JP2023074576A - Pneumatic conveyance element - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a pneumatic conveyance element that can be easily disassembled.SOLUTION: A pneumatic tube 1 used in a pneumatic tube system A includes; a cylindrical body part 10; a pair of lids 11a and 11b provided for each of end part openings 10a and 10b of the body part 10; a storage part 12 that is stored in the body part 10 and stores a blood collection tube T; and an engagement mechanism 14 releasably engaged with the storage part 12. The engagement mechanism 14 has an engagement part 14a and a side surface lid 14b that transmit a release operation force for releasing an engagement with the storage part 12 to the engagement part 14a. The side surface lid 14b transmits the release operation force from an outside of the body part 10 to the engagement part 14a through a side surface opening 10c provided in the body part 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to a pneumatic tube used in a pneumatic tube system.

Conventionally, there is a pneumatic tube system in which a tubular container such as a blood collection tube is housed in a pneumatic tube, and the pneumatic tube is transported to a destination by the force of air in the pneumatic tube. Such a pneumatic tube system is described, for example, in US Pat.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-107780

Here, the pneumatic tube used in the pneumatic tubing system described above may be disassembled, for example, for internal cleaning. In order to make the disassembly work more efficient, the pneumatic carrier is required to be easily disassembled. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic carrier that can be easily disassembled.

The present invention is a pneumatic carrier used in a pneumatic tube system for accommodating and transporting a tubular container, wherein end openings communicating with an internal space are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction, respectively, and the outer peripheral surface A cylindrical main body having side openings communicating with the internal space, and end openings at both ends of the main body. a pair of lids that can be in an open position; a container that is housed in the internal space and that extends along the longitudinal direction of the main body and has a pipe capable of containing the tubular container; an engaging mechanism that engages, wherein the engaging mechanism is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the main body and releasably engages with the accommodating portion to hold the accommodating portion; On the other hand, it has a release force transmission part for transmitting a release operation force from the outside for releasing the engagement with the housing part, and the release force transmission part is engaged from the outside of the main body through the side opening. A release operation force is transmitted to the joining portion, and the accommodation portion can be pulled out and inserted into the main body portion through the end opening in a state in which the engagement with the engaging portion is released.

In this pneumatic carrier, the holding portion for holding the tubular container is held by the engaging portion provided inside the main body. In this pneumatic carrier, when an operator operates the releasing force transmitting portion from the outside, the releasing operation force is transmitted to the engaging portion provided inside the main body portion, and the engagement by the engaging portion is released. . As a result, the housing portion can be pulled out from the main body portion. In this manner, this pneumatic carrier can be easily disassembled simply by operating the releasing force transmission section.

In the above-described pneumatic carrier, the release force transmission section is a side cover that closes the side opening and has flexibility, and the side cover is opened when a release operation force is applied from the outside to the inside of the main body. It may be deformed to transmit the release operation force to the engaging portion. In this case, the pneumatic carrier can transmit the release operation force to the engaging portion while closing the side opening with the side cover.

In the above pneumatic carrier, the end opening may have an opening area through which the operator's hand can be inserted. In this case, with this pneumatic carrier, the interior can be easily cleaned by the operator in a state in which the containing portion is removed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pneumatic carrier that can be easily disassembled.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic internal configuration of a retrieval device for a pneumatic tube system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the schematic internal configuration of the extraction device of the pneumatic tube system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the pneumatic carrier with a part of the main body cut away. FIG. 4(a) is an end view of one side of the pneumatic element showing the lid moved from the closed position to the open position. FIG. 4(b) is a view of one end of the pneumatic element showing the lid moved from the open position to the closed position. FIG. 5(a) is a view of the other end of the pneumatic carrier showing the lid moved from the closed position to the open position. FIG. 5(b) is a view of the other end of the pneumatic element showing the lid moved from the open position to the closed position. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the container is taken out from the main body of the pneumatic carrier. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view around the engaging mechanism, showing a state in which the engaging mechanism of the pneumatic carrier is engaged with the accommodating portion. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view around the engagement mechanism, showing a state in which the engagement between the engagement mechanism of the pneumatic carrier and the accommodating portion is released. FIG. 9(a) is a side view around the lifting mechanism showing how the lifting mechanism moves the pneumatic carrier from the transport mechanism to the first position. FIG. 9(b) is a side view around the lifting mechanism showing how the lifting mechanism rotates the pneumatic carrier. FIG. 10 is a top view of the movement path of the pneumatic element, showing the state in which the pneumatic element at the first position is gripped by the moving mechanism. FIG. 11 is a front view of the path of movement of the pneumatic carrier, showing the arrangement position of the lid opening/closing mechanism. FIG. 12(a) is a schematic diagram of the upper lid opening portion showing a state in which the upper lid opening block is positioned at the lid abutting position. FIG. 12(b) is a schematic diagram of the upper lid opening portion showing a state in which the upper lid opening block is positioned at the retracted position. FIG. 12(c) is a top view showing the upper lid opening block of the upper lid opening portion. FIG. 13 is a side view showing the configuration around the pushing mechanism. FIG. 14 is a side view around the pushing mechanism showing how the blood collection tube is pushed out from the pneumatic tube. FIG. 15 is a side view around the pushing mechanism showing how the blood collection tube is pushed out from the pneumatic tube. FIG. 16 is a top view of the moving path of the pneumatic element showing how the lid is opened by the upper lid opening block and the lower lid opening block. FIG. 17 is a front view of the moving path of the pneumatic element showing how the lid is opened by the upper lid opening block and the lower lid opening block. FIG. 18 is a top view of the moving path of the pneumatic element showing how the lid has started to be opened by the upper lid opening block and the lower lid opening block. FIG. 19 is a top view of the movement path of the pneumatic element showing how the lid has started to be opened by the lower lid opening block. FIG. 20 is a top view around the movement path of the pneumatic carrier, showing how the lid is moved to the open position by the upper lid opening block and the lower lid opening block. FIG. 21 is a top view of the movement path of the pneumatic element showing how the lid has been moved to the open position by the lower lid opening block. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the timing of the drop start when the blood collection tube drops from the lower end opening by opening the lid. FIG. 23 is a top view of the moving path of the pneumatic element showing how the lid is closed by the upper lid closing block and the lower lid closing block. FIG. 24 is a top view of the movement path of the pneumatic element showing how the lid is closed by the lower lid closing block. FIG. 25 is a top view around the movement path of the pneumatic carrier, showing how the lid is moved to the closed position by the upper lid closing block and the lower lid closing block. FIG. 26 is a top view around the movement path of the pneumatic element, showing how the lid has been moved to the closed position by the lower lid closing block. FIG. 27 is a front view of the moving path of the pneumatic feeder showing how the upper lid opening block and the lower lid opening block are moved to the retracted positions. FIG. 28 is a view showing one end of a pneumatic carrier with a modified brush.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

A pneumatic tube system A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is installed in a facility such as a hospital, for example, and transports a blood collection tube (tubular container) T (see FIG. 3) containing blood collected from a patient. . In addition, the pneumatic tube system A is provided with an extraction device 2 installed in an examination room or the like. The pneumatic tube system A transports the pneumatic tube 1 containing the blood collection tube T from a station (not shown), which is the source of the blood collection tube T, to the take-out device 2 via the pneumatic tube 3 by the force of air. . A well-known mechanism can be adopted as a mechanism for conveying the pneumatic carrier 1 by the force of air. The takeout device 2 takes out the blood collection tube T from the transported pneumatic tube 1 . The pneumatic tube 1 and the take-out device 2 provided in the pneumatic tube system A will be mainly described below.

First, the pneumatic carrier 1 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 3, the pneumatic tube 1 is used for carrying the blood collection tube T in the pneumatic tube system A. As shown in FIG. The pneumatic carrier 1 can accommodate and transport a plurality of blood collection tubes T. As shown in FIG. The pneumatic carrier 1 includes a body portion 10, a lid 11a, a lid 11b, a housing portion 12, a brush (friction member) 13 (see FIG. 4A, etc.), and an engagement mechanism . In addition, since FIG. 3 shows the housing portion 12 inside the body portion 10, the body portion 10 is partially cut away.

The body part 10 has a cylindrical shape and has an internal space R in which the blood collection tube T can be accommodated. In addition, the length of the body portion 10 in the direction in which the cylinder extends is longer than the diameter of the cylinder. That is, end openings 10a and 10b communicating with the internal space R are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main body 10 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). . In addition, the shape of the main body part 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may have a cylindrical shape. A sliding portion 10d and a sliding portion 10e that slidably abut against the inner peripheral surface of the pneumatic tube 3 during transportation are provided near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 10, respectively.

A pair of lids 11a and 11b are provided for the end openings 10a and 10b at both ends of the main body 10, respectively. The lid 11a can take an open position to open the end opening 10a as shown in FIG. 4(a) and a closed position to close the end opening 10a as shown in FIG. 4(b). Here, the lid 11a is attached so as to be able to swing with respect to a swing shaft Sa provided at the end of the main body 10 on the side of the end opening 10a. The swing axis Sa extends along the longitudinal direction of the body portion 10 . Thereby, the lid 11a can be moved between the closed position and the open position by rocking around the rocking axis Sa extending along the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when the pneumatic feeder 1 is viewed from the side of the lid 11a, the lid 11a moves clockwise around the swing axis Sa when it is moved from the closed position to the open position. be done. The movement of the lid 11a is restricted by a stopper or the like so that the lid 11a cannot move counterclockwise about the pivot axis Sa when it is positioned at the closed position. As shown in FIG. 4(b), when the pneumatic feeder 1 is viewed from the side of the lid 11a, the lid 11a rotates counterclockwise around the swing axis Sa when it is moved from the open position to the closed position. be moved. The movement of the lid 11a is restricted by a stopper or the like so that it cannot move clockwise around the swing axis Sa when it is positioned at the open position.

In this manner, the lid 11a positioned at the closed position receives a force to move the pneumatic element 1 clockwise around the pivot axis Sa when viewed from the lid 11a side along the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. being moved toward the open position. Further, the lid 11a located at the open position receives a force to move the pneumatic element 1 counterclockwise about the pivot axis Sa when viewed from the lid 11a side along the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. moves towards the closed position.

Similarly, the lid 11b can take an open position that opens the end opening 10b as shown in FIG. 5(a) and a closed position that closes the end opening 10b as shown in FIG. 5(b). . Here, the lid 11b is attached so as to be able to swing with respect to a swing shaft Sb provided at the end of the main body 10 on the side of the end opening 10b. The swing axis Sb extends along the longitudinal direction of the body portion 10 . Thereby, the lid 11b can swing between the closed position and the open position by swinging around the swing axis Sb extending along the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), when the pneumatic element 1 is viewed from the side of the lid 11b, the lid 11b moves clockwise around the swing axis Sb when it is moved from the closed position to the open position. be done. The movement of the lid 11b is restricted by a stopper or the like so that the lid 11b cannot move counterclockwise about the pivot axis Sb when it is positioned at the closed position. As shown in FIG. 5(b), when the pneumatic carrier 1 is viewed from the side of the lid 11b, the lid 11b rotates counterclockwise around the swing axis Sb when moved from the open position to the closed position. be moved. The movement of the lid 11b is restricted by a stopper or the like so that it cannot move clockwise around the pivot axis Sb when it is positioned at the open position.

In this manner, the lid 11b positioned at the closed position receives a force to move the pneumatic element 1 clockwise around the pivot axis Sb when viewed from the lid 11b side along the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. being moved toward the open position. Further, the lid 11b positioned at the open position receives a force to move the pneumatic element 1 counterclockwise around the pivot axis Sb when viewed from the lid 11b side along the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. causes it to swing towards the closed position.

When viewed along the longitudinal direction of the body portion 10 , the swing shaft Sa and the swing shaft Sb are opposed to each other with the center position of the body portion 10 interposed therebetween. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 3, the lids 11a and 11b are located on opposite sides of the main body 10 when they are in the open position. The lids 11a and 11b of the pneumatic tube 1 are positioned at the closed position when the pneumatic tube 3 is being transported. When the blood collection tube T is removed from the pneumatic tube 1 in the removal device 2, the lids 11a and 11b are moved from the closed position to the open position.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 , the accommodation portion 12 is accommodated in the internal space R of the body portion 10 . The housing portion 12 has a plurality of pipes 12c capable of housing the blood collection tubes T therein. The pipe 12c extends along the longitudinal direction of the body portion 10. As shown in FIG. The pipe 12c can accommodate a plurality of blood collection tubes T arranged in a line.

A plurality of pipes 12c are gathered so as to be parallel to each other. Nine pipes 12c are provided in this embodiment (see FIG. 4A and the like). In addition, the nine pipes 12c are gathered such that when viewed along the extending direction of the pipes 12c, three are aligned in the vertical direction and three are aligned in the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the plurality of pipes 12c are fixed to each other by an end plate 12a provided at one end of the pipe 12c and an end plate 12b provided at the other end of the pipe 12c. ing.

The accommodating portion 12 can be inserted into and removed from the main body 10 through the end opening 10a, and can be inserted into and removed from the main body 10 through the end opening 10b.

As shown in FIG. 6, the accommodation portion 12 further includes an engagement protrusion 12d. The engaging projection 12d releasably engages with an engaging portion 14a of an engaging mechanism 14, which will be described later in detail. The engaging projection 12d is attached to the side surface of the assembly of the multiple pipes 12c. In this embodiment, two engaging protrusions 12d are provided and attached to one side surface of the aggregate of the plurality of pipes 12c and the other side surface opposite to the one side surface. . In this way, by attaching a plurality of engaging projections 12d that releasably engage with the engaging portion 14a of the engaging mechanism 14, when the accommodating portion 12 is inserted into the main body portion 10, Orientation constraints can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 4(a), the brush 13 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 12c. A brush 13 is provided for each of the plurality of pipes 12c. The brush 13 extends inward from the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 12c. The brush 13 is attached only to one position in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 12c. The brush 13 is provided over the entire length in the extending direction of the pipe 12c.

The plurality of brushes 13 urge the blood collection tube T toward the central side of the group of the collected plurality of pipes 12c when viewed along the extending direction of the pipes 12c. That is, the plurality of brushes 13 each extend from the inner peripheral surface of each pipe 12c toward the central position C side of the group of nine pipes 12c when viewed along the extending direction of the pipes 12c. there is In FIG. 4(a), the blood collection tube T housed in the pipe 12c is omitted in order to show the brush 13. As shown in FIG. Also in other drawings (FIG. 5(a), etc.) where the end of the pipe 12c is shown, the blood collection tube T inside the pipe 12c may be omitted.

The brush 13 urges the blood collection tube T housed in the pipe 12c in a direction crossing the extending direction of the pipe 12c, and holds the blood collection tube T within the pipe 12c by frictional force. The brush 13 is an elastically deformable member. In this embodiment, the brush 13 is an elastically deformable resin brush. The brush 13 can urge and hold the blood collection tube T toward the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 12c by its elastic force. Here, the brush 13 biases the blood collection tube T so that the blood collection tube T does not drop from the pipe 12c due to its own weight when the pipe 12c is arranged in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the engagement mechanism 14 releasably engages with the housing portion 12 housed within the body portion 10 . By engaging the engagement mechanism 14 with the accommodation portion 12 , the accommodation portion 12 is held with respect to the main body portion 10 . The accommodating portion 12 can be inserted into and pulled out of the main body portion 10 through the end opening 10a or 10b in a state in which the engagement with the engaging mechanism 14 is released.

As shown in FIG. 7, the engagement mechanism 14 includes a pair of engagement portions 14a, a side cover (release force transmission portion) 14b, and a bracket 14c. Here, a side opening 10f that communicates with the internal space R is provided at a substantially central position in the longitudinal direction of the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 10 . The engaging mechanism 14 is provided around the side opening 10f of the main body 10. As shown in FIG.

The pair of engaging portions 14a are attached to the inner peripheral surface of the body portion 10 by brackets 14c. The engaging portion 14a can swing around the pin 14d. One end of the engaging portion 14a releasably engages with the end of the engaging convex portion 12d provided in the housing portion 12 . The other end of the engaging portion 14a extends to the vicinity of the side opening 10f of the body portion 10. As shown in FIG. The pair of engaging portions 14a can take a state of being engaged with the engaging convex portion 12d and a state of being disengaged by swinging around the pin 14d. The engaging portion 14a is urged by an urging member such as a torsion spring (not shown) so as to maintain the engaged state with the engaging projection 12d. The pair of engaging portions 14a can hold the accommodating portion 12 by engaging with the engaging protrusions 12d.

The side lid 14b transmits an external releasing force to the engaging portion 14a to release the engagement with the engaging protrusion 12d of the housing portion 12. As shown in FIG. The release operation force is applied to the side cover 14b by the operator who takes out the housing portion 12 from the main body portion 10 of the pneumatic carrier 1. As shown in FIG. The side cover 14b transmits a release operation force from the outside of the main body 10 to the engaging portion 14a via the side opening 10f.

The side lid 14b is a lid that closes the side opening 10f of the main body 10. As shown in FIG. The side cover 14b is made of a flexible member such as rubber. The edge of the side lid 14b may be fitted to the edge of the side opening 10f so as to close the side opening 10f. Moreover, the side cover 14b may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the main body part 10 so as to cover the side opening 10f.

As shown in FIG. 8, the side lid 14b is deformed by applying a release operation force inward from the outside of the main body 10 by the operator, and the release operation force is applied to the other of the pair of engagement portions 14a. transmit to the end. When the release operation force is transmitted, the pair of engaging portions 14a swing around the pin 14d, and the engagement with the engaging convex portion 12d is released. By releasing the engagement between the pair of engaging portions 14a and the engaging convex portion 12d, the accommodating portion 12 can be taken out from the main body portion 10 as shown in FIG.

The end openings 10a and 10b of the main body 10 each have an opening area through which an operator's hand can be inserted. As a result, the operator can put his or her hand into the main body 10 through the end openings 10a and 10b to perform cleaning or other work.

In order to remove the blood collection tube T from the pneumatic tube 1 , it is not necessary to release the engagement by the engagement mechanism 14 and remove the container 12 from the main body 10 . The storage portion 12 is taken out when performing work such as cleaning.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, a mark 15 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 10 . The mark 15 serves as a reference for the sensor 33 provided in the lifting mechanism 30 to detect the rotational position of the pneumatic feeder 1 . The mark 15 may be, for example, a reflector or the like.

Next, a schematic internal configuration of the take-out device 2 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the retrieval device 2 receives the pneumatic tube 1 via the pneumatic tube 3 and retrieves the blood collection tube T from the pneumatic tube 1 . The take-out device 2 delivers the pneumatic tube 1 from which the blood collection tube T has been taken out to a predetermined station via the pneumatic tube 3 . A conveyer device 4 for conveying the blood collection tube T taken out from the pneumatic carrier 1 is provided below the takeout device 2 . The take-out device 2 discharges the taken-out blood collection tubes T onto the conveyor device 4 .

The pneumatic tube 1 is moved in the extraction device 2 and the blood collection tube T is extracted with the longitudinal direction of the main body 10 aligned with the vertical direction. That is, the pneumatic carrier 1 is moved in the take-out device 2 with the lid 11a facing upward and the lid 11b facing downward, or with the lid 11b facing upward and the lid 11a facing downward, and A blood collection tube T is taken out. In addition, the state in which the longitudinal direction of the main body 10 of the pneumatic tube 1 is aligned with the vertical direction is expressed as "a state in which the pneumatic tube 1 is placed vertically", and the word "vertical" is used to describe the pneumatic tube 1. It may represent the direction (state) of

The take-out device 2 includes a conveying mechanism 20 , an elevating mechanism 30 , a moving mechanism 40 , a lid opening/closing mechanism (lid moving mechanism) 50 , and a pushing mechanism 60 . The conveying mechanism 20 to the pushing mechanism 60 included in the take-out device 2 are attached to the frame of the take-out device 2 . Further, the takeout device 2 may include a cover that covers the conveying mechanism 20 to the pushing mechanism 60 . Since FIGS. 1 and 2 show the schematic configuration of the inside of the take-out device 2, illustration of a cover, a frame, etc., is omitted, and only essential parts are shown. The same applies to other drawings.

The transport mechanism 20 receives the pneumatic tube 1 transported through the pneumatic tube 3 . Further, the transport mechanism 20 delivers the pneumatic tube 1 from which the blood collection tube T has been taken out to a predetermined station via the pneumatic tube 3 .

The elevating mechanism 30 elevates the pneumatic carrier 1 between the transport mechanism 20 and a first position P<b>1 set below the transport mechanism 20 . Here, a first storage portion R1 and a second storage portion R2 are provided inside the take-out device 2 (see FIG. 1). The first accommodating portion R1 and the second accommodating portion R2 each have a space capable of accommodating the pneumatic carrier 1. As shown in FIG. In addition, the first accommodating portion R1 and the second accommodating portion R2 communicate with each other so that the pneumatic carrier 1 can be delivered (moved). In the present embodiment, the first accommodation portion R1 and the second accommodation portion R2 are displaced from each other in plan view. Also, the first accommodation portion R1 and the second accommodation portion R2 are adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction.

The first accommodation section R1 is provided below the transport mechanism 20 . The elevating mechanism 30 elevates the pneumatic carrier 1 between the first position P<b>1 set in the first housing portion R<b>1 and the conveying mechanism 20 . That is, the upper portion of the first housing portion R1 serves as an inlet for the pneumatic carrier 1, and the pneumatic carrier 1 is moved from the conveying mechanism 20 to the first position P1 by the elevating mechanism 30. As shown in FIG.

The second accommodation portion R2 is provided above the conveyor device 4 . As will be described later, the blood collection tube T is taken out from the pneumatic tube 1 in the second container R2 and discharged onto the conveyor device 4. As shown in FIG. In other words, the lower part of the second storage part R2 serves as an outlet for the blood collection tube T, and the blood collection tube T is discharged from the second storage part R2.

The moving mechanism 40 moves the pneumatic carrier 1 within the take-out device 2 . The moving mechanism 40 moves the pneumatic carrier 1 between a first position P1 within the first containing portion R1 and a second position P2 set within the second containing portion R2. The second position P2 set in the second containing portion R2 is the position where the blood collection tube T is taken out from the pneumatic tube 1. As shown in FIG. Further, the moving mechanism 40 can further move the pneumatic carrier 1 from the second position P2 to a third position P3 for closing the lids 11a and 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1. FIG.

In this embodiment, the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3 are arranged on the same straight line extending in the horizontal direction. The second position P2 is located between the first position P1 and the third position P3. The moving mechanism 40 moves the pneumatic carrier 1 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, moves the pneumatic carrier 1 from the second position P2 to the third position P3, and moves the pneumatic carrier 1 from the third position P3 to the second position P2. The pneumatic carrier 1 can be moved to the first position P1 via .

The cover opening/closing mechanism 50 opens and closes the covers 11 a and 11 b of the pneumatic carrier 1 as the pneumatic carrier 1 is moved by the moving mechanism 40 . The lid opening/closing mechanism 50 opens the lids 11a and 11b along with the movement of the pneumatic tube 1 so that the blood collection tube T can be taken out from the pneumatic tube 1 at the second position P2. The lid opening/closing mechanism 50 closes the lids 11a and 11b as the pneumatic tube 1 moves after the blood collection tube T is taken out.

The pushing mechanism 60 inserts the pushing rod 61 into the pneumatic carrier 1 positioned at the second position P2, and pushes the blood collection tube T from the pneumatic carrier 1 onto the conveyor device 4. As shown in FIG. The blood collection tube T extruded (discharged) onto the conveyor device 4 is conveyed by the conveyor device 4 toward an inspection device or the like.

Next, details of the configuration of each part in the take-out device 2 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B , the lifting mechanism 30 includes a table 31 , a lifting section 32 and a sensor 33 . The pneumatic carrier 1 is placed vertically on the table 31 . In addition, the table 31 can rotate the pneumatic carrier 1 placed thereon with an axis extending in the vertical direction as a rotation axis. The elevating unit 32 elevates the table 31 and moves the pneumatic carrier 1 between the transport mechanism 20 and the first position P1. A configuration for raising and lowering the table 31 in the raising and lowering section 32 is not particularly limited.

A sensor 33 is a sensor that detects the rotational position of the pneumatic carrier 1 . The rotational position here is the position (orientation) in the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction (here, the vertical direction) of the pneumatic carrier 1 . In this embodiment, the sensor 33 detects the mark 15 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the pneumatic carrier 1 in order to detect the rotational position of the pneumatic carrier 1 . Based on the detection result of the mark 15 by the sensor 33, the table 31 rotates the pneumatic carrier 1 to a predetermined rotational position. Detection of the mark 15 by the sensor 33 and rotation of the pneumatic carrier 1 by the table 31 are performed while the pneumatic carrier 1 is lowered by the elevating unit 32 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the moving mechanism 40 grips the outer peripheral surface of the pneumatic carrier 1 in the upright state from the side, and moves the pneumatic carrier 1 in the upright state to the first position. It is moved to each position of position P1, second position P2, and third position P3. Here, for convenience of explanation, the front side of the ejection device 2 when viewed from the front as shown in FIG. (See FIGS. 2 and 10).

For convenience of explanation of the opening and closing operations of the lids 11a and 11b, the pneumatic feeder 1 is assumed to be vertically positioned with the lid 11a facing upward and the lid 11b facing downward as shown in FIG. However, even if the pneumatic carrier 1 is turned upside down, the lids 11a and 11b are opened and closed in the same manner as the opening and closing operations described below. Further, the pneumatic feeder 1 moved to the first position P1 by the elevating mechanism 30 has the swinging axis Sa serving as the swinging axis of the lid 11a on the front side, and the swinging axis Sa serving as the swinging axis of the lid 11b. Sb is located on the back side. That is, the table 31 of the elevating mechanism 30 rotates the pneumatic feeder 1 so that the swing shaft Sa is positioned on the front side and the swing shaft Sb is positioned on the back side as the predetermined rotation position described above.

The moving mechanism 40 includes a grasping portion 41 , a driving portion 42 and guide rails 43 . The gripping portion 41 laterally grips the outer peripheral surface of the pneumatic carrier 1 on the table 31 placed at the first position P1 by the elevating mechanism 30 . Further, when the pneumatic carrier 1 reaches the first position P1 from the third position P3, the gripping unit 41 releases the pneumatic carrier 1 from its grip and places the pneumatic carrier 1 on the table 31 of the elevating mechanism 30. do.

The guide rail 43 extends linearly and horizontally along the alignment direction of the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3. The drive section 42 moves the grip section 41 along the guide rail 43 to move the pneumatic carrier 1 to each of the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3. Although the moving mechanism 40 moves the pneumatic carrier 1 using the drive unit 42 and the guide rails 43, the mechanism for moving the pneumatic carrier 1 is not particularly limited.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the lid opening/closing mechanism 50 moves the lids 11a and 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1 from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position, respectively. 10 and 11, only constituent elements necessary for explanation are shown, and some other elements are omitted. Other figures may also show only components necessary for explanation.

The lid opening/closing mechanism 50 moves the lids 11a and 11b from the closed position to the open position as the moving mechanism 40 moves the pneumatic feeder 1 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. That is, the lids 11a and 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1 are in the open position when the pneumatic carrier 1 reaches the second position P2 from the first position P1. Further, the lid opening/closing mechanism 50 moves the lids 11a and 11b from the open position to the closed position as the moving mechanism 40 moves the pneumatic feeder 1 from the second position P2 to the third position P3.

More specifically, the lid opening/closing mechanism 50 includes an upper lid opening portion 51 , a lower lid opening portion 52 , an upper lid closing block (lid closing block) 53 , and a lower lid closing block (lid closing block) 54 . there is The upper lid opening portion 51 and the lower lid opening portion 52 are mechanisms for moving the lids 11a and 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1 from the closed position to the open position. The upper lid closing block 53 and the lower lid closing block 54 are mechanisms for moving the lids 11a and 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1 from the open position to the closed position.

First, the upper lid opening portion 51 and the lower lid opening portion 52 will be described. The upper lid opening portion 51 (upper lid opening block 511) and the lower lid opening portion 52 (lower lid opening block 521) are located in the middle of the moving path of the pneumatic feeder 1 moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2. is provided in In addition, being provided in the middle of the movement path means that the lids 11a and 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1 during movement are provided with an upper lid opening portion 51 (upper lid opening block 511) and a lower lid opening portion 52 (lower lid opening block 511). This means a state in which the side lid opening blocks 521) can abut against each other. The upper lid opening portion 51 is provided at a position above the lower lid opening portion 52 and can come into contact with the lid 11 a of the pneumatic carrier 1 . The lower lid opening 52 can come into contact with the lid 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1 .

As shown in FIGS. 12(a) to 12(c), the upper lid opening portion 51 includes an upper lid opening block (lid opening block) 511, an upper bracket 512, a compression spring 513, a rod 514, a stopper 515, and a rocker. A drive shaft 516 is provided. The upper lid opening block 511 moves the lid 11a from the closed position to the open position by coming into contact with the lid 11a of the pneumatic carrier 1 moved by the moving mechanism 40 . The upper lid opening block 511 of the upper lid opening portion 51 is provided in the middle of the moving path of the pneumatic carrier 1 moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

The upper bracket 512 is attached to a frame or the like of the take-out device 2 (not shown), and supports the upper lid opening block 511 so as to be swingable about a swing shaft 516 . The upper bracket 512 swingably supports the end of the upper lid opening block 511 on the second position P2 side (see FIG. 11). The upper lid opening block 511 can swing vertically around a swing shaft 516 .

A compression spring 513 is arranged between the upper lid opening block 511 and the upper bracket 512 . A compression spring 513 urges the upper lid opening block 511 downward. One end of the rod 514 is attached to the upper surface of the upper lid opening block 511 . The other end of rod 514 passes through a hole provided in upper bracket 512 . A stopper 515 is attached to the other end of the rod 514 . Thereby, the rod 514 and the stopper 515 define the lower range of swinging of the upper lid opening block 511 when the compression spring 513 urges the upper lid opening block 511 downward.

Here, as shown in FIG. 12(a), the position of the upper lid opening block 511 when it is urged by the compression spring 513 and its swinging is restricted by the rod 514 and the stopper 515 is called the lid abutting position. . Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, the position of the upper lid opening block 511 when the upper lid opening block 511 is pushed up (when the compression spring 513 swings so as to contract) is called a retracted position. The upper lid opening block 511 can move (swing) between the lid contact position and the retracted position.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the upper lid opening block 511 is positioned at the lid contact position, the end (contact surface 511a) of the upper lid opening block 511 on the side of the first position P1 is pneumatically supplied. The lid 11a of the child 1 can be abutted from the side. Further, as shown in FIG. 27 , the state in which the upper lid opening block 511 is positioned at the retracted position is a state in which the pneumatic feeder 1 can pass through the space below the upper lid opening block 511 . That is, the state in which the upper lid opening block 511 is positioned at the retracted position is the state in which it is retracted from the space through which the pneumatic feeder 1 passes.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the lower surface of the upper lid opening block 511 on the side of the second position P2 forms an inclined surface 511b that increases in height as it approaches the second position P2. . As will be described later, the lid 11a of the pneumatic carrier 1 moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1 abuts against the inclined surface 511b. The contact of the lid 11a with the inclined surface 511b causes the upper lid opening block 511 to swing from the lid contact position to the retracted position.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 11, the inclined surface 511b is aligned with the moving direction (rightward in FIG. 11) of the pneumatic carrier 1 moving from the third position P3 to the first position P1 via the second position P2. When viewed from the third position P3 to the second It is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the pneumatic element 1 moving from the position P2 to the first position P1.

As shown in FIG. 10, the upper lid opening block 511 is provided on the back side of the swing shaft Sa that serves as the swing shaft of the lid 11a of the pneumatic feeder 1. As shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 10 shows only the portion of the upper lid opening block 511 on the first position P1 side as the upper lid opening portion 51 . As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12(c), of the side surfaces of the upper lid opening block 511 on the first position P1 side, a contact surface 511a that contacts the lid 11a is curved.

More specifically, the surface (abutting surface 511a) of the pneumatic element 1 moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in the upper lid opening block 511 abuts against the lid 11a (abutting surface 511a). When viewed along the extending direction, it is curved with respect to the movement direction of the pneumatic carrier 1 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. That is, the contact surface 511a is curved in an arc shape so as to be located on the front side (swing axis Sa side) as the contact surface 511a approaches the second position P2 from the first position P1.

As shown in FIG. 11, the lower lid opening portion 52 includes a lower lid opening block (lid opening block) 521, a lower bracket 522, a compression spring 523, a rod 524, a stopper 525, and a swing shaft 526. ing. The lower lid opening 52 is obtained by turning the upper lid opening 51 upside down. The lower lid opening block 521, the lower bracket 522, the compression spring 523, the rod 524, the stopper 525, and the swing shaft 526 provided in the lower lid opening portion 52 are connected to the upper lid opening block 511, It is the same as the upper bracket 512, the compression spring 513, the rod 514, the stopper 515, and the swing shaft 516, and the description of the common parts is omitted.

A lower lid opening block 521 of the lower lid opening portion 52 is provided in the middle of the movement path of the pneumatic carrier 1 moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Like the upper lid opening block 511, the lower lid opening block 521 can swing (move) between the lid contact position and the retracted position. The position of the lower lid opening block 521 shown in FIG. 11 is the abutment position where the lid 11b can be abutted from the side. The position of the lower lid opening block 521 when it swings downward from the state of the lower lid opening block 521 shown in FIG. 11 is the retracted position (see FIG. 27).

As shown in FIG. 11 , the lower lid opening block 521 has an inclined surface 521 b similar to the inclined surface 511 b of the upper lid opening block 511 . The height of the inclined surface 521b decreases toward the second position P2 side. As will be described later, the lid 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1 moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1 abuts against the inclined surface 521b. When the lid 11b abuts against the inclined surface 521b, the lower lid opening block 521 swings from the lid abutting position to the retracted position.

In this way, as shown in FIG. 11, the inclined surface 521b is aligned with the moving direction (rightward in FIG. 11) of the pneumatic feeder 1 moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1 and the swing axis Sb of the lid 11b. Pneumatic feed that moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the extending direction (vertical direction in FIG. 11) (from the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 11 to the back side of the paper surface) It is inclined with respect to the moving direction of child 1 .

As shown in FIG. 10, the lower lid opening block 521 is provided on the front side of the pivot shaft Sb, which is the pivot shaft of the lid 11b of the pneumatic feeder 1. As shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 10 shows only the portion of the lower lid opening block 521 on the first position P1 side as the lower lid opening portion 52 . As shown in FIG. 10, of the side surfaces of the lower lid opening block 521 on the first position P1 side, a contact surface 521a that contacts the lid 11b is curved.

More specifically, the surface (abutting surface 521a) of the pneumatic element 1 moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in the lower lid opening block 521, which contacts the lid 11b, is aligned with the swing axis Sb of the lid 11b. is curved with respect to the moving direction of the pneumatic carrier 1 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 when viewed along the extending direction of the . That is, the contact surface 521a is curved in an arc so as to be located on the far side (swing axis Sb side) as it approaches the second position P2 from the first position P1.

Next, the upper lid closing block 53 and the lower lid closing block 54 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the upper lid closing block 53 and the lower lid closing block 54 are provided in the middle of the moving path of the pneumatic carrier 1 moving from the second position P2 to the third position P3. The upper lid closing block 53 and the lower lid closing block 54 are fixedly attached to a frame or the like of the take-out device 2 (not shown).

It should be noted that being provided in the middle of the moving path means a state in which the upper lid closing block 53 and the lower lid closing block 54 can abut against the lids 11a and 11b of the pneumatic element 1 during movement. . The upper lid closing block 53 is provided at a position higher than the lower lid closing block 54 and can abut on the lid 11 a of the pneumatic carrier 1 . The lower lid closing block 54 can come into contact with the lid 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1 .

The upper lid closing block 53 is provided on the front side of the swing shaft Sa that serves as the swing shaft of the lid 11 a of the pneumatic feeder 1 . The upper lid closing block 53 comes into contact with the lid 11a located at the open position as the pneumatic carrier 1 is moved from the second position P2 to the third position P3. The upper lid closing block 53 swings the lid 11a around the swing axis Sa as the pneumatic feeder 1 moves, and moves the lid 11a to the closed position. Thus, the upper lid closing block 53 contacts the lid 11a of the pneumatic carrier 1 moved by the moving mechanism 40, thereby moving the lid 11a from the open position to the closed position.

Of the side surfaces on the second position P2 side of the upper lid closing block 53, a contact surface 53a that contacts the lid 11a is curved. More specifically, the surface (abutment surface 53a) of the pneumatic element 1 that moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3 in the upper lid closing block 53 and contacts the lid 11a is aligned with the swing axis Sa of the lid 11a. When viewed along the extending direction, it is curved with respect to the moving direction of the pneumatic carrier 1 from the second position P2 to the third position P3. That is, the contact surface 53a is curved in an arc shape so as to be located on the far side (swing axis Sa side) as it approaches the third position P3 from the second position P2.

The lower lid closing block 54 is provided on the back side of the swing shaft Sb, which is the swing shaft of the lid 11b of the pneumatic feeder 1 . The lower lid closing block 54 comes into contact with the lid 11b located at the open position as the pneumatic carrier 1 is moved from the second position P2 to the third position P3. The lower lid closing block 54 swings the lid 11b around the swing axis Sb as the pneumatic feeder 1 moves, and moves the lid 11b to the closed position. In this manner, the lower lid closing block 54 contacts the lid 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1 moved by the moving mechanism 40, thereby moving the lid 11b from the open position to the closed position.

Of the side surfaces of the lower lid closing block 54 on the second position P2 side, a contact surface 54a that contacts the lid 11b is curved. More specifically, the surface (abutting surface 54a) of the pneumatic element 1 moving from the second position P2 to the third position P3 in the lower lid closing block 54, which contacts the lid 11b, is aligned with the swing axis Sb of the lid 11b. is curved with respect to the moving direction of the pneumatic carrier 1 from the second position P2 to the third position P3 when viewed along the extending direction of the . That is, the contact surface 54a is curved in an arc shape so as to be positioned closer to the front side (swing axis Sb side) as it approaches the third position P3 from the second position P2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, the pushing mechanism 60 is provided above the second position P2. The pushing mechanism 60 inserts a plurality of pushing rods 61 from above into the plurality of pipes 12c of the pneumatic carrier 1 moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The blood collection tube T in the pipe 12c is pushed downward. In the pneumatic feeder 1 moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the end opening 10a (one end opening) of the main body 10 faces upward, and the end opening 10b of the main body 10 faces upward. It is supported by the moving mechanism 40 so that (the other end opening) faces downward. Also, the lids 11a and 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1 are positioned at their open positions. Therefore, the push-out mechanism 60 can push out the blood collection tube T by inserting the push-out rod 61 into the pipe 12c of the pneumatic carrier 1 .

More specifically, the pushing mechanism 60 includes a plurality of pushing rods 61 , a holding section 62 and an elevating section 63 . The plurality of pushing rods 61 are arranged to extend along the vertical direction and are inserted into the plurality of pipes 12c of the pneumatic carrier 1 respectively. In this embodiment, nine push rods 61 are provided, which is the same number as the pipes 12c. The upper end of the pushing rod 61 is held by a holding portion 62 . That is, the plurality of pushing rods 61 are integrated by the holding portion 62 . The plurality of pushing rods 61 are arranged so as to be insertable into each of the plurality of pipes 12c provided in the pneumatic carrier 1. As shown in FIG.

Further, the thickness of the lower end of the pushing rod 61 is larger than the length of the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 12c and the blood collection tube T. Thereby, the pushing rod 61 can push out the blood collection tube T more reliably when it is inserted into the pipe 12c. The lower end of the pushing rod 61 may have a tapered shape with a smaller diameter toward the lower end so that it can be easily inserted into the pipe 12c.

The lifting section 63 has one driving source 63a for moving the holding section 62 in the vertical direction. Thus, the pushing mechanism 60 can move up and down the plurality of pushing rods 61 integrally by providing one drive source 63a.

As shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, the pushing mechanism 60 gradually moves the pushing rod 61 downward. As a result, the pushing mechanism 60 can push the blood collection tube T downward from the pipe 12 c of the pneumatic feeder 1 positioned at the second position P 2 and discharge it onto the conveyor device 4 . Here, the lifter 63 moves the pusher bar 61 to overcome the frictional force imparted by the brush 13 to retain the blood collection tube T within the pipe 12c.

The length of the pushing rod 61 is such that it can push out all the blood collection tubes T inside the pipe 12c. In addition, at least one of the plurality of push rods 61 has a lower end height position different from that of the other push rods 61 . That is, the height positions of the lower ends of the plurality of push rods 61 are not the same.

In this embodiment, the height positions of the lower ends of the plurality of push rods 61 are positioned lower on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the blood collection tubes T in the conveyor device 4 than on the upstream side in the conveying direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the length of the pushing rod 61 is longer on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the blood collection tube T in the conveyor device 4 than on the upstream side in the conveying direction.

The lifting section 63 moves the plurality of pushing rods 61 (holding section 62) downward to a height position where all the blood collection tubes T in the pipe 12c can be pushed downward. In addition, as described above, the thickness of the lower end portion of the pushing rod 61 is larger than the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 12c and the blood collection tube T. Therefore, when the lifter 63 moves the pushing rod 61 downward to a height position where all the blood collection tubes T can be pushed downward, no blood collection tubes T remain in the pipe 12c.

In other words, the pushing mechanism 60 determines that no blood collection tubes T remain in the pipe 12c by moving the push rod 61 downward to a height position where all the blood collection tubes T can be pushed downward. can be done. As a result, the pushing mechanism 60 does not require a separate sensor for detecting whether or not the blood collection tube T remains in the pipe 12c.

Next, the collection tube T is taken out from the pneumatic carrier 1 transported to the take-out device 2, and the process of carrying out the pneumatic carrier 1 from which the blood collection tube T has been taken out is carried out. Describe the movement. Here, a description will be given from the point at which the pneumatic tube 1 containing the blood collection tube T arrives at the conveying mechanism 20 of the take-out device 2 via the pneumatic tube 3 .

When the pneumatic carrier 1 arrives at the transport mechanism 20, the elevating mechanism 30 moves the pneumatic carrier 1 in the transport mechanism 20 to the first position P1 as shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b). Let At that time, the lifting mechanism 30 rotates the table 31 so that the rotational position of the pneumatic carrier 1 becomes a predetermined rotational position.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the moving mechanism 40 grips the side surface of the body portion 10 of the pneumatic carrier 1 positioned at the first position P1, and moves the pneumatic carrier from the first position P1 toward the second position P2. The movement of the transmitter 1 is started. During this movement from the first position P1 to the second position P2, as shown in FIGS. The abutment surface 521a of the lower lid opening block 521 abuts the lid 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1 .

When the moving mechanism 40 further moves the body portion 10 of the pneumatic carrier 1 toward the second position P2, the lid 11a is pressed against the upper lid opening block 511 and rocked as shown in FIG. It moves from the closed position toward the open position around the driving axis Sa. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 19, the lid 11b is pressed against the lower lid opening block 521 to move from the closed position to the open position about the swing axis Sb. Since FIG. 19 shows the lid 11b, illustration of members such as the main body 10 and the lid 11a located above the lid 11b is omitted. The same applies to other drawings showing how the lid 11b swings.

When the upper lid opening block 511 is positioned at the lid abutting position, the upper lid opening block 511 does not swing even if the lid 11a abuts against the abutment surface 511a, and maintains the state of being positioned at the lid abutting position. . Similarly, when the lower lid opening block 521 is positioned at the lid abutting position, the lower lid opening block 521 does not swing even if the lid 11b abuts against the abutment surface 521a. maintain. As a result, the upper lid opening block 511 and the lower lid opening block 521 can keep contacting the lids 11a and 11b, respectively, and swing the lids 11a and 11b around the swinging axes Sa and Sb, respectively.

When the movement mechanism 40 further moves the main body 10 of the pneumatic carrier 1 and the pneumatic carrier 1 (main body 10) reaches the second position P2, the lids 11a and 11b are opened as shown in FIGS. has moved to the open position (completely opened state). In this way, the moving mechanism 40 closes the lids 11a and 11b using the upper lid opening portion 51 and the lower lid opening portion 52 by moving the pneumatic feeder 1 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. It can be moved from the position to the open position.

As described above, the contact surface 511a of the upper lid opening block 511 is curved in an arc shape. Therefore, the upper lid opening block 511 can smoothly move the lid 11a from the closed position to the open position along the curved contact surface 511a. Further, if the shape of the curved contact surface 511a of the upper lid opening block 511 is appropriately designed, the opening speed of the lid 11a can be changed during opening.

Similarly, the contact surface 521a of the lower lid opening block 521 is curved in an arc shape. Therefore, the lower lid opening block 521 can smoothly move the lid 11b from the closed position to the open position along the curved contact surface 521a. Further, if the shape of the curved contact surface 521a of the lower lid opening block 521 is appropriately designed, the opening speed of the lid 11b can be changed during opening.

The upper lid opening block 511 does not contact the lid 11a after the lid 11a is moved to the open position. Similarly, the lower lid opening block 521 does not contact the lid 11b after the lid 11b is swung to the open position. As a result, the pneumatic carrier 1 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 after the lids 11a and 11b are moved to the open position by the upper lid opening block 511 and the lower lid opening block 521. , to the second position P2. Thus, the pneumatic carrier 1 that has reached the second position P2 is in a state where the lids 11a and 11b have been moved to the open position.

The blood collection tube T is held in the pipe 12c by frictional force by being urged against the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 12c by the brush 13. As shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the cover 11b below the pneumatic tube 1 moves from the closed position to the open position, the blood collection tube T does not drop. However, due to reasons such as a decrease in the biasing force of the brush 13, when the lower lid 11b is in the open position with the pneumatic tube 1 in the vertical position, the blood collection tube T falls out of the pipe 12c due to its own weight. can also be considered. The take-out device 2 of this embodiment starts opening the lid 11b before reaching the second position P2 provided on the conveyor device 4 . For this reason, even if the blood collection tube T falls by its own weight, it is preferable that the blood collection tube T can be dropped as late as possible so as to drop onto the conveyor device 4 .

As described above, the pneumatic tube 1 of this embodiment directs the blood collection tube T toward the central side of the assembly of the plurality of pipes 12c when viewed along the extending direction of the pipes 12c. energize. That is, the blood collection tube T is biased toward the central side of the assembly of the multiple pipes 12c within the pipe 12c. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22, even immediately after the lid 11b at the lower end of the pneumatic tube 1 begins to open, the blood collection tube T is biased toward the center and does not drop immediately (see FIG. 22). Although the blood collection tube T is omitted, the blood collection tube T is biased toward the central side of the assembly of the plurality of pipes 12c). In this way, even if the blood collection tube T were to drop due to its own weight, the pneumatic carrier 1 prevents the blood collection tube T from falling immediately after the lid 11b begins to open, and the conveying device 4 is kept as close to the conveyor device 4 as possible. The blood collection tube T can be dropped from above.

Here, the case where the lid 11b is positioned downward has been described as an example. It is possible to prevent the blood collection tube T from falling immediately after. Further, the extracting device 2 may be provided with a guide plate or the like for guiding the blood collection tubes T that fall under their own weight onto the conveyer device 4 .

When the pneumatic carrier 1 reaches the second position P2, the pushing mechanism 60 moves the pushing rod 61 downward and inserts it into the pipe 12c of the pneumatic carrier 1 as described with reference to FIGS. , pushes the blood collection tube T downward from the inside of the pipe 12c. As a result, the extruded blood collection tube T drops onto the conveyor device 4 and is conveyed by the conveyor device 4 . After pushing out the blood collection tube T, the lifting section 63 of the pushing mechanism 60 lifts the holding section 62 . As a result, the pushing rod 61 is pulled upward from the inside of the pipe 12c.

After the blood collection tube T is taken out, the moving mechanism 40 moves the pneumatic tube 1 from the second position P2 to the third position P3, as shown in FIGS. During the movement from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the contact surface 53a of the upper lid closing block 53 contacts the lid 11a of the pneumatic carrier 1, and the contact surface 54a of the lower lid closing block 54 contacts. contacts the lid 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1.

When the moving mechanism 40 further moves the main body 10 of the pneumatic carrier 1 toward the third position P3, the lid 11a is pushed against the upper lid closing block 53, and is moved around the swing axis Sa from the open position. Move towards the closed position. Similarly, the lid 11b is pressed against the lower lid closing block 54 to move from the open position to the closed position about the swing axis Sb.

When the movement mechanism 40 further moves the main body 10 of the pneumatic carrier 1 and the pneumatic carrier 1 reaches the third position P3, the lids 11a and 11b move to the closed position as shown in FIGS. state. Thus, the moving mechanism 40 opens the lids 11a and 11b using the upper lid closing block 53 and the lower lid closing block 54 by moving the pneumatic feeder 1 from the second position P2 to the third position P3. It can be moved from a position to a closed position (completely closed).

In addition, as described above, the contact surface 53a of the upper lid closing block 53 is curved in an arc shape. Therefore, the upper lid closing block 53 can smoothly move the lid 11a from the open position to the closed position along the curved contact surface 53a. Further, if the shape of the curved contact surface 53a of the upper lid closing block 53 is appropriately designed, the closing speed of the lid 11a can be changed during closing.

Similarly, the contact surface 54a of the lower lid closing block 54 is curved in an arc shape. Therefore, the lower lid closing block 54 can smoothly move the lid 11b from the open position to the closed position along the curved contact surface 54a. Further, if the shape of the curved contact surface 54a of the lower lid closing block 54 is appropriately designed, the speed at which the lid 11b closes can be changed during closing.

When the pneumatic element 1 reaches the third position P3, the moving mechanism 40 moves the pneumatic element 1 from the third position P3 to the first position P1 via the second position P2. An upper lid opening block 511 and a lower lid opening block 521 are provided in the middle of the movement path of the pneumatic feeder 1 moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

As shown in FIG. 27, the lid 11a of the pneumatic element 1 comes into contact with the inclined surface 511b of the upper lid opening block 511 during the movement from the second position P2 to the first position P1. As the moving mechanism 40 further moves the pneumatic feeder 1, the lid 11a pushes up (moves) the upper lid opening block 511 to the lid contact position or the retracted position. In this way, the upper lid opening block 511 abuts against the lid 11a of the pneumatic feeder 1 moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1, and is urged by the lid 11a to retreat from the lid abutting position. be moved into position.

Similarly, the lid 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1 contacts the inclined surface 521b of the lower lid opening block 521 during the movement from the second position P2 to the first position P1. As the moving mechanism 40 further moves the pneumatic carrier 1, the lid 11b pushes (moves) the lower lid opening block 521 from the lid contact position to the retracted position. In this way, the lower lid opening block 521 abuts on the lid 11b of the pneumatic carrier 1 moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1, and is biased by the lid 11b to move from the lid abutting position. Moved to a retracted position.

As described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 5A, the lids 11a and 11b can only move (swing) in one direction from the closed position to the open position. When the pneumatic carrier 1 is moved from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the direction in which the lid 11a is urged by contacting the inclined surface 511b is the direction in which the lid 11a cannot move in the opening direction (moving direction). is regulated). Therefore, the lid 11a can push up the upper lid opening block 511 to the retracted position along the inclination of the inclined surface 511b without moving in the opening direction when the lid 11a comes into contact with the inclined surface 511b.

Similarly, when the pneumatic carrier 1 is moved from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the direction in which the lid 11b is urged by coming into contact with the inclined surface 521b is such that the lid 11b cannot move in the opening direction. It is the direction (the direction in which movement is restricted). Therefore, the lid 11b can push down the lower lid opening block 521 to the retracted position along the inclination of the inclined surface 521b without moving in the opening direction when the lid 11b comes into contact with the inclined surface 521b. With the upper lid opening block 511 and the lower lid opening block 521 respectively moved to the retracted positions, the pneumatic carrier 1 can pass between the upper lid opening portion 51 and the lower lid opening portion 52 . can.

When the pneumatic carrier 1 reaches the first position P 1 , the moving mechanism 40 releases the pneumatic carrier 1 from its grip and places the pneumatic carrier 1 on the table 31 of the lifting mechanism 30 . At this time, the table 31 may rotate the pneumatic carrier 1 so that the mark 15 of the pneumatic carrier 1 faces the sensor 33 . The elevating mechanism 30 raises the table 31 and conveys the pneumatic carrier 1 to the conveying mechanism 20 . After that, the pneumatic tube 1 is returned to the station from which it was transported through the pneumatic tube 3 .

In this way, the take-out device 2 can automatically take out the blood collection tube T from the transported pneumatic tube 1 and return the pneumatic tube 1 after the blood collection tube T has been taken out to the station from which it was transported. .

As described above, in this pneumatic feeder 1, the body portion 10 that accommodates the blood collection tube T is held by the engaging portion 14a provided inside the body portion 10. As shown in FIG. In this pneumatic feeder 1, when the operator operates the side cover 14b from the outside, a release operation force is transmitted to the engaging portion 14a provided inside the main body portion 10, and the engaging portion 14a engages. is released. As a result, the housing portion 12 can be pulled out from the main body portion 10 . In this manner, the pneumatic carrier 1 can be easily disassembled simply by operating the side cover 14b.

In the pneumatic carrier 1, the side cover 14b that transmits the release operation force to the engaging portion 14a closes the side opening and has flexibility. In this case, the pneumatic carrier 1 can transmit the release operation force to the engaging portion 14a by elastically deforming the side lid 14b while closing the side opening 10c of the body portion 10 with the side lid 14b.

The end openings 10a and 10b of the pneumatic carrier 1 have opening areas through which the operator's hands can be inserted. In this case, the operator can easily clean the inside of the body portion 10 of the pneumatic carrier 1 with the body portion 10 removed.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 28, some of the brushes 13 (here, brushes 13A) may extend outward from the main body 10. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 28, the lower right and upper left brushes 13A in the figure face the outside of the main body 10, respectively. The brush 13A urges the blood collection tube T toward the outside of the main body 10. As shown in FIG. It should be noted that the "plurality of brushes 13" described above urge the blood collection tube T toward the central side of the aggregate of the plurality of pipes 12c when viewed along the extending direction of the pipes 12c. What is necessary is that half or more of the plurality of brushes 13 urge the blood collection tube T toward the center. That is, as shown in FIG. 28, even when two brushes 13A facing outward are provided as the brushes 13, more than half of the brushes 13 are directed toward the central side of the collection of pipes 12c. to activate the For this reason, the configuration shown in FIG. 28 is such that "the plurality of brushes 13 are taken toward the central side of the aggregate of the plurality of pipes 12c when viewed along the extending direction of the pipes 12c." energize the vessel T." included in the configuration.

Although the upper lid opening block 511 and the lower lid opening block 521 move vertically when moving from the lid contact position to the retracted position, they are not limited to vertical movement. For example, the upper lid opening block 511 and the lower lid opening block 521 are urged by the lids 11a and 11b, respectively, to swing about the swing shaft extending along the vertical direction, thereby contacting the lid. It may move from the position to the retracted position.

The pneumatic pusher 1 is not limited to urging the blood collection tube T with the brush 13 . The pneumatic carrier 1 may bias the blood collection tube T with an elastically deformable holding member (friction member) protruding inward from the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 12c to hold the blood collection tube T by frictional force. As described above, the pneumatic carrier 1 can use various members (friction members) other than the brush 13 as long as the blood collection tube T can be biased and held by frictional force.

In the pneumatic carrier 1, the configuration of the engagement mechanism 14 that engages with the housing portion 12 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the engagement mechanism 14 is not limited to using the side cover 14b, but may be a push button-like member (release force transmission portion) that moves when pressed and transmits the release operation force to the engagement portion. may

The pneumatic tube 1 is not limited to containing the blood collection tube T, and can also contain a tubular container other than the blood collection tube T.

Curved shape of the contact surface 511a of the upper lid opening block 511, the contact surface 521a of the lower lid opening block 521, the contact surface 53a of the upper lid closing block 53, and the contact surface 54a of the lower lid closing block 54 may be appropriately set according to the opening/closing speed of the lids 11a and 11b accompanying the movement of the pneumatic carrier 1, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Pneumatic carrier 10... Main body part 10a, 10b... End opening 10c... Side opening 11a, 11b... Lid 12... Accommodating part 12c... Pipe 13... Brush (friction member) 14... Engagement Coupling mechanism 14a Engagement portion 14b Side lid (releasing force transmission portion) A Pneumatic tube system R Interior space T Blood collection tube (tubular container).

Claims (3)

A pneumatic tube used in a pneumatic tube system for containing and transporting a tubular container,
a cylindrical main body having end openings communicating with the internal space at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and side openings communicating with the internal space on the outer peripheral surface;
a pair of lids provided for each of the end openings of the both ends of the main body and capable of taking a closed position that closes the end openings and an open position that opens the end openings;
an accommodating portion that is accommodated in the internal space and has a pipe that extends along the longitudinal direction of the body portion and that can accommodate the tubular container therein;
an engaging mechanism that releasably engages with the accommodation portion,
The engagement mechanism is
an engaging portion that is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion and releasably engages with the accommodating portion to hold the accommodating portion;
a release force transmission section that transmits a release operation force from the outside for releasing the engagement with the housing section to the engagement section;
has
the releasing force transmitting portion transmits the releasing force from the outside of the body portion to the engaging portion through the side opening;
The pneumatic carrier, wherein the accommodating portion can be inserted into and pulled out of the main body portion through the end opening in a state in which engagement with the engaging portion is released. The release force transmission part is a flexible side cover that closes the side opening,
2. The pneumatic transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said side cover deforms when said release force is applied from outside to inside of said main body, and transmits said release force to said engaging portion. 3. The pneumatic carrier according to claim 1, wherein said end opening has an opening area through which an operator's hand can be inserted.

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