HK1224371B - Measuring device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a measuring device for analyzing a sample.

Spectrometers are commonly used to measure the concentration of at least one analyte in a fluid sample. To do this, the spectrometer generates a light beam, which it transmits through the fluid sample and detects at the other end of the fluid sample using a photosensor.

The measurement method underlying spectrometers is based on the well-known physical phenomenon that a light beam undergoes attenuation (extinction) when it passes through a fluid. The attenuation is proportional to the concentration of the analyte and the distance in the fluid through which the light beam must pass. This physical relationship is described by the Beer-Lambert extinction law.

The spectrometer is used to analyze fluid samples that do not have or emit any radiation of their own.

In the US 7 491 366 B2 A portable multi-channel device for analyzing liquids is also described. The multi-channel device comprises a controller and a sample holder with a cylindrical sample chamber, and at least two optical channels for measuring the turbidity of the sample liquid.

Furthermore, the US 2003/058450 A1 A device for testing liquid properties is known, which comprises a vial and a housing. The housing has a recess for receiving the vial. Several LEDs and photovoltaic detectors are arranged on several meridional planes within the housing.

The object of the present invention is to provide a measuring device that allows at least the measurement and analysis of luminescent samples. Preferably, the object of the invention is to provide a measuring device that allows both the measurement and analysis of luminescent samples and can be used as a spectrometer.

This object is achieved by a measuring device according to patent claim 1.

Accordingly, a measuring device is provided for analyzing a luminescent sample and in particular for measuring the concentration of at least one analyte in a luminescent sample, the measuring device comprising: a housing with a sample receiving space for receiving a sample container; a sample container for receiving the luminescent sample; at least one illumination device for illuminating the luminescent sample in order to excite the luminescent sample to emit afterglow; a radiation receiver device for receiving the radiation emitted by the luminescent sample; and an evaluation device for evaluating the radiation of the luminescent sample received by the radiation receiver device, wherein a solid, pasty, powdery, liquid and/or gaseous luminescent sample can be measured as the luminescent sample by means of the measuring device, wherein the measuring device has a control device, wherein the measuring device is designed as a portable measuring device with at least one of its own energy source, characterized in that the measuring device has a camera by means of which measurement conditions, a measurement location and a sampling point can be filmed or photographed, and a camera data recording device for storing the camera data of the camera, wherein the control device controls and/or regulates the illumination device, the radiation receiver device, the camera and the camera data recording device, and wherein the measuring device has a connection for the wireless and/or wired connection of an external device for coupling to the external device for transmitting the camera data and measurement data to the external device.

This provides a measuring device that can be used to measure luminescent samples by recording and analyzing the radiation emitted by the sample. The sample can also be additionally irradiated or illuminated to stimulate the sample to glow, for example, if the sample is photoluminescent.

In contrast to the spectrometers described with reference to the state of the art, the measuring device has the advantage that luminescent samples can also be analyzed.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the present invention emerge from the subclaims.

According to the invention, the measuring device comprises a camera and a camera data recording device. The camera and/or the camera data recording device are provided, for example, on the base part and/or the measuring head. The camera can be used, for example, to film the location where the luminescent sample is taken.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring device comprises at least one microphone and, for example, a microphone recording device. The at least one microphone and/or the microphone recording device are provided, for example, on the base part and/or the measuring head. This allows a user of the measuring device to use it as a dictaphone and, for example, dictate or record information relating to the measurement and analysis of the respective sample. This eliminates the need for handwritten notes and further increases the portability of the measuring device.

In another embodiment of the invention, the measuring device comprises a memory device for storing measurement data from the measuring head. This has the advantage that the measurement data from the measuring head, which is designed to analyze a luminescent sample, can be conveniently stored and subsequently read out, for example, on a computer in the laboratory.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the measuring device comprises a display device. The display device is provided, for example, on the base part and/or the measuring head. In this way, information such as measured values, a menu, for example, for selecting a measurement to be performed, etc., can be displayed on the display device. The display device can optionally also be designed as a touch-sensitive touchpad or touchscreen for activating the menu, etc.

According to the invention, the measuring device has at least one connection for wirelessly and/or wired connection to an external device. The connection can be, for example, a USB port, a cable port, a Bluetooth port, a satellite port, a radio port, etc. A wireless connection has the advantage that the measuring device can conveniently transmit information, e.g., measurement data, photos, dictation, etc., wirelessly, similar to a cell phone or smartphone. The measuring device can also be configured with a satellite connection, comparable to a satellite phone, for transmitting information such as measurement data, photos, dictation, etc., via a satellite.

In one embodiment of the invention, the base part and the measuring head are designed to be pluggable together. The base part and the measuring head have an electrical interface for electrically connecting the measuring head and the base part.

According to an alternative example, which is not covered by the invention, a spectrometer measuring head is used that is designed to analyze a fluid sample. Such a measuring head can be used, for example, to examine a sample from a body of water or a well.

In the present invention, at least one illumination device is provided for illuminating the luminescent sample. This has the advantage that photoluminescent samples, such as fluorescent or phosphorescent samples, can be analyzed, since they are excited to emit afterglow by the illumination device.

According to the present invention, the measuring device comprises a control device for controlling and/or regulating the illumination device. For example, the illumination duration, the illumination intensity, and/or the illumination interval of the illumination device are controlled and/or regulated by the control device. This has the advantage that the illumination can be specifically adapted to a particular luminescent sample by the control device, thereby further improving the analysis of the sample.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the measuring device comprises a display device for displaying a result of the evaluation by the evaluation device. This allows a user of the measuring device to immediately obtain the result of the analysis without having to connect the measuring device to an external display device.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, at least two illumination devices are provided. The illumination devices can be controlled individually and/or together by the control device. Providing multiple illumination devices has the advantage that the sample can be illuminated from multiple directions and/or with different types of illumination. For example, the illumination devices can emit light at different wavelengths, allowing, for example, different analytes present in the sample to be analyzed.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing opening is designed to be closable by means of a cover element. The housing opening can be closed, for example, in a light-tight manner by means of the cover element. This prevents unwanted radiation from outside from penetrating the housing and impairing the analysis of the sample.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the sample receiving chamber is designed to be light-tight and shielded from the outside. This has the advantage that radiation or light from electronic components, if present in the housing of the measuring device, can inadvertently enter the sample receiving chamber and impair the analysis of the sample. Furthermore, it can be ensured that a sample in the sample receiving chamber is illuminated only by the respective associated lighting device and not, for example, by other electronic components present in the housing.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the sample container is arranged fixedly or detachably in the sample container space and is designed to be closable by means of a lid. A detachable sample container has the advantage that it can be removed from the sample container space of the housing to hold the luminescent sample, for example, a luminescent water sample. Likewise, a sample container fixedly connected to the housing can easily be filled with a luminescent sample, for example, using a device such as a pipette.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the radiation receiver device comprises at least one light sensor and/or one photosensor. In the case of multiple light sensors or photosensors, these can form an array.

According to the present invention, the measuring device is designed as a portable measuring device with at least one dedicated power source. The power source can be at least one battery or a rechargeable battery. This allows the measuring device to be used anywhere, especially where no power connection is available.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the measuring device comprises a power cable for connecting to a power outlet or a power cable connector for connecting a power cable.

In the present invention, a gaseous, solid, and/or liquid luminescent sample can be measured using the measuring device. The luminescent sample can also be pasty or powdery. Organisms, cells, and animals, such as insects, can also be analyzed using the measuring device, provided they are luminescent.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawing.

Fig. 1

eine Perspektivansicht einer Messvorrichtung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung, wobei ein Basisteil mit einem Messkopf zum Messen von lumineszierenden Proben verbunden ist;

Fig. 2

ein Foto einer Messvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht der Messvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine Perspektivansicht der Messvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1, wobei eine Verschlussklappe in der geschlossenen Position ist;

Fig. 5

ein weiteres Foto der Messvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 6

noch ein weiteres Foto der Messvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1, wobei der Messkopf von dem Basisteil abgenommen ist;

Fig. 7

eine Perspektivansicht des Messkopfs der Messvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 8

eine Seitenansicht der Messvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1, wobei die Verschlussklappe in der geschlossenen Position ist;

Fig. 9

eine Draufsicht auf die Messvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1, wobei die Verschlussklappe in der geschlossenen Position ist;

Fig. 10

eine Unteransicht der Messvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 11

eine Rückansicht der Messvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1, wobei ein USB-Stick in einem USB-Anschluss der Messvorrichtung aufgenommen ist;

Fig. 12

eine Vorderansicht der Messkopfvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 13

ein Foto einer Messvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1, wobei ein andere Messkopf mit dem Basisteil verbunden ist, wobei der Messkopf ein Spektrometer-Messkopf zum Messen einer Fluidprobe ist;

Fig. 14

ein Foto der Messvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 13, wobei der Spektrometer-Messkopf von dem Basisteil entfernt ist; und

Fig. 15

eine Messvorrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung, wobei bei der Messvorrichtung ein Teil des Gehäuses entfernt ist;

Fig. 16

die Messvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 15 und ihr Gehäuse.

They show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a measuring device according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein a base part is connected to a measuring head for measuring luminescent samples;

Fig. 2

a photo of a measuring device according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

a plan view of the measuring device according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of the measuring device according to Fig. 1, wherein a closure flap is in the closed position;

Fig. 5

another photo of the measuring device according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 6

yet another photo of the measuring device according to Fig. 1, wherein the measuring head is removed from the base part;

Fig. 7

a perspective view of the measuring head of the measuring device according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 8

a side view of the measuring device according to Fig. 1, wherein the closure flap is in the closed position;

Fig. 9

a plan view of the measuring device according to Fig. 1, wherein the closure flap is in the closed position;

Fig. 10

a bottom view of the measuring device according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 11

a rear view of the measuring device according to Fig. 1, wherein a USB stick is accommodated in a USB port of the measuring device;

Fig. 12

a front view of the measuring head device according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 13

a photograph of a measuring device according to Fig. 1, wherein another measuring head is connected to the base part, wherein the measuring head is a spectrometer measuring head for measuring a fluid sample;

Fig. 14

a photograph of the measuring device according to Fig. 13, with the spectrometer measuring head removed from the base part; and

Fig. 15

a measuring device according to a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein a part of the housing is removed in the measuring device;

Fig. 16

the measuring device according to Fig. 15 and its housing.

In the figures, the same reference numbers denote the same or functionally identical components, unless otherwise stated.

The Fig. 1 to 12 show a measuring device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the measuring device 10 has a housing 11 consisting of a base part 100 and a measuring head 101, which is arranged replaceably on the base part 100. In the Fig. 1 to 12 In the embodiment shown, a measuring head for measuring luminescent samples is used as the measuring head 101 in the base part 100.

Luminescence is the optical radiation of a physical system that occurs during the transition from an excited state to the ground state. This is caused by radiative deactivation.

Depending on the type of excitation, different types of luminescence are distinguished, including so-called photoluminescence, so-called chemiluminescence and so-called bioluminescence.

In photoluminescence, the system is excited by photons. Depending on the time between excitation and emission of light, a distinction is made between phosphorescence and fluorescence. Fluorescence is the spontaneous emission of light shortly after excitation of a material. Phosphorescence, in turn, is the property of a substance to continue to glow in the dark after being illuminated with light, for example, visible or UV light. This is caused by radiative deactivation.

In chemiluminescence, the system is excited by a chemical reaction. For example, luminol can be used to detect blood.

In bioluminescence, the system is excited by a chemical reaction in a living organism, for example a cell, a bacterium or an animal, such as a firefly, in which luciferin is oxidized.

The measuring head 101 for analyzing a luminescent sample has a sample receiving chamber 12 into which a sample container 13 containing the luminescent sample can be inserted and analyzed. The sample container 13 can be closed, for example, by means of a lid, in particular tightly closed, so that the sample cannot accidentally escape from the sample container 13.

The sample container 13 is transparent, for example made of a transparent plastic or a transparent glass, to allow the passage of the radiation emitted by the luminescent sample, e.g. visible light, and optionally to allow the passage of radiation from at least one additional illumination device for illuminating the luminescent sample in order to stimulate it to emit afterglow.

The sample container 13 can be permanently or detachably integrated into the measuring head. If the sample container 13, e.g., a glass vial, is detachably integrated into the measuring head 101, it can be easily removed from the measuring head 101 through a corresponding housing opening 16 of the measuring head, filled with the luminescent sample, and then inserted into the measuring head 101. If the sample container 13 is permanently integrated into the measuring head 101, the lid can be removed to fill the sample container 13 and closed again after filling the sample container 13. The lid can also be transparent, like the sample container.

The housing opening 16 of the measuring head for inserting and/or filling the sample container 13 is designed to be closable, in particular light-tight, with a cover element, e.g., a closure flap 103 or a closure cap (not shown). The closure flap 103 is pivotally attached to the housing of the measuring head 101, as shown in the Fig. 1-12 The closure flap 103 can be moved between an open position, as shown in the Fig. 1, 2 , 3 and 7 shown, in which the sample receiving space 12 is accessible, and a closed position, as in Fig. 4 , 5 , 6 and 8-12 shown, in which the sample receiving chamber 12 is closed.

In this way, it can be ensured that no light from outside can penetrate into the measuring head and its sample receiving chamber 12 and falsify the measurement result.

Furthermore, at least one radiation receiver device is provided in the sample receiving chamber 12 of the measuring head, for example, for receiving the radiation emitted by the luminescent sample and converting it into electrical signals. A light sensor, photomultiplier, avalanche diode, or photosensor can be used as the radiation receiver device for receiving radiation, such as light, etc., from the luminescent sample. The photosensor can comprise at least one photodiode. Instead of a light sensor, photomultiplier, avalanche diode, or photosensor, any other suitable radiation receiver device or combination of radiation receiver devices suitable for receiving the radiation emitted by a luminescent sample, such as light, etc., can also be provided.

Furthermore, for analyzing a photoluminescent sample, as an example of a luminescent sample, at least one illumination device is provided in the measuring head 101. The illumination device illuminates the luminescent sample with suitable radiation to excite the luminescent sample to emit afterglow. Such luminescent or photoluminescent samples are, for example, fluorescent samples or phosphorescent samples. The illumination device is also arranged, for example, in the sample receiving chamber 12.

For example, multiple illumination devices can be provided, with the illumination devices all emitting light of the same wavelength or light of different wavelengths to illuminate the luminescent sample. This allows a luminescent sample to be examined to be illuminated, for example, alternately with light of different wavelengths, for example, to determine multiple or different analytes.

The radiation receiver device is connected to an evaluation device for evaluating the signals of the radiation receiver device for analyzing the luminescent sample.

The evaluation device can be part of the measuring device 10 and can be provided in the base part 100 and/or the measuring head 101. The measuring device 10 can be coupled to an external evaluation device and has a connection such as that shown in Fig. 1 , 4 and 11 shown USB port 104, a power or mains cable port and/or a wireless port, e.g. a Bluetooth port, radio port, a satellite port comparable to a satellite phone, etc. The invention is not limited to the aforementioned ports for connecting an external device, e.g. an external evaluation device. The external device, in particular the external evaluation device, can be a PC, a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet PC, etc., whereby this list is merely exemplary and not exhaustive. For example, evaluation software for evaluating the data from the measuring device can be provided as an app and can be loaded onto a smartphone or a tablet PC, for example.

The measuring device 10 optionally additionally has a storage device for storing data of the measuring device 10, for example the data of the radiation receiver device, etc.

Furthermore, a display device 20 is provided for displaying, for example, the result of the evaluation by the evaluation device and/or for displaying at least one menu, etc. The results of the evaluation device and/or at least one menu can additionally or alternatively also be displayed on an external device connected to the measuring device 10. As previously described, the external device can be, for example, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a PC, or a laptop, each of which has its own display and, furthermore, can itself act as an evaluation device and/or storage device, storing and/or evaluating the data from the measuring device 10 and displaying it on its own display and/or the display device 20 of the measuring device 10.

The display device 20 of the measuring device 10 is provided, for example, on the base part, as shown in the Fig. 1, -5 and 9 shown. In the Fig. 1 and 4 only the opening in the housing 11 for the display device is shown. For navigation between different menus or for displaying different results of the evaluation of the evaluation device 20, the measuring device 10 can have a key control, as in Fig. 1-5 and 9 is shown. The key control has, for example, at least one or two keys 105. Likewise, the display device 20 can also be additionally or alternatively designed as a touchscreen, etc.

Furthermore, a control device is additionally provided in the measuring head 101 and/or the base part 100 of the measuring device 10, for controlling and/or regulating, for example, the illumination of the respective illumination device of the measuring head 101. For example, the control device can control and/or regulate the illumination duration, the illumination intensity, the illumination interval of the illumination device, etc. Furthermore, several illumination devices can be controlled jointly or independently of one another by means of the control device for analyzing a luminescent sample in the sample receiving space 12 of the measuring device 10.

As in Fig. 1 - 5 and 9 As shown, the measuring device additionally comprises a microphone device with at least one microphone 102, as well as a microphone recording device for recording the content spoken into the microphone 102. The microphone recording device can be part of the measuring device 10, and/or the content spoken into the microphone 102 can be transmitted wirelessly and/or by wire from the measuring device 10 to an external device, such as a smartphone, a server, a laptop, a PC, a tablet PC, etc.

Using the microphone 102, a user can, for example, very conveniently dictate information such as the measurement conditions, the measurement location, etc., into the measuring device 10 during a measurement. This increases the ease of use of the measuring device 10. The information recorded in the recording device can then be easily listened to by the measuring device 10 and/or transmitted wirelessly or wired to an external device, such as the previously described smartphone, tablet PC, PC, laptop, etc., and optionally also listened to there. Wireless or wired transmission can, as described above, be carried out via the connection, e.g., in the form of a Bluetooth connection or USB port 104, etc.

Furthermore, the measuring device 10 has a camera 106, which is mounted in the measuring head 101 or the base part 100, as shown in the Fig. 1 2 , 4-6 , 8 and 9 shown. In the Fig. 1, 2 , 4-6 , 8 and 9 In the embodiment shown, the camera 106 is provided in the base part 100 and arranged, for example, laterally on the base part 100. Using the camera 106, the measurement conditions, the measurement location, and the sampling point can be filmed and stored in a camera data recording device. The camera data recording device is part of the measuring device 10, and the camera data can be transmitted wirelessly and/or wired from the measuring device 10 to an external device, such as a smartphone, a server, a laptop, a PC, a tablet PC, etc.

In the case of the Fig. 1-12 The previously described control device can, for example, control and/or regulate at least the illumination device, the radiation receiver device, the display device 20, the camera, the microphone device, the storage device, the camera data recording device, the microphone recording device, and/or the evaluation device via the measuring head connected to the base part. Likewise, the measuring device 10 can also be connected wirelessly or wired to an external control device via its connection.

The sample receiving chamber 12 can also be designed in the measuring head 101 of the measuring device 10 to be additionally light-tight or to be shielded from ambient light, so that apart from light from a possibly additionally present lighting device for the targeted illumination of the luminescent sample in the sample receiving chamber 12, no light from outside the measuring head of the measuring device 10 or, if present, from light sources within the measuring head 101 can inadvertently penetrate into the sample receiving chamber 12 and into the sample contained therein.

As previously described and in the Fig. 1-5 and 9 As shown, the measuring device 10 has a display as a display device 20 for displaying, for example, the result of the analysis of the sample contained in the sample container. The measuring device 10 is designed as a portable measuring device 10 and has its own energy source for supplying devices such as the control device, the evaluation device, the display device 20, the lighting device, the radiation receiver device, the camera 106 and/or the microphone device 102, etc. with energy. The energy source is, for example, a battery device and/or a rechargeable battery. In addition, the measuring device 10 can also have the previously described connection, such as a USB port 104 and/or a cable or mains connection for connecting a power cable or a power cable for connecting to a power outlet, etc., in order to supply the measuring device 10 with energy.

The previously described camera data recording device, the storage device for storing, in particular, measurement data, and/or the microphone recording device can be provided as a storage device or as a separate storage device in the measuring device 10. Additionally or alternatively, the information from the camera data recording device, the storage device, and/or the microphone recording device can also be transmitted directly to an external device via the connection, in particular USB port 104, radio port, or Bluetooth port, without intermediate storage in the measuring device 10 or in addition to intermediate storage in the measuring device 10. The external device, as described above, is, for example, a smartphone, a laptop, a PC, a tablet PC, etc.

As in Fig. 6 and 7 As shown, the measuring head 101 is arranged replaceably on the base part 100. The measuring head 101 is designed, for example, to be pluggable together with the base part 100. An electrical interface 107, e.g., an electrical plug connection, is provided on the base part 100 and the measuring head 101 for electrically connecting the base part 100 to the measuring head 101. Optionally, the measuring head 101 can additionally have a locking element 108, with which the measuring head 101 can additionally lock onto the base part 100. The locking can be released by pressing the locking element 108, as in Fig. 7 indicated by an arrow. Optionally, the measuring head 101 additionally has retaining lugs 109, which can be received in corresponding receptacles 110 of the base part when the measuring head and the base part 100 are plugged together to fix the measuring head 101 to the base part 100.

In the Figs. 13 and 14 is the previous with reference to the Fig. 1-12 described base part 100 of the measuring device 10 is equipped with a different measuring head 101. Instead of the Fig. 1-12 The measuring head used to measure luminescent samples is shown in the example in Figs. 13 and 14 a spectrometer measuring head 101 is used. Figs. 13 and 14 show features of the invention, but not an embodiment of the invention as claimed.

The spectrometer measuring head 101 is used to measure the concentration of at least one analyte in a fluid sample.

The fluid sample can be a gas, a liquid, or a mixture of both. The fluid sample may also contain some solid matter, such as dust.

The analyte is preferably a substance dissolved in water. Examples of such substances are oxygen, ozone, chlorine (free chlorine, total chlorine), nitrogen compounds (total nitrogen), magnesium, calcium, copper, potassium, iron, zinc, heavy metals, ammonium, cyanuric acid, cyanide, urea, carbonate (water hardness), hydrogen peroxide, chloride, nitrite, nitrate, or phosphate. The fluid sample can also be a gas, particularly air. For example, the concentration of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water content, alcohols, turbidity, and dust in the air can be measured using the spectrometer measuring head 101. For example, the fluid samples can also be soil samples or fertilizers. The pH value in the fluid sample can also be measured using the spectrometer measuring head 101.

The spectrometer measuring head 101 has one or more light sources, for example, LEDs, in particular laser LEDs. The one or more light sources generate a light beam.

The spectrometer measuring head 101 also has a photosensor for receiving the light beam. The photosensor converts the incident light beam into electrical signals.

Furthermore, the spectrometer measuring head 101 is designed with a measuring section in the beam path of the light beam. The spectrometer measuring head 101 with its measuring section can be introduced into the fluid sample. The measuring section is variable and can be enlarged and reduced. The principle of the variable measuring section in a spectrometer is also described in the WO2010/146110 A1 IFE GmbH and in the DE 10 2009 025 261 of IFE GmbH.

For this purpose, the spectrometer measuring head 101 is designed, for example, as follows: A light guide, e.g., an acrylic rod, Macrolon rod, glass rod, or fiber optic cable, is arranged in the beam path of the light beam. The light guide has a first section, which is permanently housed in the spectrometer measuring head 101, and a second section, which extends from the spectrometer measuring head 101 into a sleeve 111.

The sleeve 111 is, as in Figs. 13 and 14 provided with several elongated holes 112. Regardless of the position of the sleeve 111 relative to the spectrometer measuring head 101 or the optical fiber, one of the elongated holes 112 is always connected to the measuring section, meaning that the fluid sample can be taken from the fluid, for example, a body of water. According to the present embodiment, such a sampling can be performed simply by immersing the elongated holes 112, and thus also immersing the sleeve 111 including the end piece, into the fluid.

The sleeve 111 has a first section with which it extends into the spectrometer measuring head 101. This section is movably accommodated in a receiving space within the spectrometer measuring head 101 along the beam path of the light beam. A second section of the sleeve 111 extends outward from the spectrometer measuring head 101 and surrounds the second section of the light guide. A third section of the sleeve 111 adjoins the second section of the sleeve 111, which delimits the fluid sample at its circumference. An end piece, in turn, adjoins the third section. The end piece closes the annular cross-section of the sleeve 111 in a fluid-tight manner.

The measuring section is thus defined between the end piece and one end face of the light guide. The fluid sample is bounded along the path of the light beam by the end piece and the end face, and, as mentioned, circumferentially by the third section of the sleeve 111. The end piece includes the photosensor and preferably a lens that focuses the incident light beam onto the photosensor.

By moving the sleeve 111 in or out of the receiving area of the spectrometer measuring head 101, the measuring section is adjusted and can thus be easily adapted to the requirements for a concentration measurement of a respective analyte.

The light beam is coupled into the other end of the light guide.

The measuring device 10 further comprises the previously described with reference to the Fig. 1-12 described control device which, in the case of the spectrometer measuring head 101 connected to the base part 100, controls, for example, the light sources, the photosensor, etc. of the spectrometer measuring head 101.

The previously described display device 20 of the measuring device 10, which is provided, for example, in the base part 100, shows in the Figs. 13 and 14 used spectrometer measuring head 101, for example, displays the measured analyte concentrations.

By means of the previously mentioned Fig. 1-12 The buttons 105 described above can be used to operate menus of the display device 20 and enable a corresponding selection.

Likewise, information from a user of the measuring device 10 can be recorded and stored using the microphone device, for example, arranged in the base part 100, with at least one microphone 102, as well as a microphone recording device. The same applies to the camera 106, arranged, for example, in the base part 100, and the camera data recording device.

The evaluation device for evaluating the data of the spectrometer measuring head 101 can be part of the measuring device 10 and can be provided in the base part 100 and/or the measuring head 101. Additionally or alternatively, the measuring device 10 can also, as previously described with reference to Fig. 1-12 described, be able to be coupled with an external evaluation device and, for example, have a connection as previously described in Fig. 1 , 4 and 11 , shown USB port 104, a power or mains cable port and/or a wireless port, e.g. a Bluetooth port, radio port, a satellite port comparable to a satellite phone, etc.

As previously mentioned with reference to Fig. 6 and 7 and as also described in Fig. 14 As shown, the measuring head 101 is arranged replaceably on the base part 100. The measuring head 101 is designed as previously described, e.g., to be plugged together with the base part 100. An electrical interface 107, e.g., an electrical plug connection, is provided on the base part 100 and the spectrometer measuring head 101, for electrically connecting the base part 100 with the spectrometer measuring head 101. Optionally, the spectrometer measuring head 101 can additionally have a locking element 108, with which the spectrometer measuring head 101 can additionally lock onto the base part 100. The locking can be released by pressing the locking element 108, as previously described in Fig. 7 indicated by an arrow. Optionally, the spectrometer measuring head 101 additionally has retaining lugs 109, which can be received in corresponding receptacles 110 of the base part 100 when the spectrometer measuring head 101 and the base part 100 are plugged together to fix the measuring head 101 to the base part 100.

Instead of having an exchangeable measuring head 101, the measuring device 10 can also be designed as in the following exemplary embodiment of the invention. The exemplary embodiment is described with reference to Figs. 15 and 16 explained.

Fig. 15 shows a measuring device according to a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein in the measuring device 10 a part of the housing 11 is removed.

The measuring device 10 is designed such that luminescent samples can be measured or analyzed. Luminescence, as well as the various types of luminescence, such as photoluminescence, chemiluminescence, and bioluminescence, have already been described with reference to Fig. 1-12 explained in detail and will therefore not be repeated again.

For analyzing a luminescent sample, the measuring device 10 has a sample receiving chamber 12 in the housing 11, into which a sample container 13 containing the luminescent sample 14 can be inserted and analyzed. The sample container 13 can be closed, for example, by means of a lid, in particular tightly closed, so that the sample cannot accidentally escape from the sample container 13.

The sample container 13 is transparent, for example made of a transparent plastic or a transparent glass, to allow the radiation emitted by the luminescent sample 14 to pass through, e.g. visible light, and optionally to allow the radiation of at least one additional illumination device 15 to pass through for illuminating the luminescent sample 14 in order to excite it to emit afterglow.

The sample container 13 can be permanently or detachably integrated into the housing 11. If the sample container 13 is detachably integrated into the housing 11, it can be easily removed from the housing 11 through a corresponding housing opening 16, filled with the luminescent sample 14, and then inserted into the housing 11. If the sample container 13 is permanently integrated into the housing 11, the lid can be removed to fill the sample container 13 and closed again after filling the sample container 13. The lid can also be transparent, like the sample container.

The housing opening 16 for inserting and/or filling the sample container 13 is preferably designed to be closable, in particular light-tight, with a cover element, e.g., a closure cap 17. This ensures that no light from outside can penetrate into the housing and its sample receiving chamber and falsify the measurement result.

Furthermore, at least one radiation receiver device 18 is provided in the housing 11, preferably in the sample receiving space 12 of the housing 11, for receiving the radiation emitted by the luminescent sample 14 and converting it into electrical signals. A light sensor or photosensor, for example, can be used as the radiation receiver device 18 for receiving radiation, such as light, etc., from the luminescent sample 14. The photosensor can comprise at least one photodiode. Instead of a light sensor or photosensor, any other suitable radiation receiver device or combination of radiation receiver devices suitable for receiving the radiation emitted by a luminescent sample, such as light, etc., can also be provided.

Optionally, in addition, at least one additional illumination device 15 can be provided in the housing 11 for analyzing a photoluminescent sample as an example of a luminescent sample 14. By means of the illumination device 15, the luminescent sample 14 is illuminated with suitable radiation in order to excite the luminescent sample 14 to glow. Such luminescent or photoluminescent samples 14 are, for example, fluorescent samples or phosphorescent samples. The illumination device 15 is also arranged, for example, in the sample receiving space 12, as indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 1 is indicated.

For example, a plurality of illumination devices 15 can be provided, wherein the illumination devices 15 all emit light of the same wavelength or light of different wavelengths to illuminate the luminescent sample 14. As a result, a luminescent sample 14 to be examined can be illuminated, for example alternately, with light of a different wavelength in order to determine, for example, several or different analytes.

The radiation receiver device 18 is connected to an evaluation device 19 for evaluating the signals of the radiation receiver device 18 for analyzing the luminescent sample 14. Furthermore, a display device 20 is provided for displaying the result of the evaluation of the evaluation device 19.

Furthermore, a control device 21 is additionally provided for controlling and/or regulating the illumination of the respective illumination device 15. For example, the control device can control and/or regulate the illumination duration, the illumination intensity, the illumination interval of the illumination device 15, etc. Furthermore, by means of the control device 21, several illumination devices 15 can also be controlled jointly or independently of one another for analyzing a luminescent sample 14 in the sample receiving space 12 of the measuring device 10.

The sample receiving chamber 12 can also be designed in the housing 11 of the measuring device 10 so as to be additionally sealable in a light-tight manner or shielded from ambient light, so that apart from light from a possibly additionally provided lighting device 15 for the targeted illumination of the luminescent sample 14 in the sample receiving chamber 12, no light from outside the housing 11 of the measuring device 10 or, if present, from light sources within the housing 11 can inadvertently penetrate into the sample receiving chamber 12 and into the sample 14 contained therein.

In Fig. 16 the measuring device 10 is according to Fig. 15 and its housing 11. As previously described with reference to Fig. 15 The housing opening 16 for inserting and/or filling the sample container 13 is preferably sealed tightly, in particular at least light-tight, with a cover element, e.g., a closure cap 17. With a light-tight closure of the housing opening 16, no light from outside penetrates unintentionally into the housing 11. As previously with reference to Fig. 15 As described above, the sample receiving chamber 12 can also be designed to be additionally light-tight or shielded from ambient light, wherein in one embodiment of the invention the cover element 17, for example, closes one end of the sample receiving chamber 12 light-tight, so that no light can inadvertently enter the housing 11 and the sample receiving chamber 12 from the outside.

As in Fig. 15 As shown, the measuring device 10 has a display as a display device 20 for displaying the result of the analysis of the sample contained in the sample container. The measuring device 10 is designed as a portable measuring device 10 and has its own energy source 22, as shown by a dot-dash line in Fig. 15 As indicated, for supplying energy to devices such as the control device, the evaluation device, the display device, the illumination device, and the radiation receiver device. The energy source 22 is, for example, a battery device and/or a rechargeable battery. Additionally or alternatively, the measuring device 10 can also have a cable connection for connecting a power cable or a power cable for connecting to a power outlet in order to supply the measuring device 10 with energy.

Although the present invention has been described above using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

In one embodiment of the measuring device 10 according to the Fig. 1-12 the cover element or the closure flap 103 of the measuring head 101 for closing the housing opening 16 can be designed at the same time to close the sample container 13, so that the separate cover for the sample container can be omitted.

The same applies to the Figs. 15 and 16 described embodiment. In one embodiment of the invention, the cover element of the measuring device 10 can be Figs. 15 and 16 to close the housing opening, it can also be designed to close the sample container at the same time, so that the separate lid for the sample container can be omitted.

The previously mentioned with reference to the Fig. 1 to 16 The measuring device described as an example can analyze solid, liquid, pasty, powdery and/or gaseous samples as well as organisms, cells, animals such as insects, etc., provided they are luminescent.

List of reference symbols

10

measuring device

11

Housing

12

Sample recording room

13

Sample container

14

sample

15

Lighting equipment

16

Housing opening

17

cap

18

Radiation receiver device

19

Evaluation device

20

Display device

21

Control device

22

Energy source

100

Base part

101

measuring head

102

microphone

103

Closing flap

104

USB port

105

button

106

camera

107

electrical interface

108

locking element

109

retaining nose

110

Recording (base part)

111

sleeve

112

slot

Claims (14)

1. Measuring device (10) for analysing a luminescent sample (14) and, in particular, for measuring the concentration of at least one analyte in a luminescent sample (14), comprising:

   a housing (11) with a sample receptacle space (12) for accommodating a sample container (13),

   a sample container (13) for accommodating the luminescent sample (14),

   at least one illumination apparatus (15) for illuminating the luminescent sample (14) in order to excite the sample (14) to exhibit afterglow,

   a radiation receiver apparatus (18) for receiving radiation emitted by the luminescent sample (14), and

   an evaluation apparatus (19) for evaluating the radiation from the luminescent sample received by the radiation receiver apparatus (18), wherein a solid, pasty, powdery and/or gaseous luminescent sample can be measured by the measuring device as a luminescent sample (14),

   wherein the measuring device (10) has a control apparatus (21) ,

   wherein the measuring device (10) is embodied as a portable measuring device with at least one dedicated energy source,

   characterised in that the measuring device (10) has a camera (106), by means of which measurement conditions, a measurement location and a site of a sampling can be filmed or

   photographed, and a camera data recording apparatus for storing the camera data from the camera (106), wherein the control apparatus (21) actuates and/or regulates the illumination apparatus (15), the radiation receiver apparatus, the camera (106) and the camera data recording apparatus, and wherein the measuring device (10) has a connector for a wireless and/or wired connection of an external apparatus, for coupling to the external apparatus to transmit the camera data and measurement data to the external apparatus.
2. Measuring device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the luminescent sample (14) is a photoluminescent sample.
3. Measuring device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the measuring device (10) has an indication apparatus (20) for indicating a result of the evaluation of the evaluation apparatus (19), and/or wherein at least two illumination apparatuses (15) are provided, wherein the illumination apparatuses (15) can be actuated individually and/or together by the control apparatus (21).
4. Measuring device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that a housing opening (16) can be sealed, and preferably sealed in a light-tight manner, by means of a cover element (17).
5. Measuring device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the sample receptacle space (12) is embodied in a manner shielded to the outside in a light-tight manner.
6. Measuring device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the sample container (13) is arranged in the sample receptacle space (12) in a secured or detachable manner and said sample container is embodied in a manner sealable by means of a cover.
7. Measuring device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the radiation receiver apparatus (18) has at least one light sensor and/or photosensor.
8. Measuring device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the measuring device (10) has a power lead for connection to a power plug or a power lead connector for connecting a power lead.
9. Measuring device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the measuring device comprises a base part (100) and a measuring head (101) arranged at the base part in an interchangeable manner and comprising a sample receptacle space (12), wherein the measuring head (101) comprises the sample container (13) for analysing a luminescent sample (14).
10. Measuring device as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that the camera and/or camera data recording apparatus is provided at the base part and/or the measuring head (101).
11. Measuring device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the measuring device (10) has at least one microphone and preferably a microphone recording apparatus, wherein the at least one microphone and/or the microphone recording apparatus is provided at the base part and/or the measuring head.
12. Measuring device as claimed in one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the measuring device (10) has a storage apparatus for storing measurement data of the measuring head and/or wherein the measuring device (10) has an indication device, wherein the indication device is provided at the base part and/or the measuring head.
13. Measuring device as claimed in one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the connector is, in particular, a USB connector, a cable connector, a Bluetooth connector, a satellite connector or a radio connector.
14. Measuring device as claimed in one of claims 9 to 13, characterised in that the base part (100) and the measuring head (101) are embodied in such a way that they can be plugged together and wherein the base part (100) and the measuring head (104) have an electric interface for electrically connecting the measuring head and the base part.