  4 , and can be inserted to the accommodation space  23  in the cartridge  2  by being protruded from the casing  4  (see  FIG. 13 ). 
     Each of the arm portions  65  has a hook portion  67  for engaging with the notch  20 A (see  FIGS. 4 and 13 ) of the analytical tool  20 . The hook portion  67  has an upper face side taper surface  67 A and a lower face side taper surface  67 B. The upper face side taper surface  67 A is a portion which comes into contact with the light shielding portion  63 A of the pressing member  63  mentioned below (see  FIG. 11 ), and plays a role for moving the light shielding portion  63 A up and down, at a time of relatively moving a pair of arm portions  65  (the movable body  60 ) in the directions D 1  and D 2  with respect to the light shielding portion  63 A (the pressing member  63 ). On the other hand, the lower face side taper surface  67 B is provided for easily running on an upper surface of the analytical tool  20  at a time of picking up the analytical tool  20  from the cartridge  2  (see  FIG. 13 ). 
     The rack portion  66  is utilized for inputting a load for moving the movable body  60 , and has a plurality of tooth portions  66 A and locking pieces  66 B. A plurality of tooth portions  66 A are coupled to a plurality of tooth portions  51  of the operation body  5  via the gear  64 . The locking piece  66 B is provided for locking the coil spring  31 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , the first support member  61  defines a moving path of the movable body  60  together with the second support member  62 , and retains the gear  64 . The first support member  61  has a pair of hook portions  61 A, a pair of pins  61 B and a holder portion  61 C. 
     A pair of hook portions  61 A are provided for engaging with the second support member  62 , and are protruded upward. In a state in which each of the hooks  61 A is engaged with the second support member  62 , the first and second members  61  and  62  are integrated with each other. A pair of pins  61 B are provided for locking one end portion of the coil spring  31 . The holder portion  61 C is provided for rotatably retaining the gear  64 . The holder portion  61 C is structured such as to retain the gear  64  in such a manner that a part of the gear  64  protrudes to an upper side and a lower side of the first support member  61 . In other words, the gear  64  is retained in the first support member  62  in a state in which the gear  64  can be engaged with the plurality of tooth portions  51  and  66 A of the operation body  5  and the movable body  60 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  8  and  10 , the second support member  62  defines a moving path of the movable body  60  together with the first support member  61 , and is provided for retaining the pressing member  63  and fixing the loading mechanism  6  to the casing  4 . The second support member  62  has a pair of retaining grooves  62 A, a guide concave portion  62 B, a pair of first and second hook portions  62 C and  62 D, and a holder portion  62 E. 
     A pair of retaining grooves  62 A are provided for accommodating a leaf spring portion  63 B of the pressing member  63  mentioned below, and extend in the directions D 1  and D 2 . A through hole  62 Aa is provided at a position close to an end portion in the direction D 2  side, in each of the retaining grooves  62 A. The through hole  62 Aa is provided for inserting a hook portion  63 Ba of the pressing member  63  mentioned below. 
     The guide concave portion  62 B accommodates the arm portion  65  in the movable body  60 , and is provided for defining a moving path of the arm portion  65  (the movable body  60 ). 
     A pair of first and second hook portions  62 C and  62 D are provided for fixing the second support member  62  and therefore the loading mechanism  6  to the casing  4 . Each of the first hook portions  62 C is provided for engaging with the first member  40  in the casing  4 , and protrudes upward. On the other hand, the second hook portion  62 D is provided for engaging with the engagement portion  45  of the second member  41  in the casing  4 , and protrudes toward a lower side. 
     The holder portion  62 E is provided for retaining the light source apparatus  32 . The light source apparatus  32  constructs a light measuring mechanism for measuring in a photometrical manner the analytical tool  20 , and is provided at a position facing to a reagent portion (not shown) of the analytical tool  20  in a state in which the analytical tool  20  is installed to the analyzing apparatus  3 . The light source apparatus  32  includes a light emitting device and a light receiving device although they are omitted on the drawing, and is structured such as to directly receive a part of the light emitted from the light emitting device on the light receiving device, and be capable of monitoring an output of the light emitting device. The holder  62 E is provided with a through hole  62 Ea. The through hole  62 Ea is provided just below a light emitting surface (not shown) in the light emitting element, and plays a role for guiding the light emitted from the light source apparatus  32  (the light emitting device) to a lower side of the second support member  62 . In other words, it is structured such that only the light transmitting the through hole  62 Ea is irradiated to the reagent portion (not shown) of the analytical tool  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 to 8  and  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the pressing member  63  is provided for limiting the incoming radiation of the external light from the insertion port  43  of the casing  4 . The pressing member  63  has the light shielding portion  63 A and a pair of leaf spring portions  63 B. 
     The light shielding portion  63 A comes into contact with the movable body  60  at a time of moving the movable body  60  in the directions D 1  and D 2 . In other words, the light shielding portion  63 A is structured such as to be displaced in a vertical direction based on the movement of the arm portion  65  as well as closing the insertion port  43  in a standby state. A notch  63 Aa is provided in the light shielding portion  63 A. The notch  63 Aa is provided for allowing the movement of the arm portion  65  in the movable body  60 , and a portion coming into contact with the upper face side taper surface  67 A in the hook portion  67  of the arm portion  65  is formed as an inclined taper surface. The light shielding portion  63 A can easily run on the upper surface of the arm portion  65  at a time when the arm portion  65  protrudes from the casing  4 , based on the taper surface. 
     A pair of leaf spring portions  63 B are provided for applying a downward pressing force to the light shielding portion  63 A as well as slidably supporting the light shielding portion  63 A. Each of the leaf spring portions  63 B has a hook portion  63 Ba, and is fixed to the second support member  62  in the hook portion  63 Ba. Each of the leaf spring portions  63 B has a spring characteristic, and is arranged in such a manner as to deflect at a time when an upward force is applied thereto via the light shielding portion  63 A. Accordingly, the pressing member  63  is structured such as to apply a downward snapping force to the light shielding portion  63  at a time when the light shielding portion  63 A is displaced upward. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 to 8 , the gear  64  is engaged with each of the plurality of tooth portions  51  and  66 A of the operation body  5  and the movable body  60  as mentioned above, and is rotatably retained in the first support member  61 . In other words, the gear  64  is rotated by moving the operation body  5 , plays a role in transmitting a rotating force at that time to the movable body  60 , and is provided for moving the movable body  60  in an opposite direction to the moving direction of the operation body  5 . More specifically, in the case that the load directed to the direction D 2  is applied to the operation body  5 , the movable body  60  moves in the direction D 1 , the arm portion  65  largely protrudes from the casing  4 , and there is achieved a state in which the arm portion  65  can be inserted to the main body portion  21  of the cartridge  2 . On the contrary, in the case that the load applied to the operation body  5  is canceled and the operation body  5  is moved in the direction D 1 , the movable body  60  is moved in the direction D 2 , and the arm portion  65  is set to a state of being accommodated in the inner portion of the casing  4 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a light measuring table  7  is structured such as to be supported to the second member  41  of the casing  4 , and corresponds to a portion to which the analytical tool  20  picked up by the loading mechanism  6  is mounted. The light measuring table  7  is provided with a retaining portion  70  for retaining the light receiving portion  33 . The retaining portion  70  is provided with a through hole  71  at a position just below a through hole  62 Ea of a holder  62 E in the second support member  62 . 
     The light receiving portion  33  is structured such as to construct a light measuring mechanism together with the light source apparatus  32 , and receive the light transmitting through the analytical tool  20  in the light emitted from the light source apparatus  32  and irradiated to the analytical tool  20 . In other words, the amount of light received in the light receiving portion  33  correlates with a light absorbing characteristic (a level of color) in the reagent portion (not shown) of the analytical tool  20 , and it is possible to compute a concentration of a detected component in the sample based on the previous amount of light received. 
     Next, a description will be given of an analyzing method of the sample by using the analytical kit  1 , and operation of the cartridge  2  and the analyzing apparatus  3 . 
     In the case of analyzing the sample by using the analytical kit  1 , first of all, the analytical tool  20  accommodated in the cartridge  2  is fed to the analyzing apparatus  3 . The analytical tool  20  is fed to the analyzing apparatus  3  by detaching the cartridge  2  from the analyzing apparatus  3  after installing the cartridge  2  to the analyzing apparatus  3 . 
     The cartridge  2  is installed to the analyzing apparatus  3  in a state in which the pickup port  24  is open by turning the rotating member  22  in the cartridge  2  at 180 degree in accordance with a manual operation of a user as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . If the cartridge  2  is installed to the analyzing apparatus  3  in this state, the force directed in the direction D 2  is applied to the operation body  5  by the rotating member  22  of the cartridge  2 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the movable body  60  is moved in an opposite direction (the direction D 1 ) to the operation body  5 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  11  and  12 , in the process in which the movable body  60  moves, the arm portion  65  moves while coming into contact with an inner surface (a taper surface) of the notch  63 Aa of the light shielding portion  63 A in the pressing member  63 , in the upper face side taper surface  67 A of the hook portion  67 . Accordingly, the light shielding portion  63 A is displace upward, and the downward snapping force is applied to the arm portion  65  due to the deflection of the leaf spring portion  63 B. As a result, the arm portion  65  moves in the direction D 1  in a state in which the arm portion  65  is closely attached to the notch  63 Aa of the light shielding portion  63 A. 
     On the other hand, in the case that the movable body  60  is moved in the direction D 1 , the arm portion  65  protrudes from the casing  4  via the insertion port  43 , and the arm portion  65  is inserted to the inner portion of the cartridge  2  from the pickup port  24  of the cartridge  2 , as shown in  FIG. 13A . Further, since the arm portion  65  is structured such that the hook portion  67  has the lower face side taper surface  67 B, the arm portion  65  runs on the upper surface of the analytical tool  20  accommodated in the highest portion in the cartridge  2 , as shown in  FIG. 13B , and the hook portion  63  thereafter gets down the notch  20 A of the analytical tool  20  so as to be engaged with the notch  20 A, as shown in  FIG. 13C . 
     On the contrary, in the case that the cartridge  2  is detached from the analyzing apparatus  3  (in the case that the cartridge  2  is moved relatively in the direction D 1  with respect to the analyzing apparatus  3 ), the load directed to the direction D 2  applied to the operation body  5  is canceled, and the operation body  5  is moved in the direction D 1  so as to be returned to the original position by the snapping force of the coil spring  31  (see  FIGS. 5 and 8 ), as is known from  FIGS. 6 and 7  and the like. 
     The movable body  60  moves in the direction D 2  so as to be returned to the original position while working with the movement in the direction D 1  of the operation body  5 . At this time, since the hook portion  63  in the movable body  60  is engaged with the notch  20 A of the analytical tool  20 , the analytical tool  20  is moved in the direction D 2  together with the movable body  60  and is detached from the cartridge  2 , as shown in  FIG. 13D , and the end portion  20 B of the analytical tool  20  is accommodated in the inner portion of the casing  4 , as shown in  FIG. 6B . More specifically, the analytical tool  20  is structured such that the end portion  20 B is mounted on the light measuring table  7  in such a manner that the reagent portion (not shown) is positioned between the light source apparatus  32  and the light receiving portion  33  in the light measuring mechanism, and a part of the analytical tool  20  protrudes from the analyzing apparatus  3 . In this state, it is possible to measure light of the reagent portion (not shown) in the analytical tool  20  by the light measuring mechanisms  32  and  33 . 
     In the process of moving the analytical tool  20  in the direction D 2  together with the movable body  60 , a state in which the arm portion  65  comes into contact with the light shielding portion  63 A is maintained, at first, as is known from  FIG. 12 . Further, in the case that the arm portion  65  is moved to the inner portion than the insertion port  43 , the contact state between the light shielding portion  63 A and the arm portion  65  is canceled. At this time, the light shielding portion  63 A is displaced downward by the snapping force from the leaf spring portion  63 B, however, since a part of the analytical tool  20  exists in the D 1  side of the arm portion  65 , the light shielding portion  63 A comes into contact with the upper surface of the analytical tool  20  as shown in  FIG. 6B . In this contact state, since the light shielding portion  63 A is kept in the state of being displaced upward in comparison with the original position, the state in which the leaf spring portion  62 B is deflected is maintained. As a result, the light shielding portion  63 A is closely attached to the analytical tool  20  in a state in which the light shielding portion  63 A applies the pressing force to the upper surface of the analytical tool  20 , and in the case of measuring the light of the analytical tool  20 , the insertion port  43  is suitably closed by the light shielding portion  63 A. 
     Further, in the case that the installation of the analytical tool  20  to the analyzing apparatus  3  is finished, the light is irradiated to the reagent portion (not shown) of the analytical tool  20  from the light source apparatus  32  in the light measuring mechanism, and the light transmitting the analytical tool  20  (the reagent portion) is received by the light receiving portion  33  at that time. In the analyzing apparatus  3 , the level of the color of the reagent portion is comprehended based on the result of light receiving in the light receiving portion  33 , and the concentration of the detected component in the sample is computed. 
     In the case that the analysis of the sample is finished, it is necessary to dispose the analytical tool  20 , however, the analytical tool  20  can be disposed by moving the operation body  5  in the direction D 2  by the user. In other words, in the case of moving the operation body  5  in the direction D 2 , the movable body  60  is moved in the direction D 1 , and the analytical tool  20  is also moved in the direction D 1 . Further, in the case that the movable body  60  is moved to the pickup position, a whole of the analytical tool  20  comes to a state of jumping out of the casing  4 , and comes down due to its own weight, and the analytical tool  20  can be disposed from the analyzing apparatus  3 . 
     In the analytical kit  1 , the analytical tool  20  is installed to the analyzing apparatus  3  by detaching the cartridge  2  from the analyzing apparatus  3  after installing the cartridge  2  to the analyzing apparatus  3 . Further, in the installing process of the analytical tool  20 , the light shielding portion  63 A of the pressing member  63  is closely attached to the arm portion  65 , and is then closely attached to the analytical tool  20 . Accordingly, since the insertion port  43  of the analyzing apparatus  3  is maintained in the state of being suitably closed by the arm portion  65  or the analytical tool  20  and the light shielding portion  63 A, it is possible to suitably suppress the external light from incoming from the insertion port  43  in the process of inserting the analytical tool  20  via the insertion port  43  of the analyzing apparatus  3 . As a result, even in the case that the light measuring mechanisms  32  and  33  are calibrated during the term when the sample is fed to the analytical tool, it is possible to inhibit the external light from being received in the light receiving portion  33  at a time of this calibration. Accordingly, it is possible to suitably calibrate the light measuring mechanisms  22  and  23 , and it is possible to suppress a disadvantage caused by the incoming radiation of the external light at a time of calibrating, that is, a deterioration of a measuring precision. 
     Further, in the case of measuring the analytical tool  20  in the photometrical manner, since the light shielding portion  63 A is closely attached to the analytical tool  20 , it is possible to suitably limit the incoming radiation of the external light from the insertion port  43  at a time of measuring the light. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the influence of the external light at a time of measuring the light, and it is possible to carry out a more suitable sample analysis. 
     Further, the light shielding portion  63 A of the pressing member  63  closes the insertion port  43  in the standby state, and even in the process of installing the analytical tool  20  to the analyzing apparatus  3  and in the case of measuring the analytical tool  20  in the photometrical manner, the insertion port  43  is suitably closed. Accordingly, even in the case of monitoring the output of the light emitting device of the light source apparatus  32  in the light measuring mechanisms  32  and  33 , it is possible to monitor the output of the light emitting device in the light source apparatus  32  while suppressing the influence of the external light, whichever case the timing of the output monitor is the standby state, the inserting process of the analytical tool  20  and under measurement of the analytical tool  20  in the photometrical manner. As a result, since it is possible to suitably comprehend the output of the light emitting device of the light source apparatus  32 , it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the measuring precision based on an erroneous recognition of the output of the light emitting device. 
     Accordingly, in the analyzing apparatus  3 , it is possible to inhibit the measuring precision from being deteriorated by the external light, and inhibit a dispersion from being generated in the result of measurement. 
     Next, a description will be given of an analyzing apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 . In this case, in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the same reference numerals are attached to the same members and elements as those of the first embodiment in accordance with the present invention, and an overlapping description will be omitted. 
     An analyzing apparatus  8  shown in  FIG. 14A  is structured such as to install the analytical tool  20  in accordance with a manual operation of a user without using any cartridge  2  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
     The analyzing apparatus  8  is provided with a pressing member  80  in the same manner as the analyzing apparatus  3  (see  FIG. 6  and the like) described previously. The pressing member  80  has a light shielding portion  81  and a pair of leaf springs  82  as shown in  FIG. 14B , and is directly or indirectly fixed to the casing  4 , in a hook portion  83  of each of the leaf spring portions  82 . Accordingly, in the pressing member  80 , the light shielding portion  81  can be slidably moved in the vertical direction based on a spring characteristic of the leaf spring portion  82 . 
     On the other hand, the light shielding portion  81  is formed as a rectangular plate shape in which a lower end edge is formed as a linear shape, and closes the insertion port  43  in its standby state. In other words, since the analyzing apparatus  8  is not structured such as to move the arm portion  65  such as the previous analyzing apparatus  3 , the notch  63 Aa (see  FIG. 11 ) for allowing the movement of the arm portion  65  is not provided in the light shielding portion  82 . Further, a lower end portion of the light shielding portion  81  has a taper surface  84  in which a height position becomes higher toward the direction D 1 . The taper surface  84  corresponds to a portion with which the analytical tool  20  interferes at a time of inserting the analytical tool  20 , and is provided for facilitating the insertion of the analytical tool  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , in the analyzing apparatus  3 , the analytical tool  20  is inserted from the insertion port  43  in such a manner as to make the end portion of the analytical tool  20  interfere with the taper surface  84  of the light shielding portion  81 . At this time, the light shielding portion  81  does not obstruct the insertion of the analytical tool  20  by the taper surface  84 , and the end portion of the analytical tool  20  moves along the taper surface  84 . Accordingly, the light shielding portion  81  is displaced upward, however, the leaf spring portion  82  is deflected based on the upward displacement of the light shielding portion  81 . As a result, the light shielding portion  81  presses the analytical tool  20  downward in the inserting process of the analytical tool  20 , and the state in which the light shielding portion  81  is closely attached to the analytical tool  20  is maintained. Of course, even in the case that the installation of the analytical tool  20  to the analyzing apparatus  3  is finished and the measurement in the photometrical manner of the analytical tool  20  is carried out, the state in which the analytical tool  20  is pressed by the light shielding portion  81  is maintained. 
     As mentioned above, in the analyzing apparatus  8 , the analytical tool  20  is pressed by the light shielding portion  81  continuously in the inserting process of the analytical tool  20  and at a time of measuring the light. Accordingly, in the state in which the insertion port  43  is suitably closed by the light shielding portion  81 , the analytical tool  20  is inserted, and the measurement in the photometrical manner of the analytical tool  20  is carried out. As a result, in the same manner as the analyzing apparatus  3  (see  FIGS. 5 to 11 ) described previously, it is possible to suppress the influence of the external light at a time of the calibration, at a time of the measurement in the photometrical manner, and at a time of monitoring the output of the light emitting device (not shown) in the light emitting apparatus  22 . Accordingly, in the analyzing apparatus  8 , it is possible to inhibit the measuring precision from being deteriorated by the external light, and inhibit the dispersion from being generated in the result of measurement. 
     Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment in accordance with the present invention with reference to  FIGS. 16A and 16B . In these drawings, the same reference numerals are attached to the same member and elements as those of the first embodiment in accordance with the present invention, and an overlapping description will be omitted. 
     An analyzing apparatus  8 ′ shown in  FIG. 16A  is different from the analyzing apparatus  8  (see  FIGS. 14 and 15 ) described previously in a point that a rotary member  80 ′ serving as the light shielding means is rotatably supported to the casing  4 . The pressing member  80 ′ is structured such that a light shielding portion  81 ′ turns around a shaft portion  84 ′, whereby the light shielding portion  81 ′ displaces in the vertical direction. 
     On the other hand, an analyzing apparatus  8 ″ shown in  FIG. 16B  is structured such that the rotary member  80 ′ is rotatably supported to the casing  4 , and a beam portion  82 ′ is pressed downward by a coil spring  85 ′. In other words, a light shielding portion  81 ″ is structured such that a downward force is applied based on a snapping force of the coil spring  85 ′. 
     In this case, in the analyzing apparatuses  8 ′ and  8 ″, it is not necessary that the rotary members  80 ′ and  80 ″ are supported to the casing  4 , but the rotary members  80 ′ and  80 ″ may be supported to the other element than the casing  4 . Further, in the analyzing apparatus  8 ″, the downward force may be applied to the rotary member  80 ″ by the other member than the coil spring  85 ′. 
     Next, a description will be given of an analyzing apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention with reference to  FIG. 17 . 
     The analyzing apparatus  9  shown in  FIG. 17A  is the same as the analyzing apparatuses  8 ,  8 ′ and  8 ″ (see  FIGS. 14 to 16 ) described previously in a point that the analyzing apparatus  9  is structured such as to install the analytical tool  20  in accordance with the manual operation of the user, without using any cartridge  2  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ), however, the structure of the light shielding means is different from the analyzing apparatuses  8 ,  8 ′ and  8 ″. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17B , in the analyzing apparatus  9 , an elastic body  90  is employed as the light shielding means. The elastic body  90  is constructed by a rubber-like elastic body or a foamed body, and is formed as a rectangular ring shape having a through hole  91 . The elastic body  90  is arranged in the insertion port  43  as shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , and is substantially structured such as to insert the analytical tool  20  via the through hole  91 . 
     The through hole  91  passes through in the directions D 1  and D 2 , and is structured such that a cross sectional area becomes smaller toward an inner portion of the casing  4 . A minimum cross sectional area of the through hole  91  is made smaller than the cross sectional area of the analytical tool  20 . Accordingly, in the case of inserting the analytical tool  20  via the through hole  91 , the through hole  91  is expanded, and a snapping force of the pressing member  90  is applied to a whole of the periphery of the analytical tool  20 . Therefore, since the insertion port  43  is set to the state of being suitably closed, at a time of the calibration, at a time of the measurement in the photometrical manner, and at a time of monitoring the output of the light emitting device (not shown) in the light emitting apparatus  22 , it is possible to suppress the influence of the external light. Accordingly, in the analyzing apparatus  9 , it is possible to inhibit the measuring precision from being deteriorated by the external light, and inhibit the dispersion from being generated in the result of measurement. 
     Of course, the present invention is not limited to the analyzing apparatuses described in the first to third embodiments, but can be variously designed and modified. For example, the light measuring mechanism in each of the embodiments is structured as the transmitting type, however, the light measuring mechanism may be structured as a reflecting type. 
     Further, in the first embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the mechanism for picking up the analytical tool  20  from the cartridge  2  can be variously changed. For example, the hook portion  67  in the arm portion  65  may be formed as a curved surface in place of the inclined surface in the lower face side taper surface  67 B. 
     The present invention can be further applied to an analyzing apparatus used by accommodating a plurality of analytical tools in an inner portion and setting the analytical tools in the inner portion of the apparatus. 
     In the analyzing apparatus  9  in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the elastic body  90  is formed as the rectangular ring shape, however, the pressing member  90  may be structured such as to press at least a part of the analytical tools  20 . Accordingly, the through hole  91  may be structured such as to have a uniform cross section, and may be arranged at a position which is adjacent to the insertion port  43  in place of the inner portion of the insertion port  43 . Further, it is not necessary that the elastic body presses the whole of the periphery of the analytical tool  20 , for example, an elastic body  90 ′ may be formed as a shape having a partly segmented notch  91 ′, or may be formed as a rod-like shape, or may be constituted by a plurality of parts, as shown in  FIGS. 18A and 18B .