Container transfer device

Abstract

Provided is a container transfer device that can easily replace a container when the container is in a replacement area, and that can reliably prevent the undesired floating of a container by fixing the container in a state that prevents upward extraction when the container is in a sampling area. A container transfer device (5A) includes a rotary table (31) that supports a container (200) in which a sample is housed and that moves the container (200) between a replacement area (K) and a sampling area (S), a holding body (32) that holds the container (200) supported on the rotary table (31) so as to be extractable upward, and a movable body (33) that fixes the container (200) in a state that prevents upward extraction in the sampling area (S).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a container transfer device for transferring containers containing liquid samples such as pharmaceuticals or beverages. Background Technology

[0002] In automated analytical apparatuses that continuously analyze the composition of samples, structures are known to be configured to extract the sample from the container at the sampling position (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Additionally, automated analytical apparatuses equipped with a dispensing mechanism that directly draws liquid samples from a sealed container are known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0003] The automatic analysis apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes: a sample storage body with an opening at the top; a sample tray rotatably disposed inside the sample storage body; and a cover that seals the opening of the sample storage body. The sample tray has multiple holes, and multiple containers holding samples are placed on the sample tray in a state of insertion into these holes. An inner cover is integrally formed with the cover in a slidable manner. When the cover closes the opening of the sample storage body, the inner cover contacts the opening of the container, securing the container in a sealed state, and can be moved only by pulling the inner cover away from the opening of the container. In the automatic analysis apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the sample tray is rotated to move the container to the dispensing position. At the dispensing position, through holes are provided in both the cover and the inner cover. By inserting a sampler through these through holes into the container, the sampler can be drawn from the container.

[0004] The automatic analysis device described in Patent Document 2 has a dispensing mechanism comprising a nozzle with a sharp tip capable of penetrating a rubber plug that blocks the opening of a container, and using the nozzle to draw liquid samples from the container by penetrating the rubber plug. Multiple containers containing the liquid samples are mounted on a support mounted on a conveying mechanism. To prevent the containers from being lifted due to friction between the nozzle and the rubber plug during the nozzle removal action following the suction action of the liquid samples from the containers, a stop is installed on the support above the multiple containers. A nozzle through-hole smaller than the outer diameter of the container is formed in the stop, and the container, which is to rise with the nozzle, abuts against the lower surface of the stop, thereby preventing undesirable buoyancy.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-215134

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-25804 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In the automatic analysis apparatus described in Patent Document 1, if the cover of the sample storage body is removed, the inner cover can be released from fixing all the multiple containers placed on the sample tray, allowing for easy replacement of these containers. Conversely, if the cover is installed on the sample storage body, the inner cover can fix all the multiple containers placed on the sample tray. However, in this structure where fixing and releasing the multiple containers on the sample tray is achieved by installing and removing the cover of the sample storage body, if the cover is forgotten to be installed relative to the sample storage body, since all the multiple containers on the sample tray are not fixed, if the sample tray is rotated while the cover is forgotten, the containers may tilt or shift in position. If the sampler is inserted into the container in such a state, interference may occur between the sampler and the container, posing a risk of damage to the sampler and / or the container. Furthermore, even if interference between the sampler and the container can be avoided, it may result in failure to attract the sample, preventing measurement.

[0011] In the automatic analysis device described in Patent Document 2, although the container can be prevented from floating during the nozzle removal action after aspirating the liquid sample by means of a stopper mounted on the support, it is impossible to replace the multiple containers placed on the support without removing the stopper. Therefore, the stopper must be removed when replacing the container, which is troublesome and makes container replacement difficult.

[0012] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a container transfer device that allows for easy replacement of the container when it is in the replacement area, and fixes the container in a state that prevents it from falling upward when it is in the sampling area, thereby reliably preventing unwanted container from floating.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] The container transfer apparatus of the present invention, which addresses the above-mentioned problems, is characterized by comprising:

[0015] A rotating stage for holding a container containing a sample and for moving the container between a replacement area and a sampling area;

[0016] A retainer that holds the container placed on the rotating platform so that it can be pulled upwards; and

[0017] A fixing mechanism that secures the container in the sampling area to prevent it from detaching upwards.

[0018] According to the container transfer device of this structure, a container containing a sample is placed on a rotary table, and the container moves between a replacement area and a sampling area using the rotary table. The container placed on the rotary table is held in a holding body in a manner that allows it to be pulled upwards. When the container is in the replacement area, it can be pulled out of the holding body by lifting the container placed on the rotary table, thereby facilitating container replacement. When the container is in the sampling area, it is fixed in a state to prevent it from falling upwards by a fixing mechanism. Therefore, for example, if the opening of the container is blocked by a seal, during the extraction of the nozzle after drawing the sample from the container by penetrating the seal with a nozzle that can penetrate the seal, the fixing mechanism can prevent the container from being lifted due to friction between the nozzle and the seal, thereby preventing undesirable container floating.

[0019] In the container transfer device of the present invention, preferably,

[0020] The container has a constricted neck.

[0021] The fixing mechanism is configured to fix the container in a state that prevents it from falling out upwards by using a movable body that can move relative to the constricted neck to engage the constricted neck.

[0022] According to the container transfer device of this structure, the fixing mechanism is configured such that the container is fixed in a state to prevent it from falling upward by using a movable body that can move relative to the constricted neck of the container to engage the constricted neck. With such a structure, it is possible to reliably prevent the container from floating up undesirably, and as the movable body, for example, a plate-like member that can enter the constricted neck of the container can be used, thus enabling the device to be made thinner.

[0023] In the container transfer device of the present invention, preferably,

[0024] The container transfer device includes a switching mechanism that switches the movable body in a locked and unlocked state relative to the constricted neck of the container between the sampling area and the replacement area.

[0025] According to this container transfer device, a switching mechanism switches between a locked and unlocked state of the movable body relative to the constricted neck of the container in the sampling area and a replacement area. In the sampling area, the switching mechanism switches to a locked state where the movable body is locked to the constricted neck of the container. This allows for more reliable prevention of unwanted container buoyancy. Conversely, in the replacement area, the switching mechanism switches to a non-locked state where the movable body is not locked to the constricted neck of the container. This allows for easy removal of the container from the holder when the container placed on the turntable is lifted, thus facilitating easy container replacement.

[0026] In the container transfer device of the present invention, preferably,

[0027] The switching mechanism includes:

[0028] A force-applying member that applies a force to the movable body toward the constricted neck of the container; and

[0029] A cam, which uses rotational power to rotate the turntable, moves the movable body in the changing area in a direction that pulls the movable body away from the constricted neck of the container.

[0030] According to the container transfer device of this structure, when a container placed on a rotary table moves towards a replacement area by rotating the rotary table, a portion of the rotational power used to rotate the rotary table is converted by a cam into a driving force that pulls the movable body away from the constricted neck of the container. As a result, the movable body moves away from the constricted neck of the container, entering a non-engaged state where the movable body is not engaged with the constricted neck. Furthermore, when the container placed on the rotary table moves from the replacement area to the sampling area, the movable body, which applies force towards the constricted neck of the container, moves towards the constricted neck, engaging with the constricted neck, and the container is fixed in a state preventing it from falling upwards. Thus, by simply rotating the rotary table carrying the container to move the container between the replacement area and the sampling area, the non-engaged state (where the movable body is not engaged with the constricted neck) and the engaged state (where the movable body is engaged with the constricted neck) can be automatically switched.

[0031] In the container transfer device of the present invention, preferably,

[0032] The container transfer device includes a pin member that maintains the movable body in a non-clamped state relative to the container in the replacement area.

[0033] The container transfer device according to this structure is configured to have a pin member that maintains the movable body in a non-clamped state relative to the container in the replacement area. With such a structure, the container can be reliably pulled upward from the holding body in the replacement area by means of the pin member, thus enabling more stable container replacement in the replacement area.

[0034] In the container transfer device of the present invention, preferably,

[0035] The pin component is mounted on the retainer in a manner that allows it to move up and down.

[0036] When the pin is in the lowered position, it engages with the movable body and remains in a non-engaged state; when the pin is in the raised position, it is in a non-engaged state and does not remain in a non-engaged state.

[0037] The container transfer device includes a pin-pushing block that uses rotational power to rotate the turntable to push the pin component toward the rising position in the sampling area.

[0038] According to the container transfer device of this structure, when the container placed on the rotary table is in the replacement area, the pin member, which is movably mounted on the holding body, descends under gravity to the lowered position. When the pin member is in the lowered position, it is engaged with the movable body, maintaining the movable body in a non-engaged state where it is not engaged with the constricted neck of the container. As the container on the rotary table moves towards the sampling area by the rotation of the rotary table, a portion of the rotational power used to rotate the rotary table is converted into a driving force for raising the pin member to the upper position via the pin pusher block. Thus, the pin member is pushed to the upper position. When the pin member is in the upper position, it is not engaged with the movable body, and instead of maintaining a non-engaged state, it is engaged with the constricted neck of the container, fixing the container in a state that prevents it from falling out upwards. In this way, by simply rotating the rotating platform carrying the container, the container can be moved from the replacement area to the sampling area, automatically switching from a non-clamped state where the movable body is not clamped to the constricted neck of the container to a clamped state where the movable body is clamped to the constricted neck of the container. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the entire automatic analysis device equipped with the container transfer device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front side.

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along line AA.

[0041] Figure 3 It is a top view of a rotating body containing multiple containers.

[0042] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 The main cross-sectional views of the CC line are shown in (a) non-clamped state and (b) clamped state.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of a rotating body in a non-container state.

[0044] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the part between the rotary table and the holding body in a rotating body.

[0045] Figure 7 It is an exploded three-dimensional view of the part between the holding body and multiple movable bodies in a rotating body.

[0046] Figure 8It is a top view of a rotating body in its non-container state, showing a section cut out a part of the movable body.

[0047] Figure 9 (a) is Figure 8 Sectional view of the main part of the EE line. Figure 9 (b) is Figure 8 Sectional view of the main part of the FF line.

[0048] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part B.

[0049] Figure 11 It is a three-dimensional view of a rotating body containing multiple containers.

[0050] Figure 12 Show Figure 5 Enlarged view of part D, (a) is a state diagram of the pin component in the lowered position, and (b) is a state diagram of the pin component in the raised position.

[0051] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the entire automatic analysis device having the container transfer device of the second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front side. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in the following embodiments, an automatic analysis apparatus comprising the container transfer device of the present invention for transferring containers containing liquid samples such as pharmaceuticals or beverages will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described below and the structures illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0053] [First Implementation]

[0054] <Overall Structure of the Automatic Analysis Device>

[0055] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the automatic analysis device 1A, which is equipped with the container transfer device 5A according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front side. Figure 1 The automated analysis apparatus 1A shown includes: a container transfer device 5A that transfers a container containing a sample between a replacement area and a sampling area; and a dispensing device 10 that draws the sample from the container and dispenses it into the sampling area. The definitions of the replacement area and the sampling area will be explained in detail later. Furthermore, the shape and structure of the container used in this example will also be explained in detail later.

[0056] <Dispensing device>

[0057] The dispensing device 10 is configured to include a nozzle unit 11 and a drive unit 12, and is located at the rear right corner of the housing 20 described later in the container transfer device 5A. The nozzle unit 11 has a sharp nozzle 13 extending in the vertical direction, and is configured to draw or discharge samples through the nozzle 13. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the drive unit 12 is composed of a Y-axis drive mechanism for linearly moving the nozzle unit in the horizontal Y-axis direction (front-back direction) and a Z-axis drive mechanism for linearly moving the nozzle unit in the vertical Z-axis direction (vertical direction), and is configured to move the nozzle unit 11 in both the front-back and vertical directions.

[0058] <Container transfer device>

[0059] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along line AA. (e.g.) Figure 2 As shown, the container transfer device 5A includes a housing 20, a rotating body 21 disposed on the housing 20, and a rotation drive mechanism 22 disposed inside the housing 20. Here, the housing 20 is composed of an upper surface plate 25 and a lower surface plate 26 arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, which are rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and a frame 27 arranged to connect the outer peripheries of the upper surface plate 25 and the lower surface plate 26 to each other.

[0060] <Change area, sampling area>

[0061] Figure 3 This is a top view of the rotating body 21, which holds multiple containers 200. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, the rotating body 21 moves multiple containers 200 between a replacement area and a sampling area. Here, in a top view of the rotating body 21, the XY orthogonal axes are set such that the origin O coincides with the rotation center of the rotating body 21. The axis extending in the left-right direction with the left as the positive direction is set as the X-axis, and the axis extending in the front-back direction with the rear as the positive direction is set as the Y-axis. The positive direction of the X-axis is set as the reference (0°), and the clockwise direction centered at the origin O is determined as the positive rotation direction (forward rotation direction). In this case, for example, the rotation area of ​​the rotating body 21 between 0° and 120° is defined as the sampling area for extracting samples from the containers 200. Figure 3 The area of ​​rotation in the rotating body 21 that exceeds 180° but is less than 360° (represented by the double arrow symbol "S") is defined as the replacement area for replacing the container 200. Figure 3 (The range of the double arrows indicated by the symbol "K" in the text). It should be noted that the sampling area and the replacement area are not limited to the numerical range of the angles exemplified above, and can be appropriately set by adjusting the number of movable bodies 33, circumferential length, etc., as described later.

[0062] <Container, neck>

[0063] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 The main cross-sectional views of the CC line are shown in (a) and (b) diagrams, respectively, showing the non-clamped state and the clamped state. Figure 4 As shown in (a), the container 200 is composed of a container body 201 and a lid 202. The container body 201 has a cylindrical portion 205 forming an upwardly opening, a bottomed cylindrical portion 206 with a diameter larger than the cylindrical portion 205 and capable of containing a sample, and an inclined portion 207 connecting the cylindrical portion 205 and the bottomed cylindrical portion 206. The bottomed cylindrical portion 206, the inclined portion 207, and the cylindrical portion 205 are integrally connected from the bottom to the top in the order described above. The cover 202 has a seal 208 that covers the opening of the cylindrical portion 205, and a seal retaining portion 209 that holds the seal 208 with its central portion exposed to the outside when viewed from above. The cover 202 is fastened by screwing the external thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 205 with the internal thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the seal retaining portion 209, thereby sealing the container body 201 in a sealed state. In the container 200, a neck 210 is formed by the boundary between the cylindrical portion 205 and the inclined portion 207, and the upper and lower portions near this boundary (the portion between the bottomed cylindrical portion 206 and the cover 202).

[0064] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the rotating body 21 in its non-container state. (See diagram below.) Figure 5 As shown, the rotating body 21 includes a rotating platform 31, a holding body 32, and multiple movable bodies 33.

[0065] Rotary Table

[0066] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the portion between the rotary table 31 and the retaining body 32 in the rotating body 21. (See image below.) Figure 6 As shown, the rotary table 31 is composed of a hollow disk-shaped member of a specified thickness having a mounting surface wide enough to simultaneously hold multiple (up to 30 in this example) containers 200. A circular central opening 34, the size of which the rotor 93 (described later) can pass through, is formed in the center of the rotary table 31. A support disk 35 is disposed between the rotary table 31 and the holder 32.

[0067] <Maintaining Body>

[0068] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the portion between the retaining body 32 and the multiple movable bodies 33 in the rotating body 21. (See image below.) Figure 7As shown, the retainer 32 is composed of a hollow disc-shaped component. A circular hole-shaped central opening 36 is formed in the center of the retainer 32. A plurality of circular hole-shaped retainer through holes 40 are formed on the flat surface between the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the central opening 36 of the retainer 32, which extend in the vertical direction.

[0069] The plurality of retaining body through holes 40 provided on the retaining body 32 are arranged in two rows in a concentric circle pattern along the radial direction. That is, in the annular strip region near the inner periphery of the flat surface between the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the retaining body 32, 15 retaining body through holes 40 are arranged at equal angles (every 24°) so that the centers of each retaining body through hole 40 are aligned on the circumference of a first segment circle [C1] with the center of the retaining body 32 as the reference. In addition, in the annular strip region near the outer periphery of the flat surface between the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the retaining body 32, 15 retaining body through holes 40 are arranged at equal angles (every 24°) so that the centers of each retaining body through hole 40 are aligned on the circumference of a second segment circle [C2] that is larger than the first segment circle [C1] with the center of the retaining body 32 as the reference. The aforementioned 30 through holes 40 are arranged such that they are staggered one by one in the radial direction of the retainer 32 and are arranged neatly as a whole in the circumferential direction. In this way, the retainer 32 can be made compact and can hold more containers 200.

[0070] The through-hole portion 40 is designed as the bottomed cylindrical portion 206 of the container body 201 (see reference). Figure 4 The opening area (a) is large enough to allow passage. Therefore, the container 200 can be inserted and removed vertically relative to the through-hole 40 of the retainer. Furthermore, with the bottomed cylindrical portion 206 of the container body 201 passing through the through-hole 40 of the retainer, the bottomed cylindrical portion 206 is surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 40 of the retainer. Thus, the retainer 32 holds the container 200, which is placed on the rotary table 31, so that it can be pulled upwards with the bottomed cylindrical portion 206 of the container body 201 passing through the through-hole 40 of the retainer.

[0071] Near the inner periphery of the retainer 32, three inner main slits 41, extending radially in a rounded rectangular shape, are formed at 120° intervals along the circumference. Near the outer periphery of the retainer 32, three outer main slits 42, extending radially in a rounded rectangular shape, are formed at 120° intervals along the circumference, spaced apart from the inner main slits 41 by a predetermined interval. Furthermore, near the outer periphery of the retainer 32, six secondary slits 43, also rounded rectangular in shape, are formed parallel to the outer main slits 42 and spaced apart by predetermined intervals on one and the other sides of the circumference.

[0072] <Modible Body>

[0073] Multiple (three in this example) movable bodies 33 are arranged above the retainer 32 in a manner that follows the circumferential direction. Each movable body 33 is composed of a partially annular member of a predetermined thickness. This partially annular member has an inner arc portion 45 with an arc length equivalent to a fan-shaped arc with a radius slightly larger than the radius of the central opening 36 of the retainer 32 and a central angle of approximately 110°, and an outer arc portion 46 with a fan-shaped arc with a radius similar to the radius of the retainer 32 and a central angle of approximately 110°. It extends along the circumferential direction of the retainer 32 in such a manner that it covers an area slightly smaller than one-third of the entire area of ​​the retainer 32 when viewed from above. The movable bodies 33 are movable relative to the constricted neck 210 of the container 200 and function as a fixing mechanism to secure the container 200 in a state that prevents it from falling upwards by engaging the constricted neck 210.

[0074] A plurality of (seven in this example) circular through-holes 50 are formed on a flat surface between a portion of the inner periphery and a portion of the outer periphery of the movable body 33, extending vertically. The plurality of movable body through-holes 50 provided on the movable body 33 are arranged in two concentric rows along the radial direction. That is, in a partially annular band near the inner periphery of the flat surface between the portion of the inner periphery and the portion of the outer periphery of the movable body 33, when the movable body 33 is in the non-locking position described later, three movable body through-holes 50 are arranged at equal angles (every 24°) such that the centers of each movable body through-hole 50, when viewed from above, are consistently located on the circumference of the first segment circle [C1] with the center of the retaining body 32 as a reference. Furthermore, in the partially annular strip region near the outer periphery of a portion of the flat surface between the inner periphery and the outer periphery of a portion of the movable body 33, when the movable body 33 is in the non-locking position described later, the four movable body through holes 50 are arranged at equal angles (every 24°) such that the centers of each movable body through hole 50, when viewed from above, are all located on the circumference of a second circle [C2] that is larger than the first circle [C1], with the center of the retaining body 32 as a reference. The aforementioned seven movable body through holes 50 are arranged such that they are staggered one by one in the radial direction of the movable body 33, and are arranged neatly as a whole in the circumferential direction. The seven movable body through holes 50 provided on the movable body 33 are each set to the same size as the movable body through holes 50 provided on the retaining body 32.

[0075] Large arc-shaped cutouts 51, with an arc length exceeding half the total circumference of the movable body through hole 50, are formed at both circumferential ends of a partially annular band-shaped region on the inner periphery of the movable body 33. Additionally, a small arc-shaped cutout 52, with an arc length less than half the total circumference of the movable body through hole 50, approximately one-quarter, is formed at one circumferential end of a partially annular band-shaped region on the outer periphery of the movable body 33.

[0076] Small through holes 53 are formed near the inner periphery and near the outer periphery of the movable body 33, respectively, corresponding to the inner main slit 41, outer main slit 42, and secondary slit 43 provided in the retainer 32. An irregularly shaped hole 55 is formed near the circumferential center of the portion near the inner periphery of the movable body 33. The irregularly shaped hole 55 has: an arc-shaped hole 56 disposed on the side near the inner arc-shaped portion 45 with a central angle exceeding 180°; and a rounded semi-rectangular hole 57 extending from the arc-shaped hole 56 toward the outer arc-shaped portion 46 in a continuous manner with respect to the arc-shaped hole 56. The rounded semi-rectangular hole 57 is shaped approximately halfway along the length of a rounded rectangle.

[0077] A sliding member 60 is provided between the retaining body 32 and the movable body 33, positioned between the inner main slit 41 of the retaining body 32 and the small through-hole portion 53 of the movable body 33 corresponding to the inner main slit 41. Furthermore, the retaining body 32 and the movable body 33 are connected by a fastener consisting of a round-headed screw 61 passing through the inner main slit 41, the sliding member 60, and the small through-hole portion 53, and a cap-shaped nut 62 screwed into the threaded shaft of the round-headed screw 61. Additionally, a sliding member 60 is provided between the retaining body 32 and the movable body 33, positioned between the outer main slit 42 of the retaining body and the small through-hole portion 53 of the movable body 33 corresponding to the outer main slit 42. Furthermore, the retaining body 32 and the movable body 33 are connected by a fastener consisting of a round-headed screw 61 that passes through the outer main slit 42, the sliding member 60, and the small through-hole portion 53, and a gripping portion 63 that also functions as a cap nut and engages with the threaded shaft of the round-headed screw 61. Additionally, a sliding member 60 is sandwiched between the retaining body 32 and the movable body 33, located between the secondary slit 43 of the retaining body 32 and the small through-hole portion 53 of the movable body 33 corresponding to the secondary slit 43. Moreover, the retaining body 32 and the movable body 33 are connected by a fastener consisting of a round-headed screw 61 that passes through the secondary slit 43, the sliding member 60, and the small through-hole portion 53, and a cap nut 62 that engages with the threaded shaft of the round-headed screw 61.

[0078] <Force-applying component>

[0079] Figure 8 This is a top view of the rotating body 21 in its non-container state, showing a section cut open a portion of the movable body 33. Figure 9 (a) is Figure 8 Sectional view of the main part of the EE line. Figure 9 (b) is Figure 8 A sectional view of the main part of the FF line. (See example...) Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown in (a), six columnar lifting pins 71 are erected at equal angles (every 60°) in the circumferential direction near the inner periphery of the retaining body 32. Drooping pins 72 are suspended downwards at both ends of the circumferential portion near the inner periphery of the movable body 33. A tension coil spring 75 is installed between the lifting pins 71 and the drooping pins 72. Figure 8 As shown, between each movable body 33 and the retaining body 32, a pair of tension coil springs 75 are arranged such that the distance between them increases as they approach the outer periphery. With this arrangement, the resultant force (vector) of the elastic forces of the pair of tension coil springs 75 acts towards the center of the retaining body 32 along the radial direction. The tension coil springs 75 act as a constriction 210 (see reference) of the movable body 33 towards the container 200. Figure 4 (a) The force-applying component that applies the force performs its function.

[0080] <Pin component>

[0081] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown in (b), the pin member 80 is mounted in the rotating body 21 in a manner corresponding to each movable body 33, enabling it to move up and down. Figure 9 As shown in (b), the pin member 80 has a large-diameter shaft portion 81, a small-diameter shaft portion 82, and an elongated shaft portion 83, which are integrally connected from the top to the bottom so that their axes are aligned. In the pin member 80, the small-diameter shaft portion 82 can engage with the arc-shaped hole portion 56 provided in the irregular hole portion 55 of the movable body 33. The large-diameter shaft portion 81 is configured to have an outer diameter and height that allow it to rest on the periphery of the arc-shaped hole portion 56 when the small-diameter shaft portion 82 engages with the arc-shaped hole portion 56 and to be gripped by a finger. The elongated shaft portion 83 extends vertically through the retainer 32 and the rotary table 31, and is supported on the retainer 32 and the rotary table 31 in a manner that allows it to move vertically but not horizontally. A stop 84 is installed at the lower end of the slender shaft portion 83, which can abut against the lower surface of the rotary table 31. When the pin member 80 is lifted with the small diameter shaft portion 82 engaged with the arc-shaped hole portion 56 and the large diameter shaft portion 81 placed on the periphery of the arc-shaped hole portion 56, the small diameter shaft portion 82 disengages from the arc-shaped hole portion 56 and becomes disengaged. When the pin member 80 is to be lifted further, the stop 84 abuts against the lower surface of the rotary table 31 to prevent the pin member 80 from being lifted further, so that the slender shaft portion 83 will not disengage from the rotary table 31.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, the inner periphery of the support disk 35 and the retainer 32 are connected by three inner hexagonal prism members 85 arranged at equal angles (120°) between them in the circumferential direction, using the required round-head screws 61 and flat-head screws 87. Furthermore, the portion of the retainer 32 near its inner periphery and the rotary table 31 are connected by four outer hexagonal prism members 86 arranged at equal angles (90°) between them in the circumferential direction, using the required round-head screws 61. The support disk 35 is detachably fixed to the rotor 93 (described later), and the rotational power from the rotor 93 is transmitted to the rotary table 31 via the support disk 35, the three inner hexagonal prism members 85, the retainer 32, and the four outer hexagonal prism members 86.

[0083] like Figure 4As shown in (a), the retainer 32 is positioned at a height corresponding to the upper part of the bottomed cylindrical portion 206 of the container body 201 of the container 200, which is placed on the rotary table 31 through the movable body through-hole 50 and the retainer through-hole 40. Additionally, the movable body 33 is positioned at a height corresponding to the constricted neck 210 of the container 200.

[0084] <Non-card mounting position, card mounting position>

[0085] like Figure 7 As shown, the retaining body 32 and the movable body 33 are connected by fasteners with the desired sliding member 60 sandwiched between them. With this structure, the movable body 33 can slide relative to the retaining body 32 and the sliding member 60 in the extending directions of the inner main slit 41 and the outer main slit 42, that is, in the radial direction of the retaining body 32, and can reciprocate between a non-engaged position and an engaged position along the radial direction of the retaining body 32. Here, as... Figure 4 As shown in (a), the non-hooking position of the movable body 33 refers to the position where the movable body 33 is not hooked into the constricted neck 210 of the container 200 placed on the rotary table 31 through the movable body through hole 50 and the retainer through hole 40. That is, the relative position of the movable body 33 with respect to the retainer 32 is such that the position of the movable body through hole 50 of the movable body 33 and the position of the retainer through hole 40 of the retainer 32 are the same when viewed from above, and the large arc-shaped cutout 51 and the small arc-shaped cutout 52 of the movable body 33 (see reference) Figure 7 The positions of the movable body 33 and the position of the retaining body through hole 40 provided in the retaining body 32 are consistent when viewed from above. Furthermore, the locking position of the movable body 33 refers to the position where the movable body 33 is locked onto the constricted neck 210 of the container 200. That is, it is the relative position of the movable body 33 with respect to the retaining body 32 as follows: the movable body 33 travels a predetermined distance from its non-locking position along the radial direction of the retaining body 32 towards the center of the retaining body 32, thereby being positioned at the movable body through hole 50, the large arc-shaped cutout 51, and the small arc-shaped cutout 52 of the movable body 33 (see reference). Figure 7 Each edge enters the constricted neck 210 of the container 200.

[0086] <Rotary Drive Mechanism>

[0087] like Figure 2As shown, the rotary drive mechanism 22 includes a drive motor 91, a rotary shaft 92, and a rotor 93. The drive motor 91 is disposed inside the housing 20 at its rear left corner, with its output shaft passing through the upper surface plate 25 of the housing 20. The rotary shaft 92 extends vertically coaxially with the rotating body 21 and passes through the upper surface plate 25 of the housing 20 at a predetermined distance from the output shaft of the drive motor 91. The rotary shaft 92 is rotatably supported on the upper surface plate 25 of the housing 20 via a bearing member 94. A drive timing pulley 95 is fixed to the output shaft of the drive motor 91. A driven timing pulley 96 is fixed to the lower end of the rotary shaft 92. A timing belt 97 is wound and mounted on the drive timing pulley 95 and the driven timing pulley 96. The rotor 93 is coaxially fixed to the upper end of the rotary shaft 92. In rotor 93, the support disk 35 of rotating body 21 is fixed coaxially and detachably. In rotary drive mechanism 22, rotational power from the output shaft of drive motor 91 is transmitted to rotating body 21 via drive timing pulley 95, timing belt 97, driven timing pulley 96, rotating shaft 92, and rotor 93. Thus, by the forward / reverse operation of drive motor 91, rotating body 21 can be rotated in the forward / reverse direction.

[0088] <Pin-up Push Block>

[0089] Figure 10 yes Figure 2The enlarged view of part B. A pin-pushing block 100 is fixedly mounted on the upper surface plate 25 of the housing 20, corresponding to the sampling area of ​​the rotating body 21. This pin-pushing block 100 can contact the lower end of the elongated shaft portion 83 of the pin member 80 protruding from the lower surface of the rotary table 31. The pin-pushing block 100 is constructed of a rectangular block viewed from above, parallel to the tangential direction of the rotary table 31. The pin-pushing block 100 has a first inclined surface portion 101 inclined upwards toward the forward rotation direction of the rotating body 21, a second inclined surface portion 102 inclined upwards toward the reverse rotation direction of the rotating body 21, and a horizontal surface portion 103. The first inclined surface portion 101, the horizontal surface portion 103, and the second inclined surface portion 102 are arranged in the forward rotation direction of the rotating body 21 according to the described order. When the rotating body 21 rotates in the clockwise direction, the first inclined surface 101 abuts against the lower end of the elongated shaft portion 83 of the pin member 80, which is in a descending position and moves with the rotating body 21, and pushes the pin member 80 to a rising position as the rotating body 21 rotates. When the rotating body 21 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the second inclined surface 102 abuts against the lower end of the elongated shaft portion 83 of the pin member 80, which is in a descending position and moves with the rotating body 21, and pushes the pin member 80 to a rising position as the rotating body 21 rotates. In this way, the pin member 80, which is in a descending position, is pushed to a rising position as it moves through the sampling area by the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the rotating body 21.

[0090] The operation of the automatic analysis device 1A with the structure described above will be explained. Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of a rotating body 21 containing multiple containers 200. Figure 12 Show Figure 5 Enlarged view of part D, (a) is a state diagram of pin component 80 in the lowered position, and (b) is a state diagram of pin component 80 in the raised position.

[0091] like Figure 11 As shown, when changing the container 200, the movable body 33 located in the changing area (K) is moved to a non-clamping position by manual operation, thus achieving a non-clamping state. That is, by grasping the gripping part 63 of the movable body 33 located in the changing area (K) with a finger, the movable body 33 is pulled away from the rotation center of the rotating body 21, causing it to move to a non-clamping position, thus achieving a non-clamping state where the movable body 33 is not clamped to the constricted neck of the container 200.

[0092] like Figure 12As shown in (a), if the movable body 33 moves to the non-engaged position, the arc-shaped hole 56 in the irregular hole 55 and the small-diameter shaft 82 in the pin member 80 are aligned in plan view. Due to the gravity acting on the pin member 80, the pin member 80 descends to the position where the lower surface of the large-diameter shaft 81 (the stepped surface of the large-diameter shaft 81 and the small-diameter shaft 82) abuts against the periphery of the arc-shaped hole 56 in the irregular hole 55 (the descending position). When the pin member 80 is in the descending position, the small-diameter shaft 82 of the pin member 80 engages with the arc-shaped hole 56 in the irregular hole 55, and the pin member 80 and the movable body 33 are engaged, even if the movable body 33 is subjected to a pair of tension coil springs 75 (see reference). Figure 8 A force is applied toward the center of the retaining body 32, and the movable body 33 is also locked by the pin member 80 and cannot move from the non-locking position, thus maintaining the non-locking state. Thus, as... Figure 11 As shown in the enlarged view of the periphery of the container 200 in the replacement area, the pin member 80 reliably maintains the state in which the container 200 can be pulled upward from the holder 32, thus enabling a more stable replacement of the container 200. Then, in the replacement area (K), the container 200 currently placed on the rotary table 31, for example, after sample sampling, is pulled upward, and a new container 200 for which sample sampling will be performed thereafter is placed on the rotary table 31 through the movable body through hole 50 and the holder through hole 40, thereby replacing the container 200.

[0093] As described above, after the container 200 is replaced in the replacement area (K), the rotary drive mechanism 22 (see reference) is used. Figure 2 The rotating body 21 rotates in the forward direction, causing the container 200 to move towards the sampling area (S). The pin component 80, which moves towards the sampling area (S), is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, it passes over the pin push block 100. When passing over the pin push block 100, the lower end of the elongated shaft portion 83 of the pin member 80, which is in the lowered position, abuts against the first inclined surface 101 of the pin push block 100. At this time, a portion of the rotational power used to rotate the rotating body 21 is converted by the first inclined surface 101 of the pin push block 100 into a driving force for raising the pin member 80 to the raised position. As a result, the pin member 80 rises toward the raised position, as shown. Figure 12 As shown in (b), when the pin member 80 rises to the position where the small-diameter shaft portion 82 of the pin member 80 disengages from the arc-shaped hole portion 56 of the irregular hole portion 55 (rising position), the pin member 80 and the movable body 33 are in a non-engaged state, and are connected by a pair of tension coil springs 75 (see reference). Figure 8 The movable body 33, which applies force toward the center of the retaining body 32, is allowed to move toward the locking position due to the presence of the rounded semi-rectangular hole 57 in the irregular hole 55, thus moving toward the locking position. In this way, as... Figure 11As shown in the enlarged view of the periphery of the container 200 located in the sampling area, when the movable body 33 moves to the hook position, the movable body through hole 50, the large arc-shaped cutout 51, and the small arc-shaped cutout 52 (see reference) provided in the movable body 33 Figure 7 Each edge enters the constricted neck 210 of the container 200 (in Figure 11 The text only indicates the state where the edge of the movable body through hole 50 enters the constriction 210, thus achieving a state where the movable body 33 is engaged with the constriction 210 of the container 200. Then, the sample contained in the container 200, where the movable body 33 is engaged, is dispensed. That is, via the drive unit 12 (see...). Figure 1 The nozzle unit 11 is positioned such that the nozzle 13 is positioned above the container 200 of the sampling object by the drive control of the nozzle unit 11. After the nozzle unit 11 is lowered to a position where the nozzle 13 can penetrate the seal 208 to attract the sample inside the container 200, the sample inside the container 200 is attracted by the suction action based on the nozzle unit 11. After the suction action, the nozzle unit 11 is raised to pull the nozzle 13 out of the seal 208. At this time, due to the friction generated between the nozzle 13 and the seal 208, the container 200 and the nozzle 13 rise together. When the container 200 is in the sampling area (S), as Figure 11 As shown in the enlarged view of the periphery of the container 200 located in the sampling area, the container 200 is fixed in a state to prevent it from falling upwards by a movable body 33 that is engaged with the constricted neck 210 of the container 200. Therefore, when the nozzle 13 is withdrawn after the sample is drawn into the container 200, the movable body 33 can prevent the container 200 from being lifted due to friction generated between the nozzle 13 and the seal 208, thus preventing the undesirable floating of the container 200. This effect of preventing the container from floating can be achieved by a structure in which the movable body 33, which is made of a thin plate-like member that can enter the constricted neck 210 of the container 200, is engaged with the constricted neck 210 of the container 200, thus enabling the device (rotating body 21) to be made thinner.

[0094] According to the container transfer device 5A in the aforementioned automatic analysis device 1A, in the sampling area, the movable body 33 automatically engages with the container 200, fixing the container 200 in a way that prevents it from slipping upwards, thus reliably preventing the container 200 from being forgotten to be secured. Furthermore, in the replacement area, the container 200 can be easily replaced by inserting or removing it from the retainer 32, thereby improving the safety of container replacement operations. Additionally, the rotating body 21 can be easily installed and removed by fixing / unfixing the support disc 35 relative to the rotor 93, improving maintainability. Moreover, if multiple rotating bodies 21 are prepared for various containers 200, they can be adapted to various containers 200 simply by replacing the rotating body 21.

[0095] Furthermore, in the container transfer device 5A, the range of the replacement area and the sampling area can be adjusted by adjusting the number of movable bodies 33 and their circumferential length.

[0096] [Second Implementation]

[0097] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the automatic analysis device 1B equipped with the container transfer device 5B according to the second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front side. In the second embodiment, the same or identical parts as in the first embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals in the figure, and detailed descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the parts unique to the second embodiment.

[0098] exist Figure 13 In the automatic analysis device 1B of the second embodiment shown, the container transfer device 5B includes a switching mechanism 110, which automatically switches the movable body 33 in a latched state and a non-clamped state relative to the constricted neck 210 of the container 200 in the sampling area (S) and the replacement area (K).

[0099] <Switching mechanism>

[0100] The switching mechanism 110 consists of a tension coil spring 75, which acts as a force-applying member to exert force on the movable body 33 toward the constricted neck 210 of the container 200, and a cam 111, which uses the rotational power used to rotate the rotating body 21 to move the movable body 33 away from the constricted neck 210 of the container 200 in the direction of pulling away in the switching area (K).

[0101] Cam

[0102] The cam 111 is a plate-shaped member of a predetermined thickness with a roughly fan-shaped central angle of approximately 90°, formed with reference to the center of the retainer 32. It is disposed within the replacement region (K) of the hollow center portion of the rotating body 21, which is integrally formed as a hollow disk, at a height position capable of abutting against the inner arcuate portion 45 of the movable body 33. The cam 111 is fixed to the upper end of a support shaft 112, which passes through the rotor 93 and the rotating shaft 92 (see reference 22) in the rotary drive mechanism 22. Figure 2 Each of them is fixedly mounted on the lower surface plate 26 of the housing 20 at its respective axis center.

[0103] The cam 111 has a bulge 113 formed at the circumferential center and non-bulge portions 114 formed on both sides of the bulge 113. The bulge 113 is formed in an arcuate bulge shape extending from a first imaginary circle to a second imaginary circle. The radius of the first imaginary circle is the same as the length of the top view distance between the inner arcuate portion 45 of the movable body 33 in the latched position and the center of the retainer 32. The radius of the second imaginary circle is the same as the length of the top view distance between the inner arcuate portion 45 of the movable body 33 in the non-latched position and the center of the retainer 32. The non-bulge portions 114 are formed to extend along the tangential direction of the retainer 32 inside the first imaginary circle.

[0104] In the automatic analysis device 1B configured as described above, when the movable body 33 of the rotating body 21, which rotates in the forward direction via the rotary drive mechanism 22, moves from the sampling area (S) to the replacement area (K), the bulge 113 of the cam 111 abuts against the inner arcuate portion 45 of the movable body 33. A portion of the rotational power used to rotate the rotating body 21 is converted by the cam 111 into a driving force that drives the movable body 33 away from the constricted neck 210 of the container 200 in a pulling direction. As a result, the movable body 33 moves towards a non-clamped position along the direction away from the constricted neck 210 of the container 200, becoming a non-clamped state where the movable body 33 is not clamped to the constricted neck 210. When the movable body 33 moves towards the non-clamped position, as... Figure 12 As shown in (a), the arc-shaped hole 56 of the irregular hole 55 is aligned with the top view position of the small-diameter shaft 82 of the pin member 80. Due to the gravity acting on the pin member 80, the pin member 80 descends to the position where the lower surface of the large-diameter shaft 81 (the stepped surface between the large-diameter shaft 81 and the small-diameter shaft 82) abuts against the periphery of the arc-shaped hole 56 of the irregular hole 55 (the descending position). When the pin member 80 is in the descending position, the small-diameter shaft 82 of the pin member 80 engages with the arc-shaped hole 56 of the irregular hole 55. The pin member 80, mounted on the rotary table 31 and the retainer 32 in a way that allows it to move up and down, is engaged with the movable body 33, even if the movable body 33 is subjected to a pair of tension coil springs 75 (see reference). Figure 8A force is applied toward the center of the retainer 32, and the movable body 33 is also locked by the pin member 80 and cannot move from the non-locked position, thus maintaining the non-locked state. In this way, the pin member 80 reliably maintains the state in which the container 200 can be pulled out of the retainer 32 upwards, making the replacement of the container 200 more stable. Then, in the replacement area (K), the container 200 that has been sampled and is currently placed on the rotary table 31 is pulled out upwards, and a new container 200 that will be sampled thereafter is placed on the rotary table 31 through the movable body through hole 50 and the retainer through hole 40, thereby replacing the container 200.

[0105] As described above, after the container is replaced in the replacement area (K), if the rotating body 21 is rotated in the forward direction using the rotary drive mechanism 22 to move the container 200 towards the sampling area (S), then, similar to the automatic analysis device 1A of the first embodiment, under the action of the pin push block 100, the pin member 80 rises towards the rising position, as... Figure 12 As shown in (b), the pin member 80 and the movable body 33 are in a non-engaged state, connected by a pair of tension coil springs 75 (see reference). Figure 8 The movable body 33, which applies force toward the center of the retainer 32, moves to the locking position. As a result, the edges of the movable body through hole 50, the large arc-shaped cutout 51, and the small arc-shaped cutout 52 provided on the movable body 33 enter the constricted neck 210 of the container 200, so that the movable body 33 is locked in the constricted neck 210. When the nozzle 13 is pulled out after the sample is attracted into the container 200, the movable body 33 can prevent the container 200 from being lifted, and can reliably prevent the undesirable floating of the container 200.

[0106] In the automatic analysis device 1B, by simply rotating the rotating body 21 on which the container 200 is placed on the rotating stage 31 in the forward (or reverse) direction and moving the container 200 between the replacement area (K) and the sampling area (S), the non-clamped state of the movable body 33 not clamped to the constricted neck 210 of the container 200 and the clamped state of the movable body 33 clamped to the constricted neck 210 of the container 200 can be automatically switched.

[0107] The above describes several embodiments of the container transfer device of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the structure described in the above embodiments, and its structure can be appropriately modified without departing from its spirit.

[0108] Industrial availability

[0109] The container transfer device of the present invention can be used by research institutions, inspection agencies, universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, industrial pharmaceutical manufacturers, cosmetic manufacturers, food manufacturers, etc., for transferring containers containing liquid samples such as medicines or beverages.

[0110] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0111] 1A and 1B Automatic Analysis Devices

[0112] 5A and 5B container transfer devices

[0113] 31 Rotary Table

[0114] 32. Maintain body

[0115] 33. Movable body (fixed mechanism)

[0116] 75 Tension coil spring (force-applying component)

[0117] 80 pin components

[0118] 100-pin push block

[0119] 110 switching mechanism

[0120] 111 Cam

[0121] 200 containers

[0122] 210 Neck Retraction

[0123] K Replacement Area

[0124] S sampling area.

Claims

1. A container transfer device, comprising: A rotating stage for holding a container containing a sample and for moving the container between a replacement area and a sampling area; A retainer that holds the container placed on the rotating platform so that it can be pulled upwards; and A fixing mechanism that secures the container in the sampling area to prevent it from detaching upwards. The container has a constricted neck. The fixing mechanism is configured to secure the container in a state that prevents it from slipping upwards by engaging the constricted neck with a movable body capable of moving relative to it. The container transfer device includes a switching mechanism that automatically switches the movable body in a locked and non-locked state relative to the constricted neck of the container between the sampling area and the replacement area. The switching mechanism includes: A force-applying member that applies a force to the movable body toward the constricted neck of the container; as well as A cam, which uses rotational power to rotate the turntable, moves the movable body in the changing area in a direction that pulls the movable body away from the constricted neck of the container.

2. The container transfer device according to claim 1, wherein, The container transfer device includes a pin member that maintains the movable body in a non-clamped state relative to the container in the replacement area.

3. The container transfer device according to claim 2, wherein, The pin component is mounted on the retainer in a manner that allows it to move up and down. When the pin is in the lowered position, it engages with the movable body and remains in a non-engaged state; when the pin is in the raised position, it is in a non-engaged state and does not remain in a non-engaged state. The container transfer device includes a pin-pushing block that uses rotational power to rotate the turntable to push the pin component toward the rising position in the sampling area.

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