Sample dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a sample dispensation device that can surely take out one by one a plurality of culture medium plates piled and accommodated, and transport respective culture medium plates.SOLUTION: A sample dispensation device includes a carrying-out device 1 that takes out one by one a plurality of culture medium plates P piled and accommodated in a storage frame 112. The carrying-out device 1 includes a first member 112a and a second member 112b, and has the storage frame 112 capable of accommodating the culture medium plates P. Between the first member 112a and the second member 112b, a plate reception member 113 is provided that supports the culture medium plate P accommodated in the storage frame 112. Also, the carrying-out device includes: a suction mechanism that is installed below the storage frame 112, and sucks the culture medium plate P accommodated in the lowermost tier of the storage frame 112 from below; and an ascending / descending unit 133 that moves the suction mechanism up and down.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sample dispensing device for dispensing a sample onto a culture plate.

Background Art

[0002] In microbiological examinations of foods, pharmaceuticals, etc., a sample collected from foods, pharmaceuticals, etc. is dispensed onto a culture medium for culturing microorganisms, and after culturing for a certain period in an incubator or the like, the viable cell count is measured. In recent years, a film-shaped culture plate has been used instead of the agar medium that has been used conventionally.

[0003] The culture plate includes a lower film and an upper film. With the upper film rolled up, a sample is dispensed into a culture medium generation area formed on the lower film. After that, the upper film is placed over the lower film on which the sample has been dispensed, and a process of pressing the upper film with a certain pressure is executed. Further, it is desired to automate such a series of processes.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a pretreatment device for microbiological examination that sets culture plates in a culture medium stocker in units of dozens of sheets, takes out the culture plates one by one and sends them to the downstream side, and automatically inoculates samples onto these culture plates.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, Patent Document 1 mentioned above does not disclose a technique for reliably removing one culture medium plate at a time from multiple culture medium plates set in a culture medium stocker and transporting them downstream. When multiple culture medium plates are stacked, there is a problem that when removing a culture medium plate, two plates may be removed at the same time, resulting in both culture medium plates being sent downstream simultaneously.

[0007] Furthermore, when dispensing a sample into the culture medium generation area of ​​the lower film and covering it with the upper film, it is desirable to spread the sample across the entire culture medium generation area and to prevent air from entering. For this reason, the upper film is pressed down with a certain force after the sample has been dispensed. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose how to automatically press down the upper film after it has been placed over the sample.

[0008] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned conventional problems, and the eye The objective is to provide a sample dispensing device that can reliably remove and transport culture medium plates, which are stacked in multiple layers, one at a time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the sample dispensing apparatus according to the present invention has an unloading device for unloading one culture medium plate at a time from a plurality of culture medium plates stacked in a storage frame, and dispenses a sample onto the culture medium plates unloaded by the unloading device, wherein the unloading device has a first elongated member and a second elongated member spaced apart from the first member, and has a storage frame capable of storing the culture medium plates so as to straddle the first member and the second member, a plate receiving member positioned between the first member and the second member, with its upper end located at approximately the height of the bottom surface of the storage frame, and supporting the culture medium plates stored in the storage frame, a suction mechanism installed below the storage frame for sucking up the culture medium plate stored in the lowest stage of the storage frame from below, and an upper and lower unit for moving the suction mechanism up and down, wherein when unloading the culture medium plates, the lowest stage culture medium plate is sucked up by the suction mechanism, and then the suction mechanism is moved downward to unload the culture medium plate and transport it downstream. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to reliably remove and transport culture medium plates, which are stacked in multiple layers, one by one. 。 [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sample dispensing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a flat-type culture medium plate used in a sample dispensing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a recessed culture medium plate used in a sample dispensing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device mounted on a sample dispensing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the discharge device mounted on the sample dispensing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the plate placement table. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the plate supply unit. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the plate supply unit, as viewed from the front side in the Y-axis direction. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the plate supply unit, as viewed from the right side in the X-axis direction. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a view of the carry-out device as viewed from the X-axis direction, showing the state before sucking the culture medium plate. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a view of the carry-out device as viewed from the X-axis direction, showing the state in which the lowermost culture medium plate is being sucked. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C is a view of the carry-out device as viewed from the X-axis direction, showing the state in which the lowermost culture medium plate is sucked and moved downward. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing how the culture medium plate is carried out from the storage frame. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pressing device mounted on the sample dispensing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pressing unit shown in FIG. 11. [[ID=二十九]] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the state in which the surface switching part is removed from the pressing device shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the surface switching part and the pressing parts [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the inner member provided on the pressing part. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the surface switching part and the pressing parts, showing the state in which the inner member is not pressed. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the surface switching part and the pressing parts, showing the state in which the inner member is pressed. ) [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the states before and after the pressing component descends. The left side of the center line CL indicates the state before descent, and the right side indicates the state after descent. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first modification example of the pressing unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the surface switching portion shown in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the pressing component shown in FIG. 17. [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the central member constituting the pressing component according to the first modification example. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the inner member constituting the pressing component according to the first modification example. [Figure 21A] FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view of the central member, inner member, and outer member according to the first modification example, showing a state where the central member and the inner member are positioned above the outer member. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of the central member, inner member, and outer member according to the first modification example, showing a state where the central member is positioned above the outer member and the inner member. [Figure 21C] FIG. 21C is a cross-sectional view of the central member, inner member, and outer member according to the first modification example, showing a state where the bottom surfaces of the outer member, inner member, and central member are planar. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the second modification example of the pressing unit. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pressing component according to the second modification example. [Figure 24A] FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional view of the pressing component according to the second modification example, showing a state where the inner member and the central member are positioned above the outer member. [Figure 24B] FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view of the pressing component according to the second modification example, showing a state where the central member is positioned above the outer member and the inner member. [Figure 24C]Figure 24C is a cross-sectional view of the pressing component according to the second modified example, showing that the bottom surfaces of the outer member, inner member, and central member are flat. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the central member of the pressing component according to the second modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a sample dispensing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereafter, the X-axis in Figure 1 will be referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis as the up-down direction. The right direction may also be referred to as the "downstream side" and the left direction as the "upstream side." The same applies to the X, Y, and Z coordinate axes shown in Figure 2 and subsequent figures.

[0015] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the culture medium plates used in the sample dispensing device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 shows a flat-type culture medium plate P1, and Figure 3 shows a recessed-type culture medium plate P2. Figure 2(a) shows the upper film Pb of culture medium plate P1 covering the lower film Pa, and Figure 2(b) shows the upper film Pb peeled back. Similarly, Figure 3(a) shows the upper film Pb of culture medium plate P2 covering the lower film Pa, and Figure 3(b) shows the upper film Pb peeled back. The configurations of each type of culture medium plate P1 and P2 will be described below.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), the planar culture medium plate P1 has a lower film Pa and an upper film Pb that are planar rectangular in shape.

[0017] The lower film Pa contains a culture medium and has a thickness of approximately 1 mm. The upper film Pb is made of a thin, translucent film. The lower film Pa and the upper film Pb are joined together at one edge.

[0018] The lower film Pa forms a circular culture medium generation area D1, which will become the culture medium into which the sample is dispensed. A "sample" is a specimen taken from food or other sources to be used for determining the presence or absence of bacteria. The culture medium generation area D1 is the area where the dispensed sample is spread. The upper film Pb covers the lower film Pa from above after the sample has been dispensed into the culture medium generation area D1.

[0019] The culture medium generation range D1 varies depending on the specifications of the inspection device (not shown) that processes the sample after the sample dispensing device 100 according to this embodiment. That is, the diameter of the culture medium generation range D1 must be set to a size that matches the specifications of the inspection device.

[0020] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, the recessed culture medium plate P2, like the flat culture medium plate P1, has its lower film Pa and upper film Pb joined together on one side.

[0021] The lower film Pa has a circular depression p in the center. Various depths of depression p are used. For example, the depth of depression p is about 0.5 mm. The depression p forms the culture medium generation area D2 into which the sample is dispensed. The upper film Pb covers the lower film Pa from above after the sample has been dispensed into the culture medium generation area D2.

[0022] In the following, when referring to the flat-type culture medium plate P1 shown in Figure 2 and the recessed-type culture medium plate P2 shown in Figure 3, we will use subscripts such as "culture medium plate P1, P2" to distinguish between them. When referring to them without distinction, we will use "culture medium plate P" without a subscript.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the sample dispensing device 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the sample dispensing device 100 according to this embodiment includes a discharge device 1, a transport table 2, a dispensing unit 3, a film peeling unit 4, a pressing device 5, a plate housing unit 6, and a control device 7. Each of these components is installed on a base plate 101.

[0024] The dispensing device 1 stacks and stores multiple culture medium plates P before dispensing the sample. The dispensing device 1 removes the stored culture medium plates P one by one from below and dispenses them toward the downstream transport table 2. Details of the dispensing device 1 will be described later.

[0025] The transport platform 2 places the culture medium plate P that has been discharged from the discharge device 1. The transport platform 2 is movable in the left-right direction relative to the sample dispensing device 100 by a transport mechanism (not shown). The transport platform 2 has a standby position on the downstream side (right side) adjacent to the discharge device 1. When the transport platform 2 is in the standby position, the culture medium plate P that has been discharged from the discharge device 1 is placed on it, and after the sample is injected, the transport platform 2 transports the culture medium plate P downstream. After each process on the downstream side is completed, the transport platform 2 places the culture medium plate P into the plate storage section 6 and operates to return to the standby position.

[0026] Specifically, the transport platform 2 is positioned in a standby location adjacent to the discharge device 1, on which the culture medium plate P is placed. After the sample is dispensed onto the culture medium plate P, the transport platform 2 moves downstream and stops at the pressing device 5. After the culture medium plate P is pressed by the pressing device 5, the transport platform 2 moves downstream again to place the culture medium plate P into the plate storage section 6. Subsequently, the transport platform 2 moves upstream and returns to the standby position.

[0027] The film peeling section 4 includes a rotating plate 41 and a suction section 42. The rotating plate 41 is rotatable in the direction indicated by arrow Y1 in the figure by a rotating mechanism (not shown). That is, the rotating plate 41 is rotatable within a range of approximately 90° around a rotation axis parallel to the Y axis.

[0028] The suction unit 42 is connected to a suction pump (not shown), and its tip can be made to produce negative pressure. The suction unit 42 is located on the side of the rotating plate 41.

[0029] The film peeling section 4 rotates the rotating plate 41 downwards from arrow Y1 to approach the culture medium plate P, and then applies negative pressure to the suction section 42, thereby sucking up the upper film Pb of the culture medium plate P. In this state, by rotating the rotating plate 41 upwards from arrow Y1, the upper film Pb can be peeled back. That is, from a state where the upper film Pb is in close contact with the lower film Pa as shown in Figure 2(a), the upper film Pb can be peeled back as shown in Figure 2(b).

[0030] The film peeling section 4 peels back the upper film Pb, and after the sample has been dispensed onto the lower film Pa, it rotates the rotating plate 41 downward and then stops the suction with the suction section 42. Thus, the lower film Pa after the sample has been dispensed can be covered with the upper film Pb.

[0031] The dispensing unit 3 comprises a rotating unit 31 and an electric pipette 32. The rotating unit 31 is rotatable in the direction of arrow Y2 in the figure by a rotating mechanism (not shown). That is, the rotating unit 31 has a rotation axis parallel to the Z axis and is rotatable within a range of approximately 90°.

[0032] The electric pipette 32 is a pipette that automatically aspirates and dispenses samples. The electric pipette 32 is attached to the rotating part 31 and has its tip pointing downwards. When the rotating part 31 rotates to the left of arrow Y2, the electric pipette 32 is positioned above the test tube 81A stored in the test tube holder 81. The electric pipette 32 is movable so that when the rotating part 31 rotates to the right of arrow Y2, it is positioned near the standby position of the transport table 2.

[0033] Specifically, by operating the dispensing unit 3, the sample in the test tube 81A can be aspirated and dispensed onto the culture medium plate P placed on the transport platform 2. More specifically, on the culture medium plate P dispensed from the discharge device 1, the sample can be dispensed into the culture medium generation area of ​​the lower film Pa (see D1 in Figure 2 and D2 in Figure 3) with the upper film Pb peeled back.

[0034] The pressing device 5 presses the culture medium plate P, after the sample has been dispensed, from above, thereby compressing the sample present between the lower film Pa and the upper film Pb. By pressing the culture medium plate P, the pressing device 5 spreads the sample throughout the entire culture medium production area without allowing air to enter. Details of the pressing device 5 will be described later.

[0035] The plate housing section 6 houses the culture medium plate P after it has been pressed by the pressing device 5.

[0036] The control device 7 controls the operation of the sample dispensing device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the control device 7. As shown in Figure 4, the control device 7 includes an unloading control unit 91, a transport control unit 92, a peeling control unit 93, a dispensing control unit 94, a pressing control unit 95, and a storage control unit 96.

[0037] The unloading control unit 91 controls the removal of culture medium plates P one by one from the unloading device 1 and the placement of them on the transport table 2.

[0038] The transport control unit 92 controls the movement of the transport platform 2 in the left-right direction according to the operation of the sample dispensing device 100.

[0039] The peeling control unit 93 controls the peeling of the upper film Pb of the culture medium plate P that has been removed from the discharge device 1. Specifically, the peeling control unit 93 operates the suction unit 42 to peel back the upper film Pb of the culture medium plate P, and then controls the covering of the upper film Pb after the sample has been dispensed into the culture medium generation area.

[0040] The dispensing control unit 94 operates the rotating unit 31 and the electric pipette 32 to dispense the sample from the test tube 81A into the culture medium generation area of ​​the culture medium plate P, with the culture medium plate P placed on the transport table 2 and the upper film Pb rolled up.

[0041] The pressing control unit 95 controls the operation of the pressing device 5 so as to press the culture medium plate P on which the sample has been dispensed from above.

[0042] The storage control unit 96 controls the vertical movement of the culture medium plate P, which has been transported by the transport table 2, to be stored in the plate storage unit 6.

[0043] [Description of the unloading device 1] Next, the detailed configuration of the unloading device 1 will be described. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the unloading device 1, Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the plate placement table 11, and Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the plate supply unit 13. Figures 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of the plate supply unit 13, with Figure 8A being a view from the front in the Y-axis direction and Figure 8B being a view from the right side in the X-axis direction. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in Figures 5 to 7, 8A, and 8B correspond to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in Figure 1.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the unloading device 1 includes a plate placement table 11 located above the base plate 101 and a plate supply unit 13 located below the base plate 101.

[0045] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the plate placement stand 11 comprises two bases 111, a storage frame 112, and a plate receiving member 113.

[0046] The base 111 has an inverted L-shape in cross-section and is fixed to the upper surface of the base plate 101. The storage frame 112 has a first member 112a and a second member 112b. The first member 112a and the second member 112b are each provided on the upper part of the base 111. That is, the storage frame 112 has a long first member 112a and a long second member 112b which is spaced apart from the first member 112a, and the culture medium plate P can be stored so as to straddle the first member 112a and the second member 112b.

[0047] The first member 112a and the second member 112b are spaced apart, and multiple rectangular culture medium plates P (see Figure 5) can be stored between them. Furthermore, because the first member 112a and the second member 112b are placed on the base 111, the lowest culture medium plate P stored in the storage frame 112 is slightly higher than the upper surface of the base plate 101. That is, a space R1 shown in Figure 5 is formed between the upper surface of the base plate 101 and the lowest culture medium plate P.

[0048] The plate support member 113 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is installed on the base plate 101 at the lower central part of the storage frame 112. The upper surface of the plate support member 113 is almost identical to the lower surface of the storage frame 112. With the plate support member 113 and the two side support members 115 described later provided, multiple culture medium plates P can be supported in the center.

[0049] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, interference plates 114 are provided at the downstream (X-axis direction) ends of the first member 112a and the second member 112b, respectively. Each interference plate 114 has an L-shape, and the space between the two interference plates 114 is wider in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) at the bottom than at the top. That is, the interference plates 114 are located below the discharge side edge of the storage frame 112 and have the function of restricting the discharge of culture medium plates P other than the culture medium plate P that is curved in an arc shape at the bottom.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, narrow, flat side support members 115 are formed on the inside of the first member 112a and the second member 112b, respectively. The presence of the side support members 115 prevents the culture medium plate P housed in the storage frame 112 from easily shifting position in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) and falling downward. In other words, the side support members 115 are provided on the inside of the first member 112a and the inside of the second member 112b, and have an elongated shape that prevents the culture medium plate P from falling downwards from the storage frame 112.

[0051] As shown in Figures 7, 8A, and 8B, the plate supply unit 13 includes left and right units 131, a timing belt 132, an up and down unit 133, a crank 134, a sensor detection plate 135, a suction hose 136, a motor 137, a suction pipe 138, a suction pad 139, a linear guide 140, and an origin sensor 141 (see Figure 8B). The electrical components mounted on the plate supply unit 13 are controlled by the discharge control unit 91 shown in Figure 4.

[0052] The linear guide 140 comprises a rail 140b extending in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) and a block 140a that slides along the rail 140b. The block 140a is fixed to the left-right unit 131.

[0053] The left and right units 131 slide the entire plate supply unit 13 in the left and right directions. Specifically, the left and right units 131 use the suction pad 139 (details will be described later) to aspirate the culture medium plate P, then slide downstream to place the culture medium plate P on the transport table 2. After that, they operate to return to their original positions.

[0054] The timing belt 132 is connected to a drive motor (not shown) and moves the left and right units 131 in the left-right direction. Specifically, linear guides 140 are installed on the left and right units 131, and the blocks 140a slide along rails 140b installed on the base plate 101, thereby moving the left and right units 131 in the left-right direction.

[0055] The motor 137 has its output shaft connected to the crank 134. The motor 137 is, for example, a stepping motor, which is capable of rotating the crank 134 to a desired angle.

[0056] The crank 134 is equipped with a pin q1 located off-center from the rotation center. The crank 134 is equipped with an arc-shaped sensor detection plate 135. The origin sensor 141 shown in Figure 8B detects the sensor detection plate 135, making it possible to stop the crank 134 at a desired angle.

[0057] The upper and lower unit 133 has a U-shape in plan view and is movable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Two suction pipes 138 facing vertically are erected on the sides of the upper and lower unit 133. A suction hose 136 is connected to the lower end of each suction pipe 138. The suction hose 136 is connected to a suction pump (not shown) and draws air through the suction pipes 138.

[0058] A suction pad 139 is attached to the upper end of each suction pipe 138. The suction pad 139 aspirates the culture medium plate P stored in the storage frame 112. The suction pad 139 has a bellows-like shape with a variable angle, and as shown in Figure 9C (details will be described later), it is possible to adhere closely to and aspirate the culture medium plate Px even when the bottom culture medium plate Px is curved.

[0059] Specifically, the suction mechanism is composed of a suction pump (not shown), a suction hose 136, a suction pipe 138, and a suction pad 139. The suction mechanism is installed below the storage frame 112 and sucks the culture medium plate Px stored in the lowest section of the storage frame 112 from below.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8B, the upper and lower unit 133 has an elongated hole q2 in its center. A pin q1 provided on the crank 134 is inserted into the elongated hole q2. Therefore, when the motor 137 (see Figure 7) is rotated, the pin q1 on the crank 134 rotates, and the pin q1 moves in the vertical direction. As a result, the upper and lower unit 133 having the elongated hole q2 moves in the vertical direction. In other words, by rotating the crank 134, the upper and lower unit 133 can be moved to a desired position in the vertical direction. Also, as mentioned above, since the motor 137 is a stepping motor, it is possible to set the vertical position of the upper and lower unit 133 with high precision.

[0061] In other words, the "lifting mechanism" is composed of an upper and lower unit 133 and a motor 137 that moves this upper and lower unit 133 in the vertical direction. The lifting mechanism moves the suction mechanism up and down.

[0062] Next, the operation of transporting the culture medium plate P using the above-described transport device 1 will be explained with reference to the explanatory diagrams shown in Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, and 10. Figures 9A to 9C are views of the transport device 1 from the X-axis direction, where the interference plate 114 is shown to the left of the center line CL, and omitted to the right.

[0063] Figure 9A shows the state before the bottom culture plate is aspirated, Figure 9B shows the state during aspiration of the bottom culture plate, and Figure 9C shows the state after the bottom culture plate has been aspirated and pulled downwards. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the culture plate P being removed from the storage frame 112.

[0064] Figure 9A shows a state in which multiple culture medium plates P are stacked within the storage frame 112 of the plate arrangement stand 11.

[0065] When removing the culture medium plate P, the upper and lower unit 133 is raised from the standby state shown in Figure 9A, as shown in Figure 9B, to bring the suction pad 139 into contact with the culture medium plate P stored in the lowest section of the storage frame 112. In detail, when the motor 137 shown in Figure 7 is rotated, the crank 134 connected to the output shaft of the motor 137 rotates in the direction of arrow Y11 in Figure 9B, causing the pin q1 to rotate and move upward. Consequently, the upper and lower unit 133 moves upward. Since the motor 137 is a stepping motor, it is possible to set the amount of movement of the upper and lower unit 133 with high precision.

[0066] As a result, the suction pipe 138, which is erected on the upper and lower unit 133, rises, and the suction pad 139 at its tip comes into contact with the culture medium plate P. When a suction pump (not shown) is activated in this state, negative pressure is created at the tip of the suction pad 139 via the suction hose 136 and suction pipe 138, and the culture medium plate P stored in the lowest section of the storage frame 112 is sucked up.

[0067] In this state, when the motor 137 is driven in the reverse direction, as shown in Figure 9C, the crank 134 rotates in the opposite direction (direction of arrow Y12), and pin q1 rotates and moves downward. Consequently, the upper and lower unit 133 moves downward.

[0068] At this time, as shown in Figure 9C, both ends of the bottom culture medium plate Px are pulled downwards by the two suction pads 139. Also, the central part of the storage frame 112 is in contact with the plate receiving member 113 and cannot move downwards. Therefore, the bottom culture medium plate Px deforms into an arc shape, as shown in Figure 9C. The other culture medium plates P are not pulled downwards and therefore do not deform into an arc shape. In other words, only the bottom culture medium plate Px deforms into an arc shape.

[0069] In this state, when the timing belt 132 (see Figure 7) is activated to move the left and right units 131 to the right, the bottom culture medium plate Px is deformed into an arc shape and can move downstream without coming into contact with the interference plate 114 shown in Figure 9C. On the other hand, the culture medium plates P other than the bottom one do not deform into an arc shape, so even if they try to move downstream they will come into contact with the interference plate 114 and their movement will be prevented.

[0070] Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, only the bottom culture medium plate P is sent to the transport table 2. In other words, when the discharge device 1 according to this embodiment is sending out culture medium plates P, the bottom culture medium plate Px is sucked up by the suction mechanism, and then the suction mechanism is moved downward to transport the bottom culture medium plate Px downstream. Thus, even if multiple culture medium plates P are stacked and stored, it is possible to reliably pick them up one by one and send them to the transport table 2.

[0071] Specifically, when the dispensing device 1 is dispensing a culture medium plate P, it first uses a suction mechanism to suck up the lowest culture medium plate P, and then moves the suction mechanism downward to transport the culture medium plate P to the downstream side of the storage frame 112.

[0072] [Explanation of the pressing device 5] Next, the pressing device 5 shown in Figure 1 will be described in detail. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pressing device 5, Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pressing unit 52 shown in Figure 11, and Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the pressing device 5 shown in Figure 11 with the surface switching section 524 removed. Figure 14A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the surface switching section 524 and the pressing component 525, Figure 14B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the inner member 525A provided on the pressing component 525, and Figures 15A and 15B show cross-sectional views of the surface switching section 524 and the pressing component 525.

[0073] The various electrical components mounted on the pressing device 5 are controlled by the pressing control unit 95 shown in Figure 4.

[0074] The pressing device 5 presses the culture medium plate P, into which the sample has been dispensed, from above, thereby spreading the sample over a predetermined area of ​​the culture medium plate P. Furthermore, it presses the culture medium plate P to prevent air from entering between the lower film Pa and the upper film Pb. As shown in Figures 2 and 3 above, the culture medium plate P can be a flat type culture medium plate P1 or a recessed type culture medium plate P2. In this embodiment, the shape of the pressing surface of the pressing device 5 is changed according to the type of culture medium plate.

[0075] As shown in Figure 11, the pressing device 5 comprises a vertical movement mechanism 51, a pressing unit 52, and a load-receiving base 54. Figure 11 shows the state in which the transport table 2 on which the culture medium plate P is placed has moved to the position of the pressing device 5.

[0076] The vertical movement mechanism 51 includes a support plate 511, a base 512, and a motor 513.

[0077] The support plate 511 is a plate that supports the entire vertical movement mechanism 51 and has a horizontal surface for fixing the motor 513. The support plate 511 is installed on the fixed side of the sample dispensing device 100.

[0078] The base 512 is placed on the horizontal surface of the support plate 511 and is formed from a metal plate bent into a U-shape in cross-section.

[0079] Motor 513 is, for example, a stepping motor, and its rotational speed can be controlled with high precision. Motor 513 is mounted on a base 512. The output shaft of motor 513 faces downward, and a sliding screw (not shown) is connected to this output shaft. An origin sensor (not shown) is installed near the rotational axis of motor 513, so that the vertical reference position (origin position) of motor 513 can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to calibrate vertical position deviations.

[0080] The sliding screw converts the rotational motion of the motor 513 into a stroke motion. That is, the sliding screw moves vertically in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 513. The vertical movement mechanism 51 has the function of moving the pressing component 525 up and down.

[0081] The pressing unit 52 is connected to a sliding screw and moves vertically as the sliding screw rotates. As shown in Figure 12, the pressing unit 52 comprises a top plate 521, two side plates 522, a bottom plate 523, a surface switching section 524, and a pressing component 525.

[0082] The top plate 521 is oriented horizontally and is connected to the nut u1 of a sliding screw. Therefore, when the sliding screw connected to the output shaft of the motor 513 rotates, the nut u1 moves downward. As a result, the top plate 521 moves downward.

[0083] The side panel 522 has a flat shape, and its upper end is connected to the top panel 521.

[0084] The bottom plate 523 is connected to the lower ends of the two side plates 522 and supports the pressing component 525. Therefore, when the top plate 521 moves downward, the bottom plate 523 also moves downward in conjunction with it, causing the pressing component 525 to move downward.

[0085] As shown in Figure 13, the pressing component 525 is located below the bottom plate 523. When the motor 513 rotates and the bottom plate 523 descends, the pressing component 525 descends along with it, pressing the culture medium plate P that is being transported below the pressing component 525.

[0086] Furthermore, compression springs B5 (elastic members) are provided at three locations on the pressing component 525 (three locations offset by 120° from the center). In other words, multiple elastic members (compression springs B5) are provided between the vertical movement mechanism 51 and the pressing component 525. Therefore, when the pressing component 525 descends and comes into contact with the culture medium plate P, and then descends further, the compression springs B5 are biased, allowing the culture medium plate P to be pressed with a nearly uniform pressure.

[0087] In other words, the downward movement distance of the vertical movement mechanism 51 after the pressing component 525 has been lowered and brought into contact with the culture medium plate P can be used to set the load at which the pressing component 525 presses the culture medium plate P. Although Figure 13 shows an example in which compression springs B5 are installed at three locations offset by 120°, the number of compression springs B5 is not limited to three. Also, they do not have to be at equal angles from the center.

[0088] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, a U-shaped notch 523a is formed in the bottom plate 523, and a surface switching section 524 is provided in the space of this notch 523a.

[0089] As shown in Figures 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B, the pressing component 525 comprises an inner member 525A and an outer member 525B. As shown in Figure 14B, the inner member 525A comprises a disc-shaped upper plate u2 and lower plate u3, and a support column u4, and as shown in Figure 15A, it forms an "E" shape in side view. In addition, a projection u5 is formed on the upper surface of the upper plate u2.

[0090] The outer member 525B is positioned to surround the inner member 525A. A compression spring B1 (first elastic body) is installed on the upper surface of the outer member 525B and is in contact with the lower surface of the upper plate u2 of the inner member 525A. The upper surface of the upper plate u2 is pushed upward by a small distance (e.g., 0.5 mm) due to the biasing force of the compression spring B1. That is, as shown in Figure 15A, the upper surface of the upper plate u2 protrudes slightly above the upper surface of the outer member 525B.

[0091] The compression spring B1 functions as a first elastic body that biases the outer member 525B and the inner member 525A to separate from each other.

[0092] As the inner member 525A is pushed upward by the compression spring B1, the bottom surface (second pressing surface) of the lower plate u3 of the inner member 525A is located slightly above the bottom surface (first pressing surface) of the outer member 525B. Therefore, the bottom surface of the pressing part 525 becomes a concave surface with a circular depression (see Figure 15A). Furthermore, as will be described later, when the projection u5 is pressed downward, the bottom surface of the lower plate u3 of the inner member 525A and the bottom surface of the outer member 525B coincide, and the bottom surface of the pressing part 525 becomes flat (see Figure 15B).

[0093] As shown in Figure 14A, the surface switching section 524 includes a solenoid 524A, a movable plate 524B, a tension spring 524C, and a roller 524D. The solenoid 524A is a pull-type solenoid and operates in the direction of retracting the output shaft when energized.

[0094] The movable plate 524B is connected to the output shaft of the solenoid 524A and has a point of force application v1, a fulcrum v2, and a point of application v3. The point of force application v1 is the point where it connects to the output shaft of the solenoid 524A. A tension spring 524C is connected to the point of application v3. A roller 524D is also installed at the point of application v3. The roller 524D is in contact with the projection u5 of the inner member 525A.

[0095] Therefore, when the solenoid 524A is not energized, the output shaft of the solenoid 524A is extended, and the roller 524D is pulled upward by the tension spring 524C. As a result, the roller 524D does not press against the projection u5, and as shown in Figure 15A, the inner member 525A of the pressing component 525 is positioned slightly above the outer member 525B by a distance (for example, 0.5 mm). That is, the bottom surface of the pressing component 525 becomes a concave surface with a circular depression formed therein.

[0096] On the other hand, when the solenoid 524A is energized, the output shaft contracts, causing the roller 524D to move downward against the biasing force of the tension spring 524C, pressing the projection u5 downward. As a result, as shown in Figure 15B, the inner member 525A of the pressing component 525 moves down a short distance, and the bottom surface of the pressing component 525 becomes flat.

[0097] In other words, by switching the energization of the solenoid 524A on and off, the bottom surface of the pressing component 525 can be switched between a concave state with a circular depression as shown in Figure 15A and a flat state as shown in Figure 15B.

[0098] The surface switching unit 524 can switch the bottom surface of the outer member 525B (first pressing surface) and the bottom surface of the inner member 525A (second pressing surface) between a flat state and a concave state in which the second pressing surface is recessed relative to the first pressing surface by switching the pressing and releasing of the inner member 525A.

[0099] Then, by selecting either a concave state with a circular depression on the bottom surface of the pressing component 525 (Figure 15A) or a flat state (Figure 15B), and driving the motor 513 shown in Figure 11, the pressing component 525 descends and presses the culture medium plate P. That is, when the culture medium plate P is placed on the transport table 2 shown in Figure 11, the pressing component 525 is lowered to press the culture medium plate P fixed to the load support table 54.

[0100] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the pressing component 525 before and after it descends, with the left side of the center line CL showing the state before descent and the right side showing the state after descent. A shaft v5 passes through the compression spring B5 provided between the pressing component 525 and the bottom plate 523, and the tip of the shaft v5 is connected to the bottom plate 523 and restricted by an anti-dislodgement plate v6.

[0101] Therefore, in the state before the motor 513 (see Figure 11) is driven, the bottom surface of the pressing component 525 is not in contact with the culture medium plate P, as shown in the diagram to the left of the center line CL in Figure 16. Note that Figure 16 shows the case where the bottom surface of the pressing component 525 is flat.

[0102] When the motor 513 is driven and the bottom plate 523 descends, the pressing component 525 descends as shown in the diagram to the right of the center line CL in Figure 16, and the compression spring B5 contracts to press against the culture medium plate P. In other words, the culture medium plate P after the sample has been dispensed can be pressed from above.

[0103] In other words, in the diagram to the left of the center line CL in Figure 16 (before descent), there is a gap between the pressing component 525 and the plate P. When the bottom plate 523 is lowered in this state, the compression spring B5 is not biased (does not deform) and the pressing component 525 descends and comes into contact with the culture medium plate P. At this point, since the compression spring B5 is not biased, the bottom surface of the pressing component 525 is in contact with the culture medium plate P.

[0104] Subsequently, when the bottom plate 523 is lowered further, the compression spring B5 is biased, and this biasing force causes the bottom surface of the pressing component 525 to press against the culture medium plate P. Therefore, based on the distance the bottom plate 523 is lowered and the spring constant of the compression spring B5, the load applied by the pressing component 525 when pressing against the culture medium plate P can be set to a desired value. In other words, the load applied by the pressing component 525 can be set without requiring complex mechanisms or sensors. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, since the compression spring B5 is provided in three locations, the entire culture medium plate P can be pressed with almost uniform pressure.

[0105] In other words, as shown in Figure 3, when using a culture medium plate P2 of the type in which a circular recess p is provided in the lower film Pa of the culture medium plate P, the culture medium plate P2 can be uniformly pressed by pressing it with the bottom surface of the pressing component 525 in a flat state, as shown in Figure 15B.

[0106] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, when using a type where the lower film Pa of the culture medium plate P1 is flat, it becomes possible to create a circular space in the culture medium plate P by raising the inner member 525A as shown in Figure 15A, creating a concave state with a circular depression on the bottom surface of the pressing part 525, and then pressing the culture medium plate P.

[0107] In other words, regardless of whether the culture medium plate P is a recessed type with a recessed portion p as shown in Figure 3, or a flat type as shown in Figure 2, the settings of the pressing device 5 can be changed according to these types, making it possible to press the culture medium plate P and uniformly spread the sample dispensed onto the lower film Pa.

[0108] [Description of the first modified example of the pressing unit] Next, a first modified example of the pressing unit 52 shown in Figure 11 will be described. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pressing unit 52a according to the first modified example, Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the surface switching section 61 shown in Figure 17, Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the pressing component 62, Figure 20A is a perspective view of the central member 621 constituting the pressing component 62, and Figure 20B is a perspective view of the inner member 622 constituting the pressing component 62.

[0109] Figures 21A to 21C are cross-sectional views of the central member 621, the inner member 622, and the outer member 623. Figure 21A shows the state in which the central member and the inner member are positioned above the outer member. That is, it shows the state in which the surface switching section 61 is in the first position. Figure 21B shows the state in which the central member is positioned above the outer member and the inner member. That is, it shows the state in which the surface switching section 61 is in the second position. Figure 21C shows the state in which the outer member, the inner member, and the central member are in a planar state. That is, it shows the state in which the surface switching section 61 is in the third position.

[0110] The bottom surfaces of the central member 621, the inner member 622, and the outer member 623 are each formed in a planar shape. The bottom surface of the outer member 623 is the first pressing surface, the bottom surface of the inner member 622 is the second pressing surface, and the bottom surface of the central member 621 is the third pressing surface. That is, the second pressing surface is positioned inside the first pressing surface, and the third pressing surface is positioned inside the second pressing surface.

[0111] As shown in Figure 17, the pressing unit 52a includes a surface switching section 61 and a pressing component 62. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the surface switching section 61 includes a motor 611, a support plate 612, a home sensor 613, a detection plate 614, a rotating arm 615, a rotating roller 616, and a support column 617.

[0112] The motor 611 is, for example, a stepping motor, which is capable of controlling the rotation angle with high precision. The motor 611 is fixed to the support plate 612 with its output shaft facing downwards. The support plate 612 is supported by four support columns 617 which are fixed to the pressing component 62.

[0113] The detection plate 614 has a semicircular flat shape and is installed on the output shaft of the motor 611.

[0114] The origin sensor 613 has a U-shape and is installed on the lower surface of the support plate 612. The middle section of the origin sensor 613 is designed so that the detection plate 614 can pass through it as the motor 611 rotates. The origin sensor 613 detects whether or not the detection plate 614 has passed through the middle section. In other words, the origin sensor 613 can detect the origin position (initial position) of the motor 611.

[0115] The rotating arm 615 has a U-shaped arm and is connected to the output shaft of the motor 611. The rotating arm 615 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 611.

[0116] The rotating roller 616 has two rollers and is pivotally supported on the rotating arm 615. Therefore, as the rotating arm 615 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 611, the two rollers of the rotating roller 616 rotate along the circumferential direction of the pressing component 62.

[0117] As shown in Figure 19, the pressing component 62 comprises a central member 621, an inner member 622, and an outer member 623. The inner member 622 is provided around the central member 621, and the outer member 623 is provided around the inner member 622. Two stoppers 624 are provided on the upper surface of the outer member 623, restricting the upward displacement of the central member 621 relative to the outer member 623.

[0118] Figure 20A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the central member 621. As shown in Figure 20A, the central member 621 comprises an upper plate 621A, a lower plate 621B, and a support column 621C.

[0119] Figure 20B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the inner member 622. As shown in Figure 20B, the inner member 622 comprises an upper plate 622A, a lower plate 622B, and a support column 622C. The inner member 622 has a through hole v11 formed in its center, which penetrates the upper plate 622A, the lower plate 622B, and the support column 622C.

[0120] The top plate 622A has a notch v10 into which the top plate 621A of the central member 621 fits. In addition, a recessed portion v12 is formed around the perimeter of the top plate 622A, extending a short distance. As shown in Figures 21A to 21C, the inner member 622 is arranged around the central member 621, and the outer member 623 is arranged around the inner member 622.

[0121] As shown in Figures 21A to 21C, a compression spring B10 (first elastic body) is provided between the outer member 623 and the lower surface of the upper plate 622A of the inner member 622. In the normal state, as shown in Figure 21A, the biasing force of the compression spring B10 pushes the inner member 622 slightly upward relative to the outer member 623 by a distance (for example, 0.5 mm).

[0122] The compression spring B10 functions as a first elastic body that biases the outer member 623 and the inner member 622 to separate from each other.

[0123] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 21A to 21C, a compression spring B11 (second elastic body) is provided between the inner member 622 and the lower surface of the upper plate 621A of the central member 621. In the normal state, as shown in Figure 21A, the biasing force of the compression spring B11 acts on the central member 621, pushing it upward relative to the inner member 622. However, the stopper 624 restricts the upward displacement of the inner member 622, so the central member 621 does not displace upward. Therefore, as shown in Figure 21A, the upper surface of the central member 621 and the upper surface of the inner member 622 are at the same height.

[0124] The compression spring B11 functions as a second elastic body that biases the inner member 622 and the central member 621 to separate from each other.

[0125] Next, the operation of the pressing device 5 equipped with the pressing unit 52a according to the first modified example will be described. When the motor 611 shown in Figure 17 is rotated to move the two rollers of the rotating roller 616 to the position w1 formed on the pressing part 62, the rotating roller 616 does not press the inner member 622 downward. Therefore, as shown in Figure 21A, the compression spring B10 displaces the inner member 622 upward. As a result, the bottom surfaces of the inner member 622 and the central member 621 are displaced slightly upward (for example, 0.5 mm) from the bottom surface of the outer member 623. That is, the bottom surface of the pressing part 62 becomes a first concave surface state having a circular depression with a diameter L1.

[0126] Also, when the motor 611 is rotated to move the two rollers of the rotary roller 616 to the position of w2 formed on the pressing component 62 (see FIG. 17), the rotary roller 616 presses the inner member 622 downward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21B, the compression spring B10 is energized, and the inner member 622 is displaced downward. For this reason, the bottom surface of the inner member 622 coincides with the bottom surface of the outer member 623. Also, the central member 621 is pushed upward by the compression spring B11. For this reason, the bottom surface of the central member 621 is displaced upward by a certain distance (for example, 0.5 mm) from the bottom surfaces of the outer member 623 and the inner member 622. That is, the bottom surface of the pressing component 62 is in a second concave state in which a depression having a circular shape with a diameter L2 (L2 < L1) is formed.

[0127] Furthermore, when the motor 611 is rotated to move the two rollers of the rotary roller 616 to the position of w3 formed on the pressing component 62 (see FIG. 17), the rotary roller 616 presses the central member 621 downward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21C, both the compression springs B10 and B11 are energized, and both the central member 621 and the inner member 622 are displaced downward. For this reason, the bottom surface of the central member 621 coincides with the bottom surfaces of the inner member 622 and the outer member 623. That is, the bottom surface of the pressing component 62 is in a planar state.

[0128] Thus, by rotating the motor 611 to move the rotary roller 616 to the positions of w1, w2, and w3 shown in FIG. 17, as shown in FIGS. 21A to 21C, the bottom surface of the pressing component 62 can be changed to a first concave state having a depression with a circular shape of diameter L1, a second concave state having a depression with a circular shape of diameter L2 (L2 < L1), and a planar state.

[0129] Then, by driving the motor 513 shown in Figure 11, the culture medium plate P can be pressed. When using the recessed type culture medium plate P2 shown in Figure 3, the bottom surface of the pressing component 62 can be made flat to uniformly press the culture medium plate P2 on which the sample has been dispensed. Also, when using the flat type culture medium plate P1 shown in Figure 2, the culture medium plate P1 can be pressed by selecting a diameter of L1 or L2.

[0130] That is, as explained in Figure 2 above, when using a flat-type culture medium plate P1, a circular culture medium generation area D1, which will be the culture medium for dispensing the sample, is formed on the lower film Pa. This culture medium generation area D1 needs to be set to a different radius depending on the specifications of the inspection device that processes the sample after the sample dispensing device 100. By adopting the first modified example, the diameter of the culture medium generation area D1 can be changed, making it possible to set the culture medium generation area D1 according to the specifications of the downstream device.

[0131] Furthermore, since it is equipped with an origin sensor 613 (see Figures 17 and 18), it is possible to prevent misalignment of the rotating roller 616 and reliably align it to the positions of w1 to w3.

[0132] In the first modified example, the pressing unit 52a was described as forming two depressions with diameters L1 and L2, but it is also possible to form three or more depressions.

[0133] [Explanation of the second modified form of the pressing unit] Next, a second modified example of the pressing unit 52 shown in Figure 11 will be described. Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pressing unit 52b according to the second modified example, and Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pressing component 78. Figures 24A to 24C are cross-sectional views of the pressing component 78. Figure 24A shows the state where the bottom surfaces of the outer member 784, inner member 783, and central member 782 are flat. Figure 24B shows the state where the central member 782 is positioned above the outer member 784 and inner member 783. Figure 24C shows the state where the inner member 783 and central member 782 are positioned above the outer member 784. Figure 25 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the central member 781.

[0134] As shown in Figure 22, the pressing unit 52b includes a surface switching section 71 and a pressing component 78.

[0135] The surface switching section 71 includes a motor 711, a sliding screw 712, a support member 713, a home sensor 714, a detection plate 715, and a shaft pushing plate 716.

[0136] The support member 713 is fixed to the upper surface of the pressing component 78 and has an upper plate 713A positioned substantially parallel to the upper surface of the pressing component 78.

[0137] Motor 711 is, for example, a stepping motor, and its rotation angle can be controlled with high precision. Motor 711 is mounted on the upper plate 713A with its output shaft facing downwards.

[0138] The sliding screw 712 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 711 and converts the rotational motion of the motor 711 into vertical stroke motion. That is, as the motor 711 rotates, the sliding screw 712 is displaced vertically. The sliding screw 712 is also connected to the shaft pressing plate 716. The shaft pressing plate 716 is positioned approximately parallel to the upper surface of the pressing component 78.

[0139] As described above, since the motor 711 can control the rotation angle with high precision, it is possible to adjust the vertical displacement of the shaft pressing plate 716 with high precision.

[0140] The origin sensor 714 is installed on the side member 713B of the support member 713. The origin sensor 714 has a U-shape in plan view.

[0141] The detection plate 715 is fixed to the shaft pressing plate 716 and has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the shaft pressing plate 716. The detection plate 715 passes through the middle of the origin sensor 714 as the shaft pressing plate 716 moves vertically. That is, when the output shaft of the motor 711 is retracted and extended, the vertical position of the detection plate 715 relative to the origin sensor 714 changes, making it possible to detect the origin of the rotational position of the motor 711.

[0142] The shaft pressing plate 716 is connected to the central shaft 781A of the central member 781, which will be described later, by a screw 717. That is, when the motor 711 rotates and the sliding screw 712 is displaced in the vertical direction, the central shaft 781A is displaced in the vertical direction in conjunction with this.

[0143] As shown in Figure 23, a stopper 79 having a U-shaped cross-section is provided on the upper surface of the pressing component 78. An opening 79A is drilled in the center of the stopper 79, and the central shaft 781A of the central member 781 is inserted through this opening 79A. A screw hole a1 is formed at the tip of the central shaft 781A, into which the screw 717 shown in Figure 22 is screwed. That is, by screwing the screw 717 into the screw hole a1, the central shaft 781A is connected to the shaft pressing plate 716.

[0144] In the second modification, the motor 711 is rotated to switch the central axis 781A between three positions: a third position (the position shown in Figure 24A, which will be described in detail later), a second position (the position shown in Figure 24B), and a first position (the position shown in Figure 24C). The central axis 781A of the central member 781 is displaced upward in the order of the third position, the second position, and the first position.

[0145] As shown in Figures 24A to 24C, the pressing component 78 comprises a central member 781, a middle member 782, an inner member 783, and an outer member 784.

[0146] As shown in Figure 25, the central member 781 comprises a disc-shaped lower member 781B and a central shaft 781A erected at the center of the lower member 781B. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, openings h1 and h2 are provided in the lower member 781B.

[0147] The central member 782 is provided around the central member 781. The central member 782 comprises an upper member 782A, two upper and lower shafts 782B, and a lower member 782C. A flange surface 782A1 is formed on the upper part of the upper member 782A, and the lower surface of the flange surface 782A1 is in contact with the upper surface of the inner member 783.

[0148] The two upper and lower shafts 782B are provided on the lower surface of the upper member 782A and are connected to the lower member 782C by passing through openings h1 and h2 formed in the central member 781. The lower member 782C has a disc shape with a flat bottom surface.

[0149] A compression spring B21 is provided around the upper and lower shafts 782B. The upper end of the compression spring B21 is locked to the lower surface of the upper surface member 782A, and the lower end is locked to the lower surface member 781B of the central member 781. Therefore, the compression spring B21 biases the central member 781 and the central member 782 to separate in the vertical direction.

[0150] The inner member 783 is provided around the central member 782 and comprises an upper member 783A and a lower member 783B. Both the upper member 783A and the lower member 783B have a hollow disc shape. The bottom surface of the lower member 783B is flat. The lower end of a compression spring B22 is locked to the upper surface of the lower member 783B, and the upper end of the compression spring B22 is locked to the locking surface 784A of the outer member 784, which will be described later. In addition, the part of the inner member 783 indicated by reference numeral j1 interferes with the lower member 781B of the central member 781 when it moves in the vertical direction.

[0151] The compression spring B22 functions as a first elastic body that biases the outer member 784 and the inner member 783 to separate from each other.

[0152] The outer member 784 is provided around the inner member 783 and has a hollow disc shape. The bottom surface 784B of the outer member 784 is flat. The compression spring B22 described above is locked to the locking surface 784A of the outer member 784.

[0153] Next, the operation of the pressing device 5 equipped with the pressing unit 52b according to the second modified example will be described. When the motor 711 shown in Figure 22 is not rotating, the sliding screw 712 is set to the initial position. When the sliding screw 712 is in the initial position, the central axis 781A is lowered and in the third position (see Figure 24A).

[0154] Therefore, as shown in Figure 24A, the lower surface member 781B of the central member 781 presses the lower surface member 782C of the central member 782 downward, and the flange surface 782A1 of the central member 782 presses the upper surface member 783A of the inner member 783 downward, so the bottom surface of the lower surface member 782C of the central member 782, the bottom surface of the lower surface member 783B of the inner member 783, and the bottom surface 784B of the outer member 784 become flat. That is, the lower surface of the pressing component 78 becomes planar. Figure 24A shows the state in which the pressing component 78 is in the third position by the surface switching section 71, that is, the state in which the bottom surfaces of the outer member 784, the inner member 783, and the central member 782 are on the same plane and planar.

[0155] Next, when the motor 711 shown in Figure 22 is rotated to raise the central shaft 781A to the second position, the central member 782 is displaced upward by the biasing force of the compression spring B21 and comes into contact with the stopper 79, as shown in Figure 24B.

[0156] Therefore, the bottom surface of the central member 782 is slightly higher (for example, 0.5 mm) than the bottom surface of the inner member 783 and the bottom surface 784B of the outer member 784. Consequently, as shown in Figure 24B, the bottom surface of the pressing part 78 becomes a second concave state in which a circular depression with a diameter L2 is formed. The second concave state is a state in which the third pressing surface (bottom surface of the central member 782) is recessed relative to the second pressing surface (bottom surface of the inner member 783). Figure 24B shows the state in which the pressing part 78 is in the second position by the surface switching unit 71, that is, the state in which the bottom surface of the central member 782 is positioned above the bottom surfaces of the outer member 784 and the inner member 783.

[0157] Furthermore, when the motor 711 is rotated to raise the central shaft 781A to the first position, as shown in Figure 24C, the lower surface member 781B of the central member 781 comes into contact with the inner member 783 at the part indicated by the numeral j1, displacing the inner member 783 upward. That is, the inner member 783 is displaced upward against the biasing force of the compression spring B22.

[0158] As a result, the bottom surface of the lower surface member 783B of the inner member 783 rises slightly (e.g., 0.5 mm) higher than the bottom surface 784B of the outer member 784 and coincides with the bottom surface of the central member 782. Therefore, as shown in Figure 24C, the bottom surface of the pressing part 78 becomes a first concave state in which a circular depression with a diameter L1 (L1 > L2) is formed. The first concave state is a state in which the second pressing surface (bottom surface of the inner member 783) and the third pressing surface (bottom surface of the central member 782) are recessed relative to the first pressing surface (bottom surface of the outer member 784). Figure 24C shows the state in which the pressing part 78 is in the first position by the surface switching unit 71, that is, the state in which the bottom surfaces of the inner member 783 and the central member 782 are positioned above the bottom surface of the outer member 784.

[0159] In other words, by controlling the rotation of the motor 711 shown in Figure 22 to set the sliding screw 712 to one of the third position, the second position, or the first position, the bottom surface of the pressing part 78 can be changed to one of the following states, as shown in Figures 24A to 24C: a flat state, a second concave state having a circular recess of diameter L2, or a first concave state having a circular recess of diameter L1.

[0160] Then, by driving the motor 513 shown in Figure 11, the culture medium plate P can be pressed. When using the recessed type culture medium plate P2 shown in Figure 3, the bottom surface of the pressing component 78 can be made flat to uniformly press the culture medium plate P2 on which the sample has been dispensed. Also, when using the flat type culture medium plate P1 shown in Figure 2, the culture medium plate P1 can be pressed by selecting either the first concave state or the second concave state.

[0161] Furthermore, since it is equipped with an origin sensor 714, it is possible to prevent misalignment of the shaft pressing plate 716 and reliably set it to the first position, second position, and third position.

[0162] Furthermore, in the second modified example, as with the first modified example described above, the diameter of the culture medium production range D1 shown in Figure 2 can be changed, making it possible to set the culture medium production range D1 according to the specifications of the subsequent equipment.

[0163] In the description of the second modified example, the pressing unit 52b was described as forming two depressions with diameters L1 and L2, but it is also possible to form three or more depressions.

[0164] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the statements and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1 Unloading device 2. Transport platform 3. Dispensing section 4. Film rewind section 5 Pressing device 6 Plate housing section 7 Control device 11 Plate placement stand 13 Plate supply unit 31 Rotating part 32 Electric pipettes 41 Rotating Plate 42 Suction part 51 Vertical movement mechanism 52, 52a, 52b Pressing Unit 54 Load-bearing platform 61, 71, 524 Surface switching section 62, 78, 525 Pressing parts 79 Stopper 79A opening 81 Test tube holder 81A Test tube 91 Dispatch Control Unit 92 Transport Control Unit 93 Roll-up control unit 94 Dispensing Control Unit 95 Pressing control unit 100 Sample Dispensing Device 101 Base plate 111 Pedestal 112 Storage Frames 112a First member 112b Second member 113 Plate support member 114 Interference plate 115 Side support member 131 Left and Right Units 132 Timing belt 133 Upper and Lower Units 134 Crank 135 Sensor detection plate 136 Suction hose 137 Motor 138 Suction pipe 139 Suction Pads 140 Linear Guide 140a block 140b rail 141 Origin Sensor 511 Support Plate 512 Pedestal 513 Motor 514 Sliding screw 521 Top plate 522 Side panel 523 Bottom plate 524A Solenoid 524B Movable plate 524C Tension spring 524D Laura 525A Inner component 525B Outer member 611 Motor 612 Support Plate 613 Origin Sensor 614 Detection plate 615 Rotating Arm 616 Rotating Rollers 617 Post 621 Central Member 621A Top plate 621B Lower plate 621C Post 622 Inner component 622A Top plate 622B Lower plate 622C Post 623 Outer member 624 Stopper 711 Motor 712 Sliding screw 713 Support member 713A Top plate 713B Side member 714 Origin Sensor 715 Detection Plate 716 Shaft pressing plate 717 Screws 781 Central Member 781A center axis 781B Bottom part 782 Central Member 782A Top Member 782B Upper and lower shafts 782C Bottom part 783 Inner component 783A Top surface member 783B Bottom part 784 Outer member 784A Locking surface 784B Bottom D1, D2 culture medium generation range P(P1, P2) culture medium plate Pa lower film Pb upper film

Claims

1. A sample dispensing device having an unloading device that takes out one at a time multiple culture medium plates stacked in a storage frame, and dispensing a sample onto the culture medium plates unloaded by the unloading device, The aforementioned unloading device is A storage frame having a long, rectangular first member and a long, rectangular second member spaced apart from the first member, and capable of accommodating the culture medium plate so as to span the first member and the second member, A plate support member is positioned between the first member and the second member, with its upper end located at approximately the height of the bottom surface of the storage frame, and supports the culture medium plate stored in the storage frame. A suction mechanism is installed below the storage frame and sucks the culture medium plate, which is stored in the lowest section of the storage frame, from below. An upper and lower unit that moves the aforementioned suction mechanism up and down, Equipped with, When the culture medium plate is removed, the lowest culture medium plate is first sucked up by the suction mechanism, and then the suction mechanism is moved downward to transport the culture medium plate downstream. A sample dispensing device characterized by the following.

2. The storage frame is provided with an interference plate below the discharge side edge to restrict the discharge of culture medium plates other than the culture medium plate that has been aspirated. A sample dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The first member and the second member are provided with elongated side support members that prevent the culture medium plate from falling below the storage frame. A sample dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the following:

4. The suction mechanism comprises a suction pipe connected to a suction pump and a bellows-shaped suction pad connected to the suction pipe and having a variable angle, and performs suction by bringing the suction pad into contact with the lowest culture medium plate. A sample dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

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