Medium-sized automated blood viscosity analyzer

Abstract

This invention provides a medium-sized automated blood viscosity analyzer that enables automation of the entire process from blood sample input and mixing to aspiration, dispensing, viscosity measurement, and disposal, and allows for easy replacement of the input material. [Solution] The medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device of the present invention is equipped with single first, second, and third grippers for gripping blood collection tubes, pipette tips, and test kits placed inside the housing, respectively. A transfer actuator is adopted to move the first, second, and third grippers in conjunction with each other, and multiple blood samples are automatically measured in a short time sequentially by transfer sequence control that takes into account the blood mixing time and the blood viscosity measurement time.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device, and more specifically, to a medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device which comprises a single first, second and third gripper respectively capable of gripping a blood collection tube, a pipette tip and a test kit loaded inside a housing, and which can be manufactured in a medium size by employing a transfer actuator capable of moving the first, second and third grippers in an interlocked manner, while enabling automatic viscosity measurement of a plurality of blood samples sequentially within a short time through transfer sequence control that takes into account blood mixing time, blood viscosity measurement time and the like. [Background Art]

[0002] Blood viscosity is a physical property value indicating flow resistance caused by blood flow in blood vessels, and can be specifically divided into whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity. An abnormal increase in blood viscosity causes an increase in shear stress acting on the inner wall of blood vessels and flow resistance, significantly increasing the risk of onset of acute cardiovascular diseases and microvascular diseases. In addition, plasma viscosity is not only used for diagnosing inflammatory conditions in the body, but is also one of the main causes of increasing whole blood viscosity. While whole blood viscosity exhibits flow characteristics in which the viscosity continuously changes according to the systole and diastole of the heart, the reason is that due to the mutually complex influence of red blood cells and plasma proteins in whole blood, the viscosity decreases when blood flows at a high speed (when the shear rate is high), and conversely, the viscosity increases when blood flows at a low speed (when the shear rate is low).

[0003] A fluid exhibiting such flow characteristics is called a non-Newtonian fluid, and in order to accurately grasp the non-Newtonian flow characteristics of blood, it is necessary to accurately measure whole blood viscosity for all shear rates (for example, 1 to 1,000s^-1). Recent blood viscosity measuring devices allow blood obtained from the body to pass through a flow restrictor tube, and measure the flow characteristics of blood in the flow restrictor tube to measure blood viscosity, blood cell aggregation rate and the like.

[0004] As a conventional technology, Patent Document 1 (device for simultaneously measuring blood viscosity and hemagglutination rate) has been published. However, because the device operator must manually inject blood via a syringe to measure blood viscosity, it is difficult to supply blood at a constant pressure and flow rate, making it difficult to measure blood viscosity under the same conditions. In addition, because it is a manual process, the work time is long, and bloodborne infections occur frequently.

[0005] To address these issues, automated blood viscosity analyzers have been developed. However, these systems require significant time because viscosity measurement for one blood sample is performed before moving on to the next. Furthermore, when measuring a large number of blood samples, later samples may experience reduced accuracy in viscosity measurement because red blood cells and other components settle over time.

[0006] As another prior art to solve the aforementioned problems, Patent Document 2 (Multi-channel module blood viscosity measuring device) has been published. Patent Document 2 is configured to transport the blood collection tube, pipette tip, and test kit independently, and in terms of transport, there are relatively many devices that must be housed inside the housing, which increases the manufacturing cost and makes the device large. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Korean Registered Utility Model Publication No. 20-0331884 [Patent Document 2] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2331945 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and the object of the present invention is to provide a medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device that enables automation of all processes from inputting a blood sample to mixing, aspiration, dispensing, viscosity measurement, and disposal, can be manufactured in a medium size, and allows for easy replacement of the input material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the present invention provides a medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device comprising: a housing; an input section for inserting a blood collection tube containing a blood sample and having a sealed cap fastened to its upper end into a first position inside the housing; a disposable pipette tip capable of aspirating and dispensing blood samples into a second position inside the housing; and a disposable test kit for blood viscosity measurement into a third position inside the housing; and a single first, second, and third gripper capable of gripping the blood collection tube, pipette tip, and test kit inserted into the housing by the input section, respectively, and a transfer actuator capable of moving the first, second, and third grippers in conjunction with each other. The device is characterized by including: a delivery unit; a pre-processing unit for pre-processing the blood collection tube that has been gripped and transported by the first gripper; a blood aspiration / injection unit that can aspirate a blood sample from the blood collection tube pre-processed in the pre-processing unit using a pipette tip that has been gripped and transported by the second gripper, and inject the aspirated blood sample into the test kit; a viscosity measuring unit on which the test kit that has been gripped and transported by the third gripper is attached, and which can measure the viscosity of the blood sample injected into the test kit by the blood aspiration / injection unit; and a monitoring / control unit that controls the status confirmation and operation of the housing, input unit, transport unit, pre-processing unit, blood aspiration / injection unit, and viscosity measuring unit.

[0010] Furthermore, in the medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present invention, the input section is characterized in that it includes first, second, and third exchange drawers supported by the housing so as to be slidable back and forth, so as to be able to reciprocate between the outside of the housing and the first, second, and third positions, respectively, so as to be able to replace the blood collection tube, pipette tip, and test kit outside the housing.

[0011] Furthermore, in the medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present invention, the input unit further includes: first, second, and third trays on which a plurality of blood collection tubes, pipette tips, and test kits are mounted vertically in an aligned state; first, second, and third tray holders for fixing the first, second, and third trays in a state where the first, second, and third trays are secured to the first, second, and third replacement drawers; and first, second, and third drawer locking means for locking the first, second, and third replacement drawers in a state where the first, second, and third replacement drawers are positioned in the first, second, and third positions; wherein the monitoring / control unit controls the first, second, and third drawer locking means so that the first, second, and third replacement drawers are locked or opened according to user operation or confirmed device status.

[0012] Furthermore, in the medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present invention, the input unit further includes first, second, and third tray sensing sensors that sense whether the first, second, and third trays have settled into their respective fixed positions in the first, second, and third replacement drawers, and the monitoring / control unit determines the status of the device including the information sensed by the first, second, and third tray sensing sensors.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention provides a medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device, wherein the input section is provided near the first, second, and third exchange drawers, respectively, and includes first, second, and third status indicator lamps that can visually display, through color changes, the status of the input section related to the blood collection tube, pipette tip, and test kit, respectively, among the device status determined by the monitoring / control unit.

[0014] Furthermore, in the medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present invention, the input unit further includes input object sensing sensors that sense the position and quantity of blood collection tubes, pipette tips, and test kits inserted into the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions, respectively, and the monitoring / control unit is characterized in that it determines the state of the device according to the progress of the measurement based on the information sensed by the input object sensing sensors.

[0015] Here, the first, second, and third trays are characterized in that the number of blood collection tubes, pipette tips, and test kits that can be mounted on each tray forms a multiple with respect to each other.

[0016] Here, the transfer actuator is characterized in that it is composed of a linear actuator having a structure in which the first, second, and third grippers are arranged side by side on the X axis, the first, second, and third grippers are integrally movable forward, backward, left, and right on the X and Y axes, and the first, second, and third grippers are each independently movable up and down on the Z axis.

[0017] Furthermore, the medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present invention further includes a waste processing unit capable of disposing of used pipette tips and test kits; the waste processing unit is characterized by including a waste drawer supported in the housing so as to be slidable back and forth, which receives and stores the pipette tips and test kits to be discarded from inside the housing after they have been gripped by the second and third grippers and transported to a predetermined disposal location, and allows them to be transported out of the housing by user operation.

[0018] Here, the housing includes: a housing body; a management door made of a transparent material so that a user can observe the internal state, covers a part of the housing body to allow access to the interior, and is openably and closably provided; and door lock means capable of locking the management door, wherein the monitoring / control unit controls the door lock means to lock or unlock the management door according to a user's operation or a checked state of the apparatus.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] With the above configuration, the medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring apparatus according to the present invention has the advantages that manufacturing cost can be reduced and the apparatus can be manufactured in a medium size by the configuration of: a single first, second and third gripper respectively capable of gripping blood collection tubes, pipette tips and test kits loaded into the housing; and a transfer actuator capable of moving the first, second and third grippers in interconnection with each other. Further, the medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring apparatus according to the present invention has the advantage that blood collection tubes, pipette tips, and test kits can be easily replaced outside the housing by means of a replaceable drawer system.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a plan view of a medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of a first loading unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of a first loading unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of a second loading unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of a second feeding portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of a third feeding portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of a third feeding portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of a transfer portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is an operational state diagram of first, second and third transfer portions according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is an operational state diagram of first, second and third transfer portions according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is an operational state diagram of first, second and third transfer portions according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a front perspective view of a main portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of a pretreatment portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view of a pretreatment portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a perspective view of a pretreatment portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] It is an operational state diagram of a blood suction / mixing portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view of a viscosity measurement portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view of a viscosity measurement portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] It is a perspective view of a viscosity measurement portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] It is a perspective view of a viscosity measurement portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present invention comprises a housing, an input section for inserting a blood collection tube containing a blood sample and having a sealed cap fastened to its upper end into a first position inside the housing, a disposable pipette tip capable of aspirating and dispensing blood samples into a second position inside the housing, and a disposable test kit for blood viscosity measurement into a third position inside the housing, a single first, second, and third gripper capable of gripping the blood collection tube, pipette tip, and test kit inserted into the housing by the input section, and a transfer actuator capable of moving the first, second, and third grippers in conjunction with each other. The system includes a transfer unit, a pre-processing unit for pre-processing blood collection tubes that have been transferred by gripping the first gripper, a blood aspiration / injection unit that can aspirate a blood sample from the blood collection tubes pre-processed in the pre-processing unit using a pipette tip transferred by gripping the second gripper and inject the aspirated blood sample into the test kit, a viscosity measuring unit on which the test kit transferred by gripping the third gripper is attached and which can measure the viscosity of the blood sample injected into the test kit by the blood aspiration / injection unit, and a monitoring / control unit that checks the status and controls the operation of the housing, input unit, transfer unit, pre-processing unit, blood aspiration / injection unit, and viscosity measuring unit.

[0022] Hereinafter, a medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0023] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of a medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a plan view of a medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the housing according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the first feeding section according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of the second feeding section according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views of the third feeding section according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the transfer section according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 12 to 14 are diagrams showing the usage state of the first, second, and third transfer sections according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 is a front perspective view of the main section according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 16 to 18 are perspective views of the pre-processing section according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 is a diagram showing the usage state of the blood suction / mixing section according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 20 to 23 are perspective views of the viscosity measuring section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 10, an input unit 20, a transfer unit 30, a pre-processing unit 40, a blood aspiration / injection unit 50, a viscosity measuring unit 60, a waste processing unit 70, and a monitoring / control unit 80.

[0025] The housing 10 may include a housing body 11, a control door 12, a door locking mechanism 13, a lower support base 14, and a blower fan 15 as components that form the overall external shape of the automatic blood viscosity measuring device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The housing body 11 may consist of a combination of a frame and a cover plate as components that provide an internal space in which other components of the automatic blood viscosity measuring device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be housed.

[0026] The management door 12 is made of a transparent material such as clear acrylic so that a user can observe the condition inside the housing 10, and can be opened and closed to cover the upper front of the housing body 11 so that the inside of the housing 10 can be opened when management of the device 1 is required. The door locking means 13 can be configured to lock the management door 12 so that it cannot be opened, and can consist of an interlock, a solenoid, a manual lock key, etc. Here, the monitoring / control unit 80 can be configured to control the door locking means 13 so that the management door 12 is locked or opened depending on the user's operation or the confirmed state of the device 1.

[0027] In other words, when the device 1 is operating, the control door 12 is controlled to remain locked by the door locking means 13 for safety reasons, and when the device 1 is stopped by operating the power button 82 or the emergency stop switch 83, the control door 12 is controlled to become openable. As shown in Figure 4, the lower support base 14 is configured to support the lower part of the housing body 11, and facilitates the movement of the device 1 via the movable wheels provided at each corner of the lower part of the housing body 11. At the same time, once the installation position of the device 1 is determined, the horizontal adjustment and position fixing of the device 1 can be performed simultaneously via the height-adjustable and vibration-absorbing leveling feet, and vibrations generated by the operation of the device 1 can be minimized.

[0028] Multiple blower fans 15 can be provided on the upper part of the housing body 11 to release heat generated from inside the housing 10 to the outside. On the other hand, in order to increase the cooling efficiency of the blower fans 15, an air intake port (not shown) for drawing in outside air can be formed in the housing 10. The input section 20 is configured to input the blood collection tube A, pipette tip B, and test kit C into the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, and P3 inside the housing 10, respectively, and in one embodiment of the present invention, it is composed of the first, second, and third input sections 20A, 20B, and 20C. One embodiment of the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, and P3 inside the housing 10 is shown in the plan view of Figure 3.

[0029] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first input section 20A is configured to allow a blood collection tube A, which contains a blood sample and has a sealing cap A1 fastened to its upper end, to be inserted into a first position P1 inside the housing 10. It includes a first replacement drawer 211, a first tray 221, a first tray holder 231, a first drawer locking means 241, a first tray sensing sensor 251, and a first status indicator lamp 261. The first replacement drawer 211 is supported by the housing 10 so as to be able to slide back and forth between the outside of the housing 10 and the first position P1, allowing for the replacement of the blood collection tube A outside the housing 10. The first tray 221 is configured to hold multiple blood collection tubes A vertically aligned.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first tray 221 is configured to hold 24 blood collection tubes A vertically in a 4x6 arrangement. The first tray holder 231 is configured to fix the first tray 221 in place when each of the first trays 221 is securely attached to the first exchange drawer 211. The first tray holder 231 plays a role in preventing the first tray 221 from floating up when the first gripper 311 of the transfer unit 30 grips and lifts the blood collection tubes A that are vertically mounted on the first tray 221.

[0031] The first drawer locking means 241 is configured to lock the first replacement drawer 211 when it is in the first position P1. The first drawer locking means 241 is controlled by the monitoring / control unit 80 and can be configured with an interlock, solenoid, manual lock key, etc., to prevent the first replacement drawer 211 from being opened unexpectedly when the device 1 is in operation. The first tray sensing sensor 251 is configured to sense whether the first tray 221 has settled into the fixed position of the first replacement drawer 211.

[0032] The first tray sensing sensor 251 is configured to sense at least two points, preferably three or more, and can be configured to sense whether or not the first tray 221 is horizontally mounted in a fixed position in the first replacement drawer 211. The first status indicator lamp 261 is provided near the first replacement drawer 211 and is configured to distinguish the state of the first input unit 20A related to the blood collection tube A from the state of the device 1 determined by the monitoring / control unit 80, and to visually display it through a change in color. That is, the first status indicator lamp 261 is provided on the front of the first replacement drawer 211 and can be configured to visually display states such as a shortage of blood collection tube A, a poor attachment of the first tray 221, and a poor lock of the first replacement drawer 211 as different colors such as red, blue, green, orange, and white.

[0033] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second input section 20B is configured to input a disposable pipette tip B capable of aspirating and dispensing blood samples into a second position P2 inside the housing 10, and includes a second replacement drawer 212, a second tray 222, a second tray holder 232, a second drawer locking means 242, a second tray sensing sensor 252, and a second status indicator lamp 262. The second replacement drawer 212 is supported in the housing 10 so as to be able to slide back and forth between the outside of the housing 10 and the second position P2, allowing for replacement of the pipette tip B outside the housing 10. The second tray 222 is configured to hold multiple pipette tips B vertically in an aligned state.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second tray 222 is configured to hold 96 pipette tips B vertically in an 8 x 12 arrangement. The second tray 222 can be manufactured with a double structure consisting of an upper stand and a lower stand. The second tray holder 232 is configured to fix the second tray 222 in place when each second tray 222 is securely attached to the second exchange drawer 212. The second tray holder 232 prevents the second tray 222 from floating up when the second gripper 312 of the transfer unit 30 grips and lifts the pipette tips B that are vertically mounted on the second tray 222.

[0035] The second drawer locking means 242 is configured to lock the second replacement drawer 212 when it is in the second position P2. The second drawer locking means 242 is controlled by the monitoring / control unit 80 and can be configured with an interlock, solenoid, manual lock key, etc., to prevent the second replacement drawer 212 from being opened unexpectedly, such as when the device 1 is in operation.

[0036] The second tray sensing sensor 252 is configured to sense whether the second tray 222 has settled into its designated position in the second replacement drawer 212. The second tray sensing sensor 252 is configured to sense at least two points, preferably three points or more, and can be configured to sense whether the second tray 222 has been horizontally mounted in its designated position in the second replacement drawer 212. The second status indicator lamp 262 is provided near the second replacement drawer 211 and is configured to distinguish the state of the second feeding unit 20B related to the pipette tip B among the states of the device 1 determined by the monitoring / control unit 80, and to visually display this through color changes. That is, the second status indicator lamp 262 is provided on the front of the second replacement drawer 212 and can be configured to visually display states such as a shortage of pipette tip B, a poor settling of the second tray 222, and a poor locking of the second replacement drawer 212 as different colors such as red, blue, green, orange, and white.

[0037] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the third input section 20C is configured to input a disposable blood viscosity test kit C into a third position P3 inside the housing 10, and includes a third replacement drawer 213, a third tray 223, a third tray holder 233, a third drawer locking means 243, a third tray sensing sensor 253, and a third status indicator lamp 263.

[0038] The third replacement drawer 213 is supported on the housing 10 so as to be able to slide back and forth between the outside of the housing 10 and the third position P3, allowing the test kit C to be replaced outside the housing 10. The third tray 223 is configured to hold multiple test kits C vertically, each aligned in a specific position.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the third tray 223 is configured to allow 12 test kits C to be mounted vertically in a single row. Meanwhile, the first, second, and third trays 221, 222, and 223 are configured such that the number of blood collection tubes A, pipette tips B, and test kits C that can be mounted are mutually multiples. With the above configuration, the medium-sized automatic blood viscosity analyzer according to the present invention can minimize the time required for replacement by linking the replacement cycles of the blood collection tubes A, pipette tips B, and test kits C.

[0040] For this purpose, as described above, in the present invention, the first tray 221 is configured to hold 24 blood collection tubes A, the second tray 222 can hold 96 pipette tips B, and the third tray 223 can hold 12 test kits C. The third tray holder 233 is configured to fix the third tray 223 in place when each third tray 223 is securely attached to the third exchange drawer 213. The third tray holder 233 plays a role in preventing the third tray 223 from floating up when the third gripper 313 of the transfer unit 30 grips and lifts the test kits C that are mounted vertically on the third tray 223.

[0041] The third drawer locking means 243 is configured to lock the third replacement drawer 213 when it is in the third position P3. The third drawer locking means 243 is controlled by the monitoring / control unit 80 and can be configured with an interlock, solenoid, manual lock key, etc., to prevent the third replacement drawer 213 from being opened unexpectedly when the device 1 is in operation. The third tray sensing sensor 253 is configured to sense whether the third tray 223 has settled into the fixed position of the third replacement drawer 213.

[0042] The third tray sensing sensor 253 is configured to sense at least two points, preferably three points, and can be configured to sense whether or not the third tray 223 is horizontally mounted in the designated position in the third replacement drawer 213. The third status indicator lamp 263 is provided near the third replacement drawer 211 and is configured to distinguish the status of the third input unit 20C related to the test kit C among the status of the device 1 determined by the monitoring / control unit 80, and to visually display it through a change in color. That is, the third status indicator lamp 263 is provided on the front of the third replacement drawer 213 and can be configured to visually display conditions such as a shortage of test kit C, a poor mounting of the third tray 223, and a poor lock of the third replacement drawer 213 as different colors such as red, blue, green, orange, and white.

[0043] On the other hand, the input unit 20 includes an input object sensing sensor 27 that senses the position and quantity of blood collection tubes A, pipette tips B, and test kits C that are inserted into the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, and P3, respectively. In one embodiment of the present invention, the input object sensing sensor 27 can be configured as an amplifier-integrated beam-type scanning sensor that is attached to and moved by a transfer actuator 32 of the transfer unit 30 as shown in Figure 12, and is capable of sensing the position and quantity of blood collection tubes A, pipette tips B, and test kits C that are inserted into the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, and P3, respectively.

[0044] On the other hand, the input object detection sensor 27 can be configured to apply a laser or visible light beam so that the user can directly visually confirm the position of the detection spot, and measurement errors can be detected immediately. The input object detection sensor 27 is configured to detect the position and quantity of blood collection tubes A, pipette tips B, and test kits C that are inserted into the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, and P3, respectively, at the initial stage of operation of the device 1. Subsequently, the monitoring / control unit 80 can be configured to determine the state of the device 1 based on the progress of measurement using software, based on the information detected by the input object detection sensor 27.

[0045] The transfer unit 30 is configured to transfer the blood collection tube A, pipette tip B, and test kit C, respectively, and is equipped with a gripper 31 and a transfer actuator 32, as shown in Figure 11. The gripper 31 consists of single first, second, and third grippers 311, 312, and 313, each capable of gripping the blood collection tube A, pipette tip B, and test kit C that have been inserted into the housing 10 by the input unit 20. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first gripper 311 is configured in the form of forceps that can grasp the sealing cap A1 of the blood collection tube A at the top.

[0046] Figure 12 shows the state in which the first transfer unit 30A for transporting blood collection tubes A grips one of the multiple blood collection tubes A mounted vertically on the first tray 221, and then transports it using the transfer actuator 32. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12(a), the first gripper 311 is moved to the top of the blood collection tube A to be gripped, and as shown in Figure 12(b), it is moved vertically downward from that position, and as shown in Figure 12(c), the first gripper 311 in the form of forceps grasps the sealing cap A1 of the blood collection tube A, and as shown in Figure 12(d), the gripped blood collection tube A can be transported upward by the vertical upward movement of the first gripper 311.

[0047] Subsequently, the blood collection tube A, held by the first gripper 311, is moved in the X, Y, or Z axis direction by the operation of the transfer actuator 32 controlled by the monitoring / control unit 80, and is transported to a predetermined position such as a scanning position or a mixing position. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second gripper 312 is formed in a shape that allows the rear end of the pipette tip B to be press-fitted and fixed.

[0048] Figure 13 shows the state in which the second gripper 312, as the second transfer unit 30B for transporting pipette tips B, grips one of the multiple pipette tips B mounted vertically on the second tray 222, and then transports it using the transfer actuator 32. Specifically, as shown in Figure 13(a), the second gripper 312 is moved to the top of the pipette tip B to be gripped, and as shown in Figure 12(b), it is moved vertically downward from that position, so that the rear end of the pipette tip B is press-fitted and fixed, and as shown in Figure 12(c), the press-fitted and fixed pipette tip B can be transported upward by the vertical upward movement of the second gripper 312.

[0049] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 13(d), the pipette tip B, fixed by the second gripper 312, is moved in the X, Y, or Z axis direction by the operation of the transfer actuator 32 controlled by the monitoring / control unit 80, and is transferred to the top of the blood collection tube A, whose main body is grasped by the blood collection tube forceps 421 with the sealed cap A1 separated, to prepare for blood aspiration. When blood aspiration is complete, it moves to the top of the test kit C attached to the viscosity measuring unit 70 to prepare for blood dispensing. In another embodiment of the present invention, the third gripper 313 can be configured in the form of forceps that can grasp the central part of the upper end of the test kit C at the top.

[0050] Figure 14 shows the state in which the third transfer unit 30C for transporting the test kit C has a third gripper 313 gripping one of the multiple test kits C mounted vertically on the third tray 223, and then being transported by the transfer actuator 32.

[0051] Specifically, as shown in Figure 14(a), the third gripper 313 moves to the top of the test kit C to be gripped, then moves vertically downward from that position as shown in Figure 14(b), and the forceps-shaped third gripper 313 grasps the center of the upper end of the test kit C, and as shown in Figure 14(c), the third gripper 313 moves vertically upward, allowing the grasped test kit C to be transferred upward. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 14(d), the test kit C grasped by the third gripper 313 is moved in the direction of the X, Y, or Z axis by the operation of the transfer actuator 32 controlled by the monitoring / control unit 80, and moves to the top of the viscosity measuring unit 60, and as shown in Figure 14(e), it moves vertically downward from that position, allowing the grasped test kit C to be inserted into the channel unit 61, and as shown in Figure 14(f), the third gripper 313 moves vertically upward with the grip of the test kit C released.

[0052] On the other hand, in the case of the first and third grippers 311, which are configured in the form of forceps, grooves can be formed on the contact surface of the blood collection tube A or test kit C to prevent slippage, and gripping force monitoring technology can be applied to prevent damage to the blood collection tube A or test kit C due to excessive gripping force. The transfer actuator 32 is configured to move the first, second, and third grippers 311, 312, and 313 in conjunction with each other.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transfer actuator 32 can be configured as a linear actuator having a structure in which the first, second, and third grippers 311, 312, and 313 are arranged side by side on the X-axis as shown in Figure 11, the first, second, and third grippers 311, 312, and 313 are collectively movable forward, backward, left, and right on the X-axis and Y-axis, and the first, second, and third grippers 311, 312, and 313 are each movable up and down independently on the Z-axis. With the combination of a single set of first, second, and third grippers 311, 312, and 313 as described above and the transfer actuator 32, and the transfer sequence control by the monitoring / control unit 80, the apparatus 1 according to the present invention can be automated for the entire process, while reducing manufacturing costs and enabling it to be manufactured in a medium size.

[0054] The pre-processing unit 40, configured to pre-process the blood collection tube A that has been gripped and transported by the first gripper 311, includes a scanning means 41, a blood mixing means 42, and a cap separation means 43, as shown in Figures 16 to 18. The scanning means 41, configured to acquire information about the blood collection tube A, includes a first rotary motor 411 and a blood collection tube 412 in one embodiment of the present invention. The first rotary motor 411 is configured to rotate the first gripper 311 so that the blood collection tube A, which has been gripped by the first gripper 311 and transported to a predetermined scanning position, rotates around the Z-axis as the center of rotation.

[0055] The blood collection tube scanner 412 is positioned at the scanning location and is configured to scan the blood collection tube A, which is rotated by the operation of the first rotary motor 411, and to acquire the information of the blood collection tube that is written on the blood collection tube A. In other words, a barcode containing information about the blood collection tube is usually attached to the blood collection tube A, but the attached barcode is not always aligned to face the blood collection tube scanner 412. Therefore, the blood collection tube scanner 412 is configured to scan the barcode attached to the blood collection tube A as it rotates horizontally by the first rotary motor 411 when the blood collection tube A is moved to the scanning location by the transport unit 30.

[0056] Furthermore, in the case of the blood collection tube scanner 412, it is preferable to use a device with a scanning range of a certain size or larger so as to resolve scanning errors caused by the tilt or mounting position of the barcode attached to the blood collection tube A. In some cases, it is also possible to expand the scanning range by applying an actuator (not shown) that can move the blood collection tube scanner 412 in the Z-axis direction. The blood mixing means 42, configured to mix the blood sample contained in the blood collection tube A, includes a blood collection tube forceps 421 and a mixing rotary motor 422 in one embodiment of the present invention. The blood collection tube forceps 421 is configured to grip the main body of the blood collection tube A, which has been gripped by the first gripper 311 and transported to a predetermined mixing position. The mixing rotary motor 422 is configured to rotate the blood collection tube forceps 421.

[0057] As shown in Figure 17, the blood collection tube A, held by the blood collection tube forceps 421 by the mixing rotary motor 422, is rotated 360° around the X or Y axis as the rotation center, thereby mixing the blood sample contained inside and completely preventing the sedimentation of red blood cells that may occur during the waiting time before being drawn in by the blood aspiration / injection unit 50, and maintaining a uniform blood composition. As shown in Figure 18, the cap separation means 43, configured to separate the sealed cap A1 from the blood collection tube A, includes a cap forceps 431 and a cap rotation motor / actuator 432 in one embodiment of the present invention. The cap forceps 431 is configured to grasp the sealed cap A1 fastened to the upper end of the blood collection tube A when the main body of the blood collection tube A is held by the blood collection tube forceps 421.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cap forceps 431 can be replaced with the first gripper 311 as shown in Figure 13. The cap rotation motor / actuator 432 is configured to rotate the cap forceps 431 around the Z-axis as the center of rotation and move it up and down at the same time. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cap rotation motor / actuator 432 can be replaced with a combination of the first rotation motor 411 and the transfer actuator 32 as shown in Figure 13.

[0059] As shown in Figure 18(a), with the main body of the blood collection tube A being grasped by the blood collection tube forceps 421, the combination of the cap forceps 431 and the cap rotation motor / actuator 432 causes the sealing cap A1 to rotate and move upward as shown in Figure 18(b), and separate from the blood collection tube A as shown in Figure 18(c). The blood collection tube A, from which the sealing cap A1 has been separated by the cap separation means 43, begins to draw in the blood sample contained inside through the blood aspiration / injection section 50. When the blood sample has been drawn in from the blood collection tube A, the sealing cap A1 that was separated from the used blood collection tube A is reattached to the blood collection tube A by the monitoring / control unit 80 controlling the cap separation means 43 to operate in the reverse direction. The used blood collection tube A, with the sealing cap A1 reattached, returns to the first position P1 under the control of the first gripper 311 and the transfer actuator 32.

[0060] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 16, the pre-processing unit 40 has a multi-space structure that can accommodate at least two or more blood collection tubes A, and each accommodated blood collection tube A can be pre-processed independently. The monitoring / control unit 80 is configured to control the transfer actuator 32 so that the blood collection tubes A, which are gripped and transported by the first gripper 311, are sequentially accommodated in the blank spaces of the multi-space of the pre-processing unit 40. As described above, because the pre-processing unit 40 has a multi-space structure, the apparatus 1 according to the present invention can control the transfer sequence considering the relatively long blood mixing time, and can shorten the processing time of the apparatus 1.

[0061] The blood aspiration / injection unit 50 is configured to use a pipette tip B, which is gripped and transported by the second gripper 312, to aspirate a blood collection tube A, which has a sealed cap A1 separated in the pre-processing unit 40 as shown in Figure 19(a), and to inject it into a test kit C attached to the viscosity measuring unit 60 as shown in Figure 19(b).

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the blood aspiration / injection unit 50 includes a piston 51 that communicates with the rear end of the pipette tip B via a second gripper 312, which is shaped to allow the rear end of the pipette tip B to be press-fitted and fixed, so that the pipette tip B can aspirate and dispense a blood sample.

[0063] The blood aspiration / injection unit 50 can apply precision volume control technology using conductive type disposable pipette tips B to adjust the precise blood aspiration and discharge volume required for testing, within ±1.0% by changes in conductivity, or it can also apply precision volume control technology using pressure type disposable pipette tips B to adjust the pressure by changes in pressure. On the other hand, in relation to the blood aspiration / injection unit 50, when a blood sample is aspirated from a blood collection tube A separated from a sealed cap A1 to the pre-processing unit 40 using pipette tip B, the monitoring / control unit 80 controls the transfer actuator 32 so that the pipette tip B moves up and down in accordance with changes in the height of the blood sample contained in the blood collection tube A, allowing aspiration at a constant depth relative to the surface of the blood sample.

[0064] In other words, the apparatus 1 according to the present invention improves the accuracy of blood viscosity measurement by uniformly mixing the blood sample, as a primary mixing by the blood mixing means 42 is followed by a secondary mixing by the blood aspiration / injection unit 50 in the mixing of the blood sample. The viscosity measuring unit 60 is equipped with a test kit C that has been gripped and transported by the third gripper 313, and is configured to measure the viscosity of the blood sample injected into the test kit C by the blood aspiration / injection unit 50.

[0065] A viscosity measuring unit 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a channel module 61, a constant temperature holding means 62, a viscosity measuring means 63, a kit sensing sensor 64, a progress notification lamp 65, and a vibration damping means 66, as shown in Figures 20 to 23. The channel module 61 is configured to be inserted and mounted in the vertical direction into the test kit C, which has been gripped and transported by the third gripper 313. In one embodiment of the present invention, the channel module 61 has a gripper interference prevention groove 611 formed in the center of its upper end, which can prevent interference with the third gripper 313, and is equipped with an elastic spring 612 inside.

[0066] As shown in Figure 23, the elastic spring 612 is configured to elastically press the test kit C inserted into the channel module 61 in a direction that brings it into close contact with the surface on which the blood flow sensing sensor 631 is located.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, the test kit C inserted into the channel module 61 is configured to be elastically pressed in the direction of one end and one surface equipped with the blood flow sensing sensor 631 via three elastic springs 612. The configuration of the elastic springs 612 allows the test kit C to be in maximum contact with the blood flow sensing sensor 631, thereby minimizing measurement errors. In another embodiment of the present invention, the channel module 61 is composed of multiple modules having a multi-channel structure, and the monitoring / control unit 80 is configured to control the transfer actuator 32 so that the test kit C, which is gripped and transported by the third gripper 313, is sequentially mounted on the blank channel module 61 among the multiple channel modules 61.

[0068] As one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 15 shows an example in which the channel module 61 is composed of six components, but the invention is not limited to this. Due to the multi-channel structure of the channel module 61 as described above, the apparatus 1 according to the present invention can control the transfer sequence considering the relatively long viscosity measurement time, thereby shortening the processing time of the apparatus 1 and enabling simultaneous processing of a large number of blood samples.

[0069] The constant temperature maintenance means 62 is configured to heat or cool the test kit C, which is mounted on the channel module 61, so that a predetermined temperature is maintained.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the constant temperature maintenance means 62 may include a temperature sensor 621, a heater 622, a cooling fan 623, and a temperature controller (not shown). The temperature sensor 621 may be configured to sense the temperature of the test kit C mounted on the channel module 61, and the temperature sensing part may be attached to the inner surface of the channel module 61, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0071] The heater 622 can be configured to heat the test kit C mounted on the channel module 61 and may consist of a patch-type U-type heater having a flexible structure and a form that can enclose both sides of the channel module 61, but is not limited thereto. The cooling fan 623 can be configured to cool the test kit C mounted on the channel module 61 and may be provided on the side of the channel module 61, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] The temperature controller (not shown) is configured to selectively operate the heater 622 or cooling fan 623 so that the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 621 is the same as the body temperature, thus maintaining a set temperature. The temperature controller (not shown) can be provided separately in the viscosity measuring unit 60, and the monitoring / control unit 80 can be configured to perform this role. The viscosity measuring means 63 is configured to measure the viscosity of the blood sample injected into the test kit C.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the test kit C includes a U-shaped tube C1 that, when a blood sample is injected into the upper end of one side, allows the injected blood sample to flow toward the other side due to the difference in height. The test kit C, including the U-shaped tube C1, can utilize the "Miniature Blood Viscosity Measurement Kit and Cartridge" published in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-21-0087898.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, the viscosity measuring means 63 includes a blood flow sensing sensor 631 provided on one side of the channel module 61 for sensing the velocity of a blood sample flowing on the other side of the U-shaped tube C1.

[0075] The blood flow sensing sensor 631 can be configured based on a CIS sensor (Contact Image Sensor), but is not limited to this. On the other hand, as described above, the configuration of the elastic spring 612 provided in the channel module 61 allows the test kit C to adhere to the blood flow sensing sensor 631 to the maximum extent possible, thereby minimizing measurement errors. The viscosity calculator (not shown) is configured to calculate the viscosity of the blood sample using the velocity of the blood sample sensed by the blood flow sensing sensor 631.

[0076] In other words, if the viscosity of the blood sample is high, the velocity of the blood sample flowing into one side of the U-shaped tube C and into the other side will decrease. The viscosity calculator (not shown) uses this phenomenon to calculate the viscosity of the blood sample through the velocity of the blood sample flowing into the other side of the U-shaped tube C. The viscosity calculator (not shown) can be provided in a separate configuration with the viscosity measuring means 63, or the monitoring / control unit 80 can be configured to perform this role. The kit sensing sensor 64 is configured to sense whether or not the test kit C is attached to the channel module 61. The progress notification lamp 65 is configured to visually display the information sensed by the kit sensing sensor 64 and the progress of the measurement in the channel module 61.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, the progress notification lamp 65 can be configured to emit light from the bottom to the top of the channel module 61, allowing the user to immediately confirm the status of each of the multiple channel modules 61 via the light that passes through and diverges from the test kit C.

[0078] The vibration isolation means 66 is configured to be positioned below the channel module 61 to dampen vibrations transmitted to the channel module 61. The vibration isolation means 66 can utilize a multi-layer vibration isolation structure such as a granite surface plate, a square vibration isolation pad, a base plate, or a circular vibration isolation pad. The waste disposal unit 70 is configured to dispose of used pipette tips B and test kit C.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present invention, the waste processing unit 70 includes a waste drawer 71 supported by the housing 10 so as to be able to slide back and forth, so as to receive and store the pipette tips B and test kit C that are to be discarded after being gripped by the second and third grippers 312 and 313 and transported to a predetermined disposal location, and so as to be transported out of the housing 10 by user operation. Here, the monitoring / control unit 80 controls the transport actuator 32 to transport the used pipette tips B and test kit C to the waste processing unit 70 using the second and third grippers 312 and 313, respectively. The monitoring / control unit 80 is configured to check the status and control the operation of the housing 10, the input unit 20, the transport unit 30, the pre-processing unit 40, the blood aspiration / injection unit 50, the viscosity measurement unit 60, and the waste processing unit 70.

[0080] Externally exposed components of the monitoring / control unit 80 may include a touch display 81 capable of inputting and outputting information, a power button 82 for turning the power of the device 1 on and off, an emergency stop switch 83 for emergency stopping, and a tower lamp 84 for warning alarms, as shown in Figure 1. On the other hand, the monitoring / control unit 80 may include a main unit (not shown) such as a computer for calculations, status determination, and control of the device 1. Specifically, the monitoring / control unit 80 can control the door locking means 13 so that the management door 12 is locked or opened depending on user operation or the confirmed status of the device 1. The monitoring / control unit 80 can also control the first, second, and third drawer locking means 241, 242, and 243 so that the first, second, and third exchange drawers 211, 212, and 213 are locked or opened depending on user operation or the confirmed status of the device 1.

[0081] Furthermore, the monitoring / control unit 80 can determine the status of the device 1, including the information sensed by the first, second, and third tray sensing sensors 251, 252, and 253. The monitoring / control unit 80 can also determine the status of the device according to the progress of the measurement based on the information sensed by the input object sensing sensor 27. In addition, the monitoring / control unit 80 can control the transfer actuator 32 so that the blood collection tubes A, which are gripped and transported by the first gripper 311, are sequentially accommodated in the blank space of the multi-space of the pre-processing unit 40.

[0082] Furthermore, when the monitoring / control unit 80 draws a blood sample from a blood collection tube A, which has a sealed cap A1 separated from it, to the pre-processing unit 40 using a pipette tip B, the monitoring / control unit 80 can control the transfer actuator 32 so that the pipette tip B moves up and down in accordance with changes in the height of the blood sample contained in the blood collection tube A, allowing for drawing at a constant depth relative to the surface of the blood sample.

[0083] Furthermore, when a blood sample is drawn from a blood collection tube A, with the sealed cap A1 separated, to the preprocessing unit 40 using a pipette tip B, the monitoring / control unit 80 can control the blood aspiration / injection unit 50 to repeat aspiration and dispensing a predetermined number of times so that aspiration is possible in a mixed state before drawing the sample. In addition, the monitoring / control unit 80 can control the transfer actuator 32 so that the test kit C, which is gripped and transported by the third gripper 313, is sequentially attached to the blank channel module 61 among the multiple channel modules 61.

[0084] Furthermore, the monitoring / control unit 80 can reverse the operation of the cap separation means 43 so that the sealed cap A1 separated from the used blood collection tube A is re-fastened to the blood collection tube A, and control the transfer actuator 32 so that the used blood collection tube A with the sealed cap A1 fastened returns to the first position P1 using the first gripper 311, and control the transfer actuator 32 so that the used pipette tip B and test kit C are transferred to the waste processing unit 70 using the second and third grippers 312 and 313, respectively. In addition, the monitoring / control unit 80 is configured to automatically measure the viscosity of multiple blood samples sequentially in a short time by controlling the transfer sequence of a single first, second, and third gripper 311, 312, and 313 and the transfer actuator 32, taking into account the blood mixing time in the pre-processing unit 40 having a multi-space structure and the viscosity measurement time in the viscosity measurement unit 60 having a multi-channel structure.

[0085] For example, in the initial stage of operation of the device 1, the monitoring / control unit 80 controls the input object sensing sensor 27, which is attached to the transfer actuator 32 and moves as shown in Figure 15, so that it can sense the position and quantity of the blood collection tube A, pipette tip B, and test kit C that have been inserted into the first, second, and third positions P1, P2, and P3, respectively (first operation). Subsequently, as shown in Figure 12, the first gripper 311 is controlled to grip the blood collection tube A located at the first position P1 (second operation). Subsequently, as shown in Figure 13, the second gripper 312 is controlled to grip the pipette tip B located at the second position P2 (third operation). Subsequently, as shown in Figure 16, the blood collection tube A gripped by the first gripper 311 is transferred to the scan position of the pre-processing unit 40, and the scanning means 41 is controlled to acquire information about the blood collection tube (fourth operation).

[0086] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 17, the blood collection tube A gripped by the first gripper 311 is moved to the mixing position so that the blood collection tube forceps 421 grasp the main body of the blood collection tube A, and the mixing rotary motor 422 is activated to control the blood mixing means 42 to mix the blood (5th operation). Subsequently, as shown in Figure 14, the third gripper 313 grips the test kit C located at the 3rd position P3 and controls it to be inserted into the channel unit 61 of the viscosity measuring unit 60 (6th operation). Subsequently, as shown in Figure 18, the system controls the system to separate the sealed cap A1 from the blood collection tube A gripped by the blood collection tube forceps 421 via the cap separation means 43 (7th operation). Subsequently, as shown in Figure 19, the system controls the blood aspiration / injection unit 50 to draw a blood sample from the blood collection tube A from which the sealed cap A1 has been separated and inject it into the test kit C attached to the viscosity measuring unit 60 (8th operation).

[0087] Subsequently, the system is controlled to discard the used pipette tip B to the waste disposal unit 70 (9th operation). Then, the cap separation means 43 is operated in the reverse order of the procedure shown in Figure 18 so that the sealed cap A1 separated from the used blood collection tube A is reattached to the blood collection tube A, and the system is controlled to return the used blood collection tube A, with the sealed cap A1 reattached, to the first position P1 using the first gripper 311 (10th operation). Subsequently, the system is controlled to repeat the 2nd to 10th operations for viscosity measurement of other blood samples.

[0088] On the other hand, in one embodiment of the present invention, the preprocessing unit 40 having a multi-space structure can be utilized, and the second and fourth operations can be controlled to be performed in the middle of the second to tenth operations. The viscosity measurement unit 60 having a multi-channel structure can be utilized, and the viscosity measurement can be completed in the middle of the second to tenth operations, and the used test kit C can be disposed of in the waste processing unit 70.

[0089] The medium-sized automatic blood viscosity analyzer described above and shown in the drawings is merely one embodiment for carrying out the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the technical idea of ​​the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the matters described in the following claims, and improvements and modified embodiments that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention insofar as they are obvious to a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1 Automatic blood viscosity measuring device 10 Housing 11 Housing body 12 Management Doors 13 Door locking mechanism 14 Lower support platform 15. Blower fan 20 Input section 20A 1st input section 20B 2nd input section 20C 3rd input section 27. Input object detection sensor 30 Transfer section 30A 1st transfer section 30B 2nd transfer section 30C 3rd transfer section 31 Grippa 32 Transfer Actuator 40 Pre-processing section 41 Scanning means 42 Blood mixing means 43 Cap separation means 50 Blood suction / injection section 51 Piston 60 Viscosity measurement section 61-channel module 62 Constant temperature maintenance means 63 Viscosity measuring means 64 Kit Sensing Sensor 65. Progress Indicator Lamp 66 Vibration Isolation Methods 70 Waste Disposal Processing Unit 71 Disposal drawer 80 Monitoring / Control Unit 81 Touch Display 82 Power button 83 Emergency Stop Switch 84 Tower Lamp 211 First Exchange Draw 212 Second Exchange Drawer 213 Third Exchange Draw 221 First Tray 222 Second Tray 223 Third Tray 231 First Tray Holder 232 Second Tray Holder 233 Third Tray Holder 241 First drawer locking means 242 Second drawer locking mechanism 243 Third drawer locking mechanism 251 First tray sensing sensor 252 Second tray sensing sensor 253 Third Tray Sensing Sensor 261 First Status Indicator Lamp 262 Second Status Indicator Lamp 263 Third Status Indicator Lamp 311 First Gripper 312 Second Grippa 313 Third Grippa 411 First Rotation Motor 412 Blood collection tube scanner 421 Blood collection tube forceps 422 Rotary motor for mixing 431 Cap Forceps 432 Cap Rotating Motor / Actuator 611 Gripper interference prevention groove 612 Elastic Spring 621 Temperature Sensor 622 Heater 623 Cooling Fan 631 Blood flow sensing sensor A blood collection tube A1 Sealed cap B Pipette Tip C Test Kit C1 U-shaped tube P1 1st position P2 2nd position P3 3rd position

Claims

1. housing, An insertion section into which a blood collection tube containing a blood sample and with a sealed cap fastened to its upper end is inserted into a first position inside the housing, a disposable pipette tip capable of aspirating and dispensing the blood sample is inserted into a second position inside the housing, and a disposable test kit for measuring blood viscosity is inserted into a third position inside the housing. A transfer unit is provided with single first, second, and third grippers capable of gripping the blood collection tube, pipette tip, and test kit that have been inserted into the housing by the input section, and a transfer actuator that can move the first, second, and third grippers in conjunction with each other. A pre-processing unit for pre-processing the blood collection tubes that have been gripped and transported by the first gripper, A blood aspiration / injection unit that uses a pipette tip gripped and transported by the second gripper to aspirate a blood sample from a blood collection tube pre-processed in the pre-processing unit, and injects the aspirated blood sample into the test kit. The test kit, which has been gripped and transported by the third gripper, is mounted on the viscosity measuring unit, which can measure the viscosity of the blood sample injected into the test kit by the blood aspiration / injection unit, and The monitoring / control unit controls the status confirmation and operation of the housing, input unit, transfer unit, preprocessing unit, blood aspiration / injection unit, and viscosity measurement unit. A medium-sized automatic blood viscosity analyzer characterized by including the following features.

2. The aforementioned input section is The medium-sized automatic blood viscosity analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising first, second, and third exchange drawers supported in the housing so as to be slidable back and forth, allowing the blood collection tube, pipette tip, and test kit to be replaced outside the housing, respectively.

3. The aforementioned input section is The first, second, and third trays, each vertically mounted with multiple blood collection tubes, pipette tips, and test kits aligned in a particular configuration, The first, second, and third tray holders secure the first, second, and third trays in the state in which the first, second, and third trays are each attached to the first, second, and third replacement drawers, and The invention further includes first, second, and third drawer locking means that can lock the first, second, and third exchangeable drawers when they are positioned in the first, second, and third positions, respectively. The monitoring / control unit is The medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first, second, and third drawer locking means are controlled so that the first, second, and third exchange drawers are locked or opened according to user operation or confirmed device status.

4. The aforementioned input section is The system further includes first, second, and third tray sensing sensors that sense whether the first, second, and third trays are securely positioned in the first, second, and third replacement drawers, respectively. The monitoring / control unit is The medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to claim 3, characterized in that the status of the device is determined including the information sensed by the first, second, and third tray sensing sensors.

5. The aforementioned input section is The medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to claim 2, further comprising: first, second, and third status indicator lamps provided near the first, second, and third exchange drawers, respectively, which distinguish the status of the input section related to the blood collection tube, pipette tip, and test kit from the status of the device determined by the monitoring / control unit, and visually display this through a change in color.

6. The aforementioned input section is The system further includes input sensor sensors that sense the position and quantity of blood collection tubes, pipette tips, and test kits inserted into the first, second, and third positions, respectively. The monitoring / control unit is The medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that it determines the state of the device according to the progress of the measurement based on the information detected by the input material sensing sensor.

7. The first, second, and third trays are, The medium-sized automatic blood viscosity analyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that the number of blood collection tubes, pipette tips, and test kits that can be attached to each form a multiple with respect to each other.

8. The transfer actuator is The medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first, second, and third grippers are arranged side by side on the X-axis, the first, second, and third grippers are integrally movable forward, backward, left, and right on the X-axis and Y-axis, and the first, second, and third grippers are each independently movable up and down on the Z-axis, comprising a linear actuator.

9. The system further includes a waste disposal unit capable of disposing of used pipette tips and test kits, The aforementioned waste treatment unit is The medium-sized automatic blood viscosity analyzer according to claim 1, comprising a waste drawer supported in the housing so as to be slidable back and forth, for receiving and storing pipette tips and test kits that are to be discarded after being gripped by the second and third grippers and transported to a predetermined disposal location, and for being discharged to the outside of the housing by user operation.

10. The aforementioned housing is Housing body, A control door is provided that is made of a transparent material so that the user can observe the internal condition, covers a part of the housing body in a way that allows the interior to be opened, and is openable and closable, Includes a door locking means that can lock the aforementioned management door, The monitoring / control unit is The medium-sized automatic blood viscosity measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the door locking means is controlled so that the control door is locked or opened according to the user's operation or the confirmed state of the device.

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