JP2018169222A - Specimen holder transport device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a specimen holder transport device capable of allowing even an object having a possibility of toppling over such as a specimen rack and a specimen holder easy for adjustment without using a number of mechanisms and actuators.SOLUTION: A recovery rack transport line includes transport belts 60 having a width sufficiently greater than the width of a specimen rack 100. The transport belts 60 face each other and are fixed by a drive pulley 63 fixed by support plates 61, 62 of both sides arranged substantially in parallel to each other and a slave pulley 64. The drive pulley 63 is connected to a drive motor 66 via a timing belt 65, and the drive pulley 63 is rotated by a rotation of a drive motor 66 so that the transport belts 60 are moved and the specimen track 100 on the transport belts 60 is transported. Both ends of the support plates 61, 62 can be lifted to a position higher than the upper surfaces of the transport belts 60 and play a role also of a toppling prevention guide of the specimen track 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample holder transport device in a sample test automation system.

  In the sample test automation system and the analyzer, in transporting a sample, the sample is mounted on a sample rack in which a plurality of samples can be installed simultaneously, and the sample rack is transported together. For transporting the sample rack, a belt conveyor type transport line (transport device) that transports the sample rack on the transport belt having the same width as the width of the sample rack is driven by an actuator such as a motor. ing.

  When transporting the sample rack on this transport line, the sample rack can be transported on the straight line in the traveling direction of the belt conveyor, but when the transport destination of the sample rack is at a position shifted in parallel from the straight line in the traveling direction, It is necessary to add a mechanism for moving the transport line itself in parallel, or to add a mechanism for pushing the sample rack in parallel so that the transport destination comes on a straight line in the traveling direction.

  As a method for changing the traveling direction of sample rack transport without adding a mechanism, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. In this technique, the sample rack transport unit includes a slide rail plate, a pusher that pushes the sample rack, and a first guide plate and a second guide plate that guide the sample rack.

  A groove is formed in the slide rail plate along a track along which the sample rack is transported, and the sample rack is transported when the pusher passes through the groove and pushes the sample rack. The first guide plate is disposed on the radially outer side of the curved portion, and the second guide plate is disposed on the radially inner side of the curved portion.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, in a conveyance line having a common conveyance belt, a plurality of guide walls that are aligned in the width direction of the common conveyance belt and partition a conveyance space on the conveyance belt into a plurality of conveyance lines, and a plurality of conveyance lines A restricting plate provided in at least one target conveying line in the middle, using the conveying action of the common conveying belt to contact and guide the conveyed blood collection tube, and to send the blood collection tube in the lateral direction; And a discharge portion for discharging the blood collection tube that has been sent out in the lateral direction by the plate. A plurality of conveyance lines are integrally driven simultaneously by a common conveyance belt, and a conveyance destination is selected by selecting a conveyance line into which the blood collection tube is introduced when the blood collection tube is introduced into the blood collection conveyance device. ing.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-40538 Japanese Patent No. 3619774

  The rack transport unit described in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which a pusher passes through a gap in a groove provided in a slide rail plate to transport a rack. Therefore, severe adjustment is required so that the pusher does not come into contact with the groove portion during assembly. In addition, the drive mechanism that operates the pusher has a problem that a large space is required for routing the drive belt.

  In addition, the transport line having the common transport belt described in Patent Document 2 can transport a plurality of samples in the same manner, and can discharge samples from the transport line by a regulation plate provided on the transport line. . However, Patent Document 2 does not have a description for changing the path from one transport path to another transport path, and a transported object such as a sample rack for transporting a sample container that has a risk of falling cannot be transported. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to use an object that does not use many mechanisms and actuators, is easy to adjust, and may fall over, such as a sample rack or a sample holder. Is to realize a specimen holder transporting apparatus that can transport the traveling direction in a stable translation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

  In the sample holder transport device, the transport belt has a width wider than the width of the sample holder for holding the sample, and is disposed above the transport belt, and is disposed above the transport belt. A first guide that has an advancing direction changing guide portion that is inclined with respect to the advancing direction and changes the advancing direction of the specimen holder, and a first guide that is disposed above the transport belt and has a portion facing the first guide. The second guide is disposed upstream of the first guide in the traveling direction of the conveyor belt.

  Specimen holder transport that does not use many mechanisms and actuators, is easy to adjust, and can be transported with stable translation in the direction of travel even for objects that may fall over, such as specimen racks and specimen holders An apparatus can be realized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a schematic block diagram of the sample test automation system which makes the sample container transfer apparatus with which the rack conveyance apparatus applied based on Example 1 of this invention a part of structure. It is a schematic diagram showing the structural example of the sample container transfer apparatus. It is a perspective view for explanation of a collection rack conveyance line which is a sample conveyance device. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a collection rack transport line in Embodiment 1. It is a figure explaining an example of the shape of a sample rack guide. It is a top view of the collection | recovery rack conveyance line by Example 2 of this invention. Figure It is a figure which shows the sample conveyance system which has the detection holder conveyance apparatus which concerns on Example 3 of this invention, and its line structure.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example 1
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sample test automation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which a sample container transfer device to which a rack transport device is applied is part of the configuration.

  In FIG. 1, a sample input by an operator from the pretreatment system 3 is accommodated in a sample container and mounted on a transfer holder (not shown in FIG. 1) for transfer held in the sample test automation system 1. The And it conveys to the pre-processing unit in the suitable pre-processing system 3 by conveying apparatuses, such as a belt conveyor. In the pretreatment system 3, processing such as centrifugation, opening, and dispensing is performed according to the requested item, and the sample is transferred to the sample transfer device 2 via the holder transfer system 4.

  In the first embodiment, the sample holder holds one sample container.

  The operations of the preprocessing system 3, the holder transport system 4, and the sample transfer device 2 are controlled by the control unit 300.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the analyzer 5 connected to the pretreatment system 3 via the sample transfer device 2 mounts the sample container on a transport body of a type different from the transport holder and executes the analysis process. Therefore, the sample transfer device 2 has a function of taking out the sample container from the transport holder and transferring it to a sample rack (not shown in FIG. 1) used in the analyzer 5.

  The sample container transferred to the sample rack is transported to the analyzer 5 and analysis processing is executed. Furthermore, the sample transfer device 2 may have a function of transferring a sample container mounted on the sample rack and subjected to the analysis processing by the analysis device 5 to the transport holder.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the sample container transfer device 2.

  In FIG. 2, the sample container transfer device 2 transfers the sample container 140 installed on the sample holder 101 transferred from the holder transfer system 4 to the supply holder side sample container transfer position 30. After the sample container 140 is transferred to the sample rack 100, the empty holder recovery line 11 that recovers the empty sample holder 101 and the sample container 140 that has been analyzed are received at the return holder side sample container transfer position 31. , A specimen container return holder line 13 for transporting to the holder transport system 4 and an empty holder supply line 12 for supplying the empty holder 101 to the specimen container return holder line 13.

  Further, the sample transfer device 2 includes a rack buffer unit 24 that buffers a sample rack 100 (sample container 140 is not mounted) used for sample transport in the analyzer 5, and the sample rack 100 is rack-buffered. The sample rack 100 is transported from the section 24 to the sample container transfer position 32 on the supply rack side, the sample container 140 is transferred to the sample rack 100 and then transferred to the analyzer 5, and the sample rack 100 is returned from the analyzer 5. There is a return rack transport line 21 that transports the sample container 140 from the sample rack 100 to the return holder side sample container transfer position 31 and then transports it to the rack buffer unit 24 after transporting to the sample container transfer position 33 on the rack side.

  A plurality of sample racks 100 are mounted in the rack buffer unit 24, and these are transported by hooking and pushing the sample rack 100 with two hooks (not shown). Similarly, the feed rack transport line 20 and the return rack transport line 21 are transported by hooking the end surface of the sample rack 100 with the hooking portion.

  Further, the sample transfer device 2 holds the sample container 140 mounted on the sample holder 101 on the sample container supply holder line 10 and transfers it to the sample rack 100 on the feed rack transport line 20. The sample transfer mechanism 26 and the sample container 140 mounted on the sample rack 100 on the return rack transport line 21 are gripped and transferred to the sample holder 101 on the sample container return holder line 13. A loading mechanism 27 is provided.

  Further, the sample transfer device 2 includes a supply rack transport line 41 that delivers the sample rack 100 from the feed rack transport line 20 to the rack carry-in line 51 of the analyzer 5, and a return rack transport line from the rack carry-out line 52 of the analyzer 5. 21 has a connection line 40 including a collection rack transport line 42 (sample holder transport device) for delivering a sample rack that has been subjected to analysis processing.

  In the connection line 40, the rack carry-out line 52 of the analyzer 5 is not on the straight line with respect to the return rack transport line 21 of the sample transfer device 2. It is necessary to shift in the 90 ° direction.

  This is because the specification of the analyzer 5 and the specification of the sample transfer device 2 are different, so that the interval between the rack carry-in line 51 and the rack carry-out line 52 of the analyzer 5 and the feed transfer of the sample transfer device 2 are increased. This is because the distance between the line 20 and the return rack transport line 21 is different.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the collection rack transport line 42 which is a sample transport device. In FIG. 3, the collection rack conveyance line 42 (collection rack conveyance line section) has a conveyance belt 60 having a width sufficiently larger than the width of the sample rack 100. The conveyance belts 60 face each other and are substantially parallel to each other. It is fixed by a drive pulley 63 and a passive pulley 64 fixed by support plates 61 and 62 on both sides.

  The driving pulley 63 is connected to a driving motor 66 through a timing belt 65. When the motor 66 rotates, the driving pulley 63 rotates, the transport belt 60 moves, and the sample rack 100 placed on the transport belt 60 is moved. Is to be transported.

  The support plates 61 and 62 on both sides are arranged on both sides of the transport belt 60 in parallel with the transport direction of the sample rack 100 and are higher than the upper surface of the transport belt 60, and guides to prevent the sample rack 100 being transported from falling. It has a structure that also plays a role.

  In addition, sample rack guides 70 and 71 are fixed to the support plates 61 and 62 on both sides, respectively, extending to the sky above the transport belt 60.

  The height of the sample rack guides 70 and 71 is preferably about 1/3 or more and 1/2 of the height of the sample rack 100. The material of the sample rack guides 70 and 71 may be any material having good sliding properties such as a stainless steel plate or an aluminum plate.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view of the collection rack transport line 42. 3 and 4, the sample rack guide 70 has an angle with respect to the traveling direction guide 80 a that guides the sample rack 100 in the horizontal direction with respect to the traveling direction 80 of the transport belt 60, and the traveling direction 80 of the transport belt 60. It has a linear angular direction guide part 70b that guides in the holding direction (inclining direction), and a curved guide part 70c having a curved shape therebetween. The sample rack guides 70 and 71 are fixed at a position where they are not in contact with the transport belt 60. The sample rack guide 71 is disposed so as to face the angular direction guide portion 70b and the curved guide portion 70c of the sample rack guide 70, and is disposed on the upstream side in the traveling direction of the transport belt 60 with respect to the sample rack guide 70. . The traveling direction changing guide portion is formed by the angular direction guide portion 70b and the curved guide portion 70c.

  By providing such a sample rack guide 70, the angle direction guide part 70 b of the sample rack guide 70 is in the middle of being transported in the belt traveling direction 80 by the transport belt 60 when the sample rack 100 carried on the collection rack transport line 42 is transported. The sample rack 100 is in an attitude with an angle with respect to the belt traveling direction 80. The sample rack 100 is transported obliquely (rack traveling direction 81) along the angular direction guide portion 70b of the sample rack guide 70 by the operation of the transport belt 60.

  At this time, there is a possibility that the sample rack 100 will fall due to vibration of the collection rack transport line 42 or the like, but the other sample rack guide 71 is located on the back surface, so that the sample rack 100 can be prevented from falling. .

  After the sample rack 100 has advanced obliquely (rack travel direction 81) along the angular direction guide portion 70b of the sample rack guide 70, the sample rack 100 is again moved in the belt travel direction 80 by the curved guide portion 70c of the sample rack guide 70. When the posture is reset and transported along the sample rack transport locus 100a and the sample rack 100 reaches the belt traveling direction guide portion 70a of the sample rack guide 70, the posture of the sample rack 100 is completely in the belt traveling direction. It is in a facing state and can reach the return rack transport line 21.

  If the sample rack guide 70 does not have the curved guide portion 70c, the sample rack 100 cannot correct the posture.

  Therefore, the sample rack guide 70 has a function as a rack traveling direction change guide (first guide), and the sample rack guide 71 has a function as a rack overturn prevention guide (second guide).

  If the rotation direction of the motor 66 is reversed while the sample rack 100 is passing through the sample rack guide 70 or after passing, the traveling direction of the collection rack transport line 42 is reversed, and the sample rack guide 71, the sample rack 100, Touch. If the sample rack guide 71 has the same shape as the sample rack guide 70, the sample rack guide 71 can be reversely transported to the rack carry-out line 52 of the analyzer 5 again.

  In this case, the sample rack guide 70 has a function as a rack overturning prevention guide, and the sample rack guide 71 has a function as a rack traveling direction change guide.

  The curved guide portion 70c of the sample rack guide 70 may have, for example, a shape close to a curved shape that is bent a plurality of times.

  Further, since the sample rack 100 has a shape that is long in the advancing direction, when it comes into contact with the sample rack guides 70 and 71 and approaches the curve in the angle direction, an inner ring difference is generated, and the trajectory swells inside the curve. Is drawn and conveyed. The shape of the sample rack guides 70 and 71 is preferably the shape shown in FIG. 5 in order to suppress the rack from falling and tilting even in such a track.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the shape of the sample rack guides 70 and 71.

  In FIG. 5, the curved guide portion 70 c of the sample rack guide 70 includes a point A that is separated from the angle bending start point O of the guide 70 by the length L of the sample rack 100 toward the belt traveling direction guide portion 70 a, and a start point O. A shape that forms a curve connecting a point B separated by a length L of the sample rack 100 from the angle direction guide part 70b to the side of the angle direction guide unit 70b.

  Further, the curved guide portion 70c is (d + L / (2tan) from the angle bending start point O to the angle θ / 2 direction when the angle between the belt traveling direction guide portion 70a and the angular direction guide portion 70b of the sample rack guide 70 is θ. A curved shape having a portion passing through the point C at a distance of (θ / 2)) − d / (sin (θ / 2)).

  As a result, when the sample rack 100 is transported, the gap between the support plate 61 and the sample rack guides 70 and 71 and the sample rack 100 can be kept small even in a state where a trajectory swollen at the time of the curve due to the inner ring difference can be maintained. The rack 100 can be prevented from falling and tilting.

  In order to allow the sample rack 100 to pass smoothly between the sample rack guide 70 and the support plate 61, the mounting position of the traveling direction changing guide 70 is changed from the support plate 61 which is the other wall surface to the width of the rack 100. It is good to attach to the position which added not only the distance of d but the distance (alpha) of gaps. The distance α can be set to 1 mm to 10 mm, for example.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the recovery rack transport line 42 is arranged between the sample transfer device 2 and the analyzer 5, and the sample rack 100 is placed in the recovery rack transport line 42. A sample belt guide which is a travel direction change guide having a transport belt 60 which moves the sample rack 100 and an angular direction guide portion 70b and a curved guide portion 70c which are disposed above the transport belt 60 and change the travel direction of the sample rack 100. 70 and a sample rack guide 71 that is a mortgage prevention guide that prevents the sample rack 100 from toppling over. Therefore, even between the sample transfer device 2 and the analyzer 5 having different specifications. It is easy to adjust without using many mechanisms and actuators, and it is possible to proceed stably even with an object such as the sample rack 100 that may fall over. It is possible to realize a transportable sample holder transporting device moves parallel.

  The operation of the collection rack transport line 42 is controlled by the control unit 300.

(Example 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a plan view of the collection rack transport line 42 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 6, as in the first embodiment, the recovery rack transport line 42 has a transport belt 60 having a width sufficiently larger than the width of the sample rack 100. The transport belt 60 is supported by support plates 61 and 62 on both sides. It is fixed by a fixed drive pulley 63 and a passive pulley 64. The drive pulley 63 is connected to a drive motor 66 via a timing belt 65. When the motor 66 rotates, the drive pulley 63 rotates, the transport belt 60 moves, and the sample rack 100 is transported. Yes.

  The support plates 61 and 62 at both ends are located higher than the upper surface of the transport belt 60 and have a structure that also serves as a guide for preventing the sample rack 100 to be transported from falling.

  In addition, sample rack guides 70 and 71 extending to above the transport belt 60 are fixed to the support plates 61 and 62 at both ends, respectively.

  Here, the sample rack guide 71 includes a tipping prevention guide portion 71b and a guide plate 71c described later, and the tipping prevention guide portion 71b faces the advancing direction changing guide portion 70b and the bending guide portion 70c. Further, the end of the fall prevention guide part 71b on the side of the sample transfer device 2 (the connection part between the fall prevention guide part 71b and the guide plate 71c) is not located up to the support plate 61, and is not between the support plate 61. Has a shape having a notch 71d. The end (one end) of the overturning prevention guide portion 71b is opposed to the support plate 61 with an interval exceeding the width of the sample rack 100, and is connected to a guide plate 71c extending in parallel to the analyzer 5 side.

  When the sample rack 100 is carried into the collection rack transport line 42, the sample rack 100 is transported along the belt traveling direction 80 by the transport belt 60 in the same way as in the first embodiment, and the traveling direction change guide 70b. The sample rack 100 is transported obliquely (rack travel direction 81) along the travel direction change guide 70b, and again in the belt travel direction 80 of the sample rack 100 by the curved guide portion 70c and the travel direction guide portion 70a of the sample rack guide 70. The posture is corrected and the product is transported to the return rack transport line 21.

  At this time, if the sample rack 100 is a rack whose rack ID cannot be read or cannot be used by a barcode reader or the like (not shown), for example, the drive motor 66 is rotated in the reverse direction when it is desired to discharge from the transport path. By doing so, it becomes possible.

  When the rotation direction of the drive motor 66 is reversed, the traveling direction of the transport belt 60 is reversed to the belt reverse rotation direction 82, and the sample rack 100 on the transport belt 60 is also transported in the reverse direction.

  In the first embodiment, the rotation direction of the drive motor 66 is reversed, so that the reverse conveyance is performed again along the sample rack guide 71 to the carry-out line 52 of the analyzer 5.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, when the rotation direction of the drive motor 66 is reversed, the end of the sample rack guide 71 is interrupted by the notch portion 71d of the sample rack guide 71, so the sample rack 100 is different from the sample rack guide 71. It passes through the notch portion 71d without contact, is guided by the guide plate 71c and the support plate 61, and can be discharged from the transport path.

  In this case, the sample rack 100 can be transported to the rack discharge line 53 when there is a rack discharge line 53 as another transport path at the discharge path destination.

  Further, by providing an open / close valve 75 that can be opened and closed by a torsion spring or the like (not shown) at the end of the tip prevention guide portion 71b of the sample rack guide 71, the discharged sample rack 100 is prevented from returning to the transport path again. be able to. As a result, another sample rack 100 can be carried into the collection rack transport line 42 and transported immediately after the sample rack 100 is discharged.

  Since other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the return rack transport line 21 of the sample transfer device 2 can be obtained by moving the transport belt 60 in the reverse direction. The sample rack 100 that has been transported to the vicinity can be carried out to a rack discharge line 53 that is provided separately from the rack carry-out line 52.

(Example 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described.

  In the first and second embodiments, the rack transport line that transports the sample rack 100 has been described. The present invention can be applied not only to transporting a sample rack but also to transporting a sample holder in which a single sample can be installed, and Example 3 is an example related to transport of a sample holder.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a sample transport system having a sample holder transport device according to a third embodiment of the present invention and its line configuration. In FIG. 7, the sample transport system 200 is a sample transport system including a configuration in which a loading module 130 for loading a sample and an opening module 131 for opening a test tube as a sample container are connected in parallel. The sample transport system 200 can be used for transferring the sample container to the sample holder in the pretreatment system 3 shown in FIG.

  The input module 130 includes a sample input unit 110 that allows an operator to input a plurality of samples simultaneously. The sample loading section 110 is divided into a plug-free sample loading area 111 for loading a sample without a plug and a sample loading area 112 with a plug for loading a sample with a plug.

  In addition, the input module 130 includes an input unit holder conveyance line 113. The input unit holder transport line 113 includes transport belts 90a and 90b having a width sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the sample holder 101. The transport belt 90a includes a drive pulley 93a fixed by support plates 91a and 92a on both sides, and It is fixed by a passive pulley 93b. The drive pulley 93a is connected to a drive motor (not shown) via a timing belt (not shown). When the motor rotates, the drive pulley 93a rotates, the transport belt 90a moves, and the sample holder 101 is transported. ing.

  The support plates 91a and 92a at both ends are up to a position higher than the upper surface of the transport belt 90a, and have a structure that also serves as a guide for preventing the sample holder 101 to be transported from falling. Holder guides 95 and 96 are fixed above the conveyor belt 90a, and a branch motor 98 is fixed to the side of the support plate 92a. The branch motor 98 is fixed to the branch lever 97 for moving the sample holder 101 straight or branched. It is fixed. Here, the holder guide 96 is a traveling direction changing guide (first guide), and the holder guide 95 is a fall prevention guide (second guide).

  With these structures, the path in the input unit holder transport line 113 is divided into three paths: the sample input transport path 114, the input section overtaking transport path 115, and the traveling direction changing transport path 116. The sample container mounting holder transport line (sample holder transport device) 400 includes a holder fixing mechanism 104a, a branch lever 97, and an input unit holder transport line 113.

  A holder fixing mechanism 104 a that stops the transport of the sample holder 101 is disposed on the upstream side of the sample loading transport path 114, and the sample holder 101 can be stopped on the sample loading transport path 114.

  The input module 130 includes a sample transfer mechanism (not shown) that holds the sample in the sample input unit 110 and transfers the sample to the sample holder 101 that is blocked by the holder fixing mechanism 104a.

  The opening module 131 has an opening portion holder conveyance line 120 having a conveyance belt 90b having a width sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the sample holder 101, like the input portion holder conveyance line 113. The conveyance belt 90b of the opening portion holder conveyance line 120 is also fixed by a drive pulley 94a and a passive pulley 94b fixed by support plates 91b and 92b on both sides. The drive pulley 94a is connected to a drive motor (not shown) via a timing belt (not shown). When the motor rotates, the drive pulley 94a rotates, the transport belt 90b moves, and the sample holder 101 is transported. ing.

  The support plates 91b and 92b at both ends are up to a position higher than the upper surface of the transport belt 90b, and have a structure that also serves as a guide for preventing the sample holder 101 to be transported from falling.

  In addition, partition guides 105 and 106 are fixed above the conveyor belt 90b inside the support plates 91b and 92b at both ends. Due to these structures, the path in the stopper opening holder transfer line 120 is divided into two paths: an opening stopper transfer path 122 and a stopper opening passing path 123.

  Similar to the loading module 130, a holder fixing mechanism 104 b that blocks the transport of the sample holder 101 is disposed on the side of the unplug transport path 122, and the detector holder 101 can be stopped on the unplug transport path 122. An opening mechanism 121 is provided above the holder fixing position 104b so that the sample stopper on the sample holder 101 can be opened.

  When the operator inputs the plug-free sample container 150 from the plug-free sample input area 111 of the sample input unit 110 of the input module 130, the sample transfer mechanism grips the plug-free sample container 150 and is fixed by the holder fixing mechanism 104a. The stopper-less sample 150 is transferred to the sample holder 101 on the input conveyance path 114.

  Here, since it is not necessary to perform the opening action, the specimen container 150 without stopper is transported not to the opening transportation path 122 of the opening module 131 but to the opening passage overtaking transportation path 123.

  After the stopper-less specimen container 150 is transferred to the specimen holder 101, the branch lever 97 downstream of the holder fixing mechanism 104a is moved onto the transport belt 90a of the input holder transport line 113 by driving the branch motor 98 to open the stopper. The conveyance path to the conveyance path 122 is blocked.

  At the same timing, the holder fixing mechanism 104a releases the fixation of the sample holder 101, the conveyance belt 90a is rotated by driving the motor of the loading unit holder conveyance line 113, and the sample holder 101 carrying the sample container 150 without stopper is conveyed. The

  Then, the specimen holder 101 comes into contact with the branch lever 97 and is carried into the traveling direction changing conveyance path 116. The sample holder 101 advances along the traveling direction changing transport path 116 while being in contact with the traveling direction changing guide 96, and is transported to the loading unit passing transport path 115. Thereafter, the specimen holder 101 reaches the opening module 131 along the belt traveling direction 80, proceeds on the opening portion passing conveyance path 123 as it is, and is conveyed to the downstream module 132.

  Next, when the operator inserts the stoppered specimen container 151 from the stoppered specimen insertion area 112 of the specimen insertion section 110 of the insertion module 130, the specimen transfer mechanism holds the specimen 151 with stopper and is fixed by the holder fixing mechanism 104a. The stoppered specimen container 151 is transferred to the specimen holder 101 on the specimen loading / conveying path 114.

  Here, the stopper-equipped specimen container 151 needs to be opened, and is transported to the unsealing transport path 122 of the unsealing module 131.

  After the stopper-equipped specimen container 151 is transferred to the specimen holder 101, the branch lever 97 downstream of the holder fixing mechanism 104a is avoided by driving the branch motor 98 to the outside on the transport belt 90a of the input unit holder transport line 113, The conveyance path to the opening / closing conveyance path 122 is opened. That is, the branching lever changes and does not change the traveling direction of the sample holder 101 and branches the transport path of the sample holder 100.

  At the same timing, the holder fixing mechanism 104a releases the fixation of the sample holder 101, the conveyance belt 90a is rotated by driving the motor of the loading unit holder conveyance line 113, and the sample holder 101 loaded with the sample container 151 with a stopper is conveyed. The

  The sample holder 101 on which the sample 151 with a stopper is mounted does not come into contact with the branch lever 97, travels straight through the sample loading / conveying path 114 and reaches the plug-opening module 131.

  After that, when the sample holder 101 is carried to the lower part of the opening mechanism 121 and is transported to the lower part of the opening mechanism 121, the holder fixing mechanism 104b fixes the specimen holder 101, and the upper part of the opening part is opened. By the mechanism 121, the stoppered specimen container 151 is opened.

  After opening, the holder fixing mechanism 104 b releases the sample holder 101, so that the sample holder 101 on which the sample container 151 is mounted is transported again and transported to the downstream module 132.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the transport belt 90a for transporting the sample holder 101 is provided, and the sample container mounting holder transport line 400 includes the sample input transport path 114 and the input section overtaking transport path 115. And the feeding direction holder conveying line 113 divided into three paths, ie, the traveling direction changing transportation path 116, and the traveling direction changing path 116 is configured to include a fall prevention guide 95 and a traveling direction changing guide 96. Therefore, many mechanisms and actuators are not used, adjustment is simple, and the traveling direction can be stably translated even for an object that may fall over, such as the specimen holder 101 with the specimen container 150 or 151 mounted thereon. Thus, a specimen holder transporting apparatus that can be transported can be realized.

  The operation of the sample transport system 200 having the sample container mounting holder transport line 400 is controlled by the control unit 300.

  In the present invention, the sample container holder is a term including a sample rack and a sample holder.

  In the first to third embodiments, the traveling direction angle of the sample holder (100, 101) is changed. This angle is a value exceeding 0 degree and less than 90 degrees.

  1 specimen test automation system, 2 specimen transfer device, 3 pretreatment system, 4 holder transport system, 5 analyzer, 21 return rack transport line, 42 recovery rack transport line (sample holder transport device), 52 rack unload line, 53 Rack discharge line, 60 Conveyor belt, 61, 62 Support plate, 63 Drive pulley, 64 Passive pulley, 65 Timing belt, 66 Motor, 70, 71 Sample rack guide, 70a Belt traveling direction guide, 70b Angular direction guide, 70c Curved guide part, 71c Guide plate, 71d Notch part, 75 Open / close valve, 80 Belt traveling direction, 81 Rack traveling direction, 82 Belt reverse rotation direction, 90a, 90b Conveying belt, 91a, 91b, 92a, 92b Support plate, 93a, 94a Drive pulley, 93b, 94b Moving pulley, 95 Holder guide (turning prevention guide), 96 Holder guide (travel direction change guide), 97 Branch lever, 98 Branch motor, 100 Sample rack, 100a Trajectory of sample rack transport, 101 Sample holder, 104a, 104b Holder Fixing mechanism, 105, 106 Partition guide, 110 Specimen loading section, 111 Unplugged specimen loading area, 112 Plugted specimen loading area, 113 Loading section holder transport line, 114 Sample loading transport path, 115 Loading section overtaking transport path, 116 Progress Direction change transfer path, 120 Opening part holder transfer line, 121 Opening mechanism, 122 Opening transfer path, 123 Opening part overtaking transfer path, 130 Loading module, 131 Opening module, 132 Downstream module, 150 Unplugged sample container , 151 With plug Container, 200 sample transport system 300 control unit, 400 sample container mounting holder transport line (specimen holder transport device)

Claims (9)

A transport belt having a width wider than the width of the sample holder for holding the sample and carrying the sample holder;
A first guide disposed above the transport belt, having a travel direction changing guide portion that is inclined with respect to the travel direction of the transport belt and changes the travel direction of the sample holder;
A second guide disposed above the conveyor belt and having a portion facing the first guide;
And the second guide is disposed upstream of the first guide in the traveling direction of the transport belt. In the sample holder transport device according to claim 1,
The first guide further includes a belt traveling direction guide portion that is located downstream of the traveling change guide portion in the traveling direction of the transport belt and is parallel to the traveling direction of the transport belt, and the traveling direction change guide. The section includes a linear angular direction guide section, and a curved guide section having a curved shape that is located downstream of the angular direction guide section in the traveling direction of the conveyor belt. A specimen holder transport apparatus, wherein the specimen holder transport apparatus is located between a direction guide portion and the belt traveling direction guide portion. The specimen holder transport apparatus according to claim 2,
When the length of the specimen holder is L, the upstream end portion of the curved guide portion in the traveling direction of the transport belt extends the line extending the angular direction guide portion and the belt traveling direction guide portion. Specimen holder transport, characterized in that it is located at the distance L from the intersection with the line, and the downstream end of the curved guide portion in the traveling direction of the transport belt is located at the distance L from the intersection. apparatus. In the specimen holder transport device according to claim 3,
When the width of the sample rack is d and the angle formed by the line extending the angular direction guide portion and the line extending the belt traveling direction guide portion is θ, the curved guide portion has an angle θ from the intersection point. A specimen holder transporting device having a shape passing through a point at a distance of d + L / (2 tan (θ / 2)) − d / (sin (θ / 2)) in the / 2 direction. In the sample holder transport device according to claim 1,
Further comprising two support plates arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt in parallel with the belt traveling direction, the second guide includes a tipping prevention guide portion facing the traveling direction changing guide portion of the first guide, Connected to one end of the tipping prevention guide portion, has a guide plate facing one of the two support plates at an interval exceeding the width of the sample holder and extending in parallel with the traveling direction of the transport belt. The specimen holder is conveyed by a conveyance path formed by the guide plate and one of the two support plates by reversing the traveling direction of the conveyance belt. Equipment conveying device. In the sample holder transportation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The sample holder transporting device, wherein the sample holder is a sample rack on which a plurality of sample containers are mounted. In the sample holder transport device according to claim 1,
Two support plates arranged in parallel to the belt traveling direction on both sides of the transport belt, and in the vicinity of one of the two support plates and above the transport belt, the sample holder is advanced. A branch lever that performs change and non-change of direction and branches the transport path of the sample holder, and
One of the two support plates forms a sample loading / conveying path through which the sample holder whose traveling direction is not changed by the branch lever is transported, and the other of the two support plates is formed by the branch lever. An input part overtaking transport path is formed in which the specimen holder whose traveling direction has been changed is transported, and the first guide and the second guide have the specimen holder whose traveling direction has been changed by the branch lever, A specimen holder transport apparatus, wherein a transport direction changing transport path for transporting from the sample input transport path to the input section overtaking transport path is formed. In the sample holder transport device according to claim 7,
When the sample holder is plugged, the branch lever does not change the direction of movement of the sample holder, and is transported to the sample loading and conveying path, and the sample holder is plugged. If not, the traveling direction of the specimen holder is changed and transported to the traveling direction changing transport path, and the stopper of the specimen holder is opened downstream of the transporting path of the transport belt in the specimen loading transport path. A specimen holder transport device, further comprising a stopper opening mechanism. In the sample holder transport device according to claim 7 or 8,
The specimen holder transporting apparatus, wherein the specimen holder is a specimen holder that transports one specimen container.

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