Sample lifting mechanism and sample conveying device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sample lifting mechanism and a sample conveying device, which can carry out a sample holder without turning over the sample holder. To this end, this specimen lifting mechanism is provided with a specimen holder loading unit on which a specimen holder is loaded and which is rotatable about a rotation axis, and is a mechanism for lifting and removing the specimen holder loaded into the specimen holder loading unit, and after the lifting operation of the rotation axis is completed, the specimen holder loading unit is rotated about the rotation axis. The specimen holder mounting unit starts an operation of rotating about the rotation axis. In addition, the sample conveying device of the present invention comprises: a first conveying line for conveying the sample holder; a second conveyor line that is disposed above or below the first conveyor line and conveys the sample holder; and the detection body lifting mechanism is used for lifting and lowering the detection body support when the detection body support conveyed by the first conveying line is carried in, and carrying the detection body support out to the second conveying line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a test object lifting mechanism and a test object conveying device. Background Art

[0002] In a system for testing a sample, in addition to an analyzer, a plurality of conveyor lines for conveying the sample are provided. In particular, when the conveyor lines are arranged vertically, a mechanism is required to lift the sample from one conveyor line to another conveyor line.

[0003] Here, as a technology that does not require a dedicated drive source to be transferred when an article is moved in or out between a conveying mechanism and a conveying line if the conveying object is not limited to a detection object, for example, Patent Document 1 is known. Patent Document 1 discloses the following: when a loading portion (lifting roller base) of an article (tray) is lifted and lowered and contacts a stopper at a predetermined height, the loading portion rotates around a fulcrum provided on the bottom surface of the loading portion, and the article is moved out by its own weight by tilting the loading portion.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-260523 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the loading unit rotates to carry out the object, the fulcrum of the rotation axis rises or falls. That is, since the rotation of the loading unit and the up-and-down movement of the rotation axis are performed in parallel, the positional relationship between the loading unit and the conveyor line (the carrying destination) may be offset depending on the time when the object is carried out. In particular, when the conveying object is a relatively small sample holder, even a slight positional offset may cause the sample holder to fall over.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a sample lifting mechanism and a sample conveying device that can carry out a sample without causing a sample rack to fall over.

[0010] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the sample lifting mechanism of the present invention has a sample holder loading part that loads the sample holder and can rotate around a rotation axis, and is a mechanism that lifts and unloads the sample holder loaded into the sample holder loading part. After the lifting and lowering action of the rotation axis is completed, the sample holder loading part starts to rotate around the rotation axis. In addition, the sample conveying device of the present invention has: a first conveying line that conveys the sample holder; a second conveying line that is arranged above or below the first conveying line and conveys the sample holder; and the above-mentioned sample lifting mechanism, which lifts and lowers the sample holder when the sample holder conveyed by the first conveying line is moved in, and unloads the sample holder to the second conveying line.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sample lifting mechanism and a sample transport device that can carry out a sample without causing the sample holder to fall over. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a plan view showing the structure of a sample inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the state before the sample holder is loaded in the sample transport device of Example 1.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the state of the sample transport device of Example 1 immediately after the sample rack is loaded.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a side view showing a state immediately after the driving base is raised and the contact piece comes into contact with the loading base in the sample transport device of Example 1.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a side view showing a state immediately after the driven base contacts the upper stopper after the driving base further rises in the sample transport device of Example 1.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the state immediately after the driving base further rises and reaches the carrying-out position in the sample transporting device of Example 1.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a side view showing the state of the sample transport device of Example 1 immediately after the sample rack is carried out.

[0021] Figure 8This is a side view showing a state in which the driving base is lowered and the driven base is immediately before separating from the upper stopper in the sample transport device of Example 1.

[0022] Fig. 9 This is a side view showing a state immediately after the driven base contacts the lower stopper after the driving base further descends in the sample transport device of Example 1.

[0023] Fig.10 This is a side view showing a state in which the driving base further descends and reaches the initial position in the sample transport device of Example 1.

[0024] Fig.11 This is a side view showing the state before the sample holder is loaded in the sample transport device of Example 2.

[0025] Fig.12 This is a side view showing the state of the sample transport device of Example 2 immediately after the sample rack is loaded.

[0026] Fig.13 This is a side view showing a state immediately after the driving base is lowered and the contact piece comes into contact with the sample holder loading portion in the sample transport device of the second embodiment.

[0027] Fig.14 This is a side view showing a state immediately after the driven base contacts the lower stopper after the driving base further descends in the sample transport device of Example 2.

[0028] Fig.15 This is a side view showing the state of the sample transport device of Example 2, when the driving base is further lowered and immediately reaches the carry-out position.

[0029] Fig.16 This is a side view showing the state of the sample transport device of Example 2, immediately after the sample rack is carried out.

[0030] Fig.17 This is a side view showing a state in which the driving base is ascending and the driven base is immediately before it leaves the lower stopper in the sample transport device of the second embodiment.

[0031] Fig.18 This is a side view showing a state immediately after the driven base contacts the upper stopper after the driving base further rises in the sample transport device of Example 2.

[0032] Fig.19 This is a side view showing a state in which the driving base further rises and reaches the initial position in the sample transport device of Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a top view showing the structure of a sample inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the sample inspection system of this embodiment includes a pretreatment device 1, a sample conveying device 2, an analysis device 3, and a conveying line 4. The pretreatment device 1 performs pretreatment of the sample before the analysis process by the analysis device 3. Specifically, after the operator puts the sample container containing the sample, centrifugal separation, plug opening, and dispensing are performed according to the commissioned project. In addition, the pretreatment device 1 and the sample conveying device 2 have a conveying line 4, and the pretreated sample is conveyed to the sample conveying device 2 together with the sample holder supporting the sample container through the conveying line 4.

[0035] The sample conveying device 2 transfers the sample rack conveyed from the pretreatment device 1 to a different conveying line 4 and conveys it to the analysis device 3. As a sample lifting mechanism, it has a sample rack lifting mechanism 5 and a sample rack lowering mechanism 6. In addition, as described later, the sample conveying device 2 also has a first conveying line and a second conveying line arranged above or below the first conveying line. For example, after the sample conveying device 2 raises and lowers the sample rack conveyed from the first conveying line by the sample lifting mechanism, it conveys it from the second conveying line to the analysis device 3. The analysis device 3 analyzes the sample in the sample container supported by the conveyed sample rack.

[0036] Hereinafter, in Example 1, the case where the sample lifting mechanism is the sample holder lifting mechanism 5 is described, and in Example 2, the case where the sample lifting mechanism is the sample holder lowering mechanism 6 is described. Here, in the case of Example 1, the first conveyor line becomes the lower conveyor line 4a arranged at the bottom, and the second conveyor line becomes the upper conveyor line 4b arranged at the top. On the other hand, in the case of Example 2, the first conveyor line becomes the upper conveyor line 4b arranged at the top, and the second conveyor line becomes the lower conveyor line 4a arranged at the bottom. In addition, the sample holder lifting mechanism 5 and the sample holder lowering mechanism 6 are not limited to being mounted on the sample conveying device 2, but can also be mounted on other modules such as the pre-processing device 1.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] Example 1 relates to a sample transport device including a sample holder lifting mechanism 5, and the following uses Figures 2 to 10 Provide explanation.

[0039] like Figures 2 to 10As shown, the sample conveying device 2 of this embodiment includes a lower conveying line 4a (first conveying line), an upper conveying line 4b (second conveying line), and a sample rack lifting mechanism 5. The lower conveying line 4a conveys the sample rack 10 in a direction close to the sample rack lifting mechanism 5 (left direction in each figure), and at its end, moves the sample rack 10 into the sample rack lifting mechanism 5. On the other hand, the upper conveying line 4b moves the sample rack 10 out of the sample rack lifting mechanism 5 at its end, and conveys the sample rack 10 in a direction away from the sample rack lifting mechanism 5 (right direction in each figure).

[0040] Next, the structure of the sample rack lifting mechanism 5 is described. The sample rack lifting mechanism 5 is arranged adjacent to each conveyor line, and is a delivery mechanism for lifting the sample rack 10 carried in from the lower conveyor line 4a and carrying out the sample rack 10 to the upper conveyor line 4b. The sample rack lifting mechanism 5 includes a sample rack loading unit 11, a driven base 15, a power supply unit, a lifting rail 22, a driving base 26, a lifting spring 33 (first elastic body), a lower stopper 23, an upper stopper 24, an initial position detection sensor 30, and a carry-out position detection sensor 31.

[0041] First, the sample holder loading part 11 is composed of a loading surface 111, a holder stopper 112, a loading guide 113, a loading base 114, a first rotation spring mounting part 18, and a holder detection sensor 37. The loading surface 111 is a surface on which the sample holder 10 is loaded. The holder stopper 112 is a stopper that prevents the sample holder 10 from falling in the radial direction of the rotation track and tipping over. The loading guide 113 is a guide that prevents the sample holder 10 from falling in the axial direction of the rotation track and tipping over. The loading base 114 is a base that supports the loading surface 111 from below. The first rotation spring mounting part 18 is a component for mounting one end of the rotation spring 19 on the loading base 114. The holder detection sensor 37 is a sensor that detects whether the sample holder 10 is present on the sample holder loading part 11.

[0042] The sample rack loading unit 11 thus constructed is connected to the driven base 15 via a horizontal rotation axis 116 and can rotate around the rotation axis 116. Furthermore, the sample rack loading unit 11 is inclined so as to rise toward the lower conveyor line 4a so as to receive the sample rack 10 from the lower conveyor line 4a when the sample rack 10 is carried in. Thus, the sample rack 10 is unlikely to fall even when the sample rack loading unit 11 is rising.

[0043] The driven base 15 is composed of a driven block 21, a support column 32, a second rotating spring mounting portion 17, and a rotating stopper 20. The driven block 21 is a block for connecting the driven base 15 to the lifting rail 22 described later to guide the lifting and lowering action of the driven base 15. The support column 32 extends downward and passes through a support column guide 38 of the driving block 25 described later. The second rotating spring mounting portion 17 is a member for mounting the other end of the rotating spring 19 to the driven block 21. In addition, the rotating spring 19 (second elastic body) applies a force to rotate the sample holder loading portion 11 in the counterclockwise direction of each figure by connecting the first rotating spring mounting portion 18 to the second rotating spring mounting portion 17. The rotating stopper 20 is a stopper for limiting the rotation range of the sample holder loading portion 11. Except when the sample holder 10 is carried out, the lower surface of the loading base 114 contacts the rotating stopper 20 to keep the sample holder loading portion 11 in a tilted state.

[0044] The power supply unit is composed of an elevating motor 29 as a driving source and an elevating belt 28 as a moving body extending vertically and being raised and lowered by the elevating motor 29 .

[0045] The lifting rail 22 is a rail extending vertically in parallel with the lifting belt 28 , and is connected to the aforementioned driven block 21 and the later-described driving block 25 .

[0046] The driving base 26 is composed of a driving block 25, a belt holder 27, a pillar guide 38, a bushing 34, a retaining ring 35 and a contact member 36. The driving block 25 is a block for connecting the driving base 26 to the lifting rail 22 and guiding the lifting action of the driving base 26. The belt holder 27 fixes the driving base 26 to the lifting belt 28. As a result, the driving base 26 can be lifted and lowered integrally with the lifting belt 28 while being guided by the lifting rail 22. The pillar guide 38 extends toward the front of each figure and is formed with a through hole (not shown). The through hole is sized to allow the pillar 32 to pass through but not the lifting spring 33 described later to pass through. The bushing 34 is fixed to a predetermined position near the lower end of the pillar 32 and has a shape larger than the through hole. Therefore, when the predetermined distance from the driving base 26 to the driven base 15 is reached, the upper surface of the bushing 34 contacts the lower surface of the pillar guide 38, limiting the distance to be greater than that. The retaining ring 35 plays a role in fixing the bushing 34 to the support column 32. The contact piece 36 is a portion extending upward from the driving base 26 and in contact with the lower surface of the mounting base 114 of the sample holder mounting unit 11.

[0047] The lifting spring 33 is inserted in the vertical direction relative to the outer diameter side of the support column 32 and is arranged between the upper surface of the support column guide 38 and the lower surface of the driven base 15, connecting the driving base 26 and the driven base 15. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3In the state), the lifting spring 33 is of free length and does not generate elastic force to push up the driven base 15. The lower surface of the driven base 15 contacts the lower side stopper 23 described later, and the load of the driven base 15 is supported by the lower side stopper 23.

[0048] The lower stopper 23 (carry-in stopper) is provided at a predetermined height to restrict the vertical movement of the driven base 15 when the sample holder 10 is carried in.

[0049] The upper stopper 24 (stopper for carrying out) is provided at a predetermined height above the lower stopper 23 and is a stopper for restricting the vertical movement of the driven base 15 when carrying out the sample holder 10 .

[0050] The initial position detection sensor 30 is used to detect whether the drive base 26 is at the initial position, that is, whether the drive base 26 is at the initial position. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 Thus, the sensor is located at the lowest position and is in a state where the sample holder 10 can start to be carried in.

[0051] The unloading position detection sensor 31 detects whether the drive base 26 is at the unloading position, that is, whether the drive base 26 is at the unloading position. Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 Thus, the sensor is located at the highest position and is in a state where the sample holder 10 can be carried out.

[0052] Next, the operation of the sample holder lifting mechanism 5 will be described. Figures 2 to 6 The process of driving the base 26 to rise after the sample holder loading unit 11 loads the sample holder 10 is shown. Figures 7 to 10 The process of driving the base 26 downward in a state where the sample rack loading section 11 is empty is shown.

[0053] Figure 2 1 is a side view showing the state before the sample holder 10 is loaded into the sample conveying device of Example 1. At this time, the driving base 26 is at the initial position, so the initial position detection sensor 30 is turned on. In addition, since the sample holder 10 has not yet been loaded into the sample holder loading section 11, the holder detection sensor 37 is turned off. In addition, the unloading position detection sensor 31 is turned off.

[0054] Figure 3 1 is a side view showing the state of the sample holder 10 just after being loaded in the sample conveying device of Example 1. When the sample holder 10 conveyed by the lower conveying line 4a is placed on the rotating shaft 116 and the loading surface 111, it slides on the loading surface 111 toward the left side of the figure due to the inclination of the sample holder loading part 11. The sliding sample holder 10 contacts the holder stopper 112 and stops. At this time, the holder detection sensor 37 is turned on.

[0055] Figure 4 1 is a side view showing a state in which the driving base 26 is raised and the contact member 36 has just come into contact with the loading base 114 in the sample transport device of Example 1. Figure 3 When the driving base 26 is rotated counterclockwise in the state of being rotated counterclockwise, the driving base 26 rises together with the lifting belt 28. At this time, the initial position detection sensor 30 is disconnected. In addition, when the driving base 26 rises, the relative distance between the driving base 26 and the driven base 15 becomes smaller, so the lifting spring 33 contracts, and the contact piece 36 contacts the lower surface of the loading base 114.

[0056] Figure 5 1 is a side view showing a state in which the driving base 26 is further raised and the driven base 15 is just in contact with the upper stopper 24 in the sample transport device of Example 1. Figure 4 When the driven base 26 is further rotated counterclockwise in this state, the driving base 26 rises further together with the lifting belt 28. At this time, the driven base 15 is pushed up by the elastic force of the lifting spring 33, and the loading base 114 is pushed up by the contact piece 36, so that the sample holder loading part 11 also rises. In addition, the elastic force of the lifting spring 33 is set to be smaller than the elastic force of the rotation spring 19. Therefore, the sample holder loading part 11 hardly rotates during the rising action of the driven base 15 and maintains the inclined state. If the driven base 15 rises and contacts the upper stopper 24 located at a predetermined height, the further rise is restricted and stopped, and it becomes Figure 5 Status shown.

[0057] Figure 6 1 is a side view showing a state in which the driving base 26 is further raised and has just reached the carrying-out position in the sample conveying device of Example 1. Figure 5 When the state is further rotated counterclockwise, the driving base 26 and the lifting belt 28 are further raised. In this way, when the driving base 26 is further raised after the driven base 15 contacts the upper stopper 24, the loading base 114 is also pushed up by the contact member 36. Figure 6 As shown, while the heights of the driven base 15 and the rotating shaft 116 remain unchanged, as the driving base 26 rises, the lifting spring 33 contracts and the rotating spring 19 extends, whereby the sample holder loading portion 11 rotates clockwise around the rotating shaft 116. At this time, the unloading position detection sensor 31 is turned on.

[0058] Figure 71 is a side view showing the state of the sample holder 10 just after being carried out in the sample conveying device of Example 1. When the sample holder loading section 11 is rotated to be in an inclined state descending toward the upper conveying line 4b, the sample holder 10 slides on the loading surface 111 toward the right side of the figure, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the bracket is carried out to the upper conveyor line 4b. At this time, the bracket detection sensor 37 is disconnected.

[0059] When the unloading of the sample rack 10 is completed, the sample rack lifting mechanism 5 rotates the lifting motor 29 clockwise to lower the driving base 26 together with the lifting belt 28 in order to load the next sample rack 10 .

[0060] Figure 8 1 is a side view showing a state in which the driving base 26 is lowered and the driven base 15 is about to separate from the upper stopper 24 in the sample transport device of Example 1. Figure 7 The state of the carrying-out position detection sensor 31 is disconnected. And, as the driving base 26 descends, the lifting spring 33 gradually recovers from the contracted state, and the rotating spring 19 gradually recovers from the extended state, thereby maintaining the height of the driven base 15 and the rotating shaft 116.

[0061] Fig. 9 1 is a side view showing a state immediately after the driven base 15 contacts the lower stopper 23 when the driving base 26 is further lowered in the sample transport device of Example 1. Figure 8 When the state of the driven base 15 is further lowered, the driven base 15 and the rotating shaft 116 also fall. If the driven base 15 falls and contacts the lower stopper 23 located at a predetermined height, further descent is restricted and stopped, and the driven base 15 and the rotating shaft 116 are also lowered. Fig. 9 Status shown.

[0062] Fig.10 1 is a side view showing a state in which the driving base 26 further descends and reaches the initial position in the sample transport device of Example 1. Fig. 9 When the state is further lowered, the relative distance between the driving base 26 and the driven base 15 increases, so the contact member 36 is separated from the loading base 114, and the lifting spring 33 is extended. Fig.10 As shown, the driving base 26 returns to the initial position, and the initial position detection sensor 30 is turned on.

[0063] As described above, in the sample holder lifting mechanism 5 of the present embodiment, when the driving base 26 and the lifting motor 29 are rotated and lifted integrally, the driven base 15 supporting the sample holder loading part 11 is lifted in conjunction. In addition, after the lifting action of the rotating shaft 116 and the driven base 15 is completed, the sample holder loading part 11 starts to rotate around the rotating shaft 116. Therefore, when the sample holder 10 is carried out by the rotation of the sample holder loading part 11, the positional deviation between the starting end of the upper conveyor line 4b, which is the carrying-out destination, and the upper conveyor line 4b side end of the loading surface 111 in the sample holder loading part 11 becomes smaller. As a result, it is possible to prevent the sample holder 10 from tipping over when being carried out. In particular, since the rotating shaft 116 is located at the end (on the upper conveyor line 4b side) of the loading surface 111, the gap between the loading surface 111 and the upper conveyor line 4b when being carried out becomes smaller. Therefore, the sample holder 10 can pass through the loading surface 111 while sliding on the rotation shaft 116 and smoothly reach the upper conveyor line 4 b.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] Example 2 relates to a sample transport device including a sample support lowering mechanism 6, as follows, using Figures 11 to 19 Provide explanation.

[0066] like Figures 11 to 19 As shown, the sample conveying device 2 of this embodiment includes an upper conveying line 4b (first conveying line), a lower conveying line 4a (second conveying line), and a sample holder descending mechanism 6. The upper conveying line 4b conveys the sample holder 10 in a direction close to the sample holder descending mechanism 6 (left direction in each figure), and at its end, moves the sample holder 10 into the sample holder descending mechanism 6. On the other hand, the lower conveying line 4a moves the sample holder 10 out of the sample holder descending mechanism 6 at its end, and conveys the sample holder 10 in a direction away from the sample holder descending mechanism 6 (right direction in each figure).

[0067] Next, the structure of the sample rack lowering mechanism 6 will be described. The sample rack lowering mechanism 6 is arranged adjacent to each conveyor line, and is a delivery mechanism for the sample rack 10 that is carried in from the upper conveyor line 4b and is carried out to the lower conveyor line 4a. The sample rack lowering mechanism 6 is similar to the sample rack raising mechanism 5 of Example 1 and includes a sample rack loading part 11, a driven base 15, a power supply part, a lifting rail 22, a driving base 26, a lifting spring 33 (first elastic body), a lower stopper 23, an upper stopper 24, an initial position detection sensor 30, and a carry-out position detection sensor 31. The structure of the sample rack lowering mechanism 6 is basically the same as that of the sample rack raising mechanism 5 of Example 1, so only the differences will be described here.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the upper stopper 24 serves as a stopper for carrying in, and the lower stopper 23 serves as a stopper for carrying out. In addition, in the present embodiment, the initial position detection sensor 30 is located above the carry-out position detection sensor 31. Furthermore, the contact member 36 of the present embodiment is configured to extend downward from the drive base 26 and to contact the upper surface of the portion extending from the specimen holder loading portion 11 toward the right side of each figure. In addition, in the present embodiment, a tension spring is used as the lifting spring 33. In addition, the support 32, support guide 38, bushing 34 and retaining ring 35 provided in the specimen holder lifting mechanism 5 of the first embodiment are not provided in the specimen holder lowering mechanism 6 of the present embodiment.

[0069] Next, the operation of the sample holder lowering mechanism 6 will be described. Figures 11 to 15 2 shows the process of driving the base 26 to descend after the sample holder 10 is loaded on the sample holder loading section 11. Figures 16 to 19 The figure shows a process of driving the base 26 upward in a state where the sample rack mounting portion 11 is empty.

[0070] Fig.11 1 is a side view showing the state before the sample holder 10 is loaded into the sample conveying device of Example 2. At this time, the driving base 26 is located at the initial position, so the initial position detection sensor 30 is turned on. In addition, since the sample holder 10 has not yet been loaded into the sample holder loading section 11, the holder detection sensor 37 is turned off. In addition, the unloading position detection sensor 31 is turned off.

[0071] Fig.12 1 is a side view showing the state of the sample holder 10 just after being loaded in the sample conveying device of Example 2. When the sample holder 10 conveyed by the upper conveying line 4b is placed on the rotating shaft 116 and the loading surface 111, it slides on the loading surface 111 toward the left side of the figure due to the inclination of the sample holder loading part 11. The sliding sample holder 10 contacts the holder stopper 112 and stops. At this time, the holder detection sensor 37 is turned on.

[0072] Fig.13 1 is a side view showing a state in which the driving base 26 is lowered and the contact member 36 has just come into contact with the sample holder loading portion 11 in the sample transport device of Example 2. Fig.12 When the driving base 26 is rotated clockwise in the state of being rotated clockwise, the driving base 26 and the lifting belt 28 are lowered together. At this time, the initial position detection sensor 30 is turned off. In addition, when the driving base 26 is lowered, the relative distance between the driving base 26 and the driven base 15 becomes smaller, so the lifting spring 33 contracts, and the contact piece 36 contacts the upper surface of the specimen holder loading part 11.

[0073] Fig.14 1 is a side view showing a state in which the driven base 15 has just come into contact with the lower stopper 23 after the driving base 26 has further descended in the sample transport device of Example 2. Fig.13 When the driven base 26 is further rotated clockwise in the state, the driving base 26 and the lifting belt 28 are further lowered. At this time, the driven base 15 is pressed down by the elastic force of the lifting spring 33, and the loading base 114 is pressed down by the contact piece 36, so that the sample holder loading part 11 is also lowered. In addition, the elastic force of the lifting spring 33 is set to be smaller than the elastic force of the rotation spring 19. Therefore, the sample holder loading part 11 hardly rotates during the descending action of the driven base 15 and maintains the inclined state. If the driven base 15 descends and contacts the lower stopper 23 located at a predetermined height, the further descent is restricted and stopped, and it becomes Fig.14 Status shown.

[0074] Fig.15 1 is a side view showing the state of the sample transport device of Example 2, in which the driving base 26 is further lowered and has just reached the unloading position. Fig.14 When the state of further rotating clockwise, the driving base 26 and the lifting belt 28 are further lowered.

[0075] In this way, even when the driving base 26 is further lowered after the driven base 15 contacts the lower stopper 23, the pressing of the sample holder mounting portion 11 by the contact member 36 is continued. Fig.15 As shown, while the heights of the driven base 15 and the rotating shaft 116 remain unchanged, as the driving base 26 descends, the lifting spring 33 contracts and the rotating spring 19 extends, whereby the sample holder loading portion 11 rotates clockwise around the rotating shaft 116. At this time, the unloading position detection sensor 31 is turned on.

[0076] Fig.16 1 is a side view showing the state of the sample holder 10 just after being carried out in the sample conveying device of Example 2. When the sample holder loading section 11 rotates and becomes inclined to descend toward the lower conveying line 4a, the sample holder 10 slides on the loading surface 111 toward the right side of the figure, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown, the bracket is carried out to the lower conveyor line 4a. At this time, the bracket detection sensor 37 is turned off.

[0077] When the unloading of the sample rack 10 is completed, the sample rack lowering mechanism 6 rotates the lifting motor 29 counterclockwise to lift the driving base 26 together with the lifting belt 28 in order to load the next sample rack 10 .

[0078] Fig.171 is a side view showing a state in which the driving base 26 is raised and the driven base 15 is about to leave the lower stopper 23 in the sample transport device of Example 2. Fig.16 The state of the carrying position detection sensor 31 is disconnected. And, as the driving base 26 rises, the lifting spring 33 gradually recovers from the contracted state, and the rotating spring 19 gradually recovers from the extended state, thereby maintaining the height of the driven base 15 and the rotating shaft 116.

[0079] Fig.18 1 is a side view showing a state in which the driven base 15 has just come into contact with the upper stopper 24 after the driving base 26 has further risen in the sample transport device of Example 2. Fig.17 When the state of the driven base 15 is further raised, the driven base 15 and the rotating shaft 116 also rise. If the driven base 15 rises and contacts the upper stopper 24 located at a predetermined height, the further rise is restricted and stopped, and the driven base 15 is moved upward. Fig.18 Status shown.

[0080] Fig.19 1 is a side view showing a state in which the driving base 26 further rises and reaches the initial position in the sample transport device of Example 2. Fig.18 When the state of further rising, the relative distance between the driving base 26 and the driven base 15 increases, so the contact 36 is separated from the sample holder loading part 11 and the lifting spring 33 is extended. Fig.19 As shown, the driving base 26 returns to the initial position, and the initial position detection sensor 30 is turned on.

[0081] As described above, in the sample holder descending mechanism 6 of the present embodiment, when the driving base 26 and the lifting motor 29 rotate and descend in unison, the driven base 15 supporting the sample holder loading part 11 is linked to descend. In addition, after the rotation shaft 116 and the driven base 15 have completed the descending action, the sample holder loading part 11 starts the rotation action around the rotation shaft 116. Therefore, when the sample holder 10 is carried out by the rotation of the sample holder loading part 11, the positional deviation between the starting end of the lower conveyor line 4a, which is the carrying-out destination, and the lower conveyor line 4a side end of the loading surface 111 in the sample holder loading part 11 becomes smaller. As a result, it is possible to prevent the sample holder 10 from tipping over when being carried out. In particular, since the rotation shaft 116 is located at the end (on the lower conveyor line 4a side) of the loading surface 111, the gap between the loading surface 111 and the lower conveyor line 4a when being carried out becomes smaller. Therefore, the sample holder 10 can pass through the loading surface 111 while sliding on the rotation shaft 116 and smoothly reach the lower conveyor line 4a.

[0082] Explanation of symbols

[0083] 1—pretreatment device, 2—sample conveying device, 3—analyzer, 4—conveyor line, 4a—lower conveyor line, 4b—upper conveyor line, 5—sample support lifting mechanism, 6—sample support lowering mechanism, 10—sample support, 11—sample support loading part, 15—driven base, 17—second mounting part of rotating spring, 18—first mounting part of rotating spring, 19—rotating spring, 20—rotating stopper, 21—driven block, 22—lifting rail, 23—lower stopper, 24—lifting rail, 25—lifting rail, 26—lifting rail, 27—lifting rail, 28—lifting rail, 29—lifting rail, 30—lifting rail, 31—lifting rail, 32—lifting rail, 33—lifting rail, 34—lifting rail, 35—lifting rail, 36—lifting rail, 37—lifting rail, 38—lifting rail, 39—lifting rail, 40—lifting rail, 41—lifting rail, 42—lifting rail, 43—lifting rail, 44—lifting rail, 45—lifting rail, 46—lifting rail, 47—lifting rail, 48—lifting rail, 49—lifting rail, 50—lifting rail, 51—lifting rail, 52—lifting rail, 53—lifting rail, 54—lifting rail, 55—lifting rail, 56—lifting rail, 57—lifting rail, 58—lifting rail, 59—lifting rail, 60—lifting rail, 61—lifting rail, 62—lifting rail, 63—lifting rail, 64—lifting rail, 65—lifting rail, 66—lifting rail, 67—lifting rail, 68—lifting 4—upper side stopper, 25—driving block, 26—driving base, 27—belt holder, 28—lifting belt, 29—lifting motor, 30—initial position detection sensor, 31—carrying-out position detection sensor, 32—pillar, 33—lifting spring, 34—bushing, 35—retaining ring, 36—contact piece, 37—bracket detection sensor, 38—pillar guide, 111—loading surface, 112—bracket stopper, 113—loading guide, 114—loading base, 116—rotating shaft.

Claims

1. A sample lifting mechanism, comprising a sample holder loading unit for loading a sample holder and being rotatable about a rotation axis, for lifting and unloading the sample holder loaded into the sample holder loading unit, wherein the sample lifting mechanism is characterized in that: After the movement of raising and lowering the rotation axis is completed, the sample holder loading unit starts to rotate around the rotation axis.

2. A test body lifting mechanism, It is characterized in that have: A power supply unit that raises and lowers a moving body extending vertically through a driving source; A lifting track extending up and down in parallel with the moving body; A driving base fixed to the moving body and raised and lowered integrally with the moving body while being guided by the lifting rail; A driven base which is lifted and lowered while being guided by the lifting track; A first elastic body connecting the driving base and the driven base; A sample holder loading unit, which loads the sample holder; A horizontal rotation axis, which is rotatably connected to the sample holder loading portion relative to the driven base; a contact piece extending from the driving base in the up-down direction and contacting the sample holder loading portion; and a stopper for carrying out, which is set at a predetermined height and limits the lifting and lowering of the driven base when carrying out the sample holder, When the driving base is lifted, Before the driven base contacts the carry-out stopper, the driven base is pushed up or pressed down by the elastic force of the first elastic body, and the sample holder loading part is pushed up or pressed down by the contact piece, whereby the sample holder loading part is also raised or lowered. After the driven base contacts the carry-out stopper, the lifting and lowering of the driven base is restricted by the carry-out stopper, and the sample holder loading portion continues to be pushed up or pressed down by the contact piece, thereby rotating the sample holder loading portion around the rotation axis.

3. The test body lifting mechanism according to claim 2, It is characterized in that It also includes a second elastic body connecting the driven base and the specimen holder loading portion, After the driven base comes into contact with the carry-out stopper, the first elastic body contracts and the second elastic body expands as the driving base moves up and down.

4. The test object lifting mechanism according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The elastic force of the first elastic body is smaller than that of the second elastic body.

5. The test object lifting mechanism according to claim 2, It is characterized in that A carry-in stopper is further provided, the carry-in stopper being provided at a predetermined height to limit the lifting and lowering of the driven base when carrying in the sample holder. When the driving base is lifted, Before the driven base contacts the carry-in stopper, the contact piece contacts the sample holder loading portion. After the driven base comes into contact with the carry-in stopper, the contactor moves away from the sample holder loading portion.

6. The test object lifting mechanism according to claim 5, It is characterized in that At the initial position of the driving base, the driven base contacts the carrying-in stopper, and the contact member is separated from the sample holder loading portion. At the carry-out position of the driving base, the driven base comes into contact with the carry-out stopper, and the first elastic body contracts.

7. The test object lifting mechanism according to claim 6, It is characterized in that Also available: an initial position detection sensor for detecting that the driving base is in an initial position; and The carry-out position detection sensor detects that the driving base is located at the carry-out position.

8. A sample transport device, comprising: A first conveying line, which conveys the specimen support; A second conveying line, which is arranged above or below the first conveying line and is used to convey the sample rack; and a sample lifting mechanism, which lifts and lowers the sample holder when the sample holder conveyed by the first conveying line is conveyed in, and conveys the sample holder to the second conveying line; The sample transport device is characterized in that: The sample lifting mechanism includes a sample holder loading part that loads the sample holder and can rotate around a rotation axis. After the lifting and lowering of the rotation axis is completed, the sample holder loading part starts rotating around the rotation axis.

9. A sample transport device, It is characterized in that have: A first conveying line, which conveys the specimen support; A second conveying line, which is arranged above or below the first conveying line and is used to convey the specimen support; as well as a sample lifting mechanism, which lifts and lowers the sample holder when the sample holder conveyed by the first conveying line is conveyed in, and conveys the sample holder to the second conveying line; The detection body lifting mechanism comprises: A power supply unit that raises and lowers a moving body extending vertically through a driving source; A lifting track extending up and down in parallel with the moving body; A driving base fixed to the moving body and raised and lowered integrally with the moving body while being guided by the lifting rail; A driven base which is lifted and lowered while being guided by the lifting track; A first elastic body connecting the driving base and the driven base; A sample holder loading unit, which loads the sample holder; A horizontal rotation axis, which is rotatably connected to the sample holder loading portion relative to the driven base; a contact piece extending from the driving base in the up-down direction and contacting the sample holder loading portion; and a stopper for carrying out, which is set at a predetermined height and limits the lifting and lowering of the driven base when carrying out the sample holder, When the driving base is lifted, Before the driven base contacts the carry-out stopper, the driven base is pushed up or pressed down by the elastic force of the first elastic body, and the sample holder loading part is pushed up or pressed down by the contact piece, whereby the sample holder loading part is also raised or lowered. After the driven base contacts the carry-out stopper, the lifting and lowering of the driven base is restricted by the carry-out stopper, and the sample holder loading portion continues to be pushed up or pressed down by the contact piece, thereby rotating the sample holder loading portion around the rotation axis.

10. The sample transport device according to claim 8 or 9, It is characterized in that When the sample rack is carried from the first conveyor line to the sample rack loading section, the sample rack loading section is inclined so as to rise toward the first conveyor line. When the sample rack is carried out from the sample rack loading section to the second conveyor line, the sample rack loading section is inclined so as to descend toward the second conveyor line.

11. The sample transport device according to claim 8 or 9, It is characterized in that The rotation axis is located at the second conveying line side end of the loading surface of the specimen holder loading portion.

12. A test body analysis system, It is characterized in that have: A sample transport device as described in claim 8 or 9; and an analysis device for analyzing the sample transported from the sample transport device.

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