JP2001141732A - Specimen distributing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized specimen distributing device. SOLUTION: A distributing designation rack supplying station 110 comprises a plurality of distributing designation rack input passages 110A, 111B and 110C for neatly supplying distributing designation racks of the same property. The distributing racks supplied to the distributing designation rack input passages are moved by use of a common moving passage 180 that is a single passage in the direction of a distributing area 120. A distributing origin lane L10 for arranging a distributing origin rack and a plurality of distributing designation lanes L1, L2 and L3 for arranging the distributing designation rack, which are provided according to the analytical content are arranged in parallel on the distributing area 120. A distributing mechanism 195 distributes a specimen extracted from the distributing origin rack erected in the state where specimens having different analytical contents are included to the distributing designation rack according to the analytical content.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a sample sorting apparatus, and more particularly, to a sample sorting apparatus suitable for use in a sample processing system suitable for automatically performing a sample test in the field of clinical testing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In hospitals and test facilities, samples such as blood and urine are analyzed for clinical tests. However, samples from patients and the like are not always subjected to analysis as they are. Preprocessing is performed. A system that automates such pre-processing or even analysis is a sample processing system.

In a general sample processing system, a bar code label is attached to a sample collected from a patient, loaded from a rack loading unit while being held in a box-shaped holder called a rack, and transported to each processing device. Is done. Here, the types of specimens, such as blood, urine, and immunity,
Although there are different preprocessing and measurement items, one rack holds a mixture of these plural types of samples. Therefore, the rack input unit reads the barcode label attached to the sample, and the rack sorting device uses the information of the barcode label read by the rack input unit to read the barcode label for each preprocessing step or for each destination. A sorting operation is performed to transfer the sample again. Thereafter, according to the type of the sample, the sorted sample is subjected to a centrifugal separation process, an opening process of unsealing a container, a dispensing process of dispensing a part of a parent sample to one or more child sample containers,
Label attaching processing for attaching an ID label with a barcode or the like to the child sample container, plugging processing for plugging the parent sample container after dispensing, classification processing for sorting child sample racks according to the subsequent processing, child processing An analysis process for transporting the sample rack to the analyzer and analyzing and measuring the child sample is appropriately combined and executed. A plurality of units having the functions of each of these processes are linked by a transport line to form an automation system.

A sample sorting apparatus for transferring a sample to another rack for each destination is often introduced into a relatively large-scale automation system. Therefore, the types of samples to be put into the system are various, and therefore, there are many destinations of the samples. Also,
Since there are a large number of samples to be processed in one day, it is necessary that the distribution destination rack to which the samples can be transferred has a structure that can be installed in a considerable number.

As a conventional sample sorting apparatus, for example,
As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-142232, supply units (12, 14) of racks to be allocated in a plurality of rows and storage units of the allocated racks along the main transport line (11).
(13, 15) are arranged in parallel, and the samples taken from the distribution source racks conveyed by the main conveyance line are transferred to the distribution destination rack supply positions arranged in a plurality of rows. Structures are known.

[0006]

However, in the sample sorting apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-142232, the supply unit (12) of the sorting destination rack is arranged in a plurality of rows along the main transport line (11). , 14) and the storage units (13, 15) of the distributed racks are arranged in parallel, and there is a problem that the sample distribution device becomes large.
That is, in what is described in JP-A-5-142232, there are two supply units (12, 14) for the distribution destination racks and two storage units (13, 15) for the distributed racks, respectively. The distribution destination is, for example, blood and urine,
These are two types. In recent years, the analysis of immunity has been further promoted, and if there are three types of distribution destinations, the space of the distribution device becomes 1.5 times as large as that of the configuration described in JP-A-5-142232. Also, blood, like serum, platelets, biochemistry, coagulation,
In some cases, the distribution destination is further subdivided, and in such a case, the space for the distribution device is further increased.

An object of the present invention is to provide a small sample sorting apparatus.

[0008]

(1) In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a distribution destination rack supply station to which distribution destination racks are supplied and a sample having different analysis contents are mixed and installed. In the sample sorting apparatus having a sorting mechanism that sorts the sample extracted from the sorted sorting source rack to the sorting destination rack according to the analysis content, the sample sorting device is provided in the sorting destination rack supply station, and the same sort destination rack is provided. A plurality of distribution rack input paths that are arranged and supplied; a distribution source lane on which the distribution source rack is disposed; and a plurality of distributions provided according to the analysis content, on which the distribution destination rack is disposed. The distribution area where the destination lanes are arranged in parallel, and the distribution destination rack supplied to the distribution destination rack input path are A common moving path that is a single path that moves in the direction of the distribution area, and the distribution destination rack supplied to the distribution destination lane is routed through the common traveling path to a plurality of distribution points in the distribution area. While moving to any of the distribution destination lanes, the distribution mechanism extracts a sample from the distribution source rack arranged in the distribution source lane, and allocates the distribution destination rack arranged in the distribution destination lane according to the analysis content. The sample is to be erected on the sample. With such a configuration, the distribution racks of the same nature are supplied in a line to the plurality of distribution rack input paths of the distribution rack supply station, so that there is no need to supply a distribution rack for each destination.
In addition, since only one common moving path is required from the distribution destination rack supply station to the distribution area, the sample distribution device can be downsized.

(2) In the above (1), preferably,
Further, a rack number reading means provided along the common moving path and reading a rack number given to the sorting destination rack, a sample number sorted by the sorting mechanism, and read by the rack number reading means. And control means for associating the rack numbers with the rack numbers. With this configuration, the sample number and the rack number can be matched without using a separate unit provided downstream of the sorting device.

(3) In the above (1), preferably,
Further, a distribution source lane provided between the distribution area and the common moving path, on which the distribution source rack is disposed, and the distribution destination rack are disposed, and a plurality of distributions provided according to the analysis contents. A standby area in which the destination lanes are arranged in parallel is provided, and the distribution destination rack supplied to the distribution destination lane via the common moving path is temporarily made to stand by in the standby area, and then is allocated to the distribution area. It is intended to move to. With this configuration, it is possible to shorten the time required for refilling and transferring racks to the distribution area, and to improve the throughput of the distribution work.

(4) In the above (1), preferably,
Further, there is provided a discharge area in which the distribution-source rack and the distribution-destination rack which have been distributed in the distribution area are positioned, and the distribution-source rack and the distribution-destination rack positioned in the discharge area are shared by a common transport line. It is designed to be transported. According to such a configuration, a station for accommodating the distribution destination rack after the distribution operation is completed becomes unnecessary, and the apparatus can be downsized.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The configuration of a sample sorting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, the overall configuration of a sample processing system incorporating the sample sorting apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a sample processing system incorporating a sample sorting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The sample processing system according to the present embodiment includes a sorting source rack supply unit 30, a sample sorting unit 100, a centrifugal separation unit 40, which is a plurality of sample processing units arranged along the main transport line 20. A note unit 50 and a rack storage unit 60 are provided. In parallel with the main transport line 20, the return line 7
0 is arranged. Further, these sample processing units 30, 100, 40, 50, 60 and the main transport line 2
0 and a controller 70 for controlling the operation of the return line 25
It has.

The main transport line 20 transports the rack 10 containing the sample in one direction.
A, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E. The main transport line 20 is configured to drive the rotation of the endless belt by a motor. The driving of the motor of the main transfer line 20 is controlled by the controller 80.

A return line 25 arranged in parallel with the main transfer line 20 returns a rack having a problem in processing in the system or the like from the rack storage unit 60 to the distribution source rack supply unit 30. This is a rack transport line. The return line 25 includes transport lines 25A, 25B,
25C, 25D, 25E and 25F.

The distribution source rack supply unit 30 includes two distribution source rack input paths 32A and 32B, a rack discharge path 34, a moving path 36, and a bar code reader 38. In the distribution source rack input sections 32A and 32B,
A plurality of distribution source racks 10A and 10B are supplied. In the distribution source racks 10A and 10B, a plurality of samples having different destinations, that is, samples having different preprocessing contents and analysis contents such as blood, urine, and immunity samples are installed in a mixed manner. These samples having different destinations are allocated to racks for different destinations (distribution destination racks) by a sample allocation unit 100 described later. The distribution source racks 10A installed on the distribution source rack input sections 32A and 32B,
10B are arrows X1, X2 by a moving mechanism (not shown).
, And is moved to the movement path 36. Moving path 36
The distribution source rack 10 that has moved up moves to the main transport line 20A by the moving path 36. The bar code reader 38 reads the ID of the sorting source rack 10 moving on the moving path 36 or the sample ID attached to the sample container held in the sorting source rack 10. When the ID cannot be read by the barcode reader 38 or the like, the distribution source rack 10C is moved to the rack discharge path 34 and moved in the direction of arrow X3 by a moving mechanism (not shown).

Further, at the end of the moving path 36, an emergency sample rack input section 39 is provided. The distribution source rack 10D input to the emergency sample rack input section 39 is moved by the moving path 36 in preference to a general rack.

The sample sorting unit 100 includes a transport path 20
A sample having a different destination is extracted from the distribution source rack 10 transported by A, and is distributed to a different rack (distribution destination rack). The detailed configuration of the sample sorting unit 100 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2, but will be briefly described here.

The sample distribution unit 100 includes a distribution destination rack supply station 110 and a distribution area 120. Distribution destination rack supply station 110
Are three distribution destination rack input paths 110A, 110B,
110C. Distribution destination rack input path 110
A, 110B and 110C have a plurality of distribution racks 1
0E, 10F, and 10G are supplied. Distribution destination rack 1
Samples are not yet installed on OE, 10F, and 10G, and are empty. Distribution destination rack input path 110A,
Distribution destination rack 10 installed on 110B and 110C
E, 10F, and 10G are conveyed to the distribution area 120 through a common moving path of the distribution destination rack described later. The distribution source rack 10 transported along the transport path 20A
H is transferred to the inside of the sample sorting unit 100 by a rack transfer mechanism (not shown),
Transported to zero.

In the distribution area 120, a distribution mechanism, which will be described later, extracts a sample placed on the sample distribution unit 100 and stores the sample in each distribution destination rack according to the destination (type of analysis such as blood, urine, and immunity). Distribute. The sorting source rack from which the sample has been removed and the sorting destination rack on which a new sample for a new destination is installed are returned to the transport line 20A by a transfer mechanism (not shown).

The rack is transported from the transport line 20A to the transport line 20B. Then, the centrifugal separation unit 40
In, the sample requiring centrifugation is centrifuged. The sample subjected to the centrifugal separation process and the sample not requiring the centrifugal separation process in the centrifugal separation unit 40 are respectively transferred from the transfer line 20B to the transfer lines 20C and 20D.
Transported to Then, it is transferred from the transport line 20D into the dispensing unit 50. The dispensing unit 50 dispenses a sample composed of serum or plasma. The dispensed sample is placed on a rack and returned to the transport line 20D again.

The rack is transferred from the transfer line 20D to the transfer line 20E. And the rack storage unit 6
Numeral 0 stores the rack conveyed by the conveyance line 20E.

After the completion of the preprocessing such as the centrifugal separation process and the dispensing process, the sample is transferred to a plurality of analyzers arranged downstream of the rack storage unit 60, and the required amount of the sample is distributed by the analyzer to the destination rack From which the analysis operation is performed.

Incidentally, the rack in which the processing in the system or the like has a problem is transferred to the transport line 25 of the return line 25.
A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25E, and 25F return from the rack storage unit 60 side to the distribution source rack supply unit 30 side.

Next, a detailed configuration of the sample sorting unit 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a detailed configuration of the sample sorting unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same parts.

The sample distribution unit 100 includes a distribution destination rack supply station 110 described with reference to FIG.
In addition to the distribution area 120, the standby area 130, the lane movement area 140, the unloading area 150, the distribution rack transfer mechanism 160, and the distribution rack transfer mechanism 1
70, a common moving path 180, an unloading mechanism 190, and a sorting mechanism 195.

Distribution destination rack supply station 110
Are three distribution destination rack input paths 110A, 110B,
110C. Distribution destination rack input path 110
A, 110B and 110C have a plurality of distribution racks 1
OE, 10F, and 10G are supplied in a line.
Samples are not yet installed on the distribution destination racks 10E, 10F, and 10G, and are empty. The distribution destination racks 10E, 10F, and 10G all have the same shape and are not color-coded. That is, the distribution destination racks 10E, 10F, and 10G are all of the same nature. However, the distribution destination racks 10E, 10F, 10
Gs are all assigned different rack numbers, and the controller 70 can be managed by the rack numbers.

Distribution destination rack input path 110A, 110
B, distribution racks 10E, 10B installed on 110C.
F and 10G are moved to the common moving path 180 of the destination rack by a rack moving mechanism described later with reference to FIG. That is, in the present embodiment, the distribution destination rack supply station 110 is constructed by arranging the distribution destination racks collectively, and the distribution destination rack supply station 110 passes through the common moving path 180 which is a single path. ing. Further, a bar code reader 175 described later, which is a device for reading a rack number, is arranged in the middle of the common moving path 180.

In one distribution destination rack input path 110,
It is possible to load dozens of distribution racks 10. For example, if one distribution destination rack input path 110
When 0 distribution destination racks 10 can be loaded, 90 distribution destination racks 10 can be loaded into the distribution destination rack supply station 110 at a time.

The method of moving from the distribution destination rack input path 110 to the common moving path 180 is performed, for example, as follows. First, the 30 destination racks 10E input to the destination rack input path 110A are sequentially moved to the common moving path 180 one by one. Distribution destination rack input path 1
When all of the 30 destination racks 10E on 10A have been moved to the common moving path 180, the 30 destination racks 10F that have been input to the destination rack input path 110B are next moved.
Are sequentially moved to the common moving path 180 one by one. Distribution destination rack 10F on distribution destination rack input path 110B
During this movement, 30 new destination racks 10 on the destination rack input path 110A can be input. When all of the 30 distribution racks 10F on the distribution rack input path 110B have been moved to the common moving path 180, the 30 distribution racks 10G that have been input to the distribution rack input path 110C then become 1 Each of them is sequentially moved to the common moving path 180. Distribution destination rack input path 11
Distribution source rack 1 to be put into 0A, 110B, 110C
0 does not need to be classified by destination and can be freely entered.

Here, distribution destination rack input paths 110A, provided in the distribution destination rack supply station 110,
The number of 110B and 110C is an arbitrary number as long as it is plural. The sample distribution unit 100 has a distribution area 12 in addition to the distribution destination rack supply station 110.
0, standby area 130, lane movement area 140
In addition, since it is necessary to provide the carry-out area 150, the remaining area provided with these other areas 120, 130, 140, and 150 is allocated to the distribution destination rack supply station 110.
Area can be used. Then, according to the area of the area that can be used as the distribution destination rack supply station 110, a plurality of distribution destination rack input paths 110A, 110B, and 110C are provided.

In the present embodiment, the distribution racks 10E and 10F provided on the distribution rack input path 110A, the distribution racks 10F and the distribution rack input path 110C provided on the distribution rack input path 110B, respectively. Each distribution rack of the front rack 10G is characterized in that it is temporarily moved to the common moving path 180.

The common moving path 180 is configured to drive the rotation of the endless belt by a motor. The driving of the motor of the common moving path 180 is controlled by the controller 80 shown in FIG. The distribution destination rack 10H is the common moving path 1
By 80, the vehicle is moved into the lane movement area 140. A bar code reader 175 is arranged near the position of the common moving path 180 in the lane moving area 140, that is, near the position of the distribution destination rack 10H shown in the figure, and reads the rack number of the distribution destination rack 10H.

In the lane moving area 140, a distribution rack moving mechanism 170 is provided. The distribution rack moving mechanism 170 can move in the lane moving area 140 in the directions of arrows X4 and X5. Waiting area 130
In addition, the distribution area 120 includes, for each destination, a blood sample lane L1, a urine sample lane L2, and an immune sample lane L3.
Two lanes are provided in parallel. The distribution rack moving mechanism 170 moves the distribution rack 10H on the common moving path 180 to any one of the three lanes of the blood sample lane L1, the urine sample lane L2, and the immune sample lane L3. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the distribution destination rack 10I has been moved to the urine sample lane L2 by the distribution destination moving mechanism 170. The distribution destination moving mechanism 170A indicated by a broken line shows a state in which the distribution destination rack has been moved to the blood sample lane L1, and the distribution destination moving mechanism 170B shown in a broken line shows a state in which the distribution destination rack has been moved to the blood sample lane L1. Is shown.

The controller 70 is notified of the rack number read by the barcode reader 175 and information as to which of the blood sample lane L1, the urine sample lane L2, and the immune sample lane L3 the rack has been moved. Are stored in a storage device (not shown).

Blood sample lane L1, urine sample lane L2,
Each of the immune sample lanes L3 has a transport mechanism, and can transport the distribution destination rack 10 to the standby area 130 and the distribution area 120. For example, the distribution destination rack 10I is first transported to the standby area 130 of the urine sample lane L2, and then transported to the distribution area 120.

On the other hand, the sorting source rack 10J erected on the rack in a state where samples having different destinations are mixed is transported from the unit at the preceding stage by the transport line 20A. In response to a command from the controller 70 shown in FIG. 1, the controller built in the sample sorting unit 100 moves the lever of the rack transfer mechanism 160 that has been waiting on the side of the sorting source rack passage 165 to the transport line 20A. Thus, the distribution source rack 10J is captured and drawn into the distribution source rack passage 165. Note that the distribution source rack 10 that has no distribution instruction is not drawn in, is conveyed as it is on the main transport line 20, and passes by the sample distribution unit 100.

A bar code reader 167 is provided in the distribution source rack passage 165. Barcode reader 1
67 reads the rack number of the distribution source rack 10J drawn into the distribution source rack passage 165, and checks whether or not the rack is a distribution instruction rack. At the time of this confirmation, the distribution destination information for each sample is received from the controller 80.
The distribution source rack 10J is transported to the standby area 130 and then to the distribution area 120 by the distribution source lane L0.

The distribution area 120 includes the distribution mechanism 19.
5 are provided. The sorting mechanism 195 includes a sorting source lane L0 and a blood sample lane L which is a sorting destination lane.
The urine sample can be moved between the urine sample lane L2 and the immune sample lane L3. The sample held in the sorting source rack 10 is stored in a sample container or the like and then held in the sorting source rack. The distribution mechanism 195 is a distribution source rack 1
After grasping the sample container containing the sample installed at 0K and pulling it upward, the sample container is moved in the horizontal direction (arrows X6 and X7) and moved according to the type of the sample, that is, the destination (blood, urine, Depending on the type of analysis such as immunity, the distribution destination rack 10L located in the blood sample lane L1, the urine sample lane L2, and the immune sample lane L3 in the distribution area 120,
10M, 10N, and then move down to the destination rack 10L, 10M, 10N.
Within, sort the specimen. After the distribution is completed, the distribution destination rack number stored before the distribution is associated with the sample number received from the controller 70, and the associated information is transmitted to the controller 70.

The distribution source rack 10K from which the sample has been removed
The distribution racks 10L, 10M, and 10N on which the new samples to be newly placed are transported to the unloading area 150 by the transport mechanism of the blood sample lane L1, the urine sample lane L2, and the immune sample lane L3. At the same time, the distribution source rack 10 waiting in the standby area 130
P and the distribution destination racks 10Q, 10R, and 10S are newly transported to the distribution area 120.

The unloading area 150 is provided with a unloading mechanism 190. The distribution source rack 10 and the distribution destination racks 10T and 10U conveyed to the unloading area 150 are
In response to a command from the controller 70, the unloading mechanism 1
By 90, they are sequentially sent out onto the main transport line 20.

Next, the configuration of the rack moving mechanism used for the distribution destination rack supply station in the sample distribution device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration of a rack moving mechanism used for a distribution destination rack supply station in the sample distribution device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The rack moving mechanism of the distribution destination rack input path 110A includes a timing belt T1, a motor M1, and a lever R1. Using the motor M1,
By driving the timing belt T1, the lever R
1 moves. The distribution destination rack 10E shown in FIG.
It engages with the lever R1 and moves in the direction of the arrow X8. A sensor S1 for detecting the position of the lever R1 is provided along the timing belt T1. In addition, the common moving path 180 is an extension direction of the distribution destination rack input path 110A.
The sensor S2 is provided at a position along. If the sensor S2 cannot detect the presence of the distribution destination rack 10 when the sensor S1 detects the lever R1, it is possible to detect that the distribution destination rack has disappeared on the distribution destination rack input path 110A.

Distribution destination rack input path 110B, 110C
The rack moving mechanisms of the timing belt T
2, T3, motors M2, M3, and levers R2, R3. The operation of these rack moving mechanisms is the same as the operation of the rack moving mechanism of the distribution destination rack input path 110A. Further, the timing belts T2 and T3
Along the axis, a sensor S for detecting the positions of the levers R2 and R3
3, S5 are provided. Further, sensors S4 and S6 are provided at positions along the common moving path 180 in the extending direction of the distribution destination rack input paths 110B and 110C. The common moving path 180 includes a rack moving mechanism driven by the motor M4.

Next, the configuration of the rack transfer mechanism 160 used for the distribution destination rack supply station in the sample distribution apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration of a rack transfer mechanism used for a distribution destination rack supply station in the sample distribution device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The transfer mechanism 160 includes a lever 160R, a timing belt 160T, and a motor 160M. In response to a command from the controller 70 shown in FIG. 1, the controller built in the sample sorting unit 100 drives the motor 160M to move the lever 160R of the rack transfer mechanism 160 onto the transport line 20A and perform sorting. The original rack 10J is captured and drawn into the distribution rack passage 165.

Next, the configuration of the rack 10 used in the sample sorting apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a rack used in the sample sorting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The rack 10 has the same structure as the distribution destination rack and the distribution source rack. On the side of the rack 10, a label 10 on which a barcode is printed
L is affixed. The bar code of the label 10L is
By reading with a barcode reader, the rack number of the rack 10 can be detected.

In the upper part of the rack 10, five holes are formed, and five sample containers 12A, 12B, 12C, 1
2D and 12E can be stored. The sample is held in the sample container 12.

As a means for holding the information of the rack number, a rack ID mask or the like of an identification code based on the position of the hole formed in the rack 10 may be used instead of the label 10L on which the bar code is printed. Things.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the plurality of distribution destination racks 10E, 10F, and 10G supplied to the three distribution destination rack input paths 110A, 110B, and 110C of the distribution destination rack supply station 110.
Can be freely supplied regardless of the destination of the distribution destination rack. For example, in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 of JP-A-5-142232, an empty rack supply unit (12)
An empty rack for counting blood cells must be supplied to the empty rack supply unit (14), and an empty rack for biochemistry must be supplied to the empty rack supply unit (14). In the embodiment, it is not necessary to supply the distribution destination rack for each destination, and the rack can be supplied easily. In general, the number of distribution destination racks required per predetermined time varies depending on the destination, that is, the measurement item. For example, the number of distribution destination racks required for a half-day analysis process is 6 in biochemical measurement.
0 racks (300 samples), 20 racks (10
0 samples) and 10 racks (50 samples) in the immunoassay. For example, in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 of JP-A-5-142232, an empty rack supply unit (12)
Supplies empty racks for blood cell counting, and supplies empty racks for biochemistry to the empty rack supply unit (14) .For example, racks are supplied every half day. In order to replenish
One distribution destination rack input path needs to be large enough to mount 60 racks, which is the maximum number of processes in half a day. As a result, for three measurement items, the distribution destination rack supply station of the sample distribution device needs to be large enough to accommodate 180 racks, and the device becomes large. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to supply a distribution destination rack for each destination. In the above example, the size of the distribution destination rack supply station for 90 racks (= 60 + 20 + 10) is sufficient. Can be reduced in size.

In the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to supply a distribution destination rack for each destination, only one common moving path 180 is used as a transport path from the distribution destination rack supply station 110 to the moving area 140. It will be good. As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-142232, in the case where empty racks need to be supplied to different destinations, a plurality of moving paths are required in order to prevent the racks from being mixed during the movement. In contrast to the necessity, the size of the device is increased, whereas in the present embodiment, the size of the device can be reduced.

Further, in the distribution area 120,
By arranging the distribution source rack and a plurality of distribution destination racks in parallel, the moving distance of the distribution mechanism 195 can be reduced, so that the distribution mechanism can be downsized.

In the present embodiment, after the distribution is completed, the distribution rack number and the sample number stored before the distribution can be associated with each other and transmitted to the controller 70. As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-142232, in the case where empty racks need to be supplied to different destinations, a plurality of moving paths are required in order to prevent the racks from being mixed during the movement. Required. As described above, in order to associate the distribution destination rack number with the sample number and transmit it to the controller, it is necessary to install a barcode reader or the like for each of a plurality of moving paths. Since it is difficult to install a barcode reader for each of a plurality of moving paths, in the conventional method, the matching between the sample number and the rack number is performed by a separate unit provided downstream of the sorting device after the sorting by the sorting device is completed. However, in this embodiment, the sample number and the rack number can be matched without using such a separate unit.

Further, if the moving path from the supply station to the distribution area is a single path, the number of supply destination racks that can be moved to the distribution area per unit time is limited. As a result, the throughput of the sorting process is reduced. However, in the present embodiment, by providing the standby area 130 in front of the sorting area 120, the destination racks that have moved along the common moving path are temporarily placed in the standby area. By accumulating the data in the storage area 130, the distribution destination rack can be immediately supplied after the distribution processing is completed and the product is unloaded, so that the time required for refilling and transferring the rack to the distribution area is shortened, and the throughput of the distribution work is improved. can do.

In addition, the distribution-source rack that has been emptied after the distribution work and the distribution-destination rack to which the distribution work has been completed and the sample has been distributed according to the analysis content are both
Since the sheet is conveyed from the unloading area to the next step using the common conveyance line, a station for accommodating the distribution destination rack is not required, and the apparatus can be downsized.

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The configuration of the sample sorting device according to the embodiment will be described. First, the overall configuration of the sample processing system incorporating the sample sorting device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the entire configuration of a sample processing system incorporating the sample sorting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same parts.

The sample processing system according to the present embodiment is a larger system than the sample processing system shown in FIG. 1, and includes a plurality of sample processing units arranged along the main transport line 20 shown in FIG. In addition to the distribution source rack supply unit 30, the centrifugal separation unit 40, the dispensing unit 50, and the rack storage unit 60, an opening unit 80 and a closing unit 90 are provided. Further, the sample sorting unit 100 'is configured by adding a rack supply station unit 100A to the sample sorting unit 100 shown in FIG.

The main transfer line 20 includes a transfer line 20A,
The transport lines 20F, 20G, and 20H are provided in addition to the transport lines 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E. Also, the return line 25 'is connected to the transport lines 25A, 25B, 25
C, 25D, 215E, and transport lines 25F, 2
5G and 25H. Furthermore, these sample processing units 30, 100 ', 40, 50, 60, 8
0, 90 and a controller 70 'for controlling the operation of the main transport line 20' and the return line 25 '.

The configurations and operations of the distribution source rack supply unit 30, centrifugal separation unit 40, dispensing unit 50, and rack storage unit 60 are the same as those described with reference to FIG.

The unsealing unit 80 is provided for the sample installed on the rack carried by the carrying line 20G.
This is a unit for opening the stopper prior to the dispensing process by the dispensing unit 50 when the stopper is provided on the upper part of the sample container. The stopper unit 90 is a unit for closing the stopper on the upper part of the sample container after the dispensing process.

The sample sorting unit 100 'includes a sample sorting unit 100 and a rack supply station unit 100A. Sample sorting unit 1
The configuration and operation of 00 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 1. Samples having different destinations are extracted from the distribution source rack 10 transported by the transport path 20A, and racks for different destinations (distribution destination racks) are respectively provided. It is to be distributed to.

The rack supply unit 100A includes a distribution destination rack supply station 110 'corresponding to the distribution destination rack supply station 110 described with reference to FIG.
A common moving path 180 'corresponding to the common moving path 180 is provided. The distribution destination rack supply station 110 ′
Four distribution destination rack input paths 110D, 110E, 11
0F and 110G. That is, when the system scale of the sample processing system increases and the number of samples processed within a predetermined time increases, only the distribution destination rack supply station 110 shown in FIG. In some cases, it is not possible to supply, and it is necessary to replenish the distribution destination rack on the way. In such a case, the provision of the distribution destination rack supply station 110 'increases the number of distribution destination racks that can be supplied.

Here, the configuration of the sample sorting unit 100 ', which is the sample sorting apparatus according to the present embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a sample sorting unit that is a sample sorting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 6 indicate the same parts.

The sample sorting unit 100 'includes the sample sorting unit 100 and a rack supply station unit 100A. Sample sorting unit 1
The configuration and operation of 00 are the same as those described in FIG.

The rack supply unit 100A is connected to the distribution destination rack supply station 110 'and the common moving path 18.
0 'is provided. Distribution destination rack supply station 1
Reference numeral 10 'denotes four distribution destination rack input paths 110D and 11
0E, 110F, and 110G. The distribution destination rack input paths 110D, 110E, 110F, and 110G have a plurality of distribution destination racks 10V, 10W, 10X, 1
0Y is supplied. Distribution destination racks 10E, 10F, 1
The sample is not installed on 0G yet and is empty. Distribution destination rack input path 10V, 10W, 10X, 1
Distribution destination racks 10V, 10W, 10 installed in 0Y
X and 10Y are moved to the common moving path 180 'of the distribution destination rack by a rack moving mechanism described later with reference to FIG.

It is possible to insert dozens of destination racks 10 into one destination rack input path. For example, if 30 distribution destination racks 10 can be loaded into one distribution destination rack loading path, 120 distribution destination racks 10 must be loaded into the distribution destination rack supply station 110 'at a time. Thus, 210 distribution destination racks can be supplied together with the distribution destination rack supply station 110.

From the destination rack input path to the common moving path 18
The method of moving to 0 'is performed, for example, as follows.
First, the 3 that is input into the distribution destination rack input path 110D
The zero destination racks 10V are sequentially moved one by one to the common moving path 180 '. Distribution destination rack input path 11
When all the 30 destination racks 10V on 0D have been moved to the common moving path 180, the 30 destination racks 10W that have been input to the destination rack input path 110E are next transferred.
Are sequentially moved to the common moving path 180 'one by one.
Distribution destination rack 10 on distribution destination rack input path 110E
During the movement of W, 30 new destination racks 10 on the destination rack input path 110D can be input. When all the 30 destination racks 10W on the destination rack input path 110E have been moved to the common moving path 180 ′, then the 30 destination racks 10X input to the destination rack input path 110F are One by one is sequentially moved to the common moving path 180 '. Further, when all of the 30 destination racks 10X on the destination rack input path 110F have been moved to the common moving path 180 ′, the 30 destination racks 10Y that have been input to the destination rack input path 110G are next transferred. Are sequentially moved to the common moving path 180 'one by one. Distribution destination rack input path 10V, 10W, 10
The distribution source racks 10 to be input to X and 10Y do not need to be sorted by destination, and can be input freely.

Also in the present embodiment, the distribution racks 10V provided on the distribution rack input path 110D, the distribution racks 10W provided on the distribution rack input path 110E, and the distribution racks 110F provided on the distribution rack input path 110F. Each of the distribution racks of the distribution rack 10Y provided on the distribution rack 110X and the distribution rack input path 110G is temporarily moved to the common moving path 180 '.

The common moving path 180 'has a structure in which the rotation of the endless belt is driven by a motor. Common travel route 18
The driving of the motor 0 ′ is performed by the controller 7 shown in FIG.
Controlled by 0 '. A bar code reader 182 is arranged along a common moving path 180 'near the distribution destination rack input path 110G shown in the figure, and reads the rack number of the distribution destination rack 10Z. Distribution destination rack 10Z
Is the lane moving area 1 by the common moving path 180 ′.
It is moved to within 40.

The destination rack moving mechanism 170 provided in the lane moving area 140 transfers the destination rack 10Z moved from the common moving path 180 'to the blood sample lane L.
It moves to any one of the three lanes of 1, urine sample lane L2 and immune sample lane L3.

The rack number read by the bar code reader 182 and information on which lane the rack has been moved to among the blood sample lane L1, the urine sample lane L2, and the immune sample lane L3 are notified to the controller 70 '. And stored in a storage device (not shown).

Next, the configuration of the rack moving mechanism used for the distribution destination rack supply station in the sample distribution device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a configuration of a rack moving mechanism used for a distribution destination rack supply station in the sample distribution device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The rack moving mechanism of the distribution destination rack input path 110D includes a timing belt T11 and a motor M11.
And a lever R11. Motor M11
The lever R11 is moved by driving the timing belt T11 using. The distribution destination rack 10V shown in FIG. 7 is engaged with the lever R11 and moves in the direction of the arrow X11. A sensor S11 that detects the position of the lever R11 is provided along the timing belt T11. Further, the sensor S is located at a position along the common moving path 180 ′ in the direction of extension of the distribution destination rack input path 110D.
12 are provided. And the sensor S1 is the lever R
1 is detected, the sensor S2 detects the destination rack 10
If it is not possible to detect the presence of
It is possible to detect that the distribution destination rack has disappeared on 10D.

Distribution destination rack input paths 110E, 110
The rack moving mechanisms of F and 110G respectively include timing belts T12, T13 and T14 and motors M12 and M14.
13, M14 and levers R12, R13, R14. The operation of these rack moving mechanisms is the same as the operation of the rack moving mechanism of the distribution destination rack input path 110D. Further, timing belts T12, T13,
Along T14, sensors S13, S15, S17 for detecting the positions of levers R12, R13, R14 are provided. Furthermore, distribution destination rack input paths 110E, 110
F, 110G, and a common moving path 180 ′.
Sensors S14, S16, S18 are provided at positions along. The common moving path 180 'includes a rack moving mechanism driven by the motor M15.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the distribution destination rack supply station 11
By providing the rack supply unit 100A having 0 'and the common moving path 180', the system scale of the sample processing system becomes large, and even if the number of samples processed within a predetermined time increases, the distribution destination rack which can be supplied can be used. The number can be increased.

[0077]

According to the present invention, the size of the sample sorting apparatus can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of a sample processing system incorporating a sample sorting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a detailed configuration of a sample sorting unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of a rack moving mechanism used for a distribution destination rack supply station in the sample distribution device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration of a rack transfer mechanism used for a distribution destination rack supply station in the sample distribution device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a rack used in the sample sorting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of a sample processing system incorporating a sample sorting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a sample sorting unit that is a sample sorting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a configuration of a rack moving mechanism used for a distribution destination rack supply station in a sample distribution device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10A, 10B ... distribution source racks 10E, 10F, 10G, 10V, 10W, 10X, 1
0Y: Distribution destination rack 20: Main transfer line 25 ... Return line 30: Distribution source rack supply unit 32 ... Distribution source rack supply station 38, 167, 175, 182 ... Bar code reader 40 ... Centrifugal separation unit 50 ... Dispensing unit 60 ... Rack storage unit 70 ... Controller 80 ... Opening unit 90 ... Closer unit 100 ... Sample sorting unit 110 ... Sending destination rack supply station 120 ... Distribution area 130 ... Standby area 140 ... Lane moving area 150 ... Export area 160 ... Rack transfer Mechanism 170: distribution rack moving mechanism 180: common moving path 190: unloading mechanism 195: distribution mechanism

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tatsuyu Imaoka 882 Ma, Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki Pref., Ltd. Within the Hitachi Measuring Instruments Group (72) Inventor Nobuo Suzuki 882 Mao, Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki Co., Ltd. Within Hitachi Measuring Instruments Group (72) Inventor Yukio Suzuki 882 Ma, Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki F-term within Hitachi Measuring Instruments Group (Reference) 2G058 AA09 BA06 CA02 CB09 CB11 CB15 CB20 CF16 CF25 EA02 GB10 GC02 GC05 GC06

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A distribution system according to the analysis contents, wherein a sample extracted from a distribution source rack provided in a state where samples having different analysis contents are mixed is provided. A sample sorting apparatus having a sorting mechanism for sorting to a destination rack, comprising: a plurality of sorting destination rack input paths provided at the sorting destination rack supply station and arranged and supplied with the same sort of destination rack; The distribution source lane where the rack is placed, and
A distribution area in which the distribution racks are arranged, a plurality of distribution lanes provided in accordance with the analysis content are arranged in parallel, and the distribution rack supplied to the distribution rack input path is A common path, which is a single path moving in the direction of the distribution area, wherein the distribution destination rack supplied to the distribution destination lane is routed through the common path, The sorting mechanism moves to any of the distribution destination lanes, extracts the sample from the distribution source rack arranged in the distribution source lane, and allocates the specimen to the distribution destination lane according to the analysis contents. A sample sorting apparatus, wherein a sample is installed on a rack. 2. The sample sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
Further, a rack number reading means provided along the common moving path and reading a rack number given to the distribution destination rack, a sample number distributed by the distribution mechanism,
A sample sorting apparatus, comprising: a control unit for associating the rack number read by the rack number reading unit with the rack number. 3. The sample sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
Furthermore, a distribution source lane provided between the distribution area and the common moving path, on which the distribution source rack is disposed, and the distribution destination rack are disposed, and a plurality of distributions provided according to the analysis contents. A standby area in which the destination lanes are arranged in parallel, the distribution destination rack supplied to the distribution destination lane via the common moving path is temporarily made to wait in the standby area, and then the distribution area A sample sorting device, wherein the sample sorting device moves to a sample. 4. The sample sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
Further, there is provided a discharge area in which the distribution-source rack and the distribution-destination rack which have been distributed in the distribution area are located, and the distribution-source rack and the distribution-destination rack positioned in the discharge area are shared by a common transport line. A sample sorting device characterized by being transported.