JP5198096B2 - Analysis equipment - Google Patents

Description

This invention is related to analysis apparatus.

  Conventionally, an analyzer that measures a sample and generates an analysis result is known (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  In Patent Document 1, a blood analyzer in which a display device and a detection unit that detects a specimen sample are housed in one housing (housing) is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 2, a sample analyzer including an apparatus main body (measurement unit), a sampler unit (transport apparatus) that transports a sample container to the apparatus main body, and a data processing terminal including a display unit that displays an analysis result is disclosed. It is disclosed.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a sample analyzer including a sample analysis main body device (measurement unit) and a sample container supply device (transport device) that transports a sample container to the sample analysis main body device.

  Facilities such as hospitals and inspection centers that use such analyzers vary in scale. In a small-scale facility, the number of samples per day is about several to several tens, so an analyzer with high sample processing capacity is not required, and a small and inexpensive analyzer is required. On the other hand, in a large-scale facility, the number of samples per day is several hundreds, so an analyzer having a high sample processing capacity is required even if it is large and expensive. For example, many analyzers such as Patent Document 1 are delivered to small-scale facilities, and many analyzers such as Patent Document 3 are delivered to large-scale facilities. Many analysis apparatuses such as the above-mentioned Patent Document 2 are delivered to facilities of an intermediate scale.

JP 2003-83960 A JP 2005-257450 A JP 2007-139462 A

  However, in order to meet the demands from the facilities as described above, it is necessary to individually develop and design the analysis devices as shown in Patent Documents 1 to 3 according to the facility scale. There is a problem that it is difficult to share parts in the analyzer and it is necessary for a long time for development and design.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to analyze blood cells that can flexibly respond to the scale of a facility that uses the analyzer. Is to provide a device.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

To achieve the above object, first of analysis devices that put the aspect comprises a plurality of measuring units for measuring the test bodies, a plurality of samples held in one sample rack of the present invention the were fed in distribution to the plurality of measurement units, a analysis apparatus for measuring the supplied specimen in each measurement unit, the first and the second measurement unit generates measurement data by measuring the test bodies And a sample rack holding a plurality of samples in a first direction from the first measurement unit toward the second measurement unit and in a second direction opposite to the first direction. a transfer device for transferring each sample held in one sample rack to each of the plurality of measurement units, analyzing the measurement data generated by each measurement unit, generates an analysis result of the sample, minute A display unit for displaying the results and analysis results to each measurement unit having a communication unit for transmitting to the host computer and a common control device.

In the first analysis device that by the aspect of the invention, as described above, analyzing a plurality of measurement units of the same type to each other, a conveying device for conveying the sample to each of the plurality of measurement units, the measurement data By providing a common display device for multiple measurement units that display the analysis results generated by this, the number of measurement units can be increased or decreased without changing the number of transfer devices and display devices. it is possible to easily, can alter the capacity and price analysis device. Thus, in the large scale facility, by increasing the number of measurement units, easily, it is possible to enhance the processing capability of analysis apparatus, in a small scale facility, reducing the number of measurement units by easily, it is possible to suppress the price analysis system, using the analyzer facility in accordance with the scale, it is possible to flexibly cope. Further, since the use of the same type of measuring units, a part of each measurement unit can be shared, as a result, it is possible to shorten the period for the development and design of the analysis device. In addition, a control device common to a plurality of measurement units that analyze measurement data and generate analysis results is further provided, and the control device includes a display unit and a communication unit. With this configuration, even when the number of measurement units is increased, the analysis result can be displayed by one control device and the analysis result can be transmitted to the host computer. In addition, a sample rack holding a plurality of samples in a first direction from the first measurement unit toward the second measurement unit and a second direction opposite to the first direction can be transported. If comprised in this way, since the magnitude | size of a conveying apparatus can be reduced compared with the case where multiple conveying paths are provided, the whole analyzer can be reduced in size.

In this case, the control device is preferably configured to control operations of the plurality of measurement units. If comprised in this way, in order to control operation | movement of a some measurement unit, since it is not necessary to provide a control apparatus for every measurement unit, it can suppress that a number of parts increases.
The control device is configured to control the operation of the transfer device .
Preferably, the specimen is blood and the measurement unit is configured to measure blood cells in the blood.
Preferably, the transport device is configured to transport a rack in which a blood sample is housed and which can hold a plurality of sample containers sealed by a sealing lid. The unit grips and removes a sample container held in a transported rack, and swings like a pendulum, a sample container moving unit that moves the sample container swung by the hand part, and a sample A sample aspirating unit configured to penetrate the sealing lid of the sample container moved by the container moving unit with a needle and to aspirate a blood sample;
In this case, the hand unit preferably holds the sample container held in the rack and then moves upward, swings the sample container, and moves downward to set the sample container in the sample container moving unit. , Configured to release the grip.
In the above configuration, preferably, each measurement unit further includes a measurement-side barcode reading unit that reads a barcode attached to the sample container moved by the sample container moving unit.
In this case, preferably, a presence / absence detection sensor for detecting the presence / absence of the sample container in the rack being transported by the transport device, and a transport side barcode reading for reading the barcode attached to the sample container detected by the presence / absence detection sensor Each measurement unit is configured to read again the barcode read by the conveyance-side barcode reading unit by the measurement-side barcode reading unit.

In analysis device that by the above-described first aspect, preferably, conveyance device, a rack holding a plurality of sample container containing a test body, a first measuring unit of the plurality of measuring units first A plurality of sample containers are distributed to the first and second measurement units by being alternately conveyed to the two measurement units. With this configuration, a plurality of sample containers accommodated in the rack can be transported to a plurality of different measurement units. For example, after one sample container accommodated in the rack is transported to the measurement unit, measurement is performed. Another sample container accommodated in the rack can be transported to a different measurement unit without waiting for the measurement operation of the sample transported to the unit to end. Thereby, a some sample can be efficiently conveyed to a measurement unit.
In the analyzer according to the first aspect, preferably, a third measurement unit that is installed on the downstream side in the first direction of the second measurement unit as a plurality of measurement units and that generates measurement data by measuring a sample is further provided. The transport device is configured to transport each sample held in one sample rack to each of the first, second, and third measurement units.

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

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2-8 is a figure for demonstrating the detail of each part of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. First, with reference to FIGS. 1-8, the whole structure of the blood analyzer 1 by 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In the first embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a blood analyzer which is an example of an analyzer will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blood analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is housed in one housing 10 (see FIG. 1), and the first measurement unit 2 and the second second are of the same type. Two measurement units of the measurement unit 3, a sample transport device (sampler) 4 arranged on the front side of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3, a first measurement unit 2, a second measurement unit 3 and a sample And a control device 5 including a PC (personal computer) electrically connected to the transport device 4. The blood analyzer 1 is connected to a host computer 6 (see FIG. 2) by a control device 5. Here, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 are the same type of measurement unit, and measure the sample for the same measurement item using the same measurement principle. Note that the same type means not only a case where two measurement units measure a sample for completely the same measurement item, but also a plurality of measurement items by the first measurement unit 2 and a plurality of measurement items by the second measurement unit 3. Including the case where is partially common. The blood analyzer 1 is not a transport system in which a plurality of analyzers are connected by a conventional transport device, but a stand-alone analyzer. In addition, the blood analyzer 1 may be incorporated in the transport system.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 are in a mirror shape symmetrical with respect to the center line between the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3. Has been placed. As shown in FIG. 2, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 respectively include sample suction units 21 and 31 for sucking blood as a sample from a sample container (test tube) 100, and a sample suction unit. Sample preparation units 22 and 32 for preparing detection samples from the blood aspirated by 21 and 31; detection units 23 and 33 for detecting blood cells of the blood from detection samples prepared by the sample preparation units 22 and 32; Is included. Further, each of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 takes the sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 (see FIG. 4) that is transported by the sample transport device 4 from the intake port 24 provided in the housing 10. And 34 (see FIG. 1) are further included, and sample container transport sections 25 and 35 for transporting the sample container 100 to the suction position (see FIG. 2) by the sample suction sections 21 and 31 are further included.

  Needles (not shown) are provided at the distal ends of the specimen aspirating parts 21 and 31, respectively. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the sample aspirating units 21 and 31 are configured to be movable in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction). Further, the specimen aspirating units 21 and 31 are configured to pass through the sealing lid of the sample container 100 conveyed to the aspirating position by moving downward, and aspirate the blood inside.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Here, in the first embodiment, the sample transport device 4 uses the sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 in each measurement unit in order to transport the sample to each of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3. It has the function to convey on the single conveyance path to the position of. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the sample transport device 4 holds the pre-analysis rack capable of holding a plurality of racks 101 in which the sample containers 100 for storing the sample before the analysis is performed. Unit 41, post-analysis rack holding unit 42 capable of holding a plurality of racks 101 in which sample containers 100 for storing specimens after analysis are held, and rack 101 horizontally in the direction of arrow X A rack transport unit 43 that moves linearly, a barcode reading unit 44, a presence / absence detection sensor 45 that detects the presence / absence of the sample container 100, and a rack delivery unit 46 that moves the rack 101 into the post-analysis rack holding unit 42 are included. It is out.

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

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

  The rack transport unit 43 has two belts, a first belt 431 and a second belt 432, which can move independently of each other. Further, the width b1 (see FIG. 5) of the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 in the arrow Y direction is less than half the width B of the rack 101 in the arrow Y direction. For this reason, when the rack transport unit 43 transports the rack 101, the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 are both arranged in parallel so as not to protrude from the width B of the rack 101. The first belt 431 and the second belt 432 are formed in an annular shape, and are arranged so as to surround the rollers 431a to 431c and the rollers 432a to 432c, respectively. In addition, inner widths w1 (see FIG. 6) and w2 (see FIG. 7) that are slightly larger (for example, about 1 mm) than the width W in the arrow X direction of the rack 101 are provided on the outer peripheral portions of the first belt 431 and the second belt 432. ), Two protrusion pieces 431d and 432d are formed. The first belt 431 is configured to move the rack 101 in the arrow X direction by being moved on the outer periphery of the rollers 431a to 431c by a stepping motor (not shown) while the rack 101 is held inside the protruding piece 431d. Has been. Specifically, with respect to the moving direction of the first belt 431, the protrusion 101 431d arranged on the rear side contacts the rack 101 so that the rack 101 is pushed in the moving direction of the first belt 431. Is done. Further, when the rack 101 is moved, the bottom of the rack 101 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the other second belt 432, but the frictional force between the bottom of the rack 101 and the outer peripheral surface of the second belt 432 is The pressing force in the moving direction of the rack 101 by the protruding piece 431d is extremely small. For this reason, the first belt 431 can independently move the rack 101 regardless of whether or not the second belt 432 moves. The second belt 432 is configured in the same manner as the first belt 431.

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

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

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

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the control device 5 includes a personal computer (PC) and the like, and includes a control unit 51 including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, a display unit 52, and an input device 53. . The control device 5 is provided for controlling the operations of both the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3.

  Next, the configuration of the control device 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the control device 5 is configured by a computer 500 mainly composed of a control unit 51, a display unit 52, and an input device 53. The control unit 51 mainly includes a CPU 51a, a ROM 51b, a RAM 51c, a hard disk 51d, a reading device 51e, an input / output interface 51f, a communication interface 51g, and an image output interface 51h. The CPU 51a, ROM 51b, RAM 51c, hard disk 51d, reading device 51e, input / output interface 51f, communication interface 51g, and image output interface 51h are connected by a bus 51i.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The image output interface 51h is connected to a display unit 52 constituted by an LCD or a CRT, and is configured to output a video signal corresponding to the image data given from the CPU 51a to the display unit 52. The display unit 52 displays an image (screen) such as an analysis result in accordance with the input video signal.

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

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

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the measurement processing operation by the measurement processing program of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an analysis result screen displayed on the display unit of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Next, with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, the measurement processing operation by the measurement processing programs 54a and 54b of the blood analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. The first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 measure the component to be analyzed in the same manner. Therefore, the case where the first measurement unit 2 measures the component to be analyzed will be described below as a representative. To do.

  First, in step S1, the sample is aspirated by the sample aspiration unit 21 from the sample container 100 that has been transported to the aspiration position (see FIG. 2). In step S2, a sample for detection is prepared from the aspirated specimen by the sample preparation unit 22, and in step S3, the component to be analyzed is detected from the sample for detection by the detection unit. Then, in step S4, the measurement data is transmitted from the first measurement unit 2 to the control device 5, and in step S5, the component to be analyzed is analyzed by the control unit 51 based on the transmitted measurement result. Thereafter, in step S6, as shown in FIG. 10, an analysis result screen is displayed on the display unit 52. In step S7, the analysis result is transmitted from the control device 5 to the host computer 6. In the analysis result screen shown in FIG. 10, the measurement unit number is displayed together with the analysis result (WBC, RBC, HBC, etc.) for each sample so that the measurement unit in which the measurement is performed can be identified.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S <b> 53, the first sample container 100 is clamped by the first measurement unit 2, and the needle (not shown) of the sample aspirating unit 21 is pierced and penetrated by the sealing lid of the sample container 100. Further, both the leading rack 101 and the trailing rack 101 are moved in the forward feed direction. Thereafter, in step S54, the sample in the first sample container 100 is aspirated by the sample aspirating unit 21 in the first measurement unit 2, and the second sample container 100 is removed by the hand unit 351 of the second measurement unit 3. It is taken out from the trailing rack 101. At this time, the leading rack 101 is retracted at the rack delivery position as shown in the state 54 of FIG. In step S55, in the first measurement unit 2, the first sample container 100 is taken out from the sample setting unit 255a by the hand unit 251 and the sample aspirated by the sample aspirating unit 21 is prepared, stirred, and analyzed. Is done. In addition, the specimen in the second sample container 100 held by the hand unit 351 in the second measurement unit 3 is agitated, and the trailing rack 101 is moved in the forward feed direction.

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

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

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

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

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 of the same type, and the sample transport device 4 that transports the sample to each of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3. And the display unit 52 common to the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 for displaying the analysis results generated by analyzing the measurement data, the number of the sample transport devices 4 and the display units 52 is provided. Since the number of measurement units can be increased or decreased without changing the processing unit, the processing capability and price of the blood analyzer 1 can be easily changed. Thereby, in a large-scale facility, the processing capacity of the blood analyzer 1 can be easily increased by increasing the number of measurement units, and in a small-scale facility, the number of measurement units is reduced. As a result, the price of the blood analyzer 1 can be easily reduced, so that it is possible to flexibly cope with the scale of the facility using the blood analyzer 1. In addition, since the same type of measurement unit is used, the components of each measurement unit can be shared, and as a result, the time required for development and design of the blood analyzer 1 can be shortened.

  Further, in the first embodiment, by housing the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 in one housing 10, both the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 can be used in terms of temperature and humidity. Can be made to have substantially the same environment, so that it is possible to suppress variation in analysis results due to differences in the environment.

  In the first embodiment, the sample transport device 4 is configured to transport the sample container 100 on a single transport path, so that the size of the sample transport apparatus 4 is larger than when a plurality of transport paths are provided. Since the blood analyzer 1 can be downsized, the entire blood analyzer 1 can be downsized.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the blood analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 19, in the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, blood analyzer 200 in which first measurement unit 2 and second measurement unit 3 are housed in separate casings 201 and 202, respectively. Will be described.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the first measurement unit 2 is housed in the housing 201, and the second measurement unit 3 is housed in the housing 202.

  The remaining structure of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, by accommodating the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 in the separate casings 201 and 202, the size of each casing can be reduced. . As a result, the user can easily remove the housing from the measurement unit, so that the burden on the user when performing maintenance and inspection of the measurement unit can be reduced.

  The remaining effects of the second embodiment are similar to those of the aforementioned first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the blood analyzer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a measurement unit and a sample transport device of the blood analyzer according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, in the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the first measurement unit 7 and the second measurement unit 8 are not mirror-like and have substantially the same structure. The blood analyzer 300 is described.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, blood analyzer 300 is housed in one housing 301 (see FIG. 20), and has first and second measurement units 7 and 2 having substantially the same structure. Two measurement units of the measurement unit 8, a sample transport device (sampler) 4 arranged on the front side of the first measurement unit 7 and the second measurement unit 8, a first measurement unit 7, a second measurement unit 8 and a sample And a control device 5 including a PC (personal computer) electrically connected to the transport device 4. Blood analyzer 300 is connected to host computer 6 (see FIG. 21) by control device 5.

  The first measurement unit 7 and the second measurement unit 8 are substantially the same type of measurement unit (in the third embodiment, the second measurement unit 8 uses the same measurement principle as the first measurement unit 7). The second measurement unit 8 also measures the measurement items that the first measurement unit 7 does not analyze) and is arranged adjacent to each other. Further, the first measurement unit 7 and the second measurement unit 8 are respectively sample suction units 71 and 81 for sucking blood as a sample from the sample container (test tube) 100 and blood sucked by the sample suction units 71 and 81. Sample preparation units 72 and 82 for preparing detection samples from the above, and detection units 73 and 83 for detecting blood cells of blood from the detection samples prepared by the sample preparation units 72 and 82. In addition, the first measurement unit 7 and the second measurement unit 8 are respectively intake ports 74 and 84 (into the sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 (see FIG. 4) carried by the sample transport device 4). 20) and sample container transport sections 75 and 85 for taking the sample container 100 from the rack 101 and transporting the sample container 100 to the suction position (see FIG. 21) by the sample suction sections 71 and 81. Yes. Further, on the outer surfaces of the first measurement unit 7 and the second measurement unit 8, there are provided sample set section opening / closing buttons 76 and 86 and priority sample measurement start buttons 77 and 87, respectively.

  The sample container transport parts 75 and 85 have hand parts 751 and 851 that can hold the sample container 100, respectively. In addition, the sample container transport parts 75 and 85 hold the sample container 100 acquired from the rack 101 by the hand parts 751 and 851 in the sample setting parts 752a and 852a, respectively, and move the arrows to the suction positions of the sample suction parts 71 and 81. It further includes sample container moving parts 752 and 852 that move horizontally in the Y direction and bar code reading parts 753 and 853.

  The hand units 751 and 851 are respectively disposed above the transport path of the rack 101 that the sample transport device 4 transports. In addition, the hand units 751 and 851 respectively sample the first providing position 43a for providing the specimen to the first measuring unit 7 and the second providing position 43b for providing the specimen to the second measuring unit 8. When the container 100 is transported, the sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 is gripped.

  The sample container moving parts 752 and 852 are configured to horizontally move the sample setting parts 752a and 852a in the direction of the arrow Y by the power of a stepping motor (not shown). Thereby, the sample container moving units 752 and 852 can transport the sample container 100 set in the sample setting units 752a and 852a to the priority sample setting position, the stirring position, the barcode reading position, and the suction position. . Further, the sample container moving sections 752 and 852 pass the sample container 100 by passing over the transport path of the rack 101 so as to intersect the transport path of the rack 101 transported in the direction of the arrow X in plan view. Is configured to do. The sample setting sections 752a and 852a are configured to be moved to the priority sample setting position (see FIG. 21) when the user presses the sample setting section open / close buttons 76 and 86 (see FIG. 20). . The sample container moving parts 752 and 852 are configured to clamp (fix) the sample container 100 at the respective suction positions by a restriction part (not shown).

  The sample setting unit open / close buttons 76 and 86 are configured to be pressed by the user when measuring the priority sample.

  The priority sample measurement start buttons 77 and 87 are configured to be pressed by the user. When the user presses the priority sample measurement start buttons 77 and 87 after setting the priority sample in the sample setting portions 752a and 852a, the sample setting portions 752a and 852a in which the priority sample is set are taken into the measurement unit. The measurement is started.

  The remaining structure of the third embodiment is similar to that of the aforementioned first embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, as described above, by providing the first measurement unit 7 and the second measurement unit 8 having substantially the same structure, it is not necessary to develop and design each measurement unit separately. The time required for the development and design of the measurement unit can be shortened. Thereby, the period concerning development and design of the whole blood analyzer 300 can be shortened.

  The remaining effects of the third embodiment are similar to those of the aforementioned first embodiment.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a measurement unit and a sample transport device of the blood analyzer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 22, in the fourth embodiment, unlike the third embodiment, a blood analyzer including three measurement units of a first measurement unit 7, a second measurement unit 8, and a third measurement unit 9. 400 will be described.

  In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the blood analyzer 400 includes three measurement units, a first measurement unit 7, a second measurement unit 8, and a third measurement unit 9, having substantially the same structure, A sample transport device (sampler) 4 disposed on the front side of the first measurement unit 7, the second measurement unit 8, and the third measurement unit 9 is provided.

  The first measurement unit 7, the second measurement unit 8, and the third measurement unit 9 are arranged adjacent to each other. The third measurement unit 9 includes a sample suction unit 91 that sucks blood as a sample from the sample container (test tube) 100, and a sample preparation unit 92 that prepares a detection sample from the blood sucked by the sample suction unit 91. And a detection unit 93 that detects blood cells of blood from the detection sample prepared by the sample preparation unit 92. Further, the third measurement unit 9 includes an intake port (not shown) for taking in the sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 (see FIG. 4) carried by the sample carrying device 4, and the sample container from the rack 101. And a sample container transport unit 95 that takes the sample 100 into the interior and transports the sample container 100 to the suction position by the sample suction unit 91.

  The sample container transport unit 95 includes a hand unit 951 capable of gripping the sample container 100 transported to the third provision position 43 c for providing the specimen to the third measurement unit 9. Further, the sample container transport unit 95 holds the sample container 100 acquired from the rack 101 by the hand unit 951 in the sample setting unit 952a, and moves linearly in the arrow Y direction horizontally to the suction position of the sample suction unit 91. It further includes a moving unit 952 and a barcode reading unit 953.

  The remaining structure of the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the aforementioned third embodiment.

  In the fourth embodiment, as described above, by providing three measurement units of the first measurement unit 7, the second measurement unit 8, and the third measurement unit 9, compared to the case of one or two measurement units, Since the specimen can be processed more quickly, it is possible to deal with a large-scale facility with a large number of specimens.

  The remaining effects of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the aforementioned third embodiment.

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

  For example, in the first to fourth embodiments, an example of a configuration in which a stirring unit is provided in each measurement unit and the sample is stirred is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an analyzer that does not stir the sample ( For example, the present invention may be applied to a biochemical measuring device and a urine analyzer. In this case, the sample may be aspirated from the sample container accommodated in the rack by moving the sample aspirating unit without providing the sample container transporting unit.

  Moreover, in the said 1st Embodiment-4th Embodiment, although the example using a blood analyzer alone was shown, this invention is not restricted to this, One of the several blood analyzers integrated in a conveyance system It may be used as a blood analyzer. Thereby, since the sample processing capacity can be further increased, it is possible to deal with a larger-scale facility.

  Moreover, in the said 1st Embodiment-4th Embodiment, although the blood analyzer which incorporated two or three measurement units of the same kind mutually was shown, this invention is not restricted to this, As shown in FIG. Alternatively, it may be a blood analyzer from which another measurement unit other than one measurement unit is removed.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, an example is shown in which one control device that controls the operation of a plurality of measurement units is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and separate control is performed for each measurement unit. An apparatus may be provided. These control devices may be incorporated in each of the first measurement unit, the second measurement unit, and the third measurement unit.

  Moreover, in the said 1st Embodiment-3rd Embodiment, although the example which provides a blood analyzer with two measurement units, a 1st measurement unit and a 2nd measurement unit, was shown, this invention is not limited to this, blood The analyzer may be provided with three or more measurement units.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, the example in which the blood analyzer is provided with the three measurement units of the first measurement unit, the second measurement unit, and the third measurement unit has been described. You may provide four or more measurement units in an analyzer.

It is the perspective view which showed the whole structure of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the measurement unit and sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the measurement unit and sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the rack and sample container of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a side view for demonstrating the sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a side view for demonstrating the sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the control apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the measurement process operation | movement by the measurement process program of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed the screen of the analysis result of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content of the measurement process (1) program 54a, the measurement process (2) program 54b, and the sampler operation | movement process program 54c. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content of the measurement process (1) program 54a, the measurement process (2) program 54b, and the sampler operation | movement process program 54c. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content of the measurement process (1) program 54a, the measurement process (2) program 54b, and the sampler operation | movement process program 54c. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content of the measurement process (1) program 54a, the measurement process (2) program 54b, and the sampler operation | movement process program 54c. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship with the rack of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a sample container, and each part. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship with the rack of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a sample container, and each part. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship with the rack of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a sample container, and each part. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship with the rack of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a sample container, and each part. It is the perspective view which showed the whole structure of the blood analyzer by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the whole structure of the blood analyzer by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the measurement unit and sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 3rd Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the measurement unit and sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1, 200, 300, 400 Blood analyzer (analyzer)
2, 7 First measurement unit 3, 8 Second measurement unit 4 Sample transport device (transport device)
5 Control Device 9 Third Measurement Unit 10, 201, 202, 301 Case 51 Control Unit (Transmission Device)
52 Display unit (display device)
100 sample container (specimen container)
101 racks

Claims (10)

Includes a plurality of measuring units for measuring the test bodies, a plurality of samples held in one sample rack fed by distributing to the plurality of measurement units, measured the supplied specimen in each measurement unit to a minute analysis apparatus,
A plurality of measurement units including a first and a second measurement unit for generating measurement data by measuring the test body,
Each of the plurality of measurement units is configured to be capable of transporting a sample rack holding a plurality of samples in a first direction from the first measurement unit toward the second measurement unit and in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A transport device for transporting each sample held in one sample rack ;
The measurement data generated by each measurement unit is analyzed to generate a sample analysis result, and a display unit for displaying the analysis result and a communication unit for transmitting the analysis result to a host computer are provided. and a common control device to the respective measurement units, analysis device. Before SL control device, the plurality of measuring units are configured to control the operation of, analysis apparatus according to claim 1. Wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the conveying apparatus, analysis apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The specimen is blood;
The analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the measuring unit is configured to measure blood cells in blood. The transport device is configured to transport a rack that contains a blood sample therein and can hold a plurality of sample containers sealed by a sealing lid,
Each measurement unit is
A hand unit that grips and removes the sample container held in the transported rack and swings in a pendulum shape;
A sample container moving unit for moving the sample container swung by the hand unit;
The sealing lid of the sample container is moved by the sample container moving portion is penetrated by the needle further includes a sample aspirating portion for aspirating the blood sample, and analysis device according to claim 4. The hand unit grips the sample container held in the rack and then moves upward, swings the sample container, and moves downward to set the sample container in the sample container moving unit and release the grip. It is configured to, analysis device according to claim 5. Each measurement unit, a measurement side bar code reader for reading a bar code affixed to the moved sample container by the sample container moving portion further comprising, analysis apparatus according to claim 5 or 6. A presence / absence detection sensor for detecting presence / absence of a sample container in a rack being transported by the transport device;
A conveyance-side barcode reading unit that reads a barcode attached to the sample container detected by the presence / absence detection sensor; and
Each measurement unit, the reading by the transport side bar code reader is configured to read the barcode again performed by the measurement side bar code reader, analysis apparatus according to claim 7. The conveying device, a rack holding a plurality of sample containers containing the test body, by conveying alternately into the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit of the plurality of measuring units, the first and second 2 measuring unit is configured to distribute a plurality of sample containers, analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8. The plurality of measurement units further includes a third measurement unit that is installed downstream in the first direction of the second measurement unit and generates measurement data by measuring a sample ,
9. The transport device according to claim 1, wherein the transport device is configured to be capable of transporting each sample held in one sample rack to each of the first, second, and third measurement units . 10 . analysis apparatus.

Images