JP5267399B2 - Sample collection device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a specimen sampling tool that samples a specimen adhering to a sampling part and suppresses variation of the sampled amount of the specimen. <P>SOLUTION: The specimen sampling tool includes a frame body 2 for keeping the surface of the sampling part of the specimen in a predetermined state, a specimen sampling part 4 for sampling the specimen from the surface of the sampling part kept in the predetermined state by the frame body 2, and an elastic coupling body 3 for making the specimen sampling part 4 abut on the surface of the sampling part by a substantially constant abutting load. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample collection device for collecting a sample attached to a collection site.

  The configuration of the conventional sample collection device is as follows.

  That is, a sample collection unit that collects a sample by pressing against a collection site to which the sample is attached is provided, and the sample collection unit is configured to collect microorganisms quantitatively by rotating or vibrating the sample collection unit. (For example, Patent Document 1)

JP 2003-334059 A

  The problem in the above-described conventional example is that the sample collection amount varies depending on the sampler and from time to time.

  That is, especially when the sample is collected from a collection site whose surface tension or hardness varies depending on the condition of the subject, such as the tongue in the oral cavity, the contact area between the sample collection unit and the collection site is likely to fluctuate due to the force of pressing. In addition, the collection site may move following the movement of the sample collection unit, and it is difficult to collect a sample from a certain width and length (= constant area) of the collection region. Variations would occur.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sample collection device that can suppress variation in the amount of collected sample.

In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a state holding unit having a frame body that substantially horizontally surrounds the surface of the sample collection site, and the sample from the surface of the collection site held in a predetermined state by the state holding unit. A sample collection unit that collects the sample, a load control unit that couples the sample collection unit and the frame, and abuts the sample collection unit on the surface of the collection site with a substantially constant contact load, and the sample collection unit And a movable part that moves the part relative to the state holding part, and the load control part is constituted by an elastic rod or plate that moves relative to the frame, and these The rod or plate having elasticity is shaped so that the cross-sectional area increases from the sample collection part side on the front end side toward the rear end side, and the movable part is on the side opposite to the sample collection part of the frame Provided in the gripping part provided in the Wherein an operation unit for operating the sample collection unit provided was a configuration, thereby it is to achieve the intended purpose.

As described above, the present invention provides a state holding unit having a frame that substantially horizontally surrounds the surface of the sample collection site, and a sample for collecting a sample from the surface of the collection site held in a predetermined state by the state holding unit. A collecting unit, a load control unit that couples the sample collecting unit and the frame, and abuts the sample collecting unit on the surface of the collection site with a substantially constant contact load, and the sample collecting unit is in the state A movable portion that is movable relative to the holding portion, and the load control portion is configured by a rod body or a plate body having elasticity to be movable relative to the frame body, and has these elasticity. The rod body or the plate body has a shape in which the cross-sectional area increases from the front-end side sample collection part side to the rear end side, and the movable part is a grip provided on the opposite side of the frame body from the sample collection part In the department,
Since the gripper is provided with an operation unit for operating the sample collection unit, it is possible to suppress variations in the amount of sample collected.

That is, in the present invention, the tension and hardness of the surface of the collection site can be maintained in a predetermined state by the state holding unit, and the sample collection unit is placed on the surface of the collection site by a substantially constant contact load by the load control unit. Furthermore, since the length of rubbing the surface of the collection site at the sample collection section can be regulated to a predetermined value, the area where the sample collection section is scratched on the collection site of the subject, and the surface of the collection site Runode can press load is substantially constant, taken the skill and regardless of the condition of the subject, also, it is possible to suppress the occasional variations in the amount of collected specimen regardless of the harvesting.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a sample collecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) (b) is the side view which showed the state which collects a sample with the sample collection instrument together External perspective view of the specimen collecting instrument in the second embodiment of the present invention External appearance perspective view of the specimen collection instrument in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention (A) is an external perspective view (b) is a side view of the sample collection instrument according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. (A) is an external appearance perspective view of the sample collection instrument in the 5th Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a side view (A) is an external appearance perspective view of the sample collection instrument in the 6th Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a side view (A) is an external perspective view (b) is a side view of the sample collection instrument according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The principal part expansion perspective view in the 7th Embodiment of this invention (A) is the principal part expansion perspective view in the 7th Embodiment of this invention (b) is an expansion side view (A) is the principal part expansion perspective view in the 7th Embodiment of this invention (b) is an expansion side view

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the sample collection on the tongue in the oral cavity will be described as an example.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view of a sample collection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a state of collecting a sample.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a main body. One end of the main body 1 is pressed against a collection site, and a frame 2 that holds the surface state of the collection site in a fixed state by this pressing (an example of a state holding unit) Is provided. The other end of the main body 1 with respect to the frame 2 is provided with a gripping portion 6 for a sampler to hold and hold the entire sample collection device.

  Here, inside the frame body 2 is formed a sample collecting portion 4 composed of elements for collecting a sample such as a brush and a cotton ball, and the lower end of the sample collecting portion 4 is as shown in FIG. , It is separated from the surface surrounded by the frame 2 by a distance δ in the vertical direction.

  And the elastic coupling body 3 which is an example of a load control part has couple | bonded the one side 2a of the main body 1 side of the frame 2 and the sample collection part 4 in the state which has elasticity. Here, the elastic coupling body 3 is bent until the lower end portion of the sample collecting section 4 is pushed up by the distance δ and the lower end section of the sample collecting section 4 reaches the surface surrounded by the frame 2. In such a state, the length is determined so as to be accommodated in an in-plane region surrounded by the frame body 2 and a predetermined load is generated in a direction perpendicular to the surface surrounded by the frame body 2. The above-described conditions are satisfied depending on the cross-sectional shape of the body 3 and the material thereof.

  Hereinafter, details will be described based on a state in which a sample is collected on the tongue in the oral cavity using this sample collecting device.

  FIG. 2A is a side view showing a state in which the sample collection device of the present embodiment is inserted into the oral cavity, and FIG. 2B shows a state in which a sample is collected by the sample collection device of the present embodiment. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the sample is collected, the sampler 23 grasps the grip 6 and inserts the sample collection device into the oral cavity 21, and the main body 1 of the sample collection device is substantially horizontal with respect to the upper surface of the tongue 22 of the subject 20. Press to become.

  At this time, when the main body 1 descends in the vertical direction after the specimen collection unit 4 first comes into contact with the tongue 22, the frame 2 comes into contact with the tongue 22, and from this state further toward the upper surface of the tongue 22, the frame 2 Press.

  In such a state, the elastic coupling body 3 bends when the lower end surface of the specimen collecting unit 4 is pushed up by a distance δ, and this bending causes the surface to be surrounded by the frame 2, that is, perpendicular to the upper surface of the tongue 22. A predetermined load (pressing on the tongue 22) is generated in the vertically downward direction.

  Here, the main body 1, the gripping portion 6, and the frame body 2 are integrally formed of a highly rigid resin such as polystyrene, polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, etc., and the cross section of the body 1 is gripped by the collector 23. 2 has a sufficient rigidity with respect to a load (generally about 50 grams to 500 grams) for pressing 2 against the tongue 22 of the subject 20, and has a shape that is difficult to bend.

  Further, the flexure of the elastic coupling body 3 increases, and then the frame body 2 is pressed against the tongue 22, so that the elastic coupling body 3 bends when the lower end surface of the specimen collecting unit 4 is pushed up by a distance δ, The shape is such that a load (generally a pressure on the tongue 22 of about 5 to 40 grams) is generated. For example, when the main body 1 and the elastic coupling body 3 are integrally formed, the elastic coupling body 3 has a smaller cross-sectional area and an appropriate length than the main body 1, so that the bending mainly occurs only in the elastic coupling body 3. It is configured.

  Generally, the state of the tongue 22 differs depending on each subject, and the hardness of the surface is different between the case where the tongue 22 is located in the oral cavity 21 and the state where the tongue 22 is projected outside the oral cavity. In particular, when the tongue 22 is in the oral cavity 21, it is relaxed and soft because there is no muscle tension.

  In the sample collecting device of this embodiment, the frame body 2 presses the tongue 22 to generate tension on the tongue surface 22a in the area surrounded by the frame body 2 so that the tongue surface 22a has a certain hardness. Since it can be maintained, not only can the specimen collection unit 4 be prevented from being buried in the tongue 22, but also the contact area between the sample collection unit 4 and the tongue surface 22a can be kept substantially constant regardless of the skill of the sampler 23, The effect that the amount of the collected sample becomes constant is obtained.

  In other words, when the frame 2 is not provided as in the conventional sample collection device, the sample collection unit 4 is deeply buried in the tongue 22 even if the sample collection device is applied to the tongue 22, so that the sample collection is performed according to the skill of the sampler 23. The contact area between the portion 4 and the tongue 22 is different, and the amount of sample collected varies.

  This conventional example will be described briefly. In the conventional example, the specimen collecting unit 4 also attaches a cotton thread or a synthetic fiber to the end of the elastic bonded body 3 with an adhesive or transplants a short synthetic fiber by electrostatic flocking. It consists of

  Therefore, when the sample is collected by pressing the tongue 22 and moving the sample collection unit 4 in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. A large difference occurs in the amount of sample collected due to the difference in the contact area.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, as described above, the frame 2 is pressed against the upper surface of the tongue surface 22a, tension is applied to the portion of the tongue surface 22a existing in the frame 2, and the sample is collected on the tongue surface 22a that has been appropriately cured. Since the lower end surface of the part 4 is pressed, the amount of bending of the elastic coupling body 3 set in advance by the distance δ described above can be made constant. Accordingly, since a predetermined load can be stably applied to the sample collection unit 4, the amount of sample collected by the sample collection unit 4 can be stabilized without variation.

  The frame body 2 may be of a size that can hold the tongue 22, and when the elastic coupling body 3 is bent when the lower end surface of the sample collection unit 4 is pushed up a distance δ, the sample collection unit It is sufficient if it is large enough to accommodate 4 in the frame.

  Therefore, the frame 2 is preferably, for example, a rectangle having a side of about 2 cm, or a circle or ellipse having a diameter of about 2 cm. Further, when the sample is collected by rubbing the tongue surface 22a by the sample collection unit 4, the surface of the frame 2 is preferably smooth so that the sample is not excluded by the frame 2 and has an edge at the end. The shape which does not do is preferable.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the separation unit 5 is provided in the vicinity of the coupling portion between the elastic coupling body 3 and the one side 2 a of the frame body 2. That is, the elastic coupling body 3 is separated from the one side 2a of the frame body 2 as necessary.

  Specifically, as described above, when the main body 1, the frame body 2, and the elastic coupling body 3 are integrally formed, the separating portion 5 may have any shape in which stress is concentrated, such as a notch shape (notch).

  In that case, the strength of the separation part 5 due to the notch shape (notch) can sufficiently withstand the stress generated when the elastic coupling body 3 is bent due to the lower end surface of the specimen collection part 4 being pushed up the distance δ. On the other hand, when the elastic coupling part 3 and the main body 1 are intended to be separated, the lower end surface of the specimen collecting part 4 is pushed up by the distance δ and the stress generated when the elastic coupling body 3 is bent is larger than the stress. The elastic coupling body 3 and the main body 1 can be easily separated by being easily broken by applying a large external force.

  Note that the elastic coupling body 3 can be constituted by a component different from the main body 1. In this case, it is preferable to use highly flexible nylon or polypropylene and various elastomers as the material of the elastic bonded body 3, and there is an advantage that a more delicate load can be set by selecting the flexibility and shape of the material. .

  In this case, it is preferable that the separating unit 5 is configured by press fitting such as a snap fit or a screw, and the elastic coupling body 3 is removed from the main body 1 after the sample is collected.

  In any case, by separating the elastic coupling part 3 and the main body 1 by the separation part 5, it is possible to separate only the specimen collection part 4 and the elastic coupling body 3 which are attached parts of the specimen.

  Therefore, after the sample is collected by the sample collection device, the separated part can be easily attached to the calibration device for calibrating the sample attached to the sample collection unit 4 of the sample collection device, and the sample is transported. The effect of being easy to load into a Spitz tube is obtained.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 shows a sample collection device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the description of the second embodiment, the same parts as those of the sample collecting instrument in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals to simplify the description.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the sample collecting instrument according to the second embodiment, and is a direction in which the sample collecting instrument is moved to scrape the tongue when collecting the sample on the four sides constituting the frame 2. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the two sides 2c and 2d parallel to the rubbing direction A are protruded in the direction (downward) of pressing the tongue from the two sides 2a and 2b orthogonal to the two sides.

  That is, in the second embodiment, when the sample is collected by rubbing the tongue 22, when the sample collecting unit 4 moves in the rubbing direction A, the two sides 2a and 2b constituting the frame 2 are formed on the tongue 22. The tongue 22 is pressed only by the two sides 2c and 2d that do not come into contact with the path through which the specimen collection unit 4 is scraped so that the specimen is not excluded by the contact, and tension is generated on the tongue surface.

  Further, the length of the elastic coupling body 3 is determined so that the sample collection unit 4 is located at the center of the frame 2 when the sample is collected.

  However, in this case, since the entire periphery of the surface of the tongue 22 that is the collection site cannot be surrounded by the frame body 2, unevenness of the hardness of the surface of the tongue 22 occurs, but even in that case, That is, the influence is mitigated by positioning the sample collection unit 4 at the center of the frame 2.

  In addition, by making the two sides 2c and 2d of the frame 2 longer than in the case of the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the hardness unevenness on the surface of the tongue 22.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the two surfaces 2a and 2b perpendicular to the rubbing direction A do not rub the surface of the tongue, which is the collection site, so that the sample originally present at the collection site is appropriately collected. can do.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent an error from occurring between the collected amount and the amount of the sample actually present, and the amount of the sample originally present on the tongue 22 can be accurately collected. That is, there is an effect that the specimen existing on the tongue 22 can be collected in a state where there is no variation in the collection amount.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 4 shows a specimen collection device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
In the description of the third embodiment, the same parts as those in the sample collecting instrument in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals to simplify the description.

  FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the specimen collecting instrument according to the third embodiment. The cross-sectional shape of the elastic coupling body 3 is increased in the direction X (= width direction) with respect to the direction Z (= thickness direction). This is different from the first embodiment.

  That is, in the third embodiment, the elastic coupling body 3 is formed in a flat plate shape in a direction orthogonal to the bending direction, so that the deformation in the direction X shown in FIG. 4 when the elastic coupling body 3 is bent. By making the deformation of only the direction Z easy to occur, the pressure due to the bending of the elastic coupling body 3 is accurately and accurately transmitted to the tongue 22.

  This is extremely effective when used by rubbing on the tongue 22 with a sample collection device, and the sample collection unit 4 is originally generated due to the fluctuation of the friction on the tongue 22 and the unevenness of the surface of the tongue 22 in the direction X. The pressure on the power tongue 22 is used for the force of deformation in the direction X, and it is possible to prevent the pressure on the tongue 22 from being reduced and dispersed, and to apply a load that stably presses the tongue 22 Can do. For this reason, it has the effect that the sample present on the tongue 22 can be collected without variation.

  Note that the sample collection unit 4 may cover the entire periphery of the end portion of the elastic coupling body 3 or only the surface in contact with the tongue 22, and both can provide the same effect.

(Embodiment 4)
A specimen collection device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). In the description of the fourth embodiment, the same parts as those in the sample collecting instrument in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals to simplify the description.

  FIG. 5 (a) is an external perspective view of the specimen collecting instrument of the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 5 (b) is a side view thereof.

  The sample collection instrument of the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it has a fixed part and a movable part.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the main body 1 is provided with a frame 2 that is a state holding portion on one end side thereof, and a fixed portion in which a grip portion 6 is integrally formed on the other end side, and a sample collecting portion. 4 is composed of a movable part formed by an elastic coupling body 3 having a movable body 4 and a movable body 7 coupled via a separation part 5.

  The fixed portion includes a fitting portion that holds the movable portion in a movable state, and the movable portion slides in a rubbing direction A, which is a direction in which the sample collecting portion 4 is moved to scratch the tongue 22 when the sample is collected. Fits freely.

  Here, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the cross section of the movable body 7 in the portion fitted with the fixed portion has a quadrangular shape, and the fixed portion combined with the square cross section of the movable body 7 By making the fitting part into a rectangular through hole, the movable part is combined with the fixed part so as not to rotate and to be slidable. Thereby, it is possible to ensure that a predetermined surface of the sample collection unit 4, that is, the lower surface of the sample collection unit 4 abuts on the surface of the tongue 22.

  Note that the method of combining the movable part with the fixed part so as not to be rotatable and slidable is not limited to this, and a combination of a column and a circular through hole may be used.

  On the side opposite to the direction where the movable body 7 is coupled to the separating portion 5, there is formed an operating portion 8 that can be grasped and slid by a sampler. A central portion of the movable body 7 has a stopper 7 a that is a columnar convex portion, and a regulation hole 1 a that is a square hole provided through the main body 1. The restriction hole 1a has both end faces orthogonal to the rubbing direction A. When the movable body 7 is slid in the rubbing direction A, the stopper 7a comes into contact with the both end faces, so that the specimen collecting unit 4 Can be moved in the rubbing direction A by a predetermined length.

  Hereinafter, details will be described based on a state in which a sample is collected on the tongue 22 in the oral cavity using this sample collecting device. Also in the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, first, the grasping portion 6 is grasped with one hand and inserted into the subject's oral cavity 21, and the sample collecting device 4 is attached to the tongue 22 with the sample collecting device. Press it so that it is almost horizontal.

  Then, after the sample collection unit 4 first comes into contact with the tongue 22, the main body 1 is lowered vertically, the frame body 2 is brought into contact with the tongue 22, and further pressed. At this time, the elastic coupling body 3 bends when the lower end surface of the specimen collection unit 4 is pushed up by a distance δ, and this bending causes the direction perpendicular to the surface surrounded by the frame 2, that is, the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the tongue 22. A predetermined load (press on the tongue 22) is generated.

  Next, the operation part 8 is grasped with the other hand, the movable body 7 is moved in the direction of the arrow A (abrasion direction) shown in FIG. 5, and the stopper 7a is moved by the length regulated by the regulation hole 1a. Collect a sample.

  As a result, the frame 2 applies tension to the surface of the tongue 22 and maintains the hardness of the surface, the specimen collecting unit 4 is brought into contact with the tongue 22 with a predetermined pressure, and the sample collecting unit 4 makes a predetermined length of the tongue 22. It is possible to scrape the surface of.

  As described above, since not only the pressure on the surface of the tongue 22 but also the length of rubbing the surface of the tongue 22 by the sample collecting unit 4 can be regulated to a predetermined value, the sample collecting unit 4 scratches the tongue 22 of the subject. The area and the pressing load on the surface of the tongue 22 are substantially constant, and there is an effect that the amount of the specimen existing on the tongue 22 can be stably collected without variation regardless of the skill of the collector.

  Furthermore, in a state where the frame 2 is fixed on the tongue 22, the surface of the tongue 22 can be scratched by the sample collection unit 4, and there is no need to move the frame 2 on the tongue 22. And the hardness is easily maintained at a constant level.

(Embodiment 5)
A sample collection device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b). In the description of the fifth embodiment, the same parts as those of the sample collecting instrument in the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is simplified.

  FIG. 6 (a) is an external perspective view of the sample collecting device of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 6 (b) is a side view thereof.

  A difference from the fourth embodiment is that the movable part is rotatably fitted to the fixed part.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the main body 1 has a frame 2 that is a state holding portion on one end side thereof, a fixed portion integrally formed with a grip portion 6 on the other end side, and an elastic coupling having a specimen collecting portion 4. It consists of a movable part formed by a movable body 7 which is coupled via a body 3 and a separating part 5.

  In addition, at one end of the movable body 7, an operation unit 8 that can be grasped and rotated by a sampler, and a mark that is a columnar convex portion in the vicinity of the gripping unit 6 so that the angle at which the movable body 7 is rotated can be confirmed. 7b.

  The elastic coupling body 3 having the sample collection unit 4 at one end is coaxial with the movable body 7 and is coupled to the movable body 7 via the separation section 5 at the other end. The frame 2 is provided with a bent portion 1c in the vicinity of the boundary with the main body 1 to form a predetermined angle with the main body 1. Then, the sample collection unit 4 is protruded from the lower surface of the frame body 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6B, the lower end portion of the sample collection unit 4 is separated from the surface surrounded by the frame body 2 by a distance δ.

  The state in which the sample is collected on the tongue 22 in the oral cavity 21 using this sample collection device is almost the same as in the fourth embodiment, but the operation unit 8 is rotated by a predetermined amount while confirming the mark 7b. Thus, the only difference is that the sample collection unit 4 pressed on the tongue 22 rotates a predetermined amount and collects the sample.

  At this time, the elastic coupling body 3 bends until the frame 2 abuts against the surface of the tongue 22, that is, the state where the lower end surface of the sample collection unit 4 is pushed up by the distance δ. Similar to the fourth embodiment described above, a predetermined load (pressing on the tongue) is generated in the vertical direction, that is, vertically downward with respect to the upper surface of the tongue 22.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, not only the pressing but also the rotation angle can be regulated to a predetermined value, so that the area where the sample collection unit 4 contacts the subject's tongue 22 in the rotation direction is substantially constant, Regardless of the skill of the collector, there is an effect that a stable sample can be collected without variation.

  Then, with the frame 2 fixed on the tongue 22, the surface of the tongue can be scraped by the sample collection unit 4, and there is no need to move the frame 2 on the tongue 22. There is an effect that it is easy to keep the hardness state constant.

  Furthermore, since the sample collection unit 4 rotates at one place without moving on the tongue 22, the frame 2 can be miniaturized, the instrument can be miniaturized, and a subject with a small tongue 22 can be realized. Thus, it is possible to easily collect the sample.

  In the fifth embodiment, the mark 7b is used as means for regulating the rotation amount, but the present invention is not limited to this. As in the fourth embodiment, when the movable body 7 rotates by a certain amount in the rotation direction, the rotation amount is regulated by providing the movable portion with a stopper that regulates the rotation by contacting the fixed portion. The same effect can be obtained.

(Embodiment 6)
A sample collection device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. In the description of the sixth embodiment, the same parts as those of the sample collecting instrument in the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals to simplify the description.

  FIG. 7A is an external perspective view of the sample collecting device of the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a side view thereof.

  The difference from the fourth embodiment is that an operation unit 8 is formed integrally with a part of the movable body 7 (a separate body may be coupled) between the gripping unit 6 and the frame 2.

  Further, a hole 6a for slidably holding the operation unit 8 is provided in a part of the grip unit 6, so that the sampler 23 can hold the grip unit 6 while operating the operation unit 8 with one hand. The length is extended.

  Hereinafter, details will be described based on the state of collecting a sample on the tongue 22 in the oral cavity 21 using the sample collecting device.

  First, the gripper 6 is grasped with one hand of the sampler 23, and one finger 23 a (forefinger in the sixth embodiment) is brought into contact with the operation unit 8. While maintaining this state, the frame body 2 is inserted into the intraoral 21 of the subject, the main body 1 is moved substantially vertically while the sample collection part 4 is applied to the tongue 22, and the frame body 2 is pressed substantially horizontally onto the tongue 22.

  At this time, the elastic coupling body 3 bends when the lower end surface of the specimen collection unit 4 is pushed up by a distance δ, and this bending causes the direction perpendicular to the surface surrounded by the frame 2, that is, the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the tongue 22. The specimen collecting unit 4 comes into contact with a predetermined pressure.

  Next, when the operation unit 8 is slid by moving the finger 23 a in contact with the operation unit 8 in the A direction (scratching direction), the sample collection unit 4 integrated with the movable body 7 rubs the tongue 22. Samples can be collected with

  It should be noted that the length with which the specimen collection unit 4 rubs the tongue 22 is the same as that of the fourth embodiment in that the length is determined by the length of the stopper 7a restricted by the restriction hole 1a.

  Here, the movement amount of the movable part may be regulated by both end faces in the rubbing direction A of the operation section 8 shown in FIG. 7 and both end faces in the rubbing direction A of the hole 6a that holds the operation section 8 slidably. Thereby, since the stopper 7a can regulate the movement amount of the movable part without providing the regulation hole 1a, the downsizing of the instrument can be realized.

  As described above, in the sixth embodiment, the sample collection unit 4 is brought into contact with the tongue 22 having the surface hardness held by the frame body 2 with a predetermined pressure, and is rubbed for a regulated length. Since the sample can be collected from a substantially constant area, all the steps of collecting can be performed with one hand of the collector in addition to the effect that the sample can be stably collected without variation regardless of the skill of the collector.

  Thus, when collecting with the sample collecting device, the mouth of the subject can be opened and held with the other hand, so that it is easy to collect the sample.

  In addition, the area where the sample collection unit 4 rubs over the tongue 22 of the subject becomes substantially constant, and the effect that the sample can be collected stably regardless of the skill of the sampler, and the frame 2 does not move from the tongue 22. Therefore, the effect that it is easy to keep the tension and hardness on the tongue 22 constant is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

  In the sixth embodiment, the operation unit 8 is provided on the upper surface side of the main body 1 and operated with an index finger or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The same effect can be obtained by providing the operation unit on the side surface of the main body 1 and operating with the thumb or the like.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 8 shows a specimen collection device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. FIG. 8A is an external perspective view, and FIG. 8B is a side view thereof.

  In this embodiment, the movable body 7 (movable part) in FIG. 7 is configured by a plate, and the elastic coupling body 3 (load control unit) is configured by a plate having elasticity. As shown in FIG. 9, the elastic coupling body 3 has a triangular plate shape in which a cross-sectional area in a direction orthogonal to the specimen collection unit 4 side on the front end side gradually increases from the front end side.

  Note that a coupling protrusion 5 a is provided at the rear end of the elastic coupling body 3, and the coupling protrusion 5 a is fitted into the coupling hole 5 b provided in the separation portion 5 of the movable body 7, thereby elastic coupling. The body 3 is detachably coupled to the movable body 7.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the operation unit 8 provided on the rear side of the movable body 7 is slid in the A direction (rubbing direction) with the finger 23 a, thereby leading the tip of the elastic coupling body 3 coupled to the movable body 7. The sample collection unit 4 can be moved relative to the frame 2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the frame body 2 which is a state holding unit is lifted with its tip side facing upward, and below this lower surface 2a, the sample collection unit 4 It is configured to slide from the end side toward the front end side.

  Here, at the time of sample collection, as shown in FIG. 8A, the sample collection unit 4 is slid on the surface of the collection site (tongue 22) held in a predetermined state by the frame 2 to collect the sample. The specimen will be collected by rubbing the site.

  Next, at the end of sample collection, the sample collection unit 4 that has been slid in the frame 2 is separated from the frame 2 by pulling forward together with the elastic coupling body 3 from the movable body 7. Thereafter, the sample collected by the sample collection unit 4 is examined by an examination apparatus (not shown).

  Now that the basic configuration and operation of the present embodiment have been understood from the above description, the greatest feature points of the present embodiment will be described below.

  In the present embodiment, first, as the elastic coupling body 3, a triangular plate body whose cross-sectional area gradually increases from the front end side to the rear end side is used to apply the contact load to the specimen collection unit 4. By making the front end side of the frame body 2 upward upward, the contact load on the sample collection unit 4 is further made substantially constant, thereby suppressing variations in sample collection amount. It is a thing. This will be described below.

  First, the elastic coupling body 3 and the specimen collection unit 4 will be described in detail.

  FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining the movement of the elastic coupling body 3 and the sample collection section 4 at the time of sample collection. The main body 1 has an elastic coupling body 3 that is a plate in front of it. A sliding opening 24 having an opening size slightly larger than the plate thickness is provided, and the elastic coupling body 3 is slidably held in the arrow A direction with respect to the sliding opening 24.

  Here, when the operation portion 8 (FIG. 8) is pulled rearward, the elastic coupling body 3 is also pulled rearward in conjunction with the operation portion 8, and as shown in FIG. 1, the tip of the elastic coupling body 3 protrudes from the sliding opening 24 of the main body 1 toward the inside of the frame body 2 by an effective length L1.

  On the other hand, when the operation unit 8 is extended forward, the elastic coupling body 3 is pushed out from the main body 1 in conjunction with the operation unit 8, and the elastic coupling body 3 is slid on the main body 1 as shown in FIG. The effective length L2 protrudes from the moving port 24 toward the inside of the frame 2.

  Here, in the specimen collection unit 4 provided at the tip of the elastic conjugate 3, it is usually necessary to push up the sample collection unit 4 as the effective length of the elastic conjugate 3 increases from L1 to L2. The power gradually decreases. That is, the contact load on the specimen collection unit 4 changes.

  However, in the present embodiment, the elastic coupling body 3 has a triangular plate shape whose width gradually increases so that the cross-sectional area gradually increases from the front-end side sample collection part 4 side toward the rear end side. .

  For this reason, the effective length of the elastic coupling body 3 gradually increases from L1 to L2, and accordingly, the cross-sectional area of the elastic coupling body 3 gradually increases. As a result, the elastic coupling body 3 The bending strength gradually increases.

  That is, the elastic coupling body 3 having the specimen collection unit 4 can weaken the bending strength of the elastic coupling body 3 when the effective length is short, and can increase the bending strength as the effective length becomes long. As described above, regardless of the effective length of the elastic coupling body 3, the contact load on the sample collection unit 4 can be made substantially constant, and variations in the sample collection amount can be suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, as the elastic coupling body 3, a triangular plate body whose width gradually increases so that its cross-sectional area gradually increases from the front end side to the rear end side is used. However, if the shape is such that the cross-sectional area gradually increases from the front end side to the rear end side, that is, the strength of the elastic coupling body 3 is gradually increased, the same effect as the present embodiment is obtained. It will be a thing.

  For example, even if a rod body having a gradually increasing thickness is used as the elastic coupling body 3 so that the cross-sectional area gradually increases from the front-end side sample-collecting section 4 side toward the rear-end side, the sample collecting section The contact load on 4 can be made substantially constant, and variations in the amount of sample collected can be suppressed.

  Next, the frame 2 (state holding unit) and the sample collection unit 4 will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 (b) and 11 (b), the frame body 2 is lifted upward at the front end side, and its height gradually increases from the rear end side to the front end side of the frame body 2. It is trying to become. The sample collection unit 4 slides from the rear end side of the frame body 2 toward the front end side below the lower surface 2a of the raised frame body 2.

  Here, at the time of sample collection, the sample collection unit 4 provided in front of the elastic coupling body 3 is pushed up to the lower surface 2a of the frame 2 as shown in FIGS. 10 (b) and 11 (b). It slides along the lower surface 2a of the frame 2 from the rear end side of the body 2 toward the front end side. At this time, the lower surface 2a of the raised frame body 2 controls the amount by which the sample collection unit 4 is pushed up.

  That is, when the effective length of the elastic coupling body 3 is as short as L1, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), the specimen collection unit 4 causes the lower surface 2a of the frame body 2 by the contact load from the contact portion (tongue 22). Toward the upward position 25a from the initial position 25a is increased by a small amount by δ1.

  Further, as the effective length of the elastic coupling body 3 becomes longer as L2, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), the specimen collecting unit 4 is moved by the contact load from the contact portion (tongue 22). The lower surface 2a is pushed up by δ2 from the initial position 26a to the pushed-up position 26b.

  That is, the elastic coupling body 3 having the specimen collection unit 4 is bent (pushed up) small when the effective length is short, and is bent (pushed up) as the effective length becomes long. As described above, regardless of the effective length of the elastic coupling body 3, the contact load on the sample collection unit 4 can be made substantially constant, and variations in the sample collection amount can be suppressed.

  Note that the lower surface 2a of the frame body 2 is configured as a flat surface or a curved surface so that the contact load from the contact portion to the specimen collection unit 4 is substantially constant. In the present embodiment, the shape of the lower surface 2a of the raised frame body 2 is a shape that rises upward while being curved toward the distal end side (for example, a curved surface having a quadric curve shape this time). As a result, the amount by which the sample collection unit 4 is pushed up, that is, the contact load on the sample collection unit 4 can be more appropriately controlled.

  Therefore, the sample can be collected with an appropriate contact weight regardless of the skill of the sampler, and variations in the collected amount of the sample can be suppressed.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention collects a specimen from the state holding part that keeps the surface of the specimen collection site in a predetermined state, and the surface of the collection part that is kept in a predetermined state by the state holding part. Since the configuration includes a sample collection unit and a load control unit that causes the sample collection unit to contact the surface of the collection site with a substantially constant contact load, variations in sample collection amount can be suppressed.

  That is, in the present invention, the tension and hardness of the surface of the collection site can be maintained in a predetermined state by the state holding unit, and the sample collection unit is placed on the surface of the collection site by a substantially constant contact load by the load control unit. Since they can be brought into contact with each other, it is possible to suppress variations in the amount of sample collected regardless of the skill of the sampler and the condition of the subject, and regardless of when the sample is collected.

  In other words, for example, in the measurement of the number of bacteria in the oral cavity, it is possible to accurately collect the total number of bacteria in the oral cavity of the subject because the collection of bacteria can be performed constantly without depending on the skill of the collector. .

  For this reason, in recent years, it can be utilized for measuring the number of bacteria for oral care, which has become increasingly important as a health index, and can be expected to be widely spread.

1 Body 2 Frame (state holding part)
3 Elastic coupling body (load control part)
4 Specimen Collection Unit 5 Separation Unit 5a Coupling Projection 5b Coupling Hole 6 Gripping Unit 7 Movable Body 8 Operation Unit 20 Subject 21 Oral 22 Tongue 22a Tongue Surface 23 Sampler 24 Sliding Port 25a Initial Position 25b Push-up Position 26a Initial Position 26b Push-Up position

Claims (3)

A state holding unit having a frame that substantially horizontally surrounds the surface of the sample collection site;
A sample collection unit for collecting a sample from the surface of the collection site maintained in a predetermined state by the state holding unit;
A load control unit that combines the sample collection unit and the frame, and abuts the sample collection unit on the surface of the collection site with a substantially constant contact load ;
A movable part that moves the sample collecting part relative to the state holding part;
Equipped with a,
The load control unit is configured by an elastic rod or plate that is movable with respect to the frame, and the elastic rod or plate is rearward from the specimen collection unit side on the distal end side. A shape with a cross-sectional area that increases toward the end,
The movable part is provided in a grip part provided on the opposite side of the sample body of the frame,
The gripping unit is provided with an operation unit for operating the sample collection unit,
Specimen collection instrument. The load control unit has a cross-sectional area that increases from the specimen collecting unit side on the front end side toward the rear end side.
The sample collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the sample collecting device has a square plate shape. The sample collection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sample collection unit is configured to collect a sample from the oral cavity.

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