JP7239162B2 - Aspirator and dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a suction tool and a dispensing device in which suction nozzles are arranged.

A suction tool is known in which suction nozzles are arranged on the suction surface side and a suction chip can be detachably attached to each suction nozzle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Such an aspirator is used, for example, as an aspirator for aspirating the supernatant of a specimen.

As an example, when using the suction tool, a suction tip is attached to each suction nozzle, the suction nozzle is directed downward, and the suction nozzle is arranged above each test tube arranged in a rack or the like. Then, the suction tool is lowered to simultaneously insert each suction tip into each test tube, and the supernatant liquid of each specimen is suctioned from each suction tip.

JP 2013-66851 A

By the way, depending on the shape of the rack on which the test tubes are placed and the test content of the sample, there are cases where the test is performed without using some suction nozzles. In this case, if unused suction nozzles (hereinafter referred to as unused suction nozzles) are left open, air will be sucked from the unused suction nozzles, which may interfere with the suction action of other suction nozzles. many. Therefore, new work such as covering the unused suction nozzle is required.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a suction tool and a dispensing device with a simple structure in which unused suction nozzles among a plurality of arranged suction nozzles stop suction without being operated by the user. do.

In order to solve the above problems, a suction tool according to the present invention includes a base member in which suction ports are arranged, and a suction nozzle connected to each suction port of the base member. The suction nozzle includes a nozzle base end member connected to the suction port, and a head portion protruding toward the suction nozzle tip side from the nozzle base end member, and the nozzle base end member a forward/backward movement member provided to be movable forward/backward with respect to the nozzle; a biasing member that biases the forward/backward movement member toward the tip of the nozzle; When the advancing/retreating member is positioned at the extended end, the suction port of the suction nozzle and the suction port of the base member are disconnected, and when the advancing/retreating member moves toward the base end of the suction nozzle, the It is characterized by comprising a switching mechanism for connecting the suction port of the suction nozzle and the suction port of the base member.

Further, a dispensing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the suction tool according to the present invention.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an aspirator and a dispensing device with a simple configuration in which a suction nozzle that is not used among a plurality of arranged aspiration nozzles stops aspiration without being operated by the user.

1 is a perspective view of a suction tool according to a first embodiment; FIG. It is a bottom view of the suction tool concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 4 is a developed view for explaining that a suction tip is attached to a suction nozzle in the suction tool according to the first embodiment; 1A is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state before the suction tip is attached to the suction nozzle, and FIG. 1B is a state after the suction tip is attached to the suction nozzle. It is a side sectional view explaining. It is the elements on larger scale of FIG.4(b). FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating that the aspirator according to the first embodiment lowers the aspiration tip into the test tube containing the specimen to aspirate the supernatant. FIG. 11A is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state before the suction tip is attached to the suction nozzle, and FIG. It is a side sectional view explaining a state. It is the elements on larger scale of FIG.7(b). FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a dispensing device according to a second embodiment;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]
First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suction tool according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the suction tool according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a developed view for explaining that the suction tip is attached to the suction nozzle in the suction tool according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a suction tool according to this embodiment, in which (a) is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state before the suction tip is attached to the suction nozzle, and (b) is after the suction tip is attached to the suction nozzle. It is a side cross-sectional view for explaining the state of. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4(b).

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the suction tool 10 according to the present embodiment includes a base member 14 in which suction port portions 12 are arranged, and a suction device connected to each suction port portion 12 of the base member 14 . a nozzle 16;

The suction nozzle 16 has a nozzle proximal side member 18 connected to the suction port portion 12 and a head portion protruding toward the suction nozzle tip side from the nozzle proximal side member 18 . A forward/backward movable member 20 provided to be movable back and forth, a compression coil spring 22 (biasing member) that abuts against the forward/backward movable member 20 and biases it toward the tip of the nozzle, a nozzle base end member 18, and the forward/backward member 20. A switching mechanism 24 is formed by a compression coil spring 22 and switches between the start and stop of suction from the advancing/retreating member 20 .

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the advancing/retreating member 20 includes a distal end-side advancing/retreating member 20p having a head portion 20t with which the suction tip T can abut, and a rear portion (see FIG. 5) of the distal end-side advancing/retreating member 20p. 4), and a bar-shaped rearward advancing/retreating member 20q inserted through the nozzle proximal end member 18. As shown in FIG. The tip-side advancing/retreating member 20p includes the head portion 20t and a base portion 20k extending from the rear portion of the head portion 20t and fixing the rear-side advancing/retreating member 20q.

The nozzle proximal side member 18 includes a nozzle proximal side head member 18p through which the base 20k and the rear advancing/retreating member 20q are inserted so as to be able to move back and forth, and a rear portion (upper part in FIG. 4) of the nozzle proximal side head member 18p. and a nozzle base end side main member 18q fixing the .

The shape of the tip portion 18pt of the nozzle base end side head member 18p is determined according to the shape of the attachment opening Tm of the suction tip T so that the suction tip T can be easily attached. The head member 18p on the proximal side of the nozzle and the moving member 20p on the distal side can be replaced according to the conditions. Then, the rearward advance/retreat member 20q is inserted through the base end opening 18m of the nozzle base end head member 18p.

An insertion hole 18qh is formed in the nozzle base end side main portion member 18q for inserting the rear side advancing/retreating member 20q so as to be able to advance and retreat. A cylindrical suction path Ga having a ring-shaped cross section is formed between the insertion hole 18qh and the rearward advancing/retreating member 20q.

A holding portion H that holds the X ring 19 (seal member) is formed by the nozzle proximal side head member 18p and the nozzle proximal side main member 18q. The X-ring 19 is inserted through the rear advancing/retreating member 20q.

Further, in the rear-side advancing/retreating member 20q, a vertical suction passage Gb that extends along the longitudinal direction of the rear-side advancing/retreating member 20q in communication with the suction passage of the tip-side advancing/retreating member 20p, and a vertical suction passage Gb. A lateral suction path Gc is formed on the rear end side, extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 4) and opening to the outer peripheral side of the rear advancing/retreating member 20q.

Further, inside the compression coil spring 22, a receiving portion 23 is arranged to support the lower end side of the compression coil spring 22 by inserting the rear advancing/retreating member 20q. The rear-side advancing/retreating member 20q is inserted through the receiving portion 23 so as to be able to advance/retreat.

An E-ring 25 for retaining is attached between the receiving portion 23 and the nozzle proximal end member 18 on the outer peripheral portion of the rear advancing/retreating member 20q.

With such a configuration, the inner side of the suction tip abuts against the head portion 20t of the advancing/retreating member 20, causing the advancing/retreating member 20 to retreat (that is, rise), and the suction tip T to reach the distal end side of the nozzle proximal side head member 18p. is to be worn.

When the forward/backward moving member 20 is positioned at the extended end E (see FIGS. 1 and 4A), the lateral suction path Gc is not positioned above the X ring 19, and therefore the lateral suction path Gc is not located above the X ring 19. The passage Gc does not communicate with the cylindrical suction passage Ga. Therefore, the switching mechanism 24 disconnects the suction port M of the forward/backward movement member 20 from the suction port 12 of the base member 14 (see FIG. 4A).

When the advance/retreat member 20 moves toward the base end of the suction nozzle (toward the base member 14 ), the lateral suction path Gc also moves toward the base end of the suction nozzle, and the lateral suction path Gc is positioned above the X ring 19 . As a result, the lateral suction passage Gc communicates with the cylindrical suction passage Ga. Therefore, the switching mechanism 24 allows the suction port M of the forward/backward moving member 20 and the suction port portion 12 of the base member 14 to communicate with each other (see FIG. 4B).

Further, in this embodiment, the ejector portion or the aspirator portion communicating with the suction port portion 12 is arranged inside the base member 14 , and suction is performed by the ejector portion or the aspirator portion by the jet line formed inside the base member 14 . It is configured to generate a force and act on the suction port portion 12 .

Specifically, connecting pipes 32 and 34 (see FIG. 1) are connected to the center of the upper surface of the base member 14 and the base member 14, respectively, in order to form a jet line flowing to the ejector portion or the aspirator portion inside the base member 14. is connected to the side of the A suction path communicating with the suction port 12 communicates with the ejector portion or the aspirator portion. The connection pipe 32 is inserted into a space Z (see FIG. 3) penetrating through the central portion of the support portion 30 and connected to the upper surface side of the base member 14 .

Further, the base member 14 is provided with a substantially cylindrical and thick support portion 30 extending upward from the upper central portion when the suction nozzle 16 is directed downward. By pressing the support portion 30 downward, the head portion 20t is brought into contact with and pressed against the mounting opening Tm of the suction tip T arranged below the suction port portion 12 . As a result, the head 20t moves (retreats) in the direction of the nozzle proximal side member 18, and the forward/backward movement member 20 and the nozzle proximal side member 18 are switched from non-communication to communication, and the nozzle proximal side head A suction tip T is attached to the tip portion 18pt of the member 18p.

(action, effect)
The operation and effect of this embodiment will be described below. In order to use the suction tool 10, a suction tip T with a standard corresponding to the specimen and test tube to be measured is selected. Then, the selected suction tip T is attached to each suction nozzle. An opening Ts is formed at the tip of the aspiration tip T so that a liquid (supernatant of a sample, etc.) can be aspirated into the tip.

In this mounting, the suction nozzles 16 are arranged in a rack (not shown) for the suction nozzles 16, and the suction tool 10 is arranged above the rack. Then, while exerting a suction force on the suction nozzle 16 from the suction port 12 of the base member 14, the head 20t of the advancing/retreating member 20 is brought into contact with the mounting opening Tm of the suction tip T to push down the suction tool 10. Then, the suction tip T is attached to the head 20t. This series of mounting operations may be performed automatically using a mounting device, or may be performed manually. In the case of manual operation, it is preferable that the outer peripheral side of the support portion 30 has a grip shape from the viewpoint of facilitating pressing of the suction nozzles 16 with a uniform force.

Here, when arranging the suction tips T on the suction tip rack, the suction tips T are not arranged at positions corresponding to the unused suction nozzles 16n. Therefore, the suction tip T is not attached to the unused suction nozzle 16n. The suction nozzles that become the unused suction nozzles 16n are, for example, a plurality of suction nozzles arranged in a line at a specific position.

After the suction tip T is attached, the suction tool 10 is arranged so that the suction nozzles 16 are positioned above the test tubes P (see FIG. 6) arranged in the rack and containing the sample. Then, the suction tool 10 is lowered while air is sucked from the suction nozzle 16 . The descending height position is a height position set in advance according to the sample main part SM remaining in the test tube after the unnecessary supernatant SL is removed (after being sucked into the suction tip).

As a result, the suction flow F (see FIG. 5) is generated at the suction nozzles 16 other than the unused suction nozzle 16n, and the suction tips T are simultaneously inserted into the supernatant liquid SL of each sample, and the supernatant liquid of the sample is discharged. It is sucked into the suction tip T (see FIG. 6). Here, when sucking up a sample into the suction tip T, the forward/backward moving member 20 is positioned at the extension end E of the unused suction nozzle 16n, so that the suction port M of the unused suction nozzle 16n and the suction port of the base member 14 12 is out of communication. Therefore, no suction flow is generated at the unused suction nozzle 16n, and no air is sucked from the unused suction nozzle 16n.

After sucking the supernatant SL in this manner, the suction tool 10 is lifted and the suction tip T is pulled out from the test tube P. After that, the remaining specimen body SM is analyzed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when a sample is sucked into the suction tip T, the suction port M of the unused suction nozzle 16n and the suction port portion 12 of the base member 14 are not communicated with each other. It has become. Therefore, air is completely prevented from being sucked from the unused suction nozzles 16n, and the suction action of the other suction nozzles 16 is not hindered. Therefore, it is possible to realize the suction tool 10 having a simple structure in which the unused suction nozzles 16 among the plurality of arranged suction nozzles 16 stop suction without being operated by the user.

Further, the nozzle proximal end member 18 includes a nozzle proximal end head member 18p through which the advance/retreat member 20 is inserted and the mounting opening Tm of the suction tip T can be mounted on the distal end side. When the suction tip T is attached, the inner side of the suction tip abuts against the distal end side advancing/retreating member 20p, causing the distal end side advancing/retreating member 20p to retreat. It is configured to be equipped with a T.

When the suction tip T is attached, the head 20t is pressed by the suction tip T and moves upward relative to the nozzle base end member 18 . After the relative movement reaches the rising edge of the nozzle base end member 18, the relative movement stops. In this state, two forces, a fitting force due to the head 20t and the mounting opening Tm being pressed against each other and a suction force with which the suction tip T is sucked by air suction from the head 20t, are used for suction. The tip T is held by the head 20t with sufficient force.

In addition, the base member 14 is provided with a support portion 30 that extends upward from the upper central portion when the suction nozzle 16 is directed downward. The arrayed suction tips T can be attached to the head 20t. That is, since the support portion 30 extends from the upper central portion of the base member 14, pressing the support portion 30 presses the head portion 20t of each suction nozzle 16 against each suction tip T with a uniform force. can do.

Further, in this embodiment, the ejector portion or the aspirator portion communicating with the suction port portion 12 is arranged inside the base member 14, and the suction force generated by the ejector portion or the aspirator portion acts on the suction port portion 12. ing. Therefore, the suction force from each suction port 12 can be equalized with a simple structure.

<Modification>
In the first embodiment, a cylindrical suction path Ga is formed between the insertion hole 18qh and the rearward advancing/retreating member 20q. Although a configuration in which communication is switched has been described, a configuration in which communication is switched may be employed. Modifications will be described below, but the same names and reference numerals will be used for components having the same functions as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the suction nozzle 116 includes a nozzle base end member 118, a tip end advance/retreat member 120 capable of advancing and retreating with respect to the nozzle base end member 118, and the advance/retreat member 120. The compression coil spring 122 is arranged in the insertion hole 118qh of the nozzle proximal end member 118 to bias the advancing/retreating member 120 toward the nozzle distal end side. good.

In this case, the base end side extension portion 127 extending from the base end side of the tip side advance/retreat member 120 (the member corresponding to the tip side advance/retreat member 20p) has a base end side extension portion opening to the side. The opening 127m is formed, and when the tip side advancing/retreating member 120 is positioned at the extended end, the suction port M of the suction nozzle 116 and the suction port portion 12 of the base member 14 are not in communication, and the tip side advancing/retreating member is not in communication. 120 moves toward the base end of the suction nozzle (toward the base member 14), the suction port M communicates with the suction port 12 through the opening 127m of the base end extending portion to generate a suction flow F (FIG. 8). It may be configured to

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the dispensing device according to this embodiment. A dispensing device 200 according to this embodiment includes a suction tool having the same configuration and function as the suction tool described in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment will be used.

The dispensing device 200 includes a separation plate B (see FIGS. 1, 4, 7, and 8) for dropping the suction tip T attached to the suction nozzle 16 (see FIG. 4 for all) from the suction tool. ).

The separation plate B is provided with insertion holes 18qh through which the suction nozzles 16 are respectively inserted so as to be movable forward and backward with respect to the nozzle base end member 18 .

In the present embodiment, the suction tips T are arranged in a predetermined arrangement (for example, arranged and non-arranged alternately) and attached to the suction tool as described in the first embodiment.

After the use of the suction tip T (suction of supernatant liquid, etc.) is completed, the suction tool is moved to the drop position (disposal position) of the suction tip T, and the separation plate B is moved to the tip of the suction nozzle (i.e., lowered). By moving), the separation plate B is brought into contact with the upper edge portion of the suction tip T, and the suction tip T is dropped from the tip-side advance/retreat member 20p.

This makes it possible to dispense using a suction tool having a simple structure, in which the unused suction nozzles among the plurality of arranged suction nozzles stop suction without being operated by the user.

Although the embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are examples for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the material, shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the component parts are specified in the above embodiments. Instead, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

10 suction tool 12 suction port 14 base member 16 suction nozzle 16n unused suction nozzle 18 nozzle proximal side member 18m proximal side opening 18p nozzle proximal side head member 18pt tip 18q nozzle proximal side main member 18qh inserted Hole 19 X-ring 20 Advance/retreat member 20k Base 20p Tip-side advance/retreat member 20q Rear-side advance/retreat member 20t Head 22 Compression coil spring (biasing member)
23 Receiving portion 24 Switching mechanism 25 E-ring 30 Supporting portion 32 Connection pipe 34 Connection pipe 116 Suction nozzle 118 Nozzle base end member 118qh Insertion hole 120 Advance/retreat member 122 Compression coil spring 127 Base end side extension 127m Base end side extension Portion opening 200 Dispensing device B Separation plate E Extending end F Suction flow Ga Cylindrical suction channel Gb Vertical suction channel Gc Lateral suction channel H Holding part M Suction port P Test tube SL Supernatant SM Sample body T Suction tip Tm Mounting opening Ts Opening Z Space

Claims (5)

A suction tool comprising a base member in which suction ports are arranged, and a suction nozzle connected to each suction port of the base member,
The suction nozzle is
a nozzle base end member connected to the suction port;
a forward/backward moving member having a head projecting further toward the tip side of the suction nozzle than the member on the proximal side of the nozzle, and provided so as to move back and forth with respect to the member on the proximal side of the nozzle;
a biasing member that biases the advance/retreat member toward the tip of the nozzle;
It is formed by the nozzle base end side member, the forward/backward movement member, and the biasing member, and when the forward/backward movement member is positioned at the extended end, the suction port of the suction nozzle and the suction port portion of the base member are connected to each other. a switching mechanism that makes the suction port of the suction nozzle and the suction port of the base member communicate with each other when the advance/retreat member moves toward the base end of the suction nozzle ,
The nozzle proximal side member includes a nozzle proximal side head member through which the forward/backward moving member can be inserted and an attachment opening for a suction tip can be attached to the tip side,
A suction tool, wherein the inner side of the suction tip abuts against the advancing/retreating member and the advancing/retreating member is retracted, and the suction tip is attached to the distal end side of the nozzle base end side head member. The base member is provided with a support portion extending upward from an upper central portion when the suction nozzle is directed downward,
2. The structure according to claim 1 , wherein the suction tips arranged below the suction nozzle are attached to the head member on the base end side of the nozzle by pressing the support portion downward. suction tool. an ejector portion or an aspirator portion communicating with the suction port portion is arranged inside the base member;
3. The suction tool according to claim 1, wherein a suction force generated by said ejector portion or said aspirator portion acts on said suction port portion. A dispensing device comprising the suction tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . a separation plate provided with an array of insertion holes through which the suction nozzles are respectively inserted and which is movable forward and backward with respect to the nozzle proximal end member;
5. The dispensing method according to claim 4 , wherein the separation plate moves toward the tip of the suction nozzle so that it abuts on the suction tip attached to the advancing/retracting member, thereby removing the suction tip from the advancing/retreating member. Device.

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