Urine examination device

Abstract

The present invention provides a urine test device capable of preventing deterioration of a reagent part caused by moisture in test paper with a simple structure that does not require substantial modification of conventional devices. A urine test device (1) is provided with: a housing chamber (45) capable of housing a plurality of test paper (C); a supply mechanism (40) which has an extraction unit (46) for extracting the test paper (C) from the accommodation chamber (45) and a discharge unit for discharging the test paper, and which discharges the test paper (C) from the discharge unit (49); a first transport mechanism (10) that receives the test paper (C) from the supply mechanism (40) and transports the test paper (C) to the vicinity of a dropping position (Pa) at which a sample is dropped; and a cover (70) that covers the discharge unit (49) when the supply mechanism (40) is stopped, and that seals the accommodation chamber (45) and the extraction unit (46) from the outside air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a urine testing device. Background Art

[0002] The urine inspection device is a device that inspects the specimen by detecting the presence or absence, degree, etc. of the color development by reacting a reagent portion provided on the surface of a test paper (or also called a test strip, etc.) with urine as a specimen, and inspecting the specimen by detecting the presence or absence, degree, etc. of the color development. Through this inspection, for example, the physical properties of urine, or the presence or absence or concentration of a specific component in urine, etc. are measured. In the past, as described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of test papers are accommodated in a cylindrical rotatable drum, and a test paper is discharged from the discharge port of the drum. A test paper discharged (supplied) from the drum is sent out by a sorter rack mechanism.

[0003] On the other hand, it is known that the reagent portion on the test paper absorbs moisture in the atmosphere (i.e., hygroscopicity), thereby the reagent portion is likely to deteriorate. As described in patent documents 2 and 3, various countermeasures for the degradation of the reagent portion have been studied. In the device described in patent document 2, light is irradiated to the degradation detection reagent portion arranged on the test paper, and the degree of degradation is judged based on its reflected light. In the device described in patent document 3, a plurality of test papers are accommodated in a cylindrical container. A test paper is discharged via a rotatable door component installed on the side of the container. In a mechanism equipped with a door component, the two openings connected to the container are not opened at the same time, and either side of the opening always remains closed. Thus, external air is prevented from entering the container.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-264540

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-5736

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-72560 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] As described above, countermeasures against degradation of the reagent unit have been studied in the past, but any countermeasure requires the preparation of special test strips or the incorporation of special mechanisms or components into the device. Such countermeasures may complicate the device and increase the cost.

[0011] The present invention describes a urine testing device capable of preventing degradation of a reagent portion due to moisture in a test paper with a simple structure.

[0012] Means for solving problems

[0013] [1] One embodiment of the present invention is a urine testing device, which includes a conveying mechanism for conveying a test paper provided with a reagent portion, the urine testing device including: a supply mechanism having a storage chamber capable of accommodating a plurality of test papers, a take-out portion for taking out the test paper from the storage chamber, and a discharge portion for discharging the test paper, wherein the test paper is sequentially supplied to the conveying mechanism by discharging the test paper from the discharge portion; a conveying mechanism that receives the test paper from the supply mechanism and conveys the test paper to a dripping position or a vicinity thereof where a specimen is dripped; and a cover that covers the discharge portion and seals the storage chamber and the take-out portion from the outside air.

[0014] According to the urine testing device of [1], the test paper is discharged from its discharge portion while the supply mechanism is operating. The test paper is transported by the transport mechanism to the dripping position or its vicinity. After the specimen (i.e., urine) is dripped onto the reagent portion of the test paper, an inspection related to the specimen is performed. When the supply mechanism is at rest, for example, when the inspection of multiple specimens is completed and the device is temporarily not operated, the discharge portion can be covered by a cover. The cover seals the storage chamber and the removal portion relative to the outside air, so that even when one or more test papers are stored in the storage chamber, it is possible to prevent moisture from entering and prevent the reagent portion from deteriorating. The cover only needs to be designed to match the shape of the discharge portion, etc., so there is no need for major modifications to existing devices. Therefore, according to the urine testing device, it is possible to prevent the degradation of the reagent portion caused by moisture in the test paper with a simple structure. If it is a previous device without a cover, in order to prevent the degradation of the reagent portion caused by moisture, it is necessary to take out all the test papers remaining in the storage chamber and store them separately. In this urine testing device, since the inside of the supply mechanism is sealed by the cover, such special measures are not necessary.

[0015] [2] In the urine inspection device described in [1] above, the cover may be tightly attached to the discharge section by being clamped by the discharge section and a part of the conveying mechanism when the supply mechanism is at rest. There is a certain amount of space between the discharge section and the conveying mechanism. If the cover is arranged in this space and the pressing force received from both is utilized, there is no need for another pressing mechanism for tightly attaching to the discharge section (sealing the supply mechanism).

[0016] [3] The urine inspection device described in [2] above may also include an apparatus body including a conveying mechanism. Alternatively, the supply mechanism may be mounted on the apparatus body and may be movable between an operating position and a maintenance position, wherein the operating position is a position where the discharge portion is opposite to the conveying mechanism, and the maintenance position is a position where the discharge portion is further away from the conveying mechanism than the operating position, and the cover is mounted on the discharge portion when the supply mechanism is in the maintenance position. When the supply mechanism is at rest (when the inspection is completed, etc.), the supply mechanism is usually moved to the maintenance position. According to this structure, the cover can be installed by taking advantage of the opportunity or time for maintenance work. In addition, even when no maintenance work is performed, the discharge portion can be exposed simply by moving the supply mechanism, and the cover can be easily installed.

[0017] [4] In the urine inspection device described in [3] above, the cover may be temporarily held on the discharge portion when the supply mechanism is in the maintenance position, and the cover may be closely attached to and fixed to the discharge portion as the supply mechanism is moved to the operating position and installed in the device body. According to this structure, the cover is closely attached to and fixed as the supply mechanism is installed, so that the cover can be reliably and easily installed.

[0018] [5] In the urine testing device described in any one of [1] to [4] above, the supply mechanism may include a gate installed near the discharge portion, and the gate opens the discharge portion only when the test paper is discharged, and covers the discharge portion when it is not discharged, and the cover is installed on the discharge portion using the gate. According to this structure, since the cover is installed using the existing gate, no special tools, installation accessories, etc. are required. The above-mentioned functions and effects are achieved with a simpler structure.

[0019] [6] In the urine inspection device described in any one of [1] to [5] above, a controller for controlling the operation of the urine inspection device may be provided in the device body, and when the controller detects the presence of a cover installed on the discharge portion, the controller performs an operation prohibition control to prohibit the operation of the urine inspection device. This operation prohibition control can prevent the supply mechanism and the first conveying mechanism from operating when the cover is incorrectly installed.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the degradation of the reagent portion due to moisture in the test paper with a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a urine testing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A front view of the schematic structure of the interior of the device body.

[0024] Figure 3 It is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the first and second conveying mechanisms, the dripping device, the imaging device, and the waste box in the device body.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the supply mechanism and the first transport mechanism located at the maintenance position.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the supply mechanism.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the cover as viewed from above (the side in contact with the discharge portion).

[0028] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the cover as viewed from below (the side abutting against the first conveying mechanism).

[0029] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a shutter covering the discharge portion.

[0030] Fig. 9 (a) is a diagram showing the state when the gate is opened and the cover is to be installed. Fig. 9 (b) is a diagram showing a state where the cover is temporarily held in the discharge portion by the shutter.

[0031] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of the cover in close contact with the discharge portion when the supply mechanism is at rest.

[0032] Description of Reference Numerals

[0033] 1…urinalysis device, 2…device body, 3…loading table, 9…drip attachment device, 10…first conveying mechanism (conveying mechanism), 20…second conveying mechanism, 30…imaging device, 40…supply mechanism, 43…housing, 44…drum, 45…accommodation chamber, 46…removal section, 49…discharge section, 50…gate, 60…waste box, 70…cover, 100…tube, C…test paper, 201…reagent section, P1…operation position, P2…maintenance position, Pa…drip attachment position, Pb…imaging position, R…rack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are not necessarily the same as the dimensional ratios in the description.

[0035] In some figures, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction perpendicular to each other are shown, and these directions are sometimes used to explain the urine inspection device 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2The left-right direction, front-back direction, and up-down direction of the urine inspection device 1 in the setting state shown correspond to each other. In this specification, the terms such as "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", and "right" indicating directions are terms based on the setting state of the urine inspection device 1. The urine inspection device 1 is set on a flat and horizontal surface. "Left" and "right" are directions when the urine inspection device 1 is viewed from the operator standing in front of the mounting table 3 and the display 5b and facing the mounting table 3 and the display 5b.

[0036] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The overall structure of the urine testing device 1 is described below. The urine testing device 1 is a device for testing urine as a specimen contained in a tube (Spitz) 100. Figure 1 As shown, the urine testing device 1 sequentially tests each specimen in a plurality of tubes 100 standing on a rack R. The test items (test purposes) are not particularly limited. Examples of the test items include the physical properties of the specimen, or the presence or absence or concentration of a specific component in the specimen. In the urine testing device 1, a long and narrow test paper C (see FIG. 1 ) is used to test the specimen. Figure 3 ). For one specimen, one test paper C is used. For example, a plurality of reagent parts Ca are provided on each test paper C. Each reagent part Ca may correspond to a different inspection item. Each reagent part Ca contains a reagent corresponding to the inspection item. As the test paper C, a known structure may be appropriately adopted.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the urine inspection device 1 includes: a device body 2, which accommodates various devices and mechanisms related to the transportation of the test paper C and the inspection of the specimen; and a mounting table 3, which has a transport mechanism related to the supply and transportation of the rack R. The device body 2 includes a device lower part 4 and a device upper part 5 arranged on a part (for example, the left side) of the device lower part 4 in the left-right direction. The mounting table 3 is connected to the front surface of the device lower part 4. The urine inspection device 1 also includes a supply mechanism 40, which is a mechanism related to the storage of the test paper C and the supply of the test paper C to the device body 2. The supply mechanism 40 is arranged on the other part (for example, the right side) of the device lower part 4 in the left-right direction.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the device body 2 has a frame F composed of structural members extending in the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-back direction. Figure 1As shown, the lower part 4 of the device includes a lower shell 4a, and the upper part 5 of the device includes an upper shell 5a. The lower shell 4a and the upper shell 5a are in a rectangular parallelepiped shape based on the shape of the frame F. On the front surface of the upper shell 5a, for example, a front surface panel 5c that can be opened and closed by rotating around an axis L5 extending in the up-down direction (Z direction) is provided. A display 5b is provided on the upper part of the front surface panel 5c. The display 5b faces forward and displays necessary information related to the inspection to the operator of the urine inspection device 1. The display 5b may also have a touch panel function. In this case, the display 5b can also serve as an operating unit operated by the operator.

[0039] The mounting table 3 has a width substantially the same as that of the device body 2 in the left-right direction. In addition, the mounting table 3 has a predetermined size when viewed from above. A plurality of racks R can be mounted on the mounting table 3. Figure 1 Only one rack R is shown in the figure, but a plurality of racks R can be placed on the right and left sides of the loading platform 3. A conveying mechanism (not shown) for conveying the rack R in a desired direction is provided on the loading platform 3. As a specific structure of the conveying mechanism, a known structure can be adopted. As an example, the devices (structures) respectively described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-120167 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-139152 can be applied.

[0040] return Figure 2 In the device body 2, for example, a controller 90 is provided in the upper housing 5a. The controller 90 is, for example, a computer, which has a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily storing data, and a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The controller 90 controls the actions of the mechanisms and devices in the urine inspection device 1 according to the pre-stored programs based on the operation of the operator, thereby performing various actions related to the inspection. The controller 90 can communicate information with the various motors and centers of the supply mechanism 40, the first conveying mechanism 10, and the second conveying mechanism 20, as well as the camera 32 and the lighting unit 33 of the camera device 30.

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the supply mechanism 40 is a feeder for supplying the test papers C one by one in a predetermined direction (attitude). The supply mechanism 40 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 40a, a shell 43 disposed inside the housing 40a, and a pair of insertion covers 41 that can be opened and closed relative to the shell 43. The supply mechanism 40 contains a plurality of test papers C inserted by an operator through the insertion covers 41. The plurality of test papers C are arranged so that the plurality of reagent portions Ca (see FIG. 1 ) are arranged in a rectangular parallelepiped manner. Figure 3 ) are arranged at regular intervals in the front, and in a state where the orientation in the longitudinal direction is consistent (in a Figure 3 The supply mechanism 40 discharges the test paper C one by one from the discharge section 49. A sensor (not shown) is provided in the supply mechanism 40 to detect that a test paper C has been successfully taken out. When the controller 90 detects the supply schedule of the test paper C (the schedule to discharge the test paper C from the discharge section 49), it controls the first conveying mechanism 10 (see FIG. 1 ) described later. Figure 3 ), and at a predetermined timing, the arm 11 is moved directly below the discharge portion 49. The test paper C dropped from the discharge portion 49 is placed on the support portion 11a of the arm 11. Thus, the supply mechanism 40 sequentially supplies the test paper C to the first conveying mechanism 10 one by one.

[0042] The housing 43 of the supply mechanism 40 has an airtight structure, and the airtightness between the housing 43 and the input cover 41 is also ensured. The only path through which the space in the supply mechanism 40 can be exposed to the outside air (atmosphere) is the discharge portion 49 located at the lower end of the supply mechanism 40. In addition, the term "airtight" should not be understood to mean only completely (100%) blocking the outside air. Those skilled in the art should understand that the term "airtight" also includes the situation where the outside air is allowed to pass slightly.

[0043] In addition, in the present embodiment, the supply mechanism 40 includes a pair of insertion covers 41 and can supply two (or more) types of test papers C. This is just an example, and the supply mechanism 40 may be configured to supply only one type of test paper C.

[0044] Next, refer to Figure 2 to Figure 4 , various structures of the device body 2 are described. The device body 2 includes: a first conveying mechanism 10, which conveys the test paper C received from the supply mechanism 40 to the dropping position Pa or its vicinity; a dropping device 9, which drops the sample on each reagent part Ca of the test paper C arranged at the dropping position Pa; a second conveying mechanism 20, which conveys the test paper C from the dropping position Pa to the imaging position Pb; and an imaging device 30, which captures the test paper C arranged at the imaging position Pb. That is, the device body 2 drops the sample on the test paper C and analyzes the specific components in the sample.

[0045] The device body 2 further includes a discard box 60, which stores the test paper C discharged from the camera device 30 after the shooting in the camera device 30 is completed. The discard box 60 is a rectangular parallelepiped and is open upward, and can store a plurality of (a certain number of) test papers C in the internal storage space 65. In addition, in the present embodiment, an internal space S (see FIG. 1 ) having a size (volume) equal to or larger than that of the discard box 60 is formed below the discard box 60. Figure 1 ).

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first conveying mechanism 10 includes, for example, an arm 11 that supports the test paper C using a support portion 11a; a moving block 13 to which the arm 11 is fixed; and a pair of shafts 12 that extend in the X direction (horizontal direction) and guide the moving block 13 in this direction. In addition, the first conveying mechanism 10 includes a drive motor controlled by a controller 90 (not shown because it is hidden in the lower part of the first conveying mechanism 10), a pulley 14 on the driving side that is rotated by the drive motor, and a timing belt 17 that is mounted on the pulleys 14 on the driving side and the driven side. The moving block 13 is connected to the timing belt 17. The first conveying mechanism 10 moves the arm 11 directly below the discharge portion 49 at the above-mentioned specified timing. The first conveying mechanism 10 receives a test paper C from the supply mechanism 40, and then conveys the test paper C to a specified position above the dripping position Pa where the specimen is dripped. That is, in this embodiment, the first conveying mechanism 10 conveys the test paper C received from the supply mechanism 40 to the vicinity of the dripping position Pa.

[0047] The rear end of the test paper C transported to the top of the drop attachment position Pa is aligned forward by the push plate 15A that can move in the front-rear direction. The rotational driving force of the push motor 15B is converted into a straight line by a crank mechanism (not shown), thereby adjusting the movement of the push plate 15A. As for the mechanism for driving the push plate 15A, other known structures can also be appropriately adopted.

[0048] A basin-shaped cleaning tray B having short sides extending in the front-back direction and long sides extending in the left-right direction is arranged below the pair of shafts 12. The cleaning tray B stores, for example, powdered reagents scattered from the reagent portion Ca of the test paper C and other dust. Figure 4 As shown, the first conveying mechanism 10 includes a pair of top panels 18 extending directly above the pair of shafts 12 (closest to the top) in a manner covering the pair of shafts 12. The pair of top panels 18 extend in the horizontal direction (parallel to the XY plane) to prevent the powdered reagent scattered from the reagent portion Ca from adhering to the pair of shafts 12. The pair of top panels 18 are separated in the front-to-back direction. The inner ends 18a of each top panel 18 are separated in the front-to-back direction, and an open portion 19 is formed between the inner ends 18a (see Fig.10 The top plate 18 and the cleaning tray B are the main cleaning target parts in the first conveying mechanism 10.

[0049] In addition, the first conveying mechanism 10 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. The first conveying mechanism 10 can also convey the test paper C received from the supply mechanism 40 to the drop attachment position Pa. The first conveying mechanism 10 only needs to be able to receive the test paper C from the supply mechanism 40 and convey it horizontally. As the first conveying mechanism 10, other well-known structures can also be used. For example, the first conveying mechanism 10 can also have a belt conveyor, etc. The first conveying mechanism 10 can also have a slide rail or a linear guide rail, etc.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the dripping device 9 collects (samples) a specified amount of the specimen in the tube 100 and drips the specimen onto each reagent portion Ca of the test paper C arranged at the dripping position Pa. The dripping device 9 includes a support drive mechanism 9c and a track 9b arranged in the upper shell 5a, and a nozzle 9a that can move in the up and down direction (Z direction) and the front and back direction (Y direction) along the track 9b. The support drive mechanism 9c includes a drive motor not shown. When the controller 90 detects that the tube 100 reaches a specified position in front of the dripping device 9 (in front of the dripping position Pa), the dripping device 9 is controlled by the controller 90 to collect the specimen through the nozzle 9a. When the nozzle 9a moves forward, it reaches a position protruding from the device body 2 (i.e., the area of ​​the mounting table 3). That is, the nozzle 9a can move between the device body 2 and the mounting table 3. In addition, when collecting the specimen, the pump unit PU arranged in the upper shell 5a is also controlled by the controller 90 and operates in conjunction with the dripping device 9.

[0051] The dripping position Pa is set at a position slightly higher than the upper end of the tube 100 on the rack R. As a result, the stroke of the nozzle 9a in the up and down directions becomes the minimum distance. That is, the end 9t of the nozzle 9a needs to enter the tube 100 to a specified depth, but after the specimen is collected, the end 9t is detached from the tube 100 and moves backward at a position slightly higher than its upper end. Then, for example, each reagent part Ca is dripped in sequence starting from the reagent part Ca at the rear. Every time a new specimen (tube 100) comes to the above-mentioned specified position, the dripping device 9 repeats the same action. In addition, although the illustration is omitted, the dripping device 9 has a cleaning part for cleaning the nozzle 9a between the dripping position Pa and the tube 100.

[0052] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3As shown, the second conveying mechanism 20 is, for example, a mechanism for conveying a plurality of test strips C in a stepped manner with a predetermined spacing. In the present embodiment, the imaging position Pb is located to the left of the drop attachment position Pa and is higher than the drop attachment position Pa. The second conveying mechanism 20 conveys the test strips C obliquely upward. The second conveying mechanism 20 includes, for example, a pair of outer fixing plates 21, a central fixing plate 22 disposed at the middle position in the front-rear direction of the pair of outer fixing plates 21, and a pair of movable plates 23 ( Figure 3 (This is a cross-sectional view, so the outer fixing plate 21 in the front is not shown). The outer fixing plate 21, the central fixing plate 22, and the movable plate 23 are respectively arranged parallel to the XZ plane and have substantially the same step shape. In the outer fixing plate 21, the central fixing plate 22, and the movable plate 23, the spacing (height difference and distance in the left and right direction) of all horizontal step portions is set to be equal.

[0053] The pair of movable plates 23 are moved by a driving motor and a rectangular cam (not shown) in a manner of describing a predetermined orbit. More specifically, the pair of movable plates 23 move between two adjacent horizontal step portions of the outer fixed plate 21 and the central fixed plate 22 in a manner of describing a substantially rectangular orbit (a counterclockwise orbit when viewed from the front). Thus, the second conveying mechanism 20 conveys each test paper C placed on the horizontal step portion to the upper water table stage portion, and repeats this action.

[0054] Through the action of the movable plate 23, the test paper C transported by the first conveying mechanism 10 to the top of the dripping position Pa is handed over from the arm 11 of the first conveying mechanism 10 to the dripping position Pa. That is, the test paper C transported to the handover position is lifted upward from the arm 11 by the movable plate 23. At this time, the arm 11 (in order to transport the next test paper C) moves directly below the discharge portion 49. The test paper C lifted upward draws a roughly rectangular circular track (a clockwise track when viewed from the front) and is placed on the lowest horizontal step portion of the outer fixed plate 21 and the central fixed plate 22 as the dripping position Pa. The uppermost horizontal step portion of the outer fixed plate 21 and the central fixed plate 22 is arranged inside the imaging device 30 and is at the imaging position Pb. The second conveying mechanism 20 performs the conveyance of the second conveying mechanism 20 in consideration of the time required for the color development of the reagent portion Ca.

[0055] In addition, the second conveying mechanism 20 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. The second conveying mechanism 20 only needs to be able to convey the test paper C arranged at the drop position Pa obliquely upward. As the second conveying mechanism 20, other well-known structures can also be adopted. For example, the second conveying mechanism 20 can also be equipped with a belt conveyor or the like. In addition, the second conveying mechanism 20 can also be a mechanism that can convey the test paper C to the left or other horizontal directions. In this case, the camera position Pb can also be the same height as the drop position Pa.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the imaging device 30 includes a rectangular (or cube-shaped) imaging chamber 31 arranged in a manner surrounding an imaging position Pb, a camera 32 arranged on the upper surface of the imaging chamber 31, and an illumination unit 33 arranged on the upper surface of the imaging chamber 31 and around the camera 32. The imaging device 30 reads optical information of a test paper C on which a sample is dropped. The imaging position Pb is located approximately in the center of the imaging chamber 31 and at the bottom of the imaging chamber 31. The test paper C always maintains its length direction in the front-to-back direction ( Figure 1 The camera 32 captures the entire test paper C and sends its image information to the controller 90.

[0057] The controller 90 performs inspections, i.e., measurements and judgments, related to each inspection item based on the image of the test paper C obtained by the imaging device 30. The controller 90 displays the measurement results and judgment results on the display 5b together with the inherent information such as the specimen ID. In addition, the controller 90 stores the measurement results and judgment results in the storage unit together with the inherent information such as the specimen ID. The controller 90 has the function of the inspection unit in the urine inspection device 1.

[0058] The test paper C for which imaging has been completed in the imaging device 30 is discharged from the imaging device 30 by the second transport mechanism 20 and is put into the disposal box 60 .

[0059] Next, refer to Figure 4 The following figures illustrate the supply mechanism 40 of this embodiment and the moisture-proof structure in the supply mechanism 40. The following description of the direction and positional relationship of each part of the supply mechanism 40 is based on the case where the supply mechanism 40 is located at the operating position P1 (details will be described later) unless otherwise specified. Figure 5As shown, the supply mechanism 40 includes: a pair of input covers 41 that seal the open portion of the upper surface of the housing 43; a roller 44 that is arranged in the housing 43 and is rotatable around an axis extending in the front-to-back direction (Y direction); an auxiliary roller 48 that is arranged below the roller 44; and a portion that is a hollow, elongated rectangular body (square tube shape) formed below the auxiliary roller 48, namely, a discharge portion 49. The discharge portion 49 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape that extends in the front-to-back direction and is one circle larger than the test paper C. An upper end opening 49c connected to the take-out portion 46 described later is formed on the upper end surface 49a of the discharge portion 49, and a lower end opening 49e connected to the outside of the supply mechanism 40 is formed on the lower end surface 49b of the discharge portion 49. The housing 43 includes an upper housing 43A, a middle housing 43B, and a lower housing 43C. They are formed integrally, and when the upper surface of the upper shell 43A is closed by the input cover 41, the portion other than the lower end opening 49e of the discharge portion 49 maintains an airtight structure. A storage chamber 45 capable of storing a plurality of test papers C is formed between the upper shell 43A, the input cover 41, and the outer peripheral surface 44a of the drum 44.

[0060] In the case where the supply mechanism 40 is capable of supplying two (or more) test papers C, a central partition wall 42 extending in the up-down direction is provided at the center position in the left-right direction. Two storage chambers 45 are divided by the central partition wall 42. In addition, the input cover 41 includes a flat portion 41a and a desiccant storage portion 41b integrally provided on the lower surface of the flat portion 41a. The desiccant storage portion 41b is arranged in the storage chamber 45. A plurality of through-hole portions (or slits, etc.) are formed in the desiccant storage portion 41b, and dehumidification in the housing 43 is performed by a desiccant (not shown) provided in the desiccant storage portion 41b. In addition, a gasket G for improving airtightness is provided between the flat portion 41a of the input cover 41 and the upper housing 43A.

[0061] A groove portion (not shown) for embedding the test paper C is formed on the outer peripheral surface 44a of the roller 44. The depth of the groove portion is set to embed only one test paper C, and more than two test papers C cannot be accommodated in the groove portion. A small cylindrical gap is formed between the roller 44 and the middle shell 43B. The roller 44 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise when viewed from the front by a motor (not shown). The roller 44 is also called a reverse roller. Through the above structure and the rotation of the roller 44, a test paper C among multiple test papers C is taken out from the storage chamber 45. The removal portion 46 for taking out a test paper C from the storage chamber 45 is formed by a part of the roller 44 and the shell 43.

[0062] A pair of front and back detection units 47 are provided on both sides of the left and right sides of the roller 44. The front and back detection units 47 detect whether the test paper C accommodated in the groove of the roller 44 is facing up with the front side or the back side facing up. The test paper C conveyed downward by the roller 44 falls through the opening at the lower end and is accommodated in the slit formed in the auxiliary roller 48. Based on the detection result of the front and back detection unit 47, the rotation angle of the auxiliary roller 48 is controlled, and the test paper C is discharged from the lower end opening 49e of the discharge unit 49 in a specified posture. As a result, the dropped test paper C is placed on the arm 11 of the first conveying mechanism 10 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 )superior.

[0063] In addition, other known structures may be used as the specific structure of the supply mechanism 40. As an example, the device (structure) described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-35433 may be used. Alternatively, as the supply mechanism 40, for example, a cassette-type mechanism may be used.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the supply mechanism 40 is mounted on the device body 2 via a base portion 4b provided on the lower portion 4 of the device and a pair of connecting members 4c. The supply mechanism 40 can be opened and closed freely relative to the device body 2, for example, for maintenance. The supply mechanism 40 can be rotated freely around a rotation axis L40 extending in the left-right direction (i.e., horizontal). A rectangular opening 40e is formed in the central portion of the bottom surface portion 40b of the housing 40a, and a discharge portion 49 is arranged so as to face the opening 40e. The supply mechanism 40 can be in the operating position P1 (refer to Figure 1 ) and maintenance position P2 (refer to Figure 4 ), the operating position P1 is a position where the discharge unit 49 is opposite to the first conveying mechanism 10, and the maintenance position P2 is a position where the discharge unit 49 is farther away from the first conveying mechanism 10 than the operating position P1. The operating position P1 can also be said to be a closed position of the supply mechanism 40, and the maintenance position P2 can also be said to be an open position of the supply mechanism 40. The maintenance position P2 is a position where the supply mechanism 40 is rotated about 90 degrees or more from the operating position P1.

[0065] The supply mechanism 40 maintains a substantially horizontal posture at the operating position P1. That is, the central axis of the roller 44 extends substantially horizontally (along the Y direction). The supply mechanism 40 is fixed and arranged at the operating position P1 by a mechanism such as a ball catch (not shown). The locking mechanism may also include a latch, etc. In addition, the supply mechanism 40 can also maintain its posture at the maintenance position P2. The supply mechanism 40 will not rotate more than 90 degrees to the rear side, for example, by the engagement of plate members provided on the upper shell 5a and the shell 40a.

[0066] When the supply mechanism 40 is set at the operating position P1, the discharge portion 49 is located across the above-mentioned opening portion 19 (see Fig.10 ) is positioned facing the cleaning tray B. When the supply mechanism 40 is opened to the maintenance position P2, the cleaning tray B disposed below the first conveying mechanism 10 is exposed. When the urine testing apparatus 1 is at rest, the operator can clean the cleaning tray B and the surroundings of the first conveying mechanism 10.

[0067] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the supply mechanism 40 has a gate 50 installed near the discharge portion 49 and covering the discharge portion 49. During the operation of the supply mechanism 40, the gate 50 opens the discharge portion 49 only when the test paper C is discharged, and covers the discharge portion 49 at other times. The gate 50 includes: a gate body 51, which is rotatably mounted on the lower housing 43C via an axis 52; and a torsion spring (spring member) not shown in the figure, which applies force to the gate body 51 in a closing direction (clockwise when viewed from the front). A pair of engaging protrusions 53 (see FIG. 1 ) that engage with the support portion 11a of the arm 11 that moves in the right direction are provided on the outer surface side of the gate body 51. Figure 8 ). The locking protrusion 53 is pressed by the support portion 11a, so that the gate 50 moves in the opening direction and the test paper C is discharged. In addition, a pair of retaining claws 54 are provided on the inner surface side of the gate body 51 to restrict the posture of the test paper C when it is discharged. The test paper C is longitudinally embedded in the retaining claws 54 embedded in the discharge portion 49.

[0068] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, the urine inspection device 1 includes a cover 70 for moisture-proofing the inside of the supply mechanism 40. The cover 70 is provided to cover the lower end opening 49e of the discharge portion 49 when the supply mechanism 40 is at rest (i.e., when the urine inspection device 1 is at rest), so as to seal the storage chamber 45 and the extraction portion 46 from the outside air.

[0069] The cover 70 has a flat plate portion 71 made of a metal such as stainless steel and a sheet container 72. The flat plate portion 71 is in a rectangular shape larger than the discharge portion 49. A rectangular sheet 76 made of a material that can block (not penetrate) moisture (humidity) in the outside air is embedded in the sheet container 72. The sheet container 72 is in the shape of an elongated basin that is smaller than the flat plate portion 71 but slightly larger than the discharge portion 49. The sheet 76 is housed in the sheet container 72 and fixed, for example, by bonding. The sheet 76 is larger than the discharge portion 49 and has a size and shape that can cover the entire discharge portion 49. The sheet 76 may also have elasticity. As the sheet 76, for example, a silicon sheet is used. A predetermined gap 79 is formed between the flat plate portion 71 and the sheet container 72 (see Fig.10The flat plate portion 71 and the sheet container 72 are connected and fixed by two support columns 74 while maintaining the gap.

[0070] A pair of handles 73 connected to a pair of long sides of the flat plate 71 and a pair of leaf springs 77 separated from each other in the long side direction of the flat plate 71 are provided on the surface of the flat plate 71 opposite to the sheet storage body 72. The handle 73 is held by one hand of the operator. The leaf spring 77 includes a flat plate-shaped base portion 77a fixed to the flat plate 71 and a spring portion 77b that stands up in a V-shape from the base portion 77a and is freely displaceable relative to the flat plate 71. On the other hand, a sheet extending perpendicularly to the flat plate 71, i.e., a detected portion 78, is provided on one short side of the flat plate 71.

[0071] In addition, a pair of cutouts 72 e that are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction are formed on the side walls provided on the long side portions of the sheet container 72 .

[0072] Reference Figure 8 to Figure 10 , the method of installing the cover 70 is described. The cover 70 is installed on the discharge portion 49 when the supply mechanism 40 is located at the maintenance position P2. Figure 8 As shown, the operator first rotates the supply mechanism 40 to the maintenance position P2 when the supply mechanism 40 is at rest. The discharge portion 49 is covered by a shutter 50. The cover 70 is attached to the discharge portion 49 by using the shutter 50.

[0073] like Fig. 9 As shown in (a), the operator holds the handle 73 of the cover 70 with one hand (for example, the left hand) and overcomes the force of the torsion spring with the other hand (for example, the right hand) to open the gate body 51. At this time, as the gate body 51 rotates, the pair of retaining claws 54 embedded in the discharge portion 49 are separated from the discharge portion 49. The operator sticks the sheet receiving body 72 (the surface provided with the sheet 76) of the cover 70 to the rectangular frame-shaped discharge portion 49. Afterwards, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown in (b), the operator tilts the gate body 51 in the closing direction. The terminal end 51a of the gate body 51 enters the gap 79 between the sheet receiving body 72 and the flat plate portion 71. At the same time, a pair of cutouts 72e allow a pair of retaining claws 54 to pass through. The force of the torsion spring acts to press the sheet receiving body 72 through the terminal end 51a. Since the terminal end 51a extends in the long side direction except for the cut-off portion of the gate body 51, the cover 70 is pressed by the gate body 51 via a linear abutment portion of a predetermined distance.

[0074] exist Fig. 9In the state shown in (b), the cover 70 is temporarily held by the discharge portion 49. The cover 70 is temporarily held by the gate 50. That is, the cover 70 is temporarily held on the discharge portion 49 when the supply mechanism 40 is located at the maintenance position P2. After the cover 70 is temporarily held, the cover 70 will not fall off even if the operator moves one hand away from the cover 70. As long as the gate body 51 is not moved in the opening direction again, the temporarily held state of the cover 70 will be maintained. Therefore, even if the operator removes both hands from the cover 70 and the gate 50 and rotates the supply mechanism 40 toward the operating position P1, the cover 70 will not fall off, but maintains a posture of being clamped by the discharge portion 49 and the gate 50. In addition, in the temporarily held state, the cover 70 is not fixed and can move slightly relative to the discharge portion 49 and the supply mechanism 40.

[0075] During the rest period of the supply mechanism 40, the supply mechanism 40 is also moved to the operating position P1 and installed in the device body 2. When the supply mechanism 40 is installed in the device body 2, the cover 70 is closely attached to and fixed to the discharge portion 49 along with the installation operation. Fig.10 As shown, when the supply mechanism 40 reaches the operating position P1 and is locked, the lower end surface 49b of the discharge portion 49 is tightly attached to the sheet 76 in a manner that blocks the lower end opening 49e, and a pair of leaf springs 77 abut against a pair of top panels 18 of the first conveying mechanism 10. When the spring portion 77b is in a free state (initial state), the total height H from the surface of the sheet 76 to the top of the spring portion 77b is smaller than the gap height h from the surface of the sheet 76 to the top panel 18, so the spring portion 77b contracts (deforms). In addition, the sheet 76 is also compressed (deformed). As a result, the cover 70 is tightly attached to the discharge portion 49 by being clamped by the discharge portion 49 and the top panel 18 (a part of the first conveying mechanism 10). In addition, in Fig.10 In FIG. 1 , since the spring portion 77 b is in a contracted state, the lower reference line of the overall height H (indicating the top position of the spring portion 77 b in a free state) is shown within the range of the thickness of the top panel 18 .

[0076] When the cover 70 is installed, the sheet storage body 72 is stored in the housing 40a (inward of the bottom surface 40b), but the flat plate portion 71 protrudes outward from the housing 40a (see Fig. 9 (b)). The flat plate portion 71 and the handle portion 73 are separated from the sheet storage body 72 having the sheet 76. The cover 70 has a larger size than the gate 50 in the direction of passage of the test paper C in the discharge portion 49 (the thickness direction of the bottom surface portion 40b). As a result, the leaf spring 77 can abut against the top panel 18 without being affected by the presence of the gate 50. Although the handle portion 73 is configured to protrude from the flat plate portion 71, the open portion 19 disposed between the pair of inner ends 18a does not interfere with any component of the first conveying mechanism 10.

[0077] In the vicinity of the rear top panel 18 (near the above-mentioned base portion 4b. Figure 4 ) is provided with a sensor 75 for detecting the presence of the cover 70. When the supply mechanism 40 is fixed at the operation position P1 and the cover 70 is fixed, the sensor 75 located behind the detected portion 78 detects the presence of the detected portion 78 installed on the discharge portion 49. For example, if the cover 70 is installed at the start of the urine inspection device 1 (at the start of operation), the controller 90 receives a signal from the sensor 75 and issues a warning through the display 5b or other reporting parts (alarm, etc.). When the cover 70 is installed on the discharge portion 49, the controller 90 does not start the inspection in the urine inspection device 1. That is, in this case, the controller 90 performs an action prohibition control for prohibiting the operation of the urine inspection device 1 and issues a warning. This action prohibition control can prevent the supply mechanism 40 and the first conveying mechanism 10 from operating in a state where the cover 70 is erroneously installed.

[0078] According to the urine inspection device 1 of this embodiment, the test paper C is discharged one by one from the discharge part 49 while the supply mechanism 40 is operating. The test paper C is transported by the transport mechanism 400 to the vicinity of the dripping position Pa. After the specimen (i.e., urine) is dripped on the reagent part 201 of the test paper C, the inspection related to the specimen is performed. When the supply mechanism 40 is at rest, for example, when the inspection of multiple specimens is completed and the device is temporarily not operated, the discharge part 49 can be covered by the cover 70. The cover 70 seals the storage chamber 45 and the removal part 46 from the outside air, so even in the state where one or more test papers C are stored in the storage chamber 45, it is possible to prevent the infiltration of moisture and prevent the degradation of the reagent part 201. The cover 70 only needs to be designed to match the shape of the discharge part 49, etc., so, for example, it is not necessary to significantly modify the existing device. Therefore, according to the urine inspection device 1, it is possible to prevent the degradation of the reagent part 201 caused by moisture in the test paper C with a simple structure that does not require significant modification of the existing device. In a conventional device without the cover 70, in order to prevent the reagent unit from deteriorating due to moisture, it is necessary to take measures such as taking out all the test strips C remaining in the storage chamber 45 and storing them separately. In the urine testing device 1, the inside of the supply mechanism 40 is sealed by the cover 70, so such special measures are not required.

[0079] The cover 70 is mounted on the discharge portion 49 when the supply mechanism 40 is located at the maintenance position P2. When the supply mechanism 40 is not in use (for example, when an inspection is completed), the supply mechanism 40 is often moved to the maintenance position P2 for cleaning operations. Therefore, the cover 70 can be mounted using the opportunity or time of the maintenance operation. In addition, even when the maintenance operation is not performed, the discharge portion 49 can be exposed simply by moving the supply mechanism 40, and the cover 70 can be easily mounted.

[0080] As the supply mechanism 40 is installed, the cover 70 is closely attached and fixed, so that the installation work of the cover 70 can be performed reliably and easily.

[0081] There is a small space between the discharge unit 49 and the first conveying mechanism 10. If the cover 70 is arranged in this space and the pressing force received from both is utilized, there is no need for a separate pressing mechanism or the like for close contact with the discharge unit 49 (ie, sealing the supply mechanism 40).

[0082] In addition, since the cover 70 is installed by utilizing the existing shutter 50, no special tools, installation fittings, etc. are required, and the above-mentioned functions and effects can be achieved with a simpler structure.

[0083] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the structure of the cover 70 is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be appropriately changed.

[0084] The supply mechanism may not be a rotating mechanism but a structure that can be removed from the device body 2. The supply mechanism may not be openable and closable but fixed. In these cases, a cover may be provided between the supply mechanism and the conveying mechanism when the device is stopped.

[0085] The following structure can also be applied, which does not rely on the pressing force from the supply mechanism, but makes the cover close to the discharge part based on the installation structure when the cover is installed. The cover can also be installed at any place in the supply mechanism when the urine inspection device 1 is in operation. In this case, the cover is arranged at a place different from the discharge part 49, does not hinder the discharge of the test paper C from the discharge part 49, but is installed in a way to cover the supply mechanism 40 when the supply mechanism 40 is at rest.

[0086] The cover may be attached without using the shutter 50. In the supply mechanism 40, the shutter 50 may be omitted.

Claims

1. A urine testing device comprising a transport mechanism for transporting a test paper provided with a reagent portion, The urine testing device comprises: a supply mechanism having a storage chamber capable of storing a plurality of test papers, a take-out section for taking out the test papers from the storage chamber, and a discharge section for discharging the test papers, wherein the test papers are sequentially supplied to the conveying mechanism by discharging the test papers from the discharge section; The transport mechanism receives the test paper from the supply mechanism and transports the test paper to a dripping position or a vicinity thereof where the sample is dripped; and A cover covers the discharge portion and seals the storage chamber and the take-out portion from the outside air.

2. The urine testing device according to claim 1, wherein: When the supply mechanism is at rest, the cover is sandwiched between the discharge section and a part of the conveying mechanism so as to be in close contact with the discharge section.

3. The urine testing device according to claim 2, wherein: The urine testing device comprises a device body including the transport mechanism. The supply mechanism is mounted on the device body and is movable between an operating position where the discharge unit is opposite to the conveying mechanism and a maintenance position where the discharge unit is further away from the conveying mechanism than the operating position. The cover is mounted on the discharge portion when the supply mechanism is located at the maintenance position.

4. The urine testing device according to claim 3, wherein: The cover is temporarily held on the discharge portion when the supply mechanism is located at the maintenance position, and is closely attached to and fixed to the discharge portion in conjunction with an installation operation of moving the supply mechanism to the operation position and installing it in the device body.

5. The urine testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The supply mechanism includes a shutter installed near the discharge portion, and the shutter opens the discharge portion only when the test paper is discharged, and covers the discharge portion when it is not discharged. The cover is mounted on the discharge portion using the shutter.

6. The urine testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The device body is provided with a controller for controlling the operation of the urine testing device. The controller performs operation prohibition control for prohibiting the operation of the urine testing device when the presence of the cover attached to the discharge unit is detected.

7. The urine testing device according to claim 6, wherein: also having a sensor capable of detecting the presence of the cover, The controller outputs a warning when the sensor detects the presence of the cover at the start of operation of the urine testing device.

8. The urine testing device according to claim 5, wherein: The gate has a spring member, The cover is attached to the discharge portion by the urging force of the spring member.

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