CN217931702U

CN217931702U - Automatic analyzer

Info

Publication number: CN217931702U
Application number: CN202220633660.3U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 范广会
Original assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corp
Current assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corp
Priority date: 2022-03-22
Filing date: 2022-03-22
Publication date: 2022-11-29
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-22

Abstract

The utility model provides an automatic analysis device. An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment includes a sampling arm for sampling at a sampling position, a reaction unit for receiving a sample collected by the sampling arm and reacting with a reagent, and a transfer-and-feed device for transferring the sample from the sampling position to the sampling position, the transfer-and-feed device including: a sample placement unit that carries a sample container; a guide unit, which is provided on the guide unit, moves between a transfer position and a sampling position along the guide unit, and continuously extends in a manner of having a corner; and a transfer unit provided on the guide unit, and transferring the sample container between a transfer position and a sampling position in a turnable manner along the guide unit. Through the utility model discloses, can be under the condition that keeps sampling efficiency, simplify the structure of device, save the space of device occupies.

Description

Automatic analyzer

Technical Field

The utility model relates to an automatic analysis device.

Background

An automatic analyzer is an apparatus for optically measuring a mixed liquid of a sample sampled from a subject and a reagent for analyzing each test item, and generating analysis data, for biochemical test items, immunological test items, and the like. The automatic analyzer stores a reagent for detection in a reagent storage, transfers a sample from a sample placement unit to a sampling position by a transfer/feed device, and measures a mixed solution in which the reagent and a standard sample are mixed or a mixed solution in which the reagent and a sample to be detected are mixed by a reaction unit.

In the prior art, a transfer feeder comprises a sample placement unit for carrying a sample, a sample transfer unit for transferring the sample from the sample placement unit to a sample transport unit, and a sample transport unit for transporting the sample to a sampling position of an automatic analyzer. Since the sampling position is relatively far from the sample application unit and the sample needs to be diverted during transport from the sample application unit to the sampling position, the sample transfer unit and the sample transport unit need to be provided as separate parts that are moved in different transport directions.

However, since the sample transport unit and the sample transfer unit are independent members that move in different transport directions, the movement mechanism of the automatic analyzer is complicated and occupies a large space.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

An object of the utility model is to provide a simple structure's automatic analysis device.

In order to achieve the above object, an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sampling arm for sampling at a sampling position, a reaction unit for receiving a sample collected by the sampling arm and reacting with a reagent, and a transfer and feed device for transferring the sample from the sampling position to the sampling position, the transfer and feed device including: a sample placement unit that carries a sample container; a guide unit, which is provided on the guide unit, moves between a transfer position and a sampling position along the guide unit, and continuously extends in a manner of having a corner; and a transfer unit provided on the guide unit, and transferring the sample container between a transfer position and a sampling position in a turnable manner along the guide unit.

Through the utility model discloses, set up the guide unit to extend in succession with the mode that has the corner, will transfer the unit and constitute to remove with the mode that can turn to along the guide unit for, regard as the guide mechanism that feeds the unit and transfer unit used together with the guide unit, can be under the condition that keeps sampling efficiency, simplify the structure of device, save the space of device and occupy.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the structure of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of a transfer feeder of an automatic analyzer according to the prior art;

fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a transfer feeder of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment;

fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a transfer unit of the transfer feeder of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment when a sample is taken from a sample placing unit;

fig. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a transfer unit of the transfer and feed device of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment transfers a sample container to a feed unit;

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged schematic view showing a transfer unit of a transfer feeder of the automatic analyzer when viewed from a direction D1 in FIG. 3;

fig. 7 is a partially enlarged schematic view showing a state where a feeding unit of a transfer feeder of the automatic analyzer is viewed from a direction D2 of fig. 3;

fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a first moving base (second moving base) of a transfer feeder of the automatic analyzer;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a structure of a rack at a corner of a guide unit of a transfer feeder of an automatic analyzer;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing another structure of a second transfer part of a transfer unit of a transfer feeder of an automatic analyzer;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a turning unit of a transfer feeder of an automatic analyzer;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a sensor unit of a transfer feeder of an automatic analyzer;

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a transfer unit of a transfer feeder of the automatic analyzer before turning;

FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing turning of a turning unit of a transfer feeder of an automatic analyzer;

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view showing a transfer unit of a transfer feeder of an automatic analyzer after being turned;

fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a transfer feeder of an automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

For convenience of explanation, coordinate axes are shown in the drawings.

The longitudinal direction of the automatic analyzer is defined as the X-axis direction (left-right direction), the short-side direction of the automatic analyzer is defined as the Z-axis direction (front-back direction), and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction (up-down direction). The direction in which the X-axis arrow points is the right side (right side), and the opposite direction is the left side (or left side). The direction in which the Z-axis arrow points is the front side (front), and the opposite side is the rear side (rear). The direction in which the Y-axis arrow points is the upper side (upper side), and the opposite side is the lower side (lower side). In the drawings, the structure is shown enlarged, reduced, or omitted as appropriate for convenience of explanation. In addition, in order to clearly explain the automatic analyzer of the present invention, components not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

(first embodiment)

Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an automatic analyzer 1 according to the present invention.

Next, the structure of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 1.

The automatic analyzer 1 is an apparatus for optically measuring a mixed liquid of a sample sampled from a subject and a reagent for analyzing each test item, and generating analysis data for biochemical test items, immunological test items, and the like.

The automatic analyzer 1 includes a sampling arm 3, a reaction unit 4, a reagent dispensing arm 5, a transfer/feed device 6, a measurement unit 7, a reagent reservoir 8, and a washing unit 9.

An annular rotation track is provided in the reaction part 4, and a reaction vessel containing a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent is placed on the rotation track. The reaction vessels are arranged at equal intervals along the annular orbit of the reaction part 4. The reaction section 4 holds an annular rotation orbit so as to be rotatable.

The transfer feeder 6 is a member for transporting the sample from the sampling position to the sampling position, and the transfer feeder 6 includes a sample placing unit 61, a guide unit 62, a feeding unit 63, and a transfer unit 64. The sample placing unit 61 places a plurality of sample containers to be sampled, the guide unit 62 guides the feed unit 63 and the transfer unit 64 to move along a predetermined path, the transfer unit 64 transfers the sample containers from the sample placing unit 61 to the feed device 63, and the feed device 63 moves to the sampling position to enable the loaded sample containers to be sampled.

An annular rotating track is provided in the reagent storage 8, and a reagent container containing a reagent is placed on the rotating track. The reagent containers are arranged at equal intervals along the annular rotation orbit of the reagent cassette 8. The reagent storage 8 cools the reagent container. The reagent storage 8 rotatably and movably holds an annular rotation track.

The sampling arm 3 is provided rotatably about its own axis parallel to the Y axis between the reaction part 4 and the feeding unit 63 located at the sampling position. One end of the sampling arm 3 has a sampling probe. The sampling probe rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the sampling arm 3. The rotational path of the sampling probe intersects with the rotational orbit of the sample container in the feeding unit 63 and the rotational orbit of the reaction container in the reaction unit 4, which are located at the sampling position, respectively, and the intersection of the rotational path of the sampling probe and the rotational orbit of the sample container in the feeding unit 63 and the reaction container in the reaction unit 4, which are located at the sampling position, is the sample suction position and the sample discharge position. The sampling arm 3 samples the sample in the sample container on the feeding unit 63 when the feeding unit 63 moves to the sampling position.

The sampling arm 3 is also liftable in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) to move the sampling probe in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) between the sample suction position and the sample discharge position. The sampling probe sucks the standard sample in the sample container located at the sample suction position and dispenses the sample into the reaction container located at the sample discharge position in the reaction unit 4. The sampling probe sucks the sample in the sample container located at the sample suction position, and dispenses the sample into the reaction container stopped at the sample discharge position in the reaction unit 4.

The reagent dispensing arm 5 is provided rotatably about its own axis parallel to the Y axis between the reaction unit 4 and the reagent reservoir 8. The reagent dispensing arm 5 has a reagent dispensing probe at one end. The reagent dispensing probe rotates in accordance with the rotation of the reagent dispensing arm 5. The rotation path of the reagent dispensing probe intersects with the rotation orbit of the reagent container in the reagent storage 8 and the rotation orbit of the reaction container in the reaction unit 4, respectively, and the intersection of the rotation path of the reagent dispensing probe and the rotation orbits of the reagent container in the reagent storage 8 and the reaction container in the reaction unit 4 is the reagent suction position and the reagent discharge position.

The reagent dispensing arm 5 is also movable up and down in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) to move the reagent dispensing probe in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) between the reagent suction position and the reagent discharge position. The reagent dispensing probe sucks the reagent in the reagent container located at the reagent suction position and dispenses the reagent into the reaction container stopped at the reagent discharge position in the reaction unit 4.

The reaction unit 4 receives the sample collected by the sampling arm 3 and reacts with the reagent discharged by the reagent dispensing arm 5. The measurement unit 7 irradiates the mixed liquid in each reaction vessel in the reaction unit 4 with light, and the measurement unit 7 detects the light transmitted through the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel in the reaction unit 4, and generates standard data and test data expressed by, for example, the amount of change in absorbance or absorbance, based on the obtained detection signal.

The cleaning unit 9 cleans the reaction vessels stopped at the cleaning position in the reaction unit 4 for which the measurement has been completed by the measurement unit 7. The cleaning unit 9 includes a waste liquid nozzle, a cleaning unit, and a drying nozzle. The cleaning unit 9 sucks the mixed liquid as the waste liquid in the reaction vessel in the reaction unit 4 through the waste liquid nozzle. The cleaning unit 9 discharges a cleaning liquid to the reaction vessel from which the waste liquid has been sucked by the cleaning unit to clean the reaction vessel. The cleaning unit 9 supplies dry air to the cleaned reaction vessels through the drying nozzles, thereby drying the reaction vessels.

Next, the structure of the transfer feeder 6a of the conventional automatic analyzer will be described with reference to fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a transfer feeder 6a of a conventional automatic analyzer.

In the prior art, as shown in fig. 2, the transfer feeding device 6a includes a sample placing unit 61a, a sample conveying unit 62a, a sample transfer unit 63a, and the like.

The sample placing unit 61a is configured to carry a plurality of sample containers Ha, and the sample containers Ha contain test samples or standard samples.

The sample transfer unit 63a includes a linear guide drive mechanism 631a, a robot 632a, and the like. The sample transfer unit 63a is reciprocated in the front-rear direction (Z-axis direction) by a linear guide driving mechanism 631 a. The robot 632a is used to pick and place and hold the reagent container Ha.

The sample transport unit 62a includes a linear guide driving mechanism 621a, a holder 622a, and the like. The holder 622a is used for carrying the reagent container Ha, and the holder 622a is reciprocated in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) by the linear guide driving mechanism 621 a.

When the sample transfer unit 63a is moved to the sample placing unit 61a in the + Z direction by the linear guide driving mechanism 631a, the sample transfer unit 63a is located at the sampling position, and at this time, the sample container Ha in the sample placing unit 61a is taken out and held by the robot 632 a. When the sample transfer unit 63a moves to the sample transport unit 62a in the-Z direction, the sample transfer unit 63a is located at the transfer position, and at this time, the robot 632a places the held sample container Ha on the holder 622a of the sample transport unit 62 a.

When the holder 622a of the sample transport unit 62a is moved in the-X direction to the sample transfer unit 63a located at the transfer position by the linear guide driving mechanism 621a, the holder 622a receives the sample container Ha held by the hand 632a of the sample transfer unit 63 a. When the holder 622a of the sample transport unit 62a moves to the end in the + X direction, the holder 622a is in the sampling position.

In the prior art, since the sampling position is far from the sample placing unit 61a and the sample needs to be turned at a certain angle in the process of transporting the sample from the sample placing unit 61a to the sampling position, the transporting operation is complicated, and therefore, the sample transfer unit 63a and the sample transporting unit 62a need to be configured as independent members that move in different transporting directions.

However, since the sample transport unit 62a and the sample transfer unit 63a are independent members that move in different transport directions, the movement mechanism of the transfer feeder 6a of the automatic analyzer is complicated and occupies a large space.

Next, the configuration of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment, which can reduce the space occupation and simplify the movement mechanism, will be described with reference to fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. In fig. 3, only a part of the guide unit 62 is schematically shown, and in practice, the length of the guide unit 62 may be freely set. In addition, hatching and components not directly related to the present invention are omitted in the drawings in order to more clearly express the structure of the present embodiment.

As shown in fig. 3, in the present embodiment, the transfer and feed device 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 includes a sample placing unit 61, a guide unit 62, a feeding unit 63, and a transfer unit 64.

The sample placement unit 61 is configured to carry a plurality of sample containers H.

The guide unit 62 is a member for guiding the feed unit 63 and the transfer unit 64 to move along a predetermined path. The guide unit 62 extends continuously in such a manner as to have a corner C. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 3, the description is given by taking the case where the corner C of the guide unit 62 is a right angle, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the corner C may be another angle. The guide unit 62 is divided into two parts with the rotation angle C as a boundary, one part extending linearly in the Z-axis direction (longitudinal direction) and the other part extending linearly in the X-axis direction (lateral direction).

The feeding unit 63 is a member that feeds or retrieves the sample container H to or from the member at the sampling position. The feeding unit 63 is provided on the guide unit 62 in such a manner as to be movable along the guide unit 62 between a transfer position and a sampling position. For example, the feeding unit 63 is provided on a portion of the guide unit 62 extending in the X-axis direction, and the feeding unit 63 may reciprocate on the guide unit 62 in the X-axis direction. The feeding unit 63 can reach the sampling position by moving in the + X direction (right side). The feeding unit 63 feeds or retrieves the sample container H to or from the sampling position. The feeding unit 63 can reach a transfer position where the sample container H is transferred by the transfer receiving unit 64 by moving in the-X direction (left side). The feeding unit 63 takes in the sample container H from the transfer position or conveys the sample container H to the transfer position.

The transfer unit 64 is a means for transferring the sample container H between the feeding unit 63 and the sample placement unit 61. The transfer unit 64 is provided on the guide unit 62, the transfer unit 64 moves along the guide unit 62 in a turnable manner, and the transfer unit 64 transfers the specimen container H between the transfer position and the sampling position along the guide unit 62 in a turnable manner. The transfer unit 64 may be turned at the corner C of the guide unit 62, that is, after the transfer unit 64 moves to the corner C in the-Z direction (rear side) on a portion of the guide unit 62 extending in the Z-axis direction, it may be turned to a portion of the guide unit 62 extending in the X-axis direction and continue to move in the + X direction; or after the transfer unit 64 moves to the corner C in the-X direction on a part of the guide unit 62 extending in the X-axis direction, it can turn to a part of the guide unit 62 extending in the Z-axis direction and continue to move in the + Z direction (front side). Thus, the transfer unit 64 can move on a portion of the guide unit 62 extending in the Z-axis direction and also on a portion of the guide unit 62 extending in the X-axis direction by turning at the corner C.

In the present embodiment, the guide unit 62 is continuously extended so as to have a corner, the transfer unit 64 is configured to be movable along the guide unit 62 so as to be turnable, and the guide unit 62 is used as a guide mechanism used in common for the feeding unit 63 and the transfer unit 64, whereby it is possible to simplify the movement mechanism of the automatic analyzer 1 and reduce the space occupied by the automatic analyzer 1 while satisfying the transfer of samples in different directions.

Next, the operation flow of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 will be described with reference to fig. 4 and 5.

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the transfer unit 64 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment samples a sample from the sample placement unit 61. In fig. 4, the feeding unit 63 is located at the sampling position, and the transfer unit 64 is located at the sampling position. The sampling position refers to a position when the feeding unit 63 feeds the sample container H. The sampling position is a position of the transfer unit 64 when the sample container H is taken out by the sample placing unit 61.

Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the transfer unit 64 of the transfer and feed device 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment transfers the sample container H to the feed unit 63. In fig. 5, the feeding unit 63 and the transfer unit 64 are both located at the transfer position. The transfer position is a position at which the transfer unit 64 transfers the sample container H to the feeding unit 63.

As shown in fig. 4, in the present embodiment, when the transfer unit 64 is located at the sampling position, the feeding unit 63 is located at the sampling position. The transfer unit 64 located at the sampling position takes out and holds the sample container H from the sample placing unit 61. The transfer unit 64 having completed the above operation moves in the-Z direction along the guide unit 62, and turns the direction when moving to the corner C, and the transfer unit 64 having turned the direction continues to move in the + X direction along the guide unit 62.

The sample in the sample container H on the feeding unit 63 at the sampling position is sampled, and the feeding unit 63 after completion of sampling carries the empty container E that has been used. The feeding unit 63 having completed the above-described operation moves in the-X direction along the guide unit 62.

After that, the transfer unit 64 reaches the transfer position simultaneously with the feeding unit 63. As shown in fig. 5, the transfer unit 64 located at the transfer position places the held sample container H on the feeding unit 63, and takes out an empty container E on the feeding unit 63. The transfer unit 64 having completed the above-described operation moves in the-X direction along the guide unit 62, turns around the corner C, and continues to move in the + Z direction. After the transfer unit 64 returns to the sampling position shown in fig. 4, the empty container E is placed in the sample placing unit 61, and the above-described process is repeated.

The empty container E on the feeding unit 63 at the transfer position is taken away by the transfer unit 64 and carries the sample container H placed by the transfer unit 64. The feeding unit 63 having completed the above-described operation moves in the + X direction along the guide unit 62. After the feeding unit 63 returns to the sampling position shown in fig. 4, the above process is repeated.

By circulating the feed unit 63 and the transfer unit 64 between the sampling position and the transfer position, the sample containers H placed in the sample placing unit 61 can be continuously fed to the sampling position and the empty containers E used can be returned to the sample placing unit 61.

According to the above-described procedure, the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment does not wait for the transportation of the transfer unit 64 while simplifying the structure of the apparatus and reducing the space occupied by the apparatus, and therefore the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 can achieve high sampling efficiency.

Next, a specific configuration of the guide unit 62 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 3, 6, 7, and 9.

Fig. 6 is a partially enlarged schematic view showing the transfer unit 64 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 when viewed from the direction D1 in fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a partially enlarged schematic view showing the feeding unit 63 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 when viewed from the direction D2 in fig. 3.

Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing the structure of the rack 622 of the guide unit 62 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 at the corner C.

As shown in fig. 3, 6, and 7, the guide unit 62 includes a guide portion 621 functioning as a guide rail and a rack 622.

As shown in fig. 3 and 7, the guide 621 includes a guide base 6211 and two side walls 6212. The guide portion 621 is configured as two portions extending in different directions, the guide portion 621 has one portion extending linearly in the Z-axis direction (longitudinal direction) and the other portion extending linearly in the X-axis direction (lateral direction), the guide portion 621 is connected to the two portions extending in different directions through a corner C, and the two portions of the guide portion 621 are rigidly connected. In the following description, the corner C is taken as a right angle. The guide base 6211 functions as a base of the guide 621, and the guide base 6211 is formed of a portion linearly extending in the Z-axis direction (longitudinal direction) and another portion linearly extending in the X-axis direction (lateral direction), whereby the guide base 6211 is formed in a right-angled shape. The two side walls 6212 are walls rising at the edges of the guide base 6211, respectively. Both side walls 6212 are formed in the same length as the guide base 6211, and each side wall 6212 has one portion linearly extending in the Z-axis direction and the other portion linearly extending in the X-axis direction, whereby each side wall 6212 is formed in a right-angled shape. The two side walls 6212 face each other with a distance therebetween. The opposing surfaces of the two side walls 6212 are inner side surfaces, and the opposing surfaces of the two side walls 6212 are outer side surfaces. Guide grooves 6213 are formed in the inner surfaces of the two side walls 6212, respectively, and the guide grooves 6213 guide the transfer unit 64 and the feeding unit 63 to move.

As shown in fig. 3 and 6, the rack 622 is provided on at least one side wall 6212 of the guide 621. In the present embodiment, the rack 622 is formed only on one side wall 6212 as an example. The rack 622 is divided into a longitudinal rack 6221 linearly extending in the Z-axis direction and a lateral rack 6222 linearly extending in the X-axis direction. The longitudinal rack bar 6221 is fixed to the side wall 6212 extending in the Z-axis direction, and the lateral rack bar 6222 is fixed to the side wall 6212 extending in the X-axis direction.

As shown in fig. 9, the longitudinal rack 6221 and the lateral rack 6222 are fixed to the outer side surfaces of the side walls 6212. The longitudinal rack 6221 and the transverse rack 6222 meet at a corner C.

In the present embodiment, since the guide 621 is formed of two portions extending along a straight line, the structure of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 can be reduced in size as much as possible.

Next, a specific configuration of the feeding unit 63 of the transfer and feeding device 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 3, 7, and 8.

Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the first movable base 632 (second movable base 642) of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1.

As shown in fig. 3, the feeding unit 63 includes a first support frame 631 as an integral frame of the feeding unit 63, a first moving base 632 disposed at a lower portion of the first support frame 631 and fixed to the first support frame 631, a first driving part 633 disposed at a lower portion of the first support frame 631, a first transmission part 634, and a sample placing position P located at a top portion of the first support frame 631.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the first moving base 632 includes a base 6321, a universal ball bearing 6322, and a guide wheel 6323. The base 6321 is formed as a rectangular block, and the universal ball bearings 6322 are provided at the center portion of the bottom surface of the base 6321, but in the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, an example in which four universal ball bearings 6322 are provided at the center portion of the bottom surface of the base 6321 is exemplarily shown. The guide wheels 6323 are provided on the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the base 6321, and in the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, an example in which four guide wheels 6323 are provided on the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the base 6321 is exemplarily shown. The universal ball bearing 6322 is in contact with the guide base 6211 of the guide 621 of the guide unit 62, and the universal ball bearing 6322 can roll on the guide base 6211 of the guide 621. The guide wheel 6323 is fitted into the guide groove 6213 of the guide 621 of the guide unit 62, and the guide wheel 6323 is rollable along the guide groove 6213 of the guide 621 under the guidance of the guide 621. The first moving base 632 can move along the guide portion 621 of the guide unit 62 by an external force through the guide wheel 6323 and the universal ball bearing 6322.

As shown in fig. 3, the first driving part 633 is fixed to the first support frame 631. The first driving unit 633 is a member for transmitting mechanical energy, and hereinafter, the first driving unit 633 will be described as an example of a motor. An output end of the first driving part 633 is connected to the first transmission part 634, whereby the first driving part 633 transmits a rotational force to the first transmission part 634.

As shown in fig. 7, the first transmission part 634 is engaged with the lateral rack 6222 (rack 622) of the guide unit 62, and the first transmission part 634 is, for example, a gear. The first transmission unit 634 is movable along the transverse rack 6222 by the rotational force of the first driving unit 633, so that the first moving base 632 can drive the feeding unit 63 to move along the guide unit 62 in the X-axis direction by the first driving unit 633, the first transmission unit 634, and the transverse rack 6222.

As shown in fig. 3, the sample placing sites P are formed on the top of the first support frame 631, and in the following description, the formation of two sample placing sites P on the top of the first support frame 631 is exemplified, but more sample placing sites P may be formed on the first support frame 631, that is, as long as at least two sample placing sites P are formed on the first support frame 631. The sample placement position P is used for carrying the sample container H transferred by the transfer unit 64 or carrying the empty container E after sampling at the sampling position.

Next, a specific configuration of the transfer unit 64 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 3, 6, 8, and 9.

As shown in fig. 3 and 6, the transfer unit 64 includes a second support frame 641 which is an integral frame of the transfer unit 64, a second movable base 642 provided at a lower portion of the second support frame 641, a second driving portion 643 provided at a lower portion of the second support frame 641, a second transmission portion 644, and a robot 645 provided at a top portion of the second support frame 641.

As shown in fig. 6 and 8, the second moving base 642 has the same configuration as the first moving base 632. The second motion base 642 includes a base 6421, a universal ball bearing 6422, and a guide wheel 6423. The base 6421 is formed as a rectangular block, a universal ball bearing 6422 is provided at a central portion of a bottom surface of the base 6421, a guide wheel 6423 is provided at an outer circumference of the bottom surface of the base 6421, the universal ball bearing 6422 is in contact with the guide base 6211 of the guide 621 of the guide unit 62, and the universal ball bearing 6422 can roll on the guide base 6211 of the guide 621. The guide wheel 6423 is fitted in the guide groove 6213 of the guide 621 of the guide unit 62, and the guide wheel 6423 is rollable along the guide groove 6213 of the guide 621 under the guidance of the guide 621. The second moving base 642 is movable along the guide 621 of the guide unit 62 by an external force through a guide wheel 6423 and a universal ball bearing 6422.

As shown in fig. 6, the second driving portion 643 is fixed to the second support frame 641. The second driving unit 643 is a member for conveying mechanical energy, and the second driving unit 643 is a motor as an example. An output end of the second driving portion 643 is connected to the second power transmission portion 644, so that the second driving portion 643 transmits the rotational force to the second power transmission portion 644.

As shown in fig. 6, the second transmission 644 is engageable with both the longitudinal rack 6221 (rack 622) and the transverse rack 6222 (rack 622) of the guide unit 62, and the second transmission 644 is, for example, a gear. The second transmission part 644 can move along the longitudinal rack 6221 under the driving of the rotational force of the second driving part 643, and thus the second moving base 642 can move the transfer unit 64 in the Z-axis direction along the guide unit 62 by the second driving part 643, the second transmission part 644, and the longitudinal rack 6221.

As shown in fig. 9, since the longitudinal rack bar 6221 and the lateral rack bar 6222 are connected to each other, when the second transmission unit 644 moves to the corner C, the state of engagement with the longitudinal rack bar 6221 is switched to the state of engagement with the lateral rack bar 6222, and the second movable base 642 and the transfer unit 64 are thereby steered to the corner C. Thereafter, the second transmission 644 can move along the lateral rack 6222 under the driving of the second driving part 643. The second moving base 642 can drive the transfer unit 64 to move along the guide unit 62 in the X-axis direction by the second driving portion 643, the second transmission portion 644, and the transverse rack 6222.

As shown in fig. 3, a robot 645 is formed on the top of the second support frame 641, and the robot 645 is used to take and place the sample container H. Specifically, the robot 645 is adapted to take out and hold the sample container H from the sample placing unit 61 when the transfer unit 64 is located at the sampling position, and place the sample container H on the sample placing position P of the feeding unit 63 and take out the empty container E from the sample placing position P of the feeding unit 63 when the transfer unit 64 is moved to the transfer position. When the transfer unit 64 returns to the sampling position again, the robot 645 places the held empty container E in the sample placing unit 61.

According to the present embodiment, the guide unit is provided to extend continuously so as to have a corner, the transfer unit is configured to be movable along the guide unit so as to be turnable, and the guide unit is used as a guide mechanism used in common for the feeding unit and the transfer unit, whereby the configuration of the apparatus can be simplified and the space occupation of the apparatus can be reduced while the sampling efficiency is maintained.

In addition, in order to prevent the feeding unit 63 from falling down due to the excessive weight of the upper portion, it is preferable that a certain pressing force be applied between the guide wheel 6323 of the first moving base 632 and the guide groove 6213 of the guide 621. Likewise, in order to prevent the transfer unit 64 from falling down due to the excessive weight of the upper portion, it is preferable that a certain pressing force be applied between the guide wheels 6423 of the second moving base 642 and the guide grooves 6213 of the guide 621.

In order to achieve smooth steering without sticking when the second power transmission unit 644 moves to the intersection between the vertical rack bar 6221 and the lateral rack bar 6222, displacement correction may be performed when the gear, the vertical rack bar 6221, and the lateral rack bar 6222, which are the second power transmission unit 644, are machined. That is, the fitting clearance is increased to realize smooth steering without causing a jam while ensuring that the second power transmission unit 644, the longitudinal rack 6221, and the lateral rack 6222 do not disengage.

Fig. 10 is another schematic configuration diagram showing the second transmission portion 644 of the transfer unit 64 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1.

As shown in fig. 10, in order to achieve smooth steering without sticking when the second power transmission portion 644 moves to the intersection between the longitudinal rack bar 6221 and the lateral rack bar 6222, the meshing relationship between the second power transmission portion 644 and the longitudinal rack bar 6221 and the lateral rack bar 6222 may be changed to pin-and-toothed transmission. In this embodiment, as a specific example, the second power transmitting unit 644 may be a rack gear, and when the second power transmitting unit 644 is a rack gear, the second power transmitting unit 644 can be smoothly steered at the intersection between the vertical rack bar 6221 and the lateral rack bar 6222.

(modification of the first embodiment)

Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 11 to 15.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing a turning unit 646 of the transfer unit 64 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing the sensor unit S of the transfer unit 64 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1.

Fig. 13 is a schematic top view showing the transfer unit 646 of the transfer unit 64 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 before turning.

Fig. 14 is a schematic top view showing turning of the turning unit 646 of the transfer unit 64 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1.

Fig. 15 is a schematic plan view showing the transfer unit 646 of the transfer unit 64 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 after being turned.

In the present modification, the transfer unit 64 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 further includes a steering unit 646 and a sensor unit S in order to achieve smooth steering without causing jamming when the second transmission part 644 moves to the intersection between the vertical rack bar 6221 and the lateral rack bar 6222.

As shown in fig. 11, the turning unit 646 is provided on the second moving base 642 of the transfer unit 64, and the turning unit 646 smoothly turns the transfer unit 64 when the transfer unit 64 moves to the corner C. The steering unit 646 comprises two

electromagnets

6461, 6462, an opening 6463, and a movable portion 6464.

The

electromagnets

6461, 6462 are provided on a base 6421 of the second moving base 642. The

electromagnets

6461, 6462 are members that extend or retract their own telescopic ends in the energized and de-energized states. The electromagnet 6461 is provided so that its telescopic end can be extended and contracted in the lateral direction (X-axis direction). The electromagnet 6462 is provided so that its telescopic end can be extended and contracted in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction). As shown in fig. 13, 14, and 15, a first recess 64611 is formed at the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6461, and a second recess 64621 is formed at the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6462.

As shown in fig. 13, an opening 6463 is formed on a base 6421 of the second moving base 642, the opening 6463 is formed in an L-shape, the opening 6463 has two portions extending in different directions, one portion of the opening 6463 extends in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) and the other portion extends in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction).

As shown in fig. 11, the movable portion 6464 is a plate-like member, and the movable portion 6464 is provided between the second driving portion 643 and the second transmission portion 644. The movable portion 6464 is fixedly connected to the second driving portion 643 and the second transmission portion 644, respectively, so that when the movable portion 6464 moves, the second driving portion 643 and the second transmission portion 644 move together with the movable portion 6464.

As shown in fig. 13, the movable portion 6464 includes a first engaging portion 64641 and a second engaging portion 64642, the first engaging portion 64641 can engage with the first concave groove 64611 at the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6461 at a predetermined timing, and the second engaging portion 64642 can engage with the second concave groove 64621 at the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6462 at a predetermined timing, that is, the movable portion 6464 can engage with at least one of the two

electromagnets

6461, 6462. When the first engaging portion 64641 of the movable portion 6464 engages with the first recess 64611 of the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6461, the movable portion 6464 can move in a portion of the opening 6463 extending in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) under the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6461. When the second engaging portion 64642 of the movable portion 6464 engages with the second recess 64621 of the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6462, the movable portion 6464 can move in a portion of the opening 6463 extending in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) under the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6462. That is, the movable portion 6464 is movable in different directions in the opening 6463 by engaging with the

electromagnets

6461, 6462.

As shown in fig. 12, a sensor unit S is provided at a corner of the guide unit 62, and the sensor unit S is a member that transmits a turn signal to the turn unit 646 when the transfer unit 64 moves to the corner. Specifically, the sensor unit S is provided on the outer side surface of the side wall 6212 of the guide unit 62, the sensor unit S being provided at the intersection of the portion of the side wall 6212 extending in the X-axis direction and the portion extending in the Z-axis direction. The sensor unit S is used to detect whether the transfer unit 64 is moved to a corner. When the transfer unit 64 moves to a corner, the metal plate 6411 formed at the lower portion of the second support frame 641 comes into contact with the sensor unit S, so that the sensor unit S detects the transfer unit 64.

Next, the process of smoothly turning the turning unit 64 will be described with reference to fig. 13 to 15.

As described in the first embodiment, when the transfer unit 64 moves from the sampling position to the transfer position after taking out the sample container, the second transmission portion 644 of the transfer unit 64 is in a state of meshing with the vertical rack 6221, and at this time, the transfer unit 64 moves in the-Z direction along the vertical rack 6221. As shown in fig. 13, when the transfer unit 64 moves in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction), the expansion/contraction end of the electromagnet 6461 is held in a contracted state, and the first concave groove 64611 at the expansion/contraction end of the electromagnet 6461 is held in a state of being engaged with the first engagement portion 64641 of the movable portion 6464. The stretchable end of the electromagnet 6462 is held in the stretched state, but the second recess 64621 of the stretchable end of the electromagnet 6462 cannot engage with the second engaging portion 64642 of the movable portion 6464. Therefore, the second transmission part 644 is always kept in a state of meshing with the vertical rack 6221 by the engagement of the first concave groove 64611 at the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6461 and the first engaging part 64641 of the movable part 6464.

When the second transmission portion 644 moves to a corner (a junction of the longitudinal rack 6221 and the lateral rack 6222) as shown in fig. 13, the sensor unit S detects the transfer unit 64. When the electromagnet 6461 receives the steering signal of the sensor unit S, as shown in fig. 14, the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6461 is extended, the movable portion 6464 is pushed in the + X direction, and the second engaging portion 64642 of the movable portion 6464 engages with the second recess 64621 of the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6462. At this time, the second transmission portion 644 does not engage with the longitudinal rack 6221 and the lateral rack 6222.

As shown in fig. 15, when the second engaging portion 64642 of the movable portion 6464 engages with the second concave groove 64621 of the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6462, the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6462 contracts, the movable portion 6464 is pushed in the-Z direction, the first engaging portion 64641 of the movable portion 6464 is out of engagement with the first concave groove 64611 of the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6461, and at this time, the second transmission portion 644 engages with the lateral rack 6222.

Then, the second transmission part 644 drives the transfer unit 64 to move in the + X direction along the transverse rack 6222 until reaching the transfer position. The telescopic end of the electromagnet 6462 is kept in a contracted state when the transfer unit 64 moves in the lateral direction (X-axis direction). Thus, the second transmission part 644 is always kept in a state of meshing with the lateral rack 6222 by the engagement of the second recess 64621 of the telescopic end of the electromagnet 6462 with the second engagement part 64642 of the movable part 6464.

The transfer unit 64 returns from the transfer position to the sampling position in the same manner as described above, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

Thus, in the present modification, by providing the transfer unit 64 with the steering unit 646 and the sensor unit S, smooth steering without sticking is achieved when the second power transmission unit 644 moves to the intersection between the vertical rack 6221 and the lateral rack 6222.

(second embodiment)

Next, the structure of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 capable of reducing the space occupation and simplifying the movement mechanism in the second embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 16.

The same portions as those of the first embodiment will not be described in detail in this embodiment. Only the different parts will be described. The other parts not described are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment. In fig. 16, only a part of the guide unit 62 is schematically shown, and in practice, the length of the guide unit 62 can be freely set. In addition, hatching and components not directly related to the present invention are omitted in the drawings in order to more clearly express the structure of the present embodiment.

As shown in fig. 16, in the present embodiment, the transfer and feed device 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 similarly includes a sample placement unit 61, a guide unit 62, a feed unit 63, and a transfer unit 64. The sample placing unit 61, the feeding unit 63, and the transfer unit 64 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof is omitted.

The guide unit 62 has substantially the same structure as that of the first embodiment, the guide unit 62 extends continuously so as to have a corner C, and the guide unit 62 includes a guide portion 621 functioning as a guide rail and a rack 622. The guide 621 is also composed of two portions extending in different directions. The guide 621 also includes a guide base 6211, two side walls 6212, and a guide groove 6213 formed on the side walls 6212. By continuously extending the guide unit 62 so as to have a corner, configuring the transfer unit 64 so as to be movable along the guide unit 62 so as to be turnable, and using the guide unit 62 as a guide mechanism used in common for the feeding unit 63 and the transfer unit 64, it is possible to simplify the movement mechanism of the automatic analyzer 1 and reduce the space occupied by the automatic analyzer 1 while satisfying the transfer of samples in different directions.

In the present embodiment, the operation flow of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted. By circulating the feed unit 63 and the transfer unit 64 between the sampling position and the transfer position, the sample container H placed in the sample placing unit 61 can be continuously fed to the sampling position and the empty used container E can be returned to the sample placing unit 61. The transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment can achieve high sampling efficiency because the sampling operation does not wait for the transportation of the transfer unit 64 while simplifying the structure of the apparatus and reducing the space occupied by the apparatus, and therefore the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 can achieve high sampling efficiency.

The difference from the first embodiment is that, in the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 16, of two portions of the guide unit 62 divided by the corner C, one portion extends straight in the Z-axis direction (longitudinal direction) and the other portion extends curved in the X-axis direction (lateral direction). That is, in the present embodiment, the guide 621 (including the guide base 6211 and the side wall 6212) is configured by a portion linearly extending in the Z-axis direction and another portion curvilinearly extending in the X-axis direction. The guide 621 continues two portions extending in different directions through the corner C. In the present embodiment, the rack 622 is divided into a longitudinal rack 6221 extending linearly in the Z-axis direction and a curved rack 6223 extending curvilinearly in the X-axis direction. The longitudinal rack 6221 is fixed to the side wall 6212 extending in the Z-axis direction, and the curved rack 6223 is fixed to the side wall 6212 extending curvilinearly in the X-axis direction.

In the present embodiment, since the guide 621 has a portion extending along a curved line, the guide unit 62 can be retracted to the maximum extent to other units in the vicinity, and the transfer unit 64 and the feeding unit 63 on the guide 621 can be prevented from interfering with other units. That is, by providing the guide 621 with a portion extending along a curve, the space in the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 can be utilized to the maximum extent, and the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 can be made smaller in size.

In addition, as in the first embodiment, in order to prevent the feeding unit 63 from falling down due to the upper portion being too heavy, it is preferable that a certain pressing force be applied between the guide wheel 6323 of the first moving base 632 and the guide groove 6213 of the guide 621. Likewise, in order to prevent the transfer unit 64 from falling down due to the weight of the upper portion being too heavy, it is preferable to apply a certain pressing force between the guide wheel 6423 of the second moving base 642 and the guide groove 6213 of the guide 621.

Further, similarly to the first embodiment, in order to realize smooth steering without causing a jam when the second power transmission unit 644 moves to the intersection between the vertical rack bar 6221 and the lateral rack bar 6222, displacement correction may be performed when the gear, the vertical rack bar 6221, and the lateral rack bar 6222, which are the second power transmission unit 644, are machined. That is, the fitting clearance is increased to realize smooth steering without causing a jam while ensuring that the second power transmission unit 644, the longitudinal rack 6221, and the lateral rack 6222 do not disengage.

Further, similarly to the first embodiment, in order to realize smooth steering without causing a jam when the second power transmission unit 644 moves to the intersection between the vertical rack bar 6221 and the lateral rack bar 6222, the engagement relationship between the second power transmission unit 644 and the vertical rack bar 6221 and the lateral rack bar 6222 may be changed to pin-tooth power transmission. When the second transmission portion 644 is a roller gear, the second transmission portion 644 can be smoothly steered at the intersection of the longitudinal rack 6221 and the lateral rack 6222.

Further, similarly to the first embodiment, in order to realize smooth steering without causing a jam when the second transmission portion 644 moves to the intersection between the vertical rack bar 6221 and the horizontal rack bar 6222, the transfer unit 64 of the transfer feeder 6 of the automatic analyzer 1 may further include a steering unit 646 that smoothly steers the transfer unit 64 when the transfer unit 64 moves to a corner, and a steering signal sensor unit S that is provided at the corner of the guide unit 62 and transmits a steering signal to the steering unit 646 when the transfer unit 64 moves to the corner.

Any of the embodiments described above can be expressed as follows.

An automatic analyzer including a sampling arm for sampling at a sampling site, a reaction portion for receiving a sample collected by the sampling arm and reacting with a reagent, and a transfer-feed device for transporting the sample from the sampling site to the sampling site, the transfer-feed device comprising:

a sample placement unit that carries a sample container;

a guide unit continuously extending in a manner of having a corner,

A feeding unit provided on the guide unit and moving between a transfer position and a sampling position along the guide unit; and

a transfer unit disposed on the guide unit, and transferring the sample container between a transfer position and a sampling position in a turnable manner along the guide unit.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the guide unit is provided to extend continuously so as to have a corner, the transfer unit is configured to move along the guide unit so as to be turnable, and the guide unit is used as a guide mechanism used in common for the feeding unit and the transfer unit, whereby the structure of the apparatus can be simplified, the space occupation of the apparatus can be reduced, the flexible conveyance of the sample container can be realized, and the size of the automatic analyzer can be reduced while maintaining the sampling efficiency.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various ways, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. These embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the present invention, and are included in the present invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Claims

1. An automatic analyzer including a sampling arm for sampling at a sampling position, a reaction portion for receiving a sample collected by the sampling arm and reacting with a reagent, and a transfer-feed device for transporting the sample from the sampling position to the sampling position, the transfer-feed device comprising:

a sample placement unit that carries a sample container;

a guide unit continuously extending in a manner to have a corner;

and a transfer unit disposed on the guide unit, and transferring the sample container between a transfer position and a sampling position in a turnable manner along the guide unit.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the guide unit includes:

a guide portion including two portions extending in different directions, the guide portion having a guide groove for guiding the transfer unit and the feeding unit to move; and

a rack provided on a sidewall of the guide portion.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2,

the guide portion is composed of two portions extending in a straight line.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2,

the guide portion is constituted by a portion extending along a straight line and another portion extending along a curved line.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, wherein the feeding unit includes:

the first support frame is provided with a first support frame,

a first movable base having a base, a universal ball bearing provided at a central portion of a bottom surface of the base, and a guide wheel provided at an outer periphery of the bottom surface of the base, wherein the universal ball bearing rolls on a guide base of the guide portion, and the guide wheel rolls along a guide groove of the guide portion;

a first driving part disposed at a lower portion of the first support frame;

a first transmission part connected with the first driving part and meshed with the rack, wherein the first transmission part moves along the rack under the driving of the first driving part; and

at least two sample placement sites located on top of the first support rack, the sample placement sites carrying sample containers.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, wherein the transfer unit includes:

a second support frame;

a second movable base having a base, a universal ball bearing provided at a central portion of a bottom surface of the base, and a guide wheel provided at an outer periphery of the bottom surface of the base, wherein the universal ball bearing rolls on a guide base of the guide portion, and the guide wheel rolls along a guide groove of the guide portion;

a second driving part disposed at a lower portion of the second support frame;

a second transmission part connected with the second driving part and engaged with the rack, the second transmission part moving along the rack under the driving of the second driving part, an

And the manipulator is arranged at the top of the second support frame and is used for taking and placing the sample container.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 5 or 6,

and a certain pressing force is formed between the guide wheel and the guide groove.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 6,

the second transmission part is a modified gear or a rolling pin gear.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 6, wherein the transfer unit further comprises:

a turning unit that turns the transfer unit when the transfer unit moves to the corner; and

and a sensor unit disposed at a corner of the guide unit and transmitting a steering signal to the steering unit when the transfer unit moves to the corner.

10. The automatic analysis device according to claim 9, wherein the turning unit includes:

two electromagnets;

an opening formed on the base and having two portions extending in different directions; and

and a movable portion fixedly connected to the second driving portion and the second transmission portion in a manner of being located between the second driving portion and the second transmission portion, the movable portion being engageable with at least one of the two electromagnets, and the movable portion being movable in the opening in different directions by engagement with the electromagnets.