Blood viscosity measuring module for automatic blood viscosity measuring device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a blood viscosity measurement module for an automatic blood viscosity measurement device, and more specifically, to a blood viscosity measurement module for an automatic blood viscosity measurement device, which can measure the viscosity of a blood sample injected into a test kit with high accuracy by means of a constant temperature holding unit, and further can simultaneously process the viscosity measurement of a plurality of blood by means of a multi-channel structure, the blood viscosity measurement module for an automatic blood viscosity measurement device can minimize measurement errors by means of a configuration in which a test kit can be brought into close contact with a blood flow detection sensor.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a blood viscosity measurement module for an automatic blood viscosity measurement device, and more particularly, to a blood viscosity measurement module for an automatic blood viscosity measurement device capable of measuring the viscosity of a blood sample injected into a test kit with high accuracy through a constant temperature maintaining unit, further capable of simultaneously processing the viscosity measurement of a plurality of bloods through a multi-channel structure, and capable of minimizing measurement errors through a structure capable of closely attaching the test kit to a blood flow detection sensor. BACKGROUND

[0002] The viscosity of blood is a physical value indicating the flow resistance caused by the flow of blood in a blood vessel, and specifically can be classified into whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity. An abnormal increase in blood viscosity increases the shear stress and flow resistance acting on the inner wall of a blood vessel, thereby significantly increasing the risk of causing acute cardiovascular diseases and microvascular diseases.

[0003] In addition, plasma viscosity is not only used to diagnose the inflammatory state in the body, but is also one of the main causes of increasing whole blood viscosity.

[0004] Whole blood viscosity shows flow characteristics in which the viscosity continuously changes according to the systolic and diastolic periods of the heart, and the reason for this is as follows: due to the mutual complex influence of red blood cells and plasma proteins in whole blood, when blood flows rapidly (when the shear rate is high), the viscosity decreases, and conversely, when blood flows at a slow speed (when the shear rate is low), the viscosity increases.

[0005] A fluid showing such flow characteristics is called a non-Newtonian fluid, and in order to accurately grasp the non-Newtonian flow characteristics of blood, it is necessary to accurately measure the whole blood viscosity with respect to the entire shear rate (for example: 1-1000 s^-1).

[0006] In recent years, a blood viscosity measurement device can measure the viscosity of blood or the blood cell aggregation rate, etc. by passing blood obtained from the body through a flow restrictor tube and measuring the flow characteristics of the blood in the flow restrictor tube.

[0007] As a prior art, Korean Patent No. 20-0331884 (A device for simultaneously measuring blood viscosity and blood cell aggregation rate) is disclosed.

[0008] However, since the device operator needs to manually inject blood through a syringe to measure the viscosity of blood, it is difficult to supply blood at a constant pressure and a constant flow rate, and thus there is a problem in that it is difficult to measure the viscosity of blood under the same conditions.

[0009] Further, since the operation is performed manually, there is a problem that the operation time is long, and since the operation is performed manually, there is a problem that blood infection often occurs.

[0010] In order to solve these problems, an automatic blood viscosity measuring device is being developed, but there is a problem that a long operation time is required to perform viscosity measurement on one blood sample and then viscosity measurement on the next blood sample.

[0011] Furthermore, when a large number of blood samples are measured, for blood samples that are late in the order, the viscosity of the blood is measured in a state in which red blood cells and the like have settled over time, and thus there is a problem that the accuracy of the viscosity measurement decreases.

[0012] Further, in the related art, since a single channel structure is used, viscosity measurement on a plurality of blood samples cannot be performed simultaneously, and there is a structural limitation that measurement error can occur when measuring viscosity. SUMMARY

[0013] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the related art, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic blood viscosity measuring device blood viscosity measuring module capable of achieving high accuracy, simultaneously processing a plurality of blood samples, and minimizing measurement error.

[0015] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0016] To achieve the above object, the automatic blood viscosity measuring device blood viscosity measuring module according to the present invention includes a viscosity measuring portion in which a test cartridge gripped by a third gripper and transferred by a transfer actuator is installed, and the viscosity of a blood sample injected into the test cartridge can be measured, and a monitoring / control portion for confirming the state and controlling the operation of the viscosity measuring portion, wherein the viscosity measuring portion includes a channel module in which the test cartridge gripped by the third gripper and transferred is inserted in the up-down direction to be installed, a constant temperature maintaining unit that heats or cools the test cartridge so that the test cartridge installed in the channel module can maintain a set temperature, and a viscosity measuring unit for measuring the viscosity of the blood sample injected into the test cartridge.

[0017] The channel module is configured to be a plurality of modules to have a multi-channel structure, and the monitoring / control portion controls the transfer actuator so that the test cartridge gripped by the third gripper and transferred is sequentially installed in the vacant channel module among the plurality of channel modules.

[0018] The constant temperature maintaining unit includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the test cartridge installed in the channel module, a heater capable of heating the test cartridge installed in the channel module, a cooling fan capable of cooling the test cartridge installed in the channel module, and a temperature controller selectively operating the heater or the cooling fan to maintain the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at a set temperature.

[0019] The test cartridge includes a U-shaped tube, and when a blood sample is injected from an upper end of one side of the U-shaped tube, the injected blood sample flows to the other side of the U-shaped tube by a height difference. The viscosity measuring unit includes a blood flow detection sensor provided on one side of the channel module to detect the speed of the blood sample flowing to the other side of the U-shaped tube, and a viscosity calculator calculating the viscosity of the blood sample using the speed of the blood sample detected by the blood flow detection sensor.

[0020] The channel module is provided with an elastic spring for elastically pressing the inserted test cartridge in a direction close to the side provided with the blood flow detection sensor.

[0021] In addition, the viscosity measuring part of the blood viscosity measuring module for the automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present application further includes a cartridge detection sensor for detecting whether the test cartridge is installed in the channel module, and a progress indication lamp visually displaying information detected by the cartridge detection sensor and the measurement progress in the channel module.

[0022] In addition, the viscosity measuring part of the blood viscosity measuring module for the automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present application further includes an anti-vibration unit disposed at the lower part of the channel module for attenuating vibrations transmitted to the channel module.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] Based on the above structure, the blood viscosity measuring module for the automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present application has the following advantages: the viscosity of the blood sample injected into the test cartridge can be measured with high accuracy by the constant temperature maintaining unit, and further, the viscosity measurement of multiple blood samples can be simultaneously processed by the multi-channel structure, and the measurement error can be minimized by the structure capable of closely attaching the test cartridge to the blood flow detection sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a perspective view of an automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 3 is a plan view of an automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a housing according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a first input portion according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second input portion according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third input portion according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a transfer portion according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figures 12 to 14 is a use state view of a first, second, and third transfer portion according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 15 is a front perspective view of a main portion according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figures 16 to 18 is a perspective view of a pretreatment portion according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 19 is a use state view of a blood suction / mixing portion according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figures 20 to 23 is a perspective view of a viscosity measuring portion according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The blood viscosity measuring module for an automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present application includes: a viscosity measuring portion in which a test cartridge gripped by a third gripper is installed by being transferred by a transfer actuator, and which is capable of measuring the viscosity of a blood sample injected into the test cartridge; and a monitoring / control portion for confirming the state and controlling the operation of the viscosity measuring portion, wherein the viscosity measuring portion includes: a channel module in which the test cartridge gripped by the third gripper and transferred is inserted in the up-and-down direction to achieve installation; a constant temperature holding unit which heats or cools the test cartridge to enable the test cartridge installed in the channel module to maintain a set temperature; and a viscosity measuring unit for measuring the viscosity of a blood sample injected into the test cartridge.

[0038] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0039] Hereinafter, an automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a perspective view of an automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 3 is a plan view of an automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a housing according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a first input portion according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second input portion according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third input portion according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 11 is a perspective view of a transfer portion according to an embodiment of the present application, Figures 12 to 14 is a use state view of first, second, and third transfer portions according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 15 is a front perspective view of a main portion according to an embodiment of the present application, Figures 16 to 18 is a perspective view of a pretreatment portion according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 19 is a use state view of a blood suction / mixing portion according to an embodiment of the present application, Figures 20 to 23 is a perspective view of a viscosity measuring portion according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , an automatic blood viscosity measuring device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application includes a housing 10, an input portion 20, a transfer portion 30, a pretreatment portion 40, a blood suction / injection portion 50, a viscosity measuring portion 60, a waste treatment portion 70, and a monitoring / control portion 80.

[0042] Among them, the blood viscosity measuring module for the automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present application can be composed of the viscosity measuring portion 60 and the monitoring / control portion 80.

[0043] The housing 10 is a structure constituting the overall appearance of the automatic blood viscosity measuring device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application, and can include a housing body 11, a management door 12, a door locking unit 13, a lower support frame 14, and a supply fan 15.

[0044] The housing body 11 is a structure that provides an internal space in which other structures of the automatic blood viscosity measuring device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application can be installed, and can be formed by a combination of a frame and a cover.

[0045] The management door 12 is made of a transparent material such as transparent acrylic so that a user can observe the internal state of the housing 10, and can be provided to cover the upper front portion of the housing body 11 and be opened and closed in order to open the inside of the housing 10 when the device 1 needs to be managed.

[0046] The door locking unit 13 is a structure that can lock the management door 12 to prevent it from being opened, and can be formed by an interlocking device, a solenoid, a manual locking key, etc.

[0047] The monitoring / control unit 80 is configured to control the door locking unit 13 according to the operation of a user or the state of the device 1 that is confirmed, thereby causing the management door 12 to be locked or opened.

[0048] That is, in the case of the management door 12, in the operating state of the device 1, the management door 12 is controlled to remain in the state of being locked by the door locking unit 13 for safety, and in the state in which the device 1 is stopped by the operation of the power button 82 or the emergency stop switch 83, etc., the management door 12 is controlled to be in an openable state.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, Figure 4 The lower support frame 14 is a structure that supports the lower portion of the housing body 11, and can be configured to easily move the device 1 by moving wheels respectively provided at the lower corner portions of the housing body 11, and when the installation position of the device 1 is set, to horizontally adjust and fix the position of the device 1 by an adjustable base that can adjust the height and absorb vibration, and minimize vibration generated by driving the device 1.

[0050] The air supply fan 15 is a structure for discharging hot air generated inside the housing 10 to the outside, and a plurality of air supply fans 15 can be provided at the upper portion of the housing body 11.

[0051] On the other hand, in order to improve the cooling efficiency of the air supply fan 15, an air inlet (not shown) for sucking external air into the inside can be formed in the housing 10.

[0052] The insertion portion 20 is a structure for inserting a blood collection tube A, a pipette tip B, and a test kit C to the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, and P3 inside the housing 10, and in an embodiment of the present application, is formed by first, second, and third insertion portions 20A, 20B, and 20C.

[0053] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, P3 inside the housing 10.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, P3 inside the housing 10 are formed in the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, P3, respectively. Figure 5 Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1, the first input unit 20A is a structure for inputting the blood collection tube A, in which the blood sample is contained and the upper end is tightly sealed by the cap A1, into the first position P1 inside the housing 10, and includes the first replacement drawer 211, the first tray 221, the first tray holder 231, the first drawer locking unit 241, the first tray detection sensor 251, and the first status display lamp 261.

[0055] The first replacement drawer 211 is a structure that is supported to the housing 10 so as to be slidable in the front and back directions, in order to be able to replace the blood collection tube A outside the housing 10.

[0056] The first tray 221 is a structure in which a plurality of the blood collection tube A is vertically installed in an aligned state.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present application, the first tray 221 is configured to vertically install 24 blood collection tubes A in a 4 x 6 arrangement.

[0058] The first tray holder 231 is a structure for fixing the first tray 221 in a state in which the first tray 221 is placed in the first replacement drawer 211.

[0059] When the first gripper 311 of the transfer unit 30 grips and lifts the blood collection tube A vertically installed in the first tray 221, the first tray holder 231 functions to prevent the first tray 221 from shaking.

[0060] The first drawer locking unit 241 is a structure that is capable of locking the first replacement drawer 211 in a state in which the first replacement drawer 211 is located at the first position P1.

[0061] The first drawer locking unit 241 is controlled by the monitoring / control unit 80, and is a structure for preventing the first replacement drawer 211 from being accidentally opened in a state in which the device 1 is operating, etc., and can be configured by an interlock device, a solenoid, a manual locking key, etc.

[0062] The first tray detection sensor 251 is a structure for detecting whether the first tray 221 is placed at a designated position of the first replacement drawer 211.

[0063] ​The first tray detection sensor 251 can detect at least two points, preferably three or more points, to determine whether the first tray 221 is installed horizontally at a designated position of the first replacement drawer 211.

[0064] The first status display lamp 261 is disposed near the first replacement drawer 211 and can visually display the status of the first input unit 20A related to the blood collection tube A by color change.

[0065] That is, the first status display lamp 261 can be disposed in front of the first replacement drawer 211 and can visually display the insufficient status of the blood collection tube A, the misplacement status of the first tray 221, the mislocking status of the first replacement drawer 211, and the like by different colors such as red, blue, green, orange, and white.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second input unit 20B is a structure in which a disposable pipette tip B for aspirating and dispensing a blood sample is input to a second position P2 inside the housing 10, and includes a second replacement drawer 212, a second tray 222, a second tray holder 232, a second drawer locking unit 242, a second tray detection sensor 252, and a second status display lamp 262.

[0067] The second replacement drawer 212 is configured to be able to move back and forth with respect to the housing 10 so as to be able to move to and from between the outside of the housing 10 and the second position P2, thereby allowing the pipette tip B to be replaced from the outside of the housing 10.

[0068] The second tray 222 is a structure in which a plurality of pipette tips B are vertically installed in an aligned state.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present application, the second tray 222 is configured to vertically install 96 pipette tips B in an 8x12 arrangement.

[0070] The second tray 222 can be manufactured in a double structure of an upper bracket and a lower bracket.

[0071] The second tray holder 232 is a structure for fixing the second tray 222 in a state in which the second tray 222 is placed in the second replacement drawer 212.

[0072] When the second clamp 312 of the transfer unit 30 clamps and lifts the pipette tip B that is vertically mounted on the second tray 222, the second tray holder 232 prevents the second tray 222 from shaking.

[0073] The second drawer locking unit 242 described above is a structure that can lock the second replacement drawer 212 when the second replacement drawer 212 is in the second position P2.

[0074] The aforementioned second drawer locking unit 242 is controlled by the monitoring / control unit 80 and is a structure used to prevent the aforementioned second replacement drawer 212 from being accidentally opened while the device 1 is in operation. It may be composed of an interlocking device, a solenoid, a manual locking key, etc.

[0075] The second tray detection sensor 252 is a structure used to detect whether the second tray 222 is placed in the designated position of the second replacement drawer 212.

[0076] The second tray detection sensor 252 described above can be configured to detect at least two points, preferably three points or more, thereby enabling it to detect whether the second tray 222 is horizontally installed at a designated position in the second replacement drawer 212.

[0077] The aforementioned second status indicator light 262 is located near the aforementioned second replacement drawer 211 and is a structure that can visually display the status of the second insertion part 20B related to the aforementioned pipette tip B by changing color, in order to distinguish the status of the device 1 as determined by the monitoring / control unit 80.

[0078] That is, the second status indicator light 262 can be set in front of the second replacement drawer 212 and configured to visually display the insufficient state of the pipette tip B, the improper placement state of the second tray 222, and the improper locking state of the second replacement drawer 212 through different colors such as red, blue, green, orange, and white.

[0079] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the third input section 20C is a structure for inserting a disposable blood viscosity measurement test kit C into the third position P3 inside the outer casing 10, including a third replacement drawer 213, a third tray 223, a third tray holder 233, a third drawer locking unit 243, a third tray detection sensor 253, and a third status indicator light 263.

[0080] The aforementioned third replacement drawer 213 is a structure that allows the test kit C to be replaced outside the aforementioned housing 10 and can be slidably supported on the aforementioned housing 10 in a manner that allows it to move back and forth between the aforementioned housing 10 and the aforementioned third position P3.

[0081] The third tray 223 is configured to vertically install a plurality of the test kits C in an aligned state.

[0082] In an embodiment of the present application, the third tray 223 is configured to vertically install 12 test kits C in a row.

[0083] On the other hand, the first, second, and third trays 221, 222, and 223 are respectively configured such that the number of installable blood collection tubes A, pipette tips B, and test kits C form a multiple relationship with each other.

[0084] Through the above configuration, the automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present application allows the replacement periods of the blood collection tubes A, pipette tips B, and test kits C to be linked with each other, thereby minimizing the time required for replacement.

[0085] To this end, as described above, in an embodiment of the present application, the first tray 221 is configured to install 24 blood collection tubes A, the second tray 222 is configured to install 96 pipette tips B, and the third tray 223 is configured to install 12 test kits C.

[0086] The third tray holder 233 is a structure for fixing the third tray 223 in a state in which the third tray 223 is placed on the third replacement drawer 213.

[0087] When the third gripper 313 of the transfer unit 30 grips and lifts the test kit C vertically installed in the third tray 223, the third tray holder 233 functions to prevent the third tray 223 from shaking.

[0088] The third drawer locking unit 243 is a structure for locking the third replacement drawer 213 in a state in which the third replacement drawer 213 is located at the third position P3.

[0089] The third drawer locking unit 243 is controlled by the monitoring / control unit 80 and is a structure for preventing the third replacement drawer 213 from being unexpectedly opened in a state in which the device 1 is operating, etc. and can be configured by an interlock device, a solenoid, a manual locking key, etc.

[0090] The third tray detection sensor 253 is a structure for detecting whether the third tray 223 is placed at a designated position of the third replacement drawer 213.

[0091] The third tray detection sensor 253 can detect at least two points, preferably three or more points, to determine whether the third tray 223 is installed horizontally in the designated position of the third replacement drawer 213.

[0092] The third status display lamp 263 is disposed near the third replacement drawer 213 and visually displays the status of the third input unit 20C related to the test kit C by color change.

[0093] That is, the third status display lamp 263 can be disposed on the front of the third replacement drawer 213 and visually display the insufficient status of the test kit C, the misplacement status of the third tray 223, the locking failure status of the third replacement drawer 213, and the like by different colors such as red, blue, green, orange, and white.

[0094] On the other hand, the input unit 20 includes an input detection sensor 27 for detecting the positions and quantities of the blood collection tubes A, the pipette tips B, and the test kits C respectively input to the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, and P3.

[0095] In an embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 12 The input detection sensor 27 can be a magnifier built-in optical beam scanning sensor attached to the transfer actuator 32 of the transfer unit 30 and capable of detecting the positions and quantities of the blood collection tubes A, the pipette tips B, and the test kits C respectively input to the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, and P3.

[0096] On the other hand, by applying laser or visible light beams to the input detection sensor 27, the user can directly confirm the positions of the detection spots by the naked eye, thereby instantly detecting measurement errors.

[0097] The input detection sensor 27 can detect the positions and quantities of the blood collection tubes A, the pipette tips B, and the test kits C respectively input to the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, and P3 at the initial driving of the device 1, and the subsequent status can be determined by the monitoring / control unit 80 based on the information detected by the input detection sensor 27 to determine the status of the device 1 according to the degree of measurement by software.

[0098] The transfer unit 30 is configured to transfer the blood collection tubes A, the pipette tips B, and the test kits C respectively, as shown in Figure 11 The transfer unit 30 includes a gripper 31 and a transfer actuator 32.

[0099] The above-described holder 31 is composed of single first, second, and third holders 311, 312, and 313 capable of individually holding the blood collection tube A, the pipette tip B, and the test kit C, which are fed into the inside of the above-described housing 10 by the above-described feeding part 20.

[0100] In an embodiment of the present application, the above-described first holder 311 is configured to be capable of holding the seal cap Al of the blood collection tube A in the upper portion in the form of a clip.

[0101] Figure 12 A state is shown in which, when the first transfer part 30A is used to transfer the blood collection tube A, the first holder 311, after holding any one of the plurality of blood collection tubes A vertically installed in the first tray 221, is transferred by the transfer actuator 32.

[0102] That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 10, the first holder 311 moves to the upper portion of the blood collection tube A as a holding target; as shown in (b) of FIG. 10, it vertically moves downward from this position; as shown in (c) of FIG. 10, the first holder 311 in the form of a clip holds the seal cap Al of the blood collection tube A; as shown in (d) of FIG. 10, the first holder 311 vertically moves upward, so that the held blood collection tube A can be transferred upward. Figure 12 Figure 12 Figure 12 Figure 12

[0103] Thereafter, the blood collection tube A held by the first holder 311 is moved in the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis direction by the operation of the transfer actuator 32 under the control of the monitoring / control part 80, and is transferred to a set position such as a scanning position or a mixing position.

[0104] Further, in an embodiment of the present application, the above-described second holder 312 is formed in a shape capable of pressing the rear end of the pipette tip B into fixation.

[0105] Figure 13 A state is shown in which, when the second transfer part 30B is used to transfer the pipette tip B, the second holder 312, after holding any one of the plurality of pipette tips B vertically installed in the second tray 222, is transferred by the transfer actuator 32.

[0106] That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 12, the second holder 312 moves to the upper portion of the pipette tip B as a holding target; as shown in (b) of FIG. 12, it vertically moves downward from this position, pressing the rear end of the pipette tip B into fixation; as shown in (c) of FIG. 12, the second holder 312 vertically moves upward, so that the pipette tip B pressed into fixation can be transferred upward. Figure 13 Figure 12 Figure 12

[0107] Thereafter, as shown in (d) of FIG. 12, the pipette tip B pressed into fixation by the second holder 312 is moved in the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis direction by the operation of the transfer actuator 32 under the control of the monitoring / control part 80, and is transferred to a set position such as a scanning position or a mixing position.​​​​​​​Figure 13 As shown in (d), the pipette tip B, which is fixed by the second clamp 312, moves along the X-axis, Y-axis or Z-axis direction by the operation of the transfer actuator 32 under the control of the monitoring / control unit 80, and is transferred to the state where it is separated from the sealing cap A1. The main body is held by the blood collection tube clamp 421 on the upper part of the blood collection tube A, ready for blood aspiration. When blood aspiration is completed, it moves to the upper part of the test kit C installed on the viscosity measurement unit 70, ready for blood dispensing.

[0108] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the third clamp 313 may be configured as a clamp capable of holding the upper central portion of the test kit C.

[0109] Figure 14 This illustrates the state in which the third gripper 313, after gripping any one of the multiple test kits C vertically mounted on the third tray 223, is transferred by the transfer actuator 32 when the third transfer unit 30C is used to transfer the test kit C.

[0110] That is, such as Figure 14 As shown in (a), the third clamp 313 moves to the upper part of the test kit C, which is the object to be clamped; as Figure 14 As shown in (b), after moving vertically downwards from this position, the third clamp 313, in the form of a clip, holds the upper center of the test kit C; as Figure 14 As shown in (c), the third gripper 313 moves vertically upward, thereby moving the held test kit C upward.

[0111] After that, as Figure 14 As shown in (d), the test kit C held by the third clamp 313 moves along the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis direction under the control of the transfer actuator 32 of the monitoring / control unit 80, and moves to the upper part of the viscosity measuring unit 60; Figure 14 As shown in (e), move vertically downwards from this position to insert and install the held test kit C into the channel unit 61; as Figure 14 As shown in (f), the third clamp 313 moves vertically upward when it releases the grip on the test kit C.

[0112] On the other hand, for the first clamp 311 and the third clamp configured as clips, anti-slip grooves can be formed on the contact surfaces with the blood collection tube A or the test kit C, and the blood collection tube A or the test kit C can be prevented from breaking due to excessive gripping force by applying gripping force monitoring technology.

[0113] The aforementioned transfer actuator 32 is a structure that enables the first, second, and third grippers 311, 312, and 313 to move in conjunction with each other.

[0114] In an embodiment of the present application, the above-described transfer actuator 32 can be configured as a linear actuator, in which the linear actuator has a structure in which, as shown in Figure 11 the first, second, and third grippers 311, 312, and 313 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction, the first, second, and third grippers 311, 312, and 313 are integrally movable in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and the first, second, and third grippers 311, 312, and 313 are independently movable in the Z-axis direction.

[0115] By the combination of the single first, second, and third grippers 311, 312, and 313 and the transfer actuator 32, and the control of the transfer sequence by the monitoring / control unit 80, the device 1 according to the present application can achieve full-process automation, while reducing manufacturing costs and enabling the device to be manufactured in a medium size.

[0116] The above-described preprocessing unit 40 is a structure for preprocessing the blood collection tube A transferred by the first gripper 311, and includes a scanning unit 41, a blood mixing unit 42, and a cap separation unit 43, as shown in Figures 16 to 18

[0117] The above-described scanning unit 41 is a structure for acquiring information of the blood collection tube A, and in an embodiment of the present application, the scanning unit 41 includes a first rotary motor 411 and a blood collection tube scanner 412.

[0118] The above-described first rotary motor 411 is a structure for rotating the blood collection tube A transferred to a predetermined scanning position by the first gripper 311 around the Z-axis as a center of rotation by rotating the first gripper 311.

[0119] The above-described blood collection tube scanner 412 is disposed at the scanning position, and is a structure for acquiring information of the blood collection tube A by scanning the blood collection tube A rotated by the operation of the first rotary motor 411.

[0120] That is, the blood collection tube A generally has a barcode attached thereto, in which the barcode attached thereto is not always aligned in a direction facing the blood collection tube scanner 412. Therefore, in a state in which the blood collection tube A is moved to the scanning position by the transfer unit 30, the blood collection tube A is horizontally rotated by the first rotary motor 411, so that the blood collection tube scanner 412 can scan the barcode attached to the blood collection tube A during the rotation.

[0121] ​Further, for the blood collection tube scanner 412, a device having a scan range of 1 mm or more is preferably used to solve a scan error due to an inclination or an attached position of the barcode attached to the blood collection tube A, and the scan range can be extended by applying an actuator (not shown) capable of moving the blood collection tube scanner 412 in the Z-axis direction, as necessary.

[0122] The blood mixing unit 42 is a structure for mixing the blood sample contained in the blood collection tube A, and in an embodiment of the present application, the blood mixing unit 42 includes a blood collection tube holder 421 and a mixing rotary motor 422.

[0123] The blood collection tube holder 421 is a structure for holding the main body of the blood collection tube A transferred to a set mixing position by the first holder 311.

[0124] The mixing rotary motor 422 is a structure for rotating the blood collection tube holder 421.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 4, the blood collection tube A held by the blood collection tube holder 421 is rotated 360° with the X-axis or the Y-axis as the center of rotation by the mixing rotary motor 422, thereby mixing the blood sample contained therein, and the settling phenomenon that can occur during waiting until suction by the blood suction / injection unit 50 can be completely prevented, and the uniformity of blood components can be maintained. Figure 17

[0126] The cap separation unit 43 is a structure for separating the sealing cap Al from the blood collection tube A, and in an embodiment of the present application, the cap separation unit 43 includes a cap holder 431 and a cap rotary motor / actuator 432.

[0127] The cap holder 431 is a structure capable of holding the sealing cap Al screwed to the upper end of the blood collection tube A in a state in which the main body of the blood collection tube A is held by the blood collection tube holder 421.

[0128] In an embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 5, the cap holder 431 can be replaced by the first holder 311. Figure 13

[0129] The cap rotary motor / actuator 432 is a structure capable of rotating the cap holder 431 with the Z-axis as the center of rotation while moving up and down.

[0130] In an embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 6, the cap rotary motor / actuator 432 can be replaced by a combination of the first rotary motor 411 and the transfer actuator 32. Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 7, the cap holder 431 held by the cap rotary motor / actuator 432 is rotated 360° with the Z-axis as the center of rotation, thereby separating the sealing cap Al from the blood collection tube A, and the cap separation unit 43 can be used to separate the sealing cap Al from the blood collection tube A even when the blood collection tube A is not transferred to the mixing position.

[0131] Figure 18 ​​​(a) shown, in the state where the main body of the blood collection tube A is held by the blood collection tube holder 421, as Figure 18 (b) shown, by the combination of the cap holder 431 and the cap rotation motor / actuator 432, the seal cap A1 is moved upward while rotating, as Figure 18 (c) shown, is separated from the blood collection tube A.

[0132] For the blood collection tube A from which the seal cap A1 is separated by the cap separation unit 43, the blood sample contained inside is sucked by the blood suction / injection unit 50, and when the blood sample is completed to be sucked from the blood collection tube A, the cap separation unit 43 is controlled to be reversed by the monitoring / control unit 80, and the seal cap A1 separated from the used blood collection tube A is retightened on the blood collection tube A. The used blood collection tube A in the state where the seal cap A1 is retightened is returned to the first position P1 by the control of the first holder 311 and the transfer actuator 32.

[0133] On the other hand, as Figure 16 shown, the pretreatment unit 40 has a multi-space structure in which at least two or more blood collection tubes A can be accommodated and each of the accommodated blood collection tubes A can be independently pretreated, and the monitoring / control unit 80 is configured to control the transfer actuator 32 such that the blood collection tube A held and transferred by the first holder 311 is sequentially accommodated in the vacant space in the multi-space of the pretreatment unit 40.

[0134] Thus, the pretreatment unit 40 has a multi-space structure, and thus the device 1 according to the present application can perform transfer sequence control considering the blood mixing time and the like which requires more time, and can shorten the processing time of the device 1 and the like.

[0135] The blood suction / injection unit 50 is a structure in which the pipette tip B transferred by the second holder 312 sucks the blood sample from the blood collection tube A from which the seal cap A1 is separated by the pretreatment unit 40, as Figure 19 (a) shown, and injects the blood sample into the test kit C installed in the viscosity measurement unit 60, as Figure 19 (b) shown.

[0136] In an embodiment of the present application, the blood suction / injection unit 50 includes a piston 51 that is in communication with the rear end of the pipette tip B via the second holder 312 to allow the pipette tip B to suck and aliquot the blood sample, and the second holder is formed in a shape in which the rear end of the pipette tip B can be pressed.

[0137] For the blood aspiration / injection section 50 described above, in order to precisely adjust the aspiration and discharge volume of blood required for the examination, a conductive disposable pipette tip B can be used to apply a precision volume control technology within ±1.0% based on the change in conductivity. Alternatively, a pressure-type disposable pipette tip B can be used to apply a precision volume control technology based on the change in pressure.

[0138] On the other hand, regarding the blood aspiration / injection unit 50, when a blood sample is aspirated from the blood collection tube A (the sealing cap A1 is separated by the pretreatment unit 40) using the pipette tip B, in order to aspirate at a certain depth with the surface of the blood sample as a reference, the monitoring / control unit 80 controls the transfer actuator 32 to raise and lower the pipette tip B according to the height change of the blood sample contained in the blood collection tube A.

[0139] That is, according to the device 1 of the present invention, when mixing blood samples, the blood mixing unit 42 performs a first mixing and the blood aspiration / injection unit 50 performs a second mixing, thereby improving the accuracy of blood viscosity measurement by uniformly mixing the blood samples.

[0140] The viscosity measuring unit 60 is a structure in which a test kit C is mounted and transferred by the third clamp 313, and is capable of measuring the viscosity of a blood sample injected into the test kit C by the blood aspiration / injection unit 50.

[0141] like Figures 20 to 23 As shown, the viscosity measuring unit 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a channel module 61, a constant temperature holding unit 62, a viscosity measuring unit 63, a reagent kit detection sensor 64, a progress indicator light 65, and a vibration damping unit 66.

[0142] The aforementioned channel module 61 is a structure that allows the test kit C, which is held and transferred by the aforementioned third clamp 313, to be inserted in the vertical direction for installation.

[0143] In one embodiment of the present invention, the channel module 61 has a clamping interference prevention groove 611 formed at the center of its upper end to prevent interference from the third clamping device 313, and an elastic spring 612 is provided inside.

[0144] like Figure 23 As shown, the elastic spring 612 is a structure for elastically pressurizing the test kit C inserted into the channel module 61 in a direction that is in close contact with the side where the blood flow detection sensor 631 is located.

[0145] In an embodiment of the present application, the test kit C inserted into the passage module 61 is elastically pressed in the direction of one end and one face of the blood flow detection sensor 631 by three elastic springs 612.

[0146] The test kit C is made to adhere to the blood flow detection sensor 631 as much as possible by the structure of the elastic spring 612, so that measurement error can be minimized.

[0147] In addition, in an embodiment of the present application, the passage module 61 is configured to be multiple to have a multi-passage structure, wherein the monitoring / control unit 80 is configured to control the transfer actuator 32 such that the test kit C transferred by the third gripper 313 is sequentially installed in the vacant passage module 61 among the multiple passage modules 61.

[0148] As an embodiment of the present application, Figure 15 The passage module 61 is shown to be configured to be six, but is not limited thereto.

[0149] The multi-passage structure of the passage module 61 allows the device 1 according to the present application to perform transfer sequence control considering viscosity measurement time and the like which requires more time, to shorten the processing time of the device 1 and the like, and to simultaneously process a plurality of blood samples.

[0150] The constant temperature maintaining unit 62 is a structure that heats or cools the test kit C so that the test kit C installed in the passage module 61 can maintain a set temperature.

[0151] In an embodiment of the present application, the constant temperature maintaining unit 62 can include a temperature sensor 621, a heater 622, a cooling fan 623, and a temperature controller (not shown).

[0152] The temperature sensor 621 is a structure that detects the temperature of the test kit C installed in the passage module 61, and the temperature detection unit can be attached to the inner side of the passage module 61, but is not limited thereto.

[0153] The heater 622 is a structure that can heat the test kit C installed in the passage module 61, and can be configured by a patch-type U-shaped heater having a flexible structure and a shape that can cover both sides of the passage module 61, but is not limited thereto.

[0154] The cooling fan 623 is a structure that can cool the test kit C installed in the passage module 61, and can be provided at the side of the passage module 61, but is not limited thereto.

[0155] The temperature controller (not shown) selectively operates the heater 622 or the cooling fan 623 so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 621 can be maintained at a set temperature similar to the body temperature.

[0156] The temperature controller (not shown) can be provided as a separate structure in the viscosity measurement unit 60, or can be configured to perform its role by the monitoring / control unit 80.

[0157] The viscosity measurement unit 63 is a structure for measuring the viscosity of the blood sample injected into the test kit C.

[0158] In an embodiment of the present application, the test kit C includes a U-shaped tube C1, and when the blood sample is injected from the upper end of one side of the U-shaped tube C1, the injected blood sample can flow to the other side of the U-shaped tube C1 by means of the height difference.

[0159] With respect to the test kit C including the U-shaped tube C1, the "Small Blood Viscosity Measurement Kit and Cartridge Thereof" disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-21-0087898 can be used.

[0160] In an embodiment of the present application, the viscosity measurement unit 63 includes a blood flow detection sensor 631 provided on one face of the channel module 61 for detecting the speed of the blood sample flowing to the other side of the U-shaped tube C1.

[0161] The blood flow detection sensor 631 can be configured based on a contact image sensor (CIS), but is not limited thereto.

[0162] On the other hand, as described above, the test kit C is made to adhere as closely as possible to the blood flow detection sensor 631 by the structure of the elastic spring 612 provided in the channel module 61, so that measurement errors can be minimized.

[0163] The viscosity calculator (not shown) is a structure for calculating the viscosity of the blood sample using the speed of the blood sample detected by the blood flow detection sensor 631.

[0164] That is, when the viscosity of the blood sample is high, the speed of the blood sample flowing to the other side of the U-shaped tube C1 from one side decreases, and the viscosity calculator (not shown) calculates the viscosity of the blood sample using this phenomenon.

[0165] The viscosity calculator (not shown) can be provided as a separate structure in the viscosity measurement unit 63, or can be configured to perform its function by the monitoring / control unit 80.

[0166] The kit detection sensor 64 is a structure for detecting whether the test kit C is installed in the channel module 61.

[0167] The progress indicator 65 is a structure capable of visually displaying information detected by the kit detection sensor 64 and the degree of measurement progress in the channel module 61.

[0168] In an embodiment of the present application, the progress indicator 65 is configured to radiate light from the lower portion to the upper portion of the channel module 61, so that the user can immediately confirm the state of each of the plurality of channel modules 61 by light transmitted through the test kit C.

[0169] The anti-vibration unit 66 is a structure disposed in the lower portion of the channel module 61 for attenuating vibrations transmitted to the channel module 61.

[0170] For the anti-vibration unit 66, a multi-layer anti-vibration structure such as a stone plate, a square anti-vibration pad, a base plate, a circular anti-vibration pad, etc. can be applied.

[0171] The waste treatment unit 70 is a structure capable of discarding the used pipette tip B and test kit C.

[0172] In an embodiment of the present application, the waste treatment unit 70 includes a waste drawer 71, which is supported to slide forward and backward in the housing 10 so as to receive and accommodate the pipette tip B and test kit C discarded after being moved to a predetermined waste location by the second and third grippers 312 and 313 inside the housing 10, and can be moved out of the housing 10 according to the user's operation.

[0173] The monitoring / control unit 80 controls the moving actuator 32 to move the used pipette tip B and test kit C to the waste treatment unit 70 by the second and third grippers 312 and 313, respectively.

[0174] The monitoring / control unit 80 is a structure for confirming the state and operating control of the housing 10, the input unit 20, the moving unit 30, the pretreatment unit 40, the blood suction / injection unit 50, the viscosity measurement unit 60, and the waste treatment unit 70.

[0175] As an external structure of the monitoring / control unit 80, for example, Figure 1As shown, the display 81 can include a touch screen capable of inputting and outputting information, a power button 82 capable of turning on and off the power of the device 1, an emergency stop switch 83 for emergency stop, and a tower lamp 84 for warning alarm.

[0176] On the other hand, the monitoring / control unit 80 can include a computer or the like for calculating, judging, and controlling the state of the device 1 (not shown).

[0177] Specifically, the monitoring / control unit 80 can control the door locking unit 13 to lock or open the management door 12 according to the operation of the user or the state of the device 1 as confirmed.

[0178] In addition, the monitoring / control unit 80 can control the first, second, and third drawer locking units 241, 242, and 243 to lock or open the first, second, and third replacement drawers 211, 212, and 213 according to the operation of the user or the state of the device 1 as confirmed.

[0179] In addition, the monitoring / control unit 80 can judge the state of the device 1 based on information detected by the first, second, and third tray detection sensors 251, 252, and 253.

[0180] In addition, the monitoring / control unit 80 can judge the state of the device according to the degree of measurement based on information detected by the input object detection sensor 27.

[0181] In addition, the monitoring / control unit 80 can control the transfer actuator 32 such that the blood collection tube A gripped by the first gripper 311 is sequentially accommodated in the empty space among the plurality of spaces of the pretreatment unit 40.

[0182] In addition, when the blood sample is aspirated from the blood collection tube A from which the seal cap A1 is separated by the pretreatment unit 40 using the pipette tip B, in order to be able to aspirate at a certain depth with the surface of the blood sample as a reference, the monitoring / control unit 80 controls the transfer actuator 32 such that the pipette tip B is raised and lowered according to the height of the blood sample contained in the blood collection tube A.

[0183] In addition, when the blood sample is aspirated from the blood collection tube A (from which the seal cap A1 is separated by the pretreatment unit 40) using the pipette tip B, in order to be able to aspirate in a mixed state, the monitoring / control unit 80 controls the blood aspiration / injection unit 50 such that aspiration and dispensing are repeated a set number of times and then aspiration is performed.

[0184] Furthermore, the monitoring / control unit 80 can control the transfer actuator 32 so that the test kit C, which is held and transferred by the third clamp 313, is sequentially installed in the empty channel module 61 among the plurality of channel modules 61.

[0185] Furthermore, the monitoring / control unit 80 can control the cap separation unit 43 to reverse its operation, re-tightening the sealing cap A1, which has been separated from the used blood collection tube A, onto the blood collection tube A; control the transfer actuator 32 to return the used blood collection tube A, which is in the state of re-tightening the sealing cap A1, to the first position P1 using the first clamp 311; and control the transfer actuator 32 to transfer the used pipette tip B and the test kit C to the waste disposal unit 70 respectively using the second and third clamps 312 and 313.

[0186] Furthermore, the monitoring / control unit 80 is configured to perform transfer sequence control on a single first, second, and third gripper 311, 312, 313 and transfer actuator 32 by taking into account the blood mixing time in the pretreatment unit 40 with a multi-space structure and the viscosity measurement time in the viscosity measurement unit 60 with a multi-channel structure, thereby enabling the automatic viscosity measurement of multiple blood samples in a short time.

[0187] Taking the transfer sequence control performed by the aforementioned monitoring / control unit 80 as an example, in the initial stage of driving the device 1, such as Figure 15 As shown, the input detection sensor 27, which controls the movement of the transfer actuator 32, can detect the position and quantity of the blood collection tube A, pipette tip B, and test kit C placed at the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, and P3 respectively (first action).

[0188] After that, as Figure 12 As shown, the first clamp 311 is controlled to clamp the blood collection tube A located at the first position P1 (second action).

[0189] After that, as Figure 13 As shown, the second gripper 312 is controlled to grip the pipette tip B located at the second position P2 (third action).

[0190] After that, as Figure 16 As shown, the control moves the blood collection tube A, which is held by the first clamp 311, to the scanning position of the preprocessing unit 40, and obtains the blood collection tube information through the scanning unit 41 (fourth action).

[0191] After that, as Figure 17As shown, the blood collection tube A held by the first gripper 311 is moved to the mixing position, the blood collection tube holder 421 holds the main body of the blood collection tube A, and the mixing rotation motor 422 is operated to perform blood mixing by the blood mixing unit 42 (fifth operation).

[0192] After that, as shown in Figure 14 the third gripper 313 is controlled to hold the test kit C located at the third position P3 and to insert it into the channel unit 61 of the viscosity measurement unit 60 (sixth operation).

[0193] After that, as shown in Figure 18 the cap separation unit 43 is controlled to separate the sealing cap Al from the blood collection tube A held by the blood collection tube holder 421 (seventh operation).

[0194] After that, as shown in Figure 19 the blood suction / injection unit 50 is controlled to suction the blood sample from the blood collection tube A (the sealing cap Al is separated by the preprocessing unit 40) and to inject it into the test kit C installed in the viscosity measurement unit 60 (eighth operation).

[0195] After that, the used pipette tip B is controlled to be discarded by the waste disposal unit 70 (ninth operation).

[0196] After that, the cap separation unit 43 is controlled to perform reverse operation in the order shown in Figure 18 the sealing cap Al separated from the used blood collection tube A is retightened on the blood collection tube A, and the used blood collection tube A in the state of retightened sealing cap Al is returned to the first position PI by the first gripper 311 (tenth operation).

[0197] After that, in order to perform viscosity measurement of other blood samples, the second to tenth operations are repeatedly performed.

[0198] On the other hand, in an embodiment of the present application, in order to be able to use the preprocessing unit 40 having a multi-space structure, the second operation and the fourth operation can be controlled to be performed during the second to tenth operations; and in order to be able to use the viscosity measurement unit 60 having a multi-channel structure, the test kit C used after completing viscosity measurement can be controlled to be discarded by the waste disposal unit 70 during the second to tenth operations.

[0199] The automatic blood viscosity measuring device described above and shown in the drawings is only one embodiment for implementing the present application and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the technical concept of the present application. The scope of protection of the present application is only determined by the matters recited in the claims, and embodiments improved and changed without departing from the gist of the present application, as long as they are obvious to those skilled in the art, belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A blood viscosity measuring module for an automatic blood viscosity measuring device, characterized in that, include: The viscosity measurement unit is equipped with a test kit held by a third clamp and transferred by a transfer actuator, and is capable of measuring the viscosity of a blood sample injected into the test kit. as well as A monitoring / control unit is used for status confirmation and operation control of the viscosity measuring unit. The viscosity measuring unit includes: The channel module allows the test kit, which is held and transferred by the third holder, to be inserted vertically for installation; A temperature control unit heats or cools the test kit to maintain a set temperature for the test kit installed in the channel module; and A viscosity measurement unit is used to measure the viscosity of a blood sample injected into the test kit.

2. The blood viscosity measuring module for the automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel modules are configured in multiple ways to have a multi-channel structure; The monitoring / control unit controls the transfer actuator so that the test kit, which is held and transferred by the third clamp, is sequentially installed into the empty channel module among the plurality of channel modules.

3. The blood viscosity measuring module for the automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The constant temperature holding unit includes: A temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the test kit installed in the channel module; A heater capable of heating the test kit installed on the channel module; A cooling fan capable of cooling the test kit installed on the channel module; and A temperature controller that selectively operates the heater or the cooling fan to maintain the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at a set temperature.

4. The automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test kit includes a U-shaped tube. When a blood sample is injected from the upper end of one side of the U-shaped tube, the injected blood sample can flow to the other side of the U-shaped tube due to the height difference. The viscosity measurement unit includes: A blood flow detection sensor, disposed on one side of the channel module, is used to detect the velocity of a blood sample flowing towards the other side of the U-shaped tube; and A viscosity calculator that uses the velocity of the blood sample detected by the blood flow detection sensor to calculate the viscosity of the blood sample.

5. The blood viscosity measuring module for the automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The channel module is equipped with an elastic spring, which is used to apply elastic pressure to the inserted test kit in the direction of being in close contact with the side where the blood flow detection sensor is located.

6. The blood viscosity measuring module for the automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The viscosity measuring unit further includes: A reagent kit detection sensor is used to detect whether the test kit is installed in the channel module; and A progress indicator light visually displays information detected by the reagent kit's detection sensors and the progress of measurements in the channel module.

7. The blood viscosity measuring module for the automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The viscosity measuring unit further includes: A vibration damping unit, which is disposed at the lower part of the channel module, is used to attenuate the vibration transmitted to the channel module.

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