Fitting system

Abstract

To provide a fitting system that can improve the efficiency of fitting a number of nozzles to a number of chips.SOLUTION: A fitting system 1 is a system for inserting and fitting multiple tip rods 3 attached to a dispenser 2 into multiple tips 4 supported by a support unit 40, and is equipped with a moving unit 10 for moving the dispenser 2, a movement control unit that controls the movement of the moving unit 10, and an adjustment unit 30 that is provided between the moving unit 10 and the dispenser 2. The movement control unit moves the moving unit 10 in an orthogonal direction when some of the multiple tip rods 3 are fitted into some of the multiple tips 4, and by adjusting the installation angle of the dispenser 2 using the adjustment unit 30, it is possible to fit other parts of the multiple tip rods 3 into other parts of the multiple tips 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mating system. [Background technology]

[0002] One conventional technique for dispensing a sample using a tip involves setting multiple tips in a tip case, moving a dispensing head equipped with multiple nozzles up and down to engage the multiple nozzles with the multiple tips, and then dispensing the sample using the multiple tips (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-247201 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there has been a growing need to accurately mate multiple nozzles with multiple tips even when there are installation errors in the dispensing head or manufacturing errors in the tips. However, in the conventional technology described above, as described above, the multiple nozzles and multiple tips are mated simply by moving the dispensing head up and down. Therefore, if there is an installation error in the dispensing head, it becomes difficult to mate the multiple nozzles with the multiple tips, which may make it difficult to perform the mating work efficiently. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of improving the efficiency of the mating work.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to provide a fitting system that can improve the efficiency of the work of fitting a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of tips. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the fitting system described in claim 1 is a fitting system for inserting and fitting multiple tip rods of a pipette into multiple tips supported by a support means, and comprises: a moving means for moving the pipette; a movement control means for controlling the movement of the moving means; and an adjustment means provided between the moving means and the pipette, which is an adjustment means for adjusting the installation angle of the pipette, wherein the movement control means moves the moving means in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of insertion when some of the multiple tip rods are fitted into some of the multiple tips, thereby adjusting the installation angle of the pipette using the adjustment means, so that other parts of the multiple tip rods can be fitted into other parts of the multiple tips.

[0007] A fitting system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the fitting system according to the first aspect, wherein the adjustment means is an elastic body that is stretchable in the insertion direction and the substantially perpendicular direction.

[0008] The fitting system of claim 3 is the fitting system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment means comprises a first connecting means connected to the dispenser, a second connecting means connected to the moving means, and a rotating means for allowing the first connecting means to be rotatable relative to the second connecting means.

[0009] The fitting system of claim 4 is the fitting system of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the support means, wherein the support means is a tray portion having a plurality of support holes which are through holes, and the tray portion is capable of supporting each of the plurality of tips through any of the plurality of support holes, and the tray portion is configured so that the surface of the tray portion facing the dispenser is approximately convex and protrudes toward the dispenser.

[0010] The fitting system of claim 5 is the fitting system of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of support holes has a flange portion formed only on a portion of the end of the support hole on the dispenser side, and the flange portion is capable of supporting the tip inserted into the support hole so that it is aligned approximately along the direction of insertion.

[0011] The fitting system of claim 6 is the fitting system of claim 5, wherein the depth of the flange portion in each of the plurality of support holes is made deeper as it moves away from the most protruding part of the surface of the tray portion facing the dispenser. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the fitting system of claim 1, the movement control means moves the moving means in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of insertion when some of the plurality of tip rods are fitted into some of the plurality of tips, and by adjusting the installation angle of the pipette with the adjustment means, other parts of the plurality of tip rods can be fitted into other parts of the plurality of tips. Therefore, even if there is an installation error in the pipette or / and a manufacturing error in the tip, the adjustment means can accurately fit the plurality of tip rods and the plurality of tips, thereby improving the efficiency of the fitting work and the dispensing accuracy (e.g., sample aspiration accuracy, sample discharge accuracy). Furthermore, the fitting system can be constructed relatively inexpensively, reducing the installation cost of the fitting system.

[0013] According to the fitting system of claim 2, the adjustment means is an elastic body that can expand and contract in the insertion direction and a direction approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction, so that the adjustment means can be constructed simply and inexpensively, and the manufacturability of the adjustment means can be improved.

[0014] According to the fitting system of claim 3, the adjustment means comprises a first connecting means connected to the dispenser, a second connecting means connected to the moving means, and a rotating means for allowing the first connecting means to rotate freely relative to the second connecting means, so that the adjustment means can be constructed simply and inexpensively, and the manufacturability of the adjustment means can be improved.

[0015] According to the fitting system of claim 4, the tray section is configured so that the surface of the tray section facing the dispenser is roughly convex and protrudes toward the dispenser. Therefore, after fitting the tip rod located at the most protruding part of the tray section among the multiple tip rods into a part of the multiple tips, the remaining tip rods can be fitted into other parts of the multiple tips, making it easier to improve the efficiency of the fitting operation.

[0016] According to the fitting system of claim 5, each of the multiple support holes has a flange portion formed on only a portion of the end of the support hole on the dispenser side. Therefore, when the surface of the tray portion on the dispenser side is approximately convex, the tip inserted into each support hole can be supported so as to be approximately in line with the insertion direction, making it possible to perform the fitting operation accurately.

[0017] According to the fitting system of claim 6, the depth of the flange portion in each of the multiple support holes is made deeper as it moves away from the most protruding part of the surface of the tray portion facing the dispenser. Therefore, when the surface of the tray portion facing the dispenser is generally convex, the tip inserted into each support hole can be more firmly supported so as to be roughly in line with the insertion direction, making it possible to perform the fitting operation more accurately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a fitting system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a control unit. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a support part, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in (b). [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing support holes, where (a) is a diagram showing the first support hole, (b) is a diagram showing the second support hole, (c) is a diagram showing the third support hole, and (d) is a diagram showing the fourth support hole. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a view (partially shown in cross section and partially omitted) illustrating a state in which a first fitting operation is being performed in a fitting step of the dispensing method. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams (partially cross-sectional and partially omitted) showing the state in which the second fitting operation is being performed in the fitting step of the dispensing method, where (a) shows the state in which the dispenser is located at the second fitting position, and (b) shows the state in which the dispenser is located at the first fitting position. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams (partially cross-sectional and partially omitted) showing the state in which the third fitting operation is being performed in the fitting step of the dispensing method, where (a) shows the state in which the dispenser is located at the third fitting position, and (b) shows the state in which the dispenser is located at the first fitting position. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a modified example of the adjustment unit, in which FIG. 10A shows a state in which the dispenser is located at the first fitting position, and FIG. 10B shows a state in which the dispenser is located at the second fitting position. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing modified examples of the support part (partially shown in cross section and partially omitted), in which (a) is a diagram showing a half-dome type support part, (b) is a diagram showing a trapezoid type support part, (c) is a diagram showing a mountain type support part, (d) is a diagram showing a slope type support part, and (e) is a diagram showing a step type support part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An embodiment of a fitting system according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, [I] the basic concept of the embodiment will be described, then [II] specific details of the embodiment will be described, and finally, [III] modifications to the embodiment will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0020] [I] Basic Concept of the Embodiment First, the basic concept of the embodiment will be described. The embodiment generally relates to a fitting system for inserting and fitting a plurality of tip rods attached to a dispenser into a plurality of tips supported by a support means described below.

[0021] Here, a "dispenser" is a device for dispensing (filling) a sample into a tip. Also, "dispensing" refers to the action of aspirating and then dispensing a sample. This dispenser is a concept that includes dispensers that can dispense simultaneously or non-simultaneously into multiple tips, but in the embodiment, it will be described as a dispenser that can dispense simultaneously into multiple tips.

[0022] Furthermore, the term "sample" refers to a liquid substance that is subjected to a test, analysis, and / or inspection. This sample is a concept that includes, for example, specimens, reagents, sludge, and beverages, but in the embodiments, it will be described as a biological sample (specimen) such as serum.

[0023] Furthermore, the term "specimen" refers to a biological sample that is suspected of containing a target substance (or that is tested to determine whether it contains a target substance). This specimen is a concept that includes, for example, clinical specimens (for example, blood such as peripheral blood) and liquids containing physiologically active substances such as low molecular weight compounds, but in the embodiments, it will be described as blood (including serum and plasma).

[0024] Furthermore, the term "reagent" refers to a substance used to detect the substance to be analyzed in the container described below, and is a concept that includes, for example, magnetic particle reagents, labeled antibodies, labeled antigens, enzyme reagents, primer reagents, etc.

[0025] Furthermore, "sludge" refers to materials discharged in connection with, for example, the treatment of water supply and sewerage systems or industrial wastewater.

[0026] Furthermore, "drinks" include, for example, soft drinks such as juice, alcoholic beverages such as beer, and the like.

[0027] Furthermore, a "tip" is a container that temporarily stores a sample aspirated by a dispenser when dispensing with the dispenser. This tip is a concept that includes plastic tips (e.g., disposable tips) with uniform or non-uniform diameters, but in the embodiment, it will be described as a disposable plastic tip whose diameter decreases toward the bottom.

[0028] Furthermore, the term "tip rod" refers to a rod that can be fitted with a tip to connect the tip to a dispenser when dispensing a sample. This tip rod is a concept that includes resin or metal tip rods that have a vertical length shorter than (or equal to or longer than) the vertical length of the tip, but in the embodiments, it will be described as a metal tip rod that has a vertical length shorter than the vertical length of the tip.

[0029] Furthermore, the application of the mating system is arbitrary, and the concept includes, for example, an automatic analyzer for analyzing specimens, a preparation device for preparing samples, etc., but in the embodiment, it will be described as an automatic analyzer equipped with a dispenser.

[0030] [II] Specific details of the embodiment Next, specific details of the embodiment will be described.

[0031] (composition) First, the configuration of a fitting system 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0032] In the following description, the X direction in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the left-right direction of the mating system 1 (the -X direction will be referred to as the left direction of the mating system 1, and the +X direction will be referred to as the right direction of the mating system 1), the Y direction in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the front-to-back direction of the mating system 1 (the +Y direction will be referred to as the front direction of the mating system 1, and the -Y direction will be referred to as the rear direction of the mating system 1), and the Z direction in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the up-down direction of the mating system 1 (the +Z direction will be referred to as the upward direction of the mating system 1, and the -Z direction will be referred to as the downward direction of the mating system 1).

[0033] The fitting system 1 is a system for inserting and fitting a plurality of tip rods 3 attached to a pipette 2 into a plurality of tips 4 supported by a support part 40 described below. As shown in Fig. 1, this fitting system 1 is provided in an automatic analyzer (not shown) having a pipette 2 to which a plurality of tip rods 3 are attached, and generally includes a moving part 10, a control unit 20, an adjusting part 30, and a support part 40.

[0034] The method of arranging the tip rods 3 attached to the dispenser 2 is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, multiple tip rods 3 are each arranged at positions corresponding to only a portion of the multiple support holes 70 of the support part 40 described later.

[0035] Specifically, a plurality of tip rods 3 are arranged in parallel only in the left-right direction at predetermined intervals (specifically, only eight of them are arranged in parallel).

[0036] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a plurality of tip rods 3 may be arranged in a row only in the front-to-rear direction at a predetermined interval (specifically, only 12 rods are arranged in a row). Alternatively, a plurality of tip rods 3 may be arranged in a row at intervals from one another at positions corresponding to all of a plurality of support holes 70 of the support portion 40 (described later) (specifically, 96 rods are arranged in a row in the left-right and front-to-rear direction (8 rows left-to-right x 12 rows front-to-rear direction)).

[0037] (Configuration - Moving part) First, the configuration of the moving unit 10 will be described.

[0038] The moving unit 10 is a moving means for moving the dispenser 2. This moving unit 10 is configured using, for example, known moving means (e.g., a moving arm, a moving mechanism, etc.) that can move the dispenser 2 at least in the vertical and horizontal directions, and is provided near the dispenser 2 and connected to the dispenser 2 via an adjustment unit 30, as shown in FIG.

[0039] (Configuration - Control Unit) Next, the configuration of the control unit 20 will be described.

[0040] The control unit 20 is a unit for controlling the moving unit 10. The control unit 20 is provided in the vicinity of the moving unit 10 (or inside the moving unit 10), and includes an operation unit 21, a communication unit 22, an output unit 23, a power supply unit 24, a control unit 25, and a storage unit 26, as shown in FIG.

[0041] (Configuration - Control unit - Operation unit) The operation unit 21 is an operation means that receives various operation inputs related to the moving unit 10. The operation unit 21 is configured using known operation means such as a hard switch or a touch panel.

[0042] (Configuration - Control unit - Communication unit) The communication unit 22 is a communication means for communicating with an external device (not shown) (for example, a control unit of an automatic analyzer, a controller for a moving unit, etc.) via a network (not shown). The specific type and configuration of the communication unit 22 are arbitrary, but it is configured using, for example, a known wireless communication means or wired communication means.

[0043] (Configuration - Control unit - Output section) The output unit 23 is an output unit 23 that displays various information based on the control of the control unit 25, and is configured using, for example, a known display means (for example, a display) and / or an audio output means (for example, a speaker).

[0044] (Configuration - Control unit - Power supply unit) The power supply section 24 is a power supply means that supplies power to each section of the control unit 20 and the moving section 10, and is configured using, for example, a known power supply means (one example is a rechargeable battery, etc.).

[0045] (Configuration - Control unit - Control section) The control unit 25 is a control means that controls each part of the control unit 20. Specifically, it is a computer that includes a CPU, various programs that are interpreted and executed on the CPU (including basic control programs such as an OS, and application programs that are started on the OS and realize specific functions), and an internal memory such as a RAM for storing the programs and various data.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 25 conceptually includes a movement control unit 25a.

[0047] The movement control unit 25a is a movement control means that controls the movement of the moving unit 10.

[0048] The processing executed by the control unit 25 will be described in detail later.

[0049] (Configuration - Control Unit - Storage Unit) The storage unit 26 is a storage means for storing programs and various data required for the operation of the control unit 20, and is configured using a rewritable recording medium, and may be a non-volatile recording medium such as a flash memory.

[0050] (Configuration-adjustment section) Returning to FIG. 1, the configuration of the adjustment unit 30 will now be described.

[0051] The adjustment unit 30 is an adjustment means for adjusting the installation angle of the dispenser 2, and is provided between the moving unit 10 and the dispenser 2 as shown in FIG.

[0052] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the adjustment unit 30 is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, it is made of an elastic body that can expand and contract in the insertion direction and the perpendicular direction, and specifically, it is made of a spring-like spring.

[0053] Here, the "insertion direction" refers to the direction in which the tip rod 3 is inserted into the tip 4. In the embodiment, this insertion direction is described as a direction substantially along the vertical direction, but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a direction inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical direction.

[0054] Furthermore, the "orthogonal direction" refers to a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction. In the embodiment, this orthogonal direction is described as a direction that is approximately along the left-right direction, but is not limited to this. For example, if the insertion direction is a direction that is approximately along the up-down direction, the orthogonal direction may be a horizontal direction other than the left-right direction (for example, the front-back direction). Furthermore, if the insertion direction is a direction that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the up-down direction, the orthogonal direction may be a direction that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0055] Further, the details of the configuration of the adjustment unit 30 in this embodiment are as follows.

[0056] That is, the vertical length of the adjustment unit 30 is set so that the free height (height when no load is acting on the adjustment unit 30) is approximately 35 mm to 40 mm, the standard load height (height when a standard load (e.g., 55.9 N, etc.) is acting on the adjustment unit 30) is approximately 25 mm to 30 mm, and the allowable load height (height when an allowable load (e.g., 93.56 N, etc.) is acting on the adjustment unit 30) is approximately 18 mm to 20 mm.

[0057] However, this is not limited to this, and the free height may be set to be less than 35 mm (or a length greater than 40 mm), the standard load height to be less than 25 mm (or a length greater than 30 mm), and / or the allowable load height to be less than 18 mm (or a length greater than 20 mm).

[0058] The outer diameter of the adjusting portion 30 is set to about 20 mm to 30 mm, and the wire diameter of the adjusting portion 30 is set to about 2 mm to 3 mm.

[0059] However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the outer diameter of the adjustment portion 30 may be set to less than 20 mm (or a length greater than 30 mm), and the wire diameter of the adjustment portion 30 may be set to less than 2 mm (or a length greater than 3 mm).

[0060] The modulus of transverse elasticity of the adjustment part 30 is 6.5×10 4 N / mm 2 to 7.0 x 10 4 N / mm 2 and the longitudinal elastic modulus of the adjustment unit 30 is set to 1.5×10 5 N / mm 2 to 2.0 x 10 5 N / mm 2 It is set to.

[0061] However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the modulus of transverse elasticity of the adjustment portion 30 is 6.5×104 N / mm 2 Less than (or 7.0 x 10 4 N / mm 2 The longitudinal elastic modulus of the adjustment portion 30 may be set to 1.5×10 5 N / mm 2 Less than (or 2.0 x 10 5 N / mm 2 (larger than

[0062] The adjustment portion 30 is made of stainless steel (for example, SUS304WPB).

[0063] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the metal member 10 may be formed of, for example, a steel material other than stainless steel (for example, steel alloy) or other metal material (for example, copper material).

[0064] Regarding the method of mounting the adjustment unit 30, as shown in FIG. 1, the adjustment unit 30 is positioned so that the extension direction of the adjustment unit 30 is roughly along the vertical direction, and the upper end of the adjustment unit 30 is connected to the moving unit 10 by a fixing device or welding, etc., and the lower end of the adjustment unit 30 is connected to the dispenser 2 by a fixing device or welding, etc.

[0065] Such an adjustment unit 30 allows the adjustment unit 30 to be configured simply and inexpensively, and the manufacturability of the adjustment unit 30 can be improved.

[0066] (Configuration-Support part) Next, the configuration of the support portion 40 will be described.

[0067] The support portion 40 is a support means for supporting a plurality of chips 4, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, includes a tray portion 50 and legs (not shown).

[0068] (Configuration - Support part - Tray part) The tray part 50 is capable of supporting each of the plurality of chips 4 via one of the plurality of support holes 70, and has a tray part main body 60 and the support holes 70 as shown in FIG.

[0069] (Configuration - Support part - Tray part - Tray part main body) The tray body 60 is the basic structure of the tray body 50. The tray body 60 is provided between the dispenser 2 and an installation surface (specifically, a horizontal installation surface; not shown), and is formed, for example, from a hollow body made of resin (or metal) with an open lower end.

[0070] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the tray section main body 60 is configured to include a first tray piece 61 positioned opposite the dispenser 2, a second tray piece 62 extending downward from the left end of the first tray piece 61, a third tray piece 63 extending downward from the right end of the first tray piece 61, a fourth tray piece 64 extending downward from the front end of the first tray piece 61, a fifth tray piece 65 extending downward from the rear end of the first tray piece 61, first reinforcing pieces 66 arranged in parallel at intervals between the second tray piece 62 and the third tray piece 63, and second reinforcing pieces 67 arranged in parallel at intervals between the fourth tray piece 64 and the fifth tray piece 65.

[0071] The specific shape and size of the tray unit main body 60 are arbitrary, but in this embodiment they are set as follows.

[0072] That is, the planar shape of the tray unit main body 60 is set to be substantially rectangular, as shown in FIG. 3(a).

[0073] However, the shape is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, a polygonal shape other than a substantially rectangular shape (for example, a triangular shape, a pentagonal shape, etc.), a substantially circular shape, or a substantially elliptical shape.

[0074] Furthermore, the left-right length of the tray section main body 60 is set to a length that allows multiple support holes 70 (eight in Figure 3(a)) to be arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the left-right direction, and may be set to, for example, 70 mm to 90 mm.

[0075] However, the length is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, less than 70 mm or more than 90 mm.

[0076] Furthermore, the length of the tray section main body 60 in the front-to-rear direction is set to a length that allows multiple support holes 70 (12 in Figure 3(a)) to be arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the front-to-rear direction, and may be set to, for example, 100 mm to 130 mm.

[0077] However, the length is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, less than 100 mm or more than 130 mm.

[0078] Furthermore, the vertical length of the tray portion main body 60 is set to be shorter than the vertical length of the tip rod 3, and may be set to, for example, 15 mm to 20 mm.

[0079] However, the length is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, less than 15 mm or more than 20 mm.

[0080] (Configuration - Support part - Tray part - Support hole) The support holes 70 are through holes for supporting the chips 4, and as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of support holes 70 are provided in the tray unit main body 60 (that is, the tray unit 50 has a plurality of support holes 70).

[0081] Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the support hole 70 are arbitrary, but in this embodiment they are set as follows.

[0082] That is, the planar shape of the support hole 70 is set to be substantially the same as the outer edge shape of the chip 4, and specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(a), it is set to be substantially circular.

[0083] However, the shape is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, a substantially polygonal shape such as a substantially elliptical shape or a substantially triangular shape.

[0084] The diameter of the support hole 70 is set to be larger than the minimum outer diameter of the tip 4 and smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the tip 4, and is set to be approximately 5.0 mm to 5.5 mm, for example.

[0085] However, the length is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, less than 5.0 mm or more than 5.5 mm.

[0086] Furthermore, the arrangement of the support holes 70 is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3(a), 96 support holes 70 are arranged in a row in the left and right directions and front and back directions (8 rows left and right x 12 rows front and back) at intervals from each other in the first tray piece 61 of the tray section main body 60.

[0087] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, fewer than 96 support holes 70 may be arranged side by side in the left-right and front-rear directions at intervals. Alternatively, 97 or more support holes 70 may be arranged side by side in the left-right and front-rear directions at intervals. Alternatively, multiple support holes 70 may simply be arranged side by side in the left-right direction at a predetermined interval, or multiple support holes 70 may simply be arranged side by side in the front-rear direction at a predetermined interval.

[0088] (Configuration - Support part - Leg part) The legs are for supporting the tray unit 50 on the installation surface. These legs are made of, for example, known resin or metal tray legs, are provided between the tray unit main body 60 and the installation surface, and are connected to the tray unit main body 60 (for example, at least one of the second tray piece 62 to the fifth tray piece 65) by fasteners, welding, or the like.

[0089] (Configuration - Supporting part - Other configurations) The specific configuration of the tray unit 50 is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, it is configured to have the following features.

[0090] (Configuration - Support - Other configurations - First feature) First, regarding the first feature, the tray part 50 is configured so that the surface of the tray part 50 on the dispenser 2 side is substantially convex and protrudes toward the dispenser 2 side.

[0091] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3(b), the first tray piece 61 of the tray section main body 60 is formed in an approximately curved shape (a so-called dome shape) so that the upper surface of the first tray piece 61 protrudes upward as it moves toward the center of the first tray piece 61 in the left-right direction.

[0092] More specifically, the first tray piece 61 is formed into a relatively gentle, approximately curved shape so that the difference in height between the most protruding part of the first tray piece 61 (in Figure 3(b), the center part of the first tray piece 61 of the tray section main body 60) and the least protruding part of the first tray piece 61 (in Figure 3(b), the left end or right end part of the first tray piece 61) is approximately 3 mm.

[0093] Due to this feature, the tip rod 3 located at the most protruding part of the tray portion 50 among the multiple tip rods 3 can be fitted into a part of the multiple tips 4, and then the remaining tip rods 3 can be fitted into other parts of the multiple tips 4, making it easier to make the fitting work more efficient.

[0094] (Configuration - Support - Other configurations - Second feature) As for the second feature, as shown in FIG. 3, each of the plurality of support holes 70 provided in the tray unit main body 60 includes a flange portion 80.

[0095] This flange 80 is a groove that enables the tip 4 inserted into the support hole 70 to be supported approximately along the insertion direction, and is formed only in a portion of the end of the support hole 70 on the dispenser 2 side.

[0096] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3(a), the flange portion 80 provided on the first support hole 71, which is the support hole 71 located at the center of the tray section main body 60 in the left-right direction among the multiple support holes 70, is provided over the entire edge of the upper end of the support hole 70, and the bottom surface of the flange portion 80 is formed so as to approximately follow the perpendicular direction (specifically, the horizontal direction).

[0097] Furthermore, among the multiple support holes 70, the flange portions 80 provided on the support holes 70 other than the first support hole 71 (specifically, the second support hole 72 described below, the third support hole 73 described below, and the fourth support hole 74 described below) are formed over the edge portion of the upper end of the support hole 70 except for a portion of the part opposite the center of the tray section main body 60, and the bottom surface of the flange portions 80 is formed so as to approximately follow the perpendicular direction (specifically, the horizontal direction).

[0098] Due to these features, when the surface of the tray portion 50 facing the dispenser 2 is approximately convex, the chips 4 inserted into each support hole 70 can be supported so as to be aligned approximately in the insertion direction, making it possible to perform the above-mentioned fitting operation accurately.

[0099] (Configuration - Support - Other configurations - Third feature) As for the third feature, the depth of the flange portion 80 in each of the plurality of support holes 70 is set to become deeper as it moves away from the most protruding portion of the surface of the tray portion 50 on the dispenser 2 side.

[0100] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d), the depth d1 of the flange 80 of the first support hole 71, the depth d2 of the flange 80 of the second support hole 72, which is the support hole 72 located on the opposite side of the center of the tray main body 60 from the first support hole 71, and the depth d3 of the flange 80 of the third support hole 73, which is the support hole 73 located on the opposite side of the center of the tray main body 60 from the second support hole 72, are The relationship between d3 and the depth d4 of the flange portion 80 of the fourth support hole 74, which is the support hole 74 located on the opposite side of the center of the tray section main body 60 from the third support hole 73, is set so that the depth d1 of the flange portion 80 of the first support hole 71 > the depth d2 of the flange portion 80 of the second support hole 72 > the depth d3 of the flange portion 80 of the third support hole 73 > the depth d4 of the flange portion 80 of the fourth support hole 74.

[0101] In this case, the specific depths of the flange portions 80 of the first support hole 71 to the fourth support hole 74 may be set as follows: depth d1 of flange portion 80 of first support hole 71 = approximately 0.11 mm, depth d2 of flange portion 80 of second support hole 72 = approximately 0.23 mm, depth d3 of flange portion 80 of third support hole 73 = approximately 0.39 mm, and depth d4 of flange portion 80 of fourth support hole 74 = approximately 0.56 mm.

[0102] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the depth of the flange portions 80 of the first support hole 71 to the fourth support hole 74 may be set to a depth other than the specific depths described above.

[0103] Due to these features, when the surface of the tray portion 50 facing the dispenser 2 is approximately convex, the tips 4 inserted into each support hole 70 can be more firmly supported so that they are aligned approximately in the insertion direction, making it possible to perform the above-mentioned fitting operation more accurately.

[0104] With the above-described fitting system 1, as will be described later in the description of the dispensing method, even if there is an installation error in the dispenser 2 or / and a manufacturing error in the tip 4, the adjustment unit 30 can accurately fit multiple tip rods 3 and multiple tips 4, thereby improving the efficiency of the fitting work. Furthermore, the fitting system 1 can be configured relatively inexpensively, and the installation cost of the fitting system 1 can be reduced.

[0105] (Dispensing method) Next, a dispensing method using the fitting system 1 configured as described above will be described.

[0106] The dispensing method is a method for dispensing samples (not shown) using a plurality of tips 4, and includes a first moving step, a fitting step, a suction step, a discharge step, a removal step, and a second moving step.

[0107] Furthermore, the timing for executing the dispensing method is arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, the dispensing method is described as being executed after the control unit 20 of the automatic analyzer and fitting system 1 is powered on.

[0108] The premise of the dispensing method in this embodiment is as follows.

[0109] That is, the dispenser 2 is assumed to be located at a standby position. Also, the dispenser 2 is assumed to have a plurality of tip rods 3 attached thereto.

[0110] The plurality of chips 4 are assumed to be supported by a support part 40 provided at a position (hereinafter referred to as the "work position") away from the standby position (for example, as shown in FIG. 1, at least eight chips 4 are assumed to be supported by the support part 40 in a row on the left and right). The plurality of chips 4 are assumed to be empty (without containing a sample).

[0111] In Figures 5 to 7, the engaged state of the tip 4, in which the tip 4 and the tip rod 3 are engaged, is shown by hatching, and the non-engaged state, in which the tip 4 and the tip rod 3 are not engaged, is shown by not hatching.

[0112] (Dispensing method - First transfer process) First, the first movement step will be described.

[0113] The first movement step is a step for moving the dispenser 2 from the standby position to the working position.

[0114] Specifically, the movement control unit 25a of the control unit 20 causes the moving unit 10 to move the dispenser 2 horizontally and / or vertically from the standby position to the working position based on movement information that is pre-stored in the memory unit 26 of the control unit 20 and indicates the movement position and / or movement distance of the moving unit 10 when performing the dispensing method.

[0115] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the movement control unit 25a of the control unit 20 moves the dispenser 2 to a position above the support part 40 so that when the dispenser 2 is moved to the working position, the multiple tip rods 3 attached to the dispenser 2 face the openings of the multiple tips 4 supported by the support part 40, respectively.

[0116] (Dispensing method - fitting process) Next, the fitting process will be described.

[0117] The fitting step is a step performed after the first moving step, in which the plurality of tip rods 3 attached to the dispenser 2 are inserted into and fitted with the plurality of tips 4 supported by the support portion 40.

[0118] 5, first, based on the movement information, the movement control section 25a of the control unit 20 moves the dispenser 2 downward to a predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as the "first fitting position") using the movement section 10, thereby fitting some of the plurality of tip rods 3 into some of the plurality of tips 4. Note that, hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as the "first fitting operation."

[0119] The method for setting the first fitting position is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, only the tip rod 3 located at the most protruding part of the tray portion 50 among the multiple tip rods 3 is set at a position where it can be fitted into a part of the multiple tips 4.

[0120] However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the tip rod 3 located near the tip rod 3 located in the most protruding part of the tray portion 50 among the multiple tip rods 3 may also be set in a position where it can be further fitted into a part of the multiple tips 4.

[0121] Next, as shown in FIG. 6(a), with some of the tip rods 3 fitted to some of the tips 4 by the first fitting operation, the movement control unit 25a of the control unit 20 causes the movement unit 10 to move the dispenser 2 horizontally and / or vertically from the first fitting position to a predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as the "second fitting position") based on the movement information, thereby adjusting the installation angle of the dispenser 2 by the adjustment unit 30, thereby fitting other parts of the tip rods 3 to other parts of the tips 4. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the movement control unit 25a of the control unit 20 causes the movement unit 10 to move the dispenser 2 horizontally and / or vertically to the first fitting position based on the movement information. Note that hereinafter, such an operation is referred to as the "second fitting operation."

[0122] More specifically, as the dispenser 2 moves horizontally and / or vertically toward the second fitting position, the adjustment unit 30 adjusts the installation angle of the dispenser 2 to an angle where the left end of the dispenser 2 is positioned lower than the right end of the dispenser 2, thereby fitting the multiple tip rods 3 that are located to the left of the tip rod 3 located at the most protruding part of the tray unit 50 into other parts of the multiple tips 4.

[0123] While the method for setting the second fitting position is arbitrary, in this embodiment, it is set to a position to the left of the first fitting position, as shown in Fig. 6(a). Furthermore, the inclination angle of the tip rod 3 located to the left of the tip rod 3 located at the most protruding portion of the tray unit 50 among the multiple tip rods 3 (specifically, the fitting angle required to fit the tip rod 3 into the tip 4) is set to a position that allows the tip rod 3 to be inserted into another part of the multiple tips 4 by the adjustment unit 30 (specifically, deformation of the adjustment unit 30).

[0124] Next, as shown in FIG. 7(a), with some of the tip rods 3 fitted to some of the tips 4 by the first fitting operation or / and the second fitting operation, the movement control unit 25a of the control unit 20 causes the moving unit 10 to move the dispenser 2 horizontally and / or vertically to a predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as the "third fitting position") based on the movement information, and adjusts the installation angle of the dispenser 2 by the adjustment unit 30, thereby fitting other parts of the tip rods 3 to other parts of the tips 4. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the movement control unit 25a of the control unit 20 causes the moving unit 10 to move the dispenser 2 horizontally and / or vertically to the first fitting position based on the movement information. Note that hereinafter, such an operation is referred to as the "third fitting operation."

[0125] More specifically, as the dispenser 2 moves horizontally and / or vertically toward the third fitting position, the adjustment unit 30 adjusts the installation angle of the dispenser 2 to an angle where the right end of the dispenser 2 is positioned lower than the left end of the dispenser 2, thereby fitting the multiple tip rods 3 that are located to the right of the tip rod 3 located at the most protruding part of the tray unit 50 into other parts of the multiple tips 4.

[0126] While the method for setting the third fitting position is arbitrary, in this embodiment, it is set to a position to the right of the first fitting position, as shown in Fig. 7(a). Furthermore, the inclination angle (the fitting angle) of the tip rod 3 located to the right of the tip rod 3 located at the most protruding portion of the tray unit 50 among the multiple tip rods 3 is set to a position that allows the tip rod 3 to be inserted into another part of the multiple tips 4 by the adjustment unit 30 (specifically, by deformation of the adjustment unit 30).

[0127] Next, the movement control unit 25a of the control unit 20 repeats the set of the second mating operation of Figure 6 and the third mating operation of Figure 7 at least once or more, thereby mating the entire plurality of tip rods 3 with the entire plurality of tips 4.

[0128] By this fitting process, even if there is an installation error in the dispenser 2 or / and a manufacturing error in the tip 4, the adjustment unit 30 can accurately fit multiple tip rods 3 and multiple tips 4, thereby making the fitting work more efficient.

[0129] However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the movement control unit 25a of the control unit 20 may perform a first mating operation, then repeat a second mating operation multiple times, and then repeat a third mating operation multiple times, thereby mating the entire plurality of tip rods 3 with the entire plurality of tips 4.

[0130] Alternatively, the movement control unit 25a of the control unit 20 may perform a first mating operation, and then perform a set of a second mating operation and a third mating operation only once, thereby mating the entire plurality of tip rods 3 with the entire plurality of tips 4.

[0131] (Dispensing method - suction process) Next, the suction step will be described.

[0132] The suction step is a step for suctioning the sample and temporarily storing it in the plurality of tips 4 after the fitting step.

[0133] Specifically, first, based on the movement information, the movement control section 25a of the control unit 20 causes the movement section 10 to move the dispenser 2 horizontally and / or vertically from the first fitting position to the suction position, with the entirety of the plurality of tip rods 3 fitted over the entirety of the plurality of tips 4. Next, based on the movement information, the movement section 10 causes the dispenser 2 to move horizontally and / or vertically so that at least a portion of the plurality of tip rods 3 is accommodated in an suction container (not shown) that is provided at the suction position and that accommodates a sample.

[0134] Then, the control unit 25 of the control unit 20 (or the control unit of the automatic analyzer (not shown)) temporarily stores the aspirated sample in multiple chips 4 by aspirating the desired amount of sample from the aspirating container through the aspirating operation of the dispenser 2 based on aspirating volume information that is pre-stored in the memory unit 26 of the control unit 20 (or the memory unit of the automatic analyzer (not shown)) and indicates the aspirated volume of sample.

[0135] (Dispensing method - Discharge process) Next, the ejection process will be described.

[0136] The discharging step is a step for discharging the samples temporarily stored in the plurality of tips 4 after the suction step.

[0137] Specifically, the movement control section 25a of the control unit 20 causes the movement section 10 to move the dispenser 2 horizontally and / or vertically from the suction position to the discharge position based on the movement information, with the plurality of tip rods 3 entirely fitted over the plurality of tips 4. Next, based on the movement information, the movement section 10 causes the dispenser 2 to move horizontally and / or vertically so that some of the plurality of tip rods 3 are contained in (or positioned near) a reaction vessel (not shown) provided at the discharge position.

[0138] Then, the control unit 25 of the control unit 20 (or the control unit of the automatic analyzer (not shown)) causes the sample temporarily stored in the multiple tips 4 to be ejected into a reaction container by the ejection operation of the dispenser 2 based on ejection information that is pre-stored in the memory unit 26 of the control unit 20 (or the memory unit of the automatic analyzer (not shown)) and indicates the amount of sample to be ejected.

[0139] (Dispensing method - Removal process) Next, the removal process will be described.

[0140] The removing step is a step for removing the plurality of tips 4 from the plurality of tip rods 3 after the discharging step.

[0141] Specifically, first, the movement control unit 25a of the control unit 20, with the entire plurality of tip rods 3 fitted into the entire plurality of tips 4, moves the dispenser 2 horizontally and / or vertically using the movement unit 10 from the discharge position to a position near the removal position based on the above movement information.

[0142] Here, the "removal position" refers to the position where the removal part (not shown) of the automatic analyzer is provided.

[0143] The removal portion is a removal means for removing the plurality of tips 4 from the plurality of tip rods 3, and is configured using, for example, a known tip remover.

[0144] Then, based on the above movement information, the movement control unit 25a of the control unit 20 causes the movement unit 10 to move the dispenser 2 horizontally and / or vertically a predetermined distance, thereby removing multiple tips 4 from multiple tip rods 3 through the removal portion of the automatic analyzer.

[0145] (Dispensing method - second transfer process) Next, the second movement step will be described.

[0146] The second moving step is a step for moving the dispenser 2 to the standby position after the removing step.

[0147] Specifically, the movement control section 25a of the control unit 20 causes the movement section 10 to move the dispenser 2 horizontally and / or vertically from the removal position (or a position nearby) to the standby position based on the movement information.

[0148] By using the dispensing method described above, the sample can be dispensed easily and accurately using a plurality of tips 4, and the dispensing work can be carried out efficiently.

[0149] (Effects of the embodiment) According to this embodiment, the movement control unit 25a moves the movement unit 10 in the orthogonal direction while some of the tip rods 3 are fitted to some of the tips 4, and by adjusting the installation angle of the dispenser 2 using the adjustment unit 30, other parts of the tip rods 3 can be fitted to other parts of the tips 4. Therefore, even if there is an installation error in the dispenser 2 or / and a manufacturing error in the tips 4, the adjustment unit 30 can accurately fit the tip rods 3 and the tips 4, thereby improving the efficiency of the fitting work and the dispensing accuracy (e.g., sample aspiration accuracy, sample discharge accuracy). Furthermore, the fitting system 1 can be configured relatively inexpensively, reducing the installation cost of the fitting system 1.

[0150] Furthermore, since the adjustment section 30 is an elastic body that is stretchable in the insertion direction and in the orthogonal direction, the adjustment section 30 can be constructed simply and inexpensively, and the manufacturability of the adjustment section 30 can be improved.

[0151] Furthermore, the tray section 50 is configured so that the surface of the tray section 50 facing the dispenser 2 is roughly convex and protrudes toward the dispenser 2. Therefore, after fitting the tip rod 3 located at the most protruding part of the tray section 50 among the multiple tip rods 3 to a part of the multiple tips 4, the remaining tip rods 3 can be fitted to other parts of the multiple tips 4, making it easier to make the fitting process more efficient.

[0152] Furthermore, each of the multiple support holes 70 has a flange portion 80 formed on only a portion of the end of the support hole 70 on the dispenser 2 side, so when the surface of the tray portion 50 on the dispenser 2 side is approximately convex, the tip 4 inserted into each support hole 70 can be supported so that it is approximately aligned with the insertion direction, making it possible to perform the above-mentioned fitting operation accurately.

[0153] Furthermore, the depth of the flange portion 80 in each of the multiple support holes 70 is made deeper as it moves away from the most protruding part of the surface of the tray portion 50 facing the dispenser 2. Therefore, when the surface of the tray portion 50 facing the dispenser 2 is roughly convex, the tip 4 inserted into each support hole 70 can be better supported so that it is roughly in line with the insertion direction, making it possible to perform the above-mentioned fitting operation more accurately.

[0154] [III] Modifications to the embodiment Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configurations and means of the present invention can be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical ideas of the inventions set forth in the claims. Such modifications will be described below.

[0155] (About the problem to be solved and the effects of the invention) First, the problems that the invention aims to solve and the effects of the invention are not limited to those described above, and the present invention may solve problems that are not described above or achieve effects that are not described above, or may solve only some of the problems that are described or achieve only some of the effects that are described.

[0156] (Regarding decentralization and integration) Furthermore, the electrical components described above are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the drawings. In other words, the specific form of distribution or integration of each part is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. Furthermore, the term "device" in this application is not limited to a single device, but includes a device configured from multiple devices.

[0157] For example, the control unit 20 according to the embodiment may be distributed among multiple devices that are configured to be able to communicate with each other, with a control unit 25 provided in some of the devices and a memory unit 26 provided in another part of the devices.

[0158] (shape, numbers, structure, time series) The components illustrated in the embodiments and drawings may be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention in terms of shape, numerical value, or the structure or chronological relationship of multiple components.

[0159] (Regarding the installation surface) In the above embodiment, the installation surface is described as being horizontal, but this is not limiting. For example, the installation surface may be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal.

[0160] In this case, for example, the insertion direction may be a direction inclined by the predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction, and the orthogonal direction may be a direction inclined by the predetermined angle with respect to the left-right direction.

[0161] (Regarding the control unit) In the above embodiment, the control unit 20 is described as having an operation unit 21, a communication unit 22, and an output unit 23, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the operation unit 21, the communication unit 22, and / or the output unit 23 may be omitted.

[0162] (Regarding the adjustment part) In the above embodiment, the adjustment unit 30 is described as being made up of a spring, but this is not limiting and the adjustment unit 30 may be made up of, for example, a cylindrical or columnar rubber body.

[0163] In the above embodiment, the adjustment unit 30 is described as an elastic body that is stretchable in the insertion direction and the perpendicular direction, but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the adjustment unit 30 may be configured to include a first connection unit 31, a second connection unit 32, and a rotation unit 33.

[0164] Of these, the first connection part 31 is part of the basic structure of the adjustment part 30. This first connection part 31 is a plate-like body made of steel or resin, and as shown in Fig. 8, is provided so as to protrude upward from the dispenser 2, and is connected to the dispenser 2 by a fixture, welding, or the like.

[0165] The second connection part 32 is another part of the basic structure of the adjustment part 30. The second connection part 32 is a plate-like body made of steel or resin, and as shown in Fig. 8, is provided so as to protrude downward from the moving part 10, and is connected to the moving part 10 by a fixing tool, welding, or the like.

[0166] 8, the rotating portion 33 is a rotating means for allowing the first connecting portion 31 to rotate freely relative to the second connecting portion 32. This rotating portion 33 is configured using, for example, a known rotating means (one example is a biaxial hinge member), and is provided so that the rotating portion 33 passes through mounting holes (not shown) provided in each of the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32, and is connected to the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 by a fixture or the like.

[0167] Such an adjustment unit 30 allows the adjustment unit 30 to be configured simply and inexpensively, and the manufacturability of the adjustment means can be improved.

[0168] The rotating portion 33 may be configured using a three-axis hinge member (for example, a ball hinge) instead of the two-axis hinge member.

[0169] (About the support part) In the above embodiment, the first tray piece 61 of the tray unit main body 60 is described as being formed in a dome shape, but this is not limiting, and for example, it may be formed in a shape other than a dome shape.

[0170] As an example, as shown in Figure 9(a), the first tray piece 61 of the tray section main body 60 may be formed in an approximately curved shape (or in a so-called half-dome shape) so that the upper surface of the first tray piece 61 protrudes upward as it approaches the right end of the first tray piece 61.

[0171] In this case, in the fitting step of the dispensing method, the movement control unit 25a of the control unit 20 may fit the entire plurality of tip rods 3 into the entire plurality of tips 4 by performing only the first fitting operation and at least one or more second fitting operations.

[0172] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(b), the first tray piece 61 of the tray section main body 60 may be formed in an approximately trapezoidal shape (a so-called trapezoidal shape) so that the upper surface of the first tray piece 61 protrudes upward as it moves toward the center of the first tray piece 61 in the left-right direction.

[0173] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(c), the first tray piece 61 may be formed in an approximately trapezoidal shape (or a so-called mountain shape) so that the length of the upper bottom portion of the first tray piece 61 is shorter than in Figure 9(b).

[0174] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(d), the first tray piece 61 of the tray section main body 60 may be formed in an approximately inclined shape (a so-called slope shape) so that the upper surface of the first tray piece 61 protrudes upward as it approaches the right end of the first tray piece 61.

[0175] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(e), the first tray piece 61 of the tray section main body 60 may be formed in a roughly stepped shape (so-called step type) so that the upper surface of the first tray piece 61 protrudes upward as it moves toward the center of the first tray piece 61 in the left-right direction.

[0176] The top surface of the first tray piece 61 of the tray body 60 may be formed flat.

[0177] In this case, for example, the length of some of the plurality of tip rods 3 may be set to protrude toward the support part 40 (specifically, downward) compared to the length of the other parts. With this setting, when the upper surface of the first tray piece 61 of the tray part main body 60 is formed flat, some of the plurality of tip rods 3 can be reliably fitted into some of the plurality of tips 4 when the first fitting operation is performed in the fitting step of the dispensing method.

[0178] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the support unit 40 is described as being provided in the fitting system 1, but this is not limiting, and for example, instead of the fitting system 1, the support unit 40 may be provided in an automatic analyzer.

[0179] (About the flange) In the above embodiment, each of the plurality of support holes 70 is described as having a flange portion 80, but this is not limited to this. For example, the flange portion 80 may be omitted from at least one or more of the plurality of support holes 70.

[0180] In the above embodiment, the depth of the flange 80 is set to be deeper as it moves away from the most protruding part of the surface of the tray part 50 facing the dispenser 2, but this is not limited to this. For example, the depth of the flange 80 may be set to be the same.

[0181] (Dispensing method) In the above embodiment, in the fitting step of the dispensing method, the movement control section 25a of the control unit 20, after the first fitting operation, moves the dispenser 2 horizontally in the left-right direction and / or up-down using the movement section 10, and adjusts the installation angle of the dispenser 2 using the adjustment section 30, thereby fitting other parts of the multiple tip rods 3 into other parts of the multiple tips 4, but this is not limited to this.

[0182] For example, if the moving part 10 is capable of moving horizontally in a horizontal direction other than the left-right direction (for example, the front-back direction, etc.) in addition to the left-right direction, the movement control part 25a of the control unit 20 may, after the first engaging operation, move the dispenser 2 horizontally in the left-right direction and / or up and down using the moving part 10, and move the dispenser 2 horizontally in a horizontal direction other than the left-right direction and / or up and down, thereby adjusting the installation angle of the dispenser 2 using the adjustment part 30, thereby engaging other parts of the multiple tip rods 3 with other parts of the multiple tips 4.

[0183] (Addendum) The fitting system of Appendix 1 is a fitting system for inserting and fitting multiple tip rods of a pipette into multiple tips supported by a support means, and comprises: a moving means for moving the pipette; a movement control means for controlling the movement of the moving means; and an adjustment means provided between the moving means and the pipette, for adjusting the installation angle of the pipette. The movement control means moves the moving means in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of insertion when some of the multiple tip rods are fitted into some of the multiple tips, thereby adjusting the installation angle of the pipette using the adjustment means, so that other parts of the multiple tip rods can be fitted into other parts of the multiple tips.

[0184] The fitting system of Supplementary Note 2 is the fitting system of Supplementary Note 1, wherein the adjustment means is an elastic body that is stretchable in the insertion direction and the substantially perpendicular direction.

[0185] The fitting system of Appendix 3 is the fitting system described in Appendix 1, wherein the adjustment means comprises a first connecting means connected to the dispenser, a second connecting means connected to the moving means, and a rotating means for allowing the first connecting means to be rotatable relative to the second connecting means.

[0186] The mating system of Appendix 4 is the mating system described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 3, further comprising the support means, wherein the support means is a tray portion having a plurality of support holes which are through holes, and the tray portion is capable of supporting each of the plurality of tips via any of the plurality of support holes, and the tray portion is configured so that the surface of the tray portion facing the dispenser is approximately convex and protrudes toward the dispenser.

[0187] The fitting system of Appendix 5 is the fitting system described in Appendix 4, wherein each of the plurality of support holes has a flange portion formed only on a portion of the end of the support hole on the dispenser side, and the flange portion is capable of supporting the tip inserted into the support hole so that it is aligned approximately along the direction of insertion.

[0188] The fitting system of Appendix 6 is the fitting system described in Appendix 5, wherein the depth of the flange portion in each of the plurality of support holes is made deeper as it moves away from the most protruding part of the surface of the tray portion facing the dispenser.

[0189] (Effect of supplementary notes) According to the fitting system described in Supplementary Note 1, the movement control means, with some of the tip rods fitted to some of the tips, moves the moving means in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of insertion, and by adjusting the installation angle of the pipette with the adjustment means, other parts of the tip rods can be fitted to other parts of the tips. Therefore, even if there is an installation error in the pipette or / and a manufacturing error in the tips, the adjustment means can accurately fit the tip rods and the tips, thereby improving the efficiency of the fitting work and the dispensing accuracy (e.g., sample aspiration accuracy, sample discharge accuracy). Furthermore, the fitting system can be constructed relatively inexpensively, reducing the installation cost of the fitting system.

[0190] According to the fitting system described in Appendix 2, the adjustment means is an elastic body that can expand and contract in the insertion direction and a direction approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction, so that the adjustment means can be constructed simply and inexpensively, and the manufacturability of the adjustment means can be improved.

[0191] According to the fitting system described in Appendix 3, the adjustment means comprises a first connecting means connected to the dispenser, a second connecting means connected to the moving means, and a rotating means for allowing the first connecting means to rotate freely relative to the second connecting means, so that the adjustment means can be constructed simply and inexpensively, and the manufacturability of the adjustment means can be improved.

[0192] According to the fitting system described in Appendix 4, the tray section is configured so that the surface of the tray section facing the dispenser is roughly convex and protrudes toward the dispenser. Therefore, after fitting the tip rod located at the most protruding part of the tray section among the multiple tip rods into a part of the multiple tips, the remaining tip rods can be fitted into other parts of the multiple tips, making it easier to improve the efficiency of the fitting operation.

[0193] According to the fitting system described in Appendix 5, each of the multiple support holes has a flange portion formed on only a portion of the end of the support hole on the dispenser side. Therefore, when the surface of the tray portion on the dispenser side is approximately convex, the tip inserted into each support hole can be supported so as to be approximately aligned with the insertion direction, making it possible to perform the fitting operation accurately.

[0194] According to the fitting system described in Appendix 6, the depth of the flange portion in each of the multiple support holes is made deeper as it moves away from the most protruding part of the surface of the tray portion facing the dispenser. Therefore, when the surface of the tray portion facing the dispenser is generally convex, the tip inserted into each support hole can be better supported so that it is roughly in line with the insertion direction, making it possible to perform the fitting operation more accurately. [Explanation of symbols]

[0195] 1. Mating System 2 Dispensers 3 Tip Rod 4 chips 10 Moving Part 20 Control Unit 21 Control section 22 Communications Department 23 Output section 24 Power supply section 25 Control Unit 25a Movement control unit 26 Memory section 30 Adjustment section 31 First connection part 32 Second connection part 33 Rotating part 40 Support part 50 Tray section 60 Tray body 61 First tray piece 62 Second tray piece 63 Third tray piece 64 4th tray piece 65 5th tray piece 66 1st reinforcement piece 67 Second reinforcement piece 70 Support hole 71 First support hole 72 Second support hole 73 Third support hole 74 4th support hole 80 Tsuba d1 depth d2 depth d3 depth d4 depth

Claims

1. 1. A fitting system for inserting and fitting a plurality of tip rods of a dispenser into a plurality of tips supported by a support means, comprising: a moving means for moving the dispenser; a movement control means for controlling the movement of the movement means; an adjustment means provided between the moving means and the dispenser for adjusting an installation angle of the dispenser; The movement control means With some of the tip rods fitted into some of the tips, the moving means is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction, thereby adjusting the installation angle of the dispenser with the adjusting means, thereby making it possible to fit other parts of the tip rods into other parts of the tips. Mating system.

2. The adjustment means is an elastic body that is stretchable in the insertion direction and in the direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction. The mating system of claim 1 .

3. The adjusting means is a first connecting means for connecting to the dispenser; a second connecting means connected to the moving means; and a rotation means for allowing the first connecting means to rotate freely relative to the second connecting means. The mating system of claim 1 .

4. The support means is further provided. the support means is a tray portion having a plurality of support holes that are through holes, and the tray portion is capable of supporting each of the plurality of chips via any one of the plurality of support holes; The tray portion is configured so that the surface of the tray portion on the dispenser side has a generally convex shape that protrudes toward the dispenser side. A mating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Each of the plurality of support holes has a flange portion formed only on a portion of the end of the support hole on the dispenser side, the flange portion being capable of supporting the tip inserted into the support hole so as to be aligned substantially along the insertion direction. The mating system of claim 4 .

6. a depth of the flange portion of each of the plurality of support holes that increases with increasing distance from a most protruding portion of the surface of the tray portion that faces the dispenser; The mating system of claim 5 .

Images