Patent Description:
An automatic analysis device is configured to automatically analyze a biological sample such as blood or others and to output a result of the analysis, and is an essential device in hospitals and medical testing facilities. These automatic analysis devices are required to carry out more various types of testing in a shorter period of time.

The automatic analysis device has a work surface on which the analysis is carried out, and has a safety cover of opening/closing type in an area above the work surface. The safety cover includes an interlock mechanism for locking the safety cover, so that the safety cover is not open when the automatic analysis device is in operation. When an operator replaces consumables or others, the operator stops the device and unlocks the interlock mechanism, so that the safety cover is ready to be opened/closed. With the safety cover in an open state, the operator is allowed to access the work surface to carry out various types of work.

PTL <NUM> discloses an automatic analysis system (automatic analysis device) where "a sample processing apparatus includes a measurement unit <NUM> including a moving mechanism covered by a body cover C1. The measurement unit <NUM> also includes a lock mechanism configured to lock the body cover C1 to prevent the body cover C1 from being opened" (Solution). Further, "a support C12 is provided, inside the body cover C1, at a front portion of the left lateral side of the body cover C1. " A flange C12a extending parallel to the Y-Z plane is formed at the right end of the support C12. A hole C12b passing through the flange C12a in the X-axis direction is formed near the lower end of the flange C12a" (Description [<NUM>]). Additionally, "the lock mechanism C2 includes a shaft C21, an engaging plate C22, a spring C23, and a motor C24. The shaft C21 extends in the Y-axis direction and is arranged within the measurement apparatus <NUM>. The engaging plate C22 is supported by the shaft C21 so as to be able to rotate, in the X-Z plane, about the shaft C21. An L-shaped engagement portion C22a is formed in an upper end portion of the engaging plate C22, and a flange C22b having a plane parallel to the Y-axis is formed near a lower end portion of the engaging plate C22. The lower end of the spring C23 is fixed within the measurement apparatus <NUM>, and the upper end of the spring C23 is fixed to the engaging plate C22. The motor C24 includes a shaft C24a extending in the X-axis direction, and a pushing member C24b is provided at the left end of the shaft C24a" (Description [<NUM>]).

PTL <NUM> discloses a sample processing apparatus including a sample processing unit comprising a moving mechanism and configured to perform a sample processing operation by moving the moving mechanism; a cover configured to cover the moving mechanism of the sample processing unit; a lock mechanism configured to lock the cover to prevent the cover from being opened; and a controller configured to control the lock mechanism.

PTL <NUM> discloses an insulating container having a base and a lid is provided. The lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching devices, in either the closed configuration or the open configuration.

PTL <NUM> discloses a configuration where the support C12 as a lock receiving portion is provided "inside the body cover C1, at the front portion of the left lateral side of the body cover C1". With this configuration, the left lateral side of the body cover is locked; however, even when the body cover is in the locked state, with some force applied in an opening direction toward the right lateral side of the body cover, the body cover is deformed and deflected, causing a clearance between the apparatus and a lower end of the body cover.

Further, "the L-shaped engagement portion C22a formed in the upper end portion of the engaging plate C22" is a locking claw portion having a thinning shape toward its tip. When the body cover C1 is open, the L-shaped engagement portion C22a protrudes to be exposed upward from the lower end of the body cover C1. In this state, the lower end of the body cover C1, while corresponding to an upper surface of the apparatus (hereinafter, may be referred to as a work surface), is not flush with the upper surface (work surface) of the apparatus. Thus, during cleaning, the L-shaped engagement portion C22a may be caught by a cleaning tool and may be deformed.

The L-shaped engagement portion C22a is provided inside the body cover C1, and when the body cover C1 is in an unlocked state, the engagement portion C22a is positioned closer to inside the body cover C1; and when the body cover C1 is in the locked state, the engagement portion C22a moves away from inside the body cover C1 toward the flange C12a, so as to fit into the hole C12b that is provided at the flange C12a as a part of the support C12 as the lock receiving portion. Accordingly, a clearance is required between the body cover C1 and the flange C12a, and the clearance is required to have a sufficient dimension such that, while in the unlocked state, the L-shaped engagement portion C22a is inserted into or removed from the clearance. With this configuration, it is difficult to provide the flange C12a and the body cover C1 in proximity to each other. Additionally, the support C12 in the L shape and the flange C12a protrude inward of the body cover C1, and thus, it is difficult to provide the lock receiving portion formed in a smaller size and a smoother shape.

Further, a clearance is required in an area surrounding the engaging plate C22, causing foreign substances or liquid to drop in through the clearance onto the work surface, which is not described in PTL <NUM>.

In opening the safety cover, in a case where the locking claw portion (engagement portion C22a) protrudes from the work surface, or in a case where the lock receiving portion (support C12) provided inside the safety cover largely protrudes from a center of front surface of the apparatus or the lock receiving portion has its end portion formed in a pointed shape, the operator has difficulty in carrying out work and tends to have the cleaning tool, e.g., a cloth or a brush, being caught by the locking claw portion or the lock receiving portion. Accordingly, each of the locking claw portion and the lock receiving portion is desirably required to have a small amount of protrusion and a smoother shape.

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis device that is highly reliable for securely closing the safety cover in the locked state.

In order to achieve the object, the present invention provides an automatic analysis device including:.

In the automatic analysis device, the closing means includes:.

A first gear is integrally formed with the locking lever, and a second gear is provided in engagement with the first gear. The second gear has a connecting shaft and a connecting
plate that has one end axially supported to be rotatable about the connecting shaft.

A solenoid comprising a plunger is provided configured to drive the connecting plate via a connecting pin provided at an end of the plunger.

The connecting plate has an end provided with a first spring peg portion, and a pull spring has one end hooked on the first spring peg portion, wherein the pull spring has the other end hooked on a second spring peg portion that is fixed to the housing.

The solenoid, the plunger, the connecting plate, the first gear, the second gear, and the pull spring form driving means for driving the locking lever.

The present invention effectively provides an automatic analysis device that is highly reliable for securely closing a safety cover in a locked state.

With the safety cover according to the present invention, a lock mechanism is disposed at a center portion of the front surface of the safety cover, so that when the lock mechanism acts to lock the safety cover, the center portion is engaged. With this configuration, even when some force is applied in an opening direction toward left and right sides of the safety cover, the body cover is less prone to be deformed and deflected, and thus, a clearance is unlikely to be formed between the automatic analysis device and the lower end of the body cover.

Here, lock receiving means <NUM> is configured to protrude from an inner side of a safety cover <NUM>, and a locking lever <NUM> rotates toward the front surface of the safety cover <NUM> from a work surface <NUM>, so as to engage with the lock receiving means <NUM> to lock the safety cover <NUM>. With this configuration, the lock receiving means <NUM> protrudes in a smaller amount, facilitating a reduction in size; and the lock receiving means <NUM> is not formed in a hook or flange shape but in a smoother shape.

Further, the lock receiving portion is disposed in contact with a rear side of a handhold portion, so that when the safety cover <NUM> is in the locked state and the force is applied by an operator to the handhold portion in the opening direction, the closing means preferably and reliably inhibits the safety cover <NUM> from being opened.

When locking means <NUM> does not function, the locking lever <NUM> is designed to be flush with the work surface <NUM>. Thus, when the safety cover <NUM> is open, a claw portion of the locking lever <NUM>, having a hook or flange shape, does not protrude from the work surface <NUM>, and thus does not hinder cleaning of the work surface <NUM> with a cleaning tool such as a cloth or a brush.

Further, the work surface <NUM> includes a recessed portion to accommodate the locking lever <NUM>, and the recessed portion has a one-end shape to prevent foreign substances or liquid from dropping in through the clearance. With this configuration, the automatic analysis device is provided in a simpler structure and a smaller size.

Each of <FIG> and <FIG> relates to a first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a plan view illustrating an automatic analysis device including a reagent disk (hereinafter, may be referred to as a reagent container holder). <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the automatic analysis device. <FIG> is a left side view illustrating the automatic analysis device.

Additionally, in descriptions below, a direction of top to bottom, a direction of left to right, and a direction of front to rear are based on directions of top to bottom, left to right, and front to rear indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Each of <FIG> illustrates a basic configuration of an automatic analysis device <NUM> according to this embodiment.

The automatic analysis device has an outer shape of a housing <NUM> formed in substantially a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing <NUM> covers a substrate or various flow paths. The housing has an upper surface <NUM> (hereinafter, may be referred to as a work surface), and various mechanisms required for an analysis of a sample (hereinafter, may be referred to as various operation mechanism group) are disposed on the upper surface <NUM>. The mechanisms include a reagent refrigerator (hereinafter, may be referred to as a reagent container or a reagent drum), a reagent dispensing probe, a sample transport mechanism, a sample dispensing probe, an incubator, a detecting unit, various probe cleaning mechanisms, and others. Each of the mechanisms will be described in detail later.

The reagent refrigerator has a cylindrical shape and houses a reagent disk <NUM> that is rotatably supported about a vertical shaft. The reagent disk holds a plurality of reagent containers (hereinafter, may be referred to as a reagent container, a reagent bottle, or simply as a bottle) on a circumference along an inner side of its outer peripheral wall.

The reagent dispensing probe uses a dispensing pipette to suck a reagent predetermined in a predetermined amount from each of reagent bottles <NUM>, and dispenses the reagent sucked to a reaction container. The sample dispensing probe collects and supplies a sample as a biological sample, e.g., blood or urine, to the reaction container. The sample has been transported by sample transport means as will be described later.

When the reaction container has contained reaction solution in which the reagent and the sample are mixed, the reaction container is controlled at a predetermined temperature of the incubator where reaction in the reaction solution is promoted for a predetermined period of time. When the reaction solution has completed the reaction, the detecting unit detects physical characteristics of the reaction solution as will be described later. The physical characteristics include an amount of emitted light, an amount of scattered light, an amount of transmitted light, a current value, a voltage value, and the like; however, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may employ a measurement unit for measuring known physical characteristics.

The automatic analysis device <NUM> includes a safety cover <NUM> for covering a moving part. The safety cover <NUM> is supported by a hinge to be open and closed, for example, rearward. The safety cover <NUM> includes an interlock typically driven by, for example, a solenoid. When the automatic analysis device <NUM> is in operation, the solenoid is powered on to lock and hold the safety cover <NUM> in a closed state. When the automatic analysis device <NUM> is out of operation, the solenoid is powered off to put the safety cover <NUM> ready to be opened, enabling an operator to replace each of the reagent bottles <NUM>.

The safety cover <NUM> includes a safety cover front side <NUM> as a lower side of a front surface <NUM>, and the interlock includes lock receiving means <NUM> and locking means (closing means) <NUM>. The lock receiving means <NUM> is a protrusion portion that is provided at a substantially right-left center of the safety cover front side <NUM> and protrudes rearward from the front surface <NUM>, in other words, protrudes inward of the automatic analysis device. The locking means (closing means) <NUM> is provided on a work surface <NUM>, at a position opposite the lock receiving means <NUM> when the safety cover <NUM> is in the closed state, so as to correspond to the lock receiving means <NUM>. A structure of the interlock will be described in detail later.

A transport path of the sample transported for analysis will be described. Sample transport means <NUM>, e.g., a belt conveyer or a rack handler, transports a sample 5a for analysis in the automatic analysis device <NUM> to dispense the sample 5a to sample dispensing means <NUM>. The sample dispensing means <NUM> includes the dispensing pipette for dispensing the sample.

The plurality of reaction containers and a plurality of sample dispensing chips are mounted on sample dispensing chip/reaction container supply means <NUM> (hereinafter, may be referred to as a chip rack) while being supplied in the automatic analysis device <NUM>.

The reaction containers are respectively gripped from the chip rack <NUM> and raised to be moved to an incubator <NUM> (may be referred to as a culture disk) by sample dispensing chip/reaction container transport means <NUM>. Sample dispensing chips <NUM> are respectively gripped from the chip rack <NUM> and then raised to be moved to sample dispensing chip buffer <NUM> by the sample dispensing chip/reaction container transport means <NUM>.

In order to move these items, the sample dispensing chip/reaction container transport means <NUM> is configured to be movable in an X-axis direction (direction of left to right), a Y-axis direction (direction of front to rear), and a Z-axis direction (direction of top to bottom). The sample dispensing chip/reaction container transport means <NUM> is also configured to be movable within a range between a reaction container waste hole <NUM>, the sample dispensing chip buffer <NUM>, reaction solution stirring means <NUM>, the chip rack <NUM>, and a partially upward part of the incubator <NUM>.

The sample dispensing chip buffer <NUM> has the plurality of sample dispensing chips <NUM> temporarily mounted thereon. The sample dispensing means <NUM> moves to an area above the sample dispensing chip buffer <NUM> to grip any one of the sample dispensing chips <NUM>.

The incubator <NUM> of a disk shape is axially supported to be rotatable about a vertical central shaft and has a plurality of reaction containers <NUM> engaged on a circumference in a vicinity of an outer periphery of the incubator <NUM>. With this configuration, the incubator <NUM> rotates to move each of the reaction containers <NUM> to a predetermined position.

The sample dispensing means <NUM> moves to a region above the sample to suck the sample into the sample dispensing chip <NUM>. Then, the sample dispensing means <NUM> moves to a region above each of the reaction containers <NUM> on the incubator <NUM> to discharge the sample from the sample dispensing chip <NUM> to the corresponding reaction container <NUM>. Subsequently, the sample dispensing means <NUM> moves to a region above a sample dispensing chip/reaction container waste hole <NUM> to drop the sample dispensing chip <NUM> in the hole for disposal.

Next, a transport path of the reagent to be added to the sample in the reaction container <NUM> will be described.

The reagent refrigerator of the cylindrical shape has an inner hollow where the reagent disk <NUM> is accommodated and is axially supported to be rotatable about the vertical shaft as a central shaft. The reagent disk <NUM> includes a plurality of radial slots, each of which holds one of the plurality of reagent bottles <NUM>, along the inner hollow side of the outer peripheral wall. The reagent disk <NUM> rotates to move each of the reagent bottles <NUM> to a predetermined position on the circumference of the reagent disk <NUM>. Note that, some of the reagent bottles <NUM> contain a reagent containing a large number of magnetic particles for stirring. In order to control the reagent bottles <NUM> at a constant temperature, the reagent refrigerator has a heat insulating function.

The reagent refrigerator has a lid for covering an upper portion of the reagent refrigerator, and the lid has a reagent bottle loading port <NUM>. The reagent bottle loading port <NUM> is configured to place each of the reagent bottles <NUM> to the reagent disk <NUM> and remove the corresponding reagent bottle <NUM> from the reagent disk <NUM>. The reagent bottle loading port <NUM> includes a reagent bottle loading port lid (not illustrated) for opening/closing the reagent bottle loading port <NUM>, and further includes an interlock (not illustrated) using a solenoid or others. Similarly to the safety cover <NUM>, the reagent bottle loading port lid is configured to be in a locked state when the automatic analysis device <NUM> is in operation; and the reagent bottle loading port lid is configured to be in an unlocked state to be opened when the automatic analysis device <NUM> is out of operation.

A reagent dispensing pipette <NUM> is configured to be movable to suck the reagent from each of the reagent bottles <NUM> and move the reagent sucked to the predetermined position. First, the reagent dispensing pipette <NUM> moves to a region above the reagent of a predetermined type on the reagent disk <NUM> to suck the reagent in the predetermined amount. Then, the reagent dispensing pipette <NUM> moves to the region above the reaction container <NUM> predetermined on the incubator <NUM> to discharge the reagent sucked to the reaction container <NUM>.

The reagent refrigerator includes, at its upper portion, stirring means <NUM> for stirring the reagent. The stirring means <NUM> is provided with a magnetic-particle stirring arm (may be referred to as a stirrer) that is rotatable about the vertical shaft. The magnetic-particle stirring arm moves to the region above the reagent bottle <NUM> that contains a reagent containing magnetic particles to be stirred. Then, the magnetic-particle stirring arm lowers magnetic-particle stirring means into the reagent. The magnetic-particle stirring means, having, for example, a paddle shape or a spiral shape, is provided at a lower end of the magnetic-particle stirring arm and is rotated to stir a solution of the magnetic particles. In order to prevent spontaneous sedimentation of the magnetic particles in the solution, the magnetic-particle stirring arm stirs the magnetic particles immediately before the reagent is dispensed. Having stirred the magnetic particles, the magnetic-particle stirring arm rises to the area above the reagent bottle <NUM> and moves to a region above cleaning means <NUM> containing a cleaning solution. The magnetic-particle stirring arm lowers into the cleaning solution to rotate the magnetic-particle stirring means, so as to remove the magnetic particles attached to the magnetic-particle stirring means.

In the predetermined period of time elapsed from each of the sample and the reagent predetermined is dispensed, a reaction solution is formed. The reaction solution is sucked from the reaction container <NUM> and supplied to detecting means <NUM> by a reaction solution aspiration nozzle <NUM>. The detecting means <NUM> analyzes the reaction solution. Any known method may be applied to analyze the reaction solution. Further, the reaction solution may be analyzed while being held in the reaction container <NUM>.

Then, the sample dispensing chip/reaction container transport means <NUM> moves the reaction solution analyzed to the region above the sample dispensing chip/reaction container waste hole <NUM>, and disposes the sample dispensing chip <NUM> in the sample dispensing chip/reaction container waste hole <NUM>. Note that, in some types of measurement, the reaction container may be reused multiple times. In that case, after the reaction solution in the reaction container that has been analyzed is disposed of, the reaction container is cleaned with washing water.

These series of operations in the device is controlled by a host computer <NUM> as control means.

The automatic analysis device combines or repeats the operations above, so as to efficiently analyze a plurality of samples regarding a plurality of analysis items.

<FIG> is the left side view illustrating the automatic analysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In <FIG>, the safety cover <NUM> in the closed state is illustrated with a solid line, and the safety cover <NUM> in the open state is illustrated with a single chain line. At the front side of the safety cover <NUM>, a handhold portion <NUM> is provided. The handhold portion <NUM> is a recessed portion into which a finger is inserted to open the safety cover <NUM> from a closed position. In this embodiment, the lock receiving means <NUM> is provided in contact with and extending rearward from a rear surface of the handhold portion <NUM>.

The safety cover <NUM> is axially supported to be rotatable about a cover support point <NUM>, which is provided along a vicinity of a rear side of the housing <NUM>, between a fully open position and the closed position. When the safety cover <NUM> is open to abut a stopper (not illustrated) and is supported by support means (not illustrated) not to be closed by a weight of the safety cover <NUM>, the front side of the safety cover <NUM> rises to a height H1. This configuration allows the operator to insert his/her arm or upper-half body through a clearance between the work surface <NUM> and the front side of the safety cover <NUM>, and thus allows the operator to clean or replace the various operation mechanism group <NUM> on the work surface <NUM>, clean the work surface <NUM>, or replace the reagent bottles <NUM>. Accordingly, the safety cover <NUM> desirably has the height H1 (to which the front side rises) sufficiently high, and the safety cover <NUM> desirably has no partial protrusion downward from the front side. Alternatively, when the safety cover <NUM> has the protrusion, the protrusion desirably has a smooth outer shape.

<FIG> shows a top view and <FIG> shows an A-A cross-sectional view, each illustrating an unlocked state of safety cover locking means in the automatic analysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the unlocked state of the safety cover locking means in the automatic analysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a structure of the safety cover locking means in the unlocked state of the safety cover locking means in the automatic analysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> is an A-A cross-sectional view, <FIG> is a B-B cross-sectional view, and <FIG> is a perspective view, each illustrating a locked state of the safety cover locking means in the automatic analysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Each of <FIG> and <FIG> is an A-A cross-sectional view illustrating the locked state of the safety cover locking means in the automatic analysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and is a partially enlarged view illustrating a vicinity of a locking claw portion.

Each of <FIG> shows a rear view illustrating the safety cover locking means in the automatic analysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates a reaction force during locking in a case where the safety cover locking means is in an L shape, and <FIG> illustrates a reaction force during the locking in a case where the safety cover locking means is in a T shape.

At the front side of the safety cover <NUM>, the handhold portion <NUM> is provided along the lower end as the recessed portion into which a finger is to be inserted. At rear surface of the handhold portion <NUM>, the lock receiving means <NUM> is provided in pairs at left and right sides. The pair of lock receiving means <NUM> protrude rearward from a lock receiving base <NUM> that is formed in a plate shape and provided between the rear surface of the handhold portion <NUM> and the pair of lock receiving means <NUM>. Each of the pair of lock receiving means <NUM> has a downward surface as an inclined surface that is formed in a tapered shape toward the tip in side view. Additionally, the pair of lock receiving means <NUM> have a left end and a right end, each formed as an inclined surface having a tapered shape towards the tip in plan view. Accordingly, the lock receiving means <NUM> has a smooth shape such that its side surface ridgeline forms a smooth angle. The lock receiving means <NUM> has an upper surface as an inclined surface that is increased in height as away from the front surface of the safety cover <NUM>. The upper surface of the lock receiving means <NUM> forms an acute angle less than <NUM>° with respect to a vertical plane as an angle θ1.

A first support shaft <NUM> is provided parallel to a safety cover front surface <NUM>, and a first gear <NUM> is axially supported to be rotatable about the first support shaft <NUM>. The first gear <NUM> is provided within a range of substantially <NUM>° about the first support shaft <NUM>. The first gear <NUM> is integrally formed with a support rod portion <NUM> that extends rearward. At a tip end of the support rod portion <NUM>, a pair of locking portions <NUM> are provided parallel to the first support shaft <NUM> (that is positioned beyond the support rod portion <NUM>), and protrude in the direction of left to right. The pair of locking portions <NUM> and the support rod portion <NUM> form a locking lever <NUM> in substantially the T shape. In side view in the direction of left to right, the locking portion <NUM> has a planar upper surface with a tapered shape downward; and at lower side, the locking portion <NUM> has a sectional surface with a smooth, substantially semi-cylindrical shape. In top view, each of the pair of locking portions <NUM> has a semicircular shape at its tip end and has its lower half in a smooth, hemispherical shape. The support rod portion <NUM> and the pair of locking portions <NUM> are smoothly combined with an R-shaped joint therebetween, and thus less prone to broken by stress concentration.

Amounts of the pair of locking portions <NUM> protruding with respect to the support rod portion <NUM>, i.e., the amounts of protruding leftward and rightward, are not required to be equal to each other. Thus, the pair of locking portions <NUM> have an asymmetric shape, having one longer than the other. Alternatively, the locking portion <NUM> may be formed in substantially the L-shape in plan view, extending only at one side with respect to the support rod portion <NUM>.

The first gear <NUM> has a cylindrical portion <NUM> that has no tooth from a gear tooth tip at bottom face side to the support rod portion <NUM>, as with a tooth tip circle of the first gear <NUM>.

The locking lever <NUM> is disposed to face in the direction of front to rear to be parallel to the work surface <NUM>, when being unlocked. The work surface <NUM> has a recessed portion provided to accommodate the locking lever <NUM>, when being unlocked. The locking lever <NUM> has an upper surface designed to be planar and flush with the work surface <NUM>. The work surface <NUM> may further include a pair of left and right cover portions <NUM> as a mild protrusion, having the locking lever <NUM> between the work surface <NUM> and the pair of cover portions <NUM>. The pair of cover portions <NUM> are formed in a partial columnar shape and provided to cover the first support shaft <NUM>.

With the locking lever <NUM> in the unlocked state, a part of the upper surface of the locking lever <NUM> covered with the pair of left and right cover portions <NUM> may have a similar partial columnar shape to the pair of left and right cover portions <NUM>, so that the locking lever <NUM> and the pair of left and right cover portions <NUM> are formed smoothly and continuously. In this state, the work surface <NUM> has no step or protrusion, thereby preventing a cleaning tool, e.g., a cloth or a brush, from being caught when a user cleans the work surface <NUM>.

With regard to an inner distance between the pair of lock receiving means <NUM> in the direction of left to right, the inner distance is larger than a left-to-right width of the support rod portion <NUM>. With this configuration, the support rod portion <NUM> fits between the pair of lock receiving means <NUM>.

The locking means <NUM> is provided in pairs at left and right sides, and has an entire left-to-right width larger than a left-to-right width between the tips of the pair of lock receiving means <NUM>. With this configuration, the locking means <NUM> at left side engages with the lock receiving means <NUM> at left side, and the locking means <NUM> at right side engages with the lock receiving means <NUM> at right side.

A second support shaft <NUM> is provided parallel to the first support shaft <NUM>, and a second gear <NUM> is axially supported to be rotatable about the second support shaft <NUM>. The second gear <NUM> is configured to engage with the first gear <NUM> to rotate. The second gear <NUM> has teeth, the number of which is arranged such that the first gear <NUM> rotates <NUM>° or more to rise.

The second gear <NUM> has a connecting shaft <NUM> provided parallel to the second support shaft <NUM>, and a connecting plate <NUM> has one end axially supported to be rotatable about the connecting shaft <NUM>. The connecting plate <NUM> has the other end axially supported to be rotatable about a driving pin <NUM>. The driving pin <NUM> is provided at an end of a plunger <NUM> of a solenoid <NUM>. The solenoid <NUM> serves as an electromagnetic actuator, and the plunger <NUM> has a cylindrical shape. The plunger <NUM> is movably supported with respect to the solenoid <NUM> in a longitudinal direction. When the solenoid <NUM> is powered on by a power supply (not illustrated), the plunger <NUM> is drawn toward the solenoid <NUM>, and when the solenoid <NUM> is powered off, the plunger <NUM> is released from the drawing force.

The connecting plate <NUM> has an end provided with a first spring peg portion <NUM>, and a pull spring <NUM> has one end hooked on the first spring peg portion <NUM>. The pull spring <NUM> has the other end hooked on a second spring peg portion <NUM> that is provided in a frame <NUM> fixed to the housing <NUM>. The pull spring <NUM> has a spring force to pull the plunger <NUM> from the solenoid <NUM>, and when the solenoid <NUM> is powered off, the pull spring <NUM> acts as a return spring.

The solenoid <NUM>, the plunger <NUM>, the connecting plate <NUM>, the first gear <NUM>, the second gear <NUM>, and the pull spring <NUM> form driving means <NUM> for driving the locking lever <NUM>.

The locking lever <NUM> and the driving means <NUM> are covered with the frame <NUM> as a molded product made of, for example, a resin. The frame <NUM> may include a connector <NUM> as a single unit, the connector for externally connecting a wiring of the solenoid <NUM>. Alternatively, the frame <NUM> may be attached to a lower side of the work surface <NUM>.

In <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the solenoid <NUM> has been powered off, and the plunger <NUM> is thus pulled out at maximum from the solenoid <NUM> by the spring force of the pull spring <NUM>. On the drawings of <FIG>, the second gear <NUM> rotates clockwise via the connecting plate <NUM> and the connecting shaft <NUM>, and the first gear <NUM> rotates counterclockwise. As a result, each of the support rod portion <NUM> and the pair of locking portions <NUM> is accommodated in a recessed portion <NUM> provided on the work surface <NUM>, causing the upper surface to be flush with the work surface <NUM>. The recessed portion <NUM> is T-shaped in top view such that the locking lever <NUM> having the T shape is accommodated therein. The recessed portion <NUM> is formed one size larger than the locking lever <NUM>, having an approximately <NUM> clearance from a peripheral outer shape of the locking lever <NUM>, so that the recessed portion <NUM> does not interfere with the outer periphery of the locking lever <NUM>.

In other words, in this state, the locking portion <NUM> does not act on the lock receiving means <NUM> provided on the safety cover <NUM>. Thus, the safety cover <NUM> is in the unlocked state and ready to be opened/closed by the user.

In <FIG>, the safety cover <NUM> is in the locked state. When the safety cover <NUM> is in the closed state and the solenoid <NUM> is powered on, the plunger <NUM> is drawn by a force exceeding the spring force of the pull spring <NUM> to move the connecting plate <NUM> and the connecting shaft <NUM> toward the solenoid <NUM> via the driving pin <NUM> and to rotate the second gear <NUM> counterclockwise on the drawing of <FIG>. The first gear <NUM>, engaging with the second gear <NUM>, rotates clockwise, causing the support rod portion <NUM> and the locking portion <NUM> to rise from the work surface <NUM>. The support rod portion <NUM> and the locking portion <NUM> continue to rise until abutting the lock receiving base <NUM> above the pair of lock receiving means <NUM> provided at rear side of the handhold portion <NUM> of the safety cover <NUM>, and then stop. In this state, when the user puts his/her finger into the handhold portion <NUM> to lift the front surface of the safety cover <NUM> to open the safety cover <NUM>, the lock receiving means <NUM> rises along with the front surface of the safety cover <NUM>, and each of the pair of lock receiving means <NUM> at left and right sides has the upper surface abutting a bottom surface of a corresponding one of the pair of locking portions <NUM> at left and right sides. This configuration inhibits the safety cover <NUM> from being opened. In other words, the safety cover <NUM> is in the locked state and is not opened.

In other words, provided is an automatic analysis device including:.

With this configuration, the automatic analysis device is highly reliable for securely closing the safety cover <NUM> in the locked state.

The recessed portion <NUM>, which is formed in the T shape and provided on the work surface <NUM>, has a one-end shape with a bottom surface <NUM> to prevent foreign substances or liquid from dropping into the housing <NUM>.

Each of the locking lever <NUM> and the lock receiving means <NUM> may be a molded component made of resin, thereby resulting at reasonable cost as well as smoother end surfaces and a more flexible shape than those of components made of metal, particularly a sheet metal. Accordingly, each of the locking lever <NUM> and the lock receiving means <NUM> has a reduced amount of protrusion from the safety cover <NUM>, while maintaining a preferably reliable locking condition.

Next, each of the locking portion <NUM> and the lock receiving means <NUM> will be described in detail regarding the shape, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Each of <FIG> and <FIG> is the A-A cross-sectional view illustrating the locked state of the locking means <NUM> of the safety cover <NUM> and is the partially enlarged view illustrating a vicinity of the locking lever portion.

In <FIG>, the lock receiving means <NUM> has the upper surface as the inclined surface that is increased in height as away from the front surface of the safety cover <NUM>. The upper surface of the lock receiving means <NUM> forms the acute angle less than <NUM>° with respect to the vertical plane as the angle θ1. The locking portion <NUM> as a part of the locking lever <NUM> has a surface closer to the support rod portion <NUM>, and with the locking lever <NUM> in a state of standing upright, the surface also forms an acute angle less than <NUM>° with respect to the vertical plane, the acute angle substantially equal to the angle θ1.

In other words, the bottom surface of the locking portion <NUM> and the upper surface of the lock receiving means <NUM> abut each other and respectively form the acute angle. With this configuration, when the user tries to open the safety cover <NUM> in the locked state, the reaction force is generated to draw the locking portion <NUM> and the lock receiving means <NUM> toward each other. As a result, the locking portion <NUM> engages with the lock receiving means <NUM> more firmly, and the safety cover <NUM> is securely maintained in the locked state.

In <FIG>, the lock receiving means <NUM> includes a protrusion portion <NUM> at its rear end portion that is farthest away from the front surface of the safety cover <NUM>, and the protrusion portion <NUM> smoothly protrudes upward. <FIG> illustrates a case where, due to a reduction in voltage applied to the solenoid <NUM> or the like, the locking lever <NUM> has rotated not to stand upright as illustrated in <FIG> but to form an angle θ2 less than the right angle. In such a case, the protrusion portion <NUM> abuts the semi-cylindrical portion at rear surface side of the locking portion <NUM>, and the reaction force generated when trying to open the safety cover <NUM> acts in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, by a radius R from the first support shaft <NUM>. This configuration generates a moment on the locking lever <NUM> toward the lock receiving base <NUM>. Accordingly, the locking lever <NUM> does not come off but is maintained at the locked state.

In this embodiment, the locking lever <NUM> has two types: one is formed in substantially the L shape where the locking portion <NUM> extends from the support rod portion <NUM> to one side; and the other is in substantially the T shape where the pair of locking portions <NUM> extend from the support rod portion <NUM> to both sides. Each of the substantial L shape and the substantial T shape has its own action and effect as will be described with reference to <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the locking lever <NUM> has the substantial L shape where the locking portion <NUM> extends from the support rod portion <NUM> leftward only. Here, the locking lever <NUM> is subjected to a reaction force F caused by trying to open the safety cover <NUM>. The reaction force F is only applied to the locking portion <NUM> extending leftward, and thus, a bending moment M is generated to bend the locking lever <NUM> rightward. In this state, the locking lever <NUM> is deflected rightward and is prone to move rightward, and the locking portion <NUM> is prone to come off from the lock receiving means <NUM> with which the locking portion <NUM> engages. Further, in addition to a tensile stress caused by the reaction force F, a bending stress caused by the bending moment M is generated with the support rod portion <NUM>. As a result, the locking lever <NUM> is subjected to a maximum stress.

In <FIG>, the locking lever <NUM> according to this embodiment has the substantial T shape. The locking lever <NUM> is subjected to the reaction force F caused by trying to open the safety cover <NUM>.

The reaction force F is evenly applied as a reaction force (F/<NUM>) to the pair of locking portions <NUM> at left and right sides. The reaction force (F/<NUM>) is symmetrically applied to the support rod portion <NUM>, so that no force to move leftward or rightward is generated. In this state, the locking lever <NUM> stably functions. Even in a case where the reaction force (F/<NUM>) acts toward a position deviated from the symmetrical position between left and right, the moment generated with the support rod portion <NUM> is only a product of an amount of deviation from the symmetrical position and the reaction force. Thus, the bending moment is small, and only approximately the tensile force acts on the locking lever <NUM>.

With the locking lever <NUM> in substantially the T shape, the support rod portion <NUM> is subjected largely to the tensile force caused by the reaction force F, and hardly to the bending moment. Accordingly, even in a case where the reaction force F applied to the locking lever <NUM> is identical to that in the case of the substantial L shape (<FIG>), the stress generated with the locking lever <NUM> is less than in the case of the substantial L shape (<FIG>). With this configuration, the present invention provides an automatic analysis device with higher reliability.

<FIG> is an A-A cross-sectional view illustrating the locked state of the safety cover locking means and is a partially enlarged view illustrating the vicinity of the locking lever portion. Here, as a result of forward force applied by the operator to the handhold portion <NUM> of the safety cover <NUM>, the safety cover <NUM> is in a deflected state and has moved forward. Along with the safety cover <NUM>, the lock receiving means <NUM> has moved forward. In this state, the locking portion <NUM> preferably further rotates by only an angle of θ3 to move forward from the locking lever <NUM> in the state of standing upright. Then, even when the safety cover <NUM> is in the deflected state, the locking portion <NUM> reliably engages with the lock receiving means <NUM>. With this configuration, in a state where the plunger <NUM> is drawn at maximum toward the solenoid <NUM>, the locking lever <NUM> in the state of standing upright may further rotate by only the angle of θ3, by appropriately selecting an operation amount of the plunger <NUM>, the number of teeth of the first gear <NUM>, and the number of teeth of the second gear <NUM>.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>. In descriptions below, with regard to the parts provided with the same configurations as in the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Unlike the first embodiment, with an automatic analysis device according to the second embodiment, a locking lever cover portion <NUM>, which protrudes upward from a work surface <NUM> and is open at front, is included; a locking lever <NUM> is not T-shaped but has a locking portion <NUM> formed in a hook shape at an upper end of the locking lever <NUM>; while in an unlocked state, the locking lever <NUM> does not have an upper surface flush with the work surface <NUM>; and while in a locked state, the locking lever <NUM> is at a waiting position inside the locking lever cover portion <NUM>.

Lock receiving means <NUM> is not provided in pairs at left and right sides, but is provided at one position opposite the locking lever <NUM>.

A connecting shaft <NUM> is integrally formed with the locking lever <NUM>, and when a plunger <NUM> is drawn toward a solenoid <NUM>, the locking portion <NUM>, having the hook shape and provided at a tip of the locking lever <NUM>, is drawn via a connecting plate <NUM> and the connecting shaft <NUM> to rotate forward, so as to engage with the lock receiving means <NUM>. The lock receiving means <NUM> is not provided in pairs, but is provided at one position corresponding to the locking lever <NUM>.

<FIG> is an A-A cross-sectional view and <FIG> is a perspective view, each illustrating the unlocked state of safety cover locking means according to the second embodiment. Here, the plunger <NUM> of the solenoid <NUM> is moved away from the solenoid <NUM> by a pull spring <NUM>; the locking lever <NUM> rotates about a first support shaft <NUM> counterclockwise on the drawings of <FIG> and <FIG>; and the locking portion <NUM>, having the hook shape and provided at the upper end of the locking lever <NUM>, is separated from the lock receiving means <NUM> and does not engage with the lock receiving means <NUM>. In this state, the safety cover <NUM> is in the unlocked state and ready to be opened/closed by the operator.

<FIG> is an A-A cross-sectional view and <FIG> is a perspective view, each illustrating the locked state of the safety cover locking means according to the second embodiment. Here, the solenoid <NUM> is powered on, and the plunger <NUM> is drawn toward the solenoid <NUM> by a force exceeding a pull force by the pull spring <NUM>. This configuration draws the connecting shaft <NUM> via the connecting plate <NUM> toward the solenoid <NUM>, causing the locking lever <NUM> to rotate about the first support shaft <NUM> clockwise on the drawings of <FIG> and <FIG>, and causing the locking portion <NUM> to move to above the lock receiving means <NUM>. Similarly to <FIG> in the first embodiment, the safety cover locking means is in the locked state here.

In the second embodiment, while in the unlocked state, the locking lever <NUM> is not flush with the work surface but accommodated in the locking lever cover portion <NUM>. When the locking lever <NUM> rotates from the unlocked state until the locked state, the rotational angle is less than in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the first gear <NUM> and the second gear <NUM> provided in the first embodiment are not required in the second embodiment, thereby resulting in the smaller number of components and a more simplified configuration.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the automatic analysis device according to the second embodiment has the configuration where: the locking portion <NUM> and the lock receiving means <NUM> form the engagement portion in the acute angle as illustrated in <FIG>; the lock receiving means <NUM> includes the protrusion portion <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>; and the locking portion <NUM> further rotates by only the angle of θ3 as illustrated in <FIG>. Accordingly, similarly to the first embodiment, the locking portion <NUM> further reliably engages with the lock receiving means <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the solenoid <NUM> serves as a driving source provided in driving means <NUM> but the present invention is not limited thereto. The driving source may be a motor such as a stepping motor, a direct current motor, or an alternating current motor. Alternatively, speed reduction means, such as a worm gear, may be further included between the motor and the locking lever.

In the present invention, the locking lever <NUM> is disposed to face in the direction of front to rear to be parallel to the work surface <NUM>, while in the unlocked state. The work surface <NUM> has the recessed portion provided to accommodate the locking lever <NUM>, while in the unlocked state. The locking lever <NUM> is smoothly shaped and has the upper surface designed to be planar so as to be flush with the work surface <NUM>. With this configuration, when the safety cover <NUM> is open in the unlocked state, the work surface <NUM> has no protrusion, allowing the operator to open the safety cover <NUM> to clean or replace the various operation mechanism group <NUM>, clean the work surface <NUM>, or replace the reagent bottle <NUM> without any difficulty. Additionally, while cleaning the work surface <NUM>, a cleaning tool, e.g., a cloth or a brush, does not get caught. Accordingly, the present invention provides an automatic analysis device that is easy to use.

In the present invention, the lock receiving means <NUM> is provided at the front side of the safety cover <NUM> and the handhold portion <NUM>, protruding rearward through the rear surface. The lock receiving means <NUM> is formed not in the hook shape but smoothly shaped, preventing the cleaning tool, e.g., the cloth or the brush, from getting caught. Accordingly, the present invention provides an automatic analysis device that is easy to use.

When the locking lever <NUM> is in substantially the T shape where the pair of locking portions <NUM> protrude from the support rod portion <NUM> to both left and right sides, the reaction force F (caused by trying to open the safety cover <NUM>) is substantially symmetrically applied to the support rod portion <NUM> at left and right sides. Thus, no force to move leftward or rightward is generated with the locking lever <NUM>. In this state, the locking lever <NUM> stably functions. Additionally, the support rod portion <NUM> is subjected largely to the tensile stress and hardly to the bending moment, and the stress generated with the locking lever <NUM> is relatively small. Accordingly, the present invention provides the automatic analysis device <NUM> with higher reliability.

The automatic analysis device <NUM> has the configuration where the locking portion <NUM> further rotates by only the angle of θ3 to move forward from the locking lever <NUM> in the state of standing upright. Thus, even when the safety cover <NUM> is in the deflected state, the locking portion <NUM> reliably engages with the lock receiving means <NUM>. With this configuration, the automatic analysis device <NUM> is highly reliable for securely closing the safety cover <NUM> in the locked state.

The recessed portion <NUM>, provided on the work surface <NUM> to accommodate the locking portion <NUM>, has the one-end shape to prevent foreign substances or liquid from dropping in through the clearance. Thus, the automatic analysis device is provided in a simple structure and is highly reliable.

The locking lever <NUM> and the driving means <NUM> are covered with the frame <NUM> as a molded product made of, for example, the resin. The frame <NUM> includes the connector <NUM> as a single unit, the connector for externally connecting the wiring of the solenoid <NUM>, thereby resulting in an easier assembly or replacement of the units. Accordingly, the automatic analysis device is provided in a simple structure and is highly reliable.

Claim 1:
An automatic analysis device comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) that houses an analysis device;
a work surface (<NUM>) that is an upper surface of the housing (<NUM>);
a cover (<NUM>) that covers an upper side of the work surface (<NUM>) and is axially supported to be rotatable about a support shaft between a closing position and an upwardly open opening position, the support shaft being provided on one side of the housing (<NUM>); and
closing means (<NUM>) for inhibiting the cover (<NUM>) from being opened at the closing position,
wherein
the closing means (<NUM>) includes
a protrusion portion (<NUM>) that protrudes from a front surface (<NUM>) of the cover (<NUM>),
a locking lever (<NUM>) that is axially supported to be rotatable about a rotating support shaft and inhibits the cover (<NUM>) from being opened by rotating in a direction from the work surface (<NUM>) toward the protrusion portion (<NUM>) to cause an engagement portion to engage with the protrusion portion (<NUM>), and
driving means (<NUM>) for driving the locking lever (<NUM>),
characterized in that the protrusion portion (<NUM>) protrudes rearward from the front surface (<NUM>) of the cover (<NUM>), and
a first gear (<NUM>) is integrally formed with the locking lever (<NUM>),
a second gear (<NUM>) is provided in engagement with the first gear (<NUM>),
the second gear (<NUM>) has a connecting shaft (<NUM>) and a connecting plate (<NUM>) that has one end axially supported to be rotatable about the connecting shaft (<NUM>),
a solenoid (<NUM>) comprising a plunger (<NUM>) is provided configured to drive the connecting plate (<NUM>) via a connecting pin (<NUM>) provided at an end of the plunger (<NUM>),
the connecting plate (<NUM>) has an end provided with a first spring peg portion (<NUM>), and a pull spring (<NUM>) has one end hooked on the first spring peg portion (<NUM>),
wherein the pull spring (<NUM>) has the other end hooked on a second spring peg portion (<NUM>) that is fixed to the housing (<NUM>),
wherein the solenoid (<NUM>), the plunger (<NUM>), the connecting plate (<NUM>), the first gear (<NUM>), the second gear (<NUM>), and the pull spring (<NUM>) form driving means (<NUM>) for driving the locking lever (<NUM>).