JP2006189311A - Specimen treating device and system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a specimen treating device capable of treating a specimen continuously, even when an external conveyance line for conveying a specimen container storing the specimen is stopped. <P>SOLUTION: This analyzer (specimen treating device) 140 includes a blood coagulation measuring device 1 for treating a blood specimen; and a conveyance device 2 for conveying the specimen container 150 for storing the blood specimen at a supply position 2a for supplying the blood specimen to the blood coagulation measuring device 1. The conveyance device 2 can be operated in an on-line mode wherein the specimen container 150 conveyed by the conveyance line 120 provided outside is received and conveyed, and in an off-line mode wherein the specimen container 150 is conveyed independently of the conveyance line 120. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample processing apparatus and a sample processing system, and more particularly to a sample processing apparatus and a sample processing system provided with a sample container containing a sample.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a sample processing system is known in which a plurality of analyzers (sample processing devices) and a transport line for transporting samples to these analyzers are connected in order to improve the efficiency of sample testing ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

  In the above-mentioned patent document 1, a specimen container containing a specimen is conveyed along a plurality of analyzers by a transportation line, and the specimen in the specimen container is supplied to the analyzer to automatically perform the specimen test. An analyte testing system is disclosed. In Patent Document 1, after a sample container on a transport line is drawn onto a branch conveyor using a claw member, the sample container is moved between the branch conveyor and a dedicated rack of the analyzer using a transfer device. Thus, a technique for supplying a sample to the analyzer and an analyzer for analyzing a sample by directly taking out a sample container on a branch conveyor are disclosed. Patent Document 1 discloses a sample device that grips a sample container on a transport line, dispenses the sample in the sample container with a needle, and supplies the sample to the analyzer.

JP 7-239333 A

  However, in the conventional specimen inspection system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the transport line is stopped due to a failure or the like, the specimen container is not transported by the transport line. There is a disadvantage that it is difficult to supply. For this reason, there is a problem in that it is necessary to interrupt the specimen inspection until the transport line is restored.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and it is possible to continuously perform sample processing even when an external transport line for transporting a sample container containing a sample is stopped. An object is to provide a sample processing apparatus and a sample processing system.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  To achieve the above object, a sample processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a sample processing unit that processes a sample, and a sample container that contains a sample at a supply position for supplying the sample to the sample processing unit. A first mode for receiving and transporting a sample container transported by a transport line provided outside, and a second mode for transporting the sample container independently of the transport line. And can be operated.

  In the sample processing apparatus according to the first aspect, as described above, the transport unit receives the sample container transported by the transport line provided outside, and transports the sample independently from the transport line. By being configured to be operable in the second mode for transporting the container, the transport unit can be operated independently from the transport line in the second mode, so even if the transport line is stopped due to a failure or the like, the second mode By setting the mode, the sample container can be transported to the sample supply position to the sample processing unit. As a result, even when the transport line is stopped due to a failure or the like, the sample processing can be continued.

  In the sample processing apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, in the first mode, the transport unit transports the sample container from the first initial position of the transport unit through the supply position and returns to the first initial position in the first mode. Reception from the sample container transport line and delivery to the sample container transport line are performed at the first initial position. According to this configuration, in the first mode, the reception of the sample container from the transfer line and the delivery of the sample container to the transfer line can be performed at the same first initial position. It is possible to simplify the mechanism for transferring the specimen container between the two.

  In this case, preferably, in the first mode, the transport unit stops the rack that can store the plurality of sample containers at the first initial position, and after the plurality of sample containers are stored in the rack, the rack is set to the supply position. Transport. With this configuration, a plurality of sample containers can be transported to the sample processing unit in a state in which the plurality of sample containers are accommodated in the rack, so that a plurality of sample containers can be transported at a time.

  In the sample processing apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, in the second mode, the transport unit transports the sample container from the second initial position of the transport unit through the supply position to a predetermined position different from the second initial position. To do. With this configuration, in the second mode in which the sample container is transported independently from the transport line, the processed sample container is stocked at a predetermined position different from the second initial position, and is not processed at the second initial position. Sample containers can be set.

  In this case, it is preferable that the predetermined position different from the second initial position is a processed container stock position for stocking the sample container in which the supply of the sample to the sample processing unit is completed. With this configuration, in the second mode, the specimen container that has passed the supply position is transported to the processed container stock position and stocked, so that the user transports the specimen container each time processing of one specimen container is completed. There is no need to remove the processed specimen container from the unit. Thereby, the burden on the user in the sample processing in the second mode can be reduced.

  In the configuration including the second initial position set in the transport unit, preferably, the second initial position is an unprocessed container stock position for stocking a sample container in which no sample is supplied to the sample processing unit. It is. With this configuration, since the sample containers that are not supplied with the sample to the sample processing unit can be stocked at the unprocessed container stock position, a predetermined number of sample containers are collectively set in the transport unit. be able to. Thereby, since it is not necessary for the user to replenish the transport container with the sample container every time one sample container is processed, the burden on the user in the second mode sample processing can be reduced.

  In the sample processing apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the transport unit includes an annular transport path, and transports a plurality of sample containers on the annular transport path in the first mode. If comprised in this way, the path | route which returns a sample container easily from a 1st initial position through a supply position to a 1st initial position in a 1st mode by forming the conveyance path which conveys a sample container in cyclic | annular form. It can be circulated and continuously conveyed.

  In this case, preferably, the annular conveyance path is a quadrilateral conveyance path in a plan view. If comprised in this way, since a cyclic | annular conveyance path can be comprised only with a linear path | route, the structure of a conveyance unit can be simplified.

  In the sample processing apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, at least one of the sample processing unit and the transport unit includes switching means for switching between the first mode and the second mode. If comprised in this way, switching with a 1st mode and a 2nd mode can be easily performed by a switching means.

  In the sample processing apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the sample processing unit includes at least a first control unit for controlling the sample processing unit, and the transport unit is at least a second control for controlling the transport unit. Part. With this configuration, since at least a part of the operation of the transport unit is controlled by the second control unit, the first control is performed compared to the case where the control of the sample processing unit and the transport unit is performed only by the first control unit. The burden on the department can be reduced.

  In this case, preferably, the first control unit controls the sample processing unit and the transport unit, and the operation of the transport unit in the first mode is controlled by the first control unit and the second control unit. If comprised in this way, since the operation | movement of the conveyance unit in a 1st mode can be controlled by a 1st control part and a 2nd control part, the burden of a 1st control part can be eased.

  In the configuration in which the sample processing unit and the transport unit include a first control unit and a second control unit, respectively, preferably, the first control unit controls the sample processing unit and the transport unit and operates the transport unit in the first mode. Are controlled by the first control unit and the second control unit, and the operation of the transport unit in the second mode is controlled by the first control unit. If comprised in this way, while being able to reduce the burden of the 1st control part in a 1st mode, operation | movement of the conveyance unit in a 2nd mode can be controlled by the sample processing unit side.

  A sample processing system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a sample processing unit that processes a sample, and a transport unit that transports a sample container containing the sample at a supply position for supplying the sample to the sample processing unit. The transport unit includes a processing device and a sample transfer device that moves a sample container transported by a transport line provided outside to the transport unit and moves a sample container transported by the transport unit to the transport line. The first container that receives the sample container transported by the transport line through the sample transfer device and transports it, and then transfers the sample container to the transport line through the sample transfer device. It can be operated in the second mode of carrying.

  In the sample processing system according to the second aspect, as described above, after the transport unit receives and transports the sample container transported by the transport line provided outside, the first mode passes to the transport line; By being configured to be able to operate in the second mode in which the sample container is transported independently from the transport line, the transport unit can be operated independently from the transport line in the second mode. Even when the operation is stopped, the sample container can be transported to the supply position of the sample to the sample processing unit by setting the second mode. As a result, even when the transport line is stopped due to a failure or the like, the sample processing can be continued. Further, the sample transfer device is used to move a sample container transported by a transport line provided outside to the transport unit, and to move a sample container transported by the transport unit to the transport line. Even if the arrangement of the sample processing apparatus is changed, it can be easily handled by the sample transfer apparatus, so that the degree of freedom of arrangement of the sample processing system can be improved.

  In the sample processing system according to the second aspect, preferably, in the first mode, the transport unit has an initial position of the transport unit when the rack for storing the sample container is present at the initial position of the transport unit. To the specimen transfer device. According to this configuration, in the first mode, the sample transfer apparatus that has received the notification that the rack exists at the initial position of the transport unit can easily set the sample container transported by the transport line to the initial position of the transport unit. It can be housed in a rack that is in position. In addition, by notifying the sample transfer device that the rack is present at the initial position of the transport unit, if there is no rack at the initial position of the transport unit, the sample transfer device mistakenly places the sample container into the transport unit. It can be prevented from moving.

  In this case, preferably, the transport unit transports the rack from the initial position to the supply position in response to receiving a notification of completion of the transfer of the sample container from the sample transfer device to the rack. If comprised in this way, before the transfer of the sample container to the rack by a sample transfer apparatus is completed, it can prevent that a conveyance unit starts conveyance of a rack accidentally.

  A sample processing system according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a transport line that transports a sample container containing a sample, and a sample processing device that receives and processes the sample container transported by the transport line. A sample processing unit for processing the sample, and a transport unit for transporting the sample container at a supply position for supplying the sample to the sample processing unit. The transport unit receives the sample container transported by the transport line Operation is possible in a first mode for transporting and a second mode for transporting the sample container independently of the transport line.

  In the sample processing system according to the third aspect, as described above, the transport unit receives the sample container transported by the transport line and transports the sample container independently from the transport line. By configuring so that it can operate in two modes, the transport unit can be operated independently of the transport line in the second mode, so even if the transport line stops due to a failure or the like, the second mode is set. Thus, the specimen container can be transported to the specimen supply position to the specimen processing unit. As a result, even when the transport line is stopped due to a failure or the like, the sample processing can be continued.

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

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a sample processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the configuration of the analyzer in the sample processing system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sample transfer device in the sample processing system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 shows the hand mechanism of the sample transfer device shown in FIG. It is a perspective view. 6 to 9 are flowcharts showing the control of the analyzer in the sample processing system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. First, an overall configuration of a sample processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a sample processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sample container setting unit 110, a transport line 120, a processed sample container storage unit 130, and four analyzers 140, 141, 142. And 143. The sample container setting unit 110 is disposed at the upstream end of the transport line 120 in the transport direction (arrow P direction), and is provided to supply the unprocessed sample container 150 to the transport line 120. The transport line 120 is provided for transporting the sample container 150 supplied from the sample container setting unit 110. The processed sample container storage unit 130 is disposed at an end portion on the downstream side in the transport direction (arrow P direction) of the transport line 120, and the sample container 150 for which the analysis processing by at least one of the four analyzers 140 to 143 has been completed. Is provided to accommodate. The analyzers 140 to 143 are configured to receive and process the sample container 150 transported by the transport line 120 from the transport line 120 and to deliver the processed sample container 150 to the transport line 120. Yes. Further, the analyzers 140 to 143 are configured to perform different analysis processes on the blood samples stored in the sample container 150. That is, in the sample processing system 100 according to the present embodiment, the unprocessed sample container 150 set in the sample container setting unit 110 is transferred by the transfer line 120 and is predetermined by at least one of the four analyzers 140 to 143. After being subjected to the analysis process, it is configured to be stored in the processed sample container storage unit 130.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, the configuration of the analyzer 140 as an example of the four analyzers 140 to 143 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the analyzer 140 is connected to the transport line 120 via a sample transfer device 160. As shown in FIG. 2, the analyzer 140 includes a blood coagulation measuring device 1 and a transport device 2 disposed on the front side of the blood coagulation measuring device 1.

  The blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1 sucks the blood sample stored in the sample container 150 using a piercer (not shown) at the supply position 2a of the transport apparatus 2, and analyzes the blood sample for a plurality of items. It is an automatic analysis type device that can be used. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the blood coagulation measurement apparatus 1 is provided with a touch panel type operation display unit 11 and a measurement device side control unit 12. The operation display unit 11 is a touch panel type display device, and is configured such that a start key 11a as a measurement start button of the blood coagulation measurement device 1 is displayed at a predetermined timing. The measuring device side control unit 12 is configured to be able to control the blood coagulation measuring device 1 and the transport device 2. The measuring device side control unit 12 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

  The transport device 2 is provided to supply a blood sample to the blood coagulation measurement device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the transport device 2 transports a plurality (10 in the present embodiment) of sample containers 150 accommodated in a rack 151 to the supply position 2 a of the transport device 2, thereby providing a sample container 150. The blood sample is supplied to the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the transport apparatus 2 operates in an online mode that receives and transports the sample container 150 transported by the transport line 120 and an offline mode that transports the sample container 150 independently of the transport line 120. It is configured to be possible. In the online mode, the transport apparatus 2 is configured to receive an unprocessed sample container 150 from the transport line 120 and transport it to the supply position 2a, and then transfer the processed sample container 150 to the transport line 120 again. . In the offline mode, the transport device 2 is configured to transport an unprocessed sample container 150 set on the transport device 2 by the user to the supply position 2a. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the transport device 2 includes a transport path 21 that transports a rack 151 that houses a plurality (ten in the present embodiment) of sample containers 150, a transport device-side control unit 22, and the like. , An emergency stop button 23, a switching button 24, and a display unit 25 are included. The transport apparatus side control unit 22 is provided to control the operation of the transport apparatus 2 in the online mode. The transport device side control unit 22 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The operation of the transfer device 2 is controlled by the measurement device side control unit 12 and the transfer device side control unit 22 in the online mode, and is controlled by the measurement device side control unit 12 in the offline mode. The switch button 24 is provided for switching between the online mode and the offline mode. When the switching button 24 is input, the mode switching is notified to the measuring apparatus side control unit 12. In addition, the display unit 25 displays a currently set operation mode (online mode or offline mode) of the transport apparatus 2 and an operation error in the transport apparatus 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the transport path 21 is formed in an annular shape so that the rack 151 can circulate around the central portion 21 a, and has a quadrangular shape when viewed in plan. A rack 151 containing a plurality of sample containers 150 is transported on the transport path 21 in a counterclockwise direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the transport path 21 is counterclockwise with the initial position in the online mode in which the sample container 150 is moved between the transport line 120 and the transport line 120 via the sample transfer device 160 as a point A. B point, C point, D point, E point and F point are sequentially provided. Further, the supply position 2 a is configured to be located between the point C and the point D of the transport path 21. In addition, the transport path 21 is provided with an unprocessed container stock area R1 and a processed container stock area R2. The unprocessed container stock area R1 is an area from the point B to the point C on the transport path 21, and the processed container stock area R2 is an area from the point E to the point F on the transport path 21. The unprocessed container stock region R1 is provided for stocking the rack 151 containing the unprocessed sample container 150 in which the sample is not supplied to the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1 in the offline mode. That is, the untreated container stock region R1 is the initial position in the offline mode. The processed container stock region R2 is provided for stocking the rack 151 containing the processed sample container 150 for which the supply of the sample to the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1 has been completed in the offline mode.

  Further, the conveying path 21 shown in FIG. 3 includes an extruding member 31, a pair of conveying members 32, a pair of laterally feeding members 33, an extruding member 34, a pair of conveying members 35, and a sending member 36. A position regulating member 37 and drive motors M1 to M6 are provided. The pushing member 31 is provided to transport the rack 151 from point A to point B. The pushing member 31 is configured to be driven by a driving motor M1. The pair of transport members 32 are provided to transport the rack 151 from the B point to the C point. The pair of transport members 32 is configured to be driven by a drive motor M2. The pair of laterally feeding members 33 are provided for laterally feeding the rack 151 at the point C to the point D at every predetermined interval (interval between adjacent sample containers 150 accommodated in the rack 151). The pair of transverse feed members 33 are configured to be driven by a drive motor M3. The pushing member 34 is provided to transport the rack 151 from the D point to the E point. The push member 34 is configured to be driven by a drive motor M4. The pair of transport members 35 are provided to transport the rack 151 from the point E to the point F. The pair of transport members 35 are configured to be driven by a drive motor M5. The delivery member 36 is provided for transporting the rack 151 from the F point to the A point. The delivery member 36 is configured to be driven by a drive motor M6. The position restricting member 37 is configured to be able to rotate counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow Q in FIG. 3), and restricts the position at the point A of the rack 151 that is laterally fed from the point F to the point A. Is provided. The position restricting member 37 has position restricting surfaces 37a and 37b. The position regulating surface 37 a has a function of preventing the rack 151 existing at the point A from moving in the direction of the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1. Further, the position regulating surface 37b has a function of preventing the rack 151 existing at the point A from moving leftward. Since the position regulating member 37 can regulate the position of the rack 151 at the point A, the sample container 150 moved from the transport line 120 by the sample transfer device 160 can be easily accommodated in the rack 151. is there.

  3 includes a sensor 41, a pair of light transmission sensors 42, sensors 43 and 44, a pair of sensors 45, sensors 46 and 47, and a pair of light transmission types. Sensor 48 and sensors 49 to 52 are provided. The sensor 41 is installed on the outer periphery of the conveyance path 21 on the right side of the point A, and is provided to detect whether or not the rack 151 exists at the point A. The pair of sensors 42 are respectively installed in the outer peripheral portion of the conveyance path 21 on the right side of the point C and in the vicinity of the position restricting member 37 in the central portion 21a. The pair of sensors 42 is provided to detect whether or not the rack 151 exists in the untreated container stock region R1. The sensor 43 is installed in the central portion 21a on the left side of the point B, and is provided to detect whether or not the rack 151 exists at the point B. The sensor 44 is installed on the outer periphery of the conveyance path 21 in the direction of the blood coagulation measuring device 1 at the point C, and is provided to detect whether or not the rack 151 exists at the point C. The pair of sensors 45 are installed on the outer peripheral portion of the transport path 21 between the pair of lateral feed members 33 at a predetermined interval along the transport direction. The pair of sensors 45 are provided for detecting whether or not the rack 151 at the point C is laterally fed to the point D by the pair of lateral feed members 33.

  Moreover, the sensor 46 is installed in the outer peripheral part of the conveyance path 21 corresponding to the supply position 2a. The sensor 46 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction (T direction in FIG. 3), and is provided for detecting the position of the sample container 150 accommodated in the rack 151. Further, a barcode reader (not shown) is integrally attached to the sensor 46 so that the barcode label 150a (see FIG. 5) of the sample container 150 detected by the sensor 46 can be read. It is configured. Further, the sensor 47 shown in FIG. 3 is installed in the central portion 21a corresponding to the supply position 2a, and whether or not the rubber stopper 150b (see FIG. 5) is attached to the sample container 150 accommodated in the rack 151. It is provided to detect this. The pair of sensors 48 are respectively installed on the outer periphery of the transport path 21 on the left side of the point D and on the outer periphery of the transport path 21 corresponding to the right end of the point F. The pair of sensors 48 is provided to detect whether or not the rack 151 exists in the processed container stock region R2. The sensors 49 and 50 are installed adjacent to the outer periphery of the conveyance path 21 on the left side of the point E, and are provided to detect whether or not the rack 151 exists at the point E. The sensors 51 and 52 are installed adjacent to the outer periphery of the conveyance path 21 on the left side of the point F, and are provided to detect whether or not the rack 151 exists at the point F.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the drive motors M1, M5, and M6 are controlled by the transfer device side control unit 22 of the transfer device 2, and the drive motors M2, M3, and M4 are controlled by the measurement device side control of the blood coagulation measurement device 1. Controlled by the unit 12. That is, the operations of the push member 31, the pair of transport members 35, and the delivery member 36 provided in the transport path 21 are controlled by the transport device side control unit 22. Further, the operations of the pair of conveying members 32, the pair of laterally feeding members 33 and the pushing member 34 are controlled by the measuring device side control unit 12. In the present embodiment, the sensors 41, 43, 48, 50 and 51 output signals to the transport device side control unit 22, and the sensors 42, 44 to 47, 49 and 52 to the measurement device side control unit 12. Output a signal.

  3 grips an unprocessed sample container 150 in the transport line 120 and transfers it to the transport apparatus 2, and grips a processed sample container 150 in the transport apparatus 2. And has a function of transferring to the transfer line 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the sample transfer device 160 includes a control unit 161, a reciprocating mechanism 162, and a hand mechanism 163. The control unit 161 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and has a function for controlling the reciprocating mechanism 162 and the hand mechanism 163. In addition, when the transfer of the sample container 150 to the rack 151 existing at the point A of the transport device 2 is completed, the control unit 161 has a function of notifying the transport device side control unit 22 to that effect. The reciprocating mechanism 162 is provided to move the hand mechanism 163 between the transport line 120 and the analyzer 140. As shown in FIG. 5, the hand mechanism 163 includes a motor 163a as a drive source, a pinion 163c attached to the drive shaft 163b of the motor 163a, and a pair of rack members provided at positions facing each other across the pinion 163c. 163d and a pair of holding members 163e attached to the rack member 163d. The pair of holding members 163e have recesses 163f at positions facing each other. When the motor 163a is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction, the hand mechanism 163 moves the pair of holding members 163e toward each other, and sandwiches and holds the sample container 150 by the recesses 163f of the pair of holding members 163e. It is configured as follows. Further, the hand mechanism 163 is configured such that when the motor 163a is rotationally driven in a direction opposite to a predetermined direction, the pair of holding members 163e move away from each other.

  Next, a schematic operation of the sample processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, when the transport line 120 of the sample processing system 100 is operating normally, the user switches from the offline mode, which is an initial setting value, to the online mode by the switch button 24. In this online mode, unprocessed sample containers 150 set in the sample container setting unit 110 shown in FIG. 1 are transported one by one in the direction of arrow P by the transport line 120. Then, if necessary, after a predetermined analysis process is performed by the analyzers 141 and 142, the sample container 150 is transported to a position corresponding to the analyzer 140. Then, the sample is transferred to the transfer device 2 by the sample transfer device 160 and is transferred to the supply position 2 a by the transfer device 2. Thereby, the analysis process of the blood sample by the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1 is performed. Then, the processed sample container 150 is transferred to the transport line 120 by the sample transfer device 160, and a predetermined analysis process is performed by the analysis device 143 as necessary. Thereafter, the sample is further transported by the transport line 120 and stored in the processed sample container storage unit 130.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the transport line 120 of the sample processing system 100 stops due to a failure or the like, the user switches from the online mode to the offline mode with the switching button 24. In this offline mode, first, the user sets the rack 151 that accommodates the sample container 150 in the unprocessed container stock region R1 of the transport apparatus 2 shown in FIG. Then, when the user presses the start key 11 a of the operation display unit 11, the rack 151 is transported to the supply position 2 a by the transport device 2. Thereby, the analysis process of the blood sample by the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1 is performed. Thereafter, the rack 151 containing the processed specimen container 150 is transported to the processed container stock region R2 by the transport device 2 and stocked.

  Next, operation control of the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The operation control of the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1 is performed by the measuring apparatus side control unit 12. First, when the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1 is turned on, in step S1, the measuring apparatus side control unit 12 starts the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1 in the offline mode. In step S2, the measurement apparatus side control unit 12 determines whether or not there is a notification of switching to the online mode. If it is determined in step S2 that there is no notification of switching to the online mode, in step S3, the measurement device side control unit 12 controls the blood coagulation measurement device 1 in the offline mode. Then, it returns to step S2 and it is judged whether there was notification of switching to online mode. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that there is a notification of switching to the online mode, in step S4, the measurement device side control unit 12 controls the blood coagulation measurement device 1 in the online mode. Thereafter, in step S5, the measurement apparatus side control unit 12 determines whether or not there is a notification of switching to the offline mode. If it is determined in step S5 that there is no notification of switching to the offline mode, the process returns to step S4, and the measurement device side control unit 12 controls the blood coagulation measurement device 1 in the online mode. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that there is a notification of switching to the offline mode, in step S3, the measurement device side control unit 12 controls the blood coagulation measurement device 1 in the offline mode.

  Next, the operation control in the offline mode of the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1 in step S3 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, and 7. FIG. First, in step S11 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the measuring device side control unit 12 sets the unprocessed container stock region R1 based on the outputs of the pair of sensors 42 (see FIG. 3) provided in the transport path 21. It is determined whether or not the rack 151 exists. If it is determined in step S11 that the rack 151 exists, in step S12, the measurement device side control unit 12 presses the start key 11a of the touch panel type operation display unit 11 of the blood coagulation measurement device 1. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined in step S12 that the start key 11a of the operation display unit 11 of the blood coagulation measurement apparatus 1 has been pressed, the measurement apparatus side control unit 12 drives the drive motor M2 in step S13. Thus, the pair of transport members 32 are moved to transport the rack 151 placed at any position in the untreated container stock region R1 to the point C. Note that the arrival of the rack 151 at the point C is detected by the sensor 44 and a detection signal is notified to the measurement device side control unit 12.

  When the rack 151 is transported to the point C, in step S14, the measurement device side controller 12 reciprocates the sensor 46, to which a barcode reader (not shown) is integrally attached, in the T direction. Thereby, the position of the sample container 150 accommodated in the rack 151 is detected, and the barcode reader 150a (see FIG. 5) of the sample container 150 is read by the barcode reader. In step S15, the measurement apparatus side control unit 12 drives the pair of laterally feeding members 33 by driving the drive motor M3, so that a predetermined interval (between adjacent sample containers 150 accommodated in the rack 151) is obtained. At every interval, the rack 151 at the point C is intermittently fed laterally toward the supply position 2a. The lateral feed operation by the pair of lateral feed members 33 is monitored based on the outputs of the pair of sensors 45. In step S16, the measurement device-side control unit 12 re-identifies the sample container 150 located at the supply position 2a by the sensor 46 and a barcode reader (not shown), and at the same time the piercer of the blood coagulation measurement device 1. A process of aspirating and analyzing the blood sample in the sample container 150 is performed (not shown). In step S <b> 17, the measurement device side control unit 12 executes a process of laterally feeding the rack 151 from the supply position 2 a to the point D in parallel with the analysis of the blood sample by the blood coagulation measurement device 1.

  In step S18, the measurement apparatus side controller 12 moves the push member 34 by driving the drive motor M4, and transports the rack 151 containing the processed sample container 150 from the D point to the E point. . Then, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. Note that the rack 151 at the point E is pushed out to the processed container stock region R2 side by sequentially repeating the conveyance of the rack 151 from the point D to the point E by the pushing member 34, so that the processed sample container 150 is accommodated. The completed rack 151 is stocked in the processed container stock area R2. If it is determined in step S11 that the rack 151 does not exist in the untreated container stock region R1, or if the start key 11a of the touch panel type operation display unit 11 of the blood coagulation measurement apparatus 1 is not pressed in step S12. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  Next, the operation control in the online mode of the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1 in step S4 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. In step S21, the measurement device side control unit 12 determines whether or not the rack 151 exists in the untreated container stock region R1 based on the outputs of the pair of sensors 42 (see FIG. 3) provided in the transport path 21. to decide. In step S21, when it is determined by the pair of sensors 42 that the rack 151 is present in the unprocessed container stock region R1, in step S22, the measurement device-side control unit 12 receives a start signal from the transport device 2. Determine whether there was a notification. The start signal is notified from the transport device side control unit 22 to the measurement device side control unit 12 when the rack 151 is transported from the point A to the point B as will be described later. In step S22, when it is determined that the start signal is notified from the transport apparatus 2, in step S23, the measurement apparatus side control unit 12 drives the drive motor M2 to move the pair of transport members 32. The rack 151 is moved and conveyed from the untreated container stock region R1 to the point C.

  In step S24, the position of the sample container 150 accommodated in the rack 151 is detected by the sensor 46 and the barcode reader, and the barcode label of the sample container 150 is detected, similarly to the operation control in the offline mode described above. 150a is read. In step S25, the measurement device side control unit 12 drives the pair of laterally feeding members 33 by driving the drive motor M3, so that a predetermined interval (between adjacent sample containers 150 accommodated in the rack 151) is obtained. At every interval, the rack 151 at the point C is intermittently fed laterally toward the supply position 2a. The lateral feed operation by the pair of lateral feed members 33 is monitored based on the outputs of the pair of sensors 45. In step S26, the measurement device-side control unit 12 re-identifies the sample container 150 located at the supply position 2a by the sensor 46 and the bar code reader, and the piercer (not shown) of the blood coagulation measurement device 1. Thus, a process of sucking and analyzing the blood sample in the sample container 150 is executed. In step S <b> 27, the measurement apparatus side control unit 12 executes a process of laterally feeding the rack 151 from the supply position 2 a toward the point D in parallel with the analysis of the blood sample by the blood coagulation measurement apparatus 1.

  In step S28, the measurement device side controller 12 moves the push member 34 by driving the drive motor M4, and transports the rack 151 containing the processed sample container 150 from the D point to the E point. . Then, the process proceeds to step S5 in FIG. If it is determined in step S21 that there is no rack 151 in the unprocessed container stock area R1, or if it is determined in step S22 that there is no notification of a start signal from the transfer device 2, The process proceeds to step S5.

  Next, the operation control in the online mode of the conveying apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. Note that the operation control of the analyzer 140 in the online mode is performed by the measuring device side control unit 12 and the transport device side control unit 22. When the user operates the switching button 24 to switch the operation mode from the offline mode to the online mode, first, an initial operation by the transport device 2 is performed. As this initial operation, the measuring device side control unit 12 and the transporting device side control unit 22 drive the transporting device 2 so that the three empty racks 151 are moved to the points A and D of the transporting path 21 (see FIG. 3). And at point F. Here, as operation control with respect to the rack 151 arranged at the point A, in step S32, the transfer device side control unit 22 determines whether or not the rack 151 exists at the point A based on the output of the sensor 41. to decide. If it is determined in step S32 that the rack 151 does not exist at the point A, the determination in step S32 is made again. The determination in step S32 is repeated until it is determined that the rack 151 is present at the point A.

  When it is determined in step S32 that the rack 151 is present at the point A, in step S33, the transport device side control unit 22 notifies the sample transfer device 160 that the rack 151 is present at the point A. To do. Thereby, the sample transfer device 160 uses the hand mechanism 163 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to transfer the sample container 150 transported by the transport line 120 to the rack 151 existing at the point A of the transport device 2. Transfer. In step S <b> 34, the transport device side control unit 22 determines whether there is a notification from the sample transfer device 160 that the transfer of the sample container 150 has been completed. If it is determined in step S34 that there is no notification from the sample transfer device 160 that the transfer of the sample container 150 has been completed, the determination in step S34 is made again. The determination in step S34 is repeated until it is determined that there is a notification from the sample transfer device 160 that the transfer of the sample container 150 has been completed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S34 that the sample transfer device 160 has notified that the transfer of the sample container 150 has been completed, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S <b> 35, the transport device side controller 22 moves the push member 31 by driving the drive motor M <b> 1 to transport the rack 151 from point A to point B.

  In step S <b> 36, the transfer device side control unit 22 notifies the blood coagulation measurement device 1 of a start signal. Starting from the notification of the start signal from the transfer device 2 in step S36, the blood coagulation measuring device 1 side starts from the point B of the rack 151 by the blood coagulation measuring device 1 as shown in steps S21 to S28 in FIG. The conveyance process to the point is started. On the transport device 2 side, in step S37 of FIG. 9, the transport device control unit 22 determines whether or not the rack 151 exists at the point E based on the output of the sensor 50. If it is determined in step S37 that the rack 151 does not exist at the point E, the determination in step S37 is made again. Note that the determination in step S37 is repeated until it is determined that the rack 151 exists at the point E. If it is determined in step S37 that the rack 151 exists at the point E, in step S38, the transport device side control unit 22 moves the pair of transport members 35 by driving the drive motor M5. The rack 151 is transported from the point E to the point F. In step S <b> 39, the transport device side control unit 22 determines whether or not the rack 151 exists at the point F based on the output of the sensor 51.

  If it is determined in step S39 that the rack 151 does not exist at point F, the determination in step S39 is made again. Note that the determination in step S39 is repeated until it is determined that the rack 151 exists at the point F. If it is determined in step S39 that the rack 151 is present at the point F, in step S40, the transport device side control unit 22 moves the sending member 36 by driving the drive motor M6. The rack 151 is transported from point F to point A. Then, it returns to step S32 and it is determined again whether the rack 151 exists in A point. If it is determined in step S32 that the rack 151 is present at the point A, the sample transfer device 160 is notified in step S33 that the rack 151 is present at the point A. Thereby, the sample transfer device 160 transfers the processed sample container 150 from the rack 151 present at the point A of the transfer device 2 to the transfer line 120 using the hand mechanism 163. Thereafter, the unprocessed sample container 150 transported by the transport line 120 is transferred to the rack 151 existing at the point A of the transport apparatus 2 using the hand mechanism 163. In step S34, it is determined whether or not there is a notification from the sample transfer device 160 that the transfer of the sample container 150 is completed, and the rack 151 is transported.

  In steps S32 to S40 described above, the operation control for the rack 151 existing at the point A by the initial operation has been described. However, the same applies to the two racks 151 existing at the point D and the point F by the initial operation. Are controlled in parallel.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the transport apparatus 2 receives the sample container 150 transported by the transport line 120 and transports it, and the offline mode transports the sample container 150 independently from the transport line 120. Since the transfer device 2 can be operated independently from the transfer line 120 by the offline mode, even when the transfer line 120 stops due to a failure or the like, by setting the offline mode, The specimen container 150 can be transported to the blood specimen supply position 2a for the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 1. As a result, even when the transport line 120 is stopped due to a failure or the like, the blood sample can be continuously processed.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the operation of the transfer device 2 in the online mode is controlled by the measurement device side control unit 12 of the blood coagulation measurement device 1 and the transfer device side control unit 22 of the transfer device 2. With this configuration, at least a part of the operation of the transfer device 2 in the online mode is controlled by the transfer device side control unit 22, so that the control of the blood coagulation measurement device 1 and the transfer device 2 is controlled only by the measurement device side control unit 12. Compared with the case where it carries out by this, the burden of the measuring device side control part 12 of the blood coagulation measuring device 1 can be reduced.

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

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an analyzer configured to move a sample container between a transfer line and a transfer device using the sample transfer device has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to an analyzer configured to receive and deliver a sample container directly to and from a transfer line without using a sample transfer device.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a transport device for supplying a sample to a blood coagulation measuring apparatus as an example of a sample processing unit has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and sample processing is not limited thereto. The present invention can be widely applied to a transport device for supplying a specimen to a blood cell counter, a blood agglutination measuring device, a smear preparation device, a urine analyzer, and the like as a unit.

  In the above embodiment, the operation of the transfer device in the online mode is controlled by the measurement device side control unit of the blood coagulation measurement device and the transfer device side control unit of the transfer device, and the operation of the transfer device in the offline mode is Although it is configured to be controlled by the measurement device side control unit of the blood coagulation measurement device, the present invention is not limited to this, and all operations in the online mode and offline mode of the transport device are controlled by the measurement device side of the blood coagulation measurement device. The control may be performed by the control unit, or all operations in the online mode and the offline mode of the transport device may be controlled by the transport device side control unit of the transport device.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which three racks are transported by the transport device in the online mode has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a transport device capable of transporting four or more racks simultaneously in the online mode. The present invention may be applied to.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a sample processing system including four analyzers has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes three or less or five or more analyzers. Even if the present invention is applied to the sample processing system, the same effect can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example has been described in which the initial position in the online mode is set at the point A on the conveyance path, and the initial position in the offline mode is set in the unprocessed container stock region R1 on the conveyance path. Not limited to this, the initial position in the online mode and the initial position in the offline mode may be set to the same position (for example, point A) on the conveyance path.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a switching button for switching between the online mode and the offline mode is provided in the transport apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the switching button for switching between the online mode and the offline mode. May be provided in the blood coagulation measuring apparatus.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a sample processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the perspective view which showed the analyzer in the sample processing system by one Embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an analyzer in the sample processing system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sample transfer device in the sample processing system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a hand mechanism of a sample transfer device in the sample processing system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. 3 is a flowchart showing operation control of the blood coagulation measuring device of the analyzer in the sample processing system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart showing operation control in an off-line mode of a blood coagulation measuring device of an analyzer in the sample processing system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart showing operation control in an on-line mode of the blood coagulation measuring device of the analyzer in the sample processing system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart showing operation control in an online mode of a transport device of an analyzer in the sample processing system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

Explanation of symbols

1 Blood coagulation measuring device (specimen processing unit)
2 Transport device (transport unit)
12 Measuring device side controller (first controller)
21 Conveying path 22 Conveying device side control unit (second control unit)
24 switching button (switching means)
100 Sample processing system 120 Conveyance line 140 Analyzer (sample processing device)
150 Sample container 151 Rack 160 Sample transfer device

Claims (16)

A sample processing unit for processing a sample;
A transport unit for transporting a sample container containing the sample at a supply position for supplying the sample to the sample processing unit;
The transport unit is operable in a first mode for receiving and transporting the sample container transported by a transport line provided outside and a second mode for transporting the sample container independently of the transport line. A sample processing apparatus. In the first mode, the transport unit transports the sample container through a path from the first initial position of the transport unit through the supply position to the first initial position,
2. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving of the sample container from the transport line and the delivery of the sample container to the transport line are performed at the first initial position. The transport unit is
In the first mode, a rack capable of accommodating a plurality of the sample containers is stopped at the first initial position,
The sample processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rack is transported to the supply position after the plurality of sample containers are accommodated in the rack.   The transport unit according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit transports the sample container from a second initial position of the transport unit through the supply position to a predetermined position different from the second initial position in the second mode. The sample processing apparatus according to any one of the above.   5. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined position different from the second initial position is a processed container stock position for stocking a sample container that has finished supplying the sample to the sample processing unit.   The sample processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second initial position is an unprocessed container stock position for stocking a sample container in which the sample is not supplied to the sample processing unit. The transport unit is
Including an annular transport path,
The sample processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the sample containers are transported on the annular transport path in the first mode.   The sample processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the annular conveyance path is a quadrangular conveyance path when seen in a plan view.   The sample processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the sample processing unit and the transport unit includes a switching unit that switches between the first mode and the second mode. The sample processing unit includes at least a first control unit for controlling the sample processing unit,
The sample processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit includes at least a second control unit for controlling the transport unit. The first control unit controls the sample processing unit and the transport unit;
The sample processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein an operation of the transport unit in the first mode is controlled by the first control unit and the second control unit. The first control unit controls the sample processing unit and the transport unit;
The operation of the transport unit in the first mode is controlled by the first control unit and the second control unit,
The sample processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein an operation of the transport unit in the second mode is controlled by the first control unit. A sample processing apparatus comprising: a sample processing unit that processes a sample; and a transport unit that transports a sample container containing the sample to a supply position for supplying the sample to the sample processing unit;
A sample transfer device that moves the sample container transported by the transport unit to the transport unit, and moves the sample container transported by the transport unit to the transport line.
The transport unit receives and transports the sample container transported by the transport line via the sample transfer device, and then delivers the sample container to the transport line via the sample transfer device; A sample processing system operable in a second mode for transporting the sample container independently of the transport line.   In the first mode, the transport unit determines that the rack is present at the initial position of the transport unit when a rack for accommodating the sample container is present at the initial position of the transport unit. The sample processing system according to claim 13, which notifies a mounting apparatus.   The transport unit transports the rack from the initial position to the supply position in response to receiving notification of completion of transfer of the sample container from the sample transfer device to the rack. 14. The sample processing system according to 14. A transport line for transporting a sample container containing a sample;
A sample processing apparatus for receiving and processing the sample container transported by the transport line;
The sample processing apparatus comprises:
A sample processing unit for processing the sample;
A transport unit for transporting the sample container at a supply position for supplying the sample to the sample processing unit;
The sample processing unit is operable in a first mode for receiving and transporting the sample container transported by the transport line and a second mode for transporting the sample container independently of the transport line. system.

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