Analyzer

Abstract

To provide an analyzer with which it is possible to remove a disposal box from a housing without difficulty while preventing an increase in device size.SOLUTION: An analyzer spots a specimen to test paper and analyzes a specific component of the specimen. The analyzer comprises: a spotting device for spotting a specimen to the test paper; a reading device for reading optical information on the test paper having had the specimen spotted thereto; a transport mechanism for transporting the test paper from a spotting position where spotting is carried out by the spotting device to a reading position where reading by the reading device is carried out; and a housing for accommodating the spotting device, the reading device, and the transport mechanism. The reading position is located a position higher than the spotting position, and the transport mechanism transports the test paper diagonally upward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an analytical device that analyzes a sample using an analytical tool such as a test strip. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an analyzer that analyzes the presence or absence and concentration of a specific component in a specimen by optically measuring a color reaction in a reagent portion on a test paper. In the analysis, a certain amount of time is required from application of the specimen to measurement, since a color change occurs due to a chemical reaction between the specimen and the reagent portion, which is impregnated with the reagent in advance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2011 / 122562 [Patent Document 2] JP 2005-345253 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, it takes a certain amount of time before the color reaction can be optically measured. If the horizontal transport path from the spot application position to the reading position is lengthened to ensure the time required for observation, the width of the analyzer will increase. In some cases, this can cause problems in the work space in which the analyzer is installed.

[0005] The present disclosure describes a technique for preventing the horizontal size of the housing of an analysis device from increasing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An analytical device according to one aspect of the present disclosure applies a sample to a test paper and analyzes a specific component in the sample. The analytical device includes a spotting device that applies the sample to the test paper, a reading device that reads optical information from the test paper on which the sample has been applied, a transport mechanism that transports the test paper from a spotting position where the spotting device applies the sample to a reading position where the reading device reads the sample, and a housing that houses the spotting device, the reading device, and the transport mechanism. The reading position is higher than the spotting position, and the transport mechanism transports the test paper diagonally upward.

[0007] According to the above configuration, since the transport mechanism extends diagonally upward, it is possible to effectively utilize not only the horizontal space but also the vertical space to ensure time for observing the color change. This makes it possible to prevent the horizontal size of the housing of the analyzer from increasing due to the transport mechanism.

[0008] In the above-mentioned analysis device, the housing may further have a waste box into which the test paper after being read by the reading device is inserted, and an outlet for the waste box provided on the front surface of the housing, and the waste box may be removable from the outlet. According to this analysis device, the waste box can be removed from the outlet on the front surface of the housing. Another analysis device may also be installed nearby to the side. The configuration in which the waste box is removed from the front surface makes it easier to avoid interference with various devices inside the housing, and prevents the device from becoming large in size.

[0009] In the above-mentioned analytical device, a plurality of door members that can be opened and closed around axes extending in different directions may be provided on the front surface of the housing in correspondence with the removal openings. With this configuration, the door members can be closed when the device is in operation, and each door member can be opened when the waste box is removed. Since the door members can be opened in different directions, it is easy to ensure the removal openings and paths (for example, paths that face forward and diagonally upward).

[0010] The multiple door elements may include a first door element and a second door element. The first door element may be capable of opening and closing the housing by rotating about an axis extending in the vertical direction, and the second door element may be capable of taking an upright position in the vertical direction by rotating about an axis extending in the left-right direction. This makes it easier to ensure an access opening and a path (for example, a path facing forward and diagonally upward).

[0011] The spotting device has a nozzle for collecting a sample and spotting the sample on a test paper, and the nozzle may be disposed at a position that does not overlap with the plurality of door members when viewed from the front of the housing. This can prevent the removal and storage of the waste box from interfering with the area in which the nozzle operates.

[0012] The analyzer may include a mounting table on which a container containing a sample is placed in front of the housing, and the waste box may be removable via a path that passes above the container on the mounting table. A container may be placed on the mounting table in front of the device body. Even in this case, the waste box can be removed via a path that passes above the top of the container, preventing interference with the container. Therefore, the waste box can be removed from the housing without hindrance while preventing the device from becoming larger.

[0013] The analyzer may further include a sensor capable of detecting the amount of test papers in the waste box. The application device may issue a predetermined notification when the sensor detects that the amount of test papers in the waste box is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. This allows the user to know when to remove the waste box. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the horizontal width of the housing from increasing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an analysis device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the inside of the main body of the apparatus shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the first and second transport mechanisms, the spotting device, the reading device, and the waste box in the device main body. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reading device and the inspection unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a drive unit and a movable plate of the second transport mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a) is a front view of the outer fixed plate, and FIG. 6(b) is a front view of the movable plate. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the reading position and the waste box located at the top of the second conveying mechanism. [Figure 8] 8(a) to 8(d) are front views showing the procedure for discharging the test paper from the discharging section. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view showing the outlet and path of the waste box. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an analysis device according to a first modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an analysis device according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. The dimensional ratios of the drawings do not necessarily match those in the description. In the following embodiment and modified examples, a urine testing device will be described as an example of an analyzer.

[0017] In some figures, mutually orthogonal X, Y and Z directions are shown, and these directions may be used to explain the urine testing apparatus 1. The X, Y and Z directions correspond to the left-right direction, the front-back direction and the up-down direction in the installed state of the urine testing apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. In this specification, terms indicating directions such as "front", "back", "up", "down", "left" and "right" are terms based on the installed state of the urine testing apparatus 1. The urine testing apparatus 1 is installed on a flat and horizontal surface. "Left" and "right" are the directions when the urine testing apparatus 1 is viewed from an operator standing in front of the mounting table 3 and the display 5b and facing the mounting table 3 and the display 5b.

[0018] First, the overall configuration of the urine testing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. The urine testing apparatus 1 is an apparatus for testing urine as a specimen contained in a container (container) 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the urine testing apparatus 1 sequentially tests each specimen in a plurality of containers 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 concentration of a specific component in the specimen. In the urine testing apparatus 1, a test paper C having an elongated shape is used to test the specimen (see Fig. 3). One test paper C is used for one specimen. Each test paper C is provided with, for example, a plurality of reagent portions Ca. Each reagent portion Ca may correspond to a different test item. Each reagent portion Ca contains a reagent corresponding to the test item. A known configuration may be appropriately adopted for the test paper C.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, the urine testing apparatus 1 comprises an apparatus main body 2 which houses various devices and mechanisms related to the transport of test papers C and the testing of samples, and a mounting base 3 which has a transport mechanism and the like related to the supply and transport of racks R. The apparatus main body 2 comprises a lower apparatus part 4 and an upper apparatus part 5 which is disposed on a part of the lower apparatus part 4 in the left-right direction (e.g., the left side). The mounting base 3 is coupled to the front surface of the lower apparatus part 4. The urine testing apparatus 1 further comprises a supply mechanism 40 which is a mechanism related to the storage of test papers C and the supply of test papers C to the apparatus main body 2. The supply mechanism 40 is disposed on another part of the lower apparatus part 4 in the left-right direction (e.g., the right side).

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the device body 2 is adjacent to the rear of the mounting table 3. The device body 2 has a frame F made of structural members extending in the up-down, left-right, and front-rear directions. As shown in FIG. 1, the device lower part 4 includes a lower housing 4a, and the device upper part 5 includes an upper housing 5a. The lower housing 4a and the upper housing 5a are shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped based on the shape of the frame F. On the front surface of the upper housing 5a, for example, a front panel (door member) 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 panel 5c. The display 5b is directed forward and displays necessary information related to the test to the operator of the urine testing device 1. The display 5b may have a touch panel function. In that case, the display 5b can also serve as an operation unit operated by the operator.

[0021] The mounting table 3 has a width in the left-right direction that is approximately equal to that of the device body 2. The mounting table 3 also has a predetermined size in a plan view. A plurality of racks R can be mounted on the mounting table 3. Although only one rack R is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of racks R can be mounted on each of the right and left sides of the mounting table 3. The mounting table 3 is provided with a transport mechanism (not shown) that transports the rack R in a required direction. A known configuration can be adopted as a specific configuration of the transport mechanism. As an example, the devices (structures) described in JP-A-10-120167 and JP-A-10-139152 may be applied.

[0022] As described above, each of the tubes 100 contains a specimen. A plurality of the tubes 100 are placed on the placement table 3 via a rack R. The plurality of the tubes 100 are moved in the left-right direction by a transport mechanism, and therefore can be placed at any position in the left-right direction.

[0023] Returning to Fig. 2, the device main body 2 is provided with a controller 90, for example, in the upper housing 5a. The controller 90 is a computer having, for example, a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which programs and the like are stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) in which data is temporarily stored, and a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The controller 90 controls the operation of the mechanisms and devices in the urine testing apparatus 1 according to a program stored in advance in response to an operation by an operator, thereby performing various operations related to the test. The controller 90 is capable of communicating information with various motors and centers provided in the supply mechanism 40, the first transport mechanism 10, and the second transport mechanism 20, the camera 32, the lighting unit 33, and the like of the imaging device 30.

[0024] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the supply mechanism 40 is a feeder for supplying the test papers C one by one in a predetermined orientation (posture). The supply mechanism 40 has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 40a, a casing 43 arranged inside the housing 40a, and a pair of input lids 41 that can be opened and closed relative to the casing 43. The supply mechanism 40 accommodates a plurality of test papers C input by an operator through the input lid 41. The plurality of test papers C are input with their longitudinal orientations aligned (in the orientation shown in Fig. 3) so that the portion in which the plurality of reagent portions Ca (see Fig. 3) are arranged at regular intervals is positioned forward. The supply mechanism 40 sequentially discharges the test papers C one by one from the discharge portion 49. A sensor (not shown) is provided inside the supply mechanism 40 for detecting that one test paper C has been successfully removed. When the controller 90 detects the planned supply of test papers C (the planned discharge of test papers C from the discharge section 49), it controls the first transport mechanism 10 (see FIG. 3) described later to move the arm 11 to directly below the discharge section 49 at a predetermined timing. The test papers C that fall from the discharge section 49 are placed on the support portion 11a of the arm 11. This causes the supply mechanism 40 to sequentially supply the test papers C one by one to the first transport mechanism 10.

[0025] In this embodiment, the supply mechanism 40 includes a pair of insertion lids 41 and is capable of supplying two (or multiple) types of test papers C. This is merely one example, and the supply mechanism 40 may be of a type capable of supplying only one type of test papers C.

[0026] Next, various components of the device body 2 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The device body 2 includes a first transport mechanism 10 that transports the test paper C received from the supply mechanism 40 to a spotting position Pa or its vicinity, a spotting device 9 that spots a sample on each reagent portion Ca of the test paper C placed at the spotting position Pa, a second transport mechanism 20 that transports the test paper C from the spotting position Pa to an imaging position (reading position) Pb, and an imaging device (reading device) 30 that captures an image of the test paper C placed at the imaging position Pb. In other words, the device body 2 spots the sample on the test paper C and analyzes a specific component in the sample.

[0027] The device body 2 further includes a waste box 60 for storing test papers C that have been released (or ejected) from the imaging device 30 after image capture by the imaging device 30. The rectangular waste box 60 is disposed on the left side of the imaging device 30. The waste box 60 is open toward the top, and is capable of storing a large number (a certain number) of test papers C in an internal storage space 65. In this embodiment, an internal space S (see FIG. 1) having a size (volume) equal to or larger than that of the waste box 60 is formed below the waste box 60.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the first transport mechanism 10 includes, for example, an arm 11 that supports the test paper C by a support portion 11a, a moving block 13 to which the arm 11 is fixed, and a pair of shafts 12 that extend in the X direction (horizontal direction) and guide the moving block 13 in that direction. The first transport mechanism 10 also includes a drive motor controlled by a controller 90, a pair of pulleys, a timing belt stretched over the pair of pulleys, and the like (none of which are shown). The moving block 13 is connected to the timing belt. The first transport mechanism 10 moves the arm 11 to directly below the discharge portion 49 at the above-mentioned predetermined timing. The first transport mechanism 10 receives one test paper C from the supply mechanism 40, and then transports the test paper C to a predetermined position above the spotting position Pa where the sample is applied. That is, in this embodiment, the first transport mechanism 10 transports the test paper C received from the supply mechanism 40 to the vicinity of the spotting position Pa.

[0029] The rear end of the test paper C transported above the spot application position Pa is aligned forward by a push-out plate 15A which is movable in the front-rear direction. The rotational driving force of the push-out motor 15B is converted into a linear force by a crank mechanism (not shown), thereby adjusting the movement of the push-out plate 15A. Other known configurations may be appropriately adopted as the mechanism for driving the push-out plate 15A.

[0030] The first transport mechanism 10 is not limited to the above configuration. The first transport mechanism 10 may transport the test paper C received from the supply mechanism 40 to the spot application position Pa. The first transport mechanism 10 may be any mechanism capable of receiving the test paper C from the supply mechanism 40 and transporting it laterally. Other known configurations may be adopted for the first transport mechanism 10. For example, the first transport mechanism 10 may include a belt conveyor or the like. The first transport mechanism 10 may include a slide rail or a linear guide or the like.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the spotting device 9 collects (samples) a predetermined amount of the specimen in the spigot 100 and spots the specimen on each reagent portion Ca of the test paper C placed at the spotting position Pa. The spotting device 9 includes a support drive mechanism 9c and a rail 9b arranged in the upper housing 5a, and a nozzle 9a that can move in the vertical direction (Z direction) and the front-back direction (Y direction) along the rail 9b. The support drive mechanism 9c includes a drive motor (not shown). When the controller 90 detects that the spigot 100 has arrived at a predetermined position in front of the spotting device 9 (in front of the spotting position Pa), the controller 90 controls the spotting device 9, and the specimen is aspirated and collected by 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 base 3). That is, the nozzle 9a is movable between the device body 2 and the mounting base 3. When collecting a sample, the pump unit PU arranged in the upper housing 5a is also controlled by the controller 90 and operates in conjunction with the spotting device 9.

[0032] The spotting position Pa is set at a position slightly higher than the upper end of the spit 100 on the rack R. This minimizes the vertical stroke of the nozzle 9a. That is, the tip 9t of the nozzle 9a needs to enter the spit 100 to a predetermined depth, but after the specimen is collected, the tip 9t leaves the spit 100 and moves backward at a position slightly higher than the upper end. After that, spotting is performed on each reagent part Ca, for example, starting from the rear reagent part Ca. The spotting device 9 repeats the same operation every time a new specimen (spit 100) arrives at the predetermined position. Although not shown, the spotting device 9 has a cleaning part or the like for cleaning the nozzle 9a between the spotting position Pa and the spit 100.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the second transport mechanism 20 is, for example, a mechanism for transporting a plurality of test papers C in a step-like manner with a predetermined pitch. In this embodiment, the imaging position Pb is located to the left of and higher than the spotting position Pa. The second transport mechanism 20 transports the test papers C diagonally upward. The second transport mechanism 20 includes, for example, a pair of outer fixed plates 21, one central fixed plate 22 disposed at a middle position in the front-rear direction between the pair of outer fixed plates 21, and a pair of movable plates 23 disposed between the pair of outer fixed plates 21 and the central fixed plate 22 (since Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view, the front outer fixed plate 21 is not shown). The outer fixed plate 21, the central fixed plate 22, and the movable plate 23 are each disposed parallel to the XZ plane and have a substantially congruent step shape. In the outer fixed plate 21, the central fixed plate 22, and the movable plate 23, the pitches (height difference and left-right distance) of all horizontal steps are set to be equal.

[0034] The pair of movable plates 23 are moved in a predetermined circular orbit by a drive motor (not shown). The pair of movable plates 23 move in a substantially rectangular circular orbit (counterclockwise orbit as viewed from the front) between two adjacent horizontal steps of the outer fixed plate 21 and the central fixed plate 22. As a result, the second transport mechanism 20 transports each test paper C placed on a horizontal step to the next higher horizontal step, and repeats this operation.

[0035] The test paper C transported above the spotting position Pa by the first transport mechanism 10 is transferred from the arm 11 of the first transport mechanism 10 to the spotting position Pa by the operation of the movable plate 23. That is, the test paper C transported to the transfer position is lifted upward from the arm 11 by the movable plate 23. At that time, the arm 11 moves to directly below the discharge section 49 (to transport the next test paper C). The test paper C lifted upward is placed on the lowest horizontal step of the outer fixed plate 21 and the central fixed plate 22, which is the spotting position Pa, while drawing a substantially rectangular orbit (a clockwise orbit when viewed from the front). The highest horizontal step of the outer fixed plate 21 and the central fixed plate 22 is disposed inside the imaging device 30 and is the imaging position Pb. The second transport mechanism 20 transports the test paper while taking into account the time required for the color development of the reagent portion Ca. The second transport mechanism 20 will be described in detail later.

[0036] The second transport mechanism 20 is not limited to the above configuration. The second transport mechanism 20 in this embodiment may be any mechanism capable of transporting the test paper C placed at the spotting position Pa diagonally upward. Other known configurations may be adopted as the second transport mechanism 20. For example, the second transport mechanism 20 may include a belt conveyor or the like.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 30 includes a rectangular parallelepiped (or cubic) imaging chamber 31 arranged to surround an imaging position Pb, a camera 32 arranged on the upper surface of the imaging chamber 31, and an illumination unit 33 arranged around the camera 32 on the upper surface of the imaging chamber 31. The imaging device 30 reads optical information of the test strip C on which a sample has been dropped. The imaging position Pb is located at the approximate center of the imaging chamber 31, at the bottom of the imaging chamber 31. The test strip C maintains a posture in which its longitudinal direction is always oriented in the front-rear direction (perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1) and the reagent portion Ca is oriented upward, from when it is supported by the arm 11 of the first transport mechanism 10 until it is transported by the second transport mechanism 20 and reaches the imaging position Pb. The camera 32 captures an image of the entire test strip C and transmits the image information to the controller 90.

[0038] The controller 90 performs testing, i.e., measurement and judgment, for each test item based on the image of the test strip C acquired by the imaging device 30. The controller 90 displays the measurement results and judgment results on the display 5b together with unique information such as the sample ID. The controller 90 also stores the measurement results and judgment results together with unique information such as the sample ID in the memory unit. The controller 90 has the function of a testing unit in the urine testing apparatus 1.

[0039] After the image of the test paper C is captured (read) by the imaging device 30, the test paper C is released (ejected) from the imaging device 30 by the second conveying mechanism 20 and placed into the waste box 60. The first conveying mechanism 10, the second conveying mechanism 20, the spot application device 9, and the waste box 60 are housed in the lower housing 4a, or in both the lower housing 4a and the upper housing 5a.

[0040] Next, referring to FIG. 4, the function of the inspection section 90A provided in the controller 90 will be described. The controller 90 can control the illumination section 33, the camera 32, and the second transport mechanism 20. The controller 90 can also input the captured image (read image) acquired by the camera 32. When the test paper C is transported to the imaging position Pb, the controller 90 controls the camera 32 and the illumination section 33 to capture the image of the test paper C. At this time, the captured image includes the color development results in the multiple reagent sections Ca. The controller 90 functions as the inspection section 90A. The inspection section 90A includes a signal acquisition section 91 that acquires a signal corresponding to the captured image, an image processing section 92 that performs a predetermined image processing, a judgment section 93 that judges the above-mentioned inspection items based on the result of the image processing, and an output section 94 that outputs the judgment result (or measurement result) and displays it on the display 5b (and stores it in the storage section). The judgment section 93 may store a threshold value or a calculation formula corresponding to the inspection item.

[0041] Next, a detailed configuration of the second transport mechanism 20 and the arrangement of the imaging device 30 (imaging position Pb) and the waste box 60 installed so as to be continuous with the side of the second transport mechanism 20 will be described. Depending on the test item (type), a test device other than the urine testing device 1 may be required. For example, another analysis device (not shown) may be installed on the left side of the urine testing device 1. The other analysis device is installed adjacent to the urine testing device 1. In that case, the mounting table 3 of the urine testing device 1 and the mounting table of the other testing device may be connected, and the rack R and the multiple spigots 100 may be able to be transferred from the mounting table 3 to the other mounting table. The rack R and the multiple spigots 100 may pass through the second transport mechanism 20 and the front position of the internal space S, or may stop at the front position.

[0042] The urine testing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a configuration that allows the waste box 60 to be removed from the front of the upper housing 5a and the lower housing 4a even when the rack R and multiple spoons 100 are present in such a front position. This configuration will be described below with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 and subsequent figures.

[0043] 3, the imaging position Pb at which the test paper C is placed in the imaging device 30 is set at a higher position than the application position Pa at which the test paper C is placed in the application device 9. As described above, the second transport mechanism 20 transports the multiple test papers C in a stepped manner with a predetermined pitch. The second transport mechanism 20 transports the test papers C diagonally upward.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the second conveying mechanism 20 has a driving unit 20A for moving the pair of movable plates 23. The driving unit 20A includes a fixed base 24 fixed to the lower housing 4a, a left-right guide shaft 25 provided on the fixed base 24 and extending in the left-right direction, and a slide block 26a movable in the left-right direction along the left-right guide shaft 25. A pair of left and right biasing springs 29 are provided between the fixed base 24 and the slide block 26a. The biasing springs 29, which are, for example, compression coil springs, bias the slide block 26a to return to a center position in the left-right direction when the left-right guide shaft 25 is inserted through the biasing springs 29. The driving unit 20A further includes a pair of up-down guide shafts 28 erected on the slide block 26a, and a lifting block 26b movable in the up-down direction along the up-down guide shaft 28. The slide block 26a and the lifting block 26b constitute the movable unit 26. The pair of movable plates 23 are fixed on the lifting block 26b.

[0045] The lift block 26b has a rectangular hole 26e penetrating therethrough in the front-rear direction. The driving unit 20A further includes a cam shaft 27a disposed in the rectangular hole 26e and extending in the front-rear direction, and a fan-shaped cam 27b rotating together with the fan-shaped cam 27b in the rectangular hole 26e. The cam shaft 27a is fixed to the lower housing 4a via a bracket (not shown) or the like. The driving unit 20A rotates the cam shaft 27a by a driving motor (not shown), thereby rotating the fan-shaped cam 27b. The end face of the fan-shaped cam 27b, which extends in an arc shape, always abuts against the wall surface of the rectangular hole 26e. With the rotation of the fan-shaped cam 27b, the slide block 26a slides in the left-right direction, and the lift block 26b moves (lifts) in the up-down direction. The slide movement of the slide block 26a and the movement (lifts) of the lift block 26b cause the pair of movable plates 23 to move in a substantially rectangular orbit. The movement of the pair of movable plates 23 is a translational movement parallel to the XZ plane. In this way, the driving unit 20A uses a cam mechanism consisting of the fan-shaped cam 27b, which is a driving link, and the lifting block 26b, which is a driven link, to move the pair of movable plates 23. The driving motor can rotate the cam shaft 27a in both directions. The fan-shaped cam 27b can rotate in the forward counterclockwise direction as viewed from the front, and can also rotate in the reverse clockwise direction as viewed from the front.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the outer fixing plate 21 is fixed to a plate-shaped common base B extending horizontally. The outer fixing plate 21 is fixed to a first support portion Ba (see FIG. 7), which is a right portion of the common base B. The outer fixing plate 21 includes a plurality of horizontal steps. More specifically, the outer fixing plate 21 includes, for example, a first horizontal step 21a, a second horizontal step 21b, a third horizontal step 21c, a fourth horizontal step 21d, a fifth horizontal step 21e, a sixth horizontal step 21f, and a seventh horizontal step 21g. These horizontal steps have the same shape, except for the first horizontal step 21a and the seventh horizontal step 21g. Only the first horizontal step 21a and the seventh horizontal step 21g are formed in a recessed shape. In the left-right direction, the size of each horizontal step is larger than the width of the test paper C. The test paper C is placed on each horizontal step. The pitches (height differences and lateral distances) of the horizontal steps are set to be equal.

[0047] As described above, the lowest first horizontal step 21a defines the spotting position Pa. A horizontal support plate 22p (see FIG. 7) is fixed to the lowest part of the central fixed plate 22, and this support plate 22p also supports the test paper C at the spotting position Pa. The topmost seventh horizontal step 21g defines the imaging position Pb.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6(b), the movable plate 23 includes a plurality of moving steps. More specifically, the movable plate 23 includes, for example, a first moving step 23a, a second moving step 23b, a third moving step 23c, a fourth moving step 23d, a fifth moving step 23e, a sixth moving step 23f, and a seventh moving step 23g. These moving steps also have the same shape. Each moving step is slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and descends toward the left. In the left-right direction, the size of each moving step is equal to or slightly smaller than each of the horizontal steps. A test paper C is placed on each moving step. Due to the inclined shape of each moving step, the position and posture of the test paper C are stable while the test paper C is transported by the pair of movable plates 23. The pitches (height difference and left-right distance) of the multiple moving steps are set to be equal.

[0049] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the shape and size of the movable plate 23 are compatible with the shape and size of the outer fixed plate 21 (and the central fixed plate 22 (see Figure 7)). When the movable plate 23 rises or falls at the right end position of its movable range, all of the movable steps pass through the positions of all of the horizontal steps, as viewed from the front. Also, when the movable plate 23 rises or falls at the left end position of its movable range (a position close to the waste box 60), each of the first moving step 23a to sixth moving step 23f pass through the positions of the second horizontal step 21b to seventh horizontal step 21g, as viewed from the front. In other words, the movable plate 23 moves (shifts) in the front-to-rear direction by a length equivalent to one pitch.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 7, the second transport mechanism 20 is provided at its left end and upper end with a discharge section 20B for discharging the test paper C toward the waste box 60. That is, the second transport mechanism 20 includes the discharge section 20B for the test paper C. The discharge section 20B discharges the test paper C after it has been imaged (read) by the imaging device 30. That is, the discharge section 20B may be called a "final discharge section" that finally discharges the imaged test paper C into the waste box 60. As shown in Fig. 7, the discharge section 20B is disposed at a position higher than the upper edge 61 of the waste box 60 placed at the take-out position P2. In Fig. 6(a), the discharge section 20B is indicated by an imaginary line. The discharge section 20B includes a horizontal plate-shaped mounting surface 20Ba and a plate-shaped discharge surface 20Bb inclined downward and leftward from the mounting surface 20Ba. The height of the upper surface of the mounting surface 20Ba coincides with the height of the bottom surface of the seventh horizontal step 21g. The lower end of the discharge surface 20Bb faces the storage space 65 of the waste box 60.

[0051] The discharge portion 20B is provided, for example, at a position below the imaging device 30. The placement surface 20Ba of the discharge portion 20B also serves as the imaging surface of the imaging device 30. In other words, the placement surface 20Ba, together with the seventh horizontal step 21g of the outer fixing plate 21, provides an imaging position Pb for the test paper C.

[0052] 7, the waste box 60 is placed on a second support portion Bb, which is a left portion of a horizontal plate-like common base B. The second support portion Bb extends, for example, at the height position of the upper end of the internal space S (see FIG. 2).

[0053] 8(a) to 8(d), the transport of the test paper C in the second transport mechanism 20 and the discharge of the test paper C by the discharge unit 20B will be described. As shown in FIG. 8(a), for example, the test paper C is in the seventh horizontal step 21g. n is placed on the sixth horizontal step 21f, and the test paper C n+1 Test paper C is placed on the nThe image of the test paper C is captured (optically read) by the imaging device 30. Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the pair of movable plates 23 rise to the right end position of the movable range. n is supported by the seventh moving stage 23g, and the test paper C n+1 is supported by the sixth moving stage 23f. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the pair of movable plates 23 move leftward. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(d), the pair of movable plates 23 move down at the left end position of the movable range. As a result, the test paper C n+1 The test paper C is placed on the seventh horizontal step 21g (transported by one pitch). n After the pair of movable plates 23 further descends, the test paper C is placed on the discharge surface 20Bb. n slides down the discharge surface 20Bb and is dropped into the waste box 60.

[0054] As described above, the discharge section 20B discharges the test paper C into the waste box 60 after the image capturing device 30 captures (reads) the test paper C.

[0055] Next, the removal of the waste box 60 will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 9. For example, a sensor that detects the pile height of the test papers C (the top surface position of the pile of test papers C) detects that a predetermined amount (for example, several hundred sheets) of test papers C has been stored in the waste box 60. The controller 90 notifies the user of this through the display 5b, a speaker, or the like based on the information received from the sensor (for example, when the height is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value). For example, a message such as "The waste box is full. Please discard the test papers" is displayed, or a beep sound is generated to notify the user of the same. At this time, the operator stops, for example, the urine testing apparatus 1, and proceeds to the removal of the waste box 60.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, the front surface of the upper housing 5a is provided with a front panel 5c that can be opened and closed around an axis L5 extending in the up-down direction (Z direction). The front surface of the lower housing 4a is provided with a shielding cover 4c that can be opened and closed around an axis L4 extending in the left-right direction (X direction). First, the operator opens the front panel 5c. Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the operator tilts the shielding cover 4c (rotates it about 90 degrees) and fixes the shielding cover 4c in a horizontal position. The shielding cover 4c is biased in the upright direction by a spring (not shown), but the shielding cover 4c is fixed horizontally by a locking mechanism (not shown). The shielding cover 4c maintains an upright position during operation of the urine testing apparatus 1, thereby preventing light from entering the interior of the upper housing 5a and the lower housing 4a.

[0057] By opening the front panel 5c and horizontally setting the shielding cover 4c, the removal opening T of the waste box 60 is exposed on the front of the upper housing 5a and the lower housing 4a. The removal opening T is formed in front of the waste box 60 and is larger than the size of the waste box 60 in a front view. The removal opening T is formed in an area surrounding the waste box 60 in a front view. In addition, the lower end of the removal opening T may be higher than the lower end of the waste box 60 (the second support part Bb of the common base B) in a front view. The removal opening T extends upward from the upper edge 61 of the waste box 60. With the above configuration, the waste box 60 can be removed from the removal opening T through a path TP that passes above the upper end 100a (see FIG. 9) of the spit 100 on the mounting table 3. The path TP is formed as a space extending forward and diagonally upward from the installation position of the waste box 60, and there are no obstacles in the path TP. A sloped surface 5t may be provided inside the upper housing 5a at a position slightly in front of and above the waste box 60 to facilitate removal of the waste box 60. The sloped surface 5t makes it easy to ensure a path TP that extends obliquely upward.

[0058] In addition, a handle 62 may be provided on the upper front surface of the waste box 60 to enable an operator to easily grip the waste box 60.

[0059] In the urine testing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the imaging position Pb is located at a position higher than the application position Pa, so the test strip C is transported diagonally upward. In this way, not only the horizontal space but also the vertical space is effectively utilized to ensure time for observing the color change. This makes it possible to prevent the horizontal size of the urine testing apparatus 1 from becoming large.

[0060] Furthermore, when the urine testing apparatus 1 is installed alone, it may be effective to have the waste box (waste box) removed from the side of the housing, as in the above Patent Document 1. However, there are cases where another analyzer is installed to the side of the analyzer. When multiple analyzers are installed side by side, restrictions arise in removing the waste box from the side. In other words, it may be difficult to secure the space for removal, or securing the space may worsen the installation efficiency of the analyzer. Furthermore, since various devices are housed in the housing of the analyzer, the size of the device is unavoidable in order to realize a configuration in which the waste box is removed from above. In contrast, according to the urine testing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the waste box 60 can be removed from the removal opening T on the front of the lower housing 4a and the upper housing 5a. Another analyzer can also be installed near the side. In a configuration in which the waste box 60 is removed from the front, interference with various devices in the lower housing 4a and the upper housing 5a is easily avoided, and the size of the device can be prevented from increasing. The spitz 100 may be placed on the mounting stand 3 in front of the device main body 2. Even in this case, the waste box 60 can be removed via a path TP that passes above the upper end 100a of the spit 100, so interference with the spit 100 can be prevented. Therefore, the waste box 60 can be removed without hindrance from the lower housing 4a and the upper housing 5a while preventing the device from becoming larger.

[0061] The device body 2 is also provided with a first transport mechanism 10 and a second transport mechanism 20 for transporting the test strip C, so that spot application and reading can be performed automatically. After reading by the imaging device 30, the test strip C is dropped into a disposal box 60, so that a series of operations related to the analysis (i.e., handling of the test strip) is automated.

[0062] Furthermore, by providing the discharge unit 20B in the second transport mechanism 20, the process from reading the test paper C to putting (discharging) it into the waste box 60 can be performed with a simple device configuration.

[0063] The second transport mechanism 20 transports the test paper C obliquely upward, and the test paper C is placed at the imaging position Pb, which is set at a high position. The waste box 60 that receives the test paper C can be placed at a high position, so that the waste box 60 can be easily removed at a high position. This makes it easy to avoid interference with the spoons 100 placed on the mounting table 3 (see FIG. 9).

[0064] Furthermore, the front panel 5c and the shielding cover 4c can be closed when the device is in operation, and can be opened when the waste box 60 is removed. The front panel 5c and the shielding cover 4c are opened in different directions, making it easy to ensure the removal opening T and the path TP (path TP facing forward and diagonally upward). The waste box 60 is installed to the side of the imaging device 30. By keeping the front panel 5c and the shielding cover 4c closed when the device is in operation, it is possible to block the intrusion of light from the outside, and imaging (reading) by the imaging device 30 can be performed with higher accuracy.

[0065] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0066] For example, the device configuration according to the first modified example shown in Fig. 10 may be adopted. In this urine test device, the device body 2 has a second transport mechanism 20X that transports the test paper C horizontally (to the left), an imaging device 30 that captures an image of the test paper C on the second transport mechanism 20X, and a third transport mechanism (another transport mechanism) 70 that transports the test paper C upward after the image (read) is captured by the imaging device 30 and places it in the disposal box 60. The second transport mechanism 20X may include a conveyor that transports the test paper C in the horizontal direction. On this conveyor, a spotting position Pa where the test paper C is placed in the spotting device 9 and an imaging position Pb where the test paper C is placed in the imaging device 30 are set. That is, the imaging position Pb is at the same height as the spotting position Pa. The second transport mechanism 20X, the spotting device 9, the imaging device 30, the third transport mechanism 70, and the disposal box 60 are housed in the housing of the device body 2. The third transport 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 transport mechanism 70 includes, for example, a drive motor (not shown), a drive pulley 71, a driven pulley 72, and a belt 73 stretched around these pulleys. A plurality of support pieces 74 are provided on the belt 73. Each test paper C is supported by the support pieces 74 and transported upward. When the support pieces 74 pass the driven pulley 72 and turn around, the test paper C falls and is released, and is dropped into the waste box 60. With this configuration, it is not necessary to raise the imaging position Pb, and the test paper C is transported upward by the third transport mechanism 70 after being imaged. Since the waste box 60 that receives the test paper C can be installed at a high position, it is easy to take out the waste box 60 at a high position. This makes it easy to avoid interference with the spigots 100 placed on the placement table 3 (see, for example, FIG. 9).

[0067] Alternatively, the device configuration according to the second modified example shown in FIG. 11 may be adopted. In this urine test device, the device body 2 has the second transport mechanism 20X and the imaging device 30 similar to those described in the first modified example, and a lifting mechanism 80 that lifts the waste box 60, which is installed at a lower position than the second transport mechanism 20X during operation of the device, to a higher position than the second transport mechanism 20X. The second transport mechanism 20X, the spotting device 9, the imaging device 30, the waste box 60, and the lifting mechanism 80 are housed in the housing of the device body 2. With respect to the waste box 60, the "low position" is the receiving position P1 that receives the test paper C after the image is captured by the imaging device 30. The waste box 60 located at the receiving position P1 receives the test paper C discharged from the end of the conveyor of the second transport mechanism 20X. With respect to the waste box 60, the "high position" is the take-out position P2 that is located above the receiving position P1 and faces the take-out port T. The lifting mechanism 80 lifts and lowers the waste box 60 between the receiving position P1 and the removal position P2. The lifting mechanism 80 includes, for example, a drive motor (not shown), a driving pulley 81, a driven pulley 82, and a belt 83 stretched around these pulleys. The waste box 60 is lifted and lowered by being connected to the belt 83. Only when it is necessary to discard the test paper C, the waste box 60 is lifted to the removal position P2 and removed by an operator. After the test paper C is discarded, the waste box 60 is set in the lifting mechanism 80 at the removal position P2, and then the waste box 60 is lowered to the receiving position P1. With this configuration, the receiving position P1 can be set at a low position, and it is not necessary to raise the imaging position Pb. For example, the receiving position P1 may be set in the internal space S (see FIG. 1). The lifting mechanism 80 then lifts the waste box 60 containing the test paper C to the removal position P2. Therefore, the disposal box 60 can be easily removed. This makes it easy to avoid interference with the spoons 100 placed on the placement table 3. In addition, a discharge section that discharges the test paper C toward the disposal box 60 is provided at the end of the second transport mechanism 20X. This makes it possible to carry out the process from reading the test paper C to putting (discharging) it into the disposal box 60 with a simple device configuration.

[0068] The present invention may be applied to an analyzer other than a urine testing device. The present invention can be applied to any type of device that performs an analysis using test papers and stores the analyzed test papers in a waste box inside a housing. However, the analyzer includes a mounting base on which a plurality of containers are placed, and an apparatus main body adjacent to the rear of the mounting base. An outlet for the waste box is provided on the front side of the housing of the apparatus main body. The waste box can be removed from the outlet via a path that passes above the top end of the container. This allows the waste box to be removed without hindrance even in other types of analyzers.

[0069] The reading device may be a device other than an imaging device using a camera 32. For example, a light irradiation unit including an LED or the like may irradiate light onto the test paper C, and the reflected light may be detected by a light detection unit including a photodiode or the like. Any known device may be used as long as it is a reading device that can read the color reaction in the test paper C as optical information.

[0070] Three or more door members corresponding to the removal openings may be provided on the front surface of the housing. Only one door member corresponding to the removal opening may be provided on the front surface of the housing. The shielding cover 4c may be omitted. The door member may not be of the type that opens and closes (pivots) but may be removable from the housing.

[0071] A discharge unit that discharges the test paper may be provided in addition to the second transport mechanism 20. At least one of the first transport mechanism 10 and the second transport mechanism 20 may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...urinalysis device (analyzer), 2...device body, 3...mounting stand, 4a...lower housing, 4c...shielding cover (door member), 5a...upper housing, 5c...front panel (door member), 9...spotting device, 10...first conveying mechanism, 20...second conveying mechanism, 20A...driving section, 20B...discharge section, 20Bb...discharge surface, 21...outer fixed plate, 22...central fixed plate, 23...movable plate, 30...imaging device (reader), 31 ...imaging chamber, 32...camera, 33...lighting unit, 40...supply mechanism, 60...waste box, 70...third transport mechanism (another transport mechanism), 80...lifting mechanism, 100...spit (container), 100a...upper end, C...test paper, Ca...reagent unit, L4...axis, L5...axis, P1...receiving position, P2...removal position, Pa...application position, Pb...imaging position (reading position), R...rack, T...removal port, TP...path.

Claims

1. An analytical device that applies a sample to a test paper and analyzes a specific component in the sample, A spotting device for spotting the sample onto the test paper; a reading device for reading optical information of the test paper on which the sample is applied; a transport mechanism for transporting the test paper from a spotting position where the test paper is spotted by the spotting device to a reading position where the test paper is read by the reading device; A housing that accommodates the spotting device, the reading device, and the transport mechanism, The reading position is located at a higher position than the spotting position, The transport mechanism transports the test paper obliquely upward. Analyzer.

2. The housing further comprises: a waste box into which the test paper is dropped after being read by the reader; an outlet for the waste box provided on a front surface of the housing; The waste box is removable from the outlet. The analytical device of claim 1 .

3. The analyzer according to claim 2 , wherein a front surface of the housing is provided with a plurality of door members each capable of being opened and closed around an axis extending in a different direction, the door members corresponding to the outlets.

4. The plurality of door elements include a first door element and a second door element, The first door member is capable of opening and closing the housing by rotating about an axis extending in a vertical direction, The second door member can be rotated about an axis extending in the left-right direction to take an upright position in the up-down direction. The analytical device according to claim 3 .

5. The spotting device has a nozzle for collecting the sample from a container containing the sample and spotting the sample on the test paper, The nozzle is disposed at a position not overlapping with the plurality of door members in a front view of the housing.

5. The analysis device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The analysis device comprises: a mounting table on which a container for accommodating the sample is mounted at the front of the housing; The waste box can be removed via a path passing above the container on the placement table. The analytical device according to claim 2 .

7. The analyzer further includes a sensor capable of detecting an amount of the test strips in the waste box; The spotting device performs a predetermined notification when the sensor detects that the amount of the test papers in the waste box is greater than a predetermined amount. The analytical device according to claim 2 .

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