Patent ID: 12210025

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.1to21.

(1) Automated Analyzer1

FIG.1is a plan view illustrating an overall configuration of an automated analyzer including a reagent disk.FIG.2is a perspective view of a state in which a safety cover of the automated analyzer is opened andFIG.3is a left side view. In the following description, an upward direction and a downward direction in a state in which an automated analyzer1is provided are respectively defined as an upper side (up) and a lower side (down), a side and its reverse side on which the operator of the automated analyzer1makes access are respectively defined as a front side (front) and a rear side (rear), and a rightward direction and leftward direction when the automated analyzer1is viewed from the front side are respectively defined as the right side (right) and left side (left).

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the automated analyzer1includes a reagent disk (a reagent container holder)2, a safety cover4, sample conveying means5, sample dispensing means6, a chip rack7, conveying means8, an incubator9, a sample dispensing chip buffer11, a disposal hole12, stirring means13, a reagent dispensing probe15, stirring means16, washing means17, a reaction solution dispensing probe18, detection unit19, a casing21, a work surface22, and a reagent cooling box (a reagent box)24.

The casing21has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which a casing frame55with high rigidity combined with a steel plate by, for example, means such as welding or rivet fastening is covered around by a front plate56, right and left side plates57, a rear plate58, and an upper surface, that is, the work surface22and contains the sample conveying means5, the washing means17, the reagent cooling box24, and, a substrate, a flow passage and the like (of which none is illustrated). The front plate56, the right and left side plates57, and the rear plate58are detachable in maintenance work.

The safety cover4is supported by one side of the upper surface of the casing21by, for example, a hinge or the like and to be openable about the hinge. A one-dot chain line inFIGS.1and2indicates a closed state of the safety cover4. The safety cover4includes an interlock that has, for example, a solenoid or the like as a driving source. During an operation of the automated analyzer1, the safety cover4remains in the closed state via a deadlock when the solenoid is energized. During the stop of the automated analyzer1, the energization of the solenoid is released and the safety cover4can be opened.

The interlock is provided in substantially the center of the right and left of the safety cover front side24which is a lower side of a front surface23of the safety cover4and includes lock receiving means25which is a protruding part projected backward from the front surface23of the safety cover4, that is, toward the inside of the automated analyzer and lock means26(hereinafter referred to as an interlock unit in some cases) which is provided at a position facing the lock receiving means25and works on the lock receiving means25when the safety cover4in the work surface22is closed.

The interlock unit26is mounted on the casing frame55via a mounting bracket59. The details of a configuration of the interlock unit26will be described later.

A door opening and closing detection202is connected to a power supply (not illustrated). When the safety cover4is closed, the power supply is connected so that the automated analyzer1can be driven. When the safety cover4is opened, the power supply is disconnected to stop the automated analyzer1.

The sample conveying means5is configured by, for example, a belt conveyer, a rack handler, or the like and moves a sample5ainside the automated analyzer1to convey the sample5aup to a movable area of the sample dispensing means6.

The chip rack7is detachably mounted on the automated analyzer1and is disposed on the upper surface of the automated analyzer1by an operator in a state in which a plurality of sample dispensing chips10and a plurality of reaction containers14are put.

The conveying means8can move in a planar direction and the Z axis direction and can move the chip rack7, apart of the incubator9, the sample dispensing chip buffer11, the disposal hole12, and the upper side of the stirring means13. For example, a triaxial robot or the like can be used as the conveying means8. The conveying means8grips the reaction containers14one by one from the chip rack7and moves the reaction containers14to the incubator9. The conveying means8grips the sample dispensing chips10one by one from the chip rack7and moves the sample dispensing chips10to the sample dispensing chip buffer11.

The sample dispensing chip buffer11is a buffer that temporarily puts the sample dispensing chip10gripped by the conveying means8. The sample dispensing chip buffer11can put the plurality of sample dispensing chips10.

The incubator9has a substantial disc shape and is rotatable. The incubator9holds the plurality of reaction containers14in a circumferential direction and can move each reaction container14up to a predetermined position with rotation of the incubator9.

The sample dispensing means6is moved above the sample dispensing chip buffer11, grips any one of the sample dispensing chips10, moves above the sample5a, and sucks the sample5ainside the sample dispensing chip10. Thereafter, the sample dispensing means6moves above the reaction container14above the incubator9and ejects the sample5afrom the inside of the sample dispensing chip10to the inside of the reaction container14. Thereafter, the sample dispensing means6moves above the disposal hole12and drops the sample dispensing chip10to the inside of the disposal hole12.

The reagent cooling box24has a substantial cylindrical shape and contains the reagent disk2. A reagent bottle loading port20for mounting and detaching the reagent container3on and from the reagent disk2is provided on the upper surface of the reagent cooling box24. In the reagent bottle loading port20, an openable reagent bottle loading port lid (not illustrated) is provided. The reagent cooling box24has a heat insulating function to control the reagent container3at a given temperature.

The reagent disk2forms a slot to hold the plurality of reagent containers3radially in the circumferential direction. The reagent disk2is rotatable about a central axis extending in a vertical axis direction. With rotation of the reagent disk2, each reagent container3is moved to a predetermined position. For example, with rotation of the reagent disk2, the reagent container3that contains a target reagent can be moved to a reagent dispensing position15a. The reagent container3may contain magnetic particles for stirring the reagent.

The reagent dispensing probe15can be moved in front, rear, right, and left directions (horizontal direction) by, for example, an actuator or the like. The reagent dispensing probe15sucks a predetermined amount of reagent using a reagent dispensing pipette (not illustrated) from the reagent container3located at the reagent dispensing position15aand dispenses the reagent to the reaction container14held in the incubator9.

The stirring means16includes a magnetic particle stirring arm that is provided above the reagent dispensing position15aand can be rotated about a central axis extending the vertical axis direction. For example, magnetic particle stirring means with a paddle shape or a spiral shape is provided at a lower end of the magnetic particle stirring arm. The magnetic particle stirring arm stirs the reagent by lowering the magnetic particle stirring means into the reagent including magnetic particles and rotating the reagent. To prevent precipitation of the magnetic particles in the reagent, the magnetic particle stirring arm stirs the reagent immediately before the reagent is disposed by the reagent dispensing probe15. After the stirring, the magnetic particle stirring arm is moved to the washing means17in which a washing liquid is entered and rotates the magnetic particle stirring means for washing.

The reaction container14in which a predetermined reagent and the sample5aare dispensed is managed at a predetermined temperature by the incubator9and reaction is accelerated for a predetermined time. The reagent and a reaction solution of the sample5aare supplied from the reaction container14to the detection unit19by the reaction solution dispensing probe18, so that physical properties are detected by the detection unit19. Examples of the physical properties include an amount of luminescence, an amount of scattered light, an amount of transmitted light, a current value, and a voltage value, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The detection unit19may perform analyzing while remaining the reaction solution is maintained inside the reaction container14.

The reaction container14that contains the reaction solution of which the analyzing of the detection unit19ends is moved to above the disposal hole12by the conveying means8to be disposed inside the disposal hole12. According to a kind of measurement, one reaction container14may be used for measurement a plurality of times. In this case, the reaction solution inside the reaction container14after the analyzing ends is disposed, and then the reaction container14is washed.

A host computer200is connected to the automated analyzer1. A series of operations in the foregoing configuration of the automated analyzer1is controlled by the host computer200. The automated analyzer1can efficiently analyze a plurality of samples with regard to a plurality of analysis items by combining or repeating the foregoing operations.

(2) Interlock Mechanism

InFIG.3, a closed state of the safety cover4is indicated by a solid line and an open state of the safety cover4is indicated by a one-dot chain line. A handle27which is a recessed part into which a finger is inserted when the safety cover4is opened from the closed position is provided on the front side of the safety cover4. In the embodiment, the lock receiving means25that comes into contact with the rear surface of the handle27and extends backward is provided.

The safety cover4is pivotally supported to be rotatable between a fully open position and a closed position around a cover support shaft28provided along the vicinity of the rear side of the body. When the safety cover4is opened to come into contact with a stopper (not illustrated) and is supported not to be closed by its weight by support means (not illustrated), the front side of the safety cover4is raised up to a front side height H1. A worker can insert his or her arm or upper half of the body from a gap between the work surface22and the front side of the safety cover4and perform cleaning or exchanging of various operating mechanism groups29provided on the work surface22or perform cleaning of the work surface22or exchanging of a reagent bottle3. Accordingly, the front side height H1 of the safety cover4is preferably sufficient in height. There is preferably no partial protrusion or the like below the front side of the safety cover4or a smooth external shape is preferably formed although there is a protrusion.

It is effective that the handle27and the lock receiving means25are provided close to a substantial middle of the safety cover4in the right and left directions. In particular, it is particularly preferable to provide the lock receiving means25on the rear surface of the handle27. That is, when the operator attempts to open the safety cover4in a locked state and the lock receiving means25is provided near the handle27or on the rear surface of the handle27, the safety cover4is locked despite being slightly opened. Conversely, when the lock receiving means25is located at a position deviated to one of the right and left from the handle27, a moment is produced by a force of a hand attempting to open the safety cover4and a reaction force from the lock receiving means25attempting the locking. Therefore, the safety cover4floats toward the handle27while being twisted, and thus there is a problem that a floating amount toward the safety cover4close to the handle27increases.

(3) Overview of Mounting of Interlock Unit26on Frame55

FIG.4is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an interlock unit is mounted on a frame.

The interlock unit26includes a case47that has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is formed of a resin, a lock lever35which is an action member provided on the upper surface of the case, and a solenoid41which is drive means provided on the lower surface of the case47, and includes a drive connecting member that connects a plunger of the solenoid41and the lock lever35inside the case to operate. The details will be described later.

As described above, the front plate56that forms a front surface of the casing21is provided to be detachable in maintenance work such as period inspection.FIG.4illustrates the front plate56that is a detached state and the front surface of the casing21is opened as a front surface opening. The interlock unit26is provided close immediately backward the front plate56and is screwed and fixed with mounting screws61via screw holes105to the casing frame55included in the casing21via the mounting bracket59from the front. The interlock unit26is mounted from the lower side of the work surface22via a work surface opening22aprovided on the work surface22, and the upper surface is exposed from the work surface22and is positioned and fixed to be substantially flush with the work surface22. The mounting bracket59has, for example, a substantial U shape bilaterally symmetric in a top plan view, a mounting groove60, which is a vertically long slit, whose upper end is opened in the middle of the right and left and whose lower end is continuous in the right and left direction in a front view is provided, and right and left sides of the mounting groove60facing the front serve as a unit mounting surface93. Aright and left width of the mounting groove60is greater than a case width of the interlock unit26. The interlock unit26is disposed inside the mounting groove60and can be screwed by the mounting screws61from the front. A height of the mounting screw61is below the work surface22. When the front plate56of the casing21is detached, the interlock unit26is disposed at a position at which the interlock unit26can be directly viewed from the front via the front surface opening. Therefore, it is easy to detach and mount the mounting screws61with a driver, and thus maintenability is good. Accordingly, the mounting and detaching are easy, and assemblability and maintenability are good.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.3, the interlock unit26is long vertically and short in the front and rear. Therefore, when the front plate56is detached and the mounting screws61are detached with a driver62from the front even in the closed state of the safety cover4, the interlock unit26is easily detached downward to the front via the front surface opening. Therefore, even in a state in which the safety cover4is not opened in a lock state due to breakdown or the like, it is easy to detach the interlock unit26. Therefore, maintenability is good. Appropriate disposition of the interlock unit26, the mounting bracket59, and the frame will be described later.

(4) Handle27and Lock Receiving Means25

The handle27which is a recessed part into which a finger is inserted along the lower end is provided on the front surface of the safety cover4and a pair of right and left lock receiving means25is close to the rear surface of the handle27and protrude to the rear via a plate-shaped lock receiving base30. A surface oriented to the lower side of the pair of lock receiving means25is formed as a slope surface tapered so that the distal end of the lock receiving means25becomes thin in a side view, the left and right ends of the pair of lock receiving means25are formed as slope surfaces tapered so that the distal end of the lock receiving means25becomes thin in a plan view, and the ridges of the side surfaces of the lock receiving means25are smoothly formed at an obtuse angle. The upper surface of the lock receiving means25is formed as a slope surface of which a height increases away from the front surface of the safety cover4, and an angle θ1 between the upper surface of the lock receiving means25and a vertical surface is an acute angle less than 90 degrees. When the lock receiving means25is molded of, for example, a POM (polyacetal) resin, the smooth shape can be easily generated, which is therefore appropriate.

(5) Case47

The case47of the interlock unit26is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a left side case47a, a right side case47b, and an upper surface case47c. The left side case47aand the right side case47bare a pair of right and left cases and have a substantially external shape which is bilaterally symmetric and have a shape in which widths in the right and left directions are less than lengths in the front and rear directions and heights in the up and down directions are largest in the embodiment. A plunger42of the solenoid41which is a drive source (an actuator) is upward fixed to the lower surface of the case47. A connecting plate40, a first gear32, a second gear38, a pull spring45, and the plunger42serving as drive connecting means53are disposed inside the case47. The left side case47a, the right side case47b, and the upper surface case47care integrally molded of, for example, an ABS resin, and thus can be realized in a complicated shape at low cost, which is therefore appropriate.

(6) Positional Relation Among Lock Lever35, Drive Connecting Means53, and Solenoid41

Here, since the lock lever35which is an action member is provided on the upper surface of the case47, the solenoid41which is an actuator is provided downward close to the lower surface of the case47, the drive connecting means53transmitting a drive force is provided between the action member and the actuator, and the actuators, the action member and the drive connecting means53are disposed vertically in a row, a projection area can be small when viewed from the upper side. Thus, since a configuration appropriate for the miniaturization of the casing21can be realized and dimensions in the front and rear directions can be set to be small, the interlock unit26can be disposed along the front plate56to the rear near the front plate56of the casing21.

(7) First Gear32and Lock Lever35

A first support shaft31is molded of, for example, an ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin to be integrated with the left side case47aand is provided to extend toward the right side case47bin parallel to the safety cover front surface23. A distal end of the first support shaft31is fitted in a first support bearing part63which is a recessed part provided in the right side case47b. The first support shaft31may be molded of the ABS resin like the right side case47band the left side case47a. The first gear32is pivotally supported to be rotatable around the first support shaft31via a first gear shaft hole90. The teeth of the first gear32are provided within a range of about 90 degrees around the first gear shaft hole90. A supporting part33which is molded integrally with the first gear32and extends backward and the distal end of the supporting part33form a pair of lock parts34projected in the right and left directions in parallel to the first support shaft31with the supporting part33interposed therebetween, and the pair of lock parts34and the supporting part33form the lock lever35in a substantial T-type shape. The lock lever35is molded of, for example, a POM resin. In the lock part34, an upper surface is formed in a tapered shape which is thin downward on a plane in a side view when viewed in the right and left directions at the time of lock releasing, and a lower side is a cross-sectional surface with a smooth substantially half cylindrical shape. Further, the pair of lock parts34has a rectangular shape extending in the right and left directions in which R is provided in each corner when viewed from the upper surface, and the lower half has a smooth hemispheric shape. Connection portions of the supporting part33and the pair of lock parts34are smoothly connected in an R shape, and thus inhibit damage due to stress concentration. That is, the lock lever35is an example of an action member that acts to lock the safety cover4with respect to the lock receiving means25.

(8) Another Example of Shape of Lock Lever35

In the lock lever35, projection amounts of the pair of lock parts34to the supporting part33in the right and left directions may not be the same, or an asymmetric shape in which one of the lock parts is long and the other is short may be realized. Alternatively, the lock parts34may be formed in a substantial L shape in a plan view in which only one of the lock parts34extends toward the supporting part33.

(9) Cylindrical Part48

A cylindrical part48that has no teeth equal to the tooth tip circle of the first gear32is formed from the tooth tip of the lower surface side of the first gear32to the supporting part33.

(10) Positional Relation Between Work Surface22and Lock Lever35

The lock lever35is disposed in the front and rear directions in parallel to the work surface22at the time of releasing of the lock. The upper surface of the upper surface case47cis provided on substantially the same surface as the work surface22and a recessed part for accommodating the lock lever35at the time of releasing the lock is provided. That is, a right and left width of the upper surface case47cis greater than the width of the recessed part for accommodating the lock lever35. The upper surface of the lock lever35is planar and is the same surface as the upper surface of the upper surface case47c. A pair of partially cylindrical cover parts36which are gentle protrusions covering the first support shaft31may be provided on the upper surface of the upper surface case47cwith the lock lever35interposed therebetween.

(11) Positional Relation Between Cover Parts36and Lock Lever35

In the unlocked state, a part sandwiched between the pair of right and left cover parts36on the upper surface of the lock lover35may be formed in a partial cylindrical shape like the cover parts36so that the cover parts36and the lock lever35are smoothly continuous. Since there is no step or protrusion, for example, a cleaning tool such as a cloth or a brush is not caught even when a user cleans the work surface22.

(12) Lock Part34

An internal gap between the pair of lock receiving means25in the right and left directions is greater than a width of the supporting part33in the right and left directions. The supporting part33can be entered between the pair of lock parts34. The whole width of the pair of lock parts34in the right and left directions is greater than the width of the distal end of the pair of lock receiving means25in the right and left directions. The left lock part34can engage with the left lock receiving means25and the right lock part34can engage with the right lock receiving means25.

(13) Second Gear38

A second support shaft37is provided to be integrated with the left side case47aand extend toward the right side case47bin parallel to the first support shaft31. The distal end of the second support shaft37is fit in a second support bearing part64which is a recessed part provided in the right side case47b. The second gear38is molded of, for example, a POM resin and is pivotally supported to be rotatable around the second support shaft37and engages with the first gear32to rotate. The dimensions of the second gear38are in a range in which the first gear32is rotated at 90 degrees or 90 degrees or more so that the lock lever35rises.

(14) Solenoid41

A connecting shaft39is provided in the second gear38in parallel to the second support shaft37and one end of the connecting plate40is pivotally supported in the connecting shaft39to be rotatable. The other end of the connecting plate40is pivotally supported in a drive pin43provided at one end of the cylindrical plunger42of the solenoid41which is an electrical actuator. The plunger42is supported to be movable in a longitudinal direction to the solenoid41. When the solenoid41is energized from a power supply apparatus (not illustrated), the plunger42is sucked to be close to the solenoid41. When the energization is released, a suction force is released. In the embodiment, the plunger42can be moved in the up and down directions and a hole formed through the drive pin43is provided near the upper end of the plunger42in the right and left directions.

A first spring hook44is provided at one end of the second gear38and one end of the pull spring45is hung. The other end of the pull spring45is hung on a second spring hook46provided integrally with the left side case47aand a spring force by the pull spring45is urged in a direction in which the plunger42is taken out from the solenoid41via the second gear38and works as a return spring when the energization to the solenoid41is released.

(15) Drive Connecting Means53

The plunger42, the connecting plate40, the first gear32, the second gear38, and the pull spring45configure the drive connecting means53for driving a drive force between the solenoid41and the lock lever35when the lock lever35is driven.

(16) Case47(Left Side Case47aand Right Side Case47b)

A solenoid mounting part66is provided integrally with the left side case47aand is disposed so that a mounting surface of the solenoid41is oriented backward and a housing of the solenoid41is screwed by mounting screws107from the front. The plunger42is disposed upward. A pair of thin sheet-shaped mounting seats67,67extending in the up and down directions is provided to be substantially symmetric to the right of the left side case47aand the left of the right side case47b, and the interlock unit26can be screwed to the mounting bracket59provided in the casing frame55of the casing21via the mounting seats67,67from the front. The mounting seats67,67are provided at substantially at the same positions as the first support shaft31in the front and rear directions in a side view from the right and left or in the slight front of the first support shaft31, that is, near immediately below the lock receiving means25provided in the safety cover4. The mounting seats67,67have rigidity guaranteed by a reinforcing rib68.

(17) Width and Shaft Stress of Case47

When a load is applied to the first support shaft31, the second support shaft37, and the first spring hook44supporting the first gear32, the second gear38, and the pull spring45, a maximum bending stress occurs in a root part. To reduce the bending stress, it is effective to enlarge a shaft diameter and shorten the length of the shaft. Here, the first support shaft31, the second support shaft37, and the first spring hook44are molded of a resin to be integrated with the left side case47a. Therefore, to shorten the lengths of the shafts, it is appropriate to narrow an interval between a side wall part65aof the left side case47aand a side wall part65bof the right side case47b, that is, the width of the case47. That is, by narrowing the widths of the left side case47aand the right side case47bfurther than the width of the upper surface case47cor narrowing the widths of the left side case47aand the right side case47bthan the width of the lock lever35or the width of the solenoid41, it is possible to reduce stress and obtain the interlock unit26with high reliability.

That is, widths near the upper surfaces of the left side case47aand the right side case47bfacing the upper surface case47care expanded to serve as upper surface case mounting parts69and a step70ais provided between the side wall parts65aand65b. A step70bis provided between the solenoid mounting part66and the side wall parts65aand65b.

(18) Snap Fit Claw73

In the right side case47b, so-called snap fit claws71fitted in the left side case47aare provided on, for example, two locations, the front surface and the rear surface. In the left side case47a, a receiving part72corresponding to the snap fit claw71is provided. In the upper surface case47c, snap fit claws73fitted in the right side case47band the left side case47aare provided in two locations to the right and left, and receiving parts74corresponding to the snap fit claws73of the right side case47band the left side case47aare provided for fixing snap fitting.

(19) Another Example of Combination of Left Side Case47aand Right Side Case47b

Female screws (not illustrated) may be provided in the left side case47aand screw holes may be provided at corresponding positions of the right side case47bto fasten the right side case47band the left side case47ausing one screw or a plurality of screws.

(20) Upper Surface Case47cand Upper Surface Cover76

In the upper surface case47c, a through hole75passing the lock part34overhung to the right and left of the lock lever35at the time of assembly is provided between the first support shaft31and the front surface of the upper surface case47c. A upper surface cover76can cover the through hole75from the upper side and is fixed to the upper surface case47cby snap fit claws77from the inner side. The front end of the upper surface case47cis located to the front of the front edge of the through hole75and the rear end of the upper surface case47cis located on the rear side of the rear edge of a recessed part49in which the lock lever35is accommodated to form a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. The outer circumferences of upper surface covers76extend downward and cover the upper surface case mounting parts69provided near the upper ends of the left side case47aand the right side case47bfrom the outside on the cross sectional surfaces in the right and left directions, and thus the upper surface case mounting parts69of the left side case47aand the right side case47bfunction as a case opening prevention part91that prevents spread deformation in the right and left directions.

(21) Rib Around Case47d

The upper surface of the upper surface case47cpasses from the lower side of the work surface opening22aopened to the work surface22and is mounted to become substantially the same surface with the work surface opening22a. A rib around case47dwhich is a rib projected in the circumference of the upper surface case47cin a plan view is provided slightly below the upper surface of the upper surface case47c. The rib around case47don which the interlock unit26is mounted is located slightly below the work surface22. The outer circumference of the rib around case47dhas dimensions greater than the work surface opening22aand covers a gap occurring between the upper surface case47cand the work surface opening22ain a plan view when the interlock unit26is mounted so that a liquid or foreign matters can be prevented.

(22) Connecting Plate40

The connecting plate40has a substantial H shape which is bilaterally symmetric when viewed from the front and is molded of, for example, a POM resin. A drive pin hole78is punched at one end on the lower side in the right and left directions and a connecting shaft hole79is punched at the other end on the upper side in parallel to the drive pin hole78.

The drive pin hole78at the one end has a gap with a width slightly greater than the diameter of the plunger42. The plunger42is inserted into the gap and the drive pin43is penetrated so that the connecting plate40is pivotally supported at the plunger42. The connecting shaft hole79at the other end is fitted to be rotatable in the connecting shaft39which is a projection provided in the second gear38by so-called snap fitting. To facilitate the insertion of the snap fitting in the connecting shaft39, a slope80opened outward from the connecting shaft hole79may be formed. Alternatively, a slope facing the slope80may be formed at the distal end of the connecting shaft39.

(23) Second Gear38and Waterproof Rib82

The second gear38fits a second gear shaft hole81in the second support shaft37to be pivotally supported to be rotatable. In the inner circumference of the gear teeth provided partially in the outer circumference of the second gear38, a thin cylindrical waterproof rib82greater than the width of teeth in the right and left directions is provided to be concentrically integrated with the second gear38and extends close to the inner wall surfaces of the left side case47aand the right side case47b. The rear end of the waterproof rib82has a shape extending downward so that a liquid dropping to the upper surface of the waterproof rib82can flow. The rear end of the waterproof rib82is located on the rear side of the connecting plate40and the plunge42of the solenoid41to serve as a first waterproof rib end83. The front end of the waterproof rib82opposite to the first waterproof rib end83serves as a second waterproof rib end84.

(24) Labyrinth Structure (Case47)

On inner wall surfaces of the left side case47aand the right side case47b, a first case rib85and a second case rib86that have partially arc shape concentric with the waterproof rib82and are projected inward are provided. The inner circumference of the first case rib85is greater than the outer circumference of the waterproof rib82of the second gear38and is disposed with a gap of, for example, about 1 mm. The outer circumference of the second case rib86is less than the inner circumference of the waterproof rib82of the second gear38and is disposed with a gap of, for example, about 1 mm. The first case rib85and the second case rib86are provided within a range in which the ribs do not come into contact with the second gear38, and the distal ends of the first case rib85and the second case rib86are disposed with a gap of, for example, about 1 mm with the right and left side surfaces of the second gear38. That is, the right and left side surfaces of the second gear38, the first case rib85, the second case rib86, and the waterproof rib82are formed in a so-called labyrinth structure that has a complicated cross-sectional shape. The first case rib85, the second case rib86, and the waterproof rib82are concentric. Therefore, when the second gear38is rotated, the labyrinth structure is maintained. With the labyrinth structure, a liquid is inhibited from passing between the first case rib85or the second case rib86and the waterproof rib82.

(25) Gutter87and First Drain Port88

The rear surface of the second case rib86extends downward vertically along the plunger42on the rear side of the connecting plate40and the plunger42of the solenoid41. The vicinity of the lower end of the second case rib86extends seamlessly from the inner wall of the left side case47ato the inner wall of the right side case47band the lower surface serves as a gutter87forming a slope surface sloping to be gradually lowered from the inner wall of the right side case47bto the inner wall of the left side case47a. A part coming into contact with the gutter87of the inner wall of the left side case47ais opened to serve as a first drain port88.

(26) Third Case Rib89and Second Drain Port92

A third case rib89is provided on the opposite side of the plunger42of the solenoid41to the gutter87and the lower side of the second support shaft37. The third case rib89is erected integrally with the left side case47aand its lower end comes into contact with the lower surfaces of the left side case47aand the right side case47b. The third case rib89extends upward vertically from the lower end, is then bent in a direction close to the connecting plate40, and slopes up to the lower vicinity of the second support shaft37to extend up to a third case rib end106. A second drain port92is opened between the front surfaces of the third case rib89, and the left side case47aand the right side case47bon the lower surfaces of the left side case47aand the right side case47b.

(27) Molding of Case47

By forming the left side case47a, the right side case47b, and the upper surface case47cas resin-molded components, the drain ports88and92and liquid guide means such as the first case rib85, the second case rib86, the third case rib89, and the gutter87can be appropriately disposed to be integrated with the case. Therefore, there is the advantageous effect of reducing the number of components and realizing a simple configuration.

(28) Assembly Sequence of Interlock Unit26

Next, an example of an assembly sequence of the interlock unit26will be described.

The drive pin43is penetrated into the drive pin hole78to connect the connecting plate40and the plunger42of the solenoid41. The connecting shaft hole79of the connecting plate40is fitted in the connecting shaft39provided in the second gear38by the snap fitting. The solenoid41is screwed to the solenoid mounting part66provided integrally with the left side case47aand the second gear shaft hole81is threaded to the second support shaft37. One end of the pull spring45is hung in the first spring hook44and the other end thereof is hung in the second spring hook46. The first gear shaft hole90of the lock lever35is threaded to the first support shaft31and the plunger42is disposed to locate the lock lover35at a releasing position at the time of pulling by a predetermined amount, that is, an operation stroke amount, from the solenoid41by a pulling force of the pull spring45, so that the first gear32and the second gear38engage with each other, and the right side case47band the left side case47aare snap-fitted or fastened by screws.

FIG.8is a cross sectional view taken along the line A-A illustrating a locked state of the interlock unit inFIG.5A. As illustrated inFIG.8, since the first support shaft31, the second support shaft37, and the distal end of the first spring hook44are fitted in the corresponding recessed parts provided in the right side case47b, the first support shaft31, the second support shaft37, and the first spring hook44serve as a beam rather than a cantilever. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce stress occurring when an external force is received, and thus it is possible to realize the interlock unit with high reliability.

Next, after the lock part34passes to the through hole75provided in the upper surface case47c, the upper surface case47cis attached from the upper side between the upper surface case mounting parts69which are parts with wide widths of the upper surfaces of the left side case47aand the right side case47b. The through hole75is covered with the upper surface covers76. The upper surface covers76are provided on right and left sides and combined by so-called snap fitting from the inside of the through hole75by one pair of snap fit claws77projected outside.

Since the first support shaft31, the second support shaft37, the first spring hook44, and the solenoid mounting part66are all provided integrally with the left side case47a, the solenoid41and the drive connecting means53are mounted and held on the left side case47a, and then the right side case47band the upper surface case47ccan be mounted on the left side case47a. Therefore, the assembly is easy.

(29) Upper Surface Case47c

The recessed part49with a T-type shape provided on the upper surface case47chas a shape with a bottom surface50. Thus, foreign matters or a liquid is prevented from falling inside the case47from the recessed part49.

(30) Operation of Solenoid41

When the safety cover4is locked and power is cut due to abrupt power failure or the like during activation of the automated analyzer, the interlock is released and the safety cover4preferably enters an openable state. This is because postprocessing cannot be performed to take out remaining reagents if the safety cover4remains closed. This is because it is preferable to use a solenoid as a drive source rather than a motor as a configuration in which the interlock is released when power is cut, and a locked state transitions to a released state by the force of a return spring since a suction force of the solenoid disappears with the power failure as the characteristics. When the drive source is a motor, an operation is not performed at a locked position at which power is cut. Therefore, the safety cover4cannot be opened.

(31) Positional Relation Between Lock Lever35and Upper Surface Case47cor Upper Surface Cover76

When an operator opens the safety cover4and handles a liquid such as a reagent liquid, the operator can spill the liquid erroneously to the work surface22. When a watertight structure is realized so that a spilled liquid cannot be entered into the interlock unit26, the gap cannot be provided between the lock lever35and the upper surface case47cor the upper surface cover76. Therefore, for example, it is necessary to fill the gap with a watertight member formed of a rubber. However, with such a configuration, frictional resistance may occur upon pivoting the lock lever35, which disturbs an operation of the lock lever35. When a motor is used as the drive source, a speed is decreased by a gear or the like and a torque is increased in driving against the frictional resistance. However, when a solenoid is used, an operation stroke of the solenoid is small. Therefore, the solenoid is generally used without decreasing a speed, and thus it is preferable to reduce a drive load as much as possible. Therefore, the watertight member cannot be used and it is necessary to provide the gap between a pivoting member and a fixed member without disturbing an operation.

That is, since the lock lever35and the first gear32are integrally rotatable about the first support shaft31, a gap108is provided between the upper surface case47cor the upper surface cover76so that a backlash of about 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm, for example, is generated without disturbing the pivoting. Accordingly, when a liquid such as a reagent liquid is erroneously spilled near the lock lever35, the liquid can invade into the case from the gap108. The liquid invading into the case reaches, for example, the upper surface of the waterproof rib82via a tooth surface or a side surface of the second gear38along a tooth surface or a side surface of the first gear32. Since the upper surface of the waterproof rib82is cylindrical and the right and left side surfaces are configured as the labyrinth structure so that a liquid scarcely flows, as described above, a liquid on the upper surface of the waterproof rib82flows toward the first waterproof rib end83on the rear side or the second waterproof rib end84on the front side along the waterproof rib82.

(32) Drain Path

FIG.19is a cross sectional view taken along the line A-A of the interlock unit inFIG.5A, and is a view illustrating a drain path of a liquid that enters into the case. As indicated by arrows inFIG.19, a first liquid guide part is provided in which a liquid flowing to the first waterproof rib end83on the rear side on the upper surface of the waterproof rib82drops inside the gutter87from the first waterproof rib end83and drains from a first drain port88to the outside of the case. A second liquid guide part is provided in which a liquid flowing to the second waterproof rib end84on the front side on the upper surface of the waterproof rib82drops between the front surface of the case and the third case rib89from the second waterproof rib end84and drains from the second drain port92to the outside of the case.

(33) Liquid Guide Means

The labyrinth structure including the waterproof rib82, the waterproof rib82, the first case rib85, and the second case rib86, the gutter87, and the third case rib89described above form liquid guide means. Thus, there is the advantageous effect in which a liquid invading into the case drains from the first drain port88or the second drain port92to the outside of the case47so that the liquid does not flow to the solenoid41.

(34) Unlocked State

FIG.5Ais a top view illustrating an unlocked state of an interlock unit according to the first embodiment andFIG.5Bis a cross sectional view taken along the line A-A inFIG.5A.FIG.6is a perspective view illustrating the unlocked state of the interlock unit andFIG.7is a perspective view. In a state illustrated inFIGS.5A to7, energization to the solenoid41is released, the second gear38is rotated clockwise inFIG.5Bby a spring force of the pull spring45, and the plunger42is in a state in which the plunger42is pulled at a maximum from the solenoid41via the connecting plate40. The first gear32is rotated counterclockwise inFIG.5B, and the supporting part33and the upper surfaces of the pair of lock parts34are accommodated in the recessed part49provided on the work surface22to be flush with the work surface22. The recessed part49is formed in the T-type shape when viewed from the upper side so that the T-shaped lock lever35can be accommodated and is formed to be large with a gap of about 1 mm, for example, from the circumference of the outer shape of the lock lever35without interference with the outer circumference of the lock lever35.

That is, since the lock part34does not work on the lock receiving means25provided on the safety cover4in this state, the user can freely open and close the safety cover4in the locked state.

(35) Locked State

FIG.8is a cross sectional view taken along the line A-A illustrating a locked state of the interlock unit inFIG.5AandFIG.9is a perspective view illustrating a locked state of the interlock unit.FIG.10is a cross sectional view taken along the line B-B inFIG.8andFIG.11is across sectional view taken along the line C-C inFIG.8.

A state illustrated inFIGS.8to11is a locked state of the safety cover4. In the closed state of the safety cover4, the solenoid41is energized to suck the plunger42with a force greater than the spring force of the pull spring45, move the connecting plate40and the connecting shaft39via the drive pin43in a direction close to the solenoid41, and rotate the second gear38counterclockwise inFIG.8. Since the first gear32engages with the second gear38, the first gear32is rotated clockwise, the supporting part33and the lock part34rises from the work surface22, and the safety cover4comes into contact with the lock receiving base30to stop above the pair of lock receiving means25provided on the rear side of the handle27. When the user hooks his or her finger on the handle27to raise and open the front surface of the safety cover4in this state, the lock receiving means25ascends along with the front surface of the safety cover4and the upper surfaces of the pair of right and left lock receiving means25come into contact with the lower surfaces of the corresponding right and left lock parts34to stop the opening of the safety cover4. That is, the safety cover4is in the locked state in which the safety cover4cannot be opened.

(36) Disposition of Lock Lever35, First Gear32, Second Gear38, Connecting Plate40, Plunger42, and Solenoid41

The lock lever35, the first gear32, the second gear38, the connecting plate40, plunger42, and the solenoid41are disposed on the same surface which is bilaterally symmetric. Therefore, when an external force is added to the lock lever35in the up and down directions, a force for movement in the right and left directions does not occur and only a tensile force is generated in the connecting plate40. Therefore, an operation is stabilized and it is possible to provide the interlock unit with high reliability. When the right and left width of the interlock unit26is set to be small, the first support shaft31and the second support shaft37can be shortened. Therefore, it is possible to reduce stress, appropriate miniaturization can be achieved, and it is possible to realize the interlock unit26with high reliability.

(37) EMC Countermeasures

The safety cover4is configured to be rotatable around the cover support shaft28. Therefore, when the safety cover4is formed of a resin, it is difficult to electrically ground the lock receiving means25or the lock receiving base30provided in the safety cover4since it is necessary to connect an earth line. Since the lock lever35or the connecting drive member are pivotable components, the lock lever35or the connecting drive member have a structure which is difficult to electrically ground.

Accordingly, as well as the lock lever35, the lock receiving means25, the lock receiving base30, structure components included in the interlock unit26including the case47are also formed as components molded of a resin other than metal components. Therefore, electro magnetic interference (EMI) is not given therearound and electro magnetic susceptibility (EMS) is improved, whereby it is possible to provide the highly reliable automated analyzer with excellent electro magnetic compatibility (EMC) capable of achieving a reduction of noise mixing even when a cable or the like in which a minute signal passes is disposed near the interlock unit26.

(38) Mounting Surface and External Force Working Surface

Next, the preferred disposition of the mounting bracket59, the casing frame55, and the mounting seats67,67of the interlock unit26, will be described with reference toFIGS.13and4.

FIG.13is a side view illustrating the locked state of the interlock unit. As illustrated inFIG.13, since the mounting seats67,67of the case47are provided almost immediately below the lock receiving means25provided in the safety cover4, the mounting bracket59is also provided almost immediately below the lock receiving means25. Accordingly, when the user adds an upward external force to open the safety cover4in the locked state, the external force is transmitted from the lock part34engaging with the lock receiving means25to the left side case47aand the right side case47bvia the first support shaft31and is further transmitted to the mounting bracket59via the mounting seats67,67. Here, since the lock receiving means25, the mounting seats67,67and the mounting bracket59are disposed on substantially the same surface vertically, the external force is applied as a tensile load to the mounting bracket59and a bending moment is not generated. Accordingly, when an upward external force is received, an out-of-plane deformation force for moving the interlock unit26in the front and rear directions is not applied. Therefore, even when the external force is received, the interlock unit26is stable. Further, since the mounting bracket59is mounted on the casing frame55as inFIG.4, the external force is not transmitted to the work surface22and does not cause deformation of the work surface22. Since the upward external force is transmitted to the robust casing frame55via the mounting bracket59, it is possible to provide the automated analyzer with large support rigidity and high reliability.

(39) Capping Effect of Upper Surface Case47c

Next, a load applied to the left side case47aand the right side case47bwill be described with reference toFIG.14.FIG.14is a rear view of the locked state of the interlock unit. An upward load is generated in the lock lever35via the lock receiving means25when an operator attempts to open the safety cover4in the locked state. Thus, the load is applied to the first support shaft31. The first support shaft31is molded of a resin to be integrated with the left side case47a, is fitted in the first support bearing part63which is the recessed part forming the distal end in the right side case47b, and thus serves as a so-called beam. Here, when an upward load is applied to the first support shaft31and a fastening force lacks between the left side case47aand the right side case47b, the left side case47aand the right side case47bare bent in a mutually opening direction, as illustrated inFIG.14because the left side case47aand the right side case47bare formed of a resin. Then, the distal end of the first support shaft31deviates from the fitting of the recessed part and the first support shaft31becomes a cantilever shape. Compared to the beam form, bending stress occurring in the root of the first support shaft31becomes large and there is concern of breakage.

Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG.11, the upper surface case47cis configured to cover the upper surfaces of the left side case47aand the right side case47band the cross sectional shape of the upper surface case47cis set as the U-shaped case opening prevention part91of which a lower surface is opened with large dimensions by providing gaps from the right and left widths of the left side case47aand the right side case47b. That is, the case opening prevention part91is fitted from the outside to prevent deformation of the upper surfaces of the left side case47aand the right side case47bin the right and left outside directions. Therefore, when an upward load is applied to the lock lever35, the left side case47aand the right side case47bare not opened outside and the distal end of the first support shaft31does not deviate from the first support bearing part63which is the recessed part provided in the right side case47b. Therefore, the first support shaft31does not become a cantilever and there is no breakage. It is possible to provide the automated analyzer with high rigidity and high reliability.

In this way, by mounting the upper surface case47c, it is possible to obtain the rigidity between the left side case47aand the right side case47b. Therefore, the left side case47aand the right side case47bmay be fitted by snap fitting for assembly without being mutually screwed.

(40) Acute Angle Effect of Lock Receiving Means25

Next, the detailed shapes of the lock part34and the lock receiving means25will be described with reference toFIGS.15and16.FIGS.15and16are cross sectional views taken along the line A-A illustrating the locked state of the lock means26of the safety cover4, and is a partially enlarged view near a lock lever part.

InFIG.15, the upper surface of the lock receiving means25is a slope surface of which a height increases away from the front surface of the safety cover4, and an angle θ1 formed between the vertical surface and the upper surface of the lock receiving means25is an acute angle less than 90 degrees. Further, for a surface close to the supporting part33of the lock part34which is a part of the lock lever35, an angle formed with the vertical surface in the rising state of the lock lever is substantially equal to θ1 and is an acute angle less than 90 degrees.

That is, since the angle between the lower surface of the lock part34and the upper surface of the lock receiving means25coming into contact with each other is set as an acute angle, a reaction force generated from the safety cover4opened by the user in the locked state works in a direction in which the lock part34and the lock receiving means25are led in and close. Therefore, the engagement of the lock part34and the lock receiving means25becomes stronger and the locked state can be reliably maintained.

(41) Effect of Protrusion of the Lock Receiving Means25

As illustrated inFIG.16, a protruding part51which is smooth upward is provided at the rear end which is the most distant from the front surface of the safety cover4of the lock receiving means25.FIG.16illustrates, for example, a case in which a voltage applied to the solenoid41decreases, the lock lever35is not pivoted up to the rising state of the lock lever35illustrated inFIG.15and is pivoted up to an angle θ2 less than the right angle. In this case, the protruding part51comes into contact with a semicylindrical part on the rears surface side of the lock part34, a reaction force is oriented in a direction perpendicular to a contact surface upon opening the safety cover4and works in a direction away from the first support shaft31by a radius R, and a moment is produced in a direction in which the lock lever35is close to the lock receiving base30. Accordingly, the lock lever35does not deviate and the locked state can be maintained.

(42) T-Type Shape Effect

In the embodiment, the lock lever35is configured as the lock lever35that has a substantial T-type shape in which a pair of lock parts34extend to both sides from the supporting part33in the substantial L-type shape in which the lock part34extends to one side from the supporting part33. Operations and effects of the substantial L-type shape and the substantial T-type shape will be described with reference toFIGS.17A and17B.

FIG.17Aillustrates the lock lever35with the substantial L-type shape in which the lock part34protrudes only to the left side from the supporting part33in a state in which a reaction force F is applied when the safety cover4is opened. Since the reaction force F is applied to only the left lock part34, a bending moment M for bending the lock lever35to the right is produced and the lock lever35is bent to the right and moved to the right. Therefore, the engagement of the lock part34and the lock receiving means25easily deviates. Further, since tensile stress is applied to the supporting part33due to the reaction force F and bending stress is produced by the bending moment M, the stress on the lock lever35becomes large.

FIG.17Billustrates a state in which the reaction force F is applied to the lock lever35with the substantial T-type shape according to the embodiment when the safety cover4is opened.

The reaction force F is applied equally (F/2) to the pair of right and left lock parts34. Since the reaction force (F/2) is applied to the supporting part33bilaterally symmetrically, a force for movement to one of the right and left does not occur and the lock lever35becomes stable. When the reaction force (F/2) works at a position deviated from the bilateral symmetric position, a moment produced in the supporting part33is merely a product of a deviation amount from the symmetric position and the reaction force. Therefore, the bending moment is small and only the tensile force mostly works.

In the lock lever35with the substantial T-type shape, the tensile force by the reaction force F is dominant in the supporting part33and the bending moment is small. Accordingly, there are advantageous effects in which the stress occurring in the lock lever35is less than that of the lock lever35with the substantial L-type shape illustrated inFIG.17Aeven when the reaction force F is the same, and it is possible to provide the automated analyzer with high reliability.

(43) Dimensions of Lock Lever35

A preferred dimension relationship between the lock parts34of the lock lever35and the lock receiving means25will be described with reference toFIGS.18A and18B.FIGS.18A and18Bare schematic views illustrating a state in which an upward external force upon opening the safety cover4is applied in a state in which interlock acts and the safety cover4is fully shifted to the left. InFIGS.18A and18B, L1 indicates an internal width of the lock receiving means25. L2 indicates a width of a straight part of a side of the lower surface of the lock part34coming into contact with the lock receiving means25and indicates a width of a straight part up to the R part at the distal end of the lock part34. A difference betweenFIGS.18A and18Bis that because of the large distal end R of the lock part34, L2 is small, the width L1 of the lock receiving means25is large, and a relationship of L1>L2 is satisfied inFIG.18A. InFIG.18B, because of a small distal end R′ of the lock part34, L2 is large, the width L1 of the lock receiving means25is small, and a relationship of L1<L2 is satisfied.

InFIG.18A, when the external force F is applied to the lock lever35and a load is divided equally and applied by F/2 to the right and left lock receiving means25, the illustrated left lock receiving means25comes into contact with the distal end R of the lock part34. Therefore, the left lock receiving means25is shifted upward along the distal end R and moves while being deformed, and the lock becomes off in some cases. On the other hand, as illustrated inFIG.18B, when the relationship of L1<L2 is satisfied, the left lock receiving means25is not shifted up to the position of the distal end R′ and comes into contact with the straight part of the lower surface of the lock part34. Therefore, when the load F is applied, the lock receiving means25is not deviated and it is possible to provide the analyzer with high reliability.

The state in which the safety cover4is shifted to the left has been described above. Conversely, when the safety cover4is shifted to the right, the same operation is performed due to the bilateral symmetry.

(44) Overrun Effect

FIG.20is a cross sectional view taken along the line A-A in the locked state of the safety cover interlock means and a partially enlarged view near the lock lever part, and illustrates a state in which the operator applies a force to the handle27of the safety cover4to the front so that the safety cover4is bent and moved to the front. Since the lock receiving means25is also moved to the front along with the safety cover4, it is preferable to pivot the lock part34more by an angle θ3 to the front than in the rising state of the lock lever35. Even when the safety cover4is in a bent state, the lock part34and the lock receiving means25reliably engage. This configuration can be realized by appropriately selecting an operation amount of the plunger42and the dimensions of the first gear32and the second gear38so that the lock lever35is pivoted more by the angle θ3 from the rising state of the lock lever35when the plunger42of the solenoid41is sucked at a maximum.

(45) Disposition of Interlock Unit26

In the embodiment, the interlock unit26is disposed in the middle of the front surface of the safety cover. Therefore, when the interlock unit26works and the safety cover is locked, the middle is engaged. Therefore, even when a force in an opening direction is applied to the vicinity of the right and left side surfaces of the safety cover, a body cover is rarely deformed and bent and a gap is opened between the body and the lower end of the body cover.

The lock receiving means25is configured to protrude backward from the inside of the safety cover4and the lock lever35is pivoted to be close in front from the inside on the front surface of the safety cover4from the work surface22and works on and locks the lock receiving unit25. Therefore, a protrusion amount of the lock receiving means25is reduced and miniaturization is achieved, and the lock receiving means25can have a smooth shape which is not a hook shape or a flange shape.

Further, the lock receiving means25is disposed to the rear of the handle27. Therefore, when the operator applies a force in the opening direction to the handle27during the lock, an operation of opening the safety cover4is inhibited reliably, which is therefore appropriate.

When the lock means26does not work, the lock lever35is flush with the work surface22. Therefore, when the safety cover4is opened, the claw of the lock lever which has a hook shape or a flange shape does not protrude from the work surface22. Therefore, there is no interference when the work surface22is cleaned using a cleaning tool such as a cloth or a brush.

Further, the recessed part accommodating the lock lever35of the upper surface cover76has a part with the bottom surface and prevents a liquid or foreign matters from falling from the recessed part.

(46) Drain Structure

The liquid guide means is provided in the drive connecting member connecting the actuator to the lock lever and the drain port is provided in the case. Therefore, a liquid such as a water or a reagent invading into the case from the gap around the lock lever provided in the upper surface cover76is drained to the outside of the case from the drain port via the liquid guide means, and thus does not reach the actuator provided in the lower end of the case. Therefore, it is possible to provide the interlock unit which has a simple structure, can be miniaturized, and has high reliability and the automated analyzer including the interlock unit.

(47) Lock Fault Releasing

An example of an operation of releasing the lock mechanically and opening the safety cover4in a case in which the interlock unit26remains in the locked state, for example, because of non-releasing of the energization caused by a fault of a circuit will be described.FIG.21is a cross sectional view illustrating an operation when releasing an abnormal lock state of the interlock unit.

In the embodiment, there is no step or protrusion which is an obstacle between a lower surface of handle94of the handle on the front surface of the safety cover4and the work surface22, and a release piece95can be inserted from the front until the release piece95comes into contact with the lock lever35from the gap between the lower surface of handle94of the handle and the work surface22. When the release piece95is further pushed backward, the lock lever35is pivoted backward around the first support shaft31via the release piece95and the lock part34is separated from the lock receiving means25. Therefore, in this state, the safety cover4can be opened.

As described above, even when a special mechanical lock releasing mechanism is not included and the interlock unit26is broken down and does not operate in the locked state, the lock of the lock lever35can be released. Before the broken interlock unit26is repaired or exchanged, the safety cover4can be opened to switch a reagent, acquire a specimen, or the like.

Here, the foregoing operation is in a situation in which the releasing cannot be performed in the locked state, the lock lever35is not anchored and can be pivoted backward in this case.

(48) Exchange of Interlock Unit26

Next, a configuration in which the broken interlock unit26can be easily exchanged even in a case in which the interlock unit26is broken down and does not operate in the locked state and the lock lever35is fixed and is not moved will be described.

In the embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.4or13, the interlock unit26is fixed to the mounting bracket59fixed to the casing frame55by the mounting screws61from the front and is fixed to be detachably mounted via a front surface opening formed in the front surface when the front plate56is detached. As illustrated inFIGS.2and3, the interlock unit26is disposed near the rear part of the front plate56of the casing21. Therefore, when the front plate56is detached, the interlock unit26can be easily visually observed. The mounting screws61can be mounted within the range of the front surface opening below the work surface so that the mounting screws61can be directly viewed from the front surface. Therefore, even when the safety cover4is in a closed state, the mounting screws61can be detached with the driver62. Further, when a connected connector54supplying electricity to the solenoid41is detached while the interlock unit26being moved downward in front, the broken interlock unit26can be separated in a short time from the casing21. Since the interlock unit26operating normally can also be mounted in a reverse order, it is possible to provide the automated analyzer with good maintenability. When the broken interlock unit26is detached, it is needless to say that the safety cover4can be opened at this time point.

(49) Vertical Pile Disposition

As described above, as a shape of the interlock unit26in which it is easy to detach or mount the interlock unit26from the front surface, the interlock unit26preferably has a vertically long shape in which dimensions are small in the front and rear directions although dimensions are large in the up and down directions. Conversely, despite a horizontally long shape in which dimensions are large in the front and rear directions, a deep dimension becomes large when the interlock unit26is detached. The interlock unit26cannot be detached when not moved considerably to the front. The upper surface of the upper surface cover76is fitted in the opening of the work surface22when the mounting of the interlock unit26is completed. Therefore, there is a problem that the interlock unit26is easily caught at the time of detaching or mounting.

On the other hand, in the case of the vertically long shape, when the lower side of the interlock unit26is moved downward while pivoted in front after the detaching of the mounting screws61, the fitting of the upper surface and the opening of the work surface22is deviated and the interlock unit26can easily be detached with a slight movement amount.

That is, the lock lever35which is an action member acting on the lock receiving means25is provided on the upper surface of the interlock unit26. The solenoid41which is electromagnetic drive means is disposed at the lower end to be vertically long so that an operation direction of the plunger42becomes the up and down directions. Further, the first gear32, the second gear38, the connecting plate40, the pull spring45, and the like are provided between the lock lever35and the solenoid41. The drive connecting means moving in connection is provided so that the lock lever35is moved between a non-operating position and an operating position in accordance with energization to the solenoid41. Therefore, the interlock unit26has the vertically long shape in which a depth is overall small and which is large in the up and down directions.

(50) Position at which Solenoid41is Mounted

Since the solenoid41is disposed below the case47to be exposed to the outside air, heat dissipation is better compared to a case in which the solenoid41is disposed inside the case47. Even when the locked state continues for a long time, temperature is not high. Therefore, it is possible to realize the interlock unit26with high reliability without being overheated. When the solenoid41is disposed on the bottom surface of the case47, a liquid invading into the case47is likely to gather on the bottom surface of the case and invade into the solenoid41. On the other hand, in the embodiment, the drain ports in contact with the bottom surface of the case47are provided at positions higher than the solenoid41so that a liquid does not gather inside the case47. Since the liquid drained from the drain ports88and92is discharged to the outside of the case, the solenoid41does not immerge in the liquid, and thus it is possible to realize the interlock unit26with high reliability.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG.22. In the drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same members as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG.22is a perspective view illustrating the second gear38used in the interlock unit26. Differences from the first embodiment are that a lower side of the waterproof rib82forming a part of the second gear38is a slope side which is not horizontal in the right and left directions and the first waterproof rib end83has a sharp shape. With such a shape, a liquid dropping on the waterproof rib82reaches the first waterproof rib end83along the slope side and drops from the first waterproof rib end83. When the first waterproof rib end83has the sharp shape, the amount of liquid remaining in the first waterproof rib end83is smaller than in a case of a horizontal shape. Therefore, it is possible to provide the interlock unit26with high reliability in which draining is improved. Alternatively, a first waterproof rib end83′ may slope to one direction of the right and left. In this case, a liquid flows close to the downward sloping inner wall of the side surface of the case along the first waterproof rib end83′ and flows along an inner wall of the side surface of the case by a surface tension of the liquid. Here, since a slope direction of the first waterproof rib end83′ slopes downward in a direction close to the first drain port88, the draining is further improved, and thus this is preferable.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS.23to26.

Differences between the embodiment and the first embodiment are that a lock lever cover part52that is projected upward from the work surface22and is opened in front, the lock lever35does not have a T-type shape and the lock part34that has a hook shape at the upper end is provided, and the upper surface of the lock lever35is not flush with the work surface22in an unlocked state, and the lock lever35is at the standby position in the lock lever cover part52in the unlocked state.

FIG.23is a cross sectional view taken along the line A-A inFIG.5Ain an unlocked state of an interlock unit according to a third embodiment andFIG.24is a perspective view.FIG.25is across sectional view taken along the line A-A inFIG.5Aof a locked state of the interlock unit andFIG.26is a perspective view. In the drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same members as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the embodiment, the lock receiving means25is provided at one position facing the lock lever35rather than a pair of right and left lock receiving means25.

When the connecting shaft39is provided integrally with the lock lever35and the plunger42is sucked to the solenoid41, the lock part34with the hook shape at the distal end of the lock lever35is pivoted in front around the first support shaft31via the connecting plate40and the connecting shaft39and engages with the lock receiving means25. The lock receiving means25is provided at one position corresponding to the lock lever35rather than the pair of lock receiving means25.

A waterproof rib96is provided in the connecting plate40connecting the drive pin43of the plunger42to the connecting shaft39and slopes so that the front side is high and the rear side is low. One end of the rear side is further bent downward and the lower end serves as a waterproof rib end97. In a fourth case rib98, a lower end is integrated with the bottom surface of the case47and an upper end is disposed in the rear of the connecting plate40and in front of the waterproof rib end97. A drain port99is provided between the fourth case rib98and a rear lower end part of the case47.

A liquid invading into the case from the gap around the lock lever35flows backward along the slope of the upper surface of the waterproof rib82, drops on the fourth case rib98from the waterproof rib end97, and drains from the drain port99to the outside of the case47.

InFIGS.23and24, the plunger42of the solenoid41is moved in a direction of separation from the solenoid41by the pull spring45, the lock lever35is pivoted counterclockwise in the drawing around the first support shaft31, the lock part34with the hook shape provided at the upper end of the lock lever35is separated from the lock receiving means25, the lock part34and the lock receiving means25do not engage, and thus an operator is in an unlocked state in which the safety cover4is openable.

InFIGS.25and26, the solenoid41is energized and the plunger42gets sucked to the solenoid41against a tensile force by the pull spring45. Since the connecting shaft39is moved in a direction close to the solenoid41via the connecting plate40, the lock lever35is pivoted clockwise in the drawing around the first support shaft31and the lock part34is moved above the lock receiving means25. This state is the locked state similar toFIG.9in the first embodiment.

In the embodiment, in the unlocked state, the lock lever35is not flush with the work surface and the lock lever cover part52is in a state in which the lock lever35is accommodated in the lock lever cover part52. A pivoting angle of the lock lever35from the unlocked state to the locked state is less than in the first embodiment. Therefore, there is an advantageous effect in which the first gear32and the second gear38provided in the first embodiment are not necessary, the number of components is small, and thus the configuration is simple.

In the foregoing configuration according to the embodiment, the lock part34and the lock receiving means25engage at an acute angle, as illustrated inFIG.15of the first embodiment, the lock receiving means25includes the protruding part51, as illustrated inFIG.16, and the lock lever35is pivoted more by the angle θ3, as illustrated inFIG.20. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the lock part34and the lock receiving means25can engage more reliably.

In the embodiment, the mechanical lock releasing is possible, as illustrated inFIG.21, as in the first embodiment. When the front plate56is excluded from the casing21, as illustrated inFIG.3, it is needless to say that the interlock unit26can be detachably mounted.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS.27A and27B.

FIG.27Ais a top view of the interlock unit26in an unlocked state according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention andFIG.27Bis a cross sectional view taken along the line A-A inFIG.5A.

Differences between the embodiment and the first embodiment are that a hole IC100detecting magnetism is provided on the lower surface of the upper surface cover76and, for example, a magnet101is provided on the lower surface of the handle of the safety cover4and at a position facing the hole IC100when the safety cover4is closed.

When the safety cover4is closed, the hole IC100detects magnetism and transmits a signal. When the safety cover4is opened, the magnet101comes to be distant and the hole IC100does not detect magnetism. Therefore, the signal is cut off. With the configuration, opening and closing detection of the safety cover4can be embedded in the interlock unit26. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an opening and closing detection element separately. A wiring from the hole IC100and a wiring from the solenoid41can gather in one connector54. Therefore, the configuration is simple and higher reliability can be achieved.

Fifth Embodiment

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG.28.

FIG.28is a perspective view of an interlock unit according to the embodiment. The embodiment is a modification of the form of the lock lever35. Differences between the embodiment and the first embodiment are that the shape of the lock lever35does not have the substantial T-type shape, two right and left supporting parts33aand33bare provided to be symmetric, and the distal ends of the supporting parts33aand33bare connected to serve as the lock part34extending in the right and left directions. Unlike the lock receiving means25which is provided at two bilateral symmetric positions in the first embodiment, the lock receiving means25is provided only one position in the middle. When the lock lever35rises, working is performed on the lock part34.

In the embodiment, the safety cover4can be locked reliably as in the first embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to provide the automated analyzer with high reliability in which the interlock unit26can be easily detached and mounted.

Modification of Fifth Embodiment

A modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS.29A and29B.

FIG.29Ais a top view illustrating an unlocked state of an interlock unit according to a modification of the fifth embodiment andFIG.29Bis a cross sectional view taken along the line D-D inFIG.29A.

As illustrated inFIGS.29A and29, the lock lever35that has the shape described in the fifth embodiment is provided on the upper surface of the case47as the lock lever35which is an action member, the solenoid41which is an actuator is provided backward on the rear surface of the case47, the drive connecting means53for transmitting a drive force is provided between the action member and the actuator, and the action member, the drive connecting means53, and the actuator are disposed in a front and rear row. In this case, it is possible to obtain the same advantageous effects as those of the fifth embodiment.

Sixth Embodiment

A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG.30.

Differences between the embodiment and the third embodiment are that the lock receiving means25is provided not on the rear surface of the handle27of the safety cover4but on the rear side of a safety cover front lower part102extending downward from the front surface of the handle27.

InFIG.30, the lock lever35is disposed below the work surface22. The lock part34faces the lock receiving means25, protrudes toward the rear surface of the safety cover front lower part102from the front surface opening of a step part103provided between the work surface22and the front plate56of the casing21, works on the lock receiving means25, and locks the safety cover4. A liquid invading from the periphery of the lock lever35flows frontward along the slope of the upper surface of the waterproof rib96provided in the connecting plate40, drops between the inner front surface of the case47and a fifth case rib104rising from the bottom surface of the case, and is discharged from the drain port99.

FIG.31is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a part related to a driving operation of the interlock unit according to the embodiment.

A driving signal is transmitted from the host computer200that controls an operation of the entire automated analyzer1to a driver201that drives the solenoid41, power is supplied to the driver201, and the solenoid41can be driven based on the driving signal from the host computer200. The door opening and closing detection202is connected to power supplies203and power is supplied when the safety cover4is closed, and power is cut off when the safety cover4is opened. A display means204can display an operation status of the automated analyzer1or display an alarm to inform the operator of the alarm when abnormality is detected.

FIG.32is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the interlock unit according to the embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.32, the automated analyzer1performs the following process when driven. That is, it is determined whether a start switch of the automated analyzer1is operated (step S101). When a determination result is NO, the determination of step S101is repeated until the start switch is operated.

When a determination result is YES in step S101, that is, an instruction to start the process is given, it is determined through the door opening and closing detection202whether the safety cover4is closed (step S102). When a determination result is NO, the determination of step S102is repeated until the determination result becomes YES.

Conversely, when a determination result is YES in step S102, that is, the safety cover4is closed, it is checked that the safety cover4is closed (step S103), the solenoid41is energized to lock the safety cover4(cover lock) (step S104).

Subsequently, the automated analyzer1is driven to analyze a sample (step S105). When the analysis is completed, a stop switch is manipulated to start the stopping process (step S106).

It is determined whether an operation of each part of the automated analyzer1is stopped (step S107). When a determination result is NO, the process of step S107is repeated until the determination result becomes YES.

Conversely, when the determination result is YES in step S107, the energization of the solenoid41is shut off (step S108), the process ends. When the lock of the solenoid41is released, the safety cover4enters an openable state. Therefore, it is possible to acquire, exchange, or supply a sample or a reagent.

Advantageous Effects

The advantageous effects in the foregoing configurations according to the present invention will be summarized.

That is, in the present invention, the lock lever35is disposed to face in the front and rear directions in parallel to the work surface22when the lock is released. The recessed part in which the lock lever35is accommodated upon releasing the lock is provided on the upper surface case47cflush with the work surface22. The upper surface of the lock lever35has a planar shape and is flush with the work surface22to have the smooth shape. Therefore, when the safety cover4is opened in the unlocked state, there is no protrusion from the work surface22, and thus there is no interference when an operator opens the safety cover4to clean or exchange the various operating mechanism groups29, clean the work surface22, and exchange the reagent bottle3. A cleaning tool such as a cloth or a brush is not caught when the work surface22is cleaned. Therefore, there is an advantageous effect in which it is possible to provide the automated analyzer which can be easily used.

In the present invention, the lock receiving means25provided to protrude to the rear surface of the front side of the safety cover4or the handle27is formed in the smooth shape rather than the hook shape. Therefore, since a cleaning tool such as a cloth or a brush is not caught, there is an advantageous effect in which it is possible to provide the automated analyzer which can be easily used.

The lock lever35has the substantial T-type shape in which the lock parts34protrude to the right and left from the supporting part33. When the safety cover4attempts to be opened, the reaction force F produced in the lock lever35is applied to the supporting part33in the bilateral symmetry. Therefore, a force moving the lock lever35to any of the right and left is not produced, and thus the lock lever35becomes stable. The tensile stress is dominant in the supporting part33and the bending moment is small. Therefore, the stress is small, and thus there is an advantageous effect in which it is possible to provide the automated analyzer1with high reliability.

The width L2 of the straight part of the side of the lower surface of the lock part34coming into contact with the lock receiving means25is greater than the inner width L1 of the lock receiving means25. Thus, when an upward external force is applied in an opening direction in the state in which the safety cover4is shifted to the right or left, the lock is not deviated, and thus there is an advantageous effect in which it is possible to provide the automated analyzer1with high reliability.

Since the lock part34is further pivoted more by the angle θ3 in front than the rising state of the lock lever35, there is an advantageous effect in which it is possible to provide the automated analyzer1with high reliability in which the engagement of the lock part34and the lock receiving means25is reliable even in the bent state of the safety cover4and the safety cover4can be closed reliably in the locked state.

The recessed part49which is provided in the upper surface case47cand accommodates the lock part34is configured to have the bottom surface and thus prevent a liquid or foreign matters from falling from the recessed part49. Therefore, there is an advantageous effect in which it is possible to provide the automated analyzer with a simple configuration and high reliability.

The lock lever35and the drive connecting means53are configured as the interlock unit26covered with the case47molded of a resin. Therefore, assembly or exchanging work is easy on the basis of units, and thus there is an advantageous effect in which it is possible to provide the automated analyzer with a simple configuration and high reliability.

The lock lever35which is an action member is provided on the upper surface of the case47of the interlock unit26to be rotatable, the solenoid41which is an actuator is provided on the lower surface of the case47, the drive connecting means53for transmitting a drive force is provided between the action member and the actuator, and the action member, the drive connecting means53, and the actuator are disposed in a front and rear row. Therefore, a projection area when viewed from the upper side can be set to be small, the casing21can be appropriately miniaturized in the configuration, and the dimensions in the front and rear directions can be set to be small. Therefore, there is an advantageous effect in which the interlock unit26can be disposed along the front plate56in the rear part near the front plate56of the casing21.

In the case47, the range of the rising side wall of the supporting shaft that supports the gear or the spring is narrower than the width of the upper surface case mounting parts69aand69band the length of the supporting shaft that supports the gear or the spring is shortened. Therefore, it is possible to reduce stress occurring when a load is applied, and it is possible to realize the interlock unit with high reliability.

The solenoid41which is the electromagnetic drive means is provided below the case47to be exposed to the outside air. Therefore, heat dissipation is better compared to a case in which the solenoid41is disposed inside the case. Even when the solenoid41continues to be energized, overheating does not occur. Therefore, it is possible to realize the interlock unit with high reliability.

The drain port discharging a liquid to the outside of the case47and the liquid guide means for guiding the liquid to the drain port are provided when a liquid such as a reagent flows and invades into the case47from the gap of the upper surface of the case47. Therefore, there is an advantageous effect in which no liquid flows in the solenoid41, and thus it is possible to provide the automated analyzer with high reliability.

The case47includes the left side case47a, the right side case47b, and the upper surface case47cwhich are each molded of a resin. The rotational support shafts31and37of the gears or the spring hook44are molded integrally with the case. Since the first gear32and the lock lever35are molded integrally and the second gear38and the waterproof rib82are molded integrally, there is an advantageous effect in which the number of components can be reduced and the configuration can be realized at low cost. Further, by covering the outside of the upper surfaces of the left side case47aand the right side case47bwith the case opening prevention part91in which the outer circumference of the upper surface case47cextends downward, it is possible to prevent deformation of the left side case47aand the right side case47bin the opening direction even when a load is applied upward to the lock lever35. Accordingly, since the first support shaft31is prevented from becoming a cantilever and being damaged, there is an advantageous effect in which it is possible to provide the automated analyzer with high reliability. Further, since the rigidity of the left side case47aand the right side case47bcan be obtained by the case opening prevention part91of the upper surface case47c, the left side case47aand the right side case47bcan be engaged to be assembled by only so-called snap fitting without being screwed and the configuration can be realized at low cost.

When the lock lever35enters an abnormal state without being returned in the locked state, the release piece95can be inserted into the gap between the lower side of the safety cover4and the work surface22and the lock lever35can be pressed from the front to pivot backward the lock lever35, so that the lock is released and the safety cover4can be opened. Accordingly, even when the interlock unit is broken down, the abnormal lock can be released easily. Therefore, it is possible to provide the automated analyzer which is easily used.

Since the interlock unit26is screwed to the mounting bracket59mounted on the casing frame55from the front, the mounting and detaching are easy and the assembly and maintenability are good. Further, when the lock lever35is anchored and enters a non-returned state, the lock lever35is detachably mounted via the front surface opening formed in the front surface when the front plate56of the casing is detached. Therefore, since the screws are detached from the front side and the interlock unit26can be detached downward in front, the unit can be exchanged in a short time and the maintenability is good.

The drive source connected to the drive connecting means53is the solenoid41, but the present invention is not limited to the solenoid. The drive source may be a motor such as a stepping motor, a direct-current motor, or an alternating-current motor. For example, deceleration means such as a spur gear or a worm gear may be further provided between the motor and the lock lever. Alternatively, the actuator operated by compressed air or hydraulic pressure may serve as the drive source.

The lock lever35pivoting around the shaft in the right and left direction has been exemplified as the action member, but the present invention is not limited to the lock lever. An action member that is repeatedly projected and withdrawn in the up and down directions, the right and left directions, or the front and rear directions may be used, or a rotational member that rotates around a rotational shaft in the up and down directions may be used.

The unit mounting surface93of the mounting bracket59and the mounting seats67,67of the interlock unit26extend in the up and down directions, and the mounting screws61are mounted and detached in front in the horizontal direction, as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to such as form. For example, the unit mounting surface93and the mounting seats67,67may slope backward at the upper end than at the lower end and a driver may be inserted obliquely from the upper side to mount or detach screws.

<Supplements>

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention and all the above-described configurations may not be included. Some of the embodiments may be replaced with configurations of the other embodiments. The configurations of the other embodiments can also be added to some of the embodiments. Some of the configurations of the embodiment may be omitted.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1: automated analyzer2: reagent disk3: reagent bottle4: safety cover5: sample conveying means6: sample dispensing means7: chip rack (sample dispensing chip and reaction container supply means)8: sample dispensing chip and reaction container conveying means9: incubator10: sample dispensing chip11: sample dispensing chip buffer12: sample dispensing chip and reaction container disposal hole13: reaction solution stirring means14: reaction container15: reagent dispensing pipette15a: reagent dispensing position16: stirring means17: washing means18: reaction solution suction nozzle19: detection unit20: reagent bottle loading port21: casing22: work surface22a: work surface opening23: safety cover front surface24: safety cover front side25: lock receiving means26: lock means (interlock unit)27: handle28: cover support shaft29: various operating mechanism groups30: lock receiving base31: first support shaft32: first gear33: supporting part34: lock part35: lock lever36: cover part37: second support shaft38: second gear39: connecting shaft40: connecting plate41: solenoid42: plunger43: drive pin44: first spring hook45: pull spring46: second spring hook47: case47a: right side case47b: left side case47c: upper surface case47d: rib around case48: cylindrical part49: recessed part50: bottom surface51: protruding part52: lock lever cover part53: drive connecting means54: connector55: casing frame56: front plate57: side plate58: rear plate59: mounting bracket60: mounting groove61: mounting screw62: driver63: first support bearing part64: second support bearing part65,65a,65b: side wall part66: solenoid mounting part67: mounting seat68: reinforcing rib69: upper surface case mounting part70a,70b: step71: snap fit claw72: receiving part73: snap fit claw74: receiving part75: through hole76: upper surface cover77: snap fit claw78: drive pin hole79: connecting shaft hole80: slope81: second gear shaft hole82: waterproof rib83: first waterproof rib end84: second waterproof rib end85: first case rib86: second case rib87: gutter88: first drain port89: third case rib90: first gear shaft hole91: case opening prevention part92: second drain port93: unit mounting surface94: lower surface of handle95: release piece96: waterproof rib97: waterproof rib end98: fourth case rib99: drain port100: hole IC101: magnet102: safety cover front lower part103: step part104: fifth case rib105: screw hole106: third case rib end107: mounting screw108: gap200: host computer201: driver202: door opening and closing detection203: power supply204: display means