JP4001338B2 - Sample transport device and thermal analysis device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sample transport device that transports a sample container containing a sample from one position to another position. The present invention also relates to DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), DTA (Differential Thermal Analysis), and other thermal analyzers.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Currently, various apparatuses for performing analysis on samples are known. For example, in a thermal analysis apparatus which is an example of such an apparatus, the temperature dependence of the characteristics of the sample is measured while changing the temperature of the sample. As such a thermal analysis apparatus, for example, a DSC apparatus, a DTA apparatus, and other various apparatuses are known.
[0003]
In a thermal analyzer, generally, a sample to be measured is accommodated in a sample container, the sample container is placed at a predetermined measurement position, and the temperature of the sample is changed while changing the temperature of the sample through the sample container. Measurement is performed using a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple.
[0004]
In such a thermal analyzer, there is a demand for performing thermal analysis while automatically exchanging samples. In order to achieve this requirement, a thermal analyzer having a configuration in which one of a plurality of sample containers placed in a standby unit can be transported to a predetermined measurement position by a sample transport device is known. The sample transport device used here generally has a part for gripping a sample container and a transport unit for transporting the grip part from one position to another position.
[0005]
Conventionally, as such a sample transport device, one having a gripping structure shown in FIG. This gripping structure has a structure in which three or four gripping pieces 101 can be opened and closed by a wire 102, and the sample container 103 is gripped, that is, grasped by closing these gripping pieces 101.
[0006]
Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 11B, a gripping structure in which a pair of plate-like members 104a and 104b are connected to each other so as to be able to move around each other, a so-called tweezers-type gripping structure is known. . In this gripping structure, the sample container 103 is gripped by opening and closing the other ends of the pair of plate-like members 104a and 104b as indicated by an arrow A.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, at present, sample containers of various shapes and materials are used. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, there is a deep cylindrical container 52 </ b> A having a bottom 51. Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, there is a shallow cylindrical container 52B having a bottom 51.
[0008]
As shown in FIG. 1, there is a container 52C in which an opening portion of a cylindrical sample storage portion 53 provided with a bottom 51 is fixed to a disc-shaped lid 54 by pressure contact or the like. Since the container 52C has a structure in which the opening is covered with the lid 54, the container 52C is suitable for accommodating a liquid sample. Further, with respect to the container 52 </ b> C, the peripheral portion of the lid 54 protrudes outward in the radial direction of the sample storage portion 53 in order to secure a space for fixing the lid 54.
[0009]
In the conventional sample transport apparatus having the wire-type gripping structure shown in FIG. 11A and the conventional sample transport apparatus having the tweezers-type gripping structure shown in FIG. There is a problem that the shape of the sample container that can be formed is limited to a specific one, and there is a possibility that the sample containers of various shapes cannot be accurately gripped. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, it was difficult to grip the container 52C having a partially protruding shape. Further, when the sample container is small and light, there is a problem that the sample container is difficult to be separated from the gripping member.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sample transport device that can securely grip and transport sample containers having different shapes, and a thermal analyzer using the sample transport device. To do.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a sample transport apparatus according to the present invention is a sample transport apparatus for transporting a sample container, and includes a plurality of gripping members for gripping the sample container, and an opening / closing means for opening and closing the gripping member. And a support means for removably supporting the plurality of gripping members, wherein the plurality of gripping members are at least two types of a first gripping member and a second gripping member, Said plural The gripping member has a contact portion that contacts the sample container and a first relief portion provided adjacent to the contact portion in the height direction of the sample container. The contact portion of the first gripping member is an arcuate surface facing the center direction of the sample container, the contact portion of the second gripping member is linear, and the first and second gripping members are exchanged. Attached to the support means It is characterized by that.
[0012]
According to the sample transport device having this configuration, the gripping member grips the sample container while being in contact with the sample container at the contact portion. At this time, since the first relief portion is provided in the vicinity of the contact portion, even if the sample container has a shape that partially projects, the projection portion can be accommodated in the first relief portion. Therefore, the sample container can be reliably gripped by the contact portion.
[0013]
In the sample transport device configured as described above, it is preferable that a metal oxide film or a ceramic coating is provided on the contact portion of the gripping member. If it carries out like this, when separating the conveyed sample container from a holding member, it can prevent that the sample container adheres to a holding member and becomes difficult to leave | separate. This effect is particularly effective when the material of the sample container is Al (aluminum). This effect is particularly effective when the sample container is small, light, or small and light.
[0014]
The method for forming the metal oxide film or the like is not limited to a special method. For example, when the gripping member is formed of stainless steel, the gripping member is heated to about 600 ° C. in a furnace. It is possible to use a heat treatment that is allowed to stand at that temperature for about 30 minutes and then naturally cooled in the furnace.
[0015]
In the sample transport device having the above-described configuration, it is desirable that there are a plurality of the contact portions of the gripping member. If the contact part is one part having a large area, the sample container may be pushed and rotated by the contact part when it is gripped by the contact part, and may not be normally gripped. There is. On the other hand, if the contact portion is divided into a plurality of portions, the contact area between the contact portion and the sample container can be reduced, and therefore the displacement of the sample container can be prevented.
[0016]
In the sample transport device having the above configuration, it is preferable that the contact portion is located at an end portion of the gripping member, and the first relief portion is provided immediately adjacent to the contact portion. If the contact portion is provided at the end of the gripping member, the contact portion contacts the outer peripheral surface near the bottom of the sample container and grips the sample container. Therefore, even when the depth of the sample container is deep or shallow, that is, whether the height of the sample container is high or low, the sample container can be securely held. Further, if the first relief portion is provided immediately adjacent to the contact portion, a so-called brim portion that protrudes outward in the radial direction is provided just above the gripped portion 53 as in the container 52C shown in FIG. The shaped container can be securely gripped.
[0017]
It is desirable that the sample transport apparatus having the above-described configuration includes a support unit that removably supports the grip member. If it carries out like this, it will become possible to replace | exchange a holding member corresponding to the container of a special shape. Further, when the gripping member is damaged, the gripping member can be easily replaced with another one.
[0018]
In the sample transport device having the above-described configuration, at least two contact portions are provided at intervals in the annular direction on the outer periphery of the sample container, and a second escape for allowing the sample container to escape between these contact portions. The contact portion includes an arcuate surface facing the center direction of the sample container, a linear inclined surface facing the center direction of the sample container, or a corner portion, and faces the center direction of the sample container. It is desirable to have a surface.
[0019]
The arc-shaped surface is effective when the surface to be gripped of the sample container is cylindrical. Further, the linear inclined surface and the surface provided with the corners are effective when the surface to be gripped of the sample container has a square tube shape such as a square, a rectangle, or a rhombus. According to this embodiment of the present invention, a cylindrical or rectangular tube-shaped sample container can be firmly gripped.
[0020]
Next, the thermal analysis apparatus according to the present invention includes a measurement unit in which a sample container to be measured is placed, a standby unit in which a sample container is placed before or after being measured, and the measurement unit and the standby. A sample transporting means for transporting the sample container to and from the section, and the sample transporting means is constituted by the sample transporting device having the above-described configuration. As such a thermal analysis device, for example, a DSC device, a DTA device, and the like are conceivable. The measurement unit is, for example, a part where a temperature sensing point of a heat sensitive plate, a heater, or a temperature sensor is arranged in a DSC device or the like. Further, for example, a turntable on which a plurality of sample containers are placed is installed in the standby unit.
[0021]
According to the thermal analysis apparatus having the above configuration, a plurality of sample containers can be automatically exchanged even in the night without a person by transporting a plurality of sample containers sequentially from the standby unit to the measurement unit by the sample transport device. Thermal analysis can be performed on
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a sample exchange device for a thermal analyzer will be described. The embodiment described below is an embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.
[0023]
In FIG. 4, a DSC apparatus 1 which is an example of a thermal analysis apparatus includes a measurement unit 2 in which a measurement sample that is an object of DSC measurement is accommodated, a standby unit 3 in which a sample before or after measurement is placed, and a measurement unit And a sample transport unit 4 that transports the sample between the standby unit 3 and the standby unit 3. The measuring unit 2 includes a cover opening / closing device 8 that moves the cover 7 up and down. The standby unit 3, the sample transport unit 4, and the cover opening / closing device 8 constitute a sample exchanging device for automatically exchanging a sample subjected to DSC measurement in the measuring unit 2.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 5, the measurement unit 2 includes a heat insulating container 9 and a furnace unit 11 accommodated in the heat insulating container 9. The cover 7 covers the upper opening of the heat insulating container 9 during the DSC measurement. As shown in FIG. 7, the furnace body unit 11 includes a cylindrical heat sink 13 around which a heater wire 12 is wound, and a cylindrical cover 14 that covers the outer periphery of the heat sink 13.
[0025]
The heat sink 13 and the cover 14 are fixed to each other by welding or the like at their upper ends. A sample chamber R that is a cylindrical space is formed inside the heat sink 13, and the bottom wall 13 a of the heat sink 13 is the bottom of the sample chamber R.
[0026]
Two lower heat equalizing blocks 17 are arranged opposite to each other so as to be in contact with or close to the side wall of the heat sink 13. A heat sensitive plate 18 is placed on the lower heat equalization block 17, and an upper heat equalization block 19 is placed on the heat sensitive plate 18 so as to face the lower heat equalization block 17. The upper soaking block 19, the heat sensitive plate 18 and the lower soaking block 17 are fastened and fixed to the bottom wall 13 a of the heat sink 13 by a set screw 21. The heat sensitive plate 18 is formed in a substantially circular shape as shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows the inside of the sample chamber R with the cover 7 removed in FIG.
[0027]
The heat sensitive plate 18 includes a fixed portion 18b and a sample mounting portion 18a that protrudes above the fixed portion 18b. The sample placement unit 18a is provided with a region Sa for placing the measurement sample 23 and a region Sb for placing the reference material 24. Two through holes 22a and 22b are provided between these regions. The measurement sample 23 and the reference material 24 are placed on the sample mounting portion 18 a of the heat sensitive plate 18 while being accommodated in the sample container 52. In addition, the area Sa for placing the measurement sample 23 may be hereinafter referred to as a measurement position P2.
[0028]
In FIG. 7, an insulator tube 27 is provided at the center of the bottom wall 13 a of the heat sink 13, and a thermocouple 28 is inserted into the insulator tube 27. The thermocouple 28 is constituted by, for example, four thermocouple wires, and the temperature measuring points of the pair of thermocouples are fixed to the lower surface of the heat sensitive plate 18 at a position corresponding to the measurement sample 23 by spot welding or other fixing processing. The temperature measuring points of the other pair of thermocouples are fixed to the lower surface of the heat sensitive plate 18 at a position corresponding to the reference material 24 by spot welding or other fixing processing.
[0029]
Another insulator tube 29 is provided on the right side surface of the heat sink 13, and a pair of thermocouple wires 31 are inserted into the insulator tube 29. The temperature measuring point of the thermocouple wire 31 is connected to an appropriate position on the bottom wall 13 a of the heat sink 13. A feed line 33 is inserted into the tube 32 provided on the left side surface of the heat sink 13, and the feed line 33 is connected to the input terminal of the heater wire 12. The temperature of the heat sink 13 is measured by the thermocouple 31 and power is supplied to the heater wire 12 as necessary through the power supply line 33 based on the measurement result, so that the temperature of the heat sink 13 and thus the temperature in the sample chamber R can be determined. Can be controlled.
[0030]
The furnace unit 11 configured as described above is used as follows. First, the cover 7 is removed in FIG. 7, and the measurement sample 23 and the reference material 24 placed in the sample container 52 are placed on the heat sensitive plate 18 in the sample chamber R, particularly on the sample mounting portion 18a. Thereafter, the cover 7 is placed on the heat sink 13 to shield the sample chamber R from the outside.
[0031]
Thereafter, power is supplied to the heater wire 12 according to a predetermined program, the heater wire 12 generates heat, and the heat sink 13 is heated by the generated heat. The temperature of the heat sink 13 to be heated is transmitted from the bottom wall 13a to the heat sensitive plate 18 through the lower heat equalization block 17, and the heat sensitive plate 18 is heated. Then, the temperature of the heat sensitive plate 18 is transmitted to the measurement sample 23 and the reference material 24 through the container 52, whereby the temperature of the measurement sample 23 and the reference material 24 is raised or lowered according to a predetermined program.
[0032]
The reference substance 24 is formed of a thermally stable material, and physical properties such as melting and evaporation do not change even when the temperature changes. On the other hand, when the measurement sample 23 changes its physical properties in accordance with the temperature change according to its own characteristics, a temperature difference is generated between the measurement sample 23 and the reference material 24. The temperatures of the measurement sample 23 and the reference material 24, particularly their surface temperatures, are detected by the thermocouple 27 and sent as a temperature signal to a temperature difference measurement circuit (not shown). The temperature difference measurement circuit calculates a temperature difference ΔT between the measurement sample 23 and the reference material 24 based on the temperature signal sent, and sends the calculation result to a calorific value calculation circuit (not shown).
[0033]
This calorific value computation circuit computes the heat flux that flows into the measurement sample 23, and thus the calorific value, based on the temperature difference ΔT. The calculated heat quantity is displayed visually as a function of the measurement time or the temperature in the sample chamber R by a display device such as a video display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display or a liquid crystal display, or a recording device such as a printer. Is done. As described above, the DSC measurement is performed on the measurement sample 23.
[0034]
In FIG. 4, the standby unit 3 has a turntable 36, and a rotation drive device 37 for rotating the turntable 36 is accommodated in a casing 38. A guide structure (not shown) for arranging a plurality of sample containers 52 in an annular shape is provided in an annular region near the outer periphery of the turntable 36. For example, the sample container 52 is formed by providing a hole having a size capable of accommodating the sample container 52 on the surface of the turntable 36 or forming a guide protrusion on the surface of the turntable 36 so as to accommodate the sample container 52. The guide structure for can be configured.
[0035]
The turntable 36 is driven by a rotary drive device 37 and rotates intermittently at a predetermined angle. By this intermittent rotation, the plurality of sample containers 52 arranged in a ring shape on the turntable 36 are sequentially carried to the gripping position P1 as shown in FIG. Different substances are stored as samples in the plurality of sample containers 52. If the operation of the rotation drive device 37 is controlled by a control device configured using a computer or the like, the sample containers 52 containing the sample desired to be measured can be automatically and sequentially carried to the gripping position P1.
[0036]
The shape and material of the plurality of sample containers 52 that can be placed on the turntable 36 are not limited to one type, and there are various types as follows. In the following, the type of the sample container 52 is represented by (shape × material × dimension). However, the “cylindrical” shape represents the cylindrical shape of FIG. 9A, and the dimensions in this case are represented by the outer diameter φD mm and the height Hmm of FIG. 9A. Further, the shape of “with overhang” indicates the overhang container 52C in FIG. 1, and the dimension in that case defines the portion (unit: mm) shown in FIG.
[0037]
(1) Cylinder × Al × φ5 × 2.5 (2) Cylinder × Al × φ5 × 5
(3) Cylinder × Alumina × φ5 × 2.5 (4) Cylinder × Alumina × φ5 × 5
(5) Cylinder × Pt × φ5 × 2.5 (6) Cylinder × Pt × φ5 × 5
(7) Cylinder x Quartz x φ5 x 2.5 (8) Cylinder x Quartz x φ5 x 5
(9) Cylinder × Cu × φ5 × 2.5 (10) Cylinder × Ag × φ5 × 2.5
(11) Cylinder × Au × φ5 × 2.5 (12) Cylinder × Au × φ5 × 5
(13) Overhang × Al × L1 = 5.5, L2 = 4.6, L3 = 2.1, L4 = 0.2
[0038]
The sample transport unit 4 shown in FIG. 4 includes a turning / lifting device 41 and a gripping unit 42 supported by the turning / lifting device 41 as shown in FIG. The turning / lifting device 41 has a casing 44 that is rotatably supported by the table 6 by a shaft 43. Inside the casing 44 are a DC (ie, direct current) motor 46, a gear case 47 connected to the output shaft of the DC motor 46, a screw shaft 48 connected to the output shaft of the gear case 47, and screws thereof. A slide base 49 fitted to the shaft 48 and a slide shaft 61 fixed to the slide base 49 and penetrating through the upper portion of the casing 44 are provided.
[0039]
The shaft 43 fixed to the bottom of the casing 44 is connected to the output shaft of the stepping motor 62 inside the table 6. When the stepping motor 62 operates according to an instruction from a control circuit (not shown) and the output shaft rotates, the shaft 43 rotates and the casing 44 rotates accordingly. By the rotation of the casing 44, the gripping unit 42 moves around between the standby unit 3 and the measuring unit 2 as shown in FIG.
[0040]
In FIG. 5, when the DC motor 46 operates according to an instruction from a control circuit (not shown) and the output shaft rotates, the rotation is transmitted to the screw shaft 48 via the gear train in the gear case 47, and the screw shaft. 48 rotates. When the screw shaft 48 rotates, the slide base 49 fitted to the screw shaft 48 translates in the axial direction of the screw shaft 48, that is, the vertical direction in FIG. At the time of this parallel movement, the slide shaft 61 fixed to the slide base 49 moves in parallel in the vertical direction, whereby the gripping unit 42 fixed to the slide shaft 61 moves up and down, that is, moves up and down.
[0041]
The gripping unit 42 includes an elevating base 63 fixed to the slide shaft 61, a linear stepping actuator 64 fixed on the elevating base 63, and an opening / closing mechanism connected to the output shaft of the linear stepping actuator 64. 66 and a cover 67 that covers each of the above elements. The linear stepping actuator 64 is an operating device that operates so that its output shaft 64a moves forward and backward as indicated by an arrow F. Such a structure can be achieved, for example, by converting the rotational output of the rotating device into linear movement by screw fitting.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of opening / closing members 68 facing each other is provided at the tip of the opening / closing mechanism 66. The opening / closing mechanism 66 functions to translate the opening / closing member 68 as indicated by an arrow G when the output shaft 64a of the linear stepping actuator 64 moves forward and backward as indicated by an arrow F. Since this function can be achieved by various known mechanisms, detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0043]
A support member 69 is fixed to the tip of each of the pair of opening / closing members 68. These support members 69 extend downward as shown in FIG. And the holding member 71 is attached to the lower end of each of these support members 69 with the screw 72, as shown in FIG. When the screw 72 is removed, the gripping member 71 can be detached from the support member 69, and another gripping member 71 can be attached to the support member 69 by the screw 72. Thus, the gripping member 71 has a structure that can be attached to and detached from the support member 69. The structure in which the gripping member 71 is detachably attached to the support member 69 is not limited to the screw connection, and can be arbitrarily configured.
[0044]
The grip member 71 is made of, for example, stainless steel. Further, a gripping piece 73 protruding toward the mating gripping member 71 is provided at the lower end of the gripping member 71. A slit 74 is formed substantially at the center of the gripping piece 73, and the presence of the slit 74 divides the gripping piece 73 into a plurality of parts, in this embodiment, two parts. And the contact part 73a which contacts the outer peripheral surface of the sample container 52C is provided in the front-end | tip of each divided | segmented holding piece 73. As shown in FIG.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 2, two contact portions 73 a are provided at intervals in the annular direction J of the outer periphery of the sample container 52. A space K2 along the outer peripheral surface of the sample container 52 is provided between the contact portions 73a, and a second escape portion is formed by the space K2. The second escape portion K2 functions to enable the sample container 52 to be grasped only by the contact portion 73a even when the outer peripheral surface of the sample container 52 is not a perfect circle.
[0046]
The pair of contact portions 73a is formed as an arcuate surface facing the center of the sample container 52, and the diameter of the arc of the arcuate surface is substantially the same as the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the sample container 52, for example, 4. It is set to about 6 mm. Thereby, the sample container 52 can be stably held by the holding member 71. Note that the shape of the contact portion 73a is desirably formed in correspondence with the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the sample container 52.
[0047]
In FIG. 6, when the opening / closing member 68 performs a parallel movement for opening and closing as indicated by an arrow G, the support member 69 also moves in parallel therewith. When the support member 69 translates in the closing direction as shown by the arrow E in FIG. 1, the gripping member 71 translates integrally therewith. At this time, the gripping piece 73 grips the sample container 52C in a state where the contact portion 73a at the tip thereof is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the sample storage portion 53 of the sample container 52C.
[0048]
With respect to the height direction of the sample container 52C (that is, the vertical direction in FIG. 1), a portion of the gripping member 71 immediately above the gripping piece 73 is cut away to form a space K1. The space K1 accommodates a portion where the lid 54 protrudes outside the sample accommodating portion 53, that is, a brim portion when the contact portion 73a contacts the side surface of the sample container 52C. That is, the space K1 functions as a first escape portion for allowing the flange portion of the container 52C to escape.
[0049]
Note that the first relief portion is not necessarily formed by the space K1, but has a structure that allows the flange portion to escape when the contact portion 73a contacts the side surface of the sample container 52C. good. For example, a structure in which a sponge or other elastically deformable member is embedded in the space K1 may be used.
[0050]
Regarding the gripping member 71, at least the contact portion 73 a of the gripping piece 73 is subjected to a metal oxide film forming process. That is, a metal oxide film is formed on the surface of the contact portion 73a. In this metal oxide film forming process, for example, the holding member 71 formed of stainless steel is heated to about 600 ° C. in a furnace, left at that temperature for about 30 minutes, and further naturally cooled to room temperature in the furnace. It can be performed by heat treatment.
[0051]
If the metal oxide film is formed on the surface of the contact portion 73a in this way, the sample container 52C comes into contact when the sample container 52C is gripped by the pair of gripping pieces 73 and when the gripped sample container 52C is released. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sample container 52C from being attached to the portion 73a and to improve the holding characteristics and separation characteristics of the sample container 52C. The same effect can be obtained by applying a ceramic coating instead of the metal oxide film.
[0052]
Hereinafter, the operation when the DSC measurement is performed while automatically exchanging the sample by the DSC apparatus 1 of FIG. 4 will be described. First, in FIG. 6, a plurality of sample containers 52 individually storing a plurality of samples desired to be measured are arranged in a ring shape in a predetermined ring-shaped region on the turntable 36 of the standby unit 3. At this time, an appropriate shape and material of the sample container 52 are selected according to the sample to be accommodated. For example, a deep cylindrical container 52A as shown in FIG. 9 (a), a shallow cylindrical container 52B as shown in FIG. 9 (b), or a liquid with a flange as shown in FIG. It may be a sample container 52C. In addition, a rectangular tube container having a cross-sectional shape of square, rectangle, rhombus, or the like may be used.
[0053]
In FIG. 6, after all the desired plurality of sample containers 52 are arranged on the turntable 36, when an instruction to start work is given by the measurer, the turntable 36 rotates and the plurality of sample containers 52. One of them is placed at the gripping position P1. Thereafter, the stepping motor 62 in FIG. 5 is operated, the casing 44 of the turning / lifting device 41 is turned, and the gripping unit 42 is set to the standby side position indicated by the chain line 42A in FIG. At this time, the gripping unit 42 is placed at an upper position 42B indicated by a chain line in FIG.
[0054]
When the gripping unit 42 is set at the standby side position 42A in FIG. 6, in FIG. 4, the slide shaft 61 is lowered and the gripping unit 42 is lowered, whereby the gripping member 71 supported by the support member 69 is lowered. To do. As shown in FIG. 1, the gripping member 71 that descends in this way stops the descending when the gripping piece 73 is lowered to the side of the sample storage portion 53 of the sample container 52 </ b> C.
[0055]
Thereafter, the linear stepping actuator 64 shown in FIG. 6 operates to translate the opening / closing member 68 and the support member 69 in the closing direction. Thereby, in FIG. 1, the gripping member 71 is translated in the same direction according to the parallel movement of the support member 69 in the direction of arrow E, and the contact portion 73a of the gripping piece 73 is in contact with the side surface of the sample container 52C. The sample container 52C is gripped by the gripping member 71. At this time, since the flange portion of the periphery of the lid 54 is accommodated in the space K1 as the first escape portion, the gripping operation is not hindered by the presence of the flange portion. Further, in FIG. 2, even when the cross-sectional shape of the container 52 is not a perfect circle and partially protrudes in the radial direction, the protrusion 52 is firmly held by the contact portion 73a by being accommodated in the second relief portion K2. it can.
[0056]
As described above, when the sample container 52C is gripped by the gripping member 71, in FIG. 4, the slide shaft 61 is lifted and the gripping unit 42 is lifted, whereby the gripping member 71 and the support member 69 that grip the sample container 52. Rises. While the gripping operation for the sample container 52C as described above is being performed or after the gripping operation is completed, the cover opening / closing device 8 is operated in FIG. 4 to lift the cover 7 upward, and in FIG. The upper part of the body unit 11 is opened.
[0057]
Next, the stepping motor 62 in FIG. 5 is operated to rotate the turning / lifting device 41, and the gripping unit 42 at the standby side position 42A in FIG. 6 moves counterclockwise in the drawing, and the measurement indicated by the solid line Stop at side position 42C. At this time, the sample container 52C held by the holding member 71 is located above the measurement position P2 in the furnace body unit 11 of FIG.
[0058]
Thereafter, in FIG. 5, the DC motor 46 is operated to lower the slide shaft 61, whereby the gripping unit 42 is translated from the upper position 42B to the lower position 42D. At this position, the sample container 52C gripped by the gripping member 71 is placed on the measurement position P2 of the thermal plate 18 or placed in the vicinity thereof. Next, the linear stepping actuator 64 operates to open the gripping member 71 by parallel movement, and the sample container 52C is placed on the measurement position P2.
[0059]
Thereafter, when the gripping unit 42 is lifted, the gripping member 71 is lifted and moved above the furnace unit 11. Further, in FIG. 6, the gripping unit 42 moves in the clockwise direction and comes off from above the measuring unit 2. Then, in FIG. 4, the cover opening / closing device 8 is operated, and the cover 7 is lowered and is placed on the furnace unit 11. Thereafter, DSC measurement is started inside the furnace body unit 11 at an appropriate timing.
[0060]
When the DSC measurement for one sample container 52C is completed and the temperature reaches a safe temperature, the cover 7 is lifted upward in FIG. 4 and opened, and the gripping unit 42 is moved in FIG. 6 to be placed above the furnace body unit 11. Then, in FIG. 5, the gripping unit 42 is lowered from the upper position 42B to the lower position 42D, the gripping member 71 is translated and closed, and the sample container 52C for which the measurement is completed is gripped. Thereafter, the sample container 52C is taken out of the measurement position P2 in the furnace body unit 11 by the raising and rotating movement of the holding unit 42, and returned to the holding position P1 on the turntable 36 in FIG. It is discharged to other set discharge positions.
[0061]
When it is desired to continue the DSC measurement by exchanging the sample, the turntable 36 is rotated by an appropriate angle to carry the desired sample container 52 to the gripping position P1, and the sample container transport described above is carried out. Repeat the work and DSC measurement. In this manner, DSC measurement can be sequentially performed on the plurality of sample containers 52 placed on the turntable 36.
[0062]
In the DSC apparatus 1 described above, the contact member 73a is provided on the gripping member 71 of FIG. 1, and the space as the first escape portion is located immediately above the contact member 73a in the height direction of the sample container 52C. Since K1 is provided, the flanged sample container 52C can be gripped and transported without hindrance.
[0063]
Further, since the metal oxide film is formed on the surface of the entire gripping member 71 of FIG. 1 or at least the contact portion 73a at the tip of the gripping piece 73, the transported sample container 52C is separated from the gripping member 71. The sample container 52C can be prevented from adhering to the contact portion 73a of the gripping member 71 and becoming difficult to separate. This effect is particularly effective when the material of the sample container 52C is Al (aluminum). One reason for this is considered that Al is lightweight and soft.
[0064]
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the slit 74 is formed in the gripping piece 73 of the gripping member 71, so that the contact portion 73a is divided into a plurality, in this embodiment, two, so that the gripping member 71 and the sample container 52C Can reduce the contact area. As a result, it is possible to avoid the phenomenon that the sample container 52C is pushed and rotated by the contact part 73a when the sample container 52C is gripped by the contact part 73a, and cannot be normally gripped.
[0065]
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the contact portion 73 a is provided at the lower end portion of the gripping member 71, and the space K <b> 1 as the first escape portion is provided immediately above the contact portion 73 a. Thereby, the contact piece 73a always grips the peripheral portion near the bottom of the sample container 52C. This means that the sample container 52 can always be stably held even when the height of the sample container 52C or other shape of the sample container 52 changes variously.
[0066]
In FIG. 1, the gripping member 71 is detachably fixed to the support member 69 by screws 72. In this way, even when the sample container 52 has a special shape, the gripping member 71 can be replaced correspondingly. Further, when the gripping member 71 is damaged, the gripping member 71 can be replaced with another one.
[0067]
In FIG. 1, the outer peripheral surface of the sample container 52C, that is, the shape of the gripped portion is a cylindrical shape. The contact portion 73a of the gripping piece 73 of the gripping member 71 is formed in an arc shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of such a sample container 52C. Thereby, the holding member 71 can hold the sample container 52C firmly.
[0068]
(Modification)
The holding member in the present invention has an essential requirement to have a contact portion and a first relief portion, and there is no limitation requirement for other points. Accordingly, the shape and usage of the gripping member in the present invention are not limited to the shape of the gripping member 71 shown in FIG. 1, and can be variously modified.
[0069]
For example, the number of gripping members can be three or more. In addition, the gripping member can be formed of a material having some flexibility rather than a material having high rigidity such as stainless steel. Moreover, it is not restricted to the elongate shape as shown in FIG. 1, A holding member can also be formed by other arbitrary shapes.
[0070]
In the above embodiment, the linear stepping actuator 64, the opening / closing mechanism 66, the opening / closing member 68, etc. in FIG. 6 constitute the opening / closing means in the present invention. However, the opening / closing means can be configured by any other structure. Moreover, in the said embodiment, the 1st escape part in this invention was comprised by the space K1 of FIG. However, the size and position of the space K1 are not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and can be appropriately changed according to the shape of the sample container. Further, the first escape portion in the present invention is not limited to the space K1. For example, the present invention includes a case where a member capable of elastic deformation is provided in a portion corresponding to the space K1.
[0071]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, the metal oxide film formation process, for example, heat processing, was performed to the contact part 73a of FIG. However, the present invention includes a configuration in which a ceramic coating is applied in place of the metal oxide film, and a configuration in which the contact portion 73a in a state not subjected to the metal oxide film forming process is used.
[0072]
Further, regarding the gripping member 71 of FIG. 1, one slit 74 is formed in the gripping piece 73 and the contact portion 73 a is divided into two. However, the number of contact portions 73a is not limited to two and can be three or more. Moreover, the structure which does not divide the contact part 73a is also included in the present invention. Further, a configuration in which the contact portion 73a is not divided, and three or more narrow contact portions 73a are provided around the sample container 52C instead may be considered.
[0073]
Further, regarding the gripping member 71 in FIG. 1, a contact portion 73 a is provided at the lower end of the gripping member 71. However, the position where the contact portion 73 a is provided is not necessarily limited to the lower end portion of the gripping member 71, and can be provided at various positions according to the shape of the sample container 52.
[0074]
Further, the gripping member 71 of FIG. 1 has a structure that can be attached to and detached from the support member 69. However, a structure in which the gripping member 71 is directly opened and closed by the opening and closing mechanism without providing the support member 69 is also included in the present invention.
[0075]
Further, regarding the gripping member 71 of FIG. 1, the shape of the contact portion 73 a is set to a shape corresponding to the shape of the gripped portion of the sample container 52. However, the case where the shape of the contact portion 73a is any other shape is also included in the present invention.
[0076]
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the sample transport device according to the present invention is applied as an element constituting the sample exchange device for the DSC device. However, the sample transport device according to the present invention can be applied to any sample transport portion other than the sample exchange device. The thermal analysis apparatus to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to a DSC apparatus, and can be any other thermal analysis apparatus.
[0077]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, although the contact part 73a was formed in the circular-arc-shaped surface, it replaces with this, as shown in FIG. It can be made into the linear inclined surface which faces a center direction. The contact portion 73a having this shape is convenient for grasping the sample container 52 having a quadrangular cross section, for example, a square shape, a rectangular shape, or a rhombus shape. In this case, the second escape portion K2 located between the pair of contact portions 73a functions as an escape portion for the apex portion of the sample container 52.
[0078]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the contact portion 73 a can be a surface that includes a corner portion Q and faces the center direction of the sample container 52. By this corner portion Q, the apex angle portion of the sample container 52 having a quadrangular cross section can be firmly and securely grasped.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the first relief portion is provided in the vicinity of the contact portion, even when the sample container has a shape that partially projects, the projection portion is formed in the first relief portion. Therefore, the sample container can be securely held by the contact portion.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a sample transport device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the vicinity of a contact portion that is a main part of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a main part of another embodiment of the sample transport device.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a thermal analyzer according to the present invention.
5 is a side sectional view of a main part of the thermal analyzer shown in FIG. 4. FIG.
6 is a plan view of the structure shown in FIG.
7 is a side cross-sectional view of a furnace body unit that is a main part of the thermal analysis apparatus shown in FIG. 4;
8 is a plan view of the furnace body unit of FIG. 7. FIG.
9A and 9B are diagrams showing examples of sample containers, in which FIG. 9A shows a cylindrical and deep sample container, and FIG. 9B shows a cylindrical and shallow sample container.
FIG. 10 is a side view of the sample container shown in FIG.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of a conventional sample transport device, in which FIG. 11A shows a wire type sample transport device, and FIG. 11B shows a tweezers type sample transport device;
[Explanation of symbols]
1: DSC device (thermal analysis device), 2: measurement unit, 3: standby unit, 4: sample transport unit, 6: table, 7: cover, 8: switchgear, 9: heat insulation container, 11: furnace unit, 23: measurement sample, 24: reference material, 36: turntable, 37: rotation drive device, 38: casing, 41: swivel / lifting device, 42: gripping unit, 42A: standby position, 42B: upper position, 42C: Measurement side position, 42D: lower position, 43: shaft, 44: casing, 46: DC motor, 47: gear case, 51: bottom, 52, 52A, 52B, 52C: sample container, 54: lid, 62: stepping motor, 63: Lifting base, 64: Linear stepping actuator, 66: Opening / closing mechanism, 67: Cover, 68: Opening / closing member, 69: Support member, 71: Holding member, 72: Screw, 73: Holding piece 3a: contact portion, 74: slit, R: a sample chamber, P1: the gripping position, P2: measuring position,

Claims (10)

A sample transport device for transporting a sample container,
A plurality of gripping members for gripping the sample container;
Opening and closing means for opening and closing the gripping member ;
Supporting means for removably supporting the plurality of gripping members,
The plurality of gripping members are at least two types of a first gripping member and a second gripping member,
Wherein the plurality of gripping members possess a contact portion in contact with the sample container and a first relief portion provided adjacent to the contact portion with respect to the height direction of the sample container,
The contact portion of the first gripping member is an arcuate surface facing the center direction of the sample container, and the contact portion of the second gripping member is linear.
The sample transport apparatus, wherein the first and second gripping members are exchanged and attached to the support means . 2. The sample transport device according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion of the second gripping member is an inclined surface facing a center direction of the sample container . Oite to claim 1, sample transfer, wherein the contact portion of the second gripping member is a surface facing the center of the corners have a corner portion fitted into the sample container of the sample container apparatus. Oite to claim 1, wherein the plurality of gripping member further includes a third gripping member,
The contact portion of the second gripping member is an inclined surface facing the center direction of the sample container,
The contact portion of the third gripping member is a surface that has a corner portion that fits into a corner portion of the sample container and faces the center direction of the sample container,
The sample transporting apparatus , wherein the first, second and third gripping members are exchanged and attached to the support means . In claims 1 one claim 4 Noi Zureka, the contact portion of said gripping members sample transport apparatus, wherein the metal oxide film is provided. In claims 1 one claim 5 Neu Zureka, the sample transport apparatus, wherein said contact portion of said gripping member is a plurality. 7. The sample transport according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion is located at an end portion of the gripping member, and the first relief portion is provided immediately adjacent to the contact portion. Equipment . In any one of Claims 1-7, the said contact part is provided in the cyclic | annular direction of the outer periphery of the said sample container at intervals, and the said sample container is interposed between these contact parts. A sample transporting device, characterized in that a second escape portion for escape is provided. 9. The sample transport device according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion of the gripping member grips a peripheral portion close to a bottom portion of the sample container. A measurement unit in which a sample container to be measured is placed;
  A standby part where the sample container is placed before or after receiving the measurement;
  Sample transport means for transporting the sample container between the measurement unit and the standby unit,
  The sample transport means is constituted by the sample transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
A thermal analyzer characterized by that.

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