JP2969079B2 - Automatic dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic dispensing apparatus, and more particularly, to an integrated automatic dispensing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An automatic dispensing apparatus is an apparatus for dividing a sample into a plurality of containers prior to analysis of the sample (liquid sample). For example, when analyzing a blood sample, first, centrifugation is performed in a centrifuge, and the serum (parent sample) after the centrifugation is dispensed into a plurality of containers by an automatic dispenser. . Thereafter, the analyzer performs a predetermined analysis on each child sample. In the automatic dispensing device, it is basically necessary to create a child sample for each test item.

[0003] The number of test items for specimens has increased in recent years. Test items for blood samples include biochemical tests, immunological tests, protein tests, virus tests, and the like. here,
Biochemical tests are the most commonly performed, with a frequency of, for example, 80-90%, and most samples undergo biochemical tests. On the other hand, the frequency of each test item other than the biochemical test is about 5 to 30%.

[0004] Under the circumstances described above, in a general analysis system, the biochemical analysis is automated, that is, the sample rack is automatically transferred from the automatic dispensing device to the analyzer, and subsequently, the biochemical analysis is performed. Is running automatically. Inspections other than biochemical inspections are performed by artificially transferring racks to individual devices, or may be outsourced. In some cases, the inspection is performed in a specific manner.

[0005]

As described above, a plurality of tests are often performed on one sample, and in such a case, it is necessary to dispense each test. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes too much time to perform all dispensing with one dispensing device. On the other hand, if a plurality of dispensing devices are used in combination, rapid dispensing can be expected, but in that case, there is a problem that the system cost increases and the installation space of the devices increases.

Further, in the conventional analysis system, a device for attaching an identification label to a child sample container is separately provided for managing a child sample in particular, so that there is a problem of cost increase and installation space as described above. Furthermore, in the conventional analysis system, since the label was not checked to see if it was proper after the label was attached, there was a possibility that a problem might occur when a printing failure or the like occurred.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic dispensing apparatus capable of efficiently dispensing a plurality of inspection items with one apparatus. To provide.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an automatic dispensing apparatus in which the dispensing processing capacity of the entire apparatus is improved by providing a dedicated dispensing section particularly for inspection items having a high dispensing frequency. is there.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic dispensing apparatus that can effectively use an empty space of the apparatus as a rack transport path.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing apparatus having an identification label attaching function and a content confirmation function.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a parent sample transport line for transporting a parent sample rack holding a parent sample container and a child sample rack for transporting a child sample rack holding a child sample container. And a first dispensing section for dispensing a sample from a parent sample container to a child sample container in a first dispensing area through which the parent sample transport line and the child sample transport line pass, In the second dispensing area through which the parent sample transport line passes, sample dispensing is performed from the parent sample container to a child sample container of a child sample rack on the child sample transport line or a child sample container of an installed child sample rack. Performing a second dispensing section;
Is characterized in that the dispensing processing capacity is higher than that of the second dispensing section.

According to the above configuration, the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section can be utilized to enhance the dispensing process efficiency of the entire apparatus. For example, a high-frequency test item (for example, a biochemical test of a blood sample) is dispensed by the first dispensing section, and other low-frequency test items are dispensed by the second dispensing section. By performing the note, it is possible to match the processing capacity of each section with the frequency of the inspection item, and to perform efficient processing. For example, when two dispensing devices are connected, there is a lot of waste due to mechanical duplication between the devices. However, according to the present invention, the cost of the devices can be reduced by sharing a transport line, etc. Can also be reduced.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the first dispensing section has a plurality of dispensing units capable of dispensing by a dispensing nozzle independently of each other.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a child sample rack in which at least one child sample rack different from the child sample rack on the child sample transport line is placed in the second dispensing area. The area is set.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, at least one of the child sample transport line and the parent sample transport line is branched to a plurality of discharge destinations, and a discharge for switching the discharge destination of the child sample rack or the parent sample rack is provided. A first switching unit is provided.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, an elevator mechanism is provided on at least one of the sample transport lines and moves the sample rack in a vertical direction. The elevator mechanism is connected to the transport line via the elevator mechanism. And an internal transport line for transporting the sample rack. According to this configuration, the free space inside the device can be effectively used,
Further, the size of the device can be reduced. Here, the internal transfer line may be provided in a plurality of stages, or may be provided in a rack supply unit in addition to the rack discharge unit.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a label attaching means for creating and attaching an identification label to the sample container. That is, the identification label is attached to the dispensing device before or after dispensing. According to the present invention, it is not necessary to separately connect the label attaching device to the dispensing device, and the size of the system can be reduced. In addition, since labeling can be performed in synchronization with dispensing, mis-pasting can be prevented.

[0018] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a confirmation means for reading the identification label after attaching the identification label and confirming the content. According to this checking means, an alarm can be immediately generated when the printing of the identification label is defective.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, before the parent sample reaches the first dispensing section, the contents of the identification label are recognized, and the sample is dispensed in the first dispensing section. In the meantime, in the second dispensing section, an identification label is created and affixed to the corresponding child sample container prior to dispensing. That is, by performing the label processing in advance, the operation efficiency of the entire apparatus is improved.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rearranging means for rearranging a plurality of child sample containers on the child sample rack. That is, the child samples can be rearranged in an order different from the order of the parent samples, if necessary.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of an automatic dispensing apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a first transport line 12 and a second transport line 14 are formed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 10. The first transport line 12 and the second transport line 14 are formed parallel to each other along the left-right direction of the apparatus. In the present embodiment, the first transport line 12 is a transport mechanism for transporting the child sample rack 16, and the second transport line 14 is a transport mechanism for transporting the parent sample rack 18.
These transport lines are constituted by, for example, a belt conveyor.

A child sample rack supply unit 20 is connected to the first stage of the first transport line 12. A plurality of child sample racks 16 are placed on the child sample rack supply unit 20. Are sequentially sent out to the first transport line 12, and are transported by the first transport line 12 from left to right in FIG. Similarly, a parent sample rack supply unit 22 is formed at a front stage of the second transport line 14,
The plurality of parent sample racks 18 placed on the parent sample rack supply unit 22 are sequentially sent out to the second transport line 14, and each parent sample rack 18 is transported by the second transport line 14. At the subsequent stage of the first transport line, a discharge destination switching unit 2
The discharge destination switching unit 27 switches the discharge destination of the sub-sample rack after dispensing. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the transfer destination C to an analyzer or the like connected adjacent to the automatic dispensing apparatus and the apparatus body 1
The transport destination D to the child sample discharge unit 24 in the upper part 0 is switched. The child sample rack discharge unit 24 functions as a stocker for the child sample rack 16.

On the other hand, a discharge destination switching unit 26 is provided downstream of the second transport line 14.
The discharge destination of the parent sample rack 18 after dispensing is switched. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a transport destination A to an analyzer connected adjacent to the automatic dispensing apparatus and a transport destination B to an internal transport line 30 formed inside the apparatus main body 10 are used. And have been switched. The internal transfer line 30 functions as a stocker for the parent sample rack 18. In the apparatus according to the present embodiment, the internal transfer line 30 is formed inside the apparatus main body in order to effectively use the empty space of the apparatus. . Second transfer line 14
In the present embodiment, an elevator mechanism 32 is provided to transport the parent sample rack 18 from the to the internal transport line 30. When the transport destination B is selected by the discharge destination switching unit 26, the elevator mechanism 32 Operates, the parent sample rack 18 on the second transport line 14 is lowered,
Thereby, it is sent out to the internal transport line 30. Of course, the internal transport line 30 functions as a discharge unit in the present embodiment, but an internal transport line may be provided as a rack supply unit. In any case, the size of the entire apparatus can be reduced by effectively using the empty space. Note that the internal transfer line 30 can be provided in a hierarchical manner.

In the above-mentioned parent sample rack 18, for example, 5
One to ten parent sample containers are held upright. Similarly, the child sample rack 16 holds up to five child sample containers, for example. In the present embodiment, the first transport line 12 is used as a transport line for a child sample rack, and the second transport line 14 is used as a transport line for a parent sample rack. However, the combination may of course be reversed. .

As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic dispensing apparatus of this embodiment is provided with two dispensing sections, that is, a first dispensing section 40 and a second dispensing section 42. As shown, these dispensing sections are provided adjacent to each other along the direction of the transport line. The first dispensing section 40 is a section for performing single item high-speed dispensing, and the second dispensing section 42 is a section for performing multi-item sorting and dispensing. For example, when dispensing a blood sample, dispensing for biochemical analysis is performed in the first dispensing section 40, and dispensing for other tests is performed in the second dispensing section 42.

The first dispensing section 40 has two dispensing units 44,46. These two dispensing units 4
4, 46 each have a dispensing nozzle that moves up and down,
The dispensing nozzle can be raised and lowered independently between the units. The two dispensing units 44 and 46 are held by the same X arm 48, and both ends of the X arm 48 are supported by Y arms 50 and 52. That is, each dispensing nozzle can be freely moved three-dimensionally in the X, Y and Z directions by these mechanisms. However, in this embodiment, two units 44,
Since 46 is supported by the same X arm 48, only the Z direction can be different between these units. However, since the two units are aligned along the alignment direction of the sample containers of the child sample rack 16 and the parent sample rack 18, the two dispensing units 44, 4
Even if 6 is supported on the same X arm, there is no particular problem.

On the other hand, in the second dispensing section 42,
A dispensing unit 54 having a dispensing nozzle capable of moving up and down is held by a Y arm 56, and one end of the Y arm 56 is supported by an X slide mechanism 58. That is, in the second dispensing section 42, the dispensing nozzles, like the first dispensing section 40, have the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction.
It can move freely in any direction.

The second dispensing section 42 has a tube handler 60 in addition to the dispensing unit 54 described above.
The tube handler 60 is a mechanism for picking up a container (tube) from the sample rack and transporting the container (tube) to the label processing unit 62. The tube arm 60 can be moved in the X direction and the Y direction by the Y arm 64 and the X slide mechanism 58. Has been. In addition, this tube handler 6
The fingers (not shown) of 0 are movable in the Z direction, that is, the container can be freely moved in any of the X, Y and Z directions.

The label processing section 62 has a label issuing function, a label attaching function, and a label confirming function. Specifically, a sticker for sticking the label issued by the label issuing device to the sample container is built in the well 62A for storing the sample container, and the label contents are optically transferred after the label is attached. It also has a built-in reader for reading. Here, the label affixed to the sample container is, for example, a label such as a barcode or a label on which a symbol is described, and in any case, can be read by an optical means or the like. This label is used as identification information of each child sample. By providing the label processing unit 62 inside the dispensing apparatus in this manner, quick labeling and error-free labeling can be realized.

In the dispensing area of the first dispensing section 40, as shown in FIG.
A plurality of tip racks 66 for nozzle tip replacement are provided in the dispensing area through which the transfer line 14 passes.
Is arranged. Here, the dispensing area is the dispensing unit 4
4, 46, specifically, the area where the dispensing nozzle supported by them can move. Similarly, in the dispensing area of the second dispensing section 42, the first transport line 12 and the second
The transport line 14 is passed through, and in the dispensing area, a plurality of chip racks 68 and a plurality of sub sample racks 70 set interchangeably are provided. Here, the second
In the dispensing section 42, one or more child sample racks 70 are prepared for each test item on the rack area.

In the first dispensing section 40, the parent sample rack 18 on the second transport line 14
The sample is dispensed to the upper child sample rack 16. In the second dispensing section 42, any one of the child sample racks 70 arranged on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 10 is shifted from the parent sample rack 18 on the second transport line 14. The sample is dispensed to Incidentally, the child sample rack 70 is artificially replaced.

The automatic dispensing apparatus of this embodiment has a function of rearranging the child sample containers on the child sample rack 70 by the tube handler 60. In the second dispensing section 42, the moving range of the dispensing unit 54 and the moving range of the tube handler 60 overlap each other, so that the two are controlled so as not to collide. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 80 denotes a label reader for reading an identification label attached to the parent sample container.

Next, the operation of the mobile dispensing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

Each step after (A) in FIG. 2 shows processing relating to the child sample rack 70 in the second dispensing section 42, and each step following (B) represents processing relating to the parent sample rack 18. . (C) The subsequent steps show the processing relating to the child sample rack 16. This will be described specifically.

In S101, the child sample rack 70 is set in the child sample rack installation area of the second dispensing section 42. This is done artificially as described above.
In S102, it is determined whether or not a label is to be attached to the child sample container held by the child sample rack 70 prior to sample dispensing, and if YES, it is determined in S103 based on the reading result in S105 described later. A label is issued for the child sample container, and the label is attached to the child sample container. Then, the label content is confirmed after the attachment. Of course, in this S103, the child sample rack 70
Then, the child sample container is transported to the label processing unit 62 by the tube handler 60, and label processing is performed. Then, the next S110 is executed. NO in S102
Is also performed, S110 is executed.

On the other hand, in parallel with the above processing, in S104, the parent sample rack is sent out from the parent sample rack supply unit 22 to the second transport line 14, and the parent sample rack is first dispensed by the second transport line 14. Conveyed to section 40. At this time, the label attached to the parent sample rack 18 is read by the label reader 80 (S105).
Then, in S106, the read label information is transferred to a computer inside the apparatus.

On the other hand, in parallel with the above processing, in S107, the child sample rack 16 is sent out from the child sample rack supply unit 20 to the first transport line 12, and the first transport line 1
2 causes the child sample rack 16 to be in the first dispensing section 40.
Transported to

In step S108, in the first dispensing section 40, sample dispensing is performed from a predetermined parent sample container held in the parent sample rack 18 to a plurality of predetermined child sample containers held in the child sample rack 16. Be executed. Of course, in this S108, since two dispensing units 44 and 46 are used, the dispensing can be performed at high speed.

In S109, when dispensing is completed for all parent samples that need to be dispensed among the plurality of parent samples held in the parent sample rack 18, the parent sample rack 18
It is transported to the dispensing section 42. Then, in S110, multi-item sorting and dispensing corresponding to a plurality of inspection items is executed in the second dispensing section 42. That is, a sample is dispensed from a predetermined parent sample in the parent sample rack 18 to a predetermined child sample container. In S111, the parent sample rack 18 is transferred to the discharge destination switching unit 26, and in S130, the discharge destination is switched. Here, in the case of discharging to the subsequent apparatus, the parent sample rack is directly sent to the subsequent apparatus connected to the second transport line in S131.
On the other hand, when the discharge to the stocker inside the apparatus is selected, the elevator mechanism 32 operates in S132,
The parent sample rack 18 transported to the internal transport line 30
At 133, it is stored in a stocker in the apparatus. S1
At 34, it is determined whether or not there is a next sample. If there is a next parent sample, the steps from (B) are executed for the parent sample.

On the other hand, for the child sample dispensed in S108, it is determined in S113 whether or not a label is to be attached to the child sample container. If YES is determined in S113, a label is issued to the child sample container in S114, and the label is attached to the child sample container. Then, the contents of the label are optically read, and the contents are confirmed.

In S115, the child sample rack 16 is transferred to the discharge destination switching section 27, and in S116, the discharge destination is switched. Here, in the case of discharging to the downstream device, the child sample rack 16 is sent out to the downstream device connected to the first transport line in S117. on the other hand,
If the discharge to the stocker inside the device is selected,
In S119, the child sample rack 16 is
4 is carried.

On the other hand, when the multi-item dispensing is completed in S110, it is determined in S120 whether or not to apply a label to the child sample container held by the child sample rack 70, and the labeling is performed. Is executed in step S121. In this S122, it is determined whether to rearrange the child sample containers on the child sample rack 70,
When the rearrangement is performed, the child sample containers are rearranged into a desired arrangement using the tube handler 60 in S123. In S124, it is determined whether or not there is a parent sample. If so, the same steps as described above are repeated.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the label processing.

In step S201, the child sample container held in the child sample rack 16 or the child sample rack 70 is transported to the label processing unit 62 by the tube handler 60. Then, in S202, the label information of the child sample is created based on the label information of the parent sample read in S105 shown in FIG. In this case, the same label information as that of the parent sample may be used, or the label information of the child sample may be created by adding another attribute based on the parent sample. In S203, a label is issued, and in S204, the label is attached to the child sample container. In S205, the label is read by the barcode reader built in the label processing unit 62 after the sticking, and the label is read in S20.
In 6, it is determined whether or not the label content matches the label information created in S202. If the label information matches, the child sample container is transported to the original position in S207. On the other hand, if the label contents do not match, an error is output in S208.

In the above-described embodiment, the processing of the next sample is performed after the dispensing of one sample is completed, but it is needless to say that each of the first dispensing section 40 and the second dispensing section 42 May simultaneously process different samples.

According to the above-described embodiment, the first dispensing section 40 for performing high-speed dispensing corresponding to a specific inspection item and the second dispensing section 42 for performing dispensing corresponding to a plurality of inspection items are provided. Are separately provided, so that efficient sample dispensing can be performed. Further, in this embodiment, the discharge destination switching unit 26 can switch the discharge destination of the child sample rack, so that the child sample rack can be transported freely. Furthermore, in the apparatus of the present embodiment, the label dispenser is incorporated in the automatic dispensing apparatus, so that the label can be stuck without error, and the contents can be checked immediately after the label is stuck, for example, to determine the printing failure. Can be found early. In the device of the present embodiment,
Since the label can be attached before and after dispensing, processing that meets the user's request can be performed. In addition, since the device of the present embodiment has a function of rearranging child samples, it is possible to facilitate the next sample test.

[0048]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Dispensing corresponding to a plurality of search items can be efficiently performed by one device. Further, according to the present invention, since a dedicated dispensing section is provided especially for an inspection item having a high dispensing frequency, the dispensing processing capacity of the entire apparatus can be improved. Further, according to the present invention, an empty space of the apparatus can be effectively used as a rack transport path. Further, according to the present invention, there is an advantage that a dispensing apparatus having an identification label attaching function and a content confirmation function can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an automatic dispensing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic dispensing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a label processing unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 apparatus main body, 12 first transport line, 14 second transport line, 16 child sample rack, 18 parent sample rack,
26 discharge destination switching unit, 30 internal transport line, 32 elevator mechanism, 40 first dispensing section, 42 second dispensing section, 62 label processing unit.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-7-234229 (JP, A) JP-A-7-229904 (JP, A) JP-A-7-234228 (JP, A) 21862 (JP, U) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G01N 35/00-35/10

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A parent sample transport line for transporting a parent sample rack holding a parent sample container, a child sample transport line for transporting a child sample rack holding a child sample container, the parent sample transport line and the child sample In a first dispensing area through which a transport line passes, a first dispensing section for dispensing a sample from a parent sample container to a child sample container, and at least in a second dispensing area through which the parent sample transport line passes, A second dispensing section for dispensing a sample from the parent sample container to a child sample container of a child sample rack on the child sample transport line or to a child sample container of an installed child sample rack, the first dispensing section comprising: The automatic dispensing device, wherein the dispensing section has a higher dispensing capacity than the second dispensing section. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first dispensing section has a plurality of dispensing units capable of dispensing by a dispensing nozzle independently of each other. Automatic dispensing device. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one child sample rack different from the child sample rack on the child sample transport line is placed in the second dispensing area. An automatic dispensing device wherein a sample rack area is set. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the child sample transport line and the parent sample transport line is branched into a plurality of discharge destinations, and the child sample rack or the parent sample rack is discharged. Automatic dispensing device, characterized in that a discharge destination switching unit for switching between the two is provided. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is provided on at least one of the transport lines and is connected to the transport line via the elevator mechanism for moving a sample rack in a vertical direction. An automatic dispensing device, comprising: an internal transport line for transporting a sample rack inside. 6. The automatic dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a label attaching means for creating and attaching an identification label to the sample container. 7. The automatic dispensing device according to claim 6, further comprising a confirmation means for reading the identification label after attaching the identification label and confirming the content. 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the content of the identification label affixed to the parent sample container is recognized before the parent sample reaches the first dispensing section, and the sample is recognized. While dispensing in the first dispensing section, an identification label is created and affixed to the corresponding child specimen container in the second dispensing section prior to dispensing. Automatic dispensing device. 9. The automatic dispensing device according to claim 1, further comprising a rearranging means for rearranging a plurality of child sample containers on the child sample rack.