Automated analysis device

Abstract

The present application aims to provide an automatic analysis device that improves the degree of freedom in relation to the arrangement of a dispensing mechanism or a unit provided thereunder. To this end, in an automatic analysis device provided with a dispensing mechanism that drives a probe (7a, 8a) of a reagent or a sample, the present application is provided with: an arm (25, 30) that supports the probe (7a, 8a) in two degrees of freedom; a first transmission shaft (26) and a second transmission shaft (40, 41) that support the arm (25, 30) and transmit power to the arm (25, 30); and a motor (28, 33, 37) that applies power that rotates and moves the first transmission shaft (26) and the second transmission shaft (40, 41) up and down, the second transmission shaft (40, 41) being split in the axial direction and having different diameters, and when the arm (25, 30) is lowered using the power of the motor (37), the second transmission shaft (40, 41) is shortened by housing one part (40) after being split inside the other part (41).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automated analysis device. Background Technology

[0002] The reagent or sample dispensing mechanism in an automated analytical apparatus consists of a probe for aspirating and dispensing reagents, an arm supporting the probe, and a drive mechanism for driving the arm. Furthermore, the probe moves horizontally to positions such as the reagent aspiration position, the dispensing position, and the cleaning position for cleaning the probe, and moves vertically at each stop position. With the increasing functionality of automated analytical apparatuses, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, dispensing mechanisms with a so-called double-link arm structure have been provided, exhibiting rotational freedom along two axes during horizontal movement.

[0003] Here, the existing two-degree-of-freedom injection mechanism is explained. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the state (a) before the arm descends and the state (b) after the arm descends. In the existing double-link arm dispensing mechanism, the inner arm 25 is driven by rotating the first drive shaft 26 using a motor 28, and the outer arm 30 is driven by rotating the second drive shaft 31 using a motor 33. Moreover, when the arm descends, the first drive shaft 26 descends while sliding on a rotating ball spline 55, and the second drive shaft 31 also descends while sliding on a ball spline 55.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-206381 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the existing double-link arm described above, when the arm moves up and down, the second drive shaft descends as a whole, protruding from the lower part of the base of the dispensing mechanism by a corresponding amount. Therefore, space is needed below the base to avoid the protruding drive shaft, thus restricting the layout of the unit that should be positioned below the dispensing mechanism. Alternatively, the position of the dispensing mechanism needs to be offset so that the drive shaft can also protrude.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis device that increases the degree of freedom related to the configuration of the dispensing mechanism or the unit located below it.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automated analysis apparatus having a dispensing mechanism for a probe that drives a reagent or sample. The automated analysis apparatus includes: a two-degree-of-freedom arm supporting the probe; a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft supporting the arm and transmitting power to the arm; and a motor that applies power to rotate and move the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft vertically. The second drive shaft is axially divided into two sections with different diameters. When the arm is lowered using the power of the motor, the second drive shaft is shortened by housing one of the sections inside the other section.

[0012] The effects of the invention are as follows.

[0013] According to the present invention, an automatic analysis device can be provided that prevents or reduces the amount of protrusion of a portion of the drive shaft below the dispensing mechanism, thereby increasing the degree of freedom related to the configuration of the dispensing mechanism or the unit located below it. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view showing the overall structure of the automatic analysis device.

[0015] Figure 2 Regarding the dispensing mechanism in the existing automatic analysis device, (a) is a perspective view showing the state before the arm descends, and (b) is a perspective view showing the state after the arm descends.

[0016] Figure 3 The dispensing mechanism in the implementation method is shown in a perspective view omitting the arm and base.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a front view of the dispensing mechanism in Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing mechanism in Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 6 Regarding the dispensing mechanism of Embodiment 1, (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the arm descends, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the arm descends.

[0020] Figure 7 Regarding the dispensing mechanism of Embodiment 1, (a) is a simplified diagram showing the state of the drive shaft before the arm descends, and (b) is a simplified diagram showing the state of the drive shaft after the arm descends.

[0021] Figure 8 Regarding the dispensing mechanism of the comparative example, (a) is a simplified diagram showing the state of the drive shaft before the arm descends, and (b) is a simplified diagram showing the state of the drive shaft after the arm descends.

[0022] Figure 9This is a perspective view of the dispensing mechanism in Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the automatic analysis apparatus according to this embodiment. The automatic analysis apparatus is a device that dispenses samples and reagents into multiple reaction containers 2, causes them to react, and measures the liquid after the reaction. The automatic analysis apparatus includes a reaction plate 1, a reagent plate 9, a sample transport mechanism 17, reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, a reagent syringe 18, a sample dispensing mechanism 11 and 12, a sample syringe 19, a cleaning mechanism 3, a light source 4a, a spectrophotometer 4, stirring mechanisms 5 and 6, a cleaning pump 20, cleaning tanks 13, 14, 22, 23, 56, and 57, and a controller 21.

[0024] A reaction dish 1 is provided, with reaction containers 2 arranged circumferentially. A sample transport mechanism 17 is provided near the reaction dish 1 to move a sample rack 16 containing sample containers (test tubes) 15. The sample containers 15 hold test samples such as blood, which are placed on the sample rack 16 and transported by the sample transport mechanism 17. Sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12, capable of rotation and vertical movement, are provided between the reaction dish 1 and the sample transport mechanism 17. The sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12 are equipped with sample probes 11a and 12a connected to sample syringes 19 and 19a. The sample probes 11a and 12a move while tracing an arc around the rotation axis of the sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12, dispensing samples from the sample containers 15 to the reaction containers 2.

[0025] Multiple reagent bottles 10 can be placed on the reagent tray 9 and on its circumference. The reagent tray 9 is kept cool. A reagent dispensing mechanism 7 and 8, which can rotate and move up and down, are provided between the reaction tray 1 and the reagent tray 9. The reagent dispensing mechanism 7 and 8 are respectively equipped with reagent probes 7a and 8a connected to reagent syringes 18 and 18a. The reagent probes 7a and 8a move while tracing an arc around the rotation axis, approaching the reagent tray 9 to dispense reagents from the reagent bottles 10 to the reaction container 2.

[0026] Around the reaction plate 1 are arranged: a cleaning mechanism 3 for cleaning the reaction container that has been measured; stirring mechanisms 5 and 6 for stirring the mixture of reagent and sample (reaction solution) in the reaction container; a light source 4a for irradiating the mixture (reaction solution) in the reaction container with light and, for example, measuring its absorbance; and a spectrophotometer 4. A cleaning pump 20 is connected to the cleaning mechanism 3. Cleaning tanks 13, 14, 57, 56, 23, and 22 are respectively provided within the operating range of the sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12, the reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, and the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6. Each mechanism of the automatic analysis device is connected to and controlled by the controller 21.

[0027] The analysis and processing of test samples by the automated analysis device is generally performed in the following sequence. First, the sample in the sample container 15, which is transported by the sample transport mechanism 17 to the sample rack 16 near the reaction plate 1, is dispensed into the reaction container 2 on the reaction plate 1 using the sample probe 11a of the sample dispensing mechanism 11. Next, the reagents used for analysis are dispensed from the reagent bottle 10 on the reagent plate 9 into the reaction container 2, which previously contained the sample, using the reagent probe 7a of the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 or the reagent probe 8a of the reagent dispensing mechanism 8. Then, the mixture of sample and reagent in the reaction container 2 is stirred by the stirring mechanism 5.

[0028] Next, light generated from light source 4a is passed through reaction vessel 2 containing the mixed solution, and the luminosity of the transmitted light is measured by spectrophotometer 4. The luminosity measured by spectrophotometer 4 is sent to controller 21 via an A / D converter and interface. In controller 21, calculations are performed, for example, to calculate the concentration of a predetermined component corresponding to the reagent for the analytical item based on the absorbance of the mixed solution (reaction solution). The obtained measurement results are displayed on a display unit (not shown). Furthermore, an automated analytical apparatus that uses spectrophotometer 4 to calculate the concentration of a predetermined component is described as an example, but the technology disclosed in the following embodiments can also be used in automated immunoassay apparatuses and automated coagulation analyzers that use other spectrophotometers to measure samples.

[0029] Figure 3 The perspective view of the dispensing mechanism in this embodiment omits the arm and the base 24. (See figure below.) Figure 3 As shown, the dispensing mechanism of this embodiment has a first drive shaft 26 and a second drive shaft that serve as support arms and transmit power to the arms. The first drive shaft 26 is a rotating shaft for rotating the first arm, and the second drive shaft is a rotating shaft for rotating the second arm. Furthermore, as explained below, the second drive shaft is axially divided into an upper drive shaft 41 and a lower drive shaft 40, each with a different diameter.

[0030] First, the structure for rotating the first arm via the first drive shaft 26 will be described.

[0031] The first arm rotates using the power of motor 28. A pulley mounted on the drive side of motor 28 is connected to a pulley 27 on the driven side via a belt 29, and pulley 27 is fixed to a rotating ball spline 51. Figure 5(Sleeve portion 511). Furthermore, the rotating ball spline 51, which serves as the first drive shaft, provides sliding support to the first drive shaft 26, which serves as the spline drive shaft, and can transmit the torque of the pulley 27 to the first drive shaft 26. Therefore, the rotational power of the motor 28 is transmitted to the first drive shaft 26 via the belt 29, the pulley 27, and the rotating ball spline 51. Moreover, when the arm moves up and down, the first drive shaft 26 slides relative to the pulley 27 and the rotating ball spline 51, thereby enabling the first drive shaft 26 to move up and down. Furthermore, the driven-side pulley 27 reduces speed by increasing its diameter compared to the driving-side pulley, thus reducing the load generated by the inertia of the first arm's rotation.

[0032] Next, the structure for rotating the second arm via the second drive shaft will be described.

[0033] The second arm is rotated using the power of motor 33. A pulley mounted on the drive side of motor 33 is connected to a driven pulley 32 via a belt 34, and pulley 32 is fixed to the lower end of the lower drive shaft 40. Furthermore, the lower drive shaft 40, which is a spline drive shaft, is slidably supported by a ball spline 43, which is also a lower drive shaft. Here, the ball spline 43 is fixed to a connector 44, and the connector 44 is fixed to the upper drive shaft 41 (see reference). Figure 5 Therefore, the rotational power of the motor 33 is transmitted to the upper drive shaft 41 via the belt 34, pulley 32, and lower drive shaft 40. Furthermore, the driven pulley 32 reduces speed by increasing its diameter compared to the drive pulley, thereby reducing the load generated by the inertia of the second arm during rotation.

[0034] Next, the structure for moving the first arm and the second arm up and down via the drive shaft will be described.

[0035] The up-and-down movement of each arm is powered by the motor 37. A belt 38 for up-and-down drive is wound in a ring around the pulleys 39 on the driving and driven sides of the motor 37. A connector 36 is fixed to the side of the belt 38 that drives in the same direction as the first drive shaft 26, and a counterweight 53 is fixed to the side that drives in the opposite direction to the first drive shaft 26. The connector 36 is integrally formed with the slider 35. The counterweight 53 reduces the torque required by the motor 37 to drive the belt 38. Furthermore, as the connector 36 moves up and down with the drive of the belt 38, the drive shaft (lower drive shaft 40) acts as a track via the slider 35, allowing the connector 36 and slider 35 to move smoothly up and down. At this time, the counterweight 53 moves up and down along the track 54, thus also allowing the counterweight 53 to move smoothly up and down. Furthermore, when the connector 36, slider 35, first drive shaft 26 and second drive shaft (upper drive shaft 41) rise, the counterweight 53 falls, and when the connector 36 and the others fall, the counterweight 53 rises.

[0036] Furthermore, the slider 35 has bearings internally assembled to support the first drive shaft 26 and the upper drive shaft 41 so that they can rotate, and to restrict the axial position of the upper drive shaft 41 relative to the first drive shaft 26. Therefore, if the motor 37 drives, the first drive shaft 26 and the upper drive shaft 41 move up and down via the slider 35.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] Figure 4 This is a front view of the dispensing mechanism in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing mechanism of Embodiment 1. The dispensing mechanism of this embodiment has an outer arm 30, serving as a second arm, supporting reagent probes 7a and 8a, and an inner arm 25, serving as a first arm, connected to the outer arm 30. It also features a double-link arm capable of two-degree-of-freedom positioning. Furthermore, this embodiment describes a dispensing mechanism with reagent probes 7a and 8a, but it can certainly be used in dispensing mechanisms with sample probes as well.

[0039] In addition to the inner arm 25 and outer arm 30 described above, the dispensing mechanism of this embodiment also includes a base 24, a first drive shaft 26, a second drive shaft, a motor 28 for rotating the first drive shaft 26, a motor 33 for rotating the second drive shaft, and a motor 37 for moving the first drive shaft 26 and the second drive shaft (upper drive shaft 41) up and down. Moreover, the motors 28, 33, and 37 are fixed to the base 24.

[0040] like Figure 5As shown, a pulley 45 is mounted on the upper end of the upper drive shaft 41, which constitutes the second drive shaft, within the inner arm 25. This pulley 45 rotates the pulley 47 and the drive shaft 48 fixed to the pulley 47 via a belt 46. The drive shaft 48 is connected to the outer arm 30. Therefore, if the upper drive shaft 41 rotates, the outer arm 30 rotates about the front end of the inner arm 25 as its axis of rotation, positioning the reagent probes 7a and 8a at the front end of the outer arm 30. Furthermore, since the upper end of the first drive shaft 26 is connected to the inner arm 25, if the first drive shaft 26 rotates, the inner arm 25 rotates.

[0041] In this embodiment, the system includes: a rotating ball spline 51 that supports the first drive shaft 26 so that it can slide vertically relative to the base 24; and a ball spline 43 that supports the lower drive shaft 40 so that it can slide vertically relative to the upper drive shaft 41. Here, the rotating ball spline 51 has a cylindrical sleeve portion 511 externally fitted into the first drive shaft 26, which serves as the spline drive shaft, and a flange portion 512 disposed on the outer periphery of the sleeve portion 511 via a rotary bearing. Furthermore, the upper side of the sleeve portion 511 is fixed to the pulley 27. The flange portion 512 is used to fix the rotating ball spline 51 in a through hole formed in the upper part of the base 24.

[0042] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the solid horizontal cross-section lower drive shaft 40 is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow horizontal cross-section upper drive shaft 41, and the lower drive shaft 40 is concentrically housed inside the upper drive shaft 41. During the arm's descent, the lower drive shaft 40 does not move axially, but the upper drive shaft 41 descends. Here, in this embodiment, since a bushing 42 is provided at the upper end of the lower drive shaft 40, the contact area between the lower drive shaft 40 and the upper drive shaft 41 is limited to the bushing 42 and the ball spline 43. Therefore, during the arm's descent, the upper drive shaft 41 can descend smoothly while sliding relative to the lower drive shaft 40, preventing direct contact between the upper drive shaft 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the lower drive shaft 40, which could cause adverse conditions. In addition, when the bushing 42 is provided, a groove needs to be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower drive shaft 40, but since the lower drive shaft 40 is solid, it has the advantage that even if a groove is formed, the reduction in strength can be suppressed.

[0043] In this embodiment, since the lower drive shaft 40 is made solid and the upper drive shaft 41 is made hollow, the increase in the diameter of the first drive shaft 26 can be suppressed. If the lower drive shaft 40 is made hollow and the upper drive shaft 41 is made solid, the radial dimension of the lower drive shaft using ball splines becomes larger, thus increasing the diameter of the first drive shaft 26 located on its outer diameter side, and increasing the overall weight of the drive shaft.

[0044] However, as long as the diameter of the first drive shaft 26 can be increased to a certain extent, it will not hinder the structure of making the lower drive shaft 40 hollow and housing the solid upper drive shaft 41 inside the lower drive shaft 40. Furthermore, if both the upper drive shaft 41 and the lower drive shaft 40 are hollow, wiring can pass through the interior of the hollow drive shaft on the inner diameter side. In addition, by adding other drive shafts on the outer diameter side of the first drive shaft 26, the positioning freedom can be increased to more than three degrees of freedom.

[0045] In this embodiment, the pulley 27 for rotating the first drive shaft 26 is supported on the upper part of the base 24 via a rotating ball spline 51, and the pulley 32 for rotating the lower drive shaft 40 is supported on the lower part of the base 24 via a bearing 52. Furthermore, since the tension generated by the belt members 29 and 34 acts on the pulleys 27 and 32, loads are applied to the motor 28 side and the motor 33 side, respectively. However, in this embodiment, the lower drive shaft 40 has a length from the lower part to the upper part of the base 24, and its two ends are supported by the upper and lower parts of the base 24. Therefore, even if a load generated by the tension of the belt members is applied to the lower drive shaft 40 via the pulleys, the position of the lower drive shaft 40 is unlikely to deviate. Furthermore, since the lower drive shaft 40 also acts as a track for the upper drive shaft 41 and the first drive shaft 26, tilting of the upper drive shaft 41 and the first drive shaft 26 can be prevented. As a result, the stopping positions of the reagent probes 7a and 8a can be controlled with high precision.

[0046] The length of the lower drive shaft 40 can also be increased to protrude upwards beyond the pulley 27, but the processing cost of a longer drive shaft increases. Therefore, the upper end of the lower drive shaft 40 is positioned within the axial range of the rotating ball spline 51. Especially in this embodiment, since the upper end of the lower drive shaft 40 is within the axial range of the flange 512 of the rotating ball spline 51, the overall strength of the dispensing mechanism is further improved. Furthermore, when the lower drive shaft 40 is shorter, i.e., when the upper end of the lower drive shaft 40 is positioned below the lower end of the rotating ball spline 51, the position of the upper end of the lower drive shaft 40 is prone to wobbling, and the upper drive shaft 41 and the first drive shaft 26 may tilt. In this case, the lower drive shaft 40 and the upper drive shaft 41 bend at the position of the slider 35, which raises concerns about creating resistance when the arm moves up and down, or causing severe wear on the drive shaft.

[0047] Figure 6 The dispensing mechanism of this embodiment is shown in cross-sectional views of the state before the arm descends (a) and the state after the arm descends (b).

[0048] like Figure 6As shown in (a), when the inner arm 25 and the outer arm 30 are positioned above, the second drive shaft is in an extended state, and the upper drive shaft 41 of the first drive shaft 26 and the second drive shaft is positioned above the lower drive shaft 40 of the second drive shaft. In contrast, as... Figure 6 As shown in (b), when the inner arm 25 and the outer arm 30 are below, the second drive shaft is in a retracted state, and the first drive shaft 26 and the upper drive shaft 41 are in contact with... Figure 6 The state of (a) is relatively located below.

[0049] Next, the operation of the dispensing mechanism in this embodiment when the motor 37 lowers the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft will be described in detail. Figure 7 Regarding the dispensing mechanism of this embodiment, a simplified diagram is shown showing the state of the drive shaft (a) before the arm descends and the state of the drive shaft (b) after the arm descends.

[0050] Before the arm descends, such as Figure 7 As shown in (a), the first drive shaft 26 and the upper drive shaft 41 are located above. Then, if the drive motor 37 is activated, the first drive shaft 26 descends while sliding on the rotating ball spline 51. Here, since the axial position of the first drive shaft 26 is restricted relative to the upper drive shaft 41, if the first drive shaft 26 descends, the upper drive shaft 41 also descends along with the ball spline 43.

[0051] At this time, the ball spline 43 slides down along the lower drive shaft 40 while descending. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown in (b), the first drive shaft 26 and the upper drive shaft 41 move downward relative to the lower drive shaft 40. The lower drive shaft 40, with a smaller diameter, is gradually housed inside the hollow and large-diameter upper drive shaft 41. The arm's descent is completed when the length of the second drive shaft has shortened. Furthermore, the lower end of the lower drive shaft 40 is fixed to the base 24 together with the pulley 32, thus restricting its axial position. Therefore, in this embodiment, a portion of the second drive shaft does not protrude from the lower part of the base 24, effectively utilizing the space below the base 24. As a result, miniaturization and high performance of the automatic analysis device can be achieved. In addition, in this embodiment, a structure is designed such that even if the upper end of the second drive shaft descends, the lower end of the second drive shaft does not descend, i.e., a structure in which the second drive shaft does not protrude from the lower part of the base 24 at all. However, as long as the portion protruding due to the shortening of the second drive shaft's length can be reduced, a certain degree of effectiveness can be obtained.

[0052] In contrast, as a comparative example, the operation of a dispensing mechanism that does not split the second drive shaft but instead treats it as a single shaft will be explained. Figure 8 Regarding the dispensing mechanism of the comparative example, a simplified diagram is shown showing the state of the drive shaft before the arm descends (a) and the state of the drive shaft after the arm descends (b).

[0053] Before the arm descends, such as Figure 8 As shown in (a), the first drive shaft 26 and the second drive shaft 31 are positioned above. Then, if the motor is driven, the first drive shaft 26 descends while sliding on the rotating ball spline 51. Here, since the axial position of the first drive shaft 26 is restricted relative to the second drive shaft 31, if the first drive shaft 26 descends, the second drive shaft 31 also descends.

[0054] At this time, the second drive shaft 31 slides down the ball spline 55 at the lower part of the base 24. Therefore, as Figure 8 As shown in (b), a portion of the second drive shaft 31 protrudes from the lower part of the base 24, and the space below the base 24 is restricted.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] Example 1 is a structure in which the front end of the inner arm 25, which serves as the first arm, is connected to the outer arm 30, which serves as the second arm, and reagent probes 7a and 8a are mounted on the front end of the outer arm 30. Therefore, it is possible to position the device with two degrees of freedom relative to a stop position. In contrast, Example 2 is a structure in which an arm has one degree of freedom in both upper and lower sections, and each arm can rotate independently via a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft.

[0057] Figure 9 This is a perspective view illustrating the structure of this embodiment. Figure 9 As shown, the dispensing mechanism of this embodiment has two reagent probes 7a and 8a. The lower arm 49, serving as the first arm, is positioned while rotating via the first drive shaft 26, and the upper arm 50, serving as the second arm, is positioned while rotating via the second drive shaft (upper drive shaft 41 and lower drive shaft 40). Reagent probes 7a and 8a are installed at the front end of each arm. The lower arm 49 and the upper arm 50 can move up and down simultaneously as a single unit, and rotate independently at the same time. Since the arm is divided into upper and lower sections, the reagent probes 7a and 8a of the upper arm 50 are longer than those of the lower arm 49, so that their front ends are at the same height compared to the reagent probes 7a and 8a of the lower arm 49.

[0058] According to this embodiment, an automated analysis device with a two-degree-of-freedom arm capable of simultaneously positioning and dispensing ink to two locations can be realized. Furthermore, since a single dispensing mechanism can be used to dispense ink to two locations simultaneously, the number of dispensing mechanisms in the automated analysis device can be reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, adding hollow drive shafts can increase the degree of freedom in positioning. For example, if two hollow drive shafts are added and connected to different arms at the front ends of the lower arm 49 and the upper arm 50 respectively, it is possible not only to position at two locations simultaneously, but also to position them with two degrees of freedom each, thus improving the accuracy of the stopping position.

[0060] Furthermore, the embodiments 1 and 2 described above are examples provided in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not limited to having all the described structures. It is also possible to replace a portion of the structure of one embodiment with the structure of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add structures of other embodiments to the structure of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is also possible to add, delete, or replace other structures with portions of the structures of each embodiment.

[0061] Explanation of symbols

[0062] 1—Reaction tray, 2—Reaction container, 3—Cleaning mechanism, 4—Spectrophotometer, 4a—Light source, 5, 6—Stirring mechanism, 7, 8—Reagent dispensing mechanism, 7a, 8a—Reagent probe, 9—Reagent tray, 10—Reagent bottle, 11, 12—Sample dispensing mechanism, 11a, 12a—Sample probe, 13, 14—(For sample dispensing mechanism) Cleaning tank, 15—Sample container (test tube), 16—Sample rack, 17—Sample handling mechanism, 18, 18a—Reagent syringe, 19, 19a—Sample syringe, 20—Cleaning pump, 21—Control 22, 23—(for stirring mechanism) cleaning tank, 24—base, 25—inner arm, 26—first drive shaft, 27—pulley, 28, 33, 37—motor, 29, 34, 38, 46—belt, 30—outer arm, 31—second drive shaft, 32, 39, 45, 47—pulley, 35—slider, 36, 44—connector, 40—lower drive shaft, 41—upper drive shaft, 42—bulb, 43—ball spline, 48—drive shaft, 49—lower arm, 50—upper arm, 56, 57—(for reagent dispensing mechanism) cleaning tank.

Claims

1. An automated analysis device comprising a dispensing mechanism for a probe that drives a reagent or sample, characterized in that, have: A two-degree-of-freedom arm supporting the aforementioned probe; A first drive shaft and a second drive shaft that support the aforementioned arm and transmit power to the aforementioned arm; A motor that applies power to rotate and move up and down the first and second drive shafts; and The base that supports the lower end of the aforementioned second drive shaft. The aforementioned second drive shaft is axially divided into an upper drive shaft and a lower drive shaft, each with a different diameter. The horizontal cross-section of the upper drive shaft is hollow, while the horizontal cross-section of the lower drive shaft is solid. The lower end of the aforementioned lower drive shaft is supported on the aforementioned base, and the lower drive shaft is supported by ball splines so that it can slide relative to the aforementioned upper drive shaft in the vertical direction. When the arm is lowered using the power of the motor, the second drive shaft is shortened by housing the divided lower drive shaft inside the upper drive shaft. Furthermore, if the first drive shaft lowers, the upper drive shaft of the second drive shaft also lowers, and a portion of the second drive shaft does not protrude from the lower part of the base. In the aforementioned motor, a second drive shaft rotation motor that applies at least the power to rotate the aforementioned second drive shaft is disposed on the side of the aforementioned base.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Even if the upper end of the second drive shaft descends, the lower end of the second drive shaft will not descend.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned first and second drive shafts are splined drive shafts. The above-mentioned automatic analysis device has the following features: The first drive shaft is supported by a ball spline so that it can slide vertically relative to the base; and The aforementioned lower drive shaft is supported by ball splines so that it can slide relative to the aforementioned upper drive shaft in the vertical direction.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper end of the aforementioned lower drive shaft is located within the axial range of the ball spline of the aforementioned first drive shaft.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned arm is an arm with one degree of freedom in both its upper and lower sections. Each arm rotates independently via the first and second drive shafts mentioned above.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the motor described above, the first drive shaft rotation motor, which applies power to rotate the first drive shaft, is fixed to the base.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The aforementioned first drive shaft and the aforementioned second drive shaft are spline drive shafts.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the aforementioned motor, the motor for rotating the first drive shaft, which applies power to rotate the first drive shaft, is disposed on the side of the base. In the aforementioned motor, a motor for moving the transmission shaft up and down, which applies power to move the first transmission shaft and the second transmission shaft up and down via a belt, is disposed on the side of the base between the first transmission shaft rotation motor and the second transmission shaft rotation motor.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A bushing is provided at the upper end of the lower drive shaft, and the contact area between the lower drive shaft and the upper drive shaft is limited by the bushing and the ball spline.

10. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned automatic analysis device also includes a slider, which has bearings internally assembled to support the first drive shaft and the upper drive shaft so that they can rotate, and to limit the axial position of the upper drive shaft relative to the first drive shaft.

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