Blood collection device

Abstract

The present invention provides a blood collection device capable of efficiently and inexpensively performing puncture of a proper depth onto a finger of a person subjected to blood collection regardless of the properties of the finger. This blood collection device comprises: a puncture part (120) having a puncture needle (121); a puncture mechanism for moving the puncture part (120) and puncturing a finger (134) of a person subjected to blood collection with the puncture needle (121); and a control part for controlling the operation of the puncture mechanism. The puncture mechanism is a mechanism for lifting the puncture part (120) from below the finger (134) to puncture the finger (134) with the puncture needle (121). The control part controls the operation of the puncture mechanism to drive the rise and fall of the puncture part, and stops the rise of the puncture part (120) by the puncture mechanism by detecting the contact of the puncture part (120) with the finger (134).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a blood collection device that automatically collects blood from the fingers of a person to be collected from. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, blood collection devices have been developed that automatically collect blood from the fingers of the person being collected. In some cases, the person's fingers are placed in a designated finger rest, a lancet is automatically inserted into the finger, and the blood flowing from the lancet is collected into a blood collection tube.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a blood collection device that automatically collects blood from the fingers of a person being collected. This blood collection device is configured to raise a puncture needle holder, which contains a puncture needle, from below the fingers to puncture them. When the puncture needle holder is pushed by a push rod component, the puncture needle comes into contact with the finger, and the puncture needle punctures the finger when it receives a load exceeding a certain level.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a blood testing device that uses a laser beam to puncture a finger and supply blood to a blood sensor. This blood testing device is equipped with a finger regulating member that restricts the position of the finger. By restricting the position of the finger with the finger regulating member, the blood flowing out of the finger is more easily collected in the reservoir.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a fluid collection aid used when collecting bodily fluids from a puncture site on the surface of a living organism. This fluid collection aid is configured to adjust the puncture depth of the fingertip with a puncture needle using a dial-type adjustment mechanism. The puncture depth of the fingertip with the puncture needle is set according to individual differences among blood collectors and the puncture site. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-225519 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-089818 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-223320 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In automated blood collection devices, when collecting blood from a patient's finger, it is necessary to insert the lancet needle into the finger with just the right amount of depth. Insufficient puncture can result in the needle not reaching a blood vessel or failing to collect the required amount of blood, so it is essential to ensure sufficient puncture depth. On the other hand, excessive puncture can cause severe pain, so puncture to a depth greater than necessary should be avoided.

[0008] In automated blood collection devices, the automatic movement of the puncture site, where the lancet is attached, from its initial position to the position where it is inserted into the recipient's finger is controlled. To ensure accurate and precise punctures, blood collection devices require a function to ensure an appropriate puncture depth. The puncture site, with the lancet attached, must be precisely moved from its initial position to a position close to the surface of the finger placed on the finger rest, and then the tip of the lancet must be pushed into the finger so that it is within the predetermined puncture depth range.

[0009] One type of automated blood collection device involves inserting a lancet into the finger of the person being collected and automatically collecting the blood flowing down from the puncture site into a blood collection tube. In this type of device, the finger rest may have a window-like opening that penetrates vertically. The person being collected places their fingers on the finger rest so that the ventral side is exposed downwards through the opening. In this type of device, the puncture part to which the lancet is attached is raised from below the finger placed on the finger rest to puncture it. Therefore, the upward movement of the puncture part is driven so that the tip of the lancet is within a predetermined puncture depth range.

[0010] However, there are individual differences in the thickness, width, distance from the surface to the blood vessel, and degree of swelling during congestion of the fingers of the person receiving blood. When the fingers of the person receiving blood are placed on a finger rest with an opening, there are also various individual differences in the vertical width that protrudes downward from the opening. In such cases, there is a challenge in keeping the tip of the puncture needle attached to the puncture site within the range of the predetermined puncture depth.

[0011] The technology described in Patent Document 1 simply pushes up the puncture tool holder with a push rod component, leaving room for improvement regarding the problem of individual differences. Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 uses laser puncture, and does not address the problem of individual differences. Additionally, the technology described in Patent Document 3 uses a dial-type adjustment, which hinders its application to automated blood collection devices.

[0012] Possible methods for adjusting the puncture depth include sensing the distance to the blood vessels in each individual's fingers, or pre-measuring each individual's fingers before blood collection. Based on these measurement results, a method could be conceivable to control the movement of the puncture site to a target amount corresponding to the measurement results. However, such methods have the problem of increasing the effort involved in blood collection and the cost of equipment.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a blood collection device that can efficiently and inexpensively perform punctures to the fingers of the person receiving blood, regardless of the characteristics of their fingers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To solve the above problems, a blood collection device according to the present invention includes a puncture part having a puncture needle, a puncture mechanism that moves the puncture part to puncture the puncture needle into the finger of a blood donor, and a control part that controls the operation of the puncture mechanism. The puncture mechanism is a mechanism that raises the puncture part from below the finger to puncture the puncture needle into the finger. The control part controls the operation of the puncture mechanism to drive the raising and lowering of the puncture part, and stops the raising of the puncture part by the puncture mechanism by detecting the contact of the puncture part with the finger. The detection of the contact of the puncture part with the finger is performed by detecting the operation of the puncture mechanism caused by the puncture part contacting the finger.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a blood collection device that can efficiently and at low cost perform punctures at an appropriate depth with respect to the finger, regardless of the characteristics of the finger of the blood donor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] External view of the blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the puncture mechanism of the blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view explaining the difference due to individual differences in the distance between the finger of the blood donor and the puncture needle. [Figure 4A] Cross-sectional view explaining the operation of the detection mechanism. [Figure 4B] Cross-sectional view explaining the operation of the detection mechanism. [Figure 5A] Diagram showing an application example of the puncture mechanism and the detection mechanism. [Figure 5B] Diagram showing an application example of the puncture mechanism and the detection mechanism. [Figure 6A] Diagram showing an application example of the puncture mechanism and the detection mechanism. [Figure 6B] Diagram showing an application example of the puncture mechanism and the detection mechanism.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The following describes a blood collection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the following figures, components common to all figures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0018] Figure 1 is an external view of a blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a finger blood collection device that automatically collects blood from the fingers of a person being collected, as an example of a blood collection device. The reference numeral P in Figure 1 indicates a magnified partial view showing the area around the finger rest of the blood collection device as seen from below.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the blood collection device 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 10, a turntable 11, a plurality of holders 110 for placing blood collection tubes, a plurality of modules 120 to which lancets, hemostatic materials, etc. are attached, a cuff mechanism 130, a rotation drive mechanism (not shown) for rotating the turntable 11, a lifting drive mechanism (not shown) for raising and lowering the holders 110 and modules 120, a pressure adjustment mechanism (not shown) for driving the cuff mechanism 130, and the like.

[0020] The housing 10 is formed from multiple structural materials and decorative panels. Inside the housing 10 are a turntable 11, a rotation drive mechanism, a lifting drive mechanism, a pressure adjustment mechanism, and the like. The top surface of the housing 10 has a hand rest where the blood recipient's hands are placed, and a circular opening adjacent to the hand rest. The turntable 11 is positioned below the opening.

[0021] A cuff mechanism 130 and a finger rest 131 are provided on the opening side of the hand rest. The cuff mechanism 130 is installed above the finger rest 131 so as to surround the finger 134 of the person being collected for blood collection, which is placed on the finger rest 131. As shown in partial figure P, a disposable finger rest part 132 is attached to the finger rest 131. A blood collection window 133, which is a through hole, is opened in the center of the finger rest part 132. The finger 134 of the person being collected for blood collection is placed on the blood collection window 133 of the finger rest part 132.

[0022] The cuff mechanism 130 is a mechanism that constricts the finger (the finger of the person receiving the blood) 134 from all sides. The cuff is installed in the finger rest 131 so as to surround the finger 134 of the person receiving the blood. The cuff is, for example, made in the shape of a flexible bag and connected to a valve or pump via a tube. The valve or pump constitutes a pressure adjustment mechanism that drives the cuff mechanism 130. The constricting pressure on the finger 134 of the person receiving the blood is adjusted by controlling the internal pressure of the cuff by the pressure adjustment mechanism.

[0023] The turntable 11 is formed in a generally disc shape and is supported inside the housing 10 with its main surface facing up and down. The turntable 11 is provided with multiple parts for holding holders 110 and various modules 120. For example, multiple holding holes are provided that penetrate the turntable 11 vertically. The holders 110 and modules 120 are held in these holding holes by being inserted vertically. The parts for holding the holders 110 and modules 120 are arranged regularly along the circumferential direction of the turntable 11, spaced apart from each other.

[0024] The holder 110 is the location for installing blood collection tubes, and various types of blood collection tubes, such as those for complete blood count tests and those for biochemical and immunological tests, are installed there. The holder 110 can accommodate blood collection tubes of a predetermined size, as well as outer tubes containing the blood collection tubes. The outer tubes are used to adjust the size of the installed items relative to the location where the blood collection tubes are installed.

[0025] The holder 110 and module 120 can be detachably attached to the turntable 11. The holder 110 and module 120 have a flange-like portion formed on them, for example, with a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the holding hole of the turntable 11. The holder 110 and module 120 can be held in a state that allows them to move up and down within the holding hole by being inserted into the holding hole and supported from below by the flange-like portion.

[0026] Module 120 can be fitted with different types of modules, such as a puncture module and a hemostatic module. A lancet is attached to the puncture module. The lancet contains a puncture needle (lancet). Hemostatic materials such as gauze and protective materials such as bandages are attached to the hemostatic module.

[0027] When the lancet is pressed against the finger or other body part of the person receiving blood, the lancet needle extends and punctures the person's finger. A hemostatic material such as gauze is pressed against the puncture site to absorb the blood bleeding from the puncture site and stop the bleeding. A protective material such as an adhesive bandage is pressed against the puncture site to cover it and seal, stop bleeding, and protect the puncture site. The adhesive bandage is attached to module 120 with the adhesive side facing upwards.

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the puncture mechanism of a blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 schematically shows the cross-sectional structure around the turntable 11 installed inside the blood collection device 1. As shown in Figure 2, in the blood collection device 1, a turntable 11, a lifting member 12, a base member 20, a movable support member 30, etc. are built into the lower part of the opening of the housing 10.

[0029] A compression coil spring 21 and a detection sensor 22 are attached to the base member 20. A movable support member 30 is supported on the upper end of the compression coil spring 21. A detection target portion 31, which is detected by the detection sensor 22, is formed on the movable support member 30. The upper end of the movable support member 30 is the part that pushes up the puncture module 120, etc., which is installed on the turntable 11.

[0030] A shaft (not shown) is connected to the center of the turntable 11. The other end of the shaft is connected to the output shaft of a motor via a power transmission mechanism. The power transmission mechanism transmits the rotational motion of the motor to the shaft by a predetermined mechanical mechanism. The turntable 11 is made rotatable in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions around the shaft as its axis of rotation by the rotation of the shaft by the motor.

[0031] The turntable 11 is controlled to rotate in predetermined step angles around the shaft as the axis of rotation, according to the blood collection operation and treatment operation. The holder 110 and module 120 are sequentially transported to the blood collection position where the finger rest 131 is formed, by the rotation of the turntable 11.

[0032] At the blood collection site, the following steps are performed in this order: puncture with a puncture needle using the puncture module 120, hemostasis using gauze with the hemostatic module 120, and application of a bandage using the hemostatic module 120. The patient's finger 134 is compressed by the cuff 136, and then punctured with a puncture needle using the puncture module 120. The blood that flows out from the puncture site is collected in a blood collection tube that has been moved to the blood collection position on the turntable 11.

[0033] Figure 2 illustrates the state in which the puncture module 120 has been transported to the blood collection site. The puncture module 120 is fitted with a lancing device 122 containing a puncture needle 121. The puncture module 120 constitutes a detachable puncture section with the puncture needle 121. By pushing up the puncture module 120, which is the puncture section, the puncture needle is inserted into the finger 134 of the person receiving the blood sample.

[0034] The movement of the puncture module 120, which is the puncture part, is driven by the puncture mechanism. The puncture mechanism is a mechanism that moves the puncture module 120, which is the puncture part, to puncture the puncture needle 121 into the finger 134 of the person receiving blood. The puncture mechanism raises the puncture module 120, which is the puncture part, from below the finger 134 of the person receiving blood to puncture the puncture needle 121 into the finger 134 of the person receiving blood. The puncture mechanism is composed of a lifting member 12, a base member 20, a movable support member 30, and a lifting drive mechanism that moves these up and down.

[0035] A lifting member 12 is positioned below the blood collection point. The lifting member 12 is supported so as to be able to move up and down by a lifting drive mechanism (not shown). The lifting drive mechanism consists of a motor and a power transmission mechanism. The power transmission mechanism connects the output shaft of the motor to the lifting member 12 via a predetermined mechanical mechanism. The rotational motion of the motor is converted into vertical linear motion by the power transmission mechanism. The lifting member 12 is driven to move up and down by this mechanism.

[0036] The lifting member 12 supports the base member 20. The base member 20 connects the lifting member 12 and the movable support member 30, and also supports the compression coil spring 21 and the detection sensor 22. The base member 20 supports the compression coil spring 21 and the detection sensor 22 at predetermined relative positions with respect to the lifting member 12. The base member 20, the compression coil spring 21, the detection sensor 22, and the movable support member 30 can move up and down integrally with the lifting member 12.

[0037] The movable support member 30 rises integrally with the lifting member 12, pushing up the holder 110 and module 120 that have been transported to the blood collection position from below. As the movable support member 30 rises, the puncture module 120, which is the puncture site, comes into contact with the blood recipient's finger 134, and the puncture needle is inserted into the blood recipient's finger 134. In addition, the blood collection tube held in the holder 110, and the module 120 to which hemostatic and protective materials are attached, are pressed against the blood recipient's finger 134, allowing for blood collection and hemostasis procedures to be performed.

[0038] The blood collection device 1 is equipped with a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the puncture mechanism. The control unit controls the operation of the puncture mechanism, which is composed of a lifting drive mechanism and the like, to drive the puncture module 120, which is the puncture part, to rise and fall relative to the finger rest 131. The control unit is composed of a controller such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The rising of the puncture module 120, which is the puncture part for the finger 134 of the person receiving blood, is driven by a control input from the control unit.

[0039] The compression coil spring 21 and the detection sensor 22, together with the detection target portion 31 formed on the movable support member 30, form a detection mechanism that detects the puncture of the finger 134 of the person receiving blood collection by the puncture needle 121. The detection mechanism has a structure that utilizes the elastic contraction of the compression coil spring 21, and is configured to detect the puncture using a mechanical mechanism. In Figure 2, the detection target portion 31 is formed in the middle of the movable support member 30 in the vertical direction.

[0040] In the blood collection device 1 according to this embodiment, a detection mechanism detects contact between the puncture module 120, which is the puncture part, and the finger 134 of the person from whom blood is collected, and adjusts the puncture depth to the finger 134 of the person from whom blood is collected within an appropriate range. By adjusting the puncture depth to an appropriate range, it becomes possible to perform punctures with minimal excess or deficiency, even if there are individual differences in the finger 134 of the person from whom blood is collected. Therefore, it is possible to stably secure the required amount of blood while avoiding puncture pain caused by the puncture needle 121.

[0041] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the individual differences in the distance between the blood recipient's finger and the puncture needle. Figure 3 schematically shows the cross-sectional structure around the turntable 11 installed inside the blood collection device 1, with some components omitted. In Figure 3, the solid line representing the blood recipient's finger 134 shows an example of finger position when the finger thickness is standard. The dashed line shows an example of finger position when the finger thickness is thicker than standard. The dotted line shows an example of finger position when the finger thickness is thinner than standard.

[0042] The symbol D indicates the distance between the finger rest 131 and the reference position on the puncture module 120, which is stopped in its initial position. The reference position is a position that serves as a reference for controlling the amount of movement, and may be the height of the upper end of the module 120.

[0043] code D A This is the distance between the finger and the reference position on the puncture module 120 in its initial position, assuming the finger is of standard thickness, symbol D. S This is the distance between the finger and the reference position on the puncture module 120 in its initial position when the finger is thicker than standard, symbol D. LThis indicates the distance between the finger and the reference position on the puncture module 120 in its initial position when the finger is thinner than standard.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the distance between the patient's finger 134, placed on the finger rest 131 of the blood collection device 1, and the puncture needle 121 of the puncture module 120, which is in its initial position, may vary from patient to patient due to individual differences in the patient's finger 134. Therefore, in order to adjust the puncture depth to the patient's finger 134 within an appropriate range, it is necessary to appropriately control the amount of upward movement of the puncture module 120, which is the puncture part containing the puncture needle 121, relative to the patient's finger 134.

[0045] One type of lancing device 122 uses a spring to extend the lancet 121. The lancet 121 is fixed to a retaining hub built into the lancing device 122. A drive spring is built into the lower part of the lancet 121 and the retaining hub. A retraction spring is built into the upper part of the lancet 121. The retaining hub is designed to begin deforming when the lancing device 122 comes into contact with the finger 134 of the person being treated, and to release the lancet 121 once a predetermined deformation has occurred.

[0046] In this system, when the lancing device 122 comes into contact with the patient's finger 134, the lancet 121 and the retaining hub are pushed downward, causing the drive spring to elastically contract. When the lancet 121 and the retaining hub are pushed further down, the retaining hub deforms, releasing the lancet 121, and the drive spring pushes the lancet out, puncturing the patient's finger 134. The pushed-out lancet then contracts the return spring, and the restoring force of the return spring pulls it back down.

[0047] In this method, since the protrusion amount of the puncture needle 121 is approximately constant, the puncture depth must be adjusted primarily by the amount of upward movement of the puncture module 120, which is the puncture site. When raising the puncture module 120, an external force is required to activate at least the retaining hub and drive spring, and a minimum external force is required due to the contact between the puncturizer 122 attached to the puncture module 120 and the finger 134 of the person from whom blood is collected.

[0048] The fingers 134 of the person receiving blood collection vary from person to person in terms of thickness, diameter, etc. Furthermore, the way a person's finger 134 is placed on the finger rest 131 of the blood collection device 1, and its response to compression by the cuff 136, may differ from person to person. When a person's finger 134 is placed on the finger rest 131 or compressed by the cuff 136, there may be individual differences in the distance from the surface of the fingertip to the blood vessel, the degree of swelling during congestion, etc.

[0049] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, if the patient's finger 134 is thick, the distance D between the patient's finger 134 and the reference position on the puncture module 120 in its initial position. S This is the standard distance D A This becomes shorter. In such cases, if the puncture depth is not properly adjusted, it is easy for the puncture into the patient's finger 134 to be insufficient. The puncture needle 121 may not reach the blood vessel, or the damage to the blood vessel wall by the puncture needle 121 may be insufficient, resulting in an inability to obtain the required amount of blood.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 3, if the patient's finger 134 is thin, the distance D between the patient's finger 134 and the reference position on the puncture module 120 in its initial position may be different. L This is the standard distance D A This can result in a longer puncture. In such cases, if the puncture depth is not properly adjusted, the puncture into the patient's finger 134 is likely to be excessive. This may cause severe puncture pain from the puncture needle 121 or make it difficult for the puncture site to heal.

[0051] In contrast, the blood collection device 1 according to this embodiment controls the amount by which the puncture module 120 moves upward from its initial position toward the finger 134 of the person receiving blood collection, to a predetermined amount set in advance for multiple people receiving blood collection, each with individual differences in finger size and thickness. By controlling the amount of movement to be the same for each individual, the device ensures that punctures are not insufficient, and also prevents excessive punctures using a mechanical mechanism, thereby efficiently adjusting the puncture depth within an appropriate range.

[0052] In the blood collection device 1 according to this embodiment, the amount of movement of the puncture module 120 from its initial position toward the finger 134 of the person receiving blood collection is set to a movement amount (D+α) that is greater by a predetermined amount α than the distance D between the finger rest 131 and the reference position on the puncture module 120 in its initial position. The control unit is pre-set as the control target value for the puncture mechanism, with a target movement amount (D+α) that includes a margin of a predetermined amount α.

[0053] Furthermore, in the blood collection device 1 according to this embodiment, the upward movement of the puncture module 120 relative to the patient's finger 134 is stopped by the detection of contact between the puncture module 120 and the patient's finger 134. The control unit controls the lifting drive mechanism that raises the puncture module 120, which is the puncture part, to a preset target movement amount (D+α), but stops the upward movement of the puncture module 120 by the detection of contact between the puncture module 120 and the patient's finger 134.

[0054] Figures 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the detection mechanism. Figures 4A and 4B schematically show the operation of the detection mechanism that detects contact between the puncture module 120 and the finger 134 of the person receiving blood, with some components around the turntable 11 omitted. Figure 4A shows the state before the puncture module 120 contacts the finger 134 of the person receiving blood. Figure 4B shows the state after the puncture module 120 contacts the finger 134 of the person receiving blood.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the contact of the puncture module 120 with the finger 134 of the person to be blood collected is detected by the compression coil spring 21, which is an elastic member constituting the detection mechanism, as well as the detection sensor 22 and the detection target part 31. The detection target part 31 can be formed as a non-light-transmitting member into an appropriate shape such as a plate or a rod.

[0056] The compression coil spring 21 elastically supports the movable support member 30 so that it can move up and down relative to the base member 20. The compression coil spring 21 is positioned so that its expansion and contraction direction is parallel to the vertical direction. The lower end of the compression coil spring 21 is fixed in relative position to the side of the lifting member 21. The upper end of the compression coil spring 21 is fixed to the lower end of the movable support member 30. The compression coil spring 21 biases the movable support member 30 upward and elastically compresses in the vertical direction when the movable support member 30 receives a downward force.

[0057] The compression coil spring 21 is set to have a spring constant such that, in its initial elastic displacement, it balances the load due to the weight of the movable support member 30, but compresses when the puncture module 120 receives an external force from the blood recipient's finger 134. If the lancing device 122 is propelled by a drive spring, the compression coil spring 21 must be set to have a spring constant such that it compresses under an external force greater than the external force that activates the retaining hub and drive spring.

[0058] The detection sensor 22 detects when the detection target unit 31 moves to a predetermined position. The detection sensor 22's relative position is fixed with respect to the base member 20 and the lifting member 12. The detection sensor 22 is positioned near the movable support member 30 and below the detection target unit 31, which moves up and down. The detection sensor 22 can be supported on the upper part of the base member 20, etc.

[0059] In Figures 4A and 4B, etc., a photointerrupter is provided as the detection sensor 22. The photointerrupter includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element as a detection unit 23 for detecting the detection target unit 31. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are positioned on the lower side of the vertical trajectory of the detection target unit 31 so as to face each other at a predetermined height. A gap is formed between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, allowing the detection target unit 31, which is formed on the movable support member 30, to move forward and backward.

[0060] The light-emitting element of the photointerrupter is formed from a light-emitting diode or the like that emits infrared light. The light-receiving element is formed from a photodiode, phototransistor or the like that detects the light emitted from the light-emitting element. When the detection target unit 31 enters between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, the light from the light-emitting element to the light-receiving element is blocked, and the photocurrent due to light reception decreases, so the non-transmissive detection target is detected.

[0061] According to the detection sensor 22, when the movable support member 30 receives a downward force and the compression coil spring 21 is compressed, it can be detected that the detection target unit 31 has descended to a predetermined height. Therefore, by detecting the detection target unit 31, it is possible to indirectly detect that the puncture module 120 has come into contact with the finger 134 of the person from whom blood is being collected. Since the amount of movement of the puncture module 120 can be limited without sensing the distance using optical sensors or the like, the cost of the equipment can be reduced compared to methods that sense the distance to the blood vessels in the fingers.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4A, when inserting the puncture needle 121 into the finger 134 of the person receiving blood, the base member 20 and the lifting member 12 are driven to rise. As the base member 20 rises, the movable support member 30 supported by the base member 20 also rises, pushing the puncture module 120, which is the puncture part, up to a height where it contacts the finger 134 of the person receiving blood placed on the finger rest 131.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4A, before the puncture module 120 contacts the finger 134 of the person to be blood collected, the compression coil spring 21 is extended, and the relative position of the movable support member 30 with respect to the base member 20 is above. The detection target portion 31 formed on the movable support member 30 is located above the detection portion 23 and is not being detected by the detection sensor 22.

[0064] On the one hand, as shown in Fig. 4B, when the puncture module 120 contacts the finger 134 of the blood donor, the puncture needle 121 protrudes from the puncture device 122 and punctures the finger 134 of the blood donor. The puncture of the puncture needle 121 into the finger 134 of the blood donor is performed in a state where the movable support member 30 is biased in the upward direction by the compression coil spring 21. Therefore, when the puncture device 122 protrudes by a driving spring, it is easy to ensure the external force for the operation of the holding hub and the driving spring.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 4B, when the puncture module 120 contacts the finger 134 of the blood donor, it receives a downward external force from the finger 134 of the blood donor. Due to such an external force, the puncture module 120 and the movable support member 30 stop rising, and the compression coil spring 21 contracts. After the puncture part contacts the finger 134 of the blood donor, the compression coil spring 21 is in a compressed state, and the relative position of the movable support member 30 with respect to the base member 20 moves downward. The detection target part 31 formed on the movable support member 30 descends to the height of the detection part 23 and is detected by the detection sensor 22.

[0066] With such a detection mechanism, during the driving of the upward movement of the base member 20 and the lifting member 12, the contact of the puncture module 120, which is the puncture part for the finger 134 of the blood donor, is detected. When the contact of the puncture module 120, which is the puncture part for the finger 134 of the blood donor, is detected, a detection signal is transmitted from the detection sensor 22 to the control unit, and the upward movement of the lifting member 12 by the control unit is stopped. By stopping the upward movement of the lifting member 12, excessive puncture of the finger 134 of the blood donor can be prevented.

[0067] The moving amount for raising the puncture module 120 from the initial position toward the finger 134 of the blood donor can be controlled to a preset constant moving amount (D + α) for a plurality of blood donors with individual differences in finger thickness, thickness, etc. As the predetermined amount α, the moving amount (D + α) is set to be longer than the standard distance D so that even when the finger 134 of the blood donor is thin, etc., insufficient puncture due to individual differences does not occur. For example, a distance D corresponding to a predetermined standard deviation A is set. Land standard distance D A You can set a margin longer than the difference between the two values.

[0068] Generally, when collecting blood from the fingers, where there are individual differences, one method for adjusting the puncture depth is to control the amount the puncture needle moves relative to the recipient's finger to a target amount that matches the measured result. Methods for setting the target amount of movement include measuring the distance between the puncture needle and the blood vessel in the recipient's finger for each individual using a distance sensor, or manually measuring the size of the recipient's finger in advance for each individual.

[0069] However, measuring the distance between the lancet and the blood vessel in the patient's finger using a distance sensor requires optical sensors, which increases the cost of the equipment. Furthermore, if the measurement is performed manually beforehand, it requires manual measurement for each patient and input of the measurement results, increasing the workload of the blood collection process.

[0070] In contrast, the blood collection device 1 according to this embodiment uses a detection mechanism to detect the contact of the puncture module 120, which is the puncture part, with the finger 134 of the person to be blood collected, using a mechanical mechanism. Therefore, the puncture depth into the finger 134 of the person to be blood collected can be adjusted efficiently and at low cost within a range with minimal excess or deficiency. A target movement amount (D+α) with a predetermined margin α is set in advance, and the movement of the puncture part stops when contact of the puncture module 120, which is the puncture part, with the finger 134 of the person to be blood collected is detected. Therefore, even if there are individual differences in the finger 134 of the person to be blood collected, the required amount of blood can be stably secured while avoiding puncture pain caused by the puncture needle 121. Because appropriate blood collection can be performed automatically, a highly reliable blood collection device 1 that automatically collects blood from the finger of the person to be blood collected is obtained.

[0071] Furthermore, the detection of contact between the puncture module 120, which is the puncture site, and the finger 134 of the person receiving blood collection is performed by detecting the downward movement of the movable support member 30 against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 21, which occurs when the puncture module 120, which is the puncture site, comes into contact with the finger. Therefore, contact between the puncture module 120 and the finger 134 of the person receiving blood collection can be detected using a mechanical mechanism by adjusting the spring constant of the compression coil spring 21.

[0072] Furthermore, the downward movement of the movable support member 30 is detected by a detection target unit 31 that moves up and down together with the movable support member 30 relative to the base member 20, and a detection sensor 22 that detects when the detection target unit 31 has moved to a predetermined position. As a result, it becomes possible to detect the movement using the mechanical mechanism of the compression coil spring 21 with equipment that is less expensive than optical displacement sensors, etc.

[0073] In Figures 4A and 4B, a photointerrupter is provided as the detection sensor 22. However, the detection sensor 22 can also be a mechanical switch such as a microswitch, or a non-contact proximity sensor utilizing eddy currents, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, etc. These detection sensors 22 can be used to detect the detection target part 31 that has descended against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 21.

[0074] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate examples of the application of the puncture mechanism and detection mechanism. Figures 5A and 5B schematically show an example of applying the puncture mechanism and detection mechanism to a turntable 11, with some components around the turntable 11 omitted. Figure 5A is a plan view of the turntable 11's periphery from above. Figure 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of the turntable 11's periphery from the side.

[0075] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the blood collection device 1 can be fitted with multiple holders 110 for holding blood collection tubes and multiple modules 120. The puncture mechanism and detection mechanism can also be used to adjust the amount of movement relative to the patient's finger 134 during blood collection operations using the holders 110 performed on the turntable 11, and during treatment operations using modules 120 other than the puncture module 120.

[0076] In Figures 5A and 5B, the holder 110 for holding the blood collection tubes consists of a first holder 110a for holding the first blood collection tube and a second holder 110b for holding the second blood collection tube, both of which are installed on the turntable 11. These blood collection tubes can be, for example, blood collection tubes for complete blood count tests coated with an anticoagulant, or blood collection tubes for biochemical and immunological tests containing a separating agent.

[0077] Furthermore, in Figures 5A and 5B, the module 120 consists of a puncture module 120a, which is the puncture site; a hemostatic module 120b, which holds protective materials such as adhesive bandages; and a hemostatic module 120c, which holds hemostatic materials such as gauze, all of which are installed on the turntable 11.

[0078] In blood collection operations using the holder 110, and in procedures using modules 120 other than the puncture module 120, when adjusting the amount of movement relative to the patient's finger 134, the puncture mechanism functions as a moving mechanism that moves the holder 110 or module 120 to press the blood collection tube, hemostatic material, or protective material against the patient's finger. The moving mechanism is composed of a lifting member 12, a base member 20, a movable support member 30, and a lifting drive mechanism that moves these up and down. The operation of the moving mechanism, composed of the lifting drive mechanism, is controlled by a control unit, which is composed of a controller.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 5A, the holder 110 and the module 120 are sequentially conveyed to the blood collection position where the finger placement area 131 is installed by the rotation of the turntable 11, and then driven to rise by the pushing up by the movable support member 30. When the holder 110 rises, the blood collection tube is pressed against the finger 134 of the blood donor, and the blood flowing out from the puncture site is collected. Also, when the module 120 rises, the protective material and the hemostatic material are pressed against the finger 134 of the blood donor, and the blood flowing out from the puncture site is stopped.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 5B, the holder 110 and the module 120 may have different heights from each other. In FIG. 5B, reference numeral d1 represents the distance between the finger placement area 131 and the reference position on the puncture module 120a in the initial position, reference numeral d2 represents the distance between the finger placement area 131 and the reference position on the blood collection tube installed on the holder 110a in the initial position, and reference numeral d3 represents the distance between the finger placement area 131 and the reference position on the hemostatic module 120b in the initial position. These distances are, as an example, in the relationship of d1 < d2 < d3.

[0081] In the blood collection device 1, the movement amount of the puncture module ① which is the puncture part can be controlled to be a preset target movement amount (D + α). On the other hand, the movement amounts of the holder 110 and the modules 120 other than the puncture module 120 which is the puncture part can be set to match the distance between the finger 134 of the blood donor and the reference positions on the holder 110 and the module 120 in the initial position based on the measurement result of the movement amount of the puncture module 120 measured when the puncture module 12① rises. [[ID=⑨]] [[ID=⑩]]

[0082] [[ID=⑪]] [[ID=⑫]]In the blood collection device 1, first, among the plurality of holders 110 and the plurality of modules 120, a puncture operation is performed by the lifting of the puncture module 120a which is the puncture part. The puncture module 120 is driven to rise so as to reach a preset target movement amount (D + α), and then the rising is stopped when contact with the finger 134 of the blood donor is detected. [[ID=⑬]] [[ID=⑭]]

[0083] [[ID=⑮]] Note: In the original text, there seems to be an unclear "穿刺部である穿刺用のモジュール120①" and "穿刺用のモジュール12①" which might be typos. I've translated them as "穿刺用のモジュール120" and "穿刺用のモジュール120" respectively, but it's possible there are inaccuracies due to this potential error in the original.During the puncture procedure, the actual distance the puncture module 120 moves until it contacts the patient's finger 134 and stops can be measured by a displacement sensor or the like that measures the displacement of the movable support member 30. The data on the actual distance the puncture module 120 moves is stored in the memory of the blood collection device 1.

[0084] Next, the blood collection operation is performed by raising and lowering the holder 110 in which the blood collection tube is installed. The holder 110 in which the blood collection tube is installed is transported to the blood collection position where the finger rest 131 is installed by the rotation of the turntable 11, and then its upward movement is driven by being pushed up by the movable support member 30.

[0085] The amount of movement of the holder 110 in which the blood collection tube is placed can be set to a target amount of movement corresponding to the height of the holder 110, based on the measurement result of the amount of movement of the puncture module 120 measured when the puncture module 120 is raised. The control unit can acquire data on the actual amount of movement of the puncture module 120 measured during the puncture operation, correct it with data on the height of the holder 110 which has been specified in advance, and output a control target value for the amount of movement of the holder 110 to the movement mechanism.

[0086] For example, the difference (d2-d1) between the distance d2 between the finger rest 131 and the reference position on the blood collection tube installed on the holder 110a in its initial position, and the distance d1 between the finger rest 131 and the reference position on the puncture module 120a in its initial position, can be set as the target movement amount by adding this difference to the actual movement amount of the puncture module 120.

[0087] Next, a procedure is performed by raising and lowering the hemostatic module 120 to which a hemostatic material is attached. Then, a procedure is performed by raising and lowering the hemostatic module 120 to which a protective material is attached. The hemostatic module 120 is transported to the blood collection position where the finger rest 131 is installed by the rotation of the turntable 11, and then its upward movement is driven by being pushed up by the movable support member 30.

[0088] The amount of movement of the hemostatic module 120 can be set to a target amount corresponding to the height of the hemostatic module 120, based on the measurement result of the amount of movement of the puncture module 120 measured when the puncture module 120 is raised. The control unit acquires data on the actual amount of movement of the puncture module 120 measured during the puncture operation, corrects it with data on the height of the hemostatic module 120 which has been specified in advance, and outputs a control target value for the amount of movement of the hemostatic module 120 to the movement mechanism.

[0089] For example, the difference between the distance d3 between the finger rest 131 and the reference position on the hemostatic module 120b in its initial position, and the distance d1 between the finger rest 131 and the reference position on the puncture module 120a in its initial position (d3-d1), can be set as the target movement amount by adding this difference to the actual movement amount of the puncture module 120.

[0090] With this blood collection device 1, the movement of the holder 110 and modules 120 other than the puncture module 120, which is the puncture site, is set based on the measurement result of the movement of the puncture module 120. Therefore, even if there are individual differences in the fingers 134 of the person receiving blood collection, and even if the holder 110 and modules 120 are at different heights, blood collection and hemostasis after puncture can be performed appropriately. The blood collection tube, hemostatic material, and protective material can be properly pressed against the finger 134 of the person receiving blood collection, thus avoiding excessive or insufficient pressure on the finger 134 of the person receiving blood collection.

[0091] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate application examples of the puncture mechanism and detection mechanism. Figures 6A and 6B schematically show an application example where the puncture mechanism and detection mechanism are applied to a rack on which the holder 110 and module 120 are installed, with some surrounding components omitted. Figure 6A is a plan view of the area around the rack 12 seen from above. Figure 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the area around the rack 12 seen from the side.

[0092] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the blood collection device 1 may also be equipped with a rack 12 instead of a turntable 11 as a place to install the holder 110 and module 120. The puncture mechanism and detection mechanism can also be used to adjust the amount of movement relative to the patient's finger 134 during puncture operations performed on the rack 12, blood collection operations using the holder 110, and treatment operations using modules 120 other than the puncture module 120.

[0093] The rack 12 is arranged in a linear configuration with a roughly rectangular shape. The rack 12 is provided with multiple parts that support holders 110 for placing blood collection tubes and various modules 120. The parts that support the holders 110 and modules 120 are arranged regularly along the longitudinal direction of the rack 12, spaced apart from each other.

[0094] The rack 12 is made movable bidirectionally parallel to its longitudinal direction by a drive mechanism (not shown). The rack 12's stepping motion to the blood collection position where the finger rest 131 is formed is controlled according to the blood collection operation or procedure operation. The holder 110 and module 120 are sequentially transported to the blood collection position where the finger rest 131 is formed by the movement of the rack 12. The puncture mechanism and detection mechanism can be installed below the rack 12, as in the case of the turntable 11.

[0095] In Figures 6A and 6B, the holder 110 for holding blood collection tubes consists of a first holder 110a for holding the first blood collection tube and a second holder 110b for holding the second blood collection tube, both installed on the rack 12. These blood collection tubes can include, for example, blood collection tubes for complete blood count tests coated with an anticoagulant, or blood collection tubes for biochemical and immunological tests containing a separating agent.

[0096] Furthermore, in Figures 6A and 6B, the module 120 consists of a puncture module 120a, which is the puncture site; a hemostatic module 120b, which holds protective materials such as adhesive bandages; and a hemostatic module 120c, which holds hemostatic materials such as gauze, all of which are installed on the rack 12.

[0097] When adjusting the amount of movement with respect to the finger 134 of the blood donor during the blood collection operation using the holder 110 or the treatment operation using modules 120 other than the puncture module 120, the puncture mechanism functions as a moving mechanism that moves the holder 110 and the modules 120 to press the blood collection tube, the hemostatic material, and the protective material against the finger of the blood donor. The moving mechanism is composed of a lifting member 12, a base member 20, a movable support member 30, a lifting drive mechanism for moving these up and down, and the like.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 6A, the holder 110 and the modules 120 are sequentially conveyed to the blood collection position where the finger placement area 131 is installed by the movement of the rack 12, and then are driven to rise by being pushed up by the movable support member 30. By the rise of the holder 11, the blood collection tube is pressed against the finger 134 of the blood donor, and the blood flowing out from the puncture site is collected. Also, by the rise of the module 120, the protective material and the hemostatic material are pressed against the finger 134 of the blood donor, and the blood flowing out from the puncture site is stopped.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 6B, the holder 110 and the modules 120 may have different heights from each other. In FIG. 6B, reference numeral d1 represents the distance between the finger placement area 131 and the reference position on the puncture module 120a in the initial position, reference numeral d2 represents the distance between the finger placement area 131 and the reference position on the blood collection tube installed on the holder 110a in the initial position, and reference numeral d3 represents the distance between the finger placement area 131 and the reference position on the hemostatic module 120b in the initial position. As an example, these distances have the relationship of d1 < d2 < d3.

[0100] [[ID=]12] When a rack 12 is provided, the amount of movement of the puncture module 120, which is the puncture site, can be controlled to a preset target amount of movement (D+α), similar to the case of a turntable 11. In addition, the amount of movement of the holder 110 and modules 120 other than the puncture module 120 can be set to match the distance between the blood sampler's finger 134 and the reference position on the holder 110 or module 120 at its initial position, based on the measurement result of the amount of movement of the puncture module 120 measured when the puncture module 120 is raised.

[0101] With this type of blood collection device 1, the holder 110 and module 120 can be transported uniaxially by the rack 12, allowing for efficient blood collection at the blood collection site and blood measurement at locations other than the blood collection site. Since surrounding equipment and wiring do not interfere with the shaft or are not affected by the rotation of the turntable 11, it may be possible to improve the flexibility of equipment installation and wiring.

[0102] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all the configurations of the embodiments described above. Some configurations of one embodiment may be replaced with other configurations, some configurations of one embodiment may be added to other forms, or some configurations of one embodiment may be omitted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 10 cabinets 11 Turntable 12 racks 12 Lifting member 20 Base members 21 Compression coil spring 22 detection sensors 23 Detection unit 30 Movable support member 31 Detection target unit 110 Holder 120 modules 121 Puncture needle 122 Puncture device 130 Cuff Mechanism 131 Finger rest 132 Finger rest parts 133 Blood collection window 134 Finger of the person from whom blood was drawn 136 Cuff

Claims

1. A blood collection device comprising: a puncture section having a puncture needle; a puncture mechanism that moves the puncture section to puncture the finger of the person from whom blood is collected; and a control unit that controls the operation of the puncture mechanism, The aforementioned puncture mechanism is a mechanism that raises the puncture portion from below the finger and punctures the finger with the puncture needle. The control unit controls the operation of the puncture mechanism to drive the raising and lowering of the puncture portion, and stops the raising of the puncture portion by the puncture mechanism upon detection of contact of the puncture portion with the finger. A blood collection device in which the contact of the puncture portion with the fingers is detected by detecting the operation of the puncture mechanism caused by the contact of the puncture portion with the fingers.

2. A blood collection device according to claim 1, A blood collection device in which the amount of movement of the puncture site raised by the puncture mechanism is controlled to a predetermined amount for multiple blood recipients.

3. A blood collection device according to claim 2, A blood collection device in which the amount of movement of the puncture portion raised by the puncture mechanism is controlled to match the distance between the fingers placed on the finger rest and the puncture portion in its initial position.

4. A blood collection device according to claim 1, The puncture mechanism comprises a lifting member that is driven to move up and down, a base member supported by the lifting member, a movable support member that raises the puncture portion from below, and an elastic member that supports the movable support member in a way that allows it to move up and down relative to the base member and is elastic. A blood collection device in which the puncture of the fingers with the puncture needle is performed while the movable support member is biased upward by the elastic member.

5. A blood collection device according to claim 4, The blood collection device detects contact of the puncture portion with the fingers by detecting the downward movement of the movable support member against the biasing force of the elastic member, which occurs when the puncture portion comes into contact with the fingers.

6. A blood collection device according to claim 5, The blood sampling device detects the descent of the movable support member by using a detection target unit that moves up and down together with the movable support member relative to the base member, and a detection sensor that detects when the detection target unit has moved to a predetermined position.

7. A blood collection device according to claim 1, The device comprises a holder for holding a blood collection tube, a moving mechanism for moving the holder to press the blood collection tube against the fingers of the person receiving the blood, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the moving mechanism. The aforementioned moving mechanism is a mechanism that raises the holder from below the fingers and presses the blood collection tube against the fingers. The control unit controls the operation of the moving mechanism to drive the holder to rise and fall, and the amount of upward movement of the holder by the moving mechanism is set based on the amount of movement of the puncture part measured when the puncture part rises.

8. A blood collection device according to claim 1, The device comprises a module for holding a hemostatic material to stop bleeding at the puncture site of the person receiving blood, a moving mechanism for moving the module and pressing the hemostatic material against the person receiving blood, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the moving mechanism. The aforementioned moving mechanism is a mechanism that raises the module from below the fingers and presses the hemostatic material against the fingers. The control unit controls the operation of the moving mechanism to drive the module to rise and fall, and the amount of upward movement of the module by the moving mechanism is set based on the amount of movement of the puncture part measured when the puncture part rises.

9. A blood collection device according to claim 1, The system comprises a module for holding a protective material to protect the puncture site of the person receiving blood, a moving mechanism for moving the module and pressing the protective material against the fingers of the person receiving blood, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the moving mechanism. The aforementioned moving mechanism is a mechanism that raises the module from below the fingers and presses the protective material against the fingers. The control unit controls the operation of the moving mechanism to drive the module to rise and fall, and the amount of upward movement of the module by the moving mechanism is set based on the amount of movement of the puncture part measured when the puncture part rises.

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