Patent Publication Number: US-2015078963-A1

Title: Analysis Device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an analysis device, and more particularly, to an analysis device in which a storage container storing a plurality of sensors therein is replaceably installed, and the sensors stored in the storage container are discharged, in turn, to perform an analyzing operation. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Analysis devices for chemical and biochemical analysis of solid and liquid sample materials, and storages containers used in the analysis devices have been developed in research laboratories. Although a reaction associated with a sensitive reagent is complicated, a sensor based on a specially developed dry chemistry is not complicated, and thus may be used by a layman. As a main example of the sensor, there is a sensor for measuring a blood-sugar level of a diabetic patient. There are also sensors for performing various kinds of analysis operations, and analysis devices using the sensors. In the present invention, as an example, the sensor for measuring the blood will be described. 
     In general, a dry chemical sensor storing container is packed several times for a sale. The sensor is packed with a first package which directly covers the sensor, and an additional package (an external package). The first package is to satisfy an essential function of maintaining functions of chemical and biochemical components of a test element. The essential function is to protect the test element from an influence of light, or an introduction of air moisture, filth, fine substances and dirt, and also from a mechanical damage. 
     Generally, a conventional sensor packing sheet is sold in a state wrapped by the piece. When a user performs a blood analysis operation, after one of the sensors wrapped by piece is unwrapped and then inserted into an analysis device, blood is injected thereinto, and then the analysis operation is performed. 
     Since the conventional sensor is wrapped by the piece, there is a difficulty in storage, and it is inconvenient for the user to manually insert the sensors one by one into the analysis device. Further, while the user inserts the sensor by hand, the sensor may be contaminated, or may not be inserted into a proper position. Therefore, there are some problems in that an inaccurate result value may be obtained, and also a process thereof is inconvenient. 
     DISCLOSURE 
     Technical Problem 
     The present invention is directed to providing an analysis device in which a storage container storing a plurality of sensors therein is replaceably installed, and while the sensors are automatically withdrawn in turn, an analyzing operation is performed. 
     Also, the present invention is directed to providing an analysis device in which the sensors are withdrawn, in turn, from the storage container, and then automatically moved to a measurement position to perform the analyzing operation. 
     Technical Solution 
     One aspect of the present invention provides an analysis device including a main body in which a cylindrical storage container having a plurality of sensors provided therein is installed; a driving means formed in the main body to rotate the storage container and thus to locate the sensors, in turn, at a discharging position; and a moving means configured to move the sensors located at the discharging position to a measurement position formed at the main body, wherein the moving means pushes the sensors through a cut-away portion formed at an outer circumferential surface of the storage container. 
     The storage container may be formed in a cylindrical shape in which the sensors are radially arranged, the cut-away portion which is in communication with a sensor storing part storing the sensors may be formed at the outer circumferential surface thereof, an opening may be formed at an upper end surface of one side thereof, and the cut-away portion and the opening may be sealed by a packing material. 
     The driving means may include a rotational shaft inserted into a coupling hole formed at a center of the storage container, a driving motor connected to the rotational shaft to rotate the rotational shaft, and a control member which controls the rotation of the rotational shaft to locate the sensors stored in the storage container, in turn, at the discharging position. 
     The control member may include an electrode plate attached to a rotational plate formed at one side of the rotational shaft and having an electrode groove formed along a circumferential surface, and an electrode terminal which is temporarily in contact with the electrode plate. 
     The moving means may include a driving motor installed in the main body, a pressing piece moved by the driving motor and configured to move the sensors stored in the storage container to a measurement position, and a guide member configured to guide the pressing piece. 
     The pressing piece may have a blade part formed at a distal end of one side thereof to be inserted into the storage container to move the sensors, a rotational pin formed at a distal end of the other side thereof and rotatably installed at the moving plate moved by the driving motor, and a guide protrusion provided at a middle portion thereof. 
     The moving plate may be slidably installed at the guide member, and an elastic member which presses the pressing piece toward the storage container may be installed at the moving plate. 
     A guide groove configured to guide the guide protrusion may be provided at the guide member, and the guide groove may include a moving section in which the blade part is inserted into the storage container to move the sensor to the measurement position, a discharging section which extends from a distal end of the moving section and in which the blade part discharges the sensor located at the measurement position to the outside of the main body, and a returning section which extends from the discharging section and guides the guide protrusion to an initial position of the moving section while the blade part is not in contact with the storage container. 
     A guide plate which guides the guide protrusion entering the discharging section toward the returning section may be installed at a distal end of the moving section. 
     The guide plate may include a plate part arranged along a lower surface of the returning section, and a bent part bent at a distal end of the plate part to have elasticity and in contact with a distal end of a lower surface of the moving section. 
     A cover configured to open and close the storage container installed in the main body may be installed at the main body, a discharging port in which the measurement position of the sensor is provided may be formed at the cover, and a recognition electrode may be provided at the measurement position. 
     A display part configured to display information and an input part configured to input a control command or information may be provided at the outer circumferential surface of the main body. 
     Advantageous Effects 
     In the analysis device according to the present invention, since the storage container in which the plurality of sensors are stored is installed therein, and the sensors are automatically withdrawn to perform the sample analyzing operation, user&#39;s convenience is enhanced. 
     Also, in the analysis device according to the present invention, since the sensor is withdrawn in the state in which the storage container is installed in the main body, and the analyzing operation is performed, the sensors are prevented from being damaged while being moved, and also prevented from being contaminated due to the breakage of the packing material, and thus the accuracy of the analyzing operation can be enhanced. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a storage container installing part. 
         FIG. 3  is a detail view illustrating an electrode plate of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view illustrating the storage container installing part of the analysis device. 
         FIG. 5  is a state view illustrating an operating process of a pressing piece. 
         FIG. 6  is a view illustrating a state before the pressing piece moves a sensor. 
         FIG. 7  is a view illustrating a state in which the pressing piece moves the sensor to a measurement position. 
         FIG. 8  is a view illustrating a state in which the pressing piece discharges the sensor from the measurement position. 
     
    
    
     MODES OF THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, an analysis device according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a storage container installing part,  FIG. 3  is a detail view illustrating an electrode plate of  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 4  is an exploded view illustrating the storage container installing part of the analysis device,  FIG. 5  is a state view illustrating an operating process of a pressing piece,  FIG. 6  is a view illustrating a state before the pressing piece moves a sensor,  FIG. 7  is a view illustrating a state in which the pressing piece moves the sensor to a measurement position, and  FIG. 8  is a view illustrating a state in which the pressing piece discharges the sensor from the measurement position. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 8 , the analysis device according to the present invention has a structure in which a storage container  10  is installed in an internal receiving space of a main body  20  having a cover  25  provided at one side thereof. 
     The storage container  10  is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a packing material  14  is covered on an outer circumferential surface thereof. The storage container  10  has a plurality of sensor storing parts  11  such that a sensor  1  may be inserted thereinto. The sensor storing parts  11  are radially arranged with respect to a center point of the storage container  10 . An opening  13  for communicating the sensor storing parts  11  with the outside is formed at an upper end surface of one side of the storage container  10 . A cut-away portion  12  which extends and is cut away from a distal end of the other side to the opening  13  is provided at the outer circumferential surface of the storage container  20  to be in communication with the sensor storing parts  11 . 
     The cut-away portion  12  has a predetermined gap in which a pressing piece  60  to be described later may be inserted. Preferably, the cut-away portion  12  extends horizontally with a central axis in a lengthwise direction. 
     The sensor storing parts  11  have a predetermined internal space in which the sensor  1  may be inserted. Preferably, a bottom surface provided at a distal end of the other side of the sensor storing parts  11  is formed to have an inclined surface. Preferably, the packing material  14  is formed of a thin film material, such as foil, which obstructs light and moisture and does not have an influence on characteristics of the sensor  1 . Further, the inside of the storage container  10  is sealed with the packing material  14  in a state in which a moisture-proofing material is provided therein. A coupling hole  15  is formed to pass through the central axis of the storage container  10 . The coupling hole  15  is a place in which a rotational shaft  31  formed at a measuring device is inserted. Preferably, a plurality of gear protrusions are formed at an inner circumferential surface of the coupling hole  15 . The storage container  10  may further include an identification means which may confirm a kind of the stored sensor  1  or characteristics of a correction code or the like. The identification means may be installed at a lower end surface which is the other side of the storage container  10 , but is not limited thereto. The identification means may be at least one of at least one electrode, a bar code, a QR code, a three-dimensional shape (or an arrangement or a combination of the shape), a code key, a color notifying means, an active/passive RF chip, a memory, and an identification element equivalent thereto. 
     The cover  25  is rotatably coupled to one side of the main body  20 . The storage container  10  is installed in the internal receiving space opened and closed by the cover  25 . A discharging port  26  having a measurement position of the sensor  1  is formed at the cover  25 , and a recognition electrode  27  is provided at the measurement position. The recognition electrode  27  may be configured with at least two spring pins, may recognize an insertion of the sensor  1 , whether a proper amount of sample is injected, and the code key, and also may electrically connect the sensor  1  for measuring the sample with a measuring circuit. In the drawings, the cover  25  is provided at a lower end portion of the main body  20  to be open and closed, but not limited thereto. For example, the cover  25  may be formed at an upper end portion of the main body  1 . Alternatively, the cover  25  may be formed at a side surface or a lower surface of the main body  1 . In this case, the cover serves as only a door for an installation space of the storage container  10 , and thus an installation structure of the storage container  10  or a discharging structure of the sensor  1  may be properly modified. 
     A display part  21  displaying information and a button type input part  22  inputting a control command or information are provided at the outer circumferential surface of the main body  20 . A structure in which the display part  21  and the input part  22  are separately provided is described as an example, but another structure, like a touch pad used in an electronic product such as a smart phone or copy machine, in which inputting and displaying of the information are integrated into one, may be provided. 
     The sensor  1  is an analyzing unit or expendables for analysis such as an electrochemical strip, an optical strip and an immunodiagnostic strip, and is preferably used as a disposable part. The sensor  1  may include a sample introduction part and a reaction part, and may further include a reaction transferring part which transfers the reaction, or a reaction displaying part which displays the reaction. As an example, the electrochemical strip includes a capillary tube for introduction of the sample, an electrode part in which a reaction reagent is fixed, and a signal transferring part which transfers a reaction signal. 
     A driving means  30  which rotates the storage container  10  and locates the sensor  1  or the sensor storing parts  11 , in turn, at a discharging position, and a moving means  40  which moves the sensor  1  located at the discharging position to the measurement position formed at the cover  25  of the main body  20  are formed in the body  20 . Further, although not illustrated, a controlling means or circuit part which controls an operation, a displaying operation, a sample measuring operation, a result calculating operation, driving of a program, or the like, of construction units including the driving means  30  and the moving means  40  is formed in the main body  20 . It should be noted that driving of all units is controlled by the controlling means or the circuit part. 
     The driving means  30  includes the rotational shaft  31  inserted into the coupling hole  15  formed at a center of the storage container  10 , a driving motor  32  connected to the rotational shaft  31  to rotate the rotational shaft  31 , and a control member  50  which controls a rotation of the rotational shaft  31 . A rotational plate  31   a  is attached to a distal end of one side of the rotational shaft  31 . 
     The control member  50  includes an electrode plate  52  formed in a circular ring shape attached to the rotational plate  31   a,  and electrode terminals  53  and  54  which are in contact with the electrode plate  52 . The electrode plate  52  is formed in the circular ring shape, such that electrode grooves  51  are formed to be recessed along an inner circumferential surface at regular intervals. The electrode terminal  53  is installed to be, in turn, in contact with the electrode grooves  51  of the rotated electrode plate  52 , and another electrode terminal  54  is installed to be in continuous contact with the rotated electrode plate  52 . The rotation of the storage container  10  may be controlled in a manner in which the motor  32  is stopped at a moment when the electrode terminal  53  is located at the electrode groove  51  and a current is disconnected, and thus the sensor  1  is located at the discharging position, or in a manner in which the motor  32  is stopped at a moment when the electrode terminal  53  escapes from the electrode groove  51  and the current is connected, and thus the sensor  1  is located at the discharging position. 
     The moving means  40  includes a driving motor  41  installed in the main body  20  and having a pinion gear  41   a,  a moving plate  43  having a rack gear formed at one side surface thereof to be engaged with the pinion gear  41   a  and slidably installed at a guide member  42 , the pressing piece  60  rotatably installed at the moving plate  43 , and the guide member  42  configured to guide the moving plate  43  and the pressing piece  60 . The moving plate  43  may be moved in various manners other than a structure using the pinion gear  41   a  and the rack gear, for example, by transmitting power of the driving motor  41  through a link, a wire, or the like. 
     The pressing piece  60  may be formed in a plate shape having a predetermined width and length, and is preferably formed of a metallic material. The pressing piece  60  has a blade part  61  formed at a distal end of one side thereof, a rotational pin  62  formed at a distal end of the other side thereof, and a guide protrusion  63  formed at a middle portion thereof. Preferably, a distal end of the blade part  61  is formed to be sharp and thus to tear the packing material  14  and enter therein, and the blade part  61  is formed to be bent and thus to be in close contact with a front surface of one side of the sensor  1 . The rotational pin  62  is formed in a cylindrical shape which protrudes in a thickness-wise direction, and rotatably installed at the moving plate  43 . The guide protrusion  63  protrudes in a thickness-wise direction, and is slid while being in contact with a guide groove  70  formed at the guide member  42 . The guide protrusion  63  is formed of a separate material such as a plastic material, and may be attached to the pressing piece  60 . Further, an elastic member  43 a which presses the rotatably coupled pressing piece  60  toward the storage container  10  is installed at the moving plate  43 . 
     In the guide groove  70  formed at the guide member  42  to guide the guide protrusion  63 , a moving section  71  in which the blade part  61  is inserted into the storage container  10  to move the sensor  1  from an initial position to a measurement position, a discharging section  72  which extends from a distal end of the moving section  71  and in which the blade part  61  discharges the sensor  1  located at the measurement position to the outside of the main body  20 , and a returning section  73  which extends from the discharging section  72  and guides the guide protrusion  63  to the initial position of the moving section  71  while the blade part  61  is not in contact with the storage container  10 , are formed in a closed-section shape. The moving section  71  and the returning section  73  are arranged to be layered, and the moving section  71  is located adjacent to the storage container  10 . A guide plate  74  which guides the guide protrusion  63  entering the discharging section  72  toward the returning section  73  is installed at the distal end of the moving section  71 . The guide plate  74  includes a plate part  74   a  arranged along a lower surface of the returning section  73 , and a bent part  74   b  bent at a distal end of the plate part  74   a  to have elasticity and in contact with a distal end of a lower surface of the moving section  71 . 
     An operating process of the analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention is as follows. 
     If the cover  25  is opened and the storage container  10  is installed, a position of the first sensor storing part  11  of the storage container  10  is aligned with a position of the discharging port  26  by an operation of the driving means  30 . At this time, the aligned position is recognized by an operation of the control member  50 . 
     In this state, when an operation is started by pressing a button of the input part  22 , the moving means  40  is driven, and as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the moving plate  43  is moved along the guide member  42  in a lengthwise direction, and at the same time, the guide protrusion  63  is moved along the moving section  71 . If the guide protrusion  63  is moved along the moving section  71 , the pressing piece  60  is rotated around the rotational pin  62 , and the blade part  61  tears the packing material  14  and enters the inside of the sensor storing part  11  of the storage container  10 . 
     Then, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , in a state in which the blade part  61  enters the sensor storing part  11 , the moving plate  43  is continuously moved, and, when the guide protrusion  63  is moved to the distal end of the moving section  71 , the blade part  61  pushes the sensor  1  to be discharged through the opening  13  of the storage container  10 , and then the sensor  1  is introduced into the discharging port  26  formed at the cover  25  and located at the measurement position. At the measurement position, one part of the sensor  1  is in contact with a socket and electrically connected with the measuring unit, and the other part thereof is exposed to suck a sample. 
     At the measurement position, if measuring and (qualitative or quantitative) analyzing processes of the sensor are completed, the operation of the moving means  40  is resumed, and as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the moving plate  43  is further moved, and thus the guide protrusion  63  of the pressing piece  60  enters the discharging section  72 . The guide protrusion  63  entering the discharging section  72  presses the bent part  74   b  of the guide plate  74  at the distal end of the moving section  71 , and the guide plate  74  is elastically deformed, and the guide protrusion  63  deviates from the guide plate  74  and enters the discharging section  72 . 
     The guide protrusion  63  entering the discharging section  72  is moved to the distal end of the discharging section  72 , and thus the blade part  61  of the pressing piece  60  pushes the sensor  1  to be discharged to the outside of the cover  25 . 
     If the discharging of the sensor  1  is completed, the driving motor  41  is reversely rotated. The moving plate  43  is moved in a reverse direction by the rotation of the driving motor  41 , and the guide protrusion  63  of the pressing piece  60  is moved along the discharging section  72  in the reverse direction. While moving along the discharging section  72 , the guide protrusion  63  is moved along the bent part  74   b  of the guide plate  74  to the returning section  73 . 
     If the guide protrusion  63  is moved along the returning section  73 , the pressing piece  60  is rotated, and the blade part  61  is returned in a state of being not in contact with the storage container  10 . 
     In a state in which the guide protrusion  63  is moved to the distal end of the returning section  73 , the operation is finished. If an operating signal is input through the input part  22 , the next position of the sensor storing part  11  of the storage container  10  is aligned with the position of the discharging port  26  by the operation of the driving means  30 , and the guide protrusion  63  is moved to an initial position of the moving section  71 , and the next analyzing operation is started. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the above-described exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers all such modifications provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.