JPH0954096A - Conveyor for use in specimen conveying system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conveyor for use in a specimen conveying system, which enables an advanced conveyance control using a simpler constitution, the labor saving and rationalization for the entire system, and an accurate and ensured inspection. SOLUTION: This conveyor is provided with a first sensor 131 for detecting that a part of a rack 120 has been conveyed in, a second sensor 132 for detecting that at least half of the rack 120 has been conveyed in, and a third sensor 133 for detecting that the rack 120 has arrived at an exit and that the rack 120 has been conveyed out. Also, the conveyor has a movement means for moving the racks 120 and a control circuit 11 for controlling driving of the movement means according to the results detected by the first, second, and third sensors 131, 132, 133 and conveyance information fed from a device 102 connected to the downstream side.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sample transport system for transporting a sample such as blood or urine to various analyzers and automatically inspecting it, and in particular, enables a sophisticated transport control with a simpler configuration, The present invention relates to a transport device in a sample transport system that enables labor-saving and rationalization of the entire system and accurate and reliable inspection.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A sample transport system generally uses a rack system in which a rack containing a predetermined number of samples such as blood and urine is used as a transport unit, and its configuration is to analyze predetermined test items for the samples in the rack. In addition to various analyzers, it is equipped with a start stocker, a cap opener, a centrifuge, a dispenser, a rack buffer, a branching device, and a terminal stocker.

In constructing a sample transport system, these components are directly connected and combined to form one or a plurality of branched transport lines from the start stocker to the terminal stocker. It is also desirable from the viewpoint of utilizing the area more effectively. However, in practice, due to restrictions such as the arrangement order of the components and the shape of the installation location, it is desirable to configure the transport line by partially providing a transport device that simply transports the rack between the components. It is common.

[0004]

However, in the transport apparatus in the conventional sample transport system as described above, the rack is simply dripped to realize the function of simply transporting the rack. However, there is a problem that the rack is stuck in the transport device or a component of the system connected to the downstream side of the transport device, which becomes a bottleneck in the sample transport system.

In particular, when a plurality of transfer devices are connected in series, the control of the control means (CPU) provided in the front and rear connected components can eliminate the congestion of the rack. Could not be done, which was a fatal problem.

Further, in order to eliminate the congestion of the rack and the like, a configuration may be considered in which the transport device is provided with a control means such as a microprocessor in order to realize a function such as limiting the loading of the rack into the transport device. However, there was a problem that the cost of the transfer device was high.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and provides a transporting device in a sample transporting system capable of more advanced transporting control with a simpler hardware control or the like. The purpose is to do.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the transport apparatus in the sample transport system of the first feature of the present invention is a sample transport system for moving a rack containing a predetermined number of samples in a predetermined direction. In the transfer device, a first sensor that detects that part of the rack has been loaded into the transfer device, a second sensor that detects that at least half of the rack has been loaded into the transfer device, and the rack Has reached the carry-out port of the carrier, and
A third sensor for detecting that the rack has been unloaded from the transport device; moving means for moving the rack;
Drive control of the moving means is performed based on the detection results of the first sensor, the second sensor, and / or the third sensor, and transport information supplied from a device connected to the downstream side of the transport device. And a control means.

Further, the transporting device in the sample transporting system of the second feature is a sample which moves a rack containing a predetermined number of samples in any one of the first direction and the second direction opposite to the first direction. In the transfer device of the transfer system, when the rack is moved in the first direction, it is detected that a part of the rack has been loaded into the transfer device, and when the rack is moved in the second direction, A first sensor for detecting that the rack has reached the carry-out port of the transport device and that the rack has been carried out of the transport device, and at least when the rack is moved in the first direction, A second sensor that detects that half of the rack has been loaded into the transport device, and the rack reaches the transport port of the transport device when the rack is moved in the first direction. And a third step of detecting that the rack has been carried out of the transfer device, and detecting that part of the rack has been transferred into the transfer device when moving the rack in the second direction. A sensor, a fourth sensor that detects that at least half of the rack has been loaded into the transport device when the rack is moved in the second direction, a moving unit that moves the rack, and the first sensor. Of the moving means based on the detection results of the second sensor, the third sensor and / or the fourth sensor, and the transport information supplied from the device connected to the downstream side in the moving direction of the transport device. And a control means for controlling the moving direction and the drive.

Further, the transport device in the sample transport system of the third feature is the transport device in the sample transport system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transport information is connected to the downstream side in the moving direction of the transport device. Including a stop signal indicating that rack loading into the specified equipment is prohibited,
The control means stops the moving means when the stop signal is valid when the third sensor or the first sensor detects arrival of the rack at the carry-out port,
When the stop signal is invalid, the moving means is operated.

The transport apparatus in the sample transport system of the fourth feature is the transport apparatus in the sample transport system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the control means is
When the rack is moved in the predetermined direction or the first direction, after the second sensor detects the rack loading, until the third sensor detects the rack unloading,
When the rack is moved in the second direction, the rack is moved upstream in the moving direction of the transport device until the first sensor detects rack carry-in after the fourth sensor detects rack carry-in. A stop signal indicating that rack loading into the transport device is prohibited is output to the connected device as valid.

The transport apparatus in the sample transport system of the fifth feature is the transport apparatus in the sample transport system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, wherein the control means moves the rack in a predetermined direction or in the first direction. When moving in one direction, the count content is incremented when the second sensor detects rack carry-in, and the count content is decremented when the third sensor detects rack carry-out,
When the rack is moved in the second direction, the counting unit increments the count content when the fourth sensor detects the rack carry-in, and decrements the count content when the first sensor detects the rack carry-out. Then
The counting means, when the counting content exceeds a predetermined number,
A stop signal indicating that rack loading into the transport device is prohibited is output to the device connected upstream in the moving direction of the transport device as valid.

Further, the transporting device in the sample transporting system of the sixth feature is the transporting device in the sample transporting system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the control means is the first sensor or the first sensor. When an abnormality in rack transport in the transport device is detected based on the detection result of the second sensor, the third sensor, and / or the fourth sensor, the device connected to the upstream side or the downstream side in the moving direction of the transport device is detected. On the other hand, it reports error information.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an outline of a carrier device in a sample carrier system of the present invention and Examples 1 and 2 of the carrier device in the sample carrier system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. To do.

[Outline of Conveying Apparatus of the Present Invention] First of the Present Invention
In the transport device in the sample transport system having the characteristics of FIG.
As shown in, the first sensor 131 detects that a part of the rack 120 has been loaded into the transport device 101, and the second sensor 132 detects that at least half of the rack 120 has been loaded into the transport device 101. Then, the third sensor 133 detects that the rack 120 has reached the carry-out port of the transport apparatus 101 and that the rack 120 has been carried out of the transport apparatus 101, and the control circuit 111 (control means) , The first sensor 131, the second sensor 132 and / or the third sensor 133, and the transport information supplied from the device 102 connected to the downstream side of the transport device 101, based on the transport information 115, 116. And 117 are controlled.

For example, when the moving means 115, 116 and 117 are operated based on the detection of the rack loading by the first sensor 131 and the third sensor 133 detects that the rack 120 has reached the carry-out port, it is located downstream of the transfer device 101. Device 1 by referring to the transport information from the device 102 connected to the side
02 informs that the rack 120 is prohibited from being carried in, the moving means 115, 116 and 117 are stopped and the rack 120 is made to stand by, and if there is no such information, the moving means 115, 116. And 117 are operated as they are, and the rack 120 is carried out to the apparatus 102.

As described above, the position of the rack 120 in the transfer apparatus 101 is confirmed from the detection results of the first sensor 131, the second sensor 132, and the third sensor 133, and at the time when the rack 120 reaches the carry-out port, Carrier 1
Since it is determined whether or not carry-in to the device 102 is possible based on the transport information from the device 102 connected to the downstream side of 01,
Even if a plurality of transfer devices are continuously connected to form a transfer line, the number of racks to be carried out to the transfer device or the processing device 102 on the downstream side can be limited, and the rack 120 can be installed on the transfer line.
There is no traffic congestion, no racks overflow on the transfer line, the racks are mixed up, the racks are not contaminated, and artificial mistakes in rack replacement can be prevented. A transport device can be realized with a configuration such as hardware control, and more advanced transport control becomes possible.

Further, in the transport apparatus in the sample transport system of the second feature, as shown in FIG. 6, when the rack 120 is moved in the first direction, the transport apparatus in the sample transport system of the first feature is Perform the same operation. On the other hand, when the rack 120 is moved in the direction of the second direction opposite to the first direction, the rack 12 is moved by the third sensor 633.
It is detected that part of 0 has been carried into the carrier device 601, and that at least half of the rack 120 has been carried into the carrier device 601 by the fourth sensor 634,
The rack 120 is moved by the first sensor 631.
When the control circuit 611 (control means) detects that the rack 120 has been unloaded from the carrying device 601 and that the rack 120 has been unloaded.
Based on the detection results of the third and fourth sensors 634 and / or the first sensor 633, and the transport information supplied from the device 600 connected to the downstream side in the rack movement direction of the transport device 601, the moving means 615, 616, and The moving direction control and drive control of 617 are performed.

Thus, when moving in the first direction, from the detection results of the first sensor 631, the second sensor 632 and the third sensor 633, when moving in the second direction, the third sensor 633, the fourth sensor 633 From the detection results of the sensor 634 and the first sensor 631, the carrying device 60 is detected.
In addition to confirming the position of the rack 120 in No. 1, when the rack 120 reaches the carry-out port, based on the transport information from the device 602 or 600 connected to the downstream side with respect to the rack moving direction of the transport device 101, Since it is determined whether or not the apparatus can be carried into the apparatus 602 or 600, even if a plurality of conveying apparatuses are continuously connected to form a conveying line, the conveying apparatus or the processing apparatus 6 on the downstream side with respect to the moving direction of the rack 6
The number of racks carried out to 02 or 600 can be limited, the congestion of the rack 120 does not occur on the transfer line, the rack does not overflow on the transfer line, the racks are mixed up, and the racks are not contaminated. In addition, it is possible to prevent artificial rack replacement errors and the like, and it is possible to realize a transfer device with a simpler hardware control configuration, which enables more advanced transfer control.

Further, since bidirectional rack transfer control is possible with one transfer device, when the rack 120 is transferred in a direction opposite to the normal transfer direction from the start stocker to the terminal stocker, for example, a specific transfer is performed. When performing retesting on a sample, it is not necessary to separately provide various analyzers for retesting, or to provide forward and return transport lines, or to make a loop-shaped transport line, and a smaller device configuration It is possible to construct an efficient sample transport system.

Further, in the transport device in the sample transport system of the third feature, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, as transport information, rack loading into the device 102 connected to the downstream side in the rack moving direction of the transport device 101. The stop input signal STi (stop signal) indicating that the stop input signal STi is activated when the third sensor 133 detects arrival of the rack 120 at the carry-out port by using the stop input signal STi (stop signal). In the case of (valid), the moving means 115, 116 and 117 are stopped,
When the stop input signal STi is non-active (invalid), the moving means 115, 116 and 117 are operated.

That is, when the rack 120 reaches the carry-out port, the stop input signal STi is active and the carrier device 1
If the rack carry-in to the apparatus 102 connected to the downstream side in the rack moving direction of 01 is prohibited, the moving means 1
15, 116 and 117 are stopped and the rack 120 is made to stand by. When the stop input signal STi becomes inactive and rack loading into the apparatus 102 is permitted, the moving means 115, 116 and 117 are operated, Rack 1
20 is carried out to the apparatus 102. By this,
Even if a plurality of transfer devices are continuously connected to form a transfer line, the number of racks to be carried out to the transfer device or the processing device 102 on the downstream side in the rack moving direction can be limited by simple hardware control.

Further, in the transport apparatus in the sample transport system of the fourth feature, as shown in FIG.
11 (control means) is connected to the upstream side in the rack moving direction of the transfer device 101 until the third sensor 133 detects the rack unloading after the second sensor 132 detects the rack unloading. A stop output signal STo (stop signal) indicating that rack loading into the transfer device 101 is prohibited is output to the device 100 as active (valid).

As a result, the apparatus 100 connected to the upstream side of the transport apparatus 101 in the rack moving direction is newly provided with the rack 1 while the stop output signal STo is active.
Since 20 is not carried into the carrier device 101, the number of racks in the carrier device 101 can be limited to one by simple hardware control, and the occurrence of congestion of the rack 120 can be suppressed.

Further, in the transport apparatus in the sample transport system of the fifth feature, for example, as shown in FIG.
In the counting means (not shown) in 11 (control means),
When the second sensor 132 detects the rack carry-in, the count content is incremented, and when the third sensor 133 detects the rack carry-out, the count content is decremented. When the count content of the counting means exceeds a predetermined number, A stop output signal STo (stop signal) indicating that rack loading into the transport apparatus 101 is prohibited is output as active (valid) to the apparatus 100 connected upstream in the rack movement direction of the transport apparatus 101. It is a thing.

As a result, the apparatus 100 connected to the upstream side in the rack moving direction of the transfer apparatus 101 is newly provided with the rack 1 while the stop output signal STo is active.
Since 20 is not carried into the carrier device 101, the number of racks in the carrier device 101 can be limited to a predetermined number by simple hardware control, and the occurrence of congestion of the rack 120 can be suppressed.

Further, in the transporting device in the sample transporting system of the sixth feature, for example, as shown in FIG.
11 (control means), when an abnormality in rack transport in the transport apparatus 101 is detected based on the detection results of the first sensor 131, the second sensor 132, and / or the third sensor 133, the rack of the transport apparatus 101. Device 100 connected upstream or downstream in the direction of movement
Alternatively, 102 is notified of error information.

For example, the apparatus 100 or 102 connected upstream or downstream in the rack movement direction of the transport apparatus 101 is provided with a processor or the like connected to a host computer that controls transport control of the entire sample transport system. If the control means is provided, the host computer is notified of the error information via the control means, and the user is notified by outputting the error information to a console or the like, and the user judges the situation based on the error information. And troubles such as obstacles will be resolved. As a result, it is possible to realize a sample transport system that can promptly deal with problems such as obstacles.

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a transport device in a sample transport system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Here, in the sample transport system in which the transport apparatus of the present embodiment is incorporated, in order to transport the sample with the readable sample identification code, the sample is loaded into the rack 120 with the readable rack identification code. A rack system is used in which the racks are placed in a batch for a predetermined number of times.
20 is moved in a predetermined direction on the transfer line, and various analyzers constituting the system analyze predetermined inspection items.

In the figure, the conveying device 101 of this embodiment
Is the first sensor 13 that is installed at the position a and detects that a part of the rack 120 has been loaded into the transport apparatus 101.
1 and a second sensor 132 installed at the position b for detecting that at least half of the rack 120 has been loaded into the transport device 101, and the rack 120 installed at the position c serves as an outlet of the transport device 101. A third sensor 133 that detects that the rack 120 has been unloaded from the transfer device 101, a moving unit that moves the rack 120, a first sensor 131, a second sensor 132, and a third sensor 133. On the basis of the detection result, and the transport information supplied from the control circuit of the transport device connected to the downstream side of the transport device 101, or the connection control unit 112 such as a connection unit that connects various analyzers to the transport line. , And a control circuit 111 for controlling the drive of the moving means.

The moving means comprises a conveyor belt 117 for conveying the rack 120, a motor 116 for operating the conveyor belt 117, and a drive circuit 115 for driving the motor 116 based on a control signal CON from the control circuit 111. It is configured.

The transfer information from the control circuit or connection control means 112 is used for the rack 120 to the transfer device or connection unit 102 on the downstream side (hereinafter referred to as the downstream device) 102.
Is a stop input signal STi indicating that the stop input signal STi is active when the third sensor 133 detects that the rack 120 has reached the carry-out port in the control circuit 111. When the stop input signal STi is non-active, the moving means is operated.

That is, when the rack 120 reaches the carry-out port at the position c, if the stop input signal STi is active and the rack carry-in to the downstream apparatus 102 is prohibited,
The conveyor belt 117 is stopped to make the rack 120 stand by at the position c, and then the conveyor belt 117 is operated when the stop input signal STi becomes inactive and the rack carry-in to the apparatus 102 on the downstream side is permitted. The rack 120 to the device 102.

Further, in the control circuit 111, after the second sensor 132 detects the rack loading, the third sensor 13
3 until the rack 3 detects the rack unloading
A stop output signal STo indicating that the rack loading into the transport device 101 is prohibited is output to the transport device or the connection unit or the like (hereinafter, referred to as an upstream device) 100 connected to the upstream side of 01 as active. ing.

The installation position a of the first sensor 131 and the second position
The distance d between the installation position b of the sensor 132 and the rack 1 is
It is set shorter than the length of 20. This is because even if a plurality of racks 120 are continuously transported, the second
When the sensor 132 detects that most (at least more than half) of the first rack 120 has been loaded and the stop output signal STo becomes active, the next rack is loaded into the transport apparatus 101. Without
This is for keeping the device 100 on the upstream side.

Further, the distance between the installation position of the second sensor 132 and the installation position of the third sensor 130 in the upstream apparatus 100 is set longer than the length of the rack 120. This is because when a plurality of racks 120 are continuously transported, the second sensor 132 detects that most of the first rack 120 (at least half or more) has been loaded and the stop output signal STo is active. This is for ensuring that the third sensor 130 in the upstream side apparatus 100 will detect the next succeeding rack at the time.

Next, the external shapes of the rack 120 and the transfer device 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
2A is a perspective view of the rack 120, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the transfer device 101 of this embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the sample is a test tube 201 containing serum, plasma, urine, etc. The test tube 201 has label attributes, bar codes, etc. A sample label 202 is attached. The rack 120 has a configuration capable of mounting, for example, up to 10 test tubes 201, and a rack label 211 is attached to a side surface of the rack 120 which is perpendicular to the transport direction of the rack.

Further, the carrier device 101 has an external shape as shown in FIG. 2B, and as described in FIG. 1, the carrier device 101 has the same structure on the upstream side and the downstream side of the carrier device 101. Alternatively, a connection unit or the like for connecting various analyzers for performing various analyzes to the transport line is connected to form a transport line in the sample transport system.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a concrete example of the structure of a sample transport system in which the transport apparatus of this embodiment is incorporated.
The transport apparatus 101 of this embodiment is incorporated in the sample transport system as a part of the transport line 303 and as a means for connecting the respective constituent elements of the sample transport system.

In FIG. 3, the sample transport system of this example comprises a transport line 303, a start stocker 304,
Console 305 (input / output means), various analyzers 311
a-1 to 311a-n and 311b, connection unit 31
2a-1 to 312a-n and 312b, a rack buffer 317, a turntable 314, a terminal stocker 316, and a host computer 321.

The start stocker 304 is configured by including a plurality of FIFO type stockers, and it is desirable that the rack 120 be loaded into each stocker according to the inspection item handled by the sample transport system.

The turntable 314 is used for the transfer line 30.
A branching device installed at a branching point or a direction changing point on No. 3 for rotating the rack mounted on the turntable 314 based on the control instruction of the host computer 321 to change the carrying direction. Is. The rack 120 to be placed is identified by reading the rack identification code of the rack 120 by a bar code reader 334 installed on the transfer line 303 immediately before the inlet of the turntable 314.

The terminal stocker 316 is a rack 1
It is a stocker that sequentially accumulates racks for which analysis of all inspection items to be performed on all samples in 20 has been completed.

The console 305 is an input / output means of the sample transport system, and is used when inputting auxiliary information such as urgency (priority level) when the rack 120 is loaded into the start stocker 304, or each component. It is used when outputting error information or the like notified from the.

The host computer 321 controls the sample data supplied to the sample transport system and the request data such as the inspection items of the rack 120 and the analysis result data, and also controls the transport of the rack 120 in the sample transport system. is there. For example, DECpcXL PCI (UN
IX operating system) as a CPU 322,
It is realized by a configuration including a hard disk, an optical disk, and the like. The host computer 321 manages various databases such as a sample information database 323, a rack information database 324, and an analysis result information database 325, which will be described later, and communication control of a LAN configured using the data communication unit 361 as a communication medium. It also functions.

Various analyzers 311a-1 to 311a-n
And 311b are for analyzing predetermined items of the test items given corresponding to the specimen identification code, for example, for analyzing glucose, electrolytes or biochemical items for serum, plasma or urine. Is. Various analyzers 311a-1 to 311a-n and 31
1b is connected to the conveyance line 303 via the connection units 312a-1 to 312a-n and 312b. The various analyzers 311a-1 to 311a-n and 311b are connected to each other via a LAN (data communication means 361) such as Arcnet so as to exchange data with the host computer 321.

Connection units 312a-1 to 312a-n
And 312b are connection means for connecting the transport line 303 and the various analyzers 311a-1 to 311a-n and 311b, respectively, and are racks 1 on the transport line 303.
20 are selectively taken in, and various analyzers 311a-1 to
The rack 303 is supplied to various analyzers 311a-1 to 311a-n and 311b according to the processing status of 311a-n and 311b.

Further, the connection units 312a-1 to 312a
-N and 312b are racks 12 on the transfer line 303.
Selective capture of 0 and various analyzers 311 to be connected
connection control means 313a-1 to 313a- for controlling the supply of the rack 120 to the a-1 to 311a-n and 311b.
n and 313b.

This connection control means 313a-1 to 313a
-N and 313b are various analyzers 311a-to be connected.
1 to 311a-n and 311b, for transmitting and receiving signals to and from each other, signal transmitting means 362b such as RS232C
For example, in order to exchange data with the host computer 321 and to be exchanged with each other, for example, L such as Arcnet.
It is connected via an AN (data communication means 361). Therefore, the connection control means 313a-1 to 313a-n
In addition to the control mechanism for realizing the buffer function and the moving function of the rack 120, 313b and 313b are provided with an interface with the LAN and an RS232C interface.

In the rack buffer 317, the analysis result information database 3 stores at least the analysis results of the various analyzers in the preceding stage for the racks that may need reinspection.
It has a role of a so-called time buffer, which holds until the time of writing to 25.

Further, the rack buffer 317 selects the loading direction of the rack 120 on the carrying line 303 and the carrying-out direction of the rack 120 based on the analysis result already obtained for the sample contained in the rack 120 to be carried out to the carrying line 303. It has a buffer control means 318 for controlling. This buffer control means 318 is used by the host computer 32.
1 is connected via a LAN (data communication unit 361) such as Arcnet to exchange data with each other.

In the sample transport system of this example, a distributed processing system for analysis processing is realized by the above configuration, and at the same time, various analyzers 311a-1 to 311a-1.
Connection unit 3 connected to 311a-n and 311b
12a-1 to 312a-n and 312b perform selective supply control of racks to various analyzers 311a-1 to 311a-n and 311b, or transfer control at that point, thereby performing distributed processing for transfer control. The system is also realized.

Next, a more detailed operation of the carrier device 101 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 4 shows the control circuit 11 in the carrying device 101 of this embodiment.
1 is a basic circuit diagram of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a timing chart of each signal in FIG.

In FIG. 4, 401 to 404 are NOT gates,
405 to 407 are NAND gates, 408 is an AND gate, 410 is a latch, 411 is a relay circuit, and 412 is A.
C100 [V] power supply, and 413 is a NOT gate 402
Falling edge detection circuit for detecting the falling edge of the output signal of the above and outputting a one-shot pulse of negative logic, further 421
˜425 are input terminals or output terminals.

The first sensor 131, the second sensor 132, and the third sensor 133 are optical sensors composed of, for example, a photodiode and a phototransistor, and the rack 1
The location of the rack 120 is detected by reflecting or blocking the light when the 20 passes through the respective installation positions. The outputs SA1, SB1 and SC1 of the first sensor 131, the second sensor 132 and the third sensor 133 are
It is a negative logic signal that becomes active (valid) at the logic value "0".

The power reset signal PRES is a negative logic pulse signal generated when the power is turned on, and is used to initialize each IC.

The latch 410 is used for the second sensor 13 at the position b.
The logical value "1" is set when it is detected by 2 that most of the rack 120 has been loaded into the transport apparatus 101, and the third sensor output SC1 rises, that is, the third sensor 133 causes the rack 120 to transport the rack 120. When it is detected that the device 101 has been carried out, it is reset to the logical value “0”. The latch 410 is a power reset signal PR.
It is also reset at the fall of ES.

The output Q of the latch 410 is output via the NOT gates 403 and 404 to the stop output signal STo.
Is supplied to the control circuit of the device 100 on the upstream side or the connection control means 110. That is, while the stop output signal STo is active, the rack 120 is not newly loaded from the upstream apparatus 100 to the transfer apparatus 101, and the number of racks in the transfer apparatus 101 can be limited to one at most. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of congestion of the rack 120. The latch 410 can also be regarded as a counting unit that sets the maximum count number to 1 in claim 5.

The relay circuit 411 controls the supply of the AC100 [V] power supply 412 to the motor 116 by the control signal CON (negative logic signal) output from the NAND gate 406. That is, the control signal CON is active ( At the “L” level), the transport belt 117 is driven and the rack 120 is transported.

The control signal CON is generated as follows. That is, the first sensor 131 is the rack 120.
Is detected and a control signal CON becomes active when the first sensor output SA1 becomes active (“L” level), and the rack 120 is started to be transferred. It After that, the second sensor 132 causes most of the rack 120 to be transferred to the transfer device 10.
Since the logical value "1" is set in the latch 410 by detecting that it has been carried in 1, the control signal CON remains active as it is, and at least the third sensor 133
The rack 120 is transported until the latch 410 is reset by detecting the carry-out of the rack 120.

When the third sensor 133 detects the arrival of the rack 120 at the carry-out port and the third sensor output SC1 becomes active ("L" level), the stop input signal STi becomes active ("H"). In the case of (level), the control signal CON is made non-active, the conveyance of the rack 120 is stopped, and the rack 120 is made to stand by at the position c. In addition, the stop input signal STi is non-active (“L”)
In the case of (level), the control signal CON is activated, the transport of the rack 120 is restarted, and the rack 120 is unloaded to the downstream device 102.

Further, the third sensor 133 detects that the rack 120 has been carried out of the carrying device 101, and the third sensor 133
When the sensor output SC1 rises to the “H” level, the control signal CON becomes non-active, and the transport control of the rack 120 in the transport apparatus 101 ends.

As described above, the carrier device 101 of this embodiment
Then, when the rack 120 reaches the carry-out port, if the stop input signal STi is active and the rack carry-in to the apparatus 102 on the downstream side of the carrying apparatus 101 is prohibited, the carrying belt 117 is stopped and the rack 120 waits. Then, when the stop input signal STi becomes inactive and rack loading into the downstream device 102 is permitted, the conveyor belt 117 is operated to move the rack 120 to the downstream device 102.
Since it is carried out to 02, the number of racks 120 transported by the transport device 101 can be automatically limited to at most one, and even if a plurality of transport devices having the same structure are continuously connected to form a transport line, Downstream device 1 with simple hardware control
The number of racks carried out to 02 can be limited, and the congestion of racks can be suppressed.

[Embodiment 2] Next, FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a carrier device in a sample carrier system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The transfer device of the present embodiment is capable of rack transfer control in both the first direction and the second direction, which is the reverse of the first direction.

In the figure, the carrier device 601 of this embodiment is shown.
Includes a first sensor 631, a second sensor 632, a third sensor 633, and a fourth sensor 634 as means for detecting the position of the rack 120.

The first sensor 631 is installed at the position a, detects that a part of the rack 120 has been loaded into the transport device 601 in the rack transport in the first direction, and the rack in the second direction. In the transportation, it is detected that the rack 120 has reached the carry-out port of the transportation device 601 and that the rack 120 has been unloaded from the transportation device 601. The second sensor 632 is installed at the position b and detects that at least half of the rack 120 has been loaded into the transport device 601 in rack transport in the first direction.

The third sensor 633 is installed at the position d so that the rack 120 has reached the carry-out port of the transport device 601 in the rack transport in the first direction, and the rack 120 is removed from the transport device 601. In the rack transport in the second direction, it is detected that a part of the rack 120 has been loaded into the transport device 601.
Further, the fourth sensor 634 is installed at the position c and detects that at least half of the rack 120 has been loaded into the transport device 601 in rack transport in the second direction.

Further, the transfer device 601 of this embodiment has a moving means for moving the rack 120, a first sensor 631, a second sensor 632, a third sensor 633 and a fourth sensor 63.
4 and the connection control means 612 or 61 of the downstream device in the moving direction of the transfer device 601.
And a control circuit 611 that controls the moving direction and the drive of the moving means based on the transport information supplied from 0.

The moving means includes a conveyor belt 617 for conveying the rack 120, a motor 616 for operating the conveyor belt 617, and control signals CON and C from the control circuit 611.
Drive circuit 61 for driving motor 616 based on ON '
5 is provided.

The transport information from the control circuit or the connection control means 612 is a stop input signal STi indicating that the rack 120 is prohibited from being carried into the apparatus 602 on the downstream side in the first direction. The transport information from the connection control means 610 is a stop input signal STi ′ indicating that the carry-in of the rack 120 to the downstream device or the like 602 in the second direction is prohibited.

Therefore, in the control circuit 611, in the case of rack transportation in the first direction, when the stop input signal STi is active when the third sensor 633 detects the arrival of the rack 120 at the carry-out port. The moving means is stopped, and when the stop input signal STi is inactive, the moving means is operated. In the case of rack transport in the second direction, when the first sensor 631 detects the arrival of the rack 120 at the carry-out port, if the stop input signal STi ′ is active, the moving means is stopped and the stop input is stopped. When the signal STi 'is inactive, the moving means is activated.

That is, in the case of rack transportation in the first direction, when the rack 120 reaches the carry-out port at the position d, the stop input signal STi is active and the rack to the apparatus 602 on the downstream side in the moving direction. If transportation is prohibited,
The conveyance belt 617 is stopped to make the rack 120 stand by at the position d, and then the stop input signal STi becomes inactive, and when the rack carry-in to the apparatus 602 on the downstream side in the first direction is permitted, the carry is carried. The belt 617 is operated to carry out the rack 120 to the apparatus 602.

On the other hand, in the case of rack transportation in the second direction, when the rack 120 reaches the carry-out port at the position a, the stop input signal STi 'is active and is transmitted to the apparatus 600 on the downstream side in the moving direction. If the rack loading of the rack is prohibited, the transport belt 617 is stopped and the rack 120 is moved to the position a.
And then the stop input signal STi ′ becomes non-active, and the device 6 on the downstream side in the second direction
At the time when the rack loading into 00 has been permitted, the transport belt 6
17 is operated and the rack 120 is carried out to the apparatus 600.

Further, in the control circuit 611, in the case of rack transportation in the first direction, after the second sensor 632 detects the rack loading, the third sensor 633 detects the rack unloading. , A stop output signal STo indicating that the rack carry-in to the transfer device 601 is prohibited is output to the upstream device 600 in the first direction as active, and on the other hand, in the case of rack transfer in the second direction. After the fourth sensor 634 detects the rack carry-in, until the first sensor 631 detects the rack carry-out, the rack carry-in to the carrier device 601 is performed with respect to the device 602 on the upstream side in the second direction. The stop output signal STo ′ indicating that the above is prohibited is output as active.

The installation position a of the first sensor 631 and the second position
The distance d between the installation position b of the sensor 632 and the distance d between the installation position d of the third sensor 633 and the installation position c of the fourth sensor 634 are set shorter than the length of the rack 120. This is because even when a plurality of racks 120 are continuously conveyed, the second sensor 632 detects that most (at least half) of the first rack 120 has been carried in, and the stop output signal STo or This is because when STo ′ becomes active, the subsequent rack is not carried into the transport device 601 and is retained in the upstream device 600 or 602 in the moving direction.

Also, the distance between the installation position of the second sensor 632 and the installation position of the third sensor 630 in the upstream device 600, and the installation position of the fourth sensor 632 and the first sensor in the upstream device 602. The distance from the installation position of 635 is set longer than the length of the rack 120. This is because when a plurality of racks 120 are continuously conveyed, the second sensor 632 or the fourth sensor 634 detects that most (at least half) of the first rack 120 has been carried in and stops. This is for ensuring that the third sensor 630 or the first sensor 635 in the upstream apparatus 600 or 602 detects the subsequent rack when the output signal STo or STo ′ becomes active.

With the above construction, in the transfer apparatus of the present embodiment, bidirectional rack transfer control can be performed by one transfer apparatus, so that the apparatus 60 on the downstream side with respect to the moving direction of the rack can be controlled.
The number of racks carried out to 2 or 600 can be limited, the congestion of the rack 120 does not occur on the transfer line, the rack does not overflow on the transfer line, the racks are mixed up, or the rack is contaminated. In addition, it is possible to prevent artificial rack replacement errors, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to realize a transfer device with a simpler hardware control configuration and the like, and more advanced transfer control becomes possible.

When the transport apparatus of this embodiment is applied to the sample transport system shown in FIG. 3, the rack 120 is transported in a direction opposite to the normal transport direction from the start stocker 304 to the terminal stocker 316. If
For example, when reinspecting the rack 120 (sample 301) held in the rack buffer 317,
From the rack buffer 317 to various analyzers 311a-1 ...
Rack transportation to 311a-n can be smoothly performed only by switching the control of the transportation direction, and an efficient sample transportation system can be constructed with a smaller device configuration.

Although a detailed description of the concrete circuit configuration of the control circuit 611 in the carrier device of the present embodiment is omitted, for example, the fourth circuit is different from the circuit configuration of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4). A latch which is set by the output SD1 of the sensor 634 and is reset and controlled by the output SA1 of the first sensor 631 and the power reset signal PRES;
A circuit for generating a control signal CON 'from the stop output signal STo' which is the output of the latch, the output SC1 of the third sensor 633, the latch output, the output SA1 of the first sensor 631 and the stock input signal STi ', and Control signal C
A drive circuit 615 that controls the moving direction and drive of the motor 616 based on ON and CON 'can be added.

[Modification] Although the output Q of the latch 410 is used as the stop output signal STo in the first embodiment, the latch 410 is composed of an up-down counter that counts up to a predetermined number. May be used as the stop output signal STo.

That is, the contents of the up / down counter are counted up when the second sensor 132 detects the rack loading, and the contents of the up / down counter are counted down when the third sensor 133 detects the rack unloading. When the counter overflows, the transfer device 101 is transferred to the upstream device 100.
Stop output signal S indicating that rack loading into the rack is prohibited
In this configuration, To is output as active (valid).
The same applies to the second embodiment.

Further, in the first embodiment, as the transport information, the stop input signal STi indicating that the rack 120 is prohibited from being loaded into the downstream device 102, and the transport device 101. From the rack 120 to the transport device 101 that is supplied to the upstream device 100
Although the stop input signal STo indicating the prohibition of the carrying-in is used, other than this, error information may be included in the notification.

That is, in the control circuit 111, the first sensor 131, the second sensor 132 and / or the third sensor 1
Based on the detection result of 33, when an abnormality in rack transportation in the transportation apparatus 101 is detected, the transportation apparatus 1
The error information is notified to the upstream device 100 or the downstream device 102 of 01. The same applies to the second embodiment.

As an example of an abnormal state of rack transportation, for example, a state in which the output SC1 of the third sensor 133 continues to be active although the stop input signal STi is inactive, or the first sensor 131 outputs Output SA
When the output SB1 of the first sensor 132 and the output SB1 of the second sensor 132 remain active, it is considered that the rack is clogged at the position c or the position b, or the output SC1 of the third sensor 133 (stop output). Signal ST
o) is active but the first sensor 131
When the output SA1 and the output SB1 of the second sensor 132 become active, it is considered that a hardware failure such as a circuit abnormality has occurred. Therefore, the data to which a bit is assigned for each of these various types of failures is used as error information and the upstream device 100 or the downstream device 102 is used.
Should be notified.

[0086]

As described above, according to the transport apparatus in the sample transport system of the first feature of the present invention, the first
The sensor detects that a part of the rack has been loaded into the transport device, the second sensor detects that at least half of the rack has been loaded into the transport device, and the third sensor detects that the rack is in the transport device. Reaching the carry-out port,
In addition, it is to detect that the rack has been carried out from the transfer device, and the control means uses the first sensor and the second sensor.
Based on the detection result of the sensor and / or the third sensor, and the transport information supplied from the device connected to the downstream side of the transport device, drive control of the moving means is performed,
The position of the rack 120 in the transport device is confirmed from the detection results of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and when the rack reaches the carry-out port, the device connected to the downstream side of the transport device Since it is determined whether or not the device can be carried into the device based on the transfer information, even if a plurality of transfer devices are continuously connected to form a transfer line,
It is possible to limit the number of racks to be carried out to a downstream transfer device or processing device, and the congestion of the racks does not occur on the transfer line. The racks overflow on the transfer line and the racks are mixed up or the racks are contaminated. In addition, it is possible to prevent artificial rack replacement errors, etc. As a result, it is possible to realize a transfer device with a simpler hardware control configuration, etc., and to provide a transfer device that enables more advanced transfer control. can do.

Further, according to the transport apparatus in the sample transport system of the second feature, when the rack is moved in the first direction, the same operation as the transport apparatus in the sample transport system of the first feature is performed, and On the other hand, when the rack is moved in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the third sensor detects that a part of the rack has been loaded into the transport device, and the fourth sensor detects at least the rack. Detecting that one half of the rack has been loaded into the transport device, and that the rack has reached the transport port of the transport device by the first sensor, and
It is to be detected that the rack has been unloaded from the transfer device, and the control means is connected to the detection result of the third sensor, the fourth sensor and / or the first sensor and the downstream side in the rack moving direction of the transfer device. Based on the transfer information supplied from the device, the moving direction control and drive control of the moving means are performed, and when moving in the first direction,
From the detection results of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and when moving in the second direction, the rack positions in the transport device are respectively determined from the detection results of the third sensor, the fourth sensor, and the first sensor. At the same time as the confirmation, when the rack reaches the carry-out port, it is decided whether or not the device can be carried in based on the transport information from the device connected to the downstream side of the rack moving direction of the transport device. So
For example, even if a plurality of transfer devices are continuously connected to form a transfer line, the number of racks to be carried out to a transfer device or a processing device on the downstream side with respect to the rack moving direction can be limited, and the racks on the transfer line can be limited. There is no traffic congestion, no racks overflow on the transfer line, the racks are mixed up, the racks are not contaminated, and artificial mistakes in rack replacement can be prevented. It is possible to realize a transfer device with a configuration such as hardware control, and it is possible to provide a transfer device capable of more advanced transfer control.

Further, since the bidirectional rack transfer control can be performed by one transfer device, even when the rack is transferred in the direction opposite to the normal transfer direction, for example, when re-inspection is performed, the rack is re-inspected. Eliminates the need for new installation of various analyzers for inspection, the construction of a transport line with forward and return paths, or the configuration of a loop-shaped transport line, thus constructing an efficient sample transport system with fewer device configurations can do.

Further, according to the transporting device in the sample transporting system of the third feature, as the transporting information, a stop indicating prohibiting rack loading into a device connected to the downstream side in the rack moving direction of the transporting device. When the stop signal is valid when the third sensor or the first sensor detects the arrival of the rack at the outlet using the signal, the moving means is stopped, and when the stop signal is invalid, Since the moving means is operated, for example, even if a plurality of transfer devices are continuously connected to form a transfer line, the transfer is carried out to the transfer device or the processing device on the downstream side in the rack moving direction by simple hardware control. It is possible to provide a transfer device that can limit the number of racks to be used and can suppress the congestion of racks.

According to the transport apparatus of the sample transport system of the fourth feature, in the control means, after the second sensor or the fourth sensor detects the rack loading, the third sensor or the first sensor unloads the rack. Until the detection, a stop signal indicating that rack loading into the transport device is prohibited is output to the device connected upstream in the rack moving direction of the transport device as valid. A device connected to the upstream side in the rack movement direction of the transfer device does not carry a new rack into the transfer device while the stop signal is valid. Therefore, the number of racks in the transfer device can be set to 1 by simple hardware control. Therefore, it is possible to provide a transfer device that can be limited to the above and can suppress the occurrence of rack congestion.

Further, according to the transporting device in the sample transporting system of the fifth feature, the counting means in the control means increments the counting content when the second sensor or the fourth sensor detects rack loading, and When the sensor or the first sensor detects rack unloading, the counting content is decremented, and when the counting content of the counting means exceeds a predetermined number, a device connected to the upstream side in the rack moving direction of the carrying device is Then, the stop signal indicating that the rack loading into the transport device is prohibited is output as valid, and the device connected upstream in the rack moving direction of the transport device is newly activated while the stop signal is active. Since the racks are not loaded into the transfer device, the number of racks in the transfer device can be limited to a specified number with simple hardware control. It is possible to provide a conveying apparatus capable of suppressing the occurrence of congestion.

Further, according to the transporting device in the sample transporting system of the sixth feature, the transporting device is based on the detection results of the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor and / or the fourth sensor in the control means. When an abnormality in rack transportation is detected, the error information is notified to a device connected upstream or downstream in the rack movement direction of the transportation device. For example, in the rack movement direction of the transportation device. If the device connected to the upstream side or the downstream side is provided with a control unit including a processor connected to a host computer that controls the transport control of the entire sample transport system, the host is connected via the control unit. The error information is notified to the computer, the user is notified by outputting the error information to the console, etc. Since determination to thereby canceling the problem such as failure, it is possible to provide a specimen transport system that can rapidly deal with troubles such as failure.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a transport device in a sample transport system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 (a) is a perspective view of a rack, and FIG. 2 (b) is a perspective view of a transfer device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a specific configuration diagram of a sample transport system in which the transport device of the embodiment is incorporated.

FIG. 4 is a specific circuit diagram of a control circuit in the transport device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

5 is a timing chart of each signal in the control circuit of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a transport device in a sample transport system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 upstream transport device or connection unit 101,601 transport device 102 downstream transport device or connection unit 600,602 transport device or connection unit 110,610 (upstream side) control circuit or connection control means 111,611 control circuit (Control means) 112,612 (Downstream side) control circuit or connection control means 115-117,615-617 Moving means 115,615 Drive circuit 116,616 Motor 117,617 Conveyor belt 120 Rack 130 Sensor 131 of apparatus 100, 631 1st sensor 132,632 2nd sensor 133,633 3rd sensor 634 4th sensor 134,135 Device 102 sensor 630 Device 600 sensor 635,636 Device 602 sensor STi, STi ′ Stop input signal (stop signal ) STo, STo 'stop output signal (stop signal) CON, CON' control signal 201 test tube 202 sample label 211 rack label 301 sample 303 transport line 304 start stocker 305 console (input / output means) 311a-1 to 311a-n, 311b Various analyzers 312a-1 to 312a-n, 312b Connection unit 313a-1 to 313a-n, 313b Connection control means 314, 315 Turntable 316 Terminal stocker 317 Rack buffer 318 Buffer control means 321 Host computer (overall control means) 322 CPU 323 Sample information database 324 Rack information database 325 Analysis result information database 331a, 331b, 332-1 to 332-n, 333
-335 Bar code reader 351 Buffer part 361 Data communication means 362b Signal transmission means 401-404 NOT gate 405-407 NAND gate 408 AND gate 410 Latch 411 Relay circuit 412 AC power supply 413 Falling edge detection circuit 421-425 Input terminal or output Terminal PRES Power reset signal

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A transport device in a sample transport system for moving a rack containing a predetermined number of samples in a predetermined direction,
A first sensor that detects that part of the rack has been loaded into the transfer device; and a second sensor that detects that at least half of the rack has been loaded into the transfer device.
A third sensor that detects that the rack has reached the carry-out port of the transfer device and that the rack has been transferred from the transfer device, a moving unit that moves the rack, the first sensor, the Control means for controlling the drive of the moving means based on the detection results of the second sensor and / or the third sensor, and the transport information supplied from the device connected to the downstream side of the transport device. A transport apparatus in a sample transport system characterized by the above. 2. A transport apparatus in a sample transport system for moving a rack containing a predetermined number of samples in one of a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein When moving the rack in the direction, it is detected that a part of the rack has been loaded into the transport device, and when moving the rack in the second direction, the rack has reached the transport port of the transport device, And a first detecting that the rack has been unloaded from the transport device.
A sensor, a second sensor that detects that at least half of the rack has been loaded into the transport device when moving the rack in the first direction, and a second sensor that moves the rack in the first direction. When it is detected that the rack has reached the carry-out port of the transfer device and that the rack has been transferred from the transfer device, and when the rack is moved in the second direction, a part of the rack is transferred. A third sensor for detecting that the rack has been loaded into the device, a fourth sensor that detects that at least half of the rack has been loaded into the transport device when the rack is moved in the second direction, and the rack Moving means for moving the sensor, the detection results of the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor and / or the fourth sensor, and the moving direction of the transport device. There are based on the conveyance information supplied from the device connected to the downstream side, the transport apparatus in the specimen transport system characterized by having a control unit for moving the direction control and the drive control of the moving means. 3. The transport information includes a stop signal indicating that rack loading into a device connected downstream in the moving direction of the transport device is prohibited, and the control means includes:
When the third sensor or the first sensor detects the arrival of the rack at the carry-out port, the moving means is stopped when the stop signal is valid, and the moving means is stopped when the stop signal is invalid. The transport device in the sample transport system according to claim 1, wherein the transport device operates the means. 4. The control means, when the rack is moved in a predetermined direction or the first direction, until the third sensor detects rack carry-out after the second sensor detects rack carry-in. While the rack is in the second
When moving in the direction, the fourth sensor detects a rack carry-in, and until the first sensor detects a rack carry-out, with respect to a device connected to the upstream side in the moving direction of the transport device. The transport device in the sample transport system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a stop signal indicating that the rack loading into the transport device is prohibited is output as valid. 5. The control means increments the count content when the second sensor detects rack loading when the rack is moved in a predetermined direction or the first direction, and the third sensor unloads the rack. When the count content is decremented when detected, and when the rack is moved in the second direction, the count content is incremented when the fourth sensor detects rack carry-in, and when the first sensor detects rack carry-out. The counting means has a counting means for decrementing the counting content, and when the counting content exceeds a predetermined number, the counting means transfers the device connected to the upstream side in the moving direction of the carrying device to the carrying device. 5. The sample transport system according to claim 1, wherein a stop signal indicating that the rack loading is prohibited is output as valid. Transport device on the stem. 6. The control means includes the first sensor and the second sensor.
Based on the detection results of the sensor, the third sensor, and / or the fourth sensor, when an abnormality in rack transport in the transport device is detected, the device connected to the upstream side or the downstream side in the moving direction of the transport device 6. The transport device in the sample transport system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein error information is reported.