Manufacturing method of labeled specimen collection tube and label attachment device

Abstract

To provide a manufacturing method of a specimen sampling tube with a label which can suppress generation of wrinkles and entrainment of bubbles, when sticking a label on the specimen sampling tube.SOLUTION: A manufacturing method of a specimen sampling tube with a label is a manufacturing method of a specimen sampling tube with a label on which the label is stuck on an outer peripheral surface of the specimen sampling tube, and includes: a holding step of holding the label at an insulation part of a label holding member which has the insulation part on a surface; and a sticking step of sticking the label on the outer peripheral surface of the specimen sampling tube by bringing the label held by the label holding member into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the specimen sampling tube.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a labeled specimen collection tube having a label attached to the outer peripheral surface of the specimen collection tube, and also to a label attachment device for attaching a label to the outer peripheral surface of the specimen collection tube.

[0002] Specimen collection tubes such as blood collection tubes are widely used. A label bearing product information and the like may be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube. Conventionally, a labeled specimen collection tube is manufactured by holding the label on a label holding member by air suction and attaching the held label to the outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a label application device including a label supplying means, a conveying means for conveying the object to be labeled, and a negative pressure suction type application drum disposed between the above two means. In this label application device, the labels supplied from the label supplying means are attracted to the peripheral surface of the application drum and transferred, while the labels are applied to the outer peripheral surface of the object to be labeled, which is conveyed by the conveying means for conveying the object to be labeled in synchronization with the supply of the labels. In this label application device, the outer peripheral surface of the application drum is formed as a protruding peripheral surface having a mountain-shaped cross section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-18980 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a label held by a label holder by air suction is attached to the outer circumferential surface of a specimen collection tube, suction marks may appear on the label. Also, when a label held by a label holder by air suction is attached to the outer circumferential surface of a specimen collection tube, wrinkles may occur or air bubbles may be entrapped. The larger the area of ​​the label and the smaller the thickness of the label, the more likely it is that wrinkles will occur and air bubbles will be entrapped.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a labeled specimen collection tube and a label attachment device that can prevent the occurrence of wrinkles and the entrapment of air bubbles when attaching a label to a specimen collection tube. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a labeled specimen collection tube having a label affixed to an outer peripheral surface of the specimen collection tube, the method comprising: a retaining step of retaining a label on an insulating part of a label retaining member having an insulating part on its surface; and an attachment step of bringing the label held by the label retaining member into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the specimen collection tube and attaching the label to the outer peripheral surface of the specimen collection tube.

[0008] In a particular aspect of the method for manufacturing a labeled specimen collection tube according to the present invention, the attaching step is a step of contacting the label held by the label holding member with an outer peripheral surface of a specimen collection tube mounted on a first roller and a second roller, and attaching the label to the outer peripheral surface of the specimen collection tube.

[0009] In one particular aspect of the method for manufacturing a labeled sample collection tube according to the present invention, the first roller is a first tapered roller having a gradient angle of 0.3° or more and 1.5° or less, and the second roller is a second tapered roller having a gradient angle of 0.3° or more and 1.5° or less.

[0010] According to a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a labelling device for applying a label to an outer peripheral surface of a specimen collection tube, the labelling device comprising a label retaining member having an insulating portion on a surface thereof capable of retaining a label.

[0011] In one particular aspect of the labeling device according to the present invention, the labeling device includes a first roller and a second roller on which a sample collection tube is mounted.

[0012] In one particular aspect of the label application device of the present invention, the first roller is a first tapered roller having a gradient angle of 0.3° or more and 1.5° or less, and the second roller is a second tapered roller having a gradient angle of 0.3° or more and 1.5° or less. Effect of the Invention

[0013] The method for manufacturing a labeled specimen collection tube according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing a labeled specimen collection tube having a label affixed to the outer peripheral surface of the specimen collection tube. The method for manufacturing a labeled specimen collection tube according to the present invention comprises a holding step of holding a label on an insulating part of a label holding member having an insulating part on its surface, and an attachment step of bringing the label held by the label holding member into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the specimen collection tube and attaching the label to the outer peripheral surface of the specimen collection tube. Since the method for manufacturing a labeled specimen collection tube according to the present invention has the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles and the entrapment of air bubbles when attaching a label to a specimen collection tube.

[0014] The labeling device according to the present invention is a labeling device for attaching a label to the outer peripheral surface of a specimen collection tube, and includes a label holding member having an insulating portion on its surface capable of holding a label. Since the labeling device according to the present invention has the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles and the entrapment of air bubbles when attaching a label to a specimen collection tube. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1]1(a) and (b) are a front view and a bottom view, respectively, which diagrammatically show an example of a label holding member used in the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2(a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of the peripheral configuration of a roller used in the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3(a) is a diagram for explaining a holding step in a method for manufacturing a labeled specimen collection tube according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing the specimen collection tube mounted on a first roller and a second roller. [Figure 4] 4(a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the attachment step in the method for producing a labeled specimen collection tube according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a labeled specimen collection tube manufactured by a method for manufacturing a labeled specimen collection tube according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing a schematic diagram of an example of a specimen collection tube used in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0017] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] First, the specimen collection tube and label used in the present invention will be described.

[0019] [Sample collection tube] The specimen collection tube preferably has a tube body, which is a tubular container, and a stopper. Examples of specimens collected in the specimen collection tube include body fluids. Examples of the body fluids include blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine. The specimen collection tube is preferably a body fluid collection tube, and more preferably a blood collection tube.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a front view showing a schematic diagram of an example of a specimen collection tube used in the present invention.

[0021] The specimen collection tube 90 shown in Fig. 6 comprises a tube body 91 and a stopper 92. The specimen collection tube 90 is a blood collection tube. The tube body 91 has an opening at one end in the longitudinal direction. The other end in the longitudinal direction of the tube body 91 is closed. The stopper 92 is attached to the opening of the tube body 91.

[0022] The pipe body 91 has a gradient angle (θ A The pipe body 91 has a portion whose outer diameter decreases from one end (opening) toward the other end.

[0023] The inclination angle (θ A ) may be 0°, may exceed 0°, may be 0.1° or more, may be 0.3° or more, may be 0.5° or more, may be 2.5° or less, may be 1.5° or less, or may be 1.2° or less.

[0024] The slope angle of the pipe body (θ A ) refers to the angle at which the outer circumferential surface of the pipe body is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the pipe body. In FIG. 6, the longitudinal direction of the pipe body 91 is indicated by a dotted line. The inclination angle (θ A ) means the angle between a straight line in the length direction of the tube body and a straight line parallel to the outer peripheral surface of the tube body when viewed from the front. The straight line parallel to the outer peripheral surface of the tube body is preferably a straight line connecting a position 0.25L from one end (opening) of the tube body toward the other end and a position 0.25L from the other end of the tube body toward the one end (opening) in a front cross-sectional view of the tube body, where L is the length of the tube body.

[0025] The material of the tube body is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include known materials such as thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, etc.; thermosetting resins such as unsaturated polyester resin, epoxy resin, epoxy-acrylate resin, etc.; modified natural resins such as cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, ethyl cellulose, ethyl chitin, etc.; silicates such as soda-lime glass, phosphosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, etc., glass such as quartz glass, etc., combinations of these, or materials that have these as the main component.

[0026] As the plug, a conventionally known plug can be used.

[0027] The specimen collection tube may also include a component, such as a serum or plasma separating composition, contained within the tube body.

[0028] [label] The label preferably has an adhesive surface on one surface. Examples of the label include a label with product information or the like printed thereon, and a barrier film. The label may have a transparent portion. The label may be transparent except for the printed portion. In a label having a transparent portion, wrinkles and air bubbles are easily noticeable in the transparent portion. In the present invention, since the occurrence of wrinkles and entrapment of air bubbles can be suppressed when attaching the label to a specimen collection tube, even a label having a transparent portion can be suitably used.

[0029] The material of the surface of the label opposite to the adhesive surface is not particularly limited as long as the material is capable of holding the label on the label holding member described below. Examples of the material of the surface of the label opposite to the adhesive surface include resins. Examples of the resins include polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene.

[0030] The thickness of the label is not particularly limited. The thickness of the label may be 5 μm or more, 10 μm or more, 100 μm or less, or 50 μm or less. Labels with a thickness of 50 μm or less are particularly prone to wrinkles. In the present invention, when attaching a label to a specimen collection tube, the occurrence of wrinkles and the entrapment of air bubbles can be suppressed, so that even a label with a thickness of 50 μm or less can be suitably used.

[0031] [Labeling device and method for manufacturing labeled specimen collection tubes] The labeling device according to the present invention is a labeling device for attaching a label to the outer peripheral surface of a specimen collection tube. The labeling device according to the present invention includes a label holder having an insulating portion on its surface capable of holding a label. By using the labeling device according to the present invention, labeled specimen collection tubes having labels attached to their outer peripheral surfaces can be manufactured.

[0032] 1(a) and (b) are a front view and a bottom view, respectively, which diagrammatically show an example of a label holding member used in the present invention.

[0033] The label holding member 10 includes an insulating portion 11 and a plate-like member 12. The label holding member 10 has the insulating portion 11 on its surface. The insulating portion 11 is capable of holding a label. The insulating portion 11 is capable of holding a label by a method other than air suction. It is preferable that the insulating portion 11 is capable of holding a label by electrical interaction.

[0034] The insulating portion 11 has a first surface 11a and a second surface 11b. The first surface 11a and the second surface 11b are surfaces of the insulating portion 11 that face each other.

[0035] The plate-shaped member 12 has a first surface 12a and a second surface 12b. The first surface 12a and the second surface 12b are surfaces of the plate-shaped member 12 that face each other.

[0036] The insulating portion 11 is disposed on the first surface 12a of the plate-shaped member 12. The insulating portion 11 is disposed partially on the first surface 12a of the plate-shaped member 12. The size of the insulating portion 11 can be changed appropriately depending on the size of the label to be used. The insulating portion may be disposed on the entire first surface of the plate-shaped member, or may be disposed on a part of the first surface of the plate-shaped member.

[0037] The insulating part 11 includes an insulating material. The insulating part 11 has an insulating part main body including an insulating material and an adhesive layer including an adhesive. The insulating part main body is located on the first surface 11a side of the insulating part 11, and the adhesive layer is located on the second surface 11b side. The first surface 11a of the insulating part 11 is the surface of the insulating part main body. The second surface 11b of the insulating part 11 is the surface of the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer of the insulating part 11 is disposed on the first surface 12a of the plate-like member 12. The second surface 11b of the insulating part 11 and the first surface 12a of the plate-like member 12 are adhered to each other.

[0038] Examples of the insulating material include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride, and nylon.

[0039] From the viewpoint of exerting the effect of the present invention more effectively, the insulating part preferably contains polytetrafluoroethylene or polyvinyl chloride, more preferably contains polytetrafluoroethylene. The insulating part main body preferably contains polytetrafluoroethylene or polyvinyl chloride, more preferably contains polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0040] The adhesive contained in the adhesive layer is not particularly limited.

[0041] The thickness of the insulating part 11 is preferably 100 μm or more, more preferably 200 μm or more, and preferably 1000 μm or less, more preferably 500 μm or less. When the thickness of the insulating part 11 is not less than the above lower limit and not more than the above upper limit, the label can be held even better.

[0042] Examples of the material for the plate-shaped member 12 include metal and resin, etc. The material for the plate-shaped member 12 is preferably a (meth)acrylic resin or nylon.

[0043] The labeling device according to the present invention preferably comprises a first roller and a second roller on which the sample collection tube is mounted. The first roller and the second roller are rollers for mounting the sample collection tube. One sample collection tube is mounted on both the first roller and the second roller.

[0044] 2(a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of the peripheral configuration of a roller used in the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view showing an example of the peripheral configuration of a roller, and (b) is a diagram taken along line II in (a).

[0045] FIG. 2 shows the first roller 21, the second roller 22, the first shaft portion 31, the second shaft portion 32, and the roller support base 41 of the label application device. The first shaft portion 31 penetrates the first roller 21. The second shaft portion 32 penetrates the second roller 22. The first roller 21 and the second roller 22 are arranged in parallel. The length direction of the first roller 21 and the length direction of the second roller 22 are the same direction. The length directions of the first and second rollers 21 and 22 are the up-down direction in FIG. 2(a) and the front-to-back direction in FIG. 2(b).

[0046] The outer shape of the first roller 21 is a truncated cone shape. The outer shape of the second roller 22 is a truncated cone shape. The first roller 21 and the second roller 22 have the same shape. The direction from the large diameter portion side to the small diameter portion side of the first roller 21 is the same as the direction from the large diameter portion side to the small diameter portion side of the second roller 22 (the direction from top to bottom in FIG. 2(a)).

[0047] The first roller 21 is a first tapered roller having a gradient angle (θ1) exceeding 0°. The second roller 22 is a second tapered roller having a gradient angle (θ2) exceeding 0°. When the gradient angle is 0°, the outer shapes of the first roller and the second roller are each cylindrical and straight rollers.

[0048] The gradient angle (θ1, θ2) of the roller means the angle at which the outer peripheral surface of the roller is inclined with respect to the length direction of the roller. More specifically, the gradient angle of the roller means the angle between a straight line in the length direction of the roller and a straight line parallel to the outer shape of the outer peripheral surface of the roller in a plan view of the roller. In Fig. 2(a), the length direction of the first roller 21 and the length direction of the second roller 22 are each indicated by a dotted line.

[0049] The gradient angle (θ1) of the first roller 21 and the gradient angle (θ2) of the second roller 21 are appropriately changed depending on the shape of the specimen collection tube used.

[0050] The gradient angle (θ1) of the first roller 21 is preferably 0.3° or more, more preferably 0.5° or more, and preferably 1.5° or less, more preferably 1.2° or less. However, the gradient angle (θ1) of the first roller may be 0°. In other words, the first roller may be a straight roller.

[0051] The gradient angle (θ2) of the second roller 22 is preferably 0.3° or more, more preferably 0.5° or more, and preferably 1.5° or less, more preferably 1.2° or less. However, the gradient angle (θ2) of the second roller may be 0°. In other words, the second roller may be a straight roller.

[0052] The absolute value of the difference between the gradient angle (θ1) of the first roller 21 and the gradient angle (θ2) of the second roller 22 is preferably 0.5° or less, more preferably 0.3° or less, and most preferably 0°. In other words, it is most preferable that the gradient angle (θ1) of the first roller 21 and the gradient angle (θ2) of the second roller 22 are the same.

[0053] The gradient angle (θ1) of the first roller 21 and the gradient angle (θ A ) and the absolute value of the difference between the gradient angle (θ2) of the second roller 22 and the gradient angle (θ A The absolute values ​​of the differences between the gradient angle (θ) and the gradient angle (θ) are preferably 0.5° or less, more preferably 0.3° or less, and most preferably 0°. When the absolute values ​​of the differences are equal to or less than the upper limit, the effect of the present invention can be more effectively exhibited. In addition, when the absolute values ​​of the differences are equal to or less than the upper limit, A Even when a specimen collection tube having a tube body in which the angle θ exceeds 0° is used, the label can be attached to the specimen collection tube without being tilted in the attachment step.

[0054] A method for producing a labeled sample collection tube according to the present invention will now be described.

[0055] The method for manufacturing the labeled specimen collection tube includes a retaining step of retaining a label on an insulating part of a label retaining member having an insulating part on a surface thereof, and an attaching step of contacting the label retained by the label retaining member with an outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube to attach the label to the outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube.

[0056] FIG. 3(a) is a diagram for explaining a holding step in a method for producing a labeled specimen collection tube according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] In FIG. 3(a), a gripping member 60 is provided on the surface of the label holding member 10 on the plate-like member 12 side. The gripping member 60 has a rod-shaped portion 61 and a spherical portion 62. The gripping member 60 is held to bring the first surface 11a of the insulating portion 11 of the label holding member 10 into contact with the label L. One surface of the label L is an adhesive surface. The area of ​​the first surface 11a of the insulating portion 11 is larger than the area of ​​the surface of the label L opposite the adhesive surface. The first surface 11a of the insulating portion 11 is brought into contact with the surface of the label L opposite the adhesive surface. As a result, the label L is held on the first surface 11a of the insulating portion 11 by the electrical interaction (static electricity) acting between the insulating portion 11 and the label L. It is preferable to bring the first surface 11a of the insulating portion 11 into contact with the surface of the label L opposite the adhesive surface so that the entire surface of the label L opposite the adhesive surface comes into contact with the first surface 11a of the insulating portion 11.

[0058] Before or after the holding step, the specimen collection tube 90 is placed on the first roller 21 and the second roller 22. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the specimen collection tube 90 is placed on the first roller 21 and the second roller 22 so that the outer circumferential surface of the tube body 91 of the specimen collection tube 90 reaches both the first roller 21 and the second roller 22.

[0059] The specimen collection tube 90 is mounted on the first roller 21 and the second roller 22 so that the small diameter side of the tube body 91 is located on the large diameter side of the first roller 21 and the second roller 22, and the large diameter side of the tube body 91 is located on the small diameter side of the first roller 21 and the second roller 22. The specimen collection tube 90 is mounted on the first roller 21 and the second roller 22 so that the other end side of the tube body 91 is located on the large diameter side of the first roller 21 and the second roller 22, and one end side of the tube body 91 is located on the small diameter side of the first roller 21 and the second roller 22. By arranging in this manner, the specimen collection tube 90 can be held horizontally by the first roller 21 and the second roller 22, and the label can be attached to the specimen collection tube 90 without tilting in the attachment process.

[0060] A holder 71 and a lever 72 are attached to the stopper 92. The specimen collection tube 90 can be rotated by operating the holder 71 and the lever 72. The holder 71 and the lever 72 form a rotation mechanism for rotating the specimen collection tube in the label application device.

[0061] 4(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the attachment step in the manufacturing method of a labeled specimen collection tube according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Fig. 4(a).

[0062] The label L held by the label holding member 10 is brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube 90 mounted on the first roller 21 and the second roller 22. More specifically, the label L held by the label holding member 10 is brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the tube body 91 of the specimen collection tube 90 mounted on the first roller 21 and the second roller 22. In this embodiment, the gripping member 60 is held and the label holding member 10 is brought close from above the specimen collection tube 90, thereby bringing the adhesive surface of the label L held by the label holding member 10 into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube 90.

[0063] For example, instead of using a gripping member, a mechanism such as a piston may be used to bring the label L held by the label holding member 10 and the specimen collection tube 90 mounted on the first roller 21 and the second roller 22 closer together so that the label L comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube 90. The labeling device preferably includes a moving mechanism that moves the label holding member or the specimen collection tube mounted on the first roller and the second roller so as to bring the label held by the label holding member into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube.

[0064] Next, by operating the holder 71 and lever 72, the specimen collection tube 90 is rotated on the first roller 21 and the second roller 22. The adhesive force between the label L and the insulating part 11 (adhesive force due to electrical interaction) is weaker than the adhesive force between the adhesive surface of the label L and the specimen collection tube 90. Therefore, by rotating the specimen collection tube 90 while bringing the adhesive surface of the label L into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube 90, the label L can be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube 90, and the occurrence of wrinkles and entrapment of air bubbles when attaching the label L is effectively suppressed.

[0065] Alternatively, without using the holder 71 and the lever 72, the specimen collection tube 90 may be rotated by, for example, rotating the first roller 21 itself and the second roller 22 itself which are connected to a motor or the like.

[0066] Alternatively, the label L held by the label holding member 10 may be pressed against the specimen collection tube 90 while the label holding member 10 is moved, thereby rotating the specimen collection tube 90.

[0067] In this manner, as shown in FIG. 5, a labeled specimen collection tube 95 can be manufactured in which the label L is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the specimen collection tube 90.

[0068] In the method for manufacturing the labeled specimen collection tube, the label may be arranged around the outer periphery of the specimen collection tube in a circle extending 0.5 or more times, in a circle extending 1 or more times, in a circle extending 1.5 or more times, or in a circle extending 2 or more times.

[0069] The present invention will be specifically described below by way of examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. It should be noted that the following Example 3 is a reference example.

[0070] The following materials were prepared:

[0071] (Sample collection tube) A specimen collection tube having the shape shown in FIG. 6 and including a tube body and a stopper. The slope angle of the pipe body (θA ): 1.0° Tube body material: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Length of tube body: 10cm Outer diameter of open end: 1.6cm

[0072] (label) Laminated sheet of polyethylene terephthalate sheet and adhesive layer Size: Length 7.5cm x Width 4.5cm x Thickness 50μm

[0073] (Label retaining material A) <Plate-shaped components> Material: Acrylic resin Size: Length 11cm x Width 15cm x Thickness 0.5cm <Insulation section> Material: Laminated sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene sheet and adhesive layer ("Fluororesin Adhesive Tape" manufactured by Chukoh Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) <Preparation of label holding member A> The laminate sheet was attached to the first surface of a plate-like member from the adhesive layer side to prepare a label holder A (11 cm long x 15 cm wide). The size of the insulating part disposed on the first surface of the plate-like member was 9 cm long x 13 cm wide.

[0074] (Label retaining member B) <Plate-shaped components> Material: Acrylic resin Size: Length 11cm x Width 15cm x Thickness 0.5cm <Insulation section> Material: Laminated sheet of polyvinyl chloride sheet and adhesive layer ("Vinyl Chloride Tape" manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation) <Preparation of label holding member B> The laminated sheet was attached to the first surface of a plate-like member from the adhesive layer side to prepare a label holder B (11 cm long x 15 cm wide). The size of the insulating part disposed on the first surface of the plate-like member was 9 cm long x 13 cm wide.

[0075] (Laura) Roller A: Tapered roller, gradient angle (θ): 1.0° Roller B: Tapered roller, gradient angle (θ): 0.5° Roller C: Straight roller, gradient angle (θ): 0°

[0076] Example 1 Labeled specimen collection tubes were prepared as follows using the types of label holding members and rollers shown in Table 1. The label holding members were used with a gripping member having a rod-shaped portion and a spherical portion attached, as shown in Figure 4. The rollers were used by mounting them on a roller support base, as shown in Figure 2.

[0077] The label was held on the insulating part by holding the gripping member and contacting the first surface of the insulating part of the label holding member so that the entire surface of the label opposite to the adhesive surface of the label was in contact with the first surface of the insulating part of the label holding member. The insulating part and the label are held on the insulating part by electrical interaction (static electricity).

[0078] The specimen collection tube was placed on the first and second rollers so that the small diameter side of the tube body of the specimen collection tube was located on the large diameter side of the first and second rollers, and the large diameter side of the tube body of the specimen collection tube was located on the small diameter side of the first and second rollers. Next, a holder and a lever were attached to the stopper of the specimen collection tube.

[0079] The label held by the label holding member was brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the tube body of the specimen collection tube mounted on the first and second rollers, and the holder and lever attached to the stopper of the specimen collection tube were operated to rotate the specimen collection tube on the first and second rollers. The label was affixed to the outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube by rotating the specimen collection tube while bringing the adhesive surface of the label into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube. In this manner, a labeled specimen collection tube was produced.

[0080] (Examples 2 and 3) Labeled specimen collection tubes were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the types of label holding members and rollers were changed as shown in Table 1.

[0081] Comparative Example 1 One end of the adhesive side of the label was temporarily attached to the outer circumferential surface of the tube body of the specimen collection tube, and the specimen collection tube was mounted on a roller. Next, without using a label holding member and without pressing the specimen collection tube from above, the specimen collection tube was rotated to attach the label to the outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube. Apart from these, a labeled specimen collection tube was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0082] (evaluation) (1) Wrinkles and air bubbles The appearance of the resulting 10 labeled specimen collection tubes was visually inspected to determine whether or not wrinkles or air bubbles were present.

[0083] <Criteria for determining wrinkles> Good: Fewer than 1 out of 10 labeled sample collection tubes had wrinkles △: Out of 10 labeled sample collection tubes, the number of wrinkled labeled sample collection tubes is 2 to 4 ×: 5 or more of the labeled sample collection tubes out of 10 were wrinkled.

[0084] <Criteria for determining air bubble entrapment> 〇: The number of labeled sample collection tubes containing air bubbles is 1 or less out of 10 labeled sample collection tubes. △: Among 10 labeled specimen collection tubes, the number of labeled specimen collection tubes containing air bubbles is 2 to 4 ×: 5 or more of the 10 labeled sample collection tubes contain air bubbles.

[0085] The configuration and results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0086] [Table 1] [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10...Label holding member 11…Insulation section 11a...First surface 11b…Second surface 12...Plate-shaped member 12a...First surface 12b…Second surface 21…First Roller 22...Second Roller 31…First shaft portion 32…Second shaft 41...Roller support stand 60...Holding member 61...rod-shaped part 62...Spherical part 71...Holder 72…Lever 90...Sample collection tube 91...Tube body 92...Bung body 95... Labeled specimen collection tubes L…Label

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a labeled specimen collection tube in which a label is attached to an outer peripheral surface of the specimen collection tube, comprising: a holding step of holding a label on an insulating portion of a label holding member having an insulating portion on a surface thereof by electrostatic charging; and a sticking step of contacting the label held by the label holding member with an outer circumferential surface of a specimen collection tube mounted on a first roller and a second roller to stick the label to the outer circumferential surface of the specimen collection tube, The first roller is a first tapered roller having a gradient angle of 0.3° or more and 1.5° or less, A method for manufacturing a labeled specimen collection tube, wherein the second roller is a second tapered roller having a gradient angle of 0.3° or more and 1.5° or less.

2. A labeling device for attaching a label to an outer peripheral surface of a specimen collection tube, comprising: a label holding member having an insulating portion on its surface capable of holding a label by static electricity; a first roller and a second roller on which a sample collection tube is mounted; The first roller is a first tapered roller having a gradient angle of 0.3° or more and 1.5° or less, The label application apparatus, wherein the second roller is a second tapered roller having a gradient angle of 0.3° or more and 1.5° or less.

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