Cap attachment / detachment device and pretreatment device

Abstract

To provide a cap attachment / removal device capable of appropriately attaching / removing a cap, and a preprocessing device.SOLUTION: A cap attachment / removal device 100 includes an operation unit 33 that moves in a vertical direction and grips and rotates a cap 2 so as to attach / remove the cap 2 to / from a container 1. The operation unit 33 includes a first gripping claw 33A, a second gripping claw 33B, and a depressing member 33C. The first gripping claw 33A and the second gripping claw 33B are provided so as to face each other, and configured to be capable of applying obliquely upward force from the outside to the inside to an upper portion of a side surface of the cap 2. The depressing member 33C is configured to be able to come into contact with an upper surface of the cap 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap attaching / detaching device and a pretreatment device.

Background Art

[0002] Before analyzing a sample in an analyzer, pretreatment of the sample may be performed using a container such as a centrifuge tube. For example, in the pretreatment, after the sample to be analyzed and additives are injected into a container with a cap, stirring of the contents of the container is performed. Then, the contents are extracted from the container and injected into a predetermined vial. By supplying the contents including the pretreated sample from the vial to the analyzer, a desired analysis of the sample is performed.

[0003] In the pretreatment, before and after injecting the contents into the container or before and after extracting the contents from the container, the cap is attached and detached by a cap attaching / detaching device. For example, in the cap opening / closing device described in Patent Document 1, a sample container is gripped by a pair of grippers of a grip opening / closing drive unit, and a cap is gripped by a robot hand. In this state, by rotating the grip opening / closing drive unit, the cap is attached and detached.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Because a top plate is formed on the top of the cap, the strength of the top of the cap is relatively high, while the strength of the bottom of the cap is relatively low. Therefore, in the cap opening and closing device described in Patent Document 1, when the robot hand grips the bottom of the cap, the bottom of the cap may deform into an elliptical shape. Even when the robot hand grips the top of the cap, depending on the direction of the force acting on the cap from the robot hand, the cap may slip or become tilted when gripped. In these cases, the cap cannot be properly attached or detached.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a cap attachment / detachment device and a pre-treatment device that can properly attach and detach caps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention relates to a cap attachment / detachment device, comprising an operating part that moves vertically and grips and rotates the cap to attach and detach the cap to a container, wherein the operating part is provided facing each other and includes a first gripping claw and a second gripping claw configured to apply an oblique upward force from the outside to the inside to the upper side of the cap, and a pressing member configured to contact the upper surface of the cap.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to a pretreatment apparatus comprising a cap attachment / detachment device for attaching and detaching a cap to a container, and a pretreatment unit for performing pretreatment on a sample contained in the container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the cap can be attached and detached appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cap attachment / detachment device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an enlarged view showing the configuration of the control panel. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the exterior of the control panel. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the operation of the cap attachment / detachment device when removing the cap. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the operation of the cap attachment / detachment device when removing the cap. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the operation of the cap attachment / detachment device when removing the cap. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the operation of the cap attachment / detachment device when attaching a cap. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the operation of the cap attachment / detachment device when attaching a cap. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the operation of the cap attachment / detachment device when attaching a cap. [Figure 10] Block diagram showing an example of an analytical system including a pre-treatment device. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cap attachment / detachment device related to other implementations. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (1) Configuration of the cap attachment / detachment device Hereinafter, a cap attachment / detachment device and a pretreatment device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cap attachment / detachment device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the cap attachment / detachment device 100 comprises a base portion 10, a holding portion 20, an attachment / detachment portion 30, a rotational drive portion 40, a moving portion 50, and a transmission portion 60. The base portion 10 is attached to the mounting surface of the cap attachment / detachment device 100 in the pretreatment device. The holding portion 20 holds the attachment / detachment portion 30 in a state where the axis of the attachment / detachment portion 30 is facing in the vertical direction.

[0012] The detachable part 30 includes a driven part 31, a restricting part 32, an operating part 33, an opening / closing part 34, and a buffer part 35. The driven part 31 has an axis in the vertical direction and includes driven members 31A and 31B that are rotatable around the axis. The driven member 31B is disposed below the driven member 31A.

[0013] The restricting part 32 connects the driven member 31A and the driven member 31B so that the torque when the driven member 31A rotates can be transmitted to the driven member 31B. The restricting part 32 includes, for example, a one-way friction clutch, and when the driven member 31A rotates in the forward direction (for example, clockwise), restricts the torque transmitted to the driven member 31B to be below a specified value. The specified value of the torque is adjustable. On the other hand, the restricting part 32 does not restrict the torque transmitted to the driven member 31B when the driven member 31A rotates in the reverse direction (for example, counterclockwise).

[0014] The operating part 33 is configured to be able to attach and detach a cap to the upper end of the container by operating the cap from above. In this example, the container is, for example, a centrifuge tube used in the pretreatment of sample analysis. The cap is a screw cap that can be screwed onto the upper end of the container. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the configuration of the operating part 33 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the operating part 33.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the operating part 33 has a pair of gripper claws 33A and 33B that can be opened and closed and a pressing member 33C. The gripper claws 33A and 33B are connected to the lower end of a drive shaft 34A of the opening / closing part 34 described later. As shown in FIG. ¾, the pressing member 33C has a disc shape and is connected to the lower end of the drive shaft 34A so as to be rotatable with respect to the drive shaft 34A of FIG. 2 between the gripper claws 33A and 33B.

[0016] When the holding claws 33A and 33B are closed with the cap 2 between them, the cap 2 is held. At this time, as shown by arrow A in Fig. 2, an obliquely upward force from the outside to the inside is applied from the tip of the holding claw 33A to the upper part of the side surface of the cap 2. Similarly, as shown by arrow B in Fig. 2, an obliquely upward force from the outside to the inside is applied from the tip of the holding claw 33B to the upper part of the side surface of the cap 2. In this case, an upward force is generated on the cap 2.

[0017] According to this configuration, as shown by arrow C in Fig. 2, the pressing member 33C presses the upper surface of the cap 2 from above against the upward force on the cap 2. Thereby, the operating portion 33 can hold the cap 2 horizontally in a stable state without causing deformation, slippage, and inclination of the cap 2. In this state, when the operating portion 33 is rotated, the cap 2 is attached to and detached from the container 1.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the opening and closing portion 34 includes, for example, an air cylinder and has a drive shaft 34A. The opening and closing portion 34 is fixed, for example, to the upper part of the holding portion 20. The lower end portion of the drive shaft 34A is connected to the holding claws 33A, 33B and the pressing member 33C in a state of passing through the center of the driven portion 31. The opening and closing portion 34 opens and closes the holding claws 33A, 33B of the operating portion 33 by driving the drive shaft 34A. The opening and closing portion 34 may include other actuators such as a solenoid.

[0019] The buffer portion 35 includes, for example, a spring member, and holds the operating portion 33 below the driven member 31B such that the operating portion 33 is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the driven portion 31 and can transmit the torque when the driven member 31B rotates to the operating portion 33. According to this configuration, when an upward pressing force of a predetermined value or more is applied from the cap 2 to the lower part of the operating portion 33, the pressing force of the operating portion 33 is absorbed by moving the operating portion 33 upward.

[0020] The rotary drive unit 40 includes a single actuator such as an electric motor and has a rotating shaft 41. The rotary drive unit 40 is fixed, for example, to the upper part of the holding unit 20. The movable unit 50 includes, for example, a linear ball screw member and is connected to the base unit 10 and the holding unit 20. The pitch of the linear ball screw member is the same as the pitch of the cap 2. The rotating shaft 41 of the rotary drive unit 40 is attached to the movable unit 50. In response to the rotation of the rotary drive unit 40, the movable unit 50 moves the holding unit 20 vertically relative to the base unit 10.

[0021] The transmission unit 60 is, for example, a belt member, and is stretched between the driven member 31A of the driven unit 31 of the attachment / detachment unit 30 and the rotating shaft 41 of the rotary drive unit 40. This transmits the rotation of the rotary drive unit 40 to the driven member 31A. The operation of the cap attachment / detachment device 100 will now be described.

[0022] (2) Operation of the cap attachment / detachment device Figures 4 to 6 illustrate the operation of the cap attachment / detachment device 100 when removing the cap 2. As shown in Figure 4, when removing the cap 2, the operating part 33 of the attachment / detachment part 30 is positioned above the container 1 with the gripping claws 33A and 33B open, without gripping the cap 2. In this state, the rotary drive unit 40 rotates in the forward direction. In this case, the holding part 20 moves downward relative to the base part 10 by the moving part 50. The rotation of the rotary drive unit 40 is also transmitted to the attachment / detachment part 30 by the transmission part 60. Therefore, the operating part 33 of the attachment / detachment part 30 rotates and moves downward along with the movement of the holding part 20.

[0023] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 5, the pressing member 33C of the operating unit 33 comes into contact with the upper surface of the cap 2. In this case, the rotation of the pressing member 33C stops. Therefore, the upper surface of the cap 2 is not rubbed by the pressing member 33C, and damage to the upper surface of the cap 2 is prevented. Meanwhile, the gripping claws 33A and 33B of the attachment / detachment unit 30 continue to rotate. When the attachment / detachment unit 30 moves downward by a predetermined distance, the movement of the attachment / detachment unit 30 stops. At this time, the upper part of the cap 2 is positioned between the gripping claws 33A and 33B.

[0024] Here, as the gripping claws 33A and 33B are closed, an upward force is generated on the cap 2 by the gripping claws 33A and 33B, and the pressing member 33C also... Cap 2 The upper surface is pressed downwards. In this case, since the pressing member 33C has a disc shape, the contact area between the pressing member 33C and the upper surface of the cap 2 is relatively large. Therefore, the pressure applied from the pressing member 33C to the upper surface of the cap 2 is relatively small. This prevents damage to the upper surface of the cap 2.

[0025] When the upper surface of the cap 2 is pressed against the pressing member 33C, the cap 2 is held horizontally in a stable position by the gripping claws 33A and 33B. In this state, the rotary drive unit 40 rotates in the reverse direction. At this time, the torque applied to the cap 2 by the operating unit 33 is not restricted. Therefore, the cap 2 is efficiently loosened from the container 1. In addition, the holding unit 20 moves upward relative to the base unit 10 by the moving unit 50. As a result, the cap 2 is removed from the container 1.

[0026] After the cap 2 is removed from the container 1, the operating part 33 continues to rotate in the reverse direction, as shown in Figure 6. In this case, with the operating part 33 gripping the cap 2, the holding part 20 moves upward relative to the base part 10 by the moving part 50. This completes the removal of the cap 2.

[0027] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate the operation of the cap attachment / detachment device 100 when attaching the cap 2. As shown in Figure 7, when attaching the cap 2, the operating part 33 of the attachment / detachment part 30 is positioned above the container 1, stably gripping the cap 2 by closing the gripping claws 33A and 33B and bringing the pressing member 33C into contact with the upper surface of the cap 2.

[0028] In this state, as the rotary drive unit 40 rotates in the forward direction, the operating unit 33 of the attachment / detachment unit 30 rotates and moves downward along with the movement of the holding unit 20. Then, as shown in Figure 8, with the cap 2 gripped by the operating unit 33 in contact with the upper end of the container 1, the forward rotation of the operating unit 33 continues. In this case, the cap 2 is tightened onto the container 1. As a result, the cap 2 is attached to the container 1 simultaneously.

[0029] Here, the operating part 33 is held by the buffer part 35 so as to be movable vertically relative to the driven part 31. Therefore, when the cap 2 comes into contact with the container 1 and an upward pressing force exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the lower part of the operating part 33, the operating part 33 moves upward, thereby absorbing the pressing force of the operating part 33. In addition, when the torque when the driven member 31A rotates in the forward direction reaches a specified value, the regulating part 32 causes the driven member 31B to spin freely. This makes it possible to tighten the cap 2 uniformly.

[0030] After the cap 2 is attached to the container 1, the gripping claws 33A and 33B of the operating unit 33 are opened, as shown in Figure 9. This releases the operating unit 33 from gripping the cap 2. Subsequently, the rotary drive unit 40 rotates in the reverse direction. In this case, with the operating unit 33 no longer gripping the cap 2, the holding unit 20 moves upward relative to the base unit 10 by the moving unit 50. This completes the cap 2 attachment operation.

[0031] (3) Pretreatment device Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of an analytical system including a sample preparation device. As shown in Figure 10, the analytical system 500 includes a sample preparation device 200 and an analytical device 300. In addition to the cap attachment / detachment device 100 shown in Figure 1, the sample preparation device 200 includes a sample storage unit 110, an addition unit 120, a shaking unit 130, a separation unit 140, an injection unit 150, and a waste unit 160. The cap attachment / detachment device 100 is provided in each of the sample storage unit 110, the addition unit 120, and the injection unit 150.

[0032] Multiple containers 1 are sequentially introduced into the sample storage section 110. After removing the caps 2 from the introduced containers 1, the sample storage section 110 places the sample to be analyzed into the containers 1 and then attaches the caps 2 to the containers 1. The sample to be analyzed includes, for example, food. Subsequently, the sample storage section 110 transports the containers 1 to the shaking section 130 and transports the containers 1 that were transported from the shaking section 130 to the addition section 120.

[0033] The addition unit 120 removes the cap 2 from the container 1 that was brought in from the sample storage unit 110, adds a predetermined solvent or internal standard reagent to the container 1, and then attaches the cap 2 to the container 1. After that, the addition unit 120 transports the container 1 to the shaking unit 130 and transports the container 1 that was brought in from the shaking unit 130 to the separation unit 140.

[0034] The shaking unit 130 shakes the container 1 that has been brought in from the sample storage unit 110 to agitate its contents, and then discharges the container 1 back into the sample storage unit 110. The shaking unit 130 also shakes the container 1 that has been brought in from the additive unit 120 to agitate its contents, and then discharges the container 1 back into the additive unit 120.

[0035] The separation unit 140 separates the contents of the container 1 into its components by applying centrifugal force to the container 1 that has been introduced from the addition unit 120. After that, the separation unit 140 transports the container 1 to the injection unit 150. These addition unit 120, shaking unit 130, or separation unit 140 are examples of pre-processing units that perform pre-treatment on a sample contained in the container 1.

[0036] A vial rack 210 is introduced into the injection unit 150 to hold multiple vials 211 for analysis. The injection unit 150 is supplied from the separation unit 140. The contents After removing cap 2 from container 1 , Yong A portion of the contents is extracted from container 1, and the extracted contents are poured into each vial 211 of vial rack 210. This ensures that the contents, including the pre-treated sample, are contained in each vial 211.

[0037] Subsequently, the injection unit 150 attaches the cap 2 to the container 1 and transports the container 1 to the disposal unit 160. The injection unit 150 also transports the vial rack 210 to the analyzer 300. The disposal unit 160 disposes of the contents of the container 1 that were transported in from the injection unit 150.

[0038] The analyzer 300 performs a predetermined analysis on the contents of each vial 211 in the vial rack 210 that has been brought in from the pretreatment device 200. The analysis includes, for example, the quantification of pesticide residues in the food sample. The analyzer 300 may be, for example, a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC / MS), a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC / MS), or another analyzer.

[0039] By using the cap attachment / detachment device 100 in each of the sample storage section 110, addition section 120, and injection section 150 of the pretreatment device 200, the caps 2 can be attached and detached appropriately and efficiently. This improves throughput and reduces the amount of labor required.

[0040] (4) Variations In this embodiment, the pressing member 33C has a disc shape, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The pressing member 33C may have a polygonal plate shape such as a triangular plate shape or a square plate shape. Alternatively, the pressing member 33C may have a rod shape extending in the vertical direction, and multiple pressing members 33C may be provided.

[0041] (5) Effects In the cap attachment / detachment device 100 according to this embodiment, gripping claws 33A and 33B, which are provided opposite each other on the operating section 33, apply an upward diagonal force from the outside to the inside to the upper side of the cap 2. In this case, an upward force is generated on the cap 2. Also, the pressing member 33C of the operating section 33 comes into contact with the top surface of the cap 2. As a result, the pressing member 33C presses the top surface of the cap 2 from above to below, against the upward force on the cap 2. Therefore, the cap 2 is gripped horizontally in a stable state by the operating section 33 without deformation, slipping, or tilting of the cap 2.

[0042] This configuration allows the cap 2 to be attached perpendicularly to the container 1. Furthermore, improper attachment of the cap 2 to the container 1 will not cause liquid leakage from the container 1. This also allows the cap 2 to be attached and detached properly.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cap 2 is rotated so as to attach and detach the cap 2 to the container 1 while the operating unit 33 is moved vertically by a single rotary drive unit 40. At this point, when the pressing member 33C comes into contact with the upper surface of the cap 2, the rotation of the pressing member 33C stops. In this case, the upper surface of the cap 2 is not rubbed by the pressing member 33C.

[0044] Furthermore, since the pressing member 33C has a disc shape, the contact area between the pressing member 33C and the upper surface of the cap 2 is relatively large. Therefore, the pressure applied from the pressing member 33C to the upper surface of the cap 2 is relatively small. With these configurations, the upper surface of the cap 2 will not be damaged. Consequently, even if an identifier such as a two-dimensional barcode indicating information about the contents of the container 1 is affixed to the upper surface of the cap 2, the identifier will not be damaged to the point of being unreadable.

[0045] Furthermore, the rotary drive unit 40 drives the operating unit 33 to move downward by a predetermined distance from a predetermined position. In this case, force can be applied from the gripping claws 33A and 33B to the upper side of the cap 2 with a simple configuration without the need to provide a sensor to detect the position of the cap 2.

[0046] (6) Other embodiments In the above embodiment, the rotary drive unit 40 is provided to rotate the attachment / detachment unit 30 while moving it vertically, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of another cap attachment / detachment device 100. As shown in Figure 11, the cap attachment / detachment device 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with a lifting / lowering drive unit 70 instead of a moving unit 50.

[0047] The lifting drive unit 70 is fixed to the upper part of the base unit 10, for example, while holding the holding unit 20. The lifting drive unit 70 includes an actuator such as an air cylinder or a solenoid, and moves the holding unit 20 vertically relative to the base unit 10. In this configuration, the vertical movement of the attachment / detachment unit 30 and the rotation of the attachment / detachment unit 30 can be performed independently.

[0048] The cap attachment / detachment device 100 according to this embodiment may further include a sensor 80 for detecting the position of the cap 2. In this example, the sensor 80 is a non-contact sensor including a light-emitting unit 81 and a light-receiving unit 82, but other types of sensors may also be used. The light-emitting unit 81 is capable of emitting light. The light-receiving unit 82 is capable of receiving light emitted from the light-emitting unit 81. The light-emitting unit 81 and the light-receiving unit 82 may be attached to the gripping claws 33A and 33B, respectively.

[0049] In this configuration, the attachment / detachment part 30 is lowered from above the container 1 by the lifting / lowering drive unit 70 without gripping the cap 2. Here, if the cap 2 is not present between the gripping claws 33A and 33B, the light receiving unit 82 receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 81. On the other hand, if the cap 2 is present between the gripping claws 33A and 33B, the light receiving unit 82 does not receive light emitted from the light emitting unit 81. Therefore, by closing the gripping claws 33A and 33B when the light receiving unit 82 stops receiving light, force can be easily applied from the gripping claws 33A and 33B to the upper side of the cap 2, even if the position of the container 1 or the cap 2 is unknown.

[0050] (7) Appearance Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0051] (Article 1) A cap attachment / detachment device according to one embodiment is: It is equipped with an operating part that moves vertically and also grips and rotates the cap to attach and detach the cap from the container, The aforementioned operating unit is A first gripping claw and a second gripping claw are provided facing each other and configured to apply an upward, oblique force from the outside to the inside to the upper side of the cap, The cap may also include a pressing member configured to be in contact with the upper surface of the cap.

[0052] In this cap attachment / detachment device, a force is applied to the upper side of the cap from the outside inward at an oblique upward direction by the first and second gripping claws, which are positioned opposite each other on the operating part. In this case, an upward force is generated on the cap. Also, the pressing member of the operating part comes into contact with the upper surface of the cap. As a result, the upper surface of the cap is pressed from above to below by the pressing member, against the upward force on the cap. Therefore, the cap is gripped horizontally in a stable state by the operating part without deformation, slipping, or tilting of the cap.

[0053] This configuration allows the cap to be attached perpendicularly to the container. Furthermore, improper cap attachment prevents liquid leakage from the container. This ensures proper attachment and removal of the cap.

[0054] (Article 2) In the cap attachment / detachment device described in Article 1, The pressing member may have a disc shape.

[0055] In this case, the contact area between the pressing member and the top surface of the cap is relatively large, so the pressure applied from the pressing member to the top surface of the cap is relatively small. This prevents damage to the top surface of the cap.

[0056] (Article 3) The cap attachment / detachment device described in Article 1 or Article 2 is: The system may further include a rotary drive unit that rotates the aforementioned operating unit while moving it vertically.

[0057] In this case, a single rotary drive unit can be used to move the operating unit vertically and rotate the cap to attach and detach it from the container.

[0058] (Article 4) In the cap attachment / detachment device described in Article 3, The pressing member may be configured to stop rotating when it comes into contact with the upper surface of the cap.

[0059] In this case, the top surface of the cap is not rubbed by the pressing member, thus preventing damage to the top surface of the cap.

[0060] (Article 5) In the cap attachment / detachment device described in Article 3 or Article 4, The rotational drive unit may be driven so that the operating unit moves downward by a predetermined distance from a predetermined position.

[0061] In this case, force can be applied to the upper side of the cap from the first and second gripping claws with a simple configuration, without the need to provide a sensor to detect the position of the cap.

[0062] (Article 6) The cap attachment / detachment device described in any one of paragraphs 3 to 5 is: The system further includes a moving part that moves the operating part vertically in response to the drive of the rotational drive part, The aforementioned cap includes a screw-on cap. The moving part may include a linear ball screw member having the same pitch as the screw-in cap.

[0063] In this case, with a simple configuration, a single rotary drive unit can rotate the operating unit while simultaneously moving it vertically, allowing the screw-on cap to be attached and detached.

[0064] (Section 7) The cap attachment / detachment device described in Section 1 or Section 2 is: A lifting drive unit is provided to move the aforementioned operating unit in the vertical direction, A rotary drive unit is provided to rotate the aforementioned operating unit, The system may further include a sensor for detecting the position of the cap.

[0065] In this case, even if the position of the container or cap is unknown, force can be applied to the upper side of the cap from the first and second gripping claws.

[0066] (Clause 8) The cap attachment / detachment device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 7 is: A buffer portion that absorbs the pressing force from the cap to the operating part when the cap is attached to the container, The system may further include a restricting unit that restricts the torque applied to the cap by the operating unit when the cap is attached to the container.

[0067] In this case, the pressing force from the cap to the operating part is absorbed by the buffer part, and the cap is attached to the container with a torque regulated by the regulating part. This allows the cap to be attached to the container with a uniform degree of tightening.

[0068] (Paragraph 9) In the cap attachment / detachment device described in Paragraph 8, The regulating unit does not need to restrict the torque applied to the cap by the operating unit when the cap is removed from the container.

[0069] In this case, the cap can be efficiently removed from the container.

[0070] (Clause 10) Pre-treatment apparatus relating to other embodiments: A cap attachment / detachment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for attaching and detaching a cap to a container, The container may also include a pre-processing unit for performing pre-treatment on the sample contained within it.

[0071] In this preprocessing device, the cap can be properly attached and detached using the cap attachment / detachment device described above. This improves throughput and reduces the amount of labor required. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1…Container, 2…Cap, 10…Base, 20…Holding part, 30…Attachment / detachment part, 31…Driven part, 31A, 31B…Driven member, 32…Regulating part, 33…Operating part, 33A, 33B…Gripping claw, 33C…Pressing member, 34…Opening / closing part, 34A…Drive shaft, 35…Cushioning part, 40…Rotation drive part, 41…Rotation shaft, 50…Movement part, 60…Transmission part, 70…Lifting / lowering drive part, 80…Sensor, 81…Light emitting part, 82…Light receiving part, 100…Cap attachment / detachment device, 110…Sample storage part, 120…Addition part, 130…Shaking part, 140…Separation part, 150…Injection part, 160…Disposal part, 200…Pretreatment device, 210…Vial rack, 211…Vial, 300…Analyzer, 500…Analysis system

Claims

1. It is equipped with an operating part that moves vertically and also grips and rotates the cap to attach and detach the cap from the container, The aforementioned operating unit is A first gripping claw and a second gripping claw are provided so as to face each other and are configured to be able to apply an oblique upward force from the outside to the inside to the upper side of the cap, A cap attachment / detachment device, including a pressing member configured to be able to contact the upper surface of the cap.

2. The cap attachment / detachment device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member has a disc shape.

3. The cap attachment / detachment device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a rotary drive unit provided to rotate the operating unit while moving it in the vertical direction.

4. The cap attachment / detachment device according to claim 3, wherein the pressing member is configured to stop rotating when it comes into contact with the upper surface of the cap.

5. The cap attachment / detachment device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the rotational drive unit drives the operating unit to move downward by a predetermined distance from a predetermined position.

6. The system further includes a moving part that moves the operating part vertically in response to the drive of the rotational drive part, The aforementioned cap includes a screw-on cap. The cap attachment / detachment device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the movable part includes a linear ball screw member having the same pitch as the screw-in cap.

7. A lifting drive unit is provided to move the aforementioned operating unit in the vertical direction, A rotary drive unit is provided to rotate the aforementioned operating unit, The cap attachment / detachment device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a sensor for detecting the position of the cap.

8. A buffer portion that absorbs the pressing force from the cap to the operating part when the cap is attached to the container, The cap attachment / detachment device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a regulating unit for regulating the torque applied to the cap by the operating unit when attaching the cap to the container.

9. The cap attachment / detachment device according to claim 8, wherein the restricting unit does not restrict the torque applied to the cap by the operating unit when the cap is removed from the container.

10. A cap attachment / detachment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for attaching and detaching a cap to a container, A pretreatment apparatus comprising a pretreatment unit that performs pretreatment on a sample contained in the aforementioned container.

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