JP5520363B2 - Sample transport device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sample transport apparatus for transporting a sample rack .

An analyzer that automatically transports a plurality of samples and analyzes the transported samples is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In such an analyzer, one transport device is connected to one measurement unit.

JP 2005-257450 A JP 2007-139462 A

The present invention avoids the increase in size of the transport device, and an object of the present invention to provide a specimen transport apparatus capable of transporting a plurality of racks efficiently.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to achieve the above object, a sample transport device according to one aspect of the present invention can transport a plurality of sample racks capable of storing a plurality of sample containers independently on the upstream side and the downstream side of one transport path. A sample transport apparatus, comprising a first holder for holding a sample rack, wherein the first holder is moved along the first movement path in a direction from upstream to downstream of the transport path. The first holding unit capable of transferring the sample rack held by the first holding unit and the second holding unit for holding the sample rack are provided, and the second holding unit is disposed in the direction. By moving the sample rack along the second movement path adjacent to the first movement path within the conveyance path, the second sample rack can be conveyed independently of the first conveyance section. and a transport unit, said first conveyor and the second conveyor It is arranged in parallel adjacent to each other.

According to the sample transport device of one aspect of the present invention, the first rack and the second rack can be transported independently of each other on the transport path, and therefore the movement of one rack is limited by the movement of the other rack. Can be suppressed. Thereby, a some rack can be conveyed efficiently. Further, with the above configuration, since the second rack does not need to pass the first rack on the transport device, the sample transport device is not required to be provided with a rack overtaking line or a rack slider. It can be downsized.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, preferably, the first transport unit transports the sample racks arranged on both the first and second movement paths while being held by the first holding unit. The second transport unit transports the sample racks arranged on both the first and second movement paths while being held by the second holding unit.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, preferably, a rack feeding unit that supplies a sample rack to a first position on the transport path where transport of the sample rack is started, and the transport path on which the transport of the sample rack is completed A rack delivery section for discharging the sample rack out of the transport path at the second position, wherein the first and second transport sections are at least between the first position and the second position, respectively. The sample rack can be transported.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, it is preferable that the first rack accommodating portion that can accommodate a plurality of sample racks supplied to the first position by the rack feeding portion, and the rack sending portion to send from the second position. A second rack housing portion capable of housing a plurality of sample racks.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, preferably, when transport of the sample rack is started, the first or second transport unit moves so that the first or second holding unit comes to the first position. The rack feeding unit feeds the sample rack to the first or second holding unit located at the first position.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, preferably, each of the first and second holding units includes two projecting pieces provided at an interval, and the sample rack is the first or second transport unit. It is held by the two protruding pieces of the belt.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, the first transport unit is preferably capable of transporting the sample rack held by the first holding unit in the second direction opposite to the direction. The two transport unit can transport the sample rack held by the second holding unit in the second direction opposite to the direction.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, preferably, the first and second transport units are arranged along the first and second movement paths in which the first and second holding units are adjacent to each other in the transport path. Each is configured to move in the direction and the second direction.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, the first and second transport units preferably include first and second transport belts, respectively.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, preferably, the first and second transport belts are each annular, and the first and second holding units after the transport of the sample rack is respectively in the transport path. Move through the lower side.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, preferably, the first and second transport belts are adjacent to each other such that each of the sample racks passing through the transport path is placed on both belts, And it is arrange | positioned in parallel along the said conveyance path.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, preferably, the first and second transport units include first and second transport belts, respectively, and the first and second transport belts are the first and second transport belts, respectively. When the second holding portion includes two protruding pieces provided at intervals, and when the rack starts to be transported, the first or second conveying belt has the first position between the two protruding pieces. The rack feeding section feeds the sample rack between the two protruding pieces of the first or second transport belt.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, preferably further includes a barcode reading unit that reads a barcode of the sample container transported to the reading position on the transport path,
The first and second transport units are configured to transport a sample rack via the reading position and a supply position on the transport path for supplying a sample container to a measurement unit that measures a sample. Yes.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, preferably, when the sample container of the sample rack transported by the first transport unit is at the supply position, the second transport unit holds the sample container of the held sample rack. The sample rack is transported so that is at the reading position.

In the sample transport device according to the above aspect, preferably, the transport path has a width that allows only one sample rack to pass through.

1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a blood analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows the measurement unit and sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the measurement unit and sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the rack and sample container of the blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view for demonstrating the sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view for demonstrating the sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view for demonstrating the sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view for demonstrating the sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the control apparatus of the blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the measurement processing operation | movement by the measurement processing program of the blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content of the measurement process (1) program 54a, the measurement process (2) program 54b, and the sampler operation | movement process program 54c. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content of the measurement process (1) program 54a, the measurement process (2) program 54b, and the sampler operation | movement process program 54c. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content of the measurement process (1) program 54a, the measurement process (2) program 54b, and the sampler operation | movement process program 54c. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content of the measurement process (1) program 54a, the measurement process (2) program 54b, and the sampler operation | movement process program 54c. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the rack of a blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention, a sample container, and each part. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the rack of a blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention, a sample container, and each part. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the rack of a blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention, a sample container, and each part. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the rack of a blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention, a sample container, and each part. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the blood analyzer by one Embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a blood analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2-9 is a figure for demonstrating the detail of each part of the blood analyzer by one Embodiment shown in FIG. First, with reference to FIGS. 1-9, the whole structure of the blood analyzer 1 by one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a blood analyzer that is an example of an analyzer will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the blood analyzer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes two measurement units, a first measurement unit 2 and a second measurement unit 3, and a first measurement unit 2 and a second measurement unit 3. A sample transport device (sampler) 4 disposed on the front side, and a control device 5 including a first measurement unit 2, a second measurement unit 3, and a PC (personal computer) electrically connected to the sample transport device 4. I have. The blood analyzer 1 is connected to a host computer 6 (see FIG. 2) by a control device 5. Here, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 are the same type of measurement unit, and measure the sample for the same measurement item using the same measurement principle. Note that the same type means not only a case where two measurement units measure a sample for completely the same measurement item, but also a plurality of measurement items by the first measurement unit 2 and a plurality of measurement items by the second measurement unit 3. Including the case where is partially common.

  The blood analyzer 1 is not a transport system in which a plurality of analyzers are connected by a conventional transport device, but a stand-alone analyzer. In addition, the blood analyzer 1 may be incorporated in the transport system.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 are arranged in a mirror shape symmetrical with respect to the boundary line between the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3. ing. As shown in FIG. 2, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 respectively include sample suction units 21 and 31 for sucking blood as a sample from a sample container (test tube) 100, and a sample suction unit. Sample preparation units 22 and 32 for preparing detection samples from blood aspirated by 21 and 31; detection unit 23 and detection unit for detecting the blood cell count, hemoglobin, etc. from the detection samples prepared by the sample preparation units 22 and 32 33. In addition, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 respectively have intake ports 24 and 34 (into the sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 (see FIG. 4) carried by the sample carrying device 4). 1) and sample container transport sections 25 and 35 for taking the sample container 100 from the rack 101 into the interior and transporting the sample container 100 to the suction position (see FIG. 2) by the sample suction sections 21 and 31. Yes.

  Needles (not shown) are provided at the distal ends of the specimen aspirating parts 21 and 31, respectively. The sample aspirating units 21 and 31 are configured to be movable in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction). Further, the specimen aspirating units 21 and 31 are configured to pass through the sealing lid of the sample container 100 conveyed to the aspirating position by moving downward, and aspirate the blood inside.

  The detection units 23 and 33 perform RBC detection (detection of red blood cell count) and PLT detection (detection of platelet count) by the sheath flow DC detection method, and HGB detection (detection of the amount of hemoglobin in the blood) by the SLS-hemoglobin method. It is comprised so that it may carry out by. The detectors 23 and 33 are also configured to perform WBC detection (detection of white blood cell count) by a flow cytometry method using a semiconductor laser.

  The detection results obtained by the detection units 23 and 33 are transmitted to the control device 5 as sample measurement data (measurement results). This measurement data is data that is the basis of the final analysis results (red blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin content, white blood cell count, etc.) provided to the user.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sample container transport units 25 and 35 respectively linearly move the hand units 251 and 351 that can hold the sample container 100 and the hand units 251 and 351 horizontally in the arrow Y direction, respectively. The horizontal moving parts 252 and 352, the vertical moving parts 253 and 353 that move the hand parts 251 and 351 linearly in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction), and the hand parts 251 and 351 in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction), respectively. It has stirring parts 254 and 354 that move like a pendulum. In addition, the sample container transport units 25 and 35 hold the sample containers 100 acquired from the rack 101 by the hand units 251 and 351 in the sample setting units 255a and 355a, respectively, and move the arrows to the suction positions of the sample suction units 21 and 31. It further includes sample container moving units 255 and 355 that move horizontally in the Y direction and bar code reading units 256 and 356.

  The hand units 251 and 351 move in the horizontal direction (arrow Y direction) to move above the sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 to which the sample transport apparatus 4 transports, and then move in the vertical direction (arrow Z). The sample container 100 located below is gripped by moving in the direction). The hand units 251 and 351 move the gripped sample container 100 upward, remove it from the rack 101, and move in the horizontal direction (arrow Y direction) to the stirring position (see FIG. 2). At the agitation position, the hand portions 251 and 351 are moved in a pendulum shape (for example, 10 reciprocations) by the agitation portions 254 and 354, respectively, so that blood in the sample container 100 to be grasped is agitated. ing. After the agitation, the hand units 251 and 351 are configured to move downward to set the sample container 100 in the sample setting units 255a and 355a of the sample container moving units 255 and 355 and release the grip. .

  The horizontal moving parts 252 and 352 are configured to move the hand parts 251 and 351 in the horizontal direction (arrow Y direction) along the rails 252b and 352b, respectively, by the power from the air cylinders 252a and 352a.

  The vertical moving parts 253 and 353 are configured to move the hand parts 251 and 351 in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction) along the rails 253b and 353b by the power of the air cylinders 253a and 353a, respectively.

  Agitation sections 254 and 354 are configured to move hand sections 251 and 351 in a pendulum shape in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction) by the power of stepping motors 254a and 354a, respectively.

  The sample container moving parts 255 and 355 respectively transport the sample setting parts 255a and 355a to the suction position in the arrow Y direction by the power of a stepping motor (not shown), and the sample containers 100 held by the sample setting parts 255a and 355a. The restriction portion 355b (the first measurement unit 2 side is not shown) is configured to abut on the restriction portion 355b. Accordingly, the sample container 100 is configured to be clamped (fixed) at each suction position. Further, the sample container moving units 255 and 355 move to the aspirating position when the sample container 100 is viewed in plan, so that the sample aspirating units 21 and 31 do not move in the horizontal direction (arrow X and Y directions), respectively. The specimen can be sucked from the sample container 100 simply by moving in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the barcode reading units 256 and 356 are configured to read the barcode 100 a attached to each sample container 100. The barcode reading units 256 and 356 are configured to read the barcode 100a of the sample container 100 while rotating the target sample container 100 in the horizontal direction while being held by the sample setting units 255a and 355a by a rotating device (not shown). Has been. Thereby, even when the barcode 100a of the sample container 100 is stuck on the opposite side with respect to the barcode reading units 256 and 356, the barcode 100a is moved to the barcode reading unit 256 by rotating the sample container 100. And 356 side. The barcode 100a of each sample container 100 is uniquely assigned to each sample, and is used for managing the analysis result of each sample.

  Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the sample transport device 4 may hold a plurality of racks 101 in which sample containers 100 that store samples before analysis are stored. A pre-analysis rack holding unit 41, a post-analysis rack holding unit 42 capable of holding a plurality of racks 101 containing sample containers 100 containing samples after analysis, and a rack 101. A rack transport unit 43 that moves horizontally in the direction of the arrow X, a barcode reading unit 44, a presence / absence detection sensor 45 that detects the presence / absence of the sample container 100, and a rack that moves the rack 101 into the post-analysis rack holding unit 42. And a sending unit 46.

  The pre-analysis rack holding unit 41 includes a rack feeding unit 411. When the rack feeding unit 411 moves in the arrow Y direction, the racks 101 held by the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41 are transported one by one. It is configured to extrude onto the portion 43. The rack feeding unit 411 is configured to be driven by a stepping motor (not shown) provided below the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41. In addition, the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41 has a regulation unit 412 (see FIG. 3) in the vicinity of the rack transport unit 43, and the rack 101 once pushed onto the rack transport unit 43 returns to the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41. The movement of the rack 101 is restricted so as not to be performed.

  The post-analysis rack holding unit 42 has a regulating unit 421 (see FIG. 3) in the vicinity of the rack transport unit 43, and the rack 101 once moved into the post-analysis rack holding unit 42 is not returned to the rack transport unit 43 side. In this way, the movement of the rack 101 is restricted.

  The rack transport unit 43 has two belts, a first belt 431 and a second belt 432, which can transport the rack 101 independently of each other. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 are arranged so that the rack 101 on which the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 are placed is located on both the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 in a plan view. In order to be placed, they are arranged in parallel and adjacent to a direction (arrow Y direction) orthogonal to the transport direction (arrow X direction). Thereby, the rack 101 is transported in a direction (arrow X direction) substantially parallel to a straight line connecting the front surface of the first measurement unit 2 and the front surface of the second measurement unit 3. Further, the widths b1 and b2 (see FIG. 5) of the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 in the arrow Y direction are respectively less than half the width B of the rack 101 in the arrow Y direction. As a result, the total width b2 of the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 can be set to a width that allows only one rack 101 to pass through. The width of the transport path of the rack 101 is also a width that allows only one rack 101 to pass through. The first belt 431 and the second belt 432 are formed in an annular shape, and are arranged so as to surround the rollers 431a to 431c (see FIG. 6) and the rollers 432a to 432c (see FIG. 7), respectively. Further, two protruding pieces 431d are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the first belt 431 so as to have an inner width w1 (see FIG. 6) slightly larger (for example, about 1 mm) than the width W in the arrow X direction of the rack 101. Has been. Also, two protrusions 432d are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the second belt 432 so as to have an inner width w2 (see FIG. 7) slightly larger (for example, about 1 mm) than the width W of the rack 101 in the arrow X direction. Has been. The rack 101 is sent from the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41 between the two protruding pieces 431 d of the first belt 431 or between the two protruding pieces 432 d of the second belt 432 by the rack sending unit 411.

  Further, the first belt 431 moves the rack 101 by moving the outer periphery of the rollers 431a to 431c by the stepping motor 431e (see FIGS. 3 and 5) in a state where the rack 101 is held inside the protruding piece 431d. It is configured to move in the direction of arrow X. Specifically, with respect to the moving direction of the first belt 431, the protrusion 101 431d arranged on the rear side contacts the rack 101 so that the rack 101 is pushed in the moving direction of the first belt 431. Is done. Further, when the rack 101 is moved, the bottom of the rack 101 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the other second belt 432, but the frictional force between the bottom of the rack 101 and the outer peripheral surface of the second belt 432 is The pressing force in the moving direction of the rack 101 by the protruding piece 431d is extremely small. For this reason, the first belt 431 can independently move the rack 101 regardless of whether or not the second belt 432 moves. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the two protruding pieces 431d of the first belt 431 are configured such that the rack 101 holds the rack before analysis from the rack delivery position where the rack 101 is moved from the transport path into the post-analysis rack holding unit. It is configured to move through the lower side of the first belt 431 from the inside of the portion 41 to the rack feeding position fed into the conveyance path. The second belt 432 is configured in the same manner as the first belt 431, and is moved by a stepping motor 432e (see FIG. 5).

  The barcode reading unit 44 is configured to read the barcode 100a of the sample container 100 shown in FIG. 4 and also read the barcode 101a attached to the rack 101. The barcode reading unit 44 is configured to read the barcode 100a of the sample container 100 while rotating the target sample container 100 in the horizontal direction while being accommodated in the rack 101 by a rotating device (not shown). Thereby, even when the barcode 100a of the sample container 100 is affixed to the opposite side to the barcode reading unit 44, the barcode 100a is moved to the barcode reading unit 44 side by rotating the sample container 100. Can be directed. The barcode 101a of the rack 101 is uniquely assigned to each rack, and is used for managing the analysis result of the sample.

  The presence / absence detection sensor 45 is a contact-type sensor, and includes a goodwill-shaped contact piece 451 (see FIG. 3), a light emitting element (not shown) that emits light, and a light receiving element (not shown). The presence / absence detection sensor 45 is bent by the contact piece 451 coming into contact with the detection target object, and as a result, the light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by the contact piece 451 and enters the light receiving element. It is configured as follows. Thus, when the sample container 100 to be detected housed in the rack 101 passes below the presence / absence detection sensor 45, the contact piece 451 is bent by the sample container 100 to detect the presence of the sample container 100. Is possible.

  The rack delivery section 46 is disposed so as to face the post-analysis rack holding section 42 with the rack transport section 43 interposed therebetween, and is configured to move linearly in the arrow Y direction. Thereby, when the rack 101 is transported between the post-analysis rack holding unit 42 and the rack sending unit 46 (rack sending position), the rack sending unit 46 is moved to the post-analysis rack holding unit 42 side, The rack 101 can be pressed and moved into the post-analysis rack holder 42.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the control device 5 includes a personal computer (PC) and the like, and includes a control unit 51 including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, a display unit 52, and an input device 53. . The display unit 52 is provided to display analysis results obtained by analyzing digital signal data transmitted from the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3.

  Next, the configuration of the control device 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 5 is configured by a computer 500 mainly composed of a control unit 51, a display unit 52, and an input device 53. The control unit 51 mainly includes a CPU 51a, a ROM 51b, a RAM 51c, a hard disk 51d, a reading device 51e, an input / output interface 51f, a communication interface 51g, and an image output interface 51h. The CPU 51a, ROM 51b, RAM 51c, hard disk 51d, reading device 51e, input / output interface 51f, communication interface 51g, and image output interface 51h are connected by a bus 51i.

  The CPU 51a can execute the computer program stored in the ROM 51b and the computer program loaded in the RAM 51c. The computer 500 functions as the control device 5 when the CPU 51a executes application programs 54a to 54c as described later.

  The ROM 51b is configured by a mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or the like, and stores a computer program executed by the CPU 51a, data used for the same, and the like.

  The RAM 51c is configured by SRAM, DRAM, or the like. The RAM 51c is used to read out computer programs recorded in the ROM 51b and the hard disk 51d. Further, when these computer programs are executed, it is used as a work area of the CPU 51a.

  The hard disk 51d is installed with various computer programs to be executed by the CPU 51a, such as an operating system and application programs, and data used for executing the computer programs. A measurement processing program 54a for the first measurement unit 2, a measurement processing program 54b for the second measurement unit 3, and a measurement processing program 54c for the sample transport device 4 are also installed in the hard disk 51d. When these application programs 54a to 54c are executed by the CPU 51a, the operation of each part of the first measurement unit 2, the second measurement unit 3, and the sample transport apparatus 4 is controlled. A measurement result database 54d is also installed.

  The reading device 51e is configured by a flexible disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD-ROM drive, or the like, and can read a computer program or data recorded on the portable recording medium 54. The portable recording medium 54 stores application programs 54a to 54c. The computer 500 reads the application programs 54a to 54c from the portable recording medium 54, and installs the application programs 54a to 54c in the hard disk 51d. Is possible.

  The application programs 54a to 54c are not only provided by the portable recording medium 54, but also from an external device that is communicably connected to the computer 500 via an electric communication line (whether wired or wireless). It can also be provided through a communication line. For example, the application programs 54a to 54c are stored in the hard disk of a server computer on the Internet, and the computer 500 accesses the server computer to download the application programs 54a to 54c and install them on the hard disk 51d. It is also possible to do.

  In addition, an operating system that provides a graphical user interface environment, such as Windows (registered trademark) manufactured and sold by Microsoft Corporation, is installed in the hard disk 51d. In the following description, the application programs 54a to 54c are assumed to operate on the operating system.

  The input / output interface 51f includes, for example, a serial interface such as USB, IEEE1394, RS-232C, a parallel interface such as SCSI, IDE, IEEE1284, an analog interface including a D / A converter, an A / D converter, and the like. Has been. An input device 53 is connected to the input / output interface 51f, and the user can input data to the computer 500 by using the input device 53.

  The communication interface 51g is, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface. The computer 500 can transmit and receive data to and from the first measurement unit 2, the second measurement unit 3, the sample transport device 4, and the host computer 6 using a predetermined communication protocol through the communication interface 51g.

  The image output interface 51h is connected to a display unit 52 composed of an LCD or a CRT, and outputs a video signal corresponding to the image data given from the CPU 51a to the display unit 52. The display unit 52 displays an image (screen) according to the input video signal.

  With the above-described configuration, the control unit 51 analyzes the components to be analyzed using the measurement results transmitted from the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3, and the analysis results (red blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin amount) , White blood cell count, etc.).

  The rack 101 is formed with ten container accommodating portions 101b so that ten sample containers 100 can be accommodated in a row. Each container storage portion 101b is provided with an opening 101c so that the barcode 100a of the stored sample container 100 is visible.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the measurement processing operation by the measurement processing program of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the measurement processing operation by the measurement processing programs 54a and 54b of the blood analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 measure the component to be analyzed in the same manner. Therefore, the case where the first measurement unit 2 measures the component to be analyzed will be described below as a representative. To do.

  First, in step S1, the sample is aspirated by the sample aspiration unit 21 from the sample container 100 that has been transported to the aspiration position (see FIG. 2). In step S2, a sample for detection is prepared from the aspirated specimen by the sample preparation unit 22, and in step S3, the component to be analyzed is detected from the sample for detection by the detection unit. In step S4, the measurement data is transmitted from the first measurement unit 2 to the control device 5. Thereafter, in step S <b> 5, the component to be analyzed is analyzed by the control unit 51 based on the measurement result transmitted from the first measurement unit 2. By this step S5, the analysis of the sample is completed and the operation is finished.

  FIGS. 11 to 14 are flowcharts for explaining the contents of the measurement processing (1) program 54a, the measurement processing (2) program 54b, and the sampler operation processing program 54c. FIGS. 15 to 18 are views showing the positional relationship between the rack and sample container and each part of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Next, a series of operations of the first measurement unit 2, the second measurement unit 3, and the sample transport device 4 of the blood analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the flow charts of FIGS. 11 to 14, the left column shows the contents of the measurement process (1) program 54a, the right column shows the contents of the measurement process (2) program 54b, and the middle column shows the contents. Indicates the contents of the sampler operation processing program 54c. As for the sampler operation processing program 54c, the processing contents related to the preceding rack 101 are shown in the center left column, and the processing contents related to the succeeding rack 101 are shown in the center right column. Here, the preceding rack 101 is a rack 101 that is sent to the rack transport unit 43 from the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41 first, and the subsequent rack 101 is the preceding rack 101 in the rack transport unit 43. It is the rack 101 sent in later in the state. Also, the numbers of the respective states indicating the positional relationship between the rack 101 and the sample container 100 and the respective parts shown in FIGS. 15 to 18 are assigned so as to correspond to the step numbers shown in FIGS. For example, the positional relationship between the rack 101 and the sample container 100 and each part in the state 13 in FIG. 15 is the positional relationship between the rack 101 and the sample container 100 and each part in step S13 shown in FIG. 10 to 13, the measurement process (1) program 54a, the measurement process (2) program 54b, and the sampler operation process program 54c are executed substantially in parallel.

  First, when the blood analyzer 1 is activated by the user, the sample transport apparatus 4 is initialized in step S11. At this time, the protruding piece 431d of the first belt 431 is moved to a predetermined position and set as the origin position of the first belt 431. In step S12, the two protruding pieces 431d are moved to a position (rack feeding position) facing the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41, and the preceding rack 101 is sent between the two protruding pieces 431d of the first belt 431. At this time, the positional relationship among the rack 101 and the sample container 100 and each part is as shown in the state 12 in FIG. In the following, description of the positional relationship between the rack 101 and the sample container 100 in each state shown in FIGS. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, when the first to tenth sample containers 100 are accommodated in the rack 101 in order from the front to the rear in the forward feed direction. Will be described.

  In step S13, the preceding rack 101 is moved in the first measurement unit 2 direction (forward feeding direction), and in step S14, the presence / absence detection sensor 45 detects the presence / absence of the first sample container 100 accommodated in the preceding rack 101. . In step S15, the presence or absence of the second sample container 100 is detected. In step S16, the barcode 100a of the first sample container 100 is read by the barcode reading unit 44, and the presence or absence of the third sample container 100 is detected. The The detection result detected by the presence / absence detection sensor 45 and the barcode information read by the barcode reading units 44, 256 and 356 are transmitted to the host computer 6 as needed. In step S17, the preceding rack 101 is moved to the first removal position (see FIG. 15) where the first sample container 100 is removed from the preceding rack 101 by the hand unit 251 of the first measurement unit 2 (that is, the first one). The sample container 100 is transported to the first measurement unit 2). At this time, the barcode reading unit 44 reads the barcode 101a of the rack 101. In step S <b> 18, the first sample container 100 is taken out from the preceding rack 101 by the hand unit 251 of the first measurement unit 2. At this time, in the preceding rack 101, the first sample container 100 is stopped at a position corresponding to the first extraction position. In step S19, in the first measurement unit 2, the specimen of the first sample container 100 held by the hand unit 251 is agitated, and the preceding rack 101 from which the first sample container 100 is taken out is referred to as the forward feed direction. It is moved in the opposite reverse feed direction.

  In step S20, in the first measurement unit 2, the first sample container 100 is set in the sample setting section 255a, and the second barcode 100a of the preceding rack 101 is read to determine whether or not the fourth sample container 100 is present. Is detected. In step S21, the barcode 100a of the first sample container 100 is read by the barcode reading unit 256 in the first measurement unit 2, and in step S22, the first sample container 100 held in the sample setting unit 255a is read. While being brought into contact with and clamped by a restricting portion (not shown), the needle (not shown) of the specimen aspirating portion 21 is pierced and penetrated by the sealing lid of the sample container 100. At this time, the preceding rack 101 is moved to the second take-out position (see FIG. 14) where the second sample container 100 is taken out from the preceding rack 101 by the hand portion 351 of the second measurement unit 3 (that is, the second sample container 100). The sample container 100 is transported to the second measurement unit 3). Note that the barcode 100a of the sample container 100 is read by the barcode readers 256 and 356 for confirmation of reading by the barcode reader 44. Thereafter, in step S23, the specimen in the first sample container 100 is aspirated by the specimen aspirating unit 21 in the first measurement unit 2, and the second sample container 100 is infused by the hand part 351 of the second measurement unit 3. It is taken out from the preceding rack 101. At this time, the preceding rack 101 is stopped so that the second sample container 100 comes to the second extraction position (see FIG. 15) where the second sample container 100 is extracted by the hand unit 351.

  In step S24, in the first measurement unit 2, the first sample container 100 is taken out from the sample setting unit 255a by the hand unit 251 and sample preparation, stirring, and analysis are performed on the sample sucked into the sample suction unit 21. Is called. In addition, the specimen in the second sample container 100 held by the hand unit 351 in the second measurement unit 3 is agitated, and the preceding rack 101 is moved in the forward feed direction. In step S25, in the second measurement unit 3, the second sample container 100 is set in the sample setting section 355a, and the third barcode 100a of the preceding rack 101 is read to determine whether or not the fifth sample container 100 is present. Is detected. In step S26, the first measurement unit 2 finishes the measurement of the specimen in the first sample container 100. In the second measurement unit 3, the bar code reading unit 356 controls the bar of the second sample container 100. The code 100a is read. Further, the fourth barcode 100a of the preceding rack 101 is read, and the presence / absence of the sixth sample container 100 is detected. In this description, the end of the measurement for the sample means the completion of the transmission of the measurement data in step S4 shown in FIG. That is, even if the measurement for the specimen in the first sample container 100 is completed in step S26, the measurement data analysis process (analysis) in step S5 has not been completed yet.

  In step S27, the second sample container 100 held by the sample setting unit 355a is clamped by being brought into contact with the regulating unit 355b, and the needle (not shown) of the sample aspirating unit 31 is sealed with the sealing lid of the sample container 100. It is stabbed and penetrated. At this time, the preceding rack 101 is moved in the forward feed direction. In step S28, the first sample container 100 is returned from the first measurement unit 2 to the original container housing portion 101b of the preceding rack 101, and in the second measurement unit 3, the second sample is drawn by the sample suction unit 31. The specimen in the container 100 is aspirated. In step S29, in the second measurement unit 3, the second sample container 100 is taken out from the sample setting unit 355a by the hand unit 351, and sample preparation, agitation, and analysis are performed on the sample sucked into the sample suction unit 31. Is called. The preceding rack 101 is moved in the forward feed direction. In step S <b> 30, the third sample container 100 is taken out from the preceding rack 101 by the hand unit 251 of the first measurement unit 2. At this time, in the preceding rack 101, the third sample container 100 is stopped at a position corresponding to the first extraction position. In step S31, in the first measurement unit 2, the specimen in the third sample container 100 held by the hand unit 251 is agitated, and the preceding rack 101 is moved in the reverse feed direction. In the second measurement unit 3, the measurement for the specimen in the second sample container 100 is completed.

  In step S32, the third sample container 100 is set in the sample setting unit 255a by the first measurement unit 2, and in step S33, the third sample container is set by the barcode reading unit 256 in the first measurement unit 2. 100 bar codes 100a are read. In addition, the second sample container 100 is returned from the second measurement unit 3 to the original container housing portion 101 b of the preceding rack 101. In step S <b> 34, the third sample container 100 is clamped, and the needle (not shown) of the specimen suction unit 21 is pierced and penetrated by the sealing lid of the sample container 100. The preceding rack 101 is moved in the forward feed direction. In the same manner as described above, the subsequent sample containers 100 are also subjected to measurement processing by the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3, and are also subjected to transport processing of the preceding rack 101 by the sample transport device 4. Here, since the same process is repeated, the drawing is simplified, and in step S35, a predetermined process is performed in each unit. Moreover, the positional relationship among the preceding rack 101 and the sample container 100 corresponding to steps S23 to S28 in the repeated processing and the respective parts is shown in states 23a to 28a of FIG.

  In step S 36, in the second measurement unit 3, the eighth sample container 100 is taken out from the sample setting unit 355 a by the hand unit 351, and sample preparation, stirring, and analysis are performed on the sample sucked into the sample suction unit 31. Is called. The preceding rack 101 is moved in the forward feed direction. In step S <b> 37, the ninth sample container 100 is taken out from the preceding rack 101 by the hand unit 251 of the first measurement unit 2. At this time, in the preceding rack 101, the ninth sample container 100 is stopped at a position corresponding to the first extraction position. In step S38, the specimen in the ninth sample container 100 is agitated in the first measurement unit 2, and the preceding rack 101 is moved in the reverse feed direction. In the second measurement unit 3, the measurement for the specimen in the eighth sample container 100 is completed.

  In step S39, the ninth sample container 100 is set in the sample setting unit 255a by the first measurement unit 2, and in step S40, the ninth sample container is set by the barcode reading unit 256 in the first measurement unit 2. 100 bar codes 100a are read. In addition, the eighth sample container 100 is returned from the second measurement unit 3 to the original container housing portion 101 b of the preceding rack 101. Further, the protruding piece 432 d of the second belt 432 is moved to a predetermined position and set as the origin position of the second belt 432. Thereafter, in step S <b> 41, the ninth sample container 100 is clamped by the first measurement unit 2, and the needle (not shown) of the sample aspirating unit 21 is pierced and penetrated by the sealing lid of the sample container 100. The preceding rack 101 is moved in the forward feed direction. In step S42, the sample in the ninth sample container 100 is aspirated by the sample aspirating unit 21 in the first measurement unit 2, and the tenth sample container 100 is moved to the preceding rack by the hand unit 351 of the second measurement unit 3. 101 is taken out. At this time, the preceding rack 101 is stopped so that the tenth sample container 100 comes to the second extraction position where the tenth sample container 100 is extracted by the hand unit 351. Further, the two protruding pieces 432 d are moved to the rack feeding position, and the trailing rack 101 is sent between the two protruding pieces 432 d of the second belt 432.

  In step S 43, in the first measurement unit 2, the ninth sample container 100 is taken out from the sample setting unit 255 a by the hand unit 251, and sample preparation, stirring, and analysis are performed on the sample sucked into the sample suction unit 21. Is done. In addition, the specimen in the tenth sample container 100 held by the hand unit 351 in the second measurement unit 3 is agitated, and the leading rack 101 and the trailing rack 101 are both moved in the forward feed direction. In step S44, in the second measurement unit 3, the tenth sample container 100 is set in the sample setting section 355a, and the presence / absence detection sensor 45 detects the presence / absence of the first sample container 100 in the subsequent rack 101. . Thereafter, in step S45, the barcode 100a of the tenth sample container 100 is read by the barcode reading unit 356 in the second measurement unit 3, and the presence / absence of the second sample container 100 in the succeeding rack 101 is detected by the presence / absence detection sensor 45. Is detected.

  In step S46, the tenth sample container 100 held by the sample setting unit 355a is clamped, and the needle (not shown) of the sample aspirating unit 31 is pierced by the sealing lid of the sample container 100 and penetrated. At this time, the first barcode 100a of the trailing rack 101 is read, and the presence or absence of the third sample container 100 is detected. In step S47, the ninth sample container 100 is returned from the first measurement unit 2 to the original container housing portion 101b of the preceding rack 101, and in the second measurement unit 3, the tenth sample is collected by the sample suction unit 31. The specimen in the container 100 is aspirated. Further, the trailing rack 101 is moved in the forward feed direction. At this time, the barcode reading unit 44 reads the barcode 101a of the rack 101. In step S48, in the second measurement unit 3, the tenth sample container 100 is taken out from the sample setting unit 355a by the hand unit 351, and sample preparation, stirring, and analysis are performed on the sample sucked into the sample suction unit 31. Is called. The preceding rack 101 is moved in the forward feed direction. In step S <b> 49, the first sample container 100 is taken out from the trailing rack 101 by the hand unit 251 of the first measurement unit 2. At this time, in the trailing rack 101, the first sample container 100 is stopped at a position corresponding to the first extraction position. Further, as shown in a state 49 in FIG. 17, the leading rack 101 is retreated at a position on the front side of the trailing rack 101 while the first sample container 100 is taken out from the trailing rack 101.

  In step S50, in the first measurement unit 2, the sample in the first sample container 100 of the succeeding rack 101 is agitated, and both the preceding rack 101 and the succeeding rack 101 are moved in the reverse feed direction. In the second measurement unit 3, the measurement for the specimen in the tenth sample container 100 of the preceding rack 101 is completed. In step S51, the first measurement unit 2 sets the first sample container 100 of the subsequent rack 101 in the sample setting section 255a, and reads the second barcode 100a of the subsequent rack 101. The presence or absence of the fourth sample container 100 is detected. In step S <b> 52, in the first measurement unit 2, the barcode reading unit 256 reads the barcode 100 a of the first sample container 100 in the subsequent rack 101. Further, the tenth sample container 100 of the preceding rack 101 is returned from the second measurement unit 3 to the original container housing portion 101 b of the preceding rack 101. During this time, the trailing rack 101 is retracted at a position on the rear side of the preceding rack 101 as shown in a state 52 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 53, the first sample container 100 is clamped by the first measurement unit 2, and the needle (not shown) of the sample aspirating unit 21 is pierced and penetrated by the sealing lid of the sample container 100. Further, both the leading rack 101 and the trailing rack 101 are moved in the forward feed direction. Thereafter, in step S54, the sample in the first sample container 100 is aspirated by the sample aspirating unit 21 in the first measurement unit 2, and the second sample container 100 is removed by the hand unit 351 of the second measurement unit 3. It is taken out from the trailing rack 101. At this time, the leading rack 101 is retracted at the rack delivery position as shown in a state 53 of FIG. In step S55, in the first measurement unit 2, the first sample container 100 is taken out from the sample setting unit 255a by the hand unit 251 and the sample aspirated by the sample aspirating unit 21 is prepared, stirred, and analyzed. Is done. In addition, the specimen in the second sample container 100 held by the hand unit 351 in the second measurement unit 3 is agitated, and the trailing rack 101 is moved in the forward feed direction.

  In step S56, in the second measurement unit 3, the second sample container 100 is set in the sample setting section 355a, and the third barcode 100a of the trailing rack 101 is read, and the fifth sample container 100 is read. Presence or absence is detected. The preceding rack 101 is pressed by the rack delivery section 46 and moved into the post-analysis rack holding section 42. In step S57, the measurement of the specimen in the first sample container 100 is completed in the first measurement unit 2, and the bar of the second sample container 100 is detected by the barcode reading unit 356 in the second measurement unit 3. The code 100a is read. Further, the fourth barcode 100a of the trailing rack 101 is read, and the presence / absence of the sixth sample container 100 is detected. Further, the two protruding pieces 431d of the first belt 431 are moved to the belt retracting place (the back side of the rack transport unit 43) so as not to hinder the movement of the trailing rack 101 by the second belt 432. The subsequent sample containers 100 are also subjected to the measurement process by the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 and the conveyance process of the subsequent rack 101 by the sample conveyance apparatus 4 as described above. Here, since the same processing is repeated, the diagram is simplified, and in FIG. S58, the predetermined processing is illustrated in each unit.

  Thereafter, in step S59, the sample in the ninth sample container 100 of the succeeding rack 101 is aspirated by the sample aspirating unit 21 in the first measurement unit 2, and the tenth one is obtained by the hand unit 351 of the second measurement unit 3. Sample container 100 is taken out from the trailing rack 101. At this time, the trailing rack 101 is stopped so that the tenth sample container 100 comes to the second extraction position where the tenth sample container 100 is extracted by the hand portion 351.

  In step S 60, in the first measurement unit 2, the ninth sample container 100 is taken out from the sample setting unit 255 a by the hand unit 251, and sample preparation, stirring, and analysis are performed on the sample sucked into the sample suction unit 21. Is done. In addition, the specimen in the tenth sample container 100 held by the hand unit 351 in the second measurement unit 3 is agitated, and the trailing rack 101 is moved in the forward feed direction. In step S61, in the second measurement unit 3, the tenth sample container 100 is set in the sample setting unit 355a. Thereafter, in step S62, the first measurement unit 2 finishes the measurement of the specimen in the ninth sample container 100. In the second measurement unit 3, the bar code reading unit 356 controls the bar of the tenth sample container 100. The code 100a is read. In step S <b> 63, the tenth sample container 100 is clamped in the second measurement unit 3, and the needle (not shown) of the specimen suction unit 31 is pierced and penetrated by the sealing lid of the sample container 100. At this time, the trailing rack 101 is moved in the forward feed direction.

  In step S64, the ninth sample container 100 is returned from the first measurement unit 2 to the original container housing portion 101b of the subsequent rack 101, and in the second measurement unit 3, the tenth sample container 31 is moved by the sample suction unit 31. The specimen in the sample container 100 is aspirated. In Step S65, in the second measurement unit 3, the tenth sample container 100 is taken out from the sample setting unit 355a by the hand unit 351, and sample preparation, stirring and analysis are performed on the sample sucked into the sample suction unit 31. Is called. Further, the trailing rack 101 is moved in the forward feed direction. In step S66, the measurement of the specimen in the tenth sample container 100 is finished in the second measurement unit 3. In step S67, the tenth sample container 100 is returned from the second measurement unit 3 to the original container housing portion 101b of the subsequent rack 101, and in step S68, the subsequent rack 101 is moved in the forward direction to the rack delivery position. The In step S69, the subsequent rack 101 is pressed by the rack delivery section 46 and moved into the post-analysis rack holding section 42, and the operation is completed. In this way, a series of operations of the first measurement unit 2, the second measurement unit 3, and the sample transport device 4 of the blood analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment are performed. In this embodiment, an example in which two racks 101 are transported has been described. However, when three or more racks 101 are transported, the subsequent rack 101 is sent to the rack transport unit 43. In the same manner as described above, the third and subsequent racks 101 are sent to the rack transport unit 43, and processing is performed in the same manner as described above.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, a plurality of sample containers 100 can be transported to the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 by transporting the rack 101 on the transport path to the transport device 4. 1 belt 431 and second belt 432 are provided, and the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 are configured to be able to move the rack 101 independently of each other, thereby conveying a plurality of racks 101. Since they can be transported independently from each other on the road, it is possible to suppress the movement of one rack 101 from being restricted by the movement of the other rack 101. Thereby, the plurality of racks 101 can be efficiently distributed to the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3. Further, with the above configuration, the second rack 101 does not need to overtake the first rack 101 on the transport device 4, so that the measurement unit can be provided with a receiving portion for the rack 101 or can be used for overtaking the rack. Since there is no need to provide a line and a rack slider, blood analyzer 1 can be reduced in size.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the 1st belt 431 and the 2nd belt 432 are comprised so that the several sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 may be conveyed to the 1st measurement unit 2 and the 2nd measurement unit 3, respectively. Accordingly, the specimens in the plurality of sample containers 100 accommodated in the same rack 101 can be distributed to two different measurement units, so that the specimen analysis process can be performed efficiently.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the post-analysis rack holding unit that holds the rack 101 that stores the sample container 100 in which the sample after the measurement by the first measurement unit 2 or the second measurement unit 3 is stored in the transport device 4. 42 and a rack sending section 46 for sending the post-analysis rack to the post-analysis rack holding section 42 from the rack sending position of the transport path, and the post-analysis rack holding section of the transport device 4 from the rack sending position of the transport path. The rack 101 is configured so that the next new rack 101 can be supplied from the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41 to the rack feeding position of the transport path by the rack feeding unit 411 before being sent to the rack 42. Compared to the case where the next new rack 101 is supplied from the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41 to the conveyance path after being sent out from the conveyance path to the post-analysis rack holding unit 42. , It is possible to supply the racks 101 sooner conveying path, the conveying device 4 is able to transport the sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 more quickly to the two measurement units. As a result, the sample can be analyzed efficiently.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the protruding piece 431d of the first belt 431 moves from the rack sending position to the rack feeding position through the lower side of the first belt 431, and the protruding piece 432d of the second belt 432 is moved. The rack 101 is placed on one of the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 by moving from the rack delivery position to the rack delivery position through the lower side of the second belt 432. Even in this case, the protruding piece of the other belt can be moved from the rack sending position to the rack sending position without coming into contact with the rack 101 placed on one belt.

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

  For example, in the above embodiment, the blood analyzer is shown as an example of the analyzer, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to other analyzers as long as the analyzer includes a plurality of measurement units. Also good.

  In the above embodiment, the transport apparatus is configured to transport a plurality of sample containers accommodated in one rack to two different measurement units. However, the present invention is not limited to this and is accommodated in one rack. All of the plurality of sample containers may be transported to one measurement unit.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example of a configuration in which a stirring unit is provided in each measurement unit and the sample is stirred is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an analysis device that does not stir the sample (for example, The present invention may be applied to a urine analyzer or the like. In this case, the sample may be aspirated from the sample container accommodated in the rack by moving the sample aspirating unit without providing the sample container transporting unit.

  In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the inside of the first sample container accommodated in the rack is transported to the first measurement unit and the second sample container is transported to the second measurement unit. However, the first sample container may be transported to the second measurement unit, and the second sample container may be transported to the first measurement unit.

  Moreover, although the example which provides one control part in a control apparatus was shown in the said embodiment, this invention is not limited to this, You may provide a separate control part in each of a 1st measurement unit and a 2nd measurement unit. . These control units may be incorporated in each of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example which makes a 1st measurement unit and a 2nd measurement unit the same kind of measurement unit was shown, this invention is not restricted to this, A 1st measurement unit and a 2nd measurement unit differ, respectively. It may be a type of analyzer (for example, a blood cell counter and a smear preparation device, an immunoassay device and a biochemical measurement device, etc.).

  Moreover, although the example which provides the conveyance part which used the 1st belt and the 2nd belt in the conveyance apparatus was shown in the said embodiment, this invention is not restricted to this, Two racks are each independently on a conveyance path. Other transport units may be used as long as the transport unit can transport the transport unit. For example, the rack may be transported by providing a projecting piece that can be taken in and out of the transport path from below the transport path and moving the projecting piece in the transport direction in a state where the projecting piece is placed on the transport path (projected state). .

  Moreover, although the example (refer FIG. 1) which accommodates the 1st measurement unit and the 2nd measurement unit in the respectively separate separate housing was shown in the said embodiment, this invention is not restricted to this, As shown in FIG. In addition, both the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit may be accommodated in one housing 7.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are arranged in a mirror shape symmetrical with respect to the boundary line between the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit has been described. Not limited to this, the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit having exactly the same shape may be arranged adjacent to each other.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example in which all the 10 sample containers were accommodated in the rack was shown, this invention is not restricted to this, When several sample containers are not accommodated in 10 Is also applicable. For example, when there is no sample container accommodated in the second position of the rack, the sample container accommodated in the third position may be analyzed as the second sample container.

1 blood analysis equipment 2 first measuring unit 3 and the second measuring unit 4 specimen transport equipment 41 pre-analysis rack holding section 42 the post-analysis rack holding section 46 the rack delivery section 100 samples the container 101 Rack 411 rack senders 431 first belt 431d projecting piece 431e stepping motor 432 second belt 432d projecting pieces 432e stepping motor

Claims (15)

A sample transport device capable of independently transporting a plurality of sample racks capable of accommodating a plurality of sample containers on the upstream side and the downstream side of one transport path,
A first holding unit for holding the sample rack is provided, and the first holding unit is moved along the first movement path in a direction from upstream to downstream of the transport path. A first transport unit capable of transporting the sample rack held in
A second holding unit for holding the sample rack, and moving the second holding unit in the direction along the second movement path adjacent to the first movement path in the direction; A second transport unit capable of transporting the sample rack held by the second holding unit independently of the first transport unit ;
The sample transport device , wherein the first transport unit and the second transport unit are arranged adjacent to each other in parallel .   The first transport unit holds and transports sample racks arranged on both the first and second movement paths by a first holding unit, and the second transport unit includes the first and second transport units. The sample transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sample racks arranged on both of the two movement paths are held and transported by the second holding unit. At the second position on the transport path where the transport of the sample rack is completed, and the rack feeding section for supplying the sample rack to the first position on the transport path where the transport of the sample rack is started, the sample rack is moved out of the transport path. A rack delivery section for discharging
The sample transport apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second transport units are capable of transporting a sample rack at least between the first position and the second position.   A first rack accommodating portion capable of accommodating a plurality of sample racks supplied to the first position by the rack feeding portion, and a second rack accommodating capable of accommodating a plurality of sample racks sent from the second position by the rack sending portion. The sample transport apparatus according to claim 3, comprising a unit.   When starting the transport of the sample rack, the first or second transport unit moves so that the first or second holding unit comes to the first position, and the rack feeding unit is positioned at the first position. The sample transport device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the sample rack is fed into the first or second holding unit.   Each of the first and second holding units is composed of two protruding pieces provided at intervals, and the sample rack is held by the two protruding pieces of the first or second transport unit. Item 6. The sample transport apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 5.   The first transport unit can transport the sample rack held by the first holding unit in a second direction opposite to the direction, and the second transport unit can perform a second operation opposite to the direction. The sample transport device according to claim 1, wherein the sample rack held in the second holding unit can be transported in a direction.   The first and second transport units are configured so that the first and second holding units move in the direction and the second direction, respectively, along first and second movement paths adjacent to each other in the transport path. The sample transport device according to claim 7, which is configured.   The sample transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first and second transport units include first and second transport belts, respectively.   The said 1st and 2nd conveyance belt is each cyclic | annular, The said 1st and 2nd holding | maintenance part after completion | finish of conveyance of a sample rack each moves through the lower side of the said conveyance path. Specimen transport device.   The first and second transport belts are arranged adjacent to each other and in parallel along the transport path so that each of the sample racks passing through the transport path is placed on both belts. The sample transport apparatus according to claim 9 or 10. The first and second transport units include first and second transport belts, respectively, and the first and second transport belts are provided at intervals as the first and second holding units, respectively. With two protruding pieces,
When starting the transport of the rack, the first or second transport belt moves so that the distance between two projecting pieces is at the first position, and the rack feeding section is configured to move the first or second transport belt. The sample transport device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the sample rack is fed between two projecting pieces of the belt. A barcode reading unit that reads the barcode of the sample container conveyed to the reading position on the conveyance path;
The first and second transport units are configured to transport a sample rack via the reading position and a supply position on the transport path for supplying a sample container to a measurement unit that measures a sample. The sample transport apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.   When the sample container of the sample rack transported by the first transport unit is at the supply position, the second transport unit transports the sample rack so that the sample container of the held sample rack is at the reading position. The sample transport apparatus according to claim 13.   The sample transport device according to claim 1, wherein the transport path has a width that allows only one sample rack to pass therethrough.

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