JP6560927B2 - Centrifugal processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a centrifuge processing apparatus, and more particularly, to a centrifuge processing apparatus having a manipulator that transports a sample container containing a sample to be subjected to a centrifuge process.

  The centrifuge is an apparatus for separating components constituting the sample by applying a strong centrifugal force to the sample. The centrifuge has a centrifuge (rotor), and a centrifuge process is performed by rotating at high speed a rotor in which a plurality of sample containers containing samples are set.

  Some centrifuges include a manipulator that grips a sample container containing a sample. In such a centrifugal separator, the sample container accommodated in the rack from the pretreatment device and gripped by the manipulator is conveyed to the rotor. The sample container after the centrifugal separation is transported to the empty rack that has been waiting by the manipulator, and the rack containing the plurality of processed sample containers is sent to the post-processing apparatus.

  In order to improve the transport efficiency of the sample container, a method of mounting a plurality of sample containers on a resin case and transporting the resin case is used. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a process in which a manipulator first transports sample containers one by one from a rack and mounts them on a resin case, and then the manipulator transports the resin case and sets it on a rotor. . From the viewpoint of simplifying the structure of the apparatus, a technique for conveying both the sample container and the resin case with a single manipulator has been proposed.

JP 2000-283835 A

  The conventional centrifugal processing measures include a supply lane capable of arranging racks corresponding to the number of sample containers (a batch of sample containers) that can be processed by the rotor, and a rack corresponding to a batch of sample containers. Each has one discharge lane. In such a centrifuge processing apparatus, when the sample container is transported from the rack supplied to the supply lane, the emptied rack is transported to the discharge lane where the processed sample container is waited. The empty supply lane is supplied with a rack containing sample containers for the next batch.

  In order to improve the processing speed (processing efficiency) in the centrifuge processing apparatus, it is possible to reduce the rotor pause time (that is, the time from the end of the current batch centrifuge process to the start of the next batch centrifuge process). That's fine. In order to reduce the downtime of the rotor, it is necessary to start preparation for the centrifugation process for the next batch as soon as possible before the centrifugation process for the current batch is completed.

  Considering the case where a resin case is used for improving the transfer efficiency of the test tube, the preparation for the centrifugation process is to create a state in which the test tube is mounted on the resin case. The process for creating the state includes a supply process to the supply lane of the rack containing the sample containers for the next batch, and a transfer process to the resin case of the sample containers for the next batch. As a premise that the preparation can be performed, a rack containing sample containers for the next batch must be supplied to the supply lane. Therefore, in the pre-stage of the preparatory process, the transport process from the resin case of the sample container for the previous batch that has been subjected to the centrifugal process to the empty rack, the discharge process of the rack that contains the sample container for the previous batch, and the centrifugal process The transport process to the discharge lane of the empty rack corresponding to the current batch must be performed.

  When the supply lane and the discharge lane each have only one batch arrangement space as in the past, the empty rack for the current batch cannot be transported to the discharge lane unless the rack for the previous batch is discharged, and the current batch As long as an empty rack for the next batch continues to exist in the supply lane, the start of the preparation for the next batch centrifugation process is inevitably delayed due to the fact that the rack for the next batch cannot be supplied to the supply lane. For this reason, the time from the end of the current batch centrifuge process to the start of the next batch centrifuge process, i.e., the rotor pause time, has been prolonged, and the throughput of the centrifuge processing apparatus has been reduced. .

  An object of the present invention is to improve the throughput of a centrifugal separator by reducing the downtime of the rotor.

A centrifuge processing apparatus according to the present invention is a rack group that is connected to a main transport path that transports a rack that accommodates a plurality of sample containers, and that accommodates a sample container group corresponding to three batches . A rack placement station having a rack space in which a rack containing a rack containing sample containers, a rack group including empty racks emptied by transporting the sample containers, and a sample container group corresponding to two batches An intermediate station for temporarily disposing two resin case sets each capable of mounting a batch of sample container groups, and the two resin case sets are alternately mounted, one at a time. The sample container group corresponding to the batch can be centrifuged, and the time required for the centrifugal process is determined by a predetermined time determined by the transport time of the sample container corresponding to one batch. And centrifugation rotor shorter than the rack containing the sample vessel before centrifugation process moves from the main transport path to the rack placement station, the rack arrangement rack containing the sample vessel after centrifugation transported from the station and a rack transport mechanism which moves in the main conveyance path, the sample container before centrifugation from arranged rack on the rack placement station to said resin case set disposed in the intermediate station, The resin case set loaded with the sample containers before a plurality of centrifugation processes is transported from the intermediate station to the centrifuge processing rotor , and the resin case set loaded with the sample containers after a plurality of centrifugation processes is The sample container is transported from the centrifuge rotor to the intermediate station and the sample container after the centrifuge process is moved forward. Characterized in that it comprises a transport arm for transporting from the resin case set disposed intermediate station to the empty rack disposed in the rack placement station, a.

  According to the above configuration, the rack placement station can be provided with a rack group that accommodates three batches of sample container groups. For example, an empty rack corresponding to the previous batch in which the centrifugation process is completed, and In a state where empty racks corresponding to the current batch that is currently being centrifuged are arranged, racks that contain sample containers for the next batch can be supplied to the rack arrangement station. Thereby, preparation for centrifugation processing of the next batch, that is, supply processing to the rack placement station of the rack containing the sample container before processing of the next batch, and transport processing from the rack to the resin case on the intermediate station. Can start early.

  Thereby, when the processing time of the rotor is shorter than the predetermined time, the rest time of the rotor is shortened, that is, the processing efficiency of the centrifugal separation device is improved. The “predetermined time determined by the transport time of the sample container corresponding to one batch” means that the sample container group corresponding to one batch that has been subjected to the centrifugal separation is transported from the resin case set to the empty rack and is sent from the rack placement station. The time until the discharge is combined with the time until the sample container group corresponding to one batch before the centrifugation process is supplied to the rack placement station and transported to the resin case set.

  In addition, since the rack placement station can place racks for three batches, the centrifuge processing apparatus itself can have a buffer function of the rack (sample container). Thereby, for example, when the processing in the post-processing apparatus of the centrifugal processing apparatus is delayed and the rack containing the processed sample container group cannot be discharged from the centrifugal processing apparatus, the sample container group for one batch can be discharged. Centrifugation can be performed first.

  Preferably, the intermediate station is provided between the rack placement station and the centrifugal separation rotor, and the intermediate station is arranged in an arrangement direction of the rack placement station, the intermediate station, and the centrifugal separation rotor. It has two resin case set arrangement | positioning parts for arranging the said two resin case sets arranged in the orthogonal direction.

  Since the intermediate station has the two resin case set arrangement portions, it is possible to more efficiently perform the mounting / removing operation of the resin case set with respect to the rotor. For example, if the rotor can be equipped with four resin cases, the first resin case is transferred from the rotor to one resin case set placement part, and then the transfer arm is moved to the other resin case set to obtain a sample before processing. Grab the first resin case set with the container and set it on the rotor. Next, after the second resin case is transferred from the rotor to one resin case set placement portion, the transfer arm is moved to the other resin case set and the second resin case set on which the pre-processing sample container is mounted. Grab and set to the rotor. In this way, by alternately performing the removal process and the attachment process of the resin case with respect to the rotor, at least four processed resin cases are extracted from the rotor and then the transfer arm is more than the case where the unprocessed four resin cases are attached. Since the moving distance is shortened, the conveyance processing time is shortened. During the process of attaching / removing the resin case set to / from the rotor, the rotor must be stopped. Therefore, a reduction in the processing time of the resin case set attachment / removal process with respect to the rotor directly leads to a reduction in the throughput of the centrifugal separator.

  Preferably, the rack space is configured by a lane row, and the lane row is provided in parallel between the main transport path and a sub transport path provided in parallel with the main transport path. Preferably, the lane row includes three lanes each capable of arranging a rack group that accommodates the sample container group corresponding to one batch.

  Each lane row included in the rack space can serve as, for example, a supply lane to which a rack on which an unprocessed sample container is mounted and a discharge lane that is a standby place for an empty rack. In this case, for example, a rack with an unprocessed sample container is supplied to the supply lane through the main transport path, and an empty rack is transported to the discharge lane through the sub transport path. The rack containing the sample container and the empty rack can be smoothly transported without causing interference.

  According to the present invention, the throughput of the centrifugal separator can be improved by reducing the downtime of the rotor.

It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the centrifuge processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a side view of a rotor. It is a figure which shows the conveyance sequence of the test tube in 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the conveyance process of the A time point in the sequence shown by FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the conveyance process in the B time point in the sequence shown by FIG. It is a figure which shows the conveyance sequence of a sample container in case a supply lane is 1 row and a discharge lane is 1 row. It is a figure which shows the conveyance sequence of the sample container in case a supply / discharge lane is 2 rows. It is a figure which shows the conveyance sequence of the sample container in case a supply / discharge lane is 4 rows. It is a figure which shows the conveyance sequence of the sample container in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the conveyance sequence of the sample container in 3rd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the centrifugation processing apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a centrifuge 10 according to the first embodiment. The centrifugal separator 10 is a device that performs centrifugal separation by applying a centrifugal force to a sample (for example, blood) placed in a test tube 12 as a sample container. The centrifuge 10 can mount a main transport path 16 and a sub transport path 18 that are transport paths of the rack 14, three lanes L 1, L 2, and L 3 that are temporary standby positions of the rack 14, and a plurality of test tubes 12. Two resin case bases B1 and B2 for placing a plurality of resin cases 20, a rotor C for centrifugation, a container / resin case transport mechanism 24, and a control unit 26 for controlling the container / resin case transport mechanism 24 It is configured to include.

  In the present embodiment, among the three lanes of the centrifuge 10, the lanes L 1 and L 2 accommodate test tubes (hereinafter referred to as “pre-treatment test tubes”) in which samples before centrifugation treatment are placed. The lane L3 is a supply lane to which the rack 14 is supplied, and the lane L3 is a discharge lane in which the rack 14 that has been emptied after the pre-treatment test tube is transported to the resin case 20 is disposed.

  A plurality of test tubes 12 can be attached to the rotor C, and a centrifugal separation process can be performed on samples stored in the plurality of test tubes 12 at a time. In the present specification, the number of test tubes 12 that can be processed at once by the rotor C is described as “one batch”. In the present embodiment, the rotor C can perform a centrifugal separation process on 40 test tubes 12 at a time. That is, in this embodiment, the test tube 12 for one batch means 40 test tubes 12.

  In the present specification, the lateral direction of the centrifugal separator 10 is taken as the x axis, the depth direction is taken as the y axis, and the height direction is taken as the z axis.

  Hereinafter, each part which the centrifuge 10 has will be described.

  The main transport path 16 is a path for transporting the rack 14 containing a plurality of pre-treatment test tubes 12a to the lane L1 or L2 that is a supply lane. Further, the main transport path 16 is configured such that a rack 14 containing a test tube (hereinafter referred to as “post-treatment test tube 12b”) containing a sample that has been subjected to a centrifugal separation process is dispensed from a lane L3 that is a discharge lane, It is also a route for transporting to an analyzer or the like. The main conveyance path 16 is a belt conveyor, and the rack 14 placed thereon moves (that is, is conveyed) with the movement of the belt. In the present embodiment, the main transport path 16 is provided so as to extend in the lateral direction (x-axis direction) of the centrifugal separator 10.

  The sub-transport path 18 is a path for transporting the unprocessed test tube 12a from the rack 14 to the resin case 20 by the container / resin case transport mechanism 24 and transporting the empty rack 14 from the lane L1 or L2 to the lane L3. It is. Similarly to the main transport path 16, the sub transport path 18 is also a belt conveyor, and the empty rack 14 is transported by the movement of the belt. The sub-transport path 18 is also provided so as to extend in the lateral direction (x-axis direction) of the centrifugal separator 10, that is, provided in parallel with the main transport path 16.

  The three lanes L1, L2, and L3 are lanes extending in parallel to each other in the direction orthogonal to the main transport path 16 and the sub transport path 18, that is, in the depth direction (y-axis direction) of the centrifuge 10. The three lanes L1, L2, and L3 are provided between the main transport path 16 and the sub transport path 18, and one end (back side end) of each is connected to the main transport path 16 and the other end (front side). Side end) is connected to the sub-transport path 18.

  The lanes L1 and L2 as supply lanes are provided with a rack pressing mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1). The rack 14 accommodates the pre-treatment test tube 12a flowing through the main transport path 16 by the rack pressing mechanism. Is pushed into the lane L1 or L2 by pushing from the back to the near side. The lanes L1 and L2 also have a rack support mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1) that suppresses the rack 14 from moving toward the front side so that the pulled-in rack 14 is not unexpectedly pushed out to the sub-transport path 18. doing. The plurality of racks 14 supplied to the lane L <b> 1 or L <b> 2 temporarily stands by until the pre-treatment test tube 12 a is transported by the container / resin case transport mechanism 24. In the process of extracting the test tube 12 from the rack 14 by the container / resin case transport mechanism 24, the rack pressing mechanism and the rack support mechanism sandwich the rack 14 so that the rack 14 does not move. The rack 14 that has been emptied by removing the pre-processing test tube 12a is pushed out to the sub-transport path 18 by the rack pressing mechanism.

  In each of the lanes L1 and L2, a number of racks 14 (hereinafter referred to as “one batch of racks 14”) that can accommodate one batch of test tubes 12 can be arranged. In the present embodiment, five test tubes 12 can be accommodated in one rack 14, and eight racks 14 can be arranged in each of the lanes L1 and L2. Thereby, 40 test tubes 12 (that is, one batch) can be arranged in each of the lanes L1 and L2.

  The lane L3 as the discharge lane is also provided with a rack pressing mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1). The rack pressing mechanism pushes the empty rack 14 flowing through the auxiliary transport path 18 from the near side to the far side. It pulls in to lane L3. The lane L3 also has a rack support mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1) that prevents the rack 14 from moving to the back side so that the pulled-in rack 14 is not unexpectedly pushed out to the main transport path 16. Yes. The plurality of empty racks 14 supplied to the lane L3 temporarily stands by until the processed test tube 12b is accommodated. When the post-processing test tube 12b is accommodated, the rack pressing mechanism and the rack support mechanism sandwich the rack 14 so that the rack 14 does not move. The rack 14 in which the treated test tube 12b is accommodated is pushed out to the main transport path 16 by the rack pressing mechanism. Also in the lane L3, eight racks 14 can be arranged, that is, one batch of racks 14 can be arranged.

  As described above, one batch of racks 14 can be arranged in each of the lanes L1, L2, and L3. Therefore, three batches of racks 14 can be arranged as a whole in the three lanes L1, L2, and L3. Functions as a secure rack placement station.

  The two resin case bases B1 and B2 are places for temporarily arranging the resin case 20. The resin case 20 is provided with a test tube insertion hole 20a into which the test tube 12 is inserted. In the present embodiment, one resin case 20 has ten test tube insertion holes 20a, that is, one resin case 20 can be equipped with ten test tubes 12. Four resin cases 20 can be arranged on each of the resin case bases B1 and B2. That is, 40 test tubes 12 (that is, one batch) can be arranged on each of the resin case bases B1 and B2. In this way, the two resin case bases B1 and B2 function as an intermediate station in which two batches of test tubes 12 can be arranged.

  The resin case 20 is provided with a grip pin 20b that is a portion that the container / resin case transport mechanism 24 grips (holds). The grip pin 20 b is a rod-like member that extends vertically upward from the top surface of the resin case 20. Further, the grip pin 20b has a flange portion enlarged in the horizontal direction. Thereby, the container / resin case transport mechanism 24 can hold the resin case 20 more reliably.

  The rotor C is a mechanism that performs a centrifugal separation process. In the present embodiment, four resin cases 20 (that is, 40 test tubes 12) can be set in the rotor C. In order to balance the rotor C, the four resin cases 20 are set at positions (set positions 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) that are rotationally symmetrical by 90 degrees with respect to the rotation center of the rotor C. Specifically, the container / resin case transport mechanism 24 transports the resin case 20, and the resin case is set to the set position 22a of the rotor C located below the resin case bases B1 and B2 through the resin case through hole 38. 20 is set. The rotor C in which the resin case 20 is set at the set position 22a rotates 90 degrees clockwise (or counterclockwise), and the set position 22b is disposed immediately below the resin case through hole 38. The container / resin case transport mechanism 24 holds and transports the second resin case 20, and sets the second resin case 20 at the set position 22 b through the resin case through hole 38. By repeating this process, the four resin cases 20 are set in the rotor C. In a state where the four resin cases 20 are set, the rotor C rotates in a horizontal plane, whereby a centrifugal separation process is performed on the samples in the plurality of test tubes 12 mounted on the four resin cases 20.

  FIG. 2A shows a side view of the rotor C in which the resin case 20 is set. Each set position 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d of the rotor C is provided with a bucket 28, and the four resin cases 20 are placed on the four buckets 28, respectively. The bucket 28 is supported by a shaft 30 extending in the circumferential direction of the rotor C. Centrifugation processing is performed by the rotor C rotating in a horizontal plane. FIG. 2B shows the state of the centrifugal separation process in the rotor C. Since the bucket 28 on which the resin case 20 is placed is pivotally supported by a shaft 30 extending in the circumferential direction, when the rotor C rotates, the bucket 28 receives a centrifugal force and its lower surface faces outward in the radial direction of the rotor. . Accordingly, the bottom side of the test tube 12 mounted on the resin case 20 is also directed outward in the radial direction of the rotor C. As a result, a centrifugal force is applied toward the bottom side of the test tube 12.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the container / resin case transport mechanism 24 includes a transport base 32 that can move in the lateral direction (x-axis direction) of the centrifuge 10, and a base end connected to the transport base 32. The horizontal arm 34 that can be expanded and contracted in the direction (y-axis direction), provided at the tip of the horizontal arm 34, can be expanded and contracted in the height direction (z-axis direction) of the centrifuge 10, and the test tube 12 and the resin case 20 It includes a single manipulator 36 that holds or holds. A plurality of fingers (not shown in FIG. 1) are provided at the lower end of the manipulator 36 to grip the object to be grasped (the test tube 12 and the resin case 20). The transport base 32, the horizontal arm 34, and the manipulator 36 including a plurality of fingers operate based on a control signal sent from the control unit 26. The position of the plurality of fingers, that is, the position where the object to be gripped is gripped can be freely moved in three directions by the cooperation of the transport base 32, the horizontal arm 34, and the manipulator 36.

  The plurality of fingers included in the manipulator 36 have hook-shaped portions formed by bending the tips. When the hook-like portion is hooked on the flange portion of the grip pin 20 b of the resin case 20, the resin case 20 is hooked and held by the manipulator 36. Thereby, the heavy resin case 20 can be reliably held. In addition, the inner side surface (contact surface with the object to be grasped) of the bowl-shaped portion is formed of a material (rubber or the like) having a high friction coefficient, so that the test tube 12 can be firmly grasped.

  Transport of the pre-treatment test tube 12a from the rack 14 arranged in the supply lane (lanes L1 and L2) to the resin case 20 arranged in the resin case tables B1 and B2, and resin from the resin case tables B1 and B2 to the rotor C The transport of the case 20, the transport of the resin case 20 from the rotor C to the resin case bases B1 and B2, and the transport of the post-treatment test tube 12b from the resin case 20 to the empty rack 14 arranged in the discharge lane are all 1 One manipulator 36 is used.

  The control unit 26 includes, for example, a CPU and a microprocessor, and performs control for operating the container / resin case transport mechanism 24. Specifically, operation control of the container / resin case transport mechanism 24 is performed by transmitting a control signal to the container / resin case transport mechanism 24. The control unit 26 reads a program stored in a memory (not shown in FIG. 1) by a CPU or a microprocessor, and controls the container / resin case transport mechanism 24 according to the program or according to a user instruction.

  In the centrifugal separator 10, the three lanes L1, L2, and L3, the two resin case bases B1 and B2, and the rotor C are arranged in the depth direction. The three lanes L1, L2, and L3 are arranged in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the depth direction, and the two resin case bases B1 and B2 are also arranged in the horizontal direction.

  The basic structure of the centrifugal separator 10 is as described above. As described above, the centrifuge 10 is a resin case serving as an intermediate station in which one rotor C capable of processing one batch of test tubes 12 (sample contained therein) and two batches of test tubes 12 can be disposed. Tables B1 and B2 are configured to include three lanes L1, L2, and L3 as rack placement stations on which three batches of racks can be placed, and one manipulator 36 that transports the test tube 12 therebetween. The

  Hereinafter, the flow of the conveyance process of the test tube 12, the rack 14, and the resin case 20 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.

  FIG. 3A shows a schematic diagram of the lane, the resin case base, and the rotor in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3A, in the first embodiment, three supply lanes L1, L2, and three lanes including one discharge lane L3, two resin case bases B1 and B2, and one rotor C are provided. have.

  FIG. 3B shows a transfer sequence of the test tube 12, the rack 14, and the resin case 20 in the first embodiment. In FIG. 3B, the horizontal axis shows the flow of time from left to right, the rack transport process in the three lanes L1, L2, and L3, and the test tube 12 or the resin case 20 transport process by the manipulator 36. In addition, the start and end timings of the centrifugal separation process in the rotor C are shown. Hereinafter, the processing contents will be sequentially described along the processing procedure.

  In the initial state (time = 0 [minutes]), the test tubes 12 are not arranged in any of the three lanes L1, L2, and L3, the two resin case bases B1 and B2, and the rotor C. . In the initial state, first, there are a plurality of racks 14 (hereinafter simply referred to as “the first batch of racks 14”, which contain the first batch of pre-treatment test tubes 12a in the lane L1, and the same applies to other batches). ("(1) IN" in the lane L1 sequence). Here, the numbers in parentheses in FIG. 3B indicate batch numbers. Note that the left end of the block indicating each process, such as “(1) IN” in the lane L1 sequence, indicates the start time of the process, and the right end indicates the end time of the process. That is, the length of each block in the time axis direction represents the time required for the processing. In the present embodiment, the racks 14 are supplied from the pretreatment device of the centrifuge 10 every thirty and several seconds, so that one batch (that is, eight) of the racks 14 is supplied to the lane L1 or the lane L2. 4 to 5 minutes.

  When the first batch of racks 14 starts to be supplied to lane L1, immediately after that, the manipulator 36 starts transporting a plurality of pre-treatment test tubes 12a from the racks 14 arranged in lane L1 to the resin case 20. (“(1) L1 → B1” in the test tube conveyance sequence). Here, “(1) L1 → B1” in FIG. 3B means that the pre-treatment test tube 12a of the first batch is transported from the rack 14 on the lane L1 to the resin case 20 on the resin case base B1. Means that. In this embodiment, the time required for transporting one test tube 12 between the rack 14 on the lane L1, L2, or L3 and the resin case 20 on the resin case base B1 or B2 is about 5 seconds. It is assumed that it takes about 3 to 4 minutes to transport one batch (that is, 40) of the test tubes 12 between them.

  When all the pre-process test tubes 12a in the first batch are transferred to the four resin cases 20 on the resin case table B1, the transfer process of the four resin cases 20 from the resin case table B1 to the rotor C is started. (“(1) B1 → C” in the resin case transport sequence). The time required for transporting the resin case 20 to the rotor C will be described later.

  In parallel with the transport process of the resin case 20 from the resin case base B1 to the rotor C, the empty rack 14 of the first batch is transported from the lane L1 to the lane L3 that is the discharge lane (“(1 ) OUT ”and“ (1) IN ”in the lane L3 sequence), the rack 14 of the second batch is supplied to the lane L2 (“ (2) IN ”in the lane L2 sequence).

  When four resin cases 20 (hereinafter simply referred to as “first batch resin case 20”) loaded with the pre-treatment test tube 12a of the first batch are attached to the rotor C, The rotor C starts the centrifugal separation process (“(1)” in the rotor C sequence). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the centrifugation process in the rotor C takes about 7 minutes.

  While the first batch of centrifugal separation processing is being performed, the pretreatment tube 12a is transported from the second batch rack 14 supplied to the lane L2 to the resin case 20 on the resin case base B2. (“(2) L2 → B2” in the test tube conveyance sequence).

  In addition, while the first batch of the centrifugation process is being performed, the transport process from the lane L1 to the lane L3 of the empty rack 14 of the first batch is completed, and immediately thereafter, the rack 14 of the third batch is transferred to the lane L1. ("(3) IN" in the lane L1 sequence).

  Immediately after the first batch of centrifugal separation processing is completed, two batches from the resin case table B2 to the rotor C together with the transfer processing (removal processing) of the first batch of the resin case 20 from the rotor C to the resin case table B1. The transfer process (attachment process) of the resin case 20 of the eyes is performed (“(1) C → B1” and “(2) B2 → C” in the resin case transfer sequence).

  In the present embodiment, the process of taking out the four resin cases 20 in the first batch that has been processed and the process of attaching the four resin cases 20 in the second batch before the process are alternately performed. Specifically, the following procedure is used. First, the manipulator 36 conveys the first resin case 20 of the first batch from the rotor C to the resin case base B1. Next, the manipulator 36 is moved from the resin case base B1 to the upper part of the resin case base B2, and the first resin case 20 of the second batch is conveyed from the resin case base B2 to the rotor C. Next, the rotor C rotates 90 degrees, and the manipulator 36 conveys the second resin case 20 of the first batch from the rotor C to the resin case base B1. Then, the manipulator 36 is moved again from the resin case base B1 to the upper part of the resin case base B2, and the second resin case 20 of the second batch is conveyed from the resin case base B2 to the rotor C. Such a process is repeated. In the present embodiment, the removal process and the attachment process are completed in about 80 seconds.

  Immediately after the process of attaching the second batch of the resin case 20 to the rotor C is completed, the rotor C starts the second batch of centrifugal separation process ("(2)" of the rotor C sequence).

  Simultaneously with the start of the second batch centrifuge process, the post-process test tube 12b is transported from the resin case base B1 to the empty rack 14 waiting in the lane L3 (in the test tube transport sequence). “(1) B1 → L3”). Each time one rack 14 is filled with the post-treatment test tubes 12b, that is, every time five post-treatment test tubes 12b are transported from the resin case 20, the rack 14 containing the post-treatment test tubes 12b is removed from the lane L3. It is discharged to the post-processing apparatus through the main transport path 16 (“(1) OUT” in the lane L3 sequence). When all of the post-process test tubes 12b in the first batch are discharged to the post-processing apparatus, the lane L3 becomes empty, so the empty rack 14 in the second batch is transported from the lane L2 to the lane L3 (“ (2) OUT ”and“ (2) IN ”in the lane L3 sequence).

  When the transfer processing of the test tube 12b after the first batch to the empty rack 14 on the lane L3 is completed, the resin case on the resin case base B1 from the rack 14 of the third batch that has already been supplied to the lane L1. The pre-processing test tube 12a to 20 is started (“(3) L1 → B1” in the test tube transfer sequence). When the processing is completed, preparation for the third batch of centrifugation processing is completed.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds according to the sequence shown in FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, since three batches of racks can be arranged in the three lanes L1, L2, and L3 for arranging the racks, preparation for centrifugation processing of each batch, that is, supply of the racks 14 of the batches The supply process to the lane and the transfer process of the pre-process test tube 12a from the rack 14 of the batch to the resin case 20 can be started earlier. This reduces the pause time of the rotor C from the end of the current batch centrifugation process to the start of the next batch centrifugation process (hereinafter referred to as “batch pause time”), thereby improving the throughput of the centrifuge 10. . Details will be described below.

  FIG. 4 shows the positional relationship between the test tube 12 and the rack 14 at the point A shown in FIG. 3B, that is, in the middle of the third batch centrifugation process. In FIG. 4, a plurality of test tubes 12 and a plurality of racks 14 are simply expressed for simplicity. A square indicates a plurality of racks 14 for one batch, and a circle in the square indicates that the test tube 12 is accommodated in the rack. The number in parentheses above it represents the number of batches. For example, a square is drawn in the lane L1, and “(3)” is described thereon, which indicates that the third rack of empty racks 14 is arranged in the lane L1. In addition, a circle is drawn in a square in the resin case base B2, and “(2)” is described thereon, and this is because the test tube 12 of the second batch is mounted on the resin case base B2. It means that the resin case 20 is arranged. The broken line of the test tube 12b on the resin case base B2 means that a part of the test tube 12b has been transferred to the lane L3.

  At time A, the third batch of empty racks 14 which are the current batch (the batch being centrifuged) is arranged in lane L1, and the second batch of empty racks is the previous batch in lane L3. A part of 14 is still arranged. In this embodiment, since there are three lanes, even in such a state, that is, in a state where racks corresponding to two batches are arranged in the lane, the rack 14 in the fourth batch as the next batch. Can be supplied to lane L2. In particular, the rack of the fourth batch, which is the next batch, can be supplied before the discharge process to the post-processing apparatus of the second batch, which is the previous batch, is completed. Thereby, the preparation of the centrifugation process of the 4th batch can be started at an early stage.

  In order to supply the rack 14 of the fourth batch as the next batch to the lane L2, the empty rack 14 of the second batch as the previous batch must be discharged from the lane L2 to the lane L3. For this purpose, the rack 14 of the first batch, which is the previous batch, must be discharged from the lane L3 to the post-processing apparatus. Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the first batch of centrifugal separation processing is completed and the first batch of the resin case 20 is transferred to the resin case base B1, the test tube 12b after the first batch is immediately removed from the resin case 20. It is transported to the empty rack 14 on the lane L3 (“(1) B1 → L3” in the test tube transport sequence in FIG. 3B). As a result, the discharge to the aftertreatment device of the first batch is accelerated, and as a result, the supply to the lane L2 of the rack 14 of the fourth batch is accelerated.

  FIG. 5 shows the positional relationship between the test tubes 12 and the racks 14 at the time B shown in FIG. 3B, that is, at the time when the third batch of the centrifugal separation process is completed. As described above, since the preparation for the fourth batch of the centrifugal separation process was started early, the preparation for the fourth batch of the centrifugal separation process was completed at the time when the third batch of the centrifugal separation process was completed. As a result, the third batch of the resin case 20 can be taken out and the fourth batch of the resin case 20 can be immediately removed after the third batch of centrifugal separation processing is completed. To the limit.

  In the present embodiment, the preparation for the next batch centrifugation process is completed before the completion of the current batch centrifugation process, but this is not necessarily the case. By providing three lanes, preparation for the next batch centrifugation process is started early, so that the pause time between batches is reduced as compared with a conventional centrifuge having at least two lanes. (The two-lane type sequence will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7).

  Further, by providing three lanes, the centrifugal separator 10 itself can have a rack buffer function. Thereby, for example, even if the processing in the post-processing apparatus stagnates and the rack 14 containing the post-processing test tube 12b cannot be discharged from the lane L3, a lot of centrifugation processing for one batch can be performed first. . For example, in the sequence of FIG. 3 (b), even if the rack 14 containing the test tube 12b after the second batch could not be discharged (“(2) OUT” in the lane L3 sequence could not be processed) Since the rack 14 of the fourth batch can be supplied to the lane L2, it is possible to process up to the fourth batch of centrifugation (“(4)” in the rotor C sequence).

  Further, in the present embodiment, the process of taking out the four resin cases 20 of the previous batch that has been processed and the process of attaching the four resin cases 20 of the current batch before the process are alternately performed. Thereby, processing time can be shortened compared with the case where attachment processing is performed after all extraction processing is completed. First, the manipulator travel distance is shortened. Second, the resin case 20 is taken out and attached at a position directly below the resin case through hole 38 in FIG. 1, and the resin case 20 is attached to each set position of the rotor C as the rotor C rotates. The rotation process of the rotor C for changing the attachment position may take time. Since the rotor C must be stopped during the attachment process and the removal process, reducing the time required for the process directly leads to a reduction in the processing time of the centrifuge 10.

  From the viewpoint of further reducing the time required for the attachment process and the removal process, the two resin case bases B1 and B2 are preferably arranged as close to the rotor C as possible. Further, it is preferable that the distance between the two resin case bases B1 and B2 is as small as possible.

  In the present embodiment, the empty rack 14 is transported from the supply lane (lanes L1 and L2) to the discharge lane (lane L3) using the sub-transport path 18, and the rack 14 is mainly transported to the supply lane. By using the transport path 16, the racks that are the targets of both transport processes are prevented from interfering with each other.

  FIG. 6A shows a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional centrifuge having two lane types, that is, a lane L1 as a supply lane and a lane L2 as a discharge lane. b) shows a processing sequence in the centrifugal separator. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 6 (b) and FIG. 3 (b), there is not much difference in the time required for the second batch centrifugation process in the two-lane type and the three-lane type, but the throughput after the third batch is to differ greatly.

  In the two-lane type, the third batch of racks cannot be supplied to the lane L1 until the second batch of empty racks is discharged from the lane L1 to the lane L2 (see “(3) in the lane L1 sequence of FIG. 6B). IN "). Therefore, the supply to the lane L1 of the rack of the third batch is started after a while after the centrifugation process of the second batch is completed. Therefore, after completion of the second batch of centrifugation, the rotor is supplied until the supply of the third batch of racks to the lane L1 and the transport of the test tubes from the rack on the lane L1 to the resin case 20 are completed. C must pause and wait. For this reason, the pause time between batches is considerably longer than that of the 3-lane type, and the throughput differs greatly.

  In order to increase the throughput of the centrifugal separator in the two-lane type, it is conceivable to use two lanes as supply / discharge lanes having the functions of a supply lane and a discharge lane. FIG. 7A shows a schematic configuration diagram of such a new 2-lane type picture institute new separating apparatus. FIG. 7B shows a processing sequence in the centrifugal separator. Referring to FIG. 7B, even if two supply / discharge lanes are provided in the 2-lane type, the supply of the third batch of racks can be performed only after the discharge of the first batch of racks is completed (lanes). “(1) OUT” and “(3) IN” in the L1 sequence). Accordingly, since the start of preparation for the third batch of centrifugal separation processing is delayed, in the sequence shown in FIG. 7B, during the transfer processing of the pre-treatment test tube of the third batch to the resin case (test tube The rotor C is resting at “(3) L1 → B1”) of the transport sequence.

  It should be noted that the time required for the centrifugation process of the rotor C (for example, refer to “(2)” of the rotor C sequence) is the transfer process to the empty rack of the test tube after the processing of the previous batch (for example, “(1 ) B1 → L1 ”), discharge processing of the rack containing the test tube after the processing of the previous batch (for example,“ (1) OUT ”in the lane L1 sequence), supply processing of the rack containing the pre-processing test tube of the next batch ( For example, “(3) IN” in the lane L1 sequence) and the total time of the transport process to the resin case of the test tube before the next batch processing (for example, “(3) L1 → B1” in the test tube transport sequence) In this case, also in the sequence shown in FIG. 7B, the pause time between batches can be minimized (that is, only the time required for attaching / removing the resin case to / from the rotor). In other words, the throughput of the centrifugal separator is improved by the present invention when the time required for the centrifugal separation process of the rotor C is shorter than the total time.

  FIG. 8 (a) shows a schematic configuration diagram of a centrifuge having four supply / discharge lanes having both functions of a supply lane and a discharge lane, and FIG. A processing sequence is shown. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 3B and FIG. 8B, the throughput of the centrifugal separator does not change even if the number of lanes is increased to four. In other words, from the viewpoint of the throughput and miniaturization of the centrifuge, a resin case place where two batches of test tubes can be placed on one rotor capable of processing one batch of test tubes, and three batches. A configuration of lanes in which racks corresponding to test tubes can be arranged is an optimal configuration.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 9A shows a schematic diagram of the lane, the resin case base, and the rotor in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9A, in the first embodiment, one supply lane L1, three lanes including two discharge lanes L2, L3, two resin case bases B1 and B2, and one rotor C are provided. have. Since the difference in configuration between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is only the function of the three lanes, description of each component will be omitted.

  FIG. 9B shows a transfer sequence of the test tube 12, the rack 14, and the resin case 20 in the second embodiment. Although detailed description in each sequence is omitted, also in the second embodiment, preparation for the centrifugation of the next batch (fourth batch) during the centrifugation of the current batch (for example, the third batch), that is, the fourth batch Supply process to the lane L1 of the rack 14 ("(4) IN" in the lane L1 sequence) and the transfer process of the pre-process test tube 12a from the rack 14 of the fourth batch to the resin case 20 (in the test tube transfer sequence) “(4) L1 → B2”) is completed. That is, the inter-batch pause time is minimized to only the time required for the removal / attachment process of the resin case 20, and the throughput is higher than that of at least the 2-lane type centrifugation process.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 10A shows a schematic diagram of a lane, a resin case base, and a rotor in the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10 (a), in the third embodiment, three supply / discharge lanes L1 to L3 having both functions of a supply lane and a discharge lane, two resin case bases B1 and B2, and one rotor C are provided. Have. Since the difference in configuration between the third embodiment and the first and second embodiments is only the function of the three lanes, description of each component will be omitted.

  FIG. 10B shows a conveyance sequence of the test tube 12, the rack 14, and the resin case 20 in the third embodiment. Although detailed description in each sequence is omitted, in the third embodiment, prior to the centrifugation process of the current batch (for example, the third batch), the supply process (lane L1) to the lane L1 of the rack 14 of the fourth batch “(4) IN” in the sequence is performed, and the pre-treatment test tube 12a is transferred from the rack 14 of the fourth batch to the resin case 20 during the third batch of centrifugation (“in the test tube transfer sequence” (4) L1 → B2 ”) has been completed. That is, also in the third embodiment, the pause time between batches is minimized to only the time required for the removal / attachment process of the resin case 20, and the throughput is higher than that of at least the two-lane type centrifugation process. Yes.

  As described above, in the first to third embodiments, an embodiment having three lanes as a rack placement station for placing the rack 14 has been shown. However, as long as racks for three batches can be placed, It is not restricted to said form. For example, it may be one lane in which racks 14 for three batches can be arranged.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a centrifugal separator 40 according to the fourth embodiment. The centrifuge 40 has two rotors C1 and C2, and two resin case bases B1-1 and B2-1 and two supply lanes L1-1 and L2-1, 1 are connected to the rotor C1. Two discharge lanes L3-1 and a container / resin case transport mechanism 24-1 are provided (hereinafter, the set is referred to as “first set”), and two resin case bases B1 are provided for the rotor C2. -2 and B2-2, two supply lanes L1-2 and L2-2, one discharge lane L3-2, and a container / resin case transport mechanism 24-2 (hereinafter referred to as “ 2 sets ”). In addition, since the configuration and function of each rotor, each resin case base, each lane, and the container / resin case transport mechanism in the centrifugal separator 40 are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. In the centrifugal separator 40, the same components as those in the centrifugal separator 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the centrifuge 40, the first set and the second set are arranged side by side. In each of the first set and the second set, processing similar to that described in the first to third embodiments is performed.

  The centrifuge 40 is provided with one main transport path 42 extending in the lateral direction so as to penetrate the first set and the second set. The main transport path 42 is a path for supplying the rack 14 containing the test tube 12a before processing to the lane L1-1 and the lane L2-1 that are the first set supply lanes. It is also a route for transporting the rack 14 containing the post-processing test tube 12b from the lane L3-1 which is a discharge lane to the post-processing apparatus. Further, the main transport path 42 is a path for supplying the rack 14 containing the test tube 12a before processing to the lanes L1-2 and L2-2, which are the second set of supply lanes, and the second set. It is also a path for transporting the rack 14 containing the post-processing test tube 12b from the lane L3-2, which is a set discharge lane, to the post-processing apparatus.

  The rack 14 containing the pre-treatment test tube 12a processed in the first set and the rack 14 containing the pre-treatment test tube 12a processed in the second set are both from the entrance (left end) of the main transport path 42. Come in. And the rack 14 which accommodated the post-process test tube 12b processed by the 1st set, and the rack 14 which accommodated the post-process test tube 12b processed by the 2nd set are both the exit (right end) of the main conveyance path 42 ).

  Therefore, the rack 14 discharged from the first set and the rack supplied to the second set on the downstream side of the relay portion 42a that is a portion between the first set and the second set in the main transport path 42. 14 or the rack 14 discharged from the second set may interfere. If the rack interferes, the discharge processing of the rack from the first set to the post-processing device is delayed, or the supply of the rack 14 to the second set is delayed, which causes a decrease in the throughput of the centrifugal separator 40.

  Therefore, the centrifuge 40 is provided with a detour route for detouring the rack 14 discharged from the first set without passing through the main transport path 42 in part. Specifically, the buffer lane BL1 extending from the relay portion 42a to the back side, connected to the back end of the buffer lane BL1, and the bypass route 44 extending to the right side in parallel (that is, laterally) to the main transport path 42, the buffer lane BL1 And a buffer lane BL2 connecting the right end of the bypass path 44 and the main transport path 42 is provided.

  The buffer lanes BL1 and BL2 are provided with a rack pressing mechanism (not shown in FIG. 11) similarly to the lane L1-1 and the like. By the rack pressing mechanism provided in the buffer lane BL1, the rack 14 from the lane L3-1 flowing through the main transport path 42 is pushed in from the near side to the back side, thereby pulling the rack 14 into the buffer lane BL1. The rack 14 pushed out to the bypass path 44, which is a belt conveyor by the rack pressing mechanism, moves to the right side on the bypass path 44 by the movement of the belt, and moves to the buffer lane BL2 by the rack pressing mechanism provided in the buffer lane BL2. Be drawn. Thereafter, the rack 14 is returned to the main transport path 42 by the pressing mechanism of the buffer lane BL2 and discharged to the post-processing apparatus.

  By providing such a detour route, interference between the rack 14 discharged from the first set and the rack 14 supplied to the second set can be prevented, and the rack can be transported smoothly. This prevents a decrease in the throughput of the centrifugal separator 40 due to the interference of the rack 14.

  In addition, eight racks 14 can be arranged (stocked) in total in the buffer lanes BL1 and BL2. That is, one batch of racks can be temporarily arranged in the buffer lanes BL1 and BL2. As a result, one batch of racks can be evacuated to the detour route, and then the rack 14 is discharged from the detour route at a suitable timing (for example, so as not to interfere with the rack 14 discharged from the second set). Can do.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment which concerns on this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention.

  10 Centrifugal Separator, 12 Test Tubes, 14 Racks, 16 Main Transport Path, 18 Sub Transport Path, 20 Resin Case, 24 Container / Resin Case Transport Mechanism, 26 Control Unit, L1, L2, L3 Lane, B1, B2 Resin Case Stand, C rotor.

Claims (4)

A rack group that is connected to a main conveyance path that conveys a rack that accommodates a plurality of sample containers, and that accommodates three batches of sample container groups, the rack accommodating the sample containers before centrifugation, and A rack placement station having a rack space in which a rack group including empty racks that have been emptied as a result of transport of the sample containers can be placed;
An intermediate station for temporarily arranging two resin case sets each capable of arranging two batches of sample container groups, each capable of mounting a batch of sample container groups,
The two resin case sets are alternately attached, and the sample container group corresponding to one batch can be centrifuged at a time, and the time required for the centrifugation process is transferred to the sample container corresponding to one batch. A centrifuge rotor that is shorter than a predetermined time determined by time;
A rack that moves a rack containing a sample container before centrifugation from the main transport path to the rack placement station, and moves a rack containing a sample container after centrifugation from the rack placement station to the main transport path A transport mechanism;
And transporting the sample container before centrifugation from rack disposed in the rack placement station to said resin case set disposed in the intermediate station, equipped with the sample container prior to the plurality of centrifugation the Transporting the resin case set from the intermediate station to the centrifuge processing rotor , transporting the resin case set loaded with the sample container after a plurality of centrifuge processing from the centrifuge processing rotor to the intermediate station, A transport arm for transporting the sample container after centrifugation from the resin case set disposed at the intermediate station to the empty rack disposed at the rack placement station ;
A centrifuge processing device comprising: The intermediate station is provided between the rack placement station and the centrifuge rotor;
The intermediate station has two resin case set arrangements for arranging the two resin case sets arranged in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the rack arrangement station, the intermediate station, and the centrifugal separation rotor. Having a part,
The centrifugal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The rack space is composed of lane rows,
The lane row is provided in parallel between the main transport path and a sub transport path provided in parallel with the main transport path.
The centrifuge processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. The lane row is composed of three lanes each capable of arranging a rack group accommodating the sample container group corresponding to one batch.
The centrifuge processing device according to claim 3, wherein