Connection device and automated system for examining a sample

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of to be able to improve the configuration degree of freedom of the analysis device for analyzing sample connecting device and the sample inspection automation system comprising the connecting device.A kind of connecting device for connecting sample transport device for transporting sample container containing sample and analysis device for analyzing the sample, characterized by comprising: carousel, which transports sample carrier with the sample container at regular intervals;Grip, which is configured on the inner side of the carousel and holds the sample container at the sample collection position, i.e., the position where the sample is collected;And housing, which covers the carousel, the sample collection position is configured on the conveying path of the carousel, and within a specified distance from the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connecting device and an automated system for specimen examination including the connecting device, which connects a specimen transport device that transports specimen containers containing specimens such as blood and urine to an analytical device for analyzing the specimens. Background Technology

[0002] Automated specimen examination systems are used in hospitals and testing facilities to analyze blood, urine, and other specimens provided by subjects for clinical examination. These systems include pretreatment devices that perform various pretreatments on specimen containers, specimen transport devices that transport the containers, analysis devices that collect and analyze the specimens from the containers, and connecting devices that link the transport and analysis devices. The connecting devices are required to accurately position the specimen containers at the location where the analysis device collects the specimens.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a device including a pair of centering claws for conveying a carrier for holding a specimen container to a predetermined position via a disc conveyor belt, and for accurately gripping the specimen container held by the carrier in conjunction with the upward movement of the conveyed carrier.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-129576 Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, in Patent Document 1, because the sample container is gripped in conjunction with the upward movement of the carrier, the analytical device collects the sample at a position higher than the disc conveyor belt that transports the carrier. Furthermore, since the centering claw holding the sample container is positioned outside the disc conveyor belt, the analytical device must be positioned to avoid the centering claw. In other words, there are many limitations regarding the configuration of the analytical device.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a connection device that can improve the configuration freedom of the analytical device for analyzing specimens and an automated system for specimen examination including the connection device.

[0009] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the connecting device of the present invention connects a specimen conveying device that conveys a specimen container containing a specimen and an analytical device that analyzes the specimen. It is characterized by comprising: a disc conveyor belt that conveys a specimen carrier carrying the specimen container at predetermined intervals; a gripping part disposed inside the disc conveyor belt and gripping the specimen container at the specimen collection position; and a housing that covers the disc conveyor belt, the specimen collection position being disposed on the conveying path of the disc conveyor belt and within a predetermined distance from the housing.

[0011] The automated specimen examination system of the present invention performs pretreatment of specimen containers and analysis of specimens, characterized in that it includes the above-mentioned connecting device.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, a connection device that can improve the configuration freedom of the analytical apparatus for analyzing specimens and an automated specimen examination system including the connection device can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the automated specimen examination system of Example 1.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the connection device of Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the connection device of Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram used to illustrate the specimen support.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the connection device and the analysis device in Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a side view used to illustrate the sample collection section of the analytical apparatus.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the main part of the grip section.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the grip section.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a top view showing an example of the structure of the grip section.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the connecting device in Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a top view showing an example of the gripping action.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a top view showing an example of the gripping action.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a top view showing an example of the gripping action.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a top view showing an example of the gripping action.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a top view showing an example of the gripping action.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a top view showing the structure and operation of another example of the gripping part.

[0030] Figure 17 This is a top view showing the structure and operation of another example of the gripping part.

[0031] Figure 18 This is a top view showing the connection device of Embodiment 2.

[0032] Figure 19 This is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the connection device and the analysis device in Embodiment 2.

[0033] Figure 20 This is a top view showing another example of the configuration of the connection device and the analysis device in Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Example 1

[0035] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, will illustrate this embodiment. Additionally, in some drawings, the directions (up, down, left, right, front, back) are shown to clarify the orientation.

[0036] use Figure 1 The automated specimen examination system 1 of this embodiment will be described. The automated specimen examination system 1 is a system that performs various preprocessing steps on specimens such as blood and urine provided by a subject, followed by analysis for clinical examination. The automated specimen examination system 1 includes a preprocessing unit 2, a specimen transport unit 3, a specimen buffer 4, a connection unit 5, an analysis unit 6, and a control unit 9. Each device will be described below.

[0037] The pretreatment device 2 is a device for pretreating the sample before analysis. The pretreatment includes receiving the sample container 7, centrifugation, measuring the liquid volume in the sample container 7, opening the sample container 7, and dispensing the sample.

[0038] The sample transfer device 3 is used to transfer a sample carrier 8, which carries a sample container 7, between the pretreatment device 2 and the analysis device 6. The sample transfer device 3 is provided with two transfer paths, serving as the outgoing path and the return path for the sample carrier 8.

[0039] The specimen buffer 4 is a device for temporarily storing the specimen carrier 8 to prevent the specimen carrier 8 from becoming blocked in the transport path. The specimen buffer 4 is set up as needed.

[0040] The connecting device 5 connects the sample transport device 3 and the analysis device 6, and transports the sample carrier 8 to the sample collection position 10 of the analysis device 6. Furthermore, it will be used later... Figure 2 and Figure 3 To describe the connecting device 5.

[0041] The analytical device 6 is used to analyze the specimen collected from the specimen container 7 on the specimen carrier 8, which is conveyed to the specimen collection position 10. Specimen collection is performed by the specimen collection unit 25 of the analytical device 6. (This will be explained later.) Figure 6 To describe the specimen collection section 25.

[0042] The control device 9 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which controls the operation of each device based on information obtained from sensors and the like.

[0043] use Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connecting device 5 of this embodiment is described below. The connecting device 5 includes a disc conveyor belt 21, a housing 24, and a gripping part 20. The housing 24 is only located in... Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0044] The disc conveyor belt 21 is a device for conveying the specimen carrier 8 to the specimen collection position 10, and has multiple claws 22 and an arc-shaped conveying path 23. The claws 22 are thin plates with a planar shape approximately pentagonal, arranged at equal intervals along the conveying path 23 with their vertices facing outwards, and rotate along the conveying path 23. Because gaps are provided between the claws 22 to hold the specimen carrier 8, the specimen carrier 8 is conveyed at equal intervals along the conveying path 23 by the rotation of the claws 22.

[0045] The transport path 23 connects to the specimen loading path 11, where specimen carriers 8 are loaded from the specimen transport device 3, and the specimen unloading path 12, where specimen carriers 8 are unloaded from the specimen transport device 3. Specimen carriers 8 loaded into the specimen loading path 11 are blocked by the carrier separation section 13. During the period when the specimen carriers 8 are blocked, the reading section 14 reads the barcode tag and RFID tag mounted on the specimen container 7 and obtains information related to the specimen. After obtaining the information related to the specimen, the specimen carriers 8 are released from the carrier separation section 13 and transported one by one to the transport path 23. By rotating the claw 22, the specimen carriers 8 transported to the transport path 23 are transported to the specimen collection position 10, where a specimen is collected. Then, the specimen carriers 8 are further transported and unloaded from the specimen unloading path 12. Preferably, a predetermined number or more specimen containers 7 are maintained between the specimen loading path 11 and the specimen collection position 10. Figure 3 The image shows five specimen containers 7a to 7e.

[0046] The number of specimen containers 7 held between the specimen loading path 11 and the specimen collection location 10 is preferably arranged in a specific order. Figure 4 The number of specimen containers 7 in the specimen holder 15 illustrated herein is greater than or equal to the number of specimen containers 7. The specimen holder 15 has a plurality of holes 16 for inserting the specimen containers 7, and a number of specimen containers 7 with holes 16 can be arranged. Figure 4 The diagram shows four specimen containers 7 inserted into a specimen holder 15 arranged in a row of five. In the automated specimen examination system 1, the specimen containers 7 arranged in the specimen holder 15 are transferred one by one to the specimen carrier 8, undergo various processing, and then returned to the same specimen holder 15. Therefore, since the number of specimen containers 7 between the specimen loading path 11 and the specimen collection position 10 is kept above the number of arrangements of the specimen holder 15, it is easy to return the specimen containers 7 to the same specimen holder 15 without mistaking them.

[0047] The housing 24 is a box that covers the disc conveyor belt 21. The housing 24 is provided with an opening for the specimen collection unit 25, which will be described later, to enter. Figure 3 The image shows a rectangular housing 24 that is easy to manufacture.

[0048] A gripping part 20 is disposed inside the disc conveyor belt 21 and grips the specimen container 7 conveyed to the specimen collection position 10. By gripping the specimen container 7 with the gripping part 20, the position of the specimen container 7 can be fixed and tipped over. The gripping part 20 stands outside the conveying path 23 until the specimen carrier 8 is conveyed to the specimen collection position 10. When the specimen carrier 8 is conveyed to the specimen collection position 10, the gripping part 20 moves horizontally toward the conveying path 23 and grips the specimen container 7 horizontally at the specimen collection position 10. Because the gripping part 20 stands outside the conveying path 23 until the specimen carrier 8 is conveyed to the specimen collection position 10, and after the specimen carrier 8 is conveyed to the specimen collection position 10, the gripping part 20 moves horizontally toward the specimen container 7, thus preventing foreign matter from being mixed into the specimen container 7. Furthermore, the gripping part 20 stands outside the transport path 23 until the specimen carrier 8 is transported to the specimen collection position 10, so it does not hinder the transport of the specimen container 7. And since the gripping part 20 does not move in the vertical direction but only in the horizontal direction, it can be miniaturized in the vertical direction.

[0049] use Figure 5 An example of the configuration of the connecting device 5 and the analyzing device 6 will be described. The sample collection unit 25 included in the analyzing device 6 collects samples from the sample container 7 conveyed by the disc conveyor belt 21 of the connecting device 5.

[0050] use Figure 6 The specimen collection unit 25 will be described. The specimen collection unit 25 has an arm 26, a nozzle 27, and a support 28. The arm 26 connects the nozzle 27 and the support 28, and rotates about the support 28 as a rotation axis. The support 28 moves up and down while rotating, thereby moving the nozzle 27, connected via the arm 26, to a predetermined position. The nozzle 27 is inserted into the specimen container 7 held by the gripping part 20, and collects the specimen contained in the specimen container 7. For clinical examination, the specimen collected by the nozzle 27 is analyzed by the analysis device 6.

[0051] To increase the flexibility of the configuration of the analysis device 6, the sample collection position 10 can be located at a position easily accessible to the sample collection unit 25 without moving the conveyor path 23 of the disc conveyor belt 21. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sample collection position 10 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the housing 24 on the conveyor path 23 of the disc conveyor belt 21. The distance from the housing 24 to the sample collection position 10 is, for example, the distance that the sample collection unit 25 can reach. Furthermore, the sample collection position 10 is preferably located on the conveyor path 23 of the disc conveyor belt 21, and at the position furthest from the sample loading path 11 and the sample unloading path 12. With the above configuration, sufficient space is provided in front of the sample collection position 10 and to the left and right of the connecting device 5, thus increasing the flexibility of the configuration of the analysis device 6 without hindering it.

[0052] use Figure 7 The main parts of the gripping part 20 will be described below. The gripping part 20 includes a pair of clamps 30 arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides. Additionally, Figure 4 Only the left side of the pair of clamps 30 is shown, omitting the right clamp 30 which is symmetrically arranged along the axis of symmetry 36. The axis of symmetry 36 is preferably a line connecting the center of the disc conveyor belt 21 and the specimen collection position 10. The clamp 30 has a contact surface 31, a first pin 32, and a second pin 33.

[0053] The contact surface 31 is the surface that contacts the sample container 7 and is located at one end of the clamp 30. The sample container 7 is held by making the contact surface 31 contact the sample container 7 from the left and right. Because it is held by the symmetrically arranged contact surfaces 31, the sample container 7 is held stably and with high precision.

[0054] The first pin 32 is a shaft driven in a circular arc manner in the horizontal plane and is located at the other end of the clamp 30. The arc drawn by the first pin 32 is designated as the first arc 34, and the center of the first arc 34 is designated as the first center 38. The driving directions of the first pin 32 are opposite in the left and right directions, and when the first pin 32 on the left is clockwise, the first pin on the right is counterclockwise.

[0055] The second pin 33 is a shaft that moves in an arc in the horizontal plane as driven by the first pin 32, and is positioned between the two ends of the clamp 30. The arc drawn by the second pin 33 is designated as the second arc 35, and the center of the second arc 35 is designated as the second center 39. The second pin 33 moves in the same direction as the first pin 32, but in the opposite direction to the first pin 32, moving left and right.

[0056] The second center 39 can be located either outside the pair of clamps 30 or on the axis of symmetry 36. To distinguish between the two, the second center 39 located outside the pair of clamps 30 is designated as second center 39a, and the second center 39 located on the axis of symmetry 36 is designated as second center 39b. The second arc 35 relative to the second center 39a is designated as second arc 35a, and the second arc 35 relative to the second center 39b is designated as second arc 35b. The second center 39b and the second arc 35b are shared on both sides.

[0057] In the gripping part 20, which has the aforementioned main components, the first pin 32 is driven in the tangential direction of the first arc 34, and the second pin 33 moves in the tangential direction of the second arc 35. Therefore, the direction of movement of each point on the clamp 30 is tangential to the arc centered at the intersection 37 of the line connecting the first pin 32 and the first center 38 and the line connecting the second pin 33 and the second center 39. Figure 4In the diagram, as an example of the direction of movement of the contact surface 31 of the fixture 30, an arrow indicates the tangent direction of the arc centered at the intersection point 37a of the line connecting the first pin 32 and the first center 38 and the line connecting the second pin 33 and the second center 39a. When the second center 39 is located on the axis of symmetry 36, the tangent direction of the arc centered at the intersection point 37b of the line connecting the first pin 32 and the first center 38 and the line connecting the second pin 33 and the second center 39b is the direction of movement of points on the fixture 30.

[0058] use Figure 8 and Figure 9 The gripping part 20 will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the gripping part 20 includes a transmission part that transmits the rotational driving force generated by the electric motor 40 to the first pin 32. The transmission part includes a crank arm 42, a connecting plate 44, a first gear 49, a second gear 51, a third gear 52, etc. An example of the transmission part will be described below.

[0059] The motor 40, for example, is a stepper motor, and has a rotating shaft 41 that rotates in the up-down direction. When the motor 40 rotates in the forward direction, the rotating shaft 41 rotates clockwise. Since one end of the crank arm 42 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 41, the crank arm 42 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 41. A connecting shaft 43 is provided at the other end of the crank arm 42 and is rotatably connected to one end of the connecting plate 44. An elongated hole 48 is provided at the other end of the connecting plate 44, pointing towards the connecting shaft 43. A drive shaft 45 connected to a sector gear, i.e., the first gear 49, with a central angle of approximately 90°, passes through the elongated hole 48. The drive shaft 45 can move along the elongated hole 48, so when the rotating shaft 41 rotates clockwise, the drive shaft 45 is stretched to the left, and the first gear 49 rotates clockwise about the first gear shaft 50 as the center of rotation.

[0060] The drive shaft 45 is connected to one end of a spring 46, which is a tension spring, and the other end of the spring 46 is supported on the connecting plate 44 by a spring fixing part 47. The drive shaft 45, which is stretched by the spring 46 toward the spring fixing part 47, is kept in contact with the surface of the connecting shaft 43 side of the elongated hole 48.

[0061] Since the second gear 51 meshes with the first gear 49, when the first gear 49 rotates clockwise, the second gear 51 rotates counterclockwise. The second gear 51 has the right side of one of the left and right pairs of third gears 52 and a first center 38 serving as the axis of rotation; therefore, when the second gear 51 rotates counterclockwise, the right third gear 52 also rotates counterclockwise. The left and right pairs of third gears 52 have the same number of teeth and mesh with each other; therefore, when the right third gear 52 rotates counterclockwise, the left third gear 52 rotates clockwise. Since the first pins 32 of the symmetrically arranged clamps 30 are respectively mounted on the left and right pairs of third gears 52, the rotation of the third gears 52 drives the first pins 32 symmetrically on the first arc 34.

[0062] Furthermore, the second pins 33 of the symmetrically arranged clamps 30 are rotatably connected to one end of a pair of connecting rod arms 53, and the second centers 39a, which are rotatably supported, are symmetrically arranged at the other ends of the connecting rod arms 53. That is, the second pins 33 move along the second arc 35a via the connecting rod arms 53.

[0063] As the first pin 32 moves along the first arc 34, the second pin 33 moves along the second arc 35a, thus the contact surface 31 moves in the tangential direction of the arc centered at the intersection point 37a. The intersection point 37a is the point where the line connecting the first pin 32 and the first center 38 intersects the line connecting the second pin 33 and the second center 39a. Because its position changes with the movement of the first pin 32 and the second pin 33, the contact surface 31 moves in the direction of the arc centered at the intersection point 37a. Figure 6 It moves simultaneously along a curve resembling an arrow.

[0064] To detect the rotation angle of the first gear 49, a first detection plate 54 and a first sensor 56 may be provided. The first detection plate 54 is fixed to the first gear 49 and rotates together with the first gear 49. The first sensor 56 is positioned at the origin of the grip 20, that is, when the rotation shaft 41, connecting shaft 43, spring fixing part 47, and transmission shaft 45 are arranged in a roughly straight line in the described order, it detects the position of the first detection plate 54.

[0065] To detect the position of the connecting plate 44, a second detection plate 55 and a second sensor 57 may be provided. The second detection plate 55 is fixed to the connecting plate 44 and moves together with the connecting plate 44. The second sensor 57 is configured to detect the position of the second detection plate 55 when the connecting shaft 43, the rotating shaft 41, the spring fixing part 47, and the transmission shaft 45 are arranged in a roughly straight line in the described order.

[0066] Furthermore, a third sensor 58 can be positioned at the location of the first detection plate 54 when the first gear 49 reaches a predetermined rotation angle. The first sensor 56, the second sensor 57, and the third sensor 58 are fixed to the grip portion 20 by a support member (not shown).

[0067] use Figure 10 An example of the operation flow of the gripping part 20 in this embodiment will be described.

[0068] (S1001)

[0069] The connecting device 5 inserts the specimen carrier 8 based on instructions from the control device 9. Preferably, information related to the specimen is acquired by the reading unit 14 while the specimen carrier 8 is blocked by the carrier separation unit 13. Furthermore, it is preferable that the control device 9 moves the holding unit 20 to the origin position based on the output of the first sensor 56.

[0070] (S1002)

[0071] The disc conveyor belt 21 rotates the claws 22 circumferentially along the conveyor path 23 based on instructions from the control device 9. The specimen carrier 8, held between the claws 22, is conveyed along the conveyor path 23.

[0072] (S1003)

[0073] The control device 9 determines whether the specimen carrier 8 has reached the specimen collection position 10. If it has not reached the position, the process returns to S1002; if it has reached the position, the process proceeds to S1004.

[0074] (S1004)

[0075] The control device 9 rotates the motor 40 in the forward direction while the disc conveyor belt 21 is stopped. The height of the sample carrier 8 can be adjusted via a lifting device (not shown) depending on the height of the analysis device 6.

[0076] (S1005)

[0077] The control device 9 determines whether the gripping part 20 grips the specimen container 7. If it does not grip, the process proceeds to S1006; if it does grip, the process proceeds to S1007.

[0078] use Figures 11 to 14 The description covers the actions up to the point where the gripping part 20 grips the specimen container 7. Figure 11 This is the state in which the connecting shaft 43 rotates by an angle θ1 from its origin position due to the clockwise rotation of the rotating shaft 41. As the connecting shaft 43 rotates, the first pin 32 and the second pin 33 move, and the intersection point 37a also moves. Therefore, the direction of movement of the contact surface 31 becomes... Figure 11 The direction of the arrow in the image. Figure 11In the process, because the first detection plate 54 is offset from the first sensor 56, it can be detected by... Figure 11 In the state of S1001, the gripping part 20 is moved to the origin position by rotating the rotating axis 41 counterclockwise.

[0079] Figure 12 This is achieved by further clockwise rotation of the rotating shaft 41, causing the connecting shaft 43 to rotate from its origin position by an angle θ2 (>θ1). As the first pin 32 and the second pin 33 move, the intersection point 37a of the line connecting the first pin 32 and the first center 38 and the line connecting the second pin 33 and the second center 39 moves to... Figure 12 The position shown indicates that the direction of movement of contact surface 31 is therefore... Figure 12 The arrow in the diagram points in the direction of the direction of the clamp. Furthermore, clamp 30 intersects with transport path 23.

[0080] Figure 13 This is achieved by further clockwise rotation of the rotating shaft 41, causing the connecting shaft 43 to rotate an angle θ3 (>θ2) from the origin position. The intersection point 37a moves with the movement of the first pin 32 and the second pin 33, and the contact surface 31 contacts the specimen container 7 positioned at the specimen collection position 10. Furthermore, from the origin position to... Figure 13 During the process, spring 46 only pulls the drive shaft 45 through the elongated hole 48, and the elastic force of spring 46 is not transmitted from the drive shaft 45 to the first gear 49. Therefore, since the load required for the movement of clamp 30 is only the inertial force and frictional load caused by acceleration, the power consumption of motor 40 from the origin position to the contact surface 31 contacting the specimen container 7 can be reduced. Furthermore, since clamp 30 is driven by a single motor 40, the gripping part 20 can be configured inexpensively. Figure 13 In this state, the contact surface 31 only contacts the specimen container 7, and no force is generated on the clamp 30 to hold the specimen container 7.

[0081] Figure 14 The state is as follows: the rotating shaft 41 rotates further clockwise, causing the connecting shaft 43 to rotate an angle θ4 (>θ3) from its origin position, and causing the connecting shaft 43 to move relative to the rotating shaft 41 to the opposite side of the transmission shaft 45. Since the clamp 30 is in contact with the specimen container 7, the rotation angles of the third gear 52, the second gear 51, and the first gear 49, and the position of the transmission shaft 45, are fixed as the positions of the first pin 32 and the second pin 33 are fixed. With the position of the transmission shaft 45 fixed, the spring fixing part 47 moves together with the connecting plate 44 in a direction close to the rotating shaft 41, thus stretching the spring 46, thereby generating a torque that rotates the first gear 49 clockwise via the transmission shaft 45. This torque acts on the clamp 30 via the second gear 51 and the third gear 52 and becomes the force that grips the specimen container 7. Furthermore, in Figure 14In this state, the straight line connecting the connecting shaft 43 and the spring fixing part 47 is located behind the center of the rotating shaft 41, so the elastic force of the spring 46 can prevent the motor 40 from rotating in the opposite direction.

[0082] The second sensor 57 can be configured to detect the position of the second detection plate 55 when the straight line connecting the connecting shaft 43 and the spring fixing part 47 is located behind the center of the rotation shaft 41. That is, the gripping part 20 can determine whether it is gripping the specimen container 7 based on the output of the second sensor 57.

[0083] (S1006)

[0084] The control device 9 determines whether it detects that there is no specimen container 7 on the specimen carrier 8 that has been transferred to the specimen collection position 10. If no specimen container 7 is detected, the process returns to S1004; if it is detected, the process proceeds to S1009.

[0085] use Figure 15 This indicates the absence of sample container 7. Figure 15 This shows the contact between the contact surface 31 and the sample container 7. Figure 12 The rotating shaft 41 rotates further clockwise from its original position, thereby connecting the shaft 43 to a position where it has rotated by an angle θ5 (>θ3). θ5 is less than θ4. The intersection point 37a moves with the movement of the first pin 32 and the second pin 33, and the contact surfaces 31 come into contact with each other. Since the contact surfaces 31 do not contact the specimen container 7, the first gear 49 moves from... Figure 12 The state rotates further, and as the first gear 49 rotates, the first detection plate 54 moves to the position of the third sensor 58, and the output of the third sensor 58 changes. That is to say, the absence of a specimen container 7 at the specimen collection position 10 can be detected based on the output of the third sensor 58.

[0086] (S1007)

[0087] The control device 9 stops the motor 40. The tension spring 46 is stretched, thereby gripping the specimen container 7 by applying torque to the clamp 30.

[0088] (S1008)

[0089] The sample collection unit 25 of the analysis device 6 collects the sample from the sample container 7 held by the holding unit 20.

[0090] (S1009)

[0091] The control device 9 causes the motor 40 to rotate in the opposite direction. By rotating the motor 40 in the opposite direction, a pair of clamps 30 release their grip on the specimen container 7 and move horizontally toward the origin position.

[0092] (S1010)

[0093] The control device 9 determines whether the sample carrier 8 has reached the origin position. If it has not reached it, the process returns to S1009; if it has reached it, the process proceeds to S1011. The determination of whether the sample carrier 8 has reached the origin position can be based on the output of the first sensor 56.

[0094] (S1011)

[0095] Control device 9 stops motor 40. A pair of clamps 30 return to their original positions. Furthermore, if the height of the specimen carrier 8 was adjusted in step S1004, in this step, the specimen carrier 8 returns to its original height.

[0096] (S1012)

[0097] Control device 9 determines whether there is a next sample to be analyzed. If there is no next sample, the process ends; otherwise, the process returns to S1001.

[0098] The processing flow described above allows for the gripping of the specimen container 7 without allowing foreign matter such as abrasion powder generated from the pair of grippers 30 to mix into the specimen contained in the specimen container 7 on the transport path 23. Since the gripping part 20 of this embodiment moves horizontally and grips the specimen container 7 from the horizontal direction, miniaturization in the vertical direction is achieved. Furthermore, the pair of grippers 30 remain idle outside the transport path 23 until the specimen carrier 8 is transported to the specimen collection position 10, thus not hindering the transport of the specimen container 7.

[0099] In addition, the gripping part 20 is not limited to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure shown. (Using...) Figure 16 To illustrate a variation of the gripping part 20, consider a second center 39b having a second center 39 on the axis of symmetry 36 of the pair of clamps 30. Figure 16 The grip part 20 and Figure 8 and Figure 9 Similarly, it has a pair of clamps 30 and a third gear 52 arranged symmetrically on the left and right. Figure 16 The structure from the motor 40 to the second gear 51 is omitted.

[0100] and Figure 8 and Figure 9Similarly, the clamp 30 has a contact surface 31, a first pin 32, and a second pin 33. The contact surface 31 is the surface that contacts the specimen container 7 and is located at one end of the clamp 30. The first pin 32 is located at the other end of the clamp 30 and is rotatably connected to the third gear 52, thereby driving the first pin 32 to draw an arc with the first center 38 as the center of rotation. The second pin 33 is located between the two ends of the clamp 30 and is rotatably connected to one end of the second linkage arm 60. The other end of the second linkage arm 60 is rotatably connected to the second center 39b arranged on the axis of symmetry 36. The second linkage arm 60 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry 36.

[0101] Through this structure Figure 16 The second pin 33 moves as the first pin 32 drives it to draw a second arc 35b centered on the second center 39b. The contact surface 31 moves in the tangential direction of the arc, which is centered at the intersection 37b of the line connecting the first pin 32 and the first center 38 and the line connecting the second pin 33 and the second center 39b. Figure 16 The arrows indicate the direction in which the contact surface 31 moves when the third gear 52 on the left rotates clockwise while the grip 20 is in the origin position.

[0102] use Figure 17 To illustrate another variation of the gripping part 20. Figure 17 The gripping part 20 uses a guide groove 70 that allows the second pin 33 to move while sliding, instead of Figure 16 The second link arm is 60. With Figure 16 What they have in common is that they have a pair of symmetrical clamps 30 and a pair of third gears 52. The clamps 30 have a contact surface 31, a first pin 32 and a second pin 33. The contact surface 31 is the surface that contacts the specimen container 7. The first pin 32 is rotatably connected to the third gear 52. Figure 17 The second pin 33 moves while sliding in a guide groove 70 provided along a second arc 35b centered on a second center 39b. The guide groove 70 is arranged symmetrically about the axis of symmetry 36. The guide groove 70 is not limited to the shape along the second arc 35b, but can also be along... Figure 7 The shape of the second arc 35a shown.

[0103] Through this structure Figure 17 The second pin 33 moves as the first pin 32 drives it, causing the second arc 35b to be drawn. The contact surface 31 moves in the tangential direction of the arc, which is centered at the intersection 37b of the line connecting the first pin 32 and the first center 38 and the line connecting the second pin 33 and the second center 39b. Figure 17In the diagram, a solid line represents the state of the gripping part 20 at the origin position, a dashed line represents the state of the clamp 30 gripping the specimen container 7 at the specimen collection position 10, and a curved arrow represents the direction of movement of the contact surface 31 from the origin position to the gripping state.

[0104] Through the structure described above, the connection device 5 of this embodiment can improve the flexibility of the configuration of the analysis device 6.

[0105] Example 2

[0106] In Embodiment 1, the case where the housing 24 of the connecting device 5 is rectangular was described. In this embodiment, the case where the housing 24 has an arc shape will be described. Furthermore, descriptions of structures identical to those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0107] use Figure 18 The structure of the connecting device 5 in this embodiment will be described. Similar to Embodiment 1, the connecting device 5 in this embodiment includes a disc conveyor belt 21, a gripping part 20, and a housing 24. Similar to Embodiment 1, the disc conveyor belt 21 in this embodiment has an arc-shaped conveying path 23.

[0108] Similar to Embodiment 1, the gripping part 20 is disposed inside the disc conveyor belt 21 and grips the specimen container 7 at the specimen collection position 10. More specifically, the gripping part 20 can be any structure that moves horizontally toward the conveying path 23 and grips the specimen container 7 conveyed to the specimen collection position 10 in a horizontal direction; for example, the gripping part 20 is... Figure 8 and Figure 9 ,or Figure 16 , Figure 17 The structure shown. The gripping part 20 can be any structure that allows for horizontal movement toward the transport path 23 and for gripping the specimen from the horizontal direction at the specimen collection position 10, therefore, in Figure 18 In the middle, the gripping part 20 is represented by a blank rectangle.

[0109] The housing 24 has a shape that includes a conveying path 23 along an arc shape, a sample loading path 11, and a sample unloading path 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sample collection position 10 is positioned at any location on the arc-shaped conveying path 23 and is located within a predetermined distance from the housing 24. Because the housing 24 has a shape that includes a conveying path 23 along an arc shape, sufficient space is provided around the connecting device 5 as long as it is within the predetermined distance from the housing 24, even if the sample collection position 10 is positioned at any location on the arc-shaped conveying path 23. Figure 18 The example shows the specimen collection location 10 configured to be furthest from the specimen entry path 11 and the specimen exit path 12.

[0110] use Figure 19An example of the configuration of the connecting device 5 and the analysis device 6 will be described. Figure 19 The image shows an analytical device 6, which includes a sample collection unit 25 configured to be located close to the sample collection position 10 furthest from the sample loading path 11 and the sample unloading path 12. In this configuration, sufficient space is provided in front of the sample collection position 10 and to the left and right of the connecting device 5, thus increasing the freedom of arrangement of the analytical device 6 relative to the connecting device 5 without obstructing its placement. Furthermore, sufficient space is provided at the rear in the direction of movement of the gripping part 20 (i.e., the forward-backward direction), allowing for a larger gripping part 20. This larger gripping part 20 enables accurate gripping of the sample container 7 and improves gripping force.

[0111] use Figure 20 Other configuration examples of the connecting device 5 and the analysis device 6 will be described. Figure 20 An analytical apparatus 6 is shown, which includes a specimen collection section 25 located near the specimen collection position 10, which is positioned on the transport path 23 and at the right end of the connecting device 5. In this configuration, sufficient space is provided to the right of the specimen collection position 10 and in front of and behind the connecting device 5, thus increasing the flexibility of the analytical apparatus 6's configuration relative to the connecting device 5 without obstruction. Furthermore, the number of specimen containers 7 held between the specimen transport path 11 and the specimen collection position 10 increases. This increased number of specimen containers 7 held between the specimen transport path 11 and the specimen collection position 10 allows for a larger specimen support 15 incorporated into the automated specimen examination system 1, and improves the efficiency of specimen examination.

[0112] The above describes two embodiments of the connecting device and the automated specimen examination system of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be further embodied by modifying the structural elements without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, multiple structural elements disclosed in the above embodiments can be appropriately combined. Moreover, several structural elements can be deleted from all the structural elements shown in the above embodiments.

[0113] Label Explanation

[0114] 1: Automated specimen examination system; 2: Pre-processing device; 3: Specimen conveying device; 4: Specimen buffer; 5: Connecting device; 6: Analyzing device; 7: Specimen container; 8: Specimen carrier; 9: Control device; 10: Specimen collection position; 11: Specimen loading path; 12: Specimen unloading path; 13: Carrier separation unit; 14: Reading unit; 15: Specimen support; 16: Hole; 20: Grip unit; 21: Disc conveyor belt; 22: Claw; 23: Conveying path; 24: Housing; 25: Specimen collection unit; 26: Arm; 27: Nozzle; 28: Support column; 30: Clamp; 31: Contact surface; 32: First pin; 33: ... 34: Second pin; 35: First arc; 36: Second arc; 37: Axis of symmetry; 38: Intersection point; 39: First center; 40: Second center; 41: Motor; 42: Rotating shaft; 43: Crank arm; 44: Connecting shaft; 45: Connecting plate; 46: Drive shaft; 47: Spring; 48: Spring fixing part; 49: Long hole; 50: First gear; 51: Second gear; 52: Third gear; 53: Connecting rod arm; 54: First detection plate; 55: Second detection plate; 56: First sensor; 57: Second sensor; 58: Third sensor; 60: Second connecting rod arm; 70: Guide groove.

Claims

1. A connecting device for connecting a sample conveying device for conveying a sample container containing a sample and an analytical device for analyzing the sample, characterized in that, include: A disc conveyor belt that transports multiple specimen carriers carrying the specimen containers at predetermined intervals; A gripping part, disposed inside the disc conveyor belt, grips the specimen container at the specimen collection position. The gripping part includes a motor, a pair of clamps, and a transfer part. Each of the pair of clamps includes a first pin, a second pin, and a contact surface that contacts the specimen container. The contact surface is located at one end of the clamp, the first pin is located at the other end of the clamp, and the second pin is located between the two ends of the clamp. A housing that covers the disc conveyor belt. The sample collection point is positioned on the conveyor path of the disc conveyor belt, and within a specified distance from the housing. The gripping part remains stationary outside the conveying path until the specimen carrier is conveyed to the specimen collection position. When the specimen carrier is conveyed to the specimen collection position, the gripping part moves toward the conveying path. The transmission unit has a connecting plate and multiple gears. The electric motor drives the first pin through the transmission unit.

2. The connecting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The analytical device includes a sample collection unit for collecting the sample. The specified distance is the distance that the sample collection unit can reach.

3. The connecting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A specified number or more of the specimen containers are maintained between the specimen loading path from the specimen carrier to the specimen collection location.

4. The connecting device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The specified quantity is the number of specimen holders arranged with multiple specimen containers.

5. The connecting device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a shape that follows an arc-shaped path in the conveying path.

6. The connecting device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The specimen collection point is located on the arc-shaped path.

7. The connecting device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, A space is provided in at least one of the moving directions of the gripping part.

8. An automated system for specimen examination, comprising preprocessing specimen containers and analyzing specimens, characterized in that... ， Includes the connecting device as described in claim 1.

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