WO2012029834A1 - 検体移載機構 - Google Patents
検体移載機構 Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2012029834A1 WO2012029834A1 PCT/JP2011/069723 JP2011069723W WO2012029834A1 WO 2012029834 A1 WO2012029834 A1 WO 2012029834A1 JP 2011069723 W JP2011069723 W JP 2011069723W WO 2012029834 A1 WO2012029834 A1 WO 2012029834A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- sample
- sample container
- transfer mechanism
- container
- gripping
- Prior art date
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
- G01N35/04—Details of the conveyor system
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
- B25J15/00—Gripping heads and other end effectors
- B25J15/02—Gripping heads and other end effectors servo-actuated
- B25J15/0206—Gripping heads and other end effectors servo-actuated comprising articulated grippers
- B25J15/0226—Gripping heads and other end effectors servo-actuated comprising articulated grippers actuated by cams
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
- B25J15/00—Gripping heads and other end effectors
- B25J15/08—Gripping heads and other end effectors having finger members
- B25J15/10—Gripping heads and other end effectors having finger members with three or more finger members
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
- B25J9/00—Programme-controlled manipulators
- B25J9/02—Programme-controlled manipulators characterised by movement of the arms, e.g. cartesian coordinate type
- B25J9/023—Cartesian coordinate type
- B25J9/026—Gantry-type
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/0099—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor comprising robots or similar manipulators
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
- G01N35/04—Details of the conveyor system
- G01N2035/0401—Sample carriers, cuvettes or reaction vessels
- G01N2035/0406—Individual bottles or tubes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
- G01N35/04—Details of the conveyor system
- G01N2035/0474—Details of actuating means for conveyors or pipettes
- G01N2035/0491—Position sensing, encoding; closed-loop control
- G01N2035/0493—Locating samples; identifying different tube sizes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
- G01N35/04—Details of the conveyor system
- G01N2035/0474—Details of actuating means for conveyors or pipettes
- G01N2035/0491—Position sensing, encoding; closed-loop control
- G01N2035/0494—Detecting or compensating piositioning errors
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a sample container containing a biological sample, a reagent, and the like.
- the sample transfer mechanism is used by being incorporated into various devices constituting a clinical laboratory automation (CLAS) system such as an IVD (in vitro diagnostics) device and a sample delivery system connected to the IVD device.
- CLAS clinical laboratory automation
- IVD in vitro diagnostics
- various tests such as biochemical tests, immunological tests, hematological tests, nucleic acid amplification tests and the like can be considered.
- an IVD device equipped with a sample transfer mechanism and its peripheral devices there are various sample transfer systems used in a clinical examination room, and input modules, storage modules, centrifugal modules and the like included in a sample pretreatment system. There is something.
- the sample transfer mechanism is used for the purpose of grasping a sample container handled by an IVD device or the like from a holder or the like and transferring the sample container to another holder or the like.
- the holder and the like collectively refer to all parts equipped with the function of holding the sample container, including at least all so-called sample carriers collectively (sample holder, sample bucket, sample rack, sample tray),
- sample carriers collectively (sample holder, sample bucket, sample rack, sample tray)
- sample analysis aborptiometric analysis, fluorescence intensity analysis etc.
- the sample transfer mechanism includes at least a gripper assembly, a transfer mechanism (for example, an XY stage, a robot arm, etc.) for moving the entire chuck mechanism to a desired position horizontally and vertically, and a control unit for controlling these. Is equipped.
- the gripper assembly includes, as an end effector, a mechanism (chuck mechanism) for gripping and holding an object, and at least includes a mechanism for opening and closing the chuck mechanism.
- sample transfer mechanism The operation of the sample transfer mechanism is, roughly speaking, basic operations such as XY move operation, access operation, approach operation, retract operation, open operation, close operation, chuck operation, release operation, pick operation, place operation, etc. It is realized by the combination. Detailed definitions of these operations are described in the examples.
- the problem of holding the stopper of the sample container may occur (resulting in only pulling out the stopper or unstable holding such as lifting the sample container together with the stopper) )
- the sample container near the opening of the sample container may be contaminated.
- the sample container does not fit in the holder in the situation where the gripping arm is opened and closed (not grasped) above the upper bottom of the sample container
- the sample container is dropped because the sample container is released in the sky, and the sample container is dropped.
- the “appropriate gripping position” described here is a range that satisfies at least the following conditions on the outer surface of the sample container. (1) A portion (exposed portion) exposed from the holder or the like that holds the sample container when the sample container is stably mounted on the holder or the like. (2) The gripping arm does not contact the holder or the like during the gripping operation. (3) It is separated from the vicinity of the opening of the sample container and the vicinity of the stopper of the sample container.
- the lowering / rising stroke at the time of picking operation or placing operation is previously determined to reach an appropriate gripping position for each length of the sample container, and then stored as a drive pattern in the control unit.
- the height of the sample container is measured or detected each time in order to determine the appropriate gripping position for each picking operation of the sample container, and the approach operation and the retraction are performed based on the measurement result.
- There has been taken a method of switching the drive pattern (stroke in Z direction, lowering / rising speed) of operation see, for example, Patent Document 1).
- the drive range in the vertical direction (Z direction) at the approach operation and the retract operation is the holding arm 160 and the sample container from the viewpoint of reducing the contact risk with the holding arm and the sample container. It was thought that it was better to be set (i.e. to be gripped upwards) to reduce the area where it is likely to touch.
- the teaching operation refers to an operation of storing or calibrating the position information, the relationship between the operation amount / control amount of an actuator or the like, and the actual operation, etc. in the machine.
- An object of the present invention is a sample transfer device or a sample transfer mechanism capable of handling sample containers of various lengths in view of the above problems, which has high safety, high throughput, and simple control method and device configuration. And a maintainable specimen transfer mechanism.
- a chuck mechanism having a plurality of openable and closable holding arms for holding the body outer wall of a plurality of types of sample containers having an opening, a bottom and a body, and opening and closing the chuck mechanism and the chuck mechanism And at least a transfer mechanism 010 for moving the gripper assembly 100 horizontally and vertically, and at least a control unit for controlling the chuck mechanism, the gripper assembly, and the transfer mechanism 010.
- Sample transfer mechanism, (A) The present invention is characterized in that the holding arm is opened and closed for the pick / place operation in a state in which the holding arm is lowered to the common portion of the “appropriate holding positions” of all the sample containers to be handled.
- the present invention is characterized in that it has a member that covers at least the outside of the tip of the gripping arm and whose lower end is located below the tip of the gripping arm.
- the sample transfer mechanism according to the present invention has at least the effects of the following features (A1) to (A7) by including the feature (A).
- A1 Even when the plurality of types of sample containers have body portions of different lengths, the amount of descent at the time of picking is the same regardless of the sample containers, so the length of the sample containers There is no need to provide a means for measuring H. and a means for switching the amount of descent at the time of picking operation according to the measurement result, and the apparatus configuration and control method are simplified.
- A2 Since the length of the portion held by the holding arm in the sample container body and the lower bottom is substantially the same regardless of the sample container, the descent amount at the time of the place operation is also for each sample container length There is no need to change, and the control method is simplified.
- At least the time required to detect the length of the sample container (about 0.2 seconds to 1 second depending on conditions such as chattering) is unnecessary, which is advantageous for improving throughput (for example, transfer of 800 samples / h)
- the time required to transfer one sample container is 4.5 seconds. If the time required to transfer one sample is increased from 4.5 seconds to 5.0 seconds, 720 samples are required. A time of 0.2 seconds to about 1 second should be considered as a very long time because the throughput is lowered to / h).
- the feature (A) further has the following effects by further including the feature (B).
- B1 During approach operation, the gripping arm and the sample container to be accessed, and the surrounding sample container and the gripping arm do not contact.
- B2 There is a possibility that the sample container to which the cover 150 is to be accessed and the sample container in the periphery and the holding arm come in contact with each other even though the holding arm is not in contact. Because it is smooth, there is less risk from contact.
- the cover 150 has an effect of scraping objects (especially the sample container) around the sample container to be approached / retracted during the approach operation / retract operation of the chuck mechanism, so it is faster than the conventional chuck mechanism.
- the cover 150 serves to guide the lowering of the gripper assembly even with respect to the holder in which the sample containers are closely held, so that it is easy to grasp the lower side of the sample containers.
- B5 There is no risk that the surrounding sample containers and the like will be repelled by the opening and closing operation of the gripping arm even when the chuck mechanism and the surrounding sample containers and the like are in contact during the opening and closing operation of the gripping arm.
- Front view of a cover in the form of the present invention 5 is a view of the cover of FIG. 5 in a state of being rotated 45 degrees counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 5
- Top view of the cover in the form of the present invention Bottom view of the cover in the form of the present invention AA line sectional view of the cover of FIG. 5
- Partial cross-sectional view showing the chuck mechanism chucking a sample container BB sectional view of FIG.
- FIG. 1 shows an overall view of a sample transfer mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention.
- the sample transfer mechanism includes a gripper assembly unit 100, a transfer mechanism 010 for operating the gripper assembly unit 100 in the horizontal and vertical directions, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the gripper assembly unit 100 and the transfer mechanism 010; It consists of
- the transfer mechanism 010 of the sample transfer mechanism according to the present embodiment is an XY stage that operates the gripper assembly unit 100 in three directions of X direction 001, Y direction 002, and Z direction 003. Is not limited to this form as long as it is a mechanism capable of transferring the gripper assembly portion to a desired position, and may be, for example, a robot arm or the like.
- control unit controls each of the actuators of the sample transfer mechanism independently, and at least based on the respective drive patterns, a drive pattern storage unit that stores drive patterns for realizing each of the following basic operations.
- a timing control unit is provided to sequentially execute the timing of the operation.
- XY move operation operation to move the chuck mechanism in the XY direction by the transfer mechanism 010 (XY direction is a direction parallel to the horizon).
- Access operation Move the chuck mechanism to the XY position immediately above a specific sample container mounting portion on the sample rack or the like (a position where the central axes of the chucking mechanism and the sample container mounting portion substantially coincide), XY move Operation.
- Approach operation Operation to lower the chuck mechanism in the Z direction (direction perpendicular to the horizon) to approach a specific sample container mounting portion.
- An approach operation is only possible after the chuck mechanism has been accessed for a particular specimen container mounting.
- Retract operation Operation of raising the sample transfer mechanism, which has approached a specific sample container mounting unit, in the Z direction.
- Open operation An operation of causing the gripping arm to transition from the closed state to the open state.
- Closing operation an operation of causing the gripping arm to transition from the open state to the closed state.
- Chuck operation An operation of gripping a specific one sample container or the like by closing the chuck mechanism.
- Release operation An operation of releasing the sample container that has already been chucked by opening the chuck mechanism.
- Picking operation an operation of approaching a specific sample container mounting portion in a state where the gripping arm is open, and removing the sample with the sample container mounted on the sample container mounting portion.
- Place operation an operation in which the chuck mechanism holding the sample container approaches a specific sample container mounting portion, and the sample container is mounted on the sample container mounting portion.
- FIG. 2 is a front view of the gripper assembly portion 100 of the sample transfer mechanism in the embodiment of the present invention, using a partial cross-sectional view.
- 3 and 4 show the chuck mechanism of the gripper assembly unit 100.
- the gripper assembly unit 100 mainly includes a chuck mechanism 200 for chucking a sample container.
- the base unit 101 supports the chuck mechanism 200 and is connected to the transfer mechanism 010, and a cover 150 that covers the outside of the chuck mechanism 200.
- the chuck mechanism connects at least a plurality of (four in this embodiment) gripping arms 160 (a), (b), (c), (d) and all the gripping arms with the base portion 101.
- the fixing tool 161, the linear motion cam 230, and the springs 163 (a), (b), (c), and (d) have the same number as the gripping arms.
- s direction 120 three directions of s direction 120, t direction 130, and u direction 140 are defined.
- the s-direction 120, the t-direction 130, and the u-direction 140 are defined to be left-handed, and the s-direction 120 is defined to be downward as a positive direction.
- the chuck mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention has an axially symmetrical shape.
- the datum axis (central axis 110 of the gripper assembly) that represents the symmetry of the chucking mechanism is assumed to coincide with the s direction.
- the cover is also axisymmetric and the cover 150 is assembled to the gripper assembly portion 100 such that the central axis 300 of the cover coincides with the central axis 110 of the gripper assembly.
- the cover is screwed to the fixture 161 of the chuck mechanism 110 by the screws 170 (a) to (d), and is assembled to the gripper assembly 100 through the fixture 161.
- the base portion 101 of the gripper assembly 100 is provided with a mechanism (not shown) for opening and closing the gripping arm 160 of the chuck mechanism 110.
- the gripper assembly 100 is assembled to the XYZ stage 010, more specifically, so that the u direction 140 is parallel to the Z direction 003 and the s direction 120, the t direction 130, They are assembled so as to form an angle of 45 degrees with the X direction 001 and the Y direction 002, respectively.
- the gripping arms 160 (a), (b), (c) and (d) are arranged in axial symmetry with respect to the central axis 110 of the gripper assembly, and when viewed from below the chuck mechanism 200, counterclockwise. In the order of 160 (a), (b), (c) and (d), 160 (a) and 160 (c) face each other, and 160 (b) and (d) face each other. ing.
- a fixture 161 connecting the gripping arm to the base portion 101 is attached so as to be perpendicular to the s direction 120.
- the fixture 160 and the gripping arms 160 (a), (b), (c), (d) are 162 (a), (b), (c), (d), respectively, at 162 (a), (B), (c) and (d) are movably connected to the fixture 161 so as to be swingable. That is, the gripping arms 160 (a), (b), (c) and (d) are connected with the fixing tool 161 near the upper end, and the joint has at least one degree of freedom. It is connected to make a structure.
- the linear motion cam 230 extended from the base portion 101 in the u direction 140 moves up and down in the u direction 140 on the central axis 300 of the cover, and the base portion 101 is a solenoid (shown in FIG. Do not have).
- Ring-shaped followers 231 (a), (b), (c) and (d) are provided in each of 160 (a), (b), (c) and (d), respectively.
- the cam is configured to be in constant contact.
- the open / close direction of the grip arm 160 (b) and the grip arm 160 (d) coincides with the s direction 120
- the open / close direction of the grip arm 160 (a) and the grip arm 160 (d) is the t direction 130, It is configured.
- the chuck mechanism also includes a spring 163 (a) connecting the gripping arm 160 (a) and the gripping arm 160 (b), and a spring 163 (c) linking the gripping arms 160 (b) and 160 (c).
- the operation of opening the gripping arm 160 is realized by pushing down the gripping arm 160 by lowering the linear motion cam 230.
- holding the holding arm 160 in the open state is realized by stopping the position of the linear motion cam 230 at the position where the holding arm 160 is the most open.
- the feed amount of the linear motion cam 230 is set so that the linear motion cam 230 stops at a position where the gripping arm 160 is substantially vertical. In this manner, the opening / closing mechanism of the gripping arm 160 is realized such that the gripping arm 160 is vertical when the gripping arm 160 is in the most open state.
- the linear motion cam 230 used has a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, but as the opening becomes larger, the opening / closing angle per unit lowering / rising amount of the linear motion cam becomes larger A step 232 is attached so as to become.
- the actuator for operating the linear motion cam 230 to open and close the holding arm 160 is a solenoid actuator (not shown) mounted in the base portion 101, so switching between ON and OFF
- FIG. 5 shows a front view of the cover 150 in the form of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a view of the cover of FIG. 5 in a state in which the cover of FIG. 5 is rotated 45 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the central axis 110 of the sample transfer mechanism 100.
- FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the cover 150 in the embodiment of the present invention, and
- FIG. 8 shows a top view of the cover in the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the cover along the line AA in the embodiment of the present invention.
- the cover 150 of the present invention is formed in axial symmetry with respect to the central axis 300.
- the cover 150 may be formed by cutting out as a single piece from a bar of metal such as aluminum by machining such as lathe processing, or may be formed by molding of metal, resin, etc. Even those assembled using parts of
- the chuck mechanism 200 provides a certain amount of play in the front, rear, left, and right with respect to the XYZ stage 010 and pushes the vicinity of the opening 330 of the cover in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 300 of the cover. It may be fixed in a state of bending about several mm.
- the cover 150 in the present invention is fixed to the chuck mechanism 200 by a screw 170 so that the central axis 300 of the cover and the central axis 110 of the sample transfer mechanism coincide with each other.
- the shape of the cover 150 is axisymmetrical, and the central axis 300 of the cover is assembled to the gripper assembly 100 so as to coincide with the central axis 110 of the gripper assembly. , T direction 130 and u direction 140 are used.
- the cover of the present invention when mounted on the gripper assembly 100, has a hollow 500 on the inside that can accommodate the sample container.
- the cover 150 is molded so that the tip of the cover 150 is located lower than the tip of the gripping arm 160 in a state of being attached to the gripper assembly 100.
- the cover 150 has an opening 330 with a plurality of broken tips at its lower end, and the corners of the tip are processed into a rounded shape.
- a C-chamfered shape for example, 600 (a)-(d)
- an R processed shape inner side
- an R processed shape outer side
- 620 (a)-(d) And the like can be considered.
- the cover 150 is provided on the inner wall of the cover 150 with grooves 320 (a) to (d) at least as many as the gripping arms 160.
- the grooves 320 (a) to (d) are formed such that the gripping arms enter the grooves 320 in a state in which the gripping arms 160 are opened in a state of being attached to the gripper assembly 100.
- the downwardly extending grooves 320 (a)-(d) are arranged in axial symmetry and at equal intervals with respect to the central axis 300, and 320 (a) and (c) are opposed to each other, 320 (b) and d) are formed to face each other, the direction from 320 (b) to 320 (d) is s direction 120, and the direction from 320 (a) to 320 (c) is t direction 130.
- the groove does not extend to the lower end 330 of the cover.
- the recesses 340 are also axially symmetrical and equally spaced about the central axis 300 of the cover and extend in the vertical direction of the cover 150, in particular the recesses 340 extend to the lower end of the cover.
- the direction from the vertex of the recess 340 (b) to the vertex 340 (d) is formed at an angle of 45 degrees with the s direction 120, and the direction from the vertex 340 (a) to the vertex 340 (c) is , And 45 degrees with the s direction 120.
- each recess means the position where the ridge line of the recess 340 is most recessed in the vertical cross section (cross section perpendicular to the u direction 140) of the cover 150 (the position furthest from the circumscribed circle of the cover) Point to
- FIG. 10 is a schematic view for explaining the gripping position of the chuck mechanism to be taught in the teaching operation in the present invention.
- a short sample container 710 and a long sample container 720 are respectively attached to the single-piece transport holders 720 and 721 installed on the same reference surface. Both long and short sample containers are provided with plugs 740 and 741, respectively.
- plugs 740 and 741 respectively.
- FIG. 10 it demonstrates using the thing of the state which removed the cover 150 from the gripper assembly 100 for legibility.
- the holding position of the short sample container 710 and the holding position of the long sample container 720 in the present invention are schematically shown in FIG.
- the holding position is a region of the outer surface of the sample container body, which satisfies all the following conditions (1) to (3).
- (1) A portion exposed from a holder or the like for holding a sample container.
- (2) The gripper assembly 100 does not contact the holder or the like during the gripping operation.
- (3) It is separated from the vicinity of the opening of the sample container and the vicinity of the stopper of the sample container.
- the exposed length of (1) is uniquely determined by the total length of the sample container, the shape of the bottom surface, the shape of the holder, and the like.
- the area x1 corresponds to the short sample container 710, and the area x2 corresponds to the long sample container 720.
- (2) means that the lower end of the gripping arm 160 is several mm away from the upper surface of the holder holding the sample container, and is uniquely determined by the shape of the holder. Regions y1 and y2 correspond to both the long specimen container 710 and the short specimen container 720.
- the protrusion 210 of the gripping arm 160 is several mm from the lower end of the part where the plug is exposed to the outside, ie, the part where the sample container covers the surface of the sample container like a skirt. It means that they are separated, and the area z1 and the area z2 correspond to this.
- the chuck mechanism determines an area satisfying the above (1) to (3) for the longest sample container and the shortest sample container among the sample containers that can be handled, assuming that the region common to both is the appropriate gripping position
- the downward stroke at the time of approach operation etc. is determined so that the projections 210 of all the gripping arms 160 come to the height.
- the gripping arm 160 may be lowered to a height at which the region p 730 can be gripped to grip the sample.
- the sample container may be regarded as the shorter sample container, that is, the sample container 710 of FIG. 10, and the same examination may be performed.
- the sample container is gripped at a lower position than the conventional one except for the shortest sample container.
- the gripping arm 160 in order to prevent the upper end of the stopper of the sample container or the opening from coming into contact with a part of the gripper assembly such as the gripping arm 160 and the gripping arm opening / closing mechanism (cam-follower mechanism in the present invention), It is desirable that the length L of each gripping arm 160 be longer than the length (1) of the longest sample container (x1) minus the gripping position l (Ll).
- the stopper of the sample container is screwed into and attached to the inside of the sample container, and a part of the lid is not covered on the surface of the sample container, or the stopper is attached to the sample container. If not, it is desirable to consider the case where the externally exposed plug is attached and to consider the same.
- the optimal gripping position is determined in advance at the time of design of the sample transfer mechanism, and is added / updated at the time of maintenance as needed.
- protrusions 210 (a)-(d) are formed by which the sample container is pressed against the surface of the body when the sample container is gripped. Furthermore, in order to hold the sample container securely, rubber members 220 (a) to (d) having large coefficients of friction are attached to the portions where the protrusions 210 (a) to (d) hold the sample container, and the sample container slips and falls It is preventing etc.
- the length of the gripping arm 160 is characterized by being longer than the upper bottom of the sample container from the gripping position in the lower gripping state.
- FIG. 25 shows an implementation example of the sample transfer mechanism in the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 25 shows the sample transfer mechanism of the present invention in a sample pretreatment system in which a series of processing such as opening processing, centrifugation processing, child sample dispensing processing and plugging processing are performed on the input sample container. It is a figure of the union.
- the sample transfer mechanism of the present invention comprises a sample loading unit 2510 (b) for transferring a large number of sample containers loaded on a tray and loaded from a tray to a sample transfer holder, and buckets sample containers transferred by the holder. Between the holder, tray, and bucket, such as a centrifuge unit 2510 (a) that transfers and centrifuges on a container, and a storage unit 2510 (c) for taking out the processed sample container from the holder and arranging it on a storage tray
- the container can be incorporated into various units that need to be transferred. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, since the XY stage and the gripper assembly 100 are provided in an integrated state, they can be easily incorporated into various devices.
- the control unit of the sample transfer mechanism of the present invention may be used as the control unit of the sample pretreatment system body or the control unit of each unit.
- a pick operation will be described as an example of operations in which the sample transfer mechanism of the present invention transfers a sample container from a sample rack to another sample rack.
- FIGS. 16 and 17 show a grid rack in which m and n are both 3 as an example of a sample rack (grid rack) characterized in that the sample holders are arranged in a square grid of m ⁇ n. That is, the lattice-shaped rack 1400 of the present embodiment, the sample container mounting portion 1410 for mounting the sample container (a) - (e) a longitudinally three lines (C Y axis 1510 direction in FIG. 17), the lateral direction (FIG. A total of nine sample container mounting parts are arranged in a square grid shape in three rows in the direction of 17 C X- axis 1500), but if the holders are arranged in a square grid shape, even in other configurations I do not care.
- the lattice rack 1400 is installed in an example such that the C X axis direction 1500 is opposite to the X axis direction 001 and the C Y axis direction 1510 is the same as the Y axis direction 002.
- the lattice rack be installed face up and the angle between the C X axis direction 1500 and the X direction 001 be any of 0 °, 90 °, 180 °, and 270 °.
- FIG. 18 to 21 are schematic views of the sample transfer mechanism 100 during approach to the lattice rack 1400.
- FIG. The flow of the sample container gripping operation will be described below. 1.
- the sample transfer mechanism 100 is driven in the X direction 001 and the Y direction 002 by the XYZ stage, and the sample loading unit 1410 in which the central axis 110 of the sample transfer device and the sample container to be picked up are installed.
- the central axes of (e) substantially coincide with each other, the operation of the chuck mechanism 200 in the X direction 001 and the Y direction 002 is stopped (access operation).
- the gripping arm 160 is opened (open operation). 3. In this state, as shown in FIG.
- the sample transfer mechanism 100 is lowered in the Z-axis direction 120, and as shown in FIG. 19, the sample container 800 mounted on the sample container mounting portion 1410 (e) can be grasped. Stop the movement in the Z direction (approach operation). 4. The gripping arm 160 is closed to grip and fix the sample container 800 (chucking operation). 5. In the above state, as shown in FIG. 21, the sample transfer mechanism 100 is driven upward (retract operation).
- FIG. 19 A cross-sectional view of a C-plane 1700 in the state of FIG. 19 is shown in FIG.
- the gripper assembly 100 is assembled to the XYZ stage 010 as described above, more specifically, with the u direction 140 parallel to the Z direction 003 in the opposite direction, s direction 120, t
- the directions 130 are assembled at an angle of 45 degrees with the X direction 001 and the Y direction 002, respectively.
- the arrangement of the lattice racks is as described above.
- the four gripping arms 160 of the gripper assembly 100 are 45 degrees (see angular dimension c1800) with respect to the grid axes of the square grid array of containers mounted on the container holder, C X 1500, C Y 1510 It will be arranged to have an angle of.
- the gripping arms 160 are respectively positioned in wide gap portions (distance b) between the second closest four sample container mounting portions.
- the gripping arm is perpendicular to the horizon in the most open state. Accordingly, the space efficiency is effectively utilized, and the presence of the gripping arms 160 and the occupied volume due to the presence of the cover 150 do not reduce the mountable density of the sample container of the lattice rack.
- the presence of the cover 150 according to the present embodiment allows the sample container to be largely inclined due to any cause at the timing when the grasping arm does not hold the sample container during the approach operation and the retract operation. Because the sample container leans against the inner wall of the cover 150, it does not fall over.
- the sample transfer mechanism according to the present invention, the cover 150 is provided, and by gripping the lower part of the sample container, the inner wall of the cover 150 becomes a guide as the approach advances even if the sample container is greatly inclined. The posture of the subject can be corrected, and the sample container can be held straight.
- the hollow 340 may be provided in the outer wall of the cover 150 of a present Example.
- the opening / closing direction of the gripping arm 160 that is, the s direction 120 and the t direction 130 is 45 degrees (see angular dimension c1800) with respect to the lattice axis, C X 1500, C Y 1510 Because of the angled arrangement, when the grid rack is accessed, a recess 340 (a)-(d) is formed between all the other sample containers in the first proximity position of the accessed sample container. It will be located.
- the recess 340 on the cover 150 can scrape and approach the adjacent sample containers, and unnecessary and unexpected tension is not applied to the surrounding sample containers. Furthermore, even if the sample container held on the holder is inclined, it is possible to correct the posture of the sample container 800 by the presence of the cover 150.
- grooves 320 for accommodating the gripping arms 160 may be formed on the inner wall of the cover 150 of the present embodiment in the same number as the number of gripping arms 160.
- the sample transfer mechanism should be such that each gripping arm 160 is perpendicular to the upper end surface of the holder with the gripping arm 160 in the most open state. Is desirable. In other words, when the gripping arm 160 is opened, at least the tips of all the gripping arms 160 are buried in the groove, so that when the sample transfer mechanism approaches the sample holder, the sample container to be transferred is the sample container to be transferred. And other sample containers will not get caught.
- the front end 330 of the cover of this embodiment may be located below the lower end of the gripping arm 160.
- the corner of the cover tip has a rounded structure formed by a C-chamfered shape of about several millimeters, or a combination of R-processed shapes, or the like.
- the relative position between the sample container 800 and the sample transfer mechanism 100 deviates in the XY direction for some reason, the sample container 800 Is the state closest to the rubber member 220 at the tip of the gripping arm 160 (see FIG. 15), the sample container 800 is in contact with the inner wall of the cover 1300 (a), (b) Contact) and never fall further. Furthermore, since the gripping arm 160 is buried in the groove 320 formed in the cover wall surface, the outer surface of the sample container 800 and the rubber member 220 at the tip of the gripping arm do not contact with the gripping arm 160 open. Falling of the sample container 800 can be prevented.
- the cover serves as a guide for guiding the gripping arm downward, and therefore, the smooth downward motion and the downward gripping are possible. Therefore, basically no acceleration / deceleration other than the acceleration / deceleration operation which is inevitably performed with the stop or start of the actuator becomes unnecessary, or the acceleration / deceleration section becomes smaller area, and the approach operation and the retract operation at high speed It becomes possible.
- the descending distance / raising distance does not necessarily become long, but even if the descending distance becomes long, even in a region where the lower end of the gripping arm 160 is located below the upper bottom of the sample container.
- the ability to move up and down at high speed can also reduce the effects of time loss.
- the control of the sample transfer mechanism is simplified.
- the cover 150 also has the effect of vertically correcting the posture of the sample container. As a result, regardless of the type of sample container, it is possible to perform highly accurate transfer processing with high safety and effects such as posture correction.
- sample transfer unit which has already chucked the sample container 800, accesses the sample mounting unit 1410 (e) not mounted with the sample holder and mounts the sample container 800 on the sample holder will be described as an example.
- the outer wall and the inner wall of the cover 150 serve as a guide and can be smoothly lowered, and the decelerating section can be shortened not only when the holding arm 160 is greatly lowered.
- the cover shows an effect such as posture correction of the sample container, etc., even if it is an operation to greatly lower
- an operation of opening the gripping arm 160 occurs in a state where the gripping arm 160 is lowered.
- the gripping arm 160 is opened, it is better from the viewpoint of throughput to open faster.
- the biased gripping arm 160 comes into contact with the surrounding sample container, there is a concern that the surrounding sample container may be tilted or the momentum may cause the sample container to be repelled.
- the gripping arm 160 is also peripheral in the opening operation of the gripping arm 160 after approach (during the place operation etc.) There is no risk of contact with the sample container of Therefore, it is possible to open the gripping arm 160 at high speed (there is no adverse effect due to the high speed opening).
- the sample container is held in a slightly inclined state and approach is made for the place operation, if the inclined angle is the same, the distance between the holding position and the bottom of the sample container is short. The shorter the distance, the smaller the deviation from the center position of the bottom of the sample container. Therefore, the lower grip is more accurate than the upper grip.
- the sample container mounting portion for mounting the sample containers has a structure in which sample containers having different cross-sectional diameters can be mounted.
- the outer shape of the sample container mounting portion is designed to be large so that the sample container with the largest diameter can be mounted, and a spring etc. can be held inside so that the sample container with a diameter smaller than this diameter can be held.
- a mechanism for holding the sample container by the elastic force of the elastic body of Therefore, when mounting the sample container, it is necessary to push the sample container into the sample container mounting portion against the resistance due to the frictional force or the like caused by the contact of the elastic body.
- the resistance from the holder side at this time should ideally only be in the vertical direction, but in practice, as a result of some phenomena such as slight tilting of the sample container at the time of insertion
- the torque will be applied to the position. This torque increases as the distance between the portion of the sample container in contact with the sample holder and the grip portion increases. Therefore, the lower grip is less affected by the torque, and thus more stable. Place operation becomes possible.
- the distance from the gripping position to the lower bottom of the sample container is shorter than in the case of the upper gripping. Therefore, even if the tip of the sample container comes in contact with the peripheral sample container or the edge of the sample container mounting portion such as the holder during lowering, the torque applied to the holding position is smaller than in the case of the upper holding. . Therefore, there is little risk of dropping out etc. even if such a situation occurs.
- the sample container can be reliably released during the place operation.
- the sample container 800 may be attached with a seal such as a bar code label in order to identify the stored sample, but the seal may generate an adhesive area on the surface of the sample container. .
- the gripping arm 160 is opened for release operation, the gripping force between the sample container 800 and the rubber member at the tip of the gripping arm 160 (for example, 220 (d)) And the sample container 800 may not be separated.
- the groove 320 is formed on the inner wall of the cover such that the grip arm 160 is embedded when the grip arm 160 is open, so the contact 1300 with the inner wall of the cover (a)
- the specimen container 800 can be reliably released from the rubber member 220 (d) at the tip of the gripping arm by the normal force from (b). Furthermore, since both the cover 150 and the sample container 800 are axisymmetrical, the contact area between the inner wall of the cover and the sample container 800 is small, and when the sample container 800 is pulled off from the rubber member 220 at the tip of the gripping arm 160 It is unlikely that the sample container 800 adheres to the inner wall of the cover.
- any sample to be handled can be held at a grippable position. More precisely speaking, any sample to be handled is lowered to the grippable position. There will be no reduction in throughput or risk of falling. Therefore, as compared with the conventional method in which the height of the sample container is determined and the descending stroke is switched for each length of the sample container, time loss due to sensor detection or the like does not occur.
- the lower end of the gripping arm 160 can move up and down at high speed even in a region located below the upper bottom of the sample container (high speed Control) because it is not necessary to switch many descending distances).
- the sample transfer mechanism 100 when the sample transfer mechanism 100 is provided in a sample transport mechanism capable of transporting a sample rack in which a plurality of sample container mounting parts are arranged in a line, the sample transfer mechanism 100 grips the sample container included in the sample rack.
- the operation is taken as an example. Therefore, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
- a sample rack five transport racks
- the pick / place operation for the five transport racks is performed in this embodiment. An example will be described.
- FIG. 22 shows the appearance of the five-carrier rack 2100 in this embodiment.
- FIG. 22 schematically shows the sample transfer mechanism 100 that has approached the five-carrier rack 2100 in which the sample containers 800 are mounted in all the sample mounting portions 2110.
- the sample containers are denoted by reference numerals 2210 (a) to (e) in order from the left, and are attached to the sample container attachment units 2110 (a) to (e), respectively.
- the operation of the sample transfer mechanism 100 will be described by taking, as an example, an operation in which the sample transfer mechanism 100 accesses the sample container mounting portion 2110 (c) to be transferred and grips this by the sample transfer means. At this time, naturally, it is assumed that the chuck mechanism 200 of the sample transfer means has not yet chucked the sample container.
- the sample transfer mechanism 100 was driven in the X direction 001 and the Y direction by the XYZ stage, and the central axis 110 of the sample transfer mechanism and the central axis of the sample container mounting portion 2110 (c) were substantially coincident with each other.
- the operations of the sample chuck mechanism 200 in the X direction 001 and the Y direction 002 are stopped.
- the holding arm 160 is lowered and lowered in the Z-axis direction 120, and as shown in FIG. 21, when the sample container 2120 (c) can be held, the movement in the Z direction is stopped.
- the sample container to be transferred is transferred by mounting it ascending in the Z direction while holding the sample container 2120 (c).
- the cover recess 340 provided in the outer wall may be present only in both sides of the G X direction 2300. That is, the recess 340 in the G Y direction 2310 is not necessarily required.
- the sample container before transfer to for example five transport rack 2100 when the operation of increasing grip the sample container from the lattice-shaped rack 1400 enters, the conceivable better was also recess 340 in the G Y direction 2310 .
- the number of gripping arms 160 for gripping and lifting up the sample container is two.
- the structure of the sample transfer mechanism 100 can be simplified and the cost of the apparatus can be reduced.
- by providing a work area of the gripping arms 160 in the G Y direction 2310 it is possible to sample gripping operation without being aware of the adjacent sample container.
- four gripping arms 160 When four gripping arms 160 are provided, the sample container can be stably gripped.
- four gripping arms 160 includes an X-axis direction 130, Y-axis 140 is the opening and closing direction of the gripping arm 160, G X-axis direction 2300, G Y-axis direction 2310 forms an angle of 45 ° Let's do it. By doing this, even when the gripping arm 160 is open, the mounting density of the sample container can be increased without the gripping arm 160 entering between adjacent sample containers.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Robotics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)
- Manipulator (AREA)
Abstract
Description
(1)検体容器をホルダ等に安定に装着された状態において、検体容器を保持するホルダ等から露出した部分(露出部)であること。
(2)把持動作時に把持アームがホルダ等に接触しないこと。
(3)検体容器の開口部付近や、検体容器の栓の近傍から離れていること。
(A)ハンドリング対象となる検体容器全ての「適切な把持位置」の共通部分まで把持アームを下降させた状態において、ピック/プレイス動作のための把持アームの開閉動作を行う点に特徴がある。
(B)少なくとも前記把持アームの先端部の外側を覆い、かつ、下端が前記把持アームの先端よりも下方に位置する部材を備えた点に特徴がある。
(A1)前記複数種類の検体容器が、それぞれ異なる長さの胴体部を有している場合にも、ピック時の下降量が、検体容器によらず同量となるため、検体容器の長さを測定する手段や、前記測定結果によってピック動作時の下降量を切り替える手段を備える必要がなくなり、装置構成や制御方法が単純化される。
(A2)検体容器胴体及び下底のうち、把持アームで把持された部分の長さが、検体容器によらず概ね同じとなるため、プレイス動作時の下降量も、検体容器の長さごとに変える必要がなく、制御方法が単純化される。
(A3)少なくとも検体容器の長さ検知に要する時間(チャタリング等の状況によるが、0.2秒から1秒程度)が必要でなくなるため、スループットの向上に有利である(例えば800検体/hの移載速度を持つ検体移載機構では、1つの検体容器を移載するのに要する時間は、4.5秒である。仮に1検体の移載に要する時間が4.5秒から5.0秒に増加した場合、720検体/hにまでスループットが低下するため、0.2秒から1秒程度の時間は極めて長い時間と考えるべきである)。
(A4)動作のパタンが少なくなるため、ティーチング動作のパタン数が減少し、メンテナンスが容易となる。
(A5)検体容器の下方が把持されることになるため、検体容器を把持する把持位置と検体容器の下底との距離が短くなり、プレイス動作を行う際に、精度よい位置決めが可能となる。
(A6)検体容器を把持する把持位置と検体容器の下底との距離が短いため、プレイス動作のアプローチ動作中に、ホルダ等への押し込み力等に起因したトルクが、把持位置に強くかからないため、安全に検体容器をホルダ容器に押し込むことが出来る。
(A7)開口部付近や栓を掴むことによって把持アーム160に検体が付着する事態、あるいは、何も掴めない事態を回避できる。
(B1)アプローチ動作中に把持アームとアクセス対象の検体容器や、周辺の検体容器と把持アームが接触しない。
(B2)把持アームが接触せずとも、カバー150がアクセス対象の検体容器や、周辺の検体容器と把持アームが接触する可能性があるが、カバー150先端及びカバー150外壁は、把持アームよりも滑らかであるため、接触によるリスクが少ない。
(B3)当該カバー150が、チャック機構のアプローチ動作・リトラクト動作時に、アプローチ・リトラクト対象の検体容器の周辺の物体(特に検体容器)をかき分ける効果を持つため、従来のチャック機構よりも早い速度で上昇/下降動作出来(よりも早い速度上昇/下降動作をさせても、弊害がなくなり)、スループットを向上できるようになる。 (B4)検体容器が密集して保持されているホルダに対しても、カバー150がグリッパアセンブリの下降をガイドする役割を果たすため、検体容器の下方をつかみ易い。
(B5)把持アームの開閉動作時に、前記チャック機構と周辺の検体容器等が接触していた場合でも、把持アームの開閉動作で周辺の検体容器等を弾き飛ばすリスクが無い。
(B6)上記(B5)の結果、把持アームの開閉を高速化することによる弊害がなくなり、把持アームの開閉動作を高速化できる。
(B7)把持アームが周辺の検体容器に接触し、姿勢を崩すリスクが大幅に低減される。
(B8)検体容器がホルダに対して傾いた状態で保持されていた場合であっても、カバー150によって姿勢を補正することができるため、チャック機構は検体容器をホルダに対して略垂直な状態で把持することができる。
図1に、本発明の一形態における、検体移載機構の全体図を示す。前記検体移載機構は、グリッパアセンブリ部100と、グリッパアセンブリ部100を水平、垂直方向に動作させる移送機構010と、前記グリッパアセンブリ部100や、前記移送機構010の動作を制御する制御部と、から構成されている。
・X-Yムーブ動作:チャック機構を、移送機構010にて、X-Y方向に移動させる動作(X-Y方向は、地平に対し平行な方向)。
・アクセス動作:チャック機構を、検体ラック等上の特定の検体容器装着部の直上(チャック機構および検体容器装着部の中心軸が概ね一致する位置)に、X-Yムーブさせる、X-Yムーブ動作。
・アプローチ動作:チャック機構をZ方向(地平に対して垂直な方向)に下降させ、特定の検体容器装着部に接近させる動作。アプローチ動作は、チャック機構を特定の検体容器装着部に対してアクセスさせた後にのみ可能である。
・リトラクト動作:特定の検体容器装着部にアプローチ動作した検体移載機構を、Z方向に上昇させる動作。
・オープン動作:把持アームを、閉じた状態から開いた状態に遷移させる動作。
・クローズ動作:把持アームを、開いた状態から、閉じた状態に遷移させる動作。
・チャック動作:チャック機構をクローズすることで、特定の一つの検体容器等を掴む動作。
・リリース動作:既にチャックした検体容器を、チャック機構をオープンすることで、手放す動作。
・ピック動作:把持アームを開いた状態で、特定の検体容器装着部に対しアプローチし、前記検体容器装着部に検体容器を装着された検体を抜き取る動作。
・プレイス動作:検体容器を保持した状態のチャック機構を特定の検体容器装着部に対しアプローチし、前記の検体容器を前記の検体容器装着部に装着する動作。
図2に、本発明の形態における、検体移載機構の、グリッパアセンブリ部100の正面図を、部分断面図を用いて示す。図3、図4に、前記グリッパアセンブリ部100のチャック機構を示す。
検体容器をチャックするためのチャック機構200と、
チャック機構200を支持し、移送機構010と連結するベース部101と、チャック機構200の外側を覆うカバー150と、から構成されている。
把持アーム160(a),(b),(c),(d)は、グリッパアセンブリの中心軸110に対して軸対称に配置され、チャック機構200を下から覗き込んだ際に、反時計回りの方向に160(a),(b),(c),(d)の順に、160(a)と160(c)が対向し、160(b)と(d)が対向するように配置されている。
図5に、本発明の形態におけるカバー150の、正面図を示す。図6は、図5のカバーを、検体移載機構100の中心軸110に対し、反時計まわりに45度回転させた状態で正視した図である。図7に、本発明の形態におけるカバー150の平面図を、図8に本発明の形態におけるカバーの上面図を示す。図9に本発明の形態における、カバーのA-A線310による断面図を示す。
図10は、本発明におけるティーチング動作においてティーチングされる、チャック機構の把持位置を説明するための模式図である。同一基準面上に設置された一本搬送ホルダ720, 721それぞれに、短い検体容器710と、長い検体容器720がそれぞれ装着されている。長い検体容器にも、短い検体容器にも、それぞれ栓740,741がなされている。なお、図10においては、見易さのためにグリッパアセンブリ100からカバー150を取り外した状態のものを用いて説明する。
(1)検体容器を保持するホルダ等から露出した部分であること。
(2)把持動作時にグリッパアセンブリ100がホルダ等に接触しないこと。
(3)検体容器の開口部付近や、検体容器の栓の近傍から離れていること。
把持アーム160それぞれの先端には、検体容器を把持する際に、検体容器が胴体部表面に押し付けられる突起210(a)-(d)が形成されている。更に確実に検体容器を掴むため、突起210(a)-(d)が検体容器を掴む部分には、摩擦係数の大きいゴム部材220(a)-(d)が装着され、検体容器の滑り落下等を防いでいる。
図25に、本発明の形態における検体移載機構の実装例を示す。図25は、投入された検体容器に対して、開栓処理、遠心分離処理、子検体分注処理、閉栓処理といった一連の処理を実施する、検体前処理システムに本発明の検体移載機構を組合みこんだ図である。
1.まず、X-Y-ZステージによってX方向001,Y方向002に検体移載機構100を駆動させ、検体移載装置の中心軸110と、掴み上げる対象の検体容器が装置された検体装着部1410(e)の中心軸が概ね一致した時点でチャック機構200のX方向001,Y方向002の動作を止める(アクセス動作)。
2.その後、把持アーム160を開く(オープン動作)。
3.この状態で図18のように、Z軸方向120に検体移載機構100を下降させ、図19のように、検体容器装着部1410(e)に装着された検体容器800を掴むことができる状態で、Z方向の移動を止める(アプローチ動作)。
4.把持アーム160を閉じて検体容器800を掴み固定(チャック動作)する。
5.前記の状態で、図21のように、検体移載機構100を上方に駆動させる(リトラクト動作)。
1.X-Y-Zステージ010によって、検体移載装置の中心軸110と、検体容器装着部1410eの中心軸が概ね一致した時点でチャック機構200のX方向001,Y方向002の動作を止める(アクセス)。
2.その後、検体容器800をチャックしたままZ軸方向120に下降し、検体容器800の底が、検体容器装着部1410eの底に接触した状態で、下降を止める(アプローチ)。
3.この状態で、把持アーム160を開くことで、検体容器800をリリースする。
4.その後、把持アーム160を開いたままで検体移載機構100をZ方向003に上昇させることで、把持アーム160を上方退避させる(リトラクト)。
002 Y方向
003 Z方向
010 本発明の形態における検体移載機構の移送機構(X-Y-Zステージ)
100 検体移載機構のグリッパアセンブリ
101 検体移載機構のグリッパアセンブリのベース部
110 検体移載機構の中心軸(これはデータム軸である)
120 s方向
130 t方向
140 u方向
150 カバー
160(a),(b),(c),(d) 把持アーム
161 固定具
162 (a),(b),(c),(d) 把持アームと固定具の連結部分(図の見易さのため、一部符号を図中に記載せず)
170(a),(b),(c),(d) ねじ(図の見易さのため、一部符号を図中に記載せず)
200 チャック機構
210(a)-(d) 突起
220(a)-(d) ゴム部材
230 直動カム
231 フォロア(a),(b),(c),(d)(図の見易さのため、一部符号を図中に記載せず)
232 段差
300 カバーの中心軸(これはデータム軸である)
310 A-A線
320(a)-(d) 溝
330 開口部
340(a)-(d) くぼみ
500 中空
510 カバー内壁
600(a)-(d) C面取り形状
610 R加工部(内側)
620(a)-(d) R加工部(外側)
700,701 グリッパアセンブリ(カバー除外)
710 短い検体容器
711 長い検体容器
720、721 一本搬送ホルダ
730 短い検体容器の把持可能位置
731 長い検体容器の把持可能位置
740,741 栓
750 基準面
800 検体容器
900 B-B線
1300(a),(b) カバー内壁との接点
1400 格子状ラック
1410(a)-(i),2110(a)-(e) 検体容器装着部
1500 CX軸
1510 CY軸
1520 距離a
1530 距離b
1600(a)-(g) 格子状ラックに装着された検体容器(図の見易さのため一部符号を図中に記載せず)
1700 C平面
1800 X軸とCX軸のなす角度(角度寸法c)
2100 5本搬送ラック
2200 D-D線
2210(a)-(f) 検体容器(a,b,c,d,e,fは図20に向かって左から順、一部符号を図中に記載せず。)
2020 一本搬送ホルダ外壁
2300 GX軸方向
2310 GY軸方向
2500 検体前処理システム
2510(a)-(c) 検体前処理システムに装着された検体移載機構
Claims (12)
- 開口部、底部および胴体部を有する複数種類の検体容器(710,711,800)の胴体部を把持する開閉可能な複数本の把持アーム(160)と、
前記複数の把持アームを把持対象の検体容器に対して所定の位置まで下降させる昇降機構(010)と、を備えた検体移載機構において、
前記複数種類の検体容器は異なる長さの胴体部(730,731)を有しており、
前記把持アームが異なる長さの検体容器を把持する把持位置が、前記複数種類の検体容器間で同一となるよう、前記昇降機構の下降距離を制御する制御機構と、を備えた検体移載機構。 - 請求項1記載の検体移載機構において、
前記検体容器は、少なくとも1本の検体容器を保持するホルダ(720,721)に保持されており、
前記制御機構は、前記検体容器の把持位置を、(1)複数種類の検体容器のうち、最も短い検体容器が前記ホルダから露出する領域、かつ、(2)前記把持アームが前記ホルダに接触しない領域とするよう、前記昇降機構の昇降距離を制御する検体移載機構。 - 請求項1記載の検体移載機構において、
少なくとも前記把持アームの先端部の外側を覆い、かつ、下端が前記把持アームの先端よりも下方に位置する部材(150)を備えた検体移載機構。 - 請求項3記載の検体移載機構において、
前記部材の下端が丸みを帯びた形状(600(a)-(d),610,620(a)-(d))である検体移載機構。 - 請求項3記載の検体移載機構において、
前記部材は、内壁に前記把持アームが開いた状態で収納される窪み部(340)を有する検体移載機構。 - 請求項1記載の検体移載機構において、
前記アームは開いた状態で地平に対して垂直である検体移載機構。 - 請求項3記載の検体移載機構において、
前記部材は、把持対象の検体容器が傾いた状態で前記ホルダ上に保持されている場合に、当該検体容器の姿勢を補正するための姿勢補正部材(150)を有する検体移載機構。 - 請求項3記載の検体移載機構において、
前記検体容器は、把持対象の第一の検体容器、および前記第一の検体容器に最も近接した位置にある第二の検体容器を含む複数の検体容器を保持するホルダ(2100)に保持されており、
前記部材は、前記第一の検体容器と前記第二の検体容器との間に仕切り部材を有する検体移載機構。 - 請求項3記載の検体移載機構において、
前記検体容器は、把持対象の第一の検体容器、前記第一の検体容器に最も近接した位置にある第二の検体容器、および前記第一の検体容器に2番目に近接した位置にある第三の検体容器を含む複数の検体容器を格子状に保持するホルダ(1400)に保持されており、
前記昇降機構は、前記第一の検体容器と前記第三の検体容器との間に前記把持アームが位置するよう、前記把持アームを下降させる検体移載機構。 - 請求項1記載の検体移載機構において、
前記複数の検体容器のうち、最も長い検体容器の開口部または栓(740,741)から把持位置までの距離よりも長い把持アームを有する検体移載機構。 - 請求項1~10のいずれかに記載の検体移載機構を備えた検体処理装置(2500)において、
当該検体検査装置は、検体を処理する複数の処理ユニットと、
当該処理ユニット間で検体容器を搬送する検体搬送機構と、を備える検体処理装置。 - 請求項11記載の検体処理装置において、
前記処理ユニットは、外部からトレイに保持された状態で投入された複数の検体容器を他のホルダに移載する投入ユニット(2510(b))、当該検体処理装置における処理が終了した検体容器を外部に取り出すトレイに収納する収納ユニット(2510(c))、ホルダに搭載された状態で搬送された検体容器を遠心分離処理のための専用のホルダに載せ替える遠心分離ユニット(2510(a))、の少なくともいずれかである検体処理装置。
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP11821849.4A EP2613156B1 (en) | 2010-09-03 | 2011-08-31 | Specimen transfer mechanism |
JP2012531908A JP5525054B2 (ja) | 2010-09-03 | 2011-08-31 | 検体移載機構 |
US13/817,547 US8956568B2 (en) | 2010-09-03 | 2011-08-31 | Sample transfer mechanism |
CN201180040358.1A CN103080749B (zh) | 2010-09-03 | 2011-08-31 | 检体移载机构 |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2010-197250 | 2010-09-03 | ||
JP2010197250 | 2010-09-03 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2012029834A1 true WO2012029834A1 (ja) | 2012-03-08 |
Family
ID=45772912
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2011/069723 WO2012029834A1 (ja) | 2010-09-03 | 2011-08-31 | 検体移載機構 |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8956568B2 (ja) |
EP (1) | EP2613156B1 (ja) |
JP (1) | JP5525054B2 (ja) |
CN (1) | CN103080749B (ja) |
WO (1) | WO2012029834A1 (ja) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014062810A1 (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2014-04-24 | Beckman Coulter, Inc. | Chute arrangement with strip-off feature |
JP2015087306A (ja) * | 2013-10-31 | 2015-05-07 | シスメックス株式会社 | 検体容器取出装置及び検体処理システム |
JPWO2014088107A1 (ja) * | 2012-12-06 | 2017-01-05 | Scivax株式会社 | ローラ式加圧装置、インプリント装置、ローラ式加圧方法 |
WO2019012604A1 (ja) * | 2017-07-11 | 2019-01-17 | 株式会社Fuji | 部品反転装置 |
JP2020051961A (ja) * | 2018-09-28 | 2020-04-02 | 株式会社日立ハイテク | 検体移載機構 |
Families Citing this family (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6095683B2 (ja) * | 2011-12-02 | 2017-03-15 | エクスコ テクノロジーズ リミテッドExco Technologies Limited | 押出金型予熱システム、装置、および方法 |
DE102013214694B4 (de) * | 2013-07-26 | 2015-02-12 | Roche Pvt Gmbh | Verfahren zum Handhaben eines Gegenstands und Vorrichtung zum Handhaben von Gegenständen |
CN103831838A (zh) * | 2014-03-13 | 2014-06-04 | 东南大学 | 机械手 |
JP6483251B2 (ja) | 2014-09-17 | 2019-03-13 | ソフト ロボティクス, インコーポレイテッド | ソフトロボットアクチュエータ取り付けハブアセンブリ |
JP6419540B2 (ja) * | 2014-11-14 | 2018-11-07 | シスメックス株式会社 | 検体測定装置および検体測定方法 |
US10189168B2 (en) * | 2014-11-18 | 2019-01-29 | Soft Robotics, Inc. | Soft robotic actuator enhancements |
CN107533075B (zh) * | 2015-04-27 | 2020-10-16 | 株式会社日立高新技术 | 检体容器倾斜矫正机构及其控制方法 |
EP3270166A1 (de) * | 2016-07-11 | 2018-01-17 | Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbH | Greifvorrichtung zum transport von flüssigkeitsbehältern in einem automatischen analysegerät |
CN109605418B (zh) * | 2018-12-13 | 2022-02-25 | 清华大学 | 聚拢式快速抓取滑杆自适应机器人手装置 |
CN110018320A (zh) * | 2019-03-29 | 2019-07-16 | 赫安仕科技(苏州)有限公司 | 一种检测驱动装置及驱动方法 |
US11738893B2 (en) | 2019-04-30 | 2023-08-29 | Soft Robotics, Inc. | Picking, placing, and scanning bagged clothing and other articles |
US11590666B1 (en) * | 2020-03-27 | 2023-02-28 | Mckesson Corporation | Apparatuses and systems for the automated retrieval and transport of articles |
CN112897043B (zh) * | 2021-01-19 | 2023-02-28 | 杭州富特科技股份有限公司 | 抓取机构以及pcba抓取机构 |
CN112959275B (zh) * | 2021-02-03 | 2023-02-14 | 大庆师范学院 | 一种基于计算机的维修用综合调试装置 |
CN112810877B (zh) * | 2021-02-24 | 2022-06-07 | 江苏康康同学科技有限公司 | 一种肾内科用药剂的试剂瓶的移载机构 |
CN113358543B (zh) * | 2021-06-16 | 2022-11-18 | 吕德全 | 水利工程用基于bim的模拟渗流智能检测装置及其方法 |
CN116253160B (zh) * | 2023-02-27 | 2023-11-03 | 芜湖胤星医学检验实验室有限公司 | 一种用于智慧医疗***的样本发射装置 |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH02259469A (ja) * | 1989-03-30 | 1990-10-22 | Shimadzu Corp | 採血管搬送方法 |
JPH05162812A (ja) * | 1991-12-17 | 1993-06-29 | Shimadzu Corp | 自動分析装置 |
JP2000321287A (ja) * | 1999-05-14 | 2000-11-24 | Sysmex Corp | 検体移し替え装置 |
JP2004061137A (ja) | 2002-07-24 | 2004-02-26 | Aloka Co Ltd | 検体移載装置 |
JP4116206B2 (ja) | 1999-09-28 | 2008-07-09 | アロカ株式会社 | 試験管搬送装置 |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2273729A1 (en) * | 1998-07-14 | 2000-01-14 | Bayer Corporation | Robotics for transporting containers and objects within an automated analytical instrument and service tool for servicing robotics |
EP0984285B1 (en) * | 1998-08-31 | 2004-01-07 | Sysmex Corporation | Sample aspirator having dual inter-operating manipulation units |
US7128874B2 (en) * | 2001-01-26 | 2006-10-31 | Beckman Coulter, Inc. | Method and system for picking and placing vessels |
CA2680062C (en) * | 2006-05-09 | 2015-10-20 | Duke University | Droplet manipulation systems |
JP2009180607A (ja) * | 2008-01-30 | 2009-08-13 | Olympus Corp | 自動分析装置 |
-
2011
- 2011-08-31 EP EP11821849.4A patent/EP2613156B1/en active Active
- 2011-08-31 JP JP2012531908A patent/JP5525054B2/ja active Active
- 2011-08-31 CN CN201180040358.1A patent/CN103080749B/zh active Active
- 2011-08-31 WO PCT/JP2011/069723 patent/WO2012029834A1/ja active Application Filing
- 2011-08-31 US US13/817,547 patent/US8956568B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH02259469A (ja) * | 1989-03-30 | 1990-10-22 | Shimadzu Corp | 採血管搬送方法 |
JPH05162812A (ja) * | 1991-12-17 | 1993-06-29 | Shimadzu Corp | 自動分析装置 |
JP2000321287A (ja) * | 1999-05-14 | 2000-11-24 | Sysmex Corp | 検体移し替え装置 |
JP4116206B2 (ja) | 1999-09-28 | 2008-07-09 | アロカ株式会社 | 試験管搬送装置 |
JP2004061137A (ja) | 2002-07-24 | 2004-02-26 | Aloka Co Ltd | 検体移載装置 |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014062810A1 (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2014-04-24 | Beckman Coulter, Inc. | Chute arrangement with strip-off feature |
US8967691B2 (en) | 2012-10-16 | 2015-03-03 | Beckman Coulter, Inc. | Chute arrangement with strip-off feature |
US9010819B2 (en) | 2012-10-16 | 2015-04-21 | Beckman Coulter, Inc. | Removable specimen gripper fingers |
CN104718457A (zh) * | 2012-10-16 | 2015-06-17 | 贝克曼考尔特公司 | 具有剥离结构的滑槽装置 |
JP2015533221A (ja) * | 2012-10-16 | 2015-11-19 | ベックマン コールター, インコーポレイテッド | 引き剥がし機構を備えたシュート構成 |
JPWO2014088107A1 (ja) * | 2012-12-06 | 2017-01-05 | Scivax株式会社 | ローラ式加圧装置、インプリント装置、ローラ式加圧方法 |
JP2015087306A (ja) * | 2013-10-31 | 2015-05-07 | シスメックス株式会社 | 検体容器取出装置及び検体処理システム |
WO2019012604A1 (ja) * | 2017-07-11 | 2019-01-17 | 株式会社Fuji | 部品反転装置 |
JPWO2019012604A1 (ja) * | 2017-07-11 | 2020-01-09 | 株式会社Fuji | 部品反転装置 |
JP2020051961A (ja) * | 2018-09-28 | 2020-04-02 | 株式会社日立ハイテク | 検体移載機構 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN103080749B (zh) | 2014-12-03 |
JPWO2012029834A1 (ja) | 2013-10-31 |
US20130149079A1 (en) | 2013-06-13 |
CN103080749A (zh) | 2013-05-01 |
US8956568B2 (en) | 2015-02-17 |
JP5525054B2 (ja) | 2014-06-18 |
EP2613156A1 (en) | 2013-07-10 |
EP2613156B1 (en) | 2021-03-03 |
EP2613156A4 (en) | 2017-12-20 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
WO2012029834A1 (ja) | 検体移載機構 | |
EP2581747B1 (en) | An apparatus for gripping and holding diagnostic cassettes | |
EP1342091B1 (en) | Method and system for transporting and storing multiple reagent packs and reagent packs used therein | |
EP3196648B1 (en) | Device for lifting a sample tube | |
EP2776848B1 (en) | System and method for transporting sample containers | |
EP3053854B1 (en) | Storage warehouse | |
JP2000052288A (ja) | ロボット・ア―ム用指、ロボット・ア―ム、分析器具及びサ―ビス工具と容器移送方法 | |
US11215625B2 (en) | Method for receiving a sample vessel from a sample carrier, and device designed to carry out the method | |
WO2021231938A1 (en) | Automation compatible removable lids and methods of use | |
CN106796906B (zh) | 晶圆搬运方法及装置 | |
JP6504900B2 (ja) | 試料搬送装置 | |
US11103872B2 (en) | Rack positioning system | |
EP3477307B1 (en) | Pipetting device and pipetting device positioning system | |
CN110606455A (zh) | 一种样本容器自动开盖装置 | |
US20230256619A1 (en) | Robotic sample handling system | |
JP5683901B2 (ja) | 容器搬送装置 | |
JP5939714B2 (ja) | ワークチャック装置 | |
CN209835583U (zh) | 容器换盖设备 | |
EP3839517A1 (en) | Centralised terminal | |
CN110892271A (zh) | 微板处理装置 | |
JP7292098B2 (ja) | 検体用トレイと検体検査自動化システム | |
TWI700163B (zh) | 搬送手及搬送機器人 | |
WO2023162824A1 (ja) | 分注システム | |
JP2023123038A (ja) | 分注システム | |
CN118272181A (zh) | 多孔板加载装置及具有其的核酸检测一体机 |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 201180040358.1 Country of ref document: CN |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 11821849 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2012531908 Country of ref document: JP |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2011821849 Country of ref document: EP |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 13817547 Country of ref document: US |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |