Nozzle structure

Abstract

To easily attach a nozzle to a specimen suction apparatus, and to adjust and stabilize the attitude of the nozzle during operation.SOLUTION: A nozzle structure 10 comprises a nozzle 14 that has a part to be pressed 32A, and a holder 16 that has an adjustment part 46 and supports the nozzle 14. The part to be pressed 32A is formed in a ring shape coaxial with the nozzle 14. The adjustment part 46 faces the part to be pressed 32A while being separated obliquely above the part to be pressed 32A, with the nozzle 14 being supported by the holder 16. A reaction force when the part to be pressed 32A is brought into contact with the adjustment part 46 returns the nozzle 14 toward a central axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a nozzle structure, and particularly to a nozzle structure in a sample analyzer for analyzing biological samples. [Background Art]

[0002] In a sample analyzer, a structure is disclosed in which a pair of upper and lower projecting pieces are provided protruding laterally from a nozzle holder, and the upper end of a sampling nozzle is fixed to the upper projecting piece (see Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-15113 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Conventionally, a sampling nozzle that sucks a sample from a sample container such as a blood collection tube moves the needle-shaped sampling nozzle vertically up and down as described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, and pierces the rubber stopper for sealing of a sealed sample container to suck the sample. For this reason, the sampling nozzle receives a reaction force when piercing the rubber stopper and may come off from the nozzle holder, so stability is required. In addition, the sampling nozzle is formed in an elongated hollow needle shape, and high position and posture accuracy are required for the sampling nozzle in order to correctly pierce the lid of a container including a rubber stopper from above.

[0005] In order to ensure stability and accuracy, as in Patent Document 1, a mechanism is adopted in which the nozzle is firmly fixed to the nozzle holder with a screw or the like and can move integrally. Thereby, the nozzle mechanism can operate stably and accurately on the lid of the container.

[0006] On the other hand, when removing the nozzle from the holder for cleaning or parts replacement and then reattaching it to the device, it is essential to perform the reattachment work carefully in order to maintain mounting accuracy. As in the conventional example described above, if the sampling nozzle is completely fixed by screws, tools are required when attaching or detaching the nozzle, or when replacing components such as O-rings through which the nozzle is inserted, making simple attachment and detachment difficult.

[0007] The present invention aims to enable easy attachment of a nozzle to a sample analyzer, and to accurately adjust and stabilize the nozzle's orientation in the vertical direction during operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The nozzle structure according to the first embodiment comprises a nozzle having a pressed portion and a holder having an adjustment portion and supporting the nozzle, wherein the pressed portion is formed in an annular shape with the same axis as the nozzle, and the adjustment portion faces the pressed portion at a distance from the pressed portion at an oblique upward angle when the nozzle is supported by the holder, and the reaction force when the pressed portion comes into contact with the adjustment portion returns the nozzle to the central axis side of the adjustment portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the nozzle can be easily attached to the sample analyzer, and the orientation of the nozzle during operation can be precisely adjusted and stabilized in the vertical direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the nozzle structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the nozzle removed from the holder. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzle tip and the sample container. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the nozzle structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the adjustment part of the holder. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the adjustment part of the holder. [Figure 7] This diagram geometrically illustrates the pressed-down part and the adjustment part. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged view showing the state in which point A of the pressed area in Figure 7 is in contact with the adjustment part. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged view showing the state in which point B of the pressed area in Figure 7 is in contact with the adjustment part. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the nozzle structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the insert pulled out of the holder according to the second embodiment and the nozzle removed from the insert. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzle body according to the second embodiment receiving a resistance reaction force from the sample container, and the pressed portion and the adjustment portion coming into contact. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the nozzle structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the nozzle structure according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the nozzle structure according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the nozzle structure according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are the same or similar components. In the embodiments described below, descriptions and reference numerals that are repeated may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to reality. Also, the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element do not necessarily correspond between multiple drawings.

[0012] The arrow Z shown in each figure is in the vertical direction and indicates the upward direction of the sample analyzer. Among the horizontal directions orthogonal to the Z direction, the width direction is defined as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the Z direction and the X direction (depth direction) is defined as the Y direction. The central axis Z1 shown in FIG. 1 is in the vertical direction and parallel to the Z direction of the coordinate system. On a plane orthogonal to the central axis Z1, a direction passing through the central axis Z1 is referred to as the radial direction. In the radial direction, the direction toward the central axis Z1 is referred to as the inner side, and the direction away from the central axis Z1 is referred to as the outer side.

[0013] [First Embodiment] (Configuration) In FIGS. 1 to 9, the nozzle structure 10 according to the present embodiment is a sample transfer structure for aspirating and discharging liquid biological samples such as blood and urine, for example. The nozzle structure 10 is used, for example, in a sample analyzer such as a liquid chromatography apparatus that automatically measures the concentration of hemoglobin (HbA1c) in a sample such as whole blood. The nozzle structure 10 is supported by a nozzle support mechanism 12, and moves together with the nozzle support mechanism 12 to transfer a sample between a sample container and the analyzer. The nozzle structure 10 can move up and down relative to the nozzle support mechanism 12. The nozzle support mechanism 12 can move between the sample and the analyzer by a transfer means such as a belt or a rail. The nozzle structure 10 may be provided as a sample transfer mechanism separately from the analyzer, or may be arranged as one functional unit in the analyzer. In the present embodiment, the nozzle structure 10 is provided in the analyzer via the nozzle support mechanism 12. The nozzle structure 10 includes a nozzle 14 and a holder 16.

[0014] (Nozzle 14) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the nozzle 14 is an elongated needle-like member with a hollow interior and a sharp tip, and is configured to pierce a lid 22 sealing a sample container 24 and aspirate a sample (not shown) stored inside the sample container 24. An example of the sample container 24 is a blood collection tube. The nozzle 14 includes a nozzle main body 141 and a joint portion 34.

[0015] The nozzle body 141 has an internal passage that extends along the central axis Z1 of the nozzle 14 throughout its entire length, and communicates with the joint portion 34 from the tip of the nozzle body 141. In other words, the nozzle passage is the flow path for the sample to be transported. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a nozzle hole 26 is formed at the tip of the nozzle body 141, which communicates with the nozzle passage inside the nozzle body 141.

[0016] In the following explanation, the direction in which the tip of the nozzle body 141, where the nozzle hole 26 is formed, points will be referred to as the "downward side," and the opposite side of the direction in which the tip points will be referred to as the "upward side."

[0017] Furthermore, the analyzer uses a nozzle body 141, with the tip puncturing the lid 22 of the sample container 24 and inserting the tip into the inside of the sample container 24, to aspirate or dispense the sample through the nozzle hole 26.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, a retaining plate 28 is positioned above the installation location of the sample container 24 in the sample aspiration device. The retaining plate 28 has a through-hole 28A through which the nozzle 14 passes. As will be described later, the retaining plate 28 is a component that prevents the sample container 24 from rising due to frictional force when the nozzle 14, which has been punctured in the lid 22, is pulled out from the lid 22.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a joint portion 34 is provided on the upper side of the nozzle 14 to connect the nozzle body 141 to a tube (not shown) for transferring samples, reagents, etc. In other words, the joint portion 34 is provided at the end opposite to the tip of the nozzle body 141 that punctures the sample container 24. The joint portion 34 has a tube joint portion 341 for connecting the tube, a nozzle joint portion 342 for connecting the nozzle body 141, and a protruding portion 32 formed between the tube joint portion 341 and the nozzle joint portion 342. The tube joint portion 341, the protruding portion 32, and the nozzle joint portion 342 are all formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with the central axis Z1 concentric. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the nozzle joint portion 342 and the nozzle body 141 are formed as separate parts, connected and fixed to each other. Note that the nozzle joint portion 342 and the nozzle body 141 may be formed as a single unit.

[0020] The tube joint 341 is a hollow component with a screw hole 34A formed on its inside. The nozzle joint 342 has a nozzle mounting hole 34B into which the nozzle body 141 is fitted. The screw hole 34A and the nozzle mounting hole 34B communicate with the nozzle body 141 through a communication hole 34C. In other words, the communication hole 34C can be considered part of the nozzle passage when the nozzle body 141 is attached to the nozzle mounting hole 34B. A tube fitting 36 (Figure 1) can be screwed into the screw hole 34A. This tube fitting 36 is a component for connecting a tube (not shown) for transferring samples or reagent solutions to the nozzle 14.

[0021] The protruding portion 32 is formed to protrude radially outward from the tube joint portion 341 and nozzle joint portion 342 located at both ends of the joint portion 34. Here, the outer diameter of the protruding portion 32 is larger than the outer diameter of the tube joint portion 341 and the outer diameter of the nozzle joint portion 342.

[0022] The protruding portion 32 has a pressed portion 32A formed on its upper shoulder portion (the boundary between the upper surface and the side surface), which is chamfered (R-chamfered) so that its cross-section is arc-shaped. The pressed portion 32A may be, for example, an arc-shaped surface in cross-section, or it may be a shape that forms part of a sphere. The center of the pressed portion 32A coincides with the central axis Z1 of the nozzle 14. That is, in a plan view, the pressed portion 32A is formed in an annular shape with the same axis as the nozzle 14. The pressed portion 32A may also be a tapered surface with a cross-section that slopes linearly, instead of an arc shape in cross-section.

[0023] (Holder 16) The holder 16 is a component that supports the nozzle 14, and the nozzle 14 is attached to the mounting portion 161, which is a predetermined position on the holder 16. The holder 16 can move relative to the sample together with the nozzle 14. In each embodiment, the part of the holder 16 that has the function of supporting the nozzle 14 is collectively referred to as the support portion 38. In other embodiments described later, the component that has the function of supporting the nozzle 14 may differ, but the position in which the nozzle 14 is attached to the holder 16 remains the same.

[0024] In this embodiment, the holder 16 has an opening K that opens radially from its side. The opening K is also formed to penetrate vertically. Through this opening K, the nozzle 14 is attached to and detached from the holder 16 from the side of the holder 16 in the radial direction of the nozzle 14. The opening K that opens to the side of the holder 16 is also called the entrance and exit of the nozzle 14. Details of the method for attaching and detaching the nozzle 14 will be described later.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the holder 16 in this embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 2, the holder 16 has a lower body 44 and an upper body 42 that is superimposed and fixed on the lower body 44.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the upper body 42 of the holder 16 has a slit portion 48 that penetrates vertically and opens to the side. The lower body 44 of the holder 16 has a slit portion 49 that penetrates vertically and opens to the side. The slit portion 48 extends from the entrance to the nozzle mounting portion 161. In other words, when the upper body 42 and the lower body 44 are stacked, the slit portion 48 and the slit portion 49 form an opening K. In other words, the slit portion 48 has a first guide groove portion T1 formed in the upper body 42 and a second guide groove portion T2 formed below the first guide groove portion T1. The width of the second guide groove portion T2 in the X direction is greater than that of the first guide groove portion T1 and the slit portion 49. When the nozzle 14 is extended and retracted, when viewed from the center line C in the Y direction through which the nozzle 14 passes, the first guide groove portion T1, the second guide groove portion T2, i.e., the slit portion 48, are all axially symmetric with respect to the center line C. Furthermore, the width of the slit portion 49 located below the second guide groove portion T2 is smaller than the diameter of the protruding portion 32.

[0027] Furthermore, a gap 58 is provided between the nozzle 14 and each side wall of the opening K in the X direction. The gap 58 secures space for the nozzle 14 to move in and out along the center line C, as described later, and also contributes to adjusting the attitude of the nozzle 14, as described later.

[0028] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the upper body 42 of the holder 16 has a boundary line 481 between the first guide groove T1 and the second guide groove T2. An adjustment section 46 is formed by partially cutting along the boundary line 481.

[0029] The adjustment section 46 has a central axis Z2 that coincides with the central axis Z1 of the nozzle 14 when viewed from the Z direction, and is an inclined surface formed around the central axis Z2 such that the radially inner side is higher than the radially outer side when the nozzle 14, which will be described later, is attached. The adjustment section 46 is also formed axially symmetric with respect to the center line C.

[0030] The adjustment section 46 is formed to surround the periphery of the protruding portion 32 of the nozzle 14 along the boundary line 481 between the first guide groove T1 and the second guide groove T2, but as shown in Figures 2 and 6, it does not extend to the opening K. In other words, the adjustment section 46 has a slightly curved conical surface from the mounting portion 161, which is the inner side in the Y direction, to the boundary ends at both ends of the entrance and exit, and an inclined surface whose width decreases as it approaches the boundary ends. On the opening K side, the amount that has been removed from the boundary line decreases, so the boundary end protrudes from the adjustment section 46 to the center of the slit section 48 in the X direction. Both ends of the entrance and exit of this slit section 48 are connected to the boundary line 481, and the boundary line 481 is also called the boundary end. In other words, the adjustment section 46 can be said to have a connecting portion W at the boundary end as a portion that protrudes from the conical surface of the adjustment section 46 to the center in the X direction. The central axis Z2 is the central axis of the conical surface.

[0031] In the slit portion 48, both ends of the inlet and outlet of the nozzle 14 have guide portions 52 formed to facilitate the insertion of the joint portion 34 of the nozzle 14 (see Figures 5 and 6), for example, by widening the opening of the slit portion 48 upward and in the width direction. The shape of the guide portion 52 may be formed in any way, but examples include an inclined surface or an arc-shaped surface.

[0032] Here, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mounting portion 161 is located on the back side in the Y direction of the opening K and is a hole that penetrates the holder 16 in the Z direction. The mounting portion 161, as a through hole, has a central axis in the Z direction. The central axis Z2 of the adjustment portion 46 coincides with the central axis of the mounting portion 161. The nozzle 14, which has a joint portion 34 and a nozzle body 141 in the Z direction, can be slid in and out from the entrance along the Y direction. In other words, the direction in which the nozzle 14 is inserted and removed is also the direction in which the center line C in the X direction of the opening K extends. In other words, the Y direction is also the direction in which the nozzle 14 is inserted and removed. As a result, the holder 16 suspends and holds the nozzle 14 via the protruding portion 32, as will be described later.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, when the protruding portion 32 is placed on the lower body 44, the protruding portion 32 is located within the height range of the second guide groove T2 of the upper body 42 on the lower body 44. In other words, the height H1 of the protruding portion 32 is lower than the height H2 of the second guide groove T2, and a gap S is secured between the upper surface of the protruding portion 32 and the second guide groove T2. In other words, the adjustment portion 46 is positioned diagonally above the pressed portion 32A and spaced apart from the pressed portion 32A when the nozzle 14 is supported by the holder 16. In yet another way, the adjustment portion 46 is located diagonally above the pressed portion 32A and faces the pressed portion 32A with a predetermined gap S.

[0034] The basic structure of the nozzle structure 10 of the specimen aspiration device has been described above. Next, the function of each component will be explained.

[0035] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) In the nozzle structure 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the nozzle 14 is pressed against the holder 16 by passing through the opening K, with the tube joint portion 341 following the first guide groove portion T1 of the slit portion 48, the protruding portion 32 following the second guide groove portion T2 of the slit portion 48, and the nozzle joint portion 342 following the slit portion 49.

[0036] More specifically, the width of the slit portion 49 below the second guide groove portion T2 is smaller than the diameter of the protruding portion 32. That is, as the protruding portion 32 enters the second guide groove portion T2 and is pressed along the second guide groove portion T2 to the mounting portion 161 on the holder 16, the portion of the lower body 44 that protrudes inward from the side surface of the second guide groove portion T2 (the protruding portion) supports the protruding portion 32, and the protruding portion 32 is placed on the lower body 44 (see Figure 4). As a result, the nozzle 14 slides along the upper surface of the lower body 44 while maintaining a distance from the inner surface of the opening K, and comes into contact with the upper surface of the lower body 44 due to the overall force of gravity. In this state, the lower body 44 also supports the nozzle 14. With the nozzle 14 inserted into the mounting portion 161 of the holder 16 in this way, the attachment of the nozzle 14 to the analytical instrument is completed.

[0037] Here, as the analyzer is driven, the nozzle structure 10 moves downward in the Z direction toward the sample container 24. As it moves downward, the nozzle 14 contacts the lid 22 of the sample container 24 and attempts to puncture it, and the nozzle 14 receives a resistive reaction force from the lid 22 of the sample container 24. The point where the nozzle 14 and the lid 22 make contact corresponds to the fulcrum of the nozzle 14 according to this disclosure. In this way, the resistive reaction force from the fulcrum acts on the nozzle 14 upward in the Z direction, causing the protruding portion 32 of the nozzle 14 to separate from the upper surface of the lower body 44, and the pressed portion 32A moves relative to the adjustment portion 46. As a result, the pressed portion 32A moves upward relative to the holder 16 and contacts the adjustment portion 46, which is an inclined surface formed around the central axis Z2 and inclined upward toward the radially inward side.

[0038] Here, since the pressed portion 32A and the adjustment portion 46 are formed symmetrically with respect to the central axes Z1 and Z2, the resistance reaction force that the pressed portion 32A receives from the adjustment portion 46 is easily received equally from either horizontal direction. In other words, the resistance reaction force that the pressed portion 32A receives from the adjustment portion 46 balances out, making it easy for the nozzle 14 to assume a vertically extended position. Then, the nozzle 14 performs suction and discharge to the sample container 24 while maintaining this vertically extended position.

[0039] Here, the direction of the resistance reaction force from the tip of the nozzle 14 is not always vertical, but may act with a deviation from the vertical, sometimes biased towards one of the horizontal directions. In this case, the nozzle 14 is deviated from the vertical direction and becomes tilted. In other words, the nozzle 14 tilts with the lid 22, which is in contact with the nozzle 14, as the fulcrum. If a sample is aspirated or discharged while the nozzle 14 is tilted, the accuracy of the test cannot be ensured, so it is necessary to return the nozzle 14 from its tilted position to a vertically extended position.

[0040] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the gap 58 between the nozzle 14 and the inner surface of the opening K in the radial direction of the nozzle 14 allows a certain degree of inclination of the nozzle 14, while limiting the maximum amount of inclination of the nozzle 14. That is, as shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 7, as the nozzle 14 inclins, point B, which is one side of the pressed portion 32A, contacts the adjustment portion 46 from the direction of inclination. The adjustment portion 46 then guides the nozzle 14 back towards the central axis Z2 side of the adjustment portion 46 due to the resistance reaction force when the pressed portion 32A contacts it. Guided by the adjustment portion 46, the nozzle 14 returns to the central axis Z2 side and returns to a vertical position as a whole. This improves the accuracy of the horizontal position of the nozzle 14 and ensures coaxiality with respect to the center of the lid 22. Thus, according to this embodiment, the nozzle 14 can be easily mounted by simply pushing it into the holder 16, and the vertical position of the nozzle 14 can be stably maintained when the sample analyzer is driven.

[0041] Furthermore, based on Figures 7 to 9, we will summarize the conditions under which the nozzle's orientation can be adjusted. As described above, if we define the conditions under which the nozzle's orientation can be adjusted so that the adjustment unit 46 can return the central axis Z1 of the tilted nozzle 14 to the vertical, then the conditions for adjustment are given by the following equation (1) from Figures 7 to 9.

[0042] Ya'>Yb' Ya+Yra-Yra'-Yθ+Yb>Yrb+Yrb' Ya + Yb + Yra - Yrb - Yra' - Yrb' - Yθ > 0 (Xa+Xb)tanψ+R(cosθ+sinθ-cosψ)-R(cosθ-sinθ-cosψ)-R(sinθ+sinθ-cosθ)tanψ-R(cosθ+sinθ-sinψ)tanψ-Dsinθ>0 (2Lsinθ)tanψ+2Rsinθ-R(2sinθ)tanψ-Dsinθ>0 (2L-2R)sinθ·tanψ+(2R-D)sinθ>0 (2L-2R)sinθ·tanψ>(D-2R)sinθ 2(LR)tanψ>(D-2R)···(1)

[0043] Here, L: Height from the nozzle tip (fulcrum) to the upper end of the pressed portion 32A D: Diameter of the protruding portion of the joint portion 34 in the nozzle 14 (the radially outer end of the pressed portion 32A) R: Radius of curvature of the R-chamfered portion of the pressed portion 32A ψ: Angle between the horizontal direction and the adjustment part 46 θ: Tilt angle of nozzle 14 That is the case.

[0044] When the conditions shown in equation (1) above are met, the adjustment unit 46 returns the nozzle 14 to the center line C, i.e., in the Z direction, due to the resistance reaction force when the pressed part 32A makes contact. In other words, in this embodiment, changes in the posture of the nozzle 14 when the nozzle body 141 aspirates or discharges a sample from the sample container 24 can be suppressed. This also improves the accuracy of the horizontal position of the nozzle 14 and ensures coaxiality with respect to the center of the lid 22. Thus, according to this embodiment, when the nozzle 14 is attached to the sample analyzer, the accuracy of the horizontal position can be ensured, and the posture of the nozzle 14 during operation is stabilized, so that the tip of the nozzle 14 can be accurately inserted into the lid 22.

[0045] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 13. For structures identical to those in the first embodiment, the same numbers will be used, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0046] (composition) The nozzle structure 20 according to the second embodiment has an insert 18 that is separate from the upper body 42 and the lower body 44. In this embodiment, there is also a nozzle body guide portion 54 located below the holder 16.

[0047] (Nozzle body guide section 54) The nozzle body guide section 54 is provided with an O-ring 56 through which the nozzle body 141 passes. By installing this nozzle body guide section 54 and the O-ring 56, the tip of the nozzle 14 can be accurately guided to the sample container 24, removed from the sample container 24, and the tip can be cleaned.

[0048] The nozzle body guide 54 and the O-ring 56 are fixed to the nozzle support mechanism 12. The O-ring 56 is made of a flexible material. When the nozzle body 141 moves up and down while passing through the O-ring 56, the nozzle body 141 can move relative to the O-ring 56. However, the static frictional force generated between the nozzle body 141 and the O-ring 56 is greater than the gravitational force acting on the nozzle 14, and is therefore able to support the nozzle 14.

[0049] (Holder 16) As shown in Figure 13, in this embodiment, an insertion guide groove 44A is formed on the upper surface of the lower body 44 of the holder 16, with the upper surface recessed downwards. In other words, when the upper body 42 and the lower body 44 are stacked and fixed together, a gap is formed between the lower surface of the upper body 42 and the upper surface of the lower body 44. Furthermore, the insertion guide groove 44A extends from the opening K in the Y direction and extends to the mounting portion 161.

[0050] (Insertor 18) As shown in Figures 10, 11, and 13, the insert 18 is, for example, a plate-shaped member that is inserted into and removed from the holder 16 with the nozzle 14 attached, as will be described later. The insert 18 in this embodiment has, for example, a horizontal portion 18A and a downwardly bent portion 18B. The horizontal portion 18A has a slit 18C formed therein that opens in a direction different from the insertion direction of the insert 18 (the Y direction in Figure 11) (the X direction in Figure 11). The width of the slit 18C in the Y direction is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the nozzle body 141 and smaller than the protruding portion 32. The extension direction of the slit 18C may be parallel to the insertion direction of the nozzle 14, but it is preferable that it extends in a direction different from the insertion direction of the nozzle 14 in order to prevent the nozzle 14 from unexpectedly coming out. In this embodiment, the slit 18C extends toward the X direction. The bent portion 18B is a gripping portion when the operator operates the insert 18. In addition, other gripping portions may be provided instead of the bent portion 18B.

[0051] Furthermore, a portion of the slit 18C has, for example, an inner diameter that is the same as the outer diameter of the nozzle body 141. twist The nozzle mounting hole 18D, which is also larger and smaller than the outer diameter of the protruding portion 32, is formed on the center line C.

[0052] In this second embodiment, the nozzle 14 is attached to a predetermined nozzle mounting hole 18D of the insert 18 through the slit 18C. In other words, on the upper surface of the insert 18, the area around the nozzle mounting hole 18D becomes a support portion 38 for the nozzle 14. The nozzle mounting hole 18D is a circular through-hole with a diameter smaller than the protruding portion 32 and surrounds the nozzle joint portion 342.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10, 12, and 13, the protruding portion 32 of the nozzle 14 is supported by the insert 18, and the insert 18 is supported by the insertion guide groove portion 44A of the lower body 44. In this embodiment, the insert 18 corresponds to the support portion 38 that supports the nozzle 14.

[0054] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) When attaching the nozzle 14, first, the lower tip of the nozzle body 141 is passed through the O-ring 56 of the nozzle body guide portion 54, and the nozzle 14 is attached to the insert 18. Next, while gripping the bent portion 18B of the insert 18, the insert 18 is inserted into the insertion guide groove portion 44A of the holder 16. In this way, the nozzle 14 is attached to the nozzle support mechanism 12. In other words, the insert 18 is hooked onto the insertion guide groove portion 44A, while the nozzle 14 is hooked onto the nozzle mounting hole 18D of the insert 18. When the nozzle 14 is attached, it is preferable that the mounting portion 161 of the holder 16, the mounting hole 18D of the insert 18, and the O-ring 56 of the nozzle body guide portion have their centers aligned in the Z direction; in other words, it is preferable that the central axis Z2 and the central axis of the O-ring coincide. Furthermore, even if the nozzle 14 is installed without considering whether it is precisely aligned to the mounting position and orientation, and the central axis Z1 and central axis Z2 do not coincide, the centers can be aligned during the movement of the nozzle 14, as described later. In this case as well, wear of the O-ring 56 can be reduced.

[0055] For example, as shown in Figure 10, the nozzle structure 20 moves synchronously with the nozzle body guide 54 directly above the sample container 24, lowering the nozzle body 141 toward the sample container 24 and puncturing the lid 22 of the sample container 24 with the nozzle 14. In this state, an upward frictional force is generated on the nozzle body 141 by the O-ring 56. As described above, the static frictional force generated between the O-ring 56 and the nozzle 14 is greater than the gravitational force acting on the nozzle 14, so the O-ring 56 lifts the nozzle 14 away from the upper surface of the insert 18. Then, the O-ring 56 supports the nozzle 14, the protruding portion 32 moves away from the upper surface of the insert 18, and the pressed portion 32A approaches the adjustment portion 46, just as in the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 12 shows the state in which the pressed portion 32A and the adjustment portion 46 come into contact due to the frictional force received by the nozzle body 141 from the O-ring 56. Note that in Figure 12, only the O-ring 56 is shown by passing through the nozzle body guide portion 54. As shown in Figure 12, when the pressed portion 32A of the nozzle 14 comes into contact with the adjustment portion 46, the nozzle 14 moves away from the support portion 38 and is supported by the O-ring 56. In other words, the nozzle 14 is tiltable with the O-ring 56 as the pivot point. And, as in the first embodiment, the interaction between the adjustment portion 46 and the pressed portion 32A allows the central axis Z1 of the nozzle 14 to be aligned with the central axis Z2 of the mounting portion 161.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of L in formula (1) corresponds to the height from the position where the nozzle 14 and the O-ring 56 come into contact to the upper end of the pressed portion 32A.

[0058] In this embodiment, the above structure makes it possible to easily attach the nozzle 14 to the holder 16. In this embodiment as well, when the sample analyzer is in operation, the nozzle 14 can be returned to a vertical position by the frictional force received from the O-ring 56, and the nozzle 14 can be kept in a vertical position by the resistance reaction force from the lid 22.

[0059] [Third Embodiment] In Figure 14, in the nozzle structure 30 according to this embodiment, in the first embodiment, the support portion 38 of the holder 16 is the inner surface of a cone provided on the lower body 44. The lower outer peripheral surface of the joint portion 34 of the nozzle 14 is the outer surface 34E of a cone that fits onto the support portion 38, which is the inner surface of a cone. In this embodiment, the nozzle 14 and the holder 16 come into contact with each other at their conical surfaces, making it easier to push the nozzle 14 in.

[0060] Other parts are the same as in the first or second embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0061] [Fourth Embodiment] In Figure 15, in the nozzle structure 40 according to this embodiment, the lower body 44 in the first embodiment is omitted, and the insert 18 is mounted on the upper body 42 of the holder 16. The joint portion 34 of the nozzle 14 is provided with a small diameter portion 34F that is slightly longer vertically than the thickness of the insert 18. The nozzle 14 is supported by the end face 34G located above the small diameter portion 34F of the joint portion 34, which contacts the upper surface of the insert 18. In other words, the upper surface of the insert 18 corresponds to the support portion 38. In this embodiment, the number of parts is reduced compared to the first embodiment, so cost reduction is possible.

[0062] [Fifth Embodiment] In Figure 16, in the nozzle structure 50 according to this embodiment, the insert 18 in the fourth embodiment is omitted, and the nozzle 14 is directly supported by the upper body 42 of the holder 16. Specifically, the nozzle 14 is supported by the end face 34G located above the small diameter portion 34F of the joint portion 34, which is directly attached to the upper surface of the upper body 42. In other words, the upper surface of the upper body 42 corresponds to the support portion 38. In this embodiment, the number of parts is reduced compared to the fourth embodiment, so cost reduction is possible.

[0063] The other parts are the same as in the first embodiment, so we will omit their explanation.

[0064] [Other embodiments] In the above description, the adjustment part 46 and the pressed part 32A are assumed to be configured symmetrically with respect to the central axis Z1 and the central axis Z2, respectively, with the adjustment part 46 being the inner surface of a cone and the pressed part 32A being a cross-sectional arc-shaped surface or tapered surface facing the inner surface of the cone. However, the adjustment part 46 and the pressed part 32A are not limited to these shapes. The adjustment part 46 only needs to be able to adjust the posture of the nozzle 14 by the resistance reaction force when the pressed part 32A comes into contact with it.

[0065] Although an example of an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made and implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 10 Nozzle Structure 14 nozzles 16 holders 18 Insert 20 Nozzle Structure 22 Lid 24 specimen containers 30 Nozzle Structure 32 Overhang 32A Pressed portion 38 Support part 40 Nozzle Structure 46 Adjustment part 50 nozzle structure 54 Nozzle body guide section 56 O-ring (an example of a pivot point) 58 gaps

Claims

1. A nozzle having a part to be pressed, A holder having an adjustment section and supporting the nozzle, The insert that is inserted into and removed from the holder, Equipped with, The nozzle is inserted into and removed from the holder while remaining attached to the socket. In the radial direction of the nozzle, a gap is provided between the nozzle and the insert to allow the nozzle to tilt and to limit the maximum amount of tilt of the nozzle. The pressed portion is formed in an annular shape with the same axis as the nozzle, The adjustment unit is positioned opposite the pressed portion at a distance from the pressed portion, diagonally above the pressed portion, with the nozzle supported by the holder. The reaction force when the pressed portion comes into contact with the adjustment portion returns the nozzle to the central axis side of the adjustment portion. A nozzle structure that satisfies the relationship 2(L-R)tanψ>(D-2R). Here, L: Height from the pivot point that supports the nozzle separately from the holder and is located below the holder, to the upper end of the pressed portion. D: Diameter of the radially outer end of the pressed portion in the nozzle. R: Radius of curvature of the cross-sectional shape of the pressed area ψ: Angle between the horizontal direction and the adjustment part.

2. The nozzle structure according to claim 1, wherein the holder has an opening that penetrates vertically and allows the nozzle to be inserted and removed from the side.

3. The adjustment unit and the pressed unit are configured axially symmetrically, The adjustment part is the inner surface of a cone, The nozzle structure according to claim 1, wherein the pressed portion is a cross-sectional arc-shaped surface or a tapered surface facing the inner surface of the cone.

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