WO2008065759A1

WO2008065759A1 - Nozzle chip and dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2008065759A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/056461
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shunji Matsuzaki; Katsunori Hirata
Original assignee: A & T Corporation
Priority date: 2006-11-30
Filing date: 2007-03-27
Publication date: 2008-06-05
Also published as: JPWO2008065759A1

Abstract

Dispenser (100) includes dispensing arm (110), drive motor (120), transmission/buffer means (180), dispensing nozzle (143) and, fitted to the dispensing nozzle (143), nozzle chip (144). The dispensing arm (110) is turnable for delivery of a liquid sucked at a given intake position to a given discharge position. The drive motor (120) turns the dispensing arm (110). The transmission/buffer means (180) consists of a crank shaft turned by driving by the drive motor (120) and a crank rod linked with the crank shaft so as to be turned by turning of the crank shaft, the crank rod adapted to turn the dispensing arm (110) by turning thereof. The nozzle chip (144) is in cylindrical form and is detachably fitted to the dispensing nozzle (143) provided at the distal end of the dispensing arm (110).

Description

Specification

Nozzle tip and dispensing device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a dispensing device, a disposable nozzle tip that is detachably attached to the dispensing device, and a dispensing device that performs dispensing using this nozzle tip.

Background art

Conventionally, for example, in an automatic analyzer used for a clinical test, a dispensing apparatus capable of dispensing a reagent to a specimen has been used to generate a chemical reaction liquid between the specimen and the reagent. ing. For example, in multi-allergen tests used to identify allergies in patients, a sample (blood) extracted by patient force is dispensed by a dispensing device and mixed with a reagent (piotin-allergen). A chemical reaction solution containing a substance (specific IgE antibody complex) for use in automatic analysis can be generated.

[0003] As such a dispensing device, a dispensing nozzle provided at the tip of a rotatable dispensing arm sucks a reagent from a reagent container held on a reagent table and drives a stepping motor. The dispensing arm is moved onto the sample table by rotating the dispensing arm, and the reagent is dispensed to the sample by discharging the reagent into the sample container held on the sample table. (For example, see Patent Document 1 below.)

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a conventional dispensing device 1800. FIG. The conventional dispensing device 180 0 is a device that discharges the reagent 1852 sucked from the reagent container 1851 arranged in the reagent table 1850 to the sample container 1861 arranged in the sample table 1860 and into which the sample 1862 is injected. . The dispensing device 1800 includes a case 1801, a dispensing arm 1810, a drive motor 1820, drive transmission means 1830, and suction / discharge means 1840.

[0005] Dispensing arm 1810 and drive transmission means 1830 are provided in the upper part of case 1801, and drive motor 1820 is stored therein. The dispensing arm 1810 includes a dispensing arm shaft 1 811 and an arm 1812, and is rotated by driving of a drive motor 1820. Move.

[0006] The dispensing arm shaft 1811 has a rod-like shape that is rotatably provided on the upper portion of the case 1801. The dispensing arm shaft 1811 pivotally supports the arm 1812 and rotates together with the arm 1812 by driving of the drive motor 1820. In addition, the dispensing arm shaft 1811 moves up and down by driving a drive mechanism (for example, a motor, a hydraulic cylinder, etc.) controlled by a computer (not shown).

The arm 1812 has a rod shape that is pivotally supported by the dispensing arm shaft 1811 and rotates together with the dispensing arm shaft 1811, and a dispensing nozzle 1843 is held at the tip of the arm 1812. The arm 1812 is reciprocated between a predetermined suction position and a predetermined discharge position by rotating the dispensing nozzle 1843 held at the tip of the arm 1812 by rotating with the dispensing arm shaft 1811 by the drive motor 1820. Can be made.

[0008] The arm 1812 moves up and down the dispensing nozzle 1843 held at the tip of the arm 1812 by moving up and down together with the dispensing arm shaft 1811 by driving of a drive mechanism controlled by a computer (not shown). Can do. For example, in order to aspirate the reagent 1852 from the reagent container 1851 arranged on the reagent table 1850, the arm 1812 is moved when the dispensing nozzle 1843 is positioned at a predetermined suction position (directly above the reagent container 1851). The tip of the dispensing nozzle 1843 can be inserted into the reagent 1852 injected into the reagent container 1851 by being lowered together with the dispensing arm shaft 1811.

[0009] The drive motor 1820 is a stepping motor that is driven by the control of a computer (not shown) to rotate the dispensing arm 1810 via the drive transmission means 1830. The drive transmission means 1830 includes a drive shaft, a drive pulley, and a drive belt, and transmits the drive of the drive motor 1820 to the dispensing arm 1810.

The suction / discharge means 1840 includes a syringe pump unit 1841, a syringe pump pipe 1842, and a dispensing nozzle 1843. The syringe pump unit 1841 generates a pressure (negative pressure) for inhaling the reagent 1852 and a pressure (positive pressure) for discharging the reagent 1852 under the control of a computer not shown.

[0011] The pressure (negative pressure and positive pressure) generated by the syringe pump unit 1841 is transmitted to the dispensing nozzle 1843 through the syringe pump pipe 1842, for example, the dispensing nozzle 1843. When the tip of the injection nozzle 1843 is injected into the reagent container 1851 and inserted into the reagent 1852, pressure (negative pressure) is generated by the syringe pump unit 1841, so that the tip force of the dispensing nozzle 1843 is also increased. The reagent 1852 that has been injected into the can be inhaled.

[0012] Conversely, when the tip of the dispensing nozzle 1843 into which the reagent 1852 has been aspirated is inserted into the sample container 1861, the syringe pump unit 1841 generates pressure (positive pressure), thereby dispensing. The tip force of the nozzle 1843 can also discharge the reagent 1852 to the specimen container 1861. In the above configuration, the dispensing nozzle 1843 is configured not only to dispense the reagent 1852 but also to dispense the sample 1862 in the same manner.

[0013] There is also a configuration in which a disposable nozzle tip 1844 as shown in Fig. 13 is attached to the tip of the dispensing nozzle 1843 of such a dispensing device 1800 (for example, See Patent Documents 2 and 3 below;)). By using the disposable nozzle tip 1844, it is possible to prevent contamination due to repeated suction and discharge of the specimen 1862 and the reagent 1852.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-311036

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-153605

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-179242

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0015] However, in the above prior art, due to the driving characteristics of the motor that drives the dispensing arm, for example, when the dispensing arm starts to rotate and when the dispensing arm stops rotating, The turning speed of the dispensing arm may change suddenly, or the inertial load may change suddenly (, a loose impact).

FIG. 14 is a graph showing an example of a change in the rotational speed of the dispensing arm 1810 in the conventional dispensing apparatus 1800. In FIG. 14, the vertical axis indicates the rotational speed of the dispensing arm 1810, and the horizontal axis indicates the rotational angle of the dispensing arm 1810. In FIG. 14, the rotation speed of the dispensing arm 1810 indicates that the dispensing arm 1810 rapidly increases until the rotation speed of the dispensing arm 1810 reaches the maximum immediately after the dispensing arm 1810 starts to rotate. [0017] Thereafter, the rotational speed of the dispensing arm 1810 indicates that the maximum rotational speed remains maintained. Further, the rotation speed of the dispensing arm 1810 indicates that the force immediately before the dispensing arm 1810 stops rotating rapidly drops before the dispensing arm 1810 stops rotating. Thus, FIG. 14 shows that the rotation speed of the dispensing arm 1810 changes suddenly when the dispensing arm 1810 starts to rotate and when the dispensing arm 1810 stops rotating. ing.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing an example of a change in inertia load generated in the dispensing arm 1810 in the conventional dispensing apparatus 1800. In FIG. 15, the vertical axis indicates the inertial load generated in the dispensing arm 1810, and the horizontal axis indicates the rotation angle of the dispensing arm 1810.

In FIG. 15, the inertial load generated in the dispensing arm 1810 is immediately after the dispensing arm 1810 starts to rotate and immediately before the dispensing arm 1810 reaches its maximum rotation speed. It is shown that there is a sudden change in the inertial load immediately after the start of deceleration of the rotation speed of the web 1810 and immediately before the rotation of the dispensing arm 1810 is stopped.

[0020] Therefore, the dispensing amount provided at the tip of the dispensing arm 1810 is small even though the dispensing amount of the reagent is very small (2 to 200 μL) and the accuracy of the dispensing amount is required. There has been a problem that the reagent sucked into the nozzle 1 843 is scattered around the dispensing arm 1810 and the dispensing accuracy is lowered. This problem also occurs in the configuration in which the nozzle tip 1844 is attached to the dispensing nozzle 1843.

[0021] In addition, in the case where the use and disposal type nozzle tip 1844 is used, the cost is high because the nozzle tip 1844 is disposable every time the dispensing cost increases. The nozzle tip 1844 disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, etc. has a special shape in which a mounting portion is formed at the base end and the tip is thinly formed, and the dispensing amount is mainly dispensed. The cost is high because many parts are taken into account and the dimensions of each part are manufactured accurately.

[0022] Even if such a disposable nozzle tip 1844 is used, the conventional dispensing apparatus 1800 has a force that cannot prevent the reagent sucked into the nozzle tip 1844 from being scattered. . Even if the tip of the nozzle tip 1844 has a narrow shape, the above-described sudden change in the inertial load causes a problem that the tip force reagent or the like is scattered. If the tip has a narrow shape, air bubbles will be generated at the tip due to negative pressure when aspirating and discharging reagents. In particular, there are problems such as the force that cannot be aspirated at high speed, the coagulation of reagents or specimen components at the tip, or clogging with foreign substances such as fibrin, making it difficult to inhale and discharge. In order to prevent the scattering of the reagent, the operation of the dispensing arm 1810 must be performed at a low speed, which causes a problem that the processing efficiency of the dispensing is lowered.

[0023] Furthermore, in the case where an inertial load is applied to the nozzle tip 1844 such as the conventional dispensing device 1800, the disposable nozzle tip 1844 itself needs to be strengthened. As the thickness increases and the amount of grease used increases, the weight of the nozzle chip 1844 itself increases and the amount of waste increases.

An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive and simple disposable nozzle tip in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the conventional technology. It is another object of the present invention to provide a dispensing device that can suck and discharge liquid without splashing even with this simple single-use type nozzle tip, and can improve the dispensing processing efficiency.

Means for solving the problem

[0025] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the dispensing device according to the present invention is pivotable for transporting the sucked liquid to a predetermined discharge position after reaching a predetermined suction position. A dispensing arm, a drive motor that rotates the dispensing arm, a crankshaft that is rotated by the drive of the drive motor, and is connected to the crankshaft and is rotated by the rotation of the crankshaft. A crank rod that rotates the dispensing arm by rotation, a force transmission means, and a cylindrical nozzle tip that is detachably attached to the tip of the dispensing arm.

[0026] Further, in the dispensing device according to the present invention, in the invention described above, a dispensing nozzle is provided at a tip of the dispensing arm, and the nozzle tip is disposed on the dispensing nozzle. It is characterized by being inserted and attached.

[0027] Further, in the dispensing device according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, the transmission means is configured such that the dispensing arm starts rotating from the predetermined suction position and the dispensing arm is The crankshaft and the crank rod are connected so that the amount of change in the rotation angle of the dispensing arm is small when the rotation is stopped at a predetermined discharge position. [0028] Further, in the dispensing device according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, the transmission means is interlocked with the rotation of the dispensing shaft and the crankshaft that is rotated by driving of the drive motor. A crank rod slider formed with a through hole into which one end of the crank rod is inserted, and supported by the crank shaft, and rotates as the crank shaft rotates. One end of the crank lever is slidably inserted into a through hole formed in the crank rod slider, and the other end of the crank lever is pivotally supported by the crank lever so that the rotation shaft of the crank rod slider is And a crank rod that rotates the crank rod slider by rotating about the center.

[0029] Further, the nozzle tip according to the present invention comprises a rotatable dispensing arm for transporting the sucked liquid to a predetermined discharge position, and a rotation arm for rotating the dispensing arm. A drive motor to be moved, a crankshaft that is rotated by driving of the drive motor, a crank that is connected to the crankshaft and is rotated by the rotation of the crankshaft, and rotates the dispensing arm by the rotation A nozzle tip used in a dispensing device comprising a rod and a transmission means comprising a rod, formed in a cylindrical shape, and detachably attached to a dispensing nozzle at the tip of the dispensing arm. To do.

[0030] In the invention described above, the nozzle tip according to the present invention is characterized in that one end and the other end have the same opening diameter.

[0031] Further, the nozzle tip according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, the nozzle chip is formed with a uniform thickness.

The invention's effect

[0032] According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain a use-and-use type nozzle chip inexpensively and easily. In addition, according to the dispensing device of the present invention, even if a simple disposable nozzle tip is used, liquid can be sucked and discharged without being scattered, and the dispensing accuracy and the processing efficiency of dispensing can be improved. Play.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a dispensing device that is useful for an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a dispensing nozzle and a nozzle tip.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing transmission / buffer means. [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a transmission 'buffer means.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the dispensing device when the dispensing nozzle at the tip of the dispensing arm is located at a predetermined suction position.

[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the dispensing device when the dispensing nozzle at the tip of the dispensing arm is rotated from the state where it is located at the predetermined suction position toward the predetermined discharge position. It is.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the dispensing device when the dispensing nozzle at the tip of the dispensing arm is further rotated toward a predetermined discharge position.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the dispensing device when the dispensing nozzle at the tip of the dispensing arm is further rotated toward a predetermined discharge position.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the dispensing device when the dispensing nozzle at the tip of the dispensing arm is located at a predetermined discharge position.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of a change in the rotational speed of the dispensing arm in the dispensing device that is effective in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of a change in inertia load generated in a dispensing arm in the dispensing device that is effective in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a dispensing device that is effective in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a conventional dispensing device.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing an example of a change in the rotation speed of the dispensing arm in the conventional dispensing device.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing an example of a change in inertia load generated in a dispensing arm in a conventional dispensing device.

Explanation of symbols

100 dispenser

101 cases

110 dosing arm

111 Dispensing arm shaft 112 arms

120 drive motor

130 Drive transmission means

131 Drive shaft

132 Drive pulley

133 Driving Benoreto

140 Inhalation and discharge means

141 Syringe pump unit

142 Syringe pump pipe

143 dispensing nozzle

144 Nozzle tip

144a one end

144b other end

150 reagent table

151 Reagent container

152 Reagent

160 specimen table

161 Sample container

162 samples

180 dispenser

180 Transmission

181 Crank Leno

182 crank rod,

183 Crank Rod Sliter, '

184 crankshaft

185 crankpin

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to the accompanying drawings, a nozzle tip and a dispensing device that are useful in the present invention will be described below. A suitable embodiment will be described in detail.

[0036] (Configuration of dispensing apparatus 100)

First, the configuration of the dispensing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a dispensing apparatus 100 that is useful for an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the dispensing apparatus 100 discharges the reagent 152 sucked from the reagent container 151 arranged in the reagent table 150 to the sample container 161 arranged in the sample table 160 and into which the sample 162 is injected. It is a device to do. A plurality of sample tables 160 can be provided. In this case, each sample table 160 functions as a receiving unit of each analyzer. The dispensing device 100 dispenses the reagent 152 to each of these analyzers, and the plurality of analyzers can perform different analyses.

[0038] In the following, a force that explains the dispensing device 100 for dispensing the reagent 152 to the specimen 162 as an example is not limited to this, and the dispensing device 100 for dispensing a liquid is not limited thereto. For example, the dispensing device 100 for dispensing the sample 162 to the reagent 152 is appropriate.

[0039] The dispensing device 100 includes a case 101, a dispensing arm 110, a drive motor 120, a drive transmission unit 130, a suction / discharge unit 140, and a transmission / buffer unit 180. Point force for turning dispensing arm 110 via transmission / buffering means 180 by driving drive motor 120. Unlike conventional dispensing device 1800 described above.

[0040] The case 101 is formed in a rectangular shape, and is provided with a dispensing arm 110, a drive transmission means 130, and a drive motor 120 in the upper part, and a transmission buffering means 180 is stored therein. The dispensing arm 110 includes a dispensing arm shaft 111 and an arm 112, and is rotated by driving of the driving motor 120.

[0041] The dispensing arm shaft 111 is in the shape of a bar which is erected on the upper part of the case 101 so as to be rotatable. The dispensing arm shaft 111 pivotally supports the arm 112 and rotates together with the arm 112 by driving of the drive motor 120. In addition, the dispensing arm shaft 111 moves up and down by driving a drive mechanism (for example, a motor, a hydraulic cylinder, etc.) controlled by a computer (not shown).

[0042] The arm 112 is pivotally supported by a dispensing arm shaft 111 and the dispensing arm shaft 111 and Both of them are rod-shaped, and a dispensing nozzle 143 is provided at the tip of the arm 112. The arm 112 reciprocates between a predetermined suction position and a predetermined discharge position by rotating the dispensing nozzle 143 at the tip of the arm 112 by rotating with the dispensing arm shaft 111 by driving the drive motor 120. Can do.

Further, the arm 112 moves up and down together with the dispensing arm shaft 111 by driving of a drive mechanism controlled by a computer (not shown), thereby raising and lowering the dispensing nozzle 143 held at the tip of the arm 112. Can be made. For example, in order to suck the reagent 152 from the reagent container 151 arranged on the reagent table 150, the arm 112 is moved when the dispensing nozzle 143 is located at a predetermined suction position (directly above the reagent container 151). The tip of the dispensing nozzle 143 can be inserted into the reagent 152 injected into the reagent container 151 by being lowered together with the dispensing arm shaft 111.

[0044] The drive motor 120 rotates the dispensing arm 110 via the drive transmission means 130 and the transmission / buffering means 180. Therefore, the drive motor 120 is driven by a computer (not shown) (DC motor or DC motor). AC motor). The drive transmission means 130 includes a drive shaft 131, a drive pulley 132, and a drive belt 133, and transmits the drive of the drive motor 120 to the dispensing arm 110 along with the transmission / buffer means 180.

The suction / discharge means 140 includes a syringe pump unit 141, a syringe pump pipe 142, and a dispensing nozzle 143. The syringe pump unit 141 generates a pressure (negative pressure) for inhaling the reagent 152 and a pressure (positive pressure) for discharging the reagent 152 under the control of a computer (not shown).

[0046] The pressure (negative pressure and positive pressure) generated by the syringe pump unit 141 is transmitted to the dispensing nozzle 143 via the syringe pump pipe 142. For example, the tip of the dispensing nozzle 143 is injected into the reagent container 151. When a pressure (negative pressure) is generated by the syringe pump unit 141 when the reagent 152 is inserted in the reagent 152, the tip force of the dispensing nozzle 143 can also inhale the reagent 152 injected into the reagent container 151. it can.

[0047] On the contrary, when the tip of the dispensing nozzle 143 into which the reagent 152 has been aspirated is inserted into the sample container 161, a pressure (positive pressure) is generated by the syringe pump unit 141, whereby the dispensing nozzle 143 The distal end force can also discharge the reagent 152 to the specimen container 161. A nozzle tip 144 is detachably attached to the tip of a force dispensing nozzle 143, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 2. The reagent 152 is accommodated in the nozzle tip 144.

The transmission / buffer unit 180 transmits the drive of the drive motor 120 to the dispensing arm 110 together with the drive transmission unit 130. Further, the transmission buffering means 180 absorbs a sudden change in the rotation speed generated in the drive motor 120 when the drive of the drive motor 120 is started or when the drive of the drive motor 120 is stopped. The change in the rotation speed of the dispensing arm 110 that is rotated by the drive of the drive motor 120 is moderated.

[0049] (Configuration of nozzle tip 143)

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a dispensing nozzle and a nozzle tip. As shown in FIG. 2, the dispensing nozzle 143 is connected to a syringe pump pipe 142. A cylindrical nozzle tip 144 is detachably attached to the dispensing nozzle 143. The dispensing nozzle 143 is formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape or a conical shape in which the nozzle tip 144 is thinned toward the tip 143b and is easily attached and detached. The nozzle tip 144 has one end 144a and the other end 144b having the same opening diameter. This nozzle tip 144 is molded by a resin, and is formed with a uniform thickness having a length of, for example, 10 cm, an inner diameter of about 2 to 8 mm, and a thickness of, for example, 0.1 mm. It has a capacity of about 5 to lcc. The nozzle tip 144 can be easily formed by simply cutting a cylindrical member having a predetermined length in units of 10 cm.

[0050] The nozzle tip 144 is attached by inserting one end 144a into the tip 143b of the dispensing nozzle 143 by inserting a predetermined length from below. Conversely, the nozzle tip 144 can be pulled downward with respect to the dispensing nozzle 143 and removed. The other end 144b functions as an inlet and outlet for the reagent 152. Note that the one end 144a and the other end 144b are described for convenience of explanation, and since the entire nozzle tip 144 has a uniform inner diameter, the nozzle tip 144 may be replaced and functions in the same way.

[0051] The nozzle tip 144 is supplied from a supply unit (not shown) provided in the rotation direction of the arm 112, and is discharged to the discharge unit. This supply unit holds the nozzle tip 144 in an upright state as shown in FIG. 2, and when the arm 112 of this supply unit moves and descends, the nozzle tip 144 is attached to the dispensing nozzle 143. To do. Similarly, nozzle tip 144 is The nozzle tip 144 is removed from the dispensing nozzle 143 at the section and discharged (discarded). A configuration is also possible in which a discharge unit is provided in the supply unit, and a new nozzle chip 144 is supplied (replaced) immediately after the old nozzle chip 144 is discharged.

[0052] (Configuration of transmission 'buffer means 180)

Next, details of the configuration of the transmission buffering means 180 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the transmission 'buffering means 180. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the transmission / buffer unit 180. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the transmission / buffer unit 180 includes a crank lever 181, a crank rod 182, a crank rod slider 183, a crank shaft 184, and a crank pin 185. .

[0053] The crank lever 181 converts the rotational motion generated in the crankshaft 184 by the drive of the drive motor 120 into the swing motion of the crankrod 182. The crank lever 181 is supported by the crankshaft 184 and rotates together with the crankshaft 184. Move. A crank rod 182 is rotatably connected by a crank pin 185 disposed at the tip of the crank lever 181.

[0054] The crank lever 181 drives the drive motor 120 to rotate the dispensing arm 110 together with the crankshaft 184 to a predetermined discharge position (direction A) and the dispensing arm 110 to a predetermined suction position. The crank rod 182 connected by the crank pin 185 can be rotated by rotating in the rotating direction (direction B).

The crank rod 182 has a rod shape that connects the crank lever 181 and the crank rod slider 183 so that the crank rod slider 183 rotates as the crank lever 181 rotates. The crank rod 182 is inserted into a through hole 1 83A formed in the crank rod slider 183 at one end so as to be slidable in the direction C and the direction D, and the other end is attached to the crank lever 181 by a crank pin 185. Be supported.

Crank rod slider 183 is formed at the end of drive shaft 131 provided in drive transmission means 130 and rotates together with drive shaft 131 and pulley 132. The crank rod slider 183 has a through hole 183A, and the crank rod 182 is inserted and fitted so as to be slidable in the direction C and the direction D. The crank rod slider 183 moves the dispensing arm 110 together with the drive shaft 131 to the predetermined discharge position (direction E) and the dispensing arm 110 by rotating the crank rod 182 as the crank lever 181 rotates. Predetermined inhalation position Rotate in the direction (direction F) to rotate the device.

[0057] In the dispensing device 100 in the present embodiment, the rotation angle of the crank rod slider 183 and the rotation angle of the dispensing arm 110 are set to the same angle by the drive belt 133 of the drive pulley 132. Force that makes the diameter of the drive part and the diameter of the drive part of the dispensing arm 110 driven by the drive belt 133 not limited to this. The rotation angle of the crank rod slider 183 is different from the rotation angle of the dispensing arm 110. Thus, the diameter of the drive portion of the drive pulley 132 by the drive belt 133 and the diameter of the drive portion of the dispensing arm 110 by the drive belt 133 may be different.

The crankshaft 184 rotates in conjunction with the drive of the drive motor 120. The crankshaft 184 pivotally supports the crank lever 181 and rotates together with the crank lever 181. The crank pin 1 85 connects the crank lever 181 and the crank rod 182 so as to freely rotate.

[0059] (State of dispensing device 100 when dispensing nozzle 143 is located at a predetermined suction position)

Next, the operation of the dispensing apparatus 100 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the state of the dispensing apparatus 100 when the dispensing nozzle 143 is located at a predetermined suction position will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the dispensing device 100 when the dispensing nozzle 144 at the tip of the dispensing arm 110 is located at a predetermined suction position.

In FIG. 5, the crank lever 181 that is rotated by the drive of the drive motor 120 is in a state in which the crank pin 185 that connects the crank lever 181 and the crank rod 182 is located at a position corresponding to a predetermined suction position. The drive of the drive motor 120 is stopped and the rotation is stopped by the control of a computer (not shown).

[0061] The crank pin 185 that connects the crank lever 181 and the crank rod 182 is positioned at a position corresponding to a predetermined suction position, so that the crank rod that is supported by the crank pin 185 and the crank rod slider 183 is supported. In 182 XI. Inclination occurs. At this time, it is most desirable that the intersection angle (angle a) between the crank lever 181 and the crank rod 182 is 90 °.

Here, in the dispensing device 100 according to the present embodiment, the diameter of the drive portion by the drive belt 133 of the drive pulley 132 that rotates together with the crank rod slider 183, and the dispenser Since the diameter of the drive part of the drive belt 133 of the track 110 is the same, the rotation angle of the dispensing arm 110 is the same as the rotation angle of the crank rod slider 183 (that is, the inclination angle of the crank rod 182). .

[0063] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the crank rod 182 is tilted by Xl °, so that the crank rod slider 183, the drive pulley 132, and the dispensing arm 110 are rotated by Xl °, and the dispensing arm is rotated. 110 at XI. Inclination occurs. As a result, the dispensing nozzle 143 at the tip of the dispensing arm 110 is in a state of being located at a predetermined suction position (P21).

[0064] From the state where the dispensing nozzle 143 is located at the predetermined suction position (P21), the dispensing nozzle 143 is lowered together with the dispensing arm 110 to be attached to the dispensing nozzle 143. The tip of the nozzle tip 144 can be inserted into the reagent 152 injected into the reagent container 151. Then, when the tip of the nozzle tip 144 is inserted into the reagent 152 injected into the reagent container 151, a pressure (negative pressure) is generated by the syringe pump unit 141, whereby the tip of the nozzle tip 144 is Aspirate reagent 152 in reagent container 151.

At this time, the position of the lower end of the reagent 152 sucked into the nozzle tip 144 is sucked from the other end 144b, which is the lower end of the nozzle tip 144, to an upper position of a predetermined length. The nozzle tip 144 has a cylindrical shape having the same diameter as a whole, and the tip (the other end 144b) is not thin, so that high-speed suction is possible and clogging of the reagent 152 at the time of suction can be prevented. .

[0066] (Operation of dispensing device 100 when dispensing arm 110 starts to rotate)

Next, the operation of the dispensing apparatus 100 when the dispensing arm 110 starts to rotate will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the dispensing device 100 when the dispensing nozzle 143 at the tip of the dispensing arm 110 is rotated toward a predetermined discharge position. is there.

[0067] In FIG. 6, the crank lever 181 that is rotated by the drive of the drive motor 120 is in a state where the crank pin 185 that connects the crank lever 181 and the crank rod 182 is located at a position corresponding to a predetermined suction position. The driving motor 120 controlled by a computer (not shown) is rotated about 45 ° in the direction A by driving the driving motor 120. [0068] Then, when the position force corresponding to the predetermined suction position of the crank pin 185 is also rotated by about 45 °, the crank rod 182 pivotally supported by the crank pin 185 and the crank rod slider 183 is changed into the crank rod slider 183. The inside of the through-hole 183A formed in is slid in the direction D and already XI. The inclination of the crank rod 182 that has been tilted is eliminated, and the crank rod 182 is tilted by X2 °.

[0069] In addition, the crank rod 182, the drive shaft 131, and the drive pulley 132 are further rotated in the direction E due to the cancellation of the inclination in the crank rod 182. Further, since the drive pulley 132 is further rotated in the direction E, the dispensing arm 110 is further rotated in the direction G. Then, when the dispensing arm 110 is further rotated in the direction G, the inclination of the dispensing arm 110, which has already been tilted with the heel, is eliminated, and the dispensing arm 110 is tilted by X2 °. It becomes.

FIG. 7 shows the state force of the dispensing device 100 described above with reference to FIG. 6. The dispensing device 100 when the dispensing nozzle 143 at the tip of the dispensing arm 110 is further rotated toward a predetermined discharge position. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the state of.

In FIG. 7, the crank lever 181 that is rotated by the drive of the drive motor 120 has a state force direction in which the crank pin 185 that connects the crank lever 181 and the crank rod 182 is located at a position corresponding to a predetermined suction position. From the state of turning about 45 ° in the direction of A (the state shown in Fig. 6), the driving motor 120 is driven by the control of the computer (not shown) and the direction of force in the direction A is further about 45 ° ( That is, the state force in which the crank pin 185 is located at a position corresponding to the predetermined suction position is also rotated in the direction A by about 90 °.

[0072] Then, when the crank pin 185 is further rotated by about 45 °, the crank rod 182 supported by the crank pin 185 and the crank rod slider 183 becomes a through hole 183A formed in the crank rod slider 183. The crank rod 182 that had already tilted by X2 ° has been lifted, and the crank rod 182 has been tilted by 0 ° (i.e., the tilt is No state).

[0073] In addition, the cancellation of the tilt in the crank rod 182 causes the crank rod slider 183, the drive shaft 131, and the drive pulley 132 to be further rotated in the direction E. Yes. Further, since the drive pulley 132 is further rotated in the direction E, the dispensing arm 110 is further rotated in the direction G via the drive belt 133.

[0074] Then, since the dispensing arm 110 has been rotated in the direction G, an inclination of X2 ° has already occurred, and the dispensing arm 110 has been canceled! The arm 110 is tilted by 0 ° (ie, tilted !, state).

[0075] (Operation of dispensing device 100 when dispensing arm 110 stops rotating)

Next, the operation of the dispensing apparatus 100 when the dispensing arm 110 stops rotating will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 shows the state of the dispensing device 100 when the dispensing nozzle 143 at the tip of the dispensing arm 110 is further rotated toward the predetermined discharge position from the state of the dispensing device 100 described above with reference to FIG. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary.

In FIG. 8, the crank lever 181 has a state force of about 90 ° when the crank pin 185 that connects the crank lever 181 and the crank rod 182 is located at a position corresponding to a predetermined suction position. From the rotating state (the state shown in FIG. 7), the illustration is omitted. The drive motor 120 is driven by computer control and further about 45 ° in the direction A (that is, the crank pin 185 is predetermined). The state force located at a position corresponding to the suction position of the head is rotated by about 135 ° in the direction A.

Then, when the crank pin 185 is further rotated by about 45 °, the crank rod 182 pivotally supported by the crank pin 185 and the crank rod slider 183 becomes a through hole 183A formed in the crank rod slider 183. And the crank rod 182 is tilted by -X2 °.

In addition, when the crank rod 182 is inclined by one X2 °, the crank rod slider 183, the drive shaft 131, and the drive pulley 132 are further rotated by X2 ° in the direction E. In addition, as the driving pulley 132 is further rotated by X2 ° in the direction E, the dispensing arm 110 is further rotated by X2 ° in the direction G through the driving belt 133. . When the dispensing arm 110 is further rotated by X2 ° in the direction G, the dispensing arm 110 is tilted by —X2 °, and the dispensing arm 110 is tilted by —X2 °.

FIG. 9 shows a state force of the dispensing device 100 described above with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the dispensing device 100 when the dispensing nozzle 143 at the tip of the dispensing arm 110 is further rotated toward the discharge position and is located at a predetermined discharge position.

In FIG. 9, the crank lever 181 has a state force of about 135 ° when the crank pin 185 linking the crank lever 181 and the crank rod 182 is located at a position corresponding to a predetermined suction position. From the rotated state (the state shown in FIG. 8), the drive motor 120 is driven by the control of a computer (not shown), and the force is further increased by about 45 ° in the direction A (that is, the crankpin 185 is set to a predetermined value). The state force located at the position corresponding to the suction position is also rotated by about 180 ° in the direction A, and the crank pin 185 is located at the position corresponding to the predetermined discharge position. The rotation is stopped by the control of.

[0081] Then, when the crank pin 185 is further rotated by about 45 ° and positioned at a position corresponding to a predetermined discharge position, the crank rod 182 supported by the crank pin 185 and the crank rod slider 183 is The slide rod 183A further slides in the through hole 183A formed in the rod slider 183 in the direction C, and at the crank rod 182 that has already been tilted by 1 X2 °, the crank rod 182 is . It will be tilted. At this time, the angle of intersection (angle b) between the crank lever 181 and the crank rod 182 is most preferably 90 °.

[0082] In addition, the crank rod 182, the drive shaft 131, and the drive pulley 132 are further rotated in the direction E due to further inclination in the crank rod 182. In addition, since the driving pulley 132 is further rotated in the direction E, the dispensing arm 110 is further rotated in the direction G via the driving belt 133.

[0083] And, as the dispensing arm 110 is further rotated in the direction G,

A further tilt occurs in the dispensing arm 110 that has been tilted by -X2 °, and the dispensing arm 110 is tilted by -Xl °, and the dispensing nozzle 143 at the tip of the dispensing arm 110 is placed at a predetermined discharge position (P22 ) It will be in a state where it is located.

[0084] As described above, when the dispensing nozzle 143 is located at a predetermined discharge position (P22), the dispensing nozzle 143 is lowered together with the dispensing arm 110 to be attached to the dispensing nozzle 143. The tip of the nozzle tip 144 can be inserted into the specimen container 161. And no When the tip of the slug tip 144 is inserted into the sample container 161, the tip force of the nozzle tip 144 also discharges the reagent 152 to the sample container 161 by generating pressure (positive pressure) with the syringe pump unit 141. be able to.

[0085] At this time, the nozzle tip 144 is a cylinder having the same diameter as a whole, and the tip (the other end 144b) is not thin. It can also prevent clogging.

(0086) (Change in Dispensing Speed of Dispensing Arm 110 and Change in Inertia Load of Dispensing Arm 110) In the operation of the dispensing device 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9, as the crank lever 181 rotates. The crank rod 182 that rotates while changing the inclination angle is inclined so that the dispensing arm 110 starts to rotate while gradually increasing the amount of change in the rotation speed from the predetermined suction position (P21). It rotates while gradually increasing the amount of change in angle. In addition, the crank mouth pad 182 gradually increases the change amount of the inclination angle so that the dispensing arm 110 stops the rotation while gradually decreasing the change amount of the rotation speed to the predetermined discharge position (P22). Rotate while decreasing.

Accordingly, the dispensing arm 110 starts to rotate from the state where the dispensing arm 110 is stopped at the predetermined suction position (P21) (the state where the rotational speed is 0), and is shown in FIG. 10 described later. As shown in Fig. 11 to be described later, while rotating gradually without a sudden change in the rotation speed, the rotor rotates to a predetermined discharge position (P22) without a sudden change in inertial load. Move. Then, the dispensing arm 110 reaches the intermediate position between the predetermined suction position (P21) and the predetermined discharge position (P22), and at the same time the rotation speed reaches the maximum.

[0088] Further, the dispensing arm 110 has an intermediate position force between the predetermined suction position (P21) and the predetermined discharge position (P22) without causing a sudden change in the rotational speed as shown in FIG. While gradually decelerating, as shown in FIG. 11, which will be described later, it rotates toward a predetermined discharge position (P22) without causing a sudden change in inertial load. Then, the dispensing arm 110 stops rotating as soon as the rotation of the dispensing arm 110 reaches the predetermined discharge position (P22).

FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of a change in the rotational speed of the dispensing arm 110 in the dispensing apparatus 100 that is effective in the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the vertical axis indicates the rotation speed of the dispensing arm 110, and the horizontal axis indicates the rotation angle of the dispensing arm 110. Figure 10 In this case, the rotation speed of the dispensing arm 110 is such that the rotation angle of the dispensing arm 110 is from a predetermined suction position (P21) to an intermediate position between the predetermined suction position (P21) and the predetermined discharge position (P22). In the meantime, it shows that it gradually rises without causing a sudden change in the rotation speed.

[0090] Then, the rotational speed of the dispensing arm 110 reaches a maximum at the intermediate position between the predetermined suction position (P21) and the predetermined discharge position (P22) when the rotational angle of the dispensing arm 110 is the predetermined position. It shows. Further, the rotation speed of the dispensing arm 110 is determined by the rotation angle of the dispensing arm 110 between the predetermined suction position (P21) and the predetermined discharge position (P22) until the predetermined discharge position (P22). In Fig. 3, it shows a gradual descent without a sudden change in the rotation speed.

In this manner, in FIG. 10, the rotation speed of the dispensing arm 110 is such that the dispensing arm 110 starts rotating from the predetermined suction position (P21) and rotates at the predetermined discharge position (P22). It is shown that it changes slowly without sudden change until it stops moving.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of a change in the inertial load generated in the dispensing arm 110 in the dispensing apparatus 100 that is effective in the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the vertical axis represents the inertial load generated in the dispensing arm 110, and the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the dispensing arm 110. In FIG. 11, the inertial load generated in the dispensing arm 110 is abrupt until the dispensing arm 110 starts rotating from the predetermined suction position (P21) and stops rotating at the predetermined discharge position (P22). It is shown that it changes slowly without any change.

As described above, according to dispensing apparatus 100 in the present embodiment, crankshaft 184 that is rotated by driving drive motor 120, and is rotated by rotation of crankshaft 184 that is connected to crankshaft 184. The drive motor 120 is transmitted to the dispensing arm 110 via the transmission buffering means 180 provided with the crank rod 182 to rotate the dispensing arm 110. As a result, even if there is a sudden change in the drive of the drive motor 120, the vibration caused by a sudden change in the rotation speed or a sudden change in the inertial load on the dispensing arm 110. The dispensing arm 110 can be rotated without causing any trouble.

[0094] Then, the dispensing arm 110 was attached to the dispensing nozzle 143 at the tip of the dispensing arm 110 by rotating the dispensing arm 110 without causing vibration or impact to the dispensing arm 110. The dispensing nozzle 143 can be transported to a predetermined discharge position without causing the reagent 152 sucked from the reagent container 151 to be scattered by the nozzle tip 144, and the reagent 152 can be discharged into the sample container 161. As a result, the dispensing accuracy when the reagent 152 is dispensed to the sample container 161 by the dispensing apparatus 100 can be improved.

[0095] In particular, since the inertial load of the dispensing arm 110 is reduced at each of the suction and discharge positions, the cylindrical nozzle tip 144 as described above, that is, the distal end (the other end 144b) is opened. A nozzle tip 144 having a large diameter can be used, and scattering of the reagent 152 from the other end 144b can be prevented.

[0096] Dispensing device 100 according to the present embodiment has a crank lever 181 and a crank opening 182 driven by motor 120, contrary to the operation of dispensing device 100 described above with reference to Figs. The pivot pin 185 is connected to the predetermined suction position by rotating the crank pin 185 from the position corresponding to the predetermined discharge position to the dispensing arm 110 without applying vibration or impact to the dispensing arm 110. Can be rotated.

[0097] (Another configuration example of dispensing apparatus 100)

Next, another configuration example of the dispensing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a dispensing apparatus 100 that is helpful in the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, in the dispensing device 100, the dispensing arm 110 is provided with a syringe pump unit 141 provided in the suction / discharge means 140 in contrast to the dispensing device 100 described above with reference to FIG. It differs from the dispensing device 100 described above with reference to FIG. 1 in that it is disposed on the dispensing arm shaft 111.

[0098] Further, since the syringe pump unit 141 is disposed on the dispensing arm shaft 111, the length of the syringe pump pipe 142 for transmitting pressure from the syringe pump unit 141 to the dispensing nozzle 143 can be shortened. Point force Different from the dispensing device 100 described above with reference to FIG. The nozzle tip 144 is detachably attached to the tip of the dispensing nozzle 143 in the same manner as described above.

[0099] Thus, the dispensing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 12 can reduce the installation area of the dispensing apparatus 100 by disposing the syringe pump unit 141 on the dispensing arm shaft 111. As a result, the dispensing device 100 can be reduced in size. Syringe pump pie The length of the pipe 142 can be shortened, and in some cases, a metal material can be used for part or all of the syringe pump pipe 142. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in pressure transmitted to the dispensing nozzle 143 caused by vibration and expansion of the syringe pump pipe 142, and a prolonged pressure transmission time (occurrence of delay). As a result, it is possible to improve the dispensing accuracy (accuracy of the suction amount of the reagent 152 and the accuracy of the discharge amount of the reagent 152) by the dispensing device 100 and shorten the dispensing time.

[0100] Even if a heavy object (for example, a syringe pump unit 141 having a weight of about 400 grams) is placed on the dispensing arm 110 and the weight of the dispensing arm 110 is increased, the transmission 'buffer' Since the driving torque of the drive motor 120 is increased by the means 180, the dispensing arm 110 can be rotated with a small driving force without affecting the change in the rotation speed of the dispensing arm 110 or the change in the inertial load. Can do. Therefore, even when the small drive motor 120 or the low power consumption drive motor 120 is used as the drive motor 120, the dispensing arm 110 whose weight has increased can be rotated.

[0101] As described above, according to the dispensing device of the present invention, the crankshaft 184 that is rotated by the drive of the drive motor 120, and the crankshaft 184 that is connected to the crankshaft 184 is rotated by the rotation of the crankshaft 184. The drive of the drive motor 120 is transmitted to the dispensing arm 110 via the transmission buffering means 180 including the crank rod 182 that moves, and the dispensing arm 110 is rotated. As a result, the dispensing arm 110 can be rotated without causing vibration or shock to the dispensing arm 110. Therefore, the reagent 152 sucked by the nozzle tip 144 at the tip of the dispensing nozzle 143 can be transported to a predetermined discharge position without being scattered. As a result, the dispensing accuracy when dispensing the reagent 152 can be improved.

[0102] The nozzle tip 144 described above can be reduced in cost if it can be formed in a cylindrical shape. At the same time, since it is possible to use one formed with a constant thin thickness, the amount of grease during production can be reduced, and the amount of waste as medical waste can be reduced.

[0103] Further, with such a cylindrical nozzle tip 144, since there is no directionality at one end 144a and the other end 144b, attachment to the dispensing nozzle 143 and supply and discharge portions by the supply portion of the nozzle tip 144 Emission (disposal) can be easily performed. Further, since the nozzle tip 144 has a cylindrical shape with a constant inner diameter, the nozzle tip 144 is provided in the supply section and the discharge section. As a result, the integration density of the nozzle chips 144 integrated can be improved, and the space efficiency can be improved.

[0104] According to the above-described dispensing device 100 of the present invention, the dispensing arm 110 is a force whose movement speed is slow at the suction and discharge positions, and can be gradually increased at the time of rotation. Time can be reduced. Since the opening diameter of the tip (the other end 144b) of the nozzle tip 144 can be increased, suction and discharge time can be performed at high speed. As a result, for example, while the dispensing efficiency of the conventional dispensing apparatus is 250 times Zlh, according to the invention of the present application, for example, 700-800 times Zlh is dramatically improved. I was able to improve.

[0105] Further, although the nozzle tip 144 described in the above embodiment has been described as a configuration in which the one end 144a and the other end 144b have the same opening diameter, the present invention is not limited to this. The tip (the other end 144b can be made by heat-treating the M-rule to have a slightly smaller diameter. It will be used in a state where the directionality is limited to be used as the tip.

Industrial applicability

[0106] As described above, the nozzle tip and the dispensing device that are effective in the present invention can be used for automatic analysis of clinical tests performed in hospitals, clinical laboratories, and the like. Suitable for dispensing equipment.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A rotatable dispensing arm for transporting the sucked liquid to a predetermined discharge position while being in a predetermined suction position;

A drive motor for rotating the dispensing arm;

A crankshaft that is rotated by driving of the drive motor, and a crank rod that is connected to the crankshaft and that is rotated by the rotation of the crankshaft and that rotates the dispensing arm by the rotation. A transmission means;

A pipe-shaped nozzle tip that is detachably attached to the tip of the pipetting arm.

[2] A dispensing nozzle is provided at the tip of the dispensing arm,

2. The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle tip is inserted and attached to the dispensing nozzle.

[3] When the dispensing arm starts rotating from the predetermined suction position and when the dispensing arm stops rotating at the predetermined discharge position, the transmission means is 2. The dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the crankshaft and the crank rod are connected so that a change amount of the rotation angle of the crankshaft is small.

[4] The transmission means includes

A crankshaft rotating by driving of the drive motor;

A crank rod slider that is rotatable in conjunction with the rotation of the dispensing arm and has a through hole into which one end of the crank rod is inserted; and

A crank shaft supported by the crankshaft and rotating as the crankshaft rotates;

One end of the crank rod slider is slidably inserted into a through hole formed in the crank rod slider, and the other end force S is pivotally supported on the crank lever by a crank pin, and the rotation axis of the crank rod slider is A crank rod for rotating the crank rod slider by rotating about the center; and

The dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

[5] Rotation for transporting the sucked liquid to the predetermined discharge position after reaching the predetermined suction position A free dispensing arm, a drive motor for rotating the dispensing arm, a crankshaft that is rotated by driving the drive motor, and a pivot that is connected to the crankshaft and that is rotated by the rotation of the crankshaft. A nozzle tip for use in a dispensing device comprising a crank rod for rotating the dispensing arm by rotation and a powerful transmission means,

A nozzle tip formed in a cylindrical shape and detachably attached to a dispensing nozzle at the tip of the dispensing arm.

6. The nose and nore tip according to claim 5, wherein one end and the other end are formed to have the same opening diameter.

7. The nozzle tip according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the nozzle tip is formed with a uniform thickness.