JP4970828B2 - Sample measuring device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample measuring device, and more particularly to a sample measuring device for measuring a radioactive substance in a sample by feeding a sample container from a rack into a measuring unit.

  The sample measurement device is a device that performs radiation measurement on each sample. In the sample measuring device, a rack holds a plurality of sample containers. Each sample container contains a sample, and the sample is, for example, a liquid to be measured to which a liquid scintillator is added. Examples of the liquid to be measured include blood and urine extracted from a living body. Of course, sample measurement devices are used in various fields such as biotechnology other than clinical tests and water distribution management.

  In the sample measurement device, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the sample container taken out from the rack is accommodated in the measurement unit, and in this state, the radioactive substance contained in the sample is measured. Specifically, when the radiation emitted from the radioactive material causes the liquid scintillator mixed in the sample to emit light, the light exits from the sample container and is detected by the photomultiplier tube. After the measurement is completed, the sample container is returned to the rack. This is repeated for each sample container. In the conventional apparatus, the sample container is fed into the measurement unit by pushing up the sample container held in the rack from below. A shutter is provided at the opening of the measurement unit, the shutter is closed during measurement, and the shutter is opened when the sample container is raised and lowered. Conventionally, only one system shutter is provided. In the conventional apparatus, a member for guiding the sample container is not provided in the measurement unit, and a mechanism for efficiently guiding the light from the liquid scintillator to the photomultiplier tube is not provided.

JP-A-8-75861 JP-A-11-31678

  In a conventional sample measuring device, a shutter is provided in an opening formed in the lower part of the measuring unit. However, since there is only a single shutter, extraneous light enters the measurement unit when it is in the open state. In order to protect the photomultiplier tube, it is necessary to turn off the power supply or lower the power supply voltage. However, if such a power supply variable is performed, the operation of the photomultiplier tube cannot be stabilized. . The power supply voltage of the photomultiplier tube is preferably maintained at a fixed value in a series of processes for measuring a plurality of samples.

  An object of the present invention is to prevent entry of extraneous light into a measurement unit even when a sample container is put in and out of the measurement unit.

  Another object of the present invention is to ensure that the photodetector can be protected.

The present invention has a measurement chamber that accommodates a sample container sent from a rack, and is provided between the rack and the measurement unit, a measurement unit that measures a radioactive substance contained in a sample in the sample container. An intermediate unit having a light shielding structure, a container transport mechanism that transports the sample container between the rack and the measurement chamber, and the sample container is accommodated when the sample container is moved up and down by the container transport mechanism. A relay guide member that holds the standing state, a relay guide member lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers the relay guide member when the sample container is lifted and lowered by the container transport mechanism, and a receiving opening of the measurement chamber from the lower opening of the intermediate unit provided on a first position in which the relay guiding member passes in the lifting channel to the first shutter for opening and closing the lifting channel And structure, the relay guide member at a position higher than the first position in the lifting channel is provided in a second position to pass, and characterized in that it comprises a second shutter mechanism for opening and closing the lifting channel, the To do. Desirably, as the sample container is raised by the container transport mechanism, the relay guide member lifting mechanism raises the relay guide member, thereby forming an interlocked rising state, and the sample container is moved by the container transport mechanism. Along with the lowering, the relay guide member raising / lowering mechanism lowers the relay guide member, thereby forming an interlocked lowering state.

According to the above configuration, since at least two shutter mechanisms are provided on the lifting and lowering passages of the sample container and the relay guide member , when one shutter mechanism is in the open state, the other shutter mechanism is closed and the external The entrance of light can be blocked. Therefore, it is not necessary to specifically control the photodetector in order to prevent problems due to the entry of extraneous light. The operations of the first shutter mechanism and the second shutter mechanism are controlled by the control unit based on a predetermined sequence.

Preferably, the first shutter mechanism and the second shutter mechanism operate in conjunction with the raising and lowering of the sample container and the relay guide member , and the first shutter mechanism and the second shutter mechanism are always at least one shutter mechanism. Enters a closed state to prevent external light from entering the measurement chamber. Thereby, since the light-shielding state of the measurement chamber can be maintained, the photodetector can be maintained.

Preferably, in the ascending process of the sample container, the first shutter mechanism is open and the second shutter mechanism is closed, and the sample container and the relay guide member are the first shutter mechanism and the second shutter mechanism. Then, the first shutter mechanism is closed and then the second shutter mechanism is opened. In this state, the sample container and the relay guide member are on the measurement chamber side. Rise to . Preferably, in the lowering process of the sample container, the second shutter mechanism is in an open state and the first shutter mechanism is in a closed state, and the sample container and the relay guide member are in the second shutter mechanism and the first shutter mechanism. Then, the first shutter mechanism is opened after the second shutter mechanism is closed, and in this state, the sample container is lowered to the rack side .

According to the above configuration, the intermediate lifting path portion having a length capable of accommodating the sample container and the relay guide member is provided between the two shutter mechanisms, and the sample container and the relay guide member are accommodated therein. Later, after one shutter mechanism is changed from the open state to the closed state, the other shutter mechanism can be changed from the closed state to the open state. When raising and lowering the sample container, it is possible to temporarily stop the intermediate raising / lowering path part. However, in order to shorten the processing time, it is necessary to control the operation of the two shutter mechanisms while moving the sample container. desirable.

  Preferably, the first shutter mechanism has a plurality of openable and closable blades that block the periphery of the container push-up bar while allowing the container push-up bar to pass through the container transport mechanism. Preferably, the first shutter mechanism is provided at a lower portion of the intermediate unit, and the second shutter mechanism is provided between the measurement chamber and an upper portion of the intermediate unit. Each shutter mechanism desirably forms an open region that can pass through a member that guides the sample container in the open state. Various structures can be adopted as each shutter mechanism.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the entry of extraneous light into the measurement unit even if the sample container is put in and out of the measurement unit. Or according to this invention, a photodetector can be protected reliably.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a sample measuring apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a measuring unit in the sample measuring apparatus. The sample measurement device according to this embodiment is configured as a liquid scintillation counter. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to other measuring apparatuses.

  A rack 12 is placed on the table 10. The rack 12 is transported by a rack transport mechanism (not shown). The rack 12 has a plurality of accommodation holes 12A, and a container is accommodated in each accommodation hole 12A. The container 13 is a sample container, and may be a test tube or a vial. The container 13 contains a sample (solution) to which a liquid scintillator is added. An opening 12B is formed in the lower portion of each accommodation hole 12A formed in the rack 12, and a push-up bar 31 (to be described later) is entered through the opening 12B so that the sample container 13 to be processed is moved upward from below. Can be pushed up.

  The sample processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a container transport mechanism 14, a relay guide mechanism 16, a measurement unit 18, a lower shutter mechanism 20, and an upper shutter mechanism 22 in addition to the rack transport mechanism described above. The measurement unit 18 and the relay guide mechanism 16 are accommodated in the shield 24. Specifically, the shield 24 has an upper portion 28 and a lower portion 26 that each form a light shielding structure. The relay guide mechanism 16 is provided in the lower space 26 </ b> A inside the lower portion 26. The measurement unit 18 is provided in the upper space 28A that is an internal space. Incidentally, the shield 24 is made of a radiation shielding member such as lead. A partition wall 30 is provided between the upper portion 28 and the lower portion 26, and a lower wall 26 </ b> B is provided below the lower portion 26.

  The container transport mechanism 14 is an elevator mechanism that drives the container 13 up and down. The container transport mechanism 14 includes the above-described push-up bar 31. Specifically, the push-up bar 31 is configured by an outer cylinder 32 and a central shaft provided in the interior thereof so as to be able to advance and retreat. The tip of the middle shaft is a head 33A, and the container 13 can be pushed upward from below by the head 33A. The middle shaft will be described later with reference to FIG. The container transport mechanism 14 is provided in the table 10, but other configurations may be employed.

The relay guide mechanism 16 is a mechanism that relays the container 13 between the rack 12 and the measurement unit 18. The relay guide mechanism 16 includes a lower guide (relay guide member) 34 that can be moved up and down. Specifically, the lower guide 34 is held by a frame 36 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and the lower guide 34 is driven in the vertical direction by an elevating mechanism 38. An insertion hole penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the center portion of the frame 36, and the lower guide 34 passes through the insertion hole. As is clear from FIGS. 1 and 8 (described later), the lower shutter mechanism 20 and the upper shutter mechanism 22 are provided at two positions through which the lower guide (relay guide member) 34 passes in the lift passage.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the lifting mechanism 38 includes a motor 42, a first pinion 40 </ b> A, a second pinion 40 </ b> B, and a belt 44. A linearly formed rack 34A is provided on a predetermined side surface of the lower guide 34, and the first pinion 40A and the second pinion 40B are engaged with the rack 34A. That is, when the motor 42 is rotated in the forward or reverse direction, the pinions 40A and 40B are rotated by the action of the belt 44, and the lower guide 34 is moved upward or downward by the action of the rack 34A meshing with the pinions 40A and 40B. Exercise.

  In the present embodiment, the lower guide 34 is made of a conductive member for countermeasures against static electricity, and is made of, for example, aluminum. The lower guide 34 is electrically grounded. The lower guide 34 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and an opening is formed at each of an upper part and a lower part thereof. Therefore, the container 13 can pass through the lower guide 34. It is desirable that the inner diameter of the lower guide 34 is appropriately determined according to the outer shape of the container 13, and the inner diameter of the lower guide 34 is made larger than at least the outer shape of the container 13, and in particular, the inner diameter is such that the container 13 does not wobble. Is desirable. However, various types of containers 13 are conceivable, and it is desirable to appropriately determine the shape of the lower guide 34 and the inner guide (upper guide) 60 described later according to the shape of the container 13. Further, when a plurality of types of containers are targeted, it is desirable to employ a guide member adapted to the largest diameter of the containers.

  Next, the measurement unit 18 will be described. The measurement unit 18 has a measurement chamber 50 in which the container 13 is accommodated. Specifically, the measurement chamber 50 is formed inside a block-shaped frame 58, and the lower portion of the frame 58 has a cylindrical shape. A pair of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) 52 and 54 which are a pair of photodetectors are provided on both sides of the measurement chamber 50. In the present embodiment, the pair of photomultiplier tubes 52 and 54 are arranged such that the light receiving surfaces 52A and 54A face each other, that is, the light receiving surfaces 52A and 54A face the measurement chamber 50. Here, each of the light receiving surfaces 52 </ b> A and 54 </ b> A has a convex spherical shape that swells toward the inside of the measurement chamber 50. However, the shape of each of the light receiving surfaces 52A and 54A may be flat. By forming the light receiving surfaces 52A and 54A into a convex spherical shape as in this embodiment, the tip portions of the light receiving surfaces 52A and 54A can be brought closer to the container 13, and the action of the reflecting member 72 described later can be achieved. Together, it is possible to improve the light detection sensitivity.

  In the measurement chamber 50, an inner guide (upper guide) 60 is accommodated so as to be movable up and down. The inner guide 60 functions as an inner guide member. An independent drive source is not provided for the inner guide 60. As will be described in detail later, when the lower guide 34 moves upward, its upper end pushes up the lower end of the inner guide 60. The inner guide 60 moves upward. That is, the elevating mechanism 38 described above functions as a drive source for the lower guide 34 and also functions as a drive source for the inner guide 60. Thus, there exists an advantage that the structure of an apparatus can be simplified by utilizing a single raising / lowering mechanism as two drive means.

  A cap member 62 is provided inside the inner guide 60. The cap member 62 is a member for wrapping the head of the container 13 that has been lifted, and is provided so as to be movable up and down within the inner guide 60. The cap member 62 is further lifted upward from the upper opening of the inner guide 60 and will be described later. Enter 70.

  Specifically, the cap member 62 includes a cap body 64 configured to wrap the head portion of the container 13 and a weight 66 coupled to the cap body 64. The weight 66 is provided so that the cap member 62 can be smoothly lowered when the container 13 moves downward from the uppermost position. That is, it is provided to prevent the cap member 62 from being caught by the holder member 70 and falling.

  Note that the lower end portion of the frame 58 has a cylindrical shape as described above, and the inner guide 60 is dropped into a cylindrical space inside the frame 58. The base position of the inner guide 60 is determined by a stopper formed on the lower end surface of the frame 58. Similarly, the base position of the cap body 64 is also determined by a stopper formed on the lower end surface. These stoppers are not shown.

  A cylindrical member 68 having a cylindrical shape is provided at an upper end portion of the frame 58, and the cylindrical member 68 holds a holder member 70 so as to be movable up and down. However, the cylindrical member 68 has the same stopper as described above, and determines the base position of the holder member 70. As will be described later, when the cap member 62 is raised as the container 13 is raised, the tapered upper end portion of the cap member 62 enters the inside of the holder 70, and a state in which both are fitted is formed. When the cap member 62 is further raised from this state, the holder member 70 is also raised accordingly. An opening that tapers upward is formed inside the holder member 70, and the inclined surface of the opening is joined to the inclined surface formed at the upper end of the cap member 62. Positioning is performed.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the measurement unit shown in FIG. A lower end 58A of the frame 58 protrudes downward, and an inner guide 60 is accommodated therein so as to be movable up and down. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the container 13 partially enters the inner guide 60. The head of the container 13 is covered with a cap member 62, and when the container 13 is moved upward, the cap member 62 is also moved upward accordingly. Further, as described above, when the lower guide as the relay guide member is moved upward, the upper end portion pushes up the lower end portion of the inner guide 60, whereby the inner guide 60 moves upward.

  The frame 58 is formed with a pair of openings 58B in the Y direction in the drawing. Each opening 58B is connected to an edge portion of the light receiving surface of the photomultiplier tube. In FIG. 2, those photomultiplier tubes are not shown. As described above, the holder member 70 has an opening inside, and an inclined surface 70B as a tapered surface is formed in the opening. A straight surface 70A is formed below the straight surface. In the measurement chamber, a pair of reflecting members 72 are disposed between the pair of light receiving surfaces in the vicinity of the container 13 accommodated therein. The reflecting member 72 has a first reflecting surface 72A and a second reflecting surface 72B, and light emitted from the container 13 to both sides is reflected by the reflecting surfaces 72A and 72B, which is guided to a pair of light receiving surfaces. It is burned. As a result, the light detection sensitivity can be greatly improved. This will be described later with reference to FIG.

  A pair of U-shaped grooves 60 </ b> A are formed in the inner guide 60 from the middle portion to the upper side. More specifically, a pair of U-shaped grooves 60 </ b> A are formed on both sides in the Y direction, and the inside thereof constitutes a U-shaped opening 74. A pair of U-shaped grooves 60 </ b> B are formed on both sides in the X direction from the middle portion of the inner guide 60 upward. The inside of each U-shaped groove 60 </ b> B constitutes a U-shaped opening 76. The remaining portion between the U-shaped groove 60A and the U-shaped groove 60B is a protruding portion 60C.

  When the inner guide 60 is moved upward, a pair of light receiving surfaces having swelling may collide with the inner guide 60. However, in this embodiment, a pair of U-shaped grooves 60A are formed. The tip portion of the light receiving surface enters each opening 74 without contact. That is, physical contact with each light receiving surface is prevented. As a result, each light receiving surface can be brought close to the container 13 positioned in the measurement chamber. Further, when the inner guide 60 is moved upward, the protruding portion at the center of the pair of reflecting members 72 enters the openings 76 in a non-contact manner. As a result, physical contact with each reflecting member 72 is prevented. Thereby, each reflecting member 72 can be brought close to the container 13 accommodated in the measurement chamber.

  As will be described later, the inner guide 60 exerts an effect of wrapping the container 13 when the container 13 is fed into the measurement chamber. That is, as the container 13 rises, the inner guide 60 also rises. Even when the container 13 falls or wobbles, the inner guide 60 restricts such movement to a certain range, and the container 13 Can be prevented from coming into direct contact with each member existing inside the measurement chamber. As a result, physical protection of the container 13 or the members in the measurement chamber can be achieved, and as a result, it is possible to allow the light receiving surfaces and the like to be disposed close to the container 13.

  During measurement, the container 13 can be positioned in the horizontal direction by the action of the cap member 62 that holds the head of the container 13 and the holder member 70 that holds the cap member 62, so that the container 13 does not wobble. That is, during the measurement, the raised inner guide 60 is once lowered to the lower standby position. As a result, it is possible to prevent problems such as a decrease in measurement efficiency due to the presence of the inner guide 60. Of course, by forming the openings 74 and 76 as large openings, the inner guide 60 can be left in the measurement chamber even during measurement.

  The inner guide 60 is preferably made of a conductive resin member or the like for countermeasures against static electricity. Like the lower guide 34, the inner guide 60 is preferably electrically grounded. This will be described in detail later. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 78 denotes an insertion hole for inserting an external radiation source. Such an external radiation source is used when calibrating the measurement unit.

The lower shutter mechanism 20 and the upper shutter mechanism 22 shown in FIG. 1 are measured on the container conveyance path from the rack 12 to the measurement chamber 50, particularly from the lower opening of the relay guide mechanism 16 (and the lower part 26) as an intermediate unit. The shielding action is exhibited until the receiving opening of the chamber 50 (and the partition wall 30). Each of the shutter mechanisms 20 and 22 has, for example, a plurality of blades that open and close, and the plurality of blades can close and open the conveyance passage (the passage through which the container 13 and the lower guide 34 pass). It is. In this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, at least one of the shutter mechanisms 20 and 22 is controlled so as to be always closed, thereby reliably preventing the entry of extraneous light into the measurement chamber 50. Has been. Conventionally, only one shutter mechanism is provided. When the shutter mechanism is in an open state, it has been necessary to stop the photomultiplier tube or lower its drive voltage. In the embodiment, the driving voltage of each photomultiplier tube can be maintained as it is. As a result, the operation of each photomultiplier tube can be stabilized.

  FIG. 1 shows an initial stage in which the container 13 accommodated in the rack 12 is sent into the measurement chamber 50, and the lower guide 34 is lowered to the lowest position (receiving position) as shown in the figure. In such a state, as shown in FIG. 3, the lower shutter mechanism 20 is in the open state, and the upper shutter mechanism 22 is in the closed state. The lower shutter mechanism 20 has the blades 80 and 82 as described above, and they perform rotational movement about the shafts 84 and 86. The blades 80 and 82 are formed with U-shaped grooves 80A and 82A. When the pair of blades 80 and 82 are closed, the pair of grooves 80A and 82A move close to each other. The outer cylinder 32 (FIG. 1) in the pushed-up bar can be sandwiched. That is, the periphery of the outer cylinder 32 can be optically shielded. The upper shutter mechanism 22 has a pair of blades 88 and 90 that perform opening and closing movements about shafts 92 and 94. The upper shutter mechanism 22 is not provided with a groove as described in the lower shutter mechanism 20.

  In FIG. 1, the lower guide 34 as the relay guide member described above is used when the container 13 is moved upward from the rack 12 to the measurement chamber 50, particularly in an intermediate path between the rack 12 and the measurement unit 18. The effect | action which prevents that the container 13 collides with a structure unnecessarily is exhibited. That is, when the container 13 is simply pushed up from below by the push-up bar 31, the container 13 may fall down in the horizontal direction. In some cases, the shoulder of the container 13 may collide with the shield 24, or such a situation may occur. As a cause, there may be a problem that the container 30 is damaged. Therefore, in the present embodiment, since the lower guide 34 that moves up and down in such an intermediate path is provided, the lower guide 34 is raised as the container 13 rises, and as the container 13 is lowered. By lowering the lower guide 34, the container 13 can be accommodated in the lower guide 34 and the container 13 can be effectively prevented from coming into direct contact with other members. The length of the lower guide 34 in the vertical direction is at least large enough to accommodate the container 13, and is defined as a length that fits in the space between the lower shutter mechanism 20 and the upper shutter mechanism 22. As a result, the two shutter mechanisms 20 and 22 can both be closed while the container 13 is accommodated between the two shutter mechanisms 20 and 22 and the lower guide 34 is positioned. That is, it is possible to form a state before one shutter mechanism is opened.

  Next, an example of the operation of the sample measuring apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 and 5, (A) shows the operation of the container transport mechanism 14 having the push-up bar 31 shown in FIG. 1, and (B) shows the operation of the relay guide mechanism 16 shown in FIG. (C) shows the operation of the lower shutter mechanism 20 shown in FIG. 1, (D) shows the operation of the upper shutter mechanism 22 described above, and (E) shows the measurement unit shown in FIG. 18 operations are represented.

  In S101, the following state is constructed. That is, the push-up bar 31 is positioned at the lowest position, the lower shutter mechanism 20 is opened, the upper shutter mechanism 22 is closed, and the inner guide 60 is set to the ground state in the measurement unit 50. This is the initial state. In S102, as shown in FIG. 1, the lower guide 34 is pulled down toward the rack 12, and the lower guide 34 is positioned to the lowest position.

  In S103, the push-up bar 31 is driven upward, whereby the target container 13 is raised upward. In conjunction with this, the lower guide 34 is also driven upward. In this case, the rising speed of the container 13 and the rising speed of the lower guide 34 can be determined independently, and they may be the same or different from each other. Also, the start timing of the rise can be determined independently. In general, as shown in FIG. 1, the lower guide 34 is raised together with the container 13 when the container 13 is completely accommodated in the lower guide 34 located at the lowest position. desirable.

  In S104, as shown in FIG. 6, when the container 13 and the lower guide 34 enter the intermediate path between the lower shutter mechanism 20 and the upper shutter mechanism 22, the push-up bar 31 shown in FIG. The ascent of the lower guide 34 stops. Specifically, the rise of the outer cylinder 32 and the middle shaft 33 stops when the tip of the outer cylinder 32 enters the intermediate path. In this case, the middle shaft 33 may be stopped after the stop of the outer cylinder 32. The structure of the distal end portion of the outer cylinder 32 will be described later with reference to FIG. As the middle shaft 33 is raised and stopped, the lower guide 34 is also raised. In S105, the lower shutter mechanism 22 is closed as shown in FIG. Thereby, a double light-shielding state is formed when viewed from the measurement chamber.

  In subsequent S106, only the upper shutter mechanism 22 is opened (see FIG. 9). In S107, only the middle shaft 33 of the push-up bar 21 is raised, and the lower guide 34 is raised accordingly. As described below with reference to FIG. 8, the upper end portion of the lower guide 34 comes into contact with the lower end portion of the inner guide 60 and pushes the inner guide 60 upward. That is, the inner guide 60 rises toward the measurement chamber 50 in the measurement unit 18. Here, at S104 to S107, when the container 13 and the lower guide 34 enter the intermediate path between the lower shutter mechanism 20 and the upper shutter mechanism 22 in the ascending process of the container 13, the push-up bar 31 and the lower bar 31 The lower shutter mechanism 20 may be automatically closed without stopping the raising of the guide 34, and the upper shutter mechanism 22 may be automatically opened after the lower shutter mechanism 20 is closed.

  In S108, when the container 13 is positioned at the rising end, the rising of the container 13 is stopped, whereby the container 13 is positioned at the measurement position in the measurement chamber 50. Incidentally, the measurement position can be determined as appropriate according to the amount of liquid contained in the container 13, and is preferably determined as appropriate according to the form of the container.

  Further, in S108, as shown in FIG. 8, at the same time as or before and after the rising of the container 13, the lower guide 34 stops rising, and the inner guide 60 also stops rising. That is, the inner guide 60 is once positioned at the uppermost position. Incidentally, in the measurement unit 18, the cap member 62 is engaged with the head of the container 13 as the container 13 is raised, and when the cap member 62 moves upward, the cap member 62 is accommodated in the holder member 70. Will be. Then, as the container 13 rises, the cap member 62 and the holder member 70 move upward, and when the movement of the container 13 stops, the upward movement of these members 62 and 70 also stops. In this state, the horizontal position of the container 13 is properly maintained by the cap member 62 and the holder member 70.

  In S109, after the positioning of the container 13 is completed, the lower guide 34 moves downward. Along with this, the inner guide 60 also moves downward. Then, the lower guide 34 and the inner guide 60 are directed to the standby position (retracted position). That is, if the inner guide 60 is left as it is in the measurement chamber 50, the light shielding effect caused by the inner guide 60 cannot be ignored. Therefore, the inner guide 60 is pulled down to improve the measurement sensitivity. In S110, lowering of the lower guide 34 and the upper guide 60 is stopped as described above, and it is positioned at the standby position.

  In S111, the measurement of the radioactive substance contained in the sample is executed for a predetermined time. This state is shown in FIGS. In FIG. 11, each reflecting member 72 is shown as a member having an isosceles triangular cross section when viewed from above. The light receiving surfaces of the respective photomultiplier tubes 52 and 54 are close to the container 13, and as shown in FIG. 11, the left and right direction of the container 13 (that is, X The light emitted in the direction is reflected by the reflecting members 72 and guided to the light receiving surfaces 52A and 54A. As a result, the measurement sensitivity can be remarkably improved as compared with the prior art. As described above, the position of the container 13 is maintained by the action of the cap member 62 and the holder member 70, and surrounding members contact the container 13 even if the inner guide 60 is not present in the measurement chamber. There is no.

  Moving to FIG. 5, in S112 after the measurement is completed, the lower guide 34 in the standby position is driven upward, and accordingly, the inner guide 60 is also driven upward. In S <b> 113, the lower guide 34 stops being raised, and accordingly, the inner guide 60 is also properly positioned in the measurement chamber 50. That is, a state in which the container 13 is accommodated again in the inner guide 60 is formed.

  In S114, the container 13 moves downward by lowering the middle shaft 33. This state is shown in FIG. 12, and as the container 13 is lowered, the lower guide 34 is also driven downward, and the inner guide 60 is also moved downward. In S115, the inner guide 60 placed on the lower guide 34 is held by the stopper, that is, the inner guide 60 is separated from the lower guide 34. In this state, the inner guide 60 is positioned in the ground state.

  In S116, as shown in FIG. 13, when the lower guide 34 and the container 13 are accommodated between the lower shutter mechanism 20 and the upper shutter mechanism 22, and the middle shaft 33 is completely accommodated in the outer cylinder 32, the push-up operation is performed. The lowering of the middle shaft 33 and the lower guide 34 of the rod 31 stops. In S117, the upper shutter mechanism 22 is closed. In S118, the lower shutter mechanism 20 opens. In S119, the entire push-up bar 31 is lowered, and the lower guide 34 is also lowered accordingly. Here, in S116 to S118, when the container 13 and the lower guide 34 enter between the lower shutter mechanism 20 and the upper shutter mechanism 22 in the lowering process of the container 13, the middle shaft 33 and the lower guide 34 of the push-up bar 31 are entered. The upper shutter mechanism 22 may be automatically closed without stopping the lowering, and after the upper shutter mechanism 22 is closed, the lower shutter mechanism 20 may be automatically opened.

  In S120, the movement stops when the lower guide 34 reaches the lower end. In S <b> 121, the container 13 is returned onto the rack 12. At such a stage, if necessary, the lower guide 34 is driven up and positioned to a standby position to receive the next container. In S122, the lowering of the push-up bar 31 is completely stopped. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101, and the process for the next container is repeated.

  Incidentally, when the container 13 and the lower guide 34 are moved downward, the lowering speeds can be determined independently. For example, both members may be moved at the same lowering speed from the measurement chamber 50 to an intermediate position, and the lowering speeds may be different from a certain point.

  In the above embodiment, the lower guide 34 is provided as a relay guide member on an intermediate path between the measurement unit 18 and the rack 12, and the container 13 that rises or falls by the lower guide 34 is stored. Therefore, there is an advantage that problems caused by the falling of the container 13 can be prevented in advance. In addition, since the double shutter structure is adopted, the extraneous light entering the measurement chamber 50 can be surely blocked, thereby preventing damage to the photomultiplier tube and keeping its driving voltage constant. It is possible to continue.

Furthermore, in the measurement unit 18, the container 13 can be accommodated in the inner guide 60 that moves up and down and can be moved up or down, so that the container 13 is not attached to the inner surface or structure of the measurement chamber 50. It is possible to prevent the problem of contact when necessary. In particular, since the container 13 can be positioned by the cap member 62 or the like even during measurement, it is possible to prevent the side surface of the container 13 from unnecessarily contacting the light receiving surface and damaging the light receiving surface. it can. This means that the light receiving surface can be brought closer to the container 13 as a result.

  In the present embodiment, since the pair of reflecting members 72 are provided in the measurement chamber, the light measurement efficiency can be increased in combination with the close arrangement of the light receiving surfaces as described above, and thereby high sensitivity measurement. There is an advantage that can be realized. Moreover, in the said embodiment, since the drive source of the lower guide 34 was shared with the drive source of the inner guide 60, there exists an advantage that the mechanism of an apparatus can be simplified. Further, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to provide a dedicated control unit for the inner guide 60.

  FIG. 14 shows a partially enlarged view of the push-up bar 31. As described above, the push-up bar 31 includes the outer cylinder 32 and the middle shaft 33 inserted through the outer cylinder 32. As shown in the drawing, two grooves 32B and 32C are formed at the distal end (upper end) 32A of the outer cylinder 32. Each of the grooves 32B and 32C is a ring-shaped groove and constitutes a small diameter portion. As described above, the lower shutter mechanism has two blades, and the two blades engage with the two grooves 32B and 32C. In such an engagement state, a complete light shielding state is formed around the outer cylinder 32. In the present embodiment, the push-up bar 31 is constituted by the outer cylinder 32 and the middle shaft 33 as described above, and the above-described light-shielding structure is provided on the outer cylinder 32, so that the action of the lower shutter mechanism is combined. The light shielding property can be greatly improved. Even in the light shielding state, the middle shaft 33 can be moved up and down without any restriction.

  Next, the charge eliminating means provided in the measurement unit will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 shows the structure in the upper portion 28 of the shield, and the basic configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. However, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the cap member 100 is made of a conductive member such as copper, and a terminal 100B protruding upward is formed on the upper surface of the main body 100A constituting the main part of the cap member 100. ing. As described above, the cap member 100 is a member that accommodates the head of the sample container.

  On the other hand, the static elimination member 102 is suspended from the ceiling surface of the upper portion 28. The charge removal member 102 is a spring member having a spring shape as shown in the figure, and is constituted by a conductive member. An upper end portion of the static elimination member 102 is fixed to a ceiling surface 28A in the upper portion 28, and a terminal 102A is provided at the lower end portion. As shown in the drawing, the terminal 102A is positioned at a position where it enters the inside of the cylindrical member in a natural state in which the static elimination member 102 is extended. Incidentally, the cylindrical member is made of metal such as copper, and the holder member provided in the inside thereof so as to be movable up and down is made of resin or the like.

  FIG. 16 shows a state where the sample container 13 is raised to the rising end. The head of the sample container 13 is accommodated in the cap member 100, and the cap member 100 and the charge removal member 102 are physically and electrically connected. The neutralizing member 102 is in a compressed state as a result of the cap member 100 moving upward. In this state, the terminals of the static elimination member 102 and the cap member 100 are in contact with each other, thereby forming a conductive state.

  According to such a configuration, even if the sample container 13 is charged, the charge accumulated therein is released to the outside through the cap member 100, the charge removal member 102, and the shielding member made of copper or the like. It is possible. In this embodiment, the shielding member is grounded, and even if the sample container 13 is charged by static electricity, it can be eliminated. Moreover, such charge removal can be performed simply by moving the sample container 13 upward, and effective charge removal can be performed with a simple mechanism. Further, since the charge removal member 102 is configured as a spring-like member, the charge removal member 102 does not hinder the upward movement of the sample container 13. Further, there is an advantage that reliable contact between the two terminals can be secured by the elastic action. Further, in the static elimination state, the static elimination member 102 is in a compressed state, and when the sample container 13 is moved downward, a downward drop force can be naturally generated with respect to the cap member 100. There is an advantage.

  Incidentally, the static elimination means is not limited to the static elimination member 102 as described above, and other configurations can be used. For example, a conductive brush may be provided on the inner surface of the frame as indicated by reference numeral 104, and the conductive brush may be brought into contact with the sample container 13 or an inner guide made of a conductive member, thereby eliminating static electricity. Good. In that case, the frame in the measurement unit may be grounded.

  In the sample processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, as described above, it is possible to perform static elimination in the lower space of the shield and also in the upper space, and effective static elimination in such a series of processes. This is advantageous in that noise can be prevented during radiation measurement and the photodetector can be protected. By the way, the generation of metal powder is likely to occur when metals rub against each other, and such metal powder may adversely affect the measurement, so one of the two members that may come into contact with the metal member. In this case, it is desirable to configure the other as a resin member. The sample container 13 is made of, for example, resin or glass.

  Next, a specific configuration example of the container transport mechanism 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 and the like will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 shows a state where the push-up bar 31 is positioned at the lowest position. The container conveyance mechanism 14 shown in the figure corresponds to the elevator mechanism of the push-up bar 31 as described above. The push-up bar 31 is composed of an outer cylinder 32 and a middle shaft, and an upper end portion 33A of the middle shaft appears in FIG. The container transport mechanism 14 includes an outer cylinder drive mechanism 111 and a middle shaft drive mechanism 132. First, the outer cylinder driving mechanism 111 will be described. The mechanism 111 includes a motor 116, a pulley 118, a wire 120, pulleys 122A and 122B, and the like. A block 112 is fixedly connected to a lower end portion of the outer cylinder 32, and a wire 120 is connected to the block 112 by a clamp 112A.

  The wire 120 is wound around the two pulleys 122A and 122B, and is wound around the pulley 118 in the middle portion thereof. The rotating shaft of the pulley 118 is connected to the motor 116. With this configuration, when the motor 116 is operated, the pulley 118 rotates, and as a result, the wire 120 performs a circular motion. As a result, the outer cylinder 32 can be moved up and down by moving the block 112 in the vertical direction.

  Next, the middle shaft drive mechanism 132 will be described. The middle shaft drive mechanism 132 includes a flexible shaft 130, a pulley 134, a pulley 138, a linear rail member 140, and the like. In the flexible shaft 130, reference numeral 130A indicates a connecting end to the central shaft, reference numeral 130B indicates a straight line portion, and reference numeral 130C indicates an outer end portion.

  The flexible shaft 130 is a member that does not expand and contract in the axial direction and is bendable in a direction orthogonal thereto. The guide path of the flexible shaft 130 will be described. The flexible shaft 130 is bent in the x direction by the pulley 134 from the lower end portion of the central shaft via the connecting end 130A, and is guided in the z direction. Guided in the y direction. A linear portion 130B is accommodated in a linear groove 140A formed in the linear rail member 140. Within the linear groove 140A, the outer end portion 130C moves according to the movement position of the flexible shaft, that is, the position of the central axis in the vertical direction. The movement path includes the first detector 142, the second detector 144, and the like in this embodiment. A third detector 146 is provided. Those detectors constitute a stroke detecting means. That is, it is possible to indirectly detect the rising position of the center shaft by such a stroke detection means. Detection signals output from the detectors 142, 144, and 146 are output to a control unit (not shown). The control unit controls the middle shaft drive mechanism 132 and the outer shaft drive mechanism 111 based on these signals. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, as described above, the flexible shaft 130 is bent on the xz plane and then bent in the zy plane. However, the number and direction of bending can be arbitrarily set. It is. That is, in the present embodiment, since the flexible shaft 130 is used, an empty space in the apparatus can be used effectively, and a guide route for the flexible shaft 130 may be set so that the space can be accommodated. According to such a configuration, there is no need to provide a large mechanism space directly below the push-up bar 31, so there is an advantage that the scale of the apparatus can be reduced.

  FIG. 18 shows a state where the push-up bar 31 is pulled out partway. This state corresponds to the state shown in FIG. In this state, the outer end portion 130 </ b> C has reached the installation position of the second detector 144. FIG. 19 shows a state where the middle shaft 33 has reached the uppermost position. In this state, the outer end portion 130 </ b> C reaches the position of the third detector 146. Incidentally, in FIGS. 18 and 19, the linear rail member 140 is partially cut away. By detecting or confirming the position of the outer end portion of the flexible shaft 130 using the three detectors 142, 144, and 146 as described above, it is possible to accurately grasp the raised position of the intermediate shaft 33. That is, if the flexible shaft 130 is used, there is an advantage that the empty space can be effectively used as described above and the rising position of the central shaft can be reliably monitored.

  FIG. 20 shows the second detector 144 among the three detectors. Other detectors basically have the same structure. A shaft extending in the horizontal direction is provided at the outer end portion 132 </ b> C of the flexible shaft 132, and the end portion of the shaft constitutes the pin 150. The pin 150 passes through the slit 144A formed in the second detector 144 without contact. By emitting and receiving light on both sides of the slit 144A, that is, by forming a light beam so as to pass through the slit 144A, the presence or passage of the pin 150 can be optically detected.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the pin 150 functions as a marker for detecting the raised position of the middle shaft. In the present embodiment, three detectors are arranged. Of course, more detectors may be arranged. Alternatively, a mechanism that changes the resistance value according to the position of the flexible shaft 130 may be provided, and the position of the center shaft may be detected using such a mechanism. As shown in FIG. 20, a roller 152 is provided on the shaft connected to the pin 150, and the roller 152 is a member that can freely roll. The outer surface of the roller 152 is in contact with the rail surface 140B formed on the linear rail member 140, that is, when the outer end portion 132C moves forward and backward, the roller 152 performs a rolling motion on the rail surface 140B. As a result, the outer end 132 can be smoothly moved. The roller 152 may be provided as necessary, and in any case, it is desirable to configure the flexible shaft 132 so that it can smoothly move along the guide path.

It is sectional drawing of the sample processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view of a measurement unit. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of two shutter mechanisms. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation example of a sample measuring device. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation example of a sample measuring device. It is a figure which shows the state in which the container is located between two shutter mechanisms. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of two shutter mechanisms. It is a figure which shows the state by which the container was positioned in the measurement chamber. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of two shutter mechanisms. It is a figure which shows the state in measurement. It is a figure which shows the state in measurement, and is a figure which shows the effect | action of a pair of reflection member especially. It is a figure which shows the process of moving a container below from a measurement chamber. It is a figure which shows the state in which the container is located between two shutter mechanisms. It is an enlarged view which shows the upper part of a raising bar. It is a figure which shows the expansion | extension state of a static elimination member. It is a figure which shows the compression state of a static elimination member. It is a perspective view of a container conveyance mechanism in case a push-up bar exists in the lowest position. It is a perspective view of a container conveyance mechanism in case a push-up bar exists in the middle position. It is a perspective view of a container conveyance mechanism in case a push-up bar exists in the uppermost position. It is an enlarged view which shows a pin and a position detector.

Explanation of symbols

  10 tables, 12 racks, 13 containers, 14 container transport mechanisms, 16 relay guide mechanisms, 18 measurement units, 20 lower shutter mechanisms, 22 upper shutter mechanisms, 24 shields, 31 push-up bars, 34 lower guides, 38 lifting mechanisms, 50 Measurement chamber, 52, 54 Photodetector (photomultiplier tube), 60 guide inside, 62 cap member, 70 holder member, 102 neutralizing member.

Claims (5)

A measurement unit for storing a sample container sent from a rack, and measuring a radiation substance contained in the sample in the sample container;
An intermediate unit provided between the rack and the measurement unit and having a light shielding structure;
A container transport mechanism for transporting the sample container between the rack and the measurement chamber;
When raising and lowering the sample container by the container transport mechanism, a relay guide member that accommodates the sample container and holds the standing state;
A relay guide member lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers the relay guide member when the sample container is lifted and lowered by the container transport mechanism;
A mechanism for opening and closing the lifting / lowering passage provided in a first position through which the relay guiding member passes in a lifting / lowering passage from the lower opening of the intermediate unit to the receiving opening of the measurement chamber , wherein the relay guiding mechanism is open. A first shutter mechanism that forms an opening region through which the
A mechanism that is higher than the first position in the elevating passage and is provided at a second position through which the relay guide member passes, and opens and closes the elevating passage, and passes the relay guide mechanism in an open state. A second shutter mechanism that forms an opening region ;
With increasing the sample container by said container transfer mechanism, together with the relay guiding member lift mechanism is controlled to so that raising the relay guiding member, thereby forming the interlocking raised position, said by the container transfer mechanism sample container with the descent of the control means for the relay guiding member lift mechanism is controlled to so that lowering the said relay guide member, thereby forming an interlocking lowered position,
Including
The control means controls the first shutter mechanism and the second shutter mechanism to operate in conjunction with the raising and lowering of the sample container and the relay guide member, and at that time, the first shutter mechanism and the second shutter mechanism A sample measuring apparatus, characterized in that control is performed so that at least one of the shutter mechanisms is always in a closed state to prevent external light from entering the measurement chamber . The apparatus of claim 1 .
In the rising process of the sample container,
When the first shutter mechanism is open and the second shutter mechanism is closed, the sample container and the relay guide member are raised to an intermediate position between the first shutter mechanism and the second shutter mechanism, and then The second shutter mechanism is opened after the first shutter mechanism is closed, and the sample container and the relay guide member are raised to the measurement chamber side in that state.
A sample measuring device characterized by that. The apparatus of claim 1 .
In the lowering process of the sample container,
When the second shutter mechanism is open and the first shutter mechanism is closed, the sample container and the relay guide member are lowered to an intermediate position between the second shutter mechanism and the first shutter mechanism, and then The first shutter mechanism is opened after the second shutter mechanism is closed, and the sample container and the relay guide member are lowered toward the rack in that state.
A sample measuring device characterized by that. The apparatus of claim 1.
The first shutter mechanism has a plurality of openable and closable blades that block the periphery of the container push-up bar while allowing the container push-up bar to penetrate the container transport mechanism.
A sample measuring device characterized by that. The apparatus of claim 1.
The first shutter mechanism is provided at a lower portion of the intermediate unit;
The second shutter mechanism is provided between the measurement chamber and the upper part of the intermediate unit.
A sample measuring device characterized by that.

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