Analysis device

Abstract

The invention provides an analysis device which can prevent large scale of the device and can take out a waste box from a housing without any obstacle. The analyzer is configured so that a specimen is dropped onto a test strip and a specific component in the specimen is analyzed. The analysis device is provided with: a dripping device that drips a sample onto the test strip; a reading device that reads optical information on the test strip onto which the specimen is dropped; a conveying mechanism which conveys the test paper from a dripping position where dripping is performed by the dripping device to a reading position where reading is performed by the reading device; and a housing that accommodates the dripping device, the reading device, and the conveying mechanism. The reading position is higher than the dropping position, and the conveying mechanism conveys the test paper obliquely upward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an analysis device for analyzing a sample using an analysis tool such as a test paper. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are known analytical devices that analyze the presence, concentration, etc. of specific components in a specimen by optically measuring the color reaction in the reagent portion on a test paper. During the analysis, a certain amount of time is required from the drop of the specimen to the measurement in order to wait for the color change caused by the chemical reaction between the reagent portion pre-impregnated with the reagent and the specimen.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2011 / 122562

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-345253 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] As described above, it takes a certain amount of time until the color reaction can be optically measured. Here, if one wants to ensure the time required for observation by extending the horizontal conveying path from the position where the drop is attached to the position where the reading is performed, the lateral width of the analysis device becomes larger. Depending on the situation, it will cause obstacles to the work in the space where the analysis device is set.

[0009] The present invention describes a technique for suppressing an increase in the horizontal dimension of a housing of an analysis device.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] An analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention drips a specimen onto a test paper and analyzes a specific component in the specimen. The analysis device comprises: a dripping device that drips a specimen onto the test paper; a reading device that reads optical information of the test paper on which the specimen is dripped; a conveying mechanism that conveys the test paper from a dripping position where the dripping device drips the specimen to a reading position where the reading device reads the specimen; and a housing that accommodates the dripping device, the reading device, and the conveying mechanism. The reading position is located at a position higher than the dripping position, and the conveying mechanism conveys the test paper diagonally upward.

[0012] According to the above structure, since the conveying mechanism extends obliquely upward, not only the horizontal space but also the vertical space is effectively utilized, and time for observing the color change can be ensured. Thus, the horizontal dimension of the housing of the analysis device can be suppressed from increasing due to the conveying mechanism.

[0013] In the above-mentioned analysis device, the housing may also have: a waste box, into which the test paper read by the reading device is put; and a removal port of the waste box, which is provided on the front surface of the housing, and from which the waste box can be taken out. According to the analysis device, the waste box can be taken out from the removal port on the front surface of the housing. Other analysis devices may also be provided near the side. In the structure in which the waste box is taken out from the front surface, it is easy to avoid interference with various devices in the housing, and the device can be prevented from being enlarged.

[0014] In the above-mentioned analysis device, a plurality of door components that can be opened and closed around axes extending in different directions can be provided on the front surface of the housing in correspondence with the removal port. According to this structure, the door components can be closed when the device is running, and each door component can be opened when the waste box is taken out. Since the door components can be opened in different directions, it is easy to ensure the removal port and the path (for example, a path facing forward and obliquely upward).

[0015] The plurality of door components may include a first door component and a second door component. Alternatively, the first door component may be capable of opening and closing the housing by rotating around an axis extending in the vertical direction, and the second door component may be capable of taking a posture standing up in the vertical direction by rotating around an axis extending in the left-right direction. Thus, it is easy to ensure a take-out port and a path (for example, a path facing forward and diagonally upward).

[0016] Alternatively, the dripping device may include a nozzle for collecting the sample and dripping the sample onto the test paper, and the nozzle may be arranged at a position that does not overlap with the plurality of door members when the device body is viewed from the front, so that the removal and storage of the waste box can be prevented from interfering with the area where the nozzle operates.

[0017] Alternatively, the analysis device may include a loading platform on which a container for accommodating the specimen is placed in front of the housing, and a waste box can be taken out along a path passing above the container on the loading platform. Sometimes, a container is placed on the loading platform in front of the device body. In this case, the waste box can also be taken out along a path passing above the upper end of the container, thereby preventing interference with the container. Therefore, the device can be prevented from being enlarged, and the waste box can be taken out from the housing without obstruction.

[0018] The device body may also include a sensor capable of detecting the amount of the test paper in the waste box. The dripping device may also make a specified report when the sensor detects that the amount of the test paper in the waste box is greater than a specified amount. The user can know when to take out the waste box.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the width of the housing in the horizontal direction from increasing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A front view of the schematic structure of the interior of the device body.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view showing the first and second conveying mechanisms, the dropping device, the reading device, and the disposal box in the device body.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing the structure of a reading device and an inspection unit.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the driving unit and the movable plate of the second transport mechanism.

[0026] Figure 6 (a) is the front view of the outer fixing plate. Figure 6 (b) is the front view of the movable plate.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the reading position and the discard box located at the uppermost part of the second conveying mechanism.

[0028] Figure 8 (a)~ Figure 8 (d) is a front view showing the test paper discharging step in the discharging section.

[0029] Fig. 9 It is a side sectional view showing the take-out port and path of the waste box.

[0030] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing an analysis device according to a first modification.

[0031] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing an analysis device according to a second modification.

[0032] Description of Reference Numerals

[0033] 1 ... urine inspection device (analyzer), 2 ... device body, 3 ... mounting table, 4a ... lower housing, 4c ... shielding cover (door member), 5a ... upper housing, 5c ... front surface panel (door member), 9 ... dripping device, 10 ... first conveying mechanism, 20 ... second conveying mechanism, 20A ... driving part, 20B ... discharge part, 20Bb ... discharge surface, 21 ... outer fixing plate, 22 ... central fixing plate, 23 ... movable plate, 30 ... imaging device (reading device) , 31…imaging room, 32…camera, 33…illumination unit, 40…supply mechanism, 60…waste box, 70…third conveying mechanism (other conveying mechanisms), 80…lifting mechanism, 100…tube (container), 100a…upper end, C…test paper, Ca…reagent unit, L4…axis, L5…axis, P1…receiving position, P2…taking out position, Pa…drip attachment position, Pb…imaging position (reading position), R…rack, T…extraction port, TP…path. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used for the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are not necessarily consistent with the dimensional ratios in the description. In the following embodiments and modified examples, a urine testing device is described as an example of an analysis device.

[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 2 The 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) (container) 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 (analysis items) 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 another 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 is adjacent to the rear of the mounting table 3. 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 1 As 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 (door component) 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] As described above, each tube 100 contains a specimen. A plurality of tubes 100 are placed on the placing table 3 via a rack R. The plurality of tubes 100 are moved in the left-right direction by the conveying mechanism, and thus can be placed at any position in the left-right direction.

[0041] 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 having 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 various motors and sensors provided in 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.

[0042] 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 the operator through the insertion covers 41. 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 papers C one by one from the discharge section 49. A sensor (not shown) is provided in the supply mechanism 40 to detect whether 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 ) to be 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.

[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 and Figure 3 , 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 specimen 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 (reading position) Pb; and an imaging device (reading device) 30, which takes an image of the test paper C arranged at the imaging position Pb. That is, the device body 2 drops the specimen on the test paper C and analyzes the specific components in the specimen.

[0045] The device body 2 further includes a discard box 60, which stores the test paper C that is released (or discharged) from the camera device 30 after the shooting in the camera device 30 is completed. The discard box 60 is arranged on the left side of the camera device 30. The discard box 60 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 As shown, the first conveying mechanism 10 includes, for example: an arm 11, which 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, which 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, a pair of pulleys, and a timing belt mounted on the pair of pulleys, etc. (none of which are shown in the figure). The moving block 13 is connected to the timing belt. The first conveying mechanism 10 moves the arm 11 to the bottom of 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 of the dripping specimen. 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 in front 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] 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 receive the test paper C from the supply mechanism 40 and convey the test paper C in the horizontal direction. 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.

[0049] 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 comes to 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 attract and 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.

[0050] 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 front end 9t of the nozzle 9a needs to enter the tube 100 to a specified depth, but after the specimen is collected, the front 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The pair of movable plates 23 are moved by a driving motor (not shown) in a manner of describing a predetermined orbit. 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, 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 horizontal step portion, and repeats this action.

[0053] 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 camera device 30 and is at the camera 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 part Ca. The details of the second conveying mechanism 20 will be described later.

[0054] In addition, the second conveying mechanism 20 is not limited to the above structure. The second conveying mechanism 20 in this embodiment can be used as long as it can convey the test paper C arranged at the drop attachment position Pa obliquely upward. As the second conveying mechanism 20, other known structures can also be used. For example, the second conveying mechanism 20 can also be equipped with a belt conveyor, etc.

[0055] like Figure 1As 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 is always maintained with its length direction oriented 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.

[0056] 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. 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.

[0057] The test paper C that has been photographed (read) by the imaging device 30 is released (discharged) from the imaging device 30 by the second conveying mechanism 20 and is put into the waste box 60. The first conveying mechanism 10, the second conveying mechanism 20, the dripping device 9 and the waste box 60 are accommodated in the lower housing 4a, or in the lower housing 4a and the upper housing 5a.

[0058] Next, refer to Figure 4 , the functions of the inspection unit 90A provided by the controller 90 are described. The controller 90 can control the lighting unit 33, the camera 32, and the second conveying mechanism 20. In addition, the controller 90 can input the camera image (read image) obtained in the camera 32. When the controller 90 conveys the test paper C to the imaging position Pb, the camera 32 and the lighting unit 33 are controlled to shoot the test paper C. At this time, the color development results in multiple reagent parts Ca are included in the camera image. The controller 90 functions as the inspection unit 90A. The inspection unit 90A includes: a signal acquisition unit 91, which acquires a signal corresponding to the camera image; an image processing unit 92, which performs a predetermined image processing; a determination unit 93, which performs a determination related to the above-mentioned inspection item based on the result of the image processing; and an output unit 94, which outputs the determination result (or measurement result) and displays the determination result (or measurement result) on the display 5b (and stores it in the storage unit). The determination unit 93 can also store threshold values, calculation formulas, etc. corresponding to the inspection items.

[0059] Next, the detailed structure of the second conveying mechanism 20 and the arrangement of the imaging device 30 (imaging position Pb) and the waste box 60 which are arranged in a continuous manner to the side of the second conveying mechanism 20 are described. Depending on the inspection item (type), an inspection device different from the urine inspection device 1 is sometimes required. On the left side of the urine inspection device 1, for example, another analysis device (not shown) can be arranged. The other analysis device is arranged adjacent to the urine inspection device 1. In this case, the mounting table 3 of the urine inspection device 1 may be connected to the mounting table of other inspection devices, and the rack R and the plurality of tubes 100 may be transferred from the mounting table 3 to the other mounting tables. The rack R and the plurality of tubes 100 sometimes pass through the front position of the second conveying mechanism 20 and the internal space S, or stop at the front position.

[0060] The urine inspection apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a structure that enables the waste box 60 to be taken out from the front of the upper housing 5a and the lower housing 4a even when the rack R and the plurality of tubes 100 are present in such a front position. Figure 3 and Figure 5 The following figures illustrate this structure.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, the imaging position Pb where the test paper C is arranged in the imaging device 30 is set to a position higher than the dropping position Pa where the test paper C is arranged in the dropping device 9. As described above, the second conveying mechanism 20 conveys a plurality of test papers C in a step-like shape with a predetermined pitch. The second conveying mechanism 20 conveys the test paper C obliquely upward.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, the second conveying mechanism 20 has a driving unit 20A for moving a pair of movable plates 23. The driving unit 20A includes: a fixed base 24, which is fixed to the lower housing 4a; a left and right guide shaft 25, which is provided on the fixed base 24 and extends in the left and right direction; and a slider 26a, which can move in the left and right direction along the left and right guide shafts 25. A pair of left and right force springs 29 are provided between the fixed base 24 and the slider 26a. For example, the force spring 29 composed of a compression coil spring applies force in a manner that returns the slider 26a to the central position in the left and right direction in the state where the left and right guide shafts 25 are inserted. The driving unit 20A also includes a pair of upper and lower guide shafts 28 erected on the slider 26a and a lifting block 26b that can move in the upper and lower directions along the upper and lower guide shafts 28. The movable unit 26 is composed of the slider 26a and the lifting block 26b. A pair of movable plates 23 are fixed to the lifting block 26b.

[0063] A rectangular hole 26e is formed in the lifting block 26b and passes through in the front-to-back direction. The driving unit 20A also includes a camshaft 27a arranged in the rectangular hole 26e and extending in the front-to-back direction, and a fan-shaped cam 27b rotating together with the fan-shaped cam 27b in the rectangular hole 26e. The camshaft 27a is fixed to the lower housing 4a via a bracket not shown in the figure. The driving unit 20A rotates the camshaft 27a through a driving motor not shown in the figure, thereby rotating the fan-shaped cam 27b. The end surface of the fan-shaped cam 27b extending in an arc shape always abuts against the wall surface of the rectangular hole 26e. As the fan-shaped cam 27b rotates, the slider 26a slides and moves in the left-right direction, and the lifting block 26b moves (lifts and lowers) in the up-down direction. Through the sliding movement of the slider 26a and the movement (lifting and lowering) of the lifting block 26b, a pair of movable plates 23 move in a roughly rectangular orbit. The movement of the pair of movable plates 23 is a translational motion parallel to the XZ plane. Thus, in the driving unit 20A, the pair of movable plates 23 are moved by a cam mechanism composed of the fan-shaped cam 27b as a driving member and the lifting block 26b as a driven member. In addition, the driving motor can rotate the cam shaft 27a in two directions. The fan-shaped cam 27b can rotate in the positive direction of counterclockwise when viewed from the front, and can rotate in the reverse direction of clockwise when viewed from the front.

[0064] like Figure 6 As shown in (a), the outer fixing plate 21 is fixed to the horizontally extending plate-shaped common base B. The outer fixing plate 21 is fixed to the right side portion of the common base B, namely the first supporting portion Ba (refer to Figure 7 ). The outer fixing plate 21 includes a plurality of horizontal step portions. More specifically, the outer fixing plate 21 includes, for example, a first horizontal step portion 21a, a second horizontal step portion 21b, a third horizontal step portion 21c, a fourth horizontal step portion 21d, a fifth horizontal step portion 21e, a sixth horizontal step portion 21f, and a seventh horizontal step portion 21g. These horizontal step portions have the same shape except for the first horizontal step portion 21a and the seventh horizontal step portion 21g. Only the first horizontal step portion 21a and the seventh horizontal step portion 21g are formed into a concave shape. In the left-right direction, the size of each horizontal step portion is larger than the width of the test paper C. The test paper C is placed on each horizontal step portion. The spacing (height difference and distance in the left-right direction) of the plurality of horizontal step portions is set to be equal.

[0065] As described above, the first horizontal step portion 21a at the bottom defines the dripping position Pa. In addition, a horizontal support plate 22p (see Figure 7 ), the support plate 22p also supports the test paper C at the dropping position Pa. The uppermost seventh horizontal step portion 21g defines the imaging position Pb.

[0066] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in (b), the movable plate 23 includes a plurality of movable step portions. In more detail, the movable plate 23 includes, for example, a first movable step portion 23a, a second movable step portion 23b, a third movable step portion 23c, a fourth movable step portion 23d, a fifth movable step portion 23e, a sixth movable step portion 23f and a seventh movable step portion 23g. These movable step portions also have the same shape. Each movable step portion is slightly inclined relative to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and descends as it moves toward the left. In the left and right directions, the size of each movable step portion is the same as that of each of the above-mentioned horizontal step portions, or is slightly smaller than that of each of the above-mentioned horizontal step portions. Test paper C is placed on each movable step portion. Due to the inclined shape of each movable step portion, the position and posture of the test paper C are stable during the period when the test paper C is transported through a pair of movable plates 23. The spacing (height difference and distance in the left and right directions) of the plurality of movable step portions is set to be equal.

[0067] like Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 As shown in (b), the shape and size of the movable plate 23 are suitable for the outer fixed plate 21 (and the central fixed plate 22 (refer to Figure 7 )) shape and size. When the movable plate 23 rises or falls at the right end position of the movable range, when viewed from the front, all movable steps pass through the positions of all horizontal steps respectively. In addition, when the movable plate 23 rises or falls at the left end position (the position close to the waste box 60) of the movable range, when viewed from the front, the first movable step portion 23a to the sixth movable step portion 23f pass through the positions of the second horizontal step portion 21b to the seventh horizontal step portion 21g respectively. That is, the movable plate 23 moves (shifts) in the front-to-back direction by a length equivalent to one pitch.

[0068] like Figure 6 (a) and Figure 7 As shown, a discharge section 20B for discharging the test paper C toward the waste box 60 is provided at the left and upper end of the second conveying mechanism 20. That is, the second conveying mechanism 20 includes a discharge section 20B for the test paper C. The discharge section 20B discharges the test paper C after being photographed (read) by the camera device 30. That is, the discharge section 20B can also be called a "final discharge section" that discharges the photographed test paper C to the waste box 60. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 2 , the discharge portion 20B is disposed at a position higher than the upper edge 61 of the discard box 60 disposed at the take-out position P2. Figure 6 In (a), the discharge portion 20B is indicated by an imaginary line. The discharge portion 20B includes a horizontal plate-shaped loading surface 20Ba and a plate-shaped discharge surface 20Bb inclined to the lower left from the loading surface 20Ba. The height of the upper surface of the loading surface 20Ba is consistent with the height of the bottom surface of the seventh horizontal step portion 21g. The lower end of the discharge surface 20Bb faces the storage space 65 of the waste box 60.

[0069] The discharge portion 20B is provided, for example, below the imaging device 30. The placement surface 20Ba of the discharge portion 20B also serves as an imaging surface of the imaging device 30. In other words, the placement surface 20Ba and the seventh horizontal step portion 21g of the outer fixing plate 21 provide an imaging position Pb of the test paper C.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the waste box 60 is placed on the second support portion Bb, which is the left side portion of the horizontal plate-shaped common base B. The second support portion Bb is, for example, in the above-mentioned internal space S (see Figure 2 ) extends to the height position of the upper end.

[0071] Reference Figure 8 (a)~ Figure 8 The diagrams (d) of FIG. 1 and (d) of FIG. 2 illustrate the transport of the test paper C in the second transport mechanism 20 and the discharge of the test paper C by the discharge section 20B. Figure 8 As shown in (a), for example, a test paper C is placed on the seventh horizontal step portion 21g. n , place the test paper C on the sixth horizontal step portion 21f n+1 Test Paper C n It is photographed (optically read) in the imaging device 30. Then, as Figure 8 As shown in (b), the pair of movable plates 23 rises at the right end position of the movable range. Test paper C n Supported by the seventh moving step portion 23g, the test paper C n+1 Supported by the sixth moving step portion 23f. Figure 8 As shown in (c), a pair of movable plates 23 move to the left. Then, as shown in Figure 8 As shown in (d), the pair of movable plates 23 are lowered at the left end position of the movable range. n+1 Placed on the seventh horizontal step portion 21g (transported only one pitch). n After the pair of movable plates 23 are further lowered, the test paper C n The waste material slides down from the discharge surface 20Bb and is thrown into the waste box 60 .

[0072] As described above, the discharging unit 20B discharges the test paper C after being imaged (read) by the imaging device 30 into the disposal box 60 .

[0073] Next, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Fig. 9, the removal of the waste box 60 is explained. For example, a sensor that detects the stacking height of the test strips C (the upper surface position of the pile of test strips C) is used to detect the situation where a specified amount (for example, hundreds of test strips) of test strips C are stored in the waste box 60. Based on the information received from the sensor (for example, when the height is above a specified threshold), the controller 90 notifies the user of this through the display 5b or a speaker, etc. For example, a message such as "The capacity of the waste box is insufficient. Please discard the test strip." is displayed, or a buzzer sound notifying the same meaning is emitted. At this time, the operator, for example, stops the urine testing device 1 and moves on to the removal operation of the waste box 60.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a front panel 5c that can be opened and closed about an axis L5 extending in the vertical direction (Z direction) is provided on the front surface of the upper housing 5a. In addition, a shielding cover 4c that can be opened and closed about an axis L4 extending in the horizontal direction (X direction) is provided on the front surface of the lower housing 4a. First, the operator opens the front panel 5c. Then, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown in the figure, the operator puts down the shielding cover 4c (rotates it about 90 degrees) and fixes the shielding cover 4c in a horizontal posture. The shielding cover 4c is urged in the upright direction by a spring not shown in the figure, but the shielding cover 4c is fixed horizontally by a locking mechanism not shown in the figure. During the operation of the urine inspection device 1, the shielding cover 4c prevents light from intruding into the interior of the upper housing 5a and the lower housing 4a by maintaining the upright posture.

[0075] By opening the front surface panel 5c and making the shielding cover 4c horizontal, the removal port T of the waste box 60 is exposed on the front surface of the upper shell 5a and the lower shell 4a. The removal port T is formed in front of the waste box 60 and is larger than the size of the waste box 60 in the front view. The removal port T is formed in the area surrounding the waste box 60 in the front view. In addition, in the front view, the lower end of the removal port T may be higher than the lower end of the waste box 60 (the second supporting portion Bb of the common base B). The removal port T extends upwards than the upper end edge 61 of the waste box 60. With the above structure, it is possible to pass through the upper end 100a of the tube 100 on the mounting table 3 (refer to Fig. 9 ), and the waste box 60 is taken out from the take-out port T. The path TP is formed as a space extending forward and obliquely upward from the location where the waste box 60 is set, and there is no obstacle in the path TP. In addition, an inclined portion 5t for facilitating the removal of the waste box 60 may be provided inside the upper shell 5a, at a position slightly forward and above the waste box 60. According to the inclined portion 5t, it is easy to ensure the path TP extending obliquely upward.

[0076] Furthermore, a handle 62 for allowing an operator to easily hold the discard box 60 may be provided on the upper front surface of the discard box 60 .

[0077] In the urine inspection device 1 of this embodiment, since the imaging position Pb is arranged at a position higher than the dripping position Pa, the test paper C is conveyed obliquely upward. In this way, not only the horizontal space but also the vertical space is effectively utilized, and the time for observing the color change is ensured. As a result, the horizontal dimension of the urine inspection device 1 can be suppressed from increasing.

[0078] In addition, in the case of setting up the urine inspection device 1 alone, as in the above-mentioned patent document 1, it may be effective to remove the waste box (waste box) from the side of the shell. However, other analysis devices are sometimes set on the side of the analysis device. In the case where multiple analysis devices are arranged in a horizontal arrangement, restrictions are imposed on removing the waste box from the side. That is, it may be difficult to ensure the space for removal, or the setting efficiency of the analysis device is deteriorated due to ensuring the space. In addition, since various devices are accommodated in the shell of the analysis device, it is inevitable to avoid the enlargement of the device in order to realize the structure of removing the waste box from the top. In contrast, according to the urine inspection device 1 of this embodiment, the waste box 60 can be removed from the removal port T on the front surface of the lower shell 4a and the upper shell 5a. Other analysis devices can also be set near the side. In the structure of removing the waste box 60 from the front surface, it is easy to avoid interference with various devices in the shells 4a and 5a, and the enlargement of the device can be prevented. Sometimes a tube 100 is placed on the loading table 3 in front of the device body 2. In this case, the discard box 60 can be taken out along the path TP passing above the upper end 100a of the tube 100, so interference with the tube 100 can be prevented. Therefore, the discard box 60 can be taken out from the housings 4a and 5a without hindrance while preventing the device from being enlarged.

[0079] In addition, the device body 2 includes a first conveying mechanism 10 and a second conveying mechanism 20 related to the conveyance of the test paper C, and can automatically perform the dropping and reading. After reading by the camera device 30, the test paper C is put into the waste box 60, so a series of actions related to the analysis (i.e., the operation of the test paper) are automated.

[0080] Furthermore, by providing the discharging unit 20B in the second transport mechanism 20 , the reading of the test paper C and the introduction (discharging) into the discard box 60 can be performed with a simple device configuration.

[0081] In addition, the test paper C is transported obliquely upward by the second transport mechanism 20, and the test paper C is arranged at the imaging position Pb set at a higher position. Since the discard box 60 for receiving the test paper C can be set at a higher position, it is easy to take out the discard box 60 at a higher position. As a result, it is easy to avoid interference with the tube 100 placed on the mounting table 3 (see Fig. 9 ).

[0082] Furthermore, the front panel 5c and the shielding cover 4c are closed when the device is running, and the front panel 5c and the shielding cover 4c can be opened when the waste box 60 is taken out. Since the directions of opening the front panel 5c and the shielding cover 4c are also different, it is easy to ensure the removal port T and the path TP (the path TP facing forward and obliquely upward). The waste box 60 is set on the side of the camera device 30. When the device is running, by closing the front panel 5c and the shielding cover 4c in advance, the intrusion of light from the outside can be blocked, and the shooting (reading) in the camera device 30 can be performed with higher accuracy.

[0083] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.

[0084] For example, you can also use Fig.10 The device structure of the first variant shown in FIG. 1 . In the urine test device, the device body 2 includes: a second conveying mechanism 20X that conveys the test paper C horizontally (to the left); a camera device 30 that photographs the test paper C on the second conveying mechanism 20X; and a third conveying mechanism (another conveying mechanism) 70 that conveys the test paper C photographed (read) by the camera device 30 upward and puts it into the waste box 60. The second conveying mechanism 20X may also include a conveyor that conveys the test paper C in the horizontal direction. The dropping position Pa where the test paper C is arranged in the dropping device 9 and the imaging position Pb where the test paper C is arranged in the imaging device 30 are set on the conveyor. That is, the imaging position Pb is the same height as the dropping position Pa. The second conveying mechanism 20X, the dropping device 9, the imaging device 30, the third conveying mechanism 70 and the waste box 60 are accommodated in the housing of the device body 2. The third conveying mechanism 70 extends from the height of the imaging position Pb to a height exceeding the upper edge 61 of the waste box 60. The third conveying mechanism 70 includes, for example, a driving motor (not shown), a driving pulley 71, a driven pulley 72, and a belt 73 mounted on these pulleys. A plurality of supporting plates 74 are provided on the belt 73. Each test paper C is supported by the supporting plate 74 and conveyed upward. In the area where the supporting plate 74 is reversed by the driven pulley 72, the test paper C falls and is released, and is thrown into the waste box 60. According to this structure, there is no need to raise the camera position Pb, and the test paper C is conveyed upward by the third conveying mechanism 70 after shooting. Since the waste box 60 for receiving the test paper C can be set at a higher position, it is easy to take out the waste box 60 at a higher position. As a result, it is easy to avoid interference with the tube 100 placed on the loading platform 3 (for example, refer to Fig. 9 ).

[0085] Alternatively, you can use Fig.11The apparatus structure of the second modified example shown in FIG. 1 is a urine test apparatus. In the apparatus, the apparatus body 2 has the same second conveying mechanism 20X and the camera device 30 as those described in the first modified example, and a lifting mechanism 80 that raises the discard box 60 disposed at a position lower than the second conveying mechanism 20X to a position higher than the second conveying mechanism 20X when the apparatus is operated. The second conveying mechanism 20X, the dripping device 9, the camera device 30, the discard box 60, and the lifting mechanism 80 are accommodated in the housing of the apparatus body 2. With respect to the discard box 60, the "low position" refers to the receiving position P1 that receives the test paper C that has been photographed by the camera device 30. The discard box 60 located at the receiving position P1 receives the test paper C released from the terminal end of the conveyor of the second conveying mechanism 20X. With respect to the discard box 60, the "higher position" refers to the take-out position P2 that is located above the receiving position P1 and faces the take-out port T. The lifting mechanism 80 raises and lowers the discard box 60 between the receiving position P1 and the take-out position P2. The lifting mechanism 80 includes, for example, a driving motor (not shown), a driving pulley 81, a driven pulley 82, and a belt 83 mounted on these pulleys. The waste box 60 is connected to the belt 83, thereby enabling the waste box 60 to be lifted and lowered. Only when the test paper C needs to be discarded, the waste box 60 rises to the removal position P2 and is taken out by the operator. After the test paper C is discarded, the waste box 60 is loaded on the lifting mechanism 80 at the removal position P2, and then the waste box 60 descends to the receiving position P1. According to this structure, the receiving position P1 can be set at a low position, and there is no need to raise the camera position Pb. For example, it is also possible to set the receiving position P1 at a low position in the internal space S (refer to Figure 1 ) sets the receiving position P1. Then, the waste box 60 containing the test paper C is raised to the removal position P2 by the lifting mechanism 80. Therefore, it is easy to take out the waste box 60. Thus, it is easy to avoid interference with the tube 100 placed on the mounting table 3. In addition, a discharge portion for discharging the test paper C toward the waste box 60 is provided at the terminal end of the second conveying mechanism 20X. Thus, the reading of the test paper C and even the insertion (discharging) into the waste box 60 can be implemented with a simple device structure.

[0086] The present invention can also be applied to analysis devices other than urine testing devices. As long as it is a type of device that performs analysis using test strips and stores the analyzed test strips in a waste box within a housing, the present invention can be applied to any device. However, the analysis device includes a mounting table for mounting multiple containers and a device body adjacent to the rear of the mounting table. Moreover, an outlet for removing the waste box is provided on the front surface of the housing of the device body. The waste box can be taken out from the outlet along a path passing above the upper end of the container. Thus, in other types of analysis devices, the waste box can also be taken out without obstruction.

[0087] As the reading device, a device other than the imaging device using the camera 32 may also be applied. For example, a light irradiation unit including an LED or the like may irradiate light to the test paper C, and a light detection unit including a photodiode or the like may detect the reflected light. As long as the reading device is capable of reading the color reaction in the test paper C as optical information, all known devices may be applied.

[0088] It is also possible to set three or more door components corresponding to the take-out port on the front surface of the housing. It is also possible to set only one door component corresponding to the take-out port on the front surface of the housing. It is also possible to omit the shielding cover 4c. The door component may not be an openable (rotatable) type, but may be removable from the housing.

[0089] A discharging unit for discharging the test paper may be provided separately from the second transport mechanism 20. At least one of the first transport mechanism 10 and the second transport mechanism 20 may be omitted.

Claims

1. An analysis device, which drops a sample onto a test paper and analyzes a specific component in the sample, wherein: The analysis device comprises: A drop attachment device, which drops the sample onto the test paper; a reading device for reading optical information of the test paper on which the sample is dropped; a transport mechanism that transports the test paper from a dropping position where the dropping device performs the dropping to a reading position where the reading device performs the reading; as well as a housing that accommodates the dropping device, the reading device, and the conveying mechanism, The reading position is located at a position higher than the drop attachment position, The conveying mechanism conveys the test paper obliquely upward.

2. The analysis device according to claim 1, wherein The housing also has: a waste box into which the test paper read by the reading device is put; and The removal port of the waste box is arranged on the front surface of the shell, The waste box can be taken out from the take-out port.

3. The analysis device according to claim 2, wherein: A plurality of door components are provided on the front surface of the housing corresponding to the removal opening, and the plurality of door components can be opened and closed around axes extending in different directions.

4. The analysis device according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of door components include a first door component and a second door component, The first door member can open and close the housing by rotating about an axis extending in the up-down direction. The second door component can be rotated about an axis extending in the left-right direction to take a posture standing in the up-down direction.

5. The analysis device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The dropping device has a nozzle, which collects the sample from a container containing the sample and drops the sample onto the test paper. The nozzle is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the plurality of gate members when the analyzing device is viewed from the front.

6. The analysis device according to claim 5, wherein: The analysis device includes a mounting table for mounting the container in front of the housing. The waste box can be taken out along a path passing above the container on the mounting table.

7. The analysis device according to claim 2, wherein: The analyzing device further comprises a sensor capable of detecting the amount of the test paper in the waste box. The analyzing device issues a predetermined report when the sensor detects that the amount of the test paper in the disposal box is greater than a predetermined amount.

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