JPH10213583A - Urine test paper feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and surely feed a test paper at a high speed and low cost by cutting sheet-like or roll-like urine test paper to a specified width and transferring stick-like urine test paper to a nest step. SOLUTION: A screw bar 16 is rotated by a motor and a cutter 13 cuts stick-like urine test paper. A transfer arm 37 is lowered via a transfer block 35 stopped to position an absorption hole on the cut urine test paper until the sucking pad of the transfer arm 37 provided continuously from the sucking hole is contacted with the urine test paper. Then, a pressure is reduced in the sucking hole by the action of a pump and the urine test paper is sucked and held. Then, by the reverse rotation of a motor 38, the transfer arm 37 is raised to a specified position. Then, a motor 33 and a screw bar 34 are rotated to move the transfer arm 37 to the specified position of a next step 43 and, further, by the motor 38, the transfer arm 37 is lowered to a specified position. The pump is stopped, a pressure becomes normal in the sucking hole and the staic urine test paper is dropped on the next step 43.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a urine test paper supply device of an automatic urine analyzer used for clinical tests in hospitals, sanitary laboratories, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method for supplying a urine test paper in an automatic urine analyzer using a urine test paper includes a method in which a stick-shaped urine test paper is stored in a drum-shaped container and taken out one by one (drum method). A method in which test papers are put into a roll sheet one by one and rewinded (roll method)
And the sticky urine test paper is loaded into the cartridge.
A method of taking out sheets one by one (cartridge method) has been known.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned drum system has a problem that it is difficult to ensure the reliability of operation, check the front and back of the sticky urine test paper, and perform high-speed processing of the operation. Since a step of placing the sticky urine test paper in the roll sheet is required, there is a problem that the cost is increased. For example, a cartridge system such as a permanent cartridge system and a disposable cartridge system is used. Had a similar problem. That is, the permanent cartridge system has a problem that a user has to perform a difficult operation of filling the cartridge with the sticky urine test paper in the same direction and front and back, and the disposable cartridge system is difficult. In addition, since a step of filling the sticky urine test paper into the disposable cartridge is required, the cost increases, and there is a problem that the used cartridge is discarded.

Therefore, the conventional method for supplying a sticky urine test paper of an automatic urine analyzer uses a urine test paper reliably and at high speed.
Moreover, it is not yet satisfactory enough to supply at low cost. The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and provides a urine test paper supply apparatus capable of supplying a sticky urine test paper reliably, at high speed, and at low cost by a simple method. The purpose is to do.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a sheet-like or roll-shaped urine test paper having a test paper strip adhered to a backing paper, which is transported to a cutting section by a predetermined width. And a cutter for cutting the transferred urine test paper into a predetermined width to form a sticky urine test paper for use alone, and means for transferring the sticky urine test paper to the next step. Features.

[0006] In short, the present invention is to transfer a sheet-shaped or roll-shaped urine test paper to a cutting section, which is a stick-shaped urine test paper, and cut it with a cutter to form a stick-shaped urine test paper. In the next step, more specifically, dropping or impregnation of urine (specimen) on a sticky urine test paper, reaction,
The gist of the present invention is that urine test paper can be supplied reliably, at high speed, and at low cost by transferring the urine test paper to a step of performing measurement and the like. Conventionally, there is no known urine test paper supply apparatus for cutting a sheet or roll urine test paper into a sticky urine test paper and transferring it to a measuring section. No idea is known.

[0007]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a sheet used in the present invention.
Fig. 3 shows an example of a test urine test paper 1 in which test paper pieces A to G for respective measurement items are attached to a mount 2. The test strip may be a single item or a plurality of items.
The number of G is not particularly limited.

The material of the mount 2 to be used is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include synthetic resins such as vinyl chloride and polypropylene, and paper. The sheet-shaped urine test paper 1 shown in FIG. 1 is cut by the apparatus of the present invention and supplied to the next step as a stick-shaped urine test paper 1a shown in FIG.

FIGS. 3 to 8 show an embodiment of a urine test paper supply apparatus according to the present invention, in which a mechanism for holding and holding a sheet-like urine test paper and a required amount of the laminated urine test paper are provided. An example is shown that includes a mechanism for sending out, a mechanism for cutting the sent urine test paper, and a mechanism for transferring the cut sticky urine test paper to the next step.

In the mechanism for holding urine test papers in a stacked manner, a plurality of sheet-shaped urine test papers 1 are stacked on an elongated plate 3 and urged downward by a spring 4 from the upper surface. By pressing the urine test paper 1 downward at a predetermined pressure in this manner, the sheet-shaped urine test paper 1 is smoothly transferred straight without bending. The material of the spring 4 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a metal spring or an air spring. Further, as long as it can be pressed with a predetermined pressure, an elastic body other than a spring or a flat body may be used.

The mechanism for feeding the required amount of urine test paper comprises a test paper feed block 5 for pushing the urine test paper from behind and feeding the test paper by a predetermined width, a screw rod 6 for moving the test paper feed block 5 forward and backward, and a urine test paper. Screw bar 6 so that necessary amount of test paper 1 is sent
And means for intermittently rotating.

The test paper feed block 5 is formed of a pushing portion which is slidably fitted to the plate 3 and a cylinder which is screwed forward and backward with a screw rod 6 connected to the lower end of the pushing portion. By rotating the bar 6, the sheet-shaped urine test paper is advanced while being pushed, and the urine test paper is transferred to the cutting portion by a predetermined width.

An opening (urine test paper outlet) 8 through which only one sheet of urine test paper 1 can pass is formed on the front surface of the box 7 in which the sheet urine test paper 1 is stored. The height of the opening 8 is such that the sheet-like urine test paper 1 can be smoothly transferred, and the height of the opening 8 is such that the second sheet-like urine test paper laminated is not dragged and transferred. Height. A sensor 9 for detecting the arrival of the urine test paper 1 is provided on the side of the urine test paper outlet 8.
Are arranged.

The sensor 9 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the arrival of the urine test paper 1. The sensor 9 is of a non-contact type so as not to hinder the smooth transfer of the urine test paper. Is good. When the sensor 9 detects the arrival of the urine test paper 1, the screw bar 6 rotates for a predetermined time to feed the urine test paper 1 by a required amount, and repeats an intermittent motion of stopping the rotation of the screw bar 6 for a predetermined time. The motor 11 for rotating the screw rod 6 by a computer is controlled so as to transfer the urine test paper 1 to the cutting section by a predetermined width.

It is preferable that the sheet-like urine test paper 1 is sent to a cutting section at a constant width, and cut into a stick-like urine test paper 1a having a constant width. That is, if the width is not constant, for example, when a certain amount of sample (urine) is dropped on each test paper strip on the stick-shaped urine test paper 1a in the next step,
If the variation of the width is large, the variation of the area of the test strip increases, so that the variation range of the amount of the substance to be measured per unit area of the test strip increases, resulting in a problem that the measurement accuracy deteriorates. When the sticky urine test paper 1a is transferred to the next step by passing through a guide having a predetermined width,
If the width is constant, the transfer can be performed smoothly,
This is because it is desirable. Of course, if the temperature is almost constant, no trouble in the measurement actually occurs, so that there is no problem.

The means for intermittently rotating the screw rod 6 includes a bevel gear 13 connected to the drive shaft of the motor 11 via a shaft 12 and a bevel gear 13 'connected to the rear end of the screw rod 6. , And the shaft 12 and the threaded rod 6 are engaged with each other so as to be orthogonal to each other. In the above embodiment, the screw rod 6 is rotated by changing the direction of 90 ° by the bevel gears 13 and 13 '. However, the screw rod 6 and the motor 11 may be connected linearly.

Further, in the above embodiment, the urine test paper 1 is pushed and transported by the test paper feed block 5 by the rotation of the screw rod 6, but this is not necessarily required. 1 may be transferred. For example, a ridge for pressing the urine test paper 1 is provided on an endless belt, the belt is intermittently rotated by a motor, and the test paper 1 is pressed by the ridge and transferred to the cutting section by a predetermined width. Good.

The mechanism for cutting the urine test paper 1 is a cutter-1.
Cutter attachment 14 for fitting and fixing gripper 15
And a screw rod 16 screwed into the through hole of the attachment 14
And a motor 17 for rotating the screw rod 16. A guide shaft 24 is slidably fitted to the tip of the cutter attachment 14 via a slide bush 23.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cutting table 18 is formed with a slit 25 through which the blade edge passes and a large number of suction holes 44. The width of the slit 25 is not particularly limited as long as the blade tip can travel without hindrance, but is preferably about 1.1 to 5.0 times the thickness of the cutter 13 blade tip. Suction hole 4
Reference numeral 5 designates a method in which the pressure is reduced by the pump P1 and the urine test paper is suction-fixed from the start of cutting to the transfer to the next step.

The screw rod 16 is rotatably fixed to support plates 27, 27 'connected to the upper end of the lifting / lowering device 26. The lifting and lowering tool 26 is a rod 2 erected on a cutter-support base 28.
0, 20 'so as to be movable up and down.
A coil spring (elastic body) 21 is interposed between the head 19 of the 0 'and the upper end of the lifting / lowering device 26.

The lower end of the bent portion 29 bent downward of the lifting / lowering tool 26 is in contact with the cam 30. Motor shaft 3 with motor 31
2 by rotating the cam 30.
It moves up and down to follow the movement of.

Since the urine test paper having a certain width is fed onto the cutting table 18 and the motor 11 is stopped, the urine test paper 1 is suction-fixed and the cutter 13 is moved to the final position. After being positioned at the lower end, the motor 17 rotates, the screw rod 16 rotates, and the cutter 13 moves together with the cutter mount 14 from the rear to the front in FIGS. The paper 1 is cut into a sticky urine test paper 1a shown in FIG.

The means for sending the cut sticky urine test paper 1a to the step of transferring it to the measuring unit is a screw rod 34 connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 33 and is screwed to the screw rod 34 so as to be able to advance and retreat. And a transfer block 35. A guide shaft (not shown) is slidably fitted to the transfer block 35 via a slide bush, similarly to the cutter-mounting tool 14.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, a transfer arm 3 is mounted on a rod 36 erected at the upper end of the transfer block 35.
7 is fitted via a slide bush so as to be movable up and down. A pinion gear 40 meshing with a rack gear 39 erected at the upper end of the transfer block 35 is attached to a rotation shaft of a motor 38 at the upper end of the transfer arm 37. Therefore,
By moving the motor 38 forward and backward, the transfer arm 37 moves up and down.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the transfer arm 3
7, suction holes 41, 41 'are formed, and the pump P2
Then, the pressure-reduced pressure is applied, and as shown in FIG. 7, the cut sticky urine test paper 1a is sucked and held, and is conveyed to the next step. At the tip of the suction hole 41 (41 '), a suction pad 42 formed of a resilient material such as rubber or synthetic resin or the like is provided continuously in order to enhance adhesion.

When the screw rod 34 is rotated by the motor 33, the transfer block 35 moves from left to right in FIGS. 3 and 4, and sends the sticky urine test paper 1a to the next step 43. -By rotating the counter 33 in reverse,
It returns to its original position.

The cutter 13 used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it has a sufficient cutting ability. For example, an ultrasonic scalpel, a normal straight blade, a curved blade, or the like can be used. The material of the cutter edge is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to select a wear-resistant material such as ceramic, stainless steel, and steel.

In the above embodiment, the sheet-shaped urine test paper is used. However, the urine test paper shown in FIG.
Rolled urine test papers can also be used. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the rewind portion of the roll-shaped urine test paper 1 'is sandwiched between the rolls 44 and 44', and the roll 4 is closed.
4, 44 'may be intermittently rotated by a motor, transferred to the cutting table 18 and cut by the cutter 13 in the same manner as in the previous embodiment.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 will be described. First, the sheet-shaped urine test paper 1 is placed on a plate 3
A large number of sheets are stacked on top of each other, and pressed downward by a spring 4 from above. In this state, the urine test paper feed block 5 may be set so as to be in contact with the urine test paper 1.

Next, the shaft 1 is moved by the motor 11.
2. When the screw rod 6 is rotated via the bevel gears 13 and 13 ', the urine test paper feed block 5 advances rightward in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the urine test paper 1 is moved to the test paper outlet 8. send. When the sensor 9 detects the arrival of the urine test paper 1, the urine test paper having a certain width is further sent to the cutting table 18,
The motor 11 stops, and the transfer of the urine test strip 1 stops.

When the motor 11 stops, the computer is programmed to perform the following operations 1 to 5 sequentially. 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the pump P1 operates and the suction holes 4
5 is reduced in pressure, and the urine test paper 1 is fixed by suction. 2. Then, when the cam shaft 32 is rotated by the motor 31 and the short diameter of the cam 30 comes into contact with the lower end of the bent portion 29 of the lifting / lowering device 26 as shown in FIG. 13 reaches the lower end, and motor 3
1 stops.

3. When the motor 31 stops, the motor 17 stops.
Rotates, the screw rod 16 rotates, and the cutter 13
In FIG. 4, the vehicle travels from the rear to the front, cuts the sticky urine test paper 1 a, and when the cutting is completed, the motor 17 stops. 4. When the motor 17 stops, the cam 30 rotates, and when the long diameter of the cam 30 comes into contact with the lower end of the bent portion 29 of the lifting / lowering device 26, the cutter 13 reaches the uppermost end, and the motor 3
1 stops. 5. When the motor 31 stops, the motor 17 rotates in the reverse direction, the cutter 13 returns to the original position, and the motor 17 stops.

When the motor 17 stops, the computer is programmed to perform the following operations 1 to 8 in order. 1. The transfer block 3 stopped so that the suction holes 41 and 41 'are positioned on the cut sticky urine test paper 1a.
5, the pinion gear 40 meshing with the rack gear 39 rotates, and the suction hole 4 of the transfer arm 37 is rotated.
The transfer arm 37 descends and the motor 38 stops until the suction pads 42, 42 connected to 1, 41 'contact the sticky urine test paper 1a.

2. Then, the pump P1 stops and the pump P
2, the pressure in the suction holes 41 and 41 'is reduced by the action of the pump P2, and as shown in FIG. 7, the sticky urine test paper 1a is sucked and held. 3. Then, the motor 38 rotates in the reverse direction to the above, and the transfer
The motor 37 rises to a predetermined position, and the motor 38 stops. 4. When the motor 38 stops, the motor 33 rotates, and the screw rod 34 rotates to move the transfer arm 37 to a predetermined position in the next step 43.

5. Then, the motor 38 rotates, the transfer arm 37 descends to a predetermined position, and the motor 38 stops. 6. Then, the pump P2 stops, and the suction holes 41, 41 'are formed.
The inside becomes normal pressure, and the sticky urine test paper 1a is dropped on the next step 43.

7. Then, the motor 38 rotates in the reverse direction to raise the transfer arm 37 to a predetermined position, and the motor 38 stops. 8. When the motor 38 stops, the motor 33 rotates in the reverse direction as described above, and the screw rod 34 rotates in the reverse direction as described above, so that the transfer arm 37 is rotated.
Is returned to the initial position, and the motor 33 stops.

When the motor 33 stops, the motor 11 rotates to feed the urine test paper 1 in a fixed amount in the same manner as described above, and the above operation is performed. When the above operation is repeated and the cutting of the sheet-like urine test paper 1 is completed, the motor 11 rotates in the reverse direction, the screw rod 6 rotates in the reverse direction, and the urine test paper feed block 5 returns to the original position. And the second urine test paper 1 comes to the position of the first urine test paper.

When the above operation is repeated and the stacked urine test papers 1 are exhausted, the feed block 5 detects this, and the
The data 11 is configured to stop and notify the user. The rotation, stop and forward / reverse rotation of the motors 11, 17, 31, 33 and 38 and the drive and stop of the pumps P1 and P2 are controlled by a computer so as to perform the above operations.

Sticky urine test paper 1a in the next step 43
Is sent to the step of attaching urine of the sample in the same manner as before, and then sent to the step of photometry after a predetermined time,
Automatic analysis of urine components.

[0040]

According to the present invention, according to the present invention, a sheet-like or roll-like
Since the urine test papers are sequentially transferred while being cut, the supply of the sticky urine test papers to the automatic urine analyzer can be sent reliably and at a high speed, and the sticky urine test papers are simultaneously manufactured. Therefore, the cost of urine test paper is significantly reduced, and as a result, the cost and labor of automatic urine analysis are significantly reduced.

[0041]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a sheet urine test paper used in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a stick-shaped urine test paper manufactured from the sheet-shaped urine test paper of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion X in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cutting table used in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a transfer arm used in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a transfer arm used in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 sheet urine test paper 1 a sticky urine test paper 4 spring 5 urine test paper feed block 6 screw rod 8 opening (urine test paper outlet) 9 sensor 11 motor 13 cutter 16 screw rod 17 motor 18 Cutting table 33 Motor 34 Screw rod 35 Transfer block 37 Transfer arm 43 Next process

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] March 10, 1997

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Brief description of drawings

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a sheet-shaped urine test paper used in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a stick-shaped urine test paper manufactured from the sheet-shaped urine test paper of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion X in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cutting table used in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a transfer arm used in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a transfer arm used in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

[Description of Signs] 1 Sheet urine test paper 1a Sticky urine test paper 4 Spring 5 Urine test paper feed block 6 Screw rod 8 Opening (Urine test paper outlet) 9 Sensor 11 Motor 13 Cutter 16 Screw rod 17 Motor 18 Cutting table 33 Motor 34 Screw bar 35 Transfer block 37 Transfer arm 43 Next process

Claims (7)

[Claims] A means for transferring a sheet-shaped or roll-shaped urine test paper having a test paper strip adhered to a backing sheet to a cutting section by a predetermined width; and cutting the transferred urine test paper to a predetermined width. And a means for transferring the sticky urine test paper to the next step. A urine test paper supply device for an automatic urine analyzer, comprising: 2. The urine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the sheet-shaped urine test papers are laminated, and the lowermost sheet-shaped urine test paper is pressed by a predetermined length and cut by the cutter. Test paper supply device. 3. The urine test paper supply device according to claim 2, wherein the sheet-like urine test paper is transferred to the cutting section through an opening through which only one sheet can pass. 4. The urine test paper supply device according to claim 2, wherein the laminated urine test paper is pressed with a predetermined pressure by an elastic body or a thinner. 5. The rewinding section of the roll-shaped test paper is provided with a roll.
2. The urine test paper supply device according to claim 1, wherein the urine test paper is transported to the cutting portion by a predetermined width by being interposed between the rollers and intermittently rotating the roll. 6. A sensor for detecting the leading end of the urine test strip is provided in a transfer path of the sheet-like or roll-shaped urine test strip. 2. The urine test paper supply device according to claim 1, wherein the urine test paper supply device is configured to intermittently transfer by width. 7. The urine test paper supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for transferring the sticky urine test paper to the next step comprises a means for adsorbing under reduced pressure.