JP2008268033A - Preparation device of test tube to rack - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a test tube preparation device capable of automatically performing the preparation of a test tube to a rack. <P>SOLUTION: The widely used test tube preparation device or the like to a tray is utilized to prepare label pasted test tubes and the direction of the test tubes after a label is pasted is detected to be arranged by utilizing a turntable so that the bottom parts of the test tubes are directed ahead to make the axial lines of the test tubes coincide with a feed direction. Then, the test tubes during feed are set to a vertical state from a horizontal state by the charging chute provided on the terminal side of a feed-out conveyor and the test tubes are supplied in the holding holes of the rack standing by under the charging chute in a vertical posture. By this constitution, all of the selection of the test tubes, the pasting of the label to the test tubes and the supply of the test tubes to the rack after the label is pasted are automatically performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention performs pre-preparation work of a test tube in a blood collection process in a pre-process of a blood sampling test, and selects different types of test tubes according to a blood collection instruction from a doctor, and includes a patient ID and the above-mentioned The present invention relates to a test tube preparation device capable of attaching a label on which patient information such as blood collection instruction contents is printed and selectively storing it in a rack for each patient.

In blood testing departments at hospitals, clinics, and other medical institutions, blood collection workers (nurses, etc.) collect blood from patients, store the collected specimens in test tubes, and transfer them to the testing department. . In blood tests, many types of test tubes are prepared according to the blood test items, and usually, a plurality of types of tests are performed on one patient at the same time. Therefore, a plurality of types of test tubes are prepared automatically by a test tube preparation device for one patient. In addition, it is natural to handle a large number of patients in the blood collection chamber, and a label printed with a barcode such as an order number is attached to each test tube prepared by the test tube preparation device.
The test tubes are prepared by preparing one tray or rack for each patient, storing the selected plurality of labeled test tubes in one tray or rack, and transporting them to a blood collection room or hospital room. Like to do.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatically preparing test tubes in a rack. As a technique for preparing a test tube in such a rack, for example, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1.

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a test tube is inserted into each of the holding holes of the racks arranged in a row and held, and a label on which information on blood collection of the patient is printed in a state where the test tube is set up is printed on the outer periphery of the test tube. The label is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the test tube by being brought into contact with the surface and pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the test tube with an application roll. Then, the rack is moved forward by one holding hole, and a label on which information related to the blood collection of the patient is similarly attached to the outer peripheral surface of the test tube held in the next holding hole.
JP 2000-153818 A

  In the conventional technology for preparing a test tube after labeling in a rack for blood collection in a ward or the like, as shown in Patent Document 1, the test tube is first inserted into the holding hole of the rack and is in an upright state. In this state, a label is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the test tube. Thus, in the method of sticking the label while the test tube is held upright on the rack, a dedicated label sticking device that can stick the label to the test tube in the upright state is required. It was. For this reason, there is a drawback that a test tube preparation device for a widely used tray for attaching a label to a horizontal test tube cannot be used.

  In addition, the supply of test tubes to the rack and the application of labels to the test tubes requires that the test tubes be supplied to the rack first, and this supply is performed manually by hospital staff such as nurses. There were many. In other words, in the technology for preparing test tubes in a conventional rack, hospital staff select test tubes based on blood collection information and store them in a standing state in the rack. A label printed with specific information such as patient information and blood collection information is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the test tube by the attaching device. For this reason, there is a problem in that the work efficiency is very poor and the hospital staff is burdened with excessive labor in hospitals with a large number of blood samples.

  Furthermore, in the past, when preparing a test tube in a rack, hospital staff such as nurses prepare blood collection tubes in the rack based on instructions from doctors, etc., and patient information, blood collection information, etc. with a label printing device In some cases, a label on which the specific information is printed out is printed out and the hospital staff attaches it manually to a test tube installed on the rack. In this case, the work is more inefficient than the above, and there is a problem that the burden on the hospital staff is large.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention has been improved and removed, and it is intended to provide a test tube preparation device for a rack that can automatically prepare a test tube for a rack. .

  Thus, in order to solve the above problems, the means of claim 1 employed by the present invention includes: a test tube carry-in conveyor after the label is attached; and a test tube stopper provided on the terminal side of the carry-in conveyor. And an arrival sensor, a test tube direction detecting unit for detecting the direction of the test tube at the stop position by the stopper, a cutting device for cutting the test tube in a direction crossing the conveying direction of the carry-in conveyor, and the cutting device A turntable for aligning the orientation of the test tubes disposed below the discharge side of the first, a shutter for opening and closing an opening provided in the bottom plate of the rotating body of the turntable, and a carry-out conveyor disposed below the open / close shutter Continuing to the end side of the carry-out conveyor and consisting of a feeding chute with a posture changing passage section for changing the posture of the test tube from a horizontal state to a vertical state, and sticking a label A tube preparation device in the rack, characterized in that the test tube was sequentially fed in a state in which the test tube was automatically raised to the holding hole of the rack.

  The means of claim 2 adopted by the present invention is that the cutting device has a cutting plate arranged so as to straddle the carry-in conveyor, and is normally urged to the retracted position by a storage elasticity such as a spring. The test tube preparation device for a rack according to claim 1, wherein the test tube preparation device moves forward against the accumulative elasticity by a motor driving force or manually, and is automatically restored by the accumulating elasticity. .

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the opening / closing shutter for opening and closing the bottom plate opening of the turntable is box-shaped and slidable, and is usually attached with a storage elasticity such as a spring in the direction of closing the bottom plate opening. The test tube preparation device for a rack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the test tube is prepared.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the turntable has a rotational position detection comprising a rotational position detecting plate attached to the outer peripheral side surface of the rotating body and a photoelectric light emitting / receiving sensor for detecting the rotational position detecting plate. A test tube detection mechanism for detecting the presence or absence of a test tube in the rotating body by arranging a photoelectric projecting / receiving sensor on the opposite wall surface of the rotating body and allowing irradiation light to pass through the rotating body; The test tube preparation device for a rack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising fixing means such as an electromagnetic solenoid type lock pin for fixing the rotating body at the rotational position.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a guide plate is erected on both sides of the carry-out conveyor, and the guide plate is normally urged in the closing direction by a storing elasticity such as a hinge and a spring. The test tube preparation device for a rack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an inspection door is provided.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a movable plate is attached to one end side of the carry-out conveyor, and a test tube collection tray is disposed below the movable plate, and remains in the rack apparatus at the time of restart. The test tube preparation device for a rack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the test tube is forcibly discharged and collected in a collection tray.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the inspection chute is formed in a box shape around the posture changing passage portion of the throwing chute and is normally urged in the closing direction by accumulating elasticity such as a hinge and a spring. It is a test tube preparation apparatus to the rack as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 which attached the door.

In the first aspect of the invention, first, a test tube with a label attached thereto is prepared using a widely used test tube preparation device for a tray.
And the test tube after sticking a label is moved to a carrying-in conveyor. The test tube is detected in its transport direction by a test tube orientation detector disposed on the terminal end side of the carry-in conveyor. For example, a photoelectric light emitting / receiving sensor is used. When the bottom of the test tube is transported first, the light from the light projecting sensor passes through the test tube and is received by the light receiving sensor. Further, when the head of the test tube is transported first, it can be detected by blocking the irradiation light from the light projecting sensor by the rubber stopper or label on the head of the test tube.

After the direction of the test tube is detected, it is cut out and supplied from the carry-in conveyor to the carry-out conveyor by the cutting device. The cut-out test tube is dropped and supplied to the turntable. Then, when the direction of the test tube is conveyed with the head side first by the signal from the orientation detection device, the turntable is rotated 180 degrees in the horizontal plane, and the direction is such that the bottom part comes first. Align. The turntable is provided with an opening / closing shutter on the bottom plate thereof, and the test tubes aligned so that the bottom side comes first is transferred to the lower carry-out conveyor when the opening / closing shutter is opened.
A closing chute is continuously provided on the terminal end side of the carry-out conveyor, and the conveyance path is formed in a curved path (posture changing path section) so as to change from a horizontal state to a vertical state. By passing through this passage, the test tube changes from a horizontal posture to a vertical posture. Therefore, by positioning the target rack holding hole directly below the discharge port on the unloading conveyor end side, it is possible to supply the test tube in a standing state to the rack holding hole.

  In this way, if this device is used, a test tube with a label attached can be prepared and supplied to the rack using a general-purpose test tube preparation device, so a label attaching device dedicated to the rack is not required. is there. In addition, it is possible to automatically supply the test tube after the label is attached to the rack after attaching the label to the test tube, and it is possible to fully automate the preparation process of the test tube in a ward or the like.

The invention of claim 2 relates to a cutting device for transferring a test tube from a carry-in conveyor to a carry-out conveyor, and has a cut-out plate arranged so as to straddle the carry-in conveyor, and is usually a spring or the like. It is urged to the retreat position by accumulative elasticity. The test tube with the label attached is stopped with the leading side passing between the cutout plates. Then, when the cutting signal is output, the motor moves forward against the accumulative elasticity by the driving force, and the test tube on the carry-in conveyor is cut out and supplied to the hopper of the lower turntable. After being cut out, it automatically returns to the original position by the accumulative elasticity of a spring or the like.
In addition, when the motor is turned off, the cutting device can be manually advanced against the accumulating elasticity and inspected whether the test tube is clogged in the carry-in conveyor in the advanced position. Can be done. When you release your hand from the cutting device, it will automatically recover due to the stored elasticity.

In the invention of claim 3, the opening / closing shutter that opens and closes the bottom plate opening of the turntable is a box-like and slide type, and is normally urged with a storage elasticity such as a spring in the direction of closing the bottom plate opening. ing. When the shutter opening operation command is issued, the motor moves forward against the accumulative elasticity of a spring or the like by the driving force of the motor, and the shutter is opened to drop and supply the test tube onto the lower carry-out conveyor.
On the other hand, when the open / close shutter is manually operated against the stored elasticity of a spring or the like, the inside of the open / close shutter can be inspected.

  In the invention of claim 4, the position of the rotating body of the turntable is accurately detected and fixed at that position. When the test tube is conveyed by the carry-out conveyor while the axis of the test tube is inclined (cross) with respect to the carrying direction of the carry-out conveyor, the test tube is thrown into the rack from the loading chute installed on the end side of the carry-out conveyor. This is because the posture of the test tube is deteriorated, and there is a possibility that accurate injection cannot be performed. The position of the rotating body is detected by detecting a rotating position detection plate attached to the outer peripheral side surface of the rotating body with a photoelectric light projecting / receiving sensor. The rotating body is fixed by inserting an electromagnetic solenoid lock pin or the like that is turned ON / OFF by a signal from the position detection mechanism into the outer peripheral side surface recess of the rotating body.

  In addition, the rotating body detects the presence or absence of a test tube in the rotating body by disposing a photoelectric light projecting / receiving sensor on the opposite wall surface of the rotating body so that irradiation light passes through the rotating body. This is for detecting whether or not the test tube has been reliably supplied into the rotating body and for detecting whether or not the test tube has been reliably discharged from the rotating body to the carry-out conveyor. The detection of the test tube is performed by a photoelectric light projecting / receiving sensor disposed opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body. The position of each sensor is determined so that the irradiation light from the light projecting sensor is inclined with respect to the test tube in the rotating body. When the test tube S is in the hopper, the direction of the test tube is The irradiation light is blocked by the label or the plug regardless of which direction it faces. That is, when the irradiation light is not received, the test tube exists, and when the irradiation light is received, the test tube does not exist.

  In the invention of claim 5, a guide plate is erected on both sides of the carry-out conveyor, and inspection is always urged in the closing direction by a storing elasticity such as a hinge and a spring on a part of the guide plate. There is a door. When the inspection door is manually opened, the inspection door is opened against the accumulative elasticity of a spring or the like, and the inside can be inspected. When you let go of your hand, it will automatically recover due to its stored elasticity. Thus, the inspection door can be opened and closed in a one-touch manner.

  In the invention of claim 6, a movable plate is attached to one end side of the carry-out conveyor, a test tube collection tray is disposed below the movable plate, and the test tubes remain in the rack device at the time of restart. Is forcibly discharged and collected in a collection tray. This is because the test tube remaining in the device cannot be identified when it is restarted, so it is forcibly discharged and the label bar affixed to the test tube with a manual barcode sensor or the like. The code is read to recognize patient information and blood collection information.

  In the invention of claim 7, the inspection chute which is normally urged in the closing direction by a storage elastic force such as a hinge and a spring is formed in a part around the posture changing passage portion of the charging chute in a box shape. As with the case of the inspection door of the attachment and claim 5, the one-touch type opening / closing operation can be performed.

  The configuration of the present invention will be described below based on the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings. 1 to 4 show a test tube preparation device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The test tube preparation device 1 is configured so that it can be selectively supplied to the tray T or the rack R. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the entire apparatus 1, FIG. 2 is a front view thereof, FIG. 3 is a right side view of the rack apparatus 3, and FIG. 4 is a right side view of the labeler body 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the test tube preparation device 1 for the tray T or the rack R of this embodiment can be equipped with a labeler main body 2 and the labeler main body 2 and can be retrofitted. And a separable rack device 3. The labeler body 2 prints on a label patient information from a host computer with respect to an accommodating portion (stocker) accommodating a large number of different types of test tubes S and a blood collection tube T cut out from the accommodating portion. A label printing application device for attaching the printed label to the outer peripheral surface of the test tube and a conveying means for discharging the test tube after label application are provided in the main body. About the structure and function of each apparatus in these labeler main bodies, it is the same as the technique of an already known auto labeler, and it is possible to utilize this well-known technique. Further, the labeler body 2 includes a tray mechanism unit 4 on the upper surface side thereof, and first and second test tube transport conveyors 5 and 6 disposed in an L shape for transporting test tubes to the tray T. Have. On the upper surface side of the labeler body 2, a tray stocker 7 and a hand-attached labeler 8 that prints patient information and the like on a hand-attached label are installed.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the auto labeler incorporated in the labeler body 2 is linked to the transport means for discharging the test tube S after the label is attached, and transported to a tray or rack described later. A lifter 9 is provided as a conveying means. The lifter 9 is mounted on the back side of the labeler body 2 and has a small-sized elevator conveyor 10 that receives the test tube S after labeling from the test tube discharge side of the auto labeler. The elevating conveyor 10 is provided so as to be reciprocally movable in the vertical direction by the belt driving means 11. The elevating conveyor 10 receives the test tube S after labeling from the test tube transport device of the auto labeler at the lowest position, and the rack device at the highest position. The test tube S is delivered to the third side, and the test tube S is delivered to the tray mechanism side at a slightly lower intermediate position. That is, the elevating conveyor 10 can take three stop positions: a lowermost test tube receiving position, an uppermost rack supply stop position, and a tray supply stop position slightly below the uppermost position. Is set.

  The rack device 3 detects the direction of the carry-in conveyor 12 that receives the test tubes S supplied from the elevating conveyor 10 at the rack supply stop position of the lifter 9 and the direction in which the test tubes S received from the carry-in conveyor 12 are conveyed. A turntable 13 that aligns the orientation of the test tube S so that the bottom of the tube S is conveyed first, a carry-out conveyor 14 that conveys the test tube S received from the turntable 13 to the rack supply side, and a carry-out conveyor 14 , A rack R that waits below the charging chute 15 and waits for the test tube S discharged from the charging chute 15 and a rack mechanism 16 for driving the rack R. On the rack R, an attachment A for stabilizing the loading posture of the test tube S is detachably mounted.

  The carry-in conveyor 12 is configured as shown in FIGS. 5 is a plan view of the conveyor 12, FIG. 6 is a front view, and FIG. 7 is a right side view. At the terminal end side of the carry-in conveyor 12, a stopper 17 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) that stops the test tube S that has been conveyed, an arrival sensor 41 that includes a limit sensor that detects the arrival of the test tube S, The head portion of the test tube S stopped at the stop position is irradiated with infrared rays or the like from the light projecting sensor 42, and the transmitted light is received by the light receiving sensor 43, so that the bottom or head (opening) of the test tube S is received. A test tube orientation detector 44 for detecting whether the stopper is attached) and a cutting device 18 for cutting out the test tube S at the stop position in a direction crossing the transport direction.

The cutting device 18 is configured as shown in FIGS. 8 is a plan view of the apparatus 18, FIG. 9 is a front view, and FIG. 10 is a left side view. The cutting device 18 has an E-shaped cutting plate 19 arranged so as to straddle the carry-in conveyor 12. The opening of the cutting plate 19 is arranged downward. The test tube S passes through the opening partitioned by the middle of the cut-out plate 19 and the right-end plates 19A and 19B in FIG. 3, and the front-end portion is at a position where the test tube main body portion faces the cut-out plate 19. It stops in contact with the stopper. Further, the cutting device 18 is normally urged to the right in FIG. 3 with accumulative elasticity such as a spring, and when a start signal of the “cutting” operation is output, the belt and pulley are driven by the driving force of the motor. The test tube S is cut out to the left in FIG. Since it is biased by a spring or the like, manual operation is also possible, and inspection and the like can be easily performed.

  The turntable 13 is configured as shown in FIGS. 11 is a plan view of the turntable 13, FIG. 12 is a front view thereof, and FIG. 13 is a right side view thereof. The turntable 13 is provided with a hopper 21 at the center on the upper surface side of the rotating body 20, and a rectangular opening 46 is formed in the bottom plate 45 at the center of the hopper 21. A box-shaped and slide-type opening / closing shutter 22 is attached below the bottom plate 45. The opening / closing shutter 22 is normally urged with a storage elasticity such as a spring in a direction to close the opening 46 of the hopper bottom plate 45. When the “open” signal is output, the driving force of the motor 47 moves in the opening direction via the belt and pulley, and the test tube S of the hopper bottom plate 45 is dropped onto the carry-out conveyor 14 below. It is like that. The open / close shutter 22 can be manually opened and closed.

Further, in order to prevent the turntable 13 from tilting with respect to the traveling direction of the test tube S (displacement in the horizontal plane of the central axis of the test tube with respect to the traveling direction), the position detection mechanism 23 and the positioning mechanism 24 of the rotating body 20 are prevented. Is provided. This is because if the test tube S is transported by the carry-out conveyor 14 while being tilted, the posture of the test tube S when it is thrown into the rack R from the throwing chute 15 may be deteriorated and accurate feeding may not be possible. is there.
The position detection mechanism 23 of the rotator 20 includes a rotation position detection plate 25 attached to the outer peripheral side surface of the rotator 20 and photoelectric light emitting / receiving sensors 26A and 26B, and infrared light from the light projecting sensor 26A detects the rotation position. When the light is not received by the light receiving sensor 26B after being blocked by the plate 25, it is detected that the rotating body 20 is at a predetermined rotational position. Further, the positioning mechanism 24 is configured to fix the rotating body 20 by fitting a lock pin 27 that is advanced and retracted by an electromagnetic solenoid into a recess 47 provided on a part of the outer peripheral side surface of the rotating body 20.

  Furthermore, the turntable 13 confirms whether or not the test tube S has been reliably supplied into the hopper 21 of the rotating body 20, and the open / close shutter 22 of the hopper 21 is opened to bring the test tube S onto the carry-out conveyor 14. It has a test tube detection mechanism 28 for confirming whether or not the drop has been reliably supplied. In the test tube detection mechanism 28, a photoelectric light projecting sensor 29 and a light receiving sensor 30 are disposed opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 20. At this time, the rotation of the rotating body 20 is fixed by the lock pin 27 so that the irradiation light from the light projecting sensor 29 at this position passes through the rotating body 20 and is received by the light receiving sensor 30 on the opposite side. A transmission window is formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the rotating body 20. The position of each sensor is determined so that light such as infrared rays emitted from the light projecting sensor 29 is inclined with respect to the test tube S in the hopper 21, and the test tube S is in the hopper 21. No matter which direction the test tube S is facing, the irradiation light is blocked by the label or the plug.

  The carry-out conveyor 14 and the input chute 15 connected to the carry-out conveyor 14 are configured as shown in FIGS. 14 is a plan view, FIG. 15 is a front view, and FIG. 16 is a right side view. The carry-out conveyor 14 has guide plates 31 erected on both side surfaces thereof. An inspection door 32 that is normally urged in the closing direction by accumulating elasticity such as a hinge 47 and a spring 48 is attached to a part of the guide plate 31 facing the apparatus front side. When the operator pulls the inspection door 32 to the front manually, the operator rotates the hinge portion as a fulcrum so that the conveyor 14 directly under the turntable is exposed. When the hand is released from the open state, the inspection door 32 is automatically returned to the closed position by accumulating elasticity.

  A movable plate 39 is attached to the right end side of the carry-out conveyor 14 in FIGS. 2, 14, and 15, and a collection tray 40 for the test tube S is disposed below the right end side. This is because the information about the test tube S remaining in the rack apparatus 3 cannot be recognized when the apparatus is restarted after the apparatus is turned off due to a power failure or the like. Is to do. At the time of restarting, the movable plate 39 is opened, the carry-out conveyor 14 is reversed, and the test tubes S remaining in the rack device 3 are collected in the collection tray 40.

  The input chute 15 continuing to the carry-out conveyor 14 is curved so that the posture changing passage portion 33 changes from a horizontal state to a vertical state, and its periphery is surrounded by a box shape. An inspection door 34 that is normally urged in the closing direction by accumulating elasticity such as a hinge and a spring is attached to a part of the charging chute 15 facing the front side of the apparatus. Also in the case of the inspection door 34, when the operator manually pulls it forward, the hinge portion is rotated as a fulcrum, and the curved posture changing passage portion 33 is exposed. When the hand is released from the open state, the inspection door 34 is automatically returned to the closed position by accumulating elasticity.

  The rack R is configured as shown in FIGS. 17 is a plan view of the rack R, FIG. 18 is a front view, and FIG. 19 is a right side view. As shown in the figure, the rack R is provided with test tube holding holes 35 in which the test tubes S can be held in a vertical state at the same position on the upper plate 49 and the intermediate plate 50. A total of 50 test tube holding holes in the row are formed. Near the left and right side plates of the upper plate 49 of the rack R, there are provided insertion holes 52 of the attachment A that are detachably mounted on the rack R.

The structure of the attachment A that is detachably mounted on the rack R is as shown in FIGS. 20 is a plan view of the attachment A, FIG. 21 is a front view thereof, and FIG. 22 is a right side view thereof. As shown in the figure, the attachment A has a vertical position control hole 36 for guiding and assisting the vertical position of the test tube S when the test tube S is inserted at the same position as the holding hole 35. Is formed. In addition, a tapered surface 51 for smoothly receiving the test tube S is formed on the upper end side of the posture control hole 36. Furthermore, insertion protrusions 53 for engaging with the insertion holes 52 of the rack R are formed on the left and right side plates of the attachment A.

  The rack driving mechanism 16 for driving the rack R is configured by combining a slider 37 movable in the X-axis direction and a slider 38 movable in the Y-axis direction, and inserts each test tube holding hole 35 of the rack R into a shooting chute. It is possible to accurately position directly below 15.

  Next, the operation mode of the test tube preparation apparatus 1 for the rack R or the tray T configured as described above will be described from the case of an outpatient prepared for the tray T. First, when a patient presents an examination ticket card or a numbered ticket and accepts blood sampling, the patient ID described or stored in the examination ticket card or the like is read by a barcode reader or an IC card reader / writer. The read patient ID is sent to a host computer such as a medical information system (HIS), a test information system (LIS), etc., and the patient information and blood collection information of the patient from these host computers is a test tube preparation device 1 in the blood collection room. Is transmitted to the labeler body 2.

  The labeler body 2 selectively takes out the necessary test tubes S from the test tube storage unit based on the blood collection information by the auto labeler incorporated in the labeler main body 2 and transfers them to the label printing device. In the label printing application device, the patient information and blood collection information are printed on a label, and the printed label is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the taken-out test tube. The test tube after label sticking is transported by the transport device to the position of the lifting conveyor 10 waiting at the lowest position of the lifter 9 attached to the back side of the labeler body 2. When the test tube S approaches a predetermined distance by the transport device of the labeler body 2, the lift conveyor 10 of the lifter 9 detects this and a sensor provided on the labeler body 2 detects this, and drives the lift conveyor 10. Thereby, the test tube S sent from the auto labeler side is transferred onto the elevating conveyor 10 as it is, and when it is completely transferred, the driving of the elevating conveyor 10 is stopped.

  Subsequently, the lifter 9 is driven to raise the elevating conveyor 10 to a tray supply stop position slightly below the uppermost position. When the elevating conveyor 10 reaches this position, this time, the elevator conveyor 10 is rotated in the opposite direction to discharge the test tube S and transferred onto the first test tube conveyor 5. The transferred test tube S is transferred to the second conveyor 6 arranged in an L-shape continuously to the first conveyor 5, transported in the horizontal direction, and from its terminal end to the tray T. Drop supplied. The elevator conveyor 10 is stopped from rotating when the test tube S is transferred to the first conveyor 5. The lifter 9 lowers the elevating conveyor 10 to the lowest position and returns the conveyor.

When all types of labeled test tubes S are prepared in the tray T based on the blood collection instruction information reflecting the blood collection instruction of a doctor or the like in this way, the tray mechanism unit 4 moves the tray T to one of the trays T. Then, the tray T is moved forward by a distance, and a new tray T is sent from the tray stocker 7 to the delivery position of the test tube S and waits. Thus, the preparation work for the test tube S on the tray T is completed.
A special blood collection instruction is given to the patient, and when a test tube is separately prepared, a hand-attached label for attaching to the test tube is dropped and supplied from the hand-applied labeler 8 to the tray T. Yes.

  Next, the case where the test tube S with the label attached to the rack R is prepared will be described. Preparation of the test tube S to the rack R is often performed for hospitalized patients and the like. In a hospital ward or the like, a list of patients requiring blood sampling tests on that day is managed and stored as data in a terminal of a nurse station or the like. When the hospital staff sends the ID of a blood collection patient to be performed on the same day for each ward to the HIS or LIS, patient information and blood collection information about the patient are transmitted to the labeler body 2 of the test tube preparation device 1. In the labeler body 2, as in the case of preparing the test tube S on the tray T described above, the auto labeler incorporated therein selectively selects the necessary test tube S from the test tube storage unit based on the blood collection information. The label which printed the patient information and blood collection information is stuck on this, and the test tube S after sticking is conveyed to the position of the lifting conveyor 10 of the lifter 9. Subsequently, when the lifting conveyor 10 is rotationally driven and receives the test tube S, the lifter 9 is driven to raise the lifting conveyor 10 to the uppermost position. The elevating conveyor 10 rotates reversely at this ascending stop position and discharges the test tube S. The discharged test tube S is dropped and supplied to the carry-in conveyor 12 of the rack device 3.

  And the test tube S is conveyed by the carry-in conveyor 12 to the left direction of FIG.2, FIG.5 and FIG.6, passes between the E-shaped cutting plates 19 of the cutting device 18 in the terminal side, and is a stopper. 17 abuts and stops. The arrival of the test tube S can be detected by the arrival sensor 41 shown in FIG. Also, at this stop position, a test tube S orientation detection unit 44 comprising photoelectric light emitting and receiving sensors 42, 43 and the like is disposed, and infrared light or the like is provided at the head portion of the test tube S stopped at the stop position. And the transmitted light is received to detect whether the bottom of the test tube S or the head (a plug is attached to the opening). When the bottom side of the test tube S is transported first, the irradiation light from the light projecting sensor 42 passes through the bottom of the test tube S and is received by the light receiving sensor 43 on the opposite side. When the head side of the test tube S is transported first, since the plug is attached to the head of the test tube S, the light emitted from the light projecting sensor 42 by the plug is used. Is detected, and the light receiving sensor 43 cannot obtain a light detection signal.

  After detecting the direction of the test tube S, the cutting device 18 moves forward in the direction crossing the transport direction of the carry-in conveyor 12 (the left direction in FIGS. 3 and 10). It is dropped and supplied to a hopper 21 provided at the center on the upper surface side. The test tube detection mechanism 28 detects whether the test tube S is reliably supplied into the hopper 21. When the test tube S is present in the hopper 21, light such as infrared rays emitted from the light projecting sensor 29 is attached to the label or the head opening attached to the outer peripheral surface of the test tube S. It can be seen that the light receiving sensor 30 does not receive the light after being blocked by the plug. When the test tube S does not exist, it can be understood that the irradiation light from the light projecting sensor 29 is directly received by the light receiving sensor 30. If the test tube S is present in the hopper 21 and the output signal from the orientation detection unit shows that the test tube S is headed first, the motor 54 and the belt 55, the rotary body 20 of the turntable 13 is rotated 180 degrees by the drive system of the pulleys 56 and 57. Thereby, the direction of the test tube S is aligned with respect to the transport direction so that the bottom part comes first.

At this time, the rotating body 20 of the turntable 13 is rotated by the position detection mechanism 23 so that the inclination with respect to the traveling direction of the test tube S (displacement in the horizontal plane of the central axis of the test tube with respect to the traveling direction) does not occur. The rotation position is detected, and further, the lock pin 27 of the positioning mechanism 24 is fixed so as to stop at the accurate rotation position. The reason why the rotation stop position of the rotating body 20 is accurately performed is as described above. When the center axis of the test tube S is inclined and is transported by the unloading conveyor 14, it is loaded from the loading chute 15 into the rack R. This is because the posture of the test tube S is deteriorated when it is performed, and there is a possibility that accurate injection cannot be performed.
When the orientation of the test tube S is aligned so that the bottom portion is conveyed first in this way and the rotational angle position of the rotating body 20 is accurately positioned, the test tube S put into the hopper 21 is The center axis coincides with the transport direction of the carry-out conveyor 14 after the bottom is at the top.

  Thereafter, the box-shaped and slide-type opening / closing shutter 22 that closes the bottom plate opening 46 of the hopper 21 is opened. The opening / closing shutter 22 is normally urged with a storage elasticity such as a spring in a direction to close the opening 46 of the hopper bottom plate 45. When a signal indicating “open” is output, the drive force of the motor 47 moves in the opening direction via the belt and the pulley. Thereby, the test tube S of the hopper bottom plate is supplied to the lower carry-out conveyor 14 by natural fall.

  The carry-out conveyor 14 conveys the test tube S from the right side to the left side in FIG. Eventually, the test tube S reaches the charging chute 15 and changes its posture so as to change from the horizontal state to the vertical state by passing through the curved posture changing passage portion 33. Then, it is dropped into the test tube holding hole 35 of the rack R waiting in the vertical state. At this time, the posture of the test tube S in the space region between the upper surface of the rack R and the lower end surface of the charging chute 15 by passing through the posture control hole 36 of the attachment A placed on the upper surface side of the rack R. Can be stably maintained vertically. This is because a space region having a predetermined size is provided between the upper surface of the rack R and the lower end surface of the attachment A. This space region was accommodated in the test tube S after blood collection by preparing the test tube S in the rack R by holding the test tube S so that the upper part from the middle of the test tube S is exposed from the upper surface of the rack. This is for enabling the state of the specimen to be confirmed.

  After the test tube S is inserted into the test tube holding hole 35 of the rack R in this way, the X-axis slider 37 and the Y-axis slider 38 of the rack mechanism 16 are driven, and the empty test tube to be input next. The holding hole 35 is moved and arranged immediately below the charging chute 15 and the above-described operation is repeated to sequentially prepare the test tube S after label attachment to the test tube holding hole 35 of the rack R. After all the test tubes S have been inserted into the test tube holding holes 35 of the rack R, the attachment A may be removed and set on the upper surface of the next rack R. This completes the preparation of the test tube S for one rack R. Thereafter, the rack R that has already been loaded with test tubes is removed from the rack mechanism 16 and a new rack R may be mounted.

  By the way, in this rack apparatus 3, it is possible that the test tube S is clogged in the middle of the conveyance path in the middle of conveyance of the test tube S. Therefore, in the present embodiment, means for facilitating maintenance and inspection for that purpose is provided. The cutting device 18 can be manually operated, and it is possible to check whether the test tube S remains on the carry-in conveyor 12 in the advanced state. When the cutting device 18 is released from the forward movement position, the cutting device 18 is automatically restored by a stored elastic force such as a spring. Further, the box-shaped opening / closing shutter 22 provided below the hopper of the turntable 13 can be manually opened, and this can also be automatically returned to the closed position by accumulating elasticity when released. . Further, the inspection door 32 provided on the front side surface portion located immediately below the turntable of the carry-out conveyor 14 and the inspection door 34 provided on the front side surface of the loading chute 15 are stored elastically such as a hinge and a spring. Is normally urged in the closing direction and manually opened with one touch so that the inside can be confirmed. Moreover, after confirming, it is possible to return automatically by accumulating elasticity just by releasing the hand.

  As described above, in the test tube preparation device 1 for the rack R or the tray T in the present embodiment, the label is attached to the test tube S by one auto labeler, and then selectively applied to the rack R or the tray T. Can be supplied. That is, the auto labeler can also be used, the initial cost can be reduced, and the entire apparatus can be made compact. One device can handle outpatient blood sampling tests and ward blood sampling tests. Furthermore, the rack device 3 can automatically and continuously supply the test tubes S after labeling to the test tube holding holes 35 of the rack R, which is excellent in work efficiency and burden on the hospital staff. It can also be significantly reduced.

  By the way, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A suitable change is possible. For example, in this apparatus, the labeler body 2 has the function of an auto labeler and the function of a test tube preparation device for the tray T, and it is possible to use only the labeler body 2 alone. A system in which a rack apparatus 3 is added later to a medical institution or the like in which the main body 2 is introduced in advance, and a test tube S after labeling is prepared on both the tray T and the rack R Configuration is possible.

It is a top view which shows the whole test tube preparation apparatus to the rack or tray which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the whole test tube preparation apparatus to the rack or tray which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a right view which shows the rack apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a right view of the labeler main body which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the carrying-in conveyor which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the carrying-in conveyor which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a right view of the carrying-in conveyor which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the cutting device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the cutting device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a right view of the cutting device which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the turntable which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the turntable which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a right view of the turntable which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the carry-out conveyor and input chute concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of a carry-out conveyor and a loading chute according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a right view of a carry-out conveyor and a loading chute according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the rack which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the rack which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the rack which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the attachment concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the attachment concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the attachment concerning one embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Test tube preparation apparatus to a rack or tray, 2 ... Labeler main body, 3 ... Rack apparatus, 4 ... Tray mechanism part, 5 ... 1st conveyor, 6 ... 2nd conveyor, 7 ... Tray stocker, 8 ... Manual sticker labeler , 9 ... Lifter, 10 ... Elevating conveyor, 11 ... Belt drive means, 12 ... Loading conveyor, 13 ... Turntable, 14 ... Unloading conveyor, 15 ... Loading chute, 16 ... Rack mechanism, 17 ... Stopper, 18 ... Cutting device , 19 ... Cutout plate, 20 ... Rotating body, 21 ... Hopper, 22 ... Opening / closing shutter, 32, 34 ... Inspection door, 33 ... Posture changing passage part, 35 ... Test tube holding hole, A ... Attachment, R ... Rack, T ... Tray, S ... Test tube

Claims (7)

Test tube carry-in conveyor after labeling, test tube stopper and arrival sensor provided on the end side of the carry-in conveyor, and test tube orientation detection for detecting the test tube orientation at the stop position by the stopper Section, a cutting device that cuts out the test tube in a direction crossing the conveying direction of the carry-in conveyor, a turntable for aligning the direction of the test tube disposed below the discharge side of the cutting device, and the turntable A shutter that opens and closes the opening provided on the bottom plate of the rotating body, a carry-out conveyor disposed below the open-close shutter, and a terminal end of the carry-out conveyor so that the posture of the test tube is changed from a horizontal state to a vertical state. It consists of a loading chute with a posture changing passage section that changes to a, and sequentially supplies test tubes with labels attached to the test tube holding holes of the rack in an automatically standing state. Vitro preparation device in the rack, characterized in that there was Unishi. The cutting device has a cutting plate arranged so as to straddle the carry-in conveyor, and is always urged to the retracted position by a storing elasticity such as a spring, and can be stored by a motor driving force or manually. 2. The test tube preparation device for a rack according to claim 1, wherein the test tube preparation device moves forward against resilience and automatically recovers by accumulating resilience.   The opening / closing shutter for opening and closing the bottom plate opening of the turntable is a box-like and slide type, and is normally urged with a storage elasticity such as a spring in a direction to close the bottom plate opening. Test tube preparation device to rack.   The turntable includes a rotation position detection mechanism that includes a rotation position detection plate attached to the outer peripheral side surface of the rotation body, and a photoelectric light emitting and receiving sensor that detects the rotation position detection plate, and a photoelectric type on the opposite wall surface of the rotation body. A test tube detection mechanism that detects the presence or absence of a test tube in the rotating body by arranging the light emitting / receiving sensor so that the irradiation light passes through the rotating body, and an electromagnetic solenoid type that fixes the rotating body at a predetermined rotational position The test tube preparation device for a rack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising fixing means such as a lock pin.   A guide plate is erected on both sides of the carry-out conveyor, and an inspection door that is normally urged in the closing direction by accumulating elasticity such as a hinge and a spring is provided on a part of the guide plate. The test tube preparation device for a rack according to any one of the above. A movable plate is attached to one end of the carry-out conveyor, and a test tube collection tray is placed below the movable plate, and the test tubes remaining in the rack device are forcibly discharged to the collection tray upon restart. The test tube preparation device for a rack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the test tube is collected. 5. An inspection door that is normally urged in the closing direction by accumulating elasticity such as a hinge and a spring is attached to a part of the posture changing passage portion of the charging chute 1 in a box shape. The test tube preparation device for a rack according to any one of the above.

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