WO2004034954A1

WO2004034954A1 - Apparatus for dispensing series-connected ampules

Info

Publication number: WO2004034954A1
Application number: PCT/JP2003/013041
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shoji Yuyama; Hirokazu Chihara; Yasuhiro Shigeyama; Akio Nitta
Original assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2002-10-18
Filing date: 2003-10-10
Publication date: 2004-04-29
Also published as: TW200422040A; JP4452184B2; KR101010933B1; JPWO2004034954A1; KR20050049539A; TWI310309B

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing series-connected ampules has a stocker (11) where sets of series-connected ampules (3) are received in a stacked state, a discharging mechanism (12) for sequentially discharging the series-connected ampules (3) from the lower portion of the stocker (11), and a transportation inclined-passage (14) with an inclination, provided below the stocker (11) and through which the series-connected ampules (3) slide and fall by their own weight from the upper end to lower end of the passage. One of the sets of the series-connected ampules discharged from the stocker (11) by the discharging mechanism (12) and placed on the upper end of the transportation inclined-passage (14) are transported on the transportation inclined-passage (14) toward a dispensing mechanism (13).

Description

Description Multi-unit ampoule dispensing device Technical field

The present invention relates to a multiple ampoule dispensing apparatus for dispensing ampules one by one from a multiple ampoule. Background art

Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 11, a multiple ampoule 3 is formed by connecting a plurality of ampoules 1 made of a synthetic resin through a thin plate-shaped connecting portion 2 having a cut line (separation line 2 a) that can be easily separated. Are known. The individual ampules 1 constituting the multiple ampoule 3 are connected to the ampoule body 1a having a cylindrical outer shape via a tapered portion 1b at the tip side of the ampoule body 1a, and the ampoule body 1a Also has a small-diameter outer cylindrical portion 1c. A chemical is sealed in the sample body 1a, the tapered portion 1b, and the neck 1c. A stopper 1d is provided at the tip of the neck 1c. The connecting portion 2 extends beyond the plug 1 d toward the distal end of the sample 1, and a slit 2 b is formed in the connecting portion 2 of the connecting portion between the plug 1 d and the neck 1 c. After one ampule 1 is separated from the adjacent ampule 1 by the separating line 2a, the connecting portion 2 corresponding to the neck 1c functions as a knob 1e for opening operation.

Various multiple sample dispensing apparatuses have been proposed for separating and dispensing samples from the multiple sample 1 one by one. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 8—2 4 3 1 4 6 discloses that a conveyor for transporting a multiple ampoule in one direction, a force turret roll for separating the multiple ampoule, and a A dispensing device including a holding mechanism that holds the third ampule in a stopped state is disclosed. Also, Japanese Patent No. 319 4 88 8 discloses that a multiple force ampoule (continuous ampoule) consisting of a large number of ampoules is stored and the ampoule is discharged from the outlet, and the outlet of this force is provided at the outlet. A dispensing device including a pair of opposed rotors and a driving device for rotating the rotors is disclosed. However, the conventional double ampoule dispensing apparatus has the following problems.

First, in the device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-243431, the multiple sample is dropped from the accommodation portion, and then conveyed horizontally to the rotor. Disconnect sequentially. Therefore, since the conveyor is required for the horizontal transfer, there is a problem that the configuration of the apparatus is complicated. In addition, when the ampule was separated by the rotor, there was a problem that the ampule before the separation bounced backward in the transport direction due to the force acting on the connecting portion of the sample and its reaction. Further, in the device described in Japanese Patent No. 3194488, the continuous ampoule falling by its own weight is sequentially separated and separated from the lowermost one, but is provided between adjacent samples. It is necessary to make the space for storing the amplifier inside the stocker narrow because the connecting part may be radiused by the separation line. Therefore, there is a problem that the number of samples that can be stored in the stocking power is limited. Disclosure of the invention

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the conventional multi-unit ampoule dispensing apparatus, and aims to simplify the configuration and prevent rebounding at the time of disconnection while securing the number of ampoules that can be stored in a stocking force. I have.

Therefore, the present invention provides a storage device in which a plurality of multiple ampules, each of which is formed by connecting a plurality of ampoules via a connecting portion, are housed in a stacked state; A discharging mechanism that discharges one by one from the lower part of the stocking force, and the double-ended sample that is provided below the stopping force and discharged from the stopping force and placed on the upper end side by the discharging mechanism by its own weight. A conveying path having a slope for sliding down from the upper end side to the lower end side, and being disposed above the lower end side of the conveying path, and being conveyed from the upper end side of the conveying path to the lower end side. A dispensing mechanism, comprising: a dispensing mechanism for cutting a connecting portion of a multiple sample and dispensing the ampoule in order from a leading ampule.

In the multiple ampoule dispensing device of the present invention, since the multiple ampoule is conveyed toward the dispensing mechanism by sliding down on the transport path, the double force is transferred from the stocking force to the dispensing mechanism. There is no need to provide a complicated mechanism such as a conveyor for transporting paper, and the configuration is simple. In addition, since a plurality of the multiple ampoules are stored in a stacked state in the stocking force, a large number of multiple ampoules can be stored in the stocking force without increasing the size. Furthermore, since the dispensing mechanism is located above the lower end of the transport path, even if the double ampule rebounds due to the operation and reaction at the time of separation, the rebound double ampule is transported by its own weight. Move along the road and return to the payout mechanism. Therefore, rebound at the time of separation can be suppressed as much as possible.

The transport path includes, for example, a horizontal portion extending in a horizontal direction, and an inclined portion having an inclination in which the double ampoule slides from its upper end to its lower end under its own weight. The inclination start position, which is a connection portion between the horizontal portion and the inclined portion, is determined by the discharge mechanism with respect to the center of gravity of the multiple sample placed on the transport path after being dropped from the stowing force. It is located on the upstream side in the transport direction of the multiple ampoule.

The cross section of the transport path may be an arc. In this case, there is no need to set the mounting position of the multiple ampoule with respect to the upper end side of the transport path with high accuracy, and the multiple ampoule can be reliably transported toward the payout mechanism at the lower end side.

The ampoule constituting the double ampoule includes an ampoule main body and a small-diameter portion provided on the distal end side of the ampoule main body and having a smaller diameter than the ampoule main body. Specifically, the small-diameter portion of the ampoule includes a neck connected to the ampoule main body and a stopper provided at a tip of the neck. A small-diameter portion of the ampule, which is disposed on the transport path on the upstream side of the dispensing mechanism in the transport direction of the multiple amp and protrudes upward from the upper surface of the transport path, and in which the sample body is mounted on the upper surface of the transport path. You may provide the ampoule support part which supports. In detail, the ampoule support portion protrudes from the upper surface of the transport path by a first amount and supports the lower side of the neck, and a second portion larger than the first amount from the upper surface of the transport path. And a stopper supporting portion projecting by a predetermined amount to support a lower side of the stopper. By providing the ampoule support part, when the connecting part is cut by the dispensing mechanism, the ampoule upstream of the ampoule at the tip of the multiple ampoule in the transport direction (the remaining multiple ampoule) is stably supported on the transport path. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the double ampule from bouncing on the transport path when the connecting portion is cut, and to prevent the double ampule from being clogged or stagnated in the multiple ampule dispensing device due to the splash. it can.

A regulating portion may be further provided upstream of the dispensing mechanism in the transport direction of the multiple amplifier, at a position above the transport path, and opposed to an upper portion of the multiple sample on the transport path at an interval. . If the ampoule upstream of the ampoule at the tip of the multiple ampoule in the transport direction (remaining multiple ampoule) bounces on the transport path when the connecting part is cut by the dispensing mechanism, the splashed ampule collides with the regulation unit and enters the transport path. Return. Therefore, it is possible to prevent clogging or stagnation of the multiple ampule in the multiple ampule dispensing apparatus due to the splash of the multiple sample.

A first detection piece that is arranged on the conveyance path upstream of the dispensing mechanism in the conveyance direction of the multiple ampoule and that is in a storage position when the sample of the multiple ampoule passes; and a first detection piece. A first sensor that detects that the storage position has been reached, and a controller that activates the payout mechanism when the first sensor detects that the first detection piece has reached the storage position. May be provided.

A second detection piece that is disposed on the transport path downstream of the dispensing mechanism in the transport direction of the multiple ampoule and that is in a storage position when the ampoule of the multiple ampoule passes; A second sensor for detecting that the piece has reached the storage position, wherein the controller is configured to detect that the first sensor has detected that the first detection piece has reached the storage position. If the second sensor does not detect that the second detection piece has reached the storage position, the multiple ampoule dispensing device may be operated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a multiple ampoule dispensing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. 1 showing the multiple ampoule dispensing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure,

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 1 showing the multiple ampoule dispensing apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a stacked state of the multiple samples in the storage section, FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing the dispensing mechanism,

6A and 6B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the dispensing mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing a multiple ampoule dispensing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a multiple ampoule dispensing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. Partially enlarged view of

Figure 1 O A is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Figure 9,

FIG. 10B is a partially enlarged view showing the posture of the ampule when there is no ampule support member, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a multiple ampoule. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First embodiment

The multiple ampoule dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 has a plurality of multiple ampoules 3 in a stacked state and a stocking force 11, and a lower opening of a stocker 11.

1 Discharge mechanism to discharge multiple ampoules 3 one by one from 1 d sequentially 1 2, Multiple ampoule

Dispensing mechanism 1 3 that sequentially dispenses and dispenses 3 from ampule 1 located at one end thereof, and dispensing mechanism that dispenses multiple ampoules 3 discharged from stocker 11 by discharging mechanism 1 2

It has a transport ramp 14 for transporting it to 13. Further, the multiple ampoule dispensing apparatus includes a controller 15 illustrated only in FIG. 5, and the controller 15 is configured to drive a drive motor described later based on detection outputs of sensors 45A and 45B described later. 3 2,

4 Controls the operation of the entire device including 3

Sudkka 11 has a long shape and cylindrical shape as a whole. As shown most clearly in FIG. 1, a plurality of multiple ampoules 3 are stored in the stocker 11 in a stacked state in the vertical direction or the vertical direction (the Z direction in the figure). One double ampoule 3 and the multiple ampoule 3 located above and below it are stacked so that the uppermost and lowermost ends of the individual ampules 1 abut each other.

As will be described in detail later, the stocker 11 restricts the entire left and right sides and the rear side of the outer peripheral edge of each multiple ampoule 3, and partially restricts the front side by the sample restricting member 104. To be regulated. The structure of the stop force 11 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4. Three rectangular tubular bodies 101, 102, 1 extending vertically in the housing 100 of the multiple ampoule dispensing apparatus are described. 03 is disposed, and the left side wall 11a, the right side wall 11b, and the rear side wall 11c of the stocker 11 are constituted by these cylindrical bodies 101 to 103. The inside of the cylinders 101 to 103 is used as a space for various cable routing and the like. The front side of the stocker 11 is open. An ampoule regulating member 104 extending in the vertical direction is fixed to the front part of the cylinder 101 forming the left side wall 11a. The ampule restricting member 104 includes a fixing portion 104a fixed to the front surface of the cylindrical body 101, a first restricting portion 104 extending forward from the fixing portion 104a to the left side wall 11a, and a first restricting portion 104a. A second restricting portion 104c which is bent from the tip of the restricting portion 104b and extends toward the right side wall lib. As clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the corners of each of the multiple samples 3 are regulated by the first regulating part 104b and the second regulating part 104c.

The upper end of the stocker 1 1 of the left side wall 1 1 a, right side wall llb _s and the rear side wall 1 1 c extends to the upper end wall 1 00 a of the housing 1 00. On the other hand, the vertical position of the upper end of the ampoule regulating member 104 is lower than the upper ends of the left side wall 11a, the right side wall 11b, and the rear side wall 11c. A space 22 is formed between them (see FIGS. 1 and 4). Therefore, when the manually closable door 21 provided on the front surface of the housing 100 is opened, the multiple ampoule 3 can be stored inside the storage force 11 via the space 22. As shown in Fig. 3, of the outer periphery of the multiple ampoule 3, the left and right sides and the rear side of the stocker 11 are entirely regulated by the left side wall 11a, the right side wall 1 1b, and the rear side wall 1 1c. Is done. Only the left corner of the front side of the stocker 11 of the outer peripheral edge of the multiple amplifier 3 is regulated by the first regulating portion 104b and the second regulating portion 104c of the ampule regulating member 104. You. Therefore, the double ampoule 3 carried into the stocker 11 from the space 22 falls reliably and smoothly toward the lower end without any deviation in the posture, and the double ampoule 3 is transferred to the stocker 11. Can be easily stored.

Referring to FIG. 3, the door 21 is rotatable around a support shaft 23 extending in the vertical direction, and a-thick portion 21 a is provided at an end on the support shaft 23 side. Stocker 1 1 double ann When the pull 3 is stored, the double ampoule 3 is stacked up to the vicinity of the upper end wall 1 1b.Therefore, the two double ampoules 3 forming the uppermost two layers are connected to the space 22 from the side wall 1 1a. May be issued. When the door 21 is closed, the two double ampules 3 protruding from the thick portion 21 a are pushed into the stop force 11, so that these multiple ampoules 3 are also on the lower side. It is housed in the stop force 11 without any misalignment with the multiple sample 3 of.

Since the plurality of multiple ampoules 3 are stored in the stocker 11 in a stacked state, a large number of multiple ampoules 3 can be stored in the stocking force 11 without a large size. A discharge mechanism 12 is provided below the lower opening 11 d of the stocker 11. Referring to FIG. 5, the discharging mechanism 12 includes a case 24 disposed opposite to the lower opening 11 d of the stop force 11, and the upper surface of the case 24 has the lowest stop force 11. The lower multiple ampoule 3 is supported. A pair of parallel guide rails 26 extending in the direction orthogonal to the parallel direction of the ampoule 1 of the double ampoule 3 housed in the stocker 11 (the Y-axis direction in the figure) is provided in the internal space of the case 24. A, 26 B are provided. The slider 27 is supported by the guide rails 26A and 26B so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction. The pushing member 28 moves in the Y-axis direction in conjunction with the slider 27. The extruding member 28 has a plurality (five in the present embodiment) of extruded pieces 28 a corresponding to the ampoule 1 provided in one double ampoule 3 on the upper part thereof. Each extruded piece 28 a protrudes from the slot 24 a to the outside of the case 24. On the lower surface of the slider 27, the parallel direction of the ampoule 1 of the multiple amp

A linear groove 27a extending in the X-axis direction (in the figure) is formed. A cam roller 29 is accommodated in the groove 27a. The plate 31 supporting the cam roller 29 is fixed to the output shaft 32a of the drive motor 32. The drive motor 32 is fixed to the lower surface of the case 24, and the output shaft 32a extends in the vertical direction and protrudes into the internal space of the case 24. When the drive motor 32 operates and the output shaft 32a rotates, the slider 27 reciprocates on the guide rails 26A and 26B due to the engagement between the cam roller 29 and the groove 27a. The member 28 reciprocates in the Y-axis direction. Referring to FIG. 2, when the extruded member 28 is in the initial position, as shown by the solid line, the extruded piece 28 a is the base end of the five samples 1 constituting the lowermost multiple compound 3. Located on the side. On the other hand, when the extruding member 28 is at the position farthest from the initial position, the extruding member 28 a moves to near the edge of the case 24 in the Y-axis direction as shown by the two-dot chain line. When the extruding member 28 moves to this position, the multiple ampoule 3 pushed in the Y-axis direction by the extruding piece 28 a ′ falls from the upper surface of the case 24 to the upper end side of the conveying ramp 14.

The structure of the discharging mechanism 12 is not particularly limited, and may be any as long as it has a function of sequentially discharging the multiple samples 3 one by one from the lower part of the stocker 11.

The transport ramp 14 is located below the lower opening 11 d of the stocking force 11, and as shown most clearly in FIG. 1, of the double ampoule 3 contained in the stocker 11. It extends in the direction in which the amplifiers 1 are arranged (the X-axis direction in the figure). In the present embodiment, the transport ramp 14 includes a horizontal portion 36 extending in the horizontal direction, and an inclined portion 37 provided continuously with the horizontal portion 36. The upper surface of the inclined portion 37 is a flat surface inclined downward. The double ampoule 3 that has fallen from the stopping force 11 onto the conveying ramp 14 by the discharging mechanism 12 slides down the upper surface of the inclined portion 37 toward the lower end where the discharging mechanism 1.3 is provided. Then, it is conveyed in the X-axis direction in the figure.

The inclination of the inclined portion 37 is set so that the double ampoule 3 will surely slide down from the upper end to the lower end by its own weight. In order to ensure that the multiple sample 3 dropped from the stocker 11 is transported by the transport ramp 14, the inclination start position 3, which is the connection between the horizontal part 36 and the inclined part 37, is required. 8 must be set appropriately. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the double ampoule 3 dropped from the stocker 11 is placed on the conveying ramp 14 with respect to the center of gravity G of the multiple ampoule 3. The tilt start position 38 must be located on the conveying ramp 14 on the rear side of the double ampoule 3 in the conveying direction. By setting the inclination start position 38 so as to satisfy this condition, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the multiple sample 3 slides down the upper surface of the inclined portion 37 of the transfer inclined path 14 by its own weight. It is transported toward the payout mechanism 13. In the present embodiment, the inclination start position 3 8 between the third ampule 1 and the fourth ampule 1 counted from the leading side in the transport direction among the five ampules 1 provided in one multiple Is set. The general setting conditions for the tilt start position 3 8 are roughly defined as follows: From the center of gravity G of the double ampoule 3 that has dropped from the stocker 11 and placed on the transporting ramp 14 The distances L 1 and L 2 to the end and the rear end must satisfy the relationship L 1> L 2. The conveying ramp 14 has guide plates 39 A and 39 B on both sides thereof for preventing the double ampoule 3 from falling off.

Next, the payout mechanism 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. The dispensing mechanism 13 includes a rotor 41 extending in a direction (Y-axis direction in the figure) orthogonal to the conveying direction of the multiple ampoule 3. The rotor 41 has a substantially C-shaped cross section, and a cutting edge 41a is formed on one side edge, and the inner surface and the outer surface curve in an arc shape from the cutting edge 41a toward the other side edge. Extending. The rotor 41 has a rotating shaft 41b, and a gear 42A fixed to the rotating shaft 41b is a gear 42 fixed to the output shaft 43a of the drive motor 43. B is engaged. Therefore, when the drive motor 43 operates, the rotor 41 rotates in the direction of arrow a around the rotating shaft 41b.

The dispensing mechanism 13 includes a projecting position that protrudes from the slots 37 a and 37 b provided in the inclined portion 37 of the transporting ramp 14, and a storage position that is stored below the transporting ramp 14. It is provided with detection pieces 44 A and 44 B which can be displaced. The detection pieces 44A and 44B are normally in the protruding position by being urged by a spring (not shown), and are in the storage position only when the ampoule 1 passes. Sensors 45 A and 45 B are provided to detect that the detection pieces 44 A and 44 B have reached the storage positions, and the detection outputs of these sensors 45 A and 45 B are sent to the controller 15. Is entered. One detecting piece 44 A and the sensor 45 A are arranged upstream of the rotor 41 in the conveying direction of the multiple ampoule 3 (toward the stop force 11), and are connected to the dispensing mechanism 13 as described later. It has a function to detect that sample 3 has been supplied. The other detection piece 44 B and the sensor 45 B are disposed downstream of the rotor 41 in the transport direction of the multiple ampoule 3 and have an error detection function as described later.

Next, the operation of the double ampoule dispensing apparatus will be described. When the drive motor 32 of the ejection mechanism 12 operates, the pushing member 28 reciprocates in the X-axis direction in the figure in conjunction with the slider 27. Due to this reciprocating movement, the lowermost double ampoule 3 in the stocker 11 is pushed by the push-out member 28 and falls from the lower opening 11 d of the stocker 11 to the upper end side of the conveying ramp 14. As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the double ampoule 3 dropped from the stocker 11 and placed on the conveying ramp 14 has its center of gravity G on the side of the inclined portion 37. Since it is located, it slides down on the inclined portion 37 toward its lower end by its own weight, and is conveyed to the payout mechanism 13. As described above, in the multiple ampoule dispensing apparatus of the present embodiment, the multiple ampoule 3 is transported toward the dispensing mechanism 13 by sliding down the transporting ramp 14, and thus the dispensing mechanism 1 is moved from the stocker 11. There is no need to provide a complicated mechanism such as a conveyor for transporting the multiple ampoule 3 to 3, and the configuration is simple.

When the sensor 45A detects that the tip of the double ampoule 3 conveyed on the inclined portion 37 has passed the test piece 44A, the drive motor 43 is actuated at the required timing and the motor 4 1 starts rotating. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the leading ampoule 1 of the multiple ampoule 3 is arranged inside the rotor 41, and when the rotor 41 further rotates, the cutting edge 41a cuts off the cutting line 2a. . The cut-off top ampule 1 slides further down the slope 37 and is dispensed out of the machine. The remaining ampule 1 is likewise separated by the rotor 41. Operation at the time of disconnection 'The reaction may cause the amplifier 1 to bounce back to the stocker 11 side.However, since the rotor 41 of the dispensing mechanism 13 is provided above the conveying ramp 14, The rebounded ampoule 1 slides down on the conveying ramp 14 by its own weight and returns to the rotor 41. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a failure or the like due to the rebound of the ampoule 1.

If the ampule 1 is normally separated by the rotor 41, the passage of the ampule 1 is detected by the sensor 45B. If the sensor 45B does not detect the passage of the ampoule 1, the controller 15 determines that an error has occurred and stops the operation of the device. ·

Second embodiment

In the multiple pump discharge device according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7, the cross-sectional shape of the cross section (Y cross section) of the upper surface of the transfer ramp 14 is arc-shaped. As described above, since the transport ramp 14 of the first embodiment includes the horizontal portion 36 and the tilt portion 37, the tilt start position 38 is appropriately set with respect to the center of gravity G of the multiple amplifier 3. Needed. However, in the present embodiment, since the inclined path 14 around the transport is formed in an arc shape, the position where the double ampoule 3 dropped from the stocker 11 is placed on the transport inclined path 14 is in the transport direction (the X-axis direction in the figure). ), The ampoule 3 slides down to the lower end without stopping. Therefore, if the transfer ramp 14 is formed in an arc shape, the transfer ramp 14 There is no need to set the mounting position of the multiple ampoule 3 with respect to the upper end with high precision, and the multiple ampoule 3 can be reliably sent to the dispensing mechanism 13 on the lower end.

Other configurations and operations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference characters and description thereof will be omitted.

Third embodiment

The multiple sample dispensing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 8 to 10B includes an sample supporting portion 50 and a regulating portion 51.

First, the ampoule support 50 will be described. The sample support portion 50 is provided on the transporting ramp 14 (inclined portion 37) on the upstream side in the transport direction of the multiple ampoule 3 than the dispensing mechanism 13. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the ampoule support 50 is the second ampule 1 counting from the first ampule 1 of the double ampoule 3 currently being cut by the rotor 41 of the dispensing mechanism 13. Is provided at a position corresponding to the ampoule 1. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the front end 50 a of the ampoule support 50 is located immediately before the rotor 41, and the rear end 50 b is the second amplifier 1 and 3 of the double amp 3. It is located near the border of the third ampoule.

Ampoule support part 50 A neck support part 50 c having a shape or staircase in which two flat plates are shifted and overlapped, and protrudes from the upper surface of the conveying ramp 14 by a first amount t 1, And a stopper supporting portion 50d protruding from the upper surface of the transporting ramp 14 by a second amount t2 larger than the amount t1 of the transfer ramp 14. As shown in FIG. 10A, the neck support portion 50 c extends from one end of the transport ramp 14 in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the multiple ampoule 3 to the neck 1 c of the ampoule 1 on the transport ramp 14. And the tapered portion 1b extends to the vicinity of the connection portion. On the other hand, the plug support portion 50d extends from one end of the conveying ramp 14 to near the connection between the plug portion 50d of the sample 1 and the neck portion 50c. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10A, the second ampoule 1 counting from the head of the double ampoule 3 currently being cut by the rotor 41 of the dispensing mechanism 13 is the ampoule body 1a. In addition to the lower surface being supported by the upper surface of the transport ramp 14, the lower surface of the neck 1c is supported by the upper surface of the neck support portion 50c, and the lower surface of the plug 1d is the upper surface of the plug support portion 50d. Supported by Accordingly, the entire lower surface of the ampoule 1 including the second neck portion lc and the stopper Id (small diameter portion) is supported. If the ampoule support 50 is not provided, the neck 1 c 1 d is floating from the transport ramp 14. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10B, when the disconnection plug 2a of the first ampoule 1 and the second ampoule 1 of the multiple ampoule 3 is cut by the mouth 41 1 1 posture leans. Specifically, the distal end side of the ampoule 1 approaches the transporting ramp 14 side, while the base end side of the sample body 1 moves away from the transporting ramp 14. Due to this inclination, the ampoule 1 on the upstream side in the transport direction from the ampoule 1 at the tip of the multiple ampoule 3 (the remaining multiple ampoule 3 may spring on the transport ramp 14. The splash may cause clogging or stagnation of the multiple ampoule 3 in the multiple ampoule dispensing device, whereas an ampoule support 50 is provided as shown in FIGS. For example, the second ampoule 1 from the top of the multiple ampoule 3 currently being cut by the rotor 4 1 of the dispensing mechanism 1 3 does not tilt because the entire lower surface is supported, so the spring of the multiple ampoule 3 This prevents the double ampoule from clogging or stagnation due to splashing.

The ampoule supporting portion 50 may be separate from the conveying ramp 14, or may be formed integrally. In the present embodiment, the ampoule supporting portion 50 is provided at a position corresponding to the second ampoule 1 from the top of the multiple ampoule 3, but the ampoule 1 after the third from the top may also be supported. .

Next, the regulation unit 51 will be described. Referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 1 OA, the regulating portion 51 is located upstream of the dispensing mechanism 13 in the transport direction of the sample 1 and above the power transport ramp 14 (inclined portion 37). Are located. In addition, the regulating portion 51 has an upper end fixed near the lower end of the housing 100 and a lower end having a double ampoule 3 on the conveying ramp 14 (currently being cut by the rotor 41 of the dispensing mechanism 13). The ampoule 3 is opposed to the upper surface of the second and third ampules 1) from the first ampule 1) of the double ampoule 3 at an interval, and is opposed to the above-described ampoule support 50 in the vertical direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 1OA, the dimension of the regulating portion 51 in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the multiple ampoule 3 is substantially equal to the transport inclination 14 (the inclined portion 37).

When the connecting part 2 is cut by the rotor 4 1, the ampoule 1 (the remaining multiple ampoule 3) upstream of the ampoule 3 in the transport direction from the ampoule at the tip of the multiple ampoule 3 bounces on the transport ramp 14, and the ampoule is rejected. 1 hits the regulating section 51 and returns on the conveying ramp 14. Therefore, the multiple amplifier in the multiple sample dispenser due to the splash of the multiple sample 3 The clogging or stagnation of the file 3 can be prevented.

Other configurations and operations of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference characters and description thereof will be omitted.

In the case where the transporting inclined path 14 has an arc shape as in the second embodiment, the ampoule supporting portion 50 and the regulating portion 51 may be provided.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the shape of the upper surface of the transporting ramp 14 is not particularly limited, as long as the multiple sample 3 dropped from the stocker 11 has a slope that slides down by its own weight. For example, the transporting ramp 14 may have a structure that does not include a horizontal portion and includes only a sloping portion.

As is clear from the above description, in the multiple ampoule dispensing device of the present invention, the multiple ampoule discharged from the stocking force by the discharging mechanism is transported toward the dispensing mechanism by sliding down the upper surface of the transporting ramp. Therefore, there is no need to provide a complicated mechanism such as a conveyor for transporting the multiple ampoule from the stocking force to the dispensing mechanism, and the configuration is simple. Also, since a plurality of the multiple ampoules are stored in a stacked state in the stocking force, a large number of multiple ampules can be stored in the stocking force without increasing the size. Further, since the payout mechanism is disposed above the lower end side of the conveying ramp, it is possible to suppress the rebound of the ampoule at the time of separation as much as possible.

Although the present invention has been completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. Therefore, such changes and modifications should be interpreted as included in the present invention unless they depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A plurality of ampoules, each connected via a connecting portion, are connected to each other via a connecting portion.

A discharging mechanism that discharges the multiple samples accommodated in the stocking force one by one from the lower part of the stocking force,

The double sample, which is provided below the stopping force and discharged from the stopping force by the discharging mechanism and placed on the upper end side, is slid down from the upper end side to the lower end side by its own weight to be conveyed. Transport path,

A dispensing mechanism that is disposed above the lower end of the transport path and that cuts a connection portion of the multiple-unit ampule conveyed from the upper end side to the lower end side of the transport path and pays out the leading ampule in order;

A multiple ampoule dispensing device, comprising:

2. The transport path includes a horizontal portion extending in a horizontal direction, and an inclined portion having an inclination in which the double ampoule slides from an upper end to a lower end by its own weight. 2. The multiple ampoule dispensing device according to item 1.

3. The inclination start position, which is a connection portion between the horizontal portion and the inclined portion, is determined by the discharging mechanism with respect to the center of gravity of the double ampoule placed on the conveyance path after being dropped from the stopping force. 3. The double-unit ampoule dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the unit is located on the upstream side in the transport direction of the series ampoule.

4. The multiple ampoule dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the cross section of the transport path is an arc shape.

5. The ampoule constituting the double ampoule has an amplifier body and a small-diameter portion provided at the distal end side of the amplifier body and having a smaller diameter than the power ampule body.

The small-diameter portion of the ampoule is disposed on the transport path on the upstream side in the transport direction of the multiple ampoule with respect to the dispensing mechanism, projects upward from the upper surface of the transport path, and the ampoule body is placed on the upper surface of the transport path. The double ampoule dispensing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an ampoule supporting portion for supporting the ampoule.

6. The small diameter portion of the ampoule includes a neck connected to the ampoule main body, and a stopper provided at a tip of the neck,

The sample support portion protrudes from the upper surface of the transport path by a first amount to support a lower side of the neck, and protrudes from the upper surface of the transport path by a second amount larger than the first amount. 6. The multiple ampoule dispensing device according to claim 5, further comprising a stopper supporting portion for supporting a lower side of the stopper.

7. It is characterized by further comprising a restricting portion that is disposed on the upstream side in the transport direction of the ampoule with respect to the dispensing mechanism and above the transport path, and faces the upper part of the multiple ampoule on the transport path at an interval. The multiple ampoule dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A first detection piece that is disposed on the transport path upstream of the dispensing mechanism in the transport direction of the multiple ampoule and that is in a storage position when the ampoule of the multiple ampule passes,

A first sensor for detecting that the first detection piece has reached the storage position, and a dispensing mechanism when the first sensor has detected that the first detection piece has reached the storage position. To operate the controller and

The double ampoule dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:

9. A second detection piece that is disposed on the transport path downstream of the dispensing mechanism in the transport direction of the multiple ampoule and is in a storage position when the ampoule of the multiple ampule passes,

A second sensor for detecting that the second detection piece has reached the storage position,

The controller, after the first sensor has detected that the first detection piece has reached the storage position, the second sensor detects that the second detection piece has reached the storage position. 9. The multiple sample dispensing device according to claim 8, wherein if not, the multiple ampoule dispensing device is operated.