Sample introduction device, sample introduction system, particle size distribution measurement system, and sample introduction method

Abstract

The invention provides a sample introduction device, a sample introduction system, a particle size distribution measurement system, and a sample introduction method. In order to automatically and reliably inject a powder sample into a sample introduction unit of a particle size distribution measurement device, this sample injection device is provided with: a movement mechanism (31); a holding tube (41) capable of holding the powder sample (S) in the tip opening (41x) is moved between a collection position (P) at which the powder sample (S) is collected by inserting the tip opening (41x) into the powder sample (S) in the sample container (10), and an introduction position (Q) at which the powder sample (S) is introduced into the sample introduction unit (21); and an extrusion mechanism (32) that extrudes the powder sample (S) held in the tip opening (41x) to the outside from the tip opening (41x) in a state where the holding tube (41) is located at the input position (Q).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sample feeding device for a particle size distribution measuring device, a sample feeding system using the sample feeding device, a particle size distribution measuring system using the sample feeding device, and a sample feeding method for feeding a sample into a particle size distribution measuring device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a particle size distribution measurement of a powder sample is performed by a laser diffraction / scattering type particle size distribution measurement device such as Patent Document 1, the powder sample is little by little introduced into the sample introduction portion of the particle size distribution measurement device, and after a desired amount of the powder sample is introduced, the particle size distribution measurement is performed. Specifically, the user uses a medicine spoon to little by little introduce the powder sample into the sample introduction portion, monitors the intensity (transmittance) of the transmitted light corresponding to the introduced powder sample, and starts the particle size distribution measurement when the intensity (transmittance) of the transmitted light enters an appropriate range.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-71329

[0004] However, when the powder sample is automatically introduced into the sample introduction portion of the particle size distribution measuring device, it is conceivable that a robot operates a medicine spoon to introduce the powder sample little by little into the sample introduction portion.

[0005] However, when a robot is used, it is difficult to reliably perform the operation of scooping a powder sample with a medicine spoon and inserting it into the sample introduction part, and it is particularly difficult to collect a powder sample with a medicine spoon. Summary of the invention

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a main object of the present invention is to automatically feed a powder sample into a sample introduction portion of a particle size distribution measuring device and to perform the feeding reliably.

[0007] That is, the sample insertion device of the present invention collects the powder sample from a sample container containing the powder sample, and inserts the collected powder sample into the sample introduction part of a particle size distribution measuring device, and is characterized in that it includes: a moving mechanism, which enables a holding tube capable of holding the powder sample in the top opening to be inserted into the powder sample in the sample container at the top opening to collect the powder sample and an insertion position for inserting the powder sample into the sample introduction part; and an extrusion mechanism, which extrude the powder sample held in the top opening from the top opening to the outside when the holding tube is located at the insertion position.

[0008] According to such a sample insertion device, a holding tube capable of holding a powder sample at the top opening is moved between a collection position and an insertion position by a moving mechanism, so that the powder sample can be automatically inserted from the sample container into the sample introduction portion. Here, at the collection position, the top opening of the holding tube is inserted into the powder sample in the storage portion, and the powder sample enters the interior of the top opening, thereby holding the powder sample at the top opening. That is, even in the case where a small amount of powder sample (for example, 1 to 10 mg) needs to be collected, the powder sample can be reliably collected simply by inserting the top opening of the holding tube into the sample. In addition, at the insertion position, the powder sample held in the top opening of the holding tube is squeezed out from the top opening to the outside by an extrusion mechanism, so that the powder sample held in the top opening of the holding tube can be reliably inserted into the sample introduction portion.

[0009] Preferably, the sample insertion device of the present invention also includes a transmitted light information receiving unit, which receives transmitted light information associated with the transmitted light of the sample liquid containing the powder sample inserted into the sample introduction unit from the particle size distribution measuring device, and the sample insertion device repeatedly performs the powder sample collection and insertion actions until the transmitted light information received by the transmitted light information receiving unit satisfies a predetermined condition. With this configuration, the amount of the powder sample introduced into the sample introduction section can be automatically adjusted to an amount suitable for measurement by using the transmitted light information obtained by the particle size distribution measuring device, and the particle size distribution of the powder sample can be measured with high accuracy.

[0010] As a specific embodiment of the extrusion mechanism, it is preferable that the extrusion mechanism supplies gas to the holding tube and discharges the gas from the tip opening, thereby extruding the powder sample held in the tip opening to the outside from the tip opening. By adopting a structure in which gas is supplied to the holding tube to squeeze out the powder sample from the distal end opening, the extrusion mechanism can be simplified, and the powder sample in the distal end opening can be introduced into the sample introduction portion with almost no residue.

[0011] If the holding tube is inserted into the same position in the sample container, the powder sample disappears and becomes concave only at that portion, which may cause poor collection of the powder sample by the holding tube. In order to properly solve this problem, it is preferred that the moving mechanism can change the collection position in the sample container. With this structure, the holding tube can be reliably inserted into the powder sample by changing the collection position in the sample container, and the powder sample can be reliably collected. In addition, changing the collection position in the sample container includes, for example, changing the position in the horizontal plane in the sample container or changing the vertical position in the sample container.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that the moving mechanism stirs the powder sample in the sample container using the holding tube. According to this structure, the powder sample in the sample container can be made uniform, so the holding tube can be reliably inserted into the powder sample, and the powder sample can be reliably collected.

[0013] Preferably, the sample input device of the present invention further includes a vibrating unit that vibrates the sample container. According to this structure, the powder sample in the sample container can be made uniform, so the holding tube can be reliably inserted into the powder sample, and the powder sample can be reliably collected.

[0014] Preferably, the moving mechanism moves the holding tube between the collecting position and the input position by moving a holding body to which the holding tube is detachably mounted. With this configuration, the holding tube can be replaced with one corresponding to the type of powder sample (eg, a powder sample with a coarse particle size, a powder sample with a fine particle size, a powder sample with high fluidity, or a powder sample with low fluidity).

[0015] In order to automatically replace the retaining tube corresponding to the type of powder sample, preferably, the sample input device of the present invention also includes a retaining tube setting part, which is provided with a plurality of retaining tubes corresponding to the types of powder samples, and the moving mechanism moves the retaining body to the retaining tube setting part, and installs the retaining tube corresponding to the type of powder sample on the retaining body. In addition, it is conceivable that the sample inserting device selects a holding tube corresponding to the powder sample contained in the sample container based on identifier information obtained by reading an identifier (such as an IC chip, barcode, or QR code (registered trademark)) set in the sample container.

[0016] The sample introduction part of the particle size distribution measuring device contains water that becomes a solvent for the powder sample. If the holding tube is too high relative to the sample introduction part, the powder sample introduced from the holding tube will diffuse and fly around the sample introduction part. On the other hand, if the holding tube is too low relative to the sample introduction part, the holding tube will come into contact with the water, and the powder sample in the sample container cannot be properly collected next time or later. In order to solve these problems, the holding tube is adjusted to an appropriate position relative to the sample introduction part. Preferably, the sample introduction device of the present invention also includes a water level information receiving part, which receives water level information of water in the sample introduction part that becomes a solvent for the powder sample, and the moving mechanism adjusts the introduction position based on the water level information.

[0017] Furthermore, the sample introduction system of the present invention is characterized by comprising: the sample introduction device described above; and a housing that accommodates the sample introduction device and at least a part of the particle size distribution measurement device including the sample introduction section. In this sample feeding system, the sample feeding device and at least the sample introduction portion of the particle size distribution measuring device are housed in the housing. Therefore, the housing functions as a guardrail to improve safety and prevent the powder sample from scattering around.

[0018] Furthermore, the particle size distribution measuring system of the present invention is characterized by comprising a particle size distribution measuring device and the above-mentioned sample feeding device.

[0019] In addition, the sample insertion method of the present invention collects the powder sample from a sample container containing the powder sample, and inserts the collected powder sample into the sample introduction part of a particle size distribution measuring device, and is characterized by comprising: a collecting step, using a holding tube capable of holding the powder sample in a top opening, inserting the top opening into the powder sample in the sample container to collect the powder sample; and an inserting step, moving the holding tube holding the powder sample to the sample introduction part, and inserting the powder sample held in the holding tube into the sample introduction part.

[0020] In addition, preferably, the sample introduction method of the present invention obtains transmitted light information associated with the transmitted light of the sample liquid containing the powder sample introduced into the sample introduction part from the particle size distribution measuring device, and repeats the collection step and the introduction step until the transmitted light information satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0021] According to the present invention thus constituted, a powder sample can be automatically introduced into a sample introduction portion of a particle size distribution measuring device, and the introduction can be performed reliably. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a particle size distribution measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a particle size distribution measuring device according to the same embodiment. Figure 3 It is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a sample feeding device according to the same embodiment. Figure 4 The schematic diagrams show (a) a state before the holding tube of the same embodiment is inserted, (b) a state after the holding tube of the same embodiment is inserted, and (c) a state after the holding tube of the same embodiment is inserted. Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing the measurement procedure of the particle size distribution measurement system according to the same embodiment. Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the sample feeding device according to the modified embodiment. Figure 7 It is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a sample feeding device according to a modified embodiment. Figure 8 It is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a sample feeding device according to a modified embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Next, one embodiment of a particle size distribution measurement system using the sample feeding device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, for easy understanding, each figure shown below is schematically depicted with appropriate omission or exaggeration. The same reference numerals are attached to the same components, and the description thereof is appropriately omitted.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the particle size distribution measuring system 100 of the present embodiment includes a laser diffraction / scattering type particle size distribution measuring device 2 and a sample feeding device 3 for automatically feeding a powder sample S into the particle size distribution measuring device 2 .

[0025] <Particle size distribution measuring device 2> like Figure 2 As shown, the particle size distribution measuring device 2 comprises: a sample introduction portion 21 for inputting a powder sample S; a circulation channel 22 for circulating a sample liquid formed by dispersing the powder sample S input from the sample introduction portion 21 in a solvent; and a particle size distribution measuring portion 23 for measuring the particle size distribution of the powder sample S contained in the sample liquid circulating in the circulation channel 22.

[0026] The sample introduction part 21 is provided on the circulation flow channel 22, and an open sample introduction port 21a is formed at the upper part. In addition, a storage part 21b for storing water that becomes a solvent for the powder sample S is provided in the sample introduction part 21. The sample introduction port 21a is formed above the storage part 21b. That is, when the powder sample S is put in from the sample introduction port 21a, the powder sample S is dispersed in the water stored in the storage part 21b.

[0027] A circulation pump 22a is provided in the circulation flow path 22. The sample liquid circulates in the circulation flow path 22 via the storage portion 21b of the sample introduction portion 21 by the circulation pump 22a.

[0028] The particle size distribution measuring unit 23 includes: a flow-type measuring cell 23a provided in the circulation flow channel 22; a laser light source 23b irradiating laser light to the measuring cell 23a; a transmission light detector 23c detecting the transmission light transmitted through the measuring cell 23a; a scattered light detector 23d detecting the scattered light scattered in the measuring cell 23a; and a signal processing unit 23e measuring the particle size distribution of the powder sample S based on the light intensity signals obtained by these light detectors 23c and 23d. In addition, the signal processing unit 23e controls the overall operation of the particle size distribution measuring device 2.

[0029] <Sample feeding device 3> like Figure 1 As shown, the sample inserting device 3 collects the powder sample S from the sample container 10 containing the powder sample S, and automatically inserts the collected powder sample S into the sample introduction part 21 of the particle size distribution measuring device 2. The sample container 10 of this embodiment is a cup-shaped container containing a predetermined amount of powder sample S.

[0030] Specifically, if Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the sample input device 3 includes: a moving mechanism 31 that moves a holding tube 41 that holds a powder sample S inside; an extrusion mechanism 32 that extrude the powder sample S from the holding tube 41 that holds the powder sample S to the outside; and a control unit 33 that controls the moving mechanism 31 and the extrusion mechanism 32.

[0031] The holding tube 41 can hold the powder sample S in the top opening 41 x and collect the powder sample S. Specifically, the holding tube 41 has a top opening 41 x that decreases in diameter toward the top, and in this embodiment, the holding tube 41 is, for example, a disposable pipette tip. The holding tube 41 is detachably mounted on the holding body 42.

[0032] The moving mechanism 31 moves the holding tube 41 by moving the holding body 42 to which the holding tube 41 is attached. Specifically, the moving mechanism 31 is configured using, for example, a manipulation robot having three or more axes. The moving mechanism 31 moves the holding tube 41 between a collecting position P at which the powder sample S in the sample container 10 is inserted into the top opening 41x to collect the powder sample S and a feeding position Q for feeding the powder sample S into the sample introduction section 21. The moving mechanism 31 is controlled by a movement control unit 33a of the control unit 33 to perform the above-mentioned operation.

[0033] Here, if Figure 4As shown in (b), the collection position P can be any position where the tip opening 41x is inserted into the powder sample S in the sample container 10 by a predetermined amount. However, the posture of the holding tube 41 when reaching the collection position P (the posture when the tip opening 41x is inserted into the powder sample S) is such that the opening direction of the tip opening 41x is the same as the insertion direction ( Figure 4 (a) → Figure 4 (b)). Thus, when the top opening 41x is inserted, the powder sample S can easily enter the top opening 41x. In the present embodiment, the holding tube 41 that has reached the collection position P is in a posture in which the opening direction of the top opening 41x is downward, and the holding tube 41 moves vertically downward toward the powder sample, and the powder sample is inserted into the top opening 41x.

[0034] The insertion position Q may be any position as long as the powder sample S can be inserted into the storage portion 21b of the sample introduction portion 21. For example, the top opening 41x may be located above the sample introduction port 21a of the sample introduction portion 21, or the top opening 41x may be inserted into the sample introduction portion 21 from the sample introduction port 21a. However, the insertion position Q is a position where the top opening 41x of the holding tube 41 does not contact the solvent in the storage portion 21b (see Figure 2 ).

[0035] The moving mechanism 31 has a function of being able to remove the holding tube 41 attached to the holding body 42 and to attach a new holding tube 41. Specifically, the moving mechanism 31 removes the holding tube 41 attached to the holding body 42 at a discarding portion (not shown) where the used holding tube 41 is discarded, and attaches the holding tube 41 to the holding tube installation portion 34 (see FIG. 1 ) where the unused holding tube 41 is installed. Figure 1 ) The unused holding tube 41 is mounted on the holding body 42. The movement control unit 33a of the control unit 33 controls the movement mechanism 31 to attach and detach the holding tube 41, and the movement control unit 33a controls the movement mechanism 31 to attach and detach the holding tube 41 for each sample container 10. The structure of the movement mechanism 31 to attach and detach the holding tube 41 can be appropriately selected in accordance with the attachment and detachment mechanism of the holding tube 41 with respect to the holding body 42.

[0036] For example, when the attachment and detachment mechanism for attaching and detaching the holding tube 41 to the holding body 42 is a button type or a lever type, the moving mechanism 31 has an operating portion for operating the button or the lever, and the holding tube 41 can be attached and detached. In addition, when the attachment and detachment mechanism for attaching and detaching the holding tube 41 to the holding body 42 is a fitting structure utilizing elastic deformation, the moving mechanism 31 can attach and detach the used holding tube 41 by applying physical contact to the used holding tube 41, and insert the unused holding tube 41 into the holding body 42.

[0037] In this embodiment, the holding tube setting unit 34 can be provided with a plurality of holding tubes 41 corresponding to the types of powder samples S. The moving mechanism 31 can select the holding tube 41 corresponding to the type of powder sample S in the sample container 10 from the holding tube setting unit 34 and attach it to the holding body 42.

[0038] Here, each sample container 10 is provided with an identifier (not shown) for identifying the type of the powder sample S contained therein. Examples of the identifier include an IC chip, a barcode, or a QR code. The identifier is read by an identifier reading unit 5 (see FIG. 1 ) provided in the particle size distribution measuring device 2 or the sample input device 3. Figure 1 ) reads the identifier of each sample container 10 and identifies the type of the powder sample S contained in each sample container 10. Specifically, the read identifier information is sent to the identifier information receiving unit 33c of the control unit 33, and the movement control unit 33a of the control unit 33 controls the moving mechanism 31 based on the identifier information. As a result, the moving mechanism 31 can select the holding tube 41 corresponding to the type of the powder sample S in the sample container 10 from the holding tube setting unit 34 and install it on the holding body 42. In addition, the holding tube 41 corresponding to the type of the powder sample S is a holding tube 41 having an opening diameter, an opening shape, or a top end shape corresponding to the type of the powder sample S, etc.

[0039] The extrusion mechanism 32 extrude the powder sample S held in the top opening 41x from the top opening 41x to the outside when the holding tube 41 is located at the insertion position Q. Specifically, the extrusion mechanism 32 supplies gas to the holding tube 41 and discharges gas from the top opening 41x, thereby extrude the powder sample S held in the top opening 41x from the top opening 41x to the outside. The extrusion mechanism 32 is controlled by the extrusion control unit 33b of the control unit 33 to perform the above-mentioned operation.

[0040] As the extrusion mechanism 32, Figure 3 As shown, for example, there is a gas supply channel 32a formed inside the holding body 42, and a gas supply source 32b that supplies gas to the gas supply channel 32a. Moreover, the gas supply channel 32a is connected to the base end opening of the holding tube 41 when the holding tube 41 is installed on the holding body 42, and can supply gas to the inside of the holding tube 41. The gas supplied to the base end opening of the holding tube 41 flows inside the holding tube 41 and is discharged from the top end opening 41x to the outside. As a result, the powder sample S held in the top end opening 41x is discharged from the top end opening 41x to the outside. In addition, the gas supply source 32b is, for example, a compressed air source that supplies compressed air to the gas supply channel 32a. In addition, in addition to the structure provided inside the holding body 42, the gas supply source 32b can also be a structure provided outside the holding body 42.

[0041] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the sample input device 3 has a container setting portion 35 for setting the sample container 10, and is provided with a detection sensor (not shown) for detecting that the sample container 10 is set in the container setting portion 35. The container setting portion 35 is provided together with the holding tube setting portion 34 described above on a common base 30 within the movable range of the moving mechanism 31. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 31 is provided on the base 30.

[0042] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the particle size distribution measurement system 100 of the present embodiment further includes a housing 6, which accommodates the sample input device 3 and at least a part of the particle size distribution measurement device 2 including the sample introduction section 21. The housing 6 includes a manual measurement door 61, which is opened and closed for manually introducing the powder sample S into the sample introduction section 21, and a sample setting door 62, which is used to set the sample container 10 in the container setting section 35 of the sample input device 3. In addition, the manual measurement door 61 and the sample setting door 62 may be a common door.

[0043] <Operation of Particle Size Distribution Measurement System 100> Next, refer to Figure 5 The operation of the particle size distribution measurement system 100 will be described.

[0044] First, the user opens the sample setting door 62 of the housing 6 and sets the sample container 10 to be measured in the container setting portion 35. After setting the sample container 10, the user closes the sample setting door 62 (see Figure 5 (a)).

[0045] Then, if the sample feeding device 3 starts to automatically feed the powder sample S, Figure 5 As shown in (b), the moving mechanism 31 of the sample input device 3 holds the sample container 10 and moves the sample container 10 to the identifier reading unit 5, and reads the identifier set in the sample container 10 (identifier reading step). In this way, the type of the powder sample S contained in the sample container 10 is identified, and the identifier information is sent to the signal processing unit 23e of the particle size distribution measurement device 2 and the identifier information receiving unit 33c of the control unit 33. The signal processing unit 23e of the particle size distribution measurement device 2 that has obtained the identifier information performs settings corresponding to the type of the powder sample S. The settings include the refractive index of the sample, the calculation conditions, the measurement order, or the storage method of the measurement results.

[0046] Afterwards, if Figure 5 As shown in (c) of FIG. 1 , the moving mechanism 31 places the sample container 10 at a predetermined position of the container setting portion 35 and holds the holding body 42. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown in (d), the moving mechanism 31 moves the holding body 42 to the holding tube setting part 34, and based on the identifier information received by the identifier information receiving part 33c, the holding tube 41 corresponding to the type of the powder sample S is selected and installed in the holding body 42 (holding tube installation step). At this time, the particle size distribution measuring device 2 injects the solvent into the circulation flow channel 22 to perform a blank measurement.

[0047] Then, if Figure 5 As shown in (e), the moving mechanism 31 moves the holding tube 41 to the collection position P, and inserts the top opening 41x of the holding tube 41 into the powder sample S in the sample container 10 (see Figure 4 (b)). As a result, the powder sample S enters the top opening 41x and is held in the top opening 41x (collection step). Then, the moving mechanism 31 moves the holding tube 41 holding the powder sample S to the insertion position Q. If the holding tube 41 moves to the insertion position Q, the extrusion mechanism 32 supplies gas to the holding tube 41 to extrude the powder sample S from the top opening 41x to the outside. As a result, the powder sample S is inserted into the sample introduction part 21 (insertion step). The moving mechanism 31 sets the movement path of the holding tube 41 between the collection position P and the insertion position Q so that the holding tube 41 does not pass over parts or components that are afraid of contamination, such as the sample container 10 that is not the collection object and the holding tube setting part 34. As a result, parts or components that are afraid of contamination, such as the sample container 10 that is not the collection object and the holding tube setting part 34, will not be contaminated by the powder sample S dropped from the holding tube 41.

[0048] Here, if Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 33 of the sample feeding device 3 includes a transmitted light information receiving unit 33d, which receives transmitted light information from the signal processing unit 23e of the particle size distribution measuring device 2, and the transmitted light information is related to the transmitted light of the sample liquid containing the powder sample S fed into the sample introduction unit 21. In addition, the transmitted light information is, for example, transmittance or transmitted light intensity. Then, the control unit 33 of the sample feeding device 3 controls the moving mechanism 31 and the extruding mechanism 32 to repeatedly perform the collection action (collection step) of the powder sample S and the feeding action (feeding step) of the powder sample S into the sample introduction unit 21 until the transmitted light information received by the transmitted light information receiving unit 33d satisfies a predetermined condition. In addition, the predetermined condition refers to the transmittance or transmitted light intensity obtained when a predetermined amount of the powder sample S is fed, for example, a total of 10 mg.

[0049] When the transmitted light information satisfies the predetermined conditions, the sample input device 3 stops the collection action (collection step) and input action (input step) of the powder sample S. In addition, the particle size distribution measuring device 2 starts the particle size distribution measurement of the introduced powder sample S. The particle size distribution measurement result can be sent from the signal processing unit 23e to the user terminal.

[0050] On the other hand, the moving mechanism 31 of the sample input device 3 discards the used holding tube 41 from the holding body 42 to a discarding portion (not shown), and returns the holding body 42 to a predetermined installation location (see Figure 5 (f)). The moving mechanism 31 sets the moving path of the holding tube 41 from the input position Q to the waste portion so that the holding tube 41 does not pass over parts or components that are susceptible to contamination, such as the sample container 10 that is not the object of collection and the holding tube setting portion 34. As a result, the parts or components that are susceptible to contamination, such as the sample container 10 that is not the object of collection and the holding tube setting portion 34, will not be contaminated by the powder sample S dropped from the holding tube 41. Thereafter, the moving mechanism 31 grasps the sample container 10 used for the measurement and moves the sample container 10 to the used box (not shown) (see Figure 5 (g)).

[0051] As described above, a series of operations from the input of the powder sample S collected from one sample container 10 to the measurement of the particle size distribution is completed. When a plurality of sample containers 10 are measured continuously, the above series of operations are continuously performed in each sample container 10. In addition, when a plurality of sample containers 10 are measured continuously, the holding tube 41 is replaced each time the sample container 10 is measured.

[0052] <Effects of the present embodiment> According to the particle size distribution measurement system 100 of the present embodiment configured in this way, the holding tube 41 capable of holding the powder sample S at the top opening 41x is moved between the collection position P and the insertion position Q by the moving mechanism 31, so that the powder sample S can be automatically inserted from the sample container 10 into the sample introduction part 21. Here, at the collection position P, the top opening 41x of the holding tube 41 is inserted into the powder sample S in the sample container 10, and the powder sample S enters the inside of the top opening 41x, thereby holding the powder sample S at the top opening 41x. That is, even when a small amount of powder sample (for example, 1 to 10 mg) needs to be collected, the powder sample S can be reliably collected by simply inserting the top opening 41x of the holding tube 41 into the powder sample S. In addition, at the insertion position Q, the powder sample S held in the top opening 41x of the holding tube 41 is squeezed out from the top opening 41x to the outside by the extrusion mechanism 32, so that the powder sample S held in the top opening 41x of the holding tube 41 can be reliably inserted into the sample introduction part 21.

[0053] <Other Implementation Methods> For example Figure 6 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the moving mechanism 31 may change the collection position P in the sample container 10 . That is, when the powder sample S is collected multiple times from one sample container 10 , the collection position P may be changed each time the powder sample is collected or every predetermined number of times of collection.

[0054] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown in (b), the moving mechanism 31 may stir the powder sample S in the sample container 10 using the holding tube 41. That is, when the powder sample is collected multiple times from one sample container 10, the powder sample S may be stirred each time the sample is collected or every predetermined number of times.

[0055] Furthermore, if Figure 6 As shown in (c), the sample input device 3 may further include a vibrating unit 36 ​​for vibrating the sample container. The vibrating unit 36 ​​may be configured to vibrate the container setting unit 35 on which the sample container 10 is set. Alternatively, the moving mechanism 31 holding the sample container 10 may be configured to vibrate the sample container 10.

[0056] On this basis, if Figure 7 As shown, the following structure may be adopted: the control unit 33 of the sample input device 3 further includes a water level information receiving unit 33e, which receives water level information of water that becomes a solvent for the powder sample S in the sample introduction unit 21, and the moving mechanism 31 adjusts the input position Q based on the water level information. In addition, the water level information can be detected by the water level sensor 7 provided in the sample introduction unit 21. In addition, in the case where the water level information is predetermined according to the type of the powder sample S, the water level information can also be obtained by reading the identifier.

[0057] The extrusion mechanism 32 of the above-described embodiment is a structure for extruding the powder sample S through a gas such as air, but may also be a structure for extruding the powder sample S through water as a solvent, or may be a structure for extruding the powder sample S using an extrusion member that is movable inside the retaining tube 41 .

[0058] Furthermore, if Figure 8 As shown, the sample input device 3 may also include a removal mechanism 8 for removing the powder sample S attached to the outer peripheral surface of the holding tube 41. The removal mechanism 8 blows gas to the outer peripheral surface of the holding tube 41 attached to the holding body 42, thereby removing the powder sample S attached to the outer peripheral surface. In addition, the removal mechanism 8 is controlled by the removal control unit 33f of the control unit 33 to perform the above-mentioned operation.

[0059] Specifically, the removal mechanism 8 includes a gas supply passage 81 formed inside the holding body 42 and a gas supply source 82 for supplying gas to the gas supply passage 81. The gas supply passage 81 opens to the outside of the holding tube 41 installed in the holding body 42. Figure 8 , an example is shown in which the gas supply source 32b of the extrusion mechanism 32 and the gas supply source 82 of the removal mechanism 8 are both provided outside the holding body 42. Therefore, the holding body 42 is provided with a connection port P1 connected to the gas supply source 32b of the extrusion mechanism 32, and a connection port P2 connected to the gas supply source 82 of the removal mechanism 8. In addition, the gas supply channel 32a of the extrusion mechanism 32 and the gas supply channel 81 of the removal mechanism 8 are independent flow channels, and the extrusion action of the extrusion mechanism 32 and the removal action of the removal mechanism 8 can be performed separately. In addition, the gas supply source 32b and the gas supply source 82 may also be a common gas supply source.

[0060] Furthermore, after the collecting step of the embodiment, the removing mechanism 8 performs a removing operation (removing step) in a state where the top end opening 41x of the holding tube 41 is pulled out from the powder sample S in the sample container 10. Thereafter, the inserting step is performed in the same manner as in the embodiment. With this structure, the powder sample S attached to the outer peripheral surface of the holding tube 41 can be prevented from falling off while the holding tube 41 is moving from the collecting position P to the inserting position Q. As a result, the sample container 10 and the holding tube setting portion 34 that are not the collection object and are susceptible to contamination, such as the powder sample S falling from the holding tube 41, can be prevented from being contaminated.

[0061] In the embodiment, the identifier of the sample container 10 is read by the identifier reading unit to obtain information such as the type of powder sample, but the following structure may also be used: an identifier is not set in the sample container 10, and the user inputs the sample information into the particle size distribution measuring device 2 or the sample input device 3.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the moving mechanism 31 is configured to grip the holding body 42 and move the holding body 42 . However, the holding body 42 may be detachably provided on the moving mechanism 31 .

[0063] The sample feeding device 3 of the present invention can be used in combination with various particle size distribution measuring devices 2. Specifically, the sample feeding device 3 can be used in combination with various particle size distribution measuring devices 2 by arranging the sample introduction part 21 of the particle size distribution measuring device 2 within the movable range of the moving mechanism 31 of the sample feeding device 3.

[0064] In addition, various modifications and combinations of the embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Industrial Applicability

[0065] According to the present invention, a powder sample can be automatically introduced into a sample introduction portion of a particle size distribution measuring device, and the introduction can be performed reliably. Description of Reference Numerals

[0066] 100 Particle Size Distribution Measurement System 10 Sample container S powder sample 2 Particle size distribution measurement device 21 Sample introduction section 3. Sample feeding device P Collection location Q Input position 31 Mobile mechanism 32 Extrusion mechanism 33 Control Department 33a Mobile control unit 33b Extrusion control unit 33c Identifier information receiving unit 33d Transmitted light information receiving unit 33e Water level information receiving unit 34 Holding tube setting part 35 Container Setting Section 41x Top opening 41 Holding tube 42 Maintain the subject 5 Identifier reading unit 6 cabinets.

Claims

1. A sample feeding device for collecting a powder sample from a sample container containing the powder sample and feeding the collected powder sample into a sample introduction portion of a particle size distribution measuring device, comprising: a moving mechanism that moves a holding tube capable of holding the powder sample in the top opening between a collecting position at which the powder sample is collected by inserting the powder sample in the sample container at the top opening and a feeding position for feeding the powder sample into the sample introduction portion; and The extrusion mechanism extrudes the powder sample held in the distal end opening to the outside from the distal end opening when the holding tube is located at the input position.

2. The sample feeding device according to claim 1, wherein: further comprising a transmitted light information receiving unit that receives, from the particle size distribution measuring device, transmitted light information associated with transmitted light of a sample solution containing the powder sample introduced into the sample introduction unit, The collecting action and the injecting action of the powder sample are repeated until the transmitted light information received by the transmitted light information receiving unit satisfies a predetermined condition.

3. The sample feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The extrusion mechanism supplies gas to the holding tube and discharges the gas from the distal end opening, thereby extruding the powder sample held in the distal end opening to the outside through the distal end opening.

4. The sample feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The moving mechanism can change the collection position in the sample container.

5. The sample feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The moving mechanism stirs the powder sample in the sample container using the holding tube.

6. The sample feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The device further includes a vibrating unit for vibrating the sample container.

7. The sample feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The moving mechanism moves the holding tube between the collecting position and the input position by moving a holding body to which the holding tube is detachably mounted.

8. The sample feeding device according to claim 7, wherein: The apparatus further includes a holding tube setting unit, wherein the holding tube setting unit is provided with a plurality of holding tubes corresponding to the types of the powder samples. The moving mechanism moves the holding body to the holding tube installation portion, and mounts the holding tube corresponding to the type of the powder sample on the holding body.

9. The sample feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The invention further comprises a water level information receiving unit configured to receive water level information of water serving as a solvent for the powder sample in the sample introduction unit. The moving mechanism adjusts the input position based on the water level information.

10. A sample feeding system, comprising: The sample feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; as well as The housing accommodates the sample input device and at least a part of the particle size distribution measuring device including the sample introduction section.

11. A particle size distribution measurement system, comprising: Particle size distribution measuring device; as well as The sample feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A sample introduction method, comprising collecting a powder sample from a sample container containing the powder sample and introducing the collected powder sample into a sample introduction portion of a particle size distribution measuring device, wherein: a collecting step of collecting the powder sample by inserting the top opening of a holding tube capable of holding the powder sample in a top opening into the powder sample in the sample container; and The inserting step is to move the holding tube holding the powder sample to the sample introduction section, and insert the powder sample held in the holding tube into the sample introduction section.

13. The sample introduction method according to claim 12, wherein: The transmitted light information associated with the transmitted light of the sample solution containing the powder sample introduced into the sample introduction section is obtained from the particle size distribution measuring device, and the collecting step and the introducing step are repeatedly performed until the transmitted light information satisfies a predetermined condition.

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