JP7489716B2 - Lid opening/closing device, sample processing device, and method for opening and closing a lid using the lid opening/closing device - Google Patents
Lid opening/closing device, sample processing device, and method for opening and closing a lid using the lid opening/closing device Download PDFInfo
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- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
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Description
本出願における開示は、蓋開閉装置、試料処理装置および蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法に関する。 The disclosure in this application relates to a lid opening/closing device, a sample processing device, and a method for opening and closing a lid using the lid opening/closing device.
分子生物学、生化学等の分野において、例えば、マイクロチューブのような蓋付き容器が広く用いられている。蓋付き容器は、容器部および容器部の開口と嵌合する蓋部が連結部を介して繋がっている。そのため、容器部に間違った蓋部を嵌めることを防ぎ、試料の取り扱いを簡便に行うことができる。しかしながら、蓋部の開閉時に、試験者自身の手指で触れることによって手指に試料が付着して、試料や周辺を汚染してしまうという問題がある。また、多数の蓋付き容器が取り扱われるため、蓋部の開閉に多大な労力を要するという問題もある。 Lidded containers, such as microtubes, are widely used in the fields of molecular biology and biochemistry. A lidded container has a container part and a lid part that fits into the opening of the container part, which are connected via a connector. This prevents the wrong lid part from being fitted to the container part, and allows for easy handling of samples. However, when opening or closing the lid, there is a problem in that the tester's own fingers may touch the lid, causing the sample to adhere to the tester's fingers and contaminating the sample and the surrounding area. In addition, since a large number of lidded containers are handled, there is also the problem that opening and closing the lids requires a great deal of effort.
例えば、特許文献１および特許文献２には、試験者自身の手指が触れることなく自動でマイクロチューブの蓋部の開閉を行う開閉装置が開示されている。 For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose an opening and closing device that automatically opens and closes the lid of a microtube without the tester's own fingers touching it.
特許文献１には、試料容器の蓋部を開閉させたときに生ずる蓋部の回転半径とほぼ同じ回転半径を持つ回転機構により蓋を開閉させる試料容器の自動開閉装置が開示されている。また、特許文献２には、容器を支持するラックの上部に、回転軸を中心にして、容器の蓋部が受け入れられ得る締結溝を有する開閉部と、開閉部を回転させる駆動部を含み、開閉部の回転によって、容器の蓋部を開閉するチューブ開閉装置が開示されている。 Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic opening and closing device for a sample container that opens and closes the lid using a rotation mechanism with a rotation radius approximately equal to the rotation radius of the lid when the lid of the sample container is opened and closed. Patent Document 2 discloses a tube opening and closing device that includes an opening and closing part having a fastening groove in which the lid of the container can be received around a rotation axis, and a drive part that rotates the opening and closing part, and that opens and closes the lid of the container by the rotation of the opening and closing part.
蓋付き容器は、扱う試料の量に応じ様々な容量のものがある。蓋付き容器の容量としては、例えば、０．２ｍｌ、１．５ｍｌ、２．０ｍｌ、５．０ｍｌ、１０ｍｌ等が挙げられる。そのため、容量が異なる蓋付き容器は、容器部の開口の径、蓋部の大きさ等のサイズが異なる。特許文献１および特許文献２に開示される開閉装置は、その構造から１種類の蓋付き容器の蓋部を開閉するものであり、サイズの異なる蓋付き容器については開閉することができない。したがって、サイズの異なる複数種類の蓋付き容器の蓋部を開閉できる開閉装置が望まれている。 Lidded containers come in a variety of capacities depending on the amount of sample to be handled. Examples of capacities of lidded containers include 0.2 ml, 1.5 ml, 2.0 ml, 5.0 ml, and 10 ml. Lidded containers of different capacities therefore differ in size, such as the diameter of the opening of the container and the size of the lid. The opening and closing devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are structured to open and close the lid of one type of lidded container, and cannot open and close lidded containers of different sizes. Therefore, there is a demand for an opening and closing device that can open and close the lids of multiple types of lidded containers of different sizes.
本出願の開示は、サイズの異なる複数種類の蓋付き容器の蓋部を開閉できる蓋開閉装置、試料処理装置および蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法を提供することにある。本出願の開示のその他の任意付加的な効果は、発明を実施するための形態において明らかにされる。 The disclosure of this application is to provide a lid opening/closing device capable of opening and closing the lids of multiple types of lidded containers of different sizes, a sample processing device, and a method for opening and closing the lids using the lid opening/closing device. Other optional additional effects of the disclosure of this application are made clear in the description for carrying out the invention.
（１）容器部および容器部の開口と嵌合する蓋部を含む蓋付き容器の蓋開閉装置であって、
蓋開閉装置は、
蓋部に係合する係合部と、
係合部が設けられた回転部材と、
回転部材を移動させる移動部と、
回転部材を回転させる回転駆動部と、
を含み、
回転部材は、回転部材の回転軸に対して係合部を相対的に移動させる移動部材を含み、
移動部は、
蓋部に係合部が係合するように回転部材を移動させ、
回転部材の回転軸と蓋部の開閉における蓋付き容器の支点とが重なるように回転部材を移動させる、
蓋開閉装置。
（２）係合部は、凹部を含み、
凹部が、蓋部に係合する、
上記（１）に記載の蓋開閉装置。
（３）係合部は、複数の蓋付き容器の蓋部に係合する、
上記（１）または（２）に記載の蓋開閉装置。
（４）移動部材は、係合部が蓋部に係合した状態で、係合部を回転部材上で移動させる、
上記（１）～（３）のいずれか一つに記載の蓋開閉装置。
（５）移動部材は、
リニアガイドと、
リニアガイドレールと、
バネと、
を含み、
係合部は、
リニアガイドに設けられ、
リニアガイドとリニアガイドレールにより回転部材上を移動し、
バネは、
一方の端部が回転部材に固定され、
他方の端部がリニアガイドに接続され、
係合部に回転軸方向への付勢力を加える、
上記（１）～（４）のいずれか一つに記載の蓋開閉装置。
（６）上記（１）～（５）のいずれか一つに記載の蓋開閉装置と、
分注装置と、
を含む、
試料処理装置。
（７）容器部および容器部の開口と嵌合する蓋部を含む蓋付き容器の蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法であって、
蓋開閉装置は、
蓋部に係合する係合部と、
係合部が設けられた回転部材と、
回転部材を移動させる移動部と、
回転部材を回転させる回転駆動部と、
を含み、
蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法は、
蓋部に係合部が係合する係合工程と、
回転部材の回転軸を蓋部の開閉における蓋付き容器の支点に合わせる位置合わせ工程と、
回転部材を第一の方向に回転させて容器部から蓋部を開ける蓋開け工程と、
を含む、
蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法。
（８）係合工程は、位置合わせ工程の前に行われ、
位置合わせ工程において、係合部が蓋部に係合した状態で、回転軸に対して係合部は相対的に移動する、
上記（７）に記載の蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法。
（９）回転部材を第一の方向とは反対の第二の方向に回転させて、蓋部を容器部に嵌合させる蓋閉め工程、
を含む、
上記（７）または（８）に記載の蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法。
（１０）位置合わせ工程において、蓋部に係合している係合部は、回転部材上を移動する、
上記（７）～（９）のいずれか一つに記載の蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法。
(1) A lid opening/closing device for a lidded container including a container portion and a lid portion that fits into an opening of the container portion,
The lid opening and closing device is
An engagement portion that engages with the lid portion;
A rotating member provided with an engagement portion;
A moving unit that moves the rotating member;
A rotation drive unit that rotates the rotation member;
Including,
The rotating member includes a moving member that moves the engagement portion relatively to a rotation axis of the rotating member,
The moving part is
The rotating member is moved so that the engaging portion engages with the lid portion;
moving the rotating member so that a rotation axis of the rotating member and a fulcrum of the lid-equipped container for opening and closing the lid portion overlap;
Lid opening and closing device.
(2) the engagement portion includes a recess,
The recess engages with the lid.
The lid opening and closing device described in (1) above.
(3) The engaging portion engages with the lid portions of a plurality of lidded containers.
A lid opening and closing device as described in (1) or (2) above.
(4) The moving member moves the engaging portion on the rotating member in a state in which the engaging portion is engaged with the lid portion.
A lid opening and closing device described in any one of (1) to (3) above.
(5) The moving member is
A linear guide,
A linear guide rail,
Springs and
Including,
The engagement portion is
Provided on the linear guide,
It moves on the rotating part via linear guides and linear guide rails.
The spring is
One end is fixed to a rotating member,
The other end is connected to a linear guide.
Applying a biasing force in the direction of the rotation axis to the engagement portion.
A lid opening and closing device described in any one of (1) to (4) above.
(6) A cover opening/closing device according to any one of (1) to (5) above,
A dispensing device;
including,
Sample processing equipment.
(7) A method for opening and closing a lid of a lidded container, the lid including a container and a lid that fits into an opening of the container, using a lid opening and closing device, comprising the steps of:
The lid opening and closing device is
An engagement portion that engages with the lid portion;
A rotating member provided with an engagement portion;
A moving unit that moves the rotating member;
A rotation drive unit that rotates the rotation member;
Including,
The method for opening and closing the lid using the lid opening and closing device is as follows:
an engaging step in which the engaging portion engages with the lid portion;
an alignment step of aligning a rotation axis of the rotating member with a fulcrum of the container with lid for opening and closing the lid;
a lid opening step of rotating the rotating member in a first direction to open the lid portion from the container portion;
including,
A method for opening and closing a lid using a lid opening and closing device.
(8) the engaging step is performed before the aligning step;
In the positioning step, the engaging portion moves relative to the rotation shaft while the engaging portion is engaged with the lid portion.
A method for opening and closing a lid using the lid opening and closing device described in (7) above.
(9) a lid closing step of rotating the rotating member in a second direction opposite to the first direction to fit the lid portion to the container portion;
including,
A method for opening and closing a lid using the lid opening and closing device described in (7) or (8) above.
(10) In the positioning step, the engaging portion engaged with the lid portion moves on a rotating member.
A method for opening and closing a lid using the lid opening and closing device described in any one of (7) to (9) above.
本出願で開示する蓋開閉装置は、サイズの異なる蓋付き容器の蓋部を開閉できる。 The lid opening and closing device disclosed in this application can open and close the lids of lidded containers of different sizes.
以下、図面を参照しつつ、蓋開閉装置、試料処理装置および蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法について説明する。なお、本明細書において、同種の機能を有する部材には、同一または類似の符号が付されている。そして、同一または類似の符号の付された部材について、繰り返しとなる説明が省略される場合がある。 The following describes the lid opening/closing device, the sample processing device, and the method for opening and closing the lid using the lid opening/closing device with reference to the drawings. Note that in this specification, components having the same type of function are given the same or similar symbols. Furthermore, repeated descriptions of components given the same or similar symbols may be omitted.
また、図面において示す各構成の位置、大きさ、範囲などは、理解を容易とするため、実際の位置、大きさ、範囲などを表していない場合がある。このため、本出願における開示は、必ずしも、図面に開示された位置、大きさ、範囲などに限定されない。 In addition, the position, size, range, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, range, etc., in order to facilitate understanding. Therefore, the disclosure in this application is not necessarily limited to the position, size, range, etc., disclosed in the drawings.
（方向の定義）
本明細書において、Ｘ軸、Ｙ軸、Ｚ軸の３次元直交座標系を用い、鉛直方向をＺ方向とする。
(Direction definition)
In this specification, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system with X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis is used, and the vertical direction is defined as the Z direction.
本出願で開示する蓋開閉装置に用いることができる蓋付き容器について説明する。図１に、蓋付き容器１の模式的な例を示す。図１Ａには、蓋部１２が閉まった状態の蓋付き容器１を示し、図１Ｂには、蓋部１２が開いた状態の蓋付き容器１を示す。 A container with a lid that can be used with the lid opening/closing device disclosed in this application will be described. Figure 1 shows a schematic example of a container with a lid 1. Figure 1A shows the container with a lid 1 with the lid portion 12 closed, and Figure 1B shows the container with a lid 1 with the lid portion 12 open.
図１に示す例では、蓋付き容器１は、容器部１１と、容器部１１に嵌合する蓋部１２と、連結部１３とを具備する。代替的に蓋付き容器１は、容器部１１と、容器部１１に嵌合する蓋部１２からなり、連結部１３を具備しなくてもよい。蓋付き容器１としては、例えば、マイクロチューブ、セントチューブ、ＰＰチューブ、ミクロ試験管等が挙げられる。また、蓋付き容器１の容器部１１のサイズを変えることで異なる容量とすることができる。蓋付き容器の容量としては、例えば、０．２ｍｌ、１．５ｍｌ、２．０ｍｌ、５．０ｍｌ、１０ｍｌ等が挙げられる。その際、容器部１１のサイズに応じて、蓋部１２のサイズも異なる。 In the example shown in FIG. 1, the lidded container 1 includes a container portion 11, a lid portion 12 that fits into the container portion 11, and a connecting portion 13. Alternatively, the lidded container 1 may include the container portion 11 and the lid portion 12 that fits into the container portion 11, and may not include the connecting portion 13. Examples of the lidded container 1 include a microtube, a centrifugal tube, a PP tube, and a micro test tube. In addition, different capacities can be achieved by changing the size of the container portion 11 of the lidded container 1. Examples of the capacities of the lidded container include 0.2 ml, 1.5 ml, 2.0 ml, 5.0 ml, and 10 ml. In this case, the size of the lid portion 12 also varies depending on the size of the container portion 11.
容器部１１は、内部に試料等を保持することができれば形状に制限はない。容器部１１は、円筒形状、円錐形状、円筒形状と円錐形状を組み合わせた形状等でもよい。図１には、容器部１１が、円筒形状と円錐形状を組み合わせた形状のものを示す。 There are no limitations on the shape of the container 11 as long as it can hold a sample or the like inside. The container 11 may be cylindrical, conical, or a combination of a cylindrical and conical shape. Figure 1 shows the container 11 in a shape that combines a cylindrical shape and a conical shape.
蓋部１２は、突出部１４と嵌合部１５とを具備する。突出部１４は、蓋部１２を開閉する際に、手指等が引っかかるように容器部１１の縁より外側に突出している場所であり、力が加えられる。また、後述する係合部３が、突出部１４に係合する。なお、突出部１４は、容器部１１の縁全体から突出してもよいし、容器部１１の縁の一部から突出してもよい。嵌合部１５は、容器部１１に嵌合する。 The lid portion 12 has a protrusion 14 and a fitting portion 15. The protrusion 14 is a portion that protrudes outward from the edge of the container portion 11 so that fingers, etc. can be caught and force can be applied when opening and closing the lid portion 12. In addition, the engagement portion 3 described below engages with the protrusion 14. The protrusion 14 may protrude from the entire edge of the container portion 11, or may protrude from only a portion of the edge of the container portion 11. The fitting portion 15 fits into the container portion 11.
図１に示す例では、蓋付き容器１は連結部１３を具備している。連結部１３は、容器部１１と蓋部１２とを繋げる。 In the example shown in FIG. 1, the lidded container 1 has a connecting portion 13. The connecting portion 13 connects the container portion 11 and the lid portion 12.
図１に示す連結部１３を具備した蓋付き容器１における蓋部１２の開閉は、蓋部１２の突出部１４に力を加え、連結部１３の屈曲した場所を支点１６とし、支点１６を中心軸とした回転運動によって行われる。また、連結部１３を具備しない蓋付き容器１では、力が加えられる突出部１４と反対側の容器部１１と蓋部１２の接触箇所の端部が支点１６となる。 In the case of a container with lid 1 having a connecting part 13 as shown in FIG. 1, the opening and closing of the lid part 12 is performed by applying force to the protruding part 14 of the lid part 12, and rotating the bent part of the connecting part 13 around the fulcrum 16, which acts as a central axis. In the case of a container with lid 1 that does not have a connecting part 13, the end of the contact point between the container part 11 and the lid part 12 on the side opposite the protruding part 14 to which force is applied becomes the fulcrum 16.
蓋付き容器１は、機械的耐久性および有機溶媒への耐久性を有していることが好ましい。機械的耐久性および有機溶媒への耐久性を有する材料として、特に制限するものではないが、例えば、ポリプロピレン等が挙げられる。 It is preferable that the container with lid 1 has mechanical durability and durability to organic solvents. Materials having mechanical durability and durability to organic solvents are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polypropylene, etc.
（蓋開閉装置の第１の実施形態）
図２および図３を参照して、蓋開閉装置２ａの第１の実施形態について説明する。図２は、蓋開閉装置２ａを模式的に示す図である。図３は、蓋開閉装置２ａの回転部材４周辺の拡大図である。
(First embodiment of the cover opening/closing device)
A first embodiment of the lid opening and closing device 2a will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the lid opening and closing device 2a. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the rotating member 4 of the lid opening and closing device 2a.
第１の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ａは、係合部３と、回転部材４と、移動部５と、回転駆動部６と、を少なくとも具備する。なお、図２に示す例では、蓋開閉装置２ａは、任意付加的に蓋付き容器１を保持する容器保持部７を具備する。 The lid opening/closing device 2a according to the first embodiment at least includes an engagement unit 3, a rotating member 4, a moving unit 5, and a rotation drive unit 6. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the lid opening/closing device 2a optionally includes a container holding unit 7 that holds the lidded container 1.
係合部３は、蓋付き容器１の蓋部１２に係合する。係合部３は、蓋部１２に係合できれば、特に制限はない。図２および図３に示す例では、係合部３は凹部３１を具備し、凹部３１に蓋部１２の突出部１４が係合する。代替的に、係合部３は、突出部１４に係合する凸部を具備してもよい。 The engaging portion 3 engages with the lid portion 12 of the lidded container 1. There are no particular limitations on the engaging portion 3 as long as it can engage with the lid portion 12. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the engaging portion 3 has a recess 31, and the protruding portion 14 of the lid portion 12 engages with the recess 31. Alternatively, the engaging portion 3 may have a protruding portion that engages with the protruding portion 14.
また、係合部３の材料としては、特に制限はなく、例えば、ステンレス等の金属や、セラミック等の非金属が挙げられる。係合部３が蓋部１２に係合するため、加工性の観点から金属であることが好ましい。 The material of the engagement portion 3 is not particularly limited, and examples include metals such as stainless steel and non-metals such as ceramics. Since the engagement portion 3 engages with the lid portion 12, it is preferable that the material be metal from the viewpoint of workability.
回転部材４は、後述する回転駆動部６からの動力により回転軸４１を中心にＸ－Ｚ平面で回転する。また、回転部材４は、係合部３および移動部材４２を具備する。そのため、回転部材４の回転により係合部３もＸ－Ｚ平面で回転する。したがって、蓋部１２に係合した状態での係合部３の回転により、蓋部１２の突出部１４に力を加えることができる。 The rotating member 4 rotates in the X-Z plane around the rotation axis 41 by the power from the rotation drive unit 6 described below. The rotating member 4 also includes an engagement portion 3 and a moving member 42. Therefore, the rotation of the rotating member 4 causes the engagement portion 3 to also rotate in the X-Z plane. Therefore, the rotation of the engagement portion 3 while engaged with the lid portion 12 can apply a force to the protrusion 14 of the lid portion 12.
回転部材４は、回転軸４１を中心に係合部３をＸ－Ｚ平面で回転できればよく、特に制限はない。回転部材４の形状としては、例えば、板状、棒状等が挙げられる。図２および図３で示す例では、回転部材４は、板状である。また、回転部材４の大きさは蓋開閉装置２ａに合わせて適宜調整すればよい。 The rotating member 4 is not particularly limited as long as it can rotate the engagement portion 3 in the X-Z plane around the rotation axis 41. The shape of the rotating member 4 can be, for example, plate-like or rod-like. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rotating member 4 is plate-like. The size of the rotating member 4 can be adjusted appropriately to match the lid opening/closing device 2a.
回転部材４が具備する移動部材４２は、回転軸４１に対して係合部３を相対的に移動させる。上記したように蓋付き容器１の蓋部１２の開閉は、蓋部１２の突出部１４に力を加え支点１６を中心軸として回転運動により行われる。そのため、突出部１４に係合部３から力が加えられていても、回転軸４１と支点１６がずれていると蓋部１２の開閉が効率よく行われない。そこで、蓋部１２の開閉を効率よく行うために、後述する移動部５によって、回転軸４１を支点１６に合わせる。その際、移動部材４２によって、回転軸４１に対して係合部３を相対的に移動させることで、様々なサイズの蓋付き容器１に対応して蓋部１２の開閉ができる。 The moving member 42 provided on the rotating member 4 moves the engagement portion 3 relative to the rotation axis 41. As described above, the lid portion 12 of the lidded container 1 is opened and closed by applying force to the protruding portion 14 of the lid portion 12 and rotating around the fulcrum 16 as the central axis. Therefore, even if force is applied to the protruding portion 14 from the engagement portion 3, if the rotation axis 41 and the fulcrum 16 are misaligned, the lid portion 12 is not opened and closed efficiently. Therefore, in order to open and close the lid portion 12 efficiently, the rotation axis 41 is aligned with the fulcrum 16 by the moving portion 5 described later. At that time, the engagement portion 3 is moved relative to the rotation axis 41 by the moving member 42, so that the lid portion 12 can be opened and closed to accommodate lidded containers 1 of various sizes.
移動部材４２は、回転軸４１に対して係合部３を相対的に移動させることができればよく、特に制限はない。例えば、回転部材４に回転軸４１を固定して回転軸４１に対して回転部材４上で係合部３を移動させてもよく、回転部材４に係合部３を固定して回転軸４１自体を回転部材４上で移動させてもよい。 The moving member 42 is not particularly limited as long as it can move the engagement portion 3 relative to the rotating shaft 41. For example, the rotating shaft 41 may be fixed to the rotating member 4 and the engagement portion 3 may be moved on the rotating member 4 relative to the rotating shaft 41, or the engagement portion 3 may be fixed to the rotating member 4 and the rotating shaft 41 itself may be moved on the rotating member 4.
図２および図３に示す例では、移動部材４２は、回転部材４に固定された回転軸４１に対して回転部材４上で係合部３を移動させる。移動部材４２は、リニアガイド４３、リニアガイドレール４４およびバネ４５を具備する。リニアガイド４３に係合部３が設けられ、リニアガイド４３とリニアガイドレール４４により係合部３は、回転部材４上を移動する。そして、バネ４５の一方の端部を回転部材４に固定し、他方の端部をリニアガイド４３に接続することで、係合部３に回転軸４１方向への付勢力を加える。したがって、当該付勢力により、係合部３が蓋部１２に係合した状態を維持できる。移動部材４２のリニアガイド４３とリニアガイドレール４４は、代替的にスライダ、レール、ローラガイド、ボールガイド等の直動機構で構成してもよい。また、バネ４５は、代替的にゴム、板バネ等の弾性部材または自重による機構で構成してもよい。 2 and 3, the moving member 42 moves the engagement part 3 on the rotating member 4 relative to the rotating shaft 41 fixed to the rotating member 4. The moving member 42 includes a linear guide 43, a linear guide rail 44, and a spring 45. The linear guide 43 is provided with the engagement part 3, and the engagement part 3 moves on the rotating member 4 by the linear guide 43 and the linear guide rail 44. One end of the spring 45 is fixed to the rotating member 4, and the other end is connected to the linear guide 43, thereby applying a biasing force to the engagement part 3 in the direction of the rotating shaft 41. Therefore, the biasing force can maintain the state in which the engagement part 3 is engaged with the lid part 12. The linear guide 43 and the linear guide rail 44 of the moving member 42 may alternatively be configured with a linear motion mechanism such as a slider, a rail, a roller guide, or a ball guide. The spring 45 may alternatively be configured with an elastic member such as rubber or a leaf spring, or a mechanism using its own weight.
図２および図３には、移動部材４２がバネ４５を具備した例が記載されているが、移動部材４２は、回転軸４１へ付勢力を加えるバネ４５を具備しない構成としてもよい。その場合、移動部材４２は、例えば、リニアガイド４３、リニアガイドレール４４を具備し、リニアガイドレール４４の所定の位置に固定できるロック機構をリニアガイド４３が備えた構成としてもよい。リニアガイド４３は、係合部３の蓋付き容器１に係合する係合箇所と回転軸４１とのＸ方向の距離が係合部３に係合する突出部１４と支点１６との距離と同じになる位置に固定される。係合部材３を所定の位置に固定できることにより、後述する移動部５により回転部材４を移動させて回転軸４１と支点１６との位置を合わせると同時に係合部３を蓋部１２に係合できる。また、リニアガイド４３を蓋付き容器１のサイズに応じてリニアガイドレール４４の複数の位置に固定できるようにすることで、蓋付き容器１のサイズが変化しても、係合部材３を所定の位置に固定できる。なお、バネ４５を用いない移動部材４２による係合部３の移動は、自動で行ってもよく、手動で行ってもよい。自動で行うには、上記の直動機構にアクチュエーター等の駆動源を用いてもよい。ロック機構は、リニアガイド４３を固定できればよく、例えば、ラチェット、ネジ等が挙げられるが、特に制限はない。 2 and 3 show an example in which the moving member 42 is equipped with a spring 45, but the moving member 42 may not be equipped with the spring 45 that applies a biasing force to the rotating shaft 41. In that case, the moving member 42 may be equipped with, for example, a linear guide 43 and a linear guide rail 44, and the linear guide 43 may be equipped with a locking mechanism that can be fixed at a predetermined position on the linear guide rail 44. The linear guide 43 is fixed at a position where the distance in the X direction between the engagement point of the engagement part 3 that engages with the lidded container 1 and the rotating shaft 41 is the same as the distance between the protrusion 14 that engages with the engagement part 3 and the fulcrum 16. By being able to fix the engagement member 3 at a predetermined position, the rotating member 4 can be moved by the moving part 5 described later to align the positions of the rotating shaft 41 and the fulcrum 16, and at the same time, the engagement part 3 can be engaged with the lid part 12. In addition, by being able to fix the linear guide 43 at multiple positions on the linear guide rail 44 according to the size of the lidded container 1, the engagement member 3 can be fixed at a predetermined position even if the size of the lidded container 1 changes. The movement of the engagement part 3 by the moving member 42 without using the spring 45 may be performed automatically or manually. To perform it automatically, a driving source such as an actuator may be used for the linear motion mechanism. The locking mechanism may be any mechanism capable of fixing the linear guide 43, and examples of the locking mechanism include a ratchet, a screw, etc., but there are no particular limitations.
また、係合部３を回転部材４に固定して回転軸４１を移動させるには、後述する回転駆動部６に対して回転部材４を移動させる移動部材４２を具備すればよい。この場合、移動部材４２は、回転駆動部６に対して回転部材４をＸ方向に移動させ、移動後、回転部材４に回転軸４１を固定できれば、特に制限はない。移動部材４２としては、例えば、上記した直動機構およびロック機構と同様なものが挙げられる。 In addition, to fix the engagement portion 3 to the rotating member 4 and move the rotating shaft 41, a moving member 42 that moves the rotating member 4 relative to the rotation drive unit 6 described below may be provided. In this case, there are no particular limitations on the moving member 42 as long as it can move the rotating member 4 in the X direction relative to the rotation drive unit 6 and fix the rotating shaft 41 to the rotating member 4 after the movement. Examples of the moving member 42 include the same linear motion mechanism and locking mechanism as described above.
移動部５は、直接または間接的に回転部材４を移動させる。移動部５は、回転部材４を移動させることができれば、特に制限はない。図２に示す例では、移動部５は、Ｘ方向移動部５１およびＺ方向移動部５２を具備している。Ｘ方向移動部５１およびＺ方向移動部５２は、図示していない駆動源と動力伝達機構とを具備する。駆動源は回転部材４を移動させる動力を発生し、動力伝達機構は動力を回転部材４へ伝える。また、図２に示す例では、移動部５は、回転駆動部６を介して間接的に回転部材４を移動させる。代替的に、移動部５と回転駆動部６を統合して、移動部５と回転部材４を接触させて、移動部５が直接回転部材４の移動と回転を行ってもよい。 The moving unit 5 moves the rotating member 4 directly or indirectly. There are no particular limitations on the moving unit 5 as long as it can move the rotating member 4. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the moving unit 5 includes an X-direction moving unit 51 and a Z-direction moving unit 52. The X-direction moving unit 51 and the Z-direction moving unit 52 include a drive source and a power transmission mechanism, both of which are not shown. The drive source generates power to move the rotating member 4, and the power transmission mechanism transmits the power to the rotating member 4. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the moving unit 5 moves the rotating member 4 indirectly via the rotation drive unit 6. Alternatively, the moving unit 5 and the rotation drive unit 6 may be integrated, the moving unit 5 and the rotating member 4 may be brought into contact with each other, and the moving unit 5 may directly move and rotate the rotating member 4.
駆動源から発生させる動力は、自動で発生させてもよく、手動で発生させてもよい。動力を自動で発生させる駆動源としては、例えば、空圧式アクチュエーター、油圧式のアクチュエーター、電動アクチュエーター、ソレノイドアクチュエーター等のアクチュエーターが挙げられる。また、動力を手動で発生させる駆動源としては、例えば、ネジ機構を用いたもの等が挙げられる。 The power generated by the drive source may be generated automatically or manually. Examples of drive sources that automatically generate power include actuators such as pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, electric actuators, and solenoid actuators. Examples of drive sources that manually generate power include those that use a screw mechanism.
動力伝達機構は、例えば、シャフト、ギア機構、ネジ機構、リンク機構、クランク機構、または、ユニバーサルジョイント等のジョイント機構が挙げられる。 Examples of the power transmission mechanism include a shaft, a gear mechanism, a screw mechanism, a link mechanism, a crank mechanism, or a joint mechanism such as a universal joint.
移動部５がＸ方向移動部５１およびＺ方向移動部５２を具備する例を説明したが、代替的に、移動部５が、回転部材４に対し、１つの駆動源、１つの動力伝達機構を具備して回転部材４をＸ－Ｚ平面内で移動させてもよい。１つの動力伝達機構を用いる場合は、例えば、動力伝達機構にギア等を具備し、回転部材４をＸ方向、Ｚ方向に切り替えて移動させるものが挙げられる。 An example has been described in which the moving unit 5 includes an X-direction moving unit 51 and a Z-direction moving unit 52, but alternatively, the moving unit 5 may include one drive source and one power transmission mechanism for the rotating member 4 to move the rotating member 4 within the X-Z plane. When one power transmission mechanism is used, for example, the power transmission mechanism may include gears or the like, and the rotating member 4 may be moved by switching between the X direction and the Z direction.
さらに、移動部５は、回転部材４をＹ方向に移動させるＹ方向移動部を具備してもよい。Ｙ方向移動部によって、係合部３をＹ方向に移動できるので、Ｙ方向に離れた蓋付き容器１の蓋部１２の開閉もできる。 The moving unit 5 may further include a Y-direction moving unit that moves the rotating member 4 in the Y direction. The Y-direction moving unit can move the engaging unit 3 in the Y direction, so that the lid 12 of the lidded container 1 that is separated in the Y direction can also be opened and closed.
回転駆動部６は、回転部材４を回転させるための動力を発生させ回転部材４へ伝える。回転駆動部６は、回転部材４を回転させることができれば、特に制限はない。回転駆動部６から発生させる動力は、自動で発生させてもよく、手動で発生させてもよい。動力を自動で発生させるものとしては、例えば、ＤＣまたはＡＣモータ、ステッピングモータ、サーボモータ等が挙げられる。また、動力を手動で発生させるものとしては、例えば、手回しハンドルを用いたもの等が挙げられる。 The rotary drive unit 6 generates power for rotating the rotary member 4 and transmits it to the rotary member 4. There are no particular limitations on the rotary drive unit 6 as long as it can rotate the rotary member 4. The power generated by the rotary drive unit 6 may be generated automatically or manually. Examples of devices that automatically generate power include DC or AC motors, stepping motors, and servo motors. Examples of devices that manually generate power include devices that use a hand crank.
また、移動部５による回転部材４の移動および／または回転駆動部６による回転部材４の回転を自動で行う場合には、移動部５および／または回転駆動部６の制御を、例えば、プログラマブル・ロジック・コントローラ（ＰＬＣ）、ＰＣ等によって制御してもよい。 In addition, when the movement of the rotating member 4 by the moving unit 5 and/or the rotation of the rotating member 4 by the rotation drive unit 6 are performed automatically, the movement unit 5 and/or the rotation drive unit 6 may be controlled by, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a PC, etc.
さらに、第１の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ａは、回転部材４を回転させることで、係合部３を回転移動させる。そのため、係合部３の回転移動に回転シャフト等の構成を必要としない。したがって、回転部材４周辺を簡素化でき、例えば、蓋付き容器１内の試料に分注作業等の処理を行う際、第１の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ａが分注作業の妨げになることを防げる。 Furthermore, the lid opening/closing device 2a according to the first embodiment rotates the rotating member 4 to rotate the engagement part 3. Therefore, a configuration such as a rotating shaft is not required for the rotational movement of the engagement part 3. This simplifies the area around the rotating member 4, and for example, when performing a process such as dispensing on a sample in the lidded container 1, the lid opening/closing device 2a according to the first embodiment can be prevented from interfering with the dispensing process.
第１の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ａにおいて、容器保持部７は任意付加的な構成要素である。容器保持部７は、蓋付き容器１を保持する。そして、蓋開閉装置２ａは、保持された蓋付き容器１の蓋部１２の開閉を行う。 In the lid opening/closing device 2a according to the first embodiment, the container holding unit 7 is an optional component. The container holding unit 7 holds the lidded container 1. The lid opening/closing device 2a opens and closes the lid unit 12 of the held lidded container 1.
容器保持部７は、蓋付き容器１を保持できればよく、保持する蓋付き容器１の数についても、特に制限はない。容器保持部７としては、例えば、チューブラック等が挙げられる。また、容器保持部７は、蓋開閉装置２ａにあらかじめ設けられてもよく、蓋部１２の開閉を行う際に配置してもよい。 The container holding unit 7 only needs to be able to hold the lidded containers 1, and there is no particular limit to the number of lidded containers 1 that it can hold. An example of the container holding unit 7 is a tube rack. The container holding unit 7 may be provided in advance in the lid opening/closing device 2a, or may be positioned when opening and closing the lid unit 12.
（蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法の実施形態）
図４および図５を参照して、蓋付き容器１の蓋開閉装置２ａを用いた蓋部１２の開閉方法（以下、「蓋部の開閉方法」と記載することがある。）の実施形態について説明する。図４は、Ｙ方向からみた蓋開閉装置２ａによる蓋部１２を開ける動作の一例を模式的に示す図である。図５は、異なるサイズの蓋付き容器１、１’を用いた位置合わせ工程の一例を模式的に示す図である。
(Embodiment of a method for opening and closing a lid using a lid opening and closing device)
An embodiment of a method for opening and closing the lid 12 of a container with lid 1 using a lid opening and closing device 2a (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "method for opening and closing the lid") will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for opening the lid 12 by the lid opening and closing device 2a as viewed from the Y direction. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of an alignment process using containers with lids 1, 1' of different sizes.
実施形態に係る蓋部１２の開閉方法は、蓋開閉装置２ａを用い、蓋部１２に係合部３が係合する係合工程と、回転部材４の回転軸４１を蓋部１２の開閉における蓋付き容器１の支点１６に合わせる位置合わせ工程と、回転部材４を第一の方向８に回転させて容器部１１から蓋部１２を開ける蓋開け工程と、を少なくとも含む。また、任意付加的に、回転部材４を第一の方向８とは反対の第二の方向９に回転させて、蓋部１２を容器部１１に嵌合させる蓋閉め工程を含んでもよい。係合工程は、位置合わせ工程よりも前に行ってもよく、位置合わせ工程と同時に行ってもよい。図４に示す例では、蓋部１２の開閉方法は、係合工程、位置合わせ工程、蓋開け工程、蓋閉め工程の順に行われる。 The method for opening and closing the lid part 12 according to the embodiment includes at least an engagement step in which the engagement part 3 engages with the lid part 12 using the lid opening and closing device 2a, an alignment step in which the rotation axis 41 of the rotating member 4 is aligned with the fulcrum 16 of the lid-equipped container 1 for opening and closing the lid part 12, and a lid opening step in which the rotating member 4 is rotated in a first direction 8 to open the lid part 12 from the container part 11. Optionally, the method may also include a lid closing step in which the rotating member 4 is rotated in a second direction 9 opposite to the first direction 8 to fit the lid part 12 into the container part 11. The engagement step may be performed before the alignment step, or may be performed simultaneously with the alignment step. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the method for opening and closing the lid part 12 is performed in the order of the engagement step, the alignment step, the lid opening step, and the lid closing step.
係合工程は、移動部５により回転部材４を移動させて、回転部材４に設けられた係合部３が蓋部１２の突出部１４に係合する。具体的には、図４Ａに示す位置に回転部材４がある場合、まず係合部３の凹部３１が容器保持部７に保持された蓋付き容器１の突出部１４とＺ方向の位置が同じになるように、Ｚ方向移動部５２により回転部材４を移動させる。そして、図４Ｂに示すように、係合部３の凹部３１は、突出部１４とＺ方向の位置が同じになる。その後、Ｘ方向移動部５１により回転部材４を移動させ、図４Ｃに示すように、係合部３の凹部３１が突出部１４に係合する。 In the engagement process, the moving unit 5 moves the rotating member 4, and the engaging portion 3 provided on the rotating member 4 engages with the protruding portion 14 of the lid portion 12. Specifically, when the rotating member 4 is in the position shown in FIG. 4A, the Z-direction moving unit 52 first moves the rotating member 4 so that the recess 31 of the engaging portion 3 is aligned in the Z direction with the protruding portion 14 of the lidded container 1 held by the container holding unit 7. Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the recess 31 of the engaging portion 3 is aligned in the Z direction with the protruding portion 14. After that, the X-direction moving unit 51 moves the rotating member 4, and the recess 31 of the engaging portion 3 engages with the protruding portion 14 as shown in FIG. 4C.
なお、凹部３１と突出部１４とのＺ方向における位置合わせは、凹部３１と突出部１４とのＺ方向における位置を合わせられればよく、特に制限はない。例えば、蓋開閉装置２ａは、図示しないセンサを具備してもよい。センサが凹部３１と突出部１４とのＺ方向における位置が合ったことを検出して回転部材４の移動を停止させてもよい。また、代替的にＰＬＣ等により移動部５が具備する駆動源のアクチュエーターの数値制御をしてもよい。さらに、凹部３１と突出部１４との位置合わせを目視によって行ってもよい。 The alignment of the recess 31 and the protrusion 14 in the Z direction is not particularly limited as long as the positions of the recess 31 and the protrusion 14 in the Z direction are aligned. For example, the lid opening/closing device 2a may be equipped with a sensor (not shown). The sensor may detect that the recess 31 and the protrusion 14 are aligned in the Z direction and stop the movement of the rotating member 4. Alternatively, the actuator of the drive source equipped in the moving unit 5 may be numerically controlled by a PLC or the like. Furthermore, the alignment of the recess 31 and the protrusion 14 may be performed visually.
位置合わせ工程は、回転部材４の回転軸４１を蓋部１２の開閉における蓋付き容器１の支点１６に合わせる。図４に示す例では、位置合わせ工程は、係合工程の後に行われる。 In the alignment process, the rotation axis 41 of the rotating member 4 is aligned with the fulcrum 16 of the lidded container 1 when the lid portion 12 is opened or closed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the alignment process is performed after the engagement process.
上記したように蓋付き容器１の蓋部１２の開閉は、蓋部１２の突出部１４に力を加え支点１６を中心軸として回転運動により行われる。そのため、図４Ｃの状態で、回転部材４を回転させると回転軸４１と支点１６とが合っていないため、効率よく蓋部１２を開けられない。したがって、図４Ｄに示すように、Ｘ方向移動部５１により回転部材４をＸ方向に移動させて回転軸４１と支点１６とを合わせる。その際、回転軸４１に対して蓋部１２の突出部１４に係合している係合部３を相対的に移動させる。図４Ｄで示す例では、回転部材４がＸ方向に移動することで、移動部材４２により回転軸４１に対して係合部３は相対的に回転部材４上を移動する。さらに移動部材４２は、バネ４５を具備し、回転軸４１方向へ係合部３に付勢力を加えているので、係合部３が蓋部１２に係合した状態を維持できる。 As described above, the lid 12 of the container with lid 1 is opened and closed by applying force to the protruding portion 14 of the lid 12 and rotating the fulcrum 16 as the central axis. Therefore, when the rotating member 4 is rotated in the state shown in FIG. 4C, the rotation axis 41 and the fulcrum 16 are not aligned, and the lid 12 cannot be opened efficiently. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4D, the X-direction moving portion 51 moves the rotating member 4 in the X direction to align the rotation axis 41 and the fulcrum 16. At that time, the engaging portion 3 engaged with the protruding portion 14 of the lid 12 is moved relatively to the rotation axis 41. In the example shown in FIG. 4D, the rotating member 4 moves in the X direction, and the engaging portion 3 moves on the rotating member 4 relative to the rotation axis 41 by the moving member 42. Furthermore, the moving member 42 is provided with a spring 45, which applies a biasing force to the engaging portion 3 in the direction of the rotation axis 41, so that the engaging portion 3 can be maintained in an engaged state with the lid 12.
回転軸４１と支点１６との位置合わせは、回転軸４１と支点１６とを合わせられればよく、特に制限はない。例えば、蓋開閉装置２ａは、図示しないセンサを具備してもよい。センサが回転軸４１と支点１６とが合ったことを検出して回転部材４の移動を停止させてもよく、センサが係合部３の蓋部への係合を検出して回転部材４を所定距離移動させてもよい。また、代替的にＰＬＣ等により移動部５が具備する駆動源のアクチュエーターの数値制御をしてもよい。さらに、回転軸４１と支点１６との位置合わせを目視によって行ってもよい。 There are no particular limitations on the alignment of the rotating shaft 41 and the fulcrum 16, as long as the rotating shaft 41 and the fulcrum 16 are aligned. For example, the lid opening/closing device 2a may be equipped with a sensor (not shown). The sensor may detect that the rotating shaft 41 and the fulcrum 16 are aligned and stop the movement of the rotating member 4, or the sensor may detect the engagement of the engagement portion 3 with the lid portion and move the rotating member 4 a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the actuator of the drive source equipped in the moving portion 5 may be numerically controlled by a PLC or the like. Furthermore, the alignment of the rotating shaft 41 and the fulcrum 16 may be performed visually.
図４Ａ～図４Ｄでは、係合工程の後に位置合わせ工程を行うことを説明したが、位置合わせ工程と係合工程を同時に行うこともできる。例えば、移動部材４２によって、係合部３の蓋付き容器１に係合する係合箇所と回転軸４１とのＸ方向の距離が係合部３に係合する突出部１４と支点１６との距離と同じになる位置に係合部３を移動させ固定する。そうすることで、回転軸４１と支点１６を合わせた際に、係合部３が蓋部１２に係合する。 In Figures 4A to 4D, the alignment process is performed after the engagement process, but the alignment process and engagement process can also be performed simultaneously. For example, the moving member 42 moves and fixes the engagement part 3 to a position where the distance in the X direction between the engagement point of the engagement part 3 that engages with the lidded container 1 and the rotation shaft 41 is the same as the distance between the protrusion 14 that engages with the engagement part 3 and the fulcrum 16. In this way, when the rotation shaft 41 and the fulcrum 16 are aligned, the engagement part 3 engages with the lid part 12.
蓋開け工程は、回転部材４を第一の方向８に回転させて容器部１１から蓋部１２を開ける。図４Ｅに示すように、回転軸４１と支点１６とが合ったら、回転駆動部６によって回転部材４を第一の方向８に回転させる。回転部材４の回転により係合部３も回転するため、蓋部１２の突出部１４に力がかかり、支点１６を中心軸として容器部１１より蓋部１２が開けられる。 In the lid opening process, the rotating member 4 is rotated in the first direction 8 to open the lid portion 12 from the container portion 11. As shown in FIG. 4E, when the rotation axis 41 and the fulcrum 16 are aligned, the rotating member 4 is rotated in the first direction 8 by the rotation drive unit 6. The rotation of the rotating member 4 also rotates the engagement portion 3, so that a force is applied to the protruding portion 14 of the lid portion 12, and the lid portion 12 is opened from the container portion 11 with the fulcrum 16 as the central axis.
そして、図４Ｆに示すように、蓋部１２が開いた状態でも、係合部３は蓋部１２の突出部１４を係合できる。そのため、例えば、蓋付き容器１内の試料に分注作業等の処理を行う際、蓋部１２が処理の妨げになることを防げる。なお、図４Ｆに示す例では、回転部材４を第一の方向８の方向に９０度回転させているが、回転部材４を９０度以上回転させることを制限するものでない。回転部材４を９０度以上回転させることで、容器部１１からの蓋部１２の位置を９０度以上にできるので、容器部１１の上部に空間を確保できる。したがって、図４Ｆに示す蓋部１２の位置よりも処理の妨げとなることを防げる。 As shown in FIG. 4F, even when the lid 12 is open, the engagement portion 3 can engage the protrusion 14 of the lid 12. Therefore, for example, when performing a process such as dispensing on a sample in the lidded container 1, the lid 12 can be prevented from interfering with the process. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 4F, the rotating member 4 is rotated 90 degrees in the first direction 8, but this does not limit the rotating member 4 from being rotated more than 90 degrees. By rotating the rotating member 4 more than 90 degrees, the position of the lid 12 from the container 11 can be more than 90 degrees, so that space can be secured above the container 11. Therefore, it is prevented from interfering with the process more than the position of the lid 12 shown in FIG. 4F.
また、上記では、蓋付き容器１を用いた場合を説明したが、蓋付き容器１とはサイズが異なる蓋付き容器１’を用いた場合では、位置合わせ工程において、蓋付き容器１と比べて回転部材４の移動距離が異なる。図５Ａおよび図５Ｂに蓋付き容器１を用いた場合の位置合わせ工程を示す。そして、図５Ｃおよび図５Ｄに蓋付き容器１よりもサイズが大きい蓋付き容器１’を用いた場合の位置合わせ工程を示す。 In the above, the case where a container with lid 1 is used has been described. However, when a container with lid 1', which is a different size from the container with lid 1, is used, the moving distance of the rotating member 4 during the alignment process is different compared to the container with lid 1. Figures 5A and 5B show the alignment process when a container with lid 1 is used. Figures 5C and 5D show the alignment process when a container with lid 1', which is larger in size than the container with lid 1, is used.
位置合わせ工程において、回転部材４の回転軸４１と蓋付き容器１、１’の支点１６とを合わせるために、回転部材４を移動させる。その際、図５Ａの位置から図５Ｂの位置への移動よりも図５Ｃの位置から図５Ｄの位置への移動の方が、回転部材４の移動距離は大きくなる。しかしながら、移動部材４２により回転軸４１に対して係合部３を相対的に移動できることから、係合部３が蓋部１２に係合した状態を維持できる。したがって、サイズの異なる蓋付き容器１’であっても、位置合わせ工程で、回転軸４１と支点１６を合わせられるので、蓋部１２が開けられる。 In the alignment process, the rotating member 4 is moved to align the rotation axis 41 of the rotating member 4 with the fulcrum 16 of the lidded container 1, 1'. In this case, the movement distance of the rotating member 4 is greater when moving from the position in FIG. 5C to the position in FIG. 5D than when moving from the position in FIG. 5A to the position in FIG. 5B. However, since the moving member 42 can move the engagement portion 3 relative to the rotation axis 41, the engagement state of the engagement portion 3 with the lid portion 12 can be maintained. Therefore, even if the lidded container 1' is a different size, the rotation axis 41 and fulcrum 16 can be aligned in the alignment process, and the lid portion 12 can be opened.
実施形態に係る蓋部１２の開閉方法において、蓋閉め工程は任意付加的な構成要素である。蓋閉め工程は、回転部材４を第一の方向８とは反対の第二の方向９に回転させて、蓋部１２を容器部１１に嵌合させる。上記した蓋開け工程によって、図４Ｆに示すように蓋部１２は開けられ、その際、係合部３は蓋部１２に係合している。また、回転部材４の回転軸４１は、支点１６と合っている。したがって、回転部材４を第二の方向９に回転させることで、蓋部１２の突出部１４に力が加わり、支点１６を中心軸として蓋部１２の嵌合部１５が容器部１１に嵌合して蓋部１２が閉められる。 In the method for opening and closing the lid portion 12 according to the embodiment, the lid closing step is an optional component. In the lid closing step, the rotating member 4 is rotated in a second direction 9 opposite to the first direction 8 to fit the lid portion 12 to the container portion 11. The above-mentioned lid opening step opens the lid portion 12 as shown in FIG. 4F, and at that time, the engagement portion 3 engages with the lid portion 12. In addition, the rotation axis 41 of the rotating member 4 is aligned with the fulcrum 16. Therefore, by rotating the rotating member 4 in the second direction 9, a force is applied to the protruding portion 14 of the lid portion 12, and the fitting portion 15 of the lid portion 12 fits into the container portion 11 with the fulcrum 16 as the central axis, and the lid portion 12 is closed.
また、実施形態に係る蓋部１２の開閉方法において、容器保持部７が複数の蓋付き容器１を保持していた場合、蓋開閉装置２ａは、係合工程、位置合わせ工程、蓋開け工程、蓋閉め工程を繰り返すことで、複数の蓋付き容器１の蓋部１２の開閉ができる。 In addition, in the method for opening and closing the lid portion 12 according to the embodiment, if the container holding portion 7 holds multiple lidded containers 1, the lid opening and closing device 2a can open and close the lid portions 12 of multiple lidded containers 1 by repeating the engagement process, alignment process, lid opening process, and lid closing process.
上記の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ａおよび蓋部１２の開閉方法は、以下の効果を奏する。
（１）移動部材４２を具備することにより、サイズの異なる蓋付き容器１であっても蓋部１２の開閉ができる。
（２）係合部３の回転移動に回転シャフト等の構成を必要としないので、回転部材４周辺を簡素化でき、容器部１１に入っている試料の処理を行う際、蓋開閉装置２ａの構成が処理の妨げになることを防げる。
（３）蓋部１２を開けた状態でも、係合部３が蓋部１２に係合できるため、容器部１１に入っている試料の処理を行う際、蓋部１２が処理の妨げになることを防げる。
The lid opening/closing device 2a and the method for opening and closing the lid portion 12 according to the above embodiment have the following advantages.
(1) By providing the movable member 42, the lid portion 12 can be opened and closed even for lidded containers 1 of different sizes.
(2) Since no rotating shaft or other structure is required for the rotational movement of the engagement portion 3, the area around the rotating member 4 can be simplified, and the structure of the lid opening/closing device 2a can be prevented from interfering with the processing of the sample contained in the container portion 11.
(3) Even when the lid portion 12 is open, the engagement portion 3 can engage with the lid portion 12, so that the lid portion 12 is prevented from interfering with the processing of the sample contained in the container portion 11.
（蓋開閉装置の第２の実施形態）
図６を参照して、蓋開閉装置２ｂの第２の実施形態について説明する。図６は、蓋開閉装置２ｂを模式的に示す図である。
(Second embodiment of the cover opening/closing device)
A second embodiment of the lid opening and closing device 2b will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the lid opening and closing device 2b.
第２の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ｂは、第１の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ａの係合部３に換えて係合部３’を具備する点で、第１の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ａと異なり、その他の点は第１の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ａと同じである。したがって、第２の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ｂでは、第１の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ａと異なる点を中心に説明し、第１の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ａにおいて説明済みの事項についての繰り返しとなる説明は省略する。よって、第２の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ｂにおいて明示的に説明されなかったとしても、第１の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ａで説明済みの事項を採用可能であることは言うまでもない。 The lid opening/closing device 2b according to the second embodiment differs from the lid opening/closing device 2a according to the first embodiment in that it has an engagement portion 3' instead of the engagement portion 3 of the lid opening/closing device 2a according to the first embodiment, but is otherwise the same as the lid opening/closing device 2a according to the first embodiment. Therefore, for the lid opening/closing device 2b according to the second embodiment, the differences from the lid opening/closing device 2a according to the first embodiment will be mainly described, and repeated descriptions of matters already described in the lid opening/closing device 2a according to the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the lid opening/closing device 2a according to the first embodiment can be adopted even if they are not explicitly described in the lid opening/closing device 2b according to the second embodiment.
係合部３’は、図６に示すように複数の蓋付き容器１の蓋部１２に係合する。係合部３’は、複数の蓋付き容器１の蓋部１２に係合できれば、特に制限はない。図６に示す例では、係合部３’は凹部３１’を具備している。凹部３１’は、複数の蓋付き容器１の蓋部１２の突出部１４に係合する。代替的に、係合部３’は、複数の蓋付き容器１の蓋部１２の突出部１４に係合する凸部を具備してもよい。 The engaging portion 3' engages with the lid portions 12 of the multiple lidded containers 1 as shown in FIG. 6. There are no particular limitations on the engaging portion 3' as long as it can engage with the lid portions 12 of the multiple lidded containers 1. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the engaging portion 3' has a recess 31'. The recess 31' engages with the protruding portion 14 of the lid portions 12 of the multiple lidded containers 1. Alternatively, the engaging portion 3' may have a protruding portion that engages with the protruding portion 14 of the lid portions 12 of the multiple lidded containers 1.
また、係合部３’の材料としては、上記第１の実施形態で説明済みの係合部３と同様なものを用いることができる。 The material of the engaging portion 3' can be the same as that of the engaging portion 3 described in the first embodiment above.
第２の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ｂは、第１の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ａが奏する効果に加え、以下の効果を相乗的に奏する。
（１）係合部３’が複数の蓋付き容器１の蓋部１２に係合できるので、複数の蓋付き容器１の蓋部１２を一度に開閉できる。
The lid opening/closing device 2b according to the second embodiment synergistically achieves the following effects in addition to the effects achieved by the lid opening/closing device 2a according to the first embodiment.
(1) Since the engaging portion 3' can engage with the lids 12 of a plurality of lidded containers 1, the lids 12 of a plurality of lidded containers 1 can be opened and closed at the same time.
（試料処理装置の実施形態）
上記の実施形態に係る蓋開閉装置２ａ、２ｂは、蓋開閉装置２ａ、２ｂによって開けられた蓋付き容器１内の試料を処理する装置と組み合わせることができる。組み合わせる装置としては、例えば、分注装置、分注機、ディスペンサー、ドロッパー、リキッドハンドラー、ピペッターマシン、希釈装置、塗布装置、スポッター等が挙げられる。
(Embodiments of Sample Processing Apparatus)
The lid opening and closing devices 2a and 2b according to the above-described embodiments can be combined with a device for processing a sample in a lidded container 1 opened by the lid opening and closing devices 2a and 2b. Examples of devices to be combined include a dispensing device, a dispenser, a dropper, a liquid handler, a pipetter machine, a diluting device, a coating device, and a spotter.
また、蓋開閉装置２ａ、２ｂと分注作業を自動で行う分注装置とを組み合わせた場合には、蓋開閉装置２ａ、２ｂと分注装置を例えば、ＰＬＣ、ＰＣ等によって蓋開閉装置２ａ、２ｂの移動部５および／または回転駆動部６と分注装置とを連動させて制御してもよい。 In addition, when the lid opening/closing devices 2a, 2b are combined with a dispensing device that automatically performs dispensing work, the lid opening/closing devices 2a, 2b and the dispensing device may be controlled, for example, by a PLC, PC, etc., in conjunction with the moving unit 5 and/or the rotation drive unit 6 of the lid opening/closing devices 2a, 2b and the dispensing device.
なお、本発明は、上記の実施形態に限定されない。本発明の範囲内において、上記の各実施形態の自由な組み合わせ、あるいは各実施形態の任意の構成要素の変形、または、任意の構成要素の省略が可能である。さらに、上記の各実施形態に任意の構成要素が追加されてもよい。 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Within the scope of the present invention, any combination of the above-described embodiments, any modification of any component of each embodiment, or any omission of any component is possible. Furthermore, any component may be added to each of the above-described embodiments.
本出願で開示する蓋開閉装置、試料処理装置および蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法を用いると、サイズの異なる蓋付き容器の蓋部を開閉できる。したがって、蓋付き容器を扱う業者にとって有用である。 The lid opening/closing device, sample processing device, and lid opening/closing method using the lid opening/closing device disclosed in this application can be used to open and close the lids of lidded containers of different sizes. This is therefore useful for businesses that handle lidded containers.
１、１’…蓋付き容器、１１…容器部、１２…蓋部、１３…連結部、１４…突出部、１５…嵌合部、１６…支点、２、２ａ、２ｂ…蓋開閉装置、３、３’…係合部、３１、３１’…凹部、４…回転部材、４１…回転軸、４２…移動部材、４３…リニアガイド、４４…リニアガイドレール、４５…バネ、５…移動部、５１…Ｘ方向移動部、５２…Ｚ方向移動部、６…回転駆動部、７…容器保持部、８…第一の方向、９…第二の方向
1, 1'...container with lid, 11...container part, 12...lid part, 13...connecting part, 14...projecting part, 15...fitting part, 16...fulcrum, 2, 2a, 2b...lid opening/closing device, 3, 3'...engaging part, 31, 31'...recess, 4...rotating member, 41...rotating shaft, 42...moving member, 43...linear guide, 44...linear guide rail, 45...spring, 5...moving part, 51...X-direction moving part, 52...Z-direction moving part, 6...rotation drive part, 7...container holding part, 8...first direction, 9...second direction
Claims (10)
蓋開閉装置は、
蓋部に係合する係合部と、
係合部が設けられた回転部材と、
回転部材を移動させる移動部と、
回転部材を回転させる回転駆動部と、
を含み、
回転部材は、回転部材の回転軸に対して係合部を相対的に移動させる移動部材を含み、
移動部は、
蓋部に係合部が係合するように回転部材を移動させ、
回転部材の回転軸と蓋部の開閉における蓋付き容器の支点とが重なるように回転部材を移動させる、
蓋開閉装置。 A lid opening/closing device for a lidded container, comprising a container portion and a lid portion that fits into an opening of the container portion,
The lid opening and closing device is
An engagement portion that engages with the lid portion;
A rotating member provided with an engagement portion;
A moving unit that moves the rotating member;
A rotation drive unit that rotates the rotation member;
Including,
The rotating member includes a moving member that moves the engagement portion relatively to a rotation axis of the rotating member,
The moving part is
The rotating member is moved so that the engaging portion engages with the lid portion;
moving the rotating member so that a rotation axis of the rotating member and a fulcrum of the lid-equipped container for opening and closing the lid portion overlap;
Lid opening and closing device.
凹部が、蓋部に係合する、
請求項１に記載の蓋開閉装置。 The engagement portion includes a recess.
The recess engages with the lid.
The cover opening and closing device according to claim 1.
請求項１または２に記載の蓋開閉装置。 The engaging portion engages with the lids of a plurality of lidded containers.
The cover opening and closing device according to claim 1 or 2.
請求項１～３のいずれか一項に記載の蓋開閉装置。 The moving member moves the engaging portion on the rotating member in a state where the engaging portion is engaged with the lid portion.
The cover opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
リニアガイドと、
リニアガイドレールと、
バネと、
を含み、
係合部は、
リニアガイドに設けられ、
リニアガイドとリニアガイドレールにより回転部材上を移動し、
バネは、
一方の端部が回転部材に固定され、
他方の端部がリニアガイドに接続され、
係合部に回転軸方向への付勢力を加える、
請求項１～４のいずれか一項に記載の蓋開閉装置。 The moving member is
A linear guide,
A linear guide rail,
Springs and
Including,
The engagement portion is
Provided on the linear guide,
It moves on the rotating part via linear guides and linear guide rails.
The spring is
One end is fixed to a rotating member,
The other end is connected to a linear guide.
Applying a biasing force to the engagement portion in the direction of the rotation axis.
The cover opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
分注装置と、
を含む、
試料処理装置。 A cover opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A dispensing device;
including,
Sample processing equipment.
蓋開閉装置は、
蓋部に係合する係合部と、
係合部が設けられた回転部材と、
回転部材を移動させる移動部と、
回転部材を回転させる回転駆動部と、
を含み、
蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法は、
蓋部に係合部が係合する係合工程と、
回転部材の回転軸を蓋部の開閉における蓋付き容器の支点に合わせる位置合わせ工程と、
回転部材を第一の方向に回転させて容器部から蓋部を開ける蓋開け工程と、
を含む、
蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法。 A method for opening and closing a lid using a lid opening and closing device for a lidded container including a container and a lid that fits into an opening of the container, comprising:
The lid opening and closing device is
An engagement portion that engages with the lid portion;
A rotating member provided with an engagement portion;
A moving unit that moves the rotating member;
A rotation drive unit that rotates the rotation member;
Including,
The method for opening and closing the lid using the lid opening and closing device is as follows:
an engaging step in which the engaging portion engages with the lid portion;
an alignment step of aligning a rotation axis of the rotating member with a fulcrum of the container with lid for opening and closing the lid;
a lid opening step of rotating the rotating member in a first direction to open the lid portion from the container portion;
including,
A method for opening and closing a lid using a lid opening and closing device.
位置合わせ工程において、係合部が蓋部に係合した状態で、回転軸に対して係合部は相対的に移動する、
請求項７に記載の蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法。 The engaging step is performed before the aligning step;
In the positioning step, the engaging portion moves relative to the rotation shaft while the engaging portion is engaged with the lid portion.
A method for opening and closing a lid using the lid opening and closing device according to claim 7.
を含む、
請求項７または８に記載の蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法。 a lid closing step of rotating the rotating member in a second direction opposite to the first direction to fit the lid portion to the container portion;
including,
A method for opening and closing a lid using the lid opening and closing device according to claim 7 or 8.
請求項７～９のいずれか一項に記載の蓋開閉装置を用いた蓋部の開閉方法。
In the positioning step, the engaging portion engaged with the lid portion moves on the rotating member.
A method for opening and closing a lid using the lid opening and closing device according to any one of claims 7 to 9.
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