JP4358025B2 - Slide glass supply device and specimen preparation device provided with the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a slide glass supply device for supplying a slide glass and a specimen preparation device including the slide glass supply device.

  Conventionally, a specimen preparation device including a slide glass supply device for supplying a slide glass is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1 discloses a slide glass supply for supplying a slide glass taken out from a slide glass storage section to a smear section in an automatic smear preparation apparatus that automatically performs blood smearing on a slide glass and a staining process. An apparatus is disclosed. This conventional slide glass supply device includes a turntable on which three slide glass storage units are mounted, a driving means for intermittently rotating the turntable, and a slide glass storage unit mounted on the turntable. A slide glass take-out device for taking out the slide glass and a carrying device for carrying the taken slide glass to the smearing section are provided. Further, the slide glass take-out device has a cradle having a recess for placing the slide glass, a moving means for moving the cradle in the vertical direction, and a moving means for moving the cradle in the horizontal direction. Yes. After the cradle moves in the vertical direction and the slide glass of the slide glass storage unit is fitted in the recessed portion of the cradle, the slide glass is extracted from the slide glass storage unit by moving in the horizontal direction. And the extracted slide glass is conveyed to a smear part by a conveying apparatus.
No. 7-34361

  However, in the slide glass supply apparatus as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, in addition to the drive mechanism for moving the cradle as the drive mechanism for taking out the slide glass from the plurality of slide glass storage units, the turntable It is necessary to separately provide a drive mechanism for rotating the. Further, in order to move the cradle in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction when taking out the slide glass, it is necessary to separately provide a moving means for moving the cradle in the vertical direction and a moving means for moving the cradle in the horizontal direction. . As a result, the drive mechanism for taking out the slide glass from the slide glass storage unit is complicated.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a slide glass supply device capable of preventing the drive mechanism for taking out the slide glass from the slide glass storage unit from becoming complicated, and An object of the present invention is to provide a specimen preparation apparatus including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  In order to achieve the above object, a slide glass supply device according to a first aspect of the present invention is capable of storing a plurality of slide glasses and has an outlet for taking out the stored slide glasses one by one. In addition, the first slide glass storage unit disposed in the first position, a plurality of slide glasses can be stored, and an outlet for taking out the stored slide glasses one by one is provided. The slide glass is taken out one by one from the second slide glass storage section and the take-out port of the first slide glass storage section, and the slide glass is supplied to a supply position between the first position and the second position. Take out the glass slides one by one from the first take-out means and the take-out port of the second glass slide storage section, and place the glass slides at the supply position. And it includes a second extracting means for feeding, and one selection means for one selectively operated in the first extraction means and second extraction means.

  In the slide glass supply device according to the first aspect, as described above, the first slide glass storage portion and the second slide glass storage portion are disposed at the first position and the second position, respectively, and the first position and the second position are set. By providing a supply position between the first position and the second position and selectively operating one of the first take-out means and the second take-out means by the selection means, the first selection operation of the selection means is performed. A slide glass can be selectively supplied to a supply position from either one of a slide glass storage part and a 2nd slide glass storage part. As a result, the slide glass can be supplied from the slide glass storage unit to the supply position using only one drive source for performing the selection operation of the selection means, so that the slide glass can be taken out from the slide glass storage unit. The drive mechanism can be simplified.

  In the slide glass supply apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the selection unit includes one drive source and a drive transmission unit that transmits the driving force of the drive source to the first extraction unit and the second extraction unit, The first take-out means includes a first engaging portion that can be engaged with the drive transmission means, and the second take-out means includes a second engagement portion that can be engaged with the drive transmission means. When operating the first extraction means via the engagement portion, the second engagement portion of the second extraction means is disengaged from the drive transmission means. If comprised in this way, when the 1st engaging part and drive transmission means of a 1st taking-out means engage and a 1st taking-out means is in an operation state, the 2nd engaging part of a 2nd taking-out means and The engagement with the drive transmission means is released and the second extraction means is in a non-operating state. Thereby, one drive source of the selection means can easily selectively operate either one of the first extraction means and the second extraction means.

  In the slide glass supply apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the selection unit includes one drive source and a drive transmission unit that transmits the driving force of the drive source to the first extraction unit and the second extraction unit, The first take-out means includes a first engagement portion engageable with the drive transmission means, and the second take-out means includes a second engagement portion engageable with the drive transmission means. When operating the second extraction means via the engagement portion, the engagement of the first engagement portion of the first extraction means with the drive transmission means is released. If comprised in this way, when the 2nd engaging part and drive transmission means of a 2nd taking-out means engage and a 2nd taking-out means is in an operation state, the 1st engaging part of a 1st taking-out means and The engagement with the drive transmission means is released and the first extraction means is in a non-operating state. Thereby, one drive source of the selection means can easily selectively operate either one of the first extraction means and the second extraction means.

  In the slide glass supply device according to the first aspect, preferably, the first take-out means includes a first contact portion for contacting the slide glass of the first slide glass storage portion and taking out the slide glass, and second The take-out means includes a second contact portion for contacting the slide glass of the second slide glass storage portion and taking out the slide glass, and the first contact portion contacts the slide glass of the first slide glass storage portion It is possible to move between a possible first contact position and a first retraction position that does not contact the slide glass of the first slide glass storage section, and the second contact section is a slide of the second slide glass storage section. It is movable between a second contact position that can contact the glass and a second retreat position that does not contact the slide glass of the second slide glass storage unit. If comprised in this way, when a 1st contact part exists in a 1st contact position, a 1st extraction means can take out a slide glass from a 1st slide glass storage part. Further, when the second contact portion is in the second contact position, the second take-out means can take out the slide glass from the second slide glass storage portion.

  In this case, preferably, the first contact portion is positioned at the first contact position when moving from the first position side toward the supply position, and when moving from the supply position toward the first position side. Is in the first retracted position. The second abutting portion is located at the second abutting position when moving from the second position side toward the supply position, and is second retracted when moving from the supply position toward the second position side. Located in position. If comprised in this way, when a 1st extraction means moves toward a supply position from the 1st position side, the 1st contact part of a 1st extraction means will take out a slide glass from a 1st slide glass storage part. be able to. Further, when the first take-out means moves from the supply position toward the first position, the first contact portion of the first take-out means moves to the first retracted position, so that the first take-out means can be easily moved. It can be moved to the first position side. Further, when the second take-out means moves from the second position side toward the supply position, the second contact portion of the second take-out means can take out the slide glass from the second slide glass storage part. Further, when the second take-out means moves from the supply position toward the second position side, the second contact portion of the second take-out means moves to the second retracted position, so that the second take-out means can be easily moved. It can be moved to the second position side.

  In the slide glass supply device according to the first aspect, preferably, the first slide glass storage unit includes a first shutter member that closes an outlet of the first slide glass storage unit, and the second slide glass storage unit includes the first slide glass storage unit. A second shutter member that closes the outlet of the two-slide glass storage unit, disposed near the first position, and serves as a guide when the first slide-glass storage unit is placed; A first guide member having a first push-up portion for pushing up one shutter member; and a second slide glass storage portion which is disposed in the vicinity of the second position and serves as a guide when the second slide glass storage portion is placed. And a second guide member having a second push-up portion for pushing up the second shutter member. According to this structure, when the first slide glass storage unit is not placed at the first position, the first shutter member closes the outlet of the first slide glass storage unit, so that the first slide glass storage unit is removed. It is possible to prevent the slide glass from falling out from the outlet. Further, by providing the first guide member in the vicinity of the first position, the first slide glass storage portion can be easily placed at the first position. Further, when the first slide glass storage portion is placed at the first position, the first push-up portion of the first guide member pushes up the first shutter member of the first slide glass storage portion. It becomes possible to take out the slide glass from the part. Further, when the second slide glass storage portion is not placed at the second position, the second shutter member closes the outlet of the second slide glass storage portion, so that the slide glass is removed from the outlet of the second slide glass storage portion. It can be prevented from falling off. Further, by providing the second guide member in the vicinity of the second position, the second slide glass storage portion can be easily placed at the second position. Further, when the second slide glass storage portion is placed at the second position, the second push-up portion of the second guide member pushes up the second shutter member of the second slide glass storage portion, whereby the second slide glass storage is performed. It becomes possible to take out the slide glass from the part.

  In the slide glass supply apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the selection unit includes a drive source and a drive transmission unit that transmits a driving force of the drive source to the first extraction unit and the second extraction unit, First detection means for detecting that the take-out means is in a position not operated by the drive transmission means, and second for detecting that the second take-out means is in a position not operated by the drive transmission means. And a detecting means. If comprised in this way, it can detect that the 1st extraction means and the 2nd extraction means are in the position which is not operated by the drive transmission means by the 1st detection means and the 2nd detection means, respectively.

  In the slide glass supply apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the selection unit includes a drive source and a drive transmission unit that transmits a driving force of the drive source to the first extraction unit and the second extraction unit, The take-out means includes a first engagement portion that can be engaged with the drive transmission means, and the second take-out means includes a second engagement portion that can be engaged with the drive transmission means, and the first take-out means is the drive transmission means. And a second urging means for urging the second take-out means in a direction to engage the drive transmission means. If comprised in this way, the 1st urging means and the 2nd urging means can be easily urged | biased in the direction engaged with a drive transmission means by the 1st urging means and the 2nd urging means.

  In the slide glass supply apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the selection unit includes a drive source and a drive transmission unit that transmits a driving force of the drive source to the first extraction unit and the second extraction unit, and the selection unit. The drive source includes a drive motor and a drive belt that is linearly driven by the drive motor, and the drive transmission means of the selection means is linearly moved by the drive belt. If comprised in this way, the drive transmission means of a selection means can be moved linearly easily.

  A specimen preparation apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the slide glass supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9. If comprised in this way, in the sample preparation apparatus provided with the slide glass supply apparatus, the drive mechanism for taking out a slide glass from a slide glass storage part can be simplified.

  In the specimen preparation device according to the second aspect, preferably further includes a transport unit for transporting the slide glass taken out from the first slide glass storage unit and the second slide glass storage unit to the smear unit, And a holding member for holding the slide glass. If comprised in this way, a slide glass can be easily conveyed to a smear part by the holding member of a conveyance part.

  In this case, preferably, the holding member is a guide for holding the slide glass in a substantially horizontal state, and a guide for releasing the holding of the slide glass and placing the slide glass on the smear portion. Part. If comprised in this way, a slide glass can be conveyed to a smear part with the horizontal state supplied with the slide glass supply apparatus. Further, by providing the guide member on the holding member, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the slide glass when the slide glass is placed on the smear part.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of a blood smear preparation apparatus and a transport apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows the inside of the blood smear preparation apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. It is the top view which showed the structure. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing a cassette and a slide glass used in the blood smear preparation apparatus shown in FIG. 5 to 18 are diagrams for explaining the structure of the slide glass supply unit and the conveyance unit of the smearing part of the blood smear preparing apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and FIGS. These are the figures for demonstrating supply operation | movement and conveyance operation | movement of the slide glass of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. First, with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the whole structure of the blood smear sample preparation apparatus 100 by this embodiment and the conveying apparatus 200 is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, an example in which the sample preparation device of the present invention is applied to the blood smear preparation device 100 will be described.

  First, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a transport apparatus 200 is installed on the front surface of the blood smear preparation apparatus 100. The transport device 200 is provided for automatically transporting the sample rack 150 storing the test tube 151 storing blood to the blood smear preparing device 100. The blood smear preparation apparatus 100 includes a display operation unit 101 including a touch panel, a start switch 102, a power switch 103, and a cover 104. The blood smear preparing apparatus 100 is provided with a hand member 160 for transporting the test tube 151 containing blood from the transport apparatus 200 side to the blood smear preparing apparatus 100 side. A rubber stopper 151a is attached to the test tube 151 containing blood.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the blood smear preparation apparatus 100 includes a suction / dispensing mechanism section 1, a smear section 2, a resin cassette 3, a cassette housing section 4, a cassette transport section 5, and a slide. A glass insertion portion 6, a staining portion 7, and a storage portion 8 are provided. The suction dispensing mechanism unit 1 has a function of sucking blood from the test tube 151 transported to the blood smear preparation apparatus 100 side by the hand member 160 (see FIG. 1) and dropping the sucked blood onto the slide glass 10. Have. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction / dispensing mechanism 1 includes a piercer (aspiration needle) 1a for sucking blood from a test tube 151, and a pipette 1b for dispensing the sucked blood to a slide glass 10. The syringe pump 1c connected to the piercer 1a and the pipette 1b, the valve 1d for opening and closing the flow path between the piercer 1a and the syringe pump 1c, and the flow path between the pipette 1b and the syringe pump 1c And a valve 1e.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the smearing unit 2 supplies the slide glass 10 to the dispensing / smearing position 90, smears and dries the blood dropped on the slide glass 10, and slides the slide. It is provided for printing on the glass 10. The smearing unit 2 includes a slide glass supply unit 2c having two slide glass storage units 2a and a slide glass take-out mechanism 2b, a transport unit 2d, a draw glass 2e, a feed belt 2f, a fan 2g, and a moving piece. 2h and 2j, a printing part 2i, and a guide groove 2k are provided. The two slide glass storage units 2a are examples of the “first slide glass storage unit” and the “second slide glass storage unit” of the present invention, and the slide glass supply unit 2c is the “slide glass supply unit” of the present invention. It is an example of “apparatus”.

  The slide glass supply unit 2c and the transport unit 2d have a function of taking out the slide glass 10 stored in the two slide glass storage units 2a using the slide glass extraction mechanism 2b and then supplying the slide glass 10 onto the feed belt 2f. The feed belt 2f is configured to convey the slide glass 10 to the dispensing / smearing position 90 and the drying positions 91a and 91b. The pulling glass 2e can be moved to a position where it abuts the slide glass 10 so that blood dispensed on the slide glass 10 can be smeared at the dispensing / smearing position 90, and the longitudinal direction of the slide glass 10 It is configured to be movable. The fan 2g is provided to dry smeared blood on the slide glass 10 conveyed to the drying positions 91a and 91b. The moving piece 2h is provided to move the slide glass 10 from the drying position 91b to the printing unit 2i. The printing unit 2i is a printer and is provided on the frosted portion 10a of the slide glass 10 for printing the sample number, date, reception number, name, and the like. The moving piece 2j is provided for moving the slide glass 10 after printing to the slide glass insertion portion 6 side along the guide groove 2k and inserting it into the cassette 3.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5-18, the detailed structure of the two slide glass accommodating parts 2a and the slide glass extraction mechanism 2b which comprise the slide glass supply part 2c by this embodiment, and the conveyance part 2d Will be described. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the slide glass storage portion 2 a is configured to store a plurality of (in this embodiment, a maximum of 100) slide glasses 10. The slide glass storage portion 2a includes a pair of first side members 20 disposed so as to face each other, a second side member 21 connecting the pair of first side members 20, a pair of first side members 20, and A pair of bottom support members 22 that support the bottom of the second side member 21, a slide plate 23 disposed so as to face the second side member 21, and a mutually opposing surface of the pair of first side members 20, respectively. And a shutter member 24 attached thereto. That is, in the slide glass storage portion 2 a, a side surface portion is configured by the pair of first side surface members 20, the second side surface member 21, and the slide plate 23, and a bottom surface portion is configured by the pair of bottom portion support members 22. ing. The shutter member 24 is an example of the “first shutter member” and the “second shutter member” in the present invention.

  The pair of first side members 20 are formed at the lower end of the first side member 20, respectively, and a pair of first notches 20 a from which the slide glass 10 can be taken out one by one, and the first side member 20. A second notch portion 20b provided in the lower central portion and serving as a relief portion when the shutter member 24 is moved upward, and a groove 20c extending in the vertical direction in which the slide plate 23 is fitted so as to be movable in the vertical direction. have. The first cutout portion 20a is an example of the “take-out port” in the present invention. The first cutout portion 20a includes a pair of first cutout portions 20a and a pair of bottom portions of the slide glass 10 positioned at the bottom of the plurality of slide glasses 10 housed in the slide glass storage portion 2a. The region formed by the support member 22 is configured to pass through an area that can be taken out from the slide glass storage portion 2a. That is, the notch depth of the pair of first notch portions 20a is configured to be larger than the thickness of one piece of the slide glass 10 and smaller than the thickness of two pieces of the slide glass 10. Yes. Further, the second cutout portion 20b pushes up the shutter members 24 of the first side member 20 by the push-up portions 71a and 72a of the guide members 71 and 72 attached to the mounting table 70 of the slide glass take-out mechanism 2b described later. It is configured to be a relief shape.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, the second side member 21 has a vertically long slot so that the user can visually recognize the number of slide glasses 10 stored in the slide glass storage portion 2 a. 21a is provided. When the slide glass storage portion 2a is set in the blood smear preparation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the long hole 21a of the second side member 21 is positioned in the front side of the apparatus. It is preferable to set as follows. The pair of bottom support members 22 is provided to support the plurality of slide glasses 10 stored in the slide glass storage portion 2a, and emits light from a sensor 73 for detecting the presence or absence of a slide glass described later. It has a through hole 22a for passing through.

  The slide plate 23 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction along the grooves 20c of the pair of first side surface members 20 described above, and stores a plurality of slide glasses 10 in the slide glass storage portion 2a at a time. It is provided for. The shutter member 24 is supported by two support columns 24a attached to the first side surface member 20 so as to be movable up and down, and has two stopper portions 24b extending downward at both ends of the lower portion. The two stopper portions 24b block the slide glass passage area formed by the first notch portion 20a and the bottom support member 22 when the shutter member 24 moves downward, and the shutter member 24 moves upward. When moving to the position, the slide glass passage area is not blocked by retreating above the slide glass passage area formed by the first notch 20a and the bottom support member 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, the slide glass take-out mechanism 2 b is configured to selectively take out the slide glasses 10 one by one from either one of the two slide glass storage portions 2 a. . The slide glass take-out mechanism 2b includes a mounting table 70, two guide members 71 and 72, and two light-reflective sensors 73 for detecting whether or not the slide glass 10 is stored in the slide glass storage portion 2a. (See FIG. 6), a rack 74 (see FIG. 8), a support member 75, a selection mechanism portion 76 (see FIG. 10), and two take-out mechanism portions 77 and 78. The guide members 71 and 72 are examples of the “first guide member” and the “second guide member” of the present invention, and the selection mechanism unit 76 is an example of the “selection means” of the present invention, and the take-out mechanism The portions 77 and 78 are examples of the “first take-out means” and the “second take-out means” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the mounting table 70 is provided for mounting the two slide glass storage portions 2 a on the two mounting positions 95 and 96. The mounting positions 95 and 96 are examples of the “first position” and the “second position” in the present invention, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the mounting table 70 has a horizontally long opening 70 a formed in the center portion of the mounting table 70 and two mounting positions 95 and 96 with the opening 70 a interposed therebetween. A pair of positioning recesses 70b and 70c and a pair of transfer recesses 70d formed so as to sandwich the opening 70a at the supply position 97 between the two placement positions 95 and 96. . In the opening 70a, a pair of passage portions 70e extending from the inner peripheral surface along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the opening 70a toward the inside of the opening 70a is formed. The passage portion 70e serves as a passage for the wheel portions 77m and 78m of the take-out members 77e and 78e of two take-out mechanism portions 77 and 78 described later. The pair of positioning recesses 70b and 70c are configured so that when the two slide glass storage portions 2a are placed at the placement positions 95 and 96, the lower portion of the slide glass storage portion 2a is fitted into the slide glass storage portion 2a. It is provided for positioning. Of the pair of positioning recesses 70b and 70c, two recesses located on the back side of the apparatus are provided with through holes 70f. The through hole 70f is provided to allow the light of the sensor 73 for detecting the presence or absence of the slide glass 10 to pass therethrough. The pair of conveyance recesses 70d function as escape portions when a holding member 80 of the conveyance unit 2d described later passes.

  The two guide members 71 and 72 are attached to the upper surface of the mounting table 70 so as to surround the mounting positions 95 and 96 as shown in FIGS. And it is formed in the shape which inclined outside so that an upper end part may mutually separate. The two guide members 71 and 72 serve as guides when the slide glass storage portion 2 a is placed at the placement positions 95 and 96 of the placement table 70. The guide members 71 and 72 are formed with push-up portions 71a and 72a for pushing up the shutter member 24 of the slide glass storage portion 2a. The push-up portions 71a and 72a are examples of the “first push-up portion” and the “second push-up portion” in the present invention, respectively.

  Two light-reflective sensors 73 for detecting the presence or absence of the slide glass 10 are provided on the mounting table 70 corresponding to the through holes 70f of the positioning recesses 70b and 70c formed at the mounting positions 95 and 96, respectively. It is attached to the position of the lower surface. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rack 74 is attached to the lower surface of the mounting table 70 with an attachment member 74 a so that the cutting edge of the rack 74 faces downward. The support member 75 is provided to support the selection mechanism unit 76 disposed below the mounting table 70.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, the selection mechanism portion 76 is provided to drive the two take-out mechanism portions 77 and 78. The selection mechanism 76 includes a motor 76a as a driving source, a pulley 76b (see FIG. 9) that rotates by the driving force of the motor 76a, and a pulley that is provided at a predetermined interval in the X direction from the pulley 76b. 76c, a drive belt 76d attached to the pulleys 76b and 76c, a drive transmission member 76f attached to the drive belt 76d by an attachment piece 76e, and a rail 76g for linearly moving the drive transmission member 76f in the X direction. (See FIG. 10) and a slider 76h, light-transmitting sensors 76i (see FIG. 5) and 76j provided at three predetermined positions, and a sensor 76k. The motor 76a is an example of the “drive source” in the present invention, the drive transmission member 76f is an example of the “drive transmission unit” in the present invention, and the sensors 76i and 76j are respectively the “first” in the present invention. It is an example of “first detection means” and “second detection means”.

  The drive transmission member 76f is provided to transmit the driving force generated by the motor 76a to the two take-out mechanism portions 77 and 78. As shown in FIG. 10, the drive transmission member 76f is configured to be linearly movable along the X direction. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the drive transmission member 76f has a long hole 76l extending in the moving direction (X direction) of the drive transmission member 76f, and a detection unit 76m detected by the sensor 76k. Yes. As shown in FIG. 5, the long hole 76l of the drive transmission member 76f transmits the driving force of the drive transmission member 76f to only one of the two take-out mechanism portions 77 and 78 (see FIG. 10). It is configured to be able to. Sensors 76 i and 76 j shown in FIG. 5 are attached in the vicinity of both ends of the support member 75 in the X direction, and the sensor 76 k is attached in the vicinity of the center of the support member 75 in the X direction. The sensors 76i and 76j are provided to detect whether or not the two take-out mechanism portions 77 and 78 are driven by the drive transmission member 76f. The sensor 76k is provided to control on / off of the driving force of the motor 76a.

  The two take-out mechanism portions 77 and 78 are provided for taking out the slide glasses 10 one by one from the two slide glass storage portions 2 a placed on the placement table 70. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the take-out mechanism portions 77 and 78 include support members 77 b and 78 b to which engagement members 77 a and 78 a that enter and engage with the long hole 76 l of the drive transmission member 76 f are attached, Tension coil springs 77c and 78c for urging the support members 77b and 78b away from the drive transmission member 76f, sliders 77d and 78d for linearly moving the support members 77b and 78b along the rail 76g in the X direction, and support And take-out members 77e and 78e attached to the members 77b and 78b. The engaging members 77a and 78a are examples of the “first engaging portion” and the “second engaging portion” of the present invention, respectively, and the tension coil springs 77c and 78c are respectively the “first engaging portion” of the present invention. It is an example of “biasing means” and “second biasing means”.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the support members 77b and 78b have detection pieces 77f and 78f detected by the sensors 76i and 76j, respectively, at the outer ends in the X direction. The detection pieces 77f and 78f are examples of the “first detection means” and the “second detection means” of the present invention, respectively. The tension coil springs 77c and 78c have one end attached to the engaging members 77a and 78a of the support members 77b and 78b and the other end attached to the support member 75. As shown in FIG. 10, the slider 76h of the selection mechanism section 76 and the sliders 77d and 78d of the two take-out mechanism sections 77 and 78 move on one common rail 76g, so that each slider Since the number of parts is reduced as compared with the case where separate rails are used for 76h, 77d, and 78d, the selection mechanism portion 76 of the slide glass take-out mechanism 2b can be simplified.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the take-out member 77e (78e) includes a main body portion 77h (78h) having a pair of arm portions 77g (78g) and a pair of arm portions 77g (78g) of the main body portion 77h (78h). ), Both ends of which are attached to a shaft 77i (78i), a rotating member 77k (78k) having a contact portion 77j (78j) supported rotatably about the shaft 77i (78i), and an extraction mechanism portion 77 (78) includes a mounting member 77l (78l) for mounting the take-out member 77e (78e) to the support member 77b (78b). The contact portions 77j and 78j are examples of the “first contact portion” and the “second contact portion” in the present invention, respectively. The main body portion 77h (78h) includes four wheel portions 77m (78m) attached to predetermined positions on a pair of side surfaces along the moving direction (X direction) of the main body portion 77h (78h), and the main body portion 77h (78h). ) And a pinion 77o (78o) having a damping function attached to the lower surface of the main body 77h (78h). The four wheel portions 77m (78m) move along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the opening portion 70a on the passage portion 70e of the opening portion 70a of the mounting table 70, thereby moving the take-out member 77e (78e) to a certain level. It is provided to move while maintaining the height.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the pinion 77o (78o) is configured to mesh with a rack 74 attached to the back surface of the mounting table 70 from below. Due to the damping action of the rack 74 and the pinion 77o (78o), when the take-out member 77e (78e) is moved, a force in the direction opposite to the moving direction always acts on the main body 77h (78h), so the main body 77h (78h) The mounting member 77l (78l) is moved to follow. The rotating member 77k (78k) has a contact position where the contact portion 77j (78j) protrudes above the upper surface of the rubber plate 77n (78n) and contacts the slide glass 10 of the slide glass storage portion 2a. The portion 77j (78j) is configured to be rotatable between a retracted position that enters below the upper surface of the rubber plate 77n (78n) and does not contact the slide glass 10. In addition, a pair of roller members 77p (78p) are rotatably attached to end portions in the Y direction of the contact portions 77j (78j) of the rotating members 77k (78k). The roller member 77p (78p) is configured such that the upper portion of the roller member 77p (78p) is positioned slightly above the contact portion 77j (78j).

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the transport unit 2 d is provided for placing the slide glass 10 on the feed belt 2 f after transporting the slide glass 10 from the supply position 97 to above the feed belt 2 f of the smearing unit 2. Yes. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, the transport unit 2 d includes a holding member 80 that holds the slide glass 10, a supply position 97 of the mounting table 70, and a feeding belt 2 f of the smearing unit 2. And a mounting member 82 for mounting the holding member 80 to the support member 81. As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the holding member 80 includes a main body portion 80 a in which a pump mechanism using air pressure is incorporated, and a pair of fixed members attached to both end portions in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the main body portion 80 a. A portion 80b, a pair of chuck portions 80d rotatably attached to the fixed portion 80b about the shaft 80c, and a pair of tension coil springs 80e that urge the pair of chuck portions 80d toward each other. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 22, the main body 80a has a pair of syringes 80f that protrude from both side surfaces in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the main body 80a by a pump mechanism built in the main body 80a. Yes. As shown in FIG. 22, the pair of syringes 80f protrudes from the main body 80a and presses a predetermined portion of the chuck 80d, thereby pulling the pair of chucks 80d against each other against the biasing force of the coil spring 80e. It is provided to move in the direction of leaving. Each of the fixed portions 80b has a pair of guide portions 80h extending in a predetermined direction and having a guide piece 80g formed at the tip portion. The guide portion 80h is configured to serve as a guide when the slide glass 10 held by the holding member 80 of the transport portion 2d is placed on the feed belt 2f of the smearing portion 2. When the holding member 80 is positioned at the supply position 97 of the mounting table 70, the guide piece 80g guides the slide glass 10 transferred to the supply position 97 by the take-out members 77e and 78e to a predetermined position below the main body portion 80a. Is provided to do. The pair of chuck portions 80d is formed in a shape in which the tip portion is bent at a right angle, and the slide glass 10 is sandwiched from the outside in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the slide glass 10 located at the supply position 97. Is provided in a horizontal state.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the support member 81 includes a motor 81a as a drive source for moving the holding member 80 in the horizontal direction, a pulley 81c attached to a drive shaft 81b (see FIG. 6) of the motor 81a, and a pulley 81c. A pulley 81d provided at a predetermined interval in the Y direction, a drive belt 81e attached to the pulleys 81c and 81d, an attachment piece 81f for attaching the attachment member 82 to the drive belt 81e, and a holding member 80. A linear motion guide 81g that linearly moves in the horizontal direction (Y direction).

  Further, the resin cassette 3 is configured so as to be able to accommodate the smeared slide glass 10 and the liquid (staining liquid) used in the staining step. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cassette 3 includes a slide glass storage hole 3a, a staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 3b, partition portions 3c and 3d, a slide glass support portion 3e, and a magnet. It includes two magnet attracting members 3f made of a metal that can be adsorbed to the belt, a conveyor belt engaging portion 3g, and side portions 3h and 3i. The slide glass storage hole 3a and the staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 3b are connected inside. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the cassette accommodating part 4 is provided in order to carry in the cassette 3, and contains the infeed belt 4a. Further, the cassette housing portion 4 includes a cassette remaining amount detection sensor 4b for detecting that the number of cassettes 3 at the standby position 92 of the cassette housing portion 4 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount (for example, 10), and a cassette A cassette presence / absence detection sensor 4c for detecting whether or not the cassette 3 exists in the transport path 5c at the standby position 92 of the storage unit 4 is provided.

  The cassette transport unit 5 is provided for transporting the cassette 3 carried in from the cassette housing unit 4 to the slide glass insertion unit 6 and the staining unit 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the cassette transport unit 5 is supplied from a cassette transport member 5 a that can move in the horizontal direction, a drive belt 5 b for moving the cassette transport member 5 a in the horizontal direction, and a cassette housing unit 4. And a transport path 5c for transporting the cassette 3. The cassette carrying member 5a has an abutting member 51 formed with abutting pieces 51a and 51b that convey the cassette 3 while pushing the side surface portion 3h (see FIG. 3). The contact member 51 is retracted so as not to come into contact with the cassette 3 from the operating position at which the cassette carrying member 5a comes into contact with the cassette 3 when the cassette carrying member 5a comes into contact with the contact member 11a provided on the frame 11 after carrying the cassette 3. It is configured to be moved to a position.

  The slide glass insertion portion 6 shown in FIG. 2 is provided to store the slide glass 10 that has been smeared and printed in the slide glass storage hole 3 a of the cassette 3. The slide glass insertion portion 6 includes a cassette direction moving member 6a for placing the cassette 3 in the horizontal direction so that the slide glass 10 can be inserted, and a cassette arranged in the horizontal direction by the cassette direction moving member 6a. 3, a positioning portion 6 b that performs positioning in the height direction, two positioning portions 6 c that perform lateral positioning of the cassette 3 arranged in the horizontal direction, and a slide glass 10 on the cassette 3 positioned in the slide glass insertion portion 6. A sensor 6d for detecting whether or not is stored. The cassette direction moving member 6a is configured to be movable between a horizontal position and a vertical position by rotating in a predetermined direction.

  The staining section 7 shown in FIG. 2 is provided for staining the smeared slide glass 10 by supplying the staining liquid to the staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 3b of the cassette 3 conveyed by the cassette conveying member 5a. It has been. The staining unit 7 is configured to transport the cassette 3 transported by the cassette transporting member 5a to the second suction / discharge unit 7d of the staining unit 7 and to transport the cassette 3 fed from the feeding member 7a. A conveyor belt 7b, first to fifth suction / discharge sections 7c to 7g for supplying and discharging the staining liquid to and from the cassette 3, a fan 7h for drying the stained slide glass 10, and the cassette 3 Includes a delivery mechanism unit 7i for delivering the toner from the conveyance belt 7b to the conveyance belt 8b side of the storage unit 8, and a fan 7j for drying the slide glass 10 in the second suction / discharge unit 7d.

  The storage unit 8 shown in FIG. 2 is provided for storing the cassette 3 in which the slide glass 10 stained by the staining unit 7 is stored. The storage unit 8 includes a feeding member 8a for feeding the cassette 3 fed from the conveying belt 7b of the dyeing unit 7 by the feeding mechanism unit 7i to the conveying belt 8b of the storing unit 8, and a cassette fed from the feeding member 8a. 3 is provided with a conveyor belt 8b.

  Next, the operation of the blood smear preparation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, 6, 7, 11, and 19 to 24. First, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of slide glasses 10 are stored in the slide glass storage portion 2a. Specifically, the user moves the slide plate 23 of the slide glass storage unit 2a upward to remove the slide plate 23 from the slide glass storage unit 2a. Then, a plurality of slide glasses 10 are inserted into the slide glass storage portion 2a from the side of the slide glass storage portion 2a so that the frost portion 10a is positioned on the slide plate 23 side. This insertion operation is repeated several times, and after a specified number of slide glasses 10 (up to 100 in this embodiment) are stored in the slide glass storage portion 2a, the slide plate 23 is attached to the slide glass storage portion 2a again. . Thereby, the storing operation of the slide glass 10 in the slide glass storage unit 2a is completed. At this time, the pair of shutter members 24 attached to the first side surface member 20 move downward to block the slide glass passage region formed by the first notch portion 20a and the pair of bottom support members 22. Therefore, the slide glass 10 does not fall out of the slide glass storage portion 2a. Even when the slide glass 10 in the slide glass storage portion 2a is lost during the operation of the apparatus, it is possible to replenish the slide glass storage portion 2a with the slide glass 10 by the above-described storage method. In that case, the slide glass 10 may be replenished by moving the slide plate 23 of the slide glass storage part 2a upward while the slide glass storage part 2a is placed on the apparatus.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the two glass slide storage portions 2 a are placed at the placement positions 95 and 96 of the placement table 70 of the blood smear preparation apparatus 100. In this case, it is preferable to place the elongate hole 21a of the second side member 21 of the slide glass storage portion 2a so as to be positioned in the front direction of the apparatus. Further, when the slide glass storage portion 2a is placed on the placement table 70, the push-up portions 71a and 72a of the guide members 71 and 72 attached to the placement positions 95 and 96 of the placement table 70 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). ) Pushes up the shutter member 24 of the slide glass storage portion 2a, whereby the slide glass 10 can be taken out from the slide glass storage portion 2a.

  Next, the cassette 3 carrying-in operation by the cassette housing unit 4 shown in FIG. 2 and the cassette 3 carrying operation to the slide glass insertion unit 6 by the cassette carrying unit 5 are performed. Specifically, first, the cassette 3 is set in the cassette housing portion 4. Thus, the cassette 3 is transported and fed to the cassette standby position 92 in a state where the transport belt engaging portion 3g (see FIG. 3) of the cassette 3 is engaged with the feed belt 4a of the cassette housing portion 4. When the number of cassettes 3 at the cassette standby position 92 of the cassette storage unit 4 is equal to or less than a predetermined number (for example, 10), it is detected by the cassette remaining amount detection sensor 4b and displayed on the display operation unit 101 (FIG. 1), a message such as “please replenish the cassette” is displayed. The first cassette 3 among the cassettes 3 at the cassette standby position 92 is arranged in the transport path 5c. The cassettes 3 arranged in the conveyance path 5c are detected by the cassette presence / absence detection sensor 4c and conveyed one by one to the slide glass insertion unit 6 by the cassette conveyance unit 5. That is, the abutting pieces 51a and 51b of the abutting member 51 of the cassette conveying member 5a constituting the cassette conveying portion 5 move while pushing the side surface portion 3h of the cassette 3, whereby the cassette 3 moves along the conveying path 5c. It is conveyed to the slide glass insertion part 6.

  In the slide glass insertion portion 6 shown in FIG. 2, first, the sensor 6 d determines whether or not the slide glass 10 is stored in the slide glass storage hole 3 a of the cassette 3. When it is determined that the slide glass 10 is stored in the cassette 3, the cassette 3 is stained along the transport path 5c by the contact pieces 51a and 51b of the contact member 51 of the cassette transport member 5a. Moved to part 7. In this case, the cassette 3 is moved to the storage unit 8 without being stained. When the cassette 3 is moved to the staining unit 7, the cassette carrying member 5a is moved to the carrying end position 94. When it is determined that the slide glass 10 is not stored in the slide glass insertion unit 6, the following suction dispensing operation is started.

  As an aspiration dispensing operation, first, as shown in FIG. 1, a sample rack in which a test tube 151 in which a blood sample is accommodated is stored in a state where the activation switch 102 is pressed and the blood smear preparation apparatus 100 is activated. 150 is set in the carrying-in part 201 of the conveying apparatus 200. Then, the automatic suction start switch displayed on the display operation unit 101 is pressed. As a result, the sample rack 150 is transported to the take-out unit 202 of the transport device 200. Thereafter, the hand member 160 of the blood smear preparation apparatus 100 holds the test tube 151 in which the blood in the sample rack 150 is stored. Then, the test tube 151 is lifted by raising the hand member 160, and the test tube 151 is stirred by rotating the hand member 160, and then the test tube 151 is disposed in the suction dispensing mechanism unit 1 shown in FIG. To do. Then, the piercer 1a is pierced into the rubber stopper 151a of the test tube 151 to suck blood. In this suction operation, the valve 1d is opened (on state) and the valve 1e is shut off (off state). After completing the blood suction operation, the valve 1d is turned off (off state) and the valve 1e is opened (on state). Thereafter, the pipette 1b is moved to the dispensing / smearing position 90 shown in FIG. 2, and then blood is dropped (dispensed) from the pipette 1b onto the slide glass 10.

  A smearing operation by the smearing unit 2 is performed in parallel with the suction dispensing operation by the suction dispensing mechanism unit 1 described above or after the suction dispensing operation. The smearing unit 2 supplies the slide glass 10 to the dispensing / smearing position 90 (see FIG. 2), smears and dries the blood dropped on the slide glass 10, and prints on the slide glass 10. . Specifically, the slide glass 10 stored in the two slide glass storage units 2a of the slide glass supply unit 2c is supplied onto the feed belt 2f by the slide glass take-out mechanism 2b and the transport unit 2d.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 and FIG. 19 to FIG. 24, the slide glass extraction operation and the conveyance operation by the slide glass extraction mechanism 2b and the conveyance unit 2d will be described in detail. Specifically, by rotating the motor 76a (see FIGS. 8 and 9) of the selection mechanism unit 76 in a predetermined direction, the drive transmission member 76f is moved through the pulley 76b and the drive belt 76d by the arrow A in FIG. Move in the direction of. As the drive transmission member 76f moves, the engagement member 77a of the support member 77b engages with the elongated hole 76l of the drive transmission member 76f, whereby the support member 77b is moved in the direction of arrow A in FIG. Therefore, the attachment member 77l of the take-out member 77e attached to the support member 77b also moves in the direction of arrow A in FIGS. When the driving force is transmitted to the support member 77b by the drive transmission member 76f, the engagement member 78a of the support member 78b is disengaged from the drive transmission member 76f, and the support member 78b is It is never driven.

  At this time, due to the damping action of the pinion 77o (see FIGS. 8 and 9) of the takeout member 77e meshing with the rack 74 of the mounting table 70, the main body portion 77h of the takeout member 77e has a moving direction (direction A). The force in the opposite direction works. As a result, the rotating member 77k attached to the main body 77h rotates in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 19 so that the contact portion 77j can contact the slide glass 10 of the slide glass storage portion 2a. Moving. Then, when the take-out member 77e further moves in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 19, the contact portion 77j of the take-out member 77e comes into contact with the slide glass 10 located at the lowermost portion of the slide glass storage portion 2a from the lateral direction. . Then, the slide glass 10 is moved in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 19 to pass through the slide glass passage area formed by the first cutout portion 20a and the pair of bottom support members 22 of the slide glass storage portion 2a. As shown in FIG. 20, the slide glass 10 is taken out from the slide glass storage portion 2a.

  Note that the pair of roller members 77p of the take-out member 77e is formed to be positioned above the contact portion 77j. As a result, when the contact portion 77j moves in contact with the lowermost slide glass 10 of the slide glass storage portion 2a, the pair of roller members 77p has the slide glass on one sheet of the lowermost slide glass 10. It touches the lower surface of 10 and moves while rotating. As a result, when the lowermost slide glass 10 is taken out, the pair of roller members 77p lifts the upper slide glass 10 upward, whereby the lowermost slide glass 10 and the upper slide glass 10 Are prevented from rubbing. And the slide glass 10 taken out from the slide glass storage part 2a is moved to the supply position 97 of the mounting base 70, as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 22, the holding member 80 of the transport unit 2 d is waiting at the supply position 97. Then, before the slide glass 10 reaches the supply position 97, the pair of syringes 80f is protruded from the side surface of the main body 80a by the pump mechanism built in the main body 80a of the holding member 80. As a result, the chuck portion 80d is pressed, so that the pair of chuck portions 80d are rotated in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 22 against the urging force of the tension coil spring 80e.

  Then, the slide glass 10 placed on the rubber plate 77n of the take-out member 77e is guided to a predetermined position by the guide piece 80g of the holding member 80, and is supplied to a supply position 97 located below the main body portion 80a of the holding member 80. When reaching, the pair of syringes 80f of the main body 80a is stored in the main body 80a in conjunction with the pump mechanism. As a result, the pair of chuck portions 80d are rotated in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow C in FIG. 22 by the urging force of the tension coil spring 80e, and the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the slide glass 10 on the extraction member 77e. The slide glass 10 is held in a horizontal state by sandwiching both end portions.

  Next, after the holding of the slide glass 10 by the holding member 80 is completed, the take-out member 77e is returned from the supply position 97 to the original position. Specifically, by rotating the motor 76a of the selection mechanism 76 in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction described above, the drive transmission member 76f is illustrated via the pulley 76b (see FIG. 9) and the drive belt 76d. It is moved in the direction opposite to the direction of 10 arrow A. At this time, the engagement between the engagement member 77a of the support member 77b and the long hole 76l of the drive transmission member 76f is released, but the support member 77b of the take-out mechanism 77 is moved away from the supply position 97 by the tension coil spring 77c. Therefore, the support member 77b and the take-out member 77e move in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow A in FIGS. 10 and 19 so as to follow the drive transmission member 76f. At this time, due to the damping action of the pinion 77o (see FIGS. 8 and 9) of the takeout member 77e meshing with the rack 74 of the mounting table 70, the main body 77h of the takeout member 77e has a direction opposite to the moving direction of the support member 77b. The force (in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 23) acts. As a result, the rotating member 77k attached to the main body 77h rotates in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 23, and the contact portion 77j moves to a retracted position where it does not contact the slide glass 10 of the slide glass storage portion 2a. . Thereby, the taking-out member 77e returns to the initial position without contacting the lowermost slide glass 10 of the slide glass storage portion 2a.

  When the sensor 76k detects that the drive transmission member 76f has returned to the initial position, the driving force of the motor 76a is turned off. Then, when the sensor 76i detects that the support member 77b has returned to the initial position, the holding member 80 of the transport unit 2d is moved from the supply position 97 toward the feed belt 2f of the smearing unit 2. Specifically, when the motor 81a is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction, the drive belt 81e is moved in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 24 via the drive shaft 81b and the pulley 81c. The holding member 80 attached to the drive belt 81e by 81f is moved to above the feed belt 2f of the smearing portion 2. Then, the pair of syringes 80f of the main body 80a protrudes by the pump mechanism and presses the chuck 80d, thereby pulling the pair of chucks 80d against the urging force of the coil spring 80e and rotating in the direction of arrow G in FIG. Move. Thereby, the slide glass 10 is mounted on the feed belt 2f. In this case, since the slide glass 10 is placed on the feed belt 2f while being guided by the pair of guide portions 80h, the slide glass 10 is placed at a predetermined position on the feed belt 2f with no positional deviation. Is done.

  Then, the slide glass 10 is conveyed to the dispensing / smearing position 90 by the feed belt 2f. The operation of conveying the slide glass 10 to the dispensing / smearing position 90 is performed before the above-described suction dispensing operation. In this state, blood is dropped (dispensed) on the slide glass 10 using the pipette 1b.

  On the other hand, after the holding member 80 of the transport unit 2d places the slide glass 10 on the feed belt 2f, the pair of syringes 80f of the main body 80a is stored in the main body 80a in conjunction with the pump mechanism, and the pair of chuck portions 80d is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow G in FIG. 24 by the urging force of the tension coil spring 80e. The holding member 80 is moved again to the supply position 97 by rotating the motor 81a in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction. In this state, a standby state is maintained until the next slide glass 10 is taken out by either one of the take-out members 77e and 78e. When the drive transmission member 76f is positioned at the initial position and the motor 76a is rotationally driven in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction described above, the drive transmission member 76f engages with the support member 78b. Thus, the take-out mechanism 78 can be driven. As a result, the slide glass 10 can be taken out from the slide glass storage portion 2 a placed at the placement position 96 of the placement table 70. When the driving force is transmitted to the support member 78b by the drive transmission member 76f, the engagement member 77a of the support member 77b is released from the engagement with the drive transmission member 76f. In this case, the support member 77 is not driven.

  Thereafter, the drag glass 2e is moved so as to contact the slide glass 10 and is reciprocated in the longitudinal direction of the slide glass 10 so that the blood dropped on the slide glass 10 at the dispensing / smearing position 90 is transferred. Smeared. Thereafter, the smeared slide glass 10 is conveyed to the drying position 91a by the feed belt 2f. At the drying position 91a, the blood smeared on the slide glass 10 is dried with cold air by the fan 2g. The slide glass 10 is dried twice at two adjacent drying positions 91a and 91b. Thereafter, the smeared slide glass 10 is moved to the printing unit 2i by the moving piece 2h. In the printing unit 2i, the sample number, date, reception number, name, and the like are printed on the frosted portion 10a of the slide glass 10. Thereafter, the slide glass 10 after printing is moved to the slide glass insertion portion 6 side along the guide groove 2k by the moving piece 2j.

  After the above-described suction dispensing operation and smearing operation are completed, the operation of inserting the slide glass 10 into the cassette 3 is performed. Specifically, by rotating the cassette direction moving member 6a in a predetermined direction, the cassette 3 is moved from the vertical position to the horizontal position (the position of the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2) and the slide glass 10 is inserted. Make it possible. In this state, the smeared slide glass 10 is inserted into the slide glass storage hole 3a of the cassette 3 by moving the moving piece 2j of the smearing portion 2 forward along the guide groove 2k. Thus, the smeared slide glass 10 is stored in the cassette 3. Thereafter, the cassette direction moving member 6a is rotated in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction to return the cassette 3 to the original vertical position. Then, the cassette 3 containing the smeared slide glass 10 is conveyed to the staining unit 7 by the contact pieces 51a and 51b of the contact member 51 of the cassette transport member 5a.

  In the staining section 7, first, the smeared slide glass 10 is lifted from the slide glass storage hole 3a of the cassette 3 by the first suction discharge section 7c, and methanol is dispensed into the staining liquid suction dispensing hole 3b of the cassette 3. . Then, after the smeared slide glass 10 is returned to the cassette 3, the cassettes 3 containing the smeared slide glasses 10 are placed one by one on the transport belt 7b by the feeding member 7a.

  And the cassette 3 is conveyed by the conveyance belt 7b to the 2nd suction discharge part 7d. In this way, the cassette 3 is fed into the second suction / discharge section 7d using the feeding member 7a.

  In the second suction / discharge section 7d, the smeared slide glass 10 is lifted from the slide glass storage hole 3a of the cassette 3, and the blown air from the fan 7j is applied to the smear surface of the slide glass 10 for about 1 second to about 60 seconds. Dry by evaporating the liquid component above. The time (immersion time) from when the smeared slide glass 10 is immersed in methanol by the first suction / discharge unit 7c to when the slide glass 10 is lifted by the second suction / discharge unit 7d is about 20 seconds to about 120. Seconds.

  Next, a dyeing process (Maygrunwald / Giemsa double dyeing process) is performed. First, in the second suction / discharge unit 7 d, methanol is sucked and discharged from the staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 3 b of the cassette 3, and then the slide glass 10 is returned to the slide glass storage hole 3 a of the cassette 3. Next, the May-Grunwald solution (main component is 99% methanol) is dispensed from the staining solution suction dispensing hole 3b of the cassette 3, and the smeared slide glass 10 is immersed in the May-Grunwald solution. Thereby, the May Grünwald Giemsa double staining process is started. And while the cassette 3 is conveyed by the conveyance belt 7b, the smeared slide glass 10 is immersed in the May-Grunwald solution as a staining process for about 1 minute to about 5 minutes. Then, after the May-Grunwald liquid is sucked and discharged from the staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 3b of the cassette 3 by the third suction / discharge section 7e, the May-Grunwald diluted liquid is dispensed into the staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 3b of the cassette 3. Noted. And while the cassette 3 is conveyed by the conveyance belt 7b, the smeared slide glass 10 is immersed in the May-Grunwald diluent for about 1 minute to about 5 minutes. Then, after the May Grunwald diluted solution is sucked and discharged from the staining solution suction / dispensing hole 3b of the cassette 3 by the fourth suction / discharge unit 7f, the Giemsa diluted solution is dispensed to the staining solution suction / dispensing hole 3b of the cassette 3. Noted. And while the cassette 3 is conveyed by the conveyance belt 7b, the smeared slide glass 10 is immersed in the Giemsa diluted solution for about 1 minute to about 20 minutes.

  Next, after the Giemsa diluted solution is sucked and discharged from the staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 3b of the cassette 3 by the fifth suction / discharge section 7g, the cleaning liquid is dispensed into the staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 3b of the cassette 3. The slide glass 10 that has been poured and sucked and stained is washed with water. Thereafter, the stained slide glass 10 is dried by the fan 7h.

  Then, the cassette 3 in which the dyed slide glass 10 that has been dried by the fan 7h is stored is sequentially sent from the transport belt 7b to the transport belt 8b side of the storage unit 8 by the feed mechanism 7i shown in FIG. It is. Then, the cassette 3 is fed into the transport belt 8 b of the storage unit 8 by the feeding member 8 a of the storage unit 8. Thereby, the cassette 3 fed from the feeding member 8a is transported to the storage unit 8 by the transport belt 8b and stored.

  On the other hand, the cassette conveying member 5a returns the cassette 3 to the conveyance start position 93 after conveying the cassette 3 to the conveyance end position 94 of the staining section 7 shown in FIG. In this case, when the cassette carrying member 5 a comes into contact with the contact member 11 a provided on the frame 11, the contact member 51 is moved from the operating position at which the cassette 3 can be contacted to the retracted position at which the cassette 3 is not in contact with the cassette 3. Is done. Then, the contact member 51 of the cassette transport member 5a that has arrived at the transport start position 93 returns from the retracted position to the operating position again. Thereby, the cassette carrying member 5a is in a state in which the next cassette 3 can be carried. Then, the cassette transport member 5a transports the next cassette 3 to the slide glass insertion portion 6 by pushing the side surface portion 3h of the next cassette 3 with the contact pieces 51a and 51b.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the two glass slide storage portions 2a are arranged at the placement positions 95 and 96, and the supply position 97 is provided between the placement position 95 and the placement position 96, so that the selection mechanism By selecting either one of the take-out mechanism parts 77 and 78 by the part 76, it is possible to select from either one of the two slide glass storage parts 2a only by performing the selection operation of the selection mechanism part 76. Thus, the slide glass 10 can be supplied to the supply position 97. Accordingly, the slide glass 10 can be supplied from the slide glass storage unit 2a to the supply position 97 using only one motor 76a for performing the selection operation of the selection mechanism unit 76. Therefore, from the slide glass storage unit 2a The drive mechanism for taking out the slide glass 10 can be simplified.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when the contact portion 77j provided in the take-out mechanism 77 is moved from the placement position 95 side toward the supply position 97, the slide glass of the slide glass storage portion 2a is moved. 10 is configured to be located at a retracted position that does not contact the slide glass 10 of the slide glass storage portion 2a when moving from the supply position 97 to the placement position 95 side. Thus, when the take-out mechanism 77 moves from the placement position 95 toward the supply position 97, the contact portion 77j of the take-out mechanism 77 can take out the slide glass 10 from the slide glass storage 2a. it can. Further, when the take-out mechanism 77 moves from the supply position 97 toward the placement position 95, the contact portion 77j of the take-out mechanism 77 moves to the retracted position, so that the take-out mechanism 77 can be easily mounted. It can be moved to the mounting position 95 side.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the sample preparation apparatus of the present invention is applied to the blood smear preparation apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this and is applied to a sample preparation apparatus other than the blood smear preparation apparatus. May be.

  Moreover, although the example which applied the slide glass supply apparatus of this invention to the case where a slide glass is supplied to a smear part was shown in the said embodiment, this invention is not limited to this and supplies a slide glass to another part. You may apply to the mechanism to do.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when the taking-out mechanism part 77 (78) moves with the driving force of the motor 76a, the contact part 77j (78j) indirectly contacts the slide glass 10 of the slide glass storage part 2a. Although an example using a mechanism that moves to a possible contact position has been shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and by using a drive source other than the motor 76a, the contact portion 77j (78j) can be directly connected. You may use the mechanism which moves to the contact position which can contact | abut the slide glass 10 of the slide glass accommodating part 2a.

It is the perspective view which showed the whole structure of the blood smear preparation apparatus and conveying apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view which showed the internal structure of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the cassette and slide glass which are used for the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the cassette and slide glass which are used for the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the slide glass supply part and conveyance part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a top view of the slide glass supply part and conveyance part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a front view of the slide glass supply part and conveyance part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a left side view of a slide glass supply unit and a conveyance unit of the blood smear preparation apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a rear view of a slide glass supply unit and a conveyance unit of the blood smear preparation apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. It is the top view which showed the drive system in the slide glass extraction mechanism of the slide glass supply part by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the slide glass storage part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the figure which looked at the slide glass storage part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the extraction member of the slide glass supply part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a top view of the extraction member of the slide glass supply part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a right view of the extraction member of the slide glass supply part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the side view which showed the holding member of the conveyance part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a front view of the holding member of the conveyance part of the blood smear sample preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the figure which looked at the holding member of the conveyance part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. 16 from the direction of the bottom face. It is a figure for demonstrating supply operation | movement of the slide glass by the slide glass supply part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating supply operation | movement of the slide glass by the slide glass supply part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating supply operation | movement of the slide glass by the slide glass supply part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating supply operation | movement of the slide glass by the slide glass supply part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating supply operation | movement of the slide glass by the slide glass supply part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the conveyance operation | movement of the slide glass by the conveyance part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

2 smear part 2a slide glass storage part (first slide glass storage part, second slide glass storage part)
2c Slide glass supply unit (slide glass supply device)
2d Conveying unit 10 Slide glass 20a First notch (outlet)
24 shutter member (first shutter member, second shutter member)
71, 72 guide members (first guide member, second guide member)
71a, 72a push-up section (first push-up section, second push-up section)
76 Selection mechanism (selection means)
76a Motor (drive source)
76d Drive belt 76f Drive transmission member (drive transmission means)
76i, 76j sensors (first detection means, second detection means)
77, 78 Take-out mechanism (first take-out means, second take-out means)
77a, 78a engagement member (first engagement portion, second engagement portion)
77c, 78c Tension coil spring (first urging means, second urging means)
77f, 78f detection piece (first detection means, second detection means)
77j, 78j abutment part (first abutment part, second abutment part)
80 Holding member 80d Chuck part 80h Guide parts 95, 96 Placement position (first position, second position)
97 Supply position 100 Blood smear preparation device (specimen preparation device)
200 Conveyor

Claims (12)

A first slide glass storage section that is capable of storing a plurality of slide glasses and has an outlet for taking out the stored slide glasses one by one, and is disposed at a first position;
A second slide glass storage section that is capable of storing a plurality of slide glasses and has an outlet for taking out the stored slide glasses one by one, and is disposed at a second position;
First take-out means for taking out the slide glasses one by one from the outlet of the first slide glass storage section and supplying the slide glass to a supply position between the first position and the second position. When,
Taking out the slide glasses one by one from the take-out port of the second slide glass storage unit, and second take-out means for supplying the slide glass to the supply position;
A slide glass supply apparatus comprising: a selection unit that selectively operates one of the first extraction unit and the second extraction unit. The selection means includes one drive source and drive transmission means for transmitting the driving force of the drive source to the first extraction means and the second extraction means,
The first take-out means includes a first engagement portion that can be engaged with the drive transmission means,
The second take-out means includes a second engagement portion that can be engaged with the drive transmission means,
When the first transmission means is operated by the drive transmission means via the first engagement portion, the second engagement portion of the second extraction means is disengaged from the drive transmission means. The slide glass supply device according to claim 1. The selection means includes one drive source and drive transmission means for transmitting the driving force of the drive source to the first extraction means and the second extraction means,
The first take-out means includes a first engagement portion that can be engaged with the drive transmission means,
The second take-out means includes a second engagement portion that can be engaged with the drive transmission means,
When the second take-out means is operated by the drive transmission means via the second engagement portion, the first engagement portion of the first take-out means is disengaged from the drive transmission means. The slide glass supply device according to claim 1 or 2. The first take-out means includes a first abutment portion for abutting against the slide glass of the first slide glass storage portion and taking out the slide glass,
The second take-out means includes a second abutting part for abutting on the slide glass of the second slide glass storage part and taking out the slide glass,
The first contact portion includes a first contact position where the first slide glass storage portion can contact the slide glass, and a first retraction position where the first slide glass storage portion does not contact the slide glass. Can move between and
The second contact portion includes a second contact position where the second slide glass storage portion can contact the slide glass, and a second retraction position where the second slide glass storage portion does not contact the slide glass. The slide glass supply apparatus of any one of Claims 1-3 which can move between these. The first abutment portion is located at the first abutment position when moving from the first position side toward the supply position, and is moved from the supply position toward the first position side. Is located in the first retracted position,
The second contact portion is located at the second contact position when moving from the second position side toward the supply position, and is moved from the supply position toward the second position side. The slide glass supply device according to claim 4, which is located at the second retracted position. The first slide glass storage unit includes a first shutter member that closes the outlet of the first slide glass storage unit,
The second slide glass storage unit includes a second shutter member that closes the outlet of the second slide glass storage unit,
A first push-up portion that is disposed in the vicinity of the first position and serves as a guide for placing the first slide glass storage portion, and has a first push-up portion for pushing up the first shutter member of the first slide glass storage portion; 1 guide member;
A second push-up portion that is disposed in the vicinity of the second position, serves as a guide when the second slide glass storage portion is placed, and has a second push-up portion for pushing up the second shutter member of the second slide glass storage portion; The slide glass supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a two guide member. The selection unit includes a drive source, and a drive transmission unit that transmits a driving force of the drive source to the first extraction unit and the second extraction unit,
First detection means for detecting that the first take-out means is in a position not operated by the drive transmission means;
The slide glass supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising second detection means for detecting that the second extraction means is in a position not operated by the drive transmission means. . The selection unit includes a drive source, and a drive transmission unit that transmits a driving force of the drive source to the first extraction unit and the second extraction unit,
The first take-out means includes a first engagement portion that can be engaged with the drive transmission means,
The second take-out means includes a second engagement portion that can be engaged with the drive transmission means,
First urging means for urging the first take-out means in a direction to engage with the drive transmission means;
The slide glass supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a second urging unit that urges the second extraction unit in a direction to engage with the drive transmission unit. The selection unit includes a drive source, and a drive transmission unit that transmits a driving force of the drive source to the first extraction unit and the second extraction unit,
The drive source of the selection means includes a drive motor and a drive belt that is linearly driven by the drive motor,
The slide glass supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the drive transmission means of the selection means is linearly moved by the drive belt.   A specimen preparation device comprising the slide glass supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A transport section for transporting the slide glass taken out from the first slide glass storage section and the second slide glass storage section to a smear section;
The specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the transport unit includes a holding member for holding the slide glass.   The holding member includes a chuck portion for holding the slide glass in a substantially horizontal state, and a guide portion that serves as a guide when the slide glass is released and the slide glass is placed on the smear portion. The specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 11, comprising:

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