Blood collection device

Abstract

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

Description

Blood collection device

[0001] The present invention relates to a blood sampling device that automatically samples blood from the fingers of a subject.

[0002] Blood collection devices have been developed that automatically collect blood from the fingers of a subject. Some automatic blood collection devices involve placing the subject's fingers in a designated finger rest, automatically puncturing the fingers with a puncture needle, and collecting the blood that flows out from the puncture site into a blood collection tube.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a blood collection device that automatically collects blood from a subject's finger. This blood collection device is configured to raise a perforator holder containing a puncture needle from below the finger to puncture the finger with the puncture needle. When the perforator holder is pushed by a push rod part, the perforator comes into contact with the finger, and the perforator punctures the finger when it receives a load above a certain level.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a blood test device that punctures a finger with laser light and supplies blood to a blood sensor. This blood test device is equipped with a finger restriction member that restricts the position of the finger. By restricting the finger position with the finger restriction member, blood flowing out of the finger can be easily stored in a reservoir.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a body fluid collection aid used to collect body fluid from a puncture site on the surface of a living body. This body fluid collection aid is configured to adjust the puncture depth of a puncture needle into a fingertip using a dial-type adjustment unit. The puncture depth of the puncture needle into the fingertip is set to a depth that corresponds to the individual differences between blood collectors and the puncture site.

[0006] JP 2017-225519 A JP 2009-089818 A JP 2006-223320 A

[0007] In an automatic blood collection device, when collecting blood from a subject's finger, it is necessary to puncture the finger with a puncture needle just deep enough. If the puncture is insufficient, the vein may not be reached or the required amount of blood may not be collected, so it is necessary to ensure a sufficient puncture depth. On the other hand, if the puncture is too deep, it may cause severe pain, so a puncture depth greater than necessary should be avoided.

[0008] In blood collection devices that automatically collect blood, the automatic movement of a puncturing unit equipped with a puncturing needle is controlled from an initial position to a position where the puncturing needle will be inserted into the subject's finger. To ensure accurate puncturing, blood collection devices require a function that ensures an appropriate puncturing depth. After precisely moving the puncturing unit equipped with the puncturing needle from the initial position to a position close to the surface of the finger placed in the finger rest area, the tip of the puncturing needle must be pushed into the finger so that it is within a predetermined puncturing depth.

[0009] Some blood collection devices automatically collect blood by inserting a puncture needle into a subject's finger and automatically collecting the blood that flows down from the puncture site into a blood collection tube. In this type of system, the finger holder may be provided with a vertically extending window-like opening. The subject's finger is placed on the finger holder with the ventral side exposed downward through the opening. In this type of system, the puncture needle is inserted by raising a puncture unit attached to the puncture needle from below the finger placed on the finger holder. Therefore, the puncture unit is driven to rise so that the tip of the puncture needle is within a predetermined puncture depth range.

[0010] However, there are individual differences in the thickness, girth, distance from the surface to the blood vessel, degree of swelling during congestion, etc. When the subject's finger is placed in a finger holder with an opening, there are also individual differences in the vertical width of the finger that protrudes downward from the opening. In such cases, there is a problem in that it is difficult to keep the tip of the puncture needle attached to the puncture part within the specified puncture depth range.

[0011] The technology described in Patent Document 1 simply pushes up the perforator holder with a push rod, leaving room for improvement in terms of the problem of individual variability. Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 uses a laser for puncturing, and does not address the problem of individual variability. Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 3 uses a dial-type adjustment, which hinders its application to blood collection devices that automatically collect blood.

[0012] Possible methods for adjusting the puncture depth include sensing the distance to the blood vessels of each individual's finger or measuring the finger of each individual beforehand. Based on these measurement results, a method can be considered in which the puncture unit to which the puncture needle is attached is controlled to a target movement amount corresponding to the measurement results. However, such methods have the problem of increasing the labor required for blood collection and the cost of the equipment.

[0013] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a blood sampling device that can efficiently and inexpensively puncture the fingers of a subject to an appropriate depth regardless of the nature of the subject's fingers.

[0014] In order to solve the above problems, the blood collection device of the present invention is a blood collection device comprising a puncturing section having a puncturing needle, a puncturing mechanism that moves the puncturing section to puncture the puncturing needle into a finger of a person to be blood-collected, and a control section that controls the operation of the puncturing mechanism, wherein the puncturing mechanism raises the puncturing section from below the finger to puncture the puncturing needle into the finger, and the control section controls the operation of the puncturing mechanism to drive the puncturing section to rise and fall, and stops the raising of the puncturing section by the puncturing mechanism upon detection of contact of the puncturing section with the finger.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a blood sampling device that can efficiently and inexpensively puncture the fingers of a subject to an appropriate depth regardless of the condition of the subject's fingers.

[0016] FIG. 1 is an external view of a blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a puncturing mechanism of a blood collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating differences due to individual differences in the distance between the finger of a blood recipient and the puncturing needle. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of a detection mechanism. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of a detection mechanism. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an application example of a puncturing mechanism and a detection mechanism. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an application example of a puncturing mechanism and a detection mechanism. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an application example of a puncturing mechanism and a detection mechanism.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 where blood collection tubes are placed, a plurality of modules 120 to which puncture devices, hemostatic materials, etc. are attached, a cuff mechanism 130, a rotation drive mechanism (not shown) that rotates the turntable 11, an elevation drive mechanism (not shown) that raises and lowers the holders 110 and modules 120, and a pressure adjustment mechanism (not shown) that drives the cuff mechanism 130.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The cuff mechanism 130 is a mechanism that tightens the periphery of the subject's finger (the subject's hand) 134. A cuff is placed in the finger holder 131 so as to surround the subject's finger 134 placed therein. The cuff is, for example, in the shape 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 pressure adjustment mechanism controls the internal pressure of the cuff, thereby adjusting the tightening pressure on the subject's finger 134.

[0023] 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 holding holders 110 and various modules 120. For example, a plurality of holding holes are provided that penetrate the turntable 11 from top to bottom. The holders 110 and modules 120 are held by being inserted into the holding holes from top to bottom. The portions for holding the holders 110 and modules 120 are regularly spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the turntable 11.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The holder 110 and the module 120 can be detachably attached to the turntable 11. For example, the holder 110 and the module 120 are formed with a flange-like portion having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the holding hole of the turntable 11. The holder 110 and the module 120 are inserted into the holding hole and the flange-like portion is supported from below, so that the holder 110 and the module 120 can be held in a state in which they can move up and down within the holding hole.

[0026] 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). A hemostatic material such as gauze or a protective material such as a bandage is attached to the module for hemostasis.

[0027] When the lancing device is pressed against the subject's finger, the puncture needle is extended and punctures the subject's finger. A hemostatic material such as gauze is pressed against the puncture site of the subject to stop the bleeding by absorbing the blood that has bled from the puncture site. A protective material such as a bandage is pressed against the puncture site of the subject and attached to cover the puncture site to seal the puncture site, stop the bleeding, and protect it. The bandage is attached to the module 120 with the adhesive side facing upward.

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

[0029] Compression coil spring 21 and detection sensor 22 are attached to base member 20. Movable support member 30 is supported on the upper end side of compression coil spring 21. Detection target portion 31 that is detected by detection sensor 22 is formed on movable support member 30. The upper end side of movable support member 30 serves as a portion that pushes up puncturing module 120 and the like that are installed on turntable 11.

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

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

[0032] At the blood collection position, the following steps are performed in order: puncturing the finger 134 with the puncturing needle by the puncturing module 120, stopping the bleeding with gauze by the hemostasis module 120, and applying a bandage by the hemostasis module 120. The finger 134 of the person to be blood-collected is compressed by the cuff 136, and then punctured with the puncturing needle by the puncturing module 120. The blood that flows out from the puncture site is collected in a blood collection tube that has been moved to the blood collection position on the turntable 11.

[0033] 2 shows a state in which puncturing module 120 has been transported to the blood collection position. A puncturing device 122 incorporating a puncturing needle 121 is attached to puncturing module 120. Lancing module 120 constitutes a detachable puncturing unit that has puncturing needle 121. By pushing up puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing unit, the puncturing needle punctures finger 134 of the person to be blood-collected.

[0034] The operation of puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing unit, is driven by a puncturing mechanism. The puncturing mechanism moves puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing unit, to puncture finger 134 of the person to be sampled with puncturing needle 121. The puncturing mechanism raises puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing unit, from below finger 134 of the person to be sampled, to puncture finger 134 of the person to be sampled with puncturing needle 121. The puncturing mechanism is composed of elevating member 12, base member 20, movable support member 30, an elevating drive mechanism that elevates these members up and down, etc.

[0035] An elevating member 12 is disposed below the blood collection position. The elevating member 12 is supported by an elevating drive mechanism (not shown) so that it can move up and down freely. The elevating drive mechanism is composed of a motor and a power transmission mechanism. The power transmission mechanism connects the output shaft of the motor and the elevating member 12 via a predetermined mechanical mechanism. The rotational motion of the motor is converted into vertical linear motion by the power transmission mechanism. The elevating member 12 is driven to move up and down by such a mechanism.

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

[0037] The movable support member 30 rises integrally with the lifting member 12, pushing up from below the holder 110 and the module 120 that have been transported to the blood collection position. As the movable support member 30 rises, the puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing part, comes into contact with the subject's finger 134, and the puncture needle punctures the subject's finger 134. In addition, the blood collection tube held by the holder 110 and the module 120 to which the hemostatic material and protective material are attached are pressed against the subject's finger 134, and treatments such as blood collection and hemostasis are performed.

[0038] Blood collection device 1 is equipped with a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the lancing mechanism. The control unit controls the operation of the lancing mechanism, which is composed of an elevation drive mechanism and the like, and drives the raising and lowering of lancing module 120, which is the lancing unit, relative to finger rest 131. The control unit is composed of a controller such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The raising of lancing module 120, which is the lancing unit, relative to finger 134 of the person to be blood-collected, is driven by control input from the control unit.

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

[0040] In the blood collection device 1 according to this embodiment, a detection mechanism detects contact of the puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing unit, with the recipient's finger 134, and adjusts the puncturing depth of the recipient's finger 134 within an appropriate range. Adjusting the puncturing depth within an appropriate range makes it possible to perform puncturing with just the right amount of depth even if there are individual differences in the recipient's finger 134. This makes it possible to stably ensure the required amount of blood to be collected while avoiding puncture pain caused by the puncture of the puncture needle 121.

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

[0042] The symbol D indicates the distance between finger rest area 131 and a reference position on puncturing module 120 stopped at its initial position. The reference position is a position that serves as a reference for controlling the amount of movement, such as the position at the height of the top end of module 120.

[0043] code D Ａ is the distance between a finger of standard thickness and the reference position on the puncture module 120 in the initial position, and symbol D Ｓ is the distance between the finger when the finger is thicker than the standard and the reference position on the puncture module 120 in the initial position, and symbol D Ｌ indicates the distance between a finger having a smaller thickness than the standard and the reference position on puncturing module 120 in the initial position.

[0044] 3, the distance between the subject's finger 134 placed in finger rest 131 of blood collection device 1 and puncturing needle 121 of puncturing module 120 in the initial position may differ for each subject due to individual differences in the subject's finger 134. Therefore, in order to adjust the puncturing depth for the subject's finger 134 within an appropriate range, it is necessary to appropriately control the amount of upward movement of puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing part having puncturing needle 121, relative to the subject's finger 134.

[0045] One type of lancing device 122 uses a spring to project the puncturing needle 121. The puncturing needle 121 is fixed to a holding hub built into the lancing device 122. A drive spring is built into the lower part of the puncturing needle 121 and the holding hub. A retraction spring is built into the upper part of the puncturing needle 121. The holding hub is configured to begin to deform when the lancing device 122 comes into contact with the subject's finger 134, and to release the puncturing needle 121 when a predetermined deformation occurs.

[0046] In this method, when the lancing device 122 comes into contact with the recipient's finger 134, the lancing needle 121 and holding hub are pushed downward, causing the drive spring to elastically contract. When the lancing needle 121 and holding hub are pushed further downward, the holding hub deforms, releasing the lancing needle 121, and the drive spring pushes the lancing needle out to puncture the recipient's finger 134. The pushed-out lancing needle contracts the retraction spring, and is pulled back downward by the restoring force of the retraction spring.

[0047] In this type of method, because the amount of protrusion of the puncture needle 121 is approximately constant, the puncture depth must be adjusted mainly by the amount of upward movement of the puncture module 120, which is the puncture section. When raising the puncture module 120, at least an external force is required to activate the holding hub and drive spring, and a minimum external force is required due to contact between the puncture device 122 attached to the puncture module 120 and the finger 134 of the person to be blood-collected.

[0048] The thickness and other characteristics of the finger 134 of the blood recipient vary from person to person. Furthermore, the way in which the finger 134 of the blood recipient is placed on the finger holder 131 of the blood collection device 1 and the response to the pressure applied by the cuff 136 may differ from person to person. When the finger 134 of the blood recipient is placed on the finger holder 131 or is compressed by the cuff 136, there may be individual differences in the distance from the surface of the finger pad to the blood vessels, the degree of expansion during congestion, and the like.

[0049] As shown by the broken line in FIG. 3, when the finger 134 of the blood sample recipient is thick, the distance D between the finger 134 of the blood sample recipient and the reference position on the puncturing module 120 in the initial position is Ｓ is the standard distance D Ａ In such a case, if the puncture depth is not adjusted appropriately, the finger 134 of the person to be blood-collected is likely to be insufficiently punctured. The puncture needle 121 may not reach the blood vessel, or the puncture needle 121 may not damage the blood vessel wall sufficiently, making it impossible to ensure the required amount of blood to be collected.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 3, when the finger 134 of the subject of blood collection is thin, the distance D between the finger 134 of the subject of blood collection and the reference position on the puncturing module 120 in the initial position is Ｌ is the standard distance D Ａ In such a case, if the puncturing depth is not appropriately adjusted, the subject's finger 134 is likely to be punctured excessively. This may cause severe pain when the puncture needle 121 punctures the finger, or may make it difficult for the punctured area to heal.

[0051] In contrast, in the blood collection device 1 according to this embodiment, the amount of movement by which the puncturing module 120 is raised from the initial position toward the recipient's finger 134 is controlled to a predetermined amount of movement that is set in advance for a plurality of recipients whose fingers vary in size, thickness, etc. By controlling the amount of movement to a common amount for each individual, it is possible to ensure that the finger is not insufficiently punctured, and a mechanical mechanism is used to prevent excessive puncturing, thereby efficiently adjusting the puncturing depth within an appropriate range.

[0052] In blood collection device 1 according to the present embodiment, the amount of movement by which puncturing module 120 is raised from the initial position toward finger 134 of the person to be blood collected is set to a movement amount (D+α) that is larger by a predetermined amount α than distance D between finger rest area 131 and the reference position on puncturing module 120 in the initial position. A target movement amount (D+α) with a margin of the predetermined amount α added is set in advance in the control unit as a control target value for the puncturing mechanism.

[0053] Furthermore, in blood collection device 1 according to this embodiment, the lifting of puncturing module 120 relative to finger 134 of the blood collection recipient is stopped upon detection of contact of puncturing module 120 with finger 134 of the blood collection recipient. The control unit controls the lifting drive mechanism that lifts puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing unit, to a preset target movement amount (D+α), and stops the lifting of puncturing module 120 upon detection of contact of puncturing module 120 with finger 134 of the blood collection recipient.

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

[0055] 4A and 4B , contact of puncturing module 120 with finger 134 of the subject is detected by compression coil spring 21, which is an elastic member constituting the detection mechanism, detection sensor 22, and detection target 31. Detection target 31 is a non-light-transmitting member that can be formed in an appropriate shape such as a plate or a rod.

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

[0057] The compression coil spring 21 is set to have a spring constant such that, in its initial elastic displacement, it balances the load caused by the weight of the movable support member 30, but contracts when the puncturing module 120 receives an external force from the subject's finger 134. If the puncturing device 122 is protruded by a drive spring, the compression coil spring 21 needs to be set to have a spring constant such that it contracts when an external force greater than the external force that activates the holding hub or drive spring is applied.

[0058] The detection sensor 22 detects that the detection target 31 has moved to a predetermined position. The detection sensor 22 is fixed in position relative to the base member 20 and the lifting member 12. The detection sensor 22 is disposed near the movable support member 30 and below the detection target 31, which moves up and down. The detection sensor 22 can be supported on the upper part of the base member 20, etc.

[0059] 4A and 4B, a photointerrupter is provided as the detection sensor 22. The photointerrupter includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element as the detection unit 23 that detects the detection target 31. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are arranged below the upper and lower tracks of the detection target 31 so as to face each other at a predetermined height. A gap is formed between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, through which the detection target 31 formed on the movable support member 30 can move forward and backward.

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

[0061] Detection sensor 22 can detect that detection target portion 31 has descended to a predetermined height when movable support member 30 receives a downward force and compression coil spring 21 contracts. Therefore, by detecting detection target portion 31, it is possible to indirectly detect that puncturing module 120 has come into contact with finger 134 of the person to be blood sampled. Because the amount of movement of puncturing module 120 can be limited without sensing the distance using an optical sensor or the like, the cost of the device can be reduced compared to methods that sense the distance to the blood vessels in the finger.

[0062] 4A , when puncturing needle 121 punctures finger 134 of a person to be blood-collected, base member 20 and lifting member 12 are driven to rise. As base member 20 rises, movable support member 30 supported by base member 20 also rises, and puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing part, is pushed up to a height at which it comes into contact with finger 134 of the person to be blood-collected, which is placed on finger rest area 131.

[0063] 4A , before puncturing module 120 comes into contact with finger 134 of the subject, compression coil spring 21 is in an extended state, and movable support member 30 is positioned above base member 20. Detection target portion 31 formed on movable support member 30 is positioned above detection unit 23, and is not detected by detection sensor 22.

[0064] 4B , when puncturing module 120 comes into contact with finger 134 of the person to be sampled, puncturing needle 121 protrudes from puncturing device 122 and punctures finger 134 of the person to be sampled. puncturing of finger 134 of the person to be sampled with puncturing needle 121 is performed in a state in which movable support member 30 is biased in an upward direction by compression coil spring 21. Therefore, if puncturing device 122 is protruded by a drive spring, an external force for actuating the holding hub and drive spring can be easily secured.

[0065] 4B , when the puncturing module 120 comes into contact with the subject's finger 134, it receives a downward external force from the subject's finger 134. Due to this external force, the puncturing module 120 and the movable support member 30 no longer rise, and the compression coil spring 21 contracts. After the puncturing part comes into contact with the subject's finger 134, the compression coil spring 21 becomes compressed, and the relative position of the movable support member 30 with respect to the base member 20 moves downward. The detection target portion 31 formed on the movable support member 30 descends to the height of the detection unit 23 and is detected by the detection sensor 22.

[0066] Such a detection mechanism detects contact of the puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing part, with the subject's finger 134 while the base member 20 and the lifting member 12 are being driven to rise. When contact of the puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing part, with the subject's finger 134 is detected, a detection signal is transmitted from the detection sensor 22 to the control unit, which then stops the lifting of the lifting member 12. By stopping the lifting of the lifting member 12, excessive puncturing of the subject's finger 134 can be prevented.

[0067] The amount of movement of the puncturing module 120 from the initial position toward the finger 134 of the blood sample recipient can be controlled to a predetermined constant amount of movement (D+α) for a plurality of blood sample recipients who have individual differences in finger thickness, etc. The predetermined amount α is set so that the amount of movement (D+α) is equal to the standard distance D so that insufficient puncturing due to individual differences does not occur even when the finger 134 of the blood sample recipient is thin. Ａ For example, a distance D corresponding to a predetermined standard deviation is set. Ｌ and the standard distance D ＡYou can set a margin that is longer than the difference between the two.

[0068] Generally, in blood sampling from fingers, which vary from person to person, one method for adjusting the puncture depth is to control the amount of movement of the puncture needle relative to the subject's finger to a target amount of movement that matches the actual measurement results. Measurements for setting the target amount of movement include measuring the distance between the puncture needle and the blood vessels in the subject's finger for each individual using a distance measuring sensor, or manually measuring the size of the subject's finger in advance for each individual.

[0069] However, when measuring the distance between the puncture needle and the blood vessels in the subject's finger using a distance measuring sensor or the like, an optical sensor or the like is required, which increases the cost of the equipment. Also, when measuring manually in advance, manual measurements are required for each subject and the measurement results must be input, which increases the effort required for the blood collection process.

[0070] In contrast, in the blood collection device 1 according to the present embodiment, the contact of the puncturing module 120 (the puncturing unit) with the subject's finger 134 is detected by a detection mechanism using a mechanical mechanism, so that the puncturing depth of the subject's finger 134 can be adjusted efficiently and at low cost within a range that is neither too deep nor too deep. A target movement amount (D+α) with a predetermined margin α added is set in advance, and the movement of the puncturing unit is stopped upon detection of contact of the puncturing module 120 (the puncturing unit) with the subject's finger 134. Therefore, even if there are individual differences in the subject's finger 134, pain caused by the puncture of the puncture needle 121 can be avoided, and the required amount of blood can be reliably collected. Since appropriate blood collection can be automatically performed, a highly reliable blood collection device 1 can be obtained that automatically collects blood from the subject's finger.

[0071] Furthermore, the contact of puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing part, with finger 134 of the person to be sampled is detected by detecting the descent of movable support member 30 against the bias of compression coil spring 21, an action that occurs when puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing part, comes into contact with the finger, and is performed by detecting the descent of movable support member 30 against the bias of compression coil spring 21. Therefore, the contact of puncturing module 120 with finger 134 of the person to be sampled can be detected using a mechanical mechanism by adjusting the spring constant of compression coil spring 21.

[0072] Furthermore, the descent of the movable support member 30 is detected by the detection target 31, which rises and falls together with the movable support member 30 relative to the base member 20, and the detection sensor 22, which detects that the detection target 31 has moved to a predetermined position. Therefore, it is possible to detect the operation using the mechanical mechanism of the compression coil spring 21 with a lower cost device compared to an optical displacement sensor or the like.

[0073] 4A and 4B, a photointerrupter is provided as the detection sensor 22, but a mechanical switch such as a microswitch, or a non-contact proximity sensor that utilizes eddy current, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, etc. may also be used as the detection sensor 22. These detection sensors 22 can be used to detect the detection target portion 31 that has descended against the bias of the compression coil spring 21.

[0074] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of application of the lancing mechanism and the detection mechanism. Figures 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing an example of application of the lancing mechanism and the detection mechanism to turntable 11, with some components around turntable 11 omitted. Figure 5A is a plan view of the periphery of turntable 11 as seen from above. Figure 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of the periphery of turntable 11 as seen from the side.

[0075] 5A and 5B, a plurality of holders 110 for holding blood collection tubes and a plurality of modules 120 can be attached to the blood collection device 1. The puncturing mechanism and the detection mechanism can also be used to adjust the amount of movement relative to the subject's finger 134 in a blood collection operation using the holder 110 performed on the turntable 11 or in a treatment operation using a module 120 other than the puncturing module 120.

[0076] 5A and 5B , the holders 110 for holding blood collection tubes include a first holder 110a for holding a first blood collection tube and a second holder 110b for holding a second blood collection tube, which are installed on the turntable 11. As these blood collection tubes, for example, blood collection tubes coated with an anticoagulant for blood count tests, blood collection tubes containing a separating agent for biochemistry and immunological tests, etc. can be installed.

[0077] Also, in Figures 5A and 5B, modules 120 are installed on turntable 11, and include a puncture module 120a which is the puncture section, a hemostatic module 120b which holds a protective material such as a bandage, and a hemostatic module 120c which holds a hemostatic material such as gauze.

[0078] When adjusting the amount of movement relative to the subject's finger 134 in a blood collection operation using the holder 110 or a treatment operation using a module 120 other than the puncturing module 120, the puncturing mechanism functions as a moving mechanism that moves the holder 110 or the module 120 to press the blood collection tube, hemostatic material, or protective material against the subject's finger. The moving mechanism is composed of the lifting member 12, the base member 20, the movable support member 30, and an elevation drive mechanism that raises and lowers these members. The operation of the moving mechanism composed of the elevation drive mechanism and the like is controlled by a control unit that is composed of a controller.

[0079] 5A , holder 110 and module 120 are transported sequentially to a blood collection position where finger rest area 131 is installed by the rotation of turntable 11, and then are driven to rise by being pushed up by movable support member 30. As holder 110 rises, the blood collection tube is pressed against finger 134 of the subject, and blood flowing out from the puncture site is collected. As module 120 rises, a protective material and a hemostatic material are pressed against finger 134 of the subject, and blood flowing out from the puncture site is stopped.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 5B, the holder 110 and the module 120 may have different heights. １ is the distance between finger rest 131 and the reference position on puncturing module 120a in the initial position, and symbol d ２ is the distance between the finger rest 131 and the reference position on the blood collection tube placed in the holder 110a in the initial position, and symbol d ３ indicates the distance between the finger rest 131 and the reference position on the hemostasis module 120b in the initial position. These distances are, for example, d １ <d ２ <d ３ It is said that the relationship is as follows.

[0081] In blood collection device 1, the movement amount of puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing unit, can be controlled to a preset target movement amount (D+α). On the other hand, the movement amount of holder 110 and modules 120 other than puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing unit, can be set to match the distance between finger 134 of the blood recipient and a reference position on holder 110 or module 120, which is in its initial position, based on the measurement result of the movement amount of puncturing module 120 measured when puncturing module 120 is raised.

[0082] In blood collection device 1, first, a puncturing operation is performed by raising and lowering puncturing module 120a, which is a puncturing unit, among multiple holders 110 and multiple modules 120. After puncturing module 120 is driven to rise to a preset target movement amount (D+α), the rise is stopped when contact with finger 134 of the subject of blood collection is detected.

[0083] While the lancing operation is being performed, the actual amount of movement of lancing module 120 until it comes into contact with finger 134 of the subject and stops can be measured by a displacement sensor or the like that measures the amount of displacement of movable support member 30. Data on the actual amount of movement of lancing module 120 is stored in a memory or the like of blood collection device 1.

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

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

[0086] For example, the distance d between the finger rest 131 and the reference position on the blood collection tube placed in the holder 110a in the initial position is ２ and the distance d between finger rest 131 and the reference position on puncturing module 120a in the initial position. １ The difference between ２ -d １ ) can be set as a target movement amount added to the actual movement amount of the puncture module 120.

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

[0088] The movement amount of hemostasis module 120 can be set to a target movement amount corresponding to the height of hemostasis module 120, based on the measurement result of the movement amount of puncturing module 120 measured when puncturing module 120 is raised. The control unit can acquire data on the actual movement amount of puncturing module 120 measured during the puncturing operation, correct it with data on the height of hemostasis module 120 specified in advance, and output a control target value for the movement amount of hemostasis module 120 to the movement mechanism.

[0089] For example, the distance d between the finger rest 131 and the reference position on the hemostasis module 120b in the initial position ３ and the distance d between finger rest 131 and the reference position on puncturing module 120a in the initial position. １ The difference between ３ -d １ ) can be set as a target movement amount added to the actual movement amount of the puncture module 120.

[0090] With this blood collection device 1, the movement amounts of holder 110 and modules 120 other than puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing section, are set based on the measurement results of the movement amount of puncturing module 120, so that even if there are individual differences in the recipient's finger 134 and even if holders 110 and modules 120 are at different heights, treatments such as blood collection and hemostasis after puncturing can be performed appropriately. Because the blood collection tube, hemostatic material, and protective material can be appropriately pressed against the recipient's finger 134, excessive or insufficient pressure on the recipient's finger 134 can be avoided.

[0091] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of application of the lancing mechanism and the detection mechanism. In Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, an example of application in which the lancing mechanism and the detection mechanism are applied to a rack on which holder 110 and module 120 are installed is shown, with some peripheral components omitted. Fig. 6A is a plan view of the periphery of rack 12 as seen from above. Fig. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the periphery of rack 12 as seen from the side.

[0092] 6A and 6B, blood collection device 1 can also be provided with rack 12 instead of turntable 11 as a location for placing holder 110 and module 120. The puncturing mechanism and detection mechanism can also be used to adjust the amount of movement relative to finger 134 of the subject in a puncturing operation performed on rack 12, a blood collection operation using holder 110, or a treatment operation using a module 120 other than module 120 for puncturing.

[0093] The rack 12 is arranged in a line roughly in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The rack 12 is provided with a plurality of portions for supporting holders 110, which are locations for placing blood collection tubes, and various modules 120. The portions for supporting the holders 110 and modules 120 are regularly spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the rack 12.

[0094] Rack 12 is movable in both directions parallel to the longitudinal direction by a drive mechanism (not shown). Rack 12 is controlled to step relative to a blood collection position where finger rest area 131 is formed in accordance with the blood collection operation or treatment operation. By moving rack 12, holder 110 and module 120 are sequentially transported to the blood collection position where finger rest area 131 is formed. The lancing mechanism and detection mechanism can be installed below rack 12, as in the case of turntable 11.

[0095] 6A and 6B , the holders 110 for holding blood collection tubes include a first holder 110a for holding a first blood collection tube and a second holder 110b for holding a second blood collection tube, which are installed in the rack 12. These blood collection tubes may include, for example, blood collection tubes coated with an anticoagulant for blood count tests, blood collection tubes containing a separating agent for biochemistry and immunological tests, etc.

[0096] Also, in Figures 6A and 6B, the modules 120 are installed on rack 12 and include a puncture module 120a which is the puncture section, a hemostatic module 120b which holds a protective material such as a bandage, and a hemostatic module 120c which holds a hemostatic material such as gauze.

[0097] When adjusting the amount of movement relative to the subject's finger 134 in a blood collection operation using the holder 110 or a treatment operation using a module 120 other than the puncturing module 120, the puncturing mechanism functions as a moving mechanism that moves the holder 110 or the module 120 to press the blood collection tube, hemostatic material, or protective material against the subject's finger. The moving mechanism is composed of the lifting member 12, the base member 20, the movable support member 30, and an elevation drive mechanism that raises and lowers these members up and down.

[0098] 6A , holder 110 and module 120 are sequentially transported to a blood collection position where finger rest area 131 is installed by movement of rack 12, and then are driven to rise by being pushed up by movable support member 30. As holder 110 rises, the blood collection tube is pressed against finger 134 of the subject, and blood flowing out from the puncture site is collected. As module 120 rises, the protective material and hemostatic material are pressed against finger 134 of the subject, and blood flowing out from the puncture site is stopped.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 6B, the holder 110 and the module 120 may have different heights. １ is the distance between finger rest 131 and the reference position on puncturing module 120a in the initial position, and symbol d ２ is the distance between the finger rest 131 and the reference position on the blood collection tube placed in the holder 110a in the initial position, and symbol d ３ indicates the distance between the finger rest 131 and the reference position on the hemostasis module 120b in the initial position. These distances are, for example, d １ <d ２ <d ３ It is said that the relationship is as follows.

[0100] When rack 12 is provided, the amount of movement of puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing unit, can be controlled to a preset target amount of movement (D+α), as in the case of turntable 11. Furthermore, the amount of movement of holder 110 and modules 120 other than puncturing module 120, which is the puncturing unit, can be set to match the distance between finger 134 of the subject and a reference position on holder 110 or module 120, which is in its initial position, based on the measurement result of the amount of movement of puncturing module 120 measured when puncturing module 120 is raised.

[0101] With this blood collection device 1, the holder 110 and the module 120 can be transported in one axial direction by the rack 12, so that blood collection operations at the blood collection position and blood measurement operations at positions other than the blood collection position can be performed efficiently at each location. Since peripheral devices and wiring do not interfere with the shaft or are not affected by the rotation of the turntable 11, there are cases where the degree of freedom in device installation and wiring can be improved.

[0102] 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.

[0103] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Housing 11 Turntable 12 Rack 12 Elevating member 20 Base member 21 Compression coil spring 22 Detection sensor 23 Detection unit 30 Movable support member 31 Detection target unit 110 Holder 120 Module 121 Lancing needle 122 Lancing device 130 Cuff mechanism 131 Finger rest 132 Finger rest component 133 Blood collection window 134 Finger of blood recipient 136 Cuff

Claims

1. A blood collection device comprising: a puncturing unit having a puncturing needle; a puncturing mechanism that moves the puncturing unit to puncture the puncturing needle into a finger of a person to be blood-collected; and a control unit that controls the operation of the puncturing mechanism, the puncturing mechanism is a mechanism for raising the puncturing unit from below the finger to puncture the finger with the puncturing needle, the control unit controls the operation of the puncturing mechanism to drive the puncturing unit to rise and fall, and stops the puncturing unit from rising by the puncturing mechanism upon detecting contact of the puncturing unit with the finger; The blood collection device detects contact of the lancing unit with the finger by detecting operation of the lancing mechanism caused by contact of the lancing unit with the finger.

2. The blood collection device according to claim 1, A blood collection device in which the amount of movement by which the puncturing mechanism raises the puncturing part is controlled to a predetermined amount of movement that is set in advance for a plurality of blood collection subjects.

3. The blood collection device according to claim 2, A blood collection device in which the amount of movement by the lancing mechanism to raise the lancing unit is controlled to match the distance between the finger placed in the finger rest area and the lancing unit in its initial position.

4. The blood collection device according to claim 1, the puncture mechanism includes an elevating member that is driven to move up and down, a base member that is supported by the elevating member, a movable support member that elevates the puncture unit from below, and an elastic member that elastically supports the movable support member so that it can be moved up and down relative to the base member, The blood collection device in which the puncture needle punctures the finger is performed in a state in which the movable support member is urged in an upward direction by the elastic member.

5. 5. The blood collection device according to claim 4, The blood collection device detects the contact of the puncturing part with the finger, an action that occurs when the puncturing part comes into contact with the finger, by detecting the descent of the movable support member against the force of the elastic member.

6. 6. The blood collection device according to claim 5, In this blood collection device, the descent of the movable support member is detected by a detection target portion that rises and falls together with the movable support member relative to the base member, and a detection sensor that detects that the detection target portion has moved to a predetermined position.

7. The blood collection device according to claim 1, a holder for holding a blood collection tube; a moving mechanism for moving the holder to press the blood collection tube against a finger of a subject; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the moving mechanism; the moving mechanism is a mechanism that raises the holder from below the finger and presses the blood collection tube against the finger, The control unit controls the operation of the moving mechanism to drive the holder to rise and fall, and the amount of movement of the holder by the moving mechanism to rise is set based on the amount of movement of the puncturing unit measured when the puncturing unit is raised.

8. The blood collection device according to claim 1, a module that holds a hemostatic material for stopping bleeding at a puncture site of a subject; a movement mechanism that moves the module to press the hemostatic material against the subject's finger; and a control unit that controls the operation of the movement mechanism; the movement mechanism is a mechanism that raises the module from below the finger to press the hemostatic material against the finger, The control unit controls the operation of the moving mechanism to drive the module to rise and fall, and the amount of movement of the module to rise by the moving mechanism is set based on the amount of movement of the lancing unit measured when the lancing unit is raised.

9. The blood collection device according to claim 1, a module that holds a protective material that protects the puncture site of the subject, a movement mechanism that moves the module to press the protective material against the subject's fingers, and a control unit that controls the operation of the movement mechanism; the movement mechanism is a mechanism that raises the module from below the finger to press the protective material against the finger, The control unit controls the operation of the moving mechanism to drive the module to rise and fall, and the amount of movement of the module to rise by the moving mechanism is set based on the amount of movement of the lancing unit measured when the lancing unit is raised.