JP3558833B2

JP3558833B2 - Reaction tube transfer device

Info

Publication number: JP3558833B2
Application number: JP19280797A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 利美河村; 祐三郎難波; 修司高橋
Original assignee: Eisai Co Ltd; Sanko Junyaku Co Ltd
Current assignee: Eisai Co Ltd; Sanko Junyaku Co Ltd
Priority date: 1997-07-17
Filing date: 1997-07-17
Publication date: 2004-08-25
Anticipated expiration: 2017-07-17
Also published as: JPH1138014A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、免疫自動測定装置等の自動分析装置に用いられる反応管（反応容器ともいう）の移載を簡易に行うことができるようにした自動分析装置における移載装置に関する。
【０００２】
【関連技術】
従来、抗原抗体反応を利用した免疫測定法としては、１ステップ方式及び２ステップ方式の非競合サンドイッチ法及び競合法が知られている。
【０００３】
１ステップ方式の非競合サンドイッチ法により、試料として患者から採取した血液等の検体に含まれる抗原の量を測定する方法を説明する。例えば、合成樹脂製の容器内壁や粒（パーティクル）等の不溶性の単体（固相）に結合した抗体（固相抗体）と、放射性物質、蛍光物質、酵素等の標識物質を結合した抗体（標識抗体）とを予め添加してある反応管に、測定対象の検体を添加する。
【０００４】
これによって反応管内においては、検体中に含まれている抗原が上記固相抗体と抗原抗体反応（免疫反応）して抗原抗体複合体を生成し、また同時にこの抗原抗体複合体に標識抗体も複合して、固相抗体−抗原−標識抗体という３つの成分がサンドイッチになった複合体が生成する。このようにして、検体中の抗原を仲介物として、標識抗体の標識を固相に結合させる。
【０００５】
次にこの固相に結合された標識以外のものであって、反応管内に添加された抗原とは結合しなかった余分の標識抗体や、免疫反応に関与しなかった抗体成分等を分離（Ｂ／Ｆ分離）する操作を行ない、最終的に、固相に結合した抗原量に比例する標識量を、標識の性質を利用した物理的あるいは化学的な手法で定量測定して、検体中の抗原濃度を求める。
【０００６】
一方、２ステップ方式の非競合サンドイッチ法は、まず固相抗体のみを予め添加した反応管に、検体を添加することで第１の反応を行なわせた後に、標識抗体を添加して第２の反応を行なわせ測定を行なう方法である。
【０００７】
また、これら非競合サンドイッチ法とは別に、上述した固相抗体に対し、予め標識物質で標識した抗原（標識抗原）と、検体中の抗原を競争的に反応させる競合法と称される方法も知られている。
【０００８】
このような免疫測定法における測定を自動的に実施する装置として、免疫自動測定装置等の自動分析装置が知られている。この自動分析装置においては、反応管ラックから反応管を反応管ホルダーに移載し、また反応管ホルダーに保持された反応管を他の反応管ホルダーに移載する等の作用を行う反応管移載装置が用いられている。
【０００９】
従来の反応管移載装置においては、反応管の上部開口部に棒状把握手段を圧入して反応管の把握を行ない、該反応管の開口部の肉厚部にロッド状離脱手段を押し当てることによって該反応管から棒状把握手段を離脱させることが行なわれていた。
【００１０】
このような棒状把握手段を用いて反応管を移載すると、反応管内部へ異物が混入することによる測定データへの信頼性の欠如や、棒状把握手段を反応管に圧入しまた離脱するのに多大な力が必要となることによる過大なモータの必要性（コストアップ）及び反応管自体の強度が必要となる（重量アップ）等の問題が生じていた。
【００１１】
また、この種の移載装置において反応管把持手段が反応管を把持しているか否かを検知することが操作管理上必要である。従来の反応管把持の検知方式では反応管を直接センサーを用いて検知している。一般に反応管は小形円筒形で透明体であり、反射型センサーを用いて検知するのが通常であった。この反射型センサーは高価な上、感度や位置の調整を正確に行う必要があり、組付時間がかかり、かつ測定のバラツキが大で該検知などによる信頼性も低下せざるを得ないものであった。
【００１２】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明は、上記した従来技術の問題点に鑑みなされたもので、反応管内部への異物の混入を防止することができ、過大なモータを設置する必要がなく、移載操作の効率の向上を図るとともに反応管の構造上余分な強度を省略することを可能とした反応管移載装置を提供することを目的とする。
【００１３】
本発明の別の目的は、反応管把持手段による反応管の把持の有無を検知するにあたり、センサーコストを低減させることができ、感度調整を不要とした新規なセンサー方式を具備した反応管移載装置を提供することにある。
【００１４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するために、本発明の第１の態様は、多数の反応管を用いて自動分析を行う装置において反応管を所定位置に移載する装置であり、水平方向に移動自在な水平移動台と、該水平移動台に垂直方向移動自在に取りつけられた反応管把持手段と、該反応管把持手段の下端部に設けられかつ常時反応管を把持しうる閉状態となるように付勢手段によって付勢されている把持部とを有し、該反応管把持手段の下降時に該付勢手段の付勢方向の反対方向から反付勢力を一時的に作用させることにより該把持部を一時的に開状態とした後再び閉状態とすることにより、該把持部が空の場合は、反応管を把持することができ、該把持部が既に反応管を把持している場合には反応管を解放することができ、一方該反応管把持手段の上昇時には該把持部に反付勢力を作用させることなく反応管を把持したまま上昇することができるようにしたことを特徴とする。
【００１５】
本発明の第２の態様は、多数の反応管を用いて自動分析を行う装置において反応管を所定位置に移載する装置であり、水平方向に移動自在な水平移動台と、該水平移動台に垂直方向移動自在に取りつけられた垂直移動台と、該垂直移動台に設けられた反応管把持手段とを有し、該反応管把持手段が常時反応管を把持しうる閉状態となるように付勢手段によって付勢されている把持部と、押圧されることにより該付勢手段の付勢方向の反対方向から反付勢力を作用させることのできる押圧突部とにより構成され、該反応管把持手段の下降時には該押圧突部を一時的に押圧して該付勢手段に反付勢力を一時的に作用させることができるとともに該反応管把持手段の上昇時には該押圧突部を押圧することのないように動作する当接手段を該水平移動台に固定されかつ該垂直移動台に隣接する取付板に設け、該反応管把持手段の下降時には該把持部を一時的に開状態とした後再び閉状態とすることにより、該把持部が空の場合は、反応管を把持することができ、該把持部が既に反応管を把持している場合には反応管を解放することができ、一方該反応管把持手段の上昇時には反応管を把持したまま上昇することができるようにしたことを特徴とする。
【００１６】
本発明の第３の態様は、多数の反応管を用いて自動分析を行う装置において反応管を所定位置に移載する装置であり、水平方向に移動自在な水平移動台と、該水平移動台に垂直方向移動自在に取りつけられた垂直移動台と、該垂直移動台に設けられた反応管把持手段とを有し、該反応管把持手段が、該垂直移動台に固着された支持板に上下動自在に取りつけられた上部支軸を介して上端部を互いに回動可能にピン結合された一対の上部レバー部材と、該一対の上部レバー部材にそれぞれの上端部が回動可能にピン結合によって接続されかつそれぞれの下端部分に支点部を形成するとともに該垂直移動台に突設された下部支軸を介してそれぞれの支点部がピン結合によって接続された一対の下部レバー部材と、該一対の下部レバー部材の下端部にそれぞれ接続された一対の把持部材と、該一対の把持部材が常時閉状態となるように該反応管把持手段に取りつけられた付勢手段と、該下部レバー部材の外面に外方に向かって突設された押圧突部とから構成され、該押圧突部と当接可能であるとともに上方には回動可能かつ下方には回動不能とされた当接手段を該水平移動台に固定されかつ該垂直移動台に隣接する取付板に設け、該反応管把持手段の下降時には、該押圧突部が該当接手段に当接することによって該付勢手段に抗した力が加わり該一対の把持部材を一時的に開状態とした後再び閉状態とすることにより、該把持部材が空の場合は、反応管を把持することができ、該把持部材が既に反応管を把持している場合には反応管を解放することができ、一方該反応管把持手段の上昇時には該押圧突部が該当接手段に当接しても該当接手段は上方に回動し該把持部材は反応管を把持したまま上昇することができるようにしたことを特徴とする。
【００１７】
前記下部レバー部材の支点部を支点折曲部とし、該支点折曲部を介して該下部レバー部材の下端部が外方に折曲して折曲下端部となるとともにそれぞれの折曲部をピン結合するように構成するのが好ましい。
【００１８】
前記反応管把持手段による反応管の把持又は不把持に対応して変位するセンサー板を該反応管保持手段に設け、該センサー板の変位状態を検知するセンサーを該センサー板に対応して設けることにより、把持部が反応管を把持しているか否かを簡単に知ることができる。
【００１９】
プレート状のセンサー板の一端部を前記取付板に回動自在に取りつけ、該センサー板の中央部分を前記上部支軸に取りつけることにより、該センサー板が該把持部の反応管把持又は不把持の状態に応じて変位する構成とし、該センサー板の他端部に対応する位置にセンサーを設け、該センサー板の変位を検知することにより把持部による反応管の把持の有無を知ることができるようにすれば、透過型のセンサーを用いて反応管の把持状態を知ることができ、従来の反射型のセンサーに比較して大幅なコストダウンを図ることができる。
【００２０】
前記センサーとして上部センサーと下部センサーを用い、前記反応管保持手段の最上昇位置におけるセンサー板を上部センサーで検知し、該反応管保持手段の最下降位置における該センサー板を下部センサーで検知するようにすれば、反応管保持手段の最上昇位置及び最下降位置における反応管の把持の有無を正確に知ることができるという有利さがある。
【００２１】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に本発明の一つの実施の形態を添付図面に基づいて説明する。
【００２２】
図１は本発明に係る反応管移載装置を備えた免疫自動測定装置の一つの実施の形態を示す上面図である。図２は図１の正面図である。図３は本発明の反応管移載装置の摘示正面図である。図４は一部を切欠いて示した図３の側面図である。図５は反応管把持手段の摘示側面図である。図６は反応管把持手段の分解側面図である。図７は下部レバー部材の分解摘示正面図である。
【００２３】
図８は当接手段の分解斜視図である。図９（ａ）〜（ｄ）は反応管把持手段の反応管把持動作を示す正面説明図である。図１０はセンサー板とセンサーの取付状態を示す分解斜視図である。図１１（ａ）（ｂ）はセンサーによる反応管把持手段の上昇時の動作状態を検知する態様を示す説明図である。図１２（ａ）（ｂ）はセンサーによる反応管把持手段の下降時の動作状態を検知する態様を示す説明図である。図１３は反応管把持手段の他の例を示す正面図である。
【００２４】
図１において、１２は自動分析装置、具体的には免疫自動測定装置で、所定速度で間欠的に回転移動する反応管ターレット１４を有している。該反応管ターレット１４の上面周辺部には、複数個の反応管ホルダー１６を内周列及び外周列の２列に配設してなる反応管保持部１８が形成されている。
【００２５】
該反応管ターレット１４上面に設けられる反応管ホルダー１６の設置数は、反応の態様により適宜設定すればよいが、図１の例では、内周列及び外周列がそれぞれ３０個、合計６０個の反応管ホルダー１６を設置した例を示している。
【００２６】
２０は反応管ラックで、多数の受け部２１に反応管を保持する（図１の例では２個の反応管ラックを設置した場合が示されている）。２２は、反応管移載装置で、下部に反応管把持部材２２ａを有しており、反応管ラック２０の受け部２１に保持された反応管を反応管ホルダー１６に移載し、かつ一の反応管ホルダー１６に保持された反応管を所望個数の反応管ホルダー１６をスキップして他の反応管ホルダー１６に移載する作用を行う。
【００２７】
この場合、内周列又は外周列の反応管ホルダー１６に保持された反応管を同じ周列の反応管ホルダー１６に移載することもできるし、他の周列の反応管ホルダー１６に移載することもできる。該反応管移載装置２２は該反応管保持部１８に反応管を供給する反応管供給作用と、該反応管保持部１８から測定済の反応管を取り出し廃棄する反応管廃棄作用とを行なう。
【００２８】
２６は、該反応管にパーティクルを供給するパーティクル供給手段で、その下部にパーティクルノズル２６ａが設けられている。２８は、該反応管に標識試薬を分注する試薬分注手段で、その下部に試薬ノズル２８ａが設けられている。３０は、Ｂ／Ｆ分離を行うための洗浄手段である。３２は、該反応管に測定用試薬を分注する測定用試薬分注手段である。３４は、該反応管の反応後の反応溶液における標識物の量を測定する測定手段である。
【００２９】
３６は、試薬テーブル機構で、試薬テーブル３７を有している。該試薬テーブル３７には取付孔３７ａ，３７ａが穿設されており、該取付孔３７ａ，３７ａを介して試薬ホルダー３８，３８が着脱自在に取つけられている。該試薬ホルダー３８，３８にはパーティクルビン４０及び標識試薬ビン４２がそれぞれ着脱自在に取りつけられている。
【００３０】
しかして、本発明の対象である反応管移載装置２２についてさらに詳細に説明する。図３において、該反応管移載装置２２は基台３５を有している。該基台３５には水平方向に水平方向案内軸３９が固定して設けられ、該水平方向案内軸３９の下方に平行して角シャフト４１が回転可能に設けられている。
【００３１】
４３は、水平移動台で、軸受４４及び角軸受４６を介して水平方向案内軸３９及び角シャフト４１にそれぞれ水平方向に摺動自在に取りつけられ、該角軸受４６にはギヤ４８が取りつけられている。５０は該水平移動台４３の垂直方向に設けられたリニアシャフトである。
【００３２】
５２は垂直移動台で、該リニアシャフト５０を介して該水平移動台４３に上下方向移動自在に取りつけられている。５４は該垂直移動台５２の裏面に上下方向に向けて設けられたラックである。該ラック５４は前記したギヤ４８と噛合しており、前記角シャフト４１を回動することによって該垂直移動台５２が上下方向に移動できるようになっている。
【００３３】
５８は該垂直移動台５２に取りつけられた反応管把持手段である。該反応管把持手段５８は一対の上部レバー部材６０ａ，６０ｂを有している。該一対の上部レバー部材６０ａ，６０ｂはその上端部が一方の上部レバー部材６０ａの上端部に突設された上部支軸６２を他方の上部レバー部材６０ｂの上端部に穿設された軸孔６２ａに挿通することによって互いにピン結合されている。
【００３４】
６４は支持板で、該垂直移動台５２に固着されている。該支持板６４は、該垂直移動台５２の表面にビスによって固着される固着部６４ａと、該固着部６４ａの下端部から前方に延出する延出部６４ｂと、該延出部６４ｂの先端部から垂下する垂下部６４ｃとから構成されている。該垂下部６４ｃの中央部には下方に開放する切欠部６４ｄが穿設されている（図１０）。
【００３５】
６５はセンサー板で、その一端は固定軸６５ａによって該支持板６４に回転可能に取りつけられ、他端はフリーとされている。該センサー板６５の中央部には長手方向に長孔６５ｂが穿設されている。該切欠部６４ｄと長孔６５ｂを介して該上部支軸６２が軸孔６２ａに挿通される構造とすることによって該センサー板６５及び該上部レバー部材６０ａ，６０ｂは該支持板６４に上下動可能にとりつけられる。
【００３６】
したがって、該上部支軸６２が上下動すると、該センサー板６５の他端部が同様に上下動するようになっている。なお、Ｅ３，Ｅ４は該上部支軸６２及び固定軸６５ａの先端部にそれぞれ固着されセンサー板６５の脱落を防ぐＥリングである。
【００３７】
６６ａ，６６ｂは一対の下部レバー部材で、その上端部が、該上部レバー部材６２ａ，６２ｂの下端部にピン６８，６８によってピン結合されている。６７はレバーバネ部材で、下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの対向する面にその両端部が取りつけられ、該下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂが互いに離間する方向、即ち外方に力が働くように作用する。
【００３８】
６９ａ，６９ｂは下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの上端部にそれぞれ外方に突出するように設けられた突部である。該下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂは、それぞれの下端部分が支点折曲部７０，７０を介して外方に折曲して折曲下端部７２，７２となっている。該支点折曲部７０，７０はピン７４によって互いに回動可能にピン結合されている。２２ａ，２２ａは該下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの下端部に接続された把持部材である。
【００３９】
７８は、取付板で、前記水平移動台４３の側端部に取付けられかつ該垂直移動台５２に隣接して設けられている。該取付板７８には固定板７９がビスＢによって固定されている（図８）。該固定板７９の下端部には取付軸８０が立設され、該取付軸８０にはコロ取付部材８２が回動可能に取りつけられている。ＥＩは該コロ取付部８２の該取付軸８０からの脱落を防止するＥリングである。
【００４０】
８４は該コロ取付部材８２の側方に延出された延出板で、該延出板８４にはコロ軸８６が立設されている。該コロ軸８６には当接部材となるコロ８８が回動可能に取りつけられている。Ｅ２は該コロ８８の該コロ軸８６からの脱落を防止するＥリングである。
【００４１】
９０はコロバネ部材で、前記固定板７９の上端部及びコロ取付部材８２の上面とを接続するように取りつけられている。９２ａ，９２ｂは反応管把持手段５２の最上昇位置及び最下降位置に対応して設けられた上部センサー及び下部センサーである。該上部センサー９２ａ及び下部センサー９２ｂはそれぞれ発光部９３ａ及び受光部９３ｂとを間隙Ｄを介して相対向して設置し、該間隙Ｄ内にセンサー板６５が位置すれば発光部９３ａからの光は受光部９３ｂに達しないために受光部９３ｂで受光されない。
【００４２】
この場合には、センサー板６５は水平状態であり、把持部２２ａ，２２ａは反応管Ｔを把持していると判断される。一方、センサー板６５が、該間隙Ｄに存在しないと、発光部９３ａからの光は受光部９３ｂで受光される。この場合には、センサー板６５は傾斜した状態であり、把持部材２２ａ，２２ａは反応管Ｔを把持していないと判断される。
【００４３】
このようにセンサー板６５を検知対象とすることにより、センサー９２ａ，９２ｂとして低廉でかつ感度調整不要の透過型センサーを用いることができ、従来の反応管を直接検知する方式の場合に用いられた高価でかつ感度調整や位置調整が必要なため大きい組付時間を必要とする反射型センサーを用いる必要がないという有利さがある。
【００４４】
９４は該固定板７９の下端部に取りつけられたストッパ部材で、該コロ８８の下方への回動を止める作用を行う。なお、図３において、Ｐ１，Ｐ１は該水平移動台４３を水平方向に移動するための水平プーリであり、不図示の水平駆動モータによって回転せしめられる。Ｐ２は該垂直移動台５２を垂直方向に移動するための垂直プーリで、角シャフト４１の端部に取りつけられている。該垂直プーリＰ２は不図示の垂直駆動モータの駆動力を該角シャフト４１に伝達し、該垂直移動台５２を上下方向に移動させる作用を行う。
【００４５】
上記した構成によりその作用を説明する。図９（ａ）〜（ｄ）は本発明の反応管移載装置２２による反応管Ｔの把持動作を示す概略説明図である。
【００４６】
最初は、把持しようとする反応管Ｔの上方に反応管把持手段５８を位置せしめる。この状態では下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの上端部分はレバーバネ部材６７の外方への付勢力によって離間しており、一方該下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの下端部分及び把持部材２２ａ，２２ａは互いに接近している〔図９（ａ）〕。
【００４７】
次に、該反応管把持手段５８を降下せしめる。この降下の途中に、該下部レバー部材６６ａの側部に設けられた突部６９ａが上方から該コロ８８に衝突する。該コロ８８はストッパ部材９２によって下方への回動は不能とされているので、該衝突による押圧力は該下部レバー部材６６ａに作用し、バネ６７の外方への付勢力に反する方向から力が及ぼされることになり、該下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの上端部分は互いに接近し、これに反して該下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの下端部分及び把持部材２２ａ，２２ａは互いに離間するように動作する〔図９（ｂ）〕。
【００４８】
該突部６９ａが該コロ８８を通過して最下降位置に達すると、該コロ８８による押圧がなくなり、該下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの上端部分は該バネ６７の外方への付勢力によって再び離間し、同時に該下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの下端部分及び把持部材２２ａ，２２ａは互いに接近し、反応管Ｔの上端部を把持する〔図９（ｃ）〕。
【００４９】
該反応管Ｔを把持したまま反応管把持手段５８を上昇させると、その上昇の途中で、該下部レバー部材６６ａの側部に設けられた突部６９ａが下方から該コロ８８に衝突する。該コロ８８は上方への回動は可能とされているので、該突部６９ａに押し上げられて該コロ８８は上方へ回動し、該下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの上端部分は離間しかつ該把持部材２２ａ，２２ａが該反応管を把持したまま上昇し、最上昇位置に達する〔図９（ｄ）〕。
【００５０】
上記した図９（ａ）〜（ｄ）の動作は、空の該把持部材２２ａ，２２ａが反応管Ｔを把持する場合の手順である。この反対に、反応管Ｔを把持している把持部材２２ａ，２２ａが所定位置に反応管Ｔを位置させる場合には、反応管Ｔを把持する反応管把持手段５８を反応管Ｔを移載すべき所定位置の上方に移動させる。次に、該反応管把持手段５８を降下させる。
【００５１】
この降下途中で、該下部レバー部材６６ａの突部６９ａが再びコロ８８に衝突し、この衝突によって該下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの上端部分は互いに接近し、該把持部材２２ａ，２２ａは互いに離間し、それと同時に把持されていた反応管Ｔは該把持部材２２ａ，２２ａから離れて下方に落下し、所定位置に達して移載が終了する。
【００５２】
反応管把持手段５２の最上昇位置及び最下降位置に対応して設けられた上部センサー９２ａ及び下部センサー９２ｂによってセンサー板６５が傾いているか否かを検知することによって該把持部材２２ａ，２２ａが反応管Ｔを把持しているか否かについての情報を得ることができる。
【００５３】
図１１（ａ）に示すごとく、該把持部材２２ａ，２２ａが反応管Ｔを把持していない場合には、該上部レバー部材６０ａ，６０ｂ及び下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの離間の程度は大であるので、支軸６２は下方に変位し、センサー板６５は固定軸６５ａを支点として下方に回動し上部センサー９２ａの検知位置から外れた状態となる。このように該センサー板６５が傾斜して該上部センサー９２ａによって検出されなければ、該把持部材２２ａ，２２ａは反応管Ｔを把持していないと判断される。
【００５４】
反対に、図１１（ｂ）に示すごとく、該把持部材２２ａ，２２ａが反応管Ｔを把持している場合には、該上部レバー部材６０ａ，６０ｂ及び下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの離間の程度は大きくなく、支軸６２は固定軸６５ａと同じ高さを維持するようになっているので、センサー板６５は水平位置を保ったままの状態で上部センサー９２ａによる検知可能な位置に存在することとなる。該センサー板６５が水平状態にあって、該上部センサー９２ａによって検知されれば、該把持部材２２ａ，２２ａは反応管Ｔを把持していると判断される。
【００５５】
図１２（ａ），（ｂ）に示すごとく、下部センサー９２ｂによって、同様に、最下降位置にある反応管把持手段５８のセンサー板６５が水平か又は傾斜しているかを検出することによって把持部材２２ａ，２２ａに反応管Ｔが把持されているか否かの判断を行うことができる。
【００５６】
上記した実施例では、上部レバー部材６０ａ，６０ｂに下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂを連結させてなる所謂パンタグラフ形式の反応管把持手段５２の場合について説明した。
【００５７】
本発明のポイントは、最上昇位置では下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂが互いに離間するとともに把持部材２２ａ，２２ａが近接している状態であるが、反応管把持手段５２が降下時には外方からの押圧力が下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂに一時的に作用して下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂが互いに接近し、それと同時に把持部材２２ａ，２２ａが一時的に互いに離間し、最下降位置では再び元に戻って把持部材２２ａ，２２ａが互いに近接して反応管Ｔを把持できる状態となり、一方該反応管把持手段５２を上昇させる時には、外方からの押圧力が一切加わることがなく、該把持部材２２ａは反応管Ｔを把持したまま上昇することができることである。
【００５８】
したがって、上記した実施の形態以外にも本発明思想を実施しうる構成は考えられるが、例えば図１３に示した例を挙げることができる。図１３においては、下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂ及び把持部材２２ａ，２２ａが設けられる構成は同じであるが、上部レバー部材が存在しない点が図１〜図１２の例と主として異なる点である。また、ピン６８は前記した垂直移動台５２に固着されており、該ピン６８を下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの上部に穿設された長孔９６に遊挿し、該下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂが該長孔９６に沿って移動可能とされている。該下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの上部の開閉にともなって該把持部材２２ａ，２２ａが反応管Ｔを解放又は把持することができるようになっている。
【００５９】
図１３の構成においても、該反応管把持手段５２が下降する場合には、下部レバー部材６６ａに設けられた突部６９ａが上方のみに回動可能とされたコロ８８に上方から衝突すると該コロ８８は下方に回動できないので該下部レバー部材６６に対して外方から力を一時的に及ぼし、該下部レバー部材６６ａ，６６ｂの上端部分は互いに一時的に近接し同時に該把持部材２２ａ，２２ａは互いに離間する。したがって、図９（ｂ）と同様に反応管Ｔを把持することができる。
【００６０】
また、該反応管把持手段５２が上昇する場合には、該コロ８８に突部６９ａが衝突してもコロ８８は上方に回動するだけなので、図９（ｃ），（ｄ）の場合と同様に反応管Ｔを把持したまま上昇することができる。
【００６１】
図１３に図示したように、上部レバー部材６０ａ，６０ｂを設けない場合でも反応管Ｔの把持部材２２ａ，２２ａによる把持及び解放を図９（ａ）〜（ｄ）と同様に行うことができる。なお、図１３においては、好ましい例として、図９の下部レバー部材６６ｂの突部６９ｂに対応して、第２のコロ８８ａ及び第２のストッパ部材９２ａを設けた場合を図示したが、これらのコロ８８ａ及びストッパ部材９２ａの設置を省略することも可能である。
【００６２】
【発明の効果】
以上述べたごとく、本発明の反応管移載装置は、反応管内部への異物の混入を防止することができ、過大なモータを設置する必要がなく、移載操作の効率の向上を図るとともに反応管の構造上余分な強度を省略することができるという効果を奏する。また、本発明のセンサー付反応管移載装置は、センサーコストを低減させることができセンサーの感度調整を不要とすることができるという利点を有している。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の反応管移載装置が適用される自動分析装置の一例を示す上面図である。
【図２】図１の側面図である。
【図３】本発明の反応管移載装置の一つの実施の形態を示す正面概略説明図である。
【図４】一部を切欠いて示した図３の側面概略説明図である。
【図５】反応管把持手段の垂直移動台への取付状態を示す側面概略説明図である。
【図６】反応管把持手段の各部材を分解して示した分解側面図である。
【図７】下部レバー部材を摘示して示した摘示正面図である。
【図８】コロとストッパ部材との取付状態を示す分解斜視説明図である。
【図９】反応管把持手段による反応管の把持・解放の動作の説明図で、（ａ）は空の反応管把持手段が最上昇位置にあり把持部材が閉じている状態、（ｂ）把持部材が開放している状態、（ｃ）把持部材が閉じて反応管を把持した状態及び（ｄ）把持部材が反応管を把持したまま最上昇位置に戻った状態をそれぞれ示す。
【図１０】センサー板とセンサーの取付状態を示す分解斜視図である。
【図１１】反応管把持手段が最上昇位置にある場合のセンサー板の傾斜の程度をセンサーによって検出して状態を示す説明図で、（ａ）は把持部材が反応管を把持しておらずセンサー板が傾斜している状態及び（ｂ）は把持部材が反応管を把持しておりセンサー板が傾斜していない状態をそれぞれ示す。
【図１２】反応管把持手段が最下降位置にある場合のセンサー板の傾斜の程度をセンサーによって検出して状態を示す説明図で、（ａ）は把持部材が反応管を把持しておらずセンサー板が傾斜している状態及び（ｂ）は把持部材が反応管を把持しておりセンサー板が傾斜していない状態をそれぞれ示す。
【図１３】反応管把持手段の他の実施の形態を示す正面概略説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１２自動分析装置，１４反応管ターレット，１６反応管ホルダー，
１８反応管保持部，２０反応管ラック，２１受け部，
２２反応管移載装置，２２ａ反応管把持部材，
２６パーティクル供給手段，２６ａパーティクルノズル，
２８試薬分注手段，２８ａ試薬ノズル，３０洗浄手段，
３２測定用試薬分注手段，３４測定手段，３５基台，
３６試薬テーブル機構，３７試薬テーブル，３７ａ取付孔，
３８試薬ホルダー，３９水平方向案内軸，４０パーティクルビン，
４１角シャフト，４３水平移動台，４４軸受，４６角軸受，
４８ギヤ，５０リニアシャフト，５２垂直移動台，５４ラック，
５８反応管把持手段，６０ａ，６０ｂ上部レバー部材，６２上部支軸，
６２ａ軸孔，６４支持板，６４ａ固着部，６４ｂ延出部，
６４ｃ垂下部，６４ｄ切欠部，６５センサー板，６５ａ固定軸，
６６ａ，６６ｂ下部レバー部材，６７レバーバネ部材，６８，７４ピン，
６９ａ，６９ｂ突部，７０支点折曲部，７２折曲下端部，７８取付板，
７９固定板，８０取付軸，８２コロ取付部材，８４延出板，
８６コロ軸，８８コロ，９０コロバネ部材，９２ａ上部センサー，
９２ｂ下部センサー，９４ストッパ板，９６長孔，Ｂビス，
Ｅ１，Ｅ２，Ｅ３，Ｅ４Ｅリング，Ｔ反応管，Ｐ１水平プーリ，
Ｐ２垂直プーリ[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a transfer device in an automatic analyzer that can easily transfer a reaction tube (also referred to as a reaction vessel) used in an automatic analyzer such as an automatic immunoassay device.
[0002]
[Related technology]
Conventionally, non-competitive sandwich methods and competitive methods of a one-step method and a two-step method have been known as immunoassays utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction.
[0003]
A method of measuring the amount of antigen contained in a sample such as blood collected from a patient as a sample by a one-step non-competitive sandwich method will be described. For example, an antibody (solid phase antibody) bound to an insoluble simple substance (solid phase) such as an inner wall or a particle (particle) of a synthetic resin, a radioactive substance, a fluorescent substance, Yeast A sample to be measured is added to a reaction tube to which an antibody (labeled antibody) to which a labeling substance such as nitrogen has been added in advance.
[0004]
As a result, in the reaction tube, the antigen contained in the sample reacts with the solid-phase antibody by an antigen-antibody reaction (immune reaction) to form an antigen-antibody complex, and at the same time, a labeled antibody is also conjugated to the antigen-antibody complex. As a result, a complex in which the three components of the solid-phase antibody-antigen-labeled antibody are sandwiched is generated. In this way, the label of the labeled antibody is bound to the solid phase using the antigen in the sample as a mediator.
[0005]
Next, extra labeled antibodies other than the label bound to the solid phase and not binding to the antigen added to the reaction tube, antibody components not involved in the immune reaction, and the like are separated (B / F separation), and finally, the amount of the label in proportion to the amount of the antigen bound to the solid phase is quantitatively measured by a physical or chemical method utilizing the properties of the label, and the amount of the antigen in the sample is determined. Find the concentration.
[0006]
On the other hand, in the non-competitive sandwich method of the two-step method, first, a sample is added to a reaction tube to which only a solid-phase antibody has been added in advance, and then the first reaction is performed. body In which the second reaction is carried out for measurement.
[0007]
In addition to these non-competitive sandwich methods, there is also a method called a competitive method in which an antigen (labeled antigen) previously labeled with a labeling substance and the antigen in the sample are allowed to react competitively with the solid phase antibody described above. Are known.
[0008]
As an apparatus for automatically performing the measurement in such an immunoassay, an automatic analyzer such as an automatic immunoassay is known. In this automatic analyzer, a reaction tube is transferred from a reaction tube rack to a reaction tube holder, and the reaction tube held in the reaction tube holder is transferred to another reaction tube holder. A loading device is used.
[0009]
In a conventional reaction tube transfer device, a rod-shaped grasping unit is pressed into an upper opening of the reaction tube to grasp the reaction tube, and a rod-shaped detaching unit is pressed against a thick portion of the opening of the reaction tube. Thus, the rod-shaped grasping means is detached from the reaction tube.
[0010]
When the reaction tube is transferred using such a rod-shaped grasping means, there is a lack of reliability in the measurement data due to the intrusion of foreign matter into the reaction tube, and the rod-shaped grasping means may be pressed into and removed from the reaction tube. There have been problems such as the necessity of an excessive motor due to the necessity of a large amount of power (cost increase) and the strength of the reaction tube itself (weight increase).
[0011]
In addition, in this type of transfer apparatus, it is necessary for operation management to detect whether or not the reaction tube holding means is holding the reaction tube. In the conventional detection method of the reaction tube gripping, the reaction tube is directly detected using a sensor. In general, the reaction tube was a small cylindrical and transparent body, and it was usual to detect using a reflection type sensor. This reflective sensor is expensive and requires precise adjustment of sensitivity and position, it takes a lot of time to assemble, and there is a large variation in the measurement, and the reliability due to such detection must be reduced. there were.
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the related art, and can prevent foreign substances from being mixed into the inside of a reaction tube, eliminate the need for installing an excessive motor, and improve the efficiency of transfer operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a reaction tube transfer device which can eliminate unnecessary strength due to the structure of a reaction tube.
[0013]
Another object of the present invention is to detect the presence or absence of the reaction tube gripping by the reaction tube gripping means, which can reduce the cost of the sensor and transfer a reaction tube equipped with a novel sensor system that does not require sensitivity adjustment. It is to provide a device.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention is a device for transferring a reaction tube to a predetermined position in a device that performs automatic analysis using a large number of reaction tubes, and is a horizontally movable horizontal tube. A moving table, a reaction tube gripping means vertically movably attached to the horizontal moving table, and a bias provided to a closed state provided at a lower end of the reaction tube gripping means and capable of always gripping the reaction tube. A gripping portion urged by said means, and when the reaction tube gripping means is lowered, the gripping portion is temporarily actuated by applying a counter- urging force from a direction opposite to the urging direction of the urging means. When the gripping portion is empty, the reaction tube can be gripped by bringing the reaction tube into a closed state again after it is opened, and the reaction tube is gripped when the gripping portion has already gripped the reaction tube. Can be released while the reaction tube gripping means is raised. Characterized in that to be able to rise while holding the reaction tube without exerting anti biasing force to the lifting unit.
[0015]
A second aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for transferring a reaction tube to a predetermined position in an apparatus for performing automatic analysis using a large number of reaction tubes, comprising: a horizontally movable table movable in a horizontal direction; And a reaction tube gripping means provided on the vertical movement table so that the reaction tube gripping means is always in a closed state in which the reaction tube can be gripped. The reaction tube is constituted by a gripper urged by the urging means, and a pressing protrusion capable of applying a counter- urging force from a direction opposite to the urging direction of the urging means when pressed. When the gripping means is lowered, the pressing projection can be temporarily pressed to apply a counter-biasing force to the urging means temporarily, and the pressing projection can be pressed when the reaction tube gripping means is raised. Horizontal movement of the abutment means that operates without Is fixed to the mounting plate adjacent to the vertical moving table, and when the reaction tube gripping means is lowered, the gripping portion is temporarily opened and then closed again so that the gripping portion is empty. In the case, the reaction tube can be gripped, and the reaction tube can be released when the grip portion has already gripped the reaction tube, while the reaction tube was gripped when the reaction tube gripping means was raised. It is characterized by being able to ascend.
[0016]
A third aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for transferring a reaction tube to a predetermined position in an apparatus for performing an automatic analysis using a large number of reaction tubes, comprising: a horizontally movable table movable in a horizontal direction; And a reaction tube gripping means provided on the vertical movement table, the reaction tube gripping means being vertically attached to a support plate fixed to the vertical movement table. A pair of upper lever members whose upper ends are rotatably pin-connected to each other via an upper support shaft movably mounted, and a pair of upper lever members whose respective upper ends are rotatably connected to the pair of upper lever members. A pair of lower lever members connected to each other and forming a fulcrum at the lower end thereof and each fulcrum connected by pin connection via a lower support shaft protruding from the vertical moving table; Lower end of lower lever member A pair of gripping members connected to each other, a biasing means attached to the reaction tube gripping means such that the pair of gripping members are always in a closed state, and a projection protruding outward on an outer surface of the lower lever member. And a contacting means which is configured to be capable of contacting the pressing protrusion and being rotatable upward and non-rotatable downward is fixed to the horizontal moving table. It is provided on a mounting plate adjacent to the vertical moving table, and when the reaction tube gripping means descends, a force against the urging means is applied by the pressing projection abutting against the corresponding contacting means to apply the pair of gripping members. By temporarily opening and then closing again, the reaction tube can be gripped when the gripping member is empty, and the reaction tube can be gripped when the gripping member has already gripped the reaction tube. The tube can be released while the reaction tube gripping means is raised Characterized in that to be able pressing 圧突 portion is abutting contact also abutment means to means is rotated upward gripping member to rise while holding the reaction tube.
[0017]
The fulcrum portion of the lower lever member is a fulcrum bent portion, and the lower end portion of the lower lever member is bent outward through the fulcrum bent portion to become a bent lower end portion, and each bent portion is formed. It is preferable to configure so as to be pin-connected.
[0018]
A sensor plate that is displaced in response to gripping or non-gripping of the reaction tube by the reaction tube gripping unit is provided in the reaction tube holding unit, and a sensor that detects a displacement state of the sensor plate is provided corresponding to the sensor plate. Thereby, it is possible to easily know whether or not the gripping portion is gripping the reaction tube.
[0019]
One end of a plate-shaped sensor plate is rotatably attached to the mounting plate, and the central portion of the sensor plate is attached to the upper support shaft, so that the sensor plate can hold or not grip the reaction tube of the holding portion. It is configured to be displaced according to the state, a sensor is provided at a position corresponding to the other end of the sensor plate, and by detecting the displacement of the sensor plate, it is possible to know whether or not the reaction tube is grasped by the grasping unit. With this configuration, the gripping state of the reaction tube can be known using a transmission-type sensor, and the cost can be significantly reduced as compared with a conventional reflection-type sensor.
[0020]
Using an upper sensor and a lower sensor as the sensors, the sensor plate at the highest position of the reaction tube holding means is detected by the upper sensor, and the sensor plate at the lowest position of the reaction tube holding means is detected by the lower sensor. With such a configuration, there is an advantage that it is possible to accurately know whether or not the reaction tube is gripped at the highest position and the lowest position of the reaction tube holding means.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a top view showing one embodiment of an automatic immunoassay apparatus provided with a reaction tube transfer device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the reaction tube transfer device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 3 with a part cut away. FIG. 5 is a pinched side view of the reaction tube gripping means. FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of the reaction tube gripping means. FIG. 7 is an exploded front view of the lower lever member.
[0023]
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the contact means. 9 (a) to 9 (d) are explanatory front views showing the reaction tube gripping operation of the reaction tube gripping means. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting state of the sensor plate and the sensor. FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing a mode of detecting the operating state of the reaction tube gripping unit when the sensor is raised by the sensor. FIGS. 12A and 12B are explanatory views showing a mode of detecting the operation state of the reaction tube gripping means when the sensor is lowered by the sensor. FIG. 13 is a front view showing another example of the reaction tube holding means.
[0024]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 12 denotes an automatic analyzer, specifically, an automatic immunoassay device, which has a reaction tube turret 14 which rotates intermittently at a predetermined speed. At the periphery of the upper surface of the reaction tube turret 14, there is formed a reaction tube holding portion 18 in which a plurality of reaction tube holders 16 are arranged in two rows, an inner row and an outer row.
[0025]
The number of the reaction tube holders 16 provided on the upper surface of the reaction tube turret 14 may be appropriately set according to the mode of the reaction, but in the example of FIG. The example which installed the reaction tube holder 16 is shown.
[0026]
Reference numeral 20 denotes a reaction tube rack, which holds reaction tubes in a large number of receiving portions 21 (in the example of FIG. 1, a case where two reaction tube racks are installed is shown). Reference numeral 22 denotes a reaction tube transfer device, which has a reaction tube gripping member 22a at a lower portion, and transfers the reaction tube held in the receiving portion 21 of the reaction tube rack 20 to the reaction tube holder 16, and An operation of transferring the reaction tubes held in the reaction tube holder 16 to another reaction tube holder 16 while skipping the desired number of reaction tube holders 16 is performed.
[0027]
In this case, the reaction tubes held in the inner or outer rows of the reaction tube holders 16 can be transferred to the reaction tube holders 16 of the same row, or can be transferred to the reaction tube holders 16 of another row. You can also. The reaction tube transfer device 22 performs a reaction tube supply operation of supplying a reaction tube to the reaction tube holding unit 18 and a reaction tube disposal operation of taking out the measured reaction tube from the reaction tube holding unit 18 and discarding the reaction tube.
[0028]
26 is a particle supply means for supplying particles to the reaction tube, and a particle nozzle 26a is provided below the particle supply means. Reference numeral 28 denotes a reagent dispensing means for dispensing a labeling reagent into the reaction tube, and a reagent nozzle 28a is provided below the reagent dispensing means. Reference numeral 30 denotes a cleaning unit for performing B / F separation. Reference numeral 32 denotes a measuring reagent dispensing means for dispensing the measuring reagent into the reaction tube. Reference numeral 34 denotes a measuring means for measuring the amount of the label in the reaction solution after the reaction in the reaction tube.
[0029]
A reagent table mechanism 36 has a reagent table 37. Mounting holes 37a, 37a are formed in the reagent table 37, and reagent holders 38, 38 are detachably mounted through the mounting holes 37a, 37a. A particle bin 40 and a labeled reagent bin 42 are detachably attached to the reagent holders 38, 38, respectively.
[0030]
The reaction tube transfer device 22, which is the subject of the present invention, will now be described in further detail. In FIG. 3, the reaction tube transfer device 22 has a base 35. A horizontal guide shaft 39 is fixedly provided in the base 35 in the horizontal direction, and a square shaft 41 is rotatably provided below the horizontal guide shaft 39 in parallel.
[0031]
Reference numeral 43 denotes a horizontal moving table which is horizontally slidably mounted on a horizontal guide shaft 39 and a square shaft 41 via a bearing 44 and a square bearing 46, and a gear 48 is mounted on the square bearing 46. I have. 50 is a linear shaft provided in the vertical direction of the horizontal moving table 43.
[0032]
Reference numeral 52 denotes a vertical moving table, which is mounted on the horizontal moving table 43 via the linear shaft 50 so as to be vertically movable. Reference numeral 54 denotes a rack provided on the back surface of the vertical moving table 52 so as to extend in the vertical direction. The rack 54 is meshed with the gear 48, and the vertical moving table 52 can be moved up and down by rotating the square shaft 41.
[0033]
Reference numeral 58 denotes a reaction tube holding means attached to the vertical moving table 52. The reaction tube gripping means 58 has a pair of upper lever members 60a and 60b. The pair of upper lever members 60a, 60b has an upper support shaft 62 whose upper end protrudes from the upper end of one upper lever member 60a, and a shaft hole 62a formed in the upper end of the other upper lever member 60b. Are pin-connected to each other.
[0034]
A support plate 64 is fixed to the vertical moving table 52. The support plate 64 includes a fixing portion 64a fixed to the surface of the vertical moving table 52 with screws, an extending portion 64b extending forward from a lower end of the fixing portion 64a, and a tip of the extending portion 64b. And a hanging part 64c hanging from the part. A notch 64d is formed in the center of the hanging portion 64c to open downward (FIG. 10).
[0035]
Reference numeral 65 denotes a sensor plate, one end of which is rotatably attached to the support plate 64 by a fixed shaft 65a, and the other end of which is free. A long hole 65b is formed in the center of the sensor plate 65 in the longitudinal direction. The sensor plate 65 and the upper lever members 60a and 60b can be moved up and down by the support plate 64 by adopting a structure in which the upper support shaft 62 is inserted into the shaft hole 62a through the notch 64d and the elongated hole 65b. Attached to
[0036]
Therefore, when the upper support shaft 62 moves up and down, the other end of the sensor plate 65 moves up and down similarly. E3 and E4 are E-rings respectively fixed to the distal ends of the upper support shaft 62 and the fixed shaft 65a to prevent the sensor plate 65 from falling off.
[0037]
66a and 66b are a pair of lower lever members, the upper ends of which are pin-connected to the lower ends of the upper lever members 62a and 62b by pins 68 and 68. Reference numeral 67 denotes a lever spring member, both ends of which are attached to opposing surfaces of the lower lever members 66a and 66b, and acts so that the lower lever members 66a and 66b are separated from each other, that is, a force acts outward.
[0038]
69a and 69b are protrusions provided at upper end portions of the lower lever members 66a and 66b so as to protrude outward, respectively. The lower end portions of the lower lever members 66a, 66b are bent outward through the fulcrum bending portions 70, 70 to form bent lower end portions 72, 72. The fulcrum bending portions 70 are rotatably pin-connected to each other by pins 74. 22a, 22a are gripping members connected to the lower ends of the lower lever members 66a, 66b.
[0039]
Reference numeral 78 denotes a mounting plate which is mounted on a side end of the horizontal moving table 43 and is provided adjacent to the vertical moving table 52. A fixing plate 79 is fixed to the mounting plate 78 with screws B (FIG. 8). A mounting shaft 80 is erected at the lower end of the fixing plate 79, and a roller mounting member 82 is rotatably mounted on the mounting shaft 80. EI is an E-ring for preventing the roller mounting portion 82 from falling off from the mounting shaft 80.
[0040]
Reference numeral 84 denotes an extension plate that extends to the side of the roller mounting member 82, and a roller shaft 86 is erected on the extension plate 84. A roller 88 serving as a contact member is rotatably attached to the roller shaft 86. E2 is an E-ring for preventing the roller 88 from falling off from the roller shaft 86.
[0041]
A roller spring member 90 is attached so as to connect the upper end of the fixing plate 79 and the upper surface of the roller mounting member 82. Reference numerals 92a and 92b denote an upper sensor and a lower sensor provided corresponding to the highest position and the lowest position of the reaction tube holding means 52, respectively. The upper sensor 92a and the lower sensor 92b are provided with a light emitting unit 93a and a light receiving unit 93b, respectively, facing each other with a gap D therebetween. If the sensor plate 65 is located in the gap D, light from the light emitting unit 93a is Since the light does not reach the light receiving section 93b, the light is not received by the light receiving section 93b.
[0042]
In this case, the sensor plate 65 is in a horizontal state, and it is determined that the grip portions 22a, 22a are gripping the reaction tube T. On the other hand, when the sensor plate 65 does not exist in the gap D, the light from the light emitting unit 93a is received by the light receiving unit 93b. In this case, the sensor plate 65 is in an inclined state, and it is determined that the holding members 22a, 22a are not holding the reaction tube T.
[0043]
By using the sensor plate 65 as a detection target in this way, a low-cost transmission-type sensor that does not require sensitivity adjustment can be used as the sensors 92a and 92b, which is used in the case of the conventional method of directly detecting a reaction tube. There is an advantage that it is not necessary to use a reflection type sensor which is expensive and requires a long assembling time since sensitivity adjustment and position adjustment are required.
[0044]
Reference numeral 94 denotes a stopper member attached to the lower end of the fixing plate 79, which functions to stop the roller 88 from rotating downward. In FIG. 3, P1 and P1 are horizontal pulleys for moving the horizontal moving table 43 in the horizontal direction, and are rotated by a horizontal drive motor (not shown). P2 is a vertical pulley for vertically moving the vertical moving table 52, and is attached to the end of the square shaft 41. The vertical pulley P2 transmits a driving force of a vertical drive motor (not shown) to the square shaft 41, and performs an operation of vertically moving the vertical moving table 52.
[0045]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. FIGS. 9A to 9D are schematic explanatory views showing the gripping operation of the reaction tube T by the reaction tube transfer device 22 of the present invention.
[0046]
First, the reaction tube gripping means 58 is positioned above the reaction tube T to be gripped. In this state, the upper end portions of the lower lever members 66a and 66b are separated by the outward biasing force of the lever spring member 67, while the lower end portions of the lower lever members 66a and 66b and the grip members 22a and 22a approach each other. [FIG. 9A].
[0047]
Next, the reaction tube gripping means 58 is lowered. During this descent, the projection 69a provided on the side of the lower lever member 66a collides with the roller 88 from above. Since the roller 88 cannot be rotated downward by the stopper member 92, the pressing force due to the collision acts on the lower lever member 66a, and a force is applied from a direction opposite to the outward urging force of the spring 67. The upper end portions of the lower lever members 66a, 66b are close to each other, while the lower end portions of the lower lever members 66a, 66b and the grip members 22a, 22a operate to be separated from each other. [FIG. 9 (b)].
[0048]
When the projection 69a reaches the lowermost position after passing through the roller 88, the pressing by the roller 88 is stopped, and the upper end portions of the lower lever members 66a and 66b are again pressed by the outward urging force of the spring 67. At the same time, the lower end portions of the lower lever members 66a, 66b and the gripping members 22a, 22a approach each other and grip the upper end of the reaction tube T (FIG. 9C).
[0049]
When the reaction tube gripping means 58 is lifted while holding the reaction tube T, a projection 69a provided on the side of the lower lever member 66a collides with the roller 88 from below during the ascent. Since the roller 88 is rotatable upward, the roller 88 is pushed up by the projection 69a and rotates upward, the upper end portions of the lower lever members 66a and 66b are separated from each other, and The holding members 22a, 22a rise while holding the reaction tube, and reach the highest position [FIG. 9 (d)].
[0050]
The above-described operations in FIGS. 9A to 9D are procedures when the empty gripping members 22a, 22a grip the reaction tube T. Conversely, when the holding members 22a, 22a holding the reaction tube T position the reaction tube T at predetermined positions, the reaction tube T is transferred by the reaction tube holding means 58 for holding the reaction tube T. It is moved above a predetermined position. Next, the reaction tube gripping means 58 is lowered.
[0051]
During this descent, the projection 69a of the lower lever member 66a again collides with the roller 88, whereby the upper ends of the lower lever members 66a, 66b approach each other, and the grip members 22a, 22a separate from each other. At the same time, the reaction tube T grasped falls away from the grasping members 22a, 22a and falls downward, reaches a predetermined position, and the transfer is completed.
[0052]
By detecting whether or not the sensor plate 65 is tilted by the upper sensor 92a and the lower sensor 92b provided corresponding to the highest position and the lowest position of the reaction tube gripping means 52, the gripping members 22a, 22a react. Information about whether or not the tube T is being gripped can be obtained.
[0053]
As shown in FIG. 11A, when the gripping members 22a, 22a do not grip the reaction tube T, the distance between the upper lever members 60a, 60b and the lower lever members 66a, 66b is large. Therefore, the support shaft 62 is displaced downward, and the sensor plate 65 is rotated downward about the fixed shaft 65a as a fulcrum, and comes out of the detection position of the upper sensor 92a. If the sensor plate 65 is tilted and not detected by the upper sensor 92a, it is determined that the gripping members 22a, 22a are not gripping the reaction tube T.
[0054]
Conversely, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), when the gripping members 22a, 22a grip the reaction tube T, the distance between the upper lever members 60a, 60b and the lower lever members 66a, 66b is Since the support shaft 62 is not large and maintains the same height as the fixed shaft 65a, the sensor plate 65 must be at a position where the upper sensor 92a can detect the state while maintaining the horizontal position. Become. If the sensor plate 65 is in a horizontal state and detected by the upper sensor 92a, it is determined that the gripping members 22a, 22a are gripping the reaction tube T.
[0055]
As shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b), the lower sensor 92b similarly detects whether the sensor plate 65 of the reaction tube gripping means 58 at the lowest position is horizontal or inclined, and thereby holds the gripping member. It is possible to determine whether or not the reaction tube T is gripped by 22a.
[0056]
In the above-described embodiment, the case of the so-called pantograph-type reaction tube holding means 52 in which the lower lever members 66a and 66b are connected to the upper lever members 60a and 60b has been described.
[0057]
The point of the present invention is that the lower lever members 66a, 66b are separated from each other and the gripping members 22a, 22a are close to each other at the highest position, but when the reaction tube gripping means 52 is lowered, the pressing force from the outside is increased. Temporarily act on the lower lever members 66a, 66b to cause the lower lever members 66a, 66b to approach each other, and at the same time, the gripping members 22a, 22a temporarily separate from each other. When the members 22a and 22a are close to each other and can grip the reaction tube T, on the other hand, when the reaction tube gripping means 52 is raised, no pressing force is applied from the outside, and the gripping member 22a is attached to the reaction tube T. That is, it is possible to ascend while holding T.
[0058]
Therefore, other than the above-described embodiment, a configuration that can implement the concept of the present invention is conceivable. For example, an example shown in FIG. 13 can be given. In FIG. 13, the configuration in which the lower lever members 66a, 66b and the grip members 22a, 22a are provided is the same, but the point that the upper lever member is not present is mainly different from the examples of FIGS. Further, the pin 68 is fixed to the vertical moving table 52, and the pin 68 is loosely inserted into the long hole 96 formed in the upper part of the lower lever members 66a, 66b, and the lower lever members 66a, 66b are It is movable along the elongated hole 96. With the opening and closing of the upper portions of the lower lever members 66a, 66b, the gripping members 22a, 22a can release or grip the reaction tube T.
[0059]
Also in the configuration of FIG. 13, when the reaction tube gripping means 52 descends, when the protrusion 69a provided on the lower lever member 66a collides from above with the roller 88 rotatable only upward, the roller is 88 cannot rotate downward, so that a force is temporarily exerted on the lower lever member 66 from the outside, and the upper end portions of the lower lever members 66a, 66b are temporally close to each other and at the same time the grip members 22a, 22a. Are separated from each other. Therefore, the reaction tube T can be gripped in the same manner as in FIG.
[0060]
Further, when the reaction tube gripping means 52 rises, even if the projection 69a collides with the roller 88, the roller 88 only rotates upward, so that the case of FIGS. Similarly, the user can move up while holding the reaction tube T.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 13, even when the upper lever members 60a, 60b are not provided, the reaction tube T can be gripped and released by the gripping members 22a, 22a in the same manner as in FIGS. 9A to 9D. In addition, FIG. 13 illustrates a case where the second roller 88a and the second stopper member 92a are provided corresponding to the protrusion 69b of the lower lever member 66b in FIG. 9 as a preferable example. It is also possible to omit the installation of the roller 88a and the stopper member 92a.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the reaction tube transfer device of the present invention can prevent foreign matters from entering the inside of the reaction tube, eliminate the need for installing an excessive motor, and improve the efficiency of the transfer operation. There is an effect that extra strength can be omitted due to the structure of the reaction tube. Further, the reaction tube transfer device with a sensor of the present invention has an advantage that the sensor cost can be reduced and the sensitivity adjustment of the sensor can be made unnecessary.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a top view showing an example of an automatic analyzer to which a reaction tube transfer device of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing one embodiment of the reaction tube transfer device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of FIG. 3 with a part cut away.
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing a state where the reaction tube gripping means is attached to a vertical moving table.
FIG. 6 is an exploded side view showing each member of the reaction tube holding means in an exploded manner.
FIG. 7 is a pinch front view showing the lower lever member pinched;
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an attached state of a roller and a stopper member.
9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams of the operation of gripping and releasing the reaction tube by the reaction tube gripping means, wherein FIG. 9A shows a state where the empty reaction tube gripping means is at the highest position and the gripping member is closed, and FIG. The state where the member is open, the state where (c) the gripping member is closed and the reaction tube is gripped, and the state where (d) the gripping member returns to the highest position while holding the reaction tube are shown, respectively.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting state of the sensor plate and the sensor.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing a state in which the degree of inclination of the sensor plate is detected by a sensor when the reaction tube gripping unit is at the highest position, and FIG. 11A illustrates a state in which the gripping member does not grip the reaction tube; (B) shows a state where the sensor plate is inclined and (b) shows a state where the gripping member is gripping the reaction tube and the sensor plate is not inclined, respectively.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the degree of inclination of the sensor plate is detected by a sensor when the reaction tube gripping unit is at the lowest position, and FIG. 12A illustrates a state in which the gripping member does not grip the reaction tube. (B) shows a state where the sensor plate is inclined and (b) shows a state where the gripping member is gripping the reaction tube and the sensor plate is not inclined, respectively.
FIG. 13 is a schematic front view showing another embodiment of the reaction tube gripping means.
[Explanation of symbols]
12 automatic analyzer, 14 reaction tube turret, 16 reaction tube holder,
18 reaction tube holding part, 20 reaction tube rack, 21 receiving part,
22 reaction tube transfer device, 22a reaction tube gripping member,
26 particle supply means, 26a particle nozzle,
28 reagent dispensing means, 28a reagent nozzle, 30 washing means,
32 measuring reagent dispensing means, 34 measuring means, 35 base,
36 reagent table mechanism, 37 reagent table, 37a mounting hole,
38 reagent holder, 39 horizontal guide shaft, 40 particle bin,
41 square shaft, 43 horizontal slide, 44 bearing, 46 square bearing,
48 gears, 50 linear shafts, 52 vertical slides, 54 racks,
58 Reaction tube gripping means, 60a, 60b Upper lever member, 62 Upper support shaft,
62a shaft hole, 64 support plate, 64a fixing part, 64b extension part,
64c hanging part, 64d notch, 65 sensor plate, 65a fixed shaft,
66a, 66b lower lever member, 67 lever spring member, 68, 74 pin,
69a, 69b protrusion, 70 fulcrum bend, 72 bend lower end, 78 mounting plate,
79 fixing plate, 80 mounting shaft, 82 roller mounting member, 84 extension plate,
86 roller shaft, 88 roller, 90 roller spring member, 92a upper sensor,
92b lower sensor, 94 stopper plate, 96 long hole, B screw,
E1, E2, E3, E4 E ring, T reaction tube, P1 horizontal pulley,
P2 Vertical pulley

Claims

A device for transferring a reaction tube to a predetermined position in a device for performing automatic analysis using a large number of reaction tubes, and a horizontally movable table that is movable in a horizontal direction, and is mounted on the horizontally movable table so as to be vertically movable. A reaction tube gripping means, and a gripping part provided at a lower end of the reaction tube gripping means and urged by an urging means so as to be always in a closed state capable of gripping the reaction tube; When the gripper is lowered, the gripper is temporarily opened and then closed again by temporarily applying a counter-biasing force from a direction opposite to the biasing direction of the biaser. When the portion is empty, the reaction tube can be gripped, and when the grip portion has already gripped the reaction tube, the reaction tube can be released, while when the reaction tube gripping means is raised, the reaction tube can be gripped. Holds the reaction tube without applying a counter-force to the grip The reaction tube transfer device being characterized in that to be able to rise while.

A device for transferring a reaction tube to a predetermined position in a device for performing automatic analysis using a large number of reaction tubes, and a horizontally movable table that is movable in a horizontal direction, and is mounted on the horizontally movable table so as to be vertically movable. It has a vertical moving table and a reaction tube gripping means provided on the vertical moving table, and the reaction tube gripping means is urged by the urging means so as to be always in a closed state where the reaction tube can be gripped. A gripping portion, and a pressing protrusion capable of applying a counter-biasing force from a direction opposite to the biasing direction of the biasing means when pressed, and the pressing protrusion when the reaction tube gripping device is lowered. Abutting means which can temporarily press the urging means to temporarily apply a counter- urging force to the urging means and operate so as not to press the pressing protrusion when the reaction tube gripping means is raised. Is fixed to the horizontal carriage and the vertical Provided on a mounting plate adjacent to the moving table, when the reaction tube gripping means is lowered, the grip is temporarily opened and then closed again, so that when the grip is empty, the reaction tube is closed. The reaction tube can be released when the grip portion has already gripped the reaction tube, while the reaction tube can be lifted while holding the reaction tube when the reaction tube gripping means is raised. A reaction tube transfer device, characterized in that:

A device for transferring a reaction tube to a predetermined position in a device for performing automatic analysis using a large number of reaction tubes, and a horizontally movable table that is movable in a horizontal direction, and is mounted on the horizontally movable table so as to be vertically movable. An upper support shaft having a vertical moving table and a reaction tube gripping means provided on the vertical moving table, wherein the reaction tube gripping means is vertically movably mounted on a support plate fixed to the vertical moving table. A pair of upper lever members whose upper end portions are rotatably connected to each other via a pin, and each upper end portion is rotatably connected to the pair of upper lever members by a pin connection, and a fulcrum is attached to each lower end portion. And a pair of lower lever members each having a fulcrum connected by a pin connection via a lower support shaft protruding from the vertical moving table, and respectively connected to lower ends of the pair of lower lever members. One done A gripping member, a biasing means attached to the reaction tube gripping means so that the pair of gripping members are normally closed, and a pressing projection projecting outward on an outer surface of the lower lever member. And a contact means which is capable of abutting on the pressing protrusion and being rotatable upward and non-rotatable downward is fixed to the horizontal moving base and fixed to the vertical moving base. Provided on an adjacent mounting plate, when the reaction tube gripping means descends, the pressing projection comes into contact with the contacting means, so that a force against the urging means is applied to temporarily open the pair of gripping members. Then, when the gripping member is empty, the reaction tube can be gripped, and when the gripping member has already gripped the reaction tube, the reaction tube can be released. When the reaction tube gripping means is raised, the pressing projection The reaction tube transfer device abutment means is also in contact with the stage is rotated upward gripping member, characterized in that to be able to rise while holding the reaction tube.

The fulcrum portion of the lower lever member is a fulcrum bent portion, and the lower end portion of the lower lever member is bent outward through the fulcrum bent portion to become a bent lower end portion, and each bent portion is formed. 4. The reaction tube transfer device according to claim 3, wherein the reaction tube transfer device is connected by a pin.

A sensor plate that is displaced in accordance with the holding or non-holding of the reaction tube by the reaction tube holding unit is provided in the reaction tube holding unit, and a sensor that detects a displacement state of the sensor plate is provided corresponding to the sensor plate. The reaction tube transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:

One end of a plate-shaped sensor plate is rotatably attached to the mounting plate, and the central portion of the sensor plate is attached to the upper support shaft, so that the sensor plate can hold or not grip the reaction tube of the holding portion. It is configured to be displaced according to the state, a sensor is provided at a position corresponding to the other end of the sensor plate, and by detecting the displacement of the sensor plate, it is possible to know whether or not the reaction tube is grasped by the grasping unit. The reaction tube transfer device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein:

Using an upper sensor and a lower sensor as the sensor, the sensor plate at the highest position of the reaction tube holding means is detected by the upper sensor, and the sensor plate at the lowest position of the reaction tube holding means is detected by the lower sensor. The reaction tube transfer device according to claim 5, wherein: