JP2017106926A - Specimen processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a specimen processing device capable of exchanging a rack storing a specimen container even during the specimen processing.SOLUTION: Two drawers 30 arrayed side by side in a lateral direction are set with racks R1 to R6 for holding any of a plurality of specimen containers T1 to T3. A right side rack is supported by a right side drawer 30 so as to provide a space S1 on the drawn direction side in a state that the right side rack is drawn into the device. The specimen container is drawn out from a left side rack that is drawn into the device, and moved to a container set part by moving on a route passing the space 1. As a result, even when the specimen container is in the midst of the movement from the left side rack to the container set part, the right side rack can be drawn out to a front of the device. Thus, the exchange of the specimen containers can be efficiently performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample processing apparatus that processes a sample contained in a sample container.

  One of the plurality of sample containers held on the holding table is set by being transferred to the sample container setting unit by the sample container supply unit, the sample in the set sample container is aspirated, and the aspirated sample is A sample analyzer for measuring by a measuring unit is known (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-139462 A

  In the sample analyzer, when the operator stores the sample container on the holding table, the sample container must be stored after the measurement by the analyzer is completed. The storage work also takes a certain amount of time. For this reason, in a facility where there are many samples to be processed, the sample processing capacity of the apparatus may be reduced.

  In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a sample processing apparatus capable of exchanging racks that store sample containers during sample processing.

  A first aspect of the present invention relates to a sample processing apparatus. The sample processing apparatus according to this aspect is arranged adjacent to each other to support a first rack and a second rack that can be inserted into and removed from the casing and accommodate a plurality of sample containers. The first and second drawers, the container setting unit arranged in the casing and for setting the specimen container, and the specimen container arranged in the casing and taking out one specimen container from either the first or second rack The container transfer unit for transferring to the container setting unit, the sample aspirating unit for aspirating the sample in the sample container placed in the housing and set in the container setting unit, and the transfer operation of the container transfer unit are controlled A container set unit disposed in a position closer to the first drawer than the second drawer in the region in the housing, and the first drawer was pulled into the housing Pull-in direction side in the state The first rack is supported so as to provide the first space, and the control unit removes one sample container from the second rack and transfers the sample container to the container setting unit through a transfer path passing through the first space. Control the transfer section.

  According to the sample processing apparatus according to this aspect, since the sample container is transferred from the second rack to the container setting unit through the transfer path passing through the first space, there is no problem even during the transfer of the sample container. The first rack can be pulled out of the housing. Therefore, the rack can be efficiently exchanged for the sample processing apparatus.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sample processing apparatus capable of exchanging racks that store sample containers during sample processing.

  The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example when the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the sample analyzer which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic diagram at the time of seeing the inside of the housing | casing which concerns on embodiment from the upper side. FIG. 3A is a perspective view when the rack according to the embodiment is viewed from above, and FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the sample container according to the embodiment. (c)-(e) is sectional drawing of the sample container which concerns on embodiment. 4A to 4F are perspective views when the rack according to the embodiment is viewed from below. Fig.5 (a) is a schematic diagram which shows the back-and-forth movement of the drawer concerning an embodiment, Drawing 5 (b) is a figure showing the composition of the drawer concerning an embodiment, and Drawing 5 (c) It is a figure at the time of seeing the cut rack set part which concerns on embodiment from the front. FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams when the vertical movement unit, the holding unit, and the stirring mechanism according to the embodiment are viewed in the negative X-axis direction. FIG. 7A is a flowchart showing the lock process for the drawer, FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing the transfer process for the sample container, and FIG. 7C is a diagram showing the lamp lighting process. is there. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a stirring process by the stirring mechanism according to the embodiment, and FIGS. 8B to 8D are diagrams illustrating a suction process by the suction unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 8E is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the setting table stored in the hard disk according to the embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the sample analyzer which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 10A is a schematic view when the vicinity of two drawers according to the embodiment is viewed from above, and FIGS. 10B and 10C are front views of the rack according to the embodiment, respectively. It is a figure when the path | route which the sample container currently hold | maintained at the row | line | column and back row | line | column is transferred by the container transfer part sees to the X-axis negative direction. FIGS. 11A to 11D are diagrams illustrating a path through which the sample container held in the right rack according to the embodiment is transferred by the container transfer unit. FIGS. 12A to 12D are diagrams illustrating a path through which the sample container held in the left rack according to the embodiment is transferred by the container transfer unit. FIGS. 13A to 13D are diagrams showing a path through which the sample container held in the rack according to the modified example is transferred by the container transfer unit. FIGS. 14A to 14D are diagrams showing a path through which the sample container held in the rack according to the modified example is transferred by the container transfer unit. FIGS. 15A to 15D are diagrams illustrating a path through which the sample container held in the rack according to the modified example is transferred by the container transfer unit.

  In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a sample analyzer for testing and analyzing blood. Hereinafter, the sample analyzer according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a sample analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The sample analyzer 1 includes a main body 2 and a display input unit 3 that is a touch panel display. The main body 2 is covered with a housing 2a. On the front surface of the housing 2a, a power button 11, a start button 12, an interruption button 13, and two panels for operating the power supply of the sample analyzer 1 are provided. 21 and two lamps 22 are provided. Drawers 30 (see FIG. 2) are connected to the rear sides of the two panels 21, respectively. The two lamps 22 indicate the states of the corresponding drawers 30 respectively. A door 23 that can be opened and closed is provided in front of the right side surface of the housing 2a.

  When performing a process of analyzing a plurality of samples continuously (hereinafter referred to as “sampler process”), the operator pulls the panel 21 forward, pulls the drawer 30 forward, and removes the rack holding the sample container. Set the drawer 30 and press the start button 12. When the operator performs processing for preferentially analyzing one sample (hereinafter referred to as “manual processing”), the operator opens the door 23 and sets the container setting unit 71 inside the housing 2a (see FIG. 2). A sample container is set in the case 2, and a start button 83 (see FIG. 2) inside the housing 2a is pushed.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram when the inside of the housing 2a is viewed from above.

  The main body 2 has two drawers 30 for setting the racks R1 to R6 (see FIG. 3A) and a transmission type for detecting whether the two drawers 30 are closed and set in the housing 2a. The sensor 41, the holes 42 for fixing the two drawers 30 respectively, the container transfer unit 50 for transferring the sample containers T1 to T3 (see FIG. 3B), and the sample containers T1 to T3 are overturned. A stirring mechanism 60 for stirring the sample, a front-rear transport unit 70 for moving the sample containers T1 to T3 in the front-rear direction, and a transmission sensor 81 for detecting the presence or absence of the sample container in the front-rear transport unit 70, , A barcode reader 82, a start button 83, a sample aspirating unit 210 for aspirating the sample in the sample containers T1 to T3, a sample preparing unit 220, a detecting unit 230, and a measurement sample.

  Here, the racks R1 to R6, the sample containers T1 to T3, and the drawer 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (a) to 5 (c).

  FIG. 3A is a perspective view when the racks R1 to R6 are viewed from above. In FIG. 3A, the coordinate axes shown in FIG. 2 when the racks R1 to R6 are installed in the drawer 30 are also shown.

  In the present embodiment, as will be described later, six types of racks R1 to R6 are used according to the type of sample container. As shown in FIG. 3A, the shapes of the racks R1 to R6 when viewed from the upper side are exactly the same, but the shapes when viewed from the lower side are different. The shape when the racks R1 to R6 are viewed from below will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In the racks R1 to R6, ten holding portions Ra are formed so that the ten sample containers T1 to T3 can be held vertically. The ten holding portions Ra are formed such that the five holding portions Ra are arranged in two rows in the front and rear directions. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 3A, the positions of the ten holding portions Ra are referred to as holding positions n1 to n10 for convenience. Further, the upper surfaces of the racks R1 to R6 are parallel to the XY plane, and there is a center between the row of the holding portions Ra at the holding positions n1 to n5 and the row of the holding portions Ra at the holding positions n6 to n10. Part Rb is formed. In addition, a recess Rc that is recessed inward from the periphery is formed on the rear side (Y axis positive side) of the lower ends of the racks R1 to R6.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the appearance of the sample containers T1 to T3.

  The sample containers T1 to T3 include a body portion Ta, a lid portion Tb, and a barcode label Tc. The trunk | drum Ta is a tubular container comprised with the glass or synthetic resin which has translucency, and the opening is formed in the upper end. The trunk portion Ta accommodates the specimen, and the opening at the upper end is sealed by the lid portion Tb. The lid Tb is configured to allow the piercer 211 (see FIG. 2) to pass therethrough. A barcode including the sample ID is printed on the barcode label Tc. The barcode label Tc is affixed to the side surface of the trunk portion Ta.

  3C to 3E are cross-sectional views of the sample containers T1 to T3, respectively. The sample containers T1 to T3 are used as, for example, blood collection tubes.

  A bottom surface Td is formed at the lower end inside the body portion Ta, and the position of the bottom surface Td increases in the order of the sample containers T1 to T3. Thereby, the volume of the sample that can be accommodated in the sample containers T1 to T3 decreases in the order of the sample containers T1 to T3.

  4A to 4F are perspective views when the racks R1 to R6 are viewed from the lower side (Z-axis negative side), respectively.

  At the lower end of the racks R1 to R6, in addition to the recess Rc shown in FIG. 3A, the opposite side of the recess Rc (the Y axis negative side at the lower end of the racks R1 to R6) protrudes outward from the surroundings. A convex portion Rd is formed.

  In addition, a protrusion Re is formed on the lower surface side of the racks R1 to R6. The lower end of the protrusion Re is positioned above the lower ends of the racks R1 to R6. There are three positions where the protrusion Re is formed, and the protrusion Re is formed in at least one of the positions. Specifically, the rack R1 has protrusions Re at three positions, the rack R2 has protrusions Re at the center and the X-axis positive side, and the rack R3 has an X-axis. Projections Re are formed at positions on the positive side and the negative side of the X axis. In the rack R4, a protrusion Re is formed at the center and the X-axis negative side. In the rack R5, a protrusion Re is formed at the center. In the rack R6, the X-axis negative side is formed. A protrusion Re is formed at the position.

  Here, the sample of the present embodiment includes a normal sample that is not particularly urgent (hereinafter referred to as “normal sample”) and a sample that needs to be analyzed in preference to the normal sample (hereinafter referred to as “ Referred to as “priority specimen”). Further, three types of sample containers T1 to T3 described above are used as the sample containers, and each of the normal sample and the priority sample is accommodated in each of the sample containers T1 to T3. Therefore, in the present embodiment, there are sample containers T1 to T3 for storing normal samples and sample containers T1 to T3 for storing priority samples, and as a result, there are six types of sample containers.

  In the present embodiment, the rack to be used is determined for each of the six types of sample containers. Specifically, sample containers T1 to T3 for storing normal samples are set only in racks R1 to R3, respectively, and sample containers T1 to T3 for storing priority samples are set only to racks R4 to R6, respectively. Hereinafter, the racks R1 to R3 are collectively referred to as “normal racks”, and the racks R4 to R6 are collectively referred to as “priority racks”. In this way, the racks R1 to R6 in which the sample containers T1 to T3 are set in advance according to the above rules are set in the drawer 30 drawn forward by the operator.

  FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the forward / backward movement of the drawer 30.

  The panel 21 is connected to the front end (end on the Y-axis negative side) of the drawer 30, and moves back and forth with the panel 21 when the panel 21 is moved back and forth by the operator. The drawer 30 is formed with a rack set portion 300 for installing the racks R1 to R6. As the drawer 30 moves back and forth, the rack set unit 300 has a mounting position where the rack is taken into the housing 2a and a drawer position where the rack is pulled out of the housing 2a. Move between.

  When the drawer 30 is pulled out and the rack set unit 300 is positioned at the pull-out position, the operator can set the rack in the rack set unit 300 and can take out the rack set in the rack set unit 300. Further, when the rack set unit 300 is positioned at the mounting position, processing is performed on the sample container held in the rack set in the rack set unit 300 by each mechanism in the housing 2a.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the drawer 30. In FIG. 5B, illustration of a flange 31 and a bar member 32 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, is omitted for convenience.

  The rack set unit 300 is formed near the center of the drawer 30, and the bottom surface of the rack set unit 300 is one step lower than the top surface of the drawer 30. At the front end and the rear end of the rack set part 300, a concave part 310 and a convex part 320 are formed to engage with the convex part Rd and concave part Rc of the rack set in the rack set part 300, respectively. The upper surface of the convex portion 311 on the left and right of the concave portion 310 is lower than the upper surface of the drawer 30, and the upper surface of the convex portion 320 is higher than the upper surface of the drawer 30. In addition, a convex portion 330 is formed at the center of the rack set portion 300. Clearances 331 to 333 corresponding to the protrusions Re at the three positions of the rack set in the rack setting unit 300 are formed in the convex portion 330.

  FIG. 5C is a view when the rack set unit 300 cut at C1-C2 in FIG. 5B is viewed from the front (in the positive Y-axis direction).

  Transmission type sensors 341 to 343 are installed on the convex portion 330 so as to sandwich the gaps 331 to 333, respectively. For example, when the rack R1 is set on the rack setting unit 300, the three protrusions Re formed on the rack R1 are positioned in the gaps 331 to 333. Therefore, when it is detected by the detection signals of the sensors 341 to 343 that the protrusion Re is positioned in at least one of the gaps 331 to 333, it is understood that the rack is set in the rack setting unit 300. Also, the hard disk 270 (see FIG. 9) of the main body 2 stores the configuration of the protrusions Re of the racks R1 to R6 shown in FIGS. Thereby, it can be understood which of the racks R1 to R6 is the rack set in the rack setting unit 300.

  Further, when the rack is placed on the rack set unit 300 so that the front-rear direction is reversed, the lower surface of the rack including the convex part Rd and the concave part Rc hits the convex parts 311 and 320, so the rack is inclined in the front-rear direction. . Thereby, the operator can notice that the installation direction of the rack is wrong. In the present embodiment, the protruding portion Re and the rack set portion 300 are configured so that the protruding portion Re does not hit the convex portion 330 even if the rack is placed on the rack set portion 300 so that the front-rear direction is reversed. Has been.

  Returning to FIG. 2, when the rack is set in the drawer 30 and the drawer 30 is pushed rearward, the flange portion 31 provided at the rear of the drawer 30 becomes a gap between the transmission type sensors 41 installed in the housing 2 a. Positioned on. Therefore, the detection signal of the sensor 41 detects that the drawer 30 has been pulled out and that the drawer 30 has been closed. After the rack is set in the drawer 30 and the drawer 30 is closed, when the transfer of the sample container to the rack set in the drawer 30 is started by the container transfer unit 50, the rack is erroneously pulled forward. The drawer 30 is locked to prevent it from being taken out. Specifically, the bar member 32 provided in the drawer 30 is driven in the Y-axis direction by a drive unit (not shown) and is inserted into the hole 42 installed in the housing 2a, thereby moving the drawer 30 forward. The withdrawal is regulated. In addition, the lock is released so that the drawer 30 can be pulled forward by driving the bar member 32 in the opposite direction to that at the time of locking.

  FIG. 7A is a flowchart showing a lock process for the drawer 30. This process is performed by the CPU 201 described later.

  When the gripping parts 541 and 542 (see FIG. 2) of the container transfer part 50 start moving from the initial position on the left rear side in the main body 2, the operation of transferring the sample container to the rack set in the drawer 30 is started. Then (S101: YES), the drawer 30 is locked (S102).

  Subsequently, the sample containers held in the rack are sequentially taken out from the rack by the container transfer unit 50 and transferred. Then, as will be described later, a stirring process and a suction process are performed on the sample stored in the sample container that has been taken out. When these processes on the sample are completed, the sample container is returned to the original holding position of the original rack. Thus, when the processing of all the samples on the rack is completed (S103: YES), the processing waits until the gripping portions 541 and 542 of the container transfer portion 50 are retracted to a position where they do not come into contact with the drawer 30 that is pulled forward (see FIG. S104). When the grips 541 and 542 are retracted (S104: YES), the drawer 30 is unlocked (S105). Thus, the lock process for the drawer 30 is completed.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the container transfer unit 50 includes motors 51 and 52, belts 53 and 54, and a moving body 500.

  The moving body 500 includes a left / right moving unit 510, a front / rear moving unit 520, a vertical moving unit 530, and a holding unit 540. The left-right moving unit 510 is movable in the left-right direction while being supported by a guide (not shown) extending in the left-right direction provided in the housing 2a, and the front-rear moving unit 520 is provided in the left-right moving unit 510. Further, it is movable in the front-rear direction while being supported by a guide (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction. The vertical movement unit 530 is moved in the vertical direction with respect to the front-rear movement unit 520 by a cylinder (not shown) provided in the front-rear movement unit 520. The holding unit 540 is configured to be able to sandwich the sample containers T1 to T3 from the front-rear direction, and is supported by the vertical movement unit 530 so as to be rotatable about the Y axis as a rotation axis.

  The motor 51 drives the belt 53 hung on pulleys disposed on the left and right sides in the housing 2a in the left-right direction. An attachment stay 511 of the left / right moving unit 510 is fixed to the belt 53. Accordingly, the left / right moving unit 510 can move in the left / right direction in accordance with the belt 53. The motor 52 drives the belt 54 hung on the pulleys arranged on the left and right in the housing 2a in the left-right direction. A part of the belt 54 is folded forward by a pulley 512 provided in the left / right moving unit 510 and is hung on a pulley 513 provided in front of the left / right moving unit 510. An attachment stay 521 of the front / rear moving unit 520 is fixed to the belt 54 between the pulleys 512 and 513. Accordingly, the front / rear moving unit 520 can move in the front / rear direction in accordance with the belt 54. Therefore, the holding portion 540 can freely move in the X, Y, and Z directions within the housing 2a.

  The stirring mechanism 60 includes a motor 61, a shaft 62 connected to the motor 61 and extending in the Y-axis direction, and an abutting member 63 fixed to the shaft 62. The sample container gripped by the gripping portions 541 and 542 and positioned at the position P1 is overturned by being pressed by the contact member 63, and the sample in the sample container is stirred.

  FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams when the vertical movement unit 530, the holding unit 540, and the stirring mechanism 60 are viewed in the negative X-axis direction.

  The vertical movement unit 530 includes a substrate 531, a shaft 532 fixed to the substrate 531, a cylinder 533 fixed to the substrate 531, and a plate member 534 installed at the Y-axis negative end of the rod 533 a of the cylinder 533. And a flange portion 534a provided at the upper end of the plate member 534, and a transmission type sensor 535 installed on the substrate 531 on the Y axis positive side of the flange portion 534a.

  The holding part 540 includes gripping parts 541 and 542 installed on the shaft 532 so as to be rotatable about the shaft 532 and a spring 543 hung between the gripping parts 541 and 542. The grip portion 541 is installed on the shaft 532 so as not to move in the Y-axis direction, and the upper end of the grip portion 542 is positioned on the Y-axis negative side of the plate member 534.

  When no force in the negative Y-axis direction is applied to the rod 533a, the gripping portion 542 is pulled in the positive Y-axis direction by the contraction force of the spring 543, and the lower ends of the gripping portions 541 and 542 come into contact with each other. At this time, the plate member 534 is pushed in the positive direction of the Y axis by the upper end of the grip portion 542, and the flange portion 534 a is positioned in the gap of the sensor 535. As a result, it is detected that the lower ends of the gripping parts 541 and 542 are in contact with each other, that is, that the sample container is not gripped by the holding part 540.

  When the rod 533a is pushed out in the negative Y-axis direction by the cylinder 533, the plate member 534 moves in the negative Y-axis direction as shown in FIG. At this time, the upper end of the grip portion 542 is pushed in the Y-axis negative direction by the plate member 534 against the contraction force of the spring 543, and the flange portion 534 a moves to the Y-axis negative side of the sensor 535.

  When the specimen containers T1 to T3 are gripped by the gripping portions 541 and 542, first, as shown in FIG. 6A, the gripping portions 541 and 542 are set to be gripped with the gripping portions 541 and 542 opened. The sample container is moved to the position of the sample container (rack holding position) and lowered to a predetermined height position. When the force pushing the rod 533a by the cylinder 533 is weakened, the grip portion 542 moves in the positive direction of the Y axis, and the specimens are held by the grip portions 541 and 542 by the contraction force of the spring 543, as shown in FIG. The trunk portion Ta of the container is gripped. At this time, since there is a sample container between the grip portions 541 and 542, the grip portion 542 stops at a predetermined position, and the collar portion 534a is not positioned in the gap of the sensor 535. Thereby, it is detected that the sample container is held by the holding unit 540.

  Therefore, when the gripping portions 541 and 542 perform a gripping operation on each holding position of the rack, if the collar portion 534a is positioned in the gap of the sensor 535, the sample container is not held at this holding position. If the collar 534a is not positioned in the gap of the sensor 535, it can be seen that the sample container is held at this holding position. When it is detected that the sample container is not held when the gripping operation is performed, the transfer operation of the sample container with respect to the holding position is stopped.

  FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing a transfer process for the sample container. This process is performed by the CPU 201 described later.

  When the transfer operation of the container transfer unit 50 is started, the gripping units 541 and 542 of the container transfer unit 50 are moved to the target holding position (S201), and the holding operation is performed on this holding position ( S202). At this time, as described above, the presence or absence of the sample container with respect to the holding position is detected. When there is a sample container at this holding position (S203: YES), the transfer operation for the sample container is executed by the gripping parts 541 and 542 of the container transfer unit 50 (S204). On the other hand, if there is no sample container at this holding position (S204: NO), the transfer operation is not performed.

  In this way, the processing of S201 to S205 is repeated until the processing of all the samples on the rack is completed (S205). When all the samples on the rack have been processed (S205: YES), the gripping parts 541 and 542 of the container transfer unit 50 are returned to the initial positions (S206), and the transfer process ends.

  6A and 6B, the sample container taken out from the rack is transferred to the position P1 shown in FIG. 2 by the container transfer unit 50, and the sample container is overturned by the stirring mechanism 60 at this position P1. The Specifically, when the shaft 62 is rotated by the motor 61, the front end of the contact member 63 moves along an arc centered on the shaft 62 in the XZ plane. As a result, the body portion Ta of the sample container is pushed from the X-axis negative side by the contact member 63. When returning the sample container to the vertical state, the shaft 61 is rotated in the reverse direction by the motor 61, and the contact member 63 is separated from the sample container. As a result, the grip portions 541 and 542 holding the sample container are returned to the vertical state by their own weight.

  Here, since the abutting member 63 pushes the sample container from the X axis negative side, the container transport unit 50 needs to position the sample container on the X axis positive side of the abutting member 63. In the agitation process, the sample container is overturned in the X-axis direction, so that a space extending in the X-axis direction is required. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the stirring mechanism 60 and the position P1 are provided on the left rear side of the rack set in the two drawers 30 when the two drawers 30 are closed.

  Returning to FIG. 2, when the stirring process by the stirring mechanism 60 is completed at the position P <b> 1, the sample container is set in the container setting unit 71 of the front-rear transport unit 70 positioned at the position P <b> 2 by the container transfer unit 50. The front-rear transport unit 70 includes a container set unit 71 that can hold a sample container, and a motor 72 that moves the container set unit 71 in the front-rear direction.

  The sample container set in the container setting unit 71 at the position P2 is transported to the position P3 by the container setting unit 71. When the specimen container is positioned at the position P3, the specimen ID is read from the barcode label Tc attached to the specimen container by the barcode reader 82 installed in the vicinity of the position P3. Then, the sample container is transported to the position P4 by the container setting unit 71. When the sample container is positioned at the position P4, a predetermined amount of sample is aspirated from the sample container by the sample aspirating unit 210 via the piercer 211. The specimen aspirating unit 210 includes a piercer 211 for aspirating the specimen in the specimen container, and a motor 212 including a stepping motor for driving the piercer 211 in the vertical direction.

  When the aspiration of the sample is completed, the sample container is transported forward by the container setting unit 71 and positioned at the position P2. Then, the sample container is returned to the original rack holding position by the container transfer unit 50. Thus, the sample containers held in the rack are sequentially taken out, and the sample is aspirated by the sample aspirating unit 210.

  The specimen sucked through the piercer 211 is discharged to the sample preparation unit 220. The sample preparation unit 220 mixes the specimen and the reagent, heats the mixed solution, prepares a measurement sample, and supplies the prepared measurement sample to the detection unit 230. The detection unit 230 acquires various signals by irradiating the measurement sample with laser light. The acquired measurement result is analyzed by the CPU 201 (see FIG. 9), and the analysis result is displayed on the display input unit 3.

  In the case where one sample is preferentially analyzed (in the case of manual processing), the operator stirs the sample in the sample container in advance. Then, the operator opens the door 23, sets the sample container in the container setting unit 71 positioned at the position P5 (see FIG. 2), and presses the start button 83. The sample container is conveyed backward by the container setting unit 71, and the sample ID is read by the barcode reader 82 and the sample is aspirated. Thereafter, the sample container is positioned at the position P5 by the container setting unit 71, and the operator opens the door 23 and takes out the sample container from the housing 2a.

  The container setting unit 71 is positioned at the position P5 when the processing for the two racks is not performed, and is positioned at the position P2 when the processing for one of the two racks is performed. Therefore, manual processing can be executed when processing is not performed for any of the two racks. When manual processing is performed while processing is being performed on any one of the racks, the operator performs an operation to interrupt the processing on the racks, and then opens the door 23 to store the sample container containing the priority sample. Is set in the container setting portion 71 positioned at the position P5, and the start button 83 is pressed.

  Here, since the piercer 211 is a consumable item, it needs to be periodically replaced by a service person. The service person replaces the piercer 211 from the right side surface of the main body 2 at the time of replacement. Further, the container setting unit 71 moves in the front-rear direction between a position P5 where the sample container is directly set by the operator and a position P4 where the suction by the piercer 211 is performed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the container setting unit 71 is provided at the right end in the main body 2 in consideration of the convenience of the operator and service personnel. Further, the position P2 where the sample container is set by the container transfer unit 50 is in the right direction of the position P1 so that the distance from the position P1 is the shortest, and to the two drawers 30 when the two drawers 30 are closed. It is provided at the right rear of the set rack.

  8A is a diagram illustrating the agitation process by the agitation mechanism 60, and FIGS. 8B to 8D are diagrams illustrating the aspiration process by the specimen aspirating unit 210. FIG. FIG. 8E is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the setting table stored in the hard disk 270 (see FIG. 9) of the main body 2.

  Referring to FIG. 8 (a), when the overturning operation in which the sample container returns from the vertical state to the vertical state through the overturned state is counted once, the number of overturns of the sample containers T1 to T3 is as shown in FIG. 8 (e). As shown in the setting table, fn1, fn1, and fn2 are set, respectively. Here, fn1 <fn2. As a result, the specimen can be sufficiently stirred even for the specimen container T3 having a smaller capacity than the specimen containers T1 and T2.

  8B to 8D, when the piercer 211 is lowered with respect to the sample container, the motor 212 is given a predetermined number of pulses after the lower end of the piercer 211 is adjusted to the origin position. Piercer 211 is lowered. At this time, the number of pulses given to the motor 212 is set to pn1, pn2, and pn3 for each of the sample containers T1 to T3 as shown in the setting table of FIG. Has been. Here, pn1> pn2> pn3. Thereby, the piercer 211 can be appropriately lowered according to the height of the bottom surface Td of the sample containers T1 to T3.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sample analyzer 1.

  The main body 2 includes the substrate transport unit 50, the barcode reader 82, the sample suction unit 210, the sample preparation unit 220, the detection unit 230, the substrate 200, the mechanism unit 240, the sensor unit 250, A lamp unit 260, a hard disk 270, and a reading device 280 are provided. The substrate 200 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, and an interface 203.

  The CPU 201 executes the computer program stored in the memory 202, the computer program loaded in the memory 202, and the processes shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b). The CPU 201 controls each unit of the main body 2 and the display input unit 3 via the interface 203 and receives signals from each unit of the main body 2 and the display input unit 3.

  The mechanism part 240 includes a mechanism for driving each part of the main body 2. In addition to the two sensors 41, 81, 341 to 343, and 535 described above, the sensor unit 250 includes a sensor that detects that the door 23 is closed, a power button 11, start buttons 12 and 83, and an interrupt button. And a sensor for detecting that 13 has been pressed. The lamp unit 260 includes two lamps 22.

  The hard disk 270 stores an operating system, a computer program to be executed by the CPU 201, the configuration of the protrusions Re of the racks R1 to R6, and the setting table of FIG. The reading device 280 is configured by a CD drive, a DVD drive, or the like, and can read a computer program and data recorded on a recording medium.

  FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram when the vicinity of the two drawers 30 is viewed from above.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the positions P1 and P2 are provided on the left rear side and the right rear side of the rack set in the two drawers 30, respectively. Each part in the main body 2 is configured so that a space S1 is provided behind the rack set in the right drawer 30 and a space S2 is provided behind the rack set in the left drawer 30. Yes. Moreover, space S3 is formed between the row | line | column of holding position n1-n5 and the row | line | column of holding position n6-n10 by center part Rb (refer Fig.3 (a)) provided in the rack. The width in the front-rear direction of the central portion Rb is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the body portion Ta of the sample container. A space S4 is formed between the racks set in the left and right drawers 30. Note that the spaces S1, S2, and S4 are spaces that extend to the upper side of the drawer 30 in the area of the broken line in the plan view shown in FIG. 10A, and to the extent that the sample container can be transferred by the container transfer unit 50. Configured to be small. The space S3 is a space that extends above the center portion Rb in the broken line region of the plan view shown in FIG.

  The right drawer 30 and the left drawer 30 correspond to “first drawer” and “second drawer” described in the claims, respectively.

  FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a path through which the sample container held at the holding position n1 of the right rack is transferred by the container transfer unit 50. FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 11A, when the sample held at the holding position n1 of the right rack is gripped by the gripping portions 541 and 542 and extracted from the rack, the specimen is slightly moved backward to the space S3. Positioned within. Subsequently, the sample container is transferred to the left in the space S3 and positioned in the space S4, is transferred rearward in the space S4, and is positioned at a position straddling the spaces S1 and S2. Subsequently, the sample container is moved to the left in the space S2 and positioned at the position P1. After the stirring process is performed at the position P1, the sample container is transferred to the right in the space S2 and the space S1, and is set in the container setting unit 71 positioned at the position P2.

  Referring to FIG. 11B, when the sample container transported from the rear by the container setting unit 71 and positioned at the position P2 is gripped by the gripping units 541 and 542 and extracted from the container setting unit 71, the right side It returns to the original holding position n1 through the space on the right side of the rack and the space S3. Similarly, the sample containers held at the holding positions n2 to n5 of the right rack are also transferred as shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b).

  Note that the sample containers held in the rear row (holding positions n6 to n10) of the right rack are transferred to the left and right in the spaces S1 and S2, as shown in FIGS. 11 (c) and 11 (d).

  12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating a path through which the sample container held at the holding position n1 of the left rack is transferred by the container transfer unit 50. FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 12A, when the specimen held at the holding position n1 of the left rack is gripped by the gripping portions 541 and 542 and extracted from the rack, it is first transported slightly backward. It is positioned in the space S3, moved to the left in the space S3, and positioned in the left space of the left rack. Subsequently, the sample container is positioned at the position P1 through the left space of the left rack. After the stirring process is performed at the position P1, the sample container is transferred to the right in the space S2 and the space S1, and is set in the container setting unit 71 positioned at the position P2.

  Referring to FIG. 12B, when the sample container conveyed from the rear by the container setting unit 71 and positioned at the position P2 is grasped by the grasping units 541 and 542 and extracted from the container setting unit 71, the space S1 is obtained. Is moved to the left and positioned in the space S4. Then, the sample container is transferred to the left in the space S3 and returned to the original holding position n1. Similarly, the sample containers held at the holding positions n2 to n5 of the left rack are also transferred as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b).

  The sample containers held in the rear row (holding positions n6 to n10) of the left rack are transferred to the left and right in the spaces S1 and S2, as shown in FIGS.

  FIGS. 10B and 10C show that the sample containers held in the front row (holding positions n1 to n5) and the rear row (holding positions n6 to n10) of the rack are moved by the container transfer unit 50, respectively. It is a figure at the time of seeing the path | route transferred in a X-axis negative direction. A thick line arrow indicates a path at the lower end of the sample container.

  Referring to FIG. 10B, the sample containers held in the front row are extracted so that the lower end is positioned slightly above the upper surface of the rack. Subsequently, the sample container is slightly transferred in the Y-axis positive direction, and then transferred in the X-axis direction through the space S3 (see FIG. 10A) between the front row and the rear row. , Transported backward through the space S4 or the left space of the left rack. Referring to FIG. 10 (c), the sample containers held in the rear row are similarly extracted so that the lower end is positioned slightly above the upper surface of the rack. Subsequently, the sample container is slightly transferred in the positive Y-axis direction. In this way, the sample container is transferred in a state where the lower end is located slightly above the upper surface of the rack, that is, at a height where the lower end of the sample container is close to the upper surface of the rack, and is raised above this. There is nothing. That is, by setting the transfer path as described above, the sample container can be smoothly transferred without greatly lifting the sample container.

  In the present embodiment, when no rack is set in the drawer 30, the lamp 22 above the drawer 30 is lit in green, and the drawer 30 is unlocked. Even when a rack is set in the drawer 30, but the processing of this rack is not started, the lamp 22 above the drawer 30 is lit in green and the drawer 30 is unlocked. . When the processing of the rack set in the drawer 30 is started, and the transfer of the sample container to the rack is started, the lamp 22 above the drawer 30 blinks in green, and the drawer 30 Can be locked. When the processing of all the racks set in the drawer 30 is completed, the lamp 22 above the drawer 30 is turned off, and the drawer 30 is unlocked.

  Note that the lighting process of the lamp 22 is controlled by the CPU 201 as shown in FIG. This lighting process is performed so that the lamp 22 is in the state shown in the right column of FIG. 7C when the drawer 30 is in the state shown in the left column of FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the lamp 22 is lit in green and off, the corresponding drawer 30 can be pulled forward, and the rack can be set in the drawer 30. When it is blinking in green, the corresponding drawer 30 cannot be pulled out forward, and the rack cannot be set in this drawer 30. Therefore, the operator can see whether the rack can be set in the corresponding drawer 30 by looking at the state of the lamp 22.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12D, the sample container held in the left rack passes through the front of the right rack when positioned at the position P2. Instead, it is transferred through the space S1 behind the right rack. Thereby, even when the sample container is being transferred from the left rack to the position P2, the right rack can be pulled out to the front of the main body 2. Therefore, the sample container can be exchanged efficiently.

  Further, the lower end of the sample container transferred from the left rack to the position P2 is positioned slightly above the upper surface of the rack. That is, the sample container is transported at a height where the lower end is close to the upper surface of the rack, and is not lifted upward. For this reason, the sample container transported from the left rack is positioned higher than the upper end of the sample container held in the right rack so that the right rack and the sample container do not contact when the right rack is pulled out. There is no need to be lifted. Thereby, it can avoid that the external shape of the sample analyzer 1 becomes large in the height direction.

  The specimen containers T1 to T3 used in the present embodiment are used as, for example, blood collection tubes as described above, and have a thin and long shape as shown in FIGS. 3 (c) to 3 (e). For this reason, when the sample container is pulled out from the rack and transferred, the lower part of the transferred sample container may interfere with the upper part of another sample container. This problem can be solved by lifting the sample container so that the lower part of the transferred specimen container is higher than the upper part of the other specimen containers. However, in this case, it is necessary to take a large stroke for lifting the sample container inside the sample analyzer 1, and the outer shape of the sample analyzer 1 increases in the height direction. For this reason, in order to suppress the height of the sample analyzer 1 while solving the above problems, it is necessary to devise a transfer path for the sample container. In the present embodiment, by setting the transfer path of the sample container as described above, the sample container can be smoothly transferred while avoiding an increase in the outer shape of the sample analyzer 1 in the height direction. it can.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D, when the sample container held in the right rack is positioned at the position P1 that is the stirring position by the stirring mechanism 60. Without passing through the front of the left rack, it is transferred through the space S2 behind the left rack. Thereby, even when the sample container is being transferred from the right rack to the position P1, the left rack can be pulled out to the front of the main body 2. Therefore, the sample container can be exchanged efficiently. Further, it is not necessary to lift the sample container to a position higher than the upper end of the sample container held in the left rack during the transfer from the right rack to the position P1, so that the outer shape of the sample analyzer 1 is in the height direction. Can be avoided.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the left and right drawers 30 are each provided with the rack set unit 300, and the rack is configured to be detachable from the rack set unit 300. Thereby, a plurality of sample containers can be exchanged at a time. Therefore, the sample container can be exchanged more efficiently.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the rack has a configuration in which the five holding portions Ra are arranged in two rows, the rack can be formed in a compact shape in a plan view. As a result, the sample analyzer 1 The shape can be made compact. A central portion Rb is formed between the row of the holding portions Ra at the holding positions n1 to n5 and the row of the holding portions Ra at the holding positions n6 to n10, and a space S3 formed by the central portion Rb. Is used for the transfer space of the specimen container. Thereby, a smooth transfer operation can be realized.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the space S4 formed between the racks set in the left and right drawers 30 is used as a sample container transfer space. Thereby, a smooth transfer operation can be realized.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the processing of the rack set in the drawer 30 is started, when the transfer of the sample container to the rack is started, the drawer 30 is locked. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the rack in which the transfer of the sample container has been started from being erroneously pulled out and the transfer of the sample container by the container transfer unit 50 from being hindered.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when a gripping operation is performed on the holding position by the gripping portions 541 and 542, the presence or absence of the sample container at the holding position is detected, and the sample container is not held. The transfer operation of the sample container with respect to this holding position is stopped. Thereby, useless transfer operation by the container transfer unit 50 can be avoided, and transfer of the sample container can be efficiently advanced.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the lamp 22 is lit in green or off, the corresponding drawer 30 can be pulled forward, and a rack can be set in this drawer 30. When blinking in green, the corresponding drawer 30 cannot be pulled forward, and the rack cannot be set in this drawer 30. Therefore, since the operator can intuitively know whether it is possible to set the rack in the corresponding drawer 30 by looking at the state of the lamp 22, it is possible to smoothly replace the sample container. .

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the embodiment of the present invention can be variously modified in addition to the above.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the apparatus to which the present invention is applied is the sample analyzer 1 that analyzes blood, but is not limited thereto. Even if the present invention is applied to a sample processing apparatus for processing a sample, such as an immunological analyzer, a gene amplification measuring device, a biochemical analyzer, a urine qualitative analyzer, a urine sediment analyzer, or a blood smear preparation device. Good.

  Further, the transfer path of the specimen container is not limited to the one shown in the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the sample container taken out from the front row of the rack is slightly moved rearward and then moved to the left in the space S3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sample container taken out may be transported to the left in the space in front of the rack after being slightly forwarded as shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (c). . In this case, the sample container returned from the position P2 to the original holding position of the rack is transferred as shown in FIGS. 13 (b) and 13 (d).

  As described above, when the sample container is transferred, the space S3 is not used for the transfer. Therefore, the gap between the front row and the rear row of the rack need not be provided as in the above embodiment. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13D, the width of the rack in the front-rear direction can be reduced, so that the rack can be downsized. Note that if the rack is configured such that the gap between the front row and the rear row is small, the rack tends to tilt in the front-rear direction. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the space S3 as in the above-described embodiment in order to make the rack stand on its own. In addition, in the case of FIGS. 13A to 13D, the sample container is moved to the front side of the rack, so that the transfer distance is longer than that in the above embodiment. Therefore, in order to shorten the transfer time, it is desirable to provide the space S3 as in the above embodiment and use the space S3 as a transport path.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the sample container taken out from the front row of the right rack is transferred to the left in the space S3 and transferred backward in the space S4. Moreover, the sample container returned to the front row of the left rack from the position P2 was transferred forward in the space S4 and transferred left in the space S3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sample container taken out from the front row of the right rack is transferred to the right in the space S3 and transferred rearward in the right space of the right rack, as shown in FIG. May be. Further, as shown in FIG. 14D, the sample container returned from the position P2 to the front row of the left rack may be transferred forward in the left space of the left rack and transferred to the right in the space S3. . In this case, the sample containers returned to the front row of the right rack from the position P2 and the sample containers taken out from the front row of the left rack are respectively shown in FIGS. 14 (b) and (c). ).

  As described above, when the sample container is transferred, the space S4 is not used for the transfer, and therefore the gap between the left and right racks does not need to be provided as in the above embodiment. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14D, the gap between the left and right racks can be reduced, and the sample analyzer 1 can be downsized. However, in this transfer path, the sample container is turned around the right side of the right rack as shown in FIG. 14A, and the sample container is turned around the left side of the left rack as shown in FIG. Compared to the above embodiment, the transfer distance becomes longer. Therefore, in order to shorten the transfer time, it is desirable to provide the space S4 as in the above embodiment and use the space S4 for the transport path.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the sample container returned to the front row of the right rack from the position P2 is transferred forward in the right space of the right rack and transferred left in the space S3. In addition, the sample container taken out from the front row of the left rack was transferred to the left in the space S3 and transferred rearward in the left space of the left rack. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sample container returned to the front row of the right rack from the position P2 may be transferred forward in the space S4 and transferred to the right in the space S3, as shown in FIG. . Further, the sample container taken out from the front row of the left rack may be transferred to the right in the space S3 and transferred to the rear in the space S4 as shown in FIG. In this case, the sample containers taken out from the front row of the right rack and the sample containers returned to the front row of the left rack from the position P2 are respectively shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (d). ).

  As described above, when the sample container is transferred, the right space of the right rack and the left space of the left rack are not used for transfer. Therefore, the mechanism in the sample analyzer 1 is provided in these spaces. Can be arranged. Therefore, the sample analyzer 1 can be downsized. However, in this transfer path, the sample container is turned to the left side of the right rack as shown in FIG. 15B, and the sample container is turned to the right side of the left rack as shown in FIG. 15C. Compared to the above embodiment, the transfer distance becomes longer. Therefore, in order to shorten the transfer time, it is desirable to use the space on the right side of the right rack and the space on the left side of the left rack as the transport path as in the above embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, the sample containers taken out from the rear rows of the left and right racks are transferred as shown in FIGS. 11C and 12C, and returned from the position P2 to the rear rows of the left and right racks. The specimen container was transferred as shown in FIGS. 11 (d) and 12 (d). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sample containers taken out from the rear rows of the left and right racks may be transported through the space S3 after being transported slightly forward. In addition, the sample container returned to the back row of the left and right racks from the position P2 may be returned to the original holding position after being transferred through the space S3. However, in the case of these routes, the transfer distance of the specimen container is longer than that in the above embodiment, and therefore it is desirable to use the transfer route in the above embodiment in order to shorten the transfer time.

  In the above embodiment, two drawers 30 that can be pulled out from the front surface of the main body 2 are arranged in the horizontal direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more drawers 30 may be arranged in the horizontal direction. Also in this case, positions P1 and P2 are respectively provided on the left rear side and the right rear side of the plurality of drawers 30 arranged in the horizontal direction, and the sample container is transferred through a path passing behind the other rack.

  In the above embodiment, the sample container is agitated at the position P1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other processes may be performed at the position P1. For example, when the sample container is stirred in the transport path by the front-rear transport unit 70, the barcode label Tc of the sample container may be read at the position P1.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the rack was comprised so that attachment or detachment with respect to the drawer 30 was carried out, the rack does not necessarily need to be comprised so that attachment or detachment with respect to the drawer 30 is possible. In the above embodiment, the sample container type is specified by the shape of the rack. However, for example, when the sample container type is manually input, it is not necessary to use a detachable rack, and the rack is pulled out. 30 may be integrated. However, even when manually inputting the type of the sample container, the use of a detachable rack can exchange a plurality of sample containers at a time, so that workability and convenience can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the rack has a configuration in which the five holding portions Ra are arranged in two rows. However, the rack is not limited to this, and three or more rows in which the plurality of holding portions Ra are arranged are provided in the rack. Alternatively, only one row in which the plurality of holding portions Ra are arranged may be provided in the rack.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the rack is set in the drawer 30 so that the five holding portions Ra arranged in the left-right direction are arranged in two rows in the front-rear direction. The five holding portions Ra arranged in the (drawing direction) may be set in the drawer 30 so as to be arranged in two rows in the left-right direction. That is, the moving direction of the drawer 30 and the row of the holding portions Ra may be parallel. In this case, the rack set portion 300 of the drawer 30 is configured to be rotated 90 degrees in the XY plane, and the grip portions 541 and 542 are configured to be rotated 90 degrees in the XY plane.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the width in the front-rear direction of the central portion Rb of the rack is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the body portion Ta of the sample container. The sample container to be transferred may be transferred in the left-right direction in the space S3 formed by the central portion Rb. However, if the width in the front-rear direction of the central portion Rb is increased, the rack becomes larger, so that the central portion Rb is preferably configured as small as possible as in the above embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the spaces S1, S2, and S4 are configured to be small enough to allow the sample container to be transferred by the container transfer unit 50. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the spaces S1, S2, and S4 are You may comprise larger than the said embodiment. However, if the spaces S1, S2, and S4 are made larger, the sample analyzer 1 becomes larger, so that the spaces S1, S2, and S4 are desirably made as small as possible as in the above embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, when the transfer operation of the sample container to the rack set in the drawer 30 is started, the drawer 30 is locked. However, the transfer operation of the sample container is not limited to this. The drawer 30 may be locked at a predetermined timing after being performed. For example, the drawer 30 may be locked after the specimen container transfer operation to the rack is started and before the gripping portions 541 and 542 reach the upper region of the rack. At least when the drawer 30 is pulled out, it is desirable that the drawer 30 is locked during a period in which the sample container held by the gripping parts 541 and 542 or the gripping parts 541 and 542 interferes with the sample container held by the rack. .

  Further, in the above embodiment, the state of the drawer 30 is indicated by the display of the lamp 22, but may be always displayed on the display input unit 3.

  In the above embodiment, the spaces S1 and S2 through which the sample containers pass are provided above the two drawers 30, but the method of providing the spaces S1 and S2 is not limited to this. For example, in a state where the two drawers 30 are closed, spaces S1 and S2 may be provided further to the far side from the far side ends of the drawers 30.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sample analyzer 201 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 ... Lamp 30 ... Drawer 32 ... Bar member 50 ... Container transfer part 60 ... Stirring mechanism 535 ... Sensor 71 ... Container setting part S1 ... Space S2 ... Space S3 ... Space S4 ... Space R1-R6 ... Rack T1-T3 ... Sample container

Claims (14)

A sample processing apparatus for aspirating and processing a sample in a sample container,
A housing,
First and second drawers that are removable from the housing and arranged adjacent to support first and second racks for storing a plurality of sample containers, respectively.
A container setting unit disposed in the housing for setting a specimen container;
A container transfer unit disposed in the housing for taking out one sample container from either of the first and second racks and transferring the sample container to the container set unit;
A sample aspirating unit for aspirating a sample in a sample container placed in the housing and set in the container setting unit;
A control unit for controlling the transfer operation of the container transfer unit,
The container set portion is arranged at a position closer to the first drawer than the second drawer in the region in the housing,
The first drawer supports the first rack so as to provide a first space on the side in the drawing direction in the state where the first drawer is drawn into the housing,
The control unit controls the container transfer unit to take out one sample container from the second rack and transfer the sample container to the container setting unit through a transfer path passing through the first space. The specimen processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The first drawer is a first rack set for supporting the first rack by providing a gap corresponding to the first space from an end side of the first drawer in a direction toward the inside of the housing. A sample processing apparatus having a section. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The sample processing apparatus, wherein the control unit controls the container transfer unit so as to transfer the one sample container at a height at which a lower end of the one sample container is close to an upper surface of the first rack. The sample processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A stirring unit for stirring the sample container;
The stirring unit is arranged in a position closer to the second drawer than the first drawer in the region in the housing,
The second drawer supports the second rack so as to provide a second space on the side in the drawing direction in a state where the second drawer is drawn into the housing,
The control unit controls the container transfer unit so as to transfer one sample container taken out from the first rack to the stirring unit through a transfer path from the first rack through the second space. Sample processing equipment. The specimen processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
The second drawer is a second rack set for supporting the second rack by providing a gap corresponding to the second space from an end side of the second drawer in a direction toward the inside of the housing. A sample processing apparatus having a section. In the sample processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
At least one of the first and second racks has a plurality of container holding portions for holding each of the plurality of sample containers,
The plurality of container holding portions are provided integrally with a region corresponding to the third space so as to form a row via a region corresponding to the third space,
The sample processing apparatus, wherein the control unit controls the container transfer unit to transfer the one sample container through a transfer path passing through the third space. In the sample processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The first rack and the second rack are arranged adjacent to each other via a fourth space,
The sample processing apparatus, wherein the control unit controls the container transfer unit to transfer the one sample container through a transfer path passing through the fourth space. In the sample processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The sample processing apparatus further comprising first and second lock portions for restricting each of the first and second drawers from being pulled out of the housing. In the sample processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
In the operation of gripping the sample container at a predetermined holding position among the plurality of sample containers accommodated in any of the first and second racks, the container transfer unit moves the pair of gripping units to a predetermined position. A sample processing apparatus comprising: a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a sample container at the holding position based on whether or not it has approached beyond. In the sample processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A display unit;
The sample processing apparatus, wherein the control unit displays on the display unit which of the first and second drawers can store the first and second racks. In the sample processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A plurality of lighting portions arranged corresponding to each of the first and second drawers;
The controller is
The lighting unit corresponding to the drawer that can be pulled out from the housing among the first and second drawers is lit in the first display form,
A sample processing apparatus, wherein the lighting unit corresponding to a drawer that cannot be pulled out of the housing among the first and second drawers is lit in a second display form different from the first display form. The sample processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A sample processing apparatus comprising: a transport unit configured to move the container setting unit between a set position where a sample container transferred by the container transfer unit is set and a sample aspiration position by the sample aspiration unit. The sample processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A sample preparation unit for preparing a measurement sample in which the specimen and the reagent are mixed;
A sample processing apparatus, further comprising: a detection unit that acquires a detection signal based on the measurement sample. The sample processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The sample processing apparatus, wherein the plurality of sample containers are blood collection tubes.

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