JP7256839B2 - Rack stirrer and stirring system - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a rack-type stirrer and stirring system for stirring a solution sample used in medicine, biotechnology, chemistry, pharmacy, etc., and particularly to a rack-type stirrer and stirring system for stirring a sample in a sample container held in a rack. It relates to stirrers and stirring systems.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when testing a solution-like sample used in medicine, biotechnology, chemistry, pharmacy, etc., the solution-like sample is stirred in order to efficiently detect the components contained in the sample. Such agitation of the sample is performed by swirling the bottom side of the sample container manually or with a device such as a vortex mixer to form a vortex in the sample in the sample container.

However, in such a sample container, there are cases where handling such as carrying is performed while a plurality of sample containers are set in a rack capable of holding a plurality of sample containers. In this case, it is necessary to take out each sample container from the rack, stir the sample in each sample container, and then return the sample container to the rack.

In view of this, Patent Literature 1 proposes a rack-type stirrer capable of performing a stirring process on a rack holding a plurality of sample containers.

JP 2017-166858 A

However, the applicant of the present application is seeking automation of a system using a rack transporter, and in the stirrer described in Patent Document 1, when setting the rack on the rack-type stirrer, the clamp arm is pulled forward. After releasing the clamp pin, the operator must manually set the rack on the rack stirrer and release the clamp arm to fix the rack. This hinders automation of the system. There was a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to solve these problems and to provide a rack-type stirrer and a stirring system which have a simple structure and can be easily automated.

A rack-type stirrer of the present invention is a rack-type stirrer that stirs a sample in a sample container held in a rack, and comprises a rack holding mechanism for detachably holding the rack, and the rack holding mechanism. a stirring drive mechanism for moving the held rack, wherein the rack holding mechanism comprises a rack holding space for receiving and holding the rack from above, and both lateral sides of the rack holding space. a first pressing member having a first sandwiching portion and a second pressing member having a second sandwiching portion for laterally sandwiching the rack installed in the rack holding space; The first pressing member is installed in a state in which the first clamping portion is movable in the left-right direction and the first clamping portion is biased toward the rack holding space. When a first pushed portion provided at the upper end of a member is pushed from above, the first pinching portion moves away from the rack holding space, and the first pushed portion is configured to: The above problem is solved by being configured as a roller or sliding plate that can rotate about an axis extending in the front- rear direction.
One aspect of the stirring system of the present invention is a stirring system comprising a rack-type stirrer for stirring a sample in a sample container held in a rack, and the rack, wherein the rack-type stirrer includes the rack. A rack holding mechanism for detachably holding the rack, and an agitating drive mechanism for moving the rack held by the rack holding mechanism, wherein the rack holding mechanism receives and holds the rack from above. and a first pressing member provided on each of the left and right sides of the rack holding space and having first clamping portions for holding the rack installed in the rack holding space in the left and right direction. and a second pressing member having a second clamping portion, wherein the first clamping portion of the first pressing member is movable in the left-right direction, and the first clamping portion approaches the rack holding space. When the first pressed portion provided on the upper end of the first pressing member is pushed from above, the first pinching portion is separated from the rack holding space. the first pressed part is configured as a roller or sliding plate rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction, and the sample container comprises a container body and the container body , wherein the cap is rotated in a first direction about a vertical axis relative to the container body when viewed from above, so that the cap is rotated with respect to the container body The rack is formed to be screwed together, and the rack is configured to hold the sample container in an upright state with the cap facing upward, with the rack installed in the rack holding space, When viewed from above, the agitation drive mechanism rotates the rack installed in the rack holding space in a second direction opposite to the first direction around a vertical axis, thereby causing the inside of the sample container to rotate. The above problem is solved by being configured to agitate the sample.
Another aspect of the stirring system of the present invention is a stirring system comprising: a rack-type stirrer for stirring a sample in a sample container held in a rack; and a stirring drive mechanism for moving the rack held by the rack holding mechanism, wherein the rack holding mechanism receives and holds the rack from above and a first retainer having first clamping portions provided on both sides in the left-right direction sandwiching the rack-holding space for sandwiching the rack installed in the rack-holding space in the left-right direction. and a second pressing member having a member and a second clamping portion, wherein the first clamping portion of the first pressing member is movable in the left-right direction, and the first clamping portion moves in the rack holding space. When the first pressed portion provided on the upper end of the first pressing member is pushed from above, the first pinching portion is pushed out of the rack holding space. configured to move apart, said first pushed portion being configured as a roller or sliding plate rotatable about an axis along a longitudinal direction; The rack has a sandwiched portion that is sandwiched by the first sandwiching portion and the second sandwiching portion in a state of being installed in the rack, and the first holding member and the The problem is solved by forming a front-rear direction movement restricting portion that restricts movement of the rack in the front-rear direction with respect to the second pressing member.
Another aspect of the stirring system of the present invention is a stirring system comprising: a rack-type stirrer for stirring a sample in a sample container held in a rack; and a stirring drive mechanism for moving the rack held by the rack holding mechanism, wherein the rack holding mechanism receives and holds the rack from above and a first retainer having first clamping portions provided on both sides in the left-right direction sandwiching the rack-holding space for sandwiching the rack installed in the rack-holding space in the left-right direction. and a second pressing member having a member and a second clamping portion, wherein the first clamping portion of the first pressing member is movable in the left-right direction, and the first clamping portion moves in the rack holding space. When the first pressed portion provided on the upper end of the first pressing member is pushed from above, the first pinching portion is pushed out of the rack holding space. The first pressed part is configured as a roller or sliding plate rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction, and the rack comprises a plurality of vertically arranged racks. The above problem is solved by having a structure in which plates are connected in the vertical direction, and the uppermost plate among the plurality of plates is configured to be sandwiched between the first sandwiching portion and the second sandwiching portion. is to solve
Another aspect of the stirring system of the present invention is a stirring system comprising a rack-type stirrer for stirring a sample in a sample container held in a rack, and a rack transporter capable of transporting the rack, The rack-type stirrer includes a rack holding mechanism for detachably holding the rack, and a stirring driving mechanism for moving the rack held by the rack holding mechanism. a rack holding space for receiving and holding the rack holding space from above; A first pressing member having a clamping portion and a second pressing member having a second clamping portion are provided, and the first pressing member is configured such that the first clamping portion is movable in the left-right direction, and the first clamping portion is movable. The clamping portion is installed in a state of being biased toward the rack holding space, and the first pressed portion provided at the upper end of the first pressing member is pushed from above, whereby the first A clamping portion is configured to move away from the rack holding space, and the first pushed portion is configured as a roller or sliding plate rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction, and the rack transport The machine includes a pair of gripping claws capable of gripping the rack in the left-right direction, and the first pressing member presses the first pressed portion from above by the gripping claws, so that the first pressing member is pushed from above. The problem is solved by configuring the clamping portion to move away from the rack holding space.
Another aspect of the stirring system of the present invention is a stirring system comprising a rack-type stirrer for stirring a sample in a sample container held in a rack, a rack transporter capable of transporting the rack, and the rack. The rack-type stirrer comprises a rack holding mechanism for detachably holding the rack, and a stirring driving mechanism for moving the rack held by the rack holding mechanism. is a rack holding space for receiving and holding the rack from above, and is provided on both sides in the left-right direction sandwiching the rack holding space, and sandwiching the rack installed in the rack holding space in the left-right direction. A first holding member having a first pinching portion and a second holding member having a second pinching portion for holding the , the first clamping portion is installed in a state of being biased toward the rack holding space, and the first pushed portion provided at the upper end of the first pressing member is pushed from above. , the first clamping portion is configured to move away from the rack holding space , and the first pressed portion is configured as a roller or a sliding plate rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction; The second pressing member is installed in a state in which the second clamping portion is movable in the left-right direction and is urged in a direction toward the rack holding space, 2. The second clamping portion is configured to move away from the rack holding space by pressing a second pressed portion provided at the upper end of the pressing member from above. is configured as a roller or sliding plate rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction; By lowering the rack in a state where the rack is sandwiched and held by the gripping claws, one of the pair of gripping claws pushes the first pushed portion from above to move the first pushed portion away from the rack holding space. In addition to moving the gripping portion, the second gripping portion is pushed from above by the other of the pair of gripping claws to move the second gripping portion away from the rack holding space. , to solve the above problems.

According to the present invention, the first pressed portion is pushed from above by using the operation of lowering the rack conveying machine holding the rack with respect to the rack stirrer without requiring manual operation by the operator. To realize automation of a stirring system using a rack transporter with a simple configuration without providing an actuator for moving the pressing member in the rack type stirrer because the first pressing member can be operated. can be done.

Further, the agitation drive mechanism rotates the rack installed in the rack holding space in a second direction opposite to the first direction, which is the direction in which the cap is rotated when the cap is screwed onto the container body. In the case where the sample in the sample container is agitated, it is possible to avoid loosening of the cap from the container body due to the stirring operation of the agitation drive mechanism. There is no

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a rack-type stirrer in the stirring system of the present invention; Explanatory drawing which shows a rack-type stirrer. Explanatory drawing which shows a rack conveying machine. Explanatory drawing which shows a rack. Explanatory drawing which shows a sample container. Explanatory drawing explaining the stirring method by a rack-type stirrer. Explanatory drawing which shows the setting method of the rack with respect to a rack-type stirrer. Explanatory drawing which shows the setting method of the rack with respect to a rack-type stirrer.

A stirring system 10 that is an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The stirring system 10 is for stirring a solution-like sample used in medicine, biotechnology, chemistry, pharmacy, etc. Specifically, the sample in the sample container 40 held in the rack 50 is stirred. It is agitated.

As shown in FIG. 7, the stirring system 10 holds a rack-type stirrer 20 configured to stir a rack 50 holding a plurality of sample containers 40 and a plurality of sample containers 40. A rack transporter 30 capable of transporting a rack 50 in a state, a sample container 40 containing a sample, a rack 50 capable of holding a plurality of sample containers 40, a rack stirrer 20, a rack transporter 30, and other parts are controlled. and a system control unit (not shown) consisting of a CPU and the like.

Each component will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

First, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rack-type stirrer 20 is held by the rack holding mechanism 21 for detachably holding the rack 50 holding the sample container 40 and the rack holding mechanism 21. and an agitation drive mechanism 26 for moving the rack 50 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rack holding mechanism 21 includes a rack holding space 22 for receiving and holding the rack 50 from above, and a horizontal direction X2 across the rack holding space 22 (perpendicular to the vertical direction X1). A first holding member 23 and a second pinching portion provided on both sides of the horizontal plane (one direction in which the first pressing member 23 and the second pinching portion 23b are provided) for sandwiching the rack 50 installed in the rack holding space 22 in the left-right direction X2. 24a, and a support structure 25 for supporting each member of the rack holding mechanism 21. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first pressing member 23 is installed so that the first pinching portion 23a can move in the left-right direction X2. It is attached to the support structure 25 so as to be able to swing about a swing shaft 23b extending along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the direction X1 and perpendicular to the left-right direction X2.
As shown in FIG. 1, the first pressing member 23 is formed in the support structure 25 and is urged by an urging spring 23c so that the first pinching portion 23a approaches the rack holding space 22. The rocking motion restricting portion 25 a restricts the rocking of the first pinch portion 23 a toward the rack holding space 22 . As a result, in an unloaded state, the first pressing member 23 assumes a posture in which its longitudinal direction extends along the vertical direction X1 as shown in FIG. 1, and as shown in FIG. The first pinching portion 23a is configured to move (swing) away from the rack holding space 22 by pushing the first pushed portion 23d from above.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7(c), the first pushed portion 23d is a portion that is pushed by the gripping claws 32 of the rack conveyor 30 when the first pressing member 23 is swung. In the form, it is provided at the upper end of the first pressing member 23 and configured as a roller rotatable around an axis along the front-rear direction X3. Note that the specific aspect of the first pushed portion 23d is not limited to the rollers described above, and may be of any type as long as it is configured to be smoothly pushed by the gripping claws 32. For example, the first presser It may be configured as a sliding plate provided on the upper end of the member 23 .
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8(e), the first pressing member 23 is positioned above the uppermost plate 51 of the rack 50 in a state where the rack 50 is installed in the rack holding space 22, and A lifting restricting portion 23e for restricting upward movement of the first clamping portion 23a is provided above the first clamping portion 23a.

The second pressing member 24 is formed in the same manner as the first pressing member 23, and specifically, is formed as follows.

As shown in FIG. 1, the second holding member 24 is installed so that the second holding member 24a can move in the left-right direction X2. It is attached to the support structure 25 so as to be able to swing about a swing shaft 24b extending along it.
As shown in FIG. 1, the second pressing member 24 is formed in the support structure 25 and is urged by an urging spring 24c so that the second pinching portion 24a approaches the rack holding space 22. The rocking motion restricting portion 25 a restricts the second clip portion 24 a from rocking toward the rack holding space 22 . As a result, in an unloaded state, the second pressing member 24 assumes a posture in which its longitudinal direction extends along the vertical direction X1 as shown in FIG. 1, and as shown in FIG. The second pinching portion 24a is configured to move (swing) away from the rack holding space 22 by pushing the second pushed portion 24d from above.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7(c), the second pushed portion 24d is a portion that is pushed by the gripping claws 32 of the rack conveyor 30 when the second pressing member 24 is swung. In the form, it is provided at the upper end of the second pressing member 24 and configured as a roller rotatable about an axis along the front-rear direction X3. Note that the specific aspect of the second pressed portion 24d is not limited to the rollers described above, and may be anything as long as it is configured to be smoothly pushed by the gripping claws 32. For example, the second presser It may be constructed as a sliding plate provided on the upper end of the member 24 .
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8(e), the second pressing member 24 is positioned above the uppermost plate 51 of the rack 50 in a state where the rack 50 is installed in the rack holding space 22, and A lifting restricting portion 24e for restricting the upward movement of the second pinching portion 24a is provided above the second clamping portion 24a.

The support structure 25 supports the rack holding members 23, 24 and the like, and as shown in FIG. have.

The agitation driving mechanism 26 is composed of a stepping motor or the like, is installed below the rack holding mechanism 21, and rotates the sample in the sample container 40 of the rack 50 held by the rack holding mechanism 21 along the vertical direction X1. The rack 50 (that is, the support structure 25) held by the rack holding mechanism 21 is moved (turned) so as to form a vortex centered on and stir the sample.
As shown in FIG. 6 , the stirring drive mechanism 26 rotates the rack 50 held by the rack holding mechanism 21 while maintaining the posture of the rack 50 in the horizontal plane (orientation of the rack 50 with respect to the left-right direction X2 and the front-rear direction X3). It is designed to move the support structure 25 so as to pivot the rack 50 in the second direction D2 about an eccentric axis extending along the vertical direction X1 that is horizontally displaced from the center of the .
The second direction D2 described above is the direction opposite to the first direction D1 described later, which is the direction in which the cap 42 is rotated when screwing the cap 42 onto the container body 41, as shown in FIG. 5B. In this embodiment, when viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first direction D1 is clockwise, and as shown in FIG. 6, the second direction D2 is counterclockwise. is set to
Thus, the stirring drive mechanism 26 rotates the rack 50 installed in the rack holding space 22 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1, which is the direction in which the cap 41 is rotated when screwing the cap 42 onto the container body 41 . The sample in the sample container 40 is stirred by rotating the cap 42 in the second direction D2. can be avoided, and there is no need to separately provide measures against loosening of the cap 42 with respect to the container body 41 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the rack conveyor 30 includes a gripping unit 31 configured to be movable in the vertical direction X1, the horizontal direction X2, and the front-rear direction X3, and a pair of gripping units capable of gripping the rack 50 in the horizontal direction X2. The rack 50 holding the sample container 40 is gripped and conveyed in the left-right direction X2 by the pair of gripping claws 32 that can approach and separate from each other along the left-right direction X2. It is
The rack transporter 30 also has a unit (not shown) for moving the gripping unit 31, an actuator (not shown) for driving the gripping claws 32, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 7, each gripping claw 32 is provided so as to be movable (horizontally movable) in the left-right direction X2 with respect to the gripping unit 31 .
As shown in FIG. 3, each of the gripping claws 32 has a hooking portion 32a that protrudes inward (toward the other gripping claw 32) from the inner surface in the left-right direction X2 on the lower end side thereof. As shown in FIG. 7A, the hook 32a supports the rack 50 (uppermost plate 51) from below while the rack 50 is held by the pair of gripping claws 32. As shown in FIG.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, each gripping claw 32 has a tapered inclined surface 32b inclined toward the inner side (toward the other gripping claw 32) in the left-right direction X2 as it goes downward. It has outside of X2.

The sample container 40 is made of synthetic resin, and as shown in FIG.
The cap 42 is formed as a so-called screw cap, and as shown in FIG. It has a threaded portion that is screwed (screwed) to the container body 41 by rotating it clockwise.

The rack 50 is formed of rubber, synthetic resin, metal, or the like, and as shown in FIG. 4, has a structure in which a plurality of plates 51 arranged in the vertical direction X1 are connected in the vertical direction X1. It has a plurality of substantially rectangular plates 51 arranged in the direction X1 and a plurality of connecting columns (connecting bolts) 52 connecting the plates 51 in the vertical direction X1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rack 50 has a plurality (three in this embodiment) of container housing portions 53 that receive and hold the sample containers 40 from above. It is configured to be held in an upright position.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the container accommodating portion 53 is configured by forming a hole penetrating in the vertical direction X1 in the plates 51 other than the lowermost plate 51. is configured to support the lower end of the sample container 40 from below.
The container storage section 53 is configured to be able to store sample containers 40 of different sizes and shapes.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rack 50 is placed in the rack holding space 22 of the rack-type stirrer 20, and the pinched portion 54 is pinched by the pinching portions 23a and 24a of the rack holding members 23 and 24. , on both sides of the uppermost plate 51 in the left-right direction X2. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. It functions as the sandwiched portion 54 .
The sandwiched portion 54 also functions as a portion sandwiched by the pair of gripping claws 32 of the rack conveyor 30 in a state where the rack 50 is gripped by the pair of gripping claws 32 .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the rack 50 has longitudinal movement restricting portions 55 in front of and behind the sandwiched portion 54 that restrict movement of the rack 50 in the longitudinal direction X3 with respect to the rack pressing members 23 and 24. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the front and rear inner edges of the concave portion function as front-rear direction movement restricting portions 55 .
As shown in FIG. 4, each front-rear direction movement restricting portion 55 is formed so as to incline toward the inner side in the left-right direction X2 toward the clamped portion 54 side.
As shown in FIG. 4, the front-rear direction movement restricting part 55 restricts the movement of the rack 50 in the front-rear direction X3 with respect to the gripping claws 32 while the rack 50 is gripped by the pair of gripping claws 32 of the rack conveying machine 30. It also functions as a part to do.

Next, a method for setting the rack 50 to the rack-type stirrer 20 in the stirring system 10 of this embodiment will be described below.

First, when the rack 50 holding the sample container 40 is set in the rack holding space 22 of the rack-type agitator 20, the rack 50 is moved to the rack carrier 30 as shown in FIGS. While gripped by the gripping claws 32, the gripping unit 31 is lowered with respect to the rack-type stirrer 20 along the vertical direction X1.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, by further lowering the gripping unit 31 along the vertical direction X1 with respect to the rack-type stirrer 20, the lower ends of the gripping claws 32 move the pressing member 23. , 24 are pressed from above to move (swing) the pressing members 23 and 24, the clamping portions 23a and 24a are moved away from the rack holding space 22, and the rack holding space is opened. A rack 50 is set against 22 .

At this time, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the pressed portions 23d and 24d are configured as rollers, and the gripping claws 32 are formed with tapered inclined surfaces 32b, so that the gripping claws 32 move the pressing member. 23 and 24 (the pushed portions 23d and 24d thereof) can be smoothly pushed in the horizontal direction X2.
Further, when the rack 50 is set in the rack holding space 22 of the rack-type stirrer 20, the rack 50 is supported from below by the lower support portion 25b of the support structure 25. As shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8D, the left and right gripping claws 32 of the rack conveyor 30 are moved in the left-right direction X2 so as to separate the left and right gripping claws 32 from each other. Then, the rack pressing members 23 and 24 move further away from each other, and the gripping of the rack 50 by the left and right gripping claws 32 is released.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8(e), when the gripping unit 31 of the rack conveyor 30 is moved upward, the gripping unit 31 can be removed upward while the rack 50 remains in the rack holding space 22. Also, the rack holding members 23 and 24 are returned to the position where the movement is restricted by the swinging restriction portion 25a by the urging forces of the urging springs 23c and 24c, and the rack 50 is sandwiched by the rack pressing members 23 and 24. state.

When the rack 50 is set in the rack holding space 22 shown in FIG. 8(e), the rack 50 is prevented from moving in the left-right direction X2 by the clamping portions 23a and 24a of the rack holding members 23 and 24. As shown in FIG. 4, the rack 50 is provided with the front-rear direction movement restricting portion 55 so that the rack pressing members 23 and 24 prevent the rack 50 from moving in the front-rear direction X3. Movement of the rack 50 in the up-down direction X1 is prevented by the uplift control portions 23e and 24e of the rack 24 and the lower side support portion 25b.

Next, a method of removing the rack 50 from the rack-type stirrer 20 in the stirring system 10 of this embodiment will also be described below.

First, when removing the rack 50 set in the rack holding space 22 of the rack-type stirrer 20, the spacing between the left and right gripping claws 32 of the rack transporter 30 is set to the same spacing as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b). In this state, the gripping unit 31 is lowered with respect to the rack-type stirrer 20 .

Next, by further lowering the gripping unit 31 along the vertical direction X1 with respect to the rack-type stirrer 20, the lower ends of the gripping claws 32 push the pressed portions 23d and 24d of the pressing members 23 and 24 from above. By pushing and moving (swinging) the holding members 23 and 24 , the clamping portions 23 a and 24 a are moved away from the rack holding space 22 .

Next, the left and right gripping claws 32 of the rack conveyor 30 are moved in the left-right direction X2 so as to separate the left and right gripping claws 32 from each other, and the rack holding members 23 and 24 are pushed away from each other. The gripping unit 31 of the rack transporter 30 is lowered until the hook 32 a of the rack 32 is positioned below the uppermost plate 51 .

Next, the rack 50 is gripped by the gripping claws 32 by bringing the left and right gripping claws 32 closer to each other.

Here, when the rack 50 is gripped by the gripping claws 32, the gripping claws 32 prevent the rack 50 from moving in the left-right direction X2. is formed, the gripping claws 32 prevent the rack 50 from moving in the front-rear direction X3, and the hooking portions 32a of the gripping claws 32 prevent the rack 50 from moving downward.

Next, the rack 50 is picked up from the rack holding space 22 by moving the gripping unit 31 of the rack transporter 30 upward.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention described in the claims. It is possible.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the sample container 40 is described as being a tube made of synthetic resin such as a tube containing a sample, but the specific aspect of the sample container 40 is not limited to the above.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the rack holding members 23 and 24 are provided so as to be able to swing. , The rack pressing members 23 and 24 may be of any specific form. For example, the rack pressing members 23 and 24 may be provided so that the entire rack pressing members 23 and 24 move horizontally in the left-right direction X2.
Alternatively, only the first pressing member 23 may be movably installed so that the first pinching portion 23a can move in the left-right direction X2, and the second pressing member 24 may be installed in a fixed state.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the rack pressing members 23 and 24 are moved by pressing the pushed portions 23d and 24d of the rack pressing members 23 and 24 from above with the gripping claws 32 of the rack conveyor 30. However, the rack 50 gripped by the gripping claws 32 of the rack conveyor 30 may be configured to push the pushed portions 23d and 24d.
In the above-described embodiment, the uppermost plate 51 of the rack 50 is a portion that is sandwiched (held) by the rack holding members 23 and 24 of the rack-type stirrer 20 and the gripping claws 32 of the rack transporter 30. However, the portion sandwiched (held) by the rack pressing members 23 and 24 and the gripping claws 32 of the rack conveyor 30 may be any location as long as it is a part of the rack 50 .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Stirring system 20... Rack type stirrer 21... Rack holding mechanism 22... Rack holding space 23... First holding member 23a... First clamping part 23b... Swing shaft 23c... Biasing spring 23d... First pressed portion 23e... Lifting restricting part 24... Second holding member 24a... Second clamping part 24b... Swing shaft 24c... - Biasing spring 24d... First pressed portion 24e... Lifting restricting part 25... Supporting structure 25a... Rocking restricting part 25b... Lower side supporting part 26... Stirring drive Mechanism 30: Rack carrier 31: Grasping unit 32: Grasping claw 32a: Hook 32b: Tapered inclined surface 40: Sample container 41: Container main body 42: Cap 50... Rack 51... Plate 52... Connecting post 53... Container accommodating portion 54... Sandwiched portion 55... Back-and-forth direction movement restricting portion X1... Vertical direction X2... Left and right Direction X3 ・・・ Forward/backward direction

Claims (15)

A rack-type stirrer for stirring a sample in a sample container held in a rack,
A rack holding mechanism for detachably holding the rack, and a stirring drive mechanism for moving the rack held by the rack holding mechanism,
The rack holding mechanism includes a rack holding space for receiving and holding the rack from above, and is provided on each of the left and right sides of the rack holding space to hold the rack installed in the rack holding space. A first pressing member having a first sandwiching portion for sandwiching in the left-right direction and a second pressing member having a second sandwiching portion;
The first pressing member is installed in a state in which the first pinching portion is movable in the left-right direction , and the first pinching portion is biased toward the rack holding space. The first pinching portion is configured to move away from the rack holding space by pushing the first pressed portion provided at the upper end of the pressing member from above,
A rack-type stirrer , wherein the first pressed portion is configured as a roller or a slide plate that can rotate about an axis extending in the front- rear direction. The second pressing member is installed in a state in which the second clamping portion is movable in the left-right direction, and the second clamping portion is biased toward the rack holding space. The second clamping portion is configured to move away from the rack holding space by pressing the second pressed portion provided at the upper end of the pressing member from above ,
2. The rack-type stirrer according to claim 1, wherein the second pressed portion is configured as a roller or a sliding plate that can rotate about an axis extending in the front-rear direction. The rack holding mechanism has a lower support part for supporting the rack installed in the rack holding space from below,
3. The first pressing member according to claim 1, wherein the first pressing member has a lifting restricting portion for restricting upward movement of the rack installed in the rack holding space. rack type agitator. A stirring system comprising the rack-type stirrer according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and the rack. The sample container has a container body and a cap mounted above the container body,
When viewed from above, the cap is formed to be screwed to the container body by rotating the cap in a first direction about a vertical axis with respect to the container body,
The rack is configured to hold the sample container in an upright position with the cap facing upward, with the rack installed in the rack holding space,
When viewed from above, the agitation drive mechanism rotates the rack installed in the rack holding space about a vertical axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby rotating the sample container. 5. The agitation system of claim 4, wherein the agitation system is configured to agitate the sample therein. The rack has a sandwiched portion that is sandwiched between the first sandwiching portion and the second sandwiching portion in a state in which the rack is installed in the rack holding space,
Forward and backward movement restricting portions are formed in front and rear of the portion of the rack to be pinched in the front and rear direction for restricting movement of the rack in the front and rear direction with respect to the first pressing member and the second pressing member. 6. Agitation system according to claim 4 or claim 5. The rack has a structure in which a plurality of plates arranged in the vertical direction are connected in the vertical direction,
7. The plate according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the uppermost plate among the plurality of plates is configured to be sandwiched between the first sandwiching portion and the second sandwiching portion. agitation system. A stirring system comprising the rack-type stirrer according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a rack transporter capable of transporting the rack,
The rack transporter includes a pair of gripping claws capable of gripping the rack in the left-right direction,
The first pressing member is configured such that the first pinching portion moves away from the rack holding space when the first pushed portion is pressed from above by the gripping claw. agitation system. 9. The agitation system according to claim 8, wherein the gripping claw has a tapered inclined surface inclined inward in the lateral direction as it goes downward, on the outer side in the lateral direction on the lower end side thereof. . A stirring system comprising the rack-type stirrer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a rack transporter capable of transporting the rack, and the rack,
The second pressing member is installed in a state in which the second clamping portion is movable in the left-right direction and the second clamping portion is biased toward the rack holding space. The second pinching portion is configured to move away from the rack holding space by pushing the pushing portion from above,
The rack transporter includes a pair of gripping claws capable of gripping the rack in the left-right direction,
By lowering the rack in a state where the rack is sandwiched and held by the pair of gripping claws, one of the pair of gripping claws pushes the first pushed portion from above so as to leave the rack holding space. While moving the first pinching portion, the other of the pair of gripping claws pushes the second pressed portion from above to move the second pinching portion away from the rack holding space. A stirring system characterized by: A stirring system comprising a rack-type stirrer for stirring a sample in a sample container held in a rack, and the rack,
The rack-type stirrer comprises a rack holding mechanism for detachably holding the rack, and a stirring driving mechanism for moving the rack held by the rack holding mechanism,
The rack holding mechanism includes a rack holding space for receiving and holding the rack from above, and is provided on each of the left and right sides of the rack holding space to hold the rack installed in the rack holding space. A first pressing member having a first sandwiching portion for sandwiching in the left-right direction and a second pressing member having a second sandwiching portion;
The first pressing member is installed in a state in which the first pinching portion is movable in the left-right direction, and the first pinching portion is biased toward the rack holding space. The first pinching portion is configured to move away from the rack holding space by pushing the first pressed portion provided at the upper end of the pressing member from above,
The first pressed portion is configured as a roller or a slide plate rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction,
The sample container has a container body and a cap mounted above the container body,
When viewed from above, the cap is formed to be screwed to the container body by rotating the cap in a first direction about a vertical axis with respect to the container body,
The rack is configured to hold the sample container in an upright position with the cap facing upward, with the rack installed in the rack holding space,
When viewed from above, the agitation drive mechanism rotates the rack installed in the rack holding space about a vertical axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby rotating the sample container. A stirring system configured to stir a sample therein. A stirring system comprising a rack-type stirrer for stirring a sample in a sample container held in a rack, and the rack,
The rack-type stirrer comprises a rack holding mechanism for detachably holding the rack, and a stirring driving mechanism for moving the rack held by the rack holding mechanism,
The rack holding mechanism includes a rack holding space for receiving and holding the rack from above, and is provided on each of the left and right sides of the rack holding space to hold the rack installed in the rack holding space. A first pressing member having a first sandwiching portion for sandwiching in the left-right direction and a second pressing member having a second sandwiching portion;
The first pressing member is installed in a state in which the first pinching portion is movable in the left-right direction , and the first pinching portion is biased toward the rack holding space. The first pinching portion is configured to move away from the rack holding space by pushing the first pressed portion provided at the upper end of the pressing member from above,
The first pressed portion is configured as a roller or a slide plate rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction,
The rack has a sandwiched portion that is sandwiched between the first sandwiching portion and the second sandwiching portion in a state in which the rack is installed in the rack holding space,
Forward and backward movement restricting portions are formed in front and rear of the portion of the rack to be pinched in the front and rear direction for restricting movement of the rack in the front and rear direction with respect to the first pressing member and the second pressing member. Characterized agitation system. A stirring system comprising a rack-type stirrer for stirring a sample in a sample container held in a rack, and the rack,
The rack-type stirrer comprises a rack holding mechanism for detachably holding the rack, and a stirring driving mechanism for moving the rack held by the rack holding mechanism,
The rack holding mechanism includes a rack holding space for receiving and holding the rack from above, and is provided on each of the left and right sides of the rack holding space to hold the rack installed in the rack holding space. A first pressing member having a first sandwiching portion for sandwiching in the left-right direction and a second pressing member having a second sandwiching portion;
The first pressing member is installed in a state in which the first pinching portion is movable in the left-right direction , and the first pinching portion is biased toward the rack holding space. The first pinching portion is configured to move away from the rack holding space by pushing the first pressed portion provided at the upper end of the pressing member from above,
The first pressed portion is configured as a roller or a slide plate rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction,
The rack has a structure in which a plurality of plates arranged in the vertical direction are connected in the vertical direction,
The stirring system, wherein the uppermost plate of the plurality of plates is sandwiched between the first sandwiching portion and the second sandwiching portion. A stirring system comprising: a rack-type stirrer for stirring a sample in a sample container held in a rack; and a rack transporter capable of transporting the rack,
The rack-type stirrer comprises a rack holding mechanism for detachably holding the rack, and a stirring driving mechanism for moving the rack held by the rack holding mechanism,
The rack holding mechanism includes a rack holding space for receiving and holding the rack from above, and is provided on each of the left and right sides of the rack holding space to hold the rack installed in the rack holding space. A first pressing member having a first sandwiching portion for sandwiching in the left-right direction and a second pressing member having a second sandwiching portion;
The first pressing member is installed in a state in which the first pinching portion is movable in the left-right direction , and the first pinching portion is biased toward the rack holding space. The first pinching portion is configured to move away from the rack holding space by pushing the first pressed portion provided at the upper end of the pressing member from above,
The first pressed portion is configured as a roller or a slide plate rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction,
The rack transporter includes a pair of gripping claws capable of gripping the rack in the left-right direction,
The first pressing member is configured such that the first pinching portion moves away from the rack holding space when the first pushed portion is pressed from above by the gripping claw. agitation system. A stirring system comprising: a rack-type stirrer for stirring a sample in a sample container held in a rack; a rack transporter capable of transporting the rack; and the rack,
The rack-type stirrer comprises a rack holding mechanism for detachably holding the rack, and a stirring driving mechanism for moving the rack held by the rack holding mechanism,
The rack holding mechanism includes a rack holding space for receiving and holding the rack from above, and is provided on each of the left and right sides of the rack holding space to hold the rack installed in the rack holding space. A first pressing member having a first sandwiching portion for sandwiching in the left-right direction and a second pressing member having a second sandwiching portion;
The first pressing member is installed in a state in which the first pinching portion is movable in the left-right direction, and the first pinching portion is biased toward the rack holding space. The first pinching portion is configured to move away from the rack holding space by pushing the first pressed portion provided at the upper end of the pressing member from above,
The first pressed portion is configured as a roller or a slide plate rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction,
The second pressing member is installed in a state in which the second clamping portion is movable in the left-right direction , and the second clamping portion is biased toward the rack holding space. The second clamping portion is configured to move away from the rack holding space by pressing the second pressed portion provided at the upper end of the pressing member from above,
The second pressed portion is configured as a roller or sliding plate rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction,
The rack transporter includes a pair of gripping claws capable of gripping the rack in the left-right direction,
By lowering the rack in a state where the rack is sandwiched and held by the pair of gripping claws, one of the pair of gripping claws pushes the first pushed portion from above so as to leave the rack holding space. While moving the first pinching portion, the other of the pair of gripping claws pushes the second pressed portion from above to move the second pinching portion away from the rack holding space. A stirring system characterized by:

Images