JP2001330618A - Pressing mechanism for specimen container, and examination apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mechanism for preventing flotation of a specimen container at the time of pulling-out of a sampling nozzle, separately from a sampling nozzle lift mechanism in an examination apparatus, allowing the sampling nozzle to pierce the specimen container to suck the specimen housed in the specimen container. SOLUTION: A pressing unit 50, having first and second pressing plates 52, 54, is arranged rotatably around a rotary shaft 56. The pressing unit is urged in the direction shown by an arrow 58 by an elastic member 67. The first pressing plate 52 prevents the flotation of the specimen container S, and the second pressing plate 54 prevents the flotation of a second specimen container L, which is longer than the first specimen container.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a holding mechanism for a sample container used in an automatic testing apparatus for a sample such as blood contained in a sample container. The present invention also relates to an inspection device provided with such a sample container holding mechanism.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A vacuum blood collection tube (hereinafter, referred to as a sample tube) used for collecting a sample such as blood has an opening sealed with a rubber stopper or the like. The component measurement of the sample is performed by piercing a needle-shaped sampling nozzle into a rubber stopper and aspirating the sample in the sample container.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a sampling section of an automatic inspection apparatus for automatically measuring a component of a sample, as viewed from the front.

[0004] As shown in the figure, a sample container 10 comprises a sample tube 11 made of glass or the like and a stopper 12 made of rubber or the like for closing the opening. The sample container 10 from which the sample 15 has been collected is set on a rack 20. The rack 20 supports the sample container 10 upright by supporting the bottom and sides of the sample container 10. A plurality of (six in the figure) sample containers 10 can be arranged and set in one direction on the rack 20. The sample container 10 from which the sample 15 is collected
It is set on the automatic inspection device while being set on the rack 20.

[0005] The automatic inspection apparatus stores the rack 20 in the sample container 1.
A transport device (not shown) for transporting in the direction of arrow 22, which is the arrangement direction of 0, is provided. The transport device transports the first sample container 10 (the leftmost sample container in the figure) held in the rack 20 to the inspection position 35 and stops.

A sampling nozzle 30 for aspirating the sample 15 is installed above the sample container 10 stopped at the inspection position 35 so as to be able to move up and down in the direction of an arrow 33 (vertical direction). The lower end of the sampling nozzle 30 is pointed, and a suction hole 31 for sucking a sample is provided in a side wall near the lower end.

When the sample container 10 is transported to the inspection position 35, the sampling nozzle 30 is lowered and the sample container 10
The sample 15 is aspirated by piercing the sampling nozzle 30 into the stopper 12. Thereafter, the sampling nozzle 30 is raised and pulled out from the stopper 12, and the aspirated specimen 1
The component analysis of 5 is performed.

Next, the transport device moves the rack 20 to the arrow 22.
Is moved by the arrangement pitch of the sample containers 10 in the direction, and the next sample container (the second sample container from the left in the figure) is transported to the inspection position 35, and the component analysis of the sample 15 is similarly performed.

Hereinafter, the above operation is repeated, and the test of the sample 15 is automatically performed on the plurality of sample containers 10 held in the rack 20 in order.

In such an automatic inspection apparatus, a mechanism for holding and fixing the sample container 10 during its operation is required in order to stably pierce and pull out the sampling nozzle 30. In particular, it is necessary to prevent the sample container 10 from lifting due to friction between the outer peripheral surface of the sampling nozzle 30 and the plug 12 during the step of pulling out the sampling nozzle 30.

As shown in the figure, the sample tubes 11 set in the rack 20 are not always the same length. Therefore, it is desired that the mechanism for preventing the sample container 10 from lifting when the sampling nozzle 30 is pulled out functions effectively even when sample tubes having different lengths are mixed.

On the other hand, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-1511
In Japanese Patent Publication No. 3 (1995), a contact portion is provided at the lower end portion of the elevating member that moves up and down together with the sampling nozzle. Such a mechanism is disclosed. According to this mechanism, since the corresponding portion presses the stopper, the sample container does not lift when the sampling nozzle is pulled out. In addition, since the elevating member is moved up and down and the sampling nozzle is moved up and down independently, it can function even when the upper surface of the stopper is different due to the different length of the sample tube.

[0013]

However, in the holding mechanism described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-15113, the holding mechanism for the sample container is provided on the sampling nozzle side. There was a problem that it became complicated. As a result, the weight of the lifting mechanism including the sampling nozzle and the holding mechanism increases, and a large amount of power is required to drive the lifting mechanism.
This has led to higher costs. Further, when the shape and method of the sampling nozzle are changed, it is necessary to change the design of the holding mechanism of the sample container correspondingly.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sample container holding mechanism which solves the above-mentioned conventional problems by separating the sampling nozzle lifting / lowering mechanism and the sample container holding mechanism.

[0015]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following arrangement.

[0016] The first sample container holding mechanism of the present invention comprises:
A first pressing plate having a first contacting portion, a second pressing plate having a second contacting portion, and connecting the first pressing plate and the second pressing plate separately. With a rotating shaft,
A pressing unit disposed so that the first contact portion and the second contact portion do not overlap with each other when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the rotation shaft; and rotating the rotation shaft by rotating the pressing unit. An elastic member biasing in one direction as a center.

Further, the second holding mechanism for the sample container of the present invention is arranged so as to overlap with each other in a substantially vertical direction, and is provided with a plurality of holding plates which are held so as to be independently displaceable in the same direction in a substantially horizontal plane. And an elastic member for urging the plurality of pressing plates in the same direction.

Next, the first test apparatus of the present invention is a test apparatus having a first sample container and a transfer device for transferring a second sample container longer than the first sample container to a test position. The inspection apparatus has a pressing unit and an elastic member, and the pressing unit has a first pressing plate having a first contact portion that contacts a top surface of the first sample container; A second holding plate having a second contact portion that is in contact with the upper surface of the second sample container; and a rotating shaft that separates and connects the first holding plate and the second holding plate. ,
The first contact portion and the second contact portion are arranged so as not to overlap with each other when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the rotation shaft, and the pressing unit is configured to rotate the rotation member by the elastic member. Urged in one direction about the axis of rotation,
When the sample container is transported to the inspection position, the first
Is located above at least a part of the upper surface of the first sample container, and when the second sample container is transported to the inspection position, the second sample container is in contact with the first sample container. Abuts against a holding plate, rotates the holding unit in a direction opposite to a biasing direction of the elastic member, and the second abutting portion is located above at least a part of an upper surface of the second sample container It is characterized by the following.

The second inspection apparatus of the present invention is an inspection apparatus provided with a transport device for transporting a plurality of sample containers having different lengths to an inspection position, and a mechanism for holding the second sample container. In the process in which the sample container reaches the test position, a side surface of the sample container and one or more pressing plates of the plurality of pressing plates come into contact with each other depending on a length of the sample container. A part of the holding plate that did not come into contact with the sample container when the holding plate contacted was displaced in a direction opposite to the biasing direction of the elastic member and the sample container reached the test position; Are located above at least a part of the upper surface of the sample container.

According to each of the above structures, the sample container holding mechanism can be installed separately from the sampling nozzle lifting / lowering mechanism. As a result, the mechanism around the sampling nozzle can be simplified. Therefore, the lifting mechanism of the sampling nozzle can be reduced in weight, and the size and cost of the apparatus can be reduced.

Even if the shape and method of the sampling nozzle are changed, it is not necessary to change the design of the holding mechanism. Similarly, even if the design of the holding mechanism is changed, it is not necessary to change the design of the peripheral mechanism of the sampling nozzle. Therefore, for example, it is possible to separately design and unitize the peripheral mechanism of the sampling nozzle and the holding mechanism of the sample container, and to select and combine optimal units in accordance with the specifications of the inspection apparatus.
Alternatively, the sample container holding mechanism can be standardized as one unit, and the standardized sample container holding mechanism can be attached to various types of inspection devices having different peripheral mechanisms of the sampling nozzle.

Further, the sample container holding mechanism of the present invention can effectively prevent the sample containers having different lengths from lifting when the sampling nozzle is pulled out with a very simple structure. In addition, it can be manufactured at low cost and requires little installation space.

Further, the second holding mechanism for the sample container can cope with a case where the lengths of the sample containers are different from each other in three or more ways, and a general-purpose holding mechanism can be realized.

In the above-described first sample container holding mechanism, it is preferable that the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion have a through hole. By allowing the sampling nozzle to pass through the through hole, the sample container can be prevented from tilting when the sampling nozzle is pulled out, and the automatic operation of the sampling operation can be stably performed.

In the first inspection apparatus, it is preferable that the holding unit and the elastic member are arranged in pairs so as to sandwich the sample container at the inspection position. This can also prevent the sample container from tilting when the sampling nozzle is pulled out, and can stably perform the automatic operation of the sampling operation.

On the other hand, in the second mechanism for holding a sample container, the plurality of holding plates preferably have substantially the same plane shape. Thereby, the configuration can be simplified.

In the second sample container holding mechanism, it is preferable that the displacement of the plurality of holding plates is a rotational displacement about a common axis. Alternatively, displacements in linear directions parallel to each other are preferable. With such a displacement, the mechanism can be simplified.

In the second sample container holding mechanism, the same number of the elastic members as the number of the pressing plates can be provided so as to correspond one-to-one with the pressing plates. This makes it possible to stably hold the holding plate not in contact with the sample container so as not to move.

Alternatively, the pressing plate includes an engaging member which engages with a pressing plate disposed adjacent to the pressing plate to limit the displacement in only one direction, and the elastic member is disposed at the lowest position. The holding plate may be attached so as to bias the holding plate. Thereby, all the pressing plates can be returned to the initial state with only one elastic member, and the number of parts can be reduced.

In the second mechanism for holding a sample container, the holding plate preferably has a through hole through which a sampling nozzle for sucking the sample in the sample container passes. Accordingly, the sample container can be prevented from tilting when the sampling nozzle is pulled out, and the automatic operation of the sampling operation can be stably performed.

In the second test apparatus, the longest sample container reaches the test position,
It is preferable that the longest side surface of the sample container does not abut on at least the uppermost one of the plurality of pressing plates. Thus, even when the sample container is the longest, it is possible to prevent the sampling nozzle from floating when the sampling nozzle is pulled out.

[0032] In the second inspection apparatus, depending on the length of the sample container, the side surface of the sample container may be moved to any of the plurality of holding plates during the process of reaching the test position. It may not be in contact with the computer. This is because for a short sample container, the holding plate disposed at the lowermost portion can prevent the sample container from rising.

[0033] In the second inspection apparatus, it is preferable that a pair of the sample container holding mechanisms are arranged so as to sandwich the sample container at the inspection position. Accordingly, the sample container can be prevented from tilting when the sampling nozzle is pulled out, and the automatic operation of the sampling operation can be stably performed.

[0034] In the second inspection apparatus, it is preferable that the sample container is rotated when the pressing plate in contact with the side surface of the sample container is displaced. Thereby, the automatic recognition of the identification mark displayed on the side surface of the sample container can be accurately performed.

[0035]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a holding unit constituting a holding mechanism for a sample container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a sample container holding mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1C is a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a sample container holding mechanism according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the holding unit 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first holding plate 52.
And a second pressing plate 54, and a rotating shaft 56 that connects the first pressing plate 52 and the second pressing plate 54 to be separated from each other.

The first holding plate 52 and the second holding plate 5
4 has a predetermined thickness with a substantially rectangular planar shape,
A rotating shaft 56 penetrates near one end in the longitudinal direction. When viewed from the long axis direction of the rotating shaft 56, the first pressing plate 52 and the second pressing plate 54 have a first non-zero predetermined angle (for example, 90 degrees) such that the longitudinal direction of the first pressing plate 52 and the longitudinal direction of the second pressing plate 54 make. The pressing plate 52 and the second pressing plate 54 are fixed to a rotating shaft 56.

FIGS. 1 (B) and 1 (B) show a method for attaching the holding unit 50 to the automatic test apparatus for the sample.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The holding unit 50 is provided with a first
The portion between the holding plate 52 and the second holding plate 54 is passed through a through hole (not shown) provided in a jig 61 connected to the automatic inspection apparatus, so that the holding member is rotatably held. The holding unit 50 is installed near the inspection position (see FIG. 18) of the automatic inspection device so that the rotating shaft 56 is substantially vertical.

A compression coil spring 65 is mounted on the rotating shaft 56. The compression coil spring 65 is penetrated by the rotating shaft 56, and the compression coil spring 65 is connected to the jig 61 and the second holding plate 5.
4 and is arranged between them. The pressing unit 50 is lifted upward by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 65, and the upper surface of the first pressing plate 52 and the lower surface of the jig 61 are in contact. The compression coil spring 65 prevents the pressing unit 50 from rattling in the vertical direction.

A torsion coil spring 67 is mounted on the rotating shaft 56 projecting from the upper surface of the second holding plate 54.
One end of the torsion coil spring 67 is locked to the second holding plate 54, and the other end is locked to the wall surface 64 of the automatic inspection device.
Pressing unit 5 by elastic force of torsion coil spring 67
0 is urged in the direction of arrow 58 in FIG. 1 (B), and the second pressing plate 54 is stationary while pressing the contact surface 63 of the automatic inspection device.

The operation of the sample container pressing mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation of the sample container holding mechanism of the present invention when a short sample container (first sample container) is transported to the test position of the automatic test apparatus.
2A is a plan view, and FIG. 2B is a front view. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation of the sample container holding mechanism of the present invention when a long sample container (second sample container) is transported to the test position of the automatic test apparatus. 3A is a plan view, and FIG. 3B is a front view. 2 and 3, in order to simplify the drawings, the jig 61 and the contact surface 6 shown in FIG.
3, the wall surface 64, the compression coil spring 65, and the torsion coil spring 67 are omitted. The members denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 18 have the same configurations and functions as those in FIG. 18, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sample container 10 composed of the sample tube 11 and the stopper 12 is held upright on the rack 20 and transported in the direction of the arrow 22. Two types of sample tubes 11 having different lengths are set in the rack 20.
For the following description, a sample container including the short sample tube 11 (first sample container) is denoted by S, and a sample container including the long sample tube 11 (second sample container) is denoted by L. For example, the sample tube 11
The length from the lower end to the upper surface of the stopper 12 is 75 mm for the sample container S and 100 mm for the sample container L.

At the back of the inspection position 35, the holding unit 50 shown in FIG. 1 is installed so as to satisfy the following conditions. The lower surface of the first holding plate 52 is the stopper 12 of the sample container S.
And slightly lower than the upper surface of the stopper 12 of the sample container L. The lower surface of the second holding plate 54 is slightly higher than the upper surface of the stopper 12 of the sample container L. Distance in the height direction between the lower surface of the first holding plate 52 and the upper surface of the stopper 12 of the sample container S, and the height direction between the lower surface of the second holding plate 54 and the upper surface of the stopper 12 of the sample container L Are all 1 to 3
mm is preferable. The holding unit 50 is driven by the torsion coil spring 67 as shown in FIG.
8 is urged.

The sampling nozzle 30 is installed above the inspection position 35 so as to be able to move up and down in the direction of arrow 33.

The case where a short sample container S is transported to the inspection position 35 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the sample container S is in the test position 35, as shown in FIG. 2A, when viewed from above, the first holding plate 52 is a part of the upper surface of the stopper 12 of the sample container S. (However, except the central part where the sampling nozzle 30 penetrates)
And are arranged to overlap. However, since the lower surface of the first holding plate 52 is located slightly higher than the upper surface of the stopper 12 of the sample container S, even if the sample container S is transported in the direction of the arrow 22, the first holding plate 52 And sample container S
And do not interfere.

In this state, the sampling nozzle 30 descends, penetrates the plug 12, and aspirates the sample inside. Thereafter, the sampling nozzle 30 moves up. At this time, the sample container S tends to rise together due to friction between the outer peripheral surface of the sampling nozzle 30 and the plug 12. However,
Since the upper surface of the stopper 12 contacts the lower surface of the first holding plate 52, the sample container S is prevented from being lifted.

Next, a case where a long sample container L is transported to the inspection position 35 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the sample container L is transported in the direction of arrow 22, the side of the first holding plate 52 comes into contact with the side of the sample container L. For this reason, the holding unit 50 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 59 against the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 67. When the sample container L reaches the inspection position 35, as shown in FIG. 3A, when viewed from above, the second pressing plate 54 is a part of the upper surface of the stopper 12 of the sample container L (however, , Except for the central part through which the sampling nozzle 30 passes)
And are arranged to overlap. At this time, since the lower surface of the second holding plate 54 is located slightly higher than the upper surface of the stopper 12 of the sample container L, the second holding plate 54 and the sample container L
And do not interfere.

In this state, the sampling nozzle 30 descends, penetrates the plug 12, and aspirates the sample inside. Thereafter, the sampling nozzle 30 moves up. At this time, the sample container L tends to rise together due to friction between the outer peripheral surface of the sampling nozzle 30 and the plug 12. However,
Since the upper surface of the stopper 12 contacts the lower surface of the second holding plate 54, the sample container L is prevented from being lifted.

When the measurement of the sample container L is completed and the sample container L is transported in the direction of arrow 22, the contact between the side of the first holding plate 52 and the side of the sample container L is released, and the torsion coil spring is released. The pressing unit 50 rotates in the direction of the arrow 58 due to the elastic force of 67, and returns to the state shown in FIGS.

As described above, the pressing mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention uses the pressing unit in which the first pressing plate 52 and the second pressing plate 54 are connected to be separated from each other. The first holding plate 52 has a first contact portion that contacts the upper surface of the first sample container (the sample container S in the above example),
The second holding plate 54 has a second contact portion that contacts the upper surface of the second sample container (the sample container L in the above example). The first contact portion and the second contact portion are arranged at a predetermined angle so that they do not overlap each other when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the holding unit 50. The holding unit 50 is
The first pressing plate 52 is placed on the lower side, and the second pressing plate 54 is placed on the upper side. The urging force is applied so as to rotate in the direction opposite to the transport direction of the sample container. When the first sample container is transported to the test position, the holding unit 50 does not interfere with the first sample container, and the first contact portion is at least a part of the upper surface of the plug of the first sample container. Cover. When the second sample container is transported to the test position, the second sample container comes into contact with the first holding plate, and rotates the holding unit 50. As a result, the second contact portion is moved to the second holding portion. Cover at least a part of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container. In this way, it is possible to prevent the sampling nozzle from being lifted when the sampling nozzle is pulled out for any of the two types of sample containers having different lengths.

As is apparent from the above description, the distance between the lower surface of the first holding plate 52 and the lower surface of the second holding plate 54 in the direction of the rotating shaft 56 is different from the difference in the length of the sample container to be used. It should just be set according to.

The size and shape of the first holding plate 52 and the second holding plate 54 and the mounting angles of both holding plates can be set according to the actual automatic inspection apparatus. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a relief processing portion 55 for preventing interference with the sampling nozzle may be provided at an end of the holding plate. As a result, the contact area with the sample container increases, and stable operation becomes possible. Furthermore, in the above example, both the first holding plate 52 and the second holding plate 54 are configured to be in contact with only a part of one side of the upper surface of the plug, but the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, the first contact portion of the first holding plate 52 and / or the second contact portion of the second holding plate 54 are connected to the upper surface of the plug body like a holding plate of a second embodiment described later. And a through hole through which the sampling nozzle can be inserted.

In the above example, the jig 61 holds the rotating shaft 56 between the first holding plate 52 and the second holding plate 54, but the lower surface of the first holding plate 52 and the second holding plate A configuration may be employed in which the rotating shafts 56 projecting from the upper surface of the holding plate 54 are held.

The compression coil spring 65 is for preventing the holding unit 50 from being displaced upward when the sample container is lifted up and comes into contact with the holding plate.
For example, the thickness of the jig 61 and the distance between the first holding plate 52 and the second holding plate 54 can be omitted by appropriately setting them. It is also possible to use one coil spring having both the function of the torsion coil spring 67 and the function of the compression coil spring 65.

Further, the elastic member for urging the pressing unit 50 is not limited to the above-described torsion coil spring 67. A well-known elastic member such as a compression (or tension) spring, a leaf spring, or rubber can be used.

In the above example, since the holding plate contacts only one side of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container, the sample container may be inclined when the sampling nozzle is pulled out. In order to prevent this, for example, similarly to FIG. 11 described later, the pair of pressing mechanisms are perpendicular to the transport direction 22 of the sample container 10,
What is necessary is just to install so that a sample container may be sandwiched. Accordingly, the upper surface of the stopper can be pressed at a position substantially symmetrical with respect to the insertion position of the sampling nozzle with respect to the stopper, so that the sample container can be prevented from tilting when the sampling nozzle is pulled out. In this case, it goes without saying that the opposing pressing mechanisms are configured to be mutually plane-symmetrical.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a sample container pressing mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sample container according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is the perspective view which showed the principal part of the inspection device provided with the holding mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sample container holding mechanism 100 of the present embodiment comprises, in order from the top, first, second, third, and fourth holding plates 110 having the same planar shape.
a, 110b, 110c, and 110d. Each holding plate 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d has a substantially rectangular planar shape and a predetermined thickness, and a through-hole 112 into which the sampling nozzle 30 is inserted at one end in the longitudinal direction.
a, 112b, 112c and 112d, and the other end also has through holes 114a, 114b, 114c and 114d. Through holes 114a, 114b, 114c, 114
The support shafts 120 are sequentially inserted into d. At this time, spindle 1
Reference numeral 20 denotes a washer 140e above the first holding plate, a washer 140a between the first holding plate 110a and the second holding plate 110b, and a torsion coil spring 142a, and a second holding plate 110b and a third holding plate. The washer 140b and the torsion coil spring 142b between the third holding plate 110c and the fourth holding plate 110d, the washer 140c and the torsion coil spring 142c between the third holding plate 110c and the fourth holding plate 110d, and the lower washer 140d and the torsion of the fourth holding plate 110d. Each of the coil springs 142d penetrates. Since the inner diameters of the through holes 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d are larger than the outer diameter of the support shaft 120, the first, second, third, and fourth holding plates 110a, 110b, 110c, 110
d is held so as to be independently rotatable about the support shaft 120 as a center of rotation. Both ends of the support shaft 120 penetrating the first to fourth holding plates, washers, and torsion coil springs are held by an upper holding plate 122a and a lower holding plate 122b. The upper holding plate 122a and the lower holding plate 122b are
30 and a stopper 132.

The torsion coil springs 142a, 142b, 1
The inner diameters of 42c and 142d are larger than the outer diameters of the corresponding washers 140a, 140b, 140c and 140d, respectively. Torsion coil springs 142a, 142b, 142
One end of each of c, 142d is locked to the second side surface 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d of the holding plate, and the other end is locked to the side surface 130a of the back plate 130. As a result, the holding plates 110a, 110b,
110c and 110d are torsion coil springs 14 respectively.
The first side surfaces 115a, 115 are urged in the directions of arrows 143a, 143b, 143c, 143d in FIG. 4 by the elastic forces of 2a, 142b, 142c, 142d.
b, 115c, and 115d stand still with the stopper 132 pressed.

A method of attaching the holding mechanism 100 of the present embodiment assembled as described above to the automatic inspection apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, the same members as those described in the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3) are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 5, the torsion coil spring is not shown.

The holding mechanism 100 automatically adjusts the support shaft 120 substantially vertically by using the back plate 130 (and, if necessary, the stopper 132) with the first holding plate 110a facing upward. It is held in the inspection device. At this time, the through holes 112a, 112b, 112c,
112d is matched with the inspection position 35. Further, the first side surfaces 115a, 115b, 115c, and 115d of the holding plate are directed to the upstream side in the transport direction 22 of the rack 20 holding the sample container 10, and the holding plates 110a, 110b, 110
The longitudinal direction of c and 110d is substantially perpendicular to the transport direction 22 of the rack 20 holding the sample container 10. The mounting height of the holding unit 100 depends on the sample container 1 to be conveyed.
Among 0, the upper surface of the sample container having the highest upper surface height is set to be lower than the lower surface of the first holding plate 110a attached to the uppermost portion. The upper surface of the sample container having the lowest upper surface height is slightly (preferably 1 to 3) lower than the lower surface of the fourth holding plate 110d attached to the lowermost portion.
mm) is set so as to be above a lower point.

The operation of the sample container holding mechanism 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the operation of the sample container holding mechanism of the present embodiment when the sample container is transported to the inspection position.

As shown in FIG. 5, a rack 20 in which a sample container L including a long sample tube and a sample container S including a short sample tube are set is transported in the direction of arrow 22.

First, the sample container L is transported to the inspection position 35. The height of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container L is lower than the lower surface of the first holding plate 110a, and the second holding plate 110b
At a position higher than the lower surface of. Therefore, immediately before the sample container L is transported to the inspection position 35, the side surface of the sample container L contacts the first side surfaces 115b, 115c, and 115d of the second to fourth holding plates 110b, 110c, and 110d. In this state, the sample container L further moves, and when the sample container L reaches the inspection position 35, as shown in FIG. 6, the second to fourth holding plates 110b, 110c, 110d are urged to each other. Torsion coil springs 142b, 142c, 142
It is rotated in the rotation direction 145 against the elastic force of d. At this time, the sampling nozzle 30, the through-hole 112a of the first holding plate 110a, and the central axis of the sample container L are substantially aligned in a vertical direction.

In this state, the sampling nozzle 30 descends, penetrates the plug of the sample container L through the through hole 112a of the first holding plate 110a, and aspirates the sample inside the sample container L. Thereafter, the sampling nozzle 30 moves up. At this time, the sample container L tends to rise together due to friction between the outer peripheral surface of the sampling nozzle 30 and the stopper. However, since the upper surface of the stopper comes into contact with the lower surface of the first holding plate 110a, the sample container L is prevented from being lifted.

When the measurement on the sample container L is completed and the sample container L is transported in the direction of the arrow 22, the first to fourth holding plates 110b, 110c, 110d have the first side surface 11b.
5b, 115c, 115d and the side surface of the sample container L come off, and the torsion coil springs 142b, 142c, 142
The second to fourth pressing plates 110b and 11 are formed by the elastic force of d.
0c and 110d return to the initial positions as shown in FIG.

Next, the sample container S is transported to the inspection position 35. The height of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container S is lower than the lower surface of the third holding plate 110c, and the height of the fourth holding plate 110d is lower.
At a position higher than the lower surface of. Therefore, only the fourth holding plate 110d rotates against the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 142d. At this time, the through holes 112a, 112b, 112c of the first to third holding plates, the central axis of the sample container S, and the sampling nozzle 30 are substantially aligned in a vertical direction.

In this state, the sampling nozzle 30 descends, and the through holes 112a, 112
The sample inside the sample container S is aspirated by passing through the stopper of the sample container S through 2b and 112c. Thereafter, the sampling nozzle 30 moves up. At this time, the sample container S tends to rise together due to friction between the outer peripheral surface of the sampling nozzle 30 and the stopper. However, since the upper surface of the stopper comes into contact with the lower surface of the third holding plate 110c, the sample container S is prevented from being lifted.

When the measurement on the sample container S is completed and the sample container S is transported in the direction of the arrow 22, the contact between the first side surface 115d of the fourth holding plate 110d and the side surface of the sample container S is released. The fourth holding plate 110d returns to the initial position as shown in FIG. 5 by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 142d.

As described above, the sample container holding mechanism according to the second embodiment has the first to fourth holding plates having substantially the same planar shape, and they have a common vertical support shaft. It is rotatably mounted around each independently. Furthermore,
The first to fourth holding plates are urged in a direction that rotates in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the sample container. When the sample container is transported, depending on the height of the upper surface of the sample container, several holding plates from below contact the sample container (or do not need to touch it at all), and the holding plate Only the plate rotates. When the sample container comes to the inspection position, at least a part of the upper surface of the inspection device is covered with at least one holding plate that has not rotated. Thus, it is possible to prevent the sampling nozzle from being lifted when the sampling nozzle is pulled out for any of a plurality of types of sample containers having different lengths.

In the above example, the case where the length of the sample container is two has been described as an example. However, the holding mechanism according to the present embodiment can cope with the case where the length of the sample container is three or more. it can.

As is clear from the above, the number of holding plates is not limited to the above-mentioned four, and can be freely changed.

Also, the mounting pitch of the holding plates (more precisely, the pitch of the lower surface of each holding plate) can be freely set according to, for example, the length of the sample container.
To achieve this, for example, the thickness of a washer inserted between the holding plates may be changed, or the thickness of each holding plate may be changed.

Further, the means for urging each holding plate is not limited to the above-described torsion coil spring. A well-known elastic member such as a compression (or tension) spring, a leaf spring, or rubber can be used.

Generally, an identification mark such as a bar code is attached or printed on the side surface of the sample container to identify each sample container. Then, when the sample container is transported to the inspection position 35 as shown in FIG. 6, the identification device (not shown) installed on the side is used in parallel with the elevating operation of the sampling nozzle 30 to perform the identification. Recognize signs.
Usually, the identification mark is displayed not on the entire circumference (360 °) of the sample container, but only on a part thereof (for example, in a range of 270 °). Identification becomes difficult. In the present embodiment, when the sample container rotates the holding plate in the direction of arrow 145 as shown in FIG. 6, the sample container itself also rotates due to the frictional force between the first side surface of the holding plate and the side surface of the sample container. (Clockwise direction in FIG. 6), so that there is an additional effect that the identification symbol displayed on the side surface can be recognized at the time of rotation. In order to surely rotate the sample container, it is preferable that a material having a large coefficient of friction (for example, rubber or the like) is adhered to the surface of the first side surface that comes into contact with the sample container.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a sample container holding mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sample container according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. It is the perspective view which showed the principal part of the inspection device provided with the holding mechanism. 7 and 8, members having the same functions as those in FIGS. 4 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] The holding mechanism 1 for the sample container according to the third embodiment.
01 is a holding plate 110a, 110b, 110c, 11
The method for applying the urging force to Od and the method for maintaining the stationary state of each holding plate against the urging force are different from the pressing mechanism 100 for the sample container of the second embodiment. Hereinafter, this will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the coil spring 142 is connected to the fourth holding plate 110 d and the lower holding plate 1.
22b. Embodiment 2
As in the case of the coil spring 142d, one end of the coil spring 142 is locked to the second side surface 116d of the holding plate 110d,
The other end is locked to the side surface 130a of the back plate 130.

The holding plates 110a, 110b, 110c,
Each of the second side surfaces 116a, 116b, 116c of 110d,
The pawls 116d are provided with claws 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d projecting above the upper surface of each holding plate.

The urging force in the direction of arrow 143d applied to the fourth holding plate 110d by the coil spring 142 is applied by the claw 118d provided on the fourth holding plate 110d to the second side surface of the third holding plate 110c. By pressing 116c, it is transmitted to the third holding plate 110c.
Hereinafter, similarly, the arrow 14 of the third holding plate 110c
The urging force in the direction 3c is transmitted to the second pressing plate 110b via the pawl 118c, and the urging force in the direction of the arrow 143b of the second pressing plate 110b is transmitted to the first pressing plate 110a via the pawl 118b. Is done. First holding plate 110a
Of the upper holding plate 1 by the urging force in the direction of the arrow 143a.
Press the side of 22a. Thus, the holding plate 110
a, 110b, 110c, and 110d are arrows 1 respectively.
It stands still while being urged in the directions of 43a, 143b, 143c and 143d. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the stopper 13 provided in the pressing mechanism 100 of the second embodiment has
2 is unnecessary.

Other than the above, the holding mechanism 10 of the second embodiment
In the same manner as in the case of No. 0, the pressing mechanism 101 of the present embodiment is assembled.

The holding mechanism 101 of the present embodiment assembled as described above is attached to an automatic inspection apparatus as in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. In addition,
In FIG. 8, the torsion coil spring is not shown.

The operation of the sample container holding mechanism 101 of the present embodiment configured as described above is basically the same as that of the second embodiment.

That is, when the sample container 10 is transported to the inspection position 35 in the direction of arrow 22, only the pressing plate of the first to fourth pressing plates that comes into contact with the side surface of the sample container 10 is the arrow 145 in FIG. Rotate in the direction of. In this state, the sampling nozzle 30 descends to aspirate the sample inside the sample container 10. Thereafter, when the sampling nozzle 30 moves up, the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container 10 comes into contact with the lower surface of the holding plate that has not rotated, thereby preventing the sample container 10 from being lifted.

Thereafter, when the sample container 10 is transported in the direction of the arrow 22, the contact between the rotating first side surface of the holding plate and the side surface of the sample container 10 is released, and the torsion coil spring 14
Due to the elastic force of 2, all the holding plates return to the initial positions as shown in FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the lowermost holding plate (the fourth holding plate 1 in the above example).
An elastic member (torsion coil spring 142 in the above example) is attached only to 10d), and a locking member (claw) that can transmit an urging force to the pressing plate disposed above and adjacent to each pressing plate is provided. Accordingly, there is no need to provide an elastic member for each holding plate. Further, it is not necessary to separately provide a mechanism (the stopper 132 in the second embodiment) for preventing the pressing plate from rotating due to the urging force. As a result, the number of components can be reduced, and a low-cost suppressing mechanism can be provided.

In the present embodiment, when the holding plate not in contact with the side surface of the sample container rotates together with the rotation of the holding plate below the holding plate, it is necessary to prevent this. It is preferable to provide a configuration. For example, the inner diameters of the washers 140a, 140b, 140c, 1
The gap between the inner diameter of 40d and the outer diameter of the support shaft 120 may be reduced to such a degree that the washer does not rotate even if the holding plate rotates.

Except for the above, the description of the second embodiment can be applied to the present embodiment.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a main part of an inspection apparatus provided with a sample container holding mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. 9, FIG. 4 and FIG.
Members having the same functions as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] A holding mechanism 1 for a sample container according to the fourth embodiment.
02 differs from the sample container holding mechanism 100 of the second embodiment only in the shape of the holding plate.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the holding plates 150a, 150b, 1 of the holding mechanism 102 of the present embodiment.
The holding plates 50c and 150d do not have through holes for inserting sampling nozzles at the ends, unlike the holding plate of the second embodiment. Also, it is slightly shorter than the holding plate of the second embodiment.

Except for the above, the sample container holding mechanism 102 of the present embodiment is configured in the same manner as the second embodiment.
The holding mechanism 102 is attached to the automatic inspection apparatus in the same manner as in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG.

The operation of the sample container holding mechanism 102 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the operation of the sample container holding mechanism of the present embodiment when the sample container is transported to the inspection position.

The sample container L is moved to the inspection position 3 in the direction of the arrow 22.
5, the side surface of the sample container L becomes the second to fourth holding plates 150b and 150b of the first to fourth holding plates.
c, 150d, and these second to fourth holding plates 1
Only arrows 50b, 150c and 150d are arrows 145 in FIG.
Rotate in the direction of. In this state, the sampling nozzle 30
Descends to aspirate the sample inside the sample container L. Thereafter, the sampling nozzle 30 moves up. At this time, a part of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container L comes into contact with the lower surface of the first holding plate 150a that has not rotated, thereby preventing the sample container L from being lifted.

Thereafter, when the sample container L is transported in the direction of the arrow 22, the rotating second to fourth holding plates come into contact with the side surfaces of the sample container L, and the elastic force of the torsion coil spring causes The second to fourth pressing plates return to their initial positions as shown in FIG.

Next, when the sample container S is conveyed to the inspection position 35, only the fourth holding plate 150d in contact with the side surface of the sample container S rotates in the direction of the arrow 145 in FIG.
As a result, when the sampling nozzle 30 is pulled out,
A part of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container S is the third holding plate 150.
The sample container S is prevented from being lifted by contacting the lower surface of the sample c.

As described above, in the present embodiment, one side of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container comes into contact with the holding plate with respect to the insertion position of the sampling nozzle 30, whereby
Embodiment 2 is different from Embodiment 2 in that the lifting of the sample container when the sampling nozzle is pulled out is prevented.

The description of the second embodiment other than the above can be applied to the present embodiment.

In the above example, the tip of the holding plate has a shape formed obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the holding plate, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be formed substantially at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the holding plate, and in order to prevent interference with the sampling nozzle, the relief processing portion 55 of the first holding plate 52 of the first embodiment.
A shape similar to that shown in FIG. 1 may be provided.

Further, the pawls described in the third embodiment may be provided on each of the pressing plates, and the single torsion coil spring may be provided and the stopper 132 may be omitted as in the third embodiment.

The holding mechanism 102 according to the present embodiment
As compared with the holding mechanisms 100 and 101 of the second and third embodiments, the holding plate is in contact with only one side of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container, so that the sample container may be inclined when the sampling nozzle is pulled out. In order to prevent this, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, a pressing mechanism 102 ′ having a similar configuration may be installed at a position symmetrical to the pressing mechanism 102 with respect to the transport direction 22 of the sample container 10. This allows
Since the upper surface of the stopper can be pressed at a position substantially symmetrical with respect to the insertion position of the sampling nozzle, the inclination of the sample container when the sampling nozzle is pulled out can be prevented. In this case, in this case, a newly installed holding mechanism 10
Needless to say, 2 ′ is configured in a plane-symmetrical shape with the pressing mechanism 102. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 145 'indicates the rotation direction of the holding plate of the holding mechanism 102'.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a main part of an inspection apparatus provided with a sample container holding mechanism according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. The sample container holding mechanism 200 of the present embodiment is configured by vertically stacking first to fourth holding units 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d in order from the top.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the first holding unit 210a. As shown in the figure, the holding unit 210a is a hollow case 2 having an open surface.
11a, a compression coil spring 212a mounted in the case 211a, and a holding plate 215a inserted into the opening of the case 211a. The pressing plate 215a has a predetermined thickness, and the case 21
The end on the side exposed from 1a is formed obliquely so that the contact surface 2
16a are formed. Further, a through hole 217a into which the sampling nozzle is inserted is formed near the tip. One end of the compression coil spring 212a is
is connected to the end on the side inserted into the case 211a, and the other end is connected to the inner wall surface of the case 211a facing the end of the holding plate 215a. Compression coil spring 21
The pressing plate 215a is urged in the direction of the arrow 218 by the elastic force of 2a, and the pressing plate 215a stops in a state where the protrusion at the rear end of the pressing plate 215a presses the stopper 214a formed on the inner wall of the case 211a. ing. Therefore, by applying an external force to the holding plate 215a, the holding plate 215a can be pushed in the direction opposite to the arrow 218. In order to reduce the coefficient of friction between the outer surface of the holding plate 215a and the inner surface of the case 211a to facilitate the pushing displacement of the holding plate 215a, for example, the holding plate 215a is formed of a fluorine resin, and the inner wall surface of the case 211a is formed of a fluorine resin. It is preferable to attach a tape.

The second, third and fourth holding units 210b, 210c and 210d shown in FIG.
Has the same configuration as that of the holding unit 210a.
The second, third, and fourth holding units are distinguished by adding b, c, and d in order instead of the suffix “a” of the reference numeral attached to each component of the first holding unit.

In the following description, the pressing plate of the first pressing unit is referred to as the first pressing plate, and the contact surface and the through hole of the first pressing plate are referred to as the first contact surface and the first contact plate, respectively. It may be called a through hole. The same applies to the second to fourth holding units.

The first to fourth holding units having the above-described structure are stacked in a vertical direction to form a holding mechanism 200 of the present embodiment.

Next, the holding mechanism 200 of the present embodiment will be described.
The method of attaching the automatic inspection apparatus to the automatic inspection apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

The holding mechanism 200 is held by the automatic inspection apparatus such that the pressing direction 218 (see FIG. 13) of the holding plate of each holding unit substantially coincides with the horizontal direction. At this time, the through holes 217a, 217b, 217 of the holding plate
c, 217 d are matched with the inspection position 35. In addition, the contact surfaces 216a, 216b, 216c, and 216d are directed to the upstream side in the transport direction 22 of the rack 20 holding the sample container 10, and the pressing direction 218 of the holding plate is substantially perpendicular to the transport direction 22. The mounting height of the pressing unit 200 is such that the upper surface of the sample container having the highest upper surface height among the transported sample containers 10 is lower than the lower surface of the first pressing plate 215a mounted on the uppermost portion. Is set to Also, the upper surface of the sample container having the lowest upper surface height is set to be above a point slightly lower (preferably about 1 to 3 mm) than the lower surface of the fourth holding plate 215d attached to the lowermost portion. .

The operation of the sample container holding mechanism 200 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the operation of the sample container holding mechanism of the present embodiment when the sample container is transported to the inspection position.

First, the sample container L is transported to the inspection position 35. The height of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container L is lower than the lower surface of the first pressing plate 215a of the first pressing unit 210a and higher than the lower surface of the second pressing plate 215b of the second pressing unit 210b. is there. Therefore, immediately before the sample container L is conveyed to the inspection position 35, the side surfaces of the sample container L are brought into contact with the second to fourth holding plates 215b, 215c, 215c.
15d second to fourth contact surfaces 216b, 216c, 21
Contact 6d. When the sample container L further moves in this state, the second to fourth contact surfaces 216b, 216c, 216d
Is set obliquely to the moving direction 22, as shown in FIG. 14, the second to fourth pressing plates 215
b, 215c, and 215d are displaced in the direction of arrow 219 against the elastic force of the compression coil springs 212b, 212c, and 212d that are urging them. When the sample container L reaches the inspection position 35, the sampling nozzle 30
The through hole 217a of the first holding plate 215a and the central axis of the sample container L are substantially aligned in a vertical direction.

In this state, the sampling nozzle 30 descends, passes through the plug of the sample container L through the through hole 217a of the first holding plate 215a, and aspirates the sample inside the sample container L. Thereafter, the sampling nozzle 30 moves up. At this time, the sample container L tends to rise together due to friction between the outer peripheral surface of the sampling nozzle 30 and the stopper. However, since the upper surface of the stopper comes into contact with the lower surface of the first holding plate 215a, the sample container L is prevented from being lifted.

When the measurement of the sample container L is completed and the sample container L is transported in the direction of arrow 22, the second to fourth contact surfaces of the second to fourth holding plates 215b, 215c, 215d. The contact between the side surfaces of the sample container L and the compression coil springs 212b, 216c, 216d is released.
c, 212d, the second to fourth pressing plates 21
5b, 215c and 215d return to the initial positions as shown in FIG.

Next, the sample container S is transported to the inspection position 35. The height of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container S is lower than the lower surface of the third holding plate 215c, and the fourth holding plate 215d
At a position higher than the lower surface of. Therefore, only the fourth pressing plate 215d is displaced in the direction of the arrow 219 against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 212d. When the sample container S reaches the inspection position 35, the sampling nozzle 30 and the through holes 217a, 217 of the first to third holding plates 215a are provided.
b, 217c and the central axis of the sample container S are substantially linearly aligned in the vertical direction.

In this state, the sampling nozzle 30 descends, and the through holes 217a, 217 of the first to third holding plates are lowered.
The sample inside the sample container S is aspirated by passing through the stopper of the sample container S through 7b and 217c. Thereafter, the sampling nozzle 30 moves up. At this time, the sample container S tends to rise together due to friction between the outer peripheral surface of the sampling nozzle 30 and the stopper. However, since the upper surface of the stopper comes into contact with the lower surface of the third holding plate 215c, the sample container S is prevented from being lifted.

When the measurement on the sample container S is completed and the sample container S is transported in the direction of arrow 22, the contact between the contact surface 216d of the fourth holding plate 215d and the side surface of the sample container S is released. The fourth force is generated by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 212d.
The pressing plate 215d returns to the initial position as shown in FIG.

As described above, the holding mechanism for the sample container according to the fifth embodiment has a structure in which the first to fourth holding units having substantially the same structure are vertically stacked, and the first to fourth holding plates are provided. Are displaceably mounted independently in a horizontal plane. Further, the first to fourth holding plates are urged toward the inspection position. The contact surface of each holding plate is inclined with respect to the transport direction of the sample container. When the sample container is transported, depending on the height of the upper surface of the sample container, the contact surfaces at the tips of several holding plates from below contact the sample container (or may not be in contact at all). ), Only the holding plate abutted retracts.
When the sample container comes to the test position, at least a part of the upper surface of the test device is covered with at least one holding plate that has not been retracted. Thus, it is possible to prevent the sampling nozzle from being lifted when the sampling nozzle is pulled out for any of a plurality of types of sample containers having different lengths.

In the above example, the case where the length of the sample container is two has been described as an example. However, the holding mechanism according to the present embodiment can cope with the case where the length of the sample container is three or more. it can.

As is clear from the above, the number of holding units is not limited to the above four, and can be freely changed. Further, in the present embodiment, since the respective pressing units are independent of each other, a required number of pressing units can be combined in accordance with the specification of the inspection apparatus to constitute a pressing mechanism.

Further, the mounting pitch of the holding plates (more precisely, the pitch of the lower surface of each holding plate) can be freely set according to, for example, the length of the sample container.
To realize this, for example, a plate for adjusting the thickness may be inserted between the holding units to be stacked, or the thickness of each holding plate may be changed.

Further, the means for urging each holding plate is not limited to the above-described compression coil spring. Known elastic members such as a tension spring, a torsion coil spring, a leaf spring, and rubber can be used.

As described in the second embodiment, when the sample container displaces the holding plate in the direction of arrow 219, the frictional force between the contact surface of the holding plate and the side surface of the sample container causes The sample container itself can be rotated (clockwise in FIG. 14). Therefore, there is an additional effect that the identification symbol displayed on the side surface of the sample container can be recognized during the rotation. In order to surely rotate the sample container, it is preferable that a material having a large coefficient of friction (for example, rubber or the like) is attached to the surface of the contact surface that comes into contact with the sample container.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a main part of an inspection apparatus having a sample container holding mechanism according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the first holding unit 210a. FIG.
In FIGS. 5 and 16, members having the same functions as in FIGS. 12 and 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The Sample Container Holding Mechanism 2 of the Sixth Embodiment
01 is different from the sample container holding mechanism 200 of the fifth embodiment only in the shape of the holding plate.

That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the first pressing plate 220a of the pressing mechanism 201 of the present embodiment has a wedge-shaped tip instead of the pressing plate of the fifth embodiment. First abutment surface 2 oblique to biasing direction 218
22a and the second contact surface 2 substantially orthogonal to the biasing direction 218
24a. Further, the holding plate 22 of the present embodiment
No. 0a has no through hole at the tip for inserting the sampling nozzle. Second to fourth holding plate 220
The same applies to b, 220c and 220d.

Except for the above, the sample container pressing mechanism 201 of the present embodiment is configured in the same manner as the fifth embodiment.
The method of attaching the holding mechanism 201 to the automatic inspection device is the same as in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG.

The operation of the sample container holding mechanism 201 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a plan view showing the operation of the sample container pressing mechanism of the present embodiment when the sample container is transported to the inspection position.

The sample container L is moved to the inspection position 3 in the direction of the arrow 22.
5 first, the side surfaces of the sample container L are first to first.
Among the fourth holding plates, the first holding surfaces 222b, 222c, 222d of the second to fourth holding plates are in contact with each other, and the second to fourth holding plates are contacted.
Only the holding plates 220b, 220c and 220d of FIG.
In the direction of arrow 219. When the sample container L reaches the inspection position 35, the side surface of the sample container L comes into contact with the second contact surfaces 224b, 224c, 224d. In this state, the sampling nozzle 30 descends to aspirate the sample inside the sample container 10. After that, the sampling nozzle 3
0 rises. At this time, a part of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container L comes into contact with the lower surface of the first holding plate 220a that has not moved, thereby preventing the sample container L from being lifted.

Thereafter, when the sample container L is transported in the direction of the arrow 22, the contact between the retracted second to fourth holding plates and the side surface of the sample container L is released, and the compression coil spring 212
Due to the elastic forces of b, 212c, and 212d, the second to fourth pressing plates return to the initial positions as shown in FIG.

Next, when the sample container S is transported to the inspection position 35, only the fourth holding plate 220d abutting on the side surface of the sample container S retracts in the direction of arrow 219 in FIG.
As a result, when the sampling nozzle 30 is pulled out,
A part of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container S is
The sample container S is prevented from being lifted by contacting the lower surface of the sample c.

As described above, in the present embodiment, one side of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container comes into contact with the holding plate with respect to the insertion position of the sampling nozzle 30, whereby
Embodiment 5 is different from Embodiment 5 in that the lifting of the sample container when the sampling nozzle is pulled out is prevented.

The description of the fifth embodiment other than the above can be applied to the present embodiment.

Note that the shape of the tip of the holding plate is not limited to the above example. For example, in order to prevent interference with the sampling nozzle, the same shape as the relief processing portion 55 (see FIG. 1) of the first holding plate 52 of the first embodiment may be provided.

The pressing mechanism 201 according to the present embodiment
As compared with the holding mechanism 200 of the fifth embodiment, the holding plate is in contact with only one side of the upper surface of the stopper of the sample container, so that the sample container may be inclined when the sampling nozzle is pulled out. To prevent this, for example, FIG.
Similar to 1, the pair of pressing mechanisms may be installed at right angles to the transport direction 22 of the sample container 10 so as to sandwich the sample container. Accordingly, the upper surface of the stopper can be pressed at a position substantially symmetrical with respect to the insertion position of the sampling nozzle with respect to the stopper, so that the sample container can be prevented from tilting when the sampling nozzle is pulled out. In this case,
Needless to say, the opposing pressing mechanisms are configured to be mutually plane-symmetrical.

In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the elastic members for urging the pressing plates are provided for each pressing plate, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, by installing a member having the same function as the claw described in the third embodiment on each holding plate, the elastic member can be attached only to the lowest holding plate.
Thereby, the number of used elastic members can be reduced.

In the second to sixth embodiments, the lower surface of the uppermost first holding plate is preferably
The position is set slightly higher than the top surface of the longest sample container so that the longest sample container among the sample containers conveyed to the inspection position can be prevented from being lifted.
In such a configuration, when the first holding plate is displaced in contact with the longest transported sample container, it is preferable that a sensor capable of detecting the displacement is provided. Further, when the sensor detects the displacement of the first holding plate, it is determined that the sample container is not normally held in the rack, and a warning is issued and / or the subsequent operation is stopped. Preferably, it is configured. For example, when the sample container is installed diagonally on the rack, the upper surface of the sample container may be higher than normal. When the sampling nozzle is lowered with respect to such a sample container, the sampling nozzle may pierce a portion other than the stopper, and the sampling nozzle and the sample container may be damaged. With the above configuration, such a situation can be prevented beforehand, and a highly safe automatic inspection apparatus can be realized.

[0141]

As described above, according to the present invention, the mechanism for holding the sample container can be installed separately from the mechanism for elevating the sampling nozzle. As a result, the mechanism around the sampling nozzle can be simplified. Therefore, the lifting mechanism of the sampling nozzle can be reduced in weight, and the size and cost of the apparatus can be reduced.

Even if the shape and method of the sampling nozzle are changed, it is not necessary to change the design of the holding mechanism. Similarly, even if the design of the holding mechanism is changed, it is not necessary to change the design of the peripheral mechanism of the sampling nozzle. Therefore, for example, the holding mechanism of the sample container can be standardized.

Further, it is possible to effectively prevent the sample containers having different lengths from floating when the sampling nozzle is pulled out with a very simple configuration. In addition, it can be manufactured at low cost and requires little installation space.

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily realize an automatic inspection apparatus capable of performing an automatic inspection even when sample containers having different lengths are mixed and set on a rack.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a holding unit constituting a holding mechanism for a sample container according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a sample container according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1C is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the holding mechanism of FIG.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a sample container holding mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation of a sample container holding mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention when a short sample container is transported to an inspection position; FIG. 2 (A) is a plan view and FIG. 2
(B) is a front view.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation of the sample container pressing mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention when a long sample container is transported to the inspection position, and FIG. 3 (A) is a plan view and FIG. 3
(B) is a front view.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a sample container holding mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a main part of an inspection apparatus provided with a sample container pressing mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the operation of the sample container holding mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the sample container is transported to the inspection position.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a sample container holding mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a main part of an inspection apparatus provided with a sample container holding mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a main part of an inspection apparatus provided with a sample container holding mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a case where a sample container is transported to an inspection position.
FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the operation of the sample container holding mechanism according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another configuration example of the sample container pressing mechanism according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a main part of an inspection apparatus provided with a sample container pressing mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a holding unit constituting a holding mechanism for a sample container according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a case where a sample container is transported to an inspection position.
FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the operation of the sample container holding mechanism according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a main part of an inspection apparatus including a sample container holding mechanism according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a holding unit constituting a holding mechanism for a sample container according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a case where the sample container is transported to the inspection position.
FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the operation of the sample container holding mechanism according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a front sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a sampling unit of the automatic inspection device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Sample container 11 Sample tube 12 Plug 15 Sample 20 Rack 22 Transport direction 30 Sampling nozzle 31 Suction hole 35 Inspection position 50 Press unit 52 First press plate 54 Second press plate 55 Relief processing part 56 Rotating shaft 58 Energizing Direction 61 Jig 63 Contact surface 64 Wall surface 65 Compression coil spring 67 Torsion coil spring 100, 101, 102, 102 'Sample container holding mechanism 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d Holding plate 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d Through hole 114a, 114b , 114c, 114d Through holes 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d First side surface 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d Second side surface 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d Claw 120 Support shaft 122a Upper holding plate 122b Lower holding plate 130 Back Plate 132 stops 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e
Washers 142, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d Torsion coil springs 143a, 143b, 143c, 143d Urging direction 145, 145 'Rotation direction 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d Pressing plate 200, 201 Sample container pressing mechanism 210a, 210b, 210c , 210d Pressing unit 211a, 211b, 211c, 211d Case 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d Compression coil spring 214a, 214b, 214c, 214d Stopper 215a, 215b, 215c, 215d Pressing plate 216a, 216b, 216c, 216d Contact surface 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d Through-hole 218 Urging direction 219 Displacement direction 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d Holding plate 222a, 222b, 22 c, 222d first abutment surface 224a, 224b, 224c, abutment surface 224d second

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masahiro Kimura 57F, Higashi-Kujo, Nishi-Amada-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture F-term in Akurey Co., Ltd. 2G058 CA02 CB08 CB15 EA08

Claims (16)

[Claims] A first holding plate having a first contact portion; a second holding plate having a second contact portion;
And a rotary shaft for connecting the second press plate separately from the second press plate. The first contact portion and the second contact portion are viewed from the long axis direction of the rotary shaft. A holding mechanism for a sample container, comprising: a holding unit arranged so as not to overlap with each other; and an elastic member for urging the holding unit in one direction about the rotation axis as a rotation center. 2. The holding mechanism for a sample container according to claim 1, wherein a through hole is provided in the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion. 3. An inspection apparatus comprising: a first sample container, and a transport device that transports a second sample container longer than the first sample container to an inspection position, wherein the inspection device includes a holding unit and An elastic member, wherein the holding unit has a first holding plate having a first abutting portion that abuts on the top surface of the first sample container, and a second holding member that abuts on the top surface of the second sample container. A second holding plate having two abutting portions, and a rotating shaft for connecting the first holding plate and the second holding plate apart from each other, and viewed from a long axis direction of the rotating shaft. The first contact portion and the second contact portion are arranged so as not to overlap each other, and the pressing unit is urged in one direction by the elastic member about the rotation axis as a rotation center. When the first sample container is transported to the inspection position,
When the first contact portion is located above at least a part of the upper surface of the first sample container, and when the second sample container is transported to the test position,
The second sample container abuts on the first holding plate, rotates the holding unit in a direction opposite to a biasing direction of the elastic member, and the second abutting portion is connected to the second sample container. An inspection device located above at least a part of an upper surface of the inspection device. 4. The test apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the pair of the press unit and the elastic member are arranged so as to sandwich the sample container at the test position. 5. A plurality of pressing plates which are arranged so as to substantially overlap each other in a substantially vertical direction and are held independently and displaceably in a substantially horizontal plane, and an elastic member for urging the plurality of pressing plates. A sample container holding mechanism. 6. The sample container holding mechanism according to claim 5, wherein said plurality of holding plates have substantially the same planar shape. 7. The holding mechanism for a sample container according to claim 5, wherein the displacement of the plurality of holding plates is a rotational displacement about a common axis. 8. The holding mechanism for a sample container according to claim 5, wherein the displacement of the plurality of holding plates is a displacement in a linear direction parallel to each other. 9. The sample container holding mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the same number of the elastic members as the number of the holding plates are provided so as to correspond one-to-one with the holding plates. 10. The pressing plate includes an engaging member that engages with a pressing plate disposed above and adjacent to the pressing plate to limit the displacement to only one direction, and the elastic member is disposed at a lowermost position. The holding mechanism for a sample container according to claim 5, wherein the holding mechanism is attached so as to bias the holding plate. 11. The sample container holding mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the holding plate has a through hole through which a sampling nozzle for sucking the sample in the sample container passes. 12. An inspection apparatus comprising: a transport device that transports a plurality of sample containers having different lengths to an inspection position; and the sample container holding mechanism according to claim 5; In the process of the sample container reaching the inspection position, a side surface of the sample container and one or more pressing plates of the plurality of pressing plates contact each other depending on a length of the sample container, and When the contacting pressing plate is displaced in a direction opposite to the biasing direction of the elastic member, and the sample container reaches the test position, a part of the pressing plate that did not contact the sample container is An inspection apparatus characterized by being located above at least a part of an upper surface of a sample container. 13. In the process in which the longest sample container reaches the inspection position, a side surface of the longest sample container is in contact with at least an uppermost holding plate of the plurality of holding plates. 13. The inspection device according to claim 12, wherein the inspection device does not touch. 14. The sample container according to claim 12, wherein, depending on a length of the sample container, a side surface of the sample container does not abut on any of the plurality of holding plates in a process in which the sample container reaches the inspection position. Inspection equipment. 15. The test apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a pair of the sample container holding mechanisms are arranged so as to sandwich the sample container at the test position. 16. The sample container rotates when the holding plate in contact with the side surface of the sample container is displaced.
3. The inspection device according to 2.