Height adjusting device and height adjusting method

Abstract

The invention provides a height adjusting device capable of fixing a structural member on a horizontal plane and adjusting the height dimension relative to a reference plane from the upper surface side of the device. The height adjustment device (113) is provided with: a fixing member (201) fixed to a horizontal plane (112); a hollow rod member (202); a vertically movable member (203) fixed to the fixed member (201) via a rod member (202) on the upper surface of the fixed member (201); and a diameter expansion direction pressing member (204) that presses the rod member (202) in the diameter expansion direction. A hole into which the rod member (202) is inserted from the lower surface toward the upper surface of the vertically movable member (203) is formed in the vertically movable member (203), an opening (205) is formed in the upper surface of the vertically movable member (203) by inserting the rod member (202) into the hole, and an expanding-direction pressing member (204) is inserted from above the opening (205) downward into the hollow portion of the rod member (202). The position of the vertically movable member (203) is fixed by pressing the rod member (202) in the diameter-expanding direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a height adjustment device and a height adjustment method. Background Art

[0002] According to Patent Document 1, a technology for contactlessly mixing stirred liquids (samples and reagents) in a reaction container using the acoustic radiation pressure effect of ultrasound has been developed and has been installed in a biochemical automatic analyzer for use.

[0003] In this technology, a sine wave or a rectangular wave is applied to a piezoelectric element at a frequency near its thickness resonance frequency to generate ultrasonic waves, and the stirred liquid is irradiated with the ultrasonic waves from outside the reaction container to mix the stirred liquid.

[0004] In an automatic analyzer equipped with such ultrasonic non-contact stirring technology (hereinafter referred to as "stirring mechanism"), reagents and samples to be analyzed are dispensed into a reaction container, and the reaction container is stirred by irradiating the reaction container with ultrasonic waves.

[0005] In order to fully stir the reagents and samples in the reaction container, it is necessary to adjust the height of the stirring mechanism relative to the reaction container.

[0006] Patent document 2 discloses the following technology: in a connection mechanism of rod members, one rod member 1a is a tubular portion 3, and a washer 13 is provided on a fixed base 7 at the front end of the rod member 1b. The washer 13 is provided with a tapered thread portion 6, a tapered thread portion 11 and has slits 12 and 14. By rotating the fixed base 7, the washer 13 is expanded in diameter and pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion 3.

[0007] According to the technology described in Patent Document 2, since the two rod-shaped members can be fixed at arbitrary positions, the length of the two rod-shaped members combined can be adjusted. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3746239 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-257365 Summary of the Invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0009] The automatic analyzer is composed of multiple units, and the mechanism for adjusting the installation height of the stirring mechanism is difficult to adjust from the front, side, or back of the device due to the layout inside the device.

[0010] In the technology described in Patent Document 2, in order to be able to adjust the height of the device relative to the reference plane from the upper surface side by two rod-shaped components, a mechanism is required to fix the device on a horizontal plane, and a problem is solved on how to use the two rod-shaped components to move the mechanism in the vertical direction, but these are not disclosed. The present disclosure aims to provide a height adjustment device and a height adjustment method, which can fix a structural member on a horizontal surface and adjust the height dimension relative to a reference surface from the upper surface side of the device. Technical means for solving technical problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present disclosure is constructed as follows.

[0012] The height adjustment device includes: a fixed member, which is fixed to a horizontal plane; a rod member, which is hollow; an up-and-down movable member, which is fixed to the fixed member via the rod member on the upper surface of the fixed member; and a diameter expansion direction pressing member, which presses the rod member along the diameter expansion direction, and a hole is formed in the up-and-down movable member for inserting the rod member from the lower surface toward the upper surface of the up-and-down movable member, and the rod member is inserted into the hole to form an opening on the upper surface of the up-and-down movable member, and the diameter expansion direction pressing member is inserted into the hollow part of the rod member from above the opening to below, and the rod member is pressed along the diameter expansion direction to fix the position of the up-and-down movable member.

[0013] In addition, in the height adjustment method, a hollow rod member is arranged on the upper surface of a fixed member fixed on a horizontal plane, a fixed member having a hole extending from the upper surface to the lower surface is arranged above the rod member, the rod member is inserted into the hole of the fixed member from the lower surface side to set the position of the fixed member, a diameter expansion direction pressing member is inserted into the hole from the upper side of the fixed member to be inserted into the hollow portion of the rod member, and the rod member is pressed along the diameter expansion direction to fix the position of the upper and lower movable members. Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, a height adjustment device and a height adjustment method can be provided, which can fix a structural member on a horizontal surface and adjust the height dimension relative to a reference surface from the upper surface side of the device.

[0015] Problems, structures, and effects other than those described above will become more apparent through the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an automatic chemical analyzer to which the height adjustment device and height adjustment method of the present disclosure are applied. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a stirring mechanism to which the height adjusting device disclosed herein is applied. Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the height adjustment device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A This is a plan view of the hollow rod member of Example 1. Figure 4B This is a front view of the hollow rod member of Example 1. Figure 4C This is a side view of the hollow rod member of Example 1. Figure 4D This is a cross-sectional view of the hollow rod member of Example 1. Figure 5 This is a front view of the fixing screw of Example 1. Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the method of adjusting and fixing the height relative to the reference surface in Example 1. Figure 7A This is a diagram showing a specific product example of the height adjusting device of Example 1. Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A partial cross-sectional view of the example shown. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a hollow rod member according to Example 2. Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram of a method for adjusting and fixing the height relative to a reference surface in Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail using the accompanying drawings. [Example]

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an automatic chemical analyzer (automatic analyzer) 100 to which the height adjustment device and the height adjustment method according to Examples 1 to 3 are applied. Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a stirring mechanism to which the height adjusting device according to Examples 1 to 3 is applied.

[0019] The automated chemical analyzer 100 dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel 107 via a sample dispenser 105 and a reagent dispenser 106, respectively. This generates a stirred liquid within the reaction vessel 107. The reaction vessels 107, into which the sample and reagent are dispensed, are arranged circumferentially on a reaction disk 108. In this example, the reaction vessels 107 rotate clockwise.

[0020] The liquid in reaction vessel 107 is stirred and mixed in a non-contact manner by ultrasonic stirring mechanism 109. The mixed sample and reagent promote the reaction, and their absorption characteristics are measured by absorbance meter 110. After the absorbance measurement (i.e., analysis) is completed, reaction vessel 107 is cleaned by a cleaning mechanism (not shown).

[0021] The following samples are dispensed into the reaction container 107 after cleaning, and the above series of analysis procedures are repeated.

[0022] The reaction vessels 107 arranged circumferentially on the reaction disk 108 are in contact with constant-temperature water circulating in a constant-temperature bath 111, and are maintained at a constant temperature by the constant-temperature water. In this example, constant-temperature water is used as an example of a liquid for propagating sound waves. However, in other embodiments, the liquid for propagating sound waves is not limited to a constant-temperature liquid or water.

[0023] The automated chemical analyzer 100 is equipped with a host computer (not shown). The host computer exchanges signals with the sample tray 102 holding the sample cups 101, the reagent cooling tray 104 holding the reagent bottles 103, the sample dispenser 105, the reagent dispenser 106, the reaction disk 108, and other components, sending commands to these components to control the various operational processes. Furthermore, the host computer controls the overall operation of the automated chemical analyzer 100.

[0024] The host computer can be constructed as a known computer. For example, the host computer includes a computing unit for performing calculations and a storage unit for storing information. Examples of the computing unit include a processor, and examples of the storage unit include a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk device. Furthermore, the host computer may include an input unit for inputting information, an output unit for outputting information, a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information via a communication path, and the like.

[0025] The input unit is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, the output unit is, for example, a display device and a printing device, and the communication unit is, for example, a network interface.

[0026] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing a structural example of an ultrasonic stirring mechanism 109 to which the height adjustment device disclosed herein is applied, including Figure 1 The cross section of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 109 (the portion surrounded by the dotted line) is shown. Figure 2 The cross section is included, which is parallel to the vertical direction and the radial direction of the reaction disk 108 .

[0027] The automatic chemical analyzer 100 stirs the reaction container 107 by irradiating ultrasonic waves using a piezoelectric element 114 through an ultrasonic stirring mechanism 109 mounted on a height adjustment device 113. For this purpose, the automatic chemical analyzer 100 includes the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 109.

[0028] The ultrasonic stirring mechanism 109 is mounted on a horizontal surface 112 and its height is adjusted by a mounting height adjustment device 113 capable of adjusting a mounting height 206 relative to the reaction vessel 107 . The sound waves generated by the piezoelectric element 114 are reflected by a reflector 115 .

[0029] (Example 1) Next, Example 1 of the present disclosure will be described.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the height adjusting device 113 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A It is a plan view of the hollow rod member 202 of the height adjusting device 113 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4B This is a front view of the hollow rod member 202 of the height adjusting device 113 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4C This is a side view of the hollow rod member 202 of the height adjusting device 113 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4C This is a cross-sectional view of the hollow rod member 202 of the height adjusting device 113 according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a front view of a fixing screw 204 inserted into a hollow rod member 202 of the height adjusting device 113 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of a method for adjusting and fixing the height 206 relative to the reference surface in the first embodiment.

[0032] pass Figures 3 to 6 Example 1 of the present disclosure will be described.

[0033] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, the height adjustment device 113 includes a fixed member 201 fixed to the horizontal surface 112 of the horizontal fixing table 116, a hollow rod member 202 formed to be elongated in the vertical direction, and a vertically movable member 203 fixed to the upper surface of the fixed member 201 via the hollow rod member 202. The vertically movable member 203 has a hole extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The rod member 202 is inserted into the hole from the lower surface to the upper surface, thereby forming an opening 205 on the upper surface of the vertically movable member 203. This allows the height position of the vertically movable member 203 to be set. A fixing screw (external thread) 204 is then inserted downward from above the opening 205 and tightened into the hollow portion of the rod member 202. The rod member 202 applies a force to the vertically movable member 203 in the horizontal direction (diameter expansion method), thereby fixing the vertically movable member 203.

[0034] By loosening the fixing screw 204 , the horizontal force that fixes the vertically movable member 203 disappears, and the height 206 relative to the horizontal plane 112 , which is the reference plane, can be adjusted.

[0035] like Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B and Figure 4C As shown, the hollow rod member 202 is formed with: a first cutout portion 207 formed by a slender cutout along the vertical direction (length direction), and a second cutout portion 208 formed by a slender cutout along the vertical direction (length direction) at a predetermined distance from the first cutout portion 207 along the circumferential direction of the rod member 202.

[0036] like Figure 4D As shown, the upper end portion 209 of the hollow rod member 202 is tapered on the inner periphery, and an internal thread is formed on the inner surface of the lower end portion 210 .

[0037] like Figure 5 As shown, the root portion 211 of the fixing screw 204 is formed with a taper at the outer periphery.

[0038] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram of a method for adjusting and fixing the height of the vertically movable member 203 relative to the horizontal plane 112 which is a reference plane.

[0039] exist Figure 6 In the process, the operator adjusts the height of the vertically movable member 203 from the upper side, and while maintaining the appropriate position, tightens the fixing screw 204 from the upper side of the vertically movable member 203 using a screwdriver or the like, so that the hollow rod member 202 having the first cutout portion 207 and the second cutout portion 208 is expanded along the tapered surface of the fixing screw 204, thereby applying force in the horizontal direction of the vertically movable member 203 to fix the position of the vertically movable member 203.

[0040] This allows the height of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 109 mounted on the upper portion of the height adjusting device 113 having the vertically movable member 203 to be adjusted relative to the reference surface from the upper surface side of the automatic analyzer.

[0041] Figure 7A 1 is a diagram showing a specific product example of the height adjusting device 113 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A partial cross-sectional view of the example shown.

[0042] exist Figure 7AIn the embodiment, the vertically movable member 203 is disposed on the upper portion of the fixed member 201, and the stirring mechanism mounting base 216 is disposed on the upper portion of the vertically movable member 203. The ultrasonic stirring mechanism 109 is mounted on the stirring mechanism mounting base 216.

[0043] exist Figure 7B In the embodiment, the vertical movable member 203 is arranged on the fixed member 201, and the height of the vertical movable member 203 is adjusted by the height adjustment screw 215. Then, the vertical movable member 203 is fixed to the fixed member 201 by inserting the fixing screw 204 into the hollow rod member 202 and rotating it.

[0044] According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a height adjustment device 113 and a height adjustment method can be provided, which can fix the structural member, namely the fixing member 201, on the horizontal surface 112 and adjust the height dimension relative to the reference surface from the upper surface side of the automatic chemical analysis device 100.

[0045] (Example 2) Next, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 Example 2 of the present disclosure will be described.

[0046] The difference between Example 2 and Example 2 is that the Figure 6 The hollow rod member 202 and the fixing screw 204 are shaped like this.

[0047] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow rod member 202 in Example 2. Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram of a method for adjusting and fixing the height relative to the horizontal plane 112 , which is a reference plane, according to the second embodiment.

[0048] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the embodiment, the hollow rod member 202 includes a first rod member 212 and a second rod member 213 disposed below the first rod member 212. The second rod member 213 has an internal thread formed on its inner diameter. The fixing screw 204 inserted into the hollow rod member 202 is composed of a commonly used general-purpose external thread.

[0049] The lower end surface of the first rod member 212 and the upper end surface of the second rod member 213 are in contact with each other at a contact portion 214 inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal plane. The inner surface of the lower end of the second rod member 213 is formed with an internal thread.

[0050] exist Figure 9In the embodiment, fixing screw 204 is inserted into hollow rod member 202 and rotated to engage and tighten with the internal thread of second rod member 213. As a result, first rod member 212 and second rod member 213 slide in the direction of diameter expansion of vertically movable member 203 along the inclination of connecting portion 214. Thus, first rod member 212 and second rod member 213 apply a force in the horizontal direction of vertically movable member 203, fixing the position of vertically movable member 203.

[0051] Thus, the height dimension of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 109 mounted on the upper portion of the height adjusting device 113 having the vertically movable member 203 can be adjusted relative to the reference surface from the upper surface side of the device.

[0052] In the second embodiment of the present disclosure, a height adjustment device 113 and a height adjustment method can also be provided, which can fix the structural member, namely the fixing member 201, on the horizontal surface 112 and adjust the height dimension relative to the reference surface from the upper surface side of the automatic chemical analysis device 100.

[0053] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be applied to other industrial equipment besides automatic analysis equipment such as cleaning equipment or inspection equipment using sound waves.

[0054] Furthermore, as a member for securing the vertically movable member 203 to the rod member 202, a fixing screw 204 is used. However, as long as the hollow rod member 202 can be pressed in the radially expanding direction, the member is not limited to a screw; a tapered rod member may also be used. Therefore, the member that presses the hollow rod member 202, including the fixing screw 204, in the radially expanding direction is collectively referred to as a radially expanding direction pressing member. Description of labels

[0055] 100...Automated chemical analyzer (automatic analyzer), 101...Sample cup, 102...Sample tray, 103...Reagent bottle, 104...Reagent cooling tray, 105...Sample dispenser, 106...Reagent dispenser, 107...Reaction container, 108...Reaction tray, 109...Ultrasonic stirring mechanism, 110...Absorbance meter, 111...Mounting height adjustment mechanism, 112...Horizontal surface, 113...Height adjustment device, 114...Piezoelectric element, 115...Reflection plate, 116...Horizontal fixing table, 2 01…Fixed member, 202…Hollow rod member, 203…Vertically movable member, 204…Fixing screw (pressing member in the diameter expansion direction (external thread)), 205…Opening portion, 206…Height relative to the reference plane, 207…First cutout portion, 208…Second cutout portion, 209…Upper end portion, 210…Lower end portion, 211…Root portion, 212…First rod member, 213…Second rod member, 214…Contact portion, 215…Height adjustment screw, 216…Stirring mechanism mounting base.

Claims

1. A height adjustment device, characterized in that: include: a fixing member, the fixing member being fixed to a horizontal plane; a rod member having a hollow shape; a vertically movable member fixed to the fixed member via the rod member on the upper surface of the fixed member; and a diameter expansion direction pressing member that presses the rod member in the diameter expansion direction, In the vertically movable member, a hole is formed for the rod member to be inserted from the lower surface toward the upper surface of the vertically movable member, the rod member is inserted into the hole to form an opening portion on the upper surface of the vertically movable member, the diameter expansion direction pressing member is inserted into the hollow portion of the rod member from above the opening portion toward below, and the rod member is pressed along the diameter expansion direction to fix the position of the vertically movable member.

2. The height adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein: The rod member includes a first cutout portion formed by a slender cutout in the longitudinal direction, and a second cutout portion formed by a slender cutout in the longitudinal direction at a predetermined distance from the first cutout portion in the circumferential direction of the rod member.

3. The height adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein: The rod member includes a first rod member and a second rod member arranged below the first rod member, the lower end surface of the first rod member and the upper end surface of the second rod member are in contact with each other, and the lower end surface of the first rod member and the upper end surface of the second rod member are inclined at a predetermined angle relative to a horizontal plane.

4. The height adjustment device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The diameter expansion direction pressing member is an external thread, and an internal thread is formed on the inner surface of the lower end portion of the rod member.

5. The height adjustment device according to claim 4, wherein: The outer periphery of the root of the external thread is formed with a taper, and when the external thread is engaged with the internal thread and rotated, the rod member is expanded along the taper, thereby fixing the vertically movable member.

6. The height adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein: Adjust the height of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism in the automatic analyzer.

7. A height adjustment method, characterized in that: A hollow rod member is arranged on the upper surface of a fixing member fixed on a horizontal surface, and a fixing member having a hole penetrating from the upper surface to the lower surface is arranged above the rod member. The rod member is inserted into the hole of the fixing member from the lower surface side to set the position of the fixing member. The diameter expansion direction pressing member is inserted into the hole from the upper side of the fixing member and inserted into the hollow portion of the rod member. The rod member is pressed in the direction of diameter expansion to fix the position of the vertically movable member.

8. The height adjustment method according to claim 7, wherein: The rod member is formed with a first cutout portion formed by a slender cutout along the longitudinal direction, and a second cutout portion formed by a slender cutout along the longitudinal direction at a predetermined distance from the first cutout portion along the circumferential direction of the rod member. The diameter expansion direction pressing member is inserted into the hollow portion of the rod member, thereby pressing the rod member along the diameter expansion direction.

9. The height adjustment method according to claim 7, wherein: The rod member includes a first rod member and a second rod member disposed below the first rod member, wherein a lower end surface of the first rod member and an upper end surface of the second rod member are in contact with each other, and the lower end surface of the first rod member and the upper end surface of the second rod member are inclined at a predetermined angle relative to a horizontal plane. The diameter expansion direction pressing member is inserted into the hollow portion of the rod member, thereby sliding the lower end surface of the first rod member and the upper end surface of the second rod member in the diameter expansion direction.

10. The height adjustment method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The diameter expansion direction pressing member is an external thread, and an internal thread is formed on the inner surface of the lower end of the rod member. The external thread and the internal thread are engaged and rotated to press the rod member in the diameter expansion direction.

11. The height adjustment method according to claim 8, wherein: The diameter expansion direction pressing member is an external thread, and the inner surface of the lower end of the rod member is formed with an internal thread. The external thread is formed with a taper at the outer periphery of the root, so that the external thread and the internal thread are engaged and rotated, so that the rod member expands along the taper to fix the upper and lower position movable members.

12. The height adjustment method according to claim 7, wherein: Adjust the height of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism in the automatic analyzer.

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