JP2010107379A - Introduction system used for sample analyzing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize reduction in size and a cost of an introduction system 100 used for a sample analyzing apparatus, and simplification and reduction of operations for a conveyance mechanism 5. <P>SOLUTION: The introduction system 100, used for a sample analyzing apparatus to convey and introduce a sample or a combustion improver in a heating or a burning-up type sample analyzing apparatus 200 to analyze the sample by heating to dissolve or burning the sample in a crucible, includes a combustion improver storage 2, a container mounting section 3 with a containment vessel 9 mounted, a sample weighing section 4, and a conveyance mechanism 5 to convey the containment vessel 9 with a sample or a combustion improver stored, in which the combustion improver storage 2, the container mounting section 3, and the sample weighing section 4 are arranged along the vertical direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a heating or combustion type sample analyzer that extracts and analyzes an element contained in a sample as a gas component by heating and melting or burning a sample such as a metal. The present invention relates to an introduction device for a sample analyzer to be conveyed and introduced.

  In this kind of heating or combustion type sample analyzer, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a metal sample is accommodated in a graphite crucible sandwiched between an upper electrode and a lower electrode, and a voltage is applied to the inside of the crucible. The amount of elements such as oxygen originally contained in the metal sample can be measured by heating and melting the measurement sample and analyzing the gas component generated thereby.

  And when analyzing a sample using such an analyzer, it goes without saying that various operations mainly related to transportation such as weighing the sample, putting the sample into the crucible, and putting the combustion aid into the crucible. According to a predetermined procedure, conventionally, although there is an example in which a part is automated, an operator generally performs this work manually.

  On the other hand, recently, for example, this analysis device is incorporated into a production line in a factory or the like, and there is a demand for full automation of the above work, and in order to respond to this, the present inventors, We are developing a system that fully automates the above operations using a transfer robot having an X-axis direction drive unit, a Y-axis direction drive unit, and a Z-axis direction drive unit.

  However, the introduction device that transports and introduces a sample or a combustion aid into the analyzer is a sample weighing section (balance) that weighs the sample, a container placement portion on which the sample transportation container or the transportation container for the combustion aid is placed. , And an auxiliary combustor storage part in which the auxiliary combustor is stored are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The three arrangements of driving units in the X-axis direction (side-by-side direction of the above-mentioned parts) are provided from the viewpoint of realizing the transfer robot at a low cost and simplifying the arrangement of the entire introduction device. The servo motor that can easily control the movement stop between the above multiple points is used, and the Y-axis direction (depth direction) and Z-axis direction (hardness direction) drive units are mainly used for two-point movement. This is because the air cylinder is used.

  As a result, the introduction device becomes large and an installation area is required. In addition, when the introduction apparatus is enlarged, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the entire apparatus is increased.

Further, if they are installed side by side in the horizontal direction, there is a problem that the range of movement of the transfer robot becomes larger, and as a result, the transfer robot also becomes larger.
Japanese Patent No. 2949501

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems all at once, reducing the size and cost of the introduction device for the heating or combustion type sample analyzer, and simplifying and simplifying the operation of the transport mechanism. This is the main desired task.

  That is, the sample analyzer introduction apparatus according to the present invention is a heating or combustion type sample analysis that extracts or analyzes an element contained in the sample as a gas component by heating or burning the sample placed in the crucible. An introduction device for a sample analyzer that transports and introduces a sample or a combustible agent into the device, and a container mounting on which an auxiliary combustor storage unit that stores the auxiliary combustor and a storage container that stores the sample or the auxiliary combustor are placed. A sample weighing unit that weighs the sample, and a container into which the sample has been loaded is transported to the sample weighing unit, and the sample weighed by the sample weighing unit is transported to the sample analyzer and the sample is introduced. Or a transport mechanism for transporting the storage container from the container mounting unit to the auxiliary combustion agent storage unit and transporting the storage container into which the auxiliary combustion agent has been introduced to the sample analyzer and introducing the auxiliary combustion agent. The auxiliary combustion Reservoir, the container mounting part and the specimen weighing unit, characterized in that it is arranged along the vertical direction.

  In such a case, since the auxiliary combustor storage unit, the container mounting unit, and the sample weighing unit are arranged above and below, the introduction device can be reduced in size and cost can be reduced. Further, by arranging the auxiliary combustor storage unit, the container mounting unit, and the sample weighing unit vertically, the operation of the transport mechanism can be simplified, and the configuration of the transport mechanism can be simplified.

  Further, in order to suppress the vibration effect on the measurement result of the sample weighing unit as much as possible, and to realize further downsizing of the introduction device, the auxiliary combustion agent storage unit, the container mounting unit, and the sample weighing unit The parts are arranged up and down in this order, and the transport mechanism weighs the sample by replacing the sample in the container to be transported with a container previously placed on the sample weighing unit, A sample weighing unit in which the upper part of the container is opened to open upward and the lower part of the container placing part is opened downward to the container placing part, and is placed on the sample weighing part. It is desirable to provide a guide tube for guiding the sample to the storage container.

  In the above configuration, in order to securely put the sample from the guide tube into the storage container placed on the sample weighing unit, the guide mechanism is used when the transport mechanism throws the sample into the upper end opening of the guide tube. It is desirable to further include a connection mechanism for connecting the lower end opening of the tube and the upper opening of the container placed on the sample weighing section. Here, the communication between the lower end opening of the guide tube and the upper opening of the receiving container means that the lower end opening of the guide tube and the upper opening of the receiving container are in direct contact with each other, or the lower end opening of the guide tube and It includes indirect contact and communication with the upper opening of the container via another member.

  In order to prevent dust and the like from accumulating in the container placement section and the container placed on the container placement section, the container placement section is provided on the side of the container placement section and directed toward the container placement section. It is desirable that a blower fan for blowing air is provided.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the sample analyzer introduction device and to simplify and simplify the operation of the transport mechanism.

  An embodiment of a sample analyzer introduction device 100 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view schematically showing an analysis system in which the sample analyzer introduction device 100 and the heating type sample analyzer 200 according to the present embodiment are combined, and FIG. 2 shows a part of the analysis system. 3 is a front view, FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a device placed on a gantry, FIG. 4 is a view showing an absorption mechanism, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a combustion aid storage unit, a container placement unit, and It is a side view which mainly shows a sample weighing part.

  In the following description, the X-axis direction is the left-right direction of the paper surface in FIG. 2, the Y-axis direction (depth direction) is the front-rear direction of the paper surface in FIG. 1, and the Z-axis direction (vertical direction) is the paper surface in FIG. Means up and down directions.

<1. Configuration of Heated Sample Analyzer 200>
First, the heating type sample analyzer 200 will be briefly described.

  A heating type sample analyzer 200 shown in FIG. 1 heats and dissolves a metal sample (hereinafter also simply referred to as a sample) and analyzes the gas components generated at that time, thereby analyzing the elements contained in the sample. Measure.

Specifically, the sample analyzer 200 is configured such that an upper electrode and a lower electrode are provided apart from each other in the vertical direction, and a crucible can be placed on the lower electrode. The crucible is made of graphite having a cylindrical shape with an open top. At the time of analysis, in a state where the crucible is placed on the lower electrode, the lower electrode slides upward and sandwiches the crucible with the upper electrode. In this state, when a sample is loaded into the crucible from a sample loading port (not shown) provided above the upper electrode, a current is applied between the electrodes, the graphite crucible generates heat, and the internal sample is heated. Melted. In addition, a funnel member 201 is provided at the sample insertion port of the sample analyzer 200 to facilitate sample loading. In addition, the sample analyzer 200 is provided with an auxiliary agent inlet (not shown) for introducing an auxiliary agent for promoting component extraction by heating the sample above the upper electrode, and the funnel member 202 is provided in the same manner as the sample inlet. Is provided to facilitate the introduction of the combustion aid.
The gas generated from the melted sample is sent to an analysis unit (not shown) to measure the components, and from the result, the element originally contained in the sample is analyzed. For example, when measuring the amount of oxygen in a sample, CO (carbon monoxide), which is a reaction product, is generated by melting the sample, and the CO is detected using, for example, a non-dispersive infrared detector that constitutes the analysis unit. Measure and calculate the amount of oxygen present in the sample based on the CO value. In addition, components such as hydrogen, sulfur, and nitrogen can be measured by setting a reaction product and an analysis unit corresponding to the reaction product. After the analysis, the used crucible is discarded together with the sample.

<2. Configuration of Introduction Device 100 for Sample Analyzer>
Next, the sample analyzer introduction device 100 will be described.

  The sample analyzer introduction device 100 of the present embodiment automatically conveys a sample or a combustion aid to the sample analyzer 200 according to a predetermined sequence.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, this is equipped with a gantry 1, an auxiliary combustor storage unit 2 for storing an auxiliary combustor installed on the gantry 1, and an accommodation container. The container mounting unit 3, the sample weighing unit 4 for weighing the sample, the transport mechanism 5 for transporting the sample or the combustion aid, and the like are provided.

  Hereinafter, each part 1-5 is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the gantry 1 includes a mounting member 11 on which the sample analyzer 200, the auxiliary combustion agent storage unit 2, the container mounting unit 3, the sample weighing unit 4, the transport mechanism 5, and the like are mounted. The leg member 12 which supports the mounting member 11 horizontally, and the frame member 13 provided in the mounting member 11 are provided. In this embodiment, the sample analyzer 200 is installed on the gantry 1 of the introduction device 100, but the sample analyzer 200 may not be provided on the gantry 1 of the introduction device 100.

  The mounting member 11 has a structure that can be easily positioned and fixed by a backing plate (not shown) provided in the sample analyzer 200. Similarly, it has a structure that can be easily fixed by a contact plate (not shown) provided in the transport mechanism 5.

  The frame member 13 is erected on the end portion of the mounting member 11 so as to surround a device mounted on the mounting member 11. The frame member 13 is provided with, for example, a transparent acrylic cover body 131 that covers the operating range of the transport mechanism 5. Specifically, the cover body is provided so as to cover the front surface, upper surface, and both side surfaces of the device.

  Further, for example, a slide-type opening / closing door (not shown) for maintenance or the like is provided on the front surface of the frame member 13. The opening / closing door is provided with an interlock mechanism so that, when the opening / closing door is in an open state, a transport mechanism 5 and the like to be described later are stopped or do not operate.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a sample introduction port 14 is formed in the frame member 13 or the cover body. In the present embodiment, a sample introduction port 14 is formed in the upper part of the frame member 13.

  In addition to a sample transported from an automatic transporter (not shown) such as a belt conveyor provided separately, for example, a user can manually input the sample introduction port 14 individually.

  A sample stocker 15 for temporarily storing a sample is connected to the sample introduction port 14 via a conduit 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the sample stocker 15 includes a sample storage unit 151 that houses a sample hopper (not shown) that temporarily holds a sample that has passed through the conduit 16, and an air cylinder 152 that opens and closes the sample hopper. And a sample discharge pipe 153 for dropping the sample by its own weight when the sample hopper is open.

  An absorption mechanism that absorbs an impact when the storage container 9 transported by the transport mechanism 5 described later is provided at the distal end (lower end) of the sample discharge tube 153. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the sample discharge pipe 153 includes a discharge pipe main body 153a provided with a base end (upper end) connected to the sample storage portion 151, and the discharge pipe main body 153a. And a movable tube portion 153b fitted to the distal end portion (lower end portion) so as to be movable back and forth along the axial direction within a predetermined range. With such a configuration, the absorption mechanism is configured, and in a state where the container 9 does not contact the sample discharge tube 153, the movable tube portion 153b is positioned at the lowermost end with respect to the discharge tube main body portion 153a by its own weight. The sample discharge pipe 153 is in an extended state (see FIG. 4A). On the other hand, in a state where the storage container 9 is in contact with the sample discharge tube 153, the movable tube portion 153b is lifted with respect to the discharge tube main body portion 153a by the storage container 9 (see FIG. 4B). Thereby, the contact impact between the sample discharge pipe 153 and the storage container 9 can be suppressed as much as possible while reliably connecting the sample discharge pipe 153 and the upper opening of the storage container 9.

  In addition, although the sample stocker 15 of this embodiment was used for both an automatic conveyance machine and a user's manual insertion, you may make it provide separately corresponding to each. In addition, if the sample supply form is different from the above, for example, a sample stocker may be provided separately corresponding to the supply form by an air feeding tube that pumps the sample by air pressure.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the auxiliary combustion agent storage unit 2 is fixed to a support column 111 that is erected on the upper surface of the mounting member 11 of the gantry 1. This auxiliary combustor storage unit 2 stores the auxiliary combustor, and quantitatively supplies the auxiliary combustor. Specifically, it is of a drum rotation type, and a metering cup 22 having an opening facing the rotation direction side on the inner surface of a cylindrical rotating drum 21 rotatably provided in the circumferential direction, and the metering cup A tray portion 23 is provided opposite to the opening portion 22, and an outlet 21 a is formed in the rotary drum 21 in communication with the tray portion 23. Two rotating drums 21 are provided for each type of auxiliary combustor, and two are shown in FIG. Each rotary drum 21 is rotated by a motor 24 provided on the back surface. Although not shown in the drawings, a supplementary replenishing port is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 21.

  The auxiliary combustor storage unit 2 further includes a shooter member 25 that receives the auxiliary combustor that is taken out from the take-out port 21a and falls, and forms a funnel shape with an opening at the lower end. The shooter member 25 is also fixed to the support 111.

  A combustion aid stocker 26 for temporarily storing a combustion aid is provided at the lower end portion of the shooter member 25. This auxiliary combustion agent stocker 26 includes an auxiliary combustion agent containing portion 261 that contains an auxiliary combustion agent hopper that temporarily holds the auxiliary combustion agent that has passed through the shooter member 25, an air cylinder 262 that opens and closes the auxiliary combustion agent hopper, and the auxiliary combustion agent. An auxiliary combustion agent discharge pipe 263 is provided for dropping the auxiliary combustion agent by its own weight when the hopper is open.

  An absorption mechanism is provided at the tip (lower end) of the auxiliary combustion agent discharge pipe 263 to absorb an impact when the storage container 9 conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 5 described later comes into contact. Specifically, like the sample discharge pipe 153, the auxiliary burner discharge pipe 263 includes a discharge pipe main body 263a provided with an upper end connected to the auxiliary burner storage section 261, and a lower end of the discharge pipe main body 263a. And a movable tube portion 263b fitted to the portion so as to be movable back and forth along the axial direction within a predetermined range. In such a state that the absorption mechanism is configured and the container 9 is not in contact with the auxiliary combustor discharge pipe 263, the movable pipe portion 263b is positioned at the lowest end with respect to the discharge pipe main body portion 263a by its own weight. The auxiliary combustor discharge pipe 263 is in an extended state. On the other hand, in a state where the storage container 9 is in contact with the auxiliary combustor discharge pipe 263, the movable pipe portion 263b is lifted with respect to the discharge pipe main body portion 263a by the storage container 9. Thereby, the contact impact between the auxiliary combustion agent discharge pipe 263 and the storage container 9 can be suppressed as much as possible while reliably communicating the auxiliary combustion agent discharge pipe 263 and the upper opening of the storage container 9.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and the like, the container placement unit 3 is provided on a support plate 112 fixed to the support column 111 so as to be positioned below the auxiliary combustion agent storage unit 2. The container placement unit 3 is for placing a storage container 9 for storing a sample or a combustion aid. This container 9 is a carbon / sulfur analyzer of a type in which a dedicated crucible used for a predetermined analysis object (a crucible into which a sample or the like has been put is installed in a combustion furnace (high frequency induction heating furnace) and the sample or the like is burned. For example, a stainless steel crucible having an upper portion that has substantially the same shape as that of the ceramic crucible used in the above-described method can accommodate a sample or a combustion aid. That is, the container 9 for transporting the sample and the container 9 for transporting the auxiliary combustor have the same shape. The storage container 9 may share the sample transport and the auxiliary combustor transport. Needless to say, the storage container 9 for transporting the sample and the storage container 9 for transporting the combustion aid may have different shapes.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the container mounting portion 3 has a plurality of concave portions 31 into which a lower end portion of the storage container 9 can be fitted in a vertical and horizontal matrix shape. The container mounting portion 3 of the present embodiment has a stepped shape that increases as it goes from the front side to the back side, and a plurality of recesses 31 are formed in a row in each step 32. By forming in a stepped shape in this way, the container 9 placed on the front side obstructs the movement of the gripping hand 55 when the gripping hand 55 described later moves in the Y-axis direction (depth direction). There is no.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the container placing unit 3 is provided with a guide tube 6 for dropping and moving the sample to a predetermined position. In this embodiment, the container mounting portion 3 is provided at the center of the uppermost stage.

  As shown in particular in FIG. 5, the guide tube 6 has an upper end portion 6 a that opens upward in a generally funnel shape toward the upper side of the container placement portion 3, and a lower end portion 6 b that faces downward below the container placement portion 3. Open. Specifically, the lower end opening is opened so as to guide the sample in opposition to the upper opening of the sample weighing container 9 placed on the sample weighing unit 4. Thus, the sample introduced from the large-diameter upper end opening is configured to be discharged from the lower end opening through the lower end having a slightly larger inner diameter than the sample.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the sample weighing unit 4 is provided on the mounting member 11 so as to be positioned below the container mounting unit 3. Thus, it is provided on the mounting member 11 and can be made less susceptible to vibration compared to the case where it is provided via the support column 111. The sample weighing unit 4 is for accurately measuring the mass of the sample, and the base of the sample weighing unit 4 is held by four anti-vibration rubbers. In addition, you may arrange | position on the support plate 112 provided in the support | pillar 111. FIG.

  In an initial state, an empty storage container 91 for sample weighing (hereinafter referred to as a weighing container 91) is placed on the placement surface of the sample weighing unit 4. The weighing container 91 is the same as the storage container 9 on the container placement unit 3 described above. At this time, the placement position of the weighing container 91 is directly below the lower end opening of the guide tube 6.

  Further, a windshield 41 is provided at the peripheral edge of the support plate 112 located on the top surface of the sample weighing unit 4 so as to surround the side surface and the back surface of the sample weighing unit 4 downward. Further, the support plate 112 itself functions as the windshield 41 on the top surface of the sample weighing unit 4.

  Thus, in the introducing device 100 of this embodiment, the auxiliary combustor storage unit 2, the container mounting unit 3, and the sample weighing unit 4 are provided vertically in this order. In other words, the container placement unit 3 is provided below the auxiliary combustion agent storage unit 2, and the sample weighing unit 4 is provided below the container placement unit 3.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the transport mechanism 5 puts the sample into the upper end opening of the guide tube 6, the lower end opening of the guide tube 6 and the upper opening of the weighing container 91 are connected. A coupling mechanism 7 is provided. The connecting mechanism 7 communicates the lower end opening of the guide tube 6 provided in the container mounting portion 3 and the upper opening of the weighing container 91. Specifically, when the transport mechanism 5 puts the sample into one end (upper end opening) of the guide tube 6, the lower end opening of the guide tube 6 and the upper end opening of the weighing container 91 are communicated with each other.

  As shown in the side view of FIG. 5, the specific configuration is as follows. The moving tube 71 is slidably inserted into the lower end portion 6 b of the guide tube 6, and the lower end portion of the moving tube 71 extends from the upper opening of the weighing container 91. A tube drive unit 72 that drives between the separated position and the contact position at which the lower end portion of the moving tube 71 contacts the upper opening of the weighing container 91 is provided.

  An absorption mechanism is provided at the lower end of the moving tube 71 to absorb an impact when the moving tube 71 comes into contact with the weighing container 91. Specifically, similarly to the sample discharge tube 153, the moving tube 71 has a moving tube main body portion 71a that is slidably inserted into the lower end portion of the guide tube 6, and a lower end portion of the moving tube main body portion 71a within a predetermined range. And a movable tube portion 71b fitted to be movable forward and backward along the axial direction. With such a configuration, the absorption mechanism is configured, and in a state where the container 9 does not contact the moving tube 71, the movable tube portion 71b is located at the lowest end with respect to the moving tube main body portion 71a by its own weight, The moving tube 71 is in an extended state. On the other hand, in a state where the storage container 9 is in contact with the moving tube 71, the movable tube portion 71 b is lifted with respect to the moving tube main body portion 71 a by the storage container 9. Thereby, the contact impact of the moving tube 71 and the receiving container 9 can be suppressed as much as possible while reliably connecting the moving tube 71 and the upper opening of the receiving container 9.

  The tube driving unit 72 (sliding mechanism) slides on the rail 721 extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), the rail 721, and the slider 722 to which the moving tube 71 is connected, and drives the slider 722. And an actuator 723 such as an air cylinder. The rail 721 is provided on a support member 113 erected on the support plate 112.

  With this configuration, when the transport mechanism 5 puts the sample into one end (upper end opening) of the guide tube 6, the actuator 723 lowers the slider 722, so that the moving tube 71 contacts the weighing container 91. . Thereby, at the time of sample weighing, the sample in the container 9 held by the transport mechanism 5 can be reliably replaced with the weighing container 91. At this time, after the movable tube portion 71b of the absorption mechanism provided in the movable tube 71 comes into contact with the weighing container 91, even if the movable tube body portion 71a is lowered, the movable tube portion is moved from the movable tube body portion 71a. No force is transmitted downward to 71b, and an excessive impact is not applied to the weighing container 91 and the sample weighing unit 4.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the support 111 is provided with a blower fan 8 that blows air to the container placement unit 3 at substantially the same height as the container placement unit 3. The blower fan 8 is provided on the back side of the container placing unit 3 and blows air from the back side to the front side with respect to the container placing unit 3. As a result, an air curtain is formed on the container placement unit 3 so that dust does not accumulate on the container placement unit 3 and the storage container 9. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a cover 8 a is provided on the side of the blower fan 8 to guide the wind from the blower fan 8 to the sample placement unit 3 efficiently. The cover 8a is shown only in FIG.

  The transport mechanism 5 transports the container 9 into which the sample has been loaded to the sample weighing unit 4, transports the sample weighed by the sample weighing unit 4 to the sample analyzer 200, introduces the sample, and places the container The container 9 is transported from the unit 3 to the auxiliary combustion agent storage unit 2, and the storage container 9 charged with the auxiliary fuel is transported to the sample analyzer 200 to introduce the auxiliary fuel. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the X-axis direction drive unit 51, the Y-axis direction drive unit 52, the Z-axis direction drive unit 53, the R-axis (rotation) direction drive unit 54 and the gripping hand 55 are combined. Is done. With such a configuration, the transport mechanism 5 enables the container 9 to move in four axes in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, the Z-axis direction, and the rotation direction. In addition, in FIG. 3 etc., the electric cable connected to each drive part, an air pipe, etc. are not illustrated.

  The X-axis direction drive unit 51 moves on the mounting member 11 of the gantry 1 along the X-axis slide guide 511 (hereinafter referred to as X guide 511) extending along the X-axis direction. An X-axis slide block 512 (hereinafter referred to as X-block 512), and an X-axis actuator (not shown) such as a servo motor that slide-drives the X block 512 on the X guide 511.

  The Z-axis direction drive unit 53 includes a Z-axis slide guide 531 (hereinafter referred to as a Z guide 531) extending along the Z-axis direction to the X block 512 of the X-axis direction drive unit 51, and the Z guide 531. A Z-axis slide block 532 (hereinafter referred to as a Z-block 532) that moves along the Z-axis, and a Z-axis actuator (not shown) such as a servo motor that slides the Z-block 532 along the Z guide 531. Yes.

  The Y-axis direction drive unit 52 includes a Y-axis slide guide 521 (hereinafter referred to as a Y guide 521) extending along the Y-axis direction to the Z block 532 of the Z-axis direction drive unit 53, and the Y guide 521. A Y-axis slide block 522 (hereinafter referred to as a Y block 522) that moves along the Y-axis, and a Y-axis actuator (not shown) such as a servo motor that slides the Y block 522 along the Y guide 521. Yes.

  The R-axis direction drive unit 54 is a rotary actuator 542 such as a rotary air cylinder that is fixed along the Y-axis direction to the Y block 522 of the Y-axis direction drive unit 52 and rotates the rotary drive shaft 541.

  The above-described actuators and rotary actuators 542 of each drive unit are controlled by commands from a separately provided control device (not shown).

  A gripping hand 55 is fixed to the rotational drive shaft 541 of the R-axis direction drive unit 54. The gripping hand 55 includes a hand main body 551 fixed to the rotation drive shaft 541 and a pair of gripping claws 552 attached to the tip of the hand main body 551. The gripping claws 552 are driven by an air chuck (not shown) provided on the hand main body 551. Further, the gripping claws 552 have, for example, a generally square shape, and the pair of gripping claws 552 are arranged symmetrically so that the gap between the central portions is the largest. Each gripping claw 552 is rotatably held by the hand main body 551 at the base end portion, and is rotated so as to reduce the distance between the gripping claws 552 in response to a command from the control device. It is comprised so that the side peripheral surface of the storage container 9 can be narrowly gripped between parts.

<3. Operation of the device>
Next, the operation of the sample analyzer introduction device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described separately for the sample introduction step and the auxiliary combustor introduction step with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7.

<3-1. Sample introduction process>
First, in the initial state, the storage container 9 is placed on the container mounting portion 3, the transport mechanism 5 is not gripping anything, and is in a standby state in which the gripping hand 55 is stopped at a predetermined standby position (step S1). ).

  When an input from an operator or a measurement start signal such as a trigger signal from another device is received from this initial state (step S2), the sample analyzer introduction device 100 includes each part, that is, the sample analyzer 200, peripheral equipment ( Each status signal from the sample stocker 15 and the transport mechanism 5 is read, and it is determined whether there is no error or the like and the measurement preparation is completed (step S3). When the preparation is not completed, the transport mechanism 5 does not operate and maintains a standby state.

  On the other hand, when the preparation is completed, the transport mechanism 5 operates to take a predetermined one out of the storage containers 9 arranged in the container placement unit 3 (step S4). At this time, the presence / absence of the storage container 9 is determined (step S5), and if not, the standby state is entered and the operation is stopped. The presence or absence of the storage container 9 is determined to be absent by detecting when the gripping claws 552 are too close to each other when the gripping claws 552 are sandwiched between them. An object detection sensor (such as one using light of reflection type or transmission type, one using ultrasonic waves, a mechanical contact sensor, or the like) may be provided in the unit 3 or the like, and the determination may be made based on the signal.

  Next, the transport mechanism 5 transports the gripped sample transport container 9 to the sample stocker 15 (step S5). At this time, the transport mechanism 5 moves the storage container 9 to a position immediately below the lower end opening of the sample discharge pipe 153 of the sample stocker 15 and then lifts the storage container 9 to open the lower end opening of the sample discharge pipe 153 and the upper opening of the storage container 9. And connect. In this state, the sample hopper is opened by the air cylinder 152 of the sample stocker 15, and the sample falls into the storage container 9 and is stored (step S6). The sample stocker 15 is in a state where the sample is temporarily held before the container 9 is transported to the sample stocker 15.

  Next, the transport mechanism 5 transports the storage container 9 to the upper opening of the guide tube 6 provided in the sample mounting portion (step S7). Then, the container 9 gripped by the gripping hand 55 is tilted toward the upper opening of the guide tube 6 by the R-axis direction driving unit 54 of the transport mechanism 5 and the sample in the container 9 is guided by its own weight. It is thrown into the pipe 6 (step S8). At this time, before the sample is put into the guide tube 6 by the transport mechanism 5, the moving tube 71 of the connecting mechanism 7 is lowered by the slide mechanism, and the weighing container 91 on the sample weighing unit 4 and the movable tube of the moving tube 71 are moved. The part 71b comes into contact. Thereby, the sample passing through the guide tube 6 is reliably accommodated in the weighing container 91.

  The sample weighing unit 4 measures the weight of the weighing container 91 containing the sample, and calculates the sample weight by subtracting the previously measured weight of the weighing container 91 (step S9). And the measurement data which shows the measurement result are transmitted to a control apparatus with the signal cable which is not shown in figure.

  After the introduction of the sample is completed, the transport mechanism 5 transports the holding container 9 to the container placement unit 3 and places it again (step S10). Thus, in this embodiment, the container 9 is reused.

  Next, the transport mechanism 5 takes the weighing container 91 on the sample placement unit (step S11).

  Then, the transport mechanism 5 takes out the weighing container 91 containing the sample from the sample weighing unit 4 and transports it to the sample analyzer 200 (step S12), and weighs the sample into the sample inlet by the R-axis direction driving unit 54 and the like. The container 91 is tilted and the sample is charged (step S13). The sample introduced from the sample insertion port is accommodated in a graphite crucible sandwiched between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. Then, the transport mechanism 5 enters a standby state (step S14).

<3-2. Auxiliary combustor introduction process>
The transport mechanism 5 in the standby state after the completion of the sample introduction process then goes to the container placement unit 3 for the storage container 9 for transporting the auxiliary combustion agent (Step S15).

  Next, the transport mechanism 5 grips the storage container 9 on the container placement unit 3 and transports it to the auxiliary fuel stocker 26 (step S16). At this time, the transport mechanism 5 moves the storage container 9 directly below the lower end opening of the auxiliary combustion agent discharge pipe 263 of the auxiliary combustion agent stocker 26, and then lifts the storage container 9 up to the lower end opening of the auxiliary combustion agent discharge pipe 263 and the upper portion of the storage container 9. Connect the opening. In this state, the auxiliary combustion agent hopper is opened by the air cylinder 262 of the auxiliary combustion agent stocker 26, and the auxiliary combustion agent falls into the storage container 9 and is stored (step S17). The auxiliary fuel stocker 26 is in a state in which the auxiliary fuel is temporarily held before the container 9 is transported to the auxiliary fuel stocker 26.

  Then, the transport mechanism 5 transports the storage container 9 storing the auxiliary combustion agent to the sample analyzer 200 (step S18), and tilts the storage container 9 to the auxiliary combustion agent inlet by the R-axis direction drive unit 54 or the like. An auxiliary combustor is introduced (step S19). And the conveyance mechanism 5 will be in a standby state, and will stop operation | movement.

  The auxiliary combustor introduced from the auxiliary combustor insertion port is accommodated in the graphite crucible in which the sample is accommodated, and then heated and melted and subjected to elemental analysis in the sample analyzer 200 as described above (step S20). After the analysis, the crucible and the analyzed sample are discarded (step S21).

  In the sample introduction process and auxiliary combustor introduction process, when the gripping hand 55 moves between the parts (when moving in the X-axis direction and / or the Z-axis direction), the gripping hand is moved by the Y-axis direction driving unit 52. 55 is drawn. That is, when moving, the state is the same as the standby position in terms of only the Y-axis direction. Thereby, when the gripping hand 55 moves in the X-axis direction and / or the Z-axis direction, the gripping hand 55 can be prevented from coming into contact with the peripheral device, and safety can be ensured.

<4. Effects of this embodiment>
According to the introduction device 100 used in the sample heating type sample analyzer 200 according to the present embodiment configured as described above, the auxiliary combustor storage unit 2, the container mounting unit 3, and the sample weighing unit 4 are arranged vertically. Therefore, the introduction device 100 can be reduced in size. Thereby, the operation of the transport mechanism 5 can be simplified, and the configuration of the transport mechanism 5 can be simplified.

<5. Other Modified Embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

  For example, although a sample analyzer that heats and melts a metal sample has been described, a sample analyzer that burns the sample using a high-frequency induction heating furnace or the like may be used. In the above embodiment, the container is made of stainless steel having substantially the same shape as the dedicated crucible used in the sample analyzer of the type that burns the sample. Therefore, the sample analyzer is of the type that burns the sample. Can be measured without changing the device configuration.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the introduction apparatus introduce | transduced a sample and a combustion aid into a sample analyzer, there exists a thing which does not require a combustion aid depending on the analysis object. Therefore, the conveying device may perform only the sample introduction step without performing the auxiliary combustion agent introduction step.

  Moreover, before and after the sample introduction step and the auxiliary combustor introduction step may be reversed.

  Furthermore, the arrangement mode of the auxiliary combustor storage unit, the container mounting unit, and the sample weighing unit is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be arranged in any order as long as it is arranged up and down. .

  In addition, from the viewpoint of reducing the size of the entire apparatus, in the above-described embodiment, the guide tube is provided in the container placement unit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the guide tube is provided separately from the container placement unit. Also good. At this time, the guide tube is fixed above the sample weighing unit by a fixing member.

  In addition, there is no need to place a dedicated weighing container on the sample weighing section, and the storage container placed on the container placing section is placed on the sample weighing section in advance for each sample weighing. good. Further, after placing an empty storage container on the sample weighing section, the container may be placed on the sample weighing section and weighed in addition to the sample being replaced and weighed.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a separate connection mechanism is provided at the lower end of the guide tube. However, the connection mechanism may be provided integrally at the lower end of the guide tube.

  In addition, various measurement target samples may be stored in advance in a storage container placed on the container placement unit and automatically measured as an autosampler.

  Further, at this time, a standard sample may be stored in the storage container in advance, and automatic calibration may be performed using the standard sample between measurements.

  The absorption mechanism provided in the sample discharge pipe, the auxiliary combustor discharge pipe, and the moving pipe of the coupling mechanism is not limited to the above embodiment, and an elastic member such as rubber or a spring or the like is used at the lower end portion thereof. May be provided.

  In addition, some or all of the above-described embodiments and modified embodiments may be combined as appropriate, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. .

1 is an overall perspective view schematically showing an analysis system in which a heating type sample analyzer and a sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention are combined. The front view which shows a part of analysis system in the embodiment. The perspective view which shows typically the apparatus mounted on the mount frame in the embodiment. The figure which shows the absorption mechanism in the same embodiment. The side view which mainly shows the auxiliary fuel storage part in the same embodiment, a container mounting part, and a sample weighing part. The flowchart which shows the sample introduction process in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the auxiliary combustion agent introduction | transduction process in the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Introduction | transduction apparatus 200 for sample analyzers ... Heating type sample analyzer 2 ... Combustor storage part 3 ... Container mounting part 4 ... Sample weighing part 5 ... Conveyance mechanism 6 .... Guide pipe 6a ... Upper end 6b ... Lower end 7 ... Connection mechanism 8 ... Blower fan 9 ... Container

Claims (4)

By heating or burning the sample placed in the crucible, the sample or auxiliary agent is transported and introduced into a heating or combustion type sample analyzer that extracts and analyzes the elements contained in the sample as gas components. An introduction device for a sample analyzer,
A combustor storage section for storing the combustor,
A container mounting portion on which a storage container for storing a sample or a combustion aid is mounted;
A sample weighing section for weighing the sample;
The container loaded with the sample is transported to the sample weighing unit, the sample weighed by the sample weighing unit is transported to the sample analyzer and the sample is introduced, or the container is removed from the container mounting unit. A transport mechanism for transporting the auxiliary combustor to the sample analyzer and transporting the storage container loaded with the combustor to the sample analyzer;
An introduction device for a sample analyzer, in which the auxiliary combustion agent storage unit, the storage container mounting unit, and the sample weighing unit are arranged along the vertical direction. The auxiliary combustor storage unit, the container mounting unit, and the sample weighing unit are arranged up and down in this order,
The transport mechanism weighs the sample by replacing the sample in the container to be transported with a storage container previously placed on the sample weighing unit,
A sample weighing unit in which the upper part of the container is opened to open upward and the lower part of the container placing part is opened downward to the container placing part, and is placed on the sample weighing part. The introduction device for a sample analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a guide tube for guiding the sample to a storage container.   And a connecting mechanism for connecting the lower end opening of the guide tube and the upper opening of the container placed on the sample weighing unit when the transport mechanism throws the sample into the upper end opening of the guide tube. Item 3. The sample analyzer introduction device according to Item 2.   The sample analyzer introduction device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a blower fan that is provided on a side of the container placement unit and blows air toward the container placement unit.