JP2006034240A - Reciprocally moving mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reciprocally moving mechanism installed in a space which is controlled to have a predetermined environmental condition, capable of preventing formation of dust and vibration of an output part. <P>SOLUTION: This reciprocally moving mechanism 8 is structured so that an intermediate slide plate 82 and a conveying table 50 are reciprocally movably arranged on a raising and lowering plate 81, wherein two lines of roller lines each composed of four of first rollers 86 to 86 are each arranged on one of opposite faces in an opposite area of the raising and lowering plate 81 and the intermediate slide plate 82, two of first guide plates 84, 84 are each arranged on the other of the opposite faces, two lines of roller lines each composed of four of second rollers 87 to 87 are each arranged on one of opposite faces in an opposite area of the intermediate slide plate 82 and the conveying table 50, and two of second guide plates 85, 85 are each arranged on the other of the opposite faces. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a reciprocating mechanism that is installed in a space adjusted to a predetermined environmental condition such as an incubator and reciprocates an output unit along one axis.

The incubator is provided with a sample container (microplate) installation shelf inside the chamber that can be opened and closed by an open / close door, and an environmental adjustment device for adjusting environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and CO ₂ concentration in the chamber. Then, by setting the inside of the chamber to appropriate environmental conditions, various microorganisms and cells accommodated in the microplate are cultured.

  In such an incubator, in order to confirm the state of the sample during culture, the microplate is taken out of the chamber and the sample is observed and analyzed with a microscope, etc., but the chamber door must be opened at that time. Therefore, there is a problem that the environmental conditions in the chamber greatly change.

Therefore, an incubator has been proposed in which the microplate can be transported between the microplate insertion opening established in the chamber and each microplate housing in the chamber, and the microplate is automatically inserted into and removed from each microplate housing. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
For example, in the incubator shown in FIG. 21, a plurality of stackers (3) and (3) having a plurality of microplate accommodating portions are provided in a chamber (11), and a micro-stacker is placed between these stackers (3) and (3). A microplate transport device (5) having a plate transport table (50) is provided, and the transport table (50) is driven in three axial directions to transport the microplate.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the microplate transport device (5) drives the transport table (50) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) as shown in FIG. A vertical X-axis drive shaft (540) and a guide rail (563) are installed, and a Z-axis slider (564) is slidably engaged with the guide rail (563) to illustrate the Z-axis slider (564). The drive mechanism is driven up and down by an omitted drive mechanism, and the X-axis transport mechanism (54) is connected to the Z-axis slider (564) via a holder (566).

The X-axis transport mechanism (54) includes a first pinion (544) pivotally supported on the holder (566), and the first pinion (544) is axial with respect to the X-axis drive shaft (540). Are slidable and engaged in a relatively non-rotatable manner.
The X-axis transport mechanism (54) is supported by a lift plate (542) connected to the holder (566) and slidable on the lift plate (542) via a lower slider (549a). An intermediate slide plate (543) and a transfer table (50) slidably supported on the intermediate slide plate (543) via an upper slider (549b) are provided, and the first pinion (544) and the intermediate slide plate (543) The first rack (545) on the slide plate (543) meshes with each other, and the second pinion (546) pivotally supported on the intermediate slide plate (543) and the second rack (547) on the lift plate (542). ) And the third rack (548) on the back surface of the transfer table (50) are meshed with each other.

  The X-axis drive shaft (540) has a prismatic shape as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, and the first pinion (544) is slidably fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the X-axis drive shaft (540). At the same time, the first pinion (544) is fitted to the holder (566) so as to be relatively rotatable. The holder (566) is fixed to the Z-axis slider (564) by a plurality of screws (565) (565).

  Accordingly, when the Z-axis slider (564) shown in FIG. 17 is driven up and down, the X-axis transport mechanism (54) is reciprocated up and down, and the microplate (31) on the transport table (50) is moved in the Z-axis direction. Will be transported. Further, by rotating the X-axis drive shaft (540), as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, an intermediate slide plate (543) on the elevating plate (542) constituting the X-axis transport mechanism (54) is obtained. ) And the transport table (50) are reciprocated to the left and right, and the microplate (31) on the transport table (50) is transported in the X-axis direction.

According to the incubator as described above, since a small microplate insertion port may be opened in the chamber, the environmental conditions in the chamber do not change greatly when the microplate is put in and out.
JP-A-11-89559

In the above incubator, as shown in FIG. 17, the intermediate slide plate (543) is slidably supported on the lifting plate (542), and the transfer table (50) is slidable on the intermediate slide plate (543). In order to support, a slide type slide mechanism using the lower slider (549a) and upper slider (549b) is adopted, and the lower slider (549a) and upper slider are used to reduce the frictional resistance caused by sliding. (549b) is made of a sliding resin material such as an oil-containing resin.
However, since the lower slider (549a) and the upper slider (549b) repeatedly slide with the frequent transfer operation of the transfer table, dust accompanying wear is generated from the surfaces of both sliders (549a). There was a possibility that dust would be scattered in the chamber and mixed into the sample on the microplate.

  Further, since the lower slider (549a) and the upper slider (549b) are worn and the clearance of the slide mechanism is increased, the transport table (50) is moved to either one as shown in FIGS. In the process, the posture of the transfer table (50) becomes unstable, and the microplate (31) on the transfer table (50) swings. As a result, the cells in culture on the microplate (31) may be vibrated and adversely affect the culture state. Further, when the transfer table (50) is in the most protruding state, the transfer table (50) is inclined, and if the inclination is large, the microplate (31) may fall off the transfer table (50). There is.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to effectively suppress the generation of dust and the swinging of the output unit in a reciprocating mechanism that is installed in a space adjusted to a predetermined environmental condition and reciprocates the output unit. .

  A reciprocating mechanism according to the present invention comprises a base body and a slide body installed on the base body so as to be capable of reciprocating along one axial direction, and an output section is provided on the slide body. And one of the opposed surfaces of the slide body, a row of at least four rollers is arranged in two rows along the one axial direction, and the other opposed surface has the above-mentioned Two guide surfaces extending along two roller rows are provided, and among the four rollers constituting each roller row, the distance between the outer roller located at the row end and the inner roller adjacent to the outer roller Is larger than the distance between two adjacent inner rollers, and the slide body has a first position where the two guide surfaces abut against all of the four rollers, and the two guide surfaces. Each one outside And a second position in contact with only two rollers of one inner roller adjacent to over La and outer roller reciprocates.

  In the reciprocating mechanism of the present invention, in the process in which the slide body slides with respect to the base body, the plurality of rollers constituting each roller row rotate in contact with each guide piece, thereby Since the slide is guided, there is no sliding friction. Therefore, the roller hardly wears, and thereby a highly accurate guide function is maintained, and the output portion can be reciprocated in a stable posture. Of course, no dust is generated from the roller.

  Further, in the second position where the slide body protrudes most with respect to the base body, out of the four rollers constituting each roller row, the outer roller and the inner roller are in contact with the guide piece, and a total of 4 of both roller rows is obtained. The posture of the slide body will be maintained by one roller, but since the distance between the outer roller and the inner roller is set to be larger than the distance between the inner rollers, even when the moving stroke of the slide body is large, The slide body can be securely held at the second position in a stable posture.

In a specific configuration, each of the four rollers has a rhombus shape whose outer peripheral surface protrudes in a V-shaped cross section, and the guide surface has a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the roller.
According to the specific configuration, the outer roller and the inner roller constituting each roller row are in contact with the guide surface in a state where the slide body protrudes most with respect to the base body, thereby maintaining the posture of the slide body. However, since the protrusion on the outer peripheral surface of each roller and the recess on the guide surface are engaged with each other, there is no possibility that the slide body hangs down by its own weight.

In the present invention, it is possible to provide a plurality of stages of slide mechanisms including the base body and the slide body. In this case, the slide body of the lower slide mechanism becomes the base body of the upper slide mechanism, An output unit is provided on the slide body of the upper slide mechanism.
Thereby, the stroke of the uppermost slide body, that is, the output portion can be increased.

  For example, in the configuration in which the slide mechanism is provided in two upper and lower stages, the reciprocating mechanism includes a base body, a first slide body installed on the base body so as to be capable of reciprocating along the one axial direction, and the first slide body. A second slide body is provided on the one slide body so as to be capable of reciprocating along the one-axis direction, and the output section is provided on the second slide body. Each of the facing portion of the base body and the first slide body and the facing portion of the first slide body and the second slide body has at least four rollers on one of the facing surfaces. Are arranged in two rows along the one axis direction, and two guide surfaces extending along the two rows of roller rows are arranged on the other facing surface, and at least the base body and the first row are arranged. Of the four rollers constituting each roller row between the slide bodies, the distance between the outer roller located at the end of the row and the inner roller adjacent to the outer roller is the distance between the two inner rollers adjacent to each other. The first slide body has a first position where the two guide surfaces are in contact with all of the four rollers, and the two guide surfaces are respectively connected to one outer roller and the outer roller. Adjoin And a second position in contact with only two rollers of one inner roller reciprocates.

In a specific configuration, the base body is provided with a first pinion (92a) to which a rotational force is to be transmitted from the outside, and the first slide body extends in the one axial direction and extends to the first pinion (92a). ) And a second pinion (94) are pivotally supported, and the base body and the second slide body extend in the one axial direction and extend to the second pinion. (2) A second rack (95) and a third rack (96) meshing simultaneously with (94) are provided.
According to the specific configuration, by rotating the first pinion (92a), the first rack (93) is driven in the one-axis direction, and the first slide body moves in the same direction. The second pinion (94) is driven to rotate by driving the second rack (95) accompanying the movement of the first slide body. As a result, the third rack (96) is driven in the same direction, and the second slide body is moved. It moves in the same direction at twice the speed of the first slide body.

  According to the reciprocating mechanism according to the present invention, the generation of dust and the swinging of the output unit can be effectively suppressed.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention in an incubator will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the incubator (1) according to the present invention has an opening (10) formed on the front surface and can be opened and closed by an opening / closing door (12). An incubator unit (2) is accommodated in the chamber (11), and a microplate insertion port (13) opened on the side wall of the chamber (11) has a microplate. A carry-in mechanism (4) is connected.

In addition, an environmental adjustment device (not shown) for adjusting the temperature, humidity, and CO ₂ concentration in the chamber is provided at the back of the chamber (11), and the wall at the back of the chamber (11) is provided. An air outlet (not shown) having a fan for blowing out the environmental adjustment gas obtained from the environmental adjustment device toward the central space in the chamber has been established.

A shutter mechanism (14) for opening and closing the microplate insertion opening (13) is provided on the side wall of the chamber (11).
Also, the chamber (11) has a barcode sensor (151) for reading a barcode attached to the microplate passing through the microplate insertion opening (13) toward the microplate insertion opening (13). It is attached.

As shown in FIG. 15, the incubator unit (2) has a microplate transport device (5) provided with a microplate transport table (50) on a base (21), and the microplate transport device (5). ) Is provided with a pair of left and right stacker holders (23) and (23). Each stacker holder (23) has a plurality of stackers (3) for accommodating microplates in the front-rear direction. Are held in an array.
As shown in FIG. 14, by pulling out the drawer base (22) from the opening (10) with the open / close door (12) open, a plurality of stackers (3) on the drawer base (22) are opened (10). The stacker (3) can be pulled out from the stacker holder (23).
Thereby, the stacker (3) can be easily replaced, and the used stacker (3) can be washed.

As shown in FIG. 13, with the incubator unit (2) housed in the chamber (11), the microplate transport device (5) is located at the center of the space in the chamber (11), A plurality of stackers (3) are arranged in the space.
A water storage pan (60) for applying moisture to the air in the chamber (11) is disposed below the incubator unit (2).

Microplate transfer device (5)
As shown in FIG. 16, the microplate transport device (5) comprises a frame body that supports an upper plate (53) on four bases (52) to (52) on a base (51), The frame includes an X-axis transport mechanism (6) for driving the transport table (50) in the left-right direction, that is, the X-axis direction, and a drive table (50) for driving in the front-rear direction, that is, the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis transport mechanism (55) and the Z-axis transport mechanism (56) for driving the transport table (50) in the vertical direction, that is, the Z-axis direction are provided.
The base (51) includes an X-axis motor unit (not shown) for driving the X-axis transport mechanism (6), a Y-axis motor unit (58) for driving the Y-axis transport mechanism (55), and the Z-axis transport. A Z-axis motor unit (59) for driving the mechanism (56) is attached.

  Two lower guide rails (554) and (554) extending in the Y-axis direction are installed on the base (51), and the lower slide plate (556) slides on both lower guide rails (554) and (554). It is movably engaged. On the upper plate (53), one upper guide rail (555) extending in the Y-axis direction is installed, and the upper slide plate (557) is slidable on the upper guide rail (555). Is engaged. The lower slide plate (556) and the upper slide plate (557) are connected to each other by a vertical rod (558) to constitute a reciprocating body that can reciprocate in the Y-axis direction.

A stainless steel Y-axis drive ladder chain (552) is stretched along the lower guide rail (554) on the base (51), and the upper guide rail (555) is placed on the upper plate (53). ), A stainless steel Y-axis drive ladder chain (553) is stretched. A lower slide plate (556) is connected to one end of the lower Y-axis drive ladder chain (552), and an upper slide plate (557) is connected to one end of the upper Y-axis drive ladder chain (553). Yes.
A Y-axis drive shaft (551) driven by a Y-axis motor unit (58) is vertically installed on the base (51) and the upper plate (53), and the Y-axis drive shaft (551) The two Y-axis drive ladder chains (552) and (553) are driven by the rotation.
As a result, the lower slide plate (556) and the upper slide plate (557) reciprocate in the Y-axis direction along the lower guide rails (554) (554) and the upper guide rail (555). (558) reciprocates in the Y-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 17, a guide rail (563) extending in the Z-axis direction is attached to the vertical rod (558), and a Z-axis slider (564) is slidably engaged with the guide rail (563). The X-axis transport mechanism (6) according to the present invention is connected to the Z-axis slider (564).

  Thus, the Y-axis transport mechanism (55) for driving the transport table (50) in the Y-axis direction is configured, and the rotation of the Y-axis motor (not shown) is transmitted to the Y-axis drive ladder chain (552) (553). Accordingly, the lower slide plate (556) and the upper slide plate (557) reciprocate in the Y-axis direction, and the lift plate (542) reciprocates in the Y-axis direction accordingly. As a result, the transfer table (50) reciprocates in the Y-axis direction.

  In the Y-axis transport mechanism (55), the reciprocating moving body including the lower slide plate (556), the upper slide plate (557), and the vertical rod (558) includes the lower slide plate (556) and the upper slide plate (557). Is guided by the lower guide rails (554) and (554) and the upper guide rail (555), the transport table (50) can be moved in the Y-axis direction in a stable posture.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the X-axis transport mechanism (6) is composed of a reciprocating mechanism (8) and a reciprocating rotational drive mechanism (7) for driving the reciprocating mechanism (8). The mechanism (7) is provided with a holder (70), and the reciprocating mechanism (8) is provided with a transfer table (50).

  As shown in FIG. 16, on the base (51), a Z-axis drive shaft (561) driven by a Z-axis motor unit (59) is installed in the Y-axis direction. A stainless steel Z-axis drive ladder chain (562) is stretched between the lower slide plate (556) and the upper slide plate (557). The Z-axis drive ladder chain (562) has a Z-axis The rotation of the drive shaft (561) is transmitted. One end of the Z-axis drive ladder chain (562) is connected to a holder (70) constituting a reciprocating rotary drive mechanism (7) shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the reciprocating rotational drive mechanism (7) is fitted and attached to a rectangular prism vertical X-axis drive shaft (540) that is rotationally driven by the X-axis motor unit (not shown). When the holder (70) is moved up and down, the holder (70) slides up and down along the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540), and by rotating the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540), the shaft (540) It rotates together.

As shown in FIG. 6, the reciprocating rotary drive mechanism (7) includes an upper ring (71) and a lower ring (72) that fit with a slight play on the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540), and an upper ring ( 71) and a pair of support plates 73, 73 connecting the lower ring 72 to each other constitute a ring-shaped body surrounding the vertical X-axis drive shaft 540. A drive gear (79) is fixed to the lower end of the lower ring (72) on the same axis as the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540), and the outer peripheral surface of the lower ring (72) and the holder (70) A rolling bearing (77) is interposed between the peripheral surfaces.
Between the pair of support plates (73) and (73) constituting the main body, shafts (75) are horizontally installed at four places on the left, right, and top, respectively, and a pair of rollers is provided at both ends of each shaft (75). Four rollers (74) to (74), which are attached to the pieces (76) and (76) and rotate in a vertical plane, are provided.

Of the four rollers (74) to (74), the upper left and right rollers (74) and (74) are the left and right sides constituting the outer peripheral surface of the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540) as shown in FIG. The surface is clamped from both sides, and the two roller pieces (76), (76) of each roller (74) are in contact with both end portions in the width direction of each side surface.
Similarly, the lower left and right rollers (74) and (74) sandwich the left and right side surfaces constituting the outer peripheral surface of the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540) from both sides, and two rollers of each roller (74). The pieces (76) and (76) are in contact with both end portions of each side surface in the width direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6, two screws (702) and (702) are inserted into the holder (70) through two sockets (701) and (701), and the holder (70) It connects with the raising / lowering plate (81) of the reciprocating mechanism (8) shown in FIG.

In the reciprocating rotational drive mechanism (7), when the holder (70) is driven up and down along the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540), the upper ring (71), the lower ring (72), and both support plates (73) ) (73), the rolling bearing (77), the four rollers (74) to (74), and the drive gear (79) move together as a unit. In this process, since there is a margin (clearance) between the main body and the outer peripheral surface of the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540), no sliding friction occurs. Also, the four rollers (74) to (74) are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540) and rotate as the main body moves, so that these rollers (74) and the vertical X-axis drive There is no sliding friction between the shafts (540). Therefore, the four rollers (74) to (74) are hardly worn.
Also, since the upper two rollers (74) and (74) and the lower two rollers (74) and (74) are sufficiently separated from each other, the main body is placed on the outer peripheral surface of the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540). It will move along with a stable posture.

  When the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540) is rotationally driven, four rollers (74) to (74) surround the outer peripheral surface of the shaft (540), and the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540) and these Since the rollers (74) to (74) are engaged with each other so as not to rotate relative to each other, the main body, the rolling bearing (77), and the drive gear (79) are moved along with the rotation of the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540). Integrally rotate around the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540). Also, since the pair of roller pieces (76) and (76) constituting each roller (74) are in contact with both ends in the width direction of the side surface constituting the outer peripheral surface of the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540), The rotational torque of the X-axis drive shaft (540) is efficiently transmitted to the main body. Further, since the rolling bearing (77) is interposed between the main body and the holder (70), sliding friction does not occur.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 16, a Z-axis transport mechanism (56) for driving the transport table (50) in the Z-axis direction is configured. When the Z-axis drive shaft (561) is driven by a Z-axis motor (not shown) and thereby the Z-axis drive ladder chain (562) is driven, the elevating plate (81) reciprocates up and down. As a result, the transfer table (50) reciprocates in the Z-axis direction while maintaining a stable posture.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the reciprocating mechanism (8) is configured by arranging an intermediate slide plate (82) and a transfer table (50) on an elevating plate (81), and the intermediate slide plate (82) and the transfer table ( 50) can reciprocate along the X-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, two roller rows composed of four first rollers (86) to (86) arranged in the X-axis direction are spaced apart from each other on the lifting plate (81). Yes. On the other hand, two first guide plates (84) and (84) extending along the two roller rows are attached to the back surface of the intermediate slide plate (82), and the four first guide plates constituting each roller row are provided. The rollers (86) to (86) abut on the outer side surface of the first guide plate (84) to guide the slide of the intermediate slide plate (82) relative to the lift plate (81).

  On the intermediate slide plate (82), two roller rows composed of four second rollers (87) to (87) arranged in the X-axis direction are disposed apart from each other. On the other hand, two second guide plates (85) and (85) extending along the two roller rows are attached to the back surface of the transfer table (50), and the four second rollers constituting each roller row are provided. (87) to (87) contact the inner side surface of the second guide plate (85) to guide the slide of the transfer table (50) relative to the intermediate slide plate (82).

  Each of the first roller 86 and the second roller 87 has a rhombus shape whose outer peripheral surface protrudes in a V-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 10, and the first guide plate 84 and the second guide plate 85 ) Has a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the roller (86) (87) facing surface (guide surface).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, in a roller row constituted by four first rollers (86) to (86) arranged in a row, a space between an outer roller located at the end of the row and an inner roller adjacent to the outer roller. The distance B is set to be larger than the distance A between the two inner rollers adjacent to each other.
The intermediate slide plate (82) has a first position held by four first rollers (86) to (86) constituting each roller row, and two first rollers of the outer roller and the inner roller. (86) It moves relative to the lift plate (81) between the second position held only by (86).
The transport table (50) includes a first position held by four second rollers (87) to (87) constituting each roller row and three second rollers (87) (87) adjacent to each other. ) And the second position held by (87) move relative to the intermediate slide plate (82).

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a relay gear (91) and a driven gear (92) meshing with each other are arranged on the back surface of the lifting plate (81), and the relay gear (91) has the reciprocating rotational drive. The drive gear (79) of the mechanism (7) is engaged.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, on the inner side surface of one first guide plate (84) of the pair of first guide plates (84) and (84) attached to the intermediate slide plate (82). Is formed with a first rack 93 extending in the X-axis direction.
On the other hand, the lift plate (81) is provided with a first pinion (92a) that rotates coaxially with the driven gear (92) coaxially with the driven gear (92), and meshes with the first rack (93). .

A second rack (95) extending in the X-axis direction is installed on one side of the lift plate (81) at a predetermined height from the surface of the lift plate (81), and a transfer table ( 50) Of the pair of second guide plates (85) and (85) installed on the back surface, the outer side surface of one second guide plate (85) faces the second rack (95). A third rack (96) extending in the X-axis direction is formed.
On the other hand, a second pinion (94) is pivotally supported on the intermediate slide plate (82) and meshes with the second rack (95) and the third rack (96) simultaneously.

In the reciprocating mechanism (8), when the drive gear (79) of the reciprocating rotational drive mechanism (7) rotates, this rotation passes through the relay gear (91) and the driven gear (92), and the first The first rackion (93) is driven by the first pinion (92a), and the intermediate slide plate (82) reciprocates.
As the intermediate slide plate (82) moves, the second pinion (94) rotates while meshing with the second rack (95), and the third rack (96) is driven by this rotation, and the transfer table ( 50) reciprocates at a speed twice the moving speed of the intermediate slide plate (82).

  Thus, the X-axis transport mechanism (6) for driving the transport table (50) in the X-axis direction is configured, and the rotation of the X-axis motor (571) is driven by the horizontal X-axis drive shaft (541) and the vertical X-axis drive. It is transmitted to the reciprocating rotary drive mechanism (7) through the shaft (540), and the transport table (50) is driven in the X-axis direction by the rotation of the reciprocating rotary drive mechanism (7).

  In the X-axis transport mechanism (6), as shown in FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b), the transport table (50) is driven in the X-axis direction by forward and reverse rotation of the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540). Move to the left moving end as shown in FIG. 18A and enter the left stacker, or move to the right moving end as shown in FIG. It will invade the inside of the stacker.

Operation of Incubator (1) In the incubator (1) of the present invention described above, the transfer table (50) is operated by the operation of the microplate transfer device (5) with a plurality of stackers (3) installed in the chamber (11). ) In the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, the microplate is inserted into and removed from the arbitrary microplate housing portion of the arbitrary stacker (3).

  For example, when a microplate is accommodated in a certain microplate accommodating portion, the microplate is first loaded into the chamber (11) by the microplate loading mechanism (4). Further, the Y-axis transport mechanism (55) and the Z-axis transport mechanism (56) of the microplate transport device (5) are operated to move the transport table (50) to a position facing the microplate insertion port (13). . Then, after the X-axis transport mechanism (6) is moved to the microplate insertion port (13) side and the microplate (31) is mounted on the transport table (50), the X-axis transport mechanism (6) is operated. Then, the transfer table (50) is returned to the original position.

Subsequently, the Y-axis transport mechanism (55) and the Z-axis transport mechanism (56) of the microplate transport device (5) are operated, and the transport table (50) is moved to a predetermined microplate housing portion of a predetermined stacker (3). Then, the X-axis transport mechanism (6) is operated to move the transport table (50) to the inside of the microplate container.
After that, the transport table (50) is slightly lowered by the operation of the Z-axis transport mechanism (56), and the microplate (31) on the transport table (50) is transferred to the microplate container, and then the X-axis transport mechanism By the operation (6), the transport table (50) is returned to the original position.

When discharging the microplate (31) accommodated in one microplate housing part of one stacker (3) in the chamber (11) to the outside of the chamber (11), An operation opposite to the conveying operation is performed.
That is, the operation of the Y-axis transport mechanism (55) and the Z-axis transport mechanism (56) of the microplate transport device (5) moves the transport table (50) to a position facing a predetermined microplate housing portion, and then The X-axis transport mechanism (6) is operated to the left or right depending on whether the predetermined microplate container is located on the left side or on the right side, and the transport table (50) is moved to the right side. The microplate (31) is mounted on the transfer table (50) by moving to the inside of the microplate container.

  Then, after the microplate (31) on the transport table (50) is transported to the microplate insertion port (13) of the chamber (11) by the operation of the microplate transport device (5), The microplate (31) is delivered to the microplate loading mechanism (4), and the microplate (31) is discharged from the chamber (11) by the operation of the microplate loading mechanism (4).

  In the incubator (1) according to the present invention, the four rollers (74) to (74) constituting the reciprocating rotational drive mechanism (7) are rotated to guide the movement of the transfer table (50) in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, these rollers (74) are hardly worn. In addition, the eight first rollers 86 and the second rollers 87 constituting the reciprocating mechanism 8 are rotated to guide the movement of the transfer table 50 in the X-axis direction. The rollers (86) and (87) are hardly worn.

As a result, a highly accurate guide function is maintained in the reciprocating rotational drive mechanism (7) and the reciprocating mechanism (8), and the transport table (50) is reciprocated in a stable posture in the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction. I can do it. Therefore, the microplate (31) on the transfer table (50) does not vibrate, and there is no possibility that the culture state of the sample on the microplate (31) will be adversely affected.
However, dust is not generated from the rollers (74), (86), and (87) and is not mixed into the sample on the microplate (31).

  Further, in the reciprocating mechanism (8), at the second position where the intermediate slide plate (82) protrudes most with respect to the lift plate (81), the four first rollers (86) to (86) constituting each roller row are provided. 86) Outer and inner first rollers (86) and (86) abut against the first guide plate (84), and a total of four first rollers (86) to (86) in both roller rows Thus, the posture of the intermediate slide plate (82) is maintained, but the distance B between the outer first roller (86) and the inner first roller (86) is the inner first roller (86) (86). ) Since the distance A is set to be greater than the distance A, the intermediate slide plate (82) and the transfer table (50) can be stably positioned even when the stroke of the intermediate slide plate (82) and the transfer table (50) is large. Can be held securely.

  However, the first roller (86) and the second roller (87) each have a rhombus shape whose outer peripheral surface protrudes in a V-shaped cross section, and the intermediate slide plate (82) and the second roller (87) In the state where the transfer table (50) is most protruded, the convexities of the outer peripheral surfaces of the first roller (86) and the second roller (87) and the concaves of the first guide plate (84) and the second guide plate (85) are present. Since they are engaged with each other, there is no possibility that the transport table (50) hangs down by its own weight. Therefore, the microplate (31) does not drop from the transfer table (50).

  In addition, each part structure of this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible within the technical scope as described in a claim. In addition, the present invention is not limited to an incubator, and can be implemented in various devices to be installed in a space adjusted to a predetermined environmental condition.

It is a perspective view of the reciprocating device with which the incubator concerning the present invention is equipped. It is a perspective view of the reciprocating rotational drive mechanism which comprises a reciprocating device. It is a front view of a reciprocating rotation drive mechanism. It is a partially broken front view of a reciprocating rotational drive mechanism. It is a horizontal sectional view of a reciprocating rotary drive mechanism. It is a disassembled perspective view of a reciprocating rotational drive mechanism. It is a top view of an X-axis conveyance mechanism. It is a vertical sectional view of the X-axis transport mechanism. It is a top view which shows the arrangement | sequence of the roller in an X-axis conveyance mechanism. It is an expanded sectional view of an X-axis conveyance mechanism. It is a partially broken plan view of the X-axis transport mechanism. It is a disassembled perspective view of an X-axis conveyance mechanism. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the incubator which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which pulled out the stacker from the chamber. It is a perspective view of an incubator unit. It is a perspective view of a microplate conveyance apparatus. It is a side view which shows the conventional X-axis conveyance mechanism. It is a perspective view showing operation | movement of this X-axis conveyance mechanism. It is a perspective view of the conventional reciprocating rotary drive mechanism. It is a disassembled perspective view of this reciprocating rotation drive mechanism. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the conventional incubator.

Explanation of symbols

(1) Incubator
(2) Incubator unit
(5) Microplate transport device
(50) Transfer table
(6) X-axis transport mechanism
(7) Reciprocating rotary drive mechanism
(71) Upper ring
(72) Lower ring
(73) Support plate
(74) Laura
(75) Shaft
(76) Roller piece
(77) Rolling bearing
(79) Drive gear
(8) Reciprocating mechanism
(81) Lift plate
(82) Intermediate slide plate
(84) First guide plate
(85) Second guide plate
(86) 1st roller
(87) Second roller
(91) Relay gear
(92) Driven gear
(92a) First pinion
(93) First rack
(94) Second Pinion
(95) Second rack
(96) Third rack

Claims (5)

  A reciprocating mechanism installed in a space adjusted to a predetermined environmental condition and reciprocatingly moving an output unit along one axis, wherein a reciprocating movement along the one axis direction on the base body is performed. A slide body that can be installed, and the output portion is provided on the slide body, and one of the opposing surfaces of the base body and the slide body has a roller composed of at least four rollers. The rows are arranged in two rows along the one axis direction, and two guide surfaces extending along the two rows of roller rows are arranged on the other opposing surface, and the four constituting the roller rows. Among the two rollers, the distance between the outer roller located at the end of the row and the inner roller adjacent to the outer roller is larger than the distance between the two inner rollers adjacent to each other, and the slide body is Each guide surface is A first position in contact with all of the two rollers, and a second position in which the two guide surfaces are in contact with only two rollers, one outer roller and one inner roller adjacent to the outer roller, respectively. A reciprocating mechanism characterized by reciprocating between the two.   2. The reciprocating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein each of the four rollers has a rhombus shape whose outer peripheral surface protrudes in a V-shaped cross section, and the guide surface has a shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the roller.   A slide mechanism composed of the base body and the slide body is provided in a plurality of stages, the slide body of the lower slide mechanism becomes the base body of the upper slide mechanism, and the output part is provided on the slide body of the uppermost slide mechanism. The reciprocating mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.   A reciprocating mechanism installed in a space adjusted to a predetermined environmental condition and reciprocatingly moving an output unit along one axis, wherein a reciprocating movement along the one axis direction on the base body is performed. A first slide body that can be installed; and a second slide body that can be reciprocated along the one-axis direction on the first slide body, and the output unit is provided on the second slide body. Each of the opposing portion of the base body and the first slide body, and the opposing portion of the first slide body and the second slide body, at least on one of the opposing surfaces, Roller rows of four rollers are arranged in two rows along the one axial direction, and two guide surfaces extending along the two rows of roller rows are arranged on the other facing surface, and at least the base body Each roller row between the first slide body and the first slide body The distance between the outer roller located at the end of the row and the inner roller adjacent to the outer roller is larger than the distance between the two inner rollers adjacent to each other. Are the first position where the two guide surfaces are in contact with all of the four rollers, respectively, and the two guide surfaces are one outer roller and one inner roller adjacent to the outer roller, respectively. A reciprocating mechanism characterized by reciprocating between a second position contacting only the roller.   The base body is provided with a first pinion (92a) to which a rotational force should be transmitted from the outside, and the first slide body extends in the one axial direction and meshes with the first pinion (92a). A rack (93) is provided and a second pinion (94) is pivotally supported. The base body and the second slide body extend in the direction of the one axis and simultaneously with the second pinion (94). The reciprocating mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the second rack (95) and the third rack (96) are arranged to mesh with each other.

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