JP7632491B2 - Analytical Instruments and Systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an analytical device that is communicatively connected to a transport device that transports a sample container containing a sample, and analyzes the sample contained in the sample container.

When analyzing samples such as blood or urine, the sample is typically dispensed from a sample container in which it is stored into another container and then analyzed by an analytical device.

Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication 2015-219023 A) discloses an analytical device equipped with a sampling device. When the opening on the top surface of a sample container storing a specimen is sealed with a cap (lid member) made of an elastic material such as rubber, the sampling device has a configuration in which a piercing member (piercer) is pierced into the cap and inserted into the sample container, and a probe (nozzle) for aspirating the specimen into the sample container through the piercing member.

In recent years, sample analysis systems for automatically analyzing samples such as blood and urine have been developed. Such sample analysis systems include one or more analyzers and a transport device that transports the samples. In general, the transport device transports the sample container to a position where the analyzer can aspirate the sample (hereinafter also referred to as the "aspirating position").

Patent document 2 (JP Patent Publication No. 2009-008558) discloses a specimen testing system that includes an insertion device into which a sample container is inserted, an opening device that opens the lid attached to the sample container, a sampling device that dispenses specimens, and an analysis device that analyzes the dispensed specimens.

JP 2015-219023 A JP 2009-008558 A

The sampling device provided in the analytical apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to dispense samples from sample containers set in a rack.

In general, a sample testing system is made by combining an analyzer configured to dispense samples in sample containers set on a rack with a transport device. The operation of dispensing samples in sample containers transported by the transport device may be performed by utilizing a mechanism for dispensing samples in sample containers set on the rack. The operation of dispensing samples in sample containers transported by the transport device is realized, for example, by making it possible to move a nozzle between an aspiration position for aspirating samples in sample containers set on the rack and an aspiration position for aspirating samples in sample containers on the transport device.

However, despite the fact that control becomes complicated due to interference between the driving ranges of the piercer and nozzle, the dispensing operation when an analytical device equipped with a piercer and nozzle is used in conjunction with a conveying device has not been sufficiently considered.

This disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an analytical device suitable for use in conjunction with a conveying device.

An analysis device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is communicatively connected to a transport device that transports a sample container containing a sample, and analyzes the sample contained in the sample container. The analysis device includes a mounting section on which the sample container is mounted, a nozzle for aspirating the sample, a cylindrical first piercer configured to pierce a lid member attached to the sample container, a first moving mechanism for moving the nozzle, a second moving mechanism for moving the first piercer, and a control device. The sample in the sample container mounted on the mounting section is aspirated at a second suction position different from the first suction position at which the sample in the sample container transported by the transport device is aspirated. The driving range of the nozzle overlaps at least a part of the driving range of the first piercer. When aspirating a sample from a first sample container that is not attached to a lid member and transported by the transport device with the nozzle, the control device controls the first moving mechanism so that a first suction operation is performed in which the nozzle is moved to the first suction position and then the sample is aspirated from the first sample container at the first suction position with the nozzle. When the control device is to aspirate a specimen from a second sample container with a lid member attached at the second suction position using the nozzle, the control device controls the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism to perform a second suction operation in which, after moving the first piercer to the second suction position, the first piercer forms a hole in the lid member and inserts the nozzle into the sample container to aspirate a specimen from the second sample container at the second suction position using the nozzle. When the second sample container is placed on the placement part during the first suction operation, the control device controls the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism to perform the second suction operation before aspirating a specimen from a sample container transported by the transport device after the first suction operation, and controls the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism so that the nozzle and the first piercer do not come into contact with each other.

According to the present disclosure, even during an aspiration operation at the first aspiration position, a user can simply place a sample container containing a sample on the mounting section to analyze the sample in the sample container placed on the mounting section before the sample in the sample container to be next transported by the transport device. Also, when a sample container with a lid attached is placed on the mounting section during an aspiration operation at the first aspiration position, the second aspiration operation is performed while avoiding contact between the first piercer and the nozzle. Therefore, the user can place the sample container on the mounting section without worrying about whether or not there is a lid. As a result, according to the present disclosure, an analysis device suitable for use in conjunction with a transport device can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of an analysis system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the connections of the various devices; 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of the main parts of the device main body 300. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the analysis device 100. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a series of steps in transportation analysis. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sequence of steps in a second dispensing operation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state during a second suction operation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sequence of steps in a third dispensing operation. 10 is a timing chart showing an example of the movement when a sample container 22 is placed on the placement part 4 during transportation and analysis. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the device status when not connected. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the state of the apparatus during transportation and analysis. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the apparatus state when switching to rack analysis during transport analysis. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing a request status during transportation analysis. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing a request status when switching to rack analysis during transport analysis. FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of main parts of a device body 300a of an analysis device according to a modified example.

Below, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be given the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated. It is also intended from the beginning that at least some of the configurations in each embodiment will be used in appropriate combination. The drawings are not shown according to the actual dimensional ratio, and in some places the ratio has been changed to make the structure clearer in order to make it easier to understand.

[Configuration of analysis system]
1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an analysis system SYS. The analysis system SYS includes a transport device 10, an uncap device 20, a capping device 30, a host computer 40, and an analysis device 100.

Each of the transport device 10 and the analysis device 100 is communicatively connected to the host computer 40. Each of the capping device 20, the capping device 30 and the analysis device 100 is communicatively connected to the transport device 10.

The transport device 10 transports the sample container 22 containing the sample along the transport line L. In FIG. 1, a black circle indicates a sample container 22 to which a cap 24 is attached, and a circle filled with diagonal lines indicates a sample container 22 to which a cap 24 is not attached.

The capping device 20, the analysis device 100, and the capping device 30 are arranged in this order along the transport line L. First, the transport device 10 transports the sample container 22 with the cap 24 attached to it to the capping device 20. The capping device 20 removes the cap 24 attached to the sample container 22. The transport device 10 transports the sample container 22 with the cap 24 removed to the front of the analysis device 100. The analysis device 100 dispenses the specimen contained in the sample container 22 into a reaction container using a nozzle. After the required amount has been dispensed by the analysis device 100, the transport device 10 transports the sample container 22 towards the capping device 30. The capping device 30 attaches the cap 24 to the sample container 22.

The analysis system SYS may further include an analysis device other than the analysis device 100 according to the present embodiment. The analysis system SYS may further include a pretreatment device such as a centrifuge.

The host computer 40 manages information indicating the test contents to be performed on each sample. The sample container 22 is provided with a barcode for identifying the sample, and the transport device 10 reads the barcode with a barcode reader (not shown) before transporting the sample container 22 to the analysis device 100, and sends information for identifying the sample (sample information) to the host computer 40. The host computer 40 sends information indicating the test contents to be performed on the sample (test information) to the transport device 10 based on the sample information. For example, when the analysis system SYS includes multiple analysis devices, the transport device 10 determines which analysis device the sample container 22 should be transported to based on the test information, and determines the transport destination of the sample container 22. As described above, in the analysis system SYS, the multiple sample containers 22 placed on the transport line L are transported sequentially by the transport device 10, and the samples stored in the sample containers 22 are analyzed sequentially by the analysis device 100.

The analytical device 100 in this embodiment also analyzes samples stored in sample containers 22 placed on the loading section 4 provided on the analytical device 100, in addition to samples stored in sample containers 22 on the transport line L.

Typically, the sample containers 22 are placed on the transport line L and then transported sequentially to the analysis device 100. However, when multiple sample containers 22 are placed on the transport line L, it takes time to obtain the test results. Therefore, when it is necessary to obtain the test results quickly, the sample containers 22 may be placed on the mounting unit 4 provided in the analysis device 100, and the specimen in the sample container 22 placed on the mounting unit 4 before the sample container 22 placed on the transport line L may be tested.

In the following, analyzing a sample transported by the transport device 10 may be referred to as "transport analysis," and analyzing a sample placed on the loading section 4 may be referred to as "rack analysis."

[Connections of each device]
2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the connections between the various devices. The analytical device 100 is composed of a control device 500 and an apparatus main body 300. The control device 500 controls the apparatus main body 300. The transport device 10 also includes a barcode reader 12 for reading barcodes attached to the sample containers 22 as described above. Note that a plurality of barcode readers 12 are provided on the transport line L to prevent samples from being mixed up.

The control device 500 is communicatively connected to the device main body 300, the conveying device 10, and the host computer 40 via the electric wire LN1, the electric wire LN2, and the network NW1, respectively.

The conveying device 10 is communicatively connected to the device main body 300 and the host computer 40 via an electrical wire LN3 and a network NW2, respectively.

Each of the electric wires LN1 to LN3 is, for example, an electric wire for realizing serial communication. As an example, the control device 500 transmits a control signal to the device body 300 via the electric wire LN1. The control device 500 also receives specimen information of the sample container 22 being transferred from the transport device 10 to the analysis device 100. The device body 300 also transmits information indicating that the operation of dispensing the specimen stored in the sample container 22 into a reaction container has been completed to the transport device 10 via the electric wire LN3.

Each of the networks NW1 and NW2 includes, for example, the Internet, a WAN (Wan Area Network), or a LAN (Lan Area Network). As an example, the control device 500 sends sample information sent from the transport device 10 to the host computer 40 via the network NW1, and receives test information corresponding to the sent sample information. The transport device 10 sends sample information to the host computer 40 via the network NW2, and receives test information corresponding to the sent sample information.

Note that the electric wires LN1 to LN3 and the networks NW1 and NW2 may each be capable of enabling communication between devices, and the communication method is not limited to that described above.

[Configuration of the analysis device]
The analyzer 100 dispenses a sample into a reaction vessel using a nozzle, and analyzes the sample dispensed into the reaction vessel. As an example, the analyzer 100 is configured to add a reagent to the sample dispensed into the reaction vessel, and optically measure the reaction state in the reaction vessel. The sample is, for example, a blood component (serum or plasma) or urine. In this embodiment, a disposable cuvette is used as the reaction vessel of the analyzer.

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of the main parts of the device body 300. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the analysis device 100. Note that in Figure 3, in addition to the device body 300, a part of the transport device 10 is shown in order to show the positional relationship between the transport device 10 and the device body 300. Note that in Figure 3, black circles indicate sample containers 22 with caps 24 attached, and circles filled with diagonal lines indicate sample containers 22 without caps 24 attached. Each part of the device body 300 is controlled by a control device 500.

3, the height direction of the device body 300 is the Z-axis direction, the width direction of the device body 300 is the X-axis direction, and the depth direction of the device body 300 is the Y-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is also the vertical direction of the device body 300.

The device main body 300 has a sampling mechanism for aspirating a specimen from the sample container 22 and dispensing it into a reaction container, and is equipped with a piercer 7, a nozzle 8, a piercer driving device 71, and a nozzle driving device 81 to realize the sampling mechanism.

In the case of rack analysis, the sample container 22 is placed on the placement unit 4 in a state stored in the rack 3. The sample container 22 typically has a cylindrical shape with an opening. The sample container 22 may or may not have a cap 24 attached to the opening. The rack 3 that holds the sample container 22 with the cap 24 attached is also called a CTS (Closed Tube Sampling) rack. The rack 3 that holds the sample container 22 without the cap 24 attached to the opening is also called a SAM rack. Each rack 3 is provided with a mark for determining whether it is a CTS rack or a SAM rack. This mark is typically a barcode. The device body 300 has a mark sensor 720 (see FIG. 4) that reads this mark. The control device 500 determines whether the rack 3 placed on the placement unit 4 is a CTS rack or a SAM rack based on the detection result of the mark sensor 720.

In addition to the mark sensor 720, the device main body 300 also has a barcode reader 721 (see FIG. 4). The barcode reader 721 reads the barcode attached to the sample container 22 and sends the sample information indicated by the read barcode to the control device 500. The control device 500 obtains test information indicating the test contents to be performed on the sample from the host computer 40 based on the sample information.

In addition to the mark sensor 720, the mounting section 4 is provided with a rack sensor 722 (see FIG. 4) that detects that a rack 3 has been placed on the mounting section 4. The rack sensor 722 detects which rack 3 has been placed on the mounting section 4, in addition to that a rack 3 has been placed on the mounting section 4. The control device 500 determines that a sample container 22 has been placed on the mounting section 4 based on the detection result of the rack sensor 722.

The control device 500 moves the rack 3 to the transport position 5 along direction D1. Direction D1 is the direction in which the racks 3 are arranged. Direction D1 is also the X-axis direction. Next, the control device 500 transports the rack 3 from the placement section 4 along direction D2. Direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to direction D1. Direction D2 is also the Y-axis direction.

When analyzing a sample in a sample container 22 placed on the placement unit 4, the control device 500 performs the following control. First, the control device 500 sequentially moves the multiple racks 3 one by one to the transport position 5, and transports one rack 3 from the transport position 5 along the direction D2.

The mark sensor 720 is provided, for example, at the transport position 5, and identifies the type of rack 3 moved to the transport position 5 at the timing when the rack 3 is moved to the transport position 5. The barcode reader 721 is provided, for example, at the transport position 5, and reads the barcodes attached to each of the one or more sample containers 22 held by the rack 3 when the rack 3 is transported from the transport position 5 along the direction D2. The control device 500 transports the sample container 22 containing the sample to be analyzed to the second suction position P2 on the rack transport path 6, and temporarily stops the rack 3.

The piercer 7 is a cylindrical member with a pointed tip, and is configured to pierce the cap 24. The piercer 7 is also called a "piercing member" because it pierces a hole in the lid member, and is an example of a first piercer.

The piercer drive device 71 is an example of a moving mechanism that moves the piercer 7. The piercer drive device 71 holds the piercer 7 and drives the piercer 7 to raise and lower it. The piercer drive device 71 has a piercer arm 711 that extends horizontally. The piercer 7 is held at one end of the piercer arm 711. A rotating shaft 712 is attached to the other end of the piercer arm 711. The piercer arm 711 can rotate around the rotating shaft 712. The piercer drive device 71 can move the piercer 7 horizontally along an arc-shaped track 717 by rotating the piercer arm 711 around the rotating shaft 712. The piercer drive device 71 can also move the piercer arm 711 vertically along the rotating shaft 712.

The nozzle 8 is configured to aspirate a sample such as a specimen. The nozzle driving device 81 is an example of a moving mechanism that moves the nozzle 8. The nozzle driving device 81 holds the nozzle 8 and drives the nozzle 8 to raise and lower it. The nozzle driving device 81 has a nozzle arm 811 that extends in the horizontal direction. The nozzle 8 is held at one end of the nozzle arm 811. A rotating shaft 812 is attached to the other end of the nozzle arm 811. The nozzle arm 811 can rotate around the rotating shaft 812. The nozzle driving device 81 can move the nozzle 8 in the horizontal direction along an arc-shaped orbit 817 by rotating the nozzle arm 811 around the rotating shaft 812. The nozzle driving device 81 can also move the nozzle arm 811 in the vertical direction along the rotating shaft 812.

The intersection of the track 817, which is the driving range of the nozzle 8, and the transport line L is the first suction position P1. The specimen in the sample container 22 transported by the transport device 10 is aspirated by the nozzle 8 at the first suction position P1. The intersection of the track 817 and the track 717 on the rack transport path 6 is the second suction position P2. The specimen in the sample container 22 placed on the mounting section 4 is aspirated by the nozzle 8 at the second suction position P2.

On the track 817, a dispensing port 814, a reagent holding section 815, and a cleaning port 816 are provided. A reaction vessel is supplied to the dispensing port 814 from a supply device (not shown). A cleaning liquid for cleaning the nozzle 8 is stored in the cleaning port 816, and the cleaning liquid is replaced every time the nozzle 8 is cleaned. The reagent holding section 815 holds reagents such as detergent and diluent.

When dispensing the specimen in the sample container, the control device 500 performs the following control. After moving the nozzle to the suction position (first suction position P1 or second suction position P2), the control device 500 lowers the nozzle 8 to aspirate the specimen in the sample container 22 into the nozzle 8. The control device 500 then raises the nozzle 8 and moves it from the suction position (first suction position P1 or second suction position P2) to above the dispensing port 814. The control device 500 lowers the nozzle 8 to insert it into the reaction container supplied to the dispensing port 814, and ejects the specimen aspirated by the nozzle 8 into the reaction container. The control device 500 then washes the nozzle 8 with the cleaning port 816, and aspirates the reagent from the reagent holding unit 815 as necessary to eject it into the dispensing port 814. The reaction container into which the specimen has been dispensed is transported to the measurement unit 740. The measurement unit 740 performs a predetermined measurement on the specimen in the reaction container transported to the measurement unit 740.

The first suction operation, in which a sample is aspirated from a sample container 22 that does not have a cap 24 attached and that has been transported to the first suction position P1, and the second suction operation, in which a sample is aspirated from a sample container 22 that has a cap 24 attached and that has been transported to the second suction position P2, will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 520, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 540, a storage device 560, an input device 581, a display device 582, and a communication interface (I/F) 583. These components are communicatively connected to each other via a bus 584. The control device 500 is an example of a control device for controlling an analytical device.

The CPU 520 deploys the control program 562 stored in the storage device 560 in the RAM 540 and executes it. The control program 562 is a program in which the procedures of various processes executed by the control device 500 are described. As an example, the CPU 520 executes the control program 562 to realize a process of creating an analysis schedule 564 (described later) based on information sent from the device body 300, the conveying device 10, or the host computer 40, or a process of generating and transmitting control signals for controlling each part of the device body 300 according to the created analysis schedule 564. Note that the process is not limited to software, and may be implemented using dedicated hardware (for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)).

The RAM 540 functions as a temporary data memory used as a working area. The storage device 560 is a non-volatile storage device, such as a semiconductor storage device such as a flash memory, or a hard disk drive (HDD).

In addition to the control program 562, the storage device 560 also stores various information and data used in various processes. For example, the storage device 560 stores an analysis schedule 564 in addition to the control program 562 that describes the processing procedures.

Analysis schedule 564 is determined based on the analysis items set for each sample and the availability of each port, etc., in order to efficiently analyze all reserved samples. Analysis schedule 564 is managed for each sample (sample information). Analysis schedule 564 includes information on the sample to be dispensed into the reaction vessel, the timing of dispensing the sample, the timing of measuring the sample, the destination and timing of the movement of the reaction vessel, the reagent to be dispensed into the reaction vessel, the position and timing of dispensing the reagent, etc.

Although not shown, in addition to the control program 562 and the analysis schedule 564, the memory device 560 stores information about the reagents (e.g., reagent ID, type of reagent, expiration date, storage location of the reagent, etc.), an analysis history showing the progress of the analysis, including intermediate steps, and the like.

The control program 562 stored in the storage device 560 may be stored in a recording medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the program may be provided by an information provider as a so-called downloadable program product via the Internet or the like.

The recording medium is not limited to DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), CD-ROM (Compact disc read only memory), FD (Flexible Disk), and hard disk, but may also be a medium that carries a program in a fixed manner, such as magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk (MO (Magneto Optical Disc)/MD (Mini Disc)/DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), flash ROM, and other semiconductor memory. The recording medium is also a non-transitory medium that allows a computer to read a program, etc.

The input device 581 is specifically a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. The input device 581 accepts input of information according to user operations. For example, the input device 581 accepts input such as an instruction to start communication between the analysis device 100 and the transport device 10, or an instruction to cut off communication. The input device 581 also accepts input of reagent information, sample information, etc.

The display device 582 displays any information, for example, a display screen showing the device status, a screen for inputting reagent information, etc.

The communication I/F 583 mediates data transmission between the host computer 40 and the CPU 520.

In addition, all or part of the functions realized by the control device 500 may be provided in the device body 300. For example, the control device 500 may have a function of creating an analysis schedule 564, and the device body 300 may have a function of controlling each part in accordance with the analysis schedule 564.

[Aspiration Operation in Transportation Analysis (First Aspiration Operation)]
When analyzing a specimen contained in a sample container 22 transported by the transport device 10 (when transporting and analyzing), the analyzer 100 performs a first suction operation to dispense the specimen into a reaction container.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing a series of steps in the transport and analysis process. Figure 5 shows the steps of transporting samples (sample containers 22) instructed to be analyzed by the analysis device 100 to the first suction position P1 by the transport device 10, and the steps of the analysis performed by the analysis device 100.

In S102, the transport device 10 reads the barcode attached to the sample container 22 using the barcode reader 12, and acquires the sample information. The transport device 10 is equipped with multiple barcode readers 12. In S102, it is assumed that the barcode is read by the barcode reader 12a (see FIG. 3) that is closest to the first suction position P1 among the barcode readers 12 arranged upstream of the first suction position P1.

In S104, the transport device 10 sends the read sample information to the analysis device 100. In S106, the transport device 10 transports the sample container 22 to the first suction position P1, and stops transporting the sample container 22 when it arrives at the first suction position P1.

In S108, the transport device 10 sends an arrival signal to the analysis device 100 indicating that the sample container 22 has been transported to the first suction position P1.

When the transport device 10 receives a release signal indicating that the suction operation is complete, in S110, it transports the next sample container 22 toward the first suction position P1. When the next sample container 22 passes the barcode reader 12a, the process from S102 onwards is performed again.

That is, when the transport device 10 transports the sample container 22 containing a specimen to the first aspiration position P1, it sends an arrival signal to the analysis device 100 and stops the sample container 22 at the first aspiration position P1 until a release signal is sent from the analysis device 100. Then, when the transport device 10 receives the release signal, it transports the sample container 22 upstream of the sample container 22 that was stopped at the first aspiration position P1 to the first aspiration position P1. The transport device 10 repeatedly transports and stops, transporting the sample containers 22 sequentially to the first aspiration position P1.

When sample information is sent from the transport device 10, in S202, the control device 500 obtains test information from the host computer 40 based on the sent sample information.

In S204, the control device 500 creates an analysis schedule 564 based on the acquired test information and stores it in the memory device 560.

The control device 500 receives an arrival signal from the conveying device 10 and performs processing from S206 onwards in accordance with the analysis schedule 564 created in S204.

In S206, the control device 500 moves the nozzle 8 to the first suction position P1. In S208, the control device 500 inserts the nozzle 8 into the sample container 22 transported in S106. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the cap 24 is not attached to the sample container 22 transported to the first suction position P1 by the transport device 10.

In S210, the control device 500 causes the sample in the sample container 22 to be aspirated by the nozzle 8.

In S212, the control device 500 raises the nozzle 8. Then, in S214, the control device 500 sends a release signal to the conveying device 10 indicating that the first suction operation has been completed.

In S216, the control device 500 moves the nozzle 8 that has aspirated the sample from the first aspirating position P1 to the dispensing port 814, and ejects the sample into a reaction vessel supplied to the dispensing port 814.

In S218, the control device 500 moves the nozzle 8 from the dispensing port 814 to the cleaning port 816 to clean the nozzle 8. In S220, the control device 500 measures the specimen dispensed into the reaction vessel. When the measurement is completed in S220, the transport and analysis of one sample vessel 22 (specimen) transported from the transport device 10 is completed.

In the following, the series of operations from S206 to S212 is referred to as the first suction operation, and the series of operations from S206 to S218 including the first suction operation is referred to as the first dispensing operation. The first suction operation and the first dispensing operation are realized by moving the nozzle 8.

The analysis device 100 performs the transport analysis shown in FIG. 5 on the samples in each sample container 22 that are sequentially transported to the first suction position P1 by the transport device 10. Specifically, the analysis device 100 creates an analysis schedule 564 each time it receives sample information from the transport device 10. The analysis device 100 receives an arrival signal from the transport device 10 and performs control according to the analysis schedule 564.

Note that the process of S214 may be executed at any timing after S212. For example, the process of S214 may be executed after S216. That is, the control device 500 may send a release signal to the transport device 10 after the process of discharging the sample. This makes it possible to prevent the process of S106 from being performed in a state where the nozzle 8 before cleaning that has aspirated the sample is at the first suction position P1. If a new sample container 22 is transported in a state where the nozzle 8 before cleaning that has aspirated the sample is at the first suction position P1, there is a risk that the sample in the sample container 22 (the sample container 22 immediately before the newly transported sample container 22) attached to the nozzle 8 will fall into the newly transported sample container 22. Therefore, by sending a release signal after the process of discharging the sample, in other words, after the nozzle 8 is moved from the first suction position P1 to another position, the occurrence of contamination can be suppressed.

[Suction operation in rack analysis]
When analyzing a sample placed on the mounting section 4 (when performing rack analysis), the analyzer 100 performs different suction operations depending on whether or not a cap 24 is attached to the sample container 22 placed on the mounting section 4. When a cap 24 is attached to the sample container 22, the analyzer 100 performs a second dispensing operation including a second suction operation to dispense the sample into a reaction container. On the other hand, when a cap 24 is not attached to the sample container 22, the analyzer 100 performs a third dispensing operation including a third suction operation to dispense the sample into a reaction container.

Which of the second and third dispensing operations is to be performed is determined based on the detection result of the mark sensor 720. If the rack 3 transported to the transport position 5 is a CTS rack, the control device 500 creates an analysis schedule 564 so that the second dispensing operation is performed on the sample container 22 held in the rack 3. On the other hand, if the rack 3 transported to the transport position 5 is a SAM rack, the control device 500 creates an analysis schedule 564 so that the third dispensing operation is performed on the sample container 22 held in the rack 3.

The barcode attached to the sample container 22 is read by the barcode reader 721 when the rack 3 is transported onto the rack transport path 6. Therefore, for example, the analysis schedule 564 created when the rack 3 is transported onto the rack transport path 6 is created for each rack 3, for example.

The second and third aliquot dispensing operations will be described in detail below.
(Second dispensing operation)
Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a series of steps in the second dispensing operation, and Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a state in the middle of the second suction operation.

In S302, the control device 500 transports the sample container 22 containing the sample to be tested to the second suction position P2, and stops the transport when the target sample container 22 arrives at the second suction position P2.

In S304, the control device 500 moves the piercer 7 to the second suction position P2. In S306, the control device 500 lowers the piercer 7 and pierces the piercer 7 into the cap 24.

In S308, the control device 500 moves the nozzle 8 to the second suction position P2. In S310, the control device 500 inserts the nozzle 8 into the sample container 22 so that the nozzle 8 passes through the piercer 7 that penetrates the cap 24.

Here, with regard to the aspirating operation using the nozzle 8, the piercer 7 may be lowered to form a hole in the cap 24 with the piercer 7, after which the piercer 7 may be removed from the cap 24 and the nozzle 8 may be inserted into the sample container 22 to aspirate the sample with the nozzle 8. However, as described above, by moving the piercer 7 and the nozzle 8 so that the nozzle 8 passes through the piercer 7 which penetrates the cap 24, as shown in FIG. 7, the nozzle 8 can be inserted into the sample container 22 to which the cap 24 is attached without directly piercing the nozzle 8 into the cap 24, which is preferable in terms of preventing data abnormalities caused by aspirating foreign matter with the nozzle 8 and suppressing sample consumption.

More specifically, when the nozzle 8 is inserted directly into the cap 24, if multiple items are analyzed for the same sample container 22, the number of times the nozzle 8 pierces the cap 24 increases, which can cause parts of the cap 24 to fall off and fall into the sample container 22 as foreign matter. If the fallen foreign matter is sucked in by the nozzle 8, the nozzle 8 may become clogged, resulting in poor suction and causing the analysis results to be abnormal.

To prevent multiple punctures by the nozzle, it is possible to prepare two nozzles, use the first nozzle to transfer a larger amount of sample (specimen) than necessary from a sample container to another container, and then use the second nozzle to dispense only the required amount from the other container. However, in this case, the remaining sample in the other container is discarded together with the other container, resulting in waste of specimens and containers.

When using a single nozzle to perforate the cap and aspirate the sample, the sample aspiration port is generally formed on the side of the nozzle to prevent nozzle clogging due to perforation. This increases the amount of nozzle immersion during sample aspiration, and increases the amount of sample adhering to the nozzle tip, making it difficult to ensure dispensing accuracy. Also, if the nozzle is equipped with a liquid level detection function, the sensor may react to a wet cap, resulting in poor dispensing accuracy.

In the present embodiment, when the nozzle 8 is inserted into the sample container 22 through the piercer 7 that penetrates the cap 24, the number of piercing operations can be minimized, and the nozzle 8 can aspirate only the required amount of sample from the sample container 22. This prevents data abnormalities caused by aspirating foreign matter, and reduces sample consumption by improving dispensing accuracy.

In S312, the control device 500 causes the sample in the sample container 22 to be aspirated by the nozzle 8.

In S314, the control device 500 raises the nozzle 8. In S316, the control device 500 moves the nozzle 8, which has aspirated the sample, from the second aspirating position P2 to the dispensing port 814, and dispenses the sample into a reaction vessel supplied to the dispensing port 814.

In S318, the control device 500 moves the nozzle 8 from the dispensing port 814 to the cleaning port 816 and cleans the nozzle 8.

In S320, the control device 500 raises the piercer 7 and removes the piercer 7 from the cap 24.

In S322, the control device 500 moves the piercer 7 from the second suction position P2 to a cleaning port for the piercer 7 (not shown) to clean the piercer 7. This completes the second dispensing operation.

In the following, the series of operations from S304 to S314 is referred to as the second aspiration operation. As shown in FIG. 6, in the second aspiration operation in which a sample is aspirated from the sample container 22 that is at the second aspiration position P2 and has the cap 24 attached, the piercer 7 is moved in addition to the nozzle 8. In addition, the driving range of the nozzle 8 and the driving range of the piercer 7 overlap at least in the vertical direction at the second aspiration position P2. In order to avoid a collision between the piercer 7 and the nozzle 8, it is necessary to adjust the driving timing of the nozzle 8 and the driving timing of the piercer 7. In this embodiment, the control device 500 moves the piercer 7 to the second aspiration position P2, and then uses the piercer 7 to form a hole in the cap 24. The control device 500 then moves the nozzle 8 to the second aspiration position P2 and inserts the nozzle 8 into the sample container 22.

(Third suction operation)
8 is a diagram showing a series of steps in the third dispensing operation. The third dispensing operation is the same as the second dispensing operation in that S302, S316, and S318 are executed. However, the third dispensing operation is different from the second dispensing operation in that S320 and S322 are not executed, and S304' to S310' are executed instead of S304 to S314.

In S302, the control device 500 transports the sample container 22 containing the sample to be tested to the second suction position P2, and stops the transport when the target sample container 22 arrives at the second suction position P2.

In S304', the control device 500 moves the nozzle 8 to the second aspiration position P2. In S306', the control device 500 inserts the nozzle 8 into the sample container 22. In the third dispensing operation, because a sample is aspirated from a sample container 22 to which a cap 24 is not attached, there is no need to pierce the piercer 7 into the cap 24 before inserting the nozzle 8 into the sample container 22.

In S308', the control device 500 causes the sample in the sample container 22 to be aspirated by the nozzle 8.

In S310', the control device 500 raises the nozzle 8. In S316, the control device 500 moves the nozzle 8, which has aspirated the sample, from the second aspirating position P2 to the dispensing port 814, and dispenses the sample into a reaction vessel supplied to the dispensing port 814.

In S318, the control device 500 moves the nozzle 8 from the dispensing port 814 to the cleaning port 816 and cleans the nozzle 8. This completes the third series of dispensing operations.

In the following, the series of operations from S304' to S310' is referred to as the third aspiration operation. As shown in Figure 8, the third aspiration operation, in which a specimen is aspirated from a sample container 22 that is at the second aspiration position P2 and does not have a cap 24 attached, is realized by the movement of the nozzle 8 alone.

[Movement when a sample container is placed on the placement section during transportation and analysis]
When the transport device 10 and the analysis device 100 are connected, the transport device 10 transports the sample container 22 without the cap 24 attached to the first aspiration position P1. The analysis device 100 aspirates the specimen from the sample container 22. When the first aspiration operation is completed, the transport device 10 transports the next sample container 22 to the first aspiration position P1. In this manner, when the transport device 10 and the analysis device 100 are connected, the transport of the sample container 22 to the first aspiration position P1 and the aspirating of the specimen are repeatedly performed. Then, the analysis device 100 repeatedly performs transport and analysis while connected to the transport device 10.

The analysis system SYS including the transport device 10 according to this embodiment is used, for example, when a large number of samples need to be processed. When analyzing samples using the transport device 10, the user can obtain analysis results simply by placing the collected samples on the transport device 10, but when there are a large number of samples, it takes time to obtain the analysis results. Therefore, analysis of samples using the transport device 10 is convenient when analyzing samples that do not require analysis results to be obtained quickly, but is not convenient when analyzing samples that require analysis results to be obtained quickly. When analyzing samples quickly, the user may analyze the samples by directly operating the analysis device 100.

When the analysis device 100 according to this embodiment detects that a sample container 22 has been placed on the mounting section 4 while connected to the transport device 10, it performs rack analysis in priority to transport analysis. Figure 9 is a timing chart showing an example of the movement when a sample container 22 is placed on the mounting section 4 during transport analysis. In the example shown in Figure 9, a CTS rack is placed on the mounting section 4 at timing t1 during the Nth transport analysis. Also, in the example shown in Figure 9, the process related to the measurement is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

In the analysis system SYS, if a rack 3 is not placed on the placement section 4 during transport analysis, the first suction operation of the N+1th transport analysis is performed after the first dispensing operation during the Nth transport analysis, in other words, after use of the nozzle 8 during the Nth transport analysis has ended.

In contrast, in the analysis system SYS, when rack 3 (CTS rack) is placed on the mounting section 4 during transport and analysis, a second suction operation is performed to aspirate a sample from the sample container 22 held by rack 3 placed on the mounting section 4 prior to the first suction operation of the N+1th transport and analysis. Then, after the second dispensing operation during the rack analysis, in other words, after use of the nozzle 8 during the rack analysis has ended, the first suction operation of the N+1th transport and analysis is performed.

As described above, the driving range of the nozzle 8 and the driving range of the piercer 7 overlap in part. The control device 500 moves only the nozzle 8 in the first dispensing operation, and moves the piercer 7 in addition to the nozzle 8 in the second suction operation (second dispensing operation). In this embodiment, when it is detected that a rack 3 is placed on the placement section 4 during the first suction operation of the Nth transport analysis, the control device 500 performs the second suction operation of the rack analysis prior to the first suction operation of the N+1th transport analysis, and controls the nozzle drive device 81 and the piercer drive device 71 so that the nozzle 8 and the piercer 7 do not come into contact with each other.

Note that even if a SAM rack is placed on the placement section 4 during the Nth transport analysis, the control device 500 performs the third suction operation of the rack analysis prior to the first suction operation of the N+1th transport analysis. Only the nozzle 8 moves during the third suction operation. Therefore, just as when the first suction operation of the N+1th transport analysis is performed after the Nth transport analysis, the control device 500 controls the nozzle driving device 81 to perform the third suction operation of the rack analysis after the use of the nozzle 8 during the Nth transport analysis has finished.

By controlling in this manner, if a user places a sample container 22 containing a specimen that needs to be analyzed urgently on the mounting section 4, regardless of whether a cap 24 is attached to the sample container 22, rack analysis is performed prior to transport analysis. As a result, the usability of the analysis device 100 is improved. In particular, since the user can handle the specimen with the cap 24 attached to the sample container 22, the risk of infection to the user can be reduced.

Below, we will explain the specific control method when the second suction operation is performed before the first suction operation of the N+1th transport analysis.

(First example of control method)
The control device 500 normally performs connection control to repeat the first dispensing operation (see FIG. 5) when connected to the transport device 10. When not connected to the transport device 10, the control device 500 performs non-connection control to repeat the second dispensing operation or the third dispensing operation (see FIGS. 6 and 8) until dispensing operations for all sample containers placed on the placement unit 4 are completed. In the first example, when the control device 500 detects that a rack 3 is placed on the placement unit 4 during connection control, the control device 500 switches from connection control to non-connection control, so that rack analysis is prioritized over transport analysis. At this time, the control device 500 does not notify the transport device 10 that it has switched from connection control to non-connection control. In other words, the control device 500 internally switches control from connection control to non-connection control, and does not notify other devices of the switch.

When the user operates the input device 581 to switch from connection control to non-connection control (for example, when button 604 shown in FIG. 11 described later is operated), the control device 500 notifies the transport device 10 that connection control has been switched to non-connection control. Upon receiving the notification that connection control has been switched to non-connection control, the transport device 10 performs a process of passing the sample container 22 through the first suction position P1 without stopping the sample container 22 at the first suction position P1, without executing the processes of S102 to S110 shown in FIG. 5.

In this embodiment, when the conveying device 10 receives a notification that control has been switched to non-connection control, it allows the sample container 22 to pass through the first suction position P1 without stopping it there, but by not notifying the user that control has been switched to non-connection control, it is possible to prevent the sample container 22 from passing through the first suction position P1.

When the control device 500 detects that the rack 3 has been placed on the placement unit 4 during the first dispensing operation, it waits until the first dispensing operation (see FIG. 5) is completed, and then switches from connection control to non-connection control. In other words, the control device 500 waits until the use of the nozzle 8 in the transport analysis is completed, and then switches from connection control to non-connection control and starts the rack analysis.

During the non-connection control, the control device 500 performs the operation of transporting the rack 3 to the rack transport path 6 and dispensing samples from each sample container 22 stored in the rack 3 into a reaction container for all racks 3 placed on the placement unit 4. That is, the control device 500 switches to the non-connection control and then starts the operation of transporting the rack 3 to the rack transport path 6. In this way, the control device 500 can control the nozzle driving device 81 and the piercer driving device 71 so that the first dispensing operation does not overlap with the second suction operation or the third dispensing operation and the nozzle 8 does not come into contact with the piercer 7 by waiting for the use of the nozzle 8 in the transport analysis to end before starting to retract the rack 3. In addition, the control device 500 can perform the second suction operation without considering the movement of the nozzle 8 used in the first dispensing operation by waiting for the use of the nozzle 8 in the transport analysis to end before starting to retract the rack 3, and therefore the analysis schedule 564 can be easily created.

When the control device 500 switches from connection control to non-connection control, it switches back to connection control from non-connection control after completing the dispensing operation for all sample containers 22 placed on the placement unit 4. Note that when the rack 3 is placed during the Nth transport analysis, the analysis schedule 564 for the N+1th transport analysis may already have been created. In this case, the control device 500 may discard the analysis schedule 564 for the N+1th transport analysis that has already been created, and create it again after switching back from non-connection control to connection control. The control device 500 may also hold the analysis schedule 564 for the N+1th transport analysis that has already been created, and delay the start of the operation according to the analysis schedule 564 that has already been created.

The timing for switching from connection control to non-connection control may be during the first dispensing operation, as long as it is before the nozzle 8 is inserted into the sample container 22 transported to the first aspiration position P1 in S208 shown in FIG. 5. In this case, when the sample container 22 is placed on the mounting section 4 during the first dispensing operation, the control device 500 temporarily stops the first dispensing operation and first aspirates the sample from the sample container 22 placed on the mounting section 4. In other words, when the control device 500 detects that the rack 3 is placed on the mounting section 4 during the transport analysis, it may start the rack analysis for the rack 3 (sample container 22) placed on the mounting section 4 in priority to the transport analysis being performed.

(Second Example of Control Method)
In the first example, the control device 500 simply switches from connection control to non-connection control when it detects that the rack 3 is placed on the placement unit 4 during connection control. Note that the control device 500 may switch to special control for preferentially performing rack analysis when it detects that the rack 3 is placed on the placement unit 4 during connection control.

Specifically, the control device 500 may start retracting the rack 3 without waiting for the end of use of the nozzle 8 in the transport analysis. The control device 500 may then wait for the start of the second suction operation with the sample container 22 transported to the second suction position P2. The control device 500 then starts the second dispensing operation after the end of use of the nozzle 8 in the transport analysis. That is, in the second example, when the control device 500 detects that the rack 3 has been placed on the placement unit 4 during connection control, it performs priority control to first retract the rack 3 into the transport path 6.

Even in this case, the control device 500 waits until the use of the nozzle 8 in the transport analysis has finished before starting the second dispensing operation, so the second suction operation can be performed without considering the movement of the nozzle 8 used in the first dispensing operation, making it easy to create the analysis schedule 564.

In both the first and second examples, the control device 500 waits until the first dispensing operation is completed before starting the second suction operation. In other words, the control device 500 waits until the use of the nozzle 8 in the transport analysis is completed before starting the second suction operation.

By doing this, the second suction operation can be performed without considering the movement of the nozzle 8 used in the first dispensing operation, thereby simplifying control.

(Third Example of Control Method)
In the second example, when the control device 500 detects that the rack 3 has been placed on the placement unit 4 during connection control, the control device 500 performs priority control to first draw the rack 3 into the transport path 6. The priority control is not limited to the control shown in the second example. In the control methods of the first and second examples, the control device 500 waits until the use of the nozzle 8 in the transport analysis is finished before starting the second dispensing operation, and the first and second dispensing operations do not overlap.

In the third example, the control device 500 starts the second dispensing operation (second suction operation) during the first dispensing operation in which the nozzle 8 is being used in the transport analysis. Specifically, the movement of the piercer 7 (S304 in FIG. 6) may be started while the nozzle 8 is being used. In this case, the control device 500 controls the piercer drive device 71 and the nozzle drive device 81 to move the piercer 7 at a timing when the nozzle 8 does not pass the second suction position P2. That is, in the third example, when the control device 500 detects that the rack 3 has been placed on the placement unit 4 during connection control, it draws the rack 3 into the transport path 6, and further, when the second dispensing operation is to be performed, it performs priority control to move the piercer 7 to the second suction position P2.

More specifically, the control device 500 identifies a period during which the nozzle 8 does not pass the second suction position P2 based on the analysis schedule 564 for the transport analysis and the analysis history indicating the degree of progress including intermediate steps of the analysis, and creates an analysis schedule 564 for the rack analysis so that the movement period of the piercer 7 falls within the identified period.

That is, the control device 500 starts the second suction operation before completing the first dispensing operation. In this way, by starting the second suction operation while the nozzle 8 is in use, the analysis operation can be speeded up.

In addition, in both the second and third examples, the control device 500 does not notify the conveying device 10 that it has switched to special control to prioritize rack analysis.

[Operation of the conveying device 10 when rack analysis is prioritized]
The control device 500 does not output a signal to the conveying device 10 indicating that rack analysis is being performed, even if the second suction operation is performed before the first suction operation of the N+1th conveying analysis using any of the control methods described above, first to third examples.

When the control device 500 notifies the transport device 10 of some information, such as information indicating that a rack analysis is in progress, the transport device 10 must determine whether to change control in response to the information. If the control device 500 is configured not to output any information to the transport device 10 when the dispensing target is switched to the sample placed on the placement unit 4, the transport device 10 can continue control in response to the transmission and reception of the arrival signal and release signal (see FIG. 5). As a result, analysis of the sample container 22 placed on the placement unit 4 can be prioritized without making any changes to the transport device 10.

If control continues in response to the sending and receiving of the arrival signal and release signal, the transport device 10 will complete the dispensing operation on the sample in the sample container 22 placed on the mounting section 4, and then will stop the sample container 22 at the first suction position P1 until the first dispensing operation is performed and a release signal is sent from the analysis device 100.

[Display screen example]
An example of a display screen displayed on the display device 582 will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 14. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when the connection to the transport device is disconnected. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen during transport analysis. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when it is detected that a sample container has been placed on the placement section during transport analysis. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen during transport analysis. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when it is detected that a sample container has been placed on the placement section during transport analysis. The display screen shown in Fig. 10 is a display screen displayed after the control device 500 notifies the transport device 10 that the connection has been disconnected.

As shown in Figures 10 to 14, the display screen 600 includes a first display area 610 that displays a main menu, a second display area 620 that displays a number of buttons for switching the display content, and a third display area 630 that displays a screen corresponding to a button selected in the second display area 620.

The first display area 610 includes a display area 602 that displays the connection status. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the connection between the transport device 10 and the analysis device 100 is disconnected, the control device 500 displays "analysis in progress" in the display area 602. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11 to FIG. 14, when the transport device 10 and the analysis device 100 are connected, the control device 500 displays "transport and analysis in progress" in the display area 602. In other words, when the control device 500 notifies the transport device 10 that the connection has been disconnected, the control device 500 displays "analysis in progress" in the display area 602, and when the control device 500 requests the transport device 10 to start a connection and the connection is completed, the control device 500 displays "transport and analysis in progress" in the display area 602.

When the "Device Status" tab 621 is selected, a device status screen 632 (see Figures 10 to 12) is displayed in the third display area 630. When the "Request List" tab 623 in the "Request" tab 622 is selected, a request status screen 634 (see Figures 13 and 14) is displayed in the third display area 630.

As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the device status screen 632 includes a button 604 for starting or disconnecting a connection with the transport device 10, and a display area 606 that displays the detection results of the rack sensor 722. The user can start or disconnect a connection with the transport device 10 by operating the button 604.

For example, when the user operates button 604 using input device 581 while not connected, the display of button 604 changes from "Start transport" (see Figure 10) to "Disconnect transport" (see Figure 11 or Figure 12), and the display of display area 602 changes from "Analyzing" to "Transport and analysis in progress."

The display area 606 displays the detection result of the rack sensor 722. For example, when the rack 3 is not placed on the placement section 4, the display area 606 is empty as shown in FIG. 11. When the rack sensor 722 detects that the rack 3 is placed on the placement section 4, the display of the display area 606 is updated as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12. As described above, when the rack sensor 722 detects that the rack 3 is placed on the placement section 4 even during connection (transport analysis), the sample of the rack 3 is analyzed in priority to the sample transported by the transport device 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, when the rack sensor 722 detects that the rack 3 is placed on the placement section 4 even during connection (transport analysis), the detection result is displayed in the display area 606.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the request status screen 634 mainly includes a request identification column 950, a sample column 951, a request date and time column 952, a status column 954, and an analysis item column 956.

The request identification field 950 displays identification information for identifying each request. The request identification field 950 displays the request number as the identification information.

The specimen column 951 displays at least information that can identify whether the specimen is one that has been transported by the transport device 10 or one that has been stored in the rack 3 and placed on the mounting section 4. In the examples shown in Figures 13 and 14, if the specimen is one that has been transported by the transport device 10, the specimen column 951 displays "Transported." In the example shown in Figure 14, if the specimen is one that has been placed on the mounting section 4, the specimen column 951 displays, as an example, "S1," which indicates the position on the mounting section 4 where the specimen is placed.

The request date and time column 952 displays the date and time of the request. The status column 954 displays information indicating the progress of the analysis of the sample, such as "completed normally," "waiting for analysis," or "analyzing." The analysis item column 956 displays information indicating the analysis content performed on the sample and information indicating the progress of one or more analyses performed on the sample. In the examples shown in Figures 13 and 14, a "black circle" indicates successful completion, a "white circle" indicates waiting for analysis, and a "double circle" indicates analysis in progress.

As shown in Figure 13, if all requested samples are samples to be transported by the transport device 10, the analyses are performed sequentially in the order in which they were requested. For example, in the state shown in Figure 13, after sample No. 0006 is analyzed, sample No. 0007 is analyzed.

In this embodiment, when it is detected that a sample container 22 has been placed on the placement section 4 while connected to the transport device 10, rack analysis is performed in priority over transport analysis. Therefore, for example, if a rack 3 is placed on the placement section 4 while the analysis of sample "No. 0006" is in progress and sample "No. 0007" is waiting to be analyzed, as shown in FIG. 14, sample "No. 0009" stored in rack 3 will be analyzed before sample "No. 0007" is analyzed.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the control device 500 detects that the rack 3 has been placed on the placement section 4, it switches from transport analysis to rack analysis.

[Modifications of the analysis device]
In the above embodiment, the piercer 7 moves to the second suction position P2 in the analyzer 100. The piercer may also move to the first suction position P1 in addition to the second suction position P2.

Figure 15 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of the main parts of the device body 300a of an analytical device according to a modified example. Note that in Figure 15, some of the reference symbols common to Figure 3 have been omitted. As shown in Figure 15, the device body 300a further includes a piercer 7a and a piercer driving device 71a. The piercer 7a has a common configuration with the piercer 7. The piercer driving device 71a has a common configuration with the piercer driving device 71, but differs from the piercer driving device 71 in that it holds the piercer 7a instead of the piercer 7 and has a mechanism for moving the piercer 7a to the first suction position P1 instead of the second suction position P2.

More specifically, the piercer driving device 71a is an example of a moving mechanism that moves the piercer 7a. The piercer driving device 71a holds the piercer 7a and drives the piercer 7a to raise and lower it. The piercer driving device 71a has a piercer arm 711a that extends in the horizontal direction. The piercer 7a is held at one end of the piercer arm 711a. A rotating shaft 712a is attached to the other end of the piercer arm 711a. The piercer arm 711a can rotate around the rotating shaft 712a. The piercer driving device 71 can move the piercer 7a in the horizontal direction along the arc-shaped track 717a by rotating the piercer arm 711a around the rotating shaft 712a. The piercer driving device 71 can also move the piercer arm 711a in the vertical direction along the rotating shaft 712a.

15, the track 717a passes through the first suction position P1. Therefore, the piercer driving device 71a can move the piercer 7a to the first suction position P1.

In this way, because the piercer 7a moves to the first suction position P1, even if the sample container 22 with the cap 24 is transported to the first suction position P1 by the transport device 10, the analyzer can aspirate the sample from the first suction position P1. This also eliminates the need to install the capping device 20 and capping device 30 (see Figure 1), making it possible to reduce the introduction cost of the analysis system SYS.

In Fig. 15, two piercers and two piercer driving devices are provided. Alternatively, the piercer may be configured to be moved to the first suction position P1 and the second suction position P2 by a single piercer driving device.

[Timing for resuming transport analysis (first suction operation) when rack analysis is given priority]
In the above embodiment, when the control device 500 detects that a sample container 22 is placed on the placement unit 4 while connected to the transport device 10, the control device 500 performs rack analysis in priority over transport analysis. At this time, the control device 500 resumes transport analysis after completing dispensing operations for all sample containers 22 placed on the placement unit 4. Note that the control device 500 only needs to be able to control the operation for at least one sample container 22 placed on the placement unit 4 to be prioritized. For example, when multiple sample containers 22 are placed on the placement unit 4, the control device 500 may alternately perform a dispensing operation in the transport analysis (first dispensing operation) and a dispensing operation in the rack analysis (second dispensing operation or third dispensing operation). In addition, when multiple racks 3 are placed on the placement unit 4, the control device 500 may resume a dispensing operation in the transport analysis (first dispensing operation) after completing dispensing operations for all sample containers 22 stored in one rack 3. Then, after the first dispensing operation, the control device may start a dispensing operation for the sample containers 22 stored in the next rack 3. That is, the control device may alternately repeat the first dispensing operation and the dispensing operations for all the sample containers 22 stored in one rack 3.

[Number of dispensing operations for one sample container]
In the above embodiment, the dispensing operation has been described as being performed once for each sample container 22. Note that the dispensing operation may be performed multiple times for one sample container 22. For example, even if a dispensing operation remains for the sample container 22 at the first suction position P1, the control device 500 may start a dispensing operation (the second dispensing operation or the third dispensing operation) for the sample container 22 placed on the placement unit 4 after the completion of the dispensing operation in progress or during the dispensing operation in progress.

[Aspects]
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

(1) An analytical device according to one embodiment is communicatively connected to a transport device that transports a sample container containing a sample, and analyzes the sample contained in the sample container. The analytical device includes a mounting section on which the sample container is mounted, a nozzle for aspirating the sample, a cylindrical first piercer configured to pierce a lid member attached to the sample container, a first moving mechanism for moving the nozzle, a second moving mechanism for moving the first piercer, and a control device. The sample in the sample container mounted on the mounting section is aspirated at a second suction position different from the first suction position at which the sample in the sample container transported by the transport device is aspirated. The driving range of the nozzle overlaps at least a part of the driving range of the first piercer. When aspirating a sample from a first sample container that is not attached to a lid member and transported by the transport device with the nozzle, the control device controls the first moving mechanism so that a first suction operation is performed in which the nozzle is moved to the first suction position and then the sample is aspirated from the first sample container at the first suction position with the nozzle. When a specimen is aspirated by the nozzle from a second sample container having a lid member attached at the second suction position, the control device controls the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism so that a second suction operation is performed in which, after the first piercer is moved to the second suction position, a hole is formed in the lid member by the first piercer, the nozzle is inserted into the sample container, and the specimen is aspirated by the nozzle from the second sample container at the second suction position. When the second sample container is placed on the placement part during the first suction operation, the control device controls the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism so that the second suction operation is performed before the specimen is aspirated from the sample container transported by the transport device after the first suction operation, and controls the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism so that the nozzle does not come into contact with the first piercer.

With this configuration, even during an aspiration operation at the first aspiration position, a user can simply place a sample container containing a sample on the mounting section to analyze the sample in the sample container placed on the mounting section before the sample in the sample container to be next transported by the transport device. Also, if a sample container with a lid attached is placed on the mounting section during an aspiration operation at the first aspiration position, the second aspiration operation is performed while avoiding contact between the first piercer and the nozzle. Therefore, a user can place the sample container on the mounting section without worrying about whether or not there is a lid. As a result, an analysis device suitable for use in conjunction with a transport device can be provided.

(Paragraph 2) In the analytical apparatus described in paragraph 1, when a second sample container is placed on the mounting portion during a first suction operation on a first sample container, the control device controls the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism so that the second suction operation is started after the operation of dispensing the sample aspirated by the first suction operation into a reaction container is completed.

With this configuration, the second suction operation can be performed without considering the movement of the nozzle used in dispensing the sample aspirated by the first suction operation into a reaction container, thereby simplifying control and reducing the processing burden on the control device.

(Clause 3) In the analytical device described in paragraph 1, when a second sample container is placed on the mounting portion during the first suction operation, the control device controls the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism so that the second suction operation is started before completing the operation of dispensing the sample aspirated by the first suction operation into a reaction container.

With this configuration, the analysis operation can be performed at a high speed.
(4) In the analyzer according to any one of the first to third aspects, the second moving mechanism moves the first piercer between the first and second suction positions.

With this configuration, even if a sample container with a lid member attached is transported to the first suction position, the sample can be aspirated from the first suction position.

(Clause 5) The analytical device described in any one of clauses 1 to 3 further includes a second cylindrical piercer configured to penetrate the lid member, and a third moving mechanism that moves the second piercer to the first suction position.

With this configuration, even if a sample container with a lid member attached is transported to the first suction position, the sample can be aspirated from the first suction position.

(6) In the analytical device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, the control device starts an aspiration operation at the first aspiration position based on receiving a first signal (arrival signal) from the transport device indicating that a sample container has been transported to the first aspiration position, and transmits a second signal (release signal) to the transport device indicating that transport of a new sample container can begin after the aspiration operation at the first aspiration position is completed. If the first signal is received during the second aspiration operation, the control device transmits the second signal to the transport device after the aspiration operation performed based on the received first signal is completed, without notifying the transport device that the second aspiration operation is in progress.

With this configuration, analysis of the sample container placed on the loading section can be prioritized without changing the control of the transport device.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

3 rack, 4 placement section, 5 transport position, 6 rack transport path, 7, 7a piercer, 8 nozzle, 10 transport device, 12, 12a, 721 barcode reader, 20 capping device, 22 sample container, 24 cap, 30 capping device, 40 host computer, 71, 71a piercer drive device, 81 nozzle drive device, 100 analysis device, 300, 300a device body, 500 control device, 520 CPU, 540 RAM, 560 storage device, 562 control program, 564 analysis schedule, 581 input device, 582 display device, 583 communication I/F, 584 bus, 600 display screen, 602, 606 display area, 604 button, 711, 711a piercer arm, 712, 712a, 812 Rotation axis, 717, 717a, 817 track, 720 mark sensor, 722 rack sensor, 740 measurement unit, 811 nozzle arm, 814 dispensing port, 815 reagent holder, 816 washing port, L conveying line, P1 first suction position, P2 second suction position, SYS analysis system.

Claims (9)

An analysis apparatus that is communicably connected to a transport device that transports a sample container containing a sample, and analyzes a sample contained in the sample container,
a mounting portion on which the sample container is mounted;
A nozzle for aspirating a sample;
a first cylindrical piercer configured to pierce a lid member attached to the sample container;
A first moving mechanism that moves the nozzle;
a second moving mechanism for moving the first piercer;
a control device;
the specimen in the specimen container placed on the placement section is aspirated at a second aspiration position different from a first aspiration position at which the specimen in the specimen container transported by the transport device is aspirated;
a driving range of the nozzle overlaps with at least a portion of a driving range of the first piercer;
The control device includes:
When aspirating, by the nozzle, a specimen from a first sample container to which the lid member is not attached and which has been transported by the transport device, the first moving mechanism is controlled so that a first suction operation is performed in which the nozzle is moved to the first suction position and then the specimen is aspirated by the nozzle from the first sample container at the first suction position;
when aspirating a specimen from a second sample container to which the lid member is attached at the second suction position using the nozzle, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are controlled so that a second suction operation is performed in which the first piercer is moved to the second suction position, the first piercer forms a hole in the lid member using the first piercer, the nozzle is inserted into the sample container, and the specimen is aspirated from the second sample container at the second suction position using the nozzle;
when the second sample container is placed on the placement section during the first suction operation, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are controlled so that the second suction operation is performed prior to suctioning a specimen from the sample container transported by the transport device after the first suction operation, and the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are controlled so that the nozzle and the first piercer do not collide with each other;
An analytical apparatus that controls the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism so that, when the second sample container is placed on the placement section during the first suction operation, the second suction operation is started before completing the operation of dispensing the sample aspirated by the first suction operation into a reaction container. The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the second moving mechanism moves the first piercer between the first suction position and the second suction position. a second tubular piercer configured to penetrate the lid member;
The analyzer of claim 1 , further comprising a third moving mechanism that moves the second piercer to the first suction position. The control device includes:
starting an aspiration operation at the first aspiration position based on receiving a first signal from the transport device indicating that the sample container has been transported to the first aspiration position;
sending a second signal to the transport device indicating that transport of a new sample container can be started after the suction operation at the first suction position is completed;
The analytical device described in claim 1, wherein when the first signal is received during the second suction operation, the second signal is sent to the transport device after the suction operation performed based on the received first signal is completed, without notifying the transport device that the second suction operation is in progress. Among the sample containers, the sample container without the lid member is placed on the placement section in a state in which it is stored in a first rack provided with a first identifier indicating that the sample container without the lid member is stored, and the second sample container with the lid member attached is placed on the placement section in a state in which it is stored in a second rack provided with a second identifier indicating that the second sample container is stored,
a sensor for reading the first identifier and the second identifier;
2. The analytical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the control device determines, based on the reading result of the sensor, that the second sample container has been placed on the placement section, it controls the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism so that the second suction operation is performed on the second sample container. The analysis device according to claim 1 ;
The conveying device;
An analytical system comprising: an uncapping device that is disposed on a transport line of the transport device and removes the lid member attached to the sample container,
the transport device transports the sample container to the cap removal device, and transports the sample container from which the cap member has been removed by the cap removal device toward the analysis device;
The control device controls the first moving mechanism so that the first suction operation is performed on the sample container transported by the transport device. An analysis apparatus that is communicably connected to a transport device that transports a sample container containing a sample, and analyzes a sample contained in the sample container,
a mounting portion on which the sample container is mounted;
A nozzle for aspirating a sample;
a first cylindrical piercer configured to pierce a lid member attached to the sample container;
A first moving mechanism that moves the nozzle;
a second moving mechanism for moving the first piercer;
a control device;
the specimen in the specimen container placed on the placement section is aspirated at a second aspiration position different from a first aspiration position at which the specimen in the specimen container transported by the transport device is aspirated;
a driving range of the nozzle overlaps with at least a portion of a driving range of the first piercer;
The control device includes:
When aspirating, by the nozzle, a specimen from a first sample container to which the lid member is not attached and which has been transported by the transport device, the first moving mechanism is controlled so that a first suction operation is performed in which the nozzle is moved to the first suction position and then the specimen is aspirated by the nozzle from the first sample container at the first suction position;
when aspirating a specimen from a second sample container to which the lid member is attached at the second suction position using the nozzle, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are controlled so that a second suction operation is performed in which the first piercer is moved to the second suction position, the first piercer forms a hole in the lid member using the first piercer, the nozzle is inserted into the sample container, and the specimen is aspirated from the second sample container at the second suction position using the nozzle;
when the second sample container is placed on the placement section during the first suction operation, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are controlled so that the second suction operation is performed prior to suctioning a specimen from the sample container transported by the transport device after the first suction operation, and the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are controlled so that the nozzle and the first piercer do not collide with each other;
starting an aspiration operation at the first aspiration position based on receiving a first signal from the transport device indicating that the sample container has been transported to the first aspiration position;
sending a second signal to the transport device indicating that transport of a new sample container can be started after the suction operation at the first suction position is completed;
When the first signal is received during the second aspiration operation, the analytical device transmits the second signal to the transport device after completing the aspiration operation performed based on the received first signal, without notifying the transport device that the second aspiration operation is in progress. An analysis apparatus that is communicably connected to a transport device that transports a sample container containing a sample, and analyzes a sample contained in the sample container,
a mounting portion on which the sample container is mounted;
A nozzle for aspirating a sample;
a first cylindrical piercer configured to pierce a lid member attached to the sample container;
A first moving mechanism that moves the nozzle;
a second moving mechanism for moving the first piercer;
a control device;
the specimen in the specimen container placed on the placement section is aspirated at a second aspiration position different from a first aspiration position at which the specimen in the specimen container transported by the transport device is aspirated;
a driving range of the nozzle overlaps with at least a portion of a driving range of the first piercer;
The control device includes:
When aspirating, by the nozzle, a specimen from a first sample container to which the lid member is not attached and which has been transported by the transport device, the first moving mechanism is controlled so that a first suction operation is performed in which the nozzle is moved to the first suction position and then the specimen is aspirated by the nozzle from the first sample container at the first suction position;
when aspirating a specimen from a second sample container to which the lid member is attached at the second suction position using the nozzle, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are controlled so that a second suction operation is performed in which the first piercer is moved to the second suction position, the first piercer forms a hole in the lid member using the first piercer, the nozzle is inserted into the sample container, and the specimen is aspirated from the second sample container at the second suction position using the nozzle;
when the second sample container is placed on the placement section during the first suction operation, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are controlled so that the second suction operation is performed prior to suctioning a specimen from the sample container transported by the transport device after the first suction operation, and the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are controlled so that the nozzle and the first piercer do not collide with each other;
Among the sample containers, the sample container without the lid member is placed on the placement section in a state in which it is stored in a first rack provided with a first identifier indicating that the sample container without the lid member is stored, and the second sample container with the lid member attached is placed on the placement section in a state in which it is stored in a second rack provided with a second identifier indicating that the second sample container is stored,
a sensor for reading the first identifier and the second identifier;
When the control device determines, based on the reading result of the sensor, that the second sample container has been placed on the placement section, it controls the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism so that the second suction operation is performed on the second sample container. an analysis device that is communicatively connected to a transport device that transports a sample container containing a sample, and that analyzes the sample contained in the sample container;
The conveying device;
An analytical system comprising: an uncapping device that is disposed on a conveying line of the conveying device and removes a lid member attached to the sample container,
The analysis device comprises:
a mounting portion on which the sample container is mounted;
A nozzle for aspirating a sample;
a first cylindrical piercer configured to pierce the lid member attached to the sample container;
A first moving mechanism that moves the nozzle;
a second moving mechanism for moving the first piercer;
a control device;
the specimen in the specimen container placed on the placement section is aspirated at a second aspiration position different from a first aspiration position at which the specimen in the specimen container transported by the transport device is aspirated;
a driving range of the nozzle overlaps with at least a portion of a driving range of the first piercer;
The control device includes:
When aspirating, by the nozzle, a specimen from a first sample container to which the lid member is not attached and which has been transported by the transport device, the first moving mechanism is controlled so that a first suction operation is performed in which the nozzle is moved to the first suction position and then the specimen is aspirated by the nozzle from the first sample container at the first suction position;
when aspirating a specimen from a second sample container to which the lid member is attached at the second suction position using the nozzle, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are controlled so that a second suction operation is performed in which the first piercer is moved to the second suction position, the first piercer forms a hole in the lid member using the first piercer, the nozzle is inserted into the sample container, and the specimen is aspirated from the second sample container at the second suction position using the nozzle;
when the second sample container is placed on the placement section during the first suction operation, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are controlled so that the second suction operation is performed prior to suctioning a specimen from the sample container transported by the transport device after the first suction operation, and the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are controlled so that the nozzle and the first piercer do not collide with each other;
the transport device transports the sample container to the cap removal device, and transports the sample container from which the cap member has been removed by the cap removal device toward the analysis device;
The control device controls the first moving mechanism so that the first suction operation is performed on the sample container transported by the transport device.

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