JP2019095259A - Processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a processing apparatus capable of avoiding human error interferes to perform a pretreatment for a sample collection kit for applying to a specimen inspection apparatus efficiently.SOLUTION: In a process in which a sample collection kit 10 specimen container 20 holding the specimen is housed in the specimen container storage case 11 is intermittently conveyed along a conveying path in a horizontal plane by the sample collection kit transport mechanism 35, a reading process of information with respect to the sample collection kit 10, a half-opening treatment process of the lid of the specimen container storage case 11, a fully opening treatment of the lid of the sample container storage case 11, a reading process of the information with respect to the sample container 20, and an extraction process of the specimen container 20 are sequentially performed. In a lid fully-open portion 55 in which fully-open processing of the lid portion of the specimen container storage case 11 is performed in the process of conveying the sample collection kit 10, the lid portion of the specimen container storage case 11 is guided by the guide surface of the guide member 56 gradually, and the lid is spread to the fully opened state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing apparatus for performing pretreatment required to apply a sample collection kit returned from a subject to a sample inspection apparatus, for example, in a biochemical test such as stool stool or a microbiological test.

  In general, the following systems are used in biochemical tests such as feces or microbiological tests. That is, a kit for collecting a sample, in which a sample container (for example, a sampling tube) used for collecting a sample and temporarily storing the sample is stored in a dedicated storage bag, is shipped from the inspection organization to the subject A sample is collected by the examiner himself. Thereafter, the sample container stored in a state in which the sample is immersed or buried in the preservative is sealed in a storage bag and stored in a storage bag and returned to the inspection organization, and a predetermined inspection is performed at the inspection organization (for example, patent Reference 1.).

  In an examination such as stool examination, in order to improve examination efficiency, for example, a small amount of a sample is collected from each of a plurality of sample containers (stool collecting containers), for example, several milliliters each to prepare a sample suspension, and then A method of preparing a pooled sample in which these are collected into one and detecting bacteria and the like in this pooled sample is being studied.

Thus, in the laboratory, it is necessary to perform pretreatment including the following steps (1) to (4) for performing such processing on the returned sample collection kit .
(1) A step of confirming and registering customer information and the like described in the storage bag in the returned sample collection kit.
(2) removing the sample container from the storage bag.
(3) A process of reading information recorded on a label attached to a sample container and associating the information with the customer information.
(4) A step of opening the cap in the sample container and setting it in a half-opened state in an appropriate stool suspension preparation tray.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2004-125408

However, if the packing form of the sample container by the storage bag or the like is used, the position of the sample container in the storage bag can not be fixed at a fixed position, so the operation of taking out the sample container from the storage bag is automated. Was difficult. Therefore, in the prior art, there is currently no alternative but to rely on manual processing of a series of pretreatments including the above steps (1) to (4), and there is a problem that the working efficiency is low and the inspection cost is high. The
In addition, since the pre-processing is performed by a worker (an inspector), there is a possibility that problems such as an input error of information and forgetting to open a cap may occur.

  The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and is a pretreatment for applying a sample collection kit in which a sample container holding a sample is stored in a sample container storage case to a sample testing apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide a processing device capable of efficiently performing the process and avoiding the intervention of human error.

The processing apparatus according to the present invention is a sample collection in which a sample container holding a sample is stored inside a sample container storage case in which a case main body and a lid fitted openably and closably to the case main body are continuous via a bending part. The kit for sample collection is intermittently transported along the transport path in the horizontal plane.
A sample collection kit supply unit for supplying the sample collection kit to the sample collection kit transport mechanism;
A sample collection kit information reading unit that reads information related to the sample collection kit;
A fitting release unit that releases the fitting of the lid of the sample container storage case in the sample collection kit with respect to the case main body and brings the lid into a half-opened state;
A fully open lid portion for opening the lid portion of the sample container storage case in the sample collection kit from a half open state to a fully open state;
A sample container information reading unit that reads information on a sample container in the sample collection kit;
A sample container removing unit for removing a sample container from the sample collection kit is disposed along the transport path.

  Furthermore, in the processing apparatus according to the present invention, the lid fully open portion is provided between the lid portion and the case main portion in the sample container storage case in a half-opened state, fixed at a position above the transport path. The guide member is inserted and brought into contact with the inner surface of the lid portion, and the guide member is provided with a guide surface which causes the lid portion to gradually expand relative to the case main body portion as the sample collection kit moves. It is preferable that it has the structure which it has.

Furthermore, in the processing apparatus according to the present invention, the sample collection kit transport mechanism includes a rotary table intermittently driven to rotate in a horizontal plane, for transporting the sample collection kit along a circular transport path. Yes,
The guide member is a plate extending parallel to the rotary table, and the guide surface extends in a curved manner so as to be convex toward the rotation center of the rotary table with respect to the transport path. It is preferable that it has the structure which it has.

  Furthermore, in the processing apparatus of the present invention, when the information can not be read in the sample information collection kit information reading unit or the sample container information reading unit, the sample container is not taken out in the sample container taking out unit. Preferably, the sample collection kit is configured to be collected in a state in which the sample container is stored in the sample container storage case.

Furthermore, in the processing apparatus according to the present invention, the sample container has a bottomed cylindrical container body, and a cap having sample collection means housed so as to extend in the axial direction of the tube inside the container body. The cap is press-fit to the open end of the container body and is detachably mounted.
In a state in which the sample container taken out from the sample container storage case is held in a state where the tube axis extends in the vertical direction, the cap is removed from the container body and the cap is placed on the open end of the container body It is preferable that the configuration further includes: an opening unit to be used; and a sample container transfer unit for transferring a plurality of sample containers opened at one time to a tray for a test apparatus.

  Furthermore, in the processing apparatus of the present invention, the sample container storage case in the sample collection kit is preferably a clamshell blister pack.

Furthermore, in the processing apparatus of the present invention, a special case is used which has an input opening opened upward and can accommodate a plurality of sample collection kits in a loaded state,
It is preferable that the sample collection kit housed in the special case is transferred to the sample collection kit transport mechanism by the transfer mechanism in order from the topmost one.

In the present invention, a sample collection kit using a sample container storage case in which a case body and a lid fitted with an openable / closable lid are continuous as a package form of the sample container is a processing target It is considered a thing. Therefore, in the process of transporting the sample collection container kit along the transport path, it is possible to sequentially perform the pretreatment including the above-described series of operations required to load the sample container on a predetermined inspection apparatus. . Therefore, according to the processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently pretreat the kit for sample collection and to avoid intervention by human error.
In addition, after the lid portion of the sample container storage case is once opened partially in the fitting release portion, the lid is fully opened in the lid fully open portion, so that the lid opening process of the sample container storage case can be smoothly performed. Thus, the processing time can be reliably shortened by the smooth intermittent operation of the sample collection kit transport mechanism.

  Furthermore, in the process in which the kit for sample collection is transported, the lid fully open portion is configured to have a guide member having a guide surface that opens the lid portion from the half-opened state to the fully open state. Therefore, the configuration of the processing apparatus itself and the control system can be simplified.

  Further, according to the processing apparatus of the present invention, the sample container can be taken out at the container removal unit for the sample collection kit which can not read the information related to the sample collection kit or the information related to the stored sample container. Instead, the sample collection kit is configured to be collected while the sample container is stored in the sample container storage case, so that it is ensured that an erroneous determination occurs in the test result by the sample testing apparatus. Can be avoided, and high reliability can be obtained.

  Furthermore, the sample container is a cap that is press-fit to the open end of the container body and is detachably mounted, and the sample for the opening of the cap in the sample container and the tray for the sample inspection apparatus of the sample container With the configuration including the container transfer unit, a series of operations in the pretreatment for applying the sample container to a predetermined inspection apparatus can be automatically and consistently performed, and the desired processing is more efficient. Can be done.

  Furthermore, by using a special case capable of storing a plurality of sample collection kits in a loaded state, the plurality of sample collection kits are transported to the sample collection kit supply unit in a state in which the same posture is maintained. Thus, the transfer operation for the sample collection kit transport mechanism can be performed smoothly and reliably.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure in an example of the sample collection kit processed in the processing apparatus of this invention, Comprising: (a) Top view, (b) The state in which the cover part in the sample container storage case was half-opened is shown. It is a plane side perspective view. It is a top view of the case main-body part of the sample container storage case in the kit for sample collection shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows roughly the structure in an example of a sample container, Comprising: (a) Front view, (b) It is sectional drawing along a tube axis. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure in an example of a holder case, Comprising: (a) It is an exploded perspective view, (b) It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the kit for specimen collection was accommodated in the inside. It is a top view which shows roughly the structure in an example of the processing apparatus of this invention. It is an idea view showing an operation state in a kit for sample collection. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the operation state in a fitting release part. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the operation | movement state in a lid full open part, Comprising: (a) Top view, (b) It is a fragmentary sectional view along the drive axis of a turntable. FIG. 10 is a conceptual view showing an operation state in a sample container removal unit. FIG. 7 is a conceptual view showing an operation state of the first sample container transfer unit. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the operation state in an opening part. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the operation state in a lid closing part.

  The object to be treated according to the treatment apparatus of the present invention is, for example, a specimen container (e.g., a stool collection tube) for temporarily storing a specimen in a biochemical examination such as stool analysis or a microbiological examination. It is a kit for sample collection housed inside the case.

[Sample collection kit]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of an example of a sample collection kit processed in the processing apparatus of the present invention, wherein (a) a plan view, (b) a lid portion of a sample container storage case is in a half open state. It is a plane side perspective view which shows the state which was carried out. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the case main body of the sample storage case in the sample collection kit shown in FIG.
The sample collection kit 10 is constituted of, for example, a sample container 20 such as a specimen collection tube holding a sample, and a sample container storage case 11 storing the sample container 20 inside.

The sample container storage case 11 is formed of a so-called “clam shell type” blister pack made of a molded product obtained by vacuum molding or pressure forming of a resin sheet, for example. Are preferably used.
As the resin sheet, for example, a sheet made of a transparent thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate resin, vinyl chloride resin, polypropylene resin, or polystyrene resin can be used.

The sample container storage case 11 includes a case main body 12 and a lid 16 integrally connected to the case main body 12 via a bending portion 15. The lid 16 is a case main body 12. By being fitted, a sample container storage space in which the sample container 20 is stored is formed. The sample container storage case 11 has a substantially rectangular form in a plan view in a state in which the case body 12 and the lid 16 are fitted (closed state).
In the sample container storage case 11, when the fitting of the lid 16 to the case body 12 is released, the resiliency of the bent portion 15 causes the lid 16 to have a predetermined size relative to the case body 12. The half-opened state (state shown in FIG. 1 (b)) which is opened at the angle

  The case body 12 has a sample container housing recess 13 for receiving and holding one sample container 20, and a flange portion 14 extending outward over the entire circumference of the opening edge of the sample container housing recess 13.

The sample container accommodation recess 13 has a first recess 131 forming a plate-like space, and a second recess 135 continuous on the bottom side of the first recess 131 via a step.
On the inner surface of the first recess 131, on each of the inner surfaces of a pair of opposed circumferentially extending peripheral walls defining the first recess 131, engaging recesses extending in the length direction parallel to the opening surface are formed. The groove 132 is formed.
The second concave portion 135 has a space shape that conforms to the outer shape of the sample container 20, and the wall surface of the second concave portion 135 and the specimen container 20 in the state where the sample container 20 is held by the second concave portion 135. It has the bulging part 136 which forms space S between outer peripheral surfaces. The bulging portion 136 is formed to be opposed to each other in the lengthwise central portion of each of a pair of opposed circumferentially extending peripheral walls defining the second recess 135.

  The lid portion 16 is formed so as to protrude to the inner surface side, and has a convex portion 17 inserted into the sample container accommodation concave portion 13 of the case main body portion 12 and an outer peripheral portion at an end portion positioned on the outer surface side of the convex portion 17 And a flange 18 formed to extend outward around the entire circumference.

  In each of the outer surfaces of the outer walls of the pair of peripheral wall portions extending in the length direction facing each other in the convex portion 17 of the lid portion 16, engagements formed in the first concave portion 131 in the sample container accommodation concave portion 13 of the case main body 12 An engagement protrusion 171 is formed to be engaged with each of the mating grooves 132. As described above, in the sample container storage case 11, since the engaging portion extending in the length direction by the engaging recessed groove 132 in the case body 12 and the engaging protrusion 171 in the lid 16 is formed, the lid Even when the sample collection kit 10 is transported, etc., the lid portion 16 of the sample container storage case 11 is prevented from being unintentionally opened when the sample collection kit 10 is transported, even though the structure 16 can be easily opened. it can.

The sample container 20 stored in the sample container storage case 11 of this example is, as shown in FIG. 3, a bottomed cylindrical sample container main body 21 having one end opened and the other end closed in a hemispherical shape, for example. And a cylindrical cap 22 provided with sample collecting means 23 housed in the inside of the sample container body 21 so as to extend in the axial direction of the tube. The cap 22 is press-fit to the open end of the sample container body 21 and is detachably mounted.
On the outer peripheral surface of the sample container main body 21, a label 24 is attached, on which an identification code such as a bar code is recorded, including information for sample identification such as a unique number individually given to a subject.

On the outer surface of the lid portion 16 in the sample container storage case 11, a label 25 on which sample management information P1 for displaying information for identifying a subject related to a sample is recorded is attached.
As the sample management information P1, for example, the name of the subject, the identification code individually assigned to the subject, the age of the subject, the sex of the subject, the company name and the department where the subject works, etc. Information on the subject of the test (shipping destination information), information on the inspection item, etc., but it is not necessary that all of the information is recorded on the surface of the label 25.
In addition, the label 25 in this example includes an identification code 26 including information for sample identification such as a unique number individually given to the subject, a URL of a WEB page showing a method of using a sample collection kit, etc. An identification code 27 including information is recorded. Each identification code 26 and 27 can be configured by, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode.

  In a processing apparatus in which such a sample collection kit 10 is used as a processing target, for example, a dedicated holder case capable of storing a plurality of sample collection kits 10 in a loaded state is used.

[Holder case]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of an example of the holder case, and is a perspective view showing a state in which (a) an exploded perspective view and (b) a sample collection kit are housed inside.
The holder case 30 is in the form of a flat box which is elongated in one direction and is entirely flat, for example, and is set in the processing apparatus and used in a self-supporting state so as to extend in the height direction.
The holder case 30 is configured by fitting two casing members 31a and 31b each made of a resin molded product. Inside the holder case 30, there is formed a storage space in which the plurality of sample collection kits 10 are stored in a stacked state with the surface (the outer surface of the lid portion 16) to which the label 25 is attached facing upward. The sample collection kit 10 is inserted and disposed in the storage space through the input opening 30a that opens upward. The opening shape of the insertion opening 30a is a shape that conforms to the planar shape of the sample container storage case 11, and one corner of the holder case 30 (one corner of the other casing member 31b) is chamfered The part 34 is formed. With such a configuration, the storage directions of the plurality of sample collection kits 10 can be aligned.

Storage of the sample collection kit 10 in the holder case 30 is performed by, for example, a human hand, but the holder case 30 is configured to facilitate storage of the sample collection kit 10 in the holder case 30. In one casing member 31a, a sample collection kit storage opening 33a is formed extending downward from the opening edge of the insertion opening 30a.
Further, in the holder case 30, a lift mechanism opening 33b for operating a lift mechanism, which will be described later, for taking out the sample collection kit 10 from the holder case 30 is formed. Specifically, the lift mechanism opening 33b is opened in the bottom wall of the holder case 30, and the lower opening is formed in a peripheral wall extending along the flat surface direction of the other casing member 31b continuous with the bottom wall. It is formed to extend upward from the opening edge of.

The sample collection kit 10 initially housed in the holder case 30 is supported from below by a strip-like support member 32 formed on the bottom wall of the holder case 30 at the lower surface of each of the flange portions at both longitudinal ends Are placed in The second and subsequent sample collection kits 10 are placed on the sample collection kit 10 accommodated earlier.
Although the number of sample collection kits 10 stored in the holder case 30 is not particularly limited, the holder case 30 of this example is configured to be able to accommodate, for example, up to 30 sample collection kits 10. There is.

[Processing device]
FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing one configuration example of the processing apparatus of the present invention.
The processing apparatus of this embodiment includes a sample collection kit transport mechanism 35 for transporting a plurality of sample collection kits 10 along, for example, a circular transport path Tr in a horizontal plane. The sample collection kit transport mechanism 35 includes a disc-shaped rotary table 36, which is intermittently driven to rotate in a horizontal plane about a drive shaft 39 extending in the vertical direction, and a rotary table drive mechanism (not shown). ing. In this example, the rotary table 36 is intermittently driven to rotate, for example, by a predetermined angle (for example, 30 °) in the clockwise direction by the rotary table drive mechanism.

At the outer peripheral edge of the rotary table 36, a plurality of sample collection kit placement units 37 are spaced apart at, for example, equal intervals in the circumferential direction (for example, at angular intervals of 30 ° in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation center) Are spaced apart).
Each sample collection kit mounting portion 37 has a support member 38 having a recess 38 a for receiving a projection on the back side of the sample container storage case 11 of the sample collection kit 10 defining the sample container storage recess 13. Are provided on the rotary table 36 (see, for example, FIG. 6).
In each sample collection kit placement unit 37, the sample collection kit 10 is supported by the open end face of the recess 38a in the support member 38 from the back surface side of the flange portion 14 of the case body 11 in the sample container storage case 11 Then, the lid 16 is placed with its upper surface extending horizontally.

  An opening 36 a extending in the thickness direction of the rotary table 36 is formed at a position where the sample collection kit mounting unit 37 of the rotary table 36 is formed, and the opening 36 a is placed on the sample collection kit mounting unit 37. The protruding portion defining the sample container storage recess 13 of the sample container storage case 11 in the sample collection kit 10 placed is exposed to the outside (for example, see FIG. 6).

  In this processing apparatus, a sample collection kit supply unit 45, a sample collection kit information reading unit 50, a fitting release unit (lid half open unit) 52, a lid fully open unit 55, a sample container information reading unit 60, and a sample container removal unit 62 are arranged in this order along the arcuate transport path Tr.

  In this processing apparatus, the stop position in the specific direction with respect to the rotation center (position in the 6 o'clock direction in FIG. 5) of the sample collection kit placement unit 37 on the rotary table 36 is taken as the sample collection kit supply position R1. A sample collection kit supply unit 45 for transferring the sample collection kit 10 stored in the holder case 30 on the holder case transport mechanism 40 onto the rotary table 36 is provided at the sample collection kit supply position R1.

  The holder case transport mechanism 40 of this example is provided, for example, by a belt conveyor provided at a radially outward position of the rotary table 36 in the specific direction, and is a straight line extending in a direction perpendicular to the specific direction in a horizontal plane. Shaped holder case transport path.

  A plurality of holder cases 30 are arranged side by side in a self-supporting state so that the flat surfaces are in contact with each other on the holder case conveyance path, and to prevent the holder case 30 from being tilted when the holder case 30 is conveyed. A stopper member (not shown) is disposed. The stopper member is disposed in contact with the rear surface of the holder case 30 disposed at the rear end in the transport direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the sample collection kit supply unit 45 is provided with an intermediate table 42 having a sample collection kit holding unit 42a disposed at a position between the holder case transport mechanism 40 and the rotation table 36, A transfer mechanism 46 for transferring the collection kit 10 to the rotary table 36 via the intermediate table 42 and a lift for positioning the sample collection kit 10 in the holder case 30 at a holding position by the transfer mechanism 46 A mechanism 47, a sample collection kit detection mechanism 48 for detecting that the sample collection kit 10 remains in the holder case 30, and a holder case discharge mechanism for discharging the empty holder case 30 to the discharge unit 43 (see FIG. Not shown). The intermediate table 42 is provided as needed, and the sample collection kit 10 may be directly transferred from the holder case 30 to the rotary table 36.

  The transfer mechanism 46 includes a sample collection kit holding unit 46a that adsorbs and holds, for example, the outer surface of the lid 16 of the sample container storage case 11 of the sample collection kit 10 positioned at the top of the holder case 30; Drive means for moving the kit holding means 46a between the holding position and the mounting position on the intermediate table 42, and between the mounting position on the intermediate table 42 and the transfer position on the rotary table 36 (see FIG. Not shown). The driving means has a function of moving the sample collection kit holding means 46a in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction.

  The lift mechanism 47, for example, positions the sample collection kit 10 in the holder case 30 at a height direction level position that can be held by the sample collection kit holding means 46a. The lift mechanism 47 in this example is a support table which is inserted through the lower opening of the lift mechanism opening 33 b in the holder case 30 and supports the lower surface of the sample collection kit 10 positioned at the lowermost portion in the holder case 30. 47 a and driving means (not shown) for driving the support table 47 a in the height direction to lift the sample collection kit 10 from below. In addition, the lift mechanism inserts the sample support kit one by one by, for example, inserting a strip-like support member between two sample collection kits 10 in contact with each other and driving the strip-like support member in the height direction. It may be configured to be lifted by a strip-like support member.

The sample collection kit detection mechanism 48 includes a position sensor configured of, for example, a transmission type photomicro sensor, and the light path L extending in the horizontal direction from the light emitting unit 48a to the light receiving unit 48b is blocked by the sample collection kit 10. As a result, it is detected that the sample collection kit 10 remains in the holder case 30. When it is detected by the sample collection kit detection mechanism 48 that the sample collection kit 10 does not remain in the holder case 30, the empty holder case 30 is discharged to the discharge unit 43 and a new holder case 30 is sent to the sample collection kit supply unit 45.
As the position sensor, for example, a reflective photomicro sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a proximity sensor, or the like can be used.

  Furthermore, identification code reading means for reading the identification code 26 of the label 25 attached to the sample container storage case 11 in the sample collection kit 10 transferred to the rotary table 36 at the sample collection kit supply position R1. 49 are provided. When the identification code 26 can not be read by the identification code reading means 49, the sample collection kit 10 is determined to be "defective" and the stored sample container 20 is not taken out by the defective kit recovery mechanism 79 described later. It will be collected.

  The stop position (position in the 7 o'clock direction in FIG. 5) adjacent to the sample collection kit supply position R1 in the rotation direction of the rotation table 36 is the sample collection kit information acquisition position R2, and the sample collection kit information The sample collection kit information reading unit 50 is located at the acquisition position R2.

  The sample collection kit information reading unit 50 photographs the sample collection kit 10 from the upper surface side of the rotation table 36 and manages the sample management recorded on the label 25 attached to the sample container storage case 11 in the sample collection kit 10. Upper surface side imaging means for acquiring information P1 as image information, and lower surface side imaging means for acquiring the image information by capturing the sample collection kit 10 from the lower surface side of the rotary table 36 through the opening 36a ing.

At the sample collection kit information acquisition position R2, the sample management information P1 related to the sample collection kit 10 is confirmed and registered based on the image information acquired by the upper surface side imaging means.
Further, based on the image information acquired by the lower surface side imaging means, it is detected whether or not the sample container 20 is stored in an appropriate posture with respect to the sample container storage case 11. Then, when it is detected that the sample container 20 is not stored in the proper posture with respect to the sample container storage case 11, the processing device is forcibly stopped. In such a case, for example, after the operator takes measures such as storing the sample container 20 in the sample container storage case 11 in an appropriate posture, the processing apparatus is restarted and the processing is continued. Ru.

  The stop position (position in the 8 o'clock direction in FIG. 5) adjacent to the sample collection kit information acquisition position R2 in the rotation direction of the rotary table 36 is the lid half open position R3, and the sample collection is performed at the lid half open position R3. The fitting release unit 52 is positioned to release the fitting of the cover 16 of the sample container storage case 11 in the kit 10 to the case body 12 and bring the cover 16 into the half open state.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the fitting release unit 52 includes a lower surface side suction mechanism provided with a lower suction arm 53a that holds the case body 12 in the sample container storage case 11 by suction from the lower surface side, and stores the sample container. The upper surface side adsorption mechanism provided with the upper side adsorption | suction arm 53b which adsorb | sucks and hold | maintains the cover part 16 in case 11 from upper surface side is provided.

  The lower suction arm 53a in the lower suction mechanism is in contact with the lower surface of the case body 12 in the sample container storage case 11 via the opening position of the rotary table 36 and the retracted position located below the rotary table 36. It is provided to be vertically drivable between the operating position to be

  The upper suction arm 53b in the upper suction mechanism is driven in the vertical direction between a retracted position located above the rotary table 36 and an operation position brought into contact with the upper surface of the lid portion 16 of the sample container storage case 11 It is possible.

  In the lid half open position R3, the lid portion 16 in the sample container storage case 11 is adsorbed and held by the upper adsorption arm 53b in a state where the case body 12 in the sample container housing case 11 is adsorbed and held by the lower adsorption arm 53a. . In this state, when the upper suction arm 53b is moved upward, the fitting of the lid 16 of the sample container storage case 11 to the case main body 12 is released, and the lid 16 is in a half-opened state.

  The stop position (position in the direction of 9 o'clock in FIG. 5) adjacent to the lid half open position R3 in the rotational direction of the rotary table 36 is the lid fully open position R4, and the lid fully open position R4 in the sample container storage case 11 A fully open lid portion 55 is positioned to open the lid portion 16 from a half open state to a fully open state.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b), the fully open lid 55 moves the lid 16 of the sample storage case 11 to the case body 12 as the sample collection kit 10 moves along the transport path Tr. A guide member 56 having a guide surface 56a which is gradually expanded, and a substantially partial annular plate-like lid pressing member 57 provided to extend along the transport path Tr. Reference numeral 58 denotes a partially annular plate-like case main body pressing member provided on the lower surface side of the guide member 56 so as to extend along the transport path Tr at a position radially outward of the lid pressing member 57. Note that FIG. 8A is illustrated in a state in which the cover 16 in the sample storage case 11 is omitted for the sake of convenience.

  The guide member 56 in this example is a plate-like member, and is fixed on a transport path Tr of the rotary table 36 so as to be separated from the rotary table 36 and extend parallel (horizontally) to the rotary table 36 There is. The guide member 56 has a form (planar shape) extending in a curved manner so that the guide surface 56 a is convex toward the rotation center of the rotary table 36 with respect to the transport path Tr.

The lid pressing member 57 is fixed at a position spaced upward with respect to the guide member 56 so as to extend in parallel (horizontal) with the rotary table 36.
One end of the lid pressing member 57 is positioned immediately above the guide surface 56 a of the guide member 56, and the inner peripheral edge of the lid pressing member 57 is continuous with the guide surface 56 a of the guide member 56 in plan view. .

  In the fully open lid portion 55, the guide member 56 is half-opened when the sample collection kit 10 is positioned at the position (contact start position) α before reaching the fully open lid position R4 with the rotation of the rotary table 36. The guide surface 56 a is brought into contact with the inner surface of the cover 16 by being interposed between the cover 16 and the case body 12 in the sample container storage case 11 in the state. In this state, when the rotary table 36 is further rotated, the sample collection kit 10 is moved while the lid 16 is guided along the guide surface 56 a of the guide member 56. Thereby, the lid 16 is gradually expanded with the rotation of the rotary table 36, and the lid 16 is fully opened at the lid fully open position R4.

  Furthermore, with the movement to the stop position (sample container information acquisition position R5 described later) adjacent to the lid fully open position R4 in the rotation direction of the rotary table 36, the inner surface of the lid 16 in the sample container storage case 11 holds the lid The specimen collecting kit 10 is moved while being abutted against the inner peripheral edge of the member 57 and being guided along the inner peripheral edge of the lid pressing member 57. At this time, the lid portion 16 of the sample container storage case 11 is urged by the lid portion pressing member 57 by the spring property of the bending portion 15. Therefore, at least the sample container to be described later from the lid fully open position R4. In the region up to the takeout position R6, the lid 16 is maintained in the fully open state. FIG. 8B shows the state of the lid 16 at the position β between the fully open lid position R4 and the sample container information acquisition position R5.

The stop position (position in the direction of 10 o'clock in FIG. 5) adjacent to the lid fully open position R4 in the rotation direction of the rotary table 36 is the sample container information acquisition position R5, and the sample is collected at the sample container information acquisition position R5. A sample container information reading unit 60 for reading sample management information related to the sample container 20 in the kit 10 is positioned.
The sample container information reading unit 60 is configured to be provided with, for example, an imaging unit for photographing the sample container 20 and acquiring image information of the sample container 20.

At the sample container information acquisition position R5, the information (sample management information) recorded in the identification code displayed on the label 24 affixed to the sample container 20 is read from the acquired image information, and the sample acquired earlier It is managed in association with the sample management information P1 related to the collection kit 10.
On the other hand, when the identification code of the label 24 attached to the sample container 20 can not be read, the sample collection kit 10 is determined to be "defective", and the stored sample container 20 is not taken out. It is collected by the kit collection mechanism 79.

  Further, at the sample container information acquisition position R5, it is detected whether or not the sample is stored in the sample container 20. Specifically, the presence or absence of the sample in the sample container 20 is detected by performing color determination on each of the upper and lower positions of the label pasting position in the acquired image information. This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of an erroneous determination in the test result by the sample testing apparatus due to the absence of the sample. When it is detected that the sample is not stored in the sample container 20, the sample container storage case 10 is determined to be "defective", and a defective kit to be described later is performed without the stored sample container 20 being taken out. It is collected by the collection mechanism 79.

  The stop position (position in the 0 o'clock direction in FIG. 5) opposite to the sample collection kit supply position R1 with the rotation center of the rotation table 36 interposed therebetween is the sample container removal position R6. The sample container outlet 62 is located.

  The sample container removal unit 62 is a sample container for the sample collection kit 10 that is not determined to be “defective” in the process of transferring the sample collection kit 10 from the sample collection kit supply position R1 to the sample container removal position R6. The sample container transfer mechanism is provided for taking out the sample container 20 from the storage case 11 and transferring the sample container onto the sample container transfer mechanism 65.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the sample container transfer mechanism includes the wall surface of the second recess 135 and the outer peripheral surface of the sample container 20 by the bulging portion 136 of the second recess 135 in the sample container storage recess 13 of the sample container storage case 11. Between the sample container holding position on the rotary table 36 and the transfer position of the sample container transport mechanism 65. The holding arm 63 is inserted into the space S formed between and holds the sample container 20. And driving means (not shown) for moving the The drive means has a function of moving the gripping arm 63 in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction.

  In the sample container removal section 62, the sample container 20 is in a posture when stored in the sample container storage case 11, that is, the tube axis of the sample container 20 extends in the radial direction of the rotary table 36, and the cap 22 of the sample container 20 is It is transferred to the sample container transport mechanism 65 in a state in which the posture positioned outward with respect to the rotary table 36 is maintained.

The sample container transport mechanism 65 has a linear sample container transport path extending in the tangential direction of the rotary table 36 at the sample container takeout position R6, and the tube axis of the plurality of sample containers 20 is the sample container transport path. In the state where the posture extending in the orthogonal direction is maintained, the sheet is sequentially transported at constant intervals.
With such a configuration, the removed sample container 20 can be transported without disturbing the order. Therefore, as described later, when the plurality of sample containers 20 are transferred to the tray for sample inspection apparatus 88, the sample containers 20 are aligned in the order in which the series of processing is performed. Since the tray 88 can hold the information on the sample collection kit 10 and the information on the sample container 20 which are registered and managed in association with each other, the information on the sample container 20 can be managed with high reliability. Trackability can be ensured.

  The sample container transport mechanism in this example has, for example, a fixed beam 66a having a plurality of mounting portions spaced apart and spaced at regular intervals in the transport direction of the sample container 20, and movable movable in the order of rising, advancing, lowering, and retracting. A pitching mechanism of a walking beam (lift and carry) type provided with a beam 66b is configured.

The fixed beam 66a is configured by a pair of plate-like members disposed to face each other so as to extend along the sample container transport path at positions separated in a direction orthogonal to the sample container transport path. The mounting portion is constituted by the notches formed at the upper end of the second member for supporting the both end portions of the sample container main body 21 in the sample container 20.
The movable beam 66b has a configuration similar to that of the fixed beam 66a, and a pair of plate-like members are positioned on the inner surface side of each plate-like member that constitutes the fixed beam 66a.

  In the sample container removal section 62, when the sample container 20 on the sample container transport path is pitch-fed, a new sample container 20 is placed by the sample container transfer mechanism on the mounting portion at the back of the fixed beam 66a in the transport direction. Be done.

  In this processing apparatus, a plurality of sample containers 20 are placed at the same position in the transport direction of the sample container transport mechanism 65 in the transport direction, with the tube axes extending in the vertical direction (standing state). A first sample container transfer unit 80 for holding the sample container stand 86 disposed is provided.

In the first sample container transfer unit 80, as shown in FIG. 10, the plurality of sample containers 20 are transferred by the lift mechanism provided with the support base 81 disposed between the movable beams 66b in the sample container transfer mechanism 65. It is simultaneously lifted up while maintaining the same posture as time.
Then, the pair of gripping arms 82 in the transfer mechanism are actuated in the direction in which they approach each other, whereby the plurality of sample containers 20 supported by the support base 81 are simultaneously held and gripped. The pair of gripping arms 82, 82 are horizontally moved to a position immediately above the sample container erecting and transporting mechanism 85 by the gripping arm drive mechanism, and then pivoted about the horizontally extending axis by the gripping arm swing mechanism. Ru. As a result, the plurality of sample containers 20 are positioned immediately above the corresponding holding portions of the sample container stand 86 in a posture in which the tube axis extends in the vertical direction. Thereafter, the pair of gripping arms 82 are moved downward, and each sample container 20 is inserted into the holding portion of the sample container stand 86. In this state, the transfer operation of the sample container 20 is completed by operating the pair of gripping arms 82 in the direction away from each other.

  The sample container stand transport mechanism 85 is a first sample container positioned on one end side of the sample container stand transport path along the sample container stand transport path extending the sample container stand 86 linearly in parallel with the sample container transport path. Transfer unit 80 and second sample container transfer unit 90 located on the other end side of the sample container stand transport path for transferring sample container 20 from sample container stand 86 to tray 88 for a sample inspection apparatus It has a transport mechanism that moves reciprocally between each other. Here, the tray for sample inspection apparatus 88 is transported to the second sample container transfer unit 90 by a tray supply and transport mechanism 87 configured by, for example, a belt conveyor.

In this processing apparatus, an opener 95 is provided at a position along the sample container stand transport path between the first sample container transfer unit 80 and the second sample container transfer unit 90.
The opening portion 95 includes an opening mechanism for removing the cap 22 of the sample container 20 from the sample container main body 21 and placing the cap 22 on the opening end of the sample container main body 21.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the opening mechanism includes a pair of container main body holding arms 96 for collectively holding the container main body 21 in each of the plurality of sample containers 20 held in the sample container stand 86; A pair of cap gripping arms 97 for gripping the cap 22 in each of the plurality of sample containers 20 collectively is provided. The tip end of each cap gripping arm 97 has an acute angle, whereby the outer peripheral surface of the cap 22 in the sample container 20 can be reliably clamped, so that the cap gripping arm 97 is moved upward. The cap 22 can be removed reliably.
The container body gripping arms 96 are driven toward or away from each other in the horizontal plane by a gripping arm operating mechanism (not shown). Further, the cap gripping arms 97 are swung in directions approaching or separating from each other about a horizontally extending axis by a gripping arm operating mechanism (not shown).

  In the stopper 95, as shown in FIG. 11B, the container body 21 in each of the plurality of sample containers 20 is gripped by the container body gripping arm 96 and the cap 22 is gripped by the cap gripping arm 97. In the state, the cap holding arm 97 is moved upward by a drive mechanism (not shown), whereby the cap 22 pressed into the container body 21 is removed from the container body 21. Then, after the cap gripping arms 97 are moved downward, the caps 22 are simply placed on the open end of the container body 21 by moving in directions away from each other.

  In the second sample container transfer unit 90, the plurality of sample containers 20 held in the sample container stand 86 are collectively held by the holding mechanism (not shown) and transferred to the corresponding holding unit in the tray 88 for the sample inspection apparatus. It is carried.

  In this processing apparatus, when the sample container 20 is transferred to each of the plurality of holders formed on the tray for sample inspection apparatus 88, the tray for sample inspection apparatus 88 is transported to the sample inspection apparatus and is then subjected to a predetermined process. The examination of

  On the other hand, at the sample container removal position R6, the sample container storage case 11 in which the sample container 20 is removed and becomes empty and the sample collection kit 10 for which the defect determination is made and the sample container 20 is held is the lid closing portion 70. The lid portion 16 of the sample container storage case 11 is closed in the above.

  In this processing apparatus, the lid pressing member 57 described above has an inner peripheral edge in a region extending from the sample container removal position R6 to the stop position (position in the 1 o'clock direction in FIG. 5) adjacent in the rotation direction of the rotary table 36. Have a form (planar shape) extending in a curved manner so as to be separated from the rotation center of the rotary table 36. Therefore, in the process of transporting the empty sample container storage case 10 or the sample collection kit 10 for which the defect determination has been made from the sample container removal position R6 to the stop position R7, the lid 16 is the inner peripheral edge of the lid pressing member 57. The lid portion 16 is gradually closed from the fully open state by the spring property of the sample container storage case 11 itself while being guided by the above, and the lid portion 16 in the sample container storage case 11 is half-opened at the stop position R7.

The stop position (position in the 2 o'clock direction in FIG. 5) facing the lid half open position R3 across the rotation center of the rotary table 36 is the lid close position R8, and the lid close portion 70 is positioned at the lid close position R8. It is done.
In the lid closing portion 70, a guide member 71 having a guide surface 71a for gradually closing the lid portion 16 of the sample container storage case 11 from the half-opened state is fixed and provided. A lid closing mechanism is disposed which causes the lid 16 to be fitted to the case main body 12 by pressing the portion 16 from the upper side to bring it into a closed state.

The guide member 71 in this example has a plate shape, and as shown in FIG. 12, on the transport path Tr of the rotary table 36, it has a posture extending away from the rotary table 36 and extending parallel (horizontally) with the rotary table 36. The guide surface 71a of the guide member 71 is continuous with the inner peripheral edge of the lid pressing member 57 in plan view.
The guide member 71 has a form (planar shape) extending in a curved manner so that the guide surface 71 a is convex outward in the radial direction of the rotary table 36.

  In the lid closing part 70, the position before the empty sample container storage case 11 or the sample collection kit 10 for which the defect determination has been made reaches the lid closing position R8 with the rotation of the rotary table 36 (contact start position) The guide surface 71 a of the guide member 71 is brought into contact with the outer surface of the lid portion 16 of the sample container storage case 11 when being positioned at the In this state, the rotary table 36 is further rotated to guide the lid portion 16 along the guide surface 71a of the guide member 71, and the empty sample container storage case 11 or the sample collection kit 10 for which a defect determination is made. Is moved. Thereby, the lid 16 in the sample container storage case 11 is gradually closed as the rotary table 36 rotates, and the outer surface of the lid 16 is pressed from above by the lid closing mechanism 72 at the lid closing position R8. The lid 16 is fitted in the case body 12 to be closed.

  The stop position (position in the 3 o'clock direction in FIG. 5) adjacent to the lid closing position R8 in the rotational direction of the rotary table 36 is the empty case discharging position R9, and the lid 16 is at the empty case discharging position R9. A case takeout portion 75 is positioned which suctions and holds the empty sample container storage case 11 in the closed state and discharges it from the rotary table 36 to the empty case discharge portion 76.

  Further, the stop position (position in the direction of 4 o'clock in FIG. 5) adjacent to the empty case discharge position R9 in the rotation direction of the rotary table 36 is taken as the defective kit recovery position R10, and the defective kit recovery position R10 is defective. The position of the sample collection kit transfer unit 78 for adsorbing and holding the sample collection kit 10 for which the determination has been made and holding the sample container 20 inside is transferred from the rotary table 36 to the defective kit recovery transport mechanism 79 It is done.

Thus, in the above-described sample collection kit 10, a blister pack in which the case body 12 and the lid 16 fitted openably and closably to the case main body 12 are continuous via the bending portion 15 as a packing form of the sample container 20 A sample container storage case 11 is used which is composed of: For this reason, it becomes easy to automate the pretreatment required to apply the sample container 20 to a predetermined sample testing apparatus. That is, according to the above processing apparatus, in the process of transporting the sample collection kit 10 along the circular transport path Tr by the rotation table 36, acquisition and management of information related to the sample collection kit 10, the sample The lid opening process of the container storage case 10, the acquisition of information related to the stored sample container, and the removal process of the sample container 20 can be sequentially performed. Therefore, the pretreatment for the sample collection kit 10 can be efficiently performed, and the intervention of human error can be avoided.
Further, after the lid portion 16 of the sample container storage case 11 is once opened partially in the fitting release portion 52, the lid is fully opened in the lid fully open portion 55, so the lid opening process of the sample container storage case 11 is performed. The process can be smoothly performed, and the processing time can be reliably shortened by the smooth intermittent operation of the sample collection kit transport mechanism 35.

  Moreover, in the above processing apparatus, the fully open lid 55 has the guide surface 56a for opening the lid 16 of the sample container storage case 11 from the half open state to the fully open state in the process of transporting the sample collection kit 10. With the configuration provided with the guide member 56, the above-described effect can be reliably obtained, and furthermore, the configuration of the processing apparatus itself and the control system can be simplified.

  Furthermore, the sample management information related to the sample collection kit 10 or the sample management information related to the sample container 20 can not be read, or it is detected that an appropriate amount of sample is not stored in the sample container 20. The sample collection kit 10 is configured to be collected in the state where the sample container 20 is stored in the sample container storage case 11 without the sample container 20 being removed in the sample container removal unit 62. There is. For this reason, it is possible to reliably avoid the occurrence of an erroneous determination in the test result by the sample testing apparatus, and to obtain high reliability.

  Furthermore, the sample container 20 is such that the cap 22 is press-fit to the opening end of the container body 21 and is detachably mounted, and the opening part 95 of the cap 22 in the sample container 20 and the opening The second sample container transfer unit 90 is provided with a second sample container transfer unit 90 for transferring the plurality of sample containers 20 collectively to the tray 88 for a sample inspection apparatus, which is necessary for applying to the sample inspection apparatus. A series of operations in the pretreatment can be performed automatically and consistently, and desired processing can be performed more efficiently.

  Furthermore, by using a dedicated holder case 30 capable of accommodating a plurality of sample collection kits 10 in a loaded state, the sample collection kit in a state in which the plurality of sample collection kits 10 have the same posture. Since the sheet can be transported to the supply unit 45, the transfer operation to the rotary table 36 can be performed smoothly and reliably.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, A various change can be added.
For example, the sample collection kit transport mechanism does not have to be configured to transport the sample collection kit along the arc-shaped transport path, and may be configured to transport the sample collection kit along, for example, a linearly extending transport path It may be taken.
Further, the guide member in the lid opening portion is not limited to the configuration according to the above-described embodiment as long as it has a guide surface for gradually expanding the lid portion in the sample container storage case.
Furthermore, the sample container storage case in the sample collection kit is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. Just do it.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Sample collection kit 11 Sample container storage case 12 Case main-body part 13 Sample container storage recessed part 131 1st recessed part 132 Concave groove for engagement 135 2nd recessed part 136 Bulging part 14 Flange part 15 Bent part 16 Lid part 17 Lid part 171 Concerned Projecting ridges 18 Flanges 20 Sample containers 21 Sample container body 22 Caps 23 Sample collection means (septic rod)
24 label 25 label 26 identification code 27 identification code 30 holder case 30a opening for entry 31a one casing member 31b other casing member 32 support member 33a opening for sample collection kit storage 33b opening for lift mechanism 34 chamfered portion 35 Sample collection kit delivery mechanism 36 Rotating table 36a Opening 37 Sample collection kit placement part 38 Support member 38a Recess 39 Drive shaft 40 Holder case delivery mechanism 42 Intermediate table 42a Sample collection kit holding part 43 Ejection part 45 Sample collection Kit supply unit 46 Transfer mechanism 46a Sample collection kit holding means 47 Lift mechanism 47a Support table 48 Sample collection kit detection mechanism 48a Light emitting unit 48b Light receiving unit 49 Identification code reading unit 50 Sample collection kit information reading unit 52 Mating Release part 53a Lower suction arm 53b Upper suction arm 55 Lid fully open part 56 Guide member 56a Guide surface 57 Lid part holding member 58 Case main part holding member 60 Sample container information reading part 62 Sample container extraction part 63 Holding arm 65 Sample container transport Mechanism 66a Fixed beam 66b Movable beam 70 Lid closing 71 Guide member 71a Guide surface 72 Lid closing mechanism 75 Case extraction part 76 Empty case discharge part 78 Sample collection kit transfer part 79 Defective kit collection mechanism 80 First sample container transfer Mounting portion 81 Support base 82 Grasping arm 85 Sample container stand transport mechanism 86 Sample container stand 87 Tray supply transport mechanism 88 Tray for sample inspection device 90 Second sample container transfer part 95 Opening part 96 Container body holding arm 97 Cap holding Arm L Optical path P1 Sample management information R1 Sample collection kit G supply position R2 sample collection kit information acquisition position R3 lid half open position R4 lid fully open position R5 sample container information acquisition position R6 sample container removal position R7 stop position (lid half open position)
R8 lid closed position R9 empty case discharge position R10 defective kit collection position S space Tr transport path

Claims (7)

A sample collection kit containing a sample container holding a sample in a sample container storage case in which a case main body and a lid part fitted openably and closably to the case body are continuous via a bending part, in a horizontal plane The kit includes a sample collection kit transport mechanism that transports intermittently along the transport path.
A sample collection kit supply unit for supplying the sample collection kit to the sample collection kit transport mechanism;
A sample collection kit information reading unit that reads information related to the sample collection kit;
A fitting release unit that releases the fitting of the lid of the sample container storage case in the sample collection kit with respect to the case main body and brings the lid into a half-opened state;
A fully open lid portion for opening the lid portion of the sample container storage case in the sample collection kit from a half open state to a fully open state;
A sample container information reading unit that reads information on a sample container in the sample collection kit;
A processing apparatus characterized in that a sample container removing unit for removing a sample container from the sample collection kit is disposed along the transport path.   The fully open lid portion is interposed between the lid portion and the case main body portion of the sample container storage case in a half-opened state fixedly provided at the upper position of the transport path, and abuts against the inner surface of the lid portion. The guide member according to claim 1, wherein the guide member has a guide surface which causes the lid portion to be gradually expanded relative to the case main body portion with the movement of the sample collection kit. Processing unit. The sample collection kit transport mechanism includes a rotary table that is driven to rotate intermittently in a horizontal plane, which transports the sample collection kit along an arc-shaped transport path,
The guide member is a plate extending parallel to the rotary table, and the guide surface extends in a curved manner so as to be convex toward the rotation center of the rotary table with respect to the transport path. The processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising:   If the information can not be read in the sample collection kit information reading unit or the sample container information reading unit, the sample collection kit does not remove the sample container in the sample container removal unit, and the sample collection kit is used for the sample container storage case. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sample container is collected in a state in which the sample container is stored. The sample container has a bottomed cylindrical container body, and a cap having a sample collecting means accommodated so as to extend in the axial direction inside the container body, the cap being an open end of the container body It is press-fit to the part and detachably mounted.
In a state in which the sample container taken out from the sample container storage case is held in a state where the tube axis extends in the vertical direction, the cap is removed from the container body and the cap is placed on the open end of the container body 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an opening unit for moving the sample container, and a sample container transfer unit for transferring the plurality of sample containers opened at one time to the tray for the sample inspection apparatus. The processing apparatus according to any one.   The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sample container storage case in the sample collection kit is a clamshell blister pack. A special case is used which has a loading opening that opens upward and can accommodate a plurality of sample collection kits in a loaded state,
7. The processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the sample collection kit stored in the special case is transferred to the sample collection kit transport mechanism by the transfer mechanism in order from the topmost one. .

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