Blood collection device

Abstract

The present invention provides a blood collection device that can reduce the work involved in blood collection by adjusting the orientation around the central axis of a blood collection tube installed for blood collection, and that makes it possible to collect blood stably and efficiently into the blood collection tube. A blood collection device (1) comprises: a holder (110) in which a blood collection tube (100) is installed; a blood collection part that collects blood from a person from whom blood is collected into the blood collection tube (100); and an orientation adjustment mechanism (21) that adjusts the orientation of the blood collection tube in the holder (110). The blood collection tube (100) has: a bottomed cylindrical body section with an open upper section; and a protruding section formed so that a portion thereof in the circumferential direction of the opening protrudes upward. The orientation adjustment mechanism (21) adjusts the orientation of the blood collection tube around the central axis such that the position of the protruding section relative to the central axis of the blood collection tube (100) is within a prescribed range, which has been preset.

Description

Blood collection device

[0001] The present invention relates to a blood collection device that automatically collects blood from a subject.

[0002] In general hospitals and other facilities, many blood samples are taken every day for pre-examination testing. Medical staff involved in blood collection are required not only to collect blood but also to perform other tasks and duties associated with blood collection, such as preparing and checking blood collection tubes. Blood collection involves a wide variety of complicated tasks and duties, placing a heavy burden on staff, so it is desirable to automate the process as much as possible.

[0003] Conventionally, blood collection devices that automatically collect blood have been developed. Generally, blood collection tubes for collecting blood from a subject are manually installed in blood collection devices that automatically collect blood. Patent Document 1 discloses a blood collection device to which a blood collection tube module is attached. Patent Document 2 discloses a blood collection tube preparation device that is provided with a direction detection means for detecting the orientation of the blood collection tube.

[0004] JP 2022-109441 A Patent No. 4662193 A

[0005] As shown in Figure 3, some blood collection tubes have a protrusion formed on the top opening. The protrusion is formed by a portion of the circumference of the opening protruding upward. The protrusion forms a scoop-like socket around the opening. Such protrusions are mainly used in micro blood collection tubes. The protrusion functions as a receiving surface for receiving blood when performing delicate operations, or as a receiving surface and guide for instruments such as pipettes.

[0006] In blood collection devices that automatically collect blood, such protrusions can be used to efficiently collect blood from the subject's puncture site into a blood collection tube. However, when collecting blood using the protrusions, it is necessary to align the direction of the protrusions with the direction of the puncture site when placing the blood collection tube in the blood collection device. It is necessary to adjust the direction of the protrusions around the central axis of the blood collection tube so that the position of the protrusions in the circumferential direction of the opening of the blood collection tube is within a predetermined range with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube.

[0007] When collecting blood, it is necessary to check the type of blood collection tube. Furthermore, when collecting blood from multiple blood collection tubes, multiple blood collection tubes must be installed in the blood collection device. When installing a blood collection tube in the blood collection device, manually adjusting the orientation of the tube around its central axis is extremely time-consuming. This places a heavy burden on the blood collection worker, which can increase the time required to collect blood, affect the condition of the blood, and increase the risk of human error.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a blood collection device that can adjust the orientation around the central axis of a blood collection tube installed for blood collection, thereby reducing the work involved in blood collection and enabling efficient and stable blood collection into a blood collection tube.

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the blood collection device of the present invention comprises a holder in which a blood collection tube is placed, a blood collection section that collects blood from a subject into the blood collection tube, and a direction adjustment mechanism that adjusts the orientation of the blood collection tube in the holder, wherein the blood collection tube has a cylindrical main body with a bottom and an open top, and a protrusion formed by a portion of the circumferential direction of the opening protruding upward, and the direction adjustment mechanism adjusts the orientation of the blood collection tube around its central axis so that the position of the protrusion relative to the central axis of the blood collection tube is within a predetermined range.

[0010] According to the present invention, a blood collection device can be provided that can adjust the orientation around the central axis of a blood collection tube installed for blood collection, thereby reducing the work involved in blood collection and enabling efficient and stable blood collection into the blood collection tube.

[0011] 1 is an external view of a blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the main components of a blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a blood collection tube that can be used in a blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration related to control of a blood collection device. FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining a preparatory operation for electrically controlling the orientation of a blood collection tube about its central axis. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of position sensors for detecting the position of a protrusion of a blood collection tube. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of position sensors for detecting the position of a protrusion of a blood collection tube. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of position sensors for detecting the position of a protrusion of a blood collection tube. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of position sensors for detecting the position of a protrusion of a blood collection tube. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the main components of a blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the blood collection position of a blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the periphery of the blood collection position of a blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. FIG. 13 is a diagram explaining a method for mechanically adjusting the orientation of a blood collection tube about its central axis. FIG. 14 is a diagram explaining a method for mechanically adjusting the orientation of a blood collection tube about its central axis.

[0012] A blood collection device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that common components in the following figures are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0013] Fig. 1 is an external view of a blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows a finger blood collection device that automatically collects blood from the fingers of a subject as an example of a blood collection device. The symbol P in Fig. 1 is an enlarged partial view of the area around the finger rest of the blood collection device as seen from below.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the blood collection device 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 10, a turntable 11, a plurality of holders 110 in which blood collection tubes are placed, a plurality of modules 120, a cuff mechanism 130, a rotation drive mechanism (not shown) that rotates the turntable 11, a lift drive mechanism (not shown) that raises and lowers the holders 110 and modules 120, a pressure adjustment mechanism (not shown) that drives the cuff mechanism 130, and the like.

[0015] The housing 10 is formed from a plurality of structural materials, decorative panels, etc. Inside the housing 10, a turntable 11, a rotation drive mechanism, an elevation drive mechanism, a pressure adjustment mechanism, etc. are built in. On the top surface of the housing 10, there is provided a hand placement area where the subject's hand is placed, and a circular opening adjacent to the hand placement area. The turntable 11 is located below the opening.

[0016] A cuff mechanism 130 and a finger rest 131 are provided on the opening side of the hand rest area. The cuff mechanism 130 is installed above the finger rest 131 so as to surround a finger 134 of the subject placed on the finger rest 131. As shown in partial view P, a disposable finger rest component 132 is attached to the finger rest 131. A blood collection window 133, which is a through-hole, opens in the center of the finger rest component 132. The subject's finger 134 is placed on the blood collection window 133 of the finger rest component 132.

[0017] The cuff mechanism 130 is a mechanism that tightens the periphery of the finger 134 of the person to be sampled. A cuff is placed in the finger rest area 131 so as to surround the periphery of the placed finger 134. The cuff is, for example, in the form of a flexible bag, and is connected to a valve and a pump via a tube. The valve and the pump constitute a pressure adjustment mechanism that drives the cuff mechanism 130. The internal pressure of the cuff is controlled by the valve and the pump, thereby adjusting the tightening pressure on the finger 134 of the person to be sampled.

[0018] The turntable 11 is generally disk-shaped and is supported inside the housing 10 with its main surfaces facing up and down. The turntable 11 is provided with a plurality of portions for supporting the holder 110. The turntable 11 is also provided with a plurality of holding holes that penetrate the turntable 11 from top to bottom. The modules 120 are held by being inserted through the holding holes from top to bottom. The portions for supporting the holder 110 and the holding holes are regularly spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the turntable 11.

[0019] The holder 110 is a location where blood collection tubes are placed, and various types of blood collection tubes, such as blood collection tubes for blood count tests and blood collection tubes for biochemistry and immunological tests, are placed therein. Blood collection tubes of a predetermined size and outer tubes containing blood collection tubes can be placed in the holder 110. The outer tubes are used for purposes such as adjusting the size of the object to be placed in relation to the location where the blood collection tubes are placed.

[0020] The module 120 is detachably attached to the turntable 11. The module 120 is formed with a flange-like portion whose diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the holding hole of the turntable 11. The module 120 is inserted into the holding hole and the flange-like portion is supported from below, so that the module 120 is held in a state in which it can move up and down within the holding hole.

[0021] As the module 120, different types of modules can be attached, such as a module for puncturing, a module for hemostasis, etc. A puncture device is attached to the module for puncturing. The puncture device has a built-in puncture needle (lancet). Gauze or a bandage is attached to the module for hemostasis.

[0022] When the lancing device is pressed against the subject's finger, the needle is extended and punctures the subject. The gauze is pressed against the subject's puncture site to absorb blood that has bled from the puncture site and stop the bleeding. The adhesive bandage is pressed against the subject's puncture site to seal the puncture site and stop the bleeding. The adhesive bandage is attached to the module with the adhesive side facing upward.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the main components of a blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 also illustrates an example of the structure around a turntable 11 installed inside the blood collection device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, in the blood collection device 1, the turntable 11, shaft 12, rotation drive mechanism 13, movable support member 14, lift drive mechanism 15, etc. are built into the lower part of the opening of the housing 10. The rotation drive mechanism 13, movable support member 14, and lift drive mechanism 15 are supported at predetermined positions by support members (not shown).

[0024] A shaft 12 is connected to the center of the turntable 11. The other end of the shaft 12 is rotatably supported by a rotation drive mechanism 13. The rotation drive mechanism 13 is composed of a motor 13a and a power transmission mechanism 13b. The power transmission mechanism 13b connects the output shaft of the motor 13a to the shaft 12 via a predetermined mechanical mechanism. The rotational motion of the motor 13a is transmitted to the shaft 12 by the power transmission mechanism 13b. The rotation drive mechanism 13 rotates the turntable 11 using this mechanism.

[0025] The turntable 11 can be rotated both clockwise and counterclockwise around a rotation axis passing through the center of the main surface by a rotation drive mechanism 13. The turntable 11 is controlled to rotate by a predetermined step angle in accordance with the blood collection operation or treatment operation. By the rotation of the turntable 11, the holder 110 and the module 120 are each transported to a blood collection position where a finger rest area 131 is formed.

[0026] At the blood collection position, the following steps are performed in order: puncturing the finger 134 with the puncture needle using the puncture module, stopping the bleeding with gauze using the hemostasis module, and applying a bandage using the hemostasis module. The subject's finger 134 is compressed by the cuff mechanism 130, and then punctured with the puncture needle by the puncture module. Blood flowing 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.

[0027] A movable support member 14 is disposed below the blood collection position. The movable support member 14 is supported by an elevation drive mechanism 15 so that it can be raised and lowered. The elevation drive mechanism 15 is composed of a motor 15a and a power transmission mechanism 15b. The power transmission mechanism 15b connects the output shaft of the motor 15a to the movable support member 14 via a predetermined mechanical mechanism. The rotational motion of the motor 15a is converted into vertical linear motion by the power transmission mechanism 15b. The elevation drive mechanism 15 raises and lowers the movable support member 14 using this mechanism.

[0028] When holder 110 and module 120 are moved to the blood collection position by the rotation of turntable 11, they are pushed up from below by the rise of movable support member 14, and pulled down by the fall of movable support member 14, thereby driving vertical movement relative to finger rest area 131. Through these actions, the blood collection tube is pressed against the puncture site, the puncture needle is inserted into finger 134 of the subject, and gauze or a bandage is pressed against the puncture site.

[0029] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a blood collection tube that can be used in the blood collection device according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3, a blood collection tube 100 having a protrusion 102 formed on the upper opening is used to collect blood from a subject. The blood collection device 1 can use a blood collection tube 100 having a protrusion 102 as shown in Fig. 3.

[0030] The blood collection tube 100 shown in Fig. 3 has a cylindrical main body 101 with a bottom and an open top, and a protrusion 102 that protrudes upward. An opening 103 is formed in the top of the main body 101. The opening 103 has a circular shape when viewed from above the blood collection tube 100 and is connected to the inside of the main body 101. The protrusion 102 is provided in the top of the main body 101, and a portion of the circumferential direction of the opening 103 protrudes upward beyond the main body 101.

[0031] The protrusion 102 has a surface that is continuous with the inner peripheral surface of the main body 101 and is curved with the same curvature as the inner peripheral surface of the main body 101. The protrusion 102 forms a socket-like scoop around the opening 103. When the blood collection tube 100 is tilted so that the protrusion 102 is on the lower side, the protrusion 102 takes on a socket-like shape that easily receives droplets and the like. The protrusion 102 can function as a receiving surface that receives blood collected in the blood collection tube 100, or as a receiving surface and guide for tools such as a pipette.

[0032] 3 is used with the blood collection device 1, it is desirable to align the orientation of the protrusion 102 with the direction of the puncture site on the subject. From the perspective of reducing the burden on the blood collection worker and improving the ease of collecting blood into the blood collection tube 100, even if the blood collection tube 100 is placed in the holder 110 in any orientation, it is preferable that the protrusion 102 be oriented in a predetermined direction when the blood collection tube 100 is moved to the blood collection position by rotation of the turntable 11.

[0033] Therefore, in the blood collection device 1 according to this embodiment, control is performed to adjust the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around the central axis so that the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 (the dashed dotted line in FIG. 3 ) falls within a predetermined range. By adjusting the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around the central axis, the position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 in the circumferential direction of the opening 103, i.e., the orientation of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis, is adjusted.

[0034] The orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around its central axis is adjusted so that the relative position of the protrusion 102 at the blood collection position on the turntable 11 is within a target range. The adjustment of the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around its central axis is performed in a preparation operation performed before the start of a blood collection operation. The blood collection operation is an operation in which a puncture needle is inserted into a subject to collect blood from the subject into a blood collection tube.

[0035] The orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around its central axis can be adjusted to any orientation. The relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 can be adjusted to fall within any target range. The target range can be set in advance when using the blood collection device 1. The target range can have any width depending on the width of the protrusion 102, etc.

[0036] The target range of the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 can be set as a region having a rough shape of a partial ring with an arbitrary arc length along the circumferential direction of the opening 103 of the blood collection tube 100 when viewed from above the blood collection tube 100 that has been moved to the blood collection position on the turntable 11. Control is performed to adjust the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around the central axis so that both side ends of the protrusion 102 fit within such a region.

[0037] The target range of the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 is preferably set to a half region located closer to the center of the turntable 11 than the central axis of the blood collection tube 100, or a half region located outside the turntable 11 than the central axis of the blood collection tube 100. In other words, it is preferably set to a half region closer to the puncture site of the subject with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100, or a half region farther from the puncture site of the subject with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100.

[0038] For example, the blood collection device 1 may have a function of tilting the blood collection tube moved to the blood collection position along the radial direction of the turntable 11. In such a case, the direction of the protrusions 102 at the blood collection position is preferably set to the same direction as or opposite to the direction of the inclination of the blood collection tube, from the viewpoint of arranging the tube in a receptacle shape. If the target range is set to a half region located toward the center or outside of the turntable 11, blood can be efficiently collected by flowing along the protrusions 102.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 2, the blood collection tube 100 is placed in the holder 110. In Fig. 2, the blood collection tube 100 is placed in the holder 110 while being housed in the outer tube 200. In this case, the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 can be adjusted by changing the orientation of the outer tube 200 around the central axis.

[0040] In Figure 2, the holder 110 is configured with an opening on the outer portion of its outer circumferential surface. The holder 110 is configured with a structure that opens the side of an object to be placed therein toward the outside. With this structure, the orientation of the object placed in the holder 110 can be adjusted from the outside. The holder 110 can be configured with an appropriate structure depending on the method for adjusting the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around its central axis, etc.

[0041] 2, a position sensor 20 is installed to the side of the blood collection position. The position sensor 20 is a sensor for detecting the position of the protrusion 102 of the blood collection tube 100. The position sensor 20 detects the position of the protrusion 102, for example, the position of the side end of the protrusion 102, for the blood collection tube 100 that has been moved to the blood collection position on the turntable 11. Based on the detection result by the position sensor 20, the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around its central axis can be controlled.

[0042] An optical sensor, a camera sensor, or the like can be used as the position sensor 20. The position sensor 20 can be installed at a fixed point, such as to the side of the protrusion 102, so as to be able to monitor a target range of the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 at the blood collection position on the turntable 11. As the position sensor 20, one sensor or multiple sensors may be installed.

[0043] The optical sensor is composed of a light source (light projecting unit) that irradiates laser light or the like, and an optical sensor (light receiving unit) that detects reflected light and scattered light from the irradiated light. By irradiating light such as laser light onto an area within a target range of the height of the protrusion 102 at the blood collection position, which is the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100, and measuring the intensity of the reflected light and scattered light, the position of the side end of the protrusion 102 can be detected. The light source and optical sensor that constitute the optical sensor may be integrally disposed in the same location, or may be separately disposed in different locations.

[0044] The camera-type sensor captures an image of the periphery of a target range of the height of the protrusion 102 at the blood collection position, that is, the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100. The captured image can be processed to detect the position of the protrusion 102. The cameras that make up the camera-type sensor may be multiple cameras or a stereo camera.

[0045] From the viewpoints of securing an installation location and simplifying the detection process, it is preferable to use an optical sensor, and it is preferable to use a reflective optical sensor, as the position sensor 20. The optical sensor detects the passage of the side end of the protrusion 102 through the target range, thereby making it possible to determine the position of the protrusion 102 relative to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 in the circumferential direction of the opening 103.

[0046] In Figure 2, an electric direction adjustment mechanism 21 that adjusts the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 in the holder 110 is installed below the blood collection position. The direction adjustment mechanism 21 is composed of a motor 21a and direction adjustment means 21b. The direction adjustment means 21b is connected to the output shaft of the motor 21a. The motor 21a rotates the direction adjustment means 21b by a predetermined step angle. The direction control mechanism 21 operates the direction adjustment means 21b using the motor 21a to rotate an object installed in the holder 110.

[0047] The motor 21a can be configured with a stepping motor, a servo motor, or the like. The direction adjustment means 21b is arranged so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the object placed on the holder 110, the object being the object of direction adjustment. The direction adjustment means 21b can be formed from a material that has a high frictional resistance to the object placed on the holder 110. By operating the direction adjustment means 21b with the motor 21a, the frictional force of the direction adjustment means 21b can change the orientation of the object placed on the holder 110 around its central axis.

[0048] The direction adjusting means 21b may be, for example, a roller-shaped pad made of a material with high frictional resistance. By rotating the roller-shaped pad with the motor 21a, the frictional force generated by the rotation of the roller-shaped pad can change the direction of the object placed on the holder 110 around its central axis.

[0049] As the direction adjustment means 21b, in addition to a roller-shaped pad, a belt-shaped pad made of a material with high frictional resistance, a plate-shaped pad made of a material with high frictional resistance, etc. can also be used. Furthermore, in addition to a method of pressing the pad against the side of the installation object, an arm, etc. can also be used. The direction adjustment mechanism 21 can be driven by an appropriate mechanical mechanism depending on the type of direction adjustment means 21b, the structure around the blood collection tube 100, etc.

[0050] Any appropriate material can be used for the direction adjustment means 21b as long as the frictional resistance experienced by the surface of the direction adjustment means 21b in contact with the object placed on the holder 110 is greater than the frictional resistance experienced by the surface of the holder 110 in contact with the object. Examples of materials for the direction adjustment means 21b include elastomers such as rubber, porous materials such as sponge, and fabric materials with raised naps.

[0051] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration related to control of the blood collection device. Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a configuration related to control of the main components involved in the operation of the blood collection device 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the blood collection device 1 includes an input unit 210, a control unit 220, a memory unit (not shown) for storing programs and data, a display unit for displaying information related to blood collection, etc. The direction control mechanism 21 can be controlled by the control unit 220 according to a predetermined program.

[0052] The input unit 210 accepts input from a user of the blood collection device 1. The input unit 210 is configured with, for example, a touch panel, various switches, etc. Various data, instructions, etc. can be input to the blood collection device 1 via the input unit 210 or an external device.

[0053] The control unit 220 executes processes according to programs, reads programs and data, and controls the main components involved in the operation of the blood collection device 1. The control unit 220 is configured by, for example, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0054] The blood collection device 1 includes, as main components related to the operation of the blood collection device 1, a rotation drive mechanism 13 that rotates the turntable 11, an elevation drive mechanism 15 that raises and lowers the holder 110 and the module 120, a position sensor 20, a direction adjustment mechanism 21, a blood collection amount sensor 25, and a pressure adjustment mechanism 26 that drives the cuff mechanism 130. These components are controlled by a control unit 220.

[0055] The rotation drive mechanism 13 is connected to the control unit 220 via a motor controller 251 so as to be able to communicate signals with the control unit 220. The lift drive mechanism 15 is connected to the control unit 220 via a motor controller 252 so as to be able to communicate signals with the control unit 220. The position sensor 20 is connected to the control unit 220 via an A / D converter 253 so as to be able to communicate signals with the control unit 220.

[0056] The direction control mechanism 21 is connected to the control unit 220 so as to be able to communicate signals with it via a motor controller 254. The blood collection amount sensor 25 is connected to the control unit 220 so as to be able to communicate signals with it via an A / D converter 255. The pressure adjustment mechanism 26 is connected to the control unit 220 so as to be able to communicate signals with it via a pressure adjustment controller 256.

[0057] The collected blood amount sensor 25 is a sensor for measuring the amount of blood collected from the subject into the blood collection tube. The collected blood amount sensor 25 is installed, for example, to the side of the blood collection tube placed on the turntable 11. The collected blood amount sensor 25 can be composed of a light source that irradiates light toward the blood collection tube and an optical sensor that detects reflected light and scattered light from the irradiated light.

[0058] The blood volume sensor 25 measures the intensity of reflected light or scattered light from the blood collected in the blood collection tube, and measures the height of the blood surface in the blood collection tube. The amount of blood collected in the blood collection tube can be calculated based on the measurement result of the height of the blood surface in the blood collection tube and the inner diameter of the blood collection tube, etc.

[0059] The pressure adjustment mechanism 26 is composed of a valve and a pump connected to the cuff of the cuff mechanism 130. The internal pressure of the cuff is controlled by opening and closing the valve and adjusting the pressure with the pump, thereby adjusting the clamping pressure on the subject's finger 134. The pressure adjustment mechanism 26 can be built inside the housing 10 of the blood collection device 1.

[0060] The control unit 220 can be provided as a system controller, and sets target values ​​for control of the rotation drive mechanism 13, the lift drive mechanism 15, the direction adjustment mechanism 21, and the pressure adjustment mechanism 26 according to a program and detection results from various sensors. The control unit 220 also performs sequence control between the components. Control signals for the target values ​​are sent from the control unit 220 to the motor controllers 251, 252, and 254 and the pressure adjustment controller 256.

[0061] The rotation drive mechanism 13, the lift drive mechanism 15, the direction adjustment mechanism 21, and the pressure adjustment mechanism 26 are controlled by motor controllers 251, 252, and 254 and a pressure adjustment controller 256, respectively, so as to operate at set target control amounts in accordance with the blood collection operation or treatment operation. These components can also be configured to sense the control amounts as needed. By sensing the control amounts, the control amounts can also be feedback-controlled.

[0062] The position sensor 20 detects the position of the protrusion 102 of the blood collection tube 100 placed in the holder 110, and inputs an analog detection signal indicating the detection result to the A / D converter 253. The A / D converter 253 converts the analog detection signal into a digital detection signal. The digital detection signal is amplified as necessary and then input to the control unit 220. Similar processing is also performed in the blood collection amount sensor 25 and the A / D converter 255.

[0063] The control unit 220 compares the detection result of the position of the protrusion 102 detected by the position sensor 20 with a preset target range. The control unit 220 reads data indicating the target range from the storage device and compares it with the detection result of the position sensor 20 to determine the deviation between the detected current position and the preset target position. Based on this deviation, the control unit 220 can set a control amount for changing the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around its central axis.

[0064] 5 is a diagram illustrating a preparatory operation for electrically adjusting the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 about its central axis. Fig. 5 shows a flow of the preparatory operation performed when the blood collection device 1 is started up, in which the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 about its central axis is adjusted by the electrically operated direction adjustment mechanism 21. As shown in Fig. 5, the detection of the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 about its central axis, i.e., the detection of the position of the protrusion 102 of the blood collection tube 100 and the adjustment of the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 about its central axis, can be performed when the blood collection device 1 is started up.

[0065] Data indicating a target range of the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 can be stored in advance in the memory unit of the blood collection device 1 before blood collection. For example, when an optical sensor is used as the position sensor 20, a threshold value of light intensity for identifying the presence or absence of the protrusion 102 in the monitoring area can be prepared as data indicating the target range of the relative position of the protrusion 102. When a camera sensor is used as the position sensor 20, a reference image for identifying the presence or absence of the protrusion 102 in the monitoring area can be prepared.

[0066] When blood is collected using the blood collection device 1, first, the power of the blood collection device 1 is turned on (step S101). The user of the blood collection device 1 starts up the blood collection device 1 by pressing the power button, for example.

[0067] Next, the operation of the drive mechanisms, such as the rotation drive mechanism 13, the lift drive mechanism 15, and the direction adjustment mechanism 21, is checked (step S102). If there is an abnormality in the operation of the drive mechanism (step S103; NO), the preparatory operation is stopped. On the other hand, if there is no abnormality in the operation of the drive mechanism (step S103; YES), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0068] Next, the blood collection tube and the module are placed on the turntable 11 of the blood collection device 1 (step S104). The user of the blood collection device 1 checks the display or the like to make sure that there are no abnormalities in the operation of the drive mechanism, and then places the blood collection tube 100 of the specified type to be used for blood collection in the holder 110. In addition, the puncture module and the hemostasis module are placed in the holding holes of the turntable 11.

[0069] Next, the confirmation operation of the blood collection device 1 is turned on (step S105). After installing the blood collection tube 100 or the module, the user of the blood collection device 1 starts the confirmation operation of the blood collection tube 100 or the module installed in the holder 110 by pressing a predetermined button or the like.

[0070] Next, the blood collection tube 100 and the module are checked (step S106). If the blood collection tube 100 or the module is not properly installed (step S107; NO), the preparation operation is stopped. On the other hand, if the blood collection tube 100 or the module is properly installed (step S107; YES), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0071] Next, the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around its central axis is detected (step S108). A position sensor 20 installed on the side of the protrusion 102 of the blood collection tube 100 detects the position of the protrusion 102 relative to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 in the circumferential direction of the opening 103. When multiple blood collection tubes 100 are placed on the turntable 11, the turntable 11 can be rotated to sequentially detect each blood collection tube 100.

[0072] Next, the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around its central axis is adjusted (step S109). The orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around its central axis is adjusted by an electric direction adjustment mechanism 21 installed below the blood collection position so that the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 falls within a preset target range. When multiple blood collection tubes 100 are installed on the turntable 11, adjustment can be performed for each detection.

[0073] After the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around the central axis is adjusted, blood collection conditions can be input or read. After setting the blood collection conditions as necessary, the patient's finger 134 can be placed in the finger holder 131, the puncture needle can be inserted into the patient's finger 134, blood can be collected into the blood collection tube 100, and bleeding can be stopped at the puncture site. The blood collection conditions include the time elapsed since the puncture needle was inserted, the time for compression and release by the cuff mechanism 130, and the number of repetitions.

[0074] This blood collection device, equipped with a position sensor 20 and an electric direction adjustment mechanism 21, can accurately and actively control the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around its central axis based on the results of detection by the sensor. The relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 can be adjusted within a predetermined target range based on the current position detected by the sensor. This eliminates the need for a blood collection worker to check the orientation of the protrusion 102, and the adjusted orientation of the protrusion 102 can be used as a receiving surface for blood or a receiving surface / guide for an instrument. Therefore, accurate and reliable automatic control can be used to adjust the orientation of a blood collection tube set up for blood collection around its central axis, reducing the workload involved in blood collection and ensuring efficient and stable blood collection into the blood collection tube.

[0075] 6, 7, 8, and 9 are diagrams showing examples of the arrangement of a position sensor for detecting the position of the protrusion of a blood collection tube. Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9 are schematic diagrams showing examples of the arrangement of the position sensor 20 when the turntable 11 built into the blood collection device 1 is viewed from above. These figures omit illustrations of the detailed structure of the turntable 11, the holder 110, and the outer tube 200.

[0076] 6, 7, 8, and 9 show the blood collection tube 100 stopped at the blood collection position on the turntable 11. The relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 is adjusted to fall within a predetermined target stopping range. The target stopping range is set to a half region located closer to the center of the turntable 11 than the central axis of the blood collection tube 100.

[0077] 6, the position sensor 20 can be installed outside the turntable 11 when viewed from above. In this configuration, the movement of the side end of the protrusion 102 relative to the target stopping range at the height of the protrusion 102 of the blood collection tube 100 stopped at the blood collection position can be detected by a single sensor. Because detection can be performed by a single sensor outside the turntable 11, sensor installation and wiring can be simplified.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7, the position sensors 20 can also be installed as a combination of multiple sensors outside the turntable 11 when viewed from above. In this configuration, the movement of the side end of the protrusion 102 relative to the target stopping range can be detected individually by multiple sensors at the height of the protrusion 102 of the blood collection tube 100 stopped at the blood collection position. Because detection can be performed outside the turntable 11, sensor installation and wiring can be simplified. Furthermore, because multiple positions can be monitored by multiple sensors, the process of determining the position of the protrusion 102 is simplified.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 8 , the position sensor 20 can also be installed on the turntable 11 closer to the center of the turntable 11 than the blood collection tube 100. In this configuration, movement of the side end of the protrusion 102 relative to the target stopping range can be detected at the height of the protrusion 102 on the turntable 11. In this configuration, wiring through the shaft 12 and flexible printed circuits (FPCs) for the sensor are required, and twisting and untwisting operations are required in response to the rotation, making sensor installation and wiring difficult. However, because the relative position of the position sensor 20 with respect to the blood collection tube 100 is fixed, monitoring can be performed before the blood collection tube 100 moves to the blood collection position without being affected by the operational accuracy of the turntable 11.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9, the position sensor 20 can also be installed on the turntable 11, on the lateral side of the blood collection tube 100 along the circumferential direction of the turntable 11. In this configuration, movement of the lateral end of the protrusion 102 relative to the target stopping range can be detected at the height of the protrusion 102 on the turntable 11. In this configuration, similar to the configuration in Figure 8, sensor installation and wiring become more difficult. However, because the relative position of the position sensor 20 with respect to the blood collection tube 100 is fixed, monitoring can be performed before the blood collection tube 100 moves to the blood collection position without being affected by the operational accuracy of the turntable 11.

[0081] Fig. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the main components of a blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 also illustrates another example of the structure surrounding a turntable 11 installed inside the blood collection device 1. As shown in Fig. 10, the blood collection device 1 includes the turntable 11, shaft 12, rotation drive mechanism 13, movable support member 14, and lift drive mechanism 15 below the opening of the housing 10. The rotation drive mechanism 13, movable support member 14, and lift drive mechanism 15 are supported at predetermined positions by support members (not shown).

[0082] The blood collection device 1 shown in Fig. 10 differs from the blood collection device 1 shown in Fig. 2 in that a mechanical direction adjustment mechanism 22 is provided instead of the position sensor 20 and the electric direction adjustment mechanism 21. As shown in Fig. 10, the mechanical direction adjustment mechanism 22 can also be used as the adjustment mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 in the holder 110.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 10, the blood collection tube 100 is placed in the holder 110. In Fig. 10, the blood collection tube 100 is placed in the holder 110 while being housed in the outer tube 200. The holder 110 has an outer peripheral surface with a partially open outer surface. However, the holder 110 can be placed in any suitable structure as long as the orientation around the central axis of the object to be placed is not fixed.

[0084] 10, a mechanical direction adjustment mechanism 22 that adjusts the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 in the holder 110 is installed to the side of the blood collection position. The direction adjustment mechanism 22 is composed of a guide that moves the protrusion 102 of the blood collection tube 100 to a predetermined position. As shown in FIG. 11, the direction adjustment mechanism 22 has an inclined guide surface 221 that guides the movement of the protrusion 102.

[0085] The direction adjustment mechanism 22 is disposed so that a guide surface 221 provided on the tip side is aligned with the vicinity of the target stopping range of the protrusion 102 at the blood collection position on the turntable 11. The direction adjustment mechanism 22 can be attached, for example, to the inner surface side of the housing 10 above the turntable 11. However, the direction adjustment mechanism 22 can be attached to any appropriate location as long as the relative position of the guide surface 221 with respect to the target stopping range of the protrusion 102 is fixed.

[0086] The direction adjustment mechanism 22 can be made of an appropriate material. Examples of materials for the direction adjustment mechanism 22 include elastomer, plastic, metal, etc. From the viewpoint of reducing the impact on the protrusion 102, it is preferable to use an elastomer such as rubber as the material for the direction adjustment mechanism 22.

[0087] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the blood collection position of the blood collection device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a view of the periphery of the blood collection position of the blood collection device according to the embodiment of the present invention viewed from above. Fig. 11 shows the periphery of the blood collection position where the direction adjustment mechanism 22 shown in Fig. 10 is installed. Fig. 12 shows the periphery of the blood collection position shown in Fig. 11 viewed from above.

[0088] 11 and 12 show the blood collection tube 100 stopped at the blood collection position on the turntable 11. The relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 is adjusted to fall within a predetermined target stopping range. The target stopping range is set in a half region located closer to the center of the turntable 11 than the central axis of the blood collection tube 100. Such adjustment to the target stopping range is performed by the direction adjustment mechanism 22.

[0089] 11 and 12 , the blood collection tube 100 can be placed in the holder 110 while being housed in the outer tube 200. The protrusion 102 of the blood collection tube 100 protrudes upward beyond the main body 101, the outer tube 200, and the holder 110. The height relationship of the blood collection tube 100, the outer tube 200, and the holder 110 above the turntable 11 can be set appropriately as long as the protrusion 102 protrudes upward.

[0090] 11 , the guide surface 221 of the direction adjustment mechanism 22 is provided above the turntable 11 at a height that allows contact with the protrusion 102 of the blood collection tube 100, but does not contact the main body 101, outer tube 200, and holder 110 of the blood collection tube 100. When adjusting the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 toward the center of the turntable 11, the direction adjustment mechanism 22 is provided outside the protrusion 102 on the turntable 11.

[0091] 12 , the guide surface 221 of the direction adjustment mechanism 22 is provided so as to be inclined with respect to a tangential axis (the two-dot chain line in FIG. 12 ) passing through the center of the blood collection tube 100 and parallel to the tangent of the turntable 11 when viewed from above the turntable 11. The guide surface 221 is provided at a position where it will interfere with the protrusion 102 that is outside the target stopping range when the blood collection tube 100 is moved to the blood collection position by the rotation of the turntable 11, but will not interfere with the protrusion 102 that is within the target stopping range.

[0092] The guide surface 221 can be provided so as to intersect with the opening 103 when viewed from above the blood collection tube 100 stopped at the blood collection position on the turntable 11. With this structure, when the blood collection tube 100 is moved to the blood collection position by rotation of the turntable 11, the protrusion 102 can be brought into contact with the guide surface 221 regardless of the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100. Therefore, the guide surface 221 prevents the translational motion of the protrusion 102, and the orientation of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 can be changed.

[0093] One end of the guide surface 221 located on the entry side of the protrusion 102 is positioned away from the tangent axis. Meanwhile, the other end of the guide surface 221 located on the exit side of the protrusion 102 is positioned close to the tangent axis. The other end of the guide surface 221 and the side end of the target stopping range of the protrusion 102 can be positioned close to each other when viewed from above the blood collection tube 100 stopped at the blood collection position on the turntable 11. With this structure, the blood collection tube 100 can be rotated around the central axis to stop the side end of the protrusion 102 near the target stopping range.

[0094] 11 and 12 , a rear support member 23 can be provided on the turntable 11. The rear support member 23 is provided on the opposite side of the blood collection tube 100 from the direction adjustment mechanism 22. The rear support member 23 is a member for supporting the blood collection tube 100 from the side on the rear side when the protrusion 102 contacts the direction adjustment mechanism 22. Supporting the blood collection tube 100 from the side on the rear side when the protrusion 102 contacts the direction adjustment mechanism 22 can facilitate smooth rotation of the blood collection tube 100 about its central axis.

[0095] The rear support member 23 can be provided on the turntable 11 at a height that makes contact with the main body 101 of the blood collection tube 100 and the outer tube 200 containing the blood collection tube 100, which are the objects of direction adjustment, but does not make contact with the protrusion 102 of the blood collection tube 100. When the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 is adjusted toward the center of the turntable 11, the rear support member 23 is provided closer to the center of the turntable 11 than the protrusion 102.

[0096] The rear support member 23 has a support surface 231 that supports an object installed in the holder 110, which is the object of direction control, such as the main body 101 of the blood collection tube 100 or the outer tube 200 that houses the blood collection tube 100. The support surface 231 is disposed along the rear side of the target stopping range of the protrusion 102 so as to face the guide surface 221 with the main body 101 of the blood collection tube 100 or the outer tube 200 that houses the blood collection tube 100 sandwiched between them.

[0097] 12, the support surface 231 is provided in a curved shape that protrudes outward from the turntable 11. This shape allows the support surface 231 to come into line contact with the object to be adjusted in direction. Since the frictional resistance experienced by the surface of the back support member 23 that comes into contact with the object to be adjusted in direction is reduced, the orientation of the object to be adjusted around its central axis can be easily changed while supporting the back side of the object to be adjusted in direction.

[0098] The support surface 231 is preferably provided in a shape that makes point contact or line contact with the object of directional control. The back support member 23 may be provided as a curved pad, a curved tube, or the like, or as a rotatable roller, or the like.

[0099] The rear support member 23 can be formed from an appropriate material. Examples of the material for the rear support member 23 include elastomer, plastic, metal, etc. From the viewpoint of reducing the impact on the object to be directional controlled, it is preferable to use an elastomer such as rubber as the material for the rear support member 23.

[0100] The frictional resistance experienced by the surface of the direction control mechanism 2 in contact with the protrusion 102 is preferably set to be greater than the frictional resistance experienced by the surface of the back support member 23 in contact with an object installed in the holder 110 that is the object of direction control, such as the main body 101 of the blood collection tube 100 or the outer tube 200 that houses the blood collection tube 100. With such a relationship in frictional resistance, the direction of the object of direction adjustment about its central axis can be easily changed by the frictional force of the direction control mechanism 22 while supporting the back side of the object of direction adjustment.

[0101] Figures 13, 14, and 15 are diagrams illustrating a method for mechanically adjusting the orientation of a blood collection tube around its central axis. Figures 13, 14, and 15 show the area around the blood collection position shown in Figure 11 as viewed from above. In these figures, the detailed structure of the turntable 11, the holder 110, and the outer tube 200 are not shown.

[0102] 13, 14, and 15 show the process of adjusting the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 using the mechanical direction adjustment mechanism 22. The target range is set to a half region located closer to the center of the turntable 11 than the central axis of the blood collection tube 100. FIG. 13 shows the state in which the blood collection tube 100 is moving toward the blood collection position. FIG. 14 shows the state in which the blood collection tube 100 is entering the blood collection position. FIG. 15 shows the state in which the blood collection tube 100 has moved to the blood collection position.

[0103] 13 , when the turntable 11 is controlled in accordance with the blood collection operation or treatment, the blood collection tube 100 moves toward the blood collection position on the turntable 11 as the turntable 11 rotates. When the blood collection tube 100 is moving toward the blood collection position, the orientation of the protrusion 102 relative to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 may be in any orientation. Since the blood collection worker can place the blood collection tube 100 in the holder 110 in any orientation, the burden of checking the orientation, etc., is reduced.

[0104] 14 , when it is the blood collection tube 100's turn to collect blood, the blood collection tube 100 moves into the blood collection position on the turntable 11 as the turntable 11 rotates. A direction adjustment mechanism 22 having a guide surface 221 is installed at the blood collection position. If the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 is outside the target range, the protrusion 102, which moves as the turntable 11 rotates, will hit the guide surface 221.

[0105] 15 , when it is the blood collection tube 100's turn to collect blood, the blood collection tube 100 moves to the blood collection position on the turntable 11 as the turntable 11 rotates and stops there. The direction adjustment mechanism 22 is provided at a height that allows it to come into contact with the protrusion 102 but does not come into contact with the main body 101, etc. Therefore, while the main body 101 moves to the blood collection position as the turntable 11 rotates, the guide surface 221 prevents the protrusion 102 from moving circumferentially around the turntable 11.

[0106] When the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 is outside the target range, the guide surface 221 comes into contact with the protrusion 102 and moves the protrusion 102 along the inclination. The movement along the guide surface 221 changes the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around the central axis, and also guides the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 to be within the target range.

[0107] On the other hand, when the relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 is within the target range, the guide surface 221 does not come into contact with the protrusion 102 and allows the protrusion 102 to move in the circumferential direction of the turntable 11. A gap is provided between the direction adjustment mechanism 22 and the back support member 23 so that the protrusion 102 can pass through.

[0108] This blood collection device includes a mechanical direction adjustment mechanism 22, which allows the orientation of the blood collection tube 100 around its central axis to be changed by rotating the turntable 11 without using an actuator or the like. The relative position of the protrusion 102 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 100 can be adjusted within a predetermined target range without introducing an electric device or additional control. Furthermore, the blood collection worker does not need to check the orientation of the protrusion 102, and the adjusted orientation of the protrusion 102 can be used as a receiving surface for blood or a receiving surface / guide for an instrument. Therefore, the simple device structure allows the orientation of the blood collection tube set up for blood collection around its central axis to be adjusted, reducing the workload involved in blood collection and ensuring efficient and stable blood collection into the blood collection tube.

[0109] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations of the above-described embodiments. It is possible to replace part of the configuration of an embodiment with another configuration, add part of the configuration of an embodiment to another form, or omit part of the configuration of an embodiment.

[0110] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Housing 11 Turntable 12 Shaft 13 Rotation drive mechanism 13a Motor 13b Power transmission mechanism 14 Movable support member 15 Lifting drive mechanism 15a Motor 15b Power transmission mechanism 20 Position sensor 21 Direction adjustment mechanism 21a Motor 21b Direction adjustment means 22 Direction adjustment mechanism 23 Back support member 100 Blood collection tube 101 Main body 102 Protrusion 103 Opening 110 Holder 120 Module 130 Cuff mechanism 131 Finger rest 132 Finger rest component 133 Blood collection window 134 Finger of blood recipient 200 Outer tube

Claims

1. a holder in which a blood collection tube is placed; a blood collection unit that collects blood from a subject into the blood collection tube; a direction adjustment mechanism that adjusts the orientation of the blood collection tube in the holder by rotating the blood collection tube, The blood collection tube has a cylindrical main body portion with a bottom and an open top, and a protrusion portion formed by protruding upward from a circumferential portion of the opening, The direction adjustment mechanism adjusts the orientation of the blood collection tube around its central axis so that the position of the protrusion relative to the central axis of the blood collection tube is within a predetermined range.

2. The blood collection device according to claim 1, a position sensor that detects the position of the protrusion, The direction adjustment mechanism adjusts the direction of the blood collection tube around the central axis based on the detection result of the position sensor.

3. The blood collection device according to claim 1, the direction adjustment mechanism includes a direction adjustment means that contacts an outer peripheral surface of the blood collection tube installed in the holder or an installed object that accommodates the blood collection tube, and a motor that operates the direction adjustment means; A blood collection device in which the orientation of the collection tube around the central axis is adjusted by frictional force caused by the operation of the direction adjusting means.

4. The blood collection device according to claim 1, the direction adjustment mechanism includes a roller-type pad that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the blood collection tube or an installed object that contains the blood collection tube and is installed in the holder, and a motor that rotates the pad; A blood collection device in which the orientation of the collection tube around the central axis is adjusted by frictional force caused by rotation of the pad.

5. The blood collection device according to claim 1, A turntable that is freely rotatable; a rotation drive mechanism that rotates the turntable, The holder is a blood collection device supported on the turntable.

6. The blood collection device according to claim 1, A turntable that is freely rotatable; a rotation drive mechanism that rotates the turntable, the holder is supported on the turntable; the direction adjustment mechanism is a guide provided above the turntable at a height that contacts the protrusion but does not contact the main body, The blood collection device in which the orientation of the blood collection tube around the central axis is adjusted by the protrusion moving along the guide as the turntable rotates.

7. 7. The blood collection device according to claim 6, a support member that supports the blood collection tube or an object containing the blood collection tube placed in the holder from the side, on the opposite side of the direction adjustment mechanism with respect to the protrusion, The blood collection device is configured such that the support member is positioned above the turntable at a height that makes contact with the main body or an object containing the blood collection tube, but does not make contact with the protrusion.

8. 8. The blood collection device according to claim 7, A blood collection device in which the frictional resistance experienced by the surface of the direction adjustment mechanism in contact with the protrusion is greater than the frictional resistance experienced by the surface of the support member in contact with the main body or an installation containing the blood collection tube.