Plate transport device and plate changer

Abstract

The present invention is a plate conveying device and a plate changer. The plate conveying device includes a main body, a first movable member, a second movable member, a first elastic member, and a second elastic member. The main body has an intermediate support portion. The first movable member and the second movable member respectively have a first support portion and a second support portion. The first movable member and the second movable member are supported in a manner that they can move relative to the main body in a first direction. The first elastic member is arranged between the intermediate support portion and the first support portion, and applies a first applied force in a first direction toward the intermediate support portion to the first movable member. The second elastic member is arranged between the intermediate support portion and the second support portion, and applies a second applied force to the second movable member, and the second applied force is a force in the first direction toward the intermediate support portion and in the opposite direction to the first applied force. The first applied force is applied to the first movable member toward the second movable member, and the second applied force is applied to the second movable member toward the first movable member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plate transport device used in a plate changer for supplying plates to an auto sampler, and a plate changer including the plate transport device. Background Art

[0002] There is an automatic sampler that automatically injects a sample to be analyzed into an analysis device such as a high speed liquid chromatography. In addition, there is a plate changer that supplies a plate to the automatic sampler. The plate changer has a plate storage for accommodating a plurality of sample plates (hereinafter referred to as plates). The plate contains a plurality of vials, and the vials are injected with the sample to be analyzed. In addition, the plate changer has a plate transport device that transports the plate between the plate storage and the automatic sampler.

[0003] In the conventional plate changer, a special plate is used as the plate. A protrusion is provided on the plate transfer device, and the plate transfer device holds the special plate by snapping the protrusion into a hole provided in the special plate. Therefore, the position and shape of the protrusion of the plate transfer device need to be designed to correspond to the position and shape of the hole of the special plate. In order to reliably hold the special plate, the position and shape of the protrusion of the plate transfer device are required to be highly accurate. In addition, the control of the plate transfer device for holding the special plate is also required to be highly accurate.

[0004] Patent document 1 below relates to a container transport device for transporting a rack (rack, plate) containing sample containers to a sample automatic injection device (automatic sampler). In Patent document 1, a snap-fit ​​portion is provided on the front end surface of a container holding mechanism as the container transport device. The snap-fit ​​portion is inserted into a hole provided on the side of the rack, so that the container holding mechanism holds the rack.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-189362 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The conventional plate changer is a structure that uses a protrusion provided on the plate conveying device to hold the plate, so the plate needs to be a special product. Therefore, if the specifications of the plate changer are different, a plate that meets the specifications is required.

[0008] In addition, the protrusion of the plate conveying device must be manufactured with high precision according to the position and shape of the hole of the special plate, so the manufacturing cost becomes high. In addition, in the assembly process of the plate changer including the plate conveying device, accurate position adjustment is also required.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to increase the degree of freedom of the shape of a sample plate in a plate transport device used in a plate changer for supplying a sample plate to an automatic sampler and to reduce the cost of manufacturing the plate transport device.

[0010] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0011] (1) A plate transport device according to one aspect of the present invention is used as a plate changer for supplying a sample plate to an automatic sampler, and includes: a main body having an intermediate support portion; a first movable member having a first support portion supported so as to be movable relative to the main body in a first direction; a second movable member having a second support portion supported so as to be movable relative to the main body in the first direction; a first elastic member provided between the intermediate support portion and the first support portion, and applying a first applied force in the first direction toward the intermediate support portion to the first movable member; and a second elastic member provided between the intermediate support portion and the second support portion, and applying a second applied force in the first direction toward the intermediate support portion and in the opposite direction to the first applied force to the second movable member. The first applied force is applied to the first movable member toward the second movable member, and the second applied force is applied to the second movable member toward the first movable member, thereby holding the sample plate between the first movable member and the second movable member.

[0012] The board conveying device uses the applied force of the first elastic member and the second elastic member to hold the board between the first movable member and the second movable member. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a dedicated board as the board used by the board conveying device. The board conveying device can hold boards of various shapes and sizes, so different types of boards can also be used.

[0013] The plate transport device does not need to have a protrusion according to a hole provided in a dedicated plate as in the past. Since the plate transport device does not need to have a protrusion, the manufacturing cost of the plate transport device is reduced, and accurate position adjustment is not required in the assembly process of the plate changer.

[0014] In addition, the plate conveying device supports the first movable member and the second movable member by applying force of the first elastic member and the second elastic member, so that the first movable member and the second movable member can move in the first direction while holding the plate. When the plate is placed on the automatic sampler, if a guide is provided on the automatic sampler side, the plate can be placed at a predetermined position of the automatic sampler while adjusting the holding position of the plate in the first direction.

[0015] (2) The board transport device may further include an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of the intermediate indicator portion in the first direction.

[0016] Even when there is a difference in the applied force between the first elastic member and the second elastic member, the adjustment mechanism can make the center position of the first movable member and the second movable member in the first direction coincide with the center position of the board conveying device in the first direction. Thus, when the board conveying device holds the board, the center position of the board in the first direction coincides with the center position of the board conveying device in the first direction, so that the board conveying device can hold the board at the center position of the device itself in the first direction.

[0017] (3) The plate conveying device may further include a rotating member rotatably supported on the main body. The rotating member may be arranged between the first movable member and the second movable member in the first direction, and when the rotating member rotates toward the pressing position, the rotating member presses the first movable member and the second movable member in a direction away from the intermediate support portion.

[0018] The plate conveying device can enter the action of holding the plate by rotating the rotating member to the pressing position. In addition, the plate conveying device can release the holding state of the plate by rotating the rotating member to the pressing position.

[0019] (4) The first movable member may include a first arm member extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the second movable member may include a second arm member extending along a third direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the first arm member may include a first plate support portion and a second plate support portion in contact with the sample plate so as to be separated in the second direction, and the second arm member may include a third plate support portion in contact with the sample plate.

[0020] The board conveying device has a structure in which the board is held by the first to third board supporting parts, so the number of parts is reduced. In addition, the manufacturing cost of the board conveying device is reduced.

[0021] (5) Each of the first plate supporting portion, the second plate supporting portion, and the third plate supporting portion may include a hollow member extending in the first direction.

[0022] Even when the plate is held by a part of the cross section of the plate support portion, the plate can be held by the circumferential portion of the plate support portion, so the plate is held well.

[0023] (6) The length of the first arm in the second direction may be longer than the length of the second arm in the third direction.

[0024] The length of the second arm can be shortened, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0025] (7) According to another aspect of the present invention, a plate changer is used in an automatic sampler and includes: a plate storage for storing one or more sample plates; and the plate transport device for transporting the sample plates between the plate storage and the automatic sampler.

[0026] [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] The plate transport device of the present invention can increase the degree of freedom of the shape of the sample plate used in the plate changer. In addition, the plate transport device of the present invention can reduce the cost of manufacturing the plate transport device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 It is a schematic plan view of the automatic sample injector and the plate changer according to this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 It is a schematic side view of the plate changer of this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic plan view showing a state where the plate transport device is moved to the autosampler.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the board conveying device of this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional view of the main body of the board transport device.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a front view of the main body of the board transport device.

[0034] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the left moving member including the left sliding member and the left arm member of the board conveying device.

[0035] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the right moving member including the right sliding member and the right arm member of the board conveying device.

[0036] Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view of the plate support portion of the arm members provided on the left and right sides.

[0037] Fig.10 It is a figure which shows the state which opened the left and right arm members of a board conveying apparatus.

[0038] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing a state in which the left and right arm members of the plate transport device are closed.

[0039] Fig.12 This is a perspective view showing a state in which the plate transport device is moved to the autosampler while holding the plate.

[0040] Fig.13 It is a plan view showing a state in which the plate transport device is moved to the autosampler while holding the plate.

[0041] Fig.14 for Fig.13 Section XIV-XIV in the figure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] (1) Overall structure and operation of the plate changer

[0043] Figure 1 It is a schematic plan view of the automatic sample injector 1 and the plate changer 2 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 to Figure 3 In order to clarify the positional relationship, arrows indicating mutually orthogonal X, Y and Z directions are marked. The X and Y directions are orthogonal in the horizontal plane, and the Z direction is equivalent to the up and down direction. The plate changer 2 is provided on the side of the automatic sampler 1 as a device attached to the automatic sampler 1.

[0044] In this embodiment, the automatic sampler 1 is a device for automatically injecting a sample to be analyzed into a high performance liquid chromatograph (not shown). The plate changer 2 is a device for storing a sample plate (hereinafter referred to as a plate) 3 containing a plurality of vials, wherein the vials contain the sample to be analyzed. The plate changer 2 includes a plate storage 21 and a plate conveying device 4. The plate storage 21 stores a plurality of plates 3, 3, ... The plate conveying device 4 takes out the plate 3 contained in the plate storage 21 and supplies the held plate 3 to the automatic sampler 1.

[0045] The automatic sample injector 1 includes a plurality of plate holders 11, 11, ... for mounting the plate 3. The plate holder 11 is as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the board holder 11 is provided at multiple locations (three locations in this example) for holding the board 3 transported by the board transport device 4. Figure 1 The plate holder 11 is located at the right side of the plate holder 11. Although not shown in the figure, the automatic sampler 1 has a mechanism and a control unit for injecting a sample to be analyzed into the high performance liquid chromatograph. The mechanism and the control unit collect the sample from the vial accommodated in the plate 3 placed on the plate holder 11 and automatically inject the sample into the high performance liquid chromatograph.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic side view of the plate changer 2 of this embodiment. In the plate storage 21, a plurality of plates 3, 3, ... are arranged along the Z direction. Each plate 3 contains a vial injected with a sample to be analyzed. For example, 35 vials are arranged in a row of 7 vertically and 5 horizontally on one plate 3. In this embodiment, a plurality of plates 3, 3, ... are arranged along the Z direction, but a plurality of plates 3 may be arranged along the X direction or the Y direction.

[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the plate transport device 4 is movable in the X direction. The plate transport device 4 holds one plate 3 arranged in the plate storage 21 by moving in the X direction. After holding the plate 3 in the plate storage 21, the plate transport device 4 moves in the X direction and leaves the plate storage 21.

[0048] Next, the board conveying device 4 holding the board 3 is as follows. Figure 1 As shown by the arrow T shown in the figure, the XY plane is rotated 90 degrees to change the direction to the direction of the automatic sampler 1. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the plate transport device 4 moves in the Y direction and into the device of the automatic sampler 1. Then, the plate transport device 4 moves downward in the Z direction and places the plate 3 on the plate holder 11 provided in the automatic sampler 1.

[0049] After the plate 3 is placed on the plate holder 11, the plate transport device 4 releases the plate 3. After the plate 3 is released, the plate transport device 4 moves into the plate changer 2. In the automatic sampler 1, when the automatic injection of the sample to be analyzed contained in the plate 3 is completely completed, the plate transport device 4 moves again toward the plate 3 placed on the plate holder 11 to hold the plate 3. The plate transport device 4 returns to the plate changer 2 while holding the plate 3, and returns the plate 3 to the original position of the plate storage 21.

[0050] (2) Structure of the board transport device

[0051] Figure 4 4 is a perspective view of the board conveying device 4 of this embodiment. The board conveying device 4 includes a main body 41 and left and right sliding members 42L and 42R mounted on the main body 41. The left and right sliding members 42L and 42R can move in the left and right directions (arrow LR directions) of the figure relative to the main body 41. In addition, the board conveying device 4 can be Figure 1 The board conveying device 4 rotates in the XY plane shown in the figure, so there is no left and right direction, but in the following figures, for convenience, the arrow LR direction shown in the figure is set as the left and right direction of the board conveying device 4, and for convenience, the arrow FB direction shown in the figure is set as the front and back direction of the board conveying device 4. In addition, for convenience, the arrow UD direction shown in the figure is set as the up and down direction of the board conveying device 4. The left and right direction (arrow LR direction) and the front and back direction (arrow FB direction) are Figure 1 The up and down directions (arrow UD direction) are Figure 1 The Z direction in the figure is consistent.

[0052] The left and right sliding members 42L and 42R include first parts 421 and 421 extending substantially in the front-back direction. The right edge of the first part 421 of the left sliding member 42L is bent upward to form a stopper 421S. The left edge of the first part 421 of the right sliding member 42R is bent upward to form a stopper 421S. The front ends of the first parts 421 and 421 are connected to the second parts 422 and 422. The second parts 422 and 422 extend substantially in the left-right direction. The ends of the second parts 422 and 422 on the opposite side to the ends used to connect the first parts 421 and 421 are connected to the third parts 423 and 423. The third parts 423 and 423 extend substantially in the front-back direction. In the left and right sliding members 42L and 42R, the first part 421, the second part 422 and the third part 423 are respectively formed integrally.

[0053] The left and right sliding members 42L and 42R are provided with left and right arm members 43L and 43R at the lower parts of the third part 423 and the third part 423, respectively. Thus, when the left and right sliding members 42L and 42R slide in the left and right directions relative to the main body 41, the left and right arm members 43L and 43R also slide in the left and right directions integrally with the left and right sliding members 42L and 42R. The moving member including the left sliding member 42L and the left arm member 43L is referred to as the left moving member 40L. The moving member including the right sliding member 42R and the right arm member 43R is referred to as the right moving member 40R.

[0054] A screw 45L is mounted on the third portion 423 of the left sliding member 42L. A screw 45R is mounted on the third portion 423 of the right sliding member 42R. A screw 46 is mounted on the main body 41. A spring 44L is provided between the screw 45L and the screw 46. The spring 44L applies a force in the left-right direction and toward the center of the main body 41 (force to the right) to the left sliding member 42L. A spring 44R is provided between the screw 45R and the screw 46. The spring 44R applies a force in the left-right direction and toward the center of the main body 41 (force to the left) to the right sliding member 42R.

[0055] The main body 41 is provided with a rotating plate 47 supported by a rotating shaft 471. The rotating plate 47 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member. The rotating plate 47 is integrally formed with the rotating shaft 471 and can rotate within a plane including the left-right direction and the front-back direction of the plate conveying device 4. In other words, the rotating plate 47 is integrally formed with the rotating shaft 471 and can rotate within a plane including the left-right direction and the front-back direction of the plate conveying device 4. Figure 1 The rotation shaft 471 is connected to a driving source (not shown) disposed inside the main body 41. The rotation shaft 471 is rotationally driven by receiving a control signal from a control unit (not shown) of the plate changer 2.

[0056] At both ends of the rotating plate 47 in the longitudinal direction, roller members 472 and 472 are provided at the lower part. The roller members 472 and 472 can rotate around the rotating shafts 472a and 472a. The roller members 472 and 472 do not include a rotation drive source. As will be described below, the roller members 472 and 472 are passively rotated by the side surfaces of the roller members 472 contacting the stoppers 421S and 421S.

[0057] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional view of the main body 41. Figure 6 It is a front view of the main body 41. Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the left and right sliding members 42L, 42R and the left and right arm members 43L, 43R are removed from the main body 41. The main body 41 includes a linear guide 55. The linear guide 55 includes a linear guide rail 55S and left and right linear sliders 55L, 55R. The left and right linear sliders 55L, 55R can slide and move independently in the left and right directions (arrow LR directions) relative to the linear guide rail 55S.

[0058] Figure 7 4 is a perspective view of the left sliding member 42L and the left arm member 43L. A connecting plate 51L is fixed to the lower part of the left sliding member 42L. The connecting plate 51L is also fixed to the rear end of the left arm member 43L. A plurality of screw holes 511, 511, ... are provided in the connecting plate 51L.

[0059] Figure 8 4 is a perspective view of the right sliding member 42R and the right arm member 43R. A connecting plate 51R is fixed to the lower part of the right sliding member 42R. The connecting plate 51R is also fixed to the rear end of the right arm member 43R. A plurality of screw holes 511, 511, ... are provided in the connecting plate 51R.

[0060] Refer again Figure 5 and Figure 6 The left and right linear sliders 55L and 55R are provided with a plurality of screw holes 551, 551, ... respectively. The connecting plate 51L is fixed to the left linear slider 55L by inserting and fastening screws (not shown) into the screw holes 551 provided in the left linear slider 55L and the screw holes 511 provided in the connecting plate 51L. Thus, the left sliding member 42L and the left arm member 43L are fixed to the left linear slider 55L via the connecting plate 51L.

[0061] Similarly, the connecting plate 51R is fixed to the right linear slider 55R by inserting and tightening screws (not shown) into the screw holes 551 provided in the right linear slider 55R and the screw holes 511 provided in the connecting plate 51R. Thus, the right slide member 42R and the right arm member 43R are fixed to the right linear slider 55R via the connecting plate 51R.

[0062] According to the above structure, the left sliding member 42L and the left arm member 43L are fixed to the left linear slider 55L, and the right sliding member 42R and the right arm member 43R are fixed to the right linear slider 55R. Moreover, the left linear slider 55L slides left and right relative to the linear guide 55S, so that the left sliding member 42L and the left arm member 43L slide and move left and right as a whole. The right linear slider 55R slides left and right relative to the linear guide 55S, so that the right sliding member 42R and the right arm member 43R slide and move left and right as a whole.

[0063] Bearings (not shown) are embedded in the contact portion between the linear guide 55S and the left and right linear sliders 55L and 55R. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the left and right sliding members 42L and 42R or the left and right arm members 43L and 43R, the left and right sliding members 42L and 42R and the left and right arm members 43L and 43R can move smoothly in the left and right direction integrally with the left and right linear sliders 55L and 55R.

[0064] As reference Figure 4 As described above, the spring 44L applies a force in the left-right direction and toward the center of the main body 41 (force in the right direction) to the left sliding member 42L. The spring 44R applies a force in the left-right direction and toward the center of the main body 41 (force in the left direction) to the right sliding member 42R. Therefore, the left sliding member 42L and the left arm member 43L receive a force in the center of the main body 41 (force in the right direction). The right sliding member 42R and the right arm member 43R receive a force in the center of the main body 41 (force in the left direction).

[0065] As described above, the stopper 421S is formed at the right edge of the first portion 421 of the left sliding member 42L. The stopper 421S is formed at the left edge of the first portion 421 of the right sliding member 42R. When the left sliding member 42L and the left arm member 43L move rightward due to the force of the spring 44L, the stopper 421S of the left sliding member 42L contacts the roller member 472 provided on the rotating plate 47. The maximum rightward movement position of the left sliding member 42L is determined by the contact between the stopper 421S of the left sliding member 42L and the left side surface of the roller member 472.

[0066] When the right slide member 42R and the right arm member 43R move leftward due to the force of the spring 44R, the stopper 421S of the right slide member 42R contacts the roller member 472 provided on the rotating plate 47. The maximum leftward movement position of the right slide member 42R is determined by the contact between the stopper 421S of the right slide member 42R and the right side surface of the roller member 472.

[0067] According to the structure described above, the left movable member 40L having the left sliding member 42L and the left arm member 43L moves to the right due to the force applied by the spring 44L when no external force is applied. And, the left movable member 40L is restricted in the position where the stopper 421S of the left sliding member 42L contacts with the roller member 472, and the movement in the right direction is limited. In addition, the right movable member 40R having the right sliding member 42R and the right arm member 43R moves to the left due to the force applied by the spring 44R when no external force is applied. And, the right movable member 40R is restricted in the position where the stopper 421S of the right sliding member 42R contacts with the roller member 472, and the movement to the left is limited.

[0068] In addition, when the left moving member 40L including the left sliding member 42L and the left arm member 43L receives an external force, it moves to the left against the urging force of the spring 44L. In addition, when the right moving member 40R including the right sliding member 42R and the right arm member 43R receives an external force, it moves to the right against the urging force of the spring 44R.

[0069] (3) Center position adjustment mechanism

[0070] Ideally, when the left and right arm members 43L and 43R are not holding the plate 3, the center positions of the left and right arm members 43L and 43R in the left and right direction are aligned with the center position C of the main body 41 in the left and right direction (see Figures 4 to 6 Alternatively, it is desirable that, when the left and right arm members 43L and 43R hold the plate 3 and the left and right arm members 43L and 43R or the left and right sliding members 42L and 42R are not subjected to external force, the center positions of the left and right arm members 43L and 43R in the left and right direction are consistent with the center position C of the main body 41 in the left and right direction. The plate conveying device 4 of this embodiment includes the following mechanism, which adjusts the center positions of the left and right arm members 43L and 43R with respect to the left and right direction.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the screw hole 411 into which the screw 46 for fixing the right end of the spring 44L and the left end of the spring 44R is inserted is a long hole extending in the left-right direction of the main body 41. Therefore, the position of the screw 46 can be moved in the left-right direction by loosening the screw 46. By adjusting the position of the screw 46 in the left-right direction and tightening the screw 46 at the adjusted position, the center position of the left and right arm members 43L and 43R is adjusted.

[0072] By using the same product as the spring 44L and the spring 44R, the elastic forces thereof become close to each other. However, due to the individual differences of the products, the elastic forces thereof differ. Therefore, sometimes, even if the left-right position of the screw 46 is made consistent with the left-right center position C of the main body 41, the left-right center position of the left-right arm members 43L and 43R does not coincide with the left-right center position C of the main body 41. Therefore, in order to make the left-right center position of the left-right arm members 43L and 43R consistent with the left-right center position C of the main body 41, the left-right position of the screw 46 is adjusted.

[0073] Thus, in the board conveying device 4 of the present embodiment, even when there is a difference in the urging force of the springs 44L and 44R, the adjustment mechanism having the screw 46 and the screw hole 411 can make the left-right center position of the left moving member 40L having the left sliding member 42L and the left arm member 43L and the right moving member 40R having the right sliding member 42R and the right arm member 43R coincide with the left-right center position of the board conveying device 4. Thus, when the board conveying device 4 holds the board 3, the left-right center position of the board 3 coincides with the left-right center position of the board conveying device 4, and the board conveying device 4 can hold the board 3 at the left-right center position of the device itself.

[0074] (4) Plate support

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown, the left arm member 43L is provided with two plate support portions 48L and 48L. One plate support portion 48L is provided near the front end of the left arm member 43L. The other plate support portion 48L is provided near the middle in the front-rear direction of the left arm member 43L.

[0076] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the right arm member 43R is provided with a plate support portion 48R at one location. The plate support portion 48R is provided near the front end of the right arm member 43R.

[0077] The panel 3 disposed between the left and right arm members 43L and 43R is held by the two panel support portions 48L and 48L provided in the left arm member 43L and the panel support portion 48R provided in the right arm member 43R.

[0078] Fig. 9 4 is a cross-sectional view of the board support portion 48L and the board support portion 48R cut along the front-rear direction (arrow FR direction) of the board conveying device 4. Fig. 9 As shown, the plate support portion 48L and the plate support portion 48R have a hollow cross section. The plate support portion 48L and the plate support portion 48R are made of a tube made of a resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene or various rubbers.

[0079] The plate support portion 48L and the plate support portion 48R have a hollow cross section, so that the plate 3 can be held at the circumference. For example, even if the plate 3 is held by a part such as the upper half or the lower half of the plate support portion 48L (48R), the plate 3 is held by the circumference, so that the holding state of the plate 3 becomes better. If the plate support portion 48L (48R) is a cylindrical member that is not hollow, the unevenness of the cylindrical cross section may cause a deviation in the contact area with the plate 3. In this embodiment, the plate 3 is held better by setting the cross section of the plate support portion 48L (48R) to be hollow.

[0080] In addition, the board conveying device of this embodiment has a structure in which the board 3 is held by the board support parts 48L, 48L, and 48R at three locations. It is also possible to use four board support parts on the left and right, but in this embodiment, the board 3 can be held by the board support parts at three locations on the left and right. Compared with the case where the board support parts are provided at four locations, the number of parts can be reduced. In addition, the manufacturing cost of the board conveying device is reduced.

[0081] (5) Using the board transport device to hold the board

[0082] The operation of holding the board 3 by the board conveying device 4 described above will be described. Fig.10 4 is a diagram showing a state where the left and right arm members 43L and 43R of the plate conveying device 4 are opened (separated). Fig.10 This is a diagram showing the state before the board 3 is held by the board conveying device 4. Alternatively, Fig.10 This is a diagram showing a state where the board 3 is released by the board transport device 4 .

[0083] The rotating shaft 471 is driven by receiving a control signal from a control unit of the plate changer 2 (not shown), and the rotating shaft 471 rotates integrally with the rotating plate 47. Fig.10 As shown, the longitudinal direction is oriented in the left-right direction.

[0084] When the rotating plate 47 rotates in such a manner that its length direction faces the left-right direction, the roller members 472 and the roller members 472 provided at the lower parts of both ends of the rotating plate 47 move in such a manner as to push the left and right sliding members 42L and 42R apart. Specifically, the roller member 472 moving to the left contacts the stopper 421S of the left sliding member 42L, causing the sliding member 42L to move to the left. The roller member 472 moving to the right contacts the stopper 421S of the right sliding member 42R, causing the sliding member 42R to move to the right. At this time, the roller member 472 contacts the stopper 421S, thereby pressing the left and right stopper 421S in the left-right direction while passively rotating.

[0085] Thus, the left slide member 42L moves leftward against the urging force of the spring 44L, and the left arm member 43L moves leftward integrally therewith. In addition, the right slide member 42R moves rightward against the urging force of the spring 44R, and the right arm member 43R moves rightward integrally therewith. Fig.10 This shows a state in which the interval between the left and right arm members 43L, 43R is wider than the width of the plate 3 in the left-right direction.

[0086] like Fig.10 As shown, in the state where the interval between the left and right arm members 43L and 43R is widened, the plate transport device 4 enters a preparatory action, and this preparatory action holds the plates 3 stored in the plate storage 21 of the plate changer 2. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, the plate transport device 4 releases the plate 3 from the plate holder 11 of the autosampler 1 by widening the interval between the left and right arm members 43L and 43R.

[0087] Fig.11 4 is a diagram showing a state where the left and right arm members 43L and 43R of the plate conveying device 4 are closed (closed). Fig.11 This is a diagram showing a state where the board 3 is held by the board conveying device 4 .

[0088] The rotating shaft 471 is driven by a control signal from a control unit of the plate changer 2 (not shown), and the rotating shaft 471 rotates integrally with the rotating plate 47, and the rotating plate 47 becomes a longitudinal direction. Fig.11 The state shown is facing the front-to-back direction.

[0089] When the rotating plate 47 rotates so that its length direction faces the front-rear direction, the force of the roller members 472 and 472 provided at the lower parts of both ends of the rotating plate 47 to push the left and right sliding members 42L and 42R apart is released. As a result, the left sliding member 42L moves rightward due to the force of the spring 44L, and the left arm member 43L moves rightward integrally therewith. As the left arm member 43L moves rightward, the plate support parts 48L and 48L come into contact with the plate 3. As a result, the rightward movement of the left arm member 43L stops.

[0090] In addition, the right slide member 42R moves to the left due to the biasing force of the spring 44R, and the right arm member 43R moves to the left integrally therewith. As the right arm member 43R moves to the left, the board support portion 48R contacts the board 3. As a result, the leftward movement of the right arm member 43R stops. Fig.11 In the embodiment, the width of the plate 3 in the left-right direction coincides with the interval between the left and right arm members 43L and 43R, and the left and right arm members 43L and 43R can hold the plate 3 .

[0091] In this way, the board conveying device 4 of this embodiment uses the urging force of the springs 44L and 44R to hold the board 3 between the left moving member 40L having the left sliding member 42L and the left arm member 43L, and the right moving member 40R having the right sliding member 42R and the right arm member 43R. Therefore, the board conveying device 4 can hold the board 3 within the movable range of the left and right moving members 40L and 40R. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a dedicated board as the board 3 used by the board conveying device 4. The board conveying device 4 can hold boards 3 of various shapes and sizes, and thus different types of boards can be used.

[0092] The plate transport device 4 does not need to have a protrusion (plate holding protrusion) according to a hole (plate holding hole) provided in a dedicated plate as in the past. Since the plate transport device 4 does not need to have a protrusion, the manufacturing cost of the plate transport device 4 is reduced, and accurate position adjustment is not required in the assembly process of the plate changer.

[0093] The plate conveying device 4 of this embodiment can enter the operation of holding the plate 3 by rotating the rotating plate 47 and the roller member 472. The plate conveying device 4 can release the holding state of the plate 3 by rotating the rotating plate 47 and the roller member 472.

[0094] (6) Use the plate transport device to transport the plate to the automatic sampler

[0095] Fig.12 It is a perspective view showing a state in which the plate transport device 4 moves to the automatic sampler 1 while holding the plate 3 . Fig.13 It is a plan view showing a state in which the plate transport device 4 moves to the automatic sampler 1 while holding the plate 3 . Fig.12 and Fig.13 For Figure 3 The state shown in the schematic diagram is the same as the state shown in the diagram.

[0096] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the plate transport device 4 is located above the plate holder 11 provided on the automatic sampler 1 while holding the plate 3. At this point in time, the rotating plate 47 is in a state where its length direction faces the front-rear direction of the plate transport device 4, and the plate 3 is held by the left and right arm members 43L and 43R.

[0097] Fig.14 for Fig.13 The XIV-XIV section is shown. Fig.14As shown, the board conveying device 4 holding the board 3 is located slightly above the board holder 11. The board holder 11 is provided with guides 12 and 13. The guides 12 and 13 are both inclined surfaces with their upper ends inclined toward the inner side of the board holder 11. Thus, even if the position of the board conveying device 4 descending from above the board holder 11 deviates slightly in the left-right direction of the board conveying device 4, the board 3 is placed at the correct position of the board holder 11 by being guided by the guides 12 and 13.

[0098] The plate conveying device 4 of this embodiment uses the applied force of the springs 44L and 44R to support the left moving member 40L having the left sliding member 42L and the left arm member 43L, and the right moving member 40R having the right sliding member 42R and the right arm member 43R. As a result, the left and right moving members 40L and 40R can move in the left and right directions while holding the plate 3. In other words, if an external force is applied while the left and right arm members 43L and 43R hold the plate 3, the left and right arm members 43L and 43R can move in parallel to the left and right while holding the plate 3.

[0099] With this structure, when the plate 3 is placed on the automatic sampler 1, if the guides 12 and 13 are provided on the automatic sampler 1, the plate 3 can be placed on the plate holder 11 of the automatic sampler 1 while adjusting the holding position of the plate 3 in the left-right direction. That is, even if the position of the plate 3 dropped from the upper side slightly deviates in the left-right direction of the plate holder 11, the plate 3 in a state of being movable in the left-right direction can be smoothly placed on the plate holder 11 while being guided by the guides 12 and 13.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the linear guide 55 is used as a member for moving the left moving member 40L having the left slide member 42L and the left arm member 43L and the right moving member 40R having the right slide member 42R and the right arm member 43R. However, the linear guide is an example of a moving member, and other moving members may be used.

[0101] In addition, the specific structure of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention.

[0102] (7) Correspondence between various structural elements of the technical solution and various elements of the implementation method

[0103] Hereinafter, the corresponding examples of the components of the technical solution and the components of the embodiment will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. In the embodiment, the left-right direction (arrow LR direction) of the plate conveying device 4 is an example of the first direction, the left moving member 40L having the left sliding member 42L and the left arm member 43L is an example of the first moving member, and the right moving member 40R having the right sliding member 42R and the right arm member 43R is an example of the second moving member.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the screw 46 is an example of an intermediate support portion, the screw 45L is an example of a first support portion, the spring 44L is an example of a first elastic member, the screw 45R is an example of a second support portion, and the spring 44R is an example of a second elastic member. In the above embodiment, the screw hole 411 and the screw 46 are examples of an adjustment mechanism, the rotating plate 47 and the roller member 472 are examples of a rotating member, Fig.10 The rotational position of the rotational plate 47 shown is an example of a pressing position.

[0105] As each structural element of the technical claims, various elements having the structure or function described in the technical claims can also be used.

[0106] (8) Other Implementation Methods

[0107] In the above embodiment, the screws 46, 45L, and 45R are used as the intermediate support portion, the first support portion, and the second support portion, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the intermediate support portion, the first support portion, and the second support portion may also be other holding members that can hold both ends of the springs 44L and 44R.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the left and right arm members 43L and 43R extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the left-right direction as the first direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the left and right arm members 43L and 43R may extend in other directions intersecting the first direction.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, the left and right sliding members 42L, 42R and the left and right arm members 43L, 43R include different members, but the left and right sliding members 42L, 42R and the left and right arm members 43L, 43R may be integrally formed. In addition, the left and right sliding members 42L, 42R, the left and right arm members 43L, 43R and the connecting plates 51L, 51R may also be integrally formed.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the plate transport device 4 is used as a device for supplying plates to the automatic sampler 1 for high performance liquid chromatograph. However, the plate transport device 4 of this embodiment can be used as a device for supplying plates to the automatic sampler 1 for various analysis devices. In addition, the automatic sampler of the present invention is not limited to high performance liquid chromatograph, and can be used in other analysis devices such as other types of liquid chromatographs.

Claims

1. A plate transport device for use with a plate changer for supplying a sample plate to an automatic sampler, comprising: A main body portion having an intermediate support portion; A first movable member having a first supporting portion and supported so as to be movable relative to the main body in a first direction; a second movable member having a second supporting portion and supported so as to be movable relative to the main body in the first direction; a first elastic member, disposed between the intermediate support portion and the first support portion, for applying a first force in the first direction toward the intermediate support portion to the first movable member; as well as a second elastic member, disposed between the intermediate support portion and the second support portion, for applying a second applied force to the second movable member, wherein the second applied force is a force in the first direction toward the intermediate support portion and in an opposite direction to the first applied force; The first moving member is subjected to an applied force toward the second moving member by the first applied force, and the second moving member is subjected to an applied force toward the first moving member by the second applied force, whereby the sample plate is held between the first moving member and the second moving member, The first applied force is applied to the first movable member toward the second movable member, so that the first movable member contacts the sample plate, thereby stopping the movement of the first movable member toward the second movable member; the second applied force is applied to the second movable member toward the first movable member, so that the second movable member contacts the sample plate, thereby stopping the movement of the second movable member toward the first movable member, thereby holding the sample plate within the movable range of the first movable member and the second movable member by the first applied force and the second applied force of the first elastic member and the second elastic member.

2. The plate transport device according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment mechanism, The adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the intermediate supporting portion in the first direction.

3. The plate conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a rotating member, The rotating member is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the main body. The rotating member is disposed between the first movable member and the second movable member in the first direction, and when the rotating member rotates toward the pressing position, the rotating member presses the first movable member and the second movable member in directions away from the intermediate supporting portion.

4. The plate conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first moving member includes a first arm member extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The second moving member includes a second arm member extending along a third direction intersecting the first direction, The first arm member is provided with a first plate supporting portion and a second plate supporting portion in contact with the sample plate so as to be spaced apart in the second direction, and the second arm member is provided with a third plate supporting portion in contact with the sample plate.

5. The plate conveying device according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the first plate supporting portion, the second plate supporting portion, and the third plate supporting portion includes a hollow member extending in the first direction.

6. The plate conveying device according to claim 4, wherein: A length of the first arm member in the second direction is longer than a length of the second arm member in the third direction.

7. A plate changer for an automatic sample injector, comprising: A plate storage room, which stores more than one sample plate; and The plate transport device according to claim 1 or 2 transports the sample plate between the plate storage and the automatic sampler.

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