JP6173883B2 - Sample container extraction device and sample processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample container extraction device that extracts a sample container from a sample rack on which a plurality of sample containers in which a sample is stored is placed, and a sample processing system that processes a sample stored in the sample container.

  Specimens that transfer specimen containers containing specimens from one rack to another in order to inspect specimens such as blood, urine, body fluids, and tissues collected from subjects, and store specimens that have been examined A transfer device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The apparatus described in Patent Document 1 grips one of the blood collection tubes of a rack (one rack) on which a plurality of blood collection tubes are placed with a blood collection tube gripping arm, and lifts the blood collection tube from the rack by lifting it upward. The blood collection tube is extracted and transferred to a sorting cassette (other rack) installed on the sorting table, and the blood collection tube is released by opening the gripping arm, thereby transferring the blood collection tube. .

  There are various types of specimen containers. FIG. 16 illustrates one type of sample container. The sample container T has a plastic cylindrical container T1 having translucency and a lid T2 that closes an upper opening of the cylindrical container T1. The lid T2 is provided with a projecting portion T3 projecting sideways.

JP 2013-140141 A

  In the sample transfer device described in Patent Document 1, when one sample container T is extracted from the rack in which the sample containers T are held side by side by the collection tube grasping arm, the sample container T or the collection tube grasped is extracted. The protrusion T3 of the adjacent sample container T is hooked on the arm, and there is a possibility that the adjacent sample container T falls off the rack when the blood collection tube gripping arm rises in this state.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a sample container extraction device and a sample processing system that prevent the sample container from falling off the sample rack.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a sample container extraction device according to an aspect of the present invention is a sample container extraction device that extracts a sample container from a sample rack that stores a plurality of sample containers, and is stored in the sample rack. Holding the first sample container and moving the sample container in the vertical direction while holding the first sample container, the sample container holding unit for taking out the first sample container from the sample rack, and the sample container holding unit a vertical movement mechanism for moving in the vertical direction, the vertical movement mechanism is moved in a horizontal direction, e Bei and a horizontal movement mechanism for the specimen container gripping portion capable frame passage is attached, the frame body, The sample container holding part is disposed on the vertical movement path of the sample container holding part, and when the first sample container is taken out from the sample rack, the sample container holding part passes through the frame and is adjacent to the first sample container. so Second sample containers housed in the serial sample rack is provided at a position abutting the frame member when lifted.

  Thereby, when the first sample container is taken out from the sample rack by the sample container holding unit, the movement of the second sample container accompanying the movement of the sample container holding unit is regulated by the movement regulating unit, and the sample rack of the second sample container is Dropping from is prevented.

Said aspect WHEREIN: The said frame may be formed in the rectangle in planar view.

In the above aspect, the frame is positioned above the sample rack when the sample container gripping portion moves in the predetermined direction while gripping the first sample container. You may comprise so that it may contact | abut to the said 2nd sample container which moves upwards.

In the above aspect, the horizontal movement mechanism includes a first movement mechanism that moves the vertical movement mechanism in a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction that intersects the first movement mechanism with the first horizontal direction. A second movement mechanism for moving the frame to the first movement mechanism, and the frame may be attached to the first movement mechanism.

In the above aspect, when the container gripping part that grips the first sample container moves upward, the frame body can pass a grip portion by the container gripping part in the first sample container, and In addition, it may be provided at a position where it abuts on the second sample container moving upward from the sample rack .

In the above aspect, the vertical movement mechanism raises the sample container holding part that holds the first sample container in order to take out the first sample container from the sample rack, whereby the sample in the first sample container is raised. You may be comprised so that the holding location by a container holding part may be moved from the downward direction of the said frame to upper direction.

  In the above aspect, the sample container extraction device further includes a storage unit capable of storing a plurality of sample containers, the sample container holding unit holds the first sample container supported by the sample rack, and The first sample container may be transferred from the sample rack to the storage unit by moving while holding the one sample container.

In the above aspect, a sample processing system according to another aspect of the present invention includes the sample container extraction device according to the above aspect and a sample processing apparatus that performs processing on the sample stored in the sample container.

  According to the sample container extraction device and the sample processing system according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the sample container from dropping out of the sample rack.

The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the sample processing system which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view which shows the structure of a sample rack. The perspective view which shows the internal structure of the sample transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure at the time of seeing the inside of the sample transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment from the upper side. The perspective view which shows typically the structure of the support part of a container transfer part. The perspective view which shows typically the structure of the support part of a container transfer part. The front view which shows typically the structure of the support part of a container transfer part. The side view which shows typically the structure of the support part of a container transfer part. The perspective view which shows the structure of a drop-off prevention member. The side view of the support part for demonstrating the holding | grip operation | movement of the sample container by a holding part. The perspective view which shows the structure of an raising / lowering part typically. The block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the sample transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the sample transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the transfer operation | movement of a sample. The perspective view explaining engagement of the sample containers currently supported by the sample rack. The top view which shows typically the relationship between the position of each sample container currently supported by the sample rack, and the shape and magnitude | size of a drop-off prevention member. The schematic diagram explaining the drop-off prevention function of the sample container by the sample transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment. The schematic diagram explaining the drop-off prevention function of the sample container by the sample transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment. The schematic diagram explaining the drop-off prevention function of the sample container by the sample transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment. The top view which shows typically the relationship between the position of each support part of an archive rack, and the shape and magnitude | size of a drop-off prevention member The perspective view which shows an example of a structure of a sample container.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of specimen processing system]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a sample processing system according to the present embodiment.

  The sample processing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an input unit 21, a sample transfer device 22, a relay unit 23, a relay unit 24, a recovery unit 25, transport units 31 to 33, and a blood cell analyzer 6. And a smear preparation apparatus 43 and a transport controller 7. The blood cell analyzer 6 includes an information processing unit 5 and measurement units 41 and 42. The sample processing system 1 is connected to the host computer 8 through a communication network so as to be communicable.

  The input unit 21, the sample transfer device 22, the relay units 23 and 24, the recovery unit 25, and the transport units 31 to 33 are arranged in a row on the left and right sides so that the sample rack L can be delivered. Units or devices are connected to each other. In addition, these units and apparatuses are configured so that a plurality of sample racks L capable of supporting ten sample containers T can be placed, and the sample racks L can be transported along the arrows in FIG. It is comprised so that. The sample transfer device 22 is provided with a transport path r1 for transporting the sample rack L in the left direction and a transport path r2 for transporting in the right direction.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the sample rack L. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the sample rack L on which ten sample containers T are supported. Further, FIG. 2 also shows the directions (the front-rear and left-right directions shown in FIG. 1) when the sample rack L is transported.

  On the rear side surface of the sample rack L, a barcode label L1 is attached. A barcode including a rack ID is printed on the barcode label L1. Further, the sample rack L is formed with a support portion that can vertically support the ten sample containers T. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the positions of the respective support portions are referred to as support positions 1 to 10 from the downstream in the transport direction to the upstream. As shown in FIG. 2, the sample rack L can support ten sample containers T each having a protrusion T3 on a lid T2.

  Returning to FIG. 1, when starting measurement of a sample, the user first sets the sample container T that contains the sample in the sample rack L and places the sample rack L on the loading unit 21. The sample rack L placed on the input unit 21 is transported rearward and carried out to the sample transfer device 22.

  The sample transfer device 22 includes a barcode unit 120 inside, and supports six archive racks R1 and one sorting rack R2 in a detachable manner. Further, a buffer rack 140 is fixed to the housing of the sample transfer device 22 behind the archive rack R1. As will be described later, each of the buffer rack 140, the archive rack R1, and the sorting rack R2 includes a plurality of support portions that support the sample container T. In addition, a space for installing the sample rack L is provided in front of the sorting rack R2, and five sample racks L are installed in this space.

  The sample transfer device 22 first performs processing by the barcode unit 120 on the sample rack L carried out from the input unit 21 to the sample transfer device 22. Specifically, the barcode unit 120 reads the rack ID from the barcode label L1 of the sample rack L, detects the support position where the sample container T is supported in the sample rack L, and the barcode label of the sample container T. The specimen ID is read from T1. The sample transfer device 22 transmits the sample ID read by the barcode unit 120 to the host computer 8 via the transport controller 7. The host computer 8 creates information (hereinafter referred to as “transfer information”) for transferring the sample container T in the sample transfer device 22 based on the measurement order and analysis result set for each sample. To do. The sample transfer device 22 receives transfer information from the host computer 8 via the transport controller 7.

  Subsequently, the sample transfer device 22 loads the sample container T supported by the sample rack L in front of the buffer rack 140, the archive rack R1, the sorting rack R2, and the sorting rack R2 according to the received transfer information. Transfer to any of the placed sample racks L. The sample transfer device 22 transfers the sample container T supported by the buffer rack 140 to the sample rack L as appropriate. Thereafter, the sample rack L is carried out to the relay unit 23.

  The sample rack L transported from the sample transfer device 22 to the relay unit 23 is transported to the relay unit 24 when transported in the left direction, and transported forward in the relay unit 23 when transported in the right direction. The sample is transferred to the sample transfer device 22. The sample rack L transported from the relay unit 23 to the relay unit 24 is transported forward in the relay unit 24 and then transported to the transport unit 31.

  Each of the transport units 31 to 33 transports the sample rack L transported from the upstream side in accordance with an instruction from the transport controller 7. Specifically, when processing is performed in the corresponding unit and apparatus, the transport units 31 to 33 transport the sample rack L transported from the upstream side to the rear, and face the corresponding unit and apparatus, respectively. Transport to position. When the measurement units 41 and 42 do not perform processing, the transport units 31 and 32 advance the sample rack L transported from the upstream side straight in the left direction, and sequentially transport the sample rack L to the downstream transport unit.

  Each of the measurement units 41 and 42 extracts the sample container T from the sample rack L transported to the front position, and measures the sample stored in the sample container T. The information processing unit 5 receives and analyzes sample measurement data from the measurement units 41 and 42, and generates an analysis result including each analysis value of the measurement item. The information processing unit 5 is communicably connected to the host computer 8 and transmits the analysis result to the host computer 8.

  The smear sample preparation device 43 sucks the sample from the sample container T supported by the sample rack L at the front position, and prepares a smear sample of the sucked sample. The smear preparation apparatus 43 is communicably connected to the host computer 8 and transmits to the host computer 8 that the preparation of the smear has been completed.

  When the processing by the measurement units 41 and 42 and the smear preparation apparatus 43 is finished and the processing is no longer necessary on the downstream side, the sample rack L is transported forward in the transporting unit being transported, and then is transported by the transporting unit. Carried out upstream. Thus, the sample rack L is sequentially transported in the upstream direction.

  The sample rack L sequentially transported upstream from the transport units 31 to 33 is further transported to the right by the relay unit 24 and the relay unit 23, and is transported to the sample transfer device 22. The sample transfer device 22 carries out the sample rack L carried in from the relay unit 23 to the loading unit 21.

  The sample rack L carried out from the sample transfer device 22 to the loading unit 21 is transported rearward in the loading unit 21 and is carried out again to the sample transfer device 22. In this case as well, reading by the barcode unit 120 is performed, and the sample transfer device 22 receives the transfer information from the host computer 8 and is supported by the sample rack L according to the received transfer information. The sample container T that is present is transferred.

  Thus, there is no need for re-examination by the measurement units 41 and 42 and preparation of a smear again (hereinafter simply referred to as “re-examination”) by the smear preparation apparatus 43, and there is no need to perform processing other than the sample processing system 1. T is transferred to the archive rack R1. The reexamination is unnecessary, but the sample container T that needs to be processed outside the sample processing system 1 is transferred to the sorting rack R2. The sample container T that needs to be re-examined is appropriately transferred to the sample rack L as described above, and then carried out to the relay unit 23. The processing of the sample container T by the sample processing system 1 ends when the sample container T is transferred to the archive rack R1 or the sorting rack R2.

  The sample rack L, which has been emptied after the transfer of all the supported sample containers T, is transported forward in the relay unit 23 and then transported forward in the relay unit 23, and then the sample transfer device 22. It is carried out to. The sample transfer device 22 carries the empty sample rack L loaded from the relay unit 23 to the loading unit 21. The empty sample rack L carried out to the loading unit 21 is transported to the right by the loading unit 21 and is carried out to the collection unit 25. The sample rack L is transported rearward in the recovery unit 25 and is stored in the recovery unit 25. Thus, the transport of the sample rack L is completed.

  The transport controller 7 is communicably connected to the input unit 21, the sample transfer device 22, the relay units 23 and 24, the collection unit 25, and the transport units 31 to 33, and transports the sample rack L using these units. Control the behavior. The host computer 8 stores the measurement order of this sample, the analysis result of this sample, and the like in association with the sample ID. In addition, the host computer 8 holds a rule for transferring the sample container T in the sample transfer device 22.

[Configuration of specimen transfer device]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the sample transfer device 22. Note that the X-axis positive direction, the Y-axis positive direction, and the Z-axis positive direction shown in FIG. 3 correspond to the left direction, the forward direction, and the upward direction, respectively.

  In addition to the barcode unit 120 shown in FIG. 1, the sample transfer device 22 includes a container transfer unit 200, a transport unit 110, an elevating unit 130, an empty rack storage unit 150 (see FIG. 4), and a transport unit 160. And a storage part 170 and a drop-off prevention member 190.

  The container transfer unit 200 transfers the sample container T inside the sample transfer device 22. The transport unit 110 transports the sample rack L transported from the input unit 21 in the left direction along the transport path r1 (see FIG. 1). As will be described later, the elevating unit 130 moves the sample rack L positioned at a predetermined position on the transport path r1 upward. The transport unit 160 transports the sample rack L transported from the relay unit 23 in the right direction along the transport path r2 (see FIG. 1).

  The storage unit 170 includes six trays 171 and two trays 172, a mount 173, and a buffer rack 140. Each of the trays 171 and 172 is slidably attached to a base 173 fixed to the casing of the sample transfer device 22 so that the user can move the trays 171 and 172 from the state shown in FIG. The trays 171 and 172 in the pulled out state can be pushed into the housing.

  The tray 171 is detachable from one archive rack R1. In one archive rack R1, 125 support portions R11 are formed. The tray 171 has a rectangular shape that is long in the front-rear direction in plan view, and similarly holds a rectangular archive rack R1 that is long in the front-rear direction in plan view.

  In one sorting rack R2, 200 support portions R21 are formed. The tray 172 can attach / detach the sorting rack R2 and can attach / detach the five sample racks L in front of the placement position of the sorting rack R2. The two trays 172 are configured to move in the front-rear direction in conjunction with each other.

  The buffer rack 140 is disposed behind the six trays 171. The buffer rack 140 is fixed to the gantry 173. Further, 60 support portions 141 are formed in the buffer rack 140.

  The storage unit 170 as described above is higher than the transport units 110 and 160, and more specifically, higher than the head (the lid T2) of the sample container T transported by the transport units 110 and 160. is there. Thereby, when each of the trays 171 and 172 is pulled out forward, the trays 171 and 172 do not interfere with the transport units 110 and 160.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration when the inside of the sample transfer device 22 is viewed from above. In FIG. 4, the elevating part 130 is indicated by a one-dot chain line for convenience.

  The container transfer unit 200 includes two rails 212 extending in the front-rear direction, a rail 222 extending in the left-right direction, and support units 230 and 240. The rail 212 is fixed in the housing of the sample transfer device 22, and the rail 222 moves in the front-rear direction along the rail 212. The support unit 230 moves in the left-right direction along the rail 222, and the support unit 240 moves in the up-down direction along the support unit 230. A holding part 243 capable of holding the sample container T is installed at the lower end of the support part 240. On the lower side of the support unit 230, when the sample container T to be transferred is taken out from the sample rack L, the sample container T adjacent to the sample container T to be transferred does not drop out from the sample rack L. A member 190 is installed. The configurations of the container transfer unit 200 and the drop-off prevention member 190 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, and 6C.

  The transport unit 110 includes belts 111 and 112 extending in the left-right direction, wall portions 117 a to 117 c installed in front and rear of the belts 111 and 112, and a rack extrusion mechanism 118. As the belts 111 and 112 move leftward, the sample rack L placed on the belts 111 and 112 is transported leftward.

  The sample rack L carried out from the loading unit 21 is transported to the left by the belt 111 and is positioned at a position P1 facing the barcode unit 120. The sample rack L positioned at the position P1 is detected by the sensor s1. The barcode unit 120 detects the support position where the sample container T is supported in the sample rack L, and reads the rack ID and the sample ID.

  When the detection and reading by the barcode unit 120 is completed, the sample transfer device 22 transmits the read sample ID to the host computer 8 and receives transfer information from the host computer 8 as described above. When the sample container T that needs to be transferred to the sample rack L is supported, the sample rack L is transported leftward by the belts 111 and 112, and comes into contact with the collar portion 118a of the rack push-out mechanism 118. Positioned at position P21. The sample rack L positioned at the position P21 is detected by the sensor s2. On the other hand, when the sample container T that needs to be transferred to the sample rack L is not supported, the sample rack L is conveyed leftward by the belts 111 and 112, passes the position P21, and is positioned at the position P3. The sample rack L positioned at the position P3 is detected by the sensor s3 and carried out to the relay unit 23.

  The sample rack L positioned at the position P21 is moved to an upward (Z-axis positive direction) position (hereinafter referred to as “transfer position”) by the elevating unit 130. Then, in a state where the sample rack L is lifted to the transfer position in this way, the sample container T supported by the sample rack L is appropriately transferred to the storage unit 170 and the sample supported by the buffer rack 140. The container T is appropriately transferred to the sample rack L. When the transfer of the sample container T to the sample rack L is completed, the sample rack L is positioned again at the position P21 by the elevating unit 130, conveyed leftward by the belt 112, and positioned at the position P3. The sample rack L positioned at the position P3 is carried out to the relay unit 23.

  The sample rack L that has been emptied after the sample container T is taken out is positioned at the position P21, and then pushed forward by the rack push-out mechanism 118 to the empty rack storage unit 150. When the number of sample containers T supported by the buffer rack 140 reaches a predetermined value, the empty sample rack L stored in the empty rack storage unit 150 is appropriately pushed out to the position P21 by the rack push-out mechanism 151 and is moved up and down. 130 to position P22. Then, the sample container T of the buffer rack 140 is transferred to the sample rack L.

  Next, the sample rack L carried into the transport unit 160 from the relay unit 23 is transported to the right by the belt 161 or the belt 162 of the transport unit 160, and is positioned at the position P4 or the position P5. The sample rack L positioned at the position P5 is positioned at the position P4 when the rear surface is pushed by the rack push-out mechanism 163. The sample rack L positioned at the position P4 is transported to the right by the belt 161 and is carried out to the loading unit 21.

  FIG. 5A is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the support part 210 of the container transfer part 200.

  A pair of support plates 211 extending in the front-rear direction are installed at the left end and the right end of the sample transfer device 22. The rail 212 is installed on the support plate 211, and the sliding portion 213 is slidable in the Y-axis direction with respect to the rail 212. The support member 214 is fixed to the sliding part 213. The pulleys 215 a and 215 b are installed in the housing of the sample transfer device 22 near the front end and the rear end of the rail 212. The belt 216 is hung on pulleys 215a and 215b, and the support member 214 is fixed to the belt 216. The right pulley 215 a and the left pulley 215 a are connected by a shaft 217, and the shaft of the motor 219 is connected to the shaft 217 via a belt 218. When the support portion 210 is configured in this way, the support member 214 moves in the Y-axis direction by driving the motor 219.

  FIG. 5B is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the support part 220 of the container transfer part 200.

  The support plate 221 extending in the X-axis direction is fixed to a pair of support members 214 (see FIG. 5A) of the support unit 210. The rail 222 is installed on the support plate 221, and the sliding portion 223 can slide in the X-axis direction with respect to the rail 222. The support member 224 is fixed to the sliding portion 223. The pulleys 225 a and 225 b are installed on the support plate 221 near the left end and the right end of the rail 222. The belt 226 is hung on the pulleys 225a and 225b, and the support member 224 is fixed to the belt 226. The shaft of the motor 227 is connected to the right pulley 225a. When the support part 220 is configured in this way, the support member 224 moves in the X-axis direction by driving the motor 227.

  6A is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the support portions 230 and 240 of the container transfer portion 200, and FIG. 6B is a side view thereof.

  First, the support part 230 will be described. The support plate 231 extending in the Z-axis direction is fixed to a support member 224 (see FIG. 5B) of the support unit 220. The rail 232 is installed on the support plate 231, and the sliding portion 233 is slidable in the Z-axis direction with respect to the rail 232. The support member 234 is fixed to the sliding portion 233. The shaft 235 extends in the Z-axis direction, and the shaft 235 is formed with a screw-like groove. The support member 234 is installed on the shaft 235 so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction along the groove of the shaft 235 when the shaft 235 is rotated about the Z-axis. The shaft of the motor 236 is connected to the upper end of the shaft 235. When the support portion 230 is configured in this way, the support member 234 moves in the Z-axis direction by driving the motor 236.

  A light shielding plate 237 is installed on the support member 234, and a pair of light shielding sensors 238 are installed on the member installed on the support plate 231. When the support member 234 moves in the Z-axis direction, the light shielding plate 237 moves between the pair of sensors 238. Accordingly, it is detected that a grip portion 243 described later is positioned at the uppermost position (hereinafter referred to as “upper position”).

  Next, the support part 240 will be described. The support member 241 is fixed to the support member 234 of the support unit 230. A support member 242 is installed below the support member 241 with respect to the support member 241 via a spring. Below the support member 242, a grip portion 243 capable of gripping the upper portion of the sample container T from the Y-axis direction is installed. When the support portion 240 is configured in this way, the grip portion 243 can be moved in the Y-axis direction by the support portion 210, can be moved in the X-axis direction by the support portion 220, and can be moved in the Z-axis direction by the support portion 230. It becomes possible.

A light shielding plate 244 is installed on the upper part of the member connecting the support members 241 and 242, and a pair of light shielding sensors 245 are installed on the member installed on the support member 241. When a force is applied to the grip portion 243 in the positive Z-axis direction when the grip portion 243 is moved downward, the light shielding plate 244 moves between the pair of sensors 245. As a result, it is detected that the gripping portion 243 has come into contact with the lid portion T2 of the sample container T while descending.

  Next, the dropout prevention member 190 will be described. An attachment member 191 is fixed to the lower end portion of the support plate 231. The attachment member 191 extends further downward from the lower end of the support plate 231, and a drop prevention member 190 is attached to the lower end portion thereof. Thus, since the drop-off prevention member 190 is fixed to the support portion 230, the container transfer portion 200 is moved in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction integrally with the grip portion 243. Further, when the grip portion 243 moves in the Z-axis direction, the drop-off prevention member 190 does not move in the Z-axis direction.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view showing the configuration of the dropout prevention member 190. The drop-off prevention member member 190 is a rectangular frame that is rectangular in plan view. The drop-out prevention member 190 has outer dimensions of 56 mm short side and 86 mm long side, and a central hole has 30 mm short side and 54 mm long side. The short side direction of the drop-off preventing member is the X-axis direction (left-right direction), and the long-side direction is the Y-axis direction (front-rear direction).

The drop-off prevention member 190 is disposed on the movement path of the grip portion 243 that moves in the vertical direction. Further, the grip 243 is opened in the Y-axis direction, has a dimension in the X-axis direction of 24 mm, and a dimension in the Y-axis direction of 48 mm.

  FIG. 7 is a side view of the support portions 230 and 240 for explaining the gripping operation of the sample container T of the grip portion 243. The grip portion 243 is positioned at an upper position (a position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 7) except when the sample container T is gripped and when the gripped sample container T is released. When gripping the sample container T or releasing the gripped sample container T, the support part of the sample container T in the sample rack L or the buffer rack 140, or the archive racks R1, R3, the sorting rack R2, or When the grip 243 is positioned above the empty support portion of the sample rack L, the motor 236 is driven to move the grip 243 to the lower lower position (the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 7). Is done. The upper position is a position where the entire gripping part 243 is above the drop-off prevention member 190, and the lower position is a position where a part of the grip part 243 is below the drop-off prevention member 190. That is, the grip portion 243 is configured so that the lower portion of the grip portion 243 passes through the drop-off prevention member 190 when gripping the sample container T or releasing the gripped sample container T. Moved in the direction.

  In this way, the gripping portion 243 is lowered to a lower position below the drop-off prevention member 190, and performs a gripping operation or a releasing operation of the sample container T at the lower position. In addition, after the gripping operation or the releasing operation of the sample container T, the grip portion 243 is raised to an upper position above the drop-off preventing member.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the sample containers T are supported by the buffer rack 140, the archive racks R1 and R3, the sorting rack R2, and the sample rack L, the sample containers T protrude from the upper surfaces of these racks. . This protrusion amount is 35 mm or less in the case of the longest specimen container T. On the other hand, the lower end of the drop-off prevention member 190 is positioned at a height of 40 mm upward from the upper surfaces of the buffer rack 140, archive racks R1, R3, sorting rack R2, and sample rack L. Therefore, the drop-off prevention member 190 does not interfere with the sample rack T when moving in the horizontal direction.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the elevating unit 130.

  The elevating unit 130 includes a support member 131 installed in the specimen transfer device 22, a rail 132 installed on the support member 131 and extending in the vertical direction, and a slide that can slide in the vertical direction with respect to the rail 132. Part 133, pulleys 134 a and 134 b installed on the upper and lower parts of the support member 131, a belt 135 hung on the pulleys 134 a and 134 b, a motor 136 installed on the rear of the support member 131, and a light-shielding pair Sensor 137a, 137b, a support body 138 installed on the sliding part 133, and a pair of support parts 139 installed in front of the support body 138.

  The shaft of the motor 136 is connected to the pulley 134b. When the motor 136 is driven, the pulley 134b rotates and the belt 135 moves. The sliding portion 133 is fixed to the belt 135, and moves in the vertical direction along the rail 132 when the belt 135 moves. At the left end of the sliding portion 133, a flange portion 133a is formed. When the motor 136 is driven, the collar 133a moves between the pair of sensors 137a and 137b. Thereby, it is detected that the sliding part 133, the support body 138, and the support part 139 are positioned at the upper end and the lower end.

  The support portion 139 is configured such that the width d1 in the Y-axis direction is larger than the width d2 in the short direction of the sample rack L. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, when the horizontal surface of the support portion 139 is driven upward in the state where the lower surface of the sample rack L is supported, the sample rack L is moved upward. The support 138 is formed with an opening 138a that is larger than the width in the longitudinal direction of the sample rack L and larger than the width in the height direction of the sample rack L that supports the sample container T. As a result, the empty sample rack L positioned at the position P21 is pushed out to the empty rack storage unit 150 by the rack push-out mechanism 118 through the opening 138a.

  With the lifting / lowering unit 130 configured as described above, the sample container T supported by the sample rack L is appropriately transferred to the storage unit 170 when the support unit 139 is in the raised state (the sample rack L is positioned at the transfer position). Then, the sample container T supported by the buffer rack 140 is transferred to the sample rack L. When the transfer of the sample container T to the sample rack L is completed, the support unit 139 is lowered, and the sample rack L is conveyed by the belt 112 in the positive direction of the X axis. When the empty sample rack L positioned at the position P21 is pushed out to the empty rack storage unit 150, the support unit 139 is positioned further downward. As a result, the empty sample rack L is pushed out in the negative Y-axis direction through the opening 138a of the support 138.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the sample transfer device 22.

  The sample transfer device 22 includes a control unit 321, a communication unit 322, a barcode unit 120, a container transfer unit 200, a drive unit 323, and a sensor unit 324. The control unit 321 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like, controls each unit in the sample transfer device 22, and receives signals output from each unit in the sample transfer device 22. The control unit 321 communicates with the transport controller 7 via the communication unit 322.

  The drive unit 323 includes motors 116, 219, 227, 236, 136, a drive source for driving the rack extrusion mechanisms 118, 151, and 163, and a drive source for driving the grip unit 243. The sensor unit 224 includes sensors s1 to s3, 238, 245, 137a, and 137b.

  In the present embodiment, each motor included in the drive unit 323 is configured by a servo motor. That is, even if there is no optical sensor or the like for detecting where a member or the like driven by each motor included in the driving unit 323 is located, these motors can be controlled with high accuracy. Note that optical sensors (for example, the sensors 137a and 137b in FIG. 8) for detecting where the members and the like driven by the motors included in the drive unit 323 are located may be used as appropriate. In this way, each motor can be controlled with higher accuracy.

[Operation of sample transfer device]
Next, the operation of the sample transfer device 22 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation of the sample transfer apparatus.

  When the sample transfer device 22 is activated, the control unit 321 executes an initialization process (step S1). This initialization process includes initial setting of the control program of the control unit 321, initial position setting of each motor of the driving unit 323, and the like.

  When the initialization process in step S1 ends, the control unit 321 determines whether a shutdown request has been received (step S2). The user can give a request for shutdown to the sample transfer device 22 by performing a predetermined input on the input unit. The control unit 321 determines whether or not such a shutdown request has been accepted. If the request has not been accepted (NO in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the control unit 321 determines whether a sample transfer request has been accepted. This process will be specifically described. First, the sample rack L carried out from the loading unit 21 is positioned at the position P1 by the belt 111. Subsequently, the barcode unit 120 detects in which support position of the sample rack L the sample container T is supported, and reads the sample ID and the rack ID. The control unit 321 inquires the host computer 8 about the transfer information of the sample container T that is supported. Thereafter, the control unit 321 determines whether or not the transfer information of all the sample containers T inquired has been received. Here, when the transfer information is received, it is determined that the sample transfer request has been received. When the transfer information is not received, it is determined that the sample transfer request has not been received.

  When the sample transfer request is not accepted (NO in step S3), the control unit 321 returns the process to step S2.

  On the other hand, when a sample transfer request is received (YES in step S3), the control unit 321 controls the container transfer unit 200 to execute a sample transfer operation (step S4).

  Hereinafter, the sample transfer operation will be described in detail. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the specimen transfer operation. In the sample transfer operation, the container transfer unit 200 positions the grip unit 243 immediately above the sample container T to be transferred in the sample rack L positioned at the transfer position by the elevating unit 130. At this time, the opposing piece of the grip portion 243 is in a state of being separated in the Y-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as “fully opened state”). Next, the container transfer part 200 lowers the grip part 243 in the fully opened state and positions the grip part 243 at the lower position (“1” in the figure). At this time, as described above, the grip portion 243 is lowered to the lower position so that the lower portion of the grip portion 243 (the location where the sample container T is gripped) passes through the dropout prevention member 190.

  Next, the container transfer unit 200 brings the two opposed pieces of the gripping unit 243 into proximity to hold the sample container T to be transferred (“2” in the figure). The container transport unit 200 raises the grip part 243 in a state of gripping the sample container T to be transported (hereinafter referred to as “gripping state”) to the upper position, and extracts the sample container T to be transported from the sample rack L (see FIG. Medium “3”). At this time, as described above, the grip portion 243 is raised to the upper position above the drop-off prevention member 190.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining the engagement between the sample containers T supported by the sample rack L. FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the protruding portions T3 of the two sample containers T supported by two adjacent support portions of the sample rack L may overlap each other in the vertical direction. In such a case, when the sample container T having the lower protruding portion T3 is held by the holding portion 243 and lifted upward, the protruding portions T3 are engaged with each other, and the adjacent sample container T is also lifted upward. There is.

FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically showing the relationship between the position of each sample container T supported by the sample rack L and the shape and size of the dropout prevention member 190. FIG. As described above, the dimension in the X-axis direction of the hole of the drop-off preventing member is 30 mm. On the other hand, the distance between the adjacent support portions of the sample rack L is 20 mm. When the gripping portion 243 takes out the sample container T from the sample rack L, the dropout prevention member 190 has a horizontal center that coincides with the horizontal center of the target support portion. At this time, the sample container T adjacent to the sample container T to be transferred is located immediately below the left and right portions of the dropout prevention member 190. In other words, the sample container T adjacent to the sample container T to be transferred is in a state where a part or all of the sample container T is out of the range of the hole of the drop-off preventing member 190 in plan view.

  FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C are schematic diagrams for explaining the function of preventing the specimen container from dropping by the specimen transfer apparatus according to the present embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 14A, the specimen container T gripped by the gripper 243 is raised by moving the gripper 243 upward. At the same time, the adjacent sample container T engaged with the sample container T held by the holding unit 243 also moves upward.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14B, the grasping portion 243 and the sample container T grasped by the grasping portion 243 are accommodated in the hole of the drop-off preventing member 190 in a plan view. The drop prevention member 190 does not come into contact. On the other hand, the adjacent sample container T lifted together with the sample container T to be transferred moves its head to the drop-off prevention member 190 when the lower portion of the grip 243 passes through the drop-off prevention member 190 and rises. The part (lid T2) comes into contact.

  When the gripping portion 243 is further raised, the gripping portion 243 reaches an upper side than the dropout prevention member 190 as shown in FIG. 14C. Along with this, the upper end portion of the sample container T to be transferred held by the holding portion 243 reaches a position higher than the dropout prevention member 190. On the other hand, the sample container T adjacent to the sample container T to be transferred contacts the drop-off prevention member 190, and therefore does not reach a position higher than the drop-off prevention member 190. As a result, the engagement of the protruding portion T3 between the sample container T to be transferred and the adjacent sample container T is released, and the adjacent sample container T falls downward.

As described above, the dropout prevention member 190 is positioned 40 mm above the upper surface of the sample rack L. Further, the drop-off prevention member 190 is positioned about 10 mm above the upper surface of the sample container T placed on the sample rack L. For this reason, even if the adjacent sample container T is lifted together with the sample container to be transferred, the lifted height is less than 10 mm. Since the sample rack L has a support portion depth of 47 mm, when the sample container T is lifted by 40 mm, the entire sample container T does not come out of the sample rack L, but the sample container T. The lower part is inserted into the support part of the sample rack L. For this reason, when the sample container T comes into contact with the drop-off prevention member 190, the sample container T falls within the support portion of the sample rack L, so that the sample container T returns to the state supported by the original support portion. .

  After the sample container T to be transferred is raised to the upper position by the grip 243 as described above, the container transfer unit 200 further holds the grip 243 that holds the sample container T to be transferred in the upper position. Then, it is moved in the horizontal direction and positioned directly above the support portion of the target rack among the archive racks R1, R3, sorting rack R2, and sample rack L ("4" in the figure). Thereafter, the container transport unit 200 lowers the grip 243 that grips the sample container T to be transported from the upper position to the lower position, and inserts the sample container T into the target rack support section (“5” in the figure). ).

  In a state in which the sample container T is inserted into the support unit, the container transfer unit 200 separates the two opposing pieces of the grip portion 243 and releases the sample container T from the grip portion 243 (“6” in the figure). At this time, the grip portion 243 is in a state where the distance between the facing pieces is shorter than the fully open state (hereinafter referred to as “half open state”). In this way, by releasing the sample container T by limiting the separation distance of the facing piece of the grip portion 243, the sample container T is supported by the support portion adjacent in the front-rear direction of the sample container T released in the storage unit 170. In this case, the protruding portion T3 of the adjacent sample container T is prevented from being caught on the grip portion 243.

  Further, the container transfer unit 200 raises the grip part 243 in the half-opened state, further separates the two opposing pieces of the grip part 243 in the Y-axis direction, and positions the grip part 243 in the fully open state and positions it in the upper position (FIG. Medium “7”).

  As described above, even when the sample container T is released in the storage unit 170 with the grip part 243 in a half-open state, the protruding part T3 of the adjacent sample container T is caught on the grip part 243, and as the grip part 243 rises. The sample container T may be lifted.

  FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing the relationship between the position of each support portion R11 of the archive rack R1 and the shape and size of the dropout prevention member 190. As shown in FIG. In the following description, the case where the sample container T is transferred to the archive rack R1 will be described. However, for the sorting rack R2 and the buffer rack 140, the distance between the support portions, the depth of the support portions, and the height of the upper surface are as follows. Since it is the same as the archive rack R1, the sample container T is transferred in the same manner.

As described above, the dimension of the hole of the drop-off prevention member in the X-axis direction is 30 mm, and the dimension in the Y-axis direction is 20 mm. On the other hand, in the archive rack R1, the distance between the support portions R11 adjacent in the X-axis direction is 20 mm, and the distance between the support portions R11 adjacent in the Y-axis direction is 25 mm. When the gripping part 243 installs the sample container T in the archive rack R1, the dropout prevention member 190 has its horizontal center aligned with the horizontal center of the target support part R11. At this time, the sample container T adjacent to the transferred sample container T is positioned before or after the drop-off prevention member 190 or directly below the left and right portions. In other words, the sample container T adjacent to the transferred sample container T is in a state in which a part or all of the sample container T is out of the range of the hole of the drop-off prevention member 190 in plan view.

  When the grip portion 243 is raised, the lower portion of the grip portion 243 that is below the drop prevention member 190 passes through the hole of the drop prevention member 190 and rises. On the other hand, the sample container T lifted by the protruding portion T3 hanging on the grasping portion 243 comes into contact with the head (lid T2) of the drop prevention member 190. As a result, the engagement between the grip portion 243 and the protruding portion T3 is released, and the sample container T that has been lifted falls down.

As described above, the dropout prevention member 190 is positioned 40 mm above the top surface of the archive rack R1. Further, the drop-off preventing member 190 is positioned about 10 mm above the upper surface of the sample container T placed on the archive rack R1. For this reason, the height of the sample container T adjacent to the transferred sample container T is less than 10 mm even if the grasping part 243 is lifted with a protruding part. In the archive rack R1, since the depth of the support portion R11 is 47 mm, when the sample container T is lifted by 40 mm, the entire sample container T does not come out of the archive rack R1, but the sample container T The lower part of T is in a state of being inserted into the support part R11 of the archive rack R1. For this reason, when the sample container T comes into contact with the drop-off prevention member 190, the sample container T falls within the support portion of the archive rack R1, so that the sample container T returns to the state supported by the original support portion R11. To do.

  Next, the container transport unit 200 moves the grip 243 that does not grip the sample container T directly above the sample container T to be transported next to the sample rack L positioned at the transfer position (the sample to be transported next). When the container T does not exist, the container T is moved horizontally (“8” in the figure) immediately above a predetermined support portion of the sample rack L at the transfer position. These operations 1 to 8 are repeated until all the sample containers T to be transferred are transferred.

  The control unit 321 determines whether or not all the sample containers T that are the targets of the transfer request have been transferred (step S5), and all of the sample containers T that are the targets of the transfer request have not yet been transferred. In that case (NO in step S5), the process returns to step S4.

  On the other hand, when all of the sample containers T to be transferred are transferred (YES in step S5), the control unit 321 returns the process to step S2.

  When a shutdown request is accepted in step S2 (YES in step S2), control unit 321 executes a shutdown process (step S6) and ends the process.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the frame-shaped dropout prevention member 190 is provided so as not to move in the vertical direction, and the gripping portion 243 moves in the vertical direction, so that the dropout prevention member 190 and the gripping portion 243 are relatively moved. When the gripper 243 is moved up and down, the adjacent sample container T on the gripper 243 or the sample container T comes into contact with the drop-off prevention member 190, so that the adjacent sample container T and the gripper The configuration of releasing the engagement of the adjacent sample container T from the sample rack L or the like by releasing the engagement with the sample container T gripped by the grip 243 or the grip portion 243 has been described. is not. For example, a drop-off preventing member such as a rod-like, plate-like, or block-like member, not a frame shape, is disposed immediately above the support portion adjacent to the sample container T to be transferred, and this dropout is caused when the gripping portion 243 is raised. The prevention member may be configured to abut on the sample container T adjacent to the sample container T to be transferred and prevent the adjacent sample container T from falling off the sample rack L or the like. In this case, as long as the drop-off prevention member can move up and down relatively with respect to the grip portion 243, it does not matter whether the drop-off prevention member can move up and down. In other words, the drop-off prevention member is configured so as not to move in the vertical direction, and the drop-off prevention member abuts on the sample container T hung on the grip part 243 or the sample container T to be transferred when the grip part 243 is raised. Alternatively, the drop-off prevention member can be moved in the vertical direction independently of the grip portion 243, and when the grip portion 243 is lifted while holding the sample container to be transferred, the drop-off prevention member is lowered and the sample rack A configuration may be adopted in which the sample container T other than the sample container T to be transferred is prevented from dropping from the sample rack L by contacting the other sample container T of L.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when removing a sample container from the sample rack L in which a plurality of sample containers are arranged in a row, a configuration that uses the drop prevention member 190 to suppress the drop of other sample containers is mainly described. As described above, of course, the sample racks of the other sample containers are removed by the drop-off preventing member even when the samples are taken out from the sample rack L in which a plurality of sample containers are arranged in a plurality of rows as in the archive rack R1 in FIG. It can be set as the structure which suppresses the drop-off from L. In that case, the dropout prevention member 190 can prevent the dropout of the sample containers T around the sample container T to be transferred (eight, horizontal, and diagonal) as shown in FIG.

  In the above embodiment, the drop-off prevention member 190 is fixedly attached to the support portion 230, and the drop-off prevention member 190 can be moved in the horizontal direction integrally with the grip portion 243 by the container transfer portion 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A horizontal movement mechanism may be provided separately from the container transfer section 200, and the drop prevention member 190 may be moved in the horizontal direction independently of the grip section 243 by this movement mechanism. In this case, when the gripper 243 grips the sample container T, it is necessary to horizontally move the dropout prevention member 190 to the position of the gripper 243.

  It is also possible to attach a drop-off prevention member to the elevating part 130. For example, a plate-like dropout prevention member may be arranged so as to partially cover the sample rack L supported by the support part 139 of the elevating part 130 from above. In this case, the drop-off prevention member is not disposed above the support portion that supports the sample container T to be transferred, and the drop-off prevention member is disposed above the support portion adjacent to the sample container T to be transferred. As a result, when the gripper 243 grips the sample container T to be transferred supported by the sample rack L and moves upward to extract the sample container T to be transferred, the sample container T to be transferred or the grip The adjacent sample container T hung on the part 243 comes into contact with the drop-off preventing member, and the drop of the adjacent sample container T from the sample rack L is prevented. In addition, the drop-off prevention member is not attached to the lifting / lowering unit 130 in this way, but the drop-off prevention member is disposed above the sample rack supported by the lifting / lowering unit 130. A prevention member may be attached.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the grip portion 243 grips the sample container T in order to transfer the sample container T has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The sample container T is hooked by a nail provided on the gripping part 243, or the head of the sample container T is sucked by negative pressure to hold the sample container T, and the gripped sample container T is transferred to the sample. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the container is transferred, or a configuration in which the sample container is held by a holding method other than these, and the held sample container T is transferred to transfer the sample container. Is possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the specimen transfer device 22 is provided with the drop-off preventing member is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any device other than the sample transfer device 22 can be provided with a drop-off preventing member as long as the sample container is grasped and pulled out from the sample rack T. For example, in a sample analyzer that pulls out a sample container from the sample rack, sucks the sample from the pulled-out sample container, and analyzes the sucked sample, it is possible to provide a drop-off prevention member. It is also possible to provide a drop-off prevention member in a smear preparation apparatus for preparing a smear by drawing a sample from the sample container and drawing the sample from the drawn sample container and extending the sucked sample onto a slide glass.

  A sample container extraction device and a sample processing system according to the present invention include a sample container extraction device that extracts a sample container from a sample rack on which a plurality of sample containers in which samples are stored, and a sample that processes a sample stored in the sample container It is useful as a processing system.

22 Sample Transfer Device 110 Transport Unit 120 Barcode Unit 130 Lifting Unit 139 Support Unit 140 Buffer Rack 141 Support Unit 160 Transport Unit 190 Drop-off Prevention Member 200 Container Transfer Unit 243 Grip Unit R1 Archive Rack R11 Support Unit R2 Sorting Rack R21 Support Unit T Sample container L Sample rack

Claims (8)

A sample container removal device for removing a sample container from a sample rack containing a plurality of sample containers,
A sample container gripping unit for picking up the first sample container from the sample rack by gripping the first sample container accommodated in the sample rack and moving in the vertical direction while gripping the first sample container;
A vertical movement mechanism for moving the specimen container gripping portion in the vertical direction;
A horizontal movement mechanism for moving the vertical movement mechanism in a horizontal direction;
With
The horizontal movement mechanism allows the sample container gripping portion to pass through the first sample container when the first sample container is taken out from the sample rack, and is accommodated in the sample rack adjacent to the first sample container. A specimen container extraction device including a frame body arranged to restrict lifting of the second specimen container.   The sample container extraction device according to claim 1, wherein the frame is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. The frame is positioned above the sample rack and moves upward from the sample rack when the sample container holding unit moves in the vertical direction while holding the first sample container. Configured to contact the second specimen container;
The specimen container extraction device according to claim 1 or 2. The horizontal movement mechanism is
A first movement mechanism for moving the vertical movement mechanism in a first horizontal direction;
A second moving mechanism for moving the first moving mechanism in a second horizontal direction intersecting the first horizontal direction;
Have
The frame is attached to the first moving mechanism;
The specimen container extraction device according to claim 1. The frame body is capable of passing a grip portion by the container grip portion in the first sample container when the sample container grip portion gripping the first sample container moves upward, and
Provided at a position in contact with the second sample container moving upward from the sample rack;
The specimen container extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The vertical movement mechanism lifts the sample container gripping part that grips the first sample container to take out the first sample container from the sample rack, thereby gripping the first sample container by the sample container gripping part. It is configured to move the location from the bottom to the top of the frame,
The specimen container take-out device according to claim 5. A storage section that can store a plurality of sample containers;
The sample container gripping unit grips a first sample container supported by a sample rack, and the first container
The first sample container is configured to be transferred from the sample rack to the storage unit by moving while holding the sample container.
The specimen container extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The specimen container extraction device according to claim 7;
A sample processing apparatus for processing a sample contained in the sample container;
Comprising
Sample processing system.

Images