JP6941672B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that transports a sample rack that holds a sample for analyzing components in a biological sample such as blood and urine, and collects the sample in an analysis unit.

The results of analysis of biological samples such as plasma, serum, and urine by an automatic analyzer provide a lot of information for diagnosing a medical condition.

As a configuration of the automatic analyzer, as described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of analysis unit units are arranged along a sample rack transport section in which a sample rack loaded with a plurality of containers containing samples is transported. ing.

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a rack supply unit is arranged on the left side of the transport line, and a rack collection unit is arranged on the right side.

In the automatic analyzer for clinical examination, as described in Patent Document 2, a sample rack buffer unit is installed at an intermediate position of the sample rack transport module, and analysis is given priority to the sample rack in the middle of sample dispensing. It is possible to replace the sample rack containing the sample to be performed.

Further, as described in Patent Document 3, the sample rack buffer mechanism located in the middle of the sample rack transport line is a loop-shaped rack standby disk, and a plurality of sample racks are stored and stored. The sample racks can be sent to the analysis unit in any order, and the sample racks can be stored in any order.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-316237 WO2010 / 087303 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-105246

Here, in the automatic analyzers described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, when the sample rack is loaded into the analysis unit from the sample rack tray that can be taken out from the automatic analyzer, the sample rack loading unit waits for the rack described above. A sample rack buffer section is provided on the upstream side of the transport of the sample rack tray to be loaded separately from the disk and the like.

Further, when the sample rack is collected from the analysis unit, the sample rack buffer unit is provided in the sample rack collection unit.

Then, by temporarily moving the sample rack to each sample rack buffer section of the rack supply section and the rack collection section, it is possible to take out the sample rack tray and put in additional samples.

However, if each of the sample rack supply section (loading section) and the sample rack collection section (storage section) has a sample rack buffer section, the rack transport section becomes large.

With a large automatic analyzer, it is possible to secure an area for installing the sample rack tray and the sample rack buffer on the loading / unloading side, respectively, but for a small automatic analyzer, the rack It is difficult to secure the above area only by the transport unit.

Therefore, when direct loading from the sample rack tray is applied to the automatic analyzer without the sample rack buffer on the loading side, the sample rack in the sample rack tray on the loading side is required to load additional samples. No additional sample can be added until it is empty.

It is conceivable that the additional sample is input from the emergency sample side, but the work of the operator becomes complicated, which leads to a decrease in the analysis efficiency of the sample.

An object of the present invention is that the sample rack can be taken out directly from the sample rack tray without providing a separate buffer mechanism, and even when the sample rack remains in the sample rack tray, the sample rack tray can be used. It is to realize an automatic analyzer that can be carried out and put in an additional sample rack.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

In the automatic analyzer, an analysis unit that analyzes a sample, a sample rack loading / unloading mechanism having a loading / unloading line for loading a sample rack holding a sample container into the analysis section and unloading the sample container from the analysis section, and a sample rack loading / unloading mechanism. The sample rack tray on which the sample rack is erected is detachably installed, and the sample container loading mechanism for loading the sample rack into the loading / unloading line of the sample rack loading / unloading mechanism and the sample rack tray are detachably installed. , The sample container storage mechanism for collecting and storing the sample rack from the loading / unloading line, the analysis unit, the sample rack loading / unloading mechanism, the sample container loading mechanism, and the operation control unit for controlling the operation of the sample container storage mechanism. The sample container loading mechanism includes a rack return arm for moving the sample rack away from the loading / unloading line, and a rack feeding operation for feeding the sample rack on the sample rack tray to the loading / unloading line. It has a direction and a loader mechanism arm that moves in a reset operation direction opposite to the rack delivery operation direction, and the sample container storage mechanism moves the sample rack from the carry-in / carry-out line onto the sample rack tray. It has a moving operating direction and an unloader mechanism arm that moves in an operating direction opposite to this operating direction.

It is possible to take out the sample rack directly from the sample rack tray without providing a separate buffer mechanism, and even if the sample rack remains in the sample rack tray, the sample rack tray is taken out and added. It is possible to realize an automatic analyzer that enables loading of the sample rack.

It is an overall block diagram of the automatic analyzer to which one Example of this invention is applied. It is a schematic perspective view of the sample rack tray installed in the sample container loading mechanism in one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the loading operation of the sample rack by the sample rack loader mechanism in one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the carrying-out operation of the rack unloader mechanism in one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the rack tray carry-out operation of the rack loader mechanism in one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the carry-in operation at the time of loading a rack from a rack emergency lane (START lane) in one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which showed the sample rack additional loading / sample rack tray taking out in one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which showed the operation logic in the sample rack loader mechanism and the sample rack unloader mechanism when the additional sample rack in one Example of this invention is instructed to complete loading. It is a flowchart which showed the operation logic in the rack loader mechanism and the rack unloader mechanism when the emergency sample rack in one Example of this invention is instructed to put in from a stat line.

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

In addition, in all the drawings for explaining the embodiment of the present invention, those having the same function are, in principle, given the same reference numerals, and the repeated description thereof is omitted as much as possible.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an automatic analyzer to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer is provided with a sample container loading mechanism (sample rack loader mechanism) 1, a sample container storage mechanism (sample rack unloader mechanism) 2, and an emergency sample rack loading mechanism of a rack feeder mechanism 3 on the front surface of the device. ing.

The sample rack is taken in and out of the rack standby disk 4 via the sample container loading mechanism (sample rack loader mechanism) 1, the sample container storage mechanism (sample rack unloader mechanism) 2, and the rack feeder mechanism 3.

An analyzer can be connected to the left and right sides of the sample container loading mechanism 1, the sample container storage mechanism 2, and the rack feeder mechanism 3. In FIG. 1, the biochemical analyzer 5 is arranged on the right side and the immunoassay on the left side. The analyzer 6 is arranged. Not limited to this arrangement, the biochemical analyzer is arranged on the left side of the sample container loading mechanism 1, the sample container storage mechanism 2, and the rack feeder mechanism 3, and the immunoassay device is arranged on the right side, and analysis on both the left and right sides. The devices may both be biochemical analyzers or both may be immunoassays.

The sample container loading mechanism 1 and the sample container storage mechanism 2 can independently supply and store the sample rack to the analyzers 5 and 6 on both sides via the rack standby disk 4. The biochemical analyzer 5 includes a sampling line 7, a reagent cooler 10, and a reaction unit 12 as main components.

Further, the immunoassay device 6 includes a sampling line 13, a sample sampling mechanism 14, and a reagent cold storage 17 as main components. However, although not shown in FIG. 1, the biochemical analyzer 5 and the immunoassay apparatus 6 include other components.

Further, the sample container loading mechanism 1 includes a sample rack loader mechanism arm 23 and a rack return mechanism action point arm (rack return arm) 43. Further, the sample container storage mechanism 2 includes a sample rack unloader mechanism arm 32. Further, the rack return mechanism action point arm 43 and the rack return mechanism force point arm 41 for driving the sample rack unloader mechanism arm 32 are arranged in the vicinity of the sample container loading mechanism 1 and the sample container storage mechanism 2 with the rack feeder mechanism 3 in between. Has been done.

Further, a microcomputer 15 which is an operation control unit for controlling the operation of the entire automatic analyzer and a display unit 16 are provided. That is, the microcomputer 15 controls the operations of the analysis unit (biochemical analyzer 5 and immunoassay device 6), the sample rack loading / unloading mechanism (rack feeder mechanism 3), the sample container loading mechanism 1, and the sample container storage mechanism 2. do.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a sample rack tray 18 installed in the sample container loading mechanism 1 or the sample container storage mechanism 2.

In FIG. 2, the sample rack tray 18 can be carried by erection of a plurality of sample racks 19 on the sample rack tray 18. A protrusion that can be inserted into the sample rack fall prevention groove 20 formed in the sample rack 19 is formed in the rack installation portion of the sample rack tray 18, and is formed during transportation of the sample rack 19 from the sample rack tray 18 and during transportation of the sample rack 19. The structure is such that the sample rack 19 does not tip over when the sample rack tray 18 is carried.

Further, when the sample rack tray 18 is lifted, the left and right handles of the sample rack tray 18 move upward, and the sample rack 19 does not fall out of the sample rack lore 18 when the sample rack tray 18 is carried.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the loading operation of the sample rack 19 of the sample rack loader mechanism 1 which is the sample container loading mechanism.

In FIG. 3, the sample rack loader mechanism 1 includes a loading sample rack tray installation base 21 to which the sample rack tray 18 can be attached and detached, and the loading sample rack tray 22 on which the sample rack 19 for holding the sample container 60 is erected. By erection on the sample rack tray installation base 21, the sample rack 19 can be erected by the sample rack tray 22.

Further, a rack tray presence / absence sensor 300 for detecting whether or not the sample rack tray 22 is erected is attached to the rack tray installation base 21, so that it can be confirmed whether or not the sample rack 19 can be loaded. It has become.

When the input sample rack 19 is erected on the sample rack tray 22, the sample rack 19 is sent out to the rack delivery operation direction 24 of the sample rack loader mechanism arm 23 by the sample rack loader mechanism arm 23 moved by the loader arm moving mechanism 51. .. The sample rack presence / absence detection sensor (rack arrival sensor to the feeder line) 25 is arranged on the side opposite to the place where the sample rack tray 22 is set, with the sample rack feeder mechanism loading / unloading line 29 in between.

When the sample rack presence / absence detection sensor 25 detects that the sample rack 19 is located on the loading / unloading line 29, the sample rack 19 feeding operation of the sample rack loader mechanism arm 23 is stopped.

Then, one sample rack 19 that has reached the rack arrival position 26 of the sample rack feeder mechanism loading / unloading line 29 is carried by the rack feeder mechanism 3, and the rack bar code and the sample barcode are used by the sample / sample rack barcode reader 27. Is read, moves to the sample rack feeder mechanism loading / unloading track (vertical direction) 28, and is loaded into the rack standby disk 4 from the sample rack feeder mechanism loading / unloading line 29.

The sample / sample rack barcode reader 27 is equipped with a sensor that detects the height of the test tube that houses the sample, and can be used as a parameter for the sample dispensing operation by grasping the test tube height information. The test tube information (test tube diameter, test tube height, test tube cap shape, test tube cap color) may be read by the sample / sample rack barcode reader 27 itself.

FIG. 4 is a simplified explanatory view of the reset operation of the rack unloader mechanism 2 in the rack return mechanism for returning the sample rack 19 from the rack standby disk 4 to the sample container storage mechanism 2. The rack unloader mechanism (sample container storage mechanism) 2 includes a storage sample rack tray installation base 34 to which the sample rack tray 18 can be attached and detached.

In FIG. 4, when the rack unloader mechanism 2 is reset, the sample rack unloader mechanism arm 32 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 4 by the unloader arm moving mechanism 50.

Then, when the sample rack 19 discharged from the rack standby disk 4 in the sample rack feeder mechanism carry-out drive direction (downward in FIG. 4) 30 reaches the sample rack feeder mechanism carry-out outlet arrival position 31, a sensor that detects this ( When detected by (not shown), the unloader arm moving mechanism 50 causes the sample rack unloader mechanism arm 32 to move from the state shown in FIG. 4 to the sample rack unloader mechanism arm unloading operation driving direction (in the direction from left to right in FIG. 4). Yes, the sample rack 19 is moved from the carry-in transport line 29 to the sample rack tray 35) 33, and the sample rack 19 is moved.

Then, the sample rack 19 is collected and stored in the storage sample rack tray 35 erected on the storage sample rack tray installation base 34. A rack tray presence / absence sensor 301 for detecting whether or not the storage sample rack tray 35 is erected on the storage sample rack tray installation base 34 is attached to the storage sample rack tray installation base 34.

The stored sample rack 36 in the stored sample rack tray 35 is then pushed by the sample rack stored in the stored sample rack tray 35, and is erected to the back where there is space for the stored sample rack tray 35, so that the stored sample rack is full. It can be stored until the sensor 37 is detected.

The stored sample rack 36 in the storage sample rack tray 35 of the detection container storage mechanism 2 can be taken out to the outside without providing a separate rack buffer portion.

In the loading sample rack tray 22, the sample rack 19 is located at the loading waiting sample rack standby position 38, which is the position closest to the sample rack feeder mechanism loading / unloading line 2, and the sample rack 19 is the sample rack feeder mechanism loading / unloading line 29. It is configured not to be transported by.

FIG. 5 is a simplified explanatory view of the rack tray unloading operation of the rack loader mechanism 1. In FIG. 5, when the input sample rack tray 22 is taken out in order to additionally charge the sample rack 19 with the sample rack 19 remaining in the input sample rack tray 22, the sample rack 19 is racked with the input sample rack tray 22. Since the sample rack has come to the boundary with the feeder mechanism unit 3, it is necessary to push the sample rack 19 back to the input sample rack tray 22.

Even when the sample rack 19 is supplied to the erected input sample rack tray 22 one by one without taking out the input sample rack tray 22, the sample rack 19 remaining in the input sample rack tray 22 is erroneously pushed. If this happens, the sample rack 19 may pop out on the transport line side of the rack feeder mechanism 3, which may hinder the loading of STAT (emergency sample).

Therefore, it is necessary to push the sample rack 19 back to the tray 22 after adding the sample rack 19.

While the rack loader mechanism arm 23 keeps pushing the sample rack 19 toward the loading / unloading line 29, the sample rack 19 cannot be returned to the specified position of the rack tray 22. Therefore, first, it is necessary to return the rack loader mechanism arm 23 to the initial position. The sample rack loader mechanism arm 23 is moved to the reset operation direction (direction opposite to the rack delivery operation direction 24) 39, and is moved to the sample rack loader mechanism arm standby position (home position) 40.

From the viewpoint of returning the sample rack 19 to the specified position, the rack loader mechanism arm 23 does not return to the sample rack loader mechanism arm standby position (home position) 40, but moves to the rack sample rack loader mechanism arm reset operation direction 39 by one sample rack. Even if the rack return operation itself is possible, it is desirable to return to the sample rack loader mechanism arm standby position (home position) 40 in consideration of taking out and reloading the sample rack tray 22.

In the rack return mechanism, the rack return mechanism force point arm 41 is connected to the rack return mechanism action point arm 43 as the center of the rack return mechanism fulcrum 42, and the rack return mechanism force point arm 41 is moved by the unloader arm moving mechanism 50. The rack unloader mechanism arm 32 moves and is pushed in the direction (operating direction opposite to the driving direction 33) 44 to receive a force from the rack unloader mechanism arm 32, so that the rack unloader mechanism arm 32 is adjusted to the operation of the sample rack unloader mechanism arm 32. , The rack return mechanism action point arm 43 operates so as to move in the return operation direction (direction in which the sample rack 19 on the sample rack tray 22 is separated from the carry-in / carry-out line 29 of the sample rack carry-in / carry-out mechanism 3) 45.

By performing this series of rack return operations, the sample rack 19 can be returned to the specified input waiting sample rack standby position 46 on the sample rack tray 22. After that, the rack return mechanism 43 returns to the home position (position shown in FIG. 6). The number of drive shafts may be increased to operate the rack return mechanism independently and separately.

After the sample rack tray 22 is carried out and the sample rack 19 is additionally loaded into the sample rack tray 22, the sample rack tray 22 is installed on the loading sample rack tray installation base 21, and then one transport line of the rack feeder mechanism 3 is provided. The sample rack 19 is sent to (load-in / carry-out line 29), and then the rack return operation is performed by the rack return mechanism action point arm 43 as described above to the position shown in FIG. 5, so that the sample is manually operated by the operator. When the rack 19 is additionally loaded into the rack tray 22, even if the sample rack 19 already installed is accidentally pushed out to the side of one transport line, the sample rack position is reset to the specified position. Can be done.

Further, a rack presence / absence detection sensor 25 is installed in one transport line, and the sample rack tray 22 is taken out, the carry-out sample rack 19 is added and re-installed, and then the rack return operation is performed. When the microcomputer 15 calculates the feed amount of the sample rack loader mechanism arm 23 at the sample rack detection timing by the rack presence / absence detection sensor 25, the number of the loaded sample racks 19 can be calculated and grasped from the calculated feed amount. ..

With the above configuration, the sample rack 19 can be additionally loaded into the sample rack tray 22 without providing a separate buffer unit.

FIG. 6 is a simplified explanatory view of the carry-in operation when the rack is loaded from the emergency rack lane (STAT lane).

In FIG. 6, when an emergency sample is installed at the emergency sample rack loading position (STAT lane) 47, the emergency sample rack presence / absence detection sensor 100 at the emergency sample rack loading position (STAT lane) 47 reacts, and the microcomputer 15 is operated. Inquire if it is possible to bring in emergency specimens to the department.

When the empty rack standby disk 4 and the operating status of the loader mechanism / unloader mechanism are confirmed and a signal that the loadable mechanism can be carried in is received, the emergency sample is loaded into the drive direction 48 of the emergency sample rack loading section, and the sample / sample rack barcode is used. The reader 27 reads the rack barcode / sample barcode and puts the emergency sample rack into the rack standby disk 4.

Next, the control system in the automatic analyzer of FIG. 1 will be described.

The microcomputer (operation control unit) 15 controls sample dispensing, reagent dispensing, and washing water pump via an interface. In addition, the microcomputer 15 also controls the sample rack loading / unloading unit, and controls the loading / unloading of the sample rack 19 with respect to the rack standby disk 4, so that congestion due to the unprocessed sample rack 19 does not occur. To control. In addition, the microcomputer 15 controls so that the emergency sample can be measured quickly.

Next, the sample analysis operation in the automatic analyzer of FIG. 1 will be described.

The analysis parameters related to the items that can be analyzed by the automatic analyzer are input to the microcomputer 15 in advance via the display unit 16 which is an information input device such as a touch panel, and are stored in the storage medium. The operator selects the inspection item requested for each sample by using the operation function screen of the display unit 16 connected to the microcomputer 15.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing additional loading of the sample rack and removal of the sample rack tray.

In step S1 of FIG. 7, when the operator instructs the sample rack addition / loading / sample rack tray removal, the microcomputer 15 which is the operation control unit resets the rack loader / rack unloader mechanism. The additional loading instruction of the sample rack is input from the display unit 16 (touch panel or the like). Push buttons may be installed near each mechanism to give instructions.

In step S2, it is confirmed whether or not the rack carrier position for rack transporting the rack feeder mechanism 3 is in the home position, and if it is not in the home position, the rack loading / unloading operation of the rack feeder mechanism 3 in step S3 is continued. When the processing for one rack that was in the middle of processing is completed, it moves to the home position. Here, the home position indicates a position shown in FIG. 6 other than the emergency sample rack arranged at the emergency sample rack loading position.

In step S2, if the rack carrier position for rack transport of the rack feeder mechanism 3 is in the home position, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the arm position of the unloader mechanism arm 32 in the sample rack unloader mechanism 2 is confirmed, and if it is not in the home position, the unloader mechanism arm 32 in step S5 is moved to the home position and processed from the sample rack unloader mechanism 2. The finished sample rack tray 35 is ready to be taken out.

In step S4, if the arm position of the unloader mechanism arm 32 is in the home position, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the sample rack loader mechanism arm 23 of the sample rack loader mechanism 1 is moved to the home position 40 so that the rack return operation can be performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S7, and the rack return operation is performed.

By this rack return operation, the sample rack 19 that has come to the boundary between the sample rack tray 22 and the feeder mechanism 3 is returned to the specified position, and the unprocessed or empty sample rack tray 22 can be taken out from the rack loader mechanism 3. do. Then, the process proceeds to step S8, and the display unit 16 (touch panel monitor or LED) connected to the microcomputer 15 indicates that the sample rack 19 can be additionally loaded, and the state of waiting for instructions in step S9 is reached. And transition.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation logic of the sample rack loader mechanism 1 and the sample rack unloader mechanism 2 when the additional sample rack is instructed to complete loading.

After the operator completes the loading of the sample rack 19 or the sample rack tray 18, in step S101, the operator gives the sample rack loading completion instruction and the sample rack tray completion instruction with the touch panel or the push button of the display unit 16. When the instruction to complete the loading is issued, the microcomputer 15 which is the operation control unit confirms ON-OFF of the rack tray presence / absence sensors 300 and 301 in step S102, and if it is OFF, proceeds to step S103 and proceeds to the display unit. A no-tray alarm is displayed on 16.

In step S102, if there is a sample rack tray, the process proceeds to step S104, and the sample rack loader mechanism arm 23 is moved to the rack feeder line (sample rack feeder mechanism loading / unloading line) 29 side. Then, in step S105, the sample rack presence / absence detection sensor 25 installed near the rack feeder line 29 detects whether the sample rack 19 has arrived. If the sample rack presence / absence detection sensor 25 remains OFF even after the sample rack feeding by the sample rack loader mechanism arm 23 is completed, the process proceeds to step S106, and a rackless alarm is displayed on the display unit 16.

If the rack arrival sensor 25 is turned ON in step S105, the process proceeds to step S107, and the movement of the sample rack loader mechanism arm 23 is stopped. By examining the stop position of the sample rack loader mechanism arm 23 by the amount of arm feed, it is possible to grasp how many racks the sample rack 19 is held by the sample rack loader mechanism 1.

After that, the rack return operation of step S108 is executed. Then, in step S109, the state transitions to the state of waiting for the next instruction.

When the sample rack 19 is loaded as it is, the rack return operation itself in step S108 may be omitted, but the next operation is not the loading of the sample rack 19 from the sample rack loader mechanism 1, but the emergency sample rack. In the case of loading or unloading the sample rack to the rack unloader mechanism 2, it is desirable to return the sample rack 19 to the specified position by the rack return mechanism because it may interfere with the operating area of the rack feeder mechanism 3.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation logic of the rack loader mechanism 1 and the rack unloader mechanism 2 when the emergency sample rack is instructed to be loaded from the stat line (emergency sample rack loading position) 47. When the sample rack for holding the emergency sample is installed on the STAT line (emergency sample lane) 47 by the operator, the rack presence / absence sensor 100 is turned on, and an instruction to insert the emergency sample rack in step S201 is given.

When the loading instruction is given, the mechanism in which the operation is continuing completes the operation for one rack, and then the emergency sample loading operation is interrupted. That is, when the rack presence / absence detection sensor 100 detects that the emergency sample rack is installed in the emergency sample lane 47, the analysis units 5 and 6, the sample rack loading / unloading mechanism 3, the sample container loading mechanism 1, and the sample container storage mechanism 2 Is performed by interrupting the operation of carrying in the emergency sample after completing the processing of the sample held in the one sample rack 19 whose operation is continuing.

First, in step S202, it is confirmed whether or not the position of the carrier (member for moving the sample rack) of the rack feeder mechanism 3 is in the home position, and if it is in a position other than the home position, the process proceeds to step S203, and the operation for one rack is performed. Continue and move the carrier of the rack feeder mechanism 3 to the home position.

Next, the position of the unloader mechanism arm 32 is confirmed in step S204, and if it is not in the home position (the position shown in FIG. 6 where the sample rack 19 and the unloader mechanism arm 32 are not located on the loading / unloading line 29), step S205 is performed. The unloader mechanism arm 32 is moved to a home position not located on the carry-in / carry-out line 29 so as not to interfere with the carry-in operation of the emergency sample rack.

If the unloader mechanism arm 32 is located at the home position in step S204, the process proceeds to step S206. Then, in step S206, the rack loader mechanism arm 23 of the sample rack loader mechanism 1 is moved to the home position so that the rack return operation can be performed, and the rack return operation in step S207 is performed.

That is, the rack return mechanism action point arm 43 returns the sample rack 19 from the carry-in / carry-out line 29 to the sample rack tray 22, and the rack return mechanism action point arm 43 returns the sample rack 19 to the sample rack tray 22 in the opposite direction. It moves in the direction of, passes through the carry-in / carry-out line 29, and moves to a position that does not hinder the carry-in operation of the emergency sample rack (home position shown in FIG. 6).

By this rack return operation, the sample rack 19 that has come to the boundary between the sample rack tray 22 and the feeder mechanism 3 is returned to the specified position, and when the emergency sample rack passes by the sample rack loader mechanism 1, the emergency sample rack It is possible to reduce the possibility that the sample rack 19 in the sample rack loader mechanism 1 comes into contact with the sample rack 19.

Then, in step S208, the carrier of the feeder mechanism 3 is moved to the stat carry-in position 47. Then, in step S209, the emergency sample rack is carried into the rack standby disk 4, interrupts the unprocessed sample waiting for analysis in the rack standby disk 4, and carried out to the analyzer 5 or 6, and analysis is performed.

Here, the sample rack loader mechanism 1 and the sample rack unloader mechanism 2 are covered in order to prevent foreign matter from being mixed into the sample, and it is a little troublesome to install and take out the rack tray.
By returning the rack in the rack tray to the specified position, the rack tray base itself can be raised and lowered, and the rack tray base is raised when installing and removing the rack tray, making it easier to install the sample rack tray. You can do it.

As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the loading / unloading line 29 of the rack feeder mechanism 3 that loads / unloads the sample rack onto the rack standby disk 4 that waits for the sample rack 19 that is loaded / unloaded into the analyzers 5 and 6. Along one side of the sample rack loader mechanism 1, the input sample rack tray installation base 21 on which the sample rack tray 18 is installed and the storage sample rack tray installation base 34 of the sample rack unloader mechanism 2 are arranged. Then, the sample rack loader arm 23 moves the sample rack 19 on the sample rack tray 22 installed on the installation base 22 of the sample rack loader mechanism 1 to the loading / unloading line 29, and the sample rack 19 is placed on the rack standby disk 4. Carry in. The sample rack 19 carried out from the rack standby disk 4 is carried by the carry-in / carry-out line 29 to the vicinity of the sample rack tray 35 installed on the installation base 34 of the sample rack unloader mechanism 2, and is carried by the sample rack unloader mechanism arm 32. It is moved into the sample rack tray 35.

Since the sample rack tray 18 is moved into the sample rack tray 35 in this way, the sample rack 19 can be taken out to the outside without providing a separate buffer unit.

In the sample rack loader mechanism 1, when the sample rack 19 is carried out to the outside, the rack loader arm 23 is moved to the initial position to form a space so that the sample rack 19 can be added to the sample rack tray 22. By pushing the sample rack 19 back to the sample rack standby position 46 by the rack return mechanism action point arm 43, the sample rack 19 can be reliably retracted from the loading / unloading line 29, and a separate buffer section is provided. The sample rack tray 22 can be carried out without the need for the sample rack tray 22.

That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to take out the sample rack directly from the sample rack tray without providing a separate buffer mechanism, and even if the sample rack remains in the sample rack tray, the sample rack It is possible to realize an automatic analyzer that allows the tray to be carried out and an additional sample rack to be loaded.

In the above-described example, the input sample rack tray installation base 21 and the storage sample rack tray installation base 34 are arranged along one side of the carry-in / carry-out line 29, but the carry-in / carry-out line 29 is both sides of the carry-in / carry-out line 29. It is also possible to arrange the input sample rack tray installation base 21 and the storage sample rack tray installation base 34 along the carry-out line 29.

The material of the sample rack loader mechanism arm 23, the sample rack unloader mechanism arm 32, the rack return mechanism force point arm 41, and the rack return mechanism action point arm 43 may be any type as long as they are strong, but they are made of metal. It is desirable to have.

Further, the input sample rack tray installation base 21 and the storage sample rack tray installation base 34 can be configured to be detachable from the automatic analyzer.

1 ... Specimen container loading mechanism (specimen rack loader mechanism), 2 ... Specimen container storage mechanism (specimen rack unloader mechanism), 3 ... Rack feeder mechanism, 4 ... Rack standby disk, 5 ... Biochemical analyzer, 6 ... Immunoanalyzer, 7 ... Sampling line, 10 ... Reagent cooler, 12 ... Reaction part, 13 ... Sampling line, 14 ... Specimen sampling mechanism, 15 ... Microcomputer (operation control unit), 16 ... Display unit, 17 ... Reagent cold storage, 18 ... Specimen rack tray, 19 ... Specimen rack, 20 ... Specimen rack fall prevention Groove, 21 ... Input sample rack tray installation base, 22 ... Input sample rack tray, 23 ... Sample rack loader mechanism arm, 25 ... Sample rack presence detection sensor, 26 ... To feeder line Rack arrival position, 27 ... Specimen / sample rack bar code reader, 29 ... Specimen rack feeder mechanism loading / unloading line, 31 ... Specimen rack feeder mechanism carry-out outlet arrival position, 32 ... Specimen rack unloader mechanism arm , 34 ... Storage sample rack tray installation base, 35 ... Storage sample rack tray, 36 ... Stored sample rack, 37 ... Storage sample rack full sensor, 38 ... Waiting sample rack standby position , 40 ... Specimen rack loader mechanism arm standby position (home position), 41 ... Rack return mechanism force point arm, 42 ... Rack return mechanism fulcrum, 43 ... Rack return mechanism action point arm, 46 ...・ Waiting for loading after sample rack return operation Specimen rack standby position, 47 ・ ・ ・ Emergency sample rack loading position (STAT line), 50 ・ ・ ・ Unloader arm moving mechanism, 51 ・ ・ ・ Loader arm moving mechanism, 60 ・ ・ ・Specimen container, 100 ... Emergency sample rack presence / absence detection sensor, 300, 301 ... Rack tray presence / absence sensor

Claims (6)

The analysis department that analyzes the sample and
A sample rack loading / unloading mechanism having a loading / unloading line for loading a sample rack holding a sample container into the analysis unit and unloading the sample container from the analysis section.
A sample container loading mechanism in which the sample rack tray on which the sample rack is erected is detachably installed and the sample rack is loaded into the loading / unloading line of the sample rack loading / unloading mechanism, and
A sample container storage mechanism that allows the sample rack tray to be detachably installed and collects and stores the sample rack from the loading / unloading line.
An operation control unit that controls the operations of the analysis unit, the sample rack loading / unloading mechanism, the sample container loading mechanism, and the sample container storage mechanism.
With
The sample container loading mechanism includes a rack return arm that moves the sample rack away from the loading / unloading line, a rack feeding operation direction that feeds the sample rack on the sample rack tray to the loading / unloading line, and the rack feeding operation direction. It has a loader mechanism arm that moves in the reset operation direction, which is the opposite direction to the rack delivery operation direction.
The sample container storage mechanism is characterized by having an operation direction for moving the sample rack from the carry-in / carry-out line onto the sample rack tray, and an unloader mechanism arm for moving the sample rack in an operation direction opposite to the operation direction. Automatic analyzer. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The sample rack loading / unloading mechanism has an emergency sample lane and a rack presence / absence detection sensor that detects that an emergency sample rack for holding a sample container containing an emergency sample is installed in the emergency sample lane. When the presence / absence detection sensor detects that the emergency sample rack is installed in the emergency sample lane, the unloader mechanism arm moves from the carry-in / carry-out line, and the rack return arm moves the sample rack from the carry-in / carry-out line. Return to the sample rack tray, move the sample rack in the direction opposite to the direction in which it was returned to the sample rack tray, pass through the carry-in / carry-out line, and move to a position that does not interfere with the carry-in operation of the emergency sample rack. An automatic analyzer characterized by In the automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
When the rack presence / absence detection sensor detects that the emergency sample rack is installed in the emergency sample lane, the analysis unit, the sample rack loading / unloading mechanism, the sample container loading mechanism, and the sample container storage mechanism continue to operate. An automatic analyzer characterized in that the loading operation of the emergency sample rack is started after the processing of the sample held in one of the sample racks is completed. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The sample container loading mechanism has a sample rack presence / absence detection sensor that detects that the sample rack is located on the loading / unloading line, and after the sample rack tray is taken out from the sample container loading mechanism, the above again. When installed in the sample container loading mechanism, the loader mechanism arm moves in the rack sending direction, and when the sample rack presence / absence detection sensor detects that the sample rack is located on the loading / unloading line, the rack returns. The arm is an automatic analyzer characterized in that the sample rack located on the loading / unloading line is returned onto the sample rack tray. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 4,
In the operation control unit, the sample rack tray is installed again in the sample container loading mechanism, the loader mechanism arm calculates the feed amount moved in the rack feeding direction, and the sample loaded from the calculated feed amount. An automatic analyzer characterized by calculating the number of racks. In the automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3 to 5.
Each of the sample container loading mechanism and the sample container storage mechanism has a sample rack tray installation base that can be attached to and detached from the automatic analyzer, and the sample rack tray is installed in each of these sample rack tray installation bases. An automatic analyzer characterized by this.

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